NBA Regular Season 3-28-10

Pistons vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Bulls)

With a win last night the Bulls trail the Raptors for the final playoff spot by 1 1/2 games. Derrick Rose has had two tough games in a row so I expect him to break out tonight on offense.

Celtics vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Celtics)

A few games ago I said the Celtics had turned the corner and so far that has held true. This is a battle of two old teams which is why I think the one young guard, Rajon Rondo, is going to have a monster game.

Cavaliers vs Kings (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

The Cavs could win this game even without LeBron James in the lineup.

Bucks vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Bucks)

The Bucks have cooled down a little bit but I expect them to pick it back up and win tonight at home.

Hawks vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Pacers have been playing well lately but there is no way they should beat the Hawks tonight, especially not in Atlanta.

Heat vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Heat)

The Heat are playing well and the Raptors aren't. The Raptors really need this game because if they lose and the Bulls win, the Raptors will only hold a 1/2 game lead on the Bulls for the final playoff spot.

Magic vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Magic)

This game really could go either way. The reason why I'm taking the Magic is because they're home and they've been hot.

Suns vs T'Wolves (Slo's pick: Suns)

The Suns will win in a blowout.

Thunder vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Thunder)

The Thunder and Blazers are now very close in the western conference standings. The Thunder are going to get some separation tonight at home.

Clippers vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Clippers)

To be honest I have absolutely no idea who's going to win this game. The Clippers are my choice because they're home and because they have a better record.

Slo's record on the season: 568-287

Slo's record March 26th: 5-6

NBA Regular Season 3-26-10

Celtics vs Kings (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celtics will win easily tonight against the far inferior Kings.

Pacers vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz have an easy one tonight in Indiana.

Magic vs T'Wolves (Slo's pick: Magic)

This is going to be another blowout game in tonight's lineup.

76ers vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Hawks should have little trouble coming out of Philly with a win.

Raptors vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Raptors are ice cold, tough time to run into the Nuggets.

Bobcats vs Wizards (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Wizards are terrible and the Bobcats are good, not a shocker that the Bobcats get the pick.

Nets vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Pistons)

I actually think the Nets are going to win this game, I just don't have it in me to actually pick them.

Thunder vs Lakers (Slo's pick: Lakers)

This is going to be a close game and there's no one better than Kobe Bryant late in games.

Bucks vs Heat (Slo's pick: Bucks)

The Heat are coming off an absolutely enormous blowout win last night in Chicago. Unfortunately they're not going to be able to enjoy it for long because they're headed for a loss tonight in Milwaukee.

Spurs vs Cavaliers (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

The Cavs will win as long as they keep this an uptempo game. There's no way the Spurs can run with them for 48 minutes.

Suns vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Suns)

The Suns will win in what looks to be a very high scoring game.

Slo's record on the season: 563-281

Slo's record last night: 0-3

NBA Regular Season 3-25-10

Bulls vs Heat (Slo's pick: Bulls)

Derrick Rose is going to be the victor tonight in this battle of hometown heroes. Both Rose and Dwyane Wade are from Chicago as well as many other NBA players. The Bulls have been playing well defensively and that's going to be the key tonight against the Heat. If I were them I would let Wade hurt me and just shut down everyone else. That was the theory against Michael Jordan in his early years and it seemed to work well. Sure, Jordan would score 37 but the Bulls would still lose.

Rockets vs Clippers (Slo's pick: Rockets)

The Rockets are better and that's why they'll win tonight. It's not rocket science.

Trailblazers vs Mavericks (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The Mavs haven't been playing well and I expect that to turn around.

Slo's record on the season: 563-278

Slo's record last night: 7-4

NBA Regular Season 3-24-10

Celtics vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The only reason that I'm taking the Celtics tonight is because the Nuggets just played last night in New York, a game in which their starters logged heavy minutes. Whenever possible I try not to pick teams playing the second half of back to back games on the road.

Hawks vs Magic (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Magic are playing well and I'm pretty down on the Hawks right now. I'm starting to have doubts about them and their legitimacy.

Pacers vs Wizards (Slo's pick: Pacers)

The Pacers are coming off a good win last night in Detroit and now they get to enjoy the pleasure of getting to play the weary Wizards at home.

Raptors vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Jazz)

After this game the Raptors are only going to be 1.5 games up on the Bulls for the final eastern conference playoff spot. This is bad news for the Raptors, the Bulls are 2-0 since Rose's return from a wrist injury and their schedule gets very easy to end the season.

Bobcats vs T'Wolves (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Bobcats will have an easy win tonight at home.

Nets vs Kings (Slo's pick: Kings)

I feel bad for the Kings, the crowd they're about to play in front of tonight rivals the crowd at a little league game.

Hornets vs Cavaliers (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

I'm starting to believe the LeBron James has overtaken Kobe Bryant as the best player in the world. The way James has been playing lately is just unfair.

Bucks vs 76ers (Slo's pick: Bucks)

The Bucks are about as hot as a team can be right now. At this point I don't think there's a team in the league they can't beat. Especially at home.

Thunder vs Rockets (Slo's pick: Thunder)

A disappointing loss to the Spurs will fuel the Thunder tonight. In the west even high seeded playoff teams can't take a night off. It's so close in the western standings that virtually no one's spot is safe.

Spurs vs Lakers (Slo's pick: Lakers)

The Lakers will win tonight in this western conference matchup.

Warriors vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Grizzlies)

With playoff hopes still alive, I have a hard time seeing the Grizzlies blow a game to the Warriors.

Slo's record on the season: 556-274

Slo's record last night: 2-2

NBA Regular Season 3-23-10

Wizards vs Bobcats (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Wizards are riding a mammoth losing streak and I think their losing way will continue tonight against the Bobcats.

Pistons vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Pistons)

Never did I think that the Pacers would have a better record than the Pistons this late in the 09-10 season. I expect the Pistons to go back on top tonight at home.

Knicks vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Nuggets are going to win in Madison Square Garden tonight in a very high scoring game.

Mavericks vs Clippers (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The Mavs are on a 2 game losing streak. A team of their caliber should never lose 3 straight games.

Slo's record on the season: 554-272

Slo's record last night: 6-4

NBA Regular Season 3-22-10

Bulls vs Houston (Slo's pick: Bulls)

With all star point guard Derrick Rose back in the lineup and with Joakim Noah's return to regular minutes on the horizon I see the Bulls making a push for the 8th seed. The Knicks just played last night in New York, playing back to back road games is never easy and the Bulls should keep them running as much as possible.

Jazz vs Celtics (Slo's pick: Celtics)

I'm making the statement, the Celtics have turned the corner and are gearing up for a strong run to the title. This is another huge test for this veteran team.

76ers vs Magic (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Magic could win this game without Dwight Howard and Vince Carter. Luckily they won't have to so expect a big blowout tonight in Philly.

Nets vs Heat (Slo's pick: Heat)

The scheduling gods blessed the Heat with this game late in the season in the midst of battling for playoff positioning.

Hornets vs Mavericks (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The Mavs are coming off a tough home loss to the Celtics, I expect them to bounce back tonight with a win over the Hornets. In other news, superstar Chris Paul is getting better from his knee injury as he is now permitted to practice on a limited basis.

Bucks vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Bucks are smoking hot and the Hawks won in overtime just last night against the Spurs. All signs point to the Bucks for this game but for some reason I still think the Hawks are going to win. Plus, this could be a preview of a first round playoff series.

T'Wolves vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Raptors)

The T'Wolves must be really looking forward to the draft lottery.

Thunder vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Thunder)

Kevin Durant is coming off a miserable shooting game, that won't happen again tonight. The Spurs lost in overtime last night in Atlanta. And the Thunder are far more athletic than the Spurs. There's absolutely no logic behind taking the Spurs tonight.

Kings vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Grizzlies)

The Grizzlies need to take advantage of every easy win they can get.

Warriors vs Suns (Slo's pick: Suns)

The Suns will win in a very high scoring blowout.

Slo's record on the season: 548-268

Slo's record last night: 4-0

NBA Regular Season 3-21-10

Cavaliers vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

Right now it looks as if the Cavs are the favorites to reach the finals heading into the playoffs. The Pistons would have to get pretty lucky to pull out a win tonight.

Hawks vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Hawks)

If the Hawks can keep this an up and down game they will enjoy a win tonight against the rapidly aging Spurs.

Lakers vs Wizards (Slo's pick: Lakers)

Phil Jackson is probably going to get the opportunity to give his starters some rest tonight as I see an enormous blowout on the horizon.

Suns vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Suns)

Amar'e Stoudemire is playing out of his mind right now. With Stoudemire's elevated play and the home court advantage I see the Suns grabbing a win tonight against the Blazers.

Slo's record on the season: 544-268

Slo's record last night: 6-1

Returning To Form

The Boston Celtics are emerging. A playoff quality win tonight in Dallas tells me they're getting ready for another push to the finals.

Two weeks ago it looked like the C's were headed to a nursery home, never mind the postseason. A major reason for the reemergence is Paul Pierce. The Captain is averaging 23.4 PPG in his last 5 games and he's stretching the floor for Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins down low.

Pierce playing well is going to do some damage but for any hope at the title Kevin Garnett is going to need to step it up. It's pretty clear that his knee is still greatly hindering his athleticism but he still needs to knock down that 15 foot jumper that he has made his name off of. His defensive production hasn't dropped too much but he has been basically useless offensively. That needs to change.

Here's why the Celtics were so successful in the past. They would be in a moderately close game (6-8 point lead) and then they would go on a massive 15-2 run and blow it open. With shooters Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, defenses couldn't rotate fast enough to cover both.

The most important thing however is the defensive tenacity. Tonight the Celtics played with the effort they showed in the 07-08 championship season. In tonight's win against the Mavericks KG had 5 steals, that type of defense is what it takes to win a title.

Right now it looks as if the Celts are going to be running into the Heat in the first round and my only concern is that the Heat will not be taken seriously. For the last two years the Celtics have been in two unnecessarily long 7 game series', first against the Atlanta Hawks and then in the following year against the Chicago Bulls. The key is not to let the worse team believe they can play with you. Once you give a team hope amazing upsets can happen. The Celtics need to jump on the Heat (or Bobcats) early and then keep their foot on their throat. Never let the team gain confidence. Once a team gets something going amazing things happen, shots start falling, and all of a sudden they get their hands in the passing lanes. Before you know you're locked in a dogfight for your playoff lives.

Hopefully the Celtics have learned from their past mistakes. If they have not, they are doomed for another first round gauntlet.

As they regain their health and their championship swagger I see the Celtics making a very strong push for the big stage in June. The pieces are in place, now all they need is the desire. I don't know if the Celtics still have it in them, but I sure can't wait to find out.

NBA Regular Season 3-20-10

76ers vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Bulls)

The Bulls are currently riding their worst losing streak since November, 2001. With Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Derrick Rose all out of the line up they haven't even stood a chance. Tonight there's a chance Rose will play and the Bulls are likely going to test Noah's foot but only for a few minutes. Even if Rose doesn't play I still think the Bulls are going to escape with a win tonight in Philly.

Mavericks vs Celtics (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celtics seem to have turned a corner as they are playing very well right now. Tonight is a great test to see if they're ready to be a championship contender once again. To win it all, they're going to need to beat great teams on the road.

Heat vs Bobcats (Slo's pick: Heat)

The Heat and Bobcats are both playoff bound, this game is all about positioning. I'm taking the Heat because they're home and I don't like to bet against guys like Dwyane Wade whenever possible.

Nets vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Raptors)

The Raptors have been ice cold and as a result they have dropped significantly in the playoff seedings. Tonight should be an easy way to regroup.

Grizzlies vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Grizzlies)

The Grizzlies are in the fight for the playoffs. I'll be surprised if they blow a game to a team like the Warriors.

Nuggets vs Bucks (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Nuggets have been smoking hot since acquiring John Salmons. That being said, they are still nowhere near good enough to beat the Nuggets consistently. They could luck out a win tonight, but against the Nuggets they'll lose 8 out of 10 times.

Jazz vs Hornets (Slo's pick: Jazz)

Deron Williams is the best point guard in the league. He's going to take his Jazz and do some damage with them in the playoffs.

Slo's record on the season: 538-267

Slo's record March 17th: 7-4

NBA Regular Season 3-17-10

Mavericks vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

Even if Derrick Rose does play this is going to be a bloodbath. They should have cops sitting court side because there is going to be a ton of abuse on the floor tonight. \

Celtics vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celts are coming off a feel good, confidence boost game against the Pistons. I expect them to keep it going tonight when they meet the Knicks in Boston.

Cavaliers vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

The Cavs will win with ease tonight against the Pacers.

76ers vs Nets (Slo's pick: 76ers)

I pick against the Nets every game because, well, they suck. But if they are going to win this is as good of an opportunity as they're going to get.

Raptors vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Raptors are in a race for the 8th and final playoff spot with the injury plagued Bulls. Both teams are ice cold and both teams will continue their losing streaks tonight against superior talent.

Bobcats vs Thunder (Slo's pick: Thunder)

The Thunder are slowly but surely becoming a powerhouse out in the western conference. That being the case, the Bobcats are going to have a tough time winning tonight.

Magic vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Magic are gearing up for another run at the title, tonight is a good test for them to match basketball wits with a veteran team.

Rockets vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Rockets)

The Grizzlies are coming off a win against the undermanned Bulls, I have a hard time seeing them grab another win tonight in Houston.

Jazz vs T'Wolves (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz won't have much trouble tonight against the T'Wolves, especially at home.

Warriors vs Hornets (Slo's pick: Hornets)

The Hornets are a good team but I still don't like to pick them on the road. In this case, I think the Warriors are bad enough that the Hornets should be able to steal a win.

Clippers vs Bucks (Slo's pick: Bucks)

The Bucks are smoking hot since the trade deadline when they acquired John Salmons from the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks will win tonight in their efforts to secure the 5th seed in the east.

Slo's record on the season: 531-263

Slo's record on March 13th: 5-2

NBA Regular Season 3-13-10

Hawks vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Hawks are going to win with ease tonight in the ATL.

Wizards vs Magic (Slo's pick: Magic)

Dwight Howard and the red hot Magic are going to have a field day against the Wizards.

Grizzlies vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Nuggets are gearing up for a push at the championship and judging by their play of late I'd say they have a fighting chance. The Grizzlies on the other hand, don't.

Mavericks vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The Mavs are going to win tonight against the lottery bound Knicks.

Rockets vs Nets (Slo's pick: Rockets)

I would take the women's UCONN Huskies over the Nets.

Spurs vs Clippers (Slo's pick: Spurs)

The Clippers seem to be impervious to blowouts so I don't see a lopsided game coming. But the Spurs have no excuse to lose tonight against such an inferior team.

Warriors vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Raptors)

The Raptors are reeling right now and they're losing their grip on the playoffs rapidly. This is a big game for the Raptors which is why they will win.

Slo's record on the season: 526-261

Slo's record on March 11th: 2-0

NBA Regular Season 3-11-10

Magic vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Bulls are ice cold and the Magic are red hot. That spells disaster for the fans in Chicago.

Warriors vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Trailblazers)

As the playoffs get closer and closer the Blazers are playing better and better. I expect that trend to continue tonight.

Slo's record on the season: 524-261

Slo's record last night: 7-2

NBA Regular Season 3-10-10

Celtics vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Celtics)

I'm very frustrated with the Celtics at this point. They keep losing to sub par teams but I can't pick those teams because if the Celtics win then I look like a moron.

76ers vs Bobcats (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

With the eighth seed currently in hand, this is a great opportunity for the Bobcats to create some separation from the Bulls.

Pistons vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz are coming off a win against the Bulls in which they dominated the second half. I doubt they'll have much trouble tonight against the far inferior Pistons.

Heat vs Clippers (Slo's pick: Heat)

The Heat just lost a tough one against the Bobcats to drop back to .500. They're more talented than the Clippers and they will win as long as their legs don't tire from back to back games.

T'Wolves vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Nuggets will win in a blowout.

Thunder vs Hornets (Slo's pick: Thunder)

The Thunder have the chance to do some damage in the playoffs this year, a team of their caliber should win these type of home games.

Mavericks vs Nets (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

Most likely the Nets are going to need stress counseling by the fourth quarter.

Spurs vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Spurs)

The Spurs are going to be without Tony Parker for a long time, that pretty much ends their already small championship hopes. Luckily they are still much better than the Knicks and should win tonight at home.

Kings vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Raptors)

In have a bad tendency of over thinking games like this. For instance, I don't like the fact that the Raptors are playing the second half of back to back road games and it makes me want to take the Kings. I would take the Kings in fear that the Raptors' legs would tire early in the game. The only problem is that the Raptors are a much better team.

Slo's record on the season: 517-259

Slo's record last night: 7-1

NBA Regular Season 3-9-10

Bulls vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Jazz)

Without Joakim Noah the Bulls are no longer a playoff team. I fully expect the Bulls' losing streak to extend to five tonight against the high powered Jazz.

Bucks vs Celtics (Slo's pick: Celtics)

It seems to me that the Bucks are playing with a much greater sense of urgency than the Celtics. That being said, the Celtics are still much better and they should pick up the win tonight in Milwaukee.

Pacers vs 76ers (Slo's pick: Pacers)

I'm picking the Pacers for two reasons. One, because they're home and two, because they have shooters up and down their roster. That makes this an ideal matchup for the Pacers because the Sixers have terrible perimeter defense.

Magic vs Clippers (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Magic will win in a blowout tonight in LA.

Wizards vs Rockets (Slo's pick: Rockets)

The Rockets will win tonight as they keep battling for a playoff spot out west.

Trailblazers vs Kings (Slo's pick: Trailblazers)

The Blazers will win tonight at home.

Bobcats vs Heat (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Bobcats have been struggling lately and I just feel a win tonight.

Lakers vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Lakers)

The Lakers will win tonight as Kobe Bryant continues to try and fight his way out of his current shooting slump.

Slo's record on the season: 510-258

Slo's record last night: 4-1

NBA Regular Season 3-8-10

Cavaliers vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

The Cavs are going to beat the Spurs tonight at home. As an uptempo team, I'm confident that the Cavs can keep the Spurs running long enough to wear them out.

Knicks vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

Right now the Hawks are fighting with the Celtics for the third slot in the eastern conference playoff picture. With that in mind there is no excuse to lose to a team like the Knicks.

Hornets vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Hornets)

It's very impressive the way Darren Collison has stepped in for superstar Chris Paul when he got injured. Since taking the reigns of the offense Collison hasn't missed a beat and I'm sure he can be a starter on another team.

T'Wolves vs Mavericks (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

I would be surprised to find out this game was close.

Grizzlies vs Nets (Slo's pick: Grizzlies)

The Nets are 7-55, that's my justification.

Slo's record on the season: 506-257

Slo's record on March 6th: 6-3

Jeff Van Gundy: The NBA Should Add A Seventh Foul

In Sunday afternoon's rematch of last year's NBA Finals Dwight Howard was called for a phantom third foul with 6:37 left in the second quarter. Jeff Van Gundy made the point that personal fouls shouldn't impact the outcome of the game so drastically. By getting called for his third foul, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, Jeff's brother, was forced to take out his best player for the rest of the half. To make it even worse, Dwight Howard literally didn't touch or even come close to touching the driving Lamar Odom. It was one of those plays that really made you wonder what the referee was thinking.

By adding a seventh foul the entire dynamic is changed. Getting a third foul in the second quarter wouldn't force the coach to have to sit down his player, in this case his star player. This happens far too often in the NBA. With all of its floppers and cry babies the NBA floor has turned into a minefield of potential fouls.

Fouls shouldn't be the purpose of the game. Look back into the 80's and 90's, there were far less charging calls and soft fouls. The NBA front office has turned the physicality of the league down several notches over the past few years and it has negatively impacted the game.

Take a player like LeBron James for instance. When LeBron drives if there's even a tiny shred of contact you can bet that James is going to line. However if Devin Brown was substituted for James in the same play I guarantee that no foul would be called. Being a star player shouldn't grant you access to the free throw line, this has been a problem in the NBA for a very long time. It was the same way with Michael Jordan, if you as much as looked at him wrong it was a foul. If God forbid you hit him, you face the possibility of the electric chair.

There are seven players in the league right now that get nonexistent fouls called in their favor every game. They are Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, and Brandon Roy. All of these players have a few things in common. They are all perennial All Stars, they are all high scoring players (partly because of how often they get to the line), and they have all been in the league for a substantial length of time. If these guys bump you it's a foul. End of story. Is it a coincidence that once they enter Olympic play the calls aren't there?

With that in mind the foul limit should be raised, if it's that easy to get a foul then it makes perfect sense to raise the limit. There is really no gray area in this subject, either you agree that the limit should be raised or you don't. When Jeff Van Gundy brought up the topic it really grabbed my attention because it's something I've been complaining about for a long time.

The object of the game is to score more points than the other team, not get their best player in foul trouble.

NBA Regular Season 3-6-10

Bobcats vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Bobcats are coming off a very unexpected win over the defending champion Lakers. As they are in the midst of an all out sprint for the playoffs I have a hard time seeing the Bobcats drop a home game to the Warriors.

Heat vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Heat are coming off an overtime win against the Lakers. They were lucky to win that game and they would be lucky to win this one too.

Knicks vs Nets (Slo's pick: Knicks)

The Knicks should have little trouble dispensing of the lowly Nets.

Bulls vs Mavericks (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The loss of Joakim Noah has been proven to be just as detrimental as I thought it was going to be. The Bulls have been steadily out rebounded through their current three game losing streak and I have a hard time seeing that end tonight. The Bulls would have to play really good and the Mavs would have to play really bad for the Bulls to win tonight.

T'Wolves vs Rockets (Slo's pick: Rockets)

The Rockets are much better than the T'Wolves as well as a possible playoff team. They can't afford to let games like this slip through their fingers. A loss to a team like the T'Wolves at this point in the season is completely unacceptable.

Grizzlies vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Spurs)

The Spurs are playing well and I would feel uncomfortable betting against them. However, don't be surprised to see the Grizzlies pull this one out because they are far more athletic than the Spurs and sometimes that makes a huge difference.

Bucks vs Cavaliers (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

The Cavs are probably going to win this Central division battle tonight despite a dominant performance from Andrew Bogut. With Shaq injured and Zyrdunas Ilgauskas still not with the team I expect Bogut to have a field day in the paint.

Suns vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Suns)

The Suns should win this game in a massive blowout. There is no logical reason to believe the Pacers can stick with the Suns for 48 mintues in Phoenix.

Jazz vs Clippers (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz are going to have an easy time tonight with the Clippers.

Slo's record on the season: 500-254

Slo's record on March 4th: 0-3

NBA Regular Season 3-4-10

Bulls vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Bulls)

According to reports Luol Deng is playing tonight. Deng has missed the last few games and practices with a sore knee. The Bulls will win tonight on the back of Derrick Rose who is the best scoring point guard in the NBA.

Heat vs Lakers (Slo's pick: Lakers)

The Lakers are a much better team than the Heat and that's going to be the difference tonight. The only way I see the Heat winning is by a huge game from Dwyane Wade.

Suns vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Suns)

The Suns match up well with the Jazz and their home court should be enough to push them over the edge. The Suns are always one of two extremes. Either they're incredibly good and they shoot the lights out, or they're incredibly bad and couldn't hit the side of a barn. You never know what you're going to get with them.

Slo's record on the season: 500-251

Slo's record last night: 10-2

NBA Regular Season 3-3-10

Celtics vs Bobcats (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celtics are coming off a very unimpressive win last night in Detroit. This is a huge game for the Bobcats so expect them to come in tonight with a ton of energy. I'm taking the Celtics because despite their struggles and disappointments, they're still the Celtics.

Hawks vs 76ers (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Hawks' last game was a blowout victory against a shorthanded Bulls team. I don't think this game is going to go much differently.

Magic vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Magic are not only much better than the Warriors but they also present matchup problems all over the floor. The Magic will win in a blowout tonight at home.

Nets vs Cavaliers (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

The Cavs will win tonight without breaking a sweat. There is no reason to believe the Nets will even stay competitive tonight.

Knicks vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Knicks)

The Pistons just lost last night at home to the Celtics. I have a hard time seeing them put together a good performance tonight in New York not even 24 hours later.

Hornets vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Hornets)

These teams have almost identical records. I want to take the Grizzlies but the fact that the Hornets are home gives them the edge.

Bucks vs Wizards (Slo's pick: Bucks)

This game doesn't matter for the Wizards, it matters a lot for the Bucks. That's the main reason why the Bucks will win tonight.

Mavericks vs T'Wolves (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The Mavs should be home in time for dinner tonight as they make quick work of the T'Wolves.

Rockets vs Kings (Slo's pick: Rockets)

The Rockets have been playing pretty well lately and I don't think that's going to stop tonight against the Kings.

Nuggets vs Thunder (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Nuggets' 25-5 home record is what's attracting me in this pick. Part of me wants to take the Thunder but they're playing on the road as the second half of back to back games tonight and that's never a good thing.

Trailblazers vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Trailblazers)

The Blazers matchup well with the Pacers and they're going to enjoy a win tonight at home in the Rose Garden.

Clippers vs Suns (Slo's pick: Suns)

I used to doubt the Suns but after their last few games I have been impressed enough to change my mind.

Slo's record on the season: 490-249

Slo's record last night: 4-0

NBA Regular Season 3-2-10

Pistons vs Celitcs (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celtics are coming off a home loss to the Nets, yes your read that correctly. They lost at home to the six win Nets. At some point they need to wake up and realize that the playoffs are no longer far away and they need to start wracking up some wins to get a little momentum. There is absolutely no excuse for the Celtics to lose tonight in Detroit.

Heat vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Heat)

The Heat are seriously struggling right now and they desperately need a win to stay in the playoff race. With Dwyane Wade in his second game back from injury the Heat should win.

Thunder vs Kings (Slo's pick: Thunder)

This years Thunder is a preview of what the Kings will eventually become if they keep their current young nucleus intact. For now, the Kings will get destroyed by a far superior team.

Lakers vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Lakers)

The Lakers will win very easily tonight at home. The Pacers would have to play their best game of the season and even if they did I still think they would lose.

Slo's record on the season: 486-249

Slo's record last night: 6-3

NBA Regular Season 3-1-10

Bulls vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

Bulls' C Joakim Noah is going to be sidelined for awhile due to a foot injury. Against the high octane Hawks Noah is essential because he brings enough energy to almost offset the Hawks' energy altogether. For the Bulls to win this game Derrick Rose is going to have to play out of his mind, I'm talking like in the 50 point range.

Cavaliers vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

LeBron James and the Cavs should enjoy an easy win tonight against the Knicks.

76ers vs Magic (Slo's pick: Magic)

There is no way the Magic should lost tonight to the mediocre Sixers.

Bobcats vs Mavericks (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

I'm not fully confident in taking the Mavs tonight on the road, they won last night in Dallas but back to back games can be tricky. That being said, the Bobcats aren't playing well enough to justify taking them against a top tier western conference team.

Hornets vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Hornets)

The Spurs just played yesterday afternoon and won a tight game with the Suns. I'm not confident that they're going to have the energy to run up and down for a full 48 tonight.

Grizzlies vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Trailblazers)

The Blazers have been very hard for me to pick all season long. To be honest I really don't even think they're going to win tonight. I'm taking them based on what everyone else thinks of them because I haven't seen them enough to have an educated opinion.

Rockets vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Rockets)

These teams are pretty even talent wise. The Rockets get the nod because they're home.

Suns vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

Both teams suffered rough losses yesterday. The Nuggets get the pick simply because they're the better team.

Clippers vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz should win tonight with minimal difficulty.

Slo's record on the season: 480-246

Slo's record on Feb. 27th: 4-3