NBA Games: 2/27/11

Warriors vs. Timberwolves

My pick is the Warriors (-160) on the money line. The Warriors have beaten the Timberwolves 5 consecutive times and they are trying to recover from two losses out of the All Star Break. The Timberwolves have been slumping and are trying to integrate Anthony Randolph into their roster and simply have not shown that they can beat a team such as the high-scoring Warriors.

76ers vs. Cavaliers

My pick is the 76ers (-330). The Cavaliers are without Mo Williams and the chance of Baron Davis playing and significantly helping is slim. Also, Philly has a greater motivation then the Cavaliers, as they are trying to improve their playoff seeding and will come into this game ready to win.

Mavericks vs. Raptors

I am not betting on this game, as the money line is too low (-440) to bet on the Mavericks, and I would not feel comfortable betting on the 8.5 spread, one way or another. If I had to pick, I would buy 3 points on the Raptors and make them a +11.5.

Bobcats vs. Magic

My pick is the Bobcats at +11, and possibly buying three extra points to make it +14. The Bobcats are trying to prove that they can survive without Wallace and the Magic are not known as a particularly high scoring team. I expect the Magic to win, but not by more than 14. Also, Van Gundy will likely try and rest Dwight Howard if the Magic are up by over 20, which should allow the Bobcats to keep it within the spread.

Rockets vs. Hornets

My pick is the Rockets at +6, and possibly buying a few extra points if you are risk averse. New Orleans is more of a defensive presence, but the Rockets have a strong offense and they are hot right now. If New Orleans wins, it will be close.

Grizzlies vs. Spurs

My pick is the Grizzlies at +9, and buying 2 points to +11. Memphis will come into this game motivated to stay in the playoff picture and riding their hot streak. San Antonio will try to preserve their record, but the Spurs will likely not blow out the Grizzlies (last time the Spurs played the Grizzlies at home, the game went into OT).

Knicks vs. Heat

I am not touching this game. The Knicks are trying to look for a signature victory with Carmelo Anthony and the Heat will be playing with their depleted bench, The money line is not worth making the call on the Heat, and I could not try and call the spread. My tentative pick would be the Knicks at +9.5, only because of the Knicks high-octane offense.

Hawks vs. Blazers

My pick is the Blazers (-210) on the money line. The Hawks have been slumping recently and the Blazers have been hot and trying to stay in the playoff picture. The Blazers have lost only 8 times this season at home and I do not predict that they will lost this game.




These are my NBA picks for 2/27. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment. Also, let me know if you want my opinion on prop beets for any of these games, I will do my best.