PRICELESS PICKS
1 Unit on Detroit Pistons -2.5
Utah has been a good home team once again this season, but it is just 6-7 on the road. Meanwhile, Detroit has regained some momentum with three straight wins and has won 7 of 11 overall at home this season. Utah is 0-7 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4 against the spread this season. Detroit is 19-5 ATS in December games over the last 2 seasons and 20-7 ATS after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite over the last 2 seasons. Take the Pistons at home tonight.
Tom Freese
Charlotte Bobcats at Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction: Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte is 8-1 ATS their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and they are 6-2 ATS after allowing 100 or more points in their last game. The Bobcats are 9-1-1 ATS their last 11 Friday games. Memphis is 1-7 ATS when playing with two days rest and they are 2-6 ATS off a straight up loss. The Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS at home as favorites of 4.5 or less points and they are 1-5 ATS their as home favorites at any line. PLAY ON CHARLOTTE +
Matt Rivers
For Friday take the Clippers in Indiana.
I really am beginning to like this Clipper squad and despite the horrific first month to the season think that when all is said and done they will be alright. The playoffs are probably out of the question as the West is just too darn deep but with Baron Davis and Marcus Camby around along with guys like Chris Kaman and Ricky Davis who are banged up but will make an impact in the near future I can see this LA team being pretty competitive.
The Clips have won and covered three of four and it should have been a perfect four for four if not for some rough luck in the windy city on Wednesday night as the 3 1/2 point dog in LA lost in overtime by six. This team has really been playing some solid ball as also evidenced by covering eight of 11 and the banged up Pacers are just flat out not very good.
Danny Granger is blowing up and becoming an All-Star but with recent injuries to TJ Ford, Marquis Daniels, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy and Travis Diener this team is not gelling together and after trading away Jermaine O'Neal in the offseason for Ford the chemistry is lacking in a big time way.
I expect the Clippers to continue the good play and very possibly get another outright tonight!
DUNKEL
Dallas at New Jersey
The Mavericks bring an 8-3 ATS road record to New Jersey to face a Nets team that is 4-14 ATS versus the Southwest Division over the last three seasons. Dallas is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Mavs favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-4).
Game 501-502: LA Clippers at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 114.526; Indiana 118.083
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 3 1/2; 212 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 2 1/2; 207 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-2 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 113.800; Washington 117.000
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 191
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-1); Over
Game 505-506: Golden State at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 110.556; Atlanta 124.786
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 14; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 9 1/2; 212 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-9 1/2); Under
Game 507-508: Chicago at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 115.071; Boston 133.654
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 18 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 12; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-12); Under
Game 509-510: Dallas at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 121.873; New Jersey 115.916
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 6; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-4); Under
Game 511-512: Milwaukee at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 116.508; New York 116.380
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 220
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3; 214 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+3); Over
Game 513-514: Utah at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 118.887; Detroit 118.424
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 197 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 3; 192
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3); Over
Game 515-516: Charlotte at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 115.963; Memphis 115.804
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+3); Under
Game 517-518: LA Lakers at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 124.176; Miami 114.707
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 9 1/2; 211
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-8); Over
Game 519-520: Toronto at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 118.455; Oklahoma City 110.379
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 8; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 6; 201
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-6); Over
Game 521-522: Sacramento at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 110.331; Houston 122.478
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 12; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 13; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+13); Under
Game 523-524: Cleveland at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 125.115; Denver 128.542
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 3 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1; 196
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-1); Over
NCAAB
Wake Forest at Richmond
The Demon Deacons face a Richmond team that is 4-0 ATS versus the ACC over the last three seasons. The Spiders are the underdog pick (+8) according to Dunkel, which has Wake Forest favored by just 5. Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+8).
Game 525-526: Wake Forest at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 66.705; Richmond 61.668
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 5
Vegas Line: Wake Forrest by 8
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+8)
Game 527-528: New Orleans at UL-Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 46.950; UL-Monroe 43.253
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 1
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-1)
Game 529-530: NC Wilmington at College of Charleston
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 40.352; College of Charleston 60.595
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 20
Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 17
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (-17)
Game 531-532: Western Carolina at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 53.035; Marquette 69.624
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Marquette by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+18 1/2)
NHL
Anaheim at Edmonton
The Ducks look to take advantage of an Edmonton team that is coming off a loss in Vancouver (4-2) and is just 4-7 after allowing 4 goals or more. Anaheim is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-110).
Game 1-2: Ottawa at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.328; New Jersey 10.764
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+140); Under
Game 3-4: Los Angeles at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 10.433; Buffalo 12.062
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-175); Over
Game 5-6: NY Islanders at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 9.357; Minnesota 11.874
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-230); Under
Game 7-8: Anaheim at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.193; Edmonton 10.479
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-110); Under
Game 9-10: Chicago at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.916; Calgary 12.619
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-115); Under
Matty O'Shea
DEN PK vs CLE
The Nuggets are 4-1 SU & ATS in the last five meetings and have not lost consecutive games since acquiring Chauncey Billups from Detroit. They are 16-5 SU with Billups running the point and will be looking to avenge a 110-99 loss at Cleveland back on November 12th. Bet Denver as my Single Dime NBA TV Play O' the Day.
Jrtips
GOLDEN ST. vs. ATLANTA
The Atlanta Hawks will look to regain their edge at Philips Arena as they continue their eight-game homestand against a Golden State Warriors club that's dropped four in a row and 13 of 15. Atlanta (15-10) is coming off an 88-85 loss to Boston on Wednesday night and their worst shooting performance of the year that snapped a seven-game home winning streak. Joe Johnson scored a team-high 20 points for the Hawks but missed 10 of 16 field goal attempts plus a critical free throw that would have made it 86 all with 2.7 seconds left. The last 3 seasons Joe Johnson has averaging 37.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three home games against Golden State. Golden State (7-19) is 25th in the NBA in field goal defense at 46.8 percent and are giving up a league-high 112.1 points per game. In Wednesday's 127-120 loss to Indiana, Golden State allowed 120 points or more for the sixth time in 10 games. The Warriors, losers of nine of their last 10 on the road, are allowing an average of 117.1 points in their last 15 contests although they rank second in the league in scoring averaging 106.5 points but Atlanta has held 12 straight opponents to 100 or fewer. The Hawks have allowed 83.0 points per game during their current 3-1 stretch. Atlanta has won four of its last five games against the Warriors and they should have no problem winning by double-digits tonight. TAKE ATLANTA-9 1/2
Wunderdog
Toronto at Oklahoma City
Pick: OVER 200
The Oklahoma City Thunder has won just two games all season. One thing that has changed however, is that this team has come together offensively. They have upped their scoring average from a pathetic 88.9 points per game in their first 13, to a very respectful 98 ppg in their last 13. The problem is that they have not made any strides defensively as they have allowed over 100 points in 18 of their last 21. The Raptors pick their spots to run, and one of those spots is against sub-par teams. They have played 6-0 to the OVER in their last six against a team with a losing record. Those numbers have translated to this series as well, as these two teams have played OVER six straight times. It is hard to buck the trends here as this one goes OVER.
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on New Jersey Nets +3.5
Devin Harris has been huge for the Nets this season, averaging 23.9 ppg (6th in the NBA), and he will show the Mavs just how badly they should be missing him tonight when he exploits their lack of speed and quickness on defense with his uncanny ability to get to the rim. Dallas has started to win some games and just like that the books are overvaluing them. As a result, the Mavs has lost 5 of their last6 against the number. What's significant here is Dallas 's inability to put together a strong performance after winning on the road. The Mavs are only 6-16 ATS off a road win over the last 2 seasons. They are also only 7-24 ATS after 5 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons. New Jersey 's speed will be a problem for Dallas on both ends of the court. Take the points.
Yankee Capper
3 Units - Senators/Devils O5 (-125)
3 Units - Dallas/New Jersey U199
3 Units - Wake Forest/Richmond U146.5
Black Magic Sports
1 Unit on Houston Rockets -12.5
Houston is finally healthy and they are showing signs of playing up to their potential. The Rockets beat the Nuggets by 12 points at home last game, shooting 55.3% from the floor. They host the Sacramento Kings, who are losers of 11 of their last 13 games overall. The Kings are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games, getting blown out on a nightly basis. They lost their last game at Portland by 32 points, and the Kings are going through a coaching change that has set this team back even more. Houston is 16-5 ATS on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons. The Rockets are 18-8 ATS after a game where they made 12 or more 3-point shots over the last 2 seasons. The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games overall. With Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest and Shane Battier all healthy at the same time, this team is as dangerous as any team in the Western Conference. The Kings are still playing without their best player in Kevin Martin. Cash in with the Rockets as the favorite.
Mr. A
Boston Celtics -12
Toronto Raptors -6
GINA
Sacramento Kings at Houston Rockets
Sacramento Kings have played horrible away from home, just 2-10 on the road this season. The Kings have lost five of its past seven contests versus the Rockets. Go with the Houston at the Toyota Center. Sacramento has lost five of its last seven at Houston and is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
Houston Rockets -12½
Johnny Guild
Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat
Los Angeles Lakers have won four of the last five clashes versus Miami and are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings. The Heat have lost their last three games with Dwyane Wade struggling. Take Los Angeles to seize their fourth straight victory over Miami.
Los Angeles Lakers -7.5
Wake Forest Demon Deacons -7.5
Drew Gordon
Dallas -4 at NEW JERSEY
This is a different Dallas team with Josh Howard back and healthy, as was clearly exhibited in their 96-86 win at Toronto Wednesday. Howard has 20 points on over 50% shooting in just 22 minutes on the floor, which should tell you a lot about his importance to this Mavericks offense. He's also their most athletic defender, and needless to say will be invaluable against a beatable Nets frontline.
Obviously emotions run high as Jason Kidd returns to New Jersey, but let's not get carried away. What matters more is each team's recent play, and fact is, the Mavs are playing much better basketball right now that the Nets. Dallas has won 7 of their last 9 games (first 7 of those game without Howard), and while they've cost their backers over that stretch (just 3-6 ATS), I believe the return of Howard is all they need to get back to being profitable.
New Jersey meanwhile, has lost 4 of their last 5 SUATS, and has looked terrible over that stretch. Their problem is two-fold: A. They're offense has become a two-man show, Harris and Carter, and that's it. That simply won't do against a solid defensive team like Dallas. And B. Their defensive effort has slipped considerably, allowing a whopping 105 ppg on 45% shooting over that 5-game span.
Bottom line, the Nets are catching the Mavs at the wrong time, despite being at home, the healthy return of Howard has given Dallas a MAJOR boost, and it'll show tonight. Mavs may not have the speed in the backcourt to deal with Harris, but it won't matter, because right now the Nets are stopping anyone. In the end, Dallas builds off a nice road win in Toronto with another solid win and cover tonight in New Jersey.
Take Dallas over New Jersey in this NBA match up.
3* DALLAS
Chris Jordan
UNC Wilmington at CHARLESTON -15
Lay the wood in this one, as Bobby Cremins' boys are now 8-1 on the season and 2-0 in conference play. The Cougars handed Cremins his 500th career win in the team's win over Coastal, and the team is now off to its best start in five seasons.
On the other hand, the Seahawks come into this one on a four-game slide, and have lost seven of eight.
And since these two teams tipped off the campaign with a 98-91 overtime marathon that fell in favor of the Seahawks at home last season, I suspect the much-improved Cougars will be out for revenge.
Looking inside the numbers, the Seahawks are mired in ATS skids of 2-5 in non-conference play, 0-4 as an underdog and on the road and 1-4 off a straight-up loss. Conversely, the Cougars are on ATS runs of 5-1 at home, 4-1 in conference play and 9-1 overall.
Charleston has all the pieces to this season's puzzle in place, and appears ready to make a serious push in league play, so knocking off UNC-Wilmington won't be much of a challenge.
2* COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Sports Gambling Hotline
Toronto -6' at OKLAHOMA CITY
Tonight in the NBA, the time is right for the Toronto Raptors to snap their 3-game losing streak as they take on the door-mat of the Western Conference Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder has lost their last 8 games straight up, and while the linesmakers have kept Oklahoma City competitive against the spread on the road where they are 10-3 against the spread, they same cannot be said for the Thunder on their home floor this season where they are just 1-12 straight up, and a money-burning 2-9-1 against the spread.
This is the first meeting of the season between the teams, and while Toronto struggled in their visits to Seattle when the Thunder were based there, we don't expect them to stuggle in their first visit to Oklahoma City.
We will lay the road wood with Toronto, as they pound the Thunder this evening.
Play on the Raptors.
2* TORONTO
Karl Garrett
Cleveland +1 at DENVER
Tonight's marquee NBA matchup is Cleveland at Denver, and the G-Man is going to side with King James and his mates over the upstart Nuggets.
Denver has been much better with Chauncy Billups running the show, but can the Nuggets step up, and beat one of the "elite" teams in the league tonight?
G-Man doesn't think so!
Not a lot you can point to as a negative with this Cleveland team these days, as the Cavaliers stand at 21-4 overall, and have covered in 20 of their 25 games to date.
The Cavs are on the verge of a season-series sweep, as Cleveland did dump Denver 110-99 back in November to snap a series losing streak to the Nuggets.
This game is priced right near a pick, and at the end of the day I can say 9 times out of 10 that I feel Cleveland is the better, stronger team in the end.
G-Man has to ride the Cavs to the winner's circle here!
4* CLEVELAND