Monday Night Hoops

[Dynasty]

I think the Spurs and Knicks will be a close game tonight as I think the Knicks will play for a little bit of pride. I think they're a better team than they've shown the last couple of games and though I doubt they'll have a good season, I see them being competitive tonight. The only way that they can make this happen is to play defense. They're averaging 92 points in regulation and will probably not get that tonight as the Spurs play better defense than any of the teams the Knicks have played so far. I really believe the Spurs will be taking the Knicks a little lightly and this will be a close game with only the Spurs hitting the 90's.

Blazers and Clippers have both played teams that force an uptempo, but I don't feel either team thrives under a fast speed, though the Clippers are more apt to play quickly, Sam Cassell would rather control tempo. The Blazers under Nate McMillan concentrate on defense and I would expect them to cover tonight, but I think the safer play is to go under the total. I see this game played between 178-187.

The Timberwolves have been playing well so far this year, but I really doubt that trend will continue, though they have played well in Sacramento in the past. There's bad blood between these teams after the Wolves won the opener against the Kings and I fully expect Sacramento to return the favor tonight. The Wolves have played well almost all of their first 3 games, except for the last quarter against the Blazers and I see a let down tonight before they head to LA to play the Lakers tomorrow. I wish this spread was a little bit less because the Wolves have been in close games in all 3, but I see Sacramento making some late free throws to cover as the Wolves did against them in game 1.

On a small play, I really cannot see either the Bulls or the Mavs losing tonight. Sure the Warriors played well in Dallas last year, but look for that trend to stay in last season. Dallas will not start 0-3, especially not at home or on a night when they'll put up the Western Conference Championship banner. They've got a 3 game road trip following this game so look for them to seize the importance of this one. The Bulls also will come out strong this evening against a Bucks team that Toronto took care of in its home opener. I look for the Bulls to do the same as Scott Skiles was very unpleased with Hinrich and Gordon after the loss to the Kings and seriously doubt they come back with a similar performance. Chicago has not played since Friday in Chicago, while Milwaukee will be playing its 3rd game in 4 days in 3 different cities. Really like the Bulls in this one. I'll take the Bulls on the spread and with the money line in a small play with the Mavs as I really don't think either can afford a loss and expect them to play like it.


1 Unit Each
Knicks/Spurs Under 194.5
Blazers/Clippers Under 192.5
Bulls -6
Kings -4.5


ML Parlay (1 Unit to win 0.7 Unit)
Bulls -240
Mavs -500


NBA Season to Date:
Totals: 6-2
Sides: 2-2
ML Picks: 2-3
Parlay: 0-2

2 Unit Plays: 2-0
1 Unit Plays: 7-4
0.5 Unit Plays: 0-2

Overall: 9-6
+4.97 Units

[Dynasty]

I fully expect to see the Blazers-Clippers total go up before game time, so I will wait and see what I can get it at around tip. The Knicks-Spurs went up 3 points in the last hour, so I hope to get that kind of point love in the night game as well.

[Troubleduke]

Hey Dynasty...not sure if you figured this into your capping but have you seen anywhere if Brad Miller is playing tonight for Sacramento? Thanks.

[Dynasty]

Everything I've seen says that they'll evaluate it at some point today, but I have not heard a definitive answer. I would like to think he'll play, especially with Bibby coming back 3-4 weeks early you'd think that a teammate would see that and play if there's any question. This is another game I will wait until closer to tip to actually play because I think that Brad Miller info could definitely affect the line. He's unquestionably a big part of their team, but I probably play it either way, probably just get a better line without him. Pryzabilla didn't play for the Blazers the other night and while he's no Brad Miller, the backup Outlaw had a career night at 18 and 15, surprising even his own teammates. I would think the Kings would get either a similar surprising performace or increased output from Mo Taylor and others. The Wolves are weak inside, KG gets his rebounds, but Mark Blount leaves much to be desired physically at center and the Wolves have yet to play Craig Smith as much as they will later in the season as he continues to produce. Thanks for the heads up though Troubleduke, I definitely kicked that around a little bit.

[Troubleduke]

Thanks Dynasty. I agree its a good revenge spot for the Kings, but their injury issues concern me. I'll probably keep checking the wire as it get closer to game time, and if I can't find anything just lay off. GL tonight :thumbs: