Even Money’s NBA Picks November 27, 2009: Cavaliers vs Bobcats

Cavaliers vs Bobcats is my marquee match-up for today’s NBA Picks. Shaquille O’Neal is best viewed “The Big Kingmaker” because of the NBA championships he helped Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade win. That is the perception that forced Kobe to risk leaving the Lakers, as he feared forever being seen as needing Shaq to win a title.

To date, LeBron has not hinted at any such qualm mainly because Shaq is no longer the dominant force he once was, particularly since missing the playoffs with the Phoenix Suns the previous season. Plus, before Shaq’s arrival, LeBron has reached the NBA Finals and won a MVP trophy in subsequent seasons. Winning a title with this Cleveland team might lead some to question whether it was Shaq who needed another dominant player to win the titles.

Shaq’s injury has had no true impact on the Cavaliers. Though they have a slightly better winning percentage (~16%), their scoring output and point differential in wins are about the same. LeBron’s output is the same with or without Shaq. The three losses early in the season were merely hiccups as the Cavaliers prepare for a championship run. It is a bit presumptuous to forecast Cleveland going deep in the playoffs but no one in the organization wants to be the reason LeBron leaves in Free Agency – not the owner; not the front office management; not the coach; and not his teammates.

What does this mean for the Bobcats, particularly Stephen Jackson?

Before this season’s start, Jackson publicized his preference for a trade. He included Cleveland as one of his preferred destinations – as he wanted to play for a contender or in New York. Then, how did Jackson end up in the roster turning machine that is now the Charlotte Bobcats?

This season is of the utmost importance to the franchise. Everyone –  from Robert Johnson (the owner), Michael Jordan (President of Operations), to Larry Brown (the coach) – has “their legacy” on the line. The owner wants to sell the team. MJ needs to prove that he is a good executive. Larry Brown needs to win.

Speculation that Jackson will be traded, possibly to Cleveland, will remain so, as Charlotte makes a push to the playoffs. Imagine them as the 8th seed and Cleveland as the first. Yes, I am getting a bit ahead of myself but that’s why we have tonight.

The Bobcats are 2 – 3 since Jackson joined them. They are currently riding a two-game winning streak and Jackson’s acquisition is paying off in the category that counts most for the Bobcats: SCORING. The team has scored 100-plus points in both wins, making it a total of three times in 14 games this season.

Larry Brown coaching Stephen Jackson sounds like the makings of an unhappy marriage unless Brown has decided to turn back the clock and pull a page out of the years he won many games coaching Allen Iverson. Jackson is a mercenary to fulfill a role – shoot tons of shots, even ones that betray his Field Goal percentage. In the end these shots create opportunities for lesser skill players, particularly Tyson Chandler and Nazr Mohammed.

NBA PICKS:

• Cleveland, Over – For Charlotte increasing scoring output is the short-term goal.
• Miami – Though up and down, Heat is the more focused team.
• Toronto, Over – The last game should have awoken the Raptors.
• San Antonio, Under – Houston continues to struggle.
• Denver, Under – New York has to prove last week’s competitiveness was not a “shell game”.
• Phoenix, Over – Suns destroy weaker teams.
• Milwaukee, Under – Bucks keep games close.
• Memphis, Over – Grizzlies focus for a game or two.
• New Jersey, Over – Nets are bound to win one, right?

These next three games were added @7:00 EST - lines were OFF earlier

• Atlanta, Over - Sixers injuries and lack of "fit" rear its ugly head.
• Detroit, Over - Clippers have to prove it. NO more "on paper" they look good claims.
• Dallas, Over - Mavericks don't take anything for granted.
  

Yesterday’s Results: Spread 1 Win 1 Loss; O/U  0 Wins 2 Losses

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Let’s discuss your picks and/or how you see these match-ups.

http://www.covers.com/sports/nba/nba_main.aspx?t=0 @10:45am 11/27/09