January 4, 2021 Picks:

College Basketball:

#9 West Virginia (-2) at Oklahoma State - This is the only game in College Basketball on Monday featuring a ranked team. Both the Mountaineers and the Cowboys are coming off of tough games, with West Virginia losing on Saturday to Oklahoma 75-71, while Oklahoma State needed overtime to beat the #13 Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Mountaineers have struggled since conference play started and they need this win more than the Cowboys. Bob Huggins will have West Virginia ready to go and their defense will suffocate Oklahoma State in this one. Pick: West Virginia 75 OK State 63

NBA:

Cleveland at Orlando (-5) - Both of these teams are a surprising 4-2 to start the year. Collin Sexton has played out of his mind for the Cavaliers, while Orlando has done it with a balanced approach. You don’t know who is going to lead the Magic in scoring from game to game. That balance will help the Magic win and cover in this one. Pick: Orlando 112 Cleveland 105

Charlotte at Philadelphia (-9) - These two teams played two nights ago with the 76ers winning by 15. This was on the heels of the Hornets losing to Memphis by 15. The trend continues. Pick: Philadelphia 121 Charlotte 106

New York at Atlanta (-6.5) - These were two of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference last year. So far this season, the Knicks are 3-3 while the Hawks are 4-2. Surprising starts for both, but the Hawks are more legitimate than the Knicks. Atlanta keeps the momentum going and knocks off New York by double digits. Pick: Atlanta 119 New York 107

Oklahoma City at Miami (-9) - Both teams have a 2-3 record to start the season. That isn’t surprising for the Thunder, but it is for a Miami squad that made the finals last year. Jimmy Butler should be at full strength for the Heat, but that still won’t be enough for them to cover. Miami wins, but by less than the nine they are giving. Pick: Miami 106 Oklahoma City 101

Boston at Toronto (-4) - The Celtics haven’t played great but are 4-3. The Raptors have played worse and are 1-4. This was supposed to be a showdown between top four teams in the East, but neither team is playing like it. I do expect both teams to be there when the season ends, but for right now it has to be considered a disappointment. With Boston coming off a back to back, the Raptors will take this and cover. Pick: Toronto 113 Boston 106

Dallas at Houston (-3) - The Mavericks are coming off a back to back and Doncic is still out with an ankle injury. That is a recipe for disaster for a Dallas team that thrives off of Luca’s playmaking skills. Even if Harden isn’t 100% (or doesn’t play) the Rockets supporting cast is better and should cover the three points. Pick: Houston 127 Dallas 115

Detroit at Milwaukee (-15.5) - Milwaukee is currently shooting opponents out of the gym. The Bucks have been on fire from three recently and that won’t change today. With Detroit coming off a hard fought loss to the Celtics, this game could get out of hand in a hurry. Pick: Milwaukee 136 Detroit 111

Indiana at New Orleans (-1.5) - Victor Oladipo has been looking like his former all-star self this season. That is good news for a Pacers team that desperately needs his creativity with the ball. The Pelicans have gotten off to a good start this season, with Zion looking even better than anticipated. That being said, the Pacers get a road win here and Oladipo has a big game. Pick: Pacers 123 Pelicans 117

Sacramento (-2.5) at Golden State -Stephen Curry was in the zone yesterday. That won’t cool off today. While we don’t think he will go for 62 again, he will have a big enough impact to lead the Warriors to a win over the Kings. Pick: Golden State 116 Sacramento 111

Happy picking everyone!