This week's top NBA situational bets
Covers.com
Normally the only thing the final two weeks of the regular season determines is who gets the most balls in the lottery. But a tight race in the West and the eighth seed up for grabs in the East means there is still plenty left to be decided.
Tuesday, April 1
Philadelphia 76ers at New Jersey Nets
New Jersey is one of a handful of teams from the East that finds itself in good position to sneak into the playoffs despite enduring a largely disappointing year. Vince Carter’s name continues to come up in trade talk and the former All-Star is responding.
VC has led the Nets in scoring seven of the last eight contests and he’s kept his baby-pout faces to a minimum. The Sixers, having all but assured themselves a spot in the dance, won’t be as motivated as their clinging Atlantic division rivals.
Expect the tandem of Carter and Richard Jefferson to prove too difficult to slow down and the Nets nab a significant win at home.
Wednesday, April 2
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant’s so close to winning his first MVP award when he closes his eyes at night he can smell the polish of the shining new Maurice Podoloff Trophy hoisted above his head.
Bryant knows he’s a lock for the annual honor as long as his Lakers can secure the No. 1 seed in the West. Coach Phil Jackson unleashes his scoring assassin with Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum all nicked up and Lakers roll over the Blazers.
Thursday, April 3
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
To say the Cavs’ offense isn’t overly complex may be the understatement of the year. It’s easy to imagine Mike Brown in a late game huddle instructing his players to give the ball to LeBron James and everyone else get the hell out of the way.
Unfortunately for Cleveland backers that strategy hasn’t been very successful lately. Last Saturday’s 71-point stinker was the 10th consecutive time the Cavaliers failed to reach the century mark.
As for Chicago, the underachieving club still lacks any type of cohesiveness with the basketball. Isolation plays and forced shots are all too common when the Bulls start struggling.
The Cavs win a yawner but the under might be the best angle.
Friday, April 4
Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies
The Warriors are playing the best basketball the franchise has seen since 1993 but there’s still a chance they could miss the second season. Golden State faces its most gruelling week of the season with games against Dallas (twice), San Antonio and New Orleans all in the span of eight days.
The Grizzlies are the lone losing squad sandwiched in the middle of the Warriors’ odyssey. Don Nelson’s crew too often plays to the level of its competition. This situation presents great value for Memphis in a clear let-down spot for the Warriors.