Watched another few games yesterday and the NBA so far this season should be renamed the National Bricklayers Association. There is so much bad shot selection, forces, heaves, off-balance 23-footers that it's good thing there are no fans in the front row because someone might get hurt.
The Warriors last night were 7-35 from three. Take away Steph and they were 3-23. As their own analyst said, teams are so set on hoisting the three that if they just made an extra pass or two they could get a layup.
The winless Pistons hung on at home to beat the Celtics after breaking out to a 15-point first quarter lead. The Ja-less Grizzlies beat the Hornets by 15 on the road and it wasn't that close. The win-less Wizards went to Minneapolis, rested Russell Westbrook, and won by 21. The Nets again got killed by penetration and second-chance points. What the hell is going on here?
Eventually, I think form will win out. I just hope I'm not too deep in the hole by then. I'd love to go back to the Knicks tonight since I've seen all their games but they're like watching that old Sally Field movie "Sybil." So instead i'm going to lean on the NBA Network TV game, and take a chance that John Wall can play back-to-back games at an elite level.
Payoffs based on $10 wagers.
3-pointer: John Wall (Rockets) double-double +225 (returns $32.50)
2-pointer: Pascal Siakam (Raptors) Over 30.5 points, rebounds, assists -110 (returns $19.10)
Free throw: Kyle Lowry (Raptors) Over 29.5 points, rebounds, assists -118 (returns $18.50)
Steal: Brandon Ingram (Pelicans) Over 32.5 points, rebounds, assists -120 (returns $18.40)
Winners:
2-pointers: CJ McCollum (Blazers) Over 31.5 points, rebounds, assists -110 (returns $19.10). McCollum went for 28 points and a 33 PRA as Portland shot the lights out.
Free throw: Kevin Durant (Nets) Over 38.5 points, rebounds, assists -110 (returns $19.10) Durant went for 28 points and a 40 PRA in a Net loss which exposed some real weaknesses – just not weaknesses with KD.
Losers:
3-pointer: Andrew Wiggins (Warriors) Over 28.5 points, rebounds, assists -110 (returns $19.10). Wiggins ended up with a very quiet 20 PRA as the Blazers left a trail of tears with Golden State fans.
Steal: Hornets -4 Over the Grizzlies -112 (returns $19.00). Thought the Hornets at home were a lock over the struggling Grizzlies and they got their doors blown off.It would be nice if one NBA team could play two similar games in a row.
$40 wagered (2-2), $38.20 returned.
Day 9: -$1.80
Total: -$87.75 (18-27 off 45 $10 wagers)