Early Sunday- 2 Games, Easy on the Props

Two early games (1:00pm Eastern) taking place this Sunday, with the Suns taking on the Wizards in DC, and the Sixers in Detroit to face the Pistons. I'm actualy pretty interested to watch as much as I can of both these games- Suns-Wizards should be an absolute shootout and loads of fun to watch, especially with Nash and Government Assistance (can we make this nickname catch on?) running the point.

The other early matchup promises less excitement, but Sixers-Pistons is interesting for a couple of reason: first, the Sixers may be better than expected, and I am convinced that Philly is not nearly as good as some may have thought. I'm looking for Detroit to defend its home court. Also, each of these teams features a handful of gifted players looking to develop a rapport with and grow into a strong unit, but they a definitely not without questions:

* Is Andre Iguodala or Lou Williams the Sixers' leader? How good can you really be with either guy as your best player?

* Will Elton Brand ever be a top-flight player again? Should the Sixers be starting Marreese Speights in his place?

* How much do the Pistons miss Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince? Are they better off starting Ben Gordon at the 2? Note: I think Ben Gordon might be better than I ever gave him credit for.

* Is Charlie Villanueva a) mildly overpaid, b) properly overpaid or c) grossly overpaid?


I have seen a couple of unconvincing Sixers games thus far, but have yet to see the Pistons play this season, but have been intrigued by the numbers I've seen in their box scores. I not sure if I'll watch every minute of this game, but I have enough interest in these storylines to tune in.

Now let's turn our attention to the prop bet front. Sadly, with regard to these 1pm games, BetUS failed us, not having a single player prop line posted as of 10 minutes before tip-off. PlayersOnly, however, did give us one option on each of the four teams in action. While none of the lines below struck as particularly enticing, they all speak to situations with these players and teams that are worth monitoring:

* Andre Iguodala OVER 4.5 1st quarter points (-105) @ Pistons- Handles the ball a lot on the wings and in isolation sets, and will be matched up all day against either Ben Gordon or Jonas Jerebko. Should get to the bucket (and the line as well) early and often.

* Ben Gordon OVER 1.5 3-pointers made (-115) v. 76ers-

* Steve Nash UNDER 29.5 points + assists (-115) @ Wizards- With the Suns' style of play, this number is never out of play, but a combined 30 will be tough to hit. 17 and 12 assists is an excellent game for Nash, and that would not be enough. Expect this to be close, but not a fan of the over.

* Gilbert Arenas UNDER 6.5 3-point attempts (-105) v. Suns- Government Assistance (I'm gonna make this happen! It works with his initials and everything!) is still a devastating offensive player, and not shy about taking 3's, but he's looking more committed to getting into the lane and earning trips to the line that jacking up the long ball. Against the Suns, I would be easy to see him falling into shootout mode, but seven threes (that's almost Danny Granger pace) is a bit much. He may get to 5, even 6, but I'm not anticipating Him going beyond that.

Looking ahead to the evening, we have four additional games on the NBA schedule, highlighted by a Kobe-CP3 matchup in L.A. at 9:30 Eastern. I will be back with my thought on those prop lines (c'mon BetUS, work with me!), as well with 1, maybe two highlighted actionable situations.

Until this evening, enjoy the early NBA games! Enjoy the NFL!