Jake Timlin
First game of the best of three CBI tournament I like Oregon State plus the point at home tonight. Yes the Beavers still have a losing record, but they are close to evening up their record thanks to playing all three of their tournament games at home with wins over Houston, Vermont and Stanford. With those three wins Oregon State has now won their last 5 home games where they have cashed in each of those five games. Even better for the Oregon State is 12 of their 16 wins on the season have come in Corvallis. So discounting what the Minors have done on the road as of late I look for the Beavers to defend their home court tonight as they open the best of three series with a home win.
PICK: Oregon State Beavers
Tony Weston
Today's Selection:
OK, so we were off a little yesterday and took a loss. But hey, we came through in five straight days before yesterday as we’re still 5-1 our last 6 days out and are 13-5 our last 18 overall.
We’re getting back on the winning track tonight as we’re coming through with some NBA action where we’re taking the New York Knicks on the road at the Utah Jazz.
New York comes into this game as about an 11-point underdog and will cover easily at the Jazz.
Consider that coming into this game the Knicks have covered in 8 straight games against the Jazz and have covered in 7 straight when installed as an underdog against Utah.
But when it comes to catching points, the Knicks have been a money maker, as they’ve covered in 27 of their last 39 games overall when installed as a ’dog and have covered in 18 of their last 25 when catching points on the road.
Now New York battles a Jazz team that has covered in only 2 of its last 8 games overall and has covered only once in its last 6 home games.
The Jazz are also on a 4-game ATS losing streak against the Eastern Conference and will fail to cover again tonight.
Take the points and take the Knicks in this one tonight.
3♦ KNICKS
Craig Davis
Well, the good news is we’re still on a very good run over the last nine days, even after yesterday’s uncharacteristic 0-3 day. Tonight we get away from the Big Dance to focus on another post-season college basketball tourney and one game in the NBA.
I will say this… our free play winners are on fire as we nailed another FREE PLAY winner on the Cleveland Cavs yesterday, making it nine wins in 13 days with our free plays. Tonight we make it 10 of 14 with a free play winner on the NY Knicks.
New York isn’t as talented as Utah, I realize that. But to ask the Jazz to really be concerned about blowing out the Knicks tonight is absolutely ludicrous. Here’s how I envision this game breaking down. Utah will win the first quarter and likely hold a comfortable halftime lead. Once they realize they have this game well in hand, they’ll start resting their starters (especially Carlos Boozer) in the fourth quarter while New York keeps their starters on the floor. Jerry Sloan wants to be 100% fresh entering the NBA Playoffs and will do whatever he can to win the game tonight while allowing his starters ample time to rest. After a grueling overtime win over Phoenix over the weekend, you can bet that’s the only thing on his mind. I believe 11 points is just too much to ask of Utah tonight, as they’ll probably walk out of Salt Lake City tonight with a 7 or 8-point win. We’ll take it… and make it another FREE PLAY WINNER.
2♦ NEW YORK
GINA
Orlando Magic at Miami Heat
Orlando has won 11 of the last 12 meetings against Miami, going 9-2-1 ATS. However, they haven't been successful in South Beach, dropping 12 of its last 20. Go with All-Star guard Dwyane Wade and crew tonight in a close battle at American Airlines Arena. The home team in this state rivalry has covered the spread in the last four meetings and Miami has won their last six home games, 5-1 ATS.
Miami Heat +2½
Johnny Guild
New York Knicks at Utah Jazz
The Jazz at home and are a very tough team to defeat. Utah has won 14 straight at home and is an outstanding 31-6 in Salt Lake City. In spite of this, Utah has lost six of the last eight contests against the Knicks and has been a very unprofitable bet against them. The Knicks have covered the spread in the last 8 games versus Utah and is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 clashes at EnergySoulutions Arena. Take the Knicks to cover the generous 11-points. New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 road games. Meanwhile, Utah is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games, 1-5 ATS in its last 6 at home.
New York Knicks +11
NCAAB
Texas-El Paso Miners -1
Mr A
Orlando Magic -2½
Golden State Warriors -5½
Michael Cannon
Orlando at MIAMI +2'
Take the points with the Heat tonight when they host the Magic.
Orlando has already wrapped up its playoff berth, so I don’t expect them to go all out against a Miami team that is trying to clinch a spot itself.
The Heat have been solid at home recently, winning six straight (5-1 ATS) and nine of 10 (7-3 ATS). They are averaging 112 points per game in their last 11, which explains their high rate of success against the number.
Orlando is just 1-3 ATS in its last four and in this rivalry the home team has won and covered all three meetings this season.
Take the Heat plus the small number as they get it done at home.
4♦ MIAMI
Drew Gordon
New York +11 at UTAH
Good spot to back the Knicks, as despite the Jazz's outstanding record in Salt Lake, this is simply too many points to lay. You see, while Utah is a solid 21-16 ATS at home, the Knicks are an even better 21-13-1 ATS on the road, and coming off an ugly loss at Charlotte, they present too much value to ignore in this spot.
We saw with recent SU home wins against the Suns and Wizards (Jazz went 0-2 ATS in those contests), that Vegas isn't simply going to let Utah-backers play their team at home without a paying a price. Once again, we see that here tonight, as the line on this contest is just as bloated, especially when you consider the Knicks beat the Jazz already once this season - 107-99 back in November.
Of course, the Knicks look a lot different now then they did back in their last meeting, but I believe most of their changes have been for the better, as coach D'Antoni revamped his roster to better fit his style of play. New York's defense has still be atrocious, but with the generous point spread, I'm counting on their offense to keep this game within the number. Note, the Knicks are avergaing a solid 105 ppg over their last 5 games!
Finally, from a trend standpoint, there's one that stands out abvove all the rest... The Knicks are a perfect 8-0 ATS in their last 8 meetings with the Jazz! Not to mention, New York is also a sterling 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 roadies, so underestimate their value here at your own risk! Knicks are the play for me!
Take the NY Knicks plus the points over the Jazz in this NBA match up.
2♦ NY KNICKS
Sportsbob
Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat
Take Miami +3 for 4 Units
When the Magic and the Heat play there is always tons of emotion. The Magic of course have the superior record and are bound to make it deep into the playoffs this year, however, Miami hasn't lost a game at home in a month and super star Dwayne Wade is at the top of his game right now. Wade always puts up great numbers against Orlando. Miami is coming off Saturday's 102-85 rout of Milwaukee, easily covering as an 8½-point home favorite to end an 0-2 SU and ATS slide (both on the road). The Heat have defended their home court quite well recently, winning six straight (5-1 ATS) and nine of 10 (7-3 ATS) at American Airlines Arena. In their last 11 home games, the Heat are averaging 112 points per game, reaching triple digits nine times.
UTEP vs Oregon State
Take Oregon State +1 for 4 Units
UTEP has a better record in a signifcantly worse conference. Oregon State has been beat up all season and now finally has a healthy squad. The Beavers have had the experience of playing a much more difficult schedule and managed a respectble record....they are 12-7 at home and should not have any issues shutting down the offensive attack of the Miners. UTEP has a great pace that is difficult for the other CUSA teams to keep up with, but Oregon State is very acustomed to having to play great defense against truely great teams. This is as much a play for the Pac10 as it is a play for the Beavers.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Take New Jersey Devils (moneyline -110) for 4 Units
It is make or break time for the Devils tonight. They gunning to hold onto their Division's top spot, while the Rangers are unlikely to even make the playoffs. These two teams have a ton of bad blood, as the Rangers eliminated the Devils from the playoffs last year and with the talent level most certainly reversed this year its pay back time. Jersy's Brodeaur has been very effective against the Rangers going 1-5-3 in his last nine games and now that he is back this season he is truely at the top of his game. Look for total domination tonight as the Devils make the short trip to New York. This game is priced right and offers a excellent value in this situation.