Jr Tips
Rockets at 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of a 12-game losing streak and the addition of Allen Iverson has not helped as the Sixers will try again to end the NBA's longest active losing streak tonight against the Houston Rockets. The 38-year-old Iverson is just 7 of 21 from the field in his first two games with the Sixers averaging 84.5 points in a pair of home losses losing 90-86 on Wednesday to an injury depleted Detroit team that was missing Ben Gordon, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. The Sixer fans are also discouraged as they sold out in Iverson's first game back but just 12,136 fans watched Wednesday's loss as the Sixers fell to 3-7 at home. The Rockets meanwhile are 7-5 on the road including impressive victories over the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah. Houston has won four of five overall and is coming off a 95-85 home victory over Cleveland on Wednesday night lead by Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza who had 27 and 26 points respectively. The Rockets also held the Cavs to 40.0 percent shooting and held its last six opponents to just 92.0 points a game. The Sixers are struggling on offense and Allen Iverson will have his hands full against Aaron Brooks who is one of the quickest guards in the league. Look for Houston to continue to play tough defense and take advantage of Allen Iverson on the offensive end as he has obviously lost a step and is not able to stay with the quicker guards in the league.
TAKE HOUSTON -2.5
EZWINNERS
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies
Play: Oklahoma City Thunder +2
Im sure Memphis is feeling pretty good about themselves right now as the Grizzlies are coming off of impressive back to back home wins against Dallas and Cleveland as a 6 and 7.5 points home underdog. Now the Grizzlies find themselves in the role of the favorite and I think this is the perfect spot for them to come out flat. Oklahoma City is playing well, coming into this game as winners of four out of their last six games and they have played very well against Memphis recently with the Thunder winning four out of the last five meetings between these two teams. I expect Oklahoma City to continue their success against the Grizzlies as Memphis comes back down to earth after a nice little run. Play on Oklahoma City
Roz Juarbe
T-Wolves at Lakers
Minnesota is finally healthy, with Kevin Love in the lineup, joining Al Jefferson and Ryan Gomes. This is a decent, physical frontcourt. They are on a 6-0 ATS run, evening winning at Toronto as a dog. The Lakers finish up a long home stand here and have a big test tomorrow on the road at Utah. Can’t see them getting to fired up to play the lowly T-Wolves. Play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Craig Trapp
Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors
Pick: Over 209
The last tow times these teams have squared off they have lit up the scoreboard scoring over 218 in both. Even better 8 of last 10 games these two squared off the overs have come thru. These two played on Dec 2nd in ATL and ATL won easily 146-115. The Raptors really don't match up with the very athletic team of the Hawks. Expect for this to be an up and down game as they both easily clear the 100 mark. Huge day for Joe Johnson will carry the load for Hawks as he goes for 30 and 10. Don't miss out as this over is a joke.
WUNDERDOG
Atlanta at Toronto
Pick: Atlanta -3.5
The Atlanta Hawks took a step up a year ago and made the playoffs. They have now elevated off that season to a 15-6 mark through 21 games this year. This team is a real player in the Eastern Conference and already own road wins at Dallas, Portland and Boston. The Raptors play no defense and their last three here vs. winning teams as a home dog, they haven't come close and I don't expect them to tonight either. The Hawks are riding a 22-10-1 ATS mark as a favorite which improves to 8-2 as a favorite of 4.5 or less. The Raptors’ home-dog report card is amongst the worst in the league at 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26. This is a dog with no bite, Atlanta gets this one.