SONICS:
Seattle has been the one of hottest team in the Pacific Division as of late? besides being hot and winning 4 straight, 8 of 9, and 11 of 13. They are doing it the hard way, with a roster that continues to be depleted by injuries, even with all of that this team has one half of those wins away from there home court. Boss this team has been money in the bank on the road, with a 9-1 SU and ATS record in their last ten tries, the only loss coming by a single bucket vs those pathetic Knicks. Nate McMillan is down to an eight man rotation, with Vin Baker's replacement, Vladimir Radmanovic, now hurt too, leaving three key components of the Sonics frontcourt unable to play (Calvin Booth is the 3rd). In Seattle's six point win over the Nets on Saturday, McMillan started Art Long along side Jerome James in the front court, leaving Desmond Mason's energy available off the bench where he has been so productive all year long? I like the way this team is playing defense, the key to their recent success is Heart, and you need that to win, along with team work, and I feel they are clicking now. Seattle held the Nets to four fast-break points on Saturday, a clear sign that their transition defense is in excellent form right now, a key component for shutting down the Mavs. The Sonics beat Dallas the last time they were in town, an eight point win, and they were eight point dogs!!! That certainly wasn't the last ATS loss that the Mavs have suffered at home. In fact, this as home favorites of late, they have been 1-6 ATS in that role in recent weeks. I think the problem has been backup PG Van Exel. While Timmy Hardaway my x home town boy with the HEAT was a steady contributor off the bench in the same role before the trade, Exel has not been nearly as proficient here. In the six games Van has played in American Airlines Center since the Mavericks acquired him, he has shot just 29% from the field (13-of-46) and scored only 41 points. "He's not making shots and he's struggling right now for should? SONICS BIGGY TIME!!!
