Vegas Experts Daily Free Pick
Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic
Detroit looks to shed a two game losing streak when they take on the Magic in Orlando this evening. The good news for the Piston is that they've dominated the Magic of late in this series, winning 13 of the last 14 games straight-up on the court, including nine consecutive wins in a row. Detroit also finds themselves in one of their best roles as they are 17-3 SU & 16-4 ATS in games off back-to-back SU favorite losses, including 6-0 ATS in non-division battles in this role. And check out Orlando's horrific mark as a home dog in SU losses when playing off a win: 1-15-1 ATS in their franchise history. Put it all together and we'll look for the Motor City skid to end here in Disneyland tonight. Good luck - Marc Lawrence
Play on: Detroit
CTO
DALLAS over *Washington (NBA)...Dallas starting to put things together, winning 7 straight (5 covers) through Jan. 13. Washington's upset at American Airlines Arena (110-98 on Nov. 26) ensures a focused effort from Mavs. The Wizards have underachieved as a home dog, dropping 4 of first 5 in that role. Washington goes into this matchup off back-to-back games against New York, and often that situation detracts from preparation for the next foe, which in this case is Dallas.
DALLAS 98 - *Washington 85 RATING - 10
Big Al Comp
Georgetown -11.5 over Syracuse
Mighty Quinn
Blazers +1
Dave Cokin Comp
Spurs
Cappers Access
Georgetown
Okla St
Joe Wiz Comp
Portland CBB
Utah NBA
Michael Alexander
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves look to wrap up a three game road trip when they travel to take on the Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves come into this one on a six game losing streak and are a horrible 1-20 SU on the road. However, they have been decent versus the number going 10-11 ATS. They played Golden State less than a week ago losing SU but covering the number.
Other than being a very young team with little talent their main problem has been their defense as they are giving up a high 103 points per game on the road. Their offense hasn't been able to keep up as they score only 93 points per game.
The Golden State Warriors are back home for the first game of a three game home stand after winning three of four on the road. The Warriors have done well at home going 11-7 SU but have struggled to cover the number as they are only 8-10 ATS.
Golden State's offense has been potent at home averaging 112 points per game. However, that run and gun style has been at the expense of their defense as they give up a rather high 108 points per game at home.
SUPPORTING TRENDS: GOLDEN STATE is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) after a game where they made 12 or more 3 point shots this season. MINNESOTA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games when playing with double revenge - 2 straight losses vs. opponent over the last 2 seasons.
It might be a bit perplexing to take the Timberwolves but consider that they are 24-19 ATS versus the Warriors since 1996 including 2-1 ATS this season. I'm grabbing the points and Minnesota in this one.
Sebastian
NBA
5* Seattle
7* Atlanta
NHL
10* Phoenix
Dave Cokin.
My free pick of the day is the game between (701) SAN Spurs and (702) CHA Bobcats. Take "(701) SAN Spurs".
"The Spurs have not been sharp lately, and I've actually been mostly fading them in this recent stretch. But I like the champs tonight. Off two straight losses, they're going to play this one hard if the numbers are a good barometer. SA is 3-0 SU off two straight losses this season, and they've lost three in a row only four times in the past three seasons. Charlotte has been good at home lately, so the number isn't prohibitive here. I'll look for the Spurs to nail the win and cover in this one."
Jim Feist.
My free pick of the day is the game between (715) UTH Jazz and (716) LA Clippers. Take "(715) UTH Jazz".
The big difference between these teams? One can shoot, the other can't. The Clippers shoot 42% from the field as a team, second worst in the NBA. The young, athletic Jazz shoot 48%, second best. The Clippers have lost 11 of 14 games despite playing 7 of the last 8 at home! Utah has won 7 of 9 games, and that included a 106-88 rout of LA on January 18. Utah shot 51% and had a +9 edge in rebounds in that blowout. Play the Jazz!
Players of America
3* Charlotte Bobcats +6
3* LA Clippers +3
3* Oklahoma State +3
Burns
Big Monday GOM - Oklahoma St
Pers. Fave - Hawks
TNT GOW - Heat
Off. Explosion - Over Sea/Hou
WINNERS EDGE
NBA
NY Knicks + 8.5 , 2 units
Trail Blazers/ Hawks over 181 , 2 units
CBB
Oklahoma St. +2 , 2 units
Portland U. PK , 1 unit
LT'S Lock
The LOCK: The Hawks -1
Paul Leiner
25* Over 181.5 Atl/Port
10* Over 191.5 Dal/Wash
10* Syracuse +11.5
Arthur Ralph
Superpick: Dallas Mavericks
Regular: Oklahoma State
ATS LOCK
4 Oklahoma St. +2 1/2
3 Georgetown -11 1/2
ATS FINANCIAL
3 Santa Clara -8
James Patrick Sports
Trailblazers vs. Hawks
Portland is on a roll but this is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King and for some reason the Hawks always play a solid game on this traditional home date. Atlanta honors Dr. King with a win here.
3* Atlanta Hawks
Supersonics vs. Rockets
Rockets have apparently grown accustomed to playing without McGrady as they are 11-3 ATS since his most recent injury. The Rockets final home game of currant home stand and they are Red Hot as well.
3* Houston Rockets
Timberwolves vs. Warriors
T-Wolves are not winning many games but they are playing better under Randy Wittman and they catch the Warriors in their first game back home off an extended road trip and they will be a step slow for sure.
3* Minnesota Timberwolves
Pistons vs.Magic
The young Magicians look to break a horrible losing streak to Detroit in this game as they have dropped 9 straight to these Pistons and that includes a playoff sweep last season in the first round. This is a great time to snap the streak as Detroit has dropped 5 of 7 ATS. Young Magicians work their Magic here.
5* Pot of Gold Orlando Magic