Bet on Basketball

Orlando Magic are returning home for a match up with the Indiana Pacers after they stole a win from Sacramento two nights ago. Having Dwight Howard fully fit in the paint, the Magic are a good defensive team, but they sometimes suffer from inefficiency in scoring. On the other hand they tend to stop their opponent before conceding baskets in such cases. The Pacers look for a win to prove that they are still aiming for the playoffs, and Orlando would be the best team to perform their gameplay on. They slow down the tempo, causing the opponent guards to be stuck in the paint after screens, and find comfortable positions for Jermaine O’Neal to go for the basket. This game seems to be a very defensive one, so Under 187.5 is the pick for 4 units.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hosting the Toronto Raptors tonight having suffered an exhaustive loss against the Rockets in Houston three nights ago. When nobody but LeBron is on the court for the Cavs, it becomes very tough for them to win. The other players need to take responsibility in defense, and preventing opponent guards from penetrating into their paint. Ilgauskas, being an experienced center, must step up with Drew Gooden not only in defense but also in attack. The Raptors are a fairly good offensive team, and they can take some defensive measures as well. Toronto would seek for a win, but this will be somewhat challenging at Cavs’ home. Toronto +8.5 is the pick for 4 units.

The Atlanta Hawks are changing their route from Seattle to Denver after yesterday’s loss over the Supersonics. The Hawks, always being an offensive team, were not able to put the ball into the basket with fairly low shooting percentage, only some of which was caused by the Sonics defense. Joe Johnson continues his steady condition, but Josh Smith must do better in offense so that the Hawks reach 100 points. When they are able to do this, their chances of winning increases rapidly since they can keep their opponent under 100 points often. However, the Nuggets are on a good roll now and Carmelo Anthony seeks for a team whose paint is a comfortable place to score from. Denver do have Marcus Camby in the lane, so the Hawks’ plans to score high may deflect again. Nonetheless, a close game is expected for Atlanta’s last chance to win away before returning home. Atlanta +11 is the pick for 3 units.