2/1/06 Basketball Predictions: The Nuggets Should Lose To The Celtics Without Their Big Guns

Better:

Sonics@Pacers: Seattle can only win if they get past their opponent in the 100. Indiana might not have the defensive stopping power it needs without Ron Artest. Stephen Jackson could take a lot of shots trying to keep up with Ray Allen, but even that shouldn’t stop the Pacers. O’Neal should have a great match against Vitaly Potapenko. Expected Score: Indiana wins by a basketball 96-94

runner-up:

Celtics @ Nuggets: Boston doesn’t have a strong physical big man on their roster. Neither did Denver with Camby and Martin injured. This game could come down to who has a better game: Carmelo Anthony or Paul Pierce? Or it could be decided which team gets another player to score 20 points. Expected Score: Boston wins on the road in a 109-104 upset

Burst:

Suns @ Knicks: Kurt Thomas can celebrate his return to New York with a beating against the Knicks. More than half of the Knicks’ total attendance is on season tickets. Basically, people go to these games only on a nostalgic level. Even die-hard fans have trouble watching this team lead the League in turnovers. If Marbury thinks he’s the best PG, he hasn’t seen Steve Nash. Expected Score: Phoenix wins in a 105-86 blowout. Take them ATS.