January 25, 2021 Results:

What we got right:

College Basketball:

Syracuse at #13 Virginia - Virginia held another opponent to under 60 points, defeating Syracuse 81-58 on Monday night. Virginia held Syracuse to 37% from the field and only five made three point baskets. That is getting it done on the defensive end. The Cavaliers won their seventh straight game and stay undefeated in the ACC, while Syracuse drops to 3-4 in the conference.

#12 Texas Tech at #14 West Virginia - These two teams are so evenly matched that you knew it was going to go down to the wire. Even though West Virginia won, they didn’t cover the 1.5 spread, winning 88-87. We thought the Red Raiders were going to make the plays down the stretch, but it was Miles McBride for West Virginia that scored with six second left for the win.

NBA:

Toronto at Indiana - The Pacers got a career high 36 points from Malcom Brogdon and 21 points from Myles Turner in the 129-114 win over the Raptors. This was a one point game entering the fourth quarter, but Turner scored 11 of his 21 points in the final frame to seal the win for Indiana. The Pacers did lose All-Star Domantis Sabonis in the first quarter to a knee injury. They are already thin on the front line, so they need Sabonis to return soon.

Miami at Brooklyn - That is the defensive effort we were looking for Brooklyn! The Nets stymied the Heat, winning 98-85. James Harden and Kevin Durant both scored 20 points for the Nets, but this game was won on the defensive end. Yes Miami was short handed again, but Brooklyn will take a good defensive effort any way they can. It won’t happen often this season.

Denver at Dallas - In a battle between the two best international players in the NBA, it was Michael Porter Jr. who stole the show in leading the Nuggets to the 117-113 win over the Mavericks. Porter Jr. scored 30 points and drained a three pointer with 40 seconds left that put Denver up by seven. Yes, Doncic did have another triple double for Dallas, but it wasn’t enough to get the win.

Boston at Chicago - Welcome back Jayson Tatum! Tatum scored 24 points after missing two weeks because of Covid protocols, and Jaylen Brown added 26 in the 119-103 win over the Bulls. Boston has played its best basketball of the season the last two games, and looks to continue their hot play against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

Golden State at Minnesota - Stephen Curry scored 36 points as the Warriors dominated the hapless Timberwolves 130-108. With the win, Golden State moves back over .500 with a record of 9-8, while Minnesota drops to 4-12. The Timberwolves didn’t look ready to play in this game, as the Warriors jumped out to a big lead and never looked back.

What we got wrong:

College Basketball:

Nothing. We went 2-0.

NBA:

Philadelphia at Detroit - Joel Embiid didn’t play in this one, which was a big reason why the Pistons won the game. Another reason was Ben Simmons didn’t look to shoot the ball. Despite not having Embiid, Simmons only took nine shots in this game. Simmons needs to take over when Embiid isn’t playing, and he didn’t do it here. Delon Wright scored a career high 28 points in the 119-104 victory for the Pistons, who improved to 4-13 on the season.

Charlotte at Orlando - Nikola Vucevic scored 28 points in leading the Magic to a 117-108 win over the Hornets. Cole Anthony chipped in with a career high 21 points in his most efficient game as a pro. If Anthony continues to gain more confidence and play like he did in this game, the Magic have a shot at the playoffs. We didn’t think that was possible after Markelle Fultz tore his ACL, but continue to prove us wrong Cole.

Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland - LeBron James scored 46 points in his return to Cleveland as the Lakers beat the Cavaliers 115-108. Los Angeles stayed perfect on the road in this one but it was a tight game late. That is when LeBron took over, scoring 23 of his 46 in the fourth quarter in leading the Lakers to victory. Andre Drummond had another huge game for Cleveland with 25 points and 17 rebounds.

Oklahoma City at Portland - The Thunder struggle to score, but the Blazers can’t stop anyone. In the end it was Portland’s defensive woes that reared its ugly head as Oklahoma City got the 125-122 win in Portland. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 24 points, but he got some help in this one Mike Muscala scored 23 and Darius Bazley added 19. Damian Lillard scored 26 points in the loss for Portland, but it wasn’t enough.

* Please note the San Antonio - New Orleans game was cancelled due to Covid concerns.