Michael Cannon
Ohio -3 vs. Marshall, at Detroit, MI
I am now 50-35-3 with my last 88 free plays!
Take Ohio minus the points in the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl this afternoon.
A lot of uncertainty surrounds the Marshall football team today. Coach Mark Snyder resigned following a 52-21 annihilation by Utep in the season finale. That led to the hiring of West Virginia assistant coach Doc Holliday.
But Holliday won’t take over until after the bowl season, which means Rick Minter will be the interim coach for the Herd today.
Not sure what kind of message he can get through to his players when the entire coaching staff, himself included, will be worrying about where to find a new job.
In any event, Ohio should be able to get the job done here. Marshall’s offense ranked near the bottom of the nation, so the Bobcats should have no problem keeping them in check.
Take Ohio minus the points as they grab the win and cover.
3♦ OHIO
Drew Gordon
Boston College +7' vs USC at San Francisco, CA
26-16-2 roll L44 Free Plays! For today's complimentary play, we're looking at the Boston College/Southern California match up.
For a powerhouse like Southern California, the Emerald Bowl is an insult. It's not even a January Bowl game, and quite frankly, I believe the Trojans could care less about this match up or Boston College... This is not what the coach Carroll's "5♦ recruits" signed up for, plain and simple.
On the other hand, the Eagles had to battle their way into the postseason, and see a real chance at notoreity, if they can pull off what everyone in the world would consider a monumental upset. Boston College surged down the stretch, going 4-2 SU, including road wins at Virginia & Maryland, two tough opponents who needed wins and were playing at home. How did they do it? Using the same formula they're going to use to cover tonight's match up: DEFENSE.
You see, while the Trojans may have the bigger names on defense, its the Eagles stop-unit who's playing better football, allowing just 19 ppg on 284 total yards over their L3 games. For comparisons sake, USC is allowing 27 ppg on 370 total yards over the same span! Boston College's offense is no juggernaut, but they're more than capable of playing a run-heavy/milk the clock kind of game behind stud RB Montel Harris, who's 4.8 yards/carry is no accident! The Trojans D has been getting skewered the L2 months, allowing almost 29 ppg over their L7 games!
Bottom line, time to wake up Trojan-backers... You're team is in a rebuilding year! Matt Barkley has a bright future, but for the time being, you're offense is not good enough to lay this many against a rock-solid Boston College defense that's playing great football right now. In the end, the PAC-10 is down this year and it'll show, as one of their best burns their backers once again (1-6 ATS L/7 games) here tonight.
Take Boston College plus the points over Southern California in this college football match up.
2♦ BOSTON COLLEGE
DUNKEL INDEX
North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
The Panthers look to build on their 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 games as a favorite. Pittsburgh is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Panthers favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-2 1/2)
Game 213-214: Ohio vs. Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 85.560; Marshall 76.217
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 9 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Ohio by 2 1/2; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (-2 1/2); Over
Game 215-216: North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 95.053; Pittsburgh 99.941
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 5; 41
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 2 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-2 1/2); Under
Game 217-218: Boston College vs. USC
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 94.265; USC 95.038
Dunkel Line: USC by 1; 46
Vegas Line: USC by 9; 44
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (+9); Over
NBA
Houston at New Jersey
The Rockets look to bounce back from a 102-87 loss at Orlando and build on their 13-3 ATS record in their last 16 games following a SU loss by more than 10 points. Houston is the pick (-9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-9 1/2)
Game 701-702: Memphis at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 120.548; Dallas 122.936
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 2 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 8; 200
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+8); Over
Game 703-704: Atlanta at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 124.900; Indiana 117.405
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6 1/2); Over
Game 705-706: Houston at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.256; New Jersey 108.865
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 11 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 9 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-9 1/2); Under
Game 707-708: New Orleans at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 116.839; Chicago 116.294
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 1; 174
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+1 1/2); Under
Game 709-710: Washington at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 115.843; Minnesota 1114.103
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 711-712: Charlotte at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 116.706; Oklahoma City 120.797
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 4; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+5 1/2); Over
Game 713-714: San Antonio at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.220; Milwaukee 118.265
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 4; 188
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-2 1/2); Under
Game 715-716: Philadelphia at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 113.725; Utah 124.441
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 10 1/2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 7 1/2; 205
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-7 1/2); Under
Game 717-718: LA Lakers at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 124.713; Sacramento 117.318
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7 1/2; 211
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 6; 207
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-6); Over
Game 719-720: Phoenix at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 117.759; Golden State 113.787
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 224
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 233 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-3); Under
NCAAB
West Virginia at Seton Hall
The Pirates look to take advantage of a West Virginia team that is 2-10 ATS in it last 12 games as a favorite between 1 and 6 1/2 points. Seton Hall is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mountaineers favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+3 1/2)
Game 721-722: West Virginia at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 72.629; Seton Hall 72.072
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 1
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+3 1/2)
NHL
St. Louis at Minnesota
The Blues look to build on their 6-1 record in their last 7 road games. St. Louis is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Blues favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110)
Game 1-2: Columbus at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.560; Detroit 10.945
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-175); Under
Game 3-4: Philadelphia at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.205; Carolina 10.240
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Under
Game 5-6: NY Islanders at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.191; NY Rangers 11.053
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+155); Under
Game 7-8: New Jersey at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.439; Washington 12.524
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-140); Over
Game 9-10: Ottawa at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 12.057; Buffalo 11.442
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-200); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+170); Under
Game 11-12: Montreal at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.780; Toronto 11.046
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-130); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-130); Over
Game 13-14: Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 10.685; Tampa Bay 11.129
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-115); Under
Game 15-16: St. Louis at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.880; Minnesota 11.153
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Under
Game 17-18: Chicago at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.051; Nashville 12.657
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+110); Over
Game 19-20: Los Angeles at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.383; Phoenix 11.878
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+120); Over
Game 21-22: Dallas at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.115; Colorado 10.928
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+110); Over
Game 23-24: Edmonton at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.982; Vancouver 11.098
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-230); Over
Game 25-26: Anaheim at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.201; San Jose 12.424
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-230); Over
JR TIPS
76ERS at JAZZ
The Jazz easily defeated the 76ers last month without their star point guard Derron Williams and he will play tonight as the Jazz look to continue their home dominance over the 76ers. Utah is coming off a 2-3 road trip losing the final game 80-70 to Miami on Wednesday night as they set season marks for fewest points allowed and fewest points scored. Williams had both 18 in that game and against Orlando in a loss two nights earlier although he's averaging 30.3 points and 13.0 assists in his last three games at Energy Solutions Arena where Utah is 11-4.The Jazz beat Philadelphia on Nov. 13th 112-90 for their fifth consecutive victory in the series and has won 18 of its last 20 home games against the 76ers holding them to 93.5 points per game. Philadelphia is 3-11 on the road this season although they have only been outscored in those contests by an average of 3.4 points. Allen Iverson still might not be healthy enough to play so the Sixers have started 19-year-old point guard Jrue Holiday in Iverson's place but he had five points versus the Wizards after being held scoreless in a 112-107 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last Saturday. Defense has been the Sixers biggest concern as they gave up more than 100 points for the fourth time in five games. Brand led Philadelphia with 18 points and 12 rebounds against Washington and is shooting 59.6 percent over his last five games while Carlos Boozer led all players with 24 points and 12 rebounds and is averaging 23.0 points on 63.9 percent shooting in his last eight games versus the Sixers. Although the Jazz have dominated the Sixers, they are in a tough spot tonight playing their first game at home after a long east coast road trip while the Sixers have been competitive on the road this season only losing by an average of less than 4 points a game. The Sixers will keep this one close as they are Hungary to win ballgames quoted by Elton Brand.
TAKE SIXERS +7.5
Tom Freese
Atlanta Thrashers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Prediction: Over
Tampa Bay 4-0 OVER when playing with two days of rest and they are 4-1 OVER their last 5 games overall. The Lightning are 9-4-1 OVER their last 14 games vs. Southeast Division teams and they are 4-0 OVER their last 4 meetings with the Thrashers. Atlanta is 5-0 OVER their last 5 games overall and they are 4-0 OVER vs. a team with a losing record. The Thrashers are 15-6-2 OVER their last 23 Saturday games and they are 9-4-1 OVER vs. Southeast Division teams. PLAY ON 'OVER'
Jack Jones
Ohio vs. Marshall
Play: Ohio -3
I don't think a field goal is enough points for the Bobcats to be laying today against Marshall. Ohio played here in Central Michigan three weeks ago in the MAC title game, but I expect a better performance out of them here today since their quarterback, Theo Scott, will be at full strength.
Marshall lost head coach Mark Snyder heading into this game, so it will be up to interim coach Rick Minter to lead his squad. Word is that he's not being looked at very seriously to take over, so how much effort is him and the players going to be putting into this one?
Marshall is scoring 21.8 ppg against teams allowing 27.4 and they really don't do a good job of moving the ball through the air or on the ground. Ohio's passing game will be too much for them to keep up with as I see this one getting away early.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Grizzlies/Mavs UNDER 201
Odds makers are begging for action on the Over with this line, and they are getting it, but we won't bite. This matchup has been an Unders machine with 7 of the last 8 coming in Under the number, including 6 of the last 7 in Dallas. Plus, the Under is 13-3 in Mavericks last 16 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record while it is 6-1 in Grizzlies last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Bet the Under.
Golden Contender
Washington at Minnesota
Pick: Washington
The Wizards have coverd the last 7 in this series including straight up wins and covers in the last 4 games. Washington has won 4 of 5 when they have 2 days rest and should have no problem here tonight. The Timberwolves are a sub par team and are 2-11 vs losing teams, 4-15 vs teams who score 99 or more points per game,4-17 vs the South East Division and 0-5 this year off a dog win. Look for the Wizards to cash here.
Larry Ness
GSW +3.5 vs PHO
The Suns enter tonight's game in Oakland on a six-game road losing streak while the Warriors will take an overall seven-game losing streak into the contest. The Suns ended a two-game home losing streak with a dominating 124-93 Christmas night win over the Clippers, as seven players scored in double digits and the Suns made 12-of-24 three-pointers. However, the Suns are 0-6 away from home since a 113-94 win at Toronto on November 29. After losing the first three games of their current road slide by an average of 21.3 PPG, the Suns have lost the most recent three games by a total of just 10 points. The injury-riddled Warriors are 1-5-1 ATS in their seven-game slide and used just seven players in their most recent game, a 108-102 loss at New Orleans on Wednesday. Center Biedrins (11.9-11.2 last year) is expected back for this game and that's great news for the Warriors. Azubuike and Bell may not play at all the rest of the season plus Moore, Turiaf and Wright all remain sidelined. However, the Warriors are getting excellent play from their backcourt, featuring Ellis (25.0-4.3-5.0), Morrow (12.1), rookie Curry (12.1-4.8 APG) and Watson (8.9). The frontcourt is 'thin' but Maggette (17.0-5.6) has been healthy, Randolph (11.4-6.5) has been consistent and Radmanovic (7.0-4.9) has been serviceable. The Suns welcomed sixth-man Barbosa (12 points) back last night and with good reason. Phoenix was 4-8 in the 12 games he missed, while with last night's win, moved them to 14-3 with him available. All five Phoenix starters average in double figures, led by Stoudemire (20.5-8.7) and Nash (18.1-11.3 APG). The Suns are the league's highest scoring team (109.0 PPG) and its best shooting one (49.5% FGs / 42.24% on threes) while the Warriors are allowing a league-high 111.8 PPG and 49.1% on FG attempts. Does that spell doom for Golden St in this game? Maybe, but I'm taking a shot with the Warriors who are well-rested while the Suns are traveling off last night's win and let's NOT forget the team's six-game road losing streak. If Biedrins plays, I really like the Warriors. Take the points.
SPORTS WAGERS
Columbus +1.51 over DETROIT
What has happened to the Jackets? Wow, this team has lost complete confidence and as a result are now on a franchise worst eight-game losing streak. They’re not scoring and when they do score three times, which is a rare occurrence these days, they allow four, five or six against. Anyway, the Jackets are not banged up at all and in fact, are one of the healthier teams in the league. The Jackets looked so good to start the year and then they just ran into a brick wall. This Jackets team has to come out of this short break with a sense of urgency and hopefully the break was what they needed. They’re just too talented to keep losing at this pace and let’s not forget the last time they played the Red Wings they were completely humiliated 9-1. Now they get a chance to face a Red Wings team that is depleted, struggling and likely wanted about another week off. They will get Valterri Filppula back tonight but are still without Henrik Zetterberg, Jonathan Ericsson, LW Dan Cleary, D Niklas Kronwall, RW Jason William, LW Johan Franzen and D Andreas Lilja. Detroit has also been shutout in two straight games and they’re as ripe to get beaten as they’ve been in a long, long time. The tag makes this one a game that must be considered. Play: Columbus +1.51 (Risking 2 units).
St. Louis +1.15 over MINNESOTA
The Blue Notes are playing some tremendous hockey these days and should be ready to pick up where they left off before the break. They’re coming off a three-game sweep on the road in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary and not too many teams will make that same claim when any season is over. Not only are they winning but they’re a completely healthy group and they’re finally scoring some goals, something they struggled with earlier. The Blue Notes have tightened up defensively as well and in fact, has allowed 25 shots on net or fewer in four of its last six. Meanwhile, the Wild are coming off a 3-1 win over the reeling Oilers but prior to that they had lost two straight too Ottawa and Colorado and they didn’t look pretty in all three. No way are they the better team and with the Blue Notes taking back a price and playing this good, they’re absolutely worthy of a wager here. Play: St. Louis +1.15 (Risking 2 units).
SACRAMENTO +2.48 over L.A. Lakers
Definitely would have preferred the Lakers to have won yesterday over the Cav’s but it’s not the way it turned out and it’s not going to deter from playing against them here. What I do know is that Arco will be electric here and the Kings will be ready to go. Prior to Xmas, Sac hoisted Cleveland and the Cav’s played a terrific game, yet Sac went toe-to-toe with them the whole way. The Kings eventually lost in OT but they played a great game too and should duplicate that here because this team is no fluke. They play hard, they play with fire and enthusiasm and they have more young talent than any team in the league. They’ve proven over and over again and they can play with anyone and at home they’re three times as good. Yeah, the Lakers are the Lakers and there’s really not a lot you can say against them. However, hopefully that loss yesterday and the hordes of media it attracted will have them on a bit of a downer here. For sure they didn’t like getting embarrassed by the Cav’s and Kobe has to be feeling the worst of all of them because LeBron out-everythinged him. The hangover from yesterday’s loss could definitely carry over here and if the Lakers aren’t completely ready they’ll get beat by this very impressive Kings team. Furthermore, for the Lakers this game is sandwiched between yesterday’s Cav’s game and Monday against the Nuggets. Play: Sacramento +2.48 (Risking 2 units).
Memphis +8½ over DALLAS
The Mav’s certainly win its fair share of games but as a favorite at home laying points they’ve been a bankroll killer. In fact, at American Airlines Arena, the Mav’s have covered just once in its past 10 games. They even lost to a depleted Trail Blazer team last week. The Grizz are always tough and they’re getting tougher. Memphis has won three straight and also had a chance to beat the Celtics 12 days ago. Basketball has always been about match-ups and these Grizzlies give the Mav’s fits. They’ve beaten them three times in a row and that includes a 16-point win in Memphis in early December. This one goes off at 3:00 PM and we saw yesterday how the pooches did in three early games. This one should also be close and well within this margin. Play: Memphis +8½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).
John Ryan
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz
Play: Utah Jazz -7
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Utah as they take the 76ers set to start at 9:05 EST. AiS shows a 70% probability that Utah will win this game by 7 or more points. Supporting this graded play is a system that has produced a record of 41-17 ATS for 71% winners since 2004. Play against dogs that are cold teams failing to cover 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread and playing with 3 or more days rest. AiS shows an 88% probability that Utah is going to hit a minimum of 52% of their shots. Note that Utah is a perfect 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) when they make 52% of their shots or better in a game this season. Take Utah.
John Martin
1 Unit on New Jersey Nets +9.5
I know the Nets own the league's worst record, but with that mark comes some serious line value with this team. Now, they are catching nearly double-digit points at home to the Houston Rockets, a team that is only outscoring their opponents by 1.4 points/game this season. The Rockets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5 points. Houston is getting too much respect from the books with this line Saturday. Cash in with the Nets as the underdog.
Black Widow
1* on Utah Jazz -6.5
The Jazz have been one of the most dominant home teams in the league over the last few seasons, and hosting one of the worst teams from the Eastern Conference Saturday, they should dominate once again. The 76ers are just 7-21 this season and won't be able to keep this one close. Utah is 11-4 S.U. & 10-5 ATS at home, so when they win they usually cover as well. Philly has lost 15 of their last 17 games overall. With Utah coming off back-to-back losses, they have been hungry to get back to the floor after a small break for Christmas. Utah is 10-2 S.U. & 7-4-1 ATS in their last 12 home meetings with the 76ers. The Jazz are 19-4 ATS (+14.6 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons. Take Utah and lay the points.
Info Plays
3* on North Carolina +3
Reasons why UNC covers:
1.) System Play. We'll Play Against - Any team (PITTSBURGH) - good passing team (7.5-8.3 PYA) against a poor passing team (5.6-6.4 PYA) after 7+ games, in non-conference games. This is a 28-6 ATS System hitting 82.4% since 1992.
2.) Pittsburgh is not happy to be here after losing their final two games to WVU and Cincinnati, and losing out on a chance at a BCS Bowl game because of their lost to the Bearcats in the season-finale. This is a home game for UNC, being played in Charlotte, NC. Bet UNC at home in the Meinecke Car Care Bowl.
WUNDERDOG
New York Islanders at New York Rangers
Pick: UNDER 5.5
The Islanders are 22-16 to the UNDER, thanks to scoring just 2.4 goals per game. Over their last five games, this offense has managed just 1.8 goals per game while their defense has improved. The Rangers have allowed just 1.4 goals per game over their last five games and on the season, the Rangers offense has averaged just 2.3 goals per game vs. division opponents. When facing teams with a losing record, the Rangers are 31-18 UNDER at home the past two seasons. They are also 41-27 UNDER over that span vs. teams that allow 2.9+ goals per game. And, the Rangers have gone UNDER the total in nine of the last ten games.I like this one too to go UNDER.