Zack's Picks (3 Live)
Zack's Past Picks
Today’s serves as a good opportunity to buy back in on Giannis. His scoring averages have been down post All Star break where he is averaging just 26 points per game. Expect him to get closer and clear his season average of 30.5 tonight against a Pacers team playing in a back to back spot, and also their fifth of six games on the road. Take Giannis over his points prop.
Both the Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors have had a mix of starters held out. Tonight, the Raptors will have Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett back in the lineup. Look for that to effect the recent rhythm the backups have shown in consecutive victories. Add in the road element traveling in the altitude of Salt Lake city, and expect the a reversal of the recent success of the Raptors that featured wins in five of six games. Take Utah
At times this season Loyola Chicago has looked like the best team in the Atlantic 10. Yet, oddsmakers have ignored a clear rest advantage in today’s matchup against Saint Louis. The Ramblers will be stepping on the court for the first time in six days, while the Billikens played yesterday. That has to do with Saint Louis controlling both matchups this year against Loyola Chicago. They defeated them by 31 points on March 1st, and had Loyola on the ropes in the first matchup late before folding in the final minutes. Take the Billikens who probably are the most confident against Loyola then any other A-10 team.
A neutral site spread that seems incorrect is Boise State against San Diego State. On assumption this spread would figure to be closer to a pick based on their seasons, and the fact San Diego State blew out Boise 64-47. Since the Broncos made lineup changes and won five of their final six games. Look for those lineup changes to spark Boise State as they revenge their loss to the Aztecs.
For the Phoenix Suns time is running out on closing the gap and sliding a spot in the play-in. They blew a golden opportunity in their last matchup against a depleted Grizzlies team and lost by two points. Overall though they have fought on their current road trip. They took Denver to overtime and covered the number against Dallas. As impressive as the Rockets are on their home floor, give me the Suns to fight within the number.
With the 76ers depleted lineup minus Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr is now the main veteran player. He has scored 19 points or more in five out of his last six games. Tonight’s opponent in the Raptors have already ruled out several starters and may also be down Scottie Barnes. In last month’s meeting against Toronto Oubre Jr. shot fifty percent from the field, and in the first he put in his second most points of the season with 28. Play his over.
The SEC tournament will once again be hosted in Nashville, which is the city of Vanderbilt’s campus. While the Commodores may have a fan edge against Texas, they may have peaked with a three game winning streak over ranked teams in Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri. They concluded the season with back to back losses where they have struggled defensively. Grab Texas to avenge their earlier loss to Vanderbilt and cover the small number.
The Horizon League championship will take place tonight against Youngstown State and Robert Morris. Both teams had to come from behind in tough victories in their semi-finals matchups yesterday. Look for the Colonials to finish off a tremendous run where they have won 15 of 16 games. A lower spread here based on Youngstown State defeating Robert Morris by 14 points and losing by just two in the second matchup. Different outcome tonight, lay it with Robert Morris.
Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers has been in a zone from a field goal stand point. In five straight games he has made at least eight shots. Tonight he will get to see the Chicago Bulls for the second time in eight days, and the Pacers may be without Tyrese Haliburton for a third straight game. Play Siakam over his points as he stays in the zone and gets enough trips to the free throw line to go over this prop.
Towards the end of the season a common link is alleged tank teams thriving. They are already in position for the losses that have mounted for five months, and can play hard for a stretch. That is occurring currently with the Wizards who are 4-2 over their last six games, including defeating the Raptors Saturday. Grab the two extra points of value here with the Wizards.
The Philadelphia 76ers have lost twelve out of the last thirteen games. Despite that they are sizable favorites today against the Utah Jazz, and this will likely be the last instance of the season as this big of a favorite. Utah is also short handed and typically East coast road trips take their toll on Western Conference teams. Grab the home favorite here in Philadelphia.
Of the remaining four teams in the Southern Conference bracket, it’s clear which team does not belong. VMI has a 15-18 record and finished below .500 in conference play. They will take on a Wofford team that clicked on all cylinders in yesterday’s win over East Tennessee State. The Terriers also defeated Wofford on February 19th 82-43, in one of the most lopsided conference losses of the entire season. Yet, they defeated Wofford in January, and I believe can hang around enough to cover a steep spread. Grab the points here.