SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Minnesota (12-4, 9-6 ATS) at (7) Michigan State (13-3, 6-9 ATS)
The Spartans look to remain perfect in Big Ten play and continue their dominance of Minnesota when they entertain the Golden Gophers at the Breslin Events Center.
Minnesota rebounded from an ugly 19-point loss at then-No. 4 Purdue with Saturday’s 73-62 rout of Ohio State, cashing as a four-point home favorite. The Gophers have won eight of their last nine games (7-2 ATS), going 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS in Big Ten action. The offense has carried the load during the 8-1 run, producing at least 73 points in all eight victories (average of 87.1 points per game).
Michigan State improved to 3-0 SU and ATS in conference with Saturday’s 71-53 beat-down of Iowa as a 14-point road favorite. Like Minnesota, the Spartans are on an 8-1 run, but they’ve been doing it with defense, yielding 60 points or less in six of the nine contests. Tom Izzo’s squad has covered the spread in three straight games for the first time all year, as it had gone 1-6 ATS in its previous seven outings.
The Spartans have won six straight and 11 of the last 12 against Minnesota, going 8-4 ATS during the 12-game stretch and 4-0 ATS in the last four. Last year, Michigan State beat the Gophers three times: 70-58 as a one-point road underdog; 76-47 as an 8½-point home favorite; and 64-56 as a 7½-point chalk in the Big Ten tourney. Michigan State has defeated Minnesota 10 straight times in East Lansing, going 9-1 ATS.
Michigan State cashed as a six-point favorite in a 54-47 home win over Wisconsin a week ago, moving to 9-0 at home. However, prior to that, the Spartans had gone 2-5 ATS in their first seven games at the Breslin Center. They’re 2-7 ATS in their last nine against winning teams and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 when favored by seven to 12½ points, but have cashed in five of six Big Ten games.
Minnesota’s 7-2 ATS roll overall is bolstered by a 5-2 ATS mark in its last seven after a SU win, but the Gophers are also in pointspread droughts of 6-13 in conference games, 2-11 on the road, 3-13 as a road ‘dog and 2-5 against winning teams.
The under is on streaks of 4-1 for the Gophers on Wednesday, 6-1 for the Gophers against winning teams, 11-3 for Michigan State in conference games, 5-1 for Michigan State against winning squads, 6-1 in the last seven meetings in this rivalry and 3-0 in the last three Gophers-Spartans matchups at Michigan State.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MICHIGAN STATE and UNDER
(16) Pittsburgh (13-2, 6-5-2 ATS) at (15) UConn (11-4, 5-7-1 ATS)
The surprising Panthers take a six-game SU winning streak to the XL Center in Hartford for a Big East battle against UConn.
Pittsburgh has been idle since Jan. 4, when it improved to 3-0 (2-0-1 ATS) in conference play with a 74-71 upset win at Cincinnati as a four-point underdog. The Panthers are 4-0-1 ATS in lined action during their winning streak, scoring at least 65 points in every game while holding four opponents under 60 points.
The Huskies dropped to 2-2 in Big East action with Saturday’s tough 72-69 loss at 12th-ranked Georgetown, but they covered as a five-point road underdog. UConn is 4-0-1 ATS in its last five games (3-0-1 ATS in league play), and its last three losses – to Kentucky, Cincinnati and Georgetown, all away from home – were by a total of eight points. Jim Calhoun’s squad has been a little lax defensively lately, yielding 70 points or more in four of the last five games.
This has been a very competitive rivalry in recent years, with the teams splitting their last 10 battles. Last season, Pitt swept the series with a 76-68 upset win as a 2½-point road pup and a 70-60 victory as a 4½-point home favorite. The Panthers are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 clashes overall, 5-1 ATS in their last six trips to Connecticut, and the SU winner has cashed in eight of the last nine meetings, including the past four in a row.
The Panthers are pointspread upticks of 4-0-1 overall, 10-4-1 in conference, 8-2 as an underdog (all on the road) and 5-0-2 against winning teams, while the Huskies are on ATS rolls of 4-0-1 overall, 25-12-1 when laying less than seven points at home, 4-0-1 against winning teams and 6-1 on Wednesday.
Pitt carries “over” trends of 5-1 on the road, 5-0 as a ‘dog (all on the road) and 22-10-1 in Big East action, while UConn is on “over” runs of 4-1 overall (all in conference), 16-7 as a favorite of less than seven points and 7-2 after a SU loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PITTSBURGH and OVER
(23) Miami, Fla. (15-1, 6-2 ATS) at Virginia Tech (12-2, 4-5 ATS)
Virginia Tech tries to bounce back from its first loss in more than six weeks while also shooting for a fourth straight victory over the Hurricanes, who bring a seven-game winning streak into Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va., for this ACC tussle.
Miami vaulted back into the Top 25 this week after holding off Wake Forest 67-66 on Saturday, though the ‘Canes fell short of cashing as a 5½-point favorite, ending a five-game spread-covering run. The Demon Deacons became just the fourth team to tally more than 60 points against the Hurricanes, who haven’t allowed a single opponent to score more than 70 and are yielding just 58 ppg. Miami’s only blemish was a 61-60 loss to Boston College in the ACC opener on Dec. 6 as a 4½-point road underdog.
The Hokies ended non-conference play with nine straight wins (4-1 ATS in lined play), then stepped up in class Sunday by traveling to ACC foe North Carolina, and the Tar Heels rolled 78-64 as an eight-point home favorite. In addition to North Carolina (then ranked 9th), Va-Tech has faced only one other opponent that’s been ranked this year, and that was Temple, which beat the Hokies 61-50 as a 4½-point home favorite.
Virginia Tech has won three straight, five of six and seven of the last nine in this rivalry, with the SU winner covering the pointspread in every contest. Last year, the Hokies went to South Beach and scored an 88-83 overtime win as a seven-point underdog then knocked off the ‘Canes 65-47 as a three-point pup in the ACC tournament. The ‘dog has delivered four straight upsets in this series.
The Hurricanes have failed to cover in four of their last five ACC games, but they’re otherwise on ATS runs of 5-1 overall, 4-1 on the road, 9-3 as a ‘dog, 11-4-1 as a pup of less than seven points, 17-5-2 after a non-cover and 4-1 against winning teams. Virginia Tech is 4-1 ATS in its last five overall and 5-2 ATS in its last seven on Wednesday, but the Hokies have failed to cash in four of five as a home chalk and six of eight when laying less than seven points.
It’s been all “unders” for Miami, which is on low-scoring streaks of 7-3 overall, 4-0 in ACC play and 5-1 after a non-cover. Conversely, Virginia Tech is on “over” stretches of 36-17-1 overall in lined play, 23-8 at home, 21-6 as a favorite, 19-7 as a home chalk, 5-1 on Wednesday and 4-1 after a non-cover. Finally, four of the last five in this rivalry have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI, FLA.
(12) North Carolina (12-4, 6-8 ATS) at (24) Clemson (13-3, 8-5 ATS)
North Carolina looks to knock off Clemson for the 11th straight time when this ACC rivalry gets renewed at Littlejohn Coliseum.
The Tar Heels rebounded from an embarrassing 82-79 overtime loss at Charleston as a 13½-point favorite with a 78-64 victory over Virginia Tech in the ACC opener for both teams, easily cashing as an eight-point favorite to end an 0-3 ATS slide. North Carolina is just 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS in road/neutral-site games, losing both of its true roadies to Charleston and Kentucky (68-66 as a 3½-point underdog). The defending champs have scored at least 78 points in six straight games, they’ve topped 70 points in every game but the Kentucky contest, and have scored 80 or more 11 times.
Clemson dropped its conference opener at Duke on Jan. 3, losing 74-53 as an 11½-point underdog, but came back with a strong effort Saturday in dismantling Boston College 72-56 as a nine-point home favorite. The Tigers are 8-1 SU in their last nine games (7-1 ATS), including 6-0 SU (5-1 ATS) at home. Their only hiccup at Littlejohn Coliseum this year was a 76-74 loss to Illinois in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, a game Clemson led by 23 points in the second half. Oliver Purnell’s squad averages 81 ppg (49.7 percent shooting) and gives up 59.1 ppg (38.9 percent) on its home court.
North Carolina has won 10 in a row overall and three straight at Clemson in this rivalry, but the Heels are just 6-4 ATS during this stretch that dates to the 2003-04 season (2-1 ATS at Clemson). In last year’s lone clash in Chapel Hill, North Carolina rolled 94-70 as a 13-point favorite, their 54th straight home win over the Tigers.
The Tar Heels have cashed in 11 of their last 15 games against winning teams and are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 as an underdog, 10-1 ATS in their last 11 as a road underdog and 7-0 ATS in their last seven as a pup of less than seven points. But otherwise they’re in ATS ruts of 2-6 on the road, 1-4 against the ACC and 0-4 after a SU victory. Clemson is on pointspread rolls of 6-1 overall, 5-0 at home, 5-0 after a spread-cover and 6-0 as a favorite, but it has failed to cash in five of its last seven league games and five favorite as a chalk of less than seven points.
The over is on runs of 8-3 for UNC on the road, 12-2 for UNC on Wednesday, 5-2 for UNC as an underdog, 4-0 for Clemson against winning teams, 7-3 for Clemson on Wednesday and 4-0 in this rivalry. However, the under is 6-1 in the Tigers’ last seven overall, 4-1 in their last five at home and 5-1 in their last six as a chalk.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEMSON and OVER
NBA
L.A. Lakers (29-9, 16-22 ATS) at Dallas (25-12, 18-19 ATS)
The Lakers and Mavericks hook up for the third time this season, but the first time at American Airlines Center where Los Angeles caps a brief two-game, two-day Texas road trip.
L.A. went to San Antonio on Tuesday and got crushed 105-85 as a three-point underdog, losing Kobe Bryant to back spasms in the second quarter. The Lakers, who haven’t had injured All-Star forward Pau Gasol for the last five games, are 6-5 in their last 11, including losing four straight road games (0-4 ATS). For the season, Los Angeles is now just 8-6 SU and 4-10 ATS as a visitor.
The Lakers have followed up a five-game stretch in which they averaged 115.8 ppg by scoring just 91.4 ppg in the last five. Phil Jackson’s club was held under 100 points in all five contests after being held under triple digits just eight times through the first 33 games.
Dallas hasn’t played since Saturday’s 111-93 home loss to the Jazz, getting blown out as a 5½-point home favorite. The Mavs have struggled with consistency in recent weeks, going 7-5 SU and 5-7 ATS in their last 12. Dallas has also split its last six home games and has cashed just once in its last 12 contests at American Airlines Center.
The Mavericks went to L.A. for the second game of the season on Oct. 30 and shocked the Lakers 94-80 as a 7½-point road underdog to end a six-game slide in this rivalry. However, the Lakers got revenge in a big way Jan. 3, rolling 131-96 as a 6½-point home favorite. Dallas is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 clashes, but Los Angeles is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five trips to Big D. In fact, the visitor is on an 8-1-1 ATS roll in this series, and the underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine.
Los Angeles, which has been a big money-burner this season, is in ATS ruts of 6-12 overall, 4-10 on the road, 0-3 as a ‘dog this year, 3-9 against Western Conference opponents and 3-8 when playing on the second night of a back-to-back situation. In addition to going 1-12 ATS in its last 13 home games, the Mavericks are in pointspread funks of 4-9 against Western Conference foes, 1-4 when facing Pacific Division squads and 0-6 when coming off three or more days of rest. On the bright side, Dallas has covered in 22 of 30 on Wednesday.
The under is 7-2 in the Lakers’ last nine against teams with a winning record, but the over is 7-3 in their last 10 games against Western Conference teams. Dallas is on “over” runs of 4-0 overall, 5-1 at home and 9-4 after three or more days off. The over is also 4-1 in the last five Mavericks-Lakers battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS and OVER
Orlando (26-12, 20-18 ATS) at Denver (24-14, 17-20-1 ATS)
The Magic make their one and only stop of the season at the Pepsi Center in the Mile High City as they continue a four-game Western Conference road swing with a game against the Nuggets.
Orlando began its trip in Sacramento last night, using a 33-10 fourth quarter to knock off the Kings 109-88 as a four-point road favorite. Despite Tuesday’s victory, the Magic have followed an 18-5 SU run by losing four of their last six SU and ATS. They’re also 2-6 SU and ATS in their last eight road games.
Denver has also been stumbling along recently, dropping seven of its last 12 overall while going 4-12-1 ATS in its last 17 outings (3-6 ATS at home). During this 17-game stretch, the ‘dog is 13-3-1 ATS in Nuggets games. Most recently, the Nuggets pounded the TWolves 105-94 on Sunday, but fell short as a 14-point home favorite. George Karl’s club has won three straight at home (1-2 ATS) and is 16-3 SU at the Pepsi Center this season (but only 10-9 ATS).
The road team swept the season series between these clubs last year, with Orlando rolling 106-88 in Denver as a 1½-point underdog then losing 83-73 in Florida as a seven-point favorite. Prior to that, the home team had been on an 11-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry. Also, the favorite has gotten the cash in 12 of the last 16 series battles.
The SU winner has covered the spread in each of the Magic’s last 10 games overall and each of their last nine on the road, and the winner is 10-2-1 ATS in Denver’s last 13 games. Also, the winner has cashed in each of the last 13 meetings between these teams.
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last five Wednesday affairs, but otherwise is in ATS slides of 2-4 overall, 2-6 on the road, and 1-4 when playing on back-to-back nights. Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last six on Wednesday and 29-14 ATS in its last 43 against winning teams, but from there the Nuggets are on pointspread plunges of 4-12-1 overall, 1-4 at home, 2-5 against the Southeast Division and 0-6 when playing on one day of rest.
The Magic are in the midst of “under” runs of 6-1 on the road, 5-1 against the Western Conference and 4-0 against winning teams, while Denver is on “under” stretches of 6-2 overall, 5-0 versus winning teams and 9-4 when playing on one day of rest. Also, these teams have stayed low in each of their last four meetings.
On the flip side, the over is on streaks of 11-1 for Orlando on Wednesday, 6-0 for the Nuggets on Wednesday and 5-2 for the Nuggets against Southeast Division opponents.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Bobby Maxwel
Miami at GOLDEN STATE (pk)
Delivered a winner on Tuesday with the Magic as they crushed Sacramento and improved my FREE record to 48-20, including 25-6 over the last month. Today I've got another comp winner on the NBA hardwood as I play Golden State at home against Miami.
Since opening this six-game road trip on Friday, things have gotten worse for the Heat. Now they go to Golden State to face the high-flying Warriors who are lighting up the scoreboard. I’ll take the Warriors at home in this one to hand Miami a third-straight loss.
After winning in Phoenix on Friday, Miami has lost at the Clippers on Sunday and in Utah on Monday. They fell to the Clippers by 10 as a one-point underdog and then lost by 29 in Utah as seven-point pups, averaging 86.5 points a game in the last two. Miami is just 2-6 ATS in the last eight overall.
Golden State has cashed in eight of its last nine and even though they fell at home to the Cavaliers on Monday, 117-114, they still cashed as 5 ½-point underdogs. The Warriors average 111.4 points a game at home while the Heat give up 101.7 points per road contest.
There might be no duo playing better right now than the Warriors’ Corey Maggette and Monta Ellis. They combined for 62 points against Cleveland on Sunday while rookie Stephen curry scored 21 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists.
The Warriors are 2-0-1 ATS in their last three meetings with Miami and they are on other ATS runs of 6-1-1 after a spread-cover, 19-7-2 against Eastern Conference teams and 4-0 at home.
Love the way Golden State is playing right now, take them at home to beat Miami tonight.
4♦ GOLDEN STATE
Karl Garrett
Ole Miss at GEORGIA +6'
This Georgia team may only be 8-6 on the season, but 7 of those 8 wins have come at home, as the Bulldogs are 7-1 straight up on their home hardwood this season.
Can they spring the outright tonight against Ole Miss?
They will probably come up just a little shy of the outright, but no reason not to believe the Bulldogs can give the Rebels a big scare in Athens tonight.
Ole Miss has split their last 4 games, and are coming off a home loss to in-state rival Miss State on Saturday.
The Rebels have also struggled in this series, as they are just 3-8 against the spread the last 11 times these schools have met, and just 4-6 straight up over the last 10 series meetings.
Ole Miss will right their ship with the win tonight, but Mark Fox will show that his new team is on the rise with a solid home showing this Wednesday night.
G-Man taking the points.
2♦ GEORGIA
Marc Lawrence
Minnesota at Michigan State
Play: Minnesota
Tom Izzo’s national champion runner-ups may be off to a respectable 12-3 start but few of those wins have quality written over them. In fact, they’ve turned over the ball in their three toughest tests of the season – losing to UNC, Florida and Texas. What’s worse is their money-burning 5-7 ATS log this season, including 2-5 ATS versus a foe off a SU win. They’ll face another tough test this evening when surprising Minnesota comes to town. Tubby Smith has his Golden Gophers off to an 12-4 start and will be armed with triple revenge from last season that included a Big Ten Conference Tourney knock-out. With Minny a perfect 2-0 SU and ATS with triple conference revenge, we’ll look for the Spartans to fail again here tonight.
Jim Feist
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Play: Milwaukee Bucks +5½
This is a strong offensive team in Milwaukee, and resilient. Without its coach and star guard, Milwaukee seemed lost in the first half as the Bucks found themselves down by 24 points at Phoenix before battling back and covering in a 105-101 loss to the Suns. They get a day off before facing a Portland team that has had even more injuries nd setbacks, overvalued and on a 3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS run. They were favored at home to Memphia and Philly during that run, but lost both straight up. Play the Bucks.
Cajun Sports
Wisconsin Badgers @ Northwestern Wildcats
Selection: 2* Northwestern Wildcats +3.5
Big 10 rivals square off on Wednesday night in Evanston as the Northwestern Wildcats host the Wisconsin Badgers with tipoff set for 8:00PM EST. NU is 8-2 at home this season averaging 71.0 points per game and holding opponents to 60.7 points per game. Wisconsin is 1-2 on the road this year averaging 64.7 points per game and allowing 62.7 points per game on defense. The Wildcats are no longer the doormat of the Big 10 last season they went into Michigan State and upset the Spartans on their home floor and also defeated Sweet 16 qualifier Purdue at the Mackey Center. NU returned ten of their top eleven scorers from last season’s team including four of their starting five. NU is 7-0 ATS coming off a SU win in their last game and 7-1 ATS their last 8 games overall. The Cats have been almost perfect against winning competition posting a record of 6-1 against the number in that situation. The Badgers have not been as fortunate posting a record of 3-8-1 ATS on the road when facing a team with a winning home record. They are also 2-5 ATS their last 7 on the road overall. More bad news for Wisconsin as they are 2-5 ATS the last 7 meetings in this series as well as 1-4 ATS their last five trips here. We will take the points with the Cats as the underdog cashes the ticket on Wednesday night in Evanston.
Brett Atkins
I'm 3-1 the last four nights with college hoops freebies and I've got another winner for you tonight as I lay the chalk with UNLV on the home court in Vegas against San Diego State.
One team is coming off a huge road win while the other is coming off an embarassing loss. UNLV went to New Mexico and won while the Aztecs lost in Wyoming on Saturday.
That’s right, UNLV went to the Pit, maybe the toughest place to play in America, and not only came out on top, but did so with ease, winning 74-62 on Saturday as five-point underdogs. They are on a 5-1 ATS run with the only non-cover being a loss in Hawaii to red-hot USC.
It is seemingly somebody different every night for the Rebels, who got a huge game from Tre’Von Willis on Saturday as he scored 20 points and dished out four assists. They also get hustle and all-around good play from UCLA transfer Chace Stanback who had 14 points and nine rebounds in New Mexico.
San Diego State shows up in Vegas on the heels of an 85-83 loss at Wyoming on Saturday, blowing a huge 15-point halftime lead to lose as six-point favorites. The problem with the Aztecs is they rely on one player for all their offense as Kawhi Leonard took 19 shots and finished with 25 points in Wyoming.
The Aztecs have won three straight (3-0 ATS) and seven of 10 (6-3-1 ATS) in this rivalry, but UNLV has cashed in each of their two MWC games this season and on ATS runs of 4-0 on Wednesdays, 5-1 overall and 4-1 against teams with winning records.
This one has been circled on the UNLV schedule by coach Lon Kruger so expect his team to be ready to deliver. Lay the chalk and play the Rebels at home.
4♦ UNLV
Charley Sutton
I delivered once again last night as the Warriors not only covered, but had a chance to pull off the outright win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
I’m handing you another NBA winner tonight as I’m taking the Orlando Magic on the road at the Sacramento Kings.
While it’s not often these two play, when they do, at least recently, it’s been all Magic.
The Magic have covered in 6 of their last 8 games against the Kings and are 3-1 ATS their last 4 meetings in Sacramento.
Orlando also comes into this game riding a 3-game SU and ATS winning streak against the Kings, beating them by an average of 23 points per game n that stretch. Consider, too, the last time these two met in Sacramento the Magic cruised to a 32-point victory, beating the Kings 139-107 as a 7-point favorite.
The Magic will cash in again tonight.
3 ♦ MAGIC
Joel Tyson
Indiana a comp play winner Monday.
Charlotte a comp play winner on Tuesday.
Sticking in the NBA on Wednesday, as I like Atlanta to blast Washington.
The Wizards are just 2-6 straight up their last 8 games, and the numbers haven't really helped much in that span, as they are 2-5-1 against the line in those 8 games.
The Hawks have captured 3 of their last 4 both straight up, and against the spread, and they have won the last 6 series meetings with the Wizards, covering the last 5.
Expect a 15 point win minimum from Atlanta on Wednesday.
3♦ ATLANTA
Chuck O'Brien
Take the Spurs and lay the points against the Lakers in NBA action Tuesday.
Start with the fact San Antonio is playing better basketball, having won seven of its last nine games (6-3 ATS) while the Lakers are just 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS since Christmas Day. That includes three consecutive SU and ATS losses on the road (Suns, Clippers, Blazers), and a miracle overtime win at Sacramento. Now Los Angeles, which is just 8-5 (4-9 ATS) on the road compared with 21-3 at home – talk about a weird schedule – has to play in San Antonio, where the Spurs are 16-6.
Yes, the Lakers have had success against the Spurs recently (4-1 SU, 5-0 ATS last five meetings). But they had Pau Gasol for those games and he contributed greatly in each win; tonight, Gasol is expected to miss his fifth straight game. Well, Los Angeles hasn’t covered a pointspread on the road without Gasol all season, going 0-5 ATS.
L.A. have been terrible in this pointspread range, too. Get this: The Lakers are 0-7 ATS when the line has them favored by 5½ points or less or when they’re an underdog.
Gasol isn’t the only Laker injured, either. Kobe Bryant is dealing with his broken finger, and Ron Artest recently returned from that concussion he suffered in that Christmas Day fall down the stairs at his house. Meanwhile, the Spurs’ big three of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili are healthy (and Ginobili didn’t play in San Antonio’s home loss to L.A. last year).
4♦ SAN ANTONIO
Golden Contender
Texas at Iowa St.
Pick: Texas
Texas wins by an average 16 points per game in road games this season and has turned it up a notch vs winning teams. They have won all 7 times vs winning teams covering in 6 of those wins. Iowa State is a decent team this year and has performed well at home. Tonight however they will take on a Texas teams that is just flat out more talented. They Cyclones are a paltry 3-15 and 5-12 ats vs opponents who score 77 or more points per game in the second half of the season the past few years and lost and failed to cover all 3 times when installed as a home dog in this range. Take Texas Tonight.
DUNKEL INDEX
Phoenix at Indiana
The Suns look to build on their 7-2 ATS record in their last 9 games as a favorite between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Phoenix is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Suns favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-3 1/2)
Game 701-702: New York at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: New York 115.612; Philadelphia 119.581
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 4; 211
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: Washington at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 114.894; Atlanta 120.770
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 6; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 11; 205
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+11); Under
Game 705-706: Phoenix at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.806; Indiana 113.105
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 227
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3 1/2; 226 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-3 1/2); Over
Game 707-708: Boston at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 118.161; New Jersey 113.553
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 4 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 709-710: LA Clippers at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 116.561; New Orleans 122.944
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 6 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 5 1/2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-5 1/2); Over
Game 711-712: San Antonio at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 121.001; Oklahoma City 124.339
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-1); Over
Game 713-714: Minnesota at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 110.980; Houston 119.854
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 9; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 10; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+10); Under
Game 715-716: LA Lakers at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 118.492; Dallas 124.643
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 6; 192
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 717-718: Orlando at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 116.249; Denver 123.669
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 7 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 719-720: Milwaukee at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.635; Portland 117.870
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 6; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+6); Over
Game 721-722: Miami at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 115.519; Golden State 119.256
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 3 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
North Carolina at Clemson
The Tigers look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games as a favorite. Clemson is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-3 1/2)
Game 723-724: Minnesota at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 70.945; Michigan State 78.227
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-7)
Game 725-726: Pittsburgh at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 67.445; Connecticut 73.820
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 6
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-6)
Game 727-728: West Virginia at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 72.913; South Florida 63.734
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 9
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-8 1/2)
Game 729-730: Miami (FL) at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 65.765; Virginia Tech 71.319
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 3
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-3)
Game 731-732: Boston College at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 63.386; Duke 79.140
Dunkel Line: Duke by 16
Vegas Line: Duke by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (+16 1/2)
Game 733-734: Delaware at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 48.498; Northeastern 65.784
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 17
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-17)
Game 735-736: Drexel at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 56.360; Towson 50.808
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Drexel by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (-3 1/2)
Game 737-738: Cincinnati at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 66.040; St. John's 62.809
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 3
Vegas Line: St. John's by 1
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+1)
Game 739-740: East Carolina at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 51.604; Memphis 71.033
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+21 1/2)
Game 741-742: Old Dominion at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 64.727; NC Wilmington 56.629
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 8
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-6 1/2)
Game 743-744: Wichita State at Indiana State
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 63.844; Indiana State 59.628
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 4
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+4 1/2)
Game 745-746: Toledo at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 43.219; Eastern Michigan 52.249
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 9
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 13
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+13)
Game 747-748: Akron at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 62.088; Ohio 59.434
Dunkel Line: Akron by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (+1 1/2)
Game 749-750: Ball State at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 45.684; Central Michigan 56.609
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 11
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 9
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (-9)
Game 751-752: St. Louis at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 55.732; Duquesne 61.255
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+6 1/2)
Game 753-754: Georgia State at George Mason
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 50.400; George Mason 59.848
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: George Mason by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-8 1/2)
Game 755-756: Georgia Tech at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 63.788; Virginia 68.249
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia by 1
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (-1)
Game 757-758: George Washington at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 53.582; LaSalle 61.160
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (-3 1/2)
Game 759-760: Massachusetts at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 55.939; Richmond 64.735
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 9
Vegas Line: Richmond by 14
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+14)
Game 761-762: St. Joseph's at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 54.271; Rhode Island 66.450
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 12
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 14
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (+14)
Game 763-764: Charlotte at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 58.976; Xavier 72.008
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 13
Vegas Line: Xavier by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-12 1/2)
Game 765-766: Syracuse at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 73.808; Rutgers 60.791
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 13
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+13)
Game 767-768: Western Michigan at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 55.498; Northern Illinois 50.894
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (-1 1/2)
Game 769-770: Marshall at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 61.179; Central Florida 56.436
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Marshall by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (-2 1/2)
Game 771-772: Evansville at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 51.614; Illinois State 61.831
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 10
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+13 1/2)
Game 773-774: BYU at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 72.212; Air Force 58.235
Dunkel Line: BYU by 14
Vegas Line: BYU by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+15 1/2)
Game 775-776: Temple at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 65.312; Pennsylvania 39.890
Dunkel Line: Temple by 25 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 19
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-19)
Game 777-778: Texas at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 75.199; Iowa State 68.238
Dunkel Line: Texas by 7
Vegas Line: Texas by 8
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+8)
Game 779-780: LSU at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 57.094; South Carolina 66.531
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 10
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+10)
Game 781-782: Mississippi at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 67.870; Georgia 61.258
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 4
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-4)
Game 783-784: Tulsa at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 62.493; SMU 56.661
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 6
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: SMU (+7 1/2)
Game 785-786: Rice at Tulane
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 50.267; Tulane 55.974
Dunkel Line: Tulane by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulane by 6
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+6)
Game 787-788: UTEP at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 62.399; Houston 65.433
Dunkel Line: Houston by 3
Vegas Line: Houston by 2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-2)
Game 789-790: Wisconsin at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 75.690; Northwestern 66.011
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-2 1/2)
Game 791-792: Kansas at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 82.407; Nebraska 66.607
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 16
Vegas Line: Kansas by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-12 1/2)
Game 793-794: Southern Illinois at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 55.463; Creighton 61.257
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 6
Vegas Line: Creighton by 4
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-4)
Game 795-796: Missouri at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 73.858; Texas Tech 65.116
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 4
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-4)
Game 797-798: North Carolina at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 69.644; Clemson 77.402
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 8
Vegas Line: Clemson by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-3 1/2)
Game 799-800: Vanderbilt at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 70.188; Alabama 66.196
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 4
Vegas Line: Alabama by 1
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+1)
Game 801-802: Dayton at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 64.157; Fordham 44.697
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Dayton by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-18 1/2)
Game 803-804: Utah at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 54.809; New Mexico 71.142
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 11
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-11)
Game 805-806: San Diego at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 62.640; UNLV 71.048
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-6 1/2)
Game 807-808: Utah State at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 59.990; Nevada 69.645
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 4
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-4)
Game 809-810: Elon at Appalachian State
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 43.260; Appalachian State 57.332
Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 14
Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (-13)
Game 811-812: Davidson at Furman
Dunkel Ratings: Davidson 57.509; Furman 48.194
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Davidson by 5
Dunkel Pick: Davidson (-5)
NHL
Pittsburgh at Calgary
The Penguins look to build on their 8-3-1 record in the last 12 meetings between the two teams. Pittsburgh is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110)
Game 1-2: Vancouver at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.774; Minnesota 11.870
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Over
Game 3-4: Washington at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.711; Florida 11.586
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-160); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-160); Over
Game 5-6: Pittsburgh at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 10.959; Calgary 10.862
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110); Over
Game 7-8: Boston at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 12.466; Anaheim 11.819
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+120); Under
Stephen Nover
San Antonio at OKLAHOMA CITY -1
Oklahoma City started to come on last season and the improvement has carried over this year. The Thunder are a playoff contender at 21-16.
The Thunder defeated the Spurs at San Antonio earlier this season and certainly are capable of beating the Spurs in their second meeting.
The Thunder actually have a better defensive field goal percentage than the defensive-minded Spurs. The Thunder rank third in the league in the category.
San Antonio is off a very satisfying 105-85 home win against the Lakers on Tuesday night. It was only the fourth time, though, the Spurs have beaten a foe with a winning record in 15 matchups.
San Antonio is 2-4 against the spread in the second of back-to-back games. This is the veteran Spurs' third game in four days.
Oklahoma City has won eight of its last 10 games. The Thunder are 5-1 in its last six home games.
4♦ THUNDER
VEGAS EXPERTS
LA Clippers at New Orleans Hornets
Few head to head "rivalries" in the NBA have been this one-sided with the Hornets winning and covering 11 straight vs. the Clippers. We look for them to make it 12 straight. Just like last night's Rockets-Bobcats matchup, this is a weak road team (5-11 SU) vs. a strong home team (14-3 SU). Los Angeles is due not to cover (7-0 ATS L7) and the fact that they played a game last night in Memphis that featured a 36 minute delay probably does not help their cause.
Play on: New Orleans
Frank Jordan
Phoenix Suns vs. Indiana Pacers
Play: Phoenix Suns -3.5
Phoenix is just one game under .500 on the road with a 9-10 record, but have played well against the East with an 11-5 record. Indiana has some talent in Granger, but can't seem to build much around him with the exception of Hibbert who needs to grow a little more into a man and he will be set. Look for Phoenix to once again dominate in the East as their win their 12th game against the Eastern Conference. Play Phoenix