WINNING POINTS
PRO BASKETBALL
*Toronto over Milwaukee by 3
Toronto beat the Bucks, 97-90, on the road in Milwaukee's home opener. The Bucks
are better now with Brandon Knight healthy, young players displaying more potential
and the Raptors missing traded Rudy Gay.
TORONTO 100-97.
**PREFERRED
Houston over *Boston by 14
Former Celtic great Kevin McHale makes a rare visit to Boston and he'll make sure
his Rockets will be up for this matchup. The Rockets have won 10 of their first 12
against Eastern Conference foes, including destroying the Celtics at home, 109-85,
on Nov. 19 shooting 56.9 percent from the floor. Houston averages 11 more points
per game than Boston and has by far the two best players on the court, Dwight
Howard and James Harden.
HOUSTON 113-99.
**PREFERRED
*New York over Phoenix by 13
The Knicks should catch the Suns dragging as Phoenix is playing its fifth road game
in seven days. This is the tail end of their road swing. Tyson Chandler can control the
paint against a soft Phoenix middle, while Carmelo Anthony presents a big matchup
problem at the wing.
NEW YORK 107-94.
San Antonio over *New Orleans by 8
The Spurs entered the second week of January having covered 10 of the last 12 times
they were road chalk. The Pelicans are without leading scorer Ryan Anderson again.
SAN ANTONIO 110-102.
*Chicago over Washington by 7
The Wizards are tougher now closing December on a 5-1 run while averaging 105.2
points in those games. However, this marks Washington's fifth game in seven days.
CHICAGO 94-87.
*Dallas over Orlando by 7
After winning 11 of their first 13 home matchups, the Mavericks have hit a cold
stretch at American Airlines Center losing three in a row while allowing close to 115
points a game entering the first Sunday of the month. Orlando, though, is playing its
fifth road game in eight days.
DALLAS 113-106.
*Utah over Denver by 1
Denver has regressed and Utah improved since the Nuggets buried the Jazz, 100-81,
at Salt Lake City on Nov. 11. Denver has failed to cover in six of its last seven road
games pending it's Jan. 5 road matchup against the Lakers, which was its last away
contest, and not all of its players have been on the same page as rookie head coach
Brian Shaw.
UTAH 95-94
PRO BASKETBALL
*Toronto over Milwaukee by 3
Toronto beat the Bucks, 97-90, on the road in Milwaukee's home opener. The Bucks
are better now with Brandon Knight healthy, young players displaying more potential
and the Raptors missing traded Rudy Gay.
TORONTO 100-97.
**PREFERRED
Houston over *Boston by 14
Former Celtic great Kevin McHale makes a rare visit to Boston and he'll make sure
his Rockets will be up for this matchup. The Rockets have won 10 of their first 12
against Eastern Conference foes, including destroying the Celtics at home, 109-85,
on Nov. 19 shooting 56.9 percent from the floor. Houston averages 11 more points
per game than Boston and has by far the two best players on the court, Dwight
Howard and James Harden.
HOUSTON 113-99.
**PREFERRED
*New York over Phoenix by 13
The Knicks should catch the Suns dragging as Phoenix is playing its fifth road game
in seven days. This is the tail end of their road swing. Tyson Chandler can control the
paint against a soft Phoenix middle, while Carmelo Anthony presents a big matchup
problem at the wing.
NEW YORK 107-94.
San Antonio over *New Orleans by 8
The Spurs entered the second week of January having covered 10 of the last 12 times
they were road chalk. The Pelicans are without leading scorer Ryan Anderson again.
SAN ANTONIO 110-102.
*Chicago over Washington by 7
The Wizards are tougher now closing December on a 5-1 run while averaging 105.2
points in those games. However, this marks Washington's fifth game in seven days.
CHICAGO 94-87.
*Dallas over Orlando by 7
After winning 11 of their first 13 home matchups, the Mavericks have hit a cold
stretch at American Airlines Center losing three in a row while allowing close to 115
points a game entering the first Sunday of the month. Orlando, though, is playing its
fifth road game in eight days.
DALLAS 113-106.
*Utah over Denver by 1
Denver has regressed and Utah improved since the Nuggets buried the Jazz, 100-81,
at Salt Lake City on Nov. 11. Denver has failed to cover in six of its last seven road
games pending it's Jan. 5 road matchup against the Lakers, which was its last away
contest, and not all of its players have been on the same page as rookie head coach
Brian Shaw.
UTAH 95-94
WINNING POINTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Duke* over Virginia by 15
West Virginia* over Texas by 4
Cleveland State over Youngstown State* by 2
**PREFERRED
Northeastern* over College of Charleston by 10
Travelin’ CofC is on the back end of a NY to Boston road trip, their first as a member
of the Colonial Athletic Association. They do it against an opponent that plays a
tenacious zone, while their own three-point shooters are pretty horrible (30%).
Northeastern’s recent blowout defeat when outsized at Vanderbilt helps build some
value playing home vs. smaller and lesser class.
NORTHEASTERN, 62-52.
UL-Lafayette* over Texas State by 12
Iowa State* over Kansas by 3
The Cyclones have to beat Kansas by more than 3 points to cover a spread? What year is this? The Mayor is moving them up, eh? If they win – iffy – they really should not storm the court.
IOWA STATE, 74-71.
Syracuse over Boston College* by 13
These Boston College girls are outlengthed, outsized in most spots. They will be
hoisting up girlie threes if they can see over the Syracuse zone. Nothing is impossible
and a pointspread theoretically makes it a 50-50 winning prop. Boeheim to self: ‘Say,
these ACC road match-ups aren’t as physically taxing as the Big East, eh?’
SYRACUSE,71-58.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Duke* over Virginia by 15
West Virginia* over Texas by 4
Cleveland State over Youngstown State* by 2
**PREFERRED
Northeastern* over College of Charleston by 10
Travelin’ CofC is on the back end of a NY to Boston road trip, their first as a member
of the Colonial Athletic Association. They do it against an opponent that plays a
tenacious zone, while their own three-point shooters are pretty horrible (30%).
Northeastern’s recent blowout defeat when outsized at Vanderbilt helps build some
value playing home vs. smaller and lesser class.
NORTHEASTERN, 62-52.
UL-Lafayette* over Texas State by 12
Iowa State* over Kansas by 3
The Cyclones have to beat Kansas by more than 3 points to cover a spread? What year is this? The Mayor is moving them up, eh? If they win – iffy – they really should not storm the court.
IOWA STATE, 74-71.
Syracuse over Boston College* by 13
These Boston College girls are outlengthed, outsized in most spots. They will be
hoisting up girlie threes if they can see over the Syracuse zone. Nothing is impossible
and a pointspread theoretically makes it a 50-50 winning prop. Boeheim to self: ‘Say,
these ACC road match-ups aren’t as physically taxing as the Big East, eh?’
SYRACUSE,71-58.
POINTWISE
COLLEGIATE
BASKETBALL PROPHECY
(7:00) DUKE 76 - Virginia 56 (ESPN) _____ _____
(7:00) WEST VIRGINIA 67 - Texas 62 (ESPNU) _____ _____
(7:00) YOUNGSTOWN STATE 73 - Cleveland State 71 _____ _____
(7:00) NORTHEASTERN 59 - Charleston 58 (NBCS) _____ _____
(7:00) LA-LAFAYETTE 78 - Texas State 62 _____ _____
(9:00) IOWA STATE 81 - Kansas 80 (ESPN) _____ _____
(9:00) Syracuse 77 - BOSTON COLLEGE 53 (ESPNU) _____ _____
BEST BETS
DUKE
LA-LAFAYETTE
SYRACUSE
COLLEGIATE
BASKETBALL PROPHECY
(7:00) DUKE 76 - Virginia 56 (ESPN) _____ _____
(7:00) WEST VIRGINIA 67 - Texas 62 (ESPNU) _____ _____
(7:00) YOUNGSTOWN STATE 73 - Cleveland State 71 _____ _____
(7:00) NORTHEASTERN 59 - Charleston 58 (NBCS) _____ _____
(7:00) LA-LAFAYETTE 78 - Texas State 62 _____ _____
(9:00) IOWA STATE 81 - Kansas 80 (ESPN) _____ _____
(9:00) Syracuse 77 - BOSTON COLLEGE 53 (ESPNU) _____ _____
BEST BETS
DUKE
LA-LAFAYETTE
SYRACUSE
POINTWISE
NBA BASKETBALL
(7:05) TORONTO RAPTORS 102 - Milwaukee Bucks 94 _____ _____
(7:35) Houston Rockets 106 - BOSTON CELTICS 99 _____ _____
(7:35) NEW YORK KNICKS 99 - Phoenix Suns 94 _____ _____
(8:05) San Antonio Spurs 106 - NEW ORLEANS 97 _____ _____
(8:05) CHICAGO BULLS 104 - Washington 91 (NBA) _____ _____
(8:35) DALLAS MAVS 117 - Orlando Magic 110 _____ _____
(9:05) UTAH JAZZ 103 - Denver Nuggets 91 _____ _____
BEST BETS
CHICAGO
UTAH (3)
NBA BASKETBALL
(7:05) TORONTO RAPTORS 102 - Milwaukee Bucks 94 _____ _____
(7:35) Houston Rockets 106 - BOSTON CELTICS 99 _____ _____
(7:35) NEW YORK KNICKS 99 - Phoenix Suns 94 _____ _____
(8:05) San Antonio Spurs 106 - NEW ORLEANS 97 _____ _____
(8:05) CHICAGO BULLS 104 - Washington 91 (NBA) _____ _____
(8:35) DALLAS MAVS 117 - Orlando Magic 110 _____ _____
(9:05) UTAH JAZZ 103 - Denver Nuggets 91 _____ _____
BEST BETS
CHICAGO
UTAH (3)
StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets
CBB SYRACUSE at BOSTON COLLEGE
Play Against - A road team (SYRACUSE) in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15+ games, after allowing 65 points or less 5 straight games
44-17 over the last 5 seasons. ( 72.1% 25.3 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% 1.0 units )
CBB TENNESSEE ST at TENN-MARTIN
Play On - All teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (TENNESSEE ST) in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15+ games, after a combined score of 175 points or more
68-32 since 1997. ( 68.0% 35.7 units )
CBB TENNESSEE ST at TENN-MARTIN
Play On - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (TENN-MARTIN) in a game involving two good FT shooting teams (69-73%) after 15+ games, after 2 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 50% or higher
83-42 since 1997. ( 66.4% 36.8 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% 1.0 units )
CBB SYRACUSE at BOSTON COLLEGE
Play Against - A road team (SYRACUSE) in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15+ games, after allowing 65 points or less 5 straight games
44-17 over the last 5 seasons. ( 72.1% 25.3 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% 1.0 units )
CBB TENNESSEE ST at TENN-MARTIN
Play On - All teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (TENNESSEE ST) in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15+ games, after a combined score of 175 points or more
68-32 since 1997. ( 68.0% 35.7 units )
CBB TENNESSEE ST at TENN-MARTIN
Play On - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (TENN-MARTIN) in a game involving two good FT shooting teams (69-73%) after 15+ games, after 2 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 50% or higher
83-42 since 1997. ( 66.4% 36.8 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% 1.0 units )
StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets
NBA SAN ANTONIO at NEW ORLEANS
Play Against - Home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (NEW ORLEANS) after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread
70-33 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.0% 33.7 units )
8-3 this year. ( 72.7% 4.7 units )
NBA SAN ANTONIO at NEW ORLEANS
Play Against - Underdogs vs the money line (NEW ORLEANS) revenging a loss vs opponent, off a road cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog
240-61 over the last 5 seasons. ( 79.7% 86.2 units )
6-0 this year. ( 100.0% 6.0 units )
NBA WASHINGTON at CHICAGO
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is between 90.5 and 95.5 points after going under the total by 42 or more points total in their last seven games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games
192-114 since 1997. ( 62.7% 66.6 units )
5-0 this year. ( 100.0% 5.0 units )
NBA SAN ANTONIO at NEW ORLEANS
Play Against - Home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (NEW ORLEANS) after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread
70-33 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.0% 33.7 units )
8-3 this year. ( 72.7% 4.7 units )
NBA SAN ANTONIO at NEW ORLEANS
Play Against - Underdogs vs the money line (NEW ORLEANS) revenging a loss vs opponent, off a road cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog
240-61 over the last 5 seasons. ( 79.7% 86.2 units )
6-0 this year. ( 100.0% 6.0 units )
NBA WASHINGTON at CHICAGO
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is between 90.5 and 95.5 points after going under the total by 42 or more points total in their last seven games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games
192-114 since 1997. ( 62.7% 66.6 units )
5-0 this year. ( 100.0% 5.0 units )
Canucks at Kings: What bettors need to know
Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings (-153, 5)
The Los Angeles Kings wrap up their homestand Monday as they host the Vancouver Canucks - the team against which they began the five-game stretch. Los Angeles kicked off the homestand with a 3-1 triumph over Vancouver on Jan. 4 but enters the finale with a 2-1-1 mark. Defenseman Drew Doughty got the Kings off to a good start Saturday with a power-play goal, but that was all the offense the team was able to muster as it dropped a 3-1 decision to Detroit.
Vancouver is beginning a three-game road trip that also will take it to Anaheim and Phoenix. The Canucks ended their five-game winless streak Friday, when Mike Santorelli scored less than six minutes into the third period to snap a tie and lift the club to a 2-1 home victory over St. Louis. The Kings won each of the first three meetings between the Pacific Division rivals, outscoring the Canucks 11-4.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, RSN Pacific (Vancouver), FSN West (Los Angeles)
LINE: The Kings opened at -150 and now sit at -153. The total is 5.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (24-13-9): Vancouver could have two key members back in the lineup against Los Angeles as defenseman Alex Edler and goaltender Roberto Luongo took part in practice on Sunday. "I had a good practice (Sunday) and we'll see (on Monday)," Edler said. "Mentally, I'm ready." Edler has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury on Dec. 3, while Luongo hasn't played since being run over by Kings captain Dustin Brown in the loss on Jan. 4.
ABOUT THE KINGS (27-14-5): Los Angeles is just 2-6-1 in its last nine games, and the struggles can be attributed to a lack of offense. The Kings have been held to two goals or fewer seven times during the stretch and have scored more than three just once. Mike Richards is mired in a 21-game goal-scoring drought and has tallied only once in his last 29 contests - on Nov. 25 at Vancouver.
TRENDS:
* Under is 6-1-3 in the last 10 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Under is 10-4-5 in the last 19 meetings.
* Canucks are 2-5 in the last seven meetings in Los Angeles.
* Canucks are 3-8 in the last 11 meetings.
OVERTIME:
1. Los Angeles has not defeated Vancouver four times in a campaign since 1990-91, when it went 5-3-0 in the season series.
2. Canucks C Zac Dalpe is expected to remain on a line with captain Henrik and Daniel Sedin on Monday after scoring a goal in his first game alongside the twins.
3. The Kings take to the road for five straight games beginning Thursday in St. Louis and play seven of their next eight away from home.
Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings (-153, 5)
The Los Angeles Kings wrap up their homestand Monday as they host the Vancouver Canucks - the team against which they began the five-game stretch. Los Angeles kicked off the homestand with a 3-1 triumph over Vancouver on Jan. 4 but enters the finale with a 2-1-1 mark. Defenseman Drew Doughty got the Kings off to a good start Saturday with a power-play goal, but that was all the offense the team was able to muster as it dropped a 3-1 decision to Detroit.
Vancouver is beginning a three-game road trip that also will take it to Anaheim and Phoenix. The Canucks ended their five-game winless streak Friday, when Mike Santorelli scored less than six minutes into the third period to snap a tie and lift the club to a 2-1 home victory over St. Louis. The Kings won each of the first three meetings between the Pacific Division rivals, outscoring the Canucks 11-4.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, RSN Pacific (Vancouver), FSN West (Los Angeles)
LINE: The Kings opened at -150 and now sit at -153. The total is 5.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (24-13-9): Vancouver could have two key members back in the lineup against Los Angeles as defenseman Alex Edler and goaltender Roberto Luongo took part in practice on Sunday. "I had a good practice (Sunday) and we'll see (on Monday)," Edler said. "Mentally, I'm ready." Edler has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury on Dec. 3, while Luongo hasn't played since being run over by Kings captain Dustin Brown in the loss on Jan. 4.
ABOUT THE KINGS (27-14-5): Los Angeles is just 2-6-1 in its last nine games, and the struggles can be attributed to a lack of offense. The Kings have been held to two goals or fewer seven times during the stretch and have scored more than three just once. Mike Richards is mired in a 21-game goal-scoring drought and has tallied only once in his last 29 contests - on Nov. 25 at Vancouver.
TRENDS:
* Under is 6-1-3 in the last 10 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Under is 10-4-5 in the last 19 meetings.
* Canucks are 2-5 in the last seven meetings in Los Angeles.
* Canucks are 3-8 in the last 11 meetings.
OVERTIME:
1. Los Angeles has not defeated Vancouver four times in a campaign since 1990-91, when it went 5-3-0 in the season series.
2. Canucks C Zac Dalpe is expected to remain on a line with captain Henrik and Daniel Sedin on Monday after scoring a goal in his first game alongside the twins.
3. The Kings take to the road for five straight games beginning Thursday in St. Louis and play seven of their next eight away from home.
Aston Villa v Arsenal: What bettors need to know
The Gunners travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in Premier League action Monday. The Villains can boast as they are just one of three clubs to beat Arsenal in the league this season.
Aston Villa v Arsenal (+500, +320, -163)
Why bet Aston Villa: It may not seem like a big deal, but the Villains have four points from their last two Premier League matches and have hopefully made that nasty four-game losing skid a distant memory. The Villains were heroes in the opening week of the season as they took down Arsenal at the Emirates and they'll try to repeat that at home Monday.
Key players out/doubtful: Charles N'Zogbia, Jores Okore, Libor Kozák
Why bet Arsenal: They'll miss Theo Walcott, but the Gunners are certainly deep enough to fill his spot with a bit of quality. The pressure now falls on the likes of Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman started the season on fire, but has cooled off in recent matches. Without Theo bagging goals, the striker must step up his production. Arsenal will look to stay at the top of the table with revenge on their minds at Villa Park.
Key players out/doubtful: Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, Nicklas Bendtner, Yaya Sanogo
Previous meeting result: Arsenal 1, Villa 3
Key betting note: Villa and Arsenal have played over the 2.5 goal total in seven of the last eight meetings in all competitions.
The Gunners travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in Premier League action Monday. The Villains can boast as they are just one of three clubs to beat Arsenal in the league this season.
Aston Villa v Arsenal (+500, +320, -163)
Why bet Aston Villa: It may not seem like a big deal, but the Villains have four points from their last two Premier League matches and have hopefully made that nasty four-game losing skid a distant memory. The Villains were heroes in the opening week of the season as they took down Arsenal at the Emirates and they'll try to repeat that at home Monday.
Key players out/doubtful: Charles N'Zogbia, Jores Okore, Libor Kozák
Why bet Arsenal: They'll miss Theo Walcott, but the Gunners are certainly deep enough to fill his spot with a bit of quality. The pressure now falls on the likes of Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman started the season on fire, but has cooled off in recent matches. Without Theo bagging goals, the striker must step up his production. Arsenal will look to stay at the top of the table with revenge on their minds at Villa Park.
Key players out/doubtful: Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, Nicklas Bendtner, Yaya Sanogo
Previous meeting result: Arsenal 1, Villa 3
Key betting note: Villa and Arsenal have played over the 2.5 goal total in seven of the last eight meetings in all competitions.
Betting tidbits for the Australian Open
We dug up some betting tidbits to help with your Australian Open capping.
- Novak Djokovic (-125) - who has won three straight Aussie Opens - and Victoria Azarenka (+500) are the defending champions in Melbourne.
- Ivan Dodig (-188) leads the all-time series with Ivo Karlovic (+138) by a tally of 3-0 and square off on Day 1.
- John Isner (+20000) is coming of a tournament victory at the Heineken Open in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Juan Martin Del Potro (+1200) is coming of a tournament victory at the Apia International at Sydney, Australia.
- 2013 semifinalist David Ferrer opens his tourney against Alejandro Gonzalez. Ferrer is the big fave at -3300, while Gonzalez sits at +1400.
- Maria Sharapova (-1600) opens her tournament against Bethanie Mattek-Sands (+900). Sharapova heads the head-to-head battle with a record of 5-0.
- Grigor Dimitrov (-500) lost in straight sets one year ago and must face a hot first-round opponent in Bradley Klahn (+333).
- If you're looking for some hometown favorites, try Lleyton Hewitt (+15000) in the men's draw and Sam Stosur (+6600) in the women's side. They are the two highest rated Aussie's in the tourney.
- Five men's seeded players were eliminated in the first round last year. If you're looking for a repeat, the five that were bounced early are returning this year. They are Juan Monaco (a +400 dog against Ernests Gulbis this time around), Alexandr Dolgopolov (a -300 fave versus Ricardas Berankis), Tommy Haas (a -250 fave against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez), Martin Kližan (a +450 dog versus John Isner) and Thomaz Bellucci (a -300 fave versus Julian Reister).
- Four women who were ousted in Round 1 last year are back this season. Mona Barthel is a +125 dog versus Shuai Zhang, Sara Errani is a -333 fave versus Julia Goerges, Yaroslava Shvedova is a +400 dog versus Sloane Stephens and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is a -600 fave versus Teliana Pereira.
We dug up some betting tidbits to help with your Australian Open capping.
- Novak Djokovic (-125) - who has won three straight Aussie Opens - and Victoria Azarenka (+500) are the defending champions in Melbourne.
- Ivan Dodig (-188) leads the all-time series with Ivo Karlovic (+138) by a tally of 3-0 and square off on Day 1.
- John Isner (+20000) is coming of a tournament victory at the Heineken Open in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Juan Martin Del Potro (+1200) is coming of a tournament victory at the Apia International at Sydney, Australia.
- 2013 semifinalist David Ferrer opens his tourney against Alejandro Gonzalez. Ferrer is the big fave at -3300, while Gonzalez sits at +1400.
- Maria Sharapova (-1600) opens her tournament against Bethanie Mattek-Sands (+900). Sharapova heads the head-to-head battle with a record of 5-0.
- Grigor Dimitrov (-500) lost in straight sets one year ago and must face a hot first-round opponent in Bradley Klahn (+333).
- If you're looking for some hometown favorites, try Lleyton Hewitt (+15000) in the men's draw and Sam Stosur (+6600) in the women's side. They are the two highest rated Aussie's in the tourney.
- Five men's seeded players were eliminated in the first round last year. If you're looking for a repeat, the five that were bounced early are returning this year. They are Juan Monaco (a +400 dog against Ernests Gulbis this time around), Alexandr Dolgopolov (a -300 fave versus Ricardas Berankis), Tommy Haas (a -250 fave against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez), Martin Kližan (a +450 dog versus John Isner) and Thomaz Bellucci (a -300 fave versus Julian Reister).
- Four women who were ousted in Round 1 last year are back this season. Mona Barthel is a +125 dog versus Shuai Zhang, Sara Errani is a -333 fave versus Julia Goerges, Yaroslava Shvedova is a +400 dog versus Sloane Stephens and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is a -600 fave versus Teliana Pereira.
Numbers game: Cappers share best stats for betting basketball
There are many ways to wager on basketball. Some look at situational spots while others ride hot or cold teams. The one thing that is common among those practices is paying attention to the stats and trends.
We asked our Covers Experts what numbers they pay attention to and which stats provide the best betting info. Whether you’re wagering on the NBA or the college kids, these stats are the ones that matter most to basketball bettors.
Sean Murphy – “In college basketball, I put a lot of weight in free-throw percentage (made of course). Teams that hit their free throws are able to close out games and cover spreads - plain and simple. There's a wide disparity between good and bad free-throw shooting teams at the college level, and ATS records tend to correlate.”
Nick Parsons – “It’s no surprise that five of the top six rebounding teams in the NBA - Oklahoma City, Golden State, Indiana, Portland and Houston - are all above .500 SU and as of early this week were 22 games above .500 ATS. Even Memphis - the league’s No. 4 rebounding team - is flirting with .500. Bad teams do not rebound well.”
Art Aronson – “Objects in motion tend to stay in motion, so find a motivated team by checking the results of its last five games. Every good team in the league has at least one decent streak to ride – the Clippers won 17 games in a row last season when no one was looking, and the Heat went from Feb. 3 to March 25 without losing. Never hurts to check out how has team has done in the last few weeks.”
Doc’s Sports – “When handicapping college basketball, we always look at the shooting percentage of road teams we are thinking of using as a selection. Generally, for a road team to have success, they need to shoot the ball well from the perimeter. Road teams can’t depend on the refs for help since generally the home team will shoot more free throws than the visitor. Therefore it is imperative that they make shots from long range. If a road team shoots less than 33 percent from the 3-point line, we will not use them as a selection.”
Marc Lawrence – “What I look for a lot are games involving teams with disparate results in their last game. The combination of “Never is a team as good as they look in their best win, nor as bad as they appear in their worst loss”, is often times cemented with a major line adjustment by the linesmakers. This creates value, and there is nothing better than value with a hungry team.”
Bryan Power – “For me, the stat I look at in NBA Handicapping is YTD (Year to Date) point differential. I find it to be a far better predictor of future performance than simply looking at a team's win/loss record. Take for example, Monday's game between the Timberwolves and 76ers. Minnesota came into that game off two tough losses in its previous three games, but still had a YTD point differential north of +4.0 per game. Meanwhile, despite an inexplicable four-game SU/ATS win streak, the Sixers have one of the worst YTD point differentials in the league at -7.7 PPG. I took Minnesota in that game and they won by 31.”
Teddy Covers – “I won't make a bet on an NBA total without looking at John Hollinger's offensive and defensive efficiency numbers. And from a pointspread perspective, look at the enormous ATS differences between Hollinger's top eight defensive-efficiency teams vs. the bottom eight. Pretty dramatic.”
Jesse Schule – “For college hoops, I would be careful in putting too much stock in a team's record versus ranked opponents. The rankings change week to week, there are plenty of tough teams that are not ranked in the Top 25. And as I have illustrated in my weekly "Exposing the Top 25" column, not all of those Top 25 teams deserve to be ranked.”
There are many ways to wager on basketball. Some look at situational spots while others ride hot or cold teams. The one thing that is common among those practices is paying attention to the stats and trends.
We asked our Covers Experts what numbers they pay attention to and which stats provide the best betting info. Whether you’re wagering on the NBA or the college kids, these stats are the ones that matter most to basketball bettors.
Sean Murphy – “In college basketball, I put a lot of weight in free-throw percentage (made of course). Teams that hit their free throws are able to close out games and cover spreads - plain and simple. There's a wide disparity between good and bad free-throw shooting teams at the college level, and ATS records tend to correlate.”
Nick Parsons – “It’s no surprise that five of the top six rebounding teams in the NBA - Oklahoma City, Golden State, Indiana, Portland and Houston - are all above .500 SU and as of early this week were 22 games above .500 ATS. Even Memphis - the league’s No. 4 rebounding team - is flirting with .500. Bad teams do not rebound well.”
Art Aronson – “Objects in motion tend to stay in motion, so find a motivated team by checking the results of its last five games. Every good team in the league has at least one decent streak to ride – the Clippers won 17 games in a row last season when no one was looking, and the Heat went from Feb. 3 to March 25 without losing. Never hurts to check out how has team has done in the last few weeks.”
Doc’s Sports – “When handicapping college basketball, we always look at the shooting percentage of road teams we are thinking of using as a selection. Generally, for a road team to have success, they need to shoot the ball well from the perimeter. Road teams can’t depend on the refs for help since generally the home team will shoot more free throws than the visitor. Therefore it is imperative that they make shots from long range. If a road team shoots less than 33 percent from the 3-point line, we will not use them as a selection.”
Marc Lawrence – “What I look for a lot are games involving teams with disparate results in their last game. The combination of “Never is a team as good as they look in their best win, nor as bad as they appear in their worst loss”, is often times cemented with a major line adjustment by the linesmakers. This creates value, and there is nothing better than value with a hungry team.”
Bryan Power – “For me, the stat I look at in NBA Handicapping is YTD (Year to Date) point differential. I find it to be a far better predictor of future performance than simply looking at a team's win/loss record. Take for example, Monday's game between the Timberwolves and 76ers. Minnesota came into that game off two tough losses in its previous three games, but still had a YTD point differential north of +4.0 per game. Meanwhile, despite an inexplicable four-game SU/ATS win streak, the Sixers have one of the worst YTD point differentials in the league at -7.7 PPG. I took Minnesota in that game and they won by 31.”
Teddy Covers – “I won't make a bet on an NBA total without looking at John Hollinger's offensive and defensive efficiency numbers. And from a pointspread perspective, look at the enormous ATS differences between Hollinger's top eight defensive-efficiency teams vs. the bottom eight. Pretty dramatic.”
Jesse Schule – “For college hoops, I would be careful in putting too much stock in a team's record versus ranked opponents. The rankings change week to week, there are plenty of tough teams that are not ranked in the Top 25. And as I have illustrated in my weekly "Exposing the Top 25" column, not all of those Top 25 teams deserve to be ranked.”
GamingToday's Consensus Picks January 13, 2014 6:03 AM by GT Staff
NBA Basketball
704 Boston Celtics ( no line as yet): On this first day of a new week we will try and start the week off with a winner as the Rockets come into Boston. Houston has not fared well on Monday’s as they have gone 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS, they must be partying over the weekend’s.
Results 2013-14 NBA (0-0-0) Overall Record: 48-35-4
NCAA Basketball
716 Duke -6: The Blue Devil’s will be in a very angry mood tonight coming off a humiliating road loss at Clemson this past Saturday when getting blown out 72-59.
719 Cleveland State +1: We will side with Parry’s NCAA Basketball Power Guide as he has Cleveland State eight points better on the road in Youngstown.
726 Iowa State (no line as yet): The bubble burst for the Cyclones this past Saturday losing on the road in Oklahoma, look for the Cyclones to right the ship.
Results 2013-14 NCAA BK (Sun 0-3-0) Overall Record: 39-38-0
NBA Basketball
704 Boston Celtics ( no line as yet): On this first day of a new week we will try and start the week off with a winner as the Rockets come into Boston. Houston has not fared well on Monday’s as they have gone 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS, they must be partying over the weekend’s.
Results 2013-14 NBA (0-0-0) Overall Record: 48-35-4
NCAA Basketball
716 Duke -6: The Blue Devil’s will be in a very angry mood tonight coming off a humiliating road loss at Clemson this past Saturday when getting blown out 72-59.
719 Cleveland State +1: We will side with Parry’s NCAA Basketball Power Guide as he has Cleveland State eight points better on the road in Youngstown.
726 Iowa State (no line as yet): The bubble burst for the Cyclones this past Saturday losing on the road in Oklahoma, look for the Cyclones to right the ship.
Results 2013-14 NCAA BK (Sun 0-3-0) Overall Record: 39-38-0
NHL Hockey Play of the Day January 13, 2014 6:09 AM by GT Staff
Phoenix Coyotes at Winnipeg Jets -110 at 5:05 p.m. PST
We will go with one of our high percentage hockey plays as we get the Coyotes skating into Winnipeg and face off with a rested Jet team who have lost five straight games.
56 Winnipeg Jets -110
Results 2013-14 NHL (0-0-0) Overall Record: 4-7-0
Phoenix Coyotes at Winnipeg Jets -110 at 5:05 p.m. PST
We will go with one of our high percentage hockey plays as we get the Coyotes skating into Winnipeg and face off with a rested Jet team who have lost five straight games.
56 Winnipeg Jets -110
Results 2013-14 NHL (0-0-0) Overall Record: 4-7-0
