This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
In honor of the Presidential Election that just passed (I am writing this prior to a winner being announced), the title of this week's article is politically rooted. That phrase has been used time and time again, especially in sports.
Let's recap last week: 2-1
We are now 2-4 on the season, which is nothing to celebrate, but it does open up a window to to climbing back to .500 just three weeks in.
Quote I regret from last week: "I probably undersell Brook Lopez as an overall talent, but offensively Drummond can reanimate possessions like Dr. Frankenstein."
Two weeks into the season and two of my losses in back-to-back columns have fallen on account of the Brooklyn Nets. Lopez's consistency has stood out for the Nets, once again, so we will stay so far away from the Nets vs. Knicks matchup this week. I refuse to lose three weeks in a row on one team.
On to this week:
Raptors at Thunder (-3.5)
I love this pick. The Toronto Raptors are one of two teams in the Eastern Conference that don't look like they are about to fall apart just two weeks into the season. Let's combine that with DeMar DeRozan's shooting proficiency through six games, Kyle Lowry's patience and maturity -- even on his off days -- and the Raptors being the second real challenge for the Thunder so far. Oklahoma City has an impressive 6-1 record (4-3 ATS) but has only played one elite team
In honor of the Presidential Election that just passed (I am writing this prior to a winner being announced), the title of this week's article is politically rooted. That phrase has been used time and time again, especially in sports.
Let's recap last week: 2-1
We are now 2-4 on the season, which is nothing to celebrate, but it does open up a window to to climbing back to .500 just three weeks in.
Quote I regret from last week: "I probably undersell Brook Lopez as an overall talent, but offensively Drummond can reanimate possessions like Dr. Frankenstein."
Two weeks into the season and two of my losses in back-to-back columns have fallen on account of the Brooklyn Nets. Lopez's consistency has stood out for the Nets, once again, so we will stay so far away from the Nets vs. Knicks matchup this week. I refuse to lose three weeks in a row on one team.
On to this week:
Raptors at Thunder (-3.5)
I love this pick. The Toronto Raptors are one of two teams in the Eastern Conference that don't look like they are about to fall apart just two weeks into the season. Let's combine that with DeMar DeRozan's shooting proficiency through six games, Kyle Lowry's patience and maturity -- even on his off days -- and the Raptors being the second real challenge for the Thunder so far. Oklahoma City has an impressive 6-1 record (4-3 ATS) but has only played one elite team in the Golden State Warriors, and they were ran off the floor. The Raptors are definitely not the Warriors; however, they provide a tough matchup for Thunder backcourt and are getting enough points that they just have to keep it close.
The Pick: Raptors +3.5
Trail Blazers at Clippers (-9.5)
Here is where the headline of this piece comes into play. Last week, the Clippers handed the Thunder far too many points, and the sloppy showing by the Clippers resulted in a 85-83 loss on their home court. Blake Griffin's foot was his own worst enemy, but even a clutch moment from the Oklahoma product would not have been nearly enough to cover the points being offered. The Blazers are getting MORE points than the Thunder did, and shot-for-shot the Blazers are just as good of a team. Portland has some bad losses on the schedule (namely a 118-115 loss to the Suns), but the Blazers' first matchup with the Clippers resulted in an eight-point defeat. Pending how the Blazers play on Tuesday against Phoenix (at home), this line could actually move more in favor of the Clippers. Take the points; the Blazers and Clippers are not friendly, so there should be gas in the tank at Staples Center.
The Pick: Blazers +9.5
Rockets at Spurs (-7.5)
I don't like betting against the Spurs. However, Wednesday's version of the Spurs is a banged-up one. Both Tony Parker (knee) and Danny Green (quad) are not 100 percent. Although both are likely to play, Greg Popovich is always a wild card, especially in the regular season. While James Harden is going to see a lot of Kawhi Leonard, the Rockets point guard has established himself as not only one of the best scorers in the league, but one of the best passers to go along with it. Clint Capela has been a competent defensive presence down low, and Pau Gasol in his veteran years will have his work cut out for him alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.
If the Rockets find their pace early on and Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson can find their stroke from behind the arc, the Rockets should be able to keep it close enough to cover.
The pick: Rockets +7.5
