NBA Season 2014-15 Discussion

[DarrenCollison]

NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

Orlando Magic vs Dallas Mavericks

Home - Orlando Magic
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-W-L

Even with back-to-back losses, the Orlando Magic are 4-3 in the preseason and will play their second straight home game. The Magic are a very young squad that’s just trying to figure out what they have at the moment. Rookie Aaron Gordon is 8-17 from the field in his last two games and has 12 rebounds. The other rookie in Elfrid Payton has 14 points and 17 assists in his last three games. Both of those guys have a bright future and give Orlando Magic fans something to be positive about heading forward. One of the few veterans Orlando has is Ben Gordon, and he’s 9-18 from the field in his last two games. It’s going to be a bumpy regular season, but the Orlando Magic have some some things in the preseason and may be a fun team to watch at times.

Away - Dallas Mavericks
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-W-L

The Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic finish their preseason with a Friday night matchup at the Amway Center.With a loss on Thursday to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Dallas Mavericks fall to 3-4 in the preseason. With the regular season right around the corner, the Mavs gave some of their key guys such as Chandler Parsons, Monta Ellis and Tyson Chandler a rest in Thursday’s loss. Dirk Nowitzki has also missed two of the Mavericks last three games, but he’s expected to see almost regular season minutes in this matchup. The Dallas Mavericks have been playing some solid basketball and have been getting contributions from some of the other players like Jae Crowder and Richard Jefferson. Once again, the Mavericks are going to be a team to watch this season and a squad you could make some serious money on in underdog roles.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+4.00)
Away - (-4.00)
Pick - Dallas Mavericks (-4.00)
Odds - 1.82
Stakes - 8/10
________________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks

Home - Toronto Raptors
Last away matches - W-W-W-L-L-L

The Toronto Raptors are 6-1 in the preseason, which includes an impressive five straight wins. The Raptors have shot above 48 percent from the field in their last two games and have worked hard on limiting their turnovers. One player who has really stepped up lately has been Terrence Ross, who has dropped 33 points in his last 46 minutes of play. Kyle Lowry has been taking it easy in the preseason for the most part, but he is 10-18 from the field in his last three games and has done a nice job of setting his teammates up. One player you’d like to see be a little more aggressive on the offensive end is Tyler Hansbrough, who has taken just three shots in his last 30 minutes on the court. Overall, the Toronto Raptors are looking sharp and could be poised for another big step forward.

Away - New York Knicks
Last away matches - W-W-L-W-W-W

The New York Knicks enter this matchup 3-3 in preseason play and can only hope some of their younger players are ready for the bright lights. One player who is ready to go is Carmelo Anthony, who has a combined 54 points and nine assists in his last two games. Tim Hardaway Jr. has also knocked down eight threes in his last three games, showing the Knicks that he’s capable of being the same player he was last season. Amar'e Stoudemire has also been effective at both ends of the floor and has scored double-digit points in back-to-back games. While the usual guys are playing well, the Knicks could use some contributions from guys such as Cleanthony Early, Shane Larkin and Cole Aldrich, and will need them if they’re going to be a force in the East this season.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-5.00)
Away - (+5.00)
Pick - Toronto Raptors (-5.00)
Odds - 2.08
Stakes - 9/10
________________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Home - Chicago Bulls
Last away matches - L-W-L-W-W-W

The Chicago Bulls are 4-3 in the preseason and have won four of their last five games overall. Good news for Bulls fans is that Derrick Rose is starting to return to his old self, as he’s coming off a 30-point performance in 24 minutes in Chicago’s last outing. Rose is 16-30 from the field in his last two games. Pau Gasol has 27 points and 18 rebounds in his last two games. Joakim Noah has also done a fine job of setting his teammates up by dishing out 11 assists in his last three games. The Chicago Bulls seem to have something going as all of their key players seem to be ready for the regular season. Rookie Doug McDermott is still trying to find his touch, as he’s just 2-10 from downtown in his last three contests. Still, the Bulls look to be in regular season form for the most part.

Away - Minnesota Timberwolves
Last away matches - W-W-L-W-L-W

The Minnesota Timberwolves improve to 4-2 in the preseason with three straight wins. The Timberwolves have been shooting the ball well during this winning streak, which includes their most recent game where four of their five starters scored in the double figures. Rookie Andrew Wiggins has missed the last two games with a minor back injury and remains questionable for this game. Meanwhile, Shabazz Muhammad is coming off his best game yet where he shot 6-13 from the field for 19 points and grabbed five rebounds. Thaddeus Young is just 6-19 from the field in his last two games, but he has been consistent for the most part and should be one of the best players on this Timberwolves team. Overall, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a ways to go but they could be slightly better than people expect.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.50)
Away - (+4.50)
Pick - Chicago Bulls (-4.50)
Odds - 1.90
Stakes - 10/10
________________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

Memphis Grizzlies vs Miami Heat

Home - Memphis Grizzlies
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-W-L

The Memphis Grizzlies are 3-4 in the preseason and are still looking for some offensive consistency. One guy who could be the answer for Memphis on the offensive end is Quincy Pondexter, who has a combined 46 points and five assists in his last three games. Marc Gasol is heating up from the field at the right time, as he’s 19-29 in his last three games and has also done a nice job of crashing the boards. Kosta Koufos is 7-10 from the field in his last two games and could see more minutes this season if he can continue being effective. Expect a better game from Zach Randolph after going 4-12 from the field and turning the ball over four times in the Grizzlies last game. The Memphis Grizzlies are what they are but need more offensive production if they’re going to seriously compete in the West.

Away - Miami Heat
Last away matches - W-L-L-L-L-L

The Miami Heat have won three straight games and are 3-4 overall in the preseason. Chris Bosh continues to thrive in his new role as the Heat’s No. 1 option, as he’s produced 43 points and 13 rebounds in his last two games. Dwyane Wade is 16-27 from the field in his last two contests and has racked up nine assists. James Ennis has played a combined three minutes in Miami’s last two games and appears he’ll start the season on the bench. Despite going 0-7 from the field in the Heat’s last game, rookie Shabazz Napier has really picked it up lately and has made a strong case for point guard minutes this season. The Miami Heat are starting to figure things out at the right time and will be a close watch this season.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.00)
Away - (+4.00)
Pick - Miami Heat (+4.00)
Odds - 2.04
Stakes - 8/10
________________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs

Home - Houston Rockets
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-L-W

The Houston Rockets are 5-2 this preseason but they have their sights set on much bigger things in the regular season. The Rockets are coming off of a one-point win in Orolando edging the Magic. Troy Daniels played a team high 34 minutes in the loss and scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds and Isaiah Canaan had 14 points. James Harden played just 18 minutes and scored nine points and Tarik Black had 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Houston shot just 36.5 percent from the floor and 26.5 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. Houston sat eight players and played 13 and it will surely be a conservative look here.

Away - San Antonio Spurs
Last away matches - L-W-L-L-W-W

The San Antonio Spurs just didn’t have a lot to work on this preseason and it was more about preserving their veteran team and they have played like it going just 2-4. The Spurs are coming off of a 10 point loss to the Hawks as they were pounded in the third quarter. Tim Duncan played just 13 minutes in the loss scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds and Tony Parker scored 17 points and had seven assists in 27 minutes of action. Cory Joseph scored 14 points and Boris Diaw had 12 points. The Spurs shot 53.2 percent but allowed the Hawks to shoot 51.9 percent as neither team seemed overly concerned about playing defense. I am sure we will see a a different effort from the Spurs next week.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.00)
Away - (+4.00)
Pick - San Antonio Spurs (+4.00)
Odds - 1.90
Stakes - 10/10

[DarrenCollison]

Nice writeups.. I am a Laker fan but I live in NC. What have you seen from Lance Stephenson so far. Do you think that is going to work?

Hello sir Lance Stephenson is a very very athletic player but i dont think Lakers will take him, even Steve Nash will not play the entire season because of back injury i am sure Jeremy Lin will step up every game

[DarrenCollison]

NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns

Home - Utah Jazz
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-W-W

The Utah Jazz are 5-2 this preseason but this franchise has been down in recent years and they are looking to at least begin the turnaround. While it doesn’t mean much the Jazz are coming off of a crushing the Thunder in their last game Enes Kanter played 29 minutes last game and scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead all scorers. Trey Burke had a nice night scoring 23 points and dishing out five assists. Alec Burks had 15 points and six rebounds and Derrick Favors had 12 points and 15 rebounds. The Jazz shot just 40 percent from the floor but they dominated the boards outrebounding OKC 52-38. The Jazz just need to take some steps forward but they are a few pieces of the puzzle away from being competitive.

Away - Phoenix Suns
Last away matches - L-W-L-L-W-L

The Phoenix Suns are 4-2 for the preseason and they are coming off of a 3-point loss to the Clippers on Wednesday after playing on back-to-back nights. Eric Bledsoe had 27 points in 34 minutes to lead all scorers and Gerald Green scored 23 points off of the bench and he had five rebounds. Marcus Morris had 17 points and eight rebounds and Miles Plumlee had eight points and eight rebounds. The Suns won the battle on the boards 43-35but they shot just 44.3 percent from the floor. Phoenix should be fun to watch this season as they have some nice young talent.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+2.00)
Away - (-2.00)
Pick - Phoenix Suns (-2.00)
Odds - 1.95
Stakes - 8/10
________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings

Home - LA Lakers
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-L-L

The Los Angeles Lakers are 3-4 this preseason and there just doesn’t seem to be a lot of expectations for them this year. The Lakers are coming off of a win in their last game as they knocked off the Portland Trailblazers by eight points. Kobe Bryant sat out and Steve Nash is now out for the season and Jordan Hill is sitting with a cervical strain. Rookie Julius Randle led the Lakers against the Blazers scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Jeremy Lin scored 13 points and he should have an increased role with the Nash injury. Wesley Johnson and Wayne Ellington each had 11 points. Many are counting the Lakers out already but that might be right where the Lakers want their opponents thinking.

Away - Sacramento Kings
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-W

The Sacramento Kings are 2-4 this preseason and they are coming off of a loss to the Spurs. Demarcus Cousins appears to be ready for the season as he scored 32 points and had 11 rebounds to lead the Kings against the Spurs. Rudy gay had 18 points and seven rebounds, Carl Landry had 15 points and seven rebounds, and Darren Collison had 14 points and six rebounds. Sacramento shot 50.7 percent from the floor but turned the ball over 23 times. The Kings were solid last year but to make the playoffs in the Western Conference it takes more than that.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+3.00)
Away - (-3.00)
Pick - LA Lakers (+3.00)
Odds - 2.02
Stakes - 9/10
________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

Golden State Warrior vs Denver Nuggets

Home - Golden State Warrior
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-W-L

The Golden State Warriors are looking to become more than a one man show as they have accumulated some young talent in hopes of taking it to the next level. The Warriors are coming off of a blowout win over the Clippers where Stephen Curry scored 27 points and had six assists to lead the way. David Lee had 12 points and six rebounds, Andre Iguodala scored 11 points, and Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, and Festus Ezeli each had 10 points. The Warriors shot a blistering 59 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Clips 46-31 in the route. The Warriors have leaned on Curry but they are going to need to be more than one player if they hope to go further in the playoffs.

Away - Denver Nuggets
Last away matches - W-L-L-L-L-L

The Denver Nuggets are 2-5 this preseason and are coming off of a loss to Portland where they scored just 75 points. Wilson Chandler was the leading scorer scoring just 13 points. Darrell Arthur had 10 points, Alonzo Gee had seven points, and Randy Foye had seven points. Denver has been one of the highest scoring teams over the years but they shot just 32.6 percent from the floor last game and were out rebounded 57-42. Denver has been nearly unbeatable at home over the years but they didn’t have that edge last season so it puts more pressure on them in their road games.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.50)
Away - (+4.50)
Pick - Golden State Warrior (-4.50)
Odds - 1.98
Stakes - 10/10
________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/25/2014

LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers

Home - LA Clippers
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-L

The Los Angeles Clippers are just 2-5 in the preseason, which goes to show that the results are absolutely meaningless. The best player in all of the preseason has been Blake Griffin, who has dropped 62 points and 12 rebounds in his last two games. Griffin continues to improve every year and seems to be even more aggressive this season. Chris Paul is also coming off one of his better games in the preseason, shooting 12-18 from the field and dishing out nine assists. Although he didn’t play in the Clippers last matchup, DeAndre Jordan is an impressive 9-12 from the field in his last two games. Glen Davis continues to miss time with a groin injury and remains questionable for the season opener. Overall, the Los Angeles Clippers are a scary team entering the regular season.

Away - Portland Trail Blazers
Last away matches - L-W-L-L-W-W

The Portland Trail Blazers are 3-3 in the preseason, which already includes a win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Trail Blazers pretty much know what they are as a basketball team which is why a lot of their key guys haven’t been playing as much lately. LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t play in Portland's last game and Damian Lillard saw just 17 minutes of action. Hoping other guys would step up, Chris Kaman is 12-17 from the field in his last three games and Thomas Robinson continues to dominate the glass and bring the energy to the Trail Blazers in limited minutes. Will Barton is also a solid 9-16 from the field in his last three games, giving the Trail Blazers a solid backup shooting guard. The Trail Blazers are once again going to be a fun team to watch this season.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.50)
Away - (+4.50)
Pick - LA Clippers (-4.50)
Odds - 2.04
Stakes - 10/10

[Guest]

I am not that confident on the Wizards advancing to the ECF this year, but if we make it back to the playoffs and give a good accounting of ourselves in the second round, I will be happy with it. Pierce should be a good stop-gap replacing Ariza, as many in DC believe the Wizards will be trying to bring Kevin Durant home, which meant watching long-term salary commitments this off-season.

I'm going to try and make it a point to watch this team this year, as I haven't for years despite following game reports, news and rumors from the Washington Post.

[DarrenCollison]

NBA PRESEASON
10/27/2014

New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic

Home - New Orleans Pelicans
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-L-L

New Orleans "Pelicans" are one of the most intrigueing squad in the league. After bad last season, when their starting five players didn't play in tons of games because of injuries, they are back with new hopes and expectations. Ryan Anderson, the sniper beyond the 3pt line is back together with Jrue Holiday, who is mostly known because of numbers of assists he makes per game. Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon seems to be fully fit and ready to play. Omer Asik and the rising superstar Anthony Davis, the protectors of the rim are also fully concentrated to their first gae of the new season at home. "Pelicans" just proved theirselves as very powerful team in pre-season games, where they managed to get 5 wins out of 7. Anthony Davis, Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday, Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon were guiding their team to success in preseason games, but they only played around 25 minutes, so I'm sure "Pelicans" haven't shown their real potential.

Away - Orlando Magic
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-W-L

On the other hand we have still struggling "Orlando Magic" who can't find their way back to play-offs. The team is made of really promising, but not so experienced players, who ain't that high class. Their most important player, I can surely call him team's leader, Victor Oladipo is out for no timeable period because of facial fracture. Tobias Harris and Nicola Vučevič were probably the most important players for "Magic" in preseason games, they scored 30 points average together. Elfrid Payton and Evan Fournier might be the only players who can play well enough to keep rotation on, couse other young players just are too weak. Kyle O'Quinn and Aaron Gordon are very unconsistant players, they can score many points in one game and make lots of else for team, but in other game they can be a black hole.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-9.00)
Away - (+9.00)
Pick - New Orleans Pelicans (-9.00)
Odds - 1.85
Stakes - 9/10
______________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/27/2014

San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks

Home - San Antonio Spurs
Last away matches - L-L-W-L-L-W

Last season, the San Antonio Spurs were able to climb their way back to the top of the hill and capture their fifth championship since drafting Tim Duncan back in 1997. With the deepest and most unselfish roster in the league, the Spurs just about ticked every box last season: finish the regular season with the best overall record, keep your core players fresh, and develop young talent. As fans of the game, we expected nothing less from the players like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, but what elevated the Spurs to a new level was Kawhi Leonard who was able to make "the Leap" and claim his first Finals MVP at just 22 years old. Of the roster from last season, the Spurs are returning 14 players and will be introducing the rookie, Kyle Anderson, a player who looked to be one of the steals of the draft, so expect to see San Antonio set the benchmark for the league once again.

Away - Dallas Mavericks
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-W-W

Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks finished the 2013-14 regular season with a 49-33 record which was good enough for the eighth seed in the crowded Western Conference, but not quite good enough to get past the Spurs in the first round. Coming off a disappointing finish, the Mavs kept busy in the offseason and signed six new players, the two most notable being the return of Tyson Chandler and the addition of the underappreciated Chandler Parsons. Together with the additions of Jameer Nelson and Raymond Felton, Dallas look to returning as one of the best offenses in the league and a true championship contender in the West.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.50)
Away - (+4.50)
Pick - San Antonio Spurs (-4.50)
Odds - 1.93
Stakes - 10/10
______________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/27/2014

LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets

Home - LA Lakers
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-L-L

Coming off a massively disappointing 27-55 season, the only way is up for the Los Angeles Lakers and the first step was to get Kobe Bryant back on the court and playing. Kobe played in five of the seven preseason games for the Lakers and was able to average 26.3 points in his final three, but with good news for the Lakers comes plenty of bad as they learnded that Steve Nash is set to miss the entire season with his ongoing back injury. Fortunately, LA were able to acquire Jeremy Lin in the offseason and he'll surely step in as the starter where he averages 14.4 points, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals. Other offseason additions include Carlos Boozer, Ed Davis and Ronnie Price, but not surprisingly, the majority of the scoring load will fall on Kobe once again.

Away - Houston Rockets
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-L-W

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets finished last season with a 54-28 regular season record and but were eliminated by the Portland Trailblazers in the Western Conference semifinals. After opting not to match Chandler Parons' $46 million offer from the Mavericks and shipping off Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik, the Rockets acquired Trevor Ariza and Jason Terry. With Parsons gone, even more of the scoring burden falls on the shoulders or James Harden and Dwight Howard now so I just get the feeling that Houston didn't do enough in the offseason.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+6.50)
Away - (-6.50)
Pick - Houston Rockets (-6.50)
Odds - 2.00
Stakes - 9/10

[DDRGuido]

[DarrenCollison]

NBA PRESEASON
10/29/2014

Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons

Home - Denver Nuggets
Last away matches - L-W-L-L-L-L

Nuggets PG Ty Lawson, who suffered a broken rib in his only meeting with Detroit last season, is on track for the opener despite dealing with a hamstring issue that limited him to four preseason games.Denver is aiming to improve itself defensively, its biggest offseason splash came when it reacquired shooting guard Arron Afflalo, the team's second-leading scorer in 2011-12, the final season of his first stint with the Nuggets. Afflalo's scoring averages have improved in each of his seven NBA seasons, reaching 18.2 in a solid effort as Orlando's go-to guy in 2013-14. Afflalo was eighth in the league from 3-point range (42.7 percent), making him a potentially lethal addition for a team that likes to shoot early and often but finished in the middle of the pack from beyond the arc in terms of accuracy (35.8 percent).

Away - Detroit Pistons
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-L-L

Stan Van Gundy makes his return to the sidelines on Wednesday as the new head coach for the Detroit Pistons, who open a hopeful campaign at Denver. Van Gundy, who owns a .641 winning percentage in eight seasons with Miami and Orlando, was brought in to revive an organization that has endured six straight losing campaigns. Last season's edition went 8-24 down the stretch under interim head coach John Loyer, but Van Gundy's squad has some promise as it builds around star center Andre Drummond. Among the many items on Van Gundy's to-do list is to get more out of swingman Josh Smith, whose overall production took a tumble in his first season with the Pistons. Smith shot a career-low 41.9 percent and was a woeful 26.4 percent from long range, a factor that never deterred him from taking as many 3-pointers as he wanted; Smith's 265 long-distance attempts were a career high. Detroit made the fewest 3s in the Eastern Conference (507) but Van Gundy's teams in the past have often been among the best in the league from the perimeter.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-7.00)
Away - (+7.00)
Pick - Detroit Pistons (+7.00)
Odds - 1.92
Stakes - 8/10
___________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/29/2014

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls

Home - New York Knicks
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-W-W

Jackson’s second-biggest move was hiring a new head coach, and the decision maker went with a familiar face in Derek Fisher, who ran Jackson’s triangle offense with the Los Angeles Lakers. “We want to be consistent in who we are, so when we get rebounds and stops we can get out into the open floor and attack before the defense is set up,” Fisher told reporters of the new New York offense. “That’s not the triangle offense, that’s transition offense.” Pushing the pace will be a pair of new point guards in veteran Jose Calderon and Shane Larkin, who saw limited time as a rookie in Dallas last season.

Away - Chicago Bulls
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-W-W

Rose has played just 10 games in the last two seasons and missed the playoffs in each of those campaigns, leaving Chicago defense-first and a little short on the offensive end. The 2010-11 MVP showed off his old explosiveness over the summer and continued to impress during the preseason as the Bulls worked Gasol and rookie Doug McDermott into the offense.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+4.50)
Away - (-4.50)
Pick - Chicago Bulls (-4.50)
Odds - 1.99
Stakes - 10/10
___________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/29/2014

Portland Trail Blazers vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Home - Portland Trail Blazers
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-L-W

The Portland Trailblazers have the luxury of returning a fully healthy starting five that are coming off the franchise's best season since 2000. The offseason additions of Chris Kaman and Steve Blake add much-needed depth to one of the least productive benches in the league last season, and given the continued development of Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge, this team looks primed to deep in the playoffs this season.In ATS trends, the Thunder are 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings and 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Portland. However, the Thunder have never been this shorthanded, so despite the dominance over the Blazers, I'm actually taking the favorites at home to cover the spread. As good as Westbrook is, there just doesn't seem to be enough scoring to keep up with this Blazers squad.

Away - Oklahoma City Thunder
Last away matches - L-W-L-W-W-L

The Oklahoma City Thunder kick off their season with a visit to the Moda Center to battle the Portland Trailblazers.Often criticized for taking too many shot attempts, Russell Westbrook will now have the reins taken off him to start the season as the Oklahoma City Thunder will be without Kevin Durant for at least a month. Being a professional athlete, Westbrook deflected all questions about the upcoming challenge in typical fashion, saying that it will be a team effort. However, things recently went from bad to worse as Reggie Jackson just joined the injury ward along with Jeremy Lamb and Anthony Morrow, so get ready to see plenty of shot attempts for Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. Durant has said that he won't make the mistake of getting back on the court too soon, so it's going to be up to coach Scott Brooks to find a way to keep the team afloat in the crowded West until reinforcements arrive.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-8.00)
Away - (+8.00)
Pick - Oklahoma City Thunder (+8.00)
Odds - 2.02
Stakes - 10/10
___________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/29/2014

Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Home - Memphis Grizzlies
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-W-L

The Memphis Grizzlies hope to make the playoffs for the fifth straight season and with nearly the same veteran roster returning they should. The tag team tandem of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol remains one of the more physical and dominant big man duos we’ve seen in a while. The Grizzlies also added Vince Carter, who may have lost his prime ages ago but is still capable of hitting big shots and dropping double digits most nights. The main issue I have with the Grizzlies is the lack of scoring that’s haunted them over the years. Yes, Mike Conley is one of the more underrated point guards and improved his game tremendously last season, but there’s not enough offensive firepower to help Memphis get over that hump. Still, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of those squads most teams in the league don’t want to play.

Away - Minnesota Timberwolves
Last away matches - W-W-W-L-W-L

The Minnesota Timberwolves will finally find out what life is really going to be like without superstar Kevin Love. While the star power is gone from Minnesota, the Timberwolves have some young talent in place to be excited about moving forward. Ricky Rubio is one of the better young point guards in the game and Thaddeus Young has been a consistent scorer for the last six seasons. Anthony Bennett should also improve with a full season under his belt and less pressure being on a new team. Of course, everybody is wondering how Andrew Wiggins is going to perform as a rookie, as he was the ultimate prize in the Love deal. I also like the addition of Mo Williams, as he adds some experience to a young roster and a much needed scoring spark off the bench. I like the direction the Minnesota Timberwolves are taking, but it’s going to take time for everything to fall into place.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-8.00)
Away - (+8.00)
Pick - Minnesota Timberwolves (+8.00)
Odds - 1.95
Stakes - 9/10
___________________________________________
NBA PRESEASON
10/29/2014

Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks

Home - Toronto Raptors
Last away matches - W-W-W-L-L-L

The Toronto Raptors finished last season at 48-34 that was good enough to win the Atlantic Division. The Raptors had a nice season but they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Nets and they are hoping this season to take another step forward. DeMar DeRozan was an All Star last season and he led the Raptors averaging 22.7 points per game. Kyle Lowry is also back after signing a contract extension averaging 17.9 points and 7.4 assists per game and Jonas Valanciunas is back in the middle where he averaged 11.3 points and 8.8 rebounds. The Raptors shot 44.5 percent from the floor last season including 37.2 percent from beyond the three-point arc. Dwane Casey appears to have a team that knows how to and expects to win.

Away - Atlanta Hawks
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-L-W

The Atlanta Hawks made the playoffs last season despite finishing the regular season six games under .500 but once they got there they threw the record out the window and nearly knocked off the top seeded Indiana Pacers losing to them in seven games. The Hawks return talent as Al Horford played just 29 games last season but he averaged 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds a game. Paul Milsap is averaged17.9 points and 8.5 rebounds and Jeff Teague averaged 16.5 points and 6.7 assists. The Hawks shot 45.8 percent including 36.3 percent from beyond the three-point arc and they set a team record making 768 three-pointers a year ago. Head Coach Mike Budenholzer may have his work cut out for him this year.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.50)
Away - (+4.50)
Pick - Toronto Raptors (-4.50)
Odds - 2.01
Stakes - 10/10

[krulmichael]

Since there's a free trial of the NBA Pass (or whatever the hell it's called) on DirecTV until 11/4, I'll be checking out the season opener of my Pistons tonight. Looking forward to see what Van Gundy and some of our young bucks like KCP have in store.

Sent from the awesome LG G2 in all its 5.2 inch glory via Tapatalk 4.

[albidnis]

I hate to say this but maybe my Lakers should look into a Kobe trade. Now Randle breaks his leg...sheesh.

Positives:
Kobe gets a chance to not end his career this way
Lakers start rebuilding a year early

Cons:
Kobe should be a Laker for life

[MrBill]

Spurs got their rings last night and held on to win a close one over the Mavs.

[Diivox]

I was at the Celtics home opener tonight in the nosebleeds and the crowd was absolutely electric. Kevin Garnett was cheered like he was a home player and I really loved how he paused before tip off to give it up to the crowd that adored him. Coming and going from the bench, fouls, made shots, whatever, we all cheered him on. It was as classy as it gets.

Rondo playing was a nice surprise but Sullinger absolutely killed it in the paint. That net's team has no defense or rim protection and there were several nifty pass-to-dunks that would not occur against a team with good defense. Hollins was supposed to be the big man / paint guy, but that was Brooklyn's most glaring weakness.

[dave]

My satellite system is offering NBA League Pass free for a week. Damn, so addictive. I'm a Raptors' fan ... we get all the games free, but damn, NBA League Pass. Doing my best not to spend on it. I already spend on NFL Sunday Ticket.

[DarrenCollison]

NBA PRESEASON
10/30/2014

Orlando Magic vs Washington Wizards

Home - Orlando Magic
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-W

The Orlando Magic were crushed by the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, as they struggled from the field were sloppy with the ball. The Magic shot 38.1 percent from the field and turned the ball over 18 times. Tobias Harris led the way with 25 points, Nikola Vucevic grabbed 23 rebounds and rookie Aaron Gordon scored 11 points off the bench. The Magic held their own for much of the game but were outmaned by Anthony Davis in the paint and simply didn’t have enough offensive firepower to keep up. The Orlando Magic are a young team that’s going to need some time to become more competitive in this league. However, a combination of Gordon and Elfrid Payton has the potential to be very effective this season. Tobias Harris is questionable for this game with a knee injury.

Away - Washington Wizards
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-W

The Washington Wizards are coming off a Wednesday loss to the Miami Heat, a game in which they were outscored by 10 points in the second half. The Wizards have to be somewhat disappointed with the results, as they shot a solid 48 percent from the field and turned the ball over only 14 times. Drew Gooden and Marcin Gortat each scored 18 points while John Wall had 16 points and 11 assists. Paul Pierce was 6-10 from the field in his Washington debut and racked up five assists. Nene Hilario and DeJuan Blair, who missed the game due to suspension, are expected to participate in this game. The Washington Wizards played well enough to win the game in Miami, but now have to be pleased to get majority of their team back heading into this matchup.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+4.00)
Away - (-4.00)
Pick - Washington Wizards (-4.00)
Odds - 1.91
Stakes - 9/10
__________________________________________________ ____________
NBA PRESEASON
10/30/2014

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Detroit Pistons

Home - Minnesota Timberwolves
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-L-W

The Timberwolves opened their season on the road for the first time since 2000-01 with a 105-101 loss Wednesday at Memphis. Thaddeus Young, who was acquired from Philadelphia in the three-team deal that sent Kevin Love to Cleveland, scored 26 on 10-of-18 shooting in his Minnesota debut. Despite being without Love, who averaged 12.5 rebounds in his final season with the club, the Timberwolves held a 47-33 rebounding advantage against a Grizzlies squad that finished fifth last season with an average rebounding margin of plus-3.2.

Away - Detroit Pistons
Last away matches - L-W-L-W-L-L

The Detroit Pistons lost to the Denver Nuggets during their season opener on Wednesday, 89-79. Josh Smith led the way with 25 points and Spencer Dinwiddie scored 15 points off the bench. While Andre Drummond shot 50 percent from the field and grabbed nine rebounds, he wasn’t nearly as aggressive and dominant as he was in the FIBA tournament. Detroit clearly missed Greg Monroe on the offensive end and the glass, but the big man is expected to miss this game as well to finish up his suspension. The Detroit Pistons need to discover more offensive weapons, as shooting 36.9 percent from the field simply isn’t going to cut it against anybody in this league. Expect guys such as Caron Butler and D.J. Augustin to be more aggressive off the bench in this matchup.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+4.00)
Away - (-4.00)
Pick - Minnesota Timberwolves (-4.00)
Odds - 1.90
Stakes - 10/10
__________________________________________________ ____________
NBA PRESEASON
10/30/2014

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks

Home - Cleveland Cavaliers
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-W-L

All eyes will be on the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers tonight as they look to kick off their season with a win at home. After going just 33-49 last season, the Cavaliers took Andrew Wiggins with the first overall pick and looked to be fully set to rebuild around Kyrie Irving. Scrap that idea. LeBron James decided to return home which meant that the Cavs were able to draw in Kevin Love and the new Big Three of the NBA was formed. Most people have the Cavs winning it all this season, including the bookies, but it remains to be seen how well the new team can gel together in just one season. This team has looked fantastic in the preseason games but the real test begins tonight.

Away - New York Knicks
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-W-W

York Knicks kept busy in the offseason themselves and hired Derek Fisher as the new head coach to employ Phil Jackson's famous triangle offense. It's a system that many have struggled to learn in the past and it looks like the Knicks haven't quite gotten it down pat yet. Last night, Carmelo Anthony scored just 14 points as the Knicks got absolutely destroyed by the Bulls 104-80. The late scratching of Jose Calderon didn't help the cause but to be fair, he wouldn't have had that much impact because the Bulls simply played at a much higher level across the board.They are working their way through a new system on offense, the Cavs will be working out how to play with a new roster so don't be surprised if this game is full of turnovers and sloppy mistakes. It's tough to lay so many points on a team that has yet to play a game, but all I know for sure is that the Knicks struggled mightily last night and I'm not expecting their problems to improve overnight.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-11.50)
Away - (+11.50)
Pick - New York Knicks (+11.50)
Odds - 2.02
Stakes - 8/10
__________________________________________________ ____________
NBA PRESEASON
10/30/2014

Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz

Home - Dallas Mavericks
Last away matches - L-W-L-L-W-W

Dallas Mavericks are coming off a loss of their own, but there's no real shame in falling one point shy of knocking off the defending champs on the road. Monta Ellis poured in 26 points while Dirk Nowitzki added 18 points as the Mavericks fell to the Spurs by 101-100 on opening night. Chandler Parsons who signed with the Mavs in the offseason struggled his way to just five points on two of 10 shooting, but had a wide open three just bounce off the rim with 0.4 seconds remaining. Parsons will still be thinking about the missed shot, but I wouldn't put too much blame on him because both Nowitzki and Ellis passed up the ball in that possession.

Away - Utah Jazz
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-W-W

The Utah Jazz are expected by most people to finish right at the bottom of the Western Conference like last season, but there are plenty of positives to draw from their 104-93 loss against the Rockets last night. Sure, a loss is still a loss, but Alec Burks led the way with 18 points, Derrick Favors added 16 and Trey Burke had 15 points as the Jazz hang tough in a game they would've lost by 20 last season. There's still plenty of work to do on defense because the Rockets were allowed to shoot 14 of 27 from the three-point line, but the Rockets led by as many as 13 points in the third before the young Jazz stormed back to within three points to start the fourth.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-11.00)
Away - (+11.00)
Pick - Dallas Mavericks (-11.00)
Odds - 1.98
Stakes - 10/10
__________________________________________________ ____________
NBA PRESEASON
10/30/2014

LA Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Home - LA Clippers
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-L

The Los Angeles Clippers will be eager to write off the ugliness of last season after they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs following the Donald Sterling dramas. In the summer, LA signed Spencer Hawes and Jordan Farmar who will both play significant roles on this team, but probably their biggest move was taking in the excitable Steve Ballmer as their new owner. Finishing last season as the league's best offense, the Clippers did little to improve their defense. However, you just feel that the key players just need to stay healthy and we will see the LA right near the top of the Western Conference.

Away - Oklahoma City Thunder
Last away matches - L-L-W-L-W-W

The Oklahoma City Thunder hope Kevin Durant can get over his injury quick because even with Russell Westbrook pouring in 38 points last night, they still lost to the Trailblazers by 106-89. Lance Thomas added 14 points off the bench and Serge Ibaka had 10, but the Thunder completely fizzled out in the fourth quarter where the Blazers outscored them by 31-12. Durant did say after he had surgery that he won't rush his rehab at all, but after what I saw last night, his patience will surely be tested for a while.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-11.50)
Away - (+11.50)
Pick - Oklahoma City Thunder (+11.50)
Odds - 2.02
Stakes - 10/10

[DarrenCollison]

I hate to say this but maybe my Lakers should look into a Kobe trade. Now Randle breaks his leg...sheesh.

Positives:
Kobe gets a chance to not end his career this way
Lakers start rebuilding a year early

Cons:
Kobe should be a Laker for life

Yeah, with no randle and no steve nash lakers have a hard time this season

lets pray for them so they can back soon

[DDRGuido]

Randle and Nash are both done for the season