NBA Weekend Breakdown – Celtics an Underdog!
Atlanta Hawks (+5.5) at Orlando Magic (-5.5)
The Magic are riding an impressive 10 game home winning streak, and haven’t lost inside Amway Arena since November 22. This is the second game of a home-and-home between the 2 teams, with Orlando winning the previous meeting on Wednesday evening 106-102. Orlando dominated early and got off to a 21 point lead, Atlanta tried to come back riding the home crowd energy back into the game but came up just short. Orlando is on a roll and is too much for the Hawks to handle. The Magic will run their season long streak to 11 home wins in a row.
NBA free pick: Orlando -5.5
Boston Celtics (+4.5) at Cleveland Cavaliers (-4.5)
This match-up will have all of the feel and electricity of a playoff game. The defending champion Celtics are looking to turn around a mini slump they have sunken into, and that won’t be easy against the Eastern Conference leading Cavaliers led by phenom LeBron James. It is a rematch of last year’s tantalizing conference semi-final that went 7 games before Boston sent Cleveland into the off-season. Cleveland is the NBA’s only unbeaten team at home this season, and with Boston looking old and tired, and limping towards the mid-season break having lost 6 of its last 8 games, look for Cleveland to come out with energy and make a statement to the rest of the league.
NBA free pick: Cleveland -4.5
Washington Wizards (+6.5) at Chicago Bulls (-6.5)
Chicago won the only previous meeting between these 2 teams this season. The Wizards are a pitiful 2-14 on the road this season, and conversely 11 of Chicago’s 15 wins this season have come on home court. The Bulls had the return of Drew Gooden last game which sparked a win, and may receive more good news as Luol Deng is expected to return against the Wizards Friday night. With a healthy front court, you can expect the trend to continue as Washington will fall to the Bulls.
NBA free pick: Chicago -6.5
Miami Heat (-4.5) at Sacramento Kings (+4.5)
Both teams come in reeling as Miami has lost 4 of 5, and Sacramento has lost 4 in a row. But Miami has lost its 4 games by a close margin to none other than 4 division leaders. Sacramento has consistently played poorly against good opposition. When entering a game as an underdog this season, they have proved that’s where they belong going 3-24. Arco Arena is just not the intimidating venue it once was. Miami’s Dwayne Wade is leading the league averaging 28.7 points per game and the Kings give up an average of 105.2 points per game.
NBA free pick: Miami -4.5
