The Clippers have won 7 out of their last 10 after starting out 5-21, showing the dawning of a new era for the historically pathetic Clippers. Blake Griffin has been a beast, finishing with a double-double in each of his past 23 games. Beyond that, he’s been getting better and better each month of the season. In October, he averaged 16.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. November, he averaged 20.9, 11.7, & 2.7, December, 23.0, 13.5, & 3.9, and January, 25.3, 15, and 4.3. Beast. Beyond that, his numbers are better at home by 4 points per game and he dishes out 1.3 more assists per home contest. He also seems to rise to the occasion against the better teams averaging 30.3 ppg against Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Orlando, and Utah. In simpler terms, watch out for Blake Griffin. Eric Gordon has been a consistent force for the Clippers averaging 23.5 and 4.4 dimes while being aggressive at the end of games. Also, Barron Davis is playing happy finally and it has shown in his production.
The Heat have won 9 in a row and 21 of their last 22 games, including 13 straight on the road since LeBron’s intense Cleveland homecoming. There have been many big games by Wade (40, 45 pts) and James (38, 44 points) recently which could be bad news for LA. However, in Miami’s last 2 games, both on the road, relatively weak teams (Bucks and Blazers) forced overtime. The Heat seem to be feeding off the energy of the crowds when they play on the road. The fanfare led James to dub his posse the Heatles because they sell out arenas like the Beatles did.
The only sure thing about this game is that it will be fun to watch. Expect both teams to be up for the challenge under the bright lights of Los Angeles. Expect a star-studded crowd to rival the Lakers’ games, and don’t be surprised if the Clippers rise to the occasion and take down the Heat or at least cover the spread.
The original post can be found at www.jvsportspicks.com/nba-betting-preview-miami-heat-los-angeles-clippers
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A sports team run by the fans: Fanagers (get it?)
It appears that John Elway has taken the Broncos up a notch already. He moved them into the 21st century by Twittering inside information about the organization.
By doing so, he has opened up the possibility of a group of fans running a sports team. Imagine a system where the head coaches were interviewed live on the internet to be seen by fans and then the manager was chosen through a fan vote (social security numbers linked to personal Fanager account so there wouldn't be rampant voter fraud). Or, selecting the design for special uniform nights like throwback night. Or even what the batting order should be or when to pull the pitcher. I'd love to be a fanager, I'm sure The Sports Guy would love to have a say, and I bet you would too.
By doing so, he has opened up the possibility of a group of fans running a sports team. Imagine a system where the head coaches were interviewed live on the internet to be seen by fans and then the manager was chosen through a fan vote (social security numbers linked to personal Fanager account so there wouldn't be rampant voter fraud). Or, selecting the design for special uniform nights like throwback night. Or even what the batting order should be or when to pull the pitcher. I'd love to be a fanager, I'm sure The Sports Guy would love to have a say, and I bet you would too.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Rockets to upset Celtics
The Rockets almost ended their 4 game losing streak against the Jazz on Friday as they were pushed to overtime at home. After being up 86-78 with almost 4 minutes to go, they only managed to eek out 3 more points the rest of the way on free throws. This is likely to lead to two possibilities depending on how the Rockets interpret the loss. If they take from it the feeling of being in the lead for most of the game, and that next time they'll finish things right, they're going to beat the Celtics in Boston on Monday. If they take from it the disappointment of giving up that lead in the final minutes, they will get completely crushed by a Boston team that just took a beating from Derrick Rose and the Bulls.
The Celtics have been going through some ups and downs lately for a number of reasons, so they're beatable. It could be easy for the Celtics to overlook the Rockets at this moment since they're beginning a 6 game home streak against the likes of Houston, Sacramento, and Charlotte (37-67 combined). Rondo took more shots Saturday than any other game since his return (14) and had "just" 8 assists. Look for him to get his teammates into the game more (12-15 assists).
If you want to try to pick an upset, this has a good chance of going down. After getting a taste of potential victory, the Rockets should be hungry to go for the kill against the favored Celtics.
Update: nailed it. 108-102 Houston wins. Rondo 12 assists, 8 shots.
The Celtics have been going through some ups and downs lately for a number of reasons, so they're beatable. It could be easy for the Celtics to overlook the Rockets at this moment since they're beginning a 6 game home streak against the likes of Houston, Sacramento, and Charlotte (37-67 combined). Rondo took more shots Saturday than any other game since his return (14) and had "just" 8 assists. Look for him to get his teammates into the game more (12-15 assists).
If you want to try to pick an upset, this has a good chance of going down. After getting a taste of potential victory, the Rockets should be hungry to go for the kill against the favored Celtics.
Update: nailed it. 108-102 Houston wins. Rondo 12 assists, 8 shots.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thunder to reign over limping Mavs
The Mavericks' offense has taken some major knocks recently with injuries to Dirk Nowitzki and Caron Butler. That's almost 40 points per game that they're going to have to find somewhere else. Expect more production from Jason Terry in his third game as a starter after getting in a groove with 18 points in each of the last 2 games.
Look for the young Thunder to smell blood from the start as they try to end a 2 game losing streak. You can't keep Kevin Durant down for long, so expect him to start strong after a couple rough shooting nights (18-39). Westbrook has shown a killer attitude this year and I expect that he'll rise to the occasion of the nationally televised game especially after scoring 28 on Tuesday.
Dallas probably won't be able to match up with the Thunder tonight, so expect a big road smackdown from OKC.
Look for the young Thunder to smell blood from the start as they try to end a 2 game losing streak. You can't keep Kevin Durant down for long, so expect him to start strong after a couple rough shooting nights (18-39). Westbrook has shown a killer attitude this year and I expect that he'll rise to the occasion of the nationally televised game especially after scoring 28 on Tuesday.
Dallas probably won't be able to match up with the Thunder tonight, so expect a big road smackdown from OKC.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Look for a high scoring game Boson v Spurs
In last night’s game against the Knicks, the Spurs gave up 128 points and scored 115 themselves for a total of 243. These are not the Spurs that you have grown to known. They are an efficient offensive team (4th - 105.9 ppg) who can score points and play average defense (15th – 97.6 ppg). They are coming off a game where they couldn’t figure it out defensively which will likely carry over into tonight’s game against the Celtics.
The Celtics are the best defensive team in the league this year, but Kevin Garnett is out with a right leg injury for the next week. Also, the Celtic’s offensive engine has come back in the form of Rondo at point guard. Last game he was passing up layups to get the ball to his teammates. He is hungry for assists like few point guards in the league (look for 15-20 assists tonight). Look for Pierce to shoot more tonight (Doc told him to straight up) and score 30+ (40?). With Rondo in and Garnett out, we are almost certain to see a more offensive and less defensive game.
This game could go either way very easily when it comes to wins and losses, but expect to see 210+ points scored.
The Celtics are the best defensive team in the league this year, but Kevin Garnett is out with a right leg injury for the next week. Also, the Celtic’s offensive engine has come back in the form of Rondo at point guard. Last game he was passing up layups to get the ball to his teammates. He is hungry for assists like few point guards in the league (look for 15-20 assists tonight). Look for Pierce to shoot more tonight (Doc told him to straight up) and score 30+ (40?). With Rondo in and Garnett out, we are almost certain to see a more offensive and less defensive game.
This game could go either way very easily when it comes to wins and losses, but expect to see 210+ points scored.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Kevin Love
He's a rebounding machine. Earlier this year, he had a game where he scored 30 points and grabbed 30 rebounds. It was the first time since Moses Malone in 1980. Before tonight's game, Celtics coach Doc was questioned about that 30 rebound game and he said that if they don't put bodies on him, he will get a lot of rebounds.
Love has 19 rebounds now with 2:03 left in the game. Can he get 30 again? He's fallen off the pace this quarter, but the game remains close which will make his totals likely rise.
On the other side of the floor, rondo has 13 assists and barely wants to shoot to a ridiculous degree. Both of these totals will rise greatly in the 4th. The wolves are up 71-66 now, so an overtime period wouldn't be surprising. I predict 25 rebounds and 18 assists, or 30 & 20 with ot.
Love has 19 rebounds now with 2:03 left in the game. Can he get 30 again? He's fallen off the pace this quarter, but the game remains close which will make his totals likely rise.
On the other side of the floor, rondo has 13 assists and barely wants to shoot to a ridiculous degree. Both of these totals will rise greatly in the 4th. The wolves are up 71-66 now, so an overtime period wouldn't be surprising. I predict 25 rebounds and 18 assists, or 30 & 20 with ot.
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