Mak's Saturday Smoke

Puff puff pass, let's get that dirty money gents.  Really liking the card today. Good luck guys.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS MONEYLINE - - - Spurs didn't loose the game vs Boston.  The Celts won the game.  You might think after committing so many turnovers and careless plays that San An deserved to loose.  If you know basketball and have any sense of how defensive rotation works, you would have noticed that each and every turnover and sloppy play was forced by some sort of defensive reaction.  The 2009/10 Boston Celtics are playing some of the best defense I have ever seen and I have been watching this game for a long time.  The Spurs still managed to fight and keep it close all game long.  I do not see the Spurs dropping this game, Pop will have them poised to play their best game of the season, I am sure of it.  Near perfection on defense and offense is what I see happening tonight.  Rookie Blair really impressed me vs Boston on TNT.  He had a breakout game, prior to that coaches were thinking about inserting him into the starting 5 with Tim but they said they need Antonio's ability to spread the d and hit the shot.  Nevertheless Blair showed that he deserves more time, he scores at will down on the block, is the league leader in rebounds per minute off the bench and despite his size has the ability to guard big men down low and successfully at that.  Depth overpowers the Nugs tonight.  Denver is a top tier Western team but they have had the easiest schedule thus far.  They have not faced any severe competition at all and tonight will be their first test.  I suspect failure tonight from the Nugs.

10 UNITS ARTIS "OLD SCHOOL" GILMORE - - -    

TORONTO RAPTORS + 7.0 (-125) - - - I understand why most will be on the Bulls tonight.  I get it.  But I implore you to lay off the Bulls tonight because I am certain we have the birth of the real Toronto Raptors December 4th.  Non Toronto Raptor fans have no idea the transformation this team went through in 24 hours. After yet another embarrassing blowout in Atlanta and a very interesting candid post game where many Raps spoke out and vented to the media, the Raps had a day off then met for practice and shoot around in Washington at 10am.  10am is when they were supposed to come out of the locker-room.  Usually it is like clock-work.  Raps did not come out until 2 hours later.  An entire team meeting including GM Colangelo lasted 2 hours.  It was an open forum and according to many Raptors it helped more then any practice ever could have.  And fuck did it show, despite the game being close anyone who watches Raps games noticed the drastic difference on defense.  There was rotation, communication and most importantly there was accountability.  When someone missed a switch or did not help they heard about it.  This soft little puss mentality walking on egg shells had to stop and it has.  Bosh was a monster and showed a lot of heart.  Jack is emerging as a leader.  Bargnani showed me some balls and most importantly I am officially announcing the arrival of Hedo.  I know he is going to have that swagger after the game winner.  Yes this is a back to back, yes the Raps historically eat ass crack on back to backs, but listening to the post game show the Raps are not satisfied, they said if they do not go into Chicago and show the same intensity on defense then this game was a waste.  I am certain that my boys come out and fight hard tonight, buying up to 7 is a gift as I honestly think Raps have a great chance to win this one straight up from the Bulls. So for am 8-2 on my Raps wagers and this is my strongest fell on them this season.  Raps baby.  

10 UNITS OLIVER "BIG BOI" MILLER - - -  

ORLANDO MAGIC - 6.5 (-130) - - - This could be the best bet on the board.  The Orlando Magic are playing the best ball in the league.  Remember they are the ones who beat the Celtics in Boston and right now the Celts look untouchable.  I really think that the Magic are legitimately the best team in the East.  Now I am not saying they can beat Boston in a 7 game series but I am saying that Orlando deserves more respect.  Magic have won 9 of their last 10 and covered 6 of their last 8.  If you take a look at their season results you will notice that the only time they struggle to cover games is against teams that play decent defense.  Against teams that have lackadaisical offensive tendencies they absolutely demolish them.  Golden State is not a team that makes you play bad, they just hope they can put the ball in the bucket more then you and pray for a win.  If Ellis doesn't shoot well tonight it is over early, he will not be able to score in the paint over Superman.  Morrow will be locked by either Pietrus or Lewis.  Carter will go off and the deepest team in the NBA should easily cover this soft spread against the shallowest team in the NBA.  Magic cast their spell in Cali.

10 UNITS DENNIS "3D" SCOTT - - -

DALLAS MAVERICKS - 2.0 (-130) - - - Both the Hawks and Mavs coming off terrible losses.  Both teams should be poised and primed to attack tonight.  Dallas is historically a great home team on Friday and Saturday.  They almost always cover those large spreads on Saturday and tonight all they really have to do is win.  Atlanta has been far from impressive on the road.  They are a good back to back team but this is a real back to back test against a pissed off Dallas team coming off a loss.  With all their road woes I don't think the Hawks show up tonight.  Despite the Memphis game Jason Kidd has been shooting the ball with extreme confidence.  He has been working on his shot and is shooting better then he has in years.  With Kidd providing three's and consistent offense this team becomes even more deadly.  Dallas is deeper then Atlanta and not a lot of teams can say that.  The Dallas starters just matchup well with the ATL 5.  Damp is bigger and stronger then Horford and you cannot say that often about an opposing center.  Marion and Dirk will have solid game and Terry and J.J will shine off the bench.  The Saturday factor is in effect, Mavs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Saturday games and I think they get it done for a sold out crowd tonight in Texas.

8 UNITS JAMAL "NO KNEES" MASHBURN - - -

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES + 7.5 (-110) - - - Yessir you are reading correctly.  Am adding the lowly Timberwolves to a stellar card because this is a good situational spot. Tims have a chance to surprise Utah tonight.  Under-rated big man Kevin Love is back for the Tims.  I am very high on this young man, last year as a rookie in my opinion he looked like one of the best offensive rebounders I had ever seen and he was a rook! Rebounding is about timing as well and this intellgient young man has impecable timing, length, girth and hops and that gives him the ability to be one of the best rebounders in the NBA one day.  His first game back he easily obtained a double double with 11 and 11 in very limited minutes.  Tonight I see him getting more run.  Along with Big Al (who looks back jack) Ryan Hollins and big man Nathan Jawai this team is actually quite big.  Gomes is a big wing and Pecherov off the bench can play the 4/5.  Corey Brewer is a very good defender and if Session, Flynn, Ellington and other role players can score, this Timberwolves team will not be a team you can ignore this season ATS wise. The Jazz flying from Utah to a back to back game last season were 1-7.  This year they got lucky and beat SAS on a back to back however I just this fading the Jazz men on back to backs flying from Utah will be money this season.  Minny covers.

5 UNITS TOM "GOOGLY" GUGLIOTTA - - -

Mak, fellow raps fan here, it's like you took the words out of my mouth with Raps write-up. People keep putting up stats but this is a game that is beyond that and I think the raps have finally found their identity and will play like it tomorrow. That was a great game by the Raps yesterday and I'll take the points today with no hesitation.

Mak, excellent write ups. Good luck!

"How do you want it, How do you feel, Comin' up as a nigga in tha cash game, Livin' in tha fast lane MAK's for real"

thanks for the write ups mak

good luck with yr plays

Leaning all but timbs myself

Unfortunately i didn't think Raps were going to break out of their funk so soon vs Wiz last night but they came out on an absolute tear in turn i lost that play. I was expecting them to lose so i could take them here against Bulls when i thought they would break out but they have already turned and will ride out this newly awakened squad here. Also loving Orlando & agree may be the best bet on the board - i have them giving Boston a tough time in the ECF this season.

BOL

like the picks mac

As always ITS 4-leaf clover to you as well.

Mr.Soprano, remember Corleone is the godfather and thus is greater then Tony Soprano....jk I kid I kid. 

Did you watch the game vs Was bro?  I honestly did not watch any other game, I was glued on my Raps.  Couldn't have cared less if all my wagers lost as long as Raps pulled through.  It was the most fun I have had watching an NBA game all season.  I was a very happy man last night and I lost money!!! I am a true hopeless Raps fan.  Let's hope this teams pride and focus can grab another one on the road in Chi Town. 

Jimmy anytime someone reads writeups, takes in the info I try to provide into consideration when making wagers and actually comments on them I greatly appreciate it.  Thanks very much bud.

Oh no you didn't! You recite one of Mak's (and by Mak I mean me not him) favorite Pac songs and implements Mak (again me not him) into the song.  Man 6 posts and you are one of my favorites already.  You just like it cause I opened up my Cavs writeup last night with the opening line of Hail Mary.  True Tupac fan eh. Good luck with your plays today.

Another person kind enough to thank me for the write ups wow.  Really appreciate it bro.  I wish more people would write their thoughts.  Would make this forum a lot more valuable.  Granted I have an e-business and have to type everyday but I am a two-finger typer and it only took me about 8 minutes to writeup 5 games.  I am certain that most of these dudes can type faster then I can.  Just take the time and post your thoughts, that way true NBA cappers can understand where you are coming from.  Thanks again bud.

3ball, thanks for the post.  Not a bad idea to have waited until this game to back the Raps.  The Wiz game was a coin flip unless you knew what happened with the Raps in that meeting.  Alvin Williams a one-time Raps favorite now assistant coach came out and told everyone that they were a bunch of ingrates.  That he would do anything and everything for a second chance in the NBA and that no moment on that floor should be neglected or wasted.  It woke up a beast in the team and I am sure that they will get their act together.  This roster is just too good to be blown out the way they have.  Mark my words Reggie Evans is not a savior. But his mentality and toughness will make a big difference when he returns.  Raps are a playoff team and will make some noise.  Good luck with your plays bud.

Whuddup Gabby, been a while bud.  Best of luck with your plays as well.  Thanks for the post.

Mikenice, as always....nice ass.

That's the kinda info i read hours for when researching a game had i known that i would have stayed well away from Wiz last night I new of the internal conflicts that were going on but assumed it would have taken a few games for players to start trusting and communicating with one another. Great info though! 

Good job Mak.You sold me on the Raps

Lookin good Mak Attack!  Feeling Minny, San An, and Orlando myself tonight.  Take it to the bank bro!

i was on the bulls earlier but after reading your write up now im betting on the rapstars!!! gl to us all. great great post!!!

love the writeups  and bol

BOL

GL sir, i've noticed that after a lot of people tailing you, you've continuously having a bad break and fortunately i made my own decisions that time. anyway, I'm with you on Tor +6.5 and Orl-8.5