Do not post much in the NBA forum, I think was 4-5 on posted plays this season.
The 76ers are an overwhelming public favorite coming into this game due to the absence of Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee. In fact, they are favored for the first time in this series. Many people think it is a foregone conclusion that there will be a game seven in this series, but I would not be so sure.
The Sixers love the role of underdog and actually play better when not given much of a chance. Place them in the role of favorite, though, and things become different. Philadelphia moved in to the fifth spot in the East on April 4th on the heels of a 95-90 win over Detroit. They followed that up by losing six of their next seven. Most of these were ugly losses. They lost to Toronto, Charlotte and Jersey in a 29-point beatdown. With nothing to play for the Celtics (or Paul Pierce) came back to beat the 76ers and they were taken to OT against the Cavaliers scrubs in the final game of the season before coming out on top.
As a lifelong Philly fan, I have seen countless opportunities for our teams to achieve something special only to watch them crap away the chance with a less than inspired effort. Orlando wants to end this series tonight and I think their other guys will play well enough to eke out the win.
While I am hopeful that the 76ers will win, a lifetime of disappointment (save for the Phillies last season..Go Fightin' Phils!!) leaves me no other option than to take Orlando.
ORLANDO +5.5
The 76ers are an overwhelming public favorite coming into this game due to the absence of Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee. In fact, they are favored for the first time in this series. Many people think it is a foregone conclusion that there will be a game seven in this series, but I would not be so sure.
The Sixers love the role of underdog and actually play better when not given much of a chance. Place them in the role of favorite, though, and things become different. Philadelphia moved in to the fifth spot in the East on April 4th on the heels of a 95-90 win over Detroit. They followed that up by losing six of their next seven. Most of these were ugly losses. They lost to Toronto, Charlotte and Jersey in a 29-point beatdown. With nothing to play for the Celtics (or Paul Pierce) came back to beat the 76ers and they were taken to OT against the Cavaliers scrubs in the final game of the season before coming out on top.
As a lifelong Philly fan, I have seen countless opportunities for our teams to achieve something special only to watch them crap away the chance with a less than inspired effort. Orlando wants to end this series tonight and I think their other guys will play well enough to eke out the win.
While I am hopeful that the 76ers will win, a lifetime of disappointment (save for the Phillies last season..Go Fightin' Phils!!) leaves me no other option than to take Orlando.
ORLANDO +5.5
