0-1 Thursday. 75-77 YTD. Back to square one:
Lean: Portland Trailblazers -6.5
Only 1 win in the last 5 games but they are all against winning teams. Their struggles on the road isn't a secret but you still got to love them in this spot playing a weaker team from the East. The only thing I don't like is that I think this is a point or two higher than what I'd expect to get them. Portland is obviously the better team here and I see them winning but everyone knows the Raps finally understood that they need to play defense in the NBA (and actually isn't that bad, 9th in the league in the least number of points allowed per game). I think this one will come to a last few plays where the cover will be decided so it's downgraded to a lean.
Lean: Atlanta Hawk +6.0
I hate backing the team who possibly is looking ahead (Philly goes to Miami the next day). Hawks definitely is the right play here. They can matchup well even without Horford (given Hawes' status) and can play them toe-to-toe. 6 points is a little too many (last season Atl was also a 7-point road dog) for a team who have won 4 in a row (although against teams with bad record).
Denver Nuggets -7.0
Heck of a game for the Wizards against the Thunder. I like Denver here. Nene is finally slipping back to his usual self.
Milwaukee Bucks +6.0
A definite play here. Bucks matches up well against New York and would play them close. I'm throwing away the stats here and solely basing it on match-ups and past head-to-head. Bucks, whichever way you look at it, is an improved version of itself from last season as to the Knicks who look like they stepped down a notch.
Memphis Grizzlies -3.5
Just take it. Trap line or whatever.
Lean: San Antonio Spurs -11.5
This becomes a play on the other side if Joey Crawford and Dick Bavetta officiates.
Lean: Golden State Warriors +3.0
Indiana loves to lay an egg on the road.
BOL.
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