Friday Service Plays

SPORTS ADVISORS

Dallas (32-21, 25-28 ATS) at Houston (33-21, 24-29-1 ATS)

Two Texas rivals in the thick of the playoff chase in the Southwest Division battle it out at the Toyota Center, where the Rockets host the Mavericks.

Dallas opened the second half of the season Wednesday with an easy 113-98 victory over the Nets, cashing as an eight-point favorite. The Mavs have won seven of their last nine games (6-3 ATS) and they’ve scored at least 104 points in all seven of those wins and 92 or less in the two losses.

Houston also is coming off an easy win over the Nets, routing New Jersey on Tuesday 114-88 and easily covering as a 6½-point chalk. The Rockets have won five of their last seven (3-3-1 ATS) overall and five straight at the Toyota Center (3-1-1 ATS), where they put the clamps on opponent, allowing 92.3 points per game this season.

The road team has won the last five meetings (SU and ATS) between these rivals, including the firs two clashes this season. Houston went to Dallas on Oct. 30 and got a 112-102 victory as a four-point ‘dog, but the Mavs got revenge on Nov. 19 the Mavs in a 96-86 victory in Houston as three-point pups. Dallas is 7-2 SU and ATS in the last nine meetings with the Rockets, and the straight-up winner is 10-0 ATS in this rivalry dating back to 2006 (playoffs included).

The Mavericks are on ATS runs of 10-4 as a road ‘dog, 4-1 against the Western Conference and 6-2 as a road ‘dog of up to 4½-points. Meanwhile the Rockets are on a plethora of ATS slides that include 7-20-1 after a spread-cover, 3-7 against the Western Conference, 0-5 on Fridays and 1-4 against Southwest Division foes.

Dallas has stayed under the total in eight of 11 against the Southwest Division and four of five as a road dog of up to 4½-points. Houston has stayed below the total in 21 of 31 as a home favorite, but the Rockets are on “over” streaks of 7-3 after a spread-cover, 4-0 after a straight-up win and 4-0 at home against teams with a winning road mark. In this series, the under has been the play in four of the last five in Houston.

ATS ADVANTAGE: DALLAS

Atlanta (32-22, 28-26 ATS) at Portland (33-20, 26-27 ATS)

The Hawks continue their jaunt through the Western Conference with a stop in the Rose Garden in Portland for a matchup with the Trail Blazers.

Atlanta came out of the All-Star break and lost to the Lakers 96-83 on Tuesday as an 8½-point ‘dogs, then turned around and beat the Kings on Wednesday 105-100, but again failed to cash, this time as a 6½-point road chalk. Hawks point guard – and former King – Mike Bibby delivered a monster effort in Sacramento, scoring 29 points, while center Al Horford added 18 points and 18 rebounds in the victory.

Portland emerged from the All-Star break Wednesday and got a 94-90 victory over Memphis, but came nowhere near covering as 11½-poing favorites. The Blazers have won seven of 10 overall but they are just 1-5 ATS in the last six. However, at home they are 16-10 ATS this season and allow just 93.3 points per game while pouring in 101.8.

The road team has dominated this series, with the visitor winning four of the last five and cashing in each of the last nine meetings dating back to 2004. Portland is 9-1 SU in the last 10 battles against the Hawks dating back to 2003 and the Blazers have held the Hawks to 100 points or less in seven of the 10. However, Atlanta has gotten the cash in its last four visits to the Rose Garden, and the ‘dog is 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings.

The Hawks are just 1-5 ATS in their last six against the Western Conference and 2-6 ATS in their last eight against teams with a winning record, but they are on positive ATS trends of 11-5 as a road ‘dog, 13-5 as a ‘dog anywhere and 5-2 against Northwest Division teams. Portland is on ATS slides of 1-5 overall, 0-4 on Fridays and 6-13 after getting one day off, but the Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven after a straight-up win and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 against teams with a losing road record.

Atlanta has topped the total in eight of 10 games after a straight-up win and four of five on Fridays, but the Hawks have stayed under the total in four of five against the Western Conference. Portland is on “under” runs of 4-1 overall, 5-1 after a non-cover and 13-6 as a favorite of five to 10 ½-points. In this series, the over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in the Rose Garden.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA

New Orleans (32-20, 22-28-2 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (44-10, 29-25 ATS)

Two teams that have come out of the All-Star break strong meet in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where the Hornets visit the Lakers.

New Orleans buried Orlando on Wednesday 117-85, cashing as a 1½-point home favorite. The Hornets snapped a three-game ATS slide and cashed for just the third time in their last 10 games. New Orleans has been tightening up the defense lately, allowing just 90.8 points per game and 41.1 percent shooting over the last five contests.

The Lakers have come out of the break with consecutive wins and covers, including Wednesday’s 129-121 road win at Golden State as a 4½-point chalk. L.A. is on a 9-1 SU (8-2 ATS) streak since Jan. 30, scoring in triple digits in nine of those 10.

The road team has won six of the last eight meetings (7-1 ATS) in this budding rivalry, including all three matchups this season. New Orleans went to the Staples Center on Jan. 6 and got a 116-105 victory as a seven-point underdog, improving to 4-0 ATS in the Hornets last four trips to the Staples Center. The ‘dog is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 in this rivalry.

New Orleans is 23-10 ATS in its last 33 games against Pacific Division squads, but otherwise the Hornets are on negative ATS trends of 3-7 overall, 7-20 as a ‘dog, 6-20 as a road ‘dog, 0-4 on the road and 9-23-2 after a spread-cover. Los Angeles is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 after getting one day off and 2-6 ATS in its last eight Friday games, but the Lakers are on ATS runs of 6-1 as a favorite, 8-2 overall, 5-1 against teams with a winning record and 6-1 after a spread-cover.

The Hornets are on “over” streaks of 7-2 overall, 7-2-1 on the road, 5-2 as a road ‘dog, 4-1 against Western Conference teams and 5-1-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record. The Lakers have stayed under the total in five of their last seven home games, but the over is on runs of 8-3 overall, 16-5 after a straight-up win, 6-2 as a favorite and 4-1 against Southwest Division teams. In this rivalry, the under is 5-1 in the last six overall, but the over is 6-1 in the last seven inside the Staples Center.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

James Patrick

Illinois State vs. Niagara

In a Bracket Buster from Niagara Falls we'll take our Friday NCAA College Basketball complimentary selection on the Salukis and Purple Eagles to fly Over the Total. Niagara is Over the Total in 24-of 29 off an ATS loss and the Salukis are Over the Total in 6 straight non-conference games.

Dave Cokin

Columbia @ Brown
Play: Columbia +4

Home teams seeking revenge have been doing very well this season, and Brown fits that scenario tonight as they host Columbia. But I'm going to buck the trend and look for the Lions to complete the series sweep tonight in Providence. Columbia grades out as the better team, and the Lions have been tremendous travelers recently, covering 11 of their last 14 lined road games. Brown played a terrific second half last time out as they blew out Princeton, but they really haven't been very good this season and I believe they will be hard pressed to win this contest. Lean is to Columbia plus the points.

Jeff Benton

For Friday’s free play in the NBA, we’ll take the points with the Bobcats at home against the Magic.

For one thing, this line smells like a trap to me. You’ve got the top team in the Southeast Division – one that has the third best record in the Eastern Conference – laying only a couple of points at the Charlotte Bobcats, who are still 10 games under .500 despite a recent surge. So why the short price? Three main reasons, in my opinion: 1) Orlando is in a tough situational spot, playing its third game in a four nights, all in a different city; 2) Orlando has been very inconsistent since point guard Jameer Nelson went down with a shoulder injury, losing four of its last seven games while going 2-5 ATS; and 3) Orlando has really struggled against Charlotte.

As to the latter point, these squads came out of the All-Star break and faced each other Tuesday, with Charlotte going to Orlando and taking the Magic to overtime before losing 107-102, but covering as an 8½-point underdog. The Bobcats also covered in a 90-85 home loss as a six-point ‘dog back on Nov. 16, and in last year’s final meeting, Charlotte beat Orlando 99-93 as a one-point home underdog. In fact, the host is on a 9-2 ATS run in this rivalry, with one of those non-covers coming Tuesday when the ‘Cats got the cash in Orlando.

Charlotte comes into this game having won three of its last four (only loss to Orlando) and it has cashed in five straight games overall, including three straight at home. Finally, the Bobcats’ offense has come to life lately, averaging 98.4 ppg on 47.2 percent shooting during its 5-0 ATS run, while the Magic are putting up just 93.6 ppg on 41 percent shooting in their last five. Also, Charlotte (91.8 ppg allowed in its last five games) is playing better defense than Orlando (98.4 ppg last five). Grab the couple of points, though I actually think we’ll see an outright upset.

3♦ CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

Sports Gambling Hotline

Orlando -2' at CHARLOTTE

After getting rocked at New Orleans on Wednesday night, we expect the Magic to head to Charlotte tonight, and take care of business minus the small number.

No doubt the Bobcats are playing some inspired basketball, as they have won 3 of their last 4 straight up, and they have covered their last 5, but we doubt they will be able to dispose of Orlando in this spot, and they simply aren't getting enough points to interest us in backing them as the small home dog.

Despite their no-show at New Orleans on Wednesday, Orlando is still 13-5 against the spread their last 18 roadies, and they have held the upper hand in this series of late, as the Magic is 5-1 straight up the last 6 meetings, taking both meetings this season.

Included is a 107-102 overtime win at home on the 17th in a game the Magic were favored by 8 1/2-points. This line is a lot more reasonable, and Orlando will cover it on the road tonight.

Play on the Magic.

2♦ ORLANDO

Bobby Maxwell

Orlando at CHARLOTTE +2'

FREE winner delivered to you on Thursday as Michigan got the easy win and cover over Minnesota. We've now given you comp winners in 16 of 26 days and we'll give you another one today as we go with Charlotte at home over the Magic.

These Bobcats have looked like a completely different team since acquiring Raja Bell and Boris Diaw from Phoenix. They are playing inspired basketball and they are coming off an easy win over Indiana. We'll play them tonight and grab the few points as they host Orlando.

Charlotte had all five players score in double digits on Wednesday in a 103-94 victory over the Pacers as the Bobcats covered as 5 1/2-point favorites. This team has won three of their last four with the only loss being an overtime defeat in Orlando on Tuesday. The Bobcats have covered in each of their last five.

Orlando looked like crap on Wednesday in New Orleans, losing 117-85 as a 1 1/2-point underdog. They haven't gotten the cash in any of their last three and four of their last five. Something is up with this team right now and I suspect it is the lack of leadership at guard with Jamir Nelson sidelined with injury.

Charlotte has covered the number in each of its last three against Orlando and gave the Magic everything they wanted back on Tuesday in Orlando before falling in overtime. The home team is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings between these two.

The Bobcats are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games and this team is not that far off from being an Eastern Conference playoff team. Look for Charlotte to get this one tonight.

4♦ CHARLOTTE

Karl Garrett

Dallas +3 at HOUSTON

NBA action tonight, and the G-Man will stick with the curious road trend that has emerged in this Dallas-Houston series.

The road team has won outright in 5 straight series meetings between the teams, and has also won outright in 6 of the last 7 series showdowns!

That pattern is too strong to ignore, and the fact the Mavericks are also 7-2 against the spread in the last 9 series meetings further solidifies my selection on Dallas plus the couple of points tonight at the Toyota Center.

Dallas does come into tonight's game on a 7-2 straight up run their last 9, and a 6-3 spread run in those 9 games, while Houston has won their last pair, but for the season are just 11-14-1 against the spread when playing host.

Look for the points to work once again, and for the visitor to once again prevail in this road-oriented series.

G-Man riding the Mavs!

4♦ DALLAS

JIM FEIST

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Take CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Milwaukee has all kinds of injury problems, playing hard, but having trouble with defense and healthy bodies. They are off a 113-104 loss at home to Chicago. The Cavaliers are loaded and off one of their best defensive efforts in the last couple of months in dismantling an under-manned and transitioning Toronto team, 93-76 at Air Canada Centre. It was the fewest points the Cavs (41-11) have given up in 26 games and was highlighted by a much more aggressive and physical style defensively. That puts the Cavs on a 6-2 SU, 5-3 ATS run. They wil have little trouble outrunning and gunning the depleted Bucks. Play the Cavaliers.

DAVE COKIN

COLUMBIA / BROWN
Take COLUMBIA

Home teams seeking revenge have been doing very well this season, and Brown fits that scenario tonight as they host Columbia. But I'm going to buck the trend and look for the Lions to complete the series sweep tonight in Providence. Columbia grades out as the better team, and the Lions have been tremendous travelers recently, covering 11 of their last 14 lined road games. Brown played a terrific second half last time out as they blew out Princeton, but they really haven't been very good this season and I believe they will be hard pressed to win this contest. Lean is to Columbia plus the points.

Nick Parsons

Anaheim Ducks at Detroit Red Wings
Prediction: Over

The Red Wings continue to score a pile of goals with one of the most dominant offenses in the league. However, their defense and goaltending has lagged behind this season. That gives us value in a spot like this because the Ducks have been held back this season by their own sub-par goaltending. Jean Sebastien Giguere has had a very inconsistent season and the Ducks continue to have to try to win games with their offense. Winning games with offense is something the Red Wings have perfected. As a result, with the mindset and style of each of these clubs entering this match-up, look for a back-and-forth high-scoring affair at the Joe Louis Arena. Take a look at OVER in Detroit on Friday night.

Jimmy The Moose

Colorado Avalanche at Washington Capitals
Prediction: Over

Colorado is used to playing in low scoring games but look for tonight's to be a high-scoring game. The Avalanche have allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of their last 6 games. Tonight they play a Capitals team that in their last 9 games overall the over is a profitable 7-1-1. The over is 9-2-1 in their last 12 games vs. a team from the Western Conference. Washington has played over the total in 4 of their last 5 home games. Expect another big offensive game from the Capitals tonight resulting in the game playing over the total.

Ben Burns

New Orleans Hornets at Utah Jazz
Prediction: Utah Jazz

The situation favors the Jazz here. In addition to playing at home, Utah had last night off. New Orleans, on the other hand, comes off a game vs. the Lakers. Of course, a game vs. the Lakers isn't just any game and typically takes a toll on a team. Note that New Orleans closed out the first half by going just 4-9-1 ATS the last 14 times that it played the second of back to back games. This is more than just a back to back situation though, as the Hornets will also be playing their fourth game in five nights.

The Jazz, who just beat Boston and have one of the best homecourt advantages in the league, are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS the last five times they hosted the Hornets. Looking back further and we find them at 13-3 SU and 11-5 ATS the last 16 times that they were a host in this series. The Jazz will be the fresher team here and they should be able to continue their homecourt dominance in this series. Consider Utah

Scott Spreitzer

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks

Dallas has kicked it up a notch as of late. The Mavs are on a 7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS run over their last nine. The surge has been ignited thanks to much better play on the offensive end. Dallas averaged just 98 ppg through their first 11 games of 2009. But they are scoring 107 ppg during their last 11 outings. Both teams are short-handed. The Mavs played without Jason Terry (hand) on Wednesday and he's listed as "out indefinitely." Houston will once again have to make a go of it without Tracy McGrady, who's out for the remainder of the season. But four Mav players topped 20 points in their Wednesday win over New Jersey and they OWN Toyota Center. Dallas has won 10 of the last 13 in this arena. I believe the Mavs are in for another outright win in Houston on Friday, but my play is to take the points for insurance. I'm taking the number with Dallas on Friday.

Carlo Campanella

Game: Orlando Magic at Charlotte Bobcats
Prediction: Orlando Magic

Orlando (39-14) headed into the All-Star break in a slight slump, losing 3 of their last 5 games. They returned from the extended rest by winning at home against Charlotte (22-32) by 5 points on Tuesday night, but then went on a 2 game road trip this weekend with the second road game coming against the same Charlotte squad they met in their return. They lost in New Orleans on Wednesday, but Orlando owns a 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS record during the last 9 meetings and that success should continue when playing Charlotte twice in a 3 day span, especially on Friday in Charlotte as we find Orlando at 4-1 SU & ATS when playing in the second of back-to-back road games this season! Lay the small number with this road chalk.

7* Play On Orlando