Portland Trail Blazers at Boston Celtics (-3, 184)
Raymond Felton knows the Blazers are shopping for a new point guard and he knows he’s the reason why. Felton, who enjoyed a career campaign last year, has been dreadful in his first season in Rip City.
He lost his job in the starting lineup last month but was reinserted Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Blazers lost but Felton was one of the lone bright spots, scoring 23 points and dishing out nine assists.
“I know I’m struggling, but it’s hard to perform the way you know how when you know they don’t have confidence in you,” Felton told reporters last month. “Never in my days playing have I felt like a coach wasn’t confident in my abilities. It’s hard to play knowing that.”
Not sure if Felton’s being back in the starting lineup had anything to do with head coach Nate McMillan having confidence in the former Tar Heel. It probably has more to do with McMillan realizing that Felton is a better option at point than Jamal Crawford. Lesser of two evils, kind of thing.
Boston point guard Rajon Rondo, who knows a thing or two about trade rumors himself, should eat up Felton on Friday.
Pick: Celtics -3 +++
Utah Jazz at Philadelphia 76ers (-6.5, 185)
Evan Turner is an interesting topic these days in Philadelphia. The sports town took it easy on Turner for an up and down season because the Sixers were playing so well. But the fans turned their frustration at Turner after a recent 2-8 slump.
Philly columnist Stan Hochman defended Turner explaining only that Turner was dealing with something that would more than explain his inconsistent performance. Well, after the second-year player scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds against the Celtics on Wednesday, everyone was wondering if Turner can keep it up.
“I don’t worry,” Turner told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “You have some good nights and you have some bad nights. As a pro you understand that. Tonight was a good night.”
Expect Turner and the Sixers to have another good night against the Jazz.
Pick: 76ers -6.5 +++
Raymond Felton knows the Blazers are shopping for a new point guard and he knows he’s the reason why. Felton, who enjoyed a career campaign last year, has been dreadful in his first season in Rip City.
He lost his job in the starting lineup last month but was reinserted Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Blazers lost but Felton was one of the lone bright spots, scoring 23 points and dishing out nine assists.
“I know I’m struggling, but it’s hard to perform the way you know how when you know they don’t have confidence in you,” Felton told reporters last month. “Never in my days playing have I felt like a coach wasn’t confident in my abilities. It’s hard to play knowing that.”
Not sure if Felton’s being back in the starting lineup had anything to do with head coach Nate McMillan having confidence in the former Tar Heel. It probably has more to do with McMillan realizing that Felton is a better option at point than Jamal Crawford. Lesser of two evils, kind of thing.
Boston point guard Rajon Rondo, who knows a thing or two about trade rumors himself, should eat up Felton on Friday.
Pick: Celtics -3 +++
Utah Jazz at Philadelphia 76ers (-6.5, 185)
Evan Turner is an interesting topic these days in Philadelphia. The sports town took it easy on Turner for an up and down season because the Sixers were playing so well. But the fans turned their frustration at Turner after a recent 2-8 slump.
Philly columnist Stan Hochman defended Turner explaining only that Turner was dealing with something that would more than explain his inconsistent performance. Well, after the second-year player scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds against the Celtics on Wednesday, everyone was wondering if Turner can keep it up.
“I don’t worry,” Turner told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “You have some good nights and you have some bad nights. As a pro you understand that. Tonight was a good night.”
Expect Turner and the Sixers to have another good night against the Jazz.
Pick: 76ers -6.5 +++
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