Washington Wizards @ Boston Celtics u185.0 (-110)
Monday Jan 14 ‘08 7:35p
The Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics combined for just 163 points when they met in DC on Saturday, and while this rematch may be a tad higher scoring, we still see it staying safely Under this posted total.

The Celtics have been stout defensively all year, especially at home where they are allowing just 84.0 points per game on a miniscule 40.3 percent shooting from the floor. They have yet to allow a home opponent to score 100 points this season, as the most points they have allowed at TD Banknorth Garden is 96, and the Under is 11-6-1 in all of their home games with an average combined total score of 183.3 points.

Now the Wizards are usually potent offensively, but as they say, “Good defense stops good offense.” Besides, if they could only manage 85 points vs. these Celtics at home on Saturday, we do not expect them to surpass that output here in Boston. After all, they scored 83 points the first time these clubs met in this building way back in early November.

With the first two head-to-head meetings this season going Under by a combined 45 points, we look for the team to stay below the total again here.

NBA Free Pick: Wizards, Celtics Under 185

Charlotte Bobcats +4.5
Monday Jan 14 ‘08 7:05p
The Bobcats have played their best basketball of the season over the last week, despite only coming away with two wins in the four games that they played. The recent surge of intensity began last Tuesday, after part owner and personnel guru Michael Jordan played a rare active role with the team, hanging out in the locker room and the weight room for a couple of hours prior to the Bobcats game against the New Jersey Nets. Lo and behold, Charlotte came out and dominated the previously red hot New Jersey Nets in a 16 point blowout. Young guard Ray Felton: “It’s always good to have him around. He’s a guy who’s a big part of basketball, period. Always when he’s around, it helps out a lot.”

The Bobcats didn’t stop with that single victory. Sam Vincent’s squad then went on the road, to the Fleet Center, and handed Boston only their fourth loss of the season. Then, they traveled to Cleveland and took the defending Eastern Conference champs into double overtime before falling short in a spread covering loss. Not discouraged, the Bobcats returned home to battle perennial Eastern Conference powerhouse Detroit, and took the Pistons into overtime before falling short. Even with a banged up backcourt, we can expect the Bobcats to continue their current uptick as home underdogs against Denver tonight. Take Charlotte.

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