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2011 NBA Rookie vs. Sophmores Gambling Odds

Shea Matthews points out Rookies vs Sophomores matchup is a staple of the NBA’s All-Star weekend – but so is the Three-Point Shootout and 2011 dunk contest. Here’s are favorites and odds to win the 2011 version…

2011 NBA All-Star Weekend – NBA Rookie vs. Sophmores Preview & Pick

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Date: Friday, February 18, 2011 6pm PST
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Broadcast: TNT
Rookies vs Sophomores Betting Lines at Sportsbook.com
Money Line: Rookies +210, Sophomores -250
Spread: Sophomores -6
Over/Under: 253.5
Rookies (3-8 vs Sophomores since 2000)

If the fluff of Sunday’s All-Star game is just too much for you, the Rookies vs Sophomores matchup may be just the ticket. After all, these guys are hungrier, with more to prove – especially the rookies. And especially Blake Griffin, who will take part in every night of the All-Star weekend.

The poor kid’s body is going to give out in 10 years or fewer if he keeps playing as hard as he does. But boy, is it ever fun to watch Blake Griffin right now. He brings it every night; he’s a double-double machine. So, in a game where the interior defense may not be up to snuff, we can expect Griffin to go wild with his throwdowns.

The Rookies are just 3-8 against the Sophomores but are actually the defending champs. The only problem: that crop of winning rooks is now the Sophomore team. So who will step up to join Griffin on the Rookies this year?

John Wall and Eric Bledsoe, former Kentucky teammates, should run the play, funnelling the ball toward Griffin. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Wall hook up early and often under the basket with his crazy old Kentucky buddy DeMarcus Cousins. That chemistry could play a big role tonight.

Sophomores (8-3 vs Rookies since 2000)

As top-heavy as the rookies are with Blake Griffin, the Sophomores have plenty to offer with arguably the deeper team this year. Even though Tyreke Evans won’t play, the Sophomores still have Brandon Jennings and Jrue Holliday in the backcourt. Spearheading the 76ers’ recent resurgence, Holiday enters tonight’s matchup hot.

That tandem could give the second-year guys a slight edge in ball movement. And you can bet Stephen Curry will shoot the lights out tonight. After getting snubbed for teammate Dorrell Wright in tomorrow’s Three-Point Shootout, don’t you think Curry will want to rain down treys on the Rookies to make a statement?

The pick:

I’m excited to see what Griffin and Cousins can do against DeJuan Blair and company in the paint tonight. I can definitely envision Griffin taking the MVP honors. However, I still think the Sophomores’ depth and experience will be the trump card tonight. I’d expect big games from Curry, Jennings, and maybe even the high-flying, relatively unknown DeMar DeRozan. The Sophomores may not cover but they should win.

Rookies vs Sophomores prediction: Sophomores 133, Rookies 129
Money Line: Sophomores -250
Spread: Rookies +6

Over/Under: OVER 253.5

ROOKIE TEAM ROSTER
Eric Bledsoe, L.A. Clippers, G
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento, C
Derrick Favors, New Jersey, F
Landry Fields, New York, G
Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers, F
Wesley Johnson, Minnesota, G
Greg Monroe, Detroit, C
Gary Neal, San Antonio, G
John Wall, Washington, G

Coaches:
Mike Budenholzer — San Antonio Spurs
Amar’e Stoudemire — New York Knicks
Kevin McHale — NBA TV/ TNT analyst

SOPHOMORE TEAM ROSTER

DeJuan Blair, San Antonio, C
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto, G
Stephen Curry, Golden State, G
* Tyreke Evans, Sacramento, G
Taj Gibson, Chicago, F
James Harden, Oklahoma City, G
Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia, G
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City, F-C
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee, G
Wesley Matthews, Portland, G

Coaches:
Lawrence Frank — Boston Celtics
Carmelo Anthony — Denver Nuggets
Steve Kerr — TNT NBA basketball analyst

* injured and will not play

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By Shea Matthews

Shea Matthews the Senior Writer at CP. Lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national papers. Shea applies his knowledge to sports betting + handicapping daily, and shares winning picks with the world.