December 5 Sports Picks-ESPN Streak for the Cash Picks and Analysis

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (1) and Greg Monroe (not pictured) are leading a revitalized Pistons team as they host the Warriors in the Palace tonight. Thy’re just one of my favorite sports picks of the day. Photo by Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

This Wednesday’s Streak for the Cash board is full of plenty of basketball goodness with 13 picks from the ranks of college, the NBA, and Women’s College Basketball tonight. The other three picks are this afternoon from soccer bringing the current options to 16. Yesterday was a little bit better day for streakers in general with the results going a bit more as expected. My picks have a long way to go after a tough start to the month, and I’m hoping these are a good start for today:

Streak Picks-12/5

2:45- Any Other Result: This first AOR is for Chelsea not beating FC Nordsjaelland by 3+ goals. I don’t know if Chelsea could beat anyone by three goals right now. This is a UCL game against an overmatched team from the Danish League. FCN is currently second in their domestic table but did lose to Chelsea 4-0 in their first matchup. Chelsea is restructuring under their new Manager who is trying to figure out how to stretch his best players minutes farther. I think they’ll win, but by three is too much to ask. Confidence Meter: 3 (out of 10)

2:45- Any Other Result: The second any other pick is for not a draw between Jeventus and Shakhtar. Shakhtar has drawn just one time in their last 15 and both sides will be looking to guarantee passage to the next stage by picking up the full three points. Confidence Meter: 6

November 14, 2012; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Braxton Ogbueze (11) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Stephen C. O

7:03- Florida wins by Double Digits: The Gators have passed every test so far this season with their narrowest margiv of victory being 13 against UCF. They have played a couple tough teams including Marquette and then-#22 Wisconsin during their opening stretch, but all their games have been at home. They’ll head on the road for the first time as they take on their in-state rivals Florida State. FSU has dropped their last two games to Minnesota by nine and Mercer by 5. Florida looks like one of the elite teams in the nation and FSU has struggled to a 2-3 opening record even at home. The only way this one is close is if Florida is looking past the ‘Noles to their showdown with Arizona, but I don’t think a Billy Donovan coached team will make that mistake. Confidence Meter: 8

7:35- Detroit Pistons: Detroit has won five in a row at home, and the Warriors are 4-4 away from the O. Golden State dropped their last game against the Magic on Monday while the Pistons dispatched the Cavs. Detroit has dominated the recent series and the emergence of Kyle Singler should be able to continue to power the Pistons in the Palace. Confidence Meter: 6

8:10– Atlanta Hawks: Atlanta should be well-rested since they haven’t played since last Friday, November 30. They’ll host a fast-paced Nuggets team who has lost their last five on the road and just snapped a three-game losing streak by edging the Raptors in their last game. Confidence Meter: 7

9:05- Oklahoma State wins by Double Digits: OSU looks to bounce back from their first loss of the season as they return home to face USF. USF will come in motivated and have won their last three. The Cowboys should be able to cover, but it’s not a lock just because they’re ranked and at home. Confidence Meter: 4

Dec 3, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) hangs from the rim after dunking the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

10:40- Clippers win by Double Digits: The Clippers host the Mavs in the late ESPN game where they come in as eight-point favorites. Dallas has lost three of their last four while LA has won three in a row. After edging the Jazz in Utah, look for Blake and CP3 to dominate and lead a blowout in this one as they welcome former teammate Chris Kaman back to LA. Confidence Meter: 6

11:05- Any Other Result: Asking any team, even the 10th-ranked Zags, to go on the road and win by 15 is a tough pick to make. Washington State has won all their home games and played Texas A&M close in the CBE Classic in their early-season tournament. Wazzu has won three in a row and will be geared up to take on the Bulldogs. While I’m not sure they’ll actually win, I don’t think they’ll get blown out. Confidence Meter: 4

December Data

Monday Picks: 5-7

December Total: 18-22

My Entry (most confident picks): 7-7

Current Streak:  L1

Longest Streak of the month: W3