About this episode
RJ Bell, Steve Fezzik, Mackenzie Rivers and Scott Seidenberg talk NFL trades and NBA playoffs this week. The guys are gearing up for the NFL schedule release and much more. 🎯 Conclusion RJ Bell and team offered sharp betting insights, statistical breakdowns, and humorous banter, focusing on NFL draft value and NBA playoff oddities. The panel agreed that Pittsburgh handled the George Pickens trade shrewdly by getting more value than expected, despite timing concerns. On the NBA front, a historic streak of road underdog wins has defined the second round, challenging long-standing beliefs about home-court advantage and playoff pressure. The Celtics' shooting woes and strategic rigidity have cost them dearly against the Knicks, while OKC's strength despite a Game 1 collapse was highlighted. Steph Curry’s injury impacts the Warriors’ odds substantially. Boston remains the favorite to bounce back based on statistical modeling, despite being down 0-2. 📉 George Pickens Trade : Traded to Cowboys for a 2026 3rd-round pick; Steelers gain slight value in draft capital (19:30–21:32). 📊 Draft Value Math : Using Jimmy Johnson and updated charts, Pickens' current estimated redraft value (~25th pick) was worth ~265 points; Steelers got ~450 value (20:43–21:32). 🧠 Tomlin vs. Pickens Behavior : Despite his talent, Pickens' maturity issues led Pittsburgh to deal him, believing the return justified the risk offload (12:08–14:12). 📉 Team WR Strategy : Steelers consistently draft talented WRs with red flags, benefit early, then trade them pre-extension (15:27–18:41). 🔍 Series Price Analysis : Boston was -800 pre-series vs. Knicks and now even money down 0-2; rare statistical territory (51:15–52:03). 🔥 NBA Underdog Run : 7 consecutive road dog wins; all Game 1s in Round 2 won by road teams – first in 25+ years (25:40–26:31). 🧮 Pacers Clutch Dominance : Biggest gap between regular net rating and clutch performance; #1 in late-game efficiency (35:13–35:48). 📉 Boston’s 3PT Woes : Missed 45 threes in Game 1, 30 in Game 2; yet lost by 3 and 1, respectively (52:47–54:06). 📈 Betting Strategy : Zigzag pattern (betting prior game losers) is 25-13-1 ATS this playoffs; first-half lines adjusting accordingly (47:13–47:34). 🤕 Curry Injury Impact : With Curry out 3 games, Timberwolves shift from -175 to -185 in series despite losing Game 1 (1:14:04–1:14:21). Opening Notes and Best Bets : RJ praises Mackenzie’s research and offers promotions. Fezzik and Mackenzie give early best bets. Timberwolves series pick becomes Mackenzie’s official bet (0:05–0:47). Handicappers’ Performances : Shaker, Esler, and Fezzik highlight strong baseball and NBA records. Promotions include full-year picks (0:48–4:24). Secretariat Horse Race Talk : Engaging diversion into Secretariat's historic Belmont win and horse-racing analogies (2:28–4:32). Pickens Trade Breakdown : Steelers trade WR Pickens to Cowboys. RJ and panel dissect trade values and Steelers' WR draft history (8:49–22:31). NFL Rest Schedule Impact : Discusses how rest days and bye-week opponents influence full-season rather than single-game outcomes (24:06–25:39). NBA Road Dogs & Series Surprises : Thunder’s Game 2 win caps seven straight road dog victories. Unprecedented all-road team Game 1 wins in Round 2 (25:40–26:31). Cleveland vs. Pacers Breakdown : Injuries to Garland and Mobley hurt Cavs. Pacers excel in clutch. Mackenzie argues for continued Pacers value (32:40–37:29). Celtics’ Struggles vs Knicks : Boston down 0-2 despite high-quality shots. Missed threes, underwhelming home performance. Historical rarity (52:03–55:38). Betting Market Adjustments : Lines largely unchanged despite injuries and upsets, implying lingering belief in favorites. Fezzik calls Boston series win best bet (1:03:13–1:04:07). Western Conference Futures : Without Curry, Minnesota becomes series favorite. Market still favors favorites despite underdog success rate (1:14:04–1:17:47). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices