By: David Lawrence
The Sacramento Kings were one of the worst teams on the road last season. Through two games, it doesn’t look like much has changed this season. So far, they have lost both of their road games while averaging just 83.5 points per game. I don’t see that improving very much on Saturday night when you consider that it’s their third game in four nights and they’re facing an Indiana Pacers team that is pretty solid on defense.
There are 10 games on the radar Saturday night, highlighted by the Brooklyn Nets making their debut. They’ll try to pick up the city’s spirits as they still recover from the after-effects of Hurricane Sandy. Here’s a look our three picks from Saturday’s card.
Sacramento Kings vs. Indiana Pacers
The Sacramento Kings were one of the worst teams on the road last season. Through two games, it doesn’t look like much has changed this season. So far, they have lost both of their road games while averaging just 83.5 points per game. I don’t see that improving very much on Saturday night when you consider that it’s their third game in four nights and they’re facing an Indiana Pacers team that is pretty solid on defense.
So far, the Pacers have defeated Toronto, 90-88, and lost to Charlotte, 90-89. Those two point totals have been just under 180. With Sacramento struggling with their offense on the road and Indiana controlling the pace at home, this game should play under.
Laying the points with the Pacers seems like too much – especially with Danny Granger out. The UNDER makes sense here.
Pick: Under 192.5
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
I thought the Cleveland Cavaliers would show me something on Friday night against the Chicago Bulls. Indeed, they just showed me that they’re still a team trying to get it together, a team facing another long, trying season. Now they have to head out on the road to play their first road game, which also happens to be their third game in four nights.
The Bucks were impressive on Friday night, going into Boston and upsetting the Celtics, 99-88. They demolished the Celtics in a game that wasn’t even close. I was surprised at how much depth the Bucks have as they had six different scorers in double-figures. Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis only combined for 35 points, which goes to show that this team actually has plenty of weapons.
Under Scott Skiles, the Bucks have been a solid defensive team and they should be able to frustrate the Cavaliers. Lay the points.
Pick: Bucks -6.5
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets
We’re going to stick with the hot hand right now, which happens to be the Houston Rockets. Both teams are in a three games in four nights situation, so that element should be about equal, but I see home-court advantage as being big for the Rockets after their impressive 2-0 start.
James Harden is getting plenty of attention for his impressive start, which is rightfully deserved. Quietly, however, Jeremy Lin has posted solid back-to-back games and is running the offense efficiently. Lin had 21 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds on Friday night. Just think how good this team would have been had they not foolishly amnestied Luis Scola, but I digress.
I’m not sure about Portland just yet; I mean, they did have a good win against the Los Angeles Lakers in their opener, but apparently the Lakers are garbage. The Blazers came back and played like the team we thought they were, losing by 14 in Oklahoma City.
The Blazers have questionable scoring and little depth. I think that’s going to be a problem for them on the road on Saturday night.
Pick: Rockets -6.5
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