I didn’t do too well yesterday and I wanted to add more games to today not only to make up for it but I also don’t want to just do two picks. So, I added two college basketball and a few NBA games. I also do want to cover some NHL content, so is that something you guys want to see? Anyways, here are my picks:
NCAA Basketball:
#5 Iowa (11-2) (-9.5) at Northwestern (6-5)
People might overlook this game, but I think the Big Ten reminds me of the 2010-11 Big East Conference. In 2011, 11 of 15 Big East teams made the NCAA Tournament and the league was extremely competitive, with upsets all over. I see a little bit of that with this year’s Big Ten Conference. I’ll take the Hawkeyes, but don’t be surprised if this game is a little closer than the experts think.
Tune into Iowa at Northwestern at 12 PM ET on CBS.
Penn State (3-4) at Purdue (9-5) (-5.5)
The best game today for college basketball and it’s a weak one. However, it’s a Big Ten matchup, so I think it’s maybe worth watching. I think Penn State has had its moments, but with a 3-4 record, I can’t possibly take that over Purdue.
Tune into Penn State at Purdue at 1 PM ET on Big Ten Network.
NBA:
Knicks (5-8) at Celtics (8-3) (-7.5)
I may be a Celtics fan, but I don’t think I take the Knicks even if I hated the Celtics. Kemba Walker is active and I hope he’s limited so that he can ease his way back from his knee injury. On the other hand, I think the Knicks are a better team this year than they were last year.
Tune into Knicks at Celtics at 1 PM ET on NBA TV (Local TV: NBC Sports Boston, MSG).
Bulls (4-8) at Mavericks (6-5) (-7)
Luka Doncic looks to be one of the best players in the NBA again, averaging close to a triple-double per game with 27.5 points per game. On the other hand, Zach Lavine is having the best season of his career so far and looks like an All-Star, averaging 28.3 points per game.
Tune into Bulls at Mavericks at 3 PM ET on NBA League Pass (Local TV: Fox Sports Southwest-Dallas, NBC Sports Chicago)
76ers (9-4) (-3.5) at Thunder (6-6)
I want the Thunder to win this game because their head coach was once the manager at UConn for my grandfather, but when you have to face Joel Embiid, who’s averaging 25 ppg and 11.5 rpg, it’ll be hard to play them, especially when Steven Adams is gone.
Tune into 76ers at Thunder at 7 PM ET on NBA TV (Local TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma, NBC Sports Philadelphia)
Jazz (8-4) at Nuggets (6-6) (-1)
I’m taking Utah because they’ll want revenge from losing their playoff series last year against them. In any other situation, the Nuggets look like a better team, but for this game, I think Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are wanting revenge.
Tune into Jazz at Nuggets at 8 PM ET on NBA League Pass (Local TV: Altitude, AT&T Sportsnet-Rocky Mountains)
Pelicans (4-7) (-1.5) at Kings (5-8)
The Pelicans are on a big losing streak, but I think that ends tonight. If the Pelicans want to be a playoff team, they have to start winning. I know it’s early, but they need to find a rhythm early. Expect ESPN to talk about Zion Williamson 90% of the time.
Tune into Pelicans at Kings at 9 PM ET on NBA League Pass (Local TV: NBC Sports California, Fox Sports New Orleans)
Pacers (8-4) at Clippers (9-4) (-6)
I think the Clippers win, but it’ll be a close one. The Pacers don’t get the credit they deserve, beating teams like the Trail Blazers and Celtics. Someone I think the Clippers need to focus on stopping is Domantas Sabonis, who leads the team in points and rebounds per game. Losing Oladipo stinks, but at least they get Caris LeVert, who’s a great replacement.
Tune into Pacers at Clippers at 10 PM ET on NBA TV (Local TV: Fox Sports Prime Ticket, Fox Sports Indiana)
NFL:
Browns (11-5) at Chiefs (14-2) (-10)
When you have a team with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce, you’re going to give your opponents a tough time. The Browns looked dominant last week against the Steelers, but I can’t see any scenario where that goes beyond the Divisional Round. Sorry, Browns fans.
Tune into Browns at Chiefs at 3:05 PM ET on CBS.
Buccaneers (11-5) at Saints (12-4) (-3)
I’m going to take the upset pick. Tom Brady in the playoffs is the best, and I think this could be the best game coming out of the NFC part of the playoffs. Brees vs. Brady. I’ll take Brady every single time.
Tune into Buccaneers at Saints 6:40 PM ET on FOX.
Calhoun's Corner 