NBA 6-Pack of Picks and Analysis
by Dave D
New Jersey Nets
The new-look Bulls head to New Jersey. The Nets are one of the worst home teams in the NBA, which mean the Bulls might not struggle so much on the road as they typically do.
The Nets have dominated this series of late, winning and covering in four of the last five meetings in New Jersey. But the two teams have been opposites of late.
The Nets have won and covered just once in their last six games while the Bulls have won eight of their last 12 games. The Bulls are 10-2-1 against the spread in their last 13.
Pick: Bulls +2
Orlando Magic @ New York Knicks
Knicks in a matchup they would normally dominate if they were at full strength.
As a road favorite of three points or less, the Magic are 4-1 both straight up and against the spread this season. In a game where the total is 210 or greater, the Magic are 5-1 both straight up and against the spread.
The Magic are an excellent three-point shooting team, which is why they can trade baskets with the Knicks. Look for them to cover and win on the road tonight.
Pick: Magic -2
New Orleans Hornets
NBA betting sharps want to trust the New Orleans Hornets but this is clearly not the same team as last season. The Hornets have been a favorite of 6.5 to nine points five times this season and they have won just three of those five contests.
The Pistons are atrocious right now but keep in mind that the Hornets have lost at home to Sacramento and Atlanta this season, so 8.5 may be a lot for them to cover. Even so, the Pistons have covered just twice in their last 12 games so there is no way to invest your money in them.
Pick: Hornets -8.5
Utah Jazz @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Basketball betting fans should take note of how well the Utah Jazz have played of late. Even though they are currently the eighth seed in the West, most sports betting handicappers know that they have dealt with injuries all season long and haven’t been able to ride any momentum until now.
But their roster is intact now and the Jazz are rolling. They have won and covered the spread in eight of nine games in February and recently were boosted by the return of Carlos Boozer. Look for the Jazz to keep up their strong play against a hapless Timberwolves team that is still adjusting to life after Al Jefferson.
Pick: Jazz -6.5
Milwaukee Bucks @ Dallas Mavericks
Sports betting handicappers were very disappointed on Tuesday night when the San Antonio Spurs but they will get a chance to rebound on Wednesday.
The key with the Mavericks is that they are just 11-14 against teams with a winning record but are 22-9 against teams below .500. The Bucks are the latter and the Bucks don’t travel well either.
The Mavericks are 8-0 as a home favorite of 6.5 to nine points. Look for that streak to stay intact.
Pick: Mavericks -8
Atlanta Hawks @ Denver Nuggets
The Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks will be without Mike Bibby, who has the flu, and Josh Smith, who will miss the game due to a personal matter.
The Nuggets are 7-0 as a home favorite of 6.5 to nine points this season and after back-to-back embarrassing losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, look for the Nuggets to bounce back with a big win on Wednesday.
Pick: Nuggets -8
