New York’s problems playing perimeter defense have resulted in their last seven games soaring over the total, and against a team that offers more than the usual number of effective jump shooters there doesn’t seem to be any reason to suspect they’ll finally figure out how to move as one. Offensively the Knicks have been playing well in spurts, and since they seem to play better on the road I look for that part of their game to come forward as they heave a collective sigh at being out from under the stern gaze of the Garden faithful.
Portland over Philadelphia 2H (only if effective line is +4 or more)
When Dixon-Blake backcourt took over from Webster-Telfair the team chemistry seemed gradually to change, and all of a sudden there’s a lot to like about Portland. Because he’s getting fed in the post instead of off penetration Zach Randolph is consistently passing out of double teams and Jarrett Jack has become much more productive in his more limited role, while Ruben Patterson has been let out of Coach McMillan’s doghouse and into the mix where he has been consistently providing his special brand of intensity.
The number seems to me just a hair off, not enough for me to take the Blazers, but since Philly is a fast starting team I’ll look for them to jump out early and if they do I’ll take the deeper Blazers to test them late.
Seattle +3.5 over Minnesota 1H
Seattle’s three-balling produces a lot of long rebounds and the Timberwolves guards and small forwards are not good rebounders. The result has been Seattle covering five of the last six in this series, and all the usual suspects are on the floor tonight. Additionally Seattle has been a much better 1H than 2H team this year, while the Wolves tendency is to start slow and come on late. It all adds up to a 1H play on the Sonics.
call me crazy, but I really like Indiana St. +9...I've seen Wichita St. play twice and frankly, they don't shoot the ball very well...Indiana St. is a very good team and have played well on the road...the history between these two is tight games and I feel like the line should be about six or so...just like with Georgia +10 last week at Nevada, I'm trying not to overthink this one too much and I'm taking the points...GL...
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