darrell,

2-1 in NBA last night. Three tonight.

My NBA Power Rankings are updated weekly and can be found here.

Please Tell A Friend about this newsletter and they'll thank you!

Good luck , darrell!

Game: Cleveland at CHARLOTTE (6:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 stars on Cleveland -3.5

This game can turn into a shoot out rather quickly as both of these teams haven scored over 100 ppg in their last 5 played. The difference in the last 5 is that Charlotte has given up well over 110 ppg while Cleveland has held their opponents to under 100ppg. Cleveland has never lost a game, home nor away, when playing against Charlotte and have gone 4-2 ATS in their 6 game history. Their only two losses have been when the line was greater than 12 points (nearly 4 times the line today). This line (3.5) is the smallest line this match up has ever seen and the Bobcats are still without S. May and "The Pick" E. Okafor. As people may remember, Cleveland won in OT when these teams last played about 10 days ago and most notably won on a game-winning shot by LaBron "King" James (his first game winning shot to date). While this game will not come down to a single game winning shot, odds are that James will still make an impact by being the leading scorer in the game. James has been the leading scorer in every match up against the Bobcats and has progressively scored more points in each game; starting with 19 the first time they played and finishing with 37 in their most recent match up. If this trend continues he will top 40 tonight. Look for James to lead the playoff-bound Cavs past the Bobcats in this one by more than 3 points tonight.

These two teams both went over in their last game, both scored in triple digits and both of their opponents also topped 100 points. Overtime was not played in either game and these two teams covered the line by more than 74 points. In the past 5 games played, Toronto has scored nearly 106 ppg and given up 110 ppg. They have shot 46% from the floor and over 37% from 3-point range while letting their opponents shoot 50% from the floor and nearly 40% from behind the arch. While playing on Sunday's in their last 28 games, Toronto has gone 20-7-1 over and there is no reason for this trend to stop here, especially when New Orleans is giving up nearly 99 ppg in their last 5 played. These two teams have similar styles of play and enjoy running the floor as often as they can; I like over here.

The Kings have won the last 10 games in a row against the Clippers; more specifically the last two games against the Clippers this year (one home and away) winning by a total of 21 points. The Kings have also covered the last 3 numbers ATS when playing the Clippers. When looking at these two teams (home vs away), the Kings have the edge in ppg, FG%, FT%, 3pt% and points scored against. Both of these teams share the basketball and get their players involved offensively which gives the opportunity for anyone to score in double digits. Elton Brand will have his hands full though as he works hard to limit the post play of Ron Artest and will not be able to help out on Brad Miller. One of these two should have a solid game and be the difference maker as the Kings will control the post. Take the Kings -3.5 at home tonight.