NBA Betting Sub-Forum

[thewalker]

Starting this thread for anyone to give their picks against the spread or under/over point totals. Feel free to give your opinions on games and reasons for your picks if you want.
I find basketball is probably the most predictable of all sports to bet on. Hockey feels like a total crapshoot.

I probably don't need to tell you this, but just like spending money on women, always do it within your means.

Starting for tonight, I think OKC -2.5 at Houston is a decent bet.

Houston is coming off a loss last night and OKC hasn't played since last Friday, so they will be well-rested.
Plus, being in 9th out in the West they need to have a sense of urgency to make up for all the ground they lost without Durant and Westbrook earlier this year.

However, OKC might be rusty with the long layoff and Houston might be ticked off after losing to Orlando last night.

 

[K Douglas]

That wouldn't be one I'd bet on. It's a light night in the NBA so if I had to place a bet I'd go with Cle -6 to stop their losing streak at LA. I also like the over (106).

 

[thewalker]

That wouldn't be one I'd bet on. It's a light night in the NBA so if I had to place a bet I'd go with Cle -6 to stop their losing streak at LA. I also like the over (106).

Well, I didn't feel strongly about OKC, so I've only got $20 on it.

I just don't feel good about the Cavs, though, they are abysmal right now. But so are the Lakers, so you might be right. I don't know about -6 though, it might be tight to the end.

 

[thewalker]

That wouldn't be one I'd bet on. It's a light night in the NBA so if I had to place a bet I'd go with Cle -6 to stop their losing streak at LA. I also like the over (106).

Good call, they covered by 1, just barely on a Tristan Thompson free throw at the last second when he was needlessly fouled. Amazing how accurate they were with the -6.

 

[thewalker]

Hate to go against the Raps tonight, but Atlanta +1 to me seems like a very good bet.

 

[K Douglas]

Good call, they covered by 1, just barely on a Tristan Thompson free throw at the last second when he was needlessly fouled. Amazing how accurate they were with the -6.

Vegas oddsmakers are crafty don't ever second guess them. The over obviously was 206, not 106 which came through as well. Now if I had actually placed this bet do you think the same outcome would have occurred?

I never bet for or against my home team but I'd have no hesitation layiing a pretty hefty sum on Atlanta tonight. Winners of 10 straight they are the hottest team in the NBA right now. I also like Warriors -2.5 at OKC, who are coming off a loss vs Houston the night before. I also like Memphis -6.5 @ Orlando, who will be without one of their top threats Tobias Harris.

 

[thewalker]

Vegas oddsmakers are crafty don't ever second guess them. The over obviously was 206, not 106 which came through as well. Now if I had actually placed this bet do you think the same outcome would have occurred?

I never bet for or against my home team but I'd have no hesitation layiing a pretty hefty sum on Atlanta tonight. Winners of 10 straight they are the hottest team in the NBA right now. I also like Warriors -2.5 at OKC, who are coming off a loss vs Houston the night before. I also like Memphis -6.5 @ Orlando, who will be without one of their top threats Tobias Harris.

Wow, -2.5 for Warriors against OKC seems really low. I thought it'd be at least -6. Thunder looked horrible last night.

Orlando is sneaky good though, they've got a lot of young players with some spring in their step, and Memphis is kind of slow and plodding. I don't feel that comfortable with that one.

Chicago -5.5 at Boston seems pretty decent, but Chicago is struggling a bit. Still the Celtics traded everyone good and now they're relying on Olynyk, Bass, Sullinger and Bradley to win games.

 

[thewalker]

Wizards -5 in Brooklyn tonight is my pick. Somehow the Nets beat the Wizards by 20 last night. Can't see that happening again, and Paul Pierce returns to Brooklyn so his team will want that win. Plus the Nets just suck.

I also have a 2-team parlay going with Warriors +2.5 over Rockets with the Warriors getting Iguodala and Bogut back and Hawks -3 in Chicago without Noah. Pretty hard to pick against the Hawks right now, but Chicago plays well against Atlanta in Chicago and Hawks might be tired on the last of a 4 game road trip. But Hawks can't be too tired after last night's demolition.

 

[K Douglas]

Wizards -5 in Brooklyn tonight is my pick. Somehow the Nets beat the Wizards by 20 last night. Can't see that happening again, and Paul Pierce returns to Brooklyn so his team will want that win. Plus the Nets just suck.

I also have a 2-team parlay going with Warriors +2.5 over Rockets with the Warriors getting Iguodala and Bogut back and Hawks -3 in Chicago without Noah. Pretty hard to pick against the Hawks right now, but Chicago plays well against Atlanta in Chicago and Hawks might be tired on the last of a 4 game road trip. But Hawks can't be too tired after last night's demolition.

All over the Wizards tonight.
Warriors loss to OKC last night was a surprise - Curry didn't play well and missing Bogut's defense hurt. Westbrooks line was amazing 17-15-17.
I'm going to stay away from GS-Hou matchup tonight. For sure like Hawks vs Chicago (sans Noah)
I like Kings +6.5 home to the Clip tonight. 209 might be a bit much for the over though.

 

[thewalker]

All over the Wizards tonight.
Warriors loss to OKC last night was a surprise - Curry didn't play well and missing Bogut's defense hurt. Westbrooks line was amazing 17-15-17.
I'm going to stay away from GS-Hou matchup tonight. For sure like Hawks vs Chicago (sans Noah)
I like Kings +6.5 home to the Clip tonight. 209 might be a bit much for the over though.

Pretty decent night for me last night, both my Wiz pick and 2-team parlay came through.

Clippers barely covered the -6.5. Sacramento had two 3 pointers in the dying seconds that would have made them cover the +6.5 but they missed them both. That would have drove me nuts if I took them.

Tonight I like OKC -9.5 in Orlando. Lot of points, I know, and I try to stay away from lines over 5 but Thunder really need to step on the gas and win games to get in the playoffs and their win over Golden State will give them a lot of confidence moving forward I think.

 

[K Douglas]

Pretty decent night for me last night, both my Wiz pick and 2-team parlay came through.

Clippers barely covered the -6.5. Sacramento had two 3 pointers in the dying seconds that would have made them cover the +6.5 but they missed them both. That would have drove me nuts if I took them.

Tonight I like OKC -9.5 in Orlando. Lot of points, I know, and I try to stay away from lines over 5 but Thunder really need to step on the gas and win games to get in the playoffs and their win over Golden State will give them a lot of confidence moving forward I think.

Kings were without Cousins and Gay their 2 best scorers and still kept it within the margin until late 4th quarter. But the Wiz and Hawks came through

Light sched today with only 3 games.

Raps -8.5 vs Pelicans. I don't bet the home team but can you not do it here? Pelicans are woeful on road and could be missing Davis and Holiday.
Thunder -9.5 @ Magic. If they shoot like they did the other night I'd take the Thunder by 15. I agree Thunder in a blowout.
Jazz +12 @ Spurs. This is the game I like the most of the 3, and I'm taking the road dog. Jazz have been playing better recently - 3-5 in January against some tough competition. They don't match up particularly well with the Spurs who have gotten as healthy as they've been all season. But my gut tells me go Jazz.

 

[thewalker]

Kings were without Cousins and Gay their 2 best scorers and still kept it within the margin until late 4th quarter. But the Wiz and Hawks came through

Light sched today with only 3 games.

Raps -8.5 vs Pelicans. I don't bet the home team but can you not do it here? Pelicans are woeful on road and could be missing Davis and Holiday.
Thunder -9.5 @ Magic. If they shoot like they did the other night I'd take the Thunder by 15. I agree Thunder in a blowout.
Jazz +12 @ Spurs. This is the game I like the most of the 3, and I'm taking the road dog. Jazz have been playing better recently - 3-5 in January against some tough competition. They don't match up particularly well with the Spurs who have gotten as healthy as they've been all season. But my gut tells me go Jazz.

Wow, -8.5 for the Raps without Davis and Holiday? Is that confirmed? Bodog hasn't released the lines yet, so I guess they're waiting on that. Without them it could be like -13.5 at least. I'd still take it.

I have no idea about the 12 point line with Jazz-Spurs, but I did take the over which was at 194. With Leonard back, Spurs offense is a well-oiled machine, the only question is will the Jazz get over 90?
I also took the under of 213 for Thunder-Magic, I think OKC puts up 100 no problem, but I don't think Orlando gets there. I'm thinking like 112-94 or something.

 

[thewalker]

Two really nice games to pick tonight. OKC over Miami and Spurs over Nuggets. I was able to get Spurs at -7 and the line has since gone up to -8.5, I'd still say Spurs roll, they are looking great now that they're fully healthy and Nuggets lost by 40 last night.

OKC blitzed Orlando the other day and they are on a mission to the playoffs. Miami is just mediocre in every way. The line isn't out yet, but if it's not too big like -12.5 or something, I'm taking it. I'm thinking it'll be like -8 or -9.

Edit: The line just came out at -6.5 OKC and I'm all over it. This could be a big night for me, I've got OKC -6.5, Spurs -7 and a parlay of OKC -6.5 and Spurs -8.5.

 

[Carling]

Two really nice games to pick tonight. OKC over Miami and Spurs over Nuggets. I was able to get Spurs at -7 and the line has since gone up to -8.5, I'd still say Spurs roll, they are looking great now that they're fully healthy and Nuggets lost by 40 last night.

OKC blitzed Orlando the other day and they are on a mission to the playoffs. Miami is just mediocre in every way. The line isn't out yet, but if it's not too big like -12.5 or something, I'm taking it. I'm thinking it'll be like -8 or -9.

Edit: The line just came out at -6.5 OKC and I'm all over it. This could be a big night for me, I've got OKC -6.5, Spurs -7 and a parlay of OKC -6.5 and Spurs -8.5.

OKC is at 7.5 on bet365..... im not sure about the spurs ..they're in Denver... which means the altitude will play a factor....Nuggets got embarassed against the Warriors..im expecting a turn around....just my opinion..anyways , good luck!

 

[thewalker]

OKC is at 7.5 on bet365..... im not sure about the spurs ..they're in Denver... which means the altitude will play a factor....Nuggets got embarassed against the Warriors..im expecting a turn around....just my opinion..anyways , good luck!

The altitude is a real thing, I agree, but the Spurs aren't coming in on a back-to-back, they're as healthy as they've been all season and motivated to move up the standings. The Nuggets are out of it and going nowhere. I just can't see them hanging around tonight. Good luck to you too, are you saying you're taking the points with Denver?

 

[thewalker]

Tonight I like the Grizzlies -6 against the Raptors. I have not been at all impressed by the Raptors lately, Grizzlies lost to the Raps earlier in the year, are fully healthy now and will want payback. Plus the Jeff Green addition is looking really good for them.

I also have a 2-game parlay going with 76ers +2.5 at home to the Knicks. God, is that gonna be an awful game or what?
And the other game is the Wizards -1.5 at home vs the Thunder. Thunder didn't impress me last night and they haven't been good on the road. Wizards are the real sleeper of the East to me, they might win the entire conference.

 

[thewalker]

I like the Jazz -8 vs Celtics. Celtics are playing their 5th game on the road, lost in Golden State last night and Utah also has altitude similar to Denver.

 

[K Douglas]

Lighter schedule tonight due to a couple of cancellations on the east coast. I'm definitely leaning towards Jazz in this one also. But my sure bet of tonight is the Clippers at home as 13.5 favourites vs. Nuggets. Denver had a heartbreaking home OT loss to Wizards yesterday, they are spent. The Clips have been hammering opponents in their current 5 game winning streak. This one could get ugly fast.

 

[thewalker]

Lighter schedule tonight due to a couple of cancellations on the east coast. I'm definitely leaning towards Jazz in this one also. But my sure bet of tonight is the Clippers at home as 13.5 favourites vs. Nuggets. Denver had a heartbreaking home OT loss to Wizards yesterday, they are spent. The Clips have been hammering opponents in their current 5 game winning streak. This one could get ugly fast.

Interesting pick. I've been burned twice by the Clippers this season when they were favored on large spreads, so I shy away from them now, but you might be right. But I just don't trust the Clippers. Good luck!

 

[K Douglas]

Interesting pick. I've been burned twice by the Clippers this season when they were favored on large spreads, so I shy away from them now, but you might be right. But I just don't trust the Clippers. Good luck!

Fair enough, I should revise my wording because there's never such a thing as a sure bet, is there? I'm very confident that they will cover though. You know things are running good when DJ, normally a sub 40% FT shooter is hitting 50% (past 3 games he's 11/23). Clips -115

The more I read the more I like Utah. Boston without Olynyk and probably Smart and Bradley. Tired after a tough road loss yesterday and with a short bench. Not going to bet it though.