All I got are dreams: The day I picked the Wolves. Picks 1/5

Busy day in the NBA schedule on Friday.

The Recap 1/2
Orlando (+2.5) over Brooklyn. Odds: 1.90.
Nets won by 2. Won $190

Cleveland (-1.0) over Charlotte. Odds: 1.90.
Cavs won by 4. Won $190

Dallas (-5.5) over Boston. Odds: 1.90. 
Mavs won by 18. Won $190

Detroit (-3.0) over NY. Odds: 1.90.
Pistons won by 16. Won $190

Houston (-1.5) over NO. Odds: 1.90.
Pelicans won by 28. Lost $100

Washington (+7.0) over OKC. Odds: 1.90.
Thunder won by 7. Won $100 (This is a push, I won by bet back, but no more. Either bet would have the same result)

Milwaukee (-2.0) over Indiana. Odds: 1.90.
Pacers won by 3. Lost $100

Atlanta (-4.5) over Utah. Odds: 1.90.
Hawks won by 6. Won $190.

Philadelphia (+14.0) over Phoenix. Odds:1.90.
Suns won by 16. Lost $100

Memphis (-4.5) over Los Angeles Lakers. Odds: 1.90.
Grizzlies won by 3. Lost $100

Toronto(+4.5) over Golden State. Odds: 1.95.
Warriors won by 21. Lost $100

Totals: Bets: $1100. Winnings: $1050. NET: -$50

January Total: -$250.
 
This is what makes it tough. I effectively hit on half of the bets, but since you don't win double your bet, you must hit on more than half of the bets in order to make any money. It's a good deal for the oddsmakers.

The Games 1/5

Cleveland (-4.0) over Philadelphia. Odds: 1.86. I feel like, for as bad as Cleveland has been, they're not 4 points better than Philly. I think it's more like 6 or 7.

Boston (-4.5) over Charlotte. Odds: 1.90. Charlotte just lost their best player and were struggling before that. Maybe this injury pulls the team together, but I'm skeptical.

Dallas (-6.0) over Brooklyn. Odds: 1.90. I could see Dallas having trouble with the Brooklyn's big men, but the Mavs are on the rise and the Nets are not.

Minnesota (+4.0) over Denver. Odds: 1.90. I have always bet against the Wolves and won, but I'm tired of their losing streak and so maybe if I pick them, they'll win. (no I'm not superstitious, why do you ask?)

Chicago (-3.0) over Houston. Odds: 1.90. Chicago has been playing well and I just like them more right now.

New York (+14.0) over Memphis. Odds: 1.90. Look, the Knicks stink but Memphis hasn't exactly been world beaters recently. I think that Memphis wins, but at less than 14 points.

Washington (+2.5) over New Orleans. Odds: 1.90. I like Washington to win and that means that I don't think they'll lose by more than 2.

Indiana (+2.5) over Utah. Odds: 1.90. Indiana is good on the road and Utah isn't that good period so I think that Indiana could win or force some Hayward heroics, which is good for me.

Portland (-12.5) over LA Lakers. Odds: 1.90. Big line but Portland's at the Rose Garden (not the MODA Center. blech)

Atlanta (+5.5) over LA Clippers. Odds: 1.90. Full disclosure. The Clippers are a team that I don't know how they've played. I know they were disappointing early but I don't know since then. The Hawks have been really good, though. I know that.

Golden State (-2.5) over Oklahoma City. Odds: 1.90. If this game is anything like the first half of their last game, we all win.


To Life, To Life, L'Chaim