SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
(5) Boise State (8-0, 6-1 ATS) at Louisiana Tech (3-5, 4-3 ATS)
The Broncos will try to remain on track for BCS bowl consideration when they travel to Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, La., for a Western Athletic Conference matchup with Louisiana Tech.
Fifth-ranked Boise State and sixth-ranked TCU – both undefeated squads from non-BCS conferences – are battling for an at-large berth to BCS bowl game, so even if the Broncos avoid an upset over their final five games, there’s no guarantee they’ll qualify for one of college football’s marquee postseason contests. The Broncos (3-0 SU and ATS in the WAC) trail Nevada by half a game coming into tonight, while Louisiana Tech sits in fifth at 2-3 (3-2 ATS).
Boise State has outscored its opponents 99-16 in the last two weeks, winning 54-9 in Hawaii on Oct. 24 and cashing as a 25-point favorite, and then stomping San Jose State 45-7 on Saturday, narrowly covering as a 36½-point chalk. The Broncos are third in the country in scoring, putting up 41 points a game, while ranking 11th defensively in points allowed (13.6 ppg) and rushing yards allowed (97.9 ypg). Sophomore QB Kellen Moore leads the offense, completing an amazing 67 percent of his throws for 1,905 yards, 24 TDs and just two INTs.
The Bulldogs have dropped two straight heartbreakers, falling 23-21 at Utah State on Oct. 24 as a 1½-point underdog, then losing at Idaho on Saturday 35-34, but cashing as a three-point underdog. Louisiana Tech has trouble defensively, allowing 23.8 ppg and 181.9 rushing ypg overall, but those numbers have dropped to 21.7 ppg and 121.7 rushing ypg over the last three weeks. Also, the Bulldogs’ defense has been rock solid in three home games, yielding just 8.7 points, 238 total yards and 76 rushing yards per contest. Meanwhile, the offense puts up 40 points and 515.7 total yards per game (284 rushing ypg) at home.
Boise State has won seven straight in this rivalry, cashing in four of the last five, all as a favorite, but it is just 1-4 ATS in its last five trips to Louisiana Tech, as the home team has cashed in five of the last six. Last year in Boise, the Broncos rolled 38-3 as a 24-point home chalk.
Despite being heavy favorites in most of their games, the Broncos are on a plethora of ATS streaks, including 18-6-1 overall, 12-3-1 in WAC games, 8-2 on the road (3-1 this year), 9-2 as a road favorite, 11-3 on Friday, 38-18-2 against teams with a losing record and 46-20-1 after a spread-cover. Louisiana Tech has alternated spread-covers in its last seven lined games and is just 1-4 ATS in its last five as a ‘dog and 8-24-1 ATS in its last 33 after a spread-cover. However, the Bulldogs are also on positive pointspread streaks of 4-0 at home, 5-0 against winning teams and 5-1 after a straight-up loss.
The Broncos have topped the total in four of five road games and four of five WAC contests, but the under has been the play in nine of Boise’s last 13 after a spread-cover and four straight on the road against teams with a losing record. The Bulldogs are on “over” runs of 5-2 at home, 5-1 as a home ‘dog, 4-1 in November and 4-2 after a straight-up loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOISE STATE
NBA
Denver (5-0, 4-1 ATS) at Miami (4-1 SU and ATS)
The Nuggets try to match their best start in franchise history – and continue their dominance of the Heat – when they resume their six-game Eastern Conference road trip with a stop at American Airlines Arena.
Denver exploded in the second half at New Jersey on Wednesday night, outscoring the Nets 72-43 to turn a 51-50 halftime deficit into a 122-94 win, easily covering as a nine-point road favorite. The Nuggets have started out 6-0 just once in team history, back in the 1985-86 season, and they come into tonight having scored more than 110 points in four of their five games, with four of the five wins being by nine points or more.
Miami rebounded from its first setback of the season – Tuesday’s 104-96 home loss to Phoenix – with a 93-89 upset of the Wizards as a two-point road pup on Wednesday. Since opening the season with a 115-83 rout of New York, Dwyane Wade and Co. have scored just 96, 95, 96 and 93 points in the past four games, but the defense has allowed 93 points or fewer in four of the team’s five contests, holding three opponents under 90.
This hasn’t been much of a rivalry lately, with the Nuggets winning eight consecutive meetings, going 6-1 ATS in the last seven. That includes four straight wins (3-1 ATS) in Miami. Last year, Denver rolled 108-97 as a 5½-point home favorite, then went to South Beach and clobbered the Heat 99-82 as a 1½-point chalk. Four of the Nuggets’ last five wins in this series were double-digit routs.
Although Denver is still only 3-8 ATS in its last 11 against Eastern Conference foes, it is otherwise on positive pointspread streaks of 24-8 overall, 13-3 on the road, 12-4 when playing on one day of rest, 11-3 after a SU victory and 8-1 when coming off a double-digit win. Meanwhile, in addition to cashing in four of its five games this season, Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last eight at home and 13-6 ATS in its last 19 on Friday.
The under is on runs of 5-1 for the Nuggets on the road, 4-0 for the Heat overall, 5-1 for the Heat at home, 12-2 for the Heat after a victory and 5-0 for the Heat when playing on one day of rest. However, the over is 15-7 in Denver’s last 22 on Friday and 26-9-1 in Miami’s last 36 against Northwest Division opponents. Finally, seven of the last 10 in this series have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER
Phoenix (4-1, 2-3 ATS) at Boston (6-0, 4-2 ATS)
The Celtics return home with their perfect record intact as they entertain the Suns, who look to rebound from their first loss of the season as they continue a five-game Eastern Conference road swing.
Phoenix took a 4-0 record into Orlando on Wednesday, but was no match for the Magic, losing 122-100 as a 7½-point road underdog. After posting solid numbers to start the year, point guard Steve Nash was limited to just 12 points and four assists in 22 minutes, and the Suns’ defense was nonexistent, as the Magic shot 52.3 percent overall and 52.2 percent from three-point range. Wednesday’s loss snapped the Suns’ seven-game winning streak that dated to the end of last year’s regular season.
Boston kept pace with the Nuggets – the only remaining unbeaten teams in the league – by barely holding off the lowly Timberwolves 92-90 on Wednesday, coming up woefully short as a 10-point road chalk. The Celtics have been ridiculously tough on defense all year, holding all six opponents to 90 points or less while yielding just 81.5 ppg on 40.7 percent shooting. By comparison, the Suns give up 107.6 ppg on 47.1 percent shooting.
Phoenix won four straight against the Celtics from 2006-08 (going 2-2 ATS), but Boston has regained control of the rivalry with three straight double-digit wins (3-0 ATS). Last year, the Celtics cruised 104-87 as an 8½-point home favorite and 128-108 as a two-point road ‘dog. The visitor has cashed in nine of the last 12 meetings, with the Suns going 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Beantown.
Phoenix is on ATS runs of 5-1-1 on Friday, 8-0 after a non-cover and 5-1 after a SU defeat, but the Suns are 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine against the Atlantic Division and 3-10-1 ATS as an underdog of five to 10½ points. Boston is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 after a non-cover and 5-1 ATS in its last six on Friday, but 5-11 ATS in its last 16 as a favorite of five to 10½ points. Also, the Suns have alternated spread-covers in their five games this year, and Boston has done so in its last four contests.
The Suns are on “under” rolls of 7-3 overall, 5-1 on the road and 4-0 after an ATS setback, but the over is 4-1 in their last five against the Atlantic Division and 22-10 in their last 32 as a road underdog. Boston carries “under” streaks of 8-2 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-0 against the Western Conference and 5-1 when playing after one day of rest, but the over is 5-0 in the Celtics’ last five Friday contests. Lastly, the over is 9-4-1 in the last 14 meetings between these teams and 6-2 in the last eight battles in Boston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and OVER
San Antonio (2-2 SU and ATS) at Portland (2-3 SU and ATS)
The struggling Trail Blazers continue a three-game homestand when they welcome the Spurs to the Rose Garden for a Western Conference battle.
San Antonio came off a five-day layoff on Thursday and dropped a 113-99 decision at Utah as a one-point road favorite. The Jazz made 53 percent of their shot attempts in the win, and opponents are shooting 47.3 percent for the season against San Antonio. The Spurs have scored 113 points in each of their first two wins (both at home) while averaging 92 ppg in their two defeats (both on the road).
The Blazers are coming off Tuesday’s 97-91 loss to Atlanta as a seven-point home favorite, falling to 1-3 SU and ATS in their last four games, including back-to-back upset defeats at the Rose Garden. Going back to last year’s first-round playoff series against the Rockets, Portland has held eight of nine opponents to 97 points or less, but offensively, Nate McMillan’s team has scored more than 96 points just once during that nine-game span, including tallying 88 or less five times.
Portland took three of four from the Spurs last year both SU and ATS, winning two home games by scores of 100-99 as a 2½-point underdog and 102-84 as a four-point chalk. Prior to last season, San Antonio had defeated the Blazers 12 consecutive times. Portland has covered in four of the last five meetings overall and four straight at the Rose Garden, and the host is 5-1 ATS in the last six series clashes.
Going back to last year, San Antonio is in ATS slumps of 1-5 on the highway, 2-6 against the Northwest Division, 2-6 as an underdog and 10-21 as a road pup of less than five points, but the Spurs have covered in four of their last five Friday outings. Portland has cashed in six straight on Friday, 15 of 22 against Western Conference foes, eight of 11 when going on two days’ rest, 15 of 22 as a favorite and seven of eight when laying less than five points.
The Spurs have topped the total in five of their last six overall and eight of their last 10, and the over is 9-3-1 in their last 13 against the Northwest Division and 8-3-1 in their last 12 as an underdog. However, the under is 4-2 in San Antonio’s last six on the road and 5-1 in itss last six when playing on back-to-back nights. Portland is riding “under” streaks of 8-1 overall, 4-0 at home, 5-1 as a favorite, 4-0 as a home chalk and 5-1 versus Southwest Division opponents. However, the Spurs and Blazers have hurdled the total in six of their last nine meetings overall and four of their last five clashes at the Rose Garden.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
DUNKEL INDEX
Boise State at Louisiana Tech
The Broncos look to build on their 9-2 ATS record in their last 11 games as a road favorite. Boise State is the pick (-21) according to Dunkel, which has the Broncos favored by 23. Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-21)
Game 309-310: Boise State at Louisiana Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 106.571; Louisiana Tech 83.627
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 23; 56
Vegas Line: Boise State by 21; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-21); Over
NBA
Cleveland at New York
The Knicks look to bounce back from their 101-89 loss to Indiana and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. New York is the pick (+8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cavaliers favored by only 7. Dunkel Pick: New York (+8 1/2)
Game 501-502: Atlanta at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.737; Charlotte 116.968
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 174 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 177 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+2 1/2); Under
Game 503-504: Detroit at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 114.858; Orlando 130.096
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 15; 201 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: Washington at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 116.531; Indiana 120.181
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 3 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 207 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+1); Over
Game 507-508: New Jersey at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 108.931; Philadelphia 120.292
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 11 1/2; 184 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 12 1/2; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+12 1/2); Under
Game 509-510: Phoenix at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 116.967; Boston 130.994
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 14; 211 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 10; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-10); Over
Game 511-512: Denver at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 123.636; Miami 125.894
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 2 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1; 205
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+1); Under
Game 513-514: Milwaukee at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.510; Minnesota 115.407
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 3; 185
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+3); Over
Game 515-516: Toronto at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 116.739; New Orleans 116.452
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 213 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+4 1/2); Over
Game 517-518: Cleveland at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 122.565; New York 115.684
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 7; 209 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 8 1/2; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+8 1/2); Over
Game 519-520: Oklahoma City at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 115.830; Houston 125.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 10; 190 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6); Over
Game 521-522: LA Clippers at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 109.297; Golden State 115.310
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 6; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 4 1/2; 216 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-4 1/2); Under
Game 523-524: Memphis at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 115.295; LA Lakers 129.454
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 14 1/2; 192 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 525-526: San Antonio at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 118.504; Portland 125.972
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 7 1/2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 3; 184
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-3); Under
NHL
Toronto at Carolina
The Leafs look to take advantage of a Carolina team that is coming off a 3-0 loss to Florida and is 0-7 in its last 7 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Toronto is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Maple Leafs favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+125)
Game 1-2: NY Islanders at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 12.799; New Jersey 12.141
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+160); Under
Game 3-4: Toronto at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.552; Carolina 10.386
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-135); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+125); Over
Game 5-6: Philadelphia at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 12.976; Buffalo 12.690
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 7-8: Washington at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.030; Florida 12.192
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 9-10: Vancouver at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.533; Dallas 11.936
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+150); Under
Game 11-12: Chicago at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.812; Colorado 11.904
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Over
CFL
Edmonton at BC
The Lions look to take advantage of an Edmonton that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 road games. BC is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lions favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: BC (-3 1/2)
Game 461-462: Edmonton at BC
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 106.849; BC 113.365
Dunkel Line: BC by 6 1/2; 56 1/2
Vegas Line: BC by 3 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: BC (-3 1/2); Over
Rob Vinciletti
Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat
Play: Denver Nuggets -1
The Nuggets qualify in a solid system tonight that plays on road teams who scored 120 or more points as a road favorite of -5 or more, with 1 or more days rest between -3 to +3. These road teams are 7-1 since 1995 winning by a comfortable margin. Denver is 11-4 straight up and ats on the road in this range. Miami is 0-4 vs the Nuggets of late and will get beat here tonight.
Marc Lawrence
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
Prediction: New York Knicks
The Cavs take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden off last night one-point home loss. The knee-jerk reaction would be to back Lebron James and company off the loss but would not be the right move in this contest. That's because Cleveland is 2-10-1 ATS as a favorite in this series when New York is off a SU and ATS loss. In addition, the Knicks are 33-17-1 ATS as home dogs off an immediate home loss. Stay at home with New York here tonight.
Jim Feist
Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers
Play: Over 207½
Washington is content with its offense, but this defense is still soft, giving up 100 or more points in 3 of the last 4 games. Indiana doesn't play any defense, preferring an uptempo attack under T.J. Ford. Ford scored 16 points as the Pacers won for the first time this season, over the New York Knicks, 101-89. That defense, though, is allowing 104 ppg. In 2 of their 4 games they allowed 120 and 111 points. Look for more offense than defense in this uptempo game, play the Wizards/Pacers Over the total.
Glenn Andrew
La Clippers vs. Golden State
Play: Over 216½
Both of these teams like to play an uptempo style of ball. The Clips take too many outside shots, but the pace of this game will be fast enough to make up for their shooting percentage. Allowing 100 points per isn't a good stat to have when playing a Warriors squad that has 6 players averaging over 10 points per game in scoring. One of those players is rookie sensation Stephen Curry who is starting to get a feel for the NBA game. Don't be surprised if both teams eclipse the 120 point barrier as they blow away the posted over total!
JR TIPS
Spurs at Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers had one of the best home records in the NBA last season but look to avoid their third straight loss at home tonight against a San Antonio Spurs team without a road win. Portland dropped their second in a row at home Tuesday in a 97-91 loss to Atlanta.The Blazers won three of four games against San Antonio last season including both meetings at the Rose Garden after losing 19 of the previous 20 matchups. Portlands All-star Brandon Roy averaged 23.0 points against the Spurs in 2008-09, scoring 26 in each of the victories while center Greg Oden, who leads the Trail Blazers with 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, was injured for the first three matchups with San Antonio last season.In his first career game against Tim Duncan, Oden had eight points, eight boards and two blocks in a 95-83 victory on April 8th, last year in San Antonio.Duncan, averaging 21.4 points and 10.8 boards in 23 career games in Portland, had 15 and 13 in Thursday's 113-99 loss at Utah that dropped the Spurs to 0-2 on the road and San Antonio hasn't lost its first three road games since 1993-94. The Spurs, who held their first three opponents this season to 96 points or fewer, allowed its most points in a loss since 2004 last night. Tony Parker led San Antonio on Thursday with 21 points but only four coming in the second half and he averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 assists at Portland last season. After last night's terrible defensive performance from the Spurs, Coach Popp will have his team intensity up on defense tonight as well as the Blazers raising their intensity to get their first home win this season. Both teams will do what they are best at, which is play defense as points will have to be earned all night in this game.
TAKE UNDER 184
BIG AL
San Antonio at Portland
Last night, the Spurs played their worst game of the season, and it came on the heels of a four-day respite. So, even though the Spurs were playing with "fresh legs," they were blown out by the Utah Jazz -- a team that came into the game with a 1-3 record! San Antonio has had a huge home/road dichotomy thus far. At home, the Spurs have been unbeatable, with two blowout wins over New Orleans and Sacramento. But on the road, San Antonio has looked "stuck in the mud," with its opponents running circles around San Antonio's defense. Last night, for example, Utah shot 53% for the game, easily the season's worst effort for the Spurs' defense. And extremely telling was the fact that the Spurs gave up 64 points in the paint. Indeed, 38 of those 64 came in the first half, and that was the Spurs' worst half of basketball (for that statistic) in 3 seasons! Now, San Antonio has to travel to the Rose Garden to take on Portland, and the Blazers had the league's 2nd best home record last season.
PLAY PORTLAND
Randall the Handle
Toronto +1.09 over CAROLINA
The Canes are eventually going to win a game but it’s not likely to happen here. You see, without Eric Staal the Hurricanes chances of winning decrease dramatically because he’s their best player and it’s not close. His loss is worse to the Canes than OV’s is to Washington. The Canes lose a great player while the Leafs got one back last game in Phil Kessel. The Leafs record looks pathetic on paper and it is but Toronto deserves a whole lot better than what they’ve earned thus far. They’re playing hard, they’re usually outplaying the opposition by a decent margin and they’re finally starting to get a little consistency in net. Despite just one win on the year, the Leafs have picked up points in five straight games and four of those were on the road. So, for those of you that think the Leafs are bottom feeders and will remain there, think again, as they’re on the verge of something good and their hard work, determination and very underrated talent is going to start paying dividends. The Leafs recently went into Buffalo, Dallas, Anaheim and Vancouver and out-played and outskated all four of those teams and this is without question its easiest assignment of the year. Any tag against the Canes is worthy of a wager and this one is no exception. Play: Toronto +1.09 (Risking 2 units).
SPORTS WAGERS
Washington –1 over INDIANA
The Pacers finally got off the mattress with a win in New York but had they been playing any other team that night they likely would’ve been buried. The Knicks scored just 33 points in the second half and at one point in the fourth quarter they were 2-14 from the field. The Pacers are a sloppy, uninspiring group that is going to have to rely on a lot of things going their way to win games. If you like watching turnovers, watch the Pacers. The Wizards are coming off a close loss at home to Miami but they trailed 24-6 and came a long way back to tie it late in the fourth. Despite losing in Cleveland the previous game, Washington still built a 20-point lead and these are all good signs that instill confidence. The Wizards are simply the superior team here in a winnable game it says here they get it. Play: Washington –1 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
Oklahoma City +2.45 over HOUSTON
The Rockets are off to a very good start and there’s a lot to like about them, mainly Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza but they’re going to have a lot of off nights because of a lack of depth and a lack of experience. Ariza essentially replaces Artest and that’s a pretty tall task. The Okies are on the rise and it all starts with Kevin Durant, one of the best pure scorers in the game. He’s big, he’s smooth and he’s very dangerous. The highly touted Russell Westbrook arrived last year after just two seasons at UCLA and delivered. He has future star written all over him. Arizona State guard James Harden brings youth, energy and most of all talent to the Thunder franchise now joins Durant, Jeff Green and Westbrook. The Thunder are no longer pushovers and while they’ll have off nights too, they still have a great chance to win a lot more games, both at home and on the road. The Thunder are already playing terrific defense and in its only road game thus far they went into Detroit and beat the Pistons by eight. The price offered here is pretty damn sweet and I’ll be on the lookout for value like this all year long. Give the Okies a very good shot at pulling off the upset. Play: Oklahoma City +2.45 (Risking 2 units).
LT Profits
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers make their only trip to New York this season when they visit the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and we look for an electric crowd to will the home club to a cover here.
The Knicks always get up for LeBron and Company anyway, as evidenced by the fact that they covered the last two meetings between these clubs last season while losing by only five points on each occasion., with one meeting coming here at MGS and the other coming in Cleveland.
Aside from the fact that the Cavs are in town, this is a rare nationally televised game for the once-proud Knicks franchise, as believe it or nit, this is their first such contest since March of 2006! That last thing New York wants to do is get embarrassed in front of a national stage, so that should keep them motivated to fight to the finish in this game.
Besides, truth be told, the Cavaliers are really not playing that well right now, as they sit at just 3-3 straight up with two of the losses coming at home, where they lost only twice all of last year, and they are just 2-4 against the spread. It also helps the Knick cause that Larry Hughes is now on their roster, and he may know a thing or two about how to defends Cleveland after playing with the Cavs for several seasons.
The bottom line is that while the Cavaliers are certainly the better team, they are far from peak form right now and they are facing a Knicks team that will be emotionally charged. Look for that emotion to allow New York to slip under this number.
Pick: Knicks +8
Tom Freese
Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
Prediction: Over
Golden St is 39-19-1 OVER their last 59 home games and they are 47-23-1 OVER their last 71 home games vs. a team with losing road record. The Warriors are 16-7 OVER their last 23 home games vs. a team with a road win percentage of less than 40%. The Clippers are 16-7-1 OVER if their opponent allowed 100 or more points in their last game and they are 21-10-1 OVER as road underdogs. Los Angeles is 10-2 OVER on Friday and they are 3-1 OVER their last 4 games with the Warriors. PLAY ON 'OVER'
Dominic Fazzini
Atlanta -2' at CHARLOTTE
The Spurs gave a poor showing at Utah on Thursday, sticking me with a loss on my complimentary selection. But I'm coming right back with a winner today on another NBA play!
The Bobcats are having problems putting the ball in the hoop. They are averaging just 79.8 points per game and shooting a league-worst 36 percent from the field. Charlotte has surpassed 80 points just once this season, needing two overtimes to score 102 points vs. the Knicks, who aren't really known for their defensive ability.
Atlanta, on the other hand, is thriving on offense. The Hawks are averaging 108 points per game and shooting 48 percent from the field. Joe Johnson is scoring 22.8 points per game, leading a balanced scoring attack. Six players are scoring in double figures, including all five starters, and sixth man Jamal Crawford is actually the second-leading scorer on the team, averaging 17.8 points per game in 27.4 minutes.
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last five games as a road favorite, and 18-7-1 ATS in its last 26 games overall as a favorite.
The Hawks already have went 2-1 on their four-game road trip, beating Portland and Sacramento while losing to the Lakers. With a day off following their 113-105 victory over the Kings, and now back in the Eastern time zone, Atlanta should be fresh and ready to deliver a beatdown on the struggling Bobcats. Take the Hawks to cover the points tonight.
4♦ ATLANTA
Sports Gambling Hotline
Atlanta -2' at CHARLOTTE
For Friday night in the NBA we will lay the small road wood with the Hawks as they visit Charlotte.
Larry Brown's team has some problems with their offense, as they have been held to just 79-points in each of their last pair of games, and also netted just 59-points in an opening night loss at Boston.
The Bobcats are going to have a problem keeping pace with an Atlanta team that has cracked triple-digits in 4 of their 5 games this season.
Atlanta has won 3 of the last 4 meetings with Charlotte, and the Hawks are off to a 4-0-1 spread start to the season.
Play on the Hawks to roll this pedestrian Charlotte team.
5♦ ATLANTA
Karl Garrett
Phoenix at BOSTON -10'
G-Man will bite on the Celtics minus the points tonight in the Association, as Boston is off to a perfect 6-0 start to the new season, and they have gone 4-2 against the spread in those 6 games.
The C's have taken control in this East-West series as well, as Boston's series sweep last year runs their record to a perfect 3-0 both straight up, and against the spread the last 3 times these teams have tangled.
Phoenix is playing their 3rd road game in 4 nights, and after a 22-point loss at Orlando on Wednesday, I can see them getting trounced again tonight.
The Suns are just 1-2 against the spread on the road thus far, and a lowly 2-6-1 against the math their last 9 versus the Atlantic Division.
Boston to roll large tonight at home, as they make it 7-for-7 straight up, and 5-2 against the spread.
3♦ BOSTON