O'Sullivan's Thursday NBA Picks: Bulls at Knicks, Thunder at Grizzlies, Spurs at Blazers; Julius Randle prop
Thankfully, my Miami play last night was voided due to both Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo being out injured…
Seattle O’Sullivan 2021-2022 NBA Season so far: 77-87-2, -$209.65
(Standing Caveat: The universe is chaotic. Life is unpredictable. Things happen. Like injuries. In following Seattle O’Sullivan’s betting advice, be advised that you should always monitor your bets during the day to make certain unforeseen things have not occurred which might change your wagering opinion. Thank you.)
Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks, 7:30 pm Eastern
The Pick: New York +2 (-108), bet $10.80 to win $10; under 210 (-110), bet $11 to win $10
Here’s a home dog alert. These two teams have split the two games against each other this season, and while New York has a slightly worse record, coach Tom Thibodeau goes hard every game, let alone games versus teams he used to coach. The Knicks will fight hard to defend their home court tonight. New York is 5-1 against the spread at home playing the Bulls in Madison Square Garden. Both teams take pride in their defense, too, with New York’s pace a slow 22nd and Chicago’s only 15th in the league, so I also like the under.
Player Prop Parlay: Julius Randle over 21.5 points w/Evan Fournier 1+ made threes -101, bet $10.05 to win $10
Since I think the Knicks will at least keep the game close tonight, I expect Randle to exceed his season average of 19.4 points. Fournier is making 2.6 threes per game and when I’ve bet against New York, seems to never miss them. So (shrug) this seems like a reasonable play.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies, 8 pm Eastern
The Pick: Memphis -9.5 (-114); over 212 (-110), bet $11 to win $10
Oklahoma City has lost seven in a row, including four in a row on the road. This is their first matchup against Memphis this season. The Grizzlies have won two straight and will be continuing to try to hold onto some semblance of success without Ja Morant. They’re gonna play hard every time out until their star gets back. Despite their intensity, the Grizzlies do give up a lot of points. Combine that with Oklahoma City’s general ineptitude, and I like the over here too.
San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 pm Eastern
The Pick: Portland -200, bet $10 to win $5; Portland -5 (-110), bet $3.30 to win $3
Portland has won ten games in a row at home, and five of their last six at home against San Antonio. Star Dame Lillard is out with an abdominal injury, but that won’t be enough to help San Antonio here, although they’ve won two in a row. The Trail Blazers’ per game offense is 3.2 points better than the Spurs, and San Antonio only hits 9.6 three-pointers per game against Portland’s 13.7. Even though Lillard is out for Portland, the Trail Blazers defend their home floor. Moneyline for dinner, lay the 5 for dessert.
Moneyline Parlay: Memphis Grizzlies (-430) w/Phoenix Suns (-800) w/Portland Trail Blazers (-200), true price +107, bet $5 to win $5.40
I’m gonna parlay the Grizzlies with the Suns and the Trail Blazers, both at home playing mediocre to bad teams. Portland is at .500 right now and really needs to start rounding into shape if they want to build an identity for the playoffs. Phoenix, after beating Golden State, wants to keep the momentum going that might lead them back into the NBA Finals.