Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ N.Y. Knicks
2. 50,000♦ Hawks
3. 50,000♦ Heat
1. N.Y. Knicks- The Knicks are playing their best basketball of the season right now, thanks in large part to the absence of Stephon Marbury, who's shoot-first mentality and overall selfishness was killing this team. Now with their roles defined and more than enough shots for everyone to go around, its no surprise than an otherwise talented team has started to win games. With 3 straight outright wins under their belt, I'm looking for them to continue their success tonight in Washington and here's why:
Clearly, oddsmakers aren't ready to jump aboard the Knicks bandwagon just yet, which means NOW is the time to get the best prices on this New York team. Their winning streak maybe short-lived depending on what happens before the trade deadline, but right now, this current Knicks unit can and will win games.
Not only has the absence of Marbury created some offensive oppurtunities for other players, but because everyone is "getting involved," the Knicks are actually starting to play defense (what a concept). Over their last 5 games they're allowing just 92 ppg on a solid 43% shooting. That's a huge improvement from their season average of 100 ppg on a laughable 47% shooting. Washington is scoring only 90 ppg on an ugly 39% shooting over their last 5 games... Just how in the hell do you expect them to cover the number against this resurgent Knicks defense when they're offense is struggling mightily?!
Bottom line, Knicks may not win this game outright, but they sure as hell keep it close enough to cover. Washington will have trouble against a re-energized Knicks defense, while the 1-2 punch of Crawford and Randolph lead the way on the offensive end.
Take the N.Y. Knicks plus the points over the Wizards as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Hawks- While everyone is jumping all over this Toronto team, I'm not convinced. Its going to take more than a couple decent home wins for me to lay this many points with a flawed Raptors team tonight, and let me explain why:
Of their 3 straight home wins, the only one that impresses me was their OT win over Portland. Toronto should beat team like the Kings and 76ers, so don't go giving them too much credit. Before those 3 home wins, they lost to Cleveland (bad road team), Detroit (blowout loss), and Boston (blowout loss)... Granted, the Hawks aren't as good as any of those 3 teams, but I believe the number accurately reflects that fact. In other words, I fully expect the Raptors to win this game, just not by enough to cover.
Match up-wise, Bosh has been on a tear, but matching up against a very ahtletic Hawks frontcourt will give him trouble. Note that Atlanta is allowing just 89 ppg on an outstanding 38% shooting over their last 5 games, thanks in large part to players like the ultra-athletic Josh Smith (7 blocks in loss at Milwaukee).
Offensively the Hawks have struggled on the road, but Toronto defense is far from impenetrable. Bargnani and Moon are both average defenders, while the Raptors backcourt will have their hands full with Joe Johnson. Johnson is coming off a sub-par effort against the Bucks (4 for 16 12 points) and will be looking to bounce back hard tonight.
Finally, let's examine the series, as the road team is a solid 9-3 ATS over their last 12 meetings. Not only do the Hawks have the defense to keep this game competitive, but several edges on the offensive end as well. In the end, the Raptors likely pull out the win, but its the Hawks that grab the cash.
Take the Hawks plus the points over the Raptors in this NBA match up.
3. Heat- I know you're scratching your head at this pick, but before you go completly dismissing this play, let me break it down for you first and then you'll see my point.
Look guys, there's no question this Heat team is struggling mightily, losers of 11 straight (1-10 ATS over that span), so let me ask you a question: Why if they're so bad, are the Heat only relatively slight underdogs against the hottest team in the NBA? Think about it, doesn't this line look a fishy to you? This is exactly how Vegas makes their money... Remember, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is!
So why now? Simple, Miami just got thoroughly embarassed by Chicago in front of their home fans 126-96 two days ago. This is a proud team, that has a now-healthy Shaq (24 points 10 boards against Bulls) and Dwayne Wade, one of the best players in the NBA, bar none. Look for them to lead the rallying cry in this game against a Portland team that doesn't have the size to stop Shaq or the backcourt defender (Roy is good, but not good enough defensively) to stop Wade.
Make no mistake, this is your typical "backs against the wall/us against the world" scenario that coach Riley loves use to motivate his team. Not to mention the fact, would it surprise you if Portland overlooks Miami when they've got a tough match up at Orlando the very next day?
Bottom line, small play on Miami in this one, as the oddsmakers are clearly begging the public to take the Blazers. Can't you just hear your uniformed buddy saying: "This game is a lock!" No it isn't, because oddsmakers know what they're doing and so do I.
Take the Heat plus the points over the Blazers in this NBA match up.