AC TITTICOCK'S WEEKLY FREE NBA BASKETBALL PICKS AND WINNERS

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3/26/05 Week 21 Free NBA Picks

AC's outlook on the NBA is an entertaining original column featured here at Wagercom. If you are prone to NBA betting or even just an NBA fan, make sure you come back often to read his articles and free NBA Basketball picks against the spread. AC will be providing us with a weekly outlook during the basketball season including free NBA Basketball picks on some of the weekend games each Friday and Saturday.

Our NBA expert AC wrapped up the 2003-2004 NBA betting season with a 51% winning percentage against the spread on his basketball picks after 190 games and has improved that to a 55% winning percentage against the spread so far this season.

The Eastern Conference features 5 teams fighting for the last two playoff spots which is drawing as much excitement as the release of Ron Artest’s second album.

Who is getting in:

Philadelphia 76ers: Yeah, I know they are not a very good team and I know Jim O’Brien can’t coach himself out of a paper bag but this conference is so weak that Iverson playing with 4 penguins could get the 7th seed. Right now they are in 8th, a game back of 7th but a game and a half up on 9th. With Dalembert showing some spark, Webber occasionally not pouting, and Iguodala rebounding, defending, and even ordering nachos at halftime, this team is too talented to not make it. Their only handicap is O’Braindead, which is significant, but nobody listens to him anyway so look for the Sixers to provide Detroit with a team to sweep in the first round.

New Jersey Nets: Carter and Kidd are the two most talented players on the 5 teams fighting to get in. Sure Vince has settled down since the trade, and sure they have no big men, but you can’t count out a Lawrence Frank coached team. Ok, that wasn’t serious, but I heard his mom is a big fan of The Com (what we insiders call Wagercom.com) so thought I’d try to make her day.

Who is going to be watching from their climate controlled mansions:

Indiana Pacers: They had a chance but losing Artest, Wackson Jackson, and O’Neal for the middle of the year really hurt. With O’Neal now joining Artest and Tinsley on the sidelines for the rest of the year, this team is in trouble. While Anthony “BeetleJuice” Johnson has done a decent job running the point, the Pacers main problem is that their best player, Reggie Miller, is now 93 years old and last I checked a 93 year old has never played in the NBA playoffs. Should be an interesting offseason for GM Bird.

Orlando Magic: They fired the coach but their problem is their big men are terrible. Howard has done a decent job but they openly pine for the days of Terry Catledge and Greg Kite. Speaking of new coaches, we now have Chris Jent and Kevin Pritchard as head coaches in the league. Of all of the former college players in the world, this is all they could come up with? I guess it gives JJ Reddick some hope.

New York Knicks: I actually hope they get the 8th seed so Isiah will stay around for another year. However, this team is just bad.

The West is much easier as it comes down to the Nuggets and the Timberwolves and with Cassell and Sprewell playing as well like they are auditioning for the NBDL, the Nuggets should run away with this one.

On to Friday's Free NBA Picks:

Ok, now that teams are playing hard again I should continue to win you cash. 5-1 last weekend should have provided you with a nice dinner, a good movie, and two thirds of a triple double at the World Famous Mitchell Brothers O’Farrell Theatre. I will try provide you with the final third tonight.

Indiana at Detroit Over 175:

Fight night at the Palace part 2. Defense will be somewhat slack as players want to avoid confrontation so look for some high scores and a big night from Stephen Wackson Jackson.

Houston -6 at New Orleans:

JR Smith has been averaging 22 points a game over the Hornets last 3 contests. Why is that relevant? Because it means the Hornets suck. Even with Magloire back and the Rockets playing inconsistent, this should not be a close game.

Washington at LA Clippers Over 201.5:

It’s a lot of points but the Wizards are due for a big game and the Clips have been filling it up as well. Just hope Hughes and Jamison don’t combine for 4-34 shooting like they do on occasion.

Saturday's NBA Picks:

I went 1-1-1 last night thanks to the bomb threat in Detroit. That had to cost me at least one point with players looking over their shoulders. Oh well, I guess tonight I will have to make up for it.

Phoenix -5 at Orlando:

Orlando is well rested and the Suns are coming off of a tough game against the Heat. Problem is, even a well rested Magic team still sucks. Should be an entertaining game but who is going to guard Amare?

Milwaukee at Utah Under 191:

No Kirilenko, no Mailman, and no Jeff Hornacek means no scoring for the Jazz. Add in a Milwaukee team that has been lighting it up but is playing the second of back to back nights and tends to play to the level of its competition and you have an ugly game to watch. Take the under and hope Michael Redd has an off night.

Sacramento at Denver Over 212:

I know 212 is a lot of points to give and both teams are due for a let down but I am not going in on the Knicks-Blazers or Celtics-Pistons. The Nuggets have been on fire and the Kings can light it up but be wary of the 212. Just hope Peja can stay hot.

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