By Gavin Inkster, NBA odds consultant

On Sunday afternoon we could have been watching the continued resurrection of sorts of one of our most enigmatic players. Or it could have been more of an indication of future success.

Or it could have been yet another good game, to be followed by another string of bad ones.

Such is our relationship with former number one pick Andrea Bargnani.

In his rookie year he showed flashes of brilliance, cooly dropping in shot after shot from beyond the three point line, but he was weak and timid on the glass.

In his second year had fewer minutes as newcomers Carlos Delfino and Jamario Moon simply outperformed him on the court.

This season has been more of the same: consistent inconsistency. A very good game, followed by a few games where he just disappears on the floor.

His point-per-game averages for his first three years are: 11.6 PPG in 06-07, 10.2 in 07-08 and so far 11.9 in 08-09.

Consistent, but maintained through inconsistency throughout the season (not to mention far short of expectations for a number one overall pick).

In rebounding he averaged 3.9 rebounds-per-game in 06-07, 3.7 RPG in 07-08 and so far is averaging 4.9 RPG in 08-09. Consistent, and pedestrian.

However, in his last five games (before Monday night), Andrea is averaging 20.4 points and 6.8 rebounds as well as having at least three three pointers in each game.

Those numbers have fans anticipating a breakout second half to the season from the Italian forward.

Consistent strong performances from Bargnani are crucial for the Raptor’s post-season hopes, and fans of the Raptors and NBA betting alike look forward to his recent play becoming nothing out of the ordinary.

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