Vegas Experts
As hot as the Cavs are right now, it is impossible NOT to play them in the underdog role here. The LeBrons have covered 11 of 14 games vs. teams with a winning record this season and we still remember how they dominated the Hawks in a four-game playoff sweep last May. They are 28-10 ATS coming off consecutive wins by 10 or more points and have won 4 in a row by double digits over Phoenix, the Lakers, Sacramento and Houston.
Play on: Cleveland
As hot as the Cavs are right now, it is impossible NOT to play them in the underdog role here. The LeBrons have covered 11 of 14 games vs. teams with a winning record this season and we still remember how they dominated the Hawks in a four-game playoff sweep last May. They are 28-10 ATS coming off consecutive wins by 10 or more points and have won 4 in a row by double digits over Phoenix, the Lakers, Sacramento and Houston.
Play on: Cleveland
LARRY NESS
REASON FOR PICK: My 9* Perfect Storm play is on Miami at 8:00 ET. Both these storied programs are worthy of respect. Both teams finished 9-3. The matchup favors the Hurricanes though. The Badgers can run the ball with the best of them. For the season, they averaged a very respectable 206.7 ypg on the ground. They're also great at stopping the run. That's been a successful formula against most teams. The problem is that Miami is also exceptional at stopping opposing teams from running. For the season, the Hurricanes are allowing only 118.3 ypg and eight touchdowns on the ground. The Hurricanes defense really came on down the stretch, holding three of their final four opponents to less than 20 points. On the other side of the ball, the Hurricanes have the quarterback and receivers to exploit a suspect Wisconsin secondary. Wisconsin allowed 20 touchdowns and 219.9 ypg through the air. Led by emerging star Jacory Harris, the Hurricanes averaged more than 400 yards per game including 268 through the air. They gained 8.3 yards per pass attempt with Harris tossing for 23 touchdowns and 3,164 yards. Throw in the fact that this one is being played in the state of Florida (Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium at Orlando) and this one has all the makings of a "Perfect Storm." *9
REASON FOR PICK: My 9* Perfect Storm play is on Miami at 8:00 ET. Both these storied programs are worthy of respect. Both teams finished 9-3. The matchup favors the Hurricanes though. The Badgers can run the ball with the best of them. For the season, they averaged a very respectable 206.7 ypg on the ground. They're also great at stopping the run. That's been a successful formula against most teams. The problem is that Miami is also exceptional at stopping opposing teams from running. For the season, the Hurricanes are allowing only 118.3 ypg and eight touchdowns on the ground. The Hurricanes defense really came on down the stretch, holding three of their final four opponents to less than 20 points. On the other side of the ball, the Hurricanes have the quarterback and receivers to exploit a suspect Wisconsin secondary. Wisconsin allowed 20 touchdowns and 219.9 ypg through the air. Led by emerging star Jacory Harris, the Hurricanes averaged more than 400 yards per game including 268 through the air. They gained 8.3 yards per pass attempt with Harris tossing for 23 touchdowns and 3,164 yards. Throw in the fact that this one is being played in the state of Florida (Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium at Orlando) and this one has all the makings of a "Perfect Storm." *9
