Miami over INDIANA (-17.5) -- Let's face it: Picking Miami games is a complete crapshoot at this point. Gave the abusrd points last night, we'll take them tonight.
Toronto (-3.5) over CHARLOTTE -- Sooner or later, the Raps have to realize that they're supposed to be fighting for the playoffs, right? Right?
Atlanta (-2.5) over MEMPHIS -- Ditto Toronto.
UTAH (-8.5) over Washington -- Much as we love the Wiz lately, going into Utah the night after a crushing overtime loss to the Lakers could be too much to ask.
PHOENIX (-5.5) over Denver -- The Suns are finding their stride with Shaq in town, having won 9 of 11.
Dallas (-5.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- On the verge of falling out of the playoff picture, the Mavs need this one. Badly.
Last night: 3-3
Season: 573-525
30 March 2008
The Picksix: Texas showdown in the city of the Alamo
Houston over SAN ANTONIO (-6.5) -- The Rockets' streak is definitively over and gone, but we're still not ready to give too many points in any game that the Spurs may or may not care about.
Utah (-7.5) over MINNESOTA -- The Jazz are very good and fighting for playoff position. The Wolves are very bad and fighting for lottery position.
ATLANTA (-13.5) over New York -- Not picking the Knicks just seems to be a wise course of action in general.
Philadelphia over CLEVELAND (-4.5) -- The Sixers have won 19 of 25, a run that features victories over Phoenix, Detroit, San Antonio, Denver and Boston. Show us the points!
New Orleans over TORONTO (-0.5) -- When in doubt, take the better team. Especially when it should be peeved after getting whacked in Boston on Friday night.
BOSTON (-23.5) over Miami -- We're not even going to try to bother with an explanation. You'll just have to trust us on this one.
SEATTLE over Sacramento (-5.5) -- The Sonics seem to enjoy hanging in at home.
GOLDEN STATE (-7.5) over Dallas -- The Dubs lost a big game in Denver last night and should be eager to avenge that by dropping a bopping on Dirk-less Dallas.
Washington over LA LAKERS (-8.5) -- After losses to Charlotte and Memphis this week, maybe the Lakers do miss Pau Gasol just a tad.
Last night: 3-3
Season: 568-521
Utah (-7.5) over MINNESOTA -- The Jazz are very good and fighting for playoff position. The Wolves are very bad and fighting for lottery position.
ATLANTA (-13.5) over New York -- Not picking the Knicks just seems to be a wise course of action in general.
Philadelphia over CLEVELAND (-4.5) -- The Sixers have won 19 of 25, a run that features victories over Phoenix, Detroit, San Antonio, Denver and Boston. Show us the points!
New Orleans over TORONTO (-0.5) -- When in doubt, take the better team. Especially when it should be peeved after getting whacked in Boston on Friday night.
BOSTON (-23.5) over Miami -- We're not even going to try to bother with an explanation. You'll just have to trust us on this one.
SEATTLE over Sacramento (-5.5) -- The Sonics seem to enjoy hanging in at home.
GOLDEN STATE (-7.5) over Dallas -- The Dubs lost a big game in Denver last night and should be eager to avenge that by dropping a bopping on Dirk-less Dallas.
Washington over LA LAKERS (-8.5) -- After losses to Charlotte and Memphis this week, maybe the Lakers do miss Pau Gasol just a tad.
Last night: 3-3
Season: 568-521
29 March 2008
The Picksix: Bobcats rollin' out West
Cleveland over DETROIT (-5.5) -- The Cavs simply seem to cause the Pistons problems. The points seem like a good idea here.
Phoenix (-4.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Suns have won seven of nine, with the only two losses coming to Detroit and Boston. They'll roll here.
CHICAGO (-8.5) over Milwaukee -- The Bucks have lost twice by 15 or more and twice to Miami within the last week and change. We want no part of them.
Golden State over DENVER (-6.5) -- Two teams separated by one half-game for eighth out West duke it out in the high altitude. Just give us the points.
Charlotte over PORTLAND (-5.5) -- With wins over the Lakers and Sonics, the 'Cats are storming through the West. They should keep this one close as well.
LA CLIPPERS (-2.5) over Memphis -- Consecutive Staples Center wins for the Grizz? We're dubious.
Last night: 8-3
Season: 565-518
Phoenix (-4.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Suns have won seven of nine, with the only two losses coming to Detroit and Boston. They'll roll here.
CHICAGO (-8.5) over Milwaukee -- The Bucks have lost twice by 15 or more and twice to Miami within the last week and change. We want no part of them.
Golden State over DENVER (-6.5) -- Two teams separated by one half-game for eighth out West duke it out in the high altitude. Just give us the points.
Charlotte over PORTLAND (-5.5) -- With wins over the Lakers and Sonics, the 'Cats are storming through the West. They should keep this one close as well.
LA CLIPPERS (-2.5) over Memphis -- Consecutive Staples Center wins for the Grizz? We're dubious.
Last night: 8-3
Season: 565-518
27 March 2008
The Picksix: Phoenix to get it together
TORONTO (-12.5) over New York -- The Tek Doctrine has served us well this season.
Phoenix over PHILADELPHIA (-0.5) -- After losses to Detroit and Boston, the Suns should come out with a strong performance to nab a win on what has been a tough Eastern swing thus far.
INDIANA (-4.5) over New Jersey -- The high-octane Pacers won't allow the Nets to put together consecutive solid performances.
Chicago over ATLANTA (-5.5) -- The Bulls are, uh, lukewarm on the Hawks' tails, and they have played the Hawks well thus far this season, winning two of their first three meetings.
BOSTON (-6.5) over New Orleans -- Coming into this week, the only two teams the Celts had yet to beat this season were Phoenix and New Orleans. You saw what happened when the Celts got upset with the Suns. The Hornets should be headed toward the same fate in Beantown.
Minnesota over SAN ANTONIO (-13.5) -- How can we give so many with a team that just can't be bothered in the regular season?
Orlando (-4.5) over MILWAUKEE -- No defense from the Bucks. Ever.
UTAH (-16.5) over LA Clippers -- Because nothing about the Clips really entices us.
Washington over SACRAMENTO (-2.5) -- The Wiz seemed to get it together in the second half in Seattle on Wednesday. They should beat a mediocre Sacto team tonight.
SEATTLE over Charlotte (-3.5) -- One improbable win over the Lakers, and the 'Cats are favorites? Not so much, no thanks.
LA LAKERS (-16.5) over Memphis -- The recoil from the Lakers' loss to Charlotte on Wednesday could be a very strong one.
Last night: 2-1
Season: 557-515
Phoenix over PHILADELPHIA (-0.5) -- After losses to Detroit and Boston, the Suns should come out with a strong performance to nab a win on what has been a tough Eastern swing thus far.
INDIANA (-4.5) over New Jersey -- The high-octane Pacers won't allow the Nets to put together consecutive solid performances.
Chicago over ATLANTA (-5.5) -- The Bulls are, uh, lukewarm on the Hawks' tails, and they have played the Hawks well thus far this season, winning two of their first three meetings.
BOSTON (-6.5) over New Orleans -- Coming into this week, the only two teams the Celts had yet to beat this season were Phoenix and New Orleans. You saw what happened when the Celts got upset with the Suns. The Hornets should be headed toward the same fate in Beantown.
Minnesota over SAN ANTONIO (-13.5) -- How can we give so many with a team that just can't be bothered in the regular season?
Orlando (-4.5) over MILWAUKEE -- No defense from the Bucks. Ever.
UTAH (-16.5) over LA Clippers -- Because nothing about the Clips really entices us.
Washington over SACRAMENTO (-2.5) -- The Wiz seemed to get it together in the second half in Seattle on Wednesday. They should beat a mediocre Sacto team tonight.
SEATTLE over Charlotte (-3.5) -- One improbable win over the Lakers, and the 'Cats are favorites? Not so much, no thanks.
LA LAKERS (-16.5) over Memphis -- The recoil from the Lakers' loss to Charlotte on Wednesday could be a very strong one.
Last night: 2-1
Season: 557-515
The Picksix: Highest line of the year
DENVER (-8.5) over Dallas -- If the Nugs can't roll it up without Dirk on the floor for Dallas, they're going to be in big trouble down the stretch.
Miami over DETROIT (-20.5) -- We can't give twenty points. Just can't do it.
Portland over GOLDEN STATE (-10.5) -- The Blzers are weird, and they seem to hang in games. They'll lose this one, but it will be close.
Last night: 7-5
Season: 555-514
Miami over DETROIT (-20.5) -- We can't give twenty points. Just can't do it.
Portland over GOLDEN STATE (-10.5) -- The Blzers are weird, and they seem to hang in games. They'll lose this one, but it will be close.
Last night: 7-5
Season: 555-514
25 March 2008
The Picksix: Spurs giving too many
BOSTON (-5.5) over Phoenix -- The Celts have lost two straight via the fourth-quarter collapse. They'll be ready to roll all the way through this time around.
Chicago over PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) -- Two mediocre teams fighting for playoff position in the East. Should be a close one.
New Orleans over CLEVELAND (-1.5) -- The Hornets are a better basketball team than the Cavs, back-to-back notwithstanding.
ATLANTA (-6.5) over Milwaukee -- The Bucks don't guard anybody, and the Hawks are in a dogfight for eighth in the East. They'll be looking to win big at home.
Detroit (-1.5) over TORONTO -- The Raps have fallen back to .500, and the Pistons are superior to begin with.
Miami over NEW YORK (-7.5)
Indiana over NEW JERSEY (-4.5) -- No reason to give points with putrid teams.
HOUSTON (-12.5) over Minnesota -- The Wolves are terrible, and the Rockets are fighting for a spot once more. Should be ugly.
LA Clippers over SAN ANTONIO (-17.5)
Memphis over SACRAMENTO (-10.5) -- These lines are really high.
SEATTLE over Washington (-7.5) -- The Wiz got wiped out in Portland last night and now have to play a second in a row on the road out West. Seems like a high spread for that sort of thing.
LA LAKERS (-15.5) over Charlotte -- There seem to be no high spreads with the boys from the City of Angels.
Last night: 3-3
Season: 548-509
Chicago over PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) -- Two mediocre teams fighting for playoff position in the East. Should be a close one.
New Orleans over CLEVELAND (-1.5) -- The Hornets are a better basketball team than the Cavs, back-to-back notwithstanding.
ATLANTA (-6.5) over Milwaukee -- The Bucks don't guard anybody, and the Hawks are in a dogfight for eighth in the East. They'll be looking to win big at home.
Detroit (-1.5) over TORONTO -- The Raps have fallen back to .500, and the Pistons are superior to begin with.
Miami over NEW YORK (-7.5)
Indiana over NEW JERSEY (-4.5) -- No reason to give points with putrid teams.
HOUSTON (-12.5) over Minnesota -- The Wolves are terrible, and the Rockets are fighting for a spot once more. Should be ugly.
LA Clippers over SAN ANTONIO (-17.5)
Memphis over SACRAMENTO (-10.5) -- These lines are really high.
SEATTLE over Washington (-7.5) -- The Wiz got wiped out in Portland last night and now have to play a second in a row on the road out West. Seems like a high spread for that sort of thing.
LA LAKERS (-15.5) over Charlotte -- There seem to be no high spreads with the boys from the City of Angels.
Last night: 3-3
Season: 548-509
24 March 2008
The Picksix: Life sans Dirk begins in Big D
San Antonio over ORLANDO (-0.5) -- The Spurs are better, and sooner or later, they are going to have their act together again.
New Orleans (-4.5) over INDIANA -- This line is too low for a team that just showed itself capable of beating basketball's best.
Atlanta over CHICAGO (-4.5) -- Giving points with the Bulls makes us queasy.
LA Clippers over DALLAS (-11.5) -- Let's let Dallas win big a few times without Dirk before we hop on the giving double-digits wagon.
UTAH (-13.5) over Charlotte -- Sooner or later, the Jazz will reestablish full dominance at home, though they played a couple of close ones over the past week and a half.
Washington over PORTLAND (-3.5) -- The Wiz have won six of seven. The Blazers aren't leaving the people in awe.
Last night: 6-2
Season: 545-506
New Orleans (-4.5) over INDIANA -- This line is too low for a team that just showed itself capable of beating basketball's best.
Atlanta over CHICAGO (-4.5) -- Giving points with the Bulls makes us queasy.
LA Clippers over DALLAS (-11.5) -- Let's let Dallas win big a few times without Dirk before we hop on the giving double-digits wagon.
UTAH (-13.5) over Charlotte -- Sooner or later, the Jazz will reestablish full dominance at home, though they played a couple of close ones over the past week and a half.
Washington over PORTLAND (-3.5) -- The Wiz have won six of seven. The Blazers aren't leaving the people in awe.
Last night: 6-2
Season: 545-506
The Picksix: Can the Bucks guard anybody?
MIAMI over Milwaukee (-8.5) -- ...we say no. And so do the stats: Milwaukee is last in defensive efficiency.
New Jersey (-0.5) over NEW YORK -- Starting Randolph Morris and Wilson Chandler is a good idea for the future. It's a terrible idea so far as covering even-line spreads is concerned.
BOSTON (-11.5) over Philadelphia -- The Celts will be peeved after blowing a big lead in the Big Easy on Saturday.
DETROIT (-3.5) over Phoenix -- The Pistons will be ready to rebound after a poorly played loss to the Wiz on Sunday.
Denver (-5.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Nugs have blown too many games for their playoff chances over the last few weeks. This can't be one of them.
HOUSTON (-12.5) over Sacramento -- Some home cooking against a bad team after a tough four-game stretch this week should do the Rockets wonders.
SEATTLE over Portland (-7.5) -- Too many points to give with a mediocre team.
LA Lakers over GOLDEN STATE (-0.5) -- Hard to see the Lakers losing to the same foe on back to back nights at this point.
Last night: 2-2
Season: 539-504
New Jersey (-0.5) over NEW YORK -- Starting Randolph Morris and Wilson Chandler is a good idea for the future. It's a terrible idea so far as covering even-line spreads is concerned.
BOSTON (-11.5) over Philadelphia -- The Celts will be peeved after blowing a big lead in the Big Easy on Saturday.
DETROIT (-3.5) over Phoenix -- The Pistons will be ready to rebound after a poorly played loss to the Wiz on Sunday.
Denver (-5.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Nugs have blown too many games for their playoff chances over the last few weeks. This can't be one of them.
HOUSTON (-12.5) over Sacramento -- Some home cooking against a bad team after a tough four-game stretch this week should do the Rockets wonders.
SEATTLE over Portland (-7.5) -- Too many points to give with a mediocre team.
LA Lakers over GOLDEN STATE (-0.5) -- Hard to see the Lakers losing to the same foe on back to back nights at this point.
Last night: 2-2
Season: 539-504
23 March 2008
The Picksix: Will the Mavs' slump continue?
San Antonio over DALLAS (-3.5) -- We'll lay off the team that hasn't beat anybody over .500 since its new point guard arrived.
Denver over TORONTO (-2.5) -- The Nugs need this one more.
Detroit (-2.5) over WASHINGTON -- Seems suspiciously low.
LA LAKERS (-6.5) over Golden State -- As you may have noticed, we're really wary of underestimating Kobe & Co.
Last night: 5-6
Season: 537-502
Denver over TORONTO (-2.5) -- The Nugs need this one more.
Detroit (-2.5) over WASHINGTON -- Seems suspiciously low.
LA LAKERS (-6.5) over Golden State -- As you may have noticed, we're really wary of underestimating Kobe & Co.
Last night: 5-6
Season: 537-502
22 March 2008
The Picksix: Flying through the Saturday slate
Friday night traveling has us drained at a wee hour this morning. Just a quick rundown today, with more thorough selections to come on Sunday:
Miami over CHARLOTTE (-13.5)
ATLANTA over Orlando (-3.5)
New Jersey over PHILADELPHIA (-8.5)
Sacramento over MEMPHIS (-0.5)
MINNESOTA (-6.5) over New York
Boston over NEW ORLEANS (-2.5)
Indiana over CHICAGO (-7.5)
Cleveland (-4.5) over MILWAUKEE
UTAH (-19.5) over Seattle
Houston over PHOENIX (-6.5)
LA CLIPPERS over Portland (-5.5)
Last night: 9-1
Season: 532-496
Miami over CHARLOTTE (-13.5)
ATLANTA over Orlando (-3.5)
New Jersey over PHILADELPHIA (-8.5)
Sacramento over MEMPHIS (-0.5)
MINNESOTA (-6.5) over New York
Boston over NEW ORLEANS (-2.5)
Indiana over CHICAGO (-7.5)
Cleveland (-4.5) over MILWAUKEE
UTAH (-19.5) over Seattle
Houston over PHOENIX (-6.5)
LA CLIPPERS over Portland (-5.5)
Last night: 9-1
Season: 532-496
21 March 2008
The Picksix: Gasol to return?
Philadelphia over ORLANDO (-6.5) -- The Sixers remain red-hot, having beaten Detroit, Denver and San Antonio over the past week and a half. We'll take our chances with them.
INDIANA (-6.5) over Minnesota -- The Pacers' fast-paced style could lead to a blowout against a putrid Wolves team.
CLEVELAND (-5.5) over Toronto -- Bron > Raps.
Memphis over NEW YORK (-4.5) -- The Knicks are sitting Zach Randolph so that they can play their youngsters as much as possibility. Good for Knicks fans, and good for the Knicks in the long run. Not good for the Knicks' front-court scoring output.
Washington (-10.5) over MIAMI -- Score 54 in a game, and we'll give double-digits against you, too!
Denver (-2.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Nugs can't squander this entire trip, right?
Sacramento over SAN ANTONIO (-13.5)
LA Clippers over PORTLAND (-12.5) -- Too many points all around.
Houston over GOLDEN STATE (-4.5) -- Doesn't seem fair yet to write them off after two rough nights in a month and a half.
LA LAKERS (-17.5) over Seattle -- Pau Gasol may make his return, which could spark the Lakers. As if they needed any spark.
Last night: 2-1
Season: 523-495
INDIANA (-6.5) over Minnesota -- The Pacers' fast-paced style could lead to a blowout against a putrid Wolves team.
CLEVELAND (-5.5) over Toronto -- Bron > Raps.
Memphis over NEW YORK (-4.5) -- The Knicks are sitting Zach Randolph so that they can play their youngsters as much as possibility. Good for Knicks fans, and good for the Knicks in the long run. Not good for the Knicks' front-court scoring output.
Washington (-10.5) over MIAMI -- Score 54 in a game, and we'll give double-digits against you, too!
Denver (-2.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Nugs can't squander this entire trip, right?
Sacramento over SAN ANTONIO (-13.5)
LA Clippers over PORTLAND (-12.5) -- Too many points all around.
Houston over GOLDEN STATE (-4.5) -- Doesn't seem fair yet to write them off after two rough nights in a month and a half.
LA LAKERS (-17.5) over Seattle -- Pau Gasol may make his return, which could spark the Lakers. As if they needed any spark.
Last night: 2-1
Season: 523-495
20 March 2008
The Picksix: Snap out of it, Spurs!
San Antonio (-4.5) over CHICAGO -- This streak of outright badness has to end sometime for the Spurs.
Boston over DALLAS (-3.5) -- The Mavs are 0-6 against over-.500 teams since the Kidd trade.
UTAH (-4.5) over LA Lakers -- No Gasol for the Lakers, and the Jazz look to improve to a league-best 30-3 at home.
Last night: 4-6
Season: 521-494
Boston over DALLAS (-3.5) -- The Mavs are 0-6 against over-.500 teams since the Kidd trade.
UTAH (-4.5) over LA Lakers -- No Gasol for the Lakers, and the Jazz look to improve to a league-best 30-3 at home.
Last night: 4-6
Season: 521-494
19 March 2008
The Picksix: 'Tanker' gone in Minny
INDIANA (-6.5) over Charlotte -- We don't get too high on teams that lose in Memphis, as the 'Cats did earlier this week.
Miami over TORONTO (-12.5) -- The Heat are streaking: one straight!
Washington over ORLANDO (-7.5) -- Lots of talking about respect from the Magic, too much inconsistency to earn it as fully as they would like.
Denver over PHILADELPHIA (-1.5) -- Hard to see the Sixers managing to keep up with the Nuggets' torrid pace all the way through.
Atlanta over NEW JERSEY (-2.5) -- We can't read either of these teams at all, so we're just taking the points and the more likable bunch.
Houston over NEW ORLEANS (-1.5) -- We could cut the Rockets some slack here after last night's blowout loss to the Celts. After all, they have won 22 of 23.
CLEVELAND (-1.5) over Detroit -- The Pistons played the Nugs' game and won last night, 136-120. Playing again the night after that -- especially with LeBron as the opponent -- might be a bit too much to ask a team that prides itself on its ability to not care.
MINNESOTA (-6.5) over Memphis -- The Wolves should be set to roll now that the tanking machine that is Kevin Garnett (see Glen Taylor's comments on Tuesday for details) is done bringing the team down. Makes you wonder about the 50 losses he has missed this season though.
SEATTLE over Phoenix (-10.5) -- The Sonics have hung tough with the Suns thus far this season, keeping all three of their previous match-ups in single digits.
Golden State (-8.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- The Dubs missed a golden chance to stretch their lead over Denver in the playoff race when they lost in Sacto last night. They won't let that bit of misfortune repeat itself against the hapless Clips.
Last night: 4-3
Season: 517-488
Miami over TORONTO (-12.5) -- The Heat are streaking: one straight!
Washington over ORLANDO (-7.5) -- Lots of talking about respect from the Magic, too much inconsistency to earn it as fully as they would like.
Denver over PHILADELPHIA (-1.5) -- Hard to see the Sixers managing to keep up with the Nuggets' torrid pace all the way through.
Atlanta over NEW JERSEY (-2.5) -- We can't read either of these teams at all, so we're just taking the points and the more likable bunch.
Houston over NEW ORLEANS (-1.5) -- We could cut the Rockets some slack here after last night's blowout loss to the Celts. After all, they have won 22 of 23.
CLEVELAND (-1.5) over Detroit -- The Pistons played the Nugs' game and won last night, 136-120. Playing again the night after that -- especially with LeBron as the opponent -- might be a bit too much to ask a team that prides itself on its ability to not care.
MINNESOTA (-6.5) over Memphis -- The Wolves should be set to roll now that the tanking machine that is Kevin Garnett (see Glen Taylor's comments on Tuesday for details) is done bringing the team down. Makes you wonder about the 50 losses he has missed this season though.
SEATTLE over Phoenix (-10.5) -- The Sonics have hung tough with the Suns thus far this season, keeping all three of their previous match-ups in single digits.
Golden State (-8.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- The Dubs missed a golden chance to stretch their lead over Denver in the playoff race when they lost in Sacto last night. They won't let that bit of misfortune repeat itself against the hapless Clips.
Last night: 4-3
Season: 517-488
17 March 2008
The Picksix: Nugs hangin' in
Denver over DETROIT (-6.5) -- The Nuggets are headed toward one of the best records in franchise history, and they are fighting for their playoff lives in the absurd Western Conference. This game means far more to them than to the Pistons, and they should at least be able to hang around as a result.
Miami over MILWAUKEE (-10.5) -- Milwaukee is basketball's worst defensive team, and the Bucks are banged up to boot. We'll pass on giving the points.
New Jersey over CHICAGO (-4.5) -- We're back to making Hicag beat us.
LA Lakers over DALLAS (-4.5) -- The Mavs are getting lots of props for going 5-0 since Jerry Stackhouse entered the line-up, but they have yet to play a playoff-bound team in that span. It's worth remembering that the Lakers weren't too shabby before Pau Gasol came to town in the first place.
Boston over HOUSTON (-3.5) -- The streak ends here.
Golden State (-0.5) over SACRAMENTO
Phoenix (-2.5) over PORTLAND -- Sometimes we just take teams because they are much better at basketball than are their opponents.
Last night: 5-3
Season: 513-485
Miami over MILWAUKEE (-10.5) -- Milwaukee is basketball's worst defensive team, and the Bucks are banged up to boot. We'll pass on giving the points.
New Jersey over CHICAGO (-4.5) -- We're back to making Hicag beat us.
LA Lakers over DALLAS (-4.5) -- The Mavs are getting lots of props for going 5-0 since Jerry Stackhouse entered the line-up, but they have yet to play a playoff-bound team in that span. It's worth remembering that the Lakers weren't too shabby before Pau Gasol came to town in the first place.
Boston over HOUSTON (-3.5) -- The streak ends here.
Golden State (-0.5) over SACRAMENTO
Phoenix (-2.5) over PORTLAND -- Sometimes we just take teams because they are much better at basketball than are their opponents.
Last night: 5-3
Season: 513-485
16 March 2008
The Picksix: Actually giving points with the 'Cats
WASHINGTON (-7.5) over Atlanta -- The Wiz stayed above water without their two best players...and now Caron Butler is back wil Gil Arenas on the way. The Hawks are too inconsistent.
INDIANA (-6.5) over New York -- The Pacers run a lot, and the Knicks are really bad. Could be another high-margin blowout for the 'Bockers.
Cleveland over ORLANDO (-7.5) -- Wouldn't you be careful about giving so many with an inconsistent team against Bron? Yeah, us too.
NEW ORLEANS (-7.5) over Chicago -- The Hornets won't completely fail to show up on consecutive days.
Charlotte (-1.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Grizz are that bad.
MINNESOTA (-6.5) over LA Clippers -- The Clips have lost their last three games on this road trip by margins of 22, 24 and 10. We'll take a pass.
Boston over SAN ANTONIO (-3.5) -- The Spurs have lost five of six, and we get to take the C's with points!
UTAH (-13.5) over Toronto -- We'll take our chances with the best home team in basketball against the Bosh-less Raps.
Last night: 6-1
Season: 508-482
INDIANA (-6.5) over New York -- The Pacers run a lot, and the Knicks are really bad. Could be another high-margin blowout for the 'Bockers.
Cleveland over ORLANDO (-7.5) -- Wouldn't you be careful about giving so many with an inconsistent team against Bron? Yeah, us too.
NEW ORLEANS (-7.5) over Chicago -- The Hornets won't completely fail to show up on consecutive days.
Charlotte (-1.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Grizz are that bad.
MINNESOTA (-6.5) over LA Clippers -- The Clips have lost their last three games on this road trip by margins of 22, 24 and 10. We'll take a pass.
Boston over SAN ANTONIO (-3.5) -- The Spurs have lost five of six, and we get to take the C's with points!
UTAH (-13.5) over Toronto -- We'll take our chances with the best home team in basketball against the Bosh-less Raps.
Last night: 6-1
Season: 508-482
15 March 2008
The Picksix: Lakers shorthanded?
New Orleans over DETROIT (-7.5) -- Far more meaningful to the still-proving-themselves Hornets than to Chauncey and his we-could-care-less Pistons.
HOUSTON (-3.5) over LA Lakers -- This line seems quite low for a game in which the home team has won 21 straight and the road team is expected to be without Pau Gasol due to a sprained ankle. We say this line rises by a few points prior to gametime.
Dallas (-14.5) over MIAMI -- Some attribute the Mavs' four-game win streak to the insertion of Jerry Stackhouse into the starting lineup. We postulate that it might have something to do with games against four putrid teams. Stackhouse will start, and Miami is one more putrid team. Should work either way.
Atlanta (-0.5) over NEW YORK -- The Hawks have something to play for. The Knicks do not.
Charlotte over CLEVELAND (-8.5) -- Prior to a bopping in Dallas, the 'Cats had won five straight and were starting to play much more competitive basketball.
SACRAMENTO (-5.5) over Toronto -- The Kings play strong ball at home and should be peeved after getting their heads handed to them by the Suns last night.
DENVER (-16.5) over Seattle -- Fast-paced basketball means lots of points and big margins of victory against bad teams for the Nugs.
Last night: 3-5
Season: 502-481
HOUSTON (-3.5) over LA Lakers -- This line seems quite low for a game in which the home team has won 21 straight and the road team is expected to be without Pau Gasol due to a sprained ankle. We say this line rises by a few points prior to gametime.
Dallas (-14.5) over MIAMI -- Some attribute the Mavs' four-game win streak to the insertion of Jerry Stackhouse into the starting lineup. We postulate that it might have something to do with games against four putrid teams. Stackhouse will start, and Miami is one more putrid team. Should work either way.
Atlanta (-0.5) over NEW YORK -- The Hawks have something to play for. The Knicks do not.
Charlotte over CLEVELAND (-8.5) -- Prior to a bopping in Dallas, the 'Cats had won five straight and were starting to play much more competitive basketball.
SACRAMENTO (-5.5) over Toronto -- The Kings play strong ball at home and should be peeved after getting their heads handed to them by the Suns last night.
DENVER (-16.5) over Seattle -- Fast-paced basketball means lots of points and big margins of victory against bad teams for the Nugs.
Last night: 3-5
Season: 502-481
The Picksix: Home cookin' for the Blazers?
WASHINGTON (-12.5) over LA Clippers -- Caron Butler is back. The Clips apparently have stopped competing on this trip to the East.
ORLANDO (-11.5) over Indiana -- Another underdog who hasn't exactly been hanging in with anyone of late.
San Antonio (-5.5) over PHILADELPHIA -- Hard to imagine the Spurs' funk will last forever.
Utah (-4.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Jazz won decisively in Boston last night and should simply have too many weapons for the Nets to handle.
PORTLAND (-9.5) over Minnesota
PHOENIX (-10.5) over Sacramento
GOLDEN STATE (-16.5) over Memphis -- The disparity between the teams that are "anywhere from excellent to decent" and "everybody else" seems greater than ever this season. It will be evident in these three games out West tonight.
Last night: 3-7
Season: 499-476
ORLANDO (-11.5) over Indiana -- Another underdog who hasn't exactly been hanging in with anyone of late.
San Antonio (-5.5) over PHILADELPHIA -- Hard to imagine the Spurs' funk will last forever.
Utah (-4.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Jazz won decisively in Boston last night and should simply have too many weapons for the Nets to handle.
PORTLAND (-9.5) over Minnesota
PHOENIX (-10.5) over Sacramento
GOLDEN STATE (-16.5) over Memphis -- The disparity between the teams that are "anywhere from excellent to decent" and "everybody else" seems greater than ever this season. It will be evident in these three games out West tonight.
Last night: 3-7
Season: 499-476
14 March 2008
The Picksix: Abominations collide in Seattle
LA Clippers over ATLANTA (-8.5) -- Tonight's only entry in the "too many points" category.
BOSTON (-6.5) over Utah -- The Celts have won ten straight and will remain eager to prove that they can hang with the league's best. Utah is one of those teams.
Orlando (-11.5) over MIAMI -- The Flash-free Heat are packing it in.
San Antonio over DETROIT (-2.5) -- The Spurs may actually be eager to make a statement after losses to Phoenix, Denver and New Orleans in the past week.
LA Lakers (-1.5) over NEW ORLEANS -- They're just too good right now.
HOUSTON (-12.5) over Charlotte -- We picked against the Rockets once already this week. My, that was dumb.
Philadelphia over CHICAGO (-2.5) -- The Sixers have won 13 of 17 and will continue their push upwards in the Eastern playoff picture.
DALLAS (-12.5) over Indiana -- The Mavs have spent the week spanking bad teams at home, having beaten the Knicks by 29 and the 'Cats by 25. No reason for that to change here.
DENVER (-10.5) over Toronto -- No rush on the Raps until CB4 comes off the injury report once and for all.
SEATTLE (-2.5) over Minnesota -- The home team will suffice for this battle of lottery-bounds.
Last night: 0-3
Season: 496-469
BOSTON (-6.5) over Utah -- The Celts have won ten straight and will remain eager to prove that they can hang with the league's best. Utah is one of those teams.
Orlando (-11.5) over MIAMI -- The Flash-free Heat are packing it in.
San Antonio over DETROIT (-2.5) -- The Spurs may actually be eager to make a statement after losses to Phoenix, Denver and New Orleans in the past week.
LA Lakers (-1.5) over NEW ORLEANS -- They're just too good right now.
HOUSTON (-12.5) over Charlotte -- We picked against the Rockets once already this week. My, that was dumb.
Philadelphia over CHICAGO (-2.5) -- The Sixers have won 13 of 17 and will continue their push upwards in the Eastern playoff picture.
DALLAS (-12.5) over Indiana -- The Mavs have spent the week spanking bad teams at home, having beaten the Knicks by 29 and the 'Cats by 25. No reason for that to change here.
DENVER (-10.5) over Toronto -- No rush on the Raps until CB4 comes off the injury report once and for all.
SEATTLE (-2.5) over Minnesota -- The home team will suffice for this battle of lottery-bounds.
Last night: 0-3
Season: 496-469
13 March 2008
The Picksix: Cavs to rebound
Cleveland (-0.5) over WASHINGTON -- Hard to imagine Bron and the boys won't be peeved after squandering the King's 42 in a loss in Jersey last night.
Portland over SACRAMENTO (-4.5) -- Sacramento has been unreliable of late, losing seven of its last nine. The Blazers are perking up again.
Golden State over PHOENIX (-4.5) -- Do the Suns have the depth to run with frenetic teams like the Warriors after the loss of Marion and with Shaq likely relegated to minimal minutes? We begin to find out tonight, but the early guess here is no.
Last night: 6-5
Season: 496-466
Portland over SACRAMENTO (-4.5) -- Sacramento has been unreliable of late, losing seven of its last nine. The Blazers are perking up again.
Golden State over PHOENIX (-4.5) -- Do the Suns have the depth to run with frenetic teams like the Warriors after the loss of Marion and with Shaq likely relegated to minimal minutes? We begin to find out tonight, but the early guess here is no.
Last night: 6-5
Season: 496-466
11 March 2008
The Picksix: Showdown in the Big Easy
LA Clippers over ORLANDO (-15.5) -- The Clippers are playing hard every night (most notably rookie Al Thornton, who has put up some monstrous numbers of late), and you never know what you're going to get with the Magic.
Houston (-5.5) over ATLANTA -- They have won 19 straight and are giving less than a touchdown against the Hawks. No question, it's the Yao-less Rockets once more.
Philadelphia over DETROIT (-9.5) -- The Sixers have won 12 of 16 and hung tight with the Pistons in two previous meetings this season.
BOSTON (-17.5) over Seattle -- The Celtics have cruised to nine straight wins, and the Sonics play their second straight out East and could be winded after battling the fast-paced Pacers last night.
MIAMI over New York (-3.5) -- The Knicks have lost seven straight. No need to give points. Shawn Marion might be thrilled to be the man in Miami for the rest of the season.
Cleveland (-4.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Nets are in trouble and returning home from a tough trip out West that included a loss to the hapless Grizzlies. Bron could be offended by a line this low. This would be a good thing for those of us who pick the Cavs.
San Antonio over NEW ORLEANS (-1.5) -- With 12 wins in 14 games, the Spurs seem to have found their stride. They will be eager to avenge two road losses to other Western foes (Denver and Phoenix) this weekend, despite partially accomplishing that with a home win over Denver on Monday.
Utah (-7.5) over MILWAUKEE -- The Jazz are a lot better than the Bucks -- and they could be peeved after a rough night in Hicag.
Charlotte over DALLAS (-11.5) -- Five straight wins for the suddenly surging 'Cats makes us willing to take them with the double-digit line in Big D.
DENVER (-16.5) over Memphis -- Playing in Phoenix and the high altitude of Denver on back-to-back nights won't be good for a team that is terrible even when well-rested.
GOLDEN STATE (-9.5) over Toronto -- Still no sign of Chris Bosh returning for the Raps. Plenty of signs of scoring in Golden State.
Last night: 3-3
Season: 490-461
Houston (-5.5) over ATLANTA -- They have won 19 straight and are giving less than a touchdown against the Hawks. No question, it's the Yao-less Rockets once more.
Philadelphia over DETROIT (-9.5) -- The Sixers have won 12 of 16 and hung tight with the Pistons in two previous meetings this season.
BOSTON (-17.5) over Seattle -- The Celtics have cruised to nine straight wins, and the Sonics play their second straight out East and could be winded after battling the fast-paced Pacers last night.
MIAMI over New York (-3.5) -- The Knicks have lost seven straight. No need to give points. Shawn Marion might be thrilled to be the man in Miami for the rest of the season.
Cleveland (-4.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Nets are in trouble and returning home from a tough trip out West that included a loss to the hapless Grizzlies. Bron could be offended by a line this low. This would be a good thing for those of us who pick the Cavs.
San Antonio over NEW ORLEANS (-1.5) -- With 12 wins in 14 games, the Spurs seem to have found their stride. They will be eager to avenge two road losses to other Western foes (Denver and Phoenix) this weekend, despite partially accomplishing that with a home win over Denver on Monday.
Utah (-7.5) over MILWAUKEE -- The Jazz are a lot better than the Bucks -- and they could be peeved after a rough night in Hicag.
Charlotte over DALLAS (-11.5) -- Five straight wins for the suddenly surging 'Cats makes us willing to take them with the double-digit line in Big D.
DENVER (-16.5) over Memphis -- Playing in Phoenix and the high altitude of Denver on back-to-back nights won't be good for a team that is terrible even when well-rested.
GOLDEN STATE (-9.5) over Toronto -- Still no sign of Chris Bosh returning for the Raps. Plenty of signs of scoring in Golden State.
Last night: 3-3
Season: 490-461
10 March 2008
The Picksix: Lakers to get back on track?
WASHINGTON (-6.5) over Milwaukee -- The Bucks' short-lived hot streak (if one can really even call it that) appears to be over.
Seattle over INDIANA (-9.5) -- With three wins in twelve games, the Pacers don't strike us as a team with which we're looking to give a bunch.
MINNESOTA over Portland (-2.5) -- The Wolves closed a West Coast road trip with consecutive wins, and the Blazers play the tail end of a back-to-back the night after blowing a double-digit lead in Cleveland.
Utah (-3.5) over CHICAGO -- The Jazz are really a lot better than the Bulls.
PHOENIX (-16.5) over Memphis -- One win over the Nets hasn't convinced us that the Grizz can hang with anyone on a regular basis. Their recent loss margins (see: another 30-pointer to the Celts) back that up.
LA LAKERS (-12.5) over Toronto -- Losing on two last-second free throws from Beno Udrih on Sunday can't have made Kobe and Pau too happy.
Last night: 5-2
Season: 487-458
Seattle over INDIANA (-9.5) -- With three wins in twelve games, the Pacers don't strike us as a team with which we're looking to give a bunch.
MINNESOTA over Portland (-2.5) -- The Wolves closed a West Coast road trip with consecutive wins, and the Blazers play the tail end of a back-to-back the night after blowing a double-digit lead in Cleveland.
Utah (-3.5) over CHICAGO -- The Jazz are really a lot better than the Bulls.
PHOENIX (-16.5) over Memphis -- One win over the Nets hasn't convinced us that the Grizz can hang with anyone on a regular basis. Their recent loss margins (see: another 30-pointer to the Celts) back that up.
LA LAKERS (-12.5) over Toronto -- Losing on two last-second free throws from Beno Udrih on Sunday can't have made Kobe and Pau too happy.
Last night: 5-2
Season: 487-458
09 March 2008
The Picksix: Putridity abounds in South Beach
Atlanta over ORLANDO (-9.5) -- Too many points to give when the game means much more to the underdog, as the Hawks fight to clear some room for themselves in the playoff picture.
Boston (-4.5) over PHILADELPHIA -- The tough part of Philly's March schedule officially starts now.
CLEVELAND (-5.5) over Portland -- It has become clear that the Blazers are good enough to beat bad teams but not ready to hang with the class of either conference. LeBron will take care of business.
MIAMI (-3.5) over LA Clippers -- As bad as the Heat are, if Dwyane Wade still hasn't been shut down for the year (how has this not happened yet?), the Clips are worse.
Denver over SAN ANTONIO (-7.5) -- This line is too high for a San Antonio team has suddenly lost two in a row against two of the league's fastest-paced teams. Traveling home from Phoenix to run into the league's quickest-playing team a day later won't be good for the old bones.
DALLAS (-15.5) over New York
HOUSTON (-15.5) over New Jersey -- The Knicks are really bad, and by the same token, the Rockets are really good. Thus our willingness to give a combined 31 points in these two games.
Last night: 3-2
Season: 482-456
Boston (-4.5) over PHILADELPHIA -- The tough part of Philly's March schedule officially starts now.
CLEVELAND (-5.5) over Portland -- It has become clear that the Blazers are good enough to beat bad teams but not ready to hang with the class of either conference. LeBron will take care of business.
MIAMI (-3.5) over LA Clippers -- As bad as the Heat are, if Dwyane Wade still hasn't been shut down for the year (how has this not happened yet?), the Clips are worse.
Denver over SAN ANTONIO (-7.5) -- This line is too high for a San Antonio team has suddenly lost two in a row against two of the league's fastest-paced teams. Traveling home from Phoenix to run into the league's quickest-playing team a day later won't be good for the old bones.
DALLAS (-15.5) over New York
HOUSTON (-15.5) over New Jersey -- The Knicks are really bad, and by the same token, the Rockets are really good. Thus our willingness to give a combined 31 points in these two games.
Last night: 3-2
Season: 482-456
The Picksix: Suns slumping
Philadelphia over MILWAUKEE (-0.5) -- The Sixers have won 11 of 14 to storm into the Eastern playoff picture. They will keep rolling against an inconsistent Bucks team.
Seattle over TORONTO (-10.5) -- Chris Bosh's health remains in question, which means that so does our willingness to give double-digits with the Raps.
San Antonio over PHOENIX (-1.5) -- The Suns are just 3-6 with Shaq in the lineup. A loss in Denver on Friday for the Spurs just means that they have won 11 of 12 rather than 11 of 11. We're okay with that.
Chicago over DETROIT (-9.5) -- Bulls versus rest of league: 22-37. Bulls versus Detroit: 3-0. Go figure.
LA LAKERS (-14.5) over Sacramento -- Since Pau arrived, the Lakers are 15-2 with 11 double-digit wins. We'll take our chances.
Last night: 6-4
Season: 479-454
Seattle over TORONTO (-10.5) -- Chris Bosh's health remains in question, which means that so does our willingness to give double-digits with the Raps.
San Antonio over PHOENIX (-1.5) -- The Suns are just 3-6 with Shaq in the lineup. A loss in Denver on Friday for the Spurs just means that they have won 11 of 12 rather than 11 of 11. We're okay with that.
Chicago over DETROIT (-9.5) -- Bulls versus rest of league: 22-37. Bulls versus Detroit: 3-0. Go figure.
LA LAKERS (-14.5) over Sacramento -- Since Pau arrived, the Lakers are 15-2 with 11 double-digit wins. We'll take our chances.
Last night: 6-4
Season: 479-454
08 March 2008
The Picksix: Reunion night in Big D
Indiana over CLEVELAND (-9.5) -- The Pacers hung tight with the Cavs in two of their first three match-ups this season. This line is a bit high for too rather fickle teams.
ATLANTA (-6.5) over Miami -- Until Dwyane Wade moves off the injury report (he is questionable), we don't want any part of the Heat.
Golden State over ORLANDO (-6.5) -- We'll take the points with a hot Dubs team over an inconsistent Orlando squad.
Charlotte over WASHINGTON (-6.5) -- The 'Cats have won four in a row. The Wiz are still banged up. Points, please.
Portland (-2.5) over NEW YORK -- Not enough points for a nonchalant Knicks team.
Boston (-10.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Grizz aren't competing sans Pau, and the Celts are suddenly streaking once more.
New Jersey over DALLAS (-11.5) -- The points are a bit high for a Dallas team still finding its way since the Kidd trade, and Devin Harris may be eager to send a message to the team that moved him for a perceived upgrade.
New Orleans over HOUSTON (-6.5) -- Sooner or later, the Rockets are going to have to lose -- or at least squeak one out. It might as well happen against on of the West's top teams.
UTAH (-5.5) over Denver -- Even without AK47, the Jazz should continue to have no trouble dominating at home, where they are a league best 27-3.
LA CLIPPERS (-4.5) over Minnesota -- For no reason at all except that we can't see the Wolves playing well on consecutive nights out West.
Last night: 6-6
Season: 473-450
ATLANTA (-6.5) over Miami -- Until Dwyane Wade moves off the injury report (he is questionable), we don't want any part of the Heat.
Golden State over ORLANDO (-6.5) -- We'll take the points with a hot Dubs team over an inconsistent Orlando squad.
Charlotte over WASHINGTON (-6.5) -- The 'Cats have won four in a row. The Wiz are still banged up. Points, please.
Portland (-2.5) over NEW YORK -- Not enough points for a nonchalant Knicks team.
Boston (-10.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Grizz aren't competing sans Pau, and the Celts are suddenly streaking once more.
New Jersey over DALLAS (-11.5) -- The points are a bit high for a Dallas team still finding its way since the Kidd trade, and Devin Harris may be eager to send a message to the team that moved him for a perceived upgrade.
New Orleans over HOUSTON (-6.5) -- Sooner or later, the Rockets are going to have to lose -- or at least squeak one out. It might as well happen against on of the West's top teams.
UTAH (-5.5) over Denver -- Even without AK47, the Jazz should continue to have no trouble dominating at home, where they are a league best 27-3.
LA CLIPPERS (-4.5) over Minnesota -- For no reason at all except that we can't see the Wolves playing well on consecutive nights out West.
Last night: 6-6
Season: 473-450
07 March 2008
The Picksix: Hawks set to snap slump
Atlanta over CHARLOTTE (-2.5) -- The Hawks have lost three straight, but those losses have come to New Orleans, Boston and Golden State, likely three of the league's top ten teams. The suddenly-hot 'Cats won't cause the same sort of problems.
Seattle over PHILADELPHIA (-11.5) -- Too many points to give with a team in its first game back from a trip to the opposite coast.
Washington over TORONTO (-3.5) -- The likelihood of no Chris Bosh means no love for the Raptors giving points.
Detroit (-8.5) over NEW YORK -- The Pistons will do their part to avenge a 25-point loss at the Garden back in January.
Golden State (-3.5) over MIAMI -- The Warriors are a lot better than the Heat are.
BOSTON (-10.5) over Chicago -- The Celts saw what the Bulls did to Bron's Cavs last night and will be hungry to avoid the same fate and a letdown after a huge win over the Pistons on Wednesday.
NEW ORLEANS (-11.5) over New Jersey -- The Nets are coming off a loss to a Memphis team that struggles to get within 15 points of its opponents with any regularity. Chris Paul will give Devin Harris a clinic.
MILWAUKEE (-1.5) over Portland -- Label us unmoved by the Blazers' 9-21 road record.
Utah over PHOENIX (-3.5) -- The Suns are just 3-5 since Shaq's arrival. Deron Williams is playing at an extraordinarily high level right now. We'll take the points.
SACRAMENTO (-7.5) over Minnesota -- The Wolves haven't even been competing as of late.
San Antonio over DENVER (-0.5) -- The Spurs are doing it once more: They took a flyer on the first three months of the season and have since made a clear decision to crank it up. They have won 11 straight and are showing no signs of slowing down.
LA LAKERS (-15.5) over LA Clippers -- We really don't have the audacity to pick against the Kobe right now. Yes, the Kobe. And his new and improved friends.
Last night: 1-2
Season: 467-444
Seattle over PHILADELPHIA (-11.5) -- Too many points to give with a team in its first game back from a trip to the opposite coast.
Washington over TORONTO (-3.5) -- The likelihood of no Chris Bosh means no love for the Raptors giving points.
Detroit (-8.5) over NEW YORK -- The Pistons will do their part to avenge a 25-point loss at the Garden back in January.
Golden State (-3.5) over MIAMI -- The Warriors are a lot better than the Heat are.
BOSTON (-10.5) over Chicago -- The Celts saw what the Bulls did to Bron's Cavs last night and will be hungry to avoid the same fate and a letdown after a huge win over the Pistons on Wednesday.
NEW ORLEANS (-11.5) over New Jersey -- The Nets are coming off a loss to a Memphis team that struggles to get within 15 points of its opponents with any regularity. Chris Paul will give Devin Harris a clinic.
MILWAUKEE (-1.5) over Portland -- Label us unmoved by the Blazers' 9-21 road record.
Utah over PHOENIX (-3.5) -- The Suns are just 3-5 since Shaq's arrival. Deron Williams is playing at an extraordinarily high level right now. We'll take the points.
SACRAMENTO (-7.5) over Minnesota -- The Wolves haven't even been competing as of late.
San Antonio over DENVER (-0.5) -- The Spurs are doing it once more: They took a flyer on the first three months of the season and have since made a clear decision to crank it up. They have won 11 straight and are showing no signs of slowing down.
LA LAKERS (-15.5) over LA Clippers -- We really don't have the audacity to pick against the Kobe right now. Yes, the Kobe. And his new and improved friends.
Last night: 1-2
Season: 467-444
06 March 2008
The Picksix: Rockets looking for 17
Cleveland over CHICAGO (-2.5) -- The Bulls looked beaten down after Bron's game-changing dunk on Sunday at the Q. The Knicks looked beaten down after LeBron went for 50 points and 10 dimes against them last night. People looking beaten down after running into LeBron seems to be a common theme these days.
SAN ANTONIO (-12.5) over Indiana -- Night two of a Texas trip generally isn't a good one for road teams, especially those from the East.
Houston over DALLAS (-2.5) -- Sure, the Rockets' have only had one real test since the Yao injury (a home win over Denver on Sunday), but it's hard to shy away from a team that is getting points after 16 straight wins. Also, Dirk Nowitzki will be serving his one-game suspension for a flagrant foul earlier in the week.
Last night: 7-5
Season: 466-442
SAN ANTONIO (-12.5) over Indiana -- Night two of a Texas trip generally isn't a good one for road teams, especially those from the East.
Houston over DALLAS (-2.5) -- Sure, the Rockets' have only had one real test since the Yao injury (a home win over Denver on Sunday), but it's hard to shy away from a team that is getting points after 16 straight wins. Also, Dirk Nowitzki will be serving his one-game suspension for a flagrant foul earlier in the week.
Last night: 7-5
Season: 466-442
05 March 2008
The Picksix: How bad can the Grizz be?
Golden State (-4.5) over CHARLOTTE -- The 'Cats have won two straight, but the Dubs are a far better basketball team. They will show as much tonight.
Orlando (-3.5) over WASHINGTON -- This line would make more sense if Gil Arenas was playing instead of just practicing with the Wiz at this point. We'll stick with Dwight's boys.
BOSTON (-4.5) over Detroit -- The Celts still feel like they have a lot to prove in the East, and this game will simply mean more to them.
Cleveland (-4.5) over NEW YORK -- LeBron is excellent. The Knicks are putrid.
MIAMI (-2.5) over Toronto -- The Raps will be without Chris Bosh once more (that we forgot to mention this yesterday is really inexcusable), and the Heat have looked better since Shawn Marion came aboard.
Seattle over MILWAUKEE (-9.5) -- Too many points, especially against a Seattle team that has hung in a lot lately, as demonstrated with last night's three-point loss in Detroit.
NEW ORLEANS (-11.5) over Atlanta -- The Hawks should be gassed after getting run out of their own building in allowing 135 points to the Warriors in regulation. The Hornets will continue the momentum built with a 15-4 run to finish a less-decisive-than-the-score-indicated win in New York on Monday.
New Jersey (-3.5) over MEMPHIS -- Last night, the Grizz lost their seventh straight game by 14 points or more. No thanks.
HOUSTON (-11.5) over Indiana -- Sooner or later, the Rockets will have to slow down. We'll start buying that when it happens.
DENVER (-2.5) over Phoenix -- The Suns play the second half of a back-to-back in Denver, where the Nugs are 23-7 at home. Against the league's fastest-paced team in the high altitude, Shaq could be in trouble.
UTAH (-14.5) over Minnesota -- The Jazz keep rolling at home (26-3). The Wolves just lost by 20 at home to Charlotte. Eesh.
Sacramento (-3.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- The Clips have lost their lost two at home to Detroit and Philadelphia by 30 and 26 points respectively. We're going to lay off for now.
Last night: 6-2
Season: 459-437
Orlando (-3.5) over WASHINGTON -- This line would make more sense if Gil Arenas was playing instead of just practicing with the Wiz at this point. We'll stick with Dwight's boys.
BOSTON (-4.5) over Detroit -- The Celts still feel like they have a lot to prove in the East, and this game will simply mean more to them.
Cleveland (-4.5) over NEW YORK -- LeBron is excellent. The Knicks are putrid.
MIAMI (-2.5) over Toronto -- The Raps will be without Chris Bosh once more (that we forgot to mention this yesterday is really inexcusable), and the Heat have looked better since Shawn Marion came aboard.
Seattle over MILWAUKEE (-9.5) -- Too many points, especially against a Seattle team that has hung in a lot lately, as demonstrated with last night's three-point loss in Detroit.
NEW ORLEANS (-11.5) over Atlanta -- The Hawks should be gassed after getting run out of their own building in allowing 135 points to the Warriors in regulation. The Hornets will continue the momentum built with a 15-4 run to finish a less-decisive-than-the-score-indicated win in New York on Monday.
New Jersey (-3.5) over MEMPHIS -- Last night, the Grizz lost their seventh straight game by 14 points or more. No thanks.
HOUSTON (-11.5) over Indiana -- Sooner or later, the Rockets will have to slow down. We'll start buying that when it happens.
DENVER (-2.5) over Phoenix -- The Suns play the second half of a back-to-back in Denver, where the Nugs are 23-7 at home. Against the league's fastest-paced team in the high altitude, Shaq could be in trouble.
UTAH (-14.5) over Minnesota -- The Jazz keep rolling at home (26-3). The Wolves just lost by 20 at home to Charlotte. Eesh.
Sacramento (-3.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- The Clips have lost their lost two at home to Detroit and Philadelphia by 30 and 26 points respectively. We're going to lay off for now.
Last night: 6-2
Season: 459-437
03 March 2008
The Picksix: Grizz not hangin' in
Golden State (-1.5) over ATLANTA -- The Dubs have won seven of nine and will be looking to avenge a home loss to the Hawks a week and a half ago.
Toronto over ORLANDO (-8.5) -- Two fickle teams are involved, and the Raps come off a dud in Charlotte looking for some redemption. We'll go with the points.
Seattle over DETROIT (-15.5) -- The Sonics have played more competitive ball of late, and the Pistons could be sluggish as they return home from a long trip out West.
MINNESOTA (-5.5) over Charlotte -- The 'Cats have lost ten straight on the road, and the fact that they have two wins since the end of January doesn't inspire confidence either.
CHICAGO (-9.5) over Memphis -- Much as we don't like the Bulls, we're not touching a Grizz team that has lost six straight by 14 points or more.
New Jersey over SAN ANTONIO (-12.5) -- The Nets have been weird lately, and this is a lot of points to be giving with a Spurs team that doesn't necessarily look to blow folks out.
Phoenix (-3.5) over PORTLAND -- The Suns will come back strong against from a home upset to Philly against a quickly fading Portland team.
LA Lakers (-6.5) over SACRAMENTO -- Anything in single-digits seems reasonable for the Lakers at this point.
Last night: 3-0
Season: 453-435
Toronto over ORLANDO (-8.5) -- Two fickle teams are involved, and the Raps come off a dud in Charlotte looking for some redemption. We'll go with the points.
Seattle over DETROIT (-15.5) -- The Sonics have played more competitive ball of late, and the Pistons could be sluggish as they return home from a long trip out West.
MINNESOTA (-5.5) over Charlotte -- The 'Cats have lost ten straight on the road, and the fact that they have two wins since the end of January doesn't inspire confidence either.
CHICAGO (-9.5) over Memphis -- Much as we don't like the Bulls, we're not touching a Grizz team that has lost six straight by 14 points or more.
New Jersey over SAN ANTONIO (-12.5) -- The Nets have been weird lately, and this is a lot of points to be giving with a Spurs team that doesn't necessarily look to blow folks out.
Phoenix (-3.5) over PORTLAND -- The Suns will come back strong against from a home upset to Philly against a quickly fading Portland team.
LA Lakers (-6.5) over SACRAMENTO -- Anything in single-digits seems reasonable for the Lakers at this point.
Last night: 3-0
Season: 453-435
The Picksix: Gearing up for a playoff run in the City of Brotherly Love?
New Orleans (-7.5) over NEW YORK -- Sure, the Wiz apparently give the Hornets all sorts of problems, but CP3 et al. should be able to handle the lowly Knicks, right? Right?
UTAH (-4.5) over Dallas -- The last time the Jazz lost at home? December 29th to the Celts. They sit at 25-3 on the year in Salt Lake City. The Mavs could be drained after a nail-biting overtime loss to the Lakers on Sunday afternoon.
Philadelphia (-1.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- Don't look now, but the Sixers have won nine of twelve to hop into seventh in the East. How this one stretch hasn't assured them home-court advantage in the East playoffs, we may never know.
Last night: 3-8
Season: 450-435
UTAH (-4.5) over Dallas -- The last time the Jazz lost at home? December 29th to the Celts. They sit at 25-3 on the year in Salt Lake City. The Mavs could be drained after a nail-biting overtime loss to the Lakers on Sunday afternoon.
Philadelphia (-1.5) over LA CLIPPERS -- Don't look now, but the Sixers have won nine of twelve to hop into seventh in the East. How this one stretch hasn't assured them home-court advantage in the East playoffs, we may never know.
Last night: 3-8
Season: 450-435
02 March 2008
The Picksix: Reunion in Cleveland
Chicago over CLEVELAND (-6.5) -- These reunion games are always fickle; one never knows who will have the greater motivation. As such, we'll just take the points.
LA LAKERS (-6.5) over Dallas -- The Lakers lost to the Blazers on Friday night. They will get that bitter taste out of their mouths in a big way.
BOSTON (-11.5) over Atlanta -- The Celts have won four straight, and it appears that energy levels are picking up with one front-court acquisition complete and one back-court signing pending.
San Antonio (-5.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Spurs have won eight straight Devin Harris won't find them a much more difficult opponent with his new teammates.
New Orleans (-5.5) over WASHINGTON -- The possibility of the Hornets allowing the Wiz to stay close after being upset by Washington last week seems inordinately minimal.
Milwaukee over INDIANA (-3.5) -- The Pacers have won two of eight. The Bucks remain competitive.
Toronto (-4.5) over CHARLOTTE -- The 'Cats are depleted and done.
Seattle over MINNESOTA (-4.5) -- Giving points with the Wolves seems rather foolish.
HOUSTON (-3.5) over Denver -- The Rockets will be looking to make a statement that they are still in the playoff race even despite the loss of Yao Ming. Despite being on the outside of the playoff picture looking in right now, the Nugs feel like they have the upper hand moving forward no matter what happens in this game. It means more to the Rockets, and this will show on the floor tonight.
GOLDEN STATE (-6.5) over Portland -- Despite a victory over the Lakers on Friday, the Blazers continue to fade fast. They prefer to play one of the slowest games in the league, and the Warriors won't let them tonight in Oaktown. Once the running starts, the Blazers will be packing it in.
Miami over SACRAMENTO (-6.5) -- To their credit, the Heat have been more competitive with Shawn Marion in the lineup, and it seems counterintuitive to give a touchdown with a team that lost by 21 points to Miami earlier in the week.
Last night: 2-3
Season: 447-427
LA LAKERS (-6.5) over Dallas -- The Lakers lost to the Blazers on Friday night. They will get that bitter taste out of their mouths in a big way.
BOSTON (-11.5) over Atlanta -- The Celts have won four straight, and it appears that energy levels are picking up with one front-court acquisition complete and one back-court signing pending.
San Antonio (-5.5) over NEW JERSEY -- The Spurs have won eight straight Devin Harris won't find them a much more difficult opponent with his new teammates.
New Orleans (-5.5) over WASHINGTON -- The possibility of the Hornets allowing the Wiz to stay close after being upset by Washington last week seems inordinately minimal.
Milwaukee over INDIANA (-3.5) -- The Pacers have won two of eight. The Bucks remain competitive.
Toronto (-4.5) over CHARLOTTE -- The 'Cats are depleted and done.
Seattle over MINNESOTA (-4.5) -- Giving points with the Wolves seems rather foolish.
HOUSTON (-3.5) over Denver -- The Rockets will be looking to make a statement that they are still in the playoff race even despite the loss of Yao Ming. Despite being on the outside of the playoff picture looking in right now, the Nugs feel like they have the upper hand moving forward no matter what happens in this game. It means more to the Rockets, and this will show on the floor tonight.
GOLDEN STATE (-6.5) over Portland -- Despite a victory over the Lakers on Friday, the Blazers continue to fade fast. They prefer to play one of the slowest games in the league, and the Warriors won't let them tonight in Oaktown. Once the running starts, the Blazers will be packing it in.
Miami over SACRAMENTO (-6.5) -- To their credit, the Heat have been more competitive with Shawn Marion in the lineup, and it seems counterintuitive to give a touchdown with a team that lost by 21 points to Miami earlier in the week.
Last night: 2-3
Season: 447-427
01 March 2008
The Picksix: Pistons to be shorthanded?
ORLANDO (-11.5) over New York -- Second game of a road back-to-back for the Knicks combined with a peeved Magic team coming off a bopping at the hands of the Sixers. Ugliness shall abound.
Utah (-9.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Jazz haven't been overly convincing lately, but the Grizz post-Pau really aren't any good.
San Antonio (-5.5) over MILWAUKEE -- The Bucks' sudden hot streak came to a screeching halt in New Jersey on Thursday. The Spurs shall roll.
PHOENIX (-9.5) over Philadelphia -- What a weekend for the Sixers: Friday night in Golden State, Saturday in Phoenix. Tired legs shall be run out.
LA CLIPPERS over Detroit (-8.5) -- Too many points to give for a team likely to be without point guard Chauncey Billups.
Last night: 4-8
Season: 445-424
Utah (-9.5) over MEMPHIS -- The Jazz haven't been overly convincing lately, but the Grizz post-Pau really aren't any good.
San Antonio (-5.5) over MILWAUKEE -- The Bucks' sudden hot streak came to a screeching halt in New Jersey on Thursday. The Spurs shall roll.
PHOENIX (-9.5) over Philadelphia -- What a weekend for the Sixers: Friday night in Golden State, Saturday in Phoenix. Tired legs shall be run out.
LA CLIPPERS over Detroit (-8.5) -- Too many points to give for a team likely to be without point guard Chauncey Billups.
Last night: 4-8
Season: 445-424
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