NBA, Wagers and Games - Feb 2, 2008

There are a couple of interesting games, but honestly having been out of the loop for a week, it's hard to really know what's what. But the action doesn't stop just because the PSG has a death in the familiy...so, here we go:

Orlando Magic @ Indiana Pacers
This line actually surprises me. Orlando is on a similar tear as the one they opened the season with. Hedu is playing at an all-star level (finally), and there are no significant injuries for Orlando, while Indiana is still playing without Jermaine O'Neal. I still see this as a relatively easy cover for Orlando.

Vegas Line: 4
My Line: 7.5
WAGER: 100 Orlando (-4)
Links: ESPN Vegas Insider

New Jersey Nets @ Atlanta Hawks
This is a matchup of teams going in opposite directions. New Jersey has won it's last two, after playing several close, competitive games on a west coast road trip, while Atlanta has lost 3 in a row, and 7 of their last 8. The trade talk will be a distraction for New Jersey, I think. If Kidd is traded (as it looks like he will, if not before the deadline then in the offseason), then where does that leave Jefferson and Vince Carter? On a rebuilding team that has no hope of getting out of the lottery? The question is, does that motivate them, or make them give up, too? I think Vince Carter gives up, because that's what he does, and Jefferson continues his strong play. I also think Jason Kidd plays his ass off, as he also has been lately. On paper, this is a streightforward play, as Atlanta is a better team, playing at home against a New Jersey team that has played 4 of it's last 5 on the road.

Also - Money line is trending at 97% - 3% in favor of New Jersey, which makes a lot of sense given the line.
Vegas Line: -6.5
My Line: -7.25
WAGER: NO WAGER
Links: ESPN Vegas Insider

Los Angeles Clippers @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland is quietly playing like one of the top 4 teams in the East, and could almost be mentioned in the same breath as Orlando, and just a notch below Detroit and Boston. However, that was before Lebron hurt his ankle and Anderson twisted his and Sasha is down for another couple of weeks. Lebron missed the Seattle game (a loss), but isn't mentioned in tonights injury report at all. In another twist, both Kaman and Magette have been out for a week with the flu. I won't make a decision on this until just before game time. If Magette OR Kaman are out, then I go with Cleveland to cover. Otherwise, I stay away. Honestly, I'm still not sold on Cleveland being this good yet.
Vegas Line: -9
My Line: -10.5
WAGER: NO WAGER
Links: ESPN Vegas Insider

Utah Jazz @ Memphis Grizzlies
Interesting game - first Grizzlies game without Pau Gasol. BUT, if you think like I do (and your making money, so you must!), Hakim Warrick is the better PF anyway, so all they did was deplete their bench. Not insignificant, but not the end of the world anyway. Better to see Warrick getting the minutes than Gasol. Honestly, to me, the line looks about right, so I'm not betting the spread. An interesting subplot will be to see if Memphis plays better without Gasol. I'm thinking it's 55% they do ;).
Vegas Line: -9
My Line:
WAGER: 200 Utah (-350)
Links: ESPN Vegas Insider

Houston Rockets @ Milwaukee Bucks

Vegas Line: 7
My Line: 5
WAGER: 100 Milwaukee (+7)
Links:

Charlotte Bobcats @ Denver Nuggets
Line is close, but that is a TON of points, even in Denver.
Vegas Line: -14
My Line: -12.75
WAGER: 100 Charlotte (-14)
Links:

New York Knicks @ Seattle Supersonics

Vegas Line: -3.5
My Line: -6.75
WAGER: 100 Seattle (-3.5)

Chicago Bulls @ Sacramento Kings

Vegas Line: -8.5
My Line: - 12.5
WAGER: 100 Sacramento (-8.5)
Links: