SPORTS WAGERS
Detroit +9½ over SAN ANTONIO
The Pistons were off for five days prior to last night’s game in Dallas so playing back-to-back should not be much of a concern. These two have traditionally played very close games over the years and although that was then and this is now, the Pistons really played a decent game last night and it’s something they can build on. You can see when teams are at low peaks or headed that way and the same goes for high peaks and with some healthy bodies back and with time to practice, the Pistons could very well go on a competitive run over the next couple of weeks. This team is not as bad as its record indicates. The Spurs are 20-12 but keep beating up on weak teams and has played the NBA’s easiest schedule to date. Its last eight wins have come in order against Golden State, Indiana, the Clip Joint, Milwaukee, New York, Minnesota, Miami and Washington. There’s one team in that group above .500 and the only other teams the Spurs played over its last 10 games that are close to or above .500 is Toronto and Portland and the Spurs lost them both. Of course the Pistons can be considered a garbage team as well but trusting these Spurs as a big favorite against a team that will come to play tonight is likely a big mistake. Play: Detroit +9½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).
New Orleans +1.75 over OKLAHOMA CITY
This is not the greatest spot for the Thunder. They return home from a two-game trip but they’ve played four of its last five on the road. Furthermore, this will mark the 10th straight game in which they’ve had to travel to play its next opponent. The last time the Thunder played consecutive home games was back in mid-December. Furthermore, the Thunder has had nothing but trouble against this club and that includes a four-game sweep last season. This is their first meeting of the year and the Hornets come in with a ton of confidence after six wins in nine games and winners of three straight. The Hornets are also playing tremendous defense, as they held its last three opponents to 91, 95 and 87 points respectively. When a team is dialed in defensively like the Hornets are right now they’re extremely difficult to beat. The Thunder are an exciting young team with plenty of upside and they’re also very warm with six wins in its last seven games. However, its last four wins came against New Jersey, Washington, Utah and Chicago and you can throw in an OT loss at Milwaukee in between. This has just been a difficult match-up for Ok City and it’s not the best situational spot for them either. Play: New Orleans +1.75 (Risking 2 units).
ATLANTA –13 over New Jersey
The Nets have trouble scoring 90 points a game and now they’re about to enter the den of a lion. You see, the Hawks have dropped four straight and it’s not that they dropped four straight that’s so bad, it’s how they played and to whom. Atlanta dropped two straight to the Cav’s, which is no big deal but they wanted it badly and the losses seemed to have taken the wind out of its sail. They followed that up with a loss to the Knicks in OT and subsequently were buried by the Heat in its last game. The Hawks have the Celtics up next and need to get focused again and they couldn’t have handpicked a better team to go up against to get its swagger back. The Hawks are an elite team with a tremendous offense and its frustrations over the last four games can be taken out here against this rancid guest. The last time these two played the Hawks put up 130 points and won by 23. That’s when they were in a good mood. Tonight they’ll be in a foul mood and will show no sympathy whatsoever. Play: Atlanta –13 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
Tampa Bay +1.82 over BUFFALO (REG)
The Lightning may not win this game but they should not be this big a price against anyone and therefore they’re most definitely worthy of some consideration. This intruder is well rested, as they’ve been off since Jan 2 and they possess a 3-0-1 record when given three days rest between games. Furthermore, goaltender Mike Smith is playing tremendous at the moment and so in fact, is the Lightning. They’ve won three of its last four and five of seven to move within a single point of playoff contention. The Sabres are tough for sure, especially at home but this game is sandwiched between games against Montreal and Toronto and perhaps the Sabres focus will be off a bit. The Sabres have won four in a row but they really haven’t looked that great in doing so and three of the four losses were against badly slumping teams, St. Louis, Atlanta and Pittsburgh. Prior to that they had lost four of six and they appear to be more beatable right now than at any other time this year. The Lightning has not played to its potential yet, as this is a very good team that can really wake up and go on a tear at any point. Overlay. Play: Tampa Bay +1.82 (Risking 2 units).
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