It's Sunday and there are five games on the NBA slate for
today. Some of them happen to be matinee plays. I have a bet on all five of
them, so fasten your seat belts; here we go.
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards
Both these teams have a few things in common. They are both struggling more then some thought and they both have very big under trends this
season. Boston and Washington have had 19 out of their last 29 combined games
go under. The Wizards have seemingly been playing better on the offensive end
as of late, but against the Celtics' defense; they won't go over their season
average by much, if at all. This game is being played at 1 PM EST, which means
that the players had to get an early start to the day, so their offensive games
will struggle.
My Pick: 'under' 185.5
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The health of a couple of key players has a lot to do with this game appearing in my NBA picks. The Italian Stallion Andrea Bargnani is a game time
decision with a calf strain. He has missed the Raptor's last five games. On the
other side, Chris Paul is yet again a game time decision and even if he goes,
expect to see him play limited minutes. The outcome on the game really rests on whether Bargnani plays or not. The Clippers have enough to have a big game here
either way. However, the uncertainty with these key players is enough for a
value under bet.The Raptors have averaged only 79 points per game in Bargnani's
absence. Plus, this game being an early start out West will have the same effect
as it will on the Boston and Washington game. Caron Butler also looks like he
will miss the game.
My Pick: 'under' 184.5
Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat
One trend that has been very consistent throughout the short
season so far is the Heat's ability to blowout teams at home. Even though it
seems like once again Dwayne Wade will miss a game, the fact that
Mike Miller has returned from his sports hernia and can fill in for Wade has
helped the Heat a lot. However, Miami has an ATS record coming off of back to
backs of only 1-3. Plus, Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in their last six games versus
Miami. Look for the Bucks to come out hot. No one on Miami can handle Brandon
Jennings on the defensive end. It was the same story in New York and look what
happened there.
My Pick: Bucks +9.5
Rapid fire time!
Charlotte Bobcats vs New Jersey Nets
Why this total is as high as 193.5 after both these teams
played last night and had bad games is beyond me. Both of these teams rank in
the bottom of the NBA in points scored and with two teams who don't have much
offense, if one of their key components are off tonight, this should be a game
in the 70s. Bank on this game being an ugly one.
My Pick: 'under' 193.5
Indiana Pacers vs Los Angeles Lakers
The second game of the day in the Staples Center features
those boys from Indiana heading into the Big City. Even though the Lakers have
been struggling lately, they have been playing well at home. Los Angeles is 9-1
SU at home and 6-4 ATS when playing at Staples. They have had a good day off
and the Pacers are on the tail end of a tough west coast road trip. I see Kobe
and company taking care of business against Indiana tonight. Also, look for
this game to be very low scoring with two defensive minded teams.
My Pick: Lakers -5.5 and 'under' 179