NBA on TNT picks

OKC vs. MIA +3.5

If you listen to the podcast, you would know that Brandon and I are not very high on this Thunder team. Sure they have two of the best seven players in the league, which is usually enough to be considered a title contender right? Unfortunately for the good people of Oklahoma the rest of their team is so bad that it might not matter come playoff time. They are desperate for a third scorer to step up and no one seems interested in filling the spot. They were in such a bad place this off-season that they had to match a ridiculous contract offer to Enes Kanter even though he isn't a great fit for them. This has basically become a bad relationship where the guy (Thunder front office) goes out and buys a mangy puppy (Enes Kanter) in order to stop the girlfriend from leaving (Kevin Durant). Well, it ain't working OKC, maybe you should have gotten a hamster or something. Also this old, veteran Miami team only shows up for big games, and there aren't much bigger than OKC on TNT.

ORL +4 vs. UTA

The Magic have to the biggest surprise in the league thus far. Everyone knew they had the talent, and if they could just find a coach who get the most out of them they would be off and running. Well, they have a good coach in notorious hard ass Scott Skiles, who has implemented his no nonsense approach and instilled discipline in a squad that desperately needed a identity. Now they seem to have it as a defensive grind squad that does just enough offensively to win ball games. Also Evan Fournier has taken the leap from unknown foreign bench player who ran through models like candy bars (I'm assuming) to a most improved player of the year candidate. On the Utah side, their identity just hurt his knee and will be out indefinitely in Rudy Gobert. Enough for me to take the points on this one.

SAS -2.5 vs. MEM

I hate everything about this line, the Spurs should be favored by at least 8 points here. The only thing I could think as to why Memphis is given a shot in this game, is because the Spurs don't have the big man to slow down Marc Gasol who might go off for 35 and 15. But did you see what San Antonio did to the Bucks last night?? They held them to 70 points total, and I would argue that Memphis has way less talent than Waukee does, and the Bucks suck. 

SAC +1.5 vs. BOS

I hope for the sake of this pick that someone tells DeMarcus the Kings are underdogs against the Boston Celtics at home, because Boogie would be very pissed off, if he knows what a spread is that is. Either way I think against the undersized Celtics, DeMarcus has a monster game, and the league leader in assists Rajon Rondo shows the Boston faithful what they lost when they traded him to Dallas last season.

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!

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.

NHL locks

Thursday Night NHL SMACK DOWN

Anaheim @ Smashville (-130)

THURSDAY NIGHT SMACK DOWN IN THE MUSSSIICCC CITTYYY!!!  IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!!  TWO TEAMS TAKE THE ICE TONIGHT IN A SIXTY MINUTE, THREE STAGE, ICE COVERED, HOOKS AND LADDERS SNAKE PIT DEATH MATCH WITH EVERYTHING ON THE LINE!  THERE ARE TWO FIRST PLACE TEAMS IN THE NHL, TONIGHT ONLY ONE WILL REMAIN! 

OVER/UNDER: UNDER 5.5 (-130)

Saint Louis -1.5(-105) @ Buffalo

Buffalo is either really smart or incredibly bad. The Sabres have lost 14 straight games and 19 out of their last 20.  They have plummeted to the bottom of the NHL standings and haven’t had a close game in a month.  With the Connor McDavid sweepstakes coming up this summer, it’s only natural to wonder whether Buffalo’s misfortune is by design.  Are the Sabres trying lock down the first overall pick?  Personally, I just think this is really how bad they are.  Regardless, Buffalo should be happy because there’s a good chance McDavid will be wearing a Sabres jersey next year.  As far as this match up tonight, the Blues are going to drop some pretty dirt stink bombs on Buffalo.  

OVER/UNDER: Under 5.5 (-130)

NY Islanders @ Philadelphia +1.5 (-280)

The Islanders are without Kyle Okposo and have lost 3 straight while he’s been absent.  It seems as though New York is slumping a bit coming off the all-star break.  Philly has won 4 straight and takes on the Isles at home tonight.  I like the Flyers plus the points.

Los Angeles @ Florida (+105)

Outside of their fairytale Cup run last spring, the Kings have been average at best the past 2 seasons.  Florida doesn’t need any explaining other than they aren’t that great.  I like the Panthers with Luongo in net tonight.

OVER/UNDER: Under 5 (-110)

Detroit (-120) @ Colorado

The Wings are on their father/son trip.  They’re fixin’ to lay some stink bombs on Colorado tonight while all their father’s watch them from the stands.  The Wings are an inch away from first in the East and tonight’s 2 points will help.

Tampa (-115) @ Dallas

Tampa’s got Detroit and Montreal hot on their heels in the division race.  A game on the road against a weaker Dallas team should be a no brainer for Stamkos and Co.  Watch for Tyler Johnson to get back on the scoreboard tonight and for Tyler Seguin on the other side of the puck.

OVER/UNDER: Over 5.5 (-125)

FIFA World Cup

World Cup Round of 16

Brazil (-1,  -115) vs. Chile (L)

Do not even try to come up in my corner and say that Brazil is overrated. Sure they did not look like the 2002 Red Wings during their first three games, but make no mistake about it, they are still the favorites. Look for this Brazilian team led by the best player in soccer, NEYMAR, to absolutely roll the Chilean squad right out of the building. This game is not even going to be close, I am thinking that Brazil wins by possibly 65 or 66 goals, or at the very least 3. 

Columbia (-1/2) vs Uruguay (WINNER!)

Man, this game really makes me hate Luis Saurez. Don't get me wrong, I am usually a huge Saurez defender, but why the hell did he have to bite that Italian dude?? Does he not realize that there are literally thousands of cameras capturing every move during every one of these games?? How did he possibly think he was going to get away it??? OR EVEN MORE DISTURBING, why??? WHY WOULD YOU BITE SOMEONE SAUREZ??? He is one of the most talented strikers in this game, but my god what a dumb ass. I hope that Uruguay gets destroyed this game and that Saurez feels terrible, because he definitely cost his country a great opportunity to go deep in this tournament. Take the Colombians and watch them dance as a team as they score hella goals.

NHL Picks

Quick Playoff Puck Picks

Boston @ Detroit (+125) (L)

Zetterberg returns to Detroit's line up tonight after his injury in the Olympics. With the Wings in a must win situation I expect to see a very hard fought defensive battle with a low score featuring Detroit on top. 

Colorado @ Minnesota (-135) (WINNER!)

Minnesota has managed to out play the Avs the past 2 games. They have a chance to even the series at home tonight and I don't see any reason to doubt them. 

San Jose (-110) @ Los Angeles (L)

The Sharknado goes for the sweep tonight. They've been better in all aspects through 3 games. Don't expect any crazy come backs out of the Kings.

NBA Picks

Picks from Catz's Cove

SA (+1.5) at DAL (WINNER!)
My initial reaction when looking at this spread was to go against the Spurs because the Mavs are in desperation mode and will be at their best for the rest of the season. Then I decided do I really want to go against a powerhouse Spurs team that has already won 3 games against the Mavs? Absolutely not. Take the Spurs and take the points, watch Pop win by twenty.

DEN (+12) at GS (WINNER!)
This game has the potential on paper to go terribly wrong. Golden State is great at home and playing well as of late. However the Nuggets have been solid as shit against the spread lately and I feel pretty good taking them to at least cover this game.

FREE MLB PICKS!

It's our guy B. Catz's birthday today, so we are celebrating with a nice foursome of baseball picks. Not that this is very special, seeing as we would do baseball picks anyways and the Catz hates baseball...BUT HE LOVES FOURSOMES! Let's do this:

Milwaukee at Philadelphia (+1.5) (L)

I'm still under the impression that Philly is a good MLB team. As much as I like beer, I can't take the Brewers until they have more clout. Phillies all day.

Arizona at San Francisco (-163) (WINNER!)

Tim Hudson still plays?! Let's do it!

Texas at Boston (-127) (L)

HA! Texas is predicated on hitting the long ball. Not in Fenway!

Houston (+1.5) at Toronto  (L)

The Blastros are not to be trifled with, especially when you're a passive Canadian baseball team. Those words just don't mix.

Los Angeles at Seattle (-126)  (WINNER!)
The Mariners are favored and Felix isn't pitching?! Sign me up! James Paxton looked great when he dominated the Angels last week, hopefully he does it again tonight.

NHL Picks

Calgary (+1.5) @ New Jersey (WINNER!)

Not only are the Devils too old, but now they're too banged up. They're dealing with injuries at the worst possible time. I expect Calgary to walk away with 2 points. 

Minnesota (-115) @ Winnipeg (WINNER!)

Winnipeg will be without Byfuglien for the remainder of the season. That's a huge blow to both their defense and offensive production. Minnesota has a more complete team and will most likely win by a couple goals.

Anaheim (-1.5) @ Vancouver (WINNER!)

I think the Canucks are garbage and (if you don't already know) I think the Ducks are dirty. The Birdemic should roll tonight on the road big time. 

Monday Money Picks

After turning things around with a solid weekend, today we try and carry that momentum into a solid week ahead. Once again if you really want to win you should probably just go against any picks that I make, but if you still want to read on you have been warned.

NY (-3.5) at UTAH (WINNER!)
Last week I got the pleasure of watching the Knicks up close as they took on my hometown team the Phoenix Suns. What I saw confirmed my thoughts on the Knicks this season. To say that this year has been a disappointment would be like saying that Malaysian flight 370 was hijacked by terrorists in some kind of global terror act! In other words you are a fuckin idiot and should probably go read a book rather than betting on spots games. However I've done a little number crunching and it turns out that the numbers say the Knicks are only a game out of the eighth seed in the East! I expect a very motivated Knicks team coming off a big win in Oakland to roll in jackin all kinds of triples and laying waste to the missionaries of Utah.

MEM (-4.5) at DEN (L)
If you have been paying attention lately you have probably noticed that my picks are generally on teams that are fighting for their playoff lives because they are more likely to show up and compete for all 48 minutes. This pick is no exception. After dropping a very winnable game in Portland last night, the Grizz don't just want to win this game, they need to. Look for the triumvirate of Conley, Z-Bo, and Gasol to make the western playoff interesting at least for another few days.

PHI (+12.5) at ATL (WINNER!)
Two nights ago the Sixers got a huge win snapping their run of 26 straight losses. I'm thinking that the momentum from that game carries over to this one and not only do they cover the spread, but expect them to make it a winning streak as well! If you are feeling like you got a rhino dick (look it up) place the money on the moneyline for the Sixers and retire to the Bahamas next week. Also I really would rather watch the Knicks in the playoffs over the Hawks, so selfishly I would like to see ATL lose this game as well.

Sugar's Sunday Slapass Picks

Chicago (+1.5) @ Pittsburgh (L)

2 elite level teams that should have a close scoring game. The +1.5 should give the Hawks the win if they don't win outright. Crosby's bitch ass will be crying all over the place, you can count on that. 

Rangers (-165) @ Edmonton (WINNER!)

Edmonton is pathetic. They're the shit that the garbage company doesn't even want. They're poorly coached and play unorganized shit hockey. The Rangers are going to come into the Oil City and go to work on these pussies. 

Washington (+1.5) @ Nashville (WINNER!)

Despite the fact that I hope Nashville wins this game and ruins Washington's chances at post season play, I think the Caps win. With Ovi and Backstrom up front and Halak in net, I don't see any way the Preds win. If the Caps lose the spread should still cover. 

Sugar's Surehand Saturday

NHL Picks, $Free.99

San Jose @ Colorado (+105) (WINNER!)

I'm feelin the avs at home. They have a solid home record this year and have been rolling lately. I expect Patrick Roy to have his team ready to go catch some sharks tonight. Avs roll at home. 

Columbus (+1.5) @ Carolina (WINNER!)

Columbus is in playoff hockey mode while the canes are out of the hunt. I expect Columbus to win outright but just to be safe I'm taking the spread. 

Detroit (+1.5) @ Toronto (WINNER!)

These two teams are going head to head for a playoff spot. With Washington on Detroit's ass and Toronto right there with them, the Wings have to win. I think the spread is a safe bet. 

Tampa (-1.5) @ Buffalo (L)

Stamkos bar-down for dayz. Buffalo sucks. Tampa is dirty. It's an easy decision. 

Montreal (-1.5) @ Florida (WINNER!)

Luongo is hurt already and sitting out. Florida is going to get lit up like the South during the Civil War. 

Minnesota @ Phoenix (-130)  (L)

Minnesota heads to the desert tonight to get fucked up by the Yotes. Look for @BizNasty2point0 to put a twisted wrister five hole a time or two. 

Sugar's Super Saturday College Pickapalooza

#11 Dayton (+10) vs #1 Florida (P)

Gator Nation is in for a shocker. Dayton (once again) ain't got shit to lose. They've made a name for themselves in this years tourney. If it all ends tonight, they still will have accomplished something great. Fuck that noise though, Flyers are comin in hot and lookin to round up them Gators. Dayton FTW (if not, +10 should be enough).

Wednesday Mid-Week Weekend NBA Picks!

NBA Picks

BJ's Three Team Teaser of the Week (L)

The NBA struggle around here has been real. We've lead a lot of people astray with our picks and have been trying everything to get the stench off! Well, when it comes down to it, we just need to ease back into this thing with easy picks and teasers. Yeah I know they aren't as lucrative as throwing together a fat parlay and sweating out every win, but they are nearly guaranteed. Tonight, I'm rollin 3 teams out in a nice 8 point (-110) teaser. 

Toronto (-3.5, teased to +4.5) at Boston (Winner!)

Denver at San Antonio (-13.5, teased to -5.5) (L)

Memphis at Utah (UNDER 184 teased to 192) (Winner!)

The Raptors had a rough one last night, but they should bounce back just fine against an up and down Boston team. Denver just sucks, and they made a dumb ass coaching hire, so they're definitely getting blown out. And the Grizz might hold Utah to 65 points tonight, so don't bother watching that game. 

Bob's NBA Teaser (L)

Tonight we are rolling out a two team five point teaser that will make the payout (-130). Both of these games will be incredibly entertaining and will give you something to keep on eye on while watching Heat/Pacers round three.

BKN (+7.5) at CHA (Winner!)
Every time this year I've been betting against the Nets I have gotten burned harder than that time I went to Thailand. Well tonight we put a little penicillin on that burn and back the Nets for once. Look for a huge night from D-Will, Truth, and Plumlee (!!) as the Catz keep this one close in the first half, but slowly fade away in the fourth.

NO at LAC (-2.5) (L)

Anthony Davis has not only been playing like one of the best players in the league lately, he's been playing like an all-time great. His numbers in just his second year are very similar to those of Tim Duncan in his second year. Not saying that he's gonna go down as one of the best power forwards of all time, but the sky is definitely the limit for this young Pelican. With all of that being said the Clippers are the better team right now. Look for Blake and CP3 to have a big night exploiting the Pelicans on nonstop pick and rolls as they roll to a 10-15 point win.

Sugar's Free NHL Picks

Monday Madness NHL Picks

Los Angeles @ Philadelphia (-1.5) (L)

The Flyers have been clicking recently and have rolled through some great hockey clubs.  They’ve won 5 in a row; 2 wins over Pittsburg, 1 over Chicago, 1 over Dallas, and 1 over Saint Louis.  They’ve played one of the hardest 5 game stretches a team can play and have won every game.  This game is in Philly which is among the tougher places to be a visitor in.  The disgusting shade of orange and the atrocious fans compliment their physically dominant team very well.  The Kings are in for a good ole fashioned Philly beat down. 

Sugar’s Pick: Philly -1.5

Ottawa @ Tampa (-1.5) (L)

Every chance I’ve gotten to roll with the Lightning, I’ve taken.  I think Tampa is on the cusp of being an elite franchise.  If Tampa is on the peak of putting a team together with a bright future then Ottawa is in the trough below.  Ottawa had their team.  Remember 10 years ago when Ottawa was absolutely filthy? Well 10 years later they still rely on the core of those players. Tampa  rolls at home big time tonight. I predict: Stamkos with a goal maybe two, and NORPAC alumni Tyler Johnson with a goal and an assist.  Bolts win 4-1.

Sugar’s Pick: Tampa -1.5

Winnipeg (+1.5) @ Dallas (WINNER!)

These 2 teams met a week ago and the Jets shit kicked the Stars 7-2.  This game is in Dallas, last week was in Winnipeg.  I suspect it will be a little closer this time around.  Don’t read too much into this one though, the Jets should have the upper hand with Byfuglien and Kane up front.  I predict a win for Winnipeg but to make sure I’m betting the spread on this one.

Sugar’s Pick: Winnipeg +1.5

San Jose @ Calgary (+157) (WINNER!)

This one might burn me but I think the Flames are hot right now.  See what I did there?  For real though, Calgary has found a way to light the fuckin’ lamp lately.  They have a 4-2 record their past 6 but more importantly have scored 29 goals in that span.  Meanwhile, the sharks have struggled to score recently, scoring 16 goals in their last 6.  They’re 5-1 in that span but who gives a shit.  I think the Flames will light up the scoreboard tonight and burn the Sharks out of town.  See what I did there?

Sugar’s Pick: Calgary +157