NBA Point Spread Predictions January 31st, 2016

After giving me an undeserved cover on Wednesday the Pistons gave me a bad beat last night when they came back from 16 points down in the 4th quarter to cover against the Raptors. The loss lowered my record to 59-52-2 with winnings of $280. The underdogs ruled yesterday with the only favorite to cover being the Grizzlies. I have two potential blowouts on tap for today using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks had their first double digit win of 2016 Friday against the hapless Nets while the Suns have lost 18 or 20 with 11 double digit losses. 11½ is a lot of points to give with the aged Mavericks but given the current disarray of the Suns I like my chances so give me the Mavericks.

Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
These 2 teams met Friday in Boston and I correctly predicted a Celtics win. The only things that have changed sine then is the game is in Orlando and the Celtics are giving 4½ instead of 8. I don't know if the Celtics will win by 19 again but I like their chances to continue their 5 game win streak (all by 9 or more points) and continue the Magic's woes (11 of 12 losses). Give me the Celtics and lay the 4½.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 30th, 2016

I had another win yesterday with the Celtics easy cover against the Magic to bump my winnings to $390 with a 59-51-2 record. I may pick the Spurs-Cavaliers game in the comments but for now I have one pick using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Detroit Pistons at Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are on a 10 game winning streak with the last 4 wins by 10 or more points including blowouts over the Heat and Clippers. Tonight the Raptors host the Pistons who lost last night at home against Cleveland. Even though it is only a 230 mile flight from Detroit to Toronto the trip is made longer by having to go through customs. The Pistons have had some impressive wins on the second half of back to backs (118-96 vs the Pacers and 116-105 vs the Rockets) but those have come at home while the Pistons have lost to the Lakers and Hornets on the second half of back to back games on the road. I look for the Raptors to get a double digit win and will give Detroit the 7.5 points.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 29th, 2016

After correctly picking the blowout wins by the Grizzlies and Bulls yesterday my record has improved to 58-51-2 with season winnings of $290. The line the Clippers-Lakers game has not been published so I may pick that one in the comments later today. Meanwhile I have one prediction using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
The Celtics have 4 straight wins of 8 or more points and have won 7 of 9. Meanwhile the Magic have lost 11 of 12 with the only win coming against the hapless Nets. I take pause in the fact that 2 of the Magic's last 4 losses have come in over time and when these 2 teams met on November 29th the Magic won by 9 but November 29th was a long time ago so give me the Celtics and lay the 8 points.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 28th, 2016

I returned to my winning ways by going 2-0 on yesterday's predictions. Many thanks to the Warriors predictable blowout of the Mavericks and a layup with 12 seconds left by my new favorite player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope of the Pistons to get the 12 point cover of the 76ers. I now have season winnings of $90 with a record of 56-51-2. The lines for the Knicks, Lakers, and Kings games aren't out yet so there may be a pick in the comments later. For now I have one pick using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Milwaukee Bucks at Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are as healthy as they've been all year and have won 7 of 9. The Bucks have won 4 of 6 in what has been a disappointing season. The Bucks athleticism makes a good matchup against the plodding Grizzlies but give me the Grizzlies and I'll lay the 5 points.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 27th, 2016

My losing streak continued when the Lakers covered against the Mavericks to drop my record to 54-51-2 and my losses to $110. Tonights schedule looks to have a lot of mismatches and I will be making my picks as usual against the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons
The 76ers won their 7th game of the season at home against the disintegrating Phoenix Suns last night and now find themselves at Detroit where the Pistons are back home after a 4 game road trip. The Pistons have a good blowout percentage against bad teams at home and I like them to overwhelm the 76ers and will give the 12 points.

Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are favored by 15½ points. 15½ points is an awful lot to give but it is only half the margin the Warriors beat the Spurs by on Monday. Throw in the fact that the Mavericks played last night and there may be a payback motive at play for the Warriors to avenge one of their few losses this year and the 15½ seems like a bargain so give me the Warriors.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 26th, 2016

Yesterday was a gross 0-3 result as the Bulls and Kings squandered huge leads and lost while the Spurs never had a chance against the Warriors. My winnings have evaporated and I am now even for the season with a record of 54-50-2. In an attempt to return to my winning ways I will get back to basics which in my case means looking for blowout opportunities by picking playoff teams against non- playoff teams. As usual I will make my picks using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have lost 6 in a row by double digits. The Mavericks have lost 2 in a row and should be desparate to get this win with a game at the Warriors tomorrow. Give me Dallas laying the 7.5 points.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 25th, 2016

My lone pick was a huge loss as the Thunder suffered a shocking 10 point loss to the Nets. This was a game that the Warriors or Spurs would have won handily and shows to me why the Thunder cannot be considered legitimate title contenders despite their talented roster. The loss brings my record to 54-47-2 with winnings of $330. There are a number of attractive games from tonights fairly full slate and as usual I will make my picks using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls
The Bulls had a big nationally televised win over the Cavaliers on Saturday and are now home to take on a injury plagued Miami Heat team. This is a big game for the Bulls before they head to the West Coast for a long road trip. Miami has lost four in a row by at least 12 points with 3 of the losses by 25 points. I expect the Heat's misery to continue and will take the Bulls giving the 7.5 points.

San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors
I feel this matchup between the last 2 NBA champions is more important to the Warriors than the Spurs (who will be sitting Tim Duncan for the game). Both teams have routinely blown out their competition this season. Normally I would take the Warriors but the chance to get 5 points with a team with a 38-6 record that hasn't lost since Christmas is too much for me to resist so give me the Spurs and the 5 points.

Charlotte Hornets at Sacramento Kings
This game features the hottest players in the league in the Hornet's Kemba Walker and the King's DeMarcus Cousins. The Hornets are decimated by injuries and I like Kings guard Rajon Rondo to at least slow down Walker. Give me the Kings (who are below .500 but on a 5 game winning streak) and lay the 6.5 points.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 24th, 2016

The Bulls-Cavaliers game last night was my biggest miss of the season so far. I predicted the Cavs to cover 10.5 points and they lost by 13. Luckily the Lakers bailed my out by failing to cover against the Trailblazers in yet another blowout loss. The split lowers my winnings to $440 on a 54-46-2 record. There are only 4 games on the docket to compete with the NFL Conference championships and I have one pick using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Brooklyn Nets
The Thunder haven't covered on the road since January 2nd, yet are 13.5 point favorites against the Nets. Why? Possibly because the Nets have lost 5 straight by at least 12 points. I normally don't like road teams in early games (this tilt has a 3:30 local start) but the Thunder arrived in New York yesterday morning in order to beat the blizzard and probably weren't able to sample the New York nightlife with the city snowed in. So I'll make an exception in this case and pick the Thunder to cover the 13.5 points.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 23rd, 2016

I hit on the Jazz blowout of the Nets but only split my 2 picks when the Warriors missed the cover over the Pacers by 1 point. With head coach Steve Kerr on the bench the Warriors may have closer games that won't justify giving away so many points. The split brought my season record to 53-45-2 for winnings of $450. The big news in the NBA yesterday was the firing of Cavaliers coach David Blatt. This is a strategy used very successfully in the past by hockey's New Jersey Devils but I don't expect the Cavaliers to suddenly become better than the Warriors and Spurs. Despite the east coast snowstorm playing havoc with the NBA schedule I have two picks tonight as usual using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
I don't expect new Cavaliers coach Tyronne Lue to have a tremendous impact but I do expect a short term 'Hawthorne effect' from the coaching change and expect a big effort for a national television audience. The Bulls are talented enough to beat anyone any night and could not only cover but win in Cleveland. Having said that, the Bulls are on the second night of a back to back which has been a poor situation for them this season. Give me the Cavaliers laying the 10.5 points.

Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trailbazers
The Lakers held the Spurs to a 13 point win last night at home, covering the 14.5 point spread and find themselves playing in Portland for Kobe Bryant's last game in Portland. The Blazers have had 2 nights off and I think their backcourt of Lillard and McCollum will shine tonight, especially with Lakers on a back to back. As much as I hate laying points with sub .500 teams give me the Blazers and I will give the 10.5 points to Western Conference cellar dwelling Lakers.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 22nd, 2016

Yesterday's 2 picks split. The Spurs easily covered while the Hawks missed the cover against the resurgent Kings by 2 points. My winnings dropped $10 to $460 on a 52-44-2 record. I have two picks from tonight's slate and as usual will use the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Utah Jazz at New Jersey Nets
The Jazz have started their current road trip with 2 straight overtime losses but have had 2 nights in New York after Wednesday's loss to the Knicks. The Nets have lost 4 straight by 10 or more points. Assuming the Jazz haven't had too much of the New York nightlife I expect a fairly easy win and will happily give the 5.5 points to the hapless Nets.

Indiana Pacers at Golden State Warriors
The Pacers run and gun style matches up well with the league best Warriors but their talent does not. The Warriors have struggled to cover at home over the last month but I think their confidence will be at a peak after their road blowout wins over the Cavaliers and Bulls so I will take the Warriors and give the 13 points.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 21st, 2016

My hot streak continued as both the Warriors and Kings easily covered to boost my record to 51-43-2 and my winnings to $470. Tonight's slate of games are quite challenging. I would normally like the Pistons over the Pelicans and the Cavaliers over the Clippers except both the teams I would pick played last night while the Clippers and Pelicans should be rested. I have found two games to pick and as usual will use the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns
The Spurs have won by 15 or more points 7 times during their current 11 game winning streak. The Suns have lost 14 of 15 with six of the losses by 15 or more. On the surface the 14 points the Spurs are giving seem like a lot but I believe there is a better than 50% chance that the Spurs will win by more than 20 so give me the Spurs laying 14.

Atlanta Hawks at Sacramento Kings
Both teams played on the road last night. The Kings blew out the Lakers to take eighth place in the Western Conference while the Hawks managed to outlast the resurgent Trailblazers. I like the Hawks disciplined approach to take advantage of the erratic Kings an steal the victory so give me the road Hawks with one point as a bonus.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 20th, 2016

I lost my lone bet yesterday when the Thunder failed to hold their late cover against the Nuggets to break my 5 game win streak, drop my winnings to $270, and lower my record to 49-43-2. There are plenty of bettable games tonight and as usual I will make my computer assisted picks using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls
After the Warrior's 30 point win over the Cavaliers on Monday I expected this line to be a lot more than 6.5. I suspect the low number is due to the likelihood of a Warrior letdown combined with their traditional woes in Chicago where they have lost 8 of 10. I think the Warriors will be energized by their big win on Monday and expect them to take care of business so give me the Warriors and give Chicago the 6 and a half points.

Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Lakers
The Kings head to Los Angeles with four days off and a 2 game winning streak. The Lakers have lost their last 3 games by double digits. When these teams met in Sacramento 2 weeks ago the Kings won but did not cover. I expect this game to be a different story and the Kings to dominate so give me the Kings and lay the 6 and a half.

NBA Point Spread Predictions January 19th, 2016

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a great holiday for me as I went 3-0, correctly predicting the cover by the Hawks, the win by the underdog Warriors, and got a dose of luck when the Mavericks rebounded from blowing a 15 point lead to beat the Celtics in overtime. Another lucky break came with the Knicks line came out too late for me to get a bet on which would have been a loser since the Knicks didn't cover. Yesterday's sweep brings my record to 49-42-2 with winnings of $380. I don't care much for any of the four games on tonight's schedule but I will try to ride my hot streak for one more day using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets
The Thunder have been blowing teams out at home and failing to cover on the road. The Nuggets are very inconsistent with wins over the Warriors and Pacers sandwiched around an inexplicable loss to the Miami Heat that was missing their starting backcourt. The teams that give the Thunder the most trouble have strength at the center or guard positions. Nuggets have neither so I will roll the dice and take the Thunder giving the 8.5 points.

Point Spread Predictions January 18th, 2016

I followed Saturday's 0-2 with a 2-0 mark yesterday as I correctly predicted home covers by the Timberwolves and Spurs. The sweep puts me $80 in the black with a 46-42-2 record. Today is Martin Luther King Day which is traditionally celebrated by the NBA with a full slate of nationally televised games from noon to midnight. Today also marks the halfway point of the NBA regular season. There are 1,230 NBA games in a season. 614 games had been played as of this morning. After today there will be more games played than remain. I would love to pick the Knicks over the 76ers but the line is not out due to the uncertain status of Knick all-star Carmelo Anthony. Luckily there are plenty of other games and as usual I'll be using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have been wildly inconsistent lately, beating the Bulls and Pistons at home while getting blown out by the Hornets on the road. The Magic have been consistently bad lately with 6 losses in their last 7 while being beset by injuries. The Magic will be without Victor Oladipo, one of their top scoring options for today's 5pm east coast game which is enough for me to take the Hawks and give the 8 points.

Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks
Normally I would never take an older team like the Mavericks on the second half of a back to back but as I surmised yesterday the Mavs used yesterday's blowout at the hands of the Spurs to rest their players with only forward Chandler Parsons playing more than 24 minutes. The Celtics are on a 3 game winning streak but I think the Mavericks will be the more desperate team and will take them and the 1 point.

Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Warriors head into tonight's marquee matchup coming off their worst game of the year, a 113-95 pasting at the hands of the Pistons despite having their full roster. I suspect the Warriors were looking past the Pistons to this game. The Cavaliers have won 9 of 10 and have 2 days rest but I can't resist getting points with the defending champions who also have a 37-4 record so give me the Warriors and the 3 points.

Point Spread Predictions January 17th, 2016

As I did not predict, the Pistons blew out the Warriors last night. I did not catch that Clippers center DeAndre Jordan was a late scratch until last nights game started when it was too late to back off the wager. The 0-2 disaster leaves me with a 44-42-2 record and $120 in losses. There are very few games on the slate today before tomorrow's full slate for Martin Luther King Day but there are a couple of games I like. As usual, my picks are using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Suns have lost 12 of 13 while the Timberwolves have lost 13 of 14. The difference between these two basement dwellers to me is that while the Suns are being blown out by the likes of the Lakers and 76ers, the Wolves have had single digit losses to higher quality teams like the Thunder, Mavericks, and Rockets. Both teams have to be thinking this is a game they can win but I'll go with the Wolves to get a rare home win and give the 3 and a half points.

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs
The Mavs are getting 11 and a half points and are normally so well coached that they can stay close to anyone. The Spurs have had two days off since their nationally televised win against the Cavaliers and will have 3 more days off after this game. I don't think the Spurs will suffer a letdown and will pick them and give the 11.5 to the Mavericks who may rest their players if the score gets out of hand with an eye to a winnable home game against the Celtics tomorrow.

Point Spread Predictions January 16th, 2016

Yesterday was 2-0 day as the Thunder throttled the Timberwolves and the Heat covered by one point against the Jazz despite missing their starting backcourt. My betting results are back in black at plus $100 on a 44-40-2 record. I am waiting for the line to be published on the Clippers-Kings game but have one pick in the meantime using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Golden State Warriors at Detroit Pistons
The Warriors head to Detroit to take on the Pistons with the line at 7. Golden State is not expected to rest any players for this game. The Pistons dynamic tandem of Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson can have monster games on any night and may pose matchup problems for the Warriors. The Spurs came to Detroit last week and won by 10 which makes me think 7 is too low so give me the Warriors laying the points.

Point Spread Predictions January 15th, 2016

Shame on me for not realizing that yesterday's Raptors-Magic game was in London. Nonetheless I came within a missed free throw of getting the push and was bailed out with a split by the Cavaliers late cover against the Spurs. My record is 42-40-2 with my losses increasing to $100. Today I have two games so far (more may come in the comments as the lines are set) using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder
These two teams played last week in Minnesota and the Thunder blew a big lead to hold on for a five point win. Tonight's nationally televised game is in Oklahoma City and I like the Thunder to pour it on for the home fans and the national audience. I'll take the Thunder and lay the 13.

Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets beat the Draymond Green-less Warriors at home Wednesday while the Heat have lost the first two games on their Western road trip to the Warriors and Clippers. I think the Heat ill be desparate for a win while the Nuggets will be lethargic after their big win so I will take the Heat and give the 2 points.

Point Spread Predictions January 14th, 2016

Yesterday was a disaster as the two favorites I picked (Hawks and Kings) both lost by double digits. I've gone from black to red with $90 in losses and my record is 41-39-2. I will pick two games from tonight's thin selection of games using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic
The Raptors have won 3 straight on the road and are in Orlando for an afternoon game against the Magic. The Magic are in a slump having lost 5 of 6. I like that the Raptors have had 4 days off and will take Toronto, giving the 4 points to the home Magic.

Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs.
Both of these teams have been playing great. The Cavs have won 8 in a row and the SPurs are on a 9 game winning streak. The game could easily be a Spurs blowout but I am going to pick the Cavaliers getting the 5.5 points. I think the Cavs will be able to keep the score tight, the nationally televised game should bring out more in LeBron James and Kyrie Irving than the laid back Spurs, and the Spurs have only played 2 games against elite teams this year (losing to the Thunder on opening night and beating the Clippers last month) so I think they may be a tad overrated despite their gaudy record.

Point Spread Predictions January 13th, 2016

I luckily got a split yesterday when the Carmelo-less Knicks covered against the Celtics to offset the Cavaliers failing to cover against the Mavericks.My season to date record stands at 41-37-2 with $130 on the plus side. I want to pick the Kings giving points to New Orleans but the line has not been published. I will put that pick in the comments later tonight if I want to make a play. Until then I have one pick from tonight's full slate using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets closed out their 0-4 road trip with a 3 point loss to Denver. This was their closest loss in their current 7 game losing streak. Meanwhile the Hawks appear to have righted the ship by beating the struggling Pelicans and Bulls after home and home losses to the surging Knicks. Both teams have had plenty of time off (2 days for the Hornets, 3 for the Hawks) but the Hornets are still dealing with too many injuries for me to believe they will be able to keep it close so give me the Hawks and lay the 2.5 to the Hornets.

Point Spread Predictions January 12th, 2016

The Warriors failure to cover against the the Heat yesterday dropped my winnings to $140 on a 40-36-2 record. I like two games on today's 9 game slate and there may be a third when the Rockets-Grizzlies line comes out.As always I am using the betting lines from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for my computer assisted picks for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Dallas Mavericks
The Cavaliers have won 7 straight, 6 by 10 or more points. The Mavericks have won 3 of 4 all against non-playoff teams. I look for the Cavaliers to get their Texas road trip started on the right foot with a big win and will lay the 5 and a half points.

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
The Celtics continued their losing ways in Memphis by losing a big lead to the Mike Conley-less Grizzlies while the Knicks are playing their best ball of the season with 4 of 5 win including road wins at Atlanta and Miami. I'll take the home Knicks tonight and give the 2 points to the Celtics.

Point Spread Predictions January 11th, 2016

The Clippers failed to cover yesterday's game with the Pelicans but I earned a split when the Grizzlies made a huge comeback to beat the struggling Celtics. The split brings my record to 40-35-2 with winnings of $250. There are only 3 games on tonight's schedule. I like the Spurs giving 14 to the Nets in Brooklyn except that the Spurs will likely rest players on the front end of the back to back and the Nets may get the 'dead cat bounce' after firing coach Lionel Hollins and GM Billy King. Instead I will head to the west coast to make my pick using the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page. As usual my picks are using computer assistance for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have won four straight by double digits while the Heat have split the first two games of their western road trip beating the Suns but only scoring 83 points against the Utah Jazz on Saturday. I expect the Heat to give their best effort against the defending champs but give me the Warriors laying the 13.5 points to the Heat anyway.

Point Spread Predictions January 10th, 2016

With the Clippers' cover against the Hornets on yesterday afternoons $200 wager I had no need for a 'catch up bet'. My winnings now stand at $260 with a 39-34-2 record. I really want to pick the Clippers at home against the Utah Jazz but the line has not been published yet. If I can make a play I will leave a comment before the 4:30 west coast start. Until then I will make one pick using the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page. As usual my picks are using computer assistance for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Boston Celtics at Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have won 4 of their last 6 while the Celtics have lost 4 or 5 including head scratching losses to the Nets and Lakers. Despite this the Celtics are 2 point favorites. The Grizzlies last played on Friday and the Celtics on Thursday but I don't think one extra day of rest will make much of a difference so I will take the Grizzlies and the two points on a straight $110 bet.

Point Spread Predictions January 9th, 2016

Yesterday was my fourth split in a row since my 3-0 on Monday with the Lakers handing me two losses with their covers against the Kings and Thunder. My record stands at 38-34-2 with $60 in winnings. I will stay on the west coast for today's pick and mix up the betting with a $220 wager to win $200 using the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page. As usual my picks are using computer assistance for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins unless otherwise stated.

Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers
I have picked the Clippers to cover twice during their 7 game winning streak and been rewarded twice. The Hornets are on 5 game skid (3 by double digits) including their most recent loss to the moribund Phoenix Suns. This is a 4:30 game on the west coast which should also favor the home team. I like the Clippers to cover the 7 points and as noted above will make this a double bet of $220 to win $200. If I lose this game I may put a 'catch up' bet in the comments using one of the night games.

Point Spread Predictions January 8th, 2016

I watched the Bulls cover against the Celtics and made a late call on the Kings to cover against the Lakers (having erroneously listed the Kings as the road team). I went to bed happy that the Kings had a 25 point lead in the third quarter and was stunned to wake up this morning to see the Lakers covered the spread. That unwelcome turn of events reduced my winnings to $70 and kept my record 4 games over .500 at 37-33-2. Tonight I will pick two of the best teams in the Western Conference using the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page and my picks are using computer assistance for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins for accounting purposes only.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers
While the Lakers may be enthused by their comeback yesterday I think the back to back games will take a lot out of them. Throw in the fact that the previous 2 meetings between these teams were 30 point wins by the Thunder makes me pick the Thunder and give the 13.5 points.

Golden State Warriors at Portland Trailblazerss
The Trailblazers have lost 3 of 4 all by 10 or more points heading into their first game of the season with the Warriors. The Warriors have had 2 days off and I like them on the road to cover the 9.5 points against the eager but undermanned Trailblazers.

Point Spread Predictions January 7th, 2016

I called the Clippers relatively easy win at Portland (aided by the Trailblazers gaffe in declaring top scorer C.J. McCollum ineligible for the game) but whiffed on the Pelicans being able to beat the Mavericks at home despite the Mavericks playing a double overtime game the night before and resting four starters in the game. The Pelicans are an unfathomable mess at the moment. The split makes my record 36-32-2 and lowered my winnings to $80. Tonight I have only one game from a meager slate but may have some extra action when the Kings-Lakers like comes out. As always the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page and my picks are using computer assistance for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins for accounting purposes only.

Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are on a five game winning streak and last played on Tuesday. The Celtics have lost 3 of 4 including defeats to the league tailenders Lakers and Nets. The Celtics also played last night, losing to Detroit at home. I expected the Bulls to be double digit favorites yet the line is only 5 points. I can only think the line is so low due to the Celtics beating the Bulls 110-105 on December 9th, That was then and this is now and the bulls have been very profitable for me as of late so I will take the Bulls and give the 5 points.

Point Spread Predictions January 6th, 2016

I hit on the Bulls cover yesterday but the Kings surprised me by covering against the Mavs despite not having Rajon Rondo. The split reduced my winnings to $90 an my record is still +4 at 35-31-2. Tonight I would pick the Heat against the Knicks except that Heat center Hassan Whiteside is having knee troubles. I still have two other games from today's full slate that I like. As always the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page and my picks are using computer assistance for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins for accounting purposes only.

Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans last played on Saturday at Dallas and beat the Mavericks by 7 points. The Mavericks have to be exhausted by yesterdays double overtime game win against the Kings. This looks like a schedule loss to me and I will take the home Pelicans and give the 4 points.

Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trailblazers
Portland has won 4 of 6 since their 0-5 road trip in December to put themselves on the edge of the Western Conference playoff race and host the Clippers, who have won 6 in a row. The Blazers won the last meeting against the Clippers in Portland by 11. That game was in November and was the tail end of a back to back for the Clippers. I like that the Clippers have had 3 days off and will pick them to continue their winning ways and give the 4 points to the Blazers.

Point Spread Predictions January 5th, 2016

Thanks to the Warrior's half point cover (see the comment in yesterday's post) along with the predicted blowouts by the Cavaliers and Spurs I had a 3-0 day yesterday to put the ledger back in black at $100 in winnings for my 34-30-2 record. There are only four games on the schedule and I like two of them and possibly a third but the Warriors-Lakers line is not posted yet so I'll put any additional picks in the comments. As always the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page and my picks are using computer assistance for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins.

Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls
This will be the first meeting for these two teams since last year's first round playoff series (won by the Bulls in six games). The Bulls are on a four game winning streak with one blowout while the Bucks were blown out at home against the Spurs to break their modest two game winning streak. The Bucks have a winning record on the second half of back to back games including their win over the Warriors and it is only a short trip from Milwaukee to Chicago but I will ride the Bulls hot streak until they give me a reason not to and take the Bulls laying the 7.5 points.

Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks
The Kings followed their embarrassing loss to the 76ers last Wednesday with a blowout win over the Suns on Saturday and an impressive win against the Durant-less Oklahoma City Thunder last night. Tonight the Kings are in Dallas to take on the Mavericks. The Mavericks have lost two straight including a home loss to the Pelicans on Saturday. Normally I would take the Kings because the Mavericks have trouble with talented frontcourt players like DeMarcus Cousins (who scored 31 points in the Kings 112-98 win over the Mavs at home back in November). In this case I like the Mavs having 2 days rest matched up against the Kings on a back to back so I will take the Mavs and give 5.5 points to the Kings.

Point Spread Predictions January 4th, 2016

I missed my lone pick yesterday when the Hawks not only didn't cover against the Knicks but got blown out. My record now stands at 31-30-2 with my losses at $200. I have two games on today's schedule for now but I may add a third pick in the comments once the Hornets-Warriors line is set. As always the betting lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins.

Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers
After a 115-113 home loss to the Bulls yesterday, the Raptors head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers. The Cavs have won three straight and with Kyrie Irving back in the lineup pose a tough matchhup for the Raptors especially on the tail end of a back to back. I'll take the Cavaliers and give the 8 points to the Raptors

San Antonio Spurs at Milwaukee Bucks
Since their Christmas loss to the Rockets the Spurs have won 4 straight with 3 blowouts and head to Milwaukee to play the Bucks who are returning home after winning at Indiana and Minnesota. Even though the Bucks have been playing better after a dismal start I don't see them being disciplined enough to match up with the Spurs. When these teams met in November the Spurs won by 15 at home. I don't think the change of venue will change the result and I'll take the Spurs giving 9 to host Milwaukee.

Point Spread Predictions January 3rd, 2016

I hit my two home favorites yesterday with the Cavaliers 25 point win over the Magic followed by the Clippers 31 point win over the hapless 76ers. My losses now stand at $90 to go with my 31-29-2 record. Only one game jumps out at me from today's meager slate of 5 games using computer assistance and the lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins.

Atlanta Hawks at new York Knicks
The Hawks have been off since Tuesday's overtime win at Houston and head to New York for an early afternoon tilt with the Knicks. The Knicks have lost 5 of 6 including a 19 point loss in Atlanta. The Hawks are 4.5 point favorites and this would normally be a no-brainer except that if the Hawks sampled the New York night life they may not be ready for the 2:30 game. I am hoping the Hawks have learned from last year's debacle where two of their players were arrested outside a New York nightclub with Thabo Sefalosha receiving a broken leg at the hands of New York's finest and will lay the 4.5 points on the road Hawks.

Point Spread Predictions January 2nd, 2016

I started 2016 by hitting on the Bulls easy cover of the Knicks to even my record at 29-29-2 and lower my losses to $290. Tonight I have 2 picks using using computer assistance and the lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins.

Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Magic head from yesterday's loss to the Wizards in Washington to Cleveland to face the well-rested Cavaliers. This will be the Cavaliers first game since ending their disappointing 2-2 road trip on Tuesday. Despite the Cavaliers penchant for not covering the spread lately even while winning I think this will be a schedule loss for the Magic. Give me the Cavaliers laying the 8.5 points.

Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Clippers
Last night the 76ers lost to the Lakers by 9 in the Staples Center and tonight will play the Clippers in the same building. The Clippers are finally home after their 5-0 road trip in which they lost all-star Blake Griffin to a leg injury. The 76ers have played much better of late and the Clippers tend to let poor teams hang around but I like the Clippers to feed off the home crowd and cover the 12.5 points.

Point Spread Predictions January 1st, 2016

I closed out 2015 by splitting my two picks with the Pistons blowing out the Timberwolves as predicted and the Pelicans failing to cover (or even win) against the Clippers who became the first team in many years to sweep a 5 game road trip. The split increased my losses to $390 and let my record 1 game under .500 at 28-29-2.I have one pick from today's thin slate using using computer assistance and the lines are from the Betonline.ag lines as listed on the Yahoo Sports page for entertainment purposes only with $110 wagered on each game taking $100 on my wins.

New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have seemingly come together with 3 wins in their last 4 games and will host the Knicks. When these teams met in New York on December 19th, the result was a 107-91 Knicks win and a public proclamation by Bulls' all-star guard Jimmy Butler that coach Fred Hoiberg was not tough enough on the players. The Knicks have lost 8 of 10 on the road since their suprising wins over the Thunder and Rockets in November. I'll take the Bulls and lay the 6.5 points.