Tom Freese
Washington at Portland
Portland is 6-2 ATS their last 8 games vs. losing teams and they are 6-2 ATS off an ATS loss in their last game. The Trailblazers are 4-1 ATS after allowing 100 or more points in their last game and they are 5-2 ATS off a straight up loss. Washington is 2-10 ATS off a double digit loss and they are 2-7 ATS their last 9 games overall. The Wizards are 9-21 ATS when playing with one day of rest and they are 4-10 ATS off an ATS loss. PLAY ON PORTLAND -
Jimmy The Moose
New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: New York Knicks
The Kincks played and beat-up on the Grizzlies last night at home. New York is now 5-2 SU and ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Kicks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games as a road dog. New York is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games overall as a dog. In their last 13 road games the Knicks are 9-4 ATS. Philadelphia has been red-hot of late going 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games but expect a rusty team tonight. The 76ers haven't played since January 19th and in their last 5 games with 3 or more days of rest between action the 76ers are 4-1 ATS. Too many points in this one so play the Knicks +.
Brian Hansen
Cleveland Cavaliers at Utah Jazz
Prediction: Utah Jazz
While the Cleveland Cavaliers' home winning streak has gotten most of the publicity this season, the Utah Jazz have quietly built a lengthy string of home victories despite a multitude of injuries. Utah (25-18) seeks its eighth straight win at EnergySolutions Arena on Saturday against the Cavaliers (33-8), who hope to end their four-game Western road trip with three consecutive victories; all that being said I look for the Jazz to sneak away with the ATS victory tonight. In fact Utah is an awesome 3-0 ATS as a home favorite of 3 points or less; play on UTAH!
DUNKEL
Xavier at LSU
The Tigers look to build on their 5-1 ATS record at home against an Xavier team that is just 2-3 ATS versus the SEC over the last three seasons. LSU is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: LSU (-3).
Game 513-514: Maryland at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 63.931; Duke 81.899
Dunkel Line: Duke by 18
Vegas Line: Duke by 16
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-16)
Game 515-516: Villanova at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 67.730; South Florida 64.665
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 3
Vegas Line: Villanova by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+6 1/2)
Game 517-518: Northeastern at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 57.614; Old Dominion 59.825
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 4
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (+4)
Game 519-520: Auburn at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 60.999; Arkansas 68.513
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (-4 1/2)
Game 521-522: Texas Tech at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 57.007; Missouri 72.995
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 16
Vegas Line: Missouri by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (+17 1/2)
Game 523-524: Georgia State at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 45.322; Delaware 53.399
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 8
Vegas Line: Delaware by 5
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-5)
Game 525-526: Loyola-Chicago at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 52.582; Detroit 53.307
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1
Vegas Line: Detroit by 3
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (+3)
Game 527-528: DePaul at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 55.785; Marquette 75.900
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 20
Vegas Line: Marquette by 17
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (-17)
Game 529-530: Drake at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 54.133; Creighton 67.772
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Creighton by 10
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-10)
Game 531-532: Kansas at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 71.944; Iowa State 61.071
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 11
Vegas Line: Kansas by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-7 1/2)
Game 533-534: WI-Milwaukee at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 55.625; Butler 72.347
Dunkel Line: Butler by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Butler by 13
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-13)
Game 535-536: NC State at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 61.824; Boston College 65.375
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston College by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC State (+5 1/2)
Game 537-538: Bowling Green at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 51.311; Ohio 61.837
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 8
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (-8)
Game 539-540: Central Michigan at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 45.567; Northern Illinois 50.154
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 6
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+6)
Game 541-542: Kentucky at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 72.575; Alabama 63.686
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 9
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-6 1/2)
Game 543-544: Rice at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 49.886; UAB 65.780
Dunkel Line: UAB by 16
Vegas Line: UAB by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+19 1/2)
Game 545-546: Memphis at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 72.562; Tennessee 70.548
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+3 1/2)
Game 547-548: Columbia at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 45.840; Cornell 62.722
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 17
Vegas Line: Cornell by 15
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-15)
Game 549-550: Utah at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 66.922; UNLV 68.883
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 5
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+5)
Game 551-552: Oklahoma State at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 67.914; Nebraska 70.065
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 2
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (+4 1/2)
Game 553-554: Wisconsin at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 65.440; Illinois 76.822
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (-6 1/2)
Game 555-556: Buffalo at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 58.468; Miami (OH) 63.037
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+8 1/2)
Game 557-558: William & Mary at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: William & Mary 47.840; Drexel 59.213
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Drexel by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (-7 1/2)
Game 559-560: Louisiana Tech at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 52.237; Boise State 58.743
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Boise State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (+8 1/2)
Game 561-562: Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 54.453; Eastern Michigan 46.574
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 8
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 4
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (-4)
Game 563-564: George Mason at VA Commonwealth
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 60.701; VA Commonwealth 65.151
Dunkel Line: VA Commonwealth by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: VA Commonwealth by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+6 1/2)
Game 565-566: Baylor at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 67.794; Oklahoma 76.621
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 9
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-7 1/2)
Game 567-568: Florida State at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 65.547; Virginia 64.643
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 1
Vegas Line: Virginia by 1
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (+1)
Game 569-570: LaSalle at Massachusetts
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 57.010; Massachusetts 63.537
Dunkel Line: Massachusetts by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Massachusetts by 4
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (-4)
Game 571-572: UCLA at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 73.015; Washington 75.554
Dunkel Line: Washington by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Washington
Game 573-574: East Carolina at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 53.045; SMU 53.771
Dunkel Line: SMU by 1
Vegas Line: SMU by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+4 1/2)
Game 575-576: Southern Illinois at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 58.725; Illinois State 64.834
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 6
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (+7 1/2)
Game 577-578: Portland at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 53.977; Pepperdine 43.449
Dunkel Line: Portland by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Portland by 8
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-8)
Game 579-580: Oregon at California
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 58.331; California 70.378
Dunkel Line: California by 12
Vegas Line: California by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+13 1/2)
Game 581-582: Houston at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 65.453; Arizona 68.933
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona by 6
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+6)
Game 583-584: Mississippi State at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 66.571; Georgia 62.198
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-2 1/2)
Game 585-586: Kansas State at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 63.069; Colorado 54.911
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 8
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-6)
Game 587-588: Colorado State at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 51.566; Wyoming 56.970
Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Wyoming by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+7 1/2)
Game 589-590: Charlotte at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 55.045; Temple 68.473
Dunkel Line: Temple by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-10 1/2)
Game 591-592: Iowa at Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 58.502; Penn State 68.952
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Penn State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-6 1/2)
Game 593-594: USC at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: USC 66.066; Washington State 69.953
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 4
Vegas Line: Washington State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-1)
Game 595-596: St. Joseph's at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 59.784; Pennsylvania 47.729
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 12
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-9)
Game 597-598: Illinois-Chicago at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 56.834; Wright State 63.743
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 7
Vegas Line: Wright State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-4)
Game 599-600: Rutgers at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 56.078; St. John's 62.116
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 6
Vegas Line: St. John's by 5
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-5)
Game 601-602: Connecticut at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 74.789; Notre Dame 72.277
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 1
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-1)
Game 603-604: NC Wilmington at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 37.237; Towson 52.734
Dunkel Line: Towson by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Towson by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Towson (-11 1/2)
Game 605-606: Hofstra at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 51.717; James Madison 60.375
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 7
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (-7)
Game 607-608: Dartmouth at Harvard
Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 37.926; Harvard 58.960
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 21
Vegas Line: Harvard by 15
Dunkel Pick: Harvard (-15)
Game 609-610: Indiana State at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 51.605; Bradley 63.731
Dunkel Line: Bradley by 12
Vegas Line: Bradley by 11
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (-11)
Game 611-612: Kent State at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 57.379; Akron 59.947
Dunkel Line: Akron by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Akron by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (+4 1/2)
Game 613-614: Gonzaga at Loyola Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 69.858; Loyola Marymount 42.224
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 26
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-26)
Game 615-616: Troy at Arkansas Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 47.269; Arkansas Little Rock 57.326
Dunkel Line: Arkansas Little Rock by 10
Vegas Line: Arkansas Little Rock by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas Little Rock (-7 1/2)
Game 617-618: Florida Atlantic at Arkansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 47.369; Arkansas State 53.851
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+10)
Game 619-620: Northwestern at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 60.353; Michigan 69.340
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 9
Vegas Line: Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan (-5 1/2)
Game 621-622: Middle Tennessee State at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 57.634; New Orleans 51.201
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 8
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+8)
Game 623-624: Xavier at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 69.096; LSU 74.168
Dunkel Line: LSU by 5
Vegas Line: LSU by 3
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-3)
Game 625-626: Mississippi at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 59.960; South Carolina 66.536
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (+10 1/2)
Game 627-628: New Mexico at TCU
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 64.991; TCU 64.734
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 3
Dunkel Pick: TCU (+3)
Game 629-630: Texas A&M at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 62.876; Texas 74.059
Dunkel Line: Texas by 11
Vegas Line: Texas by 13
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+13)
Game 631-632: WI-Green Bay at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 60.589; Valparaiso 54.963
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 6
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (-4 1/2)
Game 633-634: Florida International at UL Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 48.751; UL Monroe 48.903
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: UL Monroe by 3
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+3)
Game 635-636: South Alabama at UL Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 50.008; UL Lafayette 51.610
Dunkel Line: UL Lafayette by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL Lafayette (+1 1/2)
Game 637-638: San Diego State at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 64.387; BYU 73.918
Dunkel Line: BYU by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 7
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-7)
Game 639-640: Tulsa at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 64.925; UTEP 66.726
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+4 1/2)
Game 641-642: Western Kentucky at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 58.136; Denver 53.190
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 5
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-3 1/2)
Game 643-644: UC-Santa Barbara at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 50.565; Pacific 58.915
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-7 1/2)
Game 645-646: Oregon State at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 57.545; Stanford 72.011
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 16
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+16)
Game 647-648: Cal Poly at UC Davis
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 43.155; UC Davis 57.757
Dunkel Line: UC Davis by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: UC Davis by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC Davis (-9 1/2)
Game 649-650: UC-Irvine at CS-Northridge
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 48.882; CS-Northridge 59.977
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 11
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (-9 1/2)
Game 651-652: Fresno State at San Jose State
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 50.460; San Jose State 54.267
Dunkel Line: San Jose State by 4
Vegas Line: San Jose State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (+6 1/2)
Game 653-654: New Mexico State at Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 56.029; Idaho 59.944
Dunkel Line: Idaho by 4
Vegas Line: Idaho by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (-1 1/2)
Game 655-656: UC-Riverside at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 48.840; Long Beach State 61.436
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-9)
Game 657-658: Utah State at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 62.966; Hawaii 51.779
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 11
Vegas Line: Utah State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-9)
Game 659-660: Niagara at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 58.276; Siena 64.390
Dunkel Line: Siena by 6
Vegas Line: Siena by 8
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (+8)
Game 661-662: Samford at NC Greensboro
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 49.552; NC Greensboro 47.996
Dunkel Line: Samford by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Samford
Game 663-664: College of Charleston at The Citadel
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 55.223; The Citadel 51.619
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 6
Dunkel Pick: The Citadel (+6)
Game 665-666: Western Carolina at Appalachian State
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 48.695; Appalachian State 50.622
Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 2
Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+4 1/2)
Game 667-668: Eastern Illinois at Tennessee Martin
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 48.799; Tennessee Martin 57.318
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Martin by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee Martin by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+9 1/2)
Game 669-670: TN-Chattanooga at Elon
Dunkel Ratings: TN-Chattanooga 53.113; Elon 45.639
Dunkel Line: TN-Chattanooga by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: TN-Chattanooga by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: TN-Chattanooga (-3 1/2)
Game 671-672: Furman at Georgia Southern
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 37.454; Georgia Southern 49.827
Dunkel Line: Georgia Southern by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Furman (+13 1/2)
Game 673-674: Wofford at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 51.638; Davidson 70.372
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 19
Vegas Line: Davidson by 21
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (+21)
Game 675-676: Eastern Kentucky at Morehead State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 48.385; Morehead State 55.432
Dunkel Line: Morehead State by 7
Vegas Line: Morehead State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (-3 1/2)
Game 677-678: Montana State at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 47.181; Southern Mississippi 66.811
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-14 1/2)
Game 679-680: Weber State at Northern Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 54.595; Northern Arizona 56.019
Dunkel Line: Northern Arizona by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Arizona by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Weber State (+3 1/2)
Game 681-682: SE Missouri State at Murray State
Dunkel Ratings: SE Missouri State 38.713; Murray State 56.916
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 18
Vegas Line: Murray State by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: SE Missouri State (+18 1/2)
Game 683-684: Jacksonville State at Austin Peay
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 45.515; Austin Peay 57.400
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 12
Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (-9 1/2)
Game 685-686: Tennessee Tech at Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 48.144; Tennessee State 53.042
Dunkel Line: Tennessee State by 5
Vegas Line: Tennessee State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (-1)
Game 687-688: Manhattan at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 48.396; Iona 55.506
Dunkel Line: Iona by 7
Vegas Line: Iona by 4
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-4)
Game 689-690: Idaho State at Sacramento State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 52.994; Sacramento 39.599
Dunkel Line: Idaho State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Idaho State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (-8)
Game 691-692: Eastern Washington at Portland State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Washington 44.286; Portland State 62.745
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Portland State by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (-15 1/2)
Chip Chirimbes
Northwestern vs. Michigan
Play: Michigan -6
This game is a matter of numbers. Northwestern who is 10-6 on the season have pulled off three straight 'cover losing to Purdue by two after having a 12 point lead in the second half, while beating Minnesota 74-65 and breaking Michigan State's 28 home court winning streak with a 70-62 outright win. Michigan number are just the opposite as they have lost three straight both straight up and against the points. As far as the series goes Michigan has 'covered' nine of the last 11. Take the WOLVERINES! straight
Jeff Alexander Sports
1 Unit on Nebraska -3
Oklahoma State has dropped 2 in a row and now it takes on a Nebraska team that is always strong at home. The Huskers are 2-0 at home in Big 12 play this season and 11-1 at home on the season. Oklahoma State is 5-14 ATS as a road underdog or pick over the last 3 seasons and 2-12 ATS after scoring 40 points or more in the first half in 2 straight games since 1997. Nebraska is 10-2 ATS in home games off a cover where they lost straight up as an underdog since 1997. The Huskers gave the Sooners all they wanted and more in a game they were supposed to be blown out in. That game gives Nebraska plenty of confidence heading back home. We'll lay the points.
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
New York Knicks @ Philadelphia
We seemed to put a jinx on New York when we wrote them up right here last week. In that write-up we mentioned that the Knicks were playing some of their best basketball of the season at the time of the writing. Of course they proceeded to endure a mini two game losing streak but note that the defeats versus Philadelphia and at Washington were both tighter losses than what the final scores showed. The Knicks also bounced back with a strong effort at home versus Chicago on Monday and they knocked off the Bulls. The fact is that despite some recent losses, they’ve made some adjustments to starters, playing time, and rotation. It appears that New York head coach D’Antoni is finally getting all the right pieces in place and has figured out the best way to match guys up. At the time of this writing, the Knicks are coming off of the big win over Chicago and that’s a Bulls team that is much healthier than it use be and New York deserves some credit for that one! The Knicks have a solid frontcourt that is playing aggressively and has found out how well they can perform as a team when they play defense and rebound! That is the key to New York because certainly the offense is there for the Knicks! New York has always had a high powered attack that has now been enhanced with D’Antoni running the show. However, the real key of enhancement for this Knicks team is finally playing a little team defense and crashing the boards hard. Look for another big effort on Saturday as they are catching the Sixers at the perfect time to get a big upset win on the road. New York will be off of what should be a rather “non-taxing” home game versus Memphis while Philadelphia will be coming off of a lengthy four day layoff that could have let some of the “wind out of their sails” as an extended break is the last thing the Sixers needed right now. They had been rolling with win after win and then they lost at Dallas. That tight loss to the Mavs is something they would like to atone for right away and they can’t and it is likely to leave the 76’ers a little “rusty” for this Atlantic Division battle. Play ON New York
Nelly
Utah + over UNLV
UNLV enters this game off an amazing win over BYU, a game they trailed considerably early but then put together a furious second half to win in one of the toughest venues in the nation. The Rebels have a very nice team this season but have been prone to slipping up in questionable situations, losing to Colorado State, TCU on the road and dropping two non-conference home games against California and Cincinnati. UNLV has risen up for a few big wins this year but this looks like a tough spot despite being at home. Utah has won six of the last seven games and despite losing six games already this season the Utes have great potential. Utah played a very tough non-conference schedule and owns wins over Mississippi, Missouri State, Oregon, and Gonzaga. Statistically Utah has been the superior team despite the tough schedule, scoring more and allowing fewer points per game. Utah is allowing opponents to shoot just 38 percent on the season while hitting nearly 49 percent on the offensive end, some of the best overall numbers in the nation. UNLV won both meetings between these teams but both games were very close, being decided by seven points or less. UNLV is just 3-6 ATS at home this season and this looks like a clear letdown spot for a team that has been unreliable as a favorite.
James Patrick Sports
Northwestern vs. Michigan
The Wildcats of Northwestern are starting to catch some attention but again they are installed as healthy underdogs this evening at Chysler Arena in Ann Arbor against the Wolverines in Big Ten action. The Purple Cats are 4-1 ATS on the road and we'll grab the points as our Saturday NCAA College Basketball selection is Northwestern Wildcats.
Ben Burns
Auburn at Arkansas
Prediction: Arkansas
A terrific 12-1 start to the season for Arkansas culminated with an impressive win over Texas on Tuesday, January 6th. Knocking off such a highly ranked team was made even more impressive by the fact that the Razorbacks had knocked off the Sooners the prior Tuesday. That was two big wins in a span of a week and, after a flying under the radar for much of the first part of the season, despite winning game after game, the Razorbacks suddenly went from being the hunter to becoming the hunted. As one might expect, a letdown was looming after knocking off the Longhorns. Sure enough, Arkansas lost at home by 14 points against Mississippi State. Most disappointing about the loss was the fact that the Razorbacks only scored 56 points. Keep in mind they scored 96 points against Oklahoma. Also, how could an Arkansas defense that allowed just 61 points to the mighty Longhorns suddenly allow Mississippi State to put up 70 points on them? Of course the answer here is all about the motivation. The Razorbacks simply fell flat after two big recent wins resulted in them getting a little bit "ahead of themselves". Now, what many bettors and handicappers alike are expecting to see this Saturday is an Arkansas team that will struggle, as they are mired in a three game losing streak. However, the Razorbacks simply fell short emotionally against the Bulldogs and then lost a pair of road games including one against a ranked Florida team. Now, they're back home and hosting an Auburn team that they've beaten five straight times in Arkansas. Also, the Razorbacks swept the series last season and the Tigers are struggling on the road this season.
When playing away from home, the Tigers just don't seem comfortable with their shot. That makes it very tough to win in the SEC. From behind the arc, the shooting woes aren't confined to just at home either. The Tigers finally had a big game shooting the 3-ball against Alabama. However, prior to that win, Auburn's last four games had seen them make just 21 of 82 three pointers. After the win over the Crimson Tide, the Tigers returned to their recent struggles as they were outrebounded by a nearly 2 to 1 ratio by Kentucky. They also couldn't guard the Wildcats without fouling them. Kentucky ended up with 32 free throw attempts while the Tigers managed to earn just six. Now Auburn must travel to another locale where they've had very little success and, with Arkansas coming off of three straight losses, the Tigers figure to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Consider laying the points.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Kansas -7
Since losing at Michigan State, the Jayhawks have responded by thumping each of their next three opponents. ISU has been strong at Hilton this season, but a young,hungry Jayhawks team will be too much Saturday. KU has won 4 straight over the last 3 seasons, winning each of the last 3 by double digits. Kansas is 9-1 ATS versus very good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=39% over the last 2 seasons, winning these games by an average score of 80.3 to 60.1. The Jayhawks struggled on the road early against good teams but they are playing with a lot of confidence now and ready to keep rolling. Lay the points.
#1 Sports
UCLA @ Washignton
UCLA (14-3, 4-1 PAC10) The Bruins were positively stymied last Saturday at Pauley Pavilion by Arizona State’s match up zone defense. UCLA were held scoreless in the final 8:06 of regulation and managed little more in overtime before finally falling 58-61 to end their 9-game win streak. Usually it’s the defense of Coach Ben Howland’s (140-48 in 6th season in Los Angeles) crew that turns opposing offenses inside out with just 58.6 points allowed per game on 43.4 % shooting from the field and 30.7 % behind the arc. Bringing most of the heat is the squad’s leading scorer and assist man 6’0” senior PG Darren Collison (14.9p, 2.4r, 5.4a) with 30 of the team’s 146 steals (vs. just 76 allowed). Your basic coach-on-the-court kind of kid, Collison (22 of 50 from 3-point, 60 of 63 from the line) drives an offensive attack that racks 75.5 points per game on deadly shooting marks of 49.7% from the field and 37.4% from downtown and is one of three serious deep threats along with fellow starter 6’5” 220 senior G/F Josh Shipp (12.1p, 2.9r, 20 of 56 from 3-point) and designated bomber off the bench 6’5” 200 junior G/F Michael Roll (7.9p, 30 of 57 from 3-point). Losing players like Kevin Love, Luc Richard Mbaha Moute, and Russell Westbrook from the squad than earned UCLA’s 3rd consecutive Conference Championship as well as the schools 3rd consecutive Final Four appearance was going to be tough but Coach Howland’s inking of the best recruiting class in the nation doesn’t hurt. Freshmen 6’8” 235 F Drew Gordon (3.9p, 3.9r) and 6’5 180 G Malcolm Lee (4.8p, 1.6r, 1.0a) - who missed the last 4 games with a knee injury but should return this week - have been decent contributors while 6’3” freshman G Jrue Holiday (9.6p, 3.8r, 2.9a) was ready enough on day one to start all 17 games this season. Rounding out the starting lineup and bringing an international flavor to the blocks are 6’9” 216 junior F Nikola Dragovic (7.1p, 3.4r) from Serbia and 6’9” 245 senior C Alfred Aboya (9.1p, 5.6r) from Cameroon - each no better than decent players but do bring plenty of experience to a squad that needs all it can get with 8 freshmen on the 18-man roster. Keep your eyes on UCLA’s game at Washington State Thursday night for how the Bruin’s offense responds after being so frustrated last trip out.
Washington (13-4, 4-1 PAC 10) The Huskies thunder back home after bagging a couple of dominating road wins over Oregon (84-67) and Oregon State (85-59) in which Coach Lorenzo Romar’s (132-76 in 7th season at Seattle) group really got their shooting grooved with a combined 65 makes in 123 tries. And speaking of Romar, this dude is a character. OK, there was the college career that included at least a few schools including Washington and the five-year NBA career with Golden State but that was just the beginning of his playing days. For many years, Coach Romar played for Athletes in Action (for the younger out there, AIA is the athletic arm of Campus Crusade for Christ) and on one legendary night in 1992 - at age 34, mind you - he schooled Michigan’s National Championship Runner-Up Fab Five team by pouring in 45 points! Anyway after a couple of down years following their back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in ’04-’06, Washington is back in conference contention behind dominating rebounding, points in the paint, and a freshman guard with both a familiar name and a familiar game. 5’8” freshman G Isaiah Thomas (15.8p, 3.0r, 3.2a) can flat-out light it up but is of no relation to the former Pistons star other than his father had to name him such after losing a bet during the 1989 Los Angeles/Detroit NBA Finals. Now that’s my kind of parenting! Thomas’s back court mate, 5’11” senior G Justin Dentmon (13.8p, 2.9r, 2.5a), can also fly and is Washington’s best 3-point threat at 26 of 65 but the strength of this unit is clearly found on the blocks. 6’6” 215 junior F Quincy Pondexter (10.0p, 6.0r), 6’8” freshman F Darnell Gant (3.5p, 3.8r), and the Huskies’ all-time leading rebounder 6’7” 255 senior F Jon Brockman (15.8p, 10.7r) have led the way for the nation’s best board margin at +11.6 per game while 6’9” 235 sophomore F Matt Bryan-Amaning (8.6p, 5.5r, 17 blocks) is becoming a force off the bench. This Londoner looked a little lost at times last season but is coming off his best game with 12 points and 9 boards against the Beavers. The Huskies host USC Thursday.
SELECTION: A rebounding edge combined with home court typically presents a pretty good situation. The lack of size at the guard position for the Huskies could be an issue - especially if Michael Roll gets on one from behind the arc - but we still think that Arizona State gave the rest of the PAC 10 the plan to stop the Bruins. Take Washington Saturday at Bank of America Arena.
Mike Wynn
Connecticut @ Notre Dame
There are no easies in the deep and talented Big East Conference, but this game figures to be a tough road test for the number 3 Connecticut Huskies. Notre Dame ranked 19th in the country holds the longest home win streak in the country at 45 games, including 20 straight in Big East play. So lets take a look at both teams here and we’ll start with Connecticut.
Connecticut 16-1 at the time of this writing is ranked third in the country with the only loss at home to Georgetown back on December 29th. While Connecticut is not a real deep team this season, they are talented. Huskies have 5 players averaging double digits led by senior forward Jeff Adrien’s 14.5 a game. Overall the Huskies are a veteran team with veteran guards which is a big plus in college basketball, but they also have a very good guard in freshmen Kemba Walker who averages 10.2 points a game. Huskies also have a big man in 7-3 Hasheem Thabeet averaging 3.7 blocks and 10.5 rebounds a game to round out a very solid line up. Connecticut has the athletes to compete with anybody in the country and they should be a major factor in the Big East race this season.
Notre Dame 12-5 this season and ranked 19th in the country, and they do own the longest home court win streak in the country at 45 games. Fighting Irish win streak will get a severe test here against Connecticut Saturday. Notre Dame’s lack of depth will a concern as the season goes on, and especially come tournament time, but for this game Saturday night they should be well rested having not played in a week. Notre Dame does lack depth and they have 4 starters averaging 30+ minutes per game this season. Junior Luke Harangody leads the Irish averaging 24.8 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, and he is the only real inside threat the Irish have. On perimeter the Irish have guys who can fill it up though. Guards McAlarney & Ayers are shooting three pointers at 48% & 45% respectfully, and if Notre Dame is knocking down threes they are a tough team to beat.
Obviously home cooking helps when you’re a perimeter shooting team like Notre Dame, but Connecticut’s athleticism and speed will allow them to guard the perimeter. Early line for this game has Connecticut a small 1 or 2 point favorite on the road, but I think Notre Dame will keep their home win streak intact. A full week to prepare and freshen up the legs, and a home crowd that should be dynamite will help Notre Dame immensely in this one. We’ll advise taking Notre Dame in this one as a dog or pick, but would be very hesitant to lay any points.
Who2Beton
Utah State/Hawaii
The Utah State Aggies leads the country in offensive efficiency according to the Pomeroy Ratings, but they do not play at a fast pace, and we are looking for an Under tonight vs. a mediocre at best Hawaii Warriors team.
Besides, we do not feel that Hawaii will hold up its end of the bargain for this game to go Over. After all, the Warriors offense has actually gotten worse since the beginning of conference play, as Hawaii is averaging just 57.0 points per game in their last five games while shooting a dismal 40.2 percent from the floor. Furthermore, they are hitting just 69.4 percent of their free throws during this time, negating the chances of scoring many points with the clock stopped.
Now Utah State is averaging 71.9 points per play, and the Aggies currently have a 13-game winning streak. That said, so not overlook their defense either, as they are allowing only 59.4 points per game on just 41.6 percent shooting for the season, and that scoring figure drops to 57.6 points in the last five games.
Thus, we simply do not see Hawaii getting out of the 50s here, which should basically ensure a rather safe Under.
Pick: Utah State/Hawaii Under 129
Vegas Experts
Sacramento Kings at Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have been a hard team to figure out as of late. On Wednesday, they crushed Dallas by 34 at home. Last night, they were clobbered in Atlanta by 30. Which Milwaukee team will show up tonight? Probably the "good" version as we certainly have Sacramento figured out. The Kings stink, having failed to cash in three straight losses. They are allowing a staggering 108 PPG on the road this season where they have lost 18 of 21 games. Lay the points
Play on: Milwaukee