So, there’s an aside at the end of Mitch Lawrence’s column in the New York Daily News today that says “Earl Watson wants out of Oklahoma City.”

First reaction: Who doesn’t?

But seriously: Earl, your team took Russell Westbrook with the fourth overall pick in this summer’s draft. Now, even though he’s more of a combo guard than a straight point, and even though Darren Collison ran UCLA’s offense instead of Westbrook . . . They took him fourth! Fourth! They’re a young team that is — unlike the Warriors — is choosing to give the kids’ experience, regardless of the outcome. What did you think was going to happen?

If you didn’t want to play behind him, you should have had your agent tell Sam Presti to deal you instead of Luke Ridnour.

End of rant. Beginning of picks:

Warriors (2-4) at Kings (2-4), 6:05 p.m.
Pick: Kings -3.5
The death match for 11th place in the Western Conference is SO on.

Raptors (3-2) at Bobcats (2-3), 10:05 a.m.
Pick: Raptors -3.5
Larry Brown’s not-so-merry band continues to befuddle me when it comes to this exercise.

Jazz (5-0) at Knicks (3-2), 12:05 p.m.
Pick: Knicks +4
This could be a nice milestone in the Knicks’ rebirth under Mike D’Antoni, even if Utah is missing Deron Williams.

Mavericks (2-3) at Clippers (0-6), 12:35 p.m.
Pick: Mavericks -4
I was going to say, “well, at least the Clips have their health going for them.” And then Tim Thomas had to go and screw up even that little slice of good news.

Celtics (5-1) at Pistons (4-1), 3:05 p.m.
Pick: Celtics +1.5
Part of me wants to stay home and watch this game, instead of driving to Sac.

Hawks (4-0) at Thunder (1-4), 4:05 p.m.
Pick: Hawks -4.5
Can Atlanta continue without Josh Smith in the lineup?

Grizzlies (3-3) at Nuggets (2-3), 5:05 p.m.
Pick: Denver -8.5
I’m hoping the Warriors’ power as a transitive property — GSW beats Denver, Memphis beats GSW, ergo Memphis beats Denver — has been drained.

Rockets (4-2) at Lakers (4-0), 6:35 p.m.
Pick: Rockets +7.5
Houston’s two losses this season have come by a total of six points. If the oddsmakers are going to cover that whole total, how I can I pass up such hospitality?

Yesterday: 3-2-1
Season record: 39-44-1

– Geoff