Well, this is it. The final home game in a season which started with a great deal of flash and promise for the Nets, ends with a candle flickering and finally blown out on this team as the playoffs begin. The Nets were pegged for O/U 27.5 wins this year, and to finish potentially 5.5, 6.5, to 7.5 games OVER that mark is a nice achievement for those who had money on this. For the Nets, to be in the 7th spot for the playoffs for a significant time, to have it end like this is a failure.
BUT, one thing in the bettor's corner is that the Nets have not folded yet. As I've reiterated MANY times, every year, team's shift into DUMP or NO DUMP mode as the season comes to a close. Will the games mean something to them or are they looking towards something else (i.e. the gallons of Don P. and the bevy of strippers waiting in their NYC lofts every night in the offseason.)?
This Nets team? Well as i said before, almost every head on this team is on the chopping block and Lawrence Frank's job hinges on every single basket, drawn up play, and executed defensive stand. And tonight, in full view of the team savior, Rod Thorn, the Nets best effort will be on display. Vince Carter:
"We are playing to win," said New Jersey veteran swingman Vince Carter, who had 27 points and nine assists. "I don't want to disrespect the game. I want to give an effort and come to play. We're not trying to play spoilers. This is about us and that's what it has been about all year."
You see the Nets didn't even look at their impressive 103-93 win over Orlando last game as a 'spoiler' for the second/third seed. A win is a win and that's all they were trying to give. Just as they attempted AT BOSTON, a team with a 34-6 home record which resulted in a 104-106 loss (but a cover +10 ATS). And as they attempted AT Chicago (one of the hottest home teams right now aside from the Cavs) in which they squandered a 1 point lead with 2:30 remaining to not only lose the game but also the cover 94-103. Still, in between that game, they took out the sixers by 29 in a game WHICH HAD NO PLAYOFF implications for the Nets but had everything for a sixers team which was trying to avoid an away series with the likes of Orlando and Boston.
Bottom line: the nets have won and covered their last three at home after getting bitch slapped by the Bucks 78-107 on 3/30 on their home floor....a big-time wake-up call.
Devin Harris....may not play tonight...in fact:
The New Jersey Nets had three rookie starters in their last game. They'll be in position to add another young contributor for next season.
With All-Star guard Devin Harris still bothered by a shoulder injury, the Nets may have to start their trio of first-year players again when they face the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night in a matchup of lottery-bound teams.
Two games remain for a New Jersey team that will miss the playoffs for the second straight season. The Nets (33-47) were eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday night and are headed for the lottery again.
New Jersey took center Brook Lopez with the 10th overall pick in 2008, and him along with fellow rookies Ryan Anderson and Chris Douglas-Roberts were on the floor for tip-off in New Jersey's 103-93 win over Orlando on Saturday night.
If this trio was competent and motivated enough to take out Orlando at home, I'll ride them against the Bobcats.
Well, this is it. The final home game in a season which started with a great deal of flash and promise for the Nets, ends with a candle flickering and finally blown out on this team as the playoffs begin. The Nets were pegged for O/U 27.5 wins this year, and to finish potentially 5.5, 6.5, to 7.5 games OVER that mark is a nice achievement for those who had money on this. For the Nets, to be in the 7th spot for the playoffs for a significant time, to have it end like this is a failure.
BUT, one thing in the bettor's corner is that the Nets have not folded yet. As I've reiterated MANY times, every year, team's shift into DUMP or NO DUMP mode as the season comes to a close. Will the games mean something to them or are they looking towards something else (i.e. the gallons of Don P. and the bevy of strippers waiting in their NYC lofts every night in the offseason.)?
This Nets team? Well as i said before, almost every head on this team is on the chopping block and Lawrence Frank's job hinges on every single basket, drawn up play, and executed defensive stand. And tonight, in full view of the team savior, Rod Thorn, the Nets best effort will be on display. Vince Carter:
"We are playing to win," said New Jersey veteran swingman Vince Carter, who had 27 points and nine assists. "I don't want to disrespect the game. I want to give an effort and come to play. We're not trying to play spoilers. This is about us and that's what it has been about all year."
You see the Nets didn't even look at their impressive 103-93 win over Orlando last game as a 'spoiler' for the second/third seed. A win is a win and that's all they were trying to give. Just as they attempted AT BOSTON, a team with a 34-6 home record which resulted in a 104-106 loss (but a cover +10 ATS). And as they attempted AT Chicago (one of the hottest home teams right now aside from the Cavs) in which they squandered a 1 point lead with 2:30 remaining to not only lose the game but also the cover 94-103. Still, in between that game, they took out the sixers by 29 in a game WHICH HAD NO PLAYOFF implications for the Nets but had everything for a sixers team which was trying to avoid an away series with the likes of Orlando and Boston.
Bottom line: the nets have won and covered their last three at home after getting bitch slapped by the Bucks 78-107 on 3/30 on their home floor....a big-time wake-up call.
Devin Harris....may not play tonight...in fact:
The New Jersey Nets had three rookie starters in their last game. They'll be in position to add another young contributor for next season.
With All-Star guard Devin Harris still bothered by a shoulder injury, the Nets may have to start their trio of first-year players again when they face the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night in a matchup of lottery-bound teams.
Two games remain for a New Jersey team that will miss the playoffs for the second straight season. The Nets (33-47) were eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday night and are headed for the lottery again.
New Jersey took center Brook Lopez with the 10th overall pick in 2008, and him along with fellow rookies Ryan Anderson and Chris Douglas-Roberts were on the floor for tip-off in New Jersey's 103-93 win over Orlando on Saturday night.
If this trio was competent and motivated enough to take out Orlando at home, I'll ride them against the Bobcats.
Question: Are the Bobcats in DUMP or NO DUMP mode???...well losing 5 of 6 which includes OKC and a struggling Detroit team tells me this team is in DUMP mode. Not for draft picks, just because Larry Brown is probably getting quite an earful from upper management this team won't be making the playoffs and is probably rebelling as he did in NY to not really give a shit when nothing is on the line. I can't see this game being any different especially after this team severely fell off in their last game against Chicago to lose by 7 (a cover with an inflated line of +9.5).
FUN FACTS:
Tonight is fan appreciation night for the Nets which includes
1. Free Parking in the Giants Stadium parking lot for the first 500 Toyotas Vouchers for a free Hot Dog/Popcorn/Soda to the first 1000 fans 2 for $2 packages available all night -- includes a small popcorn and a small soda Kids eat for free at the Winner's Club
A very special halftime appearance by SpongeBob Square Pants
Lock it in right there people. It doesn't get any more motivating in the swamp.
2. Lawrence Frank's history as a head coach in 'Fan Appreciation Night' home season finales
4/15/08 112-108 WIN over the Bobcats
4/18/07 106-97 WIN over Chicago
4/19/06 83-90 LOSS to NY
4/19/05 109-101 WIN over Washington
4/11/04 89-75 WIN over Philly
Can't be afraid of the line here which just dipped to 3.5...not for a Play of the year...game probably won't a blowout but i can envision a strong 4th quarter pullaway with an appreciative crowd and a 7/8 pt win on some VC late buckets...everyone waves goodbye (and i do mean GOODBYE for some and its off the the windtunnel outside the IZOD)
Question: Are the Bobcats in DUMP or NO DUMP mode???...well losing 5 of 6 which includes OKC and a struggling Detroit team tells me this team is in DUMP mode. Not for draft picks, just because Larry Brown is probably getting quite an earful from upper management this team won't be making the playoffs and is probably rebelling as he did in NY to not really give a shit when nothing is on the line. I can't see this game being any different especially after this team severely fell off in their last game against Chicago to lose by 7 (a cover with an inflated line of +9.5).
FUN FACTS:
Tonight is fan appreciation night for the Nets which includes
1. Free Parking in the Giants Stadium parking lot for the first 500 Toyotas Vouchers for a free Hot Dog/Popcorn/Soda to the first 1000 fans 2 for $2 packages available all night -- includes a small popcorn and a small soda Kids eat for free at the Winner's Club
A very special halftime appearance by SpongeBob Square Pants
Lock it in right there people. It doesn't get any more motivating in the swamp.
2. Lawrence Frank's history as a head coach in 'Fan Appreciation Night' home season finales
4/15/08 112-108 WIN over the Bobcats
4/18/07 106-97 WIN over Chicago
4/19/06 83-90 LOSS to NY
4/19/05 109-101 WIN over Washington
4/11/04 89-75 WIN over Philly
Can't be afraid of the line here which just dipped to 3.5...not for a Play of the year...game probably won't a blowout but i can envision a strong 4th quarter pullaway with an appreciative crowd and a 7/8 pt win on some VC late buckets...everyone waves goodbye (and i do mean GOODBYE for some and its off the the windtunnel outside the IZOD)
NOw that is a write up. GL with this. I liked the Nets myself....Bobcats seem that there done ready to pack it up and head for next year...
and don't think fan appreciation night, in a season without much too celebrate outside of a Devin Harris miracle with the IZOD center serving as a squatters paradise for this lame-duck team on the move to brooklyn, doesn't mean something (are they moving? no one will ever know until the shovel breaks ground...and we're at several YEARS and counting for that to happen)
NOw that is a write up. GL with this. I liked the Nets myself....Bobcats seem that there done ready to pack it up and head for next year...
and don't think fan appreciation night, in a season without much too celebrate outside of a Devin Harris miracle with the IZOD center serving as a squatters paradise for this lame-duck team on the move to brooklyn, doesn't mean something (are they moving? no one will ever know until the shovel breaks ground...and we're at several YEARS and counting for that to happen)
scal, DRocNJ says that the attendance tonight at the Izod Center should be around 5,000. What's your estimate?
Not only will they get a low attendance with a bunch of uninspired people in the crowd, you are WRONG in saying the bobcats are in dump mode....in 5 of their last 6 games they have lost SU...4 of those games were on the road as well as 4 of those games were against higher caliber teams than the inconsistent Nets...The Head, Celtics, Pistons, and the Bulls are a much better group of teams than the pathetic Nets. The Nets are hit and miss at best, if you matchup these teams player by player the edge would go to the Bobcats. I watched the Cats play on Saturday night and they were in position to beat the bulls straight up. Ben Gordon was shooting the lights out or else the Bulls would have lost. I saw Okafor, Wallace, and Diaw play their hearts out and just came up short at the end, they were winning most of the way. To make this the play of the year is quite the gamble. Anyways goodluck to ya
scal, DRocNJ says that the attendance tonight at the Izod Center should be around 5,000. What's your estimate?
Not only will they get a low attendance with a bunch of uninspired people in the crowd, you are WRONG in saying the bobcats are in dump mode....in 5 of their last 6 games they have lost SU...4 of those games were on the road as well as 4 of those games were against higher caliber teams than the inconsistent Nets...The Head, Celtics, Pistons, and the Bulls are a much better group of teams than the pathetic Nets. The Nets are hit and miss at best, if you matchup these teams player by player the edge would go to the Bobcats. I watched the Cats play on Saturday night and they were in position to beat the bulls straight up. Ben Gordon was shooting the lights out or else the Bulls would have lost. I saw Okafor, Wallace, and Diaw play their hearts out and just came up short at the end, they were winning most of the way. To make this the play of the year is quite the gamble. Anyways goodluck to ya
Also I just looked at the officials working the game tonight....A very disturbing trend of 15 of the last 19 games these refs that have worked the Bobcats, the Charlotte won the game straight up.
Also I just looked at the officials working the game tonight....A very disturbing trend of 15 of the last 19 games these refs that have worked the Bobcats, the Charlotte won the game straight up.
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so. It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly. Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality. Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it. As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.