NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at LA Clippers

NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at LA Clippers

I think it’s often very difficult to bet against San Antonio. They’re anchored in strong defense, veteran leadership, a great point guard / center combo, and have one of the best coaches in the game. That said, I don’t think they can keep up with the Clippers.

The Clippers are healthy, so all they’ve done this season without Chris Paul was essentially the floor for where this team can go. They have two dominant big men, depth, and home court advantage here.

What decides this game for me is that the Spurs  ... 

NBA Picks: Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors

NBA Picks: Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors

This is a tricky game, but it’s going to be one of my favorite to watch this year. Two of the more exciting teams in basketball face off. The Heat are tired, banged up, on a road trip out west, and playing mediocre basketball. Still, I think they win.

Whenever I’m given the opportunity to choose between consistency and volatility, I think the odds, especially at underdog lines like this, give a ton of value to the consistent team. Miami is tired, but after watching Lebron James take over the game last  ... 

NBA Picks: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls

NBA Picks: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls

It’s not the strongest signal of the day, but it’s one I like. The Chicago Bulls are a slight favorite in the computer algorithm, with 1.5 stars of value. Still, with the way the Hawks have been playing, I think the Bulls have quite an edge.

The computer’s marginal support aligns with my thoughts on the game. I think it’s hard to trust the Bulls because of how terrible they can be on offense. This is a team that simply does not score for long stretches of games. That makes betting on them  ... 

NBA Picks: Portland Trail Blazers at Indiana Pacers

NBA Picks: Portland Trail Blazers at Indiana Pacers

There is a lot of conflict in the computer algorithm tonight, but one of the best looking plays on the board is the Portland Trail Blazers at Indiana Pacers. There is no conflict in the signal, and there’s a strong output here.

The Pacers are an 80% favorite to win this game straight up, and 60% favorite to cover the spread. Personally, I’ve bought two points and will take this at -4. I think there’s a lot of value in the line there. I also have the money line.

For me, the Pacers  ... 

NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at Washington Wizards

NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at Washington Wizards

There is some conflict in the algorithm here as the Spurs are solid favorites and the spread is reasonable, but the value output does not correlate to the signal produced for the Spurs to win this game. As such, this is a low confidence play for us, but we move forward with it ATS.

The Spurs are nearly a 60% favorite to win this game with a 56% chance to cover the small spread on the road. They’re clearly the better team, but the Wizards have been hot and the Spurs have been  ... 

NBA Picks: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks

NBA Picks: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks

A strong signal for this game today, as the Knicks are overwhelming favorites. The computer gives a 70% chance to cover the spread and an 83% chance to win the game. I’m on them in a teaser, the money line, and even a first to 20 points bet because I think they come out firing here. The computer also likes the over, and given the firepower here and the relatively low line, I agree.

Carmelo Anthony is one of the best scorers in basketball, and I don’t see the Cavs having an  ... 

NBA Picks: LA Clippers at Chicago Bulls

NBA Picks: Los Angeles Clippers at Chicago Bulls

Interesting opportunity here for a man vs machine pick. The computer finds a ton of value in the Bulls, but I like the Clippers in this spot.

For me, the Bulls haven’t been the same team without Derek Rose. They’re playing well right now, and they’re home, but I don’t think they have enough to compete with one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

I recognize that there will be some fatigue here to deal with from traveling, but I think the Clippers have enough to get by. Their inside game  ... 

NBA Picks: Portland Trailblazers at Dallas Mavericks

NBA Picks and Predictions: Portland Trailblazers at Dallas Mavericks

Home underdogs are pretty tricky sometimes, and the computer really likes this one. I always trust Dirk, so you can count me in to follow along.

The Mavs are playing well, Portland is far from home, and Dallas is a home underdog with five stars of support from the algorithm, with a 66% chance of winning this game outright.

There is some conflict in the algorithm here. There are some “game winner” stars of confidence in favor of the road team here, but the signal is much stronger on the Mavs.

 ... 

NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans

NBA Picks: San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans

The Spurs may be a little tired, but the Pelicans are struggling mightily right now. Blowout losses to bad teams continue to plague New Orleans as their losing streak grows.

The Pels are simply not playing good basketball, and it’s hard to see them snapping out of it against a team as skilled and well-prepared as the Spurs. San Antonio is hot, and they should handle business in New Orleans.

The spread of -6 is interesting. Z-Code gives it a 61% chance of hitting. The ML seems like a nice play for  ...