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

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.

Advertisement

Basketball Picks: December 17

North Carolina State (-5.5) over Tennessee: A young Tennessee team goes on the road to play North Carolina State. The Volunteers just beat a ranked opponent in Butler and I think they have a let down here. North Carolina State was just upset by Wofford so the Wolfpack will be focused.

Mavericks (-6.5) over Pistons: This line might be a little lower than it should because the Mavericks played in New York last night. The Mavericks routed the Knicks, which allowed their starters to rest late and be ready for this game. Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons and Tyson Chandler all played 25 minutes or less. Detroit is playing their first home game after a west coast trip. I love the Mavericks here but my only hesitation is that Dallas plays San Antonio in their next game on Saturday. They might overlook the Detroit but still think they will win by double-digits.

Basketball Picks: December 2

Starting now until the end of the NBA playoffs, I will post basketball picks for the NBA and college.

Pistons (-1) over Lakers: The Pistons are a terrible team but so are the Lakers. Detroit will eventually play better and they can start now against a team they know they can beat. The Lakers played a overtime game on Sunday at home where they pulled out a victory against Toronto. I don’t think they show up in this game.

Bulls (-1) over Mavericks: Bulls are back at home after a long road trip and that’s why the line is low. I think it’s too low especially since the Bulls’ starting lineup is healthy for now. Dallas is a much better team at home than on the road.

Illinois (+4) over Miami: My first college pick of the year will be in the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. I’m going to pick a team that I think is underrated and will make surprise people when conference play comes around. Illinois has a quality group of guards that I think will outplay Miami. The Illini also have revenge on their mind from when the Hurricanes defeated them in the 2013 NCAA Tournament.