Monday Night NBA

By Divol

Boston Celtics v Dallas Mavericks



19th January 01:05 GMT

I actually feel that the Dallas team will lose this one, but still taking the points here. Dallas despite last night's blow out, are one stubborn team and the third best road team in the league. KG is still out, while Pierce and Sheed probably play, but they a bit hurt, so who knows what their shape is.

As for Dallas, they had a terrible night on offense and more important, they simply had bad luck. I saw that game and it looked like Raptors had a night where they can't miss. Three pointer in transition over the hand of two players? No problem, shooting from mid range? Easy. I can't count the number of times that Raptors scored with Mavs player's hand in their face. Was nice to watch (since I didn't bet the game), but Dallas should have felt pretty bad after that. I guess we all know that feeling when your rival just scores at will.

Boston off two home losses in a row and got one ref that with him Boston have always won and covered so those factors really made me almost to back off this bet. But still, Dallas have the depth and with Gooden and Dampier can match Celtics strength in the paint, so Dallas as a small bet.



Pick: Dallas +5.5 - 1.87 - 2 units play - Jetbull


Los Angeles Lakers v Orlando Magic



19th January 03:35 GMT

Been thinking about the Lakers - Magic game. Lakers with their last home game before heading out to an 8 games road trip that starts in Cleveland. Lakers so far lost to Denver, Cleveland and Spurs and despite winning as well, managed to lose also to Dallas and Suns, with Suns being a pretty recent game.

They need this win just as much as the Magic as I see it and with Walton and Gasol back, they are one scary team. Have no problem with Kobe - Vince or with Bynum - Howard. Lewis and Nelson are the X-Factors for me here, but even if Fish can't guard Nelson, can see Farmar and Brown, both being hot lately, playing together 30 minutes. But, Odom, Artest and Gasol are big factors here. Odom can guard Lewis, but not sure if you can say the same in reverse. Gasol and Bynum can easily play between them and you can double it with Odom and Gasol. If Howard gets anywhere near a foul trouble, it can be a huge beating.

Artest really completes the Lakers right now and Carter is much easier to handle than Hedo, who has great passing abilities. Can see Bass logging big minutes here, but in that case, they are short on three point shooters.



Pick: Lakers -6, 1.96 - 2.5 units play - Pinnacle