Coming off of a formidable – but losing – playoff effort last season against the Chicago Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to begin the 2011-2012 season. The squad is experiencing its best early record in the earlier eight years, but are still struggling against the more proficient teams in the league. Whilst they’re 11-4 thus far, simply 4 of those wins are against teams with records above .500.
Number one ranked Kentucky against the NCAA competition hopefuls Georgia? Looks like a recipe for a blowout, specifically as Kentucky just barely regained that desired No. 1 location on the rankings for the 1st time in the prior 2 months. Whilst the Wildcats are on top of the rankings and enjoying an 11 game win streak, the Georgia Bulldogs can best be described as inconsistent so far in the year.
The Sacramento Kings are facing an uphill battle when they take on the Houston Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a situation of both teams restructuring for the long run as both teams look nothing like their early 2000′s heydays. The Kings look to get back to their past dominance in the west with outstanding play from their young stalwarts. The Houston Rockets are still dealing with the fallout from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Houston Rockets are favored by 3 points by the sports book and this wants to be a difficult game to call.
The AT&T Center could get some long distance action on Jan 13th as the Trailblazers head to San Antonio to take on the San Antonio Spurs. Portland is a youthful squad looking to build up as the quick but electric Brandon Roy era formally ended with his retirement in December. Ex – #1 pick Greg Oden has furthermore had continued concerns with his knees as Portland apparently can not shake the ghost of Sam Bowie. The San Antonio Spurs look to defend their court with stunning plays from their normal steady lineup. The San Antonio Spurs are liked by 8 points and this looks to be an excellent wager.
On January 12th, things get hot when the Cavaliers enter into Phoenix to take on the Phoenix Suns. Two years ago, this would have been an outstanding contest with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head up in a collision course. In the era of free agency nonetheless, times definitely have changed as this contest seems dramatically different. Phoenix is preferred by 6 points over the Cleveland Cavaliers and this is apparently a safe bet.
Saturday evening on January 14th, the New York Knicks come into Oklahoma City to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in this huge competition between these 2 squads. It’s a tale of 2 squads as the Oklahoma City Thunder come into play with a dependable squad of young guns vs the Knicks who it looks from year upon year often comes into play with plenty of modifications going on. The Knicks are liked by 4 points and this might hold unless Durant has one of his ordinary killer contests.
The United Center in Chicago will be on edge as the Washington Wizards arrive in town to take on the Chicago Bulls. In previous years, this matchup would have been the most challenging ticket to get as the 2nd comeback by Michael Jordan turned the Wizards into press darlings throughout the nba. Jordan is now long retired nevertheless and the Wizards have turned into an excellent youthful squad with vast amounts of possible waiting to be tapped. The sportsbook has the Chicago Bulls liked by 8 points which looks correct and looks like a solid bet with Chicago being rooted on at home.
The Staples Center will come alive on Jan 11th when the Heat competes with the Clippers. The Heat comes in with one of the best records in the NBA bolstered by an awesome lineup of stars. The Heat lead the NBA as a team in points obtained and assists. The sportsbook has the Heat preferred by 8 points and with the backcourt they include, it seems to be a sure bet. Let’s have a closer look at the Heat this year and the things they offer.
These two teams have been doing relatively well this season. This should not be an unexpected to any person as both of these colleges are well noted for their share of triumphs in basketball for many years. When Western Virginia visits Connecticut these two teams will be at it out on the court on January 9.
While this particular contest might not have the same depth that its football version does, the Jan 9 – Oklahoma at Oklahoma State game still has its own kind of excitement. With the conference basketball season just arrived, both the Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys will make an effort to set the tone for the remainder of their season with this match. In Oklahoma’s case, they will be seeking to continue what has been a great start as they finished the non-conference slate with a 10-2 record.