Tiny Nick’s Gambling Picks: 11/19

Locks

NBA (0.5 Unit) Indiana Pacers @ Charlotte Hornets -2 (-110): 6:00 PM CT on Bally Sports SE

I just don’t have any faith in this Indiana Pacers team on the road, especially not against a Charlotte Hornets squad that’s heating up.

After a rough patch to start November, the Hornets have fixed some defensive issues and won four straight, covering the number in all four. They’ve already beaten Indiana at home this season, albeit just a one-point victory, but their defense is vastly improved since then and should carry them to a more convincing win here.

Indiana has been pretty bad away from home, going just 2-8 straight up and 4-6 ATS to start the season. An improving Hornets team, particularly on the defensive end, should extend the recent offensive struggles for Indiana in this one. On such a short spread, I like Charlotte to beat the Pacers again and get the cover here.

NCAA Basketball (1 Unit) Western Kentucky @ Memphis -14 (-110): 7:00 PM CT on ESPN+

I’m not sure if oddsmakers are fondly remembering the Western Kentucky team of last year or what explains this number. But the Hilltoppers are facing a huge mismatch here against a loaded Memphis team.

Western Kentucky’s lone win this season was a narrow home victory over Alabama State, and neutral court losses to down Minnesota and South Carolina programs inspire no confidence in the Hilltoppers. They’re having a lot of trouble on offense and just won’t be able to keep up with Memphis here. The Tigers play at the 9th-fastest pace, shoot it extremely well with the 11th-best shooting percentage, and have stars up and down the lineup.

Memphis just ran out a St. Louis team far superior to WKU by more than this number on Tuesday, so they should have no trouble turning this into a rout. The Tigers should take this by 20 or more, so I’m happy to lay the points here.

Degenerates

NCAA Football Memphis @ Houston -8.5: 8:00 PM CT on ESPN

This game probably has more importance off the field than on it, with Cincinnati watching closely. But on the field, I really like how Houston is playing, winners of 9 straight with an offense that’s heating up. The Cougars are also playing excellent defense, ranking 6th in yards allowed. They should be able to slow down a Memphis offense that has shown little consistency this season, leading them to be 0-3 in conference road games.

Houston should be focused in this game, which is their home finale and senior night. The Cougars have a shot at a special season here, as they could go undefeated in conference play for only the second time in program history. Houston finishes with a non-conference game next week, so I have no look-ahead concerns for them – they should win this by double-digits no problem.

Tiny Nick is 446-346 ATS (+84 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.