"Always buy the extra half-point"

I know the location of “The Picker,” and I was going to keep it a secret until he e-mailed me this morning to explain his 0-2 Saturday night.

“The Picker” liked the Thunder laying nine points in the first half against the Timberwolves, and he also liked the Milwaukee Bucks on the money line against Indiana. Both selections were losers, dropping “The Picker” to a record of 14-10-2 (although he will be the first to argue that if you follow his motto — “Always but the extra half-point” — his record jumps to 16-10.)

“Well, after watching Thunder warm up, I knew I was in trouble. Not one of their top three players took a serious shot in warmups. Bucks was just a dumb pick, it happens,” he said.

Yes, “The Picker” was in attendance at the Target Center to see Kevin Durant in person for the first time. He is from Minnesota, which means it has been a long, long time since he has seen the home team win a basketball game in the month of April.

I do not know with whom “the Picker” places his wagers, nor do I care to know.

All I know is that the guy hits more than he misses, which is why he is making picks on this site. As always, we must warn you that we do not condone or endorse illegal gambling, but a different standard applies for folks in Nevada and outside of the United States.

Today, the Picker is making only one pick: Miami on the money line against New York. A $1 bet brings back $1.70 if the Heat win (they are 3-point favorites).

For the spreads on all of today’s games, including which lines have moved, click here.

"Always buy the extra half-point"

“Always buy the extra half-point.”

“The Picker” says that a lot in our communications, and in the comments sections of his pick posts. It is standard operating procedure for him, and it made a difference in one of his picks last night.

Wes Mathews hot a meaningless 3-pointer at the buzzer last night in Portland, meaningless only to those who did not have action on the game. It made the final score 97-94 in favor of Dallas, causing one of the picks from”The Picker” to turn from a win to a push.

The Picker also had Miami -9 (first half) against the Bobcats, the Bucks -5 against Detroit, and Atlanta on the money line (1.85 to 1) against Orlando — all of which were winners.

His loser was the Bucks-Pistons under 202.

This 3-1-1 night brings his 10-day record to 14-8-2.

If you bought the extra half-point (usually costs 10 percent), that record shifts to 16-8.

Here is a link to the odds on tonight’s games.

Tonight, “The Picker” likes Oklahoma City -6 1/2 (first half) at Minnesota, and the Bucks on the money line (-150) at home against Indiana.

As always, a word of caution: Do what you want with his information, but understand that we do not condone or endorse illegal gambling. For those of you in Nevada and outside of the United State, different standards apply.

“Always buy the extra half-point.”

“The Picker” says that a lot in our communications, and in the comments sections of his pick posts. It is standard operating procedure for him, and it made a difference in one of his picks last night.

Wes Mathews hot a meaningless 3-pointer at the buzzer last night in Portland, meaningless only to those who did not have action on the game. It made the final score 97-94 in favor of Dallas, causing one of the picks from”The Picker” to turn from a win to a push.

The Picker also had Miami -9 (first half) against the Bobcats, the Bucks -5 against Detroit, and Atlanta on the money line (1.85 to 1) against Orlando — all of which were winners.

His loser was the Bucks-Pistons under 202.

This 3-1-1 night brings his 10-day record to 14-8-2.

Here is a link to the odds on tonight’s games.

The Picker will weigh in later today.

As always, a word of caution: Do what you want with his information, but understand that we do not condone or endorse illegal gambling. For those of you in Nevada and outside of the United State, different standards apply.