JEFFERSONSPORTS
Now 88-57-2 in all sports since Oct. 6.
NBA EARLY RELEASE
MILWAUKEE+1.5
Matt Rivers
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Minnesota is quite possibly the worst team in the entire NBA. Kevin Garnett and Wally Sczcerbiak were traded away and the 'Wolves are extremely young and in as big of a rebuilding process as any team right now. With that said I am really not at all afraid of the Lakers and to grab this number at home against Kobe and Phil Jackson's visitors is definitely worth a shot. The Lakers started the season in fine form at 7-3 but things have not been as rosy of late as they have now lost two in a row and are 9-8 after falling in Utah and then at home to Orlando. The Jazz and Magic are very good this season, I am not at all debating that, but the Lakers just need to get back in the win column any way they can right now and are not at all worried about a how they go about it. Meanwhile Minnesota is a dismal 2-13 but they did win in shocking fashion in New Orleans, cover easily in Dallas in a tight contest and lead the World Champion Spurs two games ago by double digit for most of the contest a week or so ago before imploding in the fourth quarter. They did get blown out in that last game at Memphis but overall these guys have been alright. Al Jefferson is playing with a bum knee but this kid is a total star in the making and young guys like Rashad McCants, Sebastian Telfair and Ryan Gomes are maturing by the game with a little help from the veteran Antonie Walker. Kobe is as good as it gets and besides Lamar Odom there still really isn't much more on LA. The Lakers are as average as they come and about a 41 win team overall. On the road here they will have some issues in a tighter than expoected final.
Dave Cokin
MIAMI (OHIO)
Indiana State looks overmatched tonight as they visit Miami Ohio. The Redhawks are a disciplined machine that is as fundamentally sound as any team in the country, and they're playing with tremendous confidence right now. Hard to envision the limited Sycamore putting up much of a fight here. This is a low scoring game in all likelihood, but Miami should win going away. Give the points.
Jim Feist
PISTONS / HAWKS UNDER
The Pistons are turning up the defense, allowing 74, 91 and 95 points the last three games. The Pistons allow 92 ppg, third best in the NBA. They take on an Atlanta team that can't score, scoring 92 or less in 5 straight games. The Hawks are slowing the pace down and on a 6-0 run under the total. The last three meetings between these teams have gone under, including the only one this season. Play the Pistons/Hawks under the total!
Burns College Basketball
NEW MEXICO STATE
Game: New Mexico vs. New Mexico St. Game Time: 12/4/2007 9:00:00 PM Prediction: New Mexico St. Reason: I'm playing on NEW MEXICO STATE. This is a huge game for the Aggies and first year coach Marvin Menzies. The Aggies are expected to challenge for the WAC title with the WAC coaches/media selecting them to either finish first or second prior to the season. The non-conference schedule has gotten off to a rather rocky start though and a home loss to their instate rivals would really hurt. As a result, I expect the Aggies to treat this game extremely seriously. The fact that everyone is really down on the team and Menzies has given us excellent line value. However, before giving up on the team and its new coach, let's remember that Menzies comes from Louisville, where he was an assistant to Rick Pitino, just as former coach Theus was. Additionally, keep in mind that this team had 25 wins last year and that they bring back a trio of solid starters, including conference Player of the Year candidate Justin Hawkins, a 6-7 guard, and guard Fred Peete to lead the way. Both were selected preseason all-conference by he coaches. Hawkins is leading the team with 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds while Peete has 12.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Center Hatila Passos also returned and is currently averaging nine points per game to go along with his seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Jonathan Gibson, who didn't start last season, is chipping in an additionally 12.4 ppg. Of course, the Lobos are no slouches either and they've been playing well under new coach Alcorn. However, they finally stepped up in class in their last game (Ole Miss) and were promptly beaten by eight points. Conversely, the Aggies have been facing the likes of West Virginia, Duke and Texas. I expect that experience against those type of programs to serve them well this evening. Looking at the series history and we find that homecourt has been very important. The Aggies have lost four straight at "The Pit" losing by three points in both 2005 and 2006, both pointspread wins. However, the Aggies have won four of the last five meetings that were played here, most recently a 103-72 crushing exactly one year ago. Including that result, the Lobos are 1-6 ATS their last seven games against teams from the WAC while the Aggies are 4-0 ATS their last four against teams from the Mountain West. Look for homecourt to be the difference again tonight as Menzies' squad plays up to their potential and earns an important win. *Rivalry GOM
ST LOUIS
Game: St. Louis vs. Boston College Game Time: 12/4/2007 7:00:00 PM Prediction: St. Louis Reason: I'm taking the points with ST. LOUIS. The Eagles have a strong record but haven't really played much quality opposition. They're also coming off a loss to Providence in their last game in which they gave up 98 points. Note that they're just 3-6 ATS since 2005 after giving up 80 or more points in their previous game. The Billikens are a solid team and I expect them to have a good year under new coach Rick Majerus. As you may know, Majerus has never had a losing season in 20 years of coaching. He led Utah to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four, and 10 conference championships in 13 years -- the most of any D-I program in the country between 1990-2003. Majerus inherited plenty of talent and his two star guards, Kevin Lisch and Tommy Liddell have now had nine games to learn his system. The Billikens' defense has been great, allowing less than 60 points per game. Conversely, the Eagles are allowing nearly 70. The Billikens covered the spread the only time they were a similar-sized underdog this season, losing by four as eight point underdogs at Missouri State. That brought them to 14-8 ATS the last 22 times they were road underdogs of +6.5 to +9 points. Look for Majerus' crew to build on those stats by earning (at least) another cover this evening. *Underdog of the Week
Big al
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Pistons minus the points over Atlanta, as we will fade the Hawks off their upset win last night at Philly.
Larry Ness' 20* TV Game of the Month-CBB (60-27 run last 20 days / 3-1 last four BKB 20*s!)
My 20* play is on Memphis at 9:20 ET. Two of the nation's top freshman will meet tonight in MSG. OJ Mayo (21.0-4.9) of USC and Derrick Rose (17.0-5.0-4.3) of Memphis. USC starts all underclassman, as joining Mayo is fellow freshman, the 6-8 Jefferson (14.4-4.4), plus three sophomores. Big guards Hackett (11.3-4.7-4.6) and Lewis (9.9) plus 6-9 forward Gibson (9.3-8.0) USC bounced back from a 96-81 season opening loss to Mercer (at home no less!) to win six straight but fell to Kansas on Sunday, 59-55. The team's had little time since that game, making this cross-country trip to New York for the Jimmy V Classic. Waiting is the nation's No. 2 team, Memphis, which has already beaten Oklahoma (by 10) and U Conn (by 11) at this venue back on Nov 15-16. The Tigers are No. 2 for the first time since the 1985-86 season and are LOADED. Rose is joined on the perimeter by Douglas-Roberts (21.8-6.0), Kemp (9.7), Mack (9.3) and Anderson (6.8). The 6-10 Taggert (7.3-5.8) is surrounded up front by vets Dorsey (7.3-9.3) and Dozier (6.8--7.5), who are both 6-9. Dozier has missed the last two games but is expected to play here! This is a very tough spot for USC. The Trojans are off a close loss to highly-ranked Kansas just two days ago and must travel cross-country to face a talented and deep Memphis team. The loss to Kansas was the Trojans' 14th straight against top 5 opponents, dating back to January 2000 (home win over then-No. 2 Arizona) and that losing streak will reach 15 tonight! TV Game of the Month 20* Memphis
Jared Klein:
The Nashville Predators continued their solid play this past Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens and while it took a dramatic come from behind effort to get the shootout win, the Predators outshot Montreal 44-26 and had some great chances throughout the game. "It just showed how resilient our team can be," Nashville coach Barry Trotz was quoted as saying. "(The Canadiens) score right at the end of that power play and we stayed with it." The Predators are 6-1-1 away from home while scoring 30 goals during their last eight road games and tonight they take on a Toronto Maple Leafs Team that has lost seven of their last nine home games and are 5-10 overall on home ice this season. The Maple Leafs continue to be in disarray, at least in the front office with questions swirling around General Manager John Ferguson and his coaching staff. The rumors have been very intense over the past few weeks and despite the Maple Leafs winning back to back games for the first time since October 25th, I think this recent success will be short lived. Tonight they take on a Predators team that has beaten Ottawa and Montreal during this road trip and tonight I think they get the Canadian road sweep in Toronto. Take Nashville.
Recommendation: Nashville
Michael Cannon
Tuesday's Plays...
15 Dime –
MEMPHIS
Lay the points with Memphis tonight when they take on Usc.
The Trojans won’t be able to keep up with the breakneck pace of the Tigers. I know O. J. Mayo is a superstar who will be playing in the NBA next year, but his complement of players isn’t enough for him to make this happen all by himself.
Memphis has scored at least 80 points in five of its six games this season. They hold their opponents to 60 ppg, which is just about what Usc scores per game.
For all the hype surrounding Mayo, Memphis boasts an equally dominant freshman in Derrick Rose.
The 6-foot-4 Rose is averaging 17 ppg and dished out 12 assists to go along with 19 points in the Tigers 104-82 win over Austin Peay last Tuesday.
Memphis is by far the better perimeter shooting team and should win the battle of the boards tonight as well. Usc won’t be able to run with the Tigers so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Memphis pull away early in this one.
Lay the points and take Memphis for the win and cover.
5 Dime –
RHODE ISLAND
Take Rhode Island tonight over Providence.
Rhode Island coach Jim Baron took a Rams team that was projected to finish at the bottom of the A-10 last season to the conference championship game, finishing one win away from their first league title since 1999 and a trip to the NCAA tournament.
The Rams are a veteran team that has a good frontcourt and backcourt. They have deadly perimeter shooters and can hold their own in the paint. They also have great depth, going at least 10 players deep. They like to run all game long and should lead the conference in scoring.
Providence has been a bottom feeder in the Big East the last few years. The Friars have suffered some key injuries and their inexperience showed during the last two seasons.
They are still suffering from some injuries and that’s why I like Rhode Island here. The Rams are going to wear down the Friars by substituting liberally and running as much as they can.
Towards the end of the game you’re going to see the Rams fresh legs taking advantage of the fatigued Friars.
Take Rhode Island as they grab the cash over Providence.
TIMBERWOLVES
Take the points with Minnesota tonight when they host the Lakers.
I’m not sure I’m ready to lay this kind of number with the Lakers on the road yet. There are still question marks regarding Kobe Bryant’s supporting cast and there are some injury issues in the frontcourt as well.
Minnesota could easily sneak up on the Lakers tonight, as Los Angeles has a nationally televised game on Wednesday against Denver.
The Timberwolves are in a revenge spot for a 14-point loss to the Lakers at the Staples Center three weeks ago.
Take the points with Minnesota as they stay within the number at home.
North Star Sports Service
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
CBB - 12/4/2007 BOSTON COLLEGE -8
CBB - 12/4/2007 Best Bet! NOTRE DAME -5.5
CBB - 12/4/2007 PROVIDENCE 2
CBB - 12/4/2007 NEW MEXICO STATE -1
CBB - 12/4/2007 MICHIGAN STATE -3
CBB - 12/4/2007 NC GREENSBORO 9
PRO HOCKEY
NHL - 12/4/2007 NASHVILLE 118
NHL - 12/4/2007 NASHVILLE atTORONTO Over 5.5
NHL - 12/4/2007 Best Bet! TAMPA BAY 121
NHL - 12/4/2007 MONTREAL 125
NHL - 12/4/2007 CALGARY -117
Gold Medal Club
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA:15* Phoenix -6
15* Atlanta +6
CBB: 25* Illinois State -5
15* Providence +2.5
* Unc-Greensboro +10
Frank Rosenthal
NBA
806 PACERS+7 SB
707 LAKERS-7 SB+
COLLEGE HOOPS
717 K ST+6 SB
725 AF-5 SB
731 MICH ST-3 SB
733 USC+8 SB
740 VA TECH-9 SB
MR. A's
NBA:
Tuesday, December 4th, 2007 (Eastern Time)
Games Mr. A's Selections
Detroit at Atlanta, 7:00 PM Atlanta Hawks +6
Phoenix at Indiana, 7:00 PM Phoenix Suns -7
Cappersaccess
Tue) CBB Notre dame -5 Kansas st - Kansas st
(Tue) CBB Memphis U.-8 USC - Memphis U.
DUNKEL INDEX - NCAA BASKETBALL
Kansas State vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame comes in with a 5-2 record, but the only games against major conference teams (Baylor and Georgia Tech) have both been losses. The Irish will face another major conference team in Kansas State tonight in the Jimmy V Classic. The Wildcats came close to knocking off Oregon on Thursday (80-77 in OT) and have one of the most dominating freshmen in the nation in Michael Beasley (26.7 ppg, 15.0 rpg). The Irish should have their hands full in this one, making K State a good underdog pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Notre Dame favored by only 2.
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (+6 1/2).
Here are all of today's games.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST
Game 713-714: Illinois State at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 63.681; Eastern Michigan 50.887
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 13
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-5)
Game 715-716: St. Louis at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 55.321; Boston College 68.144
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 13
Vegas Line: Boston College by 8
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (-8)
Game 717-718: Kansas State vs. Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 65.741; Notre Dame 67.602
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 2
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (+6 1/2)
Game 719-720: Providence at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 67.563; Rhode Island 67.818
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+2 1/2)
Game 721-722: North Carolina at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 79.227; Pennsylvania 49.857
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 29 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 25
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-25)
Game 723-724: Indiana State at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 54.851; Miami (OH) 66.809
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 12
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (-10 1/2)
Game 725-726: Air Force at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 59.869; Northern Illinois 48.635
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 11
Vegas Line: Air Force by 5
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (-5)
Game 727-728: Toledo at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 52.684; Houston 66.838
Dunkel Line: Houston by 14
Vegas Line: Houston by 16
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+16)
Game 729-730: New Mexico at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 65.259; New Mexico State 63.809
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico
Game 731-732: Michigan State at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 71.337; Bradley 67.499
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 4
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-3 1/2)
Game 733-734: USC vs. Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: USC 70.644; Memphis 72.921
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8
Dunkel Pick: USC (+8)
Game 735-736: UC Riverside at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: UC Riverside 39.086; San Diego State 65.214
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 26
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-23 1/2)
Game 737-738: Tennessee at Chattanooga
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 71.997; Chattanooga 54.874
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 17
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-14 1/2)
Game 739-740: NC Greensboro at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: NC Greensboro 55.665; Virginia Tech 66.553
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 11
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 9
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-9)
Game 741-742: Yale at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 50.051; Fairfield 50.598
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 2
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+2)
Game 743-744: St. Peter's at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 45.180; Seton Hall 65.528
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-16 1/2)