SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Dayton (18-8, 12-11 ATS) at (20) Temple (22-5, 16-11 ATS)
The Owls go after their fourth straight victory when they play host to Dayton in an Atlantic 10 contest at the Liacouras Center.
Temple is coming off a pair of SU road victories, ripping St. Bonaventure 73-55 as a 6½-point favorite last Wednesday, then holding off cross-town rival St. Joe’s 75-67 in overtime on Saturday, falling short as a hefty 10-point chalk. The Owls have gotten it done with defense throughout this season, allowing just 57.8 ppg (sixth nationally) on 38.2 percent shooting (12th), including 28.3 percent from 3-point range (seventh). Temple is averaging 71.2 ppg on 49.1 percent shooting in its last five starts.
Dayton, clinging to fading NCAA Tournament hopes, has dropped two of its last three SU and lost all three ATS. On Sunday at Duquesne, the Flyers fell 73-71 as a 4½-point favorite. Dayton is averaging 70.3 ppg this season and giving up 61.9 ppg, and over the last five games, the Flyers have averaged 73.8 ppg on a sturdy 49.3 percent shooting.
Dayton has won and covered the last three meetings in this rivalry, though it was at home the past two seasons, winning 77-66 two years ago as a four-point chalk and 70-65 last year laying 2½ points. The SU winner is on an 8-2 ATS run in this rivalry, cashing in the last five in a row.
The Owls are on ATS runs of 34-16-1 against A-10 foes, 35-17 at home, 8-3 after a non-cover, 11-5 on Wednesday and 35-17-1 against winning teams. The Flyers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Wednesday games and 7-2 ATS in their last nine against teams with a win percentage above .600.
The over for Temple is on rolls of 4-0-1 overall, 5-0 after a SU win, 3-1-1 after a non-cover, 4-0 on Wednesday and 4-0-1 in the Atlantic 10. Dayton is on “over” runs of 4-1 on the road and 6-2 against winning teams, though the under for the Flyers is on surges of 4-0 on Wednesday and 4-1 after a SU loss. Finally, in this rivalry, the over has hit in the last two meetings, after a 4-1 “under” stretch.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEMPLE and OVER
(3) Purdue (23-3, 12-13-1 ATS) at Minnesota (16-10, 11-14 ATS)
The streaking Boilermakers, aiming for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, head to Minnesota for a Big Ten battle at Williams Arena.
Purdue dropped Illinois 75-65 Saturday for its ninth consecutive victory but came up short as a 12½-point home chalk, halting a three-game ATS surge. Over the last five games, including three roadies, the Boilermakers have outscored the opposition by a little more than 10 ppg (70.4-60.2), shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and allowing just 39.8 percent shooting.
Minnesota has followed a 2-6 SU purge – in which it failed to cover in all eight contests – with a two-game SU and ATS uptick, whipping Wisconsin 68-52 as a one-point home pup last Thursday and routing Indiana 81-58 Saturday laying 17 points at home. For the season, Minnesota has had a big home-court scoring edge, averaging 79.8 ppg on a stout 50.8 percent shooting, while allowing just 59.0 ppg on 36.8 percent shooting.
Purdue is on a 4-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, though three of those games were at home, including a 79-60 rout on Jan. 5 as an 8½-point favorite. The home team is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven contests, and the SU winner is on a 9-0-1 ATS roll.
The Boilermakers are in ATS ruts of 3-7 as a favorite, 1-4 as a road chalk and 17-36-2 on Wednesday. Likewise, the Gophers are on myriad spread-covering slides, including 2-8 overall, 16-36-1 getting points, 2-9 as a home pup, 1-4 after a SU win, 8-21 against Big Ten opponents and 8-20 versus winning teams.
Purdue is on “over” streaks of 5-1 on the highway, 4-0 as a road favorite and 21-7 in roadies versus teams with a winning home record, but the under for the Boilermakers is on runs of 6-1 against winning teams and 6-2 on Wednesday. Furthermore, Minnesota carries “under” trends of 6-1 against winning teams, 5-1 on Wednesday, 4-1 as a pup, 5-1 as a home ‘dog and 16-5 catching less than seven points at home.
Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in 10 of the last 11 overall and four of the last five in Minneapolis.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Oklahoma State (19-7, 12-7-1 ATS) at (21) Texas (21-6, 9-14 ATS)
The Cowboys ride a three-game winning streak into Austin’s Frank Erwin Center for a Big 12 tangle with struggling Texas.
Oklahoma State bested Baylor 82-75 Saturday as a 2½-point home favorite and has cashed in all three games during its current upswing, which followed an 0-3 SU and ATS skid. The Cowboys have averaged 75.2 ppg and given up 67.4 ppg this season, but on the road, they’ve been outscored by an average of more than six ppg (76.2-69.9).
Texas has come undone since its 17-0 start and rise to No. 1 in the rankings, going 4-6 SU and 2-8 ATS over its last 10 games. The Longhorns lost at Missouri 82-77 last Wednesday as a 3½-point road underdog, but then went to Texas Tech on Saturday and nabbed a 71-67 victory – though they again failed to cash, this time as a 6½-point chalk. Texas, which pummeled Nebraska 91-51 in its last home start, is piling up 85.7 ppg in Austin this year, while allowing an average of just 63.4.
Texas is 7-1 SU (4-3-1 ATS) in the last eight clashes in this rivalry, notching a 72-60 road win as a 2½-point favorite three weeks ago (the only visitor this year to win in Stillwater). Rick Barnes’ troops are 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven Austin meetings, the chalk is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four, and the home team is on a 10-4-1 ATS run.
The Longhorns are on nothing but negative ATS streaks, including 2-12 overall, 1-6 on Wednesday, 2-11 against winning teams, 1-5 at home, 2-9 laying points, 5-20-1 in the Big 12 and 8-20-1 after a SU win. The Pokes are in road ATS funks of 2-5 overall and 1-4 as a pup, but they are on positive pointspread rolls of 23-8-1 overall, 16-6 in conference play, 16-5 after a spread-cover, 18-7-1 after a SU win, 20-8-1 against winning teams and 4-0 on Wednesday.
The over for Texas is on upticks of 8-3 as a chalk, 4-1 as a home favorite and 6-2 following a SU win, though the under is on a 7-1 surge against winning teams. The over has hit in five of Oklahoma State’s last seven overall (all in the Big 12), but the Cowboys are on “under” tears of 7-1 against winning teams, 8-3 after a SU win and 5-2 from the underdog role.
Also, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in seven of the last eight overall – including last month’s meeting -- and seven of the last eight in Texas.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE and UNDER
(22) Texas A&M (19-7, 14-8 ATS) at (24) Baylor (20-6, 12-7 ATS)
Two ranked Big 12 teams aim to firm up their postseason credentials when the Aggies travel to Waco to face in-state rival Baylor at the Ferrell Center.
Texas A&M has won five of its last six, all in the Big 12, going 6-0 ATS. The Aggies lost to Kansas 59-54 as a 6½-point home pup on Feb. 15, then bounced back Saturday with a 60-56 win at Iowa State as a 2½-point road favorite. A&M has won its last three roadies by a total of nine points, edging Missouri 77-74 as a healthy 9½-point ‘dog and Texas Tech 67-65 as a one-point pup before squeaking past the Cyclones.
Baylor had a three-game win streak snuffed out at Oklahoma State on Saturday, losing 82-75 as a 2½-point underdog, failing to cover for the fourth time in the last five games. The Bears, who have gone 13-1 SU in Waco this year (5-2 ATS in lined action), average 79.7 ppg on 49 percent shooting in the home jerseys, while yielding just 61.8 ppg on 37.3 percent shooting.
Texas A&M is on a 4-0 ATS run in this rivalry (3-1 SU), notching a 78-71 home win giving two points on Feb. 6. Despite that result, the ‘dog is 11-2 ATS in the last 13 series clashes and the road team is on a 5-2 ATS run, but Baylor has cashed in seven of the last 10 meetings in Waco.
Along with their current 6-0 ATS surge, the Aggies are on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 4-0 after a SU win, 5-0 against winning teams, 41-19 on the highway, 35-17 as a pup and 11-4 as a road ‘dog. The Bears’ 1-4 ATS purge has all come in the Big 12, and they are on a 1-4 ATS skid against winning teams, but they remain on positive spread-covering runs of 4-1 after a SU loss, 5-2 after a non-cover, 6-2 at home and 10-4 against teams with a win percentage above .600.
The over is on runs of 8-0 for A&M on Wednesday, 11-3 overall for Baylor, 10-2 for the Bears in the Big 12 and 5-2 for Baylor at home. However, the under for the Aggies is on stretches of 8-3 after a spread-cover, 7-3 as a ‘dog and 9-3 catching seven points or less on the road, and Baylor is on a 9-4-1 “under” surge following a SU loss. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in the last four Waco meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BAYLOR
NBA
Portland (33-26, 31-27-1 ATS) at Toronto (31-24, 28-27 ATS)
The under-the-radar Raptors shoot for their third win in a row when they welcome the Trail Blazers to the Air Canada Centre.
Portland kicked off a five-game road trip with Tuesday’s 102-93 victory at New Jersey as a 7½-point road favorite, with Brandon Roy (28 points), LaMarcus Aldridge (27 points) and Andre Miller (20 points) leading the scoring assault. The Blazers, who had been held under 90 points in four of their previous six games, are just 6-8 SU in their last 14 games. However, they’re a respectable 8-5 in their last 13 road outings, going 10-3 ATS.
Toronto has been idle since Saturday, when it knocked off Washington 109-104, but failed to cover as a 6½-point home favorite. It was the 20th game in a row that the Raptors hit the century mark in scoring, tallying at least 106 points in 15 of those 20 contests. Toronto has won 10 of its last 12 overall (7-5 ATS) and nine of its last 10 north of the border (6-4 ATS). For the season, the Raptors are 21-7 SU and 16-12 ATS at the Air Canada Centre, despite outscoring opponents by an average of just 4.4 points per game (105.4-101).
The Blazers swept the season series from Toronto last year, winning 98-97 as a three-point road chalk and 102-89 as an eight-point home favorite. Portland is 6-3 SU in the last nine meetings, but the Raptors have cashed in nine of the last 12, including five of the last six in Canada. Also, the home team has taken the money in four straight meetings the last two years.
In addition to cashing in 10 of its last 13 roadies (including seven of the last eight), Portland is on ATS runs of 5-1 against Eastern Conference teams and 35-17 when going on back-to-back nights, but it has come up short of getting the cash in four of five versus opponents with a winning record. Meanwhile, the Raptors have covered in six of seven against the West, four straight against winning teams and four of five when going on three or more days of rest, but they’re 4-9 ATS in their last 13 on Wednesday and 1-4 ATS in their last five against Northwest Division foes.
These teams have topped the total in each of their last five head-to-head matchups. Additionally, Toronto is on “over” runs of 6-2 at home, 9-3 on Wednesday, 7-2 against Northwest Division opponents, 6-0 versus winning teams and 12-5-1 when coming off three or more days of rest. Portland has topped the total in six of seven on the highway, four straight against winning teams, six of eight on Wednesday and seven of nine when going on back-to-back nights.
However, the under is 6-2 in the Blazers’ last eight overall and 8-2 in the Raptors’ last 10 versus the Western Conference.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TORONTO and OVER
Oklahoma City (33-22 SU and ATS) at San Antonio (31-23, 25-28-1 ATS)
After seeing their nine-game winning streak end in brutal fashion at home last night, the surging Thunder head back on the road when they visit the AT&T Center for a battle with the well-rested Spurs.
Oklahoma City extended its longest winning streak in several years with a pair of narrow road wins at New York (121-118 in overtime) and Minnesota (109-107) over the weekend, but it was on the wrong end of a buzzer beater Tuesday, falling 104-102 to the Suns as a six-point home favorite. With Kevin Durant (36 points) and Russell Westbrook (21 points, 10 rebounds) leading the way, the Thunder had a 98-88 lead with less than three minutes to play but got outscored 16-4 the rest of the way. Phoenix’s Jason Richardson hit the winning basket with 0.7 seconds to play.
Oklahoma City is playing its sixth road game in its last eight contests tonight – all since Feb. 3 – but it has won the last five in a row (3-2 ATS). However, the Thunder have followed up a five-game ATS winning streak with three straight non-covers, the first time all year they’ve failed to cash in three straight games. Still, going back to Dec. 23, Oklahoma City has won 20 of 28 games, and it is 18-11 ATS in its last 29.
San Antonio concluded its season-long eight-game road trip in Detroit on Sunday, losing to the Pistons 109-101 in overtime as a 4½-point chalk. The Spurs finished with a 4-4 split on the trip (2-6 ATS), and they’re just 4-5 SU and 2-7 ATS in their last nine overall, scoring 94 points or less in five of the contests. Also, Gregg Popovich’s team has dropped four of its last six home games, both SU and ATS.
Durant continues to play remarkable basketball, as he’s now scored at least 25 points in 29 consecutive games, and he’s averaging 29.9 ppg on the season. That includes a 35-point effort against the Spurs back on Jan. 13, but it wasn’t enough as San Antonio scored a 109-108 overtime victory as a 1½-point road underdog. However, in the first meeting between these teams this season (in San Antonio), the Thunder prevailed 101-98 as an 8½-point road favorite.
The road team has won the last four meetings SU and ATS, and the teams have split their last eight contests (with Oklahoma City going 5-3 ATS, including three straight spread-covers in San Antonio after going 0-8-1 ATS in the previous nine trips to the AT&T Center). Finally, the SU winner has covered in 12 of the last 13 head-to-head clashes and is 14-1-1 ATS in the last 16.
Oklahoma City is on ATS upticks of 5-2 overall, 15-5 on the road, 4-1 against the Western Conference, 4-0 against the Southwest Division and 10-1 against winning teams, but it has failed to cash in five straight Wednesday affairs. San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last five overall and 3-10 ATS in its last 13 against Northwest Division opponents, but it has covered in nine of 10 when coming off a road trip of a week or longer.
The over is 20-8 in the Thunder’s last 28 when playing on back-to-back nights and 5-0 in their last four against winning teams, but they’ve stayed low in seven of 10 against the Southwest Division. The Spurs have topped the total in four straight against winning teams and the over is 5-1-1 in their last seven on Wednesday, but they’re otherwise on “under” streaks of 5-2 overall, 4-0 against the Western Conference and 5-1 after a road trip of seven days or more.
Lastly, these teams have topped the total in four straight meetings overall and four of the last five at the AT&T Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA CITY and OVER
L.A. Lakers (43-14, 25-30-2 ATS) at Dallas (35-21, 23-33 ATS)
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers cap a brief two-game, two-day Southwest Division road swing when they invade American Airlines Center looking to beat the Mavericks for the third time in a row.
Bryant returned to the lineup for the first time in 18 days on Tuesday at Memphis and scored his team’s final nine points – including the game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left – as Los Angeles rallied past the Grizzlies 99-98. Bryant scored a team-high 32 points as the Lakers, who failed to cover as a 5½-point road favorite, overcame a five-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. Los Angeles, which prior to Tuesday hadn’t played since Thursday’s 87-86 home loss to Boston, went 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS without Bryant.
Starting with a 100-95 win in Dallas as a six-point underdog back on Jan. 13, the Lakers have won 14 of 19 games, going 9-3 SU on the road.
Dallas carries a four-game winning streak (2-2 ATS) into tonight, including a pair of home wins over the Heat on Saturday (97-91) and Pacers on Monday (91-82). However, the Mavericks failed to cover as a sizeable favorite in both games, and are now 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games overall and 2-18 ATS at home since Nov. 30 (including 1-18 ATS as a home favorite). On the bright side, Rick Carlisle’s club has been tightening up the defense, allowing just 89.8 ppg during its winning streak.
The Mavericks ended a six-game losing streak to Los Angeles back on Oct. 30, winning 94-80 as a 7½-point road underdog, but the Lakers won the next two over a 10-day span in January (131-96 as a 6½-point home favorite on Jan. 3 and the aforementioned five-point upset win in Dallas on Jan. 13). The road team is 9-1-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings, L.A. is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four trips to Big D, and the underdog has cashed in seven of the last nine.
The Lakers are on ATS runs of 5-2-1 on the highway and 4-1 when playing on consecutive days. Dallas has covered in 19 of its last 28 on Wednesday, but otherwise it is in ATS slumps of 8-20 overall (5-16 last 21), 6-22 at home (2-18 last 20), 7-20 against the Western Conference, 3-7 versus the Pacific Division and 1-6 after one day off.
Los Angeles, which barely stayed under the total last night in Memphis, carries a slew of “under” trends, including 6-0 overall, 6-0 on the road, 6-0 against the Southwest Division and 5-0 against Western Conference opponents. The under is also 5-0 in the Mavs’ last five on Wednesday, but they’ve topped the total in eight of their last 11 at home. Additionally, three of the last four series meetings between these rivals – including the last two in Dallas – have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS and UNDER
DUNKEL INDEX
LA Lakers at Dallas
The Mavericks look to take advantage of an LA team that is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games as a road underdog between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Dallas is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Mavericks favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-1)
Game 701-702: Portland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 115.656; Toronto 123.403
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 7 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: Minnesota at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 109.870; Atlanta 124.525
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 14 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 12 1/2; 204
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-12 1/2); Over
Game 705-706: Memphis at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 116.104; Washington 113.429
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 2 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 1; 199
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-1); Under
Game 707-708: New Orleans at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 117.782; Milwaukee 121.637
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 3 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 5 1/2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+5 1/2); Over
Game 709-710: Indiana at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 117.101; Chicago 121.719
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 4 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 711-712: Orlando at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 124.625; Houston 119.243
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 5 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 713-714: Oklahoma City at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 122.898; San Antonio 121.568
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 715-716: Charlotte at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 116.241; Utah 125.477
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 9; 193
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 717-718: Philadelphia at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 114.783; Phoenix 125.019
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 10; 210
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 719-720: LA Lakers at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 122.893; Dallas 125.513
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 2 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-1); Over
Game 721-722: Detroit at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 112.522; LA Clippers 113.622
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1; 184
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3 1/2; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+3 1/2); Under
NCAAB
Purdue at Minnesota
The Boilermakers look to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games as a home underdog between 1 and 6 1/2 points. Purdue is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Boilermakers favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-2)
Game 723-724: Ohio State at Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 75.272; Penn State 63.718
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-7)
Game 725-726: Dayton at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 65.954; Temple 70.417
Dunkel Line: Temple by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-3 1/2)
Game 727-728: George Mason at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 57.265; Delaware 51.727
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: George Mason by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-3 1/2)
Game 729-730: NC Wilmington at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 46.043; Drexel 56.420
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Drexel by 13
Dunkel Pick: NC Wilmington (+13)
Game 731-732: Pittsburgh at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 71.792; Notre Dame 67.959
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 4
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 1
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+1)
Game 733-734: Virginia Tech at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 70.814; Boston College 67.544
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech
Game 735-736: LaSalle at George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 54.874; George Washington 58.549
Dunkel Line: George Washington by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: George Washington by 7
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (+7)
Game 737-738: Florida State at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 69.982; North Carolina 66.367
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-1)
Game 739-740: St. Bonaventure at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 50.657; Fordham 45.853
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 5
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 10
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+10)
Game 741-742: SMU at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 56.444; East Carolina 53.618
Dunkel Line: SMU by 3
Vegas Line: SMU by 5
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+5)
Game 743-744: Western Michigan at Toledo
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 50.138; Toledo 45.289
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 5
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 9
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+9)
Game 745-746: Eastern Michigan at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 54.733; Ball State 53.886
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan
Game 747-748: Buffalo at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 49.546; Akron 60.990
Dunkel Line: Akron by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Akron by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (-6 1/2)
Game 749-750: Miami (OH) at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 54.372; Ohio 55.748
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 5
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (+5)
Game 751-752: Towson at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 45.806; William & Mary 59.555
Dunkel Line: William & Mary by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: William & Mary by 14
Dunkel Pick: Towson (+14)
Game 753-754: Kent State at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 59.062; Bowling Green 57.381
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+4 1/2)
Game 755-756: DePaul at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 54.010; Cincinnati 70.586
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-13 1/2)
Game 757-758: UAB at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 61.951; Central Florida 57.218
Dunkel Line: UAB by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 4
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-4)
Game 759-760: Marquette at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 69.622; St. John's 65.839
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 4
Vegas Line: Marquette by 2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (-2)
Game 761-762: St. Joseph's at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 52.632; Charlotte 61.499
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 9
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 10
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (+10)
Game 763-764: Colorado at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 60.866; Missouri 75.693
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 15
Vegas Line: Missouri by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-13 1/2)
Game 765-766: Nebraska at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 62.658; Iowa State 65.223
Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Iowa State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (+4 1/2)
Game 767-768: James Madison at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 50.942; VCU 65.110
Dunkel Line: VCU by 14
Vegas Line: VCU by 16
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+16)
Game 769-770: Xavier at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 65.907; St. Louis 64.247
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+4 1/2)
Game 771-772: Memphis at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 64.125; Houston 61.184
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 3
Vegas Line: Memphis by 2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-2)
Game 773-774: Auburn at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 61.146; Mississippi 69.730
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 8
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+9 1/2)
Game 775-776: Marshall at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 63.831; Rice 50.321
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Marshall by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (-9 1/2)
Game 777-778: Central Michigan at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 53.131; Northern Illinois 49.225
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 4
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan
Game 779-780: Drake at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 58.374; Missouri State 63.304
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 5
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+8 1/2)
Game 781-782: Wichita State at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 59.967; Bradley 62.174
Dunkel Line: Bradley by 2
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+3 1/2)
Game 783-784: Indiana State at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 55.098; Illinois State 64.792
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+10)
Game 785-786: UTEP at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 68.430; Southern Mississippi 61.567
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 7
Vegas Line: UTEP by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-4 1/2)
Game 787-788: Arkansas at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 59.275; LSU 60.325
Dunkel Line: LSU by 1
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+1 1/2)
Game 789-790: Utah at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 56.415; Air Force 53.779
Dunkel Line: Utah by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah by 6
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+6)
Game 791-792: Purdue at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 74.518; Minnesota 68.286
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 6
Vegas Line: Purdue by 2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-2)
Game 793-794: Texas A&M at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 69.706; Baylor 75.802
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 6
Vegas Line: Baylor by 7
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+7)
Game 795-796: Oklahoma State at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 64.624; Texas 75.471
Dunkel Line: Texas by 11
Vegas Line: Texas by 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-9)
Game 797-798: Clemson at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 68.317; Maryland 76.882
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Maryland by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-4 1/2)
Game 799-800: San Diego State at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 68.081; BYU 73.118
Dunkel Line: BYU by 5
Vegas Line: BYU by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (+8 1/2)
Game 801-802: South Florida at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 66.652; Villanova 73.511
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 7
Vegas Line: Villanova by 13
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+13)
Game 803-804: Alabama at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 63.152; Mississippi State 69.802
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+7 1/2)
Game 805-806: CS-Northridge at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 49.265; UC-Santa Barbara 60.900
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-8 1/2)
Game 807-808: CS-Fullerton at Cal Poly
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 49.290; Cal Poly 48.889
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 2
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (+2)
Game 809-810: Idaho at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 56.427; New Mexico State 63.912
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 5
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (-5)
Game 811-812: TCU at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 54.297; UNLV 67.259
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 13
Vegas Line: UNLV by 15
Dunkel Pick: TCU (+15)
Game 813-814: NC Greensboro at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: NC Greensboro 45.286; Davidson 56.956
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Davidson by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+13 1/2)
Marc Lawrence
Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets
Prediction: Houston Rockets
Orlando takes its magic act to Houston to face the Rockets in this non-conference clash Wednesday night. The good news for the Magic is they enter tonight's fray off a win over Cleveland. The bad news is Orlando is just 3-9 SU and 2-10 ATS off a Cavs win when facing a non-conference foe, including 0-7 ATS when the opponent is off a loss. Couple that with the Rockets' glittering 12-3 SU and ATS mark in this series,, including 7-1 SU and ATS when the Magic is playing off a win and we have the makings of trouble in Disney tonight. Stay at home with Houston here tonight.
Big Al
Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Clippers
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers minus the points over Detroit, as Los Angeles falls into a 134-69 ATS system of mine that plays on certain rested home teams, who are matched up against non-division foes off back to back SU/ATS wins as an underdog. In its last two games, Detroit upset the Sacramento Kings last night, 101-89, and the San Antonio Spurs, in overtime, on Sunday, 109-101. But the Clippers already defeated Detroit earlier this season at the Palace of Auburn Hills (104-96, as a 3.5-point underdog), and Detroit is a poor 10-20 ATS when playing with revenge this season. The Pistons have covered just 10 of their previous 32 games (including 5 of 15 on the road), and the Clips are 8-4 ATS this season vs. foes off upset wins, including 3-0 ATS as a favorite. Look for Los Angeles to get the win and cover on Wednesday night. Lay the points.
VEGAS EXPERTS
LA Lakers at Dallas Mavericks
Under bettors were fortunate to cash with the Lakers last night as Memphis' OJ Mayo missed two late free throws to cost his team and Over players the game. We've got a lower number to work with here as we've got to stay away from the side considering the Mavs putrid 5-21 spread mark at home. Note that the Lakers are 60-39 Over as a road favorite of three or less.
Play on: Over
Terron Chapman
Pittsburgh vs. Notre Dame
Play: Pittsburgh +1
Tomorrows are no more for Notre Dame (17-10), which has put itself in this position by losing five of its last seven league games, including suspect setbacks to Rutgers, Seton Hall and St. John's. The Irish last enjoyed success Feb. 7 with a victory over South Florida and will try to find a way back in the win column Wednesday night when they play host to the surging Pittsburgh Panthers (21-6) at the Joyce Center in South Bend. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
Despite playing without their All-American Luke Harangody, the Fighting Irish have battled hard, losing the last three by a combined six points. Even still, the Fighting Irish’s problems stem on the defensive end, where they are allowing opponents to shoot 44% from the floor on the season. In those three straight losses, they allowed opponents to shoot 48% from the field as they continue to try and outscore the opposition. That mindset won’t get it done in the Big East, as will be the case Wednesday against the Panthers. The Panthers five game win streak can be traced to their play on the defensive end where they have held the opposition to just 39% from the floor, including 32.5% from behind the arc.
The Fighting Irish will be a tough out Wednesday evening as they play for what remains of their tournament chances. However, the Panthers have dominated the series recently, winning six of the last seven. With or without Harangody, the Panthers should be able to blanket the Irish on the perimeter. These are two teams heading in opposite directions. The Fighting Irish will put up a game fight but in the end, Pittsburgh’s defense will be too much to overcome. Play on the Pittsburgh Panthers for 1 unit.
Rob Vinciletti
Marquette vs. ST John's
Play: Marquette -2
Marquette has won all 6 games in this series going as far back as 1997. When they are a road favorite of -3 or less they have won and covered all 5 times and have cashed 12 of 17 times vs winning teams. When the the total is 130 to 135 in their road games they are 4-1 straight up and against the spread. St. johns is coming off a big road dog win at South Florida in their last game,shooting 58% from the field. That figures to change tonight against a solid Marquette team. The Red Storm are just 3-13 vs teams who play good defense and allow 65 points per game or less in the second half over the last 3 years. Take Marquette tonight.
Sam Martin
New Orleans Hornets at Milwaukee Bucks
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
Tough schedule for New Orleans, who have to go take on a red-hot Bucks team after playing in Cleveland last night. Despite the final score (New Orleans lost by ten), the Hornets played a pretty good game in Cleveland, but fell apart in the final minutes. In fact, New Orleans was tied with the Cavs with just about four minutes left in the game! On the other sideline, Milwaukee has been hot in winning three straight and 9 of their last 12. And it?s been all defense, holding ten of those 12 opponents to under 100 points scored, including a 67-point showing for the Knicks in their last game. Look for Milwaukee to wear down these tired Hornets, and for the Bucks to win another low-scoring affair. 5* Play on Milwaukee
Jim Feist
New Orleans Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Play: Over 192½
The New Orleans offense has actually been very good even without star guard Chris Paul. What has killed this team is the lack of attention to defense, allowing 47% shooting by opponents and 101 ppg. This is a tough situational handicapping spot for the Hornets, playing at Cleveland last night and now another road game. This is their 3rd game in 4 nights. Tired legs means they will have no interest in playing defense. The last three times they've been in the second of a back to back game, all three went over the total. Milwaukee is no defensive dynamo, in the middle of the pack in defensive rankings, but they are rested and will run right at the road weary visitors. Play the Hornets/Bucks Over the total.
Joseph D'Amico
UTEP vs. So Mississippi
Play: UTEP -4½
At 20-5, UTEP is a force. They are 11-1 in the Conference and are outscoring opponents by an average of 12.8 PPG. They have already beaten Southern Miss 56-49 back in January. The Miner's have won 10 in a row and have covered 7 of their L9, including 5 straight road games. All 5 starters are averaging DD's. They are led by Guard Randy Culpepper, who is posting 18.0 PPG. The team is ranked #16 in the nation in FG% at 47.9%. They face the 253rd ranked Southern Miss Golden Eagle's who are shooting a paltry 41.4% FG's. Outside of Forward Gary Flowers, the Golden Eagle's players are really struggling on the offensive side of the ball. The Miner's are 4-0 ATS their L4 vs. teams with a winning percentage of over .600, 4-0 ATS their L4 vs. Conference USA, and 4-0 ATS their L4 as a road favorite. The Golden Eagle's are 0-4 ATS their L4 as a home 'dog of .5-6.5 points. UTEP wins and covers.
James Patrick Sports
76'ers vs. Suns
When the Boys from the City of Brotherly Love play on the road for the second consecutive game they have been a solid (10-3) ATS while Phoenix checks in at (4-9) ATS when the Suns are unrested. Philadelphia is (4-0) ATS against the Western Conference and Big Game James Patrick's Wednesday selection in NBA action is Philadelphia 76'ers.
Bobby Maxwell
New Orleans at MILWAUKEE (-5')
I'm on a 57-24-1 FREE play run and tonight I have an NBA winner for you as i lay the chalk with Milwaukee at home against the Hornets.
Milwaukee has won three straight (SU and ATS) and are coming into this one off an impressive defensive effort on Monday when they throttled the Knicks, winning 83-67 as 1 ½-point road favorites.
The Bucks have really turned up their defensive intensity lately, allowing just 88.8 points a game over their last five games and no more than 88 in four of the last five. Last time Milwaukee was at home, they beat the Bobcats 93-88 as three-point favorites.
This team thoroughly dominated the Knicks on Monday with guard Brandon Jennings playing just 26 minutes and scoring just four points. Young center Andrew Bogut led the way with 24 points and 20 rebounds as the Bucks outrebounded New York 61-35. These guys are young, big, athletic bodies in that paint and they can cause trouble for a lot of teams.
The Hornets have lost six of 10 and fell on Tuesday at Cleveland 105-95, but cashed as an 11 ½-point underdog. They have won eight straight in this series, but this is a completely different Bucks’ squad they’ll be facing.
Milwaukee is on ATS streaks of 10-3 after a spread-cover, 7-0 after a day off, 16-5 overall, 6-2 at home and 8-2 as a favorite. The favorite is on a 5-2 ATS streak over the last seven series clashes and the Bucks will keep that streak alive tonight.
No worries playing the Bucks at home tonight. Lay the chalk with Milwaukee.
5♦ MILWAUKEE
Fullerton at SAN LUIS OBISPO (+3)
Currently riding a 57-24-1 FREE play run and I have another gem for you tonight as I go with San Luis Obispo an grab the points with the Mustangs against Fullerton at home tonight.
There’s no reason this Fullerton should be laying points on the road in a conference game. I’ll grab the points with San Luis Obispo and watch as the Mustangs probably win this one outright.
San Luis can score points, with Lorenzo Keeler doing most of that damage, but don’t be surprised to see Shawn Lewis or David Hanson light it up as well. Fullerton isn’t known for its defense, allowing almost 80 points a game over the last five.
Fullerton is on ATS slides of 0-4-1 as a favorite, including Saturday night when they beat SIU Edwardsville by 4 after being favorite by 20.
SLO is on a 4-1 ATS run overall, including each of the last three, all on the road. Look for the Mustangs to put up some points at home tonight. Grab the points with SLO tonight and don’t be surprised when they win outright.
4♦ SAN LUIS OBISPO
Karl Garrett
Pittsburgh (-2) at NOTRE DAME
Free play winner on New Orleans last night makes it a 4-1 comp play run the last 5 days.
With Luke Harongody still hobbled by that knee injury, it is hard to make a case for the fading Irish.
Notre Dame comes into this home Big East battle with Pittsburgh having dropped 3 in a row, 5 of 7, and 7 of their last 10. The Irish are also just 6-6 against the spread at home this season, and they are catching the Panthers at the wrong time, as Jamie Dixon's crew has now won 5 in a row, covering all 4 of their lined games in that span.
Pitt is also on a 12-3-1 against the spread run their last 16 games on line, and a solid 18-7-1 against the line their last 26 Big East games!
Then there is the fact the Panthers have won 6 of the last 7 series meetings with the Irish.
Pittsburgh is now looking to improve their overall seed come next month's Big Dance, while Notre Dame is likely relegated to thinking about the "Sock Hop" instead of the Big Dance.
Have to back the Panthers here.
4♦ PITTSBURGH
UNC Wilmington (+14) at DREXEL
Now on a 4-1 comp play run the last 5 days after New Orleans covered at Cleveland on Tuesday.
Suggest taking the overly-generous points they are giving to UNC Wilmington this Wednesday night in Philadelphia.
The Seahawks may only be 8-20 on the season straight up, but they have been making money for their backers of late, as Wilmington has covered their last pair, and 3 of their last 4 in the underdog role, and they are 9-7 against the spread on the road this season.
Drexel has been struggling of late, as they have lost their last pair, and 3 of their last 4 straight up, so I feel sure they will be happy with any win they can muster right now.
In this series the road team has gone 9-1 against the spread in the last 10 meetings, and the underdog is humming along at 7-3 against the spread in those 10 showdowns.
UNC Wilmington is both the underdog, and the road team tonight, so back them plus the points.
3♦ UNC WILMINGTON
Michael Cannon
Ohio State at PENN STATE (+7)
Take the points with Penn State at home over Ohio State.
This is a potential letdown spot for the Buckeyes who are coming in off an upset win at rival Michigan State on Sunday.
Penn State is actually playing well right now.
The Nittany Lions scored back-to-back road upset wins over Michigan and Northwestern their last two times out.
Penn State is also on a 4-1 ATS run in its last five overall.
Take the points with Penn State as they stay within the number at home.
2♦ PENN STATE
Charlotte at UTAH (NL)
Take Utah minus the points at home over the Bobcats.
Charlotte is playing for the fourth time in six days and has to deal with the higher altitude as well. The Bobcats are 1-6 ATS in their last seven and are 0-3 ATS in their last three road games.
Utah is 4-1 SUATS in its last five overall and 3-1 SUATS in the last four against Charlotte.
The Jazz are on extended pointspread streaks of 15-5-2 ATS in their last 22 home games and 33-15-3 ATS in their last 51 games overall.
Take the Jazz minus the points as they grab the home win and cover.
4♦ UTAH
Jimmy Moore
LA Lakers @ Dallas
Pick: LA Lakers +1
The Lakers are 14-8 ATS over the years at Dallas and the Mavericks are an amazingly bad 6-21 ATS at home this season. Yes, I know LA is on the second night of a back to back but they had 4 days off before that so it should not matter much for them. Take the Lakers to get the win at Dallas.