Coming off of a formidable – but losing – playoff effort last season against the Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to start the 2011-2012 season. The team is experiencing its best early record in the prior 8 years, but are still struggling against the more proficient squads in the league. Whilst they are 11-4 to date, only 4 of those wins are against squads with records above .500.
The AT&T Center might get some long distance action on Jan 13th as the Trailblazers go to San Antonio to battle against the Spurs. Portland is a young team seeking to build up as the brief but electric Brandon Roy era officially ended with his retirement in December. Former #1 pick Greg Oden has additionally had repeated issues with his knees as Portland apparently cannot shake the ghost of Sam Bowie. The Spurs expect to defend their court with impressive plays from their regular constant roster. The Spurs are favored by 8 points and this wants to be an excellent bet.
On Jan 12th, things get hot when the Cavaliers enter into Phoenix to battle against the Suns. Two years ago, this would have been an amazing game with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head up in a collision course. In the age of free agency nevertheless, times surely have transformed as this game looks substantially different. Phoenix is favored by 6 points over the Cleveland Cavaliers and this appears to be a secure wager.
The Kings have their work cut out for them when they take on the Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a case of both teams reconstructing for the future as both teams look nothing like their early 2000′s heydays. The Kings look to return to their previous popularity in the west with stellar play from their youthful stalwarts. The Houston Rockets are still handling the fallout from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Houston Rockets are favored by 3 points by the oddsmakers and this wants to be a challenging game to call.
Saturday night on January 14th, the New York Knicks come into Oklahoma City to face the OKC Thunder in this major matchup between these two teams. It’s a tale of two teams as the OKC Thunder arrive in the game with a constant squad of young guns against the Knicks who it looks from year upon year usually comes into play with a lot of changes going on. The Knicks are favored by 4 points and this might hold unless Durant has one of his ordinary killer contests.
The United Center in Chicago will be in the spotlight as the Washington Wizards come into town to face the Bulls. In past years, this competition would have been the most difficult ticket to get as the second comeback by Michael Jordan turned the Wizards into press darlings throughout the nba. Jordan now is long retired nonetheless and the Wizards have become a great young team with vast quantities of possible waiting to be tapped. The sports book has the Chicago Bulls preferred by 8 points which sounds correct and sounds like a great wager with Chicago being cheered on at home.
The Staples Center is going to come alive on January 11th when the Heat competes with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Heat comes in with one of the best records in the NBA bolstered by a great lineup of stars. The Heat lead the league as a team in points landed and assists. The sportsbook has the Heat liked by 8 points and with the backcourt they include, it appears to be a sure wager. Let’s take a closer look at the Heat this year and what they bring to the table.
The unpleasant specter of the Lockout had loomed big over the NBA landscape until earlier this month. With both the competitors and the owners ultimately arriving at a contract, the NBA has effectively tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend. The NBA welcoming committee goes to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Boston Celtics (1-3) face the Washington Wizards (0-3). Both squads come into play with unreliable records and a slow beginning to the season. The sportsbook appears to have the nod on the greater team as the line presently stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .
Some people have this notion that they should not spend money on New Year’s Day due to the fact if they do, they will be spending money the whole year. Plenty of people ensure that they do not spend since they do not want to lose money. But suppose you may welcome the New Year with more revenue on the day itself? Gambling is a popular vice for most people and lots of people do not truly care what day it is as long as they get to wager. For people who are basketball devotees, the Jan 1 – Memphis Grizzlies at Bulls game is an amazing game to wager on.
The December 25 – Boston Celtics versus Knicks game is a conflict between two of the greatest teams in the Eastern conference. New York has appeared to be one of the better teams in the east due to their acquisition of Carmelo Anthony who was added to the team following they got Amare Stoudemire. This year is anticipated to be great for the team even though the two did fairly well together last year.
