01-30-21 |
Bucks v. Hornets +7.5 | Top | 114-126 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
The Bucks got blasted last night by the New Orleans Pelicans. who set a franchise record for threes made in a game (21, including seven apiece from notoriously-meh shooters Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe). This is not new; it was the third game this season that the opponent made more than 20 threes against Milwaukee and the thirteenth game that the opponent has made more than the league average (12.8 makes). On the season, the Bucks are allowing the third-most makes per game from downtown (14.8) on the third-highest conversion rate (38.9% shooting). |
01-29-21 |
Kings +5.5 v. Raptors | Top | 126-124 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 57 m | Show |
Don't expect the kind of 144-point showing the Raptors put up against the Kings last time that included 51% 3-point shooting. |
01-28-21 |
Warriors +2.5 v. Suns | Top | 93-114 |
Loss | -110 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
Phoenix has lost three straight, and has gone 3-7 since starting the season 5-1. Among the teams who have beat them: the Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons. |
01-27-21 |
Thunder +7.5 v. Suns | Top | 102-97 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
OKC Thunder are the worst team in the league from downtown but dropped 18 treys in their last outing against the Portland Trail Blazers to notch up an upset win. The fact that they're playing competitive basketball despite veterans George Hill and Al Horford sitting out shows the quality of youngsters on this OKC Thunder roster. |
01-26-21 |
Knicks +11.5 v. Jazz | Top | 94-108 |
Loss | -110 | 9 h 17 m | Show |
The New York Knicks' offseason acquisitions have hit the mark in recent outings though. Rookie Immanuel Quickley had a career-high 31 points against the Portland Trail Blazers the other night. Meanwhile, Alec Burks is averaging 16.7 points per game on 54.8% shooting from downtown despite his injury troubles. |
01-25-21 |
Lakers v. Cavs +10.5 | | 115-108 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
Through 17 games this season, the Los Angeles Lakers have the best defensive rating (103.6) in the NBA. This time last year, they were ranked seventh in the league with a defensive rating of 103.2. The team with the second-best defensive rating in the NBA this season? The Cleveland Cavaliers, who were ranked 23rd in defensive rating through 17 games last season and ended the season with the worst defensive rating (114.8). I'll take the double-digit points with two great defensive teams. |
01-25-21 |
Heat v. Nets -7.5 | Top | 85-98 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 15 m | Show |
Job one for the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night was shoring up the defense after two disappointing games in Cleveland. They did enough in the 128-124 win over Miami, particularly in limiting the Heat to 28.3 percent shooting from 3-point range and outrebounding them 47-30, allowing just two offensive boards. They’ll face the Heat again on Monday night at Barclays Center. |
01-23-21 |
Nuggets v. Suns +2.5 | | 120-112 |
Loss | -109 | 14 h 33 m | Show |
The Nuggets owned the Suns in the second half and OT last night but let's not forget how the Suns had their way with Denver for the first 24 minutes. I think the Suns will have a little fire in their belly after dropping an OT decision. |
01-22-21 |
Magic +4 v. Pacers | Top | 118-120 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 22 m | Show |
Since the departure of Victor Oladipo to the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers have lost 2 straight games. They received Caris LeVert in the blockbuster deal, but unfortunately for the franchise, their young star is ruled out of action indefinitely due to a serious health condition. |
01-21-21 |
Pelicans +7 v. Jazz | Top | 118-129 |
Loss | -105 | 12 h 56 m | Show |
The Pelicans need to play good defense and keep it simple. New Orleans are two separate teams when they look to get the ball inside, in fact, their shooting percentage is much better inside the arc than beyond, making it important to get on top early. |
01-20-21 |
Celtics v. 76ers -5 | Top | 109-117 |
Win | 103 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
The Sixers will as healthy as they've been all season. There should be more space for Embiid with Seth Curry returning. |
01-20-21 |
Nets v. Cavs +10 | | 135-147 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 11 m | Show |
After a dramatic win against the Milwaukee Bucks, this presents a classic letdown spot for the Nets. |
01-19-21 |
Pelicans v. Jazz -6 | | 102-118 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
For Denver, they just can’t get out of their own way right now. Nikola Jokic is playing at an MVP level right now, but the rest of the roster is not up there with him. They have yet to play a complete game, and it has been biting them repeatedly. In their loss to the Brooklyn Nets a week ago, they got blown out in the third quarter, and they couldn’t undo the damage. This is a situation to change that. For Oklahoma City, they’re not going to be competing for a title this season, so their focus is just on developing and getting better. |
01-19-21 |
Thunder +10 v. Nuggets | Top | 101-119 |
Loss | -108 | 9 h 41 m | Show |
For Denver, they just can’t get out of their own way right now. Nikola Jokic is playing at an MVP level right now, but the rest of the roster is not up there with him. They have yet to play a complete game, and it has been biting them repeatedly. In their loss to the Brooklyn Nets a week ago, they got blown out in the third quarter, and they couldn’t undo the damage. This is a situation to change that. For Oklahoma City, they’re not going to be competing for a title this season, so their focus is just on developing and getting better. |
01-16-21 |
Hawks +4.5 v. Blazers | Top | 106-112 |
Loss | -100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
The Portland Trailblazers will spend at least the next eight weeks without center Yusuf Nurkic after he undergoes surgery to repair a broken right wrist, he injured during Wednesday’s 111-87 loss at home to Indiana. The first team Portland will face without Nurkic are the Atlanta Hawks (5-6). They feature John Collins, one of the best young centers in the league. So, we will get our good first look at new starting center Enes Kanter and his backup, Harry Giles III handle 48 combined minutes as the team’s primary centers. |
01-15-21 |
Hawks +6 v. Jazz | Top | 92-116 |
Loss | -102 | 15 h 57 m | Show |
This will be the Jazz's first game on their own court since they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers at home on New Year's Day. Utah is back from a six-game, 10-day road trip that ended one game sooner than scheduled. I'm not a fan of betting teams in their first game off a long road trip. |
01-13-21 |
Pelicans +7.5 v. Clippers | | 106-111 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 14 m | Show |
There are times when you have to rely on instinct and this match-up makes my gut uneasy. This is not the number of one of the leagues best teams playing against a team who has not won a game in 11 days. I smell an upset and a definite cover. |
01-12-21 |
Lakers -5 v. Rockets | | 117-100 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 56 m | Show |
in their last meeting, Sunday. Every time Houston missed a shot in the first quarter, there was LeBron James or Anthony Davis grabbing the rebound and tossing the ball ahead to a wide open Laker for a layup. LeBron also did the thing where he made a couple of relatively easy layups then flexed to the crowd of like 12 people after he got the and-1. It cannot be overstated how devastating those were to the Rockets early. It set the tone that the Lakers were going to be the stronger and more aggressive team, and they absolutely were. And it put Christian Wood into unnecessary foul trouble. Finally, Talen Horton-Tucker, a player I thought was entirely a product of the Los Angeles media, outhustled every Rockets player for multiple rebounds and loose balls. |
01-11-21 |
Pacers v. Kings +5.5 | Top | 122-127 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
The Kings have lost five out of their previous six games, and their 121.2 defensive rating is the worst in the NBA over that stretch. Head coach Luke Walton needs to get his team protecting the paint better than it has over the last two weeks. Sacramento allows easy penetration from the perimeter, which has resulted in slow rotations and easy buckets for its opponents. The team is giving up 52.3 points in the paint over the last six games. |
01-10-21 |
Spurs v. Wolves +3.5 | Top | 88-96 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
The old saying is when a game looks too easy it usually is. The Wolves are on a six game slide while the Spurs have won two straight and they're only -3.5? Of course the public is all over San Antonio but smart money knows this is a trap. |
01-09-21 |
Suns +3.5 v. Pacers | Top | 125-117 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
The Phoenix Suns were unable to win their 2nd-straight game as they fell hard versus the Detroit Pistons on the road, in overtime, Friday, as they were not only red-hot from the floor to begin the contest, but went into halftime with an 8-point lead. However, the Suns went cold in the 2nd-half while the Pistons began to heat up as the home team forced overtime before outscoring Phoenix 16-12 in the extra period to pick up the win. The Suns failed to cover as 7.5-point favorites failing to cover for just the 3rd-time in 9 games played in the young season. Look for a bounce back effort tonight. |
01-06-21 |
Pistons v. Bucks -13.5 | Top | 115-130 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
We know one thing about Bucks games this season, They'll be lopsided one way or the other. I can't see the Pistons laying a beat down tonight so let's get some of the Bucks. Make sure to purchase my selection on tonight's total or my three game package for a massive discount. |
01-05-21 |
Lakers v. Grizzlies +9 | | 94-92 |
Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show |
So far this season, the Lakers are below average in turnovers committed (19th) and turnovers forced (27th). If Memphis can have another night where it is able to find close to 30 or more assists, that certainly plays into their favor to find success. In their two wins this season, Memphis is +12 when it comes to points off of turnovers. If the Grizzlies can create a bit of defensive disruption like they did in the latter minutes against the Nets and against the Hornets, it certainly will be to their advantage. |
01-05-21 |
Jazz v. Nets +2.5 | Top | 96-130 |
Win | 100 | 13 h 18 m | Show |
Durant is out for this one which is why the Nets are getting 2.5 points instead of giving them. The public will be all over the Jazz, we're going to be smarter than that. |
01-04-21 |
Pacers +1.5 v. Pelicans | | 118-116 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
After falling to the Knicks on Saturday night in the final game of a four-game homestand, the Pacers (4-2) will hope to get back in the win column when they visit New Orleans on Monday night for a showdown with the Pelicans (4-2). While starting the season 3-0, the Pacers dominated points in the paint, outscoring their opponents by a combined 76 points on the interior over those first three contests. But they tied Boston and only edged Cleveland by two points in the paint over their next two games before Saturday, when it was the Knicks who owned the paint, outscoring Indiana 56-26 on their way to a 106-102 victory. Squares will likely be all over the Pelicans but we're not squares. |
01-04-21 |
Knicks +6.5 v. Hawks | Top | 113-108 |
Win | 102 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
The Knicks are an improved defensive bunch in comparison to previous years, and New York currently ranks as a top-eight defense on a per-possession basis. That likely isn’t sustainable at that level, but the Knicks are playing better basketball on the whole, as evidenced by a 3-3 record. |
01-03-21 |
Blazers v. Warriors +5.5 | Top | 122-137 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
The Blazers just put a beat down on the Warriors, 123-98, but we know how that goes, especially when we see a number that clearly wants the public to jump on Portland which they've done. Like yesterday, we're going to be sharper. |
01-03-21 |
Celtics v. Pistons +8.5 | | 122-120 |
Win | 100 | 4 h 57 m | Show |
The Celtics have failed to cover four of their last six games against the Pistons including a SU loss to Detroit in game one of this two game series. The public will likely be all over Boston but lets be better and take the points with a team who has proven they don't need the points to get a victory. |
01-02-21 |
Knicks +9.5 v. Pacers | Top | 106-102 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 57 m | Show |
New York is hoping to build a contender around forwards RJ Barrett, the third overall pick in 2019, and rookie Obi Toppin, the eighth overall selection in this year's draft. Barrett showed promise as a rookie, averaging 14.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season. Toppin was the best player in college basketball last year, earning consensus National Player of the Year honors while at Dayton. |
01-01-21 |
Blazers v. Warriors +4 | | 123-98 |
Loss | -102 | 16 h 36 m | Show |
The Portland Trail Blazers have had a mixed start to their season. Facing four Western Conference playoff rivals, the Trail Blazers have recorded decent wins against the Lakers and Rockets but have suffered 20+ point losses to the Clippers and Jazz. Steph Curry's fitness will be pivotal if the Golden State Warriors are to have a successful season without fellow shooter Klay Thompson available. Curry is aware that most of the offensive output will be on him this year and is already living up to the demand. |
01-01-21 |
Clippers v. Jazz +4 | Top | 100-106 |
Win | 100 | 14 h 15 m | Show |
Utah won two of its three meetings with the Clippers in the abbreviated 2019-20 season. The Clippers have lost five straight in Salt Lake City, dating back to 2017. The Jazz come into this matchup with a healthy roster, while the Clippers continue to be without Marcus Morris Sr., who is dealing with knee soreness |
12-30-20 |
Grizzlies +6 v. Celtics | Top | 107-126 |
Loss | -103 | 7 h 39 m | Show |
Boston is playing back to back nights and dating back to last season they didn't finish, or start, as a good home bet. Ja' Morant is out but don't fall for this sucker bet. |
12-29-20 |
Nuggets v. Kings +2.5 | | 115-125 |
Win | 100 | 17 h 39 m | Show |
There are plenty of elements of the Kings game plan from opening night that the Kings can hope to replicate. First among them is the offensive glass. Richaun Holmes, Marvin Bagley, and Hassan Whiteside are all more athletic than their Denver counterparts; they should be able to command the boards and create extra chances for the Kings while also closing out possessions on the defensive end. |
12-29-20 |
Raptors +2.5 v. 76ers | Top | 93-100 |
Loss | -109 | 14 h 45 m | Show |
The Raptors have won none of the last 12 regular-season meetings over Philly over the past three years and took the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinal series 4-3. It is unclear whether Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will be available after missing the Sixers' 118-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. If not already worrying about how a poor Cleveland squad could so easily beat their team, the 76ers fanbase will be more shocked by how obvious their reliance on their 26-year old center is. |
12-28-20 |
Jazz v. Thunder +7.5 | | 110-109 |
Win | 101 | 15 h 53 m | Show |
The Utah Jazz haven't shot the ball well to start the season. Their two main scorers in Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic are only scoring at 30.8% and 26.7% respectively. The ball movement needs to get better quickly as well to make their offense more fluid. You won't keep that duo down long. Both will shoot for a higher percentage pushing this game Over the total. |
12-28-20 |
Pistons +9.5 v. Hawks | Top | 120-128 |
Win | 100 | 14 h 30 m | Show |
The Detroit Pistons could make it tough for the Atlanta Hawks, as their trio of point guards have the wherewithal to bother Trae Young and disrupt his playmaking. This is a let down spot for the Hawks. |
12-27-20 |
Nets v. Hornets +11 | Top | 104-106 |
Win | 100 | 3 h 50 m | Show |
On the offensive end I’d love to see the Hornets repeatedly get Kyrie Irving in pick-and-roll situations and try to wear him down chasing Devonte’ Graham or Terry Rozier every minute he’s on the floor. Irving isn’t known for his defense and the more he has to work on that side of the ball, the less energy he’ll have to efficiently drop 30-plus points. |
12-27-20 |
Mavs +5 v. Clippers | Top | 124-73 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 17 m | Show |
The Clippers' 121-108 Christmas Day victory over the Denver Nuggets came at a cost. All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard was forced to leave the contest midway through the fourth quarter after taking an elbow to the face from teammate Serge Ibaka. Leonard received eight stitches in what club officials described as a mouth laceration. Leonard's status for Sunday's game is unknown. He was listed as day-to-day on the injury report on Saturday. |
12-26-20 |
Suns v. Kings +3.5 | Top | 103-106 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 43 m | Show |
Very few teams can match the shooting depth that the Sacramento Kings possess. Richaun Holmes and Hassan Whiteside are pretty much the only two players who can't pop up for a three but have enough in their tank to make an impact inside the paint. |
12-26-20 |
Rockets +8 v. Blazers | Top | 126-128 |
Win | 100 | 2 h 31 m | Show |
Complete chaos surrounds the Houston Rockets but lets say they put it together for one night, especially getting the generous amount of points. The Portland Trail Blazers will look to bounce back and earn their first win of the season after being routed by the Utah Jazz 120-100 in their season opener. |
12-26-20 |
Wolves +8 v. Jazz | | 116-111 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
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12-26-20 |
Raptors v. Spurs +2.5 | Top | 114-119 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 27 m | Show |
During an extremely brief preseason, the Spurs looked nothing like the team that blew expectations away in the Orlando Bubble. While everyone knew patience was required while waiting for either Keldon Johnson and/or Derrick White to return, no one expected the turnaround to happen so quickly. With Johnson returning in the Spurs season-opener in Memphis, they seemingly flipped a switch after a slow start, returning to the energetic, unpredictable style of offense they showcased in Orlando. |
12-26-20 |
Pacers v. Bulls +5 | | 125-106 |
Loss | -100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Zach LaVine, although inconsistent at times, has shown All-Star potential and has had several games where he was incredible against some of the best in the league. Coby White and rookie Patrick Williams have also defied expectations of many in the NBA community and could develop into very good players very soon. Don't take to heart what you just saw from both teams in their opener and expect that trend to continue. It's rarely that easy. |
12-26-20 |
76ers v. Knicks +9 | Top | 109-89 |
Loss | -110 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
Remember the Knicks had a winning record against the spread last season which tells me they are on their way up. Teams tend to improve most from games 1-2 so I'm more than happy to take the nine points. |
12-26-20 |
Cavs +2.5 v. Pistons | | 128-119 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 32 m | Show |
Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0) showed signs of massive improvement on both ends in their opening 121-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Given how well the team is improving, many believe the Cavs could, in fact, make the 2021 NBA playoffs, despite being in a stacked Eastern Conference. A large part of how impressive the Cleveland Cavaliers' have looked has hinged on the improvement of their younger players. Darius Garland has started to show the potential to be an elite NBA point guard one day. |
12-26-20 |
Thunder +3 v. Hornets | | 109-107 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 23 m | Show |
The Charlotte Hornets will be looking to bounce back after a fairly demoralizing loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a game where Terry Rozier managed 42 points. Devonte’ Graham had a tough night offensively as he registered merely 10 points in addition to 10 assists, and the Charlotte Hornets’ defense looked incapable of keeping up with the offensive versatility of the Cleveland Cavaliers. |
12-26-20 |
Magic +2 v. Wizards | Top | 130-120 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 28 m | Show |
The Wizards were outscored 40-24 in the fourth quarter of their opening game loss, which is no recipe for any kind of success. They still don't look as if they have the killer instinct that will allow them to turn the corner as a franchise. The loss showed that they will need more help, especially from the bench, in order to beat the Magic. Every player on the Wizards active roster was able to get on the scoreboard but Davis Bertans and Thomas Bryant scoring a combined 24 points wasn’t enough support to Beal and Westbrook to get the job done. |
12-26-20 |
Hawks +1.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 122-112 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 40 m | Show |
The Atlanta Hawks looked impressive in their 124-104 win over the Chicago Bulls in their season opener. It was the perfect start for the young Hawks team that expects to make a leap this year after a disappointing 2019-20 season. Atlanta went all-in on this offense, and it paid off in the first game. Atlanta shot 54% from the field, going 43 out of 80. They had seven players that put up 11 or more points. |
12-25-20 |
Clippers v. Nuggets +2.5 | | 121-108 |
Loss | -105 | 19 h 1 m | Show |
LA is coming off a thrilling victory over the Lakers to kick off the season. Paul George was the star of the night from that game, as he finished with 33 points on 13-of-18 shooting including five made from deep. Switching over to Denver’s side, they’re coming off a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer in overtime to the Sacramento Kings. There might be some tired legs for sure, as all five members of the starting lineup played at least 30 minutes, including two players who were out there for at least 40 minutes. When it looks too easy it usually is. |
12-25-20 |
Mavs +7 v. Lakers | Top | 115-138 |
Loss | -114 | 17 h 50 m | Show |
LeBron James say out the final eight minutes in the Lakers loss to the Clippers and despite him saying he's good to go lets see if that is in fact true. No worries for Doncic as he was fantastic in the Mavs opener against Phoenix. |
12-25-20 |
Nets v. Celtics +3.5 | Top | 123-95 |
Loss | -114 | 15 h 48 m | Show |
For the foreseeable future, home court advantage — such as it is — will come down to, as Spencer Dinwiddie described, the chance to stick to a regular routine, and sleep at home rather than be traveling. Boston opened up the season with a 122-121 win over Milwaukee on Wednesday night, courtesy of Jayson Tatum’s banked-in 3-pointer in the final seconds. The Celtics lost Gordon Hayward as a free agent, and they’ll be without Kemba Walker for a while due to knee troubles, but they added Kyrie Irving’s old Cleveland teammate, Tristan Thompson, to shore up the frontcourt. Tatum had 30 points and seven rebounds against the Bucks with six 3-pointers, and Jaylen Brown had 33, five rebounds, and four assists. Veteran point guard Jeff Teague is another new addition and he had 19 points while making 4-of-4 3-pointers in Boston’s opener. |
12-25-20 |
Warriors +10.5 v. Bucks | | 99-138 |
Loss | -110 | 13 h 55 m | Show |
Curry is again the primary option without Green and fellow All-Star Klay Thompson, who is recovering from a torn ACL. Curry took at least five more shots than any of his teammates in the loss to the Nets. Until another Warrior can prove he can provide perimeter scoring — Oubre and Andrew Wiggins collectively made just 2 of 12 3-point attempts against the Nets — expect Curry to get plenty of shots. Expect improvement from Golden State and Curry from their effort against the Nets. |
12-25-20 |
Pelicans v. Heat -3.5 | Top | 98-111 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 11 m | Show |
Not only has Tyler Herro looked impressive, but so has fellow guard Duncan Robinson. The sharpshooting duo took some time to find their feet in the preseason, but started to dominate as soon as they did. In the few minutes he has received, rookie Precious Achiuwa has looked impressive as well. |
12-23-20 |
Mavs v. Suns +1.5 | Top | 102-106 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Whether its pull-ups, catch-and-shoots, drives to the basket or hand-off, one thing all NBA fans have learned over the past few seasons is the Booker will get buckets. As he enters his sixth NBA season, can Booker and the Suns build on the momentum they found in the bubble and couple individual success with team success and end the team’s 10-year playoff drought? A strong showing against Doncic and the Mavs would be a great start. |
12-23-20 |
Jazz -1 v. Blazers | | 120-100 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 57 m | Show |
The Utah Jazz enter the 2020-21 season with essentially the same roster as they had last season. Their biggest offseason move was to sign two-time Defensive Player of the Year center Rudy Gobert to a 5-year $205 million contract. Portland, meanwhile, has two new starters in Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr.—three if you count the return of Jusuf Nurkic who missed most of last season. |
12-23-20 |
Kings +8 v. Nuggets | Top | 124-122 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 12 m | Show |
Although Sacramento isn’t expected to make the playoffs this season, the team has a lot of promising talents who could help the Kings surprise a few opponents this campaign. With all teams starting 0-0, it is important for the Nuggets to not take this group lightly. “We’ve had Dec. 23 circled ever since the schedule came and we know we’ll have our hands full tomorrow night against the Sacramento Kings,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said. “So, it will be a great challenge to start the year.” |
12-23-20 |
Pistons +6 v. Wolves | | 101-111 |
Loss | -105 | 6 h 28 m | Show |
Over a year has passed, and in that timeframe, both teams have gone through significant roster overhauls. During Detroit’s offseason, the team most notably acquired forward Jerami Grant, center Mason Plumlee, and drafted guard Killian Hayes and forward Saddiq Bey. In Minnesota, the team has added five new faces, headlined by No. 1 Draft selection Anthony Edwards, No. 28 pick Jaden McDaniels, playmaking guard Ricky Rubio, and veteran Ed Davis. Although the Timberwolves’ final roster has been set, the starting lineup on opening night is still in flux. |
12-23-20 |
Hawks -1.5 v. Bulls | Top | 124-104 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
The Billy Donovan era will tip off for the Chicago Bulls when they host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. Chicago hired Donovan during the shortened offseason to replace Jim Boylen, who went 39-84 in less than two seasons at the helm. Donovan quickly became the Bulls' top target after a five-year tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were 243-157 under his leadership and made the playoffs every season. I think it will take some time to gel under the new staff. |
12-23-20 |
Spurs +2.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 131-119 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
The Spurs only need a red-hot Aldridge or DeRozan to pull away from a Memphis team lacking in star power beyond Morant |
12-23-20 |
Pelicans v. Raptors -4 | | 113-99 |
Loss | -103 | 12 h 58 m | Show |
The Pelicans, who failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, have a new coach in Stan Van Gundy, who's expected to emphasize defense. The Pelicans lost Derrick Favors as a free agent and traded Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason. They acquired Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe in trades and Kira Lewis Jr. in the draft. Zion Williamson is looking forward to playing more games and more minutes, hopefully free from injury. As a rookie, Williamson played 33 minutes or more just three times in 24 games. |
12-23-20 |
Bucks v. Celtics +3.5 | Top | 121-122 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show |
Kemba Walker’s knee remains a bit of a concern and Gordon Hayward has moved on to Charlotte. That said, Boston and coach Brad Stevens have more than enough — Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart — to contend once again starting tonight. |
12-23-20 |
Knicks +8 v. Pacers | | 107-121 |
Loss | -104 | 13 h 49 m | Show |
Pacers returning starters T.J. Warren and Myles Turner were back at practice on Sunday and should be good to go against the Knicks after being limited in training camp. Warren did not play in the preseason while dealing with plantar fasciitis, while Turner missed the last two exhibitions after being evaluated for a concussion. The Knicks also have a new head coach in Tom Thibodeau. The former Bulls and Timberwolves head coach brings his defensive-minded style to the Big Apple, hoping to turn around a Knicks team that has not made the playoffs since 2013. |
12-23-20 |
Wizards +7.5 v. 76ers | | 107-113 |
Win | 101 | 12 h 56 m | Show |
The first glimpses of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook play together in the last preseason game are past us so it’s time to see how things unfold when it really matters. As expected, Beal and Westbrook saw limited minutes in the last preseason game. Beal, who averaged 36 minutes per game last season, was on the floor for 27 and Westbrook only saw 17 minutes. Will Beal drop 30.5 points a game this season? |
12-23-20 |
Hornets v. Cavs +2.5 | Top | 114-121 |
Win | 100 | 13 h 54 m | Show |
After mustering back-to-back 19-win seasons, the Cavaliers aim to start the 2020-21 campaign on the right note against the visiting Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. The continued development of Collin Sexton will be a major storyline for Cleveland, which saw the 21-year-old take a step forward after the team traded Jordan Clarkson to Utah last December. |
12-23-20 |
Heat v. Magic +4.5 | Top | 107-113 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
This is nothing more than a situation where the Miami Heat can't be pumped up for this one after losing in the NBA Finals a few short months ago. I'll take the home team to surprise. |
12-22-20 |
Clippers +2.5 v. Lakers | Top | 116-109 |
Win | 100 | 4 h 39 m | Show |
For the Clippers, change is most evident in the revamped coaching staff. Tyronn Lue has replaced Doc Rivers, and Lue's staff is full of mostly new faces that should help the team form a new identity on both ends of the floor. Notable names include Dan Craig, Chauncey Billups and Kenny Atkinson. I think its going to take the defending champs a few games to get back into the swing of it. |
12-22-20 |
Warriors +7.5 v. Nets | Top | 99-125 |
Loss | -110 | 1 h 50 m | Show |
When the games count for real starting Tuesday night, we’ll start to get a look at how Brooklyn’s lineups and rotations will shake out. The final preseason tune-up offered a suggestion of a 10- or 11-man rotation, with Spencer Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan in the starting lineup and Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen coming off the bench. Along with Steph Curry, Golden State’s starting lineup is likely to include Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre, and rookie James Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick, none of whom were with the team two years ago. Curry is making his own comeback after playing just five games last season after he broke his hand, and the Warriors fell to 15-50, the league’s worst record, after their five straight NBA Finals appearances. |
12-21-20 |
New Mexico v. Boise State -10 | Top | 53-77 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 30 m | Show |
Lobos are 14-30 ATS in their last 44 road games. In addition, the Lobos are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games as a road underdog. |
12-21-20 |
Arkansas-Little Rock +1 v. Missouri State | | 77-85 |
Loss | -110 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
Missouri State are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Sun Belt conference. |
12-21-20 |
St. Joe's +22 v. Tennessee | | 66-102 |
Loss | -108 | 5 h 10 m | Show |
The Hawks have the ability to score with frequency. From 3-point range they can be streaky. The stats say that St. Joe's isn't a great 3-point shooting team, but don't be surprised if the Hawks get trigger happy at times from beyond the arch. For most teams this is a bad thing, but for the Hawks it sometimes works in their favor. |
12-21-20 |
VMI +9 v. George Mason | Top | 66-68 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 50 m | Show |
George Mason has had their last two games canceled and they are 2-1 on the season. The two wins have been less than impressive ones beating D2 Queens by one point in the opener and while winning in double digits in their last game they faced Howard, who is 1-4. |
12-21-20 |
Morehead State +24.5 v. Clemson | Top | 51-66 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 38 m | Show |
The Eagles are a balanced scoring team, with seven different players averaging 6.7 points per game or more. Morehead State is also above-average on 2-point field goal attempts, converting 51.3 percent, and they are a strong offensive rebounding team, snatching 31.4 percent of its own missed shots. |
12-17-20 |
Pistons v. Wizards -4 | | 97-86 |
Loss | -110 | 6 h 10 m | Show |
It’ll be on the Wizards home floor where hopefully we’ll see Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook get to play together. In their opening preseason game, Washington lost 119-114 to the Brooklyn Nets without Beal and Westbrook. Granted a loss is a loss, but the fact they were able to keep up with majority reserve players does say a lot. |
12-16-20 |
Northern Colorado v. Denver +6 | Top | 83-75 |
Loss | -109 | 7 h 45 m | Show |
Denver are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games when playing as the underdog.Ill take 6-pts from one of the nation's best FT shooting teams. |
12-16-20 |
San Diego v. Cal Poly +6.5 | | 70-61 |
Loss | -115 | 4 h 55 m | Show |
San Diego has had three games canceled and one game postponed due to COVID-19. They were crushed in their first game facing UCLA and then lost by seven points to Nevada in their last game. After two games the Toreros have issues on defense giving up 83 points and 79 points, respectively. |
12-16-20 |
Northeastern +17.5 v. Syracuse | Top | 56-62 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 3 m | Show |
Northeastern has attempted the third-most free throws in all of Division I. The Huskies have averaged 29 free throws per game. |
12-14-20 |
Suns v. Jazz -1.5 | Top | 92-111 |
Win | 100 | 3 h 56 m | Show |
Chris Paul and Dario Saric being listed as out Saturday against the Jazz. Paul has right ankle soreness while Saric has right quad soreness. Cam Johnson is also listed as questionable with left knee soreness, but is also projected to start along with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cameron Payne, who is getting the start at point guard for Paul. |
12-13-20 |
Wizards v. Nets -6.5 | | 114-119 |
Loss | -110 | 3 h 44 m | Show |
These full-strength Nets feature the returns of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, plus newly acquired Landry Shamet and Bruce Brown. Tyler Johnson fits somewhere in between, having joined the Nets for the first time over the summer. |
12-07-20 |
Northern Arizona +23 v. Arizona | | 53-96 |
Loss | -110 | 15 h 16 m | Show |
Arizona is missing three of its top players -- Kerr Kriisa (awaiting NCAA clearance), Daniel Batcho (knee injury) and Ira Lee (concussion) -- as they progress through the early part of the season. Cameron Shelton, who also averaged 6.2 rebounds per game, will have to hold up against Arizona's sizable paint presence along with 6-7 Carson Towt and 6-9 Nik Mains. |
12-07-20 |
Chattanooga +2 v. Middle Tennessee | | 80-70 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
Chattanooga has committed a turnover on just 15.3 percent of its possessions this season, which is the top rate among all SoCon teams. The Mocs have turned the ball over only 11.3 times per game this season. |
12-02-20 |
Oregon State +1 v. Washington State | Top | 55-59 |
Loss | -105 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
Washington State sits somewhere between a solid California group and the cupcake Northwest team that the Beavers have already faced, yet on the road in a new environment, this will be a solid test for this new look Oregon State roster. |
12-02-20 |
Oregon -4 v. Missouri | Top | 75-83 |
Loss | -110 | 8 h 1 m | Show |
Oregon was a borderline Top 15 team before COVID-19 claimed the 2019-2020 season, and the Ducks are returning to action looking much different than they did nine months ago. So while the Ducks lost a lot of their own production, they’ll supplement the roster with experienced pieces... especially if Estrada and Figueroa can get immediate clearance. Oregon is deep and talented, and the Tigers won’t have much margin for error in only their second showing of the year. |
12-02-20 |
Evansville v. Tenn-Martin +3 | Top | 87-93 |
Win | 101 | 8 h 39 m | Show |
Evansville shot only 35.7% from the floor and missed 20 of their 27 3-pointers. That was actually an improvement on their opening blowout loss to Louisville where they only shot 29.8%. |
12-02-20 |
Kennesaw State +24.5 v. UAB | | 48-73 |
Loss | -105 | 8 h 11 m | Show |
Kennesaw State has benefited heavily from its freshmen, Spencer Rodgers, Chris Youngblood, Kassen Jennings and Brandon Stroud who have collectively accounted for 52 percent of all Owls scoring this season. |
12-02-20 |
Oral Roberts +10 v. Wichita State | | 80-85 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 48 m | Show |
Revenge spot here after Wichita State got the 68-59 victory over Oral Roberts when these two teams met a year ago. |
12-02-20 |
South Dakota State +1.5 v. Iowa State | Top | 71-68 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 7 m | Show |
In its win over Arkansas Pine Bluff in the season opener, Iowa State basketball didn’t get much production from the five spot. Solomon Young got the start and George Conditt got plenty of playing time, but the two only combined for four points and four rebounds in a little over 30 minutes of action. |
12-02-20 |
Duquesne +1.5 v. NC-Greensboro | | 81-68 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 20 m | Show |
UNC Greensboro is grabbing 39.0 boards per game and has accounted for 13 assists this season, which ranks 232nd in Division 1 in terms of passing. They have an average of 77 points per contest (112th in the country) while hitting 45.8% from the field. Little Rock's free throw shooting made the NC Greensboro close. |
12-02-20 |
Eastern Kentucky v. USC Upstate +7 | | 95-78 |
Loss | -101 | 6 h 45 m | Show |
This is nothing more than a numbers play for me, as in, my line versus theirs. This game has the greatest difference which is why it's my 'Oddsmaker Mistake' game. These have to have a difference of at least five points and this exceeds that number easily. |
12-02-20 |
Montana State v. Pacific -5 | | 70-74 |
Loss | -107 | 3 h 29 m | Show |
Pacific held its 14 non-conference opponents to an average of just 62.2 points per game last season. The Tigers offense scored 68.8 points per matchup en route to a 10-4 record against competition outside the West Coast Conference |
12-02-20 |
Lipscomb v. Cincinnati -15 | Top | 55-67 |
Loss | -100 | 6 h 11 m | Show |
Lipscomb went 3-8 against non-conference schools last season. In those 11 games, the Bisons gave up 73.5 points per game while scoring 66.5 per matchup. Cincinnati went 7-5 in non-conference play, averaging 73.9 points and allowing 69.2 per game in the process. |
12-01-20 |
Cleveland State +9.5 v. Toledo | | 61-70 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 22 m | Show |
So far, the Rockets are shooting 38.9% from the floor, which is 211th in college basketball. The Rockets on defense are ranked 169th in Division 1 in PPG allowed with 63.3. They are forcing 12.7 TO's every game and have let teams shoot 38.9% from the field (167th in college basketball). The Toledo defense surrenders 19.7% on shots from behind the 3-point line (13 of 66) and opponents are connecting on 71.9% of their foul shots. They have surrendered 11.0 dimes and 37.3 rebounds every game, which has them ranked 206th and 256th in those categories. |
12-01-20 |
Valparaiso v. Illinois-Chicago +2 | Top | 50-66 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
Valparaiso are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games on the road. Valparaiso are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Horizon conference. |
12-01-20 |
Western Kentucky +4 v. Louisville | Top | 54-75 |
Loss | -105 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
On the Hilltoppers’ side, they’ll look to see if their veteran-heavy roster is ready to compete with power conference talent. On the Cardinals’ side, they’ll be looking to see if their young, inexperienced big men can handle a pro prospect in Charles Bassey. |
12-01-20 |
Green Bay v. Wisconsin -24.5 | | 42-82 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 7 m | Show |
No. 4 Wisconsin looks for its eighth straight win in the head-to-head series over Green Bay. In its last seven wins against the Phoenix, Wisconsin has won by an average of 14 points. Green Bay's last win in the series came on Dec. 9, 2009, an 88-84 victory. Wisconsin scored 88 and came away with an 18-point win over Green Bay when these two teams faced off a year ago. |
12-01-20 |
Nebraska-Omaha +19 v. Creighton | Top | 67-94 |
Loss | -104 | 9 h 20 m | Show |
The Mavericks must win their share of battles down low in order to stay within this number. |
12-01-20 |
Oakland +21.5 v. Purdue | | 50-93 |
Loss | -102 | 8 h 39 m | Show |
Oakland has forced opponents into committing turnovers on 22 percent of all possessions, the highest rate among all Horizon teams. The Grizzlies won't win but they will easily cover. |
12-01-20 |
USC +3.5 v. BYU | Top | 79-53 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
USC comes into Tuesday’s game with a 2-0 record after a pair of wins over Cal Baptist (overtime) and Montana. The Trojans were 22-9 last season and were poised to make the NCAA Tournament before COVID-19 hit and canceled it. The Trojans are led by a pair of brothers in sophomore Isaiah Mobley and five-star freshman Evan Mobley, a seven-footer who, through the first two games, is averaging 16 points, eight rebounds. |
11-30-20 |
Loyola Marymount v. Minnesota -14 | | 64-67 |
Loss | -107 | 12 h 34 m | Show |
The first meeting Saturday between the two programs since 2005 started off shakily for the Gophers, who trailed 19-10 in the first half. But Marcus Carr’s 28 points led the U to an 88-73 victory. I look for more of the same even though the public is on the Lions. |
11-30-20 |
Texas State v. Mississippi State -6.5 | Top | 51-68 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 52 m | Show |
Some interesting trends heading into this one. Bobcats are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Bobcats are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. Bobcats are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS win. |
11-30-20 |
Auburn v. UCF -1.5 | | 55-63 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
Auburn has failed to cover four of their last five games and 6 of 8 on the road. |