Hoop Hopes – Ricky Rothstein makes his picks for tonight’s NBA action!
Indiana at Atlanta The first thing that you notice about the line for Indiana’s visit to Atlanta tonight is the total. It’s set at 189, which is as low as NBA totals are inclined to go. There have been 507 games played in the NBA season so far, with an average total of 200. 189 is snake’s-vest-buttons territory.
There are two reasons for the low total. Atlanta can’t score a lick in the absence of Al Horford, out for the season with a shoulder injury, and the Pacers’ defense is like a stone wall. Historically, the Pacers have struggled at Atlanta but history won’t be playing tonight. Paul George and Roy Hibbert will, and the Pacers will win and cover. Hoop Hope 1 | Indiana -4.5
Golden State at Brooklyn Golden State has shaken off its pre-Christmas blues, and then some. After an inconsistent patch around Thanksgiving, the Warriors have hit the turbo button on their basketball, reeling off ten straight wins on the bounce. Tonight, the Warriors visit Brooklyn, who are travelling in the opposite direction.
Technically, the Nets are undefeated for 2014, having won three games in a row, but don’t be fooled. Brooklyn is eight games below .500 and it’ll be nine after tonight. Point guard Deron Williams is out with a sprained ankle and that badly hampers everything that the Nets try to do. Golden State to win and cover at the Barclay Center. Hoop Hope 2 | Golden State -6.5
Phoenix at Minnesota If the Nets’ Atlantic Division is the worst division in the NBA – and it really is – then the Pacific must be the best. Right now it’s a three horse race for the top between Golden State, the Clippers and the surprising Phoenix Suns, while the Lakers and even the Kings can still pull off a shock or two when the force is with them.
Tonight, Phoenix is a seven-point underdog at Minnesota, where they will be eager to come off a shock pummelling at the hands of the Bulls in the United Center. Phoenix is usually good for one hundred points per game, but the Bulls shut the Suns right down, winning 92-87 last night. It’s a tough game to call as regards winning, but it’s hard to see Phoenix missing as many shots again and the Timberwolves like to shoot the ball too. Over is the only way to go. Hoop Hope 3 | Over 212 points.
Follow Ricky Rothstein’s Hoop Hopes every night – he’s 34-26, .579, for the season so far!
