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 Finals

NBA Finals Game 5

HEAT (+6) at SA under 195.5 (L)(WINNER!)

That last game was very surprising. I find it hard to believe that anyone truly believed that the Spurs were going to come out the way that they did and not only beat the two time defending champs, but destroy them. They beat them in two straight games in their home barn!! The Spurs have set themselves up for a title in this game, but I refuse to give up on the Heat. I think LeBron will come out and interrupt the Spurs flow offensively while controlling the tempo on the other side. This does not mean that I expect the Heat to come back in the series or even win another game outside of this one. Which brings me to a very interesting question and that is what does LeBron do now? Well stay tuned for tomorrow's article as yours truly, Bobby Catz, has interviewed multiple sources and several team executives (or drank three scoops of C4, one of those definitely) to decide which option is best for the King. And as far as picking the under, this series has gone over 4 times in this series, but the last one was really close and only because I teased it four points. Take the under on this one, not every game can go over right?

NBA Finals Game 4

Big Ole Finals Teaser

This finals has been spectacular, and although most of the world is more focused on the World Cup and what cross-fit workout they have to endure today; big ole Bobby Catz still has his claws on the NBA. This series has been way too close to stay with the traditional lines though, and in honor of that I have decided to roll out a little two pick five point teaser.

SA at MIA (-5) teased to (pick em) and over 197 teased to 192 (L) (WINNER!)

This series is absolutely going seven games, it is way too close and once you think one of the teams has gained control the other team comes out and swings the pendulum back the other direction. Well tonight we have another classic LeBron game just waiting to happen, he played pretty well last time out and faded away in the second half by doing un LeBron like things including a career high in the finals of seven turnovers! Look for LeBron to come out and show the Spurs (again) why he is the best player of the series. The real key tonight is going to be the point guard play of the Heat and how many touches Chris Boshness monster gets.Expect LeBron to turn up the HEAT (again pun definitely intended) against Kawhi Leonard and for the Heat to win this game out right by at least two or three points. 

NBA Finals

NBA Finals Game 3

SA (+4.5 teased to +8.5) at MIA (OVER 197 teased to 193)  (WINNERx2)

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. From the drama of the game 1 afterparty, to the big time game by King LeBronius game 2. What this series shows is, this league is all about LeBron James. In game one, the Spurs shot lights out in the fourth to win the game, as D Wade sucked the entire half. Yet all we heard about was LBJ cramping up! Then, game 2 rolls around and we can't stop talking about how amazing the real MVP of the league is. Well, I'm here to tell you that this series isn't over. The Spurs are loving the fact that we aren't focusing any headlines on them. They love flying under the radar and being the underdogs even though they won 60+ games AGAIN, in a strong Western Conference. Remember, this is a team that can go 9 deep; a team that is 1-1, not 0-2. They were in the last game (a GREAT LeBron game) until the final seconds and missed some free throws. Do you really want to count them out? Today, we are going with a nice, hard teaser, straight to the dome. Why? Because it's the playoffs and this shit is hard! If I can tease these teams 4 points and still get even odds, I'm doing it! So take the Spurs to cover 8.5 and two of the best offensive squads in the game to score more than 194. Enjoy the free money!

NBA Finals

2014 NBA Finals Game 1

Catz's Take: One of the most highly anticipated rematches in NBA history starts tonight with the two-time defending champion Miami Heat traveling to San Antonio for game 1 of the finals. After interviewing hundreds of casual sports fans I have decided that the public seems to be backing the Spurs, and why shouldn't they? I mean the Spurs were only 25 seconds away from winning the title last year and it's not like Miami won game 6 in OT and then game seven as well. Oh wait, they did? Which is why I am confused as to why the public is backing the Spurs. 


I mean the Heat definitely got some lucky bounces and were able to turn those into a second consecutive championship, but luck is as much a part of this game as crazy is to Lance Stephenson. Plus you have LeBron James going for not just a three peat, but for his NBA legacy. People have been riding this kid from the beginning, wondering if he would ever be as good as Jordan. Well if he wins tonight he will do something that Jordan also did (granted Jordan did it twice) and it will at least place him in the same conversation. LeBron is ultra aware of his place in history, if you don't think this series means more to him than anything else in the world than you must be Lance Stephenson. I get that the Spurs are well coached and were able to slow down LeBron last year for the first few games, but this is a different year. You have an ultra focused LeBron James and a healthy D Wade, you know what that means? Trouble for the Spurs. I won't be surprised if this one doesn't go seven games like everyone thinks. As a matter of fact I won't be shocked if the Heat win in as little as five or six games. Which is why I'm going with the Heat tonight and the Heat in this series in five games.

HEAT (+4.5) at SA (UNDER 199) (Lx2)

Catz: HEAT in five games over SA

NBA Round 2 Winners

When Catz and I rolled these picks out this morning, we realized that we picked two teams down 0-2 against two teams that were in the finals last year. Bad Choice. So instead, we're bringing back the old Dirty Picks Tongue Tornado Teaser!!! That's right, 4 picks, all teased to make you spend money on a horrible bet that won't net you a ton of money! It's one of those "How can this go wrong?! It can't!" moments here at Dirty Picks and I hope you decide to roll it and suffer as these games all take terrible turns for the worst. 

SA at POR (+11.5) (OVER 199) (L) (WINNER!)
You know what they say, when you are on top you can afford to take a couple of chances. That's why the Seahawks can take players in the draft that no one has ever heard of, that become legitimate NFL players. Success increases your ability to take risks. I think this is the last hurrah for the Blazers, this is a terrible matchup for them and the Spurs have been wrecking their shit hole in these first two games. But tonight I think the Blazers feed off the energy of the undoubtedly stoned fan base and pull of the miracle win, only to lose the next two after this. It's been fun though Portland! Also both teams can score, 199 is way too low not to go over.


MIA at BK (+12) (OVER 178) (WINNERx2!)
Well there's not much to say here. I am in no way, shape or form going to all of a sudden pick against the Nets as they head home with their assholes against the wall! These teams payed 4 very close games this regular season, 3 of which were decided by 2 points or less and one which went into OT. I expect the Nets to use their Russian Magic to come up with a win tonight, but I'm too scared to take the money line. Are the Heat really going to win 8 playoff games in a row?! Is that what we're saying!? Well, that's not exactly a crazy feat seeing as they have gone 5-1 or better through their first 6 playoff games since the Heatles came together. Come on, roll with me on this one and watch as Paul Pierce does some crazy shit he shouldn't still be able to do. Oh and Deron Williams, you are quickly turning into Roy Hibbert: Point Guard Edition. Stop being so fat and fucking worthless that a guy that almost had his leg amputated has to play all your minutes! You were once compared to Chris Paul and one of the 8 most valuable players in the NBA! Get your shit together before KG starts eyeballing your wife, and at this point you should let him! Maybe it will inject some life into his decrepit body or at least make him realize he needs to retire mid-series! When Alan Anderson is more productive than you, it's time to hang it up Kevin Garnett. Now that I've said all that, make sure you take the Heat and the over, as someone may go off tonight.  

NBA Playoff Winners

OKC (+4) at LAC over 213.5  (WINNER!) (WINNER!)

I will be real honest with you folks out there, this is not a pick that I would "bet the house on". This series is a tough one to call as these two teams are pretty evenly matched. It is hard to say if the post Durant MVP speech will wear off tonight and the Clippers from game 1 show up, or if we see near triple doubles from both Westbrook and Durant again. I am going to side the Thunder for this game and hope that it does not bite me in the ass. Really I am just backing Hustle Westbrook here and hoping that he brings a huge game and not one of those classic, "fuck everyone else I got this shit even though I have one of the best players in the league on my team" games. Clips and Thunder engage in quite a fun scoring romp, which ultimately I think that the Thunder win, possibly even a double OT, instant classic thriller.

IND at WAS (-4) (UNDER 184) (L) (WINNER!)
Now this right here is a tough pick! People love the Wiz in this series and have written of the Pacers, for good reason. Are we supposed to believe that the Pacers are "back" now that they won a game on the road against a solid opponent? Is the Andrew Bynum stink gone, or still lingering in the nostrils of every man in that locker room? For Catz and I, this is an easy pick. The Pacers need to win 2 games in a row against a team that is over .500 to be respected again. Expect a horrible let down game from the Pacers in which they score 81 points. 

BONUS AFL PICK!!!

PITT at SPOKANE (+3.5) under 97.5

I am not really sure why the line setters out there think that this Pitt team can travel up into the frozen tundra hell hole that is Spokane and win this game, but apparently they do. I will happily take the Shock and watch them teach Pitt a thing or two about playing in the Arena League. I do think however, that despite the offensive fire power of the Shock that Pitt is able to keep this game under 97.5 points. Shock win, Pitts D and effort keep it under 97.5.

Dirty NBA Playoff Picks

LAC (+5) at OKC (UNDER 215) (L) (WINNER!)
This game definitely has a lot of OKC showing up and Durant celebrating his MVP with a huge blowout win potential. But I just can't wrap my head around the game swinging that drastically in the other direction. Do I think CP3 hits 8 threes and goes 12-14? No way, but the Thunder are not five points better than Lob City. Don't be surprised if this game turns in to a grind it out, slow it down possession based game that keeps it under 215 combined points. 

WAS (+4.5) at IND (UNDER 187) (WINNER!) (WINNER!)
Usually in this situation, we would advise you to go with the team that has been catching flack for the past few days. Usually in this situation, we would say, the Wizards are everyone's favorite team all of a sudden and that's bad for the ego. USUALLY, we would tell you that this game os set up for an epic Pacers bounce back where they hold the Wiz to 75 points. WELL, that ain't happenin. We've been waiting the entire playoffs for the Pacers to play like a playoff team and things just seem to get worse and worse. Tonight. Expect a close, defensive battle where the Wiz easily cover 4.5 and maybe lose. This series isn't over, but if the Wiz win tonight, they're going to take the Pacers home and go to town on them like a Greg Oden slampiece. 

NBA Playoffs Round Two

POR at SA (-6) (OVER 205.5) (WINNER!) (WINNER!)
You know who doesn't drop games at home in the playoffs? The Spurs. I really like the Blazers, and if they blow the Spurs out I will be completely okay taking this loss. However have you watched SA play lately? Especially in that game seven?? Their offense is disgusting, they consistently get good shots and Tony Parker punishes his defender like it was Brent Barry's wife. You know who isn't very good at defense? The Blazers. The only reason they made it past round one is because they found a team that plays less defense than they do! Don't be surprised if this series is a sweep. Spurs win by twenty and this one goes over.

BK (+8) at MIA  (UNDER 193) (L) (P)

Never doubt Brooklyn. Catz and I did most of the year and it killed our record. The Nets have the players, experience and play style to control this series.  The Nets force the Heat to play slow and have enough depth to frustrate Miami. The reality is, 8 points is way too much at this stage of the playoffs. Brooklyn will control this game and Joe Johnson is going to have a big time series. Take the Nets and enjoy it. 

NBA Playoffs Round 2

NBA Round 2 Preview

Well we just wrapped a great round one of the NBA playoffs and, honestly, looking at the end results, one would say that not a lot happened. The Pacers struggled to put the Hawks away, the West is insanely talented with very little separating all 8 playoff teams, and Heat are good. A few of the "surprises" we encountered? Well, the Portland Trailblazers taking it to Houston was a big one, not unpredictable, but big. How about the Hawks legitimately almost knocking the Pacers out? I mean we expected Indiana to struggle, but at time they looked like a lottery team in the first round. The Bulls elimination wasn't anything special, they just don't have enough talent at the moment. Most importantly, the Donald Sterling drama really turned this first round into WWE levels of entertainment! I mean, we already had great games and storylines, but a whacky, racist owner?! Who saw that coming?! Let's take a look back at the first  round and what we predicted.

Round 1 Predictions Recap

(1) Indiana vs. (8) Atlanta

Catz and I both had this one with the Pacers winning in 6. For some reason, it feels like we got this one completely wrong, but in the end, Bird's Gang advanced. 

(3) Clippers vs. (6) Warriors

Once again, Catz and I agreed and both of us took Clips in 5. Come on! Who saw the racist owner thing happening?! Nobody called that!

(1) Spurs vs. (8) Mavericks

Catz just hated the Mavs this year, so he called for a Spurs sweep. I thought it would go at least six, but he talked me into going down to Spurs in 5. We probably shouldn't underestimate Carlisle and Dirk. And Cubes...don't forget about Cubes....

(2) Heat vs. (7) Bobcats

We had Heat in 5 due to the fact that Miami usually let's their opposition take 1. Well, Big Al was never right this series and Gerald Henderson plays a lot, you do the math. 

(5) Trail Blazers vs. (4) Rockets

Here we go! I finally distinguish myself in the gambling community! Well, not really. I called the Blazers winning this one in 7, so I was a little off. This was an awesome series and it just came down to Damian Lillard being absolutely fearless. I'm halfway to writing an anti-Harden article. 

(3) Bulls vs. (6) Wizards

Well, I have no idea what this was all about. I picked Bulls in 6 and honestly I have no idea why. Catz had Wiz in six and was basically spot on when he wrote "These boys from chocolate city can score and they aren't half bad on defense. On the other hand I just don't trust the Bulls to be able to put up enough points to take this series."

(4) Raptors vs. (5) Nets

Well we finally picked the Nets after a season of picking against them and losing, and we won! This was a pretty cool series and as long as the Raps don't make any stupid contract moves, they should be back.

(2) Thunder vs. (7) Grizzlies

I hate the Thunder. I had them winning in 4 and wish they had lost to the Grizz. I find KD bland, Westbrook is annoying, Perkins is fuckin garbage and D Fish needs to leave. Whatever. Catz had them in 5 so he wins this round. 

Let's take a look at round 2 and make some predictions again!

(6) WAS vs. (1) INDY

Catz: Go head be like all of those other basketball fans out there and pick the Pacers because they finally found their mojo again! Fuck that, they barely beat a sub .500 Hawks team in seven! Remember how Steph Curry announced that he had arrived in last years playoffs? This year it's John Walls turn against the Pacers.

BJ: I'm rollin with the Catz on this one. In a world where "Lance Stephenson is the only one that consistently gives a fuck" happens, we have problems. We're going to see Nene and Gortat pound Hibbert so hard, he's going to think he's in a Tila Tequila sex tape!  John Wall and Beal will probably do that weird thing where they can't get on the same page and one will have a good game while the other sucks. Won't matter against the Pacers.

Catz: Wizards in 6. BJ: Wizards in 7

(3) LAC vs (2) OKC

Catz: Your boy BJ is gonna try and tell you how the Thunder are garbage and that Russell Westbrook is fixin to get some Deandre Jordan all up in his ass! But don't let him sway you!  KD really came alive after being called out by his local paper which was only the second most ridiculous story in last weeks news. This time he doesn't have to deal with Tayshaun Prince or Tony Allen! He seriously might score fifty twice. Also Steven Adams and Blake Griffin will get in a fight, write that shit down!

BJ: First of all, the Thunder are fuckin garbage. Oh, and that "Russell Westbrook" fella won't be doing all that crazy shit in the lane with Deandre Jordan and Deandre Jordan's dick swiging around causing disruption and discord. Doc Rivers, this is where you make your money. You are going up against a very coaching challenged Scott Brooks, so please take advantage of Kendrick Perkins on the floor. As a matter of fact, you coached Perkins! Make sure you show OKC, why they made the dumbest trade of the last 5 years. I can't wait to see who has more, "I'm tougher than you, but I don't talk" moments, KD or Blake. 

Catz: Thunder in 6. BJ: Clippers in 5.

(5) POR vs (1) SAS

Catz: I really want Rip City to win this series. Do I think they are going to do it? Probably not, no. Will that stop me from picking them to win in 7 and making daily picks in favor of their spread? No chance.

Blazers in 6

BJ: Well shit, this puts me in a predicament. The Blazers are by far my favorite team in the playoffs, but I really want the Spurs to win another title. Well, unfortunately Rip City, I have to turn against you because of all the worthless assholes that inhabit your "city." LMFAO is going to have to fight off fatigue and a disciplined defense while guarding Duncan and Splitter. That's not good, not good at all.

Catz: Blazers in 6. BJ: Spurs in 6. 

(2) MIA at (6) BKN

Catz: This is what Brooklyn traded for this summer. This is the reason you bring in KG and Truf, because LeBron hates playing them and they don't care for LeBron. Well you know what I don't care for? The fact that Donald Sterling owns (owned) an NBA team and I don't. You know what else I don't care for? People who doubt The King.

Side note

Could you imagine if the Heat lose? All season long I've thought that Donald Sterling had a better chance of hosting the Source Awards than LeBron does leaving the Heat! But now? Fuck. We could be witnessing the biggest turning point in the NBA possibly ever. No pressure D-Wades knees!

BJ: Great side note by the Catz there. I have hated the Nets all season, but if they beat the Heat, that would be incredible. It's about time the fatigue catches up with LeBron and Wade won't be able to be a bitch in this series. The Nets are going to find flaws and expose them as they have all year, and I will regret this pick...

Catz: Miami in 5. BJ: Nets in 7

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 Playoff Picks

NBA Rebound Picks 

CHAR at Miami (-10) (OVER 187.5) (L) (WINNER!)

The Heat are going to make sure they win this one at home and let's not forget, Al Jefferson is battling a foot injury that is going to slow him down a bit. Look for LeBron to get his teammates going early to boost their confidence as Miami blows the Cats out, unfortunately, 106-88.

DAL (+8) at SA (OVER 200.5) (WINNER!)(WINNER!)

After Catz and I talked about this one, we think that Duncan's slight knee injury may slow down the Spurs machine just enough for the Mavs to hang around. Let's not forget, the Mavs hung around all game in the opener and Dirk and Carlisle aren't going to be blown out in a playoff game. High scoring, fun and close game today.

POR (+7) at HOU  (OVER 214.5) (WINNER!) (WINNER!)

Again, Catz and I talked through this one and we felt that, with exception to the Spurs, no Western Conference teams are 7 points apart. Portland is underrated and the Rockets really struggle with LaMarcus Aldridge down low. If Dwight is unhealthy, the Blazers are going to take this thing to 7. Look for a high scoring game with the Rockets winning late. 

Season Premier/Finale Sunday

Free NBA Picks

Wake up everybody!! It's the biggest night on television since that time they showed OJ eluding police in a white Bronco! Tonight is one of those bittersweet nights where one great thing ends, and another great thing starts in it's place. The conclusion of Shameless rolls onto Showtime tonight at 9ET and although this might be the weakest season they have had so far, historically the final episode is the gut punch/cliffhanger episode. While you are watching Fiona and Lip handle the Gallahger clan, make sure to record the two HBO premieres so you can watch them later. Game of Thrones has taken the nation by storm, and even if you read the books and know what's coming it's still exciting to watch it all play out and see what tweaks the HBO series will make to the source material. After that be sure to watch the new series from comedy legend creator Mike Judge (Office Space, King of the Hill) called Silicon Valley. I don't know that much about the premise of the show, but it stars two of my favorite comedians Kumail Nanjiani (side note: if you aren't listening to the Indoor Kids, you are fuckin up!) and Tj Miller. Both of these shows should give you at least two and a half hours ignoring your kids and making sure that your Sunday morning at work can at least be spent recapping what went on the lands of Westeros. After such a lengthy preview of what's going down tonight, you would probably think that I'm just gonna throw some NBA picks in as a little footnote, well once again you don't know the Bobcat. 

OKC (-140) at PHX (L)
Terrible matchup for the Suns, and possible first round preview if the Spurs stumble in the next few games. Look for a rested Westbrook to come out and light up the Suns backcourt as Durant quietly scores more than 25 to keep his consecutive game streak going.

NY (+7) at MIA (L)
Why am I picking the Knicks to cover this game? That is literally a question I don't have an answer to and I'm sure I'll end up watching this on my breaks going what the fuck is JR Smith doing?? The only silver lining is Melo loves playing against Lebron and always seems to bring his "A" game. Hopefully Wade sits again and the Knicks pull a shocker here.

LA (+16) at LAC (L)
Another game that has more potential to go wrong than the recent healthcare plan Obama rolled out. Last time these two teams met the Lakers got absolutely shithoused. I'm thinking this is a revenge game that shows they are still the Lakers playing in their home stadium and will at least try to not make this one a 50 point blowout. Lakers lose by 8.

ATL (+8) at IND (WINNER!)
Just like the Game of Thrones season premiere the Pacers postseason is much anticipated. You never know what Pacers team is going to show up, and if they play anything like they have over the last two months don't be surprised if the Bulls, Nets or mystery team X pulls the upset. All I know in this game is that the Pacers do not cover spreads, Hawks probably lose, but the smart bet is they cover.

HOU (-675) at DEN (WINNER!)
Dwight Howard could play tonight for the Rockets! Even if he doesn't do not expect this Nuggets team to pull the upset. Houston is at full strength, while the Nuggets are just counting the days until the offseason.

MEM at SA (-7) (WINNER!)
This is a terrible matchup for the Grizz. The Spurs always pack the paint and take away the inside options of Z-Bo and Gasol while allowing Prince and Tony Allen as many open 15 foot jumpers as they want. Don't be surprised if this game is an absolute blowout and the Spurs win 115-76.

DAL (-6) at SAC (L)
The Mavs have been in full blow playoff mode for several weeks and looked like they could give a team some trouble in the playoffs. The Kings are melting down like they do at this point every year, and despite another great year from Demarcus Cousins they are close to the bottom once again. Expect a big night out of Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon as the Mavs win comfortably in Sac town.

UTAH (+11.5) at GS (L)
I have no justifiably reason for picking the Jazz to cover this spread, if I were you I would stay farther away from this game than the Republican Party does from African Americans. Pick Golden State to win this game by forty and ignore this.

NO at POR (-625) (WINNER!)
This game is gonna be close and do not be surprised if Anthony Davis puts up a 32-15-8 line to score the upset. Hopefully Lillard and LMFAO do just enough to stave off the Pelicans and get a victory.

There you are an extended look at tonight's NBA action and a viewing guide for some television action after 5. Have a great night out there and remember stay away from that Jazz pick!

SOOOoooOooOOOoOOOPer Sunday Picks!

After rebounding fairly well last night (2-1), I've decided to stop telling my followers to go against whatever picks I make in order to win. With that being said, don't be mad if you end up taking out that second mortgage on your home because of the Bobcat.

IND at CLE (+5.5) (WINNER!)
The rational NBA fan looks at this game, sees the Pacers at the top of the Eastern Conference and the Cavs at the bottom. Easy pick right? Well don't be so quick there skippy, the Pacers are one of the worst teams at covering spreads despite their overall record. They consistently let teams not named the Heat hang around and have rarely blown teams out. On the flip side the Cavs front office has to have noticed that the Waiters/Irving combo is not going to work going forward. Each guard plays noticeably better when the other one sits, and if you don't think they regret not taking Oladipo this past summer then you don't know the NBA. Expect that Cavs to keep this one close even though it scares the shit out of me to back a team that can't even make the playoffs in the Leastern conference.

MIN (+4) at BK (L)

You know the old saying; fool me once shame on me, fool me twice, fuck Sugar (sorry bud). I've consistently gotten my picks for and against the Nets wrong. Either I back them because I acknowledge they are a solid ten man team and they get blown out at home, or I say I can't support a team that starts Shaun Livingston at shooting guard and they beat the Heat three times in a season! Seriously there is no winning when it comes to picking Nets spreads. So if I were you I would go to a bank, take out a loan for 35,000g's and place it all on the Nets, because this pick is sure to come back and bite me in the ass. If you still want to pick the Wolves just know that in my upcoming article on the ten biggest disappointments of the NBA season I have Ricky Rubio ranked seventh. Good luck out there! 

TOR (-4.5) at ORL (WINNER!)
This line looks a little too low for my liking that makes me think Vegas is just waiting for people to jump all over the Raptors only to watch them get blown out by thirty. However we have had success backing the Raptors all season and I'm not going to stop now. Look for Kyle Lowry to put on a clinic for rookie of the year candidate Victor Oladipo as the Raptors win big in the Magic kingdom.


BJ's Bonus Grind Pick

Memphis @ Portland (Under 189) (L)
Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives right now. I expect a nice Grit n Grind type of game from Memphis, while Portland goes to its bread and butter of LaMarcula (He'll suck the life out of your defense!!) in the post. Portland likes to get up and down and give up a shit ton of points, but I think their will be a limited amount of possessions. Either way, Bread n Butter vs Grit n Grind should be awesome!

NBA Picks

Miami at San Antonio (-3) (WINNER!)

We all know this is a rematch of last year's epic finals and all that noise. What we don't know is how Coach Pop is going to approach this game. The way I see it, there are two options:
1) He plays to win tonight and keeps Parker, Duncan and Ginobli in the game.
2) He rests starters and plays his bench because Greg Popovich doesn't give a fuck what you think.
I'm going with option 1. The Spurs are 1.5 games back from the 1 seed and are ready to make their playoff push. They need to at least keep the 2 seed in order to play a PHX, MEM, or DAL in the first round. Tony Parker has once again started playing out of his mind and I expect the Spurs to win this one at home.
Bobs Topless Thursday Thunder Take
OKC(-6) at PHX (L)
Tonight the Thunder squad roll into P-town looking to continue their recent run of destruction. Russell Westbrook posted a triple-double in his last game in barely twenty minutes of game time. Look for him to continue his Desolation of Smaug tonight against the Suns. The only shot the Suns have tonight would be Goran Dragic going absolutely bonkers against an elite defender like Westbrook. The chances of this happening are about as good as the Red Wings being taken seriously as a professional hockey team. The Suns have not been blown out of a game all season, expect that to happen tonight. The combination of Durant, Ibaka and Westbrook will combine for 90 points, 40 rebounds and 22 assists, embarrassing the Suns and handing them their worst home loss of the season.

LAC (-11) at LAL (WINNER!)
The revenge of the little brother game. Remember how the Clippers were a joke for years and years while the Lakers were busy winning titles? Well now it's the Clippers who are title contenders and the Lakers are a couple of Montana puck sluts (yeah it's rough). Tonight is another opportunity for the Clippers to give a little payback WWE style. Look for Blake Griffin to hit Pau Gasol with a chair, Jodie Meeks to get Russian suplexed a few times, and Robert Sacre to have his feet on the top ropes as he pins Chris Paul for the upset. Just kidding the Clippers will roll with huge games from Blake and CP3; Lakers fans will be busy on the message boards discussing how different the team will be next year with Joel Embiid and Carmelo Anthony (seriously it's gonna happen, it's the Lakers).