Thoughts for 1/5/09 NBA

[Razz_Donkey]

I'm going to try and update this thread throughout the day with the other games or halftime thoughts. Please add your ideas or picks as well.

People seem to have left the Spurs/Heat game alone other than picking over on the total score. All I can think of is that the Spurs have had some really close games recently against rather mediocre competition. I doubt they can get away with it against Miami. If they get sloppy or get lazy I think the heat are good enough this year to close out. Either way, its likely to be close.

Kings are a horrible team on the road, but with Martin back they seem to be showing a bit of life. Nets struggle at home but should be capable of handling the Kings as long as Harris plays. Without him though the Kings have a shot at this. Harris is shown as game time decision...

Anyone else thinking 3 pick 8 point teaser with Heat +11.5 , Heat over 173, and Kings +13?

[Razz_Donkey]

Nets are still struggling at home, even with Harris starting. Carter continues shooting every time he gets the ball, and continues to miss. Carter, Harris, and Lopez have combined for 5 of 18 from the field. I'm not even sure how they have 43 points at the half. This is looking ugly for the Nets, not sure if they can heat up and close the gap.

Spurs and the Heat are tied up, and defense for both teams are looking good. So far its a very low scoring game, and over 180 is looking like it might be in jeopardy. Close game, could come down to final possession.

Bucks got owned in the first quarter but appear to be closing the gap. I gotta be honest, I thought the Raptors would be in trouble here without Calderon and O'neal. If Raptors continue shooting at a high percentage then they might get a road victory.

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Miami kept it close but the Spurs shut me up when all was said and done. The Spurs are nothing if not scrappy and consistent. They may not always cover the spreads, but they get there with wins in the end.
Kings had an awful fourth and the Nets picked this one up even with Harris barely contributing. Glad I went with them when I heard he was in the starting lineup even though my reason for doing so was flawed. Carter must have heard me complaining and hit almost all of his shots in the second half.
Bucks with a spread comeback. I had them with a teaser, but even that was really close. Toronto really unraveled. I heard the announcer say that Toronto is second in the league for blowing fourth quarter leads (behind the Pacers). Could be a useful bit of info for first and second half bets...

I got a bit lucky with the teasers today, clearing the Miami/Spurs over by 2. Sometimes its okay to get lucky but hopefully I won't need to rely on it.