Michael Cannon
NBA Playoffs: 15-8-1 overall (+115 dimes); 9-1-1 last eleven picks
Saturday's Plays...
20 Dime ?
PISTONS
Take the points with the Pistons tonight in Game 4 of their series with the Magic.
I know, Chauncey Billups is questionable with a hamstring injury, but I love Detroit?s depth and resolve and I expect them to stay within this number whether Billups plays or not.
All season long the Pistons have been giving extra minutes to their bench just so the starters would be fresh down the stretch and through the playoffs. You?re about to see the benefit of such a strategy tonight.
If Billups can?t go, and even if he does I don?t expect him to play more than half the game, rookie Rodney Stuckey will man the point.
Stuckey is 6-foot-5, so he immediately gives the Pistons a size advantage at the point over Orlando?s Jameer Nelson.
I also expect the rest of Detroit?s regulars to pick up the slack for Billups, and since the Pistons play the best team system of anyone in the league that shouldn?t be too difficult a task.
Take the points with the Pistons as they stay within the number tonight.
10 Dime ?
BRAVES (With James as listed pitcher)
Take the Braves for the road win tonight over the Pirates.
Chuck James will start for Atlanta and he was masterful in two starts against Pittsburgh last season. The left-hander pitched 13 innings without allowing a run in those two starts, and with the Pirates offense struggling a bit right now I expect another gem from him.
The Bucs will start Tom Gorzelanny and he?s had an inconsistent 2008 season to say the least. The left-hander was the Pirates best pitcher last season, but has struggled to post a 2-3 record with a 6.91 ERA. His command has been shaky at best, as evidenced by his 27 walks in 27 1-3 innings.
The Pirates have won four straight, but that streak will end tonight as James shuts them down.
Take Atlanta for the road win.