Jeff Alexander
Sacramento Kings +9
The Spurs are a soft 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games versus a team with a winning percentage below .400. The Kings, meanwhile, are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games versus a team with a winning record. They are also 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on 3 or more days' rest.
John Martin
Memphis Grizzlies -2
The Memphis Grizzlies are clearly the superior team in this match-up with the Detroit Pistons. That will show on the court tonight as these two meet in Detroit. That has proven to be the case in this head-to-head series in recent meetings. Memphis is a perfect 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in its last 6 meetings with Detroit. It has won all six contests by 6 or more points, including four by 12 or more.
Red Dog Sports
North Carolina -3½
The Tar Heels should get points from McAdoo, PJ Hairston, Marcus Paige, Strickland and Reggie Bullock. UNC is a better rebounding team and beat Ga Tech by double digits in the Dean Dome. I think we see UNC win by 6 and cover the small number.
Joe Duffy
Chicago Bulls vs. New Orleans Hornets
Play: Chicago Bulls
No handicapper has had a more decorated career than Joe Duffy’s GodsTips. That continues Tuesday with a 3-0 sweep in college basketball. The free pick is to take Chicago Bulls (-1.5) to New Orleans.
Both teams have actually played better on the road than at home. Chicago has a slight plus on total road points, while New Orleans is -2.5 points per game at home. That in and off itself does not demand a pick. However, remember in about 85-90 percent of the cases, the home team is more rested.
Both teams are well rested coming off the all-star break. Also, one of our Golden Rules is rest benefits the teams that need it the most and hurts teams in a groove. Yes New Orleans was playing their best basketball of the year. Problem is they have not played in six days.
Chicago needed the break as they were struggling. But overall, the Bulls are the much better team. Chicago had guys in and out of the line-up and played seven of their last eight games before the break on the road. So no team will benefit from the time to refocus more than them.
It also gives Kirk Hinrich time to ease back into the line-up. He missed seven games and that added to the struggles.