John Chang
Colorado Rockies/NEW YORK METS over 8.5 (-110, list both pitchers), 10 dimes
Both of these pitchers have gotten whamboozled in their work this season, and I expect the ball to be hit well tonight in NY. The Rockies have had no difficulties scoring runs this season, as they put 6 on the board in each of the last two games in Pittsburgh. The Mets have not been strangers to high scoring games this season either, as 8 out of their 9 games have soared over the total. Only 8.5? Great spot to take the over.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS -9.5 over Toronto Raptors, 10 dimes
Milwaukee is no contender, but they are in a class above the lowly Raptors. In fact, the Bucks have owned the Craptors in recent years, winning 8 out of the last 10 in the series ATS and taking 4 out of the last 5 ATS & SU in Milwaukee. I expect the home team to grind the game down to their pace, and slowly squeeze the life out of an already lifeless Toronto team.
Colorado Rockies/NEW YORK METS over 8.5 (-110, list both pitchers), 10 dimes
Both of these pitchers have gotten whamboozled in their work this season, and I expect the ball to be hit well tonight in NY. The Rockies have had no difficulties scoring runs this season, as they put 6 on the board in each of the last two games in Pittsburgh. The Mets have not been strangers to high scoring games this season either, as 8 out of their 9 games have soared over the total. Only 8.5? Great spot to take the over.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS -9.5 over Toronto Raptors, 10 dimes
Milwaukee is no contender, but they are in a class above the lowly Raptors. In fact, the Bucks have owned the Craptors in recent years, winning 8 out of the last 10 in the series ATS and taking 4 out of the last 5 ATS & SU in Milwaukee. I expect the home team to grind the game down to their pace, and slowly squeeze the life out of an already lifeless Toronto team.
Gold Sheet
Boston 92 - WASHINGTON 91—Quick turnaround from Friday night’s game
at TD Garden. Boston might be approaching this one with some urgency if still
fighting for the valuable No. 2 seed in East playoff queue (and guaranteed homecourt
edge at least through the second round if lasting that long). But
poor-traveling Washington has been a lot more formidable this season at the
Verizon Center, where it has won 18 games prior to Saturday’s contest vs. the
Hawks, as opposed to just two wins on the road the entire 2010-11 campaign.
And the Wizards did beat the Celtics in D.C. back on Jan. 22, holding them to 27
second-half points. Despite last Wednesday’s heavy loss at Indiana,
Washington’s recent play has been encouraging, with a season-best 3-game win
streak prior to that setback at Conseco Fieldhouse, fueled by recent big efforts
from Xavier rookie G Jordan Crawford (25 ppg last five thru April 7) and F Andray
Blatche, who had scored at least 23 points and gathered at least 10 rebounds in
four straight games prior to Friday at Boston. 10-BOS -13' 114-83 (194), WAS
+6' 85-83 (191), check 4/8 result; 09-Bos -7' 104-102 (195), Bos -5' 99-88 (190),
BOS -12 86-83 (193), Wash +11' 106-96 (195)
PHILADELPHIA 99 - Orlando 94—With Orlando cemented into the fourth
seed in the East playoff queue and not performing with a lot of urgency in the runup
to the postseason, might rather back a Philly side that will probably still have
a chance to improve its playoff seed (either 6th or 7th), something F Elton Brand
at least believes is important (“We want to be the highest-ranked team we can
be,” says the ex-Dookie). Orlando providing very little value in recent weeks (just
3-14 last 17 vs. number thru April 9) as Stan Van Gundy continues to search for
his best lineup combinations. Moreover, not sure Van Gundy will push his
starters, especially Dwight Howard (who should be available after serving a likely
one-game technical-foul-related suspension on Sunday vs. the Bulls), and the
Magic’s effectiveness has really dropped when big Dwight has been rested in
recent weeks. Philly not at full strength, either, with key sixth man Lou Williams
(13.7 ppg) sidelined at least until the playoffs with hamstring woes. His recent
absence might be a contributing factor to the Sixers’ three SU losses in a row thru
April 7. Sixers hardly outmatched in previous meetings, however, and, in these
circumstances, Orlando is a less appealing recommendation. 10-Phi +6' 97-89
(187), ORL -9' 99-98 (OT-199), Orl -1' 99-95 (197); 09-ORL -9' 120-106 (194), Orl
-4 126-105 (197), Orl -8 109-93 (196), ORL -11 125-111 (209)
ATLANTA 91 - Miami 89—By this time, we should probably have a better
idea if this result will have any bearing on where Miami will land in the East playoff
queue. If the Heat are compelled to win in order to land the conference’s No. 2
postseason seed, that makes some difference, especially since Atlanta is
already locked into the fifth spot and an opening-round matchup vs. the Magic.
But, if Miami can’t improve its lot, might be reluctant to back the Heat, especially
since Erik Spoelstra would be very tempted to give D-Wade (nursing a nasty
thigh bruise) the night off and could limit the minutes of LeBron, Bosh and some
other regulars as well. Larry Drew has already said he’s likely to do the same with
the Hawks, and the status of explosive Josh Smith (swelling in right knee) is very
questionable. Atlanta, however, had covered six in a row prior to Wednesday’s
competitive loss to the Spurs, and Drew says he’s gunning to win these last few
games regardless. Displaying much-improved defense in recent weeks
(resulting in five “unders” last six thru April 7), doubt Atlanta rolls over, as it did the
last time Miami visited Philips Arena on March 18 in a 21-point Heat win. 10-MIA
-8' 89-77 (193), Atl +5' 93-89 (OT-192), Mia -6 106-85 (186); 09-ATL -7' 105-90
(191), MIA +2' 92-75 (195), Mia +7 94-76 (190), MIA -2 100-94 (189) TV—NBA
NETWORK
NEW JERSEY 105 - Charlotte 100—Do they have to play this one? Only
the hardest-core hoop fans are likely to show up at the Pru Center in Newark for
a game that is now officially meaningless after Charlotte has been eliminated
from postseason consideration. Losses in the last week while in must-win mode
vs. the likes of Washington and Cleveland hardly indicate that the offensivelychallenged
Bobcats can be trusted in a game with no importance, even against
a team as limited as New Jersey. It’s doubtful that Paul Silas will be risking any
further damage to Charlotte star Stephen Jackson’s balky hamstring as the
season concludes; likewise, not sure Nets HC Avery Johnson bothers to run
Deron Williams on the court at this stage with his lingering wrist injury, either.
One potential plus for Charlotte has been the recent production of ex-Duke Blue
Devil Gerald Henderson, who has filled in effectively for “Captain Jack” in recent
weeks. Can’t really make a strong recommendation for either side, but with the
“total” likely in reasonable territory and Nets playing at a brisk pace (five straight
“overs” thru April 7) and not featuring too much defense lately, might be able to
make a better case for the “over” despite some of Bobcats’ attack-end limitations.
10-Cha +1 85-83 (187), CHA -6' 91-84 (OT-184), Nj +6' 94-89 (187); 09-CHA -7
79-68 (175), NJ +3' 97-91 (182), Nj +11' 103-94 (188), Cha -5 105-95 (191)
★★★ Cleveland 95 - DETROIT 91—We’re not thrilled at the prospect of
laying points with dysfunctional Detroit, and we’re certainly not compelled to back
the Pistons, especially with visiting Cleveland displaying more spark and
consistency in recent weeks. The Cavs had actually split their last 8 straight up
(covering 5 of those 8) entering last Friday’s game against the Bulls, when Byron
Scott’s team had its first win streak (two games!) since November 9. Cleveland
seems to be motivated by the fact it can pass Minnesota (which seems to have
thrown in the towel, based upon its 12-game losing streak thru April 7) and avoid
the ignominy of finishing with the league’s worst record. Cavs getting inspired
play latelt from several sources, including J.J. Hickson (23 double-doubles since
Jan. 9), Baron Davis (45.2% from tripleville since joining Cleveland), and Ramon
Sessions (81.5% from FT line), while its defense has stiffened in the last two
weeks as well. As long as the Cavs are trying, don’t mind backing them vs. a
Detroit tram that’s lost 18 of its last 25 SU thru April 7. 10-DET -5 102-92 (193),
Det +1' 103-94 (195), CLE +4' 97-91 (197); 09-Cle -5 98-88 (184), CLE -12 99-
92 (201), Cle -10' 113-101 (198), CLE -12 104-79 (201)
MILWAUKEE 98 - Toronto 84—Advantage Milwaukee, which has won and
covered first three meetings vs. Toronto, including an easy 18-point romp at
Bradley Center back on Feb. 8 when holding the Raptors to a mere 36%
shooting, and a recent 6-point win at Air Canada Centre March 30. Despite
falling short of its goal of an Eastern playoff berth, Bucks still providing a lot of
pointspread value in recent weeks, covering their last 5, and 13 of last 18, thru
April 7, as Scott Skiles’ squad continues to put forth maximum effort on defense,
holding their last 12 foes prior to Detroit last Friday to less than 100 points.
Though the recent play of G Jerryd Bayless (scored 28 off bench last Wednesday
vs. the Cavs) has been encouraging, not sure Toronto can manufacture enough
points if big men Andrea Bargnani and Amir Johnson both remain sidelined with
ankle injuries. 10-Mil -2' 116-110 (OT-192), MIL -7' 92-74 (193), Mil -4' 104-98
(191); 09-MIL -4 117-95 (207), MIL -2' 113-107 (205), TOR -7 101-96 (206)
Boston 92 - WASHINGTON 91—Quick turnaround from Friday night’s game
at TD Garden. Boston might be approaching this one with some urgency if still
fighting for the valuable No. 2 seed in East playoff queue (and guaranteed homecourt
edge at least through the second round if lasting that long). But
poor-traveling Washington has been a lot more formidable this season at the
Verizon Center, where it has won 18 games prior to Saturday’s contest vs. the
Hawks, as opposed to just two wins on the road the entire 2010-11 campaign.
And the Wizards did beat the Celtics in D.C. back on Jan. 22, holding them to 27
second-half points. Despite last Wednesday’s heavy loss at Indiana,
Washington’s recent play has been encouraging, with a season-best 3-game win
streak prior to that setback at Conseco Fieldhouse, fueled by recent big efforts
from Xavier rookie G Jordan Crawford (25 ppg last five thru April 7) and F Andray
Blatche, who had scored at least 23 points and gathered at least 10 rebounds in
four straight games prior to Friday at Boston. 10-BOS -13' 114-83 (194), WAS
+6' 85-83 (191), check 4/8 result; 09-Bos -7' 104-102 (195), Bos -5' 99-88 (190),
BOS -12 86-83 (193), Wash +11' 106-96 (195)
PHILADELPHIA 99 - Orlando 94—With Orlando cemented into the fourth
seed in the East playoff queue and not performing with a lot of urgency in the runup
to the postseason, might rather back a Philly side that will probably still have
a chance to improve its playoff seed (either 6th or 7th), something F Elton Brand
at least believes is important (“We want to be the highest-ranked team we can
be,” says the ex-Dookie). Orlando providing very little value in recent weeks (just
3-14 last 17 vs. number thru April 9) as Stan Van Gundy continues to search for
his best lineup combinations. Moreover, not sure Van Gundy will push his
starters, especially Dwight Howard (who should be available after serving a likely
one-game technical-foul-related suspension on Sunday vs. the Bulls), and the
Magic’s effectiveness has really dropped when big Dwight has been rested in
recent weeks. Philly not at full strength, either, with key sixth man Lou Williams
(13.7 ppg) sidelined at least until the playoffs with hamstring woes. His recent
absence might be a contributing factor to the Sixers’ three SU losses in a row thru
April 7. Sixers hardly outmatched in previous meetings, however, and, in these
circumstances, Orlando is a less appealing recommendation. 10-Phi +6' 97-89
(187), ORL -9' 99-98 (OT-199), Orl -1' 99-95 (197); 09-ORL -9' 120-106 (194), Orl
-4 126-105 (197), Orl -8 109-93 (196), ORL -11 125-111 (209)
ATLANTA 91 - Miami 89—By this time, we should probably have a better
idea if this result will have any bearing on where Miami will land in the East playoff
queue. If the Heat are compelled to win in order to land the conference’s No. 2
postseason seed, that makes some difference, especially since Atlanta is
already locked into the fifth spot and an opening-round matchup vs. the Magic.
But, if Miami can’t improve its lot, might be reluctant to back the Heat, especially
since Erik Spoelstra would be very tempted to give D-Wade (nursing a nasty
thigh bruise) the night off and could limit the minutes of LeBron, Bosh and some
other regulars as well. Larry Drew has already said he’s likely to do the same with
the Hawks, and the status of explosive Josh Smith (swelling in right knee) is very
questionable. Atlanta, however, had covered six in a row prior to Wednesday’s
competitive loss to the Spurs, and Drew says he’s gunning to win these last few
games regardless. Displaying much-improved defense in recent weeks
(resulting in five “unders” last six thru April 7), doubt Atlanta rolls over, as it did the
last time Miami visited Philips Arena on March 18 in a 21-point Heat win. 10-MIA
-8' 89-77 (193), Atl +5' 93-89 (OT-192), Mia -6 106-85 (186); 09-ATL -7' 105-90
(191), MIA +2' 92-75 (195), Mia +7 94-76 (190), MIA -2 100-94 (189) TV—NBA
NETWORK
NEW JERSEY 105 - Charlotte 100—Do they have to play this one? Only
the hardest-core hoop fans are likely to show up at the Pru Center in Newark for
a game that is now officially meaningless after Charlotte has been eliminated
from postseason consideration. Losses in the last week while in must-win mode
vs. the likes of Washington and Cleveland hardly indicate that the offensivelychallenged
Bobcats can be trusted in a game with no importance, even against
a team as limited as New Jersey. It’s doubtful that Paul Silas will be risking any
further damage to Charlotte star Stephen Jackson’s balky hamstring as the
season concludes; likewise, not sure Nets HC Avery Johnson bothers to run
Deron Williams on the court at this stage with his lingering wrist injury, either.
One potential plus for Charlotte has been the recent production of ex-Duke Blue
Devil Gerald Henderson, who has filled in effectively for “Captain Jack” in recent
weeks. Can’t really make a strong recommendation for either side, but with the
“total” likely in reasonable territory and Nets playing at a brisk pace (five straight
“overs” thru April 7) and not featuring too much defense lately, might be able to
make a better case for the “over” despite some of Bobcats’ attack-end limitations.
10-Cha +1 85-83 (187), CHA -6' 91-84 (OT-184), Nj +6' 94-89 (187); 09-CHA -7
79-68 (175), NJ +3' 97-91 (182), Nj +11' 103-94 (188), Cha -5 105-95 (191)
★★★ Cleveland 95 - DETROIT 91—We’re not thrilled at the prospect of
laying points with dysfunctional Detroit, and we’re certainly not compelled to back
the Pistons, especially with visiting Cleveland displaying more spark and
consistency in recent weeks. The Cavs had actually split their last 8 straight up
(covering 5 of those 8) entering last Friday’s game against the Bulls, when Byron
Scott’s team had its first win streak (two games!) since November 9. Cleveland
seems to be motivated by the fact it can pass Minnesota (which seems to have
thrown in the towel, based upon its 12-game losing streak thru April 7) and avoid
the ignominy of finishing with the league’s worst record. Cavs getting inspired
play latelt from several sources, including J.J. Hickson (23 double-doubles since
Jan. 9), Baron Davis (45.2% from tripleville since joining Cleveland), and Ramon
Sessions (81.5% from FT line), while its defense has stiffened in the last two
weeks as well. As long as the Cavs are trying, don’t mind backing them vs. a
Detroit tram that’s lost 18 of its last 25 SU thru April 7. 10-DET -5 102-92 (193),
Det +1' 103-94 (195), CLE +4' 97-91 (197); 09-Cle -5 98-88 (184), CLE -12 99-
92 (201), Cle -10' 113-101 (198), CLE -12 104-79 (201)
MILWAUKEE 98 - Toronto 84—Advantage Milwaukee, which has won and
covered first three meetings vs. Toronto, including an easy 18-point romp at
Bradley Center back on Feb. 8 when holding the Raptors to a mere 36%
shooting, and a recent 6-point win at Air Canada Centre March 30. Despite
falling short of its goal of an Eastern playoff berth, Bucks still providing a lot of
pointspread value in recent weeks, covering their last 5, and 13 of last 18, thru
April 7, as Scott Skiles’ squad continues to put forth maximum effort on defense,
holding their last 12 foes prior to Detroit last Friday to less than 100 points.
Though the recent play of G Jerryd Bayless (scored 28 off bench last Wednesday
vs. the Cavs) has been encouraging, not sure Toronto can manufacture enough
points if big men Andrea Bargnani and Amir Johnson both remain sidelined with
ankle injuries. 10-Mil -2' 116-110 (OT-192), MIL -7' 92-74 (193), Mil -4' 104-98
(191); 09-MIL -4 117-95 (207), MIL -2' 113-107 (205), TOR -7 101-96 (206)
Gold Sheet
NEW ORLEANS 101 - Utah 96—Last Tuesday’s win over the sleepwalking
Lakers might not exactly be any late-season “buy” signal on Utah. Still, there’s no
sign that the Jazz are throwing in the towel as their disappointing season comes
to a conclusion despite 18 losses in 24 games thru April 7 under new HC Ty
Corbin. Does that mean we’re ready to back Utah plus generous points in the Big
Easy? Much will depend upon New Orleans’ place in the West playoff queue, as
the Hornets could be very motivated if requiring a win to secure the sixth
conference seed, which would mean avoiding the Spurs or Lakers in the first
round and probably hooking fading Dallas instead. But if the Hornets are not
compelled to succeed, perhaps a case can be made for the underdog Jazz, who
have been getting some inspired efforts lately from rookies Gordon Hayward (22
points vs. the Lakers) and Derrick Favors (added 14 vs. the champs) as they take
advantage of playing time now available due to various injuries elsewhere on the
roster (the returns of Gs Raja Bell & Devin Harris and F Andrei Kirilenko before
the end of the regular season remain up in the air). 10-UTAH -4 105-87 (193), NO
+1 100-71 (192), No -5 121-117 (OT-190); 09-No +8 91-87 (197), Utah -4 98-90
(202), UTAH -9' 106-86 (211), Utah -7' 114-103 (210)
Dallas 102 - HOUSTON 98—Dallas could use a boost, as it has been
finishing the regular season in a disturbing slump, in danger of relinquishing the
third seed in the West to Ok City if it can’t break a 4-game SU and spread losing
streak (thru April 7). Perhaps facing a Houston side that the Mavs have defeated
in the first three meetings this season will prove the elixir, especially since the
Rockets have effectively now dropped from the playoff race. After their futile
uphill climb just to get a peek at the 8th seed in the West, Houston appears like
a team that might be out of gas, failing to cover its last three before Saturday’s
game against the Clippers. The Rockets have done a decent job against Dirk
Nowitzki this season, holding him to 19.3 ppg (less than his usual 23 ppg), but it’s
been the Dallas defense that’s been the story of the earlier meetings, holding
Houston to a subpar 41% from the floor in the three previous battles combined.
10-DAL -8’101-91 (199), DAL -6' 111-106 (204), Dal -1 106-102 (207); 09-DAL -
7 121-103 (200), Dal +4 130-99 (200), Hou +5' 116-108 (OT-199), HOU +1'
97-94 (197)
DENVER 102 - Golden St. 87—Acknowledge Golden State’s recent
improved play (three straight wins and covers vs. playoff-bound foes thru April 7!)
that might give HC Keith Smart a chance to keep his job for next season. But we’d
rather back red-hot Denver side that shows no inclination to take its foot off the
pedal as the regular-season tape approaches. George Karl’s team was 19-3 vs.
the number its last 22 after Wednesday night’s win at Dallas, and it will be looking
to atone for a 2-point loss at Oakland in the last meeting on Feb. 9. Of course,
that was just before the Carmelo Anthony trade and the Nuggets taking flight,
winning 16 of 21 SU since thru April 7. Granted, Karl has a few injury concerns,
especially with G Arron Afflalo (hamstring) and role players Birdman Andersen
(ankle) and trade-deadline addition Timofey Mozgov (knee) hurting. But its
depth has been a strength for Denver during its recent upsurge, and there is no
indication the Nuggets are about to slow down. “Totals” alert—both trending
“under” lately (Warriors 8-3 last 11; Denver 14-3-1 last 18, both thru April 7). 10-
Den -2 106-89 (219), GS -2' 116-114 (222); 09-DEN -14' 135-107 (234), DEN -5'
123-122 (223), Den -6 123-118 (OT-231), Den -6 127-112 (226)
PHOENIX 109 - Minnesota 95—Phoenix not necessarily a go-with
proposition these days after its West playoff hopes were dashed during its recent
slump. But less interested in skidding Minnesota side that appears to be waving
the white flag in losing 12 in a row SU thru April 8. Keep in mind that the Suns just
beat the T-wolves by 10 at the Target Center last Wednesday night, shooting
52.4% from the floor. With Minnesota’s main weapon, Kevin Love, likely to be
sidelined the rest of the season with a groin strain (Love also missed that April 6
contest), T-wolves unlikely to shake the recent power outage that’s seen them
held under 100 points in 8 of their last 10 prior to Saturday’s game at Denver.
Suns not being hurt too much these days if forced to rest the banged-up Steve
Nash, as trade-deadline addition Aaron Brooks is an able replacement, as
proven in last Wednesday’s win when he scored 19 points off the bench. Alvin
Gentry more than happy to give his capable reserves some more work after they
tallied a hefty 58 points in that recent 10-point win. 10-PHO -9' 128-122 (224),
Pho -4' 108-98; 09-PHO -13 120-112 (219), Pho -9' 120-95 (214), PHO -12 152-
114 (226), Pho -9 111-105 (224)
SACRAMENTO 98 - Oklahoma City 97—Wouldn’t put it past combative
Sacto to put up a stubborn fight in what might be its second-to-last game in the
River City. The Kings (only two spread losses last nine games thru April 7) have
been spirited in most of their recent outings, thanks in part to the outpouring of
love from local fans who desperately want to prevent the team from moving to the
despised southern part of the state and planting stakes in Anaheim. Some lastminute
political maneuvering might be the final chance to keep the Kings in town
and to prevent the Maloof brothers from moving south...stay tuned. In the
meantime, note that Ok City won first three meetings this season, although the
Thunder couldn’t cover their last visit to Sacto on Feb. 12 (Ok City did roll by 30
three nights later at Ford Center, however), and can excuse Scott Brooks’ troops
if they’re a bit flat after last night’s game vs. the Lakers at Staples Center. With
Tyreke Evans back in the Sacto lineup and beginning to resemble his usual self
after showing some rust following his early return from plantar fasciitis (Tyreke
19.3 ppg last three after scoring just 9 ppg in his first three after returning to active
duty), would look very hard at motivated Sacto team in what might be one of its
last hurrahs at Power Balance Pavilion. 10-OKC -11' 102-87 (203), Okc -4' 99-
97 (209), OKC -9 126-96 (208); 09-OKC -7 102-89 (204), SAC +2 101-98 (199),
OKC -10' 113-107 (203), Okc -3' 108-102 (202
NEW ORLEANS 101 - Utah 96—Last Tuesday’s win over the sleepwalking
Lakers might not exactly be any late-season “buy” signal on Utah. Still, there’s no
sign that the Jazz are throwing in the towel as their disappointing season comes
to a conclusion despite 18 losses in 24 games thru April 7 under new HC Ty
Corbin. Does that mean we’re ready to back Utah plus generous points in the Big
Easy? Much will depend upon New Orleans’ place in the West playoff queue, as
the Hornets could be very motivated if requiring a win to secure the sixth
conference seed, which would mean avoiding the Spurs or Lakers in the first
round and probably hooking fading Dallas instead. But if the Hornets are not
compelled to succeed, perhaps a case can be made for the underdog Jazz, who
have been getting some inspired efforts lately from rookies Gordon Hayward (22
points vs. the Lakers) and Derrick Favors (added 14 vs. the champs) as they take
advantage of playing time now available due to various injuries elsewhere on the
roster (the returns of Gs Raja Bell & Devin Harris and F Andrei Kirilenko before
the end of the regular season remain up in the air). 10-UTAH -4 105-87 (193), NO
+1 100-71 (192), No -5 121-117 (OT-190); 09-No +8 91-87 (197), Utah -4 98-90
(202), UTAH -9' 106-86 (211), Utah -7' 114-103 (210)
Dallas 102 - HOUSTON 98—Dallas could use a boost, as it has been
finishing the regular season in a disturbing slump, in danger of relinquishing the
third seed in the West to Ok City if it can’t break a 4-game SU and spread losing
streak (thru April 7). Perhaps facing a Houston side that the Mavs have defeated
in the first three meetings this season will prove the elixir, especially since the
Rockets have effectively now dropped from the playoff race. After their futile
uphill climb just to get a peek at the 8th seed in the West, Houston appears like
a team that might be out of gas, failing to cover its last three before Saturday’s
game against the Clippers. The Rockets have done a decent job against Dirk
Nowitzki this season, holding him to 19.3 ppg (less than his usual 23 ppg), but it’s
been the Dallas defense that’s been the story of the earlier meetings, holding
Houston to a subpar 41% from the floor in the three previous battles combined.
10-DAL -8’101-91 (199), DAL -6' 111-106 (204), Dal -1 106-102 (207); 09-DAL -
7 121-103 (200), Dal +4 130-99 (200), Hou +5' 116-108 (OT-199), HOU +1'
97-94 (197)
DENVER 102 - Golden St. 87—Acknowledge Golden State’s recent
improved play (three straight wins and covers vs. playoff-bound foes thru April 7!)
that might give HC Keith Smart a chance to keep his job for next season. But we’d
rather back red-hot Denver side that shows no inclination to take its foot off the
pedal as the regular-season tape approaches. George Karl’s team was 19-3 vs.
the number its last 22 after Wednesday night’s win at Dallas, and it will be looking
to atone for a 2-point loss at Oakland in the last meeting on Feb. 9. Of course,
that was just before the Carmelo Anthony trade and the Nuggets taking flight,
winning 16 of 21 SU since thru April 7. Granted, Karl has a few injury concerns,
especially with G Arron Afflalo (hamstring) and role players Birdman Andersen
(ankle) and trade-deadline addition Timofey Mozgov (knee) hurting. But its
depth has been a strength for Denver during its recent upsurge, and there is no
indication the Nuggets are about to slow down. “Totals” alert—both trending
“under” lately (Warriors 8-3 last 11; Denver 14-3-1 last 18, both thru April 7). 10-
Den -2 106-89 (219), GS -2' 116-114 (222); 09-DEN -14' 135-107 (234), DEN -5'
123-122 (223), Den -6 123-118 (OT-231), Den -6 127-112 (226)
PHOENIX 109 - Minnesota 95—Phoenix not necessarily a go-with
proposition these days after its West playoff hopes were dashed during its recent
slump. But less interested in skidding Minnesota side that appears to be waving
the white flag in losing 12 in a row SU thru April 8. Keep in mind that the Suns just
beat the T-wolves by 10 at the Target Center last Wednesday night, shooting
52.4% from the floor. With Minnesota’s main weapon, Kevin Love, likely to be
sidelined the rest of the season with a groin strain (Love also missed that April 6
contest), T-wolves unlikely to shake the recent power outage that’s seen them
held under 100 points in 8 of their last 10 prior to Saturday’s game at Denver.
Suns not being hurt too much these days if forced to rest the banged-up Steve
Nash, as trade-deadline addition Aaron Brooks is an able replacement, as
proven in last Wednesday’s win when he scored 19 points off the bench. Alvin
Gentry more than happy to give his capable reserves some more work after they
tallied a hefty 58 points in that recent 10-point win. 10-PHO -9' 128-122 (224),
Pho -4' 108-98; 09-PHO -13 120-112 (219), Pho -9' 120-95 (214), PHO -12 152-
114 (226), Pho -9 111-105 (224)
SACRAMENTO 98 - Oklahoma City 97—Wouldn’t put it past combative
Sacto to put up a stubborn fight in what might be its second-to-last game in the
River City. The Kings (only two spread losses last nine games thru April 7) have
been spirited in most of their recent outings, thanks in part to the outpouring of
love from local fans who desperately want to prevent the team from moving to the
despised southern part of the state and planting stakes in Anaheim. Some lastminute
political maneuvering might be the final chance to keep the Kings in town
and to prevent the Maloof brothers from moving south...stay tuned. In the
meantime, note that Ok City won first three meetings this season, although the
Thunder couldn’t cover their last visit to Sacto on Feb. 12 (Ok City did roll by 30
three nights later at Ford Center, however), and can excuse Scott Brooks’ troops
if they’re a bit flat after last night’s game vs. the Lakers at Staples Center. With
Tyreke Evans back in the Sacto lineup and beginning to resemble his usual self
after showing some rust following his early return from plantar fasciitis (Tyreke
19.3 ppg last three after scoring just 9 ppg in his first three after returning to active
duty), would look very hard at motivated Sacto team in what might be one of its
last hurrahs at Power Balance Pavilion. 10-OKC -11' 102-87 (203), Okc -4' 99-
97 (209), OKC -9 126-96 (208); 09-OKC -7 102-89 (204), SAC +2 101-98 (199),
OKC -10' 113-107 (203), Okc -3' 108-102 (202
