Drew Gordon
Tuesday Plays:
1. 200,000♦ Georgia Tech
2. 50,000♦ Houston
3. 50,000♦ Bulls
1. Georgia Tech- It’s easy to overlook Georgia Tech in this spot because their 4-4 record is ugly, but sharp bettors know two things:
First, the Yellow Jackets are returning home for the first time since their season opener, expect both the team and their fans to be fired up for this match up. And second, you know damn well all the public’s money is on the big name Jayhawks, while we, on the other hand, know underestimating this Georgia Tech squad in this spot would be a huge mistake.
Let’s examine match ups, as the Yellow Jackets not only have the balance, but also the depth necessary to keep this game within the number. Kansas is big and talented, no doubt, but don’t sleep on G-Tech’s Morrow and Clinch, who lead the team in both scoring and minutes. On the frontline, the Yellow Jackets rotate 4 forwards, three of which average 10 ppg or more. Also, remember the Yellow Jackets have played only one true home game this season, so expect to see one of their best and most focused efforts tonight in Atlanta.
Finally, past history tells us that Georgia Tech will keep this game competitive, as they've covered the last two meetings with ease. Yellow Jackets aren't afraid of Kansas, and getting back home is exactly what they need after a rough stretch on the highway.
After watching Georgia Tech stumble through their last couple games, and Kansas whip up on teams like Eastern Washington, Depaul, and Ohio over their last 3, public perception is all wrong in this match up. Yellow Jackets are better than their record, while Jayhawks are good, but not quite good enough to cover a bloated number tonight on the road.
Take Georgia Tech plus the points over Kansas as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Houston- Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions, as the Wildcats can't seem to do anything right, while the Cougars, depsite playing inferior competition are playing rock-solid basketball. I'll be the first to admit that Houston has played very few quality opponents, but Kentcuky's schedule is also littered with garbag, and the only tough opponents they've played have crushed them.
More of the same tonight, as the Cougars pounce on the Wildcats, who are clearly tail-spinning. I've been unimpressed with the effort on both ends of the floor, and with only one real road game under their belt (a blowout loss at Indiana) look for another disappointing effort in hostile territory tonight. If you saw the Indiana game, you saw an extremely flawed Kentucky squad (no depth, not a lot of experience).
Finally consider the Cougars play at home, which has been excellent, averaging 80 ppg, while limiting opponents to just 60 ppg on 38% shooting. Again, temper your expectations as they've played weaker competition, but they're still worthy of a solid 50K release in this spot.
Bottom line, the Wildcats continue their decent, as the Cougars protect their house and grab the cash in this match up. Shoddy effort and a lack of depth contribute to their loss here, but overall Houston is just playing better ball and it'll show tonight.
Take Houston over Kentucky in this college hoops match up.
3. Bulls- Lakers are a much different team on the road, where they've gone 5-5 SU & 6-4 ATS, and I say more of the same difficulties arise tonight in Chicago and here's why:
First, while still nowhere near the level they were playing last season, this Bulls team has shown signs of life. They've won two straight at the United Center, scoring 123 and 101 points in those contests (both against beatable defense, but still an encouraging sign from this offense). The Lakers play little defense on the road, allowing an ugly 105 ppg, which should translate into a nice night for the Bulls.
Second, the Bulls offense might not be there at times, but their defense has been rock-solid, allowing 94 ppg at home this season. They're athletic in the frontcourt, and have one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA to deal with Bryant. Also, the fact the Bulls haven't played in 4 days means they've had time to fully prepare and rest up for this match up.
Finally, while the Lakers have played well, a match up with Lebron and his Cavs looms next on the schedule. Its entirely possible the Lakers, including Kobe, come out a little flat against an 8-13 Chicago team tonight. If they allow the Bulls offense to get comfortable, then Chicago's defense can take care of the rest en route to the win and our payday.
Take the Bulls over the LA Lakers in this NBA match up.
ATS LOCK
College
4 Houston -3 1/2
3 Cleve St. +7
ATS FINANCIAL
3 Ark L R -8 1/2
3 L A Lakers +2