Wednesday Super Spread

They tried to get your boy...pretty sure Vegas infiltrated my office with a mole afflicted with the deadly flu virus in an assassination attempt on your boy B Catz because of my new taking points strategy cleaning out the NBA. But have no fear loyal readers, after a 4 day stint of rest, relaxation, and enough vitamin C to kill a grown horse, I have returned with a vengeance to continue dominating the NBA.

DET +9 vs. DAL

Wow, is there a bigger indictment against Josh Smith's team killing ways than the fact that the Pistons immediately went on a six game heater after cutting Smoove from the team?? I mean seriously does he flip on a TV and just shake his head when he sees the Detroit scores over the past week? Maybe it isn't great for team morale Josh when they work their ass off on the defensive end only to have you jack up a contested 22fter that air balls on the other end? Either way, he's gone, and Detroit has really started playing some ball lately. Now I definitely don't expect Detroit to win this game, especially after upsetting the Spurs last night, but their effort in San Antonio showed me that they have enough talent to at least cover this spread.

MEM +4.5 vs. ATL

The Hawks have won 8 straight against Western conference opponents and the Grizz are getting points, need I say more? Yes...oh okay well the Grizz are really good on the interior even without Z-Bo and that winning streak from ATL has to end eventually right? I mean they are probably really good, maybe even the best team in the East, but there's no way they keep this up against the west, they aren't that good.

PHX (-8.5) vs. MIN

One of the benefits of living in Phoenix, is I get to watch all of the Suns games on local TV. Because I've been laid up on the couch recently I have really gotten a good feel for the Suns at the current moment. I watched them outplay a fairly talented Bucks team last night, thanks to the contributions of both the Morris twins, or possibly just one you really never can be sure. Either way that means they basically stole a game last night despite their three headed guard monster not doing anything out of the ordinary. Look for tonight either the dragon, Bledsoe, or the other Isaiah Thomas to come through and steal this game against the Wolves in a double digit rout.

BJones: NYK @ WSH (-14.5)

So I was going to pick the Knicks against B Catz best advice. Then I realized the Knicks still haven't figured out their rotation after trading JR Smiff and Shumpert. Melo and Amare are both out, so at this point they are basically the 76ers. Washington HANDLED the Knicks even with  their full lineup. You can tease this down if you want, but come on. 

SUGARS HOCKEY LOCKZ

Hump Day NHL Money Makin’ Madness

Washington (-115) @ Toronto 

On Tuesday the Toronto brass announced their decision to part ways with coach Randy Carlyle after three years.  Since his tenure began in the 2011-2012 season the Leafs have made 1 playoff appearance (’12-’13) and were knocked out in the first round.  Even though Toronto has been mediocre the past two decades they still think they should win the Cup every year for some reason.  In the midst of this midseason coaching change, the Leafs have dropped 4 of their last 5.  Washington comes into tonight with a 3-2 record over their last 5.  Toronto fans are intense and quick to boo their home team off the ice if they don’t like what they see.  Ovi should drop a couple stink bombs on the PP and the Caps should roll.

Boston @ Pittsburgh

OVER 5 (-135)

 I’m just rolling with the over 5 since both teams have been playing like shit lately and it’s impossible to tell how long these two teams will slump.  Both teams have elite offenses that have been underproductive over the past 5-6 games.  There’s too many pure goal scorers on Pittsburgh alone for me not to take the over when it’s down at 5.

Detroit (-105) @ Calgary 

After losing 8 straight games, Calgary has gotten themselves back on track during their current stretch of home games by winning 4 of the last 5.  However, that doesn’t change the fact that a Flames team that was close to the top in the league a month ago has only won 4 of their last 13 games. Somehow the Wings got handed a road trip that has them playing in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Washington D.C., Buffalo, and Saint Louis from January 3rd - January 15th. Tonight is the midway point of their 12 day transcontinental journey.  Leading up to this road trip, the entire Wings’ organization was open and up front with how important this 6 game stretch was.  If Detroit wins tonight they will leave Western Canada with a 2-1 record and have until Saturday to get ready for their 3 game East Coast stint.  I expect Babcock to have Detroit ready to go hard and get out of Calgary with a big road win.

NY Rangers @ Anaheim (-125)

The Rangers are 4-1 in their last 5 but that includes wins over Florida, Buffalo, and New Jersey.  Anaheim is 3-2 with wins over Smashville, Saint Louis, and Vancouver.  All wins are equal when it comes to points in the standings.  With that said, it’s still worthwhile to note that while Anaheim has been over there slaying dragons, the Rangers have been back east squirrel hunting.  Anaheim in the Honda Center with a start time that is late for the Rangers isn’t the same as Florida, Buffalo, or New Jersey.  I expect the NHL leading Ducks to take it to the Rangers tonight.

Bonus Pick: NYR@ANA OVER 5 (-125)

Just think about it: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, Rick Nash, Martin St. Louis, and Derick Brassard are all playing on the same ice surface.  There’s no way that little black biscuit doesn’t find the net at least 6 times.