The Washington Wizards have a game plan in mind tonight when they meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarter finals. Their plan is to rough up LeBron James, just like they did in Game 1. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Cavs as 1 ½-point favs over the Wizards with the over/under posted at 186 ½;. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
The Wizards treated LeBron James like a junkyard dog last game. "I have no problem getting hit," said James, “But there's a difference between a foul and a LeBron foul. If that's what their game plan is, I have to be able to get back up and continue to let my game speak for itself." He still managed 32pts and he hit the two biggest shots in the final minutes of the game. The Cavs have averaged 87 PPG in their last five where their averaging 40% from the field and 27% from the 3-point line. They aren’t known for putting up big points as they’re ranked 24th in the league averaging 96 PPG, but rather their defensive style of play. Overall they sit ranked 9th allowing 96 PPG and in their last five their allowing 87 PPG. The combination of Ben Wallace and Zydrunas Ilguaskas had pulled down 16 rebounds and blocked four shots. Ilguaskas had 22pts on the night last game.
It’s up to the Wizards Antawn Jamison to guard James and he knows it’s going to be tough. He went 0-for-5 in the fourth and missed three straight shots, two of them 3-pointers, which could have changed the outcome. Gilbert Arenas scored 24pts as they controlled the tempo for much of the game, and the Wizards were still leading 84-82 before lapsing into an offensive drought. On offense their averaging 93 PPG in their last five and overall their good for a 14th ranked 98 PPG. Their defense is average, allowing a 12th ranked 99 PPG and in their last five they’ve given up an average 100 PPG. Between Antawn Janeson and Brendan Haywood they had 29 rebounds. The Wizards are 18-24 SU away from home and are 1-4 SU during their last five on the road.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
- Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
- Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
- Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
- Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
- Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Monday games.
- Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite.
- Under is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings in Cleveland.
GAME: Washington Wizards (43-40) at Cleveland Cavaliers (46-37)
DATE/TIME: Monday, April 21 – 7:00 PM EST
LINE: SBGglobal.com TOTAL: 186.5
PICK: Cleveland -1 ½
The Bottom Line: Despite the Wizards leading with 1:37 left in the game, leave it up to LeBron to get over the hump. They haven’t figured out how to stop him without getting fouled. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
