SPORTS ADVISORS
NFL
Indianapolis (13-0, 9-4 ATS) at Jacksonville (7-6, 5-8 ATS)
The Colts, who have already clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, continue their march toward a perfect season when they travel to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium to face the Jaguars.
Indianapolis raced out to a 21-0 lead against Denver on Sunday, then held off a second-half Broncos rally in winning 28-16 as a 6½-point home chalk, cashing for the fourth straight week. With the win, the Colts not only wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but the set an NFL record with their 22nd consecutive regular-season victory. Indianapolis continues to roll on offense, ranking fourth in total yards at 384.4 per game and fifth in scoring at 27.6 points per game. Also, QB Peyton Manning (29 TDs, 14 INTs) leads the No. 1 passing attack (296.4 ypg), though he threw three INTs last week. Indy also boasts the league’s No. 2 scoring defense, yielding just 16.7 ppg.
The unknown for the Colts this week is how long first-year coach Jim Caldwell will keep his starters in. Caldwell has said his healthy first-stringers will start, but didn’t specify if or when he will start substituting with replacements.
Jacksonville’s playoff hopes took a big blow with a 14-10 home loss to Miami on Sunday as a three-point chalk, its third ATS setback in the last four games (2-2 SU). The Jags’ major issue has been an inability to score points, as they average just 18.1 ppg (23rd) while allowing four points more at 22.1 ppg (20th). Jacksonville has been held to 18 points or less seven times, losing six of those games.
Indianapolis narrowly topped Jacksonville 14-12 in Week 1, failing to cover as a 6½-point home chalk while winning SU for the fourth time in five games in this AFC South rivalry (2-3 ATS). The road team has cashed in five consecutive meetings, with Indy going 3-1-1 ATS on its last five trips to Jacksonville.
The Colts are 14-7-1 ATS during their 22-game regular-season win streak), and they are on a bundle of additional pointspread upswings, including 4-1 overall (all as a chalk, and all against the AFC), 6-0-1 on Thursday night, 15-5-1 on the highway, 5-0 as a road chalk and 4-0 in December.
The Jaguars have covered in four of their last five AFC South contests and are on an 11-4-1 ATS roll as a home pup. However, they also carry negative ATS streaks of 2-7 overall, 3-12 at home, 1-5 against winning teams, 2-6 in December and 3-7 following a SU loss.
The over is 5-2 in Indianapolis’ last seven Thursday games and 12-5-2 in Jacksonville’s last 19 contests against winning teams, and the total has gone high six of the last eight times these teams have met in Florida. However, the under is 5-1 in the Colts’ last six division tilts, and the Jags are on “under” runs of 4-0 overall, 6-1 in December and 4-1 as a ‘dog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: INDIANAPOLIS
NBA
Orlando (19-6, 14-11 ATS) at Miami (12-11, 11-12 ATS)
The Magic try to end a rare two-game road losing skid when they make the short trip to South Beach for a Southeast Division battle with the Heat at American Airlines Arena.
Orlando won 10 of its first 12 road games to start the season, then fell on back-to-back nights at Utah on Thursday (120-111 as a 2½-point favorite) and at Phoenix on Friday (106-103 as a 2½-point underdog). The Magic have since gotten back on track with a pair of home victories, knocking off the Pacers 106-98 on Tuesday (coming up short as a 12½-point favorite) then pummeling Toronto 118-99 as an 11½-point chalk last night. Stan Van Gundy’s squad has scored in triple digits in eight of its last nine outings, averaging 110.6 ppg.
Miami is coming off Tuesday’s 115-95 rout of Toronto, easily covering as a 6½-point home favorite to end a two-game SU and ATS funk. The Heat have still dropped 10 of their last 16 games, going 5-11 ATS overall, including 1-8 ATS at home. Prior to the victory over the Raptors to start this week, Miami had surrendered 100 points per more in six straight games for an average of 108 ppg.
The Heat went to Orlando on Thanksgiving Eve and stole a 99-98 victory as a 9½-point road underdog, with Dwyane Wade (team-high 24 points) leading five Miami players in double-digit scoring. Despite that outcome, the Magic are still on a 12-2 SU run in this rivalry, going 10-3-1 ATS during this stretch, including 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to South Beach.
Orlando is on a series of 1-4 ATS slumps – overall, on Thursday and against winning teams – but it is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games against Eastern Conference foes and 8-2 ATS in its last 10 against Southeast Division rivals. Miami carries nothing but negative ATS trends, including 5-11 overall, 1-8 at home, 3-8 when playing on one day of rest, 2-6 against the Eastern Conference and 3-11 on Thursday.
The under is 11-5 in the Magic’s last 16 road games and 13-3 in their last 16 on Thursday, while Miami has stayed low in five of six on Thursday and five of seven against division rivals. Conversely, the Heat are on “over” runs of 5-0 overall, 5-2 at home and 4-0 against winning team, and the last four meetings in this rivalry have hurdled the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO
Phoenix (17-8, 15-10 ATS) at Portland (15-11, 12-13-1 ATS)
Two teams struggling with consistency right now hook up at the Rose Garden, where the Trail Blazers will attempt to upend the Suns for the third consecutive time.
Phoenix routed the Spurs 116-104 on Tuesday, easily cashing as a two-point home favorite. The Suns have followed up an 0-4 ATS drought with four straight spread-covers, but they’re still just 3-5 SU in their last eight games, with all five losses coming on the road. In those five road setbacks, Phoenix – which averages 108.7 ppg overall – managed just 95.4 ppg.
Portland returned home Tuesday after a four-game road trip and held off the Kings 95-88, pushing as a seven-point chalk. Despite that win, the Blazers are just 3-6 SU in their last nine games (2-2 at home) and 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10. Prior to this recent funk, Nate McMillan’s squad had been on a 10-2 SU roll.
The home team has won each of the last five meetings between these squads (4-1 ATS). The final two clashes last year took place at the Rose Garden, with Portland winning by scores of 124-119 and 129-109, splitting the cash as a 6½-point chalk in each contest. Prior to those two wins, the Blazers had lost 11 straight games to the Suns (2-8-1 ATS), and Phoenix is still 23-9-1 ATS in the last 33 battles and 5-1 ATS in its last six trips to Portland. Finally, the favorite is on a 16-5-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.
The Suns are on ATS runs of 4-0 overall (all against winning teams), 4-1 against the Northwest Division, 6-1 after a spread-cover and 8-2 when playing on one day of rest, but they’re 5-18 ATS in their last 23 on Thursday.
Portland is 5-1-1 ATS in its last ssevenix against the Pacific Division, but otherwise the Blazers are in pointspread slumps of 2-7-1 overall, 0-4-1 at home, 1-5 versus winning teams, 2-5 after a SU victory and 4-10 on Thursday.
Phoenix topped the total in Wednesday’s victory over San Antonio, ending an 8-0 “under” streak. Still, the Suns remain on “under” tears of 8-0-1 on the road, 5-0-1 when playing after one day of rest, 4-0-1 after a SU victory and 3-1-1 against the Northwest Division, but the over is 6-1 in their last seven on Thursday. Portland is on “under” streaks of 10-4 at home, 14-5 versus Western Conference foes and 4-1 against winning teams.
Finally, the over is 15-7 in the last 22 meetings between these teams and 8-3 in the last 11 clashes at the Rose Garden.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX
BIG AL
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Florida International at Denver
Prediction: Denver
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Perhaps no team in College Basketball has a more severe home/road bias than does Denver, as the Pioneers have historically been horrific on the road, and strong at home. And tonight's game fits some of the strongest subsets of this home/road dichotomy. Last year, Florida International defeated Denver 59-57 in the Sunshine State, so the Pioneers will have revenge on their mind tonight. And Denver is a terrific 29-11 ATS at home when playing with revenge from a loss to its opponent the previous season, including a perfect 9-0 ATS if Denver is favored, and its foe is off a straight-up loss. Florida International is, indeed, off a loss, as the Golden Panthers are mired in a terrible season (2-9 thus far), while Denver is off to a solid 6-3 start. Look for a blowout win on Thursday night by the Pioneers. Lay the wood.
Jim Feist
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New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls
Play: New York Knicks +2½
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The Knicks are overachieving for coach Mike D'Antoni, playing hard with their run-and-gun style. They are on a 10-4 ATS run. That included straight up wins as a dog against the Suns, Blazers and Hornets. Chicago, on the other hand, is a big underachiever, not playing any defense while searching for leadership on a very young team. The Bulls are favored here, yet they've lost 11 of 13 games. They are 0-2-2 ATS their last 4 games as a favorite. Play the NY Knicks!
Jeff Benton
Indianapolis -3 at Jacksonville
I’m on a 20-9 roll with my NFL freebies, and that includes a winner last Thursday on the Browns-Steelers UNDER the total (that was a 13-6 final!). Tonight, I expect another low-scoring contest in Jacksonville, so I’ll play the Colts-Jaguars UNDER.
Obviously, the weather will be quite a bit more pleasant tonight in Jacksonville than it was in frigid Cleveland a week ago. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to see a ton of points. For one thing, we really don’t know how long Peyton Manning and the Colts’ big playmakers will be on the field tonight, seeing that Indy has already clinched the AFC’s #1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason (meaning the Colts’ last three games are, essentially, meaningless).
Even if Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell does surprise everyone and let his first-string units go the entire way (I doubt that’ll happen), you have to believe he’s going to play it safe, particularly with his offensive play-calling (meaning there’s a good chance we’ll see more handoffs than usual by Manning). As for the Jaguars, they don’t score much on offense (18.1 ppg, scoring 18 points or less seven times and more than 24 points just twice) and they don’t give up much on defense (allowing 22.1 ppg overall, 19.4 ppg at home and just 16.8 ppg in the last four contests).
When these teams met in Indy in Week 1, it was a 14-12 final, with the game staying way under the total, and on top of that, the under is 5-1 in the Colts’ last six AFC South games (4-1 this year), 4-0 in Jacksonville’s last four overall and 6-1 in Jacksonville’s last seven December contests.
Finally, offenses have struggled for the most part in this year’s first seven Thursday NFL games, and you have to believe it’s because of the short week of preparation. Five of those seven Thursday games finished with 32 points or less, and the other two featured 41 points (in warm-weather Carolina) and 46 points (in a dome in Detroit). Regardless, all seven went UNDER the total.
Throw in the fact that the UNDER has also cashed in six straight Monday Night Football games, and that makes the UNDER on an 12-0 run on Thursday and Monday nights!
7♦ UNDER
Bobby Maxwell
New York at CHICAGO -2'
Now at 28-14 with my last 42 FREE selections and I'm handing out an NBA winner here tonight as I go with the Bulls at home to take care of the Knicks.
This is the first meeting of the year between the Bulls and Knicks, two struggling squads.
New York lost 94-87 loss in Charlotte, coming up short as a five-point underdog on Tuesday. They had won four straight before the loss to the Bobcats, but they will struggle tonight in Chicago.
The Bulls battled the Lakers on Tuesday but came up short 96-87, narrowly cashing as a 9 ½-point home ‘dog. Bulls forward Luol Deng had 21 points and six rebounds and is showing he's about to be a star in the league. Deng, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose form a tough threesome to deal with, and New York has a history of defensive problems.
New York gives up 106.3 points a game on the season and allows the opposition to shoot 48.3 percent from the floor. Chicago needs a team that doesn’t play defense to get their offense going.
This Chicago team isn’t far from being dangerous in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Knicks are quite a long way off. Go with the Bulls to win this one at home tonight.
3♦ CHICAGO
Dominic Fazzini
Orlando -4 at MIAMI
I underestimated Michael Redd's effect on the game Wednesday as the Bucks managed to cover against the Lakers, sticking me with a loss on my complimentary selection. But I'm still 42-26 over the past 68 days, including a run of 25-13 over the last 38 days, and I will produce a winner today!
Miami has been one of the worst teams in the NBA on its home court this year among teams with winning records, going just 7-7 SU. And the team is also 5-9 ATS at home, including 1-8 ATS in its last nine games at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Meanwhile, Orlando is 10-4 SU on the road (8-6 ATS), and has won eight of its last 10 games away from home.
Magic star Dwight Howard had 21 points and 23 rebounds Monday against Indiana, and has recorded four straight double-doubles. He was repeatedly hacked by Pacers players in that game, and seems to be getting quite tired of the treatment. I expect him to play with a giant chip on his shoulder tonight and make the Heat pay the price for the physical play.
The Magic are 10-3-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings between the clubs, including 5-2 ATS in the last seven games in Miami. Take Orlando to cover the points today as a road favorite.
4♦ ORLANDO
JR TIPS
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MAGIC at HEAT
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The Miami Heat snapped a four game losing streak at home when they beat the Toronto Raptors tuesday and tonight they face the hot Orlando Magic who will look to atone for a loss against the Heat in their last matchup as the Magic try for their seventh win in eight trips to Miami. The Heat's Miachael Beasley matched his career high with 28 points and adding 11 rebounds in a 115-95 win over Toronto on Tuesday. He has scored at least 20 points seven times this season with 15 points and 12 boards on Nov. 25th in Orlando to beat the Magic in a controversial 99-98 win when he had a last second dunk.Dwight Howard had 16 rebounds but was held to 12 points in that game while D. Wade had 24 points on just 6 of 22 shooting although he averaged 40.0 points during his previous five games versus Orlando. Rashard Lewis had his worst game of the season in the Magic's loss to the Heat shooting 3 of 15 and finishing with nine points but Lewis went 8 of 13 from the field and 5 of 8 from beyond the arc last night and had a team high 21 points as Orlando blew out the Toronto Raptors 118-99., a night after Toronto's blowout loss in Miami. Dwight Howard finished with 14 rebounds and eight blocks to go with 18 points while reserve forward Matt Barnes had a season high 20 points. Miami will have Mario Chalmers back in the starting lineup tonight who had 20 points in Miami's 103-97 win over Orlando last year which was Miami's only home victory against the Magic since 2006. Both teams struggled offensively in their last matchup as the star players had average performances. The Miami Heat are giving up over 100 points in their last 8 games and the Orlando Magic are getting points from all five positions on the court. Both teams play a high uptempo game and look for the stars to have a much better offensive performance on National TV than they did in there last matchup.
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TAKE OVER 201
Tom Freese
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Nashville Predators at Edmonton Oilers
Prediction: Nashville Predators
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Nashville is 11-4 their last 15 games when playing with one day of rest and they are 4-1 their last 5 road games. The Predators are 4-1 after scoring 5 goals or more in their last game and they are 11-2 their last 13 meetings vs. the Oilers. Edmonton is 9-23 their last 32 games vs. a team with a winning record and they are 3-12 their last 15 home games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Oilers are 1-4 their last 5 home games and they are 1-6 when their opponent scored 5 or more goals in their last game. PLAY ON NASHVILLE +
Drew Gordon
NY Knicks at CHICAGO -3
21-13-2 roll L36 Free Plays! For today's complimentary play, we're looking at the Knicks/Bulls match up.
Look guys, there's no doubt the Knicks have been rewarding their backers of late, but as tempting as this match up may seem, I'm on the other side tonight for a variety of reasons. Read on...
Yes, the Bulls have been losing bad, losing 6 of their L7 overall, but let's not get too carried away. No shame in losing to the Celtics and the Lakers in their L2 games, and if ever they're going to bounce back, it would be against a team that plays ZERO defense like the Knicks. True, New York has been better on the defensive end lately, but their road stats are no mistake, allowing 105 ppg on nearly 47% shooting away this season.
On the other hand, speaking of defense, the Bulls have been solid at home, allowing 93 ppg on 42% shooting! Lately they've been getting hammered, but that's more a result of playing some high-powered offenses. Knicks can score plenty, but you saw in their last game at Charlotte, how they have trouble on the road against defensive-oriented teams... Same goes for tonight!
Bottom line, you can run with the herd if you want to, but experienced bettors know the danger of these Thursday night primetime games. Buyer beware, the Knicks are vulnerable on the road, and I fully expect the Bulls to bring their "A" game tonight. In the end, it may not be the popular pick, but the Bulls win and cover Thursday night!
Take Chicago over the NY Knicks in this NBA match up.
2♦ CHICAGO
Stephen Nover
New York at CHICAGO -2'
The Bulls need to make something out of their homestand and so far it hasn't happened. Chicago beat Golden State on Friday, but since then has lost at home to the Celtics and Lakers.
Chicago has been a huge disappointment this season. Luckily for the Bulls, the 8-16 Knicks aren't exactly the Celtics or Lakers.
The Knicks should be the perfect tonic to the Bulls' ailing offense. New York ranks 28th in defense, surrendering 106.3 points per game. They also are 28th in defensive field goal percentage allowing foes to hit 48.3 percent of their shots.
This is New York's third straight road game. The Knicks have a terrible history at the United Center having lost 14 of their last 16 there, while averaging just 91.9 points.
This is a getaway game for the Knicks. They start a five-game home stand on Friday. So their focus could be off.
Bulls center Joakim Noah has blossomed into a good player this season in his third year. He's averaging 10.2 points and 12.1 rebounds. He ranks No. 2 in rebounding in the NBA and 10th in blocked shots.
The Knicks have problems in the middle. They are trying to ease former Bull Eddy Curry back into the rotation. He played on Tuesday when the Knicks lost to Charlotte. It was his first action since missing eight games to rest a sore knee. Curry was a very limited player even before his injury.
The Knicks are so desperate for size and rebounding, they recently signed 7-footer Jonathan Bender. The former high pick bust has been sidelined nearly four years because of troublesome knees.
3♦ KNICKS
DUNKEL INDEX
Indianapolis at Jacksonville
The Colts look to build on their 15-5-1 ATS record in their last 21 road games. Indianapolis is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Colts favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-3).
Game 301-302: Indianapolis at Jacksonville
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 141.372; Jacksonville 130.995
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 10 1/2; 46
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-3); Over
NBA
Phoenix at Portland
The Suns look to take advantage of a Portland team that is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games as a favorite. Phoenix is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Suns favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+2 1/2)
Game 701-702: New York at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: New York 118.205; Chicago 112.131
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 6; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3; 199
Dunkel Pick: New York (+3); Over
Game 703-704: Orlando at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 121.379; Miami 120.234
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 1; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4; 201
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+4); Over
Game 705-706: Phoenix at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 121.015; Portland 119.636
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+2 1/2); Under
NCAAB
Auburn at Florida State
The Tigers look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games as a road underdog between 7 and 12 1/2 points. Auburn is the pick (+10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Seminoles favored by only 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+10 1/2)
Game 707-708: Auburn at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 61.015; Florida State 70.594
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+10 1/2)
Game 709-710: New Orleans at Troy
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 44.942; Troy 56.949
Dunkel Line: Troy by 12
Vegas Line: Troy by 13
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+13)
Game 711-712: Florida International at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 42.376; Denver 57.110
Dunkel Line: Denver by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Denver by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+16 1/2)
Game 713-714: UC Davis at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 45.418; Fresno State 60.129
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (-12 1/2)
Game 715-716: Elon at NC State
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 44.764; NC State 66.549
Dunkel Line: NC State by 22
Vegas Line: NC State by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC State (-20 1/2)
Game 717-718: Georgia Southern at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 40.652; Evansville 55.112
Dunkel Line: Evansville by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Evansville by 9
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (-9)
Game 719-720: Weber State at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 52.612; UNLV 69.244
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 14
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-14)
Game 721-722: Eastern Washington at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Washington 46.421; Nevada 63.218
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 17
Vegas Line: Nevada by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Washington (+18 1/2)
NHL
Los Angeles at Calgary
The Kings look to build on their 6-2 record in their last 8 road games. Los Angeles is the pick (+160) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+160)
Game 51-52: Dallas at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 10.910; Atlanta 10.793
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-130); 6
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+120); Under
Game 53-54: Phoenix at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.604; Columbus 11.703
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-150); Under
Game 55-56: Minnesota at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 12.026; Montreal 11.906
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-110); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Over
Game 57-58: NY Rangers at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.010; NY Islanders 10.251
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-110); Under
Game 59-60: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.224; Philadelphia 11.528
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-110); 6
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+100); Over
Game 61-62: Tampa Bay at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.314; Detroit 11.781
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-200); Under
Game 63-64: Nashville at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.892; Edmonton 11.742
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+110); Over
Game 65-66: Los Angeles at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.195; Calgary 11.504
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+160); Under
Game 67-68: Anaheim at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.847; San Jose 12.297
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-215); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-215); Under
Tony Weston
The Spurs come through yesterday and deliver a solid Comp Play winner for us. And I’m handing you another as I’m taking the Miami Heat at home against the visiting Orlando Magic.
Almost surprisingly the Magic come into this game installed as about a 4, 4 1/2 point favorite, which is ridiculous, considering the team has gone just 2-2 SU its last 4 games and has not covered in any of those games.
Now they battle a Heat team that’s covered in 3 of their last 5 games and fared well the last time they battled the Magic.
When these two hooked up Nov. 25, the Heat picked up a strong 99-98 victory as a 9 1/2 point underdog.
Now, I’m not saying the Heat will get another outright win like previously, but Miami will cash in tonight.
3♦ HEAT
Craig Davis
Two teams headed in opposite directions... and the team heading in the right direction is playing at home. Denver enters tonight's game having dropped two of their last three to decent competition, and will gladly welcome the slumping Golden Panthers team to the Mile High city. The home team in this series has won each of the last four year, and Denver comes in to tonight's game with revenge on their minds. The Pioneers have covered 20 of their last 29 home games and 15 of their last 21 in Sun Belt Conference play... and they've beaten Florida International by an average of 22 PPG over their last three when hosting this meeting. I realize they aren't exactly blowing teams out yet this year, but they also haven't played a team this bad yet either. Chase Hallem and Brian Stafford are both averaging double digits in scoring, and if Stafford continues to pound the boards along with Hallem picking pockets, this game will be a rout in the first half. Pioneers win by at least 20 tonight.
2♦ DENVER
Karl Garrett
Phoenix at PORTLAND -3
The Hawks for free last night makes it 3 in a row with my comp plays!
The Trail Blazers just got home this week, but must turn right around after tonight's game and head back on the road until their Christmas night home game against Denver.
Portland did win on Tuesday against Sacramento but pushed the closing number of 7. Look for the Blazers to handle this smaller impost tonight against a Phoenix team that is struggling of the road these days.
Phoenix has lost 5 straight on the highway, going just 1-4 against the spread in those 5.
The home team in this series has won the last 5 meetings, and the favorite is 16-5-1 the last 22 times these teams have played.
With the prospect of another 4 in a row on the road staring them in the face, look for Portland to come out focused tonight.
Take the Blazers minus the small chalk.
5♦ PORTLAND
RANDALL THE HANDLE
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Colts @ Jaguars
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While there is much speculation on whether the Colts will play starters for the majority of their remaining games, we are still comfortable endorsing Indianapolis in this one. Jacksonville has not be particularly good against the pass and even if Peyton Manning is sat down in second half, it will be done with a lead. Colts dominated stats in first meeting but just edged out a 14-12 win. A Manning interception in Jacksonville's end zone and RB Joseph Addai fumbling deep in Jags territory prevented a much larger disparity on the scoreboard. Jacksonville has just three home covers in past 15 as host.TAKING: Indianapolis –3