Welcome Back Everyone!

Hopefully you all enjoyed a great Thanksgiving break and are ready to get back into the swing of things with some free Thursday night NBA picks!

Have you taken a moment to check-out the NBA standings lately?  Aside from Boston, the teams in tonight's matchups all probably hoped for better results...even this early in the season.  That's not to say they have sucked, but you know each thinks one or two of their losses should have been a gimme W.  Thursday night will put some back on track, and push others further down the spiral of frustration.  Onto the matchups...

New York @ Boston
Ok, I lied.  New York has basically sucked.  They come in with a pathetic 0-6 record on the road, and some very worrisome scoring woes.  Meanwhile Boston has been amazing, going 11-2 for the year, and 7-0 on their home court.  Boston should rely on Pierce and Allen's 3-point shooting if Randolph and Curry park it in the lane.  And if the defense is pulled away, forget about it, as KG will eat everyone alive isolated 1-on-1 down low.
Pick: Boston -13

Houston @ Golden State
Golden State has been running people out of the building lately, and they even went 4-1 on the road last week.  I'd like to think it's all due to Stephen Jackson's return (is he really the leader of this team?), but their victories seem to come against lower level opponents (aside from Phx).  Houston on the other hand has played a brutal last couple weeks.  They hit an 0-6 stretch playing MEM, LAL, SA, PHX, DAL, MIA.  But they turned it around winning their last three against DEN, LAC, PHX.  This game will be the third in four days for both teams, so fatigue could be a factor.  I have a feeling about Houston...but I'm tired of losing my money against GS.  Take the home town dogs.
Pick: Golden State +1

Denver @ LA Lakers
I don't have much to say on this game, other than take a close look at the over/under once it comes out.  Both teams put up a bunch of points, and both teams are giving up 100+ on defense.  But a lot depends on shooting percentage with these guys, so if the o/u is in the 215+ range, consider the under as one of them is likely to start off slow.  As for the matchup, anything is possible.  Denver has been struggling recently, but 5 points seems like a lot to give with their offense.
Pick: Denver +5

So there you have it.  A 13 point favorite and a couple volatile underdogs.  Recipe for disaster, or down-right brilliance?  I'm ready to find out!  See you on the court!!