Indiancowboy (IC): March 18th
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Tue: 2-0:
4* NBA: Bulls +2 over Celtics: Outright Winner.
4* CBB: Oakland -4 over Kent State: Winner.
Mon: 1-0:
4* Oklahoma City +5 over the Spurs: Outright Winner.
This Week: 3-0.
I lost my top play on Sunday and went 1-2.
NBA
2-0 This Week.
8 of 12 Winning Weeks
CBB:
1-0 This Week.
7 of 10 Winning Weeks.
February: +3.75 Units Net units.
January Overall: 38-21 (64%) = +58 Net Units.
January NBA (19-10) (65.5%) = +32 Net Units
January CBB (19-11-1) (63%) = +26 Net Units
Plays for Purchase as of Wednesday
4* NBA: Nets vs. Knicks (7:30pm)
4* CBB: Houston vs. Oregon State (10pm)
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Tue: 2-0:
4* NBA: Bulls +2 over Celtics: Outright Winner.
4* CBB: Oakland -4 over Kent State: Winner.
Mon: 1-0:
4* Oklahoma City +5 over the Spurs: Outright Winner.
This Week: 3-0.
I lost my top play on Sunday and went 1-2.
NBA
2-0 This Week.
8 of 12 Winning Weeks
CBB:
1-0 This Week.
7 of 10 Winning Weeks.
February: +3.75 Units Net units.
January Overall: 38-21 (64%) = +58 Net Units.
January NBA (19-10) (65.5%) = +32 Net Units
January CBB (19-11-1) (63%) = +26 Net Units
Plays for Purchase as of Wednesday
4* NBA: Nets vs. Knicks (7:30pm)
4* CBB: Houston vs. Oregon State (10pm)
taken from Service thread
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Houston Cougars @ Oregon State Beavers - Wednesday March 18, 2009 10:00 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: Oregon State Beavers +1.5 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. Take Oregon State +1.5 over Houston (Wednesday @ 10pm est). I'm glad we were able to cash with Oakland with a big second half over Kent State. Let's go 2-0 on the week and continue our perfect week overall as we are 3-0 currently including the NBA. Let's state the obvious - Craig Robinson is the man. This team nearly beat Stanford for the third time this year and if they did, they would have advanced in the Pac Tournament. But, let's be honest, either through being the brother in law of Barack (Michelle's brother) or simply because he has an added advantage of being an African-American coach that is able to connect with many prospective high school stars, this man was able to recruit several 3* and 4* players. Plus, Robinson is a helluva coach. He has an incredible work ethic that is well known and he is one of the smartest "x's and o's coaches" in the business in my opinion. Next to Pitino and Tubby, he is my favorite coach. He has brought an Oregon State team that did not win 1 conference game last year, to a 7-11 record in a very competitive conference - that is damn good. Can you imagine what this guy is going to do with the talent he is bringing in next year, then the year after, and the year after that? Let me be frank, Oregon State will go the Sweet 16 at some point in the next four years as long as Craig Robinson is there. Bank on it. This team beat Cal twice, Stanford twice, Washington State on the road, Nebraska at home and USC (the Pac 10 Tourney Champ) at home as well. Why in the world does the public to a tune of 60% (I saw one site at 53% and another at 70%) believe that Houston can just waltz into a Pac-10 house in Oregon State and win this game is beyond me. Have people been paying attention? This is the same Oregon State team that won seven games in the Pac-10 a tough conference. I'm sorry, the Conference USA besides Memphis does not strike fear into my heart. Can you please tell me one decent team that Houston has beat on the road? This team did beat UTEP on the road and took Arizona to the limit on the highway as well. But besides that, this team has not been all that impressive on the road. Oregon State is thrilled to be in this game. Yes, absolutely thrilled. They will have quite a crowd on hand and I think Houston is headed into a tough crowd with better competition level to win this game. This is a nice spot with a team that has beaten even better teams than Houston this year on the road and at home defeating the likes of USC, Stanford (twice), California at home and on the road and Washington State on the road. I expect Oregon State to get plenty of home cooking calls here. I expect Oregon State to get down early and then to start chipping away and making their comeback. If Oregon State is up early and at the half, that is just an added bonus but this will be one of the games they get down early because of Houston having such a bad game against Memphis and they will come out fired up, but as the game wears on, look for Oregon State to come back and get the Outright here as the public likely gets buried. The Houston Cougars are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 overall and the Beavers are 5-0 ATS as a home underdog of 0 to 6.5 points. In Craig Robinson I trust. Good luck, Indian Cowboy.
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: New Jersey Nets @ New York Knicks - Wednesday March 18, 2009 7:35 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: New York Knicks -7 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. #608. Take the New York Knicks -7 over the New Jersey Nets (Wednesday @ 7:30pm est). Glad we cashed with the Bulls Outright over the C's yesterday. We also cashed on the Thunder Outright over the Spurs on Monday. Let's keep it going by cashing in a 3-0 week with today's POD winner on the Knicks. I was very close to making a selection on the Grizzlies but I just couldn't show as much faith on the Grizz as I did on the Thunder to win Outright over the Spurs. I think the Grizz are definitely worth a look though and would not be surprised if they win Outright at home or stay inside the number. But, let's take another home team with revenge today in the Knicks. I don't really like laying the 7 nor do I like going against a Nets team that comes off getting crushed by the Nuggets. That being said, here are the things going for us. The Knicks are hot. This is a huge rivalry. The Knicks have played well against the Nets this year leading at parts in the last time they played to push on the +5 and defeating them on the road by 12 points and covering. This is the first time the Knicks play the Nets in MSG this year. The Nets are reeling with the loss of Devin Harris. In an up-tempo game, how are the Nets going to keep up with the scoring of the Knicks? Is Vince going to do all the work? He tried against the Nuggets and dropped 32 points, but guess what? - his team was killed by 25 points. Who would you like in a track meet? The likes of Carter, Dooling, Hassell, Jianlian and Brooke Lopez or Robinson, Lee, Chandler, Hughes, Harrington, Richardson, Jefferies and Gallinari? Give me the Knicks at home, with revenge, playing well as they have covered their last 4, are 6-1-1 ATS of late, come home after a long five game road trip in the midwest, are much healthier than a Nets team without Harris, with the possibility of getting back Duhon in an up tempo game with a stronger bench. The Nets are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games overall and the Nets are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two teams. The Knicks are also 5-2-1 ATS after a SU loss as they played an admirable game against Cleveland and will look to bounce-back here.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Houston Cougars @ Oregon State Beavers - Wednesday March 18, 2009 10:00 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: Oregon State Beavers +1.5 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. Take Oregon State +1.5 over Houston (Wednesday @ 10pm est). I'm glad we were able to cash with Oakland with a big second half over Kent State. Let's go 2-0 on the week and continue our perfect week overall as we are 3-0 currently including the NBA. Let's state the obvious - Craig Robinson is the man. This team nearly beat Stanford for the third time this year and if they did, they would have advanced in the Pac Tournament. But, let's be honest, either through being the brother in law of Barack (Michelle's brother) or simply because he has an added advantage of being an African-American coach that is able to connect with many prospective high school stars, this man was able to recruit several 3* and 4* players. Plus, Robinson is a helluva coach. He has an incredible work ethic that is well known and he is one of the smartest "x's and o's coaches" in the business in my opinion. Next to Pitino and Tubby, he is my favorite coach. He has brought an Oregon State team that did not win 1 conference game last year, to a 7-11 record in a very competitive conference - that is damn good. Can you imagine what this guy is going to do with the talent he is bringing in next year, then the year after, and the year after that? Let me be frank, Oregon State will go the Sweet 16 at some point in the next four years as long as Craig Robinson is there. Bank on it. This team beat Cal twice, Stanford twice, Washington State on the road, Nebraska at home and USC (the Pac 10 Tourney Champ) at home as well. Why in the world does the public to a tune of 60% (I saw one site at 53% and another at 70%) believe that Houston can just waltz into a Pac-10 house in Oregon State and win this game is beyond me. Have people been paying attention? This is the same Oregon State team that won seven games in the Pac-10 a tough conference. I'm sorry, the Conference USA besides Memphis does not strike fear into my heart. Can you please tell me one decent team that Houston has beat on the road? This team did beat UTEP on the road and took Arizona to the limit on the highway as well. But besides that, this team has not been all that impressive on the road. Oregon State is thrilled to be in this game. Yes, absolutely thrilled. They will have quite a crowd on hand and I think Houston is headed into a tough crowd with better competition level to win this game. This is a nice spot with a team that has beaten even better teams than Houston this year on the road and at home defeating the likes of USC, Stanford (twice), California at home and on the road and Washington State on the road. I expect Oregon State to get plenty of home cooking calls here. I expect Oregon State to get down early and then to start chipping away and making their comeback. If Oregon State is up early and at the half, that is just an added bonus but this will be one of the games they get down early because of Houston having such a bad game against Memphis and they will come out fired up, but as the game wears on, look for Oregon State to come back and get the Outright here as the public likely gets buried. The Houston Cougars are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 overall and the Beavers are 5-0 ATS as a home underdog of 0 to 6.5 points. In Craig Robinson I trust. Good luck, Indian Cowboy.
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: New Jersey Nets @ New York Knicks - Wednesday March 18, 2009 7:35 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: New York Knicks -7 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. #608. Take the New York Knicks -7 over the New Jersey Nets (Wednesday @ 7:30pm est). Glad we cashed with the Bulls Outright over the C's yesterday. We also cashed on the Thunder Outright over the Spurs on Monday. Let's keep it going by cashing in a 3-0 week with today's POD winner on the Knicks. I was very close to making a selection on the Grizzlies but I just couldn't show as much faith on the Grizz as I did on the Thunder to win Outright over the Spurs. I think the Grizz are definitely worth a look though and would not be surprised if they win Outright at home or stay inside the number. But, let's take another home team with revenge today in the Knicks. I don't really like laying the 7 nor do I like going against a Nets team that comes off getting crushed by the Nuggets. That being said, here are the things going for us. The Knicks are hot. This is a huge rivalry. The Knicks have played well against the Nets this year leading at parts in the last time they played to push on the +5 and defeating them on the road by 12 points and covering. This is the first time the Knicks play the Nets in MSG this year. The Nets are reeling with the loss of Devin Harris. In an up-tempo game, how are the Nets going to keep up with the scoring of the Knicks? Is Vince going to do all the work? He tried against the Nuggets and dropped 32 points, but guess what? - his team was killed by 25 points. Who would you like in a track meet? The likes of Carter, Dooling, Hassell, Jianlian and Brooke Lopez or Robinson, Lee, Chandler, Hughes, Harrington, Richardson, Jefferies and Gallinari? Give me the Knicks at home, with revenge, playing well as they have covered their last 4, are 6-1-1 ATS of late, come home after a long five game road trip in the midwest, are much healthier than a Nets team without Harris, with the possibility of getting back Duhon in an up tempo game with a stronger bench. The Nets are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games overall and the Nets are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two teams. The Knicks are also 5-2-1 ATS after a SU loss as they played an admirable game against Cleveland and will look to bounce-back here.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
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Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Dallas Mavericks @ Atlanta Hawks - Thursday March 19, 2009 7:05 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: Atlanta Hawks -6 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. #702. Take the Atlanta Hawks -6 over the Dallas Mavericks (Thursday @ 7pm est). I just wrote a detailed blog article about the Hawks and how they have been playing even better without him in the lineup as Maurice Evans has stepped up nicely. The Hawks have covered 6 contests in a row:
defeated Sacramento 119-97 – covering the -12 spread (W)
defeated Portland 98-80 – covering the -4 spread (W)
defeated Indiana 101-87 – covering the -6 spread (W)
defeated Utah 100-93 – covering the -1.5 spread (W)
defeated New Orleans 89-79 – covering the +1.5 spread (W)
defeated Detroit 87-83 – covering the -2.5 spread.
The Hawks have also done well of late in fourth quarters:
4th Quarter against the Kings: 27-11, 4th Quarter against the Blazers: 26-19, 4th Quarter against the Pacers: 26-23, 4th Quarter against the Jazz: 27-18, 4th Quarter against the Hornets: 22-19, and 4th Quarter against the Pistons: 24-23.
In short, the Hawks are playing very well at home, they look to win their 7th straight, they lost to the Mavs earlier this year by a bucket, the Mavs are still a bit dinged up and have been shaky on the road of late losing the Lakers understandable), GS, New Orleans and OKC. I can see the Hawks getting their revenge and playing well today as they will look forward to this game. Again, no Josh Howard as he is out indefinitely and I like how the Mavs come off a win against Detroit although they nearly coughed it up in a big way. Look for the Hawks bench to step up today as this team has become deeper with the absence of Williams. The Hawks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games and 7-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning SU record meaning they show up well against the better teams in the league.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Texas Longhorns - Thursday March 19, 2009 7:10 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: Minnesota Golden Gophers +4.5 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. Take Minnesota +4.5 over Texas (Thursday @ 7:10pm est). If you wait, you might be able to get a better line closer to tip-off as the public is all over the jockstrap of Texas in this contest. I'm glad we cashed with Oregon State last night outright over Houston. That comes off the heels of Oakland over Kent the other night for a 2-0 start to the week in college ball. For today, let's kick off the NCAA Round 1 with a winner on the hardwood with another potential outright winner in Minnesota. The line sits at +4 and has not budged. This is despite the fact that in a public consensus this morning that over 71% are riding Texas here. I have written extensively that I am not the greatest fan of Texas this year. I really enjoy watching Barnes's coach and I think this year he has done wonders. He has done a lot with a crop of players that are not his most talented bunch. In fact, I think A.J. Abrahms is a bit overrated. I believe people are really forgetting all that Minnesota has accomplished this year. Remember, Minnesota went toe to toe with Michigan State in the conference championship. Minnesota is extremely well coached and Tubby knows how to spot weaknesses in his opponents. And Texas has a ton of weaknesses. Remember, Texas was very vulnerable all year long on the road. This team lost to Nebraska, A&M, Kansas State at home, Oklahoma State on the road and Arkansas on the road. This Texas team I think underestimated Baylor who defeated them. Now, Texas did beat Villanova, but the Villanova early in the year to the Villanova now is different imo. Tubby Smith is a solid big game coach. I personally think this game is a tossup. I like the team shooting the 71% in free throws and who plays sound defense. In a total of 126.5, the 4.5 points is nice (it might be 5 for you). Plus, this is a nice public fade here and I think Minnesota will take out A.J. quickly and will require another player to step up. Plus, when Minnesota gets a lead, they sit on it like a beast and will slow this game down to a snail's pace which should make Texas feel uncomfortable and frustrated. Congrats Tubby, you have done it once again proving that you can coach anywhere and even recruit in a non-basketball state like Minnesota. I hope the Kentucky Athletic Department feel like fools - because they are. Minnesota is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games while the Longhorns are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tourney games as a small chalk favorite under 6.5 points.
Good luck,
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: Dallas Mavericks @ Atlanta Hawks - Thursday March 19, 2009 7:05 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: Atlanta Hawks -6 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. #702. Take the Atlanta Hawks -6 over the Dallas Mavericks (Thursday @ 7pm est). I just wrote a detailed blog article about the Hawks and how they have been playing even better without him in the lineup as Maurice Evans has stepped up nicely. The Hawks have covered 6 contests in a row:
defeated Sacramento 119-97 – covering the -12 spread (W)
defeated Portland 98-80 – covering the -4 spread (W)
defeated Indiana 101-87 – covering the -6 spread (W)
defeated Utah 100-93 – covering the -1.5 spread (W)
defeated New Orleans 89-79 – covering the +1.5 spread (W)
defeated Detroit 87-83 – covering the -2.5 spread.
The Hawks have also done well of late in fourth quarters:
4th Quarter against the Kings: 27-11, 4th Quarter against the Blazers: 26-19, 4th Quarter against the Pacers: 26-23, 4th Quarter against the Jazz: 27-18, 4th Quarter against the Hornets: 22-19, and 4th Quarter against the Pistons: 24-23.
In short, the Hawks are playing very well at home, they look to win their 7th straight, they lost to the Mavs earlier this year by a bucket, the Mavs are still a bit dinged up and have been shaky on the road of late losing the Lakers understandable), GS, New Orleans and OKC. I can see the Hawks getting their revenge and playing well today as they will look forward to this game. Again, no Josh Howard as he is out indefinitely and I like how the Mavs come off a win against Detroit although they nearly coughed it up in a big way. Look for the Hawks bench to step up today as this team has become deeper with the absence of Williams. The Hawks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games and 7-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning SU record meaning they show up well against the better teams in the league.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Texas Longhorns - Thursday March 19, 2009 7:10 pm
Pick: 4 unit(s) ATS: Minnesota Golden Gophers +4.5 (-110) (Play of the Day)
4 Unit Play. Take Minnesota +4.5 over Texas (Thursday @ 7:10pm est). If you wait, you might be able to get a better line closer to tip-off as the public is all over the jockstrap of Texas in this contest. I'm glad we cashed with Oregon State last night outright over Houston. That comes off the heels of Oakland over Kent the other night for a 2-0 start to the week in college ball. For today, let's kick off the NCAA Round 1 with a winner on the hardwood with another potential outright winner in Minnesota. The line sits at +4 and has not budged. This is despite the fact that in a public consensus this morning that over 71% are riding Texas here. I have written extensively that I am not the greatest fan of Texas this year. I really enjoy watching Barnes's coach and I think this year he has done wonders. He has done a lot with a crop of players that are not his most talented bunch. In fact, I think A.J. Abrahms is a bit overrated. I believe people are really forgetting all that Minnesota has accomplished this year. Remember, Minnesota went toe to toe with Michigan State in the conference championship. Minnesota is extremely well coached and Tubby knows how to spot weaknesses in his opponents. And Texas has a ton of weaknesses. Remember, Texas was very vulnerable all year long on the road. This team lost to Nebraska, A&M, Kansas State at home, Oklahoma State on the road and Arkansas on the road. This Texas team I think underestimated Baylor who defeated them. Now, Texas did beat Villanova, but the Villanova early in the year to the Villanova now is different imo. Tubby Smith is a solid big game coach. I personally think this game is a tossup. I like the team shooting the 71% in free throws and who plays sound defense. In a total of 126.5, the 4.5 points is nice (it might be 5 for you). Plus, this is a nice public fade here and I think Minnesota will take out A.J. quickly and will require another player to step up. Plus, when Minnesota gets a lead, they sit on it like a beast and will slow this game down to a snail's pace which should make Texas feel uncomfortable and frustrated. Congrats Tubby, you have done it once again proving that you can coach anywhere and even recruit in a non-basketball state like Minnesota. I hope the Kentucky Athletic Department feel like fools - because they are. Minnesota is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games while the Longhorns are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tourney games as a small chalk favorite under 6.5 points.
Good luck,
4 Unit Play. #842. Take Boston College +2.5 over Southern Cal (Friday @ 7:20pm est).
5-2 Overall this week:
Let me start by saying there is a lot of shady things going on today in college basketball. For starters, the Stephen Austin vs. Syracuse line opened up at +14.5 and has moved down to +11.5 despite 80% of the public on 'Cuse. Uh oh. Furhermore, nearly 90% of the public is on Louisville and yet the line hasn't really budged from -21. But, that is neither here or there, we roll with less public plays and where we feel we have a nice edge. This is why we are boring doing 1 POD per day but that is what works for us. We are 2-1 on the week as we look to go 3-1 today with the winner on BC. If you are looking for another solid dog today, take a look at Cleveland State as they a sound team that beat Syracuse Outright on the road +13 (my dec cbb gom). As per this game, I like BC and the ACC more than Southern Cal. Remember what happened yesterday with Maryland vs. Cal? The ACC folks is just stronger this year and although there are some great teams in the Pac-10, I think the second tier ACC is better than the second tier Pac-10. Yes, despite USC winning the Conference Tourney, they are second tier to me as they are not top 10 in the power rankings. Remember, I was on USC over Arizona State and we were greatly helped by the home court advantage basically. Well, good-bye home court advantage. This BC team nearly defeated Duke and lost by 1 point. They had several chances to win and failed. But, this BC team is chock full of talent and shoots 73% from the line while USC shoots just 66% from the line. This BC team is the same team that defeated UNC - at UNC. How good is that? Southern Cal is a good team that is extremely well coached. Heck, they lost to Oklahoma on the road by 1 point. But, this team has been very protected as per road games. This team played in two neutral sites and lost to both Missouri and Seton Hall. The Conference Championship was not neutral imo nor was it a road game as this was on their court. On the road, this team has played just 9 games. Out of those 9, this team has lost 8. Yes, this team is 1-8 on the road - granted, the one game they did win was against Washington State 46-44. I think BC will give USC plenty of problems today and I think this game will be similar to LSU vs. Butler in many ways. It will be a tight contest, but I like the better conference, the better free throw shooting team, the team that has faced far tougher road and neutal court challenges (beating UNC on the road), the team that was 1 point away from defeating Duke as they had a couple shots late to win it all, and the team that comes off the Conference Tourney compared to the team that won it with their home crowd behind them.
4 Unit Play. #804. Take the Toronto Raptors -1.5 over the Charlotte Bobcats (Friday @ 7pm). Glad we were able to cash with the Hawks yesterday to go 3-1 on the week in the NBA. Let's get a winning day today as we look to go 4-1 and secure another winning week. There are many games out there with value today including the Pacers at home where they play well (but Dallas off a loss though), or the Clippers healthy + revenge against Pistons team getting 7 points without Iverson, Hamilton, or 'Sheed (the backups played great at houston though), or the Nets with revenge against the Heat with possibly no Wade (although the Heat backups played well and I just don't trust the Nets) and finally the Warriors with revenge against the Sixers who are back at home after playing solid against the Lakers (but Philly off a loss). So, that brings us to our play - the Toronto Raptors. We get the Raptors who just played the Bobcats back on Mary 16th and lost 112-86. I mean this team got their tails handed to them from the opening tip. This was b/c Toronto had beaten the Bobcats earlier this year by a score of 93-86. The Raptors are healthy for the most part now and they like the crew they have assembled. This team has Bosh, Marion, Parker, Bargnani, Calderon, Parker, Monsu-Bonsu and Kapono who can all step up. I like the Bobcats coming off big wins over the Kings and Raptors as the last game the Raps played were against the Bobcats a few days ago. Obviously, this team has had a sour taste in its mouth for the last 3 days. I expect Toronto to play well toda, at home, bouncing-back after the loss to Charlotte with revenge the other night, this team did beat Indiana and Minnesota at home and Charlotte did lose to Minnesota on the road - although they have won their last 7 of 10. Nevertheless, even though we don't have the team competing for a playoff spot, we have a team that has pride, at home and is 4-0 ATS as a favorite while the Bobcats have had an easier schedule of late and are 2-5 ATS as underdogs. We'll take the Raptors to come out fired up this evening.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
5-2 Overall this week:
Let me start by saying there is a lot of shady things going on today in college basketball. For starters, the Stephen Austin vs. Syracuse line opened up at +14.5 and has moved down to +11.5 despite 80% of the public on 'Cuse. Uh oh. Furhermore, nearly 90% of the public is on Louisville and yet the line hasn't really budged from -21. But, that is neither here or there, we roll with less public plays and where we feel we have a nice edge. This is why we are boring doing 1 POD per day but that is what works for us. We are 2-1 on the week as we look to go 3-1 today with the winner on BC. If you are looking for another solid dog today, take a look at Cleveland State as they a sound team that beat Syracuse Outright on the road +13 (my dec cbb gom). As per this game, I like BC and the ACC more than Southern Cal. Remember what happened yesterday with Maryland vs. Cal? The ACC folks is just stronger this year and although there are some great teams in the Pac-10, I think the second tier ACC is better than the second tier Pac-10. Yes, despite USC winning the Conference Tourney, they are second tier to me as they are not top 10 in the power rankings. Remember, I was on USC over Arizona State and we were greatly helped by the home court advantage basically. Well, good-bye home court advantage. This BC team nearly defeated Duke and lost by 1 point. They had several chances to win and failed. But, this BC team is chock full of talent and shoots 73% from the line while USC shoots just 66% from the line. This BC team is the same team that defeated UNC - at UNC. How good is that? Southern Cal is a good team that is extremely well coached. Heck, they lost to Oklahoma on the road by 1 point. But, this team has been very protected as per road games. This team played in two neutral sites and lost to both Missouri and Seton Hall. The Conference Championship was not neutral imo nor was it a road game as this was on their court. On the road, this team has played just 9 games. Out of those 9, this team has lost 8. Yes, this team is 1-8 on the road - granted, the one game they did win was against Washington State 46-44. I think BC will give USC plenty of problems today and I think this game will be similar to LSU vs. Butler in many ways. It will be a tight contest, but I like the better conference, the better free throw shooting team, the team that has faced far tougher road and neutal court challenges (beating UNC on the road), the team that was 1 point away from defeating Duke as they had a couple shots late to win it all, and the team that comes off the Conference Tourney compared to the team that won it with their home crowd behind them.
4 Unit Play. #804. Take the Toronto Raptors -1.5 over the Charlotte Bobcats (Friday @ 7pm). Glad we were able to cash with the Hawks yesterday to go 3-1 on the week in the NBA. Let's get a winning day today as we look to go 4-1 and secure another winning week. There are many games out there with value today including the Pacers at home where they play well (but Dallas off a loss though), or the Clippers healthy + revenge against Pistons team getting 7 points without Iverson, Hamilton, or 'Sheed (the backups played great at houston though), or the Nets with revenge against the Heat with possibly no Wade (although the Heat backups played well and I just don't trust the Nets) and finally the Warriors with revenge against the Sixers who are back at home after playing solid against the Lakers (but Philly off a loss). So, that brings us to our play - the Toronto Raptors. We get the Raptors who just played the Bobcats back on Mary 16th and lost 112-86. I mean this team got their tails handed to them from the opening tip. This was b/c Toronto had beaten the Bobcats earlier this year by a score of 93-86. The Raptors are healthy for the most part now and they like the crew they have assembled. This team has Bosh, Marion, Parker, Bargnani, Calderon, Parker, Monsu-Bonsu and Kapono who can all step up. I like the Bobcats coming off big wins over the Kings and Raptors as the last game the Raps played were against the Bobcats a few days ago. Obviously, this team has had a sour taste in its mouth for the last 3 days. I expect Toronto to play well toda, at home, bouncing-back after the loss to Charlotte with revenge the other night, this team did beat Indiana and Minnesota at home and Charlotte did lose to Minnesota on the road - although they have won their last 7 of 10. Nevertheless, even though we don't have the team competing for a playoff spot, we have a team that has pride, at home and is 4-0 ATS as a favorite while the Bobcats have had an easier schedule of late and are 2-5 ATS as underdogs. We'll take the Raptors to come out fired up this evening.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
there was some great research out there on east tenn state over the past couple days. would have been in IC's wheelhouse if he had looked. last 5 or 6 tourney trips they have pushed every #1 through #3 seed to the brink. pitt laying 20 coming off a huge break with guys still banged up and not practicing all that much. in all fairness, BC was in control of this game tonight and the officials were atrocious. not as bad a cap as the score indicates. might have been some of the worst officiating i've ever seen. still, a loss is a loss.
i am assuming leans on both cbb dogs. maryland maybe simply because memphis probably does not have the firepower to blow them out, but i could not play michigan today. big 12 teams do not see a lot of 1-3-1 zone and they can struggle against it at times, so maybe he feels like michigan can neutralize griffin that way and put the game in the hands of warren, crocker and johnson. i guess we'll see what the writeup says. i am probably going to buy today because i am leaning on maryland a bit and i would be curious to see the analysis.
Foot in Mouth Disease
Hello Guys....I don't post here often at all....but this is a gem. BEWARE of Maryland as a Dog today. Besides te fact the Memphis is stifling on defense hwen they are focused.....Marylands Only real scoring threat (Vasquez) likely sealed the deal for his team last night with his mouth.
Asked about Memphis, Vasquez said during a question-and-answer session: "Their conference is pretty much questionable. They don't have tough games. But I still believe they're good."
He later qualified his remarks, saying, "I didn't mean to disrespect their conference. We have tough games night in, night out" in the Atlantic Coast Conference. "Every game we play in the ACC is tough."
"They'd have a losing record in the league -- probably win all of their games outside the league, losing record in the league," he said. "The ACC is too tough. You can't just win games night in and night out because you're so athletic."
Google it....BYE BYE Maryland....and I'm an ACC fan....D
hno:
Hello Guys....I don't post here often at all....but this is a gem. BEWARE of Maryland as a Dog today. Besides te fact the Memphis is stifling on defense hwen they are focused.....Marylands Only real scoring threat (Vasquez) likely sealed the deal for his team last night with his mouth.
Asked about Memphis, Vasquez said during a question-and-answer session: "Their conference is pretty much questionable. They don't have tough games. But I still believe they're good."
He later qualified his remarks, saying, "I didn't mean to disrespect their conference. We have tough games night in, night out" in the Atlantic Coast Conference. "Every game we play in the ACC is tough."
"They'd have a losing record in the league -- probably win all of their games outside the league, losing record in the league," he said. "The ACC is too tough. You can't just win games night in and night out because you're so athletic."
Google it....BYE BYE Maryland....and I'm an ACC fan....D
hno:4 Unit Play. #524. Take the Memphis Tigers -9 over the Maryland Terrapins (Saturady @ 3:20pm est). I took a Pass on Monday in cbb as there were no games, so today we will roll with 2 plays to average out to our 7 plays a week (1 cbb pod per day). If you wait on this play, you could get -8.5 or better as the line keeps dropping. I understand that Memphis had a horrible first round game. This is why I like them even more in this contest. I actually like Maryland as a team overall. What Coach Gary has done with this crop of players is remarkable and this is the best coaching job I think Gary has done ever with the talent level that he had. But, these boys have come together extremely well and too care of busienss against a sound Cal team. I can't see Memphis playing as horrible as they did in Round 1 however. If I know Calipari, although he looked relieved by not being the first ever #1 seed to go down to a #16 seed, I can only imagine he lights a fire in the ass of his players today. Remember, this team, regardless of the fact they had a terrible game, still managed to somehow win the C.S. Northridge game by 11. Let's be honest, for anyone that was watching that game, the officiating was horrendous. Memphis was in foul trouble early and often and Dozier had a terrible game as well. If it wasn't for Sallie and his 30+ points, this team would be home by now and on national headlines for the wrong reasons. Maryland at times struggles against teams who can put up a lot of points on the road. Remember, this team lost 44-85 on the road to Duke, lost 48-75 on neutral footing to Georgetown, lost 59-81 on neutral footing to Gonzaga and lost 64-93 to Clemson on the road. So, Maryland does struggle against teams that can score at such prowess. Memphis shot 12-21 (57.1%) from the line and I expect them to do a bit better, the size of Memphis should certainly come into play as Maryland does not a great deal of bigs to stack up - especially if they get into foul trouble - and I can't imagine Mack going 0-7 from the field and Dozier going 2-7 from the field. I have the Tigers winning this game by 13-17 points today as I just don't think Maryland has the firewpower to compete and I like the fact that Memphis comes off a terrible round one performance. Having said this, props to Coach Gary on taking his team to the final 32 - really an impressive coaching job. The Memphis Tigers are 5-0 ATS following an ATS loss.
4 Unit Play. #525. Take Michigan +6.5 over Oklahoma (Saturday @ 5:40pm est). You will need some tums for this game - I understand that. But, we have a nice opportunity to cash here with Michigan as long as the refs don't completely hose us. Michigan is an extremely well coached team that I believe is hitting its stride at the right moment. If this is an ugly, low scoring game, which is what it might very well be, our team should do just fine. Remember, Michigan beat UCLA earlier this year 55-52 on neutral footing, got revenge against Duke at home and shoots a striking 75.6% from the line. I never try to knock the competition I am going against and I won't start now. I will say that although Oklahoma is a sound team, they come off a huge win over Morgan State in front of the public eye. In fact, this is the biggest public play on the board in the Tourney today. Let me ask you something...you think the biggest play on the board for the Tourney today - a saturday - has a great shot at covering? With over 72% of the public on Oklahoma, hammering the play, the line opening up at +8 off-shore and now sitting at +6.5, it makes for a nice opportunity to take the dog here in the Wolverines. Yes, it is an ugly dog - a mutt if you will. But, Michigan is very scrappy and fiery. This team plays with a lot of heart and if Oklahoma gets into foul trouble early or if this is a low-scoring contest, we are in great shape here as the public gets buried. The Wolverines are 4-0 ATS in non-conference games, 4-1 ATS as a dog and Oklahoma is 1-5 ATS when facing teams with a winning % of greater than 60%. This is a nice cushion for Michigan as I believe they likely lose by a possession or two. I have Michigan winning this game at a 25% shot as well
4 Unit Play. #510. Take the Chicago Bulls +4 over the L.A. Lakers (Saturday @ 8:30pm est). We are 3-2 on the week in the NBA and I'm looking forward to our NBA Selection today on the Bulls. Like I always say, I never knock the opponent and of course, the Lakers are a solid ballclub. But, I have faded the Lakers at certain times in the year given the situation. This is one such case. The Bulls are on a roll right now. The trade for Salmons has certainly worked out as I beleive the Chicago Bulls are now one of the five deepest teams in the NBA - yes, the Bulls. Here is who the Bulls feature:
Ben Gordon
Derrick Rose
John Salmons
Tyrus Thomas
Joakim Noah
Brad Miller
Kirk Hinrich
Tim Thomas.
Now, other teams have 8 players that regularly play. But others team do not have the caliber of these 8 players. Can you find me 8 players who see action for a team who were all regular starters for several years running in either this team or another team? You will be hard pressed to do so. This new look is making a difference as this team is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 having defeated the Celtics, Hornets and Rockets in that process. Let's ride the Bulls at home today as nearly 80% of the public likes the Lakers here, I like our revenge angle, the fact that we get the Bulls +4 on a Saturday night with a team that is in the playoff hunt, has covered 4 straight and 8-2 ATS over their last 10.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
4 Unit Play. #525. Take Michigan +6.5 over Oklahoma (Saturday @ 5:40pm est). You will need some tums for this game - I understand that. But, we have a nice opportunity to cash here with Michigan as long as the refs don't completely hose us. Michigan is an extremely well coached team that I believe is hitting its stride at the right moment. If this is an ugly, low scoring game, which is what it might very well be, our team should do just fine. Remember, Michigan beat UCLA earlier this year 55-52 on neutral footing, got revenge against Duke at home and shoots a striking 75.6% from the line. I never try to knock the competition I am going against and I won't start now. I will say that although Oklahoma is a sound team, they come off a huge win over Morgan State in front of the public eye. In fact, this is the biggest public play on the board in the Tourney today. Let me ask you something...you think the biggest play on the board for the Tourney today - a saturday - has a great shot at covering? With over 72% of the public on Oklahoma, hammering the play, the line opening up at +8 off-shore and now sitting at +6.5, it makes for a nice opportunity to take the dog here in the Wolverines. Yes, it is an ugly dog - a mutt if you will. But, Michigan is very scrappy and fiery. This team plays with a lot of heart and if Oklahoma gets into foul trouble early or if this is a low-scoring contest, we are in great shape here as the public gets buried. The Wolverines are 4-0 ATS in non-conference games, 4-1 ATS as a dog and Oklahoma is 1-5 ATS when facing teams with a winning % of greater than 60%. This is a nice cushion for Michigan as I believe they likely lose by a possession or two. I have Michigan winning this game at a 25% shot as well
4 Unit Play. #510. Take the Chicago Bulls +4 over the L.A. Lakers (Saturday @ 8:30pm est). We are 3-2 on the week in the NBA and I'm looking forward to our NBA Selection today on the Bulls. Like I always say, I never knock the opponent and of course, the Lakers are a solid ballclub. But, I have faded the Lakers at certain times in the year given the situation. This is one such case. The Bulls are on a roll right now. The trade for Salmons has certainly worked out as I beleive the Chicago Bulls are now one of the five deepest teams in the NBA - yes, the Bulls. Here is who the Bulls feature:
Ben Gordon
Derrick Rose
John Salmons
Tyrus Thomas
Joakim Noah
Brad Miller
Kirk Hinrich
Tim Thomas.
Now, other teams have 8 players that regularly play. But others team do not have the caliber of these 8 players. Can you find me 8 players who see action for a team who were all regular starters for several years running in either this team or another team? You will be hard pressed to do so. This new look is making a difference as this team is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 having defeated the Celtics, Hornets and Rockets in that process. Let's ride the Bulls at home today as nearly 80% of the public likes the Lakers here, I like our revenge angle, the fact that we get the Bulls +4 on a Saturday night with a team that is in the playoff hunt, has covered 4 straight and 8-2 ATS over their last 10.
Good luck,
Indian Cowboy.
