Service Plays MLK Monday 1/18/10

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

TheRX.com Policy on Posting Handicapper Plays:
In the poster agreement that all posters agree to when signing up, posters have agreed to NOT post copyrighted information.
Some handicappers do not mind having their plays posted, If we are asked by any company to not let their information be posted here, we will comply with the request and remove the information if we see it.
For The Record.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To all services and professional handicappers. I am only going to be editing posts where your copyrighted write-ups are involved. Please do not email me if someone simply posts so and so likes xyz team plus or minus so many points only.
Thank you, wilheim.......

We have received requests from the following companies:
PlusLineSports- Do not post
PowerPlay Wins
The Real Animal
THELOCKOFTHEDAY
Right Angle Sports (RAS)
Tony Karpinski and 3G-Sports
Discreat Cat (do not post at all..)
Dr. Bob Sports
Dr. guru sports
madduxsports
Red Zone Sports
Dennis Hill
Peter Gold at VI
Strike Point Sports
Vegas Sports Informer
Winning Points/Sports Reporter
ASA, ASA Inc’s or American Sports Analysts
Sal Bansa/sportspicks1019
Mikelineback
Larry Ness
Al McMordie
zen_gambler
Tom Stryker
Lenny Delgenio
Scott Spreitzer
Matt Fargo
@ntonwins
Doc's Sports Services
Robert Ferringo
Pacific (Pac Star) Sports
The Prez
Mike Rose
LT Profits
Pregame.- which include (shaker,law,o'shea,jwip,creole,nover,rocketman,d'angelo,vrunner)
Alex Smart
JB Sports
ATS Consultants
Ken Jenkins
AJ Apollo
Jim Avery
Jim Kruger
Paul Stone
Ross Benjamin
Dave Cokin
Tony George
Fred Wallin
Rocky Atkinson
Jorge Gonzalez
Greg DiPalma
Vernon Croy
Ron Raymond
Dennis Macklin
Ben Lewis
Lucky Lester
Bruce Marshall
Ted Sevransky (Teddy Covers)
Ben Burns
Fairway Jay
EZ Winners
Pointwise Sports
Pro Sports Info
Steve Merril SportsAlatex Sports
Tennessee Valley Sports
Trushel Sports Consulting
Sports Memo Crew which include:
Rob Veno,Brent Crow,Erin Rynning,Donnie Black,Marty Otto,Jared Klein,David Jones,Ed Cash
Sixth Sense Sports
Marc Lawrence, and/or
Playbook, and/or
Preferred Picks
Boxslayer

-------

****Please note we can post Picks ONLY for the services above - NO WRITE - UPS. All other services not on this list can be posted in any fashion. GL!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets

Ottawa Senators at Boston Bruins (N/A)

Mike Brodeur is the most popular guy in Canada’s capital city. The Senators goalie is now 3-0 with a shutout after guiding his club to a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

It appears that Brodeur will take over No. 1 duties from the struggling Brian Elliot at least until Pascal Leclaire returns to the lineup.

“He was outstanding,” coach Cory Clouston told the Ottawa Citizen. “And to me that’s the difference right now. Our guys are playing with some confidence in front of him and he’s giving us confidence.”

Of course, Ottawa’s positive attitude also had to do with the return of Daniel Alfredsson. The Sens captain scored three points in his first game back since separating his shoulder just before Christmas.

The Bruins don’t have the same rosy feeling. They’re missing their two best offensive players (Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard) and have dropped four of their last five contests.

Pick: Senators


Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche (-200, 5.5)

Fading the Oilers is the safest bet in sports these days. Edmonton is just 1-13-1 since Dec. 11 and the team can’t seem to stop the pins from being jabbed in the Oiler voodoo doll.

A second bout with the flu bug forced Edmonton to dress just 17 skaters Saturday against the Sharks.

“It’s weird. All year there’s been some illness or whatever,” Oiler forward Patrick O’Sullivan told the Edmonton Journal. “I’ve never seen a team have so many problems.”

Of course, the flu isn’t the only thing plaguing the Oilers. Starting goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, offensive playmaker Ales Hemsky and center Mike Comrie are all on the long-term shelf.

Expect the Avs to be the latest team to capitalize on the Oilers’ misfortunes.

Pick: Colorado

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets

Sacramento Kings at Charlotte Bobcats (-7, 196.5)

Three weeks ago the Kings were two games under .500 and were the biggest surprises in the league. But Sacramento hit a rough spot before after the New Year and has dropped eight of its last nine games.

During a 10-point setback to the Wizards, Kings rookie small forward Omri Casspi was seen arguing with coach Paul Westpal about playing time. That’s not a great sign.

And despite the return of sharp-shooting guard Kevin Martin, the Kings are having a difficult time filling the hoop. Sacramento is averaging just 86.6 points over its last three games and the under has cashed in each of the team’s last seven contests.

"We're a team that really believes in our ability to make baskets, and that has been letting us down lately," Westphal told the Sacramento Bee. "We were getting a lot of shots for various people, but we couldn't convert inside again. They were too big for us in a lot of ways. You've got to make shots. Thirty-seven percent is not going to get it done."

Adding to the reasons for the Kings' fade is their inability to play well away from home. Sacramento is just 3-15 straight up on the road this season.

That’s not going to cut it against a hot Bobcats team.

Pick: Charlotte


New Jersey Nets at Los Angeles Clippers (NA)

Are the Clippers cursed? That’s the question everyone is asking after news broke rookie Blake Griffin would not make his NBA debut until next season. The 2009 No. 1 overall pick is still recovering from a troublesome knee.

The Clips got blown out by the Lakers on Friday night but bounced back with a near-upset of the Cavs the following night. The club has dropped four in a row but has covered in eight of its last 10 games.

L.A. backers are hoping to see Clippers center Chris Kaman back on the floor Monday night. Kaman, who leads his team in scoring, was absent in each of the Clips last four games because of a sore back.

Look for the Clippers to put away the sad-sack Nets on Monday night, with or without Kaman.

Pick: Los Angeles

 

[ugk]

SPORTS ADVISORS

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

(5) Syracuse (17-1, 11-3 ATS) at Notre Dame (14-4, 7-4-1 ATS)

The Orangemen will try to make it five straight wins when they travel to South Bend, Ind., to take on Notre Dame in a Big East matchup.

Syracuse lost its first game of the season back on Jan. 2 at home against Pitt, but has since rallied to win four in a row (SU and ATS), including Saturday’s 72-71 upset win at West Virginia as a five-point underdog. The Orange are a perfect 6-0 (SU and ATS) on the road this season as their defense has dominated, allowing just 69.7 points per game on 36.9 percent shooting.

The Irish fell at Cincinnati on Saturday 60-58 but cashed as five-point underdogs. Even with that loss, Notre Dame has won five of seven overall (4-1-1 ATS) and last time it was at home was Jan. 9 when it edged West Virginia 70-68 as a 4½-point pup. The Irish are 12-1 in front of the home fans (5-2 ATS) where they put up 86.9 ppg, shooting 52.6 percent from the floor.

Notre Dame has won three of the last four meetings between these two (SU and ATS), including two straight at home in 2007 and 2008. The road team is on a 10-3 ATS roll, with Syracuse going 5-2 ATS in its last seven trips to South Bend. Also, the underdog is 9-4 ATS in those 13 meetings.

The Orangemen are on ATS runs of 21-6 overall, 11-2 in Big East play, 5-0 on the road, 16-5 after a straight-up win and 5-0 on the road against teams with winning home records. Notre Dame is on ATS surges of 4-1-1 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-0-1 after a straight-up loss and 3-1-1 against Big East teams, but it is just 1-7-1 ATS in its last nine on Monday.

Syracuse has topped the total in 10 of 13 games after a spread-cover, seven of 10 conference games and 19 of 26 after a straight-up win. The Irish have gone over the posted price in five of six at home and seven of nine overall, but they’re also on “under” runs of 8-3 in Big East action, 8-2 following a spread-cover and 12-2 at home against teams with winning road records. In this rivalry, the “over” has hit in five straight contests.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE


(1) Texas (17-0, 7-6 ATS) at (13) Kansas State (15-2, 8-3-1 ATS)

After narrowly preserving their perfect season Saturday, the Longhorns will try to extend their season-long winning streak when they visit Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan., to take on Big 12 rival Kansas State.

Texas needed overtime Saturday to edge Texas A&M 72-67, coming nowhere near covering as a 14½-point home favorite. Damion James had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Longhorns, but no other starter managed more than five points or three rebounds. Texas has failed to cover in four consecutive games, including trips to Arkansas on Jan. 5 (winning 96-85 as 14-point favorites) and at Iowa State on Wednesday (90-83 as eight-point favorites).

Kansas State went to Colorado on Saturday and prevailed 87-81 but pushed as a six-point favorite. In their last home contest, the Wildcats blew out Texas A&M 88-65, easily cashing as nine-point favorites to improve to 10-0 at Bramlage Coliseum this season. K-State puts up 83.9 ppg at home and limits the opposition to 61.3 points a game and 37 percent shooting.

The road team has won four straight in this rivalry, but Texas scored a 61-58 win in the Big 12 Conference tournament last March, pushing as a three-point favorite. Kansas State won the regular-season matchup last season, scoring an 85-81 road win in overtime, cashing as a 10½-point underdog. The Wildcats have cashed in seven of the last nine meetings, and the underdog is on an 8-0-1 ATS run in those nine contests.

The Longhorns are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 Monday contests, but otherwise they are on pointspread slides of 0-4 overall, 2-8-1 on the road, 6-20-2 in Big 12 action and 1-8-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record. Kansas State is on ATS surges of 7-1-1 overall, 4-0 at home and 5-1-1 after a straight-up win, but the Wildcats have failed to cover in five straight Monday outings and are 6-18-3 ATS in their last 27 conference games.

Texas has stayed below the total in 11 of 15 on Monday, but it has gone “over” the total in four straight on the road, five of seven overall and 15 of 21 after a straight-up win. Kansas State is on “over” runs of 8-3 overall, 8-3 at home and 4-0 at home against teams with winning road records. Conversely, the “under” is 3-0-1 in the last four series meetings played in Manhattan.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER


NBA

Dallas (26-14, 18-22 ATS) at Boston (27-11, 17-21 ATS)

The slumping Mavericks make their way to TD Banknorth Garden in Boston for a matchup with the Celtics in the second game of their five-game road trip.

Dallas opened its trek in Toronto on Sunday and got stomped 110-88 as a one-point road favorite. The Mavs have dropped three of four overall (0-4 ATS) and they are having trouble stopping teams lately, giving up 103 points a game and 48.7 percent shooting in their last five games. On the highway, Dallas is 13-7 SU and ATS but just 2-3 SU and ATS in its last five.

Boston has alternated wins and losses in its last six games and most recently dropped a 96-83 decision at home to the Bulls on Thursday, failing as a 6½-point favorite. The Celtics have lost two straight at home (SU and ATS) and they are just 11-6 (6-11 ATS) in Beantown, where they are giving up 94.1 points a game and allowing the opposition to shoot 44.5 percent shooting.

The Celtics have won four in a row (SU and ATS) against the Mavericks, including a 124-100 blowout at home last January, easily cashing as a nine-point favorite. Boston is 7-1 ATS in the last eight series clashes dating back to the 2005 season.

Dallas is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 road games, but otherwise is on ATS slides of 1-6 overall, 1-5 on the second day of a back-to-back and 1-6 on Mondays. The Celtics have cashed in 15 of 21 against Southwest Division teams, but they are on ATS skids of 3-9 at home, 1-4 against the Western Conference, 0-6 on Monday and 0-4 at home against teams with winning road records.

For the Mavericks, the “over” is on runs of 5-2 overall, 5-1 against Atlantic Division teams, 21-9 against the Eastern Conference and 6-2 on the second day of a back-to-back. Boston has topped the total in six of eight overall, but the under is 23-10-1 in its last 34 on Monday. In this series, the “over” has been the play in four of the past five matchups in Beantown.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON


Orlando (26-14, 20-20 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (31-9, 18-22 ATS)

The Magic conclude their four-game West Coast road trip with a stop at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for an NBA Finals rematch with the Lakers.

Orlando, just 2-6 SU and ATS in its last eight overall, is 1-2 SU and ATS on this trip, beating Sacramento 109-88 on Tuesday as a four-point chalk, but falling in Denver (115-97 as a 5½-point pup) and losing in Portland on Friday (102-87 as a 5½-point favorite). The Magic have dropped four of their last five on the road (SU and ATS) and manage just 98.3 points a game on the highway.

After losing three of four SU and ATS, the Lakers have rallied to win back-to-back games, beating the Mavericks 100-95 on Wednesday as six-point ‘dogs, then crushing the Clippers 126-86 on Friday night as 10½-point favorites. In Friday’s victory, Kobe Bryant poured in 30 points, with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol chipping in with 20 points each and a combined 13 rebounds. Los Angeles is 22-3 at home this season, but a mediocre 12-12-1 ATS.

In last season’s NBA Finals, the Lakers needed just five games (4-1 ATS) to dispatch the Magic, including two wins in Los Angeles (1-1 ATS). The underdog brings a 10-1 ATS mark into this matchup, and Orlando is on a 4-1 ATS run in its last four trips to Staples Center to face the Lakers (playoffs included)..

The Magic are on ATS slides of 2-6 overall, 1-5 on the road, 2-8 on Monday and 3-8 against winning teams, but they have cashed in 15 of 21 against Pacific Division teams and 60 of 90 following a straight-up loss. Los Angeles is 0-5 ATS in its last five Monday contests and just 6-13 ATS in its last 19 against Southeast Division teams, but the Lakers have covered in four straight at home.

Orlando is on a plethora of “under” streaks, including 4-1 overall, 4-0 when it gets two days off, 4-1 against the Western Conference, 24-8 after a non-cover, 8-3 against Pacific Division teams and 9-4 on Monday. The Lakers are on “under” runs of 18-7-1 against Eastern Conference squads, 16-5 after getting two days off, 7-3 against the Southeast Division, 14-6-1 following a spread-cover and 5-1 against winning clubs. In this series, the under is on streaks of 5-1 overall and 4-0 in Los Angeles.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

 

[motor87]

axiumsports.com

January 18th 2009

*-Weekly System Picks. Please follow the system and do not increase your starting bet until you at least triple your account. -*

Current Bankroll=$2,909.23

Pick #1-Germany Bundesliga 2 Soccer-FC Hansa Rostock PK OVER Arminia Bielefeld -101

Pick #2-NCAAB-Rider +8.5 OVER Iona -105

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports
385 - 272 run 58 %

Bonus Play MON Ks State

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with the Cowboys (+3) and over (45-1/2) Sunday.

Today it's Niagara. The deficit is 415 sirignanos.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DCI

Straight Up: 2119-615 (.775)
ATS: 818-844 (.492)
ATS Vary Units: 2535-2608 (.493)
Over/Under: 671-650 (.508)
Over/Under Vary Units: 1039-1002 (.509)

America East Conference
MAINE 62, New Hampshire 55
STONY BROOK 72, Umbc 58
Atlantic Sun Conference
JACKSONVILLE 71, North Florida 59
Big 12 Conference
KANSAS STATE 83, Texas 81
Big East Conference
Syracuse 84, NOTRE DAME 78
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
FAIRFIELD 69, Canisius 64
IONA 73, Rider 59
Niagara 75, MARIST 63
SIENA 81, Manhattan 61
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
BETHUNE-COOKMAN 67, Umes 55
Delaware State 60, FLORIDA A&M 59
Morgan State 76, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 71
NORFOLK STATE 72, Howard 67
NORTH CAROLINA A&T 69, Hampton 65
Southwestern Athletic Conference
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 85, Alcorn State 64
JACKSON STATE 70, Texas Southern 65
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE 71, Southern 67
Prairie View A&M 70, GRAMBLING STATE 62
Sun Belt Conference
Western Kentucky 71, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 63
Non-Conference
Coppin State 65, WINSTON-SALEM STATE 60
Montana State 74, CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD 67
SAINT JOSEPH'S 77, Towson 71
St. Francis (N.Y.) 59, DARTMOUTH 56
VIRGINIA 80, UNC Wilmington 59
VIRGINIA TECH 87, North Carolina Central 49

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DCI

Season
Straight Up: 393-170 (.698)
ATS: 310-274 (.531)
ATS Vary Units: 792-675 (.540)
Over/Under: 290-294 (.497)
Over/Under Vary Units: 437-457 (.489)

NEW YORK 101, Detroit 95
Portland 100, WASHINGTON 95
ATLANTA 101, Oklahoma City 94
CHARLOTTE 104, Sacramento 93
HOUSTON 102, Milwaukee 94
L.A. CLIPPERS 102, New Jersey 91
Philadelphia 101, MINNESOTA 100
NEW ORLEANS 95, San Antonio 94
Chicago vs. GOLDEN STATE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
MEMPHIS 111, Phoenix 108
BOSTON 101, Dallas 95
L.A. LAKERS 103, Orlando 96

 

[tinfw17]

MREAST NCAAB MONDAY PLAY OF THE DAY

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been lethal on their homecourt where they have posted a 61-4 straight up mark in their last 65, and already this year they are 12-1. They knocked off a potent West Virginia team, and getting points on their homecourt is chock full of value. The Irish have really benefitted from the play of Tim Abromaitis who went from nothing to 15ppg. The Cuse is tough, and Wesley Johnson has emerged as one of the top players in the Big East, and is a handful. This one is all about holding serve on the homecourt, something the Irish have made a habit to, and have won straight up in 2 of the 3 during the streak when posted as a home dog. I'll go with Notre Dame in this one.

#725 SYRACUSE ORANGE @ #726 NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH 7PM EST

PLAY ON #726 NOTRE DANE FIGHTING IRISH +4 -110 FOR 3 UNITS

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DCI

Season: 241-167 (.591)

BOSTON 3, Ottawa 2
New Jersey 3, N.Y. ISLANDERS 2
Tampa Bay vs. CAROLINA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
St. Louis 3, COLUMBUS 2
Buffalo vs. PHOENIX: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
FLORIDA 4, Atlanta 3
NASHVILLE 4, Toronto 2
Minnesota vs. DALLAS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
COLORADO 3, Edmonton 2
SAN JOSE 2, Calgary 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cappers Access

Bobcats

Notre Dame

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB DUNKEL


Texas at Kansas State
The Wildcats look to take advantage of a Texas team that is 1-8-1 in its last 10 road games versus a team with a winning home record. Kansas State is the pick (Pick) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas State. Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Game 725-726: Syracuse at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.916; Notre Dame 67.975
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 7
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-3 1/2)

Game 727-728: Towson at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 46.808; St. Joseph's 54.846
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 8
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-7)

Game 729-730: Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 59.454; Middle Tennessee State 55.904
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-1 1/2)

Game 731-732: Texas at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 74.278; Kansas State 77.747
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State

Game 733-734: Canisius at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 53.133; Fairfield 58.330
Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 5
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 8
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+8)

Game 735-736: Manhattan at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 47.313; Siena 68.356
Dunkel Line: Siena by 21
Vegas Line: Siena by 17
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-17)

Game 737-738: Rider at Iona
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 50.104; Iona 58.685
Dunkel Line: Iona by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Iona by 9
Dunkel Pick: Rider (+9)

Game 739-740: Niagara at Marist
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 57.387; Marist 42.719
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Niagara by 13
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-13)

Game 741-742: NC Wilmington at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 54.745; Virginia 67.401
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia by 16
Dunkel Pick: NC Wilmington (+16)

Game 743-744: Southern at Mississippi Valley State
Dunkel Ratings: Southern 33.490; Mississippi Valley State 38.096
Dunkel Line: Mississippi Valley State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 745-746: Howard at Norfolk State
Dunkel Ratings: Howard 39.014; Norfolk State 46.837
Dunkel Line: Norfolk State by 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB WRITE-UP

Monday, January 18

Information on Monday's college basketball games........

Fairfield won last three games vs Canisius by 3-14-6 points; Griffs lost last three visits here by 11-19-3- they won 58-52 at Canisius Jan 2, as Stags offset 29% shooting by grabbing 25 offensive rebounds. Canisius won three of four games since then- they covered last three games as the underdog. Fairfield is 0-3 against the spread as MAAC home favorite

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPORTS WAGERS

Milwaukee +6½ over HOUSTON

There’s no doubt that since Michael Redds’ injury the Bucks are playing a whole lot better. Come to think of it they were playing good at the start of the year when he was out then too. It hasn’t shown up in the win column on the road but the Bucks are still 4-4 over its last eight games. That includes a four-point loss in Phoenix and a win in Golden State. They’re showing a trend of a bad game followed by a good one and they’re going off a bad one in Utah in which they lost 112-95. What’s interesting about the Bucks is that they attempt more FG’s per game than any team in the NBA and that alone makes them a dangerous pooch, especially against the defenseless Rockets. In the last five games, the Rockets have given up 118, 96, 102, 114 and 115 points. They virtually have nobody to protect the rim. The Rockets have lost five of seven games and they weren't all that impressive in the two home wins. They trailed the Knicks by 19 in the first half, and needed three overtimes to subdue the dreadful T-Wolves. The Rockets are a team in trouble and taking back any points against them appears to be the prudent move. Play: Milwaukee +6½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).


Sacramento +6½ over CHARLOTTE

Very often the best time to jump off a team is when its stock is high because you usually get an inflated line and that’s precisely the situation here. The Bobcats are flying high right now with seven wins in eight games and that includes four in a row. They’re coming off two very nice wins against San Antonio and Phoenix in which they blew out both teams. They also have recent wins over both Miami and Cleveland, the latter on the road and now they’re an enticing 6½-point favorite over one of the league’s worst road squads. Sac has three wins in 18 road games while the Cats are 16-4 at home. Looks easy, doesn’t it? Not so fast my friends. You see, the Cats have been at home for about nine days and four games. They have the Heat up next and this is such a vulnerable spot in that the Cats are going too good and could definitely get caught being too complacent. Sacramento is a very talented group that comes to play every game and they’ll very likely come to play here as well. Furthermore, the Cats have been favored by this much just once all year, at home over the Bulls and failed to cover as a 6½-point favorite. Again, this is a vulnerable spot for them so don’t be surprised to seem them lose outright. Play: Sacramento +6½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).


MEMPHIS –2 over Phoenix

I’m not really sure why but the Grizz are being shown no love from either the public or the books. All this team does is go out and win games and in fact, no team has been hotter than this host over the past couple of months. Remember, the Grizz started the year 1-8 and are now 21-18, which means they’ve gone 20-10 since then. The Grizzlies are 11-3 over its last 14 games and have won seven in a row at home. They’re feeling it big time. Meanwhile, the Suns are headed in the opposite direction. Here’s a team that started 14-2 and are now 24-17, which means they’ve gone 10-15 since that sizzling start. The Suns do not travel well and in fact, has dropped nine of its last 10 away from home. This is a Suns team that plays no defense whatsoever, they’re going bad, they’re still way overrated and frankly, this is a cheap lay on the hot team vs the cold one. Play: Memphis –2 (Risking 2.14 units to win 2).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chris Jordan

Basketball bonanza
600♦ philadelphia 76ers
200♦ syracuse

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DAILY SPORTS ROUNDUP

Monday, January 18

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Bruins host the Senators, Texas meets Kansas State, and the Pistons and Knicks do battle at Madison Square Garden.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are a dozen games on the NBA's holiday schedule for Monday, including a rematch between the Pistons and Knicks in New York. The Pistons pulled out a 94-90 home win in the opener of the home-and-home set on Saturday, as Rodney Stuckey scored a team-high 20 points. Charlie Villanueva contributed 19 points and 10 boards off the bench. Danilo Gallinari poured in a game-high 27 points in the defeat for the Knicks, while David Lee had 26 points and 17 boards.

Rounding out the NBA's slate for Monday: Portland at Washington, Oklahoma City at Atlanta, Sacramento at Charlotte, Milwaukee at Houston, Philadelphia at Minnesota, San Antonio at New Orleans, Chicago at Golden State, Phoenix at Memphis, Dallas at Boston, Orlando at the Lakers, and New Jersey at the Clippers. The Nets lost their seventh consecutive game on Friday against the Pacers, falling by a final tally of 121-105. New Jersey sits at a league-worst 3-36.

The college hoops schedule has Syracuse at Notre Dame on Monday night, but the top matchup features Texas taking on Kansas State. The Longhorns kept their perfect record intact on Saturday with a 72-67 overtime win over Texas A&M. Damion James had a team-high 26 points for Texas in that contest, while Gary Johnson was good for 18 points. The Wildcats are coming off an 87-81 win over Colorado on Saturday, with Cory Higgins tossing in 30 points in the victory.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, the National Hockey League offers up 10 games on Monday, including a matinee matchup between the Senators and Bruins in Boston. Ottawa knocked off Montreal 4-2 on the road on Saturday night, as rookie netminder Mike Brodeur made 30 saves. Daniel Alfredsson returned from injury with three points. Boston fell 4-3 in a shootout in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon. Blake Wheeler, Michael Ryder, and Miroslav Satan all scored for the Bruins in the loss.

Also on the ice on Monday: New Jersey at the Islanders, Buffalo at Phoenix, St. Louis at Columbus, Tampa Bay at Carolina, Atlanta at Florida, Minnesota at Dallas, Toronto at Nashville, Edmonton at Colorado, and Calgary at San Jose. The Sharks rolled over the Oilers for a 4-2 home victory in their last game on Saturday afternoon. Devin Setoguchi scored twice for San Jose in that contest, and Patrick Marleau scored his 32nd of the year. Thomas Greiss made 27 saves.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BETTORS BEST FRIEND
Today's wagering tips

Monday, January 18

Lines off the board today

Mavericks at Celtics: Paul Pierce re-injured his knee in practice Sunday and is questionable, as are Kevin Garnett (knee) and Rasheed Wallace (foot).

Nets at Clippers: The Clippers' Chris Kaman (back) and Al Thornton (ankle) are questionable.

Senators at Bruins

Lines to keep an eye on

The Jets entered the playoffs as a 50-to-1 long shot to win the Super Bowl, prompting rookie head coach Rex Ryan to say they should be favored since they have the No. 1 defense and running game. Bettors should have listened; the Jets are now a 7-to-1 shot.

Magic at Lakers opened with a total of 200 and quickly jumped 202, perhaps in response to Kobe Bryant's bust-out, 30-point performance Saturday night after struggling with multiple injuries. Under is 5-2 in both team's last seven.

Weather to watch

Snow and ice in the Northeast could impact several MLK Day specials - Portland at Washington, Detroit at New York and Dallas at Boston in the NBA and Ottawa at Boston and New Jersey at N.Y. Islanders in the NHL.

Who's hot?

Dirk Nowitzki - Averaging 30.3 points and 9.7 rebounds in last three, 32-of-33 from free-throw line during that stretch.

Monta Ellis - Averaging 29.8 points per game in last four.

Atlanta Hawks have won five of their last six, including two over the Celtics

Syracuse is 6-0 away from home SU and ATS this season.

Who's not

Vince Carter - Averaging 6.7 points, 2.0 steals and 1.0 rebound in last three despite averaging 21 minutes per game.

Andre Iguodala - Hit just 10-of-32 from the field in last three, averaging 11.3 points (eight below his average).

New Jersey Nets have lost seven straight, four of them by 16 points or more.

Columbus Blue Jackets have lost six of their last eight at home.

Key stat

The underdog is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings between the Lakers and the Magic.

Injury that shouldn't be overlooked

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce re-injured his knee in practice Sunday and is questionable for Monday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Pierce has had his right knee drained twice in recent weeks and missed five games. He limped off the court in pain after getting his leg tangled up with Shelden Williams.

Biggest game on the slate

Magic at Lakers provides a rematch of last year's NBA championship series with both teams struggling with injuries and internal strife. Kobe Bryant is banged up but he still managed to knock down 30 in his last outing and Pao Gasol is producing after a hamstring injury. The Magic is finally healthy but may have been playing better without Vince Carter, who hasn't fit in since returning from a shoulder injury. Both teams have hurdles to clear if they hope to meet again for all the marbles.

Notable quotable

''Probably the most fatigued I got today was celebrating.''

-- Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre after throwing four touchdowns passes in Sunday's 34-3 playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Tips and notes

--The Knicks and Pistons appear to be two teams headed in opposite directions, with the Knicks dropping four of their last five SU and ATS and the Pistons winning three straight SU and ATS. The Pistons are finally starting to get healthy and Richard Hamilton has ripped it up to the tune of 22 points per game in that span. Monday's game is a rematch from Saturday's game in Auburn Hills where the Pistons won 94-90.

-- Calgary limps its way into San Jose having lost five of its last six SU and ATS while the Sharks have been on a feeding frenzy, winning 12 of their last 15 SU and ATS. The Sharks are healthy and goalie Evgeni Nabokov has been solid, allowing only four goals in his last three outings. The Flames have been doused during their recent cold streak, scoring just nine goals in their last six.

-- Syracuse pulls into South Bend loving life on the bus as the Orange are 6-0 SU and ATS away from home. The 'Cuse is 11-3 ATS overall this season and 11-2 ATS in its last 13 against Big East competition. The Irish is just 7-4-1 ATS and its defense is among the worst in the Big East, allowing opponents to shoot 43 percent from the field. Syracuse is the top shooting team in the nation at 53.4 percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA DUNKEL


Oklahoma City at Atlanta
The Thunder look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games as a road underdog between 5 and 10 1/2 points. Oklahoma City is the pick (+6) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+6). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Game 701-702: Detroit at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 111.106; New York 117.586
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 6 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 5 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: New York (-5 1/2); Under

Game 703-704: Portland at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 117.870; Washington 118.894
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+1 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Sacramento at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 114.125; Charlotte 123.569
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 9 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 6; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-6); Under

Game 707-708: Oklahoma City at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 121.348; Atlanta 120.770
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+6); Over

Game 709-710: Milwaukee at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.838; Houston 119.264
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 3 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 197
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+6 1/2); Over

Game 711-712: Philadelphia at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.447; Minnesota 112.338
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 4; 203
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-1 1/2); Under

Game 713-714: New Jersey at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 106.697; LA Clippers 121.412
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 14 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 9; 196
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-9); Over

Game 715-716: San Antonio at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.944; New Orleans 118.482
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 1; 190
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+1); Under

Game 717-718: Chicago at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 121.013; Golden State 117.046
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 222
Vegas Line & Total: Pick; 218
Dunkel Pick: Chicago; Over

Game 719-720: Phoenix at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.806; Memphis 124.163
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 5 1/2; 228
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 225
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-2); Over

Game 721-722: Dallas at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 114.829; Boston 123.640
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 9; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 5; 196
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-5); Under

Game 723-724: Orlando at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 121.527; LA Lakers 122.492
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1; 195
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 6 1/2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+6 1/2); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA WRITE-UP

Monday, January 18

Hot Teams
-- Pistons won last three games by 9-6-4 points.
-- Trailblazers won three of their last four games.
-- Bobcats won four in row, seven of last eight games.
-- Hawks won five of their last six games. Thunder covered six of their last seven road games.
-- 76ers won three of their last four games.
-- New Orleans won eight of its last ten games.
-- Bulls won last four games, covered nine of last eleven.
-- Grizzlies won eleven of their last fourteen games.
-- Lakers won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Knicks lost four of their last five games.
-- Wizards lost four of their last five games.
-- Rockets lost five of their last seven games. Bucks lost four of five.
-- Minnesota lost its last nine games (2-5 vs spread in last seven).
-- Clippers lost last four games, by 2-14-40-1 point. Nets lost their last seven games (2-4 vs spread in last six).
-- Spurs lost three of their last four road games.
-- Warriors lost six of their last eight games.
-- Suns lost last three games, covered one of last five.
-- Celtics lost six of their last ten games. Mavericks lost three of four.
-- Magic lost six of their last eight games.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Detroit games went over the total; five of last six New York games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Portland games went over the total.
-- Last seven Sacramento games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Houston games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Last four Clipper games went over the total
-- Four of last five New Jersey games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Chicago games went over the total.
-- Nine of last twelve Memphis games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Boston games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Laker games went over the total.