Sports Bets: Picks of the Day

Current record: 3-3

After a mediocre 1-2 showing two weeks ago to drop my record to 3-3, I have been too embarrassed to show my face in public for some time now. However, as is usually the case with gambling, my luck took a quick turn, and I went a magical 5-0 one day earlier this week, and my confidence has been renewed. So rejoice sports bettors, I am back.

2/4/09 NBA Games

1. Portland Blazers (+3.5) @ Dallas Mavericks (-3.5). Since their horrendous blowout loss to Boston last week, the Mavs have reeled off three consecutive victories over the Warriors, Heat, and Magic. The Mavs now return home to Dallas, rested and hungry to extend their winning streak over the young Blazers. Mavs to cover****

2. Chicago Bulls (+1.5) @ New Orleans Hornets (-1.5). The young Bulls have exceeded mediocre expectations with enormous wins, proving they are more than capable. The Hornets, on the other hand, have been inconsistent and have disappointed much higher expectations. Tonight, the Hornets are at home, without Chris Paul. WITHOUT CHRIS PAUL. In the words of our very own Adriel Carolino, "Who the hell is gonna run the offense?" Bulls to cover***

3. New Jersey Nets (0) @ Washington Wizards (0). You might be asking, how the hell is this game a wash? Well, the Nets played last night. The Wizards are at home. But here's something you might not have known. The Nets are actually better on the road than they are at home. And here's something you already knew. The Wizards are absolute garbage. Nets to cover (which is essentially straight up)****

4. Denver Nuggets (-2) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (+2). After earning my trust and respect last month with some very impressive victories, the Thunder threw it right back at me with losses to the Kings and the Clippers. Tonight, the Thunder host a Nugget squad that towers over them. Chauncey Billups is questionable, but with the return of Melo, Denver should be just fine. Who does OKC have to stop Nene from posting another one of his absurd 9-9 FG games? Nobody. Nuggets to cover***

5. Cleveland Caveliers (-5.5) @ New York Knicks (+5.5). The Cavs have regained the most vital piece of dominance: Big Z. With his strong defense, rebounding, and solid post game, Z slows the game down to the pace that the Cavs play best at. Cleveland was a solid team without Z, but nowhere near the dominant force they are with him in the lineup. With three straight double digit victories since Z's return, the Cavs are once again scary as hell. The streaky Knicks don't stand a chance. Good luck Chris Duhon! Cavs to cover****