Free Basketball Pick #1
Pacers @ Cavaliers: Indiana is a full strength at last (sans Ron Artest of course) or as close as they're going to come. These two teams would play each other in the playoffs if they started today. The Pacers have the 4th best defense in the League. What's Cleveland's identity aside from Lebron James? We have to say defense wins this one even on the road. Predicted Score: Indiana wins 94-92
Free Basketball Pick #2
Grizzlies @ Heat: Mike Fratello returns to Miami where he was broadcasting before taking the Memphis job. The Grizzlies do extremely well against Eastern teams, which is because they are more East in Memphis than at least 5 other Eastern Conference teams (and they don't have to travel much). Expect an inspired road performance in this game. Predicted Score: Memphis wins 94-90
Free Basketball Pick #3
Bobcats @ Spurs: Charlotte isn't a standout when they're healthy. But take out Emeka Okafor, Kareem Rush, Melvin Ely and possibly Brevin Knight and you've got a sub par team that's cut in half. The Spurs never blow teams away quickly. It happens in the 3rd quarter. So here goes another game that we expect much more of the same Spurs. Predicted Score: San Antonio wins 89-72
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