Free Picks: Service Plays for Thursday February 21

DUNKEL INDEX

NCAAB

Duke at Virginia Tech
The Blue Devils look to take advantage of a Virginia Tech team that is 1-5-2 ATS in its last 8 home games. Duke is the pick (-13) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Devils favored by 16 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Duke (-13)

Game 505-506: LaSalle at Temple (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 62.656; Temple 65.165
Dunkel Line: Temple by 2 1/2; 145
Vegas Line: Temple by 1; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-1); Over

Game 507-508: Cincinnati at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 66.035; Connecticut 71.403
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 5 1/2; 123
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 1; 126 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+1); Under

Game 509-510: Georgia at Arkansas (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 57.418; Arkansas 69.617
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 12; 126
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 10; 132 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (-10); Under

Game 511-512: Drexel at Delaware (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 51.913; Delaware 57.354
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 5 1/2; 136
Vegas Line: Delaware by 2; 130
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-2); Over

Game 513-514: AR-Little Rock at Florida International (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 49.762; Florida International 55.984
Dunkel Line: Florida International by 6; 153
Vegas Line: Florida International by 4 1/2; 145 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (-4 1/2); Over

Game 515-516: Florida Atlantic at North Texas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 48.700; North Texas 50.409
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 1 1/2; 130
Vegas Line: North Texas by 4 1/2; 135
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+4 1/2); Under

Game 517-518: Troy at UL-Lafayette (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 47.443; UL-Lafayette 55.535
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 8; 137
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 5; 134
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (-5); Over

Game 519-520: UL-Monroe at Western Kentucky (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 41.390; Western Kentucky 55.162
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 14; 131
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 11 1/2; 135 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-11 1/2); Under

Game 521-522: South Alabama at Middle Tennessee State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 55.082; Middle Tennessee State 68.508
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 13 1/2; 126
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 15 1/2; 129 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+15 1/2); Under

Game 523-524: Penn State at Illinois (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 55.144; Illinois 74.053
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 19; 135
Vegas Line: Illinois by 16; 130 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (-16); Over

Game 525-526: Iowa at Nebraska (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings:
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:

Game 527-528: Duke at Virginia Tech (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 71.809; Virginia Tech 55.510
Dunkel Line: Duke by 16 1/2; 151
Vegas Line: Duke by 13; 147 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-13); Over

Game 529-530: California at Oregon (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: California 63.101; Oregon 69.410
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 6 1/2; 144
Vegas Line: Oregon by 5; 138
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-5); Over

Game 531-532: Utah at Colorado (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 57.136; Colorado 67.998
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 11; 120
Vegas Line: Colorado by 13; 123
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+13); Under

Game 533-534: San Francisco at Loyola Marymount (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 52.376; Loyola Marymount 52.110
Dunkel Line: Even; 129
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 2; 135 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola Marymount (+2); Under

Game 535-536: San Diego at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 56.877; Portland 51.728
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 5; 128
Vegas Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 122
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-1 1/2); Over

Game 537-538: Stanford at Oregon State (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 63.986; Oregon State 64.133
Dunkel Line: Even; 141
Vegas Line: Stanford by 2; 146 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+2); Under

Game 539-540: BYU at St. Mary's (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 59.781; St. Mary's 73.725
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's by 14; 155
Vegas Line: St. Mary's by 8; 150
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (-8); Over

Game 541-542: Wofford at Georgia Southern (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 49.925; Georgia Southern 49.860
Dunkel Line: Even; 117
Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 1 1/2; 112 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (+1 1/2); Over

Game 543-544: NC-Greensboro at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NC-Greensboro 45.112; Chattanooga 45.837
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 1; 144
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 3; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC-Greensboro (+3); Under

Game 545-546: Tennessee-Martin at Tennessee Tech (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee-Martin 38.742; Tennessee Tech 49.675
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Tech by 11; 140
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 8; 136 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Tech (-8); Over

Game 547-548: Belmont at Eastern Illinois (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings:
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:

Game 549-550: Elon at Samford (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 50.656; Samford 51.575
Dunkel Line: Samford by 1; 118
Vegas Line: Elon by 3; 121 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+3); Under

David ChanFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Georgia vs. ArkansasFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: ArkansasFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Situational Analysis
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This is a "revenge game" for the home side after it lost to Georgia 81-59 on February 8th, 2012.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Bulldogs are coming off an 84-74 OT loss at Mississippi on the 16th. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 19 points and 12 board. Kenny Gaines added 13.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Razorbacks are coming off a 73-71 win over Missouri on February 16th. Arkansas actually trailed 70-66 with less than one minute remaining. Marshawn Powell led the way with 24 points; BJ Young added 18, while Coty Clarke chipped in 13.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Statistical Analysis
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Note that Georgia is in fact just 26-32 ATS in its last 58 when playing against a team with a winning record.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Not only is Arkansas 5-3 ATS in front of the home town crowd this year, but it's also 4-1 ATS in its last five vs. good defensive teams that allow 64 points or less per contest.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick Analysis
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Razorbacks are 15-1 at Bud Walton arena this year. Arkansas is 3-3 vs. teams in the top 50 and are still the only team in the SEC to beat the Florida Gators in league play. The Bulldogs sloppy play will once again come back to plague them here, as they're giving up the ball more than 15 times per game, with only two players with a positive assist-turnover ratio. I'm going to lay the points!

Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Georgia vs. ArkansasFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: GeorgiaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
When the Dawgs meet the Hogs in a SEC showdown in Arkansas Thursday evening, Georgia will take the court looking to even their slate at 13-13 this campaign knowing they are 11-2 SU and 7-2 ATS this season in games against sub .650 opponents. That's in direct contrast to the Bulldogs' beastly 1-11 SU and 4-8 ATS mark against greater than .650 opposition this season. With the Razorbacks eyeing up a return rematch with Florida, and just 2-4 SUATS in games before the Gators, look for Georgia to improve to 17-7-1 ATS in this series here tonight. Grab the points. We recommend a 1-unit play on Georgia.

Will RogersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Rangers vs. SenatorsFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Rangers will play in Ottawa tonight, coming off a terrible loss to Montreal in their last game. The Senators are without their two best players (Karlsson and Spezza), but they remain competitive due to stellar goaltending from Craig Anderson. The Sens have won back to back games since losing their star defenseman to a severed Achilles tendon.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Here are my keys to the game:
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
1: Goaltending - Craig Anderson has been nearly unbeatable between the pipes for Ottawa, leading the NHL with a 1.57 goals against average. He already has a pair of shutouts this season, and he's been good in past meetings with the Rangers, with a 1.92 goals against average in 18 career starts. Henrik Lundqvist is no slouch either, he's been one of the best goalies in the world over the last few seasons, and he's been good lately, allowing just three goals in his last two starts.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
2: Injuries - Rick Nash won't play for New York, and with Marian Gaborik struggling, the Rangers don't have a lot going for them offensively. Ottawa will really miss Spezza, who led the team in scoring last year, and Karlsson, who led the NHL in scoring for defensemen.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
3: Situational/Motivational - John Tortorella was not at all pleased about his team's effort in their loss to Montreal, and he's likely torn a strip off his players. "I still don't think we have enough of our guys playing consistently with pace," Tortorella said. "Quite honestly I think we're behind in our consistency." The Rangers should respond with a much better effort, and they aren't likely going to give the Sens many scoring chances.

Bruce MarshallFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Brigham Young vs. St. Mary'sFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: St. Mary'sFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
With its so-so RPI in the low 50s, Saint Mary’s Big Dance at-large candidacy could be riding on the outcomes of games 48 hours apart (this one vs. BYU, and Saturday’s Bracket Buster vs. Creighton). Fortunately for the Gaels, both of those games are in Moraga, where Randy Bennett’s side has lost only to top-five Gonzaga this season. Nearly a season’s worth of analyzing BYU has convinced us that the Cougs’ own NCAA Tourney hopes have been mostly damaged by their suspect defense, which had problems containing SMC G Stephen Holt (who scored 22) in the first meeting at Provo on Jan. 16, when the Gaels overcame a 16-point deficit and won at the buzzer on Matthew Dellavedova’s triple. SMU 14-2 SU since Xmas, with its only losses to the Zags.

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Drexel vs. DelawareFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: DelawareFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Delaware is 7-0 with 6 spread wins vs teams that average less than 65 points per game and they have won 18 of the last 21 vs losing teams in the second half of the season the past 3 years. They should bounce back here off a tough 72-71 loss here at home to James Madison. Drexel is 2-10 ats after allowing 60 or less and has failed to cover 5 of 6 off a conference win. In games where the total is 120 to 130 they are 1-5 ats. When they play winning teams they are 3-7 straight up and to the spread. Look for Delaware to win and cover the small number here tonight.

Don Best ConsensusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
South Alabama at Middle Tennessee StateFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Middle Tennessee StateFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Middle Tennessee State is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. South Alabama is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings vs. the Blue Raiders at MTSU.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
San Diego at PortlandFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: San DiegoFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The top teams in the WCC have done well at home. But from the middle of the pack on down, home court has actually been what amounts to a disadvantage in this conference. San Diego looks to be struggling at first glance with just two wins in the last eight games. But upon further reviewing the recent fortunes of the Toreros, it turns out that each of those losses came against the WCC cream of the crop. When matched against their own level or below, this team is performing well. I don't give Portland much of a benefit playing this game at home, and I'll be happy to lay a very short number with what I believe is simply the superior team. Make it San Diego minus the points for my Thursday free play.

Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Miami at ChicagoFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
There's only one way to stop Lebron and that's to slow the pace to a crawl. That's what the Bulls do best and the under is 25-10 in the Bulls last 35 home games. Their defense will be primed for this TV showdown, but this Chicago offense is weak, still struggling without Derek Rose, who might not even be back this season. When these teams meet the under is 5-1 the last six meetings, plus the Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Chicago. Play the Heat/Bulls under the total.

JR O'DonnellFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Temple -1FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Temple is the flat out real deal guys ... Temple will gain a tie with the Explorers in the Big 5 championship tonight @ home .... The Owls are 17-8, 6-4 A 10 and have a true stud with K Wyatt who has averaged 25.2 points over the past 11 games for these Owls... Temple owns the Explorers in this series 72-40. POWER RATED @ - 4 FLAT.... The Owls owns a 9-1 record in games played against the Explorers at the Liacouras Center... Lasalle is 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Temple. OWLS BY 4 POINTS

Jason Sharpe

California +7.5

I'm a big fan of this Cal hoops team, who only look like they are getting better the deeper into this season we go. A lot of high expectations for this group early on, but many came crashing down when the Bears dropped three straight big games back in mid-December. They beat Oregon earlier this month by four points at home and have a nice win on the road against Arizona in their last road contest. The Ducks are a very solid 21-5 on the season, but they are playing arguably their worst basketball of the season right now, losing three of their last six games overall and also needed overtime in their last game to beat a Washington State team that most felt they should have had little problems with. Oregon is known to have a very strong home court edge, but keep in mind they have been nothing special at home in conference play this season with zero wins above nine points in of their six home contests this season. Look for Cal to keep things very close here in this one. Play California plus the points here.

Jimmy BoydFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
South Alabama +15½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
There are a lot of reasons to take South Alabama in this game and a whole lot more on why not to take Middle Tennessee State. You always want to play on road underdogs of 10 or more points when they are revenging a home loss vs. an opponent. Over the last five years this situation has come up quite a bit and delivered a 725-538 ATS record for 57.4% winners.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
You also want to play on road underdogs of 10 points or more when they are coming off two or more consecutive wins and facing an opponent with nine or more consecutive wins. With two hot teams and a road dog getting 10 points or more you are 65-31 ATS over the last five seasons by taking that road dog.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
South Alabama is a good team and they are coming off a 24 point blowout win over Louisiana Lafayette. You should play against favorites of 10-19.5 points like Middle Tennessee State when they are off two straight wins against conference rivals and facing an opponent coming off a 20 point or more home blowout. This system is 54-21 since 1997.

Alex SmartFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
NY Rangers -124FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Ottawa will play the remainder of the season without reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson (torn Achilles). His abscense will begin to make itself felt as this season progresses and tonight, against a strong team. It must be noted that the Rangers super star golatender Henrik Lundqvist is on fire as is evident by allowing just eight goals during a 4-1-0 mark in his last five starts. When the Euro backstop is in top form the Rags are a hard team to stop. Rangers are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Ottawa.

Chase DiamondFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Play: San Antonio SpursFFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
It’s a battle between two first place teams tonight in Los Angeles as the San Antonio Spurs travel to “Lob City” to take on the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. The Spurs swept the Clippers out of the playoffs last year but the Clippers have certainly had the Spurs numbers so far this season. The Clips have taken both meetings earlier this year.
The Spurs come into this meeting off of a win against Sacramento Tuesday night. Tony Parker continued his stellar play in that one with 30 points and 11 assists. Parker has been outstanding in his last five games which have seen him average 29 points and 9 assists. Unfortunately, against the Clippers, Parker has been anything but outstanding. Against the Clippers this season Parker has averaged just 8 points on 39% shooting. He will look to improve those numbers this evening.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Clippers are finally showing the rest of the country that they are “the” team in LA and no longer “the other” team in LA. They are fun to watch with young superstars such as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin leading the way. The Clips were playing great basketball prior to the all-star break. Their last four games before the break, all wins, were by an average of 16 points. Paul will look to keep his great play against the Spurs going. In the two previous matchups he has averaged 15 points and 10 assists while shooting 54% from the field.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: This should be a great basketball game tonight in Los Angeles. Both teams are full of superstars and come into the game rested. It’s true that the Clippers have gotten the better of the Spurs this season but the Spurs are a veteran team and it is definitely on their minds. Look for Popovich to focus on rattling Chris Paul’s game. He is one of the best coaches in the NBA and will have something up his sleeve. This will be a hard fought battle but at the end of the day the Spurs will show why they have the best road record in the NBA. Take the Spurs in a close one 104-101.