Frank Rosenthal
NBA Hoops
701 Wolves+12
710 Knicks-6.5
713 Suns+3.5
Over 214
College Hoops
731 Fsu+2.5
735 Kansas-11
Under 134
747 Florida+1.5
Under 141
764 Nebraska-2
774 Ky-5
782 Depaul+5
785 Georgia Tech+16
Over 163
788 Georgetown-17
792 Utep-1.5
Sebastian 100* Insider
Richmond
Black Widow Sports
1* on La Salle +5
La Salle has been one of the best road teams in the nation this season. La Salle is a perfect 10-0 ATS in all road games on the year and considering they have won 4 straight and 6 of their last 8 games overall, we really like their chances to stay undefeated against the spread tonight. La Salle is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. La Salle is 11-2 ATS as an underdog this season. La Salle is 9-0 ATS off a close win by 3 points or less over a conference rival since 1997. They will continue to be a cash cow on the road Wednesday. Take La Salle and the points.
Wunderdog
West Virginia at Depaul
Pick: West Virginia -4.5
DePaul has dropped seven of their last eight games, seemingly ready to pack it in. That kind of attitude doesn't bode well when facing a tenacious defensive team like West Virginia. The Mountaineers are holding road foes to just 72.8 ppg. We like that matchup against the Blue Demons who are hitting just 39.1% from the field in their last five games. West Virginia is 23-12 ATS the past two seasons as a favorite and 22-9 ATS off a home win the past three seasons. Mountaineers too much here.
ARMVIN SPORTS
NHL
COLUMBUS 125
PHOENIX at CHICAGO Over 5.5
CBB
TEMPLE -5.5
GEORGIA -2
MISSISSIPPI 6
APPALACHIAN STATE 15
Erin Renning
20* Playmaker: Philadelphia +2
Indiana Over 207 -110
New Orleans -3
Sebastian Hockey
NHL
10* Nashville
10* Pheonix
Alatex
15* Superplay: Florida +1.5
NC Wilmington +11.5
UTEP -2
Black Magic Sports
NBA
5 Unit Black Magic NBA Revenge Game of the Year on Atlanta Hawks -4.5
The Atlanta Hawks beat the Sacramento Kings by a final of 99-76 in their last home meeting. This is a good indication that the Hawks will get revenge following their 107-119 loss to the Kings back on February 20th just a week ago. Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home meetings with the Kings. The home team has won 5 of the last 6 meetings in this series. The Hawks are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 home games overall. The Kings are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games following their 86-107 loss to the Miami Heat last night. The Kings are just 9-20 on the road this season while Atlanta is a decent 16-11 at home. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the home team is also 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings as well. We will take this pair of 80% Systems favoring the Hawks straight to the bank tonight. Cash in with Atlanta as the favorite.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Cavs/Celtics UNDER 193.5
The Celtics are giving up just 87.5 points per game this season. Cleveland will have a terrible offensive performance tonight after playing in Milwaukee yesterday. The Cavs will have to rely on their stellar defense to keep this one close tonight. Cleveland is 10-1 UNDER in road games off a loss against a division rival over the last 2 seasons. Boston is 26-11 UNDER in home games after allowing 80 points or less since 1996. Cash in with the UNDER 193.5 points.
NCAA Basketball
4 Unit SEC Game of the Week on Florida +1
Florida is the your best bet in the SEC this week. They should not be an underdog to a Georgia team that features a losing record on the season. Florida is 17-5 straight up against Georgia since 1997. Florida has won 7 of their last 10 road meetings with the Bulldogs a well. Florida has beaten Georgia by at least 10 points each in their last 5 meetings with the Bulldogs. Florida is 13-3 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons. Florida is 16-6 ATS in road games when playing only their 2nd game in 8 days over the last 3 seasons. Cash in with Florida as the underdog.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Temple -5
Temple is a great bet at home tonight with this small spread facing the Owls. Temple lost to Charlotte by just 2 points on the road earlier this season. You can bet they will be looking for revenge tonight when they get a 2nd shot at home. Temple is 16-6 ATS in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons. Temple is 12-2 ATS in home games in February games over the last 3 seasons. All signs favor the Owls here. Cash in with Temple as the favorite.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Houston -8
Houston is 20-6 on the season and in line for an NCAA Tournament birth baring a colossal letdown to end the season. Houston is 14-2 at home this season. They are winning their home games by 13 points per game this year as well. Houston is 22-10 ATS after 3 consecutive conference games over the last 3 seasons. Houston is 23-9 ATS after 2 straight games with 9 or less offensive rebounds since 1997. Southern Miss is 2-13 ATS in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997. They just can't hang with this explosive Cougars' offense. Cash in with Houston as the favorite.
Black Magic Sports
1 Unit on Texas Tech +9.5
Texas Tech is receiving nearly double-digit points here and they really shouldn’t be. The Red Raiders already embarrassed Texas A&M by 15 points at home this season. Texas Tech won their last road game by 18 points at Colorado. Pat Knight has his Red Raiders’ team playing their best ball as we near the end of the season. Texas A&M has lost 3 straight games now including back-to-back home losses to Nebraska and Oky State. The Aggies are just limping into the postseason. Texas Tech is 8-2 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games this season. Texas Tech is 7-0 ATS on Wednesday games this season. Cash in with Texas Tech as the underdog.
Wunderdog
San Jose at Columbus
Pick: Columbus +120
After some trades, these two clubs look different. The Blue Jackets lost some quality players in Adam Foote and Sergei Fedorov. San Jose picked up an All Star in Brian Campbell. But, the fact remains that this is the sixth road game in a row for the Sharks and after two road wins, we don't seem them winning three in a row. The Sharks are 5-11 the past two seasons coming off 2+ straight road wins. Columbus is playing awesome defense and can stick with San Jose on the offensive end. The Blue Jackets are 18-15 this season vs. winning teams. They have fared well vs. good defenses, too.
Drew Gordon
1. 300,000* Miami-Florida
2. 50,000* La Salle
3. 50,000* Arkansas
4. 50,000* Jazz
1. Miami-Florida- While I expect the Tigers to win this game, based on variety of factors, oddsmakers have gone too far with the number, as Miami is not only playing well, but playing well on the road, as recent upset wins at Virginia Tech and at Georgia Tech demonstrated.
The revenge factor does come into play tonight, as the 'Canes already beat this Tigers team at the BankUnited Center 75-72 back on January 27th. However, to say that Clemson is now going to beat Miami by this many points is ridiculous. If we learned anything from their last meeting, it was that the 'Canes match up extremely well with the Tigers.
Both sets of backcourts all but equalize each other, as both Jack McClinton and K.C. Rivers are playing lights out basketball right now. The rest of the guards all match up well, and all can hit from beyond the arc. The frontcourt is where these two teams separate themselves, as I like the 'Canes fonrtline depth far more than than the Tigers.
Not only is Clemson F James Mays struggling over his last 5 games, averaging just 6 ppg over that span, but we saw in their last meetings, the froncourt was the difference-maker. Collins and King dominated the paint (combining for 27 points and 22 rebounds), Brian Asbury chipped in 11 points and 6 boards (despite shooting poorly), while even "energizer bunny" Jimmy Graham grabbed 6 boards and swatted 5 shots off the bench! Its Miami's depth that makes them so dangerous, especially against Clemson, who's frontcourt isn't playing well and doesn't have the depth to keep up with the 'Canes energy down-low.
Finally, its hard to ignore Miami's recent wins over Duke and Maryland. True, both games were at home, but its those kind of wins that galvanize a team, giving them the confidence to get it done on the ACC trail. In the end, Clemson will come out firing tonight at home, but that doesn't mean Miami won't be ready... Just like they were against Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Make no mistake, the Hurricanes keep this game well within the number tonight!
Take Miami-Florida plus the points over Clemson as your top-rated play of the day.
2. La Salle- In case you haven't noticed, this La Salle team has been money on the road, going an incredible 10-0-1 ATS away this season! They've won 4 straight (3-0 ATS) and are clearly playing their best basketball of the season, dropping 83 ppg on 45% shooting over their last 5 games!
Enter Fordham, sitting in the bottom-quarter of the A-10, having gone 6-5 SU and 3-5 ATS at home this season, and for some reason they find themsleves relatively strong favorites in this spot? Couldn't disagree with oddsmakers more, as the Rams simply do not have the offense to keep pace with the Explorers in this one, averaging just 66 ppg on 42% shooting AT HOME this season!
We all know the Rams rely on their defense more than anything, but if you've seen La Salle play of late, you saw them crush two excellent defenses in back-to-back games at St. Joe's and against Dayton. The Explorers then went on to beat Duquesne outright 75-72 in one of their more impressive wins this season in their last one! Guys, La Salle is rolling right now, and I could easily see them winning this game outright, or at the very least, keeping it well within the number.
Finally, with 7 players averaging 7 points or more, as compared to just 4 for the Rams, clearly the edge in depth goes to the Explorers. That's significant, because its important La Salle keeps the pressure on when the second units get into the action, and by all accounts they will. In the end, despite the home court, La Salle is playing far too well to fall victim to a very average Fordham team tonight.
Take La Salle plus the points over Fordham in this A-10 match up.
3. Arkansas- Are you really that convinced by Alabama's effort at home this season? Guys, the Tide are just 3-9 ATS in Alabama, including 3-6 ATS as a home favorite... What makes you think they can get it done against a Razorbacks squad that has all the necessary pieces to win this game
First of all, if you're going to match up against 'Bama, you need to have the size to combat F Richard Hendrix, who's the heart and soul of this Tide offense. Everyone else on this Alabama squad feeds off Hendrix, but in this case, that may be easier said than done, as Arkansas frontcouet of 6'10 senior F Darian Townes, 6'10 Michael Washington, and 7-foot senior Steven Hill are more than capable of matching up.
Second, one place you can really take advantage of the Tide is in the backcourt, and the Razorbacks have just the guards to do it, starting with leading scorer Sonny Weems. Weems is coming off an impressive 26-point effort at Kentucky (which is no small task against that defense), and should once again dominate against the much smaller Alabama guards. Weems is not only more talented, but the fact he's 6'6 and neither starting Tide guard is over 6'1 is definately an edge. Arkansas guards Beverly and Ervin also enjoy strong edges in the backcourt.
Finally, the issue with the Tide at home can be broken down into one word: defense. The fact Alabama is allowing teams to score 72 ppg on their home floor is an atrocity. We expect the host to have a siginificant edge on defense thanks to the home court, but that just isn't the case for Alabama, and a big reason they're just 3-9 ATS in Alabama.
Bottom line, in this near pick'em situation, expect the Razorbacks to step up and deliver against an inconsistent and overmatched Alabama squad in this one. Tide have shown little respect for their home court, and with Hendrix facing some real match up issues tonight, there's little reason to believe the Razorbacks won't get it done on the road in this one.
Take Arkansas plus the points over Alabama in this SEC match up.
4. Jazz- No doubt the Pistons are playing damn good basketball right now, but they come into their 3rd game in 4 nights against a Utah team that's downright nasty at home, going 24-3 SU and 17-10 ATS in Salt Lake this season! Detroit's recent wins over the Suns and Nuggets, coupled with the Jazz's recent losses, have the Pistons coming into this game overvalues and it'll show on the court.
First and foremost, unlike Denver or Phoenix, the Jazz actually play defense on their home court, allowing just 94 ppg there this season (as a comparison: its just 1 point more than Pistons allow on the road)! They've won 14 straight at home, including wins and covers against the likes of Golden State, New Orleans, and San Antonio, three of the West Coast's best teams.
Second, like the Nuggets and Suns, the Jazz have ability to light up the scoreboard, especially at home, where they average an impressive 107 ppg on 50% shooting. While I don't expect 107 points against this Pistons defense, Detroit has several strong disadvantages in this match up, including fatigue, the Jazz's excellent size in the frontcourt, and one of the few point guards who can match up with Billups in Deron Williams.
Speaking of the frontcourt, the fact the Jazz can hurt you inside with Boozer, outside with Okur, and all-over with Kirilenko is a major issue for Detroit. Boozer dominated the Pistons in his last one, scoring 36 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, albeit without facing Rasheed Wallace. He'll have a tougher time tonight with Rasheed in the lineup, but the Jazz's offense is so dynamic at home, it won't slow them down too much.
Finally, Deron Williams did match up against Billups in their last meeting, and the clear winner was Williams, scoring 21 points and dishing 14 assists, compared to Billups (5 of 14 shooting ) 15 points and 6 assists... And that was at the Palace! Look for an even better effort from Williams in this one, as he's even better at home, dropping 29 and 11 assists against New Orleans' Chris Paul and 29 points and 12 assists against the Warriors' Baron Davis in recent match ups in Salt Lake.
Bottom line, the Pistons are playing well, but the Jazz are playing that much better at home. Thanks to the Detroits's recent wins we're getting a bargain price on the Jazz tonight at home, and I'll be happy to ride them all the way to the bank in this one.
Take the Jazz at home over the Pistons in this NBA match up.
C&P Experts
NEB -3
GameDay
4* PITTSBURGH -11
3* LASALLE +4
3* TEX A&M -9
2* LSU +6
2* OKLAHOMA +2
Alex Smart
New Orleans Hornets -3.0
Bob Akmens
LA Clippers/Po.T'Blazers Un.183
G'Town/St.Johns Un.120
Va.Canucks/Col.Avs Ov.5.5
Feist
personal best..........................smu
personal best............................hofstra
steam..............................ncwilm
platinum......................iowa
platinum...........................lsu
inner circle goy..........................richmond
4 star.........................nccharltt
3 star.......................fla st
Spritzer
colonial gom....................hofstra
ko...............................colorado st
tko........................uri
tko.........................arkansas
tko............................kansas
5 star......................creighton
ko...........................suns
tko.........................jazz
5 star......................hawks
Cokin
fat man plays............purdue, drexel
window..........................uri
3 star.........................duke
3 star..............................davidson
under the hat.......................celtics
3 star..............................jazz
Northcoast Sports Community Line
Billy Coleman 3*Clev.-Bos. Under
Master Sports 4* Alabama
Handicapper: Nite Owl Sports
Mississippi Rebels @ Kentucky Wildcats
Pick: 3 units ATS: Kentucky Wildcats -5.5
This pick on Kentucky Wildcats is both on them and against fading Ole Miss, which has seen its Big Dance "stock" plummet lately while playing more like "old miss" (as in missed shots), especially on the SEC road, where they are a pathetic 0-5 both SU and ATS in their last 5, including 0-3 as road dogs with average MOL (margin of loss) of 12 points, capped off with a 20 point drubbing at LSU in their last roadie. We've been fading Rebels ever since their home upset loss to Auburn several games ago, especially when they hit the road, where for some reason, the point production of key offensive components, center Curtis (single digits in 3 of last 4 games) and frosh point guard Warren (32% shooting last 5 games), has suffered lately. For example, in that 20 point upset loss at LSU, Curtis scored only 8 points, on 4-10 shooting, while Warren had 8 as well, on an ugly shooting night (3-16, including 2-10 on treys). And in recent 9 point setback at Alabama, not the best of home teams TY, Curtis got in early foul trouble and scored just 3 points, while Warren had another "brick-like" shooting night, hitting only 5 of 19 shots and just 3-10 from behind the arc. Contrast that to surging Kentucky, which has won its last six SEC home games (5-0-1 ATS in them) and is 9-1 SU in last 10 against Rebs, including 6-0 at Lexington and in SEC Conf tourney. Based on our home/road stats (Kentucky playing at home and Miss away), Wildcats have projected shooting edges of 7% from the floor and 14% from the FT line, as well as a +3 edge on the boards. While Kentucky sometimes goes thru cold shooting spells, especially from behind the arc, their aggressiveness on the boards has continually bailed them out, like it did in their tight 5 point win over Arkansas Saturday (a 5 unit winner for NIte Owl Sports), where they had a +15 RB edge. Bottom line, we like Wildcats at -6 or less, but get your bets in early, as we expect lots of "company" with our pick on Kentucky and as a result, an increase in the line during the day, and while Kentucky has been covering at home lately, they have not been "blowing out" teams, either. If you can't get -6 or less, or if you want some added value from this game, we also suggest teasing Kentucky to -1 or less with Arkansas, teased up to +5 or more over an alabama team which struggles at home vs good teams. But the best way to get the most value today is to buy our one day college hoops pass, our NBA/college hoops combo one day pass, or our one day all sports combo pack, as there is a huge card of games today, and we are on fire in hoops lately, at 11-2/ +16.7 units on our L13 NBA picks, 8-2/ +27 units on our L10 four and five unit college hoops picks, and 3-0/ +15 units on our L3 five unit ATS and $ line combo picks in college hoops