Friday Picks

[Raji]

L.A. Lakers at Orlando Magic (-1 1/2, 213)

There’s been a lot of talk about what Pau Gasol will do for the Lakers since his arrival last week, but let’s not forget that Kobe Bryant is still the main man. He is currently struggling with a dislocated finger and that will cause problems for L.A. as it continues a record nine-game road trip.

Bryant picked up the injury early in Tuesday’s win over the Nets and went on to score a season-low six points in that game. He made only three of 13 shots in New Jersey, but things got worse in Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta.

Bryant was 4-for-16, managing just 11 points and his right hand was heavily bandaged after the game. Gasol only managed 12 points and seven rebounds in the defeat and he will have to do better on Friday if the Lakers are to avoid a second straight loss.

Pick: Lakers

Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves (+5 1/2, 189)

A recent injury to forward Kevin Garnett seemed to be a huge blow to the Celtics, but they have shown the kind of depth that is required of a championship team. Garnett has missed five straight games, but the Celts have won three of those behind strong efforts from Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.

Rondo has been particularly impressive, and scored a season-high 24 points in Wednesday’s win over the Clippers. He has averaged 19.3 points per game since Garnett’s injury, well ahead of his season average of 10.3.

Garnett may not be available for Friday’s trip to Minnesota, but the Celtics should be able to cope. They have won two straight games against the Wolves and have covered the spread in 10 of their last 14 meetings with them.

Pick: Celtics

Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks (-13 1/2, 201)

The Grizzlies were already one of the worst teams in the league before trading Gasol to the Lakers, so how have they fared since his departure? Not too well as it turns out, because they have yet to win a game without their former star.

They have dropped three straight in his absence, while failing to cover the spread in any of those. Memphis has now lost six of its last seven overall, covering the spread just once over that period.

The Mavericks have won 13 straight games against Memphis, covering the spread in 10 of those meetings.

Raji