SPORTS WAGERS
N.Y. Rangers +123 over BOSTON
The Bruins haven't won back to back games in over a month. They're coming off that 4-3 OT win over Nashville in a game they played well in but still needed a goal in the final minute to send it into OT. Boston has allowed five goals or more in three of its last eight and three or more goals in six of those. The B's are still not right while the Rangers are legit Cup contenders. The Rangers are in every game. They don't lose often and they don't trail in the game often either. New York has won seven of nine with both losses over that span coming against the Devils, 1-0 and 4-3 in OT. To give you an idea of how consistently good the Blue Shirts have been, consider that they have not lost consecutive games since December 13 and 15. Since then, they've won 19 of 25 games. The Rangers have beaten the B's once this year already. They also beat them both times they met last season. At the moment the Rangers are in better form and they have a big edge in net with Henrik Lundqvist over the suddenly shaky Tim Thomas. Play: New York +123 (Risking 2 units).
Dallas +185 over DETROIT
The Red Wings will go for an NHL record 21st straight win at home after tying the record against Philly on Sunday. In the past 48 hours, there has been intense media coverage and nobody want to talk to the Stars. They all want to talk with Red Wings players and that has them thinking more than they should be. Especially undrafted goaltender Joey MacDonald. A 32-year old career minor leaguer, MacDonald has appeared in just 26 NHL games. He was called up to backup Ty Conklin so he was a backup to a backup. Granted, he's played well in three games since Conklin was yanked but there's added pressure here. The Stars will come in with nothing to lose. They're expected to go down in defeat. However, they know this team well. Despite losing both games to Detroit this season, Dallas was in a position to win them both, as they lost 5-4 in the first meeting and 3-2 in OT in the second. The Stars will give it everything they have in an attempt to prevent the Red Wings from doing what the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders dynasties could not. Play: Dallas +185 (Risking 2 units).
BUFFALO -108 over New Jersey
The Devils have lost two in a row and at least one or perhaps both were due to poor goaltending. Both Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg have two of the worst save percentages in the league. . Brodeur's, the lower of the two (.899) is the confirmed starter here. The Devils can dominate a game and still lose, as they did against these same Sabres before the break when they outshot them 28-14 and lost in OT. We see in the Chicago Blackhawks what can happen to a good team with poor goaltending. It deflates and demoralizes a club. They lose games they should have won and it takes it's toll over time. The Blackhawks have lost eight straight because of lousy goaltending and unless New Jersey addresss this, they're not going anywhere this year. Meanwhile, something happened over the all-star break to the Sabres. They woke up. They've picked up points in five of six games since the break. Included over that span is two shutout wins over Boston (6-0) and the Rangers (1-0). The Sabres are to the NHL this season what Philadelphia was to the NFL. Huge talent and nothing to show for it so far but again, this sleeping dog has awoken and they're very dangerous right now. Play: Buffalo -108 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
Free NBA Release for 2/14: Detroit Pistons +9 over the San Antonio Spurs. Nine is just too many points for the away team to be laying here when they are still only 6-8 on the road this season. Sure the Spurs have been red-hot, winners of seven straight both SU and ATS. They covered their last time out laying nine points, winning by 14 in New Jersey. But dont forget, Detroit beat the Nets pretty easily as well in a 109-92 home rout that was never even close. Also, the Pistons have been on somewhat of a hot streak themselves. They've won 4 of their last 5 straight up, and 5 of their last 6 against the spread. Detroit enters this game on a day of rest, and should be hungry to right the ship after coming off a disappointing loss at home to the Wizards. San Antonio hasnt played since Saturday in New Jersey. And if anything is going to cool off the Spurs, it's too much time off. San Antonio is just 1-8 ATS in their last nine games when coming off of two days of rest, and they have only covered the number one time in their last nine games when favored on the road. Look for them to come out a little rusty tonight. Detroit is a solid 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games when playing a dog role at home, and the underdog has cashed in 8 times in the last 11 meetings between these two. So, we've got some love for the home dog tonight, Detroit Pistons +9. Our free picks are now 162-85-1 all-time. Sign up today at www.iseewinners.com if you would like to receive all of our free plays via email. Thank you, and best of luck.
WUNDERDOG
Miami at Indiana
Pick: Under 198.5
The Indiana Pacers have come a long way. Just a few short years ago they went the Phoenix, and Golden State method, and just tried to outscore everyone they faced. They now have a nucleus of talent that can go toe-to-toe with most teams and stand at 17-10 on the season. The Pacers have allowed just two of their last 21 opponents to taste the century mark, so looking at a total just shy of 200 is certainly showing value on the low side. The Heat are much more well known for the offensive talent their trio of stars, but they have been great on the defensive end as well. Miami has allowed just two of their last 17 opponents to touch the 100-point mark. Play this one UNDER the total.
OddsBay
Virginia at Clemson
Play: Clemson -1
ACC matchup for Valentine's Day in Clemson, SC where the hometown Tigers will host the Virginia Cavaliers at LittleJohn Coliseum. These two teams faced off in Charlottesville on January 31 with UVA winning by 3 allowing Clemson to cover as +7 road underdogs. The Tigers took Virginia to the wire despite the Cavs shooting 55.8% from the field. Tigers are typically not much of a pointspread team but they play good fundamental basketball and nasty defense (ranked #2 in the ACC in scoring defense). Virginia still without Assane Sene as he recovers from ankle surgery. There's a longstanding college basketball angle that supports playing ON an unranked team favored against a ranked team and with Virginia at #22 that applies here. All Clemson needs to do is win outright and they already know they can compete with Virginia--the Cavs won't shoot 55% in this game.
Washington Wizards at Portland Trailblazers
Play: Portland Trailblazers -15
It's never easy to lay big numbers in the NBA but in this case it's justified. The Portland Trailblazers are always tough in the Rose City, but that's been especially true this year--the Blazers are 11-3 straight up which is the best home start in fifteen years. More importantly for our purposes the Blazers are 10-4 against the spread playing in 'Rip City' winning by an average of just under 14 PPG at home. I'm thinking they'll get their 'average' and then some against a Washington Wizards team that is well 'below average'. Wizards coming off a rare SU road win against an inconsistent Detroit Pistons team which 'improved' their road record to 2-10 SU and 4-8 ATS. No matter the setting, the Wizards have been horrible when getting points--Washington is a brutal 2-20 SU/6-16 ATS as an underdog. Youngster Trevor Booker of Washington will draw the unenviable task of guarding All Star LaMarcus Aldridge and that's just one of countless bad matchups for the road team. Blazers beat the Wiz by 35 at the Rose Garden last season and this is a better Portland team this year while Washington has regressed. Big blowout, get in early as this line will go up. This is a matchup between one of the best franchises top to bottom in the NBA against one of the worst and the result will reflect that.
Jack Jones
Miami Heat -2
We are getting the Miami Heat at a great price tonight. Miami is playing their best basketball of the season right now, and rarely will you get an opportunity to bet them as this small of a favorite. I'll certainly take advantage Tuesday.
Miami is 22-7 on the season and they are in the midst of their best stretch of the year. The Heat have won 13 of their last 16 overall, including three straight road wins all by 17 points or more.
Indiana, meanwhile, is in the midst of their worst stretch of the season. The Pacers have lost three straight, including a 109-113 home loss to the Denver Nuggets last time out. They have failed to cover the spread in five straight games.
Indiana has not fared well against Miami, losing three straight in this series. That includes a 118-83 road loss to the Pacers in their first meeting this season on 1/04. Dwayne Wade has scored 40-plus points in each of his last two visits to Indiana.
The Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Pacers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games. The Heat are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings with Indiana. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in this series. Bet Miami Tuesday.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit Phoenix Suns +9
The Nuggets had lost 5 in a row before posting a 4-point win over Indiana, and that victory isn't enough to justify them laying 9 points here. The Suns have quietly won 4 of their last 6 and won't take this one lightly as they try to end a 3-game skid against Denver. The Suns are 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings in this series, and the Nuggets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite. Take Phoeni
Dave Price
1 Unit Los Angeles Lakers -5½
Without Al Horford and Jason Collins, the Hawks will be at a major disadvantage on the interior this evening. Look for the Lakers, who are 11-2 at home, to abuse the Hawks down low with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. The Lakers have won their last 5 at home against Atlanta by an average of 17 points. Lay the points.
Jeff Scott Sports
4 UNIT PLAY
Clemson/ Virginia Over 115: A couple of weeks ago I had the Over (112.5) in this game on Virginia's home floor and it was an easy winner as 126 points were scored in the game. I expect another on in the 120's here. The Clemson Tigers are not a great offensive team but they have been putting up some decent numbers as they have averaged 67 ppg in their last 7 games overall and 68.4 ppg in the ACC home games. Virginia has been tough at the defensive end all year as they have allowed just 51.9 ppg overall, but on the road that number jumps to 58.8 ppg, while in their last 3 ACC road games they have allowed 62.7 ppg. This Clemson offense should be able to hit that on thier home floor. Virginia has averaged 63.5 ppg overall and 62.9 ppg on the road and they should be able to get their fair share of points vs a Clemson team that has allowed 64.3 ppg in the ACC overall, including 64.8 ppg in their last 4 ACC games at home. Clemson's home games have averaged 122.1 ppg overall, while their ACC home games have averaged 132 ppg, with none of the 5 games putting up less than 126 points. Clemson's lowest scoring ACC game overall was 116 points at Boston Collage, while the rest of them have all hit at least 126 points. Virginia has been involved in much lower scoring ACC games as their conference games have averaged just 113.1 ppg, but their ACC Road games have averaged 116.8 ppg, while their road games overall have put up 121.7 ppg. Teams get virgini nto play at more their own pace on their home floors and I expect Clemson to pick up the pace in this one as well and get this game in the 120's.
3 UNIT PLAYS
POWER ANGLE PLAY
Georgia State -3.5 over JAMES MADISON: JMU is just 9-28-1 ATS in their last 38 home games and just 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games overall. GSU has struggled on the road in the CAA, but they have won their last 2 conference games away from home and are taking on a bad Dukes squad tonight. The Dukes come in having won just 1 game in their last games and have lost their last 2 at home by 5+ points each. That one win? That was a road win at a 1-25 Townson team, in a game where they blew a 15 point half time lead to win by just 2 points. Defense will be key in this one and GSU has a HUGE edge in that aspect of the game. The Panthers come in allowing just 58.7 ppg overall and 61.4 ppg on the road, plus in their last 5 games overall (regulation only) they have allowed just 56.8 ppg. No way the Dukes can even come close to numbers like that. JMU did allowed just 56 points to Townson the other night, but in their previous 5 games they allowed 77.4 ppg, while in their first game vs the Panthers they allowed 74 points. Georgia State isn't a good offensive team, but they have averaged 64.8 ppg (reg only) in their last 4 CAA games they should be able to score plenty on this defense tonight. The Dukes do have the slight offensive edge, but they will just not be able to come up with enough stops to keep this one close. POWER ANGLE FOR THIS PLAY--- Play against homedogs or pick off a close win by 3 points or less over a conference rival, playing only their 3rd game in a week. This play is 25-5 the last 5 seasons.
UNLV/ TCU Under 147: Google News Play. I don't see the Rebels blowing the doors off of TCU this time around, but still not sure if the Frogs can cover the 8 spot so we will look to the UNDER in this one. I don't usually like day of the week trends, but for some reason the Under is 23-5-1 in UNLV's last 29 games on Tuesday night's. Last time these teams met the Rebels hung 101 points on the Frogs, but I really don't expect that here. TCU has played good defense at home, where they have allowed just 64.3 ppg overall, including 57.8 ppg in their MWC home games. The Rebels are 10th in the nation in scoring (79.5 ppg), but they are off BB games with SDSU and Wyoming and they have a road date with New Mexico on deck, so I don't expect them to go all out on that end of the floor. The Rebels have been playing better defense of late as they have allowed just 65.8 ppg in their last 5 games and that is with 2 OT games being played. TCU has averaged 70.8 ppg at home, but just 61.5 ppg in their conference home games and they should have problems scoring vs the Rebels tonight. At the most I see the Rebels getting 75 points, while their is no way I see TCU hitting the 70 point mark. This game should be played in the 130's.
Cleveland State/ Milwaukee Over 121: The Vikings have struggled to score of late as they have averaged just 45 ppg in their last 2 games, but prior to the two games this team had averaged 71.8 ppg in the previous 8 games and they did put 83 points on the Panthers the last time these teams met. The Vikings should get their scoring back on track tonight vs a Panthers squad that has allowed 69 ppg in their last 4 games. The Panthers have struggled to score of late as they have put up just 60.3 ppg in their last 5 games, but they have still averaged 65.3 ppg at home on the year. Getting points won't be easy vs the Vikings tonight as Cleveland State comes in allowing just 49.4 ppg in their last 5 games, but I do expect the Panthers to still be able to hit at least 60 points on their home floor in this one. In fact I expect both teams to hit at least 60 in a game that should flirt with the 130 point mark.
Florida -3.5 over ALABAMA: The Gators come into this one off 2 bad losses, but what better way to get back on track vs an Alabama squad that is dealing with all sorts of off the court distractions and will be with out their top 2 scorers in this one. Even before the suspensions the Tide wasn't playing all that great. Sure Alabama had won their last 3 in a row (before LSU), but one was a road win vs a hapless Auburn squad, while the other 2 wins were2 home wins by a combined 8 points and they were double digit faves in both games, plus before their 3 game win streak they had lost 4 in a row. This is not a great team and it will be very hard for them to keep pace with the high flying Gators without Green or Mitchell. Alabama scored just 58 points in the game vs LSU without those two and now take on a Florida squad that averages 78.8 ppg (16th) on 46.6% shooting (57th) on the year. The two players that Bama will be missing is pretty much their inside and that is not good as they are 343rd in the nation in shooting the three ball (27.3%). Bama does play good defense, but I just don't see them coming up with enough points to keep this one close or win it outright. Gators by 7+ here.
2 UNIT PLAYS
Texas -2.5 over OKLAHOMA: Play against home teams as an underdog or pick off a loss to a conference rival as a favorite of 6 points or more. This play is 48-14 the last 5 seasons. despite coming off the Huge win over KSU, I still feel the longhorns are the team here. They are playing better having won their last 3 and even their recent losses vs top notch teams in the conference have been close. The Sooners were pick near the bottom of the Big 12 and are playing like that team of late. Longhorns should pull away late here.
Ohio State/ Minnesota Under 129: OHIO ST is 50-27 UNDER versus slow-down teams averaging 53 or less shots/game since 1997, while MINNESOTA is 19-9 UNDER when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
1 UNIT PLAYS
William & Mary +17 over DREXEL: Play on road underdogs of 10 or more points off a blowout win by 20 points or more over a conference rival against opponent off 2 straight wins against conference rivals. This play is 44-14 since 1997.
Creighton/ Southern Illinois Under 141: S ILLINOIS is 21-8 UNDER versus bad pressure defensive teams - forcing <=12 turnovers/game since 1997, while CREIGHTON is 16-4 UNDER after 2 straight games giving up 9 or less offensive rebounds over the last 2 seasons.
Scott Rickenbach
Virginia Commonwealth @ George Mason
PICK: George Mason -1
Perhaps the biggest game on Tuesday’s college basketball schedule is one you haven’t noticed. The inside track to the CAA conference crown is on the line with the VCU Rams visit the George Mason Patriots Tuesday night. It’s a classic clash of styles, with the Rams boasting a lockdown defense versus the Patriots’ up-tempo scoring attack. With the spread hovering around a pick’em, we’ll take the sharp-shooting squad playing on their own court with their own rims. George Mason averages just over 70 points per game on the season but has upped that production in its last two outings, scoring 72 and 75 points in back-to-back wins - firing a combined 52 percent in those two wins. Ryan Pearson is the stud scorer for the Patriots, putting up more than 17.5 points per game this season. But behind Pearson, George Mason has capable scorers in Bryon Allen, Mike Morrison, Vertrail Vaughns, and reserve Sherrod Wright. And while VCU prides itself on defense, the Patriots are no slouches when it comes to stopping the ball. They’ve held their last four opponents under 70 points and average just 63 points against on the season. There is good value with George Mason at home Tuesday against a Rams program still a bit puffed-up with public appeal from their miracle Final Four run last season.
Accuscore
Boston Bruins
AccuScore agrees with the money line that has the Boston Bruins has home favorites. These two teams played each other in Boston at the end of January. The Rangers won in overtime 3-2 against Tukka Rask. Tim Thomas will get the start tonight and that is the difference for me. Rask played well, but Thomas is essentially a brick wall that will hold off the Rangers attack in a Bruins win.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The money line indicates the Lightning is a slight favorite at -117. AccuScore’s forecast has Tampa Bay as a significantly bigger favorite with a forecasted winning percentage of 61.6. Ottawa has struggled since the end of January, losing eight of nine games. Ottawa has won both matchups this year at home, but I like Tampa Bay with the home ice advantage against a Senators team on the decline.
Black Widow
1* Toronto Raptors +5.5
With all of the hype that Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks are receiving of late, there's no question that they are overvalued tonight. I'll gladly side with the value and the home underdog Toronto Raptors who nearly beat the Los Angeles Lakers last time out. While it's certainly impressive what Lin and the Knicks have been doing of late, it's not the time to back them. That time has come and gone, and now they are simply getting too much respect from the oddsmakers and the betting public. Toronto has quietly gone 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games, playing some good teams very tough, including a 86-74 home win over Boston. The underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings in this series. The clear value in this game is with the dog. Take Toronto and the points.
Jeff Scott Sports
4 UNIT PLAY
POWER ANGLE PLAY
San Antonio -9 over DETROIT: The Spurs are hot and come in 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games, while the road team is 8-3 ATS the last 11 in the series. The Spurs have solid DD wins at Philly and Memphis and a DD win at home vs the thunder in their last 7 games and Detroit is not even close to that group of teams. The Pistons have won 4 of their last 5, but 2 of their wins were vs the Nets and one was vs the Hornets, while the loss was a 21 point home loss to the Wizards in their last game. Spurs are better than Washington right? LOL San Antonio has allowed just 88 ppg on 41.7% shooting in their last 5 games, while Detroit has struggled to score all year long, putting up 87.2 ppg overall and 90.1 ppg at home. The piston have played better defense of late as they have allowed just 89.8 ppg in their last 5 games, but look at the level of competition they played during that stretch. The Spurs have averaged 98.4 ppg in their last 5 games and have hit the century mark in 3 of their last 4 games, so they can put up more than enough points to get the cover vs this weak Detroit team. Despite playing well in their last 5 games Detroit is still not a good team, while the Spurs have been rolling vs good competition of late. POWER ANGLE FOR THIS PLAY--- Play on road teams after successfully covering the spread in 7 or more consecutive games if they have a winning record on the season. This play is 27-4 the last 5 seasons
3 UNIT PLAY
Washington/ Portland Over 194: 84% of the public is on the Under yet the line rose 3 points. This sucks casue I really hate to be on the side of the sharps in this one (i hate those bastards), but I really do see this game as a high scoring one. Washington has struggled to score this year, but it has been getting better of late as they have average 97.8 ppg in their last 4 games, while they have averaged 98 ppg in their last 4 games away from home. Portland has played solid defense at home this year, allowing just 91.9 ppg there, but they have allowed 97+ points in each of their last 3 home games and yes I know who they played in those games, but I still feel that in an uptempo game Washington should be good for around 93 points on this one. Portland plays an uptempo game at home and it has resulted in them putting up 105.1 ppg and with two days rest and vs a Washington team that has allowed 101.1 ppg on the road I don't see how Portland doesn't hit at least 105 points in this one. Worst case scenario is that Washington hits just 90 points, but I fully expect 105+ from Portland and even with out a calculator that tells me we should get the Over here.
2 UNIT PLAYS
Miami -2 over INDIANA: This is the 5th game of 6 on the road for the Heat and they come in playing very well having won their last 3 on the trip and by an average of 18.3 ppg. Miami is one of the higher scoring team in the league and will be facing an Indiana team that has allowed 101.8 ppg in their last 4 games. Indiana is just 1-4 in their last 5 games and are not ready to take the Heat down here.
Memphis/ Houston Over 187: Memphis has played great defense this year, especially at home where they have allowed just 92.1 ppg, but they may struggle keeping that number down vs the Rockets tonight. The Rockets come in ranked 7th in the league in scoring at 98.1 ppg and that's thanks to their uptempo style as they rank 1st in the league in shots per game (84.7). Houston will be playing it's 6th straight on the road and they have averaged a solid 98.8 ppg in their last 4 on the trip. Because of their pace thought the Rockets will give up points as they have allowed 96.3 ppg overall and 100 ppg on the road. Memphis has struggled to score at home of late, but they still average 98.3 ppg on their home floor and should be able to to take advantage of this weak Houston defensive team. I expect at least 94 points from both teams in this one.
1 UNIT PLAY
Lakers/ Atlanta Over 178: ATLANTA is 9-0 OVER in road games after a blowout loss by 20 points or more over the last 3 seasons, while the LA LAKERS are 25-11 OVER when the total is between 170 and 179.5 points since 1996.