Tag Archives: NBA 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

01.07.15
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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

01.02.15
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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.

 

12.22.14
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Basketball Picks: December 22

Hawks (+4.5) over Mavericks: The Hawks have had three impressive wins against Chicago, Cleveland and Houston. No reason to think they are can’t keep up their streak, or at least cover. The Mavericks are still getting used to Rajon Rondo. Dallas struggled agains a short-handed San Antonio team on Saturday, and I expect more of the same as the point guard gets acclimated to a new roster.

12.17.14
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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.

12.09.14
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Basketball Picks: December 9

Bucks (+10) over Thunder: Oklahoma City returns home after a three-game road trip. Kevin Durant returned to the lineup for the first game of the trip but the Thunder are still adjusting to having their star player healthy. They lost to the Pelicans, and defeated lowly Philadelphia and Detroit in unconvincing fashion. There will be a lot excitement at Chesapeake Energy Arena for Durant’s first home game of the season. However, I don’t think this situation favors the Thunder. This is also an unfavorable scheduling spot here as Oklahoma City hosts Cleveland on Thursday night in one of the primetime games on TNT. Meanwhile, the Bucks have been a pleasant surprise this season and have started 11-11. I expect the Bucks to keep this game close and cover the double-digit spread.

Heat (+4.5) over Suns: Phoenix is back at home after a three-game road trip that included games against the Mavericks, Rockets and Clippers, all Western Conference contenders. Last night they lost on a buzzer-beater in overtime to the Clippers. I think they come out flat against a struggling Miami team that needs to start playing better. The Heat still have good players like Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade who know they are catching Phoenix at the right time.