Category Archives: Basketball Picks

01.30.15
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Basketball Picks: January 30

Trail Blazers (+7) over Hawks: This is one of my favorite picks on the year in the NBA. The situation sets up perfectly from an All-Star Game angle. The Atlanta Haws are riding a 17-game win streak including a 15-2 against the spread run (they failed to cover their last two games). The Hawks aren’t on national TV much and don’t get a lot of attention, but three players from Atlanta were picked to represent the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game. The biggest All-Star snub was Portland point guard Damian Lillard who is the consideration for NBA MVP. I expect Lillard to play angry and focused to prove that he should’ve been picked to be on the All-Star team. Meanwhile the Atlanta players might feel overconfident that they were selected. The markets have finally caught up with Atlanta and they are now getting respect in this line. The Hawks might win this game but this spread is asking them to win by a margin. Expect Portland to be focused on the defensive end after giving 55 points on Wednesday to Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving.

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01.27.15
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Basketball Picks: January 27

It looked like I was going to bounce back one time in college basketball last night with Iowa State by missed free throws and sloppy play by the Cyclones allowed Texas to cover with a buzzer-beating layup. That’s the kind of year it’s been for me when picking college basketball but still a lot of season left. I have four picks tonight including two in the NBA. Don’t have time to analyze each game so just posting the pick. Check back later this week for a full Super Bowl prediction and the props that I like.

Pittsburgh (-4.5) over Virginia Tech

Kansas State (-1) over West Virginia

Raptors (-3.5) over Pacers

Bucks (+3) over Heat

01.17.15
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Basketball Picks: January 17

Florida State (+1) over North Carolina State: North Carolina State hits the road after back-to-back home games against rivals Duke and North Carolina. Big letdown spot here.

Notre Dame (-6.5) over Miami: Miami just beat Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium and now have to go to unfamiliar territory at Notre Dame. This line is too low.

Ohio State (+1) over Iowa: Ohio State is looking for revenge after the Hawkeyes beat them at home in their conference opener.

Michigan State (+3) over Maryland: Michigan State will also be seeking revenge after dropping their conference opener to Maryland in double overtime back on December 30.

01.13.15
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Basketball Picks: January 13

South Carolina (-4) over Alabama: Alabama has started conference play 2-0 after wins against Texas A&M and at a rebuilding Tennessee team. The Crimson Tide will be playing in their second straight road game, and it’s very tough to win away from home in the SEC. Alabama also might be looking ahead to their weekend home game against No. 1 Kentucky. South Carolina faces a must-win situation after starting SEC play 0-2. They defeated Iowa State a week and a half ago so they are a solid team that should win this game. I’m not sold on Alabama yet and will take South Carolina here.

 

01.07.15
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Basketball Picks: January 7

Don’t have time for analysis but here are the five games I like today:

North Carolina State (+14.5) over Virginia

Grizzlies (+3.5) over Hawks

Pistons (+9) over Mavericks

Maryland (-2.5) over Illinois

California (-1) over USC

01.06.15
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Basketball Picks: January 6

Georgia (-3.5) over Arkansas: It’s always a good idea to pick against a Mike Anderson team on the road. The Razorbacks are ranked but 1-2 in true road games this season. Georgia didn’t lose a game in December and their wins included Colorado, Seton Hall and Kansas State. The Bulldogs were very good at home in conference last year. Georgia isn’t ranked but there is a reason they are the favorite here.

01.02.15
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Basketball Picks: January 2

Cavaliers (pick) over Hornets: LeBron James is hurt for Cleveland so there will be some value on the Cavaliers if the point spread overreacts to his injury. Charlotte is also missing their star in Al Jefferson.

Magic (+1.5) over Nets: The Nets are coming off a big win in Chicago, and the Magic were embarrassed at home against Detroit. I think Orlando bounces back at home.

Pistons (-2.5) over Knicks: The Knicks return home after a grueling West Coast road trip. The Pistons are still undefeated after getting rid of Josh Smith.

Celtics (+5.5) over Mavericks: Rajon Rondo returns to Boston in what I imagine will be a emotional game for him. I think the Celtics will be motivated to beat their former point guard.

Jazz (+4) over Hawks: The Hawks amazing run goes out West and I think Atlanta has a let down after beating Cleveland on Tuesday. The Jazz are are tough team to beat at home.

12.23.14
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Basketball Picks: December 23

Pelicans (-1) over Pacers: Indiana returns home after a three-game road trip where they finished 1-2. Their lone win was against lowly Minnesota. Their victory against the Timberwolves was their second win of December with the other coming against the Lakers at home. New Orleans is coming off a big win against Oklahoma City but I think they will remain focused. The Pelicans have to win these game against Eastern Conference foes to stay in the playoff race. The Pacers show up flat, and the Pelicans will get a relatively easy win.

Hornets (+5.5) over Bucks: Milwaukee is also back home after a long West Coast road trip. They had more success on the stand with a 2-2 record and close loses against the Trail Blazers and Clippers. I believe this line is giving Milwaukee too much respect after their impressive stretch of games. Meanwhile, the Hornets are on a three-game win streak and have played much better without guard Lance Stephenson on the court. I like the Hornets because of the unfavorable situation for Milwaukee, and would take Charlotte to win straight up if Stephenson remains out with an injury.