Coachella Trading Company - recent posts from TopSportsBets.com community

Saturday 3-13 Play of the Day Thread!

2010-03-13T02:52:57-08:00

W-H-E-E-L-O-F-F-O-R-T-U-N-E

1-1, lost the paid play. Amazing BYU even kept it that close.

Scott is absolutely crushing the slots, notably Vanna White.

Meanwhile, i’m working…..

Play Of The Day Thread-Vegas Friday 3/12

2010-03-11T22:46:31-08:00

Meet ya at the Mandalay sportsbook tonight! Can’t WAIT to get there. Ridiculous run again by Mike. Props to another solid winning night. Will recap again before I head out in the morning. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Thursday 3/11

2010-03-10T22:53:59-08:00

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

That’s all I got. It’s late, I am tired! To quote Nick “dick tits” See ya in the am

Play Of The Day Thread-Wednesday 3/10

2010-03-09T21:33:51-08:00

BANGING OUT ANOTHER WINNER Apparently one memorable loss was all that Mike needed to go on another ridiculous run. Keep it up all the way through our weekend in VEGAS!

Solid calls by Nick & Crotch as well. Let’s do it again Winsday. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

3/9 Service Plays

2010-03-09T12:31:22-08:00

Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today’s best NBA bets

Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks (-1, 188)

Boston’s “Three Party” of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett has turned into an “over the hill” social hangover.

All three members of the Big Three are posting their lowest scoring totals since their rookie seasons and Rajon Rondo is the only player in a Celtic uniform pulling his weight these days.

The aging squad struggled to defeat the lowly Wizards on Sunday, trailing by 13 with six minutes left, which was only four games removed from an embarrassing 104-96 home loss to the Nets.

“We’ve lost so many of these where we played poorly and lost,” Doc Rivers said after the come-from-behind victory Sunday. “It was nice to play poorly and win. I just wish we could have played the first 40 minutes, like we played the last eight.”

That was about the umpteenth time Rivers has used the word “poorly” to describe his team this year. Rondo said a few weeks ago that there hasn’t been the same Celtic vibe and pride in the locker room as there has been in the last couple of seasons.

This is clearly not the same Boston squad that won the NBA championship two years ago and it has not been kind to bettors recently, going 11-18-1 ATS since the New Year.

And honestly, how can you bet against the Bucks at this point? Milwaukee has covered the spread in 10 straight and is 21-4 ATS in their last 25 games.

Pick: Bucks

Miami Heat at Charlotte Bobcats (-3, 185)

Dwyane Wade and the Heat will almost certainly score more than the 65 points they posted against the Bobcats on Jan. 20.

In that dismal affair, Miami shot less than 30 percent from the floor, only hit 2-of-23 three-point attempts and was a smidgen better than 60 percent from the charity stripe as a team.

So was it an off-night for the Heat or was Charlotte’s defense that good? Maybe a little bit of both.

Miami (96.3) and Charlotte (94.8) rank No. 26 and 28 in the Association in scoring, but are also in the Top 5 in scoring defense with both teams surrendering fewer than 96 points per outing.

The Bobcats have played to five consecutive unders where only one total was posted at higher than 194. Charlotte held opponents to 91.0 ppg during that stretch.

Prior to three straight overs, where the Heat played up-tempo teams like Golden State and Atlanta (also one OT game with L.A.), the under had cashed in 9-of-10 Miami contests.

Points will come at a premium in the Southeast showdown on Tuesday.

SPORTS ADVISORS

TUESDAY, MARCH 9

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

BIG EAST TOURNAMENT

(at New York)

Providence (12-18, 10-15-1 ATS) vs. Seton Hall (18-11, 8-15 ATS)

These teams closed the regular-season against each other on Saturday, with Providence falling 92-80 as a one-point home underdog. The Friars enter the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden on a 10-game losing skid (3-6-1 ATS), and they’ve lost 12 of their last 13 since starting Big East play 3-2 SU and ATS. Providence’s defense has been nonexistent, giving up more than 90 points in three of the last four games and seven of the last 13. Furthermore, the Friars surrendered more than 80 points in 13 of 18 conference contests.
With Seton Hall’s win at Providence on Saturday, the Pirates are now on a 6-2 run, and they’ve followed up a 1-6 ATS slump with consecutive spread-covers (both on the road). Seton Hall has scored 83, 85 and 92 points in its last three games, and has tallied at least 76 points six times during its current 6-2 streak.
Seton Hall has won three of the last four in this rivalry both SU and ATS, and the winning team has scored 88, 98 and 92 points in the last three clashes. The Pirates are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 head-to-head battles, the ‘dog has covered in seven of the last 10 and the SU winner has cashed in each of the last nine meetings.
Both teams are struggling at the betting window. Providence is in ATS slumps of 2-6-1 overall (all in the Big East and all against winning teams), 1-4 at neutral sites and 1-3-1 after a non-cover. The Pirates have failed to cover in 14 of 20 overall, 13 of 19 against Big East foes, 19 of 26 at neutral sites and eight of 10 after a SU victory. On the bright side, Seton Hall is 5-2 ATS both in its last seven Tuesday contests and its last seven versus losing teams.
The over is on runs of 4-1 for the Friars overall (all in the Big East), 5-1 for the Friars against winning teams, 4-1 for Seton Hall at neutral sites and 5-1 in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SETON HALL and OVER

Rutgers (15-16, 12-14 ATS) vs. Cincinnati (16-14, 7-18 ATS)

Rutgers has followed up a modest three-game winning streak (2-0 in Big East play) by dropping four of its last five, including Saturday’s ugly 83-54 loss at Pittsburgh, failing to cover as a 14½-point road underdog. The Scarlet Knights started Big East play with eight consecutive SU and ATS losses, then covered in seven of their next eight games (5-3 SU) and now have dropped two in a row SU and ATS.
After two narrow losses to eighth-ranked West Virginia (74-68 on the road) and ninth-ranked Villanova (77-73 at home), the Bearcats went to No. 19 Georgetown for Saturday’s regular-season finale and got boat-raced 74-47 as a seven-point road underdog. Cincinnati has lost seven of its last nine games and is 4-14 ATS since the Big East season kicked off.
One of the Bearcats’ four spread-covers in conference play came back on Jan. 2 at Rutgers, a 65-58 win as a five-point road favorite. Cincinnati 3-0 SU and ATS in the last three meetings after the Scarlet Knights went 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in the first three clashes since the Big East expanded in 2005-06. The favorite has gotten the money in each of the last four meetings.
Rutgers has cashed in seven of 10 overall (all in conference) and five of six on Tuesday, but it is 1-5 ATS in its last six neutral-site games, 3-9 ATS in its last 12 after a SU victory, 8-20-1 ATS in its last 29 after a non-cover and 5-11 ATS in its last 16 against winning teams. Meanwhile, the Bearcats’ are in pointspread ruts of 7-22 overall (4-14 last 18), 6-20 in the Big East, 5-16 after a SU defeat, 4-13 after a non-cover, 1-4 against losing teams and 1-5 on Tuesday.
The over is 6-2 in Rutgers’ last eight games after a loss of more than 20 points and 4-0 in Cincy’s last four after a loss of more than 20 points, but the Bearcats are also on “under” stretches of 5-0 at neutral sites, 4-0 on Tuesday and 9-3 after a loss. Finally, this year’s meeting stayed under the total following a 3-0 “over” surge in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS

HORIZON LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

(at Indianapolis)

Wright State (20-11, 11-15-2 ATS) at (12) Butler (27-4, 12-19 ATS)

Wright State advanced to the Horizon League tournament championship game with Saturday’s 69-50 rout of Detroit as a 5½-point favorite at Hinkle Fieldhouse, which is Butler’s home court. The Raiders have alternated wins and losses in their last five games, but they’re 9-3 SU in their last 12 contests (all in the Horizon). On the downside, Wright State is just 4-10-2 ATS in its last 16 outings, and it has posted consecutive spread-covers just once since starting the season 4-0 ATS.
Butler, shooting for its third consecutive Horizon League championship, has a 19-game winning streak on the line today, and it also sports a 19-0 record in conference. On Saturday, the Bulldogs hosted Wisconsin-Milwaukee in semifinal action and pulled away late for a 68-59 victory, falling short as a 14½-point favorite. Butler has turned up the heat defensively, holding six of its last seven opponents and 10 of the last 13 under 60 points.
The Bulldogs swept the season series from the Raiders, winning 77-65 as a 1½-point road underdog and 74-62 as an eight-point home chalk. Since losing three straight to Wright State – including the 2007 conference tournament championship game – Butler has won six in a row in this rivalry, going 4-1 ATS. The home team has won eight of the last 10 meetings, the underdog is 6-3 ATS in the last nine and the SU winner is 9-2 ATS in the last 11.
Wright State has cashed in seven of eight on Tuesday, but from there the pointspread trends turn negative, including 1-11-1 on the road, 4-10-2 in conference, 1-4-1 after a SU win, 1-5 following a spread-cover, 3-8-2 against teams with a winning record and 2-10 against opponents with a winning percentage above .600. Butler is on ATS slides of 2-5 overall, 2-6 at home, 0-4 on Tuesday and 2-5 after a SU win.
The under is on runs of 8-2-1 for the Raiders on Tuesday, 4-0 for Butler overall and 5-1 for Butler in Horizon action. However, the over is 4-0 in Wright State’s last four against winning teams, 4-0 in Butler’s last four against winning teams, 6-2 in Butler’s last eight on Tuesday and 4-0 in the last four battles between these schools.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BUTLER and OVER

NBA

Boston (40-21, 24-36-1 ATS) at Milwaukee (33-29, 41-21 ATS)

Two squads going in the right direction clash at the Bradley Center, where the Celtics put a four-game winning streak on the line against the surging Bucks, who have won three in a row and nine of their last 10.
Boston needed a furious fourth-quarter rally to knock off the lowly Wizards 86-83 on Sunday, never threatening to cover as a 12-point home favorite to halt a three-game ATS surge. The Celtics have won four in a row and 11 of their last 16, but their 3-1 ATS uptick comes on the heels of an 11-25 ATS funk.
The Bucks started last week with a home-and-home sweep of the Wizards (100-87 victory as a 10-point home favorite; 102-74 as a four-point road chalk). Then they caught a break against Cleveland on Saturday, as LeBron James sat out with an injury and Milwaukee took advantage with a 92-85 victory over the Cavaliers as a 3½-point home favorite. The Bucks have cashed in 10 straight games (9-1 ATS) – going 4-0 SU and ATS at home – and they now have the best pointspread mark in the NBA.
Boston took out Milwaukee 98-89 in the only previous meeting this season, but the Bucks cashed as a 12½-point road underdog, their fourth straight spread-cover in this rivalry (all as an underdog). The Celtics are 7-1 SU in the last eight series clashes, but Milwaukee is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 (4-1 ATS at the Bradley Center).
The Celtics have cashed in four of their last five on the highway, but they’re otherwise in ATS ruts of 7-16-1 overall, 3-7 against Eastern Conference foes, 1-4 versus the Central Division, 3-8-1 against winning teams, 5-15-1 after one day off, 3-11-1 following a non-cover and 1-4 on Tuesday. Conversely, Milwaukee is on positive ATS runs of 44-21-1 going back to the end of last year, 4-0 at home, 22-6 in Eastern Conference games, 13-3 when facing the Atlantic Division, 4-1 when playing on two days of rest and 22-8 after a spread-cover.
Boston is on “under” runs of 6-2 on the road, 5-2 against the Central Division and 7-2 after a SU victory, while the Bucks sport “under” trends of 4-1 overall, 7-2 at home, 20-6 within the Eastern Conference, 10-4 after a SU win, 4-1 versus the Atlantic Division and 5-1 on Tuesday. Finally, the last two meetings between these squads have stayed below the posted total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: MILWAUKEE and UNDER
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
Brandon Lang 5* 564 Los Angeles Lakers
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
DUNKEL INDEX

Miami at Charlotte
The Heat look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games as an underdog. Miami is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 3. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2)

Game 551-552: Houston at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 117.299; Washington 115.543
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 1 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 553-554: LA Clippers at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 112.089; Orlando 126.432
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 14 1/2; 201
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 555-556: Philadelphia at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 115.482; Indiana 118.206
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 2 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 1 1/2; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-1 1/2); Over

Game 557-558: Miami at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 118.705; Charlotte 115.883
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 3; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 3 1/2; 185
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2); Under

Game 559-560: Boston at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 118.537; Milwaukee 125.971
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 7 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 1; 188
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-1); Over

Game 561-562: Utah at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 121.365; Chicago 118.758
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 2 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 3 1/2; 207
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3 1/2); Over

Game 563-564: Sacramento at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 112.877; Portland 122.664
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 10; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8; 198
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-8); Over

Game 565-566: Toronto at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 110.446; LA Lakers 128.657
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 18; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

NCAAB

St. John’s vs. Connecticut
The Huskies look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in the last 6 meetings between the two teams. Connecticut is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Huskies favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-4)

Game 567-568: Pennsylvania at Princeton
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 45.584; Princeton 58.209
Dunkel Line: Princeton by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Princeton by 13
Dunkel Pick: Pennsylvania (+13)

Game 569-570: DePaul vs. South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 55.893; South Florida 63.388
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: South Florida by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (-6 1/2)

Game 571-572: St. John’s vs. Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: St. John’s 64.423; Connecticut 70.193
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 6
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 4
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-4)

Game 573-574: Providence vs. Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 60.270; Seton Hall 65.953
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 6
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+6)

Game 575-576: Rutgers vs. Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 56.186; Cincinnati 64.027
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-7 1/2)

Game 577-578: Duquesne at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 56.412; St. Bonaventure 60.743
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (-1 1/2)

Game 579-580: St. Joseph’s at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph’s 53.877; Rhode Island 61.427
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph’s (+13 1/2)

Game 581-582: George Washington at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 58.626; Dayton 67.803
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 9
Vegas Line: Dayton by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: George Washington (+11 1/2)

Game 583-584: Massachusetts at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 54.117; Charlotte 59.955
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 9
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+9)

Game 585-586: North Texas vs. Troy
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 56.272; Troy 51.542
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 587-588: Wright State at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 61.496; Butler 70.868
Dunkel Line: Butler by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Butler by 7
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-7)

Game 589-590: Montana vs. Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 58.673; Northern Colorado 53.778
Dunkel Line: Montana by 5
Vegas Line: Montana by 1
Dunkel Pick: Montana (-1)

Game 591-592: Portland State at Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 53.601; Weber State 61.031
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Weber State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (+8)

Game 593-594: IUPUI vs. Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: IUPUI 59.969; Oakland 55.028
Dunkel Line: IUPUI by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 595-596: Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman
Dunkel Ratings: Florida A&M 37.351; Bethune-Cookman 40.057
Dunkel Line: Bethune-Cookman by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Bethune-Cookman by 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida A&M (+5)

Game 597-598: North Carolina A&T vs. Howard
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina A&T 41.345; Howard 31.936
Dunkel Line: North Carolina A&T by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina A&T by 7
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina A&T (-7)

NHL

Florida at Minnesota
The Wild look to take advantage of a Florida team that is 0-6 in its last 6 road games. Minnesota is the pick (-175) according to Dunkel, which has the Wild favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-175)

Game 51-52: Nashville at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.838; Atlanta 11.314
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-110); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-110); Under

Game 53-54: Calgary at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 12.306; Detroit 14.081
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-190); Over

Game 55-56: NY Islanders at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 10.664; Philadelphia 12.264
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-240); Over

Game 57-58: Boston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.985; Toronto 11.476
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+110); Under

Game 59-60: Tampa Bay at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.421; Montreal 11.074
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+120); Over

Game 61-62: Florida at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.793; Minnesota 12.966
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-175); Under

Game 63-64: Vancouver at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.849; Colorado 12.590
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-120); Over

Game 65-66: Ottawa at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.331; Edmonton 11.110
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 67-68: Columbus at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.453; Anaheim 11.706
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-190); Under
– — – — – — – — – — – — – ——-
Denver Money’s NHL 3/9 Early Thoughts

Nailed our 3* GOW last night as the Dallas / Washington game got over the 6.5, it wasn’t pretty, but we got the win and will take it. That was the only play I was able to put out last night as it was a short card. Today we have a full card and I am looking at games now and will be having another 2* play today. I am just trying to figure out which one to put up today. There are a few plays that I am really liking tonight. Here are my early leans:

Anahiem

Philadelphia -1.5

Boston/Toronto UNDER 5

Play Of The Day Thread-Tuesday 3/9

2010-03-08T19:49:29-08:00

Banging out another CBB winner to start the week. Sure hope this carries into the weekend so I can cash the tickets in person! BTW – Cavs game was fixed. Beyond fixed. I can say this as I had no interest in the outcome, but if anyone watched the refs in this game – it was laughable. And anytime you see the money on the Cavs to cover but the Spurs ML, and neither hit, you know something reeks. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Monday 3/8

2010-03-07T22:14:12-08:00

Despite losing a “big” play last week, I do believe we had 3 days of complete sweeps of the board, including Sunday night for a solid profitable week. Funny how some can focus so much attention on one single play and forget about the fact that it was a solid week of CBB. Sunday was one of the most fun days in a while though with two CAKE wins. Great finish to a good overall week. Good call to Crotch on the Nuggets first half also. Anyone want to meet me & Mike in Vegas? Be there this coming weekend! Mike buys the drinks.. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

3/7/10 Jizzle’s Daily Dime

2010-03-07T11:40:49-08:00

3/7/10

Loy Marymount/Gonzaga over 150.5

RECORD 11-8 (W4)

Play Of The Day Thread-Sunday 3/7

2010-03-06T20:28:44-08:00

Well, lost the juice in CBB on Saturday, and a really, really close MMA fight that could have easily gone either way. Of course – it didn’t go ours. So not too much lost Saturday, and we can finish a profitable week Sunday. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Saturday 3/6

2010-03-05T22:06:35-08:00

CBB still going right now, so no recap as of yet. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Friday 3/5

2010-03-04T21:24:55-08:00

It is friday – right? NMST couldn’t hold onto the cover, so we ended up 1-2 on the day. Been a rough stretch, but it is gonna turn here pretty quick. Good call by Nick Thursday with Richmond. Maybe some MMA will help on Saturday. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

3/4 Service Plays

2010-03-04T13:19:57-08:00

Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today’s best NBA bets

Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls

Can Derrick Rose get a little help please? The second-year guard is averaging 25.8 points over the last five games but Chicago is just 2-3 straight up and against the spread over the same stretch.

Starting center Joakim Noah is out indefinitely and Kirk Hinrich is basically an empty body on the floor.

Meanwhile Luol Deng is banged up and Brad Miller is showing that he can’t play effectively if he gets more than 30 minutes a night.

’’Luol, I expect to play on Thursday,’’ Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro told the Chicago Sun-Times. ’’It’s just his knee was really stiff, and it swelled up a little more. He’ll be examined [today], and hopefully with a couple of days before the next game ~~- the first time we’ve had that in a while –~~ we’ll get him some rest and get that swelling out of there.’‘

Even if Deng plays, the Bulls will be fighting a losing battle on the boards without Noah. Chicago was outrebounded 63-37 against Atlanta on Monday.

“If some team wins a game giving up that big a difference, I’d like to know about it,’’ Miller said after the game.

Don’t expect the Bulls’ recent problems to dissolve just because they’ve had a few days off.

Pick: Memphis
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
Ice picks: Today’s best NHL bets

Montreal Canadiens at San Jose Sharks (-230, 5.5)

With trade rumors abundant in Montreal this week, the club is silencing those whispers by announcing its plan to hang on to both goaltenders, Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak, for the remainder of the season.

The Canadiens are hoping their two-pronged attack between the pipes will prove valuable during the helter-skelter postseason schedule.

Price locked up his job following a 4-1 win in Boston Tuesday, stopping 23-of-24 shots on goal. He allowed a power-play goal midway through the first period but kept his team in the game with big saves in the final two frames.

“He played a strong game, especially after we had some breakdowns in the first and second periods. We gave some odd-man rushes and he was there to close the door,” said head coach Jacques Martin.

That win kicked off a four-game road trip that heads to San Jose on Thursday then closes with dates in Los Angeles and Anaheim. Montreal is a solid under play on the road this season, posting a 12-17-3 over/under mark in opposing barns.

Pick: Under

Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes (-110, 5.5)

The Senators are crossing their fingers that the Olympic break didn’t put an end to their winning ways.

Before the two-week hiatus, Ottawa was one of the best teams in the NHL. It won 14 of the 16 games heading into the break but came back from vacation rustier than the garden gate. The Senators dropped a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers Tuesday night, giving up all four goals in the second period.

“That’s not how we wanted to start coming out of the break,” forward Jason Spezza told the Toronto Sun. “We didn’t have good coverage in our end, we gave them some easy goals. We left Ells out to dry.”

Ottawa is hoping a trip to face the lowly Hurricanes can get them back on the right track. However, Carolina is no push over. It’s won six straight games and eight of its last 10 outings heading into Thursday.

The Canes stayed hot following the break with a 5-1 win over Toronto Tuesday. That marked the sixth game in the past 10 that the Hurricanes have allowed two or less goals against.

Dunkel

Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST
Game 501-502: Memphis at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 115.752; Chicago 124.431
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 8 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 503-504: LA Lakers at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 124.657; Miami 119.231
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4 1/2; 189
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-4 1/2); Over

Dunkel

Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST
Game 507-508: Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 50.977; Eastern Michigan 58.733
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 8
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (-4 1/2)

Game 509-510: Ball State at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 49.070; Western Michigan 55.229
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 5
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 9
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+9)

Game 511-512: Buffalo at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 54.937; Miami (OH) 57.176
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 4
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+4)

Game 513-514: Bowling Green at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 53.381; Ohio 59.748
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 8
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+8)

Game 515-516: Seton Hall at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 64.421; Rutgers 57.901
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 4
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-4)

Game 517-518: Dayton at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 64.629; Richmond 69.089
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 3
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (-3)

Game 519-520: Toledo at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 40.600; Northern Illinois 49.225
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+11 1/2)

Game 521-522: Providence at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 62.500; Pittsburgh 72.575
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 10
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 11
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+11)

Game 523-524: UCLA at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 61.844; Arizona 65.932
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 4
Vegas Line: Arizona by 5
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+5)

Game 525-526: Hawaii at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 45.875; Boise State 59.557
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Boise State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-10)

Game 527-528: LSU at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 56.828; Mississippi 67.702
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 11
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+12 1/2)

Game 529-530: USC at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: USC 59.666; Arizona State 69.578
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 10
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-7 1/2)

Game 531-532: Washington State at Oregon State
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 61.150; Oregon State 64.989
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 4
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (-3)

Game 533-534: New Mexico State at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 58.012; Nevada 64.018
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 6
Vegas Line: Nevada by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+6 1/2)

Game 535-536: LouiSIAna Tech at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: LouiSIAna Tech 59.682; Fresno State 53.345
Dunkel Line: LouiSIAna Tech by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: LouiSIAna Tech

Game 537-538: UC Davis at CS Northridge
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 47.142; CS-Northridge 53.601
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 5
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (-5)

Game 539-540: San Jose State at Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 54.979; Idaho 64.661
Dunkel Line: Idaho by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Idaho by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (-5 1/2)

Game 541-542: Washington at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 68.288; Oregon 63.758
Dunkel Line: Washington by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+5 1/2)

Game 543-544: Pacific at CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 57.424; CS-Fullerton 52.071
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-2 1/2)

Game 545-546: Southern Illinois vs. Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 58.413; Drake 54.887
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 4
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+4)

Game 547-548: Evansville vs. Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 52.875; Missouri State 59.304
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+9 1/2)

Game 549-550: Penn State at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 59.718; Michigan State 75.029
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-13)

Game 551-552: East Tennessee State vs. Campbell
Dunkel Ratings: East Tennessee State 49.458; Campbell 54.084
Dunkel Line: Campbell by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 553-554: Belmont vs. Mercer
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 55.520; Mercer 48.491
Dunkel Line: Belmont by 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 555-556: Winthrop vs. Radford
Dunkel Ratings: Winthrop 45.520; Radford 50.392
Dunkel Line: Radford by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 557-558: NC Asheville at Coastal Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: NC Asheville 45.806; Coastal Carolina 53.121
Dunkel Line: Coastal Carolina by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 559-560: Monmouth at Quinnipiac
Dunkel Ratings: Monmouth 39.833; Quinnipiac 54.098
Dunkel Line: Quinnipiac by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 561-562: Central Connecticut at Robert Morris
Dunkel Ratings: Central Connecticut 44.368; Robert Morris 54.212
Dunkel Line: Robert Morris by 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 563-564: St. Francis (PA) at Mt. St. Mary’s
Dunkel Ratings: St. Francis (PA) 45.382; Mt. St. Mary’s 58.790
Dunkel Line: Mt. St. Mary’s by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Dunkel

Time Posted: 6:30 a.m. EST
Game 1-2: NY Islanders at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.299; Atlanta 12.402
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Over

Game 3-4: Pittsburgh at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.851; NY Rangers 11.279
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 5-6: Toronto at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.391; Boston 10.643
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+165); Under

Game 7-8: Tampa Bay at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.353; Washington 13.137
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-290); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-290); Over

Game 9-10: Ottawa at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.855; Carolina 11.208
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-110); Over

Game 11-12: Los Angeles at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 13.007; Nashville 10.929
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+105); Over

Game 13-14: St. Louis at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.445; Dallas 11.134
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+115); Under

Game 15-16: Colorado at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.118; Phoenix 10.816
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 17-18: Montreal at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.589; San Jose 11.311
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose
Dunkel Pick: San Jose and Over
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
SPORTS ADVISORS

THURSDAY, MARCH 4

NBA

L.A. Lakers (46-15, 26-32-3 ATS) at Miami (30-31, 29-32 ATS)

The Lakers open a three-game East Coast trip with a stop inside the American Airlines Arena for a matchup against the Heat.
Los Angeles has won three straight (1-1-1 ATS) overall, including Tuesday’s 122-99 rout of Indiana, cashing as an 11½-point home chalk. The Lakers got 24 points and six assists from Kobe Bryant, while Pau Gasol added 14 points and pulled down 16 boards. The Lakers are 17-10 on the highway this season, but only 11-15-1 ATS away from home. They snapped an 0-5-1 ATS slump with Tuesday’s blowout of the Pacers.
A 110-106 home win over Golden State on Tuesday snapped Miami’s four-game losing streak, but it came up well short as a 10½-point favorite, dropping to 1-4 ATS in its last five games. Dwyane Wade poured in 35 points and dished out 12 assists to lead the way as the Heat erupted offensively after averaging just 82.3 ppg in their previous four contests.
The home team has won nine of the last 10 meetings in this series, including the Lakers’ last-second 108-107 victory on Dec. 4, falling well short as a 12½-point home favorite. Miami has cashed in five of the last seven – including the last three in a row – all as an underdog.
Los Angeles is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 Thursday games and 7-2 ATS in its last nine against a team with a losing record, but it is on ATS slides of 1-5-1 overall, 1-4-1 as a favorite, 1-3-1 against Eastern Conference teams and 1-5-1 as a road chalk of less than five points. The Heat have cashed in four of five as an underdog and 10 of 14 against Pacific Division teams, but they are on ATS skids of 1-5 at home, 1-5 on Thursday and 9-23 at home against teams with a winning road record.
The Lakers are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 8-2 overall, 6-1 on the road, 7-1 as a favorite, 5-0 as a road chalk, 21-7 on Thursday and 20-8-1 after a spread-cover. Miami has also been on several “under” streaks, including 25-10-1 overall, 19-7-1 on Thursday, 7-1 at home, 42-20 after a straight-up win and 5-1-1 as an underdog. In this series, the “under” has been the play in seven of the last 10 meetings overall and five straight in South Beach.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Utah (38-22, 36-21-3 ATS) at Phoenix (39-24, 37-26 ATS)

The red-hot Suns look for their seventh win in their last eight games when they welcome the Jazz to the US Airways Center for a key Western Conference matchup.
Utah has alternated wins and losses in its last six (3-3 ATS), including a 108-104 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Monday, failing as a 6½-point favorite. The Jazz were outrebounded by Los Angeles and shot just 38-for-89 from the field for 42.7 percent. They have now dropped two straight on the highway after rattling off seven consecutive road wins (SU and ATS).
The Suns scored a 127-101 victory over the Clippers in Los Angeles on Wednesday, easily cashing as a 4½-point favorite. Amare Stoudemire led the way for Phoenix with 30 points and 14 rebounds as his team cashed for the eighth straight game, and sixth straight as a favorite. The Suns have won five straight in front of the home fans, cashing in each contest.
The home team has won five straight in this rivalry, with Utah scoring a 124-115 win in Salt Lake City back on Jan. 25, cashing as a seven-point favorite. The Jazz have cashed in six of the last eight series clashes and is the last road team to score a win in this matchup, winning 126-118 back in March 2008 as a 5½-point pup. In fact, Utah is 7-1 ATS in its last eight trips to the Arizona desert.
Utah is on several positive ATS streaks, including 34-15-3 overall, 10-2-1 on the road, 14-4-2 against Western Conference teams, 9-1-1 on Thursdays and 5-0-1 as an underdog. Phoenix is just 6-20 ATS in its last 26 Thursday contests, but otherwise is on several positive pointspread runs, including 14-3 overall, 5-0 at home, 6-0 against Western Conference teams, 6-0 as a favorite and 8-1 against teams with a winning percentage higher than .600.
The Jazz have topped the total in five straight overall, 28 of 41 as a road ‘dog, 34 of 51 as an underdog regardless of venue and five of six against winning teams. Meanwhile, the Suns are on several “under” runs, including 10-4 overall, 6-2 as a favorite, 4-0 on the second night of a back-to-back and 5-1 at home. In this rivalry, the “over” has been the play in five of the last six overall.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX and OVER

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Dayton (19-9, 13-12 ATS) at Richmond (22-7, 16-9 ATS)

Richmond tries to bounce back from its first loss in more than a month when it welcomes the Flyers to the Robins Center for an Atlantic 10 clash.
Dayton snapped a two-game slide in emphatic fashion Saturday, hammering UMass 96-68 as a 15-point home favorite, its most lopsided victory of the season. The Flyers, who also halted a four-game ATS drought by crushing UMass, have split their last 16 games, all within the A-10. However, they’re 1-5 on the road during this stretch (2-4 ATS), including 0-3 SU and ATS in the last three.
The Spiders took an eight-game winning streak (7-1 ATS) to Xavier on Sunday and suffered a heartbreaking 78-76 double-overtime defeat, but they easily covered as a 7½-point road underdog. Richmond has won 13 of 14 home games (6-5 ATS), and since a 12-point home loss to Charlotte on Jan. 20, the Spiders have won four in a row at home (3-1 ATS) by an average of 18.8 ppg. For the season, they outscore visitors by 14.5 ppg (72.6-58.1).
Richmond crushed Dayton 83-63 as a 4½-point home underdog last year, but the Flyers got revenge twice thereafter with a 69-63 home victory as a 9½-point favorite and a 69-64 win as a 4½-point chalk in the Atlantic-10 tournament. The home team has won each of the last seven regular-season clashes (4-3 ATS). The underdog has gotten the money eight times in the last 10 meetings.
In addition to failing to cover in four of its last five overall and four of its last five on the road, Dayton is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Spiders have come up short in five of their last seven on Thursday, but otherwise they’re on ATS hot streaks of 8-1 overall (all in conference), 23-7-1 after a SU loss, 6-1 following a spread-cover and 5-1 against winning teams.
These teams have topped the total in each of their last five series meetings, and the over is 4-0 in Richmond’s last four against winning teams.

ATS ADVANTAGE: RICHMOND and OVER

USC (16-12, 11-14-2 ATS) at Arizona State (20-9, 11-14 ATS)

Arizona State hopes to bolster its sagging Big Dance resume when it welcomes the slumping Trojans to Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz., as the final weekend of Pac-10 regular-season play tips off.
USC has dropped three in a row SU and ATS, and the offense is to blame, as the Trojans managed just 47, 44 and 44 points in the three defeats. Last weekend, they hosted Oregon and Oregon State and lost both games as a huge favorite, falling 55-44 to the Ducks as a 10½-point chalk and 49-44 to the Beavers as an eight-point choice. The three-game slide follows a four-game winning streak for USC, which is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine outings.
The Trojans conclude their season tonight and Saturday at Arizona, as they’re ineligible for postseason play – including the Pac-10 tournament – because of school-imposed sanctions.
The Sun Devils’ four-game winning streak ended with Saturday’s ugly 62-46 loss at Cal, falling way short as a seven-point road underdog. Arizona State actually took a 30-29 halftime lead then got outscored 33-16 in the final 20 minutes. The Sun Devils have still won six of their last eight overall and they’re 14-3 at Wells Fargo Arena this season, averaging 70.3 ppg and allowing 54.8 on their home floor. Despite that, they’re just 5-8 ATS in lined home games (1-4 ATS last five), and they’ve failed to cover in six of their last 10 overall.
USC crushed the Sun Devils 47-37 as a 2½-point home favorite back on Jan. 2 in the second conference game for both squads. The Trojans are 4-1 SU in the last five series meetings and 3-1 ATS in the last four. The home team has taken the last seven regular-season battles (6-1 ATS), but the underdog has covered in 12 of the last 16.
The Trojans’ 1-5 ATS slump overall is offset by positive pointspread runs of 39-18-1 after a non-cover and 8-3 versus winning teams. Meanwhile, Arizona State has cashed in 18 of its last 26 after a non-cover, but is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 home games after three or more consecutive road contests.
The low-scoring Trojans are on “under” runs of 18-7-1 overall, 6-0-1 on the road, 12-3-1 in Pac-10 action, 4-0 on Thursday, 4-0 after a SU defeat, 5-1 after a non-cover and 4-1 against winning teams. Similarly, ASU carries “under” trends of 5-1 overall (all in conference), 11-3 at home and 4-1 against winning teams. Finally, four of the last five meetings between these rivals have stayed low, though the over is 5-2 in the last seven clashes in Tempe.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
Jeff Hochman’s GOY.
19-0 run.
Play Title Big Play Alert Top-rated 10* NCAAB Game of Month
Play Selected Point Spread: -3
10* Mortgage your House Game of the Year= Richmond -3

Play Of The Day Thread- Thursday 3/4

2010-03-03T21:04:37-08:00

Hard to come off of a sweep one night and take a beating like that, but the Utes never showed up for the entire game. Pathetic adjustments, or lack there of at the half really cost them.

Let’s move on and hammer today! Good luck, and see ya in the AM

3/3 Service Plays

2010-03-03T11:10:20-08:00

SPORTS ADVISORS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

(20) Temple (24-5, 18-11 ATS) at Saint Louis (19-9, 14-8-1 ATS)

Two of the hottest teams in the Atlantic 10 get together when the Owls make the trip to Chaifetz Arena to face Saint Louis.
Temple has won five in a row and seven of its last eight, going 6-2 ATS in that stretch, and it leads the A-10 with a 12-2 SU mark (9-5 ATS). On Sunday at LaSalle, the Owls rolled 65-53 as a 7½-point favorite. Temple isn’t an offensive powerhouse, averaging 65.5 ppg on 42.9 percent shooting, but the Owls are quite effective on defense, ranking sixth nationally in points allowed (57.0 ppg), ninth in field-goal defense (37.9 percent shooting) and fifth in three-point defense (28.1 percent).
Saint Louis has also won seven of its last eight, cashing in the last seven in a row to move up to fourth in the A-10. The Billikens lost to Xavier 73-71 as a 4½-point home pup last Wednesday, then bounced back to beat Duquesne 69-59 Saturday as a 4½-point home chalk. Rick Majerus’ troops are outscoring visitors by more than 10 ppg on the year (67.8-57.7), shooting 46.7 percent at home and allowing just 38.9 percent.
Temple is 3-1 SU and ATS in four meetings since Saint Louis joined the A-10 in the 2005-06 season, with the Owls’ victories coming in the last three clashes. Last year, Temple rolled 65-40 at home as an 11½-point favorite, and two years ago in the Gateway City, the Owls snuck out with a 54-53 overtime win as a one-point underdog. The SU winner cashed in all four contests, and the favorite is 3-1 ATS in those games.
The Owls are on ATS rolls of 4-1 overall, 4-1 on Wednesday, 36-14-1 in the A-10 and 36-17-1 against winning teams, but they’ve gone just 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the highway. Meanwhile, along with their current 7-0 ATS run, the Billikens are on pointspread sprees of 6-0 after a SU win, 16-5 after a spread cover, 4-0 at home, 4-0 against winning teams and 21-6 in conference play.
Temple is on “over” streaks of 4-1 on the road, 4-1 on Wednesday, 4-1 after a spread-cover and 5-2 after a SU win, and the over for Saint Louis is on runs of 13-4 on Wednesday and 15-6 at Chaifetz Arena. In this rivalry, though, the under his hit in three of four meetings, including the last two in a row.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SAINT LOUIS and OVER

(5) Kansas State (24-4, 16-6-1 ATS) at (2) Kansas (27-2, 10-15-1 ATS)

The Jayhawks, who have already wrapped a share of their sixth straight Big 12 regular-season crown, brace for surging Kansas State as this in-state rivalry resumes at Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas won its first 14 games of the season, stubbed its toe at Tennessee, then plowed through its first 13 conference contests before coming up short at Oklahoma State on Saturday in an 85-77 setback as a six-point favorite. The Jayhawks rank in the Top 10 nationally in scoring (82.4 ppg, fourth), field-goal shooting (48.9 percent shooting, ninth), and three-point shooting (40 percent, ninth). Defensively, Bill Self’s squad allows just 63.9 ppg on 37.6 percent shooting (fourth).
Kansas has won 58 consecutive games at Allen Fieldhouse, the longest active home winning streak in the nation. This year, the Jayhawks are 17-0 in Lawrence, averaging 87.1 ppg on exactly 50 percent shooting (41.5 percent from three-point land), while yielding 62.1 ppg on 36.5 percent shooting.
Kansas State has peeled off seven straight wins, all in the Big 12, since dropping an 81-79 overtime thriller to Kansas as a 3½-point home pup on Jan. 30. The second-place Wildcats have won six straight Big 12 road games (4-1-1 ATS) and are coming off Saturday’s 63-53 home win over Missouri laying 6½-points Saturday. K-State is also explosive offensively, averaging 80.4 ppg (ninth) while allowing 68.0. On the road, the Wildcats actually average a shade more at 80.9 ppg, while giving up 71.6.
K-State’s last-second spread-cover a few weeks back ended a 3-0 SU and ATS run by Kansas in this rivalry. Still, the Jayhawks are 17-6 ATS in the last 23 contests (all as the favorite), and the home team is on a 4-1 ATS uptick.
The Jayhawks sport positive ATS streaks of 5-0-1 after a SU loss, 18-7-2 on Wednesday and 22-9-1 against teams with a win percentage above .600, but they also own ATS slides of 0-5 overall (all in the Big 12), 0-4 at home and 9-19 at home against teams with a winning road record. The Wildcats are 2-6 ATS in their last eight Wednesday starts, but are otherwise on ATS upswings of 15-5-1 overall, 4-1 after a SU win, 11-4-1 after a spread-cover, 4-1 in the Big 12 and 13-4-1 against winning teams.
The over for Kansas is on runs of 5-0 after a SU loss and 5-0 against winning teams, and the over for K-State is on stretches of 5-0 against winning teams, 5-0 on Wednesday and 7-3-1 on the road. Also, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in the last five clashes. However, the under is 3-1-1 in the Wildcats’ last five outings.

ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS and OVER

(4) Duke (25-4, 17-9-2 ATS) at (22) Maryland (21-7, 15-9 ATS)

The Blue Devils aim to hold off Maryland for first place in the ACC when these longtime rivals clash at the Comcast Center.
Duke has won its last eight games (4-2-2 ATS), six of them by double digits, to put itself in position for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday at Virginia, the Blue Devils rolled 67-49 as a 9½-point chalk, winning their 10th straight ACC game while ending an 0-1-2 ATS hiccup. Duke is outscoring its opponents by more than 17 ppg on average (79.2-61.7) and has the nation’s No. 1 three-point defense (26.7 percent shooting allowed). On the road, though, the Devils average just a bucket more than their foes (69.4-67.6).
Maryland is on a five-game winning streak (4-1) ATS and has won seven of its last eight, all in the ACC. The Terrapins needed double overtime to knock off Virginia on Saturday and keep their surge going, notching a 104-100 victory as a 1½-point road underdog. Maryland is averaging 80.0 ppg (12th) while holding opponents to 67.2 ppg on 38 percent shooting (11th), and at home, the Terps are outscoring visitors by more than 20 ppg (84.3-63.5) while boasting a shooting edge of 50.3 percent to 37.5 percent.
Duke is 12-2 SU (9-3-2 ATS) in the ACC, and Maryland is 11-3 SU and ATS.
Last month, Duke rolled to a 77-56 home victory laying 9½ points against Maryland for its sixth consecutive win in this rivalry (4-1-1 ATS, all as a favorite), including SU and ATS victories on its last two trips to College Park. The SU winner is 12-1-1 ATS in the last 13 clashes.
The Blue Devils are on pointspread runs of 3-1-2 overall, 3-0-2 in the ACC, 4-1-1 on Wednesday and 9-4-2 against teams with a win percentage above .600. The Terps are on ATS tears of 12-3 overall, 6-1 at home, 4-1 against winning teams, 20-7 in the ACC, 8-3 after a SU win, 7-3 after a spread-cover and 37-12-2 on Wednesday.
Duke is on a bundle of “under” streaks, including 6-1 overall, 5-0 against winning teams, 27-10 in the ACC, 6-1 after a SU win, 24-11 after a spread-cover and 12-5 on Wednesday. The under for Maryland is on surges of 5-0 against winning teams and 26-9 on Wednesday, and in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in five consecutive meetings. However, Maryland is on “over” runs of 4-1 overall (all in the ACC), 15-5-1 in College Park and 4-0 against teams with a win percentage above .600.

ATS ADVANTAGE: MARYLAND

Oklahoma State (20-8, 13-8-1 ATS) at (23) Texas A&M (20-8, 16-8 ATS)

The Cowboys, coming off their giant-killing win over Kansas, will try to avoid the letdown as they head to College Station’s Reed Arena for a big 12 battle with Texas A&M.
Oklahoma State has followed an 0-3 SU and ATS slide by winning four of its last five SU and ATS, all in the Big 12, and none bigger than Saturday’s 85-77 victory over the top-ranked Jayhawks as a six-point home pup. During their current surge, the Cowboys are averaging 78.4 ppg on 49.3 percent shooting, while giving up 72.2 ppg on 41.4 percent shooting. However, on the road this year, the Pokes have been outscored by an average of about seven ppg (75.4-68.7), shooting just 39.9 percent. Oklahoma State is 2-5 SU and ATS in Big 12 roadies, with the winner covering the spread in all seven games.
Texas A&M has followed a 4-0 SU and ATS run by alternating SU wins and losses over its last four games, though the Aggies cashed in all eight contests. On Saturday, they hammered Texas 74-58 as a one-point home favorite. In College Station this season, A&M is 13-1 SU and 7-4 ATS in lined action, averaging 73.6 ppg on 45.2 percent shooting, while giving up just 58.9 ppg on 39.8 percent shooting. The Aggies are 6-1 (5-2 ATS) when hosting conference rivals, the only loss coming to then-No. 1 Kansas (59-54, cashing as a 6½-point underdog)
The Aggies’ four games prior to the Texas contest (three on the road, one at home) were all decided by four points or less.
Oklahoma State is 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four meetings in this rivalry, including a 76-69 win as a 5½-point home favorite on Jan. 27. In fact, the Cowboys are the last team to cover the spread against A&M. The road team is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 clashes, the Cowboys have cashed in six of their last eight trips to College Station, the favorite is on a 4-1 ATS roll and the SU winner has cashed in eight straight meetings.
The Cowboys are 2-6 ATS in their last eight roadies, but they sport positive pointspread streaks of 24-9-1 overall, 4-1 in the Big 12, 4-1 against winning teams, 16-6 after a spread-cover and 18-7-1 following a SU win. Along with their current 8-0 ATS surge, the Aggies are on spread-covering sprees of 37-18 overall, 4-0 at home, 5-0 after a SU win, 7-0 against winning teams, 20-7 in the Big 12 and 9-4 on Wednesday.
Oklahoma State is on “under” runs of 8-1 against winning teams, 9-3 after a SU win and 7-3 following a spread-cover, and A&M is on “under” tears of 5-0 overall (all in the Big 12), 7-2 at home and 7-1 against teams above .500. Finally, these teams topped the total in their meeting earlier this season, ending an 8-0 “under” run in this rivalry, with the last five in a row in College Station staying low.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

NBA

Memphis (30-30, 32-27-1 ATS) at New Orleans (31-30, 30-30-1 ATS)

Two Southwest Division rivals hoping to get back into the Western Conference playoff race hook up at New Orleans Arena, where the Hornets host the Grizzlies.
Memphis continued its recent inconsistent play with Monday’s 103-93 loss to the Blazers as a 1½-point home underdog. The Grizzlies have now alternated SU wins and losses in their last nine games, but shockingly they’ve won four straight road contests (4-0 ATS) during this stretch. In fact, the road team is a perfect 10-0 in Memphis’ last 10 outings (9-1 ATS). Once one of the top pointspread teams in the NBA, the Grizzlies have failed to cover in 10 of their last 16 games.
New Orleans has dropped four of its last five, including the last two to Southwest Division foes (108-100 loss at Dallas on Sunday, pushing as an eight-point road underdog; 106-92 home loss to San Antonio on Monday as a three-point home pup). Monday’s defeat to the Spurs snapped the Hornets’ three-game SU and ATS home winning streak. Still, they’re 4-2 SU and ATS in their last six at New Orleans Arena.
The Hornets have dominated this divisional rivalry, winning 12 of the last 13 meetings (7-5-1 ATS), including the last three in a row (2-1 ATS). However, both battles this season were nail-biters, with New Orleans prevailing 113-111 as a 3½-point home favorite on Jan. 20 and 109-102 in overtime as a 7½-point road underdog 10 days later. Neither squad has cashed in consecutive meetings in the last eight head-to-head matchups.
Memphis has failed to cover in four of its last five Western Conference contests and six of eight against opponents with a winning record, but it does carry a trio of 4-0 ATS streaks: on the road, on Wednesday and following a SU defeat. The Hornets are on ATS runs of 7-3-1 overall, 6-0-1 after a day off and 5-2 after a non-cover, but they’re also 1-4-1 ATS in their last six against Western Conference foes and 2-5 ATS in their last seven after a double-digit home loss.
The Grizzlies are on “over” runs of 12-5 on the road and 7-3 versus winning teams, while Memphis carries “over” trends of 13-6 overall, 7-3 in Western Conference games, 4-1 against the Southwest Division, 5-2 on Wednesday, 9-2 after a SU defeat and 6-1 following a non-cover. Finally, 13 of the last 16 meetings in this rivalry have hurdled the posted total, including seven of the last eight in the Big Easy.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

Oklahoma City (36-23, 35-24 ATS) at Denver (39-21, 27-29-4 ATS)

The Thunder start a three-game Western Conference road trip with a stop at the Pepsi Center, where the Nuggets will try to put the brakes on a two-game slide in this Northwest Division clash.
Oklahoma City ripped off nine consecutive victories from Jan. 29-Feb. 21, then dropped consecutive games last week to Phoenix at home (104-102) and San Antonio on the road (95-87). But Kevin Durant and Co. have since gotten back on track with three straight home wins over the TWolves (109-92 as a 9½-point home favorite on Friday), Raptors (119-99 as an 8½-point home chalk on Sunday) and Kings (113-107 as a 10 ½-point favorite last night).
With Tuesday’s non-cover, Oklahoma City is now just 2-5 ATS in its last seven games, but it was favored in six of those contests.
Denver followed up Sunday’s 95-89 loss at the Lakers (pushing as a six-point underdog) with Monday’s 101-85 loss at Phoenix (falling way short as a 2½-point underdog). Prior to those two contests, the Nuggets had been held under 90 points just twice in their first 58 games. George Karl’s club is playing .500 ball since Feb. 3, going 6-6 SU (5-5-2 ATS).
Prior to losing at San Antonio last Wednesday, the Thunder had won five straight road games (3-2 ATS). For the season, they’re 17-12 SU and 19-10 ATS on the highway. Meanwhile, the Nuggets – who begin a three-game homestand tonight – have won 25 of 30 contests at the Pepsi Center, but they’re just 15-14-1 ATS.
Oklahoma City has cashed in seven straight meetings with the Nuggets, the first six as an underdog – including a 102-93 loss in Denver as a 10-point pup on Dec. 14. In the rematch on Dec. 29 in Oklahoma, the Thunder cruised 101-84 as a two-point favorite, holding the Nuggets to a season-low point total.
Also in this rivalry, the home team has won the last four meetings in a row, the first three of which were in Denver. The Thunder franchise has lost six straight games at the Pepsi Center (3-3 ATS).
Oklahoma City is on ATS runs of 15-6 on the road, 5-1 as an underdog (all on the road), 10-1 as a ‘dog of five to 10½ points, 7-0 as a road pup in that price range, 5-2 when playing on back-to-back nights and 11-2 versus winning teams. The only negative for the Thunder: They’ve failed to cash in five of six on Wednesday (including last week’s loss at San Antonio).
Denver is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 Wednesday contests and 36-14-2 ATS in its last 52 as a favorite of five to 10½ points, but it has failed to cover in its last four divisional battles (0-2-2 ATS)
The under is on runs of 6-1 for the Thunder in divisional games and 6-2 when Denver is playing on one day of rest. Conversely, Oklahoma City has topped the total in seven of nine against winning teams, five of seven when playing the second night of a back-to-back and 25 of 33 as a ‘dog of five to 10½ points, while the Nuggets sport “over” streaks of 6-2 at home (all as a favorite), 10-4 when laying points anywhere and 8-2 on Wednesday.
Finally, the over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings between these rivals, including 4-1 in the last five in Denver.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA CITY and OVER
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
Robcats Plays!!!
(6-0) +30 UNITS for MARCH

Wednesday 2/3/10

NBA
2* BOSTON

Dunkel NCAAB

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M
The Aggies look to build on their 7-0 ATS record in their last 7 games against teams with a winning SU record. Texas A&M is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Aggies favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-6)

Game 725-726: Memphis at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 60.847; UAB 66.434
Dunkel Line: UAB by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-2 1/2)

Game 727-728: Alabama at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 62.466; South Carolina 66.021
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (-2 1/2)

Game 729-730: Charlotte at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 57.499; Rhode Island 63.632
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 6
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+7 1/2)

Game 733-734: Connecticut at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 70.193; Notre Dame 67.959
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 2
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+1 1/2)

Game 735-736: NC State at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 65.447; Virginia Tech 70.417
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 5
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC State (+8 1/2)

Game 737-738: Arkansas at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 60.012; Tennessee 72.335
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-11 1/2)

Game 739-740: Wake Forest at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 69.688; Florida State 70.638
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 1
Vegas Line: Florida State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+7)

Game 741-742: St. Joseph’s at George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph’s 52.121; George Washington 60.860
Dunkel Line: George Washington by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: George Washington by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph’s (+9 1/2)

Game 743-744: Xavier at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 68.621; Fordham 48.405
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 20
Vegas Line: Xavier by 22
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+22)

Game 745-746: Massachusetts at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 52.368; LaSalle 56.016
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+4 1/2)

Game 747-748: Duquesne at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 55.439; St. Bonaventure 56.657
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 2
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 1
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (-1)

Game 749-750: Temple at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 66.004; St. Louis 63.190
Dunkel Line: Temple by 3
Vegas Line: Temple by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+3 1/2)

Game 751-752: Kansas State at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 72.037; Kansas 81.929
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 10
Vegas Line: Kansas by 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-9)

Game 753-754: Mississippi State at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 66.241; Auburn 65.146
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 1
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+2 1/2)

Game 755-756: Kentucky at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 74.897; Georgia 66.551
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-7 1/2)

Game 757-758: Rice at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 49.222; Houston 62.184
Dunkel Line: Houston by 13
Vegas Line: Houston by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+14 1/2)

Game 759-760: SMU at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 57.331; Tulsa 64.207
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 7
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: SMU (+9 1/2)

Game 761-762: TCU at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 53.162; New Mexico 72.677
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 16
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-16)

Game 763-764: BYU at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 71.233; Utah 63.574
Dunkel Line: BYU by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 765-766: Duke at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 76.441; Maryland 77.076
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 1
Vegas Line: Duke by 1
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+1)

Game 767-768: Virginia at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 64.120; Boston College 67.544
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 769-770: Oklahoma State at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 66.550; Texas A&M 75.879
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 6
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-6)

Game 771-772: UC-Irvine at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 46.669; UC-Santa Barbara 58.395
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-8 1/2)

Game 773-774: Colorado State at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 54.276; San Diego State 72.081
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 18
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 14
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-14)

Game 775-776: Indiana at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 56.043; Purdue 75.058
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 19
Vegas Line: Purdue by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-18 1/2)

Game 515-516: Iowa at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 62.245; Wisconsin 73.947
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+17 1/2)

Game 779-780: Kennesaw State vs. Lipscomb
Dunkel Ratings: Kennesaw State 40.584; Lipscomb 53.412
Dunkel Line: Lipscomb by 13
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 781-782: North Florida vs. Jacksonville
Dunkel Ratings: North Florida 41.977; Jacksonville 55.329
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 785-786: Army at Lehigh
Dunkel Ratings: Army 41.442; Lehigh 56.774
Dunkel Line: Lehigh by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 787-788: Navy at American
Dunkel Ratings: Navy 47.813; American 47.774
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 789-790: Colgate at Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: Colgate 41.673; Lafayette 56.272
Dunkel Line: Lafayette by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 791-792: Holy Cross at Bucknell
Dunkel Ratings: Holy Cross 46.473; Bucknell 55.980
Dunkel Line: Bucknell by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
DUNKEL INDEX

Oklahoma City at Denver
The Nuggets look to bounce back from a 101-85 loss at Phoenix and build on their 3-0-1 ATS record in their last 4 games following an ATS loss. Denver is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Nuggets favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Denver (-6)

Game 701-702: Golden State at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 113.955; Orlando 128.085
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 14; 219
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 14 1/2; 214 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+14 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Philadelphia at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.452; Atlanta 122.042
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 9; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+9); Under

Game 705-706: Cleveland at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 125.219; New Jersey 112.423
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 13; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 10 1/2; 197
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-10 1/2); Over

Game 707-708: Charlotte at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 115.287; Boston 118.278
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 3; 184
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 709-710: Detroit at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 112.595; New York 115.488
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 3; 207
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3 1/2; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+3 1/2); Over

Game 711-712: Washington at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 114.239; Milwaukee 127.191
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 13; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 10; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-10); Over

Game 713-714: Memphis at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 115.752; New Orleans 121.948
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 6; 207
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 2; 203
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-2); Over

Game 715-716: Minnesota at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.520; Dallas 124.513
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 11; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 13 1/2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+13 1/2); Under

Game 717-718: Sacramento at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 111.343; Houston 118.086
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 719-720: Oklahoma City at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 118.963; Denver 126.333
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 7 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6; 207
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-6); Under

Game 721-722: Indiana at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 115.777; Portland 125.899
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 10; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 9; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-9); Under

Game 723-724: Phoenix at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 122.640; LA Clippers 113.622
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3 1/2; 211
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (~~3 1/2); Under~~
– — – — – — – — – — – — – ——-
Dunkel NHL

Minnesota at Calgary
The Wild look to build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games against the Northwest Division. Minnesota is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Wild favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130)

Game 51-52: Washington at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.049; Buffalo 10.666
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-135); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-135); Over

Game 53-54: Philadelphia at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 10.408; Florida 11.012
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+120); Under

Game 55-56: Vancouver at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.573; Detroit 13.037
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-145); Over

Game 57-58: Edmonton at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.249; Chicago 12.391
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-380); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-380); Under

Game 59-60: Minnesota at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.891; Calgary 11.512
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130); Over

Game 61-62: Colorado at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.118; Anaheim 13.111
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-140); Over
– — – — – — – — – — – — – ——-
ALL COMPS:

James Patrick
St. Louis Billikens

Brad Diamond Sports
UMass + over LaSalle

EZWINNERS
Temple Owls -3

Jim Feist
Play: Orlando Magic -14½

Hollywood Sports
Play: Purdue

Sam Martin
Prediction: Duke

Craig Trapp
Play: Kansas St +9.5

Charlie Scott
Play: Under 148

Frank Jordan
Play: Phoenix Suns -3.5

VEGAS EXPERTS
Play on: LA Clippers

Marc Lawrence
Prediction: Charlotte Bobcats

Jimmy Moore Free play
Game: Washington @ Buffalo
Pick: Washington ML -135

Jack Clayton Free play
Pick: Pacers

Craig Trapp Free play
751 Kansas St +9.5

Karl Garrett Free plays
2♦ GEORGE WASHINGTON
3♦ MASSACHUSETTS

Bobby Maxwell Free plays
2♦ OVER NUGGETS
4♦ DUKE

Brad Diamond Sports FREE CBB Upset Alert
UMass+ over LaSalle
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
Pick ‘n’ roll: Wednesday’s best NBA bets

Sacramento Kings at Houston Rockets

When the Kings, Rockets and Knicks swapped players in a three-team deal two weeks ago, it was thought that Houston had improved the most. The club grabbed an All-Star caliber shooting guard in Kevin Martin along with a couple useful parts off the bench.

But the Rockets have had difficulty since their new blood arrived. Houston is just 2-4 straight up and against the spread since the arrival of the new players.

The chemistry issues seemed to dissolve during the Rockets 116-92 stomping of the Bosh-less Raptors.

“We played as a team,” Rockets starting point guard Aaron Brooks told the Houston Chronicle. “We pretty much put the game over in the third quarter. That way we didn’t have to worry about the fourth. We played good, especially on the defensive end. I think we all are just getting used to playing with each other.”

Sacramento, meanwhile, is 2-0 in its last two games including a win over the Jazz as a 7-point home dog. The acquisition of Carl Landry is saving the Kings while starting PF Jason Thompson recovers from a sore back.

The Kings are playing better ball lately but backing them on the road isn’t usually a good decision.

Pick: Houston

Cleveland Cavaliers at New Jersey Nets (+10.5, 197)

The Cavs are winning but they aren’t winning the way head coach Mike Brown would like to see. Brown comes from San Antonio’s coaching family and loves to win ugly games.

But that’s not the way Cavaliers are playing these days. Cleveland is 8-2 to the over in its last 10 games and is averaging 109.2 points over the last 13 games. The Cavs have eclipsed 100 points in 11 of those 13 games.

“We have athletic guys that can get out and run on the break and finish,” LeBron James told the Cleveland Plain Dealer following a blowout win over the Knicks. “It is not something we practice a lot but if we get stops we can get out and run.”

Expect the Cavs to take advantage of any fast-break opportunities against the woeful Nets.

Play Of The Day Thread-Wednesday 3/3

2010-03-02T22:33:44-08:00

As MP said last night – CUBE SWEEEEEEEEEEEEP, and well deserved. Solid start headed into the final month of CBB. Today will have a massive play going, so let’s make it the biggest week of the year! Good luck, and see ya in the AM

3/2 Service Plays

2010-03-02T11:53:27-08:00

PICK ‘N’ ROLL

Today’s best NBA bets

Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (N/A)

Boston’s Rasheed Wallace has always had the mentality of a shooting guard trapped in a power forward’s body. He never saw a 3-pointer he wouldn’t take.

But the Celtics have called upon Sheed to show off his skills in the low post lately and will again tonight with center Kendrick Perkins out with the flu.

“Every guy in the league loves to watch that. They love him shooting 3’s,” a Celtics assistant told the Boston Herald about Wallace’s play in the paint. “Unstoppable. Unstoppable. He’s got so many moves down on the low block that you can’t stop him. That’s why we love to see him outside.”

Since vowing to spend more time in the paint after the All-Star break, Wallace has attempted just 64 treys compared to 431 tries in the first half. He is shooting .342 from 3-point range but .518 from inside the arc.

“That’s where I was born at. That’s my bread and butter. That’s what I want,” Wallace said of his inside game. “That’s what I want, but if that play design is for that 3, then that’s what I have to do.”

Sheed should be extra motivated to return to Motown and play against former teammate Ben Wallace. Pistons centers Kwame Brown (flu) and Chris Wilcox (back) are listed as questionable. The Celtics welcome Paul Pierce back too.

Pick: Celtics

Golden State Warriors at Miami Heat (N/A)

The Miami Heat are taking one step forward while the Golden State Warriors are taking two steps back.

Dwyane Wade returned Sunday after missing four games with a calf muscle strain. He didn’t have his A-game, scoring just 21 points on 6 for 17 shooting, but it was a good sign for the Heat, losers of four straight.

“I was a little rusty. I’m not back to where I want to be,” Wade told the Orlando Sentinel following Sunday’s loss to the Magic. “But I did some things that were positive, so I can move forward.”

The Warriors wish they could do the same but put two more players to their growing list of walking wounded. Guard Monta Ellis, who averages 25.7 points per game, and forward Andris Biedrins (groin) did not make the trip with the team.

The Warriors start a five-game road swing tonight after losing their last six as visitors.

Pick: Heat
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
ICE PICKS

Today’s best NHL bets

Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins (-175, 5)

Every Montreal player who participated in the Olympics – with the exception of Jaroslav Halak – was back at practice Sunday. But the Habs may have been happier to welcome a few injured players back into their lineup, such as Benoit Pouliot, Andrei Kostitsyn and Paul Mara.

Head coach Jacques Lemaire decided to keep things light during Saturday’s practice putting together a 3-on-3 scrimmage with one team representing Canada and the other representing the world followed by short track speed skating race.

Montreal is still without leading scorer Mike Cammalleri who spent part of the break in Florida getting treatment on his injured right knee. But even without Cammalleri, the Habs should be a much tougher opponent than the one Boston beat 3-0 at home on Feb. 7.

Pick: Canadiens

Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins (N/A)

As luck would have it, two days after Canada’s big win over the U.S. in the gold medal game, Sidney Crosby and Ryan Miller square off once again, this time in their respective NHL uniforms.

Miller was dominant in net throughout the tournament for the Americans earning the tournament MVP title, but Crosby came out on top, squeezing the puck past Miller in overtime to give Canada a 3-2 victory and a gold medal.

Crosby won’t have much time to come back to reality after such a momentous win and the partying that no doubt ensued. Miller, on the other hand, should be focused and ready to shut down Sid and the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Miller will fly directly from Vancouver to Pittsburgh Tuesday morning for the Sabres game against the Pens.

Pick: Under
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SPORTS ADVISORS

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

(9) Villanova (23-5, 17-10 ATS) at Cincinnati (16-12, 7-16 ATS)
Villanova returns to the court for the first time since Saturday’s humiliating loss at Syracuse when it travels to Fifth Third Arena for a Big East battle with the Bearcats, who are in need of a marquee win to boost their Tournament resume.
The Wildcats jumped out to a quick lead at Syracuse but couldn’t sustain it and eventually got rocked 95-77 as a 4½-point road underdog. Villanova has followed up a 12-game winning streak – including nine consecutive Big East victories – by going 3-4 over its last seven contests, including 1-3 SU and ATS on the road. Also, the Wildcats are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games after starting the season by cashing in 15 of their first 19 contests.
Cincinnati has failed to gain any traction since opening the Big East season with consecutive wins over UConn and Rutgers, dropping nine of its last 15 games (3-11 ATS in lined action). On Saturday, the Bearcats went to No. 8 West Virginia and built a six-point halftime lead, only to fall 74-68, though they did cover as a 13-point road underdog. Cincy is 5-3 in Big East home games, but 0-8 ATS. Going back to Dec. 10, Cincinnati has failed to cover in nine straight lined contests at Fifth Third Arena.
The home team has won the last three meetings in this budding rivalry and is 4-0 ATS in four clashes since Cincinnati joined the Big East in 2005-06. Last year, Villanova rolled 71-50 as an 11½-point chalk. The Wildcats have won three of the four meetings (2-2 ATS), all as a favorite.
Not only is ‘Nova 1-4 ATS in its last five games (all in conference), but it has failed to cover in five of its last seven versus winning teams. Similarly, Cincinnati is mired in a slew of pointspread slumps, including 7-20 overall, 0-9 at home, 5-18 versus Big East foes, 1-10 after a SU loss, 0-4 after a spread-cover, 4-14 against winning teams and 1-4 on Tuesday.
The high-scoring Wildcats are on “over” streaks of 16-6 overall, 6-1 on the road, 6-2 after a non-cover and 7-2 after a SU defeat. The over is also 4-1 in Cincy’s last five at home, but the Bearcats are also on “under” runs of 5-2 on Tuesday, 7-3 after a defeat and 9-4-1 following a non-cover. Finally, the last three meetings in this rivalry have stayed low.

ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA

(13) Vanderbilt (22-6, 14-12 ATS) at Florida (20-9, 13-11 ATS)
The Commodores hit the road for the second time in three days when they head to the O’Connell Center looking to damage Florida’s Big Dance hopes in a key SEC clash.
Vanderbilt suffered a heartbreaking two-point home loss to then-No. 2 Kentucky on Feb. 20, but it rebounded last week with consecutive league wins over Georgia at home (96-94 in overtime on Thursday) and Arkansas on the road (89-72 on Saturday). In the victory over the Razorbacks, the Commodores cashed as a two-point road favorite, but they’re still just 3-6 ATS in their last nine games.
The Gators ran their winning streak to three in a row with last Tuesday’s 75-62 home rout of No. 19 Tennessee to move off the Tournament bubble. But they got right back on that bubble Saturday by losing 78-76 at Georgia as a two-point road favorite. Although Florida has failed to cover in four of its last six games (following a 6-1 ATS run), Billy Donovan’s squad is still 9-3 SU in its last 12 conference games.
The Commodores are 8-5 away from home (7-5 ATS in lined games), including 5-2 SU and ATS in SEC road games (with the winner covering the spread in all seven games). The Gators are 13-3 at the O’Connell Center (6-6 ATS), including six straight conference home wins (4-2 ATS) since losing to Kentucky 89-77 in their first league contest in Gainesville.
Vanderbilt had little trouble with Florida when these teams met in Nashville on Jan. 9, winning 95-87 as a 5½-point home favorite. That ended the Gators’ two-game SU and four-game ATS winning streaks in this rivalry. Florida is still 7-3 SU in the last 10 meetings (6-3 ATS in the last nine), and it has cashed in five of the last seven clashes in Gainesville.
The Commodores have failed to cover the spread in four straight games when coming off an ATS triumph, but they’re on positive pointspread rolls of 5-2 on the highway (all in the SEC), 9-3 on Tuesday and 9-4 versus winning teams. Florida is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games against winning teams, but 3-7 ATS in its last 10 on Tuesday and 6-15 ATS in its last 21 after a SU defeat.
Vanderbilt, which averages 79.1 ppg, are on “over” runs of 10-2 overall, 10-2 on the road, 20-7 in SEC play and 7-2 after a SU victory. The Gators have topped the total in four of their last five SEC outings and 19 of 28 after a SU defeat, but the under is 12-5 in their last 17 home games. Additionally, four of the last five series battles at Florida have stayed under the total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Georgia Tech (19-9, 13-8-1 ATS) at Clemson (20-8, 13-12 ATS)
Two ACC squads looking to enhance their March credentials hook up at Littlejohn Coliseum, where Clemson hosts the Yellow Jackets.
Georgia Tech bounced back from a tough two-point loss at Maryland by taking out Boston College 73-68 on Saturday, but failed to cover as a 7½-point home favorite. The Yellow Jackets are just 3-4 in their last seven games (2-4-1 ATS), and they’ve lost five straight ACC road games (2-2-1 ATS). However, three of those five were two-point road setbacks. For the season, Georgia Tech is 3-7 in true road games (5-4-1 ATS).
The Tigers continued their late-season surge with Sunday’s 53-50 come-from-behind victory at Florida State as a five-point road underdog. Clemson has won four of its last five games overall and five of its last seven, including four straight home wins. However, the Tigers are just 4-7 ATS in their last 11 (all in the ACC), alternating spread-covers in their last eight outings. Clemson is 13-2 and 9-3 ATS at Littlejohn Coliseum, where it outscores visitors by nearly 17 ppg (76.3-59.4).
Clemson went to Atlanta on Jan. 19 and lost 66-64 to the Yellow Jackets as a one-point road underdog, which kick-started a three-game losing skid that preceded the Tigers’ current 5-2 run. Georgia Tech has won the last two meetings (including a five-point victory as an 8½-point underdog in last year’s ACC tournament), but the home team is 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in the last eight regular-season clashes, including Clemson’s 73-59 home win as a 13-point chalk last season.
Also in this rivalry, the favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven, with the SU winner covering the spread in each of those contests.
Georgia Tech carries ATS trends of 17-8-1 overall, 9-4-1 on the highway, 3-1-1 after a SU victory and 5-1-1 following a non-cover. Clemson has cashed in nine of 11 at home and five of seven on Tuesday, but it is 1-5 ATS in its last six after a SU victory and 0-4 ATS in its last four after a non-cover.
The under is on runs of 5-2 for the Jackets on Tuesday, 5-1 for the Jackets after a non-cover, 13-6 for the Tigers overall, 19-7 for the Tigers at home and 5-1 for the Tigers versus winning teams. Also, the last two series meetings at Clemson have stayed low.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEMSON and UNDER

NBA

Boston (36-21, 21-35-1 ATS) at Detroit (21-38, 25-32-2 ATS)
The slumping Celtics, coming off consecutive home losses, try to regain momentum when they trek to The Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich., for an Eastern Conference contest against the Pistons.
Boston blew an eight-point lead to Cleveland on Thursday, getting outscored 60-32 in the second half of a 108-88 loss as a 2½-point home underdog. Things got even worse Saturday, though, when they hosted the Nets (5-53) and lost 104-96 as a 10½-point home favorite. Going back to Dec. 27, Boston is just 13-16 SU and 8-20-1 ATS, including 4-15-1 ATS in its last 20 and 0-4 ATS in the last four. On the bright side, Doc Rivers’ squad still sports one of the best road records in the NBA at 20-10 (15-15 ATS).
Detroit returns home after a four-game Western Conference road trip that started with a 101-89 victory in Sacramento as a 2½-point underdog last Tuesday but ended with three consecutive losses (1-2 ATS) to the Clippers, Nuggets and Warriors by 6, 5 and 7 points. The Pistons have dropped 12 of their last 18 games (6-11-1 ATS), going 3-7 in their last nine at home (2-7-1 ATS). Going back to mid-December, they’re 10-26 SU (11-24-1 ATS), including 6-12 at The Palace (5-12-1 ATS).
One of Detroit’s recent home victories came against Boston on Jan. 20, when the Pistons rolled 92-86 as a six-point underdog. They’ve won the last two in a row in this rivalry (SU and ATS) following a 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS run by the Celtics. That said, the visitor is has won and covered four of the last six meetings; the visitor is 14-5 ATS in the last 19; the underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10; Boston is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 trips to Motown; and the SU winner has covered in each of the last six meetings and 14 of the last 15.
In addition to their current 8-20-1 ATS slump overall, the Celtics are in pointspread ruts of 0-6 in Eastern Conference games, 0-4 versus the Central Division, 0-4 versus losing teams, 0-4 on Tuesday and 5-15-1 when coming off a SU defeat. The Pistons have cashed in six straight Tuesday contests and they’re 3-1-1 ATS in their last five against Atlantic Division teams, but from there, they’re on ATS slides 2-6-1 against the Eastern Conference, 2-5 versus winning teams, 25-51-1 after a SU defeat and 23-50-1 after an ATS setback.
Boston has topped the total in four straight games overall, and the over is 18-8-1 in its last 27 following two days off. However, the under is 5-1 in its last six on the road and 5-1 in its last six against Central Division opponents, while Detroit is on “under” runs of 10-3 against the Eastern Conference, 5-1 versus opponents with a winning record and 4-1 on Tuesday.
Finally, 16 of the last 21 meetings between these rivals have stayed low, including the last seven in a row in Detroit.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
DUNKEL NBA

Indiana at LA Lakers
The Pacers look to build on their 7-0 ATS record in their last 7 games as an underdog of 11 points or more. Indiana is the pick (+12 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by only 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+12 1/2)

Game 501-502: Boston at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 121.497; Detroit 117.037
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 4 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 503-504: Golden State at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 116.797; Miami 119.231
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 2 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 505-506: Sacramento at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 110.766; Oklahoma City 122.963
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 12; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 10 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-10 1/2); Over

DUNKEL NCAAB

Louisville at Marquette
The Golden Eagles look to build on their 9-1-1 ATS record in their last 11 games versus teams with a winning SU record. Marquette is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Golden Eagles favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Marquette (-2)

Game 509-510: St. John’s at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: St. John’s 66.037; Syracuse 75.584
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 14
Dunkel Pick: St. John’s (+14)

Game 511-512: Villanova at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 70.292; Cincinnati 67.781
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 4
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+4)

Game 513-514: Indiana at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 56.043; Purdue 75.058
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 19
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 515-516: Iowa at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 62.245; Wisconsin 73.947
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 517-518: Minnesota at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 69.547; Michigan 67.997
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota

Game 519-520: Penn State at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 63.131; Michigan State 75.029
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 12
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 521-522: East Carolina at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 49.030; Central Florida 58.198
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 9
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 12
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+12)

Game 523-524: UTEP at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 68.430; Marshall 66.534
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 2
Vegas Line: Marshall by 1
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (+1)

Game 525-526: Vanderbilt at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 68.455; Florida 70.994
Dunkel Line: Florida by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 3
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+3)

Game 527-528: South Florida at DePaul
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 66.442; DePaul 59.893
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: South Florida by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (-2 1/2)

Game 529-530: Tulane at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 49.156; Southern Mississippi 62.143
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 13
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 11
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-11)

Game 531-532: Miami (FL) at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 64.855; North Carolina 66.087
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 1
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 4
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (+4)

Game 533-534: Georgia Tech at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 68.774; Clemson 73.447
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 7
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+7)

Game 535-536: Missouri at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 73.605; Iowa State 65.489
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 8
Vegas Line: Missouri by 5
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-5)

Game 537-538: Baylor at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 71.802; Texas Tech 65.355
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Baylor by 4
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-4)

Game 539-540: Colorado at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 62.306; Nebraska 63.193
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 1
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 5
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+5)

Game 541-542: Louisville at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 68.350; Marquette 72.286
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 4
Vegas Line: Marquette by 2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (-2)

Game 543-544: Air Force at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 47.413; Wyoming 52.892
Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Wyoming by 6
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+6)

Game 545-546: Loyola-Chicago at Cleveland State
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 47.989; Cleveland State 59.938
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 12
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (-11)

Game 547-548: Youngstown State at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 48.693; WI-Green Bay 62.012
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 9
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (-9)

Game 549-550: Detroit at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 56.604; Valparaiso 56.113
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+2)

Game 551-552: Illinois-Chicago at WI-Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 50.671; WI-Milwaukee 59.816
Dunkel Line: WI-Milwaukee by 9
Vegas Line: WI-Milwaukee by 11
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+11)

Game 553-554: Jacksonville State at Morehead State
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 41.277; Morehead State 62.621
Dunkel Line: Morehead State by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Morehead State by 15
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (-15)

Game 555-556: Tennessee State at Murray State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 49.276; Murray State 64.642
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Murray State by 21
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (+21)

Game 557-558: Tennessee Tech at Austin Peay
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 45.251; Austin Peay 56.087
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 11
Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 9
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (-9)

Game 559-560: Eastern Kentucky at Eastern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 52.232; Eastern Illinois 52.304
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Eastern Illinois by 1
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (+1)

Game 561-562: Illinois at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 67.678; Ohio State 78.339
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-9)

Game 563-564: Charleston Southern at Radford
Dunkel Ratings: Charleston Southern 43.381; Radford 53.215
Dunkel Line: Radford by 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 565-566: Liberty at Winthrop
Dunkel Ratings: Liberty 42.481; Winthrop 51.024
Dunkel Line: Winthrop by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 567-568: VMI at Coastal Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: VMI 41.228; Coastal Carolina 57.121
Dunkel Line: Coastal Carolina by 16
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

DUNKEL NHL

Los Angeles at Dallas

The Kings look to build on their 7-3 record in their last 10 games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season. Los Angeles is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+115)

Game 1-2: Montreal at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.562; Boston 12.671
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-175); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-175); Under

Game 3-4: Carolina at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.771; Toronto 10.827
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+115); Over

Game 5-6: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.099; Atlanta 11.314
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-140); Over

Game 7-8: Chicago at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.989; NY Islanders 10.701
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-190); Over

Game 9-10: Vancouver at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.250; Columbus 11.544
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 11-12: Buffalo at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 10.899; Pittsburgh 11.618
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 13-14: Philadelphia at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.819; Tampa Bay 10.941
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-130); Under

Game 15-16: NY Rangers at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.490; Ottawa 12.643
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-155); Under

Game 17-18: Edmonton at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.294; Nashville 11.883
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-250); Under

Game 19-20: Los Angeles at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.944; Dallas 12.198
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+115); Over

Game 21-22: St. Louis at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.171; Phoenix 11.090
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+120); Under

Game 23-24: New Jersey at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 10.811; San Jose 12.145
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-150); Under
– — – — – — – — – — – — – ——-
spartan | CBB Sides Tue, 03/02/10 – 8:00 PM
triple-dime bet 535 Missouri -5.0 (-110) Bookmaker.com vs 536 Iowa St

Play Of The Day Thread-Tuesday 3/2

2010-03-01T19:44:28-08:00

Piss poor effort by the Bulls Monday night. Gotta post this a bit early tonight. Very up and down the last 10 days or so – bound to go on a run here pretty quick. We need to wake the board up and get a few more plays posted Tuesday! Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Monday 3/1

2010-02-28T21:30:58-08:00

Took a push on the Lakers Sunday, and a small loss on the CBB play. Looks like JZ hit another thread winner, so props and keep it up! New week, new month and ready for march madness. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

2/28/10 Jizzle’s Daily Dime

2010-02-28T09:53:27-08:00

2/28/10

(845) Weber St/(846) Portland St over 158 Winner

RECORD 11-8 (W4)

Play Of The Day Thread-Sunday 2/28

2010-02-27T21:06:56-08:00

BANG – TRIPLE STAR WINNER About damn time we had a walk in the park win. Pretty much wire to wire. With Cal Poly, it made a huge night overall. Let’s finish strong Sunday and make it a nice profitable week. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

2/27/10 Jizzle’s Daily Dime

2010-02-27T11:38:49-08:00

2/27/10

(622) Auburn -8 Winner

RECORD (10-8) W3

Play Of The Day Thread-Saturday 2/27

2010-02-26T20:44:47-08:00

Not sure what to recap, as it is a tough pill to swallow losing in OT. Back to back games that appeared to be winners in the final 30 seconds. Appearances can be deceiving apparently. Luck’s gotta turn here today. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Friday 2/26

2010-02-25T21:44:09-08:00

Wow. Really hard to believe SJSU blew that cover. GSW still playing right now, but that is bitter. Cavs with the easy cover, and Cal with an easy 1st half winner (loved that call Bob). Let’s get a sweep headed into the weekend. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Thursday 2/25

2010-02-24T22:15:49-08:00

BANG Off the schnide (spelling?) Nice sweep with CBB & NBA Wednesday. Man that Lakers line just stunk. Fortunately, what seemed easy WAS easy – just like CANADA in hockey! That was a nice cash for most of us as well (good call Bob). Hope we can repeat and smoke the rest of the week. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

Play Of The Day Thread-Wednesday 2/24

2010-02-23T20:12:01-08:00

My hand is killing me and both nba and cbb made it worse! LOL. Good luck, and see ya in the AM

BobsPlays Feb 23

2010-02-23T15:06:53-08:00

Record updATE 37-27-3

Tuesday plays

TexTech/KST OVER 156 1/2 (L)

Cavs -3 1/2 in 1st Qtr (W)

Record Update 38-28-3

Wednesday Plays

Dayton/Temple OVER 55 in 1st H (L)

Swiss hOckey +3 goals over USA (W)

adding Canada (-150) over Russkies in olympic hockey (win 1 unit, lose 1.5 units) (W)

Record Update 40-29-3

Thursday

Cal -6 1st H (W)
Louis. Tech – 5 in 1st H (L)
Youngstown St + 5 1/2 in 1st H (W)

42-30-3

Friday

Penn + 1 1/2 in 1st H (W)

R4ecord update 43-30-3

Saturday (last one in Feb)

OH ST -7 in 1st H (L)
Geo Tech -4 in 1st H (W)
Geo Mason + 3 1/2 in game (W)
Y”Town st + 1/2 in 1st h (L)

Record Update 45-32-3

2/23 Service Plays

2010-02-23T12:43:48-08:00

Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today’s best NBA bets

Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies (N/A)

Kobe Bryant is set to return to the lineup for the Lakers tonight after missing the last five games with an ankle injury, which he says has healed.

“It should be,” Bryant told the Los Angeles Times after undergoing hours of treatment on the ankle. “If not, I’m firing everybody.”

His teammates didn’t miss a beat during his absence, winning four of those five SU, but they’re not the same team without Kobe’s 28 points per game.

Bryant’s ordeal comes full circle in Memphis, where he first sustained the injury in the final game of the Lakers’ brutal eight-game road trip on Feb. 1.

The Lakers lost that game 95-93 after Kobe passed up the potential game-winning shot to let Ron Artest try a trey at the buzzer. Clank!

Bryant won’t make the same mistake twice and the word is he could have come back much sooner if the Lakers had needed him. Kobe wanted to wait until he was ready, and by ready he means dominant.

Expect him to turn in a strong performance against a team that is just 2-6 SU and ATS since beating the Lakers.

Pick: Lakers

New Orleans Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers (-11.5, 199)

The addition of Antawn Jamison has yet to pay off for the Cavs, who have lost three games in a row since trading Zydrunas Ilgauskus for the two-time All-Star.

Jamison scored 19 points in Sunday’s loss to the Magic but defense has been the team’s primary concern lately.

The Cavs have allowed opponents to break 100 in five of their last six outings. It previously took 22 games for teams to top triple digits five times against Cleveland.

Jamison gets his first start with the Cavs tonight against the Hornets, who have covered in five of their last six games. The Cavs are 1-5 ATS during that same span and have lost three of their last four against the Hornets.

With apologies to Ernie Banks, let’s p(ar)lay two.

Pick: Hornets/Over
— – — – — – — – — – — – — – —
SPORTS ADVISORS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

(11) Georgetown (18-7, 11-10 ATS) at Louisville (18-9, 8-14 ATS)
Louisville looks to boost its NCAA Tournament resume when it welcomes the 11th-ranked Hoyas to Freedom Hall for a Big East battle.
Georgetown fell behind No. 5 Syracuse by 23 points in the second half on Thursday and made a valiant comeback, only to fall short 75-71 as a two-point home favorite. The Hoyas have dropped four of their last seven games both SU and ATS, though two of the victories were double-digit wins over No. 8 Duke and No. 2 Villanova. They now sit in a tie for sixth place in the Big East standings, one game behind Louisville. The SU winner has cashed in each of Georgetown’s last 11 contests.
The Cardinals have won three in a row and five of their last six, but they continue to struggle to cover pointspreads, going 1-4 ATS in their last five and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 (all Big East games). On Saturday, Louisville went to DePaul and prevailed 68-59, falling just short as an 11½-point road chalk. The Cardinals have won four straight road games (all in conference), going just 1-3 ATS, and they’re 6-1 SU and 2-5 ATS when hosting conference foes.
Louisville pummeled the Hoyas in last year’s lone meeting, rolling 76-58 as a one-point road chalk. The Cardinals, who had gone 2-4 SU in the previous six against Georgetown, have covered in each of the last three clashes. These teams have squared off six times in since 2000, and the favorite, road team and SU winner are all 4-1-1 ATS.
Georgetown is 7-4 on the highway this year (6-4 ATS in lined games), while Louisville is 14-3 at home (4-8 ATS).
The Hoyas have failed to cover in 23 of their last 32 conference games and seven of 10 as an underdog of less than seven points, but they’re 5-2 ATS in their last seven when coming off a defeat and 4-1 ATS in their last five following a non-cover. Louisville is 45-21-2 ATS in their last 68 Big East contests, but other than that, the Cardinals are in pointspread freefalls of 3-9 overall, 1-5 at home, 3-7 against winning teams, 2-6 on Tuesday, 0-4 as a favorite and 0-4 after a SU victory.
Georgetown has topped the total in seven straight games after a SU victory, six straight after a non-cover and eight of 11 as an underdog, while the over has cashed in eight of Louisville’s last 11 home games (all as a favorite). Conversely, the under is on runs of 6-2 for the Hoyas on the highway, 7-2 for the Hoyas on Tuesday, 4-1 for the Cardinals overall (all in conference) and 5-1 for the Cardinals after an ATS setback. Finally, four of the six meetings between these teams – including two of three at Freedom Hall – during the past decade stayed below the posted price.

ATS ADVANTAGE: LOUISVILLE and UNDER

(6) Kansas State (22-4, 14-6-1 ATS) at Texas Tech (16-10, 12-8 ATS)
The Wildcats take a five-game winning streak into United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas, for a Big 12 contest against Texas Tech, which has dropped three in a row.
Kansas State took a two-point halftime lead at Oklahoma on Saturday, then rolled from there, winning 83-68 and easily cashing as a 5½-point road chalk. Although the Wildcats are just 3-2 ATS during their winning streak, they have cashed in five of their last seven overall. Also, they’ve won five straight road games, all in the Big 12 (3-1-1 ATS). During the current five-game overall winning streak, Kansas State is averaging 79.4 ppg (47.6 percent shooting) and yielding 67.6 ppg (41.9 percent).
The Red Raiders gave Texas a good fight Saturday, but came up on the short end of a 71-67 decision, though it did cash as a 6½-point home underdog. The Red Raiders won 13 of their first 14 home games, but they’ve since lost their last two by a total of six points. Throw in a 94-89 overtime loss to Missouri, and Texas Tech’s three home defeats (all in conference) were by a total of 11 points.
Kansas State won last year’s only meeting with Texas Tech 85-73, barely covering as an 11½-point home favorite. Prior to that, the Red Raiders had gone 6-1 SU and ATS in this rivalry, and they’ve covered in five straight meetings in Lubbock. The home team is 8-2 SU and ATS in the last 10 regular-season tussles, and the SU winner has cashed in each of the last 13 clashes.
The Wildcats are on a slew of positive ATS runs, including 13-4-1 overall, 6-2-1 on the road, 5-2 in Big 12 games, 10-3-1 as a favorite, 4-1-1 as a road favorite, 6-1-1 when laying less than seven points, 5-0 on Tuesday, 11-4-1 versus winning teams and 9-4-1 after both a SU or ATS victory. Meanwhile, Texas Tech has now cashed in eight of its last 10 at home and six of seven as a ‘dog of less than seven points, but it is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 on Tuesday.
K-State has stayed under the total in five of its last seven Tuesday games, and the under is 4-1 in Tech’s last five at home. From there, though, the “over” is on runs of 7-2-1 for the Wildcats on the road, 17-5-1 for the Wildcats as a road favorite, 6-2 for the Wildcats after an ATS win, 37-17-2 for the Red Raiders overall, 26-11-2 for the Red Raiders as an underdog, 13-3-2 for the Red Raiders as a pup of less than seven points, 20-9-2 for the Red Raiders after a loss and 15-7-1 for the Red Raiders after a spread-cover. Also, the last two matchups in this rivalry have topped the posted total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

(19) Tennessee (20-6, 10-12-1 ATS) at Florida (19-8, 12-10 ATS)The Gators hope to end a six-game series losing streak to Tennessee while at the same time enhancing their NCAA Tournament chances when they welcome the 19th-ranked Volunteers to the O’Connell Center for an SEC showdown.
Tennessee had little trouble with South Carolina on Saturday, rolling to a 63-55 victory and cashing as a 1½-point road favorite following a 2-7 ATS slump. The Vols have won two in a row and five of their last seven, splitting four road games during this stretch. Bruce Pearl’s squad is 3-3 SU in conference roadies, but has failed to cover in four of the last five on the highway.
Florida went to Ole Miss on Saturday and scored a key 64-61 victory as a five-point road underdog, halting a three-game ATS slide. Since dropping their first two SEC games, the Gators have won eight of their last 11 overall, going 8-2 in SEC contests during this stretch (7-3 ATS). That includes five straight conference home wins (3-2 ATS). For the season, Billy Donovan’s team has won 12 of 15 home games, averaging 73.1 ppg (43.8 percent shooting) while holding visitors to 60.7 ppg (40 percent).
Tennessee survived a thriller against the Gators in Knoxville on Jan. 31, winning 61-60 for its sixth straight victory in this rivalry. However, the Vols came up way short as an 8½-point home favorite, ending a 5-0 ATS streak against Florida. Still, Tennessee is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings (9-3 ATS), and it has cashed in 13 of the last 17 clashes overall, going 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Gainesville.
Aside from their pointspread success against Florida, the Vols are in ATS ruts of 2-7 overall (all in SEC play), 1-4 on the road and 6-13 following a spread-cover. However, they’re 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 as an underdog of less than seven points. Florida’s 5-2 ATS run in the SEC is offset by negative pointspread streaks of 3-7 at home, 4-9 as a home chalk of less than seven points and 1-4 on Tuesday.
These teams have gone over the total in five of the last seven meetings in Florida. Other than that, though, Tennessee is on “under” runs of 23-8 overall, 24-9 on the road, 19-7 in conference, 20-8 as an underdog, 10-2 as a ‘dog of less than seven points, 6-2 on Tuesday, 19-7 after a SU victory and 11-4 after a spread-cover, while the Gators carry “under” trends of 17-7 overall, 12-4 at home, 14-3 as a favorite, 12-2 as a home chalk, 7-0 when favored by less than seven points, 27-10-1 following a win and 9-3 after a spread-cover. Also, last month’s meeting in Tennessee stayed way under the posted total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

NBA

New Orleans (30-26, 28-28 ATS) at Cleveland (43-14, 28-28-1 ATS)
The suddenly slumping Cavaliers return to Quicken Loans Arena looking to get back on track with a victory over the Hornets.
New Orleans, which continues to play without All-Star point guard Chris Paul (knee surgery), is coming off back-to-back home wins over Indiana (107-101 as a 4½-point favorite on Friday) and Houston (102-94 as a two-point home chalk on Sunday). The Hornets concluded their four-game homestand at 3-1 SU and ATS, and they’re now 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS in their last six games. Additionally, they’ve won nine of their last 13 on the highway, going 10-3 ATS (6-0 ATS last six).
Cleveland has followed up a 13-game winning streak with three consecutive SU and ATS losses, falling to Denver at home on Thursday (118-116 in overtime) then suffering road losses at Charlotte on Friday (110-93) and Orlando on Sunday (101-95). The Cavaliers have also followed up a six-game spread-covering win streak (4-0 ATS at home) by going 1-5 ATS in their last six (1-3 ATS at home). For the season, LeBron James and his crew have won 24 of 28 at Quicken Loans Arena, but they’re only 12-16 ATS.
The home team has won two in a row and five of the last six in this rivalry, all SU and ATS. In last year’s clash in Cleveland, the Cavs rolled 92-78 as a 2½-point chalk, ending an 0-3 SU and ATS slide against New Orleans. The Hornets are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight visits to Quicken Loans Arena, and the SU winner has cashed in each of the last eight series meetings.
In addition to covering the spread in five of their last six games overall and six straight on the highway, the Hornets are on ATS runs of 4-0 against the Eastern Conference, 4-0 when playing after one day off and 8-0 on the road against opponents with a winning home record. Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last six overall and 2-5 ATS in its last seven on Tuesday, but from there the Cavs are on pointspread surges of 11-4 against the Southwest Division, 27-11 after a SU defeat and 7-2 when going after one day of rest.
New Orleans carries “over” trends of 10-4 overall, 6-0 on the road, 5-1 against the Eastern Conference, 6-1-1 against winning teams, 18-5 after one day of rest and 6-2 on Tuesday. Likewise, Cleveland is riding “over” streaks of 5-1-1 overall, 4-0-1 at home, 4-1 after a SU loss and 4-1 versus Western Conference foes. Finally, the over is 7-2-1 in the last 10 Cavs-Hornets meetings overall and 5-1-1 in the last seven battles in Cleveland.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER

Phoenix (34-23, 31-26 ATS) at Oklahoma City (33-21 SU and ATS)
The red-hot Thunder put their nine-game winning streak on the line when they welcome the Suns to the Ford Center.
Phoenix hits the road following a pair of easy home victories over the Hawks on Friday (88-80 as a four-point favorite) and Kings on Sunday (104-88 as a 9½-point chalk). The Suns have won eight of their last 10 overall SU and ATS, and they’ve followed up a five-game road losing skid (1-4 ATS) by winning five of their last six on the highway (SU and ATS). Also, the winner has covered the pointspread in 16 of Phoenix’s last 17 games, including the last 12 in a row.
Oklahoma City is coming off a pair of narrow road wins, edging the Knicks in overtime on Saturday 121-118 and the Timberwolves on Sunday 109-107. The Thunder failed to cover as a five-point favorite in both games – ending a 5-0 ATS run – but they’ve still won nine in a row overall, going 4-0 at home (3-1 ATS) during this stretch. Going back to Dec. 23, Oklahoma City has won 20 of 27 games, and it is 18-10 ATS in its last 18.
Forward Kevin Durant continues to play remarkable basketball, as he’s scored at least 25 points in 28 consecutive games, and he’s averaging 29.8 ppg on the season. That includes a 38-point effort at Phoenix on Dec. 23, when Oklahoma City pulled out a 117-113 upset victory over the Suns as an 8½-point road underdog, ending a nine-game losing streak in this rivalry.
The Thunder are 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings with Phoenix (all as an underdog) and 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 clashes. The Suns have not covered the spread in six straight visits to Oklahoma City (0-5-1 ATS).
Phoenix has failed to cover in four of its last five against teams from the Northwest Division, but other than that, it is on positive pointspread surges of 8-2 overall, 5-1 on the road, 4-1 on Tuesday, 7-2 against the Western Conference, 6-2 versus winning teams and 5-0 when playing on one day of rest.
Oklahoma City is on ATS upticks of 5-2 overall, 4-1 against the Western Conference, 4-1 versus Pacific Division opponents, 35-15-1 on Tuesday, 35-16-1 after a non-cover and 10-1 against winning teams.
The high-scoring Suns have stayed under the total in eight straight games overall, five straight on the road, seven straight against Western Conference foes, four straight when playing on one day of rest and six of eight on Tuesday. The under is also 19-7 in Oklahoma City’s last 26 games against winning teams, 10-3 in the last 13 meetings between these squads and 5-1 in the last six series battles at the Ford Center.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA CITY and UNDER
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ATSKINGS

Rex Rodgers Picks Page

This play is for Tuesday February 23rd

10* Canada -4.5 -125 (OLYMPIC GOY)

3* Under Czech Republic/Latvia 6.5 ~~135~~
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NBA DUNKEL

Detroit at Sacramento
The Kings look to take advantage of a Detroit team that is 6-18 ATS in its last 24 games as a road underdog between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Sacramento is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (-2 1/2). Here are all of today’s picks.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Game 501-502: New Orleans at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 117.047; Cleveland 129.657
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 12 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 11 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-11 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Minnesota at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 114.114 Miami 126.575
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 12 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 505-506: New York at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: New York 109.552; Boston 125.497
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 16; 195
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 507-508: Portland at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 119.195; New Jersey 109.686
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 9 1/2; 179
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8; 185
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-8); Under

Game 509-510: LA Lakers at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 125.882; Memphis 117.169
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 511-512: Phoenix at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 121.019; Oklahoma City 124.921
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 4; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 6 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+6 1/2); Under

Game 513-514: Detroit at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 111.484; Sacramento 117.264
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 6; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 2 1/2; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (-2 1/2); Under

Game 515-516: Philadelphia at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 120.254; Golden State 117.859
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
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NCAAB DUNKEL

Georgetown at Louisville
The Hoyas look to take advantage of a Louisville team that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games as a home favorite. Georgetown is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hoyas favored by 3. Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (+3 1/2). Here are all of today’s games.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Game 517-518: Virginia at Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 62.353; Miami (FL) 67.800
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 6
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+6)

Game 519-520: Georgetown at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 72.810; Louisville 69.698
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 3
Vegas Line: Louisville by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (+3 1/2)

Game 521-522: Syracuse at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 75.093; Providence 65.927
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 9
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-8 1/2)

Game 523-524: Rutgers at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 56.208; Seton Hall 68.421
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 12
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-11 1/2)

Game 525-526: Illinois at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 69.888; Michigan 67.725
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 2
Vegas Line: Michigan by 3
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (+3)

Game 527-528: Old Dominion at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 63.192; Georgia State 56.673
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (+9 1/2)

Game 529-530: Creighton at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 57.941; Southern Illinois 61.323
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (+5 1/2)

Game 531-532: Northern Iowa at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 65.556; Evansville 52.686
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 13
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 10
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-10)

Game 533-534: Kansas State at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 73.217; Texas Tech 67.048
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 6
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-5)

Game 535-536: Tennessee at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 66.690; Florida 68.028
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 3
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+3)

Game 537-538: Hofstra at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 56.195; Northeastern 69.444
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 13
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 11
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-11)

Game 539-540: New Mexico at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 69.439; Colorado State 58.899
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 8
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (8)
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ALL COMPS !!!!!!!

Great Lakes Sports

Kansas State at Texas Tech
Play: Kansas State

The Kansas State Wildcats have a very respectable 15-6 ATS record this year, and the Kansas State Wildcats are a perfect 4-0 ATS in the role of an road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points this year. The Kansas State Wildcats is also 6-2 ATS when playing on the road this year, and they are a perfect 5-0 ATS when playing on Tuesday’s this year. We look for the Kansas State Wildcats to grab the road ATS Win&Cover tonight.

Marc Lawrence

New Orleans Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs return home on a three-game losing streak to host the Hornets as they look to regain their winning ways since the acquisition of Antawn Jamison. After a horrific debut in which he was 0-for-12 from the floor, Jamison bounced back in strong fashion for the Cavs, albeit in a losing effort. the key to tonight’s contest is the fact that Cleveland is 25-6 SU and 18-22-1 ATS in games against opponents off a win this season, including 15-2 SU and 14-2-1 ATS when the foe owns a win percentage of .535 or more. That being the case, look for Lebron James and the Cavs to make a major statement here tonight.

Terron Chapman

Tennessee vs. Florida
Play: Tennessee +3

The Tennessee Volunteers (20-6) rebounded from tough losses at Vanderbilt and Kentucky to win over Georgia, and then at South Carolina, 63-55 on Saturday. The Volunteers will look to continue their success in Gainesville Tuesday when they visit the Gators (19-8) in a rematch of a 61-60 Vols win in Knoxville last month.

Tennessee has won 11 out of the last 14 in the series and currently holds a six game win streak. They’ve won four out of the last five in Gainesville, so they’ll have plenty of confidence heading into this one at the O‘ Dome. The Gators are tied with Tennessee in the SEC after a 64-61 win at Ole Miss on Saturday. Three of their final four come against the very best the SEC has to offer, including the season finale in Lexington. The Gators would love nothing more than to avenge that 1-point loss last month Tuesday night, but it won’t be easy against a confident and focused Vols squad.

These two match-up quite well with each other, hence the close meeting the first go around. Neither shoots it well from behind the arc, so points in the paint will be key. The Vols should have an advantage in that area with a surging Wayne Chism. Turnovers will be key as these two combined to force 30 in the first meeting.

The Gators find themselves listed as a 3-point favorite as of this writing and rightfully so given the revenge angle and them playing at home. However, the Vols know what’s at stake and Bruce Pearl should have his team ready and focused on the task at hand. This one could very well come down to the last possession like we saw in the last meeting, so taking the points seems like the way to go. Play On the Tennessee Volunteers for 1 unit.

Sam Martin

New Orleans Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers
Prediction: New Orleans Hornets

Ever since the trade to get Antawn Jamison, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been in a tailspin, losing three straight. That came on the heels of their season-long 13-game winning streak, and while we fully expect Cleveland to notch a win here tonight at home against New Orleans, covering this double-digit number is too much to ask. The Cavs haven?t yet figured out a rotation to fit Jamison in, bringing him off the bench in the first half against Orlando and then starting him in the second half, and now Leon Powe is set to make his season debut for the Cavs, meaning more rotation shuffling is required. We look for Cleveland to commit a ton of turnovers as they figure out their new lineups, and for the Hornets to capitalize on those mistakes, making this a closer game than the linesmaker predicts! 5* Play on New Orleans.

DAVID CHAN

Switzerland @ Belarus
PICK: Switzerland

Switzerland has looked much better than Belarus when the teams have played quality opposition. Switzerland fell 3-1 to the USA, and 3-2 to Canada in a shootout. Belarus was beaten down 5-1 by Finland and 4-2 by Sweden. In the Sweden game, Belarus was behind 3-0 halfway through and the Swedes took their feet off the pedals.

Belarus defeated Germany 5-3, but was outshot 40-17 in the process. It’s too much for Belarus to ask for lightning to strike twice.

Switzerland has the better goaltender and more players with NHL experience. Switzerland had a little trouble with Norway because the Swiss paraded to the penalty box at inopportune moments. If the Swiss can show just a smidgen of discipline here, they’ll win easily.

As always, make sure you know what you’ve got. This number -210 I’ve suggested includes any OT or shootout. If it’s based on regulation time only you should be laying a touch more. (Overtime/SO makes it a bit more random.) If you need Switzerland to win in regulation, you should be getting -125 or -130.

LEE KOSTROSKI

Illinois @ Michigan
PICK: Illinois +3

After winning five straight, the Illini have dropped two in a row against Ohio State and @Purdue. They have a few quality wins under their belt but are sitting at 17-10 and can ill afford a loss to struggling Michigan here. Illinois needs this game a lot more than the Wolverines and we expect a much bigger effort from the Illini.

Illinois has played well on the road as of late and is 6-3 ATS in their 9 true road games this season. They had a road win Clemson early in the season and ended Wisconsin’s 18-game home winning streak on Feb. 9th. In their latest game Purdue, they had a halftime lead and were within one point with under 5:00 minutes to play. But Purdue closed the game on a 14-5 run to sweep the season series. The Boilermakers also outscored the Fighting Illini, 24-3, from the free-throw line.

Entering the season with high expectations, the Wolverines haven’t lived up to any of them. Michigan is just 6-8 in Big Ten play this season and just .500 overall. They have no chance of making the Big Dance at the end of the season (besides an outside shot of winning the Big Ten tournament) and you get the feeling that many of the Michigan players have already cashed in for the season. “We just continue to work at it and know that it’s just great fertilizer for the future,” Beilein said. “It teaches our guys, it teaches me, it teaches everybody how to be a better team.”

After shooting a combined 47 percent from the field and 51 percent from 3-point land in two promising road wins (Minnesota, Iowa), Michigan returned to its old ways in their most recent game against Penn State, shooting 35 percent from the field and 21 percent from beyond the arc. The Nittany Lions, also the Big Ten’s worst team, outrebounded the Wolverines by 14 and achieved their first Big Ten win.

Illinois has won four of the last six meetings between these two by an average margin of 13.8 PPG (won by double digits in each game). Illinois is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big Ten. The Wolverines are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big Ten. Go with Illinois plus the points.

JIM FEIST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS / MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
TAKE: OVER

A pair of uptempo teams meet in Memphis. LA has been an under team of late, but they can still run the court with all their depth and athleticism is they are challenged. Memphis is young and loves to run, scoring over 102 ppg, but the allow 103.3 ppg—23rd in the NBA. And if you think that defense is bad, they allow .479% shooting by opponents, third worst in the league. You have to allow a lot of lay-ups for a mark like that. They just allowed 94 points to New Jersey, the worst offensive team in the league, and prior to that the Grizzlies had allowed 7 straight opponents to top 100 points. This one has run-and-gun written all over it, play the Lakers/Grizzlies over the total.

EZWINNERS

Oklahoma City Thunder -6.5

Oklahoma City is red hot right now. The Thunder have won nine games in a row and they are 6-3 against the spread in those games. Oklahoma City already owns a road win over Phoenix this season and I expect them to take care of the Suns in this game. Nobody in the league is playing better than the Thunder’s Kevin Durant who has elevated his game to another level. With a 32 point performance in the Thunder’s 109-107 victory at Minnesota on Sunday night, Durant extended his streak of games with at least 25 points to 28 games. Durant’s current streak is the longest since Michael Jordan had 40 straight games of 25 or more points in the 1986-87 season. The Suns will be without their spark plug, point guard Steve Nash who is attempting to heal from the lower abdominal and back pain that has bothered him for nearly four weeks. The Suns are also 0-5-1 against the spread in the last six trips to Oklahoma City. Lay the points.

Brad Diamond Sports

Evansville over Northern Iowa

The Panthers have won 10 straight in the series, 6 straight ATS. However, this is the final home game for Evansville, who despite a recent 82-80 loss to Illinois Chicago is in good spirits for this encounter. In addition, NIU 7’0” center Jordan Eglseder is still under suspension. That gives the Aces another break within this battle. Northern Iowa closes with a 1-6 ATS record against teams with under a .400 winning percentage, an indication that the Panthers could be real flat on Tuesday night out in the Valley.

Brad Diamond Sports

Evansville over Northern Iowa

GoodFella

PHO +7 vs OKL

First off, it should be noted, that Suns PG Steve Nash DID NOT make the trip to Ok City for tonights game-~~he is resting a sore back & will not play tonight~~-This is the 2nd meeting between these two clubs this season-~~as Ok City won AT Phoenix (117-113) as 8.56 pt dogs back on Dec 23rd~~-so Phoenix has a little same season revenge going-~~and a HOME loss revenge game at that~~-BOTH teams come in RED HOT-~~as the THUNDER are (9-0 SU & 6-3 ATS L/9) games coming into tonight~~-but the THUNDER have failed to cover in their L/2 games-~~a OT WIN AT NY~~-and a 2 pt win AT Minny their last game on Sunday-~~Tonights game will be just the 2nd HOME game for the THUNDER in 3 weeks tonight &~~-and they go back on the road to play AT the SPURS tomorrow night-~~The SUNS are (8-2 SU & ATS L/10) games coming into tonight~~-& they are coming off a (104-88) blowout HOME win over the Kings on Sunday-~~and this SUNS team is (5-1 SU & ATS L/6) ROAD games coming into tonights game. SUNS backup PG Dragic is a VERY capable backup and due to NASH being OUT~~-we have gained a couple more pts on this line-and I expect Dragic to step and take advantage of his chance to start tonight & play very well. OK City is (0-5 ATS L/5) games as a favorite of -5 to -10.5 & th Suns are (4-1 ATS L/5) ROAD games vs a team with a home win% of .600 or higher.-I expect a tight game tonight-~~and I really think getting the +7 here with the SUNS is rock solid value~~-as I wouldn’t be all that surprised with an outright win over the Thunder tonight-~~even without Steve Nash~~-grab the points with the SUNS in this spot guys.

Matt Fargo

3* Evansville Purple Aces

This is a game where Northern Iowa is clearly the superior team but the situational advantages go the other way. The Panthers have already clinched the outright regular season MVC Championship so there is not a whole lot of motivation going into this game. The goal for Northern Iowa, which is the final goal of the regular season, is to win at home on Saturday which would ensure an undefeated season at home. That is big for the players and certainly for the seniors that will be playing in their final home game. The win on Saturday at home over Old Dominion set the school record for most regular season wins at 24 and that makes this game even less of a motivator. This will be the third and final game that 7’0” center Jordan Eglseder will miss due to a suspension for driving under the influence. That is a big break for Evansville. It has been a very disappointing season for the Purple Aces although not a whole lot was expected this year. It was definitely a rebuilding season for Evansville who lost a lot from last season and who do not have a scholarship senior on the entire roster. While Northern Iowa is looking forward to its final home game on Saturday, this is in fact the final home game of the season for the Purple Aces. They are 6-9 at home which is not very good at all but being competitive has been the key. They are only 1-7 in home games within the conference but of those seven losses, four were close throughout while the two non-conference home losses were by only two and four points and the latter came against nationally ranked Butler. The one MVC home win came against Wichita St. which is no slouch as the Shockers are in second place in the conference at 11-5. Possibly even more impressive is the fact that Evansville went to Wichita in its last conference game and took the Shockers, who are undefeated at home, to overtime before losing by six points. It’s obvious that the Purple Aces could have tossed in the towel long ago but that has not been the case as they are still playing hard in every game and that will be no different tonight. As a double-digit underdog, Evansville is 7-3 ATS on the season and it is 5-0 ATS in its last five home games as an underdog between 7.0 and 12.5 points. Northern Iowa meanwhile is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven games against teams with a winning percentage below .400. Evansville also falls into a solid situation based on the last game results. Play on underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points that are coming off a loss as a favorite going up against an opponent that is coming off a home win. This situation is 98-53 ATS (64.9 percent) over the last five seasons. 3* Evansville Purple Aces

Tom Freese

New Mexico at Colorado St

Colorado St is 15-11 overall and they are 6-6 in Conference Play. Guard Dorian Green scores 12.9 point a game. Forward Andy Ogide scores 11.4 points a game. Forward Travis Franklin scores 10.7 points a game. No other player scores more than 8 points a game. The Rams score just 66 points a game. Colorado St is 0-7 ATS their last 7 games vs. a team with a win percentage of over 60% and they are 22-46 ATS off an ATS loss. New Mexico is 25-3 overall and 11-2 in Conference Play. Darington Hobson scores 15.5 points a game while shooting 38% from behind the arc. He also grabs 8.8 rebounds a game. Forward Roman Martinez scores 13.8 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. Guard Dairese Gary scores 11.5 points a game. The Lobos shoot 38% from behind the arc and they score 77 points a game. New Mexico is 6-2-1 ATS their last 9 games and they are 4-1 ATS their last 5 trips to Fort Collins. PLAY ON NEW MEXICO

Jorge Gonzalez

Los Angeles at Memphis

The Grizzlies are coming off a 104-94 win over the hapless New Jersey Nets but have won just twice in the last eight games. The Lakers have been off for four days ad will have Kobe Bryant back in the starting line-up for the firs time since the All- Star break. Bryant missed five games for the Lakers but was not really missed as his teammates took up the slack winning four of five games, losing only to Boston 87-86. The Grizzlies will be the fired up team in this spot with the NBA Champions coming to town. The Lakers may be a little but rusty and may be looking ahead to playing the new-look Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have been on fire since the All-Star break winning four of five games and not allowing any team to break the century mark. Memphis are an up and coming team but do not register as a big game in the NBA. Thus, the Lakers have covered just six of the last 21 meetings and the underdog has covered 11 of the last 16 meetings.

PLAY MEMPHIS

VEGAS EXPERTS

New Orleans Hornets at Cleveland Cavs

Kneejerk reaction is to lay the points with the Cavs, who are off their first three-game losing streak in two seasons. However, considering the number, that would be unwise. The LeBrons have failed to cash in five of their last six games overall, including two games where they were laying double-digits against the terrible Knicks and pathetic Nets. The Hornets are cashing at 67%, 28-14 ATS, when taking between 9.5 and 12 points on the road.

Play on: New Orleans

Frank Jordan

Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Jersey Nets
Play: Portland Trail Blazers -7.5

Portland is coming off a a couple of tough losses as they got blown out by Boston by 20 points Friday and followed that up by blowing a 25 points second half lead to Utah and losing in overtime. The remedy for that is simple the New Jersey Nets who are 3-24 at home and has only 5 wins overall. Portland is playing decent on the road at 13-13 and the addition of Marcus Camby has really helped. Look for Portland to start off this road trip with a big time blow win over New Jersey. Play Portland

Craig Trapp

Tennessee vs. Florida
Play: Over 134.5

Hard to imagine that TEN can win without having this game in the 70’s. TEN has to score and get their full court press going to have any chance today. FLA can score in bunches and with the press from TEN they will get a ton of easy ones. Very close game that ends up over fairly easily.

JR O’Donnell

New Orleans Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Play: New Orleans Hornets +11.5

New Orleans (30-26) at Cleveland (43-14) a few solid facts for the dog here JR O will be bucking the public tonight the Quickens Loan center as the Hornets have played some good ball here the last 4 games & we will gladly take the points tonight!! Looking at this Cavs club they own a huge 0-3 ats/straight up mark since the All star break. Prior to the break they ran off 13 straight! We note that the New Orleans Hornets are on a huge Ats Cover streak $$$$$ as they are 7-2 ATS mark the last 9 away! The public will be looking for a blow out the Q but not us!! The Hornets fill it up from the charity stripe at 78% vs 72% for the Cavs. Information wins games boys & we will be going ugly tonight with the Dog!! The Hornets have caught fire and they will stay within the 11 tonight.

Vernon Croy

1* Take New Mexico ATS

Mike's 2/23 CBB THOUGHTS

2010-02-23T10:42:58-08:00

MIAMI -5.5 Virginia: This game is very important to Miami. Not only is it a home game, but it’s also a revenge angle as well. Miami was a team that started the season with some gaudy numbers. But was it because this team was good or just a weak strength of schedule? After all, their strength of schedule even now is only top 150 in the country. They’ve lost 8 of their past 10 games heading into tonight. So why then should they be favored by 5 or more points? Well, Virginia hasn’t been playing well either. As much as i like the new coaching regime, i think the Virginia players are simply tired. Trying to focus on defense as much as they have can be grueling for a full season. Virginia has lost 5 straight games. That looks bad, but one must realize that all 5 opponents are in the top 50 in the nation. I have conflicting situations here today, so i’m simply passing. For what it’s worth, i still have Miami as a top 72 team at home, while Virginia is top 115 on the road. I think this game will be close, so i see very little betting value here. NO THANKS.

GEORGETOWN +4 Louisville: It shows you how tough of a schedule this Hoyas team has played when they’ve lost 4 of their past 7 games and are still ranked right at the top 10 in the nation. They Hoyas have played one of the 4 toughest schedules in the country, and are 18-7 SU to show for it. Louisville is playing great basketball right now, and i see no reason they won’t continue that play at home tonight. It will be very interesting to see how the Hoyas react to consecutive SU defeats. I want to lean to the Hoyas here, as i simply don’t see them losing 3 straight games. But this game is “high” for a reason, and getting higher. No thanks.

PROVIDENCE +8.5 Syracuse: I hate fading Syracuse, so that alone makes me almost certain i won’t touch this game. Anyone should tell you this is a dangerous game for the Cuse tonight. That’s because they come off a 4 point SU win at Georgetown, and have VILLANOVA in their next game. This is a classic sandwich game, and the Cuse better be careful. This Providence team can play, and they can score in waves. I have Providence as a top 120 team at home this season, so they arent terrible. This is the 2nd to last home game for Providence as well. Keep in mind, Providence has played 4 of the top 10 teams in the country over their past 5 games. Based on the horrible spot Syracuse is in, and the fact Providence can score, a very very small lean to the home underdog here. Not going to be a play unless somthing drastic happens, but my slight lean.

SETON HALL -12 Rutgers: Time to start looking at the big picture. These teams have yet to face each other this season, yet play each other twice over their next three games. These 2 matchups mean everything to Seton Hall, as they need to win BOTH games in their efforts to make the Big Dance. I think this is part of the reason this line is so high. I have Seton Hall as a top 55 team at home, who have played a top 35 schedule this season. Seton Hall isn’t that hard to figure out, as they’ve beaten everyone they were supposed to, and lost to everyone else. Can they cover this spread is obviously the question at hand. I hate double digit favorites because the back door is so BIG. Rutgers can play, but typically at home. Rutgers had lost 9 in a row before winning 4 of their past 6 games coming into today. 3 of those wins were against Top 100 teams as well. Their 4th win was a ROAD LEAGUE win which is very rare for this team. WIll they take that motivation with them in their next game? Tough game here, and i’m staying away as i can see reasons to back both teams. Certainly i expect Seton Hall to win this game, but double digits is NEVER easy.

ILLINOIS +2.5 Michigan: I like Illinois here, and this IS a lean for me. Michigan is a 2 man show, and that’s it. When both Sims and Harris score 20 PTS in the same game, they are a perfect 7-0 this season. I think Illinois is playing good ball right now, and actually a little bit underrated. I rarely play Big 10 ball, but here’s a spot where i admit i have a solid lean. I have Illinois as a top 60 team on the road facing a Michigan team that’s only top 140 at home. Illinois has also played the far tougher schedule. Based on power rankings alone, this game favors Illinois. From a motivational perspective, Illinois is making sure they get into the Big Dance, so they know they need as many wins as possible. On national TV tonight, i see no way this team doesn’t put forth maximum effort. I like the way the Illinois bigs are starting to play, which is huge here. I think Michigan is simply too one dimensional, and i think Illinois wins this game OUTRIGHT.

GEORGIA ST. +9.5 Old Dominion: Here’s my 2nd lean of the day, as i like Georgia St. here. I think they are in a good spot at home today in their last home game of the season. This team has some leadership, so i believe they will fire a good performance tonight. Is the situational spot strong enough to eliminate the huge edge in talent and athleticism for ODU? That’s the major question regarding this game. ODU is coming off the 9 point loss to Northern Iowa in their Bracket Buster game, so they are likely to be angry today. The fact that they gave up 71 points likely means they will play shutdown D tonight. But don’t forget, ODU has a game against VCU, so what motivation does this ODU team have to win this game on the road by double digits? Georgia St. is off consecutive wins, against opponents NOT ranked in the top 200. Those wins are still important though, as it gives this team a bit more confidence to close out their season. This team plays tough, and has played better opponents close before. I like the way this line has been set up by oddsmakers. Points are going to be very hard to come by tonight, and if Georgia St. doesn’t get blown out on the boards, they can cover this game.

CREIGHTON +5 Southern Illinois: These teams are ranked practically right next to each other. Creighton has played the tougher schedule to date, but Southern Illinois is playing their final home game of the season. The Salukis also have a bit of revenge to deal with today, as they lost to Creighton by 2 points on Jan. 13th. I’m not going to beat around the bush here, as i think there is little betting value here. I think the Salukis have been overrated most of the season, but i can’t trust this Creighton team on the road. Simply no thanks.

EVANSVILLE +10 Northern Iowa: I’ll use this space to give Evansville their due credit for the way they play against Wichita St. Props to them, that’s for sure. Can they carry that over into a good final home game against league power Northern Iowa? Evansville has lost 4 league home games by double digits, so i worry about tonight’s game. However, one could argue this line is set TOO LOW actually. Northern Iowa won the first meeting by nearly 20 points, and Northern Iowa simply keeps winning. Tough game here, as i greatly respect what Northen Iowa has done this season. But i still think this opened too low to begin with.

TEXAS TECH +5.5 Kansas St.: This line is rising. Kansas St. has won 5 straight games, looking rather impressive in some of them. But all 5 opponents they played aren’t ranked in the Top 100 teams in the country. I love the way Kansas St. has played this season, but can they win this game by 6 or more points today? It’s not like Tech is a weak program, as i have them as a top 55 team at home. Tech has lost 3 straight games, all against top 25 competition. 2 of those games were very close, and this team needs to win those close games as they are trying to punch their ticket to the Big Show. Tech has lost 3 games at home this season, by a COMBINED total of 11 points. Clearly they will be motivated here as they don’t want to lose 4 straight games this close to March. They’ve proven they are tough at home, so a very, very slight lean to the home underdog.

FLORIDA -2.5 Tennessee: This is a coin flip game, and i think this line is set to reflect just that. Florida is the home team with revenge, so you know i do everything i can to find a way to back that very situation. But i just can’t do that, as i don’t fully trust this Gators team. They’ve played well of late with their backs against the wall. Part of their success has been their great FT shooting of late. But again, it all goes back to this line. This line is so low, it makes me feel like it’s too easy to back the Gators. Tennessee certainly has the better overall power numbers coming into tonight. Tennessee has been decent away from home, and bounced back from back to back league road losses to beat South Carolina. Tennessee has Kentucky next up, so clearly a couple of tough games for them. Again, it all goes back to the way this line was originally set by oddsmakers. Tough for me to have a strong feeling here, despite the original lean to Florida.

HOFSTRA +11 Northeastern: What the heck happened to Northeastern in their BracketBuster game? They certainly can’t be happy with their performance, and will be looking to get their frustrations out today. However, any chance Northeastern had of making the Big Dance as an at large team is out of the question now. How will Northeastern respond to that? This line is inflated in my opinion. Hofstra is simply playing too good to be a double digit underdog to ANY team in their conference. Hofstra has won 7 of their past 8 games, including a nice 3 point win against Rider in their last game. This team is playing with confidence right now, as any team that’s won 7 of 8 would. Tough game here, as i respect the experience of Northeastern and the fact they are coming off a bad loss and now playing their final home game of the regular season. I’m waffling here, so staying away completely.

COLORADO ST. +7.5 New Mexico: I talked about this game on the TiSB podcast, so go check it out there for my thoughts on this game!

Play Of The Day Thread-Tuesday 2/23

2010-02-22T20:54:05-08:00

Monday was a day off (much needed for my hands). Gonna take some drugs, watch the last of the clipper game and go to bed. New week, fresh start on Tuesday with tons of games. Good luck, and see ya in the Am

2/22/10 Jizzle’s Daily Dime

2010-02-22T16:22:50-08:00

2/22/10

LA Clippers +3.5 (winner)

RECORD 9-8 (W2)