Hey all,
I wanted to start a thread to track my NBA picks and have a place to put my write-ups. I'm not here to tell you all to play my picks and brag about my insane winning percentage. I have had success betting the NBA in the past and only hope to have success this year. I don't follow any 'formula' or 'chase' system. I simply look at each game and research as much as I can to decide if I think there is a good play. Rather then just posting my picks I am going to try and give reasoning behind each of my picks so you can decide on your own if you'd like to make the same play. Just consider this another resource of the many I'm sure you have.
Also, consider all of my plays equal units unless noted otherwise.
Here are my picks for the 11/10/12 NBA games:
OVER 201 Phoenix at Utah (-110)
This should be a very up-tempo game between Phoenix and Utah. Phoenix is averaging 99ppg while giving up an average of 105ppg. They always push the tempo, but the key here is that Utah is picking up their offensive pace this year. Last year Utah had a pace of 91.4 on average. This year their pace is up to 94.3 as they are trying to run a little bit more. Losing Steve Nash hasn't slowed down the pace of Phoenix so far this year. Their pace is at 95.6 vs 92.6 last season. Between the 3 games these teams played each other last season the average total was 210.33. As long as both teams shoot over 40% I am pretty confident that their increased pace this year will push the game over 201.
PORTLAND +3 vs San Antonio (-110)
The public is heavily on San Antonio in this game. I will gladly fade the public in this game and take Portland +3. Portland has a lot going for them in this game. They are the more rested team as they are playing with a days rest in the middle of a homestand while San Antonio is on a back-to-back. Portland has also won 8 consecutive games at home verses San Antonio straight up. To make matters even worse for the Spurs they have several players battling illness including Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Take the points although I think that Portland may win outright.
OVER 203 Denver at Golden State (-110)
Last year these teams went over 203 each of the three times they played. They totaled 207, 209, and 210 in their last three contests head-to-head. I see no reason that the trend will stop as both teams are playing with increased pace this season compared to last. Denver has gone from 94.2 to 94.6 (somewhat even) while Golden State has gone from 92.3 to 95.8. I don't expect Golden State to slow down any with Andrew Bogut being out and with them being at home. Take the over.