SPORTS ADVISORS
(8) Marquette (23-5, 11-11-1 ATS) at (6) Louisville (22-5, 17-10 ATS)
Surging Louisville returns home from a two-game road trip for a key Big East matchup against Marquette at Freedom Hall.
The Cardinals dropped Cincinnati 72-63 as a 5½-point road chalk Feb. 21, then routed host Georgetown 76-58 Monday as a one-point favorite for their fourth straight win and cover (all in the Big East), bouncing back nicely from a 33-point loss at Notre Dame on Feb. 12. During its four-game roll, Louisville has averaged 85.3 ppg and allowed just 62.8, and the Cards have held eight of their last 10 opponents under 70 points.
Marquette suffered its first home loss of the season Wednesday, falling to No. 2 Connecticut 93-82 as a one-point pup to end a three-game SU run, and the Golden Eagles are now 1-5 ATS in their last six starts, all in the Big East. For the season, Marquette has put up an average of 80 ppg while allowing 69 ppg, but the margin gets substantially tighter on the road, where the Golden Eagles average 74.8 and give up just a shade less at 73.2.
Louisville is second in the Big East at 13-2 SU (12-3 ATS), with a 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS record at home. Marquette is tied for third in the conference at 12-3 SU (8-7 ATS), going 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS on the road.
Louisville has won and cashed in the last three meetings in this rivalry, including home and road wins last season by 20 and 14 points, respectively. The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in the last five contests, but the underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 clashes.
The Cardinals are on a bundle of ATS runs, including 35-16-1 overall, 11-2 on Sunday, 4-1 against winning teams, 20-8 after a spread cover and 42-13-2 in the Big East. The Golden Eagles are on positive ATS stretches of 13-6 on the road and 7-2 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, but along with their 1-5 ATS slide in Big East play, they are 2-5 ATS in their last seven Sunday starts.
The over for Louisville is on rolls of 5-0 overall, 4-0 after a SU win, 6-0 after a spread-cover and 4-1 at home, and the over for Marquette is on streaks of 14-6 on the road, 44-18-2 in roadies against teams with a winning home record and 7-3 after a SU loss. However, the under is 5-1 in Marquette’s last six games against winning teams, and the total has stayed low in five of the last six clashes in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: LOUISVILLE
(11) Missouri (24-4, 13-8 ATS) at (15) Kansas (23-5, 16-5-1 ATS)
Red-hot Missouri puts its seven-game winning streak on the line in Lawrence in a Big 12 battle against defending national champion Kansas, which will seek to avenge last month’s loss in Columbia.
The Tigers drubbed Kansas State 94-74 as a 10-point home favorite Wednesday to improve to 6-1 ATS during their seven-game run, all within the Big 12. In the last five games, Missouri’s offensive numbers are down a couple notches offensively, with an average of 74.8 ppg scored, compared with its season-long average of 81.7. However, the Tigers have turned up the heat defensively, yielding just 60.4 ppg in the last five starts, more than five points lower than its season average (65.7).
The Jayhawks bested No. 3 Oklahoma 87-78 as a two-point road pup Monday night for their fourth straight victory (3-1 ATS), and they are now leading the Big 12 with a 12-1 SU and 11-1-1 ATS mark. Since the loss to Mizzou, Kansas has posted three double-digit wins along with the victory over the Sooners and has won those four games by an average final score of 78.5-65.
Missouri is just behind Kansas at 11-2 in the Big 12 (9-4 ATS), including 4-2 SU and ATS on the road. The Jayhawks are 6-0 SU and 4-1-1 ATS when hosting conference rivals.
Missouri scored just 16 points in the first 20 minutes against Kansas three weeks ago, but made a furious second-half run and erased a 14-point deficit to narrowly secure a 62-60 home win, but the Tigers failed to cover as a five-point chalk. The underdog is 10-4-2 ATS in the last 16 clashes between these two; however, Kansas is 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four overall.
The Tigers are on positive ATS pushes of 4-1 on the road, 5-1 against winning teams, 5-1 after a SU win and 4-1 after an ATS win, but they are on a 6-17 ATS slide on the road against teams with a winning home record. The Jayhawks are on spread-covering sprees of 22-6-1 overall, 15-3-1 in the Big 12, 8-2-1 at home and 36-16-1 against winning teams, but they are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 home starts versus teams with a winning road record.
The over for Missouri is on runs of 14-6 after the Tigers have put up more than 90 points and 5-2 on the road against teams with a winning home record. On the flip side, the under for Kansas is on streaks of 7-2 overall (all in Big 12 play), 5-0 at home and 7-1 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS
Tennessee (17-10, 10-14-1 ATS) at Florida (21-7, 8-12-1 ATS)
Two teams struggling toward the regular-season finish line in the SEC square off when Tennessee travels to Gainesville to face Florida at the O’Connell Center.
The Volunteers held off Mississippi State 81-76 Wednesday to end a two-game SU hiccup, but Tennessee fell short of cashing as a nine-point chalk in taking its third straight ATS setback. The Vols are a middling 5-5 in their last 10 games (3-7 ATS), averaging 70.4 ppg – eight points below its season mark – on 42.7 percent shooting, while giving up 66.4 ppg on 46.5 percent shooting. They’ve also dropped three consecutive SEC roadies SU and ATS.
The Gators fell to No. 18 LSU 81-75 as a 3½-point road ‘dog Tuesday, ending a two-game SU upswing while failing to cover for the third time in the last four games. Like Tennessee, Florida is 5-5 SU in its last 10 (4-5-1 ATS), including 2-3 SU and ATS in its last five starts. However, the Gators are a perfect 16-0 SU at home this season (4-6 ATS in lined games), winning by an average margin of nearly 17 ppg (81.1-64.2).
Tennessee and Florida are both 8-5 SU in the SEC, tied for second in the East Division. The Vols are 5-8 ATS in conference play, going 3-3 SU and 2-4 ATS in road games. The Gators are 6-6-1 ATS in the SEC, with a 6-0 SU and 3-3 ATS mark at home.
Tennessee has won and covered the last four in this rivalry, including a 79-63 home rout laying four points in January and an 89-86 road win giving 2½ points in Gainesville last March. The Vols are 5-2 ATS on their last seven trips to Florida, though the home team is on a 4-1 ATS run and the favorite has also covered in four of the last five clashes.
The Volunteers are on nothing but negative ATS runs, including 2-5 overall (all in SEC action), 0-4 on the road, 1-5 against winning teams, 1-4 after a SU win and 3-9 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. The Gators are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Sunday tilts, but they are otherwise on pointspread declines of 2-5 overall (all in the SEC), 6-15 at home and 2-8 after a SU loss.
The under for Tennessee is on rolls of 4-1 overall, 5-1 after a SU win, 5-1 on Sunday and 4-1 on the road. Conversely, the over for Florida is on stretches of 4-0 overall, 4-0 at home, 17-4 after a SU loss, 4-1 against winning teams and 14-5-1 at home against teams with a losing road record. Finally, in this rivalry, the over is on runs of 5-1 in Gainesville and 4-1 overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(9) Michigan State (22-5, 13-10-1 ATS) at (20) Illinois (23-6, 15-9-1 ATS)
Michigan State and Illinois look to firm up their postseason credentials in a battle of the top two teams in the Big Ten at Assembly Hall.
The Spartans beat Iowa 62-54 Wednesday night but fell far short as an overwhelming 15-point home chalk for its second ATS setback in the last three games. Michigan State is 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS in its last nine starts, all within the Big Ten, and the Spartans have unleashed a stifling defense in their last five outings, giving up just 53 ppg – nearly 10 points lower than its season average (62.9) – while scoring 61.2 ppg.
The Fighting Illini bested Minnesota 52-41 giving 7½ points at home for their second straight win and cover, and they are now 5-1 SU (4-2 ATS) in their last six starts, all in Big Ten play. Illinois’ defense has been rigid all season long, ranking No. 3 in the country at 55.3 ppg allowed, but that impressive number goes down to 52.4 on the Illini’s home floor. And in its last five games, Illinois has held its opponents to a meager 51.6 ppg, while scoring 56 ppg.
Michigan State is 12-3 SU (8-6-1 ATS) in conference play, including a solid 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS on the road. Illinois is 11-5 SU (9-6-1 ATS), with a 7-1 SU (4-2-1 ATS) mark in Big Ten home contests.
Michigan State has won the last three meetings in this rivalry (2-1 ATS), though Illinois covered as an eight-point pup in a 63-57 road loss in mid-January, as the Illini improved to 9-4 ATS in the last 13 contests. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five clashes.
The Spartans are on ATS upswings of 16-7-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 6-1-1 on the road and 6-1 after a non-cover. The Illini are on a 15-6-1 ATS run against teams with a win percentage above .600, but they are on pointspread skids of 2-7 at home against teams with a winning road record and 3-7-1 at home after giving up less than 50 points in their prior game.
The under for Michigan State is on runs of 6-0 overall (all in conference), 4-0 after a SU win and 4-0 against winning teams, and the under for Illinois is on tears of 6-1 overall, 6-0 against winning teams, 12-2 at home, 20-8-1 on Sunday and 35-17-1 in Big Ten games. Finally, the under is 6-0 in the last six series meetings overall and 7-0 in the last seven clashes at Assembly Hall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA
L.A. Lakers (48-11, 31-28 ATS) at Phoenix (33-25, 22-34-2 ATS)
The Lakers, who flattened Phoenix 132-106 as an 11-point chalk three days ago at Staples Center, make the return trip to U.S. Airways Arena to take on the Suns.
Los Angeles fell to Denver 90-79 as a two-point road chalk Friday night, halting a six-game winning streak (4-2 ATS) and losing for the first time in the last 10 clashes with the Nuggets (8-2 ATS). The Lakers had been racking up the points lately, scoring 107 or more in five straight games prior to Friday’s season-low in Denver, and they’ve been consistent this season offensively, averaging 108.8 ppg overall and 108.2 ppg on the road.
Phoenix bounced back from the blowout loss to the Lakers by ripping Toronto 133-113 as a 3½-point home favorite Friday, with Shaquille O’Neal scoring 45 points – his best output in six years. The Suns have now alternated SU wins and losses in their last five games. In fact, the SU winner is on a 10-0 ATS surge in Phoenix’s last 10 starts. The Suns are putting up an eye-popping 119.8 ppg in their last five games, but they are also allowing 118.6 ppg in that span.
Los Angeles has won the last four clashes in this rivalry (3-1 ATS), including a 105-92 win giving 4½ points in December on its last trip to the desert. In fact, the Lakers have covered in four straight at Phoenix and are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings overall, and the road team is on a 4-1 ATS run.
The Lakers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU loss and 7-17 ATS in their last 24 when playing on one day of rest, but they are otherwise on pointspread rolls of 8-3 on the road, 6-2 after a non-cover, 20-9 in Pacific Division contests and 10-5 this season when playing on back-to-back nights. The Suns are on a 5-2 ATS run overall and a 5-1-1 ATS spurt at home, but they are on pointspread slides of 7-22-1 after a spread-cover, 4-11 after a SU win and 8-21 against winning teams.
The over for Los Angeles is on tears of 10-3-1 on the road, 8-1 in division play and 7-2 against winning teams, and the over for Phoenix is on streaks of 7-1 overall, 4-0 after a SU win, 5-1 after a day off, 4-1 at home and 6-2 against winning teams. Finally, in this rivalry, the over has hit seven of the last nine meetings overall in four of the last five battles in Phoenix.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Cleveland (45-12, 38-19 ATS) at Atlanta (33-25, 30-28 ATS)
The Cavaliers head into their third game of a four-game road swing when they take on the Hawks at Philips Arena.
Cleveland dropped San Antonio 97-86 Friday night as a four-point road chalk, getting 30 points and 14 rebounds from LeBron James to bounce back from Thursday’s 93-74 blowout loss at Houston as a 3½-point favorite. The Cavs have outscored opponents by nearly 10 points per game on the year (100.2-90.5), but that margin gets cut in half on the road, where Cleveland is averaging 96.8 ppg and allowing 92.1 while posting a 21-7 record (16-12 ATS).
Atlanta returned home from a six-game road trip Friday and topped Miami 91-83 as a 5½-point home chalk to halt a three-game SU skid, and the Hawks covered for the second straight game after dropping four straight ATS decisions. Atlanta is 20-6 on its home floor (13-13 ATS), averaging 100.2 ppg and give up 94.6 ppg.
Cleveland is 6-2 SU (5-3 ATS) in the last eight meetings in this rivalry, but back on Dec. 13, the Cavs had a 11-game SU and ATS winning streak snapped when they went to Atlanta and lost 97-92 as a four-point road favorite. Cleveland still 7-2 ATS in its last nine trips to Atlanta and 13-6 ATS in the last 19 contests overall. Finally, the favorite is on a 16-6 ATS roll, and the home team has won five of the last six battles (4-2 ATS).
The Cavaliers are on ATS sprees of 43-19 overall, 4-1 after both a SU and ATS win, 17-7 after a SU win of more than 10 points and 19-9 against winning teams, but they’ve cashed in just one of their last seven games against Southeast Division foes. The Hawks are on a 1-6 ATS slide on Sunday and are 2-5 ATS in their last seven after a SU win, but they still sport positive pointspread streaks of 7-1 against the Central Division, 4-1 going on one day’s rest and 8-3 at home against teams with a winning road record.
The under for Cleveland is on stretches of 5-1 after a SU win, 8-2 against the Eastern Conference, 21-7 after a spread-cover and 36-15 on Sunday. On the flip side, the over for Atlanta is on streaks of 5-1 after a SU win, 4-1 against the East and 17-5-1 against the Central Division. Finally, total has cleared the posted price in four of the last five meetings in this rivalry overall and five of the last seven at Philips Arena.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
San Antonio (39-18, 29-26-2 ATS) at Portland (36-22, 30-28 ATS)
The Spurs, who rolled to a home win over Portland four days ago, make the trek to the Pacific Northwest to face the Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.
San Antonio lost to Cleveland 97-86 as a four-point home ‘dog Friday, which halted a 4-0 SU and ATS surge that was capped by a 99-84 win over the Blazers as a five-point home chalk Wednesday. For the season, the Spurs have put up an average of 97.4 ppg and allowed 93.6 ppg, but they’ve tightened up the defense in the past five games, allowing an average of 80.6 ppg while scoring 91.8.
Portland rebounded from its loss to the Spurs by rolling over Minnesota 102-82 giving 4½ points on the road Friday to notch its lone win on a brief three-game road trip (2-1 ATS). The Blazers are on an 8-0 SU (6-2 ATS) tear at home, scoring 106 points or more five times in that stretch and winning by an average final score of 12 points per game (105-93).
San Antonio is on a 14-1 SU binge in the last 15 games of this rivalry, but the Spurs are just 8-7 ATS in that span. The teams have split two meetings SU and ATS this year, with the home club winning and covering in both. The host is on a 4-0 ATS upswing in this rivalry and San Antonio has cashed in 21 of the last 31 meetings overall, but the Blazers are 5-2 ATS in the last seven clashes in Portland.
The Spurs are on nothing but positive ATS runs, including 4-1 overall, 8-1 against winning teams, 6-1-1 after a day off, 7-2-1 on the road, 6-2 against Northwest Division foes and 20-8-1 against the Western Conference. The Blazers are on identical 2-5 ATS skids against the Southwest Division and against teams with a winning percentage above .600, but in addition to their 6-2 ATS run at home, they carry positive pointspread streaks of 4-1 overall, 8-2 after a SU win and 4-0 on one day’s rest.
The over for San Antonio is on stretches of 10-4 overall, 5-0 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 7-3 on the road, and the over for Portland is on runs of 4-0 against teams with a win percentage above .600, 5-1-1 after a spread-cover and 8-3-1 after a SU win. Also, these teams have topped the total in five of the last seven meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PORTLAND and OVER
Craig Trapp
Michigan State vs. Illinois
Play: Michigan State +1
Two of the three top teams in the Big Ten square off in a rematch from over a month ago when Illinois lost by 6 at Michigan State. Both these teams have conference title on there mind but a loss here will end any hope of winning the title. Most experts had this Illinois team as a middle of the road Big Ten team but this team has seen there young players step up and carry them.
Michigan State looked like the conference champion four weeks ago but since then they got blown out at Purdue and was upset by Penn State. Michigan State have shown the defense and rebounding that Izzo's teams are know for but they don't have explosive scorers as they have in the past. Currently only two players are in double figures led by Lucas at 14.2 points per game. Spartans have not been good ATS against Illinois going 4-9 ATS in the last 13 meetings. But they have been great ATS on the road this year going 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Illinois has been the one Big Ten team to really surprise and play well over expectations. Might me the most balance team in all of the county with 4 players averaging from 10 to 14 points. Each game there is a different hero that steps up and carries them. Tonight they will need an outstanding effort from there young players and they must find a way to rebound with Michigan State. If they can force MSU into outside shots and limit them to one shot only they have a chance to win. Also on offense they must be patient and work it inside out to get good open shots. Even though Illinois has been great with there overall record ATS has not been good for them going only 5-5 at home ATS.
Michigan State wants to once again be conference champs and this experienced team will go to Illinois and win straight up. Michigan State will dominate the lane and offensive rebounding will be the difference in this game. Michigan State is better athletically and will show it today!! Score MSU 68 - ILL 60
Missouri vs. Kansas
Play: Missouri +4.5
The Tigers, with their relentless pressing defense, and score a ton of points in transition off of turnovers. For upperclassmen like Matt Lawrence and Leo Lyons who endured the frustration and embarrassment of the Quin Snyder era, the turnaround has been especially sweet. Missouri does not have an answer for the taller Kansas players and with a 9 game losing streak in Kansas they have an uphill battle.
Key betting trends for Missouri Tigers:
Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
To the No. 15 Kansas Jayhawks (23-5, 12-1), conference titles are old hat. They're gunning for their fifth straight and ninth in 13 years. . Most wrote this season off for the Kansas team losing 6 of there top 8 players. But PG Collins has been great all season and Aldrich in the middle have given them solid scoring and rebounding. The young freshman have received a ton of experience and there talent is starting to shine thru.
Key betting trends for Kansas Jayhawks:
Jayhawks are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Jayhawks are 15-3-1 ATS in their last 19 vs. Big 12.
Jayhawks are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Love rivalry games and would love to see a great game. Missouri is going to speed up Kansas early with there defensive full court pressure but late Collins for Kansas will take over and lead them back. But still don't think they win by more than 4 points take the 4.5 points and the underdog ATS trend continues in this series. Score KAN 79 - MIZ 77
Frank Jordan
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
Play: Atlanta Hawks +4
Cleveland is 45-12 which is the second most wins and the fewest losses in the East. Atlanta is playing well with a 33-25 record and 20-6 at home. Look for the Hawks to continue their solid play at home and not disappoint the home crowd. Play Atlanta
Marc Lawrence
Buffalo at Ohio University
Play: Ohio University
After all the ups and downs the Bobcats have endured this season they enter the final three games of the season having gone 14-13 SU and 12-11 ATS. The one place they?ve shined has been at home in the Convocation Center (7-2 ATS). Ohio plays its Last Home Game of the season here tonight they have won and covered their home finales each of the last 11 years in a row! To top if off they?ll do so looking to avenge a loss at Buffalo earlier this year knowing they are 7-0 SU and ATS when hosting the Bulls the past seven seasons. Stay at home with the Bobcats here today.
Jimmy The Moose
Columbus Blue Jackets at Vancouver Canucks
Prediction: Under
Two of the hottest goaltenders square off in this one tonight. Canucks have played the under in 3 straight games while the Jackets in 7 of their last 10 overall. Both teams also struggling to find the net as both are averaging just 2.2 goals/game in their last 5. Look for a low scoring affair tonight. Play the Under.
Mike Anthony
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics
Play: Detroit Pistons +9.5
Big triple revenge game for the Pistons as the first 3 meetings weren't even close. Look for the Pistons to give the Celtics all they can handle especially with KG not playing. Also expect some ruined team chemistry with Marbury and this to be a very tight game. Take the underdog and the points in the early tip-off on Sunday!
Free Selection from Totals4U
Sunday's free selection: Utah/Golden State over 227
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Complimentary Selection - from Jeff Benton
After three straight freebie winners, we came up just short with yesterday’s play on Creighton, my only blemish in otherwise perfect Saturday. We’ll get back on track Sunday as we switch to the NBA and back the Blazers at home against San Antonio.
For one thing, this is a quick payback game for Portland, which got blitzed 99-84 at San Antonio on Wednesday, falling way short as a five-point road underdog. But the Blazers always struggle in San Antonio, so that was hardly a surprising results. At home, though, Portland has cashed in five of the last seven meetings with the Spurs, including a 100-99 win as a 2½-point underdog back in the second game of the season.
The Blazers were an unknown quantity back on that Halloween night. Now, everyone’s aware that this is one of the best young teams in the league, one that’s just 3 ½ games worse than the Spurs in the Western Conference standings, and one that has taken 23 of its first 28 home games.
As a matter of fact, the Blazers are on an eight-game home winning streak (6-2 ATS) and are 11-1 in their last 12 at the Rose Garden (8-4). The team’s only straight-up home loss since Jan. 2 was a 104-98 defeat to the Cavaliers – the same Cavs that just finished pounding the Spurs 97-86 in San Antonio on Friday.
The Spurs continue to play shorthanded, as Manu Ginobili remains sidelined with a leg injury and Tim Duncan has missed the last three games with a quad injury. Duncan may or may not return tonight, but even if he plays, I highly doubt he’ll be on the floor very long, or be all that effective. Either way, with or without Duncan, this is a bad spot for San Antonio and a great spot for the Blazers to prove they’re among the Western Conference’s elite – and they’ll do just that. Play the home squad.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10 ♦ Rating)
4♦ PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Cajun Sports
Buffalo vs. Ohio
Play: Ohio -5
The Convocation Center in Athens Ohio will be the site of tonight’s Mid-American Conference battle between the host Ohio University Bobcats and the visiting Bulls from the University of Buffalo. The Bulls had things going their way during a four week span from the middle of January to the middle of February posting nine straight wins. Then they visited Ball State as a five point road favorite and lost a hard fought battle 53 to 51 and since that time they have lost four straight both SU and ATS. Over their last five games they are 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS averaging 56.8 points per game and allowing 60.2 points per game. Buffalo is 10-22 ATS in road games after having lost 4 of their last 5 games since 1997, 17-36 ATS in road games after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games since 1997 and 9-23 ATS in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997. The Bobcats enter today’s contest off a home win over Miami-Ohio 75 to 56 as a 1.5 point home underdog. Ohio is 11-1 SU and 7-2 ATS at home this season averaging 72.2 points per game and allowing 57.6 points per game on 39.6 percent shooting from the field. Ohio is 37-16 ATS as a home favorite of 6 points or less, 16-6 ATS as a home favorite or pick over the last 2 seasons, 66-41 ATS in home games against conference opponents since 1997, 12-3 ATS in home games after a game giving up 5 or fewer offensive rebounds, 21-6 ATS in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1997 and 16-5 ATS revenging a loss the last 3 seasons. This revenge situation is for a loss to the Bulls back on January 17th 70 to 66 as a 4.5 point road underdog. Not only is this a revenge game but it’s the last home game for the Bobcats and they have won and covered their last eleven home finales. Add to those facts the fact that the Bobcats have won and covered the last seven at home versus the Bulls and you have a Bobcats win and cover in Athens on Sunday. Lay the chalk with the host as they cash the winning ticket!
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Ohio University Bobcats 72 Buffalo Bulls 62
Bob Harvey
Rider -6.0
In a key MAAC showdown I’m siding with the favored Rider Broncos as they host the Fairfield Stags. Rider comes in with a conference of 11-6 and four games behind Sienna for the MAAC lead. The Bronco’s are also 17-11 overall. Rider should enjoy a huge home-court advantage tonight especially against a Fairfield team that has struggled ATS.
The Stags are currently 3-12 ATS following a conference game, are 2-9 against teams with winning record AND are 6-10 ATS vs.conference opponents. Fairfield is 16-13 SU and 9-8 in MAAC play. However they’ve lost four of their last five with their most recent wins coming at the expense of Canisus, Marist, Loyola Maryland the bottom three teams in the conference.
Rider has won three straight including a 2-1 ATS mark during that span. The Broncos also won the first meeting between these teams with a convincing 66-49 win at Fairfield.
Far be it for me to say, but it does appear the linesmakers have missed this one. Take Rider and lay the points at home.
James Patrick
Jazz vs. Warriors
Our Sunday selection goes in NBA action as we recommend Jazz - Warriors Over the Total as 4 of 5 meetings have surpassed the total and 11 of 16 in Golden State have gone over.
Jim Feist
UTAH JAZZ at GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take: UTAH JAZZ
Utah has been hot, playing great basketball, plus they are getting healthy with the return of workhorse Carlos Boozer. They take on a Golden State team where coach Don Nelson is admittingly playing the kids while resting some veterans: Jamal Crawford, Corey Maggette and Steven Jackson. All three Warriors now will take turns sitting out as Nelson continues to play musical veterans. The coach said that Jackson will sit out Sunday's home matchup against Utah. Somewhere along the way, Corey Maggette will sit. The plan didn't work in a 112-109 loss to Charlotte and Utah is far better. Play the Jazz.
Jeff Benton
After three straight freebie winners, we came up just short with yesterday’s play on Creighton, my only blemish in otherwise perfect Saturday. We’ll get back on track Sunday as we switch to the NBA and back the Blazers at home against San Antonio.
For one thing, this is a quick payback game for Portland, which got blitzed 99-84 at San Antonio on Wednesday, falling way short as a five-point road underdog. But the Blazers always struggle in San Antonio, so that was hardly a surprising results. At home, though, Portland has cashed in five of the last seven meetings with the Spurs, including a 100-99 win as a 2½-point underdog back in the second game of the season.
The Blazers were an unknown quantity back on that Halloween night. Now, everyone’s aware that this is one of the best young teams in the league, one that’s just 3 ½ games worse than the Spurs in the Western Conference standings, and one that has taken 23 of its first 28 home games.
As a matter of fact, the Blazers are on an eight-game home winning streak (6-2 ATS) and are 11-1 in their last 12 at the Rose Garden (8-4). The team’s only straight-up home loss since Jan. 2 was a 104-98 defeat to the Cavaliers – the same Cavs that just finished pounding the Spurs 97-86 in San Antonio on Friday.
The Spurs continue to play shorthanded, as Manu Ginobili remains sidelined with a leg injury and Tim Duncan has missed the last three games with a quad injury. Duncan may or may not return tonight, but even if he plays, I highly doubt he’ll be on the floor very long, or be all that effective. Either way, with or without Duncan, this is a bad spot for San Antonio and a great spot for the Blazers to prove they’re among the Western Conference’s elite – and they’ll do just that. Play the home squad.
4♦ PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Matt Rivers
For Sunday take the Florida Gators at home.
I just cannot believe how bad the Tennessee Volunteers have become but they have. Bruce Pearl's squad has a ton of talent with Hopson, Chism, Prince, Maze and others but this team has been regressing by the game and especially so away from Knoxville. Earlier in the season the Vols defended their home court with the best of them and looked as if they were a top 10 or so team once again. But the last few months have been extremely ugly and right now this team is just not good.
Florida is light years away from those National Championship years with stars like Horford and Noah and Brewer and others but Billy Donovan's squad is always dangerous at home and after watching them compete very hard at LSU a week ago I like the makeup of this team. Nick Calathes is a stud and will lead the way here against a Tennessee team that has been an absolute dog with fleas on the road.
Pearl's boys have dropped three in a row on the highway and have failed to cover in four straight. Earlier in the season these guys were embarassed in Kansas and only late points made that thing look closer than it really was and the Vols were also drilled at Temple by 16.
I do admit how Tennessee is the more talented team and a few months ago probably would have been the road favorite in this spot. That does not exactly make this the greatest "value" that I have ever seen but until UT shows anything I can't help but go against the orange on the road here down in Gainesville.
Jake Timlin
Today's Selection
Afternoon NBA action I look for the Lakers to bury the Suns in the desert today. You see due to the fact that Los Angeles just dropped Phoenix 26 points at home just days ago mixed in with the Suns injuries I am not sure the Oddsmakers will be able to post a high enough number today. Not with Nash still out of action as absent their point guard the Suns don’t stand a chance today against the Lakers. Not when the Lakers have covered 6 of the last 8 series meeting, including the last four games at Phoenix. Flat out, given that Phoenix is down a few players don’t expect much from the Suns today as the Lakers will be more than motivated to make today a laugher. With that take the Lakers minus the points!
PICK: Los Angeles Lakers
Tony Weston
Today's Selection:
Tough loss yesterday as Memphis can’t quite push down hard enough on the collective throat of Southern Miss and in the process cost us in this spot.
That’s fine. It’s over and I’m moving on as we’re headed out to Big Ten country where we’re taking Wisconsin at home against Michigan.
It’s been about two months since Michigan and Wisconsin last played where the Badgers beat up on the Wolverines easily, winning 73-61 as a 3 1/2 point favorite.
Since then Michigan has covered only seven times in its last 15 games, including covering only once on the road in six lined road games, including an 0-5 mark ATS away from Ann Arbor against Big Ten opponents.
Going a little further, the Wolverines have only covered in nine of their last 36 games when installed as a road underdog and are only 2-6 ATS their last eight games when in playing at Wisconsin.
Over their last five matchups Michigan has covered only once against the Badgers, who are 4-1 ATS their last five home games against teams with a losing road record.
Consider also that the favorite has covered in five of the last seven meetings between these two and that will happen again today. Take Wisconsin easy at home in this one.
3♦ WISCONSIN