A friend emailed this to me...
New Jersey @ Minnesota
This "should" be an easy win for the Nets - the only concern would be New Jersey's motivation; it's obviously evident that they're not going to the playoffs - there is a growing likelihood that b/c of that consequence, Lawrence Frank won't be back as coach. This almost boils down to whether or not the team wants to finish strong for Frank or if they've entirely zoned him out and are just thinking of what they'll be doing once the regular season wraps up - they have been known to be mightily unfocused at points during the season.
Definitely do think that the Timberwolves are undermanned and looking at the lottery. It's being shorthanded that's been a concern ever since Jefferson went down - they aren't in most games they've played since then - although they did ambush the Bobcats (which will be one of the losses Charlotte will curse themselves for should they be on the outside looking in come April 18th) at home (2 out of 4 wins last homestand); that said, this is the 1st game back for a very young (prone to mistakes of inexperience) team after a short 3 game road trip.
Push comes to shove, would go w/ the Nets, only b/c everything LOGICALLY points to them winning. Not sure about personally having any action on this game myself though.
Philadelphia/Detroit
Philadelphia plays that chaotic brand of basketball - turnovers, steals, etc. If Wallace plays alongside Hamilton for Detroit, that'll be a veteran crew w/ the exception of Rodney Stuckey at the point who'll be taking the floor and less fazed by the 76ers harrassment - the presence of McDyess, Wallace, Hamilton, Prince likely will compensate for any errors of judgment Stuckey commits. Will Bynum has been coming off the bench for the Pistons to great effect - a sparkplug in the mode of Vinnie (The Microwave) Johnson. Last night's marginal win over the Wizards revealed more cracks as they weren't able to hold the double digit lead they enjoyed - although Arenas's return may have inspired the Wizards a little more than usual.
When working on these 2 games, had pencilled in a 2 point victory for New Jersey and the same outcome for Detroit. The point differential is intentionally conservative - when I drew up yesterday's slate (before looking over official lines), had Indiana favored - b/c they were the underdog, that's why was advocating taking the Pacers + the points - couldn't really envision an outright win, but thought they could keep it competitive. That said, the lines that have come out for both games are close to personal guesstimates - would have to say that the New Jersey game looks more likely whereas the potentially positive variables of returning players among the Pistons may be of consequence in determining the final outcome.
