NBA Picks Friday 03/01
Back with another winning day. Yet again backing against the Steph, Clay and company worked as the Magic won 103-96 against a tired Golden State.
That joy was shortlived however and replaced by frsutration that I didn't pick the Pacers (-3.5) and 76ers (+7.5) despite saying that I fancied them in the article. Oh well, that's life. Let's move on to today's two selections, including one that feels like a lock.
Current Record - 16-15-1 (win/lose/push) -0.44u
Sam's NBA picks will regularly be giving you picks for the day's hoop action. I recommend backing these individually but you're welcome to parlay them too. Each pick is staked at one unit.
Bulls @ Hawks
Normally when I make my selections I try and combine my personal opinion and statistics, in order to find a middle ground that offers the best results. Today is not that day. I will be going ahead my heart, and my adoration of the way Trae Young plays, to back the Bulls.
I don't really feel like backing either of these teams is overly smart usually but when they meet each other it seems right that I turn to stats and there's only one that truly matters.
Chicago have covered in 53.6% of their games as the away underdog this season. Fairly impressive but the kicker here is that the Hawks have gone 1-4 in their games as a home court favorite. So that's it, I'm taking the Bulls. Sorry Vince, sorry Trae but it's the Bulls for me.
Bulls +2.5
Bucks @ Lakers
This is a lock surely? This may be a case of famous last words but if I looked up 'Lock' in a dictionary I'd expect to see this game printed there. Milwaukee have covered the spread in 60.9% of their games as away favorite.
There's always the fear this close to the playoffs that LeBron goes nuclear but it feels like taking this group to the playoffs is beyond even him. The Lakers are a defensive mess, and are again without Lonzo Ball, who is a loss to them defensively. That rag-tag defense will be up against a Bucks unit who boast the second most efficient offense on the road. Giannis had his minutes restricted in the last game but even without their talisman they'll still be too strong here.
Bucks -4.5