Posted on
3/5/2008 3:24:42 PM
NBA Western Conference Showdown – Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets
By Eric Williams
The Phoenix Suns, (40-20 SU, 27-31-2 ATS, 34-26 O/U), have struggled with finding their new identity after acquiring behemoth center Shaquille O’Neal, going just 2-4 in Shaq’s first six games with the club before picking up a 97-92 win over the Portland Trailblazers that I correctly predicted in yesterday’s BetUS.com Locker Room.
The Denver Nuggets, (35-24 SU, 29-30 ATS, 32-27 O/U), are just 5-5 in their last ten games and have to be considered one of the most disappointing teams in the league this season, as they have also struggled to find any real consistency despite having two of the league’s top scorers on its roster in Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.
Denver was soundly beaten by the Houston Rockets 103-89 on Sunday and have dropped four of their last six games.
Phoenix enters tonight’s matchup looking to win two straight games for the first time since getting O’Neal from the Miami Heat for forward Shawn Marion and backup point guard Marcus Banks.
"We're still a work in progress," said O’Neal who is averaging just 9.7 points per game with the Suns.
On Tuesday, Suns general manager Steve Kerr signed veteran shooting guard Gordan Giricek, who was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, to give the team another solid option on the perimeter.
Iverson, who scored just 17 points against the Rockets, shouldered the blame for Denver’s most recent loss.
"If I struggle ... it's going to be tough for us to win games," said Iverson.
Denver will likely be without its best bench player and third-leading scorer for the second straight game in forward Linas Kleiza who is dealing with a sprained left foot.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks:
The Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
The Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
The Nuggets are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
The Over is 6-0 in Suns last 6 games following a S.U. win.
The Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
The Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Denver.
Analysis: While I am certainly disappointed with the Nuggets this season, I think this is a game they could very well win against the Suns at home tonight – depending on which Denver team shows up. However, I advise against betting on the Nuggets to cover the five-point spread against the Suns, who know they need more victories in the worst way in order to position themselves for the postseason – and justify the O’Neal trade. Take the Suns to cover the spread and possibly win outright NBA bettors.
NBA Free Picks: Phoenix +5 Points/Under 230 ½ Total Points
09:05 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Phoenix Suns +5 -110
Denver Nuggets -5 -110
Over 230½ -110
Under 230½ -110
You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!