NBA Games: 3/7/11

Thanks to some fortuitous injuries and omissions, there are some fantastic betting lines today.

Blazers vs. Magic

Ordinarily, this would be a difficult pick. Both teams are hot and have been playing good basketball lately and are fighting for playoff seeding. However, Dwight Howard is suspended for this game due to receiving 16 technical fouls this season. This tips the scales in Portland's favor and allows me to confidently pick them at +1.5, with 3 points of insurance.

Clippers vs. Bobcats

Don't touch this game. The 5-25 road win Clippers are playing an equally dreadful Charlotte team without Stephen Jackson. For all we know, they could both lose.

Knicks vs. Jazz

Go with the Knicks on the money line at (-250). This is a great line, as the Jazz have been slumping hard without Deron Williams and they could be without Paul Milsap due to a knee injury. Look for Melo and Stat to dominate this Jazz squad that has run out of stars.

Bulls vs. Hornets

Go with the Bulls at (-750) and call it a security pick for your portfolio. New Orleans will be playing without CP3, as he suffered a concussion against Cleveland. New Orleans can not afford losing their all star and then playing against a red hot Bulls team that is coming off a huge emotional victory Miami.

Mavericks vs. Timberwolves

Although their 8-game winning streak was snapped, the Mavs have won 16 of 17 against the Timberwolves. As such, playing them on a (-300) money line is a fantastic gambling opportunity. The Mavs will halt their skid here and right their ship against a Timberwolves team that has never really gotten it together.

Thunder vs. Grizzlies

Both coming off big wins last night, the Grizzlies will try and keep their playoff run alive with a win against OKC. Although I believe it could happen, I'm going to call OKC at +3 and then push it to +6. Both teams have been playing great basketball recently and I think it is going to be a close game. When in doubt, take the points.

Rockets vs. Kings

The Rockets at (-190) is a great line to bet on. They are hungry for a playoff spot and are charging into contention, winning 6 of 7. Meanwhile, the Kings have been playing terrible and have lost 4 of their past 5. This will be an easy win for the Rockets.