Chip Chirimbes
The only time the Cavaliers have lost more than two consecutive games all season was a six-game skid from Nov. 28-Dec. 8. Cleveland averages 14.2 turnovers - fourth-best in the Eastern Conference - but has played its two sloppiest games of the season against the Bobcats (24-41). The Cavaliers were without an injured James on Dec. 8 in Charlotte and turned it over a season-high 27 times, losing 96-93. James was in the lineup on Jan. 11 and had eight of his team's 23 turnovers, but he had 31 points and 19 rebounds in Cleveland's 113-106 double-overtime win. The Cavaliers continue to play without the injured Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Daniel Gibson, but they got Sasha Pavlovic back on Wednesday after he had missed 23 games with a sprained left foot. He had a season-high 24 points against the Wizards. Forward Anderson Varejao - who, as a restricted free agent, signed an offer sheet with Charlotte in December only to have Cleveland match the deal - had 16 points and 18 rebounds against the Bobcats on Jan. 11. Charlotte had won five straight games for the first time in franchise history to climb back into playoff contention in the East, but has dropped its last two.
Brian Marshall
Game: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
Plays On: New York Knicks +2
Game Analyses: Grab the points with the New York Knicks on Sunday as they take on the Atlanta Hawks.
The New York Knicks have proven they matchup well against the Atlanta Hawks. In fact, the New York Knicks are a perfect 3-0 ATS in their last 3 meetings against the Atlanta Hawks.
The home team has had much success in this series. This is shown by the home team being 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings between these teams.
There is a lot of value with the underdog (New York Knicks)
New York Knicks +2
PHILLY CONNECTION
Atlanta -2 1*
ARTHUR RALPH
WISCONSIN
2-Minute Warning
North Carolina
Drew Gordon
200,000* Georgia
50,000* Wisconsin
50,000* Hawks
John Ryan 15* NBA
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
Pick: Lakers
Ai Simulator 15* graded play on the Lakers – AiS shows an 88% probability that the Lakers will lose this game by 4 or fewer points and also has a 70% probability of winning the game. Rebounding will be a significant factor in this game and the AiS shows that the Lakers will have at least 50 of them. Note that the Lakers are 13-4 ATS when they grab 48 to 52 rebounds in a game this season. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 36-11 ATS since 1996 for 77% ATS. Play on road teams after allowing 100 points or more 3 straight games against opponent after 3 straight games where both teams scored 95 points or less. Houston has been red hot to say the least, but are quite vulnerable to a loss here. Note that Houston is 8-23 ATS in home games versus good teams outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game over the last 3 seasons; 4-19 ATS in home games against Pacific division opponents over the last 3 seasons. Houston’s offense has not been playing well over their last 3 games and they have score under 90 in 2 straight games. Note that Houston is 5-16 ATS in home games after scoring 90 points or less 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons. Take the Lakers
Tom Freese
Seattle at Denver
Denver is 19-9 ATS off a double digit win and they are 10-4 ATS on Sunday. The Nuggets are 10-3 ATS their last 13 home games vs. losing teams and they are 4-0 ATS their last 4 home games. Seattle is 5-15 ATS off two straight games where they had five or less steals. The Supersonics are 3-7 Straight Up and ATS their last 10 games vs. the Nuggets. PLAY ON DENVER
Larry Ness
Charlotte Bobcats @ Cleveland Cavaliers
PICK: Cleveland Cavaliers
REASON FOR PICK: The East gives lots of teams a chance to sneak in at the bottom of the playoff picture. The Charlotte Bobcats were "thinking postseason" after winning five straight games (for the FIRST time in franchise history) from March 2-8. However, the team lost at Dallas 118-93 and then like EVERYONE else, lost to the Rockets Friday night in Houston. Charlotte shouldn't be ashamed of that loss though, giving the Rockets "all they wanted," before losing 89-80. Although the Bobcats were never in the game at Dallas, they did get Gerald Wallace (20.3-6.2-3.5) back, who had missed the previous eight games with a concussion. He had 14 points and five rebounds vs Dallas and then 16 points and seven rebounds vs Houston. Jason Richardson (20.9-5.1) is having an excellent season for Charlotte, shooting a career-best 40.8 percent on three-pointers this year. PG Felton (14.4-7.0 APG) has also played well and Okafor (13.6-11.1) is always solid. However, the Bobcats have few other contributors and remain (at 70.9 percent), the league's worst free-throw shooting team. The Cavs are trying to avoid a third straight loss for the first time since they lost six straight, from Nov 28 through Dec 8 (LeBron didn't play in five of those games!). Cleveland's been sloppy in back-to-back losses at New Jersey and Washington, turning the ball over 17 times in each contest. Ilgauskas (13.5-9.6) and Gibson (11.5) remain out but Pavlovic (7.6) returned in the Washington loss, scoring 16 points. I like the additions of Szczerbiak (12.2), Smith (10.8-5.5) and West (7.5) but I'm of the belief that Ben Wallace is "through." We'll see how it plays out but in the end, it's about how far LeBron (31.9-8.1-7.4) can take this team? The Cavs have never lost in six home games against the Bobcats and they NEED a win here, so why shouldn't they get it. I'm betting that the margin will be enough to cover the pointspread. Lay it with Cleveland.
Kelso
Chairmans = 10 units Charlotte +7.5
Best Bet = 5 units Sacramento -3.5
Tourney
10 units Ark -8 v. Georgia
5 units NCarolina -5.5 v. Clemson
3 units Illinois +7 v. Wisconsin
Larry Ness Las Vegas Insider's
REASON FOR PICK: (North Carolina is a 5 1/2-point favorite). This is Clemson's 55th year in the ACC and just its SECOND ACC tourney final (last came in 1962). It is the only charter member of the ACC to never win the league tournament title. Clemson has never been to a Final 4 or ever finished a season ranked in the AP top-10. Oliver Purnell, who owns a solid coaching resume, is in his fifth year at Clemson (94-64) and last year led the Tigers to the championship game of the NIT, where they lost to West Va. The Tigers beat Duke on Saturday (78-74), ending a 22-game losing streak to the Blue Devils and now who do they get in the ACC final? The Tar Heels of North Carolina. It's safe to say the Tar Heel basketball program has finished among the AP's top-10 more than a few times, won an ACC tourney title or two (this marks their 29th ACC final) and also owns four national titles. Now after the Duke win, Purnell said his team would take a great deal of confidence into Sunday's game with North Carolina, because of the team's two regular season meetings. I guess he knows what he's talking about but I remember Clemson blowing great opportunities to win both games. Carolina won at Clemson 90-88 in OT (on Ellington's three-point with .3 seconds left) and then at home in double-overtime, 103-93. That win marked North Carolina's 53rd straight home win over Clemson. Now this isn't Chapel Hill but Charlotte is not exactly a neutral court! More to the point, while the Tigers are coming off their HUGE win over Duke, the Tar Heels almost got upset by Va Tech. Carolina won 68-66, when Tyler Hansbrough nailed a jumper with .8 seconds left. So what else is new? Hansbrough (23.1-10.3) had 26-9, after getting 22-6 in Friday's win over FSU. He's topped double digits in all 33 games this year, including topping 20 points, in 25 games. PG Lawson(12.4-5.2 APG) is not quite 100 percent. He missed six games from Feb 6-24 and after a 1-of-7 (five points) game yesterday, is averaging just 7.4 PPG (37.5 percent shooting) in the five games since his return. However, the Tar Heels don't lack depth on the perimeter. Ellington (16.5-4.3) has been terrific (scored 36 and 28 points in the two wins over Clemson) plus there's swingmen Green (11.6-5.2) and Ginyard (7.5-4.5). The 6-6 Rivers (14.3-6.3) and Middleton (11.7-4.1-3.9) form an excellent backcourt for Clemson plus the 6-7 Booker (11.1-7.5) and the 6-9 Mays (11.0-6.9) are quality frontcourt players. Two freshman guards, Oglesby (10.5) and Stitt (8.5), who have played well all year, sure didn't yesterday, going a combined 3-of-13, scoring only nine points. Carolina has way too much depth for Clemson plus owns all the "big game" experience. The Tar Heels are 31-2 and an outstanding 20-10 ATS (three non-lined games), which is a terrific mark considering the high lines they've faced. Carolina has won 10 straight entering this game, winning seven times but double digits. All things considered (site included) and this is a cheap number. Las Vegas Insider on North Carolina (8*).
REASON FOR PICK: Can the third time be the charm for Texas? The Jayhawks have beaten the Longhorns the last two years in the Big 12 title game. Texas has now made the Big 12 final for the fourth time in the last five years but let's also note that the school has yet to win a Big 12 championship game in FIVE previous tries. I don't believe that streak will end today, either. Texas owns a superb guard duo in Agustin (19.9-3.0-5.6) and Abrams (16.1) plus two excellent frontcourt players in the 6-7 James (13.2-10.7) and the 6-10 Atchley (9.6-5.2). Guard Mason (6.8-4.3) completes the starting lineup which is an outstanding one but the Longhorns have little depth. It's made worse by the injury to 6-7 freshman Johnson, who had been playing well after getting a late start to the season (was not cleared to play medically until after Jan 1). This will the third game in three days (for both teams) and look at the minutes played by the Texas starters. Abrams leads the way with 38.5 per game, followed by Augustin (36.5), James (34.5), Mason (33.5) and Atchley (30.0). Kansas has as much frontline talent as Texas, plus agets excellent contributions from guard Collins (9.5) and the 6-11 Kaun (7.3-3.8) off the bench. In the Jayhawks win over Nebraska, Collins had 13 points and Kaun nine, while in yesterday's win over A&M, Collins had nine, Kaun five and 6-11 freshman Aldrich added six. The Kansas starters are the 6-9 Arthur (13.2-6.1) and the 6-8 Jackson (11.8-7.0) up front joined by a terrific perimeter trio. The 6-6 Rush (12.2-5.0) is the leading scorer (he's off a career-high 28 points vs A&M) plus there's Chalmers (12.1-4.5 APG) and Robinson (7.7-4.2 APG). Speaking of the Kansas starters, they played poorly against Nebraska (11-30 for 36.7 percent) but were terrific vs A&M (21-37 for 56.8 percent). Kansas is playing with revenge from a Feb 11 loss in Austin (72-69), where the Jayhawks were 5 1/2-point favorites (I had Texas in that one, by the way!). I note that because while Kansas City is not Lawrence, it's been a "second home" to the Jayhawks for decades, and it's a HUGE edge. The opening number on this game was also Kansas minus-5 1/2 and I believe that's NOT a proper adjustment. Expect Kansas to roll in this one (after two so-so efforts the last two games), as the Longhorns "run out of gas," late. Oddsmaker's Error on Kansas (8*)
Larry Ness Oddsmaker Error
Kansas
REASON FOR PICK: Can the third time be the charm for Texas? The Jayhawks have beaten the Longhorns the last two years in the Big 12 title game. Texas has now made the Big 12 final for the fourth time in the last five years but let's also note that the school has yet to win a Big 12 championship game in FIVE previous tries. I don't believe that streak will end today, either. Texas owns a superb guard duo in Agustin (19.9-3.0-5.6) and Abrams (16.1) plus two excellent frontcourt players in the 6-7 James (13.2-10.7) and the 6-10 Atchley (9.6-5.2). Guard Mason (6.8-4.3) completes the starting lineup which is an outstanding one but the Longhorns have little depth. It's made worse by the injury to 6-7 freshman Johnson, who had been playing well after getting a late start to the season (was not cleared to play medically until after Jan 1). This will the third game in three days (for both teams) and look at the minutes played by the Texas starters. Abrams leads the way with 38.5 per game, followed by Augustin (36.5), James (34.5), Mason (33.5) and Atchley (30.0). Kansas has as much frontline talent as Texas, plus agets excellent contributions from guard Collins (9.5) and the 6-11 Kaun (7.3-3.8) off the bench. In the Jayhawks win over Nebraska, Collins had 13 points and Kaun nine, while in yesterday's win over A&M, Collins had nine, Kaun five and 6-11 freshman Aldrich added six. The Kansas starters are the 6-9 Arthur (13.2-6.1) and the 6-8 Jackson (11.8-7.0) up front joined by a terrific perimeter trio. The 6-6 Rush (12.2-5.0) is the leading scorer (he's off a career-high 28 points vs A&M) plus there's Chalmers (12.1-4.5 APG) and Robinson (7.7-4.2 APG). Speaking of the Kansas starters, they played poorly against Nebraska (11-30 for 36.7 percent) but were terrific vs A&M (21-37 for 56.8 percent). Kansas is playing with revenge from a Feb 11 loss in Austin (72-69), where the Jayhawks were 5 1/2-point favorites (I had Texas in that one, by the way!). I note that because while Kansas City is not Lawrence, it's been a "second home" to the Jayhawks for decades, and it's a HUGE edge. The opening number on this game was also Kansas minus-5 1/2 and I believe that's NOT a proper adjustment. Expect Kansas to roll in this one (after two so-so efforts the last two games), as the Longhorns "run out of gas," late. Oddsmaker's Error on Kansas (8*).
USA Sports Consulting
Georgia +8
Maddux Sports
Kansas -5.5
Totals4u
Mavs-Heat Under
Jim Feist
Raptors
Razor Sharp Sports
Illinois-Wisc Over
Joe Wiz
Atlanta
Seattle
Dave Cokin
Rockets
Mike Wynn
Raptors-Kings Over
Handicapper World
Illinois Huge
Georgia Regular
Steve Janus
Raptors + 3.5
Redzone Sports
North Carolina
Vegas Steamline
Cavs
Scott Spreitzer
Lakers
TV Hotline
Clemson-N Carolina Under
Bob Donahue
Cavs
CappersAccess
Clemson
Kansas
Georgia
Psychic Sports
Sacramento Under
THE SHARPSHOOTER
TORONTO +3.5
#1 Sports
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Vegas Steamline
Cleveland -7
Dr. Vegas
Houston -4.5
PAUL LEINER
10* Over 136 Texas/Kansas
Mr. A
Houston Rockets - 4
Cleveland Cavaliers - 7½
Johnny Guild
North Carolina Tar Heels -6
Texas Longhorns +5.5
Glen Mcgrew
Bobcats
Sportscapping
Lakers + 4
Computer Sports
Seattle Sonics
Allsportspicks
Raptors-Kings Under
Huddle Up Sports
Sacramento
NATIONAL SPORTS SERVICE COMP
Arkansas -8
Beat The Odds
Seattle
Wunderdog
Milwauke at Seattle
Pick: Milwauke +111
Brew Crew has found a winning formula this spring with a balance of some good prospects and veterans. Ben Sheets and Felix Hernandez get the starts, each hung 0's on each other in a prior spring meeting. Brewers follow with Brian Shouse (3.60) and Seth McClurg (4.50). Mariners will follow with three pitchers off of surgery in Rhodes, Lowe, and Reitsma, so expect them to be throwing lots of fastballs just building arm strength at this point. Brewers at 12-6, have had success on spring road and we'll back them to win this one late.
LAS VEGAS TECH REPORT (LVTR)
NEW YORK vs PHILADELPHIA
Play: PHILADELPHIA -16.5 (ARENA FOOTBALL)
TAMPA BAY vs NEW ORLEANS
Play: NEW ORLEANS +11 (ARENA FOOTBALL)
ATLANTA vs NEW YORK
Play: NEW YORK KNICKS +2 (NBA)
TORONTO vs SACRAMENTO
Play: TORONTO +3.5 (NBA)
Seabass
20 Georgia
20 Wisconsin
20 Pistons
20 Knicks
20 Cleveland Under
300 Texas