Utah with the surprise loss last night was a hit, but we carry on with a lot of solid opportunity Saturday in the association. Check out my appearance on episode 75 of the “Game On!” podcast, available everywhere you find podcasts, where I break down a game today and for Sunday. Look for me to participate more on that pod, too. Onto the picks!
Wizards -4 (-110), 1.5 units: Wait a second, the Wizards are the favorite? Alright I mean, it is the Timberwolves, but I think they could be favored by even more. You have to love the way Washington has resurged lately. Winners of 6 of their last 7, and showing the ability to flex and assert themselves at the end of a game 2 nights ago against Denver (at Denver, even more impressive), the Wizards seem to be finding their identity lately. I don’t see Westbrook as a real leader or exceptional scorer, but he sure is an energy boost. And he’s aware that Beal is their true superstar. Less egos = more wins. Minnesota can’t catch a break– this is their 4th straight road game and they’re not playing much defense. All the momentum and firepower is behind the Wizards– take them to keep it going.
Jazz -10.5 (110), 1.5 units: I wanted to take the Magic tonight in a let-down spot for Utah but last night’s Jazz game against Miami was the one to grab. Like any elite team, the Jazz have moments of ineffectiveness and yesterday was a tough spot against a tougher opponent in Miami. The Jazz are in the middle of a 4 game road stretch, with two big games against New Orleans and Philadelphia to follow, but great teams tend to come together and rediscover their chemistry away from home. That’s especially true against inferior opponents. The Magic can play a little defense when they want to but this isn’t the spot. I think Utah wins by 20+ tonight. They’ve shown the ability to bounce back and their regression doesn’t last. Bet the Jazz with confidence.
Thunder +7, (-110), 1 unit: These are two tough teams to handicap. If Jamal Murray decides to have a 50+ point game, it’s night night for OKC. If Jokic is there putting up 25-30 points alongside a big Murray performance, it’ll be a 20+ point win for Denver. That being said, the Nuggets are still suffering from a host of injuries that really affects their defense. PJ Dozier has been upgraded to questionable and that could make a big difference in tonight’s game– Denver’s guards haven’t exactly stellar in his absence. The Thunder are getting Al Horford back after he missed Friday’s game and they played the Nuggets closely in their last matchup on Feb 12, only losing by a bucket. OKC is also on a nice little run right now, defeating San Antonio and Atlanta in their last 2 games. They’re at home tonight and about to get 4 days of rest to follow. Denver lost a heart-breaker to Washington last time out but I still think this game sets up better for the Thunder. I’ll take OKC for a light, humble, conservative (I think that’s enough adjectives) 1 unit.
