February 17, 2021 Picks:

College Basketball:

Arizona State at #17 USC (-10) - We have watched most of the Sun Devils games this year. Arizona State always seems to play close games. We think today will be no exception. We are taking the Trojans to win, but the Sun Devils to cover. Pick: USC 73 Arizona State 67

Valparaiso at #22 Loyola Chicago (-19.5) - The last time Valparaiso played a ranked team, they walked off the court with a win. We don’t think it will happen here but we do think this spread is too big. Pick: Loyola Chicago 80 Valparaiso 67

#23 Kansas (-13) at Kansas State - Kansas has won three games in a row since dropping from the rankings. Kansas State is still looking for its first Big 12 win, having lost 12 games in a row. These two teams played earlier this season, with Kansas dropping Kansas State 74-51. We expect something similar today. Pick: Kansas 77 Kansas State 60

South Carolina at #19 Tennessee (-11.5) - Frank Martin usually has his teams ready to play against ranked opponents. Tennessee has been scuffling lately. We like the Volunteers to get the win here, but by single digits. Pick: Tennessee 75 South Carolina 69

NBA:

New York (-4) at Orlando - Orlando comes into this game with a bunch of guys still out injured, and now has to face a Knicks team that has won three games in a row. New York already has one of the best defenses in the NBA, and they will impose their will upon the Magic. Give us New York to cover. Pick: New York 107 Orlando 98

Atlanta at Boston (-3) - Atlanta comes into this game losers of four in a row, while Boston won a tough game against the Nuggets last night. The East is such a muddled mess right now that three games separates fourth place (Boston) from eleventh place (Atlanta). The Hawks got to win eventually right? Give us Atlanta against a tired Boston team. Pick: Atlanta 112 Boston 107

Houston at Philadelphia (-10.5) - When is Christian Wood coming back? That is what all Rockets fans are thinking right now. Since he is still on the shelf in this game, DeMarcus Cousins will have to try and slow down Joel Embiid. We don’t see that happening. Pick: Philadelphia 124 Houston 108

Denver (-3.5) at Washington - Washington has been playing better lately, as they are 5-5 in their last ten games. Denver usually feasts on inferior competition, which the Wizards are. We like the Nuggets to get back in the win column after their loss yesterday, and in doing so cover the spread. Pick: Denver 124 Washington 117

Indiana (-5.5) at Minnesota - Both of these teams come into this game 3-7 in their last ten contests. Even with Karl-Anthony Towns back, he might be on a minutes restriction on the second nigh of back to back games. Give us the Pacers to cover the spread and win comfortably. Pick: Indiana 119 Minnesota 106

Detroit at Chicago (-3) - Detroit has been playing better basketball since they sent Blake Griffin home, and now they head to Chicago to face a Bulls team that has alternated wins and losses in its last five games. Zach LaVine is playing out of his mind right now for the Bulls, so that is why we are going with Chicago to get the win. Pick: Chicago 114 Detroit 105

Portland at New Orleans (-3) - Portland puts its five game winning streak on the line when it heads to the Big Easy to face the Pelicans. Both of these teams won games last night, so fatigue might be a factor on both sides. Damian Lillard is white hot right now. How can you pick against him? We can’t. Pick: Portland 118 New Orleans 112

Oklahoma City at Memphis (-7) - Seven points seems like a lot, even with Shai-Gilegous Alexander missing this game. Did anyone see the way Memphis played yesterday? We are expecting a Grizzlies win in this game, but by less than seven points. Pick: Memphis 114 Oklahoma City 110

Miami at Golden State (-1.5) - Miami needs to start playing better basketball if they want to reach the heights they think they should be at. The Heat are just 11-16 this season, and while injuries were a big reason why last month, they don’t have that excuse anymore. Miami is one of the worst teams against the spread this season, so Vegas is expecting them to start playing better as well. Won’t happen today. Pick: Golden State 117 Miami 108

Utah (-3.5) at Los Angeles Clippers - The game of the day sends us to the Staples Center, where the Clippers and the Jazz are set to square off. This is the second time these two teams have squared off this season, with Utah getting the 106-100 win in round one. It appears that both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will miss this game. Give us the Jazz. Pick: Utah 122 Los Angeles Clippers 113

Happy picking everyone!