NBA Picks December 2015 (December 1-6)

The first full month of the NBA season has been put in the books and the season has been dominated by two major story lines to this point.

The first is the dominance shown by the Golden State Warriors as the defending Champions open the season with nineteen straight wins to have the longest winning run to open a new season in NBA history.

Golden State are the clear favourites to win the NBA Championship for a second consecutive season as long as they can maintain the health they have shown the last couple of years. They have a depth that will be the envy of the rest of the NBA, although there are teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and the LA Clippers who will feel they can get the better of them in May when the Western Conference Play Offs roll around.

The second big piece of news from the first month of the season came last week when Kobe Bryant announced his retirement from the NBA at the end of the season. It looks like being another poor one for the LA Lakers who are in the midst of a transitional period, but at leas their season will mean something now as fans around the League will pay their respects to Kobe.

I am not going to say I was ever Bryant's biggest fan and I don't like the Lakers, but I have a lot of respect for what he achieved in the game. He has inspired a generation of players that are in the NBA at the moment and really is the heir to Michael Jordan's crown in the League and that can't be forgotten.

There were times that Kobe was surrounded by controversy both on and off the court, but he deserves the send off he is going to get beginning with a road game at the Philadelphia 76ers in the City where he grew up.

Like many others, I can only wish Kobe the best in whatever he decides to do. He is a player that transcended beyond the basketball court and one of the big names from the League over the last twenty years and has achieved everything he likely set out to do when he turned professional.

Kobe Bryant's retirement which was penned in poem form can be read here.

Tuesday 1st December

It was not a good end to November with both picks coming close but ultimately falling short on Monday.

However, I can't complain too much about a second consecutive winning months and will be looking to push on in December.

Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers Pick: This looks a good spot to back the Cleveland Cavaliers against a Washington Wizards team that have struggled with their identity. It is a big number so the layers are taking no chances with the Cavaliers, but they should be too strong for a team that has lost four in a row and had suffered three straight blow out losses before a close loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Things are not going to plan for Washington with a number of voices offering up their discontent with the way the team is planning for games. Injuries haven't helped the Wizards, but that is not something the Cavaliers will want to hear at this stage of the season and Washington will have to dig deep to make this a competitive game.

Washington have struggled against the better teams on the road this season and have actually gone 0-5 against the spread on the road when facing a team with a winning record. Add in the fact that they have gone 0-4 against the spread as a big road underdog and I do like Cleveland to come through.

The Cavaliers had to battle hard to beat Brooklyn in their last home game, but had three straight wins by double digits at home. They are 11-8 against the spread as a big home favourite and Cleveland should have too much at both ends of the court for Washington.

Orlando Magic @ Minnesota Timberwolves Pick: It has been a long time since the Orlando Magic had a winning record in the NBA at this stage of the season and this young team is coming together effectively. This is a confident team that has won three games in a row, although the big test for Orlando will be to try and their form on the road.

Orlando have lost three in a row on the road to drop to 2-5 in those games, but they are facing a Minnesota Timberwolves team that have struggled on their home court. Like the Magic, Minnesota have a young team that experiences some ups and downs although their own three game winning run was ended by a loss at the LA Clippers on Sunday.

Neither team has enjoyed being in the small home favourite or small road underdog role so it is going to be something different for them to experience. I like the Magic because they seem to be having a better time on both ends of the court than Minnesota at this moment and the Timberwolves have a 1-7 record against the spread at home.

Add in the fact that the Orlando Magic have enjoyed coming to Minnesota where they are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight visits and the fact they have thrived in the underdog role this season and I do like their chances of covering. The Timberwolves are 0-2 against the spread as the favourite this season while they are 18-23 against the spread as the home favourite over the last two years so I'll take the road team with the small amount of points on offer.


Wednesday 2nd December
The Cleveland Cavaliers were terrible in a home loss to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday and it was far from the form that both of these teams have put together in recent home/away games respectively.

It looked like the Orlando Magic were going to blow a big lead in their game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they held on with some big plays late in the fourth quarter.

And of course the big story of the night was Philadelphia snapping their 0-18 start to the season by spoiling Kobe Bryant's last game in his home city with a win over the LA Lakers.

Phoenix Suns @ Detroit Pistons Pick: The Phoenix Suns blew a fourth quarter lead in their loss on Tuesday night and have a quick turnaround as they travel from the New York area to Detroit to face the Pistons.

It looks a difficult time to run into Detroit who are back up to 0.500 and shown a marked improvement from their early season form under Stan Van Gundy in 2014. Andre Drummond has been very good now the room has been cleared by the departure of Greg Monroe, while the mid-season arrival of Reggie Jackson has looked a very good move.

Detroit might have lost four of their last six, but that that is still better than Phoenix who are 1-5 in that same time and off a very disappointing loss on Tuesday. The Pistons have been strong at home this season where they are 2-0 against the spread when playing a team with a losing record and they have also covered in their last seven against Phoenix.

My one concern has to be how well the Suns have done as the road underdog compared with Detroit as the home favourite with this number of points on the line. However, I have to believe the Suns are suffering with some fatigue from their efforts on Tuesday night and Detroit have been strong at home where I expect them to cover.


Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks Pick: Not many would have thought it would be the New York Knicks coming into this game with a long losing streak to snap rather than the Philadelphia 76ers. However it is the Knicks who have lost four in a row while their visitors snapped their 0-18 start to the season with a win over the LA Lakers on Tuesday night.

I had already shortlisted a competitive Philadelphia team prior to that win because of the way they have been playing of late with a number of fourth quarter leads blown. The fact they have remained competitive off those disappointments suggest a young team is coming together, although my concern is whether they have the same desire off their first win which is going to have had an emotional effect on the players.

Young players should be able to use that emotion in a positive way as they look for back to back wins and I do think the New York Knicks are giving away too many points. Carmelo Anthony is back which is huge for the team but any win will do for the Knicks to snap their run, while they have to make sure they don't overlook a bad team and focus on the game with the Brooklyn Nets which is next up at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

Philadelphia have played well as the big road underdog over the last couple of seasons, going 28-20 against the spread, while New York are just 4-6 against the spread covering big numbers as the home favourite. With the 76ers going 5-2 against the spread against the Knicks in the last seven games, this might be too many points for the home team to cover.


Toronto Raptors @ Atlanta Hawks Pick: I got it wrong when backing the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Atlanta Hawks as a favourite a couple of days ago, but I am not sure the Hawks should be favoured to win this one.

And they are favoured pretty big to win what I thought would be a pick 'em game.

I have a feeling that the Toronto Raptors are being under-estimated because they lost their last game and that was off an emotional back to back situation. While the Hawks won well, they haven't been lighting up the winning side of things in recent weeks and Toronto are 6-2 against the spread at Atlanta.

The Raptors aren't the greatest road underdog, but I like their chances here with the points to keep this very competitive.


Thursday 3rd December
It looked like it was going to be a bad day on Wednesday as the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors all struggled, but fortunately two of the teams got it right to end the game.

That makes it a positive start to the week, but there are still a few days to go with things finely balanced.

Orlando Magic @ Utah Jazz Pick: The Orlando Magic have thrived in the underdog role so far this season and they are coming off a road win at the Minnesota Timberwolves. That came as a small road underdog and I like their chances of covering again on Thursday with a couple more points as their opponents are coming off an emotional loss.

There have been a couple of rest days since the Utah Jazz arguably came closest to beating the Golden State Warriors this season. They ultimately came up a little short and while I think they are more talented than Orlando, there could be a hangover left from not beating the Warriors which makes this a close game.

Utah have been a very good home favourite to back when asking to cover six points or fewer here, but I like the way Orlando have played in the underdog spot. There is also something to suggest Utah overlook this game and perhaps think ahead to trying to knock off what may be considered the hottest team in the Eastern Conference when the Indiana Pacers come to town.

The Magic have gone 9-3-1 against the spread in their last thirteen games in Utah and I think they make these points competitive.


Indiana Pacers @ Portland Trail Blazers Pick: Simply backing the Portland Trail Blazers in a home underdog spot over the years would have produced a very good 57% strike rate. However, I think the Indiana Pacers are playing at too high a level at the moment and I like them to win here even off a back to back situation.

The Pacers have been dominating teams of late and they have the 'East Coast Splash Brothers', or so Paul George described himself and CJ Miles with his tongue firmly in cheek, who have been scoring plenty of points. The Pacers have tried to change their style Offensively this off-season but not many would have expected it to come together in the manner it has.

Playing a back to back as the road favourite isn't an encouraging position- the Pacers are not the best road favourite to back, but this team has felt different. Indiana are also 2-1 against the spread in the second of back to back games this season and they are facing a Portland team that is off a disappointing overtime loss on Monday.

Portland do have a decent record at home, but they are just 2-4 against the spread when hosting a team with a winning record while the Indiana Pacers are 7-3 against the spread in their last ten here. I am looking for both of those numbers to be improved against Portland on Thursday and backing the Pacers to win and cover again.


Friday 4th December
It was another up and down day on Thursday as Orlando continued flying as the underdog, but the Indiana Pacers couldn't hold onto a couple of big leads before tiring and losing in Portland.

The Friday slate of games look very difficult, and I am only making the one pick from the games on offer.

Houston Rockets @ Dallas Mavericks Pick: These two teams have made contrasting starts to the season and I think the big surprise is that the Houston Rockets haves struggled while the Dallas Mavericks have put together a veteran roster that have gelled.

The poor start has cost Kevin McHale his Head Coach role at Houston, but there are now signs the team is turning things around with three wins in four games. The consistency is nothing near where they would expect, but Houston look a little better and might be getting too many points on the road in Dallas.

This is a Mavericks team who is well rested having played through overtime to somehow steal a win in Portland last time out. That doesn't take away from the fact they have lost four of their last six games and this is a Dallas team that has regularly found it difficult to cover the spread when favoured by six or fewer points at home.

Houston haven't exactly thrived as a road underdog in this spot either, but they have been a better team on the road when it comes to spreads this season. The Rockets have at least picked up their Offensive production in recent games and that is key against a Dallas team that can be bogged down on the Offensive side of the court.

All of that makes the points appealing for the road team in this one, especially as Houston are 8-3 against the spread in the last eleven games between these State rivals.


Saturday 5th December
The Houston Rockets dominated for long stretches in their win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday and the cover was fairly easily obtained. The Rockets might be a team to watch in the coming weeks as they have shown they are perhaps turning a corner and becoming the team we all expected in the summer.

Golden State Warriors @ Toronto Raptors Pick: The Golden State Warriors has escaped with one win and dominated another on this seven game road trip where most expect them to fall for the first time this season. However, it might not be on Saturday if the Toronto Raptors continue to make lethargic starts to their games as they might be blown away by the Warriors before they really get into their stride.

It took a big second half comeback for the Raptors to knock off Atlanta earlier in the week, but they were dropped by Denver the next night with nothing left in the tank. It would have been a three game losing run for Toronto if they hadn't beaten Atlanta, but they can look at a game against Golden State at the Oracle Arena earlier this season when they were close to upsetting the defending Champions.

However, it might be much more difficult at home as Golden State are winning their games by over thirteen points per game on the road. Their last five wins have come by over eighteen points per game and the Warriors are the kind of team that will take advantage if Toronto make another slow start.

The Warriors have been a dominant road favourite of over 6.5 points in recent seasons and Toronto are just 8-7 against the spread as the home underdog in the last couple of years. I like Golden State to move to 21-0 with a dominant road win on Saturday.


Boston Celtics @ San Antonio Spurs Pick: I backed the San Antonio Spurs to beat the Chicago Bulls last week and that is the only loss they have suffered in their last eight games. I am going back to the well tonight though and hoping for a better result as they host the Boston Celtics who are playing their fourth road game in a five game stretch.

After being blown out in Orlando, Boston have responded with two very good road wins, but facing the San Antonio Spurs is a big challenge. The Celtics are a very good road underdog to back, especially when they are getting more than 6.5 points to start off.

However, San Antonio are a strong home favourite against big spreads and they are outscoring teams by over fifteen points per game at home. Unsurprisingly they are unbeaten at home which includes going 4-1 against the spread against a team with a winning record.

Boston do have a strong recent record in San Antonio, going 6-2 against the spread in the last eight games here, but I think the Spurs are playing at a very high level. Road blow out wins have inspired San Antonio who have followed a twenty point plus road win by going 10-3 against the spread in their next game and I think the Spurs win this by double digits and get over the spread.

MY PICKS: 01/12 Cleveland Cavaliers - 9 Points @ 1.91 Betway (1 Unit)

01/12 Orlando Magic + 2 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
02/12 Detroit Pistons - 4 Points @ 1.91 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
02/12 Philadelphia 76ers + 9 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
02/12 Toronto Raptors + 4 Points @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)
03/12 Orlando Magic + 4 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
03/12 Indiana Pacers - 2.5 Points @ 1.91 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
04/12 Houston Rockets + 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Boyle Sports (1 Unit)
05/12 Golden State Warriors - 7.5 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
05/12 San Antonio Spurs - 9 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

December 1-6 Update: 5-5, - 0.37 Units

November Final: 27-22-1, + 2.69 Units
October Final: 5-4, + 0.57 Units
Season 2016: 32-26-1, + 3.26 Units

Final Season 2015: 109-108-5, - 6.91 Units

Final Season 2014: 58-72-1, - 16.86 Units

Final Season 2013: 105-93-3, + 10.49 Units

Final Season 2012: 79-53-1, + 27.48 Units

NBA Picks December 2013

The first full month of the NBA season has been tough to get the head around and we have seen too many strange results to really feel good about it. The first month can always be erratic as teams find their places, while the long off season means other teams haven't found their chemistry just yet.

The real disappointments so far have been my favourite team, the New York Knicks, and their city rivals in the Brooklyn Nets in what has been a terrible Atlantic Division- the Division is bad enough for me to still have the Knicks and Nets as the two top teams in it and I expect both to find a way to pick up form in the coming months.

Derrick Rose's injury is a real disappointment for the neutral and I think the Chicago Bulls are going to struggle to get to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals this time around. It is a shame for the whole Eastern Conference that their teams are struggling to such an extent that the Indiana Pacers-Miami Heat Conference Finals looks inevitable even five months before the season has started.

The Western Conference remains very competitive and I would expect the battle for the Play Offs to go right down to the wire as it did last year. I am also excited to see Kobe Bryant back on the court and this is the month the Black Mamba will return for the LA Lakers, which could help the Lakers return to the Play Offs after a mixed start to the season.

I am not a Lakers fan, but you have to admire the skills Bryant brings to the court and I do hope that he can return to something like his best, although we may not see that until the new year once he gets a few games under his belt.

The picks haven't made a great start to the season, but they didn't last year either as the first couple of months can be tough to get a real read on. Hopefully I can find a way to kick on this month and get the season tally back into the positive.


December 5th
New York Knicks @ Brooklyn Nets Pick: These two teams have had a terrible first month of the season, but both are at least in the worst Division in the NBA and can get things turned around. I think the Knicks have been close to snapping their losing run in the last couple of games and I think they can get over the bump in this one against a Brooklyn team that will have a lot of pressure on them from the home crowd.


Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls Pick: The Chicago Bulls have made life very difficult for Miami in the regular season, even without Derrick Rose, and that is hard to ignore. However, they have a lot of basketball in their legs after the triple-overtime loss to New Orleans and the Heat should be too strong for them this time around and get back to winning ways.


December 11th
Orlando Magic @ Charlotte Bobcats Pick: The Charlotte Bobcats look like a genuine team that can make the Eastern Conference Play Offs and have won 3 in a row at home. Facing an Orlando team that has struggled on the road is one thing, but the Magic may also be looking forward to returning home as this concludes a 6 game road trip and I like the Bobcats to cover.


San Antonio Spurs @ Milwaukee Bucks Pick: Both of these teams played last night and both have a big game to look forward to in a couple of days- San Antonio have the deeper rotation and are the superior team. Milwaukee are 2-8 against the spread at home and may be looking forward to hosting Chicago in a couple of days after knocking them off on the road last night.


December 12th
LA Clippers @ Brooklyn Nets Pick: This is going to be an emotional night on both sides of the court and should be a fascinating game between two teams in decent nick. The back to back concerns me for the LA Clippers, but I still like Doc Rivers to continue his return to the East Coast with a positive run.


December 13th
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Orlando Magic Pick: Cleveland are a much improved team and I feel it is only a matter of time before they start producing winning performances on the road. However, they play in Miami on Saturday night and may just overlook a tough Orlando team that is getting healthier and I like the home team to win and cover.


Sacramento Kings @ Phoenix Suns Pick: Sacramento may just need a little time to build the chemistry between their two stars, Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, while they may also overlook or under-estimate a team they have beaten twice this season already. Phoenix will look to expose any uncertainty in the Kings line up and will have a little revenge on their mind so I look for them to cover.


December 18th
Sacramento Kings @ Atlanta Hawks Pick: The Sacramento Kings could be without a big piece of their team if Rudy Gay can't go in this one, while they haven't been playing that well. Atlanta are not a team to rely on with their inconsistent play, but they should be focused and prove too strong for the Kings.


December 19th
Chicago Bulls @ Oklahoma City Thunder Pick: The Chicago Bulls have been struggling in recent games and they don't look like having enough points to make this competitive to me. I am a little concerned with the Oklahoma City spot considering they play San Antonio next, but they have a winning run to look after and I see them pulling away for another comfortable win over Chicago.


December 20th
Milwaukee Bucks @ Cleveland Cavaliers Pick: Neither team has a winning record but Cleveland have at least shown some heart in recent games. They should be too good for a Milwaukee team that may not be able to keep up offensively in this one.


Minnesota Timberwolves @ LA Lakers Pick: Kobe Bryant is out for the next six weeks and there are too many injuries for them to overcome immediately. The Lakers may be feeling sorry for themselves in losing their star name for more time after just getting him back and they may have a let down performance against a team that has blown them out here once already this season.


December 23rd
Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat Pick: The Miami Heat have dominated the Atlanta Hawks in recent games including a 16 point win last month and I think they can take the win with the cover in this one. Miami have to ignore the fact that they are facing the Lakers on Christmas Day, and that is a concern, but their performances against Atlanta are hard to ignore.


Dallas Mavericks @ Houston Rockets Pick: The Houston Rockets should have Jeremy Lin back in the rotation, but are another team that has to ignore the fact that they are playing on Christmas Day. Playing a rival from within their State should be enough to inspire Houston to cover in this one against a Dallas team that isn't as strong on the road.


December 25th
Merry Christmas to one and all...

Oklahoma City Thunder @ New York Knicks Pick: New York may rally with the nation watching this game and none of the players will want to be embarrassed in this game. However, Carmelo Anthony's absence would be a big blow to the home team and I don't think they can keep up with the point-scoring ability of the Oklahoma City Thunder who will be powered by Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.


Miami Heat @ LA Lakers Pick: I think this is one game that the entire LA Lakers rotation can get up for and I expect them to make the Miami Heat work hard for any victory they will get here. If the Lakers get hot from the three point arc as Atlanta did, it could be a close game, but otherwise you have to think the Heat will make a statement with a comfortable win on the road.


December 27th
Toronto Raptors @ New York Knicks Pick: There is still no news as to whether Carmelo Anthony will play in this game, but the Knicks are coming in off another low with an embarrassing home loss against Oklahoma City on Christmas Day. Toronto have enough scoring potential to see off the Knicks in the first of a home and home series which is concluded tomorrow.


Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Pelicans Pick: Anthony Davis is back and the Pelicans have snapped a 4 game losing run with a win over the Sacramento Kings. Denver themselves have lost 4 in a row and haven't covered in any of those games and I like the Pelicans to make that 5 in a row.


December 28th
New York Knicks @ Toronto Raptors Pick: The Toronto Raptors started badly yesterday but still managed to beat the Knicks easily enough and I think they can do the same again in this game. Carmelo Anthony remains questionable for the Knicks who have too many injuries to overcome at the moment.


December 29th
Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder Pick: The Thunder are without Russell Westbrook for the next couple of months and we saw how much less effective they were without their starting Point Guard in the Play Offs last season.

Houston can score with the best of teams in the NBA and I think they have enough points in the team to think the 4.5 points they are getting are too much in this game. My only concern is that this is the fourth game in 5 days for the Rockets and tiredness is a factor, although they will be looking to make a statement against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

MY PICKS: 05/12 New York Knicks @ 1.92 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
05/12 Miami Heat - 4.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
11/12 Charlotte Bobcats - 5 Points @ 1.95 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
11/12 San Antonio Spurs - 11 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
12/12 LA Clippers - 2 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
13/12 Orlando Magic - 2 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
13/12 Phoenix Suns - 6.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
18/12 Atlanta Hawks - 6 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
19/12 Oklahoma City Thunder - 13 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
20/12 Cleveland Cavaliers - 7.5 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
20/12 Minnesota Timberwolves - 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Coral (1 Unit)
23/12 Miami Heat - 8 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
23/12 Houston Rockets - 4.5 Points @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
25/12 Oklahoma City Thunder - 9 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
25/12 Miami Heat - 9 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
27/12 Toronto Raptors - 2.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
27/12 New Orleans Pelicans - 3 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
28/12 Toronto Raptors - 6 Points @ 1.95 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
29/12 Houston Rockets + 4.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)

December 2013 Update: 8-11, - 3.42 Units

November 2013 Final: 8-7-1, + 0.82 Units
October 2013 Final: 0-4, - 4 Units

Season 2014: 8-11-1, - 3.18 Units
Final Season 2013: 105-93-3, + 10.49 Units
Final Season 2012: 79-53-1, + 27.48 Units

NBA Picks December 2012

The first month of the NBA season went pretty well, although I have kept my powder dry in the last three weeks as I was just hitting a poor run of form and decided it was better to take a watching brief rather than going 'chasing'.

It has been a very interesting start to the new season, particularly for a New York Knicks fan as myself with the team currently having the best record in the Eastern Conference and already knocked off Miami twice this season, once without Carmelo Anthony.

The Heat have actually been a little lethargic at times to open the season with the knowledge that they can likely beat 85% of the teams in the NBA with a little burst of quality and they have sleep-walked through the majority of games and are doing just enough to win.

However, they are at least winning, while the LA Lakers have made a horrible start to the new season. Injuries are hurting them and exposing a roster that doesn't have a lot of depth and I think they will likely go through more teething problems before things settle down. I still think the Lakers will make the Play Offs, but they don't look the team to beat in the Western Conference... That remains the Oklahoma City Thunder who have suffered no noticeable hangover from losing in the NBA Finals last June and the fact that they have lost James Harden just days before the new season began.

This is still very early in the new season and the NBA is currently playing second fiddle to the NFL and the season won't settle down into a real shape until the new calender year.

December 11th

New York Knicks @ Brooklyn Nets Pick: The New York Knicks may have the best record in the Eastern Conference at this early stage of the new season, but one result that would have grated on the management and the fans would have been the loss to the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the season.

The chance for redemption is high in this one for the Knicks as they are playing the better basketball of the two teams. I also think the Knicks will not be overlooking this game for the visit of the LA Lakers on Thursday night and they have won 3 of their last 4 road games since the loss in Brooklyn.

The Nets have just been off in recent games with 3 consecutive home losses, and I just think the scoring power of the Knicks carries them over in this one and level the season series at 1-1.


December 12th
San Antonio Spurs @ Utah Jazz Pick: The San Antonio Spurs are once again one of the hotter regular season teams a year after finishing with the Number 1 seed in the Western Conference and I think they will be too strong for the Utah Jazz in what is traditionally a difficult road game for teams.

However, the Spurs have won 3 of their last 4 games here in Utah and they have been scoring a lot of points coming into this one. Greg Popovich also seems to get the best out of his team when they are due to play on back to back nights, going 19-1 straight up in the first of those games, including winning 10 in a row.

San Antonio are 8-2 against the spread in that 10 game winning run and I think they improve that here.


December 14th
Both of the previous games I went with were a couple rolls of the ball away from being winners, but instead I got a push and a loser so decided to take off yesterday with the small choices I had.

Golden State Warriors @ Orlando Magic Pick: I like the Orlando Magic in the underdog role to keep this game close, even though they have been inconsistent all season.

However, I like the idea that Golden State Warriors could be on an emotional letdown spot following their shocking win over the Miami Heat a couple of nights ago. The Warriors have been very good this season, but it could be tough for them to keep their level up against a much weaker team than Miami.

Golden State have won 5 games in a row, but the last team to beat them was Orlando on the West Coast. The Warriors also have a shocking 1-10 run in the first of back to back nights play while Orlando are 7-4 in that same situation.


Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder Pick: The Oklahoma City Thunder seemed to be even more focused to right the wrongs of losing in the NBA Finals last season and are not missing James Harden nor suffering from any hangover from their defeat to the Miami Heat.

They have won 9 straight games, going 7-2 against the spread, and they have three days before they have to play again so they can focus completely on this game. The close win over the New Orleans Hornets will have focused them more and I think they take that out on the Kings.

Sacramento have been beaten comfortably in their last 2 games and I think the Thunder have too much scoring power for them. This is the last of a four game road trip and they may just be looking forward to playing at home and could be beaten with a bit of ease in this one.


Memphis Grizzlies @ Denver Nuggets Pick: Denver are one of the best home teams in the NBA so I was a little surprised that they are only giving up 1.5 points in this one against a Memphis Grizzlies team that has lost 3 of their last 5 games in a very promising start to the season.

Much of Memphis' promising start has come from their games at home and although they have won at Oklahoma City, defeats at San Antonio and the LA Clippers suggests this will be another tough ask for them.

Denver did lose their last home game against the Grizzlies, but are 18-2 straight up against them in the last 20 times they have hosted them, while also being 13-7 against the spread so I'll back them here.


December 15th
LA Clippers @ Milwaukee Bucks Pick: The LA Clippers are the best team in Los Angeles and it has been a long time since people could say that... They have been in very good form and the additional rest they have before this game should stand them in good stead for this one.

The Clippers have been playing very effectively defensively and I think they can make enough stops to let their Offense take over this game. The Bucks played last night and they are just 1-6-1 against the spread in their last 8 games when playing the second of back to back nights play.

LA have not played well here in Milwaukee in recent games, but I think the Clippers have enough on both sides of the court to think they change that here.


December 20th
Miami Heat @ Dallas Mavericks Pick: The Miami Heat continue to sleep-walk through games at times this season, but they should be focused to play the short-handed Dallas Mavericks after losing the NBA Finals in 2011 to this team.

The Heat have beaten Dallas in the two games since those Finals, but the Mavericks are definitely a better team at home than they are on the road so it won't be easy. However, the spot looks a good one for the Heat to have a statement win on national TV and I think they cover the spread.


December 22nd
Utah Jazz @ Miami Heat Pick: The Miami Heat are in a good spot here as they managed to rest their starters in the blow out of the Dallas Mavericks and have a few days to prepare for their next game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Miami have been playing better defensively and I think they make life tough for Utah in this one, a team that may be looking forward to ending their Eastern road trip and heading back home.

Utah are also just 2-9 in their last 11 games when playing the first of back to back games and they are just 1-9-1 against the spread in those games.

LA Lakers @ Golden State Warriors Pick: The spread shows how close the layers think this game will be, although I am of the belief that the Golden State Warriors will be a little too good for the LA Lakers and win the game.

However, instead I am going to back the over 208.5 total points in this one- the over is 6-3 in the last 9 at Golden State between these teams and both have been scoring plenty of points but also struggling in defensive situations.

I am expecting both sides to crack the 105 point mark to see this one go over the total points.


December 23rd
Minnesota Timberwolves @ New York Knicks Pick: I like the New York Knicks to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves who will be missing Kevin Love in this game.

The Knicks have been very strong at the Garden and I think the Minnesota team could be a little flat after snapping the Oklahoma City Thunder winning streak. This is also a road game between home games and I think New York's scoring power will be too much to overcome.


December 25th
Boston Celtics @ Brooklyn Nets Pick: I am taking a couple of underdogs to give themselves Christmas cheer in the NBA, starting with the Boston Celtics as they visit Brooklyn to take on the Nets.

Boston should be fired up after getting into a series of pushing matches with the Nets in their last meeting, one which saw Rajon Rondo ejected and then suspended. This veteran squad is also looking to avoid their longest losing run on the road since 2007.

I also don't trust Brooklyn who have struggled in the role of favourites and who are struggling to put teams away with consistency.


New York Knicks @ LA Lakers Pick: I am also backing my favourite team, the New York Knicks to at least push the LA Lakers in this game.

Carmelo Anthony will likely have a big game to 'impress' former Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni and I also think there is more chemistry in the New York team at this moment in time. Granted, the Lakers have won 4 in a row, but they could easily have lost the last 2 games and I think the Knicks impose their slower tempo on proceedings while also being able to deal with the Lakers Offense having seen it for some time in New York.

I would be surprised if this isn't close until the final buzzer so the points look healthy.


Houston Rockets @ Chicago Bulls: One of the hottest teams in the NBA at the moment, the Houston Rockets look like they are being given a lot of points in this one and I think the highest scoring team in the League keeps it close against one of the premier Defenses in the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago have been playing well despite laying an egg in the blow out loss at Atlanta, but that was a bad emotional spot for them. I think they will put in a huge effort in this one, but Houston are scoring too many points to be given this head start and I'll take them to cover.


December 26th
Brooklyn Nets @ Milwaukee Bucks Pick: I like the home team's chances of covering the spread in this one as I think the personnel, particularly Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, do provide a match up problem for the Brooklyn Nets' best players in Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.

Brooklyn also took a bit of a beat down mentally from the Boston Celtics and have been awful against Milwaukee recently. In fact, they have lost 12 in a row in the series with 6 defeats in a row when they have visited the Bucks.

All of those 6 wins have come by at least double-digits and I think Milwaukee are too good for them here.


Houston Rockets @ Minnesota Timberwolves Pick: This is a terrible spot for the Houston Rockets as the game is sandwiched between the Christmas Day game at Chicago and the visit to the San Antonio Spurs, but 5.5 points head start does look a touch high.

Houston are playing with a lot of momentum and they have the scoring power to at least keep this game close. They also have a decent record at Minnesota, despite losing their last game here, and I think the youthful nature of the Rockets team will be enough to see them through this one.

Hopefully the Rockets realise that beating a potential rival for a Play Off berth is enough to concentrate their minds between much more 'glamourous' games.


December 27th
Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder Pick: Dallas have been struggling all season and they are the kind of team that seems to drop their heads when they fall behind. That could be exposed by a powerful Offense like the Oklahoma City Thunder who will be looking to get back to winning ways.

The Thunder were involved in another loss to the Miami Heat on Christmas Day, but they have been very good at home and will be looking for their 11th win. I just think they have more chances to get things going in this one and I like their chances of covering this double-digit spread.


December 28th
Miami Heat @ Detroit Pistons Pick: I just feel the absence of Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen will inspire LeBron James to take the Miami Heat on his back and he will help them continue their recent dominance of the Detroit Pistons.

The Heat are playing as well as anybody in the NBA at the moment and they will want to prove they can get things going on the road and win their 3rd in a row on their travels. The spread looks a reasonable one for them to cover, even on the road.

Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers Pick: The Atlanta Hawks should be able to win their 4th straight at Cleveland in this one as they should have a big edge when it comes to the Center spot, while Josh Smith looked very comfortable in their win over the Detroit Pistons.

The Hawks should be a little more focused on the road against one of the poorer teams in the Eastern Conference than they were against Detroit and they will want to put the record straight after losing at home against Cleveland earlier this season.

Denver Nuggets @ Dallas Mavericks Pick: This looks the perfect emotional let down spot for the Dallas Mavericks who should have beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder last night and now play a team that had won 3 straight at the American Airlines Center before their last meeting here.

Denver should be much more confident from their beating of the LA Lakers in their last gmae and I just feel the Nuggets will be able to bring that in here and maybe take advantage of a tired Dallas team.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Golden State Warriors Pick: The Golden State Warriors look like a team that will have too much scoring power for the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that may be over-rated from their one win over Memphis in their last game.

The 76ers have not been great on the road this season and could be short-handed which leaves me favouring the home side to cover.


December 29th
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Houston Rockets Pick: I just think this is a tough spot for the Houston Rockets who are playing their fourth game in five days and they are just off a tough loss at the San Antonio Spurs last night.

Oklahoma City haven't been playing that well, but they have players that can expose a Rockets Defense that allows a lot of points and they may just have enough to cover the spread.


December 31st
Miami Heat @ Orlando Magic Pick: I like the chances of the Miami Heat to turn around their recent road defeats in this one as they face a short-handed Orlando Magic team that are struggling to keep up with their opponents.

Orlando will make it a fight as this is an in-State rivalry, but there is too much in this Heat team to continue performing badly on the road and I like them to cover the big spread.


Atlanta Hawks @ Houston Rockets Pick: Both of these teams are capable of putting up big points and I think this will certainly be a high-scoring game.

However, I like the Houston Rockets to cover as I think the Atlanta team have played a lot of basketball while being short-handed and they have regularly struggled in visits to this part of Texas.


Brooklyn Nets @ San Antonio Spurs Pick: The Spurs have been playing as good basketball as anyone at the moment and I think they are too experienced for a Brooklyn Nets team that has struggled to find an identity.

The Spurs have dominated the Nets in recent games in the series and I think they get away from them in this one too.

MY PICKS: 11/12 New York Knicks - 3 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
12/12 San Antonio Spurs - 3.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
14/12 Orlando Magic + 4.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
14/12 Oklahoma City Thunder - 13 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
14/12 Denver Nuggets - 1.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
15/12 LA Clippers - 4 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
20/12 Miami Heat - 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
22/12 Miami Heat - 9 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
22/12 Golden State Warriors-LA Lakers Over 208.5 Total Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
23/12 New York Knicks - 8.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
25/12 Boston Celtics + 3.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
25/12 New York Knicks + 3.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
25/12 Houston Rockets + 4.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
26/12 Milwaukee Bucks - 3.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
26/12 Houston Rockets + 5.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
27/12 Oklahoma City Thunder - 10 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
28/12 Miami Heat - 6 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
28/12 Atlanta Hawks - 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
28/12 Denver Nuggets - 2.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
28/12 Golden State Warriors - 6 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
29/12 Oklahoma City Thunder - 4.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
30/12 San Antonio Spurs - 6 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
31/12 Miami Heat - 10 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
31/12 Houston Rockets - 4.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
31/12 San Antonio Spurs - 9 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)

December Update: 17-7-1, + 9.19 Units

November Final: 13-8-1, + 8.03 Units

Season 2013: 13-8-1, + 8.03 Units
Season 2012: 79-53-1, + 27.48 Units