Marc Lawrence 100% College Hoops Super System Play! - Friday 2/27
Play On: Loyola Chicago
Note: The Ramblers host the Flames at the Joseph Gentile Center in Chicago
in a Horizon League tilt tonight with revenge on their minds from an 83-69 loss
suffered bay in December this season. Aside from the revenge factor, Loyola is
9-1-1 ATS in its last eleven Last Home Games, including 5-0-1 ATS as a dog.
Look for the Rambler to improve to 11-5-3 ATS at home off an immediate home loss
here tonight.
Play On: Loyola Chicago
Note: The Ramblers host the Flames at the Joseph Gentile Center in Chicago
in a Horizon League tilt tonight with revenge on their minds from an 83-69 loss
suffered bay in December this season. Aside from the revenge factor, Loyola is
9-1-1 ATS in its last eleven Last Home Games, including 5-0-1 ATS as a dog.
Look for the Rambler to improve to 11-5-3 ATS at home off an immediate home loss
here tonight.
ALL COMPS !!!!!!!!!!!!
Jrtips
BUCKS vs. HORNETS
Tyson Chandler had another big night in the Hornets last game and now New Orleans (34-22) looks to win their eighth straight home game against the struggling Milwaukee Bucks tonight at New Orleans Arena. The Hornets are looking to win three in a row for the first time in more than a month. They have now won four of their last six, including a 90-87 victory over Detroit on Wednesday. David West had 30 points, Chris Paul added 20 and the two combined for 23 of the Hornets' 25 fourth-quarter points. Chandler, meanwhile, had a season-high 17 rebounds to go along with 10 points. The Hornets have now won both games after going 7-9 without Chandler who gives the Hornets alot of second-chance points and a stronger defensive team. The Hornets are third place in the Southwest Division, five games behind first-place San Antonio. Tonight's game starts a stretch in which three of their next five opponents are below .500 that can help them close the gap and the team has discussed putting together a string of games and gaining some momentum. The Hornets have won five straight over the Bucks (28-32) and seven in a row against them at home. Milwaukee is slumping again, losing three of four after winning five of seven. Milwaukee is coming off a 116-96 loss to Dallas on Wednesday. Charlie Villanueva scored 25 points, including 19 in the first quarter, but the Bucks were outscored 30-15 at the free-throw line and outrebounded 51-25. Villanueva, who is averaging 29.0 points in his last three games, accounted for all of his team's field goals in the first quarter, going 8-of-11 while his teammates were 0-for-13. Milwaukee has given up 110.0 points in its last nine games and has been outrebounded in six of those contests. The Mavericks scored 46 points in the paint as the Bucks continue to try to adjust without center and leading rebounder Andrew Bogut and tonight they face Chandler who is averaging 16.0 points and 18.3 rebounds in his last four games against Milwaukee.The Bucks haven't won in New Orleans since 2003. The Hornets are a bad matchup for the Bucks even when they were playing well, without a center, the Hornets will once again dominate the Bucks inside getting easy points and win this game at home going away.
TAKE NEW ORLEANS-9
Cajun Sports
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards
Play: Chicago Bulls -5.5
The Verizon Center will be the site of tonight’s Eastern Conference battle between the host Washington Wizards and the visiting Chicago Bulls. On Wednesday we went against this Bulls team at New Jersey and won our 5* Eastern Conference Game of the Week as the Nets got the win and cover 111 to 99 but it’s a much different situation tonight at Washington. The Wizards are 13-44 SU on the season and have really struggled against the number of late posting a record of 7-17 ATS their last twenty-four times to post. They are 21-35 ATS overall on the season and just four short quarters from loser number 36 ATS. The Bulls have won both previous meetings between these two teams straight up but they have split against the spread. We know that the Wizards are 8-19 ATS when coming off a home game, 3-12 ATS after going ‘over’ at home, 9-20-1 ATS off a SU loss in their last game and now face a conference opponent and they are 7-17-1 ATS when coming in off a SU / ATS loss and now face a conference foe. Both teams are active in two of our NBA Systems that tell us to Play AGAINST NBA home teams after suffering two ATS losses, 75-105-3 ATS and to Play ON NBA conference road teams coming off an ATS loss on the road in their last game, 45-22-1 ATS. The recent changes to the Bulls lineup has added some depth to this team that they did not have in their first two meetings against the Wizards and that just adds another nail in the proverbial coffin of tonight’s host so lay the chalk as the visitor gets the SU and ATS win on the road tonight in our nation’s capital.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Chicago Bulls 98 Washington Wizards 89
Bob Harvey
Los Angeles Lakers -2.5
Los Angeles has dominated this series with Denver going 9-0 SU and 8-1 ATS the past nine meetings. The UNDER has also figured prominently going 7-1 in the last eight meetings. The Lakers are coming off a resounding 132-106 pounding of Phoenix last night. It was a wire-to-wire win for the Lakers who were able to rest their starters for most of the second half. That will come in handy tonight in Denver.
The Lakers are a glossy 21-6 SU and 16-11 ATS on the road, with the OVER going 15-11. On average, the Lakers have won these games by an average score of 109-102. Overall the Lakers have won six straight and are on a 13-1 straight up run. They’re also 11-1 since losing Andrew Bynum to a knee injury.
The perception here is that with the Lakers defense, or lack of, that we could see another total topper tonight. However, I just don’t see Denver having the horses to keep up with them. Nene won’t play so that leaves the Nuggets thin in the middle where Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol should dominate. I’ve said it before and it’s worth repeating. This Denver has bad chemistry with a capital C. Last time I checked there’s only one basketball and ANY team with Carmelo Anthony on the team knows where the ball is going. That frustrates his Nuggets more than the media reports.
Given that Phil Jackson was able to rest his regulars for the bulk of the Phoenix game, I see the Lakers giving it another wire-to-wire effort and easily covering the number
James Patrick
Clippers vs. Kings
Our Friday selection in NBA action is LA Clippers - Sacramento Kings Over the Total as the Clippers are 7-0 ATS and the Kings 6-1 ATS Over the Total in Friday action. LA is 14-3-1 ATS Over the Total on the road and 20-7-1 ATS Over the Total overall. Let the scoring begin in Sacramento.
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Columbia
When Columbia takes on Harvard in an Ivy League clash tonight they will do so knowing the Lions are 9-1 ATS in this series on this floor. With Columbia of an 8-point loss and Harvard off a 6-point upset win, look for more of the same here tonight
Jimmy The Moose
Montreal Canadiens at Philadelphia Flyers
Prediction: Philadelphia Flyers
Montreal has won 2 in a row but over their last 17 games they are 5-12. The Canadiens are 1-10 in their last 11 road games. In their last 11 games vs. an Eastern Conference opponent the Canadiens are 2-9. In their last 5 games following a win they are 1-4. Philadelphia is 12-4 in their last 16 home games. In their last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record the Flyers are 20-8. In their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record they are 4-0. Montreal has lost 5 of the last 7 meetings and will drop another one tonight. Play on the Philadelphia Flyers -.
Bobby Maxwell
Philadelphia at NEW YORK -2'
The Sixers have on all three meetings with the Knicks this season but right now it's New York who is playing better basketball between these two squads.
New York has won three of five overall, but lost a tough 114-109 game to the Magic in New York on Wednesday, falling short as a three-point 'dog. The Knicks score 108.7 points a game at home while the Sixers average just 95.1 points on the highway.
In this rivalry, the home team is on a 23-9 ATS run in the last 32 meetings and the Knicks are 10-3 ATS in their last 14 meetings with the Sixers in Madison Square Garden.
New York is on ATS runs of 4-1-1 on Fridays and 8-2-2 ATS in their last 12 after a spread-cover. This team can score points and they'll do enough to get past the Sixers in this one. Play the Knicks to get the win by 10.
2♦ NEW YORK
Big Al
Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks
The Heat defeated Atlanta earlier this season by 16 points, so Atlanta comes into tonight's game with revenge. And, according to my database, Joe Johnson & Co. should get it. Indeed, Atlanta is a terrific 39-13 ATS since 2003 at home when playing with revenge from a loss of more than 10 points, if the Hawks also are rested. Also, Miami is a poor 3-20 ATS off a win and cover, if NOT getting 5 or more points.
Play on: Atlanta
Matt *****
Illinois-Chicago at Loyola Chicago
Prediction: Loyola Chicago
This is one of those rivalry games that you do not hear much about because it is from a smaller conference. The Ramblers are the home underdogs and have no reason to be in that role. Actually there is one reason and it is historical which does mean much in this type of game. That historical part id that the Flames have covered seven straight in this series which includes six outright wins with one of those taking place back in December by 14 points at home. That means it is revenge time once again for Loyola-Chicago who looks to also avenge a home loss against the Flames from last season. Of the last 10 meetings, two have gone into overtime while five others have been decided by six points or fewer so for the most part this has been a closely contested series despite the recent domination from Illinois-Chicago. Both teams come into this game at identical 6-11 records within the Horizon League so there is nothing more pressing for the Flames in this one that would cause them to be road chalk. The game is big for both sides however as playoff seedings are on the line. Loyola needs a win here and needs Youngstown St. to lose to Valparaiso on Saturday to secure a first-round home game, which would then be played against Youngstown St. A victory at Butler made Loyola the only Horizon League team to own victories over each of the conference's top two teams (Butler and Green Bay) which are certainly pretty impressive. Seventy points has been the benchmark for success when it comes to the Ramblers' offense the last few seasons. A year ago, Loyola went 7-0 when totaling at least 70 points. In fact, dating back to the 2006-07 season, Loyola has won 19 of its last 23 contests when it reaches the 70-point plateau, and is 7-3 when doing so this year. Improved efficiency at the offensive end of the floor has helped fuel Loyola to its last eight victories as they are averaging 73.5 ppg, 10 points more than their season average, while draining shots at a 49 percent clip. Conversely, when the Ramblers surrender 70 or more points this season, they are 0-13. The good news is that the Flames are not averaging even close to that when playing on the road, tallying just 64.8 ppg and topping the 70-point mark only four times in 14 games away from home. Long range shooting has also been an added bonus to the recent success for the Ramblers. In the first 16 outings of the year, the Ramblers shot only 29 percent from three-point territory but over the last 14 games, Loyola has vastly improved by hitting 34 percent of its tries from beyond the arc. Look for the Ramblers to get their revenge tonight in a great spot and get halfway to the prize of getting home conference tournament game. 3* Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
Dennis Macklin
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards
Prediction: Over
The Bulls have seen the over go 9-2 in their L11 while the Wiz are 11-1 over in their L12. Safe to say that the prominent theme here is lack of defense. Strangely enough, seven of the last nine inthe series have gone under but not much worried about that here as both teams completely different from last meeting Jan 9th. Techs in the matchup aspect of the game all favor an up and down scorefest. Didn't get any favors from Vegas with the number but barring ice cold shooting nights by one or both teams, this one should comfortably get over the total.
Greg Shaker
Cornell Big Red at Dartmouth Big Green
Play: Dartmouth +9.5
I dated a woman who graduated from Harvard in the Top 1% of her class for a very long time. While her intellectual capacities were extraordinary, she lacked what it took to be a capatible mate for me because of her less than average bedroom performance. I was able to whip her into shape and she became reasonable material but she just never got it. Understanding the world economy and the current tax structure was just not that important to me at the time. The fact is, she was not able to adjust to the situation at hand, and she lost a good man because of it. That is why I like Dartmouth tonight. The Big Green are more now than just a lot of little white guys running around the court right now. They have been able to adjust and they are playing much better basketball because of that. They have won their last 2 of 3 contests outright as 8, 11.5, and 20 point underdogs. They have covered them all, including a 3 point OT loss at Cornell. The most impressive thing is that they have done that while playing on the road. I am not altogether sure about that E = MC Squared thing, but I do know that 2+2=4. They are hitting their free throw shots at a much better clip, they are shooting better from the court, they are rebounding better. They also have been stellar here at home on lined games at 4-1 ATS. I know that Cornell is the Cream of the Crop in this conference, but some of their games have been iffy when they travel, and in fact, they have been slightly outscored overall. The Big Green is a Sexy Team right now. I will grab these points.
Dwayne Bryant
Dartmouth +9.5 vs Cornell
Cornell is 18-8 on the season, while Dartmouth is just 8-16. But don't let the records fool you. Cornell leads the Ivy League with an 8-2 conference mark, but Dartmouth is only two games behind at 6-4.These two met at Cornell just 13 days ago. Cornell was installed as a 20-point favorite, but needed OT to beat Dartmouth, 79-76. In that game, Cornell shot better from the field and 3-point range, were +1 in rebounds, and converted more free throws and for a higher percentage. Yet they still needed OT to beat the 20-point road dog. That doesn't bode well for Cornell now that the scene shifts to Dartmouth.Since that narrow win over Dartmouth, Cornell lost by 12 as a favorite at Yale and blew out Ivy doormat, Brown. I'm not impressed. Cornell is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 20 points and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win. The Big Red are also just 4-7 SU on the road this season.On the flip side, Dartmouth has won five of their last seven SU and they're 5-1 ATS in that span. Since that loss at Cornell, the Big Green have pulled off upset road wins at Penn and Princeton. Hanging tough at Cornell has clearly given Dartmouth confidence and they have been playing very well recently.Dartmouth is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games and 12-2 ATS in their last 14 vs. Ivy League foes. The Big Green are also 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a home underdog and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.I also looked at each team's home and road stats. I found these two teams to be very similar in all areas with the exception of free-throw percentage, where Cornell is clearly better. But I'd need more than that to lay near double digits.Add it all up and I do not think their last meeting was a fluke. I think Dartmouth hangs tough again and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Dartmouth win the game outright. I'll take the points with Dartmouth tonight
EZ WINNERS
(867) Los Angeles Lakers -2.5
The Lakers have owned this series winning the last nine meetings
between these two teams and LA is 8-1 against the spread in those
games. The Nuggets have not fared very well as a small home
underdog as they are 0-5 against the spread in their last five home
games as an underdog of 4.5 points or less. The Lakers did play
last night against the Suns, but LA is 10-4 against the spread this
season in the second night of back to backs. Lay the points!
Karl Garrett
Milwaukee +9 at NEW ORLEANS
Underdog NBA play tonight on Milwaukee, as the G-Man is not sold on the Hornets minus the points these days, especially at minus near double-digits.
New Orleans has been grinding away lately, and while they do bring a two game winning streak into this on, the Hornets have failed both of them minus the points.
In fact, New Orleans has failed 3 in a row against the spread, and are on a 2-6 spread dive their last 8 games overall!
For the year, the Hornets are just 13-15-1 in their nest against the math, while Milwaukee sports a positive 17-13-2 spread mark away from home this year.
The Bucks are 4-3 both straight up, and against the spread their last 7 games, and they did cover the last series meeting against New Orleans, losing by 4 as the 6-point dog.
Deja Vu all over again tonight, as New Orleans gets the outright, but Milwaukee gets the cover.
Take the Bucks plus the points.
2♦ MILWAUKEE
Sports Gambling Hotline
Philadelphia +2' at NEW YORK
The Sixers rebounded from their last second loss at New Jersey on Monday, as they beat the Wizards 106-98 on Wednesday to stop their 4-game slide.
We like Philly to notch another win tonight in the Big Apple as they take on a New York team that has only won 3 of their last 11 games straight up.
Series numbers dictate the play tonight, as Philadelphia has won ALL 3 season series meetings this year, and have now won 4 in a row against the Knickerbockers, and 8 of the last 9 overall, while covering in 7 of those 9 tilts.
New York likes to push the pace, and that plays right into the hands of the 76ers who have had better results this year when playing at an uptempo.
Look for this one to see both teams cracking the century-mark, and in the end Philadelphia to come out on top.
Play on the 76ers at the Garden tonight.
4♦ PHILADELPHIA
LT Profits
Yale +3
The Yale Bulldogs are still in contention for the Ivy League title at 6-4 inside the conference, two games behind Cornell, and we feel that motivation will be enough to pull the mini-upset when they visit the Pennsylvania Quakers this evening.
This is also a revenge spot for Yale after losing at home to Penn two weeks ago, but that is the only Bulldogs loss both straight up and against the spread in their last four games. In fact, Yale has been rather bettor-friendly all season, going 8-5 ATS in all games that have had a posted line.
Yale has been winning with defense, as they are allowing just 63.0 points per game, and that unit has not been much worse on the road, where they are allowing 64.3 points. Comparatively, Penn is allowing an unacceptable 74.3 points per game at home on 45.2 percent shooting.
The Quakers were expected to compete for the Ivy title as they usually do, but they are just 4-5 inside the conference despite being toughened by a brutal non-conference schedule. They have lost two straight games to basically drop out of contention, and most disconcerting is the fact that both losses came here at home, where they are now a woeful 2-9 SU this season.
A case can be made that the wrong team is favored here, so we will gladly take the points with the better and more motivated team, especially in a revenge role.
Pick: Yale +3
Tom Freese
La Lakers at Denver
The Lakers are 20-8 ATS when playing with no rest and they are 10-4 ATS their last 14 games overall. Los Angeles is 8-2 ATS their last 10 road games and they are 7-1 ATS their last 8 road games vs. winning teams. Denver is 2-6 ATS their last 8 games as underdogs and they are 2-6 ATS on Friday. The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS their last 4 games overall and they are 2-8 ATS their last 10 games with the Lakers. PLAY ON LA LAKERS
Vegas Experts
LA Lakers at Denver
We know the old handicapping axiom about playing without rest in Denver, but this number is way too short considering the difference between the Lakers and every other team out West. Los Angeles has dominated this head to head series, winning and covering 10 of the last 13 meetings. The Nuggets have failed to cash in four straight games, mainly because they are playing no defense (allowing nearly 115 PPG). Bad news against the NBA's best offense.
Play on: LA Lakers
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Siena +2.5
The public likes the favorite in this matchup, but I feel strongly that Siena is the better team on any floor any night of the week. Siena dominated Niagara 82-65 a month ago as a 5.5-point favorite at home. Siena is 5-1 SU and ATS in the last L6 overall meetings. It is on a perfect 8-0 ATS run at Niagara and on a 15-4 ATS run in this series since 1997. Siena is as dangerous a dog as you'll find, the problem is we don't get the Saints in that role to often so we will look to capitalize when we do. Siena is 6-0 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less or pick over the last 3 seasons, winning by an average score of 81.2 to 72.3 in these spots. Bet Siena tonight.
Craig Trapp
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Play: Over 213½
Really like the over in this matchup. The Knicks have been scoring at will lately going over in there last 8 home games. The last two times these teams played in Madison Square garden the total was 226. Nate Robinson since winning the dunk contest is almost averaging 30 pts per game. Tough matchup for PHI and think Robinson will lead the Knicks again to a large scoring night. PHI since Brand went down to injury have went back to playing more wide open offense and trying to get more points with easier fast break points. SCORE NYK 115 - PHI 112
John Ryan
Marist vs. Canisius
Play:Marist +4.5
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Marist as they travel to face Canisius slated to start at 7:30 EST. Supporting this graded play is a strong system that has posted a 39-20 ATS mark for 66% winners since 1997. Play on a dog that is a poor free throw shooting team hitting 61-65% and is facing a terrible free throw shooting team hitting <=61% and in a game involving two average rebounding teams posting +/-3 reb/game differentials. AiS shows a 90% probability that Marist will get between 40 and 44 rebounds. Note that Marist is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when they grab 40 to 44 rebounds in a game over the last 2 seasons. Canisius is 0-12 ATS (-13.2 Units) as a home favorite or pick over the last 3 seasons. Take Marist.
Larry Ness
Siena @ Niagara
PICK: Niagara
There can be little argument that Siena is "the class of the MAAC." All five starters returned from a team which won 23 games last year, including a first-round NCAA 'spanking' of Vandy (83-62). Siena is 22-6 overall and leads the MAAC at 15-1. A quick check of the RPI rankings reveals the Saints come in at 24. Hasbrouck (15.0), PG Moore (8.1-6.0 APG) and the 6-6 Ubiles (14.6-5.4) form an excellent backcourt, with small forward Franklin (13.6-7.2) being greatly helped out this year by blossoming 6-9 sophomore Rossiter (9.4-7.4). Missing from LY's mix is sixth-man Fisher (8.0) but Jackson (8.6) has filled that role nicely this year. Siena's early losses came to Tenn, Wichita St and Okla St in the Old Spice tourney in November. The Saints also lost by 13 points at Pitt and after falling behind 30-10 at Lawrence on Jan 6 to Kansas, lost just 91-84 to the Jayhawks. Since that loss, Siena's lone loss (team has won 12 of 13) came 90-88 at Rider. Siena hasn't played since beating Northern Iowa 81-75 (led 40-19 at the half) last Saturday in a Bracket Buster game but the pointspread (Saints are two-point dogs) tells us that Siena is in for a tough game tonight. Niagara was very impressive in beating Illinois St 70-56 last Friday night in its Bracket Buster game, the Purple Eagles' EIGHTH win in their last nine games (7-2 ATS), since losing 82-65 at Siena. By the way, Niagara's lone loss in that stretch (like Siena) is to Rider (90-87). Lewis (16.5-4.6), who was the MAAC's tourney MVP back in 2007 when Niagara beat Siena for the title, is the team's leading scorer this year. He's been joined by two Big East transfers this year, Villanova's swingman Benn (13.9-9.0-3.0) and former U Conn guard Garrison (10.2). Nelson (7.6-4.6-5.3) returns at PG, as Niagara typically goes with a four-guard lineup (calling Benn a guard). That leaves some pressure on the 6-10 Egemonye (12.3-6.9) and he's played well, helped out by the 6-6 Williamson (8,1-2.8) at times. Siena's locked in the No. 1 seed and the conference tourney will be played in Siena's hometown of Albany (not home arena). As for Niagara, after losing twice to the Saints last year (allowed 94 points each time) and by a score of 82-65 this year, tonight's home game holds great significance. For that reason, I'm taking a shot with the Purple Eagles, who have the talent to match up with the Saints.
Evan Altemus
Selection: INDIANA +12
Boston is in a horrible spot here from a situational aspect. They are coming off of a long west coast road trip, one in which they had all three of their best players get banged up. Kevin Garnett is still out until late March, but both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are expected to play. The Celtics road weary legs showed in their last game, an outright loss at the Clippers. Meanwhile, Indiana has played well despite being without Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger. The Pacers are 4-2 both straight up and against the spread since the All-Star break. They took Boston to overtime the last time these two teams met, and the Pacers have the offense to stay in this game. Boston will also more than likely rest their players in the 4th quarter if they get a large lead, meaning that Indiana would have a good chance for a back door cover. However, the Pacers will take advantage of Boston's tired legs and keep the game close.
Jeff Benton
I went against Cleveland last night when it was in Houston and scored an easy 5 Dime winner with the Rockets, who snapped the Cavs’ five-game SU and ATS winning streak. But LeBron and Co. have lost consecutive games just once all season, and that was earlier this month when they followed up their first home loss of the season (101-91 to the Lakers) with a one-point, highly controversial loss in Indiana two days later.
Not only have the Cavs lost two in a row only once, but at 37-19 ATS, they remain the best pointspread team in the NBA, having had just a pair of three-game ATS slides and one two-game ATS slump. Otherwise, Cleveland hasn’t gone consecutive games without cashing. Furthermore, the Cavs have been as good as any team in the league on back-to-back situations (9-3 ATS) and they're 10-1 SU following a loss this year. And while they struggle to cover spreads in Thursday night marquee games (now 3-10 ATS in the last 13 TNT showcase games), they’re a rock-solid 9-1 ATS in their last 10 contests on Fridays.
As for the Spurs, you gotta tip your cap for the way they’ve played this week without both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, scoring impressive home wins over two playoff-caliber opponents in Dallas (93-76) and Portland (99-84) thanks to the stellar play of point guard Tony Parker. And they come into this game having won four in a row and six of eight, while going 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10. However, to think San Antonio is going to continue to roll without two of its three best players – Duncan is questionable tonight; Ginobili is out a few more weeks – is crazy. And to ask them to beat a third consecutive top-notch opponent (one that you know is going to play inspired tonight after last night’s embarrassment in Houston), well, that’s a tall order.
The road team has won the last four meetings in this rivalry, including Cleveland’s 90-88 victory in San Antonio last year as a 7½-point road underdog. And while the Spurs got revenge the following month in a 112-105 road win in Cleveland, they did so courtesy of monster contributions from Ginobili (46 points, five rebounds, eight assists) and Duncan (23 points, 13 boards). With no Ginobili and – at best – a limited, limping Duncan, I envision a monster game from LeBron and yet another big bounce-back victory for Cleveland.
6♦ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Matt Rivers
For Friday take the Clippers.
The Sacramento Kings are an absolute joke right now and even at Arco should lose this game.
Obviously the 15-43 Clippers are not a team that you can fully trust anywhere no less the road but with Baron Davis and Zach Randolph back healthy along with possibly having Marcus Camby, Eric Gordon and Al Thornton this Los Angeles team is fairly talented and a ton better than their pathetic record indicates.
I have said all along that a healthy Clipper team this season would have been alright but that really didn't happen as the team was decimated with injuries.
Sacramento is horrific right now. They are not only awful but just made a bunch of trades including their second and third best players in John Salmons and Brad Miller so there is absolutely no chemistry at all. Kevin Martin can certainly fill it up with the best of them but that really is about all this team right now has.
The Clips just shocked the high flying Celtics on Wednesday as the 10 point home dog and will start to win some games in this second half of the season as the pieces start coming back.Ride Los Angeles' weaker team today and for the next little bit as there will be some value.
Drew Gordon
Oklahoma City +9 at DALLAS
It should be no secret that the Thunder present a tremendous amount of value, going 34-22 ATS on the season, including 16-10 ATS on the road! The guys in Vegas seem content with continually underestimating this team, and I'm happy to take advantage. Here's another example, as Durant and company can and will keep this tough road game within the number tonight in Dallas.
Speaking of Kevin Durant, if he were in a larger market, he'd get the credit he deserves, but in case you haven't noticed, he's been the league's deadliest scorer since the Break. I fully expect he'll once again impress against a good, but not great Mavericks defense tonight. Along with Durant, Green can man-handle Dirk down-low, and while he's been slow to get back to form, Krstic is a better player than Dampier at this point.
On the flip side, people who follow Dallas know that Dirk is struggling mightily, and if he doesn't contribute on the offensive end, then the Mavs will have a lot of trouble covering a near double-digit spread. True, Howard is playing well, but rest-assured he'll have his hands full with Durant tonight, and will be hard-pressed to exert himself on the offensive end after chasing around Durant all night.
Finally, don't misunderstand me, the Mavericks will almost certainly win this contest, but covering the bloated number is another story entirely. Dallas is just 11-17 ATS at home this season, and while they did beat up on Milwaukee in their last home game, the Thunder match up better, especially considering the way Durant is playing. Play on the road dog!
Take Oklahoma City plus the points over Dallas in this NBA match up.
2♦ OKLAHOMA CITY
Chris Jordan
L.A. Lakers -2' at DENVER
Seems like everyone is falling prey to the allure of this game, and I don’t like when there are far too many people on one side of a game. So, I’ll make this a comp selection, and lay the road chalk with the Lakers.
I know they just put up 132 points in Phoenix last night, and the though of going into the rarified air of Denver makes no sense on the second of back-to-back nights, but I’m going to say the Lakers have plenty left in the tank after last night’s clash with Shaq and company.
Denver is dinged up quite a bit, as Carmelo Anthony has a bruised knee and Nene missed his second straight game, also due to a bruised right knee, and is expected to remain out of action for one more week.
Los Angeles is averaging 112.4 points in its last five games against the Nuggets, who been held under 100 four times in those games.
Taking a look at some numbers, the Lakers are on ATS runs of 7-1 when visiting teams with a winning home record, 6-1 when laying the chalk on a road, 8-2 on the highway, 8-3 as the installed chalk and 10-4 overall. On the flipside, the Nuggets are on ATS slides of 2-6 as an underdog, 1-5 as the home pup, 2-6 on Friday nights and 0-4 overall.
Los Angeles has covered four of its last five meetings in the Mile High City, while the favorite has gotten it done five of the last seven battles.
1♦ L.A. LAKERS
Tom Stryker
ORLANDO (-) over Detroit
Honestly, it doesnt matter how banged up and out of sync Detroit is right now. Orlando will have no mercy at all when the Pistons come to town.
According to my NBA database, the Magic are a dismal 6-26 SU and 12-18-2 ATS in their last 32 meetings in this series. Detroit has dismissed Orlando in the first round of the 2007 playoffs and, after five games, in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. If that wasnt bad enough, the Pistons slipped past the Magic in the first meeting this year at home by the final of 88-82. To say that Orlando wants revenge would be an understatement!
Payback has been a profitable venture for the Magic. In its last 39 games in a revenge mode, Orlando is a tremendous 30-9 SU and 32-7 ATS including a nearly perfect 15-1 ATS in this set matched up against a foe that checks in off a straight up loss. Equally impressive, when running against an opponent that carries a won/loss percentage less than .500, Superman and Company are a powerful 48-11 SU and 38-19-2 ATS including a remarkable 37-8 SU and 32-12-1 ATS in non-division play.
The Magic are clicking on all cylinders right now and theyre still chasing Cleveland for the best record in the Eastern Conference. Theres no way Orlando will take its foot off the gas tonight. Lay the lumber. Take Orlando.
Scott Rickenbach
Illinois-Chicago Flames (-) @ Loyola Chicago
This play narrowly missed my service play list today. Even though the Flames can not improve their position in terms of hosting a first round game in the Horizon League tournament, that does not mean they will play without emotion here. This is a big rivalry game for these two teams from Chicago. Illinois-Chicago knows that they can prevent Loyola Chicago from even having a shot at hosting a first-round tournament game and that is plenty of motivation for the Flames.
The Flames and Ramblers simply don't get along. They can't stand each other and it means that the intensity is up when these teams meet. While the Ramblers would love nothing more than to get the big home win here they have a pair of big problems. One is turnovers as that continues to plague Loyola Chicago and it plagued them the last time these teams met. The other concern for the Ramblers is that they simply have no answer for the Flames big man, VanderMeer. This means domination in the paint and Illinois-Chicago does come into this game playing their best basketball of the season. Consider a small play on the Flames minus the short number in this one on Friday night.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Boston Celtics -12
Boston returns home, where it is 24-4 this season, following a 6-game road trip and a loss to the lowly Clippers to conclude it. Expect the Celtics to really run up the score in this one tonight. The Pacers are just 7-24 on the road this season and lost 96-114 when they visited Boston earlier this season. The major key here is that the Celtics won't miss KG nearly as much as the Pacers will miss Danny Granger in this game. Plays on home favorites; a very good team (>=+7 PPG differential) against an average team (+/- 3 PPG differential), after a loss by 6 points or less are 27-4 ATS the last 5 seasons. Bet Boston.
Jrtips
BUCKS vs. HORNETS
Tyson Chandler had another big night in the Hornets last game and now New Orleans (34-22) looks to win their eighth straight home game against the struggling Milwaukee Bucks tonight at New Orleans Arena. The Hornets are looking to win three in a row for the first time in more than a month. They have now won four of their last six, including a 90-87 victory over Detroit on Wednesday. David West had 30 points, Chris Paul added 20 and the two combined for 23 of the Hornets' 25 fourth-quarter points. Chandler, meanwhile, had a season-high 17 rebounds to go along with 10 points. The Hornets have now won both games after going 7-9 without Chandler who gives the Hornets alot of second-chance points and a stronger defensive team. The Hornets are third place in the Southwest Division, five games behind first-place San Antonio. Tonight's game starts a stretch in which three of their next five opponents are below .500 that can help them close the gap and the team has discussed putting together a string of games and gaining some momentum. The Hornets have won five straight over the Bucks (28-32) and seven in a row against them at home. Milwaukee is slumping again, losing three of four after winning five of seven. Milwaukee is coming off a 116-96 loss to Dallas on Wednesday. Charlie Villanueva scored 25 points, including 19 in the first quarter, but the Bucks were outscored 30-15 at the free-throw line and outrebounded 51-25. Villanueva, who is averaging 29.0 points in his last three games, accounted for all of his team's field goals in the first quarter, going 8-of-11 while his teammates were 0-for-13. Milwaukee has given up 110.0 points in its last nine games and has been outrebounded in six of those contests. The Mavericks scored 46 points in the paint as the Bucks continue to try to adjust without center and leading rebounder Andrew Bogut and tonight they face Chandler who is averaging 16.0 points and 18.3 rebounds in his last four games against Milwaukee.The Bucks haven't won in New Orleans since 2003. The Hornets are a bad matchup for the Bucks even when they were playing well, without a center, the Hornets will once again dominate the Bucks inside getting easy points and win this game at home going away.
TAKE NEW ORLEANS-9
Cajun Sports
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards
Play: Chicago Bulls -5.5
The Verizon Center will be the site of tonight’s Eastern Conference battle between the host Washington Wizards and the visiting Chicago Bulls. On Wednesday we went against this Bulls team at New Jersey and won our 5* Eastern Conference Game of the Week as the Nets got the win and cover 111 to 99 but it’s a much different situation tonight at Washington. The Wizards are 13-44 SU on the season and have really struggled against the number of late posting a record of 7-17 ATS their last twenty-four times to post. They are 21-35 ATS overall on the season and just four short quarters from loser number 36 ATS. The Bulls have won both previous meetings between these two teams straight up but they have split against the spread. We know that the Wizards are 8-19 ATS when coming off a home game, 3-12 ATS after going ‘over’ at home, 9-20-1 ATS off a SU loss in their last game and now face a conference opponent and they are 7-17-1 ATS when coming in off a SU / ATS loss and now face a conference foe. Both teams are active in two of our NBA Systems that tell us to Play AGAINST NBA home teams after suffering two ATS losses, 75-105-3 ATS and to Play ON NBA conference road teams coming off an ATS loss on the road in their last game, 45-22-1 ATS. The recent changes to the Bulls lineup has added some depth to this team that they did not have in their first two meetings against the Wizards and that just adds another nail in the proverbial coffin of tonight’s host so lay the chalk as the visitor gets the SU and ATS win on the road tonight in our nation’s capital.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Chicago Bulls 98 Washington Wizards 89
Bob Harvey
Los Angeles Lakers -2.5
Los Angeles has dominated this series with Denver going 9-0 SU and 8-1 ATS the past nine meetings. The UNDER has also figured prominently going 7-1 in the last eight meetings. The Lakers are coming off a resounding 132-106 pounding of Phoenix last night. It was a wire-to-wire win for the Lakers who were able to rest their starters for most of the second half. That will come in handy tonight in Denver.
The Lakers are a glossy 21-6 SU and 16-11 ATS on the road, with the OVER going 15-11. On average, the Lakers have won these games by an average score of 109-102. Overall the Lakers have won six straight and are on a 13-1 straight up run. They’re also 11-1 since losing Andrew Bynum to a knee injury.
The perception here is that with the Lakers defense, or lack of, that we could see another total topper tonight. However, I just don’t see Denver having the horses to keep up with them. Nene won’t play so that leaves the Nuggets thin in the middle where Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol should dominate. I’ve said it before and it’s worth repeating. This Denver has bad chemistry with a capital C. Last time I checked there’s only one basketball and ANY team with Carmelo Anthony on the team knows where the ball is going. That frustrates his Nuggets more than the media reports.
Given that Phil Jackson was able to rest his regulars for the bulk of the Phoenix game, I see the Lakers giving it another wire-to-wire effort and easily covering the number
James Patrick
Clippers vs. Kings
Our Friday selection in NBA action is LA Clippers - Sacramento Kings Over the Total as the Clippers are 7-0 ATS and the Kings 6-1 ATS Over the Total in Friday action. LA is 14-3-1 ATS Over the Total on the road and 20-7-1 ATS Over the Total overall. Let the scoring begin in Sacramento.
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Columbia
When Columbia takes on Harvard in an Ivy League clash tonight they will do so knowing the Lions are 9-1 ATS in this series on this floor. With Columbia of an 8-point loss and Harvard off a 6-point upset win, look for more of the same here tonight
Jimmy The Moose
Montreal Canadiens at Philadelphia Flyers
Prediction: Philadelphia Flyers
Montreal has won 2 in a row but over their last 17 games they are 5-12. The Canadiens are 1-10 in their last 11 road games. In their last 11 games vs. an Eastern Conference opponent the Canadiens are 2-9. In their last 5 games following a win they are 1-4. Philadelphia is 12-4 in their last 16 home games. In their last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record the Flyers are 20-8. In their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record they are 4-0. Montreal has lost 5 of the last 7 meetings and will drop another one tonight. Play on the Philadelphia Flyers -.
Bobby Maxwell
Philadelphia at NEW YORK -2'
The Sixers have on all three meetings with the Knicks this season but right now it's New York who is playing better basketball between these two squads.
New York has won three of five overall, but lost a tough 114-109 game to the Magic in New York on Wednesday, falling short as a three-point 'dog. The Knicks score 108.7 points a game at home while the Sixers average just 95.1 points on the highway.
In this rivalry, the home team is on a 23-9 ATS run in the last 32 meetings and the Knicks are 10-3 ATS in their last 14 meetings with the Sixers in Madison Square Garden.
New York is on ATS runs of 4-1-1 on Fridays and 8-2-2 ATS in their last 12 after a spread-cover. This team can score points and they'll do enough to get past the Sixers in this one. Play the Knicks to get the win by 10.
2♦ NEW YORK
Big Al
Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks
The Heat defeated Atlanta earlier this season by 16 points, so Atlanta comes into tonight's game with revenge. And, according to my database, Joe Johnson & Co. should get it. Indeed, Atlanta is a terrific 39-13 ATS since 2003 at home when playing with revenge from a loss of more than 10 points, if the Hawks also are rested. Also, Miami is a poor 3-20 ATS off a win and cover, if NOT getting 5 or more points.
Play on: Atlanta
Matt *****
Illinois-Chicago at Loyola Chicago
Prediction: Loyola Chicago
This is one of those rivalry games that you do not hear much about because it is from a smaller conference. The Ramblers are the home underdogs and have no reason to be in that role. Actually there is one reason and it is historical which does mean much in this type of game. That historical part id that the Flames have covered seven straight in this series which includes six outright wins with one of those taking place back in December by 14 points at home. That means it is revenge time once again for Loyola-Chicago who looks to also avenge a home loss against the Flames from last season. Of the last 10 meetings, two have gone into overtime while five others have been decided by six points or fewer so for the most part this has been a closely contested series despite the recent domination from Illinois-Chicago. Both teams come into this game at identical 6-11 records within the Horizon League so there is nothing more pressing for the Flames in this one that would cause them to be road chalk. The game is big for both sides however as playoff seedings are on the line. Loyola needs a win here and needs Youngstown St. to lose to Valparaiso on Saturday to secure a first-round home game, which would then be played against Youngstown St. A victory at Butler made Loyola the only Horizon League team to own victories over each of the conference's top two teams (Butler and Green Bay) which are certainly pretty impressive. Seventy points has been the benchmark for success when it comes to the Ramblers' offense the last few seasons. A year ago, Loyola went 7-0 when totaling at least 70 points. In fact, dating back to the 2006-07 season, Loyola has won 19 of its last 23 contests when it reaches the 70-point plateau, and is 7-3 when doing so this year. Improved efficiency at the offensive end of the floor has helped fuel Loyola to its last eight victories as they are averaging 73.5 ppg, 10 points more than their season average, while draining shots at a 49 percent clip. Conversely, when the Ramblers surrender 70 or more points this season, they are 0-13. The good news is that the Flames are not averaging even close to that when playing on the road, tallying just 64.8 ppg and topping the 70-point mark only four times in 14 games away from home. Long range shooting has also been an added bonus to the recent success for the Ramblers. In the first 16 outings of the year, the Ramblers shot only 29 percent from three-point territory but over the last 14 games, Loyola has vastly improved by hitting 34 percent of its tries from beyond the arc. Look for the Ramblers to get their revenge tonight in a great spot and get halfway to the prize of getting home conference tournament game. 3* Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
Dennis Macklin
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards
Prediction: Over
The Bulls have seen the over go 9-2 in their L11 while the Wiz are 11-1 over in their L12. Safe to say that the prominent theme here is lack of defense. Strangely enough, seven of the last nine inthe series have gone under but not much worried about that here as both teams completely different from last meeting Jan 9th. Techs in the matchup aspect of the game all favor an up and down scorefest. Didn't get any favors from Vegas with the number but barring ice cold shooting nights by one or both teams, this one should comfortably get over the total.
Greg Shaker
Cornell Big Red at Dartmouth Big Green
Play: Dartmouth +9.5
I dated a woman who graduated from Harvard in the Top 1% of her class for a very long time. While her intellectual capacities were extraordinary, she lacked what it took to be a capatible mate for me because of her less than average bedroom performance. I was able to whip her into shape and she became reasonable material but she just never got it. Understanding the world economy and the current tax structure was just not that important to me at the time. The fact is, she was not able to adjust to the situation at hand, and she lost a good man because of it. That is why I like Dartmouth tonight. The Big Green are more now than just a lot of little white guys running around the court right now. They have been able to adjust and they are playing much better basketball because of that. They have won their last 2 of 3 contests outright as 8, 11.5, and 20 point underdogs. They have covered them all, including a 3 point OT loss at Cornell. The most impressive thing is that they have done that while playing on the road. I am not altogether sure about that E = MC Squared thing, but I do know that 2+2=4. They are hitting their free throw shots at a much better clip, they are shooting better from the court, they are rebounding better. They also have been stellar here at home on lined games at 4-1 ATS. I know that Cornell is the Cream of the Crop in this conference, but some of their games have been iffy when they travel, and in fact, they have been slightly outscored overall. The Big Green is a Sexy Team right now. I will grab these points.
Dwayne Bryant
Dartmouth +9.5 vs Cornell
Cornell is 18-8 on the season, while Dartmouth is just 8-16. But don't let the records fool you. Cornell leads the Ivy League with an 8-2 conference mark, but Dartmouth is only two games behind at 6-4.These two met at Cornell just 13 days ago. Cornell was installed as a 20-point favorite, but needed OT to beat Dartmouth, 79-76. In that game, Cornell shot better from the field and 3-point range, were +1 in rebounds, and converted more free throws and for a higher percentage. Yet they still needed OT to beat the 20-point road dog. That doesn't bode well for Cornell now that the scene shifts to Dartmouth.Since that narrow win over Dartmouth, Cornell lost by 12 as a favorite at Yale and blew out Ivy doormat, Brown. I'm not impressed. Cornell is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 20 points and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win. The Big Red are also just 4-7 SU on the road this season.On the flip side, Dartmouth has won five of their last seven SU and they're 5-1 ATS in that span. Since that loss at Cornell, the Big Green have pulled off upset road wins at Penn and Princeton. Hanging tough at Cornell has clearly given Dartmouth confidence and they have been playing very well recently.Dartmouth is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games and 12-2 ATS in their last 14 vs. Ivy League foes. The Big Green are also 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a home underdog and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.I also looked at each team's home and road stats. I found these two teams to be very similar in all areas with the exception of free-throw percentage, where Cornell is clearly better. But I'd need more than that to lay near double digits.Add it all up and I do not think their last meeting was a fluke. I think Dartmouth hangs tough again and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Dartmouth win the game outright. I'll take the points with Dartmouth tonight
EZ WINNERS
(867) Los Angeles Lakers -2.5
The Lakers have owned this series winning the last nine meetings
between these two teams and LA is 8-1 against the spread in those
games. The Nuggets have not fared very well as a small home
underdog as they are 0-5 against the spread in their last five home
games as an underdog of 4.5 points or less. The Lakers did play
last night against the Suns, but LA is 10-4 against the spread this
season in the second night of back to backs. Lay the points!
Karl Garrett
Milwaukee +9 at NEW ORLEANS
Underdog NBA play tonight on Milwaukee, as the G-Man is not sold on the Hornets minus the points these days, especially at minus near double-digits.
New Orleans has been grinding away lately, and while they do bring a two game winning streak into this on, the Hornets have failed both of them minus the points.
In fact, New Orleans has failed 3 in a row against the spread, and are on a 2-6 spread dive their last 8 games overall!
For the year, the Hornets are just 13-15-1 in their nest against the math, while Milwaukee sports a positive 17-13-2 spread mark away from home this year.
The Bucks are 4-3 both straight up, and against the spread their last 7 games, and they did cover the last series meeting against New Orleans, losing by 4 as the 6-point dog.
Deja Vu all over again tonight, as New Orleans gets the outright, but Milwaukee gets the cover.
Take the Bucks plus the points.
2♦ MILWAUKEE
Sports Gambling Hotline
Philadelphia +2' at NEW YORK
The Sixers rebounded from their last second loss at New Jersey on Monday, as they beat the Wizards 106-98 on Wednesday to stop their 4-game slide.
We like Philly to notch another win tonight in the Big Apple as they take on a New York team that has only won 3 of their last 11 games straight up.
Series numbers dictate the play tonight, as Philadelphia has won ALL 3 season series meetings this year, and have now won 4 in a row against the Knickerbockers, and 8 of the last 9 overall, while covering in 7 of those 9 tilts.
New York likes to push the pace, and that plays right into the hands of the 76ers who have had better results this year when playing at an uptempo.
Look for this one to see both teams cracking the century-mark, and in the end Philadelphia to come out on top.
Play on the 76ers at the Garden tonight.
4♦ PHILADELPHIA
LT Profits
Yale +3
The Yale Bulldogs are still in contention for the Ivy League title at 6-4 inside the conference, two games behind Cornell, and we feel that motivation will be enough to pull the mini-upset when they visit the Pennsylvania Quakers this evening.
This is also a revenge spot for Yale after losing at home to Penn two weeks ago, but that is the only Bulldogs loss both straight up and against the spread in their last four games. In fact, Yale has been rather bettor-friendly all season, going 8-5 ATS in all games that have had a posted line.
Yale has been winning with defense, as they are allowing just 63.0 points per game, and that unit has not been much worse on the road, where they are allowing 64.3 points. Comparatively, Penn is allowing an unacceptable 74.3 points per game at home on 45.2 percent shooting.
The Quakers were expected to compete for the Ivy title as they usually do, but they are just 4-5 inside the conference despite being toughened by a brutal non-conference schedule. They have lost two straight games to basically drop out of contention, and most disconcerting is the fact that both losses came here at home, where they are now a woeful 2-9 SU this season.
A case can be made that the wrong team is favored here, so we will gladly take the points with the better and more motivated team, especially in a revenge role.
Pick: Yale +3
Tom Freese
La Lakers at Denver
The Lakers are 20-8 ATS when playing with no rest and they are 10-4 ATS their last 14 games overall. Los Angeles is 8-2 ATS their last 10 road games and they are 7-1 ATS their last 8 road games vs. winning teams. Denver is 2-6 ATS their last 8 games as underdogs and they are 2-6 ATS on Friday. The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS their last 4 games overall and they are 2-8 ATS their last 10 games with the Lakers. PLAY ON LA LAKERS
Vegas Experts
LA Lakers at Denver
We know the old handicapping axiom about playing without rest in Denver, but this number is way too short considering the difference between the Lakers and every other team out West. Los Angeles has dominated this head to head series, winning and covering 10 of the last 13 meetings. The Nuggets have failed to cash in four straight games, mainly because they are playing no defense (allowing nearly 115 PPG). Bad news against the NBA's best offense.
Play on: LA Lakers
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Siena +2.5
The public likes the favorite in this matchup, but I feel strongly that Siena is the better team on any floor any night of the week. Siena dominated Niagara 82-65 a month ago as a 5.5-point favorite at home. Siena is 5-1 SU and ATS in the last L6 overall meetings. It is on a perfect 8-0 ATS run at Niagara and on a 15-4 ATS run in this series since 1997. Siena is as dangerous a dog as you'll find, the problem is we don't get the Saints in that role to often so we will look to capitalize when we do. Siena is 6-0 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less or pick over the last 3 seasons, winning by an average score of 81.2 to 72.3 in these spots. Bet Siena tonight.
Craig Trapp
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Play: Over 213½
Really like the over in this matchup. The Knicks have been scoring at will lately going over in there last 8 home games. The last two times these teams played in Madison Square garden the total was 226. Nate Robinson since winning the dunk contest is almost averaging 30 pts per game. Tough matchup for PHI and think Robinson will lead the Knicks again to a large scoring night. PHI since Brand went down to injury have went back to playing more wide open offense and trying to get more points with easier fast break points. SCORE NYK 115 - PHI 112
John Ryan
Marist vs. Canisius
Play:Marist +4.5
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Marist as they travel to face Canisius slated to start at 7:30 EST. Supporting this graded play is a strong system that has posted a 39-20 ATS mark for 66% winners since 1997. Play on a dog that is a poor free throw shooting team hitting 61-65% and is facing a terrible free throw shooting team hitting <=61% and in a game involving two average rebounding teams posting +/-3 reb/game differentials. AiS shows a 90% probability that Marist will get between 40 and 44 rebounds. Note that Marist is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when they grab 40 to 44 rebounds in a game over the last 2 seasons. Canisius is 0-12 ATS (-13.2 Units) as a home favorite or pick over the last 3 seasons. Take Marist.
Larry Ness
Siena @ Niagara
PICK: Niagara
There can be little argument that Siena is "the class of the MAAC." All five starters returned from a team which won 23 games last year, including a first-round NCAA 'spanking' of Vandy (83-62). Siena is 22-6 overall and leads the MAAC at 15-1. A quick check of the RPI rankings reveals the Saints come in at 24. Hasbrouck (15.0), PG Moore (8.1-6.0 APG) and the 6-6 Ubiles (14.6-5.4) form an excellent backcourt, with small forward Franklin (13.6-7.2) being greatly helped out this year by blossoming 6-9 sophomore Rossiter (9.4-7.4). Missing from LY's mix is sixth-man Fisher (8.0) but Jackson (8.6) has filled that role nicely this year. Siena's early losses came to Tenn, Wichita St and Okla St in the Old Spice tourney in November. The Saints also lost by 13 points at Pitt and after falling behind 30-10 at Lawrence on Jan 6 to Kansas, lost just 91-84 to the Jayhawks. Since that loss, Siena's lone loss (team has won 12 of 13) came 90-88 at Rider. Siena hasn't played since beating Northern Iowa 81-75 (led 40-19 at the half) last Saturday in a Bracket Buster game but the pointspread (Saints are two-point dogs) tells us that Siena is in for a tough game tonight. Niagara was very impressive in beating Illinois St 70-56 last Friday night in its Bracket Buster game, the Purple Eagles' EIGHTH win in their last nine games (7-2 ATS), since losing 82-65 at Siena. By the way, Niagara's lone loss in that stretch (like Siena) is to Rider (90-87). Lewis (16.5-4.6), who was the MAAC's tourney MVP back in 2007 when Niagara beat Siena for the title, is the team's leading scorer this year. He's been joined by two Big East transfers this year, Villanova's swingman Benn (13.9-9.0-3.0) and former U Conn guard Garrison (10.2). Nelson (7.6-4.6-5.3) returns at PG, as Niagara typically goes with a four-guard lineup (calling Benn a guard). That leaves some pressure on the 6-10 Egemonye (12.3-6.9) and he's played well, helped out by the 6-6 Williamson (8,1-2.8) at times. Siena's locked in the No. 1 seed and the conference tourney will be played in Siena's hometown of Albany (not home arena). As for Niagara, after losing twice to the Saints last year (allowed 94 points each time) and by a score of 82-65 this year, tonight's home game holds great significance. For that reason, I'm taking a shot with the Purple Eagles, who have the talent to match up with the Saints.
Evan Altemus
Selection: INDIANA +12
Boston is in a horrible spot here from a situational aspect. They are coming off of a long west coast road trip, one in which they had all three of their best players get banged up. Kevin Garnett is still out until late March, but both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are expected to play. The Celtics road weary legs showed in their last game, an outright loss at the Clippers. Meanwhile, Indiana has played well despite being without Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger. The Pacers are 4-2 both straight up and against the spread since the All-Star break. They took Boston to overtime the last time these two teams met, and the Pacers have the offense to stay in this game. Boston will also more than likely rest their players in the 4th quarter if they get a large lead, meaning that Indiana would have a good chance for a back door cover. However, the Pacers will take advantage of Boston's tired legs and keep the game close.
Jeff Benton
I went against Cleveland last night when it was in Houston and scored an easy 5 Dime winner with the Rockets, who snapped the Cavs’ five-game SU and ATS winning streak. But LeBron and Co. have lost consecutive games just once all season, and that was earlier this month when they followed up their first home loss of the season (101-91 to the Lakers) with a one-point, highly controversial loss in Indiana two days later.
Not only have the Cavs lost two in a row only once, but at 37-19 ATS, they remain the best pointspread team in the NBA, having had just a pair of three-game ATS slides and one two-game ATS slump. Otherwise, Cleveland hasn’t gone consecutive games without cashing. Furthermore, the Cavs have been as good as any team in the league on back-to-back situations (9-3 ATS) and they're 10-1 SU following a loss this year. And while they struggle to cover spreads in Thursday night marquee games (now 3-10 ATS in the last 13 TNT showcase games), they’re a rock-solid 9-1 ATS in their last 10 contests on Fridays.
As for the Spurs, you gotta tip your cap for the way they’ve played this week without both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, scoring impressive home wins over two playoff-caliber opponents in Dallas (93-76) and Portland (99-84) thanks to the stellar play of point guard Tony Parker. And they come into this game having won four in a row and six of eight, while going 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10. However, to think San Antonio is going to continue to roll without two of its three best players – Duncan is questionable tonight; Ginobili is out a few more weeks – is crazy. And to ask them to beat a third consecutive top-notch opponent (one that you know is going to play inspired tonight after last night’s embarrassment in Houston), well, that’s a tall order.
The road team has won the last four meetings in this rivalry, including Cleveland’s 90-88 victory in San Antonio last year as a 7½-point road underdog. And while the Spurs got revenge the following month in a 112-105 road win in Cleveland, they did so courtesy of monster contributions from Ginobili (46 points, five rebounds, eight assists) and Duncan (23 points, 13 boards). With no Ginobili and – at best – a limited, limping Duncan, I envision a monster game from LeBron and yet another big bounce-back victory for Cleveland.
6♦ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Matt Rivers
For Friday take the Clippers.
The Sacramento Kings are an absolute joke right now and even at Arco should lose this game.
Obviously the 15-43 Clippers are not a team that you can fully trust anywhere no less the road but with Baron Davis and Zach Randolph back healthy along with possibly having Marcus Camby, Eric Gordon and Al Thornton this Los Angeles team is fairly talented and a ton better than their pathetic record indicates.
I have said all along that a healthy Clipper team this season would have been alright but that really didn't happen as the team was decimated with injuries.
Sacramento is horrific right now. They are not only awful but just made a bunch of trades including their second and third best players in John Salmons and Brad Miller so there is absolutely no chemistry at all. Kevin Martin can certainly fill it up with the best of them but that really is about all this team right now has.
The Clips just shocked the high flying Celtics on Wednesday as the 10 point home dog and will start to win some games in this second half of the season as the pieces start coming back.Ride Los Angeles' weaker team today and for the next little bit as there will be some value.
Drew Gordon
Oklahoma City +9 at DALLAS
It should be no secret that the Thunder present a tremendous amount of value, going 34-22 ATS on the season, including 16-10 ATS on the road! The guys in Vegas seem content with continually underestimating this team, and I'm happy to take advantage. Here's another example, as Durant and company can and will keep this tough road game within the number tonight in Dallas.
Speaking of Kevin Durant, if he were in a larger market, he'd get the credit he deserves, but in case you haven't noticed, he's been the league's deadliest scorer since the Break. I fully expect he'll once again impress against a good, but not great Mavericks defense tonight. Along with Durant, Green can man-handle Dirk down-low, and while he's been slow to get back to form, Krstic is a better player than Dampier at this point.
On the flip side, people who follow Dallas know that Dirk is struggling mightily, and if he doesn't contribute on the offensive end, then the Mavs will have a lot of trouble covering a near double-digit spread. True, Howard is playing well, but rest-assured he'll have his hands full with Durant tonight, and will be hard-pressed to exert himself on the offensive end after chasing around Durant all night.
Finally, don't misunderstand me, the Mavericks will almost certainly win this contest, but covering the bloated number is another story entirely. Dallas is just 11-17 ATS at home this season, and while they did beat up on Milwaukee in their last home game, the Thunder match up better, especially considering the way Durant is playing. Play on the road dog!
Take Oklahoma City plus the points over Dallas in this NBA match up.
2♦ OKLAHOMA CITY
Chris Jordan
L.A. Lakers -2' at DENVER
Seems like everyone is falling prey to the allure of this game, and I don’t like when there are far too many people on one side of a game. So, I’ll make this a comp selection, and lay the road chalk with the Lakers.
I know they just put up 132 points in Phoenix last night, and the though of going into the rarified air of Denver makes no sense on the second of back-to-back nights, but I’m going to say the Lakers have plenty left in the tank after last night’s clash with Shaq and company.
Denver is dinged up quite a bit, as Carmelo Anthony has a bruised knee and Nene missed his second straight game, also due to a bruised right knee, and is expected to remain out of action for one more week.
Los Angeles is averaging 112.4 points in its last five games against the Nuggets, who been held under 100 four times in those games.
Taking a look at some numbers, the Lakers are on ATS runs of 7-1 when visiting teams with a winning home record, 6-1 when laying the chalk on a road, 8-2 on the highway, 8-3 as the installed chalk and 10-4 overall. On the flipside, the Nuggets are on ATS slides of 2-6 as an underdog, 1-5 as the home pup, 2-6 on Friday nights and 0-4 overall.
Los Angeles has covered four of its last five meetings in the Mile High City, while the favorite has gotten it done five of the last seven battles.
1♦ L.A. LAKERS
Tom Stryker
ORLANDO (-) over Detroit
Honestly, it doesnt matter how banged up and out of sync Detroit is right now. Orlando will have no mercy at all when the Pistons come to town.
According to my NBA database, the Magic are a dismal 6-26 SU and 12-18-2 ATS in their last 32 meetings in this series. Detroit has dismissed Orlando in the first round of the 2007 playoffs and, after five games, in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. If that wasnt bad enough, the Pistons slipped past the Magic in the first meeting this year at home by the final of 88-82. To say that Orlando wants revenge would be an understatement!
Payback has been a profitable venture for the Magic. In its last 39 games in a revenge mode, Orlando is a tremendous 30-9 SU and 32-7 ATS including a nearly perfect 15-1 ATS in this set matched up against a foe that checks in off a straight up loss. Equally impressive, when running against an opponent that carries a won/loss percentage less than .500, Superman and Company are a powerful 48-11 SU and 38-19-2 ATS including a remarkable 37-8 SU and 32-12-1 ATS in non-division play.
The Magic are clicking on all cylinders right now and theyre still chasing Cleveland for the best record in the Eastern Conference. Theres no way Orlando will take its foot off the gas tonight. Lay the lumber. Take Orlando.
Scott Rickenbach
Illinois-Chicago Flames (-) @ Loyola Chicago
This play narrowly missed my service play list today. Even though the Flames can not improve their position in terms of hosting a first round game in the Horizon League tournament, that does not mean they will play without emotion here. This is a big rivalry game for these two teams from Chicago. Illinois-Chicago knows that they can prevent Loyola Chicago from even having a shot at hosting a first-round tournament game and that is plenty of motivation for the Flames.
The Flames and Ramblers simply don't get along. They can't stand each other and it means that the intensity is up when these teams meet. While the Ramblers would love nothing more than to get the big home win here they have a pair of big problems. One is turnovers as that continues to plague Loyola Chicago and it plagued them the last time these teams met. The other concern for the Ramblers is that they simply have no answer for the Flames big man, VanderMeer. This means domination in the paint and Illinois-Chicago does come into this game playing their best basketball of the season. Consider a small play on the Flames minus the short number in this one on Friday night.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Boston Celtics -12
Boston returns home, where it is 24-4 this season, following a 6-game road trip and a loss to the lowly Clippers to conclude it. Expect the Celtics to really run up the score in this one tonight. The Pacers are just 7-24 on the road this season and lost 96-114 when they visited Boston earlier this season. The major key here is that the Celtics won't miss KG nearly as much as the Pacers will miss Danny Granger in this game. Plays on home favorites; a very good team (>=+7 PPG differential) against an average team (+/- 3 PPG differential), after a loss by 6 points or less are 27-4 ATS the last 5 seasons. Bet Boston.
THE SOCCER EXPERTS
49-21 SOCCER SIDES AND TOTALS
11-12 SOCCER PARLAYS
7-11 NBA ( AMERICAN BASKETBALL)
5-1 NCAAB ( COLLEGE BASKETBALL)
SOCCER
Polish league:
Wisla Krakow to win
* refers to Asian Handicap Lines or European Extra
We recommend Bet365 or Pinnacle for these types of options
NBA
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Iona at St. Peter's over 119..5
49-21 SOCCER SIDES AND TOTALS
11-12 SOCCER PARLAYS
7-11 NBA ( AMERICAN BASKETBALL)
5-1 NCAAB ( COLLEGE BASKETBALL)
SOCCER
Polish league:
Wisla Krakow to win
* refers to Asian Handicap Lines or European Extra
We recommend Bet365 or Pinnacle for these types of options
NBA
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Iona at St. Peter's over 119..5
ChicagoSportsConnection
ChicagoSportsConnection
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INDIANA +12 @ Boston.
Boston's 1st game back from West Coast...and they are banged up.
IND has won 4 of 6 since break.
...the losses were by 4 and 9 points.
....they've kept their L6 road games under this 12 points.
***************************************
MIAMI +5 @ Atlanta
Atlanta's 1st game back from West Coast also.
......haven't played a home game in a couple weeks.
Miami keeps it close and possibly wins this one.
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NEW YORK KNICKS -2 vs Philly
PHIL's won the first three this year.
This is the 4th and final game between these two.
NYK are playing well.....PHIL has lost 4 of 5.
NYK avoid the season sweep here.
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ChicagoSportsConnection
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INDIANA +12 @ Boston.
Boston's 1st game back from West Coast...and they are banged up.
IND has won 4 of 6 since break.
...the losses were by 4 and 9 points.
....they've kept their L6 road games under this 12 points.
***************************************
MIAMI +5 @ Atlanta
Atlanta's 1st game back from West Coast also.
......haven't played a home game in a couple weeks.
Miami keeps it close and possibly wins this one.
****************************************
NEW YORK KNICKS -2 vs Philly
PHIL's won the first three this year.
This is the 4th and final game between these two.
NYK are playing well.....PHIL has lost 4 of 5.
NYK avoid the season sweep here.
****************************************
DCI
NCAAB
Atlantic 10 Conference
CAMPBELL 73, Stetson 67
Horizon League
Uic 65, LOYOLA (CHICAGO) 60
Ivy League
Cornell 70, DARTMOUTH 62
HARVARD 61, Columbia 60
PENN 62, Yale 61
PRINCETON 58, Brown 51
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
CANISIUS 66, Marist 61
Manhattan vs. FAIRFIELD: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
NIAGARA 76, Siena 75
SAINT PETER'S 58, Iona 54
NCAAB
Atlantic 10 Conference
CAMPBELL 73, Stetson 67
Horizon League
Uic 65, LOYOLA (CHICAGO) 60
Ivy League
Cornell 70, DARTMOUTH 62
HARVARD 61, Columbia 60
PENN 62, Yale 61
PRINCETON 58, Brown 51
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
CANISIUS 66, Marist 61
Manhattan vs. FAIRFIELD: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
NIAGARA 76, Siena 75
SAINT PETER'S 58, Iona 54
DCI
NBA
ORLANDO 100, Detroit 86
Chicago 102, WASHINGTON 99
ATLANTA 98, Miami 92
BOSTON 110, Indiana 95
NEW YORK 104, Philadelphia 103
Portland 101, MINNESOTA 97
NEW ORLEANS 99, Milwaukee 91
DALLAS 108, Oklahoma City 95
L.A. Lakers 108, DENVER 106
PHOENIX 108, Toronto 101
SAN ANTONIO 93, Cleveland 90
SACRAMENTO 106, L.A. Clippers 101
GOLDEN STATE 105, Charlotte 102
NBA
ORLANDO 100, Detroit 86
Chicago 102, WASHINGTON 99
ATLANTA 98, Miami 92
BOSTON 110, Indiana 95
NEW YORK 104, Philadelphia 103
Portland 101, MINNESOTA 97
NEW ORLEANS 99, Milwaukee 91
DALLAS 108, Oklahoma City 95
L.A. Lakers 108, DENVER 106
PHOENIX 108, Toronto 101
SAN ANTONIO 93, Cleveland 90
SACRAMENTO 106, L.A. Clippers 101
GOLDEN STATE 105, Charlotte 102
