Stephen Nover
Stephen Nover Tuesday winners:
40-Dime Air Force Falcons
San Diego State is a young, talented and athletic team. These are also reasons why the Aztecs are overpriced in this matchup.
Air Force plays a slow-paced, half-court game employing a Princeton-type of offense consisting of frequent passes while milking the shot clock down. Defensively the Falcons employ a zone defense.
San Diego State is not a good shooting team, especially from long-range. The Aztecs rank 284th in 3-point shooting hitting 31.2 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. They have struggled against zone defenses all season.
Air Force is playing its finest ball of the season. The Falcons hung in at UNLV two games ago easily covering an 18 1/2-point spread and then ended a 22-game regular-season Mountain West conference losing streak this past Saturday with a 70-63 victory against Wyoming.
The Falcons had turned the ball over 78 times while recording just 55 assists during their first six Mountain West games. But against Wyoming, the Falcons had 19 assists and only nine turnovers. The victory against Wyoming is a big confidence boost for Air Force.
One reason for Air Force playing better is a return to health of senior Grant Parker, who has played in the last three games after missing 10 games because of a pelvis injury. He was averaging a team-high 17.1 points and 7.1 rebounds before he was injured.
Air Force is the worst team in the Mountain West. But the Falcons can be hard to prepare against because of their Princeton offense and boring style. San Diego State doesn't have the patience and discipline to properly prepare.
The Aztecs are extremely young and have a much more important game on Saturday versus New Mexico on the road. That's the game the Aztecs are pointing to not this matchup.
20-Dime Cleveland Cavaliers
Memo to any non-believer: The Memphis Grizzlies are good. They proved it again last night holding off the Lakers in the final seconds to win, 95-93, at home.
The Grizzlies' reward? They now get to fly to Cleveland to take on a Cavaliers squad playing the second of a season-high eight straight home games. Memphis, on the other hand, will be playing for the fourth time in five days.
The Cavaliers are riding a season-best eight-game winning streak. They are 19-3 at home. The Cavs have also defeated Memphis five consecutive times at home.
The Grizzlies, though, edged the Cavaliers, 111-109, in overtime when the teams last met on Dec. 8 in Memphis. Mike Conley scored the winning basket on a layup with three seconds left. Cleveland blew an 11-point halftime lead.
It's payback time for the Cavaliers and the situation couldn't be more ripe. The Grizzlies are off perhaps their most satisfying victory of the season knocking off the defending world champions, proving they are indeed a playoff contender.
But that game was physically and mentally exhausting for the Grizzlies. Rudy Gay went 44 minutes and Zach Randolph logged 42 minutes.
The Cavaliers are going to take care of business here. They are 15-7-1 ATS versus teams with a winning record. They are not going to overlook Memphis.
Shaquille O'Neal has been playing well lately averaging 17.5 points during his last six games. He should overpower Marc Gasol. The Cavaliers haven't missed a beat despite injuries to guards Mo Williams and Delonte West thanks to the versatility of LeBron James, the best basketball player in the world.
Stephen Nover Tuesday winners:
40-Dime Air Force Falcons
San Diego State is a young, talented and athletic team. These are also reasons why the Aztecs are overpriced in this matchup.
Air Force plays a slow-paced, half-court game employing a Princeton-type of offense consisting of frequent passes while milking the shot clock down. Defensively the Falcons employ a zone defense.
San Diego State is not a good shooting team, especially from long-range. The Aztecs rank 284th in 3-point shooting hitting 31.2 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. They have struggled against zone defenses all season.
Air Force is playing its finest ball of the season. The Falcons hung in at UNLV two games ago easily covering an 18 1/2-point spread and then ended a 22-game regular-season Mountain West conference losing streak this past Saturday with a 70-63 victory against Wyoming.
The Falcons had turned the ball over 78 times while recording just 55 assists during their first six Mountain West games. But against Wyoming, the Falcons had 19 assists and only nine turnovers. The victory against Wyoming is a big confidence boost for Air Force.
One reason for Air Force playing better is a return to health of senior Grant Parker, who has played in the last three games after missing 10 games because of a pelvis injury. He was averaging a team-high 17.1 points and 7.1 rebounds before he was injured.
Air Force is the worst team in the Mountain West. But the Falcons can be hard to prepare against because of their Princeton offense and boring style. San Diego State doesn't have the patience and discipline to properly prepare.
The Aztecs are extremely young and have a much more important game on Saturday versus New Mexico on the road. That's the game the Aztecs are pointing to not this matchup.
20-Dime Cleveland Cavaliers
Memo to any non-believer: The Memphis Grizzlies are good. They proved it again last night holding off the Lakers in the final seconds to win, 95-93, at home.
The Grizzlies' reward? They now get to fly to Cleveland to take on a Cavaliers squad playing the second of a season-high eight straight home games. Memphis, on the other hand, will be playing for the fourth time in five days.
The Cavaliers are riding a season-best eight-game winning streak. They are 19-3 at home. The Cavs have also defeated Memphis five consecutive times at home.
The Grizzlies, though, edged the Cavaliers, 111-109, in overtime when the teams last met on Dec. 8 in Memphis. Mike Conley scored the winning basket on a layup with three seconds left. Cleveland blew an 11-point halftime lead.
It's payback time for the Cavaliers and the situation couldn't be more ripe. The Grizzlies are off perhaps their most satisfying victory of the season knocking off the defending world champions, proving they are indeed a playoff contender.
But that game was physically and mentally exhausting for the Grizzlies. Rudy Gay went 44 minutes and Zach Randolph logged 42 minutes.
The Cavaliers are going to take care of business here. They are 15-7-1 ATS versus teams with a winning record. They are not going to overlook Memphis.
Shaquille O'Neal has been playing well lately averaging 17.5 points during his last six games. He should overpower Marc Gasol. The Cavaliers haven't missed a beat despite injuries to guards Mo Williams and Delonte West thanks to the versatility of LeBron James, the best basketball player in the world.
Dominic Fazzini
Dominic Fazzini Tuesday's winner 15 Dime -- Air Force (plus points vs. SAN DIEGO STATE)
AIR FORCE
The Aztecs might have their hands full tonight against a Falcons team that can drive opponents crazy with its methodical style of play.
While San Diego State likes to run at every opportunity and use its athleticism on defense to wear down opponents, Air Force takes the air out of the ball and plays a disciplined zone defense, forcing teams to stay patient both offensively and defensively.
The Falcons frustrated UNLV in Las Vegas last week for nearly the entire game before the Rebels pulled away late for a 60-50 victory, failing to cover as a 19-point favorite. And I see the same thing happening to the Aztecs tonight.
San Diego State has more turnovers than assists, it shoots just 59 percent from the free-throw line and just 31 percent from 3-point range. If those trends continue tonight, the Falcons could put a bit of a scare into the Aztecs.
Air Force is on ATS runs of 12-5 overall, 10-2 on the road, 10-2 as a road underdog and 8-1 as a road 'dog of 13 points or more. SDSU is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games against teams with a losing road record and 1-5 ATS in its last six games as a home favorite of at least 13 points. I'm not saying the Falcons are going to win this game, but I think it will be a lot closer than the Aztecs would like. Take Air Force to cover the points.
Dominic Fazzini Tuesday's winner 15 Dime -- Air Force (plus points vs. SAN DIEGO STATE)
AIR FORCE
The Aztecs might have their hands full tonight against a Falcons team that can drive opponents crazy with its methodical style of play.
While San Diego State likes to run at every opportunity and use its athleticism on defense to wear down opponents, Air Force takes the air out of the ball and plays a disciplined zone defense, forcing teams to stay patient both offensively and defensively.
The Falcons frustrated UNLV in Las Vegas last week for nearly the entire game before the Rebels pulled away late for a 60-50 victory, failing to cover as a 19-point favorite. And I see the same thing happening to the Aztecs tonight.
San Diego State has more turnovers than assists, it shoots just 59 percent from the free-throw line and just 31 percent from 3-point range. If those trends continue tonight, the Falcons could put a bit of a scare into the Aztecs.
Air Force is on ATS runs of 12-5 overall, 10-2 on the road, 10-2 as a road underdog and 8-1 as a road 'dog of 13 points or more. SDSU is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games against teams with a losing road record and 1-5 ATS in its last six games as a home favorite of at least 13 points. I'm not saying the Falcons are going to win this game, but I think it will be a lot closer than the Aztecs would like. Take Air Force to cover the points.
Craig Davis
Tuesday's Lineup
40 Dime – NORTHWESTERN
20 Dime – Providence-Syracuse UNDER
10 Dime – AIR FORCE
NORTHWESTERN --- Even though they lost their best player and second-best reserver back in November, the Wildcats are still in the hunt for an NCAA berth with a couple more key wins, and they could really do themselves a favor by taking care of the Wolverines tonight at home. Northwestern was actually ranked 25th for one week during the season, but quickly fell from the ranks after losses to Michigan State, Ohio State and Illinois. But if you consider their schedule, you know they've been battle-tested and this is just the type of game they need at this point in the season. They get a Michigan team that really doesn't play great defense and is really struggling from outside the arc.
Let's also keep in mind the Wildcats are 10-3 at home, including a signature win over Purdue and a solid 5-point win over Illinois. Michigan, on the other hand, has won just one road game all season and that came at the league's worst team... Penn State. The last time these two hooked up was back in January at Crisler Arena where the Wildcats stole a 68-62 win, and they did it on the back of freshman Drew Crawford who scored 25 points in the final 25 minutes of the game.
The good news for Northwestern, too, is that John Shurna really struggled in his last meeting with Michigan, so you can bet he has a lot to prove tonight. Shurna had a career-high 31 points in Saturday's 79-70 loss at Michigan State and seems to be finding his rhythm at just the right time of the season.
Northwestern leads the Big 10 in three-pointers attempted (25.5) and three-pointers made (9.2) while they also rank third in three-point shooting percentage (36.2%). Not only that, but they also rank third in three-point defense allowing just 29% from downtown. While I don't expect Northwestern to jump out to a big early lead, I do see them raining threes in the second half and pulling away from Michigan in the final minutes.
PROVIDENCE/SYRACUSE UNDER --- I'm not usually a huge totals player, but when something smacks me in the face like this, I have no choice but to pounce on it... kinda like my 100-dime winner on the Saints/Vikings OVER in the NFC Championship game. I have looked and looked and looked again... and I've come to the conclusion that this total is either the biggest trap in the world or it's off by at least 10 points. Is it possible for these two teams to combine for 168 points? Sure, anything's possible. But we're basically talking about both Providence and Syracuse scoring 84 points tonight, and I simply can't fathom that happening.
Okay, so maybe the Orange reach 84 points tonight (though I doubt it), but I don't see Providence scoring more than 70 points. Oh sure, you might point to their 105 point output vs. South Florida or the fact they scored over 80 against Cincy and UConn in their last two... but I point you to the 63 they scored against Marquette and the 70 they scored against Louisville or the 74 they scored against St. Johns. What you have to do is compare Syracuse's defense to the defenses of the first three vs. that of the last three teams I mentioned. Syracuse compares more to Marquette than they do Cincy or South Florida, and their patented 2-3 zone will suffocate the Providence "bigs" and basically make the Friars shoot a lot more from the outside.
To be honest, that's what the Friars want anyhow... they love jacking it up from anywhere on the floor, having recorded more than 20 three point attempts in each of their last three games. But that plays right into the hands of the Orange as they allow opponents to convert just 30% from out there. Go ahead, shoot all day... you're going to have a big paw in your face and you're going to have to earn every one you make. The other thing I want you to notice is how many shots Providence has been taking in their last three games... 70, 75, and 71. It's no wonder they scored 80 or more points in those games. However, before that these were the shot totals... 52, 61, 66, 59 and 66.
Do you know the last time Syracuse allowed an opponent to shoot more than 70 shots? It was all the way back in December vs. Seton Hall... and despite allowing 77 shots to the Pirates they only surrendered 73 points. Syracuse will dictate the pace tonight and simply won't allow Providence to go nuts like they have done recently. I'm looking for something in the neighborhood of an 80-69 finish which puts us well under this ridiculously high total.
AIR FORCE --- I really don't like backing bad teams, but I really think this line is out of whack. I want you to forget about the fact that Air Force has been blown out on numerous occasions this year and I want you to focus more on the fact that San Diego State simply doesn't blow anyone out. In fact, the last time San Diego State beat a team by 18 or more points was way back in November vs. Northern Arizona... an 89-48 blowout win. Their last six wins in lined games were by an average of just 7 points per game and it doesn't seem to matter if they play at home or on the road. In their defense, San Diego State probably is 18 points better than Air Force, but SDSU has much larger things on their mind and it has nothing to do with Air Force. You see, the Aztecs find themselves in the middle of two very important MWC games, and the least of their concerns is lowly Air Force. First it was a road trip to Colorado State, a 64-52 road win pushing San Diego State a full game ahead of CSU in the standings. Next up after Air Force... a trip to New Mexico. I'm sorry, but I can't imagine them giving more than minimal effort tonight, knowing full well it won't take much to beat Air Force. Bad spot for the Aztecs, and I'll be glad to take all the points I can get. I see San Diego State winning somewhere in neighborhood of 60-50. Remember, the total in this game is only 115, so if Vegas is asking San Diego State to win this thing by 18, they aren't expecting Air Force to score more than about 42 points. I'm taking the points.
Tuesday's Lineup
40 Dime – NORTHWESTERN
20 Dime – Providence-Syracuse UNDER
10 Dime – AIR FORCE
NORTHWESTERN --- Even though they lost their best player and second-best reserver back in November, the Wildcats are still in the hunt for an NCAA berth with a couple more key wins, and they could really do themselves a favor by taking care of the Wolverines tonight at home. Northwestern was actually ranked 25th for one week during the season, but quickly fell from the ranks after losses to Michigan State, Ohio State and Illinois. But if you consider their schedule, you know they've been battle-tested and this is just the type of game they need at this point in the season. They get a Michigan team that really doesn't play great defense and is really struggling from outside the arc.
Let's also keep in mind the Wildcats are 10-3 at home, including a signature win over Purdue and a solid 5-point win over Illinois. Michigan, on the other hand, has won just one road game all season and that came at the league's worst team... Penn State. The last time these two hooked up was back in January at Crisler Arena where the Wildcats stole a 68-62 win, and they did it on the back of freshman Drew Crawford who scored 25 points in the final 25 minutes of the game.
The good news for Northwestern, too, is that John Shurna really struggled in his last meeting with Michigan, so you can bet he has a lot to prove tonight. Shurna had a career-high 31 points in Saturday's 79-70 loss at Michigan State and seems to be finding his rhythm at just the right time of the season.
Northwestern leads the Big 10 in three-pointers attempted (25.5) and three-pointers made (9.2) while they also rank third in three-point shooting percentage (36.2%). Not only that, but they also rank third in three-point defense allowing just 29% from downtown. While I don't expect Northwestern to jump out to a big early lead, I do see them raining threes in the second half and pulling away from Michigan in the final minutes.
PROVIDENCE/SYRACUSE UNDER --- I'm not usually a huge totals player, but when something smacks me in the face like this, I have no choice but to pounce on it... kinda like my 100-dime winner on the Saints/Vikings OVER in the NFC Championship game. I have looked and looked and looked again... and I've come to the conclusion that this total is either the biggest trap in the world or it's off by at least 10 points. Is it possible for these two teams to combine for 168 points? Sure, anything's possible. But we're basically talking about both Providence and Syracuse scoring 84 points tonight, and I simply can't fathom that happening.
Okay, so maybe the Orange reach 84 points tonight (though I doubt it), but I don't see Providence scoring more than 70 points. Oh sure, you might point to their 105 point output vs. South Florida or the fact they scored over 80 against Cincy and UConn in their last two... but I point you to the 63 they scored against Marquette and the 70 they scored against Louisville or the 74 they scored against St. Johns. What you have to do is compare Syracuse's defense to the defenses of the first three vs. that of the last three teams I mentioned. Syracuse compares more to Marquette than they do Cincy or South Florida, and their patented 2-3 zone will suffocate the Providence "bigs" and basically make the Friars shoot a lot more from the outside.
To be honest, that's what the Friars want anyhow... they love jacking it up from anywhere on the floor, having recorded more than 20 three point attempts in each of their last three games. But that plays right into the hands of the Orange as they allow opponents to convert just 30% from out there. Go ahead, shoot all day... you're going to have a big paw in your face and you're going to have to earn every one you make. The other thing I want you to notice is how many shots Providence has been taking in their last three games... 70, 75, and 71. It's no wonder they scored 80 or more points in those games. However, before that these were the shot totals... 52, 61, 66, 59 and 66.
Do you know the last time Syracuse allowed an opponent to shoot more than 70 shots? It was all the way back in December vs. Seton Hall... and despite allowing 77 shots to the Pirates they only surrendered 73 points. Syracuse will dictate the pace tonight and simply won't allow Providence to go nuts like they have done recently. I'm looking for something in the neighborhood of an 80-69 finish which puts us well under this ridiculously high total.
AIR FORCE --- I really don't like backing bad teams, but I really think this line is out of whack. I want you to forget about the fact that Air Force has been blown out on numerous occasions this year and I want you to focus more on the fact that San Diego State simply doesn't blow anyone out. In fact, the last time San Diego State beat a team by 18 or more points was way back in November vs. Northern Arizona... an 89-48 blowout win. Their last six wins in lined games were by an average of just 7 points per game and it doesn't seem to matter if they play at home or on the road. In their defense, San Diego State probably is 18 points better than Air Force, but SDSU has much larger things on their mind and it has nothing to do with Air Force. You see, the Aztecs find themselves in the middle of two very important MWC games, and the least of their concerns is lowly Air Force. First it was a road trip to Colorado State, a 64-52 road win pushing San Diego State a full game ahead of CSU in the standings. Next up after Air Force... a trip to New Mexico. I'm sorry, but I can't imagine them giving more than minimal effort tonight, knowing full well it won't take much to beat Air Force. Bad spot for the Aztecs, and I'll be glad to take all the points I can get. I see San Diego State winning somewhere in neighborhood of 60-50. Remember, the total in this game is only 115, so if Vegas is asking San Diego State to win this thing by 18, they aren't expecting Air Force to score more than about 42 points. I'm taking the points.
BEN BURNS UPDATE CARD:
NHL picks
10* Western Conf GOM - Nashville Predators -145
7* Atlanta Trashers -140
7* Dallas Stars -135
7* Under 5.5 - New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs
NBA picks
10* Eastern Conf. GOW Indiana Pacers +1
8* Non-Conf. Best Bet Under 192.5 Oklahoma City vs Atlanta Hawks
NHL picks
10* Western Conf GOM - Nashville Predators -145
7* Atlanta Trashers -140
7* Dallas Stars -135
7* Under 5.5 - New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs
NBA picks
10* Eastern Conf. GOW Indiana Pacers +1
8* Non-Conf. Best Bet Under 192.5 Oklahoma City vs Atlanta Hawks
ROBERT FERRINGO
4.5-Unit Play. Take #527 Mississippi (+11) over Kentucky (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
3.5-Unit Play. Take #531 St. John’s (-4) over Rutgers (7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
3.5-Unit Play. Take #520 Wake Forest (-6.5) over Miami (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
2-Unit Play. Take #545 Air Force (+17.5) over San Diego State (10 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #538 Bradley (-4) over Drake (8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #533 Kansas State (-3) over Nebraska (8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
0.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 151.0 Mississippi at Kentucky (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
0.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 168.0 Providence at Syracuse (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
2 TEAM 5 POINT TEASERS:
1-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #527 Mississippi (+16) over Kentucky (7 p.m.) AND Take #520 Wake Forest (-1.5) over Miami (7 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #543 Northeastern (-4) over Delaware (9 p.m.) AND Take #526 Drexel (-9) over Towson (7 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #543 Northeastern (-4) over Delaware (9 p.m.) AND Take #541 Michigan State (+7) over Wisconsin (9 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #545 Air Force (+22.5) over San Diego State (10 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2) AND Take #527 Mississippi (+16) over Kentucky (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
4.5-Unit Play. Take #527 Mississippi (+11) over Kentucky (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
3.5-Unit Play. Take #531 St. John’s (-4) over Rutgers (7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
3.5-Unit Play. Take #520 Wake Forest (-6.5) over Miami (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
2-Unit Play. Take #545 Air Force (+17.5) over San Diego State (10 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #538 Bradley (-4) over Drake (8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #533 Kansas State (-3) over Nebraska (8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
0.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 151.0 Mississippi at Kentucky (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
0.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 168.0 Providence at Syracuse (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
2 TEAM 5 POINT TEASERS:
1-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #527 Mississippi (+16) over Kentucky (7 p.m.) AND Take #520 Wake Forest (-1.5) over Miami (7 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #543 Northeastern (-4) over Delaware (9 p.m.) AND Take #526 Drexel (-9) over Towson (7 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #543 Northeastern (-4) over Delaware (9 p.m.) AND Take #541 Michigan State (+7) over Wisconsin (9 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. TEASER: Take #545 Air Force (+22.5) over San Diego State (10 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2) AND Take #527 Mississippi (+16) over Kentucky (7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2)
VEGAS RUNNER/BIG SLICK Full card
WILL POST BALANCE LATER
548 Tennessee St. 1.0 (-110) Sportbet vs 547 Jacksonville St.
Analysis:
** CBB 2* TOP "TRUE STEAM" PLAY OF THE DAY **
511 LAC 7.5 (-110) Bodog vs 512 CHI
Analysis:
** NBA 1* BOOKIE BET ** (Possible 2* Premium Upgrade...Always a Possibility w/ 1* Bets)
WILL POST BALANCE LATER
548 Tennessee St. 1.0 (-110) Sportbet vs 547 Jacksonville St.
Analysis:
** CBB 2* TOP "TRUE STEAM" PLAY OF THE DAY **
511 LAC 7.5 (-110) Bodog vs 512 CHI
Analysis:
** NBA 1* BOOKIE BET ** (Possible 2* Premium Upgrade...Always a Possibility w/ 1* Bets)
SPORTS WAGERS
TORONTO +1.36 over New Jersey
Certainly everyone has their own opinion about the Leafs trade and only time will tell which team will benefit the most but c’mon, are you KIDDING? The Leafs robbed the Flames by getting one of the premier defenseman in the league along with a solid player in Fredrick Sjostrom, who, given the chance, can score some goals. Sjostrom has great puck handling skills and is a lot better than most know. He’s also great at killing penalties, which has been the Leafs Achilles Heel all season long. The Leafs got rid of some dead weight in Jamal Mayers and Jason Blake and while they gave up some offense in Hagman, White and Stajan, those cats were expendable. The Leafs finally have some stability in net as well. Now, with a whole lot of excitement in Toronto, the new look Leafs will take the ice and play a Devils team that is laboring badly right now. New Jersey has three wins in its last 10 games. On most nights the Devils will struggle to score and that makes them a huge risk laying juice on the road. There is going to be a real buzz in the arena tonight and for at least one game you can expect a jacked up Leafs team to give the Devils all they can handle and then some. The Leafs always play the Devils tough anyway and in fact, four of the last five they have played have gone into OT. Giguere makes his Leaf debut and it’ll feel like a playoff game for him and probably the whole team. Play: Toronto +1.36 (Risking 2 units).
Phoenix +1.35 over NASHVILLE
How tough are the Coyotes? Without looking at the standings, take a fast guess at how many times they’ve lost in regulation in 56 games. If you said 22, 23, 24 or 25, you’re wrong. If you said 20, you’re still wrong. How about 18 times in 56 games. Amazing. The Coyotes are so tough to beat because no team wants to win more and no team plays as hard for 60 minutes every shift of every game. They’ve now won four in a row and seven of nine and they’ve scored three times or more in all of those seven wins. The Preds usually work hard too but they just have one win in its last six and frankly, they have zero advantage over the Coyotes. The best news, however, is that we’re still getting great value on the Coyotes because most don’t watch them, let alone wager on them but if this same team were wearing Red Wings uniforms this game would be a pick. Play: Phoenix +1.35 (Risking 2 units).
Columbus +1.76 over COLORADO
This might be the biggest overlay on the board tonight. Yeah, the Avalanche are having a great year but anyone that follows this game closely knows that they’ve way overachieved this season and a lot of their success has been due to the outstanding goaltending of Craig Anderson. Now they’ll come into this one having lost three straight and having scored just three lousy goals over that span. As much as the Av’s have overachieved, the Jackets are this season’s biggest underachievers. They got off to great start but then labored miserably for about two months. They’re back on track a bit with four wins in it last seven and that includes wins in St. Louis and Boston. So, while a win by the Avalanche would not surprise anyone, there’s no denying they’re way overpriced here and thus, the Jackets are a must play at this price. Play: Columbus +1.76 (Risking 2 units).
TORONTO +1.36 over New Jersey
Certainly everyone has their own opinion about the Leafs trade and only time will tell which team will benefit the most but c’mon, are you KIDDING? The Leafs robbed the Flames by getting one of the premier defenseman in the league along with a solid player in Fredrick Sjostrom, who, given the chance, can score some goals. Sjostrom has great puck handling skills and is a lot better than most know. He’s also great at killing penalties, which has been the Leafs Achilles Heel all season long. The Leafs got rid of some dead weight in Jamal Mayers and Jason Blake and while they gave up some offense in Hagman, White and Stajan, those cats were expendable. The Leafs finally have some stability in net as well. Now, with a whole lot of excitement in Toronto, the new look Leafs will take the ice and play a Devils team that is laboring badly right now. New Jersey has three wins in its last 10 games. On most nights the Devils will struggle to score and that makes them a huge risk laying juice on the road. There is going to be a real buzz in the arena tonight and for at least one game you can expect a jacked up Leafs team to give the Devils all they can handle and then some. The Leafs always play the Devils tough anyway and in fact, four of the last five they have played have gone into OT. Giguere makes his Leaf debut and it’ll feel like a playoff game for him and probably the whole team. Play: Toronto +1.36 (Risking 2 units).
Phoenix +1.35 over NASHVILLE
How tough are the Coyotes? Without looking at the standings, take a fast guess at how many times they’ve lost in regulation in 56 games. If you said 22, 23, 24 or 25, you’re wrong. If you said 20, you’re still wrong. How about 18 times in 56 games. Amazing. The Coyotes are so tough to beat because no team wants to win more and no team plays as hard for 60 minutes every shift of every game. They’ve now won four in a row and seven of nine and they’ve scored three times or more in all of those seven wins. The Preds usually work hard too but they just have one win in its last six and frankly, they have zero advantage over the Coyotes. The best news, however, is that we’re still getting great value on the Coyotes because most don’t watch them, let alone wager on them but if this same team were wearing Red Wings uniforms this game would be a pick. Play: Phoenix +1.35 (Risking 2 units).
Columbus +1.76 over COLORADO
This might be the biggest overlay on the board tonight. Yeah, the Avalanche are having a great year but anyone that follows this game closely knows that they’ve way overachieved this season and a lot of their success has been due to the outstanding goaltending of Craig Anderson. Now they’ll come into this one having lost three straight and having scored just three lousy goals over that span. As much as the Av’s have overachieved, the Jackets are this season’s biggest underachievers. They got off to great start but then labored miserably for about two months. They’re back on track a bit with four wins in it last seven and that includes wins in St. Louis and Boston. So, while a win by the Avalanche would not surprise anyone, there’s no denying they’re way overpriced here and thus, the Jackets are a must play at this price. Play: Columbus +1.76 (Risking 2 units).
