DUNKEL
Kansas at Missouri
The Jayhawks look to build on their 7-1 ATS record against conference opponents this season as they take on a Missouri team that is 0-3 ATS as a home favorite between 3 1/2 and 6 points over the last three seasons. Kansas is the underdog pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Kansas (+4).
Game 509-510: West Virginia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 73.993; Pittsburgh 79.900
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 8
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (+8)
Game 511-512: Kansas at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 72.856; Missouri 73.329
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 1
Vegas Line: Missouri by 4
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (+4)
Game 513-514: Boise State at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 55.537; Fresno State 53.163
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (+1 1/2)
Game 515-516: Loyola-MD at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 49.294; Siena 66.751
Dunkel Line: Siena by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-14 1/2)
Game 517-518: Wofford at NC Greensboro
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 46.192; NC Greensboro 47.712
Dunkel Line: NC Greensboro by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 2
Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+2)
Game 519-520: Furman at Elon
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 43.319; Elon 47.951
Dunkel Line: Elon by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Elon by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Furman (+7 1/2)
Game 521-522: Rider at Marist
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 52.838; Marist 47.608
Dunkel Line: Rider by 5
Vegas Line: Rider by 1
Dunkel Pick: Rider (-1)
Game 523-524: Iona at Manhattan
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 49.985; Manhattan 55.424
Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Manhattan by 2
Dunkel Pick: Manhattan (-2)
Game 525-526: Murray State at Eastern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 55.821; Eastern Illinois 52.415
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Murray State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Murray State (-2 1/2)
Game 527-528: Austin Peay at Tennessee Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 52.176; Tennessee Tech 50.634
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 1
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (+1)
Game 529-530: Tennessee State at Jacksonville State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 40.499; Jacksonville State 54.272
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville State by 14
Vegas Line: Jacksonville State by 12
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville State (-12)
Game 531-532: TN-Chattanooga at Samford
Dunkel Ratings: TN-Chattanooga 50.639; Samford 56.859
Dunkel Line: Samford by 6
Vegas Line: Samford by 2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (-2)
NHL
Montreal at Calgary
The Canadiens are 7-2 in non-conference games and face a Calgary team that is 0-4 in February. Montreal is the underdog pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored straight up by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+130).
Game 1-2: NY Rangers at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.768; New Jersey 11.710
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-165); Over
Game 3-4: Montreal at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.165; Calgary 11.088
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+130); Under
James Patrick Sports
Suns vs. Sixers
Our Monday selection in NBA action is the Phoenix Suns as they own a 9-3 ATS record in Philadelphia and the 76'ers are just 8-21-2 ATS their past 31 contests.
LT Profits
West Virginia +8.0
The casual observer may expect a blowout at first glance here when the fifth ranked 21-2 Pittsburgh Panthers host the unranked 16-7 West Virginia Mountaineers, but a peak at the Pomeroy Ratings actually paints a different picture.
Yes, Pomeroy has Pittsburgh at number 4, and deservedly so. The surprise however is that West Virginia is ranked number 7, mainly due to the fact that the Mountaineers rank fifth in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and a respectable 32 in adjusted offensive efficiency.
West Virginia has been a perimeter team in recent seasons, but they have changed their personality a bit this season as they rank number 11 in the nation in offensive rebound percentage, giving them more garbage second chance points than they have had in the recent past.
They must have learned a thing or two in practice about defending the perimeter in past years though, as they currently lead the country in defensive three-point percentage, limiting opponents to 26.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Now the Panthers are obviously one of the best teams in the land, and they did beat the Mounties by 12 points at Morgantown last month. But they have to guard against some complacency here, as they may get too comfortable at home where they are undefeated at 14-0, especially vs. a team they handled rather easily on the road.
However, West Virginia is a much better team than they showed that night, and the Mountaineers will be motivated by revenge in this nationally televised contest. Look for them to fight to the finish here and keep this game close.
Pick: West Virginia +8
Nelly
Philadelphia - over Phoenix
Despite the injuries Philadelphia has been playing respectable ball and recent home wins over Indiana and Miami as well as a one-point loss against Boston show a lot about the make-up of this team. Phoenix enters this game off a huge win Detroit Sunday and this makes for a tough travel situation for an aging team, facing a second straight road game in as many days. Trade rumors could also serve as a distraction and the Suns have been one of the worst ATS teams in the NBA, currently 17-29-2 on the season. Philadelphia is 11-4-2 ATS the past 17 games and the favorite is 9-2 ATS in the last eleven meetings between these teams. The 76ers are allowing 14 fewer points per game over the last five contests and are a much better defensive team against long-range shooting. Look for the Sixers to take care of business and deliver the knockout to the Suns.
Jeff Benton
Kansas at MISSOURI -4
Lost one with the Nets on Sunday, but I’m still on a 51-34 run with free plays over the past 85 days. For Monday, we’ll head to the college hardwood and back Missouri minus the points at home against Kansas.
Obviously, the Tigers have a very good basketball club this season. How else do you explain the fact that they’re laying a pretty significant number against an opponent that’s on an eight-game winning streak (7-1 ATS), all against Big 12 rivals? But I see the oddsmakers working here, because for starters, Kansas really hasn’t played a top-tier conference foe. The Jayhawks have defeated Colorado twice, Iowa State, Nebraska, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Texas A&M.
All but Kansas State and Nebraska (both 5-4) have losing conference records, and none of those seven opponents is anywhere close to threatening to break into the Top 25, as Missouri is. The Tigers are 20-4 on the season, including 7-2 in conference, and they’ve cashed in each of their last three games, including last Monday’s 69-65 upset win at then-No. 16 Texas. In fact, Missouri has defeated both ranked opponents it has played this year, having taken down No. 19 USC 83-72 back in late November. That game against the Trojans was played at Mizzou Arena, where the Tigers are a perfect 14-0 this season, including four double-digit Big 12 victories by an average margin of 26 points per game! One more note about conference play: The Tigers are averaging 86.3 ppg, scoring at least 77 points in six of the eight games versus league foes.
Last year, with a far less talented team, Missouri gave Kansas all it could handle at Mizzou Arena, losing to the eventual national champs 76-70 as a seven-point home underdog. By anyone’s measure, the Tigers are much better than last year and the Jayhawks aren’t nearly as good. Bottom line: With this game being on national TV, the students at Missouri are going to be extremely fired up and will give the Tigers the biggest home-court edge they’ve had all season. If the players handle the pressure early on, I have little doubt they’ll hand Kansas its first Big 12 defeat.
4♦ MISSOURI
Gina
Houston Rockets at Milwaukee Bucks
The Houston Rockets have struggle away from home, just 3-8 in their last 11 road games, but have been sucessful against the Milwaukee Bucks. Houston has won eight straight meetings versus the Rockets and four of its last five at the Bradley Center. Go with the Rockets to continue their dominance over the Bucks. Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games versus Milwaukee.
Houston Rockets -5½
John Ryan
Rider vs. Marist
Play: Marist +1.5
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Marist as they host Rider slated to start at 7:30 EST. Marist has a 90% probability of getting between 40 and 44 total rebounds. Note that Marist is a solid 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when they grab 40 to 44 rebounds in a game over the last 2 seasons. Rider is in a weak role noting they are 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after having won 3 of their last 4 games over the last 2 seasons and HC Dempsey is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games after having won 3 of their last 4 games. Rider also in a weak money line role noting they are just 8-15 against the money line (-11.4 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 3 seasons.
Dennis Macklin
Austin Peay at Tennessee Tech
Prediction: Austin Peay
It's getting to that time of the year when the OVC starts playing three games in five nights. That's the situation tonight for several OVC teams including Austin Peay at Tenn Tech. The Guvs have lost last two roadies but are still 5-2 SU and ATS overall on the conference road. TTech has lost three of four at home. In Jan 22 first meeting, Peay win by 16 despite Tech knocking down 11-25 treys. In virtual pick 'em, Austin Peay rates solid nod here.
DUNKEL
Houston at Milwaukee
The Rockets look to build on their 4-1 ATS record against the Bucks over the last three seasons. Houston is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-5 1/2).
Game 501-502: Phoenix at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 116.425; Philadelphia 117.018
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3 1/2; 210
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+3 1/2); Under
Game 503-504: LA Clippers at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 114.790; Charlotte 114.685
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 201 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 2 1/2; 194
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+2 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: New Orleans at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 115.572; Memphis 113.402
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 1; 186
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+1); Over
Game 507-508: Houston at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.776; Milwaukee 113.285
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 7 1/2; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 5 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-5 1/2); Over
Sports Gambling Hotline
Kansas +4 at MISSOURI
Tonight, take the points with Kansas, as there is no reason a team that has won the last 5 series meetings should be getting more than a basket.
Each time Missouri thinks they have the Jayhawks number, they get beat back by their conference rival, and tonight we expect history to repeat itself.
Mizzou is red-hot right now, but Kansas isn't too shabby either, as the Jayhawks have won their last 8 games, and KU has also covered in 5 of their 9 lined road games this season.
Sure Missouri is itching to end their long series drought, and maybe they will do so, but we just don't see a Missouri win coming by more than a basket tonight, making the points the play.
Play on the Jayhawks plus what we feel are a generous amount of points tonight in Columbia.
1♦ KANSAS
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit West Virginia/Pitt UNDER 136.5
Both of these teams are very good on the defensive end with WVU holding its opponents to 60.6 points and Pitt holding its opponents to 61.9 points per game this season. WVU has recorded 4 straight unders and it knows that if it wants a chance tonight, it is going to have to be at its best defensively. With Pitt scoring 79 in the first meeting, expect to see a much better defensive effort from the Mountaineers here. Pitt is 12-4 UNDER vs. top caliber teams - outscoring their opponents by 12+ points/game over the last 2 seasons with the average score totaling 131.2 in these spots. Pitt is also 8-1 UNDER after 3 straight wins by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons. Bet the Under.
Dave Price
1 Unit Suns/76ers UNDER 212
With Phoenix playing at Detroit Sunday, I expect tired legs to effect the offense tonight to keep this one under. Philly has been under the century mark in 4 straight and 6 of its last 7. Philly is 7-3 Under in its last 10 games and the Under is a perfect 2-0 in this matchup in the last 2 meetings in Philly. Plays Under on any team (PHILADELPHIA) - after going under the total by 24 or more points total in their last three games, in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are 79-39 the last 5 seasons. Philly is only allowing 92.8 ppg at home and I like its strong defense to limit the Suns offense tonight.
Big Al Mcmordie
Kansas at Missouri
Prediction: Missouri
At 9 pm, our member selection is on the Missouri Tigers minus the points over Kansas. The Jayhawks are off to a surprising 8-0 start in Big 12 Conference play (its best start in four seasons), but coach Bill Self's team is beginning its toughest stretch of its schedule, as it will play three of its next five games on the road, including a date at #2-ranked Oklahoma, which is a half-game in front of Kansas in the Conference standings. Although KU has won five straight in this "border war," getting its sixth straight victory will be tough tonight, as Mizzou has a strong 20-4 record, and has won three straight, and seven of eight. The Tigers have also defeated both of its Top 25-ranked opponents this year (including an upset of Texas in Austin). Overall, Missouri has won 15 straight home games, and I look for a blowout in Columbia tonight. Lay the points.
Scott Rickenbach
Houston Rockets at Milwaukee Bucks
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
The old "ugly home dog" theory is at work here. Who is going to want the Bucks in a spot like this? Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, and Luke Ridnour are all out for the Bucks. The Rockets, conversely, are healthy. So, why invest in the Bucks in a spot like this? Because the wounded dog is often the one that bites the hardest! The fact is that these ugly home dog, where other players are getting rare opportunities or extra minutes, are often the precise situations where upsets happen. Milwaukee played much better than expected against Detroit on Saturday night but they fell just short in overtime and had to settle for a "moral" victory. Here, the Bucks once again have "upset" on their minds and they have confidence from how well they played versus the Pistons. This team can still put up points and that makes them very tough to put away...especially when they are on their home floor. Certainly we're not going to deny that the Rockets are the superior team in this match-up. However, we will say that it is the Bucks that hold the situational and motivational edges and that goes a long way in a game like this. Consider a small play on Milwaukee plus the points on Monday night.
Ron Raymond
MON vs CAL
Take your pick of the stat you want to confirm your pick on the Flames, as they are 11-2 SU as a home team - Last 3 years - After a non division game and coming off a 2 game Home stand. Plus, here?s a NHL SYSTEM that is 16-2 SU (Straight up) the Last 2 Years for the home favorite Flames; Whenever you have a NHL Team played as a home team (CGY) - Before a non division game - Coming off a 2 game Home stand and coming off a Home loss as a Favorite; The Home Fave has won 16 of the 18 games in this spot L2Y. Plus, the Flames are caught in a 4 game losing streak and a date with a Northeast opponent is what the doctor ordered tonight, as they are 10-0 SU vs. Northeast teams in their last 10 meetings at home. Plus, if you want to use the ?Revenge angle?, the Flames lost 4-1 to the Habs at the Bell Centre on Dec 9th and it was I game attended and it could be payback this evening at the Saddledome. Calgary dominated the first period in that game, but Halak was outstanding. Had it not been for Halak standing on his head in the first period, the outcome would have been different for Calgary. Play the Flames tonight.
Prediction: Calgary 4 Montreal 1