Jim Feist Basketball Top Picks
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-22-11 | Memphis v. Georgetown -5 | Top | 59-70 | Win | 100 | 19 h 6 m | Show |
12/22 07:00 PM CB (563) MEMPHIS VS (564) GEORGETOWN
Take: (564) Non-Conference TV Game of the Year: Georgetown. Memphis is not the powerhouse it was just a few short years ago, a 6-4 start. The Tigers are 7-21-1 ATS in their last 29 non-conference games and 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Big East. They take on a strong Georgetown club (9-1) at home, one shooting .492% from the field, 19th in the nation. These teams already played in Hawaii and Georgetown won, scoring 91 points in an OT victory. The Tigers led by seven early, but Georgetown answered with a 19-2 run to go up 10, finishing with a 2-to-1 edge in offensive rebounds. Memphis had no answer for Sims and Clark, who combined to shoot 19 of 34, good for 50 points! The Hoyas are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 non-conference games. Play Georgetown! |
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12-07-11 | Vanderbilt v. Davidson +1 | Top | 87-83 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 17 m | Show |
12/07 07:00 PM EST CB (793) VANDERBILT (794) DAVIDSON
Take: (794) Home Court Game of the Month: Davidson. Vanderbilt has been a team for over a decade that has been great at home but far less potent on the road. They come off two straight losses to Top 20 teams, the latter on the road, an emotional thriller at Louisville. In fact, the last 2 games were both OT. The Commodores are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall, 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Davidson Wildcats have won 16 of their last 20, dating back to last season. Davidson is coming off an 86-65 Southern Conference victory over Furman last Saturday. It's also BlackOut Belk Arena night with all fans are encouraged to wear black in this ESPN3 TV game, so it will be a frenzied atmosphere for the home team. The Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600. and 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Look for a huge effort by the home squad. Play Davidson! |
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12-06-11 | Washington v. Marquette -6 | Top | 77-79 | Loss | -144 | 19 h 51 m | Show |
CBK Oddsmaker Error Game of the Month (Marquette) : A neutral site game in the Big Apple. Washington is a decent team (4-2), with an OT loss to Nevada the last game and an uptempo offense averaging 81 ppg. But don't be too fooled by that scoring average as they scored 91 against Georgia State, 93 against Portland and 88 against Houston Baptist. The one time the Huskies where a dog, they lost at St Louis, 77-64, scoring well below their season average. Meanwhile, Marquette brings a perfect record into tonight's game with a impressive 30-point win over Ole Miss and a even more impressive win at Wisconsin, 61-54, as a 7 1/2 point dog. Marquette returns three starters for coach Buzz Williams, including last year's leading scorer, Darius Johnson-Odom. This will be the first neutral site game for the Huskies while Marquette has already played three games in this situation. I'm not convinced this Washington club is as good as their scoring average dictates, especially when they flubbed against a mediocre St Louis club. I'm taking the Golden Eagles here on Tuesday at the Garden laying the points.
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05-22-11 | Chicago Bulls +5 v. Miami Heat | Top | 85-96 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 25 m | Show |
Coach Tom Thibodeau earned that Coach of the Year trophy by bringing exceptional defense to the young Bulls. Chicago finished No. 2 in the NBA in points allowed, with 91.3 ppg. That great defense comes in handy, especially on the road, as the Bulls are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. The Bulls are also 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games as an underdog! An even better indicator of defensive prowess is field goal shooting percentage allowed and these teams were No. 1 and 2 in the NBA during the regular season allowing 43% and .434% shooting by opponents. And we've seen that great defense all during the playoffs. Chicago allowed 73, 82, 83 and 73 points in the four wins over the Atlanta Hawks during their playoff series and shut down Miami in Game 1. I expect Chicago to bring its A-game defensively and they certainly match up well with Miami in what should be a close, defensive game. And notice that the Heat is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest, including the last series when Boston had 3 days of rest and blew them out in Game 3. The Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings and the Bulls are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Play the Bulls in Game 3!
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05-15-11 | Miami Heat v. Chicago Bulls UNDER 181.5 | Top | 82-103 | Loss | -110 | 49 h 7 m | Show |
05/15 08:00 PM EST NBA (501) MIAMI HEAT (502) CHICAGO BULLS
Take: NBA Playoff Total of the Year: Game 1 Heat/Bulls Under the total. Coach Tom Thibodeau earned that Coach of the Year trophy by bringing exceptional defense to the young Bulls. Chicago finished No. 2 in the NBA in points allowed, with 91.3 ppg, and Miami was No. 6 allowing 94.6 ppg. An even better indicator of defensive prowess is field goal shooting percentage allowed and these teams were No. 1 and 2 in the NBA during the regular season allowing 43% and .434% shooting by opponents. And we've seen that great defense all during the playoffs. Chicago allowed 73, 82, 83 and 73 points in the four wins over the Atlanta Hawks during their just completed playoff series. The Miami defense was outstanding all season, too, and was tremendous in shutting down Boston in their 5-game playoff series victory. The Under is 4-1 in the Heat's last 5 playoff games as an underdog, while the Under is 9-3 in the Bulls last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. And between these teams, the Under is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings when the Heat and Bulls show up. With so much at stake in this anticipated showdown, look for a fierce defense for Game 1. Play Game 1 Heat/Bulls Under the total! |
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05-07-11 | Oklahoma City Thunder v. Memphis Grizzlies OVER 200 | Top | 93-101 | Loss | -100 | 25 h 31 m | Show |
05/07 05:05 PM EST NBA (721) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (722) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Take: Oddsmaker Error Playoff Game of the Year: Grizzlies/Thunder Game 3 Over the total. A lot of talented young legs in this one, and both can run the floor with uptempo styles. Both Games 1 and 2 went over the total and oddsmakers haven't really adjusted. Memphis has young point guard Mike Conley and Oklahoma City has the dynamic one-two offensive punch of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The Over is 5-0 in the Grizzlies last 5 overall. In fact, the Over is 8-2 in Grizzlies last 10 overall and they are 11-3 over the total in the Grizzlies last 14 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. I can see Oklahoma City pushing it uptempo against Memphis, as well, with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The Over is 5-0 in the Thunder's last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Oklahoma City played a breakneck pace against the Denver Nuggets, which is their style, and they have continued it in this series against the young Grizzlies. The last 6 times that these teams have played each other, the over is a perfect 6-0, and 13-3 over the total in the last 16 meetings! I see an offensive show from the first quarter on; Play the Grizzlies/Thunder Game 3 Over the total. |
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05-04-11 | Dallas Mavericks +7 v. Los Angeles Lakers | Top | 93-81 | Win | 100 | 28 h 45 m | Show |
05/04 10:35 PM EST NBA (715) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (716) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: (715) DALLAS MAVERICKS Reason: NBA Blowout Game of the Month: Mavericks in Game 2. We think of Dallas as an attacking offensive team with Dirk Nowitizki and Jason Kidd, but they are actually a strong defensive team this season. There are 2 reasons for this: Dallas is a veteran team, so they don't run as much, plus the addition of 7-foot-1 Tyson Chandler this season, a strong role playing rebounder/shot blocker. Dallas is 10th in NBA in points allowed. In addition, Coach Rick Carlisle is fiery, demanding defense, and they held the Lakers to 42.9% shooting in Game 1, a 96-94 upset win. You need big bodies up front to hang with the Lakers and the experienced Mavs have it with 32-year old 7-foot Dirk Nowitzki (23 ppg, 7 rpg), 6-7 Shawn Marion (12.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg), and Chandler (10 ppg, 9.4 rpg). The Mavericks are 29-16 ATS on the road this season and 23-9-1 ATS against a team with a home winning record. They are also 11-4-1 ATS their last 16 on the road. The Lakers have been vastly overvalued at home this season, 16-29 ATS mark at the Staples Center. In a game featuring great defenses, look for another close one and grab the talented (and confident) dog. Play the Mavericks in Game 2. |
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05-01-11 | Memphis Grizzlies v. Oklahoma City Thunder OVER 195.5 | Top | 114-101 | Win | 100 | 19 h 13 m | Show |
05/01 1:00 PM EST NBA (707) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS (708) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: Second Round Total Shocker of the Year: Grizzlies/Thunder Over the total. A lot of talented young legs in this one, and both can run the floor with uptempo styles. Memphis has young point guard Mike Conley and Oklahoma City has the dynamic one-two offensive punch of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The Over is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 games playing on 1 days rest and they come into this one off that big upset of the top seeded Spurs. In fact, the Over is 7-2 in Grizzlies last 9 overall and they are 10-3 over the total in the Grizzlies last 13 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. I can see Oklahoma City, a little more rested, pushing it uptempo against Memphis, who had that thrilling Game 6 win at home over San Antonio just two days ago. The Over is 4-0 in Thunder last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Oklahoma City played a breakneck pace against the Denver Nuggets, which is their style, and they will continue it against the young Grizzlies. The Over is 35-15-1 in Thunder last 51 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5, and the last 5 times that these teams have played each other, the over is a perfect 5-0! I see an offensive show from the first quarter on; Play the Grizzlies/Thunder Game 1 Over the total. |
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04-28-11 | Orlando Magic v. Atlanta Hawks +2 | Top | 81-84 | Win | 100 | 22 h 21 m | Show |
4/28 07:35 PM NBA (529) ORLANDO MAGIC VS (530) ATLANTA HAWKS
Take: (530) 1st Round Shocker of the Year: Hawks. The pressure is all on the visitors for this one, or they go home after opening the series as the favored higher seeded team. Again, this one likely comes down to a shooting-guard duel: If Jason Richardson and J..J. Redick can't slow Hawks Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford, they better make shots. But that hasn't happened overall with Orlando, with PG Jameer Nelson shooting just 36 percent, 25 percent from 3-point range and Hedo Turkoglu is averaging just 8.0 ppg. The Magic brought Turkoglu back to recapture that 2009 magic when they made the Finals, but he has been subpar. The Magic bench had scored just 69 points through the first four games against the Hawks, but after leading by 20-plus points for most of the game, the bench racked up 49 points and nine assists in Game 5, but this one will be on the road against a fired-up Atlanta home crowd hungry for an upset/clincher. The Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog, and the Orlando Magic are 8-19 ATS in their last 27 games as a favorite. Throw in the fact that the Hawks are 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings with Orlando and have a first-year coach who is dying to make a name for himself, look for a straight up win by the home dog who has been the better team this whole series. |
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04-25-11 | Oklahoma City Thunder v. Denver Nuggets UNDER 206.5 | Top | 101-104 | Win | 100 | 28 h 6 m | Show |
04/25 10:35 PM EST NBA (513) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (514) DENVER NUGGETS
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL. Reason: Oklahoma City is a talented young team with exceptional balance. Their offense gets all the attention with flashy Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but this defense has become very good quickly. They traded for Kendrick Perkins in midseason and he's added defense and rebounding, along with 21-year old 6-10 Serge Ibaka, who has emerged as an athletic shot blocker. After giving up 60 first half points in Game 1, the Thunder held the Nuggets to 42 second half points in their 107-103 comeback win. Then in Game 2 the defense was great in a 106-89 win, allowing .391% shooting with a whopping 54-31 rebounding edge. The Thunder is 7-3 in Thunder last 10 road games and 9-4 in their last 13 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5. They face a small Denver frontcourt, so they should continue to control the boards. The Under is 5-1-1 in Nuggets' last 7 games playing on 1 days rest, and the Under is 18-7-2 in Nuggets last 27 overall. Plus the Under is 23-10 in Nuggets last 33 Conference Quarterfinals games and the Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between these teams. An offensive show? That's what oddsmakers expect, but they have overvalued this one, which should feature plenty of intense defense with so much at stake. Play the Thunder/Nuggets Under the total in Game 4! |
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04-24-11 | Boston Celtics -2 v. New York Knicks | Top | 101-89 | Win | 100 | 26 h 20 m | Show |
04/24 3:30 PM EST NBA (503) BOSTON CELTICS VS (504) NEW YORK KNICKS
Take: (503) BOSTON CELTICS Reason: NBA Blowout Game of the Month: Celtics in Game 4. The Knicks were feeling good about themselves after overachieving in Games 1 and 2, despite losing, but came back to earth in Game 3, getting destroyed at home. Now the series is over. This is not a very good NY team with a lot of holes and problems. Amar'e Stoudemire is likely to play but admits he's not 100%, while Chauncey Billups is a big question mark, likely out again. The Knicks had a huge edge on the boards in Game 2, but that was a bit of a fluke. They are a bad rebounding team overall, not very tall, and got a lot of bounces in Game 2, a game the Celtics seemed to sleep-walk through often. And in Game 1 Boston outrebounded the Knicks by +10 and +10 in Game 3. The Celtics are now 7-0 against New York this season. In Game 3, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined for 70 points, Rajon Rondo had 20 assists. No NBA team has ever come back from 0-3. Boston has won all 7 games between the teams this season and the Celtics are 15-6 ATS in the last 21 meetings in New York. Get out the brooms and play the Celtics in Game 4! |
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04-23-11 | Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5 v. Denver Nuggets | Top | 97-94 | Win | 100 | 29 h 8 m | Show |
04/23 10:05 PM NBA (751) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (752) DENVER NUGGETS
Take: (751) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Reason: NBA 1st Round Game of the Year: Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is a talented young team with exceptional balance. Offense? No. 5 in the NBA in scoring with a pair of young stars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Defense? They traded for Kendrick Perkins in midseason and he's added defense and rebounding, along with 21-year old 6-10 Serge Ibaka, who has emerged as an athletic shot blocker. After giving up 60 first half points in Game 1, the Thunder held the Nuggets to 42 second half points in their 107-103 comeback win. Then in Game 2 the defense was great in a 106-89 win, allowing .391% shooting with a whopping 54-31 rebounding edge. The Thunder is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games and they face a small Denver frontcourt, so they should continue to control the boards. They are also 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5! Denver is just 4-11 ATS in the last 15 meetings against this team and this shapes up as a real close one. Play the Thunder! |
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04-22-11 | Boston Celtics +3.5 v. New York Knicks | Top | 113-96 | Win | 100 | 7 h 27 m | Show |
Take: (739) BOSTON CELTICS
Reason: 1st Round Inner Circle Game of the Year: Celtics in Game 3. The Knicks are feeling good about themselves after overachieving in Games 1 and 2, despite losing. But this is not a very good team with a lot of holes and problems. Amar'e Stoudemire is likely to play but admits he's not 100%, while Chauncey Billups is a big question mark. The Knicks had a huge edge on the boards in Game 2, but that was a bit of a fluke. They are a bad rebounding team overall, not very tall, and got a lot of bounces in Game 2, a game the Celtics seemed to sleep-walk through often. And in Game 1 Boston outrebounded the Knicks by +10. The Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5 and 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games playing on 2 days rest. You don't find the talented Celtics as a dog very often, and note that are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 playoff games as an underdog. Boston has won all 6 games between the teams this season and the Celtics are 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings in New York. Play the Celtics in Game 3! |
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04-21-11 | Chicago Bulls v. Indiana Pacers UNDER 189 | Top | 88-84 | Win | 100 | 27 h 38 m | Show |
04/21 07:05 PM EST NBA (733) CHICAGO BULLS VS (734) INDIANA PACERS Take: UNDER THE TOTAL. Reason: Eastern Conference Total of the Month: Bulls/Pacers Game 3 Under. The No. 1 seeded Bulls won the first two games at home, 104-99 and 96-90, as the Bulls won the rebounding battle in those games 49-34 and 57-33! The Bulls have a young, physical frontcourt, No. 2 in the NBA in rebounding led by 6-9 Carlos Boozer (17.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg), and 26-year old 6-11 Joakim Noah (11.7 ppg, 10.4 rpg) and 26-year old 6-9 Luol Deng (17.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg). Chicago has the second stingiest defense in the league at 91.3 points per game and the best field goal percentage against in the league allowing 43% shooting. The Bulls 48-34 under the total, the Pacers 44-37-1 under the total -- and playoff action means even more fierce defense. The Pacers were the aggressors in Game 2 despite losing Roy Hibbert for long stretches to foul trouble, but having home court should help his foul trouble. But can they score? The Bulls have held Indiana to 41% shooting the last 10 times they've met! Look for a grind-it-out defensive game, Play the Bulls/Pacers Game 3 Under the total. |
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04-20-11 | Denver Nuggets v. Atlanta Hawks UNDER 207 | Top | 89-106 | Win | 100 | 25 h 3 m | Show |
04/20 08:05 PM NBA (727) DENVER NUGGETS VS (728) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL. Reason: Denver likes to run, but Oklahoma City has improved defense with the addition of Kendrick Perkins in the low post, blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. Of course, Perkins is an offensively liability, and note the Thunder is on a 12-8 run under the total. That included three wins over this Denver team over the last two weeks, 2-1 under the total. Oklahoma City won 101-94 at Denver on April 5 holding the Nuggets to .439% shooting and a rebounding edge of 50-41. Then they met again April 8 and Denver was held to 89 points and 40% shooting in a 104-89 Oklahoma City rout. Game 1 was an uptempo affair, but I can't see that continuing. Playoff games mean so much that both teams usually bring far more defensive intensity than the regular season. And this betting number on the total has shot up from Game 1, so there is tremendous value. Denver plays its best basketball at home, but he Nuggets are 5-1-1 under the total their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and the Under is 44-20-1 in the Nuggets last 65 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Play the Nuggets/Thunder Game 2 Under the total. |
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04-17-11 | New York Knicks v. Boston Celtics -6 | Top | 85-87 | Loss | -110 | 54 h 34 m | Show |
04/17 07:05 PM NBA EST (713) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (714) BOSTON CELTICS 1st Round Playoff Mismatch Game of the Year: Celtics (714). It |
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04-13-11 | Washington Wizards v. Cleveland Cavaliers OVER 211 | Top | 93-100 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 2 m | Show |
04/13 08:05 PM NBA (513) WASHINGTON WIZARDS VS (514) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS .
Take: High Roller: Wizards/Cavaliers Over the total. Final game of the season for a pair of teams long out of the playoff race. Neither play defense, with the Cavs ranked 23rd in points allowed and Washington 25th. And as far as field goal shooting defense, they are worse, ranked 25th and 27th. This being the finale, no one is going to care about defense and, like an All Star game, look for players to bad their stats by focusing on offense. The Over is 7-2 in the Wizards last 9 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Cleveland has been more of an uptempo team since mid-season, as they have no inside defensive players or height. The over is 5-0 in the Cavaliers last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. And what has happened when these two teams meet? The Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Don't look for any defense, play the Wizards/Cavaliers Over the total. |
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04-10-11 | Atlanta Hawks +5 v. Los Angeles Lakers | Top | 120-106 | Win | 100 | 18 h 45 m | Show |
The Oklahoma City Thunder playing as well as anyone right now. The Thunder have won three straight games, eight of the last 10 and 14 of 17. The Thunder are a five-point dog here and they have played well in that role, going 20-7 ATS the last 27 times as a 5 to 10 point dog (15-5 ATS in this role on the road). The Lakers, who had the best record since the ALL-Star game, has now lost four straight games including losses to Utah and Golden State. In their four straight losses, the Lakers have scored 90, 85,87 and 86 points respectively. The Lakers had closed the gap with Western Conference leader San Antonio, but now lead Dallas by just one game for second place and Oklahoma City by two games. I like the Thunder here on Sunday. Not only do I like the fact that they are playing extremely well while the Lakers are basically phoning in games, but the Thunder have lost four straight to LA. Oklahoma City would like nothing better than to get in the win column against the Lakers and getting five points here is just a plus. Take the Thunder in what could easily be a straight up win.
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04-08-11 | Denver Nuggets v. Oklahoma City Thunder -3.5 | Top | 89-104 | Win | 100 | 26 h 41 m | Show |
04/08 08:05 PM NBA (717) DENVER NUGGETS VS (718) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: (718) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Reason: NBA Game of the Year: Oklahoma City Thunder. Denver is pretty much locked into the No. 5 seed in the West. This young uptempo team has impressed and overachieved since trading Carmelo Anthony, but oddsmakers are overvaluing them for this game. This is their 3rd road game in 4 games. They caught the Lakers badly banged up with a road win, and caught a Dallas team in a major slump on the road. This is a different story, playing a deep, talented, healthy and motivated Oklahoma City team that thinks it's going to be a playoff force with the addition of Kendrick Perkins at center. Oklahoma City has clinched the division, but is just a game behind Dallas for the No. 3 seed in the West. This Thunder team has it all, with a dynamite one-two offensive punch with Durant and Westbrook (No. 5 in the NBA in scoring), and now a terrific defensive punch in the low post with Perkins and 21-year old shot blocker 6-10 Serbe Ibaka. These teams just met in Denver and the Thunder won, 101-94 as a dog, sending a message. And both teams big men, Kendrick Perkins and Nene, stood in a forehead-to-forehead stare down at one point. The two had just gotten tangled up underneath the basket, bumping occurred, pushing ensued and words were exchanged. Denver plays its best basketball at home, but is 17-22 on the road. The Nuggets are 3-9 ATS last 12 meetings with Oklahoma City and 1-5 ATS the last 6 on this court. The Thunder send another message with their home fans behind them. My NBA Game of the Year: Play the Oklahoma City Thunder! |
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04-06-11 | Washington Wizards v. Indiana Pacers -11 | Top | 112-136 | Win | 100 | 24 h 49 m | Show |
Take: (704) INDIANA PACERS
Reason: NBA Mismatch Game of the Month: Pacers. Washington won a road game this week, but they have been a disaster away from home at 3-35. Washington has no reason to play hard against a fired up Indiana team, and the Wizards are 19-39 ATS in their last 58 vs. Eastern Conference, plus 17-35 ATS in their last 52 games as an underdog. It's also the second of a back to back spot for the thin Wizards, and they are 17-35 ATS in their last 52 games playing on zero days rest. Indiana has a 2 game lead on Charlotte for the final playoff spot in the East and plays its best basketball at home. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the Wizards are 0-6 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Indiana. Look for a blowout by the motivated home squad and their interim coach, who also has plenty to play for; Play the Pacers! |
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04-05-11 | Philadelphia 76ers +6.5 v. Boston Celtics | Top | 82-99 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 52 m | Show |
Take: (661) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Reason: 25-Star Bookie Buster: 76ers. A rivalry game that both clubs always get up for. Philadelphia is motivated in other ways, as well, with an outside shot at moving up to the No. 5 seed in the East, but still needing to win to hang on to the No. 7 seed from New York. The 76ers are on a 3-1 SU/ATS run and 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games following a S.U. loss. They take on a Boston team that can't catch a break with injuries, a problem all season. They got Shaq back on Sunday, but only for 6 minutes as he left with a hamstring problem. They have been without center Ninad Kristic (knee injury), who may be back but is still not 100%. The Celtics squeezed out a cover against the Pistons, but they are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games following a ATS win. Overrated by oddsmakers? The Celtics are 15-41-1 ATS in their last 57 games following a SU win of more than 10 points! The 76ers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings and the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Play the 76ers! |
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04-02-11 | Atlanta Hawks v. Los Angeles Clippers UNDER 205.5 | Top | 92-98 | Win | 100 | 28 h 20 m | Show |
Take: Under
Reason: High Roller Total: Thunder/Clippers Under the total. Since big man Kendrick Perkins arrived, Oklahoma City has been a different team defensively: The Under is 8-3 for the Thunder's last 11 overall. Oklahoma City can play any style, but this is the second of a back to back spot after battling the Blazers last night. The Clippers had to run the floor with the uptempo Suns last night and wouldn't mind slowing the pace down, as well. The Under is 9-3 in the Clippers last 12 vs. Western Conference. I see a defensive battle, Play the Thunder/Clippers Under the total. |
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03-28-11 | Orlando Magic v. New York Knicks | Top | 106-113 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 29 m | Show |
Is the big stage of New York sending Carmello Anthony to the shrink yet? It sure looks like it the way the Knicks have played since Mello came to club with Chancey Billups in a trade. The Knicks are in the midst of a six-game losing streak and now must play one of the best in the east in Orlando. Dwight Howard has been a big thorn in the Knicks side, averaging 25.8 ppg, 14 rebounds and 67.1% shooting during the Magic's 6-game win streak over the Knicks. While the Magic look for a seventh straight win over NY, they are also doing well against the spread, going 5-1 ATS their last six vs NY. In addition, the game has gone OVER in their last six matchups. Furthermore, in the last six matchups Orlando has scored 111, 116, 112, 118, 118 and 114. Not exactly like NY has found a way to stop this club. Which brings us to today's game. The oddsmakers install the Magic as a slight 1 1/2 point favorite, which I find strange considering the Magics' domination of the Knicks. Plus they post a total of 206 1/2! The Knicks don't look to be in any danger of losing their playoff spot, but limping into the post season is no way a team wants to enter the postseason. I'm going with Orlando here on Monday. The Knicks can't beat them, the Knicks can't beat anyone of late.
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03-25-11 | Kentucky v. Ohio State -5.5 | Top | 62-60 | Loss | -110 | 46 h 15 m | Show |
Take: (880) OHIO STATE
Reason: NCAA Tourney Game of the Year: Ohio State. This game is from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and the young Kentucky Wildcats have not been a strong team away from home, 4-7 SU on the road. The Ohio State Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the SEC. The No. 1 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (34-2 SU, 18-15) have an RPI of 2, with a balanced offense (77.1 ppg), 19th in the nation in scoring and third in shooting at .494%. Ohio State is on a 9-0, 7-2 ATS run led by 6-8 freshman J.J. Sullinger (17.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg), 6-6 freshman DeShaun Thomas (7.7 rpg) and 6-5 junior G William Buford (14.6 ppg). They were expected to be strong when the season started with a lot of returning talent, plus adding the freshman Sullinger. And no one is hotter right now, with the Buckeyes riding a sizzling 9-0 SU, 7-2 ATS run, despite being a double digit favorite in 7 of those games. Meanwhile, John Calipari has a young Kentucky team, led by freshman Terrance Jones (16.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg) and freshman guard Brandon Knight (17.5 ppg). They've been up and down much of the season and even Calipari admitted that's common with young teams like this. The Wildcats are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win and will struggle inside against the deep Buckeyes. Play Ohio State! |
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03-23-11 | Memphis Grizzlies +7 v. Boston Celtics | Top | 90-87 | Win | 100 | 24 h 6 m | Show |
03/23 04:35 PM NBA (759) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS (760) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (759) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES Reason: 25-Star NBA Bookie Buster: Grizzlies. Boston has trouble with young, athletic teams and they face a talented young Memphis club that is motivated. Memphis is trying to hold on to the No. 8 playoff seed in the West. Memphis is on a 5-3 SU/ATS run, winning as a dog at Dallas, 104-103, and 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Memphis is trying to reach the postseason for the first time since the 2005-2006 season, led by Marc Gasol, O.J. Mayo and hard working Zach Randolph. The Grizzlies are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games overall. Boston comes home from a 3-game road trip, and it was a grind, getting blown out at Houston, then nail-biting late wins at New Orleans and New York. They come off that emotional win at the rival Knicks, with several players on both sides needing stitches. Teams home from road trips aren't always focused that first game back and they face a hungry, athletic young opponent. The Celtics are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games following a ATS win and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win. And the Grizzlies are 14-5-1 ATS in the last 20 meetings, including 10-0 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Boston! Play the Grizzlies. |
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03-22-11 | Chicago Bulls -4 v. Atlanta Hawks | Top | 114-81 | Win | 100 | 27 h 10 m | Show |
Take: (651) CHICAGO BULLS
Reason: High Roller: Chicago Bulls. Chicago is No. 2 in the NBA in team defense allowing 91.2 ppg and .427% shooting by opponents. This team has really impressive under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau. They've been even better since getting Joakim Noah back, out since December 15th after thumb surgery. The team went 22-8 without him and still is No. 2 in the NBA in rebounds, even though he is the leading rebounder. Noah is the Bulls' heart and soul, bringing his intensity and averages of 14 points and 11.7 rebounds. Chicago is on a 11-2 SU, 10-3 ATS run and are fired up for that No. 1 seed in the East. In a win over the Wizards, 98-79, coach Thibodeau talked afterwared about their poor second quarter defense! This is a highly motivated team that is clicking. "We have to stay consistent and hungry," Luol Deng said. "It has been a great year. We want to end it strong." The Bulls ran out of gas the last game, a loss at Indiana playing their 3rd game in 4 nights and the second of a back to back spot. They've had two full days to rest and prepare for this one. Atlanta is pretty much locked into the No. 5 seed in the East, with less urgency than the Bulls, plus they've been out of sync, riding a 3-6 SU/ATS run. They lost 3 of those games as a favorite. They will be no match for Derrek Rose and this powerful frontcourt. The Bulls are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games overall. The Hawks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Play the Bulls! |
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03-21-11 | Utah Jazz v. Memphis Grizzlies -7.5 | Top | 85-103 | Win | 100 | 18 h 1 m | Show |
The Grizzlies are holding onto 8th place in the western conference playoff picture. They hold a 1 1/2 game lead over the Rockets and two game lead over both the Suns and Jazz. Therefore, there is not room for losing games today against a team that's nipping at your heals for your spot in the playoffs. I'm taking the Grizzlies today. The get a day off to prepare for tonight's game and after an excellent stretch back in February that saw the club win six of seven games, they have cooled off a bit. Memphis is just 5-5 SU in its last 10 game. Good news for the Grizzlies here is that they are 26-6 ATS in their last 30 games against the western conference. Meanwhile, the Jazz have the look of a team that doesn't really care about making the playoffs. Utah has won two straight games, but they are 5-11 SU their last 16 games. The Favorite has had the best of this series of late, covering nine of the last 13 games. What I like about Memphis is that they have played with the attitude that they want to make the playoffs. The Jazz, well, they traded away one of their best players while they held a playoff spot. Doesn't say much for the club's push for a the playoffs. The Grizzlies are tough at home, going 7-2 ATS their last nine games. I don't expect much of a fight out of the Jazz here on Monday. I'm sticking with the team that wants to win and that's Memphis.
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03-19-11 | Boston Celtics v. New Orleans Hornets UNDER 179 | Top | 89-85 | Win | 100 | 26 h 36 m | Show |
03/19 05:05 PM NBA (505) BOSTON CELTICS VS (506) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL. Reason: March Total of the Month: Celtics/Hornets Under the total. Two of the best defensive teams in the NBA meet: Boston is No. 2 in points allowed (91 ppg), New Orleans is No. 4 (93 ppg). They are also in the Top 8 in field goal shooting defense. The Celtics prefer not to run, especially in the second of a back to back spot like they find themselves in here. The Under is 5-1 in the Celtics last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Boston has had its defensive game face on, riding a 5-1 run under the total. New Orleans has little depth, which is why they play a slow pace, scoring the fourth fewest points allowed per game (94.8 ppg). The Under is 5-2 in the Celtics last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 9-4 under the total in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. For New Orleans, the Under is 18-8 in Hornets last 26 home games and 40-19 under the total in the Hornets last 59 overall. And when these teams meet: A perfect 5-0 under the total the last 5, including an 83-81 Hornets win at Boston earlier this season. Play the Celtics/Hornets Under the total. |
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03-18-11 | Marquette v. Xavier -2.5 | Top | 66-55 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 1 m | Show |
Take: (840) XAVIER
Reason: 1st Round Tourney Game of the Year: Xavier. The Big East sent almost everyone to the Big Dance but this Marquette team was just 9-9 in the conference and finished in 11th place, then got whacked badly (81-56) by Louisville in the Big East tourney. The Golden Eagles are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tournament games and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. They are currently on a 2-3 SU/ATS run, losing twice as a favorite. They face a talented Xavier team (24-7), a No. 6 seed and the A-10 champs. They have won 16 of the last 18 games and are on a 7-2 ATS run. Xavier has so much balance on offense with junior guard Tu Holloway (20 ppg), and a power frontcourt of 6-8 senior Jamel McLean (8.4 rpg) and 7-foot, 270-pound junior center Kenny Frease (7.1 rpg). This will mark the Musketeers' 22nd overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament and its 10th in the last 11 years. The Musketeers are 15-4-2 ATS in their last 21 NCAA Tournament games. The last time these two teams met was last season at the Old Spice Classic in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. where the Golden Eagles took the 71-61 win, but Xavier is better while Marquette has slipped. The Musketeers are 38-16-1 ATS in their last 55 neutral site games. Play Xavier! |
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03-17-11 | Wofford v. Brigham Young OVER 147 | Top | 66-74 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 31 m | Show |
Take: over
Reason: High Roller Total: Wofford/BYU Over the total. A pair of uptempo teams meet here. Wofford averages 73.8 ppg and is 8th in the nation in field goal percentage, shooting .479% as a team, led by sharp-shooting 6-6 senior Noah Dahlman (20 ppg), who shoots 61% from the field. The Over is 4-1 in the Terriers last 5 neutral site games and 10-4 over the total in the Terriers last 14 games following an ATS win. BYU knows how to score, too, 8th in the nation with 81.6 ppg led by dynamic gaurd Jimmer Fredette, the Mountain West Player of the Year. He was named the MWC Tournament MVP where he averaged a tournament-record 35.3 points. He set BYU and MWC records with a 52-point performance against New Mexico in the semifinals. Fredette currently leads the nation in scoring at 28.5 points per game. The Over is 10-4 in Cougars last 14 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600 and 8-3 over the total in the Cougars last 11 neutral site games as a favorite. Play Wofford/BYU Over the total! |
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03-16-11 | Dallas Mavericks -3.5 v. Golden State Warriors | Top | 112-106 | Win | 100 | 11 h 12 m | Show |
Take: (619) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Reason: Road Warrior Game of the Year: Mavericks. The Mavericks are trying to hold on to the No. 2 slot in the West. They have had a tough stretch against good teams, but have had little trouble blowing out bad teams. The Mavericks on a 20-4 SU, 13-10-1 ATS run. Dallas is playing defense this season behind demanding coach Rick Carlisle largely because of the addition of 7-1 Tyson Chandler (10 ppg, 9.4 rpg), who has always been a role player/shot blocker/rebounder. They are 10th in the NBA in points allowed (96 ppg). This is the second of a back to back spot, but the deep Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest and 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Golden State doesn't play any defense, as we saw the last game, giving up 129 in a 10-point loss to Sacramento. The Warriors are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600. The road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings between these teams and the visitors are super-motivated for this stretch run. Play the Mavericks. |
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03-15-11 | Dallas Mavericks v. Portland Trail Blazers +2 | Top | 101-104 | Win | 100 | 10 h 1 m | Show |
Take: (538) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Reason: High Roller: Blazers. Dallas has not been covering, on a 1-5 ATS run. They haven't been winning, either, losing 3 of the last 5 games, including a showdown at home with the Lakers, losing 96-91. The Mavericks are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 2 days rest and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite. Portland is flying a bit under the radar, on a 4-2 SU/ATS run while getting healthy, with Marcus Camby and Brandon Roy back. Even more impressive is that all of those games but one were on the road. Now they come home after a 4-game trip and the Blazers are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 games as a home underdog. Portland is home, matches up well and the underdog is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings. Play the Blazers. |
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03-14-11 | San Antonio Spurs v. Miami Heat -4 | Top | 80-110 | Win | 100 | 18 h 2 m | Show |
Inner Circle TV Game of the Month (Heat) : Heat looking for a bit of redemption tonight after the beating they took at the hands of the Spurs back on March 4, 125-95. The Heat have since gotten back on track after that five-game losing streak with wins over the Lakers and Grizzlies. One thing I'm looking at here tonight is that the Spurs really have no reason to push this game. They have virtually locked-up the best record in the west with a seven-game lead over the Mavericks and a six-game lead in the NBA over Boston. However, the Heat want to prove they are back on track and also would like some payback for that embarrassment at San Antonio. We have the best team in the NBA and one of the best in the Heat so you can really make a case for either side. But I'm looking for something else and I see motivation as a big factor for this game. And all that MO is on the side of the Heat tonight.
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03-13-11 | Kentucky v. Florida -1 | Top | 70-54 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
25-Star Basketball Bookie Buster (Knicks) : Things were looking up for the Pacers when they appointed Frank Vogel as interim head coach back on Jan 30. They appeared to be playing better and while they still hold onto a slim lead for the 8th spot in the east - it doesn't look good for Indiana. The Pacers have lost six straight games and eight of the last nine while taking bettors money by going 2-7 ATS during that span. As for the Knicks, they were riding a three game winning streak both SU and ATS before being embarrassed at Dallas on Thursday, 127-109. Look for the Knicks to want a big showing here today and the victim looks to be the hapless Pacers. Carmello and crew are 8-4 ATS their last 12 games. We'll have to lay some points here on Sunday, but I don't mind with a high scoring team like the Knicks. They can easily put this one into the 120's and I look for a blowout win as they look to rebound from their lackluster outing on Thursday.
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03-11-11 | Rhode Island v. Richmond -5.5 | Top | 45-55 | Win | 100 | 18 h 8 m | Show |
Take: (842) RICHMOND
Reason: Atlantic 10 Conference Quarterfinals Game of the Year: Richmond. Richmond (24-7) is one of the top teams in the Atlantic 10 and one of the best offensive teams around, shooting .471% as a team, 29th in the nation. Richmond is red-hot, on an 8-1 SU, 6-3 ATS run, winning 3 of the last 4 games by double digits. The Spiders are the No. 3 seed for the 2nd-straight season and have a bye for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons. Richmond is playing in the A-10 quarterfinals for the fourth-straight season and is looking for its second-straight semifinal appearance. Richmond has won 11 of the last 13 with the only two losses coming to currently nationally ranked teams Temple and Xavier. The Spiders are 20-8-2 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. They take on No. 6 seed Rhode Island in a revenge spot, looking to avenge a 78-74 loss to Rhode Island on Jan. 13 in the Robins Center. Rhode Island has lost 2 of its last 3 games and shoots .423% as a team. The Rams are 5-22-1 ATS in their last 28 games following a ATS win and 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games as an underdog. Play Richmond! |
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03-10-11 | Los Angeles Lakers -2 v. Miami Heat | Top | 88-94 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 48 m | Show |
Take: (701) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Reason: High Roller: LA Lakers. This is not the same LA team that lost to the Cavaliers right before the break. They are putting their game faces on now. The Lakers didn't beat the San Antonio Spurs, they pummeled them, leading by as many as 32 points in a 99-83 victory Sunday. It was a statement game and the Lakers were free on offense and grinding on defense. Then they went to Atlanta and rolled, 101-87, with another dominant defensive performance, winning their eighth consecutive game. They held the Spurs to 36% shooting and 39.8% shooting by Atlanta. The Lakers have been on a roll since their collapse going into the All-Star break. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson credited Chuck Person, whom he promoted to full-time assistant this season. The Lakers were a mess a couple of weeks ago, but since then they've given up an average of 87 points a game. Four of their games have been against playoff-caliber teams (Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Portland and San Antonio). "After the All-Star break, we brought it to their attention that we have to commit to it on a nightly basis or we could go back to allowing teams to just penetrate our defense with pick-and-rolls," Person said. So now comes another high profile, statement game and the Lakers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. They take on a stumbling Miami team on a 0-5 SU/ATS run, short on confidence. More important, they are short in the frontcourt as bigger teams have smacked them around all season. That's a huge frontcourt edge the Lakers will exploit. And it's a revenge game, with Miami embarrassing the Lakers at home on Xmas Day, 96-80. Play the LA Lakers! |
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03-09-11 | Detroit Pistons v. San Antonio Spurs -11 | Top | 104-111 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 43 m | Show |
Take: (620) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Reason: NBA Bounce Back Game of the Year: Spurs. A tough situational spot for Detroit, an unhappy, dysfunctional team that has lost 8 of 11 games. This team is 7-24 on the road. Detroit is 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning record. This is a tough 3-game road trip and they are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. the Western Conference...and this is the BEST of the WEST! They take on an angry San Antonio team that just had a 22-game home win streak end in embarrassing fashion the last game. There were no tears shed in the aftermath of the Spurs |
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03-09-11 | Oklahoma +7.5 v. Baylor | Top | 84-67 | Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show |
Take: (635) OKLAHOMA
Reason: Big 12 Tourney Game of the Year: Oklahoma. These teams split two regular season games and the Sooners are coming off a 64-61 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday while Baylor lost 60-54 to Texas the same day. Oklahoma won the offensive rebounding battle in both meetings and is 2-1 ATS the last 3 games and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. win. Oklahoma holds a 36-8 series lead against Baylor and has won 31 of the last 34 meetings. Oklahoma has a terrific talent in 6-8 sophomore forward Andrew Fitzgerald, who has nearly tripled his scoring average (12.9) and leads OU in rebounding (5.2). Senior Cade Davis has passed Fitzgerald in scoring the past two weeks but Fitzgerald has been an anchor, scoring in double figures in 21 of 30 games. Baylor is just 7-9 in the conference and in a slump, on a 1-5 SU, 2-4 ATS run. The Bears are also 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big 12. The Sooners are 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings and they are in a great spot catching points here. Play Oklahoma. |
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03-08-11 | South Florida +10 v. Villanova | Top | 70-69 | Win | 100 | 7 h 14 m | Show |
Take: (569) SOUTH FLORIDA
Reason: Big East Tourney Game of the Year: South Florida. This game is in Madison Square Garden and the South Florida Bulls are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 neutral site games as an underdog. They played a relatively close game already, an 83-71 Villanova win in January, though the Cats shot a sizzling 58% from the field while South Florida shot 41%. Villanova won't shoot 58% again....and they are not the same team, in big slump and dealing with key injuries. Right now, health is the primary concern: Top scorer Corey Fisher has been playing with tendinitis in his right knee. Corey Stokes, the No. 2 scorer, missed Saturday's 10-point loss at Pittsburgh after suffering a hamstring injury at practice 2 days earlier. He also had missed three games in mid-February with turf toe. Fisher has struggled with his shot recently and Villanova is on a 4-8 SU, 1-11 ATS run. The South Florida Bulls are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss and the Bulls are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 neutral site games. Play South Florida! |
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03-07-11 | Utah Jazz v. New York Knicks -6.5 | Top | 109-131 | Win | 100 | 8 h 37 m | Show |
Take: (506) NEW YORK KNICKS
Reason: Non-Conference Game of the Month (Knicks) : It's pretty evident that the Utah Jazz have folded for this season when they traded away one of their best offensive weapons a few weeks ago. Despite a 2-8 mark in their last 10 games, the Jazz are tied for 9th in the western conference with Phoenix, just 1 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot. However, unlike Phoenix who has been playing decent, the Jazz have not. And as bad as the Jazz have been, they have been horrible for bettors, going 8-23 ATS their last 31 games. Moreover, the Jazz are 2-7 ATS against the East and more specifically, 0-5 ATS their last five against the Atlantic division. Meanwhile there is great optimism in the Big Apple after acquiring Carmello Anthony. The Knicks are 6th in the east, four games back of Atlanta for the five spot. And if you are worried about the Knicks going on no days rest, having won at Atlanta on Sunday, 92-79, then don't be. The Knicks are 13-3-1 ATS the last 17 times they have played in the second of back to back games. The Jazz haven't fared well in this series either, going 3-13 ATS their last 16 meetings with NY and 0-5 ATS in their last five trips out east. Don't expect any kind of effort here out of the Jazz. They have the look of a team that has packed-in the season and the Knicks high scoring offense will blow them out tonight. |
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03-06-11 | Golden State Warriors v. Philadelphia 76ers -7 | Top | 117-125 | Win | 100 | 15 h 14 m | Show |
The Sixers had been entrenched in 7th play in the East, but now loop like they are ready to improve that ranking. Philadelphia, which once owned the worst record in the east through Dec 3rd have turned things around and since Jan 30th are an NBA best 11-4. Meanwhile, the Warriors have lost three of the first four games on this seven game road swing and now have to play at Philly, which has won 19 of its last 25 home games. The Sixers have also done well against the west, going 5-2 ATS their last seven games. Philly could be the hottest team in the NBA right now and I like that here on Sunday. I see this game as a major mismatch as the Sixers easily handle the road weary Warriors.
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03-05-11 | San Jose St v. Boise State -10 | Top | 51-66 | Win | 100 | 20 h 49 m | Show |
3/05 06:00 PM CB (625) SAN JOSE STATE VS (626) BOISE STATE.
Take: (626) BOISE STATE. Reason: WAC Game of the Year: Boise State. Boise State is 18-11 and finished red-hot, on a 6-0 SU, 4-1 ATS run. And that includes three straight wins as a dog! This is an experienced team, with seven seniors. The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in this series and they take on a San Jose State squad that can't shoot, ranked 305th in the nation shooting .405% from the field as a team and not good away from home, 1-3 SU/ATS their last 4 away from their home court. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and Boise has home court for this one. The Spartans are 4-12 ATS in the last 16 meetings with Boise State and when they met earlier this season, San Jose shot just .376 at home. This will be even more difficult, Play Boise State! |
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03-04-11 | Georgia Southern v. Appalachian State -9.5 | Top | 57-65 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 3 m | Show |
Take: (862) APPALACHIAN STATE
Reason: Southern Conf 1st Round Knockout Game of the Year: Appalachian State. Georgia Southern (5-26) definitely doesn't get it done away from home with an 0-14 road record. The Eagles are a bad rebounding team and 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following a double-digit loss at home. Appalachian State comes in red hot, on a 7-1 SU, 4-3-1 ATS run, winning twice as a dog. Senior Donald Sims earned first-team all-conference honors while junior Omar Carter was named to the second team. Both players were named to the 10-member coaches' postseason all-SoCon squad as well. The Apps advanced to the championship game last season, falling to Wofford by a narrow 56-51 margin. These teams met once and it was a 79-51 blowout by Appalachian State and this will be equally one sided. Play Appalachian State! |
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03-03-11 | USC +4 v. Washington State | Top | 77-85 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 27 m | Show |
Take: (525) USC
Reason: Pac 10 Game of the Year: USC. USC is in fourth place in the Pac 10 (9-7), Washington State is in sixth place (8-8). USC is No. 1 in the Pac 10 in points allowed (62.2) and the USC Trojans (17-12) are hot, on a 4-0 SU/ATS run. USC has power frontcourt with 6-10, 260-lb junior Nikola Vucevic (17.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg) and 6-10, 250-b senior Alex Stepheson (10 ppg, 8.8 rpg). USC changed its complexion of its basketball season by getting in opponents' faces: Increased pressure on the ball by Trojans' guards, along with a key lineup change, fuel a four-game winning streak that has revived the team's postseason prospects. In recent weeks, USC made three small changes that produced dramatic results: 4 straight wins, turning USC's goal of earning a place in a postseason tournament from ridiculous to realistic. Senior guard Donte Smith moved into the starting lineup, replacing freshman guard Maurice Jones. The other one has keyed USC's return to the type of shut-down defense it played last season. Trojans guards are following strict orders to invade opposing guards' personal space, bodying them up to limit passes and shots. Coach Kevin O'Neill said he issued the new orders because the Trojans had been allowing a high volume of three-point shots and passes from guards to big men down low. The Trojans are 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 39-19-1 ATS in their last 59 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The Washington State Cougars are on a 2-3 SU, 1-4 ATS run. USC matches up well and holds all the cards. Play USC! |
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03-02-11 | Pittsburgh v. South Florida UNDER 124.5 | Top | 66-50 | Win | 100 | 9 h 15 m | Show |
Take: Under
Reason: Big East Total of the Year: Pittsburgh/South Florida Under. Pittsburgh is in first place in the rugged Big East, and they didn't get there by being soft on defense. Winners of 15 of its last 18 overall games and 16 of its last 19 Big East regular season contests, No. 4 Pitt enters the game following a 62-59 overtime loss at No. 16 Louisville. The Panthers overcame 32 percent shooting and 22 first half points and a nine-point halftime deficit to battle back in the second half. The Under is 5-0 in Panthers last 5 vs. the Big East and 6-1 under in the Panthers last 7 road games. The Panthers claimed a 67-55 victory over the Bulls on Feb. 16 at the Petersen Events Center, which went under the total. The Under is 7-2 in the last 9 overall by the South Florida Bulls, as well. Can't see much scoring, especially by the home team. Play Pitt/South Florida Under the total. |
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02-28-11 | Boston Celtics -4.5 v. Utah Jazz | Top | 107-102 | Win | 100 | 19 h 52 m | Show |
Non-Conf GOY (Celtics): It's East vs West here on Monday as the Celtics continue their west coast trip here in Utah. The Celtics really laid an egg on Thursday in Denver, scoring just 75 points and losing by 14. Boston did recover on Saturday with a road win at the Clippers, 99-92. The Celtics got a much needed day off on Sunday to prepare for tonight's contest. The Utah Jazz were so good early in the season and just as bad since January. Since January 17th, Utah is 5-15 S/U and 6-14 ATS. And that includes a recent run which has seen the club go 1-6 SU, 2-5 ATS. To everyone's surprise, the Celtics dealt one of the best interior big men in the business in Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green and Nenand Krstic. That played a big part in the team's lopsided loss at Denver, so we can really throw that performance out. The Jazz are also without their All-Star guard in Deron Williams who was also traded last week to New Jersey. It's obvious the Jazz have tossed in the towel for this season and are looking to rebuild. But not tonight as the Celtics win this one going away.
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02-26-11 | Louisiana-Lafayette -3 v. Louisiana-Monroe | Top | 61-46 | Win | 100 | 19 h 1 m | Show |
02/26 04:15 PM CB (615) UL - LAFAYETTE VS (616) UL - MONROE.
Take: (615) UL - LAFAYETTE Reason: Sun Belt Game of the Year: Louisiana Lafayette. Don't be fooled by the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (13-14) losing record overall. This team is 10-5 in the Sun Belt, tied for first place in the West, and riding a 10-game win streak! UL's 10-game winning streak is currently the second longest active streak in the nation. Only George Mason (14) has more consecutive victories than the Cajuns. This team is on a 10-0 SU, 8-1 ATS run and with a win on Saturday, the Cajuns will clinch a share of the SBC West Division title and secure a first round by in the conference tournament. If Arkansas State falls to UALR Saturday, a Cajuns' win gives them Divisional Championship outright. On the glass, the Cajuns are out-rebounding teams 37.2 to 31.4 (+5.8 margin). They take on a Louisiana-Monroe team that sits at 7-22 overall on the year and 2-13 in the league and the Warhawks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games. Look for a huge effort by the motivated, and undervalued, visitors. Play Louisiana Lafayette! |
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02-24-11 | Miami Heat v. Chicago Bulls +1.5 | Top | 89-93 | Win | 100 | 27 h 51 m | Show |
Take: (502) CHICAGO BULLS
Reason: 25-Star Big Bad Bookie Buster: Bulls. Chicago is No. 2 in the NBA in team defense allowing 92.4 ppg and .429% shooting by opponents. They opened a dog here, remarkable in that they are 25-4 at home! This team has really impressive under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau. And it's a big week, as Joakim Noah is back, out since December 15th after thumb surgery. The team went 22-8 without him and still is No. 2 in the NBA in rebounds, even though he is the leading rebounder. Noah will assume his role as the Bulls' heart and soul, bringing his intensity and averages of 14 points and 11.7 rebounds. The team and the home crowd will be fired up with LeBron James and the Heat in town. The Bulls are 19-6-2 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning record and 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 home games. The Bulls are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600, including a 90-79 win over Boston and a 99-96 victory over the Heat. The home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings and the Heat is 4-10-2 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Chicago. Play the Bulls! |
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02-23-11 | Oklahoma City Thunder +7.5 v. San Antonio Spurs | Top | 105-109 | Win | 100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
Take: (717) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Reason: Western Conference Game of the Month: Thunder. San Antonio is the marquee "name" team here, with Tim Duncan, a slew of titles the last decade and the best record in the NBA this season. Oklahoma City is the young, new kid on the block, undervalued by oddsmakers, as the Thunder is 24-11 ATS in their last 35 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. This is a talented young team, led by All Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, plus Serge Ibaka and James Harden who participated in the All-Star festivities. They are 2-1 ATS the last three times they've been a dog. This is a first-place team with an impressive road record (16-11), plus plenty of frontcourt punch with Durant, forward Jeff Green and veteran forward Nick Collison. The underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings and the road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Look for a close one, Play the Oklahoma City Thunder! |
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02-22-11 | Sacramento Kings v. Miami Heat -13 | Top | 97-117 | Win | 100 | 8 h 54 m | Show |
Take: (508) MIAMI HEAT
Reason: Trend Tracker Game of the Year: Miami Heat. A long road trip for Sacramento to start the second half of the season, the longest trips you can make in the NBA. The Kings are 6-18 on the road and in last place in the division. Sacramento is a young team that doesn't play any defense, allowing .473% shooting, 27th in the league. They take on a Miami team that is young and healthy, a dominant home team (20-5) and defensively they are No. 1 in the league allowing .426% shooting. Miami has owned this team, as the Kings are 2-18 ATS in the last 20 meetings! The Heat are also 35-15-2 ATS in their last 52 vs. NBA Pacific. The Kings are on an 0-2 SU/ATS run, getting blown out by Oklahoma City and Dallas, both on the road. In fact, this is their 4th straight road game, part of a 7-game road trip. And Miami has been the House of Horrors for this game, as the Kings are 0-9 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Miami. Play the Miami Heat! |
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02-19-11 | George Mason -3.5 v. Northern Iowa | Top | 77-71 | Win | 100 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
02/19 04:00 PM CB (671) GEORGE MASON VS (672) NORTHERN IOWA.
Take: (671) GEORGE MASON. Reason: Bookie Buster Game of the Year: George Mason. Northern Iowa is 10-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference, third place behind Wichita and Missouri State (both 13-3), but this is a tough non-conference battle with powerful George Mason. The Northern Iowa Panthers (18-8 SU, 10-13 ATS) are on a 1-3 SU/ATS run. The skid can be traced to February 2nd, the night Northern Iowa forward Lucas O |
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02-18-11 | Harvard v. Cornell +5 | Top | 73-60 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 2 m | Show |
Take: (808) CORNELL
Reason: Ivy League Game of the Year: Cornell. Harvard has been winning but not covering, overvalued by oddsmakers on a 1-6 ATS run. Harvard is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Ivy League and 17-35-1 ATS in their last 53 games following a ATS loss. This is the start of a 4-game road trip for Harvard, and Cornell has momentum of its near-sweep of Penn and Princeton and a nice 2-1 SU/3-0 ATS run (plus a 4-0 ATS run). The Big Red earned an exciting 82-71 overtime win over Penn on Friday, then nearly pulled off the upset of unbeaten Ivy leader Princeton, with a Kareem Maddox 12-footer with under 10 seconds remaining giving the Tigers a 57-55 victory over the Big Red. Junior Chris Wroblewski was sensational leading Cornell, averaging 17.5 points, 4.0 assists and 3.5 steals in the two contests. Wroblewski, an Academic All-America candidate, continues to lead the Big Red in scoring (14.9 ppg) and assists (5.3 apg). Cornell's last four wins in the series have come by an average of 24.8 points and the Big Red are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Look for a monster effort by the motivated and hot home team. Play Cornell! |
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02-17-11 | Dallas Mavericks -1.5 v. Phoenix Suns | Top | 112-106 | Win | 100 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
Take: (503) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Reason: NBA Inner Circle TV Game of the Month: Mavericks. Dallas has a better road record than the Suns have at home! They had a 10-game winning streak that ended in Denver, but that impressive road trip ended with a 106-102 victory at Houston. The Mavericks enjoyed three days away from game action after that trip, with Peja Stojakovic stepping up with a 22-point game at Houston and Tyson Chandler a force at both ends of the floor. Chandler was an offensive machine on the three-game trip, averaging 15 points and hitting 19-of-23 shots from the field. He has averaged 13.3 points and 10.6 rebounds in seven February games. The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games and 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Don't pay any attention to the Phoenix winning streak, beating Golden State (twice) and Utah (twice). That was sandwiched around a home loss to the Kings as a 9-point favorite. The Suns are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Play the Mavericks! |
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02-16-11 | Golden State Warriors v. Utah Jazz -6 | Top | 107-100 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 16 m | Show |
02/16 06:05 PM NBA (721) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (722) UTAH JAZZ
Take: (722) UTAH JAZZ Reason: 25-Star 1st Half Game of the Year: Utah Jazz. There is plenty of talent on this Utah Jazz squad for new coach Tyron Corbin and they are 17-12 at home. Jazz point guard Deron Williams enjoyed his weekend out of the spotlight. "It was good to get a couple of days to rest and practice," he said. "We just have to go back out and wins some games." Bell pointed out that the team had an excellent weekend of practice. "It was intense," he admitted. "Guys were going after each other. It reminded me of a preseason practice -- the level of excitement and energy we had and that's a good sign." They take on a Golden State team that is 6-18 on the road and they are in the second of a back to back spot, heading out on the road just before the All Star break. Golden State is one of the worst defensive teams in the league, allowing .472% shooting (fourth worst) and 106 ppg (third most). The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the Warriors are 2-6-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Utah. Look for a huge effort by the home team for the new coach to get him a win right before the break. Play the Jazz! |
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02-15-11 | Charlotte Bobcats +9.5 v. Chicago Bulls | Top | 94-106 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 52 m | Show |
2/15 05:05 PM NBA (507) CHARLOTTE BOBCATS VS (508) CHICAGO BULLS Take: (507) CHARLOTTE BOBCATS Reason: NBA Dog of the Month: Bobcats. Chicago is getting a lot of respect from oddsmakers with this betting number, and it's far too high. Chicago is home from a long 5-game trip, including losses at Portland and Golden State as a favorite. Teams home from long road trips aren't always ready to go that first game back, dealing with family concerns and getting accustomed to the time zone changes. The Bulls are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days, in addition to being 14-32-1 ATS in their last 47 vs. the NBA Southeast. Charlotte continues to overachieve since Paul Silas took over as coach, including a win at Atlanta as a +8 dog. The Bobcats are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games as an underdog! They match up well, and notice that the Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Chicago, 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings and the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. An excellent spot for the big dog. Play the Bobcats! |
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02-12-11 | Baylor v. Texas -11 | Top | 60-69 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 7 m | Show |
Texas cruising through the Big 12, now 9-0 in conference play after trouncing Oklahoma at Norman last Wednesday, 68-52. The defense has been superb, holding eight of their nine Big 12 opponents to 60 points or less (three in the 40's). And the Longhorns conference wins have all been by double digits! How badly do the Longhorns want to punish Baylor today? Consider that Baylor beat Texas THREE times last year including an embarrassing beating in the Big 12 Tourney by 19-points. Texas is led by 6-7 swingman Jordan Hamilton (19 ppg) who can play down low and hit from 3-points (42%). Baylor has been bad for bettors too, going 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games (1-7 as a dog). Meanwhile the Longhorns are 8-1 ATS their last nine games (all conference contests), 8-3 ATS as a home favorite of 7-12 pts. This one is going to get ugly folks as No. 3 Texas will look to not only beat, but embarrass Baylor today. I'm taking the Longhorns as my College Game of the Year!
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02-11-11 | San Antonio Spurs -3.5 v. Philadelphia 76ers | Top | 71-77 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 26 m | Show |
02/11 04:05 PM NBA (805) SAN ANTONIO SPURS (806) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Take: (805) SAN ANTONIO SPURS Reason: Road Warrior Game of the Month: Spurs. San Antonio loves to go uptempo, as we saw the last game, putting 111 up on the Raptors. DeJuan Blair matched a career high by scoring 16 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, George Hill had 18 points and the San Antonio Spurs won their fourth straight game. San Antonio is 7-1 SU/ATS the last 8 games, deep, talented and showing no signs of slowing down. The Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record and 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. The Spurs are also 35-17-1 ATS in their last 53 games following a ATS win! Philly is 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS the last four games, in the middle of the pack in most NBA stats, with veteran Elton Brand working with a lot of young players. The 76ers are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Play the Spurs! |
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02-09-11 | San Antonio Spurs v. Toronto Raptors OVER 201 | Top | 111-100 | Win | 100 | 6 h 7 m | Show |
02/09 04:05 PM NBA (709) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (710) TORONTO RAPTORS
Take: over the total. Reason: NBA Bookie Buster Total of the Year: Spurs/Raptors Over. San Antonio is No. 6 in the NBA in scoring and second in three-point shooting, bombing away from beyond the arc at a sizzling .392%. They recently put 113 up on Sacramento, sailing over the total by 17 points. Who wouldn't want a BENCH of George Hill, Antonio McDyess, rookie Tiago Splitter and Gary Neal? The Spurs are off to their fastest start in history. They face a Toronto team that loves to run the court, but plays no defense, giving up 104.9 ppg, sixth worse in the NBA. Neither team is very good defensively at the three-pointer, and Toronto is 2-1 over the total its last three home games. Jose Calderon tied a career and franchise record for assists, and with Amir Johnson playing a game that coach Jay Triano lauded as "almost perfect," the Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-100, breaking off a 13-game losing streak. Andrea Bargnani had 30 points. Look for both teams to run the court all night long with little defense. Play the Spurs/Raptors Over the total. |
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02-08-11 | Indiana +14 v. Purdue | Top | 53-67 | Push | 0 | 6 h 29 m | Show |
Take: (519) INDIANA
Reason: Big 10 TV Game of the Month: Indiana. Undervalued Indiana isn't winning straight up, but keeping games close and on a 6-3 ATS run. Indiana has a good offense (72.8 ppg), 92nd in the nation in scoring and 29th in shooting at .475%). 6-8 sophomore Christian Watford (17 ppg, 5.8 rpg) leads the way for Coach Tom Crean. The Hoosiers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Purdue has big games on deck coming up against No. 14 Wisconsin and No. 1 Ohio State, and the Boilermakers don't always get up to play weak opponents, at 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400. They are also on a 2-5 ATS run overall. Play Indiana. |
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02-07-11 | Phoenix Suns v. Golden State Warriors -4.5 | Top | 104-92 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 1 m | Show |
The Golden State Warriors will attempt to match their longest winning streak of the season with a win over the Warriors on Monday. The Warriors are playing much better defensively of late, holding their last three opponents to 81, 94 and 90 points respectfully. The Warriors turned a close game at half against the Bulls on Saturday into an easy win by holding Chicago to just 18 4th quarter points. Meanwhile, Phoenix saw its own modest three game winning streak come to an end with a home loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday, 111-107. The Suns haven't fared particularly well against the Western Conference, going 4-9-1 ATS their last 15 games. Moreover, against the Pacific division they are 1-3-1 ATS their last five games. Meanwhile, the Warriors have feasted on their Pacific division foes, going 17-5 ATS their last 22 games. The Warriors also play well as a favorite at home, going 8-3 their last 11 games. The Warriors are playing some of their best defense of the season and that will translate to a win tonight over the Suns.
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02-03-11 | Notre Dame -11 v. DePaul | Top | 83-58 | Win | 100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Take: (537) NOTRE DAME
Reason: TV Game of the Month: Notre Dame. Norte Dame is locked in a tight duel for second in the Big East while DePaul is dead last. Jumping back into the top 10 of both national polls this week was something that did not go unnoticed by the Irish, who opened the season far off the national radar. |
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02-03-11 | Miami Heat v. Orlando Magic -1.5 | Top | 104-100 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 56 m | Show |
Take: (502) ORLANDO MAGIC
Reason: Eastern Conference TV Game of the Year: Magic. The Heat and Magic have split two meetings this season, each winning at home. Despite a blowout win over the hapless Cavs the last game, Miami is just 3-6 ATS the last 9 games. Orlando is 3 |
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02-02-11 | Marquette +6.5 v. Villanova | Top | 70-75 | Win | 100 | 7 h 31 m | Show |
Take: (739) MARQUETTE
Reason: Big East Game of the Year: Marquette. Undervalued Marquette is on an 8-2 ATS run, laregly because of a terrific offense (79.8 ppg) that is 15th in the nation behind Darius Johnson-Odom and Jimmy Butler. They just topped No. 10 Syracuse, 76-70, and the Golden Eagles are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games as an underdog. Marquette has shown they can trade points all the way vs. high-octane Villanova, with the last 4 meetings decided by 2, 2, 4 and 1 point! The Wildcat shooters (4 of 23 from arc) hit a prolonged cold spell vs. Providence's zones in 83-68 loss one week ago. And the Eagle players say they are committed on the stop end after allowing 156 points in back-to-back losses vs. UConn and Notre Dame. The Wildcats are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and the Golden Eagles are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings with Villanova. Play Marquette! |
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02-01-11 | San Antonio Spurs -5.5 v. Portland Trail Blazers | Top | 86-99 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 25 m | Show |
Take: (505) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Reason: Road Warrior Game of the Month: Spurs. San Antonio is having a dominant season with the best record, with a sizzling offense averaging 104.4 points and outscoring opponents by +7.5 per game -- tops in the NBA. And offense is a huge problem for a Portland team with injuries, ranked 24th in scoring while shooting .438% as a team -- fourth worst in the league. This is the start of a road trip for San Antonio, playing nine games in 17 nights, but this is the first game of the trip. The Spurs head into the trip at 40-7, the best record in franchise history to this point. The Spurs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall. San Antonio is on a 9-1 SU, 7-2-1 ATS run, while the Blazers are on a 0-2 SU/ATS run, even losing to the Kings as a 7-point favorite. With rookie point guard Armon Johnson still on assignment with Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League, the Blazers had eight healthy bodies for practice Monday, so scrimmaging was again limited to four-on-four. Center Marcus Camby is out along with Brandon Roy. The Trail Blazers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600 and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall. The Trail Blazers are also 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Play the Spurs! |
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01-31-11 | Milwaukee Bucks +4 v. Los Angeles Clippers | Top | 98-105 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 37 m | Show |
Clippers leading scorer, Eric Gordon, is out and this will be a major problem for LA seeing as he helped take off some of the load for Blake Griffin. On the other side of the coin the Bucks have gotten Brandon Jennings back and are riding a three game winning streak. The Clippers have been tough at the Staples Center, winning eight straight at home. But that was with Gordon and his 24.1 ppg will be difficult to replace. The Bucks have also been decent to bettors, going 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games. Can't really say the same for the Clips who are just 1-4 ATS their last five. I'm taking the Bucks here on Monday mainly because I think this Clippers club will not be the same until Gordon returns after the All-Star break. Griffin will get his points, but the will be tough points with a very good Andrew Bogut contesting him in the middle.
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01-30-11 | New Orleans Hornets +1 v. Phoenix Suns | Top | 102-104 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 41 m | Show |
Hornets are one of, if not the hottest team in the NBA, winners of 10 of their last 11 games. Bettors have done really well with New Orleans also, covering three of the last five and 14 of the last 21. The Hornets have been good on the road, going 13-10 ATS while 17 of their 24 aways games have gone UNDER the total. Not surprising at all here as the Hornets have the league's top rated scoring defense, allowing just 91.19 points per game. The Hornets were even stingier during their 10 game win streak, allowing just 85ppg. Compare that to the Suns, who are next to last in the NBA in points allowed with a 107.04 ppg average. The Suns saw their three game losing skid come to an end with a nice win over the Celtics at home on Friday, 88-71. Still, prior to the Celtics contest the Suns have covered just 7 of their first 20 home games. The Suns have covered the last four of five in this series, however before that run the Hornets had rattled off eight straight covers against Phoenix. I like the Hornets here on Sunday. Trevor Ariza has proven he can stop high scoring guards so he will give Suns fits all night. Take the Hornets here as they frustrate Phoenix from start to finish.
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01-28-11 | Sacramento Kings v. Los Angeles Lakers -12.5 | Top | 100-95 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 50 m | Show |
Take: (820) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Reason: 25-Star Big Bad Bookie Buster: LA Lakers. The Lakers responded to defensive criticism from Jerry West by blasting the Jazz, 120-91. That was actually their second straight double digit win. Coach Phil Jackson said, "He's right," adding his players actually can defend if they "do a lot of things right." The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Last place Sacramento comes to town, a team that is 4-16 on the road 7-15-1 ATS in their last 23 vs. Western Conference. If Jerry West thinks the Lakers defense is spotty, take a close look at the Kings: .47% shooting allowed, 25th in the NBA, while the Lakers allow .437 shooting (third best in the league). The veteran Lakers have had two full days to rest and the Kings are on a 1-3 SU/ATS run. This is not a big Sacramento team and in the last game, a loss to Charlotte, Kwame Brown, the maligned No. 1 pick in the 2001 NBA draft, grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds! The next seven games are against teams with winning records, beginning Friday night at the Los Angeles Lakers, so watch this team go into a tailspin. Play the LA Lakers! |
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01-26-11 | San Diego St +5 v. Brigham Young | Top | 58-71 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 2 m | Show |
Take: (793) SAN DIEGO STATE
Reason: Bailout Game of the Year: San Diego State. A huge Mountain West battle with both teams 5-0 in the conference, only two remaining unbeatens. SDSU was never ranked in either major men |
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01-26-11 | San Antonio Spurs -3 v. Utah Jazz | Top | 112-105 | Win | 100 | 27 h 43 m | Show |
Take: (717) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Reason: 15-Star Situational Mismatch Game of the Month: Spurs. The Spurs rebounded from their worst offensive performance of the season to charge to a 113-102 victory over the defensively-challenged Warriors. In the process, the Spurs |
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01-25-11 | Los Angeles Clippers v. Dallas Mavericks UNDER 194 | Top | 105-112 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 12 m | Show |
Take: UNDER
Reason: NBA High Roller Total: Clippers/Mavericks Under the total. The powerhouse offensive team against the powerhouse defensive team! The Clippers have a fine young offense, but note that the Under is 14-5 in Clippers last 19 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. They face a team that has transformed this season under Coach Rick Carlisle into a unit that has been impressive on defense, 10th in the NBA in field goal shooting allowed and sixth in points allowed (94 ppg). They come off an 87-86 win over New Jersey, part of a 5-2 run under the total. Dallas has the big men in the frontcourt to throw at young Blake Griffin and the under is 11-5 in Mavericks last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. And look at the recent history of these teams: The Under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings overall, plus the Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Dallas. Look for a defensive game, Play the Clippers/Mavericks Under the total. |
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01-24-11 | Baylor +5.5 v. Kansas State | Top | 61-69 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
Take: (735) BAYLOR
Reason: Big 12 Game of the Year: Baylor. Baylor (13-5, 3-2) has exceptional balance on offense with Acy, Dunn and Jones, a terrific inside/out trio: The Bears shoot .481% as a team, 23rd best in college basketball. Baylor has won four of its last five Big 12 road games and in the last four seasons under head coach Scott Drew, Baylor has won 17 neutral-site and 17 true road games -- a combined 34-28 record away from home. They take on a K-State Wildcats team that began the year in the Top 10, but has slid badly from the team that made the Elite 8 a year ago. The Wildcats have lost 4 of their last 5 games and are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall. That included losing to Colorado as a 10-point favorite! This is a tough sandwich spot for K-State, after playing two teams in the Top 15 (both losses) and No. 2 Kansas on deck. The Bears like to play up-tempo, but K-State is 3-6 when it doesn't eclipse the 70-point mark. Play Baylor! |
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01-24-11 | Oklahoma City Thunder +4 v. New Orleans Hornets | Top | 89-91 | Win | 100 | 18 h 17 m | Show |
This is a matchup of very similar teams and therefore the Thunder seem to come out on top. Really because they contain Hornets standout guard Chris Paul. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has gotten the best of his Hornets counterpart, Paul, outscoring him in both meetings this season. The Thunder have covered four straight in this series including both games this season. Both games were very similar, low scoring with the Thunder winning straight up at home, 95-89, and then winning and covering at New Orleans, 97-92. My only consideration for not making this an even bigger play on the Thunder is the recent play of New Orleans. The Hornets have won eight straight and covered six of those eight. Still, some teams just don't matchup well against others and this is one I have looked at because of the better guard play by the Thunder. Paul is a big reason for the Hornets success and if you can keep him contained, as the Thunder have done, you will beat this team. I'll take the points here on Monday and not be at all surprised by another straight up Thunder win.
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01-22-11 | New York Knicks v. Oklahoma City Thunder -7 | Top | 98-101 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 56 m | Show |
Take: (518) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Reason: 25-Star Situational Slam Dunk: Thunder. Oklahoma City has had 2 full days to rest for this one, home from a lousy two-game trip, losses at the Lakers and Nuggets by 7 and 5 points. They need to win, locked in a tight battle for first place with Utah. Oklahoma City is 15-6 at home and takes on a tired New York team, playing its third game in four nights and the second of a back to back road situation. New York went to Texas this week to play Houston (104-89 loss), played at San Antonio last night and now makes the trip to Oklahoma City. And this defense has been getting shredded, giving up 131, 93, 129 and 104 in a recent 4-game stretch (all losses, 1-3 ATS). The Thunder on the run is one of the prettiest sights in the NBA and they will be this game against uptempo New York. The Thunder is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference and the home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings with New York. Play the Oklahoma City Thunder! |
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01-21-11 | Los Angeles Lakers -1 v. Denver Nuggets | Top | 107-97 | Win | 100 | 11 h 54 m | Show |
Take: (817) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Reason: TV Game of the Month: LA Lakers. Both teams have some problems this week, but only one has tons of talent. The Lakers' defense was so yielding the last game at Dallas that Coach Phil Jackson called a timeout with 31.1 seconds left in the third quarter rather than wait for the period to end. Jackson immediately got into the face of Lamar Odom, who had drifted once again to the wrong spot, opening the door for a three-point shot by Sasha Pavlovic that gave the Mavericks an 11-point lead. Jackson and Odom exchanged words, most of it Jackson directing his ire at Odom. The Mavericks shot 54.5% from the field in the third quarter, 57.1% (four for seven) from three-point range. Overall, the Mavericks shot 55% to the Lakers' 54.3%. "Our defense was bad, real bad," Odom said. well the defense has been better of late, as the Lakers have won 8 of the last 10 games. The Nuggets have their own concerns with the Carmelo Anthony trade getting nixed this week, though he will is likely to be traded within the next month. The Nuggets are 9-26-6 ATS in their last 41 games following a ATS win and smallish up front, something the Lakers will take advantage of. Denver scored 118 the last time they met, a win, and the angry Lakers should have their game faces on after getting chewed out by the coach. Play the LA Lakers. |
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01-19-11 | Toronto Raptors v. San Antonio Spurs -12 | Top | 95-104 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 31 m | Show |
Take: (714) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Reason: NBA Blowout Game of the Year: Spurs. A year ago, the Spurs limped into the season |
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01-18-11 | Atlanta Hawks v. Miami Heat -6.5 | Top | 93-89 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 10 m | Show |
Take: (502) MIAMI HEAT
Reason: 25-Star Bookie Buster: Miami Heat. Atlanta hasn't been playing any defense, as Hawks coach Larry Drew admits there has been signs of slippage lately. It reached a low point for the Hawks on Saturday when they offered little resistance during a 112-106 loss to Houston. Only Phoenix, which beat Atlanta 118-114 on Nov. 7, has scored more points against the Hawks this season. Houston made 47 of 87 shots (54 percent) while scoring every which way. The Rockets had 20 fastbreak points and 56 points in the paint. Atlanta is in a tough situation, playing its third game in four nights. Miami is rested, getting playmaker Lebron James back and are hungry for a win. They come home from a lousy 5-game road trip where they lost LeBron and the last three games. Beginning Tuesday night against Atlanta, three of the Heat's next four games are at home, with just one road game -- a trip to New York's Madison Square Garden -- between now and Jan. 31. The injury has allowed Mike Miller and Eddie House to see more time and they are fine role players off the pine. Look for a fired up home crowd with LeBron back and for a huge effort by the home team to end this 3-game skid against the tired Hawks. Play the Heat. |
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01-15-11 | Houston Rockets v. Atlanta Hawks -7.5 | Top | 112-106 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 17 m | Show |
Take: (504) ATLANTA HAWKS
Reason: 25-Star Situational Slam Dunk: Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta has had 2 full days off and playing great basketball, on a 5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS run. They even won as a dog at Utah, blowing the Jazz out. Joe Johnson started slow, but has heated up since recovering from his right elbow surgery. Reigning Sixth Man Award winner Jamal Crawford has found his form in last two weeks after slow start and back injury. He regularly provides lift with scoring punch off the bench and his assist and free-throw rates are up from last season. They also have an athletic frontcourt with Josh Smith and Al Horford and take on a tired Houston team playing its 3rd game in 4 nights, plus the second of a back to back spot. Houston has a lot of problems defensively, giving up .467% shooting (22nd in the NBA), plus the Rockets are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 games playing on 0 days rest! The Rockets are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Southeast while the Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing record. Look for a big win by the home team. Play the Hawks! |
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01-14-11 | Butler v. Detroit +5.5 | Top | 87-63 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 59 m | Show |
Take: (826) DETROIT
Reason: High Roller: Detroit. Butler is the big name in the Horizon League, but Detroit is playing well, tied with Butler at 4-1 atop the standings. Detroit just finished a stretch playing 6 of 8 on the road and they have had 5 full days of rest before this big showdown. Detroit has a frontcout force in 6-10, 255-pound center Eli Holman (11.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg), 6-11 freshman shot blocker LaMarcus Lowe and 6-6 Chase Simon (12.8 ppg), working with freshman sparkplug guard Ray McCallum (15.8 ppg, 5 rpg). They are 31st in the nation in rebounding, while Butler is 201st. Butler has already matched its loss total from a season ago (5). With nine team blocks on Saturday, Detroit is the Horizon League leader in the category with 92 rejections through 17 games (5.2 bpg). That total ranks 27th in NCAA Division I. Look for a monster effort by the home team in this key game. Play Detroit! |
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01-14-11 | Chicago Bulls v. Indiana Pacers UNDER 190 | Top | 99-86 | Win | 100 | 25 h 0 m | Show |
Take: UNDER
Reason: High Roller Total: Bulls/Pistons Under. The Chicago Bulls have a first-year coach in Tom Thibodeau, who ran Boston |
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01-13-11 | Miami Heat -4 v. Denver Nuggets | Top | 102-130 | Loss | -110 | 30 h 37 m | Show |
Take: (505) MIAMI HEAT
Reason: NBA Powerhouse Pounder: Miami Heat. What a mess in Denver. Carmelo Anthony said expects to formally meet with Nuggets executives Josh Kroenke and Masai Ujiri this week to get clarification on his future. Reports have been flying for a week now about whether he's been traded or not, plus they the Nuggets are considering moving Chauncey Billups, a Denver native, out of town. It's almost certain the Nuggets will trade Anthony by the NBA's Feb. 24 trade deadline. Despite a blowout win over the defenseless Suns, the Nuggets are still 1-3 SU/ATS the last 4 games playing bad basketball. In fact, they were favored in all four and lost straight up to the Clippers, Kings and Hornets. Now a super-talented Miami team comes to town, one motivated as they just took over the top seed in the East over Boston. Another factor is that Denver doesn't play defense and has no one to match up defensively with Wade or LeBron. Miami is second in the NBA in points allowed (92.2 ppg) and tops in field goal shooting defense (.423%). The visitors will get out in front and Carmelo will pack it in in the second half as he gets booed at home for the third time in a week. Play the Miami Heat! |
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01-12-11 | Furman +4.5 v. Davidson | Top | 70-79 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 31 m | Show |
Take: (817) FURMAN
Reason: Southern Conference Game of the Year: Furman. This is a strong Furman team (11-4), one that is 3-1 in the league, while Davidson is 1-3 in the conference. They are led by an outstanding all around player in 6-6 senior Amu Saaka (16.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg). Furman is off an 88-67 victory over The Citadel on Saturday as the Paladins shot a season-high 59.3% from the floor. Seniors Amu Saaka and Jordan Miller keyed the Paladin triumph scoring 20 and 18 points, respectively, while sophomore Colin Reddick came off of the bench to net 13 points. With its victory over the Bulldogs, Furman maintained its No. 25 ranking in this week's CollegeInsider Mid-Major Top 25 Poll. The Paladins have been ranked 25th in the poll three consecutive weeks after entering the rankings following their 91-75 triumph over South Carolina on December 22. They are on a 6-2 ATS run and blew out South Carolina, 91-75, despite being a +2 dog! Davidson has a losing record, is not a good shooting team (43%) and has lost 3 in a row. Davidson is also on a 0-4 ATS run and will struggle badly in this one. Play Furman! |
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01-11-11 | New York Knicks v. Portland Trail Blazers -3 | Top | 100-86 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 26 m | Show |
Take: (512) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Reason: 25-Star Big Bad Basketball Bookie Buster: Blazers. The Knicks are a long way from home and they come off a loss at the Lakers (108-97). This is the 3rd game in a 4-game West Coast trip, and the first of a back to back spot (at Utah Wednesday). The offense is fine, but the defense allows 106.3 ppg (28th). Mike D'Antoni made references to a Phoenix letdown: "I just didn't think we were sharp," he said. "I was a little worried after Phoenix having an emotional letdown and I think we did. Although this is L.A., they shouldn't have but we did." The Knicks were murdered on the boards, 61-42. They are still without Danilo Gallinari (knee), and Shawne Williams started in his place. They take on a Portland Trail Blazers team that just had its 8-game home win streak snapped by LeBron James and the Heat in overtime. The Blazers are a good defensive team (94.8 ppg allowed, 9th in NBA) and the offense has 6-11 LaMarcus Aldridge (20.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and Brandon Roy (16.6 ppg), point guard Andre Miller (12.5 ppg). And Marcus Camby has pulled down 13, 20, 8, 6 and 14 rebounds the last 5 games! The Blazers are 12-4 SU, 10-6 ATS at home. The Blazers, behind 29 points from Brandon Roy, won 100-95 at NY in October and should own the glass against the tired and defenseless Knicks. Play the Blazers. |
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01-10-11 | Detroit Pistons v. Chicago Bulls -10 | Top | 82-95 | Win | 100 | 19 h 56 m | Show |
Huge advantage here to the Bulls with their backcourt star of Derrick Rose. Rose has been a thorn in the side of the Pistons since he came in the league. Rose averaged 21ppg and 59% shooting against the Pistons last year and after two meetings this season is averaging 31 ppg. Unfortunately for the Pistons, they have no playmaker in their backcourt to match the talent of Rose. At the United Center Rose has given the Pistons even more fits, averaging 25.8 ppg and 62.5% shooting from the field. The Bulls also own the league's top scoring defense and that will put the clamps on this Pistons club that just doesn't have the guard play. The Pistons had a brief three-game west coast road trip that saw the club go 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS including a blowout by the Lakers by 25 and the Suns by 17. Meanwhile, the Bulls are coming off an impressive home win over the Celtics, holding Boston to just 79 points in the 90-79 win. The combination of the stingy Bulls defense and the Pistons inability to stop Rose is a formula for a Chicago blowout win on Monday.
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01-07-11 | Chicago Bulls v. Philadelphia 76ers | Top | 99-105 | Win | 100 | 26 h 12 m | Show |
Take: (806) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Reason: Revenge Game of the Year: 76ers. Philadelphia has been undervalued on a 5-2 ATS run and they have been home all week, fresh off a blowout win over the Wizards. They are in the Top 10 defensively in points allowed and field goal shooting defense. This is the second straight road game for Chicago, off a loss at New Jersey, 96-94, as a 5-point favorite. The Bulls are great at home, but a .500 road team (8-8). The Bulls had been beating up on weaklings, with a victory at Detroit before home wins over Milwaukee, New Jersey, Cleveland and Toronto. Their 90-81 victory over the Nets on New Year's Eve in Chicago was the only victory by single digits during their streak. The Bulls are without frontcourt force Joakim Noah and allowed 49% shooting to the Nets. The Sixers, who are now 9-6 at home, 14-21 overall, received 10 points and 10 rebounds from Andres Nocioni and 17 points from Elton Brand the last game. Their worst defeat of the season was to these Bulls when they tallied just 76 points, their worst offensive output of the season, an embarrassing 121-76 defeat. It was the middle of a long road trip and their toughest stretch of the season, sandwiched between the Lakers, Magic and Celtics. Look for a big revenge effort by the home team against the short-handed visitors. Play the 76ers. |
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01-05-11 | Milwaukee Bucks v. Orlando Magic -11.5 | Top | 87-97 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 49 m | Show |
Take: (704) ORLANDO MAGIC
Reason: 25-Star Situational Slam Dunk: Magic. The Orlando Magic is on a tear since making that big trade. Before the trade: 94 ppg, since the trade: 105 ppg. With Hedo Turkoglu running the offense, Orlando is on a 6-0 SU/ATS run. "This is a good fit for me," he said. "I feel comfortable. All I have to do is play hard here." The Bucks are a poor offensive team (90 ppg), last in the NBA, and last in field goal shooting (41%). Brandon Jennings believes mid-January is a good target date for his return from surgery on his left foot but won't play in this one. Milwaukee is in a terrible situational handicapping spot, playing the second of a back to back road spot (at mighty Miami last night), while the red hot home team is rested. This shapes up as another blowout win by the talented and hungry home team against an ailing visitor that can't shoot. Play the Bucks. |
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01-04-11 | San Antonio Spurs v. New York Knicks OVER 208.5 | Top | 115-128 | Win | 100 | 8 h 43 m | Show |
Take: over
Reason: 25-Star High Roller Total: Knicks/Spurs Over the total. Don't see any defense in this one. The big bad Spurs are on a 4-0 SU/ATS run and 2-1 over the total their last three road games, with scores of 113-112 and 123-101. This is the start of a 3-game road trip, but this deep team has had 2 full days off. They match up well with an uptempo New York team that doesn't defend the three-pointer well (21st in the NBA) and San Antonio is lights out with a sizzling 40% from beyond the arc, easily tops in the NBA. The Knicks allow .467 shooting overall, which is 24th in the NBA, a small team that prefers to push it up the court with newcomer Ray Felton, who has been a great addition. New York is No. 1 in points scored in the NBA (107.2 ppg) but 29th in points allowed. San Antonio is 10-2 on the road and the New York crowd will want to see an offensive show with a Western powerhouse in town. Play the Spurs/Knicks Over the total. |
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12-30-10 | Pacific -5.5 v. Cal St-Fullerton | Top | 51-54 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
Take: (543) PACIFIC
Reason: Big West Game of the Year: Pacific. Pacific (8-5) is a powerhouse teams, one that has already played UCLA and Texas A&M. They have senior leadership with 6-9 Sam Willard (16.6 ppg, 10.5 rpg) and guard Demetrece Young (12.3 ppg), and fine roke players like 6-4 Terrell Smith. Willard has been selected as Big West Conference Player of the Week twice now. They are on a 4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS run and take on a defenseless Cal State Fullerton squad (4-9) that is getting killed under the glass, ranked 306th in the country in rebounding. They lost their last game, at home, to a UC Davis team with a losing record, allowing 50% shooting, losing by 16 while giving up 88 points. Fullerton has no long range game and no defense, while Pacific is solid defensively and fundamentally. Second-half scoring outbursts by the opponents have become prevalent for Fullerton and the Pacific depth will run away with this in the second half. Play Pacific! |
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12-28-10 | New York Knicks +10 v. Miami Heat | Top | 98-106 | Win | 100 | 26 h 38 m | Show |
Take: (505) NEW YORK KNICKS
Reason: December Game of the Month: NY Knicks. Miami is full of confidence after its big Xmas Day win at Los Angeles, a game they were supremely focused for. Now they come home to face the Knicks, certainly not a marquee game, but a long road trip home. They face a red-hot NY Knick team that is on a 10-3 SU/ATS run, winning 4 times as a dog during that stretch. They are also 4-1 ATS their last 5 as a dog. With the influx of defensive-minded players like point guard Raymond Felton and center Ronny Turiaf and the infusion of Amar'e Stoudemire's toughness and stated mission to protect the rim, the Knicks (18-12) are slowly turning into a very capable defensive squad. Just ask Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, the NBA's preeminent defensive guru who tipped his hat to the Knicks' stingy Christmas Day defense during which they held his team to 12 fourth-quarter points -- four in the period's first 10 minutes. That followed Wednesday's lockdown of the offensively gifted Thunder, held to 38 percent shooting. Miami plays tough defense, too, so this one shapes up as a close one, so grab the points with the hungry, up and coming young Knicks. Play the NY Knicks! |
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12-27-10 | Los Angeles Clippers +2 v. Sacramento Kings | Top | 100-99 | Win | 100 | 20 h 29 m | Show |
While these are two of the worst teams in the NBA, we do see some life out of the Clippers. LA has won three of its last four games both SU and ATS. Meanwhile, the Kings are playing more like jesters these days, losers of eight straight games. In fact, since the Kings opened the season with a 3-1 mark, they have gone 2-21 since. And, bettors haven't fared well with them either, as Sacramento has covered just three of its last 15 games. The Clippers Blake Griffin continues to shine like the club hoped he would last year before his season ending injury. Griffin is now averaging 21.1 points per game and 12.4 rebounds per game, leading all rookies. Griffin's rookie counterpart on the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins, seems like he's headed in the opposite direction. While Cousins ranks second in stats to Griffin, he was benched last Thursday from the starting lineup and has already been kicked out of practice once. These clubs have met twice this season and both have resulted in Clipper SU and ATS wins. The Clippers won 100-82 and 98-91, both at home. I'm not really sure how the Kings could be installed as a one-point favorite here when they can't even win S/U these days. Plus we have a Clippers team playing with lots more confidence. I'm taking the Clippers who look like a team that wants to win while the Kings look like a team just playing out the games.
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12-25-10 | Miami Heat v. Los Angeles Lakers -2 | Top | 96-80 | Loss | -110 | 22 h 6 m | Show |
Take: (706) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Reason: 25-Star Big Bad Basketball Bookie Buster: LA Lakers. The new look Miami Heat are full of themselves again, riding a 12-game win streak that was halted, a 98-96 home loss to Dallas. During that 12-game win streak, they didn't play any good teams. As soon as they face a very good Dallas team, they fold up. More than folding up, what happens is this team gets outrebounded, which has happened all season as they are a relatively short team. Prior to that win streak Dallas beat them, and before that they lost to Orlando, a team that can pound the glass, as well as two early losses to Boston, getting pounded up front. That will be a problem here in this Xmas Day showdown against the tall Laker frontcourt. Kobe Bryant loves a challenge and the limelight and he will not want to see LeBron James come into his building and steal a win. Pau Gasol said, fans are excited about the game Saturday like it's, "Game 1 of the NBA Finals, it seems like." And the Lakers were pretty good last June in Game 1 of the Finals, blowing out Boston. The Lakers took Wednesday off but went back to practice Thursday, working hard to forget the embarrassing loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. It was a good practice because the Lakers had their full complement of players participate. Bryant, who declined to talk to the media, practiced, as did Andrew Bynum. "We worked intensely and that was probably one of the best days that we've had all year," Gasol said. With Andruw Bynum back, Gasol up front and Kobe focused, look for LA to own the boards and roll over the young Eastern upstarts. Play the LA Lakers. |
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12-23-10 | San Antonio Spurs v. Orlando Magic -2.5 | Top | 101-123 | Win | 100 | 27 h 34 m | Show |
Take: (702) ORLANDO MAGIC
Reason: TV Game of the Month: Magic. A huge TV showdown game with the new-look Magic against the top team in the NBA. Stan Van Gundy says there was more good than bad in loss to Dallas. Dwight Howard scored 26 points and collected 23 rebounds, both game-highs. The Magic and their new players |
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12-22-10 | Oklahoma City Thunder v. New York Knicks | Top | 98-112 | Win | 100 | 25 h 39 m | Show |
Take: (510) NEW YORK KNICKS
Reason: 25-Star Situational Slam Dunk: NY Knicks. A tough situational spot for the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing their third game in four nights, including the second of a back to back road spot, at Chicago last night. The Bulls are a physical defensive team, and they have to head from that hostile environment to wild Madison Square Garden in New York. It's a bad matchup, too, as the Knicks are rested and love to run at opponents, No. 2 in the NBA in scoring with 107.9 ppg. Teaming Stoudemire with a young playmaker like Ray Felton has been a great match. The Knicks are off back to back losses to the Heat and Cavs, bad situational spots playing back to back games. But they are well rested for this one with 3 full days off. New York is also on a sizzling 14-4 spread run! Look for the Knicks to run right at the road weary and tired visitors in a one-sided game. Play the NY Knicks. |
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12-21-10 | Philadelphia 76ers v. Chicago Bulls UNDER 191.5 | Top | 76-121 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 26 m | Show |
Take: UNDER
Reason: NBA High Roller Total of the Month: 76ers/Bulls Under the total. The Bulls are an excellent defensive team under new coach Tom Thibodeau. He was the assistant running the defense on the Celtics the last three years, which included two trips to the NBA Finals and consistently one of the best defensive teams in the league. They are on a 15-5 run under the total. For this game, the offense is without Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson played the last game but suffered a concussion the previous game. The Bulls played uncharacteristically small and flat with the Noah-less lineup that featured the 6-foot-9 Gibson at center and two other 6-9 players |
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12-17-10 | Minnesota Timberwolves +9 v. Portland Trail Blazers | Top | 102-107 | Win | 100 | 28 h 28 m | Show |
Take: (821) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Reason: 25-Star Situational Slam Dunk: Timberwolves. Teams home from long road trips aren't always ready to play that first game back home. Athletes are often often focused on catching up with family and friends, their children and other matters at home. For this one Portland returns home from a lousy 4-game trip, losing three in a row. They've also played 8 of the last 11 on the road. This team has underachieved all season, with an offense averaging just 95 ppg -- 6th lowest in the league. In fact, they are getting outscored by a 95-94 average, yet a big favorite here. The Blazeres are fourth worst in the NBA in field goal shooting (.433%). Offense is not a problem for a young Minnesota team, averaging 102.4 ppg while leading the NBA in rebounding behind workhorse Kevin Love. Minnesota is 5-1 ATS the last 6 games as a double digit dog, including the last game, a cover at Phoenix, a 128-122 loss. Play the Timberwolves. |
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12-15-10 | Milwaukee Bucks v. San Antonio Spurs OVER 190 | Top | 90-92 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 25 m | Show |
Take: over
Reason: High Roller Total Powerhouse: Bucks/Spurs Over the total. The Bucks have gotten their offense going after a rough start to the season, riding a 6-3 run over the total. There is plenty of offensive talent, and they showcased that in an impressive 103-99 win at Dallas, one of the top defensive teams in the NBA. That game sailed over by 19 points. Now they face a deadly uptempo offense in San Antonio, the top three-point shooting team and one averaging 106.4 ppg, 4th highest in the league. Both teams are rested and the Spurs have topped 100 points in 13 of the last 17 games. Look for an offensive show, Play the Bucks/Spurs Over the total. |
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12-14-10 | Illinois-Chicago +2 v. Northern Illinois | Top | 78-80 | Push | 0 | 23 h 39 m | Show |
Take: (717) ILLINOIS CHICAGO
Reason: Non-Conference Game of the Month: Illinois Chicago. Ignore that 3-game skid: This Illinois Chicago team is playing tough defense for first-year coach Howard Moore, coming over from Wisconsin where he learned tough defense under Coach Bo Ryan. They are scrappy, taking Valpo to OT before losing by 2 as a +5 dog, and a 54-52 loss to Akron as a dog. They have a nice one-two punch with senior forward Paul Carter and senior guard Robo Kreps. Carter has recorded eight double-digit scoring outputs and ranks second in the Horizon League in rebounding (8.3 rpg), and 10th overall in scoring (14.6 ppg) Kreps has scored 20 or more points in four contests, and scored in double figures seven total times and ranks sixth in the Horizon League in scoring (15.6 ppg). They take on a 2-4 Northern Illinois squad that can't rebound and is giving up a ton of points, including 80 and 86 the last two games (both losses). They've allowed 80 or more in three straight games and the hard working visitors hold all the edges. Play Illinois Chicago. |
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12-11-10 | Detroit -5.5 v. Eastern Michigan | Top | 68-65 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 3 m | Show |
Take: (527) DETROIT
Reason: High Roller: Detroit. Detroit is one scrappy team, covering in close losses to then No. 11 Syracuse (66-55) and Mississippi State (82-76). They led 28-25 at the half at Syracuse and held the Orange to 36% shooting in their own building! Syracuse finished 7 of 30 on 3s and shot 24 of 66 (36.4 percent) for the game. They take on a terrible Eastern Michigan squad (1-7) that has been a money-burner (1-6 ATS). Eastern Michigan is one of the worst shooting teams in the country, 37% as a team, and riding a 6-game skid. Eastern Michigan has lost the last 4 games despite being favored in three of them! They were an 8-point home favorite over the North Dakota Fighting Sioux and lost 54-49. This underrated and undervalued Detroit team will have no trouble running them out of their own building. Play Detroit! |
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12-10-10 | Orlando Magic v. Utah Jazz -2.5 | Top | 105-117 | Win | 100 | 9 h 3 m | Show |
Take: (818) UTAH JAZZ
Reason: 25-Star Situational Slam Dunk: Jazz. Orlando is a long way from home and in a difficult situational spot, playing its second road game in as many nights after a trip to Portland. Now they head to first-place Utah, a tough place to play. Utah loves the uptempo game led by sparkplug guard Deron Williams, who had 12 assists the last game, a home loss to Miami. The team show over 50% against a terrific Heat defense. Utah has a physical young frontcourt with Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson and one of the best motivators in the game in Coach Jerry Sloan. Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko (strained right quadriceps) said that his injury feels better and he thinks he should be able to play versus the Magic. And talk about being rested: Utah is playing its 6th straight home game here! Orlando, meanwhile, is playing its 5th road game over the last 6 games. Even in that lone home game they lost to Atlanta straight up as a 7-point favorite, which came on the heals of a loss at Milwaukee, scoring only 85 points. A great situational spot for the home team. Play the Jazz! |
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12-08-10 | Indiana Pacers +2 v. Milwaukee Bucks | Top | 95-97 | Push | 0 | 25 h 44 m | Show |
Take: (509) INDIANA PACERS
Reason: Game of the Week: Pacers. Indiana has been a surprise team in the NBA, playing some defense for Coach Jim O'Brien, 11th in points allowed. This team has a huge defensive presence in Roy Hibbert, who teams with hard working Danny Granger to provide a strong punch under the boards: Indiana ranks 4th in the NBA in rebounds. Brandon Rush scored 26 points, Danny Granger had 21 and the Pacers put seven players in double figures in a 124-100 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday. And how about the Indiana bench, scoring 50 points! "The good thing is, the guys in the locker room are not happy being 10-9," Indiana coach Jim O'Brien said. The Pacers' improvement is based on a developing young core of players -- Rush, Darren Collison and Roy Hibbert. They are on a 7-3 ATS run and take on a stumbling Milwaukee team on a 2-8 SU/ATS run. Four of those games they lost straight up as a favorite. Milwaukee has a struggling offense, 30th in the NBA in points, and will struggle against this strong Indiana defense and depth. Play the Pacers. |
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12-07-10 | Washington Wizards v. Los Angeles Lakers -13 | Top | 108-115 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 11 m | Show |
Take: (714) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Reason: 25-Star Big Bad Basketball Bookie Buster: LA Lakers. The Lakers returned home from a miserable road trip and pulled themselves together, destroying the Kings 113-80. An even worse team comes to town in Washington. "Whatever we're going through, it's probably good for us," said Lamar Odom before the blowout win. The Lakers shot 56.6% from the field. The Lakers didn't score more than 100 points in any of the losses, and that's not good for a team that is considered one of the NBA's most efficient, one that averages 108.5 points a game, the second-most in the NBA. Washington is 25th in the NBA allowing 105.6 ppg and a ridiculous %48.2% shooting -- second worst in the league. The Wizards (6-12) have opened the season with a franchise record nine road losses and are on a 3-game road trip here. Lately, the Wizards have failed to even be competitive on the road, with their past three defeats to Toronto, Miami and Atlanta all decided by double-digits. Six of their road losses this season have been by 10 or more points, including four by at least 20. The Lakers are ranked 10th in the NBA in field-goal percentage, making 46.2% of their shots. During the losing streak, the Lakers never hit that mark, shooting better than 45% just once. But they are home, rested and focused to start winning again -- and they will big in this one. Play the LA Lakers. |