Sport: NBAPick Selection: POR over TOR; LAL over NJN; CHI over NYK
Take Portland over Toronto at 10:05 ET. Toronto is a miserable 4-12 on the road this season, and the Raptors' woes have to do with defensive issues. The Toronto D has allowed 101.1 ppg while getting outrebounded by 7.8 per game on the roadd (overall rebound margin -5.8). Portland has won its last five games, and defense has been the key as the Blazers have allowed just 85.4 ppg in that span while outrebounding the opposition by 7.8 ppg. Zach Randolph has been playing well of late, but the guard play of the Blazers has also been clutch. Look for the Portland guards to keep up their excellent play and Randolph to have a big game on the boards as the Blazers win and cover.
Take the Lakers plus the points over the Nets at 7:35 ET. The Lakers are 31-19 ATS as a dog the last two seasons, while the Nets are a marginal 27-40 ATS as a favorite in that span. The Lakers have played very well on the road, winning six of nine ATS away from Staples. LA has been excellent ATS this season, though, going 16-9 ATS while winning seven of their last eight ATS. Look for Kobe and the boys to have a huge night against a suspect Net defense, allowing 101.2 ppg at home this year. LA plus the points.
Take the Bulls over the Knicks at 7:35 ET. Chicago has hammered the Atlantic Division the last two seasons, going 18-6 ATS against the Atlantic in that span; the Bulls have played well lately against anyone, though. Chicago has won its last five games SU, and the Bulls' offense has been rolling, scoring 104.4 ppg on 46.6% shooting in that span. The Knicks, on the other hand, are just 5-11 ATS at home this season, and their D has been rotten (102.7 ppg allowed at home). The Knicks are also decimated by suspensions. Take the Bulls minus the points.
|
Handicappers
