SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
(20) Georgia Tech (17-6, 11-6 ATS) at Miami, Fla. (16-7, 8-7 ATS)
The Yellow Jackets head to South Beach and the BankUnited Center for an ACC contest with struggling Miami.
Georgia Tech held off North Carolina State 73-71 Saturday for its fifth win in the last seven games, but fell well short as a 9½-point home favorite for its second straight pointspread setback, following a four-game ATS surge. The Yellow Jackets are narrowly outscoring opponents on the road, averaging 74 points per game while allowing 73. Defensively, though, they allow just 36.8 percent shooting overall, good for third in the country.
After a torrid 15-1 SU start, Miami has dropped six of its last seven games (2-5 ATS), all in ACC play, but five of those losses came on the road. On Saturday at Florida State, the Hurricanes lost 71-65, but got the cash as an eight-point underdog. For the season, Miami has averaged 76.1 ppg at home and given up just 59.8, though in its past five outings overall, it is getting outscored by nearly 7 ppg (66.8-73.6).
Georgia Tech beat Miami 78-68 as a three-point home pup last season, ending a 4-0 SU and ATS run by the Hurricanes in this rivalry. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings, and the SU winner has covered the last six in a row.
The Yellow Jackets are on ATS rolls of 15-6 overall, 8-3 on the highway, 9-4 in the ACC, 4-1 after a non-cover, 11-5 after a SU win and 13-6 against winning teams. On the flip side, the ‘Canes are on ATS slides of 2-6 overall, 3-9 in conference action, 2-6 against winning teams and 1-5 after a spread-cover.
The under is on runs of 7-3 for Georgia Tech in the ACC and 4-0 for Miami after an ATS win, but the over is on upticks for the Jackets of 4-1 on Wednesday, 5-2 against winning teams and 7-3 after a non-cover, and the over is 3-1-1 in Miami’s last five games following a SU loss. In addition, the total has gone high in five of the last seven meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA TECH
UConn (14-9, 8-13 ATS) at (2) Syracuse (23-1, 15-5 ATS)
Scorching-hot Syracuse looks to keep its Big East regular-season title hopes on track when it takes on the sliding Huskies at the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse won 11 in a row to start the season and is now on a 10-game SU tear (8-2 ATS) after Sunday’s 71-54 victory at Cincinnati as a four-point chalk. The Orange are the No. 1 team in the nation in field-goal shooting, making an eye-popping 53.1 percent of their shots, and are seventh nationally in scoring 82 ppg, while yielding just 64.1. At home, Jim Boeheim’s troops outscore opponents by 21.6 ppg (83.7-62.1).
Connecticut topped DePaul 64-57 Saturday to end a 2-6 SU skid, but came up short as a hefty 15½-point home chalk in taking its fourth straight ATS loss. The Huskies are getting outscored on the road by an average of nearly eight points per game (74.8-67.2), shooting just 25.8 percent from three-point range. However, their defense allows just 38.3 percent shooting from the floor overall (12th).
The last clash between these rivals was a memorable one in the Big East tournament last year at Madison Square Garden, with Syracuse claiming a 127-117 victory as a 5½-point pup in a six-overtime thriller, the second-longest game in Division I history. Prior to that, UConn had won and covered two in a row against Syracuse, following a 3-1 SU and ATS run by the Orange. In fact, the SU winner has cashed in each of the last 23 clashes between these two.
The Orange, who are the third-best spread-covering team in the nation, is on ATS sprees of 24-7 overall, 19-7 at the Carrier Dome, 16-5 in the Big East, 4-0 on Wednesday, 20-6 against winning teams, 20-7 after a SU win and 16-6 after an ATS. The Huskies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Wednesday starts and 5-1 ATS in their last six after a SU win, but they carry negative ATS streaks of 2-6 overall, 2-5 on the road, 0-4 in conference play, 1-6 after a non-cover and 2-5 against winning teams.
Syracuse is on “under” surges of 4-0 overall (all in the Big East), 5-1 after a spread-cover, 4-1 on Wednesday and 11-5 against winning teams. Likewise, UConn is on “under” runs of 9-4 on the road, 4-0 on Wednesday, 6-2 after a non-cover and 11-5 against winning teams.
Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in 11 of the last 16 meetings overall and five of the last seven in Syracuse. Even last year’s six-OT affair stayed under the posted price of 145½ at the end of regulation, with the two teams tied at 71.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE and UNDER
(8) Duke (19-4, 14-8 ATS) at North Carolina (13-10, 7-14 ATS)
The defending national champion Tar Heels, in the process of playing themselves out of the NCAA Tournament, look to regain some traction at the Dean Smith Center against archrival Duke.
North Carolina got hammered at Maryland on Sunday, losing 92-71 as a six-point pup for its third consecutive SU and ATS setback, and the Heels are now 1-6 SU and ATS in their last seven starts – all in ACC action – scoring 71 or less in all seven defeats. Roy Williams’ squad is averaging 80 ppg and allowing 73.9 for the season, but over the past seven games, Carolina has been outscored by an average of 8.5 points, allowing 77.4 and netting just 68.9.
The one positive for the Tar Heels is that they average 39.5 rebounds per game, fifth in the country and an average of 8½ more than their opponents.
Duke edged Boston College 66-63 Saturday as an eight-point road chalk, notching its fourth SU win in the last five games (3-2 ATS). The Blue Devils are ripping off 81.4 ppg on average (ninth), while allowing 63 ppg, and they are really getting it done both offensively and defensively from beyond the three-point line. Duke hits 39 percent from long distance (24th) and holds opponents to just 28.5 percent from beyond the arc (ninth).
Carolina is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in the last seven clashes in this Tobacco Road rivalry. The Tar Heels swept last year’s meetings, rolling 101-87 as a two-point road favorite, then winning 79-71 at home, but falling just short as an 8½-point chalk. Carolina is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings, the underdog is 13-4 ATS in the last 17 matchups and the road team has cashed in four straight.
The Tar Heels are on a 30-10-1 ATS tear following a SU loss, but along with their current 1-6 ATS skid, they are in pointspread funks of 1-6 against winning teams, 1-5 at home, 1-5 on Wednesday, 1-4 after a non-cover and a dismal 7-22 in the ACC. The Blue Devils, meanwhile, are on ATS upswings of 5-0 after a non-cover, 5-2 on Wednesday and 5-2 in the ACC, but they’ve failed to cover in four of their last five road games.
The under for North Carolina is on streaks of 7-1 overall, 4-0 at the Dean Dome, 8-1 in the ACC, 7-1 after a SU loss and 5-1 after a non-cover, and the total has remained low in 11 of Duke’s last 15 Wednesday outings and 23 of its last 32 ACC tilts. The over, though, is on identical 6-2 runs for both squads when facing winning teams. Plus, in this rivalry, the total has cleared the posted price in six of the last eight clashes overall and six of the last eight battles in Chapel Hill.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(15) New Mexico (21-3, 15-7-1 ATS) at (23) UNLV (19-4, 15-6 ATS)
Two surging teams from the Mountain West Conference collide when the Lobos travel to the Thomas & Mack Center seeking revenge against UNLV.
Since suffering a 12-point home loss to UNLV on Jan. 9, New Mexico has peeled off seven consecutive victories (5-2 ATS), including Saturday’s 88-86 overtime win against San Diego State giving seven points at home. Despite the narrow victory over San Diego State, the Lobos are still outscoring opponents by nearly 13 ppg over the past five contests (78.4-65.8). During this stretch, Steve Alford’s squad is shooting 40.6 percent from three-point range while allowing just 33.9 percent from long distance.
The Rebels led by as many as 29 points Saturday against 12th-ranked BYU in coasting to an 88-74 home victory as a two-point favorite for its fifth straight win and seventh victory in the last eight games (6-2 ATS). UNLV has been killing it from the field during its five-game win streak shooting 53.8 percent while allowing just 39 percent from their opponents. In doing so, Lon Kruger’s club has outscored its foes by nearly 14 ppg (77.0-63.2) over the past five outings.
UNLV posted a 74-62 upset as a five-point pup at The Pit in the aforementioned Jan. 9 clash between these two, cashing for the second straight time in this rivalry (both on the road). In fact, the road team has covered in the last three clashes, and New Mexico is 5-2 ATS on its last seven trips to Las Vegas. In addition, the underdog has cashed in six of the last eight meetings.
The Lobos are on pointspread surges of 4-1 overall (all in the MWC), 19-7-1 in Wednesday contests and 9-4 against winning teams. The Rebels, who rank fifth in the nation’s pointspread standings, are on a bundle of spread-covering sprees, including 4-1 overall (all in conference play), 7-0 on Wednesday, 6-0 against winning teams, 8-1 at home against teams with a winning road record and 7-3 following a SU win.
New Mexico is on “under” streaks of 7-2-1 overall, 3-0-1 on the road, 3-0-1 after a non-cover, 6-2-1 after a SU win and 8-2-1 in conference action. Conversely, UNLV is on “over” tears of 5-2 overall, 4-1 at home, 5-2 in the Mountain West, 4-1 after a spread-cover, 5-2 after a SU win and 5-2 in Wednesday affairs.
Finally, the total has stayed low in three of the last four meetings between these teams, following a four-game “over” run.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNLV
NBA
Boston (32-17, 19-29-1 ATS) at New Orleans (27-25, 25-27 ATS)
The Celtics will try to get back on the winning track when they visit New Orleans Arena for a matchup with the struggling Hornets.
Boston has been off since a 96-89 home loss to Orlando on Sunday, failing to cover as a three-point favorite, its third-straight non-cover. Rajon Rondo had 17 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, but no other Celtic managed more than 14 points. The loss snapped a three-game, straight-up winning streak (1-2 ATS) for Boston, which is 17-8 (13-12 ATS) on the highway this season.
New Orleans has dropped four of five overall (2-3 ATS), including Monday’s 123-117 loss in Orlando, though it cashed as a 9½-point underdog. The Hornets have lost four straight at home (SU and ATS), including Friday’s ugly 101-94 setback to the lowly Sixers as a 2½-point favorite. New Orleans, which is playing without injured point guard Chris Paul, has allowed the opposition to average 107 points on 51.9 percent shooting over the last five games.
Boston won the lone matchup this season with the Hornets on Nov. 1, prevailing 97-87 but coming up short as an 11-point home favorite. The Celtics have won four in a row (3-1 ATS) in this series and seven of the last 10 (6-4 ATS). The favorite is 5-1 ATS sin the last six matchups.
The Celtics are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games against Southwest Division teams and 17-8-1 ATS in their last 26 road games against teams with a winning home record, but they are on ATS slides of 2-9-1 overall, 0-6-1 against Western Conference teams and 1-6-1 after a non-cover. New Orleans has failed to cover in any of its last six at home but it is 22-7 ATS in its last 29 at home against teams with winning road records and 15-5 ATS in its last 20 against winning teams.
Boston has stayed below the posted total in four of five overall and nine of 12 against teams with a winning record, but it is on “over” runs of 20-9 after a straight-up loss and 18-7-1 after getting two days off. The Hornets have stayed below the total in 45 of 67 home games against teams with winning road records, but they are on “over” streaks of 4-0 overall, 4-1 at home, 6-1 after getting a day off and 4-1 after a spread-cover.
In this series, the under has been the play in three straight and six of the last nine.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Portland (30-24, 28-25-1 ATS) at Phoenix (31-21, 28-24 ATS)
The Suns will try to make it six straight victories when they welcome the Trail Blazers to the US Airways Center.
Portland fell 89-77 at home Tuesday against Oklahoma City, failing to cash as a 1½-point home underdog, shooting just 40.3 percent from the floor. The Blazers are a mediocre 12-13 (15-10 ATS) on the highway this season, where they average just 95.5 ppg on 45.3 percent shooting.
The Suns returns home following a four-game SU and ATS sweep of Western Conference road trip, wrapping it up with Friday’s 114-102 win in Sacramento, cashing as a 2½-point chalk. All five starters reached double figures in scoring, with Amare Stoudemire leading the charge with 30 points and nine rebounds. Phoenix has reached triple digits in 11 straight games and 23 of its last 24. The Suns have averaged 111.8 points a game over the last five, shooting a stellar 50.5 percent from the floor.
The Blazers have won three straight in this series, including a 105-102 victory as a 1½-point favorite on Dec. 17 matchup in Portland. The home team has won each of the last six meetings (5-1 ATS) and the favorite is 18-7-1 ATS in the last 26 overall. Phoenix has cashed in 23 of the last 35 series matchups, including 12 of the last 17 in the desert.
Portland is on ATS runs of 13-3 when playing the second night of a back-to-back, 4-1 as a road ‘dog, 5-1 on the road and 5-1 as a road ‘dog of between five and 10½-points. The Suns have cashed in five straight against Western Conference teams and four of five on Wednesday, but they are on ATS slides of 2-5 at home and 2-10-1 after getting three or more days off.
The Blazers are on a plethora of “over” streaks, including 7-4 overall, 8-3 against Western Conference teams, 12-2 on the road against teams with a winning record, 5-0 as a road ‘dog and 7-1 on the second night of a back-to-back. Phoenix is on “over” tears of 28-11 on Wednesday and 12-5 against Western Conference teams, but the under is 5-2 in its last seven at home.
Finally, the “over” is 4-1 in the last five head-to-head between these squads and 7-3 in the last 10 played in Phoenix.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX and OVER
L.A. Lakers (40-13, 24-27-2 ATS) at Utah (32-18, 30-17-3 ATS)
The red-hot Jazz will try to make it 10 straight wins when they host the rival Lakers inside EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.
Los Angeles has won seven of its last nine overall (5-3-1 ATS), including its last two without All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, who is listed as doubtful for tonight’s matchup because of an ankle injury. The Lakers crushed San Antonio 101-89 on Monday as 2½-point home favorites, getting 21 points and 19 rebounds from Pau Gasol and 16 points and 10 rebounds from Lamar Odom. L.A. is 15-9 on the road this season but just 10-13-1 at the betting window.
Utah made it nine straight wins with Tuesday’s 109-99 come-from-behind victory in Los Angeles against the Clippers, cashing as five-point road favorites as it got 34 points and 14 rebounds from Carlos Boozer. The Jazz have been lighting up the scoreboard lately, reaching triple digits in 11 straight contests, including averaging 109 points and 53.6 percent shooting in their last five heading into Tuesday’s game against the Clippers. Utah has won 10 straight home games (7-1-2 ATS) and gone 22-6 (18-8-2 ATS) in front of the Salt Lake City faithful this season.
The home team has won nine of the last 10 series matchups between these teams (7-3 ATS), including both games this season. The Jazz scored a 102-94 home win back on Dec. 12 as two-point favorites, just three days after losing 101-77 in Los Angeles as a 10½-point pup. Going back farther, the host has cashed in 17 of the last 25 series clashes.
The Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six roadies, but otherwise they’re on pointspread slides of 1-5 against Northwest Division teams and 2-7-1 on the highway against teams with a winning home mark. It’s nothing but positive ATS runs for Utah, including 15-4-2 at home, 19-7-3 overall, 4-0-1 on the second night of a back-to-back, 33-16-3 at home against teams with winning road records and 4-0 on Wednesday.
Los Angeles is on a host of “under” runs, including 5-2 overall, 13-6 against Northwest Division teams, 4-0 on the road and 5-0 against teams with a winning record. On the flip side, the Jazz have topped the total in eight of 11 overall and five of six on the second night of a back-to-back, but they are on “under” runs of 5-0 against teams with a winning record and 4-2 against Pacific Division opponents. Also, the under has cashed in five straight Jazz-Lakers battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH and UNDER
DUNKEL
Orlando at Chicago
The Bulls look to build on their 11-3 ATS record in their last 14 games as an underdog. Chicago is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+4 1/2)
Game 701-702: Miami at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 119.469; Orlando 121.894
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 7; 191
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+7); Under
Game 703-704: Philadelphia at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 120.254; Toronto 120.940
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 7; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+7); Under
Game 705-706: Milwaukee at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 121.946; New Jersey 108.902
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 13; 180
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 707-708: Sacramento at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 111.698; Detroit 116.133
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 4 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 3 1/2; 197
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-3 1/2); Under
Game 709-710: Orlando at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 121.339; Chicago 121.900
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+4 1/2); Over
Game 711-712: Boston at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 116.652; New Orleans 121.761
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 5; 191
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 713-714: Charlotte at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 120.437; Minnesota 113.463
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 7; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-2); Under
Game 715-716: LA Lakers at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 119.070; Utah 130.332
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 11 1/2; 216
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 717-718: Portland at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 115.670; Phoenix 126.354
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 10 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 8; 211
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-8);
Game 719-720: LA Clippers at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 109.410; Golden State 117.359
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 8; 214
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
Connecticut at Syracuse
The Orange look to take advantage of a Connecticut team that is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 road games. Syracuse is the pick (-11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Syracuse favored by 14 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-11)
Game 721-722: Ohio State at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 71.933; Indiana 62.645
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-9)
Game 723-724: Drexel at Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 59.036; Hofstra 62.656
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (-1 1/2)
Game 725-726: Delaware at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 48.638; William & Mary 62.046
Dunkel Line: William & Mary by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: William & Mary by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (-12 1/2)
Game 727-728: Connecticut at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 65.525; Syracuse 80.150
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 11
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-11)
Game 729-730: Georgia Tech at Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 67.336; Miami (FL) 66.570
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 1
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 1
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+1)
Game 731-732: Virginia at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 68.994; Maryland 75.952
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 733-734: Central Florida at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 50.942; Memphis 69.359
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-15 1/2)
Game 735-736: Georgia State at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 52.247; Northeastern 64.643
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 15
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (+15)
Game 737-738: Florida State at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 67.307; Clemson 74.530
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 7
Vegas Line: Clemson by 6
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-6)
Game 739-740: Richmond at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 58.084; Rhode Island 67.472
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-5 1/2)
Game 741-742: Fordham at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 42.220; St. Bonaventure 55.884
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+17 1/2)
Game 743-744: Toledo at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 39.199; Miami (OH) 59.723
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (-16 1/2)
Game 745-746: Northern Illinois at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 45.037; Bowling Green 54.359
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (-6 1/2)
Game 747-748: Eastern Michigan at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 48.448; Buffalo 55.686
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 7
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-6 1/2)
Game 749-750: Ball State at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 52.530; Kent State 64.947
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 14
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+14)
Game 751-752: Tulane at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 49.956; East Carolina 48.890
Dunkel Line: Tulane by 1
Vegas Line: East Carolina by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+2 1/2)
Game 753-754: Charlotte at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 63.776; Dayton 66.355
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Dayton by 9
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+9)
Game 755-756: Old Dominion at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.643; James Madison 52.469
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 13
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 10
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-10)
Game 757-758: NC Wilmington at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 45.787; Towson 45.663
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Towson by 2
Dunkel Pick: NC Wilmington (+2)
Game 759-760: Iowa State at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 60.101; Missouri 75.788
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 12
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-12)
Game 761-762: Southern Mississippi at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 54.380; Tulsa 65.710
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 10
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-10)
Game 763-764: Southern Illinois at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 55.943; Missouri State 63.701
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 8
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (-5)
Game 765-766: Utah at TCU
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 55.484; TCU 58.397
Dunkel Line: TCU by 3
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: TCU
Game 767-768: Northern Iowa at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 66.922; Drake 62.654
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 4
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-4)
Game 769-770: UTEP at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 68.000; SMU 60.272
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 4
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-4)
Game 771-772: Florida at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 67.033; South Carolina 66.254
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+2 1/2)
Game 773-774: LSU at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 54.637; Arkansas 64.870
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 10
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (-7 1/2)
Game 775-776: Northwestern at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 65.447; Iowa 65.490
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 3
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+3)
Game 777-778: Virginia Tech at North Carolina State
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 68.252; North Carolina State 67.490
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 1
Vegas Line: North Carolina State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+1)
Game 779-780: Baylor at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 70.709; Nebraska 66.427
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Baylor by 3
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-3)
Game 781-782: Duke at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 77.566; North Carolina 66.627
Dunkel Line: Duke by 11
Vegas Line: Duke by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-5 1/2)
Game 783-784: Georgia at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 65.981; Auburn 61.163
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 5
Vegas Line: Auburn by 4
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+4)
Game 785-786: CS-Fullerton at UC-Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 47.770; UC-Irvine 50.930
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 3
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (-1 1/2)
Game 787-788: Pacific at UC-Davis
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 57.743; UC-Davis 49.780
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 8
Vegas Line: Pacific by 5
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-5)
Game 789-790: Wyoming at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 56.141; San Diego State 66.965
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 11
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wyoming (+17 1/2)
Game 791-792: New Mexico at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 67.164; UNLV 67.908
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 1
Vegas Line: UNLV by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (+5 1/2)
Game 793-794: Nevada at Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 59.783; Idaho 63.528
Dunkel Line: Idaho by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+1 1/2)
Game 795-796: Wofford at Furman
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 56.852; Furman 51.899
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 5
Vegas Line: Wofford by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Furman (+6 1/2)
Game 797-798: Samford at Chattanooga
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 45.743; Chattanooga 51.878
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 6
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chattanooga (-3 1/2)
NHL
Washington at Montreal
The Capitals look to take advantage of a Montreal team that is coming off a 3-0 loss to Boston and is 1-5 in its last 6 games following a loss by 3 or more goals. Washington is the pick (-170) according to Dunkel, which has the Capitals favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-170)
Game 1-2: Nashville at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.842; NY Rangers 11.295
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+115); Over
Game 3-4: San Jose at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.192; Columbus 12.446
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+130); Under
Game 5-6: Philadelphia at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 10.954; New Jersey 11.489
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-150); Under
Game 7-8: NY Islanders at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 10.401; Pittsburgh 12.514
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-280); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-280); Over
Game 9-10: Washington at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 14.197; Montreal 10.718
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-170); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-170); Over
Game 11-12: Phoenix at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.256; Minnesota 12.512
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 13-14: Atlanta at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 12.203; Colorado 11.589
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+160); Under
Game 15-16: Edmonton at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.667; Anaheim 12.563
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-250); Over
Richard Witt
New Mexico + 5.5 over UNLV
Vegas won their blood match with BYU in a big way (we had 'em!) over the weekend. As impressive as that was, still not sold on their being able to lay this calibre of number against the Lobos.
BIG AL
Ohio State at Indiana
Prediction: Indiana
These two teams met on January 6, and the Buckeyes blew out Indiana 79-54 as 14.5-point home favorites. Ohio State has won seven of its last eight games, while Indiana has dropped four in a row, and the knee-jerk reaction might be to play on the Buckeyes here, especially given that Ohio State is only favored by 10 points. But I wouldn't do that, if I were you. Consider that, since 1990, .400 (or better) conference home dogs of more than 4 points are 112-67 ATS when playing with revenge from a 24-point (or worse) loss to its opponent earlier in the season. Look for Indiana to keep this ballgame close. Take the points with the Hoosiers.
Marc Lawrence
Boston Celtics at New Orleans Hornets
Prediction: Boston Celtics
The Celtics meet the Hornets in the city of Super Bowl champs with Boston looking to make it a two-game season series sweep tonight. New Orleans has struggled in this series, going 3-8 SU and ATS in the last 11 meetings. With the Celtics on a 33-7 SU winning run on Wednesdays, including 8-2 this season, look for the partying to come to halt here in New Orleans this evening.
Hollywood Sports
Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
Prediction: Golden State Warriors
The Los Angeles Clippers (21-29) face a challenging game on Wednesday having to play the Golden State Warriors immediately after losing to the red-hot Utah Jazz, 109-99, last night. Trying to keep up with the fast-pace that playing Golden State demands will be difficult for the Clippers playing without rest. The Warriors (13-37) average over 110 PPG on their home court while the Clippers score under 96 PPG away from home on just 45.4% shooting. Golden State was hanging tough with Dallas on Monday before Monta Ellis twisted his right knee with just 3:43 left to go in the 4th quarter. This injury crippled the Warriors as they managed to score only four more points on the way to their 127-117 loss. Ellis did walk off the court without help so we do expect him to play by Wednesday night. Both of these teams are struggling as the Warriors have lost nine straight while the Clippers have now lost seven of their last eight games. But Golden State handles situations like this much better than Los Angeles. The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last ten road games versus teams with a losing home court record while the Warriors have covered the spread in six of their last seven games against teams with a losing record. Look for the pressure to face the up-tempo Warriors without the benefit of rest to trip up a Clippers' club struggling under interim head coach Kim Huggins. Take Golden State.
VEGAS EXPERTS
Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz
Considering the Lakers lost by eight in their last visit to Salt Lake and that was with Kobe Bryant in the lineup, we certainly don't like their chances here against what has become a much better Utah team. The Jazz are 12-1-2 ATS (last night pending) their last 15 games and have won eight straight scoring 100 points or more every time. Remember that the Lakers are 1-5 ATS as a road underdog this season.
Play on: Utah
Charlie Scott
Duke vs. North Carolina
Play: Under 155.5
I played and lost Sunday with NC/Maryland Under. The game barely went over even with Maryland guard Vasquez hitting every 3 he threw up, and Maryland running fast break after fast break. In tonights game I don't expect Duke to run at Marylands pace or shoot the lights out like Maryland did Sunday. Big rivalry game like this should bring a slower pace and effort on defense.
Bob Wingerter
Connecticut vs. Syracuse
Play: Connecticut +11
Big East powerhouses Syracuse and Connecticut have played plenty of memorable games over the years. It's doubtful, though, that they've been in any that were more extraordinary - and exhausting - than the last time they met. The second-ranked Orange look to stretch their winning streak to 11 games Wednesday night when they host the Huskies in the first meeting since the teams needed six overtimes to decide their Big East tournament quarterfinal last year. In the second-longest game in Division I history, Syracuse (23-1, 10-1) won 127-117 over Connecticut (14-9, 4-6) at Madison Square Garden last March. It finished one overtime short of the Division I record set in Cincinnati's 75-73 victory over Bradley on Dec. 21, 1981. Each team had four players foul out. Jonny Flynn logged 67 minutes and had 34 points and 11 assists for Syracuse while A.J. Price had 33 and 10 in 61 minutes for Connecticut. Both Flynn and Price are gone from teams headed in different directions. Connecticut was ranked No. 12 in the preseason after reaching the Final Four and Syracuse was unranked, but the Huskies fell out long ago while the Orange have nearly risen to the top. The Orange were heavily dependent on Flynn and Eric Devendorf last season and shot 48.7 percent. This season, a more balanced attack bolstered by Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson has resulted in Syracuse leading the nation in field-goal percentage at 53.1. Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win. Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
DAVID CHAN
Duke @ North Carolina
PICK: Duke -5.5
I wanted to post this as the free pick today because I want to post an example of when the favorite really is the right side. This should be a three-possession number (I think 7.5 is just about right) and it’s a situation where we need to be prepared to lay less.
I know the Tar Heels are at home and they’re a good team—but they’re not a great team. They’ve lost 6 out of their last 7 overall, including home blowouts at the hands of Wake Forest and Virginia.
Duke has lost 4 road games this year, but NC State was the only real head-scratcher (somewhere, the ghost of former Wolfpack guru Jim Valvano is instructing Blue Devils’ boosters on the unreliability of college athletes). Aside from that bad loss, Duke has fallen at Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, and Georgetown—schools which, despite preseason chatter, have run better than the Tar Heels. Duke also beat Clemson on the road by 13.
At -7.5, this game is for entertainment only. Below three possessions, even a dog bettor like me has to bite his tongue and bet the Blue Devils.
EZWINNERS
Duke Blue Devils -4
North Carolina has been a huge disappointment this season. Carolina's senior leaders Ginyard and Thompson haven't lived up to their billing and point guards Drew and Strickland are not developed enough to effectively run head coach Roy Williams's up tempo offense. Duke has a lot of weapons with Singler, Scheyer and Smith. The Blue Devils play much smarter basketball than the Heels and they should be on the plus side of the turnover battle. The road team is 4-0 against the spread in the last four meetings between these teams and the Heels are only 7-22 against the spread in their last 29 ACC games. Lay the points.
James Patrick Sports
Lakers vs. Jazz
Utah is a solid (6-0) at the EnergySolutions Arena versus "A" teams this season and the Jazz are in the midst of their strongest point-spread run of the season with a (13-1-1) ATS mark their past (15) games. Utah played last night and they own a (6-2) ATS mark in the second of back-to-back games and this series has seen the homer cash the winning ticket at a (17-7-1) ATS rate.James Patrick's selection for Wednesday in NBA hoop action is Utah Jazz.
Bryan Leonard
Philadelphia at Toronto
Don't look now but the 76ers are finally playing to their preseason expectations. Philadelphia has won five straight games cashing the past four and they have been especially impressive in doing so. They have covered the spread by 37 1/2 points the past three games including a 22 point blowout of an improving Minnesota team last night. The Sixers have outrebounded seven straight opponents as they are starting to make a run at the postseason. Despite their earlier troubles Philadelphia has been a money maker on the road all season posting a 16-10 road spread record. They have won 4 of their last 5 road contests in straight up fashion. Toronto has played perhaps the easiest five game stretch of the season for any team in the league. They are 4-1 as of late but those opponents were New York, Indiana twice, New Jersey and Sacramento. They will be unprepared for this improved Sixers team tonight. This is the last game before the All-Star game for both these squads. Philadelphia is playing their best ball of the season and can take a six game winning streak into the break with a victory here. We expect the visitor is lay it all on the line tonight as they take advantage of a slow moving public perception in easily covering this inflated number.
PLAY PHILADELPHIA
Denver Money
SJS (-155) vs CLB
The San Jose Sharks will be looking for their 10th straight road win Wednesday when they travel to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. The sharks continue to be the top team on the road this season going 20-6-2 . San Jose is 2-0 against the Blue Jackets this season and 7-0-2 last nine meetings. Tonight's game may not come as easy as Columbus has been playing better hockey since their coach Ken Hitchcock was fired last Wednesday. The Blue Jackets are looking to win three straight for the first time since November 13-19. Columbus is 4-1 in their last 5 games, but they are also 1-5 in their last 6 games following a win.
We should get a good match-up in the nets tonight with Evgeni Nabokov for the Sharks who has a 1.99 goals-against average during the road win streak. Nabokov is also 18-4-2 with a 1.80 GAA vs. the Blue Jackets in his career. For Columbus we should see Steve Mason again tonight. Mason is 15-18-6 this season with a 3.14 GAA and 3 shutouts this season including the 4-0 shutout vs. Buffalo on Saturday.
1* San Jose -155
Frank Jordan
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks
Play: Miami Heat +7
Each team won big last night as the Heat won by 33 and the Hawks by 14. As these teams match up in Atlanta on Wednesday night could this be another blow out? Miami is 25-27 on the year and 11-15 on the road. Atlanta is 33-17 just a game out of first place and 21-5 at home. Each team has won a game this year on their own court by double figures so it would seem to be true that the trend would continue, but Miami is feeling good after last nights win. Look for Wade and the Heat to ground the Hawks sending them to just their 6th home lost of the season. Play Miami