I think this is another learning experience for the Mavs, not sure though why bettors favor OKC in game one as it is in their homecourt and if you look at the odds, they are the favorite and Mavs are like 2.x as underdog, so that is big enough to cover. And as we can see, the oddmakers are correct in their prediction as OKC is the number 1 seed in the West and yeah they proved that it's no accident, that they are real even though their core is very young team with SGA at the helm and Chet and the name sake Williams and Josh Giddey although is somewhat got hit in the mouth and just scored 2 points. So just imagine if he scores around his average in the next game, it will be a big lead to boot for the OKC. But we all know that Kyrie and Luka will have to do something in game two. Current odds at Stake is OKC at 1.52 and Mavs at 2.65.
OKC work hard on that win, they are playing with great chemistry but you know, adjustments will happen in game 2 and as Kyrie and Luka are more experienced that the leaders of the OKC Thunder, I think it's possible that we will see a 1-1 series score after game 2. That was a blowout win by the OKC, just like what they usually do at home, so even if the Thunder will win game 2, things will be different in game 3 and 4 as they will be traveling to Dallas which is not a familiar teritory for them. I thought the game would be a close one by the way they played through the 1st to 3rd quarter, but when that late 3rd, OKC starts to make it rain from the 3-point line, where most of the OKC's offense is created all season. And of course it is a bad game for both Luka and Kyrie, but still, I believe they can make it up next game and also believe that they can win this series. We can all agree that OKC are talented; they are the number one seed for a reason, but still, experience is the most important thing in the playoffs, and that is the edge the Mavs have against the OKC. Also, the last time that the Dallas faced a number 1 team in the 2nd round, they were facing the Suns, and the Suns won the 2 home games, but the Mavs and Luka still won that series, so history may repeat itself this time, and we can see the Dallas winning this series. |
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Wow, that's a pretty low score for Jokic and Murray, not the usual Nuggets I know. The Nuggets have more rebounds, but the Timberwolves have more assists, with 28 compared to 16 by the Nuggets. The Timberwolves also have more blocks and assists, and they outscored the Nuggets in points in the paint. The Nuggets are down by 2, and they will go to the Timberwolves' home. They are in a tough situation. I didn't see it coming; this might be a sweep, and a second one for the Timberwolves.
Just like I said before the series started, the Timberwolves have the blueprint to beat the Nuggets, big men, and 3&D guys. Jokic said in his last interview that in order to beat the Wolves, he needs to have two more clones of him to match up the three big men of the Wolves. With that kind of statement, you know Jokic will have a hard time dominating those matchups. The Wolves also have some good perimeter defense, which limits the offense of the Nuggets, especially Jamal and MPJ. It is really fun to watch those guys struggle against the defense of the Wolves. The series might be over as the Timberwolves snatched those two nuggets home games, but of course the Nuggets won't easily back down; they may win one more game or they might get swept at worst. |
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Dominican Mitchell really came through for the Cavs. That guy has another gear when it comes to the playoffs. If he were a couple inches taller… I wonder where he’ll end up next year.
If the Cavs didn't win that game 7, for sure, Donovan Mitchell will surely be leaving the Cavs in free agency, but good for them, they win the game and they'll be facing the Celtics for the 2nd round matchup, and for this, I can see the Celtics winning this easily. I am not saying that the Cavs aren't that good, but the Celtics are just more talented, and the only problem for them is that they tend to choke some games, but I think it won't be happening here early in the playoffs. If the Cavs get ever beaten by the Celtics, it is a sad moment for Donovan. Dude can't get past the 2nd round all of the years he's been playing. So you might really see Donovan leaving the Cavs. What team do you think should pursue Donovan this offseason? |
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There are several reasons why rich gamblers may appear to win more. First, they have a lot of money. With more money to wager, they have the privilege to place larger bets, increasing their potential winnings. Another thing is that rich gamblers often have a higher tolerance for risks and can afford to lose more money without significant consequences. With that, it allows them to take or bet bigger stakes and potentially win more money. With them not worrying about any financial consequences, they can exhibit more confidence and less anxiety, which can be a factor when betting since it requires mental health and emotions. This can impact their decision-making and performance. Financial stress and desperation can impair judgment and increase the chance of poor decisions.
Still, gambling is based on chance, and even if you are wealthy enough to gamble, you can still experience some losses. Gambling is addictive and can ruin one's financial life, regardless of whether they are rich or poor.
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New poll for Western Conference Finals. Don't forget to vote.
With the exception of the Cavs - Magic matchup which went to Game 7, the second round is set. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Clippers 4-2. Doncic and Kyrie step up. Let's see if they can keep it up against the Thunder.
The Timberwolves - Nuggets matchup is like a Western final. Edwards' biggest test will be against Jokic. The Celtics are the heavy favorites in the East, but all 3 teams in the West have a good chance.
I voted for the Nuggets vs Thunder in the finals. For me even though that the Thunder are a young team vs the experience of Irving and they have Luka, the Thunder for me is the more complete team, and it's only Kyrie and Luka who are doing the damage. Thunder had SGA and then they have a good center in Chet plus other role players that fits perfectly in their system. But the series might be very close and OKC winning in 7 games hard and grueling series. I beg to disagree, but I can see Dallas winning this one. OKC is a great team, yes, but still, I think they lack something that Dallas has: experience. Playoffs are a different atmosphere, and those two stars of the Mavs are great if it comes to playoffs, especially Luka, who really excels in playoffs and rarely chokes or poorly performs. With a new and formidable Mavericks team, they win this one. The last time the Mavericks entered the playoffs was in 2021-2022, and they reached the WCF that season. And what team did they beat? Suns. The first seed on West that time, and they manage to beat them in game 7, and who is Luka's best teammate that time? Jalen Brunson, a guard that can help him score, and what is Luka's best teammate right now? Kyrie Irving is a guard who can help him score. History will repeat itself, and I think that the Mavs will beat the OKC and enter the WCF once again. |
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To be honest, if I were you, I would already cash it out and take profit since it is already a large amount of money—1.5k to almost 50k—and you have already multiplied your money by a lot. So practically and financially speaking, it would be best to cash it out; you might regret it if you don't. Also, Giannis and Dame are most likely still out on game 6, so Bucks is kind of shaky right now. I mean, they could get the win, but still, the Pacers can finish the series on game 6.
But if you are always betting that kind of money, then maybe you just let it ride. If you are comfortable losing 1.5k—not only 1.5k but 50k—then let it ride and risk it all. If you are that kind of gambler, then risk it, man. But I always tell others, if you have the chance to gain profit, take it now, and you might regret it once it is over.
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Clippers should be investigated them getting blown by 30 points is a crime.  The Clippers are just struggling to get back on track. No need to get investigated. lol They've been inconsistent. But still it's surprising to see Dallas leading by 30 points specially since the Clippers are usually strong at home during the regular season. For sure, game 6 will be the end of this series. It's sad to say Harden, Westbrook and PG will still be ringless. Who do you think will win the Western Conference Semifinals series between the Mavericks and Thunder? I'll pick Thunder this time. Many are rooting for this guy to win a ring but I guess the faith would not let them get that since maybe they are really destined to be great but didn't get a ring just like what other great players experience from the past. But I think its fine since fans still could able remember that they are really a lethal player which can dominate on the floor. Also I guess its to early to tell about this since maybe there's miracle to happen and they need to adjust according to how Mavs set their plays. They just need to work well together and maybe they should eliminate their ego that they are the star and they should put more numbers in the game since this will really be the reason on their defeats sharing the ball is really important since Mavs is not really easy team to defeat this season. Luka made his promise to contribute for the game and they won. he isn't even 100%, we can see that he is still struggling from injury but he is playing like an MVP. Kyrie and Luka combo is present, and everyone played well with their great defense. When Harden and PG are struggling, this is what happen and look at Westbrook, 2-11 shooting, really the big 3 are struggling. PG 4-13 Harden 2-12 Yeah, he said that he felt that he let Kyrie down in their last game. And so he comes back with a double double performance, although triple with 7 rebounds. And as we have seen in the series, this is a defensive game and the defense of Mavs is one of the most underrated this season. They've lockdown PG and Harden, and then not let score 100 points in the series. And if they've done that, there is a big chances that they are going to win. So looking for a close out game next game at their homecourt. They are back on their home court again, it's good to close a game on their home court and celebrate with the fans. I'm seeing another blowout win by the Mavericks as they have already figured out how to beat the Clippers, they just have to play great defense and get everyone involved. I like to see the way they play in game 3 where the bigs are not only doing some defense but they are also doing great offense. If the Mavericks are able to finish it at game 6, I wonder how the Clippers off-season will be because there are rumors that the Clippers don't want to give the maximum deal like what they did to Kawhi earlier in the season. Would the Clippers retain him or will we see PG on another uniform? One of the teams that is eyeing him is the Magic. For me, it would work: more defense for the Magic, and PG will serve as the veteran that will push them further into the playoffs. One thing that I don't like about this one is that he might stunt the growth of the Magic's young players, but overall, PG in Magic is a nice fit. Another team that sounds nice is the OKC. George's coming back to Oklahoma will be great since he can be the last piece that makes the OKC a contending team. Also, the OKC lacks a veteran presence in the locker room, so it is PG's role to do that. |
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I just came across a crazy statistic on twitter. Apparently with tonight’s win over the Indiana Pacers the Milwaukee Bucks became the first team in NBA history to win a playoff game without their 2 leading scorers from the regular season playing. That shows just how difficult it is to pull off what they did tonight. Maybe a good omen.
If one of the stars, either Dame or Giannis, is available for the following games, then the Bucks can comeback and take the series, but as of now, it will be harder for them since the next game is a home game for the Pacers. We all know that the Pacers are stronger at home, so we can see them finishing the series next game. If that happens, it will be tough for the Bucks as they get knocked out of the first round in back-to-back seasons. We can't really blame them if that happens since they got coaching changes in the middle of the season and their stars are out in the first round. Bucks just need to be sure that Giannis won't be frustrated by this one. |
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If I ever get in a situation like that, then that may be my lowest point in life. Imagine losing the hard-earned money of your parents because of betting and, at the same time, their trust, which is the most important thing that you should be taking care of. For example, even though I get to recover all the money that I've lost, I think it will not be the same anymore since your parents will have second thoughts about you whenever they are trusting you on something (financially or not). Love will still be there for sure because, at the end of the day, a parent's love will overcome their anger, but the trust won't be the same.
But for me, I don't think I will end up in a situation like that. I know my limits, and to be a gambler, we should be responsible financially, gamble what you can afford to lose, and gamble your own money, not anyone's money.
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Timberwolves against the Nuggets. That will be fun!
This series will be interesting to watch. The Timberwolves have the blueprint to beat the Nuggets; they have two big men in the paint and a lot of perimeter D guys like Jaden McDaniels. Edwards will do the scoring, and Conley will facilitate the offense. The last time they met was in the first round last season, and the Nuggets beat the Timberwolves in the first round. Both teams have high morale going into the second round, especially the Wolves, as they swept the Suns. This will be a tough matchup for Jokic, as he will be guarded by KAT and Gobert, big men with a lot of lengths. Let's see how this series will be a close one, either game 6 or 7. |
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Say what you will about the Lakers, they gave it a good run and it was a great game to watch that came down to the wire. I wish they would have had a timeout left at the end so they could have run a proper play to try and get the win, but rules are what they are with the replay challenges. I wouldn’t be surprised if tonight’s outcome doesn’t spur a rule change.
I'd say the Lakers performed well throughout this series. At least they didn't look like underdogs against a tough opponent like the Nuggets. I think their main problem in this series was that they made the same mistakes at the end of all the games, as well as the fact that it was mostly just LeBron and AD trying to do something. I'm wondering if this will be LeBron's last season or if he will decide to re-sign with the Lakers for one more season. Yes, they really show that they can compete against the defending champs. Comparing their performance last season in the WCF, this first round shows that they can go head-to-head with them, the lead most of the time in this series; they just can't close out games. That's really the problem with the Lakers, even with the regular season. There are some games where they have the lead most of the time, but when the closing minutes come, they can't close it out and lose the game. Coach is one of the reasons why those things happen, and I think that the Lakers should fire Darvin Ham and find a better coach out there. I am not saying that Darvin is that bad as a coach, but I think he is more suitable to coach a rebuilding and developing team than a win-now team. As for LeBron, I hope he re-signs with the team and retires as a Laker. He can still play for 2-3 years, and the Lakers can offer him a max contract for three years. I hope with those three years they can win one more chip to solidify his stint as a Laker. |
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I was walking down my street this evening I saw some group of guys in a hidden corner of an uncompleted building playing WHOT games ordinarily I felt they are just spending usual time as friends and that they are playing the WHOT game to keep themselves busy while discussing.
But when I got closer to them I discovered that there was a dirty container close to them and inside the container is money they bet for the game they are playing , and if not careful observed you will never believe that they are playing bet games .
My curiosity led me closer to them I was interacting with one of them and at same time observing what they are doing , one thing I observed was that they stake with huge amount and they don’t give you change even when your money requires change instead you will use it and bet for another round.
So at this point I decided to bring it here to know or see different views from different intellects here on why do some people hide just to gamble or if it is the best way to gamble ?.
I sometimes do get shy when I am betting or gambling in public because, I don't know, I feel I might be judged by the people who can see it. I think the reason why most people hide when gambling is because of the bad things or bad reputations that are connected with gambling. If a person sees you gambling, people might think that you are addicted to it or anything bad related to it; it is the fear of judgment that makes them hide when gambling. Or maybe they just don't want to be seen by their relatives and scold them or be interrogated by them, especially if the money that they are gambling with is something they cannot afford to lose. If people don't know that you are gambling with that kind of money, then there is less burden for the gambler. |
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Maybe Austin Reaves is the only player that I think will remain with AD and Lebron. D'Lo 0 points in a must-win game is unacceptable unless he comes back in game 4 with a big offensive flow and help the team win.
True but it's too late for Lebron, they need another star player that is as good as Murray so Lebron and AD could continue doing their job. I don't know if the salary cap can still accomodate but if they really need to improve, they should trade DLO, actually they should have done that before the trade deadline, they could have a more reliable shooter now. I don't know why the Lakers management broke the 2020 bubble Lakers roster because that's the best one that I've seen with Dwight Howard as the center. He likes to bully ball Jokic underneath the rim and it was so effective as Jokic stats was down big. Yeah, they badly need a better pointguard but they also need sharpshooters, those who can really contribute in high pressure games like this one. DLo is good when he gets hot so he is more of a shooting guard. Wait for the ball to get in his hands and shoot. I think the Lakers might just win one game as Coach Malone may try to restrict the minutes of Jamal and Jokic in game 4 and then end it in Game 5 with a fresh stamina in their homecourt. Yep, the Lakers really fumbled that lineup. After getting beaten by the Suns in the first round, they decided to break that core, but I think the Lakers having no little rest after winning the championship and also some injuries to Davis and LeBron really affected their record that season, and I think if they had enough rest before starting the season, it might be a different story. Also, that Westbrook trade really messed up the Lakers. After trading for Westbrook, they started signing some minimum-contract guys and some veterans, resulting in an inefficient season for the Lakers because they had no depth. Then, after missing the playoffs, they fired Vogel. I mean, I really don't see why they would do that; he is a great coach and also a defensive-minded one. Lakers really had the formula to beat the Nuggets, but instead we are watching this 3-guard lineup of Darvin. |
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I do have a strategy when gambling, especially when I am playing Baccarat. I have this pattern to follow, it is PBPPBB. First, I am betting on the player, then if it is a loss, then I'll go to the banker, and if it is a loss again, then I'll go to the player again. If I ever happen to lose again, I will just follow the pattern PBPPBB, and of course I'm doing the martingale strategy; if I lose, then I'll double my bet. With this strategy, there are no random bets because you are following a pattern. The problem with this is that it is kind of slow to gain profit, but if you have patience, you can grow your bankroll a lot with this kind of strategy.
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Watching the Lakers now. They’re playing dominant so far after one quarter but that’s how the whole series has been going. We’ll see how long they can keep it up.
And they got destroyed again by Nuggets in the late game. This is always the problem of Lakers when it comes to dealing with Nuggets. They can’t find a way to lock down Jokic being pesky with his assist and attack in the inside once Lakers defenders was focused to the perimeter shots of Nuggets. This will be a back 2 back playoffs sweep for Lakers made by Nuggets if ever they lose the game 4 which is highly possible considering how they can’t find a way to deal with Nuggets. It’s an end of an era for the King. I smell change team for the last time. PS: The rebound count of Nuggets show how dominant they are on this game since all of them is making an effort to save the ball. I hate to say this, but the series is over. It is over the moment they lost game 2, where they had a 20-point lead against them. That game will cost them mentally because the win is already in their hands and they just lost with a shot. It was really unfortunate to see LeBron get swept once again against the same back-to-back season; maybe father time is catching up and slowly winning. I really don't know what the Lakers and LeBron will do after this season. Will they break it up and LeBron go to another team? Or run it back to have a chance to win again. But for me, there's one thing I want the Lakers to do: get rid of Darvin Ham, get another coach who knows how to run plays, and have accountability. I am tired of all of his motivational words whenever they lose games. He should be a motivational speaker, not a coach. Maybe the Lakers should've not fired Vogel after all. |
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I won't say that they've choke, yeah, they build a early lead and it was eaten slowly by the Nuggets. But they were able to stay in the game, albeit, AD was in foul trouble. But Lebron did try to rally the team, but it's wasn't meant for them as Murray had the last say. If they lost like in the 4th quarter and then the Nuggets won big then yeah you can call it choke.
But it was tied and they could have go to OT and maybe the outcome could be different. Now, it's need to survived and win game 3 to stay in this series, otherwise as I have said, it could be 4-1 for the Nuggets.
Analyzing that game, I'm seeing a lot of blame to Lebron and Darvin Ham. This only shows the love of the fans to Lakers and they want to see them move on to the semis. A lose is a lose and Nuggets was just too good and composed with it. They've been into these kinds of situations and also with the Lakers but we can see on how AD is a valuable guy to the team. He's made a lot of points but when he's got into foul trouble, we've seen them that they've become like limited. 4-1 is also what I am seeing a lot of people saying. Nah, man, it is not on LeBron; it is a total team that should be accountable for what happened in the last game. LeBron actually did make two 3-pointers when Denver was closing, so I don't see any reason why I would blame him for the missed shot in the last second. You know shit happens; like what I've said, he did sink two 3-pointers, so he is hot, and he is wide open, so why not take it? I think if you are hot, you will still take it because you just made a couple a while ago. What the Lakers need to do is regroup and get their sh*t together. They can win this series; they just need to be consistent on both ends of the floor. They showed us what they are capable of; it was just the mentality that sometimes shuts up when needed, like when Darvin Ham stopped coaching. |
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I prefer to watch it at home, where I am comfortable. Go get some food and drink, then go watch it. Sometimes when I watch basketball games, I am the loud type of person who says things like "Go pass it there!" or "Shoot it!!" or anything that makes me feel like I am part of the team. With that, I can feel the enjoyment of watching the team. I really enjoy it, especially when they win, but if they lose, of course it is the other way around; it will make me sad and I will lose the energy for the day. But that's what makes watching your team more enjoyable, because you feel like you are part of the team.
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Crazy game 2 between the Lakers and the Nuggets. Everyone thought the Lakers are gonna steal the game 2 as they lead 20 pts at some pt in the 3rd quarter, but the Nuggets didn't give up, was able to establish momentum in the 4th. Though they did not take the lead, but Murray just made a buzzer beater to beat the Lakers by 2 pts.
Man, it looks like the Lakers really stand no chance against the Nuggets. They have not won against them for 2 years straight now lol.
Davis was almost perfect in the 1st half but totally disappeared in the 2nd half.
It looks the Lakers' chance to win this series is by miracle lol.
That game is so crazy, it made me scream so much in the house that I did not eat for the entire day LOL. It is just very frustrating to see them lose in the worst possible way. If it was a close game, it would be fine for me, but they choked! They had a 20-point lead in the 3rd quarter, but after that, everything went downhill. They're questioning the officiating, saying that the game is fine, but still, they should've adjusted to the game and didn't let the calls affect them. After getting the 20-point lead, they get complacent and comfortable; they try to play slow always and want to burn the clock that much; also, there are some plays where it is always isolation and ends up a missed shot, and Nuggets will start the fast break and get the point. At this point, I really believe that coaching is one aspect that the Lakers front office should look into. It's always like that: the Lakers have a great first half, then lose it all in the second. |
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Gambling, like other activities, can be viewed as a hobby by those who enjoy it. For many people, the game of chance, whether it is roulette, blackjack, or slots, provides entertainment and excitement. Just like someone who enjoys playing musical instruments, playing their favorite sports, or any creative activities like painting or even writing, gambling stimulates and provides a break from our everyday lives.
People who like gambling appreciate or like the thrill of risk-taking, the challenge of doubling their money, or having to analyze and have a strategy in certain games. People also enjoy the bond within the person who likes gambling, whether it be at a casino, a simple poker night at home, or even online.
But still, you need to be a wise gambler if you want this to be a hobby. You should set a limit on the money you are spending. All of our hobbies involve money, so in gambling too, you should better make a limit on it, know when to stop, and be aware of yourself if you are getting addicted.
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They almost lost to an 8th seeded team. This is where playoff experience comes to play.
We know that the Thunder are very inexperienced when it comes to playoffs. Both the players and the coach doesn't have that much experience compared to the Pelicans that has been in the playoffs for the past 2 years I think. Last minute decisions can change the game. If only Ingram and McCollum are more efficient in this game, they might steal Game 1 on the road TBH.
I think both of them being young and inexperienced teams in the playoffs makes this matchup more exciting. Thunder last made the playoffs in the 2019–20 season, where Chris Paul and Steven Adams are still on the team. On the other hand, the Pelicans last playoff appearance was in the 2021–22 season, and before that, 2017–18 was their last playoffs. With them battling each other on a playoff level, it is really exciting to see. When the playoffs come, it is 0-0, back to square one, so it doesn't really matter if you're a first seed or not; the important thing is to get the win every game. I hope this series will go to Game 7, so it will be worth watching. Pelicans, on the other hand, can really take over that game if Brandon Ingram gets going, but unfortunately, he has been in the Dorture Chamber and struggles to get some buckets on the first game. Looking forward to the next game, I hope it will be a close one again. |
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