James’ injury could put Cavs in world of hurt

Unless a giant asteroid smashes into Earth in the near future, LeBron James someday will win an NBA title. But it might not happen this season, and he might not reach the top with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

No player is more valuable to his team than James, partly because he's one of the two best players in the league and mostly because his teammates are mediocre as a group.

"I don't think LeBron has enough help," M Resort sports book director Mike Colbert said. "His supporting cast is not that good."

James is not surrounded by Fabio, Yanni and the Jonas Brothers. It just seems that way sometimes. Antawn Jamison, Shaquille O'Neal, Anderson Varejao and Mo Williams are respectable complementary players, each filling a role on a team revolving around James.

The Los Angeles Lakers, anchored inside by Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, have a decent shot to succeed without Kobe Bryant.

What would the Cavaliers be without James?

"Done," Colbert said.

Cleveland remains the favorite to win the NBA championship, and Colbert said bettors are piling on that bandwagon at plus-160. Betting against the Cavaliers to win it all is minus-180, and that's a fair proposition given the mystery injury to James' right elbow.

An examination Wednesday revealed a strained muscle or tendon and a bone bruise near James' elbow.

Chances are, he will resume producing like a superstar. But if he's limited or starts firing left-handed jumpers, the Cavaliers are in a world of hurt.

Cleveland is a minus-450 favorite over Boston in an Eastern Conference semifinals series that begins Saturday. Colbert sees Paul Pierce and the Celtics as capable underdogs.

"I think the Celtics will give the Cavs some trouble. I would not be surprised if they beat Cleveland," he said.

Colbert recalled the Cavaliers' 92-85 loss at Milwaukee on March 6. Cleveland was a 4½-point favorite before it was announced that James would sit out with a sore ankle. When the new line was posted, the Bucks were 4-point favorites. It was the Cavaliers' 10th straight loss without James in the lineup.

"I couldn't believe somebody could be worth that many points to their team," Colbert said. "I just don't think LeBron has enough help when the Cavs go up against the good teams. I think Orlando is the best team in the East. The Magic are the best all-around team, maybe the most complete team."

James averaged 36.5 points in four regular-season games against the Celtics this season. Regardless of the series outcome, Colbert said Lakers-Magic is his predicted NBA Finals matchup.

The Lakers can close their first-round series against Oklahoma City in today's Game 6. The Thunder are 1½-point favorites after winning their previous two home games against the Lakers by 21 and five points.

"If you look at the past two games in Oklahoma City, it would be hard to say the Lakers are the right side," Colbert said. "But, if I had to take a stab, I do think the Lakers are going to finish them off."

■ HORSE PLAYS -- Colbert said Awesome Act, the No. 16 horse at about 10-1 odds, is worthy of a play Saturday in the Kentucky Derby.

Brian Blessing of Las Vegas Sports Consultants said he's also riding Awesome Act to win.

"I've been touting that horse for two weeks," Blessing said. "He's a closer, and he's got almost a perfect style for this Derby."

Blessing is playing four horses in today's Kentucky Oaks -- No. 1 It's Tea Time, No. 5 Blind Luck, No. 8 Tidal Pool and No. 13 Amen Hallelujah -- with Awesome Act in an Oaks-Derby double wager.

■ MONEY ON MAYWEATHER -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a minus-450 favorite over Shane Mosley in Saturday's welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden. The plus-375 price on Mosley looks attractive, but two boxing analysts say the smart money will be on Mayweather.

"I'm a Mayweather guy. He's the best I've ever seen," said Colbert, who opened Mayweather at minus-300. "I don't think Mosley has a chance. None. Zero. It's going to be an entertaining fight. Mosley will come right after him. He is a tough guy, and he has a lot of heart. But Mayweather will outbox him."

Dave Cokin, a professional handicapper and local ESPN Radio host, said only if Mayweather has a bad night can he lose.

"I don't see that happening," Cokin said. "I think Floyd is going to put on a show and win virtually every round."

Sports betting columnist Matt Youmans can be reached at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.