The Duke's Sports
Detroit (+9') for 1.5 Units
The once dominant Pistons are now relegated to the league doormat however, they still give some teams trouble now and then. One of those teams is the Nuggets which are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Denver, which is just 2-6 ATS on Fridays and coming into this one unrested (1-5-2 ATS), has a tendency to play down to an opponent's level; for example, Denver is 2-11-1 ATS in their last 14 games against opponents below .500 moreover, they're 1-6 ATS vs teams below .400. With the Pistons' Prince and Hamilton healthy again, we'll look for Detroit to extend its 6-2 ATS mark in Denver.
Detroit (+9') for 1.5 Units
The once dominant Pistons are now relegated to the league doormat however, they still give some teams trouble now and then. One of those teams is the Nuggets which are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Denver, which is just 2-6 ATS on Fridays and coming into this one unrested (1-5-2 ATS), has a tendency to play down to an opponent's level; for example, Denver is 2-11-1 ATS in their last 14 games against opponents below .500 moreover, they're 1-6 ATS vs teams below .400. With the Pistons' Prince and Hamilton healthy again, we'll look for Detroit to extend its 6-2 ATS mark in Denver.
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
8* Minnesota/Oklahoma City Under 201.5
For a number of different reasons I believe the value in this contest is on the "under"
The Thunder are 2-0 against the Timberwolves this season, making 13 of 39 of their attempts from 3-point range and 40 of 44 free throws. The Oklahoma City franchise has won 10 of its last 13 games against Minnesota.
Jonny Flynn, who averages 13.8 points, was held to nine on 4-of-13 shooting in Minnesota’s 98-92 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves have lost seven of eight after winning their previous four, and with five road wins are tied with Sacramento for third-fewest in the league.
Al Jefferson leads Minnesota with 17.1 points per game, but has been limited to 10 in each of his last four games.
Keep in mind that the total has gone "under" the posted number in five of Minnesota's last seven overall.
On the other side of the court: A nine-game winning streak that began Jan. 29 has solidified Oklahoma City (33-23) as a contender in the West. The Thunder, currently sixth in the conference, are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004-05, when the franchise was based in Seattle.
Oklahoma City, however, has had a tough week. After their run ended with a 104-102 home loss to Phoenix on Tuesday, the Thunder dropped a 95-87 decision the next night at San Antonio.
Against the Spurs, the Thunder shot 39.8 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the line as their five-game road winning streak was snapped; I expect another offensive letdown this evening.
It's important to point out that Oklahoma City has seen the total go "under" the number in six of eight vs. division opponents and in 15 of 27 home games.
Bottom line: Both teams are struggling right now and I expect each to create offense through its defense as both clubs try to get back on track; when taking all of the above into account the sharp money in this one is indeed on the UNDER!
8* Minnesota/Oklahoma City Under 201.5
For a number of different reasons I believe the value in this contest is on the "under"
The Thunder are 2-0 against the Timberwolves this season, making 13 of 39 of their attempts from 3-point range and 40 of 44 free throws. The Oklahoma City franchise has won 10 of its last 13 games against Minnesota.
Jonny Flynn, who averages 13.8 points, was held to nine on 4-of-13 shooting in Minnesota’s 98-92 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves have lost seven of eight after winning their previous four, and with five road wins are tied with Sacramento for third-fewest in the league.
Al Jefferson leads Minnesota with 17.1 points per game, but has been limited to 10 in each of his last four games.
Keep in mind that the total has gone "under" the posted number in five of Minnesota's last seven overall.
On the other side of the court: A nine-game winning streak that began Jan. 29 has solidified Oklahoma City (33-23) as a contender in the West. The Thunder, currently sixth in the conference, are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004-05, when the franchise was based in Seattle.
Oklahoma City, however, has had a tough week. After their run ended with a 104-102 home loss to Phoenix on Tuesday, the Thunder dropped a 95-87 decision the next night at San Antonio.
Against the Spurs, the Thunder shot 39.8 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the line as their five-game road winning streak was snapped; I expect another offensive letdown this evening.
It's important to point out that Oklahoma City has seen the total go "under" the number in six of eight vs. division opponents and in 15 of 27 home games.
Bottom line: Both teams are struggling right now and I expect each to create offense through its defense as both clubs try to get back on track; when taking all of the above into account the sharp money in this one is indeed on the UNDER!
Lenny Del Genio
Detroit +10.5
This is an excellent spot to go against the Nuggets, who are off a 127-112 victory over Golden State last night. The game, and this is obvious by the final score, was an up-tempo affair that can take a lot out of a team. Now they return to their thin air home with no rest and if you watched last night's telecast at all, you know that Denver is prone to letdowns against losing teams. It was exactly one week ago where they went out and lost by ten at Washington as six-point favorites. They played that game with no rest after beating Cleveland the previous night in overtime. Overall, they are just 13-10 straight up this season vs. teams with a losing record. The Pistons have dominated this head to head series at the betting window, covering 18 of the last 25 meetings, including five straight. In December, they beat Denver outright at home, 101-99, as eight-point underdogs. The Nuggets actually were the ones heading into that game with rest while the Pistons were in the second game of back to backs. Since 1996, Denver is just 111-152 ATS when playing on the second night of back to backs. Did you know they've lost to the Pistons 21 of 25 times? Detroit is our NBA Oddsmaker Mismatch.
Detroit +10.5
This is an excellent spot to go against the Nuggets, who are off a 127-112 victory over Golden State last night. The game, and this is obvious by the final score, was an up-tempo affair that can take a lot out of a team. Now they return to their thin air home with no rest and if you watched last night's telecast at all, you know that Denver is prone to letdowns against losing teams. It was exactly one week ago where they went out and lost by ten at Washington as six-point favorites. They played that game with no rest after beating Cleveland the previous night in overtime. Overall, they are just 13-10 straight up this season vs. teams with a losing record. The Pistons have dominated this head to head series at the betting window, covering 18 of the last 25 meetings, including five straight. In December, they beat Denver outright at home, 101-99, as eight-point underdogs. The Nuggets actually were the ones heading into that game with rest while the Pistons were in the second game of back to backs. Since 1996, Denver is just 111-152 ATS when playing on the second night of back to backs. Did you know they've lost to the Pistons 21 of 25 times? Detroit is our NBA Oddsmaker Mismatch.
Dwayne Bryant
Detroit +10.5
The Nuggets burned us last night, but we catch them in a tough spot tonight. Yes, they're at home tonight, where they're 24-5 SU on the season, but they need much more than a SU win to beat us. Denver shot over 50% from the field, including a ridiculous 16-of-27 (59%) from 3-point range, to beat the Warriors in Oakland last night. So they had to travel back to Denver early this morning knowing they have a huge game against the Lakers on deck. This is the perfect look-ahead spot for Denver, and they're playing an opponent that has given them fits. Detroit owns seven straight wins over Denver, including a 2-point home win back in December. The Pistons are coming off a loss to the Clippers, so they should be ready to bring a solid effort tonight. I'll be surprised if Denver doesn't play a below average game due to fatigue and looking ahead to the Lakers. With the way Detroit has given the Nuggets fits, I'm confident they can stay within the number in this spot. Grab the points with Detroit.
Detroit +10.5
The Nuggets burned us last night, but we catch them in a tough spot tonight. Yes, they're at home tonight, where they're 24-5 SU on the season, but they need much more than a SU win to beat us. Denver shot over 50% from the field, including a ridiculous 16-of-27 (59%) from 3-point range, to beat the Warriors in Oakland last night. So they had to travel back to Denver early this morning knowing they have a huge game against the Lakers on deck. This is the perfect look-ahead spot for Denver, and they're playing an opponent that has given them fits. Detroit owns seven straight wins over Denver, including a 2-point home win back in December. The Pistons are coming off a loss to the Clippers, so they should be ready to bring a solid effort tonight. I'll be surprised if Denver doesn't play a below average game due to fatigue and looking ahead to the Lakers. With the way Detroit has given the Nuggets fits, I'm confident they can stay within the number in this spot. Grab the points with Detroit.
Bob Balfe
Cavs -5.5 over Raptors
Without Chris Bosh, the Raptors have absolutely no business playing in the NBA. In addition, the injury to Shaquille O'Neal actually makes the Cavs a better basketball team, regardless of their temporary lack of presence in the middle. Cleveland normally would be a 7 or 8 point favorite here if Shaq was playing, but the oddsmakers made a mistake here. I expect a big game from Anderson Verajeo on both sides of the basketball and Mo Williams is the best guard on the floor. The Cavs will come out swinging and will never look back. They should easily win every quarter. There is zero possibility that the Raptors keep this game close even if they are on their home floor. Take the Cavs -5.5.
Cavs -5.5 over Raptors
Without Chris Bosh, the Raptors have absolutely no business playing in the NBA. In addition, the injury to Shaquille O'Neal actually makes the Cavs a better basketball team, regardless of their temporary lack of presence in the middle. Cleveland normally would be a 7 or 8 point favorite here if Shaq was playing, but the oddsmakers made a mistake here. I expect a big game from Anderson Verajeo on both sides of the basketball and Mo Williams is the best guard on the floor. The Cavs will come out swinging and will never look back. They should easily win every quarter. There is zero possibility that the Raptors keep this game close even if they are on their home floor. Take the Cavs -5.5.
