River City Sharps
This appears to be a nice spot to back the road dog as Xavier enters this game off two straight losses, including a really bad performance vs. Seton Hall on Saturday. The Wildcats are winners of 8 of 9, the only loss being their game vs. Creighton where the Blue Jays went wild from beyond the arc. First of all, Chris Mack teams have had a real knack of bouncing back and playing well on the road, sometimes when you least expect it. This is really a game that Xavier could use to bolster their NCAA resume and off the loss to Seton Hall, we would expect a really good effort tonight from the Muskies. One advantage for the visitors may be on the glass, where The Musketeers have outrebounded 11 straight opponents and lead the Big East in rebound margin at +6.7. Xavier's Matt Stainbrook is currently second in the conference with 8.8 rebounds per game. We think that Villanova wins this game, but not before they get X's absolute best shot, which is enough to keep them within the number. The Sharps say...
3 UNITS - XAVIER (+10)
This appears to be a nice spot to back the road dog as Xavier enters this game off two straight losses, including a really bad performance vs. Seton Hall on Saturday. The Wildcats are winners of 8 of 9, the only loss being their game vs. Creighton where the Blue Jays went wild from beyond the arc. First of all, Chris Mack teams have had a real knack of bouncing back and playing well on the road, sometimes when you least expect it. This is really a game that Xavier could use to bolster their NCAA resume and off the loss to Seton Hall, we would expect a really good effort tonight from the Muskies. One advantage for the visitors may be on the glass, where The Musketeers have outrebounded 11 straight opponents and lead the Big East in rebound margin at +6.7. Xavier's Matt Stainbrook is currently second in the conference with 8.8 rebounds per game. We think that Villanova wins this game, but not before they get X's absolute best shot, which is enough to keep them within the number. The Sharps say...
3 UNITS - XAVIER (+10)
Ecks and Bacon
Ben lee won with the Seahawks +2.5/Broncos on Sunday but lost all his prop plays.
For Monday E&B are going across the pond and like Manchester City -$110/Chelsea for $100 and a $50 play on the draw +$220.
Ecks and Bacon is 51-64-2 -$1427 thru fourteen weeks.
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted
Ben lee won with the Seahawks +2.5/Broncos on Sunday but lost all his prop plays.
For Monday E&B are going across the pond and like Manchester City -$110/Chelsea for $100 and a $50 play on the draw +$220.
Ecks and Bacon is 51-64-2 -$1427 thru fourteen weeks.
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted
Jimmy Boyd's Pick Pack
NBA Daily Picks
Premium Plays
Matchup: San Antonio at New Orleans
Time: 8:05 PM EDT (Mon)
Play: Under (193.0 -110)
Line Source: Bet Phoenix
Posted on: February 3, 2014 @ 11:45:58 AM EST
4* Western Conference Total of the Week on Spurs/Pelicans UNDER
This matchup should play out to be a defensive battle. The Spurs defense has been solid on the road, holding opponents to a mere 95.3 points per game. They are not a team that has been putting up big offensive numbers recently either. San Antonio is averaging just 95.4 points per game over their last five games. The Pelicans come into this matchup with a very underrated defense. They have held opponents to 98.7 points per game when playing on the road, but over their last five games they have surrendered just 89.8 points per game. Just like the Spurs, New Orleans has been in a bit of a scoring slump. They have scored an average of 93.6 points over their last five games. This matchup fits into a very profitable system indicating this game will stay below the total. You should play the under in a game involving two good three point shooting teams that make 36.5 percent or more of their attempts, in a matchup involving two average rebounding teams that have a +3 to -3 rebounding margin on the season. This system is 270-178 (60%) to the under throughout the last five seasons. The system points out the fact that the oddsmakers tend to set the total far too high for games with good three-point shooting teams, not taking into account how well the teams have played defensively.
Matchup: Chicago at Sacramento
Time: 10:05 PM EDT (Mon)
Play: Under (191.5 -105)
Line Source: 5Dimes
Posted on: February 3, 2014 @ 11:45:58 AM EST
3* Total Dominator on Bulls/Kings UNDER
This matchup sets up perfectly for a play on the under. The Kings are coming into this game having given up 106.4 points per game over their last five games. Sacramento has been struggling defensively, and that has forced the oddsmakers to set this total higher than it should be. The Kings are facing a horrible Bulls offense, and I just don't see their defensive woes continuing in this matchup with Chicago. The Bulls may not be a great team on offense, but they have one of the league's best defenses. Chicago has surrendered 92.7 points per game this season. Their defensive scoring average is a full eight points below the average opponent Sacramento has faced this season. The Kings offense has been putting up below average numbers since losing DeMarcus Cousins to an ankle injury, and with his status doubtful today I expect them to continue struggling on offense. The Bulls have gone under the total in five of their last six games while the Kings have stayed under the total in three consecutive games. There are too many variables indicating this will be a low scoring game. Both teams are coming into this matchup with a day of rest, Chicago is playing great defense, the Kings are struggling to score without Cousins and the list goes on and on. Take the under because this one will be low scoring.
Matchup: Portland at Washington
Time: 7:05 PM EDT (Mon)
Play: Over (206.5 -110)
Line Source: Peppermill
Posted on: February 3, 2014 @ 11:45:58 AM EST
5* NBA Total of the Week on Blazers/Wizards OVER
The Portland Trailblazers are one of the highest scoring teams in the league this season. They are averaging 108.3 points per game overall, and when playing on the road that number increases to 108.7 points per game. They are also a very soft defensive team that has allowed 105.1 points per game on the road. Their high scoring and poor defensive play are a big reason the over is such an easy call in this matchup with the Wizards. Washington comes into this matchup averaging just over 100 points per game at home. I think they have a lot of potential to exceed there scoring average since they will be facing a soft defense in this game. Portland is allowing 103.4 points per game overall against opponents whose scoring average is 100.8 points per game. When the Trailblazers are playing on the road that number gets even worse. The over is 20-6 in Portland's road games versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots per game over the last 2 seasons. The over is also 13-3 in Washington's home games against good teams that are outscoring opponents by three or more points per game. These two angles combined for a 33-9 (79%) record in favor of the over.
NBA Daily Picks
Premium Plays
Matchup: San Antonio at New Orleans
Time: 8:05 PM EDT (Mon)
Play: Under (193.0 -110)
Line Source: Bet Phoenix
Posted on: February 3, 2014 @ 11:45:58 AM EST
4* Western Conference Total of the Week on Spurs/Pelicans UNDER
This matchup should play out to be a defensive battle. The Spurs defense has been solid on the road, holding opponents to a mere 95.3 points per game. They are not a team that has been putting up big offensive numbers recently either. San Antonio is averaging just 95.4 points per game over their last five games. The Pelicans come into this matchup with a very underrated defense. They have held opponents to 98.7 points per game when playing on the road, but over their last five games they have surrendered just 89.8 points per game. Just like the Spurs, New Orleans has been in a bit of a scoring slump. They have scored an average of 93.6 points over their last five games. This matchup fits into a very profitable system indicating this game will stay below the total. You should play the under in a game involving two good three point shooting teams that make 36.5 percent or more of their attempts, in a matchup involving two average rebounding teams that have a +3 to -3 rebounding margin on the season. This system is 270-178 (60%) to the under throughout the last five seasons. The system points out the fact that the oddsmakers tend to set the total far too high for games with good three-point shooting teams, not taking into account how well the teams have played defensively.
Matchup: Chicago at Sacramento
Time: 10:05 PM EDT (Mon)
Play: Under (191.5 -105)
Line Source: 5Dimes
Posted on: February 3, 2014 @ 11:45:58 AM EST
3* Total Dominator on Bulls/Kings UNDER
This matchup sets up perfectly for a play on the under. The Kings are coming into this game having given up 106.4 points per game over their last five games. Sacramento has been struggling defensively, and that has forced the oddsmakers to set this total higher than it should be. The Kings are facing a horrible Bulls offense, and I just don't see their defensive woes continuing in this matchup with Chicago. The Bulls may not be a great team on offense, but they have one of the league's best defenses. Chicago has surrendered 92.7 points per game this season. Their defensive scoring average is a full eight points below the average opponent Sacramento has faced this season. The Kings offense has been putting up below average numbers since losing DeMarcus Cousins to an ankle injury, and with his status doubtful today I expect them to continue struggling on offense. The Bulls have gone under the total in five of their last six games while the Kings have stayed under the total in three consecutive games. There are too many variables indicating this will be a low scoring game. Both teams are coming into this matchup with a day of rest, Chicago is playing great defense, the Kings are struggling to score without Cousins and the list goes on and on. Take the under because this one will be low scoring.
Matchup: Portland at Washington
Time: 7:05 PM EDT (Mon)
Play: Over (206.5 -110)
Line Source: Peppermill
Posted on: February 3, 2014 @ 11:45:58 AM EST
5* NBA Total of the Week on Blazers/Wizards OVER
The Portland Trailblazers are one of the highest scoring teams in the league this season. They are averaging 108.3 points per game overall, and when playing on the road that number increases to 108.7 points per game. They are also a very soft defensive team that has allowed 105.1 points per game on the road. Their high scoring and poor defensive play are a big reason the over is such an easy call in this matchup with the Wizards. Washington comes into this matchup averaging just over 100 points per game at home. I think they have a lot of potential to exceed there scoring average since they will be facing a soft defense in this game. Portland is allowing 103.4 points per game overall against opponents whose scoring average is 100.8 points per game. When the Trailblazers are playing on the road that number gets even worse. The over is 20-6 in Portland's road games versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots per game over the last 2 seasons. The over is also 13-3 in Washington's home games against good teams that are outscoring opponents by three or more points per game. These two angles combined for a 33-9 (79%) record in favor of the over.
Bones Best Bets
NHL
AVALANCHE ML +100 *3*
AVALANCHE -1 +180 *1*
The Avalanche are red hot (3 straight wins and wins in 8 of 10) and getting them at such a
playable line is a no brainer to us. Colorado beat the Devils 2-1 back in January. New Jersey are
just 3-5 over their last 8 games. Additionally the Avalanche own a fantastic road record at 16-7-
0-2.
PENGUINS ML + SHARKS ML +124 *2*
The Penguins will be looking to get a bad taste out of their mouths after a loss to the Coyotes.
The Senators have had a lot of recent struggles on the road, dropping 3 of 4. Pittsburgh sit at a
solid 22-4 record at home.
The Sharks sit at 20-3-3 at home this season, dominating most teams that come to San Jose.
The Sharks have won 4 of their past 5 at home and 7 of 10 overall. The Flyers have dropped 5 of
7 overall and 3 of their past 4 road games.
OILERS @ SABRES - OVER 5 -135 *2*
Gut play here, Edmonton have had some weird games of late but they are a huge over team and
getting one of their games at a total of 5 makes too much sense here. The Sabres have been an
over team of late playing to 8 over their last 10 games. Last 10 leans heavy to the over with
Oilers games averaging 5.4 and the Sabres 6.6 per game.
BLACKHAWKS @ KINGS - UNDER 5 +112 *2*
These teams have played twice this season, going under in both contests. The Kings have played
to just 1 over, over their last 10 games. The Blackhawks have been hit or miss at unders recently,
but the Kings make teams play to their style of game - this may push but we don't see a good
chance at 6 goals here.
CANUCKS - TT UNDER 2.5 -110 *1*
The Canucks goal scorers have gone ice cold, scoring just 1.8 per game over their last 10 in that
span they have scored over 2 goals just three times.
NBA
RAPTORS -3.5 -107 *5* BEST BET
This team is playing as hard as anyone in the league and it's showing. After going into Denver and
blowing them out, they then went into Portland on Saturday night and had the lead with less than
a minute left. Now they get a weak Jazz team who are better at home yet still just 10-13 with a
-3.2 point differential. Raps win and win easy.
KNICKS -7 -108 *2*
Fade the Bucks. You know the drill. The Bucks have now lost by 9+ points in 6 straight games and
have -16.4 point differential over that span.
BLAZERS @ WIZARDS - OVER 208 -105 *3*
3 point shooters game here. Two over teams going head to head tonight which we're expecting to
result in a lot of points. The Blazers are 30-16 to the over while the Wiz are 26-20.
CLIPPERS -1.5 -107 *2*
CLIPPERS @ NUGGETS - UNDER 216 -105 *2*
Better team at a short price - easy play for us here. Ty Lawson looks to be ready to play tonight,
which is a boost for Denver but not enough to the get W here in our opinions. The Clippers are 5-
2 ATS last 7 meetings in Denver and 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
We know these teams can score but this line is very inflated. In their last 10 meetings the highest
total has been 214. The Clippers have went under in 3 of their last 4 overall and only 1 of their
last 10 games have went over today's total. Denver has went under in 2 straight and have only
went over today's total in 1 of their last 5 games. On the road this year Clippers games have
averaged 202.6 points and Denver at home has averaged 103.4 points. Denver in 9 games on 2
day rest or more have averaged under 195 points.
NHL
AVALANCHE ML +100 *3*
AVALANCHE -1 +180 *1*
The Avalanche are red hot (3 straight wins and wins in 8 of 10) and getting them at such a
playable line is a no brainer to us. Colorado beat the Devils 2-1 back in January. New Jersey are
just 3-5 over their last 8 games. Additionally the Avalanche own a fantastic road record at 16-7-
0-2.
PENGUINS ML + SHARKS ML +124 *2*
The Penguins will be looking to get a bad taste out of their mouths after a loss to the Coyotes.
The Senators have had a lot of recent struggles on the road, dropping 3 of 4. Pittsburgh sit at a
solid 22-4 record at home.
The Sharks sit at 20-3-3 at home this season, dominating most teams that come to San Jose.
The Sharks have won 4 of their past 5 at home and 7 of 10 overall. The Flyers have dropped 5 of
7 overall and 3 of their past 4 road games.
OILERS @ SABRES - OVER 5 -135 *2*
Gut play here, Edmonton have had some weird games of late but they are a huge over team and
getting one of their games at a total of 5 makes too much sense here. The Sabres have been an
over team of late playing to 8 over their last 10 games. Last 10 leans heavy to the over with
Oilers games averaging 5.4 and the Sabres 6.6 per game.
BLACKHAWKS @ KINGS - UNDER 5 +112 *2*
These teams have played twice this season, going under in both contests. The Kings have played
to just 1 over, over their last 10 games. The Blackhawks have been hit or miss at unders recently,
but the Kings make teams play to their style of game - this may push but we don't see a good
chance at 6 goals here.
CANUCKS - TT UNDER 2.5 -110 *1*
The Canucks goal scorers have gone ice cold, scoring just 1.8 per game over their last 10 in that
span they have scored over 2 goals just three times.
NBA
RAPTORS -3.5 -107 *5* BEST BET
This team is playing as hard as anyone in the league and it's showing. After going into Denver and
blowing them out, they then went into Portland on Saturday night and had the lead with less than
a minute left. Now they get a weak Jazz team who are better at home yet still just 10-13 with a
-3.2 point differential. Raps win and win easy.
KNICKS -7 -108 *2*
Fade the Bucks. You know the drill. The Bucks have now lost by 9+ points in 6 straight games and
have -16.4 point differential over that span.
BLAZERS @ WIZARDS - OVER 208 -105 *3*
3 point shooters game here. Two over teams going head to head tonight which we're expecting to
result in a lot of points. The Blazers are 30-16 to the over while the Wiz are 26-20.
CLIPPERS -1.5 -107 *2*
CLIPPERS @ NUGGETS - UNDER 216 -105 *2*
Better team at a short price - easy play for us here. Ty Lawson looks to be ready to play tonight,
which is a boost for Denver but not enough to the get W here in our opinions. The Clippers are 5-
2 ATS last 7 meetings in Denver and 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
We know these teams can score but this line is very inflated. In their last 10 meetings the highest
total has been 214. The Clippers have went under in 3 of their last 4 overall and only 1 of their
last 10 games have went over today's total. Denver has went under in 2 straight and have only
went over today's total in 1 of their last 5 games. On the road this year Clippers games have
averaged 202.6 points and Denver at home has averaged 103.4 points. Denver in 9 games on 2
day rest or more have averaged under 195 points.
Bob Balfe
Detroit PistonsMiami HeatMiami Heat -9.5, 207.5
2/03/2014 7:35 PM
SELECTION:
MIAMI HEAT -9.5
Miami is starting to get health and now with the Big 3 back in the lineup they face a bad basketball team in which they need to blowout. Look at the last time they were at home against the Thunder. This team was embarrassed and back on their home court tonight they want to send a clear message to their fans. This should be a complete blowout. Take the Heat.
Detroit PistonsMiami HeatMiami Heat -9.5, 207.5
2/03/2014 7:35 PM
SELECTION:
MIAMI HEAT -9.5
Miami is starting to get health and now with the Big 3 back in the lineup they face a bad basketball team in which they need to blowout. Look at the last time they were at home against the Thunder. This team was embarrassed and back on their home court tonight they want to send a clear message to their fans. This should be a complete blowout. Take the Heat.
JOE GAVAZZI
CBKB
Iowa St. at Oklahoma St. (-7) 9:00 ET ESPN
4* Oklahoma St. (-7)
These teams have greatly underachieved after torrid starts. But, we will play the home/road
dichotomy and the reversal of Saturday results in this matchup. Since a 14-0 SU, 9-2 ATS start,
Iowa St. has gone 2-4 SU, 0-6 ATS. The grind of Big 12 play has clearly gotten to them. That
includes losses in their 3 previous road games at Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, where they
allowed 88 PPG. They did, however, hold on for a victory vs. Oklahoma this weekend, setting up
this Saturday/Monday reversal when Oklahoma St. lost on this court to a Baylor team that had
lost 5 straight games. Much like Iowa St., the Cowboys have lost their way with a recent 1-3 SU
ATS slide. But, the strong home court of Gallagher-Iba will be a strong ally as they enter off
consecutive losses. In the 6th year under HC Ford, the Cowboys are 35-18 ATS as home chalk.
The loss of big man Cobbins has clearly negatively impacted their performance. But, the
combination of back-to-back losses and their strong home court, begs for the reversal tonight
CBKB
Iowa St. at Oklahoma St. (-7) 9:00 ET ESPN
4* Oklahoma St. (-7)
These teams have greatly underachieved after torrid starts. But, we will play the home/road
dichotomy and the reversal of Saturday results in this matchup. Since a 14-0 SU, 9-2 ATS start,
Iowa St. has gone 2-4 SU, 0-6 ATS. The grind of Big 12 play has clearly gotten to them. That
includes losses in their 3 previous road games at Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, where they
allowed 88 PPG. They did, however, hold on for a victory vs. Oklahoma this weekend, setting up
this Saturday/Monday reversal when Oklahoma St. lost on this court to a Baylor team that had
lost 5 straight games. Much like Iowa St., the Cowboys have lost their way with a recent 1-3 SU
ATS slide. But, the strong home court of Gallagher-Iba will be a strong ally as they enter off
consecutive losses. In the 6th year under HC Ford, the Cowboys are 35-18 ATS as home chalk.
The loss of big man Cobbins has clearly negatively impacted their performance. But, the
combination of back-to-back losses and their strong home court, begs for the reversal tonight
