Drew Gordon
1. 200,000* Traiblazers
2. 50,000* Marquette
3. 50,000* San Diego
FERRINGO
1.5-Unit Play. Take #722 St. Joseph's (-5) over Villanova
1-Unit Play. Take #740 Siena (-4.5) over Marist
1-Unit Play. Take #733 Gonzaga (+3) over St. Mary's
1-Unit Play. Take #738 Western Carolina (+6) over Chattanooga
Lean: Pepperdine (+3.5). If the line moves at all - up to 4.0, but especially down to 3.0 - you really may want to get on this game. Especially if it gets to 3.0.
DOC'S
4 Unit Play. #720 Take Marquette -2 ½ over Louisville
The Golden Eagles are a tough out at home having not lost a game their this season and this line is too good to pass up. They also have revenge on their mind, as they were pounded three weeks ago but Marquette has a clear edge in talent and they will come back strong on Monday. They picked up an impressive victory at Cincinnati on Saturday and will follow that up tonight.
4 Unit Play. #726 Take Kansas -18 ½ over Missouri
Usually the Tigers get up for this game with KU, but they do not have the horses to keep this close on Monday. Missou is still without Hannah and Horton and that takes away much of their scoring punch. Kansas goes for close to 100 points tonight and takes out their frustration after losing to Kansas State last week.
4 Unit Play. #734 Take Under 144 in Gonzaga @ Saint Marys
It has been a while since someone has challenged the Bulldogs in WCC play but that time has arisen and Gaels actually enter this game as the favorite. That does not concern us, as we feel this will be a low scoring hard-fought game that stays way under the posted total. The Gaels are just allowing 63 points per game and get it done with hard noise in your face defense. Gonzaga likes to pound the ball inside as well and thus this will be game decided in the fifties and we will collect with whoever comes out on top.
STRIKE POINT SPORTS
3-Unit Play. #733 Take Gonzaga +3 over St. Mary's
The Gaels may have shown a lot earlier in the season, but the underdog Zags are the better team. Gonzaga has been tested all season with games against Tennessee, Connecticut, Oklahoma and Memphis. And sandwiched on both sides of their loss to the No. 1 Tigers several Saturdays back is a stretch of eight victories where the Bulldogs have played extremely well. Gonzaga has a very talented, balanced team that is clicking at the right time. Behind point guard Jeremy Pargo and scorers Matt Bouldin, Josh Heytvelt and Austin Daye, this team can go. We'll see them score an outright win and remain perfect in WCC play.
BEN BURNS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
MARQUETTE
Game: Louisville vs. Marquette Game Time: 2/4/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Marquette Reason: I'm laying the points with MARQUETTE. The Golden Eagles come in with serious payback on their minds, as they were beaten by 20 points at Louisville a few weeks ago. As Cardinals guard Edgar Sosa noted: "They're a team that doesn't like getting beat by 20 too much. They have a lot of pride. They're ready to go to war..." While Louisville was beating up on Rutgers, the Golden Eagles won fairly easily at Cincinnati on Saturday. Note that they've also won all 12 of their home games, averaging 78.0 points in five conference home games and outscoring opponents by more than 15 points per game. With both teams having played on Saturday, it's worth noting that the Golden Eagles are 10-4 ATS the past few seasons when playing a lined game with one or less day's rest in between games. During the same stretch, the Cardinals were just 6-13 ATS in lined games when playing with one or less day's rest in between games. The Golden Eagles are 7-3 ATS (8-2 SU) the last 10 times that they were attempting to avenge an earlier road loss. They're also 9-5 ATS the last 14 times they played a lined game after holding their previous opponent to 60 points or less. In addition to playing excellent defense, the Golden Eagles have a very balanced attack. Junior guard Jerel McNeal, one of four players averaging in double-digits in scoring, had to say the following about Saturday's win: "It gives us a lot of momentum. We feel like we shouldn't lose a game at home this year." Look for a highly motivated effort from the Golden Eagles as they carry confidence from Saturday's game into tonight's game, avenge the earlier loss and improve to 5-0 ATS the last four times they were favored by four points or less. *Big East Game of the Week
KANSAS
Game: Missouri vs. Kansas Game Time: 2/4/2008 9:00:00 PM Prediction: Kansas Reason: I'm laying the points with KANSAS. Many people will think that because Missouri just beat Kansas State, the same team which recently beat Kansas, that the Tigers are going to give the Jayhawks trouble tonight. That might seem logical enough at first glance. However, it's not that simple. Kansas faced the Wildcats at Kansas State. Their instate rivals had the game circled since the schedule came out and they played at their very best. On the other hand, the Tigers got to face the Wildcats at Missouri. They also caught K-State in "letdown mode" off the big win over Kansas. Tonight, the situations are reversed. Missouri, which hasn't won consecutive games against ranked opponents since 2003, is the team which is in "letdown mode." Note that they're just 4-10 ATS the last 14 times they were coming off a conference win. The Tigers, who will still be without Stefhon Hannah (leads team with 14.7 points and 5.3 assists) are also now the team which is playing away from home. That's noteworthy as they're a poor 1-5 SU/ATS on the road for the season. The Jayhawks already won at Missouri two weeks ago and they've won eight straight against the Tigers on this floor. While last year's meeting here was close, the three previous games here were all double-digit blowouts, with the Jayhawks winning by an average of more than 23 points per game. The Jayhawks have won 19 games in a row on this floor and are outscoring opponents by a 86.4 to 57.9 margin here for the season. The Jayhawks have been laying a lot of points in each of those games but that hasn't stopped them from covering. In fact, they're 6-1 ATS their last seven games here, winning ALL seven games by a minimum of 24 points. Looking back at the past couple of seasons and we find that the Jayhawks have gone 26-16 ATS when playing a winning team after 15 or more games have been played. During the same stretch, the Tigers were just 10-19 ATS when facing a team with a winning record after 15 or more games. They're also just 4-10 ATS (1-13 SU) when attempting to avenge a home loss. I expect the Jayhawks to continue their homecourt dominance, delivering a blowout win over their hated rivals. *Personal Favorite
NBA BASKETBALL
MIAMI
Game: Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat Game Time: 2/4/2008 7:35:00 PM Prediction: Miami Heat Reason: I'm taking the points with MIAMI. The Raptors are obviously having a much better season than the Heat. However, they've never fared too well here and they're unaccustomed to laying this many points on the road. Looking back several years and we find that the Raptors have only been listed as road favorites in the -6.5 to -9 range four times. Note that they went 1-3 ATS in those games. The Raptors have also lost five straight games here in Miami and are just 4-16 the last 20 times they played here. Note that all four of those victories came by single-digits. In fact, in 10 games here since 2003, they've gone 2-8 and the two victories came by just two and three points. One of the primary reasons for the Raptors' recent struggles here is that Dwayne Wade always seems to elevate his game when they come to town. Perhaps Wade is bothered by the fact that Bosh got selected ahead of him in the Draft and is determined to play his best every time Bosh comes to town. Whatever the reason, Wade is averaging 34.8 points, 5.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 58.7 percent in his last four games against the Raptors. The Heat, 7-3 ATS the last 10 times that they were listed as home underdogs in the +6.5 to +9 range are still struggling to get victories. However, they did snap their losing streak last week and they've been highly competitive most nights with five of their last seven losses coming by single-digits. The Raptors have just four wins in their past 11 road games and all four of those victories came by 10 points or less. Facing a team they have fared well against, I expect a big effort from Wade and co. as they take this game down to the wire and earn at least the cover. *Eastern Conference Game of the Week
OVER Seattle/Chicago
Game: Chicago Bulls vs. Seattle SuperSonics Game Time: 2/4/2008 10:05:00 PM Prediction: over Reason: I'm playing on Chicago and Seattle to finish OVER the total. These teams combined for 219 points when they faced each other here at Chicago in December. They also combined for 208 points the last time that they faced each other here in Seattle. Including that game, which was here last February, the OVER is 3-1 the last four times that the Bulls played here. The Bulls had been playing some low-scoring games of late but combined with Saramento for 206 points last time out. The Sonics played a low-scoring game vs. the Knicks last time out. However, the last time they were a slight home underdog, in a game which had a similar over/under line as tonight, they combined with the Cavs for 196 points. While that game only snuck above the number, it did bring the OVER to a profitable 10-4 the last 14 times that they played a home game with an over/under line which ranged from 190 to 194.5 points. Overall, for the season, the Sonics have seen their home games average 199.6 points. I feel that tonight's number is too low and expect the OVER to improve to 9-4 the last 13 times that the Sonics were coming off a game in which they allowed 85 points or less. *Blue Chip
MTI Sports
4'* Denver
4* Tor
4* Under Port.
JB
3* Dallas
3* Denver
California Sports
4* Jazz
4* Fresno St
3* Ark. St
Billy Coleman
4* Jazz
3* Chic
3* Under Phil
4* S.Diego
3* Vill
Seabass
10* Atl
20* Hou
10* Lville
10* Phx/Col OVER
Jeff Alexander Sports Comp
1 Unit on Houston -5
Houston has won 7 of its last 8 games and 12 of its last 15. We'll take the red hot Rockets against a inferior T-Wolves team. Minnesota has played well of late, but after a big win over the Clippers, it finds itself in a letdown spot here. Minnesota is 8-18 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season, 7-19 ATS in February games over the last 3 seasons, and 15-30 ATS after playing 2 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons. Houston is 19-7 ATS in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. Side with the Rockets tonight.
Black Widow Sports Comp
1* on Seattle Supersonics +1
Seattle is starting to come together as a team finally. The Sonics own 3 straight wins now after beating the Spurs, Cavs and Bulls in succession. The Bulls are still sitting their best player in Luol Deng for tonight’s contest with Seattle. Chicago has been way out of sync without him. The Bulls are scoring a mere 83.6 points per game in their last 5 games, going 1-4 overall. Several players for Chicago will be playing hurt as well. Chicago is 1-12 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as a road underdog over the last 2 seasons. Take Seattle and the points.
InfoPlays
3* on Kansas Jayhawks -18.5
The Kansas Jayhawks finally got a taste of defeat within the last 7 days to Kansas State. If there is such a thing as a good loss, this one had to be it because now the Jayhawks are more focused then they have been all season. Missouri is 2-7 SU and ATS in road games this season. Missouri definitely doesn’t stand a chance tonight without their best player in Stefhon Hannah. Kansas is winning their home games by an average of 29 points per game this year. Missouri is 0-7 ATS after a win by 6 points or less over the last 3 seasons. Bet Kansas at home.
Wunderdog Comp
Game: N C- Greensboro at Georgia Southern
Pick: N C- Greensboro +2.5
The Spartans have now gone 10-2 in their last 12 game and are playing with confidence. Kyle Hines has been a dominating player lately. He has averaged 22 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game and 2.3 blocks per game over his last six outings. Hines had a sub-par game against Georgia Southern earlier, but the Spartans still won by 12. Georgia Southern loaded up its early schedule resulting in a 9-2 start, but has since been 5-6, which shows that they aren't as good as perhaps their record would indicate. Spartans have the edge here, so we will grab the points with a live dog.
Priceless Picks Comp
1 Unit on Chicago Bulls -1
Seattle comes into this one considerably hotter than the Bulls having won 3 in a row, but I still like Chicago tonight. The Bulls beat the Sonics by 27 in Chicago earlier this season and are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in Seattle. Seattle is 0-8 ATS in home games after 2 consecutive non-conference games over the last 2 seasons. The Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss. Seattle is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 vs. the Eastern Conference. Take the Bulls to get the Sonics again tonight.
Al McMordie
Without Sidney Crosby in the lineup, the Penguins are going to struggle to find consistency on offense. Lay the moneyline chalk on the Devils in New Jersey this evening.
Our Monday night NHL selection is on the New Jersey Devils at home over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Devils (-190) to pop Penguins
On Saturday, the Pens scored four goals in the third period to win at home 4-1 over Carolina, but were shut out in the first two periods, and their offense looked moribund until the third period explosion. Certainly, we should see that a lot throughout Sidney Crosby's absence.
I look for New Jersey to shut down Pittburgh tonight. Take the Devils.
Free Pick: Devils -190
NORTHCOAST COMPS
4* DEN/PORT UNDER
4*UTAH
ROCKDEMANSPORTS
DOG OF THE DAY
TODAY TAKE NOVA ......... they are playing cross town rival St Joe and getting pts . NOVA has played bad ball as of late but I am sure they will get up for this one
Cajun-Sports
NBA/CBB Executive Club Report
Denver at Portland
Play: 3* Denver +2.5
Play: 3* UNDER 201.5
Louisville at Marquette
Play: 3* Marquette -2
Marist at Siena
Play: 3* Siena -6
NC-Greensboro at GA Southern
Play: 3* GA Southern -2
Akmens
(NHL) Colorado -150
(CBB) TENN CHAT -5
Cash & Profit Experts
NBA
Philadelphia/Atlanta Over 187
New Orleans/Utah Over 202
CBB
Marquette -2
WAYNE ROOT
Chairman - Marquette
Millionaire - St Mary's
Rocketman Sports Comp
NC Greensboro @ Georgia Southern
Play On: 1* Georgia Southern -2
Georgia Southern is 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS as a favorite this year. Georgia Southern is 6-1 SU at home this season. Georgia Southern is scoring 82.4 points per game at home this year. Spartans are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 Monday games. Eagles are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. Eagles are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games as a favorite. Eagles are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games. Eagles are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Monday games. Eagles are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite. We'll recommend a small play on Georgia Southern tonight! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
Stephen Nover
GAME: Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat
PICK: over
Offered at: 191.5
REASON FOR PICK: This matchup sets up well for an 'over' to occur. The Raptors are averaging 109.4 points during their past five games. Chris Bosh is playing at a high offensive level, averaging 29 points during the past 10 games. Andrea Bargnani is showing signs his game is coming around scoring 28 points in Toronto's last game.
The Heat are giving up an average of 106 points during their past three games. They now have the worst record in the NBA. Their pride and morale are gone and when those two areas are lost so is the commitment to play good defense, Miami also is missing its two best rebounders, Shaquille O'Neal and Udonis Haslem.
The Heat, though, should get their share of points. They've been off since Friday. That's great news for Dwayne Wade, who has been battling the flu and needed the rest. He's averaged 34.8 points and shot better than 58 percent from the floor in his past four games versus Toronto.
The Heat probably are going to be very active before the Feb. 21 trade deadline. Ricky Davis is one player rumored to be leaving Miami. He's an outstanding scoring talent, but hasn't been a good clubhouse fit. The Heat may extend Davis' minutes in an effort to showcase him, which also helps the 'over.'
This is a two-unit play for me.