PORTLAND/HOUSTON
Portland Trailblazers will continue their good play as they need every win in order to play in playoff. I have written several previews considering this team lately so I'll make this quick and simple, with only a necessary info. Taking Portland tonight isn't anything new - you might think, but I hurry to place this pik early, as I expect Houston PG Steve Francis to miss the game due to suspension. Francis cursed during a half time interview last night and is facing a one0game NBA suspension. The suspension is yet not confirmed, but it already happened with Shaq in the same situation, and I expect the handicap to rise.
73ERS/DALLAS
Philadelphia 76ers will try to turn things around without their first star Iverson in order to improve their chances for the playoffs, but will have an extremely hard job as they are facing one of the top west teams - Dallas Mavericks. Hope lasts till the very end, but I give very little chances to Philly this year.
76ers are playing bad ball. They have lost their grip somewhere and couldn't connect throughout whole season. The Answer had all kinds of problems, but hasn't been decisive even when in play. Philadelphia Inquirer has informed earlier today, that Iverson won't play tonight vs Mavs and that his future availability is unsure. This is dissapointing news for Sixers, who also have Coleman and McKie unfit with light injuries.
Mavs have produced a great win last night against battling Nets, but haven't been impressive away from home all season. Fast tempo game with a lack of organized play pays off only when their shooting percentage is above .500. They have a superb team as individuals, but can't be trusted as they don't play defence. Other then Michael Finley, the defensive effort of Mavericks stars is rarely nominable. But, again, they much stronger offensive team then most - and speaking about this game - much much better they out-of-form Philly without Iverson. Dallas needed a double overtime to beat Sixers in the first match between two, but I see them crushing them tonight with more then 10 points margin.
Portland Trailblazers will continue their good play as they need every win in order to play in playoff. I have written several previews considering this team lately so I'll make this quick and simple, with only a necessary info. Taking Portland tonight isn't anything new - you might think, but I hurry to place this pik early, as I expect Houston PG Steve Francis to miss the game due to suspension. Francis cursed during a half time interview last night and is facing a one0game NBA suspension. The suspension is yet not confirmed, but it already happened with Shaq in the same situation, and I expect the handicap to rise.
73ERS/DALLAS
Philadelphia 76ers will try to turn things around without their first star Iverson in order to improve their chances for the playoffs, but will have an extremely hard job as they are facing one of the top west teams - Dallas Mavericks. Hope lasts till the very end, but I give very little chances to Philly this year.
76ers are playing bad ball. They have lost their grip somewhere and couldn't connect throughout whole season. The Answer had all kinds of problems, but hasn't been decisive even when in play. Philadelphia Inquirer has informed earlier today, that Iverson won't play tonight vs Mavs and that his future availability is unsure. This is dissapointing news for Sixers, who also have Coleman and McKie unfit with light injuries.
Mavs have produced a great win last night against battling Nets, but haven't been impressive away from home all season. Fast tempo game with a lack of organized play pays off only when their shooting percentage is above .500. They have a superb team as individuals, but can't be trusted as they don't play defence. Other then Michael Finley, the defensive effort of Mavericks stars is rarely nominable. But, again, they much stronger offensive team then most - and speaking about this game - much much better they out-of-form Philly without Iverson. Dallas needed a double overtime to beat Sixers in the first match between two, but I see them crushing them tonight with more then 10 points margin.
