Indiana Pacers -8.0 vs. Brooklyn Nets
Though the standings would indicate that this is a relatively even matchup, the Nets are only 9-18 versus teams above .500. The Nets will likely struggle to score against the league’s top defense, while the Pacers, though in a permanent struggle to score, will have a favorable matchup in David West against either Reggie Evans or Kris Humphries. Given that the Nets are on the second night of a back to back, the Pacers have a reasonable chance to win this game handily.
Los Angeles Clipper -5.5 at Philadelphia 76ers
With Chris Paul back in the line-up the Clippers (30-11 with Chris Paul) should are a reasonable bet to beat the struggling 76ers, especially with Thad Young injured. Without Young on the court, the Sixers have been outscored by 11.8 points per 100 possessions.
Charlotte Bobcats +4.0 vs. Boston Celtics
Last night, the aging Celtics played a triple overtime game versus the fast paced Denver Nuggets. Kevin Garnett played 47 minutes, Jason terry 43, Avery Bradley 46, and Paul Pierce 54. Though the Celtics are a much better team than the Bobcats, Celtic’s coach Doc Rivers may be forced to play his best players limited minutes the night after a grueling victory.
Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The ailing Wolves are only 1-9 in their last 10 games, while the Cavaliers have found success since the additions of Marreese Speights and Wayne Ellington. The Wolves lack the interior defense to guard Kyrie Irving (not that he is guardable regardless), and, barring the return of Andrei Kirlenko will struggle to generate efficient opportunities with an offense that scores 1.8 points per 100 possessions more with Kirlenko on the court and is missing several vital players.
Detroit Pistons -4.0 vs. New Orleans Hornets
Though they are only 2-3 since trading for Jose Calderon, the Pistons were outscored by merely 0.4 points per game, and played only one team below .500, the then surging Los Angeles Lakers. Calderon’s presence allows Brandon Knight to adopt a more natural scoring-centered roll, while enabling the Pistons to concentrate the offense around Calderon and Greg Monroe’s superior passing ability. On the second night of a back to back, and possibly without Eric Gordon, the Hornets may struggle to overcome the Calderon-era Pistons, who have a positive .027 efficiency differential and an offense scoring 1.093 points per possession, comparable to the 7th ranked offense, since trading for Calderon.
Washington Wizards +4.0 at Milwaukee Bucks
Since the return of John Wall January 12th, the Wizards are an impressive 9-7, and are only allowing 96.3 points per 100 possessions. Though the bucks boast an impressive interior defense, per mysynergysports.com they rank 15th in the league at defending the pick and roll ball handler, 13th against the roll man, and 27th versus the post up. The Wizards should be able to attack the Bucks defense with John Wall – Nene pick and rolls, especially if they are able use this action to create beneficial post position for Nene.
Atlanta Hawks +4.0 at Dallas Mavericks
As Dirk Nowitzki has returned to form and Darren Collison has provided a more steady contribution the Dallas Mavericks have improved over the last month. The Atlanta Hawks, conversely, have fallen off the torrid pace they started the season at, and are suffering through Josh Smith trade rumors and a Louis William’s acl injury. Though recent performance may suggest otherwise, the Hawks should be able to challenge Dallas as Josh Smith and Al Horford harass Dirk defensively.
San Antonio Spurs +1.5 at Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have struggled against top-level teams, and, though Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli are both likely out for the Spurs, the Bulls defense will struggle stop San Antonio’s efficient machine with Joakim Noah hobbled.