February 5, 2021 Picks:

NBA:

New Orleans at Indiana (-1) - If New Orleans plays like they did in their last game, when they were running up and down the court, we would be tempted to pick them here. We can’t trust that is going to happen, and we like the way the Pacers are playing, so we are going to go with the Pacers to get the win. Pick: Indiana 114 New Orleans 109

Chicago (-2) at Orlando - The Magic have lost four games in a row, and the biggest reason why is they are toward the bottom of the league in scoring the basketball. Even though Chicago’s defense isn’t good, we still think that will continue and the Bulls will hand the Magic their fifth straight loss. Pick: Chicago 112 Orlando 103

Toronto at Brooklyn (-4.5) - What can Fred Van Vleet do for an encore? After dropping 54 points in his last game, he has to love the matchup against the Nets and their porous defense. With that being said, the Big Three will all be playing for Brooklyn, and that is enough to convince us that the Nets will cover the spread. Pick: Brooklyn 127 Toronto 119

Milwaukee (-10.5) at Cleveland - The last two games show what Milwaukee is truly capable of. They have averaged 132 points in their last two contests, and we don’t see any reason why they can’t do the same to the Cavaliers. Expect another big game from Giannis and another comfortable win for the Bucks. Pick: Milwaukee 129 Cleveland 114

Utah (-8) at Charlotte - The only thing that worries us is that this is the third game in four days for a Utah team that relies heavily on its veterans. Even though Charlotte is more rested, we think that the Jazz are going to win. They just won’t cover the eight points. Pick: Utah 115 Charlotte 111

Washington at Miami (-6.5) - Miami has had a rough time this season, having lost many players to games for various reasons, but there is still no reason why this team should be 7-14. This team has too much offensive firepower to be in the bottom half of the league in scoring, yet that is where they are. We think they will get back on the right side today, beating the Wizards by more than seven. Pick: Miami 123 Washington 112

Minnesota (-1) at Oklahoma City - Nope. Can’t do it. Even though the Timberwolves are favored we will not be picking them to win. This team is still way too dysfunctional for us, and one good game against the Spurs won’t change that fact. We know that Oklahoma City isn’t exactly setting the world on fire right now, but they will do enough to protect their home court and get the win. Pick: Oklahoma City 110 Minnesota 102

Detroit at Phoenix (-7.5) - Detroit has lost its last five road contests, and now heads to Phoenix to face a Suns team that has won three out of its last four games. Chris Paul is doing amazing things at 35 years old, and him and Devin Booker are starting to figure out how to play together. Give us the Suns to win by double digits. Pick: Phoenix 125 Detroit 109

Boston at Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5) - The Celtics come into this game shorthanded, with Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker not playing in this one. It is going to be Kawhi Leonard and Paul George vs Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Even though Boston is missing two key pieces, we still like them to head into Staples Center and get the win. Pick: Boston 108 Los Angeles Clippers 105

Happy picking everyone!