February 1, 2021 Results:

What we got right:

College Basketball:

#9 Oklahoma at #13 Texas Tech - The Sooners did not get their fourth win in a row over a top ten team, but they did cover the seven point spread so it is a win for us. This game was ugly, with a halftime score of 25-18. The offense got moving a little bit in the second half, but both teams still shot 33% from the field. Defense can carry you far in the NCAA Tournament, and that is what both of these teams are counting on.

NBA:

Los Angeles Lakers at Atlanta - Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 25 points, helping Los Angeles end their two week road trip with a 107-99 victory over Atlanta. LeBron James chipped in 21 points in the victory, while Trae Young had 25 points and 16 assists in the loss. Los Angeles now heads home for their next game, a big matchup against the Nuggets.

Houston at Oklahoma City - Their is plenty of room on the Houston Rockets bandwagon, if anyone wants to join us. Houston scored 48 points in the first quarter in the 136-106 rout over the Thunder, winning their sixth game in a row. The Rockets set a franchise record with 28 three pointers, and are quickly becoming a team no one wants to face.

Memphis at San Antonio - Another team no one wants to face is the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis got their seventh win in a row, and second straight over San Antonio, with a 133-102 win. Nine players scored in double figures for the Grizzlies, and anytime you have that kind of balance you are going to win.

What we got wrong:

College Basketball:

Georgia Tech at #25 Louisville - We do these picks early in the mornings, and on Mondays we do them before the new rankings come out. Louisville wasn’t ranked in this weeks poll, but was ranked at the time of we made our picks. They might be ranked again after the 74-58 thrashing they laid on Georgia Tech, holding the Yellow Jackets to 32% shooting.

NBA:

Charlotte at Miami - Malik Monk had a career high 36 points for the Hornets, leading the way for the 129-121 overtime victory. Charlotte was down by 10 points with under three minutes to play, but Monk led a furious charge, capped off by a three pointer with 16 seconds left to force overtime. Charlotte dominated the extra frame, and won their third in a row.

Minnesota at Cleveland - The Cavaliers got the win, but the 100-98 victory wasn’t enough to cover the spread. Collin Sexton scored 26 points for the Cavaliers, while Jarrett Allen added 23 points and 18 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell led the way for the Timberwolves, with 18 points in the loss.

New York at Chicago - The Knicks were right there late, but ran out of gas in the fourth quarter and lost the Bulls 110-102. New York was down by just three points heading into the fourth quarter, but Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen hit big shots down the stretch to increase the lead past the four point spread. We still like what the Knicks are doing, but they play so hard that back to back nights are tough for them.

Portland at Milwaukee - This was a rough game from the opening tip, as the Bucks scored 46 points in the first quarter in the 134-106 win over the Blazers. Milwaukee went 21-42 from the three point line, with five players making multiple shots from beyond the arc. When the Bucks are shooting like that no one can beat them.

Sacramento at New Orleans - De’Aaron Fox scored 17 straight points for the Kings in the final seven minutes, willing Sacramento to the 118-109 win. New Orleans had a 94-87 lead entering the final frame, but between Fox and some stellar defense, let Sacramento race past them for the victory. That loss has to sting with New Orleans fans. It does for this picker.

Phoenix at Dallas - We are officially starting to worry about the Mavericks. Yes, Phoenix is a solid team and yes, it took a Devin Booker three pointer with under two seconds left to get the win, but it shouldn’t have gotten to that point. The Mavericks desperately need to get Luca Doncic some more help, as they are squandering an MVP season from the 21 year old.

* Please note the Detroit at Denver game was cancelled because of Covid concerns.