Frank Jordan
Marquette vs. Pittsburgh
Play: Pittsburgh -10.5
Marquette is 15th in the land as they head to number four Pittsburgh for a Big East bash. Marquette 23-6 and playing well on the road with a 6-3 mark, but have lost each of their last two games. Pittsburgh on the other hand is 26-3, 13-3 in Big East play, and a perfect 17-0 at home. Look for the Panthers to brush off the Golden Eagles at home and make it two in a row since the loss to Providence. Play Pittsburgh
James Patrick Sports
Texas A&M vs. Colorado
Our Wednesday selection is in NCAA Basketball action as a pair of Big XII heavies square off in Wednesday action. The Buffaloes are are 24-11 ATS in their past 35 Big XII games and have been very competitive on their home court. Colorado Buffaloes are our complimentary selection.
Marc Lawrence
Marquette at Pittsburgh
Prediction: Marquette
The Panthers host the sharp-shooting Golden Eagles who take the floor minus the services of PG Dominic James. For most teams that would spell a death knell. However, Marquette is a guard-oriented offense and brings depth in off the bench. Our database notes the Golden Eagles are 19-8 ATS as conference RD’s with revenge, including 18-5 ATS when getting 3 or more points. Marquette’s perfect 5-0 ATS regular season mark in this series along with last season’s bitter tourney loss adds even more fuel to the fire. While the hosts may have one eye on their upcoming season-ender with UConn, these Eagles will have both eyes on tonight’s target. Take the points with Marquette.
Jimmy The Moose
Detroit Red Wings at Colorado Avalanche
Prediction: Over
The over is 12-5 in the Red Wings last 17 games overall. The over is 16-6 in their last 22 games vs. a Western Conference opponent. The Wings have played the over in 4 of their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. The over is 14-6-1 in Colorado's last 21 home games. The Avalanched have played over the total in 4 of their last 5 overall. The over is 4-1 in Detroit's last 5 trips to Colorado. The over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings overall. Play the over.
Red Dog Sports
11-4 last 15 UNC plays. Won with over in the UNC/GT game.
Virginia Tech +9.5
This will be Va Tech's Last Home Game and the Hokies have seniors Vassallo and Diakite looking to win this game vs. UNC and improve on their 7-7 ACC record. The last 2 games at home for VT have been low scoring games (72-65 loss to Duke and 67-65 loss to FSU).
VT has played the good teams at home closely:
win Ga Tech 76-71
win NCSU 91-87 (OT)
Loss Clemson 86-82
win BC 79-71
win UVA 78-75
loss Wisc 74-72
UNC only beat VT 68-66 in last year's ACC tourney but did beat them badly at UNC 92-53. In 2007 VT won both meetings (81-80 at UNC) and 94-88 at home.
UNC has been inconsistent on the road in the ACC, losing at Md in OT, beating Miami by 4, beat rival Duke by 14 (a 5* winner for Red Dog Sports), beat NCSU by 17 and only beat Florida State by 3 on Lawson's late hoop.
Who does UNC play next? Duke at home in Tyler Hansbrough's LHG. UNC may be looking ahead.
Va Tech is led by Vassallo, Allen and Delaney. Guards like Malcolm Delaney have hurt UNC this year and look for him to be Malcolm XX (Roman numerals for 20) in this game.
Look for the Hokies to keep it under 10.
Virginia Tech +9.5
DUNKEL
Boston at New Jersey
The Celtics look to bounce back from their 105-95 loss to Detroit and build on their 8-1 ATS record after allowing 105 points or more in the previous game. Boston is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-6).
Game 501-502: Milwaukee at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.555; Cleveland 127.970
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 12 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 13 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+13 1/2); Under
Game 503-504: Boston at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 125.859; New Jersey 117.183
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 8 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 6; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-6); Over
Game 505-506: Atlanta at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.882; New York 118.958
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 3; 219
Vegas Line & Total: Pick; 214
Dunkel Pick: New York; Over
Game 507-508: Phoenix at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 117.534; Miami 118.853
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 509-510: Washington at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 108.996; Oklahoma City 117.372
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8 1/2; 202 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 511-512: Golden State at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 117.480.; Chicago 122.857
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 214 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 513-514: San Antonio at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 123.107; Dallas 124.967
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 515-516: Houston at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 123.916; Utah 128.535
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 4 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 8 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+8 1/2); Under
Game 517-518: Indiana at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 117.787; Portland 125.897
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 8; 211
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 519-520: Memphis at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 109.421; LA Clippers 113.922
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 4 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
Vanderbilt at LSU
The Commodores come in with a 2-7 ATS record on the road to face an LSU team that is 9-6 ATS as a favorite. The Tigers are the pick (-9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has LSU favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LSU (-9 1/2).
Game 521-522: Ball State at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 50.523; Western Michigan 54.110
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+4 1/2)
Game 523-524: Seton Hall at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 62.001; Louisville 77.496
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Louisville by 16
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+16)
Game 525-526: DePaul at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 51.473; West Virginia 77.242
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 26
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 22
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-22)
Game 527-528: George Washington at Massachusetts
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 53.816; Massachusetts 59.899
Dunkel Line: Massachusetts by 6
Vegas Line: Massachusetts by 7
Dunkel Pick: George Washington (+7)
Game 529-530: Toledo at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 45.454; Central Michigan 53.480
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 8
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 7
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (-7)
Game 531-532: North Carolina at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 78.828; Virginia Tech 66.403
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-9 1/2)
Game 533-534: Rice at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 52.040; Marshall 61.262
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 9
Vegas Line: Marshall by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+9 1/2)
Game 535-536: Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 44.713; Eastern Michigan 51.257
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (-3 1/2)
Game 537-538: Boston College at NC State
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 65.618; NC State 67.158
Dunkel Line: NC State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: NC State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (+2)
Game 539-540: St. Louis at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 60.852; Duquesne 63.273
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+7)
Game 541-542: Fordham at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 39.704; LaSalle 62.478
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 23
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 19
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (-19)
Game 543-544: Miami (FL) at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 67.118; Georgia Tech 63.975
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 3
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 4
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+4)
Game 545-546: Marquette at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 70.283; Pittsburgh 78.123
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+11 1/2)
Game 547-548: Iowa State at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 60.519; Nebraska 67.104
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 9
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+9)
Game 549-550: BYU at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 68.654; Wyoming 60.503
Dunkel Line: BYU by 8
Vegas Line: BYU by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-7 1/2)
Game 551-552: Mississippi at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 59.856; Arkansas 63.422
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 4
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (+4)
Game 553-554: Memphis at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 76.632; Houston 68.622
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 8
Vegas Line: Memphis by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-7 1/2)
Game 555-556: Southern Mississippi at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 54.657; SMU 55.616
Dunkel Line: SMU by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: SMU
Game 557-558: Vanderbilt at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 61.460; LSU 73.908
Dunkel Line: LSU by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: LSU by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-9 1/2)
Game 559-560: Central Florida at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 57.448; Tulsa 67.055
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 9
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-9)
Game 561-562: Georgia at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 53.904; Kentucky 71.873
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 18
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 17
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-17)
Game 563-564: UAB at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 67.265; UTEP 64.439
Dunkel Line: UAB by 3
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: UAB
Game 565-566: Oklahoma at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 71.036; Missouri 78.007
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 7
Vegas Line: Missouri by 4
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-4)
Game 567-568: Texas A&M at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 66.684; Colorado 58.631
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 8
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-7 1/2)
Game 569-570: Florida at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 65.308; Mississippi State 68.708
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State
Game 571-572: Kansas at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 76.944; Texas Tech 61.576
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 11
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-11)
Game 573-574: Colorado State at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 53.394; San Diego State 65.819
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 16
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+16)
Game 575-576: Air Force at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 48.202; UNLV 70.845
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 22 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-18 1/2)
Game 577-578: Arkansas State at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 44.331; Middle Tennessee State 54.767
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-9)
Game 579-580: Florida Atlantic at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 43.312; North Texas 57.953
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: North Texas by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (-13 1/2)
Game 581-582: New Orleans at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 46.979; South Alabama 56.016
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 9
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+11 1/2)
Game 583-584: Florida International at UL Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 49.261; UL Lafayette 51.255
Dunkel Line: UL Lafayette by 2
Vegas Line: UL Lafayette by 6
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+6)
Game 585-586: UL Monroe at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: UL Monroe 45.989; Denver 57.475
Dunkel Line: Denver by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Denver by 10
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-10)
Game 587-588: Northwestern at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 60.130; Purdue 74.945
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 15
Vegas Line: Purdue by 13
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-13)
Game 589-590: Wisconsin at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 68.918; Minnesota 70.509
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 1
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-1)
NHL
Montreal at Buffalo
The Canadiens look to take advantage of a Buffalo team that is just 4-7 at home when the total is 6 or more. Montreal is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+110).
Game 51-52: Montreal at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.896; Buffalo 11.692
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-130); 6
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+110); Under
Game 53-54: Detroit at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.287; Colorado 11.550
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-200); 6
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+170); Over
SPORTS ADVISORS
(13) Marquette (23-6, 12-11-1 ATS) at (3) Pittsburgh (26-3, 14-8-1 ATS)
Marquette will try to snap a two-game losing streak when it pays a visit to the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers in a Big East matchup between two of the conference’s top four squads.
The Golden Eagles fell at home to UConn a week ago, 93-82 as one-point ‘dogs and then lost at Louisville on Sunday, 62-58, but cashed as an 8½-point underdog. Since a 12-game winning streak – which included nine straight wins to start the Big East season – Marquette is just 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS in its last seven (all in conference action).
Pittsburgh has won eight of its last nine games (6-2 ATS) and bounced back from the one loss with Saturday’s 89-78 victory at Seton Hall, narrowly cashing as 10½-point favorites. The Panthers are unbeaten at Petersen Events Cetner this season at 17-0, but they are just 7-4 ATS in lined home contests.
These teams last met in the Big East Tournament semifinals a year ago with Pitt scoring the 68-61 victory as a 2½-point underdog en route to the tournament championship. The victory came a month after Marquette won the regular-season matchup at home, blowing out the Panthers 72-54 as five-point favorites. The Golden Eagles are 5-3 SU (6-2 ATS) in the last eight meetings with Pittsburgh dating back to 2003.
Aside from its current 2-5 ATS slump, Marquette is otherwise on ATS streaks of 5-2 on the road, 9-4-1 on Wednesdays and 4-1 on the road against teams with winning home records. The Panthers are 0-4 ATS in their last four Wednesday games, but they are on pointspread runs of 6-2 overall, 5-2 as a favorite, 4-1 at home and 4-0 at home against teams with winning road marks.
For the Golden Eagles, the over is on streaks of 23-11 on the road, 7-3 as a ‘dog, 10-4 after a spread-cover and 44-19-2 on the road against teams with winning home records. Pitt has topped the total in five of eight overall, 13 of 19 at home and 18 of 26 Big East contests. In this rivalry, the over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings overall, including 4-0 at Pittsburgh.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(5) Memphis (26-3, 18-10 ATS) at Houston (18-9, 11-12-1 ATS)
Memphis is shooting for its 21st straight victory and 57th straight in Conference USA action when it takes the court in Houston to face the Cougars.
The Tigers wrapped up their fourth straight regular-season conference title last week and they hold the nation’s longest winning streak for the third straight season. The clinched the conference crown with Thursday’s 71-60 road win at UAB as a four-point road favorite, then followed that with Saturday’s 58-42 trouncing of Southern Mississippi, but John Calipari’s club didn’t come close to cashing as 23-point favorites.
Houston is coming off Saturday’s 56-51 win at Rice, but came up short as 8 ½-point favorites. The Cougars have failed to cash in four consecutive games and they’re just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 overall. Houston is 11-2 at home this season (6-4 ATS) but has had only three home contests since late January.
The Tigers are gunning for their ninth-straight win over Houston, with the most recent victory in the rivalry coming back on Jan. 31 – an 83-68 home win back as 12 ½-point favorites. Although Memphis covered easily in that one, it is just 4-4 ATS during its eight-game winning streak against the Cougars. The last time the Tigers were in Houston, they rolled 89-77 as nine-point favorites a season ago. The road team is 16-3 ATS in the last 19 games between these two, and Memphis is 6-1 ATS in its last seven trips to Houston.
Memphis is riding a plethora of ATS streaks, including 10-3 overall, 8-3 as a favorite, 8-3 in conference play, 5-2 on the road and 6-1 on Wednesdays. The Cougars are on several negative ATS swings, including 0-4 in Conference USA action, 1-4 as a ‘dog, 2-5 after a straight-up win and 1-5 against teams with a winning record.
For the Tigers, the under is on runs of 6-1 overall, 4-0 on the road, 5-1 in conference play, 5-2 as a road chalk and 6-1 following a straight-up win. Houston has stayed under the total in 42 of 63 home games and seven of 10 as a home ‘dog, but otherwise the Cougars are on “over” runs of 4-1 overall, 13-3-1 as a pup, 13-5-1 on Wednesdays and 6-2 after a straight-up win. In this series, the under has been the play in nine of the last 11.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS and UNDER
(4) Oklahoma (26-3, 13-10-1 ATS) at (15) Missouri (24-5, 13-9 ATS)
Missouri puts its season-long 17-game home winning streak on the line against Big 12 rival Oklahoma when the Sooners come calling in the Tigers’ home finale.
Oklahoma got star Blake Griffin back in the lineup on Saturday and ended a two-game SU and ATS skid with a 78-63 road win at Texas Tech, cashing as an 8½-point favorite. Griffin, who missed the two losses after suffering a concussion, poured in 20 points and 19 rebounds. Oklahoma remains in second place in the league standings, one game behind Kansas.
Missouri had its seven-game winning streak (6-1 ATS) snapped in a decisive way Sunday, getting blown out at Kansas 90-65 and coming nowhere near the number as a 4½-opint underdog. The Tigers are 7-3 ATS in lined home games this season to go along with their perfect 17-0 SU mark at Mizzou Arena.
The Sooners won last year’s matchup 75-66, cashing at home as seven-point favorites. But previously, Missouri had cashed in eight straight meetings (5-3 ATS). The underdog has gotten the cash in seven of the last nine in this rivalry.
Oklahoma is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven roadies and 9-3 ATS in its last 12 Wednesday games, but otherwise the Sooners have had it rough at the window, going 7-19-1 as a ‘dog and 11-28-1 as a road pup. Missouri is on ATS runs of 6-2 overall, 5-2 at home, 6-2 in Big 12 games, 4-1 on Wednesdays and 5-1 as a chalk.
The Sooners have gone over the total in eight of 11 overall and eight of 10 after a spread-cover, but they have stayed below the total in 12 of 17 roadies, seven of nine as a ‘dog and 12 of 18 on the road against teams with winning home records. For the Tigers, the over is on runs of 6-1 on Wednesdays, 5-1 after a straight-up loss and 5-1 after a non-cover. Finally, the over is 5-1 in the last six clashes in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MISSOURI
NBA
Phoenix (34-26, 23-35-2 ATS) at Miami (31-28, 26-31-2 ATS)
The Suns play the second night of a Florida back-to-back, traveling to South Beach for a date with the Heat.
Phoenix lost 111-99 in Orlando on Tuesday and came up short as a 7½-point underdog, ending a modest two-game SU and ATS run. It was the first time in nine games the Suns were held to below triple digits (6-3 ATS). After this stop, they travel to Texas for games with the Rockets and Spurs before retuning home.
Miami has alternated SU wins and losses over the last 10 (3-7 ATS) and is coming off Monday’s 107-100 loss to the Cavaliers as a 3½-point home pup. The Heat, who are just 13-17-1 ATS at home this season, have struggled defensively lately, allowing 105.2 ppg in their last five contests, more than four points higher than their season average on defense.
The Heat have won two straight in this series, including a 107-92 road victory in the desert on Nov. 28, getting the upset as eight-point underdogs. Miami has cashed in four of the last five series clashes (all as an underdog) and six of the last 10. Phoenix has won the last three meetings in Miami, including last year’s 106-101 triumph, but they are just 1-6 ATS in South Beach over the past seven years.
Phoenix is 6-3 ATS in its last nine overall, but that’s where the positives stop when it comes to the betting window for the Suns, as they’re mired in ATS funks of 5-12-1 against Eastern Conference teams, 4-10-1 on the highway, 1-4 on Wednesdays and 3-11 on the road against teams with winning home records. Miami is just 1-4 ATS in its last five overall and 2-5 ATS in its last seven at home, but it is 20-8-1 ATS in its last 29 against Pacific Division teams and 9-3 ATS in its last 12 after getting a day off.
Phoenix is on “over” runs of 7-3 overall, 5-2 on the road, 17-5 on Wednesdays and 8-4 on the road against teams with winning home records. The Heat have gone over the total in five of seven overall, four of five home games, nine of 12 against Pacific Division competition and five of seven after getting a day off. However, in this series, the under is 5-2 in the last seven battles in South Beach.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI
San Antonio (40-19, 30-27-2 ATS) at Dallas (36-24, 28-32 ATS)
The Spurs will try to continue their recent success over the Mavericks when this Texas-sized Southwest Division rivalry resumes at American Airlines Arena in Dallas.
San Antonio has won five of the last six series clashes against the Mavs (4-2 ATS), including the last two meetings this season. In the most recent matchup Feb. 24, the Spurs rolled to a 93-76 blowout victory as a five-point favorite despite not having Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobili in the lineup. Although San Antonio has won and covered the last two against Dallas as a favorite, the underdog is still a whopping 17-5 ATS in the last 22 meetings between these divisional rivals.
Including the rout of Dallas eight days ago, the Spurs have won five of their last seven (SU and ATS), most recently drubbing the Clippers 106-78 Los Angeles on Monday, easily cashing as 8½-point favorites. Gregg Popovich’s squad is an impressive 20-11 on the road and has gotten the cash in 18 of those 31 contests.
The Mavericks followed up the Spurs loss with three consecutive wins (2-1 ATS), but that streak was halted Monday in Oklahoma City, falling 96-87 as a six-point road chalk. Dallas has won five straight at home (4-1 ATS) and just beat the Raptors at American Airlines Arena on Sunday 109-98 as six-point favorites.
San Antonio is on a bevy of positive ATS runs, including 11-4-1 overall, 8-3-1 on the road, 7-3 against Southwest Division teams, 8-2 against teams with a winning record and 7-1-1 against Western Conference foes. Dallas has cashed in four straight on Wednesday and six of seven after a straight-up loss, but it is on ATS slides of 0-4 against Southwest Division rivals, 1-4 after getting one day off and 1-4 against Western Conference teams.
For the Spurs, the over is on streaks of 11-5 overall, 7-2 against the Western Conference, 7-2 after getting one day off, 6-0 on the road against teams with winning home records and 7-3 after a straight-up win. The Mavs have gone over the total in five of six on Wednesdays, five of six after a non-cover, four of five at home and seven of 10 after getting one day off. However, the under is 7-3 in the last 10 showdowns in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN ANTONIO
Houston (39-22, 29-31-1 ATS) at Utah (37-23, 33-27 ATS)
The Jazz try to extend their eight-game overall and nine-game home winning streaks when the Rockets visit EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.
Houston has been playing some of its best basketball lately as well, winning eight of nine (6-3 ATS), including Tuesday’s 107-97 home victory over the Raptors, narrowly cashing as a nine-point home chalk. The Rockets dropped their last roadie, though, losing 105-102 at Chicago on Saturday as one-point pups.
Utah is 7-1 ATS during its eight-game winning streak, including covering easily as a 4½-point road favorite in Monday’s 112-104 rout at Golden State. The Jazz have won nine in a row at home (8-1 ATS), with the lone non-cover coming in Saturday’s 102-89 win over the Kings as a 17-point favorite.
The host has won five straight in this series (3-2 ATS) dating back to last year’s six-game Western Conference playoff series that Utah took 4-2 (3-3 ATS). Houston has won the two meetings this season, both in Texas, including a 120-115 overtime victory as nine-point favorites back on Dec. 27 followed by a 108-99 win on Jan. 21 at home as a 5½-point chalk. Despite coming up short in the last two, Utah is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings between these two including 7-3 ATS in Salt Lake City.
Houston is 6-2 ATS in its last eight overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with winning records, but it is dealing with pointspread downturns of 2-7 on Wednesdays and 1-4 on the highway. Utah, in addition to its 7-1 ATS run overall, is riding several positive ATS streaks that include 58-28-2 at home, 23-9 against Southwest Division opponents, 57-25-2 as a home favorite, 6-1 as a favorite and 5-0 against teams with winning records.
The Rockets are on “over” streaks of 14-6 as a road ‘dog, 9-3 against Northwest Division teams and 11-4 on the road against teams with winning home records. For the Jazz, the under is on runs of 5-1 overall, 4-0 at home, 4-1 as a favorite and 9-4 when they get two days off. Lastly, in this series, the over has been the play in four of the past five clashes in Utah.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH
Cajun Sports
Texas A&M vs. Colorado
Play: Texas A&M -7
The Coors Events Center will be the site of tonight's Big 12 clash between the host Colorado Buffalos and the visiting Aggies from Texas A&M. The Aggies are playing for their fourth straight invitation to the dance and every game is important at this point for them whereas their opponent tonight qualifies as one of our towel tossing teams to close-out the 2008 season. Texas A&M has used upset victories over the Longhorns and the Cornhuskers to gain a better position for their run at the tournament. While our towel tossing Buffalos are just going through the motions as evidenced by their nine-game losing streak and looking for this campaign to end. The Aggies are 21-8 SU and 13-8 ATS this season including 6-6 SU and 9-3 ATS on the road, over their last five games they are 4-1 SU and a perfect 5-0 against the number averaging 74.4 points per game and allowing 67.0 points per game. Colorado is 9-19 SU and 11-12 ATS on the season including 8-8 SU and 6-6 ATS at home, over their last five games they are 0-5 SU and 2-3 ATS averaging 56.4 points per game and allowing 69.6 points per game. The Buffalos are mired in a nine-game losing streak that has seen them lose their last three by 13, 21 and 18 points respectively. Texas A&M is 50-32 ATS in all games the last 3 seasons, 13-5 ATS in road games after a conference game their last 18 times to post and 22-7 ATS off 2 straight wins against conference rivals since 1997. Database research has uncovered a system that is active for tonight's contest and it tells us to Play On CBB road teams as a favorite with a team that averages 67-74 points per game against a team that allows 67-74 points per game after a combined score of 155 points or more, 141-83 ATS since 1997. Lay the chalk with the Aggies as they continue to rack up wins by rolling past this towel tossing Buffalos team on Wednesday night in Boulder.
Graded Selection: 2* Texas A&M Aggies 73 Colorado Buffalos 60
Bob Harvey
Boston Celtics -6
I know Valentines Day has come and gone, but still I wax poetic: How Many Ways Do I Love Thee. In this case, replace the thee with the Boston Celtics and that sums up how I feel about this Boston play tonight.
New Jersey played last night and were pushed to the limit by the Milwaukee Bucks. Vince Carter, Devon Harris and Brook Lopez each played over 35 minutes while Keyon Dooling and Jarvis Hayes, each played extended minutes. Back-to-Backs in the NBA are never easy but in this case, the Nets are at a huge disadvantage as they go against the Celtics..
Boston carries a pair of noticeable trends into tonights game. Theyre 9-2 ATS when playing on two days rest and are 8-1 ATS after allowing more than 105 points in the previous game. The Celts are also 6-2 vs. the number in their last eight road games. Boston has beaten New Jersey eight straight times and is 5-0 both SU and ATS in their last five games against NJ.
In the first two series meetings, the Celtics won convincingly by scores of 105-85 and 118-86.
The Nets are fighting for a playoff spot and getting the Celts in this spot wont help. Given the one sided nature of the series Im siding with Boston. I smell trap but Im with the Celtics just the same.
Dave Cokin
Florida Atlantic @ North Texas
Play: North Texas -13'
North Texas heads into tonight's opening round Sun Belt clash on a roll. The Mean Green have been a major go-with entry in this event the last two years, and they're definitely in the hunt again this season. The same cannot be said for Florida Atlantic. The Owls just don't have the horses right now, and I think they're in over their heads against a better team that's now in excellent form. Sizable number tonight, but I like North Texas to win big, so I'll lean to laying the points.
Tom Freese
Kansas at Texas Tech
Kansas is 7-0 ATS their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record of over 60% and they are and they are 6-0 ATS off a straight up win by more than 20 points. The Jayhawks are 23-6-1 ATS their last 30 games overall and they are 16-5-1 ATS their last 23 Conference games. Texas Tech is 1-7 ATS their last 8 home games and they are 1-5 ATS their last 6 Conference games. The Red Raiders are 2-6 ATS on Wednesday and they are 2-6 ATS their last 8 games vs. the Jayhawks. PLAY ON KANSAS -
Nick Parsons
Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres
Prediction: Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens play nine of their 13 games in March at home, but they begin the month with a three-game road trip beginning Wednesday in Buffalo. They'll also visit Atlanta and Dallas before returning home. The Canadiens are riding a four-game winning streak, and a win in Buffalo would allow them to open some ground on one of the teams chasing them in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens are fifth, six points up on the eighth-place Sabres. Buffalo is a horrible 3-6 when playing with three or more days of rest; play on MONTREAL!
Bobby Maxwell
Houston at UTAH -8
Utah is going to be a dangerous team come playoff time. The Jazz have rattled off eight straight wins and we expect them to get number nine tonight against the Rockets and make it look easy.
Utah has been playing without star Carlos Boozer who should be back in time for the playoffs and when they all get in the lineup, this could be a contender for the Western Conference crown. Deron Williams might be the best point guard in the NBA and he has carried this team lately.
Utah is 7-1 ATS during it's eight-game streak and they are on a nine-game winning streak at home (8-1 ATS). They crushed the Kings 102-89 on Saturday but the line was 17 so they failed to cash.
Houston has won eight of nine overall (6-3 ATS) but the Jazz have dominated this series, going 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 7-3 ATS in Salt Lake City. The Jazz are 58-28-2 ATS at home, 23-9 ATS against Southwest Division opponents, 57-25-2 as a home chalk, 7-1 ATS overall and 5-0 ATS against teams with winning records.
Utah is going to win this one by 12-15 points. Play the Jazz tonight.
2♦ UTAH
Marquette +10' at PITT
This is just a crazy amount of points to pass up in this one with a quality team like Marquette. I know Pitt is good but there's no way we're passing up double-digit points with a talented squad like the Golden Eagles. Play Marquette tonight.
Marquette lost a hard-fought roadie at Louisville on Sunday, falling 62-58 but cashed as 8 1/2-point 'dogs. This team has some talented players that will easily make a difference on the next level.
Pitt got an 89-78 win at Seton Hall on Saturday and narrowly cashed as 10 1/2-point favorites.
The Golden Eagles are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings with Pitt and got a 72-54 regular-season win at home over the Panthers a year ago as five-point favorites. Marquette is on ATS runs of 5-2 on the road, 9-4-1 on Wednesdays and 4-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record.
Pitt is 0-4 ATS in its last four Wednesday games and we don't think that's getting better after tonight's contest. Grab the points and play Marquette in this one.
4♦ MARQUETTE
DAVE COKIN
FLORIDA ATLANTIC / NORTH TEXAS
Take NORTH TEXAS
North Texas heads into tonight's opening round Sun Belt clash on a roll. The Mean Green have been a major go-with entry in this event the last two years, and they're definitely in the hunt again this season. The same cannot be said for Florida Atlantic. The Owls just don't have the horses right now, and I think they're in over their heads against a better team that's now in excellent form. Sizable number tonight, but I like North Texas to win big, so I'll lean to laying the points.
JIM FEIST
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES / LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take Under
Not much offense will be on the floor in this game. Memphis is in the second of a back to back spot, playing at the Lakers Tuesday. memphis is on an 8-2 run under the total. The Clippers have all kinds of problems, none bigger than the absence of Zach Randolph. They scored 79 on the Spurs. "We struggled so much to make shots without an anchor and low-post player like Zach Randolph," Mike Dunleavy said. "We're missing 50 to 60 points out of our lineup." He was lumping the long-injured Chris Kaman in with missing Randolph and Eric Gordon. Ricky Davis (sore left knee) and Mardy Collins (right foot) were also out against the Spurs. Randolph is back home in Indiana to be with his father, who is critically ill. LA is on a 5-1 run under the total. Play the Grizzlies/Clippers under the total.