NBA Tuesday: O'Sullivan picks Rockets at Mavericks, Lakers at Spurs, Nuggets at Jazz, plus a moneyline parlay
First, a quick typo note: yesterday’s record said I was 14-157, when it should have said 14-17. It just feels like 14-157.
Seattle O’Sullivan 2021-2022 NBA Season so far: 14-19-1, -$109.53
Moneyline parlay: Golden State (-420)/Dallas (-620) - true price -229, bet $11.42 to win $5.00
This is not so much a bet on Golden State and Dallas as it is against Oklahoma City and Houston - I might start looking to parlay against those two teams all year to get some better prices. I’ll keep the play to just over $10 so I don’t hate myself too much should things go awry, and…
Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks, 8 pm Eastern
The Pick: Dallas -10.5 (-110), bet $11 to win $10
…accentuate it with a typical spread pick on Dallas. Ironically, I’m basing this on the fact that the Rockets have beaten the Mavericks in four of their last five matchups. I think the Mavericks just might remember this. Also, this is Dallas’ home opener, and with new coach Jason Kidd prowling the sidelines, they should have a little more oomph tonight. Dallas is a playoff contender; Houston is not. Sometimes that’s the main thing to remember.
Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 pm Eastern
The Pick: San Antonio +2.5 (-108), bet $5.40 to win $5; San Antonio +120, bet $3.50 to win $4.20
My expected value research tells me I should be playing more here, but I’m still cautious about Los Angeles. However, a nice home dog is a nice home dog, San Antonio has one more day of rest, and the Lakers are 0-3 against the spread so far this season. Not to mention, though he’s listed as probable, LeBron James is dealing with an ankle injury. I reckon he'll be playing more cautiously than normal.
Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz, 10 pm Eastern
The Pick: Utah -286, bet $28.60 to win $10; Utah -7 (-110), bet $5.50 to win $5
Denver played last night and ruined what would have been a terrific three-team parlay for me by losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers at home. Now they travel to Utah to play back-to-back while the Jazz have been resting since Saturday. It’s a nationally-televised game, and the Nuggets were just embarrassed by the Cavaliers, which is why I’m only putting a little taste on Utah to cover. But if the Jazz are to be considered a contender for the title this year, this is one of those games they win easily.