There was a time that the Chicago Bulls, and fans of the team, felt like Kobe Bryant was just a few steps from crossing the country to play for them.  They probably still wish that were true.  As of this writing Kobe Bryant, and the Lakers, are among the best teams in the West, while the Chicago Bulls are 11 games under .500.  One of the big stories of the year has been the sudden fall off in play of Ben Wallace.  For a few years he was an absolute terror on the defensive end of the ball.  He could also rebound among the best in the league.  This year his play has fallen off to the tune of 8.7 rebounds.  He is still a formidable option, but not what he once was.  Also, Ben Gordon, arguably the best player on the team, is still coming off the bench.  It’s been a shock to me that he hasn’t cracked the starting lineup yet.  Maybe they feel he is more productive off the bench. 

The Golden State Warriors are right there among the best in the West, with a record of nine games over .500.  Last year they made headlines when they knocked off the number one seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs as an eight seed, and this year they are hoping to capitalize on that success.  Baron Davis is playing lights out basketball, and for the first time in his career seems to be somewhat completely healthy.  He is the main reason I will take the Warriors to win this one in fairly easy fashion. 

Two teams with nearly identical records, but playing in different conferences, will square off Thursday to see who the best among them is.  The Cavaliers ride into this game with Lebron James and his over 30 points a game.  After a slower than anticipated start the Cavs are starting to look like the team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals a season ago.  They are on a roll, winning eight out of their last ten ballgames.  They did take a tough break a couple of games ago when Anderson Varejao went down four 4-6 weeks with a hurt ankle, but the rest of the gain should be able to keep them more than afloat until he returns, although his return will be welcomed.  A high energy guy like Varejao is always appreciated on any team looking to make a run deep into the playoffs.

The Rockets are playing at about the same level of the Cavs, winning 7-3, and that’s in the arguably tougher Western conference.  Yao Ming is having to take on the majority of the offense because Tracy McGrady is just about always day-to-day with a knee injury.  Ming is averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds a game, and having a career best year.  It helps that most of his All-Star votes come from China, but this year he seems to have actually earned his spot among the best centers in the league.  This should be a good contest as both teams come in on a hot streak.  I feel it will be a back and forth game with the final score coming down to a few crucial plays down the stretch. 

NBA Betting

For the best NBA betting on the web, join Sportbet.com for all the action and none of the hassles! Our online sportsbook offers 24 hour sports betting lines on all major sporting events, so you can participate in sportsbook gambling anytime from anywhere through our secure online server. Make future bets, prop bets, parlays, straight bets, and many other types of sports bets.