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SACRAMENTO KINGS - ? (-110) - - - This bet is solely contingent on the absence of Omer Asik and Rudy G suiting up. If either or does not happen, I will not be playing any straight wagers tonight. If both happen and I am unable to post a final play, I will be taking the Kings at whatever spread they are at the standard ten percent juice. This is strictly a situational play for me. I still think the Kings are a bit overrated and the Pelicans in my opinion have the better team 7 deep. But tonight is not a good night for the Pelicans the travel to Cali. Firstly, they traveled 2000 miles to Portland, played a very grueling game vs Portland that saw Jrue, Eric, Reke, The Brow and Ryan all play heavy minutes in a deflating final quarter loss to the Blazers. They now travel another 2000 miles to Sacto to face Cous and the Kings. Cousins is an absolute beast. Watching him play against the Spurs, there was nothing that could be done to stop him. In 26 minutes he had 25 and 10, 4 offensive boards on 10-19 shooting. Even though Ajinca is a big guy, he lacks the girth to be able to contain Big Cous. If Ryan plays the same minutes as last night, Cous will eat him and spit him out. Even Anthony Davis who is in my opinion a lock for defensive player of the year struggled to stop a big 5 in Robin Lopez when he was mismatched against him. I just do not think the Pelicans have that big 5 that can contain Cous tonight and that will be the difference maker as it was in the San An game. These teams have had 4 common opponents but the only comparable game is when both teams faced the Griz in Memphis. The Pelicans were outmatched and loss by 12 but the Kings were outplaying the Griz completely until the 4th and C.Lee had that reverse layup with 0.3 secs to win the game. Free Throws will also be a factor tonight. Sacto is #1 in the league in makes and attempts hitting an average of 28 of 35 while the Pelicans are 25th in the association hitting only 15 and attempting 21. A 13 point differential at the stripe is large in the NBA. If Rudy is in and Asik is out, I'll roll with the Kings at Arco against the fatigued Pelicans.
2.5 UNITS PEJA "QUICK RELEASE" STOJAKOVIC - - -
Slight Lean: Utah - 3.0
They just do not match up well vs the Thunder otherwise I would def. be on the Jazz men at home. They are also coming off a big eastern road swing and as the Bobcats and Nets showed, it ain't easy coming home after being away for long. Stay away from the game is my advice and fade the Thunder tomorrow (depending on the line) in a high altitude environment against the Nugs who have confidence and want to have a good showing at home since they have sucked it up there apart from opening night.
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PROP PLAYS
GORDON HAYWARD OVER 17.5 - 18.5 PTS
DEMARCUS COUSINS OVER 30.5 - 31.5 PTS + REB
I am estimating those totals from experience, anything over that I may not play, especially Cous. I suspect Hayward to have a big game tonight after his first and only bad showing of the season vs the Raps. There is no one that can guard him on OKC, Lance Thomas will not be able to handle the quickness and Morrow is not a good defensive player and lacks the size to contain him. May up it to one unit if the price is right. Cous as explained in the Sacto right up.
Good luck gents, peace - - - MAK