John Ryan
Milwaukee Bucks at Sacramento Kings
Prediction: Sacramento Kings
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Sacramento Kings as they host Milwaukee slated to start at 10:05 EST. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 52-28 ATS for 65% since 2002. Play against road teams where the line is +3 to -3 and is a tired team playing 8 or more games in 14 days and is a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) playing a losing team. Milwaukee in a series of poor roles for this game noting they are 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) after having lost 2 of their last 3 games over the last 2 seasons. Kings are 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games after having won 2 of their last 3 games over the last 2 seasons. Take the Kings.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Washington Wizards -2.5
The loyal Knicks fan base is loading up on their home team but that will get them burnt tonight. This is the second game of a home and home and it is very difficult for teams to pull off the sweep in these spots and I don't see it happening here. On top of that, the Knicks have beaten the Wizards three times already this season and yet they are still the underdog. The books are expecting a Wizards win tonight and I'll have to agree that they are due against the Knickerbockers. NY is 9-24 ATS after a win by 6 points or less over the last 3 seasons, losing in these spots by an average score of 97.5 to 106.8. Washington is 13-2 ATS in home games after having lost 20 or more of their last 25 games since 1996, winning these games by an average score of 99.5 to 95.1. Lay the points.
Dwayne Bryant
Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5
Great spot for "King James" and the Cavs. The Hornets are coming off a big road win over division-rival Dallas. Cleveland lost in OT last night in Chicago, which was just their seventh loss of the season. LeBron shot just 8-for-28 from the field last night, so I expect a big bounce-back game from him. The previous six times the Cavs lost SU this season, they bounced back in huge fashion. The Cavs are 6-0 SU and ATS this season in the game following a SU loss, with victories by 17, 19, 14, 23, 25, and 30 points. So losing is obviously a great motivator for this team. Also note that the home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the Hornets are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Cleveland.
Cleveland is a perfect 19-0 SU and 15-4 ATS at home this season. They did lose to these Hornets earlier this season in New Orleans and the Cavs have dropped three straight in this series. That should only add to the Cavs' motivation, not to mention that the game will be nationally televised on ESPN. I can't imagine the Cavs being much more motivated and focused than they will be tonight (playing on national TV with revenge off a loss).
The Hornets are:
1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game
1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog
1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win
The Cavaliers are:
6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite of 4.5 points or less5-0 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .60011-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU loss7-1 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scored 100 points or more in their previous game
Take the Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5
JOHNNY GUILD
Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers
Orlando plays the LA Lakers tough and the dog in this series has covered the spread in the last five clashes. Take the Magic in a close battle. Los Angeles is 20-2 at home this season, but has been unprofitable, just 10-12 ATS. Meanwhile, Orlando has been a lucrative road bet. The Magic are 15-5 away from home this season, going 14-5-1 ATS and are 10-2 ATS in its last 12 on the road. Take the Magic in a close battle.
Orlando Magic +4
NCAAB
Brown Bears -4
MR. A
FRIDAY NBA SELECTIONS
Philadelphia 76ers +3
Phoenix Suns -8
Los Angeles Lakers -3½
Lockoftheday
Today's Lock: Orlando Magic +4.5
Another easy winner last night, ruined by overtime. Our second this week.The Lakers have trouble with certain Eastern Conference opponents. Orlando a playing very well, and shooting the basketball very well. Dwight Howard is a strong inside presence. The Lakers will have their hands full with the Orlando team. We'll bet the underdog tonight.
Nostradamus
Oklahoma City +3.5
Lakers -4.5
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Detroit Pistons -3.5
The Thunder have been covering the spread at an alarming rate but there is absolutely no chance that Detroit takes them lightly tonight. The Pistons have lost 3 in a row SU and ATS and only defeated the Thunder by 2 points at home back on December 26th. OKC is coming off a big double digit win over Utah and has not won back-to-back games all season. Detroit has won by straight over the Thunder and the Pistons are a fantastic 18-6 ATS in their last 24 games as a road favorite of 4.5 points or less while the Thunder are 7-15-1 ATS in their last 23 games as a home underdog of 4.5 points or less. Take Detroit to get back on track tonight with a win and a cover.
Tom Freese
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Sacramento Kings
Play: Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 6-0 ATS as favorites of 4.5 or less points and they are 6-1 ATS off a straight up loss. The Bucks are 13-3 ATS vs. a team that allowed 100 or more points in their last game and they are 12-4-1 ATS vs losing teams. Sacramento is 2-8 ATS their last 10 games as home underdogs and they are 1-5 ATS when playing with one day of rest. The Kings are 5-16 ATS vs. Eastern Conference teams and they are 1-7 ATS their last 8 games vs. winning teams. PLAY ON MILWAUKEE -
Matt Fargo
Milwaukee Bucks at Sacramento Kings
Prediction: Sacramento Kings
Milwaukee has been playing some good basketball but certainly nothing and great and definitely nothing enough to warrant being a road favorite here. The Bucks have been road favorites only once this season and while that happened to be in their last game at Washington which resulted in a win and a cover, this is a completely different situation. That game took place not far from home while this game takes place on the west coast in the first game of a three-game trip. The first is usually the toughest for east coast and Midwestern teams since they are still not acclimated with the time change difference. Milwaukee is 8-15 on the road this season including a 3-7 record against Western Conference teams. The Bucks got off to a very sluggish start and then put together a solid 5-1 run in December but since then they have been nothing more than a .500 team from a weak conference. Sadly enough, as weak at the Eastern Conference is. Milwaukee is still sitting on the outside looking into the playoff picture. Sacramento was hammered by Orlando on Tuesday as the Magic broke an NBA record with 23 three-pointers. No team can survive that and the Kings did not let that bother them as they came out the next night and defeated Golden St. on the road in overtime. It was just their third road win in 20 games so if nothing else, it built some solid confidence following that Orlando debacle. The Kings are 3-6 over their last nine games but only one of the losses have been by more that eight points which was that Orlando game. Part of the reason for the improved play has been the return of guard Kevin Martin who has come back with a bang. He has scored at least 20 points in each of the past nine games, averaging 28.0 ppg during that stretch. He had a 45-point effort on January 3rd against Indiana, making 13-24 shots. He followed it up with a 36-point effort two nights later against New Jersey. He has played just 18 games this season is he has definitely found his stride once again. The Bucks will be without Andrew Bogut tonight as he is dealing with a back injury. That is 11.8 ppg and 10.4 rpg gone which is pretty significant. Milwaukee has been able to beat teams while they are down, going 16-2 ATS against teams coming off a loss but it is only 8-13 ATS against teams coming off wins. The Bucks ATS record on the road is a solid 14-7-2 ATS but remember, they were underdogs in 22 of those 23 games. They are only 2-10 ATS against teams that are getting outscored by six or more ppg over the last three seasons. This is the last game until next Tuesday for Sacramento so all of the focus will be right here tonight. The Kings have won seven of the last eight meetings and while neither team is the same going back to 2004, it can play a big role in the confidence of the home team. 3* Sacramento Kings
Bryan Leonard
New Orleans Hornets @ Cleveland Cavaliers
PICK: Under
The Hornets enter this game well rested having only played three games in the last seven days. The Hornets have the ability to adjust to style of play while continuing to have success. They are willing to run with the Lakers and Nuggets of the league while grinding it out with the Cavaliers and Magic. Tonight they take on a tired and shorthanded Cleveland team who was forced to overtime last night in Chicago.
The Cavs are in bad shape tonight. Not only did they have to play extended minutes last night on the road, but injuries are starting to take a toll. Delonte West suffered a wrist injury last night and he is expected out for two to three weeks. The team is already playing without "Big Z" as the starting center tries to return from another foot injury. Last night both Wallace and King James were suffering from the flu with Big Ben not even taking the floor. LeBron talked about not having enough lift on his shot as well as the lack of energy needed to play like he normally plays.
Because of the Cavalier's situation we expect Cleveland to take the air out of the ball and limit possessions. And New Orleans will be happy to play that type of ball. The last two slow down defensive teams they played on the road were Portland and Orlando and those games combined for 169 and 156 points. Look for this game to stay well under the posted total.
PLAY UNDER
Alex Smart
Wright State @ Detroit
PICK: Wright State
Wright State(9-8) and Detroit(4-11) two Horizon League teams that play similar styles of basketball prepare to go head to head tonight in the Motor City.
Both teams take a very conservative slow -down approach to each game, via a system that centers around ball control, and precise inside shooting. Both defenses, have been staunch to say the least, with the Raiders allowing just 56.6 PPG overall, while the Titans have given up an average of just 57 PPG in 5 home games this season.
The difference maker in this matchup comes down to who can convert more consistently in the offensive zone. The answer in my humble opinion is obvious. The Titans have failed to score more than 50 points in 3 straight games, and in their L/8 games have only eclipsed the 51 point plateau twice. The Raiders might not be an offensive juggernaut, averaging just 58 PPG, but they have a knack of controlling the tempo of most tilts, behind a athletic back court((Vaughn Duggins , Todd Brown) , and a knack for sinking buckets in key situations as was the case in a recent tilt against Cleveland State in a 71-62 win.
Considering the offensive matcup deficiencies I am recommending we lay the points with Wright State .
Projected score: Wright State 58 Detroit 50
DUNKEL
Orlando at LA Lakers
The Magic are a perfect 7-0 ATS against the Pacific Division this season, while the Lakers are 0-4 ATS versus the Southeast Division. Orlando is the underdog pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by just 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+4 1/2).
Game 801-802: New York at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: New York 111.912; Washington 116.063
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 4; 191 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-1 1/2); Under
Game 803-804: Toronto at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 118.493; Indiana 118.754
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 212
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 805-806: San Antonio at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 121.178; Philadelphia 121.269
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 174
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 807-808: Detroit at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 119.525; Oklahoma City 115.065
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 4 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 4; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-4); Under
Game 809-810: Utah at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 122.095; Memphis 115.566
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 6 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 811-812: New Orleans at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 122.472; Cleveland 127.567
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 5; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 6 1/2; 185
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+6 1/2); Over
Game 813-814: Minnesota at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 115.296; Phoenix 125.262
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 10; 216
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 8 1/2; 213
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-8 1/2); Over
Game 815-816: Milwaukee at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 117.347; Sacramento 113.355
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 4; 208 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 2; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-2); Over
Game 817-818: Orlando at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 124.625; LA Lakers 126.011
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1 1/2; 216 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4 1/2; 212
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+4 1/2); Over
Game 819-820: Atlanta at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 118.679; Golden State 114.983
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 3 1/2; 223 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
Wright State at Detroit
The Raiders are coming off a win at Valparaiso (64-48) and are 6-2 ATS after allowing 60 points or less in the previous game. Wright State is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Raiders favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-4).
Game 821-822: Yale at Brown
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 46.607; Brown 51.083
Dunkel Line: Brown by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Brown by 4
Dunkel Pick: Brown (-4)
Game 823-824: Wright State at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 60.678; Detroit 52.077
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Wright State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-4)
Game 825-826: Loyola-MD at Manhattan
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 49.825; Manhattan 52.280
Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Manhattan by 5
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (+5)
NHL
NY Rangers at Chicago
The Blackhawks are coming off a 4-1 victory over the Sabres and look to build on their 12-6 record after a win by 2 goals or more in their previous game. Chicago is the pick (-170) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-170).
Game 1-2: New Jersey at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.538; Columbus 13.207
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 3-4: Anaheim at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.464; Pittsburgh 10.177
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 5-6: Toronto at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.446; Atlanta 11.597
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-130); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-130); Over
Game 7-8: Philadelphia at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.646; Florida 11.244
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+105); Under
Game 9-10: NY Rangers at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.055; Chicago 13.459
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-170); Under
Game 11-12: Edmonton at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 12.159; Colorado 10.908
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+110); Under
Wunderdog
New Jersey at Columbus
Pick: UNDER 5.5 -140
The Blue Jackets have been a rather hot team as they have won seven of their last nine. It is easy to see why. They have had outstanding goaltending from Steve Mason. Mason has four shutouts in his last nine games behind the net. He has allowed a total of 14 goals in his last nine, or just 1.6 per contest. It is one reason why the Jackets have played UNDER in eight of their last 10 at home and 15 of their last 21 overall. The Devils have a streak of their own as off of two day's rest, they have proceeded to play 19-7-2 to the UNDER. It is hard to play OVER with a hot goaltender like Mason that is giving up virtually nothing, so I like this one to go UNDER the posted total.
Detroit at Oklahoma City
Pick: Oklahoma City +3.5
The Pistons are struggling in a big way. Tayshaun Prince is slumping, Richard Hamilton hasn't been able to get in the flow since his groin injury, and Allen Iverson is having the worst shooting year of his career. The Thunder has been gold to their backers as they continue to play inspired basketball after a 3-29 start. They are now beginning to win games as they are now 4-4 in their last eight, including 3-2 at home. This team is now 19-5 ATS in their last 24 as a dog, and 8-0 ATS in their last eight at home as a dog. The Pistons have surrounded a seven-game winning streak by going 5-9 before and after, and have now dropped three of four. The Thunder produces again, and I'll back them in this one as a live home dog.
nba. piistons @ thunder+4. The Detroit Pistons have an
eight-game winning streak over the Oklahoma City Thunder
franchise, but the way they’ve been playing recently, that
doesn’t mean much.The Pistons will try to avoid matching
their longest losing streak in nearly four years tonight when
they visit the Thunder, thunder cover+4. Charlies Sports
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Complimentary Selection from Jeff Benton
The incredible free-play run continued Thursday, as North Carolina (7♦) got back in the groove by blasting Virginia as predicted. That’s now three straight complimentary winners and 42 out of 61! On Friday, it’s all about the NBA, where I’m on a 9-2 freebie run, and we’ll take the points with the Hornets at Cleveland.
Call me crazy, but I believe the Cavaliers are way overdue for a prolonged slump, as they’ve been cruising along at an insane pace (thanks mostly to a schedule chockfull of weaklings). Did we see the beginning of the slippage last night in Chicago, where Cleveland lost 102-93 in overtime as an eight-point favorite, scoring just six points in the extra session? I think so. As a matter of fact, with that setback, the Cavs are just 4-3 SU in their last seven games and 4-5 ATS in their last nine.
Of course, LeBron and his posse continue to be the only team in the NBA still without a loss at home – the Cavs are 19-0 at Quicken Loans Arena and an even-more-astonishing 15-4 ATS. However, it’s not like the Hornets have been all that shabby on the road lately, going 9-5 in their last 14 on the highway, including strong wins at the Mavericks on Wednesday (104-97), as well as the Lakers (116-105) and Portland (92-77).
What’s more, Cleveland has had absolutely no answer for Chris Paul. lately. New Orleans swept the season series last year, winning 86-76 as a five-point home favorite and 100-99 as a 1½-point road underdog. Then back on Nov. 1, the Hornets handed the Cavs their first – and to this point, worst – defeat of the season, a 104-92 setback, with New Orleans cashing as a three-point home favorite. In the three games, Paul had point totals of 24, 15 and 20, as well as 15, 20 and nine assists!
Bottom line: The NBA is all about matchups, and sometimes, certain teams matchup better (or worse) against a particular opponent, and I think this is one such instance. Give me the generous points with New Orleans, which had the added benefit of a day off Thursday while the Cavs were losing at Chicago.
(based on a 1 to a 10 ♦ Rating)
4♦ NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
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