The first question I asked myself when the Portland Trail Blazers announced that Damian Lillard (knee sprain) was out for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers was easy.
What does this mean for Carmelo Anthony?
The lifelong chucker should have an even brighter green light with Lillard on the shelf. Dame attempted 21, 14, 20 and 9 shots in the first four games and let’s not forget that he left early with the aforementioned knee injury in Game 4.
So there are at least 14 extra shots on the table for the Blazers to share.
C.J. McCollum is the obvious choice for more shots, but he’ll also draw the most attention from the Lakers stingy defense. His easy looks will certainly be cut down. Anfernee Simmons will reportedly get the start in Lillard’s place, but I don’t expect him to put up many shots. Oddsmakers didn’t even put respect on Gary Trent’s name as he doesn’t have any player props for tonight’s tilt.[[ad:athena]]
Looks like it’s Melo time – maybe one last time.
The former Syracuse Orangeman hoisted 35 shots over the last two games and I don’t see those numbers slowing down tonight in primetime. Even at age 36, Melo has showcased his well-rounded ability to score the basketball. We’ve seen him operate on the low blocks and elbows while also flashing to the wings on fast breaks. He hasn’t attacked the rim much (only 7 FTA in the series), but that could also change tonight.
A quick peek at some of the betting shops shows Carmelo’s point total anywhere from 17.5 (o-120) to 18.5 (o+100). There are some 18s at -110 each way. FanDuel has his number at 1.5 for made three-pointers with a heavily juiced Over 1.5 at -180. Hilariously enough, they also have his point total at 18.5 with his points plus assists total at 19.5.
So he’s good for one assist?!
Jokes aside, Carmelo has too much pride to quit and too many incentives to play well in this game. After all, this is likely his last game with Portland before that $2.1 million contract expires and he has to find a new job. He’s gotta show out, right?
I’ll be talking a long look at Carmelo Over 18 points (-110).
