Scab Refs

Scab Refs fROM espn game recap -- Substitute referees filling in during a lockout of the regular officials blew their whistles often, calling 56 personal fouls, including one on Yi just 2 seconds into the game. I've never liked the officiating in the NBA and I know it keeps a lot of people away from betting it. It is still my second best sport, profit-wise. However, after giving it more thought, this could be very bad for bettors. I think the replacements could conceivably do worse. Not to mention being easily corrupted.

I see it the other way. I think any random changes like this where there might be a need for adjustment is a "possible" advantage for the sharp bettor. Ref changes, rule changes, possible corruption? Bring em on... Hopefully, we can figure it out faster than the market. The ultimate nightmare would be a league so stagnant thatthe power ratings and scoring remained very similar season to season. Worst case is these guys are horrible and/or corrupt.. there is just a little more randomness to our NBA bets. There is no reason to think you will be on the bad end of the crooked refs more often than not. if these guys show a tendency like being too whistle happy, maybe we get an early edge on some over bets. I think there's a much better chance to make money off the situation than to be hurt by it.