Zack's Picks (4 Live)
Chase Hunter had not been the leading scorer for Clemson over their final fourteen games, but has been in both tournament games thus far. ..
Do it all guard Mark Sears is averaging 28 points, 5.5 assists, and 8 rebounds in the tournament. …
Zack's Past Picks
It is odd to have an Eastern Conference and Western Conference opponents face each other again in a quick turn around. Yet, that is the case with the Philadelphia 76ers who just defeated the Clippers three days ago in LA. Off their four game West Coast road trip look for the Clippers to be fueled to even the series. Lay it with the Clippers.
The Brooklyn Nets finally ended their six game losing streak by defeating the undermanned Toronto Raptors. The win does not look great on paper but it’s a step in the right direction for a Nets organization evaluating their young franchise. Look for the likes of Trendon Watford, Jalen Wilson, and Noah Clowney to continue to elevate their play with opportunities. Lay the number against an over achieving Wizards team.
Seattle thus far has been unchallenged in the CBI tournament with three lopsided wins. Today they will face a High Point team that will match their size and veteran players in Cameron Tyson and Alex Schumacher. Additionally, this is Seattle’s sixth game in a span of fourteen days. Take High Point to win the CBI.
Oklahoma City has shown an incredible ability to bounce back off a loss. Excluding games in back to back spots, they have not lost consecutive games since early January. Tonight’s also a meaningful game to keep the Thunder ahead of the Timberwolves for the second seed in the West. Take the Thunder against a Pelicans team that has fewer wins at home then on the road.
With Lebron James listed as doubtful look for the Milwaukee Bucks to have a big upper hand Tuesday. They come in off a statement win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, defeating them 118-93. In the victory they limited SGA to just twelve points. Additionally, this could be a complacent spot for the Lakers. This is their last extended road trip of the season that features six games, and they have not been able to win four games in a row since early December. Tail the Bucks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to deal with a bulk of their starting lineup out. It has resulted in losses in three of their last four games, including just ninety one points scored in their last matchup against the Timberwolves. Yet, the Miami Heat’s style of play should keep Cleveland in this one. Just four days ago they lost by three points to the Heat. Take the points.
James Madison had their way in the opening round against Wisconsin. The Badgers failed to challenge the Dukes at the onset, and never got into a flow offensively. That will change today against a Duke team that is going to make James Madison work for their shots. Take Duke as they played two strong halves of basketball defensively.
The final stretch of the NBA regular season is upon us. This is an important phase for the Phoenix Suns to take care of business against below .500 teams. Eight of the Suns final twelve games are on the road, making it even more important to handle weaker opponents. Grab the Suns to put on a showcase performance in what is the first of two straight road games against the Spurs.
When seed lines come out for Selection Sunday, attention gets drawn to an 8 or 9 seed that has potential to upset the top seed. Michigan State was that team this year as it began the season as a top five team. The tournament is about going on a run and your draw, and the Spartans match up well with the Tar Heels. Look for a great battle and for Tom Izzo’s Spartans at the very least to cover the number.
Getting into the big dance with fourteen losses is certainly not the goal of any team. For Buzz Williams and Texas A&M they seek to take advantage of the opportunity. Down the stretch of the season they showed an uptick in offense led by Wade Taylor and Tyrece Radford. Guards coming into the tournament with momentum can quickly change with tournament defense. Look for Nebraska to get it done as the team that executes better in both halves. Take Nebraska.
The Mountain West has seen three teams fall, with Boise and Nevada losing in heart break fashion. Look for the conference to get a win today with New Mexico. The Lobos found a steady guard with sophomore Donovan Dent paired with senior Jaelen House. In the interior the Lobos have the bigs with Nelly Joseph and freshmen JT Toppin to matchup with PJ Hall and Clemson. Tail the Lobos as the 11th seed favorite.