NBA Picks: New York Knicks at Miami Heat

NBA Picks: New York Knicks at Miami Heat

The computer gives a strong ML signal for Miami, and I agree and find some nice parlay / teaser value in this game. I don’t think the Knicks in their current state can compete with one of the best teams in basketball. It’s a shame, because Carmelo Anthony is playing some of the best basketball of his career.

That said, the computer and I also agree that nine points is a bit sharp. There’s some value on the Knicks to not get blown out. They’re talented, they just keep finding ways to lose  ... 

NBA Picks: Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors

NBA Picks: Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors

Sorry for the delay today, folks. I was waiting for the line to post but it was held by Vegas, and there’s only three NBA games today. I love the shootout that’s brewing between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors tonight. This should be a fun one if both teams come out firing.

For me, the Warriors are too inconsistent and, when facing elite teams at spreads like this, their volatility has been profitable when betting the other side. The Houston Rockets are the superior team and the spread is likely  ... 

NBA Picks: New York Knicks at New Orleans Pelicans

NBA Picks: New York Knicks at New Orleans Pelicans

The computer is in a bit of conflict here, and so am I. The Knicks are probably the better team, but they’re also on a back-to-back and tired, on the road, and slumping hard. The Pelicans are a much better team at home, and this is a dangerous game.

I think the spread of four points, now moving to 3.5, might be a bit sharp. I think the Knicks can keep this game close and even win here if they play well. Still, with Carmelo a bit tired from travel and  ... 

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  ...