Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers (+3.5, 226.5)
Consistently backing the Suns is as reckless as dating ex-convicts. Phoenix is just 2-3 against the spread since beating the Lakers and Celtics at the end of December.
Turnovers have and always will be the Suns’ biggest flaw as long as Steve Nash is running the show. While the pace-pushing sparkplug gets his teammates great looks, he can be too careless with the ball.
"I still think we turn it over too much for what we're doing," Suns coach Alvin Gentry told the Arizona Republic. "We should be getting a shot every possession. We turn the ball over 18-20 times.
“Realistically, we should be a 12-turnover team. The way I look at it is that's eight shots we don't get at the basket. If we're the leading field-goal-shooting team in the league, then that's four makes we don't get, so we're basically taking away eight points."
Look for the Pacers to cash in on the turnover margin and get some easy baskets in transition.
Pick: Pacers
Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors (N/A)
Who says you need to have depth to be successful in the Association? The Warriors seem to play their best ball when they’re down to eight warm bodies.
Golden State has covered the number in eight of its last night games despite injuries to Ronny Turiaf, Anthony Randolph and a slow recovery from Andris Biedrins.
Steady offensive production from Monta Ellis, rookie Stephen Curry and veteran wing Corey Maggette is all coach Don Nelson needs to stay competitive – that and of course home court.
The Warriors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Pick: Warriors
