1-1 Saturday, 84-80-1 overall.
Sixers (+2) @ Heat (212)
Pick: Heat -2
I hope you’re all ready to keep gambling after the Super Bowl because I have three sides on the professional hardwood I like on Monday. Speaking of the Super Bowl, the Sixers spent Sunday in Miami after Saturday night’s loss in Boston. Our guess is basketball was the last thing on their minds and they too were wishing they had the day after the Super Bowl off just like the rest of us. Well we’re betting on the Sixers playing like they wanted the day off in taking Miami here. The Heat have been an ATM at home this season coming in at 16-7-1 against the spread in South Beach. Philadelphia has been anything but on the road posting a league-worst 7-17-2 ATS mark on the road. What else do you need to know?
Magic (-4.5) @ Hornets (202.5)
Pick: Magic -4.5
Orlando is on the playoff bubble and has not been playing well of late. The Magic have lost five in a row and failed to cover in each game. However, prior to their five-game losing skid, they clobbered Charlotte on the road 106-83. Had the Magic been on a five-game winning streak, this might be a spot where we would look to play Charlotte plus the points expecting a bigger number with the Hornets. However, at 4.5, we’re thinking this is getting Orlando cheap due to the losing streak and will back the road favorite. This has all the makings of a get-right game for a team that’s in dire need of a victory.
Timberwolves (+2.5) @ Kings (226.5)
Pick: Timberwolves +2.5
You probably don’t remember the Timberwolves epic collapse last week against the Kings. We do because we happened to have the Kings and got bailed out. The Timberwolves led by 17 points with 2:49 left and managed to lose in overtime. When we have two lottery teams like this, we’re always going look to back the more motivated team. Given the previous meeting between Minnesota and Sacramento took place just seven days ago, we’re certainly expecting the Timberwolves to have it on their mind and therefore enough of a motivational edge where we will back them here plus the short number.