ATS Picks: Day 9

I actually think I almost had an aneurysm after last night's games finished and my spread picks for the day were over .500.  Finished the night 8-4 to put my record for the season at 32-31-1 (.508) and I don't even care that the Lakers didn't cover, dropping my lock record to 5-3.  I'm back over .500.  We really out here.

Minus the Lakers, I was pretty much on point yesterday.  As I predicted, Reggie Evans' much maligned trash talk towards the Heat did not sit well with LeBron and Brooklyn got smacked.  A Rondo-less Boston proved they can still play, and Toronto yet again proved that they can hang around until the last seconds just to end up losing.  Maybe Rudy Gay will finally provide a closer for that franchise, but I doubt it.

There are only two games tonight, but both are on TNT and both should be good.

Memphis (+9.5) vs OKC (-9.5):  I can't wait to see this Memphis team without Rudy Gay.  They did a pretty good job with the three team deal in my opinion, and I really think that Tayshaun Prince is an underrated pickup.  This is somewhat of a career rejuvinating move for him; there is no way he had any motivation playing in Detroit, and playing for a playoff team could really add a spark to his game. Very smart move on Memphis' part to dump Jose Calderon right away and pick up Prince.  That being said, I think they'll struggle tonight with a revamped roster, so I gotta give the game to OKC.

Dallas (+3) vs Golden State (-3):  Don't look past the addition of Andrew Bogut to this Golden State lineup.  He and David Lee have looked really good together and Bogut has a few decent post moves.  And so I guess Bogut gets the picture of the day.  Big shout to Andrew Bogut.

My lock of the night goes to Golden State (-3) just because 9.5 points is a lot to ask for, even if we are talking about the Thunder.  I guess today's post was kinda short and dull, so watch this video and let it brighten your day.

ATS Picks: Day 8

Second night in a row that I have been played.  Really thought that the Lakers were gonna come through for me, but I guess that's what I get for counting on the Lakers.  Anyhow I went 2-2 for a cummulative record of 24-27-1 (.471%) and won my lock to go to 5-2.

Oh well.  We made it to a Wednesday, and Wednesday's in the NBA are ill.  Best game of the night has to be Miami v Brooklyn, but Boston v Sacramento will be interesting (and I only say this because I want to see how Boston plays after the Rondo news.. not because either of these teams is worth a sack of crap).

In other news, Memphis is definitely dumping Rudy Gay, and Miami and Cleveland are looking to sign Greg Oden.  Let me just say, Greg Oden would be a fool to not sign with the Heat.  If he does in fact sign with Miami, I will be heartbroken if they dump Birdman.  Do the right thing, Pat.

Washington (+3.5) vs Philadelphia (-3.5):  The Wizards have the best record against the spread in the the NBA this year.  Who knew.

Detroit (+8) vs Indiana (-8):  This one hurts me.  8 is so many point to swallow for an Indiana team that is offensively mediocre at best.  I'll do it doe.  Also Andre Drummond gets the photo of the day because he had 18 and 18 last night.  Big shout to Andre Drummond.

Orlando (+9) vs NYK (-9):  This Knicks team is finally starting to get healthy and, as much as I hate to say it, Ray Ray really is the difference maker.  Even if he is still fat.

Toronto (+7) vs Atlanta (-7):  I always like Toronto against larger spreads.  This team can play but they have no one to close games for them, unless you want Jose Calderon taking over.  I smell a Rudy Gay trade.

Sacramento (+7) vs Boston (-7): This Celtics team beat the Heat on Sunday at the TD Garden, and I think they are out to prove that they can still ball with Rondo.  Plus Sacramento is trash.

LAC (-4.5) vs Minnesota (+4.5): Seems like an awfully low line, but whatever.  The Clippers are better than Minnesota. Period.

Chicago (-1) vs Milwaukee (+1):  I know I mentioned it in an earlier post but I really like this Chicago team, which, oh-by-the-way is STILL playing without one of the best point guards in the league.  And yes, I said one of the best.  I'll take CP3 all day, but that is an argument for another time and place.

Miami (-2) vs Brooklyn (+2):  Reggie Evans gave Miami motivation for tonight.  Bad move, Reggie Evans. 

Charlotte (+14.5) vs San Antonio (-14.5):  I pretty much have to pick the Spurs here because I get burned every time I pick against them.  Also because Charlotte is once again becoming comical to watch.  Remember when they started this season off really well?  Me neither.

New Orleans (+7) vs Utah (-7):  I look for Utah to rebound from an absolute drumming from the Rockets.

Houston (+4) vs Denver (-4):  I always like Denver at home.  Simple as that.

LAL (-2.5) vs Phoenix (+2.5): I don't see Phoenix staying within 3 here.  On a side note, mad props to Kobe for his third straight game with double digit assists. What an animal.


That wraps it up.  Lock of the night goes to LAL (-2.5).  What are the chances I actually go above .500 tonight?  Probably about as likely as Greg Stiemsma throwing up a triple double against the Clips.

ATS Picks: Day 7

In yet another poor night of picks, Denver toyed with my emotions and blew a big 4th quarter lead, eventually winning by 1 (which didn't cover... big shocker).  I was oh-so-close to going over .500 for the night, but ended up 3-4 for a cummulative record of 22-25-1 (.468%).  On the bright side, I squeaked out a victory in my lock of the night to get to 4-2.  I don't hate it.

Tonights game blow but before I get to them, a random thought... Yesterday I mentioned the potential of the Celtics being blown up because of the Rondo injury.  What I didn't realize is that KG has a no trade clause in his contract, which means that Pierce would be the only sizeable piece they could realistically move move; there's not much of a market right now for Jason Terry or Jeff Green, and I think Danny Ainge likes Bradley and Sullinger too much.  So hey, maybe this team isn't going anywhere.

On to tonight's games which, as I mentioned earlier, are rather mediocre.

Golden State (+2) vs Cleveland (-2):  Steph Curry got hurt (again) last night, but he should probably play today.  Goldent State is just better than Cleveland; not gonna try to overthink this one.  On a side note, now that Rondo is hurt I guess Kyrie Irving will get the nod in the All Star game as starting point guard.  This is a good thing.

Milwaukee (+1) vs Detroit (-1): Andre Drummond is quickly becoming a solid player for the Pistons.  Remember when no one in the draft wanted to take a chance on him?  High risk, high reward I guess.  Either way I like Milwaukee here.  Detroit is just too inconsistent.

Portland (-3) vs Dallas (+3):  Not much to say here, although I would like to take credit for being the earliest to jump on the Damian-Lillard-for-ROY bandwagon.  I was sayin it before the summer league started.

LAL (-7.5) vs New Orleans (+7.5): Like I said yesterday, I don't think the Lakers can sustain this high level of play, but it sure does make them interesting when they do.  Kobe has gone into somewhat of a LeBron role (a poor man's LeBron, that is) and has started dishing the rock and getting boards.  I gotta give him props though.  He really will do anything for that team to win.


The lock of the night goes to Golden State (+2).  To end this post, check out Deshawn Stevenson's neck tattoo.  Gets me every time.

ATS Picks: Day 6

I had another banger last night, going 3-4 to put my record at 19-21-1 (.475%) for the season (3-2 for lock of the day).  I don't even care though because the basketball yesterday was SO good.  Minus the Rondo news, which is going to completely blow up the Celtics, the games yesterday were on point.

Two thoughts from yesterday:

1. I can't stand Dwayne Wade.  He goes into hero mode at the end of games and completely destroys Miami's half court sets.  His shot at the end of the first OT was miserable.  Why not give it to LeBron, who had the hot hand AND was the only reason the game got to OT?

2. This recent high level of play by the Lakers cannot be sustained.  Kobe can't keep up the wear and tear of guarding the opposing team's best player, and the West is too good.  They are going to have to win about 30 of the last 37 to have a chance at the playoffs.  Nobody does that.

 On to today's games, which I must say are rather dull.

Golden State (-1.5) vs Toronto (+1.5): I like Golden State to get back on track here.  If you haven't checked out David Lee, do it.  Closest player in the league this year to averaging 20 and 10.

Sacramento (+7.5) vs Washington (-7.5): The Wizards actually aren't half bad with John Wall back in the lineup.  The Wall/Beal backcourt could be interesting over the next few years.

 Memphis (-2.5) vs Philadelphia (+2.5):  Now that Boston's roster is getting blown up, the Rudy Gay trade rumors have resurfaced.  I say Pierce and Courtney Lee for Gay.  Straight up.

Orlando (+9) vs Brooklyn (-9):  I used to watch Brooklyn pretty often earlier in the season, but they are pretty tough to watch.  Combine that with an abysmal Orlando team, and this game sucks.  9 points though?  That seems awfully high.  Whateva.

Charlotte (+11.5) vs Chicago (-11.5):  I am just swallowing some huge lines today.  Feeling rather optimistic I guess.  Watch out for this Chicago team though.  They are big, physical, and play great D; all of which give a LOT of trouble to teams like the Knicks and the Heat.

Indiana (+5.5) vs Denver (-5.5): Denver is too good at home.

Houston (+3.5) vs Utah (-3.5): Just to stay with the theme of picking all the favorites.

Well it seems I picked every single favorite to cover tonight.  Oh well.  It's probably better than what I'm doing right now.  Lock of the night goes to Memphis (-2.5).

ATS Picks: Day 5

Maybe I should just start picking the exact opposite of what I actually think is going to happen.  I don't think my pride can handle another night of going 3-6-1.  I even lost my lock of the day, so now I'm 3-1 (.750%). For the overall season I'm 16-17-1 (.485%).  No worries though.  I'll be better.

I'm so hyped for today. LeBron is back in the TD Garden and KD is playing in LA.  And just so I can get this out of the way, LeBron's Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals last year (in Boston) was the greatest NBA playoff performance of my generation.  No questions asked.  It literally hurts my heart when people try to tell me otherwise.

Miami (-3.5) vs Boston (+3.5):  Like I said, I'm pumped for this game.  Throughout his career, LeBron's biggest rival has undoubtedly been Boston and he puts on a show when he is in the Garden.  Look for him to have a big game.

OKC (-3) vs LAL (+3):  KD is a beast when he plays in LA.  I can't remember the exact number, but I think he's averaging around 35 a game against the Lakers.  Also, OKC is head and shoulders the best team in the league right now.  Don't try to fight it, Spurs/Clippers fans.

Detroit (+2) vs Orlando (-2):  Not much to say here.  But I hope Orlando trades JJ Redick.  He could be interesting if he got a change of scenery.

New Orleans (+7.5) vs Memphis (-7.5):  Memphis is playing lock-down D right now, and they are solid at home.  Random aside: the new Pelicans logo is DOPE.

Atlanta (+5.5) vs NYK (-5.5): I think I mentioned it in an earlier post, but the Knicks really need Felton back.  Their pick-and-roll offense is pretty much nonexistent without him, and his absence more or less renders Tyson Chandler useless on the offensive end (aside from the occasional swat-back-to-the-PG offensive board).

Phoenix (+7.5) vs. Dallas (-7.5): I wouldn't touch this game with a 10 foot stick, but I guess I have to.

Portland (+8) vs LAC (-8): The Clips have really struggled without Chris Paul, and Portland proved they could hang with them last night.  I think LA will win, but not by 8.

My lock of the day goes to OKC (-3).  This Lakers team is just too old and too slow to hang with the much younger, athletic Thunder.

Well that pretty much sums it up.  To end this post, do yourself a favor and watch this video.  Like I said.  Filthy.

ATS Picks: Day 4

Last night burned me.  Hindsight is 20/20, but I seriously don't know how I botched the Spurs vs Mavs game.  What a miserable pick.  Anyway, I went 5-5 for the night, giving me a cummulative record of 13-11 (.542%).  I really need a good night tonight.

On the bright side, I got my lock of the night right so I'm 3-0 in that category.

Nothing too exciting tonight.  Prolly won't watch any of it unless the LAC  vs Portland game gets intersting.


Cleveland (+6) vs Toronto (-6): Cleveland isn't a good road team, but I gotta believe they can hang within 6.

How is this a good idea?

NYK (-3.5) vs Philadelphia (+3.5): Gotta go wit da Knickerbockers.  Philly is unwatchable at this point.  They desperately need Andrew Bynum and his questionable locks.

Chicago(-1.5) vs Washington (+1.5): It just seems like too small of a line for Chicago not to cover.

Minnesota (+3) vs Charlotte (-3): This one hurts, but Minnesota just got mopped by Washington and they have way too many injuries.

Brookyln (+3) vs Houston (-3): I like Brooklyn here.  They have been really good in games after losses under Carlesimo.

Golden State (+2) vs Milwaukee (-2):  Goldent State killed me last night.  I'm giving them on more chance.

Phoenix (+9) vs San Antonio (-9): I made a horrible pick last night when a inexplicably gave the Mavs 1.5 against the Spurs.  WOW.  Won't make that mistake again.

Sacramento (+12.5) vs Denver (-12.5):  This is so many points.  I got nothing.

Indiana (+2) vs Utah (-2): Look for Utah to get back on track after a big loss last night at the hand of the Lakers. Yup.  That's right.  The Lakers.

LAC (+1.5) vs Portland (-1.5):  I always lose when I pick against Portland, so I'm ending that trend today.  Plus the Clips are rather mediocre without Chris Paul.


My lock of the night goes to Chicago (-1.5).  I'm fittin to go 4-0.

Well that wraps it up. On a different note, big shout to Birdman Andersen and his 2 monstrous boards last night vs Detroit..  This dude came to play.

ATS Picks: Day 3

I went 2-1 last night.  Phoenix burned me again.  Anyway, I'm up to 8-6 (.571%) so far.  Not solid.

There are some pretty dope games tonight, namely a heavyweight showdown between Minnesota and Washington.. not.  But really, the Brooklyn v Memphis and Chicago v Golden State games should be good to watch.  Here are my picks doe:

Minnesota (+6) vs Washington (-6):  6 is a heck of a lot of points to give this Wizards team.  That being said, Pek, Shved, and K Love are all out for the Wolves.  This makes me nervous, but I got the Wiz.

Boston (+5) vs Atlanta (-5): This kills me because I really hate Boston.  But they gotta get back on track sooner or later.

Detroit (+9.5) vs Miami (-9.5):  See my Day 1 picks.  Again, Miami is sluggish when playing against lesser opponents.

Milwaukee (-4) vs Cleveland (+4):  To be honest I have no idea what I'm doing here.  This game sucks.  On a happier note, I love Kyrie Irving.  So filthy.

Brooklyn (+4) vs Memphis (-4): Brooke Lopez is the highest scoring center in the league, but he's gonna have a tough time scoring against Z-Bo and Gasol.

Houston (+2.5) vs New Orleans (-2.5): Houston is struggling, not to mention that they are atrocious when they aren't at home.

San Antonio (-1.5) vs Dallas (+1.5): No Pop and no Duncan for the Spurs tonight.

Golden State (+2.5) vs Chicago (-2.5): I know I'm gonna regret this. Whateva.

OKC (-9) vs Sacramento (+9): I feel like in the long run, picking the Thunder to cover is always gonna be the best choice.

Utah (+5) vs LAL (-5): Someone please tell me how this Lakers team keeps getting 4-7 points. It hurts my head to try to comprehend.


Tonight is rough.. I feel like lots of these could go either way.

Also I just spontaneously decided to add another part to these ATS posts: A lock of the night. Tonight it goes to OKC - they should beat SAC handily.  And since this is my blog and I can do whatever I want, I'm gonna say that my record for picking locks is 2-0.  I felt pretty strongly about Denver (+2.5) on Wednesday and Toronto (+4) last night. I swear.

  

ATS Picks: Day 2

I started off hot yesterday, but then things went downhill pretty quickly.  Plus I really whiffed on the Spurs vs Hornets game.  Whatever. 

Only 3 games tonight, and I don't really love any of them.

Toronto (+4) vs Orlando (-4): Orlando is struggling, and the Raptors are not a bad squad.

NYK (-1) vs Boston (+1): Boy does this Knicks team miss Raymond Felton.  I hate picking the Knicks, but Boston blows.  Plus Melo's tre-ball celebration is one of the best in the league.

LAC (-6.5) vs Phoenix (+6.5): Not sure if CP3 is gonna play, but Eric Bledsoe is a stud.  The Clips should handle this mediocre Suns team.



I'm 6-5 (.545%) so far.  I will be better.

ATS Picks: Day 1

I am convinced that I am the greatest sports better on the planet, so from here on out I am going to try to pick every single ATS bet in the NBA.  That's right.  Every. Single. One.  At the end of the year I'll calculate my winning percentage just to prove that I am the greatest.

So here goes nothing.. tonight's lineup is rather large.


Atlanta (-3.5) vs Charlotte (+3.5):  Gotta go with Atlanta.  I know they are injury-plagued, but Charlotte sucks.  And Mike Scott went to UVA.  Go Hoos.

Toronto (+10.5) vs Miami (-10.5): The Heat have been on a massive break and are playing at home, but they tend to play some pretty apathetic basketball against weaker opponents.

Detroit (+6.5) vs Chicago (-6.5):  I like Chicago.  Plus who knew Kirk Hinrich had such a sick crossover?

Brooklyn (-5.5) vs Minnesota (+5.5):Just a gut feeling.

Denver (+2.5) vs Houston (-2.5): Houston has been playing poorly as of late.

LAL (+4) vs Memphis (-4):  I wish I would have posted something before the season about this Lakers squad. Before Dwight got traded, I said they would suck. I swear.  Now no one believes me.

New Orleans (+8.5) vs San Antonio (-8.5): The Spurs are just to fundamentally sound.  That being said, I do find this Hornets team pretty interesting now that Gordon is back.

Washington (+7) vs Utah (-7): The Wiz are 5-2 in their last 7.

Indiana (+1) vs Portland (-1):  Another gut feeling.

Phoenix (+3.5)  vs Sacramento (-3.5): Will anyone actually be watching this game?

OKC (-2) vs Golden State (+2): I really really really wanna see this one in the playoffs.  Not as bad as LAC vs Golden State, but almost.