Portland Trailblazers (15-13) vs Golden State Warriors (10-14)
There are a lot of storylines for this odd, labour stoppage shortened NBA season but there probably isn’t one you can think of that features the Portland Trailblazers.
Author: The Wiesguy
The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.
Villanova Wildcats (11-13) vs South Florida Bulls (15-10)
I think many thought Villanova would struggles some this year but not this badly. Don’t let the record fool you, there is talent on this team but it seems like they are able to find ways to lose even though they often go on some serious in game runs.
Raptors (9-20) vs Knicks (13-15)
It is Valentine’s Day but there is not much to like about this matchup, partly because these teams are bad and partly because they will both be missing key players.
#2 Syracuse Orange (25-1) vs #23 Louisville Cardinals (20-5)
The Syracuse Orange had a pretty good week last week knocking off Georgetown and Connecticut, the latter more easily than expected at home.
Huskies (15-8) vs #2 Orange (24-1)
Is it possible a team ranked in the top 5 preseason might not even make the tournament?
Terrapins (14-9) vs #9 Blue Devils (20-4)
The Maryland Terrapins hoops program is going through some lean times. It wasn’t that long ago that they were considered the third best program in the conference after Duke and UNC, but now they are closer to the middle of the pack with the Florida schools rising up.
Boston Celtics (14-10) vs Toronto Raptors (8-19)
The Toronto Raptors are not a very good team. Take away leading scorer Andrea Bargnani ( who has been out in two separate stints) and they can be quite anemic and they will be facing Boston missing Bargnani, and unlikely recent scoring sensation, guard Jeryd Bayless as well.
N.Y. Knicks (10-15) vs Washington Wizards (5-20)
New York has to be the most frustrating team in the league this year.
Blue Devils (19-4) vs Tar Heels (20-3)
I am sure that the last thing Duke wanted leading into the first of two battles with North Carolina was to lose for the first time ever at home against Miami.
Categories
NBA Power Rankings (FEB. 8th)
Bet On NBA Basketball
Each week during the heart of the NBA season, and once or twice during the NBA Preseason, we’ll gather the troops around the roundtable and hash out the NBA Power rankings.
Miami Heat (18-6)
- – I know it is irritating to see these guys at the top but they are in a nice groove right now. Since D-Wade came back from injury they seem to be playing with better flow, but with their Big Three they can survive a major injury better than probably any team in the league.
Chicago Bulls (20-6)
- – Another team where getting a key player back from injury is providing a boost. Luol Deng is no Wade but might be more important to the Bulls then Wade is to the Heat, err maybe just as important. Anyone know why they aren’t using Taj Gibson like they have in the past?
Oklahoma City Thunder (18-5)
- – With Durant and Westbrook playing the way they do this team may have an unconventional look but they are very good. They lost a couple of times last week on the road but this team is still playing the best in the West.
Denver (15-9)
- – With the intense scheduling it seems that teams just aren’t going to go on the crazy runs we have seen in the past. Denver lost the last two of a back to back to back proving they are mortal. Still lots of reasons to like this team and the way Karl has them playing.
Philadelphia 76ers (17-7)
- – I still don’t see it but that record is too good to ignore. I assume that the scheduling is still unbalanced this year as per usual. Must be nice having lots of game against the Raptors to look forward to.
Atlanta Hawks (16-8)
- – They seem to get overshadowed in the Southeast by Miami and Orlando but this team is good and they are amassing a solid record even though Al Horford has been out three weeks already, and will be out for more. Joe Johnson will never earn that contract but he can be dynamic in spurts.
L.A. Clippers (14-7)
- – You know it is a weird season when the Clippers are in this rarified air. I am curious to see what the pickup of power forward Kenyon Martin really gives them. Toughness they could certainly use as someone is bound to put Blake Griffin on his ass one of these days…or should.
San Antonio Spurs (16-9)
- – Assuming Manu Ginobili comes back and contributes this team can be a contender. In fact having a player of that calibre that is actually well rested might prove to be a legitimate strategy. Seeding doesn’t matter for this veteran group, just getting into the tournament at the end.
Indiana Pacers(16-7)
- – Another team that I can’t punish too harshly for exceeding expectations record wise. I like the makeup of this squad but feel it is a little premature for them to really make some noise. They have to finish in the top 4 in the East to have a shot although they have been really good on the road winning 6 of their last 7. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Boston Celtics(13-10)
- – The Celtics are finally showing something having won 8 of 9. The way this season is grinding down teams you have to wonder how long they can keep it up but they are certainly very good when they put their best players out there. Typical Rondo 5 points with 14 assists the other night.
Los Angeles Lakers (14-10)
Dallas Mavericks (14-11)
Portland Trailblazers (14-10)
Orlando Magic (15-9)
Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (12-12)
Houston Rockets (13-11)
Utah Jazz (13-9)
Milwaukee Bucks(10-13)
Cleveland Cavaliers (9-13)
Sacramento Kings (8-15)
New York Knicks (10-15)
Golden State Warriors(8-13)
Phoenix Suns (10-14)
New Jersey Nets (8-18)
Toronto Raptors (8-18)
Detroit Pistons (6-20)
Washington Wizards(5-20)
New Orleans Hornets(4-21)
Charlotte Bobcats (3-21)
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Houston Rockets (14-11) vs Portland Trailblazers (14-11)
It is probably not a good sign when the way your team’s makes the national headlines is for having someone step on your power forward’s face.
Superbowl Wrap
The football season is now officially over (sob!!). I hope that for you, like me it ended on an investing high note.
#8 Kansas Jayhawks (18-4) vs #4 Missouri Tigers (20-2)
The Kansas Jayhawks had a stumble last weekend losing at Iowa State.
#5 Duke Blue Devils (18-3) vs Virginia Tech Hokies (12-9)
Nobody wants to give Duke the Blue Devils any credit this year. This is certainly not a juggernaut Duke squad but the way they are playing, and the way the rest of the nation is too, they have the feel of being one of the last teams standing when all is said and done in March.
Super Bowl Team Props
We all know that wagering on football is King. Prime example is the Super Bowl where you get down on pretty much anything in terms of props. For both team and individual wagers what I look for is really good odds 2:1 or better.
#5 Missouri Tigers (17-1) vs #Baylor Bears (17-1)
What a great matchup, although it would have been better if both teams were still undefeated.
