February 26, 2021 Picks:

College Basketball:

So. Illinois at #21 Loyola Chicago (-19) - This line seems way too high to us. We know the Ramblers are good, but we don’t think they are 19 points better than Southern Illinois. Give us Loyola to win, but the Salukis to cover. Pick: Loyola Chicago 81 So. Illinois 68

NBA:

Indiana at Boston (-2.5) - The Eastern Conference is such a muddled mess. The fourth place team (Indiana) and the eleventh place team (Atlanta) are separated by just two games. Two of the teams in the middle of that are the Pacers and Celtics, as these two teams square off for the third time this season. The split two games in Indiana, but we like the Pacers in this one. Pick: Indian 111 Boston 107

Houston at Toronto (-8.5) - Houston has lost four games in a row and is still looks like Christian Wood won’t be available in this one. Toronto has dropped two in a row, but we like them to get back in the win column today with a double digit win over the Rockets. Pick: Toronto 113 Houston 101

Sacramento (-2) at Detroit - The Kings just gave up 140 points to the Knicks, and are favorites in the second night of back to back games. This is the first time we will use the words “Detroit Pistons and “Easy win” in the same sentence. Give us the Pistons to roll. Pick: Detroit 124 Sacramento 114

Utah (-6.5) at Miami - This is a tough one to pick. The Jazz are playing better than anyone right now, having won 20 of their last 22 games. Miami has won four in a row and looks like the team everyone thought they would be at the beginning of the season. Both of the losses for Utah have been on the road. Give us the Heat to not only cover, but beat the Jazz in Miami. Pick: Miami 125 Utah 121

Phoenix (-6.5) at Chicago - The Suns are finally playing a road game. After being in Phoenix for most of February, the Suns go to Chicago to face a Bulls team looking for its fourth straight win. The Bulls last three games weren’t against the stiffest competition, but they still have some momentum going into this game. We like the Bulls to get the win here. Pick: Chicago 117 Phoenix 112

Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5) at Memphis - These two teams square off for the second consecutive night, and last night it was the Grizzlies getting a big win. We are guessing Kawhi Leonard won’t play in this game, because he usually doesn’t play back to back night. We were right in picking the Grizzlies yesterday. We are going to do it again today. Pick: Memphis 115 Los Angeles Clippers 108

Atlanta (-5.5) at Oklahoma City - The Thunder are coming off a win where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career high 42 points. Now they have to deal with Trae Young and the Hawks. Atlanta played really well in its last game against Boston, but we don’t think they are six points better than the Thunder. Give us Oklahoma City to cover. Pick: Atlanta 121 Oklahoma City 119

Charlotte at Golden State (-6) - The Hornets are another one of those teams stuck in the logjam that is the middle of the Eastern Conference. The Hornets won the first matchup between these two teams on a Terry Rozier buzzer beater. The game won’t be as close this time around, as we like the Warriors to cover the spread. Pick: Golden State 118 Charlotte 106

Portland at Los Angeles Lakers (-5) - This is an interesting line. Both teams are limping into this game, as Portland has lost three in a row while the Lakers have dropped four straight. Los Angeles still doesn’t have Anthony Davis. Portland still does have Damian Lillard. Give us the Blazers. Pick: Portland 116 Los Angeles Lakers 109

Happy picking everyone!