Really thought about putting a bit on the Knicks ML for kicks last night, and passed on it.Oh well....
But I've taken some good time to look at the Friday card, and I like the Celtics, Nets and Thunder. But the Celtics and Thunder really seem to stand out from the pack.
Celtics are playing well and should continue that on this home and home against the Sixers. They will strive to get both of these, but I think the first game is even more winnable for them, as they got some revenge on their mind.
After they lost at home against the Sixers early in the season, that was a moderate turning point to their somewhat struggling start of the season, partly due to the fact that they had Sullinger in the starting lineup over Bass, as the rook is way too inexperienced to be quite ready for that just yet.... And basically the Celtics just seemed to get their asses in gear from that point.
Though as of now both teams do have the
same record, Boston should win this game to show that they are a
solid team, and the better team. And they want to erase that slightly ugly past
from a month back. Of course I maybe looking too much into this
revenge angle, as Boston is just a better team and playing better
ball right now, but it's a good bonus for them.
Another big one is the
fact Rondo has just came back recently and they feel more positive,
and want to get a bit rolling now.
Celtics -1
Now the Thunder are not the Heat, don't worry... They are the team to ride, Lakers are the team to fade. The way the Lakers had to show up big against the lowly Hornets just before this game is a very bad sign for them here as well.
The Thunder are gelling so well with Kevin Martin, that I'll say they are indeed better with him than they were with Harden, as Martin has a more specific set "role" on the team that he knows what he is and what he isn't, and he's more consistent at being that support role. They are more balanced as a team, and now only have only 2 stars to feel the need to handle the ball and try to take over the game, when with Harden at times it was sometimes 3, and believe it or not, that was one too many! Some may call me crazy for saying that, but it's true. It's just amazing how quickly their team has adjusted to the trade.
I really could go on about how this is a matchup/style nightmare for the Lakers, but I'll just say for them to have a chance they would need Nash here to have any chance of keeping this game close, as their only chance would be to effectively use Dwight on the offensive end. They want to try to play their run and gun with the Thunder.....BE.... MY..... GUEST! Lack of a pg will really hurt them, and even with Nash back I don't know how they'd slow down the Thunder.'s offense. At least "Hack a Dwight" shouldn't be needed here, so that's one positive for the Lakers.
Kobe could put up 50 here, and yet, I'd
still think Thunder would cover this number.
Thunder -7.5
Good luck to everyone else on their
plays