NBA Picks 2/19/12

NBA Picks 2/19/12
Posted Record 0-1-0 (-2.2 units)

I had a tough loss yesterday, with Memphis blowing a big lead early and winning on a buzzer beater by a Tony Allen tip in. Anyways, got a few great plays today to get it back!

Milwaukee Bucks -2 (12-18-0 ATS) at New Jersey Nets (14-18-0) 7:00 EDT

The Bucks and the Nets are both coming off wins, as they face each other Sunday Night at Barclays Center. Last night, the Nets took down the Chicago Bulls as Deron Williams and Kris Humphries lead the way in scoring and rebounding, respectively. The win broke an eight game losing streak.

The Milwaukee Bucks come in losing four straight games including an uninspired effort at Orlando on Sunday, which saw them fall 94-85. Brandon Jennings has struggled during the losing streak, in his last eight games overall, he is averaging just 12 points per game on below 30 percent shooting. The Bucks have also won just two out their last eight games.

The Nets seemed invigorated after their win last night against the Bulls (and broke their losing streak), as they are finally healthy on offense. Brook Lopez is expected to make his season debut today, he has been recovering from a broken foot suffered this preseason. Lopez led the Nets in scoring last season and scoring and will surely have an impact on tonight’s game. I love the Nets in his matchup, in addition to just being the better team lately, Drew Gooden is also doubtful to play tonight. The frontcourt will lose a valuable piece and with the return of Lopez, it looks to be advantage Nets down low. I don’t see a let down here for the Nets, they are the better team and are playing on their home floor.

New Jersey Nets +2 for 2 units

The Nets +2 -110 is available at BetOnline

Charlotte Bobcats (11-19-0 ATS) at Indiana -11 (13-17-0 ATS) 6:00 EDT

The Bobcats head to Indiana looking to build on the win they had this Friday in Golden State. The Bobcats snapped a franchise record 16 game losing streak with the win, the Pacers also won at home against New Jersey last Thursday, breaking their own five game losing streak.

Charlotte is obviously not a good basketball team this year, as their win in Golden State was only their fourth of the season. However, things are looking brighter, because point guard D.J Augustin is back running the show. He notched 10 assists in their win against Toronto and can really get their offense going. Maggette has been efficient since his return and Bismark Biyumbo has done a great job at taking over at center.

The Pacers have not been playing great basketball lately themselves, winning just four of their last ten games. Granger has been a bright spot for the Pacers, but is still dealing an injured ankle. He is likely to play today but it is possible he come miss tonight’s contest.

The Pacers are simply not a team deserving of being -11, they’ve been much too inconsistent defensively. They are playing a Bobcats team who finally has their starting point guard back and is better than their record indicates. Injuries decimated their ability to compete for awhile, but as they get healthy, I think they will begin to play better. I like them to keep this one close.

Bobcats +11 for 2 Units

Bet the Bobcats +11 now at BetOnline!

Los Angeles Lakers (14-16-0 ATS) -2.5 at Phoenix Suns (12-19-0 ATS) 8:00 EDT

I’m not going to go into too much detail with this matchup because I think it is pretty self explanatory. In recent years, the Lakers have owned the Suns, winning 18 of the last 24 matchups. On top of that, the Suns are on a four game losing streak and hold the NBA’s worst home record at 5-8.

Kobe hates the Suns and has averaged just over 31 points per game against them in his career. Gasol and Bynum have totaled 55 points and 47 boards in the first two matchups against the Suns this season. Though the Lakers have been poor on the road (just 5-10 away from Staples), I just can’t see myself laying off this one. It may be too good to be true, but I’m willing to pay to find out!

Lakers -2.5 for 1 Unit

Bet the Lakers -2.5 -110 now at BetOnline!

Thanks for reading and good luck with all your plays today!