Here are today's NHL Picks for Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ron's Straight Up Record: 74 wins 47 losses for (61%)
*Note: Ron went 11-4 (SU) on Saturday night and 13-0 (SU) on Saturday, October 28th for a combined Saturday record of 24-4!
Nashville vs. Washington
NHL hockey stats VS. Free NHL Picks
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: Both teams are hovering at the .500 mark and let's not forget, the Capitals were a bad hockey team the first half of the season and now that the new head coach novelty has worn off, the Capitals have yet to really impress this season. Furthermore, Ovechkin is back in Russia attending personal issues, so no great 8 in the line up tonight for the Caps.
Prediction: Nashville 3 Washington 2
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta
NHL hockey stats VS. Free NHL Picks
(-125) (5.5)
Ron's Comment: Wow, talk about your trap game! Here's the thing about supporting the Philadelphia Flyers this evening vs. the 2-6 Thrashers. In fact, both teams are 2-6 SU on the season, but the Flyers have played teams with a winning record in each of their first 8 games of the season, so their strength of schedule is much tougher then Atlanta's. Furthermore, the Flyers are coming off 2 big emotional wins over the Devils, therefore, this is a huge letdown spot here for the Flyers against the lowly Thrashers. To make matters worst, Nittymaki is a perfect 9-0 vs. Atlanta while Lehtonen is 0-6 SU! My only concern for Philadelphia is their letdown factor, because they will be playing in an empty building, but they'll be facing a team who is riding a 3 game losing streak and ready for a win.
Prediction: Philadelphia 4 Atlanta 3
Carolina vs. Montreal
hockey betting VS. NHL predictions
(5.5) (-185)
Ron's Comment: Montreal looked horrible Saturday night vs. the Ducks and this will be their 2nd game in 8 days, so there's a chance for another stinker performance from Carbo's guys. The Canes are 12-3-0 SU in their last 15 visits to the Bell Centre and Cam Ward is coming off an amazing performance vs. the Islanders. The Canes have won 9 straight games vs. the Habs at the Bell Centre, will it be 10 tonight? I think so?
Prediction: Carolina 3 Montreal 1
Tampa Bay vs. Toronto
NHL hockey stats VS. NHL hockey picks
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: The Leafs are coming off a nice home win over the Senators and this could be a letdown spot for Wilson's Leafs. However, Barry Melrose and the Lightning are in town and they have nobody on the point that can move the puck out of their zone or start the offensive rush out of their zone on a consistent basis. You can ask any hockey player, that first pass out of your zone is the key to starting some offensive chemistry. Tampa Bay are sound in nets with Smith, but without that QB on the point, the Lightning are in a hurt of problems. Plus, Toronto is 12-2-1 SU vs. the lightning at the ACC in their last 15 head to head meetings.
Prediction: Toronto 4 Tampa Bay 2
Colorado vs. Calgary
NHL betting stats VS. NHL odds
(5.5) (-140)
Ron's Comment: The Flames are coming off a nice road trip winning both their games in Nashville and Phoenix and are riding a 3 game winning streak. Colorado is coming off a shootout win over Buffalo and has a 5 game winning streak going. However, my database has pulled out a great trend favoring the home team tonight in this spot; when you have a home favorite playing during the month of October on 2 days rest, playing on a Tuesday and coming off a game that went under the total; the Home Team is 24-6-1 SU in this role since 1996. Remember, trends are your friend!
Prediction: Calgary 4 Colorado 2
Boston vs. Vancouver
NHL handicappers VS. best hockey picks
(5.5) (-150)
Ron's Comment: Tim Thomas stole a win for the Bruins in Edmonton last night and with a quick jet over to Vancouver and considering the body clock for this eastern team going again full speed 24hrs later, might be a bit too much for these bruins. The Bruins are facing Luongo tonight and he owns a 10-8-3 SU record vs. the B's with 4 shutouts. The Canucks are coming off an impressive 6-3 win over Edmonton on Saturday night, a game filled with fights and high intensity, so look for a low key outing this evening. The Canucks are 8-3-2 SU as a home team vs. a Non Conference Opponent on 2 days rest and coming off a Northwest division opponent.
Prediction: Vancouver 3 Boston 2
Pittsburgh vs. San Jose
NHL handicappers VS. best hockey picks
(5.5) (-170)
Ron's Comment: The Sharks are in a bad betting spot here vs. the Penguins, as they are coming off a week long road trip, they have the Stanley Cup Champions waiting on deck and might be at the game itself and they have to face the Eastern Conference champions from last season. The good part about the Sharks, they are content at 7-2 SU on the season, so there's really no pressure on them to win this game, but every hockey players shows up to win each night. Nabokov is 6-1 SU vs. the Penguins in his career and it looks like Dany Sabourin will get the nod tonight. The Penguins are 8-2-0 SU as a road underdog during the month of October the last 2 years. Bad spot for San Jose, play the Penguins.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 4 San Jose 3
Ron's Straight Up Record: 74 wins 47 losses for (61%)
*Note: Ron went 11-4 (SU) on Saturday night and 13-0 (SU) on Saturday, October 28th for a combined Saturday record of 24-4!
Nashville vs. Washington
NHL hockey stats VS. Free NHL Picks
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: Both teams are hovering at the .500 mark and let's not forget, the Capitals were a bad hockey team the first half of the season and now that the new head coach novelty has worn off, the Capitals have yet to really impress this season. Furthermore, Ovechkin is back in Russia attending personal issues, so no great 8 in the line up tonight for the Caps.
Prediction: Nashville 3 Washington 2
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta
NHL hockey stats VS. Free NHL Picks
(-125) (5.5)
Ron's Comment: Wow, talk about your trap game! Here's the thing about supporting the Philadelphia Flyers this evening vs. the 2-6 Thrashers. In fact, both teams are 2-6 SU on the season, but the Flyers have played teams with a winning record in each of their first 8 games of the season, so their strength of schedule is much tougher then Atlanta's. Furthermore, the Flyers are coming off 2 big emotional wins over the Devils, therefore, this is a huge letdown spot here for the Flyers against the lowly Thrashers. To make matters worst, Nittymaki is a perfect 9-0 vs. Atlanta while Lehtonen is 0-6 SU! My only concern for Philadelphia is their letdown factor, because they will be playing in an empty building, but they'll be facing a team who is riding a 3 game losing streak and ready for a win.
Prediction: Philadelphia 4 Atlanta 3
Carolina vs. Montreal
hockey betting VS. NHL predictions
(5.5) (-185)
Ron's Comment: Montreal looked horrible Saturday night vs. the Ducks and this will be their 2nd game in 8 days, so there's a chance for another stinker performance from Carbo's guys. The Canes are 12-3-0 SU in their last 15 visits to the Bell Centre and Cam Ward is coming off an amazing performance vs. the Islanders. The Canes have won 9 straight games vs. the Habs at the Bell Centre, will it be 10 tonight? I think so?
Prediction: Carolina 3 Montreal 1
Tampa Bay vs. Toronto
NHL hockey stats VS. NHL hockey picks
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: The Leafs are coming off a nice home win over the Senators and this could be a letdown spot for Wilson's Leafs. However, Barry Melrose and the Lightning are in town and they have nobody on the point that can move the puck out of their zone or start the offensive rush out of their zone on a consistent basis. You can ask any hockey player, that first pass out of your zone is the key to starting some offensive chemistry. Tampa Bay are sound in nets with Smith, but without that QB on the point, the Lightning are in a hurt of problems. Plus, Toronto is 12-2-1 SU vs. the lightning at the ACC in their last 15 head to head meetings.
Prediction: Toronto 4 Tampa Bay 2
Colorado vs. Calgary
NHL betting stats VS. NHL odds
(5.5) (-140)
Ron's Comment: The Flames are coming off a nice road trip winning both their games in Nashville and Phoenix and are riding a 3 game winning streak. Colorado is coming off a shootout win over Buffalo and has a 5 game winning streak going. However, my database has pulled out a great trend favoring the home team tonight in this spot; when you have a home favorite playing during the month of October on 2 days rest, playing on a Tuesday and coming off a game that went under the total; the Home Team is 24-6-1 SU in this role since 1996. Remember, trends are your friend!
Prediction: Calgary 4 Colorado 2
Boston vs. Vancouver
NHL handicappers VS. best hockey picks
(5.5) (-150)
Ron's Comment: Tim Thomas stole a win for the Bruins in Edmonton last night and with a quick jet over to Vancouver and considering the body clock for this eastern team going again full speed 24hrs later, might be a bit too much for these bruins. The Bruins are facing Luongo tonight and he owns a 10-8-3 SU record vs. the B's with 4 shutouts. The Canucks are coming off an impressive 6-3 win over Edmonton on Saturday night, a game filled with fights and high intensity, so look for a low key outing this evening. The Canucks are 8-3-2 SU as a home team vs. a Non Conference Opponent on 2 days rest and coming off a Northwest division opponent.
Prediction: Vancouver 3 Boston 2
Pittsburgh vs. San Jose
NHL handicappers VS. best hockey picks
(5.5) (-170)
Ron's Comment: The Sharks are in a bad betting spot here vs. the Penguins, as they are coming off a week long road trip, they have the Stanley Cup Champions waiting on deck and might be at the game itself and they have to face the Eastern Conference champions from last season. The good part about the Sharks, they are content at 7-2 SU on the season, so there's really no pressure on them to win this game, but every hockey players shows up to win each night. Nabokov is 6-1 SU vs. the Penguins in his career and it looks like Dany Sabourin will get the nod tonight. The Penguins are 8-2-0 SU as a road underdog during the month of October the last 2 years. Bad spot for San Jose, play the Penguins.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 4 San Jose 3
Ron Raymond
Here are today's NHL Picks for Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ron's Straight Up Record: 74 wins 47 losses for (61%)
*Note: Ron went 11-4 (SU) on Saturday night and 13-0 (SU) on Saturday, October 28th for a combined Saturday record of 24-4!
<HR>Nashville vs. Washington
VS.
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: Both teams are hovering at the .500 mark and let's not forget, the Capitals were a bad hockey team the first half of the season and now that the new head coach novelty has worn off, the Capitals have yet to really impress this season. Furthermore, Ovechkin is back in Russia attending personal issues, so no great 8 in the line up tonight for the Caps.
Prediction: Nashville 3 Washington 2
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta
VS.
(-125) (5.5)
Ron's Comment: Wow, talk about your trap game! Here's the thing about supporting the Philadelphia Flyers this evening vs. the 2-6 Thrashers. In fact, both teams are 2-6 SU on the season, but the Flyers have played teams with a winning record in each of their first 8 games of the season, so their strength of schedule is much tougher then Atlanta's. Furthermore, the Flyers are coming off 2 big emotional wins over the Devils, therefore, this is a huge letdown spot here for the Flyers against the lowly Thrashers. To make matters worst, Nittymaki is a perfect 9-0 vs. Atlanta while Lehtonen is 0-6 SU! My only concern for Philadelphia is their letdown factor, because they will be playing in an empty building, but they'll be facing a team who is riding a 3 game losing streak and ready for a win.
Prediction: Philadelphia 4 Atlanta 3
Carolina vs. Montreal
VS.
(5.5) (-185)
Ron's Comment: Montreal looked horrible Saturday night vs. the Ducks and this will be their 2nd game in 8 days, so there's a chance for another stinker performance from Carbo's guys. The Canes are 12-3-0 SU in their last 15 visits to the Bell Centre and Cam Ward is coming off an amazing performance vs. the Islanders. The Canes have won 9 straight games vs. the Habs at the Bell Centre, will it be 10 tonight? I think so?
Prediction: Carolina 3 Montreal 1
Tampa Bay vs. Toronto
VS.
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: The Leafs are coming off a nice home win over the Senators and this could be a letdown spot for Wilson's Leafs. However, Barry Melrose and the Lightning are in town and they have nobody on the point that can move the puck out of their zone or start the offensive rush out of their zone on a consistent basis. You can ask any hockey player, that first pass out of your zone is the key to starting some offensive chemistry. Tampa Bay are sound in nets with Smith, but without that QB on the point, the Lightning are in a hurt of problems. Plus, Toronto is 12-2-1 SU vs. the lightning at the ACC in their last 15 head to head meetings.
Prediction: Toronto 4 Tampa Bay 2
Colorado vs. Calgary
VS.
(5.5) (-140)
Ron's Comment: The Flames are coming off a nice road trip winning both their games in Nashville and Phoenix and are riding a 3 game winning streak. Colorado is coming off a shootout win over Buffalo and has a 5 game winning streak going. However, my database has pulled out a great trend favoring the home team tonight in this spot; when you have a home favorite playing during the month of October on 2 days rest, playing on a Tuesday and coming off a game that went under the total; the Home Team is 24-6-1 SU in this role since 1996. Remember, trends are your friend!
Prediction: Calgary 4 Colorado 2
Boston vs. Vancouver
VS.
(5.5) (-150)
Ron's Comment: Tim Thomas stole a win for the Bruins in Edmonton last night and with a quick jet over to Vancouver and considering the body clock for this eastern team going again full speed 24hrs later, might be a bit too much for these bruins. The Bruins are facing Luongo tonight and he owns a 10-8-3 SU record vs. the B's with 4 shutouts. The Canucks are coming off an impressive 6-3 win over Edmonton on Saturday night, a game filled with fights and high intensity, so look for a low key outing this evening. The Canucks are 8-3-2 SU as a home team vs. a Non Conference Opponent on 2 days rest and coming off a Northwest division opponent.
Prediction: Vancouver 3 Boston 2
Pittsburgh vs. San Jose
VS.
(5.5) (-170)
Ron's Comment: The Sharks are in a bad betting spot here vs. the Penguins, as they are coming off a week long road trip, they have the Stanley Cup Champions waiting on deck and might be at the game itself and they have to face the Eastern Conference champions from last season. The good part about the Sharks, they are content at 7-2 SU on the season, so there's really no pressure on them to win this game, but every hockey players shows up to win each night. Nabokov is 6-1 SU vs. the Penguins in his career and it looks like Dany Sabourin will get the nod tonight. The Penguins are 8-2-0 SU as a road underdog during the month of October the last 2 years. Bad spot for San Jose, play the Penguins.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 4 San Jose 3
Here are today's NHL Picks for Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ron's Straight Up Record: 74 wins 47 losses for (61%)
*Note: Ron went 11-4 (SU) on Saturday night and 13-0 (SU) on Saturday, October 28th for a combined Saturday record of 24-4!
<HR>Nashville vs. Washington
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: Both teams are hovering at the .500 mark and let's not forget, the Capitals were a bad hockey team the first half of the season and now that the new head coach novelty has worn off, the Capitals have yet to really impress this season. Furthermore, Ovechkin is back in Russia attending personal issues, so no great 8 in the line up tonight for the Caps.
Prediction: Nashville 3 Washington 2
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta
(-125) (5.5)
Ron's Comment: Wow, talk about your trap game! Here's the thing about supporting the Philadelphia Flyers this evening vs. the 2-6 Thrashers. In fact, both teams are 2-6 SU on the season, but the Flyers have played teams with a winning record in each of their first 8 games of the season, so their strength of schedule is much tougher then Atlanta's. Furthermore, the Flyers are coming off 2 big emotional wins over the Devils, therefore, this is a huge letdown spot here for the Flyers against the lowly Thrashers. To make matters worst, Nittymaki is a perfect 9-0 vs. Atlanta while Lehtonen is 0-6 SU! My only concern for Philadelphia is their letdown factor, because they will be playing in an empty building, but they'll be facing a team who is riding a 3 game losing streak and ready for a win.
Prediction: Philadelphia 4 Atlanta 3
Carolina vs. Montreal
(5.5) (-185)
Ron's Comment: Montreal looked horrible Saturday night vs. the Ducks and this will be their 2nd game in 8 days, so there's a chance for another stinker performance from Carbo's guys. The Canes are 12-3-0 SU in their last 15 visits to the Bell Centre and Cam Ward is coming off an amazing performance vs. the Islanders. The Canes have won 9 straight games vs. the Habs at the Bell Centre, will it be 10 tonight? I think so?
Prediction: Carolina 3 Montreal 1
Tampa Bay vs. Toronto
(5.5) (-130)
Ron's Comment: The Leafs are coming off a nice home win over the Senators and this could be a letdown spot for Wilson's Leafs. However, Barry Melrose and the Lightning are in town and they have nobody on the point that can move the puck out of their zone or start the offensive rush out of their zone on a consistent basis. You can ask any hockey player, that first pass out of your zone is the key to starting some offensive chemistry. Tampa Bay are sound in nets with Smith, but without that QB on the point, the Lightning are in a hurt of problems. Plus, Toronto is 12-2-1 SU vs. the lightning at the ACC in their last 15 head to head meetings.
Prediction: Toronto 4 Tampa Bay 2
Colorado vs. Calgary
(5.5) (-140)
Ron's Comment: The Flames are coming off a nice road trip winning both their games in Nashville and Phoenix and are riding a 3 game winning streak. Colorado is coming off a shootout win over Buffalo and has a 5 game winning streak going. However, my database has pulled out a great trend favoring the home team tonight in this spot; when you have a home favorite playing during the month of October on 2 days rest, playing on a Tuesday and coming off a game that went under the total; the Home Team is 24-6-1 SU in this role since 1996. Remember, trends are your friend!
Prediction: Calgary 4 Colorado 2
Boston vs. Vancouver
(5.5) (-150)
Ron's Comment: Tim Thomas stole a win for the Bruins in Edmonton last night and with a quick jet over to Vancouver and considering the body clock for this eastern team going again full speed 24hrs later, might be a bit too much for these bruins. The Bruins are facing Luongo tonight and he owns a 10-8-3 SU record vs. the B's with 4 shutouts. The Canucks are coming off an impressive 6-3 win over Edmonton on Saturday night, a game filled with fights and high intensity, so look for a low key outing this evening. The Canucks are 8-3-2 SU as a home team vs. a Non Conference Opponent on 2 days rest and coming off a Northwest division opponent.
Prediction: Vancouver 3 Boston 2
Pittsburgh vs. San Jose
(5.5) (-170)
Ron's Comment: The Sharks are in a bad betting spot here vs. the Penguins, as they are coming off a week long road trip, they have the Stanley Cup Champions waiting on deck and might be at the game itself and they have to face the Eastern Conference champions from last season. The good part about the Sharks, they are content at 7-2 SU on the season, so there's really no pressure on them to win this game, but every hockey players shows up to win each night. Nabokov is 6-1 SU vs. the Penguins in his career and it looks like Dany Sabourin will get the nod tonight. The Penguins are 8-2-0 SU as a road underdog during the month of October the last 2 years. Bad spot for San Jose, play the Penguins.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 4 San Jose 3
Bob Balfe
Buffalo +1.5 over Ohio
Ohio's offense has been sluggish lately and they have been turning the ball over a lot. Buffalo won this meeting last year in convincing fashion. Buffalo has a bowl bid in their sights and will need to win here tonight. The talent for Buffalo has gotten even better from last year to now and they should handle Ohio the same as they did last year. Take Buffalo.
NBA Basketball
Celtics -6
Buffalo +1.5 over Ohio
Ohio's offense has been sluggish lately and they have been turning the ball over a lot. Buffalo won this meeting last year in convincing fashion. Buffalo has a bowl bid in their sights and will need to win here tonight. The talent for Buffalo has gotten even better from last year to now and they should handle Ohio the same as they did last year. Take Buffalo.
NBA Basketball
Celtics -6
SPORTS ADVISORS
Buffalo (3-4, 4-3 ATS) at Ohio (2-6, 4-2-1 ATS)
Ohio takes the field on a Tuesday night for the second straight week, this time at home as it hosts Buffalo in a battle of Mid-American Conference East Division rivals.
The Bobcats went to Temple a week ago and took a 10-0 lead into the fourth quarter before giving up two touchdowns in the final 11 minutes, including the clincher with 1:51 to go, to lose 14-10, pushing as a four-point underdog. Ohio, which has alternated SU wins and losses in its last five games, came up short despite allowing Temple just 143 total yards (64 rushing, 79 passing), but the Bobcats’ offense sputtered in netting just 267 yards (47 rushing) while committing the game’s only two turnovers.
Buffalo has been idle since Oct. 18 when it edged Army 27-24 in overtime, snapping a three-game losing skid but failing to cover as a 10½-point home favorite. It was the second straight overtime game for the Bulls, who have seen four of their last five contests decided on the final play. Buffalo is averaging 26.7 points and 326 yards in its last three outings, but giving up 28.3 points and 376.3 total yards during this stretch.
The Bulls (1-2 SU and ATS in MAC play) are in third place in the East Division, while Ohio is a half-game back and tied with three other squads at 1-3 (1-2-1 ATS).
This is the 10th consecutive year that these schools have faced each other, with the home team winning nine of the 10. That includes Buffalo’s 31-10 rout of the Bobcats as a four-point home underdog last season, ending Ohio’s three-game SU and ATS winning streak in this rivalry. The SU winner has cashed in each of the last five clashes, and the ‘dog is 4-2 ATS in the last six.
Going back to 1997, Ohio is 6-0 SU against the Bulls at home (3-1 ATS in lined contests).
Buffalo has cashed in five straight road games and is on further pointspread runs of 9-2 against teams with a losing record, 4-1 after a non-cover and 7-1 following a SU win. Ohio is on ATS streaks of 5-2-1 overall, 7-2 at home, 9-3-1 in October, 13-3 on grass and 6-1 after a SU defeat.
The over is 17-7 in Buffalo’s last 24 conference games, 7-3 in Ohio’s last 10 in MAC play and 5-1 in Ohio’s last six at home. Also, two of the last three head-to-head meetings have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OHIO and OVER
Houston (4-3, 2-4 ATS) at Marshall (3-4, 1-5 ATS)
Houston looks to keep pace with 19th-ranked Tulsa in Conference USA’s West Division when it travels to Marshall for a nationally televised league clash.
The Cougars are off to a 3-0 start in Conference USA action (2-1 ATS), most recently holding off SMU 44-38 on Oct. 18 but failing to cover as a 14-point road favorite. Houston’s three-game winning streak follows a three-game losing skid, and the Cougars are mired in a 2-9 ATS slump in lined games dating to last season.
Marshall suffered its third loss in a row and its first in conference play on Oct. 18, falling 23-21 at UAB as a 2½-point road favorite. The Thundering Herd are tied atop the East Division with East Carolina at 2-1 (1-2 ATS), but they’re 1-6 ATS in their last seven games dating to last year’s season finale.
These teams met last year in Houston, with the Cougars winning 35-28 but coming up short as a 12-point home chalk, thanks in part to the fact they committed the only two turnovers in the contest. The game featured 838 yards of total offense, with Houston piling up 472.
The Cougars have a massive offense edge coming into this one, putting up 39.3 points and 544.3 total yards per game (402.3 passing ypg), while Marshall manages just 19.1 points and 332.7 total yards per contest (205 passing ypg).
In addition to its ongoing 2-9 ATS funk, Houston is in pointspread ruts of 2-5 in Conference USA action, 1-5 on the highway and 2-5 against losing teams, but the Cougars are 4-1 ATS in their last five following a bye. Meanwhile, the Thundering Herd have failed to cover in six consecutive games on artificial turf and they’re 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight following a bye week.
For the Cougars, the under is on runs of 6-2 in conference games, 11-5 in October, 6-2 in conference action and 4-0 on turf. Meanwhile, Marshall is on under streaks of 4-1 overall, 4-1 at home, 6-2 in Conference USA play, 5-1 in October and 4-0 on turf. Finally, last year’s meeting in Houston stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA
Cleveland (52-43, 47-48 ATS) at Boston (82-26, 65-40-3 ATS)
The Celtics begin defense of their NBA championship when they tip off the 2008-09 season at home against LeBron James and the Cavaliers in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
Boston added superstars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to its roster prior to last season, and the duo combined with Paul Pierce to post the NBA’s best regular-season record. The Celtics were tested in three rounds of the Eastern Conference playoffs, but rolled through the Lakers in six games to capture their 17th NBA title. Doc Rivers’ squad closed out the playoffs on a 7-0 ATS run, cashing in all six games of the NBA Finals.
Cleveland took the Celtics to seven games in the second round of last year’s playoffs, with the home team winning every contest. The Cavs cashed in six of the seven games against Boston (5-0 ATS in the last five), and they went 10-2 ATS in the postseason (5-2 ATS on the road). However, they closed out the regular season in a 3-9 ATS slump (2-4 ATS on the road).
Including last year’s playoff series, the host has won 12 consecutive meetings in this rivalry, but Cleveland is 9-2 ATS in the last 11, including 5-1 ATS in its last six trips to Banknorth Garden. Also, the underdog is on a 9-4 ATS roll in this series.
The Celtics cashed in 15 of their last 20 home games (playoffs included), and they went 18-5 ATS in their last 23 regular-season games. However, they’re mired in ATS slumps of 3-8 against Eastern Conference foes and 3-8 versus the Central Division.
Boston went 48-7 at home last year (34-20-1 ATS), while Cleveland was 20-28 on the highway, but 27-21 ATS.
For Boston, the under is on runs of 20-9 against Central Division foes and 5-2 on Tuesdays, while the Cavs are on under streaks of 13-6 overall (all against the Eastern Conference) and 8-3 against the Atlantic Division. Finally, the under is 5-3 in the last eight head-to-head meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND and UNDER
Milwaukee (26-56, 34-47 ATS) at Chicago (33-49, 36-46 ATS)
Coming off one of their most disappointing seasons in years, the Bulls look to regain their playoff form when they open up by hosting the Bucks at the United Center.
Considered by many to be the favorite in the Eastern Conference heading into last season, Chicago fell flat, losing their first four games and 10 of their first 12 and never recovered, snapping a three-year playoff run. The Bulls ended the 2007-08 campaign in an 8-13 slump (9-12 ATS) and finished with a 20-21 home record (17-24 ATS). On the bright side, the franchise won the NBA draft lottery, and they used the No. 1 overall pick to select point guard Derrick Rose.
Milwaukee capped its fourth straight losing season with nine consecutive SU losses and five straight non-covers, a pair of losing skids that carry over to tonight. The Bucks finished with its fewest number of victories since the 1995-96 season and went just 7-34 on the highway (16-25 ATS).
The SU winner cashed in each of Chicago’s last nine games last spring, and the winner was 18-5 ATS in the Bucks’ last 23 games.
The Bulls are 7-1 SU against Milwaukee over the past two seasons, but only 4-4 ATS. In fact, the Bucks cashed in three of the four series meetings a year ago, the lone exception being a 151-135 loss as a one-point home favorite in the second-to-last game of the season. Finally, in this rivalry, the visitor is 6-1 ATS in the last seven battles.
Chicago covered in eight of its last 11 against the Central Division, while Milwaukee enters this season is in ATS funks of 3-9 on the highway and 7-19 against the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls ended last year on a 6-1 “under” streak, but the over was 24-16-1 in their 41 home games and 10-4-1 in their final 15 divisional contests last year. For Milwaukee, the over is on runs of 24-9-1 overall, 9-4-1 on the road, 17-6-1 against the Eastern Conference, 7-2 in divisional games and 31-12-1 on Tuesdays. Lastly, the over is 6-2 in the last eight series meetings between these division rivals (3-0 last three) and 5-0 in the last five clashes in Chicago.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Portland (41-41, 43-39 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (71-32, 56-44-3 ATS)
The Lakers begin their quest to repeat as Western Conference champs when they host Greg Oden and the upstart Trail Blazers at the Staples Center in Hollywood.
Los Angeles rolled through the Western Conference in last year’s postseason, going 12-2 SU and 10-4-1 ATS. However, Kobe Bryant and Co. were no match for the Celtics in the NBA Finals, losing in six games while going 0-6 ATS. The Lakers closed out the regular season by winning eight of their last nine games, but they went just 4-7 ATS in their last 11.
The Blazers were one of the NBA’s biggest surprises last year, but they struggled over the final 2½ months of the season, losing 21 of their final 34 games to miss out on the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. However, they did close on a 16-10 ATS run, going 5-1 ATS in the last six.
The home team dominated this rivalry last year, winning all four games, but the Blazers cashed each time. In fact, Portland is on a 21-5 ATS roll against the Lakers, including nine consecutive spread-covers going back to March 2006, all as an underdog. Furthermore, the pup is 22-4 ATS in the last 26 series clashes. Finally, L.A. is 12-2 SU in the last 14 meetings at Staples Center, but the Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their past five trips to Hollywood.
The Lakers failed to cover in five of their last seven home games (all in the playoffs), but they enter this season on pointspread streaks of 12-4-1 against the Western Conference, 7-2-1 versus the Northwest Division and 11-5 on Tuesdays.
Los Angeles went 40-12 at Staples in 2007-08, but 25-26-1 ATS. Meanwhile, the Blazers were dismal on the highway last year, finishing 13-28 SU, but they cashed at a 21-20 clip.
Portland begins the year on under streaks of 10-3 overall, 17-5-1 on the road, 36-15 against the Western Conference and 5-1 versus the Pacific Division. Also, the under is 8-3 in the Lakers’ last 11 overall and 5-1 in their last six at home. Lastly, seven of the last 10 battles between these teams in Los Angeles have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PORTLAND and UNDER
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Buffalo (3-4, 4-3 ATS) at Ohio (2-6, 4-2-1 ATS)
Ohio takes the field on a Tuesday night for the second straight week, this time at home as it hosts Buffalo in a battle of Mid-American Conference East Division rivals.
The Bobcats went to Temple a week ago and took a 10-0 lead into the fourth quarter before giving up two touchdowns in the final 11 minutes, including the clincher with 1:51 to go, to lose 14-10, pushing as a four-point underdog. Ohio, which has alternated SU wins and losses in its last five games, came up short despite allowing Temple just 143 total yards (64 rushing, 79 passing), but the Bobcats’ offense sputtered in netting just 267 yards (47 rushing) while committing the game’s only two turnovers.
Buffalo has been idle since Oct. 18 when it edged Army 27-24 in overtime, snapping a three-game losing skid but failing to cover as a 10½-point home favorite. It was the second straight overtime game for the Bulls, who have seen four of their last five contests decided on the final play. Buffalo is averaging 26.7 points and 326 yards in its last three outings, but giving up 28.3 points and 376.3 total yards during this stretch.
The Bulls (1-2 SU and ATS in MAC play) are in third place in the East Division, while Ohio is a half-game back and tied with three other squads at 1-3 (1-2-1 ATS).
This is the 10th consecutive year that these schools have faced each other, with the home team winning nine of the 10. That includes Buffalo’s 31-10 rout of the Bobcats as a four-point home underdog last season, ending Ohio’s three-game SU and ATS winning streak in this rivalry. The SU winner has cashed in each of the last five clashes, and the ‘dog is 4-2 ATS in the last six.
Going back to 1997, Ohio is 6-0 SU against the Bulls at home (3-1 ATS in lined contests).
Buffalo has cashed in five straight road games and is on further pointspread runs of 9-2 against teams with a losing record, 4-1 after a non-cover and 7-1 following a SU win. Ohio is on ATS streaks of 5-2-1 overall, 7-2 at home, 9-3-1 in October, 13-3 on grass and 6-1 after a SU defeat.
The over is 17-7 in Buffalo’s last 24 conference games, 7-3 in Ohio’s last 10 in MAC play and 5-1 in Ohio’s last six at home. Also, two of the last three head-to-head meetings have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OHIO and OVER
Houston (4-3, 2-4 ATS) at Marshall (3-4, 1-5 ATS)
Houston looks to keep pace with 19th-ranked Tulsa in Conference USA’s West Division when it travels to Marshall for a nationally televised league clash.
The Cougars are off to a 3-0 start in Conference USA action (2-1 ATS), most recently holding off SMU 44-38 on Oct. 18 but failing to cover as a 14-point road favorite. Houston’s three-game winning streak follows a three-game losing skid, and the Cougars are mired in a 2-9 ATS slump in lined games dating to last season.
Marshall suffered its third loss in a row and its first in conference play on Oct. 18, falling 23-21 at UAB as a 2½-point road favorite. The Thundering Herd are tied atop the East Division with East Carolina at 2-1 (1-2 ATS), but they’re 1-6 ATS in their last seven games dating to last year’s season finale.
These teams met last year in Houston, with the Cougars winning 35-28 but coming up short as a 12-point home chalk, thanks in part to the fact they committed the only two turnovers in the contest. The game featured 838 yards of total offense, with Houston piling up 472.
The Cougars have a massive offense edge coming into this one, putting up 39.3 points and 544.3 total yards per game (402.3 passing ypg), while Marshall manages just 19.1 points and 332.7 total yards per contest (205 passing ypg).
In addition to its ongoing 2-9 ATS funk, Houston is in pointspread ruts of 2-5 in Conference USA action, 1-5 on the highway and 2-5 against losing teams, but the Cougars are 4-1 ATS in their last five following a bye. Meanwhile, the Thundering Herd have failed to cover in six consecutive games on artificial turf and they’re 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight following a bye week.
For the Cougars, the under is on runs of 6-2 in conference games, 11-5 in October, 6-2 in conference action and 4-0 on turf. Meanwhile, Marshall is on under streaks of 4-1 overall, 4-1 at home, 6-2 in Conference USA play, 5-1 in October and 4-0 on turf. Finally, last year’s meeting in Houston stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA
Cleveland (52-43, 47-48 ATS) at Boston (82-26, 65-40-3 ATS)
The Celtics begin defense of their NBA championship when they tip off the 2008-09 season at home against LeBron James and the Cavaliers in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
Boston added superstars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to its roster prior to last season, and the duo combined with Paul Pierce to post the NBA’s best regular-season record. The Celtics were tested in three rounds of the Eastern Conference playoffs, but rolled through the Lakers in six games to capture their 17th NBA title. Doc Rivers’ squad closed out the playoffs on a 7-0 ATS run, cashing in all six games of the NBA Finals.
Cleveland took the Celtics to seven games in the second round of last year’s playoffs, with the home team winning every contest. The Cavs cashed in six of the seven games against Boston (5-0 ATS in the last five), and they went 10-2 ATS in the postseason (5-2 ATS on the road). However, they closed out the regular season in a 3-9 ATS slump (2-4 ATS on the road).
Including last year’s playoff series, the host has won 12 consecutive meetings in this rivalry, but Cleveland is 9-2 ATS in the last 11, including 5-1 ATS in its last six trips to Banknorth Garden. Also, the underdog is on a 9-4 ATS roll in this series.
The Celtics cashed in 15 of their last 20 home games (playoffs included), and they went 18-5 ATS in their last 23 regular-season games. However, they’re mired in ATS slumps of 3-8 against Eastern Conference foes and 3-8 versus the Central Division.
Boston went 48-7 at home last year (34-20-1 ATS), while Cleveland was 20-28 on the highway, but 27-21 ATS.
For Boston, the under is on runs of 20-9 against Central Division foes and 5-2 on Tuesdays, while the Cavs are on under streaks of 13-6 overall (all against the Eastern Conference) and 8-3 against the Atlantic Division. Finally, the under is 5-3 in the last eight head-to-head meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND and UNDER
Milwaukee (26-56, 34-47 ATS) at Chicago (33-49, 36-46 ATS)
Coming off one of their most disappointing seasons in years, the Bulls look to regain their playoff form when they open up by hosting the Bucks at the United Center.
Considered by many to be the favorite in the Eastern Conference heading into last season, Chicago fell flat, losing their first four games and 10 of their first 12 and never recovered, snapping a three-year playoff run. The Bulls ended the 2007-08 campaign in an 8-13 slump (9-12 ATS) and finished with a 20-21 home record (17-24 ATS). On the bright side, the franchise won the NBA draft lottery, and they used the No. 1 overall pick to select point guard Derrick Rose.
Milwaukee capped its fourth straight losing season with nine consecutive SU losses and five straight non-covers, a pair of losing skids that carry over to tonight. The Bucks finished with its fewest number of victories since the 1995-96 season and went just 7-34 on the highway (16-25 ATS).
The SU winner cashed in each of Chicago’s last nine games last spring, and the winner was 18-5 ATS in the Bucks’ last 23 games.
The Bulls are 7-1 SU against Milwaukee over the past two seasons, but only 4-4 ATS. In fact, the Bucks cashed in three of the four series meetings a year ago, the lone exception being a 151-135 loss as a one-point home favorite in the second-to-last game of the season. Finally, in this rivalry, the visitor is 6-1 ATS in the last seven battles.
Chicago covered in eight of its last 11 against the Central Division, while Milwaukee enters this season is in ATS funks of 3-9 on the highway and 7-19 against the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls ended last year on a 6-1 “under” streak, but the over was 24-16-1 in their 41 home games and 10-4-1 in their final 15 divisional contests last year. For Milwaukee, the over is on runs of 24-9-1 overall, 9-4-1 on the road, 17-6-1 against the Eastern Conference, 7-2 in divisional games and 31-12-1 on Tuesdays. Lastly, the over is 6-2 in the last eight series meetings between these division rivals (3-0 last three) and 5-0 in the last five clashes in Chicago.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Portland (41-41, 43-39 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (71-32, 56-44-3 ATS)
The Lakers begin their quest to repeat as Western Conference champs when they host Greg Oden and the upstart Trail Blazers at the Staples Center in Hollywood.
Los Angeles rolled through the Western Conference in last year’s postseason, going 12-2 SU and 10-4-1 ATS. However, Kobe Bryant and Co. were no match for the Celtics in the NBA Finals, losing in six games while going 0-6 ATS. The Lakers closed out the regular season by winning eight of their last nine games, but they went just 4-7 ATS in their last 11.
The Blazers were one of the NBA’s biggest surprises last year, but they struggled over the final 2½ months of the season, losing 21 of their final 34 games to miss out on the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. However, they did close on a 16-10 ATS run, going 5-1 ATS in the last six.
The home team dominated this rivalry last year, winning all four games, but the Blazers cashed each time. In fact, Portland is on a 21-5 ATS roll against the Lakers, including nine consecutive spread-covers going back to March 2006, all as an underdog. Furthermore, the pup is 22-4 ATS in the last 26 series clashes. Finally, L.A. is 12-2 SU in the last 14 meetings at Staples Center, but the Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their past five trips to Hollywood.
The Lakers failed to cover in five of their last seven home games (all in the playoffs), but they enter this season on pointspread streaks of 12-4-1 against the Western Conference, 7-2-1 versus the Northwest Division and 11-5 on Tuesdays.
Los Angeles went 40-12 at Staples in 2007-08, but 25-26-1 ATS. Meanwhile, the Blazers were dismal on the highway last year, finishing 13-28 SU, but they cashed at a 21-20 clip.
Portland begins the year on under streaks of 10-3 overall, 17-5-1 on the road, 36-15 against the Western Conference and 5-1 versus the Pacific Division. Also, the under is 8-3 in the Lakers’ last 11 overall and 5-1 in their last six at home. Lastly, seven of the last 10 battles between these teams in Los Angeles have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PORTLAND and UNDER
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John Ryan
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Atlanta Thrashers
Play: Atlanta +112
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Atlanta– Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 64-28 making 33.9 units since 1996. Play on home teams against the money line after having lost 4 of their last 5 games and is a terrible team posting a win percentage of <=30% playing a team with a losing record in the first half of the season. Philadelphia is in a horrid role noting they are 29-50 against the money line (-24.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. Philadelphia is just 1-9 against the money line (-8.3 Units) in road games after a close win by 1 goal in their previous game over the last 2 seasons. The Flyers have defeated Atlanta 10 straight times, but those good times will end tonight based on this grading. Flyers allowed five goals in the weekend series after giving up 17 in the previous three games. The coach was most excited about what the wins meant for Martin Biron, who made 29 saves Saturday to improve to 2-3-1 with a 3.95 goals-against average on the season. Despite the 2 wins against rival NJ, this Flyers team is struggling and right now is just not a good enough to warrant being installed as a favorite on the road. Take Atlanta.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Atlanta Thrashers
Play: Atlanta +112
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Atlanta– Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 64-28 making 33.9 units since 1996. Play on home teams against the money line after having lost 4 of their last 5 games and is a terrible team posting a win percentage of <=30% playing a team with a losing record in the first half of the season. Philadelphia is in a horrid role noting they are 29-50 against the money line (-24.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. Philadelphia is just 1-9 against the money line (-8.3 Units) in road games after a close win by 1 goal in their previous game over the last 2 seasons. The Flyers have defeated Atlanta 10 straight times, but those good times will end tonight based on this grading. Flyers allowed five goals in the weekend series after giving up 17 in the previous three games. The coach was most excited about what the wins meant for Martin Biron, who made 29 saves Saturday to improve to 2-3-1 with a 3.95 goals-against average on the season. Despite the 2 wins against rival NJ, this Flyers team is struggling and right now is just not a good enough to warrant being installed as a favorite on the road. Take Atlanta.
indiancowboy
Ic pod = portland +7.5
Portland +7.5 (POD)
I always take the opportunity to take underdogs that can win outright. It has been my staple and such is the case today. This is a game that Portland can indeed win outright. Did you know that Portland has covered the line against the Lakers the last nine ballgames? In fact, many do not. Did you know that these two teams split their games last year with each one of them winning their respective home games? Portland debuts Oden today and I love Nate McMillen coached teams given their defensive intensity from start to finish. I look for Roy, Oden and a solid group of reserves to keep up the defensive intensity as Portland I believe has a 30% shot at winning this game outright and of course, they have a 30% chance of covering as well with the 7.5 point spread as well given my spreadsheets. Thus, I will gladly take the 60% chance of this game covering according to my numbers as that is a shaved coin I am willing to take. As this game presents itself on television, I think Nate will have his boys ready to go early as this team is looking to improve from the .500 season from last year as this is the year they make the leap into the playoffs. Once again, Portland is 9-0 ATS the last nine times these two teams have favced each other.
Ic pod = portland +7.5
Portland +7.5 (POD)
I always take the opportunity to take underdogs that can win outright. It has been my staple and such is the case today. This is a game that Portland can indeed win outright. Did you know that Portland has covered the line against the Lakers the last nine ballgames? In fact, many do not. Did you know that these two teams split their games last year with each one of them winning their respective home games? Portland debuts Oden today and I love Nate McMillen coached teams given their defensive intensity from start to finish. I look for Roy, Oden and a solid group of reserves to keep up the defensive intensity as Portland I believe has a 30% shot at winning this game outright and of course, they have a 30% chance of covering as well with the 7.5 point spread as well given my spreadsheets. Thus, I will gladly take the 60% chance of this game covering according to my numbers as that is a shaved coin I am willing to take. As this game presents itself on television, I think Nate will have his boys ready to go early as this team is looking to improve from the .500 season from last year as this is the year they make the leap into the playoffs. Once again, Portland is 9-0 ATS the last nine times these two teams have favced each other.
