SPORTS ADVISORS
Baltimore (4-4, 5-3 ATS) at Cleveland (1-7, 3-5 ATS)
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The Ravens travel to Cleveland Stadium looking to hand the hapless Browns a fourth straight loss in a battle between AFC North rivals.
Baltimore, which started the season 3-0 SU and ATS but is currently on a 1-4 SU (2-3 ATS) slide, is coming off last Sunday’s 17-7 loss at Cincinnati as a three-point road favorite. The Ravens’ vaunted defense ranks just 13th in the NFL, allowing 320.6 total yards per game, and it is 19th when defending the pass, allowing 225.8 ypg. Meanwhile the offense is 10th in the league, averaging 358.2 yards per contest and 11th in the passing game, netting 242.1 ypg through the air.
Cleveland, outscored 61-9 in its last two games, hasn’t been able to score more than 20 points in any game this season, scoring 14 points or less in four straight contests (7.25 ppg). Additionally, the Browns have produced a single field goal in two games and six points in three others, including a 30-6 loss in Chicago back on Nov. 1 before getting a bye last week. The Browns are dead last in the league in scoring offense (9.8 ppg), 31st in total offense (221.1 ypg) and dead last in passing offense (121.5 ypg).
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With their offense stuck in a season-long funk, the Browns are making another QB switch this week, going back to original starter Brady Quinn in place of Derek Anderson. Quinn completed close to 60 percent of his throws in starting the first three games of the season but had just 409 yards, one TD and three INTs, with Cleveland tallying 29 total points while going 0-3 SU and ATS.
The Ravens have won three in a row SU and ATS in this series, including a 34-3 blowout win back on Sept. 27, easily cashing as 13½-point favorites. Baltimore QB Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards in that game, and the Ravens’ defense picked off four passes, including one from Quinn in the first half and three from Anderson in the second half. Baltimore is just 1-4 ATS in its last four trips to Cleveland, and the home team is on an 8-3 ATS run in this rivalry.
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Baltimore’s current 1-4 slump includes three straight road losses (1-2 ATS). Meanwhile, the Browns have lost all three home games (1-2 ATS).
The Ravens are on positive ATS runs of 20-8 overall, 12-5 against AFC teams, 9-4 on the road, 5-1 after a straight-up loss and 10-3 as a favorite, but they’re just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 as a road chalk. Cleveland is on nothing but negative ATS streaks, including 3-10-1 overall, 1-6-1 at home, 1-4-1 in November and 2-9-1 after a straight-up loss. The lone bright spot for the Browns: They went 2-1 SU and ATS in Monday Night Football last year, including a 35-14 rout of the undefeated Giants as a nine-point home underdog.
Baltimore has topped the total in six of nine November games, seven of nine against losing teams, 10 of 14 on the road (4-1 last five) and four straight Monday contests, however the Ravens have stayed under the total in four straight as a favorite and four of five against AFC teams. The Browns are on “under” streaks of 5-2 overall, 6-2-1 after an ATS loss, 5-2 against the AFC and 18-8-1 on grass.
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The over is 4-1-1 in the last six clashes in this rivalry, and the over is 19-6-1 in Monday Night Football games dating back to last season (8-2 this year).
ATS ADVANTAGE: BALTIMORE and OVER
NBA
Portland (8-3 SU and ATS) at Atlanta (8-2 SU, 9-1 ATS)
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Two of the hottest teams in the NBA square off inside Philips Arena as the Trailblazers conclude a five-game road trip with a battle against the Hawks.
Portland has rattled off six straight wins and spread-covers, including all four so far on this road trip. Most recently, the Blazers beat the Bobcats 80-74 on Saturday, cashing as a 2½-point favorite. Portland’s defense is allowing just 83.3 points per game on the road while limiting the opposition to 40 percent shooting from the field. Since a season-opening a 111-107 loss at Houston on Halloween, the Blazers have given up 97 points or fewer in nine straight games, holding six of those opponents to 84 points or less and three of the last four to less than 80 points.
Atlanta has won four in a row SU and ATS and crushed the Hornets 121-98 as a 12½-point home favorite Saturday. The Hawks are perfect at home this season at 4-0 SU and ATS, averaging 116.5 points a game while allowing just 99.
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These squads met back on Nov. 3 in Portland with the Hawks getting the 97-91 upset win as seven-point underdogs. Atlanta has won two straight in this series, including a 98-80 win in March as a four-point home chalk. The visitor is on a 10-2 ATS run in this rivalry, with the Blazers going 5-1 ATS in their last six trips to Atlanta. Also, the underdog has cashed in eight of the last 10 meetings.
Portland comes into this one on several positive ATS streaks, including 24-9 overall, 5-0 on the road, 7-1 on Monday, 5-0 after a spread-cover and 6-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record. Meanwhile, the Hawks are on a plethora of positive ATS runs, including 9-1-1 overall, 18-7-2 at home, 12-3-1 against the Western Conference, 5-0-1 against Northwest Division teams and 3-0-2 on Monday.
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The Blazers are on a number of “under” trends, including 12-3 overall, 16-5 on the road, 19-7 on the road against opponents with winning home records, 5-1 against Southeast Division teams and 5-2 against the Eastern Conference. Atlanta has topped the total in four of five against the Western Conference and five of six overall, but it also carries “under” streaks of 7-1 on Monday and 8-3 after getting a day off. Finally, in this matchup, the “over” has been the play in eight of the last 11 meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA
Dallas (7-3 SU and ATS) at Milwaukee (5-2 SU and ATS)
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The Bucks look to win their fifth straight game when they welcome the Mavericks to the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.
Dallas comes in off Sunday’s 95-90 victory in Detroit, barely cashing as a 4½-point favorite. The Mavericks have won two of their first three on a four-game road trip (2-1 ATS), and they’re 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five overall. The SU winner has covered the spread in each of the Mavericks’ 10 games this season. Going back to last year, the winner has cashed in 24 of Dallas’ last 26 outings.
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Milwaukee has won four straight (3-1 ATS), including all three on a current six-game homestand. Rookie Brandon Jennings scored 55 points on Saturday, including 29 in the third quarter, to lead the Bucks to a 129-125 win over Golden State. However, Milwaukee came up short as 7½-point home favorite, ending a 5-0 ATS run. The Bucks are averaging 108.8 ppg at home (47.5 percent shooting, tallying 102, 108 and 129 in the last three.
The home team has won five straight (3-2 ATS) and seven of the last eight (6-2 ATS) in this series. Last January at the Bradley Center, the Bucks crushed Dallas 133-99 as a one-point home ‘dog, but went to Dallas a month later and lost 116-96 as a 7½-point pup. Milwaukee is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Mavericks, all as an underdog. Meanwhile, Dallas has failed to cover in nine straight games inside the Bradley Center.
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The Mavericks are 7-2 ATS in their last nine overall, but otherwise are on pointspread slides of 3-5 against the Eastern Conference, 10-24-1 against Central Division teams, 1-4 on the second night of a back-to-back, 0-4 on Monday and 2-5 on the road against teams with a winning home record. Meanwhile, Milwaukee is on ATS surges of 5-1 overall, 5-1 at home, 4-1 after getting a day off, 11-3 against Southwest Division teams and 7-2 on Monday.
Dallas has stayed under the total in 16 of 21 when playing the second night of a back-to-back and eight of 10 Monday games. The Bucks are on “under” runs of 6-2-1 overall and 5-1 on Monday, but they’ve topped the total in four of five against the Western Conference and 21 of 31 against Southwest Division teams.
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Finally, the “over” is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings between these squads (3-0 last three) and 6-2 in the last eight in Milwaukee.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
DUNKEL INDEX
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Baltimore at Cleveland
The Ravens look to build on their 8-0 ATS record in their last 8 games versus teams with a losing record. Baltimore is the pick (-10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Ravens favored by 18 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-10 1/2)
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Game 243-244: Baltimore at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 139.210; Cleveland 120.543
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 18 1/2; 43
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 10 1/2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-10 1/2); Over
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NBA
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Dallas at Milwaukee
The Bucks look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games as an underdog. Milwaukee is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bucks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+1 1/2)
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Game 501-502: Portland at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 124.355; Atlanta 121.328
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 3; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 4; 189
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+4); Under
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Game 503-504: Charlotte at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 115.394; Orlando 125.116
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 9 1/2; 178
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
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Game 505-506: Dallas at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 122.284; Milwaukee 123.213
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 1; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+1 1/2); Under
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NCAAB
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Texas State at Arizona State
The Sun Devils look to build on their 5-2 ATS record in their last 7 home games. Arizona State is the pick (-24) according to Dunkel, which has the Sun Devils favored by 27 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-24)
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Game 507-508: Miami (OH) at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 50.914; Kentucky 72.330
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 20
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-20)
Game 509-510: Virginia at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 59.525; South Florida 62.159
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: South Florida by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+3 1/2)
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Game 511-512: Texas A&M at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 65.212; SMU 57.291
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 8
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 7
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-7)
Game 513-514: Pennsylvania at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 47.804; Villanova 69.503
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 22 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pennsylvania (+22 1/2)
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Game 515-516: Auburn at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 62.085; Missouri State 60.619
Dunkel Line: Auburn by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Auburn by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (+4 1/2)
Game 517-518: San Diego at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 52.040; Pacific 60.446
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-2)
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Game 519-520: CS-Fullerton at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 52.765; UCLA 73.141
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: UCLA by 17
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-17)
Game 521-522: San Diego State at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 67.123; St. Mary's (CA) 67.916
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
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Game 523-524: Elon vs. Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 48.130; Charlotte 55.059
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 7
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (+11 1/2)
Game 525-526: Coastal Carolina at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Coastal Carolina 48.192; Duke 74.553
Dunkel Line: Duke by 26 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 28 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Coastal Carolina (+28 1/2)
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Game 527-528: Yale vs. Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 48.626; Hofstra 51.768
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 3
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+6 1/2)
Game 529-530: Colgate at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Colgate 45.371; Connecticut 76.494
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 31
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 27 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-27 1/2)
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Game 531-532: WI-Milwaukee vs. Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 54.782; Western Kentucky 61.164
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (+8 1/2)
Game 533-534: Indiana State at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 57.875; LSU 68.907
Dunkel Line: LSU by 11
Vegas Line: LSU by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-10 1/2)
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Game 535-536: CS-Northridge vs. TCU
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 53.967; TCU 56.993
Dunkel Line: TCU by 3
Vegas Line: TCU by 1
Dunkel Pick: TCU (-1)
Game 537-538: Texas State at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Texas State 50.152; Arizona State 77.639
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 24
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-24)
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Game 539-540: Georgia Southern at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 46.205; South Carolina 64.482
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 18
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (-18)
Game 541-542: Eastern Washington at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Washington 47.326; Washington State 66.157
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 19
Vegas Line: Washington State by 14
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-14)
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Game 543-544: SC Upstate at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: SC Upstate 44.703; Indiana 58.711
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 14
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
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NHL
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Anaheim at Pittsburgh
The Ducks look to build on their 13-6 record in their last 19 games when playing with 1 day of rest. Anaheim is the pick (+155) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+155)
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Game 1-2: Edmonton at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.761; Columbus 11.010
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-165); Under
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Game 3-4: New Jersey at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 12.850; Philadelphia 13.351
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-135); Over
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Game 5-6: NY Islanders at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.485; Boston 11.881
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-170); Over
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Game 7-8: Anaheim at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.949; Pittsburgh 10.797
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+155); Under
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Game 9-10: Los Angeles at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.112; Florida 11.562
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+100); Under
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Game 11-12: Tampa Bay at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.168; Phoenix 11.041
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+120); Under
Kyle Hunter
Yale vs. Hofstra
Play: Hofstra -6½
Yale lost its opener to Sacred Heart by 6 points. Hofstra is definitely a step up from Sacred Heart. Charles Jenkins may be the CAA's best player and should single-handedly take the Hofstra Pride to a nice victory in this one. I don't expect this one to be very close. Take Hofstra and expect a fairly easy cover here.
JIM FEIST
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS / ORLANDO MAGIC
TAKE: UNDER
The season started promising enough for the Charlotte Bobcats, as they went 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. However, since then the wheels have come off, as they are 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS. The Bobcats have been ice cold shooting after a 37% performance in their last game, a 80-74 loss to Portland at home. "I thought I was in a slump. Now everybody is," said Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (12 points, eight assists). "We're not attacking the basket and we're not dropping the ball into the post." In fact, the Bobcats have been cold for a while, scoring 90, 81, 75 and 74 points in their last four losses. Whether it's just good defense or their lack of shooting on offense, the club is second in total points allowed with an 88.13 points allowed averagel. The Magic have tasted a bit of that same scoring drought in recent games. Orlando is 7-3 SU and 5-4-1 ATS on the season. After scoring over 110 points in four of their first six games, the Magic haven't reached 94 points in any of their last three games. Their defense ranks 11th overall, allowing 95.13 ppg overall and 94.25ppg at home. This series has resulted in the last three games going UNDER and seven of the last eight going UNDER. The one meeting this season in Charlotte resulted in a total of 174 points and the last two games from last season were 171 and 172 respectively. Looks like a long night for the Bobcats here as they are just not hitting from the field. And, considering both clubs are decent defensively and the history of these two clubs has been under, we'll stick with that here and play UNDER the total.
BIG AL
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS / ATLANTA HAWKS
TAKE: PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
At 7:05 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Portland Trail Blazers plus the points over Atlanta, as Portland seeks revenge from a 97-91 home loss to the Hawks on November 3. And, if my database is correct, the Blazers will return the favor tonight and hand Atlanta its first loss at Philips Arena, as Portland falls into a 208-145 ATS revenge system of mine. Since that defeat to Atlanta, Portland has not lost, and it will look to complete a perfect road trip tonight with its fifth straight victory. In its win streak, the most significant development has been at the defensive end, where Portland has held its last four foes to 82 ppg, on 39% shooting. In its last time out, Portland held the Bobcats to 36% shooting, and won 80-74. The Trail Blazers are a solid 49-26 ATS off back-to-back wins over the last five seasons, including 86% (12-2 ATS) vs. .666 (or better) foes. We'll take the points with the road underdog on this Monday night.
Frank Jordan
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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks
Play: Portland Trail Blazers +3.5
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Both these young teams are playing well early in the season and find themselves in first place. Portland is 8-3 as they are on a six game winning streak and playing great on the road with five win in their first 6 games. Atlanta is 8-2 in their first 10 games and on their own winning steak of 4 games. Despite Atlanta being perfect 4-0 at home look for Portland to have a big fourth quarter to steal the game by 4 in the end. Play Portland
Rob Vinciletti
Virginia vs. South Florida
Play: South Florida -3.5
SF. is 15-6 ats as a home favorite in this range and has covered 6 of their last 9 vs ACC opponents. Tonight they play with revenge from last years close 77-75 loss. In last years game they had a 49% to 40% shooting percentage edge,but came up short at the end of the game. Virginia is just 8-20 ats as a road dog in this range and a terrible 5-14 ats vs Big East opponents over the past few years. Look for South Florida to win and cover minus the short number.
ALEX SMART
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Portland Trail Blazers @ Atlanta Hawks
PICK: Atlanta Hawks -3.5
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Two teams that are on fire right now hook up in the Peach State for a big time battle between the Portland Trailblazers and the Atlanta Hawks. The Blazers enter this contest on a six-game winning streak both SU and ATS. Atlanta has won and covered four in a row. Both teams have been impressive of late, but common logic points towards a victory for the hosts, as this is the final game of a long five-game roadie for Portland. But that's not the only reason why I like Atlanta in this one...
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The Trailblazers are only averaging 95.4 points per game this season, and shooting just 44.1% from the field as a team. Only scoring 80 points against Charlotte and 86 against New Orleans is far from impressive, and a similar effort in Atlanta will be a certain defeat. Sure, Portland's defense is solid, but again, who has this team really played? Once again, the Bobcats and Hornets aren't exactly offensive juggernauts.
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Meanwhile, Atlanta's offense has been absolutely fantastic. The unit is averaging 108 points per game, the third best mark in the NBA, and is knocking down shots at a 48.6% clip, the fourth best number in the league. Though the Hawks' schedule has been conducive to a lot of scoring (New Orleans, New York, Denver, Charlotte, and Sacramento, of note), this is a team that has proven that it can score against the big boys as well. Don't look any further than the 97-86 win in Boston Garden or the 118-110 loss at the Lakers. While the Blazers have been traveling all week, Atlanta has been at home since Saturday and should be rested up after a lengthy trip of six of its first seven games away from home.
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These two teams already met earlier this season in Portland, with the Hawks taking a 97-91 decision. G Jamal Crawford led the way off the bench with 27 points and seven assists, while C Al Horford had a double-double with 11 points and 13 boards. Portland only shot 42.4% from the field and a woeful 6/21 from downtown. Even though the Blazers jumped out to a 25-15 lead in the first quarter, it was all downhill from there.
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If the Hawks were that dominant in the midst of a wicked West Coast swing, imagine what they're capable of at home? Atlanta is 12-3-1 ATS in its L/16 games against the Western Conference, 19-7-1 ATS in its L/27 games following an ATS victory and 18-7-2 ATS in its L/27 home games overall. Expect all of that to continue, as Portland's winning streak comes to an end.
BEN BURNS
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Edmonton Oilers @ Columbus Blue Jackets
PICK: Columbus Blue Jackets
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Last Wednesday's 9-1 loss to Detroit notwithstanding, the Blue Jackets have been playing well. They bounced back from the embarrassing loss to the Wings by defeating Anaheim in their most recent game. They've now won three of their last four. For the season, they're 10-6-2 including 5-2-2 at home.
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The Jackets did lose at Edmonton a few weeks ago. However, the Oilers haven't been nearly as tough on the road, going just 2-7-1. Unlike the Jackets, the Oilers come in off three straight losses. In fact, they've got just two wins in their last nine games.
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While they did have an edge in shots on goal in yesterday's loss at Atlanta, they've still been outshot in 15 of their 18 games overall. Of course, it doesn't help that they've already lost 91 man games to injury this season. Note that the Oilers are 0-1 when playing the second of back to back games this season and 3-6 their last nine in that situation, dating back to last year.
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The Jackets are a profitable 31-22 at home with an o/u line of 5.5 the past 2+ seasons and they're already 4-2 (+2.6) this year when attempting to avenge an earlier loss. Given Edmonton's current problems, the current price appears justified. Consider laying the wood.
Karl Garrett
Baltimore at CLEVELAND
Cincinnati Bengals for free on Sunday, now 3-1 my last 4 comp play selections.
Forget for a minute that Cleveland has scored 6 points or less in 5 of their 8 games this season.
This game is all about the Monday night mystique!
Monday night football has produced 8 OVERS in 10 games this season, and is on a 19-6-1 OVER run dating back to last season.
Heck, Baltimore is liable to take this game OVER the total by themselves, as the Ravens have played 10 OVERS in their last 15 road games, and a look at the series meetings between the teams shows a 4-1-1 OVER clip their last 6 showdowns.
The Ravens have played OVER the total in 6 of their last 9 games in the month of November, and the G-Man likes tonight's game to also topple the total.
Another Monday night, another OVER.
4♦ OVER
Bobby Maxwell
Portland at ATLANTA -3
I'm 8-3 with my last 11 FREE selections and tonight I'm coming with a comp play on the NBA hardwood as I go with the Hawks at home to get the best of the Blazers.
Is this the season the Hawks finally blossom into a serious Eastern Conference playoff team? I know they had the run a couple seasons ago an fought the Celtics in the playoffs, but this year, they look legitimate.
Atlanta has won four straight and just demolished the Hornets on Saturday 121-98 as a 12 ½-point favorite. That came the night after going to Boston and getting a 97-86 victory as nine-point underdogs.
Joe Johnson is still the leader of this team, but solid contributions are coming from all five starters as forwards Josh Smith and Marvin Williams are some of the best slashers in the NBA and Al Horford is providing solid minutes in the middle.
Portland is playing some good basketball as well, but they are four games in to this five-game road trip and their offense is going down with each stop. The Blazers are 4-0 SU and ATS so far on the trip, but they only managed an 80-74 win at Charlotte on Satruday.
Atlanta has won two in a row over Portland, including a 97-91 upset in Portland on Nov. 3, cashing as a seven-point underdog. Last year, the Hawks beat up the Blazers 98-80 in their only trip to Atlanta, cashing as four-point favorites.
The Hawks are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall and 18-7-2 ATS in their last 27 home games. I like the way this Atlanta team is put together. Lay the small chalk and play Atlanta at home in this one.
4♦ ATLANTA
Dominic Fazzini
Portland at ATLANTA -3
I hit my complimentary selection Sunday for the sixth time in seven days, taking the underdog Bengals against Pittsburgh. Now I'm heading to the NBA as a secure another winner.
The Hawks are rolling right now at 8-2, winning four straight games. They are averaging 108 points per game and are getting balanced scoring, led by Joe Johnson's 21.8 ppg.
Portland, at 8-3 also is playing solid basketball, but it is playing its fifth road game in seven days, so I don't expect the team to come with its best effort tonight.
Atlanta is 4-0 SU at home, winning each game by double digits, and it already beat the Trail Blazers 97-91 in Portland on Nov. 3.
The Hawks are 9-1 ATS overall this season, 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 games as a favorite, 18-7-2 ATS in their last 27 home games and 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games as a home favorite. Take Atlanta to cover the points tonight in an easy victory.
4♦ ATLANTA
Stephen Nover
Portland at ATLANTA +4'
Portland has the second best pointspread mark in the NBA at 8-3. But the Trail Blazers are trumped by Atlanta. The Hawks have the best pointspread mark at 9-1.
The Hawks also have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 8-2. Both teams are playing extremely well. Portland has won and covered six in a row. Atlanta has won and covered in its last four games, including defeating Denver by 25 and Boston by 11 on the road.
My choice is the Hawks for three reasons.
Reason No. 1: The situation. Portland is playing its fifth road game in seven days. The Trail Blazers are down one player, too, with No. 4 scorer Travis Outlaw out with an injury.
Like Portland, Atlanta is playing for the third time in four nights. The Hawks, however, are playing at home in the second of four straight games at Philips Arena. Fatigue should hit the Trail Blazers, especially in the fourth quarter. The Hawks have been outscoring their opponents by an average of seven points in the final quarter.
Reason No. 2: The matchup. The Hawks were the last team to beat the Trail Blazers, knocking them off in Portland on Nov. 3, 97-91. The Hawks match up well to Portland because of their size advantage.
Atlanta is averaging 20.5 points more in the paint than Portland. The Hawks outscored the Trail Blazers, 50-34, in the paint during their earlier matchup.
Reason No. 3: Home-court. Yes it's factored into the line. But the Hawks have been tremendous at home this season going 4-0 with an average winning margin of 17.5 points.
3♦ HAWKS
Sports Gambling Hotline
Dallas -1' at MILWAUKEE
Sunday comp play winner on Kansas City. Now 57-50-4 our last 111 free play releases.
NBA for Monday night, and we will go with Dallas as the small road choice over Milwaukee.
The Bucks have won 4 straight games, but our feeling is that this young team is going to get cooled off by the veteran Mavericks this evening at the Bradley Center.
Dallas does bring a modest 2 game winning streak into this game, and they are off to a 7-3 overall start both straight up, and against the spread. The Mavs have covered in 4 of their 6 away games to date.
In the series, Dallas has won 7 of the last 10, and while Milwaukee has covered in 5 of the last 6, we feel this line is low enough for the Mavs to notch both the win, and the cover.
Play on Dallas.
3♦ DALLAS
Jeff Benton
Dallas at MILWAUKEE +1'
Hope you enjoyed Sunday’s NFL free-play winner on the Jaguars, who pulled off the outright upset at the Jets. For Monday, we’ll shift to the NBA and back the Bucks as a home underdog against Dallas.
Milwaukee has to be the NBA’s biggest surprise to this point in the season. The Bucks are 5-2 SU and ATS, including 4-0 at home (3-1 ATS). They come into tonight riding a four-game winning streak, and although they failed to cover in Saturday’s 129-125 win over the Warriors as a 7½-point home favorite, they had cashed in five previous games, including three straight as an underdog.
The Bucks are where they are at this point thanks mostly to the play of remarkable 20-year-old rookie Brandon Jennings, who scored 55 points in Saturday’s win over Golden State, and he’s averaging 25.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. With Jennings leading the way, Milwaukee has averaged 113 ppg in the last three, all at home.
As for Dallas, it is in a tough spot her. The Mavericks, who played in Detroit last night, end a five-game, six-day road trip with this contest. Yes, they’ve won the last two after losing in San Antonio on Wednesday, but they’ve struggled in Milwaukee in recent years, losing two in a row and three of four in the Bradley Center. Not only that, but Dallas hasn’t covered the pointspread in nine straight trips Milwaukee, and the Bucks are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings, and the home team has won five in a row SU.
Throw in the fact the Mavericks have struggled to score on this road trip (95, 89, 83 points), and I look for Jennings and Milwaukee to continue their hot run.
3♦ MILWAUKEE