MTi Sports
New Jersey Nets at Denver Nuggets
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are 9-0 ATS (+7.2 ppg) at home when Kenyon Martin took fewer than 10 shots the last two and 8-0 ATS (+9.2 ppg) after a win in which Chauncey Billups shot better than 50% from the arc. The Nets are 0-7 ATS (-10.6 ppg) when their line is at least twelve points higher than last game (a jump in class). Lay the points.
Sports Gambling Hotline
Ball State at WESTERN MICHIGAN
Free play winner on the Blazers in the NBA last night, now 8-3 the last 11 days with our comp plays.
Season finale for both of these schools, so why not go OVER the total tonight as both schools let it rip.
Ball State only scored 3-points in their 35-3 loss at home to Central Michigan last week, as their defense has allowed 20-points or better in ALL 11 of their games this year, and 26-points or more in 6 of their last 8 games, so you can count on the Cardinals giving up some points in this one.
As for the Broncos, they have allowed 26-points or more in 6 of their last 7 games, so you can count on Western Michigan to be in a "giving" mood this evening as well.
In this series, 4 of the last 5 meetings have eclipsed the posted price, and Western Michigan is on a 13-5 OVER run their last 18 games as a home favorite.
We will look for the points to add up in this one.
Play on the OVER.
1♦ OVER
Dominic Fazzini
Ball State at WESTERN MICHIGAN -10'
I continued my amazing run on my complimentary selections, nailing another winner Monday night as underdog Arizona covered against Wisconsin at the Maui Classic. That victory makes me 13-2 over the past 15 days!
I'm going to pick up another win tonight as I back favored Western Michigan to roll at home against hapless Ball State. The Broncos need a victory to become eligible for a bowl berth, and they couldn't pick a better opponent to do it against than the Cardinals.
Ball State is 1-10 straight up this season and has lost three straight. It is starting its second-string quarterback, Tanner Justice, for the fifth straight game, and the senior has been awful, completing just 48.9 percent of his passes for 523 yards and two touchdowns with four interceptions.
Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller, on the other hand, has been outstanding. The senior, a four-year starter, has completed 61.1 percent of his throws for 2,904 yards and 22 TDs with nine interceptions. Behind Hiller, the Broncos have the 27th-best passing game in the country, averaging 282.3 yards per game.
Western Michigan also scores 25.4 points per game, and it should improve on that total tonight, as Ball State gives up 29.2 ppg, giving up at least 20 points in every game this season. In the Cardinals' 35-3 loss to Central Michigan last week, Chippewas QB Dan LeFevour passed for 344 yards and four TDs.
Ball State seemed like a team that wanted it season to just be over last week, and that was playing before its home crowd. Ending its miserable season on the road, I can't see the Cardinals putting up much of a fight tonight. Take the Broncos to win by at least two touchdowns.
3♦ WESTERN MICHIGAN
Stephen Nover
Ball State +11 at WESTERN MICHIGAN
Early money has come on the home favorite Western Michigan. But this is a MAC game and strange things happen in this conference.
Those firing away on Western Michigan like the Broncos for several reasons. These reasons are because it's a home game, the Broncos can become bowl-eligible with a victory and Ball State has been one of the most disappointing teams in the nation with a 1-10 record.
First off, this hardly is going to be a home-field edge for Western Michigan because there will be nobody in the stands. It's Thanksgiving week and school is out. It's a midweek game and crowd expectations are extremely low.
Second, Western Michigan isn't going to receive a postseason invitation even if it wins this game.
Third, Ball State is more dangerous than its record indicates. The Cardinals have lost six games by a touchdown or less, including losing road games to the Eastern Division's two top teams (Temple 24-19 and Miami of Ohio 20-17) by a combined eight points. The Cardinals have covered 21 of their past 28 road contests.
The Cardinals lost a lot of talent from last year's undefeated regular-season squad, but they still have dangerous running back MiQuale Lewis. He rushed for 120 yards and scored three touchdowns last year when Ball State beat Western Michigan, 45-22. Lewis has 825 yards rushing this season on just 165 carries, a 5.0 average.
Western Michigan hasn't exactly shined as a favorite going 5-13 against the spread the past 18 times it has been chalk.
3♦ BALL STATE
Bobby Maxwell
Philadelphia at WASHINGTON -3
Improved to 14-5 with my last 19 FREE selections after Monday's easy winner on Portland as the Blazers crushed Chicago. Today I'm right back on the pro hardwood with a comp winner on the Wizards as they host Philadelphia.
Washington isn’t playing any defense lately and that’s why the Wizards are just 1-8 SU in their last nine overall. That will be different in this one as the Wizards will come out and not only put up a fight, but win and cover over the visiting Sixers.
Last time they were on the home court, Washington upset Cleveland 108-91 as 3 ½-point underdogs. Showing that this team, when challenged or motivated, can hang with any team in the NBA.
The Wizards have got the three-headed monster all in the lineup with Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas. These guys formed the most dominant threesome in the NBA a couple years ago but they’ve haven’t been together much the last year-plus with injuries keeping one of the three out. Today they have the three together against the Sixers, a team not known for its scoring.
I know Philadelphia has won four straight in this series, but all that was last year when injuries devastated the Wizards. Go back to the 2007-08 year and you’ll see the home team had won five in a row. I’m expecting the home team to get it done in this one as well.
Philly is on ATS slides of 2-8 overall, 0-4 against Southeast Division teams and 4-11 after a straight-up loss. Play Washington in this one.
2♦ WASHINGTON
Karl Garrett
New Jersey at DENVER -13'
Well, the Nets losing streak to start the season is now at 13 in a row straight up, and an outright at the Pepsi Center this Tuesday night is definitely not in the cards for New Jersey.
The only real question here is, can the Nuggets cover the big impost? I say yes.
Denver has won and covered 3 of their last 4 games, and they do come into this one at 4-1 against the spread in their 5 home games this season. Overall, Denver is on a 12-3 spread run their last 15 home games, and they have also had New Jersey's number of late.
The Nuggets have won and covered 5 of the last 6 series meetings against the Nets, and with New Jersey's roster thinned by injuries, this one figures to be another Denver win and cover.
Go with the Nuggs to blow out the Nets.
2♦ DENVER
Jeff Benton
Oklahoma City +8 at UTAH
For Tuesday’s free play, it’s back to the NBA, and I’ll take the Thunder plus the points at Utah.
Oklahoma City has had issues with consistency all season. The Thunder started with two wins, then lost four of the next five, and now they come into Salt Lake City having gone win, loss, win, loss, win, loss in their last six games, including Sunday’s 101-85 loss at the Lakers. But prior to getting drubbed in L.A. and Orlando in their last two road contests, the Thunder had won three straight on the road (including victories at Miami and San Antonio).
The point is this: Clearly, Oklahoma City has talent, and a lot of it, and it’s just a matter of time before that talent gels on a game-in, game-out basis. As for this contest against Utah, a quick look at the stats tells you these teams are basically even. Utah averages four more points per game than Oklahoma City, but the Thunder give up five fewer points per game than the Jazz. Oklahoma City’s field-goal offense is worse than Utah’s, but its field-goal defense is better (particularly when it comes to defending the three-point line).
Also of note is the fact the Thunder – who are coming off that loss at the Lakers – have been a strong bounce-back team (dating to last year, they’re 36-17 ATS in their last 53 games following an outright loss and 21-7 ATS in their last 28 after not covering in the previous game). Oklahoma City is also 6-2 ATS in its last eight visits to Utah, and the ‘dog has cashed in 11 of the last 16 meetings between these division rivals. Too many points to be giving Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and the up-and-coming Thunder.
4♦ OKLAHOMA CITY
Chris Jordan
Boise State +2 at E. WASHINGTON
I'm on a 9-4 run with my College Basketball releases - both paid and free - including a 2-1 start with the complimentary selections after nailing Santa Barbara last night.
Tonight I am taking the slim dog, as I don't think Eastern Washington can match Boise's talent on the wood.
The Broncos are a middle of the pack team in the WAC this season, and could do some damage come tournament time with a roster of players who are supposed to make immediate contributions this season.
Coach Kirk Earlywine is going to be looking over his shoulder all season, as he could be looking for a job with another underachieving season. The Eagles are 2-2 and those wins came against Whitman and Texas-Arlington.
Boise is the better team here.
2♦ BOISE STATE
Wunderdog
Game: Charlotte at Hofstra
Pick: Hofstra -3
The Hofstra Pride, despite a poor shooting effort on the road vs. UConn, played the No. 13 ranked Huskies to within nine points and actually led midway through the second half by nine before they went cold. They out-rebounded the Huskies as well as having had more assists. They will take on a Charlotte team that is 3-1 but does not have shooters. Last year's 41% shooting team was even worse through three games until they met a weak Yale team. They will get a lot more resistance in this one and their poor shooting will be their demise. The Niners are not road warriors as they are 8-22-3 ATS in their last 33 as a road dog, while the Pride are 5-0 ATS after a 20-point win or more, and 8-2 ATS at home vs. .600+ teams. Hofstra gets the call here.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Oklahoma City Thunder +8
The Thunder are a much improved team and I look for them to take the Jazz right down to the wire tonight. Utah is banged up while the Thunder are running strong with a young and talented lineup. The Thunder are coming off a loss so they will be highly motivated tonight. In fact, the Thunder are 36-17 ATS in their last 53 games following a S.U. loss and 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games following an ATS loss while the Jazz are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. win and 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games as a home favorite. The Thunder are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings in Utah and the underdog is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings in this series. We'll take the points tonight.
SPORTS WAGERS
TORONTO –5 over Indiana
The Pacers five game winning streak is over and now they’re on a three game losing streak but what stands out most about these two is the schedules that each have played. The Pacers have played a slew of tomato cans while the Raps have had one of the most difficult schedules in the league. The Raps have played 14 games and 10 of those 14 teams are above .500. The Raps have already played Cleveland, Orlando twice, Miami and road games in San An, Dallas, Utah, Denver and Phoenix. Meanwhile the Pacers have played just 11 games and they have one victory against teams with a winning record. They’ve played the Knicks twice, the Nets, Wizards and Bobcats and combined that quartet is 11-43. So, while the Pacers are just a game under .500 at 5-6, a close look shows that they’ve already lost to the Knicks and they beat the 0-13 Nets by a lousy eight points. Five of the Pacers six losses have been by double digits with the only one not being the loss to the Knicks by seven. The Raps are so much better than the Pacers but the records of each has allowed us to lay a small number indeed. Play: Toronto –5 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Ball State +11
It might be senior night for the Broncos, and one win might give them bowl eligibility, but I believe the value lies with Ball State and the points tonight. Ball State may only be 1-10, but it has basically been in every game this season with 6 of its 10 losses coming by 7 or fewer points. The Cards have especially been undervalued by the books on the road where they stand just 1-4 but 4-1 ATS. Looking at the other side, WMU is 3-1 at home but just 1-3 ATS in those games. The Cardinals have been very dangerous in the road dog role at 9-1 ATS since the beginning of the 2007 season, losing in these spot by only 4.3 points on average. These 11 points should be very valuable tonight when you consider how well Ball State can run the football and how poor WMU has been in stopping the run. The Cards are racking up 190 rushing yards on 5 yards per carry on the road while the Broncos are allowing 150 rushing yards on 5 yards per carry at home. Ball State should be able to control the clock tonight to keep this one within the number.
LARRY NESS
Cornell @ Syracuse
PICK: Cornell +13.5
Coming off winning the 2K Sports Classic title in which Syracuse first beat then-No. 13 Cal 95-73 plus then-No. 6 North Carolina 87-71, it should be no surprise that the 4-0 Orange are No. 10 in the latest AP poll. Syracuse is playing at a ridiculously high level right now as it begins a four-game homestand that will last until December 10th when Syracuse takes on Florida in Tampa as part of the Big East/SEC Challenge. The Big Red of Cornell come to town tonight and Syracuse has won 31 consecutive meetings against Cornell. However, the Big Red have won back-to-back Ivy titles (22 nd 21 wins) the last two seasons plus return all five starters from last year's team. Steve Donahue's Big Red are 2-1 on the season, opening the year with a pair of impressive road victories at Alabama (71-67) and at U Mass (74-61). However, the team returned home and lost 89-79 to Seton Hall. That loss ended the school's 21-game home win streak. All-Ivy forward Ryan Wittman (6-6) is averaging 17.0 PPG to lead the team in scoring, while senior guard Louis Dale (13.7) and 7-0 senior center Jeff Foote (11.0-8.7) have proven to be quality players as well. Sophomore guard Chris Wroblewski (10.0) gives the team its fourth double-digit scorer. Syracuse junior forward Wes Johnson was named the 2K Sports Classic MVP after finishing with 25 points and eight rebounds in a rather easy victory over the defending national champions in the tournament final last week. He averaged 21 points and 9.5 rebounds in the two victories in New York City. Syracuse is averaging 89.2 PPG after four games with five players in double digits. The 6-7 Johnson leads the way (17.3-7.5) followed by fellow frontcourt mate the 6-9 Onuaku (13.8-4.3) plus three guards, Jardine (11.5-5.8 APG), Rautins (10.3-3.3-4.8) and Triche (10.0). Cornell is 0-17 all-time at the Carrier Dome vs Syracuse but last year took a 16-point lead in the first half before losing 88-78. With Syracuse now reading its "press clippings," I want the points with the Ivy League boys. Take Cornell.
Jack Jones
New Jersey Nets vs. Denver Nuggets
Play: Denver Nuggets -13
The Nets are 0-13 this season, largely due to a long list of injuries, but also due to poor play. Denver does not want to be the first team to lose to New Jersey this season, and that fact alone will have them avoiding a letdown here. Plus, Denver is 5-0 at home this season, winning by 16.4 points/game. I see no way the Nets can even compete tonight for four quarters. New Jersy is losing their games by an average of 10.2 points/game this season. Now they have to play one of the best teams in the league that has been simply dominant on their home floor. The Nuggets are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 home games. The Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings with the Nets, including back-to-back wins by 25 and 28 points. This thing has another 20-plus point blowout written all over it. Take the Nuggets.