New York over PHILADELPHIA (-8.5) ... We like the Knicks to win the second game of the D'Antoni era. Though, as Coach stated in his postgame comments, the team slacked in the closing five minutes of its opener against Miami, we like Crawford and Co. tonight. We'll pick the Knicks while we still can, and while Stephon Marbury remains on the bench. Hey, it's Halloween, they wear orange, 'nuff said.
TORONTO (-7.5) over Golden State ... In defeating Philly in their opener, the Raptors showed me early signs that Chris Bosh has been rewarded for last years' play with a seemingly competent supporting cast. I have been a booster of Toronto's July acquisition of Jermaine O'Neal, who contributed 17 points to the opening night win. After his injury last season, if O'Neal can stay healthy, and shooting threat Jason Kapono can hold his own, look for Toronto to potentially make some noise in the East. The Warriors were beaten by Chris Paul (the Hornets) in their opener.
MIAMI (-5.5) over Sacramento ... Expect more out of Miami than we saw at the Garden the other night. They are, after all, playing the Kings, who are in rebuilding mode. It could be a long season.
BOSTON (-9.5) over Chicago ... The Boston Celtics seem relatively adept at the art of winning basketball games. Safe to say that we here at the Picksix will be in their camp early and often this season. Shout out to Ben Gordon though.
ORLANDO (-6.5) over Memphis ... Despite the opening night loss at the hands of Atlanta, we like Orlando tonight. Look for some Magic tonight, as Dwight Howard will want to get this team on the winning track in a season filled with big aspirations for them. Even with a decent scoring night from Rudy Gay opening night (20), the Grizzlies lost to Ron Artest's surging Houston Rockets.
LA CLIPPERS over Denver (-1.5) ... Carmelo Anthony will be continuing his early season suspension, and despite the Clippers opening night loss, we need not forget that it came at the hands of the beasts of the west, the team that shares the Staples Center with them. The Lakers ... they're good at basketball.
San Antonio (-1.5) over PORTLAND ... Despite the fact that Greg Popovich's beard is a departure from tradition, we do not expect it to get in the way of the Spurs' tradition of solid play. Note: it is a safe bet to not expect to see many picks favoring Portland any time soon.
That about wraps up our take on tonight's NBA action. Once again, I'm pumped to be on board, and, until next time, this has been J.
Last night: 2-1
Season: 11-7
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