Friday Night NBA

By Divol

Minnesota Timberwolves v San Antonio Spurs



13th March 01:05 GMT

First of all, Wolves have only one win in their last 14 games (against Miami without Wade). Second, they covered only 4 of the 13 games they lost. Wolves have also lost all last five games against Western play-off teams. In fact, Wolves home record against play-off teams or contenders (teams that are in a play-off chase like Memphis, Houston and Hornets) from the West is 2 - 15. Wolves have simply stopped playing defense. Last six games of the Wolves, the lowest number they stopped their opponent on is 109 points (!!!). This is 10 points higher than their season average before those games!

Spurs on the other hand, have started playing serious defense. The last 5 games they stopped opponents on 91 points only, 5 points below their season average. Wolves will need to stop Spurs below 100 points to cover this game and probably on 95 points or lower to win and I doubt they will manage that.

103 - 89 is my projected result, maybe as high as 107 - 94. So I won't touch the Over here, but will take the line.



Pick: Spurs -5, 1.91 - 3 units play - Pinnacle


Pheonix Suns v Los Angeles Lakers



13th March 02:05 GMT

I doubt that Lakers will really care if they lose this one. But, I do believe they will be happy if they win. They have been talking about losing the respect of Western rivals and it's crucial for them to gain it back.

Suns beat them at home this year, so another loss will mean a home sweep by the Suns over the defending champions and with Dallas - Lakers series tied and with the Lakers need to win in Denver for a tie with the Nuggets, Lakers feel that all teams feel they have got a chance this year. Not the kind of feeling you want your rivals to come to play you. Frye is out for the Suns, but that isn't important. What is important is that Kobe starts to get his game back, after being a bit rusty coming off the ASG break.

Lakers are the better team, a road game in Arizona is the last place they would worry about road - home difference and should win it.



Pick: Lakers -1, 1.91 - 4 units play - Pinnacle

Divol