Drew Gordon
Philadelphia at DALLAS -3'
32-23-3 roll L58 Free Plays! For tonight's complimentary play, we're looking at the Eagles/Cowboys match up.
Eagles-backers want to argue that the reason their team lost so badly last week was: "they didn't want to tip their hand." Oh really? So, then coach Reid decided the # 2 seed and a 1st round bye wasn't important?! C'mon guys, in the immortal words of Herm Edwards: "You play to win the game!" We've seen Dallas deliver in two regular season match ups vs. the Eagles already, and not much will change tonight.
I agree that the Eagles will be more aggressive today, but I'm not as concerned as I would be with Marc Colombo set to return. While I've been impressed with his replacement, Doug Free, the former 1st rounder is a better tackle when he's healthy. Either way, Free will get playing time, and he's another reason why the Eagles will be unsuccesful tonight blitzing Romo.
Speaking of Romo, he definately had issues facing late/great Eagles DC Jim Johnson, but this season has been much different. Romo has excelled versus the blitz-happy Eagles, passing for 618 yards on 45 of 68 attempts (or 66%)! Eagles-backers can argue that Reid "didn't show his hand" in the 24-0 Week 17 loss, but what about their Week 9 upset win in Philly?!!!
Finally, for all the talk about revenge and what-not, I believe the Cowboys playoff drought is more of a motivator than the Eagles revenge factor. Not to mention, their playing at home, where their defense (that dominated in the same venue last week) is at its best, allowing 13.9 ppg on 312 total yards. In the end, the 'Boys have years of frustration, as a franchise and as individuals, in the postseason, and this is the game where they finally get some redeption.
Take Dallas over Philadelphia in this NFC Wild Card match up.
2♦ DALLAS
EZWINNERS
Dallas Cowboys -3.5
The Cowboys are peaking at the right time and finally have the "can't win in December" monkey off of their back. I don't buy into "its tough to beat a team three times in one season" thinking. The Cowboys are just a bad match up for the Eagles. I don't see Philly doing anything different that will change the outcome of this weeks game. The Cowboys defense is at the top of their game and some of the Eagles offensive weapons are banged up. The Eagles defense has tried blitzing as well as zone coverage and they have no answer for the Dallas offense. Lay the points.
Jack Jones
New York Jets +3 over Cincinnati Bengals
Last week it was obvious the Cincinnati Bengals didn't care much about their game with the New York Jets, so this play isn't based on what happened last week. It's based on a season of play by the Jets. These guys have given up 14.7 ppg on the season compared to teams that have scored 21.4 ppg. Their offense has scored 23.4 ppg on the road against teams allowing 21.4 ppg. Their running game has gained 188 yards per game on 4.9 yards per rush.
Cincinnati has had to deal with a lot of emotion this year, and down the stretch they have lost three of their last four games. Against the spread things have gotten worse, losing six of their last seven. Carson Palmer isn't the same guy he was the last time the Bengals were in the playoffs and he hurt his knee. The ground game is bruising, but against this Jets defense I can't see them moving the ball effectively when they only managed 3.9 yards per rush during the regular season.
Take the points here as the better team is the road team.
Tom Stryker
SO ILLINOIS (-) over Drake
Off Wednesday's solid performance at Creighton, this is going to be a tough spot for this young Drake basketball team. Southern Illinois owns a mind-boggling 66-8 SU record at home in MVC action and the Salukis will be well prepared for this conference battle especially off back-to-back SU and ATS losses to Illinois State and Northern Iowa in their last two games. Of course, with road wars at Creighton and Evansville on deck, this contest takes on added importance too!
Historically speaking, SIU has been in complete control posting straight up wins in 19 of the last 21 meetings. Surprisingly, one of the Salukis eight conference home losses came against the Bulldogs last season. That blemish hasn't been forgotten by Southern Illinois head coach Chris Lowrey and he'll have his kids ready to go for sure!
With a 17-32-4 ATS record, it is noted that SIU has struggled a touched when priced as a double digit favorite. However, Drake has lost six straight and check into Carbondale off a tough four-point loss at Creighton. The Salukis are off a pair of straight up blemishes as you know and, staring at a couple of MVC road wars on deck, this truly is a must-win situation. Lay the lumber men. Take Southern Illinois.
Bryan Leonard
Virginia at NC State
This is just the third true road game for the Cavaliers who have already lost at South Florida & Auburn. This is a team that hasn't had a winning road record since the 1994-95 season. They have dropped 11 of their last 12 games as visitors.
NC State is 20-6 at home the past two seasons. They have struggled this year when stepping up in class with a 1-4 mark against top 100 RPI competition. But they are a perfect 10-0 when playing lesser foes. Virginia's current RPI rating is 166th.
Already off to an 0-1 record in conference play with a loss to Wake Forest this is an early season must win game for the Wolfpack who have Florida State, Clemson, Duke, Maryland and North Carolina on deck. A loss here could turn into a very long year for the host. We expect a superior effort from the better team playing at home.
PLAY NC STATE
Ben Burns
Detroit Red Wings at San Jose Sharks
Prediction: San Jose Sharks
Through the first half of the season, the Sharks have been one of best teams in the entire league. Currently, they're two points behind Chicago (Sharks have 63, Hawks have 65) for first place overall. Their nine regular season losses is the fewest in the league. They've been very good in the regular season before though, only to stumble when the playoffs roll around. They're determined to make this year different. However, they know that the road to the Stanley Cup Finals very likely has to go through Detroit at least if history is any indication.
That said, they should view this as a "statement" game. I made a similar comment when I successfully played on the Sharks in a recent game vs. the Capitals. At the time, I suggested that there was a chance that could prove to be a Stanley Cup preview. The Sharks certainly played like it. They jumped all over Ovechkin and co. and skated to an easy victory. The Sharks will have added motivation from the fact that they already lost at Detroit. Including Wednesday's win over St. Louis, the Sharks are 89-68 the last 154 times they were playing with 'revenge.' That includes a 14-8 mark this season.
The Wings are playing their fourth straight road game. They close out their trip on 1/12 at Long Island. They're a money-burning 10-14 (-17.2) the last 24 times that they played three or more consecutive road games. Note that the Wings are only 12-10 vs. winning teams this season. Conversely, the Sharks, who are playing their fourth straight home game, are 15-6 (+6.2) when facing teams with a winning record.
While the price is a little too steep to qualify as one of my 'guaranteed' selections, I expect the revenge-minded Sharks to deliver an inspired effort and look for them to come away with the two points. Consider laying the wood.
Wunderdog
Florida vs. Vanderbilt
Play: Vanderbilt -6.5
One of the toughest places to play in college basketball is at Vanderbilt. That certainly has been a weapon for the Commodores this season as they stand in with an unblemished nark of 8-0. The Gators are not the team that was cutting down nets a few years ago, and will be ripe with their young team here. The Gators suffered a couple hits losing to UAB and Richmond, and narrowly escaping a mediocre North Carolina State team in overtime. The Commodores have delivered the cash in eight of their last 11 at home, and will expose the young Gators that are playing on the road in a most difficult atmosphere. Vanderbilt gets the call.
DAVID MALINSKY
Connecticut @ Georgetown
PICK: Connecticut +5
There simply may not be a more over-valued home court advantage in all of college basketball than what the oddsmakers continue to force onto Georgetown these days – the Hoyas are an atrocious 3-15 ATS as Big East home favorites the last 2+ seasons, and an early Saturday tipoff before school is in session may bring a lot of basketball fans to the Verizon Center, but it will be the usual antiseptic atmosphere that adds little to John Thompson’s team. So in a game that is absolutely anyone’s to win outright, those +5’s are impossible to pass up.
Connecticut brings all of the tools to be a “tough out” – the Huskies have the tenacity and athleticism to not back down from anyone, and in Jerome Dyson (19.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 77 assists) and Stanley Robinson (17.2 ppg and 7.7 rpg) they have the big-time talents that will not only handle a tough road environment well, but can thrive in it. And the unselfish nature of Jim Calhoun’s team makes them even more difficult to build a margin against, with Dyson and Kemba Walker both averaging more than 5.0 assists per game. Few teams in the nation have such a back-court combination.
Georgetown is a good team, not a great one. The Hoyas have already lost on this court to Old Dominion, had to go to the buzzer to escape 46-45 against Temple, and never had any breathing room in a 66-59 win over St. John’s. By playing at a slow tempo, and by not having much depth (realistically just a six-man rotation right now), they have to have a nearly perfect ride to get a margin vs. this class of opponent, which makes this market projection far too high.
JR O'Donnell
Purdue vs. Wisconsin
Play: Wisconsin -1
We feel that "Coach Ryan" will have them fired up at the Kohl center today. The first true test that will have the {14-0} Boilermakers playing a team that is gelling right now and the Badgers have the swagger at home. They can fill it up from down town "the 3 ball" @ 36% and defend as a team, The Badgers {12-3} stroke the freethrows @ 74% and a huge edge goes to the fact that Purdue can not defend the 3 ball. The Boilersmakers rank near #280 in defending behind the arc. Let's play the Badgers pickem to -1 today early as Bo Ryan knows how to win at the Kohl center .. Another key stat here is Boilersmakers 3-7 ats last 10 road games ..
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on T-Wolves/Bulls UNDER 199.5
The Bulls are 11-6 to the Under at home this season as they are only averaging 92.3 ppg. I think it will be difficult for these teams to eclipse 200 total points having just played last night. A big key to a successful Unders play can be to find teams that don't get to the foul line very often as those teams aren't getting extra points with the clock stopped. In fact, Minnesota is 8-0 Under versus poor foul drawing teams attempting <=24 free throws/game this season. Plus, Chicago is even 8-1 Under versus terrible defensive teams like the T-Wolves who allowing 103+ points/game this season. We'll bet the Under for 1 Unit.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Grizzlies/Bobcats UNDER 201.5
Bottom Line: I feel pretty good about the Under here as Charlotte is even 10-1 Under versus terrible defensive teams with a shooting percentage defense of 48% or worse over the last 2 seasons. We are seeing only 183.1 combined points in these games. We'll take the Under for 1 Unit.
Andrew Bucciarelli
Florida Panthers (+134) at Ottawa Senators (-145) – (2**)
This is the second of four meetings as the road team has won four of the last five matchups. After their fifth loss in seven games, Panthers coach Peter DeBoer was in a sour mood on Wednesday morning when he put his team through a physical workout. Ottawa is still without Spezza (right knee, out until early March) and Alfredsson. The Panthers have scored 120 goals entering Saturday's clash with the Senators -- 14th in the League. Take FLORIDA.
Tampa Bay Lightning (+191) at Philadelphia Flyers (-209) – (2**)
This is the third meeting between the teams. The Flyers won the first two games. The Flyers could move into eighth place in the Eastern Conference if they win and the Devils win in Montreal Saturday night. Flyers rookie left wing James van Riemsdyk has three goals in two games and six points in three games. Leighton is 6-0-1 with a 2.22 goals-against average as the Flyers' starter. Richards has scored in three straight games. Carter has seven points in five games. … Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier has 13 points in 10 games. St. Louis has 11 points in the past eight games. With five power-play goals in two games, the Flyers moved back into second place with a 23.4 percent success rate. Great night for the rookie watch: Van Riemsdyk is tied for second among NHL rookies with 16 assists and tied for fourth with 10 goals. Look for a big from the rookie of the Flyers. Take PHILADELPHIA.
New York Rangers (+125) at Boston Bruins (-135) – (2**)
This is the third of four meetings between the teams, but the first visit for the Rangers to TD Garden. While the Rangers have earned at least one point in 10 of their last 11 games, the Bruins will be out for revenge after a tough 3-2 loss in New York on Monday. For New York, Lundqvist has allowed two goals or fewer in 13 of his past 16 games. Pesky winger Sean Avery tied a career-high with four points on Wednesday against Dallas. Newcomer Erik Christensen has five points in his past five games while forward Ales Kotalik has 2 goals in the past three games. One thing is certain for the surging Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist will be rested. Take NEW YORK.
New Jersey Devils (-125) at Montreal Canadiens (+115) – (1*)
Second of four meetings this season. Patrik Elias scored with 2:36 left in the third period and New Jersey claimed a 2-1 win on home ice Dec. 16. Martin Brodeur returns to play in Montreal for the first time since he dramatically tied Patrick Roy's all-time wins record last March. Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner has five goals and eight points during a five-game points streak, while Patrik Elias has seven goals and nine assists in his last 14 games. New Jersey plays for the second time in as many nights, although the Devils probably did more sitting around and waiting Friday than they did skating and shooting. Take NEW JERSEY.
DUNKEL INDEX
NY Jets at Cincinnati
The Jets look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games as a road underdog between 1 and 3 points. New York is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+3)
Game 101-102: NY Jets at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 134.087; Cincinnati 134.250
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 3; 34
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+3); Over
Game 103-104: Philadelphia at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 136.627; Dallas 139.799
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 3; 42
Vegas Line: Dallas by 4; 45
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+4); Under
NBA
Atlanta at Orlando
The Magic look to take advantage of an Atlanta team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games as a road underdog between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Orlando is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Magic favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-3 1/2)
Game 501-502: Atlanta at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 116.999; Orlando 126.937
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 10; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-3 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Memphis at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 119.731; Charlotte 124.265
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 4 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 5 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+5 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: Philadelphia at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 113.991; Detroit 113.309
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5; 189
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+5); Under
Game 507-508: Indiana at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 111.612; Oklahoma City 117.966
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 6 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8 1/2; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+8 1/2); Over
Game 509-510: Minnesota at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 112.064; Chicago 119.239
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 8 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+8 1/2); Under
Game 511-512: Utah at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 119.808; Dallas 120.645
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 8; 196
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+8); Over
Game 513-514: New York at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: New York 119.744; Houston 119.854
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+6 1/2); Under
Game 515-516: Denver at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.669; Sacramento 116.676
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 3; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 213
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-1 1/2); Over
NCAAB
St. John's at Louisville
The Cardinals look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games as a favorite between 7 and 12 1/2 points. Louisville is the pick (-11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinals favored by 16. Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-11 1/2)
Game 517-518: Connecticut at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 68.413; Georgetown 73.448
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 5
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (-4 1/2)
Game 519-520: Northeastern at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 61.689; Georgia State 54.495
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 7
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 5
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-5)
Game 521-522: Virginia at North Carolina State
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 61.021; North Carolina State 66.617
Dunkel Line: North Carolina State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina State (-4 1/2)
Game 523-524: St. John's at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 58.809; Louisville 74.737
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 16
Vegas Line: Louisville by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-11 1/2)
Game 525-526: Florida at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 63.532; Vanderbilt 73.860
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 5
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-5)
Game 527-528: South Carolina at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 61.416; Auburn 59.026
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Auburn by 2
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (+2)
Game 529-530: Mississippi State at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 68.419; Mississippi 71.870
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-2 1/2)
Game 531-532: Purdue at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 72.490; Wisconsin 79.690
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 7
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-1 1/2)
Game 533-534: Colorado at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 57.169; Texas 75.550
Dunkel Line: Texas by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas by 21
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+21)
Game 535-536: Duke at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 79.062; Georgia Tech 70.043
Dunkel Line: Duke by 9
Vegas Line: Duke by 7
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-7)
Game 537-538: Duquesne at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 57.255; Dayton 67.903
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Dayton by 12
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (+12)
Game 539-540: Kansas State at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 71.292; Missouri 77.763
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-4 1/2)
Game 541-542: Delaware at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 49.420; VCU 60.650
Dunkel Line: VCU by 11
Vegas Line: VCU by 15
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (+15)
Game 543-544: Marquette at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 69.455; Villanova 76.036
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 9
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+9)
Game 545-546: Towson at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 46.808; James Madison 55.760
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 9
Vegas Line: James Madison by 7
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (-7)
Game 547-548: Dartmouth at Harvard
Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 38.623; Harvard 65.656
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 27
Vegas Line: Harvard by 23
Dunkel Pick: Harvard (-23)
Game 549-550: WI-Green Bay at WI-Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 54.527; WI-Milwaukee 60.383
Dunkel Line: WI-Milwaukee by 6
Vegas Line: WI-Milwaukee by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (-4 1/2)
Game 551-552: Kent State at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 58.218; Ohio 59.469
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 4
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (+4)
Game 553-554: Creighton at Wichita State
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 58.355; Wichita State 65.327
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 7
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (+7 1/2)
Game 555-556: Northern Illinois at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 45.556; Ball State 54.487
Dunkel Line: Ball State by 9
Vegas Line: Ball State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (-5)
Game 557-558: Central Michigan at Toledo
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 54.875; Toledo 46.022
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 9
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (-4 1/2)
Game 559-560: Bradley at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 55.722; Missouri State 61.998
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+9)
Game 561-562: Ohio State at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 66.466; Minnesota 78.034
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-5)
Game 563-564: TCU at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 53.909; Utah 62.467
Dunkel Line: Utah by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah by 7
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-7)
Game 565-566: UNLV at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 63.014; New Mexico 71.142
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 8
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 6
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-6)
Game 567-568: NC Wilmington at George Mason
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 52.629; George Mason 59.848
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 7
Vegas Line: George Mason by 5
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-5)
Game 569-570: William & Mary at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: William & Mary 57.796; Drexel 60.360
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Drexel by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+3 1/2)
Game 571-572: Hofstra at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.536; Old Dominion 67.167
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 13
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+13)
Game 573-574: Nebraska at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 62.660; Texas A&M 72.320
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-8)
Game 575-576: Northern Iowa at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 66.203; Illinois State 67.208
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State
Game 577-578: Eastern Michigan at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 50.067; Western Michigan 51.693
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 5
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+5)
Game 579-580: Miami (OH) at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 54.542; Buffalo 60.591
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 6
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-3 1/2)
Game 581-582: Fordham at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 42.768; St. Joseph's 54.568
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 12
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+13 1/2)
Game 583-584: Georgia at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 57.258; Kentucky 79.655
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 22 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-19 1/2)
Game 585-586: Boston College at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 63.386; Clemson 69.306
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 6
Vegas Line: Clemson by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (+9 1/2)
Game 587-588: Arkansas State at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 51.308; South Alabama 55.397
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 4
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 7
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (+7)
Game 589-590: Rice at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 50.267; Central Florida 56.436
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 6
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+7 1/2)
Game 591-592: Richmond at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 62.472; St. Louis 59.732
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+3 1/2)
Game 593-594: Alabama at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 62.196; LSU 63.315
Dunkel Line: LSU by 1
Vegas Line: LSU by 2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+2)
Game 595-596: Illinois-Chicago at Cleveland State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 49.530; Cleveland State 59.121
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+10 1/2)
Game 597-598: Michigan State at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 70.959; Iowa 59.967
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 11
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 14
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+14)
Game 599-600: UCLA at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 58.347; Stanford 65.232
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 7
Vegas Line: Stanford by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-3 1/2)
Game 601-602: San Diego State at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 63.044; Wyoming 55.502
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-7)
Game 603-604: Cincinnati at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 64.828; Seton Hall 72.218
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-4 1/2)
Game 605-606: Wake Forest at Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 66.887; Miami (FL) 70.772
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 4
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+5 1/2)
Game 607-608: Oklahoma at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 61.631; Baylor 73.506
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 12
Vegas Line: Baylor by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-7 1/2)
Game 609-610: St. Bonaventure at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 57.629; Charlotte 63.258
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+6 1/2)
Game 611-612: CS-Fullerton at UC-Riverside
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 48.202; UC-Riverside 55.457
Dunkel Line: UC-Riverside by 7
Vegas Line: UC-Riverside by 3
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (-3)
Game 613-614: Marshall at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 60.066; East Carolina 53.695
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Marshall by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (-5 1/2)
Game 615-616: Bowling Green at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 52.492; Akron 63.352
Dunkel Line: Akron by 11
Vegas Line: Akron by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+12 1/2)
Game 617-618: Loyola-Chicago at Youngstown State
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 52.483; Youngstown State 54.771
Dunkel Line: Youngstown State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Youngstown State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (+3 1/2)
Game 619-620: UL-Monroe at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 45.284; Florida Atlantic 48.917
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida Atlantic by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+6 1/2)
Game 621-622: Tulsa at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 62.493; Houston 66.602
Dunkel Line: Houston by 4
Vegas Line: Houston by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1 1/2)
Game 623-624: Drake at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 48.863; Southern Illinois 63.142
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 12
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-12)
Game 625-626: UC-Irvine at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 49.515; Long Beach State 58.272
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 9
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-8 1/2)
Game 627-628: Rutgers at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.783; Providence 65.950
Dunkel Line: Providence by 11
Vegas Line: Providence by 9
Dunkel Pick: Providence (-9)
Game 629-630: West Virginia at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 73.241; Notre Dame 67.975
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 3
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-3)
Game 631-632: Illinois at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 67.576; Indiana 59.042
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (-6 1/2)
Game 633-634: Memphis at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 68.595; Southern Mississippi 60.916
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (+8)
Game 635-636: UAB at Tulane
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 64.969; Tulane 57.543
Dunkel Line: UAB by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 6
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-6)
Game 637-638: Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 62.445; Oklahoma State 70.116
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (-6 1/2)
Game 639-640: Troy at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 53.590; Florida International 45.661
Dunkel Line: Troy by 8
Vegas Line: Troy by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Troy (-5 1/2)
Game 641-642: New Orleans at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 41.664; North Texas 55.149
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: North Texas by 13
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (-13)
Game 643-644: Middle Tennessee St. at AR-Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennsee St. 51.542; AR-Little Rock 51.609
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee St. by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: AR-Little Rock (+1 1/2)
Game 645-646: Louisiana Tech at Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 64.778; Idaho 58.264
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech
Game 647-648: New Mexico State at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 51.252; Boise State 59.630
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boise State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-7 1/2)
Game 649-650: BYU at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 70.635; UTEP 68.939
Dunkel Line: BYU by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (+1 1/2)
Game 651-652: Air Force at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 52.286; Colorado State 59.306
Dunkel Line: Colorado State by 7
Vegas Line: Colorado State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+9 1/2)
Game 653-654: Gonzaga at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 68.085; Portland 59.075
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 2
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-2)
Game 655-656: Loyola-Marymount at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 55.500; Pepperdine 49.198
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Marymount by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Loyola-Marymount by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (-2 1/2)
Game 657-658: Hawaii at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 52.786; Fresno State 62.391
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (-8 1/2)
Game 659-660: San Jose State at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 53.457; Nevada 63.730
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+11 1/2)
Game 661-662: USC at California
Dunkel Ratings: USC 65.939; California 75.964
Dunkel Line: California by 10
Vegas Line: California by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: California (-9 1/2)
NHL
St. Louis at Los Angeles
The Blues look to take advantage of a Los Angeles team that is 1-5 in its last 6 games as a home favorite from -150 to -200. St. Louis is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Blues favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+140)
Game 1-2: NY Rangers at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.960; Boston 11.466
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+115); Over
Game 3-4: New Jersey at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.093; Montreal 11.266
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+120); Under
Game 5-6: Pittsburgh at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.721; Toronto 10.180
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-155); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-155); Over
Game 7-8: Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.986; Philadelphia 13.115
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-220); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-220); Over
Game 9-10: Florida at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.449; Ottawa 10.943
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+130); Over
Game 11-12: Colorado at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.178; Buffalo 11.723
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+150); Under
Game 13-14: Washington at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.426; Atlanta 11.188
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-170); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+150); Over
Game 15-16: Anaheim at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.819; Nashville 11.814
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+130); Over
Game 17-18: Chicago at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 13.162; Minnesota 11.281
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-170); Under
Game 19-20: NY Islanders at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 10.738; Phoenix 12.482
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-200); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-200); Under
Game 21-22: Calgary at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 13.110; Vancouver 12.566
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+150); Under
Game 23-24: Detroit at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.272; San Jose 11.892
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+150); Under
Game 25-26: St. Louis at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.808; Los Angeles 11.125
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+140); Over
Dave Price
1 Unit on Indiana Pacers +8.5
While the Thunder are a much improved team, I'm not ready to start laying this many points with them on a routine basis, especially in this matchup where the Underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Indiana has won 3 straight over the Thunder, and with Danny Granger now back, I expect the Pacers to start playing much better basketball. Take them to keep this one within the number tonight against a Thunder team whose best player, Kevin Durant, is not at full strength.
King Creole
ATL +3.5 vs ORL
HOT Hawks versus COLD Magic! Both teams played last night and had quite opposite results. The Hawks beat up on the mighty Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Magic were SHOCKED on the road as the pitiful Washington Wizards won by 7 points as home dogs of +7.5 points. Not only has the Magic lost EACH of their last 4 games in a row.... but they were a favorite in ALL four of those games. This situation has not come up very often this decade (4 outright favorite losses in a row), but here are the results for teams in their next game:
0-4 ATS since 2000: All NBA teams playing off 4 SU favorite losses in a row (Magic)... vs an opponent off BB SU and ATS wins (Hawks)...or 0-5 ATS since 2000: All 'short' NBA favorites of 5 < points playing off 4 SU favorite losses in a row (Magic).
Let's take a look at the "No Rest" situations for both teams...
16-8 ATS this season: All NBA division underdogs playing with NO Rest (Hawks). In the last weeks, these teams have gone 10-2 ATS...
2-10 ATS last 6 weeks: All SATURDAY home favorites playing with NO Rest (Magic)... versus an opponent also playing with NO Rest (Hawks).
16-5 ATS last 12 months: All NBA teams playing off a SU win against the Boston Celtics (Hawks). These teams have gone 10-2 ATS on the road... and 6-1 ATS if playing off a home win.
0-5 ATS last 6 weeks: All SOUTHEAST Division games in which the home team is favored (Magic).