Kobe and the Lakers will look to show the Nuggets why they're #1 when they square off tonight...

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DENVER @ L.A. LAKERS -8.5 (O/U 210)

PICK: L.A. LAKERS -8.5

PICK: UNDER 210

Denver is probably the hottest team in the NBA right now, and yet they’re basically 9-point dogs to the Lakers.. doesn’t it seem a bit too easy? Lines are not as easy as they seem.. The obvious pick would be to take Denver, especially the way they have been playing lately. Also, Bynum makes his return to the court tonight, after missing over 30 games. Usually, a star coming back to a team = bad news for you ATS. You would assume that a star coming back would have a great impact on the game, and that all the teammates would be pumped up and excited, and in turn would lead to a win.. I would usually fade the Lakers since Bynum is returning, but this spread looks a little too high for me to take the Nuggets tonight.. Also, K-Mart will continue to sit out tonight.. I’m calling this a blowout game. Lakers should cruise past the Nuggets by 15 points easily, with Denver not catching 100 points by the end of the game.. Think otherwise? I dare you to fade this pick.. LOL

Dalembert needs a big game for the Sixers to pull through tonight..

PHI @ CHI -6

PICK: PHI +6

Chicago has been on a winning streak at home, and by pretty decent sized margins. However, to post -6 against a higher seeded playoff team seems a little fishy to me. Taking into account that Philly has lost their last 3 road games, it’s even harder to bet on Philly.. but that’s not stopping me. Well just as a bit of reassurance, Philly is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Chicago. Also, the road team happens to be 6-1 ATS in this matchup. Look for a big game from Iguodala and Miller, but the X-factor tonight will be Samuel Dalembert, and how many 2nd chance opportunities he can create..

HOU @ SAC +11.5

PICK: SAC +11.5

Arguably, the Houston Rockets are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They are carrying a lot of momentum, as they have pulled out crucial wins in some big games. However, the Rockets have not managed to cover against the Sacramento Queens for the most part, and the story doesn’t change tonight.. Looks like the Queens will be without Kevin Martin once again, but Francisco Garcia, Spencer Hawes, and Jason Thompson have been a bit of a bright note for the Queens. They will look to build on that core for the years to come.. Shouldn’t be too close of a game, but definitely not blowout..

I will be posting on the Denver @ LA Lakers game later.. Too crucial of a game to be taken lightly..