The Magic's top two players certainly did me right during this past Saturday’s All-Star festivities, but not the way you might think. It was the futility of superstar Dwight Howard and sharp shooter Rashard Lewis that helped me hit two nice paying winners in the 3-point and slam dunk contests.
First it was Daequan Cook miraculously forcing a tiebreaking round against Lewis, where the Orlando forward fell apart. At +700, Cook was a very nice paying underdog. Then the miniscule Nate Robinson was springing over Howard’s head en route to downing him in the slam dunk finals. Grabbing Robinson at +650 made everything alright in Bread Land.
If you are a stat freak or into fantasy basketball, then this is the game for you as the leaders in five different statistical categories will be represented in this game. For the Hornets, there is phenomenal point guard Chris Paul who leads the league in assists (10.7) and steals (2.74). There is no doubting Paul’s star power as he is an elite player.
The other bright spot comes in the form of All-Star center David West, who is averaging 19.9 ppg. I just can’t get excited about this team, and their records support my indifference. Their 31-20 record puts them in 6th place in the West, and dangerously close to missing out on the postseason. You’ll be even sadder if you have been putting money on them, as they are just 21-28-2 ATS.
Mickey’s team, however, has been Magic-al. Dwight Howard is the beast, averaging 21 ppg, most of which come on rim-bending dunks. He leads the NBA in rebounds (14.2), blocks (3.02) and double doubles (42). Every Beast needs a Beauty, and that would be the Magic’s outside shooters. Hedo Turkoglu is dropping 17 a game, and Lewis, 18.5. Lewis leads the league with 150 made 3-pointers. I don’t know how he fell apart on Saturday, but I’m glad he did.
That’s the thing – this team just doesn’t have it together, and that ineptitude trickles all the way down to their PR department. I was forced to create my own photo with Hugo, and that made me sad. I’ll be backing the Magic tonight.
First it was Daequan Cook miraculously forcing a tiebreaking round against Lewis, where the Orlando forward fell apart. At +700, Cook was a very nice paying underdog. Then the miniscule Nate Robinson was springing over Howard’s head en route to downing him in the slam dunk finals. Grabbing Robinson at +650 made everything alright in Bread Land.
Thanks Dwight!
Admittedly, those were silly exhibition bets that I really had no right cashing. We’re back to real life again, which means you don’t want to find yourself wagering against Orlando too often. They currently sit in third place in the East and are 33-18-1 ATS. We’ll see just how much they will miss injured guard Jameer Nelson as the season wears down. Even without him, they still have a deadly inside-out threat on the offensive side of the ball. Until I see the wheels starting to fall off, there will be several nights that I’ll continue backing this team, starting with Wednesday’s game at New Orleans where the Hornets are favored by one.If you are a stat freak or into fantasy basketball, then this is the game for you as the leaders in five different statistical categories will be represented in this game. For the Hornets, there is phenomenal point guard Chris Paul who leads the league in assists (10.7) and steals (2.74). There is no doubting Paul’s star power as he is an elite player.
The other bright spot comes in the form of All-Star center David West, who is averaging 19.9 ppg. I just can’t get excited about this team, and their records support my indifference. Their 31-20 record puts them in 6th place in the West, and dangerously close to missing out on the postseason. You’ll be even sadder if you have been putting money on them, as they are just 21-28-2 ATS.
Mickey’s team, however, has been Magic-al. Dwight Howard is the beast, averaging 21 ppg, most of which come on rim-bending dunks. He leads the NBA in rebounds (14.2), blocks (3.02) and double doubles (42). Every Beast needs a Beauty, and that would be the Magic’s outside shooters. Hedo Turkoglu is dropping 17 a game, and Lewis, 18.5. Lewis leads the league with 150 made 3-pointers. I don’t know how he fell apart on Saturday, but I’m glad he did.
When I was in New Orleans a few weeks ago, I found myself at the casino. I noticed a photographer walking around with Hugo, the Hornet’s mascot. I love mascots and stumbled over for my photo-op. After two failed attempts, the bewildered photographer finally figured out how to snap our picture. I asked where I could purchase my new souvenir. I was first told that I could get it at the casino’s front desk, then that I could have it mailed to me, then that it was not available at all. Well why did I just get up then?
That’s the thing – this team just doesn’t have it together, and that ineptitude trickles all the way down to their PR department. I was forced to create my own photo with Hugo, and that made me sad. I’ll be backing the Magic tonight.
