Unlike yesterday, there are some great NBA opportunities available for today. Let's break them down.
Raptors vs. Nets
My pick is the Nets at (-155). They have been playing better each successive game since acquiring superstar Deron Williams. Also, these teams are playing in London, so look for D-Will to rise up to the big stage. New Jersey is trying to end a 6-game slump here, and a struggling Toronto team is the perfect way to do it.
Bulls vs. Magic
My pick is the Bulls at (+1.5), with 3 points of insurance. The Magic are coming off of a hard fought win at Miami and they will be going against a formerly hot Bulls team that just collapsed against Atlanta. Look for D-Rose and co to bounce back against Dwight Howard, and at the very least keep the score within 4.
Timberwolves vs. 76ers
Go with the 76ers at (-500). In a day like this, with a ton of close games, you need some security in your portfolio. Minnesota is 5-25 away, and don't expect it to change against a Philadelphia team that is motivated by a playoff push and the jostle for seeding. However, I don't think that the 76ers will necessarily blow them out, so I would stay away from the spread.
Warriors vs. Celtics
In another attempt to bring security to your daily portfolio, go with the Celtics at (-550). They are playing inspired basketball of late and they are going against a slumping and road-weary Warriors team. The Celtics are 26-5 at home and will be playing hard in order to integrate Jeff Green into the rotation.
Cavs vs. Knicks
An interesting game. No money line is being offered and the Knicks are (-12.5). However, they will be playing without Chauncey Billups against a Cleveland team sans Antawn Jamisen. The Cavs have twice upset the Knicks this season, but don't expect that trend to continue. Play Cleveland at +15.5, look for them to keep the game close. Also, if it is a blowout, look for New York to rest its starters.
Thunder vs. Hawks
I'm not touching this game. The Thunder will be missing Kevin Durant and The Hawks' Josh Smith is day-to-day. However, Russell Westbrook and Al Horford will be playing for their respective teams. My tentative pick: Russell Westbrook leads the Thunder to at least within 4, so bet on OKC at +4.
Hornets vs. Grizzlies
An interesting game. The Hornets and CP3 will likely try and end a 3 game skid and protect their half-game lead against the Memphis Grizzlies. Look for Chris Paul to come out strong and play hard and try to end Memphis' 5-game home win streak. That being said, I still think the Grizzlies have a good shot at winning, but not by more than 8.5, that being said, bet on the Hornets at +5.5 and buy 3 points of insurance.
Pacers vs. Mavs
Since the honeymoon period of Coach Vogel is over, I do not think the Pacers have what it takes to stop the 7-game win streak of the Dallas Mavericks. They just had an ugly road loss to an OKC team that missed Kevin Durant, and the Mavericks have been on a tear through every team that they have faced. Go with the Mavericks at (-400).
Suns vs. Bucks
Go with the Suns on the money line at (-145). They are looking to get back into the playoff hunt after losing at Boston and the Bucks have been slumping hard recently. They have won four out of their past 5 meetings with the Bucks and they will look to make it 5 of 6. They also badly need this game, as they are 1 and a half games out of a playoff seed. Look for Phoenix to be playing inspired basketball and earn a hard-fought road win.
Spurs vs. Heat
Go with the Heat at +2, and buy 3 points of insurance to make it a +5. The Heat are looking to bounce back against consecutive embarrassing losses and are desperately craving a statement victory. Also, the Spurs will be without Tony Parker, so the Heat's seeming inability to guard star point guards will not be a factor. Although the Spurs will likely win, the Heat rarely have lost by more than 5 points this year and do not expect it to start in San Antonio.
Lakers vs. Bobcats
Go with the Lakers at -12, and buy 3 to push it down to -9. The Lakers are looking to avenge an ugly loss to the Bobcats earlier in the season and beat a team that has beaten them 8 of 10 times. However, these two victories came when Gerald Wallace (now traded) was injured. You have to like the chances of a Lakers team who has won five straight, playing at home against a Charlotte team that just got beat by 40 points to the new-look Nuggets.
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