ARTHUR RALPH
SuperPk Clev Cav
900 gold Key OHIO
FreePlay Seattle Sonics
LOCKOFTHEDAY.COM
Purdue Boilermakers +5
The Indiana Hoosiers have too many obstacles to overcome! First of all, Indiana University and their coach, Kelvin Sampson, are being scrutinized by the NCAA. Their coach could be fired or suspended any day now. That cannot be good for the team. Second, their candidate for Big 10 Player of the Year, DJ White, came out of their last game with a knee injury. White hyper-extended his knee vs. Michigan State. He will be a game-time decision. If Kelvin Sampson is dumb enough to play DJ White, White will not be 100% healthy. Indiana's last obstacle, and the most important one, is they are playing a SMOKING HOT Purdue Boilermakers team. Purdue is playing as well as anyone in the country right now. Watch out for this Purdue team! They have won 11 in a row!!!! Already this year have Purdue has beaten Ohio State, Wisconsin twice, Illinois twice, Michigan State, and the 1st place team in the Big East, Louisville. They are the real deal! Purdue's defense is suffocating! This game will be low-scoring and close. FIVE is a lot of points in this game! Purdue could win this game outright! Purdue is catching Indiana at the perfect time. Don't be afraid to take the moneyline here.
WE ARE BETTING BIG ON PURDUE +5 TONIGHT
Ferringo comps
Take Wyoming (+1) over San Diego State
I hate to play Wyoming. Ever. They are a dreadful, dreadful team. But they do have a couple talented backcourt players and this is a chance to kick a rival while they're down. SDSU has dumped three straight and are playing their second road game in four days when they hit Laramie. They humiliated Wyoming 70-43 in the first meeting, but that was also when the Aztecs had Kyle Spain (suspension). This is probably my least favorite of the two free plays but I think it's worth a dabble.
Take UNC-Greensboro (+13) over Davidson
Greensboro proved it could play with the Wildcats last week during a 5-point home loss. I don't know why, but this game just reminds me very much of the UNC-Wilmington/George Mason game from the weekend, beyond just the simple UNC- connection. I think this is too many points, but I didn't rate this one because Davidson has just been money in conference play over the past two years. They've devastated people at home, but I think UNC-G can wrestle with them a bit and stay under this numbers.
SportsKingz
NBA
UTAH -6.5 (5 UNITS)
BOSTON pk (5 UNITS)
Alex Smart
Game: Bradley vs. Drake
Prediction: Drake
Reason: When this season started no one, and I mean no one, could have foreseen what type of top notch product, Drake was going to put on the floor, under first head coach Keno Davis, especially after losing 4 seniors starters to graduation in the off season. The Bulldogs despite of those set backs have captured the Missouri Conference regular season title, while locking up the top seed in the State Farm MVC tournament. Now in their last regular season home game of the year, a place where they have won 16 straight games, I expect one more explosive effort against their long time rivals the Bradley Braves. Final notes & Key Trends: Drake has out scored opponents by an average of 17.3 PPG on home floor this season. Play on Drake
Mike Rose
Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons o194.5
The Southeast Division leading Orlando Magic invade “The Palace” tonight looking to hand the Central Division leading Detroit Pistons just their 5th home loss of the season. The Magic were one of the best road teams throughout the first half of the season by compiling a fantastic (19-10) SU mark as a visitor. They were also the best ATS road squad securing 20 spread victories in 29 attempts. As for Detroit, they’ve been flat out nasty at home all season long. They’ve picked up victories in 21 of their 25 home games, and managed a 16-9 ATS mark along the way.
The Magic were last in action last Wednesday night when they took care of business against a Denver team that went into overtime the night before in Miami. The 109-98 home win and cover snapped Orlando’s 2-game losing streak, and they come into this contest winners of 6 in their L/10. They haven’t been on the road since the beginning of February when they went into Philly and Indiana and managed a pair of victories.
The Pistons rolled up and smoked the Indiana Pacers in this venue their last time out. The 96-80 victory was their 10th in a row, but they’ve only managed a 5-5 mark ATS during that stretch.
This will be the fourth and final regular season meeting between these teams tonight. The Pistons have flat out owned the Magic winning 9 of their L/10 overall meetings, and they’ve gone 5-3-2 ATS over that stretch. Their first meeting this year saw the Pistons secure a 116-92 road win as 3.5-point underdogs, but the Magic upended them by a bucket in the rematch at home to snap their losing streak to the Pistons. Detroit then got the best of them in their latest match-up in late January when they secured the 101-93 home win as 7-point chalks.
Orlando is a combined 32-18 ATS (64%) on the road vs. +.500 non-divisional Eastern Conference opponents, while the Pistons ring in at 31-18 ATS (63%) combined at home vs. +.500 non-divisional Eastern Conference opponents. The road team has gone a $$$-making 14-5-3 ATS (74%) the L/22 in this series, but the serious coin has been made backing the Over. It’s 4-0 ATS their L/4 meetings (including 3 this year) and 10-1 ATS (91%) the L/11 confrontations in Detroit!!!
LT Profits
Akron +5.5
The Akron Zips may be just 4-3 straight up in the last seven head-to-head meetings with the Miami-Ohio Redhawks, but none of the three losses was by more than three points.
Miami did win the last two meetings here at home, but the scored of those games were 64-62 (in overtime) and 63-60, and we expect another tough, hard-fought tight game tonight. Akron has certainly not been embarrassed on the road this season, only getting outscored by -0.5 points per road contest, and they enter this contest on a two-game road winning streak after a couple of nine-point wins at Bowling Green and Ball State.
Miami is not exactly tearing things up this season at 13-11 SU, and they are a nondescript 4-4 against the spread in their own building. They do have revenge going for them after losing by 15 points at Akron last month, but given the recent history between these teams, we do not expect the Redhawks to have an easy time putting Akron away here.
In the end, we feel that this is anybody’s game, so we will go with the value play and take Akron with these points.
Akron +5.5
Sacramento Kings +4.0
The Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers are two clubs going in opposite directions, and we look for both teams to continue on their respective courses tonight.
The Blazers were a great story early in the year when this young club overachieved and covered just about every pointspread in sight. Well, that stretch may have now made Portland overvalued, as they closed out the first half by going 1-10 against the spread in their last 11 games, and they went 0-6 ATS on their most recent homestand. Also, they failed to cover in their first meeting with Sacramento this season right here in this building, winning just 87-84 as five-point favorites.
Meanwhile, the Kings have been playing better since getting their injured players back, and although they went 1-3 straight up in their last three games before the All-Star break, they did go 3-1 ATS in those games. Also, while Sacramento is 7-18 SU on the road, they are actually over .500 ATS at 13-12 in those games.
Given the paths these teams are taking, taking the points with the Kings seems like the prudent move here.
Kings +4
Daniel Perkins - Top Ten Cappers
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
Dave Malinsky comp 4* play
Memphis Grizzlies @ Seattle SuperSonics
SPORT: National Basketball Assoc.
PICK: under
Offered at: 206.5
REASON FOR PICK: 4* MEMPHIS/SEATTLE Under
It is no secret that the Memphis offense suffered in a major way with the loss of Pau Gasol; not only did the Grizzlies lose his scoring, but the fact that defenses no longer have to key on him so much exposes the fact that there are not a whole lot of other options. Yet the oddsmakers have not been able to find the right level yet, with Memphis going 1-5 to the Under in an underdog role since that major trade. And once again they are not close to finding the range. A team that lacks both punch and chemistry can only win by playing a certain way – slowing it down and trying to avoid mistakes. But don’t take our word for it; we’ll let head coach Marc Iavaroni take the lead -
"There have been some tough circumstances. We knew there would be some tough times in terms of familiarity. It makes it tough. But it's a great time to see who can handle that and still do the things we're asking for - get back on defense and be disciplined. ... Those are the things that enabled us to play well (Feb. 12) against Sacramento. The lack of those things is what caused us to play poorly (Feb. 13) against the Sixers. … They're related (defense and discipline). It takes total team effort. These are the times when you see who is into the team and who is into numbers."
The funny thing is that we are hearing almost the same vibes from P. J. Calresimo, as he prepares his Sonics for a similar final two months of the season. During the All Star break he has already let his team know that there are some major evaluations for the future on the way, which will impact the playing rotations - "Some feelings are going to get hurt. And I have to figure out a way how to handle that. But we have to look at some guys and prepare for the future. It's not that we don't want to win games - we want to win them all - but we have to answer some questions." And in terms of defense - “I just think they’re understanding concepts better. We’re still not where we need to be, but in November and December a lot of times we made mistakes and we weren’t even sure if we knew what the mistakes were. Now, at least when we make a mistake, we realize it.”
At 206.5 the betting markets are calling for a loose and free flowing game with a high level of offensive efficiency. This matchup does not call for that in any way.
DA STICK
15*Carolina
15* Pitt under
Psychic
3*..Baylor...Purdue
2*..Clem...UConn
3* Utah
2*Orlando...Phil
Seabass/Sebastian
20* Memphis NBA
20* Fla St
20* Bradley
20* Wyoming
10* Bos Bruins OVER
Insiders 19-15 total
100* Creighton
Michael Cannon
20 Dime
JAZZ
Take the Jazz tonight as the home chalk over the Warriors.
Utah was the hottest team heading into the All-Star break, winning 12 of 13 games. They are 10-3 ATS during that span and they have won and covered their last four meetings with the Warriors.
That shouldn?t come as a surprise, considering how well Utah matches up with Golden State.
The Jazz have a huge rebounding advantage over the Warriors, and they also play tough zone defense.
Utah has won both of its meetings with Golden State this year by a combined 44 points.
Take the Jazz as the home chalk as they grab the home win and cover.
10 Dime
CLEMSON
Take Clemson as the road chalk tonight over Florida State.
Florida State has really been struggling, winning just two out of its last 10 and going 1-9 ATS during that stretch. They will face a determined Clemson squad that doesn?t want to repeat last year?s collapse, which ended in a disappointing NIT invite.
Clemson has won four of its last five, going 4-1 ATS. The Tigers have also gone 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings with the Seminoles.
Florida State is 0-8 ATS in its last eight home games and 5-16 ATS in its last 21 overall.
Take Clemson as the road chalk as they grab the win and cover
Paul Leiner
20* NBA Total--- Philadelphia/Minnesota Over
10* Kentucky/Georgia---Over
5* Baylor
EZ Winners
3 STAR: (737) BRADLEY (+7.5) over Drake
(Risking $330 to win $300)
2 STAR: (735) BAYLOR (+6) over Oklahoma
(Risking $220 to win $200)
2 STAR: (742) WYOMING (+1) over San Diego State
(Risking $220 to win $200)
Trace Fields
5* Indiana U (GOY)
Cal Sports
4* Jazz
4* Mia Ohio
4* Bradley
Young Guns
4'* Clev
3'* Under Memphis
3* 76'ers
Jared Klien freebie:
Columbus +115
Classic Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference matchup tonight when the Columbus Blue Jackets head to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs. It’s been an up and down season for the Blue Jackets. One minute they look like world beaters for example their (5-1 win at Detroit) the next game they look like they belong in the bottom of the Western Conference (7-2 loss at home to Chicago). One thing I know for sure is how terrible Toronto is especially against the Western Conference where they are 2-7, -5.60 units this season. Columbus was beaten 5-1 against St. Louis in their last game and head coach Ken Hitchcock was not happy after the loss. "I thought we were out competed right from the start," Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock was quoted as saying. "I thought (the Blues) were stronger on the puck, stronger on the 1-on-1s. They were better everywhere The one thing that Columbus has shown is heart after getting blown out in a game. After a loss of three or more goals, the Blue Jackets are 5-1 on the season. Look for Columbus to travel up to Toronto to get the win tonight. Take the Blue Jackets. Recommendation: Columbus
INDIAN COWBOY
PLAY OF THE DAY: PHILADELPHIA vs MINNESOTA
Play: Sixers/Twolves Under 185 (POD)
COWBOY'S PLAY OF THE DAY: Sixers/Twolves Under 185 (POD)
The Sixers are one of the hottest teams in the league having won 5 straight ballgames, they have done this through offense at home - but their defense sticks with them at home or on the road. They have held opponents to 88, 76, 80 and 84 points in their last 4 games against teams such as Dallas, Memphis, the Clippers and Miami - not offensive juggernauts, but neither are the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves come off a game where they gave up 117 points to the Lakers in a terrible defensive effort so I expect that to be a focus for these 2 teams today. The Twolves had played 7 straight unders before that over against the Lakers, and remember against the Bulls, the Twolves totaled less than 165 and against the Sixers and Rockets, the Twolves totaled less than 175 as well. The Sixers have played in 4 straight unders and the Twolves have played in 5 straight unders against the Eastern Conference.
NC GREENSBORO vs DAVISDSON
Play: NC-Greensboro +13.5 (over Davidson)
INDIAN COWBOY SELECTION: NC-Greensboro +13.5 (over Davidson)
A bit shocked? Well, anytime that I have an opportunity to go against the public who is 80% on Davidson, I'll gladly take it. I not only like the Spartans of Greensboro for that reason only, but keep in mind that when these 2 teams last played, the score was 83-78 and Davidson barely won. NC-Greensboro is a top 125 team. This team won at Georgia Tech in the first game of the season by a greater margin than even UNC - albeit beginning of the year - won at Fordham, NC-Wilmington and won at College of Charleston as well against a good Bobby Cremins team. Look, this is a conference game and NC Greensboro just beat their side of the Conference leader in Appalachian State by 25 points at home, they haven't forgotten about this loss at home and will likely be fired up for this game. Don't be surprised to see a closer than expected ballgame here. The Road team has covered 5 of the last 6 meeting between these 2 teams.
GEORGIA vs KENTUCKY
Play: Georgia +5.5 (over Kentucky)
Comments: INDIAN COWBOY SELECTION:
Georgia +5.5 (over Kentucky)
My third favorite play today, but Georgia comes off a very tough loss to Tennessee at home and if this team has been having a dreadful season as compared to the SEC. This team desperately needs a big win as I understand the Georgia coach has had some injuries and problems such as with Mike Mercer, but Georgia has lost 5 of their last 6 and the pressure is on to beat a Kentucky team that beat them at home 58-63. Georgia has to step up here and if they do indeed beat Kentucky, they will share an overall record of 13-12. Georgia needs conference wins as their only recent conference win was over South Carolina, winning on the road at Kentucky would be huge for this team and this coach in particular. The road team has covered this game the last 5 of 7 contests but I wouldn't be surprised to see Georgia fall inside the spread here