DUNKEL INDEX
NBA
Oklahoma City at Sacramento
The Thunder look to build on their 10-2 ATS record in their last 12 Thursday games. Oklahoma City is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-6 1/2)
Game 701-702: LA Lakers at Boston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 119.970; Boston 125.846
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 6; 174 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 176 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-3 1/2); Under
Game 703-704: Golden State at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 115.925; Denver 120.924
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5; 217 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+6); Over
Game 705-706: Houston at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 121.842; Phoenix 119.274
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 197 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 200
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+3); Under
Game 707-708: Oklahoma City at Sacramento (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.383; Sacramento 112.462
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 11; 207 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 6 1/2; 204
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-6 1/2); Over
NHL
Los Angeles at Florida
The Panthers look to take advantage of a Kings team that is coming off a 3-1 win at Tampa Bay and is 1-7 in its last 8 games following a victory. Florida is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Panthers favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Florida (+105)
Game 1-2: Dallas at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.175; Columbus 11.009
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-115); Over
Game 3-4: St. Louis at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.497; New Jersey 11.358
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-110); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-110); Under
Game 5-6: Winnipeg at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 11.974; Washington 10.291
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-175); 5
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+155); Over
Game 7-8: Montreal at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.371; NY Islanders 11.707
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-125); Under
Game 9-10: Tampa Bay at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 12.146; NY Rangers 10.707
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+170); Under
Game 11-12: Toronto at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.256; Philadelphia 11.734
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-160); Over
Game 13-14: Nashville at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.370; Ottawa 10.353
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-125); Over
Game 15-16: Los Angeles at Florida (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.532; Florida 11.927
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+105); Under
Game 17-18: Vancouver at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.762; Minnesota 11.623
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+120); Under
Game 19-20: Calgary at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.383; Phoenix 12.319
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-160); Over
NCAAB
Illinois at Indiana
The Illini look to build on their 10-4 ATS record in their last 14 games as an underdog of 7 to 12 1/2 points. Illinois is the pick (+8) according to Dunkel, which has the Hoosiers favored by only 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Illinois (+8)
Game 709-710: NC State at Georgia Tech (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 63.346; Georgia Tech 59.032
Dunkel Line: NC State by 4 1/2; 129
Vegas Line: NC State by 3 1/2; 134
Dunkel Pick: NC State (-3 1/2); Under
Game 711-712: Mississippi at Mississippi State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 59.918; Mississippi State 69.098
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 9; 140
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 7 1/2; 135 1/2
Dunkel Pick Mississippi State (-7); Over
Game 713-714: Denver at Florida Atlantic (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 56.665; Florida Atlantic 57.838
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 1; 117
Vegas Line: Denver by 1; 121 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+1); Under
Game 715-716: North Texas at Florida International (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 56.509; Florida International 58.926
Dunkel Line: Florida International by 2 1/2; 139
Vegas Line: Florida International by 1; 133 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (-1); Over
Game 717-718: Wisconsin at Minnesota (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 70.279; Minnesota 71.377
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 108
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 1; 114
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+1); Under
Game 719-720: Valparaiso at Cleveland State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 58.399; Cleveland State 65.163
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 7; 135
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 9 1/2; 131 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (+9 1/2); Over
Game 721-722: Butler at Youngstown State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 56.226; Youngstown State 55.603
Dunkel Line: Butler by 1; 124
Vegas Line: Youngstown State by 1; 128
Dunkel Pick: Butler (+1); Under
Game 723-724: Arkansas-Little Rock at UL-Lafayette (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas-Little Rock 53.060; UL-Lafayette 57.573
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 4 1/2; 136
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 6; 130
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas-Little Rock (+6); Over
Game 725-726: Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 49.856; Middle Tennessee State 66.036
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 16; 133
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 14; 129 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-14); Over
Game 727-728: Arkansas State at South Alabama (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 49.440; South Alabama 53.859
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 4 1/2; 121
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 3; 123
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (-3); Under
Game 729-730: Illinois at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 64.732; Indiana 70.066
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 5 1/2; 141
Vegas Line: Indiana by 8; 135 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (+8); Over
Game 731-732: Colorado at Arizona (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 63.176; Arizona 72.795
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 9 1/2; 126
Vegas Line: Arizona by 7; 129
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-7); Under
Game 733-734: Utah at Arizona State (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 46.919; Arizona State 55.267
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 8 1/2; 113
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 11; 118
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+11); Under
Game 735-736: Iowa at Northwestern (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 61.150; Northwestern 70.838
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 9 1/2; 152
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 7; 146 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (-7); Over
Game 737-738: Virginia Tech at Miami (FL) (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 63.513; Miami (FL) 67.234
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 3 1/2; 137
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 6 1/2; 132 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+6 1/2); Over
Game 739-740: Louisiana Tech at Utah State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 52.382; Utah State 59.888
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 7 1/2; 131
Vegas Line: Utah State by 10; 134
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (+10); Under
Game 741-742: Washington State at Oregon State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 57.101; Oregon State 68.776
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 11 1/2; 151
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 9 1/2; 149 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (-9 1/2); Over
Game 743-744: Fresno State at San Jose State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 56.333; San Jose State 52.890
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 3 1/2; 128
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 2; 132 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (-2); Under
Game 745-746: Santa Clara at San Francisco (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 46.488; San Francisco 56.850
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 10 1/2; 157
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 12 1/2; 154
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+12 1/2); Over
Game 747-748: San Diego at Peppersine (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 52.500; Pepperdine 53.555
Dunkel Line: Pepperdine by 1; 122
Vegas Line: Pepperdine by 2 1/2; 125 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+2 1/2); Under
Game 749-750: CS-Northridge at UC-Davis (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 45.302; UC-Davis 44.042
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 1 1/2; 142
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 1; 138 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (-1); Over
Game 751-752: UC-Riverside at Cal Poly (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 46.243; Cal Poly 57.017
Dunkel Line: Cal Poly by 11; 109
Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 9 1/2; 113 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (-9 1/2); Under
Game 753-754: UC-Irvine at CS-Fullerton (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 49.702; CS-Fullerton 59.055
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 9 1/2; 155
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 11 1/2; 149 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (+11 1/2); Over
Game 755-756: Long Beach State at Pacific (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 65.458; Pacific 54.316
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 11; 129
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 9; 134
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-9); Under
Game 757-758: California at USC (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: California 64.969; USC 58.712
Dunkel Line: California by 6 1/2; 118
Vegas Line: California by 8; 114 1/2
Dunkel Pick: USC (+8); Over
Game 759-760: Loyola-Marymount at Portland (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 58.759; Portland 53.176
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Marymount by 5 1/2; 135
Vegas Line: Loyola-Marymount by 4; 140
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (-4); Under
Game 761-762: Washington at Oregon (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 65.936; Oregon 64.434
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 151
Vegas Line: Pick; 146
Dunkel Pick: Washington; Over
Game 763-764: Stanford at UCLA (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 60.412; UCLA 69.218
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 9; 121
Vegas Line: UCLA by 6 1/2; 127
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-6 1/2); Under
Game 765-766: St. Mary's at Gonzaga (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's 65.758; Gonzaga 70.108
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 4 1/2; 144
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 2 1/2; 139
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-2 1/2); Over
Game 767-768: New Mexico State at Idaho (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 60.366; Idaho 59.033
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1 1/2; 136
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 1; 141
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (-1); Under
Game 769-770: Nevada at Hawaii (12:00 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 59.315; Hawaii 56.695
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 2 1/2; 144
Vegas Line: Nevada by 1; 139
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-1); Over
Game 771-772: Wofford at Georgia Southern (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 52.862; Georgia Southern 52.565
Dunkel Line: Even; 122
Vegas Line: Wofford by 1 1/2; 125 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Southern (+1 1/2); Under
Game 773-774: Davidson at The Citadel (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Davidson 61.120; The Citadel 45.543
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 14 1/2; 147
Vegas Line: Davidson by 17; 143 1/2
Dunkel Pick: The Citadel (+17); Over
Game 775-776: Appalachian State at Furman (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 44.988; Furman 53.206
Dunkel Line: Furman by 8; 125
Vegas Line: Furman by 6; 130 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Furman (-6); Under
Game 777-778: Siena at Niagara (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 48.154; Niagara 53.592
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 5 1/2; 141
Vegas Line: Niagara by 4 1/2; 136 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-4 1/2); Over
Game 779-780: Rider at Canisius (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 50.813; Canisius 47.426
Dunkel Line: Rider by 3 1/2; 155
Vegas Line: Rider by 5; 148
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+5); Over
Game 781-782: Elon at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 45.049; Chattanooga 52.808
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 7 1/2; 137
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 5; 141 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chattanooga (-5); Under
Game 783-784: Manhattan at Fairfield (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 57.159; Fairfield 59.736
Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 2 1/2; 133
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 4; 128
Dunkel Pick: Manhattan (+4); Over
Game 785-786: Western Carolina at College of Charleston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 45.340; College of Charleston 54.627
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 9 1/2; 135
Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 11 1/2; 139
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+11 1/2); Under
Game 787-788: NC-Greensboro at Samford (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NC-Greensboro 48.536; Samford 50.722
Dunkel Line: Samford by 2; 145
Vegas Line: Samford by 4; 140 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC-Greensboro (+4); Over
Game 789-790: Tennessee State at Murray State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 52.125; Murray State 65.568
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 13 1/2; 132
Vegas Line: Murray State by 11; 136 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Murray State (-11); Under
Game 791-792: Eastern Illinois at Tennessee Tech (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 43.001; Tennessee Tech 53.267
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Tech by 10 1/2; 139
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 12 1/2; 134 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+12 1/2); Over
Game 793-794: Tennessee-Martin at SE Missouri State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee-Martin 39.646; SE Missouri State 53.264
Dunkel Line: SE Missouri State by 13 1/2; 136
Vegas Line: SE Missouri State by 11; 141
Dunkel Pick: SE Missouri State (-11); Under
Game 795-796: Weber State at Northern Arizona (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 53.932; Northern Arizona 44.023
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 10; 145
Vegas Line: Weber State by 11 1/2; 139 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+11 1/2); Over
Game 797-798: Marist at St. Peter's (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 41.545; St. Peter's 49.236
Dunkel Line: St. Peter's by 7 1/2; 128
Vegas Line: St. Peter's by 4 1/2; 134
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (-4 1/2); Under
Game 799-800: Montana at Northern Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 55.402; Northern Colorado 50.939
Dunkel Line: Montana by 4 1/2; 133
Vegas Line: Montana by 7; 136 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (+7); Under
Game 801-802: Portland State at Idaho State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 49.028; Idaho State 48.747
Dunkel Line: Even; 148
Vegas Line: Portland State by 1; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (+1); Over
Game 803-804: Montana State at Sacramento State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 46.789; Sacramento State 48.210
Dunkel Line: Sacramento State by 1 1/2; 131
Vegas Line: Sacramento State by 4; 135 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montana State (+4); Under
Game 811-812: North Dakota State at UMKC (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 56.630; UMKC 49.730
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 7; 142
Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 6; 136 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota State (-6); Over
Game 813-814: IUPUI at Oral Roberts (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: IUPUI 50.134; Oral Roberts 62.869
Dunkel Line: Oral Roberts by 12 1/2; 149
Vegas Line: Oral Roberts by 14; 145
Dunkel Pick: IUPUI (+14); Over
Game 815-816: South Dakota State at South Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 65.174; South Dakota 52.731
Dunkel Line: South Dakota State by 12 1/2; 143
Vegas Line: South Dakota State by 11; 147 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Dakota State (-11); Under
Game 817-818: Western Illinois at Southern Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Illinois 50.502; Southern Utah 51.166
Dunkel Line: Southern Utah by 1; 121
Vegas Line: Southern Utah by 2; 115
Dunkel Pick: Western Illinois (+2); Over
Marc Lawrence
N.C. State at Georgia Tech
Prediction: N.C. State
The Wolfpack have done their best work on the road this season so their 11-point loss at home to the Yellow Jackets earlier this year one of Techs only two conference wins to date doesn't seem all that appalling. The visitor is 12-5 ATS in NC State games and if the W column didn't reach a baker?s dozen on Saturday (at home against lowly Wake), it will tonight as the Wreck haven't been doing any home cooking of their own, posting a 2-4 ATS mark in Atlanta as of press time. Brian Gregory?s group is also 1-6-1 ATS against ACC foes with same-season loss revenge of 10 or more points and that ties in nicely to a series history that shows the Pack 10-2-2 ATS as dogs or favorite of 7 or less points. With that being said, we have no choice but to back the Pack as State gets it revenge and stays in the top half of the conference standings.
Rob Vinciletti
Manhattan vs. Fairfield
Play: Manhattan +4
Manhattan has won and covered 3 of 4 after allowing 80 or more and 3-1 ats vs teams who allow 63 or less points. They have a solid 17-6 ats spread mark this season including 5-0 ats if the total is 120 to 130. Fairfield has lost 9 of 10 vs teams with a winning record. I cant lay points with a team like that. They are also 1-6 ats at home, 0-3 ats with road loss revenge and have failed to cover 10 of 15 as a favorite. Look for Manhattan to get the cash.
Nick "The BookieKiller" Parsons
Nashville Predators @ Ottawa Senators
PICK: Ottawa Senators
For a number of different reasons I believe that the home side stops its slide tonight:
Ottawa is 27-22-7 and dropping like a stone, having lost seven-straight.
Its most recent setback was a lacklustre 3-1 effort vs. St. Louis on Tuesday.
Ottawa got 28-shots on its former goaltender, but Brian Elliot prevailed in the end.
Sens netminder Craig Anderson was pulled quickly, giving way to Alex Auld, who stopped 13 of the 14-shots he faced.
“The biggest thing is to make sure we’re sticking together,” Auld said. “That’s what has gotten us through some tough times this year is the fact that we are a close group and we have to make sure that we are holding each other accountable and still having a lot of fun in practice and I believe we’re going to get out of this.”
On the other bench: Nashville is 32-17-3-2; after winning five straight, the Preds have won just one of two over their last three, most recently losing 4-3 in a shootout to Vancouver on Tuesday.
The loss snapped Pekka Rinne's 11-game win streak; “It’s a goalie against a shooter, and we both have a chance,” Rinne said. “But I wasn’t happy with those two goals I gave up.”
Bottom line: "Desperation" is obviously a factor that the books have a hard time properly quantifying into a line, as this contest becomes an almost "must-win" for the home side.
With a game at Boston looming for Nashville on Saturday, I believe there are enough significant factors working in favor of Ottawa here, to make it the prudent wager in this situation!
Sean Murphy
Rider @ Canisius
PICK: Rider -5
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Ordinarily, this might be a spot where a team like Rider would overlook its inferior opponent, in a sleepy Thursday night matchup in the second week of February.
I don't believe that will be the case with the Broncs.
Rider has won four of its last five games, but remains just 7-6 in MAAC play this season. The Broncs have shown flashes of brilliance, but have had a tough time putting it all together.
The good news is, momentum is on their side right now, and they're going up against an opponent that has all but quit on the season.
Note that the Broncs have held the opposition to 38.8% shooting during their current 4-1 run, and that tough defensive play should be the key to victory again tonight.
Canisius has but one win in 13 tries in conference play, that coming against an equally poor Marist squad. Keep in mind, the Griffins dropped an 11-point decision against that same Marist team last weekend.
Speaking of last weekend, Canisius did put up 86 and 69 points in a pair of losses, but it did so by shooting exceptionally well from beyond the arc. That's not something we can count on tonight, as the Griffins are shooting just over 31% from three-point land at home, while Rider has really stepped up its perimeter defense lately, holding its last five opponents to 29.1% three-point shooting.
The Golden Griffins have lost six of their seven MAAC home games by at least nine points, so it's not as if home court advantage has meant much.
This will be their second meeting with Rider this season, after getting blown off the court in an 89-65 decision back on January 22nd.
The oddsmakers certainly aren't expecting that type of blowout this time around, and neither am I. With that being said, I do feel that Rider is the vastly superior team, and given the fact that it still remains in the middle of the pack in the MAAC, it isn't likely to overlook Canisius on this night.
David Chan
Stars @ Blue Jackets
PICK: Under
I bet value where I see it and expect this total to sneak below the posted number.
The 27-23-2 Dallas Stars explode into Columbus to take on the 15-32-6 Blue Jackets.
The Stars currently sit on the outside looking in, to the playoff picture, two points out of eighth spot.
Dallas will look to bounce back here against a couple of the leagues bottom feeders after falling 4-1 to Phoenix on Tuesday:
“I think it might be all right to get on the road and try to get going,” coach Glen Gulutzan said. “We’re making it tough on ourselves. We could have been in eighth spot tonight.”
The Stars are in Buffalo tomorrow night:
“We got a two-game road trip coming up right now which is pretty huge and we gotta make sure we come back here with some points,” Michael Ryder said.
While the Blue Jackets remain mired in the basement, they've won back to back games for the second time all year, most recently a 3-1 win over the Wild on Tuesday:
“I think the last nine periods now, we aren’t perfect, we make our mistakes,” interim coach Todd Richards said. “But the hard work usually makes up for those mistakes. We got players now that are committed to having each other’s back.”
Columbus has benefited from the improved play of Curtis Sanford who is 4-1-1 with a 3.22 GAA in his last seven starts vs. Dallas.
Kari Lehtonen has started six of Dallas' last seven games and is 4-3-1 with a 1.75 GAA vs. the Blue Jackets.
Note that both teams have been struggling mightily with the man advantage; the Stars at just 14.6%; the Blue Jackets an even worse 14.5%.
The last two times these teams have met, they've totaled five goals in each game; I expect a similar outcome here; all signs point to a low-scoring affair!
Stephen Nover
L.A. Lakers @ Boston
PICK: Boston -3.5 5
REASON FOR PICK: Healthy at last, Boston is playing its best ball winning nine of its last 10, including a season-high five in a row.
The Lakers are not the elite team of past vintage. Kobe Bryant remains great and Los Angeles' tall front line can cause matchup problems, but the Lakers have depth issues and backcourt problems, particularly at point guard.
Until the Lakers prove otherwise, they are a fade on the road where they are 3-9 straight-up and ATS. The Lakers are giving up 97.2 points on the road, which is 12 more per game than they allow at home.
The Celtics have the defense to take advantage holding foes to a league-low 86.5 points per game, while also ranking No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage at 41.8.
Maybe the Lakers can end their road woes here. They've been idle since Monday when they failed to cover as four-point road 'dogs to the 76ers losing by five.
But I doubt that happens considering the Celtics are rested - having been at home since the start of the month and idle on Wednesday - at full strength and playing well.
The Lakers have failed to cover nine of the past 11 times they've been a road 'dog. They also are 3-9 ATS when playing on two days rest and are 4-10 ATS when taking on opponents with a winning mark.
Brad Diamond
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Play: Los Angeles Lakers +3½
The traveling unit from Los Angeles is on an extended six-game road swing, mostly back east. In their last outing against Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant was magnificent in the first-half, only to shoot 2-11 in the second-half, as the Sixers doubled the star, taking away his off-hand reverses. More important, the Lakers because of the travel factor, seem to die at the end of the game allowing the Sixers deep bench with rested starters to overcome an early deficit. Here, the visiting Lakers have been off for a few days, looking to recharge for this stoic battle with a long-time hated foe, the Boston Celtics. We know Boston has been playing their best ball of the year. The last time LA defeated Boston (LY: 92-86) was in 2010 in a situation that echoed Boston’s lockdown defense holding back the Lakers accuracy from the field at 30% in the second-half. Currently, the Celtics lead the league in FG defense, so LA will to compensate by playing slower early to help extend their late energy. If you look at the ATS results for LA, you will find they show at 2-9 ATS as a road puppy. However, the Celtics board at 20-49 ATS off a win of 10 or more points and clearly, have NOT played a winning team within their current 5 game win streak. Take the value-added points!
Jim Feist
Nevada vs Hawaii
Pick: Hawaii
A long road trip for Nevada and it's never easy to head to Hawaii to play. The Wolf Pack are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings and Hawaii is playing well at home, as usual, with a 9-4 record. Hawaii is on a roll, a 9-2 ATS run, plus the Warriors are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. Grab the home court; Play Hawaii.
Free NBA Pick For 2/9: Phoenix Suns -3 over the Houston Rockets. Phoenix is showing excellent value as a small favorite at home. The Suns have won four of their last five games, and winning by an average margin of 8.5 points in those victories. Their only loss came to these Houston Rockets. We're well aware that Phoenix is not the best "revenge" team. But tonight they catch the Rockets at home, and on the back end of back-to-back nights. Houston will also most likely be without starting G Kyle Lowry, who was good for 32 points last year in Phoenix, and 9 assists plus a couple of steals last week in Houston. The Rockets have lost four straight playing in Phoenix, and are just 3-7 ATS in the last 10 visits. The Suns are 22-7 ATS in the last 29 meetings in this series. The Rockets have won the last two, in Houston. We'll lay the points with the home chalk here, Phoenix Suns -3. Our Free Picks now 160-84-1 all time. Sign up today at iseewinners.com to receive all of our free picks via email. Thank you, and good luck.
SPORTS WAGERS
Winnipeg +160 over WASHINGTON
The difference between the Capitals and Jets is far too minimal to have either favored in this price range. Just four points separates them in the standings and they've split four games this season. Washington's two wins over Winnipeg came by scores of 1-0 and 4-3 in OT. If this game were in Winnipeg, the Jets would not be favored by this much. Since the break, the Caps are 2-3 with wins coming over the reeling Habs and sinking Panthers. Washington has an outstanding record at home but we expect a correction in its home record down the stretch, as the Capitals’ home record is not a true representation of what they are. The Jets come in healthier than they've been in a while. Dustin Byfulglien and Evander Kane are both key contributors and both are back. The Jets are coming off a solid 2-1 win over the Maple Leafs. They've won three of five games since the break and that includes stealing one in Philly. The Jets are five points out of the eighth and final playoff spot. They can't afford to lose more ground, both in the division and conference. With the division up for grabs and the automatic playoff entry that accompanies it, the Jets have to perform well in pivotal spots such as this one. The Jets figure to go toe-to-toe with this foe and at this price, we get tremendous value. Play: Winnipeg +160 (Risking 2 units).
OTTAWA +120 over Nashville
In terms of situational betting in the NHL, it really doesn't get much better than this for the Senators. They're hanging onto the final playoff spot and need to snap this ugly funk in the worst way. They'll be ready. The Predators are coming off that hard-fought OT loss to one of their biggest rivals, the Vancouver Canucks. They've played in Ottawa once since 2007 and barely know this team exists. Yeah there's the Mike Fisher connection but so what. Fisher has a new pair of blue suede skates and is very happy being with his wife (Carrie Underwood) in Nashville. After this game the Preds head to Boston to play the champs followed by two games against their other two biggest rivals, Chicago and Detroit. In summarizing, this game in Ottawa for the Preds' falls right in between three games against their three biggest rivals, not to mention a trip to Boston. 82 games is a marathon and no club is immune from being flat from time to time as we expect Nashville to be here. The Senators cannot afford to be. Play: Ottawa +120 (Risking 2 units).
PHOENIX -½ +110 over Calgary
You're not going to find us laying pucks very often in the final quarter of the season because there are too many regulation ties to warrant it. However, everything about this game heavily favors the Coyotes and we'll take a confident position as a result. Phoenix is coming off a crucial, three-game in four nights set that saw them beat San Jose, Detroit and Dallas. They outscored that trio 12-5. They've had a full days rest, they got themselves right back into the thick of the playoff race (tied for eighth) and they couldn't have handpicked a better time to play the Flames. Calgary played last night in San Jose and won 4-3. They also played Tuesday in Anaheim and lost in OT. The Anaheim-San Jose-Phoenix trip is one of the more difficult three game sets of the season. Calgary will do it in four days. After picking up three out of a possible four points, they'll go with rarely used back-up goaltender Leland Irving here before hosting Vancouver on Saturday night. This is low hanging fruit that is very ripe for the picking. Play: Phoenix -½ +110 (Risking 2 units).
Alatex Sports
Arkansas-Little Rock at UL-Lafayette
Play: Arkansas-Little Rock +6
Two of the top teams in the Sun Belt meet for round two of their season series tonight in Lafayette. Arkansas-Little Rock is 8-2 in conference play with identical 4-1 home and road marks. They have already won at North Texas and Denver and their only loss was a game in which they fell apart late at Western Kentucky. UALR allowed a five-point lead to turn into a 12-point loss in the final five minutes of that game. ULL handed UALR its only conference home loss three weeks ago, winning 68-49. Little Rock comes into this game on another streak with three straight home wins. The Cajuns are also hot, winning four in a row to push their Sun Belt mark to 8-3. Lafayette has struggled at home, however, with their last four home games resulting in an overtime win, a 2-point win, another overtime win and a loss to South Alabama. Their blowout of UALR on the road and their conference opening win against FAU are the Cajuns only double-digit wins of the year. Take the points here.
Andrew Lange
North Texas at Florida International
Play: North Texas +2
Let's not let facts get in the way here: Isaiah Thomas is not a good leader of men when not donning a uniform and sneakers. Since arriving at Florida International, Zeke checks in at a dismal 25-59 SU. I’ve got to the window in support of FIU as an underdog, but in all three instances of being favored this season, they lost outright. Adding to the randomness of this program, of their seven wins this season, all but one came on the highway. Off back-to-back wins including a 20-point victory on the road over rival Florida Atlantic – arguably the most impressive win of Isaiah's brief tenure – this is a team that has FADE written all over it. North Texas is playing as well as anyone in the Sun Belt right now on a current 6-3 SU, 8-0-1 ATS run. The Mean Green's three losses came by 2, 2 and 3. This has been a wacky series with the underdog covering 12 straight and the road team eight for its last 10 ATS.
Sammy P Sports
Toronto Philadelphia
Play: Under 5.5
To the casual NHL fan this game at first glance screams OVER the total, but as a delusional ESPN analyst says, "Not so fast!" We have to take into account how each team is playing recently. Teams go through peaks and valleys all season long due to injuries and/or confidence issues. The Boston Bruins are a perfect example of this – abysmal start only to tear off one of the greatest months in NHL memory during November. After that huge run we are seeing goals a little harder to come by for the Bruins and we are seeing similar problems with Philadelphia’s offense as well. The Flyers averaged 3.66 goals per game during their first 29 games but have dipped down to 2.75 gpg in their last 24 games and an even worse 2.20 gpg in their last five contests. Philadelphia has dealt with some key injuries lately and are still not 100 percent healthy. Toronto comes into tonight's matchup having played 10 of their last 13 games UNDER the total; doing it with stingy defense that allowed just 1.92 gpg during that 13-game span. These teams have also gone UNDER the total in six of their last eight meetings. Follow the trends, fade the public, and take this game UNDER the 5.5 total with a little plus price tacked on.