Friday Service Plays

Jimmy The Moose

Calgary Flames at St. Louis Blues
Prediction: Calgary Flames

The Flames come into this one having won 3 of their last 4 games while the Blues have lost 3 of their last 4. Calgary has cahed in 5 of their last 7 overall. In their last 10 games played with 2 days rest between action the Flamers are 8-2. Calgary is 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference opponents. The Blues are 5-16 in their last 21 vs. team's from the Northwest Division. The Blues have dropped 4 of their last 5 home games. St. Louis is 16-36 in their last 52 games vs. Western Conference opponents. Calgary is 4-1 in their last 5 trips to St. Louis and they are 10-1 in the last 11 meetings overall. Play on the Calgary Flames -.

Brian Hansen

Calgary Flames at St. Louis Blues
Prediction: Calgary Flames

Although the Flames are coming off a loss at home to the Stars, I look for them to dominate on their first road game vs. the Blues! St. Louis is 10-10 to start the season, and is coming off a victory over the Thrashers, but I look for them to stumble tonight! Look for the Flames to improve to 5-2 ATS when playing with 2 days rest!

Frank Jordan

Buffalo U vs. Ball State
Play: Ball State -14.5

Buffalo is 7-5 on the year and 5-3 in their MAC games as they play in the MAC Championship game in hopes to knock off the undefeated Ball State squad. Ball State has played a dozen games and have won all 12 games as they are 8-0 in the MAC. Look for Ball State to make it lucky 13 as they cruise past Buffalo. Play Ball State

Mike Anthony

Cincinnati U vs. Hawaii
Play: Cincinnati -7

You can take it to the bank that the Bearcats wont have a vacation on their minds here. Cincy is 9-2 and are determined with their hard nose defense and a very well coached team. Look for Cincinnati to make the trip and take care of business late Saturday Night. The Bearcats will be too physical and have an edge in almost every position and take control of this game early and often. This isn't the Hawaii team of old and I expect them to get smoked in this one!

Totals 4U

Boston College vs. Virginia Tech

Boston College (9-3, 5-3 ACC) The Golden Eagles held Maryland to –6 yards rushing and added some creative scoring with a fake field goal/touchdown pass by QB/WR/P/KH Billie Flutie (nephew) plus a 36-yards interception return touchdown by WLB Robert Francois to earn a chance to revenge their 16-30 loss to Tech in the 2007 Conference Championship Game. There’s not much to say about Coach Jeff Jagodzinski’s (20-6 in 2nd season at Chestnut Hill) offense other than it will bore you to death. 151.2 yards rushing per game at 4.0 yards per carry and 168.2 yards passing per game at 5.5 yards per attempt but they commit very few penalties (53 for the entire team all season) and generally work with superior field position thanks to the stoppers. For a pair of smallish true freshmen 5’8” 182 RB Josh Haden (103 for 439 yards and TD) and 5’10” 192 Montel Harris (155 for 798 and 5 TD) have been effective and 6’4” 198 freshman QB Dominique Davis (31 of 59 for 288 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) kept the ball out of the Terrapins’ hands in his first start of the season for injured Chris Crane (broken collarbone). Boston College’s offensive line is big (6’5” 307 per man), durable (completed all 60 possible starts), and as good as ever (23 offensive linemen selected in the last 27 NFL Drafts) but if you need to take a trip to the little boy’s room on Saturday, make the run while the Eagles hold the ball.

The Eagles’ defense is a whole ‘nother animal. Senior defensive tackles 6’3” 324 Ron Brace (21 T, 9 TFL, 3 S) and 6’1” 323 BJ Raji (33 T, 11 TFL, 7 S) are not only immovable against the run, holding their last 5 opponents to an average of 57.0 yards rushing per contest, but can shed blockers with the best in the nation and destroy a pocket by the shortest route. Unlike most college teams, BC brings pro-sized beef to the linebacking corps but they give up nothing in the exchange when it come to athleticism. 6’4” 238 junior SLB Mark Herzlich (98 T, 10 TFL) has picked off 6 balls, taken 2 to the house, and added 3 sacks. 6’0” 252 junior MLB Mike McLaughlin (76 T, 10 TFL) has grabbed one interception plus has racked 4 sacks. 6’2” 253 senior WLB Robert Francois (66 T, 7 TFL) has added a couple of quarterback sacks to the team’s tally of 32 plus provided the game winning score against Maryland to bag the Atlantic Division Title. With this enviable size up the middle, teams must get creative to beat this squad, with this creativity more often than not landing the rock in the wrong hands. Boston College has piled up a national-best 25 interceptions and they know what to do with the ball when they get it. No less than 6 of this crew’s 33 forced turnovers (2nd best NCAA) have been returned for scores and when you throw in a pair of punt returns for scores by 5’11” 196 junior WR Rich Gunnell (42 for 437 yards and 3 TD receiving, 11.2 yards per punt return) it’s clear how Jagodzinski’s boys average 26.7 points scored per game with such a conservative approach when they have the ball.

Virginia Tech (8-4, 5-3 ACC) The Hokies’s offensive unit also lacks the experienced stars at the skill positions and their lack of confidence in the Red Zone (22 TD and 15 FG in 50 trips this season) would have cost them were it not for a 73-yard run by 6’1” 206 sophomore QB Tyrod Taylor (75 of 132 for 812 yards, 2 TD, 5 INT) that overcame a halftime deficit to Virginia and was critical in their banking the tough 17-14 win at Lane Stadium. Taylor’s wheels (121 rushes for 661 yards and 4 TD) were good enough to pile up 137 yards in that game on 16 carries and good enough to earn him the start this week over 6’4” 224 senior QB Sean Glennon (65 for 108 for 743 yards, 3 TD, 5 INT) although both will get snaps. Neither of these guys have been safe behind the line of Wang, Marshman, Schuman, Render, and DeChristopher who’s size at 6’4” and 310 pounds per jersey simply doesn’t relate once the ball is snapped. 37 sacks allowed for a team that throws the ball as little as Coach Frank Beamer’s (175-89-2 in 22nd year at Blacksburg) is ridiculous even if that number is padded by some failed quarterback rushes and for a school that uses the rush as it’s primary weapon (169.4 yards per game with 18 TD), 3.8 yards per carry isn’t going to dictate much to many defenses. Freshman 6’2” 204 WR Jarrett Boykin (27 for 407 and 2 TD), 6’0” 203 WR Danny Coate (32 for 352), and 6’0” 210 RB Darren Evans (228 for 998 and 9 TD) are quality players that we expect much from in 2009.

Like their opponents this week, Virginia Tech’s stars are found on the defensive side of the ball where the Hokies yield 112.2 yards per game on the ground at 3.3 yards per carry and 162.3 yards per game through the air at 7.3 yards per attempt. This front 7 has racked a perfect 84 of 84 possible starts with 6’2” 254 sophomore LDE Jason Worlids (56 T) one of the nation’s most explosive edge-rushers with 16 ½ tackles for loss including 7 quarterback sacks. 6’1” 237 senior OLB Brett Warren (79 T, 4 ½ TFL, INT, FR) has taken both of his turnovers to the house and keep your eye out for backup 5’11” 207 LB Cody Grimm (58 T, 10 TFL, 5 S, INT) who has proven extremely difficult to find in pass rush. Coincidentally, Warren and Grimm are the sons of former Washington Redskin “Hogs” TE Don Warren and G Russ Grimm (his son is 5’11” and 207 pounds?!). 29 team sacks and 80 tackles for loss is some pretty decent heat and the Hokie defensive backfield is plenty good enough to make offenses pay for rushed decisions. Certainly 6’0” 194 senior QB Victor “Macho” Harris (42 T, 2 ½ TFL, FR) deserves his share of the pub with a great career that includes 6 interceptions (2 returned for TD) this season plus time spent on offense (5 for 48 rushing, 8 for 63 receiving) and special teams (10.4 yards per punt return) but we really like the kid at free safety. 6’4” 224 junior Kam Chancellor (48 T, 2 FR, INT) is as much this unit’s defense coordinator as is Bud Foster who cashes the paychecks for the job. Without a doubt, Chancellor’s the kid that can win this game.

SELECTION: The Eagles overcame 5 turnovers to best the Hokies 28-23 at Alumni Stadium back on October 18th. Some of the Beamer special teams magic has faded with zero return touchdowns for Tech this season versus 3 allowed but we expect the old master to pull out all the tricks is a game in which he should know he’s slightly out-manned. It’s not an easy call but we’ll take Boston College –1 at the Orange Bowl.

Mike Wynn Sports

SEC Championship

The SEC Championship is a very intriguing match up in a lot of ways. The Alabama Florida match up is a repeat of the original SEC Championship game played way back in 1992 with Alabama getting the better of it in a 28-21 win. This year’s title game marks the first time that the two teams coming into the contest are ranked as the number 1 & 2 teams in the AP top 25 national poll. Alabama 12-0 has held down the number 1 spot since the beginning of November, but Florida at number 2 is possibly the hottest team in the country and a favorite of a lot of the national sports pundits. The most intriguing part of this game for me though is the contrast of styles. Alabama is big and physical and they like to maul their opponents, while Florida is all about speed and the big play. So we’ll take a quick look at both these teams starting with the Florida Gators.

Florida Gators are playing in their third SEC Championship in 4 years and they’ve been on a major offensive roll since losing to Mississippi 31-30 in the Swamp back on September 27. Tim Tebow has been superb since that loss completing 68% of his passes, tossing 19 touchdowns against 2 interceptions, plus he’s run for 382 yards and scored 10 touchdowns himself. Yes the high ankle sprain to super quick Percy Harvin will slow him down or even have him on the bench Saturday, but Florida still has major speed and depth at the skill positions. No doubt the offense takes a hit with the Harvin injury and in a game like this against a team like Alabama you know Urban Meyer would like to have all his weapons available. With the Florida offense so prolific the Gator defense tends to get overlooked, but they shouldn’t. Florida defense is only allowing 12.2 points per game this season, and their athleticism and quickness up front will give Alabama some problems. Gators have been outstanding at getting off blocks and making plays on the defensive side of the ball. Key match up for Florida will be their defensive front against the big physical run blocking offensive line of Alabama. If the Gators can control the trenches and keep their offense on the field it’ll take its toll on the Alabama “D”, and they can’t the reverse will be true.

Alabama obviously has no where near the fire power on offense that Florida has but Nick Saban has a winning formula in place. Alabama plays great defense, they don’t turn the ball over, and they pound their opponents with a big physical rushing attack. Senior QB John Parker Wilson is the field general for the Tide but he isn’t really asked to win games. Instead it’s Parker Wilson’s job to manage the offense and not make major mistakes. Alabama Running Backs Coffee & Ingram average 6.2 & 5.4 yards per carry this season, and they get it done behind a big offensive line that has no man under 6-2 and 300 pounds. With the ball control offense Alabama relies on their defense and they’re a very good group. Alabama defense has allowed 11.5 points per game this season and their 74 yards per game on the ground and 248 total yards per game rank among the best in the nation. Very important for Alabama to be able to move the ball on the ground in this one and keep that Florida offense on the sidelines. Defensively the Tide needs to play tough and physical and not allow the big play, but that’s easier said than done.

Taking a look at some of the trends and angles in this one it’s hard to find a reason to buck either of these squads. Alabama 9-3 ATS in all games this season while Florida is 9-2. Urban Meyer 29-18 ATS in all games he’s coached at Florida including a perfect 6-0 ATS against winning teams this season. Alabama is paying Nick Saban $4M a year for a reason as the guy can flat out game plan, and he’ll have his team well prepared here Saturday. I have to lean toward the underdog in this one Saturday and take Alabama. I can’t remember a time when the number 1 team in the country was getting double digits and I think Alabama will keep it close. If you were going to draw up a team to beat a team like the Florida Gators, Alabama is the team you would draw up. Alabama keeps this one interesting and close but ultimately I think Tim Tebow will find a way to win it for Florida.

Nevada Sharpshooter

East Carolina at Tulsa

The 10-2 Golden Hurricane of Tulsa will host the 8-4 East Carolina Pirates in the Conference USA Championship game. Tulsa’s high powered offense features QB David Johnson who has thrown an amazing 42 TD passes compared to just 13 interceptions. His main targets are possession reciever Damaris Johnson with 44 receptions and 9 TDs and deep threat Brennan Marion, 39 catches and 8 TDs. On the ground the Hurricane rely on RB Tarrion Adams who has almost 1200 yards rushing while averaging 6 yards per carry. Adams has also crossed the goal line 9 times. Defensively though Tulsa has struggled giving up over 30 points 5 times this season.

The Pirates, who are looking for their first conference title, will be led by QB Patrick Pinkney. Pinkney doesn’t put up the big numbers of his Tulsa counterpart but is efficient, completing 64% of his passes. The ground game is centered around the RB duo of Norman Whitley and Brandon Simmons who combined have accounted for 9 touchdowns and 950 yards rushing. The Pirate defense has been solid all year, holding opponents to less than 20 points or less 7 times.

While Tulsa certainly has the advantage on offense, they have only blown out bad teams. In the 8 games they have won by over 2 touchdowns only Rice has a winning record, and Rice plays no defense. I like East Carolina in this game +13.5, they may have the lesser record but have played a stronger schedule and also battled injuries in the middle of the year.

Dr. Vegas

Buffalo vs Ball State

College football championships are here! I will be taking a look at the Buffalo vs Ball State MAC Championship game to be played on Friday. Let’s a look at each team.

Ball State
12-0 SU and 8-3 ATS. They have scored 452 points and only given up 200. They have covered 3 of the last 4, which includes an impressive 23-point win last week over a solid Western Michigan team. The Cardinals are favored to win the championship game by 15 points. They are averaging wins of 24 points at home and 18 points on the road this year.

Buffalo
7-5 SU and 8-4 ATS. They have scored 362 points and given up 333. They were on a roll heading toward the end of the season, winning and covering 4 straight. Then they ran into Kent, a game they were favored to win by 9, but lost outright by 3. So a late-season stumble could prove bad for the momentum Buffalo needed going into the high pressure championship game. Especially against a team with a perfect record.

These two teams met previously this year. Ball State was favored by 21.5 and won by 21. So even though they lost their cover by a hook, it was still a blowout.

It will be a daunting task for Buffalo to overcome the weapons Ball State boasts, including running back MiQuale Lewis and QB Nate Davis. Not to mention that they have filled in their one gap from years prior - their defense, which is now a menacing crew to any offensive line. They’ve given up far fewer points than any other team in the MAC.

Ball State has every reason to win this game. A perfect 13-0 season is within their grasp. And a 15-point line is well within their ability to attain. They’ve beaten better teams by more points.

Take Ball State -15 over Buffalo.

Razor Sharp Sports

Missouri vs. Oklahoma

No matter what happened, the Big-12 knew that their was going to be 2 teams that weren’t going to be happy. I give them credit for coming up with a pretty good tiebreaker situation. When you have a conference championship game, you can only have 2 teams play and it is bound to happen that their may be a three way tie. Unlike the BCS overall, you can’t have a playoff. I am not saying I agree with the decision that Oklahoma should be the team, but it is the system that is in place and we have to deal with it. So here is another question, if Oklahoma is less than impressive in the Big-12 Championship, could Texas jump back over the Sooners in the National Championship Game. OK, enough about talking what ifs. Lets take a look at what we do have. It is a rematch of last year’s title game between Missouri and Oklahoma! Oklahoma won that contest 38-17.

The Missouri Tigers come into the Big-12 Championship game on a down note. Last week, Missouri went to Kansas City for their annual meeting against Kansas and were upset by the Jayhawks 40-37. The Tigers are now 9-3 and ranked 20th in the BCS. Still the Sooners can’t overlook their opponent because the Tigers have plenty of weapons. QB Chase Daniel has completed over 75% of his passes this year for 3880 yards, 34 TDs and just 13 ints. Daniel’s favorite target is the speedy sophomore WR Jeremy Maclin. For the season Maclin has 88 catches for 1175 yards and 11 TDs. He also has ran for 248 yards and 2 more scores. Senior TE Chase Coffman has also caught 79 passes for 872 yards and 9 TDs. Defensively the Tigers have given up less points than Oklahoma. They give up just over 24 points per game, while scoring 45.

When you talk about the Sooners, you have to start with their play caller also. Sophomore QB Sam Bradford has put up Heisman numbers this year. For the season he is completing over 68% of his passes for 4080 yards, 46 TDs and only 6 ints. Around Bradford, there are plenty of weapons. Sophomore RB DeMarco Murray leads the team in rushing with 1002 yards and 14 TDs. He also has caught 31 passes for 395 yards and 4 more scores. Right behind Murray is Junior Chris Brown, who has run for 988 yards and 17 TDs. Bradford has plenty of targets to throw to also. 6 different players have 24 catches or more, more than 395 yards and at least 2 TDs. Bradford’s top two targets are Senior WR Juaquin Iglesias with 60 catches for 967 yards and 8 TDs and Junior TE Jermaine Gresham with 50 catches for 806 yards and 12 TDs. Manuel Johnson is also a very dangerous weapon. Johnson missed a couple games due to injury, but still caught 37 passes for 677 yards and 9 TDs. He has caught only 5 passes over the Sooners last 6 games. The Sooner defense took a big blow last week when Sophomore LB Austin Box hurt his knee. He will more than likely miss this week’s contest.

I know that the total is very high here, but the way both of these teams can score and how the Big-12 has been lighting up the scoreboard all season long, I say take the OVER here also.

DAVE COKIN

CANISIUS / MANHATTAN
Take MANHATTAN

MAAC play is underway, with three league contests tonight. Canisius has won their last couple, but this is still a very shaky team. The Golden Griffins are very prone to turnovers and that usually leads to trouble on the conference road. Manhattan is certainly nothing to write home about, but the Jaspers should earn a good number of extra possessions tonight and I think that gets them over the top with the number pretty short. Manhattan minus the points.

JIM FEIST

INDIANA PACERS / CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take Over

Two Eastern Conference teams that never saw a jump shot (or lay up) they didn't like. Uptempo Cleveland is 4th in the NBA in scoring with 104.4 ppg, while Indiana is 7th with 100.6 ppg. That comes at a cost for the Pacers allowing over 100 per game. The Cavaliers are riding high offensively with newcomer Mo Williams joining King LeBron James. Indiana has a sparkplug uptempo guard of its own in T.J. Ford, and Indiana Pacers coach Jim O'Brien's offense is built around off-the-ball movement. Indiana is on a 7-2 run over the total. Looks like an uptempo game from start to finish; play the Pacers/Cavaliers over the total.

SPORTS ADVISORS

MAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Buffalo (7-5, 8-4 ATS) vs. Ball State (12-0, 8-2-1 ATS) (at Detroit)

The Cardinals will try to stay perfect on the season and claim their first conference title in 12 years when they take on surprising Buffalo at Ford Field in Detroit in the Mid-American Conference championship game.

The Cardinals captured the MAC’s West Division title and capped off its first perfect regular season since 1949 with last Tuesday’s 45-22 home win over Western Michigan as 10-point favorites in the regular-season finale. Junior RB MiQuale Lewis scored three TDs in the victory, giving him a school-record 20 this year, and he leads the MAC with 1,570 yards rushing and ranks fourth in the nation at 130.8 yards per game.

Ball State’s high-powered offense is averaging 37.7 points per game, which ranks 15th in the nation as the Cardinals have scored at least 31 points in all but one contest this season. Junior QB Nate Davis is sixth in the nation with a 169.3 passer rating, having thrown for 3.095 yards, 25 TDs and six interceptions. With Davis at the helm, Ball State outgained all but one opponent this year.

One week after clinching the MAC East Division with an overtime victory at Bowling Green, Buffalo had its five-game winning streak (4-1 ATS) halted a week ago, losing to Kent State 24-21 as a nine-point home favorite. Junior RB James Starks ran for 1,226 yards this season to break the Bulls’ school single-season record, and he ranks sixth in the nation at 122.6 rushing yards per game. Junior WR Naaman Roosevelt has caught 86 passes for a MAC-leading 1,196 yards and 10 TDs, and QB Drew Willy has passed for 2,885 yards with 22 TDs and just five INTs.

Including last week’s narrow loss to Kent State, Buffalo has played seven games this year decided by three points or fewer or in overtime.

The Bulls average 30.2 points and 387.2 yards per game (145 rushing ypg), but tonight they face a Ball State defense giving up just 16.7 points and 351.8 yards per contest (145.7 rushing ypg). Meanwhile, the Cardinals run up against a Buffalo D that’s yielding 27.8 points and 400.4 yards per game (159.3 rushing ypg). In fact, the Bulls have surrendered at least 24 points in nine of their 12 games this year.

Ball State dominated Buffalo in their conference meeting last season, winning 49-14 as a 14-point home favorite. The Cardinals have won four straight over the Bulls dating back to 2000, going 3-1 ATS in the process. Ball State outrushed Buffalo 274-83 in last year’s blowout, and Davis threw for 233 yards and three TD and added 44 rushing yards on just five carries.

Buffalo has lost eight straight games against ranked opponents, but the Bulls have covered eight straight as an underdog (6-0 ATS this year as a pup), and they’re on additional ATS runs of 10-4 in MAC action, 5-1 following a non-cover and 6-0 away from home this season. Ball State also is riding several positive ATS streaks, including 20-7 overall, 6-2 in MAC play, 5-1 away from home this year and 20-8 against teams with a winning record.

The over trends dominate for the Bulls, including 6-1 overall, 20-8 in MAC games and 5-2 against teams with a winning record. Conversely, Ball State carries “under” streaks of 5-2 overall, 4-1 after a spread-cover and 5-2 after a straight-up win. Lastly, all four meetings this decade between these teams have flown over the total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BALL STATE and OVER

NBA

Philadelphia (8-11, 7-12 ATS) at Detroit (11-6, 9-8 ATS)

Two teams headed in opposite directions are set to square off as the ice-cold Sixers make the trek to Detroit’s Palace of Auburn Hills to take on the Pistons.

Philadelphia has dropped five of its last six SU and ATS, including Wednesday’s 114-102 home loss to the Lakers, falling short as a nine-point underdog. However, the Sixers’ lone win during this 1-5 slump came in their most recent road game, Tuesday’s 103-95 overtime victory at Chicago as a two-point underdog.

Detroit has won three of its last four and delivered a gem of a defensive show Tuesday, beating the Spurs 89-77 in San Antonio as a 5½-point pup. The Pistons are just 2-2 SU and ATS in their last four at home, including Sunday’s 96-85 loss to the Blazers as four-point favorites.

Detroit knocked the Sixers out of the Eastern Conference playoffs last season in six games, losing two of the first three contests both SU and ATS before sweeping the final three games SU and ATS to take the best-of-7 battle. Philadelphia went 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS in the four regular-season meetings last year. The SU winner is 9-0 ATS in the last nine head-to-head clashes.

Philadelphia is on a host of ATS slides, including 1-4 overall, 3-7 on the road, 6-15 against the Eastern Conference and 2-5 after a straight-up loss. However, they have cashed in seven straight games when coming off a double-digit home loss. The Pistons are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 at home against teams with a losing road record.

The under has been the play lately for the Sixers, including 7-3-1 against the Central Division, 8-2-2 against the Eastern Conference, 5-0 on Fridays and 5-1-1 when playing after a day off. For Detroit, the under is on streaks of 7-1 overall, 5-1 at home, 4-1 against Eastern Conference teams and 7-2 against teams with a losing record. Also, the under is 7-3 in the last 10 clashes in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: DETROIT and UNDER

Portland (14-6, 11-9 ATS) at Boston (18-2, 11-9 ATS)

Two of the hottest teams in the NBA meet tonight at TD BankNorth Garden in Boston when the defending-champion Celtics put their 10-game winning streak on the line against the Blazers.

Portland has won six straight (3-3 ATS), including three in a row at the start of an ongoing five-game road trip. However, after opening the trip with Sunday’s 96-85 upset win at Detroit, the Blazers came up just short against the number in wins at the Knicks (104-97 as an eight-point ‘dog) and Wizards (98-92 as a 6 ½-point pup). Portland has turned up the defensive intensity in its last five games, allowing 85.6 points per game (42.6 percent shooting) while scoring 101 ppg (49.2 percent).

Boston’s winning streak reached 10 with Wednesday’s 114-96 home win over the Pacers, cashing as a 14½-point favorite to move to 7-3 ATS during this run. The Celtics are 6-6 ATS at home this season, but 3-0 ATS in their last three in front of the home crowd.

Doc Rivers’ squad has won six in a row against Portland, sweeping last year’s two games, including a 100-90 home win in January as an eight-point favorite. The Celtics have gotten the cash in seven straight meetings against the Blazers, five times as the favorite. The visitor is 12-4 ATS in the last 16 series clashes, the favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six and the straight-up winner is 8-2 ATS in the last 10.

Portland is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against Atlantic Division teams, but the Blazers are on positive pointspread runs of 5-2 against the Eastern Conference, 7-2 when playing after a day of rest, 4-0 on Fridays and 6-1 against teams with a winning record. Boston is riding a plethora of ATS hot streaks, including 7-2 overall, 5-1 at home, 19-7 against the Western Conference, 4-0 after a day off and 35-16-1 after a spread-cover.

The Blazers are on under runs of 7-0 overall, 4-0 on the road, 5-0 against the Eastern Conference, 17-5 after a straight-up win and 14-6 on Fridays. Boston has stayed below the posted total in five of its last six Friday games, but otherwise the Celtics are on over streaks of 4-2 at home, 4-2 overall, 25-10 against Northwest Division teams and 5-0 against teams with a winning record. The over is also 5-1 in the last six Blazers-Celtics clashes overall and 5-1 in the last six battles in Boston.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON

Toronto (8-9, 6-11 ATS) at Utah (12-8, 10-10 ATS)

The Raptors will try to rebound from their most lopsided loss of the season when they visit EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City to take on the Jazz in the finale of a three-game Western Conference road trip.

Toronto fired coach Sam Mitchell on Wednesday, hours after Tuesday’s embarrassing 132-93 loss at Denver as a 5-point underdog. The Raptors have dropped four of six overall (0-6 ATS), and they have failed to top the 100-point mark in their last four.

Utah was a perfect 6-0 at home (4-2 ATS) until Nov. 24 when the Bulls scored a 101-100 win as 6½-point ‘dogs. Including that setback, the Jazz have now dropped three of their last five home games SU and ATS, including two in a row after Wednesday’s 93-89 loss to the Heat as four-point favorites.

Jerry Sloan’s squad has won six straight over the Raptors (5-1 ATS), including a dominating 96-79 home win in March as 13½-point favorites. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven series clashes, and the straight-up winner is 8-2 ATS in the last 10.

Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last seven when getting two days off, but otherwise the Raptors are on ATS slides of 0-9 against the Western Conference, 3-13 on Fridays, and 5-13 on the road against teams with a winning home record. The Jazz are just 1-4 ATS in their last five on Fridays and 1-6 ATS in their last seven against the Eastern Conference, but they’re still on ATS upticks of 45-21-2 at home, 4-0 after a non-cover and 4-1 against teams with a losing record.

The Raptors are on over streaks of 8-2 overall, 4-0 on the road, 10-4 on Fridays, and 5-1 after a straight-up loss. Meanwhile, the Jazz are on over stretches of 6-1 after a day off, 5-0 on Fridays, 5-1 after a straight-up loss and 9-3 at home against teams with a losing road record. Finally, these teams have stayed under the total in their last four meetings overall, but the over is 5-2 in the last seven series clashes in Utah.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

Tom Freese

Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons
Prediction: Detroit Pistons

Detroit is 17-1 ATS their last 18 December games and they are 25-10 ATS after allowing 85 or less points in their last game. The Pistons are 6-1 ATS off a double digit win and they are 7-3 ATS at home vs. a team with a losing road record. Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS their last 10 road games and they are 3-7 ATS vs. winning teams. The Sixers are 6-15 ATS their last 21 Eastern Conference games and they are 1-4 ATS after scoring 100 or more points in their last game. PLAY ON DETROIT -

Priceless Picks

1 Unit on Indiana Pacers +12

The Cavs will be in letdown mode tonight following a huge blowout win over the Knicks. Plays against home favorites ( CLEVELAND ) after beating the spread by more than 18 points in their previous game, top level team, winning 75% or more of their games on the season are 41-16 ATS since 1996. The Pacers will be in bounce back mode as well following a blowout loss at Boston . Indiana is 11-1 ATS after allowing 110 points or more 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons. The Pacers are talented enough offensively to keep this one within the number. Take the points as the Pacers have an excellent chance to win this game.