The Rebound

I feel like an ass after going 1-4 on Christmas, but seriously, that was a whacky day. The Magic BLEW OUT the Hornets, the Lakers almost won by double digits, the Spurs won on a last second 3 by Roger Mason Jr. in a game that they were outplayed the whole time, the Cavs barely beat the Wizards, and the Mavs beat the Blazers in one of the toughest if not the toughest place to play in the NBA... who knew. I took today off and now I'll try to redeem myself.

Oklahoma City (+6) over Washington

The Thunder have been a little fiesty as of late and almost beat the Pistons in Detroit last night. That's not saying much seeing as how the Piston's are this year's Denver Nuggets of the past two years, but OKC should keep this close if not win. Of course, knowing my luck, the Wizards will have their little "play really well ever 2 weeks at home" game. Please don't happen. Tease the Thunder.

New Jersey (+3.5) over Charlotte

This one is a stay away, but since I have to make a pick, I'll just say that New Jersey keeps it close after seeing the Cats just last night, and also because it's tough to sweep these home and home things. By the way, Boris Diaw will quietly have a great season in Charlotte. He's a bigger scorer who plays good defense, a big upgrade from draft day steals Adam Morrison and Sean May. Tease New Jersey

Minnesota (+8.5) over Orlando

I know that Orlando is playing really well right now, but they're not going to blow everyone out, even the bad teams. The Wolves are coming off of a big win on the road over a sneaky Knicks team and will at least put up a fight at home. Tease Minny.

Memphis (+13.5) over San Antonio

If you're feeling really balsy, take Memphis to win straight up if you can. I'm feeling upset here. San Antonio hasn't blow anyone out recently that I can remember, so the Griz should at least cover. Memphis has that youth and energy though that could come out and run right past San Antonio, and they can also shoot the 3. I can see Manu Ginobli now going home to his European woman who asks, "Great win against the Suns today baby, you were very handsome on the court today. Who do you play next Darling?" Manu replies, "Just the Memphis Grizzlies, or should I say the Memphis Poopoo bears! HAHA, now fetch me some wine and perform fellacio on me!" All of that in a snotty foreign accent of course. Tease the Griz.

Toronto (+8) over Portland

Allow me to predict this game exactly as it will happen. Toronto will start the game off pretty hot going up 15-5 in the first 4 minutes and finishing the quarter up 29-20. In the second quarter, the Blazers make a slight comeback and are only down 48-44. In the third quarter, all hell breaks loose and the Blazers come out of the half on fire and the 3rd quarter ends with them up 77-68. The Raptors fight back to make it 87-84 with 3 minutes remaing, until Brandon Roy takes over and the Blazers win 98-91. Classic NBA game. Tease either one and you should be fine, probably the Raptors to be safe.