Zack's Past Picks
The Memphis Grizzlies have shown fight the entire season, even with how thin they are. Expect that Monday as Sacramento is coming off a low point in their season, scoring just 91 points against the Knicks. It was De’Aaron Fox’s worst shooting performance of the season. Tail Memphis
The Golden State Warriors already have a decisive victory over the New York Knicks on the season, 110-99. In the victory they had a defensive edge on both Josh Hart and Donte DiVencenzo. Hart of course formerly played in the division as part of the Trailblazers, and DiVencenzo was a member of the Warriors. They shut down both for a combined 10-38 from the floor. Take the Warriors
Wisconsin will have a tough task Sunday after an overtime win against Purdue on Saturday. For one, in Big Ten conference play the Badgers gave up their most points to Illinois (91). I expect the Badgers to have difficulty maintaining the scoring needed for forty minutes. Additionally, Terrence Shannon Jr. has been extra aggressive in tournament play, making double-digit free throws in both victories. Tail Illinois.
South Florida had an incredible American Conference season, with a record of 16-2. UAB actually had one of the few wins over South Florida, a 75-71 victory. They also seem to be more dialed in since blowing a huge lead to Memphis. They’ve won three straight, and have the defense to contain the Bulls. Grab UAB.
San Diego State showed in yesterday’s win over UNLV how efficient they can be as a team with a downgraded game offensively. They overcame their offensive woes with superior defense and that was with UNLV having a playmaker in Dedan Thomas Jr on the floor. Tail the Aztecs as Utah State’s win streak snaps in Las Vegas.
The Atlanta Hawks seek to end their two game losing streak on the road against the Utah Jazz. This should be a favorable matchup for the Hawks who won in lopsided fashion by twenty seven points against Utah on February 27th. It was their best game post All Star break, and when the Jazz were relatively healthy with Lauri Markannen available. Back the Hawks as the slight road favorites.
This is important to buy the hook and get this to the key number of three. Akron has the pedigree with three straight strong MAC seasons, including getting to the big dance two seasons ago. Holdover talent exists with multiple players from their NCAA tournament appearance, but they have faded down the stretch of the season. Once 11-1 in conference, they are just 3-4 over the last seven. This includes a loss to Ohio. Take the Bobcats with the half point buy.
I fully expect UC Santa Barbara’s Big West tournament experience to be one and done. They have a good matchup to start against Cal State Northridge, a team they can attack versus settle for jump shots. Their biggest win in-conference actually came in a road win over Northridge by 28 points. Take UC Santa Barbara.
Typically one will not see a team favored in correlation to a regular season spread. That is the case with Montana which was a seven point favorite on their home floor in mid February against Montana State. In both season victories Montana scored with ease 88 and 87 points. Grab them for the tri-fecta over Montana State.
The first game of the Pac-12 tournament can be a little sloppy due to the early start time. For USC they come into the tournament on a season best three game winning streak. The streak included a gutty win at Washington, who has dismissed their Coach in Mike Hopkins. Grab USC to get their fourth straight win.
In the first three matchups this season the LA Clippers struggled from an offensive stand point. Overall they have averaged just 98 points. Yet, this is a Timberwolves team coming off consecutive losses, and have dipped defensively. Look for Leonard to have his second strong game against the Timberwolves in a span of nine days.
Oklahoma City has taken advantage of their current home stand to overtake the Northwest division lead. Tuesday, expect their protection of home court to continue even against the high scoring Indiana Pacers. Tonight will mark the Pacers fifth road game out of their last six. Take OKC to outlast Indiana.
his past Sunday, the Knicks and Sixers played to the final score 79-73. The low score presents value for Tuesday’s matchup for some buy low opportunities. Tobias Harris is enjoying his best month of the season averaging 20 points per game, but has struggled in three matchups against the Knicks. With Maxey back, look for Harris to finally have a positive game against the Knicks. Take his over.
Notre Dame finds themselves as a slight favorite against Georgia Tech even with a worse season record. The Irish already have two wins on the season against the Yellow Jackets, with both close calls. One went to overtime and the other a three point victory. Look for a rare three game season sweep for an Irish team that is just 12-19 on the season.
In the Colonial Conference tournament Hofstra and Stony Brook will meet for the third time. In both prior instances Stony Brook outplayed Hofstra with sizable leads. Yet, they were unable to close both times and lost heartbreakers. Look for Hofstra to play a complete game today and get to the CAA final.