Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Memphis at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 8
Dallas at Golden State - Warriors by 6
College Basketball
(7) Gonzaga at Loyola Marymount - Bulldogs by 16
(8) Arizona at Washington - Wildcats by 7
(9) Butler at Saint Louis - Billikens by 2
Illinois at (13) Michigan State - Spartans by 13
Connecticut at Providence - Friars by 2
Morehead State at Belmont - Bruins by 19
Middle Tennessee at Florida International - Blue Raiders by 7
Penn State at Iowa - Hawkeyes by 21
UMKC at North Dakota State - Bison by 28
Denver at Texas-San Antonio - Pioneers by 9
BYU at Pepperdine - Cougars by 8
Prediction Results
NBA: 10-2 (.833) 454-226 overall (.668)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 83-61 overall (.576)
College Basketball: 18-5 (.783) 566-127 overall (.817)
Upsets: 4-1 (.800) 52-41 overall (.559)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 30 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Washington at Philadelphia - 76ers by 3
Detroit at Indiana - Pacers by 7
Sacramento at Boston - Celtics by 8
Orlando at New York - Knicks by 11
Toronto at Atlanta - Hawks by 5
Miami at Brooklyn - Heat by 1
Chicago at Milwaukee - Bucks by 2
LA Clippers at Minnesota - Clippers by 7
Charlotte at San Antonio - Spurs by 20
Houston at Denver - Nuggets by 4
New Orleans at Utah - Jazz by 3
LA Lakers at Phoenix - Lakers by 3
College Basketball
Northwestern at (1) Michigan - Wolverines by 22
(3) Indiana at Purdue - Hoosiers by 8
South Carolina at (4) Florida - Gators by 30
(5) Duke at Wake Forest - Blue Devils by 13
(10) Oregon at Stanford - Cardinal by 3
(14) Miami at Virginia Tech - Hurricanes by 11
(17) Missouri at LSU - Missouri Tigers by 3
Texas at (18) Kansas State - Wildcats by 10
(20) New Mexico at Wyoming - Cowboys by 3
Missouri State at (21) Creighton - Bluejays by 27
Rutgers at (24) Cincinnati - Bearcats by 16
Boise State at Colorado State - Rams by 15
VCU at Rhode Island - Rams by 10
Iowa State at Oklahoma State - Cowboys by 8
Seton Hall at Georgetown - Hoyas by 12
Akron at Bowling Green - Zips by 7
Oklahoma at Baylor - Bears by 10
Massachusetts at LaSalle - Explorers by 14
Detroit at Wright State - Titans by 2
Bucknell at American - Bison by 10
Dayton at Xavier - Musketeers by 3
USC at UCLA - Bruins by 12
Saint Mary's at San Francisco - Gaels by 6
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-1 (.750) 444-224 overall (.665)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 83-60 overall (.580)
College Basketball: 5-2 (.714) 548-122 overall (.818)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 48-40 overall (.545)
NBA
Washington at Philadelphia - 76ers by 3
Detroit at Indiana - Pacers by 7
Sacramento at Boston - Celtics by 8
Orlando at New York - Knicks by 11
Toronto at Atlanta - Hawks by 5
Miami at Brooklyn - Heat by 1
Chicago at Milwaukee - Bucks by 2
LA Clippers at Minnesota - Clippers by 7
Charlotte at San Antonio - Spurs by 20
Houston at Denver - Nuggets by 4
New Orleans at Utah - Jazz by 3
LA Lakers at Phoenix - Lakers by 3
College Basketball
Northwestern at (1) Michigan - Wolverines by 22
(3) Indiana at Purdue - Hoosiers by 8
South Carolina at (4) Florida - Gators by 30
(5) Duke at Wake Forest - Blue Devils by 13
(10) Oregon at Stanford - Cardinal by 3
(14) Miami at Virginia Tech - Hurricanes by 11
(17) Missouri at LSU - Missouri Tigers by 3
Texas at (18) Kansas State - Wildcats by 10
(20) New Mexico at Wyoming - Cowboys by 3
Missouri State at (21) Creighton - Bluejays by 27
Rutgers at (24) Cincinnati - Bearcats by 16
Boise State at Colorado State - Rams by 15
VCU at Rhode Island - Rams by 10
Iowa State at Oklahoma State - Cowboys by 8
Seton Hall at Georgetown - Hoyas by 12
Akron at Bowling Green - Zips by 7
Oklahoma at Baylor - Bears by 10
Massachusetts at LaSalle - Explorers by 14
Detroit at Wright State - Titans by 2
Bucknell at American - Bison by 10
Dayton at Xavier - Musketeers by 3
USC at UCLA - Bruins by 12
Saint Mary's at San Francisco - Gaels by 6
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-1 (.750) 444-224 overall (.665)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 83-60 overall (.580)
College Basketball: 5-2 (.714) 548-122 overall (.818)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 48-40 overall (.545)
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 29 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Golden State at Cleveland - Warriors by 3
Milwaukee at Detroit - Pistons by 2
Dallas at Portland - Trail Blazers by 2
New Orleans at LA Lakers - Lakers by 6
College Basketball
Wisconsin at (11) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 7
Indiana State at (15) Wichita State - Shockers by 13
Kentucky at (16) Ole Miss - Rebels by 6
(19) North Carolina State at Virginia - Cavaliers by 6
Nebraska at (23) Minnesota - Golden Gophers by 22
Nevada at UNLV - Rebels by 18
North Carolina at Boston College - Tar Heels by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-2 (.714) 441-223 overall (.664)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 83-59 overall (.585)
College Basketball: 3-0 (1.000) 543-120 overall (.819)
NBA
Golden State at Cleveland - Warriors by 3
Milwaukee at Detroit - Pistons by 2
Dallas at Portland - Trail Blazers by 2
New Orleans at LA Lakers - Lakers by 6
College Basketball
Wisconsin at (11) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 7
Indiana State at (15) Wichita State - Shockers by 13
Kentucky at (16) Ole Miss - Rebels by 6
(19) North Carolina State at Virginia - Cavaliers by 6
Nebraska at (23) Minnesota - Golden Gophers by 22
Nevada at UNLV - Rebels by 18
North Carolina at Boston College - Tar Heels by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-2 (.714) 441-223 overall (.664)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 83-59 overall (.585)
College Basketball: 3-0 (1.000) 543-120 overall (.819)
Monday, January 28, 2013
College Basketball Rankings - 28 Jan
Florida not only kept their #1 ranking for the second week in a row, they widened the gap between them and the second-best team, Indiana, by extending their winning streak to 8 games, each of which came by at least 17 points. The Gators currently have the largest lead for a #1 team this season, and this week they get a chance to boost their profile when they play their toughest remaining opponent, Ole Miss. Here are my current rankings, with AP ranking in parentheses and teams grouped by similar level of performance.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (1) Florida (2-0) 16-2 (4)
2. (2) Indiana (2-0) 18-2 (3)
3. (4) Michigan (2-0) 19-1 (1)
4. (3) Louisville (0-2) 16-4 (12)
5. (5) Syracuse (1-1) 18-2 (6)
6. (11) Kansas (2-0) 18-1 (2)
7. (6) Duke (1-1) 17-2 (5)
8. (7) Creighton (1-1) 18-3 (21)
9. (12) Arizona (1-1) 17-2 (8)
10. (10) Gonzaga (2-0) 19-2 (7)
11. (8) Minnesota (0-2) 15-5 (23)
12. (13) Pittsburgh (2-0) 17-4 (32)
13. (15) Ohio State (2-0) 15-4 (11)
14. (21) Miami (2-0) 15-3 (14)
15. (14) Wisconsin (1-1) 14-6 (28)
16. (NR) Southern Miss (2-0) 17-4 (NR)
17. (17) Colorado State (1-1) 16-4 (41)
18. (9) VCU (0-2) 16-5 (36)
19. (25) Michigan State (1-1) 17-4 (13)
20. (NR) Wichita State (2-0) 19-2 (15)
21. (18) Cincinnati (0-1) 16-4 (24)
22. (19) Kentucky (1-1) 13-6 (NR)
23. (16) Ole Miss (2-0) 17-2 (16)
24. (24) UNLV (1-0) 16-4 (27)
25. (20) Belmont (2-0) 17-4 (NR)
Dropped Out
(22) Oklahoma State (1-1) 13-5 (NR)
(23) Iowa State (1-1) 14-5 (36)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 6
Big East - 4
SEC - 3
ACC - 2
MWC - 2
MVC - 2
Big 12 - 1
WCC - 1
Atl 10 - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
CUSA - 1
Southern Miss made a huge jump into the top 25 this week after obliterating the Marshall Thundering Herd by 56 points early in the week. The Golden Eagles have only 4 losses this season, and two came against currently ranked teams, Arizona and Wichita State, and the other two came against the top 2 teams in the WAC, both of which have high hopes of making it to March Madness. They don't have any wins over big-name teams, but the way they're beating everyone that they face, they could make some noise in the tournament.
The Miami Hurricanes are on fire, especially after they destroyed the #1 team in the AP poll, Duke, by building a big lead early and coasting for the entire second half. They didn't let up in the next game, even though they were playing an inferior opponent, and they beat Florida State by almost the same margin. Miami also hasn't lost in over a month, but they should be tested this week at NC State.
Wichita State made it back into the top 25 this week, two weeks after dropping from the rankings due to a loss at Evansville. They have now won 4 straight, including an upset of conference-leading Creighton, and they've also beaten two of my mid-major favorites, VCU and Southern Miss, giving them several strong wins to balance out their two losses.
Michigan State moved up 6 spots this week, even after losing their last game, and it was the strength of their opponents that boosted them up. They won at Wisconsin, a team that I picked to beat the Spartans by 10, then they nearly took down Indiana on the road as well, losing a close game to the Hoosiers 75-70. Michigan State may have lost the conference lead, but they earned a lot of respect with the way they played this week.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
(2) Kansas at West Virginia - Jayhawks by 9
Pittsburgh at (12) Louisville - Cardinals by 7
South Florida at (25) Marquette - Golden Eagles by 15
NBA
Golden State at Toronto - Warriors by 1
Memphis at Philadelphia - Grizzlies by 4
Sacramento at Washington - Wizards by 8
Orlando at Brooklyn - Nets by 10
Charlotte at Chicago - Bulls by 14
Indiana at Denver - Nuggets by 6
Houston at Utah - Jazz by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-3 (.571) 436-221 overall (.664)
College Basketball: 7-1 (.875) 540-120 overall (.818)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 47-40 overall (.540)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (1) Florida (2-0) 16-2 (4)
2. (2) Indiana (2-0) 18-2 (3)
3. (4) Michigan (2-0) 19-1 (1)
4. (3) Louisville (0-2) 16-4 (12)
5. (5) Syracuse (1-1) 18-2 (6)
6. (11) Kansas (2-0) 18-1 (2)
7. (6) Duke (1-1) 17-2 (5)
8. (7) Creighton (1-1) 18-3 (21)
9. (12) Arizona (1-1) 17-2 (8)
10. (10) Gonzaga (2-0) 19-2 (7)
11. (8) Minnesota (0-2) 15-5 (23)
12. (13) Pittsburgh (2-0) 17-4 (32)
13. (15) Ohio State (2-0) 15-4 (11)
14. (21) Miami (2-0) 15-3 (14)
15. (14) Wisconsin (1-1) 14-6 (28)
16. (NR) Southern Miss (2-0) 17-4 (NR)
17. (17) Colorado State (1-1) 16-4 (41)
18. (9) VCU (0-2) 16-5 (36)
19. (25) Michigan State (1-1) 17-4 (13)
20. (NR) Wichita State (2-0) 19-2 (15)
21. (18) Cincinnati (0-1) 16-4 (24)
22. (19) Kentucky (1-1) 13-6 (NR)
23. (16) Ole Miss (2-0) 17-2 (16)
24. (24) UNLV (1-0) 16-4 (27)
25. (20) Belmont (2-0) 17-4 (NR)
Dropped Out
(22) Oklahoma State (1-1) 13-5 (NR)
(23) Iowa State (1-1) 14-5 (36)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 6
Big East - 4
SEC - 3
ACC - 2
MWC - 2
MVC - 2
Big 12 - 1
WCC - 1
Atl 10 - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
CUSA - 1
Southern Miss made a huge jump into the top 25 this week after obliterating the Marshall Thundering Herd by 56 points early in the week. The Golden Eagles have only 4 losses this season, and two came against currently ranked teams, Arizona and Wichita State, and the other two came against the top 2 teams in the WAC, both of which have high hopes of making it to March Madness. They don't have any wins over big-name teams, but the way they're beating everyone that they face, they could make some noise in the tournament.
The Miami Hurricanes are on fire, especially after they destroyed the #1 team in the AP poll, Duke, by building a big lead early and coasting for the entire second half. They didn't let up in the next game, even though they were playing an inferior opponent, and they beat Florida State by almost the same margin. Miami also hasn't lost in over a month, but they should be tested this week at NC State.
Wichita State made it back into the top 25 this week, two weeks after dropping from the rankings due to a loss at Evansville. They have now won 4 straight, including an upset of conference-leading Creighton, and they've also beaten two of my mid-major favorites, VCU and Southern Miss, giving them several strong wins to balance out their two losses.
Michigan State moved up 6 spots this week, even after losing their last game, and it was the strength of their opponents that boosted them up. They won at Wisconsin, a team that I picked to beat the Spartans by 10, then they nearly took down Indiana on the road as well, losing a close game to the Hoosiers 75-70. Michigan State may have lost the conference lead, but they earned a lot of respect with the way they played this week.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
(2) Kansas at West Virginia - Jayhawks by 9
Pittsburgh at (12) Louisville - Cardinals by 7
South Florida at (25) Marquette - Golden Eagles by 15
NBA
Golden State at Toronto - Warriors by 1
Memphis at Philadelphia - Grizzlies by 4
Sacramento at Washington - Wizards by 8
Orlando at Brooklyn - Nets by 10
Charlotte at Chicago - Bulls by 14
Indiana at Denver - Nuggets by 6
Houston at Utah - Jazz by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-3 (.571) 436-221 overall (.664)
College Basketball: 7-1 (.875) 540-120 overall (.818)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 47-40 overall (.540)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 27 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Miami at Boston - Heat by 5
Oklahoma City at LA Lakers - Thunder by 4
Detroit at Orlando - Pistons by 1
New Orleans at Memphis - Grizzlies by 9
Atlanta at New York - Knicks by 7
Phoenix at Dallas - Mavericks by 5
Portland at LA Clippers - Clippers by 12
College Basketball
(2) Michigan at Illinois - Wolverines by 6
(13) Michigan State at (7) Indiana - Hoosiers by 14
(17) Creighton at Southern Illinois - Bluejays by 12
Florida State at (25) Miami - Hurricanes by 16
Rutgers at Connecticut - Huskies by 12
California at Colorado - Buffaloes by 12
Iowa at Purdue - Boilermakers by 2
Lafayette at Lehigh - Mountain Hawks by 24
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-5 (.500) 432-218 overall (.665)
Upsets: 3-0 (1.000) 83-58 overall (.589)
College Basketball: 32-6 (.842) 533-119 overall (.817)
Upsets: 4-1 (.800) 46-40 overall (.535)
NBA
Miami at Boston - Heat by 5
Oklahoma City at LA Lakers - Thunder by 4
Detroit at Orlando - Pistons by 1
New Orleans at Memphis - Grizzlies by 9
Atlanta at New York - Knicks by 7
Phoenix at Dallas - Mavericks by 5
Portland at LA Clippers - Clippers by 12
College Basketball
(2) Michigan at Illinois - Wolverines by 6
(13) Michigan State at (7) Indiana - Hoosiers by 14
(17) Creighton at Southern Illinois - Bluejays by 12
Florida State at (25) Miami - Hurricanes by 16
Rutgers at Connecticut - Huskies by 12
California at Colorado - Buffaloes by 12
Iowa at Purdue - Boilermakers by 2
Lafayette at Lehigh - Mountain Hawks by 24
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-5 (.500) 432-218 overall (.665)
Upsets: 3-0 (1.000) 83-58 overall (.589)
College Basketball: 32-6 (.842) 533-119 overall (.817)
Upsets: 4-1 (.800) 46-40 overall (.535)
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 26 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
College Basketball
Maryland at (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 15
(3) Syracuse at Villanova - Orange by 10
Oklahoma at (3) Kansas - Jayhawks by 15
(5) Louisville at Georgetown - Cardinals by 3
USC at (6) Arizona - Wildcats by 18
(8) Florida at Mississippi State - Gators by 24
Temple at (9) Butler - Bulldogs by 11
San Francisco at (10) Gonzaga - Bulldogs by 24
(11) Kansas State at Iowa State - Cyclones by 8
(12) Minnesota at Wisconsin - Badgers by 5
(14) Ohio State at Penn State - Buckeyes by 16
(15) New Mexico at San Diego State - Aztecs by 6
Washington at (16) Oregon - Ducks by 12
North Carolina at (18) North Carolina State - Wolfpack by 7
LaSalle at (19) VCU - Rams by 14
Bradley at (20) Wichita State - Shockers by 19
Vanderbilt at (22) Missouri - Tigers by 14
(23) Ole Miss at Auburn - Rebels by 10
(24) Notre Dame at South Florida - Bulls by 1
Colorado State at Fresno State - Rams by 7
West Virginia at Oklahoma State - Cowboys by 15
Southern Miss at Tulsa - Golden Eagles by 7
Pepperdine at Saint Mary's - Gaels by 23
LSU at Kentucky - Wildcats by 20
DePaul at Pittsburgh - Panthers by 20
Duquesne at Dayton - Flyers by 20
Marshall at Memphis - Tigers by 20
Boston College at Virginia - Cavaliers by 12
Bucknell at Holy Cross - Bison by 6
Providence at Marquette - Golden Eagles by 10
Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee - Blue Raiders by 17
Belmont at Eastern Kentucky - Bruins by 2
Baylor at TCU - Bears by 13
BYU at Portland - Cougars by 11
Air Force at Wyoming - Cowboys by 12
Buffalo at Akron - Zips by 20
UCLA at Arizona State - Sun Devils by 1
North Dakota State at South Dakota State - Bison by 1
NBA
Cleveland at Toronto - Raptors by 6
New York at Philadelphia - Knicks by 6
Chicago at Washington - Bulls by 3
Minnesota at Charlotte - Timberwolves by 3
Brooklyn at Houston - Rockets by 3
Phoenix at San Antonio - Spurs by 15
Golden State at Milwaukee - Bucks by 1
Sacramento at Denver - Nuggets by 13
Indiana at Utah - Jazz by 2
LA Clippers at Portland - Clippers by 6
Prediction Results
NBA: 8-2 (.800) 427-213 overall (.667)
Upsets: 3-1 (.750) 80-58 overall (.580)
College Basketball
Maryland at (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 15
(3) Syracuse at Villanova - Orange by 10
Oklahoma at (3) Kansas - Jayhawks by 15
(5) Louisville at Georgetown - Cardinals by 3
USC at (6) Arizona - Wildcats by 18
(8) Florida at Mississippi State - Gators by 24
Temple at (9) Butler - Bulldogs by 11
San Francisco at (10) Gonzaga - Bulldogs by 24
(11) Kansas State at Iowa State - Cyclones by 8
(12) Minnesota at Wisconsin - Badgers by 5
(14) Ohio State at Penn State - Buckeyes by 16
(15) New Mexico at San Diego State - Aztecs by 6
Washington at (16) Oregon - Ducks by 12
North Carolina at (18) North Carolina State - Wolfpack by 7
LaSalle at (19) VCU - Rams by 14
Bradley at (20) Wichita State - Shockers by 19
Vanderbilt at (22) Missouri - Tigers by 14
(23) Ole Miss at Auburn - Rebels by 10
(24) Notre Dame at South Florida - Bulls by 1
Colorado State at Fresno State - Rams by 7
West Virginia at Oklahoma State - Cowboys by 15
Southern Miss at Tulsa - Golden Eagles by 7
Pepperdine at Saint Mary's - Gaels by 23
LSU at Kentucky - Wildcats by 20
DePaul at Pittsburgh - Panthers by 20
Duquesne at Dayton - Flyers by 20
Marshall at Memphis - Tigers by 20
Boston College at Virginia - Cavaliers by 12
Bucknell at Holy Cross - Bison by 6
Providence at Marquette - Golden Eagles by 10
Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee - Blue Raiders by 17
Belmont at Eastern Kentucky - Bruins by 2
Baylor at TCU - Bears by 13
BYU at Portland - Cougars by 11
Air Force at Wyoming - Cowboys by 12
Buffalo at Akron - Zips by 20
UCLA at Arizona State - Sun Devils by 1
North Dakota State at South Dakota State - Bison by 1
NBA
Cleveland at Toronto - Raptors by 6
New York at Philadelphia - Knicks by 6
Chicago at Washington - Bulls by 3
Minnesota at Charlotte - Timberwolves by 3
Brooklyn at Houston - Rockets by 3
Phoenix at San Antonio - Spurs by 15
Golden State at Milwaukee - Bucks by 1
Sacramento at Denver - Nuggets by 13
Indiana at Utah - Jazz by 2
LA Clippers at Portland - Clippers by 6
Prediction Results
NBA: 8-2 (.800) 427-213 overall (.667)
Upsets: 3-1 (.750) 80-58 overall (.580)
Friday, January 25, 2013
NBA Rankings - 25 Jan
Only one team in the league has a winning streak of more than 4 games currently, but that team fell from #1 to #2 by allowing three weak opponents to keep games close this week, opening the door for a new top team. There is also only one team that has lost more than 4 in a row, and they took a tumble as well. Here are my current rankings, with teams grouped by similar level of performance.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (2) Oklahoma City (2-2) 33-10
2. (1) San Antonio (4-0) 34-11
3. (3) LA Clippers (1-3) 32-12
4. (4) Miami (1-0) 27-12
5. (5) New York (1-1) 26-14
6. (6) Memphis (3-1) 27-14
7. (7) Denver (2-1) 26-18
8. (9) Brooklyn (3-0) 26-16
9. (13) Golden State (3-1) 26-15
10. (11) Chicago (3-1) 25-16
11. (14) Indiana (2-1) 26-17
12. (12) Utah (2-0) 23-19
13. (10) LA Lakers (0-3) 17-25
14. (8) Houston (1-3) 22-22
15. (18) Atlanta (2-2) 24-18
16. (19) Dallas (1-1) 18-24
17. (17) New Orleans (1-2) 14-28
18. (20) Milwaukee (2-0) 22-18
19. (15) Boston (0-4) 20-22
20. (21) Detroit (2-1) 16-26
21. (22) Portland (1-2) 21-21
22. (16) Toronto (2-2) 16-27
23. (23) Minnesota (1-2) 17-22
24. (24) Phoenix (2-0) 15-28
25. (28) Washington (2-2) 9-31
26. (26) Philadelphia (1-2) 17-25
27. (25) Orlando (0-4) 14-28
28. (27) Cleveland (1-1) 11-32
29. (29) Sacramento (1-3) 16-27
30. (30) Charlotte (1-3) 10-32
Washington had another strong week, heading to the road for four games, two of which they won and two of which were close losses to the Clippers and Jazz, both probable playoff teams. Prior to this two-week hot streak, the Wizards spent three weeks at the bottom of my rankings, but if they can keep up this pace, they may be able to contend for a playoff spot in the East, where a winning record isn't a prerequisite for the postseason.
After making a coaching change last weekend, the Phoenix Suns have pulled off two straight wins for the first time in over a month, giving Lindsey Hunter a perfect 2-0 record as a coach. Last night they beat the Los Angeles Clippers, which is something nobody saw coming, even with Chris Paul sitting out with a knee injury. If they can keep the streak going tomorrow at San Antonio, then they really might have something.
Detroit won back-to-back home games by 15 points each against Boston and Orlando, neither of which is playing well, but they were big wins nonetheless. They weren't able to continue their success in Chicago on Wednesday, and tonight probably isn't the night that they start another winning streak, because they are tipping off in Miami in a few minutes.
Atlanta moved up a few spots this week with a 2-2 record, but both losses came in close games against hot teams, the Spurs and the Nets. The wins came against Minnesota and Charlotte, so they didn't pull off any upsets, but at least they are winning when they should and losing only when they are expected to, which should lead to a 2-1 record this week.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Minnesota at Washington - Wizards by 1
Boston at Atlanta - Hawks by 4
Detroit at Miami - Heat by 10
Milwaukee at Cleveland - Bucks by 1
Golden State at Chicago - Bulls by 3
Brooklyn at Memphis - Grizzlies by 4
Houston at New Orleans - Hornets by 1
San Antonio at Dallas - Spurs by 6
Oklahoma City at Sacramento - Thunder by 13
Utah at LA Lakers - Lakers by 3
Prediction Results
NBA: 1-2 (.333) 419-211 overall (.665)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-57 overall (.575)
College Basketball: 5-2 (.714) 501-113 overall (.816)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 42-39 overall (.519)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (2) Oklahoma City (2-2) 33-10
2. (1) San Antonio (4-0) 34-11
3. (3) LA Clippers (1-3) 32-12
4. (4) Miami (1-0) 27-12
5. (5) New York (1-1) 26-14
6. (6) Memphis (3-1) 27-14
7. (7) Denver (2-1) 26-18
8. (9) Brooklyn (3-0) 26-16
9. (13) Golden State (3-1) 26-15
10. (11) Chicago (3-1) 25-16
11. (14) Indiana (2-1) 26-17
12. (12) Utah (2-0) 23-19
13. (10) LA Lakers (0-3) 17-25
14. (8) Houston (1-3) 22-22
15. (18) Atlanta (2-2) 24-18
16. (19) Dallas (1-1) 18-24
17. (17) New Orleans (1-2) 14-28
18. (20) Milwaukee (2-0) 22-18
19. (15) Boston (0-4) 20-22
20. (21) Detroit (2-1) 16-26
21. (22) Portland (1-2) 21-21
22. (16) Toronto (2-2) 16-27
23. (23) Minnesota (1-2) 17-22
24. (24) Phoenix (2-0) 15-28
25. (28) Washington (2-2) 9-31
26. (26) Philadelphia (1-2) 17-25
27. (25) Orlando (0-4) 14-28
28. (27) Cleveland (1-1) 11-32
29. (29) Sacramento (1-3) 16-27
30. (30) Charlotte (1-3) 10-32
Washington had another strong week, heading to the road for four games, two of which they won and two of which were close losses to the Clippers and Jazz, both probable playoff teams. Prior to this two-week hot streak, the Wizards spent three weeks at the bottom of my rankings, but if they can keep up this pace, they may be able to contend for a playoff spot in the East, where a winning record isn't a prerequisite for the postseason.
After making a coaching change last weekend, the Phoenix Suns have pulled off two straight wins for the first time in over a month, giving Lindsey Hunter a perfect 2-0 record as a coach. Last night they beat the Los Angeles Clippers, which is something nobody saw coming, even with Chris Paul sitting out with a knee injury. If they can keep the streak going tomorrow at San Antonio, then they really might have something.
Detroit won back-to-back home games by 15 points each against Boston and Orlando, neither of which is playing well, but they were big wins nonetheless. They weren't able to continue their success in Chicago on Wednesday, and tonight probably isn't the night that they start another winning streak, because they are tipping off in Miami in a few minutes.
Atlanta moved up a few spots this week with a 2-2 record, but both losses came in close games against hot teams, the Spurs and the Nets. The wins came against Minnesota and Charlotte, so they didn't pull off any upsets, but at least they are winning when they should and losing only when they are expected to, which should lead to a 2-1 record this week.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Minnesota at Washington - Wizards by 1
Boston at Atlanta - Hawks by 4
Detroit at Miami - Heat by 10
Milwaukee at Cleveland - Bucks by 1
Golden State at Chicago - Bulls by 3
Brooklyn at Memphis - Grizzlies by 4
Houston at New Orleans - Hornets by 1
San Antonio at Dallas - Spurs by 6
Oklahoma City at Sacramento - Thunder by 13
Utah at LA Lakers - Lakers by 3
Prediction Results
NBA: 1-2 (.333) 419-211 overall (.665)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-57 overall (.575)
College Basketball: 5-2 (.714) 501-113 overall (.816)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 42-39 overall (.519)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 24 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Toronto at Orlando - Magic by 1
New York at Boston - Knicks by 2
LA Clippers at Phoenix - Clippers by 9
College Basketball
Purdue at (2) Michigan - Wolverines by 21
UCLA at (6) Arizona - Wildcats by 15
BYU at (10) Gonzaga - Bulldogs by 12
(19) VCU at Richmond - Rams by 7
Tennessee at (23) Ole Miss - Rebels by 16
Belmont at Morehead State - Bruins by 9
Wyoming at UNLV - Rebels by 7
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-4 (.636) 418-209 overall (.667)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-56 overall (.579)
College Basketball: 6-4 (.600) 496-111 overall (.817)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 41-39 overall (.513)
NBA
Toronto at Orlando - Magic by 1
New York at Boston - Knicks by 2
LA Clippers at Phoenix - Clippers by 9
College Basketball
Purdue at (2) Michigan - Wolverines by 21
UCLA at (6) Arizona - Wildcats by 15
BYU at (10) Gonzaga - Bulldogs by 12
(19) VCU at Richmond - Rams by 7
Tennessee at (23) Ole Miss - Rebels by 16
Belmont at Morehead State - Bruins by 9
Wyoming at UNLV - Rebels by 7
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-4 (.636) 418-209 overall (.667)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-56 overall (.579)
College Basketball: 6-4 (.600) 496-111 overall (.817)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 41-39 overall (.513)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 23 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Atlanta at Charlotte - Hawks by 4
Toronto at Miami - Heat by 11
Detroit at Chicago - Bulls by 6
LA Lakers at Memphis - Grizzlies by 6
Denver at Houston - Rockets by 1
Brooklyn at Minnesota - Nets by 2
New Orleans at San Antonio - Spurs by 13
Washington at Utah - Jazz by 8
Indiana at Portland - Pacers by 1
Phoenix at Sacramento - Kings by 1
Oklahoma City at Golden State - Thunder by 5
College Basketball
(1) Duke at (25) Miami - Blue Devils by 1
Penn State at (7) Indiana - Hoosiers by 35
(8) Florida at Georgia - Gators by 24
(9) Butler at LaSalle - Explorers by 2
(12) Minnesota at Northwestern - Golden Gophers by 8
Colorado State at (15) New Mexico - Lobos by 2
Washington State at (16) Oregon - Ducks by 16
(17) Creighton at Drake - Bluejays by 12
(20) Wichita State at Missouri State - Shockers by 10
Iowa State at Texas Tech - Cyclones by 16
Prediction Results
NBA: 2-2 (.500) 411-205 overall (.667)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-55 overall (.583)
College Basketball: 4-4 (.500) 490-107 overall (.821)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 40-39 overall (.506)
NBA
Atlanta at Charlotte - Hawks by 4
Toronto at Miami - Heat by 11
Detroit at Chicago - Bulls by 6
LA Lakers at Memphis - Grizzlies by 6
Denver at Houston - Rockets by 1
Brooklyn at Minnesota - Nets by 2
New Orleans at San Antonio - Spurs by 13
Washington at Utah - Jazz by 8
Indiana at Portland - Pacers by 1
Phoenix at Sacramento - Kings by 1
Oklahoma City at Golden State - Thunder by 5
College Basketball
(1) Duke at (25) Miami - Blue Devils by 1
Penn State at (7) Indiana - Hoosiers by 35
(8) Florida at Georgia - Gators by 24
(9) Butler at LaSalle - Explorers by 2
(12) Minnesota at Northwestern - Golden Gophers by 8
Colorado State at (15) New Mexico - Lobos by 2
Washington State at (16) Oregon - Ducks by 16
(17) Creighton at Drake - Bluejays by 12
(20) Wichita State at Missouri State - Shockers by 10
Iowa State at Texas Tech - Cyclones by 16
Prediction Results
NBA: 2-2 (.500) 411-205 overall (.667)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 77-55 overall (.583)
College Basketball: 4-4 (.500) 490-107 overall (.821)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 40-39 overall (.506)
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 22 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Boston at Cleveland - Celtics by 2
Orlando at Detroit - Pistons by 6
Philadelphia at Milwaukee - Bucks by 6
Oklahoma City at LA Clippers - Clippers by 2
College Basketball
(3) Kansas at (11) Kansas State - Jayhawks by 2
(5) Louisville at Villanova - Cardinals by 10
(13) Michigan State at Wisconsin - Badgers by 10
Iowa at (14) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 12
(18) North Carolina State at Wake Forest - Wolfpack by 5
South Carolina at (22) Missouri - Tigers by 19
Kentucky at Alabama - Wildcats by 1
Pittsburgh at Providence - Panthers by 5
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-4 (.556) 409-203 overall (.668)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 77-54 overall (.588)
College Basketball: 2-1 (.667) 486-103 overall (.825)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 40-38 overall (.513)
NBA
Boston at Cleveland - Celtics by 2
Orlando at Detroit - Pistons by 6
Philadelphia at Milwaukee - Bucks by 6
Oklahoma City at LA Clippers - Clippers by 2
College Basketball
(3) Kansas at (11) Kansas State - Jayhawks by 2
(5) Louisville at Villanova - Cardinals by 10
(13) Michigan State at Wisconsin - Badgers by 10
Iowa at (14) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 12
(18) North Carolina State at Wake Forest - Wolfpack by 5
South Carolina at (22) Missouri - Tigers by 19
Kentucky at Alabama - Wildcats by 1
Pittsburgh at Providence - Panthers by 5
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-4 (.556) 409-203 overall (.668)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 77-54 overall (.588)
College Basketball: 2-1 (.667) 486-103 overall (.825)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 40-38 overall (.513)
Monday, January 21, 2013
College Basketball Rankings - 21 Jan
The top two teams in the AP rankings each lost this week, leaving a big void at the top, which was filled once again by Duke. My formula, however, kicked out a different top team, and that team is farther ahead of everyone else than any other team has been this season. Here are my current rankings, with teams grouped by similar level of performance and AP rankings in parentheses.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (2) Florida (2-0) 14-2 (8)
2. (1) Indiana (1-1) 16-2 (7)
3. (6) Louisville (1-1) 16-2 (5)
4. (4) Michigan (1-0) 17-1 (2)
5. (5) Syracuse (1-0) 17-1 (3)
6. (3) Duke (1-0) 16-1 (1)
7. (9) Creighton (1-1) 17-2 (17)
8. (7) Minnesota (0-1) 15-3 (12)
9. (8) VCU (2-0) 16-3 (19)
10. (11) Gonzaga (1-1) 17-2 (10)
11. (10) Kansas (2-0) 16-1 (3)
12. (16) Arizona (1-0) 16-1 (6)
13. (15) Pittsburgh (2-0) 15-4 (38)
14. (17) Wisconsin (1-1) 13-5 (27)
15. (12) Ohio State (0-1) 13-4 (14)
16. (13) Ole Miss (2-0) 15-2 (23)
17. (NR) Colorado State (2-0) 15-3 (32)
18. (19) Cincinnati (2-0) 16-3 (21)
19. (20) Kentucky (2-0) 12-5 (NR)
20. (14) Belmont (2-0) 15-4 (NR)
21. (18) Miami (1-0) 13-3 (25)
22. (NR) Oklahoma State (1-0) 12-4 (NR)
23. (21) Iowa State (2-0) 13-4 (35)
24. (NR) UNLV (1-1) 15-4 (29)
25. (22) Michigan State (2-0) 16-3 (13)
Dropped Out
(23) BYU (1-1) 15-5 (NR)
(25) Bucknell (2-0) 16-3 (38)
(24) Notre Dame (1-1) 15-3 (24)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 6
Big East - 4
SEC - 3
Big 12 - 3
ACC - 2
MWC - 2
WCC - 1
MVC - 1
Atl 10 - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
The biggest mover of the week was Colorado State, who returned to the top 25 after dropping out last week due to a loss against San Diego State. They atoned for that loss by embarrassing Air Force 79-40, then they upset the UNLV Rebels, who were fresh off an upset of the same Aztecs that just beat the Rams last week. This week a fourth contender in the Mountain West joins the fray, as Colorado State visits New Mexico on Wednesday in what should be a very competitive game.
UNLV also entered the top 25 this week even after losing that game, and it was due to the upset over San Diego State that I mentioned above. Thus far, the Rebels' worst loss of the season came at North Carolina, and any team that can say that is worth paying attention to. The Mountain West is very tough this year, with 5 or 6 teams that are good enough to be playing games that matter in March.
Arizona rebounded from their first loss of the season with two big victories on the road, first against Oregon State and then at rival Arizona State. They were also helped by the fact that Oregon continued to roll this week, proving that their win over the Wildcats was not a fluke and that Arizona should not be punished too harshly in the rankings for that loss.
A team that Arizona beat earlier in the season jumped to the top spot this week, riding the strength of a 31-point blowout of the #17 Missouri Tigers. Florida, who was among my hottest teams last week as well, kept things rolling this week, extending their streak of 20-plus-point wins to 5 against Texas A&M and Missouri, and increasing their huge win total to 10. The SEC is not as strong as usual this season, but Florida is the type of team that could still give them a representative in the Final Four.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
(21) Cincinnati at (3) Syracuse - Orange by 12
Georgetown at (24) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 10
Oklahoma State at Baylor - Bears by 4
NBA
Indiana at Memphis - Grizzlies by 5
Sacramento at New Orleans - Hornets by 8
Houston at Charlotte - Rockets by 6
Minnesota at Atlanta - Hawks by 3
Brooklyn at New York - Knicks by 5
LA Clippers at Golden State - Clippers by 4
San Antonio at Philadelphia - Spurs by 10
LA Lakers at Chicago - Bulls by 4
Washington at Portland - Trail Blazers by 5
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-1 (.750) 404-199 overall (.670)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 76-54 overall (.585)
College Basketball: 2-0 (1.000) 484-102 overall (.826)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (2) Florida (2-0) 14-2 (8)
2. (1) Indiana (1-1) 16-2 (7)
3. (6) Louisville (1-1) 16-2 (5)
4. (4) Michigan (1-0) 17-1 (2)
5. (5) Syracuse (1-0) 17-1 (3)
6. (3) Duke (1-0) 16-1 (1)
7. (9) Creighton (1-1) 17-2 (17)
8. (7) Minnesota (0-1) 15-3 (12)
9. (8) VCU (2-0) 16-3 (19)
10. (11) Gonzaga (1-1) 17-2 (10)
11. (10) Kansas (2-0) 16-1 (3)
12. (16) Arizona (1-0) 16-1 (6)
13. (15) Pittsburgh (2-0) 15-4 (38)
14. (17) Wisconsin (1-1) 13-5 (27)
15. (12) Ohio State (0-1) 13-4 (14)
16. (13) Ole Miss (2-0) 15-2 (23)
17. (NR) Colorado State (2-0) 15-3 (32)
18. (19) Cincinnati (2-0) 16-3 (21)
19. (20) Kentucky (2-0) 12-5 (NR)
20. (14) Belmont (2-0) 15-4 (NR)
21. (18) Miami (1-0) 13-3 (25)
22. (NR) Oklahoma State (1-0) 12-4 (NR)
23. (21) Iowa State (2-0) 13-4 (35)
24. (NR) UNLV (1-1) 15-4 (29)
25. (22) Michigan State (2-0) 16-3 (13)
Dropped Out
(23) BYU (1-1) 15-5 (NR)
(25) Bucknell (2-0) 16-3 (38)
(24) Notre Dame (1-1) 15-3 (24)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 6
Big East - 4
SEC - 3
Big 12 - 3
ACC - 2
MWC - 2
WCC - 1
MVC - 1
Atl 10 - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
The biggest mover of the week was Colorado State, who returned to the top 25 after dropping out last week due to a loss against San Diego State. They atoned for that loss by embarrassing Air Force 79-40, then they upset the UNLV Rebels, who were fresh off an upset of the same Aztecs that just beat the Rams last week. This week a fourth contender in the Mountain West joins the fray, as Colorado State visits New Mexico on Wednesday in what should be a very competitive game.
UNLV also entered the top 25 this week even after losing that game, and it was due to the upset over San Diego State that I mentioned above. Thus far, the Rebels' worst loss of the season came at North Carolina, and any team that can say that is worth paying attention to. The Mountain West is very tough this year, with 5 or 6 teams that are good enough to be playing games that matter in March.
Arizona rebounded from their first loss of the season with two big victories on the road, first against Oregon State and then at rival Arizona State. They were also helped by the fact that Oregon continued to roll this week, proving that their win over the Wildcats was not a fluke and that Arizona should not be punished too harshly in the rankings for that loss.
A team that Arizona beat earlier in the season jumped to the top spot this week, riding the strength of a 31-point blowout of the #17 Missouri Tigers. Florida, who was among my hottest teams last week as well, kept things rolling this week, extending their streak of 20-plus-point wins to 5 against Texas A&M and Missouri, and increasing their huge win total to 10. The SEC is not as strong as usual this season, but Florida is the type of team that could still give them a representative in the Final Four.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
(21) Cincinnati at (3) Syracuse - Orange by 12
Georgetown at (24) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 10
Oklahoma State at Baylor - Bears by 4
NBA
Indiana at Memphis - Grizzlies by 5
Sacramento at New Orleans - Hornets by 8
Houston at Charlotte - Rockets by 6
Minnesota at Atlanta - Hawks by 3
Brooklyn at New York - Knicks by 5
LA Clippers at Golden State - Clippers by 4
San Antonio at Philadelphia - Spurs by 10
LA Lakers at Chicago - Bulls by 4
Washington at Portland - Trail Blazers by 5
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-1 (.750) 404-199 overall (.670)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 76-54 overall (.585)
College Basketball: 2-0 (1.000) 484-102 overall (.826)
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 20 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
LA Lakers at Toronto - Raptors by 1
Dallas at Orlando - Mavericks by 1
Boston at Detroit - Pistons by 1
Oklahoma City at Denver - Thunder by 3
College Basketball
(2) Indiana at Northwestern - Hoosiers by 12
Clemson at (14) North Carolina State - Wolfpack by 12
NFL
San Francisco at Atlanta - Falcons by 1
Baltimore at New England - Patriots by 10
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-5 (.375) 401-198 overall (.669)
Upsets: 0-4 (.000) 74-54 overall (.578)
College Basketball: 15-6 (.714) 482-102 overall (.825)
Upsets: 4-1 (.800) 39-38 overall (.506)
NFL: 2-2 (.500) 167-96 overall (.635)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 24-26 overall (.480)
NBA
LA Lakers at Toronto - Raptors by 1
Dallas at Orlando - Mavericks by 1
Boston at Detroit - Pistons by 1
Oklahoma City at Denver - Thunder by 3
College Basketball
(2) Indiana at Northwestern - Hoosiers by 12
Clemson at (14) North Carolina State - Wolfpack by 12
NFL
San Francisco at Atlanta - Falcons by 1
Baltimore at New England - Patriots by 10
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-5 (.375) 401-198 overall (.669)
Upsets: 0-4 (.000) 74-54 overall (.578)
College Basketball: 15-6 (.714) 482-102 overall (.825)
Upsets: 4-1 (.800) 39-38 overall (.506)
NFL: 2-2 (.500) 167-96 overall (.635)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 24-26 overall (.480)
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 19 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Sacramento at Charlotte - Bobcats by 2
San Antonio at Atlanta - Spurs by 8
Memphis at Chicago - Bulls by 1
Golden State at New Orleans - Hornets by 1
Houston at Minnesota - Rockets by 1
Cleveland at Utah - Jazz by 10
Milwaukee at Portland - Trail Blazers by 2
Washington at LA Clippers - Clippers by 16
College Basketball
(6) Syracuse at (1) Louisville - Cardinals by 8
(4) Kansas at Texas - Jayhawks by 9
(7) Arizona at Arizona State - Wildcats by 5
(8) Gonzaga at (13) Butler - Gonzaga Bulldogs by 1
(17) Missouri at (10) Florida - Gators by 18
(11) Ohio State at (18) Michigan State - Spartans by 3
(12) Creighton at Wichita State - Bluejays by 1
(15) San Diego State at Wyoming - Cowboys by 4
Oklahoma at (16) Kansas State - Wildcats by 5
Rutgers at (20) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 12
(21) Oregon at (24) UCLA - Bruins by 4
(22) VCU at Duquesne - Rams by 14
(25) Marquette at Cincinnati - Bearcats by 9
Kentucky at Auburn - Wildcats by 7
Tennessee State at Belmont - Bruins by 22
Arkansas at Ole Miss - Rebels by 14
Connecticut at Pittsburgh - Panthers by 12
Wisconsin at Iowa - Badgers by 1
Iowa State at TCU - Cyclones by 13
UNLV at Colorado State - Rams by 8
North Dakota State at Western Illinois - Bison by 6
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-4 (.556) 398-193 overall (.673)
Upsets: 0-2 (.000) 74-50 overall (.597)
NBA
Sacramento at Charlotte - Bobcats by 2
San Antonio at Atlanta - Spurs by 8
Memphis at Chicago - Bulls by 1
Golden State at New Orleans - Hornets by 1
Houston at Minnesota - Rockets by 1
Cleveland at Utah - Jazz by 10
Milwaukee at Portland - Trail Blazers by 2
Washington at LA Clippers - Clippers by 16
College Basketball
(6) Syracuse at (1) Louisville - Cardinals by 8
(4) Kansas at Texas - Jayhawks by 9
(7) Arizona at Arizona State - Wildcats by 5
(8) Gonzaga at (13) Butler - Gonzaga Bulldogs by 1
(17) Missouri at (10) Florida - Gators by 18
(11) Ohio State at (18) Michigan State - Spartans by 3
(12) Creighton at Wichita State - Bluejays by 1
(15) San Diego State at Wyoming - Cowboys by 4
Oklahoma at (16) Kansas State - Wildcats by 5
Rutgers at (20) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 12
(21) Oregon at (24) UCLA - Bruins by 4
(22) VCU at Duquesne - Rams by 14
(25) Marquette at Cincinnati - Bearcats by 9
Kentucky at Auburn - Wildcats by 7
Tennessee State at Belmont - Bruins by 22
Arkansas at Ole Miss - Rebels by 14
Connecticut at Pittsburgh - Panthers by 12
Wisconsin at Iowa - Badgers by 1
Iowa State at TCU - Cyclones by 13
UNLV at Colorado State - Rams by 8
North Dakota State at Western Illinois - Bison by 6
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-4 (.556) 398-193 overall (.673)
Upsets: 0-2 (.000) 74-50 overall (.597)
Friday, January 18, 2013
NBA Rankings - 18 Jan
The top 3 teams keep chugging along, winning over 70% of their games and separating themselves from the rest of the league, and the number of also-rans continues to rise. San Antonio held on to the top spot for the third straight week, but Oklahoma City has narrowed the gap as they have taken over the best record in the league. Here are my complete rankings, with teams grouped by similar level of performance.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (1) San Antonio (2-1) 30-11
2. (2) Oklahoma City (4-0) 31-8
3. (3) LA Clippers (3-1) 31-9
4. (9) Miami (3-1) 26-12
5. (6) New York (2-1) 25-13
6. (4) Memphis (1-3) 24-13
7. (5) Denver (3-1) 24-17
8. (7) Houston (0-4) 21-19
9. (12) Brooklyn (3-1) 23-16
10. (10) LA Lakers (2-2) 17-22
11. (16) Chicago (3-1) 22-15
12. (13) Utah (2-1) 21-19
13. (8) Golden State (1-2) 23-14
14. (11) Indiana (2-2) 24-16
15. (19) Boston (2-1) 20-18
16. (18) Toronto (1-3) 14-25
17. (22) New Orleans (3-1) 13-26
18. (14) Atlanta (2-2) 22-16
19. (23) Dallas (3-0) 17-23
20. (15) Milwaukee (2-2) 20-18
21. (20) Detroit (1-2) 14-25
22. (21) Portland (0-4) 20-19
23. (17) Minnesota (0-4) 16-20
24. (25) Phoenix (1-3) 13-28
25. (27) Orlando (2-1) 14-24
26. (24) Philadelphia (1-1) 16-23
27. (28) Cleveland (1-3) 10-31
28. (30) Washington (2-1) 7-29
29. (26) Sacramento (2-1) 15-24
30. (29) Charlotte (0-4) 9-29
The hottest team in the league this week, despite losing to the Utah Jazz, was the Miami Heat. After that loss in Salt Lake City, Miami traveled to California, where they blew out the stumbling Warriors before beating the Lakers by 9, giving them 3 big road wins in 4 games over the course of the week. At this point, only New York looks like a real challenger to the Heat in the East, although Brooklyn is trying to join that club as well.
In their most recent homestand, Washington did more than just win consecutive games for the first time all season, they swept the three visitors, the first of which was the Oklahoma City Thunder, pulling off the rare feat of beating the team with the league's best record while sitting in last place. They followed that up with wins over Atlanta and Orlando, then they nearly made it four in a row in Sacramento, but a late Tyreke Evans free throw thwarted them.
Chicago, fresh off a surprising loss to the Phoenix Suns, pulled off a great defensive feat on Monday, holding the Atlanta Hawks to just 58 points, the second-lowest total for Atlanta since the shot clock was instituted and the lowest total they had scored since 1955. The Bulls have moved up to #4 in the East, which is pretty impressive considering the fact that their best player hasn't played a minute yet this season.
Dallas has now won four straight games and is playing itself back into playoff contention with Dirk back in the lineup, winning 4 in a row, three against potential playoff opponents. The wins over Memphis and Minnesota each came by at least 15 points, and tonight's game against Oklahoma City could be their 4th straight upset victory.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Chicago at Boston - Celtics by 1
Toronto at Philadelphia - Raptors by 1
Charlotte at Orlando - Magic by 7
Houston at Indiana - Pacers by 2
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Nets by 6
Sacramento at Memphis - Grizzlies by 13
Golden State at San Antonio - Spurs by 11
Washington at Denver - Nuggets by 12
Oklahoma City at Dallas - Thunder by 7
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-1 (.750) 393-189 overall (.675)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 74-48 overall (.607)
College Basketball: 7-2 (.778) 467-96 overall (.829)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 35-37 overall (.486)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (1) San Antonio (2-1) 30-11
2. (2) Oklahoma City (4-0) 31-8
3. (3) LA Clippers (3-1) 31-9
4. (9) Miami (3-1) 26-12
5. (6) New York (2-1) 25-13
6. (4) Memphis (1-3) 24-13
7. (5) Denver (3-1) 24-17
8. (7) Houston (0-4) 21-19
9. (12) Brooklyn (3-1) 23-16
10. (10) LA Lakers (2-2) 17-22
11. (16) Chicago (3-1) 22-15
12. (13) Utah (2-1) 21-19
13. (8) Golden State (1-2) 23-14
14. (11) Indiana (2-2) 24-16
15. (19) Boston (2-1) 20-18
16. (18) Toronto (1-3) 14-25
17. (22) New Orleans (3-1) 13-26
18. (14) Atlanta (2-2) 22-16
19. (23) Dallas (3-0) 17-23
20. (15) Milwaukee (2-2) 20-18
21. (20) Detroit (1-2) 14-25
22. (21) Portland (0-4) 20-19
23. (17) Minnesota (0-4) 16-20
24. (25) Phoenix (1-3) 13-28
25. (27) Orlando (2-1) 14-24
26. (24) Philadelphia (1-1) 16-23
27. (28) Cleveland (1-3) 10-31
28. (30) Washington (2-1) 7-29
29. (26) Sacramento (2-1) 15-24
30. (29) Charlotte (0-4) 9-29
The hottest team in the league this week, despite losing to the Utah Jazz, was the Miami Heat. After that loss in Salt Lake City, Miami traveled to California, where they blew out the stumbling Warriors before beating the Lakers by 9, giving them 3 big road wins in 4 games over the course of the week. At this point, only New York looks like a real challenger to the Heat in the East, although Brooklyn is trying to join that club as well.
In their most recent homestand, Washington did more than just win consecutive games for the first time all season, they swept the three visitors, the first of which was the Oklahoma City Thunder, pulling off the rare feat of beating the team with the league's best record while sitting in last place. They followed that up with wins over Atlanta and Orlando, then they nearly made it four in a row in Sacramento, but a late Tyreke Evans free throw thwarted them.
Chicago, fresh off a surprising loss to the Phoenix Suns, pulled off a great defensive feat on Monday, holding the Atlanta Hawks to just 58 points, the second-lowest total for Atlanta since the shot clock was instituted and the lowest total they had scored since 1955. The Bulls have moved up to #4 in the East, which is pretty impressive considering the fact that their best player hasn't played a minute yet this season.
Dallas has now won four straight games and is playing itself back into playoff contention with Dirk back in the lineup, winning 4 in a row, three against potential playoff opponents. The wins over Memphis and Minnesota each came by at least 15 points, and tonight's game against Oklahoma City could be their 4th straight upset victory.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Chicago at Boston - Celtics by 1
Toronto at Philadelphia - Raptors by 1
Charlotte at Orlando - Magic by 7
Houston at Indiana - Pacers by 2
Atlanta at Brooklyn - Nets by 6
Sacramento at Memphis - Grizzlies by 13
Golden State at San Antonio - Spurs by 11
Washington at Denver - Nuggets by 12
Oklahoma City at Dallas - Thunder by 7
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-1 (.750) 393-189 overall (.675)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 74-48 overall (.607)
College Basketball: 7-2 (.778) 467-96 overall (.829)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 35-37 overall (.486)
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 17 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
New York vs. Detroit - Knicks by 5
LA Clippers at Minnesota - Clippers by 8
Milwaukee at Phoenix - Suns by 1
Miami at LA Lakers - Heat by 1
College Basketball
Eastern Kentucky at Belmont - Bruins by 19
(5) Michigan at (9) Minnesota - Golden Gophers by 4
(10) Florida at Texas A&M - Gators by 11
Northwestern at (23) Illinois - Fighting Illini by 14
Georgia Tech at (3) Duke - Blue Devils by 25
Saint Joseph's at (22) VCU - Rams by 17
Oregon State at (24) UCLA - Bruins by 15
(8) Gonzaga at Portland - Bulldogs by 17
(21) Oregon at USC - Ducks by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-7 (.300) 390-188 overall (.675)
Upsets: 0-2 (.000) 74-47 overall (.612)
College Basketball: 10-3 (.769) 460-94 overall (.830)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 34-36 overall (.486)
NBA
New York vs. Detroit - Knicks by 5
LA Clippers at Minnesota - Clippers by 8
Milwaukee at Phoenix - Suns by 1
Miami at LA Lakers - Heat by 1
College Basketball
Eastern Kentucky at Belmont - Bruins by 19
(5) Michigan at (9) Minnesota - Golden Gophers by 4
(10) Florida at Texas A&M - Gators by 11
Northwestern at (23) Illinois - Fighting Illini by 14
Georgia Tech at (3) Duke - Blue Devils by 25
Saint Joseph's at (22) VCU - Rams by 17
Oregon State at (24) UCLA - Bruins by 15
(8) Gonzaga at Portland - Bulldogs by 17
(21) Oregon at USC - Ducks by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-7 (.300) 390-188 overall (.675)
Upsets: 0-2 (.000) 74-47 overall (.612)
College Basketball: 10-3 (.769) 460-94 overall (.830)
Upsets: 1-1 (.500) 34-36 overall (.486)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 16 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Chicago at Toronto - Raptors by 1
Indiana at Orlando - Pacers by 4
Brooklyn at Toronto - Nets by 2
New Orleans at Boston - Celtics by 5
Denver at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 7
Houston at Dallas - Rockets by 1
Memphis at San Antonio - Spurs by 8
Washington at Sacramento - Kings by 3
Cleveland at Portland - Trail Blazers by 8
Miami at Golden State - Warriors by 1
College Basketball
Miami at Boston College - Hurricanes by 6
Pittsburgh at Villanova - Panthers by 4
Saint Mary's at BYU - Cougars by 9
West Virginia at Iowa State - Cyclones by 15
Bucknell at Colgate - Bison by 12
Richmond at (13) Butler - Bulldogs by 11
(14) North Carolina State at Maryland - Terrapins by 2
(18) Michigan State at Penn State - Spartans by 12
Georgia at (17) Missouri - Tigers by 22
(16) Kansas State at TCU - Wildcats by 10
(19) New Mexico at Boise State - Broncos by 7
Seton Hall at (25) Marquette - Golden Eagles by 13
UNLV at (15) San Diego State - Aztecs by 7
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-1 (.833) 387-181 overall (.681)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 74-45 overall (.622)
College Basketball: 4-2 (.667) 450-91 overall (.832)
NBA
Chicago at Toronto - Raptors by 1
Indiana at Orlando - Pacers by 4
Brooklyn at Toronto - Nets by 2
New Orleans at Boston - Celtics by 5
Denver at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 7
Houston at Dallas - Rockets by 1
Memphis at San Antonio - Spurs by 8
Washington at Sacramento - Kings by 3
Cleveland at Portland - Trail Blazers by 8
Miami at Golden State - Warriors by 1
College Basketball
Miami at Boston College - Hurricanes by 6
Pittsburgh at Villanova - Panthers by 4
Saint Mary's at BYU - Cougars by 9
West Virginia at Iowa State - Cyclones by 15
Bucknell at Colgate - Bison by 12
Richmond at (13) Butler - Bulldogs by 11
(14) North Carolina State at Maryland - Terrapins by 2
(18) Michigan State at Penn State - Spartans by 12
Georgia at (17) Missouri - Tigers by 22
(16) Kansas State at TCU - Wildcats by 10
(19) New Mexico at Boise State - Broncos by 7
Seton Hall at (25) Marquette - Golden Eagles by 13
UNLV at (15) San Diego State - Aztecs by 7
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-1 (.833) 387-181 overall (.681)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 74-45 overall (.622)
College Basketball: 4-2 (.667) 450-91 overall (.832)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 15 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
New Orleans at Philadelphia - 76ers by 2
Indiana at Charlotte - Pacers by 6
Toronto at Brooklyn - Nets by 7
LA Clippers at Houston - Clippers by 3
Portland at Denver - Nuggets by 9
Milwaukee at LA Lakers - Lakers by 6
College Basketball
Tennessee at Kentucky - Wildcats by 14
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt - Rebels by 11
Wisconsin at (2) Indiana - Hoosiers by 15
Cincinnati at DePaul - Bearcats by 5
(20) Notre Dame at Saint John's - Fighting Irish by 5
Northern Iowa at (12) Creighton - Bluejays by 18
Prediction Results
NBA: 6-2 (.750) 382-180 overall (.680)
Upsets: 3-1 (.750) 73-45 overall (.619)
College Basketball: 2-0 (1.000) 446-89 overall (.834)
NBA
New Orleans at Philadelphia - 76ers by 2
Indiana at Charlotte - Pacers by 6
Toronto at Brooklyn - Nets by 7
LA Clippers at Houston - Clippers by 3
Portland at Denver - Nuggets by 9
Milwaukee at LA Lakers - Lakers by 6
College Basketball
Tennessee at Kentucky - Wildcats by 14
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt - Rebels by 11
Wisconsin at (2) Indiana - Hoosiers by 15
Cincinnati at DePaul - Bearcats by 5
(20) Notre Dame at Saint John's - Fighting Irish by 5
Northern Iowa at (12) Creighton - Bluejays by 18
Prediction Results
NBA: 6-2 (.750) 382-180 overall (.680)
Upsets: 3-1 (.750) 73-45 overall (.619)
College Basketball: 2-0 (1.000) 446-89 overall (.834)
Monday, January 14, 2013
College Basketball Rankings - 14 Jan
All 4 undefeated teams went down this week, two of them after I predicted they would fall, namely Michigan to Ohio State and Arizona to Oregon. My #1 team, meanwhile, remained strong even with a difficult schedule, which kept them in the top spot for the 4th consecutive week. Two new teams joined the top 10, replacing Gonzaga and Kentucky, the Bulldogs slipping due to other teams' success and the Wildcats due to an unexpected loss. Here is my complete current top 25, with teams grouped by similar level of performance and AP ranking in parentheses.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (1) Indiana (2-0) 15-1 (2)
2. (6) Florida (2-0) 12-2 (10)
3. (2) Duke (1-1) 15-1 (3)
4. (4) Michigan (1-1) 16-1 (5)
5. (3) Syracuse (2-0) 16-1 (6)
6. (5) Louisville (2-0) 15-1 (1)
7. (12) Minnesota (1-1) 15-2 (9)
8. (8) VCU (2-0) 14-3 (22)
9. (11) Creighton (2-0) 16-1 (12)
10. (7) Kansas (2-0) 14-1 (4)
11. (9) Gonzaga (1-0) 16-1 (8)
12. (13) Ohio State (2-0) 13-3 (11)
13. (19) Ole Miss (2-0) 13-2 (29)
14. (17) Belmont (2-0) 13-4 (NR)
15. (18) Pittsburgh (1-1) 13-4 (36)
16. (14) Arizona (1-1) 15-1 (7)
17. (NR) Wisconsin (1-0) 12-4 (31)
18. (22) Miami (2-0) 12-3 (32)
19. (20) Cincinnati (1-1) 14-3 (26)
20. (10) Kentucky (1-1) 10-5 (NR)
21. (NR) Iowa State (1-1) 11-4 (NR)
22. (23) Michigan State (2-0) 14-3 (18)
23. (NR) BYU (2-0) 14-4 (NR)
24. (24) Notre Dame (1-1) 14-2 (20)
25. (21) Bucknell (1-0) 14-3 (NR)
Dropped Out
(15) Oklahoma State (1-1) 11-4 (NR)
(25) Colorado State (0-1) 13-3 (NR)
(16) Wichita State (1-1) 15-2 (34)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 6
Big East - 5
SEC - 3
ACC - 2
Big 12 - 2
WCC - 2
MVC - 1
Atl 10 - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
Pat - 1
With all of the high-ranking teams that fell this week, somebody had to move up, but for some reason the national voters ignored the Florida Gators, probably because they have already lost twice. This week they destroyed LSU and Georgia, and while the SEC is pretty weak overall, the Gators are a quality team, and one of their losses came against the Arizona Wildcats, who were undefeated up until this week. This week they host Missouri, the only other SEC team currently ranked, so maybe a huge win will earn them a little more respect.
Minnesota also dropped in the polls this week due to a loss, but when you consider that they lost by only 8 points on the road against the best team in the country, they shouldn't be penalized for it. Both of their losses have come against teams in the top 3, and neither was at home, so maybe they'll get noticed when they upset Michigan this week.
Ole Miss made a big move in my rankings this week, but the Rebels still haven't cracked the AP top 25, despite losing only twice so far this season. Part of the problem is that neither loss came to a ranked team, and their first game against a ranked team was on Saturday, when they hosted and upset the Missouri Tigers. They are establishing themselves as the #2 team in the SEC, and a win over Kentucky in 2 weeks should solidify it.
Iowa State moved into the top 25 this week, partly on the strength of a blowout against Texas, and partly due to their overtime loss at Kansas, who was ranked #6 heading into the game. The Cyclones also blew out BYU earlier this season, and the Cougars have now joined Iowa State in my top 25. Iowa State's losses have all been reasonable, with two coming during Thanksgiving weekend, one coming at rival Iowa, and the other against #6 Kansas, but they need to win most of their conference games if they want a good tournament seed.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
(1) Louisville at Connecticut - Cardinals by 2
Baylor at (4) Kansas - Jayhawks by 12
NBA
Orlando at Washington - Magic by 1
Charlotte at Boston - Celtics by 10
Atlanta at Chicago - Bulls by 4
LA Clippers at Memphis - Grizzlies by 1
Minnesota at Dallas - Mavericks by 2
Oklahoma City at Phoenix - Thunder by 10
Miami at Utah - Jazz by 1
Cleveland at Sacramento - Kings by 3
Prediction Results
NBA: 6-1 (.857) 376-178 overall (.679)
Upsets: 2-1 (.667) 70-44 overall (.614)
College Basketball: 3-1 (.750) 444-89 overall (.833)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 33-35 overall (.485)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (1) Indiana (2-0) 15-1 (2)
2. (6) Florida (2-0) 12-2 (10)
3. (2) Duke (1-1) 15-1 (3)
4. (4) Michigan (1-1) 16-1 (5)
5. (3) Syracuse (2-0) 16-1 (6)
6. (5) Louisville (2-0) 15-1 (1)
7. (12) Minnesota (1-1) 15-2 (9)
8. (8) VCU (2-0) 14-3 (22)
9. (11) Creighton (2-0) 16-1 (12)
10. (7) Kansas (2-0) 14-1 (4)
11. (9) Gonzaga (1-0) 16-1 (8)
12. (13) Ohio State (2-0) 13-3 (11)
13. (19) Ole Miss (2-0) 13-2 (29)
14. (17) Belmont (2-0) 13-4 (NR)
15. (18) Pittsburgh (1-1) 13-4 (36)
16. (14) Arizona (1-1) 15-1 (7)
17. (NR) Wisconsin (1-0) 12-4 (31)
18. (22) Miami (2-0) 12-3 (32)
19. (20) Cincinnati (1-1) 14-3 (26)
20. (10) Kentucky (1-1) 10-5 (NR)
21. (NR) Iowa State (1-1) 11-4 (NR)
22. (23) Michigan State (2-0) 14-3 (18)
23. (NR) BYU (2-0) 14-4 (NR)
24. (24) Notre Dame (1-1) 14-2 (20)
25. (21) Bucknell (1-0) 14-3 (NR)
Dropped Out
(15) Oklahoma State (1-1) 11-4 (NR)
(25) Colorado State (0-1) 13-3 (NR)
(16) Wichita State (1-1) 15-2 (34)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 6
Big East - 5
SEC - 3
ACC - 2
Big 12 - 2
WCC - 2
MVC - 1
Atl 10 - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
Pat - 1
With all of the high-ranking teams that fell this week, somebody had to move up, but for some reason the national voters ignored the Florida Gators, probably because they have already lost twice. This week they destroyed LSU and Georgia, and while the SEC is pretty weak overall, the Gators are a quality team, and one of their losses came against the Arizona Wildcats, who were undefeated up until this week. This week they host Missouri, the only other SEC team currently ranked, so maybe a huge win will earn them a little more respect.
Minnesota also dropped in the polls this week due to a loss, but when you consider that they lost by only 8 points on the road against the best team in the country, they shouldn't be penalized for it. Both of their losses have come against teams in the top 3, and neither was at home, so maybe they'll get noticed when they upset Michigan this week.
Ole Miss made a big move in my rankings this week, but the Rebels still haven't cracked the AP top 25, despite losing only twice so far this season. Part of the problem is that neither loss came to a ranked team, and their first game against a ranked team was on Saturday, when they hosted and upset the Missouri Tigers. They are establishing themselves as the #2 team in the SEC, and a win over Kentucky in 2 weeks should solidify it.
Iowa State moved into the top 25 this week, partly on the strength of a blowout against Texas, and partly due to their overtime loss at Kansas, who was ranked #6 heading into the game. The Cyclones also blew out BYU earlier this season, and the Cougars have now joined Iowa State in my top 25. Iowa State's losses have all been reasonable, with two coming during Thanksgiving weekend, one coming at rival Iowa, and the other against #6 Kansas, but they need to win most of their conference games if they want a good tournament seed.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
(1) Louisville at Connecticut - Cardinals by 2
Baylor at (4) Kansas - Jayhawks by 12
NBA
Orlando at Washington - Magic by 1
Charlotte at Boston - Celtics by 10
Atlanta at Chicago - Bulls by 4
LA Clippers at Memphis - Grizzlies by 1
Minnesota at Dallas - Mavericks by 2
Oklahoma City at Phoenix - Thunder by 10
Miami at Utah - Jazz by 1
Cleveland at Sacramento - Kings by 3
Prediction Results
NBA: 6-1 (.857) 376-178 overall (.679)
Upsets: 2-1 (.667) 70-44 overall (.614)
College Basketball: 3-1 (.750) 444-89 overall (.833)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 33-35 overall (.485)
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 13 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
New Orleans at New York - Knicks by 9
Milwaukee at Toronto - Raptors by 4
Indiana at Brooklyn - Nets by 4
Minnesota at San Antonio - Spurs by 13
Golden State at Denver - Nuggets by 5
Oklahoma City at Portland - Thunder by 8
Cleveland at LA Lakers - Lakers by 10
College Basketball
(2) Michigan at (15) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 1
Nebraska at (22) Michigan State - Spartans by 19
(23) Wichita State at Evansville - Shockers by 4
Maryland at Miami - Hurricanes by 13
Prediction Results
NBA: 2-6 (.250) 370-177 overall (.676)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 68-43 overall (.613)
College Basketball: 16-7 (.696) 441-88 overall (.834)
Upsets: 2-4 (.333) 31-35 overall (.470)
NBA
New Orleans at New York - Knicks by 9
Milwaukee at Toronto - Raptors by 4
Indiana at Brooklyn - Nets by 4
Minnesota at San Antonio - Spurs by 13
Golden State at Denver - Nuggets by 5
Oklahoma City at Portland - Thunder by 8
Cleveland at LA Lakers - Lakers by 10
College Basketball
(2) Michigan at (15) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 1
Nebraska at (22) Michigan State - Spartans by 19
(23) Wichita State at Evansville - Shockers by 4
Maryland at Miami - Hurricanes by 13
Prediction Results
NBA: 2-6 (.250) 370-177 overall (.676)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 68-43 overall (.613)
College Basketball: 16-7 (.696) 441-88 overall (.834)
Upsets: 2-4 (.333) 31-35 overall (.470)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Updated NFL Playoff Odds - 12 Jan
All four NFL games of Wild Card weekend went exactly as I predicted, which means that there was very little movement in my rankings and no change in my predictions for each game, but the odds of each team advancing in the playoffs has changed slightly due to four teams' odds being reduced to zero. Here are my updated rankings and odds for the remaining teams. As always, teams are grouped by similar level of performance, and eliminated teams are not included.
TW. (LW) Team (Record) Result
1. (1) Seattle (12-5) W
2. (2) New England (12-4) BYE
3. (3) Denver (13-3) BYE
4. (5) Green Bay (12-5) W
5. (4) San Francisco (11-4-1) BYE
6. (6) Atlanta (13-3) BYE
11. (13) Baltimore (11-6) W
15. (16) Houston (13-4) W
Odds of Making Conference Championship
1. New England - 94.1% (-1.2)
2. Denver - 86.0% (-1.5)
3. Seattle - 62.3% (+11.7)
4. San Francisco - 61.4% (+0.1)
5. Green Bay - 38.6% (+13.7)
6. Atlanta - 37.7% (-10.2)
7. Baltimore - 14.0% (+4.5)
8. Houston - 5.9% (+5.9)
The most likely conference championship matchups have not changed, with New England and Denver still very likely and Seattle vs. San Francisco in an all-West NFC title game is looking more likely than before, although neither is an overwhelming favorite to get there.
Odds of Making Super Bowl
1. Denver - 51.1% (+0.0)
2. New England - 46.3% (-0.6)
3. Seattle - 33.1% (+0.8)
4. San Francisco - 28.9% (-2.8)
5. Atlanta - 19.7% (-5.1)
6. Green Bay - 18.2% (+6.9)
7. Baltimore - 1.7% (+0.4)
8. Houston - 1.0% (+1.0)
Odds of Winning Super Bowl
1. Denver - 26.2% (+0.7)
2. New England - 25.6% (+0.1)
3. Seattle - 19.6% (-0.7)
4. San Francisco - 12.9% (-1.2)
5. Green Bay - 8.1% (+3.5)
6. Atlanta - 7.0% (-1.6)
San Francisco and Atlanta saw their odds drop because they each got their toughest possible opponent in this round, which gives them a tougher overall road to the title than they could have had if upsets had ruled the Wild Card round.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Baltimore at Denver - Broncos by 10
Green Bay at San Francisco - 49ers by 4
Seattle at Atlanta - Seahawks by 4
Houston at New England - Patriots by 14
NBA
Orlando at LA Clippers - Clippers by 16
Atlanta at Washington - Hawks by 5
Charlotte at Indiana - Pacers by 12
Houston at Philadelphia - Texans by 4
Utah at Detroit - Pistons by 1
Phoenix at Chicago - Bulls by 8
Memphis at Dallas - Grizzlies by 7
Miami at Sacramento - Heat by 5
College Basketball
(1) Duke at (20) North Carolina State - Blue Devils by 7
South Florida at (3) Louisville - Cardinals by 24
(4) Arizona at Oregon State - Wildcats by 9
(8) Minnesota at (5) Indiana - Hoosiers by 10
(6) Kansas at Texas Tech - Jayhawks by 20
Villanova at (7) Syracuse - Orange by 22
(10) Missouri at Ole Miss - Rebels by 9
(11) Florida at LSU - Gators by 13
(12) Illinois at Wisconsin - Badgers by 9
(14) Butler at Dayton - Flyers by 5
Colorado State at (16) San Diego State - Aztecs by 5
Connecticut at (17) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 11
(18) Kansas State at West Virginia - Mountaineers by 3
(19) Georgetown at Saint John's - Red Storm by 6
(21) Cincinnati at Rutgers - Bearcats by 1
Air Force at (24) UNLV - Rebels by 16
Fresno State at (25) New Mexico - Lobos by 13
VCU at Saint Bonaventure - Rams by 13
Texas A&M at Kentucky - Wildcats by 20
Tennessee-Martin at Belmont - Bruins by 37
Marquette at Pittsburgh - Panthers by 16
TCU at Baylor - Bears by 28
Army at Bucknell - Bison by 22
Prediction Results
NFL: 4-0 (1.000) 165-94 overall (.637)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 24-25 overall (.490)
NBA: 8-3 (.727) 368-171 overall (.683)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 68-42 overall (.618)
College Basketball: 1-0 (1.000) 425-81 overall (.840)
TW. (LW) Team (Record) Result
1. (1) Seattle (12-5) W
2. (2) New England (12-4) BYE
3. (3) Denver (13-3) BYE
4. (5) Green Bay (12-5) W
5. (4) San Francisco (11-4-1) BYE
6. (6) Atlanta (13-3) BYE
11. (13) Baltimore (11-6) W
15. (16) Houston (13-4) W
Odds of Making Conference Championship
1. New England - 94.1% (-1.2)
2. Denver - 86.0% (-1.5)
3. Seattle - 62.3% (+11.7)
4. San Francisco - 61.4% (+0.1)
5. Green Bay - 38.6% (+13.7)
6. Atlanta - 37.7% (-10.2)
7. Baltimore - 14.0% (+4.5)
8. Houston - 5.9% (+5.9)
The most likely conference championship matchups have not changed, with New England and Denver still very likely and Seattle vs. San Francisco in an all-West NFC title game is looking more likely than before, although neither is an overwhelming favorite to get there.
Odds of Making Super Bowl
1. Denver - 51.1% (+0.0)
2. New England - 46.3% (-0.6)
3. Seattle - 33.1% (+0.8)
4. San Francisco - 28.9% (-2.8)
5. Atlanta - 19.7% (-5.1)
6. Green Bay - 18.2% (+6.9)
7. Baltimore - 1.7% (+0.4)
8. Houston - 1.0% (+1.0)
Odds of Winning Super Bowl
1. Denver - 26.2% (+0.7)
2. New England - 25.6% (+0.1)
3. Seattle - 19.6% (-0.7)
4. San Francisco - 12.9% (-1.2)
5. Green Bay - 8.1% (+3.5)
6. Atlanta - 7.0% (-1.6)
San Francisco and Atlanta saw their odds drop because they each got their toughest possible opponent in this round, which gives them a tougher overall road to the title than they could have had if upsets had ruled the Wild Card round.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Baltimore at Denver - Broncos by 10
Green Bay at San Francisco - 49ers by 4
Seattle at Atlanta - Seahawks by 4
Houston at New England - Patriots by 14
NBA
Orlando at LA Clippers - Clippers by 16
Atlanta at Washington - Hawks by 5
Charlotte at Indiana - Pacers by 12
Houston at Philadelphia - Texans by 4
Utah at Detroit - Pistons by 1
Phoenix at Chicago - Bulls by 8
Memphis at Dallas - Grizzlies by 7
Miami at Sacramento - Heat by 5
College Basketball
(1) Duke at (20) North Carolina State - Blue Devils by 7
South Florida at (3) Louisville - Cardinals by 24
(4) Arizona at Oregon State - Wildcats by 9
(8) Minnesota at (5) Indiana - Hoosiers by 10
(6) Kansas at Texas Tech - Jayhawks by 20
Villanova at (7) Syracuse - Orange by 22
(10) Missouri at Ole Miss - Rebels by 9
(11) Florida at LSU - Gators by 13
(12) Illinois at Wisconsin - Badgers by 9
(14) Butler at Dayton - Flyers by 5
Colorado State at (16) San Diego State - Aztecs by 5
Connecticut at (17) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 11
(18) Kansas State at West Virginia - Mountaineers by 3
(19) Georgetown at Saint John's - Red Storm by 6
(21) Cincinnati at Rutgers - Bearcats by 1
Air Force at (24) UNLV - Rebels by 16
Fresno State at (25) New Mexico - Lobos by 13
VCU at Saint Bonaventure - Rams by 13
Texas A&M at Kentucky - Wildcats by 20
Tennessee-Martin at Belmont - Bruins by 37
Marquette at Pittsburgh - Panthers by 16
TCU at Baylor - Bears by 28
Army at Bucknell - Bison by 22
Prediction Results
NFL: 4-0 (1.000) 165-94 overall (.637)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 24-25 overall (.490)
NBA: 8-3 (.727) 368-171 overall (.683)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 68-42 overall (.618)
College Basketball: 1-0 (1.000) 425-81 overall (.840)
Friday, January 11, 2013
NBA Rankings - 11 Jan
The four teams with the best records in the league all play in the Western Conference, and those 4 teams also happen to be at the top of my rankings, although in a different order. Only 2 of my top 10 play in the East, including the defending champs, who have been struggling mightily to live up to the high expectations after finally breaking through last season. Here are my current rankings, with teams grouped by similar level of performance.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (1) San Antonio (2-1) 28-10
2. (3) Oklahoma City (3-1) 27-8
3. (2) LA Clippers (3-0) 28-8
4. (6) Memphis (3-1) 23-10
5. (4) Denver (3-0) 21-16
6. (7) New York (1-2) 23-12
7. (5) Houston (3-1) 21-15
8. (8) Golden State (0-2) 22-12
9. (9) Miami (1-3) 23-11
10. (10) LA Lakers (0-4) 15-20
11. (11) Indiana (3-1) 22-14
12. (17) Brooklyn (3-0) 20-15
13. (13) Utah (3-1) 19-18
14. (12) Atlanta (0-4) 20-14
15. (16) Milwaukee (2-2) 18-16
16. (19) Chicago (2-1) 19-14
17. (14) Minnesota (1-2) 16-16
18. (15) Toronto (1-2) 13-22
19. (23) Boston (4-0) 18-17
20. (18) Detroit (1-1) 13-23
21. (21) Portland (4-0) 20-15
22. (25) New Orleans (3-0) 10-25
23. (26) Dallas (1-3) 14-23
24. (20) Philadelphia (0-4) 15-22
25. (24) Phoenix (0-4) 12-25
26. (22) Sacramento (1-3) 13-23
27. (27) Orlando (0-3) 12-23
28. (28) Cleveland (2-2) 9-28
29. (29) Charlotte (1-2) 9-25
30. (30) Washington (1-2) 5-28
Since switching coaches, the Brooklyn Nets have gone 6-1, making them one of the hottest teams in the league. Most of those wins have come against the worst teams, with 5 of them ranked in my bottom 7, but they also won at Oklahoma City, so it may not just be the schedule. Brook Lopez has been great, scoring 27 and grabbing 13 rebounds in their win at Washington last Friday.
Boston has won 4 straight games for the first time this season, including road wins in Atlanta and New York, and a win over the hot Indiana Pacers. Jared Sullinger has been playing like a rising star, and it was his 12 points and 16 rebounds that were instrumental in leading the Celtics to their most recent win, over the Phoenix Suns.
Memphis moved back into the top 5 after two weeks on the outside after sweeping a road trip to the Pacific Division this week. They didn't have to play either of the teams in LA, but they did blow out the bottom feeders before knocking off the surprising Warriors on Wednesday. Tonight the Grizz are hoping to keep the streak alive by upsetting the visiting top-ranked Spurs.
The New Orleans Hornets have won three straight games for the first time this season, and are on only their second winning streak of the season, but what makes it more impressive is that the wins all came against the Texas triangle. Beating Dallas isn't as tough as it used to be, but taking out the Spurs and Rockets right in a row is pretty tough, but the Hornets pulled it off this week.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Charlotte at Toronto - Raptors by 10
Phoenix at Brooklyn - Nets by 9
Houston at Boston - Rockets by 2
Utah at Atlanta - Hawks by 2
Chicago at New York - Knicks by 7
San Antonio at Memphis - Grizzlies by 1
Minnesota at New Orleans - Hornets by 1
Detroit at Milwaukee - Bucks by 4
Cleveland at Denver - Nuggets by 13
Oklahoma City at LA Lakers - Thunder by 3
Portland at Golden State - Warriors by 8
College Basketball
(13) Creighton at Missouri State - Bluejays by 15
Prediction Results
NBA: 1-2 (.333) 360-168 overall (.682)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 66-42 overall (.611)
College Basketball: 4-2 (.667) 424-81 overall (.840)
Upsets: 1-2 (.333) 29-31 overall (.483)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (1) San Antonio (2-1) 28-10
2. (3) Oklahoma City (3-1) 27-8
3. (2) LA Clippers (3-0) 28-8
4. (6) Memphis (3-1) 23-10
5. (4) Denver (3-0) 21-16
6. (7) New York (1-2) 23-12
7. (5) Houston (3-1) 21-15
8. (8) Golden State (0-2) 22-12
9. (9) Miami (1-3) 23-11
10. (10) LA Lakers (0-4) 15-20
11. (11) Indiana (3-1) 22-14
12. (17) Brooklyn (3-0) 20-15
13. (13) Utah (3-1) 19-18
14. (12) Atlanta (0-4) 20-14
15. (16) Milwaukee (2-2) 18-16
16. (19) Chicago (2-1) 19-14
17. (14) Minnesota (1-2) 16-16
18. (15) Toronto (1-2) 13-22
19. (23) Boston (4-0) 18-17
20. (18) Detroit (1-1) 13-23
21. (21) Portland (4-0) 20-15
22. (25) New Orleans (3-0) 10-25
23. (26) Dallas (1-3) 14-23
24. (20) Philadelphia (0-4) 15-22
25. (24) Phoenix (0-4) 12-25
26. (22) Sacramento (1-3) 13-23
27. (27) Orlando (0-3) 12-23
28. (28) Cleveland (2-2) 9-28
29. (29) Charlotte (1-2) 9-25
30. (30) Washington (1-2) 5-28
Since switching coaches, the Brooklyn Nets have gone 6-1, making them one of the hottest teams in the league. Most of those wins have come against the worst teams, with 5 of them ranked in my bottom 7, but they also won at Oklahoma City, so it may not just be the schedule. Brook Lopez has been great, scoring 27 and grabbing 13 rebounds in their win at Washington last Friday.
Boston has won 4 straight games for the first time this season, including road wins in Atlanta and New York, and a win over the hot Indiana Pacers. Jared Sullinger has been playing like a rising star, and it was his 12 points and 16 rebounds that were instrumental in leading the Celtics to their most recent win, over the Phoenix Suns.
Memphis moved back into the top 5 after two weeks on the outside after sweeping a road trip to the Pacific Division this week. They didn't have to play either of the teams in LA, but they did blow out the bottom feeders before knocking off the surprising Warriors on Wednesday. Tonight the Grizz are hoping to keep the streak alive by upsetting the visiting top-ranked Spurs.
The New Orleans Hornets have won three straight games for the first time this season, and are on only their second winning streak of the season, but what makes it more impressive is that the wins all came against the Texas triangle. Beating Dallas isn't as tough as it used to be, but taking out the Spurs and Rockets right in a row is pretty tough, but the Hornets pulled it off this week.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Charlotte at Toronto - Raptors by 10
Phoenix at Brooklyn - Nets by 9
Houston at Boston - Rockets by 2
Utah at Atlanta - Hawks by 2
Chicago at New York - Knicks by 7
San Antonio at Memphis - Grizzlies by 1
Minnesota at New Orleans - Hornets by 1
Detroit at Milwaukee - Bucks by 4
Cleveland at Denver - Nuggets by 13
Oklahoma City at LA Lakers - Thunder by 3
Portland at Golden State - Warriors by 8
College Basketball
(13) Creighton at Missouri State - Bluejays by 15
Prediction Results
NBA: 1-2 (.333) 360-168 overall (.682)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 66-42 overall (.611)
College Basketball: 4-2 (.667) 424-81 overall (.840)
Upsets: 1-2 (.333) 29-31 overall (.483)
Thursday, January 10, 2013
College Football Rankings - Final
The college football season has come to an end, and once again, a team from Alabama has won the BCS Championship. And, for the first time ever, I picked the correct winner in the national title game, which has eluded me the last 3 years. Heading into the postseason, Oregon was my top-ranked team, and with a solid win over Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl, they were hoping to maintain that spot, but two SEC teams were even more impressive in victory ended up in the top spots. Here are my final rankings of the season, with AP ranking in parentheses and teams grouped by similar level of performance.
TW. (LW) Team (Record) Result (AP)
1. (2) Alabama (13-1) W (1)
2. (3) Texas A&M (11-2) W (5)
3. (1) Oregon (12-1) W (2)
4. (4) Georgia (12-2) W (5)
5. (5) Kansas State (11-2) L (12)
6. (11) Oklahoma State (8-5) W (29)
7. (7) Oklahoma (10-3) L (15)
8. (8) Notre Dame (12-1) L (4)
9. (6) Florida (11-2) L (9)
10. (12) South Carolina (11-2) W (8)
11. (16) Florida State (12-2) W (10)
12. (13) LSU (10-3) L (14)
13. (9) Stanford (12-2) W (7)
14. (20) Baylor (8-5) W (26)
15. (18) Wisconsin (8-6) L (35)
16. (10) Oregon State (9-4) L (20)
17. (22) Clemson (11-2) W (11)
18. (17) Arizona State (8-5) W (NR)
19. (NR) Ole Miss (7-6) W (NR)
20. (23) BYU (8-5) W (NR)
21. (24) Michigan (8-5) L (24)
22. (25) Utah State (11-2) W (16)
23. (NR) Ohio State (12-0) BYE (3)
24. (NR) Cincinnati (10-3) W (28)
25. (21) Texas (9-4) W (19)
Dropped Out
(14) USC (7-6) L (NR)
(19) UCLA (9-5) L (31)
(15) Fresno State (9-4) L (NR)
Ranked Teams by Conference
SEC - 7
Big 12 - 5
Pac 12 - 4
Big 10 - 3
Ind - 2
ACC - 2
WAC - 1
Big East - 1
Only two teams from the non-AQ conferences ended up in the top 25 to close the season, and both come from the state of Utah - BYU and Utah State. Northern Illinois was the next closest to breaking in, ending the season at #31.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
New York at Indiana - Pacers by 1
Dallas at Sacramento - Kings by 3
Miami at Portland - Heat by 2
College Basketball
Kentucky at Vanderbilt - Wildcats by 13
Southeast Missouri State at Belmont - Bruins by 25
Miami at North Carolina - Tar Heels by 3
(22) Michigan State at Iowa - Hawkeyes by 1
(4) Arizona at Oregon - Ducks by 2
Saint Mary's at (9) Gonzaga - Bulldogs by 15
Prediction Results
College Football Bowls: 21-14 (.600)
Upsets: 5-2 (.714)
NBA: 11-5 (.688) 359-166 overall (.684)
Upsets: 3-2 (.600) 65-42 overall (.607)
College Basketball: 18-1 (.947) 420-79 overall (.842)
Upsets: 2-1 (.667) 28-29 overall (.491)
TW. (LW) Team (Record) Result (AP)
1. (2) Alabama (13-1) W (1)
2. (3) Texas A&M (11-2) W (5)
3. (1) Oregon (12-1) W (2)
4. (4) Georgia (12-2) W (5)
5. (5) Kansas State (11-2) L (12)
6. (11) Oklahoma State (8-5) W (29)
7. (7) Oklahoma (10-3) L (15)
8. (8) Notre Dame (12-1) L (4)
9. (6) Florida (11-2) L (9)
10. (12) South Carolina (11-2) W (8)
11. (16) Florida State (12-2) W (10)
12. (13) LSU (10-3) L (14)
13. (9) Stanford (12-2) W (7)
14. (20) Baylor (8-5) W (26)
15. (18) Wisconsin (8-6) L (35)
16. (10) Oregon State (9-4) L (20)
17. (22) Clemson (11-2) W (11)
18. (17) Arizona State (8-5) W (NR)
19. (NR) Ole Miss (7-6) W (NR)
20. (23) BYU (8-5) W (NR)
21. (24) Michigan (8-5) L (24)
22. (25) Utah State (11-2) W (16)
23. (NR) Ohio State (12-0) BYE (3)
24. (NR) Cincinnati (10-3) W (28)
25. (21) Texas (9-4) W (19)
Dropped Out
(14) USC (7-6) L (NR)
(19) UCLA (9-5) L (31)
(15) Fresno State (9-4) L (NR)
Ranked Teams by Conference
SEC - 7
Big 12 - 5
Pac 12 - 4
Big 10 - 3
Ind - 2
ACC - 2
WAC - 1
Big East - 1
Only two teams from the non-AQ conferences ended up in the top 25 to close the season, and both come from the state of Utah - BYU and Utah State. Northern Illinois was the next closest to breaking in, ending the season at #31.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
New York at Indiana - Pacers by 1
Dallas at Sacramento - Kings by 3
Miami at Portland - Heat by 2
College Basketball
Kentucky at Vanderbilt - Wildcats by 13
Southeast Missouri State at Belmont - Bruins by 25
Miami at North Carolina - Tar Heels by 3
(22) Michigan State at Iowa - Hawkeyes by 1
(4) Arizona at Oregon - Ducks by 2
Saint Mary's at (9) Gonzaga - Bulldogs by 15
Prediction Results
College Football Bowls: 21-14 (.600)
Upsets: 5-2 (.714)
NBA: 11-5 (.688) 359-166 overall (.684)
Upsets: 3-2 (.600) 65-42 overall (.607)
College Basketball: 18-1 (.947) 420-79 overall (.842)
Upsets: 2-1 (.667) 28-29 overall (.491)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 8 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Brooklyn at Philadelphia - 76ers by 1
Miami at Indiana - Pacers by 1
LA Lakers at Houston - Rockets by 5
Atlanta at Minnesota - Timberwolves by 2
Phoenix at Milwaukee - Bucks by 6
College Basketball
Clemson at (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 23
Alabama at (10) Missouri - Tigers by 15
Drake at (13) Creighton - Bluejays by 25
(15) Ohio State at Purdue - Buckeyes by 8
Pittsburgh at (19) Georgetown - Panthers by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-3 (.571) 348-161 overall (.684)
College Basketball: 1-1 (.500) 402-78 overall (.838)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 26-28 overall (.481)
NBA
Brooklyn at Philadelphia - 76ers by 1
Miami at Indiana - Pacers by 1
LA Lakers at Houston - Rockets by 5
Atlanta at Minnesota - Timberwolves by 2
Phoenix at Milwaukee - Bucks by 6
College Basketball
Clemson at (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 23
Alabama at (10) Missouri - Tigers by 15
Drake at (13) Creighton - Bluejays by 25
(15) Ohio State at Purdue - Buckeyes by 8
Pittsburgh at (19) Georgetown - Panthers by 2
Prediction Results
NBA: 4-3 (.571) 348-161 overall (.684)
College Basketball: 1-1 (.500) 402-78 overall (.838)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 26-28 overall (.481)
Monday, January 7, 2013
College Basketball Rankings - 7 Jan
The first college basketball rankings of 2013 are here, and since most teams are now playing conference foes, there are a lot more losses happening among ranked teams. There are still 4 undefeated teams, but Arizona had to fight for their lives this week against Colorado, and Wyoming's close win over SMU made a loss for the Cowboys seem inevitable. Duke and Michigan, meanwhile, have been looking as strong as ever, and both are now ranked in my top 4. Here are my current top 25 teams, with teams grouped by similar level of performance and AP rankings in parentheses.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (1) Indiana (1-0) 13-1 (5)
2. (2) Duke (2-0) 14-0 (1)
3. (12) Syracuse (3-0) 14-1 (7)
4. (9) Michigan (2-0) 15-0 (2)
5. (4) Louisville (1-0) 13-1 (3)
6. (5) Florida (1-0) 10-2 (11)
7. (3) Kansas (1-0) 12-1 (6)
8. (6) VCU (2-0) 12-3 (26)
9. (17) Gonzaga (3-0) 15-1 (9)
10. (14) Kentucky (1-0) 9-4 (32)
11. (13) Creighton (2-0) 14-1 (13)
12. (16) Minnesota (2-0) 14-1 (8)
13. (10) Ohio State (1-1) 11-3 (15)
14. (11) Arizona (2-0) 14-0 (4)
15. (8) Oklahoma State (0-2) 10-3 (28)
16. (19) Wichita State (2-0) 14-1 (23)
17. (20) Belmont (2-0) 11-4 (NR)
18. (7) Pittsburgh (0-2) 12-3 (36)
19. (22) Ole Miss (1-0) 11-2 (NR)
20. (23) Cincinnati (1-1) 13-2 (21)
21. (NR) Bucknell (1-1) 13-3 (NR)
22. (NR) Miami (2-0) 10-3 (NR)
23. (NR) Michigan State (1-1) 12-3 (22)
24. (NR) Notre Dame (1-0) 13-1 (17)
25. (18) Colorado State (2-0) 13-2 (NR)
Dropped Out
(21) Missouri (1-0) 11-2 (10)
(15) Colorado (0-2) 10-4 (NR)
(24) Wyoming (1-0) 13-0 (27)
(25) Illinois State (0-2) 9-6 (NR)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 5
Big East - 5
SEC - 3
ACC - 2
Big 12 - 2
MVC - 2
Atl 10 - 1
WCC - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
Pat - 1
MWC - 1
Syracuse moved up to their highest ranking in 3 weeks after going 3-0 this week, and winning their 3 games by a total of 70 points. The Orange have only beaten one ranked team all season, but they play 4 of them in the next month, if you include Pitt, who is still included in my rankings. Probably the most important of those 4 will be the first, when they travel to Louisville to take on the Cardinals, because the winner of that game will most likely win the regular season conference title.
Miami played poorly in Hawaii over Christmas weekend, losing two games in a row, but they made up for it this week, beating LaSalle, a team which should have been a pretty even match, by 17 points, then winning at Georgia Tech by 13 when they were picked to lose. The Hurricanes ascension into the top 25 gives the ACC two ranked teams again, since NC State looks like they are heading in the wrong direction after dropping from the rankings last week.
Bucknell moved into the top 25 after losing a game this week, but that performance was enough to bump them up into the top tier of teams, since the loss came by only 2 points at Missouri, which is a top 10 team according to the AP. The Bison are a big favorite to win the Patriot League, and the automatic tournament bid that comes with it, but it's possible that they could earn an at-large bid, even without a win over a ranked team.
Michigan opened their conference schedule in style, winning consecutive games by 28 points, both against teams that were bubbling just beneath the top 25 prior to their losses to the Wolverines. This weekend they travel to face the Ohio State Buckeyes, who slipped up Saturday at Illinois and will be looking to rebound against another ranked opponent.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Oklahoma City at Washington - Thunder by 14
Boston at New York - Knicks by 9
Cleveland at Chicago - Bulls by 8
San Antonio at New Orleans - Spurs by 12
Dallas at Utah - Jazz by 9
Memphis at Sacramento - Grizzlies by 4
Orlando at Portland - Trail Blazers by 7
College Basketball
(17) Notre Dame at (21) Cincinnati - Bearcats by 6
(5) Indiana at Penn State - Hoosiers by 18
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-2 (.600) 344-158 overall (.685)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 62-40 overall (.608)
College Basketball: 6-1 (.857) 401-77 overall (.839)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 26-27 overall (.491)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall (AP)
1. (1) Indiana (1-0) 13-1 (5)
2. (2) Duke (2-0) 14-0 (1)
3. (12) Syracuse (3-0) 14-1 (7)
4. (9) Michigan (2-0) 15-0 (2)
5. (4) Louisville (1-0) 13-1 (3)
6. (5) Florida (1-0) 10-2 (11)
7. (3) Kansas (1-0) 12-1 (6)
8. (6) VCU (2-0) 12-3 (26)
9. (17) Gonzaga (3-0) 15-1 (9)
10. (14) Kentucky (1-0) 9-4 (32)
11. (13) Creighton (2-0) 14-1 (13)
12. (16) Minnesota (2-0) 14-1 (8)
13. (10) Ohio State (1-1) 11-3 (15)
14. (11) Arizona (2-0) 14-0 (4)
15. (8) Oklahoma State (0-2) 10-3 (28)
16. (19) Wichita State (2-0) 14-1 (23)
17. (20) Belmont (2-0) 11-4 (NR)
18. (7) Pittsburgh (0-2) 12-3 (36)
19. (22) Ole Miss (1-0) 11-2 (NR)
20. (23) Cincinnati (1-1) 13-2 (21)
21. (NR) Bucknell (1-1) 13-3 (NR)
22. (NR) Miami (2-0) 10-3 (NR)
23. (NR) Michigan State (1-1) 12-3 (22)
24. (NR) Notre Dame (1-0) 13-1 (17)
25. (18) Colorado State (2-0) 13-2 (NR)
Dropped Out
(21) Missouri (1-0) 11-2 (10)
(15) Colorado (0-2) 10-4 (NR)
(24) Wyoming (1-0) 13-0 (27)
(25) Illinois State (0-2) 9-6 (NR)
Ranked Teams by Conference
Big 10 - 5
Big East - 5
SEC - 3
ACC - 2
Big 12 - 2
MVC - 2
Atl 10 - 1
WCC - 1
Pac 12 - 1
OVC - 1
Pat - 1
MWC - 1
Syracuse moved up to their highest ranking in 3 weeks after going 3-0 this week, and winning their 3 games by a total of 70 points. The Orange have only beaten one ranked team all season, but they play 4 of them in the next month, if you include Pitt, who is still included in my rankings. Probably the most important of those 4 will be the first, when they travel to Louisville to take on the Cardinals, because the winner of that game will most likely win the regular season conference title.
Miami played poorly in Hawaii over Christmas weekend, losing two games in a row, but they made up for it this week, beating LaSalle, a team which should have been a pretty even match, by 17 points, then winning at Georgia Tech by 13 when they were picked to lose. The Hurricanes ascension into the top 25 gives the ACC two ranked teams again, since NC State looks like they are heading in the wrong direction after dropping from the rankings last week.
Bucknell moved into the top 25 after losing a game this week, but that performance was enough to bump them up into the top tier of teams, since the loss came by only 2 points at Missouri, which is a top 10 team according to the AP. The Bison are a big favorite to win the Patriot League, and the automatic tournament bid that comes with it, but it's possible that they could earn an at-large bid, even without a win over a ranked team.
Michigan opened their conference schedule in style, winning consecutive games by 28 points, both against teams that were bubbling just beneath the top 25 prior to their losses to the Wolverines. This weekend they travel to face the Ohio State Buckeyes, who slipped up Saturday at Illinois and will be looking to rebound against another ranked opponent.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Oklahoma City at Washington - Thunder by 14
Boston at New York - Knicks by 9
Cleveland at Chicago - Bulls by 8
San Antonio at New Orleans - Spurs by 12
Dallas at Utah - Jazz by 9
Memphis at Sacramento - Grizzlies by 4
Orlando at Portland - Trail Blazers by 7
College Basketball
(17) Notre Dame at (21) Cincinnati - Bearcats by 6
(5) Indiana at Penn State - Hoosiers by 18
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-2 (.600) 344-158 overall (.685)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 62-40 overall (.608)
College Basketball: 6-1 (.857) 401-77 overall (.839)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 26-27 overall (.491)
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 6 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Oklahoma City at Toronto - Thunder by 6
Washington at Miami - Heat by 14
Charlotte at Detroit - Pistons by 11
Memphis at Phoenix - Grizzlies by 5
Denver at LA Lakers - Lakers by 1
College Basketball
Colorado at Arizona State - Buffaloes by 6
Wichita State at Bradley - Shockers by 5
Temple at (6) Kansas - Jayhawks by 20
(13) Florida at Yale - Gators by 15
Northwestern at (9) Minnesota - Golden Gophers by 21
Iowa at (2) Michigan - Wolverines by 15
(7) Syracuse at South Florida - Orange by 13
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-3 (.700) 341-156 overall (.686)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 62-39 overall (.614)
College Basketball: 14-4 (.778) 395-76 overall (.839)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 26-26 overall (.500)
NBA
Oklahoma City at Toronto - Thunder by 6
Washington at Miami - Heat by 14
Charlotte at Detroit - Pistons by 11
Memphis at Phoenix - Grizzlies by 5
Denver at LA Lakers - Lakers by 1
College Basketball
Colorado at Arizona State - Buffaloes by 6
Wichita State at Bradley - Shockers by 5
Temple at (6) Kansas - Jayhawks by 20
(13) Florida at Yale - Gators by 15
Northwestern at (9) Minnesota - Golden Gophers by 21
Iowa at (2) Michigan - Wolverines by 15
(7) Syracuse at South Florida - Orange by 13
Prediction Results
NBA: 7-3 (.700) 341-156 overall (.686)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 62-39 overall (.614)
College Basketball: 14-4 (.778) 395-76 overall (.839)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 26-26 overall (.500)
Saturday, January 5, 2013
NFL Playoff Odds
The playoffs are here, starting this afternoon with Cincinnati and Houston, which should be the closest game of the weekend and a great way to start the march to the Super Bowl. I have crunched the numbers from every game this season, taking everything into account, including home field, momentum, margin of victory, and strength of schedule, as well as all potential playoff matchups, to determine which teams are most likely to advance through each round of the playoffs, along with my picks for each round. I'll start off with my final rankings of the regular season, including only the teams that are still alive with ESPN's Power Rankings in parentheses.
TW. (LW) Team (Record) Result (ESPN)
1. (1) Seattle (11-5) W (5)
2. (2) New England (12-4) W (4)
3. (4) Denver (13-3) W (1)
4. (3) San Francisco (11-4-1) W (3)
5. (5) Green Bay (11-5) L (6)
6. (6) Atlanta (13-3) L (2)
8. (8) Minnesota (10-6) W (12)
10. (10) Washington (10-6) W (8)
11. (11) Cincinnati (10-6) W (11)
13. (12) Baltimore (10-6) L (10)
16. (15) Houston (12-4) L (9)
24. (26) Indianapolis (11-5) W (7)
Best Teams that Missed Out
7. (7) Chicago (10-6) W (13)
9. (9) NY Giants (9-7) W (14)
12. (14) Carolina (7-9) W (18)
14. (13) New Orleans (7-9) L (19)
15. (17) Saint Louis (7-8-1) L (16)
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Baltimore - 86.0%
2. Seattle - 78.1%
3. Green Bay - 71.8%
4. Houston - 54.2%
5. Cincinnati - 45.8%
Only one of this weekend's games looks like it should be pretty close, especially since Houston has been ice cold while Cincinnati has been red-hot, but the Texans have home field advantage and a lot more experience, so the game could go either way. I'm taking Houston by a single point in this one.
Odds of Reaching Conference Championship
1. New England - 95.3%
2. Denver - 87.5%
3. San Francisco - 61.3%
4. Seattle - 50.6%
5. Atlanta - 47.9%
6. Green Bay - 24.9%
7. Minnesota - 9.7%
8. Baltimore - 9.5%
9. Cincinnati - 6.4%
10. Washington - 5.6%
The numbers say that the AFC Championship Game contenders are pretty much decided already, with 83% odds that Denver and New England will face each other in that game. There is still a slight chance that the NFC North teams could sneak in, but the odds of seeing an AFC South team that deep in the playoffs is nearly zero. The NFC is more wide-open, but there is a pretty good chance (31%) that the NFC East could have two representatives in that game. Don't count out Green Bay, who's been there recently, or Atlanta, who has the benefit of home field advantage.
Odds of Reaching Super Bowl
1. Denver - 51.1%
2. New England - 46.9%
3. Seattle - 32.3%
4. San Francisco - 31.7%
5. Atlanta - 24.8%
6. Green Bay - 11.3%
7. Minnesota - 2.0%
8. Washington - 1.34%
9. Baltimore - 1.33%
The two most likely Super Bowl matchups feature two teams from the West, which is the opposite of last year, when both teams came from the Northeast. The odds are 98% that either Denver or New England will be in the Super Bowl, so there's not much intrigue in the AFC until the Conference Title Game.
Odds of Winning Super Bowl
1. Denver - 25.53%
2. New England - 25.50%
3. Seattle - 20.3%
4. San Francisco - 14.1%
5. Atlanta - 8.6%
6. Green Bay - 4.6%
The top three teams are all pretty solid picks to win the Super Bowl, but the next three should not be discounted. The odds of any of the other 6 teams winning the Super Bowl is only 1.4%, so they aren't even worth looking at, unless you take into account that I didn't give New York much chance of winning it all last year, especially against my original pick, the New England Patriots.
Odds of Recent Super Bowl Rematch
Zero. There is no chance of a rematch of any Super Bowl from the last 13 years, because either one team or both from each of the last 13 Super Bowls did not make the playoffs this year. The most recent Super Bowl which could result in a rematch this year is Super Bowl XXXIII (1999), when Denver beat Atlanta 34-19 in John Elway's last game. Ironically, those just happen to be the two top seeds in this year's playoffs, and Denver once again has one of the greatest all-time QB's, aged 35 and over, looking for his second Super Bowl title.
Super Matchup Odds
Harbaugh Bowl - Baltimore vs. San Francisco - 0.4%
Bird Bowl - Baltimore vs. Seattle or Atlanta - 0.8%
Purple Bowl - Baltimore vs. Minnesota - 0.03%
Settler Bowl - New England vs. San Francisco - 14.9%
Impossible Bowl (aka ROY Bowl)- Indianapolis vs. Washington - 0.0%
Super Bowl MVP Bowl - New England, Denver, or Baltimore vs. Green Bay - 11.2%
First-Time Winners Bowl - Houston or Cincinnati vs. Minnesota, Atlanta, or Seattle - 0.6%
Western Bowl - Denver vs. Seattle or San Francisco - 32.7%
Favorite Bowl (XXXIII Rematch) - Denver vs. Atlanta - 12.7%
Eastern Bowl (aka Offense Bowl) - New England vs. Washington - 0.6%
Defense Bowl (Most likely) - Seattle vs. Denver - 16.5%
Offense vs. Defense Bowl - Seattle vs. New England - 15.1%
Super Winner Odds
Former Super MVP - 56.0%
First-time Winner - 29.6%
Rookie QB - 20.6%
Top 5 defense - 68.4%
Top 5 offense - 56.0%
Playoff Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Cincinnati at Houston - Texans by 1
Minnesota at Green Bay - Packers by 7
Indianapolis at Baltimore - Ravens by 11
Seattle at Washington - Seahawks by 9
Second Round
Broncos over Ravens
Patriots over Texans
49ers over Packers
Seahawks over Falcons
Conference Championships
Broncos over Patriots
Seahawks over 49ers
Super Bowl
Seahawks over Broncos
That's right. I'm picking a team with a rookie quarterback that has never won the Super Bowl to win 3 road games before upsetting one of the greatest QB's of all-time in the Super Bowl. Far-fetched? We'll see.
NBA
Boston at Atlanta - Hawks by 7
New York at Orlando - Knicks by 7
Milwaukee at Indiana - Pacers by 5
Sacramento at Brooklyn - Nets by 5
Houston at Cleveland - Rockets by 7
Portland at Minnesota - Timberwolves by 5
New Orleans at Dallas - Mavericks by 3
Philadelphia at San Antonio - Spurs by 15
Utah at Denver - Nuggets by 7
Golden State at LA Clippers - Clippers by 8
College Basketball
Wake Forest at (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 28
Utah at (3) Arizona - Wildcats by 22
(8) Ohio State at (11) Illinois - Buckeyes by 5
(10) Gonzaga at Santa Clara - Bulldogs by 4
Bucknell at (12) Missouri - Tigers by 8
Saint John's at (14) Cincinnati - Bearcats by 19
(15) Georgetown at Marquette - Golden Eagles by 5
Indiana State at (16) Creighton - Bluejays by 17
New Orleans at (17) Butler - Bulldogs by 35
Purdue at (18) Michigan State - Spartans by 15
Seton Hall at (21) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 10
(22) Oklahoma State at (25) Kansas State - Cowboys by 3
(23) North Carolina State at Boston College - Wolfpack by 4
(24) Pittsburgh at Rutgers - Panthers by 4
Lehigh at VCU - Rams by 17
Belmont at Tennessee Tech - Bruins by 18
Saint Bonaventure at Colorado State - Rams by 16
Texas at Baylor - Bears by 14
Prediction Results
NFL: 12-4 (.750) 161-94 overall (.631)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 23-25 overall (.479)
NBA: 7-4 (.636) 334-153 overall (.686)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 62-38 overall (.620)
College Basketball: 1-0 (1.000) 381-72 overall (.841)
TW. (LW) Team (Record) Result (ESPN)
1. (1) Seattle (11-5) W (5)
2. (2) New England (12-4) W (4)
3. (4) Denver (13-3) W (1)
4. (3) San Francisco (11-4-1) W (3)
5. (5) Green Bay (11-5) L (6)
6. (6) Atlanta (13-3) L (2)
8. (8) Minnesota (10-6) W (12)
10. (10) Washington (10-6) W (8)
11. (11) Cincinnati (10-6) W (11)
13. (12) Baltimore (10-6) L (10)
16. (15) Houston (12-4) L (9)
24. (26) Indianapolis (11-5) W (7)
Best Teams that Missed Out
7. (7) Chicago (10-6) W (13)
9. (9) NY Giants (9-7) W (14)
12. (14) Carolina (7-9) W (18)
14. (13) New Orleans (7-9) L (19)
15. (17) Saint Louis (7-8-1) L (16)
Odds of Winning First Round
1. Baltimore - 86.0%
2. Seattle - 78.1%
3. Green Bay - 71.8%
4. Houston - 54.2%
5. Cincinnati - 45.8%
Only one of this weekend's games looks like it should be pretty close, especially since Houston has been ice cold while Cincinnati has been red-hot, but the Texans have home field advantage and a lot more experience, so the game could go either way. I'm taking Houston by a single point in this one.
Odds of Reaching Conference Championship
1. New England - 95.3%
2. Denver - 87.5%
3. San Francisco - 61.3%
4. Seattle - 50.6%
5. Atlanta - 47.9%
6. Green Bay - 24.9%
7. Minnesota - 9.7%
8. Baltimore - 9.5%
9. Cincinnati - 6.4%
10. Washington - 5.6%
The numbers say that the AFC Championship Game contenders are pretty much decided already, with 83% odds that Denver and New England will face each other in that game. There is still a slight chance that the NFC North teams could sneak in, but the odds of seeing an AFC South team that deep in the playoffs is nearly zero. The NFC is more wide-open, but there is a pretty good chance (31%) that the NFC East could have two representatives in that game. Don't count out Green Bay, who's been there recently, or Atlanta, who has the benefit of home field advantage.
Odds of Reaching Super Bowl
1. Denver - 51.1%
2. New England - 46.9%
3. Seattle - 32.3%
4. San Francisco - 31.7%
5. Atlanta - 24.8%
6. Green Bay - 11.3%
7. Minnesota - 2.0%
8. Washington - 1.34%
9. Baltimore - 1.33%
The two most likely Super Bowl matchups feature two teams from the West, which is the opposite of last year, when both teams came from the Northeast. The odds are 98% that either Denver or New England will be in the Super Bowl, so there's not much intrigue in the AFC until the Conference Title Game.
Odds of Winning Super Bowl
1. Denver - 25.53%
2. New England - 25.50%
3. Seattle - 20.3%
4. San Francisco - 14.1%
5. Atlanta - 8.6%
6. Green Bay - 4.6%
The top three teams are all pretty solid picks to win the Super Bowl, but the next three should not be discounted. The odds of any of the other 6 teams winning the Super Bowl is only 1.4%, so they aren't even worth looking at, unless you take into account that I didn't give New York much chance of winning it all last year, especially against my original pick, the New England Patriots.
Odds of Recent Super Bowl Rematch
Zero. There is no chance of a rematch of any Super Bowl from the last 13 years, because either one team or both from each of the last 13 Super Bowls did not make the playoffs this year. The most recent Super Bowl which could result in a rematch this year is Super Bowl XXXIII (1999), when Denver beat Atlanta 34-19 in John Elway's last game. Ironically, those just happen to be the two top seeds in this year's playoffs, and Denver once again has one of the greatest all-time QB's, aged 35 and over, looking for his second Super Bowl title.
Super Matchup Odds
Harbaugh Bowl - Baltimore vs. San Francisco - 0.4%
Bird Bowl - Baltimore vs. Seattle or Atlanta - 0.8%
Purple Bowl - Baltimore vs. Minnesota - 0.03%
Settler Bowl - New England vs. San Francisco - 14.9%
Impossible Bowl (aka ROY Bowl)- Indianapolis vs. Washington - 0.0%
Super Bowl MVP Bowl - New England, Denver, or Baltimore vs. Green Bay - 11.2%
First-Time Winners Bowl - Houston or Cincinnati vs. Minnesota, Atlanta, or Seattle - 0.6%
Western Bowl - Denver vs. Seattle or San Francisco - 32.7%
Favorite Bowl (XXXIII Rematch) - Denver vs. Atlanta - 12.7%
Eastern Bowl (aka Offense Bowl) - New England vs. Washington - 0.6%
Defense Bowl (Most likely) - Seattle vs. Denver - 16.5%
Offense vs. Defense Bowl - Seattle vs. New England - 15.1%
Super Winner Odds
Former Super MVP - 56.0%
First-time Winner - 29.6%
Rookie QB - 20.6%
Top 5 defense - 68.4%
Top 5 offense - 56.0%
Playoff Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Cincinnati at Houston - Texans by 1
Minnesota at Green Bay - Packers by 7
Indianapolis at Baltimore - Ravens by 11
Seattle at Washington - Seahawks by 9
Second Round
Broncos over Ravens
Patriots over Texans
49ers over Packers
Seahawks over Falcons
Conference Championships
Broncos over Patriots
Seahawks over 49ers
Super Bowl
Seahawks over Broncos
That's right. I'm picking a team with a rookie quarterback that has never won the Super Bowl to win 3 road games before upsetting one of the greatest QB's of all-time in the Super Bowl. Far-fetched? We'll see.
NBA
Boston at Atlanta - Hawks by 7
New York at Orlando - Knicks by 7
Milwaukee at Indiana - Pacers by 5
Sacramento at Brooklyn - Nets by 5
Houston at Cleveland - Rockets by 7
Portland at Minnesota - Timberwolves by 5
New Orleans at Dallas - Mavericks by 3
Philadelphia at San Antonio - Spurs by 15
Utah at Denver - Nuggets by 7
Golden State at LA Clippers - Clippers by 8
College Basketball
Wake Forest at (1) Duke - Blue Devils by 28
Utah at (3) Arizona - Wildcats by 22
(8) Ohio State at (11) Illinois - Buckeyes by 5
(10) Gonzaga at Santa Clara - Bulldogs by 4
Bucknell at (12) Missouri - Tigers by 8
Saint John's at (14) Cincinnati - Bearcats by 19
(15) Georgetown at Marquette - Golden Eagles by 5
Indiana State at (16) Creighton - Bluejays by 17
New Orleans at (17) Butler - Bulldogs by 35
Purdue at (18) Michigan State - Spartans by 15
Seton Hall at (21) Notre Dame - Fighting Irish by 10
(22) Oklahoma State at (25) Kansas State - Cowboys by 3
(23) North Carolina State at Boston College - Wolfpack by 4
(24) Pittsburgh at Rutgers - Panthers by 4
Lehigh at VCU - Rams by 17
Belmont at Tennessee Tech - Bruins by 18
Saint Bonaventure at Colorado State - Rams by 16
Texas at Baylor - Bears by 14
Prediction Results
NFL: 12-4 (.750) 161-94 overall (.631)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 23-25 overall (.479)
NBA: 7-4 (.636) 334-153 overall (.686)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 62-38 overall (.620)
College Basketball: 1-0 (1.000) 381-72 overall (.841)
Friday, January 4, 2013
NBA Rankings - 4 Jan
The New Year has come and with it has come another change at the top of the rankings, precipitated by the Clippers' back-to-back losses that brought an end to their 17-game winning streak.With the All-Star break approaching quickly, there is still time for teams to turn things around, for better or worse, but it has to start soon for teams with championship aspirations. Here are my current rankings, with teams grouped by similar level of performance.
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (2) San Antonio (4-1) 26-9
2. (1) LA Clippers (2-2) 25-8
3. (3) Oklahoma City (2-1) 24-7
4. (6) Denver (2-2) 18-16
5. (5) Houston (2-2) 18-14
6. (7) Memphis (2-1) 20-9
7. (8) New York (1-2) 22-10
8. (11) Golden State (3-0) 22-10
9. (4) Miami (2-2) 22-8
10. (9) LA Lakers (1-1) 15-16
11. (10) Indiana (3-1) 19-13
12. (13) Atlanta (3-1) 20-10
13. (15) Utah (1-2) 16-17
14. (12) Minnesota (2-1) 15-14
15. (23) Toronto (3-0) 12-20
16. (20) Milwaukee (1-2) 16-14
17. (16) Brooklyn (3-1) 17-15
18. (19) Detroit (3-0) 12-22
19. (14) Chicago (2-1) 17-13
20. (22) Philadelphia (1-3) 15-18
21. (18) Portland (2-2) 16-15
22. (28) Sacramento (3-1) 12-20
23. (17) Boston (0-3) 14-17
24. (24) Phoenix (1-3) 12-21
25. (25) New Orleans (1-3) 7-25
26. (26) Dallas (1-3) 13-20
27. (21) Orlando (0-4) 12-20
28. (27) Cleveland (0-3) 7-26
29. (29) Charlotte (1-2) 8-23
30. (30) Washington (1-3) 4-26
The team that has already started a turnaround and looks to be headed for the playoffs is the Toronto Raptors. They were once again the hottest team in the league, winning all three of their games this week, two by over 20 points. The Raptors have now won 8 of their last 9 games, losing only at #1 San Antonio, and it's kind of tough to remember three weeks ago when I had them ranked #29, ahead of only the woeful Charlotte Bobcats.
Toronto will be playing another hot team that seems to be turning things around tonight, when they host the Sacramento Kings. The Kings won 3 of 4 this week, including an upset of the New York Knicks, and have won 5 of 8 overall, which is something to celebrate for this franchise. The Pacific Division is really strong this year, but Sacramento could sneak in an snag a playoff spot if they keep up the hot streak.
Another member of that same division, the Golden State Warriors, has been nearly as hot lately, and all season for that matter. The Warriors have not lost 2 straight in nearly 2 months, and they just gave the Clippers their first losing streak in over a month a couple of nights ago. They are now a top 10 team, and they'll have a target on their backs tomorrow when they travel to Los Angeles to face the same Clippers, who will be looking for revenge.
Utah, who went 1-2 this week, doesn't fit the traditional definition of hot, especially since they now have a losing record, but both of those losses came against the Clippers, one by only 2 points. They may have only 3 wins in the last 3 weeks, but all 6 of their losses came against teams that will probably have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, and a couple of those games were pretty competitive. Look for a win streak now that they're hitting a softer spot in the schedule.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Sacramento at Toronto - Raptors by 6
Brooklyn at Washington - Nets by 6
Cleveland at Charlotte - Cavaliers by 1
Atlanta at Detroit - Pistons by 1
Chicago at Miami - Heat by 8
Indiana at Boston - Pacers by 2
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 10
Philadelphia at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 12
Houston at Milwaukee - Rockets by 2
Utah at Phoenix - Jazz by 2
LA Lakers vs. LA Clippers - Clippers by 6
College Basketball
Fordham at Ole Miss - Rebels by 26
Prediction Results
NBA: 0-2 (.000) 327-149 overall (.687)
College Basketball: 4-0 (1.000) 380-72 overall (.841)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 25-26 overall (.490)
TW. (LW) Team (Week) Overall
1. (2) San Antonio (4-1) 26-9
2. (1) LA Clippers (2-2) 25-8
3. (3) Oklahoma City (2-1) 24-7
4. (6) Denver (2-2) 18-16
5. (5) Houston (2-2) 18-14
6. (7) Memphis (2-1) 20-9
7. (8) New York (1-2) 22-10
8. (11) Golden State (3-0) 22-10
9. (4) Miami (2-2) 22-8
10. (9) LA Lakers (1-1) 15-16
11. (10) Indiana (3-1) 19-13
12. (13) Atlanta (3-1) 20-10
13. (15) Utah (1-2) 16-17
14. (12) Minnesota (2-1) 15-14
15. (23) Toronto (3-0) 12-20
16. (20) Milwaukee (1-2) 16-14
17. (16) Brooklyn (3-1) 17-15
18. (19) Detroit (3-0) 12-22
19. (14) Chicago (2-1) 17-13
20. (22) Philadelphia (1-3) 15-18
21. (18) Portland (2-2) 16-15
22. (28) Sacramento (3-1) 12-20
23. (17) Boston (0-3) 14-17
24. (24) Phoenix (1-3) 12-21
25. (25) New Orleans (1-3) 7-25
26. (26) Dallas (1-3) 13-20
27. (21) Orlando (0-4) 12-20
28. (27) Cleveland (0-3) 7-26
29. (29) Charlotte (1-2) 8-23
30. (30) Washington (1-3) 4-26
The team that has already started a turnaround and looks to be headed for the playoffs is the Toronto Raptors. They were once again the hottest team in the league, winning all three of their games this week, two by over 20 points. The Raptors have now won 8 of their last 9 games, losing only at #1 San Antonio, and it's kind of tough to remember three weeks ago when I had them ranked #29, ahead of only the woeful Charlotte Bobcats.
Toronto will be playing another hot team that seems to be turning things around tonight, when they host the Sacramento Kings. The Kings won 3 of 4 this week, including an upset of the New York Knicks, and have won 5 of 8 overall, which is something to celebrate for this franchise. The Pacific Division is really strong this year, but Sacramento could sneak in an snag a playoff spot if they keep up the hot streak.
Another member of that same division, the Golden State Warriors, has been nearly as hot lately, and all season for that matter. The Warriors have not lost 2 straight in nearly 2 months, and they just gave the Clippers their first losing streak in over a month a couple of nights ago. They are now a top 10 team, and they'll have a target on their backs tomorrow when they travel to Los Angeles to face the same Clippers, who will be looking for revenge.
Utah, who went 1-2 this week, doesn't fit the traditional definition of hot, especially since they now have a losing record, but both of those losses came against the Clippers, one by only 2 points. They may have only 3 wins in the last 3 weeks, but all 6 of their losses came against teams that will probably have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, and a couple of those games were pretty competitive. Look for a win streak now that they're hitting a softer spot in the schedule.
Predictions
Upset picks are in italics.
Sacramento at Toronto - Raptors by 6
Brooklyn at Washington - Nets by 6
Cleveland at Charlotte - Cavaliers by 1
Atlanta at Detroit - Pistons by 1
Chicago at Miami - Heat by 8
Indiana at Boston - Pacers by 2
Portland at Memphis - Grizzlies by 10
Philadelphia at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 12
Houston at Milwaukee - Rockets by 2
Utah at Phoenix - Jazz by 2
LA Lakers vs. LA Clippers - Clippers by 6
College Basketball
Fordham at Ole Miss - Rebels by 26
Prediction Results
NBA: 0-2 (.000) 327-149 overall (.687)
College Basketball: 4-0 (1.000) 380-72 overall (.841)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 25-26 overall (.490)
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 3 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
San Antonio at New York - Spurs by 5
Minnesota at Denver - Nuggets by 9
College Basketball
Belmont at Jacksonville State - Bruins by 8
Colorado at (3) Arizona - Wildcats by 7
(10) Gonzaga at Pepperdine - Bulldogs by 14
(2) Michigan at Northwestern - Wolverines by 8
Prediction Results
NBA: 9-3 (.750) 327-147 overall (.690)
Upsets: 3-1 (.750) 60-38 overall (.612)
College Basketball: 11-2 (.846) 376-72 overall (.839)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 24-26 overall (.480)
NBA
San Antonio at New York - Spurs by 5
Minnesota at Denver - Nuggets by 9
College Basketball
Belmont at Jacksonville State - Bruins by 8
Colorado at (3) Arizona - Wildcats by 7
(10) Gonzaga at Pepperdine - Bulldogs by 14
(2) Michigan at Northwestern - Wolverines by 8
Prediction Results
NBA: 9-3 (.750) 327-147 overall (.690)
Upsets: 3-1 (.750) 60-38 overall (.612)
College Basketball: 11-2 (.846) 376-72 overall (.839)
Upsets: 0-1 (.000) 24-26 overall (.480)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 2 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Portland at Toronto - Raptors by 4
Chicago at Orlando - Bulls by 1
Sacramento at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 1
Washington at Indiana - Pacers by 15
Memphis at Boston - Grizzlies by 4
Dallas at Miami - Heat by 12
San Antonio at Milwaukee - Spurs by 8
New Orleans at Houston - Rockets by 12
Brooklyn at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 15
Minnesota at Utah - Jazz by 2
Philadelphia at Phoenix - Suns by 1
LA Clippers at Golden State - Clippers by 4
College Basketball
VCU at East Tennessee State - Rams by 25
Wyoming at SMU - Cowboys by 10
Eastern Michigan at Kentucky - Wildcats by 33
UTEP at Colorado State - Rams by 20
Wichita State at Drake - Shockers by 7
(1) Duke vs. Davidson - Blue Devils by 19
Providence at (4) Louisville - Cardinals by 19
Rutgers at (7) Syracuse - Orange by 19
Nebraska at (8) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 24
(11) Illinois at Purdue - Fighting Illini by 2
(16) Creighton at Illinois State - Redbirds by 2
Cal State-Bakersfield at (19) San Diego State - Aztecs by 20
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-3 (.500) 318-144 overall (.688)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 57-37 overall (.606)
College Basketball: 1-0 (1.000) 365-70 overall (.839)
NBA
Portland at Toronto - Raptors by 4
Chicago at Orlando - Bulls by 1
Sacramento at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 1
Washington at Indiana - Pacers by 15
Memphis at Boston - Grizzlies by 4
Dallas at Miami - Heat by 12
San Antonio at Milwaukee - Spurs by 8
New Orleans at Houston - Rockets by 12
Brooklyn at Oklahoma City - Thunder by 15
Minnesota at Utah - Jazz by 2
Philadelphia at Phoenix - Suns by 1
LA Clippers at Golden State - Clippers by 4
College Basketball
VCU at East Tennessee State - Rams by 25
Wyoming at SMU - Cowboys by 10
Eastern Michigan at Kentucky - Wildcats by 33
UTEP at Colorado State - Rams by 20
Wichita State at Drake - Shockers by 7
(1) Duke vs. Davidson - Blue Devils by 19
Providence at (4) Louisville - Cardinals by 19
Rutgers at (7) Syracuse - Orange by 19
Nebraska at (8) Ohio State - Buckeyes by 24
(11) Illinois at Purdue - Fighting Illini by 2
(16) Creighton at Illinois State - Redbirds by 2
Cal State-Bakersfield at (19) San Diego State - Aztecs by 20
Prediction Results
NBA: 3-3 (.500) 318-144 overall (.688)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 57-37 overall (.606)
College Basketball: 1-0 (1.000) 365-70 overall (.839)
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Basketball Predictions - 1 Jan
Upset picks are in italics.
NBA
Dallas at Washington - Mavericks by 1
Portland at New York - Knicks by 9
Sacramento at Detroit - Pistons by 5
Atlanta at New Orleans - Hawks by 2
LA Clippers at Denver - Clippers by 2
Philadelphia at LA Lakers - Lakers by 9
College Basketball
Yale at Iowa State - Cyclones by 24
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-1 (.833) 315-141 overall (.691)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 56-37 overall (.602)
College Basketball: 6-2 (.750) 364-70 overall (.839)
Upsets: 1-2 (.333) 24-25 overall (.490)
NBA
Dallas at Washington - Mavericks by 1
Portland at New York - Knicks by 9
Sacramento at Detroit - Pistons by 5
Atlanta at New Orleans - Hawks by 2
LA Clippers at Denver - Clippers by 2
Philadelphia at LA Lakers - Lakers by 9
College Basketball
Yale at Iowa State - Cyclones by 24
Prediction Results
NBA: 5-1 (.833) 315-141 overall (.691)
Upsets: 2-0 (1.000) 56-37 overall (.602)
College Basketball: 6-2 (.750) 364-70 overall (.839)
Upsets: 1-2 (.333) 24-25 overall (.490)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)