BOOKIEASSASSIN
John Chang
Chicago Bulls -5 over NEW JERSEY NETS, 20 dimes
The Bulls covered for us in a big way last night, ousting the Raptors in dominating fashion. I see no good reason to not back them tonight on the road. So far this year, the numbers show that this team does not let off the gas in the second of back to back games. Chicago is on a roll and have now won 5 straight. This matchup in Jersey should be a cakewalk for Derrick Rose and Co. New Jersey's overall scoring is 2nd to last in the league, and it's not much better at home, where their offense is still poor enough to rank 3rd to last. The Bulls' defense is both stifling and consistent, and I expect the Nets to get very few quality shots. We also can't overlook the fact that New Jersey has lost 5 in a row, and 4 of those ATS. Easy choice here. We're laying the wood with the visitors.
Los Angeles Lakers -4 over PHOENIX SUNS, 20 dimes
In years past, teams were afraid to go into Phoenix and deal with the Suns' explosive offensive attack. Now, with Coach Mike D'Antoni and big man Amare Stoudemire gone to New York, there simply isn't enough chemistry to keep Phoenix at the level they once were. I'm very surprised at the small number in this game considering the fact that LA has been consistently winning on the road, going 6-1 SU in their last 7 road contests. The Lakers have also gone 4-1 ATS in their last 5 in the visitors role. Phoenix has only covered the number once in their last 5 games overall, and are on a 1-4 ATS slide at home. The strong rebounding of the Lakers, their efficient shooting rate, and their willingness to play hard on defense should very much tip the scales in favor of the visiting team.
HOUSTON ROCKETS -4.5 over Portland Trail Blazers, 10 dimes
A home game against a middle of the pack Portland squad is just what the doctor ordered for the Rockets. True, they've gone an ugly 0-3-2 ATS in their last five contests. But there are two main reasons why we should take this meager pointspread. 1.) They are playing at the Toyota Center, where they are averaging over 106 per game, and where just recently they tallied up 119 points against Miami's top-notch defense. 2.) They are playing a Blazers team that has lost their star in Brandon Roy and have only managed to win 1 out of their last 5 road games. Lay this five point chalk, and let's watch the Rockets make it rain in Houston!