Guru'a NBA with write ups,2009/10 (121-104) +23.18 units

YTD: 9-16-1

Memphis +2.00 over ATLANTA Pinnacle

Don’t be fooled by Atlanta’s three game win streak. Before beating the Wizards, Knicks and Raptors, the Hawks were in the middle of a 2-7 stretch that included losses to the Nets and the Bucks at home. New coach Larry Drew made a big deal about his “motion offense” when he was hired but management can’t be happy with the results thus far. Joe Johnson, the Hawks 119 million dollar man, has been horrendous over the first 18 games, averaging a measly 17 points while shooting 40% from the field and 25% from three. Atlanta ranks 16th in points per game and 20th in rebounding, numbers that are actually down from last years Mike Woodson coached team. The giant killers of the NBA are undoubtedly the Memphis Grizzlies. They just beat the Lakers at home, a mightily impressive win considering Los Angeles was on a two game losing streak and playing their absolute hardest to avoid losing three. The Grizzlies got a huge game from Mike Conley to win their biggest game since beating Miami on November 20th, a game that saw Rudy Gay hit a game winning shot at the buzzer. The Grizz started slow last year and did so again this year but are now 4-1 over their last five games. The emotional win over the Lakers should translate into another inspired effort tonight for a team that is really coming on. We have liked Memphis since the beginning of the season and their finally starting to play up to their capabilities. Grizzlies outright.

Play: Memphis +2.00 (Risking 2 units).

MIAMI –6½ (1H) over Detroit Pinnacle

You’d be flat broke if you’ve been betting the Heat against the spread this season. Miami is an awful 5-13 ATS this year and it’s no surprise why; combine ridiculous expectation with poor play and it spells disaster every time. The Heat looked to be cruising against the Wizards on Monday to finally reward their bettors but unbelievably a useless last second possession led to a basket and cover for the Wizards. We don’t trust anyone on the Heat roster except the Big 3 and that’s why we’re making a play on the first half only. It cuts out the free throws and bench from the game and if we learned anything about this Heat team it’s that it’s going as far as the Big 3 take them. We give the Pistons credit for turning what looked to be a horribly disastrous season into what will most likely be a run of the mill bad season but their still no match for the Heat. Lost in Miami’s struggles is the fact that the Heat still has an amazing point differential with James and Wade both playing at career low levels. This team will eventually come around and the numbers prove it - they rank fourth in the league in defensive efficiency and seventh in offensive efficiency. The Heat will win this game but we don’t want to be on the side of a gut wrenching cover by the Pistons 12th man, therefore we’ll bet the Heat can bury this opponent early. Play: Miami –6½ (1H) (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).