Mak's Tarantino Tuesday

What’s up gents.  Yesterday’s action was awful.  The first half of the Memphis/Charlotte game was one of the worst 24 minutes of basketball I have seen in about 2 years...Memphis barely got over 29 points for the half and ended up hitting a 3 to surpass that historic low.  Little did I know that later that night I would witness a 27 point 2nd half by the Detroit Pistons.  D Town I can understand due to their consistent lack of effort, but Memphis was just not themselves at all and their lack of heart was inexcusable last night.  Aaron Brooks returned to his headline ways of 2009/2010 with his first start of the season.  He rocked the Garden and led his team to victory.  Patrick Patterson is one of many rookies I have been impressed with, he along with Gordan Hayward, Evan Turner and Greg Monroe, although they are not superstars and in my opinion never will be, their careers in the NBA will be long. 

Tonight we have a nice slate of games.  I am going to be busy until about 5-6 pm tonight.  Want to get some thoughts in early.  Will drop by early afternoon or early evening to finalize the card and respond to thoughts.  As always fellas I wish you nothing but the best of luck.  Peace - - - MAK

INDIANA PACERS (14-20) @ PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (15-22)

I give a lot of credit to Doug Collins.  I always enjoyed his skills as an analyst.  He reminds me a lot of a Raptors commentator I respect highly named Jack Armstrong.  Whenever late game situations arise they can always map out exactly what the respective coaches are thinking, they are usually spot on.  Doug Collins is doing something better than any coach in the league this year...he is adapting to a 9 man rotation with relative ease.  That can be very difficult but he assigns his players roles, shot distribution and they listen.  I was a doubter of Jrue Holiday, I thought he was too young to lead a team, needed Andre Miller to mentor him, some type of vet...incorrect.  Holiday is just fine, progressing faster than I thought.  In his last 5 games, in terms of efficiency Jrue is the 4th best PG in the NBA, only Rondo, Paul and Rose have done more than him.  Averaging 19 points and 9 assists with minimal turnovers, this youngster is going to be a great general in this league.  The addition of Iggy tonight should not disrupt the flow of the Sixers.  If he comes off the bench to begin with, it would allow Jodie Meeks to remain as a starting two.  He never really forces shots and rarely has a bad shooting game.  He can also easily explode from beyond the arc.  Iggy or Meeks relegated to the bench, adds even more offensive depth to a stellar 2nd unit.  Philly’s bench is #2 in the NBA in terms of points scoring about 38 a game.  Evan Turner, Young and Williams are potent, Speights has been helping out as a big and the addition of either Iggy, Meeks or Nocioni to an already potent 2nd unit will be killer.  Indiana’s success early on was due to Roy Hibbert an Danny Granger.  Roy is now seeking professional help to get his game back on track, he admittedly states it is all mental and is scheduled to see a shrink.  Granger is not stepping up and being the star he is, he seems to be lost in the flow of offense at times, his scree cuts are lazy and he seems disinterested at times.  Philly plays tough at home and should take this one.  Strongly considering a small play although I do not like the line where it is at the moment.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (14-21) @ ATLANTA HAWKS (25-14)

Boston, Houston, Utah and Dallas are top 4 in the NBA in assists per game.  Each of those teams have potent point guards who can move the ball, space the floor and penetrate and kick....the Atlanta Hawks do not...so why are they # 5 in the NBA?  Because in my opinion, no one in the NBA moves the ball better than the Hawks.  Josh Smith, Al Horford, Joe Johnson are all underrated premier passers in this game.  Their size and offensive ability allow them to see gaps and create openings.  Mike Bibby is no slouch at his age either.  The Hawks are a very unselfish team and due to their ball movement they will continue to be a top tier team in this league.  The Hawks recent surge can be contributed to one player.  Jamal Crawford.  In his last 5 games he is top 10 in the NBA in scoring.....do people realize how amazing that really is....in the top 50 scorers in the NBA in the last 10 games....only one of them comes off the bench and that’s Jamal.  Having a player who can easily score 20 points off the bench is an extraordinary asset to have.  Jamal is an intelligent dude who has put his contract concerns aside and realized what he needs to do to make money and cash a lucrative contract is just straight out ball.  He is doing exatly that, 26 points per game, 5 assists and shooting 50% from distance, simply outstanding.  Milwaukee however is coming off 2 confidence building games.  A close encounter with Ringo Star and his minions, and a decisive win in New Jersey with an offensive outburst from many members.  Confidence will be high, I like Corey getting more time.  Tricky game to cap with or without Bogut, this one will all depend on the spread.  Am hoping the oddsmakers make a mistake on this one and create some value either way. 

SACRAMENTO KINGS (8-26) @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS (9-26)

I hate placing money on bad teams but if Tyreke actually suited up I would consider a wager on Sac.  He is doubtful and even if he does play I doubt I would actually have the balls to place money on Sacramento.  McGee and Blatche are two studs in the paint but are inconsistent and don’t have the right mentality....sort of like Cousins.  But there is something about the young immature Cousins, Mak can’t quite put his finger on it....if he ever got a veteran like Charles Oakley, Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett to just give him one back-hand across the face and tell him shut his mouth and know his role...he could be great.  He has greatness written all over him, size, strength, agility and hands are things that cannot be taught.  Mental stability and inner growth can be, in 5 years this kid will either be one of the best 5 men in the league, or playing alongside A.I in Turkey.  Both teams could contend for worst in their respective conference, why even bother with this game with other profitable opportunities on the slate?

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (31-6) @ MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (9-29)

Can’t wait to see the line on this one.  12-3 now betting on or against “my” Tims this season, by far the team I have bet on the most.  The 2nd place team comes in at a measly 5 total times bet on or against.  May decide to make yet another wager on the Tims but this is contingent on many things.  If Beas plays tonight combined with a reasonable spread, I will go for the home dogs to cover the points.  If Beasley does not suit up, I still may back the Tims but only if they start Tolliver.  If they decide to start Wesley Johnson I will pass on the spread depending on how high it is.  I would just prefer Anthony start if Beas is a no go and think it could lead them to a cover.  Corey Brewer did what he needed to do against Manu once again, For the last 2 years Manu has shot the worst percentage of his career against Corey.  Brewer gets up on him, plays tight on screen and rolls, does not give him any room to position his hands and really frustrates Manu.  Darko seems to be healthy again and is really doing the subtle things that opened my eyes early in the season.  If he is back to his early season ways, watch out.  Ridnour continues to provide consistent veteran minutes and lead this team, Johnny is starting to get in a grove and Webster is an offensive threat.  Kevin Love is the best rebounder this league has seen since Dennis Rodman, he deserves to be an all-star, I could care less what the Tims record is.  Hoping for a value-filled line.

PHOENIX SUNS (15-20) @ DENVER NUGGETS (20-16)

I don’t think I have ever seen this in the NBA, a trade that is imminent, players who have no idea weather to pack or not and yet still play continues.  What is the point of even playing?  Whatever is holding up this deal needs to get resolved and from what I hear it is minuscule things, Denver wanting to dump Harrington’s salary and Detroit’s reluctance to take Johan Petro to name a few, seriously just get this shit done so we can get a feel for the landscape of the NBA.  Can’t bet for the Nugs and despite all those who want to fade them at this point, I just cannot see myself doing that right now. Capping these types of games are very dangerous, there are plenty of anomalies.  Maybe a trade will happen today and we can get a better idea and feel for the game although I doubt it, Denver feels they are in no rush, might as well keep Billups, Mello and Harrington for as long as they can before the deadline and rack up some wins....that could be a big mistake, no cohesiveness, camaraderie  or trust equals devastating consequences. 

NEW YORK KNICKS (21-15) @ PORTLAND TRAIL-BLAZERS (20-18)

Love this game, will be a 5 unit play for me maybe more.  Portland on the moneyline is as good as it gets tonight.  This is a team that New York just does not match up against at all.  The absence of Dino is phasing them a bit more than I suspected.  Galo was one guy who consistently got to the free throw line.  He not only gave them easy buckets but got opposing team players into foul trouble.  His range and driving ability cannot be matched by Shawne Williams.  Galo is also a decent on-the-ball defender and Shawne is not.  Williams may not start....at least he shouldn’t.  Dantonti would be an idiot to start him, instead look for Turiaf.  Either way Amar’e and Turiaf are going to be swallowed whole by Camby and Big L.  In his last five games, Aldridge has been a BEAST.  In the last 5 games, he has scored more than anyone at his position with 28 points per game and has grabbed 12 rebounds a game as well. He is blocking shots, changing shots in the lane and really taking over when needed.  In Camby’s last 5 games, he is rebounding and blocking as much as Dwight Howard...that tells you the kind of asset the Blazers have down low on a nightly basis.  13 rebounds and 2 blocks a game in his last 5, Camby’s wingspan will cause Amar’e a lot of problems.  Amar’e has a sweet jumpshot, but while in Phoenix always seemed to have problems getting a clean shot off against Marcus.  The length of his arms allows him to keep his feet back in case of an Amar’e take to the rim, yet still gets a hand up in his face on jumpshots.  Aldridge is 6”11 and there is no power forward on the Knicks roster that can handle him.  Wilson Chandler always uses his size and agility to take small forwards off the dribble, but tonight he meets Batum who matches him pound for pound and inch for inch.  Dre has historically been a problem for Felton and Wesley and Landry are a good matchup and will be fun to watch.  Patty Mills, Rudy, Joel and Dante will provide more efficieny off the bench than Tony, Kill Bill and Shawne.  Rose Garden will be sold out for the 139th consecutive time, Oregon fans are loyal and the Blazers will avenge Lebron’s victory tonight.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (8-29) @ LOS ANGELES LAKERS (27-11)

I think this line is spot on, everyone looking to cash on double digit dog lines at Staples Centre due to the Lakers slow start are going to be sorry.  Yes the Lakers lost to the Griz and to the Bucks as well.  Two teams that played good defense in order to beat the champs.  Cleveland is a horrific defensive team, they will not be able to stop the Lakers at all.  For those worried about them playing down to their level, don’t worry so much.  They are the champs, the talent alone on this roster allows them to beat low-tier teams like the Cavs with minimal effort.  Bynum, Gasol and Odom are way too much for Hickson, Eyenga and Samuels to handle.  This may be a 15 point game at the half.  What Phoenix could not do to Cleveland 2 nights ago, the Lakers will do with ease.  The Lakers are an excellent teaser option tonight and depending on the line movement I may add them as a small play.

Thanks for all your work mak.  I love reading your stuff.

Mak

hey there mak! good to see your write ups again. hope the cash cow would milk it for us!

leaning Phi Por and Cle( maybe a let down game? still the lakeshow is unpredictable)
BOL with your plays as always

Fantastic stuff as always mak

I would have been absolutely disgusted if I was a Pistons backer last night. That was pathetic.

"But there is something about the young immature Cousins, Mak can’t quite put his finger on it....if he ever got a veteran like Charles Oakley, Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett to just give him one back-hand across the face and tell him shut his mouth and know his role...he could be great."

Couldn't have put that any better myself, mak -- Barkley himself said he was like Cousins coming into the league, completely immature, but that Moses Malone made him a man. It's a shame Cousins doesn't have someone like that on his team, a big man to be a combination in awe/fear of. Garnett would be perfect for that role, as would someone like Shaq.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (8-29) @ LOS ANGELES LAKERS (27-11)

I think this line is spot on, everyone looking to cash on double digit dog lines at Staples Centre due to the Lakers slow start are going to be sorry.  Yes the Lakers lost to the Griz and to the Bucks as well.  Two teams that played good defense in order to beat the champs.  Cleveland is a horrific defensive team, they will not be able to stop the Lakers at all.  For those worried about them playing down to their level, don’t worry so much.  They are the champs, the talent alone on this roster allows them to beat low-tier teams like the Cavs with minimal effort.  Bynum, Gasol and Odom are way too much for Hickson, Eyenga and Samuels to handle.  This may be a 15 point game at the half.  What Phoenix could not do to Cleveland 2 nights ago, the Lakers will do with ease.  The Lakers are an excellent teaser option tonight and depending on the line movement I may add them as a small play.

_______________________________________________________

 IGreat job on the writeups Mak!

 I completely agree! This is the perfect team at a perfect time for the Lakers to tee off on and quiet the fair weather fans and naysayers! I took -8.5 1st half so far, and will probably take the -15, hoping peeps will take the line down a bit more, but I see a 20 plus pt win!

appreciate the insight mak!

mak - all good right ups

the spurs / wolves games intrigues me a bit tonight

as does the knicks / blazers

i think SA takes care of business tonight with a better number since they are on the road

the knicks might be in trouble tonight just like you say

Great writeup as usual, all the work breakdowns are much appreciated.
They call me gucci tarantino all my shooters are bilingual

SACRAMENTO KINGS (8-26) @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS (9-26) I hate placing money on bad teams but if Tyreke actually suited up I would consider a wager on Sac.  He is doubtful and even if he does play I doubt I would actually have the balls to place money on Sacramento.  McGee and Blatche are two studs in the paint but are inconsistent and don’t have the right mentality....sort of like Cousins.  But there is something about the young immature Cousins, Mak can’t quite put his finger on it....if he ever got a veteran like Charles Oakley, Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett to just give him one back-hand across the face and tell him shut his mouth and know his role...he could be great.  He has greatness written all over him, size, strength, agility and hands are things that cannot be taught.  Mental stability and inner growth can be, in 5 years this kid will either be one of the best 5 men in the league, or playing alongside A.I in Turkey.  Both teams could contend for worst in their respective conference, why even bother with this game with other profitable opportunities on the slate?


the DON.......

mak these writeups are amazing. you really know the nba bro. thnx for taking the time to do this. i truly enjoy logging in to your thread. best of luck mak.

Great stuff Tarantino.... I was thinking about playing the under in the knicks blazers game..figure after watching knicks offensive struggles vs lakers, that we could see more of that tonite...also after blazers just took a tough loss in ot vs a great team..Maybe this will be a slower paced grind it out game. Any thoughts on this total would be much appreciated.  Great write ups as always.

Great Job!!! Best of luck!!!

GL as always.  You the man.

Always love hearing that, best of luck with your plays today Clyde the Glide.

Like Philly and Portland bud, but I really think Showtime comes to play tonight.  Good luck.

My main man KP.  So true.  That is why Reke won't turn into the player he is capable of.  The only reason all of you were witnessed to the greatest in game dunker of all time was because of Charles Oakley and Antonio Davis.  Vince Carter would have never been the human highlight film without any vets on the team to set him straight.  Good luck today my friend.

I like your way of thinking on this game, the Lakers understand they have been criticized for not stepping on the throats of opponents with a losing record.  They showed they understood that vs Detroit and I am hoping for a similar outcome tonight.  BOL.

I appreciate the appreciation.

Good luck with the plays gales, thanks for the post.

I don't get it but for some reason I like it.