Hi guys, NBA is here and I have three plays to open the season.
<B>4* SA(-2.5)</B> The Spurs have revenge in mind here and should get it against a shorthanded Laker roster that looks like a team that wouldn't win half their games without Shaq and Fox. San Antonio is 10-1 ATS the last 11 meetings in LA ATS and should control the interior all night long. Kobe shot very poorly(37%) in the pre-season and it would take a monster game from him for the Lakers to come out on top here.
<B>4* Sac Under(200.5)</B> The Kings usually come out playing very strong defense to start the season and should do the same here with only 9 healthy guys likely suiting up tonight. In their last 12 home games before December they are 10-2 under and have allowed just 85.1 PPG in those. They don't get enough credit for their defense as they allowed just 43.3% shooting at home last season. With Bibby and Christie missing along with Cleaves, I don't expect them to run as much as Bobby Jackson will have to log extended minutes. Cleveland will have big problems scoring the ball this season as well with Andre Miller and their leading scorer Lamond Murray gone. They will also miss their leading scorer from pre-season Ilgauskas tonight. Their backcourt is CBA quality with Palacio, Bimbo Coles, and Smush Parker, they lack post presence without Ilgauskas and Mihm as well. Miles had a nice pre-season, but he still struggles when he can't get in the open court. Cleveland broke 100 points ONCE in their last 15 road games prior to December and also allowed over 100 just 5 times in the last 13 road games prior to December. This number is inflated due to recent meetings flying over this number, but I don't see it happening here.
<B>3* Orlando(-5)</B> The Magic are 16-4 SU and 13-7 ATS the last 20 at home vs Philly and 6-1 SU and ATS the last 7 meetings overall. The Sixers struggle against teams that can score as they struggle to keep up despite their solid defense. I think that the Sixers defense took a big step backwards with Mutumbo leaving and the Sixers are shorthanded especially up front as Clancy,Dalembert, Coleman, Buckner, Monty Williams are all out and Mark Bryant is banged up as well. That leaves the Sixers VERY small as McCullough is not the best conditioned guy anyway and cannot stay on the floor for long stretches. Orlando has too many weapons and superior depth and will wear down the Sixers here.
Good luck all.......Bookie
<B>4* SA(-2.5)</B> The Spurs have revenge in mind here and should get it against a shorthanded Laker roster that looks like a team that wouldn't win half their games without Shaq and Fox. San Antonio is 10-1 ATS the last 11 meetings in LA ATS and should control the interior all night long. Kobe shot very poorly(37%) in the pre-season and it would take a monster game from him for the Lakers to come out on top here.
<B>4* Sac Under(200.5)</B> The Kings usually come out playing very strong defense to start the season and should do the same here with only 9 healthy guys likely suiting up tonight. In their last 12 home games before December they are 10-2 under and have allowed just 85.1 PPG in those. They don't get enough credit for their defense as they allowed just 43.3% shooting at home last season. With Bibby and Christie missing along with Cleaves, I don't expect them to run as much as Bobby Jackson will have to log extended minutes. Cleveland will have big problems scoring the ball this season as well with Andre Miller and their leading scorer Lamond Murray gone. They will also miss their leading scorer from pre-season Ilgauskas tonight. Their backcourt is CBA quality with Palacio, Bimbo Coles, and Smush Parker, they lack post presence without Ilgauskas and Mihm as well. Miles had a nice pre-season, but he still struggles when he can't get in the open court. Cleveland broke 100 points ONCE in their last 15 road games prior to December and also allowed over 100 just 5 times in the last 13 road games prior to December. This number is inflated due to recent meetings flying over this number, but I don't see it happening here.
<B>3* Orlando(-5)</B> The Magic are 16-4 SU and 13-7 ATS the last 20 at home vs Philly and 6-1 SU and ATS the last 7 meetings overall. The Sixers struggle against teams that can score as they struggle to keep up despite their solid defense. I think that the Sixers defense took a big step backwards with Mutumbo leaving and the Sixers are shorthanded especially up front as Clancy,Dalembert, Coleman, Buckner, Monty Williams are all out and Mark Bryant is banged up as well. That leaves the Sixers VERY small as McCullough is not the best conditioned guy anyway and cannot stay on the floor for long stretches. Orlando has too many weapons and superior depth and will wear down the Sixers here.
Good luck all.......Bookie
