The sports betting enthusiasts are trying to keep up with the torrid pace being set by the NBA schedule. As we get closer to March Madness betting, many NBA teams are already starting to fight for their playoff lives. The rigorous schedule is taking its toll on some teams while it seems to be benefiting others. As we roll into this coming weekend, we will take a look at some of the more key games involving teams that are struggling to stay alive in the playoff hunt, or teams that are trying to move into a better position to get home court advantage. Saturday – New York Knicks @ Minnesota Timberwolves For all of the hype that the Knicks have been getting because they are so bad, the team is only one game out of a playoff spot. In the Eastern Conference, the eighth and final playoff spot looks like it could be won with a sub-.500 record. The price per head bookie experts would give the advantage to the Knicks based almost solely on the play of Carmelo Anthony, but the Knicks have had a problem playing team defense lately. The Timberwolves have won six of its last 10 games and has been playing some good basketball as of late. Minnesota needs one more win to be .500 at home and this is the perfect chance to grab that win. Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday – Denver Nuggets @ Indiana Pacers The Nuggets have not been the same since Carmelo Anthony left, and that is to be expected. Denver has been trying to fill in the pieces since Anthony’s departure, and it looks like the Nuggets are finally starting to turn a corner. A bodog review of the Nuggets season to this point shows that Denver is not only 15-12 on the season, but it is also in a good spot to move up in the playoff standings if it can win a few more in a row. But the Nuggets have lost seven of its last 10 games and the Indiana Pacers have been playing some very good basketball as of late. The Nuggets are a good road team and the Pacers are a good home team. This will be a fun game to watch. Pick: Indiana Pacers Saturday – Portland Trail Blazers @ Dallas Mavericks The Portland Trail Blazers are ½ game out of a playoff spot and Portland has been hovering around eighth place in the Western Conference for much of the season. The defending champion Dallas Mavericks are five games out of the Western Conference lead and have been struggling to string wins together all season long. The Mavericks lost some key players from last year’s championship team and are finding out that even Dirk Nowitzki needs help in winning basketball games. NBA fans in Dallas have learned to be patient and everyone seems to be more focused on making the playoffs this year than winning a championship. Once the Mavericks are in the playoffs, everyone’s focus will shift back to defending their title. Pick: Dallas Mavericks
