Coming off of a formidable – but losing – playoff effort last year versus the Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to start out the 2011-2012 year. The team is experiencing its best early record in the previous 8 years, but are still troubled versus the more proficient squads in the league. While they are 11-4 thus far, just four of those wins are versus squads with records above .500.

The AT&T Center might get some long distance action on Jan 13th as the Portland Trailblazers head over to San Antonio to face the Spurs. Portland is a young squad looking to build up as the short but electric Brandon Roy era formally came to an end with his retirement in December. Former #1 pick Greg Oden has furthermore had continued problems with his knees as Portland seemingly can not shake the specter of Sam Bowie. The Spurs look to defend their court with dazzling plays from their typical steady lineup. The Spurs are preferred by 8 points and this looks to be an amazing bet.

On Jan 12th, things get hot when the Cavaliers enter into Phoenix to take on the Phoenix Suns. A few years ago, this would have been an outstanding contest with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head to head in a collision course. In the age of free agency nevertheless, times certainly have evolved as this contest seems significantly different. Phoenix is liked by 6 points over the Cleveland Cavaliers and this seems to be a safe wager.

The United Center in Chicago will be in the spotlight as the Wizards enter into town to face the Bulls. In years past, this contest would have been the most difficult ticket to get as the second comeback by Nike Jordan turned the Washington Wizards into media darlings all through the nba. Jordan is now long retired however and the Washington Wizards have become an excellent young squad with vast amounts of potential waiting to be drawn on. The sportsbook has the Bulls preferred by 8 points which seems correct and seems like a quality wager with Chicago being cheered on at home.

The Kings face an uphill battle when they face the Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a case of both teams reconstructing for the longer term as both teams look nothing like their early 2000′s heydays. The Kings look to return to their past dominance in the west with outstanding play from their young stalwarts. The Houston Rockets are still coping with the after effects from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Houston Rockets are liked by 3 points by the sportsbook and this wants to be a tricky game to call.

Saturday night on January 14th, the New York Knicks come into Oklahoma City to take on the OKC Thunder in this major game between these two teams. It is a tale of two teams as the OKC Thunder come up with a stable team of young guns vs the New York Knicks who it seems from year to year constantly enters into play with lots of adjustments going on. The New York Knicks are favored by 4 points and this may hold unless Durant has one of his standard killer matches.

The Staples Center is going to come alive on January 11th when the Heat takes on the Clippers. The Miami Heat comes in with among the best records in the NBA helped by an excellent lineup of stars. The Miami Heat lead the league as a squad in points obtained and assists. The sports book has the Miami Heat preferred by 8 points and with the backcourt they contain, it appears to be a sure bet. Let’s take a closer look at the Miami Heat this year and the things they bring to the table.

The ugly specter of the Lockout had loomed big over the NBA world until earlier this year. The NBA has effectively tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend with both the players and the owners at last coming to a deal. The NBA welcoming committee goes to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Boston Celtics (1-3) battle against the Wizards (0-3). Both teams come into play with unstable records and a slow beginning to the season. The sportsbook appears to have the nod on the better team as the line now stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .

Some folks have this notion that they ought to not spend money on New Year’s Day considering if they do, they’re going to be spending money the whole year. Plenty of folks be certain that they do not spend since they do not want to lose money. But what if you may welcome the New Year with more revenue on the day itself? Gambling is a popular vice for most folks and lots of folks do not actually care what day it is as long as they get to wager. For folks who are basketball devotees, the Jan 1 – Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls game is an awesome game to wager on.

The Dec 25 – Celtics vs New York Knicks game is a battle between 2 of the top teams in the Eastern conference. New York has emerged to be one of the best teams in the east as a result of their acquisition of Carmelo Anthony who was added to the squad after they got Amare Stoudemire. This year is supposed to be fantastic for the squad despite the fact that the 2 did pretty well together last year.