Big3 Picks & Predictions: Best Bets for Week 1 (Saturday)
We’re headed to season 8 of the Big3 this summer! Ice Cube has added new teams in different cities, along with some big-name superstars, this year. This year, we’ll have teams from Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
Week 1 will begin on Saturday, June 14, with four games in Chicago, Illinois. The games will be featured on CBS starting at 3:00 pm ET. Other games will be on VICE.
With that out of the way, here are our best picks and bets for Week 1 of the Big3.
Big3 Week 1 Best Bets & Picks
LA Riot vs. Miami 305
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
The LA Riot has named Dwight Howard as the captain of their team. He’ll be joined by co-captains Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart. In addition, the team has Wesley Johnson and Perry Jones III. This will be Howard’s first season in the Big3. However, Crawford and Stewart have experience. Crawford finished with 109 points and shot .419 from the field last season, but only hauled in 45 rebounds and 22 assists. Meanwhile, Stewart added 113 points (17.2 points) per game and played with Crawford on last year’s Enemies team.
On the other hand, the Miami 305 is ultimately the group that played for the 3s Company last season. They finished the regular season 6-2, but lost to Bivouac in the Championship game of the Big3. This team is led by Michael Beasley, who was named the league’s MVP last year. This team has a wealth of great scoring options and peaked towards the end of last season. With Beasley, Mario Chalmers, Reggie Evans, and Lance Stephenson, the Miami 305 will be a tough out.
I like the experience and balance for Miami 305. Consider them at -140.
Pick: Miami 305 (-140)
Detroit Amps vs. Chicago Triplets
Joe Johnson and Jeremy Pargo originally played for the Triplets. Now they’re on the Detroit Amps, playing with other players like Shakur Juiston and Ray Nixon. The Amps will also have Darnell Jackson, who is playing his 5th season in the Big3. Jackson played the last two years with the Ghost Ballers, but will now play with Johnson and Pargo.
Pargo was 5th in the Big3 in points and first in the Big3 with assists. Jackson and Johnson should be able to find some success with Pargo running the show.
On the other hand, Montrezl Harrell will be the captain of the Chicago Triplets. This will be his first season in the Big3, but he has nine NBA seasons and has played professionally for over ten seasons. Big3 legend Jason Richardson and Amir Johnson will join Harrell. That said, this team has just four players and is likely to struggle with guard play, particularly with Chris Allen. They’ll be coached by Dr. J, but on paper, the Triplets look very weak.
There’s value on the Detroit Amps here.
Pick: Detroit Amps (+110)
Houston Rig Hands vs. DMV Trilogy
The Houston Rig Hands are dangerous. They’re led by Corey Brewer, who scored the fourth-most points last season. In addition, they’ve got Garlon Green, who added a league-best 77 rebounds and was third in assists. In addition, Brewer was second in the Big3 in rebounds, first in steals, and first in blocks. They’ve added Brandon Moss as a co-captain and will have Jaylen Johnson and Jeff Ayries as extra depth.
On the other hand, the DMV Trilogy has Isaiah Briscoe. He led the Big3 in points last season. He’s still teamed up with Earl Clark, who was third in the Big3 with 65 rebounds. Briscoe and Clark each added seven steals and were tied for third in that category last season.
Both teams are strong on the glass and should play some good defense. Therefore, the under 91.5 looks like the best play in this game.
Pick: Under 91.5 (-115)
Boston Ball Hogs vs. Dallas Power
Finally, the Boston Ball Hogs have named Kevin Murphy as captain. He’s come a long way throughout his Big3 journey. Murphy won the MVP in 2022 and became the first player to win the award who wasn’t a captain or co-captain. This year, he’s the captain of the Boston Ball Hogs. He’s become that good. That said, this team lacks significant NBA experience. Jonathan Simmons played the most NBA seasons, with only four. He’s joined by Deshawn Stephens, Rashad Smith, and Chris Johnson.
On the other hand, the Dallas Power are stacked with NBA talent. They’re led by Greg Monroe, Paul Millsap, and Glen Rice Jr. The chemistry should be there with John Milsap also on the squad. Additionally, Nancy Lieberman will serve as the head coach. She was the first ever woman to become a head coach of a men’s professional sport and will be the coach for the 4th consecutive season.
The Dallas Power has the potential to be a dangerous team this season.
Pick: Dallas Power -3.5 (-115)