Pepper McSausage Picks

A pick a day until my mom comes back to life.

I’m back under .500 and finding myself closer to joining my mom in the cloud suite by the day. The Heat got off to an 18-2 start (2 points short). Only for the Magic to storm back and kneecap the Heat in the second half. But that’s the pitfalls of gambling I suppose…

Gambling is one of the few things that ever brought my mom overt joy, but I never got to experience that with her because she always went when I was too young to go with her, and by the time I grew up, she was too poor to go. And by the time I had any sort of money to burn, she was full hermit mode and didn’t want to leave the house. She loved the slots. I never understood the appeal, but I found a fiancé that carries my mom’s slot torch and swears by its value. I wish my fiancé got more time with my mom, but it’s probably for the best that my mom passed before our wedding because she wasn’t going to go (despite my fiancé’s hopefulness) and I think it would’ve just further crushed my mom’s spirit. Another example of how one’s mind can be their own prison. I’ve had my heartbroken many times hoping my mom was going to come to events in support of me (baseball games/school plays) that she ultimately bailed on, and I didn’t have the expectation that she was going to go to my wedding or anything, but it’s hard conveying to people that I have a perfectly good relationship with my mom and then try to explain to them why it was okay that my mom wouldn’t be there. This dumbfounded people, but I had found my peace in it. I think it would’ve hit harder for me closer to my wedding day though cuz weddings feel like the one thing you’re supposed to show up for as a parent regardless of situation. It just means more than any performance. It’s all a moot point now, but I think I’m going to start compartmentalizing that she would’ve been there because as many people have said, “how can she not be?”. And that’s probably a better way of framing it for self-preservation since ultimately we won’t ever know.

Today’s Pick: KELDON JOHNSON 12+ POINTS

Despite all their talented guards, it’s the Spurs dearth of wings that will create the biggest opportunity against the Lakers. The Lakers are one of the worst teams in the league at allowing points to the 3 & 4 spots on the court, and Keldon’s interchangeable there. He’ll also get first crack at taking advantage of the Lakers bench, which has been a sore spot for them all season. A fantasy opportunity all around to bet on the Spurs’ spark plug.

Good luck everyone and I’ll see y’all on the other side!

Pick record: 20-21 (no thank you Heat/Magic)