Sport: NBAPick Selection: Phx and ORL over; Hou over Den; Dal over Cha
Take Dallas at 8:35 ET. Charlotte comes into this one as a rotten team in nonconference games, going just 8-17 ATS this season. Charlotte's problem has been injuries, which has impacted their D. They have allowed 105.2 ppg in their last five on 50% shooting! As well, the loss of Emeka Okafor has hurt their work on the glass, and the Bobcats are -6.2 RPG. Dallas at home has allowed just 90.6 ppg while outboarding their opposition by 7 per game. Look for lots of early second chance baskets for Dallas, which will run Charlotte out of the building (their home margin of victory is nearly 11 points). Take Dallas minus the points.
Take the OVER in Phoenix-Orlando at 9:05 ET. Phoenix comes off a loss earlier this season to the Magic in which they allowed over 100 points, but the Suns have responded to that in the last two seasons by pouring in points. They're 13-4 over revenging such a loss in the last two seasons. Offense has been their response to everything of late. Phoenix is over in their last three and seven of ten, and is 17-6 over following two or more straight wins of 10+ (and they've won their last seven by double digits). Orlando's D has allowed 46.9% shooting on the road, and Phoenix has scored 116.4 in their last five. As well, 13 of the last 17 between these two have been OVER. Take the OVER in Phoenix-Orlando.
Take the Rockets over the Nuggets at 8:35 ET. Denver comes in with road troubles this season, winning just 12 of 27 SU. They've allowed 100.3 ppg and have been outrebounded away from home by nearly six per game. Houston, on the other hand, has been very solid on defense at home this season. The Rockets have allowed 89.9 ppg on 42.6 shooting at home this season while picking up 5.4 more rpg than their opponents. Houston, with the oversized Yao Ming in the paint backed by the multifaceted Tracy McGrady, will win and cover over Denver.
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