Drive to the Finals Expert Pick: 5/12/08
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By John Schuhmann

Just like the last time I wrote the the expert pick (a mere three days ago), we have one game and one choice for Monday.

So, let me see how many words I can get out of this one...

The only contest on the schedule is Celtics-Cavs Game 4 from Cleveland.

While the Cavs took Game 3 on Saturday to get back in the series, we still believe the Celtics will be moving on to the Conference Finals. So, we're going to leave the Boston roster untouched and dip back into the Cavs.

In Game 1 of this series, we used Zydrunas Ilgauskas and explained that we were saving LeBron James for a home game, this game, Game 4. That pick worked out pretty well, as Big Z put up a 36 PRA and LeBron struggled to the tune of a 30.

And now, here we are. Game 4. LeBron's PRAs in this series so far have been 30, 32 and 34. Good thing we saved him, because the pattern tells us he'll put up a 36 on Monday!

36? This is a guy who averaged a 45.1 PRA in the regular season and a 47.0 in the First Round.

What do you say LeBron? We know that the Celtics' defense is the best in the league, but you're just not acting like yourself. Time to step up and help out the experts.

Play Drive to the Finals Now!

LeBron James, CLEWhen: Monday, May 12 at 8 p.m. ET
Opponent: vs. Boston
Pts: 25.9 Reb: 8.4 Ast: 7.7
Playoffs Average PRA: 42.0
Yesterday's Pick: Tim Duncan, SAS
Expert Pick Playoffs Total: 681
Expert Pick Archive
1. Kevin Garnett, BOS @ CLE (33.2 PRA)
2. Paul Pierce, BOS @ CLE (25.3 PRA)
3. Delonte West, CLE vs. BOS (18.5 PRA)
This is where I try to make up reasons for not taking the obvious choice, so here we go...

Use KG or Pierce if Saturday convinced you that the Cavs are going to come back and win the series. You can use each of Boston's big three in the next three games. Use West ... ummm ... let me think about this ... OK, I got it. Use West if you want to save LeBron for a pivotal Game 5 or 6, thinking that he's more likely to take over later in the series.

Monday
July 28
WNBA Olympic Break Begins

Friday
August 8
Summer Olympics Begin

Sunday
Sept. 14
WNBA Regular Season Ends

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