Razor Sharp Sports
When it comes to most sports in the United States, the season concludes with the biggest game of the entire season; the World Series, NBA Championship, Stanley Cup, BCS Championship, or the NCAA Basketball Championship ending March Madness. That isn’t the case for the NFL. Unlike the other major sports that have an All-Star Game in the middle of their season, the NFL has their All-Star Game, the Pro Bowl, following their championship. Because of this, the fan interest is gone and the players don’t like to participate.
You see, many of the veteran players skip their invitation to Hawaii because of the chance of being injured in a exhibition game, or they want to relax following a long season and just want to stay home. So instead of getting the best players in the league playing against each other, we get the second or third best players at each position playing. There is still plenty of talent, but with the rules that limits what each team can do, it makes for a pretty boring football game. It usually turns into something you see in Arena Football. You don’t see much defense or running of the ball. If you like high scoring then this is a game for you. Still, even though I don’t exactly enjoy watching the game, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a little money on it.
Like I mentioned before, if you like scoring and don’t like defense then this is the perfect game for you. Over the past eight years this game has averaged 67.6 points per game. They have had games that have had 82 and 107 points scored. So why would you expect anything different this year? You shouldn’t. As for who will win the game, the AFC has dominated the series lately, a lot like they have in the Super Bowl. The AFC has won eight of the last eleven Pro Bowls and eight of the last twelve Super Bowls.
One thing you hear a lot when it comes to the Pro Bowl is go against the Super Bowl Champions’ Conference in the Pro Bowl. Actually, this isn’t a good system over the past decade. As a matter of fact, the conference that won the Super Bowl has won seven out of the last ten Pro Bowls. One thing that goes against that trend is what has happened when the NFC wins the Super Bowl. The last three times the NFL won the Big Game, they are just 1-2 in the Pro Bowl.
So, looking at the big picture, if you are looking for something to watch next Sunday afternoon and find yourself getting ready to watch the Pro Bowl, you may want to put a little on the OVER. There will be plenty of scoring as always.
PRO BOWL OVER the total of 64.
Chip Chirimbes
PHOENIX SUNS
The Phoenix Suns managed to steal a victory in their second game between the departure of Shawn Marion and the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal. Their transition period will likely last at least one more game. With O'Neal not expected to make his debut until later this week, the Suns look to close a season-high six-game homestand on a high note Sunday when they meet the similarly short-handed Washington Wizards, who have lost six in a row. Phoenix (35-15) made a blockbuster trade on Wednesday that sent Marion and reserve guard Marcus Banks to Miami in exchange for O'Neal, who's first among active players in points (25,908) and second in rebounds (11,630) and blocked shots (2,485). First-year general manager Steve Kerr thinks the deal can help the Suns win the first NBA title in franchise history, but it won't help them do much of anything until O'Neal can play. The 14-time All-Star has been sidelined for two weeks with a hip injury.
Rocketman Sports
3* Miami +9
3* San Antonio +1
ATS LOCK
4 units Bowling Green -4
3 units Denver -1
ATS FINANCIAL
3 units Ohio State -1 1/2
3 units Creighton -4 1/2
C&P Experts
NBA Boston +1 (POD)
CBB St Louis +2.5
Drew Gordon
1. 200,000* Arizona
2. 50,000* Richmond
1. Arizona- Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions, as the Sun Devils have fallen off the face of the Earth, losers of 5 in a row SU, going 1-4 ATS over that span. Word is the losses have started to create issues in the locker room, and a trip to Tucson isn't going to help, especially with a little payback in order, as the Wildcats lost in Tempe 64-59 in OT on January 9th.
Arizona meanwhile, comes into this game in the perfect situation for a bounce back. Off a tough road loss at UCLA, the Wildcats will be extremely focused in this afternoon's match up, and we know what happens when the Wildcats are focused! Do lopsided home wins and covers over PAC-10 foes Washington State and Washington ring a bell?! The fact they lost in Tempe in early January only amps up the motivation, as the Wildcats lost that game without star G Jerryd Bayless, but that won't be the case in this one.
Match ups have become a major problem for the Sun Devils, as its James Hardin against the world right now. Second-leading scorer F Pendergraph is struggling, while guards Abott and Shipp (# 3 & # 4 scorers) have been absolutely non-existent over the Devils 5-game losing streak. With Bayless in there today, the Sun Devils cannot key on forwards Budinger or Hill, which opens up the game for the high-octane Arizona offense.
Finally, let's examine the Sun Devils a little deeper. First of all, their offense was never good, but right now, its garbage, averaging 54 ppg on 38% shooting over their last 5 games... Just how in the hell do you expect the Sun Devils to run with the Wildcats playing offense like high schoolers? While defensively, they've been rock-solid at home, but abandoned all intensity on the road, where they're allowing 74 ppg on a ridiculous 48% shooting this season.
Bottom line, Arizona adds to the Sun Devils woes, by taking them behind the woodshed in Tucson this afternoon. No mercy for Arizona State after the Wildcats lost badly to UCLA, and add in a little payback and you've got all the making of a lopsided home win and cover here. Arizona rolls!
Take Arizona at home BIG over Arizona State as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Richmond- I simply cannot trust this Billikens team on the road, where they're 1-6 SU & 3-4 ATS this season. Clearly the biggest issue for them is scoring points when they travel, which has been a joke this season, averaging 47 ppg on 39% shooting on the highway this season! Guys, I can't stress how pathetically bad those numbers are, and it won't get any easier against a Spiders squad that plays solid basketball at home.
I know what you're saying: "but Richmond is only 7-4 SU at home," which is true, but they're also 5-2-1 ATS there this season. Rock-solid wins and covers over Dayton and Temple in their last two home games have me thoroughly convinced they can and will deliver another strong effort (and the cash) in this afternoon A-10 match up.
Make no mistake, you'd think things couldn't get worse for this Saint Louis team, but this is a bad bad situation for them. Coming off a very tough home loss to Xavier Thursday, the Billikens could easily get caught coming out flat in this match up. A nice home win over UMASS was a confidence-booster, but the loss to Xavier erases any goodwill this Billikens team had, plain and simple.
Finally, as match ups go, the Billikens have no answer for Dan Geriot, who's struggling a bit, but should find his rhythm in this match up. Don't be fooled by the Billikens 7-footer Husak, as he's a stiff, while freshman F Eberhart will get eaten alive by Geriot. The backcourts are evenly matched, but sharpshooter Gonzalvez is coming off a 20-point effort against Temple and could be the difference-maker once again today.
Bottom line, the Billikens on their best day would have trouble at Richmond, but in this case, off a tough loss to Xavier, coupled with the Spiders recent excellent home play, I see only one outcome - a solid home win and cover for Richmond.
Take Richmond comfortably over Saint Louis in this A-10 match up.
Tonight's Games
1. 50,000* Timberwolves
2. 50,000* Creighton
MIKE LINEBACK
4.5 UNITS - - - Rhode Island -5
4.5 UNITS - - - - Rider -5
4 UNITS - - - - UCLA - 9 1/2
4 UNITS - - - Richmond -2.5
Michael Cannon
20 Dime –
RHODE ISLAND
Take Rhode Island as the road chalk this afternoon over Fordham.
Rhode Island had its four-game winning streak halted with Thursday’s loss at Massachusetts, so you know they’re going to be focused here today.
Rhode Island has gone 3-0-1 ATS in its last four.
Fordham is starting to slide, having lost its last three both SU and ATS. The home court hasn’t been an advantage for them either, as they’re just 5-4 SU at home this year.
Fordham is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 home games and 4-11 ATS in its last 15 overall.
The road team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings, and Rhode Island is 5-1 ATS in the last six in this series.
Take Rhode Island as the road chalk as they deliver the win and cover.
10 Dime –
SPURS
Take the Spurs for the road win over the Celtics.
Both teams have key players out for this contest, as Tony Parker continues to rest a bone spur in his left heel, and Kevin Garnett has missed the last six games due to an abdominal strain.
But while Parker’s absence drops the Spurs down a notch from championship contender, Garnett’s means the Celtics are just an ordinary team.
There’s no way you can’t like the Spurs in this spot. Who’s going to stop Tim Duncan in the paint?
Kendrick Perkins?
Please, don’t make me laugh.
San Antonio has won four straight, all on the road, while the Celtics have gone 4-1 over their last five. But three of those wins came at the hands of the Timberwolves, Clippers and Heat.
Three teams at the bottom of the overall standings.
The Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last eight Sunday games and 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Celtics.
Take San Antonio as they grab the win and cover.
5 Dime –
BUFFALO
Take Buffalo as the small home chalk over Eastern Michigan.
Two teams that really aren’t going anywhere, but Buffalo should come out fired up as it’s just the Bulls fifth home game since December 1.
Eastern Michigan is just 3-8 SU on the road this year, including three straight losses.
Buffalo is 3-1 SUATS in the last four meetings with Eastern Michigan, and they’re coming in off an impressive win at Northern Illinois, which broke a nine-game losing streak.
Take Buffalo as the small home chalk as they grab the win and cover over Eastern Michigan.
Rocketman Sports
Play On: 3* San Antonio +1
San Antonio is 18-2 SU overall vs Boston since 1996 including 9-1 SU at Boston since 1996. Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Sunday games. Spurs are 39-19-1 ATS in their last 59 vs. NBA Atlantic. Celtics are 17-38 ATS in their last 55 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5. Celtics are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5. Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning SU record. Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southwest. Spurs are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Boston. Spurs are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings. Boston is a different team without Garnett. We'll play San Antonio for 3 units today
Kelso
Chairmans
10 units Clemson +9.5 @ NC
Best Bets
5 units OSU -2.5 v. Indiana
4 units Rhode Isl - 4 @ Fordham
3 units Ariz - 9.5 v. Ariz St
Dave Price
Indiana vs. Ohio State
Take Indiana Hoosiers
1 Unit on Indiana +3 Indiana has been solid on the road this season winning 6 of 8 games and has been fantastic in the Big Ten with an 8-1 conference record led by freshman phenom Eric Gordon. Ohio State is just 1-10 ATS after allowing 60 points or less 3 straight games over the last 3 seasons. The Buckeyes have played 3 straight games with poor offensive teams. With an Indiana team averaging near 80 ppg in town, the Bucks will struggle defensively. The Hoosiers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games and we'll take them catching a trifecta today.
John Martin
Eastern Michigan vs. Buffalo
Take Buffalo Bulls
1 Unit on Buffalo -2.5 Buffalo has the luxury of playing and Eastern Michigan team that has only chalked up 3 road wins all season. Eastern Michigan is 3-9 on the road due to the 70 points per game they have been yielding this year. Buffalo won their last home meeting with Eastern Michigan and covered the spread as well. E. Michigan is coming off a big win at home over Ohio, so a letdown is definitely in store for Eastern Michigan. Head coach Reggie Witherspoon is 19-9 ATS after 2 or more consecutive overs as the coach of Buffalo. Witherspoon is also 39-26 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 as the coach of Buffalo. Cash in with Buffalo as the favorite.
Larry Cook
Los Angeles vs. Miami
Take Los Angeles Lakers
3* on L.A. Lakers -9 The Lakers are a whole new team with the addition of Pau Gasol and they will continue to run over the Miami Heat just as every other team in the league has. The Heat picked up Shawn Marion, but Marion is not expected to play in this game, leaving Miami still a very inexperienced team with little talent other than Dwayne Wade. Miami is 4-18 ATS versus poor pressure defensive teams forcing more than 14 turnovers/game this season. The Lakers are 14-5 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread this season. Miami is 1-11 ATS after playing 3 consecutive games as an underdog this season. The Heat are simply just awful this year. Bet the Lakers on the road.
Zen Gambler
Monster Lock 2000*
Washington Wizards +12.5
Monster Lock 1000*
Washington Wizards @ Phoenix Suns over 210.5
Monster Lock 500*
Charlotte +7.0 First Half
AAA
UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns at Denver Pioneers
Denver -1.5 (Heavy Hitter) -110 | Unit Value: 3
Note: I am not exactly sure what I am missing here but the Pioneers have been one of my favorite home plays this year, and they continue to do the things that make them a winner, like great ball handling skills, superb shot selection, and outstanding defense at this court. I have expounded so much on this team in previous writeups, that I am not going to continue to bore you with why this is the best play of the day. Denver loves to play here in the Mile High City, and visitors do not like to come here to play. Certainly the altitude has something to do with that and we have seen many fold in the second half because of it. That certainly did happen to Troy earlier this week as they were outscored 55-32 in the second stanza. Let's just lay the 1.5 points and wait for the second half onslaught today..
Black Magic Sports
NCAA Basketball
5 Unit Black Magic Big Ten Beatdown on Ohio State -2.5
The Ohio State Buckeyes will make their move in the Big Ten race starting Sunday. The Buckeyes have won 4 out of their last 5 Big Ten games, and now they have to show the world that they are tournament worthy by knocking off Indiana, a team that most would say is the best in the conference. Ohio State has used their home court brilliantly this season, winning 12 out of 13 games by an average margin of 16 points a piece. Indiana is 1-8 ATS in February games over the last 2 seasons. Ohio State is 14-3 ATS in home games off a no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite since 1997. Cash in with Ohio State as the favorite.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Richmond -2.5
Richmond will deliver a beat down on Saint Louis at home. Saint Louis has been atrocious on the road this season, winning just 3 road games and scoring just over 52 points per game. Richmond has only failed to cover the spread twice all season at home. Richmond is 8-2 ATS after playing a game as an underdog this season. Richmond is 10-2 ATS after playing a game as a home underdog over the last 2 seasons. Cash in with Richmond as the favorite.
NBA
3 Unit Sharp Play on Minnesota Timberwolves +4.5
Minnesota has been playing much better basketball as of late. The Timberwolves are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Minnesota has future superstars on their team that not too many folks know about. Toronto is 15-29 ATS off a home loss over the last 3 seasons. Cash in with Minnesota as the home underdog.
Frank Rosenthal
NFL-PRO BOWL
302 NFC+3
UNDER 63.5
NBA HOOPS
703 LAKERS-8
OVER 206
711 SPURS PK
714 SUNS-10
OVER 210
COLLEGE HOOPS
719 INDIANA U+2.5
721 UMASS+4
730 ARIZONA-9
736 WASH U+10
737 CLEMSON+10
UNDER 165