Sammy PFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Philadelphia at New JerseyFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Philadelphia +100FOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Philadelphia rolls into New Jersey looking to cap off what has already been a successful road trip at 4-1. The team however isn’t satisfied and appears focused to finish the job. "So far so good, but we have one more game on this trip," said Wayne Simmonds. "We can't be satisfied. We can't relax here at all. We got to make sure we're ready for that game in New Jersey."
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
I took a “buy low” stance with the Flyers following their dreadful 1-7 start. It was only a matter of time before this team got their legs under them and starting scoring some goals. New head coach Craig Berube was partly responsible for that change in mentality and a 20-10-4 turnaround that has seen them climb back up the Eastern standings and into playoff contention as we cross the halfway point of the season.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Tonight is a case of two teams headed in different directions. New Jersey has desperately struggled to score goals all season and worse yet their shots per game total is the worst in the NHL at 25.3. The lack of scoring chances the Devils get on a nightly basis really hampers their ability to win the close games as they’ve gone 10-16 in one goal contests this year. This will more than likely be a low scoring affair tonight and I just can’t help but think Philadelphia will have the edge mentally. They continue to ride high on confidence and I fully expect the Flyer offense will get their chances to bury opportunities tonight. This has all the makings of a 2-1 or 3-1 Philadelphia victory.
Larry NessFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah JazzFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Oklahoma City ThunderFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Thunder lost All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook (21.3-6.0-7.0) to an injury on Christmas Day but have won FOUR of six without him. OKC averages 106.0 PPG on the season (3rd-best) and after scoring just 89 points in its first game without Westbrook, has averaged 107.6 PPG the last five, THREE times scoring 115 points or more.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Naturally, Durant (29.0-8.3-4.9) continues to lead the way with Ibaka (14.1-8.7) the team's second-best scorer. However, both Jackson (12.8) and Lamb (10.0) are scoring a few points more per game with Westbrook sidelined, as Jackson is averaging 14.0 PPG and Lamb 12.7 these last six.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Jazz check in at 11-25, the West's worst record. Once a dominant home team, Utah is only 6-10 SU at home this season, going 6-9-1 ATS. Hayward (16.5-5.3-4.8) is now the team-leader, with Favors (13.5-9.0) having a carer seaseon at power forward and rookie PG Trey Burke (13.3-3.2-5.2 ) doing a nice job.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
However, OKC comes in having won EIGHT straight on the road (7-1 ATS) and is 8-3 ATS as a road favorite on the season. Lay the points.
Nick ParsonsFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Georgia Tech vs. DukeFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: DukeFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Duke is out of the Top 10 for the first time since 2007 and that will undoubtedly have the team and the Cameron Crazies riled up tonight. The Dukies are 14-2 over the L16 of the series winning the last five by a combined 68 points. GTech is 1-5 vs the Top 100 with all five losses coming by double-digits. It's going to be a long night tonight for the Yellow Jackets.
Doug Upstone
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Play: Philadelphia 76ers +4½
On Tuesday, Play On underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points like Philadelphia, scoring 103 or more points a game on the season, against opponent (Cleveland) after a combined score of 175 points or less. The reasoning on this free play is the higher scoring team is likely to keep scoring, while the opponent has historically had a carryover when it comes to putting the ball in the basket. In the last five years the pooch is 27-8 ATS, 77.1 percent and final scores have been less than a point differential.
SPORTS WAGERSVIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
I PITY YOUR SAD FUCKING LIFE VIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
Carolina -½ +155 over BUFFALOVIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
I PITY YOUR SAD FUCKING LIFE VIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
Regulation only. There usually isn’t much value in spotting a half puck on the road but in this case there is plenty. The Sabres stock is up after they defeated the Devils on Saturday for their fifth straight win at home. Give Buffalo credit for grinding out that win and for its current home winning streak but it’s all about to end. You see, Buffalo ran into some weak goaltending in many of those games while creating very few scoring chances. Prior to defeating New Jersey, the Sabres scored four times on 20 shots against Niklas Backstrom and the Wild in a 4-1 win. Also during their streak, Buffalo defeated Washington 2-1 while being outshot 50-17. In a 4-2 win over Boston, again the Sabres were outshot 37-23. Buffalo is a team that is averaging the second fewest shots on net per game in the league. Over the past month, they have been the league’s worst in that department, averaging a mere 23 shots on net per game. On the rack for the Sabres is Tyler Mylers, Cody Hodgson, Drew Stafford and Ville Leino among others. The Sabres can’t keep winning when they keep producing so few scoring opportunities.
I PITY YOUR SAD FUCKING LIFE VIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
Carolina is without Eric Staal tonight and that only adds to the Hurricanes appeal because as a result of him being out, they are undervalued. Unlike the Sabres, who rely heavily on a couple of players to produce, the ‘Canes are loaded up front with guys who can put the puck in the net. Carolina has reeled off four wins in a row while scoring 14 times over that span. They have also picked up points in seven of their past 10 games and if they had received better goaltending from Cam Ward, they would have picked up more. That won’t be a problem tonight because the NHL’s most underrated goaltending duo of Justin Peters or Anton Khudobin will be in net. Since being called up, Khudobin is 5-0 with a .940 save percentage while Peters never has a bad game and has a save % of .924. The ‘Canes are on a roll and they figure to play even harder tonight with their captain out of the lineup.
I PITY YOUR SAD FUCKING LIFE VIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
WINNIPEG -½ +151 over Tampa BayVIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
I PITY YOUR SAD FUCKING LIFE VIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
Regulation only. The Jets are a much better team at home and although they are only two games above .500 at the MTS Center, they have played a lot of those games against tough teams from the West. They have won many of those and have just missed in many others. This is a talented Jets’ team that plays hard every time they take the ice. However, this isn’t about Winnipeg as much as it is about fading the Lightning.
I PITY YOUR SAD FUCKING LIFE VIKESFAG THE C&P QUEEN OF THE INTERNET
Goaltending this year has been the biggest factor in determining the outcome of games more so than any other year in a very long time. Teams with great goaltending are winning games and teams without it are always at risk of losing. Ben Bishop has been nothing short of brilliant this entire season. He’s kept the Lightning in so many games, he’s won games on his own and when his team gets a lead, he usually holds it. Bishop is 22-5 with a 1.86 GAA to go along with a save % of .935. Unfortunately for the Bolts, Bishop is out with an upper body injury. That leaves Predators castoff Anders Lindback in net. Lindback is 3-8 with a GAA of 3.21 and his save percentage is a disturbing .883. On the road this season, Lindback is 1-6 with a save percentage of .876. If goaltenders didn’t need rest, Lindback would have played zero games this season. Need we say more?
SPORTS WAGERSFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
IOWA STATE -6½ over BaylorFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Always be cautious when backing high ranked teams taking back significant points. That’s precisely the situation here with the seventh, one-loss Bears taking back a margin. Baylor is 12-1 overall with only loss occurring against #2 Syracuse. The Bears are shooting a sizzling .504 from the field this season and they’re also ranked highly in several other key categories. Baylor has a win over then #3 Kentucky and they have scored 80 points or more in four straight games. Why then, is this highly ranked team getting so many points? The oddsmakers have made this number far too enticing and again, we warn you that it’s a big red flag. Incidentally, this will be Baylor’s first true road game of the season and the line suggests they are in line to get smacked.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The undefeated Cyclones are one of the most difficult offensive teams in the country to game plan for. Further, Coach Fred Hoiberg is a master at exploiting mismatches. Iowa State plays with great spacing and has players so versatile that the Cyclones can invert their offense. It’s not uncommon for their frontcourt players -- Georges Niang or Melvin Ejim -- to be isolated in the middle of the floor or on the wing while point guard DeAndre Kane is posted up against a smaller defender. This is a team that shares the basketball. Niang can overpower defenders on the block and if doubled is a willing passer. Hoiberg empowers his players, yet they rarely abuse that trust by taking an ill-advised shot. Dustin Hogue, Naz Long and Matt Thomas all shoot the ball with range, enhancing Iowa State's spacing. They collectively average 20 assists a game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from long distance. This is a team that is built with a purpose that has very few flaws, if any at all. Indeed the Cyclones have had some close calls that include a four-point win over Boise State, a three-point win over Iowa and a 2-point win over BYU but their overall average margin of victory has been by 15 points and this line suggests this one will be close to that.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
VIRGINIA TECH +12½ over SyracuseFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Orange Coach Jim Boeheim takes plenty of criticism but he’s one of the most underappreciated coaches in the history of college basketball. He’s an excellent recruiter, an excellent evaluator and a creative offensive coach. His consistency and continuity are second to none. He always has players ready to step up and rarely has to rely on more than one freshman. This season’s squad is no exception.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Orange lost Michael Carter-Williams, Brandon Triche (a four-year starter) and James Southerland (who waited until his junior season to become a contributor) from last season's squad. And you know what? It hasn't been a problem. Sophomore Jerami Grant has emerged as a potential superstar. C.J. Fair, a former role player, has developed as a senior into the ACC preseason Player of the Year. Trevor Cooney redshirted and paid his dues as a backup and now is a confident scorer as well as one of the nation’s best cutters. The combination of Rakeem Christmas, Baye Moussa Keita and DaJuan Coleman share the minutes upfront. This season’s freshman impact player is point guard Tyler Ennis. He’s been handed the ball and in typical Boeheim fashion has delivered. Syracuse has jumped out to a 14-0 start and is now ranked #2 in the country. When playing undefeated, high ranked teams, you are always going to pay a premium and that seldom comes recommended. As a result of their 14-0 start, combined with their outstanding pedigree, the Orange have become perhaps the most overvalued team in college basketball. They are a poor rebounding squad (ranked 206th), and they are ranked 144th in points per game and that’s after playing a rather easy out-of-conference schedule. Syracuse has played one true road game this season and it resulted in a narrow five-point win over the Johnnies.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
One thing we know for sure is that the Hokies are a great rebounding team and should easily win that battle on their home floor. Va Tech does have a couple of disturbing losses this season but they are still 10-4 and this now becomes its biggest game of the young season. We’re not suggesting that the Hokies are a threat in the ACC because they are not. They went 6-19 in the conference last year and that was with ACC player of the year Erick Green. They will be hard-pressed to duplicate that win total this season but they figure to be more competitive with two juniors and two seniors in the starting lineup. Va Tech has a win over West Virginia and Miami and they have a one-point loss against Seton Hall. They have also played #1 Michigan State and lost by 19 but the Orange are not nearly as good as the Spartans and Va Tech had a six-point lead at one point before the bottom fell out. That was nine games ago and this now becomes a case of selling extremely high on the overpriced Orangemen.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pass NBAFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
WunderdogFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Philadelphia at ClevelandFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Philadelphia +4.5FOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
There was nothing pretty about the last time the Philadelphia 76ers stepped on the floor. They were beaten badly by Minnesota by 31 points. That will have bettors running away from this team, but hold on. Teams that are bad defensively and allow over 103 points per game, and are off a 20-point loss or more actually come back strong to cover 56% of their next games (over 500 games in the sample). Good or bad, professional athletes don't like to be crushed, and usually come back with a strong effort. The Cavaliers put a lot of energy in their last game here vs. an elite Indiana team, and disappointingly, came up 4 points short, so their focus here vs the lowly Sixers should be lacking. The Cavs sport just a 6-20-1 ATS mark when playing on one day of rest in their last 27. Play on Philadelphia.
NHL PredictionsFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
New York Islanders +131FOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Maple Leafs are coming off a 7-1 loss at home Saturday night vs the Rangers, and despite winning 3 of their last 4 games they are not playing good hockey. Toronto has given up the following shots against over their last 7 games: 35, 38, 43, 35, 43, 43, and 50. The latest three numbers of 50, 43, and 43 were their shots against in their last three games. It it tough to win hockey games when you're giving up that many scoring opportunities, and I could see that continuing tonight vs the Islanders who have won 4 of their last 5 games overall, including a 7-3 win over Dallas last night. New York is playing pretty good hockey lately and they've gotten 31+ shots on goal in 6 straight games. The Islanders didn't get into Toronto until late last night due to poor weather and will miss their morning skate, but coming off a big win last night I expect them to be fine for tonight's game. The Islanders like playing in Toronto winning 3 of their last 4 meetings in Toronto. The Leafs did take the first meeting between these two teams this year, but the Islanders out shot the Leafs 37-24 in that game. Note that the Leafs are 0-4 in their last 4 games following a home loss of 3+ goals, and 3-9 in their last 12 games after scoring 2 goals or fewer in their previous game. This game should be a pick'em price, so I will go with the team playing better hockey right now at a good underdog price.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Lightning / Jets Over 5.5FOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Tonight's game between the Lightning and Jets features another case of a star goalie being absent, only this time I am looking to take advantage of it. Ben Bishop, who in many peoples opinions got snubbed from Team USA, will sit this one out with an injury that is day-to-day. Bishop has been spectacular for the Lightning and a major reason for why they are still a competitive team without Steven Stamkos. Bishop enters January 7th with a sub 2.00 GAA, but his backup, Andres Lindback, has struggled mightily. He boasts a record of 3-8-1 and 3.21 GAA with a .883% save percentage. It appears Bishop's injury isn't serious, or else this season would probably take a turn down the toilet for Tampa. Although, even with Stamkos out, the Lightning have still been solid on the offensive end. They are averaging 2.71 goals per game, which would be higher with Stamkos, but still a solid number. Lindback has had a porous season, but the Jets have been a liability on defense. Most notably recently, where they have given up 14 goals in their last three games played. The Jets surrender an average of 2.91 goals a game. I think getting plus money with the OVER is a bet that is worth a serious look here. Without Bishop in net we should see a major decline in goaltending from the Lightning.
Sean Murphy
Toronto vs. Indiana
Pick: Indiana
Raptors have gone a perfect 2-0 ATS in this series this season, but I believe that streak comes to an end in Indiana tonight.
The Pacers won't overlook Toronto this time around. The Raptors have of course turned their season around since dealing Rudy Gay to Sacramento. They check in having won seven of their last nine games - eight of those ATS.
Of course, the memory of a 95-82 loss in Toronto on New Year's Day is still fresh in the minds of the Pacers. This is a great spot for them to get back at the Raps, having gone a stellar 16-1 SU at home this season, outscoring the opposition by nearly 15 points per game. Against opponents from their own conference, the Pacers are winning by an average margin of nearly 10 ppg.
Toronto has put forth gritty performance after gritty performance lately, and will undoubtedly hang around for a while in this one. But ultimately, I look for the Pacers to stretch the margin in the second half and cruise to a double-digit victory. T
John Ryan
Cincinnati at Houston
Play: Cincinnati
The simulator shows a high probability that Cincinnati will win this game by 11 or more points. This is an abbreviated research report, but shows you a taste of what I provide for the Top rated 10* Titans. SIM projects that Cincinnati will make between 40 and 46% of their shots, will have 4+ more rebounds, and will score between 67 and 74 points. In past games, Cincinnati is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when they make 40% to 46% of their shots in a game over the last 3 seasons; 42-17 ATS (+23.3 Units) in road games when they grab 4 to 9 more rebounds than their opponents in a game since 1997; 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) when they score 67 to 74 points in a game over the last 3 seasons. Houston plays a packed in zone defense and are not aggressive in generating steals and forcing turnovers. They rely instead on solid defense and rebounding. This plays to the strengths of the Bearcats noting they are 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when facing low pressure defensive teams forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last three seasons. Take Cincinnati.
Tony George
Ohio State vs. Michigan State
Play: Ohio State +5½
Battle of heavyweights here tonight, with #3 OSU versus #4 MSU with a ton of points, especially for two defensive minded teams and coaches. This is a MONSTER Matchup on TV that will showcase a somewhat boring game if you do not like defense.
The Buckeyes, unlike their big brother in football, play defense and have held opponents to under 60 ppg on the season and in their last 5 games have averaged 55 ppg allowed, and on the road this year have allowed just 52 ppg. Something has to give because Sparty is scoring 84 ppg on offense in their last 5 games. OSU is not without talent on offense but in a heated rivalry like this, 2 great coaches and 2 teams littered with some awesome talent, giving a superior defensive unit 5.5 points is a take for the Buckeyes, even on the road here.
Tom Izzo brings the boys home after 2 Double Digit blowouts on the road at Penn State and Indiana, but they will find the sledding tougher tonight against a stingy Ohio St team who just destroyed Nebraska by 29 points at home. Ohio State is undefeated and 3-0 away from Columbus and I will gladly take the points here in what should be a very tight game. OSU has taken the last 2 and this gamne has went under in 6 out of the last 7 and the total is sitting at 128.5. Grab the points here, as I think Sparty at home with double revenge is tough to look past on the money line but getting the points looks tasty! .
Jack Jones
Dallas Mavericks -9½
The Los Angeles Lakers are in shambles right now with all of their injures. They are without Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake, Steve Nash, Jordan Farmar and Xavier Henry. All of the trade rumors surrounding Pau Gasol have been a distraction, too.
The result has been the worst stretch of basketball that the Lakers have played this season. They have lost seven of their last eight games overall, including four by 15 points or more. They lost at Golden State (83-102), at Phoenix (90-117), versus Milwaukee (79-94) and versus Denver (115-137).
I fully expect the Mavericks to put a similar beat down on them tonight. Dallas comes in highly motivated after losing each of its last two games at home to the Clippers and Knicks. These teams played once this season with the Mavericks coming away with a 123-104 home victory on November 5. Another win in the 19-point range is likely in store tonight.
The Lakers are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 road games vs. up-tempo teams who average 83 or more shots per game. The Mavericks are 30-16 ATS in their last 46 games versus up-tempo teams who average 83 or more shots per game. Los Angeles is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points.
The Lakers are 4-16 ATS in road games revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points over the last three years. Los Angeles is 18-38 ATS in its last 56 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%. Dallas is 20-6 ATS in its last 26 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. Bet the Mavericks Tuesday.
Steve Rosen
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Play: Dallas Mavericks -9½
The injury-riddled Lakers have lost seven of eight, including a 137-115 loss to Denver on Sunday. The Lakers' only win during their rough stretch came against the lowly Utah Jazz, and they're dealing with injuries to guards Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar and forward Xavier Henry, as well as the distraction of constant trade rumors surrounding center Pau Gasol. Lakers are 6-10 on road while Dallas is 11-6 at home! They already played this season as Dallas won by 19! take the mavs
Freddy Wills
Ohio State vs. Michigan State
Play: Ohio State +5½
I really think this is a tight match up throughout with both teams knowing this is not just another game. Ohio State can win on the road and Michigan State already proved they can lose at home (see UNC). I expect a well played game by both with the game coming down to the final possession so I'll take the points in this one as a value play.
Jeff Alexander
Indiana Pacers -8½
The Pacers defeated the Cavs by only four points last game, and I was on the Cavs +8.5 in that one as I was sure Indiana would be looking ahead to this revenge game. Indiana lost by double-digits at Toronto on New Year's Day, and it will be out for some serious revenge tonight. The Pacers are 8-1 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread this season. They are 19-7 ATS as a favorite this season, including 10-2 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season. The Pacers are also 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games. Bet Indiana.