NBA Regular Season 2015/16

[Danshot]

Results updates

Predictions (Updated 16th Nov)  : 

Bets Placed : 25
Bets Won : 10
Pts Staked : 90
Pts Won : 72.28
Profit/Loss : -17.72

Flat Stake (1 Unit) : -4.61

 

Original 1st Post

It's that time again the NBA get ballin' again , and the cracking match up's start from opening tip-off

Cleveland Cavs @ Chicago Bulls

Well this is one game you know you are going to enjoy everytime , unfortunately Cav's are missing Irving & Love and still lack the depth in the team to make up for that on the other hand Bull's have a few worries but Rose & Gibson are expected to be fit for the opener , I like there options on the bench especially if they start Mirotic alongside Gasol i'n excited by the impact Noah & Gibson can have coming off the bench especially against the weaker reserve's on the opposition. And this definitely feels like a game to take the under.

Bulls to Win , 8pts @ 1.57 Coral 

Bulls to Win -6.5 , 4pts @ 2.23 Unibet

Under 197.5 , 8pts @1.91 Coral 

Pts 190-200 , 4pts @3.40 Coral 

 

 

Edited November 17, 2015 by Danshot
Results Page

[steaks and stakes]

outstanding betting dan. Well done.

[clubgowi]

Detroit Pistons – Utah Jazz

Recommendation: Pistons ML

Odds: 2.04

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket

Stake: 1 unit (flat staking)

 Detroit destroyed Atlanta on the boards, having 59-40 advantage last night. Now it’s time for their home opener and it comes against one of the up-and-coming young West teams, Utah Jazz. Won’t spend too many words on Detroit, they need to show some consistency to make me believer, yet I have to admit I really liked their effort last night.

Utah are the 4th youngest team in the league and they really have abundance of talent in all lines. Frenchman Gobert recorded a remarkable season last year and kicked his Turkish counterpart Enes Kanter out of the starting role (and the team afterwards, he was traded to Oklahoma). Trey Burke is the star among a few other young, fast and explosive guards (but his game still needs a lot of polishing). Forward Gordon Hayward is the future franchise player without a doubt. He’s all around type of player and already shows good leadership on the court, I predict a bright future ahead of him.

Yet I can’t totally agree with oddsmakers who make Jazz a small fav in Detroit. It’s a small edge really as it should be a 50-50 type of game but I feel Pistons have better chance of continuing their good momentum after last night win and start the season 2-0 at home.

 

[Danshot]

Memphis Grizzlies @ Indiana Pacers

The line on Pacers currently down to +2.5pts and although they lost @ Raptors , I have a feeling that they will get off to winning ways on home court even if Grizzlies are perceived to be to more stable & solid unit , whereas as the Pacers are going through changes but if Ellis and George can fit into the same system and find decent form I would not make against them picking up some points , again though I don't see this game having a large points haul. 

Pacers +2.5 , 4pts @1.95 Coral

Pacers -2.5pts 3pts @ 2.62 Coral   

Under 188.5pts 3pts @ 1.91 Coral

Edited October 29, 2015 by Danshot
Updated with the odds I bet at

[Danshot]

Unfortunately the gamble on the Pacers didn't pay off , I wasn't as confident but Pacers despite going down by 11 early on even took a small lead before half-time and going only a 1pt down , hopefully despite being level with 4 mins to go they get blown out and the under had already gone out of play as well by then but do think Pacers could still grab a Play-Off spot 6-8 in the East. 

Miami Heat @ Cleveland Cavs

Again I've gone against the Cavs , even though this time they are the favourites and at home , think in my head i'm think their odds are often going to be a little too shot because of the 'LeBron Effect' at the same time you know you are often going to be in for a masterclass and then he becomes unplayable so it's basically monitoring out much his team mates can help him out. I'm a big Irving fan and hopefully he assists them to a top 2 seed in the East but unfortunately he has no return date yet. 

Miami on the other hand got off on the winning foot at home , and I'm likely how the starting 5 balance if Wade & Bosh both have 20Pt+ nights again and with a bench that can contribute its going to be tough for Cleveland to win even at home.

Heat +5.5 , 6pts @1.91 Coral 

Heat to win (not including OT ) , 4pts @3 Coral

Utah Jazz @ Philadelphia 76ers 

Not as familar with these 2 teams but I see more improvement in 76ers than in the Jazz who are better but are they really 7.5pts better in the majority of games I think not. 

76ers +7.5pts , 4pts @1.91 Coral

[Danshot]

Handicap Picks for Tonight (2pts on each all quoted with Coral) 

11pm - Raptors -6.5 @1.95

11pm - Heats -4.5 @1.95

12.00am - Thunder -12.5 @1.91 

12.00am - Magic +7.5 @1.95

2.30am - Lakers +4.5 @1.91

One last bet for the night taking on

Under 213.5pts in the Thunder vs Nuggets game , 2pts @1.95 Coral

 

 

[Danshot]

After 2 losing nights to end October

5 out of the 6 lines came in last night to start of November on a better footing. 

Raptors were on good form and never really looked in doubt. 

Heat on other hand was a crazy game 19pts down at Half Time ended up winning by 20pts thanks to big contributions in 2nd Half from Winslow & Johnson which is part the reason while liked their chances against Cav's the other night unfortunately that didn't work out as James and Love were on form unlike Harden who shoot 2-15 from the field. 

Thunder are going to be a top contender again if Durant & Westbrook stay fit there aren't many team in the league that can outpoint them bar say Golden State , but the restricted Nuggets to 90pts so even with their 117pts they stayed under the points line as well. 

Magic are a improving team and 0-3 start doesn't quite show their potential they have a young team and might lack the consistency but I like several of their Oladipo & Payton are a combo for the future , if Hezonja can find his footing in the franchise and play with Vucevic than with another starting addition I feel they could be impressive , probably not this season but with the right movements they could build a solid play-off team again. 

Lakers still relying on Kobe Bryant to finish off games can not be a good sign maybe they need to start playing him for less minutes and taking some the pressures off of the guy who has absolutely nothing to prove , he may have a big contract but he is selling seats & shirts that are sure to be making Lakers money. 

 

[clubgowi]

NBA Minnesota Timberwolves – Portland Trailblazers

Recommendation: OVER 203

Odds: 1.925

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


Rejuvenated Minny welcomes Portland in Traget Center tonight. I guess Wolves will get a close win and send their fans home happy with a stunning 3-0 start (well, they didn’t meet quite an opposition really). Anyway I much more like OVER here, it’s way ‘’surer’’ call in my humble opinion.

Minnesota showed decent game overall so far, bad opponents or not. They will hardly reach the play-offs of course, too weak defense, but at least offense is running and clicking under fresh Ricky Rubio distribution skills. Their Nr. 1 Draft pick, Karl-Anthony Towns, also showed a lot of promise with a fine display against Denver, shooting 11 from 19 for 28 points and adding 14 rebounds and 4 blocks to his tally!

Portland is a team in transition, I doubt anyone on the upper management levels or among the players believe they have what it takes to reach the play-offs this season, after dumping 4 starters from last year line-up. At least though Damian Lillard is the undisputed franchise player now and he seems delighted with his role on the rebuilding team. C.J. McCollum is a very nice compliment to Lillard in the backcourt too, this young fella definitely can score the ball and I envision bright future ahead of him too.

So what we have, 2 teams with clearly offensive mindsets (and personnel allowance) and total line of 203? Win or lose, I buy that, thank you very much, Vegas!

 

[Danshot]

Another good selection Clubgowi 

 

Just a quick tip while on way into work 

OKC are available at 1.95 , to beat a Chicago Bulls team that is performing less than optimal of late , Durant & Westbrook will be fired up to put last nights lost to the unbeaten Raptors behind them. And seen nothing overly impressive so far from the Bulls 

OKC to win , 6pts @1.95 Coral

[Danshot]

Also taking Nuggets for 3pts @2.15 at home to Utah Jazz. 

[Danshot]

Both teams lost unfortunately, Nuggets defeat to be honest was a bit of a unreasoned bet that I really shouldn't of posted , that game they were 1pt behind after 2 quarter but ended up losing by 12pt. 

As for my main selection last night I still believe that it was value last night OKC have a decent team and yes Chicago have the parts to do damage but they have been weak on defense so far a expected them to be punished last night but they seem to have made good adjustments last night.

[marvouone]

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS vs  ATLANTA HAWKS

Most of those who bets on NBA knows when Hawks supposed to lose, they win! Especially the games against Hornets and the game against Heat. They win cause when most of NBA teams almost let go off the last quarter, they push harder. Tonight's game against Pelicans won't be a problem for them cause Pelicans couldn't be a "TEAM" yet to win against top guns such as HAWKS. Jeff Teague is provably in. One of the most important players of Hawks, so do Kyle Korver. My pick is HAWKS to win this one.

Pick: 2
Odd: 1.71 (Pinnacle Sports)

***

PHOENIX SUNS vs DETROIT PISTONS

Pistons has 3 wins 1 lose out of 4 games and they won against Bulls and Hawks unexpectedly. Bookmakers was surprised especially about this 2 wins, so they are dropping odds for them tonight. The last season Pistons had a great start even though they lost against top guns, they played very well and we've seen a great team play. So are they in this season. Suns lost against Clippers and Mavs, but Pistons are not great at least as Clippers. It's hard to choose a pick but PISTONS close enough to win.

Pick: 2
Odd: 2.71 ( Pinnacle Sports )

 

***

SACRAMENTO KINGS vs HOUSTON ROCKETS 

The both are not good when it comes to compare them with the last season. Rockets was expected to had a great start. They lost first 3 games, it was a big disappointment for the fans such as ME! But won last 2 games against Thunder and Magic. I can say they're about to blow up. Kings lost last 3 games and the team is suufering just because they're missing DeMarcus Cousins for last 2 games. He's still doubtful. Great advantage for Rockets. ROCKETS to win is the best to pick.

Pick: 2
Odd: 1.53

[marvouone]

# New Orleans Pelicans 115 - 121 Atlanta Hawks √ 1.71

# Phoenix Suns 92 - 100 Detroit Pistons √ 2.71

#Sacramento Kings 110 - 116 Houston Rockets √ 1.53

 

Congrats To Those Who Placed These Picks. And also my other friends, congrats for your wins. Hope you had a productive night. Be safe...

[clubgowi]

NBA Atlanta Hawks – Washington Wizards

Recommendation: OVER 203

Odds:  1.917

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket
 

Atlanta and Washington resume their rivalry in Southeast Division tonight. Hawks recorded a very nice 60-win regular season last year and saw Wizards out in 6 games during the Conference semifinals. It wasn’t as easy series for them as it sounds though, Washington kept most of the games close, especially the last ones. I very much suspect Hawks will continue their dominance over the opponent at home floor in Atlanta tonight but am much more interested in the total line bettingwise.

Hawks rediscovered their mojo after the disappointing loss against Detroit at home in the opener. They not only recorded 6 straight wins but really found their rhythm in offense, corresponding with the return of key sharpshooter Kyle Korver in play.  They still has the usual problems in rebounding the ball of course, that couldn’t be addressed easily but it’s just their way to win games with very good shooting percentage, thus lowering the weight of the rebounding factor

Wizards will be highly motivated to dethrone Atlanta from the top of the division on their turn. As I’ve mentioned last time when speaking of them, everything’s about the strong backcourt here, Bradley Beal and John Wall. These guys like to run, penetrate and score, competing with whomever the opponents guard player is, and competing between themselves for the franchise player honors too (in a good manner for now) !

You probably know by now where I’m leading you, OVER is the recommendation here.

 

[Danshot]

Another good OVER selection , 

Given the results from OKC and Bulls since my bet the other night didn't work out i'm even more sure that even on the road OKC win that game more than half the time ,,,,, anyways lets move on to trying to keep up with the good job the rest of you are doing 

[Danshot]

Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers 

4pts , Under 197 @ 1.9 (Bet 365)

2pts , Under 190.5 @2.6 ( Bet 365) 

This looks ideal to be Philadelphia are not a high scoring team and although not being great on the defence , Chicago can defend when they play to their potential while not being the highest scorers themselves , so having an extra couple of units on the score being even lower than the line.

Orlando Magic vs Indiana Pacers 

4pts , Under 195.5 @1.9 (Bet365)

Both coming into the game 3-4 finding some form after both losing their opening 3 games , I expect this game to be a cagey affair with neither giving up many easy baskets. 

Additional Bets

3pts , Golden State , LA Clippers & Hawks to all Win @ 2.12 (Bet365)

Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons 

2pts , Golden State -13.5pts @1.9 (Bet365)

Yes the Pistons have been getting the wins so far bar 1 loss but GSW are 7-0 and winning by an average of 20pts , while Detriot are only winning by 5pts given that GSW are at home I fancy them to cover what I initially thought was a tough line against a solid defence but i'm backing the high scorers here.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets

4pts , Under 208 @1.91 (Bet365) 

2pts , Under 200.5 @2.75 (Bet365) 

The line looks way too high for both these teams I have it at more like 203 but have also took the lowest line on this game of 200.5 as think this game plays 1 of two ways either it goes OVER or they get no where near troubling the line.

[clubgowi]

Los Angeles Clippers - Memphis Grizzlies

Recommendation: UNDER 199

Odds:  1.97

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


Clippers and Memphis resume their hard-fought rivalry from the past 3-4 seasons tonight and I will be quite surprised if the game doesn’t have at least a pinch of play-off intensity and atmosphere in it, with the whole history between these 2 teams!

Clippers feel really sorry for themselves currently, after heavy close defeats against top rivals like Houston and GSW. Both games features some questionable situations and referee calls, gone mostly against Clipps, and Doc and his boys are angry at the world right now. So it will be fight for every ball from them but star point guard and floor general Chris Paul will likely miss the game again because of strained groin. His replacement is Doc’s son, the young Rivers, and he’s not up to the task really (albeit only a few players around the league could fill Paul’s boots in all honesty). So Clippers offense shouldn’t be so fluent tonight.

Memphis also has their share of problems, some of their performances were quite flat for a contending team. Rumours are flying in the air about possible Zach Randolph trade (he is questionable tonight btw) and the atmosphere in the team is not perfect according all reports. What can they do to turn it around? What else except relying to their trade mark, the grinding stuffing defense.

So we have two teams quite desperate for the win (or at least for a good stabile game to steady the ship), not really liking each other, to put it mildly. They’ve gone over this total line only 1 from 4 meetings last season and I strongly favour this trend to continue tonight.

 

[clubgowi]

NBA Philadelphia 76ers - Toronto Raptors

Recommendation: Raptors - 8

Odds:  1.854

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


 The spread seems a bit steep here at first sight, moreover the game is at Wells Fargo, Philly. Sixers will be the most pathetic team in the league for another season though (yes, even Lakers are better and this seems set in stone. Their coach Brett Brown still insist that his team can compete with anyone in the league (let’s take a minute and laugh at him) but when the talent and effort aren’t there, all is just wishful thinking. Sixers may welcome Nerlens Noel back in the squad tonight after injury but this doesn’t bother me too much, the guy is not showing any promise to fulfill his potential currently. Even the bright spot, rookie center Okafor, can’t help Philly too much. He records very nice stats for a rookie but this just doesn’t transfer directly in teams ratings.

Raptors suffered a setback after their shockingly good start to the season, or more like the reality hit them hard. It’s true though that Toronto’s last loss against Knicks was a bit harsh, coming after a very bad referee decision in the key possession (Carmelo Anthony was clearly out of bounds and it should have been Raptors ball). So Toronto will be angry mad and motivated on 100 % for victory, I just hope they escape some stupid backdoor cover. Carrol and Terence Ross are questionable again for tonight (both will likely miss the game in fact) but DeRozan and Kyle Lowry showed their old form against New York, so more of the same, please!

 

[clubgowi]

NBA New York Knicks - Cleveland Cavaliers

Recommendation: Cavaliers – 6

Odds:  1.862

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


 From the school of blindingly obvious, I like Cavs here. They’re in form, 7 straight wins after the single loss in the opener and I’m sure Bron will give many and much to follow Steph Curry winning streak as long as he can. The game is in MSG but LBJ doesn’t usually pay attention to such details. He’s still the most dominant player in the game (definitely not the one with best skill set) and will surely try to impose his will on Carmelo, the rest of the Knicks team (pretty mediocre, excluding the rookie Porzingis), referees and even Spike Lee, the most famous Knicks fan    Kevin Love is making way stronger season so far, reminding the old Love from Minny. Quite surprisingly, Mo Williams is fitting very well in Kyrie’s boots, making assists and providing scoring when needed.

Knicks recorded 4 wins from 9 games but primarily against moderate opponents. They already lost by 10 points in Cleveland in the first game in the series and I doubt something could really change tonight. Carmelo is hit or miss, ok, but even if he scores 35 tonight, Knicks could still find a way to lose badly. Porzingis is great talent for the future of course, just not a deciding factor now. Jose Calderon has his best years left long beside him in his career and the returning from injury Arron Afflalo is rusty.

So this is it, LBJ having an OK night should get the job done here.
 

[Danshot]

Not the best run to open up but early in the season yet , going to delve a bit more into the statistics and look at where I can improve. 

[clubgowi]

NBA Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks

Recommendation: Hawks - 4

Odds:  1.862

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


Surprise, surprise, I’m backing Atlanta here against Brooklyn. It’s more a play against miserable Nets of course than a super confidence in Atlanta after their last struggles. Brooklyn’s season is already over, even after only 10 games into the season. They’re 1-9 and if someone in the organization or among the fans still believes in something good for this season, he’s probably the biggest optimist in the world. It’s not about tanking of course, too early stage of the season but this will happen later on. Lack of motivation, skill and veteran age are more than enough troublemakers for Nets currently.

Atlanta will miss starting PG Jeff Teague but second string German teen Schroedder (remember that villain from Teenage Mutant Turtles, ha!) is a capable replacement, already showing great promise for his NBA career. Hawks will probably be outrebounded tonight, they’re around the bottom teams in the league in rebounding. I guess it will be the only category Nets could have an advantage. Moreover Nets make many silly turnovers and their offense is totally ineffective and inadequate at some points. Joe Johnson is way past the point where he was able to provide high class 1 to 1 isolation offensive production and Brook Lopez can’t do it all alone.

In a nutshell, Atlanta just need to have an average to good game and will win easily; they have full dominance in the series in recent years btw. Nets need quite a spectacular shooting night, in addition to Hawks bad one, to have a chance. The choice is clear.

 

[clubgowi]

NBA Memphis Grizzlies - Houston Rockets

Recommendation: OVER 201

Odds: 1.952

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


Memphis are traditionally regarded as strong defensive grinding team. This won’t change overnight of course but I think their veteran players show more and more signs that age is starting to catch up with them. It goes for their core big men, Gasol and Zach Randolph. Yet Grizzlies will remain a very good team, even by West Conference standards, at least this season. They’ve found some offense lately indeed, stabilizing their season with 3 straight wins and scoring over 100 points in each of these games.

Houston fired Kevin McHale and I guess James Harden is finally happy, if judged by his body language and performance in last win over Portland. It was only an OT win and still much to be desired in terms of overall team attitude and gameplay. Rockets are decent team though with talent in all lines and I still presume they’ll get to the play-offs where inevitable miserable epic fail awaits them

What interests me more is tonight of course. Houston are among NBA most fast paced teams, they make many ball possessions and shot attempts (shot selection and percentage is totally other topic). I feel they will find enough shooting touch to keep this game close tonight, or vice versa, Memphis will strive to keep it close if Harden gets in rhythm and draw many fouls in penetration to the rim. All 4 meetings between them passed tonight’s total line last season, so I really can’t see any reason not to try it again.
 

[mister magoo]

Gday mate from Australia...

What do you think of a system which backs the overs providing the line

is 196.5 or more...in all games in the NBA I mean...

The bets would have to be made the day before the match as Ive noticed

the line increases on game day...cheers and gl....

 

Edited November 20, 2015 by mister magoo

[potus]

14 hours ago, mister magoo said:

Gday mate from Australia...

What do you think of a system which backs the overs providing the line

is 196.5 or more...in all games in the NBA I mean...

The bets would have to be made the day before the match as Ive noticed

the line increases on game day...cheers and gl....

 

What do you think? Have you done some research and found this to be a profitable strategy or is it just a stab in the dark? 

 

I think it would be handing money to the bookies but I haven't done any research on it so I don't know.

[Danshot]

22 hours ago, mister magoo said:

Gday mate from Australia...

What do you think of a system which backs the overs providing the line

is 196.5 or more...in all games in the NBA I mean...

The bets would have to be made the day before the match as Ive noticed

the line increases on game day...cheers and gl....

 

 

7 hours ago, potus said:

What do you think? Have you done some research and found this to be a profitable strategy or is it just a stab in the dark? 

 

I think it would be handing money to the bookies but I haven't done any research on it so I don't know.

I agree with Potus betting the over is a strategy that seems popular with the 'average casual bettor' as it appeals more to the viewer I feel , I've read more about strategies going with the under as it's often less in demand so maybe getting on the under in low scoring games games the day before the line moves downwards is a better idea than chasing the overs on all games over 196.5 which is probably at least half the games their is no way thats a long term profitable play in my view.

[clubgowi]

NBA  Milwaukee Bucks - Detroit Pistons

Recommendation: Bucks ML

Odds:  2.27

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket

 
Milwaukee so big underdog at home against Detroit just doesn’t feel right. It’s true Bucks are not playing well lately but they lost 3 road games where it was ‘’supposed’’ to lose – against Washington, Cleveland and Indiana. Before these 3 losses, they actually defeated Cavaliers here. Jason Kidd was a player I really admired and a coach to watch for the future. I’m sure he’ll make the needed defensive adjustments so his team return back to winning ways. Center Greg Monroe will be extra motivated for sure against his former team. The management decided to put the franchise in the hands of the younger Andre Drummond and he has bigger potential than Greg indeed, yet Monroe is not a big man to be easily dismissed.

Detroit have lost their momentum from early season on the road, 1-5 in their last 6 trips. Playing against the Bucks has proved to be a hard task for Detroit last season when they went only 1-3, so it should be at least 50-50 game tonight.
 

[clubgowi]

NBA Minnesota Timberwolves - Atlanta Hawks

Recommendation: OVER 205

Odds: 1.909

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


Minnesota surprised Atlanta earlier this month, winning 117-107 on the road. It’s the third straight time and 4 out of last 5 when these teams entertain the public with high scoring games. I fully expect tonight’s game to follow suit and this total line seem a bit low by a couple of points.

Reigning Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins played well in the first game in the series and is very hot lately. He is a superstar in the making and nothing could possibly prevent him, health issues aside, from fulfilling his potential in a few seasons. Ricky Rubio is also doing tremendous job in distributing the ball and adding assists to his tally, facilitating Wolves’ offensive rhythm. Last but not least, rookie center Towns is also making headlines with his contributions on both sides of the floor.

Atlanta weakness is the rebounding as always, so Minny could rely on a few second chance points on the shoulders of Towns and Garnett. Hawks strength at the other hand lies in smooth ball movement, leading to many uncontested / easy shots and they are usually very effective at converting these.

Here’s hoping that both teams play their usual game then, it should be enough.

 

[clubgowi]

NBA Indiana Pacers - Chicago Bulls

Recommendation: UNDER 198

Odds: 1.934

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket

The oddsmakers continue to give a bit higher line for the total in this match-up and I will continue backing it. My Pacers are real hot right now and maybe this is the reason for this line but…. It’s one thing to play against weak defensive teams like Wizards and Bucks (right now Bucks are terrible in defense, not in principle), and completely different story to play against stifling defense like Bulls’ one. Indiana are red-hot from beyond the arc but Chicago guards should be able to limit Pacers a bit in this area or at least slow down Pacers offensive rhythm.

Bulls conclude their road trip tonight and tiredness would be a factor too. They did well, 2-1 in this trip with the expected loss against GSW. They struggle to create easy scoring opportunities though, even with Derrick Rose on the floor. It was totally evident against Portland, they led comfortably with 10+ points at some stage in the beginning of the 4th Q and then started choking quite badly. Shot clock violations, slow tempo attacks, desperate shots, etc. I rate Pacers better than Portland in every aspect of course so can’t really see Bulls solving this problem area tonight.

All in all, this should be slow tempo game, at least Bulls will try to play slowly so I think UNDER is the best option.
 

[clubgowi]

NBA Milwaukee Bucks - Denver Nuggets

Recommendation: Bucks - 3

Odds: 1.80

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


This would be a battle between two struggling teams. Denver are nasty with a single win in their last 8 games, 6 straight losses. Bucks are not much better frankly speaking, 2 wins out of their last 8. Their performance has been a bit better in the last games though, especially yesterday against Charlotte. Only the weak long distance shooting percentage prevented them from keeping the game much closer, and it was still a match in the last 2 minutes.

The reason behind the improved performance was Jason Kidd decision to shake up the starting line-up a bit. He replaced Jabari Parker and Michael Carter-Williams with Mayo and Bayless respectively. This move boosted the defense which was vital for Bucks. No doubt that MCW and Parker are better players than their back-ups and will return to the starting line-up sooner rather than later but at least for now they should provide good ball distribution and attacking options in the second unit minutes.

Denver will likely have Kenneth Faried back tonight but I doubt he can do something to turn their season around. They just lack enough talent. Gallinari is a good sharp-shooter but too inconsistent in the other parts of the game. Nuggets management is just waiting a few seasons for rookie PG Mudiay to grow up so they can start the rebuilding process around him.

Teams exchanged home wins last season. Denver already recorded a win against Bucks on their home floor earlier this month but it was very close one, 103-102. Milwaukee’s turn now and I strongly favor the chance of history repeating this season.
 

[clubgowi]

NBA Houston Rockets - New Orleans Pelicans

Recommendation: Rockets - 4

Odds: 1.952

Bookmaker: Pinnaclesports / Sportmarket


I liked very much what I saw yesterday from Pelicans, in terms of how they failed to hold on to their lead and fell miserably to the pressure applied by veteran Grizzlies. No reason to quit the boat now then and I continue to fade New Orleans. They’re obviously back to back and play in Houston where the clock is also ticking for Rockets to finally turn their season around a bit.

It’s not that I like Houston as a team, they rely solely on Dwight and The Beard, yet having 2 go-to guys is always better than having only one (Davis for Pelicans). Rockets improved their game, albeit by a small degree after the coach change. Harden should be happy now and let’s hope he will finally start delivering too. Once in a shooting rhythm, he is hard to stop in making 3’s and penetrating to the rim, even against excellent rim protector and paint defender like Anthony Davis. Dwight Howard have rested a bit after coming home from Houston last game in Detroit and should be able to contain Davis scoring threat on Rockets behalf subsequently.

New Orleans are tragic on the road so far with 1-9 record and have lost 7 of 8 against this opponent here. They truly split the series last season 2-2 (each team winning also a road game) but Pelicans were better then, plus it’s a tough spot for them and I’ll be surprised to see anything different than a Rockets win here.