31 January 2008

The Picksix: Spurs depleted

LA Lakers over DETROIT (-7.5) -- The Pistons haven't been blowing anyone out as of late. With Kobe and a supporting cast that continues to improve (even sans Bynum), this Lakers team remains competitive at the very least.

BOSTON (-2.5) over Dallas -- The Celts return home after a two-game Florida swing and should be getting at least one if not both of their missing stars back. Could swirling trade rumors cause a distraction for the Mavs? Here's hoping so.

Cleveland (-5.5) over SEATTLE -- The country saw what Bron did to put the dagger in the Blazers on Wednesday night. The red-hot Cavs will ride the wave.

PHOENIX (-8.5) over San Antonio -- No Tony Parker plus no consistency as of late adds up to us giving more points than we ever have before against the black and silver.

Last night: 3-7
Season: 346-328

30 January 2008

The Picksix: Riding Bron

Milwaukee over PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) -- The Bucks aren't good, but giving more than a touchdown with the Sixers is an idea that makes us queasy.

TORONTO (-6.5) over Washington -- It is hard to see the Raps playing two poor games in a row at this point (especially against the same team), and it's harder to see the Wizards being able to survive a second night against them without Caron Butler.

Miami over ORLANDO (-13.5) -- If last night's drubbing by the Celts' reserves doesn't get Wade's juices flowing enough to keep the Heat pseudo-competitive, we're not sure what will.

Denver (-0.5) over MEMPHIS -- Mike Conley is doubtful. Despite the loss of Melo, the Nugs have AI and Marcus Camby. Memphis doesn't.

NEW ORLEANS (-7.5) over Golden State -- They're just too hot to lean away from at this point.

Chicago over MINNESOTA (-2.5) -- Hey! It's Kirk Hinrich, pro basketball player! Perhaps he'll stick around for a while.

Cleveland over PORTLAND (-3.5) -- The Blazers have cooled considerably, and the Cavs haven't. Bron is at another level right now.

UTAH (-12.5) over New York -- Every Utah home game, we tell you that Utah is "alot"-3 at home, and most of the time, they proceed to stomp over whoever is next in line to challenge them. Let's do that again.

Charlotte over SACRAMENTO (-6.5) -- The Cats continue to play their best basketball of the season, and the Kings have been in a few tight ones as of late, as well as a blowout loss to the Clips. We'll lay off the points.

Atlanta (-2.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- The Clips really aren't an attractive pick without a lot of points these days.

Last night: 5-4
Season: 343-321

29 January 2008

The Picksix: Knicks to keep hanging tough?

Toronto over WASHINGTON (-3.5) -- The Raps have won seven of nine, and Jose Calderon is tearing it up at the point as of late.

Detroit (-6.5) over INDIANA -- The Pistons appeared to wake up a bit as they coasted to a victory over Orlando on Friday night. The Pacers lost in Miami; we'll take it easy with them for a bit.

Boston (-6.5) over MIAMI -- They'll take care of business this time around.

Milwaukee over NEW JERSEY (-7.5) -- The Nets' season is hanging by a thread, as they have lost nine straight, and trade rumors are swirling.

CHICAGO (-4.5) over Minnesota -- The Wolves won't be showing up for a second consecutive game.

Golden State over HOUSTON (-1.5) -- The Warriors will run the Rockets hard, the surest way to take Yao Ming out of his game.

PHOENIX (-11.5) over Atlanta -- The fatigue of the midst of a West Coast trip will show itself for the Hawks, and the Suns will get some revenge for a loss in Atlanta earlier in the season.

San Antonio (-8.5) over SEATTLE -- Here's to Tony Parker not being as bad as he was last night.

LA LAKERS (-9.5) over New York -- The Lakers will look to rebound after a tough loss to the LeBrons, and sooner or later, the Knicks will stop playing competitive basketball.

Last night: 3-1
Season: 338-317

28 January 2008

The Picksix: Letdown in the works for Hornets?

Denver over NEW ORLEANS (-9.5) -- The percentages say that the Hornets will have to lose -- or at least not dominate -- a game at some point over the course of the rest of the season. A slight drop in energy after a decisive win over the Spurs down in the Alamo seems reasonable enough. Maybe not enough of a drop to lead to a loss, but enough of one to allow the Nugs to keep it close.

Dallas (-7.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Grizz are banged up, and the Mavs are scorching hot right now.

UTAH (-2.5) over San Antonio -- The Spurs looked quite mortal on Saturday against New Orleans. The Jazz have won 18 of 21 at home.

Charlotte over LA CLIPPERS (-4.5) -- The Bobcats have been battling of late. The Clips haven't, and Chris Kaman's status is questionable after missing Saturday night's game in Memphis with a shin injury.

Last night: 4-6
Season: 335-316

27 January 2008

The Picksix: Sonics still stumbling

Phoenix (-7.5) over CHICAGO -- The Suns will ride the wave of their 13-point comeback to beat the Cavs at the gun on Friday night.

Boston (-2.5) over ORLANDO -- The Celts supposedly get James Posey back and should look sharp against an Orlando team with whom they have split their first two meetings.

Cleveland over LA LAKERS (-4.5) -- The Cavs are very hot. Giving points with the Bynum-less Lakers against good teams seems like a stretch at this point.

PORTLAND (-6.5) over Atlanta -- The Hawks got their win for the West Coast trip in Seattle on Friday. No redux necessary.

Washington (-0.5) over MILWAUKEE
New Jersey over MINNESOTA (-1.5)


The road teams are simply the better squad in both of those games.

Denver over DALLAS (-8.5) -- Too many points. A common theme with Dallas.

Utah over HOUSTON (-4.5) -- Which stud Houston point guard is stopping Deron Williams?

GOLDEN STATE (-11.5) over New York -- The Warriors should be running plenty of odd-man breaks given that, in addition to their usual frenetic pace, Z-Bo and Eddy Curry don't have a desire to be back on defense in the first place.

Sacramento (-3.5) over SEATTLE -- The Sonics remain oh for oh-eight. No need to expect that to change here.

Last night: 2-2
Season: 331-310


26 January 2008

Audible: Grizzlies' health in doubt

LA Clippers over MEMPHIS (-5.5) -- Pau Gasol and Mike Conley are both being listed as questionable, and word from Memphis is that Conley's chest/rib injury last night was at least somewhat serious and is most likely to keep him out tonight. We'll pass on giving points with the Grizz.

The Picksix: Stingers to get tested

Indiana (-0.5) over MIAMI -- The Heat are indeed that bad.

CHARLOTTE (-3.5) over Philadelphia -- If the 'Cats can get a road win every now and then (as they did in Chi-town last night) to go with their play at home as of late, they're going to become legitimately dangerous.

MEMPHIS (-5.5) over LA Clippers -- The Grizz have been moderately competent at home as of late. The Clips haven't been competent anywhere.

New Orleans over SAN ANTONIO (-6.5) -- The Hornets have been wiping out all comers. Here's guessing they will at least hang in against the Spurs.

Last night: 4-9
Season: 329-308

25 January 2008

The Picksix: A rare Sonics victory in the works?

Memphis over WASHINGTON (-8.5) -- The Wizards come off a 36-point beatdown at the hands of the Cavs, and the Grizz continue to play improved basketball with Mike Conley at the helm of the offense.

Orlando over DETROIT (-7.5) -- The Pistons aren't exactly blowing foes out of the water of late, and the Magic certainly gave them a game on Monday.

TORONTO (-9.5) over Milwaukee -- The Raps have won six of eight and been particularly convincing at home. The Bucks sit at just 5-19 on the road.

CLEVELAND over Phoenix (-1.5) -- The Cavs have won nine of ten. Phoenix remains a wild-card.

BOSTON (-14.5) over 2006-07 Celtics w/out Paul Pierce -- You won't hear many (any) C's fans pining for the good ol' 24-win days any time soon.

Philadelphia over NEW YORK (-2.5) -- Doctrine.

NEW ORLEANS (-10.5) over LA Clippers -- The Hornets have won 14 of 16, and most of them haven't been close.

CHICAGO (-3.5) over Charlotte -- The Bulls already have three convincing victories over the 'Cats this season, and Charlotte is much more competitive at home in the first place.

LA Lakers over DALLAS (-8.5) -- Too many points.

UTAH (-7.5) over Sacramento -- The Jazz put the bop down at home with astounding regularity. They are 17-3 at home and 8-2 in their last ten overall. Keep the mo' going, fellas.

DENVER (-7.5) over New Jersey -- The Nets play back-to-back games against two of the three fastest-paced teams in the league, and the tail end comes in the high altitudes of Denver. Doesn't sound like a formula for success.

PORTLAND (-1.5) over Houston -- The Blazers are the better basketball team, and they have been rolling at home as well, with a 17-3 mark thus far.

SEATTLE over Atlanta (-1.5) -- The Hawks have lost four in a row and are just 5-12 on the road. Meanwhile, Seattle played the Rockets tough in both ends of a home-and-home. Perhaps they can eke one out here.

Last night: 1-2
Season: 325-299

24 January 2008

The Picksix: Nets to keep slumping in Oaktown

San Antonio (-8.5) over MIAMI -- Not touching the Heat anytime soon.

MILWAUKEE (-3.5) over Indiana -- Two confusing teams. Pacers play the tail end of a back-to-back on the road, and the Bucks are pretty decent at home. Sounds good.

GOLDEN STATE (-8.5) over New Jersey -- Three losses to start their West Coast trip (including a 34-point bopping in Sacramento) have given us no reason to like the Nets any more than we did a week ago.

Last night: 2-10
Season: 324-297

22 January 2008

The Picksix: Streakers collide in Cleveland

Detroit (-5.5) over PHILADELPHIA -- The Pistons are cold as of late and should be peeved after Rashard Lewis sunk them with a buzzer-beater on MLK Day in Orlando.

Washington over CLEVELAND (-5.5) -- Don't look now, but the Wiz have won 7 of 9 and the Cavs 8 of 9. These two teams like to battle each other, and it should be close to the end.

CHARLOTTE over Dallas (-6.5) -- Despite Monday's loss to San Antonio, the Cats are playing excellent basketball of late, particularly at home.

BOSTON (-9.5) over Toronto -- The Celtics look to finish off a season sweep of the defending Atlantic Division champs. They look to have gotten their mojo back after a rough patch a week ago.

Orlando (-2.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Magic are better on the road than at home, and perhaps they will be kick-started by the dramatic win over the Pistons on Monday.

Phoenix (-8.5) over MINNESOTA -- Hard to imagine a second consecutive competent performance from the Wolves. Further, the Suns won't be forgetting that they lost to this group earlier this season anytime soon.

Portland over NEW ORLEANS (-6.5) -- When two super-duper hot teams collide, taking the points generally seems like the solid way to go. Sooner or later, somebody has to avoid getting blown out in the land of the Mardi Gras.

Indiana over CHICAGO (-3.5) -- We're back to making the Bulls beat us after their loss in Memphis earlier in the week.

LA Lakers over SAN ANTONIO (-6.5) -- At 3-4 in their last seven and 5-5 in their last ten, this Spurs team has become increasingly unreliable as of late. Basic logic says the Lakers should be in big trouble without the youngster in the pivot, but perhaps they will hang around just long enough to keep this one close.

Atlanta over DENVER (-4.5) -- In addition to the fact that the Nuggets have been a bit shaky since the Nene news broke, Melo Anthony is doubtful after sustaining an ankle injury against the Lakers on Monday.

Houston (-5.5) over SEATTLE -- The Sonics are 0-10 on the month, and six of those losses have come by at least 15 points. No thanks.

Sacramento over LA CLIPPERS (-0.5) -- Conventional logic pushes us toward simply taking the home team here, but the Kings are playing their best ball of the season of late, having won six of eight. It helps to have folks healthy.

Last night: 2-0
Season: 322-287

The Picksix: Kings to stay studly at home?

Phoenix (-5.5) over MILWAUKEE -- The top five teams in the Western Conference are separated by a total of two and a half games and the top eight by four and a half. Sooner or later, certain units will have to start separating themselves from the pack. Winning easily against inferior opponents is one way to start doing that. The Suns should take care of business here.

SACRAMENTO (-5.5) over New Jersey -- The Kings have won 5 of 7, including wins over Orlando, Dallas and Detroit. The Nets have no mo' going right now with five straight losses. Look for more of the same on both ends.

Last night: 7-6
Season: 320-287

21 January 2008

The Picksix: Big slate, little time on MLK Day

Running out the door to find a sports bar to catch Celts-Knicks this morning, so we're just going with some quick-hitters today. Possibly back with explanations later in the day.

San Antonio (-5.5) over CHARLOTTE
Boston (-8.5) over NEW YORK
Dallas (-3.5) over WASHINGTON
Portland over Atlanta (-3.5)
Indiana over PHILADELPHIA (-3.5)
HOUSTON (-12.5) over Seattle
NEW ORLEANS (-8.5) over Milwaukee
LA CLIPPERS over Utah (-4.5)
Minnesota over GOLDEN STATE (-14.5)
Chicago over MEMPHIS (-3.5)
Detroit (-0.5) 0ver ORLANDO
Cleveland (-4.5) over MIAMI
Denver over LA LAKERS (-4.5)


Last night: 1-0
Season: 313-281


20 January 2008

The Picksix: Slow Sunday

PHOENIX (-11.5) over New Jersey -- Losers of four straight, the Nets come off an overtime loss in Los Angeles with an immediate trip into the Valley of the Sun. Seems like a formula for disaster.

Enjoy your conference championships today, folks.

Last night: 4-7
Season: 312-281

19 January 2008

The Picksix: Big D's to romp

Portland over ORLANDO (-5.5) -- The 'dog has lost 3 of 22; the favorite has won 8 of 21 and doesn't play well at home. Thanks but no thanks.

Toronto (-1.5) over PHILADELPHIA -- The Raps appear to be heating up, with wins in five of six. The Sixers are solidly embedded at "mediocre."

Sacramento over INDIANA (-5.5) -- This Kings team has been competing with all comers of late, and the Pacers are once more in the midst of off-court turmoil, this time regarding the status of Jamaal Tinsley. We'll take the points.

Memphis over CHARLOTTE (-5.5) -- A nice week followed by a 28-point loss for a 15-24 team doesn't equate to giving this many points out of nowhere. Memphis has continued to play well with Mike Conley, and they crushed the Sonics last night.

MIAMI (-3.5) over New York -- We're going to need Tek back sooner than anticipated.

CHICAGO over Detroit (-5.5) -- The Bulls can do two things decently well: beat really bad teams (the Knicks loss excepted) and hang with the Pistons, having won both prior meetings between the teams this season. They should at least find a way to hang in this one.

Golden State over MILWAUKEE (-1.5) -- Even an 11-5 home mark hasn't sold us on the Bucks as favorites against anybody decent yet.

San Antonio (-2.5) over HOUSTON -- Whether or not Tracy McGrady plays, the Spurs are better than Houston and will rectify an early season loss tonight.

DALLAS (-15.5) over Seattle and DENVER (-13.5) over Minnesota -- Both of the 'dogs in these two games have been getting absolutely hammered as of late. While the points might be high, at least one (if not both) of these games should be blowouts. And you know if we go separate ways on the two games that we'll lose both.

LA CLIPPERS over New Jersey (-3.5) -- The Nets are cold, having lost three straight, and a crucial part of their 18-20 record has been their inability to beat the teams they really should beat (see: home losses to the Clips and Sacramento).

Last night: 7-3
Season: 308-274

18 January 2008

The Picksix: Blowouts galore?

Atlanta over TORONTO (-6.5) -- Two inconsistent teams inevitably leads to the "take the points or the home team?" quandary. Line seems high enough to take the points.

Portland (-4.5) over MIAMI -- Miami is going to have to make us pay a few times before we hop back on the Heat's wagon.

WASHINGTON (-7.5) over New York -- Tek remains in Greece. The Doctrine stands. How long can the Knicks continue to play like a professional team anyway?

BOSTON (-10.5) over Philadelphia -- Even without Rajon Rondo, the C's appeared to get their mojo back late against the Blazers at home on Wednesday. Taking care of Philly should be doable enough.

DETROIT (-9.5) over Sacramento -- Despite the improved health in Sacramento, the Kings should be no match for the Pistons at the Palace.

NEW ORLEANS (-8.5) over Charlotte -- Though the 'Cats have been on a mini-run as of late, they remain a 2-12 road team, and the Hornets have been putting beatings on all comers as of late.

MEMPHIS (-6.5) over Seattle -- The Grizzlies are far more likable with Mike Conley running the show on offense, and the Sonics come off a 31-point beatdown from the Hornets without great prospects for a speedy recovery.

Minnesota over PHOENIX (-14.5) -- The Suns have been particularly inconsistent against the teams they should blow out this season. Playing the tail end of a back-to-back, they may not be firing on all cylinders tonight.

UTAH (-10.5) over LA Clippers -- Opponents are 3-16 in Utah this season, and most have left with particularly ugly losses.

Golden State (-1.5) over CHICAGO -- We're officially adopting a "We'll believe it when we see it" approach to the Bulls' efforts to salvage their season

Last night: 2-1
Season: 301-271

17 January 2008

The Picksix: Lakers running into trouble sans Bynum?

Cleveland over SAN ANTONIO (-7.5) -- The Cavs may still feel like they have something to prove. The Spurs know that these sorts of things aren't proven in January (see Cleveland's regular season sweep over San Antonio last year for details) and won't be looking to make a statement. Even if they win, it will be close.

Utah over DENVER (-4.5) -- Though the Jazz are a poor 6-14 on the road, a four-game winning streak at home may have jumpstarted them for good. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are reeling after back-to-back losses in Charlotte and Atlanta and the news of Nene's tumor.

Phoenix (-1.5) over LA LAKERS -- No Andrew Bynum could mean Amare Stoudemire running absolutely wild in the paint tonight.

Last night: 3-5
Season: 299-270

16 January 2008

The Picksix: Sonics to get stung tonight

Sacramento over TORONTO (-5.5) -- The Kings appear to have been jumpstarted by the return of Kevin Martin, who, as TrueHoop's Henry Abbott points out, has 64 points on 25 field goal attempts in his first two games back from injury.

Orlando (-2.5) over CHARLOTTE -- The Magic won't be taking the 'Cats lightly after Charlotte's victories over Boston and Denver (and overtime losses to Cleveland and Detroit) in the past week.

Golden State over INDIANA (-0.5) -- Even though they played last night, Golden State is enough of a better team that the Warriors should still be fresh enough to take down the Pacers.

Chicago (-0.5) over MIAMI -- The Heat remain 0-for-2008. We'll take our chances against them.

BOSTON (-9.5) over Portland -- They have to come out of the mini-slump soon, right? Right? Please?

NEW JERSEY (-8.5) over New York -- Tek is in Greece for the week, and it would really be a shame to change the Doctrine without his blessing. So despite the Knicks' back-to-back double-digit wins over quality Eastern Conference foes and the Nets' back-to-back home losses, we'll stick against Isiah here.

NEW ORLEANS (-11.5) over Seattle -- The Hornets are really, really good.

Atlanta over MILWAUKEE (-3.5) -- The Bucks are inconsistent, and the Hawks have grabbed two well-played wins in a row to get back to .500. They will keep the momentum going tonight.

Last night: 2-6
Season: 296-265

15 January 2008

The Picksix: Suns and Rockets to romp

Denver over ATLANTA (-2.5) -- The Nuggets should bounce back from a rough defensive outing last night in Charlotte.

Chicago over ORLANDO (-6.5) -- The Magic have been inconsistent of late, and they aren't dominant at home, having won just 7 of 15 in Orlando. The Bulls keep this one close.

Washington (-2.5) over NEW YORK -- Doctrine. And given the Wizards' recent home-and-home sweep over the C's, why not?

DETROIT (-8.5) over Toronto -- A 25-point loss to the Knicks coupled with a squeaker in Charlotte should have the Pistons raring to get one back.

Golden State (-7.5) over MINNESOTA -- The Wolves are 1-5 in 2008, with all five losses coming by double-digit margins.

Cleveland (-1.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Cavs have gotten off to a 5-1 start in the new year primarily by beating bad teams (Sacramento, Seattle, Charlotte). Tonight will be more of the same in Memphis.

HOUSTON (-9.5) over Philadelphia -- Playing Texas games on back-to-back nights won't serve the Sixers well. The Rockets have been rolling it up on inferior opponents of late, Sunday's loss to New Orleans (not an inferior opponent) excepted.

Phoenix (-7.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- Because we've got no reason to assume this night will be any different than the Suns' last trip to the Staples Center, in which they flattened the Clips by 20.

Last night: 4-3
Season: 294-259

14 January 2008

The Picksix: Nuggets heating up

Denver (-4.5) over CHARLOTTE -- The Nuggets have won four of five to start the new year, and they are winning convincingly, with the last three coming by double-digits. Though the 'Cats have battled hard as of late, they won't get it done tonight.

BOSTON (-13.5) over Washington -- After a week filled with losses to the Bobcats and Wiz sandwiched around a moderately sloppy victory in Jersey, some Celts loyalists are already acting like the apocalypse is upon us. And the team is 30-5. They will spank Washington in the back end of a home and home tonight.

Portland over NEW JERSEY (-4.5) -- Despite the loss to Toronto yesterday, we're not hopping off this Blazer wagon any time soon.

Philadelphia over SAN ANTONIO (-13.5) -- Too many points for a San Antonio team that doesn't care if it wins by one or one hundred.

UTAH (-9.5) over Milwaukee -- Despite not covering against the Magic, the Jazz improved to 15-3 at home on Saturday night, and they should dominate a weary Bucks team finishing up a stretch of three games in four days out west.

SACRAMENTO over Dallas (-4.5) -- Kevin Martin was excellent in his return on Saturday, and his presence along with the rabid Arco crowd should allow the Kings to hang in with a Dallas team that suddenly finds itself seated atop the Western Conference.

LA Lakers (-7.5) over SEATTLE -- The Lakers are a lot better than the Sonics. Sometimes, it really is that simple.

Last night: 2-4
Season: 290-256

13 January 2008

The Picksix: Feeling bullish

Portland over TORONTO (-3.5) -- No complaints about getting points with the team that has won 17 of 18.

Chicago over ATLANTA (-3.5) -- The Hawks have lost 5 of 6, and the Bulls dismantled Atlanta with relative ease when the two teams met earlier in the season.

New Orleans over HOUSTON (-3.5) -- The Hornets are better and more consistent.

Detroit (-8.5) over NEW YORK -- Doctrine.

GOLDEN STATE (-9.5) over Indiana -- Playing the tail end of a back-to-back and your fourth game in sixth nights in Oakland against the frenetic Warriors probably isn't a formula for fresh legs.

Memphis over LA LAKERS (-13.5) -- The Grizz should come out with renewed energy after getting smacked by the Warriors. This is simply too many points to give.

Last night: 1-6
Season: 288-252

12 January 2008

The Picksix: Jazz look to keep the good times rolling at home

Detroit (-7.5) over CHARLOTTE -- The 'Cats may be tired after a double-overtime loss in Cleveland. Meanwhile, having seen that Charlotte beat Boston and played Cleveland to the wire over a three-day span, the Pistons won't be taking the Bobcats lightly.

Boston (-6.5) over WASHINGTON -- A 23-9 fourth quarter spearheaded by the efforts of Big Baby Davis and the rest of the Celts' second unit appeared to get the C's back on track last night in Jersey. Should carry into the nation's capital tonight.

Minnesota over SAN ANTONIO (-14.5) -- Too many points. And how much effort could the Wolves have expended in losing by 31 in Houston last night in the first place?

PHOENIX (-11.5) over Milwaukee -- The Bucks come off a tiring loss in Los Angeles last night, while Steve Nash is likely to return for a Suns team that got destroyed in his absence on Thursday.

UTAH (-6.5) over Orlando -- The Magic have considerably cooled since the start of the season, and this road trip has featured poorly played losses in Sacramento and Denver and a not-so-dominant victory over the Clips. The Jazz dominate at home, where they are 14-3 on the season. Should be more of the same for both teams.

Indiana over SACRAMENTO (-4.5) -- Once Kevin Martin returns, we'll consider giving a few points at home every now and then with the Kings. Until then, we'll pass.

Dallas (-8.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- What's to like about the Clips at this point? Yep, not much.

Last night: 9-2
Season: 287-246

11 January 2008

The Picksix: La La Land Boys Keep Trucking

Chicago over PHILADELPHIA (-1.5) -- Although they could have done without the loss to the Knicks the other night, for the most part, it appears that the Jim Boylan Bulls can at least take care of bad teams.

Washington over ATLANTA (-4.5) -- Though they pulled out a nice win over the Cavs earlier in the week, the Hawks are still an inconsistent bunch, and the Wiz have done a good job staying in most games. This one should be close.

BOSTON (-5.5) over New Jersey -- The C's will rebound.

Charlotte over CLEVELAND (-8.5) -- Too many points to give both for slow-paced Cavs basketball and against a 'Cats team that has done a much better job of staying in games over the past two weeks or so.

Toronto (-4.5) over NEW YORK -- We'll let the Doctrine take care of this one.

NEW ORLEANS (-10.5) over Miami -- The Heat are putrid. No ifs, ands or buts at this point.

Minnesota over HOUSTON (-12.5) -- The Wolves are putrid, too, but the Rockets aren't consistent enough, especially on the offensive end of the floor, for this to be the blowout it likely should be.

DENVER (-4.5) over Orlando -- The Magic play their third game of the week out West, and they didn't dominate in Sacramento or against the Clips. It only gets tougher tonight.

LA LAKERS (-10.5) over Milwaukee -- The Lakers are whacking all comers in 2008. Since a Dec. 30 loss to the Celtics, LA has won four straight by margins of 31, 16, 17 and 29. The Bucks don't look to present a problem.

GOLDEN STATE (-10.5) over Memphis -- Golden State comes off a four-game stretch against Dallas, New Orleans, San Antonio and Portland, in which they went 1-3. They will be looking for a big win at home, and a Memphis team coming off a barn-burner the night before in Sacramento could be just the remedy.

Dallas (-8.5) over SEATTLE -- Dallas is heating up, as the Mavs have won five straight, with four coming by at least 13 points. The Sonics should be no match.

Last night: 3-0
Season: 278-244

10 January 2008

The Picksix: Grizz coming together under a new floor general?

Detroit over SAN ANTONIO (-4.5) -- Though all three of the big studs are supposed to be in the lineup tonight, health has been questionable for San Antonio all season, and the Spurs have been inconsistent as of late, winning just three of their last six. The Pistons will come back strong from a lackluster performance in Dallas last night.

Memphis over SACRAMENTO (-5.5) -- Memphis is 2-2 and looking much better since the insertion of Mike Conley Jr. into the starting lineup, with the two losses coming in a blowout against the Lakers and a nail-biter with the Celts. We like the points.

UTAH over Phoenix (-1.5) -- The Suns could be gassed after an overtime thriller with Indy last night, and they are likely to be without Steve Nash once more. The Jazz are slammin' at home this season, with a 13-3 mark thus far.

Last night: 4-7
Season: 275-244

09 January 2008

The Picksix: Cavs to stay hot in Atlanta

Cleveland over ATLANTA (-2.5) -- Two teams headed in opposite directions: The Hawks have lost four straight, and the Cavs has won four straight. Cleveland keeps the momentum tonight.

Philadelphia over TORONTO (-7.5) -- The Raps are inconsistent, and they sit at just 8-8 at home. We'll take the points.

Seattle over NEW JERSEY (-9.5) -- The Nets got drubbed last night in Charlotte, Kevin Durant appears to be okay after spraining an ankle in Cleveland, and New Jersey hasn't won too many blowouts this season anyway. Sounds like the underdog is the pick from here.

BOSTON (-13.5) over Charlotte -- The Celtics will remember that it took a miracle steal and Ray Allen three to beat Charlotte earlier this season, and they will come out swinging tonight.

Houston (-4.5) over NEW YORK -- While it might have betrayed us last night, the Doctrine has served us fairly well overall to this point, and one rogue game won't change our approach here.

NEW ORLEANS (-3.5) over LA Lakers -- Chris Paul simply has the Hornets playing at another level right now.

MILWAUKEE (-3.5) over Miami -- The Bucks managed to pull one out sans Michael Redd last night, and Miami got beaten handily in Minnesota of all places. No thanks.

PHOENIX (-12.5) over Indiana -- Playing or not, Jamaal Tinsley is still recovering from injury, and the Pacers remain in deep trouble out West.

Detroit over DALLAS (-2.5) -- The Pistons haven't played since Saturday night's loss to the Celtics, and while they can say what they wish about how little it means to them, they will come out tough against a still-erratic Mavs team.

PORTLAND (-1.5) over Golden State -- With 16 wins in 17 games (and a 16-3 home record to boot), keeping the faith in Portland seems the way to go.

Orlando (-3.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- The Clips are in the process of packing it in, and the Magic need to rebound from last night's poorly played loss to Sacramento.

Last night: 4-5
Season: 271-237

08 January 2008

The Picksix: High on the hot Nets

WASHINGTON (-2.5) over Houston -- Tracy McGrady won't play, and the Rockets don't have the point guard presence to exploit Washington's weaknesses there.

Seattle over CLEVELAND (-9.5) -- Too many points to give with a Cleveland team that seems to enjoy playing to the level of its competition.

New Jersey over CHARLOTTE (-0.5) -- The Nets have won five in a row and are playing their best basketball of the season. Just in case that doesn't sell you, think about the fact that the line has moved to the Nets giving two and a half since we made the pick this morning.

Milwaukee over PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) -- Michael Redd may play, and this is simply too many points for a not-even-mediocre-yet Philly unit.

LA Lakers (-4.5) over MEMPHIS -- While this Grizz team is certainly more attractive with Mike Conley at the helm, the Lakers are simply a lot better.

MINNESOTA over Miami (-2.5) -- The Wolves have to win a few this year. Against a terrible Miami team sans Shaq seems like as good a time as ever.

CHICAGO (-8.5) over New York -- No complaints about how the Doctrine has served us thus far. Thanks, Tek.

UTAH (-8.5) over Indiana -- Never thought I would utter this phrase but here goes: The Pacers have been worthless without Jamaal Tinsley in the lineup. He is likely to sit once more tonight. We'll pass.

Orlando (-1.5) over SACRAMENTO -- It is at home where the Magic struggle. On the road, D-Ho and Co. have run off an astounding 15-5 mark so far.

Last night: 0-2
Season: 267-232

07 January 2008

The Picksix: Standing by the champs

Denver over PHOENIX (-8.5) -- Too many points to give with an erratic-as-of-late Suns team against a Nugs unit that is playing well as of late. As Marc Stein wrote earlier today, the Suns are 1-6 against the West's top eight teams on the season. Yikes.

San Antonio over GOLDEN STATE (-2.5) -- Tim Duncan says he is good to go, and, much as it might not phase them, the Spurs will be looking to get back at the Warriors for a 96-84 blowout loss earlier in the year at the arena in Oakland.

Last night: 4-4
Season: 267-230

06 January 2008

The Picksix: Giving quite a few with Memphis

WASHINGTON (-8.5) over Seattle
Cleveland over TORONTO (-3.5)
San Antonio (-6.5) over LA CLIPPERS
Dallas (-8.5) over MINNESOTA
MEMPHIS (-8.5) over Miami
Milwaukee over CHARLOTTE (-7.5)
Philadelphia over DENVER (-10.5)
Indiana over LA LAKERS (-8.5)

Last night: 5-1
Season: 263-226

05 January 2008

The Picksix: Saturday night prelude

Quick roll of picks for now -- Acks should be back with the explanations prior to game time if all goes according to plan.

ATLANTA (-4.5) over New Jersey
Boston over DETROIT (-2.5)
Sacramento over CHICAGO (-7.5)
HOUSTON (-9.5) over New York
New Orleans over PHOENIX (-7.5)
PORTLAND (-3.5) over Utah

Last night: 8-4
Season: 258-225

04 January 2008

The Picksix: Quick Friday Slate

The Picksix crew is running out the door to head into Jersey for Nets-Cats at the Izod Center tonight, so just a quick list of picks for tonight:

Detroit (-3.5) over TORONTO
ORLANDO (-5.5) over Houston
Atlanta over INDIANA (-3.5)
BOSTON (-14.5) over Memphis
Sacramento over CLEVELAND (-10.5)
Charlotte over NEW JERSEY (-6.5)
Denver (-6.5) over MINNESOTA
Washington over MILWAUKEE (-4.5)
-- Reports have Michael Redd likely out with an injury.
SAN ANTONIO (-14.5) over New York
Miami over DALLAS (-16.5)
New Orleans over GOLDEN STATE(-4.5)
LA LAKERS (-8.5) over Philadelphia

Last night: 2-1
Season: 250-221

03 January 2008

The Picksix: Still figuring out the Bulls

Portland over CHICAGO (-2.5) – The jury remains out in Chicago. They sit at 3-2 since Scott Skiles was canned and 3-1 with Jim Boylan at the helm, but the three wins came against Milwaukee, New York and Charlotte. Seems like the Blazers have better earned our faith of late with 14 wins in 15 games.

San Antonio over DENVER (-0.5) – Always nice to pick the Spurs without giving points.

Seattle over PHOENIX (-16.5) – Simply too many points, especially against a Seattle team that can fill it up, albeit not like the Suns can.

Last night: 8-4
Season: 248-220

02 January 2008

The Picksix: Pistons keep rolling

Chicago over CHARLOTTE (-2.5) – In a lieu of a full recovery, the Bulls at least appear to be able to take care of bad teams as of late. Currently, that would aptly describe the ‘Cats.

Atlanta over CLEVELAND (-5.5) – The Hawks’ slow-paced game (25th in pace) and good defense (9th in efficiency) should allow them to keep this one close to the end.

ORLANDO (-8.5) over New Jersey – Much as I like young Sean Williams, he has a ways to go, and as of yet, the Nets have no answer for Dwight Howard.

INDIANA (-7.5) over Memphis – The Pacers come off a tough overtime loss on the road in Charlotte, and, in the words of Daunte Culpepper, they should be looking to “get some getback.” The Grizz remain inconsistent.

Detroit (-5.5) over WASHINGTON – Hard to pick against a Detroit team that has won nine straight, most of which haven’t been particularly close. Chauncey Billups could eat up a Washington team in questionable health at the point right now.

BOSTON (-9.5) over Houston – T-Mac is doubtful, and the Celtics have only inspired more confidence by sweeping a four-games-in-five-nights trip out West.

Sacramento over NEW YORK (-3.5) – The Doctrine stands.

Milwaukee over MIAMI (-4.5) – The Heat don’t deserve to be favored over anybody right now.

Portland (-4.5) over MINNESOTA – The Blazers should rebound well from their first loss in 14 games as they head in to play a hapless Wolves team.

Golden State over DALLAS (-4.5) – The Warriors still cause plenty of matchup problems for the inconsistent Mavs, and they are getting points here.

Philadelphia over UTAH (-10.5) – Way too many points to give with a Utah team that went 5-11 in December.

New Orleans (-4.5) over LA CLIPPERS – Before losing to Toronto on Monday, the Hornets had won five straight, all by double-digits. Doing the same shouldn’t be too difficult against this Clips group.

Monday: 3-5
Season: 240-216