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Tired Suns?
By Marty Gitlin
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Can a really tired team still beat the Boston Celtics?
That question will be answered Friday night.
The pooped group in question is the Phoenix Suns, who required double overtime Thursday to win in New Jersey, 161-157. The wildest game of the NBA season wasn’t decided until Steve Nash nailed two foul shots with 4.4 seconds remaining.
The fourth highest-scoring game in league history featured brilliant performances from Nash and point guard counterpart Jason Kidd. The former finished with 42 points, including nine in the decisive second overtime, and a typical 13 assists.
Kidd was even more productive with 42 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds. He is now tied with legendary Wilt Chamberlain for third place all-time with 78 triple-doubles.
Five other players scored 20 or more points in the game, including Suns Shawn Marion (33), Raja Bell (24) and Amare Stoudemire (23), as well as Nets Vince Carter (31) and Richard Jefferson (25).
If there’s one favorable team to play these days on the second night of a back-to-back, it’s likely Boston. According to WagerWeb.com, Phoenix is a 4.5-point road favorite Friday night.
RAY AWAY: Teams in the Western Conference can’t afford to fail, even early in the season.
After all, seven of its teams boast records of 10-6 or better.
But the Sonics must now find a way to win without Ray Allen, who will be sidelined for seven games with a right ankle bruise. As usual, he is among the NBA’s leading scorers at 25.3 points a game.
Seattle has played commendably considering the persistent and distracting rumors that the franchise will be relocated to Oklahoma City after this season. Rashard Lewis is scoring 22.9 points a game, while Chris Wilcox has scored and rebounded well. Guard Luke Ridnour is averaging 15 points a game while shooting 49 percent from the field.
The Sonics actually own a slightly better road than home record, but will host New Orleans on Friday night. WagerWeb.com lists Seattle as a 3.5-point favorite.
DRIBBLES: The baffling Detroit Pistons won in Dallas on Thursday night. They will try to knock off two NBA powers on the road in successive games Friday night when they play at Orlando. Detroit is a 5-point underdog, according to WagerWeb.com. … Philadelphia might be without both Allen Iverson (back spasms) and Chris Webber (right foot soreness) at home against Washington on Friday night. Due to the uncertain availability of both, a point spread is not listed. ... Two consecutive victories has again placed Utah above one and all at 15-4. WagerWeb.com lists the Jazz as 1-point favorites in Minnesota on Friday night.
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