January isn’t just for Super Bowl odds, the NBA is nearing midseason and games are becoming more predictable. This Friday, Derrick Rose and the Bulls travel to
Bookmaker Odds (Bookmaker Reviews): Suns -7
Sportsbook Odds for Total: 217
Let’s take a look at the matchups:
PG: Derrick Rose vs. Steve Nash
Derrick Rose is the reigning Rookie of the Year. After starting the season slow Rose improved significantly every month and now in January (10 games) is averaging 22.4 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds a game. He is better than he was last year, and his has been finding his improving young teammates more cleanly.
Steve Nash still is a great offensive pg. The two-time MVP is having another big season averaging 18.4 points and a whopping 11.2 assists a contest. His defense these days however is non-existent and the younger, longer Rose is not a good matchup for Nash.
Advantage: Bulls
SG: Kirk Hinrich vs. Jason Richardson
Kirk Hinrich is really a point guard. When Rose was drafted, he was relegated to backup duty, but was too good for that. Coach Vinny Del Negro has them playing side by side with Hinrich at the two. Hinrich is too slow and an average shooter at best, and just got over an illness that caused him to lose 10 pounds and isn’t all the way back yet.
J-Rich is an aging two guard that still has most of his athleticism that made him the best dunker in the league for years. J-Rich is averaging around 15 points a game with 38% shooting percentage from three. His size and length also make him a tough defender, one of the few on the Suns.
Advantage: Suns
SF: Luol Deng vs. Grant Hill
Deng is solid all around player. His defense is good and improving and is averaging 17.7 points 7.4 rebounds two assists a steal and a block per game. Deng’s only issue is he disappears for long stretches and doesn’t ask for the ball enough. He needs more touches to make the jump to be a star.
Grant Hill has had a long career that many thought was over a few years back. He has rejuvenated himself in
Advantage: Bulls
PF: Taj Gibson vs. Amare Stoudamire
With Tyrus Thomas on the mend and inconsistent, USC rookie Taj Gibson has been starting. Gibson is young and inexperienced, but has showed good toughness and potential in his playing time.
Amare Stoudamire is a top offensive forward in the game. His post moves and range combined with his speed is nearly unstoppable. His problem is that he is allergic to playing defense. Lucky for him Taj Gibson can’t play offense and neither can big man Joakim Noah
Advantage: Suns
C: Joakim Noah vs. Channing Frye
Noah has improved this season and has shown that he may evolve into a very good center in the near future. He has been much improved in the Pick and Roll with Rose and is a very good shot-blocker and rebounder (1.7 blocks, 12.4 rebounds a game).
Channing Frye has bounced around the league and has always lacked toughness that is needed in the NBA. He has the ability to shoot from 20 feet and forces Big Men to step out on him freeing up the lane.
Advantage: Bulls
Bench: John Salmons, Tyrus Thomas, Jannero Pargo, Brad Miller vs. Leandro Barbosa, Robin Lopez, Louis Amundson, Jared Dudley
Both benches are very good. Salmons has been off this year and Miller is a good shooting center. Thomas is talented but is a head-case. Barbosa is a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate and
Advantage: Even
Expect the line to be around -8 Suns with an over under around 220. The Bulls are an improving team but the Suns style of play doesn’t match well for the Bulls. The Amare -Taj Gibson mismatch and Noah’s skill at getting into foul trouble lead me to take the Suns in this game on their home court.
NBA Picks: Suns 110 – Bulls 99.
1 comments:
NBA always bring pretty fantastic information about betting. Of course you gotta good Betting Tips as well.
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