SPORTS WAGERS
Toronto +143 over N.Y. RANGERS
This two have met three times already this year with the Rangers winning twice. All three games have been extremely close with one of them going to OT and that’s when the Leafs were losing just about every night. Toronto has since turned the corner and they’re playing some pretty good hockey right now. The lines are showing some chemistry, Mikhail Grabovski’s line is on fire and quickly becoming one of the most lethal in the game and the defense has tightened up too. Because of a poor record, the Leafs offer up some pretty nice value right now and could have a pretty good second half. The Rangers are too big a risk at home to lay better than 7-5. They don’t score much and they’re record on the road is far better than it is at MSG. In fact, New York has scored two goals or less five straight and in eight of its last nine games and could certainly come up short again after back-to-back losses. Overlay. Play: Toronto +143 (Risking 2 units).
Minnesota +118 over CALGARY
Despite playing its third game in four nights, the Wild are still worth a play here because the Flames are returning home from a very successful road trip and they’re beatable under ideal conditions. This is anything but that and it’s not like the Wild are struggling. They’re coming off back-to-back 4-0 and 4-1 wins over Vancouver and Edmonton respectively and holding that duo to one goal in two games is definitely noteworthy. When a team is winning it takes a lot less of a toll and therefore playing against the three games in four days angle is not nearly as strong. Minnesota is 6-0-2 against the Northwest and frankly, there’s no reason whatsoever to not wager on them here. The Wild are playing their best hockey of the year and they may even be more energized in an attempt to complete the difficult Western Canada three-game sweep. Play: Minnesota +118 (Risking 2 units).
Columbus +120 over FLORIDA
The Jackets were one of the top teams out of the gate and in fact won 14 of their first 20 games. What happened after that was nothing short of disastrous and why it happened is anyone’s guess. The Jackets are still the same team and now they’re showing definite signs of returning to that form after picking up points in three straight against Detroit twice and the Bolts last night. They’ll make the short trip to Florida to take on a Panthers team that is playing well but that could also be vulnerable here. Florida has played eight rather intense games in succession. Seven of those games were decided by a goal and four of them went into OT. The other game in that bunch against Carolina was decided by two goals but the game was 3-2 with three minutes remaining. Three of the last four games the Panthers have played have gone into extra time. Now the Panthers will host the Jackets, a team that has some of its swagger back and a team that they rarely see. Columbus has played once here in the last four years and the Panthers have the Lightning on deck Friday night. This is a very favorable situation for the Jackets and the best news is that they’re looking like a hockey team for the first time again in about two months. Play: Columbus +120 (Risking 2 units).
SPORTS WAGERS
FORDHAM +6/+2.31 over St. Louis
The Billikens laying significant points on the road is simply incorrect. Here’s a team that has yet to win on the road in five tries and that possess one of the worst offenses in the country. St. Louis is coming off a blowout win at home vs St. Joseph’s and perhaps that 16-point win has them way overvalued here. This is a Billiken team that is made up of freshmen and sophomores and has not come close to learning how to win on the road. Adding to this overlay is the fact that Fordham has dropped five in a row all by double digits. American, Santa Clara, Temple and George Washington smoked the Rams with the closest margin of defeat against that quartet being by 15 points. They also lost to Charlotte by 10 in its most recent game. However, on Dec 11, the Rams beat the Johnny’s at home by three points and that’s a very good win. Right now the Rams stock is extremely low and that’s the best time to buy in. Certainly, they’re not the inferior team here. They have the better offensive players and they also are the better rebounding team. This game is likely to be low scoring and that makes the six points being offered even more appealing. We’re going to split this up and play the Rams on the money line as well as on the spread because this is an absolute overlay on both accounts. Play: #778 Fordham +6 (Risking 2.12 units to win 2). Play: Fordham +2.31 (Risking 1 unit).
Texas A&M +7 over TEXAS
The Aggies are for real, there is no doubt about that and spotting this well-balanced squad seven points is a huge risk in a game they can win outright. Not only is Texas A&M strong offensively, but its defense is solid and they play as fundamentally sound as any team in the nation. The Aggies have won 13 in a row and while wins over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are not that notable the win over Missouri in its last game is. Two of the Longhorns three losses have come against ranked teams and none of them were true road games. They lost to Pitt on a neutral court and they lost to UConn at home. They have three good wins this season against Michigan St., North Carolina and Illinois, however, the latter went into OT and the win over UNC was by a bucket. That’s not to say that the Longhorns are not a quality team because clearly they are. However, the Aggies are also a very quality team and any time a team has a chance to win outright, which the Aggies most certainly do, taking back seven big points is the prudent choice. We’re calling the upset but cannot refuse these generous points. Aggies are going to the dance and could make a serious run, they’re that good. Play: #799 Texas A&M +7 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
George Washington +14 over RICHMOND
The Spiders are a very decent shooting team, especially from beyond the arc but in no way are they 14 points better than the Colonials. GW’s five-point loss to Harvard on the weekend combined with the Spiders wins over Purdue and Seton Hall has this price way too high. We wouldn’t put on a lot of emphasis on that Harvard loss, as GW stepped out of the conference sandwiched between two conference games. Fact is, the Colonials are 3-0 in the A-10 and had reeled off five in a row before that setback. The Colonials know this host well and they always play them tough. They’ve won three of the last four contests here and they own a huge edge in the overall matchup between the two. You would have to go far, far back in the archives to find the last time that George Washington lost to Richmond by more than 14 points and it’s unlikely to happen here. So while the Spiders have the edge offensively they’re at a big disadvantage on the boards and winning that battle is key when receiving this many points. Give us the team that is almost assuredly going to grab a lot more rebounds and throw in 14 points and we’ll take it every time and you can triple that in this matchup. Play: #763 George Washington +14 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
JR O'Donnell
Charlotte -4
Halton Arena and the recently hot 49er's get Jr O' call members/twitter play tonight... 5-1 LAST 6 on the hardwood and now we knock down a small home chalk tonight.... The 49er's are lead by Jamar "Deuce" Briscoe who has put up 20 points in the last two games, great motor and great ball skills. The 49er's will defend the 3 ball tonight as the Minutemen live and die by the 3 ball. They will key on the UMass sharp shooter Anthony Gurley who is 38% from behind 3 point line 27-72 on the year. The Alan Major crew is disciplined and this coach Major is from Ohio State and Xavier & he brings there Thad Matta work ethic. The U Mass crew is a weak ball club, they got pasted by Xavier 79-50 and Central Conn 92-63...HUH?? They are 24-38 in 2 years under Coach Kellogg... not good!! U MASS will not get it done @ Charlotte..
Michael Alexander
Memphis U vs. So Mississippi
Play: So Mississippi -6.5
Memphis will be without junior forward Will Witherspoon which will put them in a tough situation on the road. They already have depth problems and will be going against a home team with much more experience and balanced scoring.
Supporting Angles: MEMPHIS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=45% of their shots over the last 2 seasons. MEMPHIS is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
The lack of depth and on the road playing a conference opponent will be the difference.
Matt Fargo
Florida State vs. Miami Florida
Play: Miami Florida -1.5
This is a good time to fade Florida St. A week ago tonight, the Seminoles upset then undefeated and number one Duke and followed that up with a blowout win over an overmatched NC State team. Now they hit the road for the first time since where they are 4-2 on the season including losses in their last two. One of those losses came in the ACC at Virginia Tech and now they head to Miami to face the Hurricanes which will be out for revenge after last season’s home finale defeat by a point. Miami is just 1-2 in the ACC with losses coming at Duke and at Clemson and the lone win coming last time out over Boston College by a point. The Hurricanes are a perfect 9-0 at home and over the last four seasons the Hurricanes have compiled a 46-10 record at home. The Hurricanes are ranked 32nd in the latest NCAA Men's Basketball RPI rankings released on Jan. 17, the third-highest ranked squad in the ACC, behind Duke at 10th and North Carolina at 25th. Florida St. is known for its tough defense but the Hurricanes are deep and they have the athletes that can negate that edge. Miami is the only team to have two scorers among the ACC's top 10 and three scorers among the ACC's top 20 in Malcolm Grant (15.0 ppg, 8th), Durand Scott (14.2 ppg, 9th) and Reggie Johnson (12.1 ppg, 20th). Miami also has a big advantage at the free throw line both overall and in home/road splits and with a line this small, that can make or break the cover. An mentioned, this is a revenge game for Miami and it is actually a triple-revenge situation and the line is right knowing it is 6-0 ATS in its last six games with a line set between +3 and -3. Florida St. meanwhile is 4-13 ATS against teams with a winning percentage between .600 and .800 and it is also 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games after playing a game as a home favorite. 3* Miami Hurricanes
Frank Jordan
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Play: Los Angeles Clippers -7
Both teams are under .500 but have a young rising star as Kevin Love, for Minnesota, and Blake Griffin, for the Clippers, have been tearing up the league. Minnesota is in last place with a 10-32 record and just two wins in their last 10 games. LA Clippers, after a slow start, have played great with wins in seven of their last 10 games including wins over LA Lakers, Miami & Denver. Look for the Clippers to even up their home record at 13-13 with a win over Minnesota as Love and Griffin go toe to toe but the Clippers bench will pick up the slack. Play LA Clippers
Charlie Scott
New Mexico vs. Utah
Play: Under 142
Changes are happening around the New Mexico Basketball program, Head Coach Steve Alford has a multi-million dollar renovated Home Court Pit, and a new contract. Unfortunately for Alford and New Mexico, the Lobos don't have a real scoring threat since Darington Hobsen left early to give the NBA a try. However, Alford does stress to his players that if they want to play, they had better play hard. Lazy play on the defensive end is NOT an option. Utah plays at a slower pace on offense and is patient and will work for the open shot or turn the ball over. I expect with Utah's big front court that they will force New Mexico to shoot from the outside, which NM struggles to do.
Wunderdog
Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech
Play: Wake Forest +14
This is probably the weakest Wake Forest team we have seen in a long long time. The Demon Deacons are just 7-11 on the season and have dropped seven of their last eight. This Georgia Tech team is also down, coming into this one with marks on the season at 8-8 and is just 4-7 in their last 11 games, not much better. Not sure I see the justification here of a huge number with both teams down. Wake has left behind a good marker as they are 8-1 ATS following a defeat of 20 points or more. tech certainly hasn't rospered as a home favorite as they are 2-5 ATS in their last 7. I'll go with the overlay and take Wake Forest.
Ray Monohan
Texas A&M vs. Texas
Play: Texas A&M +7
Tonight in Austin TX we get #10 Texas A&M (16-1, 3-0 Big 12) at #11 Texas (14-3, 2-0 Big 12). Looking forward to this one folks. A pair of top 10 teams, although not in the same poll, will do battle. Texas will look to use that home court advantage to push its current win streak to three, meanwhile, the Aggies escaped a loss to Missouri, 91-89, in OT, pushing their win streak to 13 straight games and are 16-1, their best start in 91 years. A+M are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 vs. Big 12. A+M are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings vs. Texas. This game will be a hard-fought battle on the glass, where the Aggies are second in the country in rebound margin, this will proove to be the difference tonight as A+M keeps this one close in Austin...finally. Bet A+M +7 (I'd take +6.5 too)
Dave Price
1 Unit on Ohio State Buckeyes -19.5
After getting a major scare from Iowa in Iowa City on Jan. 4, Ohio State will flex its muscles at home tonight. The Buckeyes haven't played well in their last 4 wins, but I expect them to put an end to that tonight against a far inferior opponent. Ohio State is 13-0 at home where it is winning by 26.9 points on average. The Hawkeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog of 13.0 or more points. Bet the Buckeyes.
Steve Janus
2* Iowa State +4.5
The Cyclones are very underrated, and are getting too many points on the road against Oklahoma State. Iowa State nearly beat Kansas at home, then crushed Baylor at home.
Iowa States only loss away from home in conference play is a 1-point loss to Nebraska. The Cyclones are 11-3 ATS versus excellent teams - shooting >=45% with a defense of <=42% over the last 2 seasons, and are 13-4 ATS off a home win over the last 2 seasons.
Black Widow
1* on New Orleans Hornets -3.5
The New Orleans Hornets are showing excellent value as a mere 3.5-point home favorite over the Memphis Grizzlies. New Orleans started the season very hot, in fact owning the league's best record through nearly the first month. They cooled off for a while, but are now back in business. The Hornets have won 5 straight and are 8-2 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall. They have wins over many of the top teams in the league during this stretch, including Boston, Denver and Orlando. Memphis is a team on the rise but they are certainly getting too much respect with this line tonight. The Hornets are 16-5 at home this season, limiting opponents to a mere 90.4 points/game while Memphis is 7-15 on the road, giving up 100.0 points/game. New Orleans is 15-4 in their last 19 home meetings with the Grizzlies. The Hornets are 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points this season. Better yet, New Orleans is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points this season. Take the Hornets and lay the points.
Jorge Gonzalez
Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Play: Washington Wizards +6
The Washington Wizards have been improving on a daily basis when they are playing on their home court. That has eluded them on the road, as they are 0-19 on the season. The Addition of Rashard Lewis has been a positive influence on the other players on the team. Rookie point guard John Wall, for some reason, plays better on the road. The Bucks are struggling to score and are overpriced here in this game. Take the Wizards
Jack Jones
Penn State Nittany Lions +13
Beating a team twice in the same season is very difficult. After losing to Purdue at home 83-68, I fully expect Penn State to be out for revenge tonight when they travel to face the Boilermakers this time around. Since that loss to Purdue, the Nittany Lions have rallied around each other and have put together three straight solid performances. The Nittany Lions have knocked off two ranked opponents and taken the nation's No. 1 team to the wire since then. They beat Michigan State and Illinois at home followed by a slim 3-point road loss at Ohio State.
Head coach Ed DeChellis brought back 4 starters this season and that experience is really paying off. They are getting contributions from everywhere, and not just from Talor Battle. The Nittany Lions shot a season-best 55.6 percent in Columbus, but that number was even more surprising considering Battle's struggles. The Big Ten's leading scorer made 5 of 17 shots, including 1 of 10 from 3-point range. Purdue is in an ideal letdown spot here having already beaten Penn State earlier this season, plus ESPN's College Game Day is coming to their campus this Saturday for the first time ever when they host Michigan State. Players will certainly be looking ahead to that big game. Penn State is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 as a road underdog, and 8-0 ATS in road games after 4 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons. Take Penn State Wednesday.
Info Plays
3* Utah Jazz -6
Reasons why Utah will cover:
1) The Jazz come in off a disappointing loss at Washington, and will want to get a win before facing the Celtics Friday. Utah has been a solid option on the road this season, going 11-8 ATS, and are 21-9 ATS off a road loss over the last 2 seasons.
2) Utah is 31-12-2 ATS in their last 45 vs. Eastern Conference, and are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
3) New Jersey has just one win in their last 12 games, and are just 22-42 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.