Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
9* Lakers -1
For a number of different reasons I believe the Lakers will do just enough to sneak away with an ATS victory in this one.
The Lakers lead atop the Western Conference sits at 2 1/2 over Dallas.
“We need to play harder and execute a little better,” said forward Ron Artest, averaging 6.3 points on 4-of-24 shooting in the last three games. “Overall, we are not playing great.”
Kobe Bryant saved the day again with a 17-foot fallaway shot to preserve a 109-107 home victory over the Raptors on Tuesday.
There's no question that the Lakers have been struggling in the "ATS" stats of late; however LA is in fact 8-4 ATS its last 12 vs. Phoenix.
On the other side of the court: The Suns burnt the Lakers in their last matchup against each other in Phoenix, 118-103 on December 28th.
But keep in mind that the Suns always have their hands full when playing the Lakers at the US Airways Center; 3-7 ATS their last 10 vs. LA in front of the home town crowd.
Bottom line: Opening a three-game trip, the Lakers look to avoid losing five consecutive road games for the first time since March 2007.
Now that the stretch run is in sight, I expect the LA to "up its game" as it gets ready for the playoff push; look for the LAKERS to improve to 14-10 ATS after scoring 105 points or more in their previous contest and for the Suns to fall to 11-14 ATS after a non-conference game.
Tony George
Baylor +1.5
I have said on radio and podcasts everywhere, Baylor is my sleeper in this tourney. Guard play and free throws is crucial, and when a fast paced up and down the floor approach will eventually wear K State down. While the Wildcats have a homecourt advantage here somewhat, bear in mind KU and MU fans hate Kansas St and will be cheering for Baylor, as well as myself. Baylor hits the boards better and knock down shots at will. Dunn and Carter are off the charts at guard, and Baylor is RED HOT winning and covering their last 4 games against tough opponents, winning by an average of 12 ppg. Hard to ignore. Alls they have to do is win, I like them in finals against Kansas. Play 1 Unit on Baylor.
Marc Lawrence
Lakers -2
The Lakers made a statement with a recent win over the Denver Nuggets and they’ll be looking to send a message to the surging Suns tonight. They’ll also be looking to avenge a 118-103 drilling at the hands of these same Suns on this court back at the end of December. L.A.’s 13-6 SU and ATS mark in this series with revenge, including 9-1 SU and ATS when both team's win percentage is .530 or greater on the season, gets our attention. So does Los Angeles 14-5 ATS mark in games with same season division revenge as a pick of favorite of three or less points, including 7-1 ATS away. We recommend a 3-unit play on the Lakers.
Rocketman
Mississippi St -1.5
Mississippi State is 28-14 ATS since 1997 when playing with 5 or 6 days rest. Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home. Bulldogs are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games. Gators are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Mississippi State is 4-1 SU and ATS this year in all neutral court games. Mississippi State is well rested for this one and Florida is off a game yesterday against Auburn. My power ratings has Mississippi State winning this game by 6.95 points tonight. We'll play Mississippi State for 3 units tonight!
Mike Lineback
Chicago / Miami Under 191
No Deng, no Rose, no Noah = no Offense in Miami tonight. Chicago are playing b2b, 3 in 4, and have to be a little discouraged after losing Rose last night. Team managed only 82 points in Orlando Lnight, and 31 of those points came in the 4th quarter, when the game was long over. Teams' have traded home victories this season, combing for 186 & 182 pts respectively. Rose & Deng combined for 49 pts in Chicago meeting. Rose, Deng & Noah combined for 44 pts in Miami contest. And traded away are John Salmons 32 combined points. Where are the points going to come from tonight?? In addition, Taj Gibson (26 min vs. Orlando) will playing b2b on two sore feet (planter fascitis), and Michael Beasley's 15.3 ppg is questionable for game. Beasely had to leave last game with a deep thigh bruise. Plus, this game has playoff implications. If anything, the Bulls will have to step up their defensive intensity. Miami are off tomorrow, hence, will be 150% focused on da Bulls, regardless. Love the Under.
Lenny Del Genio
Baylor +1.5
The Bears have come so far this year. They blew out Texas for a second straight time last night and now move to a huge revenge spot against Kansas State. It was almost two months ago when they lost by two points in Waco to the Wildcats. With an experienced backcourt and several quality big men, Baylor can play any style. Their zone defense also continues to improve. Don't forget that Kansas State closed the regular season with an outright loss as 15-point favorites to Iowa State. This team is not all its cracked up to be. They are just 2-11 ATS in the month of March. Baylor has been one of the better pointspread teams in the country all season long with a 16-8 ATS mark. That includes 11-4 when coming off a cover. Take Baylor.
The Duke's Sports
Houston Under (133) for 2.5 Units
Lines-makers were at odds on how to set this line; after all, the last time these teams played (Feb 6th), Southern Miss eked out a 57-55 defensive battle at Houston where the Cougars averaged nearly 79 ppg. And this series has gone 2-2 O/U in its last 4 meetings with all 4 games decisive in its 'total' outcome. Tonight, we'll make a strong case for the "under". SM is all about defense; after all, they held opponents to 59.4 ppg this season and locked down both of their CUSA Tournament foes below 50. SM is 0-5 O/U after allowing less than 50 ppg and 1-11 O/U following a SU win. Houston, on the other hand, is 2-7-1 O/U as a favorite and coming off a solid defensive effort vs #2 seed Memphis. The Cougars would prefer to push the ball up the floor and turn this into a shootout; however, they had trouble doing that on their home floor February against USM and most likely won't here after playing their 3rd game in as many days. We'll look for the shooting percentages to stay low and this one to go "under".
Bob Valentino
40 Dime - U Washington
RAS
Wash Over 145
GTown Under 130.5
MARTY OTTO
Big O: Kansas State -2
Florida +1.5
Pacific -3
Sal Devito
5* UTEP
5* DAYTON
Tony Taylor
3* Celtics/Pacers Over 201
3* Rhode Island -3
3* Kentucky -9.5
5* CAL
3* MISS ST
3* FLORIDA ST
CLAYTON RICE
4* FLORIDA ST
REX RODGERS
10* ANAHEIM DUCKS (NHL GOY)
3* NJ DEVILS
The Hoops Guru Guaranteed Selections
NBA QUADRUPLE PLAY WINNER
Denver -5
The Hitman Guaranteed Selections
XXXXXXX-LARGE LATE STEAM NBA GAME OF THE YEAR
Boston -9
Executive
600% West Va
350% Kansas St
250% Houston
250% Cal Santa Barb
Mike Lineback
4* (POD) Spurs/Timberwolves OVER
4* Bulls UNDER
4* Pacers/Celtics OVER
4* San Antonio Spurs First Half -3 -115