Welcome to another edition of Cap’n Kielar’s Best Bets! I have been rolling pretty well to start off, so if you have been trailing me you have been able to win some cash. Let’s get into today’s picks on this Thursday!
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Overall record: 7-5
Minnesota vs. Purdue (+3.5)
Purdue comes in winning six of their last eight, including a big win over Ohio State and this same Minnesota team. In their previous win against the Golden Gophers, Purdue won handily, 81-62, even without their second-leading scorer and top three-point shooter in Sasha Stefanovic. The Boilermakers are 9-7-1 ATS this season and 5-4 ATS as at least a 2.5-point underdog. Purdue won’t beat Minnesota as badly as last time, but they will cover and could win again.
Washington vs. USC (-11.5)
USC is coming off a big 66-48 win over UCLA on Saturday and they are 11-7 ATS this season. Meanwhile, Washington is 6-11 ATS and have lost 11 games by double digits. The last time these teams met, on January 14, the Trojans destroyed the Huskies 95-68 on 50.8 percent shooting. It may not be as lopsided, but USC could still cover.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (-5.5)
The last time these two teams met, last Thursday, the Blazers ousted Philadelphia 121-105. But the 76ers were down Ben Simmons, while the Trail Blazers are still down both CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic. Philadelphia is 13-0 when their full starting five is available and look to continue this streak. Joel Embiid was the one positive from the first matchup, as he went 14-21 from the field with 37 points against Enes Kanter. With him and Simmons on the floor, the 76ers should roll in this one.
Damian Lillard Over 4.5 Three-Pointers
Lillard has shot very well this season from behind the arc at a 38.9 percent clip. He has hit at least five threes in half of his games (11 of 22). With Portland relying heavily on three-pointers and most likely playing from behind, it will be Dame Time as he hits this mark again.
Joel Embiid Under 30.5 points
With Simmons back, I can’t see Embiid getting the same scoring opportunities as the first game against Portland. He will still dominate, and will just miss getting over the 30 point mark. He is averaging 29.1 PPG (fourth in the NBA) but is due for a lighter scoring game. He put up 25 points against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
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