We’re getting closer to March Madness…can’t wait!

I’m going to write a daily piece that highlights my favorite daily picks on the sports slate.

Yesterday, I finished the day 1-2.

Anyways, while everyday is a new opportunity and I don’t want to get sucked into the past, I think it’s worth reviewing things each day. This will help us get better as we move forward. So, here goes:

I bet:

– UIC +6 (won) – This game played out perfectly, as UIC won straight up.

– Hornets-Hawks under 224 (loss) – This game did not. 60+ point quarters, insane amount of 3’s and overtime. Was not close. Should’ve gone with my gut and taken the Hornets as I talked about in my initial write-up.

– Bucks +6 (loss) – I hope the NBA fines the Bucks for their lineup shenanigans after they decided to bench their entire starting lineup last night. One of the toughest parts about writing these pieces early is not knowing the lineups. Usually we know if there is one player who is doubtful or game-time, but moves like the Bucks pulled yesterday absolutely kill your bet before it even begins. Anyways, an L is an L, but wanted to vent for a minute about this one.

Back Over Horizon With UIC

Now, onto today’s card. We have a ton of college basketball and a three-game NBA slate.

We did the research for you so, so here are our three favorite bets for today:

UIC +4.5 vs. NKU

We hit on UIC yesterday, so I am going back to the well again tonight. These two teams played earlier this season, and split the season series at 1-1. But, the last time these two met, UIC pounded them 73-43. The key factor to that game was UIC’s domination on the glass that night.

Matchups wise, UIC has played solid defense all season long, and are ranked in the top-40 in Effective FG%, FT%, 3PT% and Block %. On the flip side, NKU gets blocked a lot, so that is one big strength vs. weakness to watch tonight.

Overall, this game will come down to if UIC can rebound the ball better just like the last time these two played. UIC does have the highest rebounding rate in the conference. If they can control the glass, they have a chance to win this game straight-up.

The public is pretty split on this matchup right now, as they are literally at a 50% clip on both squads.

If this game comes down to free-throws, that might be another area that helps UIC. NKU is ranked 203 in FT%, shooting just 70%. As long as this game is close, this will come into play at the end.

I see this one coming down to the last few minutes, with UIC having a chance to win straight up, so I will take the points.

Nets +12 at Lakers

I smell a let down game here for the Lakers in the first of my NBA picks. It is always tough to play that angle when talking about professional players over college, but can you blame LA after taking care of the Bucks and Clippers? All of their core players played a ton of minutes, including of course LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both are probable as of now, but I would not be surprised if both of their minutes were limited tonight.

The Nets have a new coach right now, so you know they’ll be playing a little “harder” than normal tonight.

The public is still 50-50 on this one, probably waiting to see if LeBron and AD are playing. If they do, look for that number to go up. But, I do see the line going down to 11 by game-time, so I would pull the trigger soon if you like the Nets. As always, shop around for the best line.

Celtics at Pacers +3.5

This is one you have to kind of hold your breath, submit, and not tune in until it is over. Why? Because the Pacers might be missing Oladipo and Brogdon tonight.

In my opinion, that is all already caked into the line. The Pacers are quietly having a great season, considering all the injuries that have plagued them this season. They are already used to playing without both guys. There is also a chance that Oladipo plays, as he has played through the same injury and questionable tag the last two games. All the better if he does.

The Celtics on the flip side, are going to be without Jaylen Brown, who has been a huge piece in the puzzle for them.

Sabonis has been a monster for Indiana and I just don’t see the Celtics having an answer for him tonight. I also love that over 80% of the public is on Boston tonight. If you read my column, you know I like to be on the other side of those types of lopsided wagers.

Boston has lost four out of its last five games, whereas Indiana has won two in a row and has been a stout 21-10 at home this year.

I see the Pacers as live dogs, so they might be worth a sprinkle on the moneyline if you are feeling up for it.

Let’s get this!

Well, that is all folks. Good luck on today’s wagers!