Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks (-160, 5,5)
The Chicago Blackhawks have been unstoppable lately, winning four straight and six of their last seven. They've been even more dominant at home where they have prevailed in 13 of their last 14 outings.
Chicago’s win over the depleted Red Wings Sunday night allowed them to grab the top spot in the Western Conference. Cristobal Huet made 20 saves in the game en route to his second consecutive shutout.
Huet hasn’t allowed a goal in over 141 minutes of play and he credits his teammates for making his job so much easier.
“I didn't see the puck for the first (13) minutes,” Huet said. “That tells you a little bit about what kind of team we are.”
The San Jose Sharks haven’t been as successful, losing five of their last six. Their offense has struggled in the losses, with each game going under the total.
Pick: Under
Nashville Predators at Vancouver Canucks (-150, 5.5)
The Vancouver Canucks only have two starts of a crucial eight-game homestand to play before hitting the road for eight contests prior to the Olympic break.
Vancouver has been impressive against the league’s top teams, earning wins against Atlanta, Minnesota, L.A. and Washington. But the Canucks have had trouble against two of the worst teams in the Western Conference, most recently falling 3-1 to the St. Louis Blues under a wave of boos from the home crowd.
Goalie Roberto Luongo is getting frustrated with his club’s inconsistent play.
“We could talk about it until we're blue in the face in the locker room before the game, but talking about it and going out on the ice and executing are two different things,” Luongo said.
Expect the Canucks to redeem themselves tonight against the Nashville Predators.
Pick: Canucks
San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks (-160, 5,5)
The Chicago Blackhawks have been unstoppable lately, winning four straight and six of their last seven. They've been even more dominant at home where they have prevailed in 13 of their last 14 outings.
Chicago’s win over the depleted Red Wings Sunday night allowed them to grab the top spot in the Western Conference. Cristobal Huet made 20 saves in the game en route to his second consecutive shutout.
Huet hasn’t allowed a goal in over 141 minutes of play and he credits his teammates for making his job so much easier.
“I didn't see the puck for the first (13) minutes,” Huet said. “That tells you a little bit about what kind of team we are.”
The San Jose Sharks haven’t been as successful, losing five of their last six. Their offense has struggled in the losses, with each game going under the total.
Pick: Under
Nashville Predators at Vancouver Canucks (-150, 5.5)
The Vancouver Canucks only have two starts of a crucial eight-game homestand to play before hitting the road for eight contests prior to the Olympic break.
Vancouver has been impressive against the league’s top teams, earning wins against Atlanta, Minnesota, L.A. and Washington. But the Canucks have had trouble against two of the worst teams in the Western Conference, most recently falling 3-1 to the St. Louis Blues under a wave of boos from the home crowd.
Goalie Roberto Luongo is getting frustrated with his club’s inconsistent play.
“We could talk about it until we're blue in the face in the locker room before the game, but talking about it and going out on the ice and executing are two different things,” Luongo said.
Expect the Canucks to redeem themselves tonight against the Nashville Predators.
Pick: Canucks
NHL DUNKEL
Nashville at Vancouver
The Canucks look to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to St. Louis and build on their 5-0 record in their last 5 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Vancouver is the pick (-155) according to Dunkel, which has the Canucks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-155). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Game 1-2: San Jose at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.110; Chicago 11.884
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+130); Over
Game 3-4: Anaheim at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.201; Colorado 12.183
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-120); Under
Game 5-6: Nashville at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.475; Vancouver 12.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-155); Under
Nashville at Vancouver
The Canucks look to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to St. Louis and build on their 5-0 record in their last 5 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Vancouver is the pick (-155) according to Dunkel, which has the Canucks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-155). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Game 1-2: San Jose at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.110; Chicago 11.884
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+130); Over
Game 3-4: Anaheim at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.201; Colorado 12.183
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-120); Under
Game 5-6: Nashville at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.475; Vancouver 12.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-155); Under
NCAAB DUNKEL
Michigan State at Texas
The Longhorns look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 home games as a favorite between 7 and 12 1/2 points. Texas is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Longhorns favored by 13. Dunkel Pick: Texas (-8). Here are all of today's games.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Game 519-520: Michigan State at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 71.291; Texas 84.122
Dunkel Line: Texas by 13
Vegas Line: Texas by 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-8)
Game 521-522: Illinois-Chicago at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 49.549; Akron 62.789
Dunkel Line: Akron by 13
Vegas Line: Akron by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (-11 1/2)
Game 523-524: George Washington at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 55.307; East Carolina 55.651
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: George Washington by 4
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+4)
Game 525-526: South Alabama at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 54.046; Florida 71.016
Dunkel Line: Florida by 17
Vegas Line: Florida by 20
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+20)
Game 527-528: Marshall at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 55.824; North Carolina 77.100
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 14
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-14)
Game 529-530: Central Michigan at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 54.875; Detroit 54.973
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Detroit by 8
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+8)
Game 531-532: Ohio at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 58.477; Pittsburgh 69.846
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-10 1/2)
Game 533-534: CS-Northridge at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 52.903; Colorado 61.829
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 9
Vegas Line: Colorado by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+10 1/2)
Game 535-536: Butler at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 66.700; UAB 71.455
Dunkel Line: UAB by 5
Vegas Line: UAB by 2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-2)
Game 537-538: Buffalo at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 54.910; WI-Green Bay 61.171
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 7
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+7)
Game 539-540: Missouri State at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 63.119; Arkansas 57.826
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State
Game 541-542: Stanford at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 62.224; Texas Tech 69.863
Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-6 1/2)
Game 543-544: AR-Little Rock at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 50.401; Wright State 65.317
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 15
Vegas Line: Wright State by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-14 1/2)
Game 545-546: Cleveland State at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 54.752; Ohio State 75.481
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 15
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-15)
Game 547-548: UC-Davis at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 46.051; Air Force 55.620
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Air Force by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (-1 1/2)
Game 549-550: California at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: California 66.756; Kansas 84.302
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 13
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-13)
Game 551-552: San Diego State at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 65.489; Drake 53.592
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 12
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-8)
Game 553-554: LSU at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 58.606; Washington State 70.632
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 12
Vegas Line: Washington State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-5)
Game 555-556: Idaho at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 56.421; Portland 64.198
Dunkel Line: Portland by 8
Vegas Line: Portland by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-6 1/2)
Game 557-558: Colorado State at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 56.098; UCLA 62.360
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UCLA by 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+9)
Game 559-560: Texas A&M at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 68.957; Washington 71.659
Dunkel Line: Washington by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+7 1/2)
Game 561-562: Northeastern vs. St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 56.632; St. Mary's (CA) 68.599
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 12
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-5 1/2)
Game 563-564: Western Michigan vs. USC
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 52.989; USC 59.129
Dunkel Line: USC by 6
Vegas Line: USC by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (+7 1/2)
Game 565-566: SMU vs. UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 50.668; UNLV 63.868
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 13
Vegas Line: UNLV by 10
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-10)
Game 567-568: College of Charleston at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 53.871; Hawaii 54.433
Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 1
Vegas Line: Hawaii by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (+3 1/2)
Game 569-570: North Florida vs. New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: North Florida 42.850; New Orleans 44.925
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 571-572: Canisius at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 45.717; Southern Mississippi 64.466
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 19
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 573-574: Morehead State vs. Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 51.142; Weber State 56.088
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 575-576: CS-Fullerton at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 50.391; Utah State 71.440
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 21
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 577-578: Tulsa vs. Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 66.235; Nebraska 64.020
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 5
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (+5)
Game 579-580: BYU vs. Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 67.759; Nevada 60.255
Dunkel Line: BYU by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 8
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (+8)
Game 581-582: NC Greensboro at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: NC Greensboro 46.127; Richmond 68.909
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 23
Vegas Line: Richmond by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (-20 1/2)
Game 583-584: SE Missouri State at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: SE Missouri State 43.249; Memphis 74.822
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 31 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 30
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-30)
Game 585-586: Loyola-MD at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 51.917; Indiana 57.959
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 6
Vegas Line: Indiana by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (+7 1/2)
Game 587-588: Tennessee Martin at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Martin 43.319; Florida State 71.893
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 28 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 26 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-26 1/2)
Game 589-590: Georgia Southern at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 40.433; Georgia State 53.856
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (-9)
Game 591-592: Samford at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 52.251; Eastern Michigan 53.057
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 1
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+4 1/2)
Game 593-594: St. Bonaventure at Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 55.341; Niagara 64.352
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 9
Vegas Line: Niagara by 7
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-7)
Game 595-596: Western Carolina at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 60.477; Clemson 73.706
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 13
Vegas Line: Clemson by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+15 1/2)
Game 597-598: St. Peter's at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 45.813; Rutgers 60.451
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 12
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (-12)
Game 599-600: Evansville at Austin Peay
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 53.341; Austin Peay 54.915
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 4
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+4)
Game 601-602: Murray State at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 57.445; Western Kentucky 65.977
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-2 1/2)
Game 603-604: Idaho State at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 45.730; Oregon 62.154
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 13
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-13)
Game 605-606: SIU-Edwardsville at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 44.680; Purdue 78.025
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 33 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 39
Dunkel Pick: SIU-Edwardsville (+39)
Michigan State at Texas
The Longhorns look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 home games as a favorite between 7 and 12 1/2 points. Texas is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Longhorns favored by 13. Dunkel Pick: Texas (-8). Here are all of today's games.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Game 519-520: Michigan State at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 71.291; Texas 84.122
Dunkel Line: Texas by 13
Vegas Line: Texas by 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-8)
Game 521-522: Illinois-Chicago at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 49.549; Akron 62.789
Dunkel Line: Akron by 13
Vegas Line: Akron by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (-11 1/2)
Game 523-524: George Washington at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 55.307; East Carolina 55.651
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: George Washington by 4
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+4)
Game 525-526: South Alabama at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 54.046; Florida 71.016
Dunkel Line: Florida by 17
Vegas Line: Florida by 20
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+20)
Game 527-528: Marshall at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 55.824; North Carolina 77.100
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 14
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-14)
Game 529-530: Central Michigan at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 54.875; Detroit 54.973
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Detroit by 8
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+8)
Game 531-532: Ohio at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 58.477; Pittsburgh 69.846
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-10 1/2)
Game 533-534: CS-Northridge at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 52.903; Colorado 61.829
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 9
Vegas Line: Colorado by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+10 1/2)
Game 535-536: Butler at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 66.700; UAB 71.455
Dunkel Line: UAB by 5
Vegas Line: UAB by 2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-2)
Game 537-538: Buffalo at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 54.910; WI-Green Bay 61.171
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 7
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+7)
Game 539-540: Missouri State at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 63.119; Arkansas 57.826
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State
Game 541-542: Stanford at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 62.224; Texas Tech 69.863
Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-6 1/2)
Game 543-544: AR-Little Rock at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 50.401; Wright State 65.317
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 15
Vegas Line: Wright State by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-14 1/2)
Game 545-546: Cleveland State at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 54.752; Ohio State 75.481
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 15
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-15)
Game 547-548: UC-Davis at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 46.051; Air Force 55.620
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Air Force by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (-1 1/2)
Game 549-550: California at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: California 66.756; Kansas 84.302
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 13
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-13)
Game 551-552: San Diego State at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 65.489; Drake 53.592
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 12
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-8)
Game 553-554: LSU at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 58.606; Washington State 70.632
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 12
Vegas Line: Washington State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-5)
Game 555-556: Idaho at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 56.421; Portland 64.198
Dunkel Line: Portland by 8
Vegas Line: Portland by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-6 1/2)
Game 557-558: Colorado State at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 56.098; UCLA 62.360
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UCLA by 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+9)
Game 559-560: Texas A&M at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 68.957; Washington 71.659
Dunkel Line: Washington by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+7 1/2)
Game 561-562: Northeastern vs. St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 56.632; St. Mary's (CA) 68.599
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 12
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-5 1/2)
Game 563-564: Western Michigan vs. USC
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 52.989; USC 59.129
Dunkel Line: USC by 6
Vegas Line: USC by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (+7 1/2)
Game 565-566: SMU vs. UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 50.668; UNLV 63.868
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 13
Vegas Line: UNLV by 10
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-10)
Game 567-568: College of Charleston at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 53.871; Hawaii 54.433
Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 1
Vegas Line: Hawaii by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (+3 1/2)
Game 569-570: North Florida vs. New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: North Florida 42.850; New Orleans 44.925
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 571-572: Canisius at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 45.717; Southern Mississippi 64.466
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 19
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 573-574: Morehead State vs. Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 51.142; Weber State 56.088
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 575-576: CS-Fullerton at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 50.391; Utah State 71.440
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 21
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 577-578: Tulsa vs. Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 66.235; Nebraska 64.020
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 5
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (+5)
Game 579-580: BYU vs. Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 67.759; Nevada 60.255
Dunkel Line: BYU by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 8
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (+8)
Game 581-582: NC Greensboro at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: NC Greensboro 46.127; Richmond 68.909
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 23
Vegas Line: Richmond by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (-20 1/2)
Game 583-584: SE Missouri State at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: SE Missouri State 43.249; Memphis 74.822
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 31 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 30
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-30)
Game 585-586: Loyola-MD at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 51.917; Indiana 57.959
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 6
Vegas Line: Indiana by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (+7 1/2)
Game 587-588: Tennessee Martin at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Martin 43.319; Florida State 71.893
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 28 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 26 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-26 1/2)
Game 589-590: Georgia Southern at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 40.433; Georgia State 53.856
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (-9)
Game 591-592: Samford at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 52.251; Eastern Michigan 53.057
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 1
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+4 1/2)
Game 593-594: St. Bonaventure at Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 55.341; Niagara 64.352
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 9
Vegas Line: Niagara by 7
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-7)
Game 595-596: Western Carolina at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 60.477; Clemson 73.706
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 13
Vegas Line: Clemson by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+15 1/2)
Game 597-598: St. Peter's at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 45.813; Rutgers 60.451
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 12
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (-12)
Game 599-600: Evansville at Austin Peay
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 53.341; Austin Peay 54.915
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 4
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+4)
Game 601-602: Murray State at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 57.445; Western Kentucky 65.977
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-2 1/2)
Game 603-604: Idaho State at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 45.730; Oregon 62.154
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 13
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-13)
Game 605-606: SIU-Edwardsville at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 44.680; Purdue 78.025
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 33 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 39
Dunkel Pick: SIU-Edwardsville (+39)
NBA DUNKEL
Oklahoma City at LA Lakers
The Lakers look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games as a home favorite between 5 and 10 1/2 points. LA is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-9). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Game 501-502: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.053; Washington 115.877
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3; 204
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3); Over
Game 503-504: Detroit at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 114.252; Charlotte 119.756
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 5 1/2; 176
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: Indiana at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 112.373; Boston 129.241
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 17; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 13 1/2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-13 1/2); Over
Game 507-508: Chicago at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 110.607; New York 120.657
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 10; 199
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 6; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-6); Over
Game 509-510: Atlanta at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 125.726; Minnesota 113.717
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 12; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 8 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-8 1/2); Over
Game 511-512: Golden State at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 109.787; Memphis 124.299
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 14 1/2; 223
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 7 1/2; 221
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-14 1/2); Over
Game 513-514: LA Clippers at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 115.108; Houston 123.827
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 9 194
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+9); Under
Game 515-516: Portland at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 116.826; Dallas 124.775
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 8; 196
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 517-518: Oklahoma City at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 116.131; LA Lakers 128.715
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 12 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 9; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-9); Under
Oklahoma City at LA Lakers
The Lakers look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games as a home favorite between 5 and 10 1/2 points. LA is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-9). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Game 501-502: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.053; Washington 115.877
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3; 204
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3); Over
Game 503-504: Detroit at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 114.252; Charlotte 119.756
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 5 1/2; 176
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: Indiana at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 112.373; Boston 129.241
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 17; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 13 1/2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-13 1/2); Over
Game 507-508: Chicago at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 110.607; New York 120.657
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 10; 199
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 6; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-6); Over
Game 509-510: Atlanta at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 125.726; Minnesota 113.717
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 12; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 8 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-8 1/2); Over
Game 511-512: Golden State at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 109.787; Memphis 124.299
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 14 1/2; 223
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 7 1/2; 221
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-14 1/2); Over
Game 513-514: LA Clippers at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 115.108; Houston 123.827
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 9 194
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+9); Under
Game 515-516: Portland at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 116.826; Dallas 124.775
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 8; 196
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 517-518: Oklahoma City at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 116.131; LA Lakers 128.715
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 12 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 9; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-9); Under
NBA WRITE-UP
Tuesday, December 22
Hot Teams
-- Celtics are 12-1 in last 13 games, 2-4 vs spread in last six.
-- Knicks won six of their last eight games.
-- Hawks won six of their last seven games.
-- Rockets won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Mavericks lost six of their last seven games. Portland won three of last four games; they're 5-1-1 vs spread in last seven.
-- Lakers won four in row, 15 of last 16 games (4-6 vs spread last 10).
Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost 14 of their last 16 games. Wizards lost seven of eight.
-- Pistons lost last four games, all by 8+ points. Bobcats lost five of last six games, but covered four of last five.
-- Pacers lost last three games, by 13-1-3 points.
-- Bulls blew 35-point lead last night, lost at home to Kings; they're 1-6 vs spread in last seven road games.
-- Minnesota lost six of its last eight games.
-- Warriors lost five in row, nine of last eleven games.
-- Clippers are 2-4-1 vs spread in last seven games.
-- Thunder lost four of their last five games.
Totals
-- Five of last seven Wizard games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-3 in Charlotte's last fourteen games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Boston's last five games; four of Indiana's last five games stayed under.
-- Knicks' last six games all stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Golden State games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Houston games.
-- Three of last four Dallas home games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in Lakers' last eight games.
Tuesday, December 22
Hot Teams
-- Celtics are 12-1 in last 13 games, 2-4 vs spread in last six.
-- Knicks won six of their last eight games.
-- Hawks won six of their last seven games.
-- Rockets won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Mavericks lost six of their last seven games. Portland won three of last four games; they're 5-1-1 vs spread in last seven.
-- Lakers won four in row, 15 of last 16 games (4-6 vs spread last 10).
Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost 14 of their last 16 games. Wizards lost seven of eight.
-- Pistons lost last four games, all by 8+ points. Bobcats lost five of last six games, but covered four of last five.
-- Pacers lost last three games, by 13-1-3 points.
-- Bulls blew 35-point lead last night, lost at home to Kings; they're 1-6 vs spread in last seven road games.
-- Minnesota lost six of its last eight games.
-- Warriors lost five in row, nine of last eleven games.
-- Clippers are 2-4-1 vs spread in last seven games.
-- Thunder lost four of their last five games.
Totals
-- Five of last seven Wizard games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-3 in Charlotte's last fourteen games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Boston's last five games; four of Indiana's last five games stayed under.
-- Knicks' last six games all stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Golden State games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Houston games.
-- Three of last four Dallas home games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in Lakers' last eight games.
NCAAB WRITE-UP
Tuesday, December 22
Information on the best of Tuesday's college basketball games.
Michigan State (+6) won 67-63 at Texas LY; Spartans are 8-2, losing its only road game 89-82 at North Carolina (they also lost to Florida by 3 on neutral court). Longhorns just whacked North Carolina in Dallas last game, 103-90, closest game they've had this year. Big 11 road underdogs are 12-7 vs spread. Big 12 home favorites are 20-12.
UAB is 10-1, winning last nine games, last two vs Cincinnati and South Alabama; Blazers are 5-2 vs spread as a favorite. C-USA home favorites are 19-11 vs spread. Butler snuck past Xavier 69-68 Saturday; they are 4-3 in last seven games, losing by 7 at Georgetown, on neutral court by 1-9 points to Clemson-Minnesota. Bulldogs have three road wins.
Missouri State is 10-0, with road wins at Arkansas State, St Louis and Ark-Little Rock; they upset Auburn of SEC 73-62, Tulsa 83-75. MVC road teams are 21-22 vs spread. Arkansas is 6-5, winning last four tilts, but none of victims are ranked higher than 229th; Bears are ranked 48th. SEC home teams are 25-21 against the spread out of conference.
Stanford is 5-5, losing last two games by 1-8 points; Cardinal lost by 13 at San Diego, by 8 at Northwestern- they took Kentucky to OT before losing on neutral floor. Pac-10 road dogs are 8-14 vs spread. Texas Tech lost by hoop at Wichita after starting year 9-0; they beat Washington of Pac-10 99-92 in OT in their last home game.
Cal is getting healthier, so they'll be one of better teams in Pac-10; they are 6-3, but are playing for first time in 13 days. Bears are 0-2 as a dog, losing by 22-6-8 points. Kansas is 10-0, 3-3 vs spread when favored; they beat Michigan by 11 last game after getting off to huge lead early. Big 12 home favorites are 19-12 vs spread. Pac-10 road dogs are 8-14.
LSU is 8-2; this is their first road game- their two losses were in NYC, neutral court games vs UConn (81-55), Arizona (71-52). SEC road dogs are 8-12 vs spread. Washington State is 9-2; Idaho is probably best club they've beaten. Coogs are 1-3 vs spread as favorite. Pac-10 home faves are 13-21 against the pointspread.
Portland lost four of last five games, with three losses by 18+ pts; they are 3-1 vs spread as favorite, but have to have confidence shaken after starting season 5-0. Idaho is 5-3 but hasn't played in 10 days; Vandals (+9) lost 68-65 at Portland LY- they are 2-3 on road, winning at Utah, losing by 7 at Texas Southern, 2 at Northridge, 12 at Washington State.
UCLA lost six of last seven games, is 3-7, ranked 155th, one spot ahead of Oregon State for 9th in Pac-10; Bruins are 2-3 vs spread as a favorite. Pac-10 home favorites are 13-21 vs spread. Colorado State won last four games; they're 0-3 on road, losing by 13 at Oregon, 5 at Indiana State and 7 at No. Colorado. MWC road underdogs are 10-6 vs spread.
Texas A&M is 8-2, winning only road game at SMU by 12; they lost to unbeatens West Va, New Mexico by 7-3 points on neutral floors. Big 12 road underdogs are 12-7 vs spread. Washington is 7-2, losing at Texas Tech in OT, Georgetown on neutral floor; Huskies are 2-5 vs spread as a favorite. Pac-10 home favorites are 13-21 vs spread.
St Mary's is 8-1, 5-1 at home, with no home wins by less than 15 pts (only loss by hoop to Vanderbilt); Gaels are 6-1 vs spread as favorite. WCC home favorites are 7-9 vs spread. Northeastern might be best 2-5 team in America; all seven of their games were decided by six points or less. Huskies are 2-1 as underdog. CAA road underdogs are 22-15.
Tulsa is 8-1, losing 83-75 in only road game, at Missouri State; seven of Tulsa's eight wins are by 14+ points (Ohio U 81-80 was other). C-USA favorites are 24-18 vs spread, 5-5 on road. Nebraska is 8-2, winning at USC by 3, by 6 over Oregon State- they scored 55-61 points in losses at Saint Louis, Creighton. Big 12 underdogs are 14-7, 2-0 at home.
BYU won last five games, is 10-1, winning road games at Hawai'i by 18, 5 at Fresno State, losing by 10 at Utah State; they're 5-3 vs spread as a favorite. MWC road favorites are 4-6 vs spread. Nevada is 1-3 as a dog, losing by 13 at UNLV, 9 at VCU, 7 at No Carolina, 3 at Pacific; they've won last three games, vs stiff teams. WAC home underdogs are 4-5.
St Bonaventure (+3) lost 83-65 at Niagara LY (was down 15 at the half); Bonnies are 4-4, losing road games by 52 at Miss State, 13 at Syracuse- they're 4-1 vs spread as underdog. Niagara is 7-4, 3-5 vs spread as fave; they're playing for first time in nine days. Purple Eagles won three of last four games. A-14 road underdogs are 13-26 against the spread.
Its been 10 days since Western Carolina (+15) won 91-83 at Louisville, arguably greatest win in program history; they're 9-1, losing at Texas by 32, but also upsetting Bradley in Peoria. SoCon road dogs are 17-24 vs spread. Clemson just beat Charleston of SoCon 94-55 (-19); they beat two other SoCon teams, by 22-29 points.
Tuesday, December 22
Information on the best of Tuesday's college basketball games.
Michigan State (+6) won 67-63 at Texas LY; Spartans are 8-2, losing its only road game 89-82 at North Carolina (they also lost to Florida by 3 on neutral court). Longhorns just whacked North Carolina in Dallas last game, 103-90, closest game they've had this year. Big 11 road underdogs are 12-7 vs spread. Big 12 home favorites are 20-12.
UAB is 10-1, winning last nine games, last two vs Cincinnati and South Alabama; Blazers are 5-2 vs spread as a favorite. C-USA home favorites are 19-11 vs spread. Butler snuck past Xavier 69-68 Saturday; they are 4-3 in last seven games, losing by 7 at Georgetown, on neutral court by 1-9 points to Clemson-Minnesota. Bulldogs have three road wins.
Missouri State is 10-0, with road wins at Arkansas State, St Louis and Ark-Little Rock; they upset Auburn of SEC 73-62, Tulsa 83-75. MVC road teams are 21-22 vs spread. Arkansas is 6-5, winning last four tilts, but none of victims are ranked higher than 229th; Bears are ranked 48th. SEC home teams are 25-21 against the spread out of conference.
Stanford is 5-5, losing last two games by 1-8 points; Cardinal lost by 13 at San Diego, by 8 at Northwestern- they took Kentucky to OT before losing on neutral floor. Pac-10 road dogs are 8-14 vs spread. Texas Tech lost by hoop at Wichita after starting year 9-0; they beat Washington of Pac-10 99-92 in OT in their last home game.
Cal is getting healthier, so they'll be one of better teams in Pac-10; they are 6-3, but are playing for first time in 13 days. Bears are 0-2 as a dog, losing by 22-6-8 points. Kansas is 10-0, 3-3 vs spread when favored; they beat Michigan by 11 last game after getting off to huge lead early. Big 12 home favorites are 19-12 vs spread. Pac-10 road dogs are 8-14.
LSU is 8-2; this is their first road game- their two losses were in NYC, neutral court games vs UConn (81-55), Arizona (71-52). SEC road dogs are 8-12 vs spread. Washington State is 9-2; Idaho is probably best club they've beaten. Coogs are 1-3 vs spread as favorite. Pac-10 home faves are 13-21 against the pointspread.
Portland lost four of last five games, with three losses by 18+ pts; they are 3-1 vs spread as favorite, but have to have confidence shaken after starting season 5-0. Idaho is 5-3 but hasn't played in 10 days; Vandals (+9) lost 68-65 at Portland LY- they are 2-3 on road, winning at Utah, losing by 7 at Texas Southern, 2 at Northridge, 12 at Washington State.
UCLA lost six of last seven games, is 3-7, ranked 155th, one spot ahead of Oregon State for 9th in Pac-10; Bruins are 2-3 vs spread as a favorite. Pac-10 home favorites are 13-21 vs spread. Colorado State won last four games; they're 0-3 on road, losing by 13 at Oregon, 5 at Indiana State and 7 at No. Colorado. MWC road underdogs are 10-6 vs spread.
Texas A&M is 8-2, winning only road game at SMU by 12; they lost to unbeatens West Va, New Mexico by 7-3 points on neutral floors. Big 12 road underdogs are 12-7 vs spread. Washington is 7-2, losing at Texas Tech in OT, Georgetown on neutral floor; Huskies are 2-5 vs spread as a favorite. Pac-10 home favorites are 13-21 vs spread.
St Mary's is 8-1, 5-1 at home, with no home wins by less than 15 pts (only loss by hoop to Vanderbilt); Gaels are 6-1 vs spread as favorite. WCC home favorites are 7-9 vs spread. Northeastern might be best 2-5 team in America; all seven of their games were decided by six points or less. Huskies are 2-1 as underdog. CAA road underdogs are 22-15.
Tulsa is 8-1, losing 83-75 in only road game, at Missouri State; seven of Tulsa's eight wins are by 14+ points (Ohio U 81-80 was other). C-USA favorites are 24-18 vs spread, 5-5 on road. Nebraska is 8-2, winning at USC by 3, by 6 over Oregon State- they scored 55-61 points in losses at Saint Louis, Creighton. Big 12 underdogs are 14-7, 2-0 at home.
BYU won last five games, is 10-1, winning road games at Hawai'i by 18, 5 at Fresno State, losing by 10 at Utah State; they're 5-3 vs spread as a favorite. MWC road favorites are 4-6 vs spread. Nevada is 1-3 as a dog, losing by 13 at UNLV, 9 at VCU, 7 at No Carolina, 3 at Pacific; they've won last three games, vs stiff teams. WAC home underdogs are 4-5.
St Bonaventure (+3) lost 83-65 at Niagara LY (was down 15 at the half); Bonnies are 4-4, losing road games by 52 at Miss State, 13 at Syracuse- they're 4-1 vs spread as underdog. Niagara is 7-4, 3-5 vs spread as fave; they're playing for first time in nine days. Purple Eagles won three of last four games. A-14 road underdogs are 13-26 against the spread.
Its been 10 days since Western Carolina (+15) won 91-83 at Louisville, arguably greatest win in program history; they're 9-1, losing at Texas by 32, but also upsetting Bradley in Peoria. SoCon road dogs are 17-24 vs spread. Clemson just beat Charleston of SoCon 94-55 (-19); they beat two other SoCon teams, by 22-29 points.
NHL WRITE-UP
Tuesday, December 22
Hot Teams
-- Blackhawks won last four games, shutting out three opponents. San Jose won its last two games, 4-1/4-2.
-- Ducks won three of their last four games. Colorado won six of its last eight games.
-- Canucks won four of last six games. Predators won four in row, six of last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- None
Totals
-- Seven of last eight Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Anaheim games stayed under the total; Colorado's last three games all went over.
-- Seven of last eight Nashville games went over the total.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Sharks are 2-2 if they played the night before.
-- Colorado lost last three times they played night before.
Series Records
-- Chicago won its last three games against the Sharks.
-- Anaheim won seven of last nine games against Colorado.
-- Canucks lost last two games vs Nashville, after winning previous six.
Tuesday, December 22
Hot Teams
-- Blackhawks won last four games, shutting out three opponents. San Jose won its last two games, 4-1/4-2.
-- Ducks won three of their last four games. Colorado won six of its last eight games.
-- Canucks won four of last six games. Predators won four in row, six of last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- None
Totals
-- Seven of last eight Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Anaheim games stayed under the total; Colorado's last three games all went over.
-- Seven of last eight Nashville games went over the total.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Sharks are 2-2 if they played the night before.
-- Colorado lost last three times they played night before.
Series Records
-- Chicago won its last three games against the Sharks.
-- Anaheim won seven of last nine games against Colorado.
-- Canucks lost last two games vs Nashville, after winning previous six.
@)
Drew Gordon
Today's Games... 1. 200,000♦ Brigham Young
2. 50,000♦ Ohio
1. Brigham Young- The old PAC-10 over Mountain West argument - sorry guys, but you need to take A LOT more into account when 'capping Bowl games. In this case, the one factor that stands out above all the rest is motivation. Is Oregon State going to bring their "A" game tonight, that is the question you should be asking yourself... And the answer is a definative NO. Coach Riley admitted his team was dealing with disappointment, and I don't care who you are, but when you're busy thinking about the "what if," you're not thinking about the "right now," as in playing a VERY motivated BYU squad.
Speaking of BYU, not only do they enjoy an edge at QB with stud Max Hall, but defensively I believe they are a superior team. I know people will argue about the speed of the PAC-10 vs the slower/stronger Mountain West, but to be honest, we're you really that impressed by the PAC-10 this year? Make no mistake, the Cougars offense can play with anyone, especially a Beaver stop-unit allowing a generous 23.5 ppg on the road this season!
One other key factor to consider when 'capping Bowl games is perception. In other words, ask yourself, what does Vegas want the average bettor (aka the average sucker) to do? And the answer to that question is clear: They want bettors to play the Beavers as a short favorite against a supposedly weaker Mountain West team. Setting the line where its at is a perfect trap for those of you out there who swear the Cougars can't possiby cover the Rodgers brothers. Again, Oregon State backers are in for a major disappointment.
Bottom line, considering several factors, including motivation and perception, the play here rests squarely on the Cougars. BYU has been here before, they are not only happy to be in Las Vegas, but actually relish the idea. The crowd will be very much pro-Cougars, and with Oregon State still thinking about the Rose Bowl, I say the Beavers deliver a lackluster performance here, costing their backers in the process.
Take Brigham Young plus the points over Oregon State as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Ohio- We're gonna keep this one short and simple, as the betting public is making the mistake of seriously underestimating this Bobcats squad in this spot. Clearly, the Panthers are the better overall team, with superior size, but laying double digits in this match up is simply too much to ask. Read on...
Although there's no doubt anyone would take the Panthers frontline over the Bobcats, fact is both van Kempen and Washingon are playing extremely well of late. They've helped lead this Ohio team to 3 straight wins and 4 covers in their last 5 games! The one issue is foul trouble, with Ohio bench has a couple extra big bodies to throw in their in case of the worst case scenario (6'8 forwards Keely and Baltic).
The backcourt is an interesting match up, because unlike the frontline, Ohio's guard duo of Cooper and Bassett is extremely talented and just as good as the Panthers. Gibbs and Wannamker may get more public love, but if you haven't seen the Bobcats play this season, you'll see just how comparable these backcourts are tonight. As is the case with college basketball, the game is won and lost because of backcourt play, and in this match up, its closer than it appears.
Finally, Pittsburgh-backers have been getting massacred of late overall (and especially at home). Note, Pitt is just 3-10-1 ATS over their L14 games overall AND an equally bad 2-8-1 ATS in their L11 at home. Look guys, in the end, underestimate this Ohio team at your own loss, as Bassett and Cooper carry this team straight to the bank Tuesday night on the road.
Take Ohio plus the points over Pittsburgh in this college hoops match up.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------GL GUYS
Today's Games... 1. 200,000♦ Brigham Young
2. 50,000♦ Ohio
1. Brigham Young- The old PAC-10 over Mountain West argument - sorry guys, but you need to take A LOT more into account when 'capping Bowl games. In this case, the one factor that stands out above all the rest is motivation. Is Oregon State going to bring their "A" game tonight, that is the question you should be asking yourself... And the answer is a definative NO. Coach Riley admitted his team was dealing with disappointment, and I don't care who you are, but when you're busy thinking about the "what if," you're not thinking about the "right now," as in playing a VERY motivated BYU squad.
Speaking of BYU, not only do they enjoy an edge at QB with stud Max Hall, but defensively I believe they are a superior team. I know people will argue about the speed of the PAC-10 vs the slower/stronger Mountain West, but to be honest, we're you really that impressed by the PAC-10 this year? Make no mistake, the Cougars offense can play with anyone, especially a Beaver stop-unit allowing a generous 23.5 ppg on the road this season!
One other key factor to consider when 'capping Bowl games is perception. In other words, ask yourself, what does Vegas want the average bettor (aka the average sucker) to do? And the answer to that question is clear: They want bettors to play the Beavers as a short favorite against a supposedly weaker Mountain West team. Setting the line where its at is a perfect trap for those of you out there who swear the Cougars can't possiby cover the Rodgers brothers. Again, Oregon State backers are in for a major disappointment.
Bottom line, considering several factors, including motivation and perception, the play here rests squarely on the Cougars. BYU has been here before, they are not only happy to be in Las Vegas, but actually relish the idea. The crowd will be very much pro-Cougars, and with Oregon State still thinking about the Rose Bowl, I say the Beavers deliver a lackluster performance here, costing their backers in the process.
Take Brigham Young plus the points over Oregon State as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Ohio- We're gonna keep this one short and simple, as the betting public is making the mistake of seriously underestimating this Bobcats squad in this spot. Clearly, the Panthers are the better overall team, with superior size, but laying double digits in this match up is simply too much to ask. Read on...
Although there's no doubt anyone would take the Panthers frontline over the Bobcats, fact is both van Kempen and Washingon are playing extremely well of late. They've helped lead this Ohio team to 3 straight wins and 4 covers in their last 5 games! The one issue is foul trouble, with Ohio bench has a couple extra big bodies to throw in their in case of the worst case scenario (6'8 forwards Keely and Baltic).
The backcourt is an interesting match up, because unlike the frontline, Ohio's guard duo of Cooper and Bassett is extremely talented and just as good as the Panthers. Gibbs and Wannamker may get more public love, but if you haven't seen the Bobcats play this season, you'll see just how comparable these backcourts are tonight. As is the case with college basketball, the game is won and lost because of backcourt play, and in this match up, its closer than it appears.
Finally, Pittsburgh-backers have been getting massacred of late overall (and especially at home). Note, Pitt is just 3-10-1 ATS over their L14 games overall AND an equally bad 2-8-1 ATS in their L11 at home. Look guys, in the end, underestimate this Ohio team at your own loss, as Bassett and Cooper carry this team straight to the bank Tuesday night on the road.
Take Ohio plus the points over Pittsburgh in this college hoops match up.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------GL GUYS
Tuesday GC free Bowl System play
On Tuesday the free 17-2 Bowl system play is on Oregon St. Game 208 at 8:00 eastern. The Beavers apply to a solid system that plays on certain Bolw favorites of -3 or less tonight. Byu applies to a Sagarin fade system that has been effective the last few seasons. OSU is 7-1 vs the Mountain West Conference, 6-2 in all bowls the past few years, and 6-3 on Turf. Byu is 0-3 in games with a +3 to-3 spread and have lost 5 of their last 6 as a dog. Look for the Beavers to bounce back from their civil war loss to Oregon with a nice bolw win here. Byu is coming off a satisfying revenge win over Utah. In late phone action I have the NBA total of the month backed with a solid system that has a 100% subset that applies. In college hoops its a triple Angle side and a double system dog play. For the Free bowl system play take Oregon St. BOL GC
On Tuesday the free 17-2 Bowl system play is on Oregon St. Game 208 at 8:00 eastern. The Beavers apply to a solid system that plays on certain Bolw favorites of -3 or less tonight. Byu applies to a Sagarin fade system that has been effective the last few seasons. OSU is 7-1 vs the Mountain West Conference, 6-2 in all bowls the past few years, and 6-3 on Turf. Byu is 0-3 in games with a +3 to-3 spread and have lost 5 of their last 6 as a dog. Look for the Beavers to bounce back from their civil war loss to Oregon with a nice bolw win here. Byu is coming off a satisfying revenge win over Utah. In late phone action I have the NBA total of the month backed with a solid system that has a 100% subset that applies. In college hoops its a triple Angle side and a double system dog play. For the Free bowl system play take Oregon St. BOL GC
Jimmy Boyd
3* SMASH Michigan State +9
The Spartans have had Texas' number, picking up wins against the Horns each of the last 3 seasons. While Texas could finally have its revenge tonight, I can't see this one not being extremely close with the level of experience that Michigan State has and with as well as the Spartans defense. Let's just say that the Spartans have owned the Big 12 Conference over the last few seasons, racking up a 6-0 ATS mark while winning by an average score of 77.8 to 70.2. Michigan State has been chomping at the bit for another opportunity to show the country that it is better than it showed when it lost at UNC. Expect the Spartans to do just that tonight.
3* SMASH Michigan State +9
The Spartans have had Texas' number, picking up wins against the Horns each of the last 3 seasons. While Texas could finally have its revenge tonight, I can't see this one not being extremely close with the level of experience that Michigan State has and with as well as the Spartans defense. Let's just say that the Spartans have owned the Big 12 Conference over the last few seasons, racking up a 6-0 ATS mark while winning by an average score of 77.8 to 70.2. Michigan State has been chomping at the bit for another opportunity to show the country that it is better than it showed when it lost at UNC. Expect the Spartans to do just that tonight.
Handicapper: Wunderdog Sports
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Marshall Thundering Herd @ North Carolina Tar Heels - Tuesday December 22, 2009 7:00 pm
Pick: 5 units TOTAL: Under 158.5 (-110)
The Tar Heels left everything on the floor last time out vs. Texas, so it is hard to see them motivated here in a game they should be able to name the score in. Three of their last four games have been vs. heavyweights, so they will mail this one in and head home for the X-Mas break with a lackluster effort. The Thundering Herd has played UNDER in five of their last six as a dog, including four straight on the road. The Heels have shown a penchant for lesser efforts producing six straight UNDERs after hanging 90+ points in their previous game. I'll go with the UNDER in this one.
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Marshall Thundering Herd @ North Carolina Tar Heels - Tuesday December 22, 2009 7:00 pm
Pick: 5 units TOTAL: Under 158.5 (-110)
The Tar Heels left everything on the floor last time out vs. Texas, so it is hard to see them motivated here in a game they should be able to name the score in. Three of their last four games have been vs. heavyweights, so they will mail this one in and head home for the X-Mas break with a lackluster effort. The Thundering Herd has played UNDER in five of their last six as a dog, including four straight on the road. The Heels have shown a penchant for lesser efforts producing six straight UNDERs after hanging 90+ points in their previous game. I'll go with the UNDER in this one.
ALEX SMART
BYU: +3.0 (-115) / 4 units
Tonight’s game will mark the 5th straight time the Cougars invade Sin City looking to pick up a bowl win. They lost a tough one to an Arizona squad 31-21 as 3-point pups a year ago. FYI: underdogs in the same bowl who lost the previous year are a bankroll bursting 29-19 ATS. BYU has held its own in this bowl series going 2-2 SU & ATS the L/4 years with wins against UCLA & Oregon. With the BYU program used to the bright lights and big city of Las Vegas after paying it a visit each of the L/4 years, distractions will be at a minimum.
I really just don’t see Oregon State being able to see this one through the whole way. If they do, which isn’t entirely out of the question, a tip of the cap will be in order for HC mike Riley who will have done a fabulous coaching job to get his kids up for this. Last we saw the Beavers, they just missed out on a chance to go to the Rose Bowl losing 37-33 as 9.5-point underdogs to Oregon in the Civil War. When teams come so close to going to a major bowl, but just miss out, you usually see a hangover effect occur. Rewind to last season where a proud Alabama team lost the 4th quarter of the SEC Championship Game to Florida and missed out on playing in the BCS championship Game because of it. They then went on to play in the Sugar Bowl against Utah and got trounced 31-17 as 9-point favorites. Lack of interest might be just the ingredient that gets some of these Beavers in trouble in the adult Disneyland otherwise known as Las Vegas.
BYU has defeated 4 of the L/6 Pac10 opponents it’s faced outright. They’ve also been a lucrative investment against P10 foes going 9-4-1 ATS the L/14 times they were installed dogs or chalks of 4-points or less. Oddsmakers expected them to be the victor in this one as they opened the Cougars up as 1.5-point choices before JQB got their hands on the line. I believe they were right, and firmly expect BYU to snap the Beavers bowl winning streak at five in a row.
Smart $$$ Sin City Bowl 4* Side Call: BYU Cougars
BYU: +3.0 (-115) / 4 units
Tonight’s game will mark the 5th straight time the Cougars invade Sin City looking to pick up a bowl win. They lost a tough one to an Arizona squad 31-21 as 3-point pups a year ago. FYI: underdogs in the same bowl who lost the previous year are a bankroll bursting 29-19 ATS. BYU has held its own in this bowl series going 2-2 SU & ATS the L/4 years with wins against UCLA & Oregon. With the BYU program used to the bright lights and big city of Las Vegas after paying it a visit each of the L/4 years, distractions will be at a minimum.
I really just don’t see Oregon State being able to see this one through the whole way. If they do, which isn’t entirely out of the question, a tip of the cap will be in order for HC mike Riley who will have done a fabulous coaching job to get his kids up for this. Last we saw the Beavers, they just missed out on a chance to go to the Rose Bowl losing 37-33 as 9.5-point underdogs to Oregon in the Civil War. When teams come so close to going to a major bowl, but just miss out, you usually see a hangover effect occur. Rewind to last season where a proud Alabama team lost the 4th quarter of the SEC Championship Game to Florida and missed out on playing in the BCS championship Game because of it. They then went on to play in the Sugar Bowl against Utah and got trounced 31-17 as 9-point favorites. Lack of interest might be just the ingredient that gets some of these Beavers in trouble in the adult Disneyland otherwise known as Las Vegas.
BYU has defeated 4 of the L/6 Pac10 opponents it’s faced outright. They’ve also been a lucrative investment against P10 foes going 9-4-1 ATS the L/14 times they were installed dogs or chalks of 4-points or less. Oddsmakers expected them to be the victor in this one as they opened the Cougars up as 1.5-point choices before JQB got their hands on the line. I believe they were right, and firmly expect BYU to snap the Beavers bowl winning streak at five in a row.
Smart $$$ Sin City Bowl 4* Side Call: BYU Cougars
DON BEST STEAM
11:13:59am 2009-12-22 576 Utah State Under 139
10:51:17am 2009-12-22 552 Drake Over 132½
10:49:34am 2009-12-22 550 Kansas Over 151
10:32:25am 2009-12-22 580 Nevada Over 149
9:57:07am 2009-12-22 584 Memphis U Under 133
9:46:06am 2009-12-22 528 North Carolina Over 158
9:36:22am 2009-12-22 574 Weber State Under 144
9:36:00am 2009-12-22 570 New Orleans U Under 125
9:26:47am 2009-12-22 546 Ohio State Under 138
9:13:14am 2009-12-22 563 Western Michigan +7½
9:04:24am 2009-12-22 508 New York Over 198
8:58:08am 2009-12-22 504 Charlotte Under 182
8:43:25am 2009-12-22 518 LA Lakers Under 195½
8:41:44am 2009-12-22 582 Richmond Under 128
8:41:13am 2009-12-22 522 Akron -11
8:29:48am 2009-12-22 525 South Alabama +20
8:25:48am 2009-12-22 516 Dallas -3½
8:13:08am 2009-12-22 512 Memphis Over 219
8:12:19am 2009-12-22 561 Northeastern +6½
8:09:45am 2009-12-22 568 Hawaii -3½
8:06:57am 2009-12-22 580 Nevada +8
8:06:29am 2009-12-22 581 NC Greensboro +20
8:05:55am 2009-12-22 544 Wright State -14½
8:04:42am 2009-12-22 601 Murray State +2½
7:59:04am 2009-12-22 502 Washington Over 204
11:13:59am 2009-12-22 576 Utah State Under 139
10:51:17am 2009-12-22 552 Drake Over 132½
10:49:34am 2009-12-22 550 Kansas Over 151
10:32:25am 2009-12-22 580 Nevada Over 149
9:57:07am 2009-12-22 584 Memphis U Under 133
9:46:06am 2009-12-22 528 North Carolina Over 158
9:36:22am 2009-12-22 574 Weber State Under 144
9:36:00am 2009-12-22 570 New Orleans U Under 125
9:26:47am 2009-12-22 546 Ohio State Under 138
9:13:14am 2009-12-22 563 Western Michigan +7½
9:04:24am 2009-12-22 508 New York Over 198
8:58:08am 2009-12-22 504 Charlotte Under 182
8:43:25am 2009-12-22 518 LA Lakers Under 195½
8:41:44am 2009-12-22 582 Richmond Under 128
8:41:13am 2009-12-22 522 Akron -11
8:29:48am 2009-12-22 525 South Alabama +20
8:25:48am 2009-12-22 516 Dallas -3½
8:13:08am 2009-12-22 512 Memphis Over 219
8:12:19am 2009-12-22 561 Northeastern +6½
8:09:45am 2009-12-22 568 Hawaii -3½
8:06:57am 2009-12-22 580 Nevada +8
8:06:29am 2009-12-22 581 NC Greensboro +20
8:05:55am 2009-12-22 544 Wright State -14½
8:04:42am 2009-12-22 601 Murray State +2½
7:59:04am 2009-12-22 502 Washington Over 204
