BEN BURNS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
GEORGIA TECH
Game: Clemson vs. Georgia Tech
Prediction: Georgia Tech Reason: I'm taking the points with GEORGIA TECH. Clemson come in off a thrilling comeback win vs. Maryland. This is a big game, as the Tigers want another victory to further solidify their NCAA tournament chances. The Tigers are just 19-41 SU over the past decade when coming off a conference win though and second leading scorer Cliff Hammonds got banged-up in the Maryland game. He's currently listed as probable but can't be expected to be at 100%. Off the big win and with their home finale on deck, I won't be surprised if they're somewhat flat here. The Tigers easily beat the Yellow Jackets at Clemson. However, they've had real trouble here at Georgia Tech, losing eight of the last 10 as a visitor in the series. The most recent game here resulted here in an 80-62 romp for the home team. The Yellow Jackets have struggled down the stretch and lost a heartbreaker last time out. They're better than they've shown lately though and have hung tough with the likes of UNC, Kansas and Indiana (those three games were decided by an average of just 3.3 pts). Prior to the tough 76-74 loss to Virginia, they beat Wake Forest here, completing a sweep of the Deacons. They've also played well off a loss in conference play, going 5-2 ATS on the season. Additionally, this represents their final home game of the season, providing further incentive to really "go out with a bang." I expect a highly motivated effort from the revenge-minded Yellow Jackets and for them to improve to 12-3 ATS the last 15 times that they were listed as home underdogs of three points or less. *ESPN Game of the Week
NBA
UNDER Mavs/Rockets
BULLS
Game: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls
Prediction: Chicago Bulls Reason: I'm laying the points with CHICAGO. The Bulls badly need this game and they've got a few things working in their favor. For starters, they're playing with "revenge" as the Cavs beat them on national TV over the weekend. They're also playing at home, where they've won three of their past four games (3-1 ATS) and beaten the Cavs eight of the past 13 meetings. Additionally, they had last night off while the Cavs were busy beating up on the Knicks. That game was somewhat closer than the final score (119-105) indicates as the Knicks trailed by only two points entering the fourth quarter. In other words, it wasn't just a rout in which the Cavs were able to rest their starters. Indeed, Lebron didn't leave for good until there was 23 seconds left. After scoring 50 points, receiving a standing ovation and even having a fan come up to him, Lebron described it as one of the best nights of his life. Off that emotional victory, I look for them to struggle against what I expect to be an extremely motivated Bulls squad. The Cavs are 4-6 SU the last 10 times they played the second of back to back games and 8-11 the last 19. They're also just 1-6 ATS the last seven times they were coming off a double-digit win. The Bulls gave the Cavs all they could handle at Cleveland before suffering a meltdown in the final two minutes. Look for Lebron and co. to put together a complete game tonight, earning a convincing win and cover. *Blowout Game of the Week
NHL
VANCOUVER
Game: Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks
Prediction: Vancouver Canucks Reason: I'm laying the price with VANCOUVER. Vancouver has lost four in a row and has fallen out of the top eight spots in the Western Conference. The Canucks haven't lost five in a row in two years though and Nashville is one of the teams directly in front of them. That makes this an absolutely critical game and I expect them to respond with a massive effort. Recent results notwithstanding, both these teams are much better at home. The Canucks are 15-13-5 on the road and 17-11-5 at home. There's an even bigger gap for Nasvhille, as the Predators are 20-10-4 at home but just 14-15-4 (14-19 vs. the moneyline) on the road. Neither team played last night but the scheduling situation favors Vancouver. The Canucks, who have tomorrow off, haven't played back to back games (two games in two days) in nearly a month. They catch the Predators playing the fourth game of a season-high 6-game road trip. Note that the Predators, 4-8 the last 12 times they played the front end of back to back games, play at Calgary tomorrow night. The Canucks come off a 2-1 loss to Colorado on Tuesday. They're 16-6 (+8.2) after playing a divisional opponent this season though and they're 8-4 after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. Looking back further and we find them at a profitable 30-18 (+11.4) in that situation the past three seasons. Look for them to snap their skid tonight, improving to 14-7 the past three seasons after having lost three or more consecutive games. *Western Conf. GOM
ANTON WINS
Michigan St. -2
LOCK OF THE DAY
Stanford +8.5
Big Al
At 9:35 pm our selection is on the Dallas Mavericks over Houston. Both teams will be without their best players tonight: Yao Ming suffered a season-ending injury, and Dirk Nowitzki committed a flagrant foul against Utah's Andrei Kirilenko, and has been suspended. But Dallas is 3-1 without its big German in the line-up, so they'll be able to adjust. Dallas also OWNS the Houston Rockets. The Mavs have won and covered six straight meetings (including all three this season) and have won 11 of their last 12 dating back to 2005. Dallas also excels after back to back losses, as Avery Johnson's men are 9-1 SU off two losses, and have covered their last five in this role dating back to December. Dallas is a very impressive 84-11 SU in the regular season at home since 2006, including 25-3 this season! And since 2006, the Mavs are an awesome 15-1 SU and 11-5 ATS at home vs. division rivals, including 7-0 ATS vs. division foes off back to back wins. Take the Mavs.
At 11 pm, our Pac-10 Game of the Month is on the UCLA Bruins minus the points over Stanford. These two teams met earlier in the season, and UCLA was victorious 76-67. In that game, Josh Shipp poured in 21 points (including five 3-pointers), and Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love added 15 each. Darren Collison was not at full-strength in the first meeting, but he's fully recovered from injury and playing great now, with a 16 ppg average over his last four games. We went against UCLA on Sunday, and got the cash with Arizona (+5), as the Bruins only won by two points, 68-66. But there may be no better coach in the nation than Ben Howland off a game where his team didn't cover the spread. In his last three seasons at Pittsburgh, the Panthers were 17-5 ATS their last 22 games off a non-ATS win. And dating back to his first season at UCLA, the Bruins are 34-14-1 ATS their last 49 games off an effort where they did not cover the spread, including 10-1-1 dating back to the NCAA Tourney last year. UCLA is 4-1 SU and ATS its last five meetings vs. Stanford, and the Cardinal also fall into a negative 98-168 ATS system of mine that plays against certain underdogs off three straight home games. Look for UCLA to rout Stanford tonight and clinch the Pac-10 Regular Season title.
Drew Gordon
1. 200,000* Depaul
2. 50,000* Bulls
3. 50,000* Boise State
1. Depaul- Despite the fact the Bearcats actually have the better overall record, the Blue Demons come into this game with a mountain of motivation. Depaul is in a 3-way tie for the 12th and final spot in the Big East tourney, and they're in the perfect position to grab the cash - on the Big East trail. Blue Demons have been excellent in conference road games, going 6-1 ATS this season, including covers at Connecticut and at Seton Hall in their last two!
Biggest issue for the Bearcats is their offense, which is average at best, scoring just 67 ppg on 42% shooting in Cincy this season. Depaul has had trouble with high-octane offenses, but in this case, they've got the edge with the better overall offense, and superior match ups across the board in this one.
Speaking of match ups, both teams rely on their star guards to get the job done, with Drealon Burns leading Depaul and Deonta Vaughn heading up Cincy's attack. The problem for Cincy is the production tails off after Vaughn, with F Williamson being decent, but after that the next best player averages 6 ppg! The Blue Demons enjoy a significant edge in the frontcourt, as Dar Tucker (28 points against Notre Dame) and 6'10 C Mac Koshwal should dominate their match ups.
Bottom line, this is do or die for the Blue Demons, and when you consider their success on the Big East trail, plus their edge on offense, there's little doubt they grab the cash in this one. Make no mistake, we'll take the points, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least if Depaul won outright in this critical conference match up.
Take Depaul plus the points over Cincinnati as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Bulls- While everyone is talking about Lebron's 50 points at Madison Square Garden last night, if you think tonight's game in Chicago is going to be just as easy, you've got another thing coming and here's why:
Revenge is rarer in the NBA than in college because of the multitude of games they play, but in this case, with the Cavs having just beaten the Bulls 4 days ago, you can expect Chicago to be out for blood in this one. Note the Bulls are still adjusting to their new lineup, but with a confidence-boosting blowout of the Grizzlies at the United Center Tuesday, the only way to go is up for the Bulls.
Also, despite the fact the Cavs have their new pieces contributing, the injuries to Ilgauskas and Daniel Gibson cannot be ignored. Say what you will about West and Wallace, but the "Big Z" and Gibson are both better players at virtually the same position. Wallace got 7 points and 7 boards last night, while West added 10 points and just 3 assists... Not exactly mind-blowing numbers from your starting power forward and point guard.
Finally, let's try and remember that odds makers aren't stupid. The public is all over the Cavaliers in this one, after watching them dismantle the Knicks yesterday. It may look tempting to take Cleveland plus the points, but when you factor in the reasons above (revenge, injuries), plus fatigue (Cavs 8-6 ATS with no rest), you've got all the makings of a solid home win and cover for the Bulls in this one.
Take the Bulls at home over the Cavaliers in this NBA match up.
3. Boise State- The Broncos remember well their last meeting with the Aggies, where Utah State beat them 82-78 in Logan (Broncos cover as 5-point dogs). Payback is a bitch in college hoops, but its especially strong tonight, as Boise State has plenty of reasons to come out fired up for this one:
First, a win here gives the Broncos the outright WAC title, a loss and they share it with as many as 3 other teams! Needless to say, this is a huge opportunity for this Boise State team, as they're guaranteed post-season play if they win the WAC, whether it be in the NCAA tourney or if not the NIT.
Second, along with the revenge factor, the Broncos would like nothing more than to redeem themselves against Utah State tonight in front of their home fans. They were embarrassed by Siena in their last one in Boise, getting blown out 93-70. Since that loss Boise State has looked great, regrouping to win consecutive road contests convincingly... Now its time to get it done at home.
Finally, while I've mentioned the "Senior Night" factor before, as the crowd and the players will be jacked up and looking to finish strong at home, in the Broncos case, this night is especially important. Their 4 top-scorers are all seniors who helped get this program their first title since joining the WAC, and you best believe they don't want to share that title with anyone.
Bottom line, with so much at stake, including the outright WAC title, redemption for the Siena loss, and revenge for their earlier loss in Logan, its hard to imagine we don't see an excellent effort from Boise State tonight. That's bad news for a Utah State team that's had their struggles on the road this season (3-8 SUATS away), and who's offense isn't nearly as strong in hostile territory (68 ppg away).
Take Boise State at home over Utah State in this WAC match up.
ROCKY WINNERS CIRCLE
NEW MEXICO STATE -15
Ryan NHL
5* Philly
Kelso Sturgeon Basketball
SPECIAL PLAY OF THE DAY
15 Units
OREGON (-5 1/2) over Arizona State
AAA
Xavier Musketeers at St Joseph Hawks - Xavier -2 -110 | Unit Value: 2
Note: Xavier continues to do all the things that make them a great college basketball team. The take care of the ball, they have very good rebounding skills, they hit their free throws, and they play hardnosed defense. The Hawks have all but eliminated themselves from consideration to the Big Dance after dropping 2 home contests and their mindset is not going to be too spiffy tonight. While the Musketeers do not have to win this game to be a high NCAA Seed, they continue to play with plenty of pride and the fact is, they are just a much better team. No Rocket Scientist experience needed here. Xavier has no problems playing in hostile atmospheres as they will face tonight. This team has been deadly after intermission and while they might be behind at half, they do find ways of winning and they do know how to turn it on. I am laying the small spot..
Winner's Circle
BOISE ST
UCONN
5 UNITS EACH
Philly Connection
3* N.C. Charlotte -8.5
WILL SYKES
PACERS vs SPURS
SYKE-O-ANALYSIS: I'm going to make this simple, San Antonio is 17-5 Under off BB Unders, while the Pacers are 36-14 Under revenging DD home loss. I know, I know 9 of the last 10 games that these to played has gone over.....but did you know that only 3 of those games the O/U line was set in the 180's, 3 of those games the O/U line was set in the 170's, 2 of the other games the line was set in the 160's, yes that's right 160's, besides their recent match up this season, their last time their total was set in the 190's was the first game in the last 10 games, back in 2003, just about 5 years ago. And now you're going to tell me that the lines makers are setting this line at it's 197.5 peak in the last 5 years, and expect it to go over? I don't think so. Rate this play as a 2* and stick with Sykes so you won't be psyched by those silly odds makers.
PACERS vs SPURS UNDER 197.5
Tony Karpinski
Minnesota Wild vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Pick on CAROLINA
Cal Poly S.L.O. vs. Long Beach State
Pick on LONG BEACH ST
Xavier vs. St Joseph's
Pick on XAVIER.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Florida Panthers
Pick on Pittsburgh The Penguins
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks
Houston +1 Take Houston a team who has won 16 in a row in a very close game.
Connecticut vs. Providence
Pick on PROVIDENCE
INDIAN COWBOY'S PLAY OF THE DAY: CLEVELAND vs CHICAGO
Play: CHICAGO BULLS -3.5 (POD)
If you remember, this is the second meeting between these 2 teams since the trade. The Bulls played admirably in the first meeting as Gooden and Hughes played well against their old team. But, the Cavs do struggle a bit on the road as they showed against the Knicks. Look, it is apparent that the Cavs depend on Lebron a great deal and the Knicks are of course awful, but one thing that the Bulls do well in is the fact they defend well. You can count on the fact that this team will force someone else besides Lebron to beat them. Yes, Tyrus Thomas is out and so is Thabo, but Iggy is out for the Cavs and West is probable for the Cavs. I want you to notice something as well. Have you noticed more than 70% are riding the underdog here similar to the Suns on the road at Denver yesterday? Yet, do you also notice that the favorite, who is not preferred by the public covered. In other words, the public underdog failed to cover? Thus, I look for the new look Bulls, who did lay the wood down to get revenge from their 95-86 loss. Remember, the Bulls were up 68-65 going into the 4th quarter in their first meeting in Cleveland only to get out scored by 18-30 in the 4th quarter and consequently losing the game and cover. I don't see that happening today. When doing just 1 play per day, the old strategy that I had, I look for 3 strong positives to work in favor of my play. In essence, a tripod of strenght. I will end each play with that tripod of reasoning behind my one play. The Bulls have revenge, this is a public fade on the public favored underdog and this line is very indicative of Vegas clearly expects the Cavs to lose given the line they have put forth here as the Cavs are coming off a back to back while the Bulls have had a day to rest to get ready for this ballgame. If Lebron has another 50 point ballgame and if the Cavs can outscore 30-18 in the 4th quarter in Chicago this time, more props to them, but I find it a very tough feat to accomplish today. The Cavs are 1-7 ATS following an ATS win and the home team is 11-4 ATS in this matchup.
WAYNE ROOT
Chairman - Ga Tech
Millionaire - UCLA
Money Maker - Providence
No Limit - Illinois
Insiders Circle - St Joe's
Larry Ness Pac 10 GOM-
15* Oregon Ducks
Fairway Jay's 20* NCAA Revenge GOY:
UCONN
Bob Akmens
Cl.Cavs.+3.5
L.Beach St./Cal.P.Slo Un.126.5
Ph.Flyers/TB Lightning Un.6
Armvin Sports
CBB
Clemson -1.5
UCLA -8.5
NHL
Minnesota -119
Anaheim 105
Steve Janus
Pacers + 13
Sportsbook Free Picks
Connecticut -4.5 1.5 units
Stanford/UCLA O127 1.5 units
The Fat Jack
CAL SANTA BARBARA +3
DICK GREEN
Freesportsletter
NM State -14
Silver Key
Stanford OVER 125
Gold Key (38-61 YTD) 😮
Indiana State PK
Bob Akmens
Indiana Pacers - San Antonio Spurs - under 195.0 / 3 units
Arizona State -Oregon UNDER 139.5 / 3 units
Cal Santa Barbara - Cal State Northridge UNDER 140.0 / 3 units
Vancouver Canucks (-140) / 3 units
Josh Dean
10* MSU - 2.5
5* U-Conn -5
FREE B: Stanford
Razor Sharp Diamond Club
Mich St -2 1/2
Ness Insider
Boise
Scott Delaney
40* SPURS - While everyone is banking on the Rockets to dismantle Dallas tonight because Dirk Nowitzki is out and because Houston has won 16 straight on the wood; if that’s the case why does it look too much like a trap and that Dallas might be the play? Either way, whichever team it might be, I think the play in Texas tonight is San Antonio and its 10-game win streak that is being overshadowed by the launch of the Rockets. And with the Spurs coming out of one of their worst offensive games of the season, I know they’ll be able to turn it around and give us an incredible show tonight.
The Spurs have played seven of their last 10 games against teams from the East, and five of those contests were against clubs with losing records. Now in comes Indiana, which is reeling from last night’s 117-99 loss at Houston. The Pacers won’t be able to rebound for this one, not overnight, not against a team that has won have won five straight and eight of their last nine home games against the Pacers, who haven’t won at the Alamo in more than eight years. One month ago the Spurs went into Indiana and blasted the Pacers by 27 points. Look for another blowout!
10* NEW MEXICO STATE - The 12-win Spartans have no shot in Las Cruces tonight, as the New Mexico State is going to roll to the easy win and cover, especially since the Aggies’ spot in the upcoming WAC Tournament is still up in the air. The Aggies have no choice but to take care of business tonight in tonight’s showdown with a team mired in ATS slides of 1-4 overall and 3-10 in games that follow an ATS loss. New Mexico State is on ATS runs of 5-0 as a favorite and 4-1 in conference, so we should have no trouble here