The countdown to the Super Bowl Sunday has begun and Super Bowl XLIV odds are up as are countless NFL predictions across the web. With all this going on, it is easy to overlook some key NBA matchups that have both playoff and sports betting implications.

Memphis Grizzlies (25-19 7^th in Western Conference) @ San Antonio Spurs (26-18, 5^th in Western Conference)

Spread: Spurs -4

Total: 198

Money Line: Spurs – 150, Grizzlies +120

Top Storylines

Bronze Medal: O.J. Mayo vs. Manu Ginobili

O.J. Mayo has emerged in his sophomore season as a very good shooting guard. Averaging 18.1points a game and his ability to guard most guards with his athleticism makes him a player coaches now have to game-plan for.

Manu seems like he’s been in the league for ever. I’ve seen his bald spot grow and develop in front of my eyes for a decade now and it seems like Manu is slowing down a bit. Nagged by various injuries this season Manu has struggled to find consistency. The Spurs will need him to play like his old all-star self in this one as they will most likely be without Tony Parker (ankle).

If Manu can score on O.J. Mayo in this game with banged up shins slowing him down, I would be pretty surprised. He is still a player with great awareness in the game and he will need it in this one. Mayo should be able to score at will on Ginobili in his state and that may well be the Grizzlies game plan in this one.

Silver Medal: Tim Duncan vs. Zack Randolph and Marc Gasol

Tim Duncan has been one of the top 5 players in the NBA for over a decade running now and while he has looked a little slower and older, was still able to put up 21 points and a career high 27 rebounds with 6 assists in a domination of the 29-15 Atlanta Hawks. He will have to be that good again as he is taking on two players with improving and diverse games.

Zeebo has all but clinched either Comeback Player or Most Improved Player of the year, whichever one they want to give him. He has averaged 21 ppg and 11.6 rpg this season and is a sure fire all-star. Marc Gasol has developed into a low post threat and is averaging 15.1ppg and 9.6 rpg. The two of them play different styles with Zack’s mid range game and crashing of the boards (4.6 offensive boards a game) while Gasol plays a more traditional post-up game. This big man flexibility has been nightmares for opposing teams.

Duncan will get some help from DeJuan Blair and Antonio McDyess but don’t make a mistake on who will get the assignments in crunch-time. I expect Duncan to be able to shut down Gasol, but Randolph will just step out on him. The battle on the boards in this one promises to be epic and is a reason to watch the game all in its own. Will it be the young hot-shots or the future hall-of-famer who shows more resolve in this midseason matchup? It’s a toss-up, but I would give Timmy D the benefit of the doubt.

Gold Medal: How the Spurs replace Tony Parker

Tony Parker suffered a badly sprained ankle driving to the hoop on Wednesday. George Hill and Keith Bogans will likely share PG responsibilities in this one with Manu Ginobili bringing the ball up often. Parker is the main cog in this offense and creates shots extremely well for his teammates. He is virtually un-guardable by guards the same size as him, like Memphis’ Mike Conley Jr., and his loss will be felt in this game.

Prediction: To win, the Spurs will have to put up a valiant effort on their home court in this game and Tim Duncan will have to be great. I think he will be very good and the Spurs will fall just short against a streaking young and athletic Grizzlies team.

Final: Grizzlies 92- Spurs 88. Take the Grizzlies and the under.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers New York Rangers to win at (  1.625)
Detroit Red Wings vs Minnesota Wild Detroit Red Wings to win at (  1.870)

Statistic:

179/306 58,4%

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NBA Wednesday Preview:  Utah Jazz (26-18) @ Portland Trail Blazers (27-19)

With most of everyone’s attention being on the Super Bowl odds, various prop bets and NFL picks , many are overlooking the NBA that has some interesting midseason matchups to bet on.

This Wednesday Deron Williams leads the Utah Jazz into Portland to face LaMarcus Aldridge and the Blazers.

Sportsbook outlook:

Spread: Jazz -2.5

Over/Under: 195.5

Money Lines: Jazz -150, Blazers +125

Let’s take a look at the matchups in this one:

PG: Deron Williams vs. Andre Miller

Deron Williams has been one of the best point guards in the game since he joined the league from the University of Illinois. He has a gold medal as a part of the “Redeem Team” two summers ago. This season has been more of the same from Williams who is averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds with a steal per game for the Jazz. His on ball defense is a big part of his value.

Andre Miller has been well traveled in the NBA and many thought that he would have a hard time adjusting to Portland’s slow-paced methodical half-court approach. Well, after Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla went down for the season and now without Brandon Roy for the forseable future, Miller gets to play his style. He has always been a great passer, but has rarely been accused of being a great teammate.

Advantage: Utah

SG: Ronnie Brewer vs. Rudy Fernandez

If the Jazz have a weakness, it’s at shooting guard. Brewer has been platooning with Kyle Korver and Wesley Matthews at this spot mainly because of his lack of range on his shot (7-27 from 3 this season). Brewer offers the best defensive option at the position but his name has been floated around in trade talks, most notably with Memphis, who is looking for bench depth.

Rudy Fernandez remains an enigma in the NBA. After dazzling everyone with dunks and threes in the Olympics for Silver medalist Spain, Fernandez has never really gained any consistency at the highest level. With star guard Brandon Roy, out with a hamstring (and getting experiemental plasma treatment to it), Rudy finally gets a chance to start and show why he was the second best player in Spain behind Pau Gasol.

Advantage: Blazers

SF: Andrei Kirilenko vs. Martell Webster

AK-47 has been in the Jerry Sloan’s doghouse for his uninspired play for most of the season. Recently, Kirilenko was moved to the starting lineup and has two 25+ point games in his last three contests. The former all-star is regaining his form and is always tough defensively.

Webster has been a revelation for the Blazers with all the injuries to the team. Nic Batum came back from a shoulder injury against the Hornets Monday but played only10 minutes. Webster will have his playing time cut into, but is playing too well right now to be demoted back to the bench, especially for Batum. Still, neither player will be able to do much against the presence of AK-47.

Advantage: Jazz

PF: Carlos Boozer vs. LaMarcus Aldridge

Boozer is a perennial all-star and has put up another solid season for the Jazz. Averaging 18.9 points and 10.8 rebounds with 3.5 assists a steal and 54% shooting from the field. He is a premier power-forward with numbers backing it up.

Aldridge has emerged as a force and Portland’s best player for most of the season. Aldridge is averaging just over 16 points and 8 rebounds. Being forced to cover every team’s big man without a true center left on the roster, Aldridge has been putting in Yeoman’s work this season, but doesn’t appear to have the stats to make the trip to Dallas for the all-star game

Advantage: Jazz

C: Mehmet Okur vs. Juwan Howard

Memo Okur has seen his numbers fall off a bit from last season, but that is not that significant as his number have fallen to his carrer averages. Still shooting 38% from downtown, Memo stretches the defense and makes for a dynamic inside-outside game with him, Boozer and Deron Williams.

Juwan Howard should not be in the NBA anymore

Advantage : Jazz

Bench: Paul Millsap, Wesley Matthews, Ronnie Price, C.J. Miles, Kyle Korver vs Jeff Pendergraph, Dante Cunningham, Jerryd Bayless, Steve Blake

The Blazers are decimated by injuries. They have no true center on the roster. Rookie Dante Cunningham has shown he hassome skill, but is still very young. Bayless and Blake are both point guards, a position filled by Andre Miller.

The Jazz have perhaps the best backup power forward in the league in Paul Millsap as well as shooters that can come off the bench.

Advantage: Jazz

Prediction: The Jazz seem to have too much man power for the beaten up Trail Blazers. I expect the Jazz to take this one handily: Utah 108- Portland 92

NBA Picks: Take the Jazz and the under

NAS Predators v CBS Blue Jackets  NAS Predators to win at 1.87
PHX Coyotes v DET Red Wings over 5 goals at 1.72

Statistic:

179/306 58,4%

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ANA Ducks v STL Blues ANA Ducks to win at 2.15
CHI Blackhawks v VAN Canucks under 6 goals at 1.65

Statistic:

178/305 58%

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PHI 76ers v IND Pacers +3/-3 IND Pacers to win at 1.91
NO Hornets v DEN Nuggets +12/-12 NO Hornets to win at 1.91

Statistic: 138/279 50%

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SAC Kings v ORL Magic +9.5/-9.5    SAC Kings to win at 1.91
DAL Mavericks v PHI 76ers over 198 points at 1.91

Statistic: 138/277 50%

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January isn’t just for Super Bowl odds, the NBA is nearing midseason and games are becoming more predictable. This Friday, Derrick Rose and the Bulls travel to Phoenix to take on Steve Nash and the Suns.

Chicago Bulls @ Phoenix Suns

Bookmaker Odds (Bookmaker Reviews): Suns -7

Sportsbook Odds for Total: 217

Let’s take a look at the matchups:

PG: Derrick Rose vs. Steve Nash

-          Derrick Rose is the reigning Rookie of the Year. After starting the season slow Rose improved significantly every month and now in January (10 games) is averaging 22.4 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds a game. He is better than he was last year, and his has been finding his improving young teammates more cleanly.

-          Steve Nash still is a great offensive pg. The two-time MVP is having another big season averaging 18.4 points and a whopping 11.2 assists a contest. His defense these days however is non-existent and the younger, longer Rose is not a good matchup for Nash.

Advantage: Bulls

SG: Kirk Hinrich vs. Jason Richardson

-          Kirk Hinrich is really a point guard. When Rose was drafted, he was relegated to backup duty, but was too good for that. Coach Vinny Del Negro has them playing side by side with Hinrich at the two. Hinrich is too slow and an average shooter at best, and just got over an illness that caused him to lose 10 pounds and isn’t all the way back yet.

-          J-Rich is an aging two guard that still has most of his athleticism that made him the best dunker in the league for years. J-Rich is averaging around 15 points a game with 38% shooting percentage from three. His size and length also make him a tough defender, one of the few on the Suns.

Advantage: Suns

SF: Luol Deng vs. Grant Hill

-          Deng is solid all around player. His defense is good and improving and is averaging 17.7 points 7.4 rebounds two assists a steal and a block per game. Deng’s only issue is he disappears for long stretches and doesn’t ask for the ball enough. He needs more touches to make the jump to be a star.

-          Grant Hill has had a long career that many thought was over a few years back. He has rejuvenated himself in Phoenix and has been playing good basketball for the Suns this season. He has a great midrange and has great awareness on both ends of the court and in the passing lanes. Deng is younger, stronger and faster than Hill and will show it.

-          Advantage: Bulls

PF: Taj Gibson vs. Amare Stoudamire

-          With Tyrus Thomas on the mend and inconsistent, USC rookie Taj Gibson has been starting. Gibson is young and inexperienced, but has showed good toughness and potential in his playing time.

-          Amare Stoudamire is a top offensive forward in the game. His post moves and range combined with his speed is nearly unstoppable. His problem is that he is allergic to playing defense. Lucky for him Taj Gibson can’t play offense and neither can big man Joakim Noah

Advantage: Suns

C: Joakim Noah vs. Channing Frye

-          Noah has improved this season and has shown that he may evolve into a very good center in the near future. He has been much improved in the Pick and Roll with Rose and is a very good shot-blocker and rebounder (1.7 blocks, 12.4 rebounds a game).

-          Channing Frye has bounced around the league and has always lacked toughness that is needed in the NBA. He has the ability to shoot from 20 feet and forces Big Men to step out on him freeing up the lane.

Advantage: Bulls

Bench: John Salmons, Tyrus Thomas, Jannero Pargo, Brad Miller vs. Leandro Barbosa, Robin Lopez, Louis Amundson, Jared Dudley

-          Both benches are very good. Salmons has been off this year and Miller is a good shooting center. Thomas is talented but is a head-case. Barbosa is a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate and Dudley is a very good defensive small forward. Lopez is solid underneath defensively.

Advantage: Even

Expect the line to be around -8 Suns with an over under around 220. The Bulls are an improving team but the Suns style of play doesn’t match well for the Bulls. The Amare -Taj Gibson mismatch and Noah’s skill at getting into foul trouble lead me to take the Suns in this game on their home court.

NBA Pick: Suns 110 – Bulls 99.

CHI Blackhawks v CAL Flames under 5.5  goals at 1.80
BUF Sabres v LA Kings under 5.5  goals at 1.80

Statistic:

177/303 58%

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Those playing Superbowl odds should be in for a show when the NFC championship game hits New Orleans, as the Saints will host Minnesota in a meeting of two extremely explosive teams. If the Saints are going to pull it out, they’ll need another big game from Reggie Bush.

Vikings vs Saints betting – Sunday, January 24, 6:40 PM ET

The Vikings stomped Dallas 34-3 at home, and the battle was won up front where Minnesota dominated the Cowboys on both sides of the ball. Brett Favre had ample time to pick apart the Cowboys, going 15-of-24 for 234 yards and four touchdowns with no picks, while Sidney Rice was on the receiving end of three of those scores, posting 141 yards on six catches. The Vikings also sacked Tony Romo six times and forced three turnovers.

Drew Brees had a solid game for the Saints in their 45-14 mauling of Arizona, going 23-of-32 for 247 yards and three touchdowns, and the defense also did their part against Kurt Warner and the high-flying Cardinals offense. However, Rush was the star of the show with 217 all-purpose yards, including a 46-yard touchdown run and an 83-yard punt return for a score to put a stamp on the game. Bush was also running with force and anger, and he may be finally up to performing the way the Saints thought he would when they drafted him second a few years ago. Bush has had knee problems, which hampered his explosive ability. Bush is a massive factor in New Orleans’ NFL betting odds.

The Saints are listed as 4-point home favorites according to bookmaker odds (bookmaker reviews), even though they’ve lost eight of their last 10 against the Vikings, their performance in the Superdome in front of their crazy fans and the emergence of Bush gives them a big edge. The Vikings also have a versatile threat in Offensive Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin, but he’s still a rookie, while Bush has some experience, and he’s running with a purpose. Everyone thought Bush was done, and some were even calling him a bust, which angered the former USC star. He needs to be more consistent, but he was a big-game player in college, and he’ll have to rise to the occasion this week, because no one on the Vikings can cover him.

Super Bowl betting pick: Saints -4