John Chang
DENVER NUGGETS -9 over Detroit Pistons, 20 dimes
Denver is in the perfect position to lay a beating on the offensively-challenged Pistons tonight. Not only are they ripping off points at an alarming rate (over 107 per game to average 1st in the NBA,) but since Carmelo was traded, these boys are starting to play defense as well. That doesn't bode well for the visitors, who rank next to last in the league in road scoring. We can't overlook the solid improvement in rebounding as well. Yes, it seems that the loss of their star has only made the Nuggets shine brighter. The Nuggets have ripped off 8 wins ATS out of their last 9 games, and won SU in 7 out of those games. Denver has also covered the number in 4 straight home games. George Karl has his players working together as one cohesive unit, and he hasn't failed to remind them that they are in a playoff race at the moment. This should be all the motivation they need to bury the Pistons tonight. Detroit has dropped 26 of its 33 away games this year, and in their last ten games they have given up an average of 107 points per contest. Lay the wood for the home team here.
DALLAS MAVERICKS -1 over Los Angeles Lakers, 10 dimes
Can you really bet against this Dallas team at home right now? The answer is no, you can't. Dallas has burned through 20 out of its last 23 opponents, and they have won 10 out of their last 11 home games. In this near pickem situation between two elite teams, the wise move is to back the hosts.
Michigan State Spartans -3 over Penn State Nittany Lions, 10 dimes
It's been a great season for Penn State by their standards, but I'm afraid their time to shine is over. They've had some big wins this year against quality Big 10 competition, but in this matchup with Tom Izzo's squad, they're simply outgunned, outcoached, outclassed. They somehow managed to chalk up a W yesterday when only scoring 36 points, but they won't be facing cold shooting today against Kalin Lucas and Co. Expect the Spartans to own Penn State on the glass. Roll with the much better team in this spot.