2014 - 2015 NBA Record
133 – 96 @ 58% for +27.4 Units
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#1: Washington Wizards -4.5
Toronto is playing on a b2b and their 4th game in 5 days. They are dealing with some injuries to Valanciunas (left yesterday’s game with an injury) and Amir Johnson, who is listed as GTD. If any of these guys are hobbled, that’s an issue against a big front-line of the Wizards. In addition, John Wall should be able to dominate his matchup with Lowry, who is too small to contain him. Toronto played an OT game yesterday and I expect some tired legs tonight. In addition, this is a ‘revenge’ game for the Wizards and I like their chances of putting on a strong effort in this one.
#2: Orlando Magic +7.5
With rumors swirling that Jacque Vaughn is on a ‘hot seat’ it’s time for his players to step up. Remember how Blatt was rumored to be as good as gone? Players rallied behind him (or maybe behind LeBron’s return) and the Cavs have been unstoppable lately. Now it’s time for the Magic guys to do the same. They get a great chance to at least show a ‘pulse’ tonight. Dallas is coming off a game @ Miami last night, where they recorded a very improbable victory. Going on a ridiculous 37 to 2 run between 3rd/4th quarters they were able to pull away after losing by 16 at one point in the 2nd half. Now playing their 4th game in 5 nights and their 5th in 7, Dallas could struggle once again against a well-rested Magic team. Mavs will once again be without Parsons and their offense seemed to really struggle without him last night. I don’t think Charlie Villanueva has another 20-point outing in him tonight, and I expect this to be a very close game. Bottom line is that if Orlando doesn’t come out with some ‘fire’ in support of their coach, then I guess he totally lost the team and probably deserves to be fired.
#3: Charlotte Hornets +5
While the Hornets have not had 2 consecutive losses in the month of January, Denver is in the middle of one of their typical ‘slides’ going 1-8 in the last 9 games. Both teams are off a ‘loss’ but I have more faith in the Hornets responding here. They’ve already dominated Denver earlier this year, blowing them out 110 to 82 at home. Of course Kemba Walker won’t be around this time, but Al Jefferson will. There is no one on Denver who can match up with him and I expect Charlotte’s big-man to have a huge game tonight. Way too many points in this one as I have this game at -2.5 DEN and I’ll grab the value here.
#4: Milwaukee Bucks +1.5
The Blazers really wanted that win last night @ Atlanta but unfortunately for them they came up short. Of course that effort required big minutes out of Lillard, Matthews, and Aldridge, all registering 38+. Playing on a b2b and 3rd road game in 4 nights won’t be easy. To make matters worse, they’ll take on a Milwaukee team that ranks 4th in DefEff on the season. Milwaukee lost a close one to Portland earlier in the year, when the Blazers needed a 36-27 4th quarter to pull out a 7-point win. The average lead was actually +1.4 MIL in that game, as they just failed to hold on to the lead late. Well, I like their chances to exact some revenge tonight with Blazers being in a very tough physical spot.
Good Luck