Yeah, yeah, we’ll get to that Asian point guard who’s dominating the internet in a second. Just be patient. As always, my editor asks me for these picks mid-week so I don’t have the betting lines available. We’re fast forwarding to Sunday’s games because if you’re like me, you’re trying desperately to fill the void that NFL football left with anything other than spending time with loved ones.
For first time readers, the home team is in caps. I’ve highlighted three mega matchups first, and the rest of the games are hit quickly at the bottom. Enjoy and best of luck!
NEW YORK KNICKS over Dallas Mavericks
Ok, now we can briefly talk about Jeremy Lin. How can Basketball bettors not get excited about this guy? He’s coming up with clutch shots, playing with emotion, saving D’Antoni’s job and making Asians across the globe forget that Yao Ming was ever genetically engineered by the Chinese government. Aside from a thrilling comeback win over Toronto, the Knicks are a daring 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games and undefeated since Lin took over the starting role.
Dallas is a very good team, but they lack the depth and vibe that they exuded at this time last season. That’s because Tyson Chandler plays in New York. With a strong 8-5 ATS record away from home, they’re definitely worth a look, but nobody should be betting against Lin right now. Especially with D’Antoni’s entire system designed to generate points for the saved Knicks.
MIAMI HEAT over Orlando Magic
Dwight’s ability to perform despite the fact he hates his team is pretty astounding. That being said, it doesn’t negate that the Heat are red hot right now in basketball betting. With a 4-0 SU and ATS record heading in to Cleveland on Friday night, the Heat should be ready to handle Superman in whatever emotional state he shows up.
Generally speaking, the Magic only beat the spread if they actually win the game. Part of it is that they’re getting small lines but it’s also because the oddsmakers are as confused by the focus of this team as everyone else is. Sure, people like to say that Howard’s a big distraction, but he’s also the only reason this team is winning any games.
Disagree with The Decision and hate the Heat for all they’re worth, but when they’re on a roll they are pretty unstoppable. Good thing for basketball fans that they don’t get on a roll in the playoffs. Really good thing for people that like winning bets during the regular season.
LA Lakers over PHOENIX SUNS
Lost in all the Linsanity is the NBA rumor mill’s favorite focus: moving Steve Nash. New York hopefuls were banking on Baron Davis to play at his peak form (good luck), but everyone prior to Jeremy Lin’s breakout was pining for Nash to be freed from the dungeon of free falling Phoenix to reunite with former coach Mike D’Antoni and teammate Amar’e Stoudemire.
Well thanks to Jeremy Lin’s unbelievable performance thus far, Nash is stuck until the summer when he’s a free agent and things don’t look good in Phoenix. The Suns are 4-8 ATS at home this season, and while the Lakers are a measly 4-11 ATS on the road this season, the line will be generous given Phoenix visiting L.A. on Friday night and the fact that the Lake Show is on the road.
Sunday’s Quick Picks
UTAH JAZZ over Washington Wizards
The Wizards are probably my least favorite team to bet on because of their wild inconsistency. Their atrocious 10-18 ATS record this year is a big reason to walk away from Washington, and they won’t get generous odds like they did as +15.0 favorites against Portland. The Jazz are a sturdy bet at home against fledgling teams.
Sacramento Kings over CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Cleveland should run a clinic on how to get a young team off the ground because Sacramento could use some pointers. Keep in mind that the oddsmakers have been pretty spot on with the Cavs, who are just 7-5 ATS at home. It doesn’t help that the Kings have been crushing the spread with an 8-2 ATS record over a ten game streak that’s seen them go just 4-6 SU. Bet on the Kings until they level off.
Boston Celtics over DETROIT PISTONS
Remember when this rivalry mattered? Nah, neither do I.
INDIANA PACERS over Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats are doing everything they can to get a top-3 pick in the upcoming draft because they totally whiffed on that Bismack Biyombo pick, which I can’t blame them because I thought he’d be halfway decent.
Philadelphia 76ers over MINNESOTA TIMBERWOVLES
The world has caught on to the Sixers which has to make the betting universe cringe and groan after riding this gravy train through the better part of the year. Philadelphia has built a very strong betting record this year, mostly at home, but Minnesota is a team that loves to run which is a bad strategy against the free wheeling Sixers. You run, they sprint.
Milwaukee Bucks over NEW JERSEY NETS
The Nets are probably the most untrustworthy play when on home court. At just 4-9 ATS in their own building, you can’t trust them against a sneaky Bucks team. Jennings is playing for big money this coming summer so don’t expect him to take any major matchups lightly, especially one that pits him against Deron Williams.
Denver Nuggets over OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Yeah, this seems crazy, but take your pick of any reason to bet against Oklahoma City in this matchup. Division familiarity. Denver is crazy good all things considered. The Thunder tend to be way too overvalued at home to be worth a play. Take the points and the Nuggets.
