Arriving off of a formidable – but losing – playoff effort last year vs the Bulls, the Indiana Pacers came roaring back to start out the 2011-2012 year. The team is experiencing its greatest early record in the previous 8 years, but are still struggling vs the more skillful teams in the league. Whilst they’re 11-4 so far, just four of those victories are vs teams with records above .500.
Number one rated Kentucky vs the NCAA championship hopefuls Georgia? Sounds like a recipe for a crushing defeat, particularly as Kentucky barely regained that coveted No. 1 berth on the standings for the 1st time in the previous two months. Whilst the Wildcats are at the top of the standings and experiencing an 11 game win streak, the Bulldogs can best be described as inconsistent to date in the season.
The Sacramento Kings are facing an uphill battle when they battle against the Houston Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a condition of both teams restructuring for the future as both teams look nothing like their early 2000’s heydays. The Kings look to get back to their former popularity in the west with outstanding play from their youthful stalwarts. The Rockets are still dealing with the after effects from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Rockets are favored by 3 points by the sports book and this seeks to be a difficult game to call.
The AT&T Center may get some long-distance action on Jan 13th as the Trailblazers head over to San Antonio to take on the Spurs. Portland is a young squad seeking to reconstruct as the short but electric Brandon Roy era officially came to a close with his retirement in December. Ex – #1 pick Greg Oden has additionally had repeated issues with his knees as Portland seemingly can not shake the ghost of Sam Bowie. The Spurs expect to defend their court with impressive plays from their usual constant lineup. The Spurs are favored by 8 points and this seeks to be an excellent wager.
On Jan 12th, things heat up when the Cavaliers come into Phoenix to battle against the Suns. A few seasons ago, this would’ve been an amazing contest with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head up in a collision course. In the age of free agency however, times certainly have transformed as this contest seems substantially different. Phoenix is liked by 6 points over the Cavaliers and this seems to be a safe wager.
The United Center in Chicago will be in the spotlight as the Washington Wizards enter into town to battle against the Bulls. In years past, this competition could have been the toughest ticket to get as the 2nd comeback by Michael Jordan turned the Wizards into media darlings all through the league. Jordan is currently long retired however and the Wizards have become a great young team with vast amounts of potential waiting to be drawn on. The sports book has the Chicago Bulls favored by 8 points which seems correct and seems like a solid wager with Chicago being cheered on at home.
Saturday night on January 14th, the New York Knicks come into Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder in this big competition between these two squads. It is a tale of two squads as the Thunder come into play with a steady team of young guns versus the Knicks who it appears from year upon year always comes into play with lots of adjustments going on. The Knicks are preferred by 4 points and this could hold unless Durant has one of his ordinary killer competitions.
The Staples Center will come alive on Jan 11th when the Miami Heat takes on the Clippers. The Miami Heat comes in with one of the best records in the NBA helped by an excellent lineup of stars. The Miami Heat lead the NBA as a squad in points scored and assists. The sports book has the Miami Heat preferred by 8 points and with the backcourt they own, it seems to be a sure wager. Let’s have a closer look at the Miami Heat this season and the things they bring to the table.
