Wizards at War
It’s been a tough week for the Washington Wizards with the passing Tuesday of 85 year old owner Abe Pollin, who owned the franchise for more than 40 years, including their lone NBA title in 1977-78.
Maybe now the Wizards can leave the bickering behind. Finger pointing was at a premium between Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler over the past week before the two sides made peace Monday. Or have they?
"For the most part, we all get along," Arenas said according to the Washington Times "There are, what, 15 players on the team? Fourteen do.”
Perhaps the passing of Pollin will unite the Wizards in a winning way.
The Wizards won Tuesday night 108-107 against the Philadelphia 76ers but failed to cover as 2.5-point home faves.
Butler sat out the game because of an ankle injury. Washington is now 1-9 against the number over its last 10 games.
Jennings, Milwaukee bucking the trend
If you are a betting man - and if you aren’t you’ve come to the wrong website - it’s a safe bet to hop on the Milwaukee Bucks’ bandwagon.
The Bucks are finding ways to win despite injuries to both shooting guard Michael Redd – who returned Monday after missing nine games - and injury prone center Andrew Bogut (left leg strain, out four weeks). Yet even while boasting a 6-1 record at home and being 8-4 overall, it’s the rookie point guard Jennings that has Milwaukee thinking playoffs in November and among historic company.
Jennings has registered 252 points and 59 assists in his first 10 games in the NBA. The only other player to reach those numbers his first 10 games in the league? The Big O himself, Oscar Robertson with 255 points and 92 assists.
Not bad for Jennings, the kid from Compton by way of Italy.
After Monday’s setback to the Spurs, Milwaukee is still 8-4 ATS. Total bettors should know the over is also 6-1 in the Bucks’ last seven contests.
Clean bill of health coming for Jazz?
While the Utah Jazz hovers around .500 out West, two key members of Jerry Sloan’s club returning to action: Mehmet Okur and Kyle Korver.
Okur returned to action Tuesday night after missing three games with a stomach virus, while Korver – who has missed all season with left knee surgery – said he could be return by week’s with games scheduled against Chicago on Thursday and Portland on Sunday.
In related walking wounded news, small forward C.J. Miles (left thumb surgery) met with a hand specialist earlier in the week for his first physical therapy rehab session since undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured ligament in his left, shooting thumb. According to the Jazz, Miles is set to practice next week.
"I've been doing a lot, so hopefully it shouldn't take me but a couple practices before I feel like I can play again," Miles said Tuesday.
On the year, Jazz players have already missed a combined 46 games due to injuries.
Utah lost Tuesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the third game it’s lost at home this season. The Jazz won 70 of 82 games over the last two years at the EnergySolutions Arena.
Lawrence Frank feeling the heat in New Jersey
New Jersey Nets head coach Lawrence Frank is the longest tenured head coach in the Eastern Conference, but for how long?
According to published reports and sources, Frank may be fired if he returns winless from a current four-game (Denver, Portland, Sacramento, Los Angeles Lakers) West Coast swing. The Nets remain the NBA’s only winless team (0-14). Frank’s best chance to save his job, could come with a win against the lowly Kings who are 4-2 at Arco Arena and are without sharpshooter Kevin Martin.
"I know I’ve got to produce," Frank told reporters before the road trip. "I take full responsibility. I’m not hiding anywhere. I say bring it on. Put it on me."
Be careful what you wish for Lawrence.
The Nets may be killing their backers but they’re moneymakers for over/under bettors. The under is 9-0 in New Jersey’s last nine and 12-2 for the season.
On schedule
Friday Nov. 27, Atlanta at Philadelphia
A day after facing a tough Orlando Magic team at home on Thanksgiving Day, the Atlanta Hawks travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on the end of a back-to-back. The Sixers hope to take advantage of a two-day layoff at home.
Sunday Nov. 29, Orlando at New York
The Orlando Magic will be playing their fourth game in five nights – three of those on the road - against a New York Knicks team who isn’t afraid to run and gun at Madison Square Garden and looking to capitalize on Orlando’s road legs.
Thursday Dec. 3, Boston at San Antonio
The San Antonio Spurs will attempt to make the most of playing against a Boston Celtics team in the midst of playing three games in four nights, with the Spurs gaining momentum out West.