JIM FEIST
BOSTON CELTICS / NEW YORK KNICKS
Take Over
These teams have met twice this season and the over is 2-1. Run-and-gun NY has lost two of the games, but scored 101, 105 and 100 in the three games against Boston's deadly defense. It's clear the Celtics don't mind running with the uptempo Knicks. The Celtics went on a recent 4-1 run over the total, topping 100 in four of the games. The Knicks are on a 5-1 run over the total and will run right at the tired Celtics, who had to face a big rivalry game last night with the Lakers. Play the Celtics/Knicks over the total.
DAVE COKIN
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS / MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Take MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
One of my favorite little angles involves playing on teams that make a coaching change. The system is simple enough. Wait for the team to win for the first time with the new coach, and then continue to bet them every game till they lose one. It's a good angle, as the worst you can do is lose one wager. However, there have been numerous instances where this angle has produced multiple wins. Memphis won for the first time under Hollins Monday at Washington, and followed that up by beating the Rockets Wednesday. I'll stay on the Grizzlies tonight as they host the Clippers.
Cajun Sports
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Play: Memphis Grizzlies -5.5
The FedEx Forum will be the site of Friday’s clash between the host Memphis Grizzlies and the visiting Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are suffering through a seven game losing streak both straight up and against the spread with their last loss coming against the Magic on Wednesday 125 to 96 as a 13 point road underdog. The Grizzlies on the other hand have won and covered their last two games with the last game coming against the Houston Rockets 104 to 93 as a 6 point home underdog.
The Clippers were hoping the return of point guard Baron Davis and forward Zach Randolph would spark this team and they would be able to turn a horrible season around. But that hasn’t happened as their seven game losing streak would indicate and furthermore they are not only losing and failing to cover the spread they are playing no defense at all allowing 116 points per game over their last four outings.
Not only do the fundamental aspects of the Clippers game make one hesitant to back them we also found solid technical evidence that they are a play against team in this situation. LAC are 32-48 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points the last 3 seasons, 44-66 ATS as an underdog the last 2 seasons, 14-27 ATS during the second half of the season the last 2 seasons, 0-8 ATS after 2 consecutive non-conference games this season, 38-51 ATS revenging a loss the last 2 seasons, 7-15 ATS revenging a loss of 10 points or more this season, 5-14 ATS revenging a road loss this season, 6-23 ATS revenging a road loss of 10 points or more the last 2 seasons, 5-13 ATS off a road loss this season, 16-32 ATS off a road loss by 10 points or more the last 3 seasons and 3-14 ATS after a blowout loss by 15 points or more this season.
Data base research has uncovered an NBA System that tells us to Play ON NBA home teams after a win over a division rival by ten or more points and their opponent has lost two consecutive road games by ten or more points, 24-5 ATS the last 29 times this system has qualified a team.
With the Grizzlies HC Hollins making his team play at a faster pace on the offensive end of the floor has proven to be a positive and their defensive game has also improved with this adjustment. No NBA title in the Grizzlies future but a win and cover over an overmatched and apparently disinterested Clippers team certainly appears to be in their future. Lay the short price with the host as the Grizzlies capture the win and cover on Friday night in Memphis.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Memphis Grizzlies 101 LA Clippers 92
Craig Trapp
Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers
Play: Indiana Pacers +5.5
Tough match up for Orlando for there first full game without Nelson leading there attack. All the things needed to beat IND always is great guard play because IND relies so much on there perimeter players. Actually personally am playing a big play on IND with the points but also playing a small play on the M/L. Howard will dominate the paint but won't matter because Granger goes for 35 tonight and dominates this game late. SCORE IND 109 - ORL 107
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats host the Hawks in a Southeast Division battle in Charlotte this evening in an ideal scheduling spot. That occurs with Atlanta off an 8-point upset road win while the Bobcats enter off back-to-back double digit losses. With Charlotte spotless (7-0 ATS) in division play this season and 7-1 ATS as a host in this series, look for the Bobcats to avenge a pair of losses suffered earlier this season to the Hawks.
Jimmy The Moose
Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: Over
Columbus has played over the total in their last 2 games and in 5 of their last 7. The over is 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. The over is 5-2 in their last 7 road games. The over is 4-0-1 in the Penguins lst 5 games. The over is 12-5 in their last 17 games vs. a team with a losing record. The over is 4-0 in the Blue Jackets last 4 trips to Pittsburgh. The over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings overall between the clubs. Play the over.
Jeff Benton
How about the Lakers getting the outright win at Boston on Thursday? I’m now 14-7 with my last 21 NBA freebies, including 4-0 with my last four overall and 3-0 the last three Fridays! Let’s improve on all of those impressive records as we back the Magic minus the points at Indiana tonight.
First of all, it’s difficult to overlook the fact that Orlando has taken down the Pacers five straight times going back to last Feb. 2, going 3-0-2 ATS during this stretch. That includes a 135-111 rout in Florida just 10 days ago and a 110-96 blowout home win back on Nov. 29. Granted, the Pacers took the Magic to overtime in the season’s first meeting in Indiana, losing 100-98 and pushing as a two-point road underdog. But since then, the Magic have established themselves as one of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference, right behind – barely – Boston and Cleveland.
Now, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m worried for Orlando’s long-term success after All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson went down with a serious shoulder injury that has sidelined him indefinitely. But the Magic sure didn’t seem to miss a beat Wednesday when the rolled to a 125-96 home victory over the Clippers – and yes, I know the Clippers suck, but a 29-point win in the NBA is damn impressive no matter the opponent, and especially in the first game after your valuable point guard goes down.
Besides, the Magic are now 5-1 SU and ATS without Nelson in the lineup this season (the one loss was at Boston), including the 14-point home win over Indiana.
Finally, Orlando has simply been money in the bank all season long, going 32-15-1 ATS overall (20-6 ATS last 26), including 17-6-1 ATS on the road. What’s more, the Magic are on additional ATS streaks of 35-16-2 against teams with a losing record, 7-3 as a road favorite, 4-1 against the Central Division, 4-0 when playing on Friday and 5-1 when coming off a one-day respite. Lay the small price, especially given Indiana’s complete lack of defense (112.3 ppg allowed last six games).
3♦ ORLANDO MAGIC
Karl Garrett
Portland at OKLAHOMA CITY +5'
The G-Man made it 5 in a row with Georgia Tech plus the points last night!
Now 10-2 the last 12 days with my comp plays.
Tonight in the NBA, take the Thunder plus the points, as Oklahoma City will give Portland all they can handle.
The Blazers come into this one off a loss at Dallas, as they dropped to 12-13 straight up on the road, and just 10-15 against the spread on the highway this year. Sporting those numbers, the G-Man can't make a case supporting Portland as the road favorite tonight.
Oklahoma City is looking to snap a 3-game slide, but they are coming off an underdog cover at home against Denver to up their home court spread mark to 14-10 for the season.
The Thunder has won the last pair of series meetings, and 4 of the last 7 straight up against the Blazers, and Okie has also covered the last 3 series tilts, and 5 of the last 7 overall.
G-Man taking the points in this one.
1♦ OKLAHOMA CITY
Sports Gambling Hotline
Golden State +9' at PHOENIX
Tonight, we grab the points and take Golden State at Phoenix.
This is the back end of a home-and-home, and Golden State easily dispatched Phoenix in Oak-Town on Wednesday 124-112 as the 4-point underdog, as the Warriors moved to 4-2 straight up the last 6 series meetings, and 3-2-1 against the spread in those showdowns.
There has been plenty of grumbling in Phoenix these days from the front office on down, and losses in 3 of their last 4 both straight up, and against the spread does not bode well coming into tonight's home game.
Phoenix is an average 13-10 straight up at home this year, and a money-burning 7-16 against the spread in those home games.
The points look like the play to us tonight in the NBA.
Play on Golden State.
3♦ GOLDEN STATE
Bobby Maxwell
Marquette -8 at S. FLORIDA
Another winner Thursday night as Stanford got the win and cover at home over Washington State. That runs our streak to 9 of 12 days with winners. Tonight we're on the college hardwood with another one as we play Marquette on the road in South Florida.
The Golden Eagles have won 12 straight games and they are playing some great basketball lately, sitting atop the Big East standings with a perfect 9-0 record (7-2 ATS). They'll head down to South Florida for this one and win this by 15. So go ahead and lay the chalk.
Marquette went to Chicago and beat DePaul 76-61 on Tuesday and cashed as a 10 1/2-point favorite. They are 4-0 on the road in Big East action and 3-1 ATS. Their offense has gotten into high gear lately, averaging 82.2 points per game and shooting 49.3 percent from the floor over the last five games.
South Florida has lost three straight (0-3 ATS) and they are just 2-7 in Big East action to this point with their only two wins coming against DePaul.
Marquette has won seven straight in this rivalry dating back to 2000. They are riding ATS streaks of 20-8-1 as a road favorite and 11-5 after a spread-cover. On the other side, the Bulls are just 11-23-1 ATS after a straight-up loss and 4-9-1 ATS as a home 'dog.
Play Marquette and watch them win big tonight.
4♦ MARQUETTE
JRTIPS
CLIPPERS vs. GRIZZLIES
The Memphis Grizzlies are playing with confidence and looking to finally build some momentum at home and a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers should make that task easier. The Grizzlies, playing well under coach Lionel Hollins, look to win consecutive games at the FedExForum for the first time since December and hand the Clippers their 12th straight road defeat tonight. Memphis (13-35) has won two straight after losing its first three games under coach Hollins who took over after Marc Iavaroni was fired on Jan. 22. The Grizzlies have embraced Hollins' wide-open style and the team is starting to get comfortable in the new offense. Memphis beat Houston 104-93 on Wednesday night for its second straight victory overall. Memphis beat Los Angeles 93-81 in their first game and the Clippers have struggled wherever they've played losers of seven straight and 21 of 23 overall, tied with Washington for the NBA's worst record.The Clippers are allowing 110.6 points per game during their skid away from Staples Center, and now have to try to slow down a Memphis team that is averaging 104.0 points and shooting 53.3 percent in its last two. Grizzlies rookie O.J. Mayo has led the way, scoring 32 points versus the Rockets after a 33-point effort in a 113-97 win at Washington on Monday night. Mayo is shooting 58.9 percent in his last three games and 56.3 percent from 3-point range. This Memphis team is playing with alot of confidence and their best team basketball of the season. This enthusiastic team should have no problem taking care of a bad Clipper team at home on a Friday night in Memphis. TAKE MEMPHIS-5 1/2
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Golden State Warriors -9.5
Golden State just pounded the Suns by 12 at home 2 nights ago. Now it's the Suns turn right? Wrong. Phoenix is really struggling and has been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season and does not deserve to be laying this many points. The Suns have lost 3 of 4 and 8 of 12. They are only 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 games. Phoenix is 3-15 ATS in home games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 25% to 40%) over the last 3 seasons. Phoenix is 5-15 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record this season, winning these games by only 2.6 ppg. It is 5-15 ATS versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season, losing in these spots by 2.4 ppg. And it is 5-13 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season, winning by just 1.0 points on average. The Warriors keep this one within the number.
Brad Diamond Sports
Play on: Memphis over LA Clippers
The Grizzlies catch this traveling west coast on a Friday down in swing city. No doubt, the visitors will be distracted. The Clippers have lost seven straight (0-7 ATS) on the road. They finish a five game roadie in a grueling seven day stretch with Memphis being the exit arena. Doubt much, the Grizzlies will have to break a sweat here as the home team has covered four straight in the series.
SPORTS ADVISORS
Boston (41-10, 28-23 ATS) at New York (21-27, 28-20 ATS)
Fresh off having their 12-game winning streak snapped on Thursday, the Celtics return to the court at Madison Square Garden in New York to take on the Knicks.
Boston lost for the second time this season to the Lakers, falling 110-109 in overtime Thursday and coming nowhere near covering as a seven-point home favorite. It was the third straight non-cover for the Celtics after their eight-game ATS winning streak. They are 17-7 on the road this season but a mediocre 12-12 ATS, including 100-88 blowout loss in their last trip to Madison Square Garden a little more than a month ago.
The Knicks tonight conclude their three-game gauntlet against the top three teams in the NBA after back-to-back home losses to the Lakers and Cavaliers. On Monday, New York gave up 61 points to Kobe Bryant in a 126-117 loss to the Lakers as a 5½-point underdog. Then on Wednesday, the Knicks saw LeBron James go off for 52 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 107-102 loss to the Cavs, but New York got the cash as 5½-point ‘dogs. Prior to this two-game hiccup, the Knicks had won six of seven, and they’re still 8-1 ATS in their last nine overall (6-1 ATS at home).
Boston has won eight of the last nine (7-1-1 ATS) in this rivalry, but the one setback came in that 12-point loss in New York on Jan. 4, as the Knicks sprung the upset as a 10-point pup. The home team is 6-2 (5-2-1 ATS) in the last eight meetings, but the Celtics hold a 6-1 ATS edge in the last seven clashes in New York.
Last night’s loss to the Lakers aside, the Celtics are still on ATS streaks of 8-3 overall, 5-1 on the road, 5-1 against the Eastern Conference, 7-3 as a favorite and 39-17-2 against Atlantic Division foes. New York is also riding several positive ATS trends, including 6-1 at home, 7-3 as a home pup, 5-1 as a ‘dog anywhere, 11-2 as a ‘dog of five to 10½ points and 5-0 against the Eastern Conference.
Boston has topped the total in five of its last six overall, but aside from that the team is on “under” runs of 9-2 as a road favorite, 13-3 on the second night of a back-to-back, 24-8 on the highway and 8-2 on Fridays. New York is on “over” streaks of 4-0 overall, 6-1 on Fridays, 4-0 as a home ‘dog and 6-0 as a ‘dog anywhere. In this rivalry, the under is 4-2 in the last six meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Toronto (19-32, 19-30-2 ATS) at New Orleans (28-18, 19-25-2 ATS)
Two teams carrying identical four-game losing streaks – and likely minus their best players – square off tonight in New Orleans Arena when the Raptors meet the Hornets.
Toronto has lost seven of its last 10 games overall, and the Raptors bring an 0-5 ATS streak into the Big Easy. Most recently, the Raptors dropped a 115-107 decision to the Lakers on Wednesday and narrowly missed cashing as a 7½-point home underdog as center Chris Bosh left the game early with a knee injury. The last time they were in the States, the Raptors fell 101-83 at Cleveland as a 10-point underdog on Tuesday.
New Orleans is in a four-game SU and ATS funk, including losing three straight in front of the home fans (0-3 ATS). With All-Star point guard Chris Paul on the sidelines with a groin injury Wednesday, the Hornets got spanked by the Bulls 107-93 win as a 1½-point underdog. New Orleans is 16-8 at home but just 10-13-1 ATS.
The visitor has dominated this series the last three years, winning seven of the last 10 and going a perfect 10-0 at the betting window. The Hornets took the first matchup this year, getting a 99-91 win as a two-point road chalk on Dec. 14. The underdog is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 clashes between these two, and the Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last six trips to New Orleans.
Toronto is on a host of negative ATS trends, including 15-39-1 when playing after one day off, 6-17-2 against the Western Conference, 6-17 on Fridays and 3-8-1 on the road against teams with a winning home mark. New Orleans is on pointspread slides of 1-4 after one day off, 1-5 at home against teams with a losing road record and 3-7 against Eastern Conference teams, but the Hornets own positive ATS trends of 12-5-1 against the Atlantic Division and 45-22-2 after a straight-up loss.
The Raptors are on “over” streaks of 9-3 on the road, 7-2 after a non-cover and 8-3 after a straight-up loss. The Hornets have topped the total in seven of nine after a non-cover and five of six after a double-digit home loss, but they are on “under” runs of 10-4 at home, 20-9 after one day off and 11-4-1 against Eastern Conference teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TORONTO
DUNKEL
LA Clippers at Memphis
The Clippers look to take advantage of a Memphis team that is just 1-4 ATS as a home favorite between 3 1/2 and 6 points. Los Angeles is the underdog pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Memphis favored by only 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+5 1/2).
Game 851-852: Atlanta at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.731; Charlotte 119.105
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 1 1/2; 180
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 853-854: Orlando at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 125.804; Indiana 121.257
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 221
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 6; 217 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6); Over
Game 855-856: Boston at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 128.990; New York 122.383
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 6 1/2; 217 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 5 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-5 1/2); Over
Game 857-858: LA Clippers at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 106.372; Memphis 109.805
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 3 1/2; 195 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 5 1/2; 198
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+5 1/2); Under
Game 859-860: Portland at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 123.225; Oklahoma City 116.365
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 7; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 4 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-4 1/2); Under
Game 861-862: Denver at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.058; Washington 110.525
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 10 1/2; 203 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 863-864: Toronto at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 114.374; New Orleans 122.135
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 8; 184 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 865-866: Utah at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 116.765; Sacramento 112.800
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 4; 222 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 867-868: Golden State at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 112.236; Phoenix 122.601
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 10 1/2; 233
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9 1/2; 230 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-9 1/2); Over
NCAAB
Fairfield at Canisius
The Golden Griffins look to take advantage of a Fairfield team that is just 2-6 ATS as an underdog this season. Canisius is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Golden Griffins favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Canisius (-1).
Game 869-870: Yale at Harvard
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 48.424; Harvard 50.888
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Harvard by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+4 1/2)
Game 871-872: Columbia at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 46.467; Pennsylvania 53.254
Dunkel Line: Pennsylvania by 7
Vegas Line: Pennsylvania by 6
Dunkel Pick: Pennsylvania (-6)
Game 873-874: Brown at Dartmouth
Dunkel Ratings: Brown 45.932; Dartmouth 43.294
Dunkel Line: Brown by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Brown by 1
Dunkel Pick: Brown (-1)
Game 875-876: Cornell at Princeton
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 58.675; Princeton 53.022
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Cornell by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+7 1/2)
Game 877-878: Marquette at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 72.834; South Florida 64.740
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 8
Vegas Line: Marquette by 9
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+9)
Game 879-880: St. Peter's at Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 46.988; Niagara 59.383
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Niagara by 15
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+15)
Game 881-882: Fairfield at Canisius
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 50.199; Canisius 52.483
Dunkel Line: Canisius by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Canisius by 1
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (-1)