After a crazy night in the Association, capped by Acks' oh-so-beloved Portland Trailblazers stunning the Houston Rockets (now 3-2) on the strength of a huge 30-foot redemption jumper by Brandon Roy as time expired in overtime, let's get right into our take on tonight's action. It's sure to be an eventful and high-energy night around the league with both Allen Iverson and Chauncey Billups making their respective debuts after the blockbuster trade that will look to provide Denver and Detroit with their own respective "answers."
THE PICKS:
New Orleans (-7.5) over CHARLOTTE - We're going with New Orleans, visiting their former home town here despite their ugly loss to Atlanta in their last game. Chris Paul delivered, as usual, and we're banking on him getting some help and support against this Bobcats team.
WASHINGTON (-5.5) over New York - The Wizards have led each and every one of their inaugural three match-ups this season at halftime. For those unaware though, they have yet to win a basketball game. Look for them to finally finish tonight against D'Antoni and Co. The Wizards got off to a slow start last year and reached the post-season.
Toronto over ATLANTA (-3.5) - Despite Atlanta's hot start, which has seemingly carried over from last year's improbable showing against the eventual World Champion Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, we're looking for the Raptors to come back strong and with a purpose after a disappointing loss to Detroit in their last game (their first loss of the season).
BOSTON (-13.5) over Milwaukee - Despite their loss to the Pacers, the Champs passed their next test with a reassuring win against the Rockets. At TD Banknorth Garden where they have dominated, we're banking on the C's.
CLEVELAND (-9.5) over Indiana - Despite the Pacers' upset of the defending champs, we're going with the Cavs here, who are 2-0 at home on the year thus far. They have won eight straight against the Pacers dating back multiple seasons. Lebron James is coming off a 41 point performance against the Bulls, a season high for him.
Detroit (-7.5) over NEW JERSEY - After shaking up their roster and bringing in Allen Iverson, we look for the Pistons to handle the Nets tonight at the Izod Center. Iverson's debut will represent a sort of new era in Detroit. Based on track record, we have to trust Joe Dumars' strategy until we have reason not to.
Miami over SAN ANTONIO (-6.5) - The Heat are leading the league in steals and turnovers-forced. We look for them to win for the first time in San Antonio in over 11 years.
Phoenix (-4.5) over CHICAGO - As proven Wednesday evening, Amare Stoudemire is still in his prime, as he dropped 49 points against Indiana.
Oklahoma City over UTAH (-11.5) - We're going to go with the Thunder here. Although the Jazz have gotten off to a 4-0 undefeated start, we must remember that they have accomplished that feat in 3 of the previous 5 NBA seasons.
SACRAMENTO (-3.5) over Minnesota - Look for Sacramento to fight for revenge on the Wolves who beat them in the season opener.
Dallas over DENVER (-1.5) - Despite the intrigue surrounding the debut of Chauncey Billups, a proven leader and a proven winner, we like Dallas here. The Mavs bounced back after a disastrous early week loss to the Cavs to beat the Spurs.
GOLDEN STATE (-6.5) over Memphis - The key here is going to be revenge. The Warriors were embarrassed against Memphis the other night, and are lucky enough to come right back out fighting with a quick rematch.
Houston (-6.5) over LOS ANGELES (Clippers) - The Rokets will not be the team to surrender the Clippers' first win of the year. The Clippers starting 5, together for the first time against the Lakers the other night, will require some more time to gel.
Big story-line tonight as we'll look to assess the early returns on the AI/Billups deal. Enjoy the games!
Last night - 1-1
Season to date - 38-27
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