Welcome. Step right up. Only 5 more shopping days (including Thursday) until Christmas!!
Now's the time to make some extra dough to pay for all those gifts you'll be getting your loved ones. Last week was an odd 2-0. The Spurs were no where close to being favorites as I projected. But turns out we needed every one of those underdog points to cover against the Lakers. Another lesson learned. It's good to think about what the line might be in your head...then when Vegas lines come out, look at how close...or off...you were. Where there are major gaps, bet it with confidence! This week, there is only one game without a spread as of my writing this column. Oh how I love the guessing game. On to the matchups...
New Jersey @ Miami
I give up. Three weeks in a row that Miami makes the Thursday night schedule. And again they are favorites. They are 3-8 at home. Shaq is no longer a dominant force. Wade's shoulders can't handle the massive load of this team. That's all I can think about! Forget that New Jersey has been up and down this year. Take the +2 and run.
Pick: New Jersey +2
LA Lakers @ Cleveland
Kobe vs. Lebron. Lebron vs. Kobe. Now this is a matchup to get excited about! The Lakers are playing extremely well recently, winning 6 of their last 7. While Lebron has picked up his game this year, I still have to side with Kobe's cut-throat desire to win at all costs. The spread is pretty close...so choose wisely.
Pick: LA Lakers -1.5
Houston @ Denver
I have yet to understand this Denver team so far this year. They put up great games like a couple weeks ago in Dallas. And then lay stinkers like their recent loss to Portland. Iverson cannot do things alone. He needs a second fiddle. Anthony needs to have a strong game this Thursday for Denver to win. Houston has been on the skids, losing 4 of their last 5...including last night against Orlando. I think their struggles will continue against a rested Nuggets squad.
Pick: Denver if -4 (I might be talked into a higher spread...so it will be interesting to see where this line opens.)
Good luck everyone, and have a Merry Christmas this coming week! See you on the court!!
