Jason Johnson
Suns at Rockets
Pick: Rockets -4
Phoenix has really been playing some awful basketball as of late. They have lost seven of their last 10 overall. On the road, they have lost 12 of their last 13. While Houston has had some difficulty covering the number lately, they're coming off a home win over Portland. I expect them to build on the momentum tonight. Rebounding will be the difference in a Rockets seven point win.
Suns at Rockets
Pick: Rockets -4
Phoenix has really been playing some awful basketball as of late. They have lost seven of their last 10 overall. On the road, they have lost 12 of their last 13. While Houston has had some difficulty covering the number lately, they're coming off a home win over Portland. I expect them to build on the momentum tonight. Rebounding will be the difference in a Rockets seven point win.
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
Purdue -15
The 10th-ranked Boilermakers try to keep rolling Sunday afternoon when they welcome in Penn State, which is looking to avoid falling to 0-9 in the Big Ten; for a number of different reasons I believe we're getting excellent value on Purdue in this situation:
Penn State is 10th in the conference in scoring at 66.3 points per game despite the presence of the Big Ten’s top scorer, Talor Battle (19.1 ppg).
Battle had 20 Wednesday against Illinois, but his teammates made 38.0 percent of their shots as the Nittany Lions lost 77-67 and fell to 0-8 in the Big Ten for the first time since opening 0-10 in 2002-03.
The Nittany Lions have lost six of seven to Purdue, and Battle would prefer to forget his last trip to West Lafayette. He missed all seven shots and went scoreless Feb. 11 in a 61-47 loss.
Not only is Penn State 0-5 SU its last five on the road, it's also just 2-5 ATS its last seven overall.
On the other side of the court: Purdue (17-3, 5-3) looked like a Final Four contender in winning 14 straight to open the season, but shot 41.4 percent and was badly outrebounded in losing three straight games Jan. 9-16.
The Boilermakers have corrected both of those problems in reeling off three consecutive wins. Purdue has shot 49.0 percent in its past three victories, and after getting edged on the boards by an average of 11.3 per game during its skid, has outrebounded its last three opponents by 5.3 per contest.
Dating back to last season Purdue is 17-1 ATS its last 18 at Mackey arena and always plays well against Penn State; 5-1 ATS its last six vs. the Nittany Lions.
Bottom line: Despite having one of the nation’s top-scoring trios, coach Matt Painter prefers to see his team win with defense - which it’s done in holding its past two opponents under 60 points; I look for a similar effort on the defensive end, but to see the Boilermakers finally put some significant points on the board this evening; look for PURDUE to improve to 5-3 ATS after allowing 60 points or less in its previous contest and for Penn State to fall to 3-6 ATS vs. conference opponents!
10* PURDUE
Purdue -15
The 10th-ranked Boilermakers try to keep rolling Sunday afternoon when they welcome in Penn State, which is looking to avoid falling to 0-9 in the Big Ten; for a number of different reasons I believe we're getting excellent value on Purdue in this situation:
Penn State is 10th in the conference in scoring at 66.3 points per game despite the presence of the Big Ten’s top scorer, Talor Battle (19.1 ppg).
Battle had 20 Wednesday against Illinois, but his teammates made 38.0 percent of their shots as the Nittany Lions lost 77-67 and fell to 0-8 in the Big Ten for the first time since opening 0-10 in 2002-03.
The Nittany Lions have lost six of seven to Purdue, and Battle would prefer to forget his last trip to West Lafayette. He missed all seven shots and went scoreless Feb. 11 in a 61-47 loss.
Not only is Penn State 0-5 SU its last five on the road, it's also just 2-5 ATS its last seven overall.
On the other side of the court: Purdue (17-3, 5-3) looked like a Final Four contender in winning 14 straight to open the season, but shot 41.4 percent and was badly outrebounded in losing three straight games Jan. 9-16.
The Boilermakers have corrected both of those problems in reeling off three consecutive wins. Purdue has shot 49.0 percent in its past three victories, and after getting edged on the boards by an average of 11.3 per game during its skid, has outrebounded its last three opponents by 5.3 per contest.
Dating back to last season Purdue is 17-1 ATS its last 18 at Mackey arena and always plays well against Penn State; 5-1 ATS its last six vs. the Nittany Lions.
Bottom line: Despite having one of the nation’s top-scoring trios, coach Matt Painter prefers to see his team win with defense - which it’s done in holding its past two opponents under 60 points; I look for a similar effort on the defensive end, but to see the Boilermakers finally put some significant points on the board this evening; look for PURDUE to improve to 5-3 ATS after allowing 60 points or less in its previous contest and for Penn State to fall to 3-6 ATS vs. conference opponents!
10* PURDUE
Marc Lawrence
Ohio State -7
The Gophers have not been golden as dogs (0-3 ATS) this season and they don’t figure to arrive with much bite this afternoon in Columbus. The visitor is 4-10 ATS in Minnesota games this season while the host in Buckeye contests is 13-3 ATS. Thad Matta’s crew will be also looking to avenge a 73-62 setback they suffered in Minny three weeks ago and our database says a payback is in order as Ohio State is 13-3 ATS in this series with three or more days of rest, including 7-1 ATS at home. They are also 6-0 SU and ATS at home under Matta when playing with same season loss revenge against an opponent off a win. The Buckeyes have also delivered as favorites this season, posting a healthy 8-3 ATS log when laying points. Meanwhile, the Gophers are 0-3 SU and ATS after clashing with Northwestern. Look for the veteran Buckeyes stay unbeaten at home. We recommend a 3-unit play on Ohio State.
Ohio State -7
The Gophers have not been golden as dogs (0-3 ATS) this season and they don’t figure to arrive with much bite this afternoon in Columbus. The visitor is 4-10 ATS in Minnesota games this season while the host in Buckeye contests is 13-3 ATS. Thad Matta’s crew will be also looking to avenge a 73-62 setback they suffered in Minny three weeks ago and our database says a payback is in order as Ohio State is 13-3 ATS in this series with three or more days of rest, including 7-1 ATS at home. They are also 6-0 SU and ATS at home under Matta when playing with same season loss revenge against an opponent off a win. The Buckeyes have also delivered as favorites this season, posting a healthy 8-3 ATS log when laying points. Meanwhile, the Gophers are 0-3 SU and ATS after clashing with Northwestern. Look for the veteran Buckeyes stay unbeaten at home. We recommend a 3-unit play on Ohio State.
Tony George
Florida +8
Like the Gaotrs, on the road, getting 8 points here. They have lost 5 in a row to Tennessee, beaten teams Tennessee has lost to, and the stats are even. Florida 3-1 on the road this year and Tenn. off back to back losses to conference foes. Florida is just 3-13 ATS their last 16 in this series, and this one will go down to the wire. Play 1 Unit on Florida.
Florida +8
Like the Gaotrs, on the road, getting 8 points here. They have lost 5 in a row to Tennessee, beaten teams Tennessee has lost to, and the stats are even. Florida 3-1 on the road this year and Tenn. off back to back losses to conference foes. Florida is just 3-13 ATS their last 16 in this series, and this one will go down to the wire. Play 1 Unit on Florida.
Rocketman
Niagara -1.5
Loyola Maryland is 36-61 ATS since 1997, 8-18 ATS last 3 years and 0-5 ATS this year in all home games. Niagara is 24-4 SU overall vs Loyola Maryland since 1997. Niagara is 5-0 SU overall vs Loyola Maryland the past 3 years. Purple Eagles are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. Purple Eagles are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a road favorite of 0.5-6.5. Greyhounds are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 vs. Metro Atlantic Athletic. Greyhounds are 16-36 ATS in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Greyhounds are 16-37 ATS in their last 53 home games. Greyhounds are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Greyhounds are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5. Greyhounds are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog. Greyhounds are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog of 0.5-6.5. We'll play Niagara for 3 units today!
Niagara -1.5
Loyola Maryland is 36-61 ATS since 1997, 8-18 ATS last 3 years and 0-5 ATS this year in all home games. Niagara is 24-4 SU overall vs Loyola Maryland since 1997. Niagara is 5-0 SU overall vs Loyola Maryland the past 3 years. Purple Eagles are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. Purple Eagles are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a road favorite of 0.5-6.5. Greyhounds are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 vs. Metro Atlantic Athletic. Greyhounds are 16-36 ATS in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Greyhounds are 16-37 ATS in their last 53 home games. Greyhounds are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Greyhounds are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5. Greyhounds are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog. Greyhounds are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog of 0.5-6.5. We'll play Niagara for 3 units today!
Dwayne Bryant
South Florida +3.5
If you just look at the school names and the spread, which many folks do, then this looks easy. At the time I'm writing this, 73% of the reported bets have come in on Pittsburgh. No surprise there. But these USF kids have been playing some improved basketball lately.
Things looked bleak when 6'10" Augustus Gilchrist (18.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg) went down with an ankle injury, but 6'11" Jarrid Famous has stepped in and made a name for himself. Famous is averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds in his last four games. The Bulls also have the best player on the floor in this game in guard Dominique Jones. Jones is averaging 21.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Doesn't matter to me whether or not Jermaine Dixon (ankle) plays. I think he will, but he didn't practice yesterday and it might be a smart move to rest him and make sure he's ready for their game at West Virginia on Wednesday. Speaking of that West Virginia game on deck, that makes this game a perfect look-ahead spot for Pitt.
The Bulls play very solid defense, especially at home where they allow opponents to shoot just 38.8% from the floor. Pitt is a solid defensive team as well, but their numbers slip considerably on the road where they're allowing opponents to shoot 45.6%. Pitt only shoots 41.8% from the floor on the road, while USF shoots 45.6% at home.
Bottom line: Oddsmakers opened Pitt as only a 2-point favorite for a reason. Sure, some of that has to do with Dixon's status, but they also know that this is a tough spot for Pitt on the road with WVU up next, and playing a determined USF squad that plays very tough at home. Grab the points with South Florida.
South Florida +3.5
If you just look at the school names and the spread, which many folks do, then this looks easy. At the time I'm writing this, 73% of the reported bets have come in on Pittsburgh. No surprise there. But these USF kids have been playing some improved basketball lately.
Things looked bleak when 6'10" Augustus Gilchrist (18.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg) went down with an ankle injury, but 6'11" Jarrid Famous has stepped in and made a name for himself. Famous is averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds in his last four games. The Bulls also have the best player on the floor in this game in guard Dominique Jones. Jones is averaging 21.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Doesn't matter to me whether or not Jermaine Dixon (ankle) plays. I think he will, but he didn't practice yesterday and it might be a smart move to rest him and make sure he's ready for their game at West Virginia on Wednesday. Speaking of that West Virginia game on deck, that makes this game a perfect look-ahead spot for Pitt.
The Bulls play very solid defense, especially at home where they allow opponents to shoot just 38.8% from the floor. Pitt is a solid defensive team as well, but their numbers slip considerably on the road where they're allowing opponents to shoot 45.6%. Pitt only shoots 41.8% from the floor on the road, while USF shoots 45.6% at home.
Bottom line: Oddsmakers opened Pitt as only a 2-point favorite for a reason. Sure, some of that has to do with Dixon's status, but they also know that this is a tough spot for Pitt on the road with WVU up next, and playing a determined USF squad that plays very tough at home. Grab the points with South Florida.
Lenny Del Genio
Boston pk
This game means a whole lot more to the Celtics than it does to the Lakers. Boston has lost five of its last seven games and has been even worse at the betting window recently, so playing at home should be a huge boost. At the same time, they are catching the Lakers in a favorable spot as it's LA's seventh road game of an eight-game trip and fourth in six days. Before winning and covering against Eastern Conference bottom-feeders Washington, Indiana and Philadelphia, the Lakers were just 10-8 SU on the road and 6-12 ATS. Keep in mind that they did not cover the first three times they were an underdog this season, losing at Denver, Utah and San Antonio by an average of 15 PPG. After winning outright at Dallas (a team they had beaten by 36 ten days earlier & were in the head of), 100-95, on January 13th as three-point dogs, they would go on to get physically dominated by Cleveland in another underdog loss, dropping them to 1-4 SU/ATS overall when taking points. Prior to last year's season sweep, Los Angeles had failed to cover eight straight times against Boston. Boston is our 20* TV Game of the Month.
Boston pk
This game means a whole lot more to the Celtics than it does to the Lakers. Boston has lost five of its last seven games and has been even worse at the betting window recently, so playing at home should be a huge boost. At the same time, they are catching the Lakers in a favorable spot as it's LA's seventh road game of an eight-game trip and fourth in six days. Before winning and covering against Eastern Conference bottom-feeders Washington, Indiana and Philadelphia, the Lakers were just 10-8 SU on the road and 6-12 ATS. Keep in mind that they did not cover the first three times they were an underdog this season, losing at Denver, Utah and San Antonio by an average of 15 PPG. After winning outright at Dallas (a team they had beaten by 36 ten days earlier & were in the head of), 100-95, on January 13th as three-point dogs, they would go on to get physically dominated by Cleveland in another underdog loss, dropping them to 1-4 SU/ATS overall when taking points. Prior to last year's season sweep, Los Angeles had failed to cover eight straight times against Boston. Boston is our 20* TV Game of the Month.
showmetheodds syndicate plays
<table class="oddstable" width="100%" bgcolor="#dbdbdb" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="odds_subheader"><td width="60">Time</td> <td width="125">Type</td> <td width="510">Message</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="top"> 7:57a
</td> <td valign="top"> Syndicate Play
</td> <td valign="top"> Gm# 819 MINNESOTA U +7 1/2
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="top"> 8:28a
</td> <td valign="top"> Syndicate Play
</td> <td valign="top"> Gm# 825 FLORIDA OV 141
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="top"> 9:18a
</td> <td valign="top"> Syndicate Play
</td> <td valign="top"> Gm# 843 MARYLAND +4 1/2
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="oddstable" width="100%" bgcolor="#dbdbdb" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="odds_subheader"><td width="60">Time</td> <td width="125">Type</td> <td width="510">Message</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="top"> 7:57a
</td> <td valign="top"> Syndicate Play
</td> <td valign="top"> Gm# 819 MINNESOTA U +7 1/2
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="top"> 8:28a
</td> <td valign="top"> Syndicate Play
</td> <td valign="top"> Gm# 825 FLORIDA OV 141
</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="top"> 9:18a
</td> <td valign="top"> Syndicate Play
</td> <td valign="top"> Gm# 843 MARYLAND +4 1/2
</td></tr></tbody></table>
