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3 game Thursday is here and all games have a value add for the fans and the tipsters.
Equally as interesting is the Dwight visit to the Kobe retirement tour. Two great teammates of the past reuniting to show respects to one another on the hardwood at Staples. That’s how it’s going to play out right?
Houston -6 @1.91.
Oklahoma +9.5 @1.38.
Tonight’s games below…
Toronto at Charlotte
Points +/- Rank
| RK | TEAM | OWN | OPP | DIFF |
| 8 | Toronto | 99.5 | 95.8 | +3.7 |
| 5 | Charlotte | 102.7 | 98 | +4.7 |
The Say
Both teams crashed back to Earth in the past few days with losses to fellow Eastern opponents, being 5 & 6 on the Standings, a win here is worth 2. Its weird to see both Orlando and Detroit in the top 8 of the East, even more crazy is Atlanta who finished 1st last season sitting in 9th position.
Charlotte still missing big Al Jefferson – who began his 5 game suspension last night for violated the league drugs code, will consider themselves on even pegging against the Raptors who are also without Centre Jonas Valanciunas – we can expect a lot of small ball, open mid shots and a fair share of threes.
Charlotte played last night which inserts the fatigue factor with our tipping. Always a dicey one being the home team but we are more confident in the Raptors to turn it around sooner.
Feeling Lucky: Toronto 1-10 @2.75
Oklahoma at Cleveland
Points +/- Rank
| RK | TEAM | OWN | OPP | DIFF |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 107.6 | 100.7 | +6.9 |
| 4 | Cleveland | 101.5 | 95.8 | +5.7 |
The Say
You would almost say this game has potential to match the highs of one of the best for the season. Its hard to take any spotlight from the daily headline being the Warriors but this game brings a little rivalry with it.
Its been a while since we have seen Durant go head to head against LeBron being in different conferences so these are the moments to savour. Still without Irving, the Cavs will be going up against the team with the best win streak currently (6) undermanned. We are still yet to mention Westbrook. LeBron will have his hands full with Durant so who will take Russ? This will be a dilemma for Cleveland as they do have trouble slowing down Point Guards who attack the rim.
However, the Cavs do have their share of talented bigs. Love (17.9 ppg, 10.9 rpg is matching career averages this year and Thompson will be hitting the other side of the glass. As your reading this, I’m hoping your getting excited as much as we are from a fans perspectively.
With these match-ups, H2H wise its always safe to go the home side, but seriously cant decide. Expect a Championship atmosphere, enjoy the show.
Feeling Lucky: Oklahoma 1-10 @3.10.
Houston at LA Lakers
Points +/- Rank
| RK | TEAM | OWN | OPP | DIFF |
| 22 | Houston | 104.1 | 107.1 | -3 |
| 29 | LA Lakers | 97.7 | 106.8 | -9.1 |
Last Time Around
The Say (Rant):
So, reports are out that Dwight (12.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg) is unhappy at the Rockets. Big, fu*$!n, deal. Is there a stay that this guy has had that hasn’t ended in the words “not happy”? Usually when you are always surrounded by problems, the problem is you. When you’re playing in the league’s most disappointing team, you can either buck up and bring the others to greater heights, or do what you’ve always done, and move on, hopefully to the next “ideal situation”.
Apparently not happy with his role (which must be to play every third game channelling Michael Olowokandi), he is now looking for another team to carry him the trophy on a silver platter. Sorry Dwight.
“I haven’t said nothing to nobody about anything,” Howard said. “I’ve been positive and trying to help turn this thing around every way possible. People are always going to make up lies and rumors to get off. But I haven’t said nothing about anything to anybody. That has never been my focus. I’m trying to get these guys to play better and get myself to play better. So why would I say that to anybody?”
We’ve been through all this before Dwight, remember this?…
This little episode ended in the firing of StanVan Gundy, shortly after he promptly demanded a trade to the Lakers soon after. Smooth work Superman.
Kobe didn’t pander to your soft attitude at the Lakers, and you can bet that tonight at Staples, you’ll get the welcome you deserve, which will be as much as get when I pay for my coffee with a hundred dollar bill, and want change.
“I’m consistently feeling good now,” Bryant (16.5, 3.5 apg, 4. rpg) said. “I feel like I have my legs underneath me.”
You may feel good Kobe, but we still can’t tip you. The Rockets will win here, and won the last outing on the 13th Dec – 126-97. The line is pretty generous for the Rockets here.
The Best Bet: Houston -6 @1.91. After winning by 29 last time out, it’s the smart option.
