What’s up fellas.  Hope you all had a happy holiday.  Thanks very much for all the posts and kind words.  Read through them all and really appreciate all who took the time and posted.  All eyes were on the NBA last night, and the association didn’t disappoint with a great slate of games.  Had a flawless victory with the Knicks and Thunder coming through on Christmas day.  I did not end up playing the Warriors but am very glad some of you took my advice and backed them, just wanted to be truthful and mention the fact that I did not end up taking GS despite their win and cover.  For anyone keeping my posted yearly record and unit gain you can account for that. 

I was very impressed with 3 teams in particular yesterday.  The Heat, Thunder and Nuggets.  The Heat were impeccable, I realize the Lakers didn’t help the situation with their lack of effort but take nothing away from Lebron, Dwayne and Chris.  They are performing with poise and perfection.  Too bad I just despise Lebron’s personality and lack of humility or the Heat would really be one of my favorite teams in the NBA.  The Thunder were aggressive all game and their ability to attack was key to the victory.  Durant is just a machine and out of all the superstars in this league, he is by far my favorite in terms of mentality.  I love this kid and I know that one fine day Kevin Durant will have championship gold around his finger, his unselfishness as a pro will attract big names to play by his side, the kid is only 22 years old and that is very scary.  Denver impressed me with their ability to contend with a top tier team without Mello.  I really think that if they trade Mello they should keep some of this roster intact.

Usually I love Sunday slates but this one is not attractive at all.  I am only playing one for now but I do have my eye on two other games and may decide to add another 5 unit play if the Suns flop this afternoon.  As always gents, whatever you decide to play, I wish you the best of luck with your wagers.  Peace - - - MAK

PHOENIX SUNS MONEYLINE (+100) - - - For those individuals who actually think that NBA teams are not aware of what is going around in the league on a daily basis are kidding themselves.  The Suns know exactly what kind of recent success the Orlando Magic have had.  I think this was a very rare deal that actually benefits both ball clubs.  Usually you just see teams trying to unload waste or contracts, but this was a legit deal that improved both rosters.  Vince is still hurt (what’s new) and will miss today’s game.  It doesn’t matter, in fact I prefer it.  Dudley has been a star as a starter.  Back to back monster games at the 2 position.  Coming off a career high 33 points and 12 rebounds, he is one of the NBA’s premier 3 point shooters and proved it by nailing 7 threes last game.  He is also a very good man to man defender.  Grant Hill is an enigma.  Only six players in NBA history have averaged at least 13 points at the age of 38 or older.  Jordan, Kareem, Reggie, Malone, Chief and John Stockton.  Grant already has eight 20+ point games this season and only had five all of last year.  I am telling you, this cat is using the hot tub time machine.  With Robin Lopez starting, the Suns have won 4 of their last 7.  Lopez seems to have found a new life after returning from injury.  Gortat if placed at the 4 position is someone who I think has a chance to actually check Blake.  Look for Steve Nash to be very very aggressive offensively today against his good friend Baron Davis.  Steve was also very tentative with his shot last game and will really look to attack tonight if his team gets into trouble.  Clippers are 0-3 in day games this season and the Suns have actually battled valiantly the last 2 years during afternoon games.  They have one of the deepest benches in the league and some very hungry talent in the rotation.  Despite the Clippers gradual improvement, I just do not see them keeping up with the Suns this Sunday afternoon.  Suns don’t have any California love like Pac , they take it in the sunshine state this afternoon.

5 UNITS GRANT “HOT TUB TIME MACHINE” HILL - - -