A slightly disappointing day yesterday, with the late game plays going 1-2 with a 0.5 loss. Martin never looked to threaten covering his line, and sadly for us Rubio didn’t see any shot go through the ring at all!
Onto today:
Plays
Golden State Warriors h2h at $1.94 at Sportsbet – Faried in doubt, and Golden State coming off a confidence boosting demolition of the Lakers will look to carry on their improved form against Denver. Denver have been one of the season’s disappointments to date. Denver had a fortress set up at home last season, however with the coaching and personnel changes this hasn’t carried over to the current season. On recent form, I have to take the Warriors at the price.
New York Knicks h2h at $1.89 at Sportsbet – I really thought the tide had started to turn with the Magic when they pushed the Thunder to the buzzer and then knocked off the Bulls, albeit an understrength Bulls outfit. However, when you look around this form, there are some alarm bells. Knocked off at home by Sacramento, Utah (minus Afflalo) and Cleveland at home isn’t anything to write home about. Considering the Knicks knocked off the Magic by 38 a matter of weeks ago (ORL no Vucevic, NYK no Amare/Chandler), I like the Knicks to kick out of their slump as they return to night basketball after another Midday tipoff loss.
Indiana Pacers -5.5 at $1.84 at Pinnacle – Arguably the best team in the NBA coming up against a team now missing one of the better post defenders and scorers in the game in Brook Lopez. Class will prevail here, and Indiana has too much depth for the Nets to handle at all positions.
Charlotte Bobcats -5.5 at $1.83 at Pinnacle – They may not be fun to watch, but the Bobcats and soon-to-be Hornets really pack a defensive punch this season. An added post presence in Jefferson has certainly helped on the offensive end also. I think Charlotte will be far too good here. Henson is confirmed as playing for Milwaukee, however I still like this line for Charlotte if you forgive last match (playing their 4th game in 5 nights).
Memphis Grizzlies -6 at $1.88 at Pinnacle – Memphis is one of a few teams (San Antonio also) where you can remove stars from the team, and a reserve can step up and play their role in the team. The improved play of Tony Allen and Zach Randolph have gone a long way to helping Memphis hold their own in the absence of Marc Gasol (and more recently T Prince). The strong defensive areas of Memphis match up perfectly with the offensive components of Utah.
Conley should be able to blanket Trey Burke and with Tony Allen smothering Gordon Hayward, I struggle to see where Utah will get enough points to remain competitive tonight.
