Posted on
2/22/2008 4:22:59 PM
NBA Betting Trends - King James, New Soldiers, Host Wizards
By Eric Williams
While the Washington Wizards, (25-28 SU, 30-23 ATS, 27-26 O/U), are hurting, both literally and figuratively at the moment, having dropped nine of their last ten while trying to ride out the rash of injuries to key players they’ve seen this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers, (30-24 SU, 25-29 ATS, 25-27-2 O/U), are trying to find the right combination of players to surround superstar swingman LeBron James in order to get the 2008 all-star game MVP his first championship ring.
After posting back-to-back triple-doubles in his last two games, James will be trying to help the Cavs get their first home win in almost three weeks while being surrounded by several new faces.
The Cavaliers have added center Ben Wallace, power forward Joe Smith, sharpshooter Wally Sczerbiak and underrated combination guard Delonte West after parting ways with starters Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes and reserves Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown.
I didn't think we were good enough to win the championship," Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said, explaining his moves. "I thought we had a very good team. But I do believe if we have a chance to make ourselves better we should try.
All-Star forward Caron Butler has missed six consecutive games and nine of 11 with a strained left hip flexor, and may not play tonight. Washington is a dismal 2-8 this season without Butler.
Atlanta's gotten better. Philly's playing well. Chicago's going to make a run," said All-Star forward Antawn Jamison. "We've got to play with a sense of urgency because if we don't, things are going to get out of hand. We've got 29 games left, and they're going to fly by."
I'm trying to remain optimistic about getting out there, but at the same time I've got to see how I feel," Butler said. "I need to feel good in practice. Pain free."
Washington lost to the lowly New York Knicks 113-100 in overtime on Tuesday while the Cavaliers took out the disappointing Indiana Pacers 106-97 on Wednesday.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks:
The Wizards are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
The Wizards are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southeast.
The Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
The Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Over is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
The Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Analysis: Despite their recent changes to their roster, this is a game that LeBron James – and Ben Wallace – won’t let the Cavaliers lose. Take Cleveland to win outright and cover the spread.
NBA Free Picks: Cleveland – 2½ Points/Under 187 Total Points
08:05 PM EST Basketball Point Spreads
Washington Wizards +2½ -110
Cleveland Cavaliers -2½ -110
Over 187 -110
Under 187 -110
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