SPORTS ADVISORS
NFL
N.Y. Giants (7-6, 5-8 ATS) at Washington (4-9, 7-6 ATS)
The Giants find themselves in a must-win situation when they visit FedEx Field in Washington, D.C., to take on the Redskins in an NFC East showdown.
New York is currently on the outside looking in with respect to the NFC playoffs, having dropped six of its last eight games (1-7 ATS) following a 5-0 start (3-1-1 ATS) to open the season. Last week, the Giants racked up more than 500 yards of offense against the Eagles but still fell 45-38 as a one-point home underdog. New York’s defense has collapsed after being the NFL’s best during the team’s 5-0 start, allowing 32.4 ppg during their 2-6 slump, including yielding 40 points or more three times.
Washington is just 2-3 in its last five games, but came close to pulling off upsets against the Cowboys, Eagles and Saints, losing the three games by a combined seven points. On the bright side, the Redskins cashed in all five games, including last week, when they went to Oakland and grabbed a 34-13 victory as one-point road favorites, getting 222 passing yards and two touchdowns from QB Jason Campbell.
These teams opened the season against each other in the Big Apple, with the Giants getting the 23-17 victory, but Washington got a late touchdown to cover as a 6½-point underdog. New York has won three straight (2-1 ATS) and six of the last seven (5-2 ATS) against the Redskins, including a 23-7 road win last season, cashing as a 3½-point favorite. The road team has cashed in five of the last six clashes between these rivals, and the favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last 10.
New York comes in on ATS slides of 1-7 overall, 0-5 as a favorite and 1-5-1 following a non-cover, but it is on positive ATS streaks of 22-7 on the road, 11-4 as a road chalk and 4-0 against teams with a losing record.
In addition to cashing in five straight games, Washington is on ATS runs of 4-0 as a ‘dog, 3-0-1 in December and 3-1-1 against NFC East foes, but it is on pointspread slides of 3-9 at home and 2-5 on Monday.
The Giants have stayed below the total in seven of 10 Monday games and three of five as a road favorite, but they are on “over” streaks of 5-0 against NFC East rivals and 5-2-1 against teams with a losing record. The Redskins have stayed below the total in 10 of 13 at home and seven of nine after a straight-up win, but they are on “over” runs of 6-1 overall, 4-1 as a ‘dogs, 5-1 against winning teams and 4-1 against NFC teams. In this rivalry, the “under” is 4-1 in the last five overall, but the “over” is 6-2 in the last eight clashes in the nation’s capital.
Finally, the last six Monday Night Football contests have stayed under the total, following a 19-5-1 “over” stretch on Mondays.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NBA
Utah (16-11, 15-12 ATS) at Orlando (20-7, 15-12 ATS)
The Jazz continue their East Coast road trip with a stop in Orlando to take on the Magic inside Amway Arena.
Utah is 2-1 (SU and ATS) on this five-game road swing, having beaten Charlotte 110-102 on Saturday as a 2½-point underdog. The Jazz score average just 96.2 points per game on the road this year, but they are shooting 51.1 percent from the floor and putting up 102.2 points a game over their last five contests overall (3-2 SU and ATS).
Orlando has won three of its last four (2-2 ATS), beating Portland 92-83 at home on Saturday night and barely cashing as an 8½-point chalk. Center Dwight Howard took just eight shots but had 12 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks to lead the Magic to their 10th home win in 12 tries this season. The Magic limit the opposition to 95.9 points a game at home on 44.3 percent shooting.
These squads collided on Dec. 10 in Utah with the Jazz rallying for a 120-111 victory, cashing as 2½-point underdogs. Orlando has still won five of the last eight (6-2 ATS) in this series, including last year’s 105-87 home win as a 5½-point favorite. The Magic are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings and 5-1 ATS in the last six clashes in Orlando.
Utah is just 7-19 ATS in its last 26 as an underdog and 8-20 ATS in its last 28 roadies against teams with winning home records, but it is on positive pointspread streaks of 9-4 overall, 5-1 against Eastern Conference teams and 20-7 on Monday. Orlando is on ATS slides of 1-5 after a spread-cover and 2-7 on Monday, but it is on ATS surges of 7-2 after a day off and 33-16-2 against Northwest Division opponents.
The Jazz are on several “over” streaks, including 15-6-1 on the road, 30-12-1 as an underdog, 24-8-1 as a road ‘dog, 4-1 on Monday and 11-4 on the road against teams with winning home records. The Magic have topped the total in five of six after a spread-cover and nine of 12 at home, but they are on “under” runs of 4-1 overall, 9-3 on Monday and 12-5 against the Western Conference. Finally, the “under” has been the play in five of the last seven head-to-head clashes between these two, though this month’s battle in Utah topped the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO
Cleveland (20-8, 13-15 ATS) at Phoenix (18-9, 16-11 ATS)
The Cavaliers look to bounce back from Sunday’s upset loss to the Mavericks when they visit the Suns inside the US Airways Center in Phoenix.
Cleveland opened a four-game West Coast road swing Sunday in Dallas, losing 102-95 as a four-point road favorite, ending a five-game winning streak while dropping to 2-6 ATS in its last eight. During its five-game winning streak, the Cavaliers had given up just 92 ppg while limiting the opposition to 41.8 percent shooting, but on Sunday the Mavericks – playing without All-Star Dirk Nowitzki – had 102 points on 47.5 percent shooting.
Phoenix has alternated wins and losses over the last six games (5-1 ATS), most recently blasting the Wizards in the desert on Saturday, rolling 121-95 as a 10½-point favorite. Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Suns with Steve Nash adding 15 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds. Phoenix averages 116.9 points a game at home while shooting 51.7 percent from the field.
The Cavaliers scored a 107-90 home win over the Suns back on Dec. 2, cashing as 7½-point favorites. Cleveland has now won and covered three straight in the series after losing six of the previous seven both SU and ATS. In last year’s meeting in Phoenix, Cleveland got a 119-111 victory in Phoenix last season, cashing as a 4½-point favorite. The home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 series meetings with the favorite covering the spread in 10 of the last 11 matchups.
Cleveland is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven games as a road ‘dog, but otherwise it is on positive ATS runs that include 9-5 on the road, 35-15-1 on Monday and 24-11 as a road ‘dog of less than five points. Phoenix is on a plethora of ATS upticks, including 5-1 overall, 20-8-1 at home, 19-7-1 as a home favorite, 4-0 as a home chalk of less than five points, 9-3 after a day off and 10-4 against Eastern Conference.
The under is 7-3 for the Cavs in their last 10 Monday games, but otherwise it’s all “overs” for Cleveland, including 6-1 as an underdog, 6-2-1 against the Western Conference and 9-2 against teams with a winning record. For Phoenix, the under is on stretches of 12-3-2 overall, 6-1-1 after getting a day off, 6-0-1 against Eastern Conference teams and 5-2 on Monday. In this series, the “over” has been the play in eight of the last 11, with last year’s game in Phoenix soaring over the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX
Vegas Vic
REDSKINS (+3) over Giants
Kinda like the roll that Washington is on, and not the roll New York is on. The Redskins are working on a fabulous 5-0 spread run, while the Giants have covered only one of the last eight. Also don't like the fact that New York's defense has become low-end Swiss cheese, allowing a staggering total of 126 points (31 points per game) in the four games since the bye week.
RANDALL THE HANDLE
Giants @ Redskins
Redskins could be weary from heavy travel while the Giants have remained in the neighbourhood. G-men have struggled on special teams and pass defence recently but this foe does not provide much adversity in either area.TAKING: NY Giants –3
John Ryan
New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins
Play: New York Giants -140
This is a 3* graded play on the Giants. A Simulator shows an 73% probability that the Giants will the Giants will win this game by 4 or more points. Supporting this graded play is a solid and proven money making system that has gone 30-9 ATS since 2004. Play against home dogs or pick that are an average offensive team scoring 18 to 23 PPG facing a good offensive team scoring 23-27 PPG. 45% of these games covered the number by 7 or more points. Giants are an impressive 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) versus excellent punt coverage teams allowing <= 7.5 yards per return over the last 3 seasons; 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus excellent passing teams with a completion percentage of 64% or better in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. They are also a sound 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games after allowing 30 points or more last game since 1992. Meanwhile the Redskins are just 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) after allowing 99 or less rushing yards in 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons.
OK, sounds like an old story for any team let alone an NFC East team, but the Giants MUST get the running game going in a dominating fashion. Washington is very vulnerable to a pounding running game and the matchups favor the Giants to have big success on the ground. Brandon Jacobs was having great success against the Eagles until that game turned into a shoot out. He has a 90% probability of getting 100 yards against the Redskins. Obviously, if he is pounding the run game between the tackles it will most assuredly open up play action pass plays. It will also allow for slant routes and especially the WR or flanker screen. Based on the matchups, I see the Giants winning BIG.
BIG AL
Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Play: San Antonio Spurs -9
Inconsistency has defined the Spurs' season, and much of it seems to crop up in the 3rd quarters of games. Indeed, against the Pacers on Saturday, San Antonio was victim to a 38-20 thrashing in the 3rd quarter, and needed a big rally in the final stanza to get the 100-99 victory. Coach Gregg Popovich is, understandably, getting a bit frustrated and wants to see a full effort from his team. The bad news for the Spurs is that they'll be without their long-range sharpshooter, Matt Bonner, for at least a month after he broke a bone in his right hand. But the good news is that San Antonio is a deep team, and Bonner's injury will afford more playing time to Roger Mason, Jr., also a very good shooter. The Spurs have defeated the Clippers 13 straight times in the Alamo City, and also easily won by 25 in Los Angeles a mere eight days ago. Lay the points.
Jeff Benton
L.A. Clippers +9' at SAN ANTONIO
The only think I did right for you on Sunday was give you an easy free-play winner on the Raiders, who won outright as a 14-point ‘dog at Denver, making me 21-10 with my last 31 NFL freebies. For Monday’s free play, I’ll head to the NBA and play the Clippers plus the points against San Antonio.
I was among those who was high on Los Angeles coming into this season, but after No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin went down with injury on the eve of opening night and the team lost seven of its first 11 contest, my Clippers enthusiasm waned considerably. However, the Clips com into this one having won eight of their last 14 games, including three of their last four (only loss was by four points at the Knicks on Friday, when L.A. blew a huge halftime lead).
Had they held onto that win in New York, the Clippers would be riding a four-game road winning streak right now, as they rebounded on Saturday with a 112-107 overtime win in Philadelphia as a 3 ½-point underdog. That makes Los Angeles a very respectable 5-6 SU and 6-5 ATS away from home.
True, the Spurs have owned the Clippers over the years. They’ve won 13 straight meetings and 21 of the last 23, and they’ve cashed in each of the last five meetings after a 115-90 rout in L.A. eight days ago (the Clippers current 3-1 run started right after that setback). That said, the visitor has still gotten the money eight times in the last 11 meetings in this rivalry. Furthermore, it’s impossible to trust the Spurs as a big favorite, as they’re just 4-4 ATS when laying eight points or more this year, and they’ve failed to cover in five of their last six at home (all as a favorite) and seven of their last 10 overall). That includes a one-point home win over the lowly Pacers (as a 12-point chalk) on Saturday.
Bottom line: After they way San Antonio embarrassed them on their home floor two Sundays ago, I expect the Clippers to be very focused and very motivated tonight and they’ll keep this one reasonably close from start to finish.
3♦ L.A. CLIPPERS
Bobby Maxwell
L.A. Clippers at SAN ANTONIO -9'
Improved to 9-1 with my last 10 FREE selections on Sunday when the Dolphins rallied to get the cover in Tennessee. I'm 32-14 with my last 46 comp plays and I've got another winner for you here as I play the Spurs at home against the Clippers.
The Spurs absolutely dominate the Clippers every time they meet, winning 14 straight against Los Angeles and cashing in each of the last five. That’s why I’ll lay the chalk and play San Antonio at home in this one.
The Clippers are playing their fourth straight game on the road tonight after winning in OT on Saturday in Philadelphia, 112-107, as 3 ½-point underdogs. The road trip opened with the T-Wolves, Knicks and Sixers and it’s about to get a lot tougher with the Spurs, Rockets and Suns.
San Antonio has won five of its last six overall (3-3 ATS) and just scored a 100-99 home win over the Pacers on Saturday. The Spurs have been beating up the sub-.500 teams in the NBA, going 12-1 against those squads this season.
Tim Duncan is in form right now, averaging 26.7 points and 15 rebounds a game in his last three. The Spurs are on ATS runs of 4-1 on Mondays and 5-2 against Pacific Division teams. The Clippers are on ATS slides of 11-24 on the road, 10-27 against Western Conference teams and 8-25 after getting a day off.
This one is going to be all Spurs. Lay the chalk and play San Antonio.
4♦ SAN ANTONIO
Dominic Fazzini
Cleveland at PHOENIX -2
What a bust Sunday's play on the Seahawks was with my complimentary selection. Simply a horrible pick, nothing more to say about it. Despite the loss, however, I'm still 44-28 over the past 72 days, including a run of 27-15 over the last 42!
And I'll bounce back quickly today with a play on the Suns, who are hosting Cleveland. Phoenix is unbeaten in 10 games at home this season, and has won its last 19 at home going back to last season.
Amare Stoudamire has really stepped up his game recently, averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds over his last nine games. And he has been even better than that over the past three games, averaging 26 points and 13 rebounds.
The Cavaliers are playing on back-to-back nights, and just lost 102-95 at Dallas on Sunday against a Mavericks team that was without star Dirk Nowitzki. This is the second game of a four-game Western road trip for Cleveland, and the travel and consecutive games could be an issue against point guard Steve Nash and the Suns' high-octane offense.
A fast-paced game also could take Cavs big men Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas out of the equation. And Phoenix would love to show Shaq it doesn't miss him at all after the team's acquisition of the future Hall of Famer last season didn't pan out like it hoped it would.
Phoenix is on ATS runs of 20-8-1 at home, 7-2 as a favorite and 19-7-1 as a home favorite. Cleveland, meanwhile, is on ATS slides of 2-6 in its last eight games overall, 2-5 as a road underdog and 1-4 in its last five games in Phoenix. The favorite in this series is 10-1 ATS in the teams' last 11 meetings, and the home team is 8-3 ATS. Go with the Suns to cover at home tonight.
3♦ PHOENIX
DUNKEL INDEX
NY Giants at Washington
The Redskins look to take advantage of a Giants team that is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games as a favorite. Washington is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Redskins favored by 1
Game 331-332: NY Giants at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 131.204; Washington 131.799
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 42
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 3; 44
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Under
NBA
Cleveland at Phoenix
The Cavaliers look to bounce back from their loss in Dallas and build on their 24-8 ATS record in their last 32 games following a SU loss. Cleveland is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Suns favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+2 1/2)
Game 701-702: Milwaukee at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 118.085; Indiana 116.373
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 2 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+2 1/2); Over
Game 703-704: Utah at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 120.764; Orlando 123.001
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 8; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+8); Under
Game 705-706: Sacramento at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 112.167; Chicago 117.023
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 200
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4); Over
Game 707-708: LA Clippers at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 116.219; San Antonio 125.109
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9; 196
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8 1/2); Over
Game 709-710: Cleveland at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 121.543; Phoenix 122.640
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 2 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+2 1/2); Under
NCAAB
Drexel at Kentucky
The Dragons look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 road games. Drexel is the pick (+19) according to Dunkel, which has Kentucky favored by only 17 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Drexel (+19)
Game 711-712: UTEP vs. Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 62.359; Oklahoma 64.171
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 3
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (+3)
Game 713-714: Drexel at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 56.956; Kentucky 74.635
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 19
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (+19)
Game 715-716: Yale at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.639; Providence 67.077
Dunkel Line: Providence by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Providence by 19
Dunkel Pick: Providence (-19)
Game 717-718: Tulane at UL-Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 54.381; UL-Lafayette 54.232
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 4
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+4)
Game 719-720: UC-Santa Barbara at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 51.001; Arizona State 73.583
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 22 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-15 1/2)
Game 721-722: La Salle vs. Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: La Salle 57.836; Oklahoma State 64.594
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 7
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: La Salle (+9 1/2)
Game 723-724: Pacific at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 56.533; Santa Clara 56.907
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Pacific by 5
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+5)
Game 725-726: Pepperdine at UC-Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 46.181; UC-Irvine 54.366
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 8
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (-4 1/2)
Game 727-728: Long Beach State at Loyola Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 59.640; Loyola Marymount 53.995
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-1 1/2)
Game 729-730: North Florida vs. Canisius
Dunkel Ratings: North Florida 42.284; Canisius 46.951
Dunkel Line: Canisius by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Canisius by 9
Dunkel Pick: North Florida (+9)
Game 731-732: New Orleans at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 44.942; Southern Mississippi 63.908
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 19
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 16
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-16)
Game 733-734: Davidson vs. Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: Davidson 54.032; Hofstra 56.643
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 735-736: Cornell at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 59.997; St. John's 66.965
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 737-738: CS-Fullerton vs. Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 51.034; Weber State 55.599
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Weber State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Weber State (-2 1/2)
Game 739-740: Morehead State at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 53.862; Utah State 67.394
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah State by 15
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (+15)
Game 741-742: Furman at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 47.158; South Carolina 66.594
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 21
Dunkel Pick: Furman (+21)
Game 743-744: Appalachian State at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 54.011; Dayton 66.019
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 12
Vegas Line: Dayton by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (+14 1/2)
Game 745-746: The Citadel at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: The Citadel 50.424; Houston 65.640
Dunkel Line: Houston by 15
Vegas Line: Houston by 13
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-13)
Game 747-748: Fresno State at Montana
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 56.955; Montana 59.211
Dunkel Line: Montana by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Montana by 5
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (+5)
Game 749-750: San Jose State at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 54.174; Northern Colorado 57.443
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+5)
Game 751-752: Montana State at Cal Poly
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 53.431; Cal Poly 50.627
Dunkel Line: Montana State by 3
Vegas Line: Montana State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montana State (-1 1/2)
Game 753-754: Portland State at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 55.052; Boise State 56.588
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Boise State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (+7)
Game 755-756: South Carolina State at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina State 45.391; Iowa 58.251
Dunkel Line: Iowa by 13
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NHL
San Jose at Dallas
The Stars look to take advantage of a San Jose team that is 1-5 in its last 6 games overall. Dallas is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+110)
Game 51-52: Tampa Bay at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.116; NY Islanders 10.203
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-130); Over
Game 53-54: Florida at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.653; Philadelphia 11.493
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Under
Game 55-56: Montreal at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.018; Atlanta 10.978
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-145); 6
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+125); Over
Game 57-58: Buffalo at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.661; Toronto 12.046
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over
Game 59-60: NY Rangers at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.932; Carolina 11.361
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-120); Over
Game 61-62: New Jersey at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 12.886; Pittsburgh 12.233
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+130); Over
Game 63-64: Boston at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.569; Ottawa 12.057
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-125); Under
Game 65-66: Colorado at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.220; Minnesota 11.464
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+120); Over
Game 67-68: San Jose at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.942; Dallas 12.115
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+110); Over
Game 69-70: St. Louis at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.074; Edmonton 10.860
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+125); Under
Game 71-72: Columbus at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.268; Phoenix 10.878
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+135); Under
VEGAS EXPERTS
Utah Jazz at Orlando Magic
Orlando has been a very good revenge team through the years. Over the last three seasons, they are 34-15 ATS playing with same season revenge, including 16-3 if the opponent scored 110+ points. Utah is not a good road team. They have lost by double-digits to both Atlanta and the Lakers over the last two weeks and outright in Minnesota.
Play on: Orlando
Terron Chapman
UTEP vs. Oklahoma
Play: UTEP +3
The Utep Miners (6-2) and Oklahoma Sooners (8-3) will square off Monday afternoon in Oklahoma City as Conference USA meets the Big 12. The Miners are coming off a 101-41 clobbering of Alcorn St., while the Sooners were lucky to get past Northern Colorado their last time out, holding on for an 80-79 win.
The Miners are looking for another chance to make a statement on the national stage after losing in overtime to Ole-Miss 91-81. They have the talent to do so featuring five players on the roster who were once at Memphis under coach John Calipari. That group is led by junior guard Randy Culpepper who can light it up from behind the arc. The Miners also feature a talented frontcourt led by Louisville transfer Derek Caracter and 6'11 Arnett Moultrie. With so many new players on the roster, chemistry at the beginning of the season is an issue, but the Miners appear to be getting used to playing with each other.
One area that hasn't taken long to gel is on the defensive end of the floor where the Miners are holding teams to 37.2% from the field. They match up well with the Sooners and I look for an inspired performance from the visitor. This one could very well come down to the final possession and an upset would not surprise me, so take the points. Play on the UTEP Miners for 1 unit.
LT Profits
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
The Carolina Hurricanes may be just 9-20-6 overall, but they have improved their play significantly lately here at home, and the RBC Center has always been a House of Horrors for their opponents tonight, the New York Rangers.
In fact, Carolina now has a winning record at home at 8-7-2 after winning six of their last eight games here, a far cry from their dismal 1-13-4 road record. The Canes are coming off of a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers here on Saturday, and they upset the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars in their previous two home games, a couple of teams that are both better than this Rangers team they are facing tonight.
The Hurricanes are now averaging a nice 3.00 goals per game in this building, and that should be enough to defeat an offensively challenged and slumping Rangers team that often relies too much on the goaltending of All-Star Henrik Lundqvist.
Now the Rangers have won two straight since a five game losing streak, but it is not as if they are lighting the lamp with regularity. They beat the Flyers 2-1 on Saturday as Lundqvist stood on his head stopping 36 shots, and it is not a given that the Rangers can shut down what has been a very capable Canes attack at home. That should prove fatal for a Rangers team that averages only 2.33 goals on the road.
Finally, Carolina is 8-2 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings with the Rangers including 2-0 last season, and with the improved play at home by the Hurricanes lately, we look for that dominance to continue.
Pick: Hurricanes +105
Tom Freese
San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars
Prediction: Under
San Jose 34-16-4 UNDER vs. a team with a losing record and they are 5-1 UNDER their 6 games overall. The Sharks are 4-1 UNDER after allowing 2 goals or less in their last game and they are 32-13-6 UNDER their last 51 Monday games. Dallas is 7-1 UNDER off a straight up win and they are 13-5-1 UNDER when playing their fourth game in six nights. The Stars are 12-4 UNDER vs. Western Conference teams and they are 5-1 UNDER at home vs. the Sharks. PLAY ON 'UNDER'
Rob Vinciletti
Pepperdine vs. Cal Irvine
Play: Cal Irvine
Pepperdine is strictly a go against team this season thus far. They have been horrendous regardless of the venue. They are 0-14 and 5-9 ats on the road in this total range,12-32 vs non conference teams and 7-17 off 3+ losses. UC Irvine has been a solid home favorite in this range winning and covering all 4 times. They have cashed 10 of 13 against the spread in December games and have won and covered all three of their games vs losing teams. Look for UC Irvine to bounce back and cash tonight.
JR TIPS
CLIPPERS at SPURS
The San Antonio Spurs go for their 14th straight victory over the Los Angeles Clippers tonight and look to improve to 12-1 against teams under .500. The Spurs won 100-99 victory over Indiana Saturday. Tim Duncan scored 19 points matching a season high with 16 rebounds as he is averaging 26.7 points, 15.0 boards in his last three games while scoring 21 points in a 115-90 win in os Angeles on Dec. 13th. The Spurs have also won 13 straight at home versus the Clippers since 2002 while the Clippers haven't beaten a team with a winning record since a 106-99 victory over Denver on Nov. 20th. The Clippers are on a six game road trip and won Saturday 112-107 in overtime over Philadelphia after letting a 20 point lead slip away losing to the New York Knicks the night before. The Clippers have won three of four improving to 2-1 on their road trip. Chris Kaman posted his fourth double-double in five games Saturday with 24 points and 11 rebounds and Baron Davis led the Clippers with 20 points and six assists off the bench. Tony Parker has shot just 29.2 percent and averaged 12.0 points in his last two home games but should get back on track as he led the Spurs with 18 points in Los Angeles' last visit to the AT&T Center in a 111-98 San Antonio victory. The Spurs are 41-4 against the Clippers since 1997 and will continue to dominate the Clippers as they are playing their 4th game on the road winning in very close games where they gave away leads. The Clippers won’t have enough to stay in this game as the rested Spurs who are on a 4-game homestand will run this team out of the building in the second half.
TAKE SPURS -8.5