It was a positive day for the Winning Picks finishing 2-1. Our only loss was Iowa, which may have had the worst quarterback to ever play football in Deacon Hill. He should never see the field for the Hawkeyes again after that performance. It was a struggle throughout, but Michigan was able to cover and win. The Washington cover was never in doubt, as the game was either tied or with the Huskies leading. What a crazy finish to that game, both games really. We move to 80-57-3.
Before the Winning Picks, I would like to first examine the betting lines for the National Championship game on Monday between the victors of yesterday’s semifinals Michigan and Washington. As I’ve said in earlier blogs, I placed a futures wager on Michigan at the beginning of November, right when the Connor Stallions cheating allegations were running wild.
So now I have a chance to hedge that bet with Washington moneyline, which I have already done. With hedging, you place a smaller bet on the team your future is facing in the championship game or series. This way, you can win no matter what happens in the game.
If you are looking to do the same with Washington, I would recommend taking this as soon as possible. After the way Michael Penix played in the semifinal versus Texas, everyone and their brother will be betting the Huskies, more than likely driving the line down. And if you like Michigan in this game, wait until a little bit before kickoff on Monday to take. You will get the best price imaginable.
Now time for the Winning Picks!
North Carolina Tar Heels (-4.5) at Pittsburgh Panthers O/U 158.5 7:00 PM on ESPN
I will be in attendance for this ACC battle tonight in Oakland. As with the Steelers/Bengals game I attended last month, another Pittsburgh team is a home underdog while I am in the building. Will the Panthers have such luck again tonight?
Well, they are facing an opponent they have found recent success against. Pitt has won 4 of their last 5 games against North Carolina. That includes sweeping the season series last year. This will be the only time the Tar Heels face the Panthers this year.
I don’t know how to read this North Carolina team. They have played multiple top teams this year, but all of these games were either at home or on a neutral court. This will be the Tar Heels first matchup in a true road game this year. That being said, the Oakland Zoo needs to be loud tonight. I believe they will and help Pitt keep it close and cover, they may even win outright.
Pitt Panthers Cover +4.5, North Carolina Tar Heels 73 Pitt Panthers 74
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins (-175) O/U 6 7:30 PM on SportsNet Pittsburgh
The Penguins will face off against the rival Capitals tonight about 30 minutes after the Pitt game starts. Another crossover game for Pittsburgh sports fans, these are getting out of hand. The Pens have looked excellent since their return from Christmas break. Can they keep this going against the Caps?
Washington has played better as of late and is currently tied with the Penguins for 2nd to last in the Metro standings. A win tonight can really help their chances in this turnaround. One thing is for certain in this game: I don’t expect a lot of goals.
Though these do play at a high level when they faceoff, I expect another grind it out game for the Pens. The moneyline is a little too high to take the moneyline, so I will take the Under 6 as the Winning Pick.
Under 6 Covers, Washington Capitals 2 Pittsburgh Penguins 3
San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies (-11) O/U 236 8:00 PM
After a poorish start to their season, the Memphis Grizzlies have turned the corner a bit since the return of their franchise player JA Morant. The Grizzlies are 4-2 with Morant in the lineup, dropping 2 straight after a 4-0 start in his return.
Despite having a potential generational talent in their lineup in Victor Wembanyama, the rest of the Spurs roster is essentially a G League team. San Antonio will be better in the future once they surround Wemby with key pieces and high-level role players. But for now, that is not the case.
Memphis was able to meet this same Spurs team without Morant by 12 back in November on the road. And with their star back, I don’t see any way the Grizzlies don’t cover this 11-point spread. Take Memphis to blow out the Spurs.
Memphis Grizzlies Covers -11, San Antonio Spurs 105 Memphis Grizzlies 125