January 18, 2021 Picks:

College Basketball:

St. Johns at #25 UConn (-7.5) - Both of these teams have seven wins. St. Johns has played six more games than UConn, their record is an even 7-7, while the Huskies sit at 7-1. UConn has won four games in a row but it hasn’t been against the best competition. We like the Red Storm to not only cover, but win in this one. Pick: St Johns 77 UConn 72

Florida State at #16 Louisville (-2) - Louisville is coming off their first loss in conference play, and now face a Seminole team that is looking to crack the top 25. This is another game where we are picking the underdog to win outright, as Florida State will bother Louisville with their length and will get the win. Pick: Florida State 76 Louisville 67

#6 Kansas at #2 Baylor (-8.5) - The game of the day in College Basketball. We have been waiting awhile for these two Big 12 foes to duke it out, and we won’t be disappointed. We picked Baylor to lose their last game against Texas Tech and we were wrong. In this one we are picking the Bears to win, but not cover. Pick: Baylor 84 Kansas 81

NBA:

Orlando (-2) at New York - We know the Knicks played yesterday and we usually don’t like picking teams on the second day of back to backs. With that being said the Magic are still winless without Markelle Fultz. We don’t think that will change today. Pick: New York 113 Orlando 105

Minnesota at Atlanta (-7.5) - Karl-Anthony Towns is still out for the Timberwolves, who now head to Atlanta to face Trae Young and the Hawks. Atlanta has lost four out of their last five games, but they will get back in the win column here. Minnesota doesn’t have an answer for Young, who will have a huge game in the victory. Pick: Atlanta 126 Minnesota 112

Detroit at Miami (-5.5) - These two teams played two days ago with the Pistons winning 120-100. The Heat will be out for revenge in this game. Jimmy Butler is still out but Bam Adebayo is back for Miami, and we believe that will be enough to get them over the hump. Pick: Miami 118 Detroit 107

San Antonio (-2) at Portland - The Blazers will be without CJ McCollum, who sprained his foot in their last game. Portland still has Damian Lillard though, and that is enough for us. Even without McCollum, it is surprising that the Blazers are the underdog here. Give us the points as we pick Portland to win. Pick: Portland 115 San Antonio 110

Phoenix (-4.5) at Memphis - Phoenix is itching to get back on the court. It has been a week since the Suns last played a game, so they will be well rested against a Memphis team that has won four games in a row. We predict that streak will end today, with Phoenix doing just enough to cover the spread. Pick: Phoenix 112 Memphis 106

Milwaukee (-2) at Brooklyn - An early test for the new look Nets, as the Bucks come to town for what could be an Eastern Conference Finals preview. This is the smallest point spread we have seen for any Milwaukee game this year, so the oddsmakers obviously think highly of Brooklyn. We say that Milwaukee will win a high scoring affair, but it will be an entertaining game. Pick: Milwaukee 128 Brooklyn 123

Dallas at Toronto (-5) - Dallas is coming off a dud of a performance against Chicago yesterday, and now plays a Raptors team that is starting to find its footing. Toronto has won two in a row since their 2-8 start, but don’t expect it to get to three today. We like Luca and the Mavericks to make up for their loss yesterday and take home the victory against Toronto. Pick: Dallas 123 Toronto 111

Houston (-2) at Chicago - Another team playing the second day of back to back games, Chicago looks to keep the momentum going from their big win against the Mavericks yesterday. Victor Oladipo is expected to play in his first game for Houston, and him and Christian Wood will be an exciting pairing. We like the Rockets to come alive in the second half as Chicago gets a little sluggish, and take home the win. Pick: Houston 117 Chicago 104

Golden State at Los Angeles Lakers (-8.5) - The Lakers have won five games in a row, and now face in-state rival Golden State at the Staples Center. Stephen Curry will have a big game for the Warriors, but he won’t have enough help as the Lakers make it six in a row with a victory today. Pick: Los Angeles Lakers 124 Golden State 112

Happy picking everyone!