OP Staff, Author at ORANJPEEL

Apr 8, 2021

Blazers +6 vs Jazz -6
Bucks +1 vs Mavericks -1
Bulls -3.5 vs Raptors +3.5
Cavaliers -3.5 vs Thunder +3.5
Lakers +8 vs Heat -8
Pistons +7.5 vs Kings -7.5
Suns +5.5 vs Clippers -5.5

PICK
Model
Analysis

Bulls -3.5

730 p	CHI @TOR	Score
Pick	CHI -3.5	122
	TOR +3.5	113

SCORE: 3

My model favors the Bulls. Toronto’s lead guard of Lowry and Van Vleet are on IR, Gary Trent should fill in admirably but this doesn’t look like a team that is in win-now mode. Chicago on the other hand traded away part of the future for All Star veteran Vucevic, and everyone on the roster is relativity healthy with the wire indicating that Lavine and Markkanen will be ready to go. The Bulls have a .500 road record and with Raptors playing games in Tampa, there is no home advantage. Lay the points.

OP STAFF | 17-12 NBA SEASON 2020-21

Apr 5, 2021

Cavaliers +9 vs Spurs -9
Jazz -5 vs Mavericks +5
Kings -3.5 vs Timberwolves +3.5
Knicks +6 vs Nets -6
Pistons -3.5 vs Thunder +3.5
Suns -14 vs Rockets +14
Wizards +4 vs Raptors -4

PICK
Model
Analysis

Knicks +6

8 pm	NY @BKN	Score
Pick	NY +6	112
	BKN -6	114

SCORE: 3

My model favors the Knicks. Ok, so the Knicks are now in-play for the 4th straight ‘Pick of the week’. Saturday’s blowout win over the JV Pistons defined the Knicks 2020-21 season. Tonight’s road matchup with Harden and Irving in the lineup should pose problems, but there is no home advantage here, there are just as many Knicks fans at Barclay as Nets fans. The Nets are playing a B2B with some key role players injured. However, any one who lives in NY know that this is a rivalry for the ages and 6pts is a lot to give for either team who hate each other. Take the points.

OP STAFF | 16-12 NBA 2020-21 SEASON

Apr 3, 2021

Bucks -6.5 vs Kings +6.5
Cavaliers +11.5 vs Heat -11.5
Knicks -2.5 vs Pistons +2.5
Magic +16.5 vs Jazz -16.5
Mavericks -6.5 vs Wizards +6.5
Pacers +5.5 vs Spurs -5.5
Thunder +11.5 vs Blazers -11.5
Timberwolves +11.5 vs 76ers -11.5

PICK
Model
Analysis

Knicks -1.5

8 pm	NY @DET	Score
Pick	NY -1.5	125
	DET +1.5	81

SCORE: 8

My model favors the Knicks. This is the third straight ‘Pick Of The Week’ that the Knicks’ are in-play. Watching them lose to Dallas yesterday after exchanging leads several time in first three quarters was gut wrenching. I couldn’t help but think about Anthony Edwards’ post game comments several days ago of wanting RJ to take the last shot of the game, has affected the 20 year old. It was one of the reasons why that game didn’t make it on my ‘Pick of the week’. RJ’s line was 8 pts on 3-11 shooting, along with a team worst BPM of minus 22, so i think it did have an impact. That said, I think tonight’s match up with Detroit will be the defining game of the Knicks season. They are on a 3 game (and ATS) losing streak and now a B2B road but against one of the worst teams in the NBA. The Knicks and RJ will bounce back. Take the Knicks.

OP STAFF | 15-12 NBA 2020-21 SEASON