Even Money’s NBA Picks November 26, 2009:...

Magic vs Hawks is my marquee match-up for today’s NBA Picks. Though it is traditionally a NFL day, the NBA is enticing hoop fans with two games. This particular contest pits two divisional leaders and rivals, while featuring a duel between two of the league’s most feared shot-blockers – Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) and Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks).

Howard’s total numbers and averages are down across the board, due to playing less minutes and having a deeper roster with the addition of Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson, both from a trade with the New Jersey Nets. The team dynamic is such that even with injuries and the early season suspension of Rashard Lewis, the Magic have won 11 out of 14 games, by an average margin of 9 points.

Yet, when watching them, the Magic players seem to be coasting, as if simply looking forward to the playoffs. Last night’s loss, at home, to the Heat was indicative of such a performance.

What does this mean for Josh Smith and the Hawks?

The Hawks are on a mission to prove they are better than a 4th seed. They want to be one of the Easter Conference’s top teams and so far this season, they lead all teams in win percentage. They have won 11 games by an average of nearly 12 points.

The steadiness of Joe Johnson and the addition of Sixth Man of the Year candidate Jamal Crawford are the most visible signs to this surge. But, the Hawks’ anchor is the player most likely to draw the negative attention: Josh Smith.

Smith gives the Hawks a defensive identity leading them in Blocks and Steals, and second in Rebounds. He has shown that he is buying into “team ball”, having vowed to shoot much less three-point shots, and is second in Assists.

This game poses a few questions: are the Magic focused on short-term goals? Does Dwight Howard get enough shot attempts? Can Vince Carter match the scoring output of Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford?

NBA PICKS:
• Hawks, Over – Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson need to shoot well from three-point land for the Magic to win.
• Utah, Over – When Jazz win and the Bulls lose, they do so convincingly.

Yesterday’s Results: Spread 5 Wins 7 Losses; O/U 6 Wins 6 Losses

Tuesday's Results

Let’s discuss your picks and/or how you see these match-ups.