NBA 4/20 picks

CHA +4.5 vs MIA

The Heat won in blowout fashion a few nights ago, mostly due to the Hornets going with the very risky strategy of completely ignoring Luol Deng and letting him shoot open threes all night. Well unfortunately for the Hornets, that strategy backfired as Deng came back from NBA obscurity and delivered a thirty point victory for the Pat Riley's. Tonight expect at least one person on the floor to at least glance in the direction of Deng, hopefully limiting his wide open looks and helping the Catz even this series back up.

CLE -10.5 vs DET

The Pistons played out of their goddamn minds on Sunday and still lost to the Cavs because Tyronn Lue made a coach of the year type move and put K Love at the five during the fourth quarter. While it wasn't quite the Warriors small ball lineup of death, it was definitely effective at pulling the giant penguin away from the rim and getting open looks for Love at the 3-pt line when Dre tried to help out on drives. The only reason the Pistons even had a shot was because they shot the damn lights out in SVG's notorious 3 pt gunning offensive system. Look for the Pistons to cool off considerably tonight, as the Cavs steamroll to a 2-0 series lead.

LAC vs POR +8

If you watched game one, you saw a return to form for Blake Griffin, as he posterized Mason Plumlee over and over again like he thought it was Mozgov attempting to block his dunks. So all hope is lost for the undermanned Blazers right? Well, put that joint down for a minute and listen up you dirty hippie. Portlands backcourt averaged 45 points a game during the regular season, for a reason. Sure they aren't as good on the road as they are at home (probably because the weed isn't as good in LA), but expect a full effort tonight out of the backcourt of Rip City. Will they win the game? No probably not, but they should be able to cover the 8 points

NBA Playoff Sunday Winners

CLE -10.5 vs DET

Since we never do picks on a Sunday, I figured why not stray away from the norm and roll favs that aren't exactly "sexy" picks. Because of the success of the Dubs this season, people have given up any hope for the Cavs to have a shot at winning LeBrons third ring. As a matter of fact a lot of people think this series is going to be competitive, as evidenced by the line getting bet down to 10.5 after opening at 11. We here at DP disagree that this series is even remotely close, and argue that all of this pressure not being placed on Cleveland is actually the best thing possible for their chances of a repeat title run. Sure Drummond and Jackson are fun to watch, but who's guarding Bron? KCP? Good luck with that Pistons fans.

MIA -4.5 vs CHA

Miami is somehow sneaky good this season despite being without Chris Bosh since the all star break. They have an odd collection of old and young players somehow combining to make a decently effective team. Of all the teams out East,  Miami has the greatest chance to do the impossible and prevent Bron from reaching his sixth straight finals. The Charlotte college all stars are a nice team, but they don't actually stand a chance in this series. Miami wins in 5, starting with a dominating opening performance tonight. 

POR +8 @ LAC

Despite the fact that Dame can't play against the Clippers, I have to roll the Blazers. They're a team with legit scorers, a good cast of role players and a coach that seems to know what he's doing half the time. I'll take that against the combustible clippers and Doc "I haven't done shit without Thibs on my staff" Rivers any day. 

NBA Tuesday Bangers!

MEM (-3) @ LAL
The Grizz might be completely decimated by injury right now, but they still have enough firepower to beat a D League Lakers team coached by the second worst coach in the league. The Grizz have beaten the Lake Show 9 times in a row and though today might be close as Kobe is probably sitting out (FG% automatically up 3%), the Grizz have done a great job pushing towards the playoffs with new acquisition Lance Stephenson.

CHA @ BK (+6)
This is one that is really outside of my comfort zone. Charlotte is one of the few teams I trust to get the cover consistently this year and tonight they should EASILY, EEEAASSSILLLY cover against a Nets franchise that has fucked up so badly that they can't even tank! Brook Lopez is still expected to play tonight and Charlotte just used all their energy to beat the Spurs in an incredible comeback. So let's roll with the Hornet's let down game theory and take Brooklyn.

MIA (-9) @ NO
Classic overreaction to Anthony Davis being hurt, but I don't care. The Pels WITH Anthony Davis were terrible this year. The Heat are healthy right now somehow, but the Pels seem to be missing half their roster again. Take the Heat, the Pels have thrown in the towel.

NBA Bounce Back Tuesday

DEN +3 vs ORL

Man, the injury bug has absolutely crushed the Magic!! 6 or 7 of their main players are going to miss this game against the visting Nuggets. A game they should be able to win if they had a full roster. Without one, this will be a Denver blowout led by Gallo and Faried.

PHI +8 vs BKN

Would you believe it if I told you the Sixers have beaten the Nets not only one time but twice this season?? Well believe it you skeptical Sally, because it's a bonafide fact. Don't much about the Sixers these days, but 8 points against a team they have had success against previously seems like a good decision.

SAC -3 vs LAL

If you didn't already know, Boogie Cousins likes to pick his spots against the teams he destroys. One of those lucky teams on the list happens to be the Lakers. Look for a crazy Boogie line to deal this cover for the Kings in LA.

NBA Picks Monday

CLE -8 vs IND

Cleveland thought they fixed all the problems by firing Blatt, well it turns out they might have had other non-Blatt related issues going on. Reports of Kyrie Irving clashing with new coach Tyronn Lue are never what you want to hear this late in the season, and JR Smith is ready to implode any game now. Luckily for them Indiana is having their own struggles of being a mediocre team that is rapidly falling out of the playoff race. Look for the Cleveland rumbles to stop temporarily after tonight, but by no means are they solved for good.

BKN +13.5 vs LAC

Absolutely love Brooklyn in this spot. The Nets are back to being a scary bad team after their coaching change a few weeks back. Meanwhile the squad formerly known as Lob City is playing alright, but is anyone really buying their championship run stock? Didn't think so. Clippers get the win here, but Brooklyn does just enough to make it competitive.

HOU -2 vs MIL 

Ugh I don't even have the energy to pretend like this is an interesting game or that anyone should care about the outcome. Houston is so dysfunctional right now they make the Sacramento Kings look like a model organization, and the Bucks have zero identity and have regressed a ton from that rising 8th seed they were the last few seasons. Have to take the Rockets here because they are more talented overall, but this game isn't worth the watch and won't change either of these outcomes for these franchises.

New Years Resolution NBA Picks

Catz

My new years resolution was to offer up high quality, stone cold NBA locks!!

TOR +8 vs. CLE

Toronto had their absolute worst showing of all time on Sunday, giving up forty points to Jimmy Butler in the second half of their game!! I expect the Raptors to bounce back with a concentrated team effort after that kind of embarrassment. In the Land of the King aka the mistake by the lake, the King finds himself battling a small case of the sniffles. Shouldn't be enough to dramatically affect his performance, but I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to take it down a notch and play only 20-25 minutes tonight. Raptors bounce back and get a victory in Cleveland after their worst defensive performance since the 81 point Kobe debacle.

BOS -7.5 vs. BKN

You know I am really starting to feel bad for the Nets. Every time they get a surprise victory or play a team closer than expected, the next day they get a brutal season ending injury to one of their core pieces. This time it was PG Jarrett Jack aka the only thing they had close to a professional point guard on the roster. I expect for the next few games the Nets are going to get blown the fuck out as Shane Larkin learns what it is like to be the everyday floor general. Give all the points you can on the Nets until Vegas figures it out and starts giving them 13, 14 a night to make it fair.

BJones

MIN @ PHI +6.5

I must be out of my damn mind. At the beginning of the year I thought about betting against the sixers every game (14-21 ATS). Well, after they made the big move for Ish Smiff and brought in some actual basketball minds, the Sixers have found a competitive will worth betting on. The T Wolves seemed like a fun team to pick this year. Then you realize they're not well coached and they have two star players that are not quite ready yet. Something is just off with this team and tonight, I think they squeak out a 4 or 5 point victory as KAT dominates both sides of the ball. 

NBA Almost 2016 Picks

DEN @ POR -6

BJones back in the building! Catz and I have been so off lately and even though I could blame it all on him because he's technically writing all the picks, my input hasn't helped. Today is a new day! We're mixing things up by mostly taking points like we always do, and adding a couple favs for balance. Now I'm a big Portland fan and this offseason was somewhat of a disaster for Rip City. Nonetheless, the Blazers are still competitive night in and night out because of their back court. Lillard and McCollum may be too similar to build upon going forward, but for this season they provide PDX fans a fun scoring duo that makes games worth watching. Dame might be out tonight but that shouldn't be a problem seeing as the Nuggets may have the most talented roster that's underperforming in the NBA right now. 

BK @ ORL -7.5

I know we've said its time to stay away from Orlando, but it's just too difficult! The Magic are the hottest team in the East right now and Coach Bad Ass won't let them lose to a team as bad as the Nets! In fact, the hot streak basically started when the Magic shmurdered TD Nets earlier this month. I see a solid 10 point win as Orland pushes for the 2 seed. 

Catz

WAS +6.5 vs. TOR

Two middle of the pack eastern conference teams and the Wizards are getting 6.5 points!! I'll take that any day of the week! I guess the logic here is the Wizards are short handed right now missing three of their key players, but John Wall tends to show up when they play Toronto. Wizards injuries are leading to an extra three or four points on a line that shouldn't be any higher than TOR -3...take those extra points!!

CHA +3 vs. LAC

The Clippers have handled the absence of Blake Griffin surprisingly well, a lot of it coming from the bench making unexpected contributions. Tonight is the night where they really feel the loss of the all-star in the middle, who had a habit of destroying the Hornets. Charlotte wins this game easy in a battle of benches that ultimately goes to the Hornets!

PHI +9 vs. SAC

Finally the balliest pick of the day!! Sixers have been playing better of late, beating the Suns in Phoenix, followed by a near upset of the Jazz in Utah. Ish Smith has come in and taken control of the point, a position they desperately needed some veteran experience at. As an added bonus DeMarcus Cousins might not get to play this game after being ejected against the Warriors when he went berserk on the officials. Boogie needs to go to the Russell Westbrook school of I'm not yelling at ref's anymore ASAP. Sixers don't get the outright win, but it will be close.

Top 5 Stone Cold LOCKS of the day!!

The holidays are over and most of you probably got slaughtered after a tough Christmas Day and even tougher NFL Sunday in gambling circles. Well have no fear, Bobby Catz is here to help you flip the double bird to 2015, and usher in the new year with some stone cold NBA locks....and I guess some hockey picks from Sugar formerly known as a writer for DP.

ATL +2 vs. IND

The Hawks have been on a mean win streak lately mainly due to the improved play of German Rajon Rondo and unexpected reappearance of the regional manager Michael Scott. Winners of their last six, they have surged all the way to second in the east, and if Cleveland continues to take nights off, they could find themselves in the drivers seat before the all-star break. On the other side the Pacers have cooled off considerably since their time spent as the number 2 seed, and PG13 has been playing more like PG12.4 (his scoring average) in the last few games. I like the Hawks to win this game outright, but grab the couple of points while you can.

CLE -8.5 vs. PHX

Cavs have lost two straight and looked like absolute garbage Saturday night in Portland. Guess what they won't do? Lose to a team that just lost their best player in Eric Bledsoe (possibly for the season) and fired two of their assistant coaches. This line could have been -15.5 and I would still take it. Absolute blowout alert tonight in the desert as the Cavs look to get back on track and win this game by thirty easy.

NOP +4.5 vs. ORL

Well it finally happened, after weeks and weeks of taking the points with the Magic and getting easy wins, Vegas readjusted over the Christmas weekend. Now the Magic have been favs in two straight games and look a lot less attractive than they did when they were getting 4-5 a game. The Pelicans have played better lately and look a lot closer to being that team that snagged the 8 seed out west last season then the squad that started off 0-6 this year. The 8th seed is still in play for them, and while I still think they are a trade or two away from competing, they should be able to cover this against Orlando.

DETROIT ML +120 vs. MIN

WAS (-1.5) +180 vs. BUFFALO

I was gonna make a few jokes here about our hockey picks for the day, but I know how rabid hockey fans are and don't feel like getting jumped the next time I attend a Yotes game. So I'll just roll em, for you guys...you dusty benders!!

NBA WTF is Going on Tuesday

Well, it finally happened. After months and months of phone tapping and daily visits to Dirtiestpicks.com, Vegas readjusted on the NBA. Last year (and even earlier this season) you could take points in three games a night and you were guaranteed to go 2-1. We wouldn't even check scores from the previous night because it was so much of a sure thing. Well, the jig is up. After getting absolutely slaughtered over the past six nights, we realized its not what we were doing (writing kick ass picks daily) it was want we weren't doing. We had become the Scott Brooks of sports gamblers. We were playing the same style night after night, even when the opposition had adjusted and it wasn't working anymore. So we did what the Thunder did and fired the coach, replacing him with a hilariously incompetent college coach with a big name!! Without any further ado, on to the adjustment!!

CLE -1 vs BOS

Boston is an easy pick here right?? They played the Warriors extremely well last week, and should be rested and ready to roll against a Cavs team that sims through games like they were playing My GM in 2k! Nope. Not today chief. Cavs are getting ready for their Christmas day match up with the Dubs, and you can bet LeBron will have this squad firing on all cylinders in ten days, starting with a big win tonight in Boston.

MIL -4 vs LAL

If you believe in the transitive property this is the best team in sports right?? They beat an all-time great team on Saturday and dropped the Warriors to 24-1!! So what if the Warriors were on the seventh game in a road trip and coming off a double OT win in Boston the night before, and the Bucks struggle with consistency. This is a lock. The Lakers are terrible, and Kobe isn't going to get his groove going against a team that has so much length and athleticism across the board. Oh, the Bucks are on a nine game road losing streak?? Doesn't matter. Diamond encrusted steel cage lock!!

HOU +1.5 vs SAC

Okay I couldn't help myself. You know I'm addicted to taking points, and one a night can't hurt anything right? I mean heroin addicts still get to take methadone to kick their habit right?? Lets look at it like that. This is my methadone pick of the day! And I feel really good about it, because as much as Houston is a diarrhea garbage team, Rondo is out for the Kings. Sac town isn't the same squad without Rajon, Houston wins!!

Wednesday NBA Picks

CHI +3.5 @ BOS

Though the Bulls are in the middle of a meltdown, I see no reason why the Celtics should be favored here. Sure IT is going off as of late and the Celtics have seemingly gelled over the last week, but they're still a very average team. The Bulls ongoing identity crisis coupled with whatever Fred Hoiberg is doing has definitely slowed them down, but this is still a top 3 team in the East talent wise. Tonight Jimmy Butler will put the team on his back a la Greg Jennings and give the Bulls a much needed W. 

MIA (EVEN) @ CHA

Well Al Jefferson has finally been caught. After somehow losing about 200lbs yet remaining at a D cup, Big Al has been popped for something PED/drug related. The Hornets have certainly carved out some sort of identity, but this is not the setback you want right as one of the Conferwnce's too teams rolls into town. With Luol Deng possibly returning to the lineup, the Heat will have too much firepower for then Hornets and pick up an easy W to keep pressure on the Cavs.

HOU +4 @ WAS

I know people feel burned by the Rockets, but you can't honestly believe this team will remain out of the playoff picture out West. Head Coach JB Bickerstaff made the move that Kevin McHale should have and benched Ty Lawson in favor of Patrick Beverly. Turns out what worked for the Rockets LAST  YEAR still works!!! I know this league, especially in the West, is about improving but come on Houston! Stick to the formula! Anyways, the Wiz still haven't figured out that they need to fire their coach. Add to that a banged up John Wall vs Patrick Beverly (who is known to accidentally injure other point guards) and you've got an easy win for the Rocks!

MEM +4 @ DET

We love Detroit here at Dirty Picks, but they are getting too much respect as of late. The Pistons have been wildly inconsistent (Reggie Jackson...) and may just need another piece to stabilize things. Memphis has been better lately and the Conley/Gasol duo is really starting to click. Memphis all day. 

ORL +4.5 at PHX

I had to write the picks today because Catz has been getting ready to go the Suns' game for the last 5 hours. When I told him I was going Magic, he shit all over my picks like he has just polished off the E. coli special at the local Chipotle! I can assure you loyal DPers that the Magic will be just fine tonight. Their perimeter defense is on point and with one of the Morris twins spreading locker room cancer feces all over Phoenix, Orlando has a good shot to win outright. 

NYK +3 @ UTA

The Catz daily special. He mentioned this morning that Utah hasn't looked impressive with Gobert out of the lineup and that means big things for King Kristaps. Look for the Latvian Lizard Lord to destroy the offensive boards tonight. Knicks cover. 

NBA Monday Nitro

DET +2.5 vs. CHA

It feels like the Pistons haven't been favored in a single game all season, yet they are somehow 4 games above five hundred (12-8). Maybe Vegas just really hates the team that surrounds Reggie Jackson and Big Andre Drumeasy; and they rightly should, but maybe its time to readjust your betting strategy here Vegas. That or Stan Van calls someone at the MGM Grand every day and lets them know exactly what is going to happen in their match-up because Stan is a warlock and can clearly tell the future. It's definitely one of those two things. Either way I am going to continue to take the points, until the point taking isn't there for the..umm well, taking.

PHX +6.5 vs. CHI

Phoenix has lost some very close games as of late and last night they lost in a devestating Jeff Green 'oop at the buzzer. Though absolutely no one should feel sorry for them, because the Grizz has .08 seconds left on the clock and only one option to score!!! Who the hell else would they throw that pass to Suns?? Z-Bo?? This is why the Suns aren't very good, because defense doesn't seem to be a priority and most nights they aren't going to outscore you. Especially when thier defensive "stopper", a term applied very loosely these days, PJ Tucker was the one guarding the Green. Even with all of that being said, Chicago has enough chemistry issues that Dr. Phil might need to get involved soon, and that should lead to a Suns cover tonight on the road.

POR -1 vs. MIL

You want to talk about another team with some serious personnel issues?? Look no further than Bucks of Milwaukee. They were so depleted at point guard the other night that OJ Mayo actually had to run the show, and shockingly did pretty well, but lets keep in mind it was against the Knicks playing on the second night of a back to back.Tonight they are about to get a Lillard Lesson 101 as he carves whoever they put up against him to th tune of 31 points and 14 assists. Milwaukee fans probably won't even notice in between bites of cheese and beer though because they are still celebrating the miracle catch from the Packers game last Thursday.

NOP +1 vs. BOS

Don't look now, but the Pelicans are creeping up towards .500 and scored a win over the Cavs on Friday night! The Pelicans play much better at home than they do on the road, so I am going to predict this one isn't even close!! Anthony Davis should have a field day against the short Boston front line, and his rag tag cast of bench players should be able to match the Celtics on output. Come on Pelicans, every NBA fan wants to see the Brow come playoff time, and back to back wins will be a good start for helping that dream come true.

NBA Thanksgiving

NOP +3.5 vs PHX

The Pelicans aren't the worst team in the league, they are just unbelievably injured and haven't been able to suit up a lot of NBA players, especially in the backcourt. Ish Smith is getting major minutes, the same Ish that couldn't crack the top 10 for these same Suns two seasons ago. But he's made the most of it, averaging over 7 assists per game. The overall record still doesn't look good, 3-11, but they should be able to get a win in the desert tonight as they continue to fight back from an early season hole.

DAL +9.5 vs SAS

I love watching the Spurs play, which is something if I said to myself ten years ago I would have promptly set fire to my own ball sack. But if you truly like the NBA, they have to be amongst your favorite squads to respect, because they play the game the right way. If this was a baseball team they wouldn't celebrate with bat flips, or run across the pitchers mound between innings. Much like the Patriots of New England, they all know their job and execute it like professionals. It's impressive to watch. However, even with all that being said I like the Mavs to win keep this one close, ultimately losing by three or four points.

MEM +3 vs HOU

It is way too early to say this, but if the playoffs started today Houston wouldn't be participating. This isn't good, especially at the defensive end. Meanwhile the Grind house started the season super slow, but has recovered lately and are getting back to the things that they do well, and that help them win games. I expect the nightmare season for H town to continue and won't be surprised if they make some surprising trades in the next few months because Dork Elvis doesn't put up with this losin shit.

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!!!

NBA Money Picks

IND +6 vs CHI

Sleep on this Pacers squad at your own risk. Paul George has been playing like an all star for the past few weeks, and he's covering up the poor play from his running mate Monta Ellis who hasn't quite found his groove in Indy. Meanwhile the Bulls are deep and still find a way to win games, but they aren't the powerhouse Bulls of the last few years. They should trade Rose and hand the keys to Jimmy Butler, but until then they are just another ship without a rudder for all you nautical fans out there.

BOS +4.5 vs HOU

I read an article this morning about how the Rockets have bonded over FIFA 16 in their down time. Well, maybe Kevin Mchale should lock away the PS4s for a little bit and these dudes should get back to focusing on basketball, because this season has not gone well. They've lost to Denver twice, Dallas, and the Brooklyn Freakin Nets!! None of which are as good defensively as the Celtics. Of course there is always a chance the Rockets could get red hot and shoot the lights out, but I'll grab the points here.

LAL +11.5 vs PHX

Well, it's official. Kobe has become the Peyton  Manning of the NBA. Decided to come back for one too many years and now having him out there is a detriment to the team, not a positive. Luckily for the Lakers tonight, Kobe is sitting out another game on his farewell tour. When he doesn't play, the Lake show gets up and down the court and has some real talent. Meanwhile Phoenix is good, but they aren't 11.5 good

Saturday Night NHL Super Slam

Detroit @ Boston
Pick: Red Wings +135
I haven’t said much about the Bruins this year. With each passing day it becomes harder for me to believe Boston willingly parted ways with Tyler Seguin. I look at their roster and I can’t help but think they made one of the biggest mistakes in the history of their storied franchise. Let’s get down to this game though; Datsyuk is back, he looked great last night, and the Wings are going to roll.


Colorado @ Montreal
Pick: Canadiens -190
I really wanted to roll the goal line pick for the Habs but I just don’t have the balls when Carey Price is sitting out. Montreal should take care of bidness at home tonight but this Avs team has been finding ways to hang around in games.


Pittsburgh @ New Jersey
Pick: Penguins -115
Im just going to keep rolling with the penguins until they hit.


Philadelphia @ Carolina
Pick: Hurricanes -155
Philly has won 1 of their last 9 games. Honestly, don’t even watch this game.


Vancouver @ Toronto
Pick: Maple Leafs +110
I am rolling with the LEAFS!! Toronto heads into this Saturday Night Soooopppeerrrr Slammm riding a hot 2 game win streak! Wins over Dallas and Nashville ON THE ROAD make them the pick of the night! As the sayin’ goes, LET ‘ER BUCK!


Florida @ Tampa Bay
Pick: Panthers +140
I don’t know why but, I’m feeling the Panthers tonight. Jagr and his mullet will get the job done.


San Jose @ Buffalo
Pick: Sabres +105
Roll the home dog! Jack Eichel, or as he’s known around here, Cap’n Jack is going to lead the way tonight. San Jose played last night in Detroit so they’re definitely tired.


Arizona @ Columbus
Pick: Coyotes (EVEN)
The Blue Jackets’ little streak is bound to come to an end sooner or later. I’m putting my money on tonight.


Chicago @ Saint Louis
Pick: Chicago +110
Now, here is the game to watch tonight. Toews and Kane look to take it to the Blues on the road. I couldn’t decide which way to go on this game so I rolled the under dog defending Stanley Cup Champs.

Thursday Night NHL Full Slate

Colorado @ Boston
Pick: Colorado +150
The Avs will look to build on Tuesday’s 4-0 win in Philly when they take to the ice in Boston tonight. Duchene is coming off a 2 goal game with MacKinnon picking up an assist. Colorado’s best players are leading the offense right now and I like that. Look for the Avs to continue to roll on the road.


Washington @ Philadelphia
Pick: Capitals -1.5 (+205)
Colorado just manhandled the Flyers 4-0 two days ago. Ovi and his team are better from top to bottom than the Avs. I like the Caps to roll tonight and send the Flyers packing.


Minnesota @ Carolina
Pick: Wild -130
I like the Wild a lot this year. They have deep run potential in a strong Western Conference. Minnesota is coming off a big win against the Jets. Their offense is explosive and has been successful in finding the back of the net. They have the ability to turn a close game into a blow out in a matter of minutes.


Calgary @ Tampa
Pick: Lightning -175; OVER 5.5 +115
I have a feeling Tampa will rebound after losing to Buffalo at home on Tuesday. The Bolts’ offense has way too many weapons to lose 2 games in a row at home to sub par teams. Look for Tampa to explode on the scoreboard.



Vancouver @ Ottawa
Pick: Canucks -110
I rolled with the Canucks on Tuesday on the road and they won. I’m sticking with them again tonight against what I consider an average at best Senators team. Last year the Sens salvaged their season on the back of some insane goaltending. Their team is really not that good unless they have a goalie putting on a once in a lifetime performance.


Buffalo @ Florida
Pick: Sabres +150
Buffalo served me well on Tuesday with their win over Tampa on the road. Tonight they’re taking on Florida’s other team down in Miami. I like Buffalo to roll tonight and get a little win streak going.


Toronto @ Nashville
Pick: Predators -1.5 (+115)
Like I said on Tuesday, it takes a damn good hockey team to beat the Predators on their home ice. The Leafs are not that team.


Winnipeg @ Dallas
Pick: Stars -1.5 (+210)
Dallas is coming off loss at home to the Leafs on Tuesday. Basically, I don’t think there is a good chance they lose 2 games at home in a row to shitty teams. Look for Seguin and Benn to lead the Dallas offense and blow out the Jets


Edmonton @ Arizona
Pick: Coyotes -140
A McDavid-less Oilers team is essentially the same team that came in last place in the NHL last year. The loss of McDavid sucks for the Oilers and sucks for hockey but it is a reality. The Coyotes have surprised some people with some tough wins this season. They are coming off 2 wins on the road in Anaheim and Los Angeles.


NY Islanders @ Los Angeles
Pick: Islanders +115
This is my toss up pick of the night. I don’t have any particular reason to take one team or the other. My gut instinct tells me the Islanders will win though.

NBA FRIDAY!

LAL +3.5 vs BKN

The only team not worth watching this season  is the Nets. They might have the bleakest outlook of any team long term...and the short term isn't much brighter. I fully expect Lopez and Johnson to be traded at some point in the season, because this team isn't close to contention even in the East. The Lakers on the other hand are stacked with a few promising young guns and one cranky old superstar that just needs to hang it up already. They are at leas fun to watch, and that is basically the only reason I'm grabbing the points here.

DET +4.5 vs PHX

A game that I will be sitting second row at in less than 6 hours!! So excited to watch the monster that is Andre Drummond unleashed on the suspect Suns front line. The Suns could very easily win this game, but I expect it to be close enough that 4.5 should be an easy cover.

DEN +17.5 vs GSW

Just too many damn points!!! Sure it's the Warriors against a team that desperately wants to be the Warriors but doesn't have the talent..but still. Too many damn points.

NBA day 3

3-3 on the year

MEM -3 vs IND

Man, was I wrong about the Pacers or what?? After bashing them all off season, I decided to take them against the Raptors last night in Toronto. While the final score was closer than I expected, the Raptors were in complete control of that game in the second half and the Pacers lack any scoring outside of Paul George and Monta Ellis. Meanwhile Grindhouse played a Cavs team that wasn't losing two games in a row. Look for the Grizz to rebound in a big way against the Pacers tonight.

NYK +4.5 vs ATL

The Knicks actually looked like a decent NBA team last night!! They got contributions from several players and Melo didn't have to shoot 55 times in order to win the game! As a matter of fact Mel struggled a little bit, and they still won!! Tonight Melo is going to really enjoy playing a Hawks team that lost the junkyard dog who would have hounded Melo like a nice prime rib. Knicks win big as they start 2-0 for what feels like the first time in franchise history.

LAC -10.5 vs DAL

Holy shit this Clippers team is deep!! The 6-11 guys on this team are better than the Mavs starting 5 (sorry Dirk). Plus you have the return of Deandre Jordan to the team he ruined the offseason of! Look for Deandre to really twist the knife deep tonight as his Clippers get a blowout win in big D.

NBA Day 2

NYK +6.5 vs MIL

The Knicks!! Damn I love this team, even when they are super shitty like they have been since they took Patrick Ewing to a farm upstate. But the winds they are a changin!!! Phil Jackson actually made some smart basketball moves this off season and they should pay off immediately. Melo should be back to first team all league quality sooner rather than later and the rest of the pieces should all be quality role players who can help win games. Knicks win this one easy...

NOP +2.5 vs POR

Anthony Davis is overrated!!! Is probably what a lot of people were saying after he went 1-15 from the floor and looked very average instead of the second coming of Bill Russell that he was built up to be. But fear not naysayers...the AD everyone expected will be on full display tonight in Rip City. Pelicans cover this line by twenty points.

INDY +5.5 vs TOR

The return of PG13!!! Can't wait for this one, this dude was easily one of the top five talents in the league before breaking his damn leg in a terrible stanchion accident...but he's recovered and the early returns are he is back and better than ever! His return and a new raptors team that is going to struggle to be as good as they were last season has all the makings of a Pacers cover in the great white north.

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.