Thursday 1/15/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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NBA Preview: Cavaliers (19-20) at Lakers (12-27)

Date: January 15, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

If there is indeed a rivalry between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, then it has been exceedingly one-sided in James' favor.

On pace for his fewest wins since his rookie season, James will try to continue his dominance of the Lakers when the Cleveland Cavaliers head to Los Angeles on Thursday night.

James returned to the Cavaliers' lineup Tuesday in Phoenix after missing eight games with an ailing left knee, but he was unable to prevent Cleveland (19-20) from losing its sixth straight and ninth in 10 games. The 107-100 defeat dropped the Cavaliers under .500 for the first time since they were 6-7 on Nov. 24.

Yet despite the outcome and continued losing streak, Tuesday's contest seemed to feature a full-strength James - a fact both he and coach David Blatt believe bodes well for their upcoming schedule.

"I thought he was terrific," Blatt said. "I mean that's not new for anybody but I just thought he laid it out there and that's not an easy thing. He hasn't played a competitive game in eight games. I just thought he was terrific."

James finished with 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting for his highest scoring total since Dec. 12.

"(Wednesday) at practice my lungs were burning ... I couldn't make those moves two weeks ago," James said. "To come back and feel the way I like to feel was pretty cool."

Less praise was directed toward Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love as they continue to adjust to their supporting roles. Both finished with nine points and combined to shoot 7 for 25 from the field, while Irving committed a season-worst eight turnovers and Love did not play the fourth quarter.

"Everybody's a little surprised, but I don't look at that team," Lakers coach Byron Scott said of Cleveland's losing streak. "I got my own problems. I don't look at what they're doing or how they're playing."

Like James, Bryant also returned Tuesday and picked up a loss as Los Angeles (12-27) fell to Miami 78-75. Bryant posted one of the worst shooting nights in his career, converting 3 of 19 shots for a 15.8 field goal percentage.

Bryant sat in three of Los Angeles' previous four games.

"The hard part is sitting down for stretches and then trying to get back in," Bryant said. "I feel like the Tin Man, you know what I mean? But that's just part of the process, part of the challenge. It's not something I'm whining or complaining about. I'll just work through it and get my legs used to playing again."

He expects to be on the court again Thursday to take on James - an opponent he has struggled against in the past. James has won 12 of 15 matchups with Bryant dating back to 2006, scoring 28.9 per contest and topping the 30-point mark in three of the past four meetings.

Bryant has been less successful, especially in recent contests. During James' stint with Miami, Bryant averaged 24.7 points in six matchups but notched only one victory.

Irving has scored only 13.0 points over his last three games with the Lakers, but could see an improvement on Thursday given Los Angeles' porous defense. The Lakers own the second-worst scoring defense in the league, allowing 106.8 points per game.

 

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Under, LeBron-led teams blistering against Kobe
Justin Hartling

It's been over two years since we've seen Kobe Bryant and LeBron James face-off on the same court. Though LeBron went back home during that time, the Los Angeles Lakers will be hoping Kobe got plenty of rest as James-led teams have had Bryant's number.

LeBron and Kobe have played against each other 20 times in their careers, with LeBron-led teams going 13-7 straight up and against the spread. It's clear the torch has been getting past, as LeBron's teams are 7-1 SU and ATS in the past eight while King James is averaging 4.5 more points than Kobe.

Both players have been dealing with injuries this season and their respective teams have felt it. During LeBron's absences this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are 1-7 SU and ATS while scoring nine less points per game than with James in the lineup.

 

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Bucks have gone under in 10 consecutive contests
Justin Hartling

The Milwaukee Bucks have become the hottest under play in the NBA, as they have failed to top the total in their past 10 games. Milwaukee is only averaging 95.6 points per game, while allowing a mere 87.8 ppg during that span.

The Bucks will host the New York Knicks Thursday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Teams to Watch

Following two months of action, the oddsmakers have adjusted a handful of title odds with several teams from power conferences receiving plenty of notice. Past favorites Kentucky, Duke, Arizona, and Wisconsin, a trio of ACC squads is starting to make a push and becoming serious threats in March. We’ll take a look at seven clubs that you need to consider jumping on before all the value gets sucked out inching closer to the NCAA Tournament.

Texas

Biggest wins: The Longhorns knocked off defending champion UConn, 55-54 in late November as a two-point road underdog. Texas also picked up a 14-point blowout of Iowa at Madison Square Garden in November, but haven’t had a quality victory since December.

Look-ahead spots: UT will be tested at the end of January with a three-game set starting with Kansas (1/24), followed by road trips to Iowa State (1/26), and Baylor (1/31).

Gonzaga

Biggest wins: The ‘Zags took care of SMU early in non-conference action, while also picking up victories at UCLA and BYU. Gonzaga’s only loss so far came in a three-point setback at Arizona back in December.

Look-ahead spots: The WCC is basically a three-horse race with BYU and St. Mary’s chasing down Gonzaga. The Bulldogs face the Gaels on January 22 in Spokane, while heading to St. Mary’s on February 21. Gonzaga wraps up conference play on February 28 against an uptempo BYU squad.

Virginia

Biggest wins: The Cavaliers haven’t lost a game yet this season, as UVA has solid road victories at Maryland, VCU, and Notre Dame. All three non-covers for the Cavs this season came as a favorite of 14 ½ or more, while limiting 12 opponents to 57 points or less.

Look-ahead spots: Virginia will have its hands full in late January/early February with a rough three-game stretch against Duke (1/31), at North Carolina (2/2), and hosting Louisville (2/7). UVA concludes ACC play with a trip to Louisville on March 7.

Maryland

Biggest wins: The Terrapins are making noise in their first season as part of the Big Ten, beating Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Michigan State – all away from College Park. Besides losing to old ACC rival Virginia in non-conference play, the only defeat that can sting heading towards March is a road setback at Illinois.

Look-ahead spots: Maryland still has tough road trips to Indiana (1/22), Ohio State (1/29), Iowa (2/8), and Nebraska (3/8). The Terps should be able to take care of their home court, as a February 24 showdown with Wisconsin is the key game at the Xfinity Center down the stretch.

North Carolina State

Biggest wins: The Wolfpack picked up their signature victory of the season by trouncing previously unbeaten Duke last Sunday, 87-75 as nine-point home underdogs. Prior to that win, N.C. State owned a bunch of home victories over substandard competition, while getting run out by Cincinnati and even losing at home to Wofford.

Look-ahead spots: The road schedule isn’t terribly difficult for the Wolfpack, who heads to Florida State, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Boston College, and Clemson. However, N.C. State gets a rematch with Virginia in Raleigh on February 11, while traveling to North Carolina and Louisville in a 10-day span in February.

Notre Dame

Biggest wins: The Irish held off Michigan State in overtime as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge back in December, but Notre Dame came through in its first road game of the season by upsetting North Carolina in Chapel Hill earlier this month as an eight-point underdog.

Look-ahead spots: Notre Dame takes on Duke twice in a 10-day span (1/28 and 2/7), while its home schedule isn’t too tough the rest of the way. The Irish battles Boston College, Wake Forest, and Clemson a combined five times, while also welcoming in a down Syracuse squad on February 24.

Utah

Biggest wins: The Utes continue to make strides towards the top of the Pac-12 with three home blowouts to tip off conference play. Utah grabbed a pair of upsets in non-conference action by beating Wichita State and BYU, while having a massive rally fall short against Kansas back in December.

Look-ahead spots: Utah’s biggest road test by far in conference action comes on Saturday at Arizona, while hosting the Wildcats on February 28. The Utes avoid a trip to Stanford, as the Cardinal visits the Huntsman Center on February 12.

Below are the updated odds for the National Championship:

College Basketball Future Odds

Team Open Current
Kentucky 2/1 2/3
Duke 10/1 9/1
Arizona 7/1 12/1
Wisconsin 10/1 12/1
Texas 25/1 13/1
Gonzaga 20/1 15/1
Virginia 30/1 20/1
Louisville 25/1 25/1
Kansas 15/1 30/1
Villanova 30/1 30/1
Iowa State 30/1 35/1
North Carolina 15/1 35/1
Florida 15/1 40/1
Wichita State 30/1 55/1
Ohio State 50/1 75/1
Maryland 300/1 80/1
Michigan State 50/1 80/1
UConn 40/1 80/1
Utah 100/1 80/1
VCU 40/1 80/1
NC State 300/1 100/1
Notre Dame 200/1 100/1
Oklahoma 60/1 100/1
SMU 75/1 100/1
Syracuse 50/1 100/1
Field (Any Other Team) 100/1 100/1

 

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NCAAB

George Washington won three of last four games with Richmond, but lost three of last four visits here; Colonials won five of last six games, losing at LaSalle last game- their defensive eFG% is #56 in country. A-14 home favorites of 8 or less points are 6-2 vs spread. Spiders won last two tilts but are 0-5 in true road games, with three losses by 6 or less. Richmond is 1-4 in top 100 games, with best win over #96 Pepperdine.

Florida won seven in row, 13 of last 14 games with Auburn; Tigers' only series win in last 11 years came in '09 SEC tourney. Auburn won six of last seven games but is 0-4 in true road games, with three losses by 11+ points. Florida won first two SEC games by 4-25 points, after they lost previous two games by total of six points. Gators force turnovers 23.6% of time (#22). SEC home favorites of 7+ points are 4-2 vs spread.

Green Bay swept Oakland by 14-8 points LY, in Grizzlies' first year in Horizon League; Phoenix won 71-63 here. Green Bay won last five tilts, winning first three Horizon games by 14-16-15 points; Oakland lost seven of last eight games, upsetting Valpo at home; eight of their last nine were on road- this is their second home game since Dec 3. Horizon home underdogs are 4-1 against the spread.

Cincinnati swept Memphis LY by 15-13 points, in first year as rivals in AAC; Bearcats won four of last five games, lost two of three true road games, losing in double OT at Nebraska, by 6 at UConn, winning at NC State. Memphis lost two of last three games, losing at home to Tulane; Tigers turn ball over 22.8% of time (#321 in nation). AAC home teams are 6-4 in games where spread was 5 or less points.

UL-Lafayette won first four Sun Belt games, winning road games by 4 at Little Rock, 16 at Appalachian State; Cajuns have #2 eFG% in league, making 38.2% of 3's. Georgia Southern's defensive eFG% is #3 in league; they're holding teams to 42% inside arc. Eagles won last three games after losing Sun Belt opener by point at Tex-Arlington. Sun Belt home teams are 2-5-2 vs spread in games where spread was 4 or less points.

Washington won last three games with Oregon State by 10-6-24 points; Beavers lost last 12 visits here, last nine by 6+ points. Huskies lost first three Pac-12 games, four in row overall after 11-0 start; they're shooting 23.4% from arc in league, forcing fewest turnovers in league. Pac-12 home favorites are 10-3-1 vs spread, 7-2-1 if laying 7+. Beavers lost last two road games, by 8 at Quinnipiac, by 12 at rival Oregon.

Wisconsin lost PG Jackson (foot), a huge blow; they lost at Rutgers after he got hurt when they led by 12 at half. Badgers won four of five games with Nebraska, losing in Lincoln LY; Huskers lost last two visits here by 5-31 points. Nebraska is 1-3 in true road games, winning at Florida State, losing by 4-8-11 points; they're 2-3 in top 100 games, with wins over Cincy/Illinois. Big 14 home favorites of 7+ points are 4-8 vs spread.

Home side won all six Utah-Arizona State Pac-12 tilts; Utes lost three in row in Tempe by 5-1-4 points. Utah won last six games, with all six by 13+ points; this is their first true road game since Dec 20 win at UNLV. Utah is #1 in eFG%, both offense/defense. ASU lost first three games in league by 24-8-3 points, turning ball over 28% of time; they scored 50.7 ppg in those three games. Pac-12 home underdogs are 4-2 vs spread.

January 15 and this is Oregon's first true road game; they lost to Illinois by 7 in Chicago. Oregon won last seven games with Washington State, winning last three games in Evergreen State by 17-2-27 points (one game was in Spokane). Ernie Kent is Oregon alum, its former coach; his Coogs won four of last five games, winning last two by three points each. Pac-12 home underdogs are 4-2 against the spread.

Pepperdine is 4-1 in WCC with three road wins, only loss to St Mary's at home by 9; Waves lost last 22 games with Gonzaga, losing last eight in Malibu by 12+ points. Gonzaga's takes everyone's best shot; they're 5-0 in WCC, winning road games by 7-12-12 points. There are top two WCC defensive teams; none of Pepperdine's losses are by more than 11 points with four of five by 9 or less. WCC home underdogs are 1-9-1 vs spread.

Long Beach won nine of last ten games with Cal Poly, winning last four here by 6-5-2-9 points; five of last seven series games were decided by 6 or less. 49ers lost seven of last nine games, losing at Cal-Davis last game in OT, blowing 11-point lead with 11:40 to go. Big West home favorites are 3-2 vs spread. Mustangs won four of last five games, but are shooting just 27.6% from arc (#335). 49ers' last D-I home game was Dec 3rd.

Eastern Kentucky won last six games with Eastern Illinois; Panthers lost last nine visits here, last three by 11+ points. EIU won last seven games with wins at Indiana State/Cleveland State; OVC foes are shooting 21.1% from arc against them. Colonels won first two OVC games by 13-8 while allowing 56.5 ppg; they force turnovers 28.5% of time, #2 in country. OVC home favorites of 7+ points are 0-4 vs spread.

Belmont won last two games with Murray State by 2-3 points after loss at Murray by 5 in first OVC meeting; Bruins are 3-5 in last eight games after loss at EKU last game. Racers won 11 games in row after 2-4 start; they won first three OVC games by 9-16-27 points. OVC home favorites of 7+ points are 0-4 vs spread. Murray is 4-3 vs top 200 teams, winning three of four games by 12+ points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'College Hoops'

Arizona Wildcats (14-2, 8-8 ATS) scoring a season-low last time out in falling 58-56 at Oregon State as 10 point chalk return to McKale Center in Tucson to host Pac-12 rival Colorado Buffaloes (9-6, 7-7-1 ATS). Wildcats lead by Stanley Johnson (13.9 PPG) drop 75.1 as a team through the iron and shine on defense allowing 59.6 per/contest. The Buffaloes netting 67.8 points/game surrendering 61.7 per/contest are off a 74-49 thrashing at Utah to remain winless in true road games (0-4 SU/ATS). Arizona looking to extend it's 30-0 SU, 20-9 ATS record in the friendly confines of McKale Center will lock everything down on defense forcing Colorado into prolonged dry spells on offense. Arizona has thrived in this spot. The Wildcats are on a profitable 6-1 ATS run after scoring 70 or less points the previous effort and have a 7-4 ATS stretch vs the conference including a perfect 4-0 ATS mark on home court. Helping the cause, Buffaloes are on a 2-6-1 ATS skid netting less than 70 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

#1 Sports

Thursday's free selection: Louisiana Teh Bulldogs - 15

 

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Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR THURSDAY: Take TROY +6 over UL-Monroe

 

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Totals4U

Thursday's Free Selection: Oregon State/Washington under 122

 

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Easy Money Sports

Lee's Free Thursday Selection Utah -6

 

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The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Thursday: Take LOUISIANA TECH -15 over UAB

 

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High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Thursday: Cal-Santa Barbara Gauchos - 14

 

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John Anthony Sports

Thursday's Free Selection: UC Davis - 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mr. Vegas

Bonus Play for Thursday, Jan 15, 2015: OKC at Houston.

Can't trust Oklahoma City on the road at this short price. The Thunder is 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 road games. The Rockets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on no days rest.

Play the Houston Rockets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Thursday 8:00 PM NCAAB

(533) MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE at (534) SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Take: (533) MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE -5.5

I got on Middle Tennessee a couple games back. Longtime head coach Kermit Davis made it clear following a home loss to UAB that he was unhappy with the work being turned in by his veterans. The Blue Raiders responded with a solid win over Florida International and followed that up by smashing Florida Atlantic.

The big key for MTSU in this turnaround has been the offense. If you look at the season to date stats, the Blue Raiders are still very substandard in their two-point FG shooting. But in the two recent victories, they knocked down 40/74 on the deuces. That indicates better work for easier looks and vastly improved results.

Middle Tennessee should be able to maintain the upwardly mobile progress tonight against Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles are really scuffling, and their defensive numbers are mostly horrendous. Veteran coach Doc Sadler inherited a mostly barren cupboard and Southern Mississippi is highly unlikely to win more than a small handful of CUSA games.

The key for the road team tonight is to contain Southern Miss freshman Matt Bingaya. He leads the Golden Eagles in both scoring and rebounding. The Golden Eagles are on the small side and they’ve been getting demolished lately, with six straight losses, each by 13 or more points.

Having arrived at the Middle Tennessee party right when it got underway, I’m looking to simply keep playing them as it’s now the house’s cash that I’m risking, which is always nice. I’ll look for the Blue Raiders to get me paid again this evening and I intend to keep playing them until the train pulls into the station. I don’t think the line has caught up to their recent improved play, so Middle Tennessee State is the choice yet again this evening.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

NBA Comp Pick for Thursday, January 15, 2015: 7:05 PM

(501) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (502) MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Take: UNDER THE TOTAL.

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Thursday, January 15, 2015 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the NY Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks. New York has no offensive flow, 29th in the league in scoring. They just scored 82 points the last game, a home loss to Charlotte. They face a Milwaukee team with a first-year coaching staff that has got this group to play great defense, seventh in the NBA in points allowed and sixth in field goal shooting defense allowing .438%. Milwaukee is on a 4-0 run under the total at home and 8-0 under against the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee is also on a 13-3 run under the total overall and will have no trouble shutting down this anemic and dysfunctional NY offense. Play the NY Knicks/Bucks under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Nick Parsons

Cincinnati vs. Memphis

1* Bonus Play Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bearcats relies on their defense to win them games, and so far it’s worked. They allow under 55 points a game and that has helped them build an 11-4 record. Many experts looked at this year as a rebuilding year due to heavy losses to graduation. They are coming off a loss to Connecticut, the loss snapped the Bearcat’s four game winning streak. The Bearcats couldn’t get anything going offensively, as Troy Caupain was the only player to crack double figures in scoring with 14 points and rebounds. He shot only 6 for 15 on the day. Shaquille Thomas had an eight point

The Memphis Tigers are 9-6 on the season, and 2-2 in conference play.. As a team they have averaged 67 points a game while they allow 61 points a game. Memphis showed their defensive ability in a 62-44 win over Houston. The held Houston to 33 percent shooting from the floor, while shooting 43 percent themselves. Austin Nichols led the Tigers in the game with 16 points and seven rebounds. Markel Crawford added 12 points with Kedren Johnson and Shaq Goodwin tossing in ten points and eight points respectively.

Cincinnati and Memphis have both played above expectations this season. Cincinnati has played a little bit better and have the better team. This is basically a pick-em game so I am taking the better defensive team in Cincinnati.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Art Aronson

Calgary Flames at Coyotes 9:05PM

1* Bonus Play Calgary Flames

I think the visitors offer pretty good value in this spot. One major reason I think Calgary comes in focused here is that it hasn?t played since a 1-0 win over Vancouver on Saturday, that victory snapped a three-game slide. Calgary was able to go home for a couple days, rest up and get in some good practice time, a luxury at this time of year: "It's a time to get some mental and physical rest, but at the same time, we can't be complacent," Flames? coach Bob Hartley assessed earlier in the week. "Over the past two or three weeks, we've hit a speed bump," Hartley continued. "It comes in waves and that's what we're facing. I've talked to many coaches over the past weeks like I always do, about my power play, that's where we're searching for solutions." A date vs. the hapless Coyotes is just what the doctor ordered to get untracked, Arizona has killed a Western-Conference worst 74.5 percent of its penalties and has given up eight power-play goals in 25 chances during a miserable 2-4-0 stretch. CALGARY has already won three meetings with the Coyotes this season.

AAA Sports

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Middle Tennessee vs. Southern Mississippi

Play - Southern Mississippi

Edges - Golden Eagles: 20-5 SU and 1-6 ATS home off a SU previous home loss, including 5-1 ATS when off BB SUATS losses. Blue Raiders: 0-8 ATS as road favorites off a SU win of more than 17 points; and 0-3 ATS in games before Louisiana Tech. With the Eagles off three straight losses, look for a dose of home cooking to get then turned around here tonight. We recommend a 1-unit play on Southern Mississippi. Thank you and good luck as always.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Kyle Hunter

Middle Tennessee vs. Southern Mississippi

*3 Star Free Pick* Middle Tennessee

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have been on my fade list all year long. Southern Miss is a terrible team right now. Doc Sadler came in here during the offseason after Coach Tyndall left for Tennessee. Sadler basically has nothing to work with here at Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles try to slow the game down, but they aren't any good defensively, so they can't win with defense. Middle Tennessee State has been inconsistent this year, but Kermit Davis is a very good coach, and the Blue Raiders have a high upside. They have played better the last couple games, and I see their aggressive defense holding Southern Miss to a very low number. Lay the points here. Take MTSU.