Never Underestimate The "Pride" Of A Champion

What’s up guys.  Apologies for the absence yesterday and the very late post today.  My only bet of the night was on the Celts for 5.  In retrospect, despite the cover, I can admit it wasn’t the correct game to go with on the slate.  Indiana really came out with intensity and poise but the Celts prevailed with outstanding defense.  Despite Miami’s recent success and the Dallas zone.  The Celts still have the best half-court defense in the NBA and I give all the credit to Lawrence Frank and Kevin Garnett for that.  How about them Raps? One of the grittiest and most gutsy road wins I have seen from this franchise.  However, despite my pride I understand that Dirk now looks like a front-runner for MVP.  However, it wasn’t his absence that lost the game for Dallas; the loss was due to the inability of the zone to achieve maximum effectiveness.  Against teams like Toronto and numerous other high-tempo teams with range, the zone becomes completely and utterly ineffective.  Miami continues to roll but I was impressed once again by the Knicks who just have a lot of confidence in their rotation right now.  They trust each other on the floor and never seem to give up.  Orlando seems to have found their groove, struggled for 3 quarters but with Agent One and J-Rich as their leading scorers, this team suddenly demands respect and solidifies 3rd spot in the East.  We have some interesting matchups tonight in the association, whatever you guys are playing I wish you the best of luck...as always.  Peace out gents - - - MAK

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS @ CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

PICK: NO PLAY

This new free-flow offense that Silas has implemented can be very dangerous.  Especially against a Cleveland team that runs a mature Princeton offense.  Nevertheless, I still think Charlotte deserves some respect at home and will still strive to compete under their new head coach.  I think this new found freedom on offense will benefit one player more than anyone.  D.J Augustine has some raw potential at the one position.  Larry Brown wanted to make this kid a defensive playmaker...that just is not D.J.  D.J can run the break to perfection and his size and strength at the one position can be a nightmare on the break.  Imagine Gerald Wallace in a Warriors or Suns tempo....yea exactly.  If he is 100% healthy, he can really strive in this tempo as well.  I think Diop must have slept with Larry Brown’s wife because he never got time under Brown.  Silas loves the big man and so do I.  A shot blocker and a presence down low will find much more time under the new head coach.  If Tyrus Thomas would have suited up for this game and may have bit, but I would like to see more from Charlotte before I instill my trust in them.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS @ ATLANTA HAWKS

PICK: NO PLAY

No Andris for this 5 game road trip is a massive buzz kill for your boy Mak.  I was hoping to catch the Warriors as dogs this entire trip and back them hard.  But without their legit starting 5 man I just cannot start backing them the way I want.  They earned me 5 units on Monday but I would rather lay off, especially against the Hawks.  The Hawks are impressive.  At first I was not very happy to see their new starting five.  But Collins as the starting 5 allows J Smoove and Big Al to move back to their natural positions.  It also moves Marvin to the 2nd unit and along with Jamal that is one potent duo off the bench.  Lay off this one.

INDIANA PACERS @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS

PICK: WASHINGTON – 2.0 (-110) - - - 3 UNITS

Despite the Pacers impressing me with their defense early, I can’t help but notice the gradual demise of Roy Hibbert and Danny Granger.  They have been absolutely dismal shooting the ball over their last 7 games.  The reason they were able to win those prolific games against Miami and Indiana was due to their ability to boast a star small forward and a premier big man.  Now, with both of those players not providing the sufficient production on a nightly basis, it suddenly turns this team into yet another pretender on the cusp of missing the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference.  I honestly think the Wizards 8 man rotation is very underrated.  It is officially time for John Wall to step up and show his skill.  This guy is the quickest man I have ever seen with a ball in his hand, he has a swagger and slickness to his game that can’t be duplicated at the one position.  It is now his team, his time and I suspect P Dub to start making a name for himself in the coming weeks.  Along with the gritty vet Kirk and new acquisition Lewis, this team boast a nice 1 to 3 starting combination.  Blatche and McGee are idiotic yet, but you can be as stupid as you want in the NBA, if you have wingspans that exceed that of Dalsim from Street Fighter...then you can be a starter in the NBA.  AB and McGee are monsters in this game, young studs that if you had on a Boston team for 2 years trained by vets....would be a sight to behold.  They have raw talent and limitless potential.  Off the bench I suspect Nick Young to resume his role off the bench along with a rejuvenated and healthy Josh Howard.  Even Al Thornton is a good forward to clog some minutes and with that is the strict but impressive rotation that Flip will run tonight.  The Wiz are also the 3rd best team in the NBA at forcing turnovers which will come into play tonight against one of the most turnover prone teams in the league (21st).  Too much length, too much speed and too much home court mojo for the back to back Pacer to handle tonight.

3 UNITS JOHN “DOUG E. FRESH” WALL - - -   

BOSTON CELTICS @ DETROIT PISTONS

PICK: NO PLAY

Despite their exceptional defense last night I still feel i was lucky to get a cove with the Celts.  I notice that the Boston Celtics really tend to struggle to get into their half court offense without Rondo.  When Nate rests, it causes Ray Allen to man point guard duties.  Ray Allen will soon surpass Reggie Miller as the greatest 3 point shooter in history, he is a hell of a marksman but an over rated ball handler.  Without Rondo it sometimes prevents the Celts to flourish.  But when Paul Pierce is on, he carries this team.  Celts could easily stifle the Pistons defensively and take over this game.  But on a back to back combined with the fact that the Pistons are my only blacklisted team this season (will not bet for or against Detroit) I would rather sit this one out.  Plus I have an eerie feeling the talented but clueless Pistons may come to play, as a Boston fan I hope not.  Go Celts go.

DENVER NUGGETS @ MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

PICK: NO PLAY

(Insert spinning head icon here) What the fuck?  Who let the cat out of the bag?  I thought you guys kept my write-ups on the down low....where did all this trust come from in the Tims?  They were my sleeper team from week 3 when I realized what type of talent they really had.  I only managed to cash on the Tims 5 times this season and thought I had plenty more opportunities.  Guess not.  The secret is out, Minny is for real, was hoping for consistent dog spreads at home, was shocked to see them favored.  I see no value in the spread, will be rooting for Love & Beas Inc. to take another one at home.

BROOKLYN NEW YORKERS @ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

PICK: THUNDER (-8.0) - - - 2.5 UNITS

The New Jersey Nets are one of the worst at defending the transition game.  They struggle mightily against run and gun teams that force tempo and run the break.  They are a dismal 2-12 this season against teams that score more than 100 points on them.  The Thunder will run the break to perfection and instigate offense from turnovers.  OKC is #8 in the NBA in steals and the #5 team in the association in blocked shots.  Tonight I think OKC actually matches up well in terms of size which is a rarity for them.  Down low they will have Kristic, Ibaka, Green and Collison and NJ will counter with Brook, Kris, Derrick and Troy.  Look for slumping Westbrook to take it to the basket with ruthless aggression tonight and get to the free throw line for some easy points.  Durant has owned Outlaw in the past and should do so again tonight.  OKC off a hard-fought loss will be hungry for a win at home.  They are an exceptional team after a loss, their focus and determination is magnified and the one thing I know is the effort will be there tonight.  OKC managed to beat NJ at NJ in the midst of a horrible scheduling spot and that was without Kevin.  With their star, they should be able to handle the Nets with relative ease.

2.5 UNITS SERGE “IBLAKA” IBAKA - - - 

LOS ANGELES LAKERS @ NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

PICK: LAKERS MONEYLINE (-145) - - - 3 UNITS

PICK: LAKERS – 2.5(-110) - - - 3 UNITS

Never underestimate the heart of a champion.  Sad how so many people lose faith so quickly.  This is the same roster guys.  Same guys who have done it year in and year out.  If you go back to my season preview of the Lakers, this struggle was foreseen.  They just do not have the same heart & hunger they once did.  That is why this team will not do it again this year.  Boston won’t allow it, and by the looks of things the Spurs, Mavs and Thunder may have something to say about it as well.  Nevertheless, if I lose money betting on Kobe, Pau, Lamar, Ron, Fish & Drew not to lose 4 in a row for the first time...then so be it.  I will gladly say bye to the 5 bills in my bankroll, I bet with my head and my heart and will not feel pain if the Hornets out-duel the Lakers tonight. In fact matchup wise I see a clear advantage for Los Angeles.  Fish’s size at the one always seems to cause CP3 difficulty, tonight however, I think CP3 will be the only reason Orleans stays in the game.  Marco is the deficiency in the roster that will be exploited today.  Ariza will guard Kobe which means Artest will muscle his way to a dominant offensive game against Marco and Marcus Thornton.  When Artest contributes offensively, he becomes a stud defensively and the Lakers almost always win.  Pau and Lamar are going to beast on West and Okafor.  Emeka and David will put up a good fight, but Pau has had a few 20/20 games against each of them and should dominate after a poor performance.  Bynum will be stellar off the bench in about 25 minutes of play tonight and the killer B’s Brown, Barnes and Blake will step up.  The Lakers may lack the hunger to win another title, the arrogant bravado of Kobe Bryant and the Showtime Squad will be in effect tonight.  Don’t ever mistake pride for hunger, it will cost you.  NBA athletes are very proud, especially world champs.  They cannot afford to lose this game.

6 UNITS HOLLYWOOD - - - 

MIAMI HEAT @ HOUSTON ROCKETS

PICK: NO PLAY

Honestly if the Heat were playing almost any other team in the NBA on the road except the Rockets I would back the Heat to the bank.  I just cannot against a Rockets roster that is brimming with confidence.  Aaron Brooks looks to be getting back into gear, slowly but surely.  The Houston roster is just packed with offensive punch...problem is they face the L-Train, DW & CB.  Not only do the three amigos come to town but with it the best overall defense in the NBA.  How the Heat continue to push the pace yet hold teams under 90 points amazes me.  They are the best perimeter defending team in the league and that will negate 3 point opportunities for the Rockets tonight.  Back to back Heat vs the Rockets who are ready for the biggest game of the season for them thus far...and that is what you all must take into account every time you cap a Heat game.  For the home team hosting the Heat, it will always be the biggest game for the team and the fans.  Pick your spots wisely with the Heat, even if the Heat blow em out by double digits, this is not a game you want to back Miami tonight.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS @ PHOENIX SUNS

PICK: NO PLAY

The debut of Vincent Lamar Carter.  If any training staff can rejuvenate Caretr’s career it is the magicians who worst for the Suns.  They can turn Mr.Burns into a strapping young lad.  Pietrus is fitting in perfectly as is Gortat.  Without Iggy I lean the Suns hard, but I am just not comfortable with the volatility of the rotation.  Alvin Gentry has no idea what to do, once he does, watch out for the Suns because they are for real and will make a legitimate push for 8th spot in the West.  I could be missing out on an early opportunity and low spread, but I will wait it out and back the new look Suns at a later date.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES @ SACRAMENTO KINGS

PICK: NO PLAY

Someone needs to tell Tyreke to man up.  My $500 NBA fantasy league requires him to postpone the foot surgery until the summer.  I think he is a bit of a wuss, puts up massive numbers and is talking about surgery.  He is ready to play.  Garcia inserted into the starting lineup may stick...for once.  I think we will start to see a steady rotation from the Kings.  It may make them more competitive than many of you think.  They are not the New Jersey Nets of last year as some of you think.  They have more overall talent for sure.  Due to the fact that they are in the West, their record will look just as dismal come seasons end.  Silently the Griz are the best ATS team in the NBA in their last 10.  8-2, don’t see why it doesn’t continue against a deflated Kings team.  Griz should take this game, they always play the Kings well at Arco and have a renewed confidence about them.  Z-Bo and Gay are very inconsistent with their performances which makes the Griz a difficult team to cap.  Sitting this one out.

UTAH JAZZ @ LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

PICK: NO PLAY

I lean the Clipper hear.  LAC is confident, they have a refreshed view on the season.  I know you all hat Baron Davis but he is averaging among some of the best PG’s in terms of assists.  He is consistent and seems to be a pretty solid leader on the floor when he is out there.  Blake needs to get into the big boy all-star game.  He wants it bad, he knows that with a few more wins, he could actually make the Clippers respectable for the first time in decades.  Eric Gordon is a star...I never saw it coming to be honest with you.  Just thought his size would set him back but you cannot measure the size of his heart and balls.  Kid is clean and a proper offensive stud.  No AK47 and maybe no Miles turns this already shallow Utah rotation into a dud...nevertheless, because of Utah’s amazing surge on the road, I just do not underestimate this teams heart...ever.  No play.

Thanks so much for your amazing effort.

lakers thunder wiz...got it.

Great writeups MAK. Im still staying away from Lakers and think the Jazz handle Clips in a close one!

Good luck to you and all.

Thank you sir