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The 2007 NBA finals will be great for sports investors, although it will go against many of the traditional rules weekend warrior bettors may be used to.

To start, large spreads are usually indicative of large market teams. The spread for game one Cle@SA is 7.5 points with the home team favored. Considering the finals are a showdown between the final survivors of each conference, 7.5 points is monumental.

Lets take a look at reason why SA may cover this spread.

1) They are considered the better team and easily have the better pedigree. SA, led by Tim Duncan who is widely considered a top 10 NBA player (if not higher) leads a team of savvy veterans who have been there, done that. Yet, they do not hold the same swagger other dynasties have (and yes, in todays day and age the Spurs are as much of a dynasty as the Patriots). In fact, since they are often ignored, they continue to play the game hard, as if they have a chip on their collective shoulders. This team never gives an inch, and takes every facet of the game seriously.

2) Its early in the series, and though an older team, they have had ample rest since defeating Utah to recuperate. Add to the fact that Cle has just come off a grueling series, and not just physically, but mentally. 2 losses by 3 points. One double overtime. And now all the hype surrounding them. That type of media and fan frenzy can wear down any team, but is even more the case when it comes to a younger team like the Cavs.

3) Beyond Duncan, they have a series of players who consistently show up in big games. Sometimes their heroics are staggered between them, but often times they show up all together. Duncan can have a bad game and hit a double-double, but it will be Parker, Ginobili, Bowen, Finley, Horry and the rest of the crew that simply will continue to pour it on. How many times has any one of those guys come through for their team? The bottom line, if any one of them is on their game, 7.5 points is a cake spread.

4) This is the finals, there is no need to conserve any more energy. SA saw what the rest of the world did, that the Cavs can play defense, rebound, and score in bunches when needed. And even moreso, they never give up. Teams like that are dangerous to stick around and the leadership and staff in SA will not make such a mistake.

Now, before you rush out and place your wagers though, lets look at reasons why Cle will beat the spread.

1) 7.5 points is a lot of points. Especially against a team playing full of confidence and was just crowned the Kings of the East. During the regular season, Cle easily beat this spread in fact, they beat SA straight up, both at home and on the road. In those 2 games they were 5.5 and 3.5 point underdogs.

2) LeBron is LeBron. When was the last time he had a bad game? Sure, his 20 points and 14 rebounds were not close to his previous performance, but I think I even saw a kitchen sink thrown at him from the Detroit bench. Meaning he controls a game both directly and indirectly. Mind you, it is conceivable the SA defense could shut him down and then the Cavs role players shoot bricks at an ice covered hoop all night, but this is the biggest series of all their lives and they have nothing to lose. No one expected them here, yet an entire region is now on their bandwagon. LeBron will make an impact, and that impact is enough to bridge a 7.5 point spread.

3) The Cavs are hot. They are 21-6-1 against the spread in their last 28 road games and 38-15-1 ATS in their last 54 game over all. Of the last 10 times they were underdogs, 80% of those cashed in profits for their fans. Take trends as you will, because honestly, you are only as good as your next game. But their last game was pretty good, as were the games before that. The bottom line is not only did they beat the Spurs straight up, twice this season, but they beat or tied the spread nearly 79% of the time on the road, and 80% of the time as underdogs in their recent history. Yet they are larger underdogs than before?

4) A quick glance will show SA as leaders in almost every statistical category, but a closer look will show the numbers are closer than it seems. SA has a decided edge in playoff ppg as a team, 97.9 versus the Cavs 90.9, but SA has played more offense orientated teams Denver, Utah and the Suns all push offense over defense. The Cavs meanwhile faced both Wash and NJ who definitely are capable of scoring, but not once were at the level of the Suns and only Wash came close to Denvers season output. Then, add in they played a season strong defense team in Detroit, and thought Ill let the fans argue what conference was better, the bottom line is SA played against teams that rely more on offense, and therefore allow more offense. They have not yet played a defensive team of the Cavs caliber. Which leads us to our next stat, rpg: SA=39.8, CLE=43.9. Cle has averaged more rpg against opponents who shot less. Which means they hit the boards significantly harder than SA. Looking at the numbers closer, 7.5 points seems like the lock of the year.

There you are, reasons and rationale why either team will make the 7.5 spread. You are now armed with all the knowledge you need to make a decision. However, before you go and lay down all your money one way or the other. Take a look at the series as a whole. The truth is, as far as the media is concerned, the Spurs will win this series in 5 or 6 games. And you know what? Given their deeper talent, familiarity with pressure and leadership, this should be true. But as sports investors, who wins this series is secondary. We dont get to hold any trophies. But like the multimillionaires, we too can earn nice financial bonuses off this series.

However Game 1 pans out, remember, the sportsbooks/bookies goal will be to make as much money as possible. And though you should have the same goal, they are in control. They have between 4 and 7 games to adjust the lines based on betting trends, shifting home courts and injuries, momentum of the series and more. Meaning, take 1 game at a time and only invest what you can afford to lose.

Provided by http://www.investingsports.com. Offering a 200% money back guarantee on investment tips. You now have the information to make a decision for yourself, and though both sides can be rationalized to make the spread, only one team will do it. Want to know which one? Want to get the winning investment tip that will guarantee you profit? Head on over now and get your NBA Finals investment tips.

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Celtics Original Ball Bag NBA Jersey Backpack

Support your favorite NBA team in one-of-a-kind style with this durable, jersey-style backpack, featuring removable name tag, side pen holder, side pocket and team name on front. 100% polyester mesh. Size: 14" x 12" x 4".

This article is not for quitters. It is for those of us who have a need to be successful in life and business. If you look closely at all great organizations, you will find a common trait among them and the top one being a second-to-none work ethic.

But, why do some of us have it and some do not?

I believe it's a matter of understanding one simple fact of life and that is "Success Is A Choice." We either choose to be successful or we do not.

When I taught Executive Leadership courses I did not use prepackaged material. Instead, I followed a leadership style I firmly believe in; Pitino's belief in the idea of free will.

Rick Pitino and I share similar beliefs, and although I am not a basketball fan, he is my favorite Coach. You may remember he led the Kentucky Wildcats to a spectacular 1996 national championship, and here's a quotation I still use when building strong teams.

"What's true on the basketball court is true in business and in life. You want to succeed? Okay, then succeed. Deserve it. How? Outwork everybody in sight. Sweat the small stuff. Go the extra mile. But whatever it takes put your heart and soul into everything you do. Leave it all-out on the court."

"But that won't happen unless you choose to make it happen.

Success is not a lucky break. It is not a divine right. It is not an accident of birth. SUCCESS IS A CHOICE."

Now, please imagine 30 CEOs and VPs sitting around a large conference table in Washington, DC. And, most of them were there because they felt they had to be and not because they wanted to be.

Imagine still that I'm standing in front of them, poised and ready to launch great missiles of wisdom, to an unaccommodating group of griping Executives.

Imagine again hearing me begin the session with this statement:

"You do not deserve success! I do, but you do not."

As you can predict, there was an insistent silence and I could almost hear the angry comments exploding in their collective minds. "Who does she think she is!" I grinned engagingly and continued.

"I deserve success because I believe success is a conscious choice we make. Let me see a show of hands if you're with me on that statement." No show of hands in this crowd.

"So, who would like to tell me why I'm wrong?" I asked.

"I'll tell you flat-out you're wrong. I've been leading people for over 30 years and I'm here to tell you not everyone can be successful!" Smug 'n Loving It retorts.

"Can you tell me why you believe that is true?" I respond making notes on the whiteboard sideways. (Never turn your back on a hostile crowd).

"Sure. There are lots of reasons.

1.) Maybe they did not have enough education,

2.) or, frontline management experience, or

3.) support at home or in the workplace. I've known all of those to cause failure in folks."

"I see. Well, let's examine the first one: success = education. Our premise now becomes if I do not have enough formal education I cannot be successful. Right?" Everyone nods their agreement.

"Similarly, I cannot do well if I do not have frontline management experience. Is that right?" A few heads nod.

"Lastly, it becomes I cannot thrive if I do not have
satisfactory support at home or in the workplace. So,
there is our belief. Does anyone see anything out of place
in our argument?"

It soon becomes obvious to them these are illogical foundations when viewed in black and white.

Quickly, Mr. Smug 'n Loving It begins to tap dance. "I meant those are reasons that contribute to underachievement", he snapped. All heads move up and down at his astute Fred Astaire recovery.

"I agree they are often thought to be contributing causes; however, the question on the table is whether we believe success is a conscious choice we make. Do we?" The majority of heads bob and weave grudgingly when Smug 'n Loving' It pipes in again.

"Sure. I'm just saying those 3 factors help decide our
success. That's all." I smile graciously and we move on.

"Great. Let's now turn to some of the common denominators we find in successful people," and I list them on the board.

1) Builds Self-Esteem

* Everyone likes to feel valued and good leaders promote
self-worth within their teams.

* Overachievers have high confidence. Conversely, Underachievers are often unfocused and easily frustrated. They tend to blame environmental reasons on their failures, and they are difficult to work with.

2) Sets Demanding Goals

3) Is Always Positive

4) Establishes Good Habits

5) Masters The Art Of Communication

6) Learns From Role Models

7) Thrives On Pressure

8) Be Ferociously Persistent

9) Learn From Adversity

10) Survive Success

** When you achieve success, don't sit back and think the work is over. The work is never over. True success is replicated; copied and constant.

"This list represents the basic principle that we must first deserve our success. And, when we consistently practice these 10 steps we become deserving of our reward".

"Clearly, everyone in this room will agree they do these 10 steps unconsciously." All 30 Execs smile their approval and we break off into groups to further define our action plans.

And, on that note, I will stop since this is an article and not a book about how to lead teams to victory.

However, it doesn't matter what you are trying to achieve: lose weight, stop smoking, become rich, become famous, become happy, become...you fill in the blank.

"But, that won't happen unless you choose to make it happen. Success is not a lucky break. It is not a divine right. It is not an accident of birth. SUCCESS IS A CHOICE."

If you first earn the right to be successful, you will become successful.

I will share with you on leaving, Mr. Smug 'n Loving It generously came up and shook my hand and said, "Dev, I will follow you anywhere."

Follow me. I will show you how to succeed online, in life, and in traditional business practices as well.

Dev Hobbins' Executive Management experience includes holding positions such as VP of Operations in the software/hard support industries, Ops-Call Centers, Academic Dean at the college level and Senior Quality & Training Director in the Telecommunications field.

Dev is a published author with over 25 years' experience in business management and development with numerous AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE in Leadership, TQM and Professional Development.

She holds undergraduate degrees in Education, Training and Development/Human Resource Development from the Southern Illinois State University and a dual Master of Science in Education from Connecticut State University.

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Mikasa BX1500 Composite Rubber Basketball Ultra-Tack (Official Size)

Official men's size and weight, 29-1/2" circumference. Premium game ball ; features a tacky rubber cover for extra control.

The NBA and its players represent a game of extraordinary skill, athleticism and grace, and, for good or bad, set an example for the entire basketball world, on the court and off of it. Like everything there must be balance between the positive side of things and the negative and it is even better if the positive side outweighs the negative.

On the NBA we have on the positive side, the players passion for the game, their commitment to the fans and respect for the history and tradition of the game. In regards to the negative, while the NBA has worked meticulously to eliminate fighting from the game, incidents such as that Saturday night at Madison Square Garden between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks show the public there is still much more to be done, or maybe tell us that the solutions are not being the ideal ones.

As a result NBA scoring leader Carmelo Anthony was suspended for 15 games and six other players were penalized as commissioner David Stern came down hard on both teams after the Nuggets and Knicks brawled at Madison Square Garden.

It is a shame for the fun of the game but the NBA is in its obligation to take the strongest possible measures to avoid such spectacles in the future and to make a statement to all who follow the game of basketball that they understand their obligations and take them seriously.

The main concern should be for the safety of the players and the fans, because when things such as these get out of hand you cannot predict or project where they're going to go.

Ally White is a top senior copy writer on sportsbook action for http://www.instantactionsports.com Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

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Armor Gear Dolly Llama Rolling 30" Duffel Bag

A wheeled duffel bag for the serious traveler who wants to pack a lot and still have room to add more along the way. The Armor Gear Dolly Llama combines heavy-duty protection, versatile performance, and ease of use when taking a maximum amount of gear on the road.
Customer Review: Armor Gear Dolly Llama Rolling Duffel Bag
They have cut back on their quality control, missing handle cover and stitching that failed during the first use of the latest bag. It use to be a great product that held up well to the airline baggage handler abuse.

You may be reading this article because your small business needs to attract and retain quality employees and you are considering offering some perks. You may already understand that good benefits are just as important as decent wages to support your applicant flow, land good candidates, and retain staff.

So how do you get started? Decide what direction you think will most appeal to your employees. Think like a parent: What programs are you interested in offering for their security and welfare? Who are you looking to attract? Answer those questions and then plan, plan, plan. Your time planning will lead to measurable goals over time and keep you out of trouble.

Start slow and maximize the perceived kindness of "the company." Always implement changes at a manageable pace. This will give you time to adjust your budget and ensure that you have parallel goals with your employees. If the benefits program you implement begins harming profitability you will need time to turn things around before you get in over your head.

In the beginning it could be as simple as focusing on your environment. A fun place to work is tops for most job seekers. Having a good time at work can be of greater interest than top pay in today's labor market. Most people would be satisfied even making a little less per hour if they enjoyed their job more. Try allowing space on your work site for a pool table, ping pong table, basketball hoop, etc. Giving employees time off during the day to blow off a little steam is another simple way to offer something and keep expenses low. Give your workers breaks on company pay for an extra 15 minutes a day (these breaks would be in addition to the regular time off required by law). Allow them to play miniature golf around the office or play Pictionary in the board room. These "games" can build a fun team atmosphere and they don't cost much.

Don't stop there! Today's workforce will want more. Benefits are a significant portion of my total compensation as a manager. I work in a fun environment, but many of my own employees take the company benefits programs for granted. We have some great perks as well. In reality, they may not understand all the company benefits that are offered. So be prepared to explain what you do provide. Employees may whine "ABC business down the street is starting new hires at $1.29 more per hour... How come I don't make that?" At the same time, they may have benefits with a net worth far greater than what the other company may be offering. Your pitch: "We give you more in the form of healthcare, vacation, sick pay, disability insurance, and peace of mind. We won't be closed in a year."

As the owner of a small business, don't think because it is not on their mind, or they are not bringing it up, it can be ignored. You should be chatting about the programs with your employees. Remember it is all in the presentation. Be prepared to list every perk, benefit, or alternative benefits program offered when a job candidate inquires.

Once you're ready to ramp up and offer a more costly program: profit sharing, tuition assistance, or health benefits, set your goals and then get an expert involved. Again planning is critical before you enter in this arena. There are laws that may apply as well as significant barriers to entry involved in starting one of these programs. That being said, many providers of healthcare and investment planners will help model a plan tailored for your unique business. They can offer solutions to get you started, once you know your goals.

The key to an effective benefits program is to know your people. What would they really appreciate? Focus on what will provide you the best bang for your buck. Often it is the smallest things and least expensive things, like more time off with their family that will win them over.

Visit http://www.manageup.net a web site dedicated to organizational leadership.

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