O'Sullivan's Saturday NBA Picks: Heat at Pacers, Mavs at Raptors, Pelicans at Twolves, Grizzlies at Clippers
We got smacked in the face last night. Okay, I got smacked in the face last night. We’ll - I’ll - fight the instinct to chase by making a lot of plays, and trying to concentrate on righting the ship instead.
Seattle O’Sullivan 2021-2022 NBA Season so far: 9-13, -$80.48
Miami Heat at Indiana Pacers, 7 pm Eastern
The Pick: Indiana +4.5 (-110), bet $5.50 to win $5
Much of tonight’s slate involve teams playing their second games on back-to-back nights. Intuitively, one should go against the squads playing that second game, but I’m going with Indiana and the points, mainly because the Pacers are returning home. Also, I think Indiana is going to fight all year. Miami is the better team, but historically, Indiana is a team that flies under the radar and never lies down. They’ll fight tonight.
Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors, 7:30 pm Eastern
The Pick: Dallas -159, bet $15.90 to win $10
…and now I’ll go against my own reasoning. Yes, Toronto is playing at home, but it’s back-to-back, Dallas is the better team, and most importantly, the Mavericks got absolutely pasted on national TV on Thursday in Atlanta. Luka Doncic and his crew have been smoldering for two days waiting for the chance to get their first win. Toronto surprised folks (like me; thanks, Boston) by winning easily last night. It’s natural they relax a bit tonight. The Mavericks will take advantage.
New Orleans Pelicans at Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 pm Eastern
The Pick: Minnesota -265, bet $19.88 to win $7.55
New Orleans is playing back-to-back road games, which is the worst possible combination of two games in two nights. Also, they might very well stink on ice. I don’t think the Bulls are very good and expected the Pelicans to play them close in Chicago…and that did not happen. I think by year’s end, Minnesota will have proven themselves better than Chicago, and they’re more rested than New Orleans. That does not bode well for the Pelicans. I’ll play a bit of a steep price because I need wins right now.
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 pm Eastern
The Pick: Los Angeles -158, bet $15.80 to win $10, Los Angeles -3.5 (-110), bet $5.50 to win $5
This matchup has two rested teams, so no need to consider the back-to-back angle. But I am still going with taking a moneyline to help get me some wins after my rocky start. I’ll lay the points here too. Even without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have a balanced attack led by Paul George. Against Golden State on Thursday, they fought back after falling behind by 17 in the first quarter, and they have their home opener tonight. They might not reach the heights they would with Leonard, but they’ll be exceeded diminished expectations all year. They help me get well, er, more well, tonight.