Pacers-Cavaliers: Series tied 3-3
LeBron James is going to show up. That’s a guarantee. Once again, everyone else on the Cavaliers comes with a certain risk, even at their low salaries. I’d say buy low on Kevin Love, but you’ve probably bought low on him at least once in this series and he’s let you down. Kyle Korver remains my favorite role player. Jeff Green and J.R. Smith have relatively high ceilings. But they’re still Jeff Green and J.R. Smith.
The Pacers got their act together in Game 6. And that has me thinking upset. Getting good shots hasn’t been an issue for them this series. It’s been missing those shots, especially Oladipo missing those shots, that has caused them to have a lower scoring output. He found his shot in Game 6 and that might be trouble for Cleveland in Game 7.
Darren Collison, Thaddeus Young, and Lance Stephenson are all solid value bets. They have a low salary and are put in positions to produce.
Jazz-Rockets: Series tied 0-0
On one hand, this could be a competitive game with the stifling Jazz defense shutting down the high-powered Rockets offense. On the other hand, the Rockets could turn this thing into a rout as Utah has a letdown following Round 1.
Alec Burks might be a decent punt option with Ricky Rubio out. The Jazz are more likely to play Jae Crowder more minutes, sliding everyone up a position.
If the Jazz are going to win, it’ll be on the back of Mitchell and defense. That’s why he’s the best bet on Utah. But the Rockets players are more likely to have a big game, which is why there’s more value across their lineup.