January 28, 2003 By Jimmy Sirody,
It takes a lot of courage to wager on the Nuggets recently as they have lost five straight and eight of their last nine while failing to get the money at a 1-6-1 clip. But Denver has tormented Portland for the past three seasons, winning three in a row SU and cashing in nine straight attempts.
Portland hopes to break that hex tonight as they have cashed 17 of their last 24 at home facing a double-revenge scenario. The Blazers return to the Rose Garden after winning four straight on the road, cashing in three of the four.
BOSTON at DETROIT (-6): The Pistons have been deadly at home after having two days off, getting the money in 26 of 37. Boston has held the upper hand in the series, getting the cash in six of nine, but it has floundered in four of the last six at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Celtics will once again be without the services of Antoine Walker, who isn't expected back in the lineup until Friday. Paul Pierce has taken up the slack in his partner's absence, leading his mates to back-to-back wins. Five of the last six battles in the Motor City have jumped 'over'. Boston has snuck 'under' in six of seven on the road this season against Central Division opponents and in eight of its last 11, overall. Detroit has ducked 'under' in five of its last six at home.
DENVER at PORTLAND (-14): The Nuggets have won six of their last nine SU against Portland, including three straight. Denver whipped the Blazers at home this season, 82-81, as 8 ?-point dogs and routed them, 96-79, in its last visit to the Rose Garden as 15 ?-point puppies. Hardly a 'buy' proposition lately, the Nuggets have lost five in a row and eight of their last nine and average a paltry 66.3 points in their last three games. They are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five opportunities as road dogs. Portland has come up short in six of seven at home ATS against Midwest Division opposition and in five of its last seven as home chalk. The 'under' has cashed at a 2-4-1 clip in the last seven confrontations in Portland. Denver has skipped below the total in 11 of its last 13, overall, and six of seven on the highway. The Blazers have jumped 'over' in five of their last six but they have dipped 'under' in 11 of 14 at home against Midwest Division foes.