Bet on big night for Kobe Bryant in Lakers’ finale

Once maligned and viewed as a villain, Kobe Bryant is now feeling loved. His farewell tour is a curious case because it has been so well-received around the NBA. Still, there are many who hate it.

Either way, it ends tonight. The haters would be advised not to watch. Bryant, all hugs and smiles during another abysmal season for the Los Angeles Lakers, is certain to relish the attention he attracts for his last run in the spotlight.

There are 14 games on the schedule as the NBA wraps up the regular season. No game will be hyped more than Kobe’s career finale, although there probably will be no playoff implications when the Lakers host the Utah Jazz.

Bet on Bryant putting up a dizzying number of shots and scoring a lot of points, and also consider a wager on the Lakers as 5½-point underdogs. The line, which opened at 7½, is dropping for obvious reasons.

“I think the Jazz will be eliminated by the time the game starts,” said Jeff Sherman, oddsmaker at the Westgate sports book.

Houston can clinch the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference — and eliminate Utah — with a victory over Sacramento. The Kings, who appear to have no incentive to win, are 14-point ‘dogs in the last game for soon-to-be-fired coach George Karl. In fact, the Kings traveled with out starting center DeMarcus Cousins and point guard Rajon Rondo among others.

“I can’t imagine the Kings are going to win that game,” Sherman said.

A Rockets win would mean the Jazz will lack motivation. Utah left one of its top defensive players, center Rudy Gobert, at home because of an ankle injury. Now, envision Bryant driving to the rim for uncontested layups as the crowd roars. Jazz coach Quin Snyder, a former Lakers assistant, is a friend of Bryant’s and is not going to want to spoil his big night.

The proposition wager on Bryant’s points opened at 21½ at William Hill sports books, and sharp money pushed it to 24. The Westgate opened the prop at 24½ before going to 25½. The South Point is offering the lowest number at 23. It makes sense to bet Bryant over the total, even at an inflated number. If Kobe scores 30 or more, who will be surprised?

Bryant is more than capable of a poor shooting night, but if he jacks up 25 shots, he’s going to get his points. It is anticipated he will play 35-plus minutes. This game is all about him.

The Lakers are stuck with the second-worst record (16-65) in the NBA. Oddsmakers set their win total at 28½ in October.

The top four seeds in the West are cemented. Portland, a 10½-point home favorite, secures the No. 5 seed with a victory over Denver.

In another hyped game, Golden State goes for win No. 73 as an 18½-point favorite over Memphis. It’s a huge line to lay on the Warriors, who are 45-35-1 against the spread.

In the East, two playoff series — No. 1 Cleveland versus No. 8 Detroit and No. 2 Toronto versus No. 7 Indiana — are set in focus. The rest of the picture is blurry.

Miami is playing for the No. 3 seed, and Boston can earn No. 4. The Celtics are 4-point home favorites over the Heat in a game with reasonably high stakes.

The Cavaliers are 1½-point home favorites over the Pistons, but it’s not a playoff preview. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are sitting out for Cleveland.

Lines were not posted on half of the 14 games until this morning, an indication of the guesswork involved on the regular season’s final day.

Contact sports betting reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247