What's up gents. A profitable Saturday in the association. Sorry I was unable to get at you guys on my Saturday thread. A big thanks go to those individuals who purposely and specifically bumped my thread, that is really classy and much appreciated. I get really busy at times and I rely on those who value my contributions to keep my thread up there amidst all the covers clutter. Unlike so many obvious posters I could care less about the attention so it is real nice to have guys bump my contributions up when I am not around. Thank you.Saturday was interesting. The Grizzlies came back after a slow start to defeat the Clippers. Atlanta continues to move the ball brilliantly as a team and really have shined under Larry Drew. Boston is the most dangerous team in basketball and proved it this week. they deserve their 3 days of rest now. I watched Toronto Raptors history yesterday as my boys came back from a 25 point deficit to win in Detroit. PIstons are the biggest joke in the NBA, their lack of focus and defense was sad to watch, the way the acted after the game was if they didn't give a damn about what happened. Credit to my Raps, they did fight to get back but it was really a horrendous defensive game by both squads. The Bulls and the Heat have begun their ascent in the East. It's time to start trusting both those squads. Utah made a valiant effort on a back to back but Dallas was just a bit too much. The Cavaliers just cannot stop anyone right now and with such a dull 2nd unit are really in trouble right now.Sunday's are usually my favorite day of the week in terms of finding value in the NBA but today is a bit difficult. New York is playing with sick confidence and Amar'e is putting up MVP performances, Nene has always played him well. If Mello suits up I think the Nugs will be deep enough and motivated enough to end the Knicks streak. Hornets and Philly is a game to completely stay away from in my opinion, it screams no value. The Spurs are my Sunday silencers as I have made a lot of money on them the past 3 Sundays however, Portland matches up quite well with them and the spread doesn't interest me. I suspect the Lakers, Orlando and the Thunder to all win their games respectively therefore, I am going to work my card around them. As always gents, I wish you the best of luck on your wagers. Peace out - - - MAKLOS ANGELES LAKERS ATS - - - This bet is contingent upon the status of Andrew Bynum. I am well aware of the fact that if he does suit up, it will be for limited minutes. Nevertheless, the return of Bynum in my opinion is the return of the NBA Champions. Andrew is the X-factor. Rotationally, this team drastically changes with Andrew. The Lakers greatest strength is their length and size, without Andrew that was actually a weakness. Their depth with Drew suddenly becomes phenomenal. Andrew may progressively work his way back into the starting 5 or the zen master could implement him as the starting 5 man right away. Which means the Lakers suddenly have the best 6th man in the league in Lamar Odom. If Odom is relegated to the bench it creates one of the deepest most dangerous 2nd units in all of basketball. Tonight I am hoping for at least 15-18 minutes from Andrew. If he suits up this bet is a go. With Drew this is the best Lakers team in the last 3 years. The additional help from Barnes and Blake were not there last year, Shannon Brown is at a whole new confidence level in his game compared to last year, even Luke Walton was another piece they didn't have last year, along with Odom now this bench becomes unmatched. I don't usually take any of these past stats into aspect but the last time the Nets won against the Lakers in NJ was when Smush Parker and Kwame Brown were starting for the Lakers....just a funny little stat. I don't see any way the New Jersey Nets can win this game. If Harris does not play look for Farmer to have a big game against his former team. But he will be the sole PG on the team, Williams will have to play backup point which won't be pretty, the Nets do not have play-makers on this squad and will not be able to hold off a relentless effort from the Champs who are off a tough loss in Chicago. Lakers take this game by 10 or more points.
3 UNITS SHAQUILLE "KOBE....TELL ME HOW MY SH*T TASTES" O'NEAL - - - ORLANDO MAGIC - 6.0 (-115) - - - Despite many opinions....the Los Angeles Clippers are not a good team. I know it is hard to admit, we see Blake Griffin and we see greatness, yet I look at this team and I don't even see mediocrity. Don't let their close losses at home to the Lakers and Grizzlies fool you, Lakers and Griz both played bad basketball and still managed to win. The Los Angeles Clippers bench is just atrocious. I don't even think Butler and Cook should be in the NBA let alone rotational shooters on a ball club. Baron Davis just cannot seem to find it in a Clippers uniform and is now a bench guy to a sub par rookie. Eric Gordon and Blake are bright spots for the future but I don't think they will be able to overcome a desperate Orlando Magic team. Losers of 4 straight games I am certain that Orlando will display poise and perfection tonight. Dwight Howard has only lost 5 games in a row once in his career and I just don't see it happening again today. Orlando is in the midst of one of the most ridiculous road trips ever. Flying all over the place in irritating fashion, on top of all that, getting over this stomach flu has been difficult but after a few days rest I am sure today will be the return of the potent offense of the Orlando Magic. Orlando is also the 5th best team in the NBA in points allowed and I think will step up their defense tonight. They face Denver on Tuesday to end their horrible road trip, thus I believe they will treat this game vs the Clippers tonight as a must win. I am hoping Stan Van Gundy does what he did vs Utah and starts Brandon Bass over Q-Rich. It's about fucking time. Mak has been preaching for about a year and a half. It is what needs to be done in order to contend with teams that hold a powerful 4 position. I have no doubt in my mind that Orlando will be just fine this year, they are too deep and talented to struggle consistently. They will get it together, and I suspect them to start shining in star city tonight,
3 UNITS HORACE "BIG G" GRANT - - -