Xmas slate doesn't disappoint

ORLANDO (-4.5) over New Orleans - The Magic have won nine of 10, including victories over the Spurs and Lakers. They don't have the fourth-best record in basketball for nothing.

PHOENIX (-2.5) over San Antonio - When in doubt, go with the home team in a holiday match-up where players' minds may be elsewhere.

Boston over LA LAKERS (-1.5) - We're not looking to bet against a team with 19 straight victories and the best start in NBA history.

CLEVELAND (-14.5) over Washington - LeBron's team is a lot better than DeShawn Stevenson's. And yes, it is insulting to call the Wiz Deshawn Stevenson's team. But it seemed to fit the parallelism here.

Dallas over PORTLAND (-4.5) - Dear Acks,

Merry Christmas. You're welcome.

Your friends,

Boof, Tek, J, Anil

Last night: 0-0

Tuesday: 7-5

Season: 218-202