Happy Wednesday! After a solid showing last night (picks went 4-2), let’s try to keep the momentum rolling today. We have a 6 game slate to attack today, with one of the games being a rematch from last night (does anyone else smell a repeat blowout of the Heat?). Let’s get into the picks!
Overall Record: 8-3 (72.7%)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets (-7)
The Hawks have been a huge surprise (at least for me), as they’ve started the season 3-0. They seem to be playing well, but their 3 wins have come against the Bulls, Grizzlies, and Pistons (not exactly tough competition). They’ll get their first challenge of the season as they visit Brooklyn to take on a Nets team that should have Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant back. The Nets are 2-2 so far this season, and they’re coming off an overtime loss to the Ja Morant-less Grizzlies. We should take that game with a grain of salt, of course, as they played without Irving and Durant. While I strongly dislike the Nets (as well as strongly disliking both Irving and Durant), I’ll have to side with the Nets here, as I don’t think Trae Young and the Hawks will be able keep it close in the end.
Pick: Nets -7
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics (-6.5)
Tonight marks the second half of a back-to-back (and 3rd in 4 nights) for the Celtics. That’s usually not the best spot for teams, as they tend to have letdown games. The Celtics are coming off an impressive comeback victory against the Pacers, and they look to build some momentum against a reeling Grizzlies team. Even though the Grizzlies are coming off an overtime win against the Nets, they’ll be playing this game without Ja Morant, who should be sidelined for about a month with an ankle injury. I’m not sure if the Grizzlies have enough firepower on offense to keep this game close, even with the Celtics playing tired. I’ll take the Celtics here and give the points.
Pick: Celtics -6.5
Milwaukee Bucks (-6) vs. Miami Heat
This game is a rematch of last night’s demolition, as the Bucks defeated the Heat 144-97. In my article yesterday, I said that was the pick I had the most confidence in, and the Bucks definitely came to avenge their playoff loss last season. The Heat will definitely put up more of a fight after being completely embarrassed last night, and they may get Jimmy Butler back tonight, but I still think this spread is too low. I’d probably take the Bucks as 10 point favorites in this spot. Giannis only scored 9 points last night, and they still put up 144. I’ll take the Bucks here (with less confidence than last night, however).
Pick: Bucks -6
Los Angeles Lakers (-4.5) vs. San Antonio Spurs
Both teams are trying to rebound from a loss in their past game, and I really like the Spurs at home in this bounce-back opportunity. Anthony Davis has had a subpar start to the season, and it always seems like he and LeBron are nursing injuries. I’ll trust DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Pop to keep this game close. I think they may even pull out the victory here, but I’ll gladly take the points.
Pick: Spurs +4.5
Charlotte Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks (-8)
I don’t like this game at all. The Hornets seem to be a very unpredictable team, as they followed up losses to the Cavaliers and Thunder with a victory against the Nets. On the other hand, the Mavericks are coming off their first win, a 124-73 destruction of the Clippers. With Porzingis still sidelined for the Mavericks, I’ll reluctantly take the Hornets here in hopes they can keep the game relatively close. I’m not too confident on this one, but I don’t think the Mavericks will follow that stellar performance with one of the same caliber.
Pick: Hornets +8
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Clippers (-3.5)
This should be the game of the night, and I really like the Blazers in this spot. They’re coming off a 115-107 victory over the Lakers, led by Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. combining for 59 points. Here’s Lillard’s Dilemma: Should he encourage Gary Trent Jr. to keep shooting and develop him as a legitimate 3rd scoring option for this team, or should he encourage this ridiculous Carmelo Anthony experiment? The Clippers are fresh of a 124-101 victory over the Timberwolves, and they are playing the second half of a back-to-back, and the 3rd game in 4 nights. I tend to pick against teams in this position, and I’ll gladly take the Blazers with the points. I think they can definitely pull out this victory if you’re considering picking the money line as well.
Pick: Trail Blazers +3.5
Good luck tonight! Let’s hope these picks keep rolling, and let’s make some money!
