Chris Jordan
The San Antonio Spurs are my free play for Wednesday, as they're going to annihilate the Orlando Magic the same way they did on the first day of February.
The Spurs are charging toward the All-Star break on a solid win streak, and happen to be on pace for the third-best regular season in NBA history.
A win tonight will give the Spurs their fourth run of at least six wins and their 10th consecutive victory over the Magic.
Don't be concerned with laying points on the road in this one - it doesn't matter when you're talking about the veteran-laden Spurs, even without Tim Duncan.
San Antonio hasn't shown any signs of trouble without Duncan this month, as the Spurs are shooting better than 50 percent in four of their last five while winning by an average of 15.2 points. Now they catch an Orlando team that has lost 15 of 19. Orlando has also dropped six of its last eight at home.
Take the road team.
3* SPURS
Gabriel DuPont
Tonight's free play: Toronto (-6') at MINNESOTA
The STORYLINE in this game today - One of the hottest teams in the NBA takes its show into Minneapolis, and with a chance to head into the All-Star break with 15 wins in 16 games by winning tonight, I like the Toronto Raptors to beat down the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The X-FACTOR in making this choice on this game - My x-factor is momentum tonight, as Toronto has it all. The Raptors roll into the Twin Cities having won three straight after Monday's 103-89 victory in Motown. And since they've taken seven of eight on the road during a 14-1 run, the momentum is clearly in the Raptors' favor. Toronto shot 55.7 percent against the Pistons - a season best on the road - and tonight I think the shooting touch will carry over to Minnesota.
BOTTOM LINE is - The Raptors have won 20 of 21 meetings, so series history in on our side as well. The Timberwolves are in after Monday's 116-102 home loss to New Orleans, a setback that ended a two-game winning streak. Minnesota's opponent scoring average is at 110.5 over the last four. Take the Raptors tonight.
4* TORONTO
Dwayne Bryant
Washington Utah
Play: Utah -9.5
Bounce back spot for Utah. The Utes (ranked #44 by Pomeroy) are off back-to-back road losses at Oregon State (#82) and at Oregon (#11). Clearly the state of Oregon did not agree with Utah, but now they're back home in Salt Lake City. Utah's only home loss of the season was also to Oregon (#11), but Washington is a step down in class from the Ducks. Utah already owns a road win over UW this season, but I expect a top performance from Utah with no look-ahead game and off two conference road losses. Lay it with UTAH tonight.
Harry Bondi
ATLANTA (-3) over Chicago
A major part of successfully handicapping the NBA comes down to scheduling and this is a horrific spot for Chicago. Not only are the Bulls battling numerous injuries, but they are fresh off a seven-game road trip that lasted 12 days, making this their fourth game in six nights. The Bulls have also lost five of their last six and the defense is to blame as they have allowed 100 points or more in six consecutive games and are now 1-6 ATS in their last seven against teams that average 99 points or more per game. That doesn't bode well here against the Hawks, who score 102.2 per game. Lay the short chalk on the road.
Bruce Marshall
CS-Fullton 5
Fullerton has lost 7 of 8 but the Titans are rarely losing touch in this span of games. Northridge survived a 41-point onslaught by CSF G Tre Coggins in the first meeting, but the Matadors are unlikely to hit an uncharacteristic 53% from floor as they did in January, either. CSUN has not made its home Matadone venue work to its advantage, covering just 1 of first 4 as Big West host.
San Jose St. +15.5
The brief groundswell of support in Vegas for interim HC Todd Simon to land the UNLV job on a full-time basis has dissipated after the team's recent dip in form that included consecutive losses vs. San Diego State, New Mexico, and Fresno State. With key "glue guy" Oregon transfer F Ben Carter now hurting with a knee injury, and frosh C Stephen Zimmerman now out as well, have no interest in laying substantial points with a Runnin' Rebel bunch further distracted with another coaching switch pending. Meanwhile, San Jose continues to overachieve, as various newcomers continue to fuel a surprising turnaround (Spartans now 12-4 last 16 vs. the spread!).
Dr. Bob
Opinion – LaSalle (+16) over DAVIDSON
LaSalle has lost 8 consecutive games but the Explorers apply to a 68-21-1 ATS situation that plays on big road underdogs on a long losing streak. My ratings favor Davidson by just 14 ½ points, so there is a little line value, but there isn’t enough overall value to make this game a Best Bet. I’ll lean with LaSalle at +15 points or more.
Opinion – San Antonio (-8½) over ORLANDO
The Spurs apply to a 155-70-4 ATS road favorite momentum situation and the line is fair. I'll lean with the Spurs at -9 or less.
Opinion – Memphis (-4) over BROOKLYN
Memphis applies to a very good 167-63-6 ATS situation and I think the line is fair with Marc Gasol out for the Grizz. I'll lean with Memphis at -4 or less based on the situation.