NBA Hump Day 4 Pack

ATL -2.5 at CHA

The Hawks have been a strange team to follow this year. They're still a very efficient, explosive offense but they lack the consistency they showed night and night out last year. Whether it's the fact that they're missing Demarre Carroll or that they're just not catching anyone by surprise anymore, something isn't clicking for the ATL. The one place they have had success is against the spread. They've been a solid pick all season and tonight as they go up against a struggling Hornets squad (2-8 ATS last 10 games), I would expect a pretty easy cover. 

NYK -4 vs. BKN

Sure Melo is most likely out after straining his knee last night in their victory over Boston, but that could actually be a good thing for the Knicks. They need to learn how to revolve the offense around the franchise aka Porzingis, who pulled up from thirty feet last night and drilled a triple that made several NBA scouts cream their pants at the potential of this 19 year old. Last time these teams played the Knicks won by 65 or so and that was before their recent surge of playing team ball and actually looking like a playoff team. Melo or no Melo the Knicks win this game by 10-13 points.

IND +3.5 vs. BOS

Weird stat that has no effect on the outcome, but the Pacers are 6-1 ATS on Wednesday games! Something about playing during the middle of the week just seems to get Indiana going. Meanwhile something isn't right in Boston. They haven't looked competitive in almost two weeks and I can't really point to any one issue why that is. Either way hopefully Paul George and George Hill keep the Wednesday groove going tonight in Boston.

OKC -11 vs. DAL

This is the easiest line possibly of all time. I will literally never write picks again for DP if the Thunder don't cover this spread. The Mavs are coming off an OT game against the Cavs and holding out four of their five starters!! I know that the last time they pulled this little stunt they ended up beating the Pelicans, but the Thunder are not the Pelicans people!! Russ goes off for no less than 35, 6, and 6 and KD chips in 30 as this one is over before halftime and the Thunder eventually go on to win by 34.

Cavs vs Hawks

CLE +1.5 vs ATL

I made the mistake the other night of betting against Cleveland, and then I watched JR Smiff hit some of the dumbest shots in the history of organized basketball. While I don't expect JR to replicate his astonishing game 1 feats, I actually expect a better team performance from the Cavs. Throw in that Demarre Carroll won't be hounding LeBron all night, and you have a recipe for a 2-0 Cavs lead heading back to the mistake by the lake.

NBA ECF

ATL (+1) vs. CLE

You know how LeBron does things. It usually takes him a game to get warmed up and get a good feel for what the other team is trying to do. This is his feel out game. Throw in that the Hawks will be hosting their first ever home game in the Eastern conference finals and you can see why this is a solid points grab. I expect the Cavs to win this series in six games, possibly even five depending on how game 2 goes...but don't be surprised if the Hawks take a game or two early to give the talking heads of the world something to pontificate on over the next few weeks.

NBA Elimination Games

ATL +3 vs WAS Hawks in an elimination game getting three points on the road? Yes please. These games have all come down to the last few possessions, culminating in Al Horfords offensive foul or game winning putback depending on which team you are rooting for. I don't think that loss is going to sit well with the Wizards. I expect the Hawks to catch fire from beyond the arc and win this game by 15, closing out the series and moving on to face the Cavs. UPDATED LINE: GS vs MEM +5 I had to be talked in to this one. I'll admit, Catz's idea of a good time isn't only getting five points against the Warriors in an elimination game. But then I was informed of something that no number can accurately measure. Grindhouse. That's right, the crazy, raucous stadium filled with southerners who are going to cheer their little hearts out trying to will their team to a victory. That's worth at least five points right?? Throw in that Tony Allen is expected to return and you have a nice little points grab as the Grizz send this one back to Oakland for game seven.

Game 4, Game Winners!

ATL  vs. WAS (+4.5)

"I CALLED GAME!!!"' With three words Paul Pierce immortalized himself on the Mount Rushmore of sports quotes after his buzzer beating "game shot" Saturday night. And I'm supposed to think that the Hawks are just going to waltz in to a fired up Wizard's chambers (still taking suggestions on that one) and swing the momentum and the series back to the dirty dirty?? I don't think so, as a matter of fact I'm even gonna go out on a limb with my own postgame proclamation, "I CALL SERIES". Wizards win and go up 3-1.

MEM (+5) vs. GSW

Yet another series where the team up 2-1 can't even get a little respect?? Has Vegas even watched any of these games?? Z-Bo and Gasol are owning the number one ranked D from the regular season, and Tony Allen is irritating the splash brothers like a mean blister on their taints. I really think Memphis has a shot to win this series, but tonight I predict they lose on a last second three by Curry, keeping with the recent buzzer beater trend.

Round 1 NBA

ATL vs. BKN (+4.5)

This pick is more of a "what I want to see" rather than a likely to happen cover. Atlanta has not looked like the team that rolled through the regular season a few months ago, whereas Brooklyn actually did things that made sense these last few games. Well, everything except playing Deron Williams more than 5mpg. If Brooklyn somehow ties this series up at two, I will definitely be that guy in the office telling everyone within earshot that I called that shit like two weeks ago.

MIL (+8.5) vs. CHI

This could be classified as "Nutz and Catz: Super Fish Line of the Week", but hold on a few more lines we will get to the real stink shortly. Milwaukee is such a fun team to watch play, mostly because the Greek Freak doesn't comply with the rules of gravity/nature that apply to nearly all other mortals. With all that being said, this line could definitely be dangerous. You know Chicago is going to come out super motivated after last games buzzer beater loss, and the Bucks swagger could lead to a ton of jacked up threes...but I still like the 8.5 here. These games have been far too close not to take this many points at home.

MEM vs. POR (-3)

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: NUTZ AND CATZ SUPER STINKY FISH LINE OF THE DAY!! This line has such a pungent, sour smell that I might wrap it up in a grape swisher and smoke it! Seriously though folks, why is Rip City favored by three? What does Vegas know that the rest of us aren't privy to? One thing I've learned is always do the opposite of what Vegas is hoping, as the saying goes "Overpriced, tacky hotels don't get built on the back of good teams getting points!". I'm sure that's a saying, but either way Portland is definitely winning this game, probably in blowout fashion.

NBA Game 7 Picks

The NBA has an epic night of game 7's today! Three series come to an end, including two with huge upset potential.

ATL (+6.5) at IND (UNDER 184.5) (L) (WINNER!)
I don't care if the Pacers absolutely control this game from the tip and jump on the Hawks early, there is no way they should win by more than 6 points. This series has been incredibly close and tonight should be no exception. Tonight will literally come down to whether or not the Hawks can get hot from the outside. If they can bang home a couple of triples early, do not be surprised if the Hawks pull off the major upset.

MEM at OKC (-9) (UNDER 184.5) (WINNER) (L)
Almost all of these games have gone to overtime! So what if Zach Randolph is suspended and the Grizzlies struggle to score with him on the floor! I still have faith in this Grizzlies team to at least make tonight's game competitive. The Thunder most likely win this game, but do not be surprised if the Grizz make a late run and keep this one interesting.

Update: we had to change this pick. Too many injuries plus the ZBo suspension.

LAC at GS (+7) (OVER 207)(WINNER) (WINNER!)
Definitely the most dangerous of the three picks, just because the Clippers can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. My big thing here again is I am just not sold one of these three games not being competitive and anything more than a 3 or 4 point tightly contested slugfest.

There you are three game 7's, and one of the most anticipated nights in NBA history. Have fun betting on all of those underdogs and then being really heated when the favored home teams win by 35. Hawks, OKC, and Clips move on, but all three underdogs cover!

NBA Picks

Fuck Mondays. You know who likes Mondays? Terrorists. You aren't a terrorist right? Cause this is 'merica! Now that we have that established let's brighten up that Monday a little bit.

CATZ
MIA (-8) at CHA (UNDER 187) (WINNER!) (L)
When was the last time Miami had an extended rest period? The fact that they have a chance to sit back for a few days and watch the other eastern teams battle it out for the right to face them is huge! Couple that with the fact that the Big Ole Al "Postmaster General" Jefferson will probably sit tonight, and you have the Heat running away with this one. Look for the Heat to come out and set the tone early with swarming defense as they sweep the series and get some well deserved R & R.

BJ
ATL (+6.5) at IND (OVER 186) (WINNER!) (WINNER)
As this is a must win for the Pacers, I fully expect them to blow it. Actually, I don't want to say that because the Pacers still technically have a lot of talent. They should win this game with a great performance by Paul George. People are really down on Roy Hibbert as well, which might be a good thing for the Pacers. There's only so much the man can do when Pero Antic is standing on the three point line all day and Paul Trillsap is getting in the lane with Jeff Teague. Take ATL in case they win outright again and take the over in case IND explodes for a big win.

SA (-4) at DAL (OVER 201) (P) (L)

I don't understand why Vegas thinks these teams aren't going to be over 208+ every game. Both teams play a fast pace, average over 100 and give up 98+ per game. The Spurs have to win this game and I would like to see that happen. Vince Carter pulled some bullshit last game, but the Spurs are the last team to be worried about being down 1 game. I think Parker and Ginobli go off tonight and Monta Ellis shoots 8-27 to kill the Mavs.

NBA Playoff Picks

The Catz Presents: Bizarro Playoff Picks

Yesterday, I tried to take control of my picks and put a ton of effort in, only to be rewarded with a 1-3 night. Well you know what playoffs? Fuck you. Today I'm gonna switch things up a little bit and give great reasoning on what I truly believe and then throw my pick in the opposite direction. Apparently my intuition is dead wrong this spring, so I'm gonna go completely against it (warning:this definitely means my intuition will be right today!).

IND at ATL (+2.5) (OVER 188) (L) (L)
My thoughts here were two-fold. One, there's no way that ATL takes two in a row in this game against a team that was 33-7 at one point right?? Pacers looked good in game 2, so why wouldn't they come out and turn it on in game 4? Second thought, well neither of these teams are offensive juggernauts (especially the Pacers) so it's absolutely stay under 188!! Take the Hawks (+2.5) and the over and watch the Pacers win by 50 in a 100-50 blowout.

SA at DAL (+3) (UNDER 200) (L)(WINNER!)
First off why is this series only on game 3? It feels like these times haven't played in three weeks, which is great for both teams because they are old as fuck. Now as far as the picks are concerned, San Antonio absolutely wins this game right? I mean it's the Spurs, no way does a decent Mavs team go up 2-1 on the 1-seed Spurs right?? Well they do today, and two of the best offenses in the NBA don't combine for 200 points! Do I believe this? Hell no, but we gotta hit a few knuckle-curves against the ace that is Vegas (a little baseball lingo for all the non-athletes out there).

MIA (-4.5) at CHA (OVER 187.5) (WINNER!) (L)
I've been on this Bobcats team all season like a frat boy on a drunken 18 year old freshmen at her first kegger. I really think they come out and give it their all at least one time this playoffs and steal one from the Heat before they lose the next two. Also these teams are known for their swarming defense and it definitely ends up 86-84 or something like that. So good luck with these two picks, they are terrible.


OKC at MEM (+3) (OVER 188.5) (P) (L)
This one might the worst pick I've made so far. There is absolutely no way the Grizzlies win 3 in a row against the MVP and his 2-seed Thunder team right? Even if they do manage to score the upset this game doesn't go into the high 90's right? Right??? Fuck me this is gonna be a rough day.

NBA Playoffs

NBA Wednesday Picks

After a long day of soul searching aka taking mushrooms and wandering around Joshua Tree for a day. Bobby Catz is back to give the people what they want. Some high quality NBA playoff picks

IND (-2) at ATL (OVER 186.5) (L) (L)

Atlanta played really well through six quarters of this series. Then in the second half of game 2, they got absolutely shit housed by the Pacers. While its still too early to anoint the Pacers as being back, Monday was the closest they have looked since January. Paul George will build on the momentum he was able to establish in game 2 and come out of the gates hot, putting this team on his back and carrying them to a game 3 victory. Don't think that won't make this game competitive and push the total under though. The Hawks can shoot the rock, and I expect a lot of points on both sides.

LAC (-2) at GSW (OVER 213.5) (P) (L)

The Clippers rebounded in a huge way to even this series at a game a piece. The biggest reason for that was the play of Blake Griffin, who was able to play more than 19 minutes this game. Look for this trend to continue as the Dubs have absolutely no answer for Griffin. However, unlike the last game I do expect this game to stay competitive throughout, pushing the combined total into the 215-230 range.

OKC at Memphis (+2.5) (OVER 189.5) (WINNER!) (WINNER!)

BJ: Consider my horn "tooted" after last nights gloryhole of a day! 5-1 in the NBA has been more rare around these parts than getting an in depth hockey analysis! First off, let me tell you that Catz had the reigns today and I pulled them away just to steal this pick. He really wanted to roll with the Thunder tonight and who can blame him? The Grizz looked throughly outmatched in game 1, and pulled one out of their bear asses 2 nights ago. But this is the grindhouse! The Thunder have to go in a play mistake free, physical basketball and everyone in the world is looking at that Thunder (-2) and saying, "2 points?!! That's it!" You're damn right, because this one is coming down to the wire, 10 seconds left on the clock, Grizz have a 96-95 lead, Westbrook gets the inbounds, screen from Ibaka, Durant crosses baseline and HE'S WIDE OPEN, WESTBROOK TAKES THE CONTESTED MID RANGE JUMPER THE GRIZZLIES WIN!!! 

Tuesday Mortal Sin Playoff Picks!

NBA Playoff Picks!

Another night of game 2's in the NBA.  In the first game of these series the road team scored the upset in each contest. Tonight, shits gonna swing back in the home teams favor.

ATL (+7.5) at IND over 186.5 (L) (L)
Absolutely a no-brainer. Indiana will probably come out and attempt to play their best game of the season, but this just isn't a championship caliber team. Whatever the fuck is going on in their locker room is obviously carrying over to the court, and the results are terrible. Pacers will probably win, but the Hawks will have another good showing in Indiana.

WAS (+5.5) at CHI under 180 (WINNER) (L)
Again we have another game where I think the home team wins, but keeps it close enough to cover the spread. I think this is a very slow, very low scoring affair that sees both teams struggle to score 80. Chi Town probably gets the win here, but don't be shocked if Chocolate City takes a 2-0 lead going back home. 

BKN (+4.5) TOR under 190.5 (L) (L)
Brooklyn!!! Is in the building! Why bet Brooklyn in this game? Is it their experience? The fact that they have a legit ten man rotation? Nope none of those things, bet the Nets for no other reason besides the fact that they have destroyed Dirty Picks this season. You know the old saying? If you can't beat em, join em. Nets cover and keep this one under.

NBA Playoff Picks: Round 1

NBA Playoffs Round 1

Toronto (-2.5) at Brooklyn (L)
Catz and I have had a real affinity for the Raps this year. I used to be a big DeRozan hater because he couldn't shoot and he played the "Shooting Guard" position. The dick swingin wing man out of Compton has put together a nice career and should shine in these playoffs. On the other hand, Catz and I have been absolutely destroyed by the Nets this year. I think we were 1-19 in games where the Nets were involved. I'm not a big numbers guy, but I don't think that's a good percentage. Either way I think the Raptors have a good home game here and are guided by Kyle Lowry being a bad ass. Wait for Keven Garnett to talk shit to Jonas Valenciunas this game and for JV to punch him in the fuckin face. Raps win, KG loses and Melo's wife still tastes like cereal.

Golden St. at LA Clippers (-7) (L)

Nobody wants to play Steph Curry right now and with Klay Thompson joining him in the back court, the potential for an upset is definitely there. Well it ain't going to happen. Chris Paul is the best point guard on the planet and he needs to get out of this round clean to keep that title. Let's not forget he now has Blake Griffin, who is playing at a very high level, to lean on. No Bogut, too much Jermaine O'Neal and a whole lot of Jamal Crawford!

Atlanta Hawks (+7.5) at Indiana Pacers (WINNER!)
Consulting with Bobby Catz, we decided the best course of action here was to bet against the Pacers. Though I expect them to win this game, I rarely see them cover anything over 5 points. We have to go with the Hawks here and I think they scrap themselves within 6 to cover this one. Actually, I full expect the Hawks to win this one. It will be like 81-77.

Memphis at OKC (-7.5) (WINNER!)
I was really disappointed that the Mavs didn't play OKC. Memphis isn't the kind of team that seems like they can handle Westbrook. I mean, nobody is stopping KD, but when you let Westbrook's crazy ass go off?! That's trouble. I expect a great game from Marc Gasol, but fucking Tayshaun Prince starts for the Grizz.

Bob's NBA Picks

UTAH (+11) at IND (WINNER!)
The Jazz actually look like a competent team as of late. The return of Derrick Favors has been big for the interior presence, and Trey Burke is really coming in to his own at point. The Pacers on the other hand are doing more "cruisin" than the owner of the car dealership from the movie The Goods (I call it looking for a friend). The Pacers definitely win this game, but expect a close contest throughout with the Pacers winning by six to eight in the end.

Hawks at Suns (-8) (WINNER!)
The Suns are locked in a battle for the last remaining spots in the Western Conference. That means they need every win they can get against the subpar East. Look for the Dragon to take this game over early and often  as he has scored +30 in his last five games. Suns win this one comfortably as the push towards the playoffs continues.

Dallas at Spurs (-6) (PUSH)
The cross state rivalry adds another chapter tonight. The Spurs are in the middle of an extended homestand after being out on the road for 9 straight during their annual rodeo road trip. This stretch of games is going to allow them to get really close to the Thunder in terms of the number one overall seed. Dallas has been playing better of late, but tonight they will come up short in the fourth and watch SA cruisin to a ten point win.

NBA Picks

Last Night: 4-1-1

BJ's Wet & Wild Wednesday Winner!

GS (-3.5) @ CHI (L)

Last night we were very successful! We look to continue our NBA hot streak with a bundle of NBA picks. Let's start it off with the Golden State Warriors coming out of Chicago with a win. Usually, betting against a depleted Bulls team is a bad idea. Tonight, the Warriors are going up against a Chicago squad that had to play 48 tough minutes against Atlanta. Look for a tired Bulls squad to slow down near the fourth quarter as the Splash Brothers lead GS to a victory. 

Filthy Pickz Sugar probably shouldn't let his mom read

By Bobby Catz

Hou at LAC (-5.5) (W)
Houston had a great night against Sacramento less than 24 hours ago. Harden scored 46 and barely played in the fourth. However, these clippers are a horse of a different color. CPthrizzle has integrated back into the lineup seamlessly and Blake Griffin looks more and more like the mailman every day. The Clippers are getting contributions across the board and will even get a boost from newly acquired Glen "the biggest baby" Davis. The Rockets played last night like they expected to lose today, so give the five and half points and watch the Clippers cruise.

GS at CHI over 186.5 (L)
Historically I am not great at calling over/unders. You might say my ability to choose correctly is on par with American hockey teams looking to get wins over the Canadians, not good. However, lately, I've been feeling myself a little bit (seriously, ask my editor) [EDITORS NOTE: confirmed, he is feeling himself] even though this game is between two defensive powerhouses; look for the dubs to score about 115. That means if the Bulls can get to just 75 points we have a winner here! Doesn't that make you feel better? Joakim, Dunleavy, DJ Augustin, and Carlos Boozer can score 75 right? Right? Fuck....

NO at DAL (-7) (W)
The Pelicans were supposed to be an offensive juggernaut this season, but somehow have gone the other way. They can't find scoring from anyone but Anthony Davis, and the biggest shocker Eric Gordon is injured again! Seriously Eric Gordon takes more days off than Raymond Felton's nutrition coach! Look for Dirk Nasty and the boys to roll early and often in this one.

B--B-BONUS PICK!!!
ATL (+3) at BOS (L)
Last night, Atlanta kept it close with a Bulls team that they had no business competing against. Good news for the Hawks, the Celtics are not the Bulls. Atlanta has a mean three guard rotation in Jeff Teague, Louis Williams, and Shelvin Mack. Couple that with the outside shooting of Kyle Korver and you got yourself a dangerous team to give three points to. The Hawks bounce back here and get the big W against the Celtics.

Jurassic Park: Toronto

BJ's NBA Wednesday

We have been on a heater lately with our NBA picks. With an overall record of 8-2, I can only hope that I don't completely fuck this up tonight. With that being said, we have one NBA pick today as we focus more on College Hoops tonight.

Atlanta @ Toronto (-6) (WINNER!)

Just a few months ago, I thought it was over for Toronto. They smartly traded Rudy Gay to the dumbest team available and promptly started winning. The ball moves around the perimeter, they have solid athletes on the wing and tough, young big in Jonas Valenciunas. Atlanta, coming off a grind of a game versus Chicago, has finally started falling apart without Al Horford. Being bruised and broken by the Bulls and then traveling to Toronto to run and gun with the young Raps does not sound like my cup of tea. The only problem here is the Hawks are statistically better than the Raptors. They are more efficient on both ends of the court and, generally, take better shots. A lot of that data has to be thrown out, though, due to the Gay trade and Horford injury. Take Toronto tonight and hope Paul "Big Butter" Millsap takes the night off.

Bob's Basketbal Bonanza B-B-BONUS!!!

Cle (+8) at Det (WINNER!)

  Much like the city of Detroit, the hopes for this team are slim to none. Despite looking good over the last several weeks and the breath of fresh air the new coaching staff has instilled; the fun ends tonight. Giving anybody eight points against the Pistons is dangerous, unless they were playing the Bucks maybe. Couple that with the mini-resurgence of the cavaliers and you have yourself a game to win some money on. Anthony Bennett has actually looked like a number one pick in the last couple of games, and is destroying this reporters prediction that he would become the next Ndudi Ebi. Pistons probably still win this game by five, but they do not cover the spread!

Tuesday NBA Picks

Bob's Tuesday Garbage Picks

Heat (-3.5) at Suns

   Usually when you are wondering what team to bet on, you think about the stars. In this case, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Goran Dragic should swing the balance of this game right? Well that's more screwed up than Jamarcus Russell at a Three Six Mafia concert.

  Today we focus on one player who will impact this game outside of the usual suspects and give the Miami Heat a win and cover against the team which I hold season tickets to (what's up ladies: 360.515.1152): Gerald "dunk nasty" Green. 

  Coming off a very disappointing season in Indiana, he has rebounded quite well for the Suns this year.  Shooting a respectable 43% from the field and 37% from deep doesn't exactly awe you from a numbers standpoint but, he's also doing that while jacking up almost 8 three's a game. If he hits half of those threes a game, the suns can compete with anybody in the NBA. In addition he is an incredible dunker and his electrifying in traffic dunks hype up the crowd and the home fans to almost riot level mentalities. On the other hand the old Gerald has reared his ugly head at times this season. His passing hasn't improved since he entered the league (2005!!) and his career average of 2.0 assists shows his lack of playmaking. Couple that with mind numbingly dumb reach fouls and complete lack of understanding of game situations and you are left with a player that takes a lot more off the table than he brings. 

Tonight, I have Gerald getting frustrated by Dwayne Wade on the defensive end leading to him jacking unnecessary triples on offense and never finding a rhythm, leading to crucial turnovers in a game that will come down to a few possessions. Look for this game to be close throughout and for the heat to pull away in the final five minutes of the fourth to cover the 3.5 (WINNER!)

BJ's Dirty Pick's for Dirty Chicks

Atlanta vs Chicago (UNDER 186.5)

This game is worse than Andrew Wiggins' star potential. The best thing about it will be Kyle Korver keeping his streak alive with another three, followed by the Atlanta fans immediately leaving the arena. Why take the under? Atlanta is the type of team that will score big when playing a faster paced team like Miami or San Antonio. They also tend to clinch their buttcheeks when playing against defensive teams like Indiana or Memphis. Chicago on the other hand ONLY plays at their pace. In fact, I don't think they are capable of any scoring anomalies. Take the easy under and treat yourself to a nice Hungry Man Dinner. (WINNER!)