The Picksix: Dog day

ATLANTA (-2.5) over Sacramento -- The Kings finish a back-to-back coming off a loss to the Heat. Demoralizing indeed.

Orlando (-1.5) over PHILADELPHIA -- The Magic are quite a bit better than the Sixers. More than a point for sure.

Chicago over INDIANA (-3.5) -- The Bulls are revamped. The Pacers are mediocre. We'll pass on giving the points.

Minnesota over TORONTO (-13.5) -- The Raps' haven't reached "giving two touchdowns status" over anyone yet.

BOSTON (-7.5) over Cleveland -- Home-cooking will do the Celts well in their return from a trying trip out West. Some revenge for a one-point loss in Cleveland three weeks ago will be in order as well.

Charlotte over NEW YORK (-5.5) -- The Knicks haven't earned this respect from the oddsmakers, no matter what the injury situation is for Charlotte.

Phoenix over NEW ORLEANS (-4.5) -- The Hornets have lost three in a row, and the Suns will be looking to avenge two hard-fought losses to the Stingers earlier in the year, including a 132-130 overtime decision that ended with a Peja Stojakovic buzzer-beater.

Detroit over UTAH (-2.5) -- The Pistons are on another level right now, and currently they seem to be invested in showing the troubled Celtics that they won't succumb to a difficult stretch out West. The Jazz come off a loss to the Wolves that involved a 39-point fourth quarter for one of the league's worst teams.

SEATTLE over Denver (-7.5) -- The Sonics continue to claw hard. With the exception of the debacle against the Lakers this weekend, they haven't been blown out much as of late.

Portland over LA CLIPPERS (-3.5) -- The Clips are likely once more to be missing four of their five top players due to injuries. Thanks but no thanks.

Last night: 3-5
Season: 437-407