Nick Parsons
Columbus Blue Jackets at Vancouver Canucks
Prediction: Under
After opening its trip Tuesday with a 4-1 loss at Northwest Division-leading Calgary, the Blue Jackets (31-25-6) again managed only a single goal - a third-period tally by Raffi Torres - Thursday in Edmonton. This time, though, rookie Steve Mason made the goal stand up, stopping 19 shots for his eighth shutout of the season in the 1-0 victory; I am looking for another similar effort this evening. Roberto Luongo made 20 saves to earn the win Friday. He's been in net for two of the losses to Columbus this season, and has dropped six of his last seven decisions against the Blue Jackets; look for this super star goaltender and Captain Canuck to turn that around tonight! The Jackets have seen the total go under the number in 8 of 12 games after scoring one or less goals in their previous game; play on the UNDER!
GINA
Toronto Raptors at Dallas Mavericks
The Toronto Raptors have dropped five of their last six games away from home, just 11-21 on the road this year and haven't been successful in Dallas, dropping the last eight. Go with the Mavericks in their house. Dallas is 21-8 at home this season and has won nine of their last 10 games at American Airlines Center, going 7-3 ATS.
Dallas Mavericks -6½
Johnny Guild
Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Rockets continue to struggle on the road. Houston has lost their last four road games and 10 of its last 13. However, they have had no problems against the Timberwolves. Houston has won six straight over Minnesota. Take the Houston Rockets! The struggling Timberwolves have lost eighth straight at home, 1-7 ATS.
Houston Rockets -6
NCAAB
Louisville Cardinals -9
Cincinnati Bearcats +8.5
Mr A
Boston Celtics -9
Dallas Mavericks -6½
LT Profits
Marquette +9
The underdogs have dominated the head-to-head series between the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Louisville Cardinals, and we look for a repeat between these two evenly matched clubs today.
Marquette is averaging exactly 80.0 points per game this season, which is not surprising when you consider that they rank seventh in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency according to the Pomeroy Ratings, at 1.169 points per possession. They will be anxious to get back on the winning track after losing at home to Connecticut on Wednesday, and they are seeking revenge for a home loss to Louisville last season.
The Cardinals are 13-2 in Big East play, one game ahead of the Eagles, but their lack of a true point guard can come back to bite them here. Louisville does rank 47 in offensive PPP, but that is still well behind Marquette, meaning they will not be enjoying the edge they normally have vs. most teams.
Louisville does have the superior defense here, but is that enough to cover a large spot like this vs. a quality opponent? We think not and will take these generous points with Marquette.
Pick: Marquette +9
Andre Gomes
HOU -5.5 vs MIN
The Rockets suffered last night a brutal loss in Chicago. They lost 102-105 in a game where they were outscored 14-34 in the fourth quarter blowing up a 17 point lead. In fact they were outscored 23-3 in the final 5' minutes, never stopping the Bulls again in the 11 possession after the Rockets took a 99-82 lead with 5:51 remaining. Naturally this team will be fired up for today to make a bounce back. The big problem of yesterday loss was that Yao Ming didn't touch the ball down the stretch, he took just one second-half shot, none in the fourth quarter and the Rockets were a mere jump shooting team.
Today they will face Minnesota who is struggling right now. Despite the fact that this isn't a good for spot for the Rockets as this is a back to back game, the Rockets are 5-1 ATS (3-0 ATS on the road) in back to back games after a loss, this tell us that they fared well after a loss. The Wolves are 1-9 L10 games and 0-5 L5 games, without Al Jefferson they don't have any reliable scorer and facing top teams who are hungry they didn't have any chance. Just look for what happened last game against the Blazers, they were 4.5 (what a pathetic line by the way) points underdogs just to be spanked at home by 20 points. Note that the Blazers were coming from back to back losses vs Rockets and Spurs and they wanted badly to win, the same thing can be said from the Rockets tonight.
Coach Kevin McHale in an effort to improve his team's interior defense started Jason Collins at center against Portland. The Wolves likely will go with the same lineup tonight against 7-foot-6 Yao Ming. Collins shouldn't be in the NBA and facing Yao Ming will be too much for him and the Wolves especially taking in account that the Rockets will play more for Yao today.
This is the third game between these 2 teams and the Rockets are 2-0 in the series. They won by 17 at home and by 7 in Minnesota. The curious factor is that Al Jefferson made 34 points (15-21), 13 rebounds and 36 points (16-30 FG), 22 rebounds and still the Wolves couldn't be competitive in those games. How can they be competitive tonight without Al Jefferson and facing a team who wants to make a bounce back after a terrible loss last night? The Wolves are 4-15 ATS as a home underdog this season and I think the Rockets will win this game by at least 8 points. Take the Rockets in here.
Greg Shaker
Syracuse / Cincinnati Over 144.5
I really like this game for a number of reasons and one is for what I think is a bargain line. It is based on recent play by the Bearcats who have had a couple of pretty good defensive efforts on their home floor. But Cincy is nite and day when they travel with shooting percentages and they will play one of the mor prolific scoring teams in the Big East and the country today. The Orangemen have outstanding offensive efficiency here at home especially that features 82 points per contest and 50% shooting from the court. They have been picking up their pace as well lately with 2 OVERS last 2 times here on amazing 131 and 134 shot efforts. Reasonable shooting percentages today should should push this one OVER easily..Play up to 148.
John Ryan Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Atlanta Hawks
Pick: 2 units: Atlanta Hawks +3.5
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Atlanta Hawks as they host the Cleveladn Cavaliers slated to start at 8:05 EST and can be seen on ESPN. Upset in the making here as the AiS shows a 70% probability that Atlanta will lose this game by 3 or fewer points and also has a 54% probability of victorious the game. Atlanta is 6-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games versus good shooting teams making >=46% of their shots over the last 2 seasons. Look for Atlanta to get off to a fast start and as a result I like a small 1.5* unit play on the first half line. Here is a supporting system that has gone 58-23 for 72% victories since 1996. Play on home dogs of 2 to 3.5 points versus the first half line after having lost 3 of their last 4 games, with a victorious record on the season playing another victorious team. Take Atlanta.
EZWINNERS.COM - FREE SELECTION
Game: Utah Jazz @ Golden State Warriors
(818) Golden State Warriors +5
The Jazz have been red hot winning six straight games and nine out of their last ten games. Utah is also 9-1 against the spread in those games, but that won loss was at the hands of the Warriors as a 1.5 point road favorite. This time around they are laying a big five points. Golden State is 36-15-3 against the spread in their last 54 games as a home underdog and the Jazz are only 14-30 against the spread in their last 44 games as a road favorite. The Jazz played last night at home against the Kings in what turned out to be a close game and Utah is only 2-11 straight up this season in the second of back to back games. Take the points.
2009 Free Selections Record 34-25 (57.6%)
WUNDERDOG
New Orleans at New Jersey
Pick: New Jersey +4.5
The Hornets have been a strange team this year having streaks of both good and bad. Lately it's been bad. They have lot 11 of their last 15 games against the spread. On the season they are just 10-16 ATS on the road. New Jersey has struggled as a big dog or favorite, but they have gone 10-3 ATS since the new year in games with a spread under five. That includes six straight covers. The Net's problem all season has been defense, but that doesn't bode well for New Orleans as the Hornets are just 3-13 ATS this season against bad defensive teams (those allowing 46% FG). I like the home dog here.
DUNKEL
Toronto at Dallas
The Raptors come in just 1-5 ATS against teams with a winning record in the second half of the season. Dallas is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mavericks favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2).
Game 801-802: Detroit at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 114.919; Boston 129.727
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 15; 181 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 9; 180
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-9); Over
Game 803-804: LA Lakers at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 126.120; Phoenix 120.534
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5 1/2; 238 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4; 236 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-4); Over
Game 805-806: New Orleans at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 118.886; New Jersey 114.380
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3 1/2); Over
Game 807-808: Cleveland at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 121.863; Atlanta 118.724
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 3; 183 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 4; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+4); Under
Game 809-810: Denver at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.052; Indiana 119.746
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 2 1/2; 215 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+2 1/2); Under
Game 811-812: Houston at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 123.007; Minnesota 116.509
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6); Over
Game 813-814: San Antonio at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.629; Portland 125.778
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 3; 177 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 181 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-2 1/2); Under
Game 815-816: Toronto at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 113.846; Dallas 124.484
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 10 1/2; 206 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 6 1/2; 207 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2); Under
Game 817-818: Utah at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 124.535; Golden State 122.723
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 2; 231 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 5; 227
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+5); Over
NCAAB
Maryland at NC State
The Terps (17-10 SU) come off back-to-back emotional games against Duke and UNC, and have to hit the road against an NC State team that is 10-4 ATS against teams with a winning record. The Wolfpack are the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has NC State favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NC State (-4 1/2).
Game 819-820: Michigan at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 63.958; Wisconsin 73.910
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 10
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 8
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-8)
Game 821-822: Marquette at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 69.358; Louisville 77.484
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 8
Vegas Line: Louisville by 9
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+9)
Game 823-824: Bowling Green at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 49.329; Akron 64.104
Dunkel Line: Akron by 15
Vegas Line: Akron by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (-10 1/2)
Game 825-826: Tennessee at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 64.082; Florida 71.317
Dunkel Line: Florida by 7
Vegas Line: Florida by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-4 1/2)
Game 827-828: Missouri at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 74.007; Kansas 76.537
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 5
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (+5)
Game 829-830: Providence at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 64.724; Rutgers 60.049
Dunkel Line: Providence by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Providence by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Providence (-3 1/2)
Game 831-832: Cincinnati at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 66.501; Syracuse 72.264
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 6
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+8 1/2)
Game 833-834: St. Bonaventure at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 55.120; St. Joseph's 60.849
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+9 1/2)
Game 835-836: Kent State at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 56.525; Miami (OH) 63.032
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (-4 1/2)
Game 837-838: Buffalo at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 54.414; Ohio 57.270
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 3
Vegas Line: Ohio by 5
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+5)
Game 839-840: North Texas at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 55.073; Denver 55.256
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Denver by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (+3 1/2)
Game 841-842: Rhode Island at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 62.956; Duquesne 65.857
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 3
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 1
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (-1)
Game 843-844: West Virginia at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 73.451; South Florida 61.973
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 10
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-10)
Game 845-846: Georgia at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 55.964; Arkansas 61.361
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 9
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+9)
Game 847-848: Massachusetts at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 55.293; LaSalle 62.951
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (-4 1/2)
Game 849-850: Maryland at NC State
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 61.759; NC State 70.203
Dunkel Line: NC State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NC State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC State (-4 1/2)
Game 851-852: Oregon State at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 60.411; Oregon 60.587
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Oregon by 2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+2)
Game 853-854: Marist at Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 44.394; Niagara 66.284
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 22
Vegas Line: Niagara by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-17 1/2)
Game 855-856: Fairfield at Rider
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 48.849; Rider 54.062
Dunkel Line: Rider by 5
Vegas Line: Rider by 6
Dunkel Pick: Fairfield (+6)
Game 857-858: Siena at Canisius
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 60.362; Canisius 55.254
Dunkel Line: Siena by 5
Vegas Line: Siena by 8
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+8)
Game 859-860: Loyola-MD at Iona
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 45.371; Iona 55.306
Dunkel Line: Iona by 10
Vegas Line: Iona by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-7 1/2)
Game 861-862: Manhattan at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 53.844; St. Peter's 52.425
Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Manhattan by 1
Dunkel Pick: Manhattan (-1)
Game 863-864: Montana State at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 46.668; Northern Colorado 54.502
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 8
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (-4 1/2)
Game 865-866: Michigan State at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 70.987; Illinois 72.513
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Illinois
NHL
Columbus at Vancouver
The Blue Jackets are coming off a 1-0 win at Edmonton and are 6-2 following a shutout in their previous game. Columbus is the underdog pick (+160) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jackets favored straight up by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+160).
Game 1-2: Philadelphia at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.894; New Jersey 12.775
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-140); Under
Game 3-4: Pittsburgh at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.406; Dallas 12.033
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-135); Over
Game 5-6: Los Angeles at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.020; Chicago 11.702
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+200); Under
Game 7-8: Florida at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.700; Washington 11.968
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-210); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-210); Over
Game 9-10: Tampa Bay at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.416; Calgary 12.324
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-330); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-330); Over
Game 11-12: Columbus at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.022; Vancouver 11.705
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+160); Under
GoodFella
Providence @ Rutgers +4
This is a letdown spot for Providence, as they are coming off a win over Pitt in their L/game. This is also a payback game for Rutgers, as Providence beat Rutgers at Providence by 10 pts just 2 weeks ago. Obviously, Proidence won't be playing with the same fire & passion they did with the upset win over Pitt, & playing at Rutgers is not a easy place to play at for opponent, as the fans are seemingly right on top of you at the RAC. I really like this spot for Rutgers, & I think they can even get the outrigth win here. Grab the +4 look for a very competitive game.
Evan Altemus
Selection: OKLAHOMA STATE -2
Oklahoma State is playing their best basketball of the season. They have won four straight games both straight up and against the spread. This game is also a big revenge situation for the Cowboys, as they want to avenge a blowout road loss to Texas a few weeks back. Both teams have exhibited a strong home/road dichotomy as well. The Longhorns are 0-3 against the spread in their last three road games, including outright losses at Nebraska and at Texas A&M. This game is an absolute must win for the Cowboys as well if they want to secure a tournament bid. A loss in this game would basically erase any chance of an at-large bid. Oklahoma State has a very strong home court advantage, which will allow them to get a win and cover.
Selection: L.A. LAKERS -4
Profile: First and foremost, Phoenix will be an absolute bet against team for the rest of the season when going up against any kind of quality competition. They are able to blowout the weakest teams in the NBA but struggle severely against everyone else. Steve Nash is probably going to play but will be limited with an ankle injury. Los Angeles will come with their best effort after playing a horrible game at Denver. The Lakers were playing their third game in four days however, so a poor performance from them was not surprising. Los Angeles has dominated Phoenix over the last two seasons, and the same outcome is expected today. Both Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson were quoted that they had a poor game against Denver and need a rebound performance here. Look for the Lakers to completely dominate the Suns once again.