Coming off of a strong – but losing – playoff effort last year versus the Chicago Bulls, the Indiana Pacers came roaring back to start out the 2011-2012 year. The squad is experiencing its greatest early record in the prior 8 years, but are still troubled versus the more adept teams in the league. Whereas they’re 11-4 so far, just four of those victories are versus teams with records above .500.
The Kings have their work cut out for them when they face the Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a condition of both squads reconstructing for the future as both squads look nothing like their early 2000′s heydays. The Sacramento Kings look to return to their former popularity in the west with standout play from their youthful stalwarts. The Houston Rockets are still coping with the fallout from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Houston Rockets are liked by 3 points by the oddsmakers and this looks to be a tough game to call.
The AT&T Center might get some long-distance competition on Jan 13th as the Trailblazers head to San Antonio to battle against the San Antonio Spurs. Portland is a youthful squad trying to build up as the short but electric Brandon Roy era officially ended with his retirement in December. Previous #1 pick Greg Oden has also had repeated concerns with his knees as Portland apparently cannot shake the specter of Sam Bowie. The San Antonio Spurs look to defend their court with impressive plays from their regular constant lineup. The San Antonio Spurs are preferred by 8 points and this seeks to be a great bet.
On Jan 12th, things heat up when the Cleveland Cavaliers enter into Phoenix to battle against the Suns. A few seasons ago, this might have been an amazing contest with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head up in a collision course. In the age of free agency nevertheless, times surely have changed as this contest seems drastically different. Phoenix is favored by 6 points over the Cleveland Cavaliers and this seems to be a secure wager.
The United Center in Chicago will be on edge as the Washington Wizards come into town to battle against the Chicago Bulls. In previous years, this competition might have been the most challenging ticket to get as the 2nd comeback by Michael Jordan turned the Washington Wizards into press darlings throughout the nba. Jordan is now long retired however and the Washington Wizards have turned into an excellent young squad with vast quantities of potential waiting to be tapped. The sportsbook has the Chicago Bulls preferred by 8 points which seems correct and seems like a solid wager with Chicago being rooted on at home.
Saturday night on January 14th, the New York Knicks come into Oklahoma City to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in this major contest between these two teams. It’s a tale of two teams as the Oklahoma City Thunder arrive in the game with a steady squad of young guns against the New York Knicks who it seems from year upon year always enters into play with plenty of changes going on. The New York Knicks are favored by 4 points and this might hold unless Durant has one of his standard killer matches.
The Staples Center is going to come alive on Jan 11th when the Heat competes with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Heat comes in with among the best records in the NBA bolstered by an excellent roster of stars. The Heat lead the NBA as a team in points landed and assists. The sportsbook has the Heat liked by 8 points and with the backcourt they contain, it is apparently a sure wager. Let’s have a closer look at the Heat this year and what they offer.
The unsightly specter of the Lockout had loomed huge over the NBA world until earlier this month. The NBA has successfully tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend with both the competitors and the owners finally arriving at an agreement. The NBA welcoming committee journeys to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Celtics (1-3) take on the Wizards (0-3). Both teams come into play with unreliable records and a slow beginning to the season. The sports book seems to have the nod on the better team as the line now stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .
Some people have this perception that they ought to not spend money on New Year’s Day due to the fact if they do, they’ll be spending money the whole year. Lots 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 additional cash flow on the day itself? Gambling is a widespread vice for most people and lots of people do not genuinely care what day it is as long as they get to bet. For people who are basketball fans, the Jan 1 – Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls game is an excellent game to bet on.
The Dec 25 – Boston Celtics versus NY Knicks game is a conflict between 2 of the top squads in the Eastern conference. As a result of their acquisition of Carmelo Anthony who was added to the squad following they got Amare Stoudemire, New York has appeared to be one of the better squads in the east. This year is anticipated to be fantastic for the squad although the 2 did fairly well together last season.