NBA 1/26

YTD (posted) 22-13-1

1. Memphis + 6 1/2 @ Cleveland

Memphis has been playing great. Seems like a lot of points. I am not convinced that the loss of Gasol hurts them that much. This opens up time for Swift, who is a defensive presence. Meanwhile CLE is not exactly blowing teams away, although in their defense they are just off western a road trip. Maybe they get healthy tonight ... but my money goes the other way. If I lose, I blame Microbob.

2. Wizards - 3 1/2 Philly

Uh, hello? How is this line only 3 1/2? Washington is 25-15. They're for real. Philly is mediocre. Not sure how they beat Miami so big, but I throw that one out as an aberration. Washington should win this by 10. If I lose, I blame Ccx.

3. T-Wolves/Hawks under 190 1/2

Minnesota plays some real tight defense. The Hawks are good for a mid-80's here. My fear is the final is something like 110-85, but Minnesota is not exactly a prolific scorer these days. Since 1/10, they have broken 95 twice, against SEA and LAL, neither of which is known for its defense.

4. Sonics pk Utah

Sonics have a very good record in second of back-to-back, so I don't consider tiredness to be a factor. They are simply better than Utah. They would be better if Kirilenko was 100%, and they are better when he's not.

5. Clippers - 3 1/2 Lakers

Clippers put a hurting on the Lakers tonight. They are much better. Don't let their sub-500 record deceive you. They also just got off a long road trip where they lost 'em all against the best teams in the league (and wrapped it up with a loss at New Orleans, probably tired). They are even with the Lakers when Bryant is there; they are better when he's not ... I think Maggette will play but even if he doesn't I think they cover.