NBA Basketball: Sunday’s Picks

Jan 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) congratulates guard Gerald Green (14) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns @ Minnesota Timberwolves
The Phoenix Suns have fallen into ninth place in the Western Conference, and have virtually sealed themselves out of the playoffs this year.
On the bright side, though, Eric Bledsoe is back and action.
The spread is three points in the Timberwolves favor, but I’m still picking the Suns to beat both the Wolves and the spread tonight. Phoenix’s starting backcourt of Bledsoe and Goran Dragic, along with Gerald Green, will be tough to handle for Ricky Rubio and company.
Jan 24, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Jose Calderon (8) guards Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams (8) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets won the game 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets @ Dallas Mavericks
The Brooklyn Nets look to grab their fourth win in a row at the Dallas Mavericks tonight; they’ve also won 10 of their last 12 games, according to NBA.com.
Similarly, Dallas has also picked up some steam heading into the playoffs, as they have been shooting over 45 percent from deep through Dallas’ last five games.
The spread has Dallas winning by 4.5 points, and I bet that Dallas will beat the spread and ruin the Nets’ recent surge.