Joshua Woolsey | January 20th, 2020
This month I have posted a 25-13-2 record for NBA picks and will be looking to bolster my bank account and win record as I hope the same for you. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a special day to remember all the sacrifices made throughout the years by people to help give us such fortunate lives. Without further ado, let’s get into some picks.
Pick Three, Three NBA Game Picks and Prediction for MLK Day
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies (-1.5)
The FedEx Forum will play host to a high-flying showcase of some of the NBA’s best young talent; this game will be full of highlights. The Pelicans are coming off of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where they put up 80 points in the first half. They came up short in the end but showed they could compete with the Western Conference’s best talent. Zion Williamson will make his much-anticipated debut on Wednesday, so it will be interesting to see how the team plays before his return. The Pelicans will want what the Grizzlies have, and that is a playoff position.
Ja Morant has been an absolute star with his ability to use the basketball, his ball fakes and passes are reminiscent of Magic Johnson. The Grizzlies have been on a tear lately winning, their last seven games and eight out of their last ten. Both of these teams are intriguing bets. The Pelicans are 8-1-1 against the spread, while Memphis is 7-2-1, so something has to give this game. The over is going to be enticing as well. The Pelicans have hit overs on their last ten games, while the Grizzlies have gone over six of their last ten. Look for the young stars to shine, but the Grizzlies continue their winning ways.
My Prediction: Memphis 128 – Pelicans 125
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets (-6.5)
The confident young Thunder team will look to grab another W when they play the Rockets in the Toyota Center. The Rockets are reeling and are on a three-game losing streak and have lost five out of their last ten. Oklahoma City has had some up and down games as of late winning six of their last ten, but have remained gritty and competitive throughout. The game will feature some of the top guards in the game.
James Harden leads the league with 37.1 points per game, but the Rockets as a team only average 118 per game. Russel Westbrook averages 25.1 PPG. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a stud for the Thunder averaging 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. The Thunder have been good against the spread in their last ten games winning seven of their last ten, and the Rockets have won only four of their previous ten against the spread. The Thunder have hit the over on seven of their last ten, while the Rockets have only achieved four wins out of ten. Sharp money is with the Thunder, and I agree, look for the Thunder to play better team basketball, but the Rockets will get it together for a late victory.
My Prediction: Rockets 118 – Thunder 114
Los Angeles Lakers (-1.5) vs. Boston Celtics
In a matchup of two of the greatest franchises in NBA history, the Lakers will look to continue their winning ways. The Lakers travel into TD Garden Arena hoping to continue their assault on the league. The Lakers come in winners of nine of their last ten. In the only game they lost, against the Orlando Magic, they were flat and made a furious come back late. They have double-digit wins against OKC, Dallas, and Cleveland in their last five games. The Celtics, on the other hand, have struggled of late, winners of only four of their last ten. They destroyed the Pelicans, who have been on fire as of late but have lost to Phoenix, Milwaukee, and even Detroit in their previous five games.
LeBron James, with a lot of help from his deep bench, has helped carry the team without their star Anthony Davis who will be out again Monday with a back-side injury. The Celtics will be hopeful the questionable Kemba Walker will be healthy for the Monday night matchup with a knee injury. Marcus Smart will be looking to build off a Celtics record where he nailed 11 threes against the Suns and put up 37 points. The Lakers have won six out of ten against the spread, while Boston has only won four of their last ten. Both teams have hit the over in six of their last ten. Look for Boston to play a gritty game and lead for a good portion of the first half, but in the second half, the “showtime” Lakers will take over.
My Prediction: Lakers 118 – Celtics 107
Money Line Madness
I like to put small quantities of money on about five games in the hopes of making big money. On Monday, I love the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. Enjoy your MLK Day, and good luck!
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