Just plain ugly

What can I say?

2-5 since the All-Star break? Just plain ugly.

Thursday night has a small number of games on the hardwoods. With the North American hockey players on the way back from Torino, and the only compelling Olympic competition involving a girl named Sasha, this looks like a good night to settle in for some NBA rivalry hoops.

The Pistons are giving 8' to Indiana, this seems like alot. I have this game rated almost even. Coming off a six-game losing streak, the Pacers have won six of their last seven, the other game being a narrow defeat at San Antonio. Indiana could be playing the best ball in the league right now.

The Lakers have won 6 of 8 at home, with the losses to sub-par Atlanta and surprisingly good Memphis. Sacramento has beaten the Lakers three straight, but the Kings' last visit to Staples to play the Lakers was last April. Hardly fresh in the memory. My system has the Kings winning this game outright, and it shows a strong "Under 200."

That said, and with that 2-5 albatross getting heavier and heavier, here are my Thursday NBA selections:

• Ind +8' at Det
• Sac/LAL under 200

Play 'em or fade 'em at your own risk. Hell, I'm 2 of my last 7.