It is essential to point out that betting the NBA can be
very frustrating at times, especially betting on teams that are in the bottom
third of the league. The matchup between
the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks however is a prime example of
how bottom dwellers can provide excellent opportunities to show season long
profit. Friday brings about Stephen Curry’s first trip
to the legendary Madison Square Garden as a pro; and to this point, Stephen
Curry has failed to live up to the hype. I expected big things, and am
shocked in what we have gotten thus far. Call it home state bias (given we’re both good ol’ Carolina boys) but I
truly thought Stephen Curry would runaway with rookie of the year honors. Don Nelson loves the kid and has shown an
enthusiastic willingness to start him, plus his stroke is pure and he’s wetter
than Hurricane Ida. He’s struggled to
find that silky smooth shot this year though and therefore has only provided a
measly 8.7 points per game. On the
upside, his low average in points per game has been coupled with a surprising 5.4
assists per game. He’s turning into
quite the passing machine; however, is that what Golden State really drafted
him for? As a pure shooter, it’s rare
for him to look to pass first, but from what I’ve seen of him play, (four or
five games) it seems as though he is looking to pass first. His minutes are slowly decreasing and he didn’t
start for the first time on Wednesday. Don Nelson said the decision was based on matchups, but his role is slowly turning into more of a reserve role. In my eyes, I only see him getting twenty minutes or so until he gets
things turned around and adjusts to the league. I don't think that adjustment will take long... As a matter of fact, I could just be blind and naïve but I think it's highly probably that he has his coming out party in New York on Friday night. We’re writing the story of Stephen’s career
here and what better time than now to get your first double-double and put up
20+ points against the team that passed you up. The Knicks expressed interest in Curry went elsewhere on draft day to
the dismay of many avid Knick fans. Apparently, Jordan Hill just doesn’t bring the same buzz to the arena. Curry does, and when he steps into the Garden
on Friday night I expect a big performance and angry Knick fans to boo their
beloved Knicks multiple times before the night is out. The Warriors got blown out last time out but
blewout the Timberwolves the night before and can easily put up 130+ on this
terrible, and I mean Washington Nationals bad, Knicks team. The Knicks are my “fade” team this year, and I
may be the stupidest handicapper in America for taking a struggling, two win, Warriors
team on the road… but give me Mr. Steph Curry in Madison Square on a Friday night
and I’ll give you a winning ticket. I
feel there are no tricks in the line as it should be Golden State around a
PK. If I had to bet on movements I’d
expect it to close with Golden state favored by a point or two which is why I’ve
already locked in Golden State +1. I
would also imagine the Warriors will receive public action, which I’m not
thrilled about but will accept, nonetheless. I simply won’t bet on the Knicks this year (at least not now). Golden State I still have hope for, the
Knicks on the other hand are already clearing cap space and preparing for a
lotto pick + LBJ in 2010. Essentially,
Golden State is my 25th best team in the league and the Knicks are my
29th. The Warriors have the
best chance of winning in blowout fashion, in my opinion, and I thoroughly
expect a Timberwolves type of game. If
the Warriors get up early, the Knicks will quit and you can cash hopefully our
tickets will be cashed midway through the third. Regardless of the outcome of a game, I always
want to make sure I have the side that I feel gives me the best chance to win,
and wins the majority of the time. Tonight, out of all the games on the board, Golden State has the highest
chance of blowout and therefore is my lock of the night. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget that Steph did
put up 44 at the Garden on that magical March evening impressing the King
himself….