Friday Night NBA

By Divol

Washington Wizards v Toronto Raptors



5th December 00:05 GMT

I saw the trend before the first game between the teams a few days ago, but decided to leave it. Now I just can't ignore it. In the last five games between the teams, the road team has won. The strange thing is that both teams have always been poor road teams and great home teams, so this trend is really weird. I really like both teams. I like the players, the style of play and they have been kind to me betting wise for years. I like the Wizards even more because I really like Arenas (don't ask me why), but here it's hard not to back the Raptors.

Wizards last two home wins; they had 3 points line and 2.5 points line. They lost both lines despite winning the games. Raptors hit their lowest point of the season I believe, conceding 146 points. I can't even begin to imagine how any basketball player can feel after this game.

I will split my bets for Raptors to win and to cover.



Picks:

Raptors to win - 1 units play - 2.61 odds - Betsafe

Raptors +4 - 2 units play - 1.94 odds - Expekt


Oaklahom City Thunder v Boston Celtics



5th December 01:05 GMT

This one is easy for me. I saw Celtics play last night against the Spurs. They wanted this game badly. For about a month I didn't see Celtics that driven for a win. Now it's hard to bet against any KG team that there will be a letdown, but Celtics have an easy schedule coming and with such an old team, Rivers knows he can't keep demanding 110% from them. He needs them in May - June (or wants to be in need of them then).

Thunder at home are simply great. They have beaten many good teams, including an easy win against Orlando and an OT loss to the Lakers. There a young team after a rest meeting a big team.

Easy to see who will be more motivated tonight.



Pick: Thunder +4.5 - 2.5 units play - 1.91 - Bet365


New Jersey Nets v Charlotte Bobcats



5th December 01:05 GMT

Just as Raptors, Nets hit their low. Worst team in NBA history as far as start of the season goes. Now look at the roster. Two last year's NBA Finals starters (Lee and Alston), three young promising players that can become All Stars (one was already and at least one can become such). Injuries, bad luck and Wilkins buzzer beater are the three things that lead to this record.

Cats are starting to get too much respect from the bookies. It started against Celtics and now we see it again. The public drove the line down a bit, but it just isn't enough.

Nets have three winnable games in their next four and I will be on them till they win. Both teams improved their offense lately, with Harris getting back from injury and Cats trading for Jackson. Still, the books haven't adjusted. I really think there is a decent chance, both teams will cross 90 points and at least one going to 100 even maybe.



Picks:

Nets to win - 2.43 - 1.5 units play - Expekt

Nets +4.5 - 1.91 - 2 units play - Boylesports

Over 180.5 - 1.91 - 2 units play - Betsafe