Tommy Gold NBA 2009/2010 Playoffs Picks

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (47-28-2, +15.97u) 2010.05.13 first pick: *

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics

Boston will host today the Cavs thinking that today they have a gold opportunity to end this series and go through it. If they won tonight, they will play the conference finals against the Orlando Magics. However, if they lose today, they will have to play a game 7 on the road, This series are being extremely balanced, with both teams alternating wins until the last 2 games, where the Celtics were able to snap 2 wins in a row. In 3 home games, the Cavs lost 2, mostly due to a bad defense and low power in the paint. However, they were able to win 1 of 2 road games, having tonight the chance to won the 2 in 3 games and make the tie.

Boston Celtics didn't made a good regular season, at least, not as good as every one expected. However, they easily passed the Heats in 5 games, and are in the eminence of knock out the contenders to the title Cleveland Cavaliers. In their 3 wins, they were able to hold the Cavs to less than 70 shots, and overcame the Cavs in the rebounds as well. In the middle of their wins, that had a blow out loss at home, just the same that happened in he last game, where they were dogs by +7.5 points but won by almost 40 points. Once again, they had a terrific defense and hold the Cavs for less than 70 shots.

In that games we can also highlight their offense, that is able to score with a great accuracy, including the six 3 points made by Allen last game. In their last home game, they were able to win by 10 points, with a low pace game, holding the Cavs for even less shots than the last game at Cleveland. This hard defense started after the Cavs gave them a blowout loss in the first game at Boston. Tonight, the Celtics are aware that they will meet the Cavs they faced in that first game at Boston, aggressive, and will have to make their best defensive performance in this season to hold the Cavs and try to finish this series tonight.

The Cavs have the talent to do a better figure. With a 3 shots made in 14 attempts, Lebron had made one of their worst playoff games ever, leaving his team "to death". Even with a poor performance, several of the Cavs players had a barely decent performances, such as Shaq that ended with 21 points. After their won in the first game in this series, where they were able to end the game with the same rebound of the Celtics, the lost the second game at home. It was in that point, with a 1-1 tie in the series, that they went to Boston. They knew that only one win in any of those two games can give them the home advantage again, and so, they entered the first game with "fire in their ass".

They had made the right approach to the game, being extremely aggressive, overcoming the Celtics defense and being better in the rebounds for the only time in this series. They have a great offensive power, after all, they got LeBron James in their roster. They just have to be aggressive, facing the game with their angry as they did in the last time they went to Boston needing to win. Their apathy in their last game at home, that cost them the game and left the team in disadvantage, can only be fixed with a win today. Today, the Cavs or win or will end the season.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers ML +105 (2.05) Bookmaker


* One unit each always. I'll look later on the total, because I'm leaning right now on the Under, but I want to handicap it thoroughly before taking a position on this market.

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (47-28-2, +15.97u) 2010.05.13 last pick: *

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics: Under 194.5 -110 (1.91) The Greek

* One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (48-28-2, +16.88u) 2010.05.13 results recap:

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics: Under 194.5 -110 (1.91) The Greek (94-85: WIN)

NBA 2010.05.13 finished 1-0 and +0.91 units won/1 unit risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 398-292-9, +72.37 units won (690 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 44-75, -1.69 units lost (119 units risked)
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics: Cleveland Cavaliers ML +105 (2.05) Bookmaker (94-85: LOSS)

NBA 2010 EASTERN & WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS HDP & OU RECORD: 36-18-1, +15.68 units won (54 units risked)

NBA 2010 EASTERN & WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS HDP & OU RECORD: 12-10, +1.52u (22 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (48-28-2, +16.88u) 2010.05.16 only pick:

Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic: Orlando Magic -6.5 -109 (1.92) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) Bookmaker, -111 (1.90) Goalwin

* One unit each always.



Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic

We will have tonight the first final in 2010 NBA season. The Magic will host in Orlando the "not so much surprising" Celtics, for the first game in the Western Conference final. Could Orlando finally lose a game in this playoffs? Since the start of the playoffs, Orlando were able to shutdown their opponents by 4-0. They didn't allowed yet any game, being invincible in this playoffs when they start the conference final.

In the 8 playoffs games they already had, they didn't had any lucky win, as they win all of them convincingly. Since the last games of the regular season, when Orlando's coach, Gundy, said that there would be no rest for the team when they already had granted the playoffs, the team is increasing and getting stronger. Even without any rest in the last games, where they were all required to play, to improve their game and chemistry, the team didn't seemed tired in any playoff game.

And due to easy qualifications, they only had to play 8 games since the end of regular season, giving them much more days to rest than the opponent. At home, they won all their games by 9 or much more points, with a great offense and defense. They just seem to be unstoppable on this playoffs.

The Celtics, arrive here with lots of work. They benefited of a bad coaching from the Miami Heats side to snap a 4-1 win. They won one game at Miami, with an INCREDIBLE bad play from the Heats in the last seconds, and were able to hold their home games, ending the series early. Then, they started a series against the supposedly almighty Cavaliers. However, we all saw that the Cavaliers were far from their best.

The Celtics were able to manage a good defense, having the edge in the paint, and snapped 2 games at Cleveland. Their frontcourt was their only theorical edge, but they also had the big help from the unexpected (for some) Rondo, that have made some great games. However, they will host today a frontcourt that have Howard on it. If they had problems at Miami against Miami frontcourt, today we will see much bigger problems to the Celtics. They are not playing this year as they should.

They have a good roster, with the young Rondo helping the old Big Three, but had lucky in this playoffs. We have to discredit the previous opponents that the Celtics had, but today, they will face the team that is in better shape and have the higher moral in the NBA. They will have big problems in the paint, and probably will not be able to impose their defense, the key of their wins. Their offense will also have big problems, as at Orlando, it isn't easy to pass the Magic big men.

Pick: Orlando Magic -6.5 -109 (1.92) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) Bookmaker, -111 (1.90) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (48-29-2, +15.88u) 2010.05.17 final 3 picks:

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Phoenix Suns +6.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker, 5Dimes

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Phoenix Suns ML +260 (3.60) Bookmaker, The Greek

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Over 210 -110 (1.91) JazzSports

* One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (49-30-2, +15.79u) 2010.05.18 only pick:

Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic

Finally we saw the Magics tasting a defeat. After 8 games in this playoffs, they started in the worst way their Eastern conference final. Even they were almost able to bounce back from a really bad start, the truth is that their loss by 4 points is the same than a loss by 30 points. They are down 1-0 in this series, and have to win the rest of their home games and go to Boston snap at least one game.

The Celtics have already reached their goal for the first two games. Try to go home with a tie in the series to be able to take their edge at home, and finish the series without game 7. For now, they will be able to at least get a tie when they start their 2 home games, and they have to focus there. Their main and important players are veterans, that already have the weight of a long regular season.

Even with the big entrance, where the Celtics gave all they have, they will not be able to face todays game in the same way. They can't play like there is no tomorrow, they will have to manage their roster, and give more minutes to their bench players. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce were by far the best scorers for the Celtics in game 1, but it's unlikely to see them to make another big performances.

They will be saving up for the home games a little bit, as the Magics will force a better defense in them. Garnett was another of the keys with his rebounds. But like we saw, the Magics can adjust to defend better. They were able to stop the most dangerous Celtics player lately, Rondo, and today will have to adjust a little bit to stop also the big three.

The Magics tasted a defeat in this playoffs, and that will put some angry in the field today for them. They can't lose today, as if it happens, they will be to close to the elimination. They can play a better game, and as a contenders, can't have two poor performances in a row, particularly at home. They already showed in the last quarter of game one that they are more than capable to shutdown this Celtics.

Howard dominance in the paint is unquestionable, they just have to allow less fast break points from the Celtics and play a solid game. Their defense can be much better than the last game, where he already saw some sparks of it. Magics players should, and can, make a better performance than the last game, and there is no way to see them miss this opportunity to tie the game.

Pick: Orlando Magic -7 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

* One unit each always.



NBA PLAYOFFS (49-30-2, +15.79u) 2010.05.17 results recap:

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Phoenix Suns +6.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (128-107: LOSS)
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Over 210 -110 (1.91) JazzSports (128-107: WIN)

NBA 2010.05.17 finished 1-1 and -0.09 units lost/2 units risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 399-294-9, +71.28 units won (693 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 44-76, -2.69 units lost (120 units risked)
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Phoenix Suns ML +260 (3.60) Bookmaker (128-107: LOSS)

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (49-31-2, +14.79u) 2010.05.19 final 2 picks:


Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers

As we have seen in game 1, the Lakers are finally reaching their best shape, as they did somewhere in the middle of the regular season. They were able to shutdown the Jazz's by 4-0, a really good result, as the arena at Salt Lake City is never an easy spot to win a game, but they managed to win 2 in a row. Their offense is playing really good, with an average of 51% in the series against the Jazz and game 1 against the Suns. At home, they are the kind of them that never refuses a run and gun pace, they have good players for it, including their bench. Against the Suns is even easier, as they have all the edge in the paint, they just have to worry about Stoudemire, while they got Gasol, Bynum and Odom to help like we saw in the last game.

The Suns can't try to defend, Specially at Los Angeles, their only hope to win a game is to score more than the the Lakers, and not try to hold the Lakers. Like we saw in the previous series, where the Suns faced supposedly the best home defending teams, the Suns only once scored below the 99 points. They had the edge in that games, and the opponents game were based in defense, something that the Lakers doesn't need to do. The Suns will have to learn the best way to overcame the Lakers in the paint, to try to tie the series at Phoenix. At Lakers, like we saw, the Lakers are playing at their best. That means that at home, they are able to score many points and are really hard to beat.

Picks: Los Angeles Lakers -7 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker, The Greek, 2BetDSI & Over 215.5 -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) The Greek

* One unit each always.


P.S.: I'm also on Minnesota Lynx @ Seattle Storm: Seattle Storm -10 -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix (WNBA).




NBA PLAYOFFS (49-31-2, +14.79u) 2010.05.18 results recap:

Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic: Orlando Magic -7 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (92-95: LOSS)

NBA 2010.05.18 finished 0-1 and -1 unit lost/1 unit risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 399-295-9, +70.28 units won (694 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 44-76, -2.69 units lost (120 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (51-31-2, +16.65u) 2010.05.19 results recap:

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Los Angeles Lakers -7 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (124-112: WIN)
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Over 215.5 -105 (1.95) BetPhoenix (124-112: WIN)

NBA 2010.05.19 finished 2-0 and +1.86 units won/2 units risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 401-295-9, +72.14 units won (696 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 44-76, -2.69 units lost (120 units risked)

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (51-31-2, +16.65u) 2010.05.22 final 3 picks:

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Orlando Magic +4 -107 (1.93) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) JazzSports

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Orlando Magic ML +160 (2.60) JazzSports

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Over 189.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

* One unit each always.



Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics

The Celtics are showing in this playoffs what they were unable to show during the regular season. They are playing much better, and after dispatch Lebron and his Cavaliers team, were able to won the 2 first games in the Eastern Final. That is particularly good, because has Doc Rivers says, the Magic's were the team playing better in this playoffs, as it shows their results of 8-0 until this eastern final. However, and as dogs, the Celtics were able to snap not one game, but two, at Orlando.

The Celtics will prepare their game based on what the Magics will have to do. The Celtics are being bombarded by their coach to not forget that nothing is already won, and a 2-0 is nothing against the Magics that can easily bounce back if the Celtics let, and its probably that the Magics could bounce back even if the Celtics try to stop them. Pierce is having great performances, and probably will have today Barnes and not Carter to defend him. The Magics will adjust their defense in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in order to stop them.

The Magics will have to play better in their offense, as they are at the brink. Carter, Nelson, Lewis, will have to produce much better, and they are able to do so. Howard is making his job, but can't do it alone. He can shutdown Perkins, but still have Garnett to fight to, and he is not able to stop all. With a little help, they will easily control in the paint, and just need to hold the fast break points that the Celtics are making. Their offense, if it could shot just a little better, will make the difference, as that has been the big edge for the Celtics so far, being able to decrease the Magics accuracy.

Picks: Orlando Magic +4 -107 (1.93) BetPhoenix, -110 (1.91) JazzSports; Orlando Magic ML +160 (2.60) JazzSports; Over 189.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (51-33-2, +14.65u) 2010.05.23 final 2 picks:

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Phoenix Suns -1 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Over 218.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

* One unit each always.



NBA PLAYOFFS 2010.05.22 results recap:

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Orlando Magic +4 -107 (1.93) BetPhoenix (94-71: LOSS)
Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Over 189.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (94-71: LOSS)

NBA 2010.05.22 finished 0-2 and -2 units lost/2 units risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 401-297-9, +70.14 units won (698 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 44-76, -3.69 units lost (121 units risked)
Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Orlando Magic ML +160 (2.60) JazzSports (94-71: LOSS)

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS 2010.05.23 results recap:

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Phoenix Suns -1 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (118-109: WIN)
Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Over 218.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (118-109: WIN)

NBA 2010.05.23 finished 2-0 and +1.82 units won/2 units risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 403-297-9, +71.96 units won (700 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 44-77, -3.69 units lost (121 units risked)



NBA PLAYOFFS (53-33-2, +16.47u) 2010.05.25 final 2 picks: *

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Phoenix Suns ML +115 (2.15) JazzSports

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Over 220 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

* One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS 2010.05.25 results recap:

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Over 220 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (115-106: WIN)

NBA 2010.05.25 finished 1-0, +0.91 units won/1 unit risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 404-297-9, +72.87 units won (701 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 45-77, -2.54 units lost (122 units risked)
Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Phoenix Suns ML +115 (2.15) JazzSports (115-106: WIN)



NBA PLAYOFFS (54-33-2, +17.38u) 2010.05.26 final 2 picks: *


Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic

Orlando was able to delay a little lit more this eastern finals. They started as favorites, but were shutdown in their first 2 home games. In that point, some people still believing that the Magics could bounce back. But when the game 3 took place at Boston, the final hopes that people had for Magics were gone. The Magics are already a defeated team, they are without any will and confidence. But then, they were able to win the fourth game, delaying the decision. Knowing that it could be probably be their last game, the team were able to win in OT against a team that gave too much spaces, thinking that the series were over.

For the Magic, only Howard is a reliable player in this series. His edge is the only edge that the Magic are showing, but unfortunately for him, he can't fight against Perkins and Garnett at the same time. He needs help from his mates. The rest of the players, are with lack of confidence, and making their shots without confidence is almost granted that they will miss, even if the play starts with great moves. But their biggest problem at home, his their defense, that can't have the same impact that Celtics have. To bounce back, the team would need to help a lot Howard, giving him a little help in the paint, getting more solid in their defense, and more confident in their shots. However, in a team that is one game away of their holidays, asking them for another win is something hard.

The Celtics will have to end this series as soon as possible. They rested a little bit more in the last game, and lost it. If they let this series goes 3-2, the Magics will become confident and moralized, and this eastern final will get complicated for the Celtics. They just need to play cohesive and give all they can. In the first two games of this final at Orlando, the Celtics won both. Today, they are legitimate contenders to the win, as they have a better defense, and a good performance of Howard will not giving them extra-troubles. After all, Howard have done 4 good performances so far, but he his the only one on his team reliable. Instead, the Celtics have Paul Pierce in their best moment of the season, as long as Rondo and Allen. Garnett is also making the difference, as he can take some edge when Perkins get between him and Howard.

Picks: Boston Celtics +4 -110 (1.91) BetOnline & Boston Celtics ML +150 (2.50) 5Dimes, BetOnline, The Greek


* One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (54-34-2, +16.38u) 2010.05.27 final 2 picks: *

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Los Angeles Lakers -7.5 -108 (1.93) BetPhoenix

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Over 216.5 -105 (1.95) 5Dimes, BetPhoenix


On WNBA I'm on these 3 picks: *

Minnesota Lynx @ Connecticut Sun: Connecticut Sun -5.5 -105 (1.95) 5Dimes

Minnesota Lynx @ Connecticut Sun: Under 160 -110 (1.91) BetUS

Seattle Storm @ Chicago Sky: Seattle Storm -2 -107 (1.93) 5Dimes

* One unit each always.

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (54-36-2, +14.38u) 2010.05.28 final 2 picks: *


Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics

Orlando is playing their last games with the high probability of being their last game of the season. They were down by 3-0, and only one more loss and they would go home. However, in their last 2 games, they fight back. In their first games, their confidence were their main problem. The team had made really bad games in the first 3 games. Until this final, the Magics were unbeaten, winning 2 series by 4-0. But suddenly, and were no one expected, they just weren't able to hold Celtics, losing two in a row at home. Only Howard seemed reliable, being by far the Magics best scorer in this series.

The other players just could keep his pace, as we saw players like Lewis making one of their worst games in this series. Even Carter, were able to make great moves, but with is lack of confidence, the shots didn't get in. Nelson were also too shy for the first games, unable to lead this team offensively. But now, with 2 wins in a row, they are again with confidence. They won the last game at Boston, in OT, an that was the turning point. They had a little bit luck, as an OT usually is, but then they won at home by 21 points. All the players scored points, the team were happy and playing once again as we saw before this final.

The Celtics are one step away of the NBA finals, since two games ago. They had the momentum, were with high confidence, and shooting down the favorites Magics. The easiest thing to do were to end this series 4-0. Giving a little space to let the Magics breath can be a big mistake. As we saw in the last game, the Celtics are aware of it, and their coach since game one let their players know that this series will be over only when a team achieve 4 wins. But the Celtics despise it a little bit, give to much space in game 4, and were shutdown in game 5. Now, they will play in the worst position.

Orlando is coming back again and are above the Celtics. The confidence that the Magics didn't had, have passed to this Celtics, as the Celtics confidence went to the Magics. Rondo, Pierce, Allen and Garnett didn't produce the same, as they finally had opposition. For today, Kendricks will be suspended, and this will increase a lot the fight for Garnett, as we will have less help to handle with Howard. Lewis, Carter and Barnes started also to defend, and Pierce finally had a decrease in their performances. The Celtics are a more tired team, as only Rondo can be considered a young player.

Picks: Orlando Magic +3.5 -101 (1.99) BetPhoenix & Orlando Magic ML +155 (2.60) 5Dimes, JazzSports


* One unit each always.

I'm also on WNBA New York Liberty @ San Antonio Silver Stars: San Antonio Silver Stars -6.5 -105 (1.95) 5Dimes.



NBA PLAYOFFS 2010.05.27 results recap:

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Los Angeles Lakers -7.5 -108 (1.93) BetPhoenix (103-101: LOSS)
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: Over 216.5 -105 (1.95) 5Dimes (103-101: LOSS)

NBA 2010.05.27 finished 0-2, -2 units lost/2 units risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 404-300-9, +69.87 units won (704 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 45-78, -3.54 units lost (123 units risked)

The total was at 3 seconds of distance... :|

[TommyGold]

NBA PLAYOFFS (54-37-2, +13.38u) 2010.05.29 final 2 picks: *

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Phoenix Suns -1 -110 (1.91) BetPhoenix

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns: Over 215.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker, 2BetDSI, BetOnline, Bet Jamaica

* One unit each always.




NBA PLAYOFFS (54-37-2, +13.38u) 2010.05.28 results recap:

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Orlando Magic +3.5 -101 (1.99) BetPhoenix (96-84: LOSS)

NBA 2010.05.28 finished 0-1, -1 unit lost/1 unit risked on HDP & OU.
NBA 2009/2010 HDP & OU Record: 404-301-9, +68.87 units won (705 units risked)

NBA 2009/2010 Moneylines Record: 45-79, -4.54 units lost (124 units risked)
Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Orlando Magic ML +155 (2.55) 5Dimes (96-84: LOSS)

0-6 reverse sweep on HDP & OU & 0-3 on ML on this Boston @ Orlando series... What can I say? :|