Arriving off of a strong – but losing – playoff effort last year vs the Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to start off the 2011-2012 year. The team is experiencing its greatest early record in the previous eight years, but are still struggling vs the more skillful squads in the league. Whilst they are 11-4 thus far, only 4 of those victories are vs squads with records above .500.
The Sacramento Kings are facing an uphill battle when they face the Houston Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a condition of both squads rebuilding for the long run as both squads look nothing like their early 2000’s heydays. The Sacramento Kings look to return to their past prominence in the west with standout play from their youthful stalwarts. The Houston Rockets are still coping with the after effects from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Houston Rockets are liked by 3 points by the sports book and this looks to be a tricky game to call.
The AT&T Center could get some long-distance competition on Jan 13th as the Trailblazers visit San Antonio to face the Spurs. Portland is a youthful team trying to restore as the quick but electric Brandon Roy era officially came to a close with his retirement in December. Ex – #1 pick Greg Oden has additionally had repeated issues with his knees as Portland apparently cannot shake the ghost of Sam Bowie. The Spurs look to defend their court with stunning plays from their typical steady roster. The Spurs are liked by 8 points and this wants to be a great wager.
On Jan 12th, things heat up when the Cleveland Cavaliers come into Phoenix to face the Phoenix Suns. Two seasons ago, this would’ve been an outstanding match with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head to head in a collision course. In the era of free agency however, times surely have evolved as this match seems dramatically different. Phoenix is favored by 6 points over the Cavaliers and this is apparently a safe bet.
Saturday night on January 14th, the Knicks come into Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder in this big competition between these 2 squads. It’s a tale of 2 squads as the Thunder arrive in the game with a constant squad of young guns versus the Knicks who it seems from year upon year always comes into play with plenty of changes going on. The Knicks are preferred by 4 points and this could hold unless Durant has one of his usual killer matches.
The United Center in Chicago will be on edge as the Wizards come into town to take on the Chicago Bulls. In previous years, this matchup would have been the most difficult ticket to get as the second comeback by Michael Jordan turned the Wizards into press darlings all through the nba. Jordan now is long retired however and the Wizards have turned into an awesome youthful team with vast volumes of prospective waiting to be utilized. The sportsbook has the Chicago Bulls favored by 8 points which seems correct and seems like a quality bet with Chicago being cheered on at home.
The Staples Center will come alive on January 11th when the Miami Heat takes on the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat comes in with one of the best records in the NBA bolstered by a great roster of stars. The Miami Heat lead the league as a team in points scored and assists. The sportsbook has the Miami Heat preferred by 8 points and with the backcourt they contain, it seems to be a sure bet. Let’s take a closer look at the Miami Heat this season and what they bring to the table.
The unsightly specter of the Lockout had loomed large over the NBA landscape until earlier this month. With both the competitors and the owners ultimately arriving at a contract, the NBA has successfully tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend. The NBA welcoming committee goes to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Boston Celtics (1-3) face the Washington Wizards (0-3). Both squads come into play with shaky records and a slow beginning to the season. The sports book seems to have the nod on the greater squad as the line now stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .
