The Gambler: Boston 2/19/10

Opponent: Boston Celtics
Line: -2.5

Gambler's Record: 20-20-1

"Dammit, Blue was old. That's what old people do. They die."
-Beanie, Old School

Oh Celtics, it was fun while it lasted. Through some shrewd front office moves you were able to assemble a "three headed monster" of future hall of famers.

You bought a title, and no one can blame you for it because we wish our teams would have done the same thing. But if Milton Friedman has taught us anything (besides how to topple an economy through industrial deregulation) it's that "there is no free lunch".

Simply stated, your team is old.

Bill Simmons takes ever opportunity to rip Rasheed Wallace's three-point shooting and pendulous man-breasts.

Ray Allen has gone from sniper to craps shooter. There's no telling if his shot is going in on a given night.

Paul Pierce can still score, but he cries like a baby, and Batum should frustrate him to no end tonight.

Garnett...well, Garnett is the saddest of all. Sure, he got his title, but now he's nothing more than a scowling face that no one takes seriously. Anything is possible indeed, except moving laterally on your tired knees.

It can't feel good to be a Boston fan right now. You know you're on the other side of the bell curve, and there is no coming back. You have begun your slow, somber march to the grave and there is nothing to save you. Your hall of famers are worthless trade chips with bloated salaries, in an era with an impending decline of player contracts.

No one wants what you're selling, and you're certainly not winning with what you've got. You sold your soul for a title, and now that bill has come due.

The Blazers made some exciting moves. Yes, there is an emotional hole where Blake and Outlaw once sat, but the excitement of what's to come will be the salve that heals the wound.

An eager crowd looking to play with their new toys, a superstar motivated to prove that this is his team, and a veteran looking to earn his status as a hired gun (and a sexy new free agent contract next season).

The ingredients are there for a Boston butt whoopin'.

Take the Blazers.