[Tommy]

By Michael Licalsi.

The Cover Corner is 0-2 this NBA season after finishing 18-13 in college basketball selections. This column will continue through the NBA Finals and is looking to catch on fire like at the end of the NCAA tournament (8-2 mark).

Bet Now: Chicago (+8) at Miami

Chicago was only 41-41 on the year, but ended by winning 12 out of their last 14 games. With Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, and Michael Sweetney, this is the team of the future and an entertaining squad to watch. They also have great desire and energy as a group.

When you first think about the Miami Heat, you of course think of Shaq and Dwyane Wade. And if you just focus on those two players and ignore everything else, this may look like a cakewalk for the Heat. The reality is that the rest of the supporting cast is just not that good.

Miami (52-30) won two close games against Chicago this year, while the Bulls beat Miami, 117-93 late in the year in a meaningless game for the Heat. Miami is 8-20 against the spread (ATS) in their last 28 games. I see this opening contest being a yo-yo match, with the end result falling someplace in between the 8 point spread.

Pick: Chicago

Bet Now: Washington (+5) at Cleveland

Cleveland (50-32) and LeBron James are coming into the post season with a 31-10 ATS record at home. This includes a 7-3 ATS run in their last 10 outings. Guard, Larry Hughes has looked good coming off his finger injury, and he adds another scorer to the lineup in addition to James. Hughes is also a great defensive presence.

Washington (42-40) is ranked third in the NBA in points per game, while Cleveland is a modest 15th in the same statistical category. This first playoff game will be an offensive showdown to the highest degree. The Wizards are 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings between these up and coming teams, and while the world will be watching LeBron, I have to take the red hot Wizards.

Pick: Washington



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