Jeff Benton
For Saturday we’ll back the Magic as a small road favorite at Atlanta.
Both teams are coming off games last night, but this is actually a tougher travel spot for the Hawks, who return home after playing in Boston on Friday, than Orlando, which made the short jaunt to Atlanta after destroying LeBron James and Cleveland at home.
The Magic come into this game the hotter team, having won seven of their last eight, 10 of their last 12 and 14 of their last 17. That includes a 6-2 SU and ATS mark on the road, which is hardly surprising given the fact Orlando has been a money-making machine on the road the last two-plus years (58-28-3 ATS).
Meanwhile, Atlanta has lost five of its last seven games, including two of three at home to playoff-caliber foes San Antonio (102-92) and Boston (99-93). Yes, the Hawks did take down the Lakers in their last home game Sunday 86-76, but they were catching Kobe and Company in the midst of a tough seven-game road trip.
Finally, since getting tripped up by Atlanta in the season-opener 99-85 at home, the Magic have come back to take the last two against the Hawks, winning 106-102 in Georgia and 121-87 at home, covering the number in both of those contests. You throw in Orlando’s sterling ATS runs of 8-3 when playing on back-to-back nights, 21-8 against teams with a winning record, 41-19-1 when playing on Saturday, 10-3-1 when favored by less than five points and 4-0 against Southeast Division rivals – in addition to that incredible ATS mark on the road – and I’ll lay this small price with Dwight Howard and Eastern Conference’s second-best team.
3♦ ORLANDO MAGIC
Matt Rivers
For Saturday take the points with the Nets.
It has become pretty clear that New Jersey isn't going anywhere in terms of the postseason unlike Chicago who is right now in the eighth spot but I just do not trust these Bulls overall and certainly not right now in this spot.
I was very high on Chicago earlier in the season after drafting Derrick Rose but came to the realization midway through the season that this team is still not all that good. The campaign has been extremely mediocre at the very best and even after a solid month of March the Bulls appear to once again be fading away. They blew a late lead in losing in overtime to Toronto and then somehow blew the late eight point lead in Indiana last time out.
With Charlotte nipping on their heels I can totally see da Bulls lose this game and choke in the end. Sure they are playing a little better, save the last two games, as the trades have helped them but New Jersey is still a dangerous team with a blossoming stud in Devin Harris and a still capable semi star in Vince Carter.
I also don't mind how lot of the Chicago players are banged up coming into this thing. I do expect all to play but Rose, John Salmons, Tyrus Thomas and Kirk Hinrich are not 100% and in the end the boys from the Windy City are not worth of laying thus type of a price to even the 31-44 Nets.
Do not be surprised at all to see an outright here so grabbing the points is certainly in my opinion the right side!
Tony Weston
Today's Selection:
I missed a day yesterday to tend to some personal business, but I’m back. The last time out we missed out on the Baylor-Penn State total as the teams don’t do enough as the Under comes in.
That’s fine because we’re still 8-2 our last 10 Comp Plays and are 16-6 our last 22 freebies.
And tonight we’re coming through again with another Comp Play winner as we’re taking the Over on the Villanova-North Carolina matchup in The Tournament.
The number for this game is set at around 159 points or 159 and the hook, depending on where you play this, but it won’t matter as these teams fly past that Total.
Coming into this game the Heels have seen the Over go 19-15 this season, while Villanova has seen the Over go 12-9 on the road this year.
For the Wildcats, they’ve also seen the Over go 3-1 their last four games and 5-2 their last 7 games, while the Heels have seen the Over come through in 11 of their last 18 games, averaging 161.5 points per.
Keep in mind also that the Over has come in each of Carolina’s last 5 games against the Big East, while the Over has come in 10 of Villanova’s last 12 games against teams with a winning percentage of above .600. It has also come in 5 of the Wildcats’ last 7 games played at neutral sites.
And tonight, the Over will come through once again.
3♦ VILLANOVA-NORTH CAROLINA OVER
Craig Davis
Look, I believe Orlando is the better team, but after what they did to Cleveland last night (a near perfect game), I can’t believe they’ll have much left in the tank. Atlanta is fighting hard to keep the 4th seed in the East, and if they drop another one tonight they allow Miami to get one step closer. The Hawks are a completely different team at home than on the road, allowing an average of just 92 PPG at home as opposed to over 100 PPG on the road. And trust me, revenge is also another motivational factor tonight. Orlando ripped the Hawks in Orland in their last meeting, 121-87. Everyone will be on Orlando after what they did to Cleveland, and that’s one of the main reasons I like the Hawks. The Magic romp is fresh on everyone’s mind and you can bet the average bettor will be all over that. Not me. I look for the Hawks to grab the SU win at home, 104-96.
2♦ ATLANTA
Sports Gambling Hotline
Michigan State vs. CONNECTICUT -4 - at Detroit, MI
Comp Winner # 5 in a row on the Celtics last night.
First game on the ticket in Detroit tonight, as we are taking Michigan State-Connecticut UNDER the posted total.
Both teams stress defense first, and their numbers on the season back that fact up, as the Spartans have gone LOW in 20 of their 33 lined games this year, while the Huskies have played UNDER in 17 of their 29 lined games this season.
Of late, the Spartans are on an 11-4 UNDER tear, and they have stayed LOW in 7 of their last 10 against non-conference foes.
Connecticut is on a 4-1 OVER run dating back to the Big East tournament, but our feeling is if the Spartans are to compete in this game, they are going to have to keep the Huskies from forcing the tempo.
Michigan State was able to hold the high-octane Louisville Cardinals to just 52-points, and we feel they can keep UConn in check in this game as well.
Play on the UNDER in this Spartans-Huskies showdown.
4♦ UNDER
Drew Gordon
Orlando -2 at ATLANTA
The Hawks may have a sparkling 29-9 SU & 22-15-1 ATS record in Atlanta, but those records aren't indicative of how poorly this team is playing of late. losers of 5 of their last 7 games (2-4-1 ATS over that span), the Hawks have hit a bit of a slide. Playing against one of the East's Elite won't help their cause much either tonight, as Orlando is not only a tough match up, but playing great ball of late.
How good is Orlando playing? Well, after getting embarassed by the lowly Raptors in their 99-95 home loss Wednesday, the Magic had one of those "team meetings" you always hear about, and the result was, well, magical. Orlando throttled mighty Cleveland in their last one, beating them 116-87 and sending them home with their tail tucked between their legs! Its that kind of effort I expect to see here once again tonight, and that's BAD news for the Hawks.
Hawks also have some fundamental match up problems, as there's no way Horford is going to man-up Howard. Also the absence of F Marvin Williams leaves a hole at the forward spot, leaving journeyman Maurice Evans to guard either Lewis or Turkoglu on the wings. Evans also does little on the offensive end, so his man can sag and help on defense (not the case with Williams in the lineup). In the backcourt, while I give a slight edge to Bibby, Alston has gelled nicely with his new teammates, and it'll show tonight.
Bottom line, the re-energized Magic are one of the "beasts" of the East, and are finally starting to play like it again! Atlanta is a good team, but their a rung below the Magic on the Eastern Conference ladder, and that'll be crystal clear when this one is over. In the end, too many weapons and too much firepower for the Hawks to contend with, especially the way they're playing of late.
Take Orlando over Atlanta in this NBA match up.
2♦ ORLANDO
Bobby Maxwell
Orlando -2 at ATLANTA
Hit our third straight FREE winner on Friday as the Magic made it look easy against the Cavaliers. So for tonight we're sticking with Orlando and playing them on the road in Atlanta.
The Magic are making a strong case in the Eastern Conference that they might be the team to survive the playoffs and represent in the NBA Finals. This team is damn good and well-coached and they put it all together on Friday night, crushing the Eastern Conference leading Cavaliers.
Orlando got a 116-87 blowout win over the Cavs on Friday, easily cashing as a 3 1/2-point home favorite. The Magic have won seven of eight overall and they haven't allowed a team to reach the 100-point mark in five straight games.
You've got to believe Friday night was a statement game as the Magic really turned it on and smoked the Cavs. Now they turn around 24 hours later and get to face a Hawks' squad that was in Boston Friday night, losing 104-92 as 4 1/2-point underdogs.
Orlando has won two of three against Atlanta this season and got a 106-102 win in Atlanta on Jan. 7 as a two-point road underdog. The Magic are on ATS streaks of 58-28-3 on the road, 21-8 against teams with winning records, 41-19-1 on Saturdays and 8-3 when playing the second night of a back-to-back.
This game has Orlando written all over it. Play the Magic.
4♦ ORLANDO
Karl Garrett
Toronto +2 at NEW YORK
Friday night winner on Phoenix makes it a 9-2 comp play run my last 11 releases.
G-Man will strike early on Saturday and stay with the hot hand, and that is the Toronto Raptors.
Toronto comes to New York for the front end of this home-and-home having won and covered 5 in a row. The Raptors have also taken 3 of the last 4 series meetings, and did win and cover the most recent meeting 111-100 as the 3 1/2-point favorite back at the end of February.
New York is just 1-9 straight up their last 10 games, and the Knicks have also failed their last 3 tries when installed as the favorite.
With the Raptors playing so well as the regular season comes to an end, the G-Man will look for Toronto to run their winning streak to 6 straight wins and covers.
Toronto is the call from the Garden on Saturday.
3♦ TORONTO
VEGAS EXPERTS
Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks
All the key factors point to the Hawks here. Orlando is off a huge home win over Cleveland last night, meaning they are in letdown mode. Atlanta has revenge for a 34-point road loss in Orlando three months ago when the teams last met. They are 14-5 ATS when seeking revenge for a double-digit loss. Furthermore, Atlanta, who is 29-9 SU at home this season, is also a perfect 5 for 5 at the betting window as a home underdog.
Play on: Atlanta
Nelly
Atlanta + over Orlando
This is as good of a letdown spot as you could possibly find. Although Orlando's record suggests they are an elite team the media continually had been bringing up their inability to win against the other top teams in the league. Friday night's showdown with Cleveland at home was easily the biggest game of the season for the Magic and they delivered an emphatic victory, playing great ball early and cruising to an easy win. Atlanta played tough on the road in Boston last night but now catches the Magic one day later playing at home. The Hawks are 29-9 S/U at home this season and 11-2-1 ATS in the past 14 home games while delivering great ATS numbers on the season. Orlando has great overall numbers on the road but the recent results have been less encouraging and this will be a key game for a Hawks team that is better than anyone is willing to give credit. Orlando is overvalued in this situation as the Hawks were a two point favorite the last time these teams met in Atlanta just a few months ago. If Orlando wins this game they truly can be an elite force in the playoffs but this looks like a very difficult spot.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Bucks -6.5
Off a big upset win against Dallas last night, look for the Grizzlies to endure a major letdown in Milwaukee tonight. Milwaukee will have fresh legs and plenty of confidence as they are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS versus the Grizzlies over the last 3 seasons. First off, you have to like the Bucks because of the total range the odds makers have set as Memphis is only 2-11 ATS in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons, losing by an average score of 88.5 to 102.5 in these games. The fatigue factor cannot be overlooked as the Grizzlies are only 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day. On the other side of things, the Bucks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest. The Grizzlies are just 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5. We'll lay the number.
Michael Cannon
Orlando -2 at ATLANTA
Take the Magic as the small road chalk over the Hawks.
Orlando has won three straight on the road and seven of eight overall. They are coming off a 116-87 blowout of the Cavaliers last night, easily cashing as a 3 ½-point home chalk.
Atlanta also played last night, falling to the Celtics 104-92 as a 4 ½-point road dog. The Hawks have lost four of five overall SUATS and two of their last three SUATS at home.
The magic haven’t allowed a team to score 100 points in five straight, while the Hawks have reached triple digits just once in their last eight and haven’t posted more than 93 in any of their last five.
Orlando is 2-1 SUATS against Atlanta this year and the Magic are 4-2 ATS in the last six series clashes.
The Magic are the hotter team and their defense is what’s going to make the difference tonight.
Take Orlando minus the small number as they grab the road win and cover.
2♦ ORLANDO
Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports
238 - 158 run 60 %
Saturday Over the total LA CLippers
Friday Over the total Org State TY
Thursday: Hockey San Jose TY
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Free Selection from Totals4U
Saturday's free selection: Miami/Washington under
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EZWINNERS'S FREE SELECTION
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Game: Orlando Magic @ Atlanta Hawks
Sport: NBA
Time: 6:05PM CST
(807) Orlando Magic (-2)
The Magic have been road warriors all season and I look for that to continue in this match up. Orlando is coming off of a huge win last night, but they will have enough to get the job done here. Lay the small number.
2009 Free Selections Record 51-42 (54.8%)
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Undefeated's system plays now on a 7 - 1 winning run
Today's pick Toronto +4 (buy 1.5 points) But if you do not
buy the 1.5 points you still stand a high probability of winning
since Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last five games while the knicks
are 1-6 ATS
maddux sports
Today's Free Pick is Villanova +7
Their free pick is on a 60% winning run
since 2003 believe it or not
DUNKEL
Toronto at New York
The Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games, while the Knicks are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 as a favorite. Toronto is the underdog pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has New York favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2 1/2).
Game 801-802: Toronto at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 114.888; New York 115.950
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 1; 226
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2 1/2; 219
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2 1/2); Over
Game 803-804: New Jersey at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 113.590; Chicago 124.044
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 10 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 805-806: Detroit at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 114.818; Philadelphia 121.989
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 7; 186
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 807-808: Orlando at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 123.580; Atlanta 124.361
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 188 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 2; 192
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+2); Under
Game 809-810: Miami at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 115.842; Washington 116.372
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 198
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 811-812: Memphis at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 111.666; Milwaukee 118.249
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6 1/2; 189 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6; 196
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-6); Under
Game 813-814: LA Clippers at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 108.591; Denver 125.779
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 17; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
Villanova vs. North Carolina
The Tar Heels come in 7-0 ATS in their last 7 NCAA tournament games as a favorite between 7 and 12 1/2 points, while the Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 games as an underdog by the same margin. North Carolina is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Tar Heels favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-7 1/2).
Game 815-816: Michigan State vs. Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 74.557; Connecticut 77.078
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 4
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+4)
Game 817-818: Villanova vs. North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 71.273; North Carolina 79.821
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-7 1/2)
NHL
St. Louis at Dallas
The Blues are 6-1 in their last 7 games and face a Dallas team that is 0-4 in its last 4 home games. St. Louis is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Blues favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-115).
Game 1-2: NY Rangers at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.756; Boston 12.107
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-170); Under
Game 3-4: Pittsburgh at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.751; Carolina 12.653
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-140); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+120); Over
Game 5-6: New Jersey at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 10.714; Buffalo 11.796
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-135); Over
Game 7-8: Tampa Bay at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.688; NY Islanders 10.521
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+135); Under
Game 9-10: Montreal at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.560; Toronto 10.971
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-180); 6
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-180); Over
Game 11-12: Philadelphia at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.663; Ottawa 11.985
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+105); Under
Game 13-14: St. Louis at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.718; Dallas 10.043
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-115); Under
Game 15-16: Columbus at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.592; Nashville 11.094
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-110); Over
Game 17-18: Vancouver at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.912; Edmonton 11.181
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-135); Under
Game 19-20: Anaheim at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.012; San Jose 11.526
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+170); Over
Game 21-22: Phoenix at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.152; Los Angeles 10.438
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+125); Over