Tom Stryker
New York Knicks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Play: New York Knicks +10
I try not to make a habit out of investing my hard earned money on bad teams and New York certainly qualifies. The Knicks are 21 games under the .500-mark and their season is essentially. But, as you saw at Utah, the Boys from the Big Apple are still going to compete and they're worth a look plus the points this evening.
It is noted that the Knicks (+3) upset Portland inside Madison Square Garden in their last meeting back on December 7th. Fortunately, this is one the Trailblazers worst spots. At home in non-conference action battling an opponent that checks in without momentum off a straight up loss, Portland has struggled posting a weak 47-68 ATS record. In this role battling a foe that arrives off two or more straight up losses including a blemish by at least five points or more last, the Blazers slip to a stiff 18-40 ATS!
One think New York has done very well is remain competitive in big dog situations. The Knicks are a solid 35-16 ATS priced as a double-digit dog including a strong 17-4 ATS in their last 21 matched up against a Western Conference foe.
Portland is playing well and the Trailblazers will get their revenge this evening. However, the Knicks are game for this rematch and they won't go down without a fight. This contest is going down to the wire. Take New York.
Bryan Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers at Toronto
Rule number one when handicapping sports is don't lay points with a bad team. Rule number two is don't lay double digits with a team that's just happy with a victory. We have both those situations tonight in Canada as the struggling Raptors look to win big against the always struggling Clippers. Toronto is off two huge games in their attempt to hold on to the last playoff seed in the east. The Raptors gained a split against Miami and Charlotte but have still dropped 13 of their last 17 games. By the way, none of those four victories was by more than today's spread as they were only able to win one game by more than six points and that was against the league worst Nets.
The Clippers are not a good basketball team but they are not 10 points worse that the Raptors. Toronto only has nine more victories than LA and they have done so playing in the weaker Eastern Conference. After winning at Houston Los Angeles has dropped two straight in blowout fashion against Golden State and Milwaukee. They will be without Baron Davis tonight but that may actually be a good thing. Davis plays out of control most of the time taking ill advised shots. The Clippers are more of a team with him on the sidelines.
Toronto has dropped three straight games at home and are on a 1-8 spread run north of the border. Off the huge win over Charlotte with winnable games against Golden State and Philadelphia on deck we can see the Raptors taking this team for granted.
Play: Los Angeles Clippers
Dave Price
1 Unit on Toronto Raptors -9.5
The Clippers have packed it in. They have really limited the minutes of All-Star Chris Kaman and Baron Davis is expected to be out Wednesday. LA has dropped 12 of its last 14 games with 10 of those losses coming by at least 10 points. With Chicago dropping a tough one at home to the Bulls last night, the Raptors have a chance to distance themselves from their closest contender for the 8th and final playoff spot in the East with a win here. The Raptors have owned the Clippers, winning 3 in a row by an average of 20.3 points. The Clippers are 2-8 ATS in the last 10 meetings and only 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Toronto. Lay the points.
EZWINNERS
Sacramento Kings +2.5
The T-Wolves are favored in this game? Minnesota has not won a game since February 23 and I don't trust them in the role of the favorite against any team. Sacramento does come into this game having played last night, but they did get their best player Tyreke Evans back last night. The Kings have been a formidable opponent all season long with a healthy Evans in the lineup and most of their losses have been against the top teams in the league. Sacramento is looking to finish the season strong and have some momentum heading into next year and I look for them to pick up the win tonight. Sacramento is 7-0-1 against the spread in their last eight games as a road underdog while Minnesota is only 3-8 against the spread in their last eleven games as a favorite. Take the points. Take the points.
SPORTS WAGERS
Carolina +1.56 over MONTREAL
The Canadiens will be very close to locking up a playoff spot with a win here and that’s a motivating factor for sure. However, the price on the Canes is too high and if we all had a nickel for every team that was in a “must win” situation and didn’t, we’d all be rich. I’ve said it all year and maintain that the Habs win because of great goaltending, an efficient power-play and a ton of luck but in no way are they worth this price because they continue to get outplayed almost every night. Montreal could’ve locked up its playoff birth sooner but has now lost four of its last five with only win over that stretch coming against the Panthers. Incidentally, the Canadiens were badly outplayed in the first period of that game and then Tomas Vokoun allowed two horrible goals and it was over. Once again the Habs good fortune came into play. Its luck will run out in the playoffs where they’ll get buried in four games no matter who they play but first they have to get there. These spoilers are so dangerous and after the three teams chasing the Habs all won last night, Montreal will feel a little extra heat tonight and although it’s ridiculous to think Montreal can’t win this game, the fact is, they can also lose and they’re way overpriced. Play: Carolina +1.56 (Risking 2 units).
Florida +2.05 over BUFFALO
The Sabres have a five-point lead over the Sens with two games in hand for the division crown, thus the outcome is inevitable. The Sabres only issue over the final seven games of the season is to stay healthy and get healthy. The Sabres will very likely be without four key forwards tonight in Tim Connolly, Thomas Vanek, Raffi Torres and Patrick Kaleta. All four are banged up and Lindy Ruff is not going to risk their health in a game that virtually does not mean much. The Sabres are still tough and this is still going to be a very tough game because Buffalo has a great farm and will bring up guys like Nathan Gerbe and Tyler Ennis who want to make an impact. The Sabres also play in Toronto tomorrow night and the Leafs are a team that just love to play and beat, especially in Toronto. So, the situation is right, the tag is also right and the Panthers are dangerous enough to catch the Sabres off guard. Play: Florida +2.05 (Risking 2 units).
Phoenix +1.46 over CALGARY
The Coyotes played in Vancouver last night and lost but so what. This team still shows up every single night and they give the desperate Flames plenty to think about. The Coyotes are the #1 defensive unit in the league and that, along with its relentless fore-check and determination should be troublesome for Calgary all night long. Incredibly enough, the Coyotes have dropped two in a row in regulation just three times all season long and that alone is enough to make the choice a very worthwhile one. The Flames are four points out of a playoff spot but have played one more game than the team they’re hoping to catch, the Colorado Avalanche. Calgary is in a must win situation but that is about the most overplayed angle in all of sports. The Flames have recent losses to the Islanders and Wild and those, too, were must win situations. Yeah, the Calgary Maple Leafs can win but at this price the Coyotes offer up some tremendous value, as the Flames are this year’s biggest disappointment and they’re not going to make the playoffs. Play: Phoenix +1.46 (Risking 2 units).
Tony George
Milwaukee +9.5
Look at the numbers here and the stats, and Cleveland has been playing some solid defense. I expect a low scoring game here, lower than the posted total, which brings into the play the large spread, and the fact the Bucks have stepped it up late in the season here. The Bucks are a great road bet covering 20 out of their last 27 games on the road. Nothing comes easy late in the season and how motivated are the Cavs really night in and night out?
James Patrick Sports
76'ers vs. Bobcats
Big Game James Patrick's Wednesday Night NBA complimentary selection is #502 Charlotte Bobcats as the Sixers are just (3-7) ATS at Charlotte and (6-16) in Wednesday action while the Cats check in at (9-3) ATS in Wednesday action and have cashed a winning ticket in (6) of past (8) home games.
Wunderdog
Phoenix Suns vs. New Jersey Nets
Play: New Jersey Nets +7
The New Jersey Nets will finish this year as either the worst team in NBA history, or one of the worst. They have just eight wins, and as the season winds down they need two more to reach 10, avoiding the mark set of just nine wins by Philadelphia. What has gone unnoticed is the fact that this team has improved considerably, and where it is showing up is getting the money. The Nets seem to stay in games only to lose, but getting 7 or more points they are 14-5 ATS in their last 19. The Suns have won eight straight, but looking at three bad teams they have played in their last four games, the Bulls, T-Wolves and Golden State, none of the margins have been greater than 6 points. The Nets have been hanging around, and likely will do so again. New Jersey gets the call.
Jack Jones
Sacramento Kings +2.5
The Minnesota Timberwolves have lost 16 straight games, and should not be favored over Sacramento Wednesday. "Just go out there and continue to play hard," Kevin Love said following Tuesday's practice. "It seems like I say the same thing every time but that's really it. Keep your head up, keep battling, bite your lip, grit your teeth, just go out there and get it done." Well if they keep saying it all the time, and they aren't getting the job done, then this is a clear sign that the Timberwolves don't have what it takes mentally to go out there and get it done. It's also a sign that they just continue going through the motions, knowing that this is a lost season.
Tyreke Evans returned to the line-up last night for the Sacramento Kings and this is a completely different team with him out on the floor, running the show. Evans had 29 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds in a 114-100 win over the Timberwolves earlier this month. He has to be licking his chops at another chance to play Minnesota tonight as he looks to cement his spot as the Rookie of the Year. Sacramento has won 5 of the last 6 meetings in this series. Minnesota is 5-21 ATS versus teams who average 7 or less steals/game on the season this season, losing in these spots by 15.4 PPG. Take the Kings.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Cleveland Cavaliers -9
LeBron James did not play the last time these two teams faced off and the Bucks won as a result. James will be in the lineup tonight, and I look for he and the Cavs to make a statement with an impressive win here. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings and the Cavaliers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5 points. Milwaukee just played last night so I'll take the fresher Cavs in this revenge spot.
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Dallas Mavericks -2
I expect the Grizzlies to give the Mavs a game tonight, but when it's all said and done I expect Dallas to come out on top. Dallas has a chance to notch its 50th win of the season and that number means something. Plus, with the Western Conference playoff race so tight, the Mavs can't afford to take a night off. Memphis has won 3 of the last 4 against Dallas, but those came before the Mavs acquired Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood from Washington at the All-Star break. The Mavs are 17-5 since that deal. Plus, Memphis has really struggled on its home floor. It is just 4-9 its last 13 home games. In fact, the Grizzlies are only 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. The Mavericks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 meetings in Memphis and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite. Well take the Mavs here.
SPORTS WAGERS
L.A. Lakers –1.01 over ATLANTA
The Lakers are coming off a loss in New Orleans that saw Kobe on the brink of losing it near the end of the game. He was going at it with all three officials and wasn’t teed up and after that loss you know his fire will be fueled up tonight. He’ll get the calls tonight; that you can take to the bank. The Hawks are good but they’re like the Utah Jazz of the 80’s. They just never win the game that counts and although this isn’t life or death, they simply cannot beat the elite teams in this league. In fact, prior to an unlikely win over Orlando recently, the Hawks were 0-6 against the Lakers, Orlando and Cleveland. They’re having trouble closing out games and they’ve looked very ordinary over the past few weeks despite a whole slew of wins. A lot of those W’s however, came against a bunch of weak East teams and you can also throw in some disturbing losses to Philly, Toronto, New York. If the Lakers show up they’ll beat this team and after that loss in New Orleans, chances are good that the Lakers will want this one and chances are better they’ll get it. Play: L.A. Lakers –1.01 (Risking 2.02 units to win 2).
Philadelphia +10 over CHARLOTTE
The Cats are a tremendous defensive squad but offensively they’re among the most challenged in the business. No way can this host be trusted to lay double digits against anyone and the proof is in the pudding. They’re rarely favored by this much and when they’ve been an 8½-point choice or more this season, they’ve gone 3-6 ATS in those games. Philadelphia has stayed well within this range against the Bobcats in nine of the last 10 times they’ve faced one another. Philly was buried at home last night by the Thunder but this isn’t a western foe. The 76ers won its two prior games before last night and those wins were over Atlanta and Milwaukee. So, the 76ers last four games have come against Ok City, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Orlando and they sure as hell aren’t taking a step up in class here. Play: Philadelphia +10 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
MINNESOTA –2 over Sacramento
The T-Wolves have 10 less wins over the Kings but Sac has just seven road wins all year in 39 games and that’s a rather disturbing number. Sacramento will also play its third road game in four days and the tail end of back-to-backs after a seven-point loss in Indy last night. They had a 15-point lead in that game and any momentum they hoped to gain was lost. Sac will also play its fifth game in a row on the road since last Wednesday. The T-Wolves are challenged for sure but they have some nice shooters and believe it or not they’re fifth in the entire league in rebounding. The T-Wolves have dropped 16 in a row and they have to know this is an opportunity to snap that ugly streak. Over its last 11 games the T-Wolves have seen Phoenix twice, Utah, the Lakers, Orlando, Denver, San Antonio and Dallas and if nothing else, those games have to have them well-prepped for this one against a squad that is not only fatigued but that rarely wins away from Arco. Play: Minnesota –2 (Risking 2.10 units to win 2).
King Creole
CLE / MIL Under 191
Milwaukee @ CLEVELAND - Play on: UNDER the TOTAL
Bucks: 0-4 O/U L4 vs Cleve... 1-9 O/U L10 vs CEN div... 2-7 O/U w/ NO rest
Cavs: 0-4 O/U H vs unrested div opp... 1-6 O/U off ATS loss... 1-4 o/U off SU win
Philadelphia @ CHARLOTTE - Series visitor 5-0 / Bobcats: 8-1 O/U L9 vs Phil
La Lakers @ ATLANTA - Lakers: 5-1 O/U Wed vs non-conf / Hawks: 1-5 in 2/1 rest sit
La Clippers @ TORONTO - Clips: 1-4 O/U L5 vs Tor / Raptors: 0-5 H vs unrested opp
Okla City @ BOSTON - Thunder: 6-1 O/U A w/ no rest / Celtics: 1-7 H vs unrested opp
Phoenix @ NEW JERSEY - Suns: 1-5 O/U Wednesdays / Nets: 2-10 O/U H vs PAC div
Miami @ DETROIT - Heat: 10-2 L12 vs Det / Pistons: 1-5 O/U In 2/2 rest sit
Washington @ NEW ORLEANS - Wiz: 1-8 2nd of BB RG / Hornets: 1-4 O/U HF's vs unrested opp
Sacramento @ MINNESOTA - Kings: 1-5 O/U In 2nd of BB RG / T'Wolves: 1-6 vs Sac
Dallas @ MEMPHIS - Mavs: 0-4 O/U vs Mem / Grizz: 1-5 O/U H vs Dal
Houston @ SAN ANTONIO - Rockets: 1-8 A w/ no rest / Spurs: 4-0 H vs unrested opp
Golden St @ UTAH - Warriors: 0-4 o/U vs Uath / Jazz: 1-4 O/U H in 1/2 rest sit
New York @ PORTLAND - Knicks: 1-5 Wed RG / Blazers: 4-1 O/U in 2/1 rest sit
Andre Gomes
NJN / PHO Over 211
I believe that we have a good opportunity with the Over in this contest as my projected line in here is 214/217 points so we have the proper edge for a Single Dime Play.
This game is a good chance for the Nets to show their late improvement - especially on the offense end as they finally will be involved in FAST PACE game. The Nets are 3-1 in the last 4 games and during this skid they showed some incredible ball movement! Just look for their A/TO ratios in those 4 games:
SAC 23/8
DET 30/15
@CHI 16/9
SAS 19/4
They are really taking care of the ball so in a fast paced game they will get more chances to score as long as they take care of ball - something that we've already saw.
I also like the matchups in this contest. For sure that the Suns will score with some ease against the Nets bad overall defense but I also expect the Nets to keep it going. Note that the Suns best big defender Robin Lopez is out and so Brook Lopez will have some room to operate down low. Also Devin Harris will face Steve Nash playing a back to back game and I expect him to push up the pace to take advantage of it. The key of the "late success" of the Nets is related with the play improvement of Lopez and Harris and this is a good game for them to shine.
Phoenix defeated last night the Bulls in a high scoring game 111-105. However note that the Suns shot "only" 44.7% from the field and the Bulls 44.4% FG - two low percentages but still the game had 216 points! The Suns don't need to bring their best defensive effort to the court tonight and I think that we are in front of a pure run and gun game. In identical situations this season: The Suns playing back to back games and being Away favorites, the Over cashed pretty easily in each single game (3-0)! Take the Over in here as my Single Dime Play.
Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on Over 211
Roz Juarbe
Rockets at Spurs
The playoffs are approaching, which usually means San Antonio has its strong defensive face on. Well they do, on a 3-1 run under the total. They are playing a state rival here and won’t be in a good mood after thw New Jersey Nets beat them the last game, 90-84. The Spurs have still held 4 straight opponents under 98 points (97, 96, 92 and 90). They face a Houston team that is badly banged up with injuries, plus had to play last night. They are on a 5-3 run under the total and I can’t see much offense here. Play the Rockets/Spurs Under the total.