makaveli23's Blog

Mak's Christmas Special

By makaveli23 | View all Posts
Posted Saturday, December 25, 2010 07:57 AM   55 comments

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the crib, not a creature was stirring, except Mak’s dog, Big.  He was shitting & sniffing, poking around like a cute little runt.  While your boy Mak was sitting & drinking, smoking his holiday blunt.  The stockings were hung by the chimney in a jiff, laid out some cookies and gin and Santa’s annual spliff.  Mak and Big nestled in their beds, with visions of money & bitches (female dogs) danced in their heads.  When down the stairs there arouse such a clatter, Mak sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. 

With Mak’s trusty Rottweiler by his side, he descended the stairs with a graceful glide.  Amused by it all, the dog gave Mak a loving lick, then was suddenly startled by the fat man Saint Nick.  “Ho Ho Ho Mak!!” From his belly he shouted. “Now where is that chronic, Santa wants to get clouded!!” Handed Santa some Kush and his favourite gin, “Ho Ho Ho he chuckled,” and gave me a big grin.  Santa drank and smoked, even had a 10 minute nap, then awoke refreshed with a Rottweiler in his lap.  He filled the stockings with a glorious flash, even passed behind the back dog treats to Big and looked like Steve Nash. 

Without even asking he knew what Mak desired, “You know money isn’t everything Mak, don’t you ever get tired?”  “No!” replied Mak with passion and gusto. “Ok Ok your annual Christmas NBA picks are in the stockings just don’t bet it all and go busto.” Santa loves his NBA, but hates the Ref.  So Mak and the Redman shook hands like Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff. “Until next year my man Mak” said Santa laying his finger aside his nose.  And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.  He stumbled to his sleigh, to his reindeer gave a whack.  And away they all flew, looked sort of like Superman on crack.  But I heard him exclaim as he steered out of sight. “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!” 

It’s good to be back fellas!! And I will be back posting consistently.  Going to take some time off from the hustle and relax a bit when it comes to business.  More time doing things I love for the next month and you all know how much I love the NBA and writing so I will be here trying to make some dough with all of you.  Unit amounts are going to be progressively changing, please keep an eye out for that.  Looking forward to exchanging thoughts and opinions with you guys in the next coming weeks.  Hope you liked my Christmas special today, hope you all have a safe and happy holiday.  Drink as much as you want, have fun with family and friends but please do not drink and drive, it just ain’t worth the risk.  Take care and have a very Merry Christmas gents.  Peace out - - - MAK


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makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 07:57AM

MIAMI HEAT @ LOS ANGELES LAKERS

PICK: NO PLAY

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to

me.  FIVE GOOOOOLLLDDDDEEEEN RINGSSS

!!!  As I reached into my stocking the

first thing I pulled out was five beautiful golden rings.  Santa has some good taste, I can spread these

babies amongst some of my lady friends. 

I however would rather not take Santa’s advice and subtle hint to take 5

time champion Kobe on Christmas day. 

Although I seriously doubt the mental state of anyone who wants to bet

against Kobe and a Lakers team off what could be their most embarrassing home

loss in 2 years.  I lean heavily on the

Champs in this game but I cannot find it in me to actually back them against a

hungry Miami team that actually matches up decent against the Lakeshow.  I am going to name two players here and you

all may laugh at me, but I cap this Heat team a lot differently than most of

you.  Carlos Arroyo and Eric

Dampier.  Now Damp isn’t really getting

much time, but the acquisition of Damp gives them much needed size off the

bench.  Just because Eric is not filling

up stats does not mean he is not a very important part of this Miami Heat 2nd

unit.  Carlos Arroyo is a lot better than

a lot of you think.  He is a solid pro

point guard who has range, playmaking ability and is very low-turnover prone.  Not having a healthy Udonis Haslem in the

rotation is what will hurt the Heat against the top-tier teams in the NBA this

season.  What I don’t like though is

hearing how Lebron has silenced all the critics and haters this season and this

game will be yet another example of his greatness....really?  What has he proved?  He went into a hostile Cleveland arena early,

made a few early shots and got into an awesome groove.  Ok.  He

went into MSG and had a huge triple-double...impressive.  But tonight he won’t be guarded by Jamrio

Moon, Anthony Parker, Danilo Gallinari or Landry Fields.  Tonight he will have to face Lamar Odom, Ron

Artest and Kobe Bryant.  As much as all

the players try to blatantly lie and state that this game doesn’t mean much to

them, it most certainly does.  I believe

it means much more to Miami.  The Lakers

are used to playing on Christmas; it is a constant for them and more of an

inconvenience than anything else.  For

Miami they want this game so bad that they sat Dwayne against the Suns, they

want to silence all the critics that say they haven’t beat a contender as of

yet.  I called Miami to be the best team

in the East record wise at the start of the season, I still stand by it.  But the fact of the matter is Lebron &

Chris have still not shown me that they can come though in big game situations

consistently in their careers, look at Lebron’s shooting percentage in his last

10 games.  Not that impressive.  The Heat lost to Dallas twice as well as

Boston twice.  Their best win this season

against a top tier team was at Utah and that was against a team that doesn’t

have a bench.  This Lakers team is

packed, pissed and poised to remove the bad taste in their mouths.  I think the more experienced team takes it

today.       

KOBE “5 GOLDEN RINGS” BRYANT - - - 


makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 07:58AM

DENVER NUGGETS @ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

PICK: THUNDER – 5.0 (-120) - - - 5 UNITS

The 2nd thing I pulled out of my stocking was a plastic

tarantula.  I saw a clip of

numerous NBA players being asked what they thought the most difficult arena to

play in the NBA was and I was surprised to hear a lot of players answer

Oklahoma City.  The Thunder are a very high

tempo, exiting, young and exuberant ball club and their run to the post season

last year including their hard-fought series vs the Lakers have opened eyes

across the league.  It is a privilege to

play on Christmas day, although young, their leader is a very mature 22 year

old who has humility and intelligence beyond his years.  He and his teammates will appreciate the opportunity

and take advantage.  I believe they will

come out with some intensity and the crowd will be with them throughout the

game.  This bet is of course contingent

upon the status of Mello.  Because of the

death in his family he is doubtful for this game but if he somehow decides to

join the team then I would buy out of this wager.  Without Mello I just do not see the Nuggets

keeping up with OKC.  Matchup wise OKC

has their number.  The Sefolosha factor

is in effect.  Whenever I see teams that

OKC matches up with I always look to see if the Sefolosha factor is in play.  Let me explain what this is.  Thabo is one of the most if not the most

underrated defender in the NBA.  At 6’7

he is able to guard any 3 man in the NBA but his lateral quicks allow him to defend

the best 2 guards in the NBA as well. 

Tonight the only way Denver keeps it close is if J.R Smith or Afflalo go

off for 30+ points, that just will not happen with Sefolosha on the floor.  Coach Brooks loves to take advantage of the

mismatch that Jeff Green causes defences. 

At the 4 position he is usually way too quick for starting power

forwards to handle and OKC always looks to exploit any matchup they can.  Tonight Green will own Kenyon.  Martin is actually an undervalued defender,

but just coming back from injury he will play a minimal role and Jeff should

have no problem breaking him down off the dribble and causing fouls.  Ibaka is a big bad man who can guard anyone,

Nene will find trouble scoring over Ibaka’s length, and may find it difficult

to find post position in the low block because of Ibaka’s girth, size &

strength.   KD will be pumped and look to

rebound from his team’s performance at MSG. 

Westbrook is slowly becoming one of my favourite point guards in the

league.  He is leaps and bounds better

than Tyreke Evans and I hate the comparisons. 

Westbrook is a new breed of PG, him and Williams are apart from the

rest.  The speed of R Dub will be too

much for Billups to handle, and his size and strength will be too much for

Lawson to handle.  Chris Anderson and Al

Harrington are two tough covers off the bench but Nick Collison is #1 in the

NBA at taking charges off the bench and he is also a very subtle defender who

does the dirty work.  If James Harden can

limit his turnover and provide some offense off the bench, this baby should be

won easily in what should be a passionate Christmas crowd in Oklahoma City.

5 UNITS RUSSELL “RUDOLPH THE RED” WESTBROOK - - -

makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 07:58AM

BOSTON CELTICS @ ORLANDO MAGIC

PICK: NO PLAY

The 3rd thing I picked out of my stocking was a 4

leaf clover.  I disagree with the fat man

on this one, I lean Orlando.  The Celtics

changed the landscape of the NBA.  No

longer is there a batman & robin. 

Two can no longer tango in the association, now it is all about the big

three in the NBA.  We have a lot of big

three’s in the NBA, some prolific ones we all know.  We have the young ones in Miami and OKC and

we have the Old Guys in Boston & San An....well guess what.  In terms of +/- the best big three in the NBA

is Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. 

I think Rondo has a lot to do with that, but I find it impressive that

these 3 guys just keep on doing it, night in and night out.  The Celtics were my pick to hoist the trophy

before the season started and I am even more confident in my predication as the

season has progressed.  They have continued

their dominance even without 5 rotational players.  Once this team is 100%....no one will be able

to stop them.  For now Jermaine’s return

will help depth, but Orlando is confident after that win over the Spurs.  I actually backed them against the Spurs and

was confident they would find their rhythm eventually.  This team is just too talented to not

succeed.  Dwight Howard, when his career

is done I think will be regarded as the second most dominant big man to ever

play the game.  Surround him with even a

miniscule amount of talent and you will succeed.  With this new found free flow offense,

Orlando is capable of beating any team on any given night.  It will be interesting to see how they

respond against an immaculate defense. 

Celtics own the best streak in the NBA, can he streak-busters do it

again?  I am not willing to bet on it and

neither should you in my honest opinion. 

I may enjoy watching this game more than the Heat and Lakers, this is my

game of the day for sure.  Should be a

great one.

HEDO “TURKEY” TURKOGLU - - -

makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 07:58AM

CHICAGO BULLS @ NEW YORK KNICKS

PICK: NEW YORK KNICKS MONEYLINE (-120)  - - - 5 UNITS

The 4th thing I picked out of the stocking was a

big apple.  Backed the Knicks vs the

Thunder and was amazed at how potent and confident this unit is when it comes

to offense so I will take Santa’s advice here and back the Knicks.  I am just a huge fan of the shortened

rotation.  I love it when coaches find

5-7 guys they trust and just run a very tight, strict rotation with minimal

exceptions.  Basketball is a game of

rhythm and once a unit of 5 men get into a rhythm with the system and each

other, things start clicking regularly and players start expecting to win and

expecting good things to come.  Felton is

playing some exceptional basketball at the point.  In his last 5 games he is averaging almost 18

points and 13 assists a game with about 2 threes a game.  With all that ball handling and production

you would think Raymond would turn the ball over often but is terms of top-tier

point guards in the NBA with the ball in their hands for a majority of the

game, he is the best at taking care of the ball.  Landry Fields is the top rebounding guard in

the NBA.  I cannot say enough about this

rookie.  The things he does on the court

are so smart, nothing flashy, just an excellent decision maker.  10ppg, 8rpg, 2apg and about a three a game...coming

from your starting rookie guard....awesome. 

I think Wilson Chandler is one of the most underrated overall ballers in

the NBA.   He has a very overlooked

offensive game, an excellent shot and is a very good perimeter weak side

defender.  There is a reason that Knicks

upper management do not want to trade Wilson and Galo for one of the best

scorers in the NBA.  These two guys are key

to the Knicks success thus far.  Amar’e

has just been ridiculous.  Statistically

you are looking at the best center in the NBA, 27 and 10 with over 2 blocks a

game and shooting 53% from the field. 

His face up jump shot looks a lot better and more consistent than it was

in Phoenix and with that in his arsenal he becomes even more dangerous.  Off the bench you only have 2-3 guys getting

some run.  Turiaf who is perfection for

this Knicks team, a hustler and garbage man down low who provides energy for them.  Tony Douglas has offensive skill and has the

ability to break guys off the dribble as well as shoot the rock.  Shawne Williams is an overall talent with

size and range to spread the floor.  Talent

+ speed = spacing and this Knicks team has both allowing them to space the

floor very well.  They also  get out in transition better then any team in

the East.  The Bulls were very stagnant

vs Washington and at one point in the 4th quarter were without a field goal for

almost 9 minutes.  If you do that versus

the New York Knicks you will be down by double digits.  Prime time basketball is officially back at

MSG and a Christmas day game proves it. 

Look for intensity in the building and the Knicks to feed off that for

48 minutes this afternoon.

5 UNITS TIMOFEY “THE GRINCH” MOZGOV - - -

makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 07:58AM

PORTLAND TRAIL-BLAZERS @ GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

PICK: NO PLAY (CURRENTLY)

The last thing I got in my stocking was a teddy-bear with a

gold tooth stuck in his elbow.  I got the

subtle hint from old Saint Nick.  I may

decide to add a 5 unit play on the Warriors. 

Tonight maybe the debut of the real Golden State Warriors.  A full healthy unit may dress for this game

and if so I am ready to start backing them. 

This team has yet to play together as a healthy unit.  Curry may return from an ankle injury as well

as Biedrins.  Both will rejoin the

starting five with Ellis, Lee and Wright. 

That right there is a potent, explosive starting 5 that can be very

dangerous offensively.  Now with some

health, suddenly this Golden State bench starts looking pretty dangerous as

well.  Reggie Williams was injected with

some confidence after getting some playing time due to Curry’s injuries.  Reggie is a legit two guard who can score in

bunches and has the size and speed to defend. 

Lou Amundson is an all-around energy guy who may not fill up the stat

sheets but plays the game the right way and helps his team when on the

court.  Their rookie Udoh looks very

impressive.  A very long and lanky

forward with some serious size and a massive wingspan.  He is an NBA player that can easily grab 7

rebounds in a game just because of his body type.  I like his game and am excited to see what

type of player he becomes.  Wright and

Gadzuric may return and even A.C Law, Radmanovic and Carney have shown some

positive things this season.  I like this

Golden State roster a lot but it all depends on how shot distribution is

implemented as well as rotation and minutes. 

Keith Smart is an intelligent coach and I am sure he will work a

cohesive rotation over some time.  The Golden

State Warriors are a team to watch out for in the next coming weeks.

DAVID "FROSTY THE SNOWMAN" LEE - - -

Woodd2 says:
12/25/10 08:07AM
BOL Mak.. been following you for  years.. have a merry xmas bro.. im with you on my knicks 
BURTS says:
12/25/10 08:08AM
mak
Nev_Furlong says:
12/25/10 08:27AM

the best xmas story I've ever read.

marry xmas and good luck

Aniki says:
12/25/10 08:46AM
whats up mak maine!! like the knicks. just wanted to say merry christmas to you and your fam!! 
makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 08:53AM


Wood, always appreciate hearing from long time followers.  Really appreciate the post.  Your name and avatar of Stacy work very well together my friend.  Have a very merry xmas as well.  Be safe.


makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 08:54AM


Thanks for the post Burt.  Have a safe and happy holiday.


zonk928 says:
12/25/10 08:55AM

Merry Christmas

Love the writeups.

makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 08:56AM




LOL, thanks man, really appreciate that.  Have a very safe and happy holiday buddy, good luck with your wagers as well.


makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 08:57AM


Thanks Aniki, I appreciate that.  Merry Christmas to you are your family as well. 


makaveli23 says:
12/25/10 08:58AM


Always appreciate hearing that bud, thank you.  Have a safe and happy holiday.


squinta1 says:
12/25/10 09:31AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UysRKy93ryA
PLAYAAAA1969 says:
12/25/10 09:46AM

And to all A Good X-MASS...

glenndef62 says:
12/25/10 09:49AM
Writer, poet and capper......................welcome back !!!!!!!!
mikenice says:
12/25/10 09:52AM
gl.............
rdrflyer says:
12/25/10 09:52AM
Good stuff!
nbafan88 says:
12/25/10 10:45AM
that was awesome to wake up to. BOL Mak
MrBator says:
12/25/10 10:59AM

 

 

TOOfaded says:
12/25/10 11:09AM
the DON......merry xmas and pass the blunt around...
bmb5505 says:
12/25/10 11:14AM
Mak,

I have never read your posts before, but that was such an enjoyable read.  Merry Christmas to you and BIG.
thatsagoodone says:
12/25/10 11:17AM

 

 

 

 

 

avatar

CubbyCapper says:
12/25/10 11:19AM
OKC  

GL Mak!!

Merry X-mas!!
doliver517 says:
12/25/10 11:22AM

Merry Christmas Mak

"Get Clouded.............love it"     I'm thinkin that maybe my Rott Miga and your Rott Big would like to meet each other and you and I can smoke a B and talk hoops. Good luck today my friend and all my best to you and yours

Johnnynumbers says:
12/25/10 11:23AM

Love the poetry Mak...Merry Christmas, and Go Knicks...

Great writeups as always....GL

mtbaker says:
12/25/10 11:29AM

merry xmas Mak- I like the Warriors, Knicks and Thunder picks!

Although I'm feelin the Celts ATS in the 11:30 game, bol to u

Johnnynumbers says:
12/26/10 12:03PM

KNICKS

THUNDER

WARRIORS

MERRY CHRISTMAS MAK

barcksdale says:
12/25/10 11:37AM
merry christmas bro good luck today
sparksny1 says:
12/26/10 10:42AM
Mak thanks again for your great write-ups and picks. In my opinion you are by far the best NBA capper on Covers. Keep up the good work and thanks for taking time out to post.
Spitfire15 says:
12/26/10 11:41AM
You are the man, mak.  I'd love to smoke a holiday blunt with you some day. 
mayito says:
12/26/10 01:44PM
hi mak!
what will you play today??
boycali01 says:
12/25/10 01:21PM
TDUB888 says:
12/25/10 12:55PM
Good Luck Mak & Merry Christmas

Great writeup as usual, make some very good points.
2 Rots by the bed I feed em lead


ManassaMauler says:
12/25/10 11:38AM
bol mak
kaponofor3 says:
12/25/10 01:23PM


If a regular season set of picks should ever get archived, this should be it. Absolutely hilarious Mak, can't wait to have you back contributing to the board on a regular basis, the quality of analysis just goes up exponentially.
Brocknroll says:
12/25/10 06:13PM
Are you still considering the Warriors tonight Mak?
3BallBomber says:
12/25/10 02:44PM
Merry Christmas Mak, BOL mate
Uconn34 says:
12/27/10 01:27AM
tlsmasher002 says:
12/25/10 11:39AM

Now where is that chronic, Santa wants to get clouded!!” .........

hilarious..... still laughing..... have a good x-mas man..... now it's time for me to get clouded......10 minute nap.....YEP

--phillyfan-- says:
12/25/10 11:55AM
GLuck Mak..  i always read your writeups even if i dont post much anymore..    take care and hope u have a nice holiday
SCROG says:
12/25/10 06:17PM
Merry X-mas MAK... 
HiHoldem says:
12/25/10 07:47PM

Is Mello playing for Danver?

And, is GS a go for Mak?

HiHoldem says:
12/26/10 01:25AM

Thank-you for the winners......three for me since i played GS!

Saint Nick treated me really good.

HiHoldem says:
12/25/10 03:43PM

You know so much about the NBA.

You're analysis is TOP-SHELF.

I always check for your plays.

I have found (IMO) 3-5 handicappers on Covers who are consistently winning over time. I believe these guys are as good as the world has to offer-----you are one of them.

Thank-You!

Merry Christmas----- on Earth!

tommyd222 says:
12/26/10 11:34AM
8888Vegas says:
12/26/10 01:24PM

keepitstrict says:
12/26/10 11:30AM
good work mak!
keepitstrict says:
12/25/10 06:22PM
gl mak!
nakadinhi says:
12/25/10 03:23PM
Merry Christmas to you Mak... incredible writeups...
thanx for your insights and for posting them  
BOL today and future plays..  
GetEveryDollar says:
12/26/10 05:00AM
MAK....Your Awesome....I lost big on Lakers ML...but doubled up on THUNDERS...thanks to you Im even....all the best....
dj_yaz says:
12/25/10 01:00PM
Merry Christmas Bro! Hope you are having a Safe and Happy Holiday! Ima light one up for you. BOL as always and great to have you back
PapaShango says:
12/25/10 11:34AM
Hitting the bong, while watching money pile up.  Nothing better!  Kill it today Mak! 
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