Remember how Arco Arena was once referred to as one of the toughest places to play as a visitor across the NBA? Apparently, it still is.
The Sacramento Kings are really good at home.
With last night’s come-from-behind win over the Jazz, the Kings improved to 7-3 at home on the season. Of those seven wins, the last four have come against Detroit, San Antonio, Houston and Utah. Of the three losses, two have come by two points to Cleveland and Phoenix respectively, and the one last week came to Golden State, only the league’s hottest team at the time.
We’re still not sold on this bunch overall, and it is hard to believe that they have been as effective as they have so far. But, and we’re certainly late on the gravy train here, beating the Kings – especially in Arco – can no longer be taken for granted by those opponents glancing down their schedules.
For a team with a young coach, swirling trade rumors and turmoil around the veterans and youngsters whose values remain largely uncertain, that says a lot.
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WASHINGTON over Cleveland (-0.5) – LeBron James is listed as questionable for this evening’s contest. Our interest in taking the Cavs then is similar.
Phoenix (-2.5) over TORONTO – The Suns may be a bit tired on the second-half of an Eastern back-to-back, but the health of Bosh, Bargnani and Ford remains uncertain for Toronto. It won’t be as easy without those three as it was against the Bobcats this weekend for the Raps.
Chicago over CHARLOTTE (-2.5) – The ‘Cats have lost six straight, many of them not close. Time to give the Bulls another try.
Boston (-7.5) over PHILADELPHIA – The C’s should come out playing more inspired basketball than they did in pulling out an ugly win over an undermanned Cavs team on Sunday.
New York over NEW JERSEY (-9.5) – The Knicks showed some resilience against Milwaukee and Phoenix this weekend and should be able to keep it close against a Nets team playing for the second straight night.
Detroit (-1.5) over NEW ORLEANS – Four straight wins for the Pistons. And they haven’t been close. We’ll buy in for now.
Dallas over SAN ANTONIO (-0.5) – Word is that Tim Duncan will sit at least until Friday against Utah. If that’s the case, we’ll pass here.
Memphis over HOUSTON (-10.5) – Too much inconsistency from the Rockets makes it hard to give significant quantities of points with them at this point.
DENVER (-5.5) over LA Lakers -- Since a nasty blowout loss in Los Angeles last Thursday, the Nugs appear to have righted the ship with two blowout victories. In the words of Daunte Culpepper, they will be looking to “get some getback” tonight. Whatever that means.
SEATTLE (-1.5) over LA Clippers – The Clippers appeared to be packing it in even before blowing a double-digit lead in the second half against Milwaukee last night. We’re about ready to lay off them for a while.
GOLDEN STATE (-6.5) over Milwaukee – Orlando might have been able to handle playing the tail end of a back-to-back in Oaktown. Suffice it to say, the Bucks are not the Magic. They will stumble against the team that is 8-2 since the return of Cap’n Jax.
Last night: 4-2
Season: 135-126
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