Sports Bets: Picks of the Day

Current record: 6-5

I realize my tally yesterday was an unimpressive 3-2, but I just want the record to show that my two losses were by a combined 1.5 points. The Nuggets Thunder spread was 2, Nuggets won by 1. The Cavs Knicks spread was 5.5, Cavs won by 5. So yes, Jim Carey, that's the way the cookie crumbles.

2/5/09 NBA Games

1. Los Angeles Lakers (+7) @ Boston Celtics (-7). Finally, the game we've all been waiting for. Despite Bynum's emergence as the league's second best center (that's right Yao Ming) and subsequent season-ending knee injury, Kobe and the Lakers have shown that they are more than able to win without him. The Lakers are seven point dogs tonight in Boston and are getting +250 straight up. A number of factors likely contribute to this line: Lakers are playing back to back, Andrew Bynum is out, and KG is back. However, KG is still not fully healthy, and the number of minutes he's going to play is questionable. Kobe is on an absolute tear. And finally, the Lakers have been thirsting for redemption since last June. Enjoy the Laker victory tonight everyone. Lakers straight up***