Jim Feist
20* NBA Western Conf Game of the Year
HOUSTON ROCKETS at OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The Houston Rockets (8-8 SU, 9-7 ATS) are riding a two game losing streak after losing at home to San Antonio on Thursday, 92-84. Even though the Rockets are at .500, they haven't put two wins back-to-back since Oct 31 and Nov 1. The new look Rockets are doing it this year without the big man in the post, as Yao Ming is out with a foot injury. They have had to change the chemistry of this team that was once a very good defensive club to more of a run and gun type team. In fact, the Rockets are 24th in the league in points allowed (103.5 ppg). Even though they held the Spurs under 100 points, it was the first time in four games they have done so. Oklahoma City is off to a much better start in 2009 than last season with a 9-7 SU and 10-6 ATS mark. A healthy Kevin Durant has made the biggest difference this season. Durant leads the team with 27.5 ppg and 7.1 assists per game. The Thunder are riding a modest two-game win streak with a 10 point win at Utah and a 18 point win over Milwaukee. The Thunder have been very good at home, posting a 5-2 spread record and average margin of victory of 8.3 ppg. These clubs met back in Houston in early November with the Rockets coming away with the win, 105-94. Look for payback today as the home court is a huge advantage where these two teams are concerned. I like this spot so much for the Thunder that I fully expect a double-digit cover here with a line that opened at just 3 1/2 on OKC. Take the Thunder as your Western Conference GOY.
Mike Lineback
4.5* San Francisco 49ers -3 -125
4* NFL Teaser 7 pts -130 Philadelphia Eagles -2.5, Baltimore Ravens -0.5
4* Boston Celtics -3.5
4* Orlando Magic/New York Knicks OVER 206
Bruce Marshall
Steelers at Ravens
Pick: Ravens
It hasn’t been an easy ride for the defending champ Steelers, especially on the road, where HC Mike Tomlin’s team is 1-4 vs. the line this season and now 1-6 vs. the line its last 7 away from home. A desperate Baltimore squad will look to extend those road woes Sunday night at M&T Bank Stadium. Note the Ravens’ 9-4 spread mark at home since HC John Harbaugh arrived last year. Play Ravens
Trace Adams
1500* - Atlanta Falcons
500* - Minnesota Vikings
500* - San Francisco 49ers
The Falcons have been a little "road-heavy" these last few weeks, as 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games have come away from the friendly Georgia Dome, and Atlanta only has a 1-4 record to show for it.
That 1 win did come in a double-digit home win, and cover over Washington, as the Falcons are 4-0 both straight up and against the spread in their own building this season, and they are also a solid 8-1 against the spread their last 9 following a loss.
After showing a little spark with Josh Freeman under center, the Bucs have dropped their last pair, and they were just shredded by the Saints last Sunday in Tampa. Tough spot for the rookie QB to be starting this afternoon, as the Falcons are in a must win situation, and with Freeman throwing 3 picks last week, there is a chance the banged-up Atlanta defense will be able to containg the Buccaneers offense in this one just enough for Matt Ryan and the offense to stretch the final margin.
Lay the wood!
1500♦ - Atlanta Falcons
With losses in their last 3, and 5 of their last 6 straight up, things don't look too sunny for the Bears as they pay a visit to the division front-runners.
Minnesota is off their best game of the season, a 35-9 thump job of Seattle at the Metrodome, and this is the conclusion of a 3-game homestand for the 9-1 Vikings.
Minny is 3-0-1 against the spread as a double-digit favorite this season, and they are also 3-1 against the spread their last 4 home games against the Bears.
Chicago's secondary is thing, and both Rice and Harvin have emerged as legitimate threats for this Minnesota team, not to mention Bernard Barrion wanting to get a piece of his old team. Throw in a steady diet of Peterson, and Taylor out of the backfield, and this has the makings of a blowout.
Take Minnesota to march on!
500♦ - Minnesota Vikings
Jacksonville is in a bad spot today, as the Jags just edged Buffalo at home, and have 3 home games upcoming after today's rare stop out west.
The Jags have won their last 3, and 6 of their last 8, but Jacksonville is just 1-5 against the spread their last 6 games, and they are facing a 49ers team that is desperate for the taste of victory.
The Niners did cover the last time they were favored in a 10-6 home win over Chicago, and they have covered 3 of 5 this season when favored, pushing their mark to 5-3-1 against the spread their last 9 as the home favorite.
I just feel this is a bad scheduling spot for Jacksonville, and I will go-against them this afternoon.
500♦ - San Francisco 49ers
Kelso
100 unit San Diego -13.5
20 Units Texans +3
20 Units Vikings
15 Units Rams +4
10 Unit 2-Team NFL Parlay
Texans +3 over Colts
Vikings -10½ over Bears
5 Units Tennessee -2
4 Units Dolphins -3.5
3 Units Jax/49ers Under 41.5
Ron Meyer
15* Eagles
10* Jaguars
5* Bengals
Ben Burns
CFL GOY
Montreal Alouettes
John Ryan
25* Total of year
Vikings/Bears Over
Bob Balfe
Eagles -9.5 over Redskins
Washington will have no ground game today with Betts and Portis out. The Eagles will bring the blitz on just about every down making it almost impossible for Washington to score. Philly stepped up big last Sunday night to beat the Bears on the road and should continue the playoff push today. Take the Eagles.
Titans -2 over Cardinals
Tennessee has been the best team in the NFL in the month of November and are making up for their 0-6 start. The Cardinals have a high powered offense, but they are not going to be able to stop Vince Young. Look for the Titans to beat the Cardinals by running the ball well today. Tennessee continues to roll today. Take the Titans.
Colts -3.5 over Texans
Houston has played Indy tough, but this Colts team is undefeated and I do not see them losing to the Texans today. This line is so low so people will be scared to take Indy, but I am not buying it. If you think the Colts will win then take them to cover this low line. Look for Manning to have a huge game. Take Indy.
Nets +14.5 over Lakers
MTi Sports
4* Celtics/Heat Under
Pure Lock
Carolina +3.5
Sportbook Guru
5 Units Buffalo +3.5
3 Units Philadelphia/Washington Over 40.5
3 Units Seattle -4
10 Units New Orleans -1
Power Play Wins
Jacksonville Jaguars +3.5
NHL PRO PICKS
Phoenix +132
Vancouver +102
Payne Sports
10 Units GOW Tennessee -2
8 Units Buffalo +3.5
6 Units Houston +3