NBA Picks, Monday

[sani]

Detroit over Chicago (+1) @1.93 (www.canbet.com) I'll go with the hotter hand in this one. Or should i call it tighter grasp, since it's the Pistons we're talking about. D is for Detroit, everybody knows that, and with Pistons getting their stops once again, everyone should be scared of them. Here's an interesting fact, they were able to hold their last 6 playoff-bound opponents under 100 points. That just says they CAN get stops against anyone when they need to. Chicago's run has been nothing but impressive, BUT last time they beat a really good team was on March 28th against Memphis. This is how they got their wins since that game @Cha, Cle, Cha, @Orl, Tor. And they also lost to Shaq-less Miami (86-104). They had a lot of injury problems, but they were obviously very lucky with their schedule. Tonight they'll have to go without Luol Deng (out for season) and Eddy Curry (out indefinitely). Baby Bulls just qualified for playoffs, so having a couple of bad games wouldn't be a surprise. Most of them are kids after all. Outrebounding their opponents usually has been the key to Chicago's victories, do you really think they can dominate the boards against Detroit? Key Factor: DETROOOOOOOOOIT BASKEEEEEEEETBAAAAAAALL !!! Golden State over Denver (-10) @1.92 (www.multibet.com) Yes, Denver is one of maybe 5 teams (but probably less than that) i rate higher than Warriors at this point, but i'd take Warriors and their run-and-have-fun +10 against the Dream Team right now. They should get a wildcard playoff spot with the way they are playing. The only 'bad' thing about this game is the fact Warriors had to play double OT last night against Spurs. But these guys are young and full of energy, plus their roster is deep. The fact that only B Diddy played for more than 45 minutes helps. And i always like a team that goes to a game with 'We almost had that last game, now let's take this one' approach. Golden State can drop 100 on anyone (managed to do it in 12 of last 13 games), so they should be able to keep up with Nuggets' high scoring. I see Denver as favourites to win (although Warriors definitely have their chances), but 10 points, that's just too much. Key Factor: Warriors' moneyline (5.50 at Centrebet) is just mouthwatering. Memphis over Dallas (-7) @1.95 (www.pinnaclesports.com) Dallas has become a contender, after all those circus-years, but Memphis has been built like a contender ever since Jerry West became their GM. Actually it started even before 'the Logo' came to town, when they traded for Pau Gasol. So Memphis, a serious team, with a serious GM and a serious coach, trying to secure a playoff spot tonight, will go against Dallas, a team that can't go up or down in the standings. Speaking of motivation. Still, i don't expect Mavericks to just flop and let Memphis get an easy 'W' tonight. Grizzlies are winning, they are 4-1 in April, their only loss was at the hands of 'Golden Nuggets' (94-97), and their 4 wins were by average margin of nearly 20 points. Dallas has also been impressive with 'the General' in charge so this should be one hell of a game. And a close one as well. That Euro-phenom matchup, featuring best two non-American players, Gasol and Nowitzki, is also something worth a look. Key Factor: Just like Golden State, Grizzlies have their chances of even winning in this one (3.40 at Easybets)

[runtcrab]

Re: NBA Picks, Monday Sani, if u r out there how do u rate the Pacers chances tonight at Toronto? Toronto lost five out of 7, Pacers got stung last game, but have been playing well with Reggie. Thinking about a dabble on the Pacers at 1.7 Any opinions?