posted January 18, 2008 at 11:38 in NBA Free Picks

You want to handicap NBA basketball games and bet'em at BetUS Sportsbook? Then you have to know it's not all about the latest stats or trends. Oddsmakers often adjust for the absence of stars. And the media likes to concentrate on "personalities." But when you look at the injury reports in the process of handicapping, here are some of the guys you need to look out for, because they play essential roles with their respective teams that go beyond the headlines. Without them, you may be looking at a side that is downgraded a notch or two in terms of its NBA betting value:

DAVID WEST, New Orleans -- A guy named "West" has to be the captain of this crew, doesn't he? This power forward has taken more shots (609) than any New Orleans player. West averages a rather quiet 19.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. But he's a perfect complement to Tyson Chandler up front, and is the inside offensive threat that makes people like Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson more dangerous from the perimeter. West come into the NBA from Xavier, so you know he's mentally tough and knows the meaning of the word "defense." he is mentioned so much as an unsung player that he might actually be "sung" by now.

STEVE BLAKE, Portland -- Blake averages 7.9 points and 4.6 assists as a second unit member and sometime starter. His importance lies in the fact that he is a strong veteran presence among a lot of young talents in that Portland backcourt, and he offers a lot of steadiness and leadership to them. And he personifies his team in that he can really take care of the rock - how about a 3.5-to-1 ratio of assists to turnovers!

JOHN SALMONS, Sacramento -- The Kings have not been on a path that would make them playoff-bound. But with all the injuries that came over this team, especially to offensive guns like Kevin Martin, Mike Bibby and Ron Artest, someone had to fill the vacuum and provide scoring and energy. In came Salmons, a fifth-year pro from the University of Miami who had basically been cast off by Philadelphia. Salmons is averaging a career-high 17.1 points, five rebounds and 1.4 steals. He hasn't driven his team into a playoff position, but he's been the standard-bearer for other no-name performers like Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia and Mikki Moore who have helped this team keep its head above water until the big guns were able to come back. Now Artest, Bibby and Martin are all in the rotation, and the Kings may be ready to make a move.

ANDREW BYNUM, L.A. Lakers -- Bynum has season averages of 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, and was shooting 63.6% from the field before he was injured. A lot of people know who Bynum is because of the Lakers' high profile. But how many truly appreciated him? Apparently not Bryant last year. This year it was a different story, obviously, because Bynum gave teams something to defend against other than Kobe. This is the kind of guy who is not easily replaced.

ANDREI KIRILENKO, Utah -- This is the kind of guy who really knows how to fill out a stats sheet. The multi-talented Kirilenko averages 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.3 steals and 4.9 assists per game for the Jazz. He's been an NBA Betting Odds All-Star in the past, but has been more of a complementary player lately with the emergence of other standouts like Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur. But the thing is, Kirilenko can do a little of what all those guys do, and a little more. Sure, he's had some issues with management and coach Jerry Sloan, but let's put it this way - Utah likes their chances a lot more when he's in the lineup.

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(Charles Jay of TotalActionExtra.com is a freelance writer and handicapper who not only can make his shots from the top of the key, but also contributes with gusto to the BetUS Locker Room)