Stephen Nover
Minnesota 12' at SAN ANTONIO
Minnesota has been a strong money-maker when taking points covering 11 of the past 14 times it has been an underdog.
The Timberwolves are well-rested having lasted played on Saturday. Minnesota may have played its finest game of the season in that last game, beating Washington 101-89 at home. The Timberwolves had a season-high in rebounds, free throw attempts and free throws made in that victory.
The Timberwolves also got forward Ryan Gomes back. He had been out since Dec. 12 because of a high ankle sprain.
Minnesota has an underrated front-court with center Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Gomes. Jefferson is playing his best ball after starting the season slow recovering from off-season knee surgery. He's averaging 18.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in his past four games.
The Spurs often are overpriced at home. They have failed to cover six of their past eight games at the AT&T Center. Minnesota has covered seven of its last nine away matchups.
This also is the Spurs' third game in four nights. That's rough on an old team such as the Spurs.
3♦ TIMBERWOLVES
Brett Atkins
Improved to 12-8 with my last 20 free selections when Georgia blew out Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl on Monday. Tonight I've got another bowl winner for you as I grab the points with Temple as the Owls battle UCLA in the Eagle Bank Bowl in Washington, D.C.
The Owls are in the postseason for the first time in 30 years and you can expect them to be fired up to play this game. Meanwhile, UCLA didn’t even know it would be in a bowl game until Army lost to Navy and failed to become bowl eligible, opening this spot for the Bruins.
UCLA has dropped eight of 11 bowl games, including their last time in a postseason game in 2007 when they lost to BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl 17-16. This team finished eighth in the Pac-10 at 3-6 and they really shouldn’t be in a bowl game. They won three of four to close the season (2-2 ATS) but they aren’t very good.
The Bruins were held below 20 points six times this season and managed just 339.2 yards per game.
On the other side, Temple scored 24 points or more in each of their nine straight wins (7-2 ATS) and held the opposition to 19 points or less six times. This is a team that knows how to run the ball, rushing for more than 200 yards in six straight games and ranking 23rd in the nation at 192.3 yards rushing per game. MAC Freshman of the Year Bernard Pierce had 1,308 yards on the ground and 15 TDs this season and you’ll see them control the ball in this one.
The Owls are on ATS runs of 9-3 overall, 4-1 as an underdog, 5-1-1 after a non-cover and 4-0 in non-conference action. UCLA is just 1-5 ATS in its last five games against winning teams.
I’m going with the team excited to be here. Grab the points and play Temple.
3♦ TEMPLE
Jay McNeil
Yet another winner Monday with my free play, backing Georgia against Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs' 44-20 victory gave me my fifth win in six days, and I've got another bowl winner for today with underdog Wisconsin in the Florida Citrus Bowl.
The Badgers averaged 39 points over their last five games, scoring 31 points or more in each of them. They ranked 14th in the nation in rushing at 206.7 yards per game, with Big Ten offensive player of the year John Clay going for 1,396 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Miami also has a potent offense that averaged 31.7 ppg this season, but QB Jacory Harris tied for the nation high in interceptions with 17 to go with his 23 TD passes, and the sophomore is bothered by a right thumb injury that could affect his accuracy today.
Even more important to the Hurricanes, starting left offensive tackle Jason Fox, the team's MVP, will miss today's game after having knee injury. Harris has been susceptable to sacks this year before Fox's injury, and now has to face a Wisconsin pass rush that was 21st in the nation in sacks.
Miami is 10-24-1 ATS in its last 35 games as a favorite, while the Badgers are 4-1 ATS in their last five bowl games as an underdog of 3 1/2 to 10 points. Take Wisconsin to cover the points in this one.
2♦ WISCONSIN
Joel Tyson
Comp winner on Minnesota-Chicago OVER last night.
Let's get this Tuesday started with your Eagle Bank Bowl winner on Temple.
LOVE the intangibles in play in this game, as the Owls will be playing in their first bowl game since 1979, and playing at a site that is less than a 4 hour drive from their campus.
UCLA is coming from the warm climes of LA-LA-Land to play a game in cold weather just after Christmas. That spells trouble if you ask me.
The Owls can stop the run, the Bruins can't run anyway.
It all adds up to a Temple cover plus the points, with the outright a definite possibilty.
4♦ TEMPLE
Chuck O'Brien
Take Purdue and lay the points at Iowa in Big Ten hoops action Tuesday.
I’ve gone against Iowa on more than a few occasions already this season, and every time, I’ve come away a winner. I see no reason why I won’t do it again tonight, especially since the 5-7 Hawkeyes are facing the 11-0 and fourth-ranked Boilermakers.
Purdue averages 79.4 ppg and gives up just 59.9 ppg (so they’re outscoring opponents by nearly 20 points per contest), while Iowa manages just 64.7 ppg and gives up 65.6 ppg. And while the Hawkeyes are coming off consecutive home wins over South Carolina State (82-69) and Drake (71-67), they failed to cover in both games, dropping to 1-8 ATS in their last nine lined contests.
The Boilermakers have won five in a row against Iowa (and those were much better Hawkeyes squads than this one), and the favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings. Additionally, the Hawkeyes come into this game having failed to cover in six straight home games, seven of eight as an underdog and five straight as a home ‘dog.
Put it this way: If Iowa can’t beat Texas-San Antonio and Duquesne at home, if it got blown out by Wichita State (74-57) on a neutral court and by Northern Iowa (67-50) on the road, how are the Hawkeyes going to compete with the fourth-ranked team in the country and one of just six remaining unbeatens in college hoops? Answer: They’re not. Purdue rolls and rolls BIG in this one.
4♦ PURDUE
DUNKEL INDEX
Wisconsin vs. Miami (FL)
The Hurricanes look to take advantage of a Wisconsin team that is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games against teams with a winning record. Miami (FL) is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Hurricanes favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (-3)
Game 223-224: UCLA vs. Temple
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 92.524; Temple 86.221
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 6 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: UCLA by 3 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-3 1/2); Under
Game 225-226: Wisconsin vs. Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 94.071; Miami (FL) 99.324
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 5 1/2; 61
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 3; 58
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (-3); Over
NBA
Cleveland at Atlanta
The Hawks look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games as a home favorite between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Atlanta is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hawks favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2)
Game 501-502: Cleveland at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 123.569; Atlanta 128.900
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Oklahoma City at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 119.168; Washington 117.478
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+1); Over
Game 505-506: New York at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: New York 116.356; Detroit 116.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+5); Under
Game 507-508: Indiana at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.590; Chicago 118.177
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 174
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-5 1/2); Under
Game 509-510: New Orleans at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 113.537; Houston 122.782
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 9; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 193
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6); Under
Game 511-512: Minnesota at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 112.468; San Antonio 125.241
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 13; 195
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 12; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-12); Under
Game 513-514: Golden State at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 109.525; LA Lakers 125.633
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 16; 219
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 11; 220 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-11); Under
NCAAB
Marquette at West Virginia
The Golden Eagles look to take advantage of a West Virginia team that is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games as a home favorite. Marquette is the pick (+12) according to Dunkel, which has the Mountaineers favored by only 9. Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+12)
Game 515-516: Cornell at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 60.319; LaSalle 58.012
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Cornell
Game 517-518: Purdue at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 75.253; Iowa 60.619
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 12
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-12)
Game 519-520: Long Beach State at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 56.289; Duke 83.003
Dunkel Line: Duke by 26 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 23
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-23)
Game 521-522: Hofstra at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.575; Florida Atlantic 53.198
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (-1 1/2)
Game 523-524: Marquette at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 70.996; West Virginia 79.812
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 9
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 12
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+12)
Game 525-526: Rhode Island at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 65.391; Drexel 60.956
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 3
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-3)
Game 527-528: LSU at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 60.432; Xavier 70.307
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 10
Vegas Line: Xavier by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+10 1/2)
Game 529-530: East Carolina at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 51.333 VCU 67.815
Dunkel Line: VCU by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 15
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-15)
Game 531-532: Pacific at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 58.203; Oklahoma State 68.594
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (+11)
Game 533-534: Cleveland State at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 53.785; Kansas State 71.233
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 18
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+18)
Game 535-536: Bradley at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 54.497; Drake 54.677
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Drake by 1
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+1)
Game 537-538: Toledo at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.022; Illinois-Chicago 51.615
Dunkel Line: Illinois-Chicago by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois-Chicago by 11
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+11)
Game 539-540: Wichita State at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 63.352; Illinois State 64.597
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 1
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (+1 1/2)
Game 541-542: Indiana State at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 53.733; Southern Illinois 62.753
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois 9
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-5 1/2)
Game 543-544: Missouri State at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 57.457; Evansville 57.341
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+2 1/2)
Game 545-546: Northern Iowa at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 61.386; Creighton 63.934
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Creighton by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-1 1/2)
Game 547-548: Louisiana Tech at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 58.389; Houston 69.733
Dunkel Line: Houston by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6 1/2)
Game 549-550: Texas Tech at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 65.300; New Mexico 74.135
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 9
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 8
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-8)
Game 551-552: Yale at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.709; Colorado 61.829
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 16
Vegas Line: Colorado by 18
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+18)
Game 553-554: Penn State at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 62.148; Minnesota 74.980
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 13
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-11 1/2)
Game 555-556: Syracuse at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.412; Seton Hall 72.072
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+3 1/2)
Game 557-558: James Madison at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 49.469; Stanford 65.232
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 14
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-14)
Game 559-560: UC-Riverside at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 48.714; San Diego State 69.489
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 18
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-18)
Game 561-562: Buffalo vs. Jacksonville
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 56.591; Jacksonville 45.706
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 11
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 7
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-7)
Game 563-564: Liberty at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Liberty 47.565; Central Florida 60.507
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 13
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (-12 1/2)
Game 565-566: Eastern Kentucky vs. Morgan State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 53.416; Morgan State 54.393
Dunkel Line: Morgan State by 1
Vegas Line: Morgan State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (+2)
Game 567-568: Long Island at Chattanooga
Dunkel Ratings: Long Island 44.484; Chattanooga 46.633
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 2
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 5
Dunkel Pick: Long Island (+5)
Game 569-570: Norfolk State vs. Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: Norfolk State 37.760; Niagara 57.491
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 19 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 571-572: Air Force at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 55.620; UTEP 64.902
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 8 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 573-574: Furman vs. Utah Valley State
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 44.194; Utah Valley State 49.563
Dunkel Line: Utah Valley State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 575-576: UC-Santa Barbara at California
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 52.197; California 71.608
Dunkel Line: California by 19 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 577-578: Stephen F. Austin vs. Howard
Dunkel Ratings: Stephen F. Austin 52.527; Howard 39.342
Dunkel Line: Stephen F. Austin by 13
Vegas Line: Stephen F. Austin by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stephen F. Austin (-12 1/2)
Game 579-580: Binghamton at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Binghamton 45.110; St. Mary's (CA) 72.599
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 24 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-24 1/2)
Game 581-582: Northeastern at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 53.970; Santa Clara 55.601
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+4 1/2)
Game 583-584: Kent State vs. Wofford
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 55.500; Wofford 57.701
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (-1 1/2)
Game 585-586: Elon at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 45.015; Ohio 58.111
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 13
Vegas Line: Ohio by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (+16 1/2)
Game 587-588: St. Joseph's at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 54.773; Siena 68.342
Dunkel Line: Siena by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 13
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-13)
Game 589-590: Jacksonville State at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 43.200; Mississippi 71.643
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 28 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-23 1/2)
Game 591-592: Eastern Illinois at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 48.528; St. Louis 58.773
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+10 1/2)
Game 593-594: Belmont at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 53.671; Kansas 84.302
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 30 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 31
Dunkel Pick: Belmont (+31)
NHL
Pittsburgh at Buffalo
The Sabres look to build on their 5-2 record in their last 7 games when playing with 1 day of rest. Buffalo is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Sabres favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-105)
Game 51-52: Pittsburgh at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.115; Buffalo 11.638
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-105); Under
Game 53-54: Columbus at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.339; NY Islanders 10.630
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-140); Under
Game 55-56: Nashville at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.511; St. Louis 10.937
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+105); Over
Game 57-58: Chicago at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.685; Dallas 11.767
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-140); Over
Game 59-60: Vancouver at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.545; Phoenix 12.776
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 61-62: Minnesota at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.267; Anaheim 12.044
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Tom Freese
Syracuse at Seton Hall
Syracuse is 14-3 ATS their last 17 games as favorites and they are 7-1 ATS their last 8 Big East games. The Orange are 7-1 ATS off a win by more than 20 points and they are 17-4 ATS their last 21 road games off 3 or more home games. Seton Hall is 0-6 AS their last 6 games as home underdogs of 6 points or less and they are 2-5 ATS their last 7 home games vs. a team with a win percentage of over 60%. The Pirates are 2-7 ATS their last 9 home games as home underdogs of 0.5 to 6.5 points and they are 1-8 ATS their last 9 meetings with the Orange.
Play on: Syracuse
VEGAS EXPERTS
Cleveland Cavs at Atlanta Hawks
As hot as the Cavs are right now, it is impossible NOT to play them in the underdog role here. The LeBrons have covered 11 of 14 games vs. teams with a winning record this season and we still remember how they dominated the Hawks in a four-game playoff sweep last May. They are 28-10 ATS coming off consecutive wins by 10 or more points and have won 4 in a row by double digits over Phoenix, the Lakers, Sacramento and Houston.
Play on: Cleveland
LT Profits
St. Joseph's @ Siena
The Siena Saints have only gone Over once this season despite playing some potent offensive teams, and we look for them to keep the St. Josephs Hawks in check here, keying yet another Under.
Siena has won a game in the NCAA Tournament each of the last two seasons, and to further gain the appreciation of the nation, this MAAC team had a brutal non-conference schedule this season, yet they lived to tell about it. The Saints are 7-4, losing to Georgia Tech, Temple, Northern Iowa and St. Johns.
Despite not being shy to face some heavyweights, the Under is still 5-1 in all Siena games that have had a posted total, and according to the Pomeroy Ratings, the Saints rank number 50 in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. They have allowed just 60.8 points per game on 39.1 percent shooting here at home, and they will appreciate facing a lower echelon Atlantic 10 team tonight.
The Hawks are just 4-7 straight up and 3-5 against the spread, and they are 0-3 in their only true road games this season while shooting just 40.9 percent from the field. One of those road losses came vs. another MAAC foe at Rider, where they lost 81-73. The Saints are the kings of the MAAC, and they rate much higher defensively than Rider does so we do not see the Hawks getting out of the 60s here.
Even if we go on the high end and give them 69 points, that would mean that Siena would need to score more than 84 points for this game not to stay Under, and that is no easy feat.
Pick: St. Josephs/Siena Under 153
EZWINNERS
Oklahoma City Thunder +1
The Thunder already own a 19 point win over the Wizards this season in Oklahoma City and Washington has struggled at home where they are only 3-8 against the spread this season. Oklahoma City is a team on the rise. The Thunder's trio of Durant, Westbrook and Green had big games in the first meeting between these teams and they get to face a Wizards team on the second of a back to back. Washington has struggle this season when playing without rest, posting a record of 1-5 against the spread. I expect those struggles to continue against a Thunder team that has young legs. Take the points.
JR TIPS
Hornets at Rockets
The Houston Rockets are coming home after an unsuccessful road trip and now after former all-star Tracy McGrady left the team over the weekend, it remains unclear if McGrady will return to the team after his role has diminished role since coming back from micro fracture knee surgery. Houston opened a three game road trip with a 102-87 loss to Orlando and three nights later, the Rockets struggled to beat New Jersey 98-93 and then lost 108-83 to Cleveland. Houston had to play back to back games for the fourth time in two weeks and just ran out of gas shooting 37.9 percent on the road trip while averaging 89.3 points which was 11.1 below their season average. Houston’s new go to man Trevor Ariza has shot 20.8 percent including 3 for 20 from 3-point range over the last four games and averaged 9.3 points during that stretch which was seven below his season average. Tonight, the Rockets return home to face a terrible road team as they have won four straight at Toyota Center and 8-4 overall while New Orleans has the West's worst road record at 2-12.The Hornets lost 96-85 at Chicago on Saturday and were held to four points for the first 11 minutes of the third quarter and finished the period with nine while Chris Paul failed to score more than 16 points for the seventh time in 10 games since returning from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for more than two weeks. The New Orleans shot a combined 40.7 percent in the last 3 games and lost two of those games while struggling to beat lowly Golden State at home in the other. The Rockets won three of four meetings while the Hornets came within a point of the lowest total in franchise history falling 86-66 on April 13th last year in their third straight loss at Houston. Both teams are struggling to score of late and after a bit of rest, the Rockets will get back to playing their traditional lock down defense which will not be a difficult task against a Hornets team that struggles to score points.
TAKE UNDER 193
SPORTS WAGERS
Columbus +1.24 over NY ISLANDERS
The Jackets got a much-needed win last night over the Red Wings and one win can do wonders to a teams’ psyche. They had dropped its last nine in a row and that’s rather remarkable for such a talented group. Now they’ll head to Long Island to play the Islanders, a team they’ve had great success against and they’ll get two new bodies in the line-up as well. Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina will join their new team and this appears to be a very good move for both teams. Clark is a leader that will provide some energy and could even resurrect his career after his minutes were way down in Washington. He’s a former 30-goal man and he has to be thrilled about getting another chance where he’s needed more. Jurcina will provide the team with a little more stability behind the blue line and that, too, is something the Jackets need. After that inspiring win last night, combined with its two new acquisitions, the Jackets should be fired up and ready to go despite playing its third game in four nights. Incidentally, the Jackets are 7-1-2 in its last 10 games vs the Islanders. Play: Columbus +1.24 (Risking 2 units).
Chicago -½ +1.17 over DALLAS
It’s usually not a good idea to lay a half puck on the road but this one has a Blackhawk victory written all over it and thus, I’ll take my chances. First, the Stars are not going so good right now with just three wins in its last 10 games. By contrast, the Blackhawks have won six of its last seven. Chicago leads the NHL with 55 points and right now Patrick Kane is one of the hottest players in the league. Chicago leads the NHL in goals scored and goals against, not to mention shots on goal against per game, which now stands at just 24. Furthermore, Marty Turco will return to the lineup after missing two games with the flu and not only has he been shaky this year, he also is at a psychological disadvantage here after going 0-3 against Chicago last season with a 4.19 GAA and a lousy .880 save percentage. It’s simply not the best scenario for his return, albeit a short one. Lastly, the Blackhawks have played Dallas just once this season and lost 4-3 and you know for sure that’s not sitting well with them. The Blackhawks are the straight goods and you pretty much have to play a near flawless game to beat them and right now the Stars are nowhere close to being flawless. Play: Chicago -½ +1.17 (Risking 2 units).
Scott Delaney
Wisconsin vs. Miami-Florida
Classic case of Beauty and the Beast in this one.
And tonight I am siding with Beast, as smashmouth reigns supreme in the postseason every time.
The Badgers are in double-revenge for the postseason, and will right the ship this season by challenging for the outright win over the sassy Hurricanes who aren't as good on offense as people would like to believe.
I am a big fan of Miami quarterback Jacory harris, don't get me wrong - the guy is exciting to watch and is explosive as they come. But he cannot beat a team like Wisconsin on his own - it's impossible. And when he's under pressure, he creates more mistakes than he does offensive production.
He tied for the most interceptions in the nation with 17.
And as long as that ferocious front line of Wisconsin's can penetrate the line and force Harris to do everything solo, the Hurricanes won't stand a chance. UM has given up more sacks (30) than Wisconsin (22) and is without starting left tackle and All-ACC First Team selection Jason Fox (knee surgery). That spells trouble for Harris, as the Badgers are as good as any other team in the nation at getting to the quarterback.
And make note all you college football buffs who think you know it all, Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien has a slightly higher quarterback efficiency rating (142.44) than Harris (141.56). So while Harris will be scrambling for his life tonight, you better believe Tolzien will have ample time against a rather lax Miami defensive line.
I'm not falling for this line move, and getting sucked into the flashy team. Give me brute strength in the postseason.
5♦ WISCONSIN BADGERS
Tony Weston
An absolutely easy call on Georgia yesterday as the Bulldogs cruise in a laugher against Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl.
I’m handing you another Comp Play winner tonight as I’m headed to the college hardwood as I’m taking Syracuse on the road at Seton Hall.
The Orange come into this game having covered in 6 of their 8 lined games this season, to go along with that perfect 12-0 SU mark.
Going back a little further, Syracuse has gone 16-5 ATS its last 21 games overall and has covered in 14 of its last 17 games when installed as a favorite. Also, the Orange have covered in 7 of their last 8 games against Big East opponents.
Now they battle another Big East opponent in a Seton Hall team that’s covered in just 2 of its 5 lined games this season, including back-to-back non-covers.
Most importantly, Syracuse has gone 8-1 ATS its last 9 meetings against the Pirates and is riding a 3-game SU and ATS winning streak against Seton Hall, beating it by an average of 17 points per game in that 3-game stretch.
It’ll be another easy cover for the Orange as they get over once again tonight.
3♦ SYRACUSE
Chris Jordan
Wisconsin +4 vs. Miami, Fla., at Orlando
Seems to me this line is creeping up precariously, and I'm not so sure why.
While the world seems to be taking the Hurricanes, I'm reminded of the 1994 Rose Bowl, which a close friend - and recreational sports bettor who moves between nickels and dimes on games - attended and had bet up pretty strong.
He made it a point to have a wager from every sports book in Las Vegas, and tacked the tickets to the living room wall in his house.
He told me anytime you catch Wisconsin as a close underdog in a Bowl game, study it hard because the Badgers take them very seriously. I've looked into the game they've been involved with every since.
Last year I was smart enough to go against the Badgers in this same game, because they were catching 6-1/2 points, and Florida State was clearly the better team.
This year, however, the line started off around 1-1/2, and I'm not so sure Miami is that much better than Wisky. More athletic, yes. But not more physical.
Wisconsin's 19th-ranked defense is going to make it awfully hard on sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris, who threw for 3,164 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was also picked off 17 times, and with a front line like the Badgers have, this could be a long night for Harris.
By winning the battle of the trenches, the Badgers win this game outright. And I don't see how Miami's 62nd-ranked rushing offense will contend with the nation's 8th-best rushing defense that gives up 90 yards per game.
And you know my motto ... "You can't set up your passing game if you cannot rush the football effectively."
It's for that reason specifically I think Miami is in store for a long night.
This game reminds me of the matchup Miami had with North Carolina, and we saw what the Heels did to the Canes. UNC was physical enough to limit Miami's rushing game and force everything on Harris' shoulders. The Heels broke out to a 20-7 halftime lead, and the Canes never really recovered.
The Badgers won four of their last five games, but that humbling two-point loss at Northwestern on Nov. 21 is still stinging out in Madison.
I expect sophomore John Clay to lead Wisconsin's attack, just as he did all season with 1,396 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
I'll call my buddy at some point today, cause I know he'll be going against the world and will be taking his beloved Badgers tonight.
After all, they've now lost two straight - both straight-up and against the spread - in postseason play after impressively covering three straight - including two OUTRIGHT wins.
Back to winning ways in the Bowl Games, as Wisconsin shocks the 'Canes.
2♦ WISCONSIN