JR TIPS
BOSTON vs.GOLDEN STATE
The Boston Celtics have been the NBA's best road team this season but their nine game road winning streak was snapped last night against the Clippers and tonight they face the Golden State Warriors who are the only NBA team the Celtics haven't beaten on the road since 2007. Boston coughed up a three-point lead in the final 10 seconds against the Clippers as reserve Rasual Butler hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 8.5 seconds left and after Boston's Rajon Rondo missed two free throws that would have given his team the lead, Baron Davis won it 92-90 for Los Angeles with a buzzer-beating jumper. The Celtics are missing all-star forward Paul Pierce who was out for a second straight game with knee problems and is not expected to return during this trip. Boston will have to do better offensively tonight to keep pace with the Warriors. The Celtics allow an NBA-low 91.5 points per game while the up-tempo Warriors give up more points (112.3) and rank second in scoring (107.2). In their last visit to Oakland, the Celtics lost 99-89 at Golden State which was their fifth straight loss in Oakland even though the Warriors were playing without Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette. Boston also lost 119-117 at Golden State before that game as Golden State will try to keep a one game streak going after beating Phoenix 132-127 Saturday night shooting 57.1 percent from the field and getting 33 points each from Ellis and Maggette. Ellis had 10 assists and is averaging 27.5 points in an 11 game stretch and the warriors will continue their offensive explosion at home against a Celtic team that will be a little worn down after playing a tough late game in Los Angeles and traveling on the road to play again tonight against this up-tempo team. Boston will have to score in bunches to beat this golden state team at home and with two of the quickest guards in the league running the point, we will see another high scoring game in Oakland.
TAKE OVER 212
SPORTS WAGERS
Minnesota –8 over CHICAGO Pinnacle
It’s not surprising to see this number rise all week and it’s now up to –8 after opening at –7. The Bears have been a complete train wreck all season and for the first time in a long time, whether they’re losing or winning, the Bears seem so irrelevant. Jay Cutler could not have worked out any worse in his first year with the Bears. How can this guy go from being so good one year to so bad the next? He’s careless with the rock, his confidence is completely shot and it doesn’t help that he has perhaps the worst core of receivers in the game. The Bears will play for pride only here but figure to show up after a slew of embarrassing performances, which was topped off by last week’s 31-7 loss in Baltimore. The Bears also lost a month ago in Minnesota by a score of 36-10 and that score is flattering to the Bears, as they were outgained by 400 yards and had eight first downs the entire game. At that time the Vikes were warm and were a –10-point choice and now, in Chicago they’re almost about the same but the team is not. The Vikes have dropped three of its last four on the road. They were buried in prime time twice in the past three weeks, once in Arizona and last week in Carolina. There was also the well-documented blow-up between Favre and Childress and that has grabbed most of the headlines this week. Anyway, the Vikes are in but will be playing for a first-round bye this week and that makes this one as important as any other. The Vikes have a history of late season meltdowns and they sure don’t want to go into the playoffs psychologically damaged, nor do they want to lose its third consecutive in prime time. So, pick your poison friends. One has to wonder how the hell the Bears are going to move the ball and generate points. For Chicago to cover they’re going to have to limit the Vikes to 20 or less and I just don’t see that happening. The Favre-Childress controversy means jack and we all know how Favre just loves to shine on Monday night and he couldn’t have handpicked a better team to do just that against. I cannot endorse the Bears here, as they offer up nothing but turnovers and the Vikes need to get right-sided here. There's always exceptions to rules and although I rarely if ever endorse laying this many ropad points, the alternative appears so much worse. Play: Minnesota –8 (No bets).
EZWINNERS
Minnesota Vikings -8
The Vikings have a few internal troubles, but nothing like the troubles that plague the Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler has been a disaster this season, throwing interceptions at an alarming rate. The Vikings still have a lot t0 play for a need to gain some momentum for the playoffs. Lay the points.
Scott Delaney
Philadelphia at Portland
Double-revenge is the mantra tonight, as the Trail Blazers will snap a two-game losing streak to the Sixers with resounding win and cover.
Portland comes into this one on an impressive four-game win streak, with wins over Denver, San Antonio, Dallas and Miami. So even though it has lost two straight and four of five to Philly, the momentum is clearly on Portland's side tonight.
The Blazers have won 10 of their last 12 home games and six of seven overall, and its been consistency, transition and some pretty special sharp-shooting that has gotten it done.
In their last two games, the Blazers have 45 assists and 19 turnovers, while they've banged out 16-of-32 from 3-point range during that span.
And it's because of a rash of injuries this team is playing so well - it has no choice to. The Blazers are playing 48 minutes basketball up and down the court, and in facing a weary Philly team that has lost three straight heading into the third matchup on a six-game road trip, I'd have to say Portland could win by about 15 with ease.
Lay the home chalk.
5♦ PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Steve Duemig
Nice outright win by the Buccaneers over the Saints Sunday! For Monday's comp play, let's take a peak at the total in today's Independence Bowl.
This game should really be the first real shootout of the bowl season. Most games don't ever live up to their billing but I don't think either of these teams will stop the other. Punters can take the night off. With the great weapons at the disposal of QB Jerrod Johnson of A&M and the inability of the secondary of UGA to stop anyone we should really see the scoreboard light up in this game. UGA doesn't even have a defensive coordinator or two other defensive coaches after they were fired after the season. A&M was 111th in the nation in pass defense and the only;y other team in the bowls with a worse pass defense was Nevada and we all saw what happened there!! Hopefully we can sit back and watch the points tick up toward the 70's where I see this game heading.
1♦ TEXAS A&M-GEORGIA OVER
Dominic Fazzini
Texas A&M vs. Georgia -6' at Shreveport, La.
Another winner Sunday with my complimentary selection as the Cardinals rolled over St. Louis 31-10. That upped my record to 47-31 over the past 78 days, including a 30-18 run over the last 48! And you better believe there's another winner on deck for today.
Georgia coach Mark Richt has had enough. After the Bulldogs allowed an average of 26.4 points per game this season, Richt fired three defensive asssistants, including coordinator Willie Martinez, and is taking control of the unit for today's game against high-powered Texas A&M.
I expect the Bulldogs to respond with an inspired effort, which should allow them to come up with a big victory today.
Because as bad as Georgia's defense has been, the Aggies have been much worse. A&M has allowed opponents to average 32.7 points and 431.3 yards per game, with both numbers ranking toward the bottom of the nation's defensive rankings.
And the Bulldogs can put the ball in the end zone, averaging 27.7 ppg this year, including an average of 29.5 over their last six games. The Aggies have allowed four opponents to score more than 40 points this season, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Georgia joins that list.
Senior QB Joe Cox has been solid for the Bulldogs after replacing No. 1 NFL draft pick Matthew Stafford in the lineup, and has thrown for 2,426 yards and 22 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.
Georgia has shown great improvement running the ball over the second half of the season, with freshman Washaun Ealey and sophomore Caleb King carrying the load, averaging 252 yards rushing over its past five games. The Bulldogs ran for a season-high 339 yards against Georgia Tech on Nov. 28, winning 30-24 as a 9 1/2-point road underdog.
In its last 15 bowl appearances, Georgia is 12-3 SU and 11-4 ATS. A&M hasn't fared nearly as well in bowl games, losing in 10 of its last 12. The Aggies are also 2-5-1 in their last eight games as an underdog overall. Go with the Bulldogs to win by at least a touchdown today.
2♦ GEORGIA
Tony George
Blazers -6.5
A serious mis-match in the backcourt here. Brandon Roy had 41 in his last game, and will shred the Sixers defense tonight at home, where the Blazers are 11-4 SU on the year to date. Philly on their third straight road game here and Allen Iverson is questionable at best with a knee injury, and that does not bode well for the hapless Sixers who are 3-12 SU on the road and off back to back road losses. I like the Blazers at home who play solid defense, while in fact the Sixers are allowing 102 ppg on the season on defense and have struggled on offense as of late, which does not help their cause tonight in the Rose Garden.
GREG SHAKER
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Play: Over 41
I have been watching this total line drop and perhaps it will drop more but with the Key number of 41 I am going to go ahead and jump on this one. A lot of weather buffs have decided that it is just too cold for these offenses to function properly and it is going to be a cold nite in the Windy City. It is also going to be Windy! But is that going to help the Under or the Over? The Bears QB is just not working out for this team and he has become a Turnover Machine. The Bears running game is not working and so Cutler is going to have to put the ball in the air tonight and with perfect conditions he has been horrible. What will happen tonight? I suspect more turnovers. That is going to lead to some short fields for the visitors. We don't have to worry about a number of things when it comes to the Vikings. Favre will not be rested for one as the Vikes are still looking for homefield advantage during these coming playoffs. We don't have to worry about whether he knows how to play in Cold Weather because he has up there in Green Bay. We don't have to worry about whether Minn will be motivated to win tonight. We don't have to wonder whether they can move the Ball verses the Bears. We do have a history of high scoring affairs between these two teams and we also have a history of Bret Favre playing some of his best games on Monday Nite. I do think that Minnesota will have their way tonight here in Chicago and the Bears are going to have to try to catch up. That is going to give us what we want.
SPORTS WAGERS
Oklahoma City/NEW JERSEY under 196½
Percentage wise, this one has very little chance of going over. For one, the Nets rank dead last in the Association in FG% at just over 41%. The Thunder rank 18th and its defense is in the top 10 in FG% allowed. Both these teams are very decent from the stripe, thus, the only way this goes over is if both get to the line more than usual or if it goes to OT. Both of those scenarios cannot be relied upon and if that happens so be it. What I do know is that we’re going with the best of it here. The Thunder rarely allow the opposition more than about 85 shots per game and even if the Nets hit half of those, which is not probable, it’s still unlikely to go over. The last five times these two have hooked up has gone under the total and that includes an OT game that also went under. Play: Oklahoma City/New Jersey under 196½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).
Philadelphia +2 over PORTLAND
The Trail Blazers are as mentally tough as any team in the league and then some. With bodies going down quicker than a LeBron James slam, Portland has still reeled off four in a row and each win was more impressive than the last. It started with a 7-point win in Miami, followed by a four-point win in Dallas in the game that Joel Przybilla went down early. The very next night the Blazers went into San Antonio undermanned and as an 11-point dog and won outright. On Christmas Day, returning home from a physically draining three-game trip, the Blazers proceeded to beat the Nuggets by 11. what they’ve accomplished in that short time minus a group of front-line players is nothing short of remarkable. As a result of that and with the local fans and media throwing a ton of praise their way (deservedly so), what we have here is the Blazers in real trouble of breathing a sigh of relief and taking the night off. The 76ers are a complete grease-fire. Under normal circumstances they would no shot here whatsoever, as they’re outclassed by a country mile, both physically and mentally. However, this is a winnable game due to the circumstances and if the 76ers show up here they have a great shot to win outright and the upset is the call. Play: Philadelphia +2.18 (Risking 2 units).
Michael Cannon
Denver at SACRAMENTO +1'
I am now 52-36-3 with my last 91 free plays after yesterday’s 2-0 sweep on the Browns and Clemson!
Take the Kings at home tonight over the Nuggets.
Sacramento has averaged about 10 ppg more at home than on the road. They are the fresher team and should be motivated going against one of the better teams in the league.
Denver may be without its catalyst Chauncey Billups, who is doubtful with an injury. The Nuggets are coming off Sunday’s eight-point home loss to the Mavericks so it may be tough to get up for this game.
This also marks Denver’s third game in four nights.
Take the Kings as they get it done at home tonight over the Nuggets.
3♦ SACRAMENTO
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Charlotte Bobcats -4
I'll back the Bobcats at home in the small chalk tonight as they are a sound 10-4 SU & 9-5 ATS at home this season. Milwaukee looked like it might be a surprise team to start the season, but it has cooled off severely, winning just 4 of its last 17 games. The Bobcats are an impressive 24-11 ATS in their last 35 home games, including 14-4 ATS in their last 18 home games versus a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400. Meanwhile, the Bucks are only 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games versus a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. We'll lay the points for 1 unit.
Ben Burns
Phoenix Coyotes at San Jose Sharks
Prediction: San Jose Sharks
I won with the Coyotes in their last game. However, that was at home, where they've been unbeatable (literally) for weeks. They were also facing the Kings and looking to avenge a pair of earlier losses. Tonight, is a completely different situation. For starters, they're facing a much better team. The Sharks have the second most points in the Western Conference. The Coyotes are also playing on the road, where they haven't been nearly as tough. Additionally, now its their opponent which is playing with 'double-revenge.'
Both teams are currently red hot. However, the Coyotes are just 7-10 the past few seasons, after having won three or more in a row. On the other hand, the Sharks are 29-19 in the same situation, over the same stretch.
The price is a little too steep to qualify as one of my guaranteed selections. However, when considering that the Sharks have been laying a minimum of -190 (and as much as -420) in 14 straight home meetings vs. the Coyotes, it begins to look a lot more reasonable. Consider laying the wood.
Black Widow
1* on Washington Wizards +5.5
At this point, the Memphis Grizzlies are getting too much respect from the odds makers. Memphis is certainly improved this season, but should not be more than a 5-point favorite against a Washington Wizards team that offers the healthy trio of Arenas, Jamison and Butler. The Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5. The Wizards are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss. Washington has won 3 of their last 5 games and are starting to play up to their potential, while the Grizzlies are certainly overachieving at this point. That's why the value is with Washington here Monday. Take the Wizards and the points.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Charlotte Bobcats -4
Bottom Line: The Bobcats have been a strong home team at 10-4 SU & 9-5 ATS this season. I'll back them laying a small number tonight against a Milwaukee team that is just 4-13 its last 17 games. Plus, Charlotte will be motivated by a 7-point loss in Milwaukee last month. The Bobcats are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 and the home team has covered the last four in this head-to-head. Lay the number.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Texas A&M/Georgia OVER 67
System Play: Plays Over on all teams where the total is greater than or equal to 63 (GEORGIA) in a game involving two average teams (within +/- 50 YPG of their opponents) after 7+ games, in non-conference games, are 24-4 the last 10 seasons. The average total posted in these games is 67.9 and the average combined score has totaled 79.3 points. Bet the Over.