Marc Lawrence
BYU Cougars at Air Force Falcons
Yet another strong home court involving a winning team in an underdog situation – and we’re there. Granted, at 11-7 this season the Falcons may be down a notch or two from previous editions under first year mentor Jeff Reynolds but the fact of the matter is they are still formidable at cozy Clune Arena where they stand 9-1 this season. In truth they bring a 65-3 SU home mark since 2003 going into this contest. They’ve also fared well against the Cougars in this series, going 6-3 SU & 7-2 ATS when hosting BYU. Toss in the Mormons' dismal 0-7 ATS mark in games after New Mexico when facing an .850 or less opponent and it looks like the stars are aligned our way in this game. May the Force be with you. KEY STAT: Air Force is 13-1 ATS when playing with LSR2 (Last Season Revenge – Twice).
Madduxsports Comp
New Orleans -9
Alex Smart
Mississippi -5.0
Vanderbilt (17-3) and Ole Miss(15-3) prepare to go head to head in a SEC battle this Wednesday. Both teams are off losses to conference opponents , and will be motivated to get back in the winners circle. Bottom line: The Commodores have accumulated their top notch record against average and sub par teams , with their only real tests this season coming against Tennessee and Florida, which resulted in them getting torched by 20 and 22 points respectively. I know Ole Miss is also off a DD, beat down at the hands of instate rivals Mississippi State , but Im predicting that they will be in a nasty mood in a place (Tad Smith Coliseum )where they have won 20 straight games SU, which does not bode well for this decent, but over rated Commodore team. Final notes & Key Trends: Vandy has lost all 3 conference road contests this season. The home team has prevailed in 18 of the last 21 meetings.
Play on Mississippi Rebels
Joe Wiz
Air Force
Cappers Access
Maryland
Texas A&M
Illinois
Scott Spreitzer
Nebraska
Mighty Quinn
Rhode Island
USA Sportsconsulting Comp
Duquesne -4.5
Redzone Sports Comp
Creighton
Cavaliers
Comps
Dave Cokin
Play: St. Louis +8
Saint Louis lost a heartbreaker to Dayton earlier this season. The Billikens looked like winners most of the way. But the Flyers caught them at the end and then pasted them in overtime. Things have changed for Dayton of late, however. The Flyers lost a couple of productive forwards to injury and they've hit the skids in league play. Even though Dayton is generally tough at home, they just aren't in good enough form to be giving up this big a number, so I'll grab the available points with upset-minded Saint Louis.
JIM FEIST
A tough situational spot for the visitors, playing their third game in four nights. It?s also the second of a back to back road spot. Milwaukee doesn?t play any defense, allowing 47% shooting, third worst in the NBA. They get outscored by a whopping 11 ppg on the road, where the Bucks are 5-20 SU, 10-14 ATS. Philly is rested and plays their 4th home game over the last 6 games. Play the 76ers!
Johnny Guild
Charlotte Bobcats (18-27) at Sacramento Kings (19-24)
The Kings have been in command over the Bobcats in Sacramento. They have won and covered the spread in the last 6 meetings at Arco Arena. Take the Kings. Charlotte has been a pitiable road team, just 4-13 away from home thus far this season.
Sacramento Kings - 6
Chris Jordan
As I stated last night, the Knicks have been terrible against the Western Conference, now having lost 11 straight dating back to last February. And after they were runnin' and gunnin' with Los Angeles last night at Staples Center, I don't see how they'll contend tonight in Salt Lake City's rarified air.
Utah is playing solid right now, and after dispatching of San Antonio two nights back at EnergySolutions Arena, there's no way the Jazz let up in this one against a weary New York team that won't have anything left in the tank.
Lay the chalk with Utah here, as we take advantage of a team that is sporting ATS streaks of 5-0 as a favorite, 14-3 at home against teams with losing records and 24-6 as the home chalk.
1* JAZZ
Bobby Maxwell
The Blazers needed a while to recover from that brutal seven-game Eastern Conference road trip. Now they've finally gotten a few days off and will be back to looking like themselves tonight against the Cavs.
Portalnd had two days off after a 94-93 win over Atlanta on Sunday and they are 4-1 ATS on two days rest, 11-3 ATS at home and 7-2 ATS following a game they didnt' get the cash.
The Blazers will find their defense tonight with the rested legs. They have been giving up 97.6 per game in the last five, but at home they allow just 91.7 and will go even lower than that tonight. The Cavs come in a little banged up with forward Anderson Varajeo doubtful tonight with an ankle problem.
And when these two get together, it's been dominated by the home team - 8-2 SU and ATS for the home team dating back to 2003.
Remember, even though the Cavs have won four straight on the road, they are still just 11-12 overall and 13-10 ATS on the highway. So before this little streak they were 7-12 on the highway and very average.
We're going to play the Blazers in this one as we see them coming out in front of the home fans with renewed enthusiasm after two full days off.
4* BLAZERS
JEFF BENTON
We?ll get back on track Wednesday by playing Iowa plus the points at Purdue in Big Ten action.
Total flat spot for Purdue, which is coming off Saturday?s 60-56 upset victory over then-No. 11 Wisconsin at home. And with the Boilermakers on runs of 5-0 SU and a 6-0 ATS (all in Big Ten play), this line is seriously inflated. Also, it?s very important to look at the pointspreads in Purdue?s last six games. They started out as a 13-point dog at Michigan State (78-75 loss), then were a one-point home underdog to Ohio State (75-68 win), a two-point favorite at Iowa (67-62 win), three-point favorite vs. Illinois at home (74-67 win), a one-point favorite at Penn State (64-42 win), and then the one-point ?dog vs. Wisconsin on Saturday.
Now all of a sudden the Boilers are laying double digits? HUH? This team has one won game by double digits during its current run. Not only that, but they?re 8-1 in the their last nine games, and only two wins have come by double digits. Here?s another one for you: Purdue is 0-6 ATS in its last six games when laying more than three points!
As for Iowa, the Hawkeyes are definitely in rebuilding mode, but they?ve been pretty competitive in Big Ten play to this point, going 5-3 ATS (3-2 ATS as a double-digit ?dog). In fact, going back to last year, the Hawkeyes are 19-9-2 ATS in conference action. Iowa keeps this close and challenges for the outright win.
(based on a 1 to a 10 * Rating)
5* IOWA
MATT RIVERS
For Wednesday take the points with Cincinnati.
I may be getting sucked into the Bearcats because this number is huge and in the end maybe so for a reason but I cannot pass up what has been a much better than expected Cincinnati team, and a squad that has been a cash cow so far this season, plus a few touchdowns.
West Virginia has been very good this season at 15-5 and has not really skipped a beat with John Beilein leaving and Bob Huggins coming in but the Mountaineers have been vulnerable of late and I can easily see a pedestrian effort and a 65-57 type of a final.
No doubt the 'Cats have had a lot of their success this season at home where they have beaten Pittsburgh, Villanova and a few others but they also won at Louisville as the monstrous dog and have covered five of their last six after that last loss at Seton Hall. For this team to be 4-4 in the Big East is a minor miracle but these guys have been good and the oddsmakers seemed to not have adjusted accordingly as of yet.
The Mounties have been mediocre at the very best in dropping three of their last four to the number which included a tighter than tight two point win over Marshall, a tie at the half with St. John's in a game they never ever came anywhere near the cover and the loss as the three point chalk to Georgetown.
West Virginia should win this game but I do not envision a blowout and that's pretty much what it will take for them to grab the cash in this spot!
SCOTT DELANEY
Sorry to Tom Penders, but he just isn?t going to get win No. 600 against the No. 1 team in the nation. Nevertheless, his Cougars are going to play their asses off tonight against Memphis in college hoops, as they?re playing for two reasons.
First, they?ll have Penders? milestone win in mind when taking the floor, and would love nothing more than to hand it to him on their own court, in an upset win, in conference play ? over the No. 1 team in the country
Second, this may be the one game that spells N-C-A-A B-E-R-T-H in another 45 days or so, when the selection committee gets together to choose the 65 teams that will play in the Big Dance. It sounds crazy, I know, and I don?t expect this team to win outright; however, any time you play a desperate team, it?s just not going to go away. Memphis could build a 10-point lead in this one, Houston won?t go away. The Tigers might get up by 20, but with the way the Cougars shoot the ball from the field ? not to mention from beyond the arc - and all of a sudden the crowd's into the game and the margin is in single digits.
There?s no other source in the Conference USA that spells ?quality win,? and again, if the Cougars ? who are currently ranked 76th in the Ratings Percentage Index ? expect to be considered for the Big Dance, this is the game that defines their season. This team has five seniors, and this team has plenty of scoring ability. Let?s take the points with Houston.
1*HOUSTON
COMPS
DARK HORSE
Delaware -4
TOTALS 4 U
CLEVELAND/PORTLAND UNDER 185
ARTHUR RALPH
ST LOUIS
TV HOTLINE
IONA -2
GINA
Orlando Magic -12
Sacramento Kings -6
BIG TIME SPORTS
DAVIDSON -19.5
COMPUTER SPORTS
SYRACUSE PK
THE VEGAS STEAMLINE
Memphis -10 over Houston
RAZOR SHARP
VILLANOVA +7
BIG AL COMPS
Atlanta Thrashers -131
Play: Illinois
HUDDLE UP
BALL ST. -4
The Fall Miracle
MISSOURI -5.5
DRG SPORTS
Milwaukee Bucks +7
Bob Harvey Sports
Washington Wizards +8.5
Kyle Baugues
Houston +9.5
Todays Picks
Georgia +3
Florida Bookie Busters
Charlotte/Sacramento u205
Prime Sports Picks
CBA - Memphis -10
CBA
Texas AM -2.5
JEFFERSONSPORTS
ST. JOES -7
Arthur Ralph
Super Pick AUBURN
900 Gold Key College Dogs
Mississippi State & Air Force
ARMVIN SPORTS
NHL
CALGARY -133
CHICAGO at COLORADO Over 5.5
CBB
CENTRAL FLORIDA -2.5
DAYTON -8.5
UNLV -3.5
NORTHERN IOWA -2
SETON HALL -1
TEXAS
EZ Winners
3 STAR: (594) AIR FORCE (+4) over Byu
(Risking $330 to win $300)
2 STAR: (571) CREIGHTON (+3.5) over Drake
(Risking $220 to win $200)
1 STAR: (559) ST. JOSEPHS (-7) over George Washington
(Risking $110 to win $100)
1 STAR: (561) UNLV (-4) over Tcu
(Risking $110 to win $100)
1 STAR: (581) MEMPHIS (-9.5) over Houston
(Risking $110 to win $100)
1 STAR: (583) KANSAS (-7) over Kansas State
(Risking $110 to win $100)
1 STAR: (597) TEXAS (+3) over Texas A&M
(Risking $110 to win $100)
NBA
1 STAR: (514) PORTLAND (-3) over Cleveland
(Risking $110 to win $100)
Rob Veno Comp
Washington @ Toronto O/U 192
Fully expect last night’s overtime contest between these teams to combine with the travel and have a negative effect on the shooting percentages here tonight. Depth shy Wizards who will again be without SF Caron Butler saw the only remaining piece of their “Big Three” Antawn Jamison go nearly 52 minutes last night so fatigue for the Wizards top scoring weapon should be a factor. Also, Toronto’s premier scorer Chris Bosh logged 50 minutes last which figures to leave him a bit tired in this second of back-back with travel. With solid defense being the MO for both of these teams to begin with, look for that aspect to take hold in this one. A slower pace to keep players fresh for the full 48 minutes is also likely and remember, last night’s game ended on 190 at the end of regulation which is under the current total for this contest. Something in the range of 180-184 seems to be the final landing place for this matchup thus signaling a look toward the under.
Recommendation: UNDER
VEGAS EXPERTS
UNLV Running Rebels at TCU Horned Frogs
TCU off a 74-58 loss at Utah. It has not bounced back recently off double-digit losses, showing a 1-10 ATS mark in that situation. Under-sized, under-manned UNLV squad continues to over-acheive, going 15-4 S/U and 10-6 ATS. TCU has not played as many lined opponents, going 11-7 S/U and 6-5 ATS. It has lost the last two on its home floor to the Rebels by 13 and nine points when getting five and 6.5 from the linemaker. It is also 31-54 ATS in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
Play on: UNLV
Brandon Lang
WEDNESDAY
15 - Hornets
5 - Memphis (college)
5 - Drake
Free - Jazz
WINNING POINTS
NBA
*Orlando over Miami by 8
The Heat have failed to cover their past four times in the second of back-to-back
games. They also are 0-2 SU and ATS versus the
Magic.
ORLANDO 112-104
*Toronto over Washington by 5
The teams just played at Washington last night. If Chris Bosh isn?t scoring, the Raptors
have a hard time making their perimeter game work.
TORONTO 102-97
*Philadelphia over Milwaukee by 5
The 76ers have the interior defense to stymie Andrew Bogut and frustrate Michael
Redd. This is a revenge spot for the 76ers. They lost at home to the Bucks three weeks
ago, 87-83, when the Bucks were missing Redd.
PHILADELPHIA 90-85
Denver over *Memphis by 4
The Grizzlies can run with the Nuggets, but they don?t have the physical toughness of
the Nuggets or a shot-blocker as good as Marcus Camby.
DENVER 120-116
Chicago over *Minnesota by 1
The Bulls might match their longest winning streak of the season ? two games. That?s
the benefit of playing on consecutive nights vs. the T?wolves.
CHICAGO 94-93
**PREFERRED
*New Orleans over Golden State by 12
The Warriors couldnt deal with Tyson Chandler when they lost at home earlier this
month to the Hornets, 116-104. Chandler had 22 points and 22 rebounds. The
Hornets are trying to win over their home-town fans. The teams would like to remain
in New Orleans. The Hornets have covered six of their last eight home contests
through Jan. 20. The jump-shooting Warriors could have tired legs playing in their
third game in four nights and second in two days.
NEW ORLEANS 113-101
*Portland over Cleveland by 2
The Blazers are tough to go against at the Rose Garden. The Cavaliers, however, will
be rested having previously played on Sunday.
PORTLAND 97-95
*Utah over New York by 11
New York is playing for the fourth time in six days. Being in the high altitude isn?t
going to help the Knicks cause either.
UTAH 111-100
**PREFERRED
*Sacramento over Charlotte by 14
Potential kill spot here for the rested and finally healthy Kings. They wont be afraid
to win big to appease their disgruntled home base and now have the firepower to
achieve that with Mike Bibby, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest all back in the lineup.
Charlotte has covered only four of its first 15 away matchups and is playing its fourth
game in six days.
SACRAMENTO 116-102
Atlanta over *Los Angeles Clippers by 2
The Clippers had dropped 11 of their last 14 games at the Staples Center through Jan.
20.
ATLANTA 93-91
Locksmith Sports
1 Unit on Miami +16
You'll see a much better effort from Miami tonight than it was able to muster last night against the Celtics which were playing in a bounce back spot. Miami has been playing terrible, but it is getting way too many here, especially after being blown out last night. These guys are professionals and they have pride. There's no way they'll get walked all over back-to-back games without putting up a fight. The Magic are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win. Take the Heat tonight to bounce back and keep this one well within the number.
John Ryan
Massachusetts vs. Duquesne
Play Duquesne -5.5
Ryan has a huge NCAA card for you today featuring a 10* Big-12 Game of the Year that is backed by angles that have gone 28-0 ATS!. Plus, a 5* MONSTER where Ryan has hit 70% ATS L20 5* Monster plays. Last, but not least, a 3-pack of MAJORS that are backed by 100% ATS angles.
WINNERS EDGE
NBA
Cleveland Cavs/Portland Trailblazers over 185 , 2 units
Washington Wizzards +8.5 , 1 unit
CBB
UAB +2.5 , 2 units
Air Force + 4.5 , 2 units