Mr. Vegas
Free Monday NBA Play from Mr. Vegas: 11/24: 7:05 PM ET
(705) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (706) CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Take: over
Reason: Mr Vegas Bonus Play:
The LA Clippers and Charlotte Hornets both play in a 2nd of a back-to-back spot here on Monday. For the Clippers, they have been an excellent OVER team, especially on the road where they are 4-0 O/U. Moreover, the Clips have gone over in six of their last eight games thanks mainly to a potent offense and less than stellar defense. The Clippers defensive efficiency is just 108.2 overall and 109.2 on the road, worse than the league average of 107. Lucky for the Clippers, their offensive efficiency is well above the league average with a overall 111.4 and road mark of 117.1. It's easy to see why they are 4-0 O/U on the road. Charlotte has lost four straight and six of the last seven games. They have also gone UNDER in four of their last five games. At home they are a better offensive team, but not much. The Clippers 4-0 O/U mark this year is just a continuing of a trend that has seen them go over in 25 of their last 37 road games. We'll need to get Charlotte to get us better than they have been doing, but I like the Clippers to push this pace and get the Hornets into a running game. Take the OVER.
Free Monday NBA Play from Mr. Vegas: 11/24: 7:05 PM ET
(705) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (706) CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Take: over
Reason: Mr Vegas Bonus Play:
The LA Clippers and Charlotte Hornets both play in a 2nd of a back-to-back spot here on Monday. For the Clippers, they have been an excellent OVER team, especially on the road where they are 4-0 O/U. Moreover, the Clips have gone over in six of their last eight games thanks mainly to a potent offense and less than stellar defense. The Clippers defensive efficiency is just 108.2 overall and 109.2 on the road, worse than the league average of 107. Lucky for the Clippers, their offensive efficiency is well above the league average with a overall 111.4 and road mark of 117.1. It's easy to see why they are 4-0 O/U on the road. Charlotte has lost four straight and six of the last seven games. They have also gone UNDER in four of their last five games. At home they are a better offensive team, but not much. The Clippers 4-0 O/U mark this year is just a continuing of a trend that has seen them go over in 25 of their last 37 road games. We'll need to get Charlotte to get us better than they have been doing, but I like the Clippers to push this pace and get the Hornets into a running game. Take the OVER.
Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Monday 8:00 PM NCAAB
(719) PEPPERDINE at (720) IOWA
Take: (719) PEPPERDINE +14.5
Bigger is usually better in basketball. It probably will be to some extent tonight as Pepperdine visits Iowa, and on that count it’s all Hawkeyes. Iowa is one of the tallest teams in all of D1. The Waves are at the other end of the height spectrum. But I think there’s more than just what meets the eye tonight as these teams take the court.
I’ve been impressed with what Marty Wilson has already accomplished at Pepperdine. The Waves weren’t even a ripple when Wilson arrived, and he’s helped them take small steps up the ladder in each of his first three seasons at the helm. Pepperdine has not been blessed with exceptional talent by any means, but they’ve chiseled out a reputation as a team that won’t get outworked and they’re no longer a pushover. By no means is Pepperdine ready to put fear into the hearts of the top programs in the WCC but they’re not going to be a soft touch either.
So I’m confident I’ll get the usual big try out of the Waves tonight. That should give them a chance to compete with Iowa, at least from a spread standpoint. Iowa is not in a great spot from a scheduling stance, as they’re off games with Texas and Syracuse. The Hawkeyes lost both battles and I’m just not sure about the mix on this team. Iowa was being talked about as a Final Four possibility as they got off to a dominating start last season. But the Hawkeyes fell apart down the stretch, and it looks to me like veteran coach Fran McCaffery is still searching for the right mix as far as this year’s team in concerned. Iowa was certainly not very impressive in the two games at Madison Square Garden and they’re at best a current work in progress presently.
Pepperdine has some quickness and while they’re going to have a problem contending with the Iowa size, I won’t be surprised if the Waves can hang around here. The visitors should be very excited as this their biggest name non-conference opponent in ages. I’m dubious as to how revved up the Hawkeyes or their fans will be for this game. Carver-Hawkeye Arena has been a very tough venue for out of conference road teams in the past, but I’m not sure how that pertains to this Iowa edition.
I’m not boldly calling for an upset tonight. The Waves are at a physical disadvantage and Iowa needs a win. But I don’t see this being lopsided with an under the radar dog that might be better than most think getting a big spot from a host that’s just not that sensational right now. I’ll grab the substantial points with Pepperdine tonight.
Bonus Play Monday 8:00 PM NCAAB
(719) PEPPERDINE at (720) IOWA
Take: (719) PEPPERDINE +14.5
Bigger is usually better in basketball. It probably will be to some extent tonight as Pepperdine visits Iowa, and on that count it’s all Hawkeyes. Iowa is one of the tallest teams in all of D1. The Waves are at the other end of the height spectrum. But I think there’s more than just what meets the eye tonight as these teams take the court.
I’ve been impressed with what Marty Wilson has already accomplished at Pepperdine. The Waves weren’t even a ripple when Wilson arrived, and he’s helped them take small steps up the ladder in each of his first three seasons at the helm. Pepperdine has not been blessed with exceptional talent by any means, but they’ve chiseled out a reputation as a team that won’t get outworked and they’re no longer a pushover. By no means is Pepperdine ready to put fear into the hearts of the top programs in the WCC but they’re not going to be a soft touch either.
So I’m confident I’ll get the usual big try out of the Waves tonight. That should give them a chance to compete with Iowa, at least from a spread standpoint. Iowa is not in a great spot from a scheduling stance, as they’re off games with Texas and Syracuse. The Hawkeyes lost both battles and I’m just not sure about the mix on this team. Iowa was being talked about as a Final Four possibility as they got off to a dominating start last season. But the Hawkeyes fell apart down the stretch, and it looks to me like veteran coach Fran McCaffery is still searching for the right mix as far as this year’s team in concerned. Iowa was certainly not very impressive in the two games at Madison Square Garden and they’re at best a current work in progress presently.
Pepperdine has some quickness and while they’re going to have a problem contending with the Iowa size, I won’t be surprised if the Waves can hang around here. The visitors should be very excited as this their biggest name non-conference opponent in ages. I’m dubious as to how revved up the Hawkeyes or their fans will be for this game. Carver-Hawkeye Arena has been a very tough venue for out of conference road teams in the past, but I’m not sure how that pertains to this Iowa edition.
I’m not boldly calling for an upset tonight. The Waves are at a physical disadvantage and Iowa needs a win. But I don’t see this being lopsided with an under the radar dog that might be better than most think getting a big spot from a host that’s just not that sensational right now. I’ll grab the substantial points with Pepperdine tonight.
Jim Feist
Comp NBA Pick for Monday, November 24, 2014: 8:05 PM ET
(709) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (710) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: UNDER the TOTAL
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, November 24, 2014 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. The Knicks have finally started to play a bit better. There were high hopes in the Big Apple for this club this year and people were worried when the team started 2-6. They haven't exactly been great since, but are 3-4 the last seven. However, bettors are still not doing well with the Knicks, covering just three of 14 games this season. Tonight, I'm looking at the UNDER in this contest. The Knicks have been a better over team than under, but tonight they play a pretty good defensive team in Houston. The Rockets have been winning this season, 10-3 S/U, thanks to a defense that has allowed over 100 points just twice in 13 games. That has translated to the total as the Rockets are 2-11 O/U this season (0-6 O/U at home). The Rockets have been a very goo defensive efficient team, allowing a 96.9 at home (league avg is 107.3). Moreover, the Rockets haven't been a very good offensive efficient team with just a 96.9 rating at home. Tonight, the Rockets could be without one of their best scorers in center Dwight Howard, who is questionable. Howard is average just over 18 points per game this season. The last 11 times these teams have met the game has gone under eight times. I look for that again here with a good under club in Houston who should control this tempo. Your Bonus Play is on the UNDER.
Comp NBA Pick for Monday, November 24, 2014: 8:05 PM ET
(709) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (710) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: UNDER the TOTAL
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, November 24, 2014 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. The Knicks have finally started to play a bit better. There were high hopes in the Big Apple for this club this year and people were worried when the team started 2-6. They haven't exactly been great since, but are 3-4 the last seven. However, bettors are still not doing well with the Knicks, covering just three of 14 games this season. Tonight, I'm looking at the UNDER in this contest. The Knicks have been a better over team than under, but tonight they play a pretty good defensive team in Houston. The Rockets have been winning this season, 10-3 S/U, thanks to a defense that has allowed over 100 points just twice in 13 games. That has translated to the total as the Rockets are 2-11 O/U this season (0-6 O/U at home). The Rockets have been a very goo defensive efficient team, allowing a 96.9 at home (league avg is 107.3). Moreover, the Rockets haven't been a very good offensive efficient team with just a 96.9 rating at home. Tonight, the Rockets could be without one of their best scorers in center Dwight Howard, who is questionable. Howard is average just over 18 points per game this season. The last 11 times these teams have met the game has gone under eight times. I look for that again here with a good under club in Houston who should control this tempo. Your Bonus Play is on the UNDER.
Ari Atari
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
FREE PICK: Portland -12
When will the bleeding stop for Philly? Not tonight. The Blazers are too tough on defense and too balanced on offense to hang out in the dumps with the 76ers. The Blazers took care of the Celtics 94-88 and will have to turn around on a back to back for this one. That's the only disadvantage which is offset by a bench that can still cover this spread against the Philly starters.
Every game matters and the coaching staff will make sure the Blazers don't take this game lightly. The last 6 meetings between these 2 teams has seen the line push twice (Blazers covered 3 times and Philly covered 1). An even number spread of 12 allows the likelihood of a push to exist and it could very well happen. I've got this capped with Portland winning by 12+ and I wouldn't recommend you taking it +12.5 or higher. Consider buying the half point if it moves.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
FREE PICK: Portland -12
When will the bleeding stop for Philly? Not tonight. The Blazers are too tough on defense and too balanced on offense to hang out in the dumps with the 76ers. The Blazers took care of the Celtics 94-88 and will have to turn around on a back to back for this one. That's the only disadvantage which is offset by a bench that can still cover this spread against the Philly starters.
Every game matters and the coaching staff will make sure the Blazers don't take this game lightly. The last 6 meetings between these 2 teams has seen the line push twice (Blazers covered 3 times and Philly covered 1). An even number spread of 12 allows the likelihood of a push to exist and it could very well happen. I've got this capped with Portland winning by 12+ and I wouldn't recommend you taking it +12.5 or higher. Consider buying the half point if it moves.
Scott Spreitzer
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Bonus Play Los Angeles Clippers
I'm recommending a play on the Clippers on Monday night. When the Clippers left California for their current east coast road trip, we stated it would be good for the Clips to get away from home as they look to find a rhythm that has escaped them in the early going. We also felt games against Orlando, Miami, and Charlotte would afford Doc Rivers' troops a chance to garner three victories. So far so good. The Clippers beat the first two teams mentioned before getting knocked around in Memphis on Sunday. Chris Paul played well against the Grizzlies, but the Clippers were pushed around inside and Blake Griffin had a poor night from the field, making just 5-of-17 shots. Charlotte doesn't have the "goods" to hang with Griffin or DeAndre Jordan for that matter and I expect a refocused effort from the visitors from the west coast. While the Hornets have dropped five straight games (0-3-2 ATS), the Clippers have yet to drop two straight games this season. We believe they'll rebound with a win on Monday. I'm recommending a play on the Clippers minus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Bonus Play Los Angeles Clippers
I'm recommending a play on the Clippers on Monday night. When the Clippers left California for their current east coast road trip, we stated it would be good for the Clips to get away from home as they look to find a rhythm that has escaped them in the early going. We also felt games against Orlando, Miami, and Charlotte would afford Doc Rivers' troops a chance to garner three victories. So far so good. The Clippers beat the first two teams mentioned before getting knocked around in Memphis on Sunday. Chris Paul played well against the Grizzlies, but the Clippers were pushed around inside and Blake Griffin had a poor night from the field, making just 5-of-17 shots. Charlotte doesn't have the "goods" to hang with Griffin or DeAndre Jordan for that matter and I expect a refocused effort from the visitors from the west coast. While the Hornets have dropped five straight games (0-3-2 ATS), the Clippers have yet to drop two straight games this season. We believe they'll rebound with a win on Monday. I'm recommending a play on the Clippers minus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Sam Martin
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills 7:00PM
5* New York Jets
Reason: 5* Play on NY Jets. Tough week for the Bills, who because of the massive snow storm had to move their home game to Detroit. The bigger problem for Buffalo isn't the game location but the fact that they have not had a normal week of practice, and we don't believe they'll be properly prepared for this game against the Jets. We'll back New York to win outright on Monday night in a low-scoring, defensive battle.
Jets come off they bye wee following a morale-boosting win against Pittsburgh - a victory that ended an extended eight-game losing streak. Normally we would look to fade a team in an obvious letdown spot, but the bye week should have nullified that motivational disadvantage and they can now build off that win. Jets have played a string of games against very good offensive teams, but Buffalo doesn't quality averaging less than 100 yards rushing and 230 yards passing per game. This is the type of foe the Jets can beat, and they won't miss their chance to earn another rare win this Monday! 5* Play on NY Jets.
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills 7:00PM
5* New York Jets
Reason: 5* Play on NY Jets. Tough week for the Bills, who because of the massive snow storm had to move their home game to Detroit. The bigger problem for Buffalo isn't the game location but the fact that they have not had a normal week of practice, and we don't believe they'll be properly prepared for this game against the Jets. We'll back New York to win outright on Monday night in a low-scoring, defensive battle.
Jets come off they bye wee following a morale-boosting win against Pittsburgh - a victory that ended an extended eight-game losing streak. Normally we would look to fade a team in an obvious letdown spot, but the bye week should have nullified that motivational disadvantage and they can now build off that win. Jets have played a string of games against very good offensive teams, but Buffalo doesn't quality averaging less than 100 yards rushing and 230 yards passing per game. This is the type of foe the Jets can beat, and they won't miss their chance to earn another rare win this Monday! 5* Play on NY Jets.
