After a day off due to some family activities at the Farley household, we’re back and we have a full 15 games of NBA action to end the season. Can’t say I’ll have a play on all those games but I do have quite a few. We’re 15-9 this week overall– Onto my picks!
Knicks -12 (-110), 2.5 units: The Knicks will clinch the #4 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs if they win today and Boston is literally sitting out all their stars– Tatum, Kemba, Thompson, Williams. I see no reason not to hammer this line. With the way Boston often competes, or lack thereof, New York could beat a healthy Celtics team by 12+ on a regular day. I’m betting the Knicks’ side and I’m betting a rare 2.5 units on it.
Wizards -5.5 (-110), 1.5 units: The Hornets might play over their heads a little in this one but I don’t think it’ll matter. There’s a huge margin between the best player in this game, Russel Westbrook, and everyone else. Russ will turn up the volume even more than usual and ensure the Wizards stay ahead. Charlotte, on the other hand, has been struggling lately. This should be their 5th straight loss and unfortunately, I foresee them limping into the playoffs as the 9th or 10th play-in seed.
Rockets +7.5 (-110), 1.5 units and Rockets win (+265), 1 unit: The Hawks know that the Knicks are going to win and secure the 4th seed so they really don’t have much to play for. I can see Atlanta resting their stars, at least for a part of this game, while Houston’s skill players are playing for their future and want to end their season on a high note. Sprinkle some money-line action on this if you really want a nice payday– I think the risk is considerably lower than the line tells us.
Nets -13 (-110), 2 units: Same story, different game. Brooklyn wants to ensure they clinch the #2 seed and they’re at home, while the Cavaliers won’t be able to keep up with the Nets’ stars. Harden looks as sharp as ever and Brooklyn will love any momentum they can gain before the postseason. The New York teams should both win big today.
Blazers -9 and Lakers -9.5 (each -115), 2 units each: Two separate bets although this is probably a very solid parlay. I don’t love that these games are going on at the same time because, in theory, one of these teams could turn it off and decide not to play as hard towards the end. That being said, the Nuggets might sit Jokic and Porter Jr. because, even if they did move up to the 3rd seed, that would mean they could potentially face the Lakers. Now that Lebron’s back the Lakers are starting to show their championship form again so why on earth would Denver want to do that? I think they allow the Blazers to win and sit their stars. The Pelicans are injured and no match for a amped up, healthy LAL squad led by Lebron. This line should be higher. I’m on both favorites.
