Today's NBA Picks
Memphis at Minnesota
The Timberwolves look to take advantage of a Memphis team that is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games as a road favorite. Minnesota is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Timberwolves favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3). Here are all of today's picks.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Time Posted: 11:00 a.m. EST
Game 701-702: Washington at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 109.549; Philadelphia 126.819
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 17 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 9; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-9); Over
Game 703-704: Chicago at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 120.830; Toronto 114.515
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 8 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+8 1/2); Under
Game 705-706: Detroit at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 112.431; Indiana 123.145
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 10 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 7; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-7); Over
Game 707-708: Houston at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 116.094; Cleveland 113.634
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 5; 213
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+5); Under
Game 709-710: Sacramento at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 113.862; Orlando 124.325
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 10 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 13; 201
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+13); Over
Game 711-712: Milwaukee at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.452; New York 122.542
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 9; 192
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 7; 199
Dunkel Pick: New York (-7); Under
Game 713-714: Memphis at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 117.021; Minnesota 117.926
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3); Over
Game 715-716: LA Clippers at New Orleans (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 109.908; New Orleans 120.707
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 11; 182
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 7; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-7); Under
Game 717-718: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 120.865; San Antonio 129.791
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9; 211
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 7; 206
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7); Over
Game 719-720: Utah at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 116.710; Dallas 121.846
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 5; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 7; 203
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+7); Under
Game 721-722: Atlanta at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 118.484; Phoenix 118.055
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 202
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3); Under
Game 723-724: LA Lakers at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 121.929; Portland 117.582
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4 1/2; 203
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-2); N/A
Memphis at Minnesota
The Timberwolves look to take advantage of a Memphis team that is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games as a road favorite. Minnesota is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Timberwolves favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3). Here are all of today's picks.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Time Posted: 11:00 a.m. EST
Game 701-702: Washington at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 109.549; Philadelphia 126.819
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 17 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 9; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-9); Over
Game 703-704: Chicago at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 120.830; Toronto 114.515
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 8 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+8 1/2); Under
Game 705-706: Detroit at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 112.431; Indiana 123.145
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 10 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 7; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-7); Over
Game 707-708: Houston at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 116.094; Cleveland 113.634
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 5; 213
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+5); Under
Game 709-710: Sacramento at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 113.862; Orlando 124.325
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 10 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 13; 201
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+13); Over
Game 711-712: Milwaukee at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.452; New York 122.542
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 9; 192
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 7; 199
Dunkel Pick: New York (-7); Under
Game 713-714: Memphis at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 117.021; Minnesota 117.926
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+3); Over
Game 715-716: LA Clippers at New Orleans (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 109.908; New Orleans 120.707
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 11; 182
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 7; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-7); Under
Game 717-718: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 120.865; San Antonio 129.791
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9; 211
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 7; 206
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7); Over
Game 719-720: Utah at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 116.710; Dallas 121.846
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 5; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 7; 203
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+7); Under
Game 721-722: Atlanta at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 118.484; Phoenix 118.055
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 202
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3); Under
Game 723-724: LA Lakers at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 121.929; Portland 117.582
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4 1/2; 203
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-2); N/A
Richie Carrera
of bookie assassin
(NBA) Memphis -2.5 over MINNESOTA 10 Dimes
Minnesota can't win a game no matter the venue. I think the books are putting too much stock in the stinker that Memphis left last night against Denver. The truth is that Memphis is still rolling (winning 4 of 5) and that the Timberwolves are still one of the worst teams in the NBA. In their last home game, they lost to the Clippers! (Pretty sure you can count LAC's road wins on one hand) Lay the 2.5 and watch it go up.
(NBA) Chicago -8 over TORONTO 10 Dimes
Here is another example of an over-valued home line for a bad NBA team. There isn't much else to look at. The aforementioned Minnesota team and the Toronto Raptors are both bad teams! Taking a sizzling Chicago team who has won by more than 8 in their last 3 (over Charlotte, San Antonio and at New Orleans)... Yea, not exactly the Raptors. I would lay 10 or 11 here if I had to.
NCAAB later
of bookie assassin
(NBA) Memphis -2.5 over MINNESOTA 10 Dimes
Minnesota can't win a game no matter the venue. I think the books are putting too much stock in the stinker that Memphis left last night against Denver. The truth is that Memphis is still rolling (winning 4 of 5) and that the Timberwolves are still one of the worst teams in the NBA. In their last home game, they lost to the Clippers! (Pretty sure you can count LAC's road wins on one hand) Lay the 2.5 and watch it go up.
(NBA) Chicago -8 over TORONTO 10 Dimes
Here is another example of an over-valued home line for a bad NBA team. There isn't much else to look at. The aforementioned Minnesota team and the Toronto Raptors are both bad teams! Taking a sizzling Chicago team who has won by more than 8 in their last 3 (over Charlotte, San Antonio and at New Orleans)... Yea, not exactly the Raptors. I would lay 10 or 11 here if I had to.
NCAAB later
Wednesday NCAAB Play- GC
Wednesday 3 Big NCAAB Plays led by WAC Conf Goy. NBA Gets off to fast Start with Lakers. Tonight 2 XX-large System Play are a combined 24-1. Free NCAAB Play Below.
On Wednesday night the Bonus Play is on Depaul. Game 731 at 7:00 eastern. Depaul may be a cellar dweller in the Big East, but they do cash frequently as a dog. They are 12-5 ats vs winning teams and 14-6 ats as a road dog of 12.5 or higher, including 4-1 this season. They just took Villanova down to the wire on Saturday nearly pulling off the upset. Tonight they take on a St. Johns team in let down mode having won 4 straight games as an underdog and coming off a Huge upset of then #4 Pittsburgh. In that game they were aided with several late foul calls going their way. While they need a late bucket to seal it. They did play very well. Now they have a Depaul team that can play very tough and have Villanova on deck. The Red Storm have failed both times ats as a home favorite of 12.5 or more this season. This game looks like a classic win and no cover. Take the Points with Depaul. On Wednesday I have the WAC Conference Game of the Year and 2 more Perfect Power Angle college plays. In the NBA We picked up where we left off nailing the Lakers last night. Tonight its 2 big Power system Plays with a combined 24-1 record. Jump on and Cash Big tonight. For the Bonus Play take Depaul. GC
Wednesday 3 Big NCAAB Plays led by WAC Conf Goy. NBA Gets off to fast Start with Lakers. Tonight 2 XX-large System Play are a combined 24-1. Free NCAAB Play Below.
On Wednesday night the Bonus Play is on Depaul. Game 731 at 7:00 eastern. Depaul may be a cellar dweller in the Big East, but they do cash frequently as a dog. They are 12-5 ats vs winning teams and 14-6 ats as a road dog of 12.5 or higher, including 4-1 this season. They just took Villanova down to the wire on Saturday nearly pulling off the upset. Tonight they take on a St. Johns team in let down mode having won 4 straight games as an underdog and coming off a Huge upset of then #4 Pittsburgh. In that game they were aided with several late foul calls going their way. While they need a late bucket to seal it. They did play very well. Now they have a Depaul team that can play very tough and have Villanova on deck. The Red Storm have failed both times ats as a home favorite of 12.5 or more this season. This game looks like a classic win and no cover. Take the Points with Depaul. On Wednesday I have the WAC Conference Game of the Year and 2 more Perfect Power Angle college plays. In the NBA We picked up where we left off nailing the Lakers last night. Tonight its 2 big Power system Plays with a combined 24-1 record. Jump on and Cash Big tonight. For the Bonus Play take Depaul. GC
HRC PREMIUM NBA ACTION-February 23rd
Capper: JSM Sports (Handicappers Paradise)
Play Strengths
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2* Action
5* Selection (Rated)
8* Premium (Rated)
10* Diamond (Rated)
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[716] New Orleans |5*|-6.5|B+0|ESPN|9:35 pm EST
[721] Atlanta |5*|+3|B+0|Network N/A|9:05 pm EST
note*
This is the "ME (Matchup Edge) System"
Capper: JSM Sports (Handicappers Paradise)
Play Strengths
*****************
2* Action
5* Selection (Rated)
8* Premium (Rated)
10* Diamond (Rated)
*****************
[716] New Orleans |5*|-6.5|B+0|ESPN|9:35 pm EST
[721] Atlanta |5*|+3|B+0|Network N/A|9:05 pm EST
note*
This is the "ME (Matchup Edge) System"
jeff benton
Jeff Benton
Tuesday's Action
20 Dime college basketball seleation on Oklahoma plus the points at Texas A&M in Big 12 action. The Sooners are ranging from a 12½- to a 13-point road underdog both here in Vegas and offshoere. As always, shop around and get the best of the number to increase your odds of winning.
10 Dime college bashetball selection on Creighton plus the points at Wichita State. The Bluejays are a consensus 11-point underdog both here in Vegas and offshore, though I do see a couple of spots in Vegas where the number is as low as 10½.
I’m fully aware that Oklahoma has been a complete and total disaster away from home this season, losing 11 of 12 road/neutral-site contests while going just 4-7 ATS in true road games.
I’m fully aware that Oklahoma comes into this game having lost five in a row (2-3 ATS), including back-to-back double-digit road losses at Missouri (84-61 as a 15½-point underdog) and Kansas State (77-62 as a 14½-point underdog). In fact, I backed K-State in that game on Saturday and cashed a 15 Dimer.
And I’m fully aware that Texas A&M has won four in a row overall (with three of those victories coming on the road) and three in a row against the Sooners (including a 69-51 pasting at Oklahoma on Jan. 8, the Big 12 opener for both schools).
So I’m sure you’re wondaring: “Why on God’s green earth would you risk your five-game Big 12 winning streak on Oklahoma tonight?” Answer: Because this pointspread is reflective of all the facts I just pointed out – meaning the oddsmakers have inflated the number – and because Texas A&M simply cannot be trusted to cover this big of a number against anyone.
To that second point, consider that since opening confereence play with blowout wins over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State (71-48), the Aggies are 6-4 SU and 3-7 ATS. Two of their losses were at home to Texas (69-49) and Baylor (76-74 in overtime), while their six victories were as follows: 91-89 overtime win over Missouri; 64-56 win over Kansas State; 73-70 overtime win over Colorado; 70-67 win over Texas Tech; 71-66 win over Iowa State; 67-66 win over Oklahoma State.
That’s six wins (including two in overtime) by a total of 20 points. And tonight, A&M – which hasn’t won a game by more than eight points in the last five weeks and is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games – is laying 12½ to 13 points. Ridiculous.
Oklahoma has been very competitive in recent trips to College Station, losing by scores of 65-62 last year (but cashing as a 7½-point underdog), 60-52 in 2008 and 70-61 in 2007. And in 2009, the Blake Griffin-led Sooners beat the Aggies on their home court 69-63. In fact, OU has cashed in six of its last seven at Texas A&M (and the road team is on a 5-0 ATS run in this series).
One final point to make with respect to this pointspread: With the exchption of the 91-89 overtime game against Missouri (which doesn’t play defense), Texas A&M hasn’t scored more than 74 points in a Big 12 game all season. And if you eliminate the Missouri result, the Aggies are averaging just 65 ppg in conference play. Assuming they hit that average tonight, to cover this spread, they’ll have to hold Oklahoma to 52 points. Well, the Sooners are averaging 68.1 ppg over their last nine, with a low of exactly 52 against Texas (which is far and away the best defensive team in the Big 12).
Too many points here, guys. Take the oddsmakers generosity and watch the visiting Sooners keep this one within six points.
Love Wichita State … when it plays on the road. The Shockers have won nine straight on the highway while going 7-0-1 ATS in their eight Missouri Valley Conference road games (including a 68-54 rout at Creighton as a three-point favorite). At home, though, Wichita is a totally different team.
Wichita State has dropped two in a row in its building (Friday’s 68-67 Bracket Buster loss to VCU as a nine-point home favorite, preceded by a shocking 56-53 loss to Southern Illinois as a 15½-point chalk), and the Shockers are just 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.
Meanwhile, Creighton won its first two conference road games but has lost its last five in a row. However, those five losses were by margins of 6 (overtime), 5, 2, 1, 5, 8 and 3 points. Also, the Bluejays are 6-2 ATS when visiting Missouri Valley foes and 5-2 ATS as a conference underdog. Even better, Creighton is on ATS runs of 12-5 in all conference games, 10-4 in all road games, 6-1 as a road underdog, 6-1 following a SU loss (the Bluejays are coming off Saturday’s XX Bracket Buster loss at Akron) and 5-1 on Wednesdays.
And even thought Wichita State got a win at Creighton last month to improve to 4-0-1 ATS in this rivalry, the Bluejays are still 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Wichita and the road team is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Finally, don’t ignore the look-ahead factor here, as the Shockers travel to Missouri State on Saturday in a game that will determine the regular-season MVC champ. So ask yourself this: Do you trust a team that has struggled recently to cover numbers at home to win by double digits when its biggest game of the year is up next? I sure don’t.
Jeff Benton
Tuesday's Action
20 Dime college basketball seleation on Oklahoma plus the points at Texas A&M in Big 12 action. The Sooners are ranging from a 12½- to a 13-point road underdog both here in Vegas and offshoere. As always, shop around and get the best of the number to increase your odds of winning.
10 Dime college bashetball selection on Creighton plus the points at Wichita State. The Bluejays are a consensus 11-point underdog both here in Vegas and offshore, though I do see a couple of spots in Vegas where the number is as low as 10½.
ANALYSIS
I’m fully aware that Oklahoma has been a complete and total disaster away from home this season, losing 11 of 12 road/neutral-site contests while going just 4-7 ATS in true road games.
I’m fully aware that Oklahoma comes into this game having lost five in a row (2-3 ATS), including back-to-back double-digit road losses at Missouri (84-61 as a 15½-point underdog) and Kansas State (77-62 as a 14½-point underdog). In fact, I backed K-State in that game on Saturday and cashed a 15 Dimer.
And I’m fully aware that Texas A&M has won four in a row overall (with three of those victories coming on the road) and three in a row against the Sooners (including a 69-51 pasting at Oklahoma on Jan. 8, the Big 12 opener for both schools).
So I’m sure you’re wondaring: “Why on God’s green earth would you risk your five-game Big 12 winning streak on Oklahoma tonight?” Answer: Because this pointspread is reflective of all the facts I just pointed out – meaning the oddsmakers have inflated the number – and because Texas A&M simply cannot be trusted to cover this big of a number against anyone.
To that second point, consider that since opening confereence play with blowout wins over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State (71-48), the Aggies are 6-4 SU and 3-7 ATS. Two of their losses were at home to Texas (69-49) and Baylor (76-74 in overtime), while their six victories were as follows: 91-89 overtime win over Missouri; 64-56 win over Kansas State; 73-70 overtime win over Colorado; 70-67 win over Texas Tech; 71-66 win over Iowa State; 67-66 win over Oklahoma State.
That’s six wins (including two in overtime) by a total of 20 points. And tonight, A&M – which hasn’t won a game by more than eight points in the last five weeks and is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games – is laying 12½ to 13 points. Ridiculous.
Oklahoma has been very competitive in recent trips to College Station, losing by scores of 65-62 last year (but cashing as a 7½-point underdog), 60-52 in 2008 and 70-61 in 2007. And in 2009, the Blake Griffin-led Sooners beat the Aggies on their home court 69-63. In fact, OU has cashed in six of its last seven at Texas A&M (and the road team is on a 5-0 ATS run in this series).
One final point to make with respect to this pointspread: With the exchption of the 91-89 overtime game against Missouri (which doesn’t play defense), Texas A&M hasn’t scored more than 74 points in a Big 12 game all season. And if you eliminate the Missouri result, the Aggies are averaging just 65 ppg in conference play. Assuming they hit that average tonight, to cover this spread, they’ll have to hold Oklahoma to 52 points. Well, the Sooners are averaging 68.1 ppg over their last nine, with a low of exactly 52 against Texas (which is far and away the best defensive team in the Big 12).
Too many points here, guys. Take the oddsmakers generosity and watch the visiting Sooners keep this one within six points.
ANALYSIS
Love Wichita State … when it plays on the road. The Shockers have won nine straight on the highway while going 7-0-1 ATS in their eight Missouri Valley Conference road games (including a 68-54 rout at Creighton as a three-point favorite). At home, though, Wichita is a totally different team.
Wichita State has dropped two in a row in its building (Friday’s 68-67 Bracket Buster loss to VCU as a nine-point home favorite, preceded by a shocking 56-53 loss to Southern Illinois as a 15½-point chalk), and the Shockers are just 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.
Meanwhile, Creighton won its first two conference road games but has lost its last five in a row. However, those five losses were by margins of 6 (overtime), 5, 2, 1, 5, 8 and 3 points. Also, the Bluejays are 6-2 ATS when visiting Missouri Valley foes and 5-2 ATS as a conference underdog. Even better, Creighton is on ATS runs of 12-5 in all conference games, 10-4 in all road games, 6-1 as a road underdog, 6-1 following a SU loss (the Bluejays are coming off Saturday’s XX Bracket Buster loss at Akron) and 5-1 on Wednesdays.
And even thought Wichita State got a win at Creighton last month to improve to 4-0-1 ATS in this rivalry, the Bluejays are still 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Wichita and the road team is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Finally, don’t ignore the look-ahead factor here, as the Shockers travel to Missouri State on Saturday in a game that will determine the regular-season MVC champ. So ask yourself this: Do you trust a team that has struggled recently to cover numbers at home to win by double digits when its biggest game of the year is up next? I sure don’t.
SPORTS WAGERS
San Jose -½ +121 over PITTSBURGH
Yeah, the Pens play hard and give it everything they got but so do the Minnesota Timberwolves. The point is, if the Pens iced this line-up from the start of the season they’d be dead last in the NHL and frankly they’re getting way too much credit. The list of injuries is growing, as now Paul Martin and his veteran presence is out and they also lost Alex Goligoski in a trade with the Stars. James Neal is a good acquisition for down the road but for now, he’s not going to be an impact player with every other offensive player on the rack. The Sharkies are red-hot. They improved to 13-2-1 over their last 16 games with a 4-3 win over the then red-hot Red Wings last night. They have not allowed more than three goals in a game in 16 straight and counting. Two goals could get a cover here. Three almost guarantees a cover and as long as these sweet prices are being offered against the Pens, you can pencil us in until Sid Crosby and some of the other cast returns. Play: San Jose -½ +121 (Risking 2 units).
BUFFALO -½ +100 over Atlanta
Forget about hockey on the ice for a moment. Let’s direct our attention to the Sabres new owner, Terry Pegula and his inspiring and uplifting press conference yesterday. Among other things, here’s what he had to say. “After opening his speech by saying "Who am I? I'm a Sabres fan and have been since 1975," he endeared himself to Sabres fans right off the bat by getting choked up twice - once while thanking Tom Golisano for "Saving my hockey team," and again while looking across the room and waxing nostalgic about Sabres legend Gilbert Perreault, saying "You are my hero." He also added, “From this point forward, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win the Stanley Cup – and - "Starting today, there will be no financial mandates on the Buffalo Sabres hockey department." Pegula went on to say that this mandate will not only include the salary cap but also the scouting department, saying that since there's no salary cap on the scouting department, there's no limit to the amount of money he can pour into it, for both human and video scouting. He also talked about bringing in more player development coaches, to help improve the finding, developing, and keeping of our young players. "Winning is not a goal, it is a belief," said Pegula. He also assured that Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier would remain with the team and Pegula keeps his word. He talked about Regier being handcuffed in the past, and then reassured everyone that he would give Darcy all the financial backing he needs. How do you think that pair is feeling today? They’re ecstatic, that’s how. Now let’s get back to the ice. The players and coaches today can’t wait to get on the ice and show their new owner what they’re made of. That speech he delivered made the whole city delirious and we can’t imagine for a second the Sabres not responding. Oh, and they couldn’t have handpicked a more ripe team to get beat. The Thrashers have lost 19 of 26. They’re 1-6-1 in February. They’re coming off two West coast games in Phoenix and Edmonton and will travel back East for this one. Mentally, the Thrashers are a beaten down team while the Sabres just received a jolt of life. Expect Buffalo to come out flying and give it everything they have for a run at the playoffs for their exciting new owner. Play: Buffalo -½ +100 (Risking 2 units).
San Jose -½ +121 over PITTSBURGH
Yeah, the Pens play hard and give it everything they got but so do the Minnesota Timberwolves. The point is, if the Pens iced this line-up from the start of the season they’d be dead last in the NHL and frankly they’re getting way too much credit. The list of injuries is growing, as now Paul Martin and his veteran presence is out and they also lost Alex Goligoski in a trade with the Stars. James Neal is a good acquisition for down the road but for now, he’s not going to be an impact player with every other offensive player on the rack. The Sharkies are red-hot. They improved to 13-2-1 over their last 16 games with a 4-3 win over the then red-hot Red Wings last night. They have not allowed more than three goals in a game in 16 straight and counting. Two goals could get a cover here. Three almost guarantees a cover and as long as these sweet prices are being offered against the Pens, you can pencil us in until Sid Crosby and some of the other cast returns. Play: San Jose -½ +121 (Risking 2 units).
BUFFALO -½ +100 over Atlanta
Forget about hockey on the ice for a moment. Let’s direct our attention to the Sabres new owner, Terry Pegula and his inspiring and uplifting press conference yesterday. Among other things, here’s what he had to say. “After opening his speech by saying "Who am I? I'm a Sabres fan and have been since 1975," he endeared himself to Sabres fans right off the bat by getting choked up twice - once while thanking Tom Golisano for "Saving my hockey team," and again while looking across the room and waxing nostalgic about Sabres legend Gilbert Perreault, saying "You are my hero." He also added, “From this point forward, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win the Stanley Cup – and - "Starting today, there will be no financial mandates on the Buffalo Sabres hockey department." Pegula went on to say that this mandate will not only include the salary cap but also the scouting department, saying that since there's no salary cap on the scouting department, there's no limit to the amount of money he can pour into it, for both human and video scouting. He also talked about bringing in more player development coaches, to help improve the finding, developing, and keeping of our young players. "Winning is not a goal, it is a belief," said Pegula. He also assured that Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier would remain with the team and Pegula keeps his word. He talked about Regier being handcuffed in the past, and then reassured everyone that he would give Darcy all the financial backing he needs. How do you think that pair is feeling today? They’re ecstatic, that’s how. Now let’s get back to the ice. The players and coaches today can’t wait to get on the ice and show their new owner what they’re made of. That speech he delivered made the whole city delirious and we can’t imagine for a second the Sabres not responding. Oh, and they couldn’t have handpicked a more ripe team to get beat. The Thrashers have lost 19 of 26. They’re 1-6-1 in February. They’re coming off two West coast games in Phoenix and Edmonton and will travel back East for this one. Mentally, the Thrashers are a beaten down team while the Sabres just received a jolt of life. Expect Buffalo to come out flying and give it everything they have for a run at the playoffs for their exciting new owner. Play: Buffalo -½ +100 (Risking 2 units).
SPORTS WAGERS
Temple +13½ over DUKE
Rarely should you play Duke because they’re the most popular team in the country and they’re always overpriced. This one is no different and the fact that they’re a 13½-point favorite over a quality team like the Owls is ludicrous. Hell, Temple can win this game outright. The Dukies shot to the top of the rankings once again after Ohio St and Texas both lost on the weekend and the Blue Devils won big over a putrid Yellow Jacket club. The Dukies record and stats are completely skewed because of a weak schedule and a weak ACC. They’re not a great team and they’re certainly not the #1 team in the country. The Owls play in a weaker A-10 but they have some nice wins and a very mice four-point loss at Villanova. The Owls beat Georgetown and Maryland earlier in they’ve also won seven in a row. These out-of-conference games scheduled in the middle of the conference schedule rarely turns out well for the favorite and with Duke having Virginia Tech on deck on Saturday, this mid-week game is not going to get them jacked up too much. The Owls will definitely be jacked up and you can expect this one to be scary close. Play: #747 Temple (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
INDIANA +5½/+195 over Purdue
This is simply a trouble spot for the Boilermakers after they knocked off both Wisconsin and Ohio St in back-to-back home games last week. That win over the Buckeyes on Sunday was huge and a letdown in this spot with Michigan St. on deck is very likely. Also note that the Boilermakers have just one win in their last five road games. Talent wise, Indiana is the inferior team by far. They’re 0-9 on the road but they’re 12-4 at home with wins over Minnesota and previously ranked Illinois among them. So, you can analyze this game with X’s and O’s all you want and you’re going to come up with the same thing. Purdue is the better team and it’s not close. However, the better team doesn’t always win and in a sport that’s lined with superior teams that are supposed to win on the road but very often don’t, we’ll side with the situational advantage that the Hoosiers have in this one. Play: Indiana +5½ (Risking 1.1 units to win 1) Play Indiana +195 (Risking 1 unit).
Kansas State +107 over NEBRASKA
Kudos to the Cornhuskers for knocking off the top ranked Buckeyes on Saturday. Let’s also not forget that these are not pros, they’re kids and the whole team celebrated well into the night. There were very likely some cheerleaders among those celebrating. It was one of the biggest wins for the program in years and it extended Nebraska’s winning streak to three. Buy low and sell high and now we’re selling. Prior to winning its last three, Nebraska had dropped six of eight. This is a very beatable team and you can double that after a win over Texas. Enter the Wildcats, a team that has won four of five and beat Nebraska by 16 on Feb 2. Not a lot separates these two in terms of talent and records but the big difference once again is the situation and it doesn’t favor the home side. Play: #793 Kansas State +107 (Risking 2 units).
Temple +13½ over DUKE
Rarely should you play Duke because they’re the most popular team in the country and they’re always overpriced. This one is no different and the fact that they’re a 13½-point favorite over a quality team like the Owls is ludicrous. Hell, Temple can win this game outright. The Dukies shot to the top of the rankings once again after Ohio St and Texas both lost on the weekend and the Blue Devils won big over a putrid Yellow Jacket club. The Dukies record and stats are completely skewed because of a weak schedule and a weak ACC. They’re not a great team and they’re certainly not the #1 team in the country. The Owls play in a weaker A-10 but they have some nice wins and a very mice four-point loss at Villanova. The Owls beat Georgetown and Maryland earlier in they’ve also won seven in a row. These out-of-conference games scheduled in the middle of the conference schedule rarely turns out well for the favorite and with Duke having Virginia Tech on deck on Saturday, this mid-week game is not going to get them jacked up too much. The Owls will definitely be jacked up and you can expect this one to be scary close. Play: #747 Temple (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
INDIANA +5½/+195 over Purdue
This is simply a trouble spot for the Boilermakers after they knocked off both Wisconsin and Ohio St in back-to-back home games last week. That win over the Buckeyes on Sunday was huge and a letdown in this spot with Michigan St. on deck is very likely. Also note that the Boilermakers have just one win in their last five road games. Talent wise, Indiana is the inferior team by far. They’re 0-9 on the road but they’re 12-4 at home with wins over Minnesota and previously ranked Illinois among them. So, you can analyze this game with X’s and O’s all you want and you’re going to come up with the same thing. Purdue is the better team and it’s not close. However, the better team doesn’t always win and in a sport that’s lined with superior teams that are supposed to win on the road but very often don’t, we’ll side with the situational advantage that the Hoosiers have in this one. Play: Indiana +5½ (Risking 1.1 units to win 1) Play Indiana +195 (Risking 1 unit).
Kansas State +107 over NEBRASKA
Kudos to the Cornhuskers for knocking off the top ranked Buckeyes on Saturday. Let’s also not forget that these are not pros, they’re kids and the whole team celebrated well into the night. There were very likely some cheerleaders among those celebrating. It was one of the biggest wins for the program in years and it extended Nebraska’s winning streak to three. Buy low and sell high and now we’re selling. Prior to winning its last three, Nebraska had dropped six of eight. This is a very beatable team and you can double that after a win over Texas. Enter the Wildcats, a team that has won four of five and beat Nebraska by 16 on Feb 2. Not a lot separates these two in terms of talent and records but the big difference once again is the situation and it doesn’t favor the home side. Play: #793 Kansas State +107 (Risking 2 units).
