Andrew Lange
Bradley at Southern Illinois
Play: Bradley +7
Why on earth is Southern Illinois laying -7 in a conference game? I understand Bradley is not very good and the Salukis are coming off a 85-42 beat down at Wichita, but this number is in my opinion way too high. Situational aside, let's look at the facts: Both teams have faced similar league schedules and have nearly identical statistical profiles. They struggle to defend on a consistent basis and have no real edge in any facet of the game. SIU has managed to pick up a few more league wins and by default deserves to be favored, but I expected to see this game lined in the -3 range. SIU won the first meeting in Peoria but shot an uncharacteristically high 57% from the floor. Unless that type of effort occurs again, I think the road team can stick around and make this a game.
WUNDERDOG
Buffalo at New Jersey
Pick: Over 5
The New Jersey Devils are suddenly having some problems on the defensive end of the ice. They have allowed 4 goals in each of their last two games and are playing to a questionable low total here vs. a Sabres team that has allowed more goals than any team in the Northeast. The over probabilities aren't just enhanced by those observations, but consider the fact that the Devils are 15-3-6 to the OVER in their last 24 when facing a 5-goal total this season. Buffalo is a well-rested team, and playing on two days of rest they have charged OVER the total to the tune of a 36-17-2 mark in their last 55. Play this one OVER the total.
David Banks
Kentucky / Georgia Over
Super Tuesday closes out with a SEC battle as the newly crowned #1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats (19-1, 4-14-1 ATS) head to Athens to take on a Georgia Bulldogs (10-9, 7-8 ATS) outfit badly in need of pulling an upset like this to improve its March Madness resume; ESPN’s live coverage from Stegeman Coliseum is slated for 9:00 ET.
One of the most overvalued teams in college basketball history is set to hit the road for two games this week starting in Atlanta before making the trek to Baton Rouge to battle LSU. Even though Head Coach John Calipari’s kids have fallen just once in the 20 times they’ve taken to the hardwood this season, the Wildcats have been extreme moneyburners for their betting backers managing just a 4-14-1 ATS mark in their 19 lined games. Regardless of the fact that it currently can’t cover a closing number to save its life, Kentucky just continues to win and did so once again last Saturday when it pulled out the 77-71 home win and non-cover over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The win improved them to a perfect 14-0 as hosts, but now they have to hit the road where they dropped their only game of the season in heartbreaking fashion to the Indiana Hoosiers. As it is, the Wildcats stand 5-1 SU & 2-4 ATS in their six road/neutral court battles.
Save for pulling out a 57-53 overtime win at home against the schizophrenic Tennessee Volunteers, the Bulldogs have come up short in each of their other four SEC confrontations against Alabama, Florida, Vanderbilt, and most recently Mississippi at home as 2.5-point favorites. The defeat dropped Head Coach Mark Fox’s squad to 1-4 SU in the SEC as well as 8-4 SU & 3-5 ATS as a host. The main problem the Dawgs possess comes at the offensive end of the court where they rank amongst the worst college basketball has to offer in a number of offensive categories. Thankfully, the team can clamp it down defensively (#84 at 63.2 PPG) which has allowed this scrappy team to churn out a 4-5 mark against the closing pointspread when dogged.
These teams split their two meetings a year ago with Georgia upsetting the Wildcats 77-70 as five-point Athens underdogs in the first round, but Kentucky countered with a 66-60 win and non-cover in the second go round (-10). KY has gone 5-2 ATS the L/7 times it paid a visit to the Peach State, and the road team has gone a moneymaking 8-1 ATS in these teams L/9 overall clashes; the ‘over’ has cashed in four of the L/5 meetings. Kentucky has failed to cover each of its L/4 away from Rupp Arena, while the Bulldogs check in a rock solid 24-8 ATS the L/32 times they played off an outright defeat.
Dave Price
1 Unit Purdue -5
Fading Purdue at home has rarely been an option of late. The Boilermakers are an outstanding 15-5 ATS in all lined home games since the beginning of last season, winning those contests by an average of 18.7 points. Purdue won both meetings against Michigan last season by 10 and 23 points and has won 6 straight at home in this series by an average of 15.3 points. Bet the Boilermakers.
SPORTS WAGERS
Toronto +5½ +201 over PHOENIX
The Raptors have lost eight straight and 10 of their past 11 games. After opening the season with a surprisingly good 3-3 mark, the Raps are now 4-13. Why then, are they taking back just a mere 5½ points in Phoenix when the Suns have won two of three and lost by just six in Dallas last night? The reason is because the Phoenix Suns are worse than the Raps and Andrea Bargnini returns. Bargnini is a huge presense in the line-ups. He's not only a great rebounder and shooter but he opens up everything for the entire offense. He's the grease that makes the wheels turn. Aside from the 38-year-old Steve Nash and his beaten up body and Grant Hill's 40-yr-old body, the Suns don't have much to offer. Marcin Gortat is decent in the middle but anything he can do, Bargnani can do two times better. The Suns return home from a four-game trip here before a couple days off and that's highly anticipated in this year of the unrelenting schedule. The small number suggests the books have a strong opinion on this one and it doesn't favor the host. Play: Toronto +5½ (Risking 1.05 units to win 1). Play: Toronto +201 (Risking 1 unit).
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins -1½
The Boston Bruins beat the Flyers in Philadelphia on Sunday 6-5 in shootout, which was a huge Eastern Conference game. The Bruins have won 5 of their last 8 games making them 31-13-2 on the season (great record for having a rough start to the season). The Bruins don’t mind playing away from home as they are 15-6 on the road. Washington lost in overtime in Pittsburgh on Sunday and have now dropped 3 of their last 4 games. To make things worse for the Caps they are without Alexander Ovechkin for 3 games, as he was suspended for a high hit. Take note that the Bruins average 3.57 goals per game on the road, while giving up just 2.19 against. T he Bruins are averaging 3.5 goals per game on the season. The Capitals are averaging just 1.60 goals per game over their last 5, and without Ovechkin, Backstrom and Green I expect more troubles scoring against a tough defensive Bruins team. These two teams have yet to play each other this season but the Bruins took 3 of 4 meetings last season. Note that 9 of the Bruins 15 wins on the road have come by two goals or more. Also note that the Capitals are just 1-5 in their last 6 vs a team with a winning % above .600. The Bruins will definitely be getting up for this game against the Capitals, and with Washington not scoring many goals lately I love the value on the road team puck line at +175.
Winnipeg / New York Under 5.5
Most sportsbooks will allow you to buy this game back to a total of 5.5 which I have done. If you don’t have the option I do still like the UNDER 5 at +110 or better. Despite out playing the Canes, the Jets lost 2-1 last night which was their 6th loss in their last 8 games. The Jets are averaging just 1.70 goals per game over their last 10, and just 2.5 goals per game on the season (2.33 on the road). Winnipeg is just 7-13-4 on the road this season. The Rangers enter tonight’s off a 3-2 overtime win in Boston on Saturday. New York has won 8 of their last 11 games. The Rangers averaging 2.80 goals per game this season, and allowing just 2.02 goals against per game. Also note that they have gone 13 games without seeing a total higher 5. The UNDER is 11-3-8 in the Rangers last 22 overall and 4-0-2 in their last 6 home games. The UNDER is also 13-4 in the Jets last 17 overall and 8-3 in their last 11 games as an underdog. The UNDER is 5-0 in their last 5 meetings overall and 7-2 in their last 9 meetings in New York. Take the UNDER in this one.
Anaheim Ducks +103
The Anaheim Ducks have been playing great hockey winning 8 of their last 9 games, none of which needed overtime or shootout. During that span of 9 games the Ducks have been averaging 4 goals per game. On the other hand the Stars have dropped 5 straight and 6 of 7 with their most recent 5-2 loss against the struggling Wild. Dallas is scoring just 1.20 goals per game over their last 5, and that won’t get things done for them. Bad news for a team struggling to score is facing a goalie like Honas Hiller who has won 5 straight starts and has allowed just 8 goals against in his last 6 starts. Dallas is just 1-4 in their last 5 home games after a good start to the season on home ice. Dallas has taken 2 of these two teams 3 meetings this season, but Anaheim won the latest on January 10th by a sore of 5-2. Tonight’s game comes down to the Ducks playing very solid hockey right now, and the Stars struggling. Dallas will have troubles getting anything by Hiller and the Ducks should provide enough offense to pull of the upset tonight. Take the Ducks.
Calgary Flames +100
The Sharks have lost three straight games of 4 of their last 5, which includes a 2-1 shootout loss in Edmonton last night. The Sharks heavily outplayed the Oilers (outshooting them 45-18) but couldn’t get anything past Dubnyk. It is going to be tough for the Sharks to come back with the same effort again tonight. The Flames won two straight road games, and have won 5 of their last 7 overall (getting points in 6 of those 7). Although Calgary is scoring just 2 goals per game over their last 5 they are getting great goaltending from Kiprusoff and are averaging just 1.60 goals against per game over that same span. Kiprusoff has allowed just 7 goals against over his last 5 starts where he is 3-1-1. Take note that the Flames are 13-6-2 at home this season and are 8-1 in their last 9 home games. The Flames are also 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs a team with a winning road record and 8-3 in their last 11 vs Western Conference opponents. Although San Jose does ok on 0 days rest, you can note that they are 1-6 in their last 7 games when they went to OT the previous day. The Sharks are 2-2 on the road this season with 0 days rest, but 0-2 in their last 2. The Sharks won the first meeting between these two teams in San Jose via a shootout just a week ago and I think the Flames will get things done this time at home.
Black Widow
1* Miami Heat -13
The Miami Heat are going to be highly motivated tonight following perhaps their worst loss of the season. The Heat simply did not do anything well in their 82-91 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks two nights ago. I like their chances of getting back on track against a Cleveland team that is playing no defense right now. The Cavs are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games with three straight double-digits losses, giving up 113.3 points/game in the process. They'll be up against a Miami team that is scorching the nets at home this year. The Heat are scoring 108.4 points/game at home, outscoring foes by 14.9 points/game. Cleveland simply lacks the firepower it's going to take to keep up with the Heat tonight. Take Miami and lay the points.
Rocketman
Baylor @ Oklahoma
Play: Oklahoma +5.5
Oklahoma is 9-1 SU at home this year where they are beating opponents by an average of 15.1 points per game this year. Oklahoma is 21-7 ATS overall vs Baylor since 1997. Oklahoma is 26-3 SU overall vs Baylor since 1997 including 13-1 SU at home since 1997. Bears are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning SU record. Bears are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Bears are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. Big 12. Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss. Bears are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite. Bears are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bears are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Bears are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite. Sooners are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog of 0.5-6.5. Sooners are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog. Bears are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Oklahoma. Bears are 3-10-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings. We'll recommend a small play on Oklahoma tonight!
Lenny Del Genio
Magic at Pacers
Play: Under
The Magic scored 56 points last night. Indiana is allowing just 82.8 PPG at home this season. Orlando is 24-9 Under when the total is 180 to 189.5. They are 18-8 Under off an outright loss as favorite. The Pacers are 15-4 Under at home off a road win. Play Under.
Andre Gomes
New York Knicks -5
It was not on my plans to take the Knicks tonight, especially with them being favored by 5 points on the road. My first lean was to pass on this game, but after having a technical analysis on this game, I've realized that we have some great edges on the Knicks for tonight. First of all, DJ Augustin is out for this contest and he is a key piece in the Bobcats offense. Looking at the basketballvalue numbers, when DJ is on court, the Bobcats have an average offensive rate of 99.34, but when he is out, the Bobcats average just 92.51! That's a +6.84 net! For tonight, the Bobcats lineup will be Walker+Henderson+Brown+Tyrus+Mullens! The rookie Walker may struggle tonight in running the offense on his own and as much as we can talk trash about the Knicks backcourt, Walker will be matched up tonight against the best rookie defender in the NBA this season: Iman Shumpert, who will make his life tough, with Kemba trying to adapt to having to create shots for his team mates as the team's only true PG on the floor! With their frontcourt configuration of Tyrus + Mullens, the Bobcats frontcourt is just too soft! On their last 5 games, they averaged just 46.6% in rebounding and 20.93% on offensive rebound rates, while allowing 27.62% offensive rebound rates to their opponents! We all know about the turnover problems of the Knicks, as they commit the second-most turnovers in the league (17.6 per game), but the Bobcats have the fewest steals in the NBA!
This season's head to head is at 1-1 right now (2-0 ATS for Charlotte), however note that in both games, the Knicks completely dominated the boards, with Charlotte having just 19.44 and 21.74 on ORR (Offensive Rebound Rates), while the Knicks had 26.83 and 26.42! That's a differential of 7.385 and 4.676 on these two games! The Bobcats shot better than the Knicks in both games and that's why they were able to be competitive. For tonight, I expect once again a big edge for the Knicks on the boards, especially against the Bobcats frontcourt, with Chandler matched up against Mullens! Amare is also primed for a bounce back today and he has the perfect opponents to do it tonight! I expect the Knicks defense to make a good job today and their bonus will be on their offense, where I believe that they will be aggressive due to their losing streak and they will take advantage of the poor Bobcats defense and get a good and comfortable road win tonight. I'm taking the Knicks in here.
Jeff Scott Sports
3 UNIT PLAY
Orlando/ Indiana Over 183: Last night i had the Under with the Magic, but tonight I will go the other way. Last night Orlando put up a mere 56 points and you can bet that that has not set well with this team and even though Indiana has been tough at the defensive end this year, I really expect Orlando to put on a much better display offensively than last night. Prior to last nights road game with the Celtics, the Magic had scored 107.3 ppg in their previous 4 road games, and that includes 102 points at New York and 107 points at Portland, which both teams have been very solid defensively this year, plus in their last 5 games vs Indiana they have averaged 104 ppg. Orlando has been a solid defensive team this year, but they have allowed 94.4 ppg on the road, including allowing 98 ppg in their last 5 away from home. Those numbers should continue tonight vs an Indiana team that has averaged 96.2 ppg at home. After putting just 56 points on the board last night, Orlando will look to put some points on the board in this one, while Indiana should be able to score vs an Orlando team that has struggled defensively on the road. Both teams should hit at least 82 points in this one.
PHOENIX -5.5 over Toronto: Toronto comes in at 4-13 on the year, and heading to Phoenix won't help them here. The Suns have taken the last 10 in a row vs Toronto, with 7 of those wins coming by double digits, while they have been outscored by 13.8 ppg in their last 5 trips here. This years the Raptors have gone just 2-8 and they have been outscored by 11.8 ppg in those games, while in their last 6 away from home they have gone 0-6 and have been outscored by 17.8 ppg. In that stretch of road losses they have a 15 point loss to Washington and the Suns are much better than the worst team in the league. Phoenix has not had a great start to their year, but they are at home and playing better than the Raptors right now and they should walk away with an easy home win here. KEY TRENDS--- TORONTO is 11-28 ATS in road games vs. horrible rebounding teams - outrebounded by opponents by 5+/game since 199, while PHOENIX is 22-10 ATS versus poor 3 point shooting teams - making <=33% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons.
2 UNIT PLAY
Phoenix/ Toronto Under 188: TORONTO is 10-2 UNDER after playing a game as an underdog this season, while PHOENIX is 21-10 UNDER after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread over the last 2 seasons. Both teams have had problems scoring and the Suns have played good defense this year. I expect around 183 in this one.
1 UNIT PLAY
Charlotte/ New York Over 191: CHARLOTTE is 20-6 OVER in home games versus poor shooting teams - making <=43% of their shots since 1996, while NEW YORK is 13-3 OVER after having lost 6 or 7 of their last 8 games over the last 2 seasons.
Jeff Scott Sports
4 UNIT PLAY
WYOMING -2 over San Diego State: I knew coming into the year the that Aztecs would be a good team. but really didn't envision them as a top 12 team. SDSU has beaten UNLV and New Mexico in their last 3 games and while winning at New mexico is impressive, they will have a tough time winning at Wyoming, where they are 7-24 all-time. The Cowboys are 12-1 at home this year and have outscored their opponents by 15.5 ppg, in the process. The Cowboys lone home loss was to New Mexico, but they did come back in their next home game and rout a very good CSU squad, 70-51. The success of the Cowboys has been due mainly to the defense as they have allowed just 53.1 ppg (3rd in nation) on 38.4% shooting (18th), while at home they have allowed just 52 ppg on 39% shooting. At the other end of the floor the Cowboy are just 206th in scoring (66.9 ppg) but they do shoot the ball well at 47.1%, which is 50th in the nation, plus they also hit their FT's at a 76.1% clip, which is 12th nationally. The Aztecs do score well (73.9 ppg) and shoot well (46.9%), but still this will be a tough place for them to generate much offense. The Aztecs have played well at the defensive end (61.6 ppg) this year, but in their games vs New Mexico and UNLV they did allow 68.5 ppg and Wyoming has put up 68.7 ppg at home this year. Just a bad situation for the Aztecs here as they had travel problems last night and are heading to a place where they have not played well over the year. SDSU gets a rare MWC loss here. KEY TRENDS--- WYOMING is 16-5 ATS in home lined games over the last 2 seasons and 22-10 ATS off a win by 10 points or more over a conference rival since 1997
3 UNIT PLAYS
Oklahoma/ Baylor Over 144: The Line will go up on this one so I wanted to get it out now. The Baylor Bears have been a very solid defensive team this year and they came into the Big 12 season allowing less than 60 ppg, but that's when the trouble began. Baylor is now allowing 62.9 ppg on the year thanks to the fact that they have allowed 71.8 ppg in Big 12 play, including a whopping 79.8 ppg in their last 4 conference games. Now tonight they get to take on an Oklahoma squad that has been solid at the offensive end this year, where they have put up 73.4 ppg overall and 77.6 ppg at home. Oklahoma has struggled at the defensive end during Big 12 play, as they have allowed 73.3 ppg in their 6 conference games, compared to the 67.2 ppg they have allowed overall. It will not get any easier for this group tonight as this Baylor squad has averaged 78.2 ppg on 48.7% shooting overall, while in conference play they have put up 79.5 ppg on 50% shooting. Oklahoma does like to run as they are 25th in the nation in shots per game at 60.4 and while Baylor is 135th in that category (55.9 spg), they have hoisted up 64.7 ppg in their last 3 games. Both of these teams have been shaky at the defensive end and i expect both offenses to run and take advantage. I like this one to hit at least 150. KEY TREND--- BAYLOR is 26-14 OVER against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons and 11-3 OVER in road games when playing only their 2nd game in 8 days over the last 3 seasons.
Kentucky/ Georgia Over 129: Google News Play (Let's get back on track with these). Been back and forth on this one. 13 of the last 18 games have been decided by 10 or fewer points, with two going into overtime, plus with Kentucky being off a big win vs Alabama this could be a let down spot. Now looking at the other side Georgia is just 1-4 in the SEC, with 3 of those losses by DD, including a 15 point home loss to Alabama. What's a person to do? Well I'll tell ya. Im gonna go with the Over. The Cats just put up 77 points on a a very tough Alabama defense and should have similar success in this one vs a Georgia team that has struggled at that end of the floor in SEC play, allowing 68 ppg. The Cats are averaging 79.5 ppg overall, including 75 ppg in SEC play, so there is no reason to think that they can't hit at last 72 or 73 in this one. The Cats at the other end of the floor have done very well this year, limiting teams to just 59.7 ppg overall, but in SEC play that number jumps to 62.6 ppg allowed and 62.7 ppg allowed on the road. Judging by those numbers and the fact that Georgia has averaged 64.1 ppg at home, I see no reason why they can't reach at least 60 points in this one. The Bulldogs don't like to run, but the Cats will push the tempo here and make them run more than they want to. I expect around 135 in this one. KEY TRENDS--- GEORGIA is 26-14 OVER as an underdog over the last 3 seasons, and 27-12 OVER vs. teams who are called for 3+ less fouls/game than their opponents since 1997.
Michigan/ Purdue Under 127: Neither team comes in scoring much right now as Michigan has put up just 61.6 pg on 40.1% shooting in their last 5 games, while the Boilers have averaged just 63.8 pg on 38.1% shooting. Purdue has struggled some at the defensive end of late, allowing 69.8 ppg in their last 5 games, but this is a team that has played great defense at home on the year, allowing just 55.5 ppg on a mere 36.7% shooting. Michigan has struggled on defense on the road this year as they have allowed 71 ppg away from home, but they have been playing better defense of late allowing just 61 ppg in their last 5 overall. Both teams are average from long range but FT's are a different story. Michigan does hit 71.1% from the charity stripe overall, but just 66.7% on the road, while the Boilers allow that ever important stat of 66.1% FT's at home. For Purdue they really struggle with FT's, hitting 62.9% overall and 61.1% at home, so we may not get a ton of extra points rom FT's in this one as both teams are bad. Both teams will continue to struggle to mscore in a game that should really see no more than 120 points scored. KEY TRENDS--- MICHIGAN is 19-9 UNDER versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons, while PURDUE is 10-2 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
2 UNIT PLAYS
BALL STATE -1.5 over Akron: 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) after 3 consecutive conference games over the last 3 seasons and 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons. This is a key matchup early in the conference season that could have major ramifications down the road. Both teams will be trying to get the ball inside to their primary scorers. With the better passer in Davis and scorer in Jones, Ball State should find more success with that strategy.
Miami -1.5 over GEORGIA TECH: Miami has played the 12 toughest schedule (Ken Pom), while Tech has played the 71st toughest. Miami is also ranked 52 spots higher than Tech by Kenpom as well. Miami-Florida holds a definitive advantage on offense with Georgia Tech relying almost solely on the play of Rice and they should get back on track with a solid win tonight. Play on all teams (MIAMI) where the line is +3 to -3 if they are playing their 2nd game in 3 days and a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a losing team. This play is 60-29 the last 5 seasons.
1 UNIT PLAY
Buffalo/ Eastern Michigan Over 117: BUFFALO is 11-1 OVER versus poor 3 point shooting teams - making <=31% of their attempts after 15+ games since 1997, while E MICHIGAN is 12-3 OVER after a game where they made 33% of their shots or worse since 1997.
Bill Tanner, =
Michigan Wolverines @ Purdue Boilermakers
Out of the Big Ten, the Michigan Wolverines will visit West Lafayette and take on the Purdue Boilermakers. The Wolverines are 15-5 overall and 5-2 in conference play. That places Michigan in a three way tie for first place in the conference. Purdue comes into the game 14-6 overall and 4-3 in conference play.
Purdue is coming off a blow-out road loss at Michigan State. The Boilermakers are led by Robbie Hummel, who is scoring 15.4 points per game and grabbing 6.3 rebounds per game. Purdue has not won two straight games since the end of December when they won at Iowa and at home against Illinois.
The Michigan Wolverines are coming off their non-conference loss against Arkansas on Saturday. The Wolverines before that had beaten Michigan State by a point. Tim Hardaway Jr is the top scorer for Michigan with just under 15 points per game. The Wolverines are in the middle of a three game road trip.
Michigan is 9-7-1 against the spread this season. The Wolverines have struggled a bit on thee road; losing all four games. Michigan is also 9-7-1 against the over/under as well. For the Boilermakers, they have been great at home, winning 10 of 11. Against the spread, Purdue is 8-9. We like the Wolverines to buck the trend and win a road game.
Tanners Tip: Michigan Wolverines -4.5
Canadian Crew
Boston Bruins (-170) at Washington Capitals – Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET
The Bruins (31-13-2) escaped Philadelphia with a 6-5 win on Sunday night. Despite the victory, the Bruins have lost two of their past four games. After dominating for most of the season, Tim Thomas has cooled off in January. The veteran netminder is 4-3-0 with a 2.70 goals against average and .914 save percentage—well below his season totals of 2.12 and .933, respectively. Overall, Boston has surrendered 21 goals in its past six games. Thankfully, the offense (and stellar back-up goalie Tuukka Rask) continue chugging along. Still, doing a better job on the penalty kill is a major point of interest for the Bruins; they allowed three goals in eight power plays against the Flyers.
Washington (25-19-3) continues to frustrate fans with an underwhelming attack. The Capitals lost 4-3 in overtime against Pittsburgh on Sunday, giving them three losses in four games—including getting shut out twice. Injuries have played a minor role, as center Niklas Backstrom and defenseman Mike Green are both sidelined with injuries. Backstrom leads the club in points while Green is a former 70-point man. And, of course, Alexander Ovechkin is no longer dominating opponents. Ovechkin has 39 points in 47 games this season, well off his typical numbers. But he did record a goal and two assists on Sunday, so perhaps he's finally due for a breakout.
But we'll believe it when we see it. The book is out on Ovechkin, and his teammates seem incapable of stepping up. The Bruins are a more complete team, even with Thomas struggling.
Pick: Boston
Vic Duke
Iowa State +8
Iowa State has been impressive this season. They have a multitude of good shooters that can hit the trey, play good defense, and tough to stop in transition. They also show strength on the road, especially in Texas where they destroyed both TX A&M and, most recently, Texas Tech last Saturday.
The Cyclones have a dominant player in Royce White and he has an improving supporting cast. Texas, which is on an 0-3 SU slide, is talented but young; consequently, they're having trouble with doing the right things to win on a consistent basis. They have their moments of spark but mistakes and inconsistency is hurting them. Sure, they're seeking revenge from the earlier 77-71 beating in Ames; however, I like the Cyclones confidence now and their bench -- which is always a boon on the road.
Technically, Texas is just 1-5 ATS as a home favorite in this spread range. Iowa State, however, has gone 4-1 ATS in this series and in Texas. Iowa State the call.