NBA Pick & Roll: Jan 16th

[Tinfish]

Orlando at New Orleans: Magic -6 1/2

Dwight Howard is a beast. The Orlando Magic’s young stud is putting the “power” back in power forward. With more and more big men preferring to shoot long jumpers rather than get physical in the paint, Howard’s game is a nice throwback.

At 6-foot-11 and 265 lbs, Howard is an intimidating force. In only his third season, he is tied with Kevin Garnett for the league-lead in rebounding. Last week against Golden State, Howard had a monster game. The 21-year-old had 30 points and 25 rebounds guiding his team in the ATS win on road.

Tonight it will be the New Orleans Hornets` task to try and contain the Magic’s leading scorer. The injury-depleted Hornets have won two straight games and received some good news this week. New Orleans power forward, David West, is expected back sometime next week. West has played in only seven games this season because of an elbow injury.

The Magic have been playing well lately. They have covered in eight of their last 10 games.

Houston at Dallas: Rockets +7

Yao who? The Houston Rockets don’t seem to be missing Yao Ming as much as most would have thought. Since Yao broke his leg on Dec. 23, the Rockets have won nine of 11 games SU and gone 7-4 ATS.

Even though Yao was having his best year before the injury, there’s no doubt who the Rockets’ most valuable player is this season.

Since returning from a back injury, Tracy McGrady has been carrying his team. Over the last 10 games he is averaging 28 points, 6.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds a game. Luckily for Houston, McGrady’s return immediately followed Yao`s exit.

The injuries to McGrady and Yao have Houston backers worrying about a possible collapse like last season. Rockets point guard Rafer Alston doesn`t see this year’s team repeating last season`s performance.

“We`re more prepared,” Alston told the Houston Chronicle. “It helps to have more depth, added firepower. But I think we`re more prepared. Last year, it took us by surprise. We were on a team with anticipation and expectations so high. All of a sudden, the injury bug hits you. This year, we know this can happen.”

The Dallas Mavericks continue to add to their win total, but they have had difficulty covering the spread. The Mavs have covered only once over the last five games.

Cleveland at Seattle: Cavaliers -3

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue their seven game road trip tonight in Seattle to play the SuperSonics.

The Cavs` starting shooting guard Larry Hughes is on the injury list again. Hughes is considered day-to-day because of thigh tendonitis. He missed 10 games earlier this season due to an ankle injury, but Cavs coach Mike Brown does not think the latest injury will keep Hughes out for long.

“This is just precautionary,” Brown told the Plain Dealer. “We`ll make sure he gets some rest and continue to rehab.”

While the Cavs have struggled without Hughes this season (4-7 ATS), they shouldn’t have much trouble with the SuperSonics tonight.

Before Friday’s overtime win over the Utah Jazz, Seattle had lost eight of its last nine games. Friday’s win can be credited to Ray Allen’s amazing shooting performance. Allen shot 8-12 from 3-point range and finished the game with a career-high 54 points.

If Cleveland can limit Allen to less than 30 points, they should be able to handle a Seattle team lacking secondary scoring.