Coming off of a powerful – but losing – playoff effort last season against the Chicago Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to start off the 2011-2012 season. The squad is experiencing its best early record in the prior 8 years, but are still struggling against the more skillful teams in the league. Whereas they’re 11-4 so far, simply four of those victories are against teams with records above .500.
Number one ranked Kentucky versus the NCAA competition hopefuls Georgia? Sounds like a recipe for a blowout, specifically as Kentucky just barely regained that coveted No. 1 spot on the rankings for the first time in the previous two months. While the Kentucky Wildcats are at the top of the rankings and relishing an eleven game win streak, the Georgia Bulldogs can best be called sporadic so far in the season.
The Sacramento Kings have their work cut out for them when they battle against the Houston Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a case of both squads restructuring for the longer term as both squads look nothing like their early 2000’s heydays. The Kings look to go back to their former prominence in the west with standout play from their young stalwarts. The Houston Rockets are still coping with the fallout from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Houston Rockets are favored by 3 points by the oddsmakers and this looks to be a difficult game to call.
The AT&T Center may get some long distance action on Jan 13th as the Portland Trailblazers head to San Antonio to battle against the Spurs. Portland is a youthful squad trying to build up as the quick but electric Brandon Roy era officially ended with his retirement in December. Previous #1 pick Greg Oden has furthermore had continued issues with his knees as Portland seemingly can’t shake the specter of Sam Bowie. The Spurs look to defend their court with spectacular plays from their normal constant lineup. The Spurs are liked by 8 points and this looks to be an awesome bet.
On Jan 12th, things heat up when the Cavaliers come into Phoenix to battle against the Suns. A couple of seasons ago, this would’ve been an amazing match with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head up in a collision course. In the age of free agency nonetheless, times definitely have evolved as this match seems dramatically different. Phoenix is liked by 6 points over the Cleveland Cavaliers and this seems to be a secure bet.
The United Center in Chicago will be on edge as the Washington Wizards enter into town to take on the Chicago Bulls. In years past, this contest would’ve been the most difficult ticket to get as the second comeback by Nike Jordan turned the Wizards into media darlings all through the nba. Jordan is now long retired nonetheless and the Wizards have turned into an awesome young team with vast amounts of potential waiting to be drawn on. The sportsbook has the Bulls favored by 8 points which seems correct and seems like a solid bet with Chicago being cheered on at home.
Saturday night on January 14th, the New York Knicks come into Oklahoma City to face the Thunder in this huge competition between these two squads. It’s a tale of two squads as the Thunder arrive in the game with a stable team of young guns versus the New York Knicks who it appears from year upon year always enters into play with lots of modifications going on. The New York Knicks are preferred by 4 points and this might hold unless Durant has one of his ordinary killer contests.
The Staples Center is going to come alive on January 11th when the Heat competes with the Clippers. The Miami Heat comes in with among the best records in the NBA bolstered by an awesome lineup of stars. The Miami Heat lead the NBA as a squad in points scored and assists. The sports book has the Miami Heat favored by 8 points and with the backcourt they own, it is apparently a sure bet. Let’s have a closer look at the Miami Heat this year and the things they provide.
Both these teams have been doing comparatively well this year. This really should not a shocking to any person as both of these colleges are well noted for their share of triumphs in basketball for a lot of years. When Western Virginia visits Connecticut both these teams will be at it out on the court on January 9.
The unpleasant specter of the Lockout had loomed large over the NBA world until recently. With both the players and the owners finally arriving at a contract, the NBA has effectively tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend. The NBA welcoming committee visits to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Celtics (1-3) battle against the Wizards (0-3). Both squads enter the competition with unreliable records and a slow beginning to the season. The sports book appears to have the nod on the greater team as the line currently stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .