DUNKEL INDEX
NBA
Miami at San Antonio
The Heat look to take advantage of a San Antonio team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games when playing with 1 day of rest. Miami is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+1 1/2).
Game 701-702: Toronto at Washington (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 112.276; Washington 115.072
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 4; 192
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+4); Over
Game 703-704: Cleveland at New Orleans (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 111.836; New Orleans 121.618
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 10; 188
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 6; 193
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-6); Under
Game 705-706: Detroit at Chicago (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 110.184; Chicago 117.554
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+9); Over
Game 707-708: Miami at San Antonio (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.119; San Antonio 125.870
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 194
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 198
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+1 1/2); Under
Game 709-710: Boston at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 115.482; New York 125.288
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 10; 191
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 6 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-6 1/2); Under
MLB
Texas at Houston
The Astros look to take advantage of a Rangers team that is 1-4 in Matt Harrison's last 5 road starts. Houston is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Astros favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (+140)
Game 997-998: Texas at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Harrison) 14.514; Houston (Norris) 15.779
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+140); Over
NHL
Washington at Philadelphia
The Flyers look to build on their 4-1 record in their last 5 games against the Capitals. Philadelphia is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-135)
Game 51-52: Chicago at Detroit (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 10.954; Detroit 13.393
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-105); Over
Game 53-54: Anaheim at Columbus (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.359; Columbus 10.808
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-135); Under
Game 55-56: Los Angeles at Dallas (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.401; Dallas 10.660
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-115); Under
Game 57-58: Boston at Buffalo (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.922; Buffalo 12.261
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+130); Over
Game 59-60: Washington at Philadelphia (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.197; Philadelphia 11.429
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-135); Under
NCAAB
Duke vs. Louisville
The Blue Devils look to build on their 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 neutral site games. Duke is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinals favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Duke (+4)
Game 711-712: Duke vs. Louisville (5:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 76.418; Louisville 77.715
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 1 1/2; 142
Vegas Line: Louisville by 4; 137
Dunkel Pick: Duke (+4); Over
Game 713-714: Michigan vs. Florida (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 74.575; Florida 75.316
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 130
Vegas Line: Florida by 3; 132 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan (+3); Under
WunderdogFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Texas at HoustonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Texas -155FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Major League Baseball makes its 2013 debut as the Texas Rangers make the in-state trip to Houston to take on the Astros. Houston lost 106 games in 2011, and it appeared the only way to go for this team was up last season. Buyt, they added to the loss column a year ago at 107. The Stros will try their hand in the AL this year, but their prospects for improvement are minimal with no significant upgrades. The Rangers are a bona fide contender to make it all the way to the World Series. This is a small price to pay here when they are facing a team that wins just one out of every three home games over the last two years vs. winning opponents. And, there is no doubt that the Rangers are going to be a better than .500 team this year. Texas has won 65% of all their road games over the last two seasons vs. a team below .400, which the Astros are destined to be. Over the past two seasons, the Astros are just 45-102 as an underdog. Play on Texas.
Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Boston Celtics at New York KnicksFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: Boston CelticsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Celtics renew their rivalry with the Knicks when they take on New York in an Atlantic division clash at Madison Square Garden Sunday evening. Boston takes the floor with double revenge on their minds from the last two meetings between these two teams this season. With that we note the Celtics are 20-10 SU and 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games on this court, including 13-3 ATS when taking points. They are also 6-1 ATS as a dog off back-to-back wins this season, including 5-0 ATS in conference play. Look for more of the same here tonight. We recommend a 1-unit play on Boston.
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Spurs/Heat OVER 198FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The total on this game is set way too low for two of the best offensive teams in the league. San Antonio is averaging 105.6 points per game at home while Miami has averaged 103.5 points per game on the season. Both teams are shooting close to 50% from the field and the Heat have gone over the total in their last three consecutive games.
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Miami is 8-1 to the over in their last 9 games against Western Conference teams and they are 5-1 to the over in their last 6 road games. Miami is also 19-7 in favor of the over against teams from the Southwest Division. The Spurs are going to need a big offensive performance if they want to outpace the best team in the league. Playing at home should be a nice advantage for the Spurs because their offense performs much better in San Antonio.
Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
Play: Toronto RaptorsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Raptors have home loss revenge here tonight and we note that they are a solid 10-0 to the spread if they are off a road win that broke a 5 or more game losing streak. Toronto is also 4-1 straight up and to the spread as a road dog of 4 or less if they shot 50% or higher on the road in their last game. The Wizards have failed to cover 10 of the last 15 in the 2nd half vs teams under .500. Look for Toronto to get the cash plus the points tonight.
Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Detroit at ChicagoFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Don't be expecting much of an offensive shown when these clubs hook up on Sunday. First of all, the Bulls will be playing the second of back-to-back spot, so they won't be in any hurry to move the ball up the court in this one. The Pistons have been offensively challenged of late, scoring 82 points in three of their last five games (89 & 92 in the other two games). In fact, the Pistons have scored over 100 points just one time in March. The last five meetings between these teams in Chicago have all gone UNDER. At home, the Bulls are 14-29-1 Over/Under/Push the last 44 contests. These clubs have already met twice this year, with the previous meeting in Chicago resulting in 167 points. Don't expect much of a change here on Sunday with Chicago being a bit tired out from their game on Saturday. Take the UNDER here on Sunday.
Don Best ConsensusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Boston Celtics at New York KnicksFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Boston CelticsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Boston Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. NBA Atlantic opponents. The Celtics are also 31-14 ATS in their last 45 Sunday games. The road team in this series is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Play the Celtics.
Bruce MarshallFORFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Boston Bruins at Buffalo SabresFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Boston BruinsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Bruins have been having some problems on the road lately (losing 5 of their last 6 away from TD Garden) and have lost touch with Pittsburgh atop the Eastern Conference standings while recording a 2-4-1 overall mark in their last seven games, while the Pens keep winning. But Boston could begin to get well on Sunday at Buffalo against a Sabres squad that has blown leads in its last two games and is potentially shorthanded with star winger Tomas Vaanek having missed recent action with an upper-body injury. The Sabres also won't have defenseman Jordan Leopold after he was traded to St. Louis on Saturday for a pair of draft picks. The Bruins and their NHL-best power play kill unit (successful 91.2% of the time) should be able to get over the hump vs. the Sabres.
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Duke +3.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Jr O will go short and sweet with "the Blue Devils" as they will not get any love here imo ... Louisville will have there hands full as yes we know these Cards are all world. The Dukies score ... 6th in the country and 17th in fg %.. We are also Throwing out the REVENGE factor here ... FORGET ABOUT THAT FACT... 76-71 NOVEMBER 2ND.... We have this baby as a 1 point ball game... Oregon pushed the rock and they were faster than the Cards think. Duke Duke Duke... as the guard play dictate the way Louisville goes..... GUARDS GET IN FOUL TROUBLE Louisville will be cooked.
Bryan PowerFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Anaheim vs. ColumbusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: AnaheimFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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It's pretty tough for me to imagine that after going to Chicago and winning 2-1 Friday night over the Blackhawks, that a quality team like Anaheim would allow itself to suffer a letdown as they pay a visit to Columbus Sunday evening. In fact, it's the Blue Jackets that I feel are in the tough spot, their first home game back following a three-game tour of Western Canada with only 1 day in between.
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Columbus won 6-4 Friday night in Calgary, but at home is where their true success has come. They are 8-0-3 their last 11 on home ice, but this will be arguably their toughest test. Like I said, it's a bad spot for them, having to come all the way back East on one day's rest. Even more depressing if you're a Blue Jackets fan is that your team is 0-3 this season off a road win. They are also 5-12 the last 17 times they have been off a game where they scored five or more goals.
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After splitting four meetings with Columbus last season, Anaheim took the first this year, 3-2 on Feb 18th. Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller has gone 4-0-1 his last six starts vs. the Blue Jackets, turning in a solid 2.05 goals against average. Meanwhile, Jackets' netminder Sergei Bobrovsky has never beaten Anaheim in three career starts as his GAA is a poor 3.74. Ducks win easily here.
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Anaheim vs. ColumbusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: AnaheimFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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These teams played on February 18th, and the Ducks skated away with the 3-2 win in front of the home town crowd. Anaheim is 10-3-4 on the road. It's coming off a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Chicago on Friday, snapping a four game losing streak. Columbus is coming off a 6-4 win at Calgary on Friday, snapping a three-game slide of its own. I'll caution in reading too much into that victory though, as the Blue Jackets had lost their previous three outings, for the most part looking pretty inept on both ends of the ice in the process. What I will do though is recommend focusing on the goaltenders in this one: Jonas Hiller of the Ducks is 4-0-1 with a 2.05 GAA in his last six in this series. Columbus netminder Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start, and he's 0-3 lifetime vs. Anaheim, sporting a poor 3.74 GAA. Ultimately, I believe the high level that Hiller is playing at right now justifies laying this reasonable price.
Craig Davis
Free play for Sunday is the Heat.
Is it just me, or does Miami always seem to play better when the competition is better?
There are a ton of reasons to go against the Heat in this one... mainly the fact that San Antonio is nearly unbeatable at home. But then again, this could be an NBA Finals preview and they need to make sure they figure out how to get a win in a tough environment like this.
Instead, I'm going to tell you why the Heat will cover.
First off, they're the best team in the NBA. Sure, their franchise record winning streak is over, but it's probably a good thing. The pressure of a stupid record is gone and now it's time to focus on the playoffs.
And what better game could you ask for than a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs?? Especially without Manu Ginobili...
Miami has won 28 of its last 29 games overall, getting back on the winning track at New Orleans on Friday. And while Miami traditionally hasn't had a lot of success in San Antonio over the years, this year's team is different.
Dwyane Wade is 1-4 at San Antonio. Chris Bosh is 1-7. LeBron James is 3-7. But does that really matter? Not really. 2013 is a new year and we're about to get into a new month... and this Miami team is as special as those Bulls teams in the 90s. Believe it.
The Spurs have won six of their last seven games, but a lot of those games have been close as the Spurs are starting to show signs of their age wearing the down a little.
I expect this game to get a ton of publicity as it could easily be a preview of the Finals... but today belongs to the Heat.
2* MIAMI
Chris Jordan
I'm laying the run line with the Texas Rangers against the Houston Astros. That comes with the auto listing of Texas' Matt Harrison and Houston's Bud Norris.
Harrison is making his first Opening Day start, and though he's never really had a profitable first month of baseball, I like him tonight to keep Houston's bats at bay, while letting his offense do much of the work. Norris is also making his first Opening Day start, looking to rebound from a 7-13 campaign that saw him produce a 4.65 ERA. I know Norris was 4-1 with a 1.71 ERA and 82 strikeouts at home last year, and has always carried a name for a being a big-game pitcher, but this Texas lineup will be too much.
Texas is simply that good, as it should be rejuvenated thanks to a very good farm system. I think the Rangers will hang with the A's and Angels in a very tight American League West race that undoubtedly will be competitive.
These two will be playing each one another 18 times a year now that the Astros are in the American League, and I'm sure Houston will have good and better days than the Rangers, but on opening day, I'm looking for the run-line win on Texas.
1* TEXAS -1.5
Brett Atkins
My free winner is on the New York Knicks, laying the points against the Boston Celtics. The two Atlantic division rivals are headed in opposite directions right now, and after seeing the Knicks win easily in Boston less than a week ago, it's going to be even easier tonight at Madison Square Garden.
These two certainly would make an intriguing first-round matchup, but while everyone is waiting to see how the seedings pan out, I can tell you right now the team having the best time right now is the Knicks.
Now that Miami has only won one in a row, the Knicks have the longest winning streak in the NBA, having won seven straight. And though the Celtics have rebounded from a five-game slide to win two in a row, they're still no match of this resurgent Knicks team that has been sparked by newly acquired Kenyon Martin.
The Celtics are struggling without Keving Garnett and Rajon Rondo, and New York is going to make its arch-rival suffer on Easter night in the Big Apple.
I'll lay the number with the Knicks.
3♦ N.Y. KNICKS
Brad Wilton
Sunday's comp play comes in the NBA on the home favorite Washington Wizards to handle their business against the Toronto Raptors.
These teams have split a pair of meetings thus far this season, the visitor winning outright in each, but don't look for the Raptors to continue that trend, as the Wizards have won and covered their last 5 on their home court - included are wins in that stretch over the playoff-bound Bucks and Grizzlies.
Toronto is on a 2-7 slide straight up on the road their previous 9, and the points haven't been of much more help with the Raptors on a 3-6 spread slide in those 9 roadies.
Willing to lay a few here, as I expect the Wizards to up their home win streak to 6 straight both up and ATS.
Play is on Washington.
4♦ WASHINGTON