His Airness vs. The King – New Jersey at Cleveland

Since I grew up in Toronto, I’ve followed the career of Vince Carter closely. From his NBA Dunk Contest, which is my second-favorite all-time performance in the contest behind MJ-Nique, to his battle with A.I. in the playoffs where his trip to UNC for graduation may have cost the Raptors the playoffs, to his whiny pout-fest that led to his trading to New Jersey – I’ve seen it all.

And you wonder why I hate him so much.

Carter is one of the greatest talents that has ever been wasted in the NBA betting. Think about it. The greatest two accolades he has on his resume are the Rookie of the Year Award, and a Slam Dunk Title. Well, you can throw in “whiny bitch” in there too, but I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t list that as an achievement.

When the Cavs were involved in shallow trade talks to acquire Carter, he had to be excited. But when questions about his work ethic and attitude derailed the conversations, Carter found himself stuck in New Jersey with a team that will never win a title. Now that the player that Carter would have been traded for – Wally Szczerbiak – is injured, will Carter use tonight’s game against Cleveland to prove his worth?

NBA Betting Trends

-New Jersey is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games

-New Jersey is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

-The total has gone OVER in 13 of New Jersey’s last 18 games

-New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

-New Jersey is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road

-The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey’s last 6 games on the road

-Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games

-Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

-Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

The problem in tonight’s game for LeBron is the size of the spread. The good thing is how well Carter plays in the light of the new breed of stars. Unless it’s Toronto and Chris Bosh, Carter virtually disappears in games. And without Devin Harris taking pressure off of him, the task for Cleveland will be simple – Stop Vince.

New Jersey Nets (30-40) vs., Cleveland Cavaliers (57-13)

Wednesday, March 25th — Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland — 7:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Cleveland -12.5 (190)

That’s why I’m not scared of Cleveland’s recent woes against the oddsmakers. This is a game where LeBron can take over, especially against a defense that doesn’t really exist. Big Z will decimate Brook Lopez. And the lack of a viable point guard for Jersey will open up the game for Mo Williams. Don’t be scared of VC, because his net worth has as much value as AIG right now. As will his career in the long run.

NBA Free Pick: Cleveland -12.5 (UNDER)