NBA Picks (Nov. 2-8): 9-7 (+$270)
NBA Picks (Nov. 9-15): 3-4-1 (-$390)
NBA Picks (Nov. 16-22): 2-4 (-$370)
NBA Picks (Nov. 23-29): 6-5 (-$10)
NBA Picks (Nov. 30-Dec. 6): 4-0-1 (+$1,000)
NBA Picks (Dec. 7-13): 3-3-1 (-$70)
NBA Picks (Dec. 14-20): 1-6-2 (-$1,130)
NBA Picks (Dec. 21-27): 2-0 (+$500)
2009-10 NBA Picks (Season): 34-33-4 (-$270)
2008-09 NBA Picks (Season): 122-119-6 (-$2,280)
2007-08 NBA Picks (Season): 104-88-8 (+$1,485)
Philadelphia 76ers at New Jersey Nets
Line: 76ers by 6.
I can’t believe I’m taking the Nets here, but they’ve been playing better lately. The 76ers, meanwhile, just had an emotional loss to the Lakers.
NBA Pick: Nets +6 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
New Orleans Hornets at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 7.
The Grizzlies tried their hardest at San Antonio last night, but came up a bit short. They’ll have trouble bringing that same intensity here.
NBA Pick: Hornets +7 (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks
Line: Hawks by 4.
The Celtics just lost an emotional game against Orlando. Playing at 100 percent will be tough here. This contest means much more to Atlanta.
NBA Pick: Hawks -4 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 2.5.
The Bucks suffered an emotional last-second loss to Dallas. I can’t see them getting up for the Suxers.
NBA Pick: 76ers +2.5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings
Line: Kings by 6.5.
The Warriors put everything they had into Saturday’s game against Phoenix, but fell short in the fourth quarter. I can’t see them getting up for lowly Sacramento.
NBA Pick: Kings -6.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks
Line: Mavericks by 3.5.
The Knicks put a ton of energy into the Lakers game. It was tied at the half, but they just couldn’t keep up. Matching that same intensity here will be very difficult.
NBA Pick: Mavericks -3.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 7.5.
The Timberwolves are coming off back-to-back heartbreaking losses. I don’t think they’ll get up for this garbage Milwaukee team.
NBA Pick: Bucks -7.5 (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 3.5.
The Grizzlies just lost an emotional game at the very end at New Orleans. They could be a bit flat here.
NBA Pick: Thunder +3.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks
Line: Lakers by 5.5.
The Lakers put everything into last night’s game at Cleveland. I can’t see them getting up for playing the crappy Knicks.
NBA Pick: Knicks +5.5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers
Line: Cavaliers by 3.
A month ago, the Cavs went into the Staples Center and debacled the Lakers. Now, it’s the Lakers’ turn to get revenge. They’re the hotter team anyway.
NBA Pick: Lakers +3 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Indiana Pacers at Orlando Magic
Line: Magic by 11.5.
The Magic are coming off an emotional loss at the Lakers. Two days later, they’re back home hosting this crappy Pacers team. I can’t see them getting up for this game.
NBA Pick: Pacers +11.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Hornets
Line: Hornets by 3.5.
The Hornets had a big home game against the Spurs recently and just came up a bit short. I don’t think they get up for the hot Grizzlies.
NBA Pick: Grizzlies +3.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 2.5.
The Raptors came close to knocking off the Cavs yesterday. I can’t see them getting up for the Bucks today.
NBA Pick: Bucks -2.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
New Jersey Nets at Los Angeles Clippers
Line: Clippers by 8.
No line here, but I imagine that the Clippers will be a healthy favorite. I like the Nets. The Clips put everything into Saturday’s Cavs game and lost on the final shot. I can’t see them getting up for the Nets.
NBA Pick: Nets +8 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Miami Heat at Oklahoma City Thunder
Line: Thunder by 3.5.
The Thunder are coming off two huge emotional losses against the Spurs and Mavericks. Do they get up for a mediocre Miami team? Doubtful.
NBA Pick: Heat +3.5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 7.5.
I’m not a big fan of laying more than a touchdown with a mediocre team, but that’s what I’m doing here. The Timberwolves are coming off a string of emotional losses, and I don’t think they’ll be able to get up for Memphis.
NBA Pick: Grizzlies -7.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Milwaukee Bucks at Portland Blazers
Line: Blazers by 6.
The Bucks just suffered an emotional loss at Phoenix. I don’t think they’ll be as geared up to play the Blazers after that defeat.
NBA Pick: Blazers -6 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors
Line: Warriors by 2.5.
Speaking of emotional losses, the Warriors battled the Cavs down to the wire and came up short. I don’t see how they get up for mediocre Miami.
NBA Pick: Heat +2.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers
Line: Pacers by 2.
The Raptors just battled the Celtics tough at home, but lost by six. I don’t see how they’re getting up for the crappy Pacers.
NBA Pick: Pacers -2 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
New York Knicks at Oklahoma City Thunder
Line: Thunder by 5.
Great job, Knicks. Way to lead the Rockets by 14 and fail to cover as 6-point dogs. Losers.
New York put a lot of energy into that contest, so blowing a huge lead like that will probably cause them to be flat here.
NBA Pick: Thunder -5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
New York Knicks at Houston Rockets
Line: Rockets by 6.
I have no idea how the Warriors covered last night, but I’ll take it. The Rockets are coming off a string of emotional losses. I don’t think they’ll be able to get up for the lowly (but hot) Knicks.
NBA Pick: Knicks +6 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors
Line: Warriors by 4.5.
The Kings have just suffered a string of heart-breaking losses to tough opponents. I think they’ll be flat for this game.
NBA Pick: Warriors -4.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves
Line: Timberwolves by 2.5.
This is a tough spot for the Warriors, who just suffered an emotional loss to the Nuggets. I don’t see them getting up for this game.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves -2.5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Detroit Pistons at San Antonio Spurs
Line: Spurs by 10.
It looks like the Pistons have finally woken up and are ready to give a good effort for a change. I think they cover the high number here.
NBA Pick: Pistons +10 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls
Line: Bulls by 2.5.
I like the way the Bulls are playing right now. They just had a big win over Orlando and should be able to parlay that into another victory here.
NBA Pick: Bulls -2.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Memphis Grizzlies at Phoenix Suns
Line: Suns by 8.
I love the way this Suns team is playing right now; beating the Lakers and Celtics in consecutive games was impressive. I think they blast the Grizzlies here.
NBA Pick: Suns -8 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks
Line: Hawks by 11.5.
This is a really tough spot for the Hawks coming off two emotional losses against the Cavs. I don’t see why they’d get up for this game.
NBA Pick: Knicks +11.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Clippers
Line: Clippers by 1.
The Clippers just had a tough loss at Portland. I think it’ll be tough for them to muster enough energy to beat the crappy Sixers.
NBA Pick: 76ers +1 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Blazers
Line: Blazers by 7.
The Clippers just beat the Celtics, and I think they’re going to use that momentum to beat Portland outright here.
NBA Pick: Clippers +7 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons
Line: Pistons by 5.
The Knicks are coming off of two emotional losses. I think they get whacked here by the Pistons.
NBA Pick: Pistons -5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Washington Bullets at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 5.5.
This Grizzlies team is going to be flat off an emotional loss. They shouldn’t be laying 5.5 anyway.
NBA Pick: Bullets +5.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat
Line: Pacers by 7.5.
Call me a glutton for punishment, but I like the Pacers again. They just ran into a hot-shooting Atlanta team last night.
NBA Pick: Pacers +7.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers
Line: Hawks by 6.5.
I like the way the Pacers are playing right now. They’re showing some grit and toughness. The Hawks, meanwhile, could be starting to fall off.
NBA Pick: Pacers +6.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Miami Heat at New York Knicks
Line: Knicks by 2.
Merry Christmas! Hopefully Santa can give me another win this week. I like the Knicks here; this is a big game for them on national TV. It’s their chance to prove that they are for real.
NBA Pick: Knicks -2 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Utah Jazz at Miami Heat
Line: Pick.
I think the Jazz get whacked here. They just had an emotional loss and won’t be able to get up for the Heat.
NBA Pick: Heat PK (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns
Line: Suns by 9.
I love the way Oklahoma City is playing right now. I think they have a good shot of winning this game.
NBA Pick: Thunder +9 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers
Line: Lakers by 10.
This is a big game for the Thunder to establish themselves among the NBA’s upper echelon. The Lakers, meanwhile, could be a bit sluggish coming off their East Coast trip.
NBA Pick: Thunder +10 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers
Line: Pacers by 1.
Love the Bucks in this spot. The Pacers are coming off an emotional loss and shouldn’t be favored.
NBA Pick: Bucks +1 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics
Line: Celtics by 14.
The Celtics are coming off a loss for the fifth time this year. The first four times, they failed to cover afterward.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +14 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls
Line: Hawks by 4.5.
I love the way the Hawks are playing right now. I say their winning streak continues tonight.
NBA Pick: Hawks -4.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Sacramento Kings at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 6.
Two reasons I like the Kings: First, Milwaukee’s coming off an emotional loss to the Cavs. And second, I don’t think a team deserves to be favored by six if it’s just 2-6 this month.
NBA Pick: Bucks -6 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
New Jersey Nets at Toronto Raptors
Line: Raptors by 8.
Maybe I shouldn’t have been complaining about pushes. The Raptors have lost four of five, so I think it’s kind of crazy to ask them to cover eight points.
NBA Pick: Nets +8 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Indiana Pacers at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 6.
The Grizzlies have dropped three of four, and are not a very good team to begin with. I’ll take the points here.
NBA Pick: Pacers +6 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls
Line: Bulls by 3.
Two pushes in a row? What’s going on here?
The Bulls have lost six of seven, so I’ll take the points.
NBA Pick: Knicks +3 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Washington Bullets at Sacramento Kings
Line: Kings by 3.
Ugh, stupid push. The Kings had the lead in the second half yesterday, but ended up pushing. The Kings have now dropped five of six, so I’m taking the points.
NBA Pick: Bullets +3 (2 Units) — Push; $0
Sacramento Kings at Portland Blazers
Line: Blazers by 7.
The Blazers have dropped six of eight and aren’t playing well at all right now.
NBA Pick: Kings +7 (2 Units) — Push; $0
Golden State Warriors at Philadelphia 76ers
Line: 76ers by 5.
The 76ers haven’t won since Nov. 18. How in the world are they favored by five?
NBA Pick: Warriors +5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Indiana Pacers at Washington Bullets
Line: Bullets by 7.
There’s nothing like betting an underdog and having them not cover in overtime. At least the Warriors-Bulls game pushed. At any rate, this spread is way too high for the losing Bullets.
NBA Pick: Pacers +7 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Minnesota Timberwolves at Sacramento Kings
Line: Kings by 7.5.
Another line that is five points higher than it should be.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +7.5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
New Jersey Nets at Indiana Pacers
Line: Pacers by 3.5.
The Pacers stink and have lost a billion games in a row. I don’t see why they’re laying points.
NBA Pick: Nets +3.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls
Line: Bulls by 5.
The Bulls are also enduring a long losing streak. This spread is way too high.
NBA Pick: Warriors +5 (2 Units) — Push; $0
Detroit Pistons at Philadelphia 76ers
Line: 76ers by 2.
The Suxers have lost a billion games in a row, but now they’re expected to cover as favorites? I don’t buy it.
NBA Pick: Pistons +2 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 3.5.
Like the Suxers, the Milwaukee Sucks are on a long losing streak, so favoring them is a big mistake.
NBA Pick: Raptors +3.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
New Jersey Nets at Chicago Bulls
Line: Bulls by 6.5.
I know the Nets are terrible, but the Bulls haven’t been much more impressive lately. They’re getting blown out left and right. I don’t think they deserve to be laying almost a touchdown.
NBA Pick: Nets +6.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Houston Rockets at Portland Blazers
Line: Blazers by 4.5.
I’m getting this up at 8:40. I forgot to do this earlier; I liked the 76ers over the Bobcats. I also like Houston here; the Blazers are on a losing streak and don’t have the best history against the Rockets.
NBA Pick: Rockets +4.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Hornets
Line: Hornets by 9.
This line is a bit too high; the Hornets, who aren’t very good, are on a losing streak. I don’t think they cover.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +9 (2 Units) — Push; $0
Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls
Line: Bulls by 7.5.
The Bulls are on a long losing streak and are being asked to cover 7.5? I don’t agree with this spread.
NBA Pick: Pistons +7.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Washington Bullets at Toronto Raptors
Line: Raptors by 7.
This spread is pretty ridiculous. I don’t think the Raptors deserve to be -7 over anyone. That’s just way too high.
NBA Pick: Bullets +7 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 2.5.
The Bucks havbe lost a billion games in a row. I don’t think they deserve to be laying points here.
NBA Pick: Bulls +2.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Philadelphia 76ers at San Antonio Spurs
Line: Spurs by 10.5.
The 76ers tend to rebound well off blowout losses, and with all of the Allen Iverson talk, the team may step up to prove that it doesn’t need its old ball-hog back.
NBA Pick: 76ers +10.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
Line: Nuggets by 15.5.
A lot of points here, but I’m laying them. The Timberwolves are that bad right now.
NBA Pick: Nuggets -15.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
New Orleans Hornets at Sacramento Kings
Line: Kings by 2.5.
This is a ridiculous line. The Hornets may have the worse record here, but they’re a much better team than the Kings. They’ve been playing with fire ever since Byron Scott was axed.
NBA Pick: Hornets +2.5 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers
Line: Cavaliers by 6.5.
Coming off a loss, I expect the Cavaliers to be focused for the Mavericks.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers -6.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Bobcats
Line: Cavaliers by 5.
This Bobcats team has been playing a lot better lately, but that’ll change today. I really like the Cavaliers in this spot in the final game of their 2-game road trip. Cleveland plays really well away from home.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers -5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
New York Knicks at Denver Nuggets
Line: Nuggets by 12.5.
The Knicks tend to bounce back off blowouts. Too many points here.
NBA Pick: Knicks +12.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Milwaukee Bucks at New Orleans Hornets
Line: Hornets by 2.5.
The Hornets have been on fire ever since firing Byron Scott. I’ll keep riding them.
NBA Pick: Hornets -2.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
New York Knicks at Sacramento Kings
Line: Kings by 4.5.
The Knicks are terrible, but the Kings don’t deserve to be favored by 4.5. I like the points.
NBA Pick: Knicks +4.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Philadelphia 76ers at Washington Bullets
Line: Bullets by 2.5.
When I was growing up my 76ers sucked, but I was glad that they would avoid finishing last every year in their division. That was Washington’s job. Good to see things are back to normal again. I like the points.
NBA Pick: 76ers +2.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Sacramento Kings at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 5.
I’ll take the points any time the Grizzlies are favored by five.
NBA Pick: Kings +5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers
Line: Clippers by 5.5.
Not sure what the Clippers did to be favored by 5.5.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +5.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Bobcats
Line: Bobcats by 2.
Under no circumstances should these crappy Bobcats be favored.
NBA Pick: Pacers +2 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
New Orleans Hornets at Miami Heat
Line: Heat by 8.5.
The game after Byron Scott was fired, the Hornets were completely debacled – let’s hope the Bills suffer through a similar swoon today – but ever since, they’ve responded with an impressive winning streak. I think it’ll continue.
NBA Pick: Hornets +8.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
Line: Celtics by 6.
Major revenge spot for the Celtics after losing to the Magic in the playoffs last year.
NBA Pick: Celtics -6 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 5.
The Grizzlies are terrible and should never be laying points to anyone. This is an underdog pick, so I’m using the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Clippers +2.5 First Half (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Hornets
Line: Clippers by 2.
The Clippers should never be favored – especially on the road. This is an underdog pick, so I’m using the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Hornets +1 First Half (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 1.5.
The Bucks are a really good team and this is their chance to prove themselves.
NBA Pick: Bucks -1.5 (1 Unit) — Incorrect; -$110
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
Line: Lakers by 9.5.
The Lakers are coming off a double-digit defeat. In the past season and nine games in this situation (excluding the playoffs), the Lakers are 1-7 ATS the following game. My guess is that Vegas assumes that Los Angeles won’t lose two in a row and inflates the line. I’m not a huge fan of trends, but this seems legit. I’ll take a shot with the Rockets.
NBA Pick: Rockets +9.5 (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies
Line: Grizzlies by 9.
This line is way too out of hand. Memphis should be -3 at the very most. This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +5.5 First Half (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks
Line: Knicks by 3.
The Knicks are terrible and shouldn’t be favored. This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Warriors +1.5 First Half (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
Line: Pick.
This is a statement game for the Heat. It’s their chance to show the nation how good they are.
NBA Pick: Heat PK (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Golden State Warriors at Indiana Pacers
Line: Pacers by 5.5.
What exactly have the Pacers done to be favored by 5.5 points over anyone? This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Warriors +3 First Half Line (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Philadelphia 76ers at New Jersey Nets
Line: 76ers by 5.5.
I know the Nets are 0-7, but the 76ers are terrible. They should not be laying points on the road to anyone.
NBA Pick: Nets +3 First Half Line (2 Units) — Push; $0
Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Nuggets by 3.5.
The Bucks have built their 3-2 record by beating bad teams. I think they suffer total debaclation tonight.
NBA Pick: Nuggets -3.5 (1 Unit) — Incorrect; -$110
New Orleans Hornets at Phoenix Suns
Line: Suns by 6.5.
The Suns just had a long East Coast trip. Flying back out West could be a bit taxing for them. I think the Hornets take an early lead before finally losing late.
NBA Pick: Hornets +3.5 First Half Line (1 Unit) — Incorrect; -$110
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors
Line: Warriors by 6.5.
The Warriors should not be -6.5 over anyone. They suck. This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +3.5 First Half Line (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 4.5.
The Bucks are not a good team at all, so I’ll gladly take the points here. This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Knicks +2.5 First Half Line (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers
Line: Clippers by 4.
The Clippers stink. They shouldn’t be more than -3 over anyone.
NBA Pick: Grizzlies +2.5 First Half Line (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
New Jersey Nets at Philadelphia 76ers
Line: 76ers by 12.
I completely disagree with this line. The 76ers are not 12 points better than anyone – and this includes random Sun Belt teams in college basketball. This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Nets +7 First Half Line (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
Milwaukee Bucks at Minnesota Timberwolves
Line: Timberwolves by 2.5.
I don’t think the Timberwolves deserve to be favored.
NBA Pick: Bucks +1.5 First Half Line (1 Unit) — Incorrect; -$110
Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
Line: Warriors by 4.5.
A bad team like Golden State shouldn’t be -3 over anyone.
NBA Pick: Clippers +2.5 First Half Line (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz
Line: Spurs by 1.
The Jazz blew a big lead to the Mavericks two nights ago, so they’ll be ready to jump on arch rival San Antonio. The Spurs might win this one at the end, but I could see Utah establishing a nice lead early. This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Jazz +0.5 First Half Line (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
Phoenix Suns at Orlando Magic
Line: Magic by 8.
I’m done taking underdogs for the full game. I keep getting screwed in the second half. So from now on, whenever I take a dog, I’ll be using the first-half line.
I am not taking the dog here. The Magic were flat last night because they were looking forward to this game.
NBA Pick: Magic -8 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks
Line: Knicks by 5.
The Knicks suck and shouldn’t be favored. This is a dog, so I’m taking the first-half line.
NBA Pick: Pacers +2.5 First Half (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Denver Nuggets at New Jersey Nets
Line: Nuggets by 9.
The Nets are not as bad as their 0-4 record says they are. They battled the Magic close and led Charlotte at halftime.
NBA Pick: Nets +5 First Half (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors
Line: Warriors by 6.
Like the Knicks, the Warriors blow and shouldn’t be favored by this much.
NBA Pick: Grizzlies +3 First Half (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Washington Bullets at Cleveland Cavaliers
Line: Cavaliers by 11.5.
If I lose another game that I appear to be easily winning at halftime, I’m going to debacle somebody. The Bullets always seem to get up for this rivalry. They hate the Cavs. The Cavs, meanwhile, don’t give a damn about Washington.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers 95, Bullets 93
Bullets +11.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons
Line: Magic by 6.5.
You can’t keep covering road games like this; eventually, you’re going to take a loss. I think the Pistons have a good shot here.
NBA Pick: Magic 95, Pistons 93
Pistons +6.5 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Line: Lakers by 6.5.
The Lakers haven’t covered a game yet, so I think this line is a bit lower than it should be. I’m laying the 6.5.
NBA Pick: Lakers 99, Thunder 89
Lakers -6.5 (1 Unit) — Incorrect; -$110
Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks
Line: Mavericks by 6.
This spread is conspicuously low after Utah’s huge loss to Houston. I think the Jazz rebound here.
NBA Pick: Jazz 104, Mavericks 97
Jazz +6 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
New Jersey Nets at Charlotte Bobcats
Line: Bobcats by 7.
This line is ridiculous. The Bobcats are terrible.
NBA Pick: Nets 100, Bobcats 90
Nets +7 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Memphis Grizzlies at Sacramento Kings
Line: Kings by 1.
The Kings haven’t played a home game yet, so their 0-3 start is a bit misleading. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are coming off a tough loss at Denver.
NBA Pick: Kings 108, Grizzlies 103
Kings -1 (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
Detroit Pistons at Milwaukee Bucks
Line: Bucks by 3.
I don’t think a bad team like the Bucks should be laying points – period. I’ll take the three.
NBA Pick: Pistons 90, Bucks 86
Pistons +3 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers
Line: 76ers by 6.5.
OK, so the 76ers stink and can’t play any defense. They shouldn’t be favored by 6.5 over anyone at this point, including many college teams.
NBA Pick: 76ers 109, Bucks 108
Bucks +6.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Orlando Magic at New Jersey Nets
Line: Magic by 10.5.
I think this spread is way too high. The Magic are a very good team, but the Nets should be able to cover the 10.5 at home.
NBA Pick: Magic 101, Nets 97
Nets +10.5 (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
San Antonio Spurs at Chicago Bulls
Line: Spurs by 3.5.
The Bulls always seem to thrive in these Thursday night national TV home games.
NBA Pick: Bulls 97, Spurs 90
Bulls +3.5 (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic
Line: Magic by 9.5.
This Magic team isn’t the same team that went to the Finals last year. Hedo Turkoglu is gone, and the selfish Vince Carter has arrived. I don’t think Carter will be as bad as advertised, but the fact remains that these Orlando players haven’t meshed yet. This Sixers squad isn’t terrible and will be looking for revenge after losing in the Doggone Playoff.
NBA Pick: Magic 96, 76ers 94
76ers +9.5 (1 Unit) — Incorrect; -$110
Sacramento Kings at Oklahoma City Thunder
Line: Thunder by 6.5.
What did the Thunder ever do to be considered 6.5-point favorites in this league? I know the Kings suck, but Oklahoma City should not be favored by more than 3-4 against anyone.
NBA Pick: Thunder 101, Kings 100
Kings +6.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers
Line: Cavaliers by 5.
The Cavaliers always beat the Celtics at home. With that knowledge, I’m confused as to why this line is only -5. I feel that this is a statement game for Boston. They’ll want to let the league know that they are back.
NBA Pick: Celtics 94, Cavaliers 90
Celtics +5 (1 Unit) — Correct; +$100
Washington Bullets at Dallas Mavericks
Line: Mavericks by 8.
I don’t think this Mavericks team is good enough to be laying eight to a quality team like Washington. The Bullets had a ton of injuries last year, but now they have everyone back. This contest could go either way.
NBA Pick: Mavericks 104, Bullets 102
Bullets +8 (2 Units) — Correct; +$200
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