The snow is starting to fall in what has been a strange winter here in Michigan. However, as cold as it has been this week, the weekend is heating up with a bunch of Michigan and Detroit sports. Let the picks begin….

The Detroit Pistons play tomorrow night at the Palace against the Portland Trailblazers. The Pistons are not playing good basketball right now but do have some young talent. That is where the positive comments stop for this team. They don’t play for 48 minutes a night and if they do lead in the late stages of the game, they fall apart.  Oh well, there is only one way to go: up. I don’t see them competing in this one. Pick: Portland by 17.

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a huge win against rival Michigan State on Tuesday and are in first place as of now in the Big Ten. However, they travel to the south to face Arkansas, a non-conference opponent. It should be a good test for the Wolverines. I see this game as a low scoring affair. Yet I believe Zack Novak will be big for Michigan. Pick: Mich by 6.

As for the Spartans, they are taking on Purdue in a key Big Ten matchup. Both teams are in the top part of the conference standings. Robbie Hummel is back for the Boilermakers and it should be a close game. Yet I believe State will come out with the victory since it is in East Lansing.  Pick: State by 5.

As for the Red Wings, they continue to improve as the season goes along. They are now 31-15-1 on the year and are on a five game winning streak. They face the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow at 7. Not too much to say on this one. Wings roll easily. Pick: Wings by 3.

For the NFL Playoffs, we have the championship games. The winners will compete in the big game on Feb. 5th. In the AFC, I like the matchup of the New England Patroits vs. the Baltimore Ravens. I think it will be a close game but Tom Brady and that offense will be too much for the Ravens. Pick: Pats by 10.

In the NFC, we have the New York Giants playing the San Fransisco 49ers. This is a matchup of opposite styles as well. I really like the Giants explosive play-making ability but don’t think the 49ers will let it happen. Pick: 49ers by 5.

In the MLB, the cuban centipede saga continues. According to this article, it may be a few months until Yoenis Cespedes signs with a team. “Cespedes recently said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Indians have expressed the most interest in signing him.” The Tigers have reportedly had a lot of connections with Cespedes and he would be a great replacement for Victor Martinez this season. But once again, we will have to wait and see.

Everyone have a great weekend.