NBA top 3 bets

PHI +10 vs MEM

Sure it's much more "sexy" to guess when the Warriors will lose games, because they are on a historic run and the defending champs. But here at Dirty Picks we like to do the dirty stuff that no one else will touch. So, I am going to go all out today and declare that this will be the Sixers second win of the season!! Memphis is entering that weird franchise transition where they most likely missed their window to compete for a title and could see major changes after the season. The Sixers know that they are about to head out on an extended road trip that won't see them returning to Philly until after the new year. It will be a gross display of offensive inefficiency that the Sixers pull out in the final minute...and if not at least you are getting 9.5 security blankets.

DET +3 vs. MIA

Two of the best defensive teams in the league built around arguably the two best centers in the NBA! The only reason I give the Pistons the slight edge here because of the return of Brandon Jennings!! Jennings was playing out of his mind last season before going down for the season and while he won't play a ton tonight, his return should ignite the rest of Detroit to a convincing win!

DAL +4 vs. TOR

This is a tough line for me to get behind. The Raptors have an all-star back court according to Rick Carlisle, and he knows way more about basketball than I do, so I'll agree. The only difference in this game has to be Zaza and Dirk going against a Raps front line still missing the Junkyard Dawg and Jonas V. Really hoping the Mavs back court doesn't get absolutely torn apart by Lowry, but it very well could happen. Oh well, grabbing points!!

Big Daddy Catz's Big Daddy Picks

BKN +9 vs BOS

Really been impressed with how this Nets team has played lately. This hasn't necessarily equated to wins for them, but at least they look like a respectable basketball team. Meanwhile, I just don't know what to make of Boston. They have talent and a lineup full of dudes who could contribute to just about any team in this league. But they don't scare me, and they don't deserve to be giving 9 points to anyone.

MIN +2.5 vs DET

The matchup of young NBA big men!! Towns has gotten to the top much quicker than anyone expected, and he's just barely scratching the surface of what he could be in the NBA. Drummond looks like the best center  and is averaging close to 20 and 20 a night!! Should be a fun one to watch, but it's all going to come down to how the Wolves are able to defend the vicious pick and roll between Jackson and Drummond. I like the athleticism of the Wolves to do enough to get the cover here.

NYK +6 vs OKC

Welcone to the Zings and Melo show!! Okay, so that sounds like a local radio show in Australia, but I promise this duo is much more entertaining. Melo is doing his usual Melo stuff, but the Zinger has New Yorks attention like a rookie hasn't done in decades!! Over in Oklahoma, Kevin Durant is injured again. Uh oh. Take the points.

CHI +8 vs GS

Big daddy Catz with his big daddy upset pick of the century!! Sure it would be more impressive if the first time I predicted the Warriors to lose it would have happened, but better late than never right?? Bulls are a very solid team led by the tandem of Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol, but they also have a former DPOY coming off the bench!! Who does that?? A team that is going to end the defending champs winning streak to start the season, that's who. Bulls not only cover, they flat out win this game!! Lock it in!!!

NFL Week 7 - The Spread

We're back with another week of the Spread, our weekly NFL podcast where we break down every game and give our picks and locks for the week.

The Spread - EP 3

NFL WEEK 2

After crushing week 1 picks, we are back at it on the Spread. Please download and share with everyone that sucks at making NFL picks.

DP Lock of the Week

NE (-1.5) vs BUF

Catz: After nailing my week 1 lock thanks mostly in part to Johnny Manziel, the Catz is back on the hunt looking for another diamond encrusted, gold plated lock to throw on a game. Boy, was this easy. Sure you can try and get cute and take the jags getting a bunch of points, or even grabbing the Eagles at home against a banged up Cowboys team, but when it really comes down to it, what's a better pick than the Pats going into to Buffalo to derail the bill train? I'm not a Tyrod Taylor fan, and even though he looked alright in week 1, this week he goes against one of the best football minds in NFL history. Being a diehard NYJ fan, this was not an easy pick, but I think it's the easiest lock on the board.

BJ: Don't let Catz trick you into thinking this was some tough pick. We all agreed that NE was the lock of the week this week. After a great LOTW for week 1 (cincy) we all agreed the Pats should dominate T Mobile and the Bills, despite the week 1 hype. 

Catz Bonus Lock!!!!

NYJ (+7) vs IND

Since I went and disrespected my brethren by calling the Pats the best pick on the board, I figured I had to make it up by going out on a limb with good ole gang green. The Bills are a very similar team to the Jets and they just blitzed the hell out of Luck until he forgot what sport he was playing, expect a lot of the same from NY. Ultimately I do think the Jets will lose this game on a crushing interception from Fitzmagic, but it should be a three or four point final score.

NFL Week 1 Picks

Here are our picks for week 1 of the NFL Season! Check out the pod as we go into further detail and debate about this weeks spreads on, THE SPREAD!

The Spread - Podcast

Our podcast is finally here! Check out the intro pod which features some Over/Under picks from Catz and we discuss some end of the NFL season awards. Thanks for listening!

College Football Returns

College Football Kickoff

Western Kentucky (-2) @ Vanderbilt
This is probably a poor choice due to the fact that we're not taking the home dog in this situation, but Western Kentucky is the right team here. Vandy may play in the SEC, but they sure as hell don't play any good QBs and that is exactly what they are going up against when they face Brandon Doughty. The 6th year senior (how the fuck does that work?) led the nation with 4,344 passing yards and 44 TDs. Western Kentucky's explosive offense will trump Vandy's average at best SEC defense and win by at least 9!

North Carolina (+3) @ South Carolina
Looking at the early numbers here, about 65% of bettors are on South Carolina and I want to know why! Is it because Steve Spurrier is the coach? That hasn't worked out well for the Cocks. Is it because they're in the SEC? Because unless you are Bama, Auburn, LSU or Georgia, I'm not seeing the threat! North Carolina, while not a powerhouse, is going to match up pretty well when they take on the Cocks. They return almost everyone on a very solid offense led by Marquise Williams. The senior led NC in passing and rushing and has three bad ass WR's that are bound to kill South Carolina all game. The Cocks, on the other hand, have a new QB and only return 4 starters. If this line goes to 4 it will be a steal.

Arizona St. (+3) @ Texas A&M
A&M's defense is going to suck again. Arizona St is way more consistent and has a very good defense which should slow down A&M enough to make this thing close. Chalk this one up as a 42-38 victory for the Sun Devils.

NBA bounce back picks

WAS vs ATL (-6) I liken this pick to sticking your finger back in an electrical socket after it shocks the fuck out of you. You know the old saying "get burned once, shame on me, dust yourself off and get back on the horse!"...or something like that. Anyway, the Wiz don't need this game and will be more than happy to take a 1-1 spilt back to chocolate city. Hopefully the triples fall and ATL is able to even up the series. MEM (+10) vs GSW Well the last time they played the line was 10.5 which the Warriors ended up covering...so that extra .5 is the different maker right?? Game changer!! Hopefully the Grizz muck it up, feed the post and are able to keep this game close enough to cover.

NBA Playoffs: Thursday

Chi -3.5 vs MIL Alright that was a cute last couple of games there Waukee, but your 2015 off season officially begins after tonight. Look for the Bulls to take care of bidness in game 6 and fight off the over achieving Bucks. LAC +5.5 I'm making this pick on the hope that it somehow influences how the clippers play and they are able to keep this series going. Way too many great games for this one not to end in a game seven win for the Spurs. Clips take this one back to LA for the greatest event in sports!! We're going to game seven!!!! Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Western Conference Playoffs

HOU (-7.5) vs. DAL

OH NO!!! HAS HELL FROZEN OVER!??!?! ARE PIGS FLYING?? DID THE JETS FINALLY GET A FRANCHISE QB?? LOL...alright that's too ridiculous, but yeah Mr. Points Getter aka Bobby Catz decided to take one of the highest favorites I've ever gone with!! What makes it even more terrifying is that I expect this to be Dirks last game in an NBA uniform because he can barely move on defense and is getting torched even more than he usually does on that end. All this adds up to a Mavs win and they delay the inevitable conclusion for another night, right?? Nope...enter James Harden. Look for the Beard to drop 35 in the first half as he puts the Rockets way out in front and the Mavs struggle to play catch up for the rest of the night. Houston wins this game by thirty and the Rockets move on to the second round.

SAS (+2) vs LAC

This is a rough pick. I've been asking Catz what he's felt on this and we decided we have to roll the Spurs. These teams might be about even throughout the series, but when the Spurs have been on, they have been ON. According to ESPN, the Spurs are 23-8 in game fives since 1999. That's pretty damn impressive, and I think Pop knows they need to win this game. If they win this, the series is over.

NBA Playoffs Round One

LAC (+5) vs SAS Definitely not ready to spot the Spurs five, when the only difference in the last game was Blake Griffin turning the ball over up two with eight seconds left. It was ugly sure, but it doesn't tell the story of this series. Spurs are way too banged up to be able to handle a pissed off Clippers team. HOU vs DAL (+2) We always have to go with the picks that seem a little too good to be true, and this is definitely one of those lines. Houston has dominated every facet of this series so it was pretty shocking to see H town only favored by 2 here right? Then we realized that Rondo has been sidelined for the rest of the series, remember how good the Mavs were for the first six weeks of the season before him? Look for that team to show up tonight. TOR vs WAS (-5) I don't care if they moved this line all the way down to double digitz, I would still take it. The raptors have been exposed on both ends of the court, and today I read an article about how the GM expects big changes after the season. Never good when those articles come out while the team is actually still playing games! If you want to call what Toronto has done in this series playing that is. J Wall and Co roll in chocolate city.

Dirty Picks: Playoff Edition

Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Catz: Not sure why all of the talking heads think  that the Pelicans can steal one or even two of these games. I get "the brow" is a ridiculous NBA player, but look at the guards that Nawlins trots out there....marquee names that strike fear into an opponent like Tyreke, Norris Cole, or Eric Gordon. There's a good chance NOP doesn't even get a lead in this series let alone a win.

Nutz: I'm not going to be a dick like Catz and insult a team that just made it to the Western Conference playoffs with a young squad. But I am going to predict an absolute ass whoopin, the likes of hasn't been seen since Stone Cold Steve Austin wore the strap! The Dubs have incredible ball movement, a smart coach and an amazing backcourt. I also have a slight grudge against the 'Cans as they cost me a seafood buffet dinner by hitting the over this season. 

Consensus: Warriors in 4.

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks

Catz: We went back and forth on this in the DP office, originally I was interested in picking HOU in 6 until Nutz brought up a few solid points and Sugar shocked the office with his Surgalski scoop that Dirk is going to shoot jumpers this series!! That's the kind of dynamite reporting we have around these parts. Because of all that info I was forced to reconsider my pick and I did....Rockets in 6.

Nutz:  Shit are we at IHOP?! CAUSE WE'VE BEEN WAFFLIN ON THIS PICK ALL DAY!!!!!!! Nothin? Ok, well I'm going Rockets here as well. The Rocks have dominated this matchup all year, mostly due to their perimeter domination. The Mavs, touting a guard lineup of Monta Ellis and The Man We Used To Call Rajon Rondo, won't have any success trying to guard James Harden and whoever else is out there. I was a little worried because Dirk lives for the playoffs and Rondo always saves his best performances for the the post season. Not to mention Rick Carlisle....shit....whatever, ROLL IT! Rockets in 6!

Consensus: Rockets in 6

Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs

Catz: CATZ'S SUPER UPSET OF THE FIRST ROUND!! Not really an upset if you are one of those traditional seeding kind of guys, but we all know who is the favorite in this series. This is the Clippers championship right here, and they are going to put every ounce of effort in to winning this series. They might even lose the next series after this depending on who they play, but Blake, CP3 and DeAndre will score the upset against the defending champs!! Clippers in 7!!!

Nutz: I am going to give this one to the Spurs based on two things: I HATE the Clippers! Blake Griffin has become so whiny and bitchy that it's hard to watch him at this point. Pair that with super tough, bad ass supreme Matt Barnes (terrible basketball player) and you have a very unlikeable team. Second reason: They're the Spurs. You have to trust Pop, Duncan, Parker and to an extent, Manu. Just trust em. 

Catz: Clips in 7. Nutz: Spurs in 7.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Memphis Grizzlies

Catz: Terrible matchup here for the Blazers. Maybe they would have a chance at winning a game or two if they were fully healthy, but they aren't so break out the brooms. Grindhouse is going to take care of business and the Blazers in relatively quick fashion. GRIZZ IN 4.

Nutz: This sucks! The Blazers busted their asses all season to get a top 3 seed, only for Aldridge to get hurt for an extended period of time and to lose Wes Matthews for the year. This team has done well to patch things up over the last few weeks, but they clearly miss Matthews. The Grizz are too much of a defensive juggernaut to survive a full series against the grind house. 

Catz: Memphis in 4. Nutz: Grizz in 6

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets

Catz: This could honestly be the most one sided playoff series in recent history. The Hawks could literally start their second string and still end up sweeping this series. I hate the Nets. Garbage team owned by a guy who doesn't give a fuck (not you Hov EDITOR'S NOTE: "Hov" is no longer part of ownership. Catz apparently does not know this) and a couple of "stars" who didn't even care enough to respond when a former teammate basically called them pussies in the media. You think Lebron would respond if someone questioned his professionalism? Yeah that's not a great look D-Will, have fun in Shanghai next year. Hawks in 2.5...minutes that it takes to realize how lopsided this one is.

Nutz:  The Nets will probably somehow win a game in this series, but we all know they aren't going anywhere. Deron Williams is just terrible and Joe Johnson should be playing for the Pelicans right now. I seriously hate this franchise. They're boring as fuck, their unis suck and their arena and fans suck. If they didn't have Lionel Hollins there would be no reason for them to exist as a franchise. 

Consensus: Hawks in 4

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics

Catz: This is the worst possible matchup for the Celtics. They can't defend anyone from driving to the rim and the Cavs have two of the three best players at doing just that. Really the only positive that could come out of this series is if Brad Stevens is able to have a secret lunch with Kevin Love where he can pitch him wearing green next season. Enjoy the Lebron hates Boston show everybody. 

Cleveland in 4. 

Nutz: Am I the only one that thinks it's weird that Boston is in the playoffs?! I feel completely unprepared for this series! I have no clue who plays on this team (that's not true) but I definitely know that the Celtics will not win a game in this series. Brad Stevens is a good coach, but LeBron doesn't fuck around in the first round and Kevin Love needs to prove his worth for whatever team he hops to this summer! 

Consensus: Cavs in 4.

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards

Catz: If this series featured the two teams that we watched back in December, my enthusiasm for these games would be much greater. Unfortunately for both Rapes and Wizards fans, these are not those teams. Injuries have basically destroyed the season for both teams, but it seems like the Raptors are taking the injury plague exceptionally hard. Meanwhile the Wizards have a very talented team that would be light years better if they had even a semi-competent coach at the helm. With all of that being said, I like the Raptors to win this series purely because their coach sucks a little bit less than the Wizards coach. Wiz in a sloppy 6.

Nutz: I have no idea how this one is going to go! These teams are the exact same! This is just "Default Eastern Conference Playoff series." I am going to roll with the Raptors! They have home court advantage, and a hellacious one at that. The Raps are a solid enough team to win this series in 6. 

Catz: Wiz in 6. Nutz: Raps in 6.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls

Catz: When I first checked out this series I wanted to make the case for Milwaukee because of their depth, coaching and GIANNIS!!! Then I really buckled down and thought to myself "the fucks going on here, I can't bet on Milwaukee to beat Chicago!!" That pretty much settled it for me. Milwaukee is a good story and should be a fun team to watch over the next couple of years, but this is a veteran-laden, well coached, tough Chicago team. J Kidd is about to get a rough teaching lesson from Thibs because it's Thibs and that's what he does. Chicago in 5. 

Nutz: Much like Catz I wanted to roll the Bucks because it's fun! But Thibs doesn't care for fun. He only cares about running his players into the damn ground until they can't go anymore! That's the formula for a dominant first round and a second round sweep ladies and gentleman!

Consensus: Chicago in 5

Free NHL Locks!

Wednesday NHL 

Toronto @ Ottawa (-140)

The situation in Toronto is on the verge of going nuclear.  With just 3 wins in their last 16 games and news coming out on the organization pressing charges on some fans, it’s not a good day to be a Leaf.  Ottawa is the pick to make here mostly because they are taking on a Toronto team with more going on behind the scenes than on the ice.

Chi Town @ Pittsburgh +1.5 (-300)

Yep. That’s right, I have no idea who is going to win this game (and neither do you).  The truth is this game is a toss up and anyone who tells you otherwise is just ignorant or lying to your face.  The Hawks have been playing like a bunch of limp noodles lately but we all know it’s just a matter of when, not if, they come to life.  This should be a great game to watch regardless; Crosby & Malkin vs Toews & Kane.

Columbus (+145) @ Winnipeg

The Jets have scraped together a couple wins as of late, but it’s nothing to get all excited about.  Their offense relies HEAVILY on their goaltender stopping 40+ shots a game.  The Jackets are a solid team don’t be mistaken.

Calgary +1.5 (-170) @ Anaheim

The team formerly known as Mighty has hardly been “mighty” lately.  The Ducks have been winning games but not by a lot.  They barely ever beat anyone by 2+ goals anymore if you check their results.  So, I’m banking on a solid Flames team to keep it tight with the Ducks formerly known as Mighty.

Boston (-115) @ Colorado

The Avs are not very good.  That statement probably pissed off 1/2 of the readers of this article.  But can you really argue against it? Colorado had a great season last year; I can’t deny that.  However, let’s talk 5 year plans.  The Avs probably are not going to make playoffs this year.  The regression from last year is insane.  Boston should steamroll the avs tonight if you ask me.

NHL Futures

Sugar's Top 5 NHL Bets You Need to Make

It's that time of year we all love (and hate) once again.  Summer is over, the leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, there's annoying people holding signs for politicians that have entirely failed to do their job, baseball is ending, and hockey is starting.  Last year was our inaugural season here at Dirty Picks.  In my first year making hockey picks I established a level of excellence unparalleled.  My 172-110-4 record equates to a win percentage of 60.1%. This year I'm looking to continue to roll and make you some money.  To start this season off I have 5 hockey future picks that you would be stupid not to bet on. 

#1 Detroit Red Wings Regular Season Points - OVER 91.5 (-125)

Yes I like the Wings. However, this is as sure a bet as there ever was.  Last season the Red Wings were decimated by injury.  A total of 418 man-games were lost, setting a franchise record.  Even with the statistically worst year in terms of injury, the Wings still finished the season with 93 points.  Except for the shortened season due to the lock out, the wings have finished with at least 100 points 3 out of the last 4 seasons.  They will very easily go over 91.5 this year. 

#2 Will the NY Islanders Make the Playoffs? - NO (-115)

The Islanders will not be in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference in April, that is a fact.  I expect the top 8 to be the same teams as last year minus Columbus with Washington moving up to a playoff spot.  Regardless, the NY Islanders don't  have a lot going for them right now.  Their organization isn't great and has never been able to develop players.  They won't be as bad as Buffalo but it's going to be a long season for islander fans.

#3 "Snipe Show" Stamkos to win the Maurice "Rocket" Richard - 2/1

Stamkos suffered a broken leg midway through last year. At the time he was leading in goal scoring and continued to lead the league for about three weeks without playing a game.  This man is a goal scoring machine.  Call me crazy but I firmly believe Stamkos could go down as the greatest goal scorer to ever play the game.  He has more goals than any NHL player since he was drafted, he trains like a psycho in the offseason, and he's 24 years old. Stamkos is sick and the scary thing is, he's still young and going to get even better.  I predict that at some point in his career, Stamkos will accomplish the daunting task of scoring 50 goals in 50 or less games.  A stat only held by 2 men in NHL history: Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky.  This very well could be that year. Regardless, Stamkos wins the Rocket Richard for leading goal scorer in the league by a long shot. 

#4 Who Will Win the Stanley Cup? - An Original 6 Team (+200)

Okay so for the Cup were talking who will win the East and who will win the West.  Personally I think Chicago wins the West and wins the Cup.  For you amateurs out there the OG 6 are: Montreal, Boston, Chicago, NY Rangers, Detroit, and Toronto.  I think the East comes down to Detroit and Boston with Chicago winning the West.  Chicago is in a unique spot with a chance to win a 3rd Cup in 5 years.  It's not very often players are presented a chance to cement a spot in hockey history as being part of a dynasty and Chicago has that chance.  I expect Chi town to take the Cup and if they don't I expect the East to win, meaning Hockeytown (Detroit) or those bitch ass Bruins from Boston.  Regardless, the OG 6 win the cup and you win.

#5 Washington Capitals to Make the Playoffs? - YES (-130)

I don't like the Caps at all. Actually I think they're a fuckin joke.  They basically have a manual for what excuse to use when they fail to do anything notable with one of the best rosters in hockey.  "Oh we missed playoffs because we don't have goaltending".  Detroit won a Stanley Cup with fucking Chris Osgood. The Caps are a joke.  But there's no way those jokes in our nations capital miss the playoffs again.  

NBA 2K15 Over Unders

The Dirty Picks NBA Over/Under Preview

It's basically the middle of winter, so it's time for our NBA Over/Under podcast column! As things start to cool down, easing into the NBA season with over/unders is the best way to get your head away from Pumpkin Spice lattés and fantasy football. Grab some cash from under grandma's mattress (she forgot it was there anyways, grandma played in the NFL and has CTE) and load up on these winners! Oh and you may note that Catz and BJ have separate picks here. The winner at the end of the year gets to pound Kate Upton out like a mallard duck, so there's something to look forward to!

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics - 26.5

CATZ

Prediction: 31

WOW, this one was surprising. I guess I am more in on this Boston team than Vegas is. They had a solid draft, decent off-season and while I don't see them making the playoffs, I would be shocked if this team won less than 30 games. Take the over here as 26.5 is way too low for a team with decent talent and solid coaching, added bonus: the potential Ewing theory effect when Rondo gets shipped out mid-season.

BJ

Prediction: 28

I am going to agree with the Catz here, even though he thinks he's Bill fuckin Simmons. The Celtics have talent and a smart coaching staff/front office. Let's assume that they keep Rondo; that leaves them with Marcus "Buckets" Thornton, Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, James Young, Evan Turner, Jeff Green, Gerald Wallace's ghost and a host of mediocre bigs. There is enough talent there to accrue 27+ wins by beating shitty Eastern conference teams. I like the over here and I think the Celts are a lock for at least 28 wins. 

Toronto Raptors - 49.5

CATZ

Prediction: 42

I think this season is when Toronto falls back towards the middle of the pack. They over-achieved last year, sure it's a decently talented roster that improved dramatically after shipping out the notorious ball-stopper and offense killer Rudy Gay, but this still isn't a team ready to compete for a title quite yet. They still need another piece, or at least for Derozan to emerge as a true game-changing superstar. I think they crash back to reality this year and win way less than 45.5 games, I wouldn't be surprised if they finish under 40 wins.

BJ

Prediction: 48

Apparently my co-writer did not watch basketball last season. I have never liked Demar as a starting 2 guard. He was just an athlete/slasher that played mediocre defense. Well, last year, he finally took a step in the right direction. I don't think he needs to be a superstar on this team; just an All-Star. If he can continue to compliment the Raps offense with a 22-4-4 effort, they will do just fine in the East. Throw in Jonas Valenciunas and Kyle Lowry and you have the formula for a 2 or 3 seed this year. They play in the same division as Philly which just adds to the over here. 

Brooklyn Nets - 41.5

CATZ

Prediction: 44.5

The Nets could be in trouble this season. I thought I was being generous predicting a win total in the mid-forties and it turns out I was correct. Brooklyn was in win-now mode when they went all in last season until they got rocked by Miami in the playoffs. Now they have lost arguably their best player from last season, get Lopez back off a foot injury (an injury that has a history of ruining careers of big men) and the decrepit bodies of Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett (he might have died actually...nope still playing) and Deron Williams. Unless Iso-Joe has found the fountain of youth and Deron Williams actually starts looking like a competent PG again, this season could go south in a hurry. On the plus side they did bring in Lionel Hollins, who should be able to improve the defense a little bit, but who the hell on this roster is actually going to play D? Yeah I would take the under here, and it might not be close.

BJ

Prediction: 45

I figured the Nets would be getting some respect here. They have vets/stars that know how to get to the playoffs, and some solid role players. Joe Johnson is still good and Deron Williams should be able to throw together 20 games. I honestly hate this team and hated them even more last year, but I respect Lionel Hollins. Perfect old school coach for an old school type of team. 45 wins, great defense and a first round playoff exit.

New York Knicks - 41.5

CATZ

Prediction: 42.5

On the other side of the city we have the NEW YORK FREAKIN KNICKERBOCKERS!!! My personal favorite team, struggled mightily last season and saying they underachieved would be like calling Kanye West rational. This team was a disaster last season, so they traded Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton (arguably the worst player in the NBA last season) which should at least improve the chemistry issues. You know what else will help this team? Phil Jackson's presence, the Zen Master wins games and knows how to push the right buttons. Whether that means smoking blunts with JR Smith before home games, or listening to Melo's wife LaLa ramble on about her acting career while acting like he's interested, the man knows what he's doing. So I am all in (back in) on the Knicks this season, Melo is going to have a career year and they had a decent off-season which should enable them to get to 45-47 wins.

BJ

Prediction: 41

Damn it. This is tough. On one hand, I HATE the Knicks roster. On the other, I think Carmelo Anthony has been put in such a negative light that he is now underrated. He put up a 27-8, did not give up on his team and really took pride in doing things he is known not to do. JR Smith turned into a cancer (surprise) and the rest of the team was just garbage.Thus lies the problem. Nothing has changed. They brought in Jose Calderon who I love, but he needs to be in a free flowing offense, not the Triangle. Shumpert? Not that good. Bargnani? Still not good. Amare?!!! AMARE STOUDEMIRE?!! Yeah, that's the Knicks. Good luck. 

Philadelphia 76ers - 16.5

CATZ

Prediction: 15

Oh man this is a tough one. The 76ers are trotting out a lineup that some of the D-league teams could beat on a random Tuesday back-to-back type scenario. Seriously this team is the epitome of a tank-job, stashing away number one picks for entire seasons just to continue to stockpile assets and rebuild for the future. I like what they are doing, but it's hard to imagine the product they are putting out on the floor this year is winning more than fifteen games. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't win ten, they are that bad. Granted in three years they could have a stellar lineup of Embiid, Noel, and some other players, but this season, not so much. Sneaky Prop Bet: Throw a couple bucks on Nerlens Noel to win Rookie of the Year, because he didn't play last year he is still eligible to win the award and looked dominant in summer league (take that with a grain of salt) and will get tons of opportunity playing with such a shitty roster.

BJ

Prediction: 16

I love Nerlens Noel and he is definitely winning ROY. This team SUCKS and it's a joke that the NBA allows this to happen. Do I fault the Sixers for doing this? No! They're just taking advantage of the system! Either way, this is a joke of a team and I hope they're never on TV. 

Central Division

Chicago Bulls - 56

CATZ

Prediction: 57
As you can see, Vegas and I are pretty much in total harmony on this one. We both expect Chicago to have a solid season with the addition of Pau Gasol and the return of D Rose at full, as my editor would say, “scrimpf."This team is going to be nasty, you got the defensive genius that is Thibs, combined with the talent that is on this Bull’s roster, including sleeper ROTY candidate Douggie McBuckets, and you have a team that could easily hit 60 wins. That’s why I am taking the over here and watching the Bulls fight the Cavs for the beast of the East.

BJ

Prediction: 53.5

Here we go again. Everyone thinks this team is ready to take "the leap" and win the title. No, they haven't been close, they're not going to make it. It baffles me to no end how Chi Town continues to ignore the fact that no one on this team can score besides D Rose. Oh and that guy? He's perpetually injured and he won't last more than 50 games this season. Congrats on having Jimmy Butler and Taj score 30 combined per game. Also, I love McDermott, but if has to do any more than run around screens and play some weak zone on defense, he's going to get fucked up. Sorry Thibs and fellas, I like you, but Derek Rose has to go before you win a title.

Cleveland Cavaliers (aka the mistake by the lake) - 59

CATZ

Prediction: 58.5

Again, Vegas and I seem to be better friends than Hall and Oates! This team is ridiculously talented, with really the only question coming at who’s going to be their defensive center, but the talent of K Love, Bron Bron and Kyrie should cover any perceived deficiencies they have, at least on paper. Like a delicious lemon crème pie, this is going to take a while to gel, but when it does the results should be very sweet indeed! Though because I think the learning curve is going to be steep for a while, and teams will be treating every game against the Cavs like a playoff game, I would actually recommend taking the under here. They probably win 50-55, but should finish under this projection.

BJ

Prediction: 58

Makes sense. The Cavs are going to need a little time to get things together and there will be the inevitable Dion Waiters controversy. Overall, they have the talent to be a 62 win team. I'll go with 58 just because there will be a rough stretch somewhere during the season, but I think they will dominate in the playoffs. As long as Waiters doesn't blow up, this team will be solid. 

Detroit Pistons - 36

CATZ

Prediction: 37.5
I figured this is where Vegas would set the line, though I am really not sure why. Sure they hired Stan Van Gundy who has a rep as being a very underrated ball coach, but the roster is the still largely the same right? They still have Josh Smith who had one of the worst seasons of his career last year, and has somehow regressed in terms shot selection while also becoming a unrepentant gunner. Those two things combine to kill offenses, and I don’t see Stan Van as being able to harness that in. Now if they trade Smoove in the middle of the season they might be able to hit this projection, but if he remains on the roster, and all indications are that he will, go with the under.

BJ

Prediction: 40.5
No respect for the Notorious SVG!! This is a man that took the immature Dwight Howard, made him dominant and went to the finals! He made Jameer Nelson an All-Star and didn't let JJ Reddick sink into white guy obscurity. Word out of Pistons camp is that SVG is already making an impact and I fully expect Andre Drummond to blossom under the Hedeghog's tutelage. 

Indiana Pacers - 34

CATZ

Prediction: 30
What a terrible off season for the Pacers. Starting with the loss of Born Ready to the Hornets, and then the gruesome Paul George injury that led to him being sidelined for the season and possibly longer. So what’s left? Roy Hibbert that’s who. And what does that spell for the team? That spells disaster, Hibs took a huge step back in the second half of the season and into the playoffs last year, and I have officially sold all of my Roy Roy stock. This team could be one of the worst in the league this year, sure they will be stingy on defense, but they had trouble scoring last season and this year is going to be ten times worse. Don’t be surprised if they win 25 games in a terrible East, they are that bad.

BJ

Prediction: 33
Sad circumstances for the Pacers this offseason, but they did it to themselves. Roy Hibbert is so screwed up at this point, they should just sell low. David West is still good, but how long can he continue to play at a high level? Oh and you don't let Lance Stephenson walk, not unless you're getting Eric Bledsoe. The other problem? Frank Vogel sucks at using his bench, this is a rebuild year for the Pacers.

Milwaukee Bucks - 24.5 

CATZ

Prediction: 26.5
JABARI!!! He should be fun to watch, the rest of the team is garbage. Maybe if Larry Sanders stay’s out of bar fights he could bounce back to his 2012 form, but that’s asking a lot out of L-dog. I want to take the under, but I feel like Parker could push them over, so fuck it I’m taking the over and then get pissed when they win 15.

BJ

Prediction: 27
Wow, I don't know why I thought Vegas would set this line so high. 24.5 is probably too much, mostly because I think J Kidd sucks. This team is just here to rebuild another year. They've already squandered the potential of Ersan Ilyasova and Larry Sanders is an idiot. That leaves a very talented Jabari Parker to turn this shit show around. Then again, that could be reason enough to take the over. If Parker plays great, OJ Mayo loses 25lbs, Sanders plays, Ilyasova gets back to regular form and J Kidd isn't a disaster, this team could be banging out the 8 spot in the East! Oh, and don't forget Giannis Antetokounmpo!  He somehow grew another 14 inches this summer, so if this team isn't the winner I'm predicting, it will definitely be exciting. 

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks - 42

CATZ

Prediction: 40

I get that the Hawks have a coach who is a former assistant of Pops in San Antonio, but that doesn't mean we should just pencil them in for 45 wins every season. I think they absolutely regress this year even with Al Horford coming back off a season ending injury last year. They are probably going to sell a portion of the team after their owner or part owner came out and called Luo Deng a terrorist or something, and there may even be a little mini-mutiny on the part of the players after those comments. I think this situation gets worse before it gets better, and the Hawks even in a terrible East win 35-40 games.

BJONES

Prediction: 43

Despite playing in a sneaky-good division, the Hawks are a good team with a racist front office. Mike Bootyhouser (whatever his name is) loves to shoot threes and get up and down the field. Somehow, this a Paul Trillsap contract year, so you know he's going to be an All-Star. Combine that with Horford and new big man Adreian Payne and the Hawks should kill it in the East.

Charlotte Hornets - 44.5

CATZ

Prediction: 44

This is my favorite team before the season actually kicks off. I played with them in NBA 2k15 (for what that is worth) and they were exhilarating. When I needed a bucket I gave the ball to Lance, when I wanted to watch someone put on a clinic I would go to Big Al in the post. Defensive perimeter shutdown defender? Switch over to MKG and shut em down. They are talented, somewhat deep, and should only improve on the success they had last year with their new additions.

BJONES

Prediction: 40

Wow! 44.5 games? Do you guys realize this team was the Charlotte Bobcats for years? I mean, one year of success is nice, but not "45 game the next year" nice! I love Kemba Walker, I love Big Al and I love Lance, but within that same love triangle lies the issue: Lance. Throwing Lance into the mix is like throwing a stick of dynamite into a fireworks cart. Yeah sometimes it will workout and you'll get a more incredible show than when Gandalf comes into town! Other times, just a fuckin disaster. Things are chaotic and uncontrollable, hell, someone might even die! So with that, I'm staying away from that over. I really want this team to succeed, but they better hope for 42 best case scenario. 

Miami Heat - 44.5

CATZ

Prediction: 43.5

Finally we get the chance to see the thing that everyone has been asking for years!! Let's see Bosh operate as a number one option so we can decide if he's a legitimate star or not!! Finally!! It is about time!! Say what now? Oh, no one cares about Chris Bosh or the Miami Heat now that LeBron plays in Cleveland? Hmm...well sorry Chris, good luck winning 40 games with this weirdly assembled team that could struggle even in the weaker East.

BJONES

Prediction: 40

No. I don't care if they have Luol Deng, I hate the Heat and I hate D Wade. He's done, Bosh will be decent and everyone else can suck it. Oh and when you're seeing headlines like "Wade unsure of role with Heat" you know there's problems. They have Shabazz Napier, but other than that, nothing to get excited about. 

Orlando Magic - 27.5

CATZ

Prediction: 23.5

The Magic are going to be a solid ass team!!! In three or four years. Now? Well they have a lot of talent, but wins? Nah, probably not. They absolutely will lead the league in Aaron Gordon freak-nasty alley-oops and crazy putbacks at impossible angles. So there is that. But winning over 25 games? Not very likely from a team that is going to ask for huge contributions out of Ben Gordon and Channing Frye.

BJones

Prediction: 25

Jacque Vaughn is still the coach of this team for some reason and they have not done anything to make me think they will win more than 25 games. You know why? Because they don't have anyone that can consistently score 18 points efficiently! They did get Evan Fournier who is a nice piece on the perimeter, but the Gordon Brothers (or "Brothas") aren't doing anything from outside,  Elfrid Payton will be a good player, but probably not what they need right now. It will be interesting to see how Nikola Vucevic progresses, but other than that, no bueno.

Washington Wizards - 47.5

CATZ

Prediction: 47.5

I wanted to take the over on whatever the Washington line was set on, because I really like this team and their strong finish last season. Then? Bradley Beal got hurt for six weeks or so and all of a sudden some of those games might be a little closer than they originally should be. That and how long can Paul Pierce keep going? I mean he has to be over the hill eventually right? What is this his 55th NBA season? Didn't they Celtics win the title in 2007, and Pierce was on the verge of retirement then? How is he still playing seven years later?? That's a lot of questions for a team predicted to win almost 48 games, I am taking the under.

BJONES

Prediction: 48

Catz is right here. The Wiz are going to be good and probably identical to the Raptors this year. They need John Wall to continue his progression towards being a top 10 player in the NBA. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal needs to stay healthy for 5 fuckin minutes so the Wiz have a shot at 50. There's a lot  of dudes on this team that have been paid, so we could see a drop off in production and a gain in weight for some of the big men. Good team, solid win total. Should be a 4 seed.