NBA PRESEASON
10/23/2014
Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers
Home - Charlotte Hornets
Last away matches - L-L-W-L-L-W
This will also be the Charlotte Hornets last preseason game, and they’re 3-4 overall. Kemba Walker is starting to look more and more like a true point guard, as he’s produced 43 points and 19 assists in his last three games. Bismack Biyombo is another player Charlotte has to be excited about as he’s grabbed 16 rebounds in his last two games and is starting to become the defensive player the Hornets were hoping for. Al Jefferson has been his usual self throughout the preseason with the scoring and rebounding, and he should be fresh for this matchup after missing the Hornets last game. The Charlotte Hornets are a sneaky talented team that should turn some heads as long as the youngsters continue to progress.
Away - Indiana Pacers
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-W
This will be the last game for the Indiana Pacers, who are 2-4 in preseason play. David West missed the Pacers last game with a sprained ankle and remains questionable for this matchup. The good news for Indiana fans is that Roy Hibbert is coming off his best game where he dropped 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 29 minutes. With Paul George out, Hibbert will have to return to his old self and be one of the more dominant players in the East. George Hill continues to be the most consistent Pacer of the preseason, producing a combined 35 points and 14 assists in his last three games. In order to be successful this season, the Indiana Pacers must find some consistent offense without their superstar player on the court.
Asian Handicap
Home - (-3.00)
Away - (+3.00)
Pick - Indiana Pacers (+3.00)
Odds - 2.06
Stakes - 8/10
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NBA PRESEASON
10/23/2014
Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers
Home - Detroit Pistons
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-L-L
The Detroit Pistons are 4-2 in the preseason and will play their third game at home. Andre Drummond has clearly grown from spending time in the FIBA tournament and is coming off his best preseason game in which he grabbed 17 rebounds and scored 19 points. Drummond is one of the better young big men in the league and gives the Pistons a punchers chance at a playoff spot. Greg Monroe has a combined 35 points and 18 rebounds in his last two games. Josh Smith has done a decent job of taking care of the ball during these scrimmages and has racked up a solid 17 assists in his last three games. The Detroit Pistons seem to be a more disciplined team under head coach Stan Van
Away - Philadelphia 76ers
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-L
The Philadelphia 76ers are 2-5 in the preseason and are searching for answers more than any other team in the league. The one thing the 76ers have struggled with the most is three pointers, as they’re a combined 8-41 from downtown in their last two games. Elliot Williams is 1-7 from deep in his last two games and Hollis Thompson is 3-9 from downtown in his last two games. Nerlens Noel has been dealing with an illness and missed some playing time, but he recently returned to practice and will be available for this preseason finale. Henry Sims has been the most consistent player for Philadelphia at both ends of the floor and has 21 rebounds in his last three games. The 76ers will take anything they can get at this point entering the regular season.
Asian Handicap
Home - (+5.00)
Away - (-5.00)
Pick - Detroit Pistons (-5.00)
Odds - 2.11
Stakes - 10/10
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NBA PRESEASON
10/23/2014
New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks
Home - New Orleans Pelicans
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-L-L
The New Orleans Pelicans have won their last three preseason games and are 4-2 overall. Anthony Davis is clearly ready for the preseason to end, as he’s gone 26-34 from the field in his last three games and has grabbed 24 rebounds in his last three games. Ryan Anderson has also been on fire recently, shooting 12-24 from the field in his last two games and giving the Pelicans some floor spacing. Austin Rivers may be experiencing a minor turnaround considering he’s scored in the double digits in two straight games and has eight assists. While the New Orleans Pelicans are often forgotten about in a tough Western Conference, this is a team that has some solid talent and is clearly on the upswing starting with this season.
Away - Dallas Mavericks
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-L-L
The Dallas Mavericks are 3-3 in the preseason and are using these last couple of games in hopes of finding some depth to go along with a veteran starting lineup. One guy who continues to impress has been Richard Jefferson, who has produced a combined 32 points and five assists in his last two games. While Jefferson is one of the older guys on the team, he could be a big spark off the Mavs bench if he can keep this level of play up. Jameer Nelson has 30 points and nine assists in his last two games, as it looks like he’s going to be the Mavericks starting point guard. Raymond Felton continues to miss time with an ankle sprain and remains questionable for this matchup. Chandler Parsons is 4-10 from downtown in his last two contests.
Asian Handicap
Home - (-2.50)
Away - (+2.50)
Pick - Dallas Mavericks (+2.50)
Odds - 2.08
Stakes - 8/10