BEN BURNS
NBA
MINNESOTA
Game: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves Reason: I'm taking the points with MINNESOTA. The 76ers were one of the few teams that probably wished the All Star Break came at a different time. That's because they entered the break having won five straight games. However, they've had plenty of time to "cool off" now though and a closer look shows that all five of those victories came at Philadelphia, three of them coming vs. last place teams. Looking at their recent road games tells a different story. Indeed, the 76ers are just 2-8 SU their last 10 on the road. Tonight, they find themselves in one of their worst roles too as we find them at just 1-5 SU/ATS the past three seasons when listed as a road favorite of -3 points or less. Note that Philadelphia has also dropped five of its last six visits to Minneapolis, averaging just 89.7 points in those contests. The T-Wolves were beaten badly by the Lakers in their last game. However, they're still a profitable 7-2-1 ATS their last 10 games here. Including a cover at Philadelphia earlier, they're also 6-1 ATS against teams from the Atlantic division and 12-7 ATS against teams from the Eastern conference overall. Looking back several years and we find them at 34-20 ATS (63%) the last 54 times they were listed as home underdogs of three points or less, winning 33 of those games outright. Home teams have fared well the day after the break the past several years and I expect the revenge-minded T-Wolves to start off the second half with a victory. *Best Bet
UNDER Sonics/Grizzlies
Game: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Seattle SuperSonics
Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Sonics and Grizzlies to finish UNDER the number. These teams played a couple of high-scoring games at Memphis, the first in mid-November and the second last month. However, both teams have played much better defense since that time. In fact, in 14 games since that 1/18 meeting, the Grizzlies have seen the UNDER go 11-3. During the same stretch, the Sonics saw the UNDER go 8-4, including 3-0 to close out the break. For the season, they've seen the UNDER go a profitable 31-20. The Sonics did give up a lot of points (112) in their most recent game. However, that was just the second time in their last nine games, many coming against extremely high-scoring teams, in which an opponent reached 105 points. Additionally, note that the Sonics have seen the UNDER go 16-6 this season after allowing 105 or more points in their previous game. While the two games at Memphis were high-scoring, the lone meeting at Seattle fell below the number. That's no surprise though as the Grizzlies have played significantly lower-scoring games away from Memphis all season. In fact, the UNDER has gone 16-7-1 in their 24 road games. During the past three seasons, the Grizzlies have seen the UNDER go 7-4 when playing with three or more day's rest in between games. During the same stretch, the Sonics have seen the UNDER go 9-4 when in that situation. Additionally, it's worth noting that the UNDER is 16-6 for the entire league the past two seasons on the day after the All Star break. Lastly, both teams have shown a tendency to play relatively low-scoring games when matched up against other "poor" defensive teams. While the Grizzlies have seen the UNDER go 13-7 when facing a team which allows 99 or more points per game, the Sonics have seen the UNDER go 15-5 when facing a team which allows 99 or more. Look for tonight's final score to be lower-scoring than expected once again. *Blue Chip
Allen Eastman
Take Connecticut -13 over Depaul.
The Huskies will try win their tenth straight game for the first time in since reeling off an 11-game run in late 2006. U-Conn is also looking to avenge a narrow loss to the Blue Deamons on New Years eve. Depaul has lost five of six and headed for another defeat tonight.
Daniel Perkins
Golden State @ Utah Jazz
Pick: Under 224.5
Units: 1 Unit
The Jazz and Warriors square off in a high intensity Western Conference battle to kick off the second half of the season. When you look at these two teams you expect non stop scoring and end to end action. The total reflects that, but the teams do not. 224.5 is the opening number tonight and I expect it to go as high as 227 by game time. The Jazz score an average of 105 points per game while the Warriors score 108. Together that is a combined total of 213. However, that is not my only reasoning for tonight’s game although it does ring a loud point about the point inflation of public money. At home the Jazz are willing and able to play some stiff defense. This season they have allowed an average of 97 points per game on their home floor. The Warriors offense production has also faltered on the road. They play many overs at home because of the energy and buzz of the home town crowd. They live off the momentum which is very hard to establish on the road. At home they are 17-9 O/U and on the road they are 12-13-1. Of the 7 totals that have exceeded 220 with Golden State involved only 2 have gone over. Four of those matchups have been on the road; all four have fallen short of the total. Since the public money is always on the over more then the under, the lines makers will have their way again tonight as this game falls short of 220 points and the high total.
Take the UNDER tonight when Golden State travels to Utah.
Brian Marshall
Game: Bradley vs. Drake
Plays On: Bradley +7
Game Analyses: Drake is the better overall team, however, they should not be favorite by so many points against a talented Bradley team. With that said, we will gladly grab the 7-points with this talented Bradley team.
Bradley has already proven they can beat Drake. In fact, Bradley is a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings against Drake.
There is much value with Bradley as an underdog tonight!
Take Bradley +7
Gina - Sports Rumble
Orlando Magic (33-21) at Detroit Pistons (39-13)
The hot Pistons have won their last 10 games and ten of its last 11 against Orlando. Go with Detroit at home. Detroit’s steady offense and stingy defense, allowing an average of 89.6 points per game will be a tough task for Orlando at the Palace. The Magic have played well on the road, but have dropped their last seven at The Palace of Auburn Hills and are 1-2-2 ATS in its last 5 in Detroit.
Detroit Pistons
Orlando (33-21) at Detroit (39-13) Detroit Pistons - 7
Golden State (32-20) at Utah (34-19) Utah Jazz - 6½
Odds.On Sports
NHL
Carolina -121
Over 5.5
Toronto -131
Under 5.5
NY Rangers +110
Over 5.5
Ottawa -183
Over 6
Pittsburgh -155
Under 5.5
Nashville -179
Over 5.5
Minnesota -148
Under 5
Chicago +126
Under 5.5
Calgary -105
Over 5.5
CBB
Buffalo +8
Florida St. +4
Ohio -12
Indiana -5
Bradley +7
Wyoming +2
Northwestern +9
RAS
742 Wyoming +1' 1/2 Unit
CHICAGO SPORTS CONNECTION
PURDUE +5 @ Indiana
This is the only meeting of the year for these intrastate rivals.A win gives red-hot PURDUE (11 straight wins) tiebreakers over WISC & IND for the regular season conference title.
The Hoosiers' DJ White has a bad wheel.He injured his ankle in Indiana's Saturday victory vsMichigan St.
White is the BIG 10 Conference's leading rebounder and #2 scorer.Word is he will suit up, but will be limited.Purdue would still be the play here even if DJ was
100%.
BRADLEY +6.5 @ Drake
DRAKE clinched the Missouri Valley Conference Title with Saturdays victory at Northern Iowa.Big letdown spot for the Bulldogs as they go up against another red-hot team The Bradley Braves.
This is a revenge game for BRADLEY.The Braves lost 69-68 to Drake on their home court onJanuary 16th.
Andrew Warren (broken hand) out for Bradley, but Drake's Josh Young sprained his ankle on Saturday and hasn't practiced as of yesterday.The team trainer says he will play only if he has "full range of motion".Young is the Missouri Valley Conf leading scorer.
Wunderdog
Game: Boston at Carolina
Pick: Game Total OVER 5.5 -115
Both of these defenses have taken the week off. Over their last five gams Boston has allowed 3.2 goals per game while Carolina has given up 3.8 per game. Neither defense was good to start with but they've gotten worse. At home Carolina averages 3.1 goals per game so they should easily get to three here and will likely score more than that. Boston scores more on the road (2.8 per game) than at home (2.4 per game) so against this weak Hurricanes defense, they should also get to three or more. Over the past three seasons, Carolina is 25-10 OVER after allowing 4+ goals in two straight games. We see the scoring spree continue tonight.
Gamblers World
TIP OF THE DAY : Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons
Prediction: Detroit Pistons
Current Line: -7 Over/Under: 195 Reason: The Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Oddsmakers currently have the Pistons listed as 7-point favorites versus the Magic, while the game's total is sitting at 195. Five players reached double-digit scoring Wednesday to help the Magic defeat the Nuggets 109-98. The Magic covered the 6-point spread, while the combined 207 points fell UNDER the game's posted total of 219. Dwight Howard led the way for Orlando, tossing in 23 points and grabbing 24 rebounds for a double-double in the win. The Pistons were outplayed in the fourth quarter Wednesday, but easily defeated the Pacers 96-80. The Pistons covered the 10-point spread, while the 176 points were UNDER the posted total of 187.5. Richard Hamilton shot 5-for-6 from the field with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Pistons. Current streak: Detroit has won 10 straight games. Team records: Orlando: 33-21 SU, 33-20-1 ATS Detroit: 39-13 SU, 30-21-1 ATS Orlando most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 4-6 Before playing Toronto are 4-6 After playing Denver are 4-6 After a win are 5-5 Detroit most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Milwaukee are 6-4 After playing Indiana are 6-4 After a win are 9-1 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit The total has gone OVER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing Detroit The total has gone OVER in 9 of Orlando's last 12 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
FERRINGO
7-Unit Play. Take #734 Miami, OH (-5) over Akron
1.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 123.5 Akron at Miami, OH (7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19)
Note: This is our MAC Game of the Year.
The Zips are in trouble. Miami, OH has been playing fantastic ball for the last two weeks and are ready for a statement victory over their MAC East rival. The Redhawks are on a 6-1 ATS tear and have become the team they showed signs of early in the season once they got Michael Bramos back. Bramos may be the top player in the league, and his health and shooting stroke have propelled this team to a late conference push. Conversely, Akron recently lost its top scorer and rebounder (Jeremiah Wood) and I don't know if they're able to go out and win a game like this without their top player. The situations were reversed when the teams met in early January (no Bramos, yes Wood) and Akron won by double-digits. Turnabout is fair play, eh? The favorite is 7-2-2 ATS in this mathcup and Akron has been a poor dog, going just 2-7-1 ATS as a dog of 0.5 to 6.0 points, including 1-4-1 ATS lately. Miami has outscored its opponents by 11.3 points during their seven-game run and they are 4-0-1 ATS at home in this series. This one will be low scoring, but I see a 55-42 win for our Redhawks!
4-Unit Play. Take #732 Indiana State (-4) over Wichita State
3-Unit Play. Take #729 Clemson (-3) over Florida State
2.5-Unit Play. Take #721 Purdue (+5) over Indiana
2.5-Unit Play. Take #723 DePaul (+12.5) over Connecticut
2.5-Unit Play. Take #746 Creighton (-6.5) over Missouri State
2-Unit Play. Take #737 Bradley (+6.5) over Drake
2-Unit Play. Take #727 Bowling Green (+12) over Ohio
STRIKE POINT SPORTS
3-Unit Play. Take Purdue +5 over Indiana
Without D.J. White fully healthy and perhaps at all, Indiana turns in to a bunch of streaky shooters that are one-dimensional. Purdue locks up, so the Boilermaker defense will get after it and continue to create turnovers that open up scoring chances on the go. Atop the Big Ten, Purdue is playing its best ball right now, and I think that continues with a road victory in Bloomington.
DOCS
6 Unit Play.Take Indiana State -4 over Wichita State
It is all about home cooking in the MVC, as the Sycamores are a much different team when playing inside the Hulman Center. They are 11-1 in Terre Haute this season with their only loss coming against Drake, the best team in the Missouri Valley. The Shockers are just 3-12 in the conference and have lost their magic touch from year’s past. They did beat ISU about ten days ago in Kansas, but we all realize that home court means everything in this conference. Indiana State has already beaten Bradley, Southern Illinois, Creighton, and Illinois State at home and now will add the Shockers as their latest victim.
4 Unit Play.Take Kentucky -5½ over Georgia
The Cats have really come on during the second half of the season and for the most part have beaten the teams that they should beat. The Bulldogs would certainly fall into that category, as UK already knocked them off 63-58 in Athens earlier this season. They have three solid players to just one good player for Georgia and that will allow them to cruise to a double-digit victory giving us the cash.
4 Unit Play.Take Creighton -6½ over Missouri State
This is just a play against Missouri State, who is one of the worst road teams in the country. They are 1-12 when they travel outside of Missou and despite Creighton having a down year, they are still 12-3 @ the Qwest Center. Creighton has already won at Missouri State this season in a tough one-point battle, but things should come much easier on Wednesday. Creighton pulls away late and continues the Bear’s misery on the road.
4 Unit Play.Take Greensboro +13½ over Davidson
Davidson is a solid team but Greensboro is no slouch either, as they have a 6-7 road record and are coming off a tough 5-point loss to them last week. The Spartans are coming off a big rout over Appalachian State and will keep this game close from that to finish before losing by just 8-10 points at the end.
Winning Points Online NBA.
BEST BET UNDER 185.5
Houston at Cleveland
Something isn't quite right with McGrady, who has averaged 11.3 points on 32.7 percent shooting over his past four games.Lebron just used up a bunch of energy on All-Star weekend and has one day to get it back with his real team, maybe notenough. Cavs' guard Daniel Gibson wasn't healthy enough to play in a few games last week but was healthy enough to star for the second-season players by scoring 33 against the rookies,and he was also healthy enough to finish second in the 3-point shooting contest. What's up with that? Crash-landing performancecoming from him, probably. The Z-Man isn't going to light it up against Yao (who played 13 minutes in the All-Star Game vs.Lebron's 30), and Varejao is probably still out, which hurtsCleveland's offensive rebounding. "When you play big teams, it's going to affect us," James said. HOUSTON, 86-80.
ROCKDEMANSPORTS
Dog of the Day
Wyoming