 Friday Picks
Boston Celtics at New Jersey Nets (tba)
The Celtics were stunned by the Bobcats Wednesday night, losing 95-93 to snap a nine-game winning streak. They were 13 ½-point favorites in that contest.
Boston was without the services of Ray Allen in the loss, as he was sidelined with a pinched nerve in his neck. He will be back for the trip to New Jersey and expect him to contribute as he normally would.
The Celts have won three straight games against the Nets, covering the spread in all of them. In two games this season, they have outscored New Jersey by a total of 33 points with Allen averaging more than 20 points in each.
Pick: Celtics
Milwaukee Bucks at L.A. Lakers (tba)
The Lakers have won four straight games, covering the spread in all of them. Not surprisingly, theyve broken the 100-point mark in seven of their last nine games.
The secret to their success is their high-powered offense. L.A. ranks third in the league with 107.5 points per game with Kobe Bryant leading the way with 26.4 points per game.
In the Nov. 21 loss to Milwaukee, Bryant put up 26 points in 43 minutes of playing time. If he produces a similar performance against them on Friday, the Lakers should extend their winning streak and cover the spread.
Pick: Lakers
Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets (tba)
The home team has won in nine straight meetings between these teams, while covering the spread in 10 of the last 11. That trend looks set to continue through Fridays contest.
Denver has won six of its last seven home games and is 14-5 overall this season at the Pepsi Center. It is also 7-2 ATS in its last nine contests.
The Nuggets handed Orlando a 111-101 loss the last time they faced it at home. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony combined for 57 points in the win, as Denver easily covered a 5 ½-point spread.
Pick: Nuggets
Raji | 
Linear Mode
