SPORTS ADVISORS
Cleveland (4-9, 7-6 ATS) at Philadelphia (7-5-1, 8-5 ATS)
The Eagles will try to keep their playoff hopes alive when they go for their third straight victory as they host the reeling Browns at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Brian Westbrook carried the load for Philadelphia in last weekend’s 20-14 upset victory at the Giants as 6½-point ‘dogs. At New York, Westbrook rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown and had 72 receiving yards and another score, and he’s got six touchdowns and 241 rushing yards over the last two weeks. Philadelphia has outscored the opposition 68-34 in back-to-back wins over the Giants and Cardinals, outgaining those two foes by 297 total yards.
Cleveland hasn’t been able to produce anything offensively the last three weeks, scoring a total of 21 points (seven field goals) and averaging 203.7 yards per game (126.7 passing, 77 rushing). In last week’s 28-9 loss at Tennessee as a 14-point underdog, the Browns mustered just 35 rushing yards and three field goals, while the defense gave up 490 total yards (235 rushing). Also, third-string QB Ken Dorsey – filling in for both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, both of whom are out for the season – completed 22 of 43 passes for 150 yards and an interception.
Overall, the Browns have lost five of their last six (1-4-1 ATS), but despite last week’s result in Tennessee, they have been a solid bet on the highway, going 4-1 ATS in their last five. They’re also 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven as an underdog and 16-11 ATS all-time on Monday nights (16-12), including 2-0 SU and ATS this season on Mondays, with upset wins at Buffalo (29-27) and at home against the then-undefeated Giants (35-14).
Philadelphia is on ATS runs of 7-3 after a straight-up win, 5-1 in Week 15 contests, 4-1 on Mondays and 5-2 after a spread cover. In their history, the Eagles are 24-22 SU (28-18 ATS) under the Monday spotlight, including a 41-37 loss at Dallas as a 6½-point road underdog back in Week 2.
These teams haven’t met since 2004, when the Eagles got a 34-31 overtime victory in Cleveland but failed to cover as 7½-point favorites.
For Cleveland, the under is on runs of 13-6 overall, 12-5 when playing on grass, 6-2 following an ATS loss and 7-1 in December. Philadelphia is on “under” streaks of 6-2 at home, 39-15-4 as a favorite, 23-7-3 as a home chalk, 13-6-2 on Mondays and 4-1 in December.
Conversely, the over is 12-3 in Monday night games this season and 18-5 in non-Sunday NFL games this season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA
NBA
Utah (15-10, 13-12 ATS) at Boston (22-2, 14-10 ATS)
The Celtics, who are off the best start in the franchise’s storied history, shoot for their 15th straight victory when they host the Jazz inside TD Banknorth Garden.
Boston is coming off Friday’s 94-82 rout of New Orleans as a seven-point home chalk, holding the Hornets to 35.4 percent shooting. It’s been all about defense this season for the Celtics, who allow just 90.5 points per game, which ranks second in the NBA, while holding opponents to a league-low 41.3 percent shooting. Doc Rivers’ squad has gotten the cash in five of its last six, including four straight at home after starting the season 4-6 ATS at the Garden.
Utah fell at home to the Magic on Saturday 103-94 as a 7½-point favorite and Jerry Sloan’s squad has split its last eight games both SU and ATS. Tonight the Jazz tip off a five-game Eastern Conference road trip, and they’re just 5-6 SU and ATS on the highway this season. The SU winner is 18-2 ATS in Utah’s last 20 contests.
These squads split their two games last season, with the road team winning each time, including Utah’s 110-92 blowout of the Celtics in Boston in March, upsetting the future NBA champs as an eight-point underdog. The visitor has won four of the last five meetings SU, and Boston has gotten the cash six of the last 10. Finally, the straight-up winner is 10-0 ATS in the last 10 series clashes.
The Jazz are on ATS runs of 6-0 after a non-cover, 4-1 when getting a day off, 12-1 on Mondays, 5-2 as an underdog and 26-12-1 against teams with a winning record. Boston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five Monday games, but otherwise this team is on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 35-16 against Western Conference teams, 5-1 on two days of rest and 35-16-1 after a spread-cover.
For Utah, the under is 7-1 in its last eight overall and 5-0 in its last five against the Eastern Conference, but otherwise the team is on over streaks of 5-2 on the road and 4-0 as an underdog (all on the road). For the Celtics, the over is 6-1 in their last seven when getting two days of rest, but the under is on streaks of 20-8 in Monday contests, 5-1 against the Western Conference and 6-0 against the Northwest Division. Lastly, in this rivalry, the over is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings overall, including 6-2 in the last eight in Beantown.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Denver (16-7, 14-8-1 ATS) at Dallas (13-9, 9-13 ATS)
The Nuggets, who are off to their best start in 32 seasons, travel to the American Airlines Center in Dallas to face the Mavericks, who have won six of their last seven but continue to struggle against the number.
Denver is 15-4 since the trade of Allen Iverson to Detroit for Chauncey Billups, and the Nuggets arrive in Dallas winners of three straight, including Saturday’s 123-105 victory over Golden State, cashing as a hefty 15-point home chalk. Carmelo Anthony has stepped up his game during the three-game winning streak, averaging 29.3 points and making 54.1 percent of his shots.
Dallas is wrapping up a seven-game homestand that has seen the Mavs go 5-1 SU, but just 1-5 ATS to this point, with the only outright loss being a 133-126 double-overtime defeat to the Spurs. On Saturday, Dallas edged Oklahoma City 103-99 but came nowhere near covering the 13-point spread, dropping to just 2-10 ATS in front of the home fans this season.
The host has won eight of the last 10 battles between these two and is 8-3 ATS in the last 11, but Denver has cashed in five straight overall, including a 108-105 home victory back on Nov. 7 in a pick-em contest. However, the Nuggets are just 3-21 ATS in their last 24 visits to Dallas.
George Karl’s Nuggets are on ATS slides of 2-6 following a spread-cover and 3-7 on Mondays, but they have gone 10-3 ATS in their last 13 against the Southwest Division and 4-1 ATS in their last five after getting a day off. Meanwhile, it’s nothing but negative ATS trends for the Mavericks, including 0-4 overall, 5-17 at home dating to last season, 1-5 as a home favorite, 3-7 following a non-cover, 1-8 against the Northwest Division and 0-4 overall.
Denver has stayed under the total in seven of its last 10 as an underdog, but otherwise the Nuggets are on “over” streaks of 8-2 overall, 6-1 after a straight-up win, 5-0 after a spread-cover and 4-1 after a day off. Dallas is on “under” runs of 52-23 against Northwest Division teams, 35-17-1 after a day off, 43-21-2 as a favorite and 4-1 as a home favorite. Finally, the under is 6-2 in the last eight Nuggets-Mavs matchups in Dallas.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Wild Bill
5 Units Browns/ Eagles Over
NORM HITZGES
Single Play
Philadelphia/Cleveland Under 39.5
Marc Lawrence Playbook
Charlotte over ATLANTA by 7
The Bobcats are back on the road – right where we like ‘em – in a neat revenge situation here tonight. Charlotte lost on this fl oor, 88-83, earlier this year as 8-point dogs and they now stand 11-6 SU and 12-5 ATS all-time against the Hawks. Catching Atlanta off a revenger here Saturday night against Cleveland and having a revenger on deck with Boston makes this game the perfect revenge sandwich setup. Hawks’ pitiful 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS mark in games after the Cavaliers clinches it. Go Bobbie
PHILADELPHIA over Cleveland by 10
Now that was the Eagles we’ve all grown to admire. A convincing 20-14 victory at New York against the Giants as 7-point dogs puts them back in the playoff picture. And their 13-2 ATS mark in games after taking on the G-Men is impressive. What we don’t like, though, is the severe role change in this contest. That and the fact that Cleveland coach Romeo ‘Lame Duck’ Crennel is 8-0 ATS in games off a loss of 17 or more points. He’s also 3-0-1 ATS as a dog of more than 7 points in NFC frays. With Philly off the NYG revenge win and having season-ending division revenge games up next with Washington and Dallas, the points become the play here tonight.Make it a Brownie Monday.
THE PLATINUM SHEET
CLEVELAND at PHILADELPHIA
It is the remaining games on the regular season slate for the Eagles that leads me to believe there will be a sense of urgency accompanying their Monday night contest vs. Cleveland. Oh yeah, there’s also that little fact that the Browns haven’t scored a touchdown in three weeks,putting up just 21 points in that span. With Philadelphia having allowed just 250.3 YPG in its L4, and regaining that swagger it had defensively in the beginning of the season, the question begs to be asked…How is Cleveland going to score? Under Andy Reid, the Eagles are 22-4 SU & 17-9 ATS as a home favorite of 7.5-14 points. His teams typically take care of business as large chalk. The StatFox Game Estimator pegs Philly for 27 points. If such is the case, I can’t see Cleveland staying in the game.Play: Philadelphia -14
THE GOLD SHEET
KEY RELEASE
UNDER the total in the Cleveland-Philadelphia game
UNDER THE TOTAL *PHILADELPHIA 24 - Cleveland 6—Doubledigit favorites weren’t doing so well in the NFL TY until a good showing last week. So, with Philly arguably playing some of its best ball of 2008 the last two weeks, and with Cleveland down to its third-team QB and producing 6, 6 & 9 points the last three games, prefer to lay the lumber. Eagles desperate for every win, and Ken Dorsey lacks mobility vs. Philly’s rotating DLmen. Philly has five DD wins TY, while the prognosis is not good for Romeo Crennel’s continuation as Browns’ HC. Cleveland 8-1 “under” away; Birds 6-2 “under” last 8 at Linc. CABLE TV—ESPN (04-Philadelphia -7 34-31 (OT)...SR: Cleveland 31-14-1)
COLLEGE HOOPS
SYRACUSE over Cleveland St. by 7-10—07-DNP
KENT ST. over Youngstown St. by 17 to 20—07-Ksu -9' 59-52
LA.-LAFAYETTE over La.-Monroe by 8 to 11—07-Ull +7' 68-67, ULL -7' 67-65
UC Riverside over LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT by 1 to 2—07-UCR -5 86-74 (OT)
SOUTHERN CAL over Pepperdine by 20 to 24—07-DNP
NBA
New Jersey 103 - TORONTO 100—Toronto just 1-7 vs. line at Air Canada Centre prior to yesterday, and Raptors have dropped last 7 vs. line overall through Dec. 6. Teams also met Friday night at Meadowlands. 08-Nj +8' 129-127 (OT-196), check 12/12 result; 07-Tor +3 106-69 (192), TOR -10 109-91(191), NJ +5 99-90 (202), TOR -10' 113-85 (202)
WASHINGTON 101 - Indiana 98—Home court meant something when these teams tussled last season, when host won and covered all four meetings. And Washington showing signs of improvement under new HC Ed Tapscott, with respectable covers in last two home efforts vs. Blazers & Lakers. But do we have faith in Wizards to keep series trend alive, especially minus Gilbert Arenas? Just in case Wizards laying points, note 0-4 spread mark as Verizon Center chalk. 07-IND +2 119-110 (OT-203), WASH -6 103-90 (201), IND -6' 93-85 (207), WASH -4 117-110 (206)
ATLANTA 99 - Charlotte 88—Home team has won last five meetings,although Atlanta couldn’t quite cover 8-point spread when Charlotte visited Philips Arena November 21. Hawks needed almost all of Joe Johnson’s 30 points to prevail on a night in which Josh Smith missed action due to injury.Streaky Charlotte has followed recent 5-game cover streak with 3 straight pointspread Ls thru Dec. 7. 8-ATL -8 88-83 (188); 07-ATL -5' 117-109 (188),ATL -6 93-84 (185), CHA -1 100-98 (OT-193), CHA +1 108-93 (204)
MIAMI 98 - Milwaukee 97—One of the pointspread stories of the early season has been Milwaukee’s prowess as a road dog, with Bucks covering 9 of first 12 getting points away thru Dec. 6. Recent return of Michael Redd from injury should further boost Milwaukee, also benefiting from improved bench work courtesy Charlie Villanueva, Ramon Sessions, and Dan Gadzuric.Meanwhile, undersized Miami (no one in regular rotation taller than 6-9) nonetheless getting some great interior defense from C Joel Anthony, blocking shots at an incredible clip in recent outings. 07-Mil +2' 103-98 (195), MIL -4 98- 92 (189), Mia +9' 112-106 (203), MIA +9 78-73 (199)
BOSTON 109 - Utah 96—Early-season showdown might lack extra dimension if star Jazz F Carlos Boozer hasn’t returned from injury. That might prove too much for Utah to overcome vs. red-hot Boston bunch on 11-game SU win streak thru Dec. 6. Keep in mind, however, that road team won both meetings a year ago, including Jazz’ 110-92 win at Fleet Center. 07-Bos -5'104-98 (193), Utah +7' 110-92 (204)
DALLAS 100 - Denver 94—After taking 2 of 3 from Dallas last season, Denver picked up where it left off with 108-105 win at Pepsi Center Nov. 7. That was a triumphant night for Nuggets, as local product Chauncey Billups made first appearance since trade from Pistons, scoring 15. But new Dallas HC Rick Carlisle pushing the right buttons with his myriad lineup combinations, the most intriguing (and effective) of which is unique 3-G lineup featuring Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and J.J. Barea. Mavs on 7-3 spread run thru Dec. 8. 08-DEN -1 108-105 (206); 07-Den +8 122-109 (215), DAL -11 90-85 (208), DEN -8' 118-105 (214)
PHOENIX 113 - New York 105—Lots of sidebar stories attached to this one,none greater than New York HC Mike D’Antoni’s return to Phoenix after several successful seasons with Suns. Unfortunately for D’Antoni, his new Knick edition remains a work in progress, with unfortunate byproduct being Stephon Marbury’s ongoing soap opera. Suns, however, not inspiring a lot of confidence lately themselves, with 5 straight spread losses thru Dec. 8 and defense not displaying the intensity new HC Terry Porter demands. 07-PHO -12' 113-102 (209), Pho -8' 115-104 (209)
SACRAMENTO 105 - Minnesota 96—Pick your poison! Teams have already split a pair this season, with home team winning each, although Minnesota failed to cover its 2-point opening-night win at Target Center. Both struggling lately, but expect Sacto to have better chance of getting back on track now that Kevin Martin & Francisco Garcia have returned to lineup. 08-MIN -5' 98-96 (202), SAC -3' 121-109 (199); 07-SAC -4' 100-93 (194), MIN -2 108-103 (191), Min +8 111-103 (202)
Orlando 117 - GOLDEN ST. 106—It’s hard to see Golden State emerging from its recent tailspin that’s reached 9 losses in a row thru Dec. 7. At least until defense (torched for 120 ppg during losing skein) begins to tighten, a development that not even the return of G Monta Ellis (due back from suspension in a few weeks, but not a great defender anyway) figures to change. Note Orlando on 6-1 spread run on road thru Dec. 7. 07-Orl +3' 123-117 (OT-217), Gs +6 104-95 (230)
Nelly's Greensheet
PHILADELPHIA (-14) Cleveland (37½)
The recent distractions caught up to the Giants last week and Philadelphia took advantage with a key win that keeps the Eagles in the playoff chase. The Browns were worked last week but Cleveland has been competitive in several games against quality teams. Cleveland could be in better shape this week with more time for QB Dorsey and two big wins from the Eagles should not mask a season or mediocrity and mistakes from Philadelphia. EAGLES BY 7
Sportsbettingstats
Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles
The Browns come into this game after losing to the Titans 28-9 and the Eagles beat the NY Giants 20-14. The Eagles kept their playoff hopes alive with last week's huge win over the Giants, but they still are on the outside looking in for a NFC Wild Card, as they need to win the rest of their games and get some help. The Browns have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this year coming into the season with high expectations after winning 10 games last year. The Browns are 5 games under .500 and down to their 3rd string QB due to injuries. The Eagles are led by QB Donovan McNabb (3221 yds 19 TD 10 INT) and his main targets are DeSean Jackson (52 rec 775 yds 2 TD) and Hank Baskett (30 rec 425 yds 3 TD). The Eagles rushing attack is led by Michael Westbrook (788 yds 9 TD). The Browns are down to their 3rd string QB Ken Dorsey (150 yds 2 INT) and his main targets are Braylon Edwards (45 rec 735 yds 3 TD) and Kellen Winslow (43 rec 428 yds 3 TD). The Browns rushing attack is led by Jamal Lewis (800 yds 4 TD).
Staff Pick: The one thing the Browns have going for them is that they have won their 2 Monday night games this season. For the Browns to have any chance to win this game Jamal Lewis will have to have a huge game, since Dorsey will not light up the scoreboard with his arm. The Eagles have won 2 straight games over the teams that have already wrapped up their divisions in the Cardinals and the Giants. Brian Westbrook is finally healthy and he is now getting a lot of carries, which takes the pressure of McNabb. The Eagles have the 3rd ranked defense and they will torment Dorsey all game. The Browns are only ranked 26th in the league on D and they are especially weak against the run, which is not good with Westbrook firing on all cylinders. The Browns are simply playing for pride, but they will be facing a desperate Eagles team that needs to win to stay in the playoff picture. Look for Westbrook to have a huge game and for the Eagles defense to stymie the Browns offense. The Eagles will win this home game easily against a struggling Browns team.
Eagles 34 Browns 17
DUNKEL
New York at Phoenix
The return of Mike D'Antoni to Phoenix has the Knicks with a 6-1 ATS record in December against at Suns team that is just 4-8 ATS at home this season. New York is the underdog pick (+9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Suns favored by only 3. Dunkel Pick: New York (+9 1/2).
Game 501-502: New Jersey at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 115.721; Toronto 119.372
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 3 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 5; 201
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+5); Over
Game 503-504: Indiana at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 113.658; Washington 119.352
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 5 1/2; 202 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 2; 210
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-2); Under
Game 505-506: Charlotte at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 113.963; Atlanta 124.284
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 10 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 181 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-7 1/2); Over
Game 507-508: Milwaukee at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 111.211; Miami 116.782
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 191 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 509-510: Utah at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 117.735; Boston 133.470
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 15 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 9; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-9); Under
Game 511-512: Denver at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.305; Dallas 125.396
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 199 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-2); Under
Game 513-514: New York at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: New York 116.885; Phoenix 120.012
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9 1/2; 223
Dunkel Pick: New York (+9 1/2); Under
Game 515-516: Minnesota at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 109.112; Sacramento 115.781
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 6 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 4; 203
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (-4); Over
Game 517-518: Orlando at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 120.311; Golden State 114.575
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 6; 205 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
Cleveland State at Syracuse
The Orange are just 7-11 ATS over the last three seasons as a home favorite of 12 1/2 points or more, while the Vikings are 4-1 ATS as an underdog by the same amount. Cleveland State is the underdog pick (+13) according to Dunkel, which has Syracuse favored by only 10. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+13).
Game 519-520: Cleveland State at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 62.601; Syracuse 72.755
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 10
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 13
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+13)
Game 521-522: Youngstown State at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 48.624; Kent State 61.094
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+15 1/2)
Game 523-524: UL Monroe at UL Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: UL Monroe 38.584; UL Lafayette 53.033
Dunkel Line: UL Lafayette by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: UL Lafayette by 12
Dunkel Pick: UL Lafayette (-12)
Game 525-526: UC Riverside at Loyola Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: UC Riverside 45.228; Loyola Marymount 44.525
Dunkel Line: UC Riverside by 1
Vegas Line: UC Riverside by 3
Dunkel Pick: Loyola Marymount (+3)
Game 527-528: Pepperdine at USC
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 43.498; USC 71.056
Dunkel Line: USC by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: USC by 25
Dunkel Pick: USC (-25)
Game 529-530: UC Davis at The Citadel
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 44.234; The Citadel 45.042
Dunkel Line: The Citadel by 1
Vegas Line: UC Davis by 1
Dunkel Pick: The Citadel (+1)
Game 531-532: Tennessee Martin at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Martin 47.699; Middle Tennessee State 58.723
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 11
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Martin (+13)
NHL
Colorado at Detroit
The Red Wings host Colorado (14-15) and look to build on their 10-1 record against teams with a losing record. Detroit is the pick (-250) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-250).
Game 1-2: Colorado at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 10.844; Detroit 12.787
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-250); Under
Game 3-4: San Jose at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 13.708; Los Angeles 11.626
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-180); Over
NFL
Game 331-332: Cleveland at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 126.089; Philadelphia 142.924
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 17; 36
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 14; 39
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-14); Under
MTi Sports
Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards
The Wizards are 0-5 ATS (-17.1 ppg) after a loss on the road in which Caron Butler played more than 40 minutes and 0-4 ATS (-8.4 ppg) at home when Deshawn Stevenson increased his scoring by at least 15 points over their past two games. Washington is also 0-8 ATS (-8.9 ppg) when their opponent is playing in at least their fourth straight road game. The Pacers are 7-0 ATS (5.8 ppg) when they allowed at least ten points more than their season-to-date average for two staight games
Play on: Indiana
LT Profits
Minnesota Timberwolves +4.0
It is a shame that somebody has to win this game, as the Minnesota Timberwolves come in on a nine-game losing streak while the Sacramento Kings have lost 10 of their last 11 games.
Usually, in a matchup of dregs vs. dregs like this, we would favor the underdog since the favorite probably has no right giving points to any opponent. This game is no exception, so the Timberwolves could end their losing streak here.
The Kings are 6-18 straight up overall, and while they normally have one of the bigger home court advantages in the league, this has not been the case this year as they are just 4-9 at Arco Arena. The problem has been an atrocious Sacramento defense that is allowing 106.1 points per game overall, and had not been much better here at home surrendering 104.2 per contest.
Even these normally inept Timberwolves put up 109 points on the Kings in November, albeit in a 121-109 loss. That was during a 3-0 start for Sacramento at home this season though, and they have won just one home game since then. Now that the reality that that the Kings are not a good team has set in, do not expect them to suddenly rediscover that early season home energy again here.
Now Minnesota is actually a decent 6-6 against the spread on the road thus far, and not only do we expect another cover here, but an outright upset would not be at all surprising.
Pick: Timberwolves +4
James Patrick Sports
Youngstown State vs. Kent State
In Monday NCAA College Basketball action our complimentary selection is Kent State Golden Flashes as they host the Penguins of YSU. The Penguins are attempting a quick fix via the Junior College ranks as Head Coach Jerry Slocum has found 5 players from the Juco ranks in an attempt to rebuild his team. Gino Ford has a bit more of a luxury as former coach Jim Christian did a great recruiting job before he left for TCU. We look for a struggling Kent State to get a break out win on their home floor.
Dave Cokin
Jazz @ Celtics
Play: Celtics -9
The defending champs just don't take many nights off, and the result has been not just a phenomenal straight up record, but plenty of spread victories as well. Utah is not nearly as daunting on the road as they are at home, and I would expect the Jazz to have plenty of problems tonight as they open a road swing with this major obstacle. I'll back the amazing Celtics to roll again.
JIM FEIST
UTAH JAZZ / BOSTON CELTICS
Take Under
It's not your imagination: Utah is playing some defense, holding 5 of its last 7 opponents under 100. The Jazz are on a 7-1 run under the total. Now they face the best defensive team in the league. Boston is tops in FG shooting allowed, and No. 2 in points allowed (91 ppg). The defending champion Celtics' defense has been great, just like last year, particularly at home where they've allowed 78, 96, 88, 78 and 82 points the last five contests. Boston is No. 1 allowing 41% shooting by opponents, yet oddsmakers have made this number too high because of perception that Utah is all-offense. Play the Jazz/Celtics under the total.
Vegas Experts Edge Newsletter
3* Philadelphia