We didn’t have many games yesterday, but we still did well with a 3-1 record. We need to have a good record when we have 11 games, like today! So here we go!

NBA:

Atlanta (-6.5) at Detroit:

Detroit won their opening game against Orlando, and has since lost four in a row. Atlanta had a slip up against Charlotte, but still has a solid record. These two teams played two days ago in Detroit and Atlanta won by five. We think it will be by more than seven today. Pick: Atlanta 123 Detroit 114

Charlotte (-2) at Orlando:

This is as good a chance as any for the Magic to get their first win of the season. They have played four straight games against teams that will probably make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, and has nothing to show for it. We like Orlando to get in the win column for the first time this year, behind another big game from rookie Paolo Banchero. Pick: Orlando 117 Charlotte 110

Cleveland at Boston (-6.5):

Both of these teams come in with identical 3-1 records, and right now the Cavaliers are playing better. They have won three in a row since losing their opener to Toronto. Even though Darius Garland won’t be playing in this one, we like Donovan Mitchell and Cleveland to keep this game close. Not win, but cover. Pick: Boston 124 Cleveland 120

Philadelphia (-1.5) at Toronto:

Another matchup between teams that played two nights ago, we like the game to be flipped today. Toronto beat Philadelphia 119-109 on Wednesday in Toronto. We think the 76ers have too much talent to start the year 1-5. Give us Philadelphia to cover today. Pick: Philadelphia 118 Toronto 112

Indiana at Washington (-5):

These two teams played in the opener and the Wizards got a seven point win in Indiana. Now they are playing at home and are only a five point favorite. We get that history doesn’t mean everything, but common sense says this line should be closer to eight. That is what we are going with tonight. Pick: Washington 124 Indiana 116

New York at Milwaukee (-5.5):

Now that Portland lost, Milwaukee is the final undefeated team in the NBA. They are playing a Knicks team that has won three games in a row themselves. The thing with Milwaukee is they haven’t looked overly impressive in their first three games. We like that to change today and a double digit win against a talented Knicks team. Pick: Milwaukee 120 New York 102

Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota (-7.5):

How far have the Lakers fallen? Minnesota has looked uninspiring these first couple weeks of the season, and are a big favorite tonight. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook are all listed as day to day on the injury report, although we do expect two of them to play. We can’t justify picking the Lakers over anyone right now. Give us the Timberwolves. Pick: Minnesota 127 Los Angeles Lakers 112

Chicago (-4.5) at San Antonio:

Chicago has rattled off two straight wins, including a big win over the Celtics on Monday. The Spurs are coming off a double digit loss to the Timberwolves. We know this game is in San Antonio, but we still like the Bulls to cover the spread in this one. Pick: Chicago 117 San Antonio 106

Utah at Denver (-8.5):

This game is a rematch of the opener, a surprise win by the Jazz. Utah dominated that game from start to finish, but we don’t think that will be the case today. Denver will win this game, but Utah will cover the spread. which is about three points too high. Pick: Denver 121 Utah 115

New Orleans at Phoenix (-7):

Brandon Ingram is out, and who knows how healthy Zion Williamson is. We thought that would matter in New Orleans last game against Dallas, but they pulled off the two point win. Phoenix has looked really good in their last two games, with 20+ point wins against the Clippers and Warriors. Give us the Suns to cover. Pick: Phoenix 125 New Orleans 112

Houston at Portland (-4):

Damian Lillard is missing this game for the Blazers, and against most teams that would be a guaranteed loss. The Rockets aren’t most teams, as they are just 1-4. With Lillard out, expect a huge game from Anfernee Simons. Give us the Blazers to defend their home court and walk out of the Moda Center with the win. Pick: Portland 112 Houston 103

Happy picking everyone!