Wunderdog
Game: Miami at Chicago (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Chicago -173 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 1.7)
The Bulls have finally awakened and are playing their best basketball in two years. They followed a successful 4-3 road trip with a win at home over the Pistons. They have now gone 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games, and for the first time this season they have scored 100+ in six straight games. The Heat has covered just two of their last seven games. They are struggling offensively, as they have been held to 87 points per game in their last three and it shows, as they are 0-4 ATS when their opponent is off a 100+ game. The Heat hasn't had any success in Chi-town as they are a miserable 2-8-1 ATS their last 11 trips here. The Bulls win this one and I'm taking them on the moneyline.
Game: Boston at Dallas (9:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 4 units on Dallas +2.5 (-110) (risk 4 to win 3.6)
Dallas is playing on a high level right now as they are winners in six of their last seven. What has gone unnoticed with this team is their domination at home. They started the season a dismal 0-4 at home, but have since gone 17-3, with one of the three losses was in OT. They were hammered in Boston 124-100 a few weeks ago, and they will be focused here to get revenge. The Celtics, as good as they are, have struggled against the really good teams on the road losing to Portland, Cleveland, and LA. This has been a dog-based series with the dog capturing five of the last seven. With the way the Mavs have been playing at home, I gotta take them here with the points.
Game: Portland at Golden State (10:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 4 units on Portland +3.5 (-110) (risk 4 to win 3.6)
The Warriors are getting a huge bounce here off their 144-point explosion against the Knicks. They are still not good in this role as they are just 6-9 ATS as a favorite. They are way overpriced here as they have not been favored over any winning team since November 5, before the teams settled to where they would ultimately be. Portland has not been an underdog all season on the road against a team with a losing record on the season. The Blazers are a young team and solid in the second of back-to-back nights at 12-5 ATS. The Warriors show inconsistency after a win as they are 13-43-1 ATS in their next game. We have a live dog here, and Portland gets the call.
Game: Buffalo at Eastern Michigan (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Buffalo -9.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
The Bulls may have tipped their hand when they took UConn to the wire before losing a four-point decision. They have now won eight straight, and are playing even better. The Eagles appear to have quit as they have now dropped six of their last seven by 10+, and own just one win this season over a Div-1 team - and it took OT to get that one. These teams are light years apart, with one playing for the MAC title and the other waiting for a dreadful season to end. The Bulls win big here.
Game: Niagara at Canisius (7:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Niagara -8.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
While Siena at 19-6 gets all the ink in the Metro Atlantic. Niagara has quietly carved out an equal niche, coming off their NCAA appearance last season. The Purple Eagles have matched Siena win for win, and have an identical 19-6 record on the season. The Purple Eagles have now won five straight games, and the last four have been by a combined 74 points or 18.5 ppg. The Golden Griffins are heading in the opposite direction off of five straight losses to just two wins in their last 12. The five losses have averaged double-digits. The Purple Eagles are pressing Siena and won't stumble here. I like them for the road win and cover.
Game: Santa Clara at Pepperdine (10:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Santa Clara -8.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
Pepperdine used to own this conference, and was battling Gonzaga for top honors. This once proud program has won just 26 games the last three years. This year looks to be even worse as they enter here 6-18. Four of their six wins were gifts, beating two Div-2 teams and a 1-23 Loyola, Marymount team twice. They have lost by 10+ in 12 of their 18 losses and just aren’t a competitive team. The Broncos are coming together as witnessed by six straight wins and a huge statement over St. Mary's by 18. Pepperdine can only hope here, but the Broncos continue to roll and win this one big.
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