The hardwood was very good to me last night. OK, I'll let you stop snickering and then I'll get to my picks. Any time you're ready. Early season NCAA tournament showcases are in full swing so I've tackled two of the lower key games from the NIT Season Tip-Off, one at a neutral site. In the Association, I've leaned on road underdogs for tonight's action. I don't necessarily believe any of the teams have a chance of beating the home team, outside of streaking Portland against the struggling Nets, but I know they can keep it close.
All picks made on the NY Post Line. Home team in all CAPS.
NBA
Portland +2.5 over BROOKLYN
Portland is 4-1 on the road this season and is fresh off a convincing win over the Raptors. Brooklyn has only had three home games so far, going 2-1. The Nets have had mixed results against good teams at the Barclays Center, defeating Miami but losing to Indiana. Portland will even Brooklyn's record tonight.
Charlotte +11.5 CHICAGO
If you would have told me that at any point of the season outside of the first day of games that Chicago and Charlotte would have the same number of wins, I would have checked your blood alcohol level. But here we are, the Bobcats and Bulls sitting at five wins apiece going into their matchup tonight in Chicago. Derrick Rose's involvement in tonight's contest is in flux. Whatever time he does play, he'll have his hands full with the Bobcats' leading scorer, Kemba Walker.
OKLAHOMA CITY -9 over Denver PICK OF THE DAY!
Oklahoma City has been a steady hand for me in my picks and I see no deviation from that against the Nuggets. Denver hasn't necessarily been torched by stars this year but with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook starting to trade scoring leader duties, the Nuggets will be in trouble. Additionally, with Javale McGee on the shelf, Serge Ibaka will have a field day on the boards and wreak havoc in the paint on D.
Philadelphia +12 DALLAS
Philly may be without super rookie Michael Carter-Williams for this game but even without the Syracuse product I can see the Sixers keeping the game to single digits. Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis will get theirs but both teams are woeful defensively so Philadelphia will have ample opportunity to go tit for tat.
Golden State -9 over UTAH
I don't have to really explain this one. The line could probably be -15 here and I'd still go with the Warriors. I'll go out on a limb and say that nobody on Utah breaks the 15 point threshold. Utah is still scoring less than 90 points a game, the only team left in the NBA with that distinction.
Memphis +9 LA CLIPPERS
Both team's have won multiple games in a row, so one of those streaks has to come to an end. It will be Memphis' streak coming to an end but not by as much as nine points. The Clippers score in bunches at home but Memphis has LA's number and they will be the ones to slow them down. I just hope for Blake Griffin's sake that he doesn't eat another Zach Randolph elbow or suplex. Who am I kidding? I hate Blake Griffin, sic 'em Z-BO!
NCAA Men's
East Carolina -1.5 over Norfolk State {Neutral Site}
RUTGERS -7 over Canisius
Last Day's NBA Record: 3-0
NBA Record for 2013: 55-34
Last Day's NCAA Men's Record: 3-1
NCAA Men's Record for 2013: 21-15
Last Day's All Picks Record: 14-11-1
All Picks Record for 2013: 150-123-1