Is buying points worth it?

I rarely buy points.

With the 20 percent a point costs, it has to come into play at least one in five times to be worthwhile.

In football, I can rationalize buying a game up to three, seven or 10. And, if I’m making a larger than usual wager, maybe I’ll hedge my bet by buying a point or two.

But, in basketball, a point either way has such limited value.  In fact, it seems completely unfair that a point costs the same in football and basketball.

However, with that said, the NBA playoffs may be the best time to buy points. Lines seem to be sharper than ever.

All three of Tuesday’s games were decided by within two points of the spread.

The total in the Cleveland-Detroit game stayed under by a 1/2 point.

Heading into Wednesday’s action, that’s the fourth total in 14 playoff games to be decided by three points or less.

So the percentage and value of buying points is definitely enhanced in the postseason.

Any thoughts, gentlemen?

Wednesday’s Lines at BetPhoenix.com
Philly at Orlando (-10, 193.5)

Miami at Atlanta (-5, 183.5)

New Orleans at Denver (-5.5, 197.5)

Thursday’s Lines
Boston at Chicago (-2, 200)

San Antonio at Dallas (-4, 189)

Lakers (-2, 214.5) at Utah

If the NBA is fixed ...

Yo … the NBA is not fixed. At least not every game.

If you disagree, and believe the playoffs will be completely influenced by the Association, I want to know these three things.

1.    Is David Stern in on it?
It would be funny if Commish was kept out of the loop. All the cool kids kept the secret from the nerdy guy. (Pause, for childhood flashback).

2.    Who does the NBA want the Lakers to play in the Western Conference Finals?
      It’s so clear in the East. Everyone wants to see LeBron verse the defending     champs.
But, in the West, I can’t imagine the TV suits are drooling over either a Lakers-Nuggets or Lakers-Spurs finals.
However, Carmelo Anthony could sure lift his profile by beating Kobe. Not going to happen.
I definitely believe the NBA would prefer to see the Rockets advance to keep the 300 zillion China fans interested.
But I’m not betting against Portland. The Blazers looked scary good down the stretch.


3.    Is the fix already in for LeBron to go to the Knicks?
I hope so.


Really liking the Celtics today. They were -8.5 at BetPhoenix.com at 2:30 a.m. EST …

Really liking Bushmills and Red Stripe as well … They were tasty, cold and will hopefully make sleeping next to the old lady bearable ...

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Donaghy and Foster were buddies all right ...

Has anyone else noticed NBA referee Scott Foster’s over/under totals this season?

He produced twice as many overs (44) as unders (22), the most of any NBA ref.

Considering Foster’s connection to rogue official Tim Donaghy, this can’t be exactly what either the NBA or Foster wanted.

You might remember, Foster was on the receiving end of 134 calls from Donaghy during his fixing days. That’s more than Donaghy made to his bookie. The most he made to any other ref was 13.

Nothing really came out of the excessive calls between Donaghy and Foster, which makes me believe the two weren’t gambling together, but instead, simply in love.

Is there any other reason to call someone 134 times? I kid because I care.

Anyway … If Foster was involved in the gambling side of his special connection to Donahay, surely he wouldn’t be dumb enough to continue to fix games.

But when 67 percent of the games he officiates go over the total … well … it just seems a little odd. Kind of like a love triangle between two referees and a journeyman center out of Penn State.

Foster’s over tendency is definitely something to consider heading into the playoffs, though.

Speaking of the NBA playoffs, ... [More]