The weekend is almost here, which means NBA All-Star Weekend is about to pop off! We still need to wager on some games before that though, so let’s break down today’s picks for Feb 13.

Today’s card is tough. There is only a two-game NBA slate and not many ranked teams playing in college basketball. Let’s start with NCAAB first, and then we will head into the NBA. On the giant CBB slate, there is one game that caught my eye:

Vik’s Picks Feb 13

Iowa at Indiana -1.5

I try to look for good situational spots and this game fits the bill. Iowa comes into this game ranked 21 in the country. Also, on the flip side, Indiana has lost four straight, and that is skewing the public’s mindset. I also love taking unranked teams favored over ranked teams, which is exactly the case in this game.

The sharps definitely took an early stand on this game, pushing the line up from Hoosiers -1 to -1.5/ 2 in most spots. Make sure you shop around a little if you take Indiana.

While the Hoosiers have slipped of late, they have been solid at home, posting a 12-3 record there. They also have the 54th ranked Adjusted Offensive Efficiency via Ken Pom, which improves at home.

Every Big Ten game is a battle, so I am sure this will come down to the last few minutes. The crowd will be rocking, which will be another edge for the Hoosiers. I’m buying Indiana in a low spot tonight.

Los Angeles Clippers at Boston Celtics -2 

The NBA betting is tough today, but I’ve found some sides I like. In this game, the public is pretty split. I’m going with the Celtics for a couple of reasons. First, I like the team playing better basketball right now, which is Boston. They are 8-2 over their last ten and the team just seems like it is starting to get into a groove.

LAC is also night and day when it comes to playing on the road as opposed to home. Away from the Staples Center they are just 15-12 this season. They also have a number of guys questionable for tonight. With the All-Star game lurking, I would not be surprised to see a lot of their big guys scratched.

A steam move also came in on Boston early, pushing this line from -1 to -2 in most books. I would not be surprised to see this get as high as 3 before tip, so try to get it in now.

OKC Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans -3

Going with the other favorite tonight as well for some similar reasons listed above. Since Zion has comeback, the Pelicans have been playing amazing ball. They’ve won three games straight and over the past two weeks, they actually have a top-ten defense and offense.

Not only does Zion help them on offense, but he has been a stud on the defensive side of the basketball as well.

The Thunder have lost two in a row and their vet leader Chris Paul is probably ready for the All-Star break.

Yes, I’m on the same side as the public in this one (70% Pelicans), but I don’t see NOLA slowing down tonight. They are young and want to go into the break hot. I’ll lay the points.

That wraps things up for my picks for Feb 13, check back in at Sports Intel for more picks in the coming days.