Okay, last night was a bit of a massacre. We’re gonna regroup and rebuild, go back to basics. Yes, we. "We’re” in this together.
Seattle O’Sullivan 2021-2022 NBA Season so far: 35-52–2, -$254.74
Memphis Grizzlies at Washington Wizards, 7 pm Eastern
The Pick: Washington +1 (-109), bet $7.50 to win $6.90
Going back to basics means just a few picks, nothing too adventurous, and no exotics until we get back on track. Here’s a good example of a basic “home dog.” Both Washington and Memphis are playing well, each at 5-3. The Wizards are 3-1 at home and 5-3 against the spread. Incidentally, both teams are scoring 110.9 points per game, but Memphis is giving up a bit more, 113.1 to Washington’s 109.8. The Grizzlies have won two in a row, but they were at home. The Wizards have lost two in a row, and I think they’ll be spoiling to right the ship. I’ll take a point in an essentially even matchup with my team in its own gym.
Charlotte Hornets at Sacramento Kings, 10 pm Eastern
The Pick: Sacramento -1 (-110), bet $7.50 to win $6.82
Going back to basics also means lowering our typical wager; smaller pieces until we build our bankroll back up. It also means laying off moneylines, pricier bets for straight wins that have been biting me, er, us, in the butt lately. So two picks where we’re getting/laying a point is essentially a moneyline bet anyway. Sacramento is at .500 but has a winning record against the spread and as a favorite. The Kings are 4-1 against the spread in their last five, while the Hornets are 2-4 ATS in their last six. Sacramento’s four losses have been against Utah (twice), Golden State, and Dallas - good teams. The Kings are a feisty squad on their way up. I’ll take them at home.
Player Prop Parlay: Stephen Curry over 25 points w/Mason Plumlee under 8.5 points (+104), bet $5 to win $5.21
I know, I know, I said no exotics. But let’s just say I have, hm, external influences to consider as well. Mysterious enough for you? Don’t you worry about it. Anyway, I think this is as un-exotic as an exotic can get. Curry’s Golden State Warriors are at home against a New Orleans team that might not know what the word “defense” even means, and Mason Plumlee is an underrated player, but not for his scoring. He’s a rare NBA player who knows not to look to score. The combination of plays brings the price to essentially even, so it’s not expensive. We’re gonna climb back up that hill, folks.