NBA East Coast Gauntlet – The Wednesday Free Picks

ATLANTA HAWKS -9 over Memphis Grizzlies

The Hawks, usually a great bet at home, have stumbled to a 1-4 ATS record in their last 5 hostings. That can probably be attributed to the temporary slow down of Al Horford who is set to bang the boards tonight and make life a living hell for the road weary Grizzlies. Memphis is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games, not to mention winless in their last five games straight up.

Minnesota Timberwolves +9 over ORLANDO MAGIC

One of the unsung heroes in the NBA is Al Jefferson. Mr. Double Double as he’s referred to in this BetUS Locker Room is one of the best all-round big men in the league, and has been forced to carry a lack luster band of misfits in Minnesota. There’s no better way to put himself on the map than by out performing the great Dwight Howard. Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 road games and 4-1 ATS when visiting Disney World. Though the Magic are expected to win this game straight up, I think the Timberwolves give Orlando more trouble than the oddsmakers expect.

LA Lakers -7 over PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Oh man the Sixers are catching the Lakers at the wrong time. Kobe and company, fueled by contempt after losing to the freaking Pacers last night, will be out for blood when they visit Elton Brand and the Sixers. LA has crushed Philadelphia in the past, going 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in the city of brotherly love. The Sixers return home after a demoralizing loss to Derrick Rose and the Bulls, where Andre Miller’s knees exploded on a killer cross-over by Rose, so expect the deflated Sixers to get rolled in this one.

Portland Trailblazers -6 over WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Washington is quickly becoming one of the biggest wastes of time in the league. Portland is one of the best bets around. Take a soft sports betting line to the heezy with a great line for Portland.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -14.5 over New York Knicks

Do the Knicks even care about this season anymore? They were blasted by the Cavs 119-101 when LeBron James was on the bench for the entire fourth quarter. Cleveland is undefeated against the spread in their last five games. Don’t get surly with a Knicks team that has lost any scoring punch and is demoralized to the bones.

BOSTON CELTICS -12 over Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are coming off a huge win over the Lakers from last night, but steam roll in to the Celtics tonight. What’s with Boston’s schedule? They got the Pistons the night after they had to play Cleveland too. Look for Boston, which is 5-0 ATS in their last five home stands, to handle the Pacers who would be a better bet had Jeff Foster been ready to suit up. Yes, Foster is playing that well this season. I know, I feel stupid just writing it.

Chicago Bulls +4 over Milwaukee Bucks

Derrick Rose is the leading front runner in the race for Rookie of the Year. With the Bucks lack luster team crushing the spread so far, the oddsmakers have decided to make things a little tougher on the boys from Wisconsin. Bogut is still out, so they’re getting raped on the boards and inside. Look for Rose to shine tonight as he enters a duel with another hot hand in the league – Michael Redd.