MARC LAWRENCE
3 Units Chicago Bulls
3 Units Rockies
Bob Balfe
Denver -7
Denver looked good in Game 1 of this series and simply will outscore the Jazz tonight, who are suffering big time with Okur and Kirilenko out of the lineup. The Nuggets play well at home and the Jazz do not play well on the road, especially down the stretch (as seen in 4th quarter of Game 1). Utah has a good record against the spread this season but will need more than 7 points tonight to continue that trend. The line is too low here, take Denver.
Detroit +160
The Angels just played a good road series, but will feel the effects of a long journey home coming from New York and Toronto tonight. The Tigers, who were already on the West Coast this week, will not be as tired from the travel. The Angels have yet to really get their bats going, so look for a low-scoring game from them offensively. This line holds great value if Willis (who is surprisingly increasing his accuracy around the plate) can get the run support he has received so far this year. Take the Tigers.
KELSO
5 units Bulls +10
5 units Nuggets -7
NICK PARSONS
10* Rockies/Nationals Under 9.5
DWAYNE BRYANT
St. LOUIS CARDINALS
STEVE BUDIN
25 Dime - Denver Nuggets
Tony George
Cleveland -10.5
Holding the Bulls to 83 points is a sign of things to come. When the Cavs play good defense, most teams have no chance including a #8 seed, who blew their wad just trying to make the playoffs while the Cavs starters were resting. Trend players hate the Cavs side but the numbers as of late are skewed to the fact that the Cavs simply rested everyone and are now prepared to sweep the opening series 4-0 and rest up again. The Bulls are outmanned and simply do have an answer for LeBron or Shaq. Play 1 unit on Cleveland.
KIKI SPORTS
2 Units San Fran -123
1 Unit Cubs -126
1 Unit Toronto -116
William Kidd Guaranteed Selections
QUADRUPLE DIME NBA BLOWOUT TOTALS WINNER
Chicago and Cleveland UNDER 191.5
Jack Clayton Guaranteed Selections
4* Utah/Denver Over
I don't see any defense being played here with this uptempo teams. Offense is not a problem for the Nuggets, averaging 106.5 ppg, third best in the NBA behind Carmelo Anthony (28.2 ppg) PG Chauncey Billups (19.5 ppg, 5.6 apg) and Kenyon Martin (11.5 ppg), who looked healthy in Game 1. This team plays to its strength, which is running the court and scoring, as the defense allows 102.4 ppg (20th in the NBA). These teams mirror each other in style, with uptempo attacks as Utah has a sparkplug guard in Derron Williams (18.6 ppg, 10.6 apg) but little defense. Game 1 sailed way over the total and this one will, as well. Play the Jazz/Nuggets Game 2 Over the total.
Joyce Sterling
10* Chicago +10.5
CHI Bulls are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games.
CLE Cavs are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.
Cleveland raced out to a 22-point lead in the opening quarter, watched the Bulls cut the deficit to seven points, before posting a 96-83 win on Saturday. Cleveland is not a Blowout team except for their last 13 point win. They are only 20-21-1 ATS at home and are typically double-digit favorites in Cleveland. The Cavs have given 10 or more points 28 times this year and are 12-16 ATS.
The Bulls should feel optimistic about their chances. After Cleveland jumped out to a 32-18 lead, the Bulls actually out-scored the Cavs the rest of the way. The Bulls are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a SU loss. Bulls should be ready for this one.
EXECUTIVE
150% San Diego Padres
KING CREOLE
2* CHI / CLE Over 191.5
Will Cover
4* Denver -7
DR. BOB
3* Utah (+7) over DENVER
I'll take Utah in a 3-Star Best Bet at +7 or more and for 2-Stars at +6 1/2 or +6. Play Strength: 3-Stars at +7 or more, 2-Stars down to +6.