| NBA Pick: L.A. Lakers vs Sacramento Kings |
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| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
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Tuesday, 15 April 2008
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With the L.A. Lakers already clinching the Pacific Division, they’ll be looking to finish first in the Western Conference tonight, securing home court advantage throughout the playoffs, when they host the Sacramento Kings. Regardless of a win or loss the Lakers have the edge over the Hornets with the tie-breaker. Oddsmakers at SBG Global.com have the Lakers as 17 ½-point favs over the Kings with the over/under listed at 217 ½;. Get your NBA Pick in now at SBG Global.com where players play! The Lakers are winners of three straight making them winners of seven of their last ten. They recently pummeled San Antonio 106-85 as 8-point home favs. Kobe Bryant had 20pts on the night while four other players finished with double-digit points. As a team they shot 50% from the field, 52% beyond the arche and 82% from the free throw line. Their most impressive play was their defense, they’ve held their opponents to just 89pts per game in its last three victories. The Lakers have the 4th best offense in the league averaging 108 PPG, thanks to the return of Paul Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Gasol is averaging 18pts and 7 rebounds while shooting 58% from the field. This will be the first time Gasol will be playing in the playoffs. The Lakers are 29-11 SU on home court and they are 3-7 ATS in their last ten. The Kings put up a good fight against San Antonio on the road, but they still lost 98-101 as 6 ½-point roaddogs. John Salmons had 29pts and 10 rebounds during the closely contested meeting. The Kings have won six of nine, including wins over Western contenders Houston, Denver and New Orleans. They have averaged 103 PPG in their last five and they’re allowing 106 PPG during these five. The Kings are 1-3 SU against the Lakers this season, but won a trip to the Staples Center, 114-113 on March 9. Beno Udrih had 25pts and 10 assists in that victory, and Kevin Martin added 21 points. Ron Artest has played well against the Lakers this season, averaging 19pts in three games, but he's missed four of the Sacramento's last six games with a sprained thumb. The Kings are 12-28 SU away from home and 8-2 ATS in their last ten. Recent Trends to Consider * Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. * Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. * Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater. * Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Western Conference. * Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games. * Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite. * Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. GAME: Sacramento Kings (38-43) at L.A. Lakers Lakers (56-25) DATE/TIME: Tuesday, April 15 - 10:30 PM EST LINE: SBG Global.com TOTAL: 217.5 PICK: Sacramento +17 ½ The Bottom Line: The Kings have beaten three of the top teams in their last ten games, a 17 ½ point spread against a Lakers team that hasn’t cashed in on the spread in 7 of 10 seems crazy to me. Get your NBA Pick in now at SBG Global.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.                        |
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