Arriving off of a powerful – but losing – playoff effort last year vs the Chicago Bulls, the Pacers came roaring back to start off the 2011-2012 year. The team is experiencing its best early record in the previous eight years, but are still troubled vs the more adept squads in the league. Whereas they are 11-4 thus far, only four of those victories are vs squads with records above .500.

Number one rated Kentucky versus the NCAA tournament hopefuls Georgia? Looks like a recipe for a crushing defeat, particularly as Kentucky barely regained that coveted No. 1 location on the standings for the first time in the prior 2 months. While the Kentucky Wildcats are on top of the standings and savoring an 11 game win streak, the Georgia Bulldogs can best be called sporadic thus far in the season.

The Kings have their work cut out for them when they battle against the Houston Rockets in Houston on January 13th. This is a situation of both teams rebuilding for the long run as both teams look nothing like their early 2000′s heydays. The Sacramento Kings look to return to their previous popularity in the west with stellar play from their young stalwarts. The Houston Rockets are still managing the after effects from the retirement of Yao Ming. The Houston Rockets are favored by 3 points by the sportsbook and this looks to be a tough game to call.

The AT&T Center might get some long-distance action on Jan 13th as the Portland Trailblazers go to San Antonio to battle against the San Antonio Spurs. Portland is a young squad looking to rebuild as the quick but electric Brandon Roy era officially came to an end with his retirement in December. Ex – #1 pick Greg Oden has additionally had repeated concerns with his knees as Portland seemingly can not shake the ghost of Sam Bowie. The San Antonio Spurs expect to defend their court with sizzling plays from their usual constant roster. The San Antonio Spurs are favored by 8 points and this seeks to be a great bet.

On Jan 12th, things get hot when the Cleveland Cavaliers come into Phoenix to face the Phoenix Suns. A couple of years ago, this would’ve been a stellar competition with LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire going head to head in a collision course. In the era of free agency however, times definitely have transformed as this competition seems drastically different. Phoenix is liked by 6 points over the Cleveland Cavaliers and this is apparently a safe bet.

The United Center in Chicago will be in the spotlight as the Wizards arrive in town to take on the Chicago Bulls. In past years, this match would’ve been the most difficult ticket to get as the 2nd comeback by Michael Jordan turned the Wizards into media darlings all through the league. Jordan is now long retired nevertheless and the Wizards have turned into an awesome youthful squad with vast amounts of possible waiting to be tapped. The sports book has the Bulls favored by 8 points which appears correct and appears like a solid bet with Chicago being rooted on at home.

Saturday evening on January 14th, the New York Knicks come into Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder in this big matchup between these two teams. It is a tale of two teams as the Thunder arrive in the game with a dependable squad of young guns vs the NY Knicks who it looks from year to year usually comes into play with plenty of changes going on. The NY Knicks are preferred by 4 points and this might hold unless Durant has one of his standard killer matches.

The Staples Center will come alive on January 11th when the Heat takes on the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat comes in with one of the best records in the NBA bolstered by a great lineup of stars. The Miami Heat lead the league as a team in points won and assists. The sports book has the Miami Heat liked by 8 points and with the backcourt they include, it appears to be a sure bet. Let’s have a closer look at the Miami Heat this year and the things they provide.

These two teams have been doing relatively well this year. This really should not an unexpected to anyone as these two colleges are well noted for their share of triumphs in basketball for a lot of years. When Western Virginia visits Connecticut these two teams will be at it out on the court on January 9.

The Jan 9 – Oklahoma at Oklahoma State game still has its own kind of excitement, despite the fact that this particular match may not have the same intensity that its football version does. With the conference basketball season just arrived, both the Oklahoma Sooners and Cowboys will try to set the tone for the remainder of their season with this game. In Oklahoma’s case, they are going to be trying to continue what has been a great start as they finished the non-conference slate with a 10-2 record.