Nuggets smoke'em

[Happy Hippo]

14-9-1
3-3 yesterday
(Sixers +1 LOSS, Bobcats -1, WIN, Wizards +8.5 WIN, Kings -2 WIN, Pacers/Rockets
Under 179 HUGE LOSS!, Jazz 1 Q ?1.5 LOSS)

1) Nuggets - Sixers

The Nuggets are starting to round into playoff shape. They are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games and have won by an average of 4.78 ppg. Since acquiring Patterson & Evans the Nuggets have been outrebounding opponents by 16.5 reb/game (not including their first appearance - we'll give them one game to adjust). They outrebounded the highflying Wallaces and the rest of the Pistons by 24 rebounds. The Nuggets are averaging 54 rebounds/game since their new acquisitions, compared to the Sixers who are averaging 37 rebounds/game in their last six. The Nuggets should be able to capitalize from the extra possessions.

Last night A.I. play 44.5 minutes and it still wasn't enough to beat the Celtics. He can't last that long against the physical defense of Patterson & Buckner on a back-back game, and without him, the Sixers offense will become flat.

The Sixers won by one point in their last meeting with the Nuggets, but Camby didn't play in that game (and Martin, but who knows if he'll play). The Sixers have no one to guard Carmelo and he averages 28.2 ppg in his career vs Sixers, including 45 in their last meeting.

A.I. beat the Nuggets with a game winning shot in Denver earlier this year, and now it is time for some retribution.

PLAY: NUGGETS -1

 

[Happy Hippo]

Two more Thurs Plays

Two more Thurs Plays

2) Nuggets ? Sixers

The Sixers are averaging 107.8 ppg in their last 5 home games, which include defensive-minded teams such as the Bulls, Spurs and Cavs. The Nuggets are averaging 103 ppg in their last 4 away games, which include defensive teams such as the Wolves, Rockets and Jazz. The Sixers last 5 games in Philly were 4-1 O/U and the Nuggets last 5 road games were also 4-1 O/U. In their last 6 meetings, the Sixers & Nuggets are 4-2 O/U. The Sixers give up 104.2 ppg in b-b games and the Nuggets give up 103.5 ppg on 2 days rest.

Expect the pace to be fast and the points to be high.

PLAY: OVER 210

3) Spurs ? Suns

A matchup of Jekyll and Hyde:

The Suns are leading the league with 108.1 ppg and the Spurs lead the league defensively, allowing only 88.1 ppg. Tonight is a true test to see if offense or defense is more important to winning.

I?m going with offense.

In their last 10 games, the Suns have been averaging 114.9 ppg and have beaten opponents by an average of 13.2 points and they are 10-0 SU. At home they have beaten opponents by 14 points/game in their last 10.

Recently, the Spurs have shown lack of concentration. They are 7-3 SU in their last ten played. In their last 10 away games, opponents have outscored the Spurs by an average of 4 ppg. In their last 5 away games, the Spurs are 2-3 SU.

The Suns shoot 88.1% ft as a team, while the Spurs shoot 67% ft as a team. If this one comes down to the wire, the Suns will have the advantage on the line.

Before the season started this year, the books picked the Suns to not even make the playoffs. D?Antoni used this to inspire his team and they have been playing with emotion all year. The Spurs are one of the most emotionless teams and this can really hurt them when they are playing against a team with high energy.

I REALLY hope Nash plays, but if he doesn?t, I think Barbosa can run the point and on 2 days rest the team will step up to fill the void.

PLAY: SUNS +2

 

[InSpades]

I love these writeups. Unfortunately, the Sixers look asleep the first quarte. Good for the side, bad for the total.

IS

 

[Happy Hippo]

IS

Pace was too slow for the OVER to $$ in tonight...

The Nugs just managed to pull it out, but not surprising since Carmelo Anthony leads the league in game-winning shots

Nugs are sending smoke signals to the Suns - they'll need it without Nash & Barbosa!!!