ATS LOCK
4 Wake Forest -1 1/2
3 Virginia Tech -4
3 Celtics -5 1/2
ATS FINANCIAL
4 Golden State +3 1/2
3 Suns -8 1/2
3 W Michigan -3 1/2
Mike Rose
Minnesota Timberwolves +4.5
Don’t look now, but the Timberwolves are currently one of the hottest teams in the league. That’s right folks!!! If not for a turnover in the closing seconds of their game against Boston, Minny would own a 4-game winning streak coming into tonight’s contest with the (17-26) Chicago Bulls. Minny’s torrid play began last Monday when they went into Golden State and pulled out a 109-108 shocker that saw them win SU as 11.5-point road underdogs. They followed that effort up with an even more unbelievable handling of the Phoenix Suns. They beat Nash and company 117-107 as 8.5-point home pups for their second win over the Phoenix franchise this season just 5-days after getting bludgeoned 115-95 in the desert. Then came the tough 1-point loss at Boston that saw them easily cover the 14-point spread. Their next game saw them open up as favorites for just the 4th time this season. However, the betting public didn’t believe the Wolves would be able to rebound from their loss in Boston forcing all the sportsbooks to move the line in favor of New Jersey. When the dust cleared, the Wolves picked up their 8th win of the season when they upended the Nets by a 98-95 final count and covered the 1.5-point spread in the process.
As for the Bulls, they’ve continued their mediocre play since the coaching change and they’re now suffering from a rash of injuries to their star players. Both Luol Deng and Ben Gordon sat out of their last game against Phoenix that saw the Suns cover the 7.5-point spread in their 88-77 defeat of the Bulls. The loss was the Bulls 2nd in a row and 6th in their L/10 overall games. The United Center was a very tough place for opposing teams to go into and win the L/3 seasons, but that hasn’t been the case this year. The Bulls are 9-13 SU at home and they’ve only managed to cover 7 of those 22 games.
Minnesota has experienced decent success against the Bulls winning 7 of their L/10 match-ups, but a guy named Kevin Garnett had a lot to do with those victories. This will be the first meeting of these teams this season.
The Bulls opened up as 2.5-point home chalks with the ‘Total’ set at 188. Overnight bettors still don’t believe in the Wolves current form and have bet the Bulls up to 4.5-point favorites. They also project a lower scoring game with the ‘Total’ dropping to its current mark of 187.
This series has been dominated by the underdog of late as it’s cashed in 6 of the L/8 meetings. The Timberwolves are a combined 23-16 (59%) ATS on the road vs. sub .500 Eastern Conference opponents, while the Bulls come in a combined 12-30 (29%) ATS at home vs. sub .500 Western Conference opponents.
BeatYourBookie
NCAA Basketball
100* Play Miami +1.5
Miami is 28-14 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less
Miami is 7-1 ATS after covering the spread in the previous game
Miami is 8-0 ATS in road games coming off a close win by 3 points or less
100* Play Florida State +3.5
Florida State is 5-1 SU vs. Virginia Tech since 1997
Virginia Tech is 1-9 ATS in January home games
NBA Basketball
50* Play Phoenix -9
Atlanta is 1-11 ATS in road games coming off a loss by 3 points or less
Atlanta is 2-8 SU vs. Phoenix in road games
Atlanta is 1-5 SU over the last 6 games
WILL SYKES Comp
GOLDEN STATE vs HOUSTON
SYKE-O-ANALYSIS: Playing against my Warriors is one of the hardest things to do (unless I have a good feeling they will lose) And tonight will be one of those nights. Right before the end of the year, these to battled it out, and the Rocket came up short losing 95-112. But their best player wasn't on the floor (T-Mac) And tonight the Warriors are going to worry about that body on the floor. The Rockets suffered their first lost since his return at home on the 27th against the Utah Jazz. While on the other hand, the Warriors barely come with a win against the Knicks, which has me bogglin' about why just a little more of the public is on the Warriors. Here's a perfect answer.....the Warriors get a bunch of attention from ESPN etc. for signing C-Webb (and not so big deal signing CJ Watson for the rest of the year). Now that the Warriors get a little spot light the oddsmakers are looking to feed off that energy and psyche you out into taking the small doggie points. It'll be tough for the Warriors to go to Houston, where the Rockets are hungry for a revenge. The Rockets are still a good team so don't get psyched by Vegas into put your money into the spot light, because there's where Vegas knows we're vulnerable. This will be a 1* graded play as T-Mac has the flu and Yao Ming has an illness (I'm taking a chance on these guys as I think they'll play, but that's the only reason why this is a 1*. if these players weren't questionable, this play is easily a 3*). Warriors have a slight chance at winning this game with TMac on the floor, so just stick with Sykes and you won't be psyched.
Rockets -3.5
INDIAN COWBOY: TORONTO vs WASHINGTON
Play: Raptors/Wizards Under 193
Comments: INDIAN COWBOY SELECTION: Raptors/Wizards Under 193
I'm now 8-1-1 in the last 10 comp selections. The bottom line here is that I am going with one of my theories of wagering. The Raptors have the revenge angle today and I would not be surprised one bit if they ended up winning this game outright as this team has a sharp memory of which teams defeated them and consequently to get revenge - after all, look at their win at Boston after Boston defeated them at home - look at their blowout win against the Bucks a game that was my POD a while back after the Bucks blew them out at home. Does this mean they come into Washington and get their revenge today? Likely. However, I like the under for a couple reasons and one of them being that since I favor Toronto in this game, games in which they get revenge, they absolutely go into a slugfest and focus on their defense heavily. The Boston game was an exception, but I think this team will defend very well against Washington today. I did like the Hawks a bit today, but given the revenge angle that Phoenix has I laid off - but I do think that although this selection seems a bit odd, I think the public is wrong here and this game likely goes under. Remember the Boston vs. Washington game where the final score was 85-78 in a 189.5 total that went under? Remember when Washington lost to Houston at home 84-92 in a total that was set at 189.5? Well, I think it is the similar situation here as this will be a physical and defensive game and knowing Sam Mitchell he probably has a goal for his team to have the Wiz not to score a 100 points as they did the last time these 2 teams played. I am well aware that the over is 7-0 the last 7 times these 2 teams have met, but frankly, I still like the under as the under is 9-1 when the Wiz are home favorites and 11-2 in the last 13 home games for the Wiz.
Karl Garrett
Atlanta at PHOENIX -9
Tonight look for Phoenix to blast Atlanta.
The Hawks blew a 19-point lead at Portland on Monday, and while they did stay inside of the number in the underdog role, that loss has got to demoralize a team, and you can assume that the Hawks will be a no-show tonight in the Valley of the Sun.
This is Atlanta's 4th road game in the last 7 days, and they are facing a Phoenix team that is itching for revenge, as the Hawks were able to beat the Suns back in early November at the Philips Arena as the 5 1/2-point dog.
Phoenix enters this game on a 6-1 straight up and against the spread run, and they have also won 6 of the last 8 meetings with the Hawks.
G-Man laying the lumber in this spot, as Phoenix does a number on the Hawks.
5* PHOENIX
Sports Gambling Hotline
Miami-Florida at WAKE FOREST (-2)
Our free play run stands at 98-70-4 long term, and we are all set to add to that total tonight.
ACC play, and at such a cheap price we are all about the Demon Deacons and their strong home court advantage.
Wake Forest has covered 4 of their 5 lined home games this year, and better still is their current 14-game home court winning streak that dates back to last season.
Miami-Florida is only 2-6-2 against the spread their last 10 conference road games, including a pair of dismal showings at Boston College, and NC State their last two times on the conference trail.
Wake Forest swept the season series last year, going 1-0-1 against the spread in the 2 meetings.
Demon Deacons to add to their current 14-game home court winning streak with tonight's win and cover.
Play on Wake.
4* WAKE FOREST
Wolkosky Milan
10* DETROIT -7½
10* MIAMI +6½
10* DET/IND UNDER 194
10* TOR/WAS OVER 192
10* SAS/SEA OVER 194
EZ Winners
1 STAR: CHICAGO (-4.5) over Minnesota
(Risking $110 to win $100)
1 STAR: (724) WAKE FOREST (-1.5) over Miami-Florida
(Risking $110 to win $100)
1 STAR: (736) VIRGINIA TECH (-3.5) over Florida State
(Risking $110 to win $100)
WUNDERDOG
Game: Austin Peay at Se Missouri State
Pick: 3 units on Austin Peay -4
Austin Peay has put nine of their last eleven in the win column and are playing at a very high level right now. The Governors sit atop the Ohio Valley Conference right now. SE Missouri State sat at 11-5 right after the first of the year, and has really struggled since. They have now dropped their last six games to fall back to .500. The problem is they are getting hammered off the glass. SEMST has been out-rebounded in the six losses by 61, or over 10 per game, and are allowing 13 offensive rebounds a game. They have also commited 389 turnovers with just 302 assists. When you can't rebound, and turn the ball over it is hard to find the win column, especially vs a good team. We like Austin Peay to continue their winning ways.
Game: Miami at Wake Forest
Pick: 4 units on Wake Forest -1.5
The Demon Deacons haven't lost here in 15 tries. While they have lost three of four, they have faced very stiff compeittion in their last five games in BYU, Boston College, Maryland, Florida State and Clemson. All three losses came on the road as an underdog. They have coverd the spread in four of five games, competitive in each game except the trip to BC. The Hurricanes have lost three of their last four both SU and ATS. They have yet to win on the road in the ACC and sit at just 5-3 on the road. Wake applies a great pressure defense that will befuddle Miami here. Take the home team to make it 16 straight home wins.
Game: Virginia Commonwealth at George Mason
Pick: 3 units on George Mason -4
George Mason enters this contest with six losses, all coming off of their home-court. They have been perfect at home riding a 9-0 mark into this contest. They have opened some eyes with a convincing win vs Dayton, and Horizon leader Cleveland State. They also have wins vs Kansas State and South Carolina. They shoot the ball well, hit their free throws, and play a sticky defense. The Rams have now won 12 of 13, and are playing great basketball. But road losses at James Madison and Hampton provides some room for doubt. The Rams success has been on the defensive end where they hold opponents to 38% shooting. George Mason won the two games played two years ago, but lost the two games played last year, and will have something to prove here. VCU is 8-1 in conference play, while GMU stands at 6-3. Mason really needs this one, and are playing at home where they have yet to be beaten, and we expect them to bring their "A" game and come away with the win and cover.
Game: Tennessee Tech at Morehead State
Pick: 4 units on Morehead State -1
Morehead State has won five of their last six games, with the lone loss coming by one point in overtime. They are a perfect 8-0 at home this season having dropped five league opponents here. They can do it to Tennessee Tech too. Tech is just 4-9 on the road this season. The big difference here is defense as Morehead allows just 58.1 per game at home vs. 72.4 per game given up by Tennessee Tech on the road. Under head coach Mike Sutton, this Tech team is just 13-23 ATS in expected close games (line at -3 to +3). They are also 23-37 ATS under Sutton as an underdog and 28-45 ATS on the road. This line is low as we see Morehead State winning this one easily.
Game: Jacksonville State at Tennessee State
Pick: 3 units on Tennessee State -13
It doesn't get much worse than Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks have lost 16 of 20 games including all eight on the road. Tennessee State in contrast, after starting the season 6-10 has won three of their last four games. The last win over Tennessee Tech on the road was a real confidence-booster. Blowouts in the making require domination on at least one side of the floor. We have that here as Tennessee State is averaging 78 ppg at home while Jacksonville State allows 77.8 per game on the road. The Gamecocks are allowing 49% shooting their last five games and are going to be eaten alive by this Tigers offense.
Game: Missouri State at Wichita State
Pick: 4 units on Wichita State -1
Wichita State has covered nine of the last ten games between these two teams here at home. They have lost six in a row and eight of nine but they are favored here for a reason. This is their best chance to nail a win. Missouri State is off a bitter loss to Evansville. The Bears lost by 19 points in a game they were supposed to win. We think they suffer a hangover of sorts here. They are 1-9 on the road this season and 0-7 ATS. The offenses here are pretty even (Bears scoring 61.9 per game on the road and Shockers getting 61.5 at home). But, the defensive difference is huge as Wichita averages 59.4 ppg allowed at home while Missouri State gives up 71.3 per game on the road - a 12 point difference. If there's one thing Wichita State does well, it's rebound. And, the Bears are 1-8 ATS this season vs. good rebounding teams (those that outrebound opponents by 4+ per game). This line should be MUCH higher and we like the home team as a result.
Game: Florida State at Virginia Tech
Pick: 3 units on Virginia Tech -4
Virginia Tech will get a lift tonight for two reasons. They just won a big game on the road at Boston College, and they will get Jeff Allen back after serving a two game suspension. Allen is their leading rebounder and second leading scorer. The Hokies have played very well on the road in the ACC, as they have already won at BC and Virginia, and their only blemish at home on the season has been to Duke. They play great defense, holding opponents to under 40% shooting. The road has never been kind to Florida State in ACC play. They have gone just 7-44 over the last 6+ years, and even in the past 2+ years where they won 20 and 22 games, they have won less than half their road games in the ACC. Florida State is alos not playing well right now as they have lost four of their last five and we like Va Tech in this spot at home.
Black Widow Sports Comp
1* on Hawks/Suns OVER 208.5
This game will go well over the number tonight when the Hawks take on the Suns in Phoenix. The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. The OVER is 14-3 in the Suns’ last 17 games against Eastern Conference opponents. Teams from the East aren’t used to playing against this pick and roll offense in which the Suns have produced an average of 113 points per game at home. East teams have their way with this Suns’ defense that is giving up nearly 105 points a game at home. Atlanta has scored 105, 106, 120 and 106 points in their last 4 meetings with Phoenix. Take the OVER 208.5 points.
Black Magic Sports Comp
1 Unit on T’Wolves/Bulls UNDER 188
The T’Wolves and Bulls will go way under the number Tuesday with all of the injuries plaguing key scorers on these teams, especially in Chicago. The Bulls will be playing this game without their two best scorers in Deng and Gordon. The Bulls have now become more a defensive team without these guys. Phoenix beat Chicago in the Bulls’ last game without these two scorers by a final of 88-77. Just a combined 165 points were scored in that home game for Chicago. The UNDER is 4-0-1 in the Bulls’ last 5 games overall. Minnesota is scoring just 92 points a game on the road. Chicago has put up just 77 points in each of their last 2 home games. Cash in with the UNDER 188 points.
Jimmy Boyd Comp
Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns
1 Unit on Suns -8.5 The Hawks have lost 5 of their last 6 games SU and 4 of 6 ATS and I don't anticipate them bounce back well from a 1-point loss at Portland in a game they should have won. In fact, Atlanta is 1-11 ATS in road games after a close loss by 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons and 2-12 ATS in road games off a cover where they lost the game straight up as an underdog over the last 3 seasons. The Suns comes in having won 6 of 7 SU and ATS. They are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS versus the Hawks at home the last 10 meetings. Atlanta actually beat the Suns earlier this season, way back in November, but you better believe that Phoenix has not forgotten. The Suns are 16-6 ATS revenging a same season loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. Lay the points here.
WAYNE ROOT
Chairman - Houston Rockets
Millionaire - Mia FL
No Limit- Alabama
Cajun-Sports
NBA/CBB Executive Club Report
New York at Los Angeles
Play: 3* UNDER 206.5
Central Michigan +10.5 at Ohio University
Play: 3* Ohio U -10.5
Tennessee -4.5 at Alabama
Play: 3* Alabama +4.5
San Antonio -7 at Seattle
Play: 2* Seattle +7