Hey fellas, 3-2 night on Wednesday but wasn’t able to attain any profit.  I don’t mind breaking even but was off by only one point on both Boston and the Warriors spreads.  Would have been a flawless victory if not for a bucket.  Was very surprised to see Boston struggle, Warriors didn’t deserve the cover.  Indiana played well, better than I thought they would for sure.  A horrible end to the game for Memphis once again, they seem to always have these debacles to end games.  Lapse in judgment and mental focus, this team needs to make a splash and move Mayo or else they are not getting into the playoffs this year.  Clippers continue to dominate, Baron Davis doesn’t get enough credit.  This is a guy we have hounded for 2 years, for good reason as well.  He is playing well over this stretch and deserves kudos.  Philly and Orlando was a crazy game, don’t think I have ever seen two 4 point plays like that in the NBA ever, especially two deciding plays in clutch during the 4th Q and overtime. Feel sorry for Cleveland fanst, from best to worst. Grant Hill continues to amaze me, don’t think I have ever seen someone his age perform at his level except for MJ at times with the Wiz.  Grant “Hot Tub Time Machine” Hill is Mak’s hero.

TNT Thursdays are always bare and brim.  I do not like to partake in too much action on TNT Thursdays.  I usually try to focus in on one game and concentrate on that.  I am doing that tonight.  However, a word of warning, I usually try to focus in on the game I have a better feel for.  Usually on Thursdays there is at least one team I have been successful calling, today it is the Clippers and Cats but I have no interest whatsoever in those games.  Instead I am going with two teams that I have not had a good read on recently.  Keeping units low, hoping for the best.  As always, good luck fellas.  Peace - - - MAK

DALLAS MAVERICKS @ CHICAGO BULLS

PICK: DALLAS MAVERICKS + 4 (-115) - - - 2 UNITS

PICK: TYSON CHANDLER OVER 8.5 REB (-120) - - - 1 UNIT

PICK TAJ GIBSON OVER 7.5 REB (-120) - - - 1 UNIT

I am quite sure you all know the situational angles of the game by now but to reiterate; teams that beat the champs are 10-2 in their following games.  However, that stat is really negated when realizing the situation dilemma that Dallas is in right now.  Off a grueling, mentally exhausting road trip, they came back to Dallas, rested for a day and allowed adrenaline to carry them over a win at home vs the Los Angeles Lakers.  It was a gutsy performance, but on a back to back it will be very difficult for this team to find their legs.  Adrenaline can easily carry a team in the first of a back to back, but it will not on the second night of a back to back in an even deeper situational hole with their recent schedule.  As stated I am sure everyone is aware of these situational aspects, let me break down the matchup aspect of this game.  This is where Dallas holds an advantage.  First off, no one realizes what Coach Charlise subtly did last night.  By inserting Sasha Pavlovic into the starting line-up and continuing to go with Stevenson as a starter, he created the same dynamic Dallas had when they were dominating the Western Conference prior to Caron’s injury.  They have Jason “Cyclopes” Kidd as the PG, Dirk as the starting PF and Tyson as the their C.  Deshawn stays put due to his ability to go out and guard the best 2 or 3 man on the opposing team, he also spreads the floor with his range although that has not been evident over his last few games.  Sasha Pavlovic is no Caron Butler, he can't break guys off the dribble but has a shot and an ability to put it on the floor.  Sasha has been in the NBA finals, playoff games and countless other big games.  He has played alongside a star and knows what his role is.  Wait for doubles, screen and pop and take the open shot.  He will have his 10 day extended and should start again today.  As long as he doesn’t force his game, he will be an asset to the Mavs.  Now forget Sasha and Stevenson, the big change this creates is Dallas once again becomes one of the most powerful 2nd unit teams in the association.  Shawn Marion and the Jet come off the bench as a potent scoring duo.  Haywood and J.J round out the 9 man rotation.  In their last 3 games this bench is scoring 43 points per game good for #2 in the NBA.  I do understand the situational aspects do favor the Chicago Bulls, the Bulls could easily take this game by 5 or more points, I have just always been someone to hold rotational match-ups and my personal instinct over any situational statistic.  I also realize that my instinct was wrong in backing them against the Pistons, I thought their motivation would spurt in that road game, I was a game too early.  As long as Dallas plays with some heart unlike in their last road game, than they should compete and may even win this game straight up.