Free NBA Picks

Note: Because I watch line movements and where the money is going, it's impossible for me to post an NBA selection around 5:30 on weeknights.
Last Week's Winnings (May 5-11): 7-3, +$1,340
2007-08 Season Winnings (as of May 11): 91-75-7, 54.8% (+$2,180)

Orlando Magic (57-34) at Detroit Pistons (66-26)
Line: Pistons by 6.

I thought about making the Magic a play because the Pistons are lazy and Orlando would be desperate. But then I heard that several Magic players were talking trash, claiming they were the better team. That definitely got Rasheed Wallace's attention, so I expect an all-out thrashing tonight.


Prediction: Pistons 104, Magic 88
Pistons -6 (3 Units)



San Antonio Spurs (62-29) at New Orleans Hornets (62-29)
Line: Hornets by 3.

I'm shocked the Hornets got "blowed out" in Game 4. I can't see that happening again. They just play so well at home. They seem too athletic for the Spurs, but can't seem to put it together on the road.


Prediction: Hornets 101, Spurs 96
Hornets -3 (1 Unit)

Boston Celtics (72-20) at Cleveland Cavaliers (50-41)
Line: Cavaliers by 2.

You know what sucks? Betting an underdog, watching them go to overtime and yelling at the TV as the team's superstar is rendered ineffective by his bad back. Can't win 'em all, I guess.

Surprise, surprise - the Celtics couldn't win on the road. As I said on Saturday, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Cleveland wins this series in six.


Prediction: Cavaliers 106, Celtics 89
Cavaliers -2 (4 Units) -- Correct; +$400

Los Angeles Lakers (63-26) at Utah Jazz (59-32)
Line: Jazz by 3.

The Lakers didn't need to win Game 3. In fact, I was suprised they came so close. It was do-or-die for the Jazz. Now Utah's got Kobe Bryant's full attention. I know the Jazz have lost only four home games this year, but it looks like the Lakers are the top team in the league. If they can't win in Salt Lake City, no one can.


Prediction: Lakers 109, Jazz 105
Lakers +3 (2 Units) -- Incorrect; -$220



New Orleans Hornets (62-28) at San Antonio Spurs (61-29)
Line: Spurs by 6.

The Hornets really surprised me when they played extremely well against the Spurs. I feel as though Game 3 was San Antonio's last hurrah. They expended so much energy, they won't have anything left for Chris Paul this evening.


Prediction: Hornets 101, Spurs 100
Hornets +6 (1 Unit) -- Incorrect; -$110

Detroit Pistons (65-26) at Orlando Magic (57-33)
Line: Magic by 5.

I thought the Magic would win Game 3 because the Pistons are lazy and were due for a game off. I think they'll actually concentrate tonight and win. Three cheers for lethargy.


Prediction: Pistons 104, Magic 97
Pistons +5 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200



Boston Celtics (72-19) at Cleveland Cavaliers (49-41)
Line: Cavaliers by 1.5.

If LeBron James were a marginal player, I'd chalk this up as a Tracy McGrady-like choke job. But he's one of the two best players in the NBA. I don't expect his slump to continue, especially at home. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks out and Cleveland wins the next four in this series.


Prediction: Cavaliers 105, Celtics 96
Cavaliers -1.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300

Los Angeles Lakers (63-25) at Utah Jazz (58-32)
Line: Jazz by 4.5.

Just because the Lakers are up 2-0 doesn't mean I think this is going to be a sweep. I said this would be a 5- or 6-game series right from the start, so why would I change my mind? I didn't think the Jazz could win in Los Angeles, but they should be able to claim at least one game at home.


Prediction: Jazz 109, Lakers 99
Jazz -4.5 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200

Cleveland Cavaliers (49-40) at Boston Celtics (71-19)
Line: Celtics by 8.5.

Maybe I'm crazy, but the Cavaliers are the better team. If someone didn't turtle wax Cleveland's rim, the visitor would have a 1-0 lead in this series.


Prediction: Cavaliers 100, Celtics 96
Cavaliers +8.5 (3 Units) -- Incorrect; -$330



New Orleans Hornets (62-27) at San Antonio Spurs (60-29)
Line: Spurs by 6.5.

I respect what the Hornets have done thus far, but I doubt they can go into San Antonio and win. Perhaps Game 4, but definitely not this contest. The Spurs will smack young New Orleans around tonight.


Prediction: Spurs 105, Hornets 87
Spurs -6.5 (4 Units) -- Correct; +$400

Utah Jazz (58-31) at Los Angeles Lakers (62-25)
Line: Lakers by 7.

The Lakers are just too quick and athletic for Utah. The Jazz will take one game at home, but they just can't compete in front of all the stars.


Prediction: Lakers 113, Jazz 101
Lakers -7 (4 Units) -- Correct; +$400

Cleveland Cavaliers (49-39) at Boston Celtics (70-19)
Line: Celtics by 9.5.

I can't believe the Celtics are favored by this much. They're not going to win by 20-plus again at home because they're not playing the stinkin' Hawks.


Prediction: Cavaliers 100, Celtics 96
Cavaliers +9.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300

Orlando Magic (56-32) at Detroit Pistons (64-25)
Line: Pistons by 6.

After struggling for two of their first three playoff games, the Pistons seem to finally have gotten their act together. I think the only reason they lost to the Sixers was because they were lazy. Well, they respect Dwight Howard and the Magic, so they'll continue to be on their best behavior tonight.


Prediction: Pistons 104, Magic 90
Pistons -6 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200

Utah Jazz (58-30) at Los Angeles Lakers (61-25)
Line: Lakers by 7.5.

I like the Jazz - I want to see them win so Jerry Sloan finally gets a ring. But I have the Lakers winning this series in six for a reason - they're just way more athletic than Utah. And I don't have much faith in the Jazz on the road. This one stays close until the middle of the third quarter.


Prediction: Lakers 114, Jazz 100
Lakers -7.5 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200

Orlando Magic (56-31) at Detroit Pistons (63-25)
Line: Pistons by 6.5.

A rant on the Washington Bullets: What a bunch of punks. I want David Stern to step up and ban this team from the playoffs next year no matter what happens. I can't believe they were teed off about that Darius Sunglass guy getting suspended, whoever he is. He should have been banned for at least five games. You don't intentionally try to injure the best player in the sport and get away with it. Have fun watching the rest on the postseason at home, losers.

I thought about taking the Magic here because the Pistons are lazy, but I think they know Orlando is a worthy team, unlike the mediocre Sixers. The Magic lost to the Raptors in the first round, so I have to believe they'll have major problems in Detroit.


Prediction: Pistons 105, Magic 92
Pistons -6.5 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200

Boston Celtics (69-18) at Atlanta Hawks (39-48)
Line: Celtics by 8.

This series has mirrored Detroit-Philadelphia for the most part. The Celtics are one of the best teams in the NBA, and they should be able to cut the crap and put the Baby Hawks away.


Prediction: Celtics 115, Hawks 92
Celtics -8 (4 Units) -- Incorrect; -$440



Cleveland Cavaliers (48-39) at Washington Bullets (45-42)
Line: Bullets by 3.5.

Everyone was down on the Bullets going into Game 5. They won, and now everyone is on their bandwagon? Give me a break. I doubt LeBron James chokes down the stretch again.


Prediction: Cavaliers 99, Bullets 96
Cavaliers -3.5 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200

Detroit Pistons (62-25) at Philadelphia 76ers (42-45)
Line: 76ers by 5.5.

I think the Sixers are done. I called this series in six, and that's what looks like is going to happen. They've just fallen apart since the second half of Game 4.


Prediction: Pistons 96, 76ers 85
Pistons -5.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300

Washington Bullets (44-42) at Cleveland Cavaliers (48-38)
Line: Cavaliers by 5.

How frustrating were yesterday's games? Both the Hornets and Spurs had enormous leads in the third quarter, and both failed to cover at the end, with San Antonio pushing and New Orleans missing by one point. Ugh.

Seriously, how dumb is Brandon Haywood? I don't even know who he is. Who is he to mock LeBron James? How stupid can you get? James goes for 40, 12 and 11 tonight, as Cleveland obliterates Washington.


Prediction: Cavaliers 107, Bullets 85
Cavaliers -5 (4 Units) -- Incorrect; -$440

Dallas Mavericks (52-34) at New Orleans Hornets (59-27)
Line: Hornets by 6.

Stick a fork in the Mavericks. I had the Hornets beating Dallas in five, and I'm staying with that prediction.


Prediction: Hornets 107, Mavericks 94
Hornets -6 (4 Units) -- Incorrect; -$440



Phoenix Suns (56-30) at San Antonio Spurs (59-27)
Line: Spurs by 5.

I also love the Spurs. The Suns exerted so much energy on Sunday just not to get eliminated. They won't have anything left in the tank.


Prediction: Spurs 109, Suns 96
Spurs -5 (4 Units) -- Push; -$40

Boston Celtics (68-17) at Atlanta Hawks (38-47)
Line: Celtics by 9.

Thanks for showing up to Game 3, lazy Celtics. I have to believe they'll take Game 4 seriously; I doubt they want to go back to Atlanta for a second trip.


Prediction: Celtics 105, Hawks 88
Celtics -9 (3 Units) -- Incorrect; -$330



Los Angeles Lakers (60-25) at Denver Nuggets (50-35)
Line: Lakers by 4.5.

I said this series would be a sweep from the start, and I'm sticking with that prediction. The Nuggets quit when the chips are down, so I'm expecting a blowout tonight.


Prediction: Lakers 115, Nuggets 98
Lakers -4.5 (4 Units) -- Correct; +$400

Cleveland Cavaliers (47-38) at Washington Bullets (44-41)
Line: Bullets by 4.

OK, the Bullets had their fun. Washington fans chanted "OVER-RATED!" to LeBron James. And there was some dude named Army Boy in the stands. I have no idea who he is, nor do I care. What I do care about, however, is seeing Cleveland take it to the cocky Bullets.


Prediction: Cavaliers 99, Bullets 96
Cavaliers +4 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300



San Antonio Spurs (59-26) at Phoenix Suns (55-30)
Line: Suns by 4.

Great Shaq trade! Why is Mark Dantoni on the hot seat? It's not his fault his GM is an idiot.


Prediction: Spurs 110, Suns 96
Spurs +4 (4 Units) -- Incorrect; -$440

Los Angeles Lakers (59-25) at Denver Nuggets (50-34)
Line: Nuggets by 1.5.

It was very amusing to see the Nuggets debacle themselves in the fourth quarter and consequently get blowed out. They're done... I don't know why George Karl just doesn't place a cardboard cutout of himself on the bench and hit the slopes.


Prediction: Lakers 118, Nuggets 104
Lakers +1.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300



Boston Celtics (68-16) at Atlanta Hawks (37-47)
Line: Celtics by 8.

The oddsmaker has been way off on these lines and has gotten burnt twice. This spread makes sense with what he's been putting up, but if I were making this line, I'd open at Celtics -16. It's a joke that a 37-47 team is in the Doggone Playoff.


Prediction: Celtics 106, Hawks 82
Celtics -8 (4 Units) -- Incorrect; -$440

New Orleans Hornets (58-26) at Dallas Mavericks (51-33)
Line: Mavericks by 6.

Hornets win this in four or five... The Mavericks are soft and are folding like a deck of cards.


Prediction: Hornets 101, Mavericks 100
Hornets +6 (2 Units) -- Incorrect; -$220



San Antonio Spurs (58-26) at Phoenix Suns (55-29)
Line: Suns by 6.5.

I don't get how the Suns can be favored by 6.5. The Spurs are in their heads. Phoenix will once again blow a huge lead.


Prediction: Spurs 106, Suns 101
Spurs +6.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300

Cleveland Cavaliers (47-37) at Washington Bullets (43-41)
Line: Bullets by 5.

This line seems odd. Why are the Bullets favored by so much? Every single n00b out there is picking Cleveland. Normally I'd say go with Washington, but n00bs have won a lot this year in the NBA. It's obvious why, but I'll save that for a later date. I don't want to jinx anything.

And yes, Bullets; not Wizards. Naming your team the Wizards sounds something a bunch of Pokemon-playing dorks would do.


Prediction: Cavaliers 99, Bullets 96
Cavaliers +5 (2 Units) -- Incorrect; -$220

Philadelphia 76ers (41-42) at Detroit Pistons (59-24)
Line: Pistons by 10.

I didn't mention this on the site, but I told everyone the 76ers were going to win Game 1 because the Pistons are too lethargic. They dominated early on but let up in the fourth quarter. No way this one's close. Sixers get blowed out!


Prediction: Pistons 102, 76ers 85
Pistons -10 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200



Atlanta Hawks (37-46) at Boston Celtics (67-16)
Line: Celtics by 15.5.

I mentioned this a couple of days ago, but I don't think the spreads Vegas is setting in this series reflect the talent level of the two teams. If I were in charge, I'd make Boston -22 or -23.


Prediction: Celtics 106, Hawks 83
Celtics -15.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300



Denver Nuggets (50-33) at Los Angeles Lakers (58-25)
Line: Lakers by 8.

I normally hate playing more than two on the same day, but I feel strongly about each of these. The Nuggets don't play any defense and quit when the chips are down. They'll get debacled tonight.


Prediction: Lakers 121, Nuggets 103
Lakers -8 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300

Dallas Mavericks (51-32) at New Orleans Hornets (57-26)
Line: Hornets by 3.5.

I'm going with the same premise I had on Saturday - the Hornets are the better team, so I'm picking them to beat the soft Mavericks at a cheap price.


Prediction: Hornets 106, Mavericks 94
Hornets -3.5 (4 Units) -- Correct; +$400

Utah Jazz (55-28) at Houston Rockets (55-28)
Line: Rockets by 1.

I'm surprised that the Rockets got "blowed out" in Game 1. I expect them to rebound tonight; teams seldom win both road contests.


Prediction: Rockets 97, Jazz 90
Rockets -1 (3 Units) -- Incorrect; -$330

Atlanta Hawks (37-45) at Boston Celtics (66-16)
Line: Celtics by 15.

This seems like a lot of points to lay, but it's really not when you compare the talent of the two teams. Realistically, this line should be -23 or -24. All four games in this series will be a blowout, especially when you consider all the trash talking the Hawks have been doing. Way to throw pebbles at a sleeping giant, idiots.


Prediction: Celtics 106, Hawks 83
Celtics -15 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300



Denver Nuggets (50-32) at Los Angeles Lakers (57-25)
Line: Lakers by 8.5.

I like the Lakers a little bit here, so this is just a small, 1-unit play. I believe this series will be a sweep as well. Once these games move on to Denver, I'll make big plays on L.A.


Prediction: Lakers 116, Nuggets 103
Lakers -8.5 (1 Unit) -- Correct; +$100

Dallas Mavericks (51-31) at New Orleans Hornets (56-26)
Line: Hornets by 4.5.

Every analyst I've heard likes Dallas to upset New Orleans. If that's the case, why are the Hornets favored over the Mavericks by more than Cleveland over Washington and San Antonio over Phoenix? Makes no sense. Also, with the public on Dallas, the line has risen to five in some places.

Here are my NBA Playoff Predictions for those interested:

FIRST ROUND WEST: I like New Orleans in five. They'll play the Spurs, who should be able to dispatch the Suns in seven. Atop the West bracket, the Lakers will sweep the Nuggets, and will battle the Jazz who win in seven.

SECOND ROUND WEST: The Lakers should have a fairly easy time taking care of the Jazz (in six). San Antonio also beats the Hornets in six - New Orleans has no experience.

WESTERN FINALS: I like the Spurs' experience, but Los Angeles will prevail in seven; Manu Ginobli not being 100 percent concerns me.

FIRST ROUND EAST: Boston rips Atlanta to shreds in all four games. They'll take on the Wizards; LeBron's not healthy and his supporting cast sucks. The Sixers should be able to win two games against the Pistons, but they're just way too young to beat a powerhouse Detroit squad. Orlando beats Toronto in seven.

SECOND ROUND EAST: Washington shocks the world and knocks off the Celtics - in Games 1 and 3. Boston wins in six. The Magic are in a similar position as New Orleans; they're talented, but they have no experience. Detroit takes care of them in seven.

EASTERN FINALS: The Celtics won't take the Pistons lightly like they did the Wizards. They'll win in five.

NBA FINALS: David Stern will crap his pants if he gets the Lakers versus the Celtics. In what will be a series for the ages, Boston beats L.A. in seven on a buzzer-beater by Ray Allen.


Prediction: Hornets 106, Mavericks 95
Hornets -4.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300

New Jersey Nets (34-47) at Boston Celtics (65-16)
Line: Celtics by 9.5.

The Celtics will be using their J.V. team in this game, but it really shouldn't matter; they're still infinitely better than the Nets.


Prediction: Celtics 106, Nets 90
Celtics -9.5 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200

Minnesota Timberwolves (21-59) at Detroit Pistons (57-23)
Line: Pistons by 7.

So, the Jazz are up by double figures the entire game - we're talking 15-20 points - and they manage to win by just nine. Awesome.

Going with Detroit here. I know they have nothing to play for, but that just means they'll be able to have fun without any pressure.


Prediction: Pistons 97, Timberwolves 78
Pistons -7 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200

Houston Rockets (54-26) at Utah Jazz (53-27)
Line: Jazz by 9.

I love the way the Jazz are playing right now; they're simply demolishing everyone in their path.


Prediction: Jazz 112, Rockets 91
Jazz -9 (3 Units) -- Push; -$30

Seattle Sonics (18-60) at Houston Rockets (52-25)
Line: Rockets by 15.

I don't like much today, but I'm going with Houston for a small play. The Rockets are playing extremely well right now and I feel confident laying 15 with them tonight.


Prediction: Rockets 102, Sonics 78
Rockets -15 (1 Unit) -- Correct; +$100

San Antonio Spurs (52-23) at Utah Jazz (50-26)
Line: Jazz by 3.

I was pretty dumb for taking the Warriors on Wednesday because I didn't check the injury report. I had no idea Dirk Nowitzki would be back. Hopefully I can redeem myself with the Spurs. I'm going to keep riding them; I think they've turned it around ever since the media bashed them.


Prediction: Spurs 101, Jazz 96
Spurs +3 (3 Units) -- Incorrect; -$330

Golden State Warriors (45-29) at Dallas Mavericks (46-28)
Line: Mavericks by 3.5.

The Mavericks are leaking oil. I took them against the Clippers because they needed to win after a torrent of difficult games. Well, they barely covered. I don't have any faith in them to win this game, let alone cover the spread.


Prediction: Warriors 111, Mavericks 100
Warriors +3.5 (2 Units) -- Incorrect; -$220

Golden State Warriors (45-28) at San Antonio Spurs (51-23)
Line: Spurs by 8.5.

The Spurs are killing everyone. Ever since they were bashed by the national media, they've reeled off seven in a row, covering six of those contests. I'm riding them again tonight.


Prediction: Spurs 106, warriors 91
Spurs -8.5 (3 Units) -- Correct; +$300

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Note: For legality purposes, this Web site does not promote or advocate gambling. This is solely for entertainment purposes only.
Season: 2007-08: November - December - January - February - March - April -
2006-07: November - December - January - February - March - April - May/June

Last Week's Winnings (May 5-11): 7-3, +$1,340

2006-07 Season Winnings: 229-253-6, -$3,750
2007-08 Season Winnings (as of May 11): 91-75-7, 54.8% (+$2,180)

Career Winnings (as of May 11): 320-327-13, 49.5% (-$1,570)