The NBA has been kicking my ass. I find myself watching games and staring blankly at the screen as I did watching the news most of this afternoon.
Last night the Blazers, at home, went up 20 on the Bulls, and lost. The Nets, without Kevin Durant, put a serious beat-down on the Jazz. Tonight the Jazz travel across the East River to play the Knicks, who are coming off a terrific road trip and wins over the Pacers and Hawks. If past is prologue the Knicks should win, or at least be in the game, but the Jazz are -8, which makes me wonder why the oddsmakers think Knicks are going to get knocked around.
So tonight, I'm looking for some value with players who have already paid off for me this season.
Payoffs based on $10 wagers.
3-pointer: Bucks win over Pistons AND Over 226 +114 (returns $20.80)
2-pointer: Eric Bledsoe (Pelicans) Over 22.5 points, rebounds, assists -104 (returns $19.70)
Free throw: De'Andre Hunter (Hawks) Over 20.5 points, rebounds, assists -120 (returns $18.40)
Steal: Steph Curry (Warriors) Over 5.5 Assists -106 (returns $19.50)
Winner:
Steal: CJ McCollum (Trail Blazers) Over 22.5 points -139 (returns $17.20) McCollum, one of the NBA's most consistent players, salvaged my night with 26 points.
Losers:
3-pointer: Wendell Carter Jr. (Bulls) double-double +315 (returns $41.50) Carter had the points, but not the rebounds or assists. Not really close.
2-pointer: Rudy Gobert (Jazz) Over 30.5 points, rebounds, assists +102 (returns $20.20) Gobert had 24 PRA in only 27 minutes but the game was such a blowout he sat out the fourth quarter.
Free throw: Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) triple-double +135 (returns $23.50) Jokic had a helluva game with 35 points and 15 boards. The 6 assists did me in.
$40 wagered (1-3), $17.20 returned.
Day 13: -$22.70
Total: -$133.95 (24-37 off 61 $10 wagers)