SPORTSADVISORS
NFL
New England (7-3, 5-4-1 ATS) at New Orleans (10-0, 7-3 ATS)
The top two offenses in the league will square off inside the Superdome when the Patriots visit New Orleans looking to upend the unbeaten Saints.
New England improved to 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games with last week’s 31-14 rout of the Jets, covering as a 10½-point home favorite. The Patriots have scored 27 points or more in their last five games and are averaging 37.2 ppg during this stretch. For the season, New England is putting up 29 points and 416.1 yards per game, which ranks third and second, respectively, in the league. Behind QB Tom Brady (3,049 yards, 20 TDs, 6 INTs), the Pats also field the league’s second-best passing attack (302.3 ypg).
New Orleans clobbered the Bucs last weekend, winning 38-7 and covering as a 10½-point road favorite, snapping a three-game ATS skid. The Saints, off to the best start in franchise history, have scored at least 24 points in every game this season, tallying 30 or more seven times. QB Drew Brees (2,746 yards, 22 TDs, 9 INTs) paces an explosive attack that leads the NFL in scoring offense (36.9 ppg) and total offense (420.5 ypg), and New Orleans also rates fifth in rushing offense (154.3 ypg).
These teams haven’t squared off since 2005 when the Patriots got a 24-17 home win, but came up short as 8½-point favorites. Going back to 1986, the Saints are 6-1 ATS against New England.
The Patriots are on ATS slides of 5-11 after a spread-cover and 4-9-1 in Week 12 games, but they are on positive pointspread runs of 38-17-1 on the road, 6-2 as an underdog and 5-1 on artificial turf.
New England quarterback Tom Brady is 23-12 SU and 23-10-1 ATS as an underdog, while Bill Belichick is 16-8 SU and ATS versus undefeated foes (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS this season).
New Orleans is on a plethora of ATS hot streaks, including 12-4-1 overall, 7-3 at home, 12-3 as a favorite, 5-0 in Week 12 and 5-1 after a spread-cover.
In terms of Monday night trends, the underdog has covered five of the last seven games with Tennessee winning outright as a road pup at Houston a week ago. That continued a streak of four consecutive covers for the road team – and five in six weeks – under the Monday lights.
New England is 8-13 SU on the Monday night road (10-11 ATS), while New Orleans is 3-8 both SU and ATS at the Superdome playing on Mondays.
New England has stayed below the posted total in four of five on the road and 10 of 14 Week 12 games, but the over for the Patriots is on streaks of 12-5 as an underdog, 4-1-1 in November contests and 8-2-1 on artificial turf.
For the Saints, the over is on upticks of 21-9-1 overall, 14-3-1 at home, 18-8-1 as a favorite, 12-3-1 as a home favorite, 4-0 on Monday and 47-21-2 against teams with a winning record.
Finally, the “over” is 19-8-1 in Monday Night Football games dating back to last season (8-4 this year). However, the last three Monday night affairs have stayed under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
NBA
Chicago (6-8, 4-10 ATS) at Milwaukee (8-7, 9-6 ATS)
The Bulls wrap up a six-game road trip that began back on Nov. 17 when they travel to the Bradley Center to battle the Bucks.
After beating Sacramento 110-87 to begin this journey, Chicago has dropped the last four games (SU and ATS) and hasn’t hit triple digits since that opening win against the Kings. Most recently, the Bulls lost 105-86 in Utah as seven-point underdogs on Thursday. They are averaging 91 points a game this season and shooting just 43.3 percent from the field, and on defense they have allowed 106.8 points a game and 50.7 percent shooting during this road trip.
Milwaukee started out 8-3 but has now lost four in a row (1-3 ATS), including Saturday’s tough 100-98 loss to Orlando, but they cashed as a seven-point home underdog. The Bucks have only reached triple digits once in the last seven games after scoring 102 or more for four straight contests.
These teams met back on Nov. 3 in Chicago with the Bulls pulling out an 83-81 victory but falling well short as 8½-point favorites. Chicago has won seven of the last eight meetings (4-4 ATS) and two of the last three in Milwaukee (SU and ATS). The favorite has a 5-1 ATS edge in the last six series clashes.
The Bulls are on ATS runs of 8-3 against Central Division teams and they are 5-0 ATS in their last five games after getting three or more days off, however they are on pointspread slides of 1-8 against the Eastern Conference, 0-4 on this road trip, 0-5 as a road ‘dog, 1-9-1 after a straight-up loss and 1-4 after a non-cover. Milwaukee is on ATS upticks of 6-0 against the Eastern Conference, 8-2 at home, 6-2 as a favorite and 9-4 as a home chalk of less than five points.
Chicago is on a plethora of “under” runs, including 9-3 overall, 6-2 on the road, 8-1 after a non-cover, 6-2 as an underdog and 4-0 against Central Division teams. The Bucks have stayed below the total in six of nine against Eastern Conference teams, but they are on “over” streaks of 6-0 overall, 4-0 after getting a day off, 5-0 after a spread-cover and 7-3 after a straight-up loss. Finally, the “over” is 6-2 in the last eight head-to-head meetings between these rivals.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MILWAUKEE
Randall the Handle
Patriots @ Saints
Very quietly, the Patriots have allowed the second least amount of points in the NFL. As luck would have it, the Saints have scored a league-leading 369 points. Something has to give and that being the case, the better defence combined with a dangerous offence, while getting points is the prudent move here.TAKING: New England +3
JIM FEIST
INDIANA PACERS / GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
TAKE UNDER
Both these clubs struggling to start the season. The Pacers are 6-8 SU & ATS while the Warriors are 5-10 SU and 8-7 ATS. The Pacers had a nice 5-game winning streak earlier in the month, but then went on to lose five of their next six games. The Warriors are riding a two-game losing skid after being drubbed at home their last time out by the Lakers, 130-97. The Warriors are third in the league in points scored (108.6) while Indiana is 20th (97.5). Sometimes stats can be a bit misleading and here's a case in point. The last 16 times these teams have met, the game has gone over 12 times. However, the oddsmakers have sure pumped that total for tonight game. In fact, if you look a the last 15 times these two teams have met, they have only gone over tonight's posted total once!! This is just too many points in this contest. Had this total been 10 points less we still would have liked it under.
Frank Jordan
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Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Play: Chicago Bulls +3
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Chicago and Milwaukee have lost 4 in a row each and are hovering around .500. Chicago is 6-8 and have just 2 wins in 9 road games. Milwaukee is 8-7, but 6 of those 8 have come at home. In this one the good thing is someone has to win and why not it be the road Bulls who need a division game to get the competitive juices going and spur them on to victory. Play Chicago
Rob Vinciletti
Saint Marys CA vs. San Jose State
Play: Saint Marys CA -5
ST.Marys is 20-4 after scoring 80 or more points in their last game, 14-2 in the month of November and 34-7 when playing out of conference,including 5-0 the last few years against WAC teams. San Jose State is 7-23 long term as a home dog in this range and 06 after scoring 77 or more in their last game. Saint Marys is a better team with more talent and should polish off San Jose State in the later stages of this game.
EZWINNERS
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Indiana Pacers @ Golden State Warriors
Play: Golden State Warriors -2
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This game will be a track meet. The Warriors were defeated by the Pacers on November 11th in Indiana 108-94, but I look for the Warriors to get their revenge in this game. Golden State has been playing much better ball since the trade of Stephen Jackson and Monta Ellis has really stepped up his game. The Warriors are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games and the Pacers are just 2-8 against the spread in their last ten games as an underdog of less than five points. Lay the points.
Sports Gambling Hotline
Chicago at MILWAUKEE -3
UNDER comp play winner on Sunday between Jacksonville-San Francisco.
Now 12-5 the last 17 days with our comp plays.
NBA comp play winner on Monday on Milwaukee as the small home favorite.
The circus comes to the Windy City, the Bulls hit the road, and the usual losing ensues.
This season is no different, as Chicago brings a 4 game straight up, and against the spread road losing streak into Milwaukee this Monday night.
The Bucks have been a bit of a surprise this season, paced by rookie Brandon Jennings, as Milwaukeee may be on a 4 game slide of their own, but they have gone 8-2 against the spread their last 10 home games, and they are 6-2 against the spread their last 8 when favored.
Chicago is on a 3 game series winning streak, but they failed to cover in this season's first meeting.
The time is right for Milwaukee to stop the skid.
Play on the Bucks.
2♦ MILWAUKEE
Karl Garrett
Memphis at UTAH -10
Sunday comp winner on Minnesota over Chicago, and now it is on to the NBA for Monday, and a play on the Jazz.
Good spot for Utah, as Memphis played last night at the Clippers, and are playing their 4th game in 6 nights overall.
The Grizzlies have dropped 3 of their first 4 when playing with no rest, and are just 4-6 against the spread in their 10 road games this season.
Utah did have last night off, and have been playing some soild hoops, winning their last pair, and 5 of their last 6 straight up, while going 6-2 against the spread their last 8 games.
The Jazzmen are also on a 9 game series winning streak, covering the last 7 times they have faced the Grizzlies.
Go with the Jazz in this spot minus the points.
3♦ UTAH
Chris Jordan
Memphis at UTAH -10
The Grizzlies were down in Los Angeles tangling with the Clippers last night, and eventually lost 98-88. Now they come up for a second helping on this road trip, on back-to-back nights no less, and will be out of sorts when facing the Jazz.
Utah is in the midst of a six-game home stand, and is in off two impressive wins over the Bulls and Trail Blazers, winning by a collective 35 points. The Jazz have taken days off in between during this home stand, so I'll have fresh legs on the court at all times, no doubt.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies will be playing their fourth road game in six nights after games at Phoenix, Portland and Los Angeles last night. It's no wonder they scored a mere 88 points last night, they were involved in up-tempo contests with the Suns and Blazers.
You really think they'll have their wind for tonight's contest in Salt Lake City?
Lay the chalk.
4♦ UTAH JAZZ
Bobby Maxwell
St. Mary's -1' at SAN JOSE STATE
I improved to 17-8 with my last 25 FREE selections Sunday when I nailed the Steelers catching points at Baltimore. Tonight I've got a comp winner for you from the college hardwood as I play St. Mary's to get the win and cover as the Gaels face San Jose State.
This St. Mary’s team – as has been the case the last few years – can play some basketball. They’re putting up points and they will go into San Jose State tonight and get an easy win. Look for the Gaels to win this one by 10 and get the easy win and cover.
St. Mary’s is going to be in the hunt for the West Coast Conference title this season, battling with Gonzaga and Portland for the crown.
The power for the Gaels comes in the middle with Omar Samhan who averages 20.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game this season. He gets a lot of help from guard Matthew Dellavedova and Wayne Hunter who combine to average 26.8 points a game and 6.4 assists.
This team blew out New Mexico State and San Diego State to open the season, lost a heartbreaker to Vanderbilt, 72-70, but have rebounded to route Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Maritime.
On the opposite side, San Jose State went to Washington and lost, then on Nov. 22 they went to UC Riverside and lost 70-66. The Spartans did rebound to beat Pacific 59-55 on Saturday, but they don’t have the firepower to hang with St. Mary’s. Only two players average double-digit scoring and they don’t dominate the boards with just one player averaging double-digit rebounds.
They might start slow because it’s a road game, but look for St. Mary’s to put it together for a big second half and win this one by 10. Lay the small chalk and play the Gaels.
4♦ ST. MARY'S
DUNKEL INDEX
New England at New Orleans
The Saints look to build on their 12-3 ATS record in their last 15 games as a favorite. New Orleans is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Saints favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-1 1/2)
Game 229-230: New England at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: New England 142.321; New Orleans 149.020
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 6 1/2; 59
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 1 1/2; 56
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-1 1/2); Over
NBA
Memphis at Utah
The Jazz look to take advantage of a Memphis team that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games as an underdog between 5 and 10 1/2 points. Utah is the pick (-10) according to Dunkel, which has the Jazz favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Utah (-10)
Game 501-502: Chicago at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 115.753; Milwaukee 115.449
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 2 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+2 1/2); Under
Game 503-504: Philadelphia at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 111.448; Dallas 125.963
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 14 1/2; 203
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 10 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-10 1/2); Over
Game 505-506: Memphis at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 113.757; Utah 125.234
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 11 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 10; 207 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-10); Under
Game 507-508: Indiana at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 114.101; Golden State 114.121
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 222
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 2; 227
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+2); Under
NCAAB
Penn State at Virginia
The Nittany Lions look to take advantage of a Virginia team that is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 non-conference games. Penn State is the pick (+6) according to Dunkel, which has Virginia favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Penn State (+6)
Game 509-510: Penn State at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 58.658; Virginia 61.759
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 2
Vegas Line: Virginia by 6
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (+6)
Game 511-512: Florida International at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 41.162; Bowling Green 50.662
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+10 1/2)
Game 513-514: St. Mary's (CA) at San Jose State
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's (CA) 61.953; San Jose State 58.960
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 3
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+5 1/2)
Game 515-516: Canisius at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 50.108; Eastern Michigan 53.288
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan 3
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+4 1/2)
Game 517-518: Fairfield at Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 49.259; Hofstra 57.831
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 7
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (-7)
Game 519-520: St. Joseph's at Rider
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 57.743; Rider 57.591
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 1
Dunkel Pick: Rider (+1)
NHL
Buffalo at Toronto
The Sabres look to build on their 9-4 record in their last 13 road games. Buffalo is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Sabres favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-130)
Game 1-2: St. Louis at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.612; Columbus 11.979
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-135); Under
Game 3-4: Washington at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.491; Carolina 11.088
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-185); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-185); Over
Game 5-6: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.620; Atlanta 11.512
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-160); 6
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+150); Over
Game 7-8: Buffalo at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.537; Toronto 11.488
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-130); 6
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-130); Under
Game 9-10: Pittsburgh at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.057; NY Rangers 11.494
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-110); Under
Game 11-12: Colorado at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.523; Tampa Bay 11.219
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-130); Under
Game 13-14: Dallas at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.065; Detroit 12.236
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-160); Over
Game 15-16: Calgary at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.695; Nashville 12.021
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-125); Over
SPORTS WAGERS
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NEW ORLEANS –2 over New England
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Stats are misleading, there’s no doubt about that and that’s why you rarely, if ever, see me mention a specific teams’ stats. Thus, you might read about how the Patriots defense ranks right up there with the best in the league and all I can say to that is, “very big deal”. What is a big deal is whom they’ve played thus far so let’s have a look at that “top-ranked” defense. In week one they played Buffalo followed by games against the Jets, Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Tennessee (when Kerry Collins was at QB), Tampa Bay, Miami, Indy and the Jets again. In other words, they’ve faced one prolific or efficient offense, the Colts, and they allowed 35 points. The other teams they’ve faced are among the leagues worst in total yards gained. The Pats stats were especially skewed after playing Tampa (35-7) and Tennessee (59-0). So, if you think this defense is good, think again because they’re not good at all. They’re old, they give up big plays, not to mention a ton of yards, and they’re going to get shredded tonight. There’s not a thing Bill Belichick will be able to do about it except go for it on fourth down at his own 28 yard-line (even though that was the right move). Tom Brady and the Patriots will get their points, make no mistake about that, as the Saints defense can’t stop the marching band at times, but this one is all about the Saints at home and their wickedly potent offense that cannot be stopped by such a mediocre group. The Patriots have played in a ton of big games and a ton of prime time games over the past few years so this is nothing new for them. The Saints have not played in many big games at all over the years but this one is going to have the city, fans and stadium in an absolute frenzy and thus, anytime we can lay less than a field goal on this juggernaut of a team, at home, you can pencil me in. Furthermore, the money has been coming in on the Patriots since this line came out and not only is that surprising but it’s a giant red flag too. Play: New Orleans –2 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
GOLDEN STATE –2½ over Indiana
The Pacers have one win in its last six games and that includes a home-loss to the Knicks. Its last two wins have come against the Clip Joint and the 0-17 Nets. The Pacers last three losses have been by 21, 12 and 16 points respectively, to the Mav’s, Raps and Bobcats. Danny Granger, the real threat on that team is playing with a bum knee and when he’s limited so are the Pacers, big time. Meanwhile, the Warriors last six opponents have been Cleveland, Boston, Portland, Dallas, San Antonio and the Lakers, arguable the top six teams in the Association. That is an incredibly tough stretch of games, yet the Warriors still won two of the six and lost one other by six points. The Warriors will be taking a gigantic step down in class here and after playing that group of six, this one should appear in slow motion for them. Play: Golden State –2½ (Risking 2.04 units to win 2).
Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports
360 - 251 run 59 %
Free Play Mon Dallas Mav's -10
8)
Michael Cannon
New England at NEW ORLEANS
I’m 37-23-1 with my last 61 overall free plays.
Take the over in tonight’s Monday Night matchup between the Patriots and Saints.
Obviously two great offenses will be on display tonight and I think this game will live up to its billing.
The Patriots have scored 27 points or more in their last five games and are averaging 37.2 ppg during this stretch. New England is averaging 29 ppg on the season and they field the league’s second-rated passing attack behind Tom Brady.
The Saints lead the league in scoring offense at 36.9 ppg. They also lead in total offense at 420.5 ypg and they rank fifth in rushing offense at 154.3 ypg. Drew Brees is having arguably his best season ever, and I see him trading scores with Brady throughout tonight’s game.
The over is on a 19-8-1 run in Monday Night games dating back to last season, including 8-4 this year.
Take the over as this one lives up to its billing.
3 OVER
Dominic Fazzini
Penn State at VIRGINIA -4
I continued to stay hot with my complimentary selections Sunday, taking the Chargers to roll against Kansas City. That victory pushed my record to 17-4 over the past 21 days, including a run of 14-3, and Virginia is going to get me another win today!
The Cavaliers are a much better team at home than they are on the road. They are 3-0 SU and 2-0 ATS in Charlottesville, and 1-2 SU and ATS away from home.
Virginia is getting balanced scoring throughout its lineup, led by guard Sylven Landesberg's 16.2 points per game and forward Mike Scott's 12.5 ppg. And the return of 7-foot center Assane Sene from a early-season suspension gives the Cavaliers a presence in the middle.
The Nittany Lions are largely dependent on 6-foot junior guard Talor Battle, who leads the team in scoring (18.2 ppg), rebounding (6.3) and assists (3.5). First-year Virginia coach Tony Bennett, who came over from Washington State, knows how to put together a defensive game plan and should be able to keep Battle in check, forcing lesser players to do things they're not comfortable doing.
Virginia returns eight of its top nine scorers from last season and seems much improved over last season. Meanwhile, Penn State should finish at or near the bottom of the Big Ten.
The Nittany Lions are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six road games, 0-3-1 ATS in their last four nonconference games and 0-3-1 in their last four games overall. Take the Cavaliers to cover the points at home today.
3♦ VIRGINIA