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Eastern Michigan (0-8, 3-5 ATS) at Northern Illinois (5-3 SU and ATS)
Eastern Michigan looks for that elusive first win of the season when it visits Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill., for a Mid-American Conference West Division matchup with Northern Illinois.
The Eagles got drilled at Arkansas on Saturday, falling 63-27 but cashing as a 37-point underdog. Eastern Michigan has lost by 12 points or more in six of its eight games this season with the closest contest coming at home on Oct. 24 when it fell 29-27 as a 2½-point home underdog against then-winless Ball State. Eastern Michigan, which has lost 23 of its last 27 games against Division I-A opponents, averages just 16.9 points and 275.6 total yards per game and its defense gives up a 37.4 points and 423.1 yards per game, including a staggering 277.1 rushing yards per outing (6.4 yards per carry).
While Eastern Michigan struggles to stop the run, Northern Illinois has one of the nation’s better rushing attacks, averaging 206 ypg on the ground (4.8 ypc). In Saturday’s 27-10 win over Akron as an 11-point home favorite, Northern Illinois RB Chad Spann had 21 carries for 125 yards and two TDs and QB DeMarcus Grady rushed 20 times for 109 yards.
Northern Illinois went to Eastern Michigan and pitched a shutout a season ago, winning 37-0 as a five-point favorite as the visitor improved to 8-0 ATS in this series since 2001. The Huskies have won seven of the last eight in this annual rivalry game (4-4 ATS), but the one loss came at home in 2007 when the Eagles prevailed 21-19 as a 13-point underdog. In fact, Eastern Michigan has cashed in each of its last four trips to Northern Illinois.
Eastern Michigan is on ATS slides of 2-7 after a spread-cover and 1-5 on turf. Northern Illinois is 9-4-1 ATS in its last 15 November games and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 against teams with a losing record, but the Huskies are on ATS slides of 4-11 as a home favorite, 2-5 after a spread-cover and 2-5 after a straight-up win.
The Eagles are on “over” runs of 4-1 on the road, 5-1 in November games and 5-2 following a spread-cover. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois is on a plethora of “under” streaks that include 33-16-2 overall, 12-3-1 at home, 11-5-1 as a favorite, 18-7-1 in Mid-American contests and 8-3-1 in November games. In this rivalry, the under has been the play in each of the last five clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Miami, Ohio (1-8, 4-5 ATS) at Temple (6-2, 6-1 ATS)
Miami snapped a 13-game losing streak on Saturday and now looks to snap Temple’s six-game winning streak when the Redhawks travel to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia for this Mid-American Conference East Division showdown.
Miami stunned Toledo 31-24 as a five-point home underdog on Saturday, its fourth spread-cover in the last five contests. The Redhawks average just 13.8 points a game – third-fewest in all of Division I-A – and 329.3 total yards per game, including just 73.7 rushing ypg. Defensively, Miami yields 33.2 points on 379.2 total yards per contest (182.2 rushing ypg). Miami’s offense has come a long way lately, though, putting up 53 points in the last two contests after scoring a total of 71 points in the first seven games, including opening the season with back-to-back shutout losses to Kentucky (42-0) and Boise State (48-0).
Temple has rattled off six-straight wins (5-1 ATS), including a 27-24 victory at Navy on Saturday, upsetting the Middies as a 6½-point favorite. The Owls have been dominant since a 31-6 loss at Penn State on Sept. 19, allowing 24 points or fewer in every game during their win streak.
Temple has already become bowl-eligible and leads the MAC East Division by one-half game over Kent State and Ohio. Meanwhile Miami sits just a game out of the cellar, currently occupied by Akron (1-7).
The Owls have upset Miami the last two years, winning 28-10 as a seven-point road pup last year and 24-17 as a 6½-point road underdog in 2007.
Miami has cashed in four of its last five overall, but otherwise the Redhawks are on ATS slides of 1-5 on the road, 1-6 in November, 0-5 after a straight-up win and 1-5 as a road ‘dog. Temple is on ATS slides of 1-4-1 at home against losing teams and 0-3-1 ATS when playing on Thursday, but the Owls are 4-1 ATS in their last five overall and 17-8 ATS in their last 25 against a winning teams.
The Redhawks have gone “over” the total in 10 of 14 November games and five of seven conference contests, but their “under” streaks consist of 4-1 overall, 7-0 against winning teams and 4-1 as an underdog. Temple is on “under” runs that include 13-5 in MAC games, 9-3 at home and 9-3 against losing teams. In this series, the “under” has cashed in each of their three meetings since 2005.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEMPLE and UNDER
(22) Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-5 ATS) at East Carolina (5-3, 3-4 ATS)
The Hokies look to snap a rare two-game losing streak when they travel to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C., for a non-conference showdown with East Carolina.
Virginia Tech opened the season with a 10-point loss to Alabama at a neutral site in Georgia, then ripped off five straight wins (3-2 ATS), including a huge 48-14 rout of Boston College on Oct. 10, to get back into the national title discussion. Then the Hokies proceeded to lose 28-23 at Georgia Tech as a 3½-point favorites, followed by last Thursday’s 20-17 home loss to North Carolina as a 14½-point home chalk.
East Carolina has jumped to the top of the Conference USA East Division standings by winning four of its last five contests (3-2 ATS), including back-to-back wins over Rice (49-13 as an 18½-point home favorite on Oct. 17) and Memphis (38-19 as a six-point road chalk on Oct. 27). During their 4-1 SU run, the Pirates have been doing it with defense, yielding less than 20 points in all four wins (15.8 ppg in those four contests).
The Pirates rushed for a season-high 275 yards in their victory over Memphis last Tuesday, boosting its per-game rushing average to 149.4 yards.
The Hokies, who haven’t dropped three straight games since the end of the 2003 season, have got QB Tyrod Taylor completing 56 percent of his throws for 1,315 yards, nine TDs and three INTs. Last week against North Carolina, he was sacked three times and had his six-game streak of tossing at least one TD pass snapped. Freshman RB Ryan Williams has rushed for 930 yards and 10 TDs, but his late fumble led to North Carolina’s game-winning field goal a week ago.
Last season, the Pirates ran over Virginia Tech, rushing for 158 yards in a stunning 27-22 opening-weekend upset of the Hokies in Greenville as a nine-point home underdog, snapping Virginia Tech’s six-game winning streak in this rivalry. East Carolina has cashed in each of the last two meetings after the Hokies had covered in four straight from 1994-2007.
The Hokies are on ATS slides of 3-10 in non-conference action and 2-5 on the road, but they are on positive ATS streaks of 11-5 as a road favorite, 15-5 on Thursdays, 8-2 in November and 4-1 following a non-cover. Virginia Tech had alternated spread-covers in eight straight games prior to last week’s ATS setback versus North Carolina. East Carolina is on pointspread slides of 6-13 overall, 1-5 against ACC teams and 0-5 in non-conference games, but it is on ATS runs of 7-3 at home, 7-3 as an underdog and 8-1 as a ‘dog of more than 10 points.
Virginia Tech is on “under” streaks of 11-0 on Thursday, 4-0 in November, 4-1 against winning teams and 5-2 after a SU loss. The Pirates have stayed below the total in six of seven November games, but they’ve topped the number in five of six against the ACC, five straight non-conference games and seven of 10 as an underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NBA
Chicago (2-2, 1-3 ATS) at Cleveland (3-2, 2-3 ATS)
The Bulls try again for their first road victory of the season, but it doesn’t figure to come easy as they travel to Quicken Loans Arena for a Midwest Division clash with the surging Cavaliers.
Chicago overcame a terrible first quarter against the Bucks on Tuesday, rallying from a 25-13 deficit to post an 83-81 victory. However, the Bulls never threatened to cover as an 8½-point home favorite, their third straight non-cover since opening the season with a 92-85 victory as a three-point home underdog. Going back to last year’s opening-round playoff series against Boston, Chicago has dropped five straight road games (2-3 ATS).
Cleveland tipped off the season with a 95-89 home loss to Boston as a five-point favorite, followed the next night by a shocking 101-91 setback at Toronto as a seven-point road chalk. Since then, however, LeBron James has guided his troops to three consecutive double-digit wins, including Tuesday’s 102-90 victory, barely cashing as an 11½-point home favorite. Since an 11-0 ATS run that spanned the end of the regular season and the beginning of the playoffs, the Cavaliers have gone 12 straight games without consecutive spread-covers.
Cleveland took the season series from Chicago last year, going 3-1 SU and ATS, winning the first three games by an average of 16 ppg (3-0 ATS) before dropping a 102-93 overtime decision in Chicago as a 7½-point favorite. The host has won and covered the last four in a row and Cleveland is 9-2 SU and ATS in the last 11 clashes with the Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena. Finally, the SU winner has cashed in each of the last 25 series meetings in this rivalry going back to 2003.
The Bulls have failed to cover in five of six overall dating to last year’s playoff series against the Celtics, with all five non-covers coming against Eastern Conference teams. However, Chicago is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 on Thursday and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 against the Central Division.
Cleveland is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games overall (2-8-1 ATS versus Eastern Conference foes), but otherwise the Cavaliers are on pointspread surges of 37-17 at home, 5-0 against Central Division rivals and 10-2-1 after a spread-cover.
The Bulls have topped the total in five of their last six road games, but the under is 6-2 in their last eight on Thursday and 3-1-1 in their last five divisional contests. Meanwhile, the over is 5-2 in Cleveland’s last seven at home and 5-0 in its last five on Thursday, but otherwise the Cavaliers are on “under” stretches of 4-0 overall, 12-4 against the Central Division and 9-3 after a SU win.
Finally, five of the last seven Bulls-Cavaliers battles have hurdled the posted total, including the last three in Cleveland.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
San Antonio (2-1 SU and ATS) at Utah (1-3 SU and ATS)
The Spurs return to the court for the first time in five days as they travel to Salt Lake City for a battle with the slumping Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena.
San Antonio has been idle since Saturday’s 113-94 rout of Sacramento, cashing as a hefty 16½-point favorite. The Spurs posted a near-identical score in their first game (113-96 over New Orleans), but in their lone road contest, they fell 92-85 at Chicago as a three-point favorite. Going back to the regular season last spring, San Antonio has held 22 of 28 opponents to less than 100 points.
Utah’s week got off to a horrendous start, as it blew a halftime lead to the Rockets on Monday, losing 113-96 as an eight-point home chalk, then went to Dallas on Tuesday and got outscored 44-18 in the fourth quarter, falling 96-85 as a 6½-point underdog. The Jazz’s only victory this season came at home against the Clippers, a 111-98 win as a nine-point home favorite. Dating back to March 31, Utah has lost 14 of 17 SU and is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 (3-6 ATS at home).
The Spurs swept the three-game season-series from Utah last year and is 4-0 SU and ATS in the last four meetings. The home team has won seven of the last eight head-to-head clashes both SU and ATS, and the host has covered in 18 of the last 23 meetings, with the Jazz going 5-2 SU and ATS the last seven times they’ve entertained San Antonio. Additionally, the favorite is on a 21-7 ATS roll in this rivalry, and the SU winner is 20-0 ATS in the last 20 meetings going back to April 2005.
San Antonio is in ATS slumps of 1-4 on the road, 2-5 against Northwest Division teams, 0-4 after a SU win, 0-7 after a non-cover and 3-13-1 following a double-digit win. Utah’s negative pointspread trends including 6-15 overall, 4-10 at home, 0-4 against the Southwest Division and 6-14 versus the Western Conference. On the flip side, the Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last five on Thursday and 5-1 ATS in their last six when playing after one day of rest.
The Spurs carry “over” trends of 4-1 overall, 4-0 against the Western Conference and 8-3-1 versus the Northwest Division, but four of their last five roadies have stayed low. Utah is on “over” stretches of 13-6 overall and 4-1 against the Southwest Division, but the under is 13-4 in Utah’s last 17 at home and 4-1 in its last five on Thursday. Lastly, the last four Jazz-Spurs contests have gone over the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH and OVER
DUNKEL INDEX
Virginia Tech at East Carolina
The Pirates look to build on their 9-1 ATS record in their last 10 games as an underdog of 10 1/2 points or greater. East Carolina is the pick (+13) according to Dunkel, which has the Hokies favored by only 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+13)
Game 303-304: Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 63.626 Northern Illinois 83.274
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois 19 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 21; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+21); Under
Game 305-306: Miami (OH) at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 65.207; Temple 89.474
Dunkel Line: Temple by 24 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Temple by 17 1/2; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-17 1/2); Over
Game 307-308: Virginia Tech at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 96.174; East Carolina 87.603
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 8 1/2; 54
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 13; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+13); Over
NBA DUNKEL
San Antonio at Utah
The Jazz look to take advantage of a San Antonio team that is coming off a 113-94 win over Sacramento, but is 0-7 ATS in its last 7 games after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game. Utah is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Utah (+2)
Game 701-702: Chicago at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.834; Cleveland 125.154
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 7 1/2; 189 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 11; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+11); Over
Game 703-704: San Antonio at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 118.504; Utah 118.237
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 198 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+2); Under
NHL DUNKEL
Calgary at St. Louis
The Flames look to take advantage of a St. Louis team that is coming off a 4-0 loss to Florida and is 3-7 in its last 10 games after scoring 2 or fewer goals in the previous game. Calgary is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+115)
Game 51-52: Montreal at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.842; Boston 11.132
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+150); Under
Game 53-54: Columbus at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.140; Atlanta 11.655
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-130); 6
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+120); Under
Game 55-56: Tampa Bay at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.096; Ottawa 10.411
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+150); Under
Game 57-58: San Jose at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.846; Detroit 12.273
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+125); Under
Game 59-60: Calgary at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.537; St. Louis 11.131
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+115); Over
Game 61-62: Vancouver at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.223; Minnesota 12.393
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-120); Over
Game 63-64: Chicago at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.182; Phoenix 12.150
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+115); Over
Game 65-66: NY Rangers at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.634; Edmonton 11.849
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+120); Over
Game 67-68: Nashville at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.510; Anaheim 10.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-155); Over
Game 69-70: Pittsburgh at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.666; Los Angeles 12.270
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110); Over
Terron Chapman
Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina
Play: East Carolina +11.5
The Virginia Tech Hokies saw their ACC title hopes dashed with a home loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels last Thursday. They must put that loss behind them in a hurry as they travel to Greenville, North Carolina this Thursday to face what is sure to be a well prepared East Carolina Pirates squad.
The Pirates began last season with a 27-22 upset of the Virginia Tech Hokies in Charlotte. The Pirates blocked a punt with just under 2:00 left for the game-winning score. The Hokies led 22-13 early in the fourth quarter before allowing the Pirates back in the game with two fourth quarter scores. They return 16 starters from that team that outgained the Hokies 369-243 in total yards. The Pirates won’t be intimidated by the visiting Hokies who are in desperate need of a win after dropping back-to-back games in conference to the Yellow Jackets and Tar Heels respectively.
The Hokies are sure to face a raucous environment at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Thursday night on ESPN’s national telecast. The beginning of November signals gut check time for most teams, with bowl season right around the corner. With both teams sitting at 5-3, a loss could be disastrous for their bowl chances.
The Hokies cannot afford to lose three games in a row, and the marketplace suggests that, tagging the visitor as a healthy double-digit road favorite (-11 ½). But I think that may be somewhat of an overreaction. The Pirates are (+7) in turnover margin thus far this season, and (+6) against teams with a winning record. The Hokies on the other hand, are (-1) in turnover margin away from Blacksburg. That statistic could rear its ugly head Thursday night. This should be a competitive ballgame all the way to the end, more than likely decided late in the fourth. Look for the home team to hang tough, making taking the points the way to go. Play on the East Carolina Pirates for 1 unit.
Scott Spreitzer
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
Prediction: Chicago Bulls
New Cavalier Shaquille O'Neal has one good game in five and all of a sudden the talking heads are praising the new, "twin-towers" (Shaq & Ilgauskas) approach by Mike Brown. I'm not buying. At least not at this price. Through their first five games, Shaq has been in the way more often than not. Teams were going around the two slow-of-foot seven-footers. Tonight, the Cavs will have their problems matching up against Luol Deng and Derrick Rose. Deng is once again healthy, and averaging 17 ppg thus far. He had his way with the Cavs last season, averaging 20 ppg, and should have little trouble throwing down 20 again tonight. The teams have split their last eight games both SU and ATS. The Cavs have been a beast at home during the Lebron-years, but covering a double-digit line will not be easy with all of their current weaknesses. Look for Chicago to take this one to the wire, making the generous points well worth taking. I'm playing the Bulls, plus the points on Thursday night.
Alex Smart
Eastern Michigan @ Northern Illinois
PICK: Under 47.5
The MAC West is still wide open after Central Michigan fell last week at Boston College while the Huskies picked up a game in the overall standings by taking out Akron. The Huskies currently stand 3-1 in MAC play, two-games in back of the idle Chippewas. A win in this spot would cut their deficit to a single game; making November 27th’s date with Central Michigan up in Mt. Pleasant all the more important. Smaller fish to fry now with the Eagles on deck.
Eastern Michigan hasn’t won a game all season long, and comes into tonight’s game just 3-5 ATS. Pretty sad considering they’ve been given 20 or more points in four of their eight overall games. The Eagles just can’t score points to save their lives as QB Kyle McMahon and the offense comes into tonight’s game ranked 113th in scoring offense (16.9 PPG), 118th in total offense (275.6 YPG), and 108th in passing offense (151.8 YPG). While they did manage to score 27-points at Arkansas last week, it came in garbage time when the Hogs had already gone up by a 49-0 tally. I don’t expect the Eagles offense to do much in this spot against a Huskies stop unit ranked 39th overall allowing just 334.8 YPG.
While the Huskies passing game has faltered since QB Chandler Harnish went down with a knee injury, the Huskies ground attack has exploded the last couple weeks. JR. RB Chad Spann has taken the starting nod and run with it gaining 281 yards while scoring four TDs the L/2 weeks. With Harnish questionable and backup QB DeMarcus Grady more of a running threat (16/28 for 122 yards L/2 weeks), look for HC Jerry Kill’s 15th ranked rushing attack (206 YPG) to look to take advantage of a very porous Eagles rush defense (#120 allowing 277.1 YPG) throughout this games entirety.
Northern avenged the 21-19 home loss they suffered against the Eagles in ‘07 blanking them 37-0 last year in Ypsilanti, but don’t think for a second the loss doesn’t still sting. HC Kill will have his kids out for retribution, and I foresee the Huskies setting the tone early and controlling the games tempo with their ground attack. The under has gone 12-3-1 ATS in Northern Illinois’ L/16 home games, and a $$$-making 10-1 ATS the L/11 times they hosted a team with a losing record. In their six meetings with a posted total, the under is 5-1 ATs and has cashed five times in a row. Never bet against a streak on the roulette table, and don’t do it here either! Under she goes.
BIG AL
CHICAGO BULLS / CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
TAKE UNDER
For all the talk about the NBA being higher scoring this year, that's not the reality in Las Vegas, as 37 of the 65 games thus far have gone 'under' the total, including 6-0 when the number has been less than 187, and 17 of 23 when the total has been 193 or less. Here, the total has been installed at 187.5, so it falls squarely within our 17-6 subset, and may even end up falling within our 6-0 subset if the number drops another point (though it's much better to play under 187.5 than 186.5). Under Mike Brown, the Cavs are one of the NBA's better defensive teams, and they've gone 'under' the total 24 of 36 games when installed as a double-digit favorite (they're currently -11 on the overnight line). Also, Cleveland has played its last four games under the total, while Chicago has seen three of its four games sail under as well. Look for a low-scoring game at Quicken Loans Arena tonight. Take it 'under' the total.
JIM FEIST
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS / PHOENIX COYOTES
TAKE UNDER
Nobody has a better defense out West than Phoenix, allowing 30 goals in 14 games (second best in the NHL). They are on a 10-3 run under the total. Chicago comes to town, also playing great defense, allowing 5 total goals the last 3 games (2 wins). Chicago LW Ben Eager has missed 11 games because of a concussion. Look for a defensive duel on the ice in the desert, play the Blackhawks/Coyotes Under the total.
JR TIPS
Spurs at Jazz
San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobili who has admittedly lost a step and the well-rested Spurs open a two-game trip tonight at EnergySolutions Arena where they'll face a Utah Jazz team that is off to its worst start in seven seasons. After missing 38 games and the playoffs last season due to ankle injuries, Ginobili has come off the Spurs' bench this season, averaging 13.7 points and 3.7 assists. The Spurs won 113-94 Saturday over Sacramento and are 2-1 for the season. Utah lost Tuesday night as Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 of his 40 points in the fourth, most of he points were against Mehmet Okur, who was forced to guard Dirk with Carlos Boozer playing with five fouls. Jazz point guard Deron Williams, who leads the team with 22.3 points per game and 8.8 assists, averaged 22.0 and 11.5 in two games versus the Spurs last season while Spurs guard Tony Parker averaged 27.5 points and 6.5 assists as San Antonio swept the season series last season. First-year Spur Richard Jefferson hit 7 of 8 shots and scored a season-high 21 on Saturday and he is averaging 21.7 points in six career games in Utah. The Spurs have won four straight and 29 of 35 against a Jazz team that has struggled this year, especially on defense. This Spurs team has not played since Saturday and will be well rested to beat a Jazz team that doesn't have enough size to stop anyone right now. Tim Ducan will have his way on the blocks and it is pick your poison for the Spurs who dominate the Jazz with size and skill at every position except point guard.
TAKE SPURS -2
Strike Point Sports
Take Take Temple -17.5 over Miami (Ohio)
Maybe this seems too obvious, but at some point you stop questioning a good thing and get on this cash cow called Temple until they run dry. The Owls continue to dominate in MAC play, and their opponents this week in the form of the Redhawks aren't exactly formidable. Temple was able to run all over Navy last week on the road. They shouldn't have a problem doing just as much at home against a bad Miami defense. Lay the points in this one, as Temple stays in line to earn a birth to the MAC Championship Game.
EZWINNERS
Miami-Ohio Redhawks @ Temple Owls
Play: Miami-Ohio Redhawks +17.5
This could be a flat spot for the Owls who had a big win against Navy in their last game making Temple bowl eligible. Miami-Ohio will be full of confidence after winning their first game of the season against Toledo. The Owls are only 1-4-1 against the spread in their last six home games against a team with a losing road record. Take the points.
Hollywood Sports
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have started 3-2 on the season but only have a +4.8 net point differential for all these games (95.2 PPG - 90.4 PPG). With the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, the Cavs are working out chemistry and rotation issues. While they are coming off a 102-90 win over the Wizards, Cleveland is just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games coming off a straight-up win. Overall, the Cavs are also just 3-8-1 ATS in their twelve games. The Bulls have started the season 2-2 but have only covered in one of these games. We look for a better effort against LeBron and Company. But they have won four straight games against teams with Shaq. Athletic center Joakim Noah will challenge O'Neal with his energy moving up and down the court. The Bulls are 17-8-1 ATS in their last 25 games as an underdog. On national television, they should play an inspired game against the Cavaliers and stay within single-digits
Play on: Chicago
Dominic Fazzini
San Antonio -1' at UTAH
My three-game winning streak on my complimentary selections ended Wednesday with the Wizards' disappointing showing at home against Miami. That just means that it's time to start a new winning streak!
The Spurs have owned the Jazz, winning all three games the teams played last season, and going 4-0 ATS in the past four. Going back even further, San Antonio has won 29 of the last 35 meetings between the teams.
San Antonio has had plenty of time to rest for this one, not having played since Saturday's 113-94 home victory over Sacramento. That means the Spurs have had plenty of time to practice and get new acquisitions such as Richard Jefferson, who scored 21 points Saturday, more time to learn the team's system.
Spurs guard Tony Parker, who averaged 27.5 points in two games vs. Utah last season (he missed the other with an ankle injury), seems fully healed after taking a hard fall in the season opener, as evidenced by his 24 points and seven assists in just 27 minutes Saturday.
San Antonio has scored 113 points in two of its three games this season, and hasn't allowed one opponent to crack the century mark.
The Jazz are off to their worst start in seven seasons at 1-3, and are reeling after allowing 44 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday in a 96-85 loss at Dallas. Utah is giving up 105.3 points per game, a number I'm sure Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is not fond of.
The favorite in this series is 21-7 ATS in the last 28 meetings, and the straight-up winner has covered in the past 20. Take the Spurs tonight to cover the points as a slight road favorite.
4♦ SAN ANTONIO
Karl Garrett
San Antonio -1' at UTAH
Going to go with the Spurs in this near-pick game tonight, as I believe early on this season San Antonio has shown me that their house is a little more in order than that of the Utah Jazz.
Utah has lost back-to-back games, and 3 of 4 to open the season, while San Antonio has won and covered 2 of 3 to open the new year.
The Jazz is on a 4-10 pointspread slide their last 14 at home, and they have not been able to beat the Spurs in any of the last 4 meetings either straight up or against the spread.
Long term, the Spurs are 7-2 both straight up, and against the spread when playing Utah, and I am going with them in this spot tonight.
2♦ SAN ANTONIO
Sports Gambling Hotline
Eastern Michigan +21 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS
We feel tonight is a case of what you would call an inflated number!
The Eagles haven't been flying too high this season, as they have yet to win a game straight up at 0-8, but they have at least tallied 27-points in each of their last 2 losses which bodes well getting around 3 touchdowns tonight.
The Huskies have won their last pair of games, and 3 of their last 4, and they do control their own destiny in the MAC West standings. Problem is, last week's cover versus Akron as the 12-point chalk was the first time in NIU's last 11 games as a double-digit favorite.
Eastern Michigan has covered in their last 4 trips to DeKalb, and we like them to cover again tonight.
Northern Illinois gets the outright, but Eastern Michigan gets the cover.
Play on EMU plus the genrous spot.
1♦ EASTERN MICHIGAN
Bobby Maxwell
Miami, Ohio +18 at TEMPLE
Hitting the college football ranks tonight for a FREE winner on Miami, Ohio as the Redhawks go to Philly to take on Temple in this C-USA contest. This is just way too many points to pass up. Grab Miami in this one.
Miami snapped a 13-game losing streak on Saturday and the reason this team is playing so much better is the performance of QB Zac Dysert. He’s been rolling the last few weeks and expect him to do enough to get within the number here tonight.
You saw the Redhawks getting close when they lost 27-22 to Northern Illinois on October 24 and then last week they jumped up 24-7 on Toledo and held on for the 31-24 win as five-point home ‘dogs. Dysert threw for 344 yards and a touchdown, plus he ran for 60 yards and two more scores.
Miami has cashed in four of its last five games, all as an underdog, and the Redhawks are also 17-8 ATS against teams with winning a winning record.
Temple is going to come into this one a little cocky after upsetting Navy 27-24 on Saturday as a 6 ½-point underdog. However in their last home game they beat Army 27-13 but got outrushed by 101 yards and outgained by 61 yards.
I’m looking for big things from the Miami passing game in this one that should keep them in it. Getting this many points, the Redhawks only need to get about 17 points to assure us a cover. Grab the points and play Miami.
4♦ MIAMI, OHIO