NBA Season 2020-21 Archives - Page 9 of 13

Feb 19, 2021

Bulls vs 76ers -8.5
Hawks vs Celtics -2.5
Jazz vs Clippers +3
Nuggets vs Cavaliers +7
Pistons vs Grizzlies -4.5
Raptors vs Timberwolves +2
Suns vs Pelicans +3
Thunder vs Bucks -11.5
Warriors vs Magic +3

PICK
Model
Analysis

Pelicans +3

	PHO @NO	Score
	PHO -3	132
Pick	NO +3	114

SCORE: 5

My model favors the Pelicans. In the first match up on Dec 29 @Phoenix, the Suns blew them away by a score of 111-86. The following, on Feb 3 @New Orleans, the Pelicans evened the series with a 22 pt win for a final score of 123-101. The Pelicans will have home court tonight but will be without Steve Adams, so Ayton should have his way. However, I don’t think the Suns have an answer for Zion. But really, who does? The younger and longer Ball will neutralize Paul or Booker depending on the cover assignment. The game will be closer than the previous two. The Pelicans cover this one.

OP STAFF | 9-7 NBA 2020 SEASON

Feb 14, 2021

Blazers vs Mavericks -5.5
Bucks vs Thunder +11
Cavaliers vs Clippers -9.5
Celtics vs Wizards +6
Grizzlies vs Kings +1
Lakers vs Nuggets +3
Magic vs Suns -8.5
Pelicans vs Pistons +4
Spurs vs Hornets +1
Timberwolves vs Raptors -8.5

PICK
Model
Analysis

Spurs -2

	SA @CHA	Score
Pick	SA -2	122
	CHA +2	110

SCORE: 12

My model favors the Spurs. I personally like both teams, they are mirror images of each other. There aren’t any superstars on either side, but both the Spurs and Hornets feature multiple prospects with the possibility one or more could reach stardom. Coaching – simply outstanding on both sides, with Borrego coming from the Popovich coaching tree. It’s tough, I could go with either, but my model favors the Spurs.

OP STAFF | 9-5 NBA 2020 SEASON

PICK
Model
Analysis

Raptors -8

	MIN @TOR	Score
	MIN +8	116
Pick	TOR -8	112

SCORE: 6

My model favors the Raptors. This is a Valentine Day bonus pick. Playing at home in Tampa, look for the Raptors’ guard tandem of Lowery and VanVleet to rekindle their solid two-way play. Eight is a lot of points, and for a moment i thought about buying a half pt to get off the push, but let’s not kid ourselves, these are the Timberwolves. Towns is just getting his wind back, Russell is on IR, and Edwards’ play looking less worthy of the final rose. Lay the points.

OP STAFF | 9-6 NBA 2020 SEASON

Feb 13, 2021

76ers vs Suns +1
Heat vs Jazz -6.5
Nets vs Warriors +4
Pacers vs Hawks +1
Rockets vs Knicks +1

PICK
Model
Analysis

Knicks -1

	HOU @NY	Score
	HOU +1	99
Pick	NY -1	121

SCORE: 6

My model favors the Knicks. The Knicks are coming off of a road win, you would think they would be tired… The recent addition of Derrick Rose, regardless of an injury to Mitch, brings Austin Rivers back from the 10-12 man role. In a nutshell, the Knicks are deep and only Julius Randle clocked in major minutes last night at 32, which is still under his average. With the spread differential at one pt, this is the perfect grind it out game for a Tom Thibodeau defense oriented team. Take the knickerbockers for the win.

OP STAFF | 8-5 NBA 2020 SEASON