Drew Gordon
Louisville +1' at SYRACUSE
Tough to look any other way here, as the Cardinals have been downright nasty, and have the size and defense necessary to match up with the Orange in this one. True, the fact Syracuse lost at Pitt in their last one will have the Orange motivated in this contest, but I believe that game exposed a couple issues that Pitino can and will take advantage of.
First, the Syrcause frontline got outplayed by the Panthers, as both Onuaku, Harris, and Jackson played below their averages. If the Orange though Pitt's frontcourt was tough, just wait until they match up with the Cardinals! Clark, Samuels and Williams are as good a frontline as it gets, and there's no doubt they are the better defensive group.
Second, while the edge in the backcourt goes to the Orange, its not by much, as Flynn is coming off a terrible game, while the streaky, but talented Sosa is finally playing better. The more interesting match up will be the defense of G Jerry Smith on Andy Rautins along the perimeter, which will be absolutely key in this contest.
Bottom line, while its tough to go against the Orange at home, Louisville is one of the few teams that should have their backers extremely worried. Not only do they match up incredibly well (as shown by their last meeting), but are playing better basketball at this point (Cards 5-0 SUATS L5 games). Cardinals are the play.
Take Louisville plus the points over Syracuse in this college hoops match up.
2♦ LOUISVILLE
Virginia Tech +6' at MIAMI-FLORIDA
I get it. Let down spot for the Hokies one game removed from their huge upset win at Wake Forest. BUT, before you go betting the farm on that single trend, consider a couple things about this match up:
First, have the Hurricanes really impressed you? They beat both Maryland and Florida State in their last two home games, but covered neither. In fact, they looked pretty awful against the Seminoles, until McClinton strapped them on his back and carried to them to victory once again. Virginia Tech on the other hand, has looked great, winning 4 straight (3-1 ATS) since their loss at Duke, including nice wins over Boston College and at Wake!
Second, if you saw their last meeting - a 63-49 Virginia Tech home win and cover - you have known that the 'Canes do not match up particularly well with the Hokies. Vassallo, Delaney, and Allen all played well, and without a "real" bigman to clog up the middle (King graduated), the Hokies can attack the paint at will (their specialty).
Finally, for those of us who've seen the 'Canes play, two things bother me about this match up: A. They've yet to really blow anyone out in conference play, so I hope you weren't expecting anything but a close game (Hokies winning outright wouldn't surprise me in the least). And B. The last time these two played, both McClinton and Collins played terrible, and the match ups won't get any easier tonight.
Bottom line, Miami may very well win this contest, but covering a bloated number against a surging Virginia Tech is a completely different story! You simply cannot fade the Hokies based on one factor alone (letdown), as they are good enough to beat the 'Canes outright, and you better believe this game will stay within the number!
Take Virginia Tech plus the points over Miami-Florida in this college hoops match up.
3♦ VIRGINIA TECH
Bobby Maxwell
Michigan State -2' at OHIO STATE
Michigan State has been itching to get back on the court after Wednesday's home loss to Northwestern and the Spartans will take it out on Ohio State today. Play the Spartans to go into Columbus and win this one by 10.
They had their 11-game overall winning streak and 28-game home winning streak stopped when Northwestern stole a 70-63 win as a 12-point road 'dog. The Spartans have had trouble scoring lately and hit just five of 21 three-pointers against the Wildcats on Wednesday.
Ohio State hasn't played since Tuesday's 67-49 loss at Illinois, falling as a 7 1/2-point road 'dog and ending the Buckeyes three-game winning streak. That makes twice this season they have been held to less than 50 points in a game and shows us their offense goes into hybernation regularly.
Michigan State is 5-1 in Big Ten action and 3-0 (2-0-1 ATS) in conference road action. Overall, the Spartans are 7-1 on the road and 4-2-1 ATS. These teams met on Jan. 6 at Michigan State with the Spartans getting a 67-58 win and coming up short as an 11-point favorite.
The Spartans have gone 5-1 ATS in their last five trips to Ohio State and we expect them to be on top of their game today. Play Michigan State in this one.
3♦ MICHIGAN STATE
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Georgia Tech +12.5
Clemson has lost 2 in a row since starting the season 16-0, and while those losses were to Wake and UNC, its confidence has still been affected. Georgia Tech has lost 4 in a row and will be very hungry to pick up a win Sunday. We can expect to see Clemson's true colors start to show now that it is in conference play. Georgia Tech is 13-1 ATS after 4 or more consecutive losses since 1997, winning in these spots by an average score of 74.0 to 69.4. This system hits the nail right on the head. Take the points as the Jackets are getting too many.
Chip Chirimbes
Georgia Tech vs. Clemson
Play: Clemson -12
Number 9 Clemson came back to earth after playing and losing to No.1 Wake Forest and then to No. 5 North Carolina. Georgia Tech is more of the type of team that the Tigers can and will handle. In need of big effort Clemson responds and wins large.
Jeff Alexander Sports
1 Unit on Pacers -3.5
The Pacers have now won 4 in a row at home and are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games. The Bobcats are playing good basketball, but let's face it, the road has not been kind to them. They are just 5-12 on the road this season. The Indiana Pacers are 11-1 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons, winning these games by an average score of 110.7 to 101.5. Charlotte's offense has been terrible on the road, averaging only 90.2 ppg while the Pacers are scoring 107.8 ppg at home. We'll look to take advantage of this soft line. Lay the points.
Gina
Sacramento Kings at Toronto Raptors
The struggling Raptors ended their seven game losing streak with a 114-94 road win over Chicago on Saturday and should be able to grab another victory today when they host the sad Kings at Air Canada Centre. Sacramento has lost ten of their last 12 games, just 10-34 this season.Go with the Raptors at home! The Kings have dropped 14 of their last 15 games away from home, just 3-19 on the road this year and are 1-5 in its last six in Toronto, going 2-4 ATS. In addition, the Kings have gone a ghastly 0-17 against Eastern Conference teams.
Toronto Raptors -9
JrTips
SPURS vs. LAKERS
Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles Lakers host the Southwest Division-leading San Antonio Spurs today and Los Angeles (34-8) and San Antonio (29-13) have combined for nine of the last 10 Western Conference titles which they are again in the mix for the top seed.The Lakers have a five-game lead atop the West over the second-place Spurs. Bynum has been a force in the paint lately after finishing with a career-high 42 points and 15 rebounds in a 108-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and he also had 23 points and 14 boards in Thursday's 117-97 victory over Washington. Bynum is 25-of-36 from the floor in his last two games. In their last game against San Antonio, Bryant hit a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left to give the Lakers a two-point lead, but Roger Mason completed a three-point play two seconds later to give San Antonio the lead for good.Bryant finished with 29 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in the loss to the Spurs. The Spurs won Friday 94-91 win over New Jersey and TimDuncan who is averaging 28.5 points on 63.9 percent shooting in his last two games had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the win over the Lakers.The Spurs have won four straight games and start a three game road trip today.San Antonio has won five of its last six road games but has lost its last five games at Staples Center against the Lakers, With Andrew Bynum playing with so much confidence, the flood gates will open for the Lakers as everyone will get easy baskets. Even tough, the Spurs will be ready to play this national televised game as they know they will have to score a lot of points against the Lakers today to have a chance to win. TAKE OVER 202
DUNKEL
San Antonio at LA Lakers
The Lakers have given up 100.6 points per game over the last five games and face a San Antonio team that is 12-5 ATS against poor defensive teams (allowing 99+ points per game). The Spurs are the underdog pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has LA favored by just 4. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+6 1/2).
Game 801-802: Dallas at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 117.848; Boston 129.442
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 11 1/2; 188 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 9 1/2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-9 1/2); Under
Game 803-804: San Antonio at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 121.559; LA Lakers 125.372
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4; 208
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 6 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+6 1/2); Over
Game 805-806: Phoenix at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.596; Atlanta 119.409
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 807-808: Sacramento at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 108.755; Toronto 120.722
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 12; 207 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 9; 210
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-9); Under
Game 809-810: Houston at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 119.211; Detroit 119.100
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 177
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 811-812: Charlotte at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 118.772; Indiana 119.818
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 3 1/2; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+3 1/2); Under
Game 813-814: Chicago at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 115.285; Minnesota 122.644
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 7 1/2; 211 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 5; 207
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-5); Over
Game 815-816: Utah at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 118.836; Denver 123.039
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 4; 207 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6; 216
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+6); Under
Game 817-818: LA Clippers at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 109.497; Golden State 119.616
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 10; 226
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
Louisville at Syracuse
The Cardinals have won 13 of their last 16 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less and are 19-3 ATS in all road games over the last three seasons. Louisville is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinals favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Louisville (+2 1/2).
Game 819-820: Minnesota at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 66.806; Indiana 56.391
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-8)
Game 821-822: Louisville at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 74.141; Syracuse 72.933
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 1
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisville (+2 1/2)
Game 823-824: Duquesne at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 59.054; Fordham 49.687
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 8
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (-8)
Game 825-826: Florida at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 67.618; Vanderbilt 68.671
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 1
Vegas Line: Florida by 1
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+1)
Game 827-828: Georgetown at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 73.282; Seton Hall 61.772
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (-8 1/2)
Game 829-830: Marshall at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 54.427; Central Florida 64.035
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 7
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (-7)
Game 831-832: St. Bonaventure at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 52.888; Dayton 64.710
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 12
Vegas Line: Dayton by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+14 1/2)
Game 833-834: Toledo at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 47.586; Ball State 50.734
Dunkel Line: Ball State by 3
Vegas Line: Ball State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+5)
Game 835-836: Rhode Island at George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 61.904; George Washington 52.798
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 9
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-4 1/2)
Game 837-838: Evansville at Wichita State
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 54.786; Wichita State 61.333
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (-5 1/2)
Game 839-840: Richmond at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 55.216; St. Louis 60.213
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 5
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-1 1/2)
Game 841-842: Michigan State at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 69.798; Ohio State 71.521
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+3)
Game 843-844: Pittsburgh at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 79.084; West Virginia 73.949
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 5
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 1
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+1)
Game 845-846: Virginia Tech at Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 62.135; Miami (FL) 72.567
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (-6 1/2)
Game 847-848: Northern Iowa at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 63.716; Missouri State 62.155
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (+1)
Game 849-850: Georgia Tech at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 59.455; Clemson 73.326
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 14
Vegas Line: Clemson by 12
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-12)
Game 851-852: Loyola-MD at Marist
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 51.234; Marist 52.737
Dunkel Line: Marist by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Marist by 3
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (+3)
Game 853-854: Rider at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 50.019; St. Peter's 49.171
Dunkel Line: Rider by 1
Vegas Line: Rider by 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+5)
Game 855-856: Northern Colorado at Montana
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Colorado 46.648; Montana 55.123
Dunkel Line: Montana by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Montana by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montana (-4 1/2)
Vegas Experts
Pittsburgh at West Virginia
Bad play by the public here. Before upsetting Georgetown, WVU had failed to cash in four straight games, two of them coming against lightweights Marshall and South Florida. Pitt responded well from its only loss of the season (Louisville) by coming back and smashing Syracuse by 18 points 48 hours later. They have had five days to prepare for the basketball version of the "Backyard Brawl." The Panthers have revenge on their minds from a 14pt loss here last season.
Play on: Pittsburgh
Big Al Mcmordie
Florida at Vanderbilt
Prediction: Vanderbilt
At 1:30 pm, our member selection is on the Vanderbilt Commodores plus the points over Florida. Both teams lost their previous game: Florida was upset by South Carolina in Columbia on Wednesday, while Vandy has lost back-to-back games (73-66 at Miss State, and 76-63 at home to Tennessee). But off those two losses, I look for Vanderbilt to rebound and upset the Gators this afternoon. Vanderbilt excels as a home dog (34-22 ATS its last 56) and also is 23-9 ATS at home when its win percentage is .565 or better, and it's off two or more losses. Take Vanderbilt.
John Ryan
Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Play: Minnesota Timberwolves -5
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Minnesota as they host Chicago slated to start at 7:00 EST. AiS shows a 70% probability that Minnesota will win this game by 7 or more points. AiS also shows that Chicago will out rebounded by at least 4 rebounds in this game. Note that Chicago is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) when they grab 4 to 9 fewer rebounds than their opponents in a game this season. Chicago is in another poor role noting they are just 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams posting a shooting percentage defense of >=46% this season. Minnesota is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a marginal losing team sporting a win percentage of 40% to 49% over the last 2 seasons. Chicago is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) revenging a same season loss versus opponent this season. Minnesota has won 8 of their last 10 games and posting a 8-1-1 ATS run. They have elevated their game and playing with a sustained performance that can carry beyond the All-Star break. For today take Minnesota.
John Fisher
Louisville vs. Syracuse
Play: Syracuse -1.5
TAKE the ORANGEMAN of SYRACUSE to hold home court against the undefeated LOUVILLE Cardinals. Syracuse is 12-1 at home this year and will be playing in front of a sellout 30k plus crowd. Louville is coming off the clouds after beating #1Pitt. Cuse is led by G. Flynn but all 5 Starters average double figures. Louville really only has 3 scoring threats. Take the CUSE and there zone to force the Cardinals who dont really have a spot up three pointer to force CUSE into a man to man. CUSE 76 CARDS 65
Brett Maverick Sports
Lakers/Spurs Over 203
We know the Spurs have played OVER the total 9 of the last 11 times at the Lakers. On the other side we see the Lakers playing OVER the total 5 straight times with two or more days of rest. Thats a nice 14-2 situational play. We can't play into these odds. Take the over.
Nelly
Denver - over Utah
Denver already enjoys a big home court advantage playing in the Mile High City but the Nuggets will also be well rested having not played since Tuesday. The Nuggets should be in a great position to improve on the 17-6 S/U home record and a strong overall ATS season. Denver went through an adjustment after Anthony was injured but Denver is 6-3 ATS in the last nine games and the two most recent losses came in tough situations, losing to Orlando following an OT win and losing by two points at Houston. The Nuggets crushed Sacramento earlier in the week and have won six of the last eight home games despite mainly playing quality teams. Utah has the Spurs on deck and the Jazz have lost four of the last six games and are 1-6 ATS in the past seven contests. Utah barely won at home when these teams met early in the season and the Jazz are 8-14 S/U in road games this year. Utah played a very tough home game with Cleveland last night and coming off a narrow loss makes this a very tough travel spot and emotional situation. Look for Denver to pull away for a convincing win.
Lenny Del Genio
Sacramento Kings at Toronto Raptors
Prediction: Toronto Raptors
Now is the time to "buy" on the Raptors. Well, at least for tonight. With PG Jose Calderon returning to the lineup Friday, they snapped a seven-game losing streak, easily beating Chicago, 114-94. Sacramento has little depth and has a penchant for being blown out on the road, so with last night's two point loss in Milwaukee now behind them, they are due to get taken to the woodshed this evening. Kings are just 4-13 ATS vs. the Eastern Conference this season and have lost 19 of 22 on the road this season. Losers of four straight, they are allowing over 108 PPG away from home this season. Interesting to note that dating back to 1996 the Kings are just 2-13 vs. the number, on the road, coming off BB losses by 6pts or less. Take Toronto.