Locks
NBA – Hornets @ Knicks -5.5 (-110): 6:30 PM CT on MSG
It’s an easy choice to go back to the well with the red-hot New York Knicks, even though this is a bigger spread than they’re used to laying. Make it nine straight versus the number for New York after their win on Sunday, continuing their ATS dominance overall and particularly at home.
That should continue against the struggling Charlotte Hornets, losers of four straight in rough fashion before beating the Damian Lillard-less Portland Blazers on Sunday. The Hornets have been fortunate recently to play road games against East teams that weren’t at full strength, somewhat inflating their road record. So their meager 10-13 ATS mark as a road underdog with a -7.3 margin against the number should be even worse.
This is also a revenge spot for New York, as a much different Knicks team was blown out by a much different Hornets team in January. The trends and trajectories speak for themselves here, so I’ll keep riding this Knicks hot streak.
MLB – Twins ML vs. A’s (-115): 8:30 PM on Bally Sports North (Game 2 of DH)
This one comes down to a simple pitching matchup for me. The Minnesota Twins will have an earlier game to wipe off some rust from missing the last week of games due to COVID protocol. One guy that most likely will be ready is Jose Berrios.
Berrios is off to another one of his good starts posting a 2-1 record with a 3.38 ERA. In contrast, he gets to go up against the struggling left-hander Jesus Lazardo with a WHIP of 2.00 so far this season. Not good to say the least. I expect the Twins’ right-handed bats to get something going on the second leg of this early-season doubleheader.
Degenerates
No degenerates today.
Tiny Nick is 229-145 ATS (+76.2 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.
Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.
