Sean MurphyFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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New Jersey vs. BostonFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Devils are expected to give Martin Brodeur the night off on Tuesday, giving veteran backup Johan Hedberg the start against the Bruins. I believe the Devils can hold their own defensively against the Bruins, who have scored a whopping nine goals over their last two games. Look for New Jersey to turn in a disciplined effort in front of Hedberg, as they try to minimize Boston's scoring opportunities - a tall task to be sure given the talent the Bruins have on hand. Boston will go back to Tuukka Rask between the pipes after Anton Khudobin turned in an admirable performance last night. I don't see the Devils breaking through offensively the same way they did in Montreal on Sunday, scoring three goals on only 25 shots. After scoring two goals in their season debut on Long Island, they've found the back of the net exactly three times in each of their last three games. But there's no question, they're taking a step up in class tonight. Save for a lapse late in the second period in Carolina last night, the B's have been stout defensively over their last couple of games, and it's worth noting that they've yet to allow a power play goal in 23 opportunities this season.
Teddy CoversFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Illinois St. vs. BradleyFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Illinois St.FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Illinois State was a juggernaut for most of their non-conference campaign. The Redbirds took Northwestern (with Drew Crawford still healthy) to overtime. They came three points short of upsetting Louisville at the KFC Yum Center. They went to Dayton and won straight up. There was talk about the Missouri Valley Conference being a three bid league this year.
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But once conference play started, the Redbirds slumped – six consecutive SU and ATS losses. Facing a circle the wagons came at Southern Illinois, Illinois State led by 26 at halftime on their way to a 14 point road win. They followed that up with back-2-back home wins over Indiana State and Evansville, getting their confidence level back to where it was a month ago. Facing a Bradley team that they have dominated in recent years – seven straight wins in the series, including a pair by a combined 31 points last year – look for the Redbirds winning ways to continue tonight.
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Bradley’s best low post player, center Will Egolf, is not expected to suit up for the Braves tonight. That’s a significant injury loss, leaving the Braves without a legitimate low post defender to face off against Illinois State’s Jackie Carmichael, the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week: 40 points, 23 boards and six blocks in their two games. Bradley is 11-5 with Egolf in the lineup, but just 1-4 without him.
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The Braves have lost five of their last seven SU; their lone two wins coming in non-spread covering fashion against MVC bottom feeders at home. They’ve been getting clobbered on the boards; winning the rebounding battle only once in their last seven games. And Bradley’s defensive numbers are downright awful of late, allowing nearly 52% shooting in their last five ballgames, very bad news against a Redbirds team that can light up the scoreboard against lesser defensive foes. Take Illinois State.
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New Jersey vs. BostonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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At the age of 40, it would only be natural for Martin Brodeur to show a noticeable decline in his play. Well, Marty might just be unnatural, because he's still getting the job done as well as any net-minder in the league. Brodeur is 3-0-1 with a 1.69 GAA average so far this season.
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After going 3-0 to start the season, and playing three straight low scoring games, the Devils lost to Montreal in overtime on Sunday, and Brodeur allowed four goals on 32 shots. Marty won't be happy with that result, and he will be sure to let his teammates know about it, after New Jersey was out-shot 32-25.
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The Devils will be in Boston on Tuesday, taking on the Bruins who are on the back end of a back to back after playing the Hurricanes last night. That game was a high scoring affair, with starting goalie Tukka Rask sitting out, resting up for this game against the Devils. Prior to last night's game, the Bruins were the only team in the NHL yet to allow a power-play goal. While they have been great killing penalties, the Bruins had been terrible on the power-play, scoring just once in 17 tries on the man-advantage before last night.
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Tukka Rask has been very impressive between the pipes for the Bruins, going 3-0-1 with a 1.96 GAA average in four starts this season. He has a big strong defensive unit playing in front of him, making Boston a very difficult team to score against.
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The Bruins will be the favorite at home on Tuesday, and they have seen the total go under at a rate of 6-0-1 in their last seven such situations. Both these teams rank in the top 5 in the NHL in goals allowed, so don't expect to see a lot of scoring in this matchup.
Dwayne BryantFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Virginia -4FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Faded the Wolfpack two weeks ago at Maryland when they were coming off a huge win over Duke. They did lose that game, but just by a point as the Terps had MANY chances to cover the short number. Now NC State is coming off another huge win, this time over their state rivals from UNC. Now they have to visit Virginia. While the Wolfpack have struggled on the road (losses at Maryland & Wake Forest while barely beating BC), the Cavaliers are 12-1 at home, having already defeated UNC on this floor. UVA is allowing D-I opponents to shoot just 36.8% from the field, and that dips to 33.1% at home (allowing 46.6 ppg). I expect UVA to win the battle on the boards and use that solid defense to shut down the Wolfpack, who should be at least a little flat tonight off that win over UNC. The public will back NC State because they're ranked, getting points against an unranked team, and they just beat UNC. Big mistake. Lay it with VIRGINIA.
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Milwaukee +1FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pistons playing 1st game back at home, off a 3 game roadie tonight. The Bucks do have in season double revenge going tonight, including a 16 blowout loss to Detroit 2 weeks ago. Milwaukee has been very solid on the road this season (11-10 SU) & (13-8 ATS) and this team is playing some of their best ball of late (4-1 SU L/5). I like the Bucks to avenge the 2 losses to this Pistons team tonight, with a very spirited/focused effort and I have them winning by 4 pts tonight.
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Milwaukee +1FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Milwaukee is currently on their best moment of the season, no doubt about that! They have a healthy bench with Beno Udrih and Mike Dunleavy helping Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings, saving these two players for down the stretch. The Bucks have good depth and they are now playing on run and gun to outscore their opponents. However, the key for the success of this style has been Ersan Ilyasova, who has shot 10-14, 10-17, 11-21 and 7-17 FG on the team's last four games, while being also a rebounding force by grabbing 14, 16, 7 and 12 rebounds! With Ilyasova playing so well, Milwaukee is finally having a good offensive player on the frontcourt, giving more space to their dangerous backcourt. The Bucks's main problem on offense has been their spot up shooting, where they are the worst team in the league with 0.85 PPP, however they had 0.96 PPP on spot up shooting over the last 10 games and 1.13 PPP on their last four games! Milwaukee is being an elite team this season on pick and rolls by being #7 in the league in pick and roll ball handler and pick and roll roll man. On tonight's matchup against Detroit, they will have a clear edge for the Pistons's defense that is just #25 on pick and roll ball handler due to the fact that their big men are slow footed.
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Detroit won the first two games of the season against Milwaukee, but it's only important to analyze the second game, as it was already with Jim Boylan coaching the team. Milwaukee was up by 49-41 on half time, but then they got outscored by 11-33 in the third quarter! I took Detroit in that game and the truth is that Milwaukee had no legs to compete in the second half, as they were playing their third game in four nights plus they were coming from a physical game against Chicago the night before:
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"It's our third game in four nights. It seemed like our legs got a little heavy in the third quarter, and it was pretty evident by the fact that we missed a lot of open good looks that we had throughout the game," Boylan said. "Pretty much throughout the first quarter, I know that we had at least 10 that we missed that were good open shots that we have been making. So, our legs were a little heavy, and for us, like a lot of teams, when you're struggling offensively, it can bleed into other areas of your game, and it looked like that's what happened tonight."
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By the way, Detroit had 3 days of rest prior to that spot, so they had a huge edge in terms of spot and they took advantage of that. In that game, coach Boylan tried some weird lineups in the frontcourt, including putting at the same time on the court Drew Gooden and Samuel Dalembert! The result of that was Larry Sanders playing just 19 minutes and thanks to that, Greg Monroe ended the game with 11-19 FG, 26 points and 11 rebounds! Now with Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova being clearly the starting frontcourt of the team, the Bucks have a good interior defense, while allowing just 62% FG at the rim (#6 in the league). Detroit won't have the same nice matchup that they had in their last game against the shorthanded and undersized frontcourt of the Magic. With Detroit struggling in scoring near the basket, there will be a lot of pressure on their backcourt. Brandon Knight is coming from a great game against Orlando, but then again, the Magic are #26 on pick and rolls defense, while Milwaukee is #6!
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This is a double revenge game for Milwaukee, who is currently on their best moment of the season. I expect them to outplay Detroit in here and therefore, I'll be taking the Bucks tonight.
SPORTS WAGERSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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MINNESOTA -½ -110 over ColumbusFOREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Regulation only. The Jackets are certainly more competitive than anticipated with two wins and one OT loss in six games. They picked up their second win last night over Dallas but will now their third game in four days and second of back-to-backs. Not many teams have looked sharp under those circumstances this early and we don't expect Columbus to be either. There are other issues too. The Jackets have scored five goals in their past four games. They're on a current 0-23 streak on the PP over that span. To complicate things even more, Columbus was scheduled to fly out to St. Paul after last night's game but they were grounded due to fog in both areas. They reschedule to leave this AM but as of 10:00 this morning, they still haven't left. Chances are the Jackets, an offensively challenged team to begin with, are very likely to be more lethargic than any previous game this year.
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The Wild were the first team to score in St. Louis this season. After the Blues shut out both Detroit and Nashville, Minnesota went there on Sunday and netted four. Minnesota has now scored eight goals in its last two games but they were both losses. They've now lost three straight and in this condensed season, losing streaks of this nature will hurt. The Wild can't afford to lose this one too, as they have the undefeated Blackhawks on deck so all focus has to be on this contest. They couldn't have handpicked a better team or situation to get right-sided against.
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BUFFALO -½ +108 over TorontoFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Regulation only. The Maple Leafs won two of their first three games. They beat the Habs in the opener and were unlikely winners in Pittsburgh six days ago. Then the same issues from the past crept in. The Leafs have allowed 12 goals against in their past two games. They were soundly outplayed in New York, getting out-shot by a 42-17 margin. The projected goaltending issues were warranted, as neither Ben Scrivens or James Reimer have been consistent. They also have a horrible history at this venue, where they have nine wins in the past 37 games played here. The host in this series has also won eight of the past nine meetings.
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One of Buffalo's two wins came in Toronto. It was by far the Sabres worst game of the year and they know they were lucky to escape. With three losses in a row, including one in Washington on Sunday, don't expect the Sabres to play like they did in Toronto. The Sabres have all the potential to be a serious factor this season. They're more physical than a year ago, they have lightning quick forwards and they roll out four solid lines. Nothing less than an all effort can be expected by this superior host and the result should be the same that is always is when the Leafs visit the First Niagara Center.
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OTTAWA -½ +113 over WashingtonFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Regulation only. The Capitals are now unbeaten in regulation in their last two games, an OT loss in New Jersey and a win at home over Buffalo. The Senators have dropped two straight, one in Tampa and an OT loss at home against the Penguins on Sunday. The results of each clubs past two games has influence on this number, and we're suggesting it's out of whack in our favor. Ottawa is a top-tier club that has dominated play in almost every period they've played in this season. They ran into a very hot Marc Andre Fleury on Sunday and even in that 6-4 loss in Tampa, they were clearly the better squad but Ben Bishop was shaky in his first start of the year. After consecutive losses and what was reported as a 25-minute very spirited practice yesterday morning, the well-conditioned Sens get back in the win column here.
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By contrast, the Capitals have had one good game against Buffalo on Sunday. In its previous four, which included two on the road, they looked completely out of sorts. The Capitals have a long way to go to be on par with this host. Once again, this guest gets exposed.
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Philadelphia +152 over N.Y. RANGERSFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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OT included. Both teams were projected to be contenders but look anything but so far. The Rangers come in with a 2-3 record. Most of the Rangers’ goals this season have come in the third period and that's a tough way to win in this league. When we look at the Rangers, we see one outstanding line, one average line and two virtually useless lines. In other words, shut down Gaborik-Richards-Nash and this New York team is extremely vulnerable.
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The Flyers employ a much more balanced offense. They've got some healthy bodies back and after a really slow start, Philly has won two of their past three. One of those was a 2-1 win over these Rangers in which they out-chanced the Rangers by a wide margin and out-shot New York 33-19. They completely shut down the Rangers’ top line and will surely attempt a similar approach here. The Flyers’ 5-1 loss at Tampa on Sunday may resonate with some folks but it was their third game in four days and tail-end of back-to-backs after a 7-1 win in Florida the night before. The true value lies with the Flyers as they are very capable of beating New York again and the price is too appetizing to pass up on.
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Indiana State +12FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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This is a game Indiana State has had circled since getting embarrassed by Wichita State 72-48 in last season's conference tournament. The Sycamores have been undervalued all season. They are 11-1 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record this season and 9-1 ATS versus good teams that outscore their opponents by 4.0 points or more per game this season. It bodes well for us that Indiana State checks in off a 59-58 win at home against Northern Iowa. After all, it is 18-5 ATS off a close home win by 3 points or less since 1997 and 8-1 ATS after any close win by 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons. Lastly, the road team is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and the Sycamores are 5-1-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings at Wichita State. Take the points.
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Detroit Pistons -1FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Pistons are showing some great value at pretty much a pick'em at home against the Bucks. Detroit has already beat Milwaukee twice this season, including a 103-87 victory at Milwaukee earlier this month. The Bucks come in having won 7 of 10 overall, but I'm not all that impressed with the run. A lot of those wins have come against poor opponents or teams playing on little rest. You can't overlook the fact that this team just lost to the Cavaliers in their most recent road game. Detroit is just 3-4 over their last 7 games, but those four losses came against the likes of Miami, Chicago, New York and Utah. I look for Detroit to control this game from the opening tip and easily cover the spread.
Dennis MacklinFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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NC State +4FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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We've done real well fading North Carolina State on the road this year but today we'll use the Wolfpack with suitcase to step up and make a stand. There is no doubt that NS State is extremely talented but they've struggled away from the RBC Center and have had trouble putting together a solid effort after a big win. Lets remember that this team has beaten Duke and North Carolina handily but lost at Wake and Maryland albeit by a combined three points. Their lone ACC road win came at Boston College by five, a team that they should beat with their eyes closed. Tonight, they'll face a tough Virgina team that has won three straight overall and allowing less than 50 ppg. The Cavs are 3-0 as a conference home favorite but this just doesn't look to be a good matchup for the homies who just don't have the scoring options to keep up if North Carolina State shoots well and gets off to a fast start. Ad we mentioned in our opening, this is a statement game for the Pack. They've lost four straight visits to this venue but will never have a better opportunity to get that monkey off their back coming off their big weekend win over the Tar Heels. Don't see Gottfried's bunch laying an egg here and we do get the better team getting points. ACC home favorites of less than five are 3-6. Take NC State.
NHL PredictionsFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Boston Bruins -147FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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This match up features two Eastern Conference teams that have yet to lose in regulation. The Devils enter tonight with a 3-0-1 record, with their lone loss coming in their last game in Montreal which was a 4-3 overtime loss. The Bruins loss was a 4-3 OT loss in New York against the Rangers, and they are coming off of two straight wins (including last night's 5-3 win in Carolina). Tuukka Rask is expected to start tonight for Boston after a night off last night and he is 3-0-1 with a 1.96 GAA and .925 SV%. Johan Hedberg will be getting his first start of the season for New Jersey. Boston won all four of their meetings last season by margins of 1, 3, 5, and 1 and are 4-0 in their last 4 meetings with New Jersey in Boston. Being on the second of a back to back doesn't seem to bother Boston as they are a solid 19-7 on 0 days rest. Rask has looked like one of the best goalies early in the season and Boston has been playing well. I like the Bruins to continue their success against New Jersey with a win at home tonight.
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Islanders / Penguins Over 5.5FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Islanders are off to a 2-2-1 start, but have lost two straight games after blowing a third period lead in Winnipeg on Sunday. The Islanders have scored 17 goals over their last 4 games and have allowed 16 over that same span making the OVER 4-0 in their last 4. Surprisingly the Penguins, who are 3-2 to start the year, haven't been too productive offensively with 15 goals over 5 games. That is still a decent 3 goals per game, and they've managed 30+ shots in 4 of their 5 games but have ran into some good goaltending. Evgeni Nabokov is the probable starter for the Islanders tonight and he has struggled to start the season with a 3.49 GAA and .894 SV%. Take note that the OVER is 15-5-1 in the Islanders last 21 dating back to last year, and the OVER is 33-13-5 in the Penguins last 51 games overall. The OVER was 3-2-1 in these two teams 6 meetings last year, with the final three meetings having totals of 8, 8, and 9. Take the OVER.
Charlie Sports
Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio State
Play: Ohio State
The (14-6) Wisconsin Badgers of the Big 10 Conference will take on the (15-4) Ohio State Buckeyes also of the Big 10 Conference in 2013 NCAA Basketball action. Wisconsin is only 2-6 Against The spread their last 8 vs. The Big 10. The under is 8-3 the last 11 meetings between the teams. Ohio State has covered 2 of the last 3 ATS between the teams and Wisconsin has dropped their last 3 ATS. Ohio State gets the home cover.