Marc Lawrence
Play On: New Jersey Nets
The Nets host the suddenly slumping Celtics in this afternoon tip with revenge on their minds from a 32-point loss suffered in their last game on Wednesday. With New Jersey 6-2 at home in their last eight games on Saturday and Boston 1-5 ATS in their last six road games on Saturday, look for the Nets to avenge their worst loss of the season here this afternoon.
Jimmy The Moose
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning
Both team's come into this one playing some good hockey. Prior to last night's shootout loss the Panthers had won 4 of their last 5 games. Florida has struggled on the road of late though losing 5 of their last 7 road games. In their last 54 games played with 0 day rest between action the Panthers are 14-40. Tampa has started to play a lot better and come into this one having won 3 of their last 4 games. The Lightning won the last 2 meetings between the clubs in December and will take this one. The home team is 17-7 in the last 24 meetings. Play on the Tampa Bay Lightning -.
Sean Higgs
William & Mary vs. Delaware
Play: Delaware -4
Blue Hens 5-0 ATS last 5 at home in this series and 8-0 ATS overall vs the Tribe.
Cincinnati vs. Depaul
Play: Depaul +1
Depaul has been solid in this series going 8-3-1 ATS last 12 and 4-0 ATS at home.
NCAAB DUNKEL
Oklahoma at Texas A&M
The Aggies are holding teams to just 59.5 points per game at home, but run into an Oklahoma team that is 4-1 ATS against good defensive teams (<=64 points per game). The Sooners are the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Oklahoma favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-3 1/2). Here are the first half of today's games.
Game 519-520: Northeastern at Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 59.929; Hofstra 52.726
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 7
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 3
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-3)
Game 521-522: Northern Iowa at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 58.610; Drake 66.828
Dunkel Line: Drake by 8
Vegas Line: Drake by 5
Dunkel Pick: Drake (-5)
Game 523-524: Georgia Tech at NC State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 59.455; NC State 65.824
Dunkel Line: NC State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: NC State by 5
Dunkel Pick: NC State (-5)
Game 525-526: Notre Dame at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 67.494; Syracuse 74.539
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 7
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 4
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-4)
Game 527-528: Maryland at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 66.958; Florida State 67.190
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Florida State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+4)
Game 529-530: South Florida at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 59.880; West Virginia 73.735
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 14
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 16
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+16)
Game 531-532: William & Mary at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: William & Mary 49.519; Delaware 56.123
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Delaware by 4
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-4)
Game 533-534: Georgetown at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 72.076; Duke 83.342
Dunkel Line: Duke by 11
Vegas Line: Duke by 8
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-8)
Game 535-536: Iowa State at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 59.765; Missouri 72.995
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 13
Vegas Line: Missouri by 15
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+15)
Game 537-538: Oklahoma State at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 69.722; Baylor 71.727
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 2
Vegas Line: Baylor by 8
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (+8)
Game 539-540: Alabama at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 63.543; Auburn 65.122
Dunkel Line: Auburn by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Auburn by 5
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+5)
Game 541-542: Oklahoma at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 73.544; Texas A&M 66.085
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-3 1/2)
Game 543-544: Washington State at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 64.557; Oregon 62.549
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 2
Vegas Line: Washington State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-1)
Game 545-546: James Madison at George Mason
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 57.738; George Mason 61.778
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 4
Vegas Line: George Mason by 8
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+8)
Game 547-548: Butler at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 68.370; Illinois-Chicago 61.232
Dunkel Line: Butler by 7
Vegas Line: Butler by 3
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-3)
Game 549-550: Arkansas at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 63.254; Florida 71.633
Dunkel Line: Florida by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+10 1/2)
Game 551-552: Northern Illinois at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 46.910; Western Michigan 55.753
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 9
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 11
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (+11)
Game 553-554: Cincinnati at DePaul
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 61.116; DePaul 57.556
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati
Game 555-556: Idaho at Louisiana Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 54.140; Louisiana Tech 53.827
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+2)
Game 557-558: TCU at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 58.230; Air Force 57.930
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: TCU by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+3 1/2)
Game 559-560: Wake Forest at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 71.288; Clemson 76.437
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 5
Vegas Line: Clemson by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-2 1/2)
Game 561-562: Kansas at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 70.771; Colorado 60.205
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+12 1/2)
Game 563-564: Arizona State at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 71.456; UCLA 79.402
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 8
Vegas Line: UCLA by 6
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-6)
Game 565-566: Illinois at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 71.083; Michigan State 75.905
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 5
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (+9)
Game 567-568: Valparaiso at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 49.046; Loyola-Chicago 58.672
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 6
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (-6)
Game 569-570: Towson at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 48.057; Georgia State 50.905
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 3
Vegas Line: Georgia State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Towson (+5)
Game 571-572: BYU at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 69.604; New Mexico 66.549
Dunkel Line: BYU by 3
Vegas Line: BYU by 1
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-1)
Game 573-574: LSU at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 60.242; Mississippi 63.960
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi
Game 575-576: Boston College at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 60.452; Virginia Tech 68.425
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 8
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 4
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-4)
Game 577-578: Old Dominion at VA Commonwealth
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 55.069; VA Commonwealth 66.247
Dunkel Line: VA Commonwealth by 11
Vegas Line: VA Commonwealth by 8
Dunkel Pick: VA Commonwealth (-8)
Game 579-580: UC Davis at UC Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 49.057; UC Irvine 54.561
Dunkel Line: UC Irvine by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: UC Irvine by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC Irvine (-1 1/2)
Game 581-582: Texas at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 70.437; Texas Tech 60.427
Dunkel Line: Texas by 10
Vegas Line: Texas by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-6 1/2)
Game 583-584: Creighton at Wichita State
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 63.579; Wichita State 55.592
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 8
Vegas Line: Creighton by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-4 1/2)
Game 585-586: Ohio at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 54.236; Buffalo 61.354
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 7
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 4
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-4)
Game 587-588: Troy at UL-Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 46.635; UL-Monroe 49.484
Dunkel Line: UL-Monroe by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe
Game 589-590: Akron at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 57.947; Bowling Green 58.223
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (+2 1/2)
Game 591-592: Ball State at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 48.452; Central Michigan 48.711
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 4
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+4)
Game 593-594: Houston at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 65.653; Southern Mississippi 63.621
Dunkel Line: Houston by 2;
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+3 1/2)
Game 595-596: Colorado State at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 53.692; Utah 68.524
Dunkel Line: Utah by 15
Vegas Line: Utah by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+16 1/2)
Game 597-598: South Carolina at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 63.536; Tennessee 72.672
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 9
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (+10 1/2)
Game 599-600: Penn State at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 63.700; Indiana 54.903
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 9
Vegas Line: Penn State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-5)
Gregg Price
Georgetown vs. Duke
Play:Duje -8.5
Duke - Just too much talent here. You would think G'town can stay within 8 right? Vegas knows what they are doing. Duke will just be too much in the end, and they will pull away and win by double digits.
Vegas Experts
Florida at Tampa Bay
Both teams come into this one playing some good hockey. Prior to last night's shootout loss the Panthers had won 4 of their last 5 games. Florida has struggled on the road of late though losing 5 of their last 7 road games. In their last 54 games played with 0 day rest between action the Panthers are 14-40. Tampa has started to play a lot better and come into this one having won 3 of their last 4 games. The Lightning won the last 2 meetings between the clubs in December and will take this one. The home team is 17-7 in the last 24 meetings. Play on the Tampa Bay Lightning
Play on: Tampa Bay
Vernon Croy
Santa Clara vs. Portland U
Play: Santa Clara +4.5
We are getting solid line value here tonight with the Bronco's who are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points. The Bronco's almost knocked off the St. Mary's Gaels as 13 point dogs in their second last road game when I had them as my CBB Game of the Month back on January.9 which won hands down and I will take them again tonight against a team Portland team that they are 8-3 ATS against in their last 11 meetings. The Portland Pilots are just 2-10-1 ATS in their last 13 games as a favorite and they ae just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games off a win against a division rival. Portland is just 9-24 SU in their last 33 games against a conference opponent and they will be 9-25 SU after tonight so grab the points although you likely won't need them with Santa Clara as my CBB Free Play for Saturday night.
Pregame.com total of the day = Notre Dame versus Syracruse
OVER 160.5 points. Projected scorce = 166
Confirmation with ATS Advantage as seen on another post on this thread:
The over for Syracuse is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 10-4 at home, 4-0 against winning teams, 4-1 in the Big East and 5-2 on Saturday, and the over for Notre Dame is on stretches of 19-9 overall, 4-0 against winning teams, 4-1 on the road and 21-7 in Big East play. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in each of the last four contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Drew Gordon
San Antonio -3' at CHICAGO
After beating the Lakers Wednesday, you didn't need to be a brain surgeon to figure out the Spurs would have a letdown against the 76ers two days later. No doubt Duncan and company put everything they had into beating the Lakers, so I'll give them a pass for getting crushed at Philly last night. However, there's nothing like a good ass-kicking to get their heads back on straight, and I say we see the Spurs respond accordingly tonight.
Match up-wise, this is a tough spot for the Bulls, who simply cannot match up with Timmy Duncan. We saw in their last meeting just how ineffective the Bulls frontline was, with Duncan shooting 67% (8 of 12), scoring 21 points in just 28 minutes, leading the Spurs to a 98-88 win and cover back in November.
But that's not the worst part for Chicago... In their last meeting two things were very different for San Antonio: A. Tony Parker did not play, as he was out with an ankle injury. Needless to say, that's was a huge loss & yet the Spurs still won by 10. And B. It was also Manu Ginobili's first game back from injury, and we've seen how long it took him to get back into form. With a full complement of weapons at their disposal tonight, look for the Spurs to own this match up.
Finally, much like the Spurs big SU win over the Lakers Wednesday, the Bulls are coming off their own big win over the Cavaliers Thursday, and are in prime position for a letdown in this one. Bulls put everything they had into beating the Cavaliers, and I suspect the focus just won't be there tonight. In the end, the Spurs rebound after an ugly loss last night, while the Bulls get caught napping in the midst of their big win over King James 2 days ago.
Take San Antonio over Chicago in this NBA match up.
2♦ SAN ANTONIO
Wake Forest at CLEMSON -2
While the public seemingly loves Wake Forest in this match up, I couldn't disagree more for a variety of reasons, but let's start with the most obvious -There's no doubt the perception is the Deacons are the better team, and yet, here they sit as a slight underdog... Do you really believe Vegas is that stupid? I've told you once and I'll tell you again, the guys in Vegas are NOT in the habit of giving away bargains.
Secondly, all I hear is how Wake's size advantage is going to crush the Tigers in the paint and on the boards. Not so fast, as F Trevor Booker may be under-sized, but he plays big (9.1 rebounds/game, 43 swats), plus Clemson has not one, but two 6'9 bigmen in Sykes and Grant who can match up defensively with Wake's frontcourt. Both Sykes and Grant are iffy on the offensive end, but that's not their role, as Booker and the Tigers backcourt carry the load on that end.
Finally, let's not forget, this is a young Wake Forest team, playing in a high-pressure conference road game, versus a team that employs a very effective pressure defense. Clemson is allowing just 56 ppg on 36% shooting at home this season, and the fact the Deacons struggled at Richmond (despite owning the rebounding margin) cannot be ignored. Note, the Deacons are allowing 70 ppg on the road this season, not exactly "lockdown" defense if you ask me!
Bottom line, while Wake maybe bigger, the Tigers have more than enough size to contend in this one. The difference here comes down to two things: home court advantage and defense, which go hand-in-hand this afternoon. Sorry guys, I'm not buying their win at Boston College, as Deacons get their first taste of a hard-nosed ACC defense in this one.
Take Clemson over Wake Forest in this college hoops match up.
2♦ CLEMSON
Michael Cannon
Portland at CHARLOTTE +2'
I’m on a 3-0 run with my free plays after Oklahoma City wins outright over the Pistons last night!
Take the points with Charlotte tonight when they host Portland.
Fatigue could be an issue for the Trailblazers. They are playing for the third time in four nights and fourth time in six days.
Charlotte has made tremendous strides defensively under Larry Brown this year, and with Greg Oden failing to show any offensive prowess to his game the Bobcats should be able to keep this one close.
Charlotte’s backcourt has received a boost with the return of Raja Bell.
Take the points with the Bobcats as they keep this one within the number.
2♦ CHARLOTTE
Miami (Fla) at NORTH CAROLINA -17
Take North Carolina as the big home chalk tonight over Miami (Fla).
This is a bad spot for the Hurricanes.
They are coming into a hostile environment against a North Carolina team hell bent on avenging its two losses to begin ACC play.
The Tarheels exacted a measure of revenge by taking control against Virginia Thursday night and never letting off the throttle. Tonight you’re going to see the ‘Heels give the home crowd a treat and I feel sorry for the sacrificial lamb that is Miami.
Too much depth, too much speed, too much talent, too much everything for the Hurricanes to keep this one within the number.
Take North Carolina minus the big number as they win and cover at home.
3♦ NORTH CAROLINA
Mr. A
Boston Celtics -6½
San Antonio Spurs -3
Gina
Utah Jazz Dallas Mavericks
The Jazz beat the Mavericks in the last meeting at home, 97-88 and did it without Carlos Boozer in the lineup. Take the points. The struggling Mavericks have lost five straight games and are a nasty 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Utah Jazz +4½
Johnny Guild
Notre Dame Fighting Irish +4
UCLA Bruins -6
USC -7
North Carolina Tar Heels -16
John Ryan
Game: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks
Prediction: Under
Ai Simulator 3* graded play UNDER Philadelphia/Knicks slated to start at 7:35 EST. AiS shows a 74% probability that 196 or fewer points will be scored in this game. If you like a system that provides an ample amount of action then this system is for you. This system has had 675 plays over the past 5 seasons and has hit 58% and most important has made 84.9 units in profits. Play under with any team versus divisional opponents that are extremely tired teams when playing their 3rd game in 4 days. Knicks are not only tired, but they are shooting poorly as well. In that past 16 games they have shot over 50% just once and that was against lowly Washington. Moreover, over that same 16 game span, they have shot over 45% just 3 times and have shot under 40% 5 times. 76ers defense is cranking it up over their 6 game winning streak. They held SA to just 36.5% shooting last night and Portland to 39% shooting on Tuesday. Take the UNDER.
Pittsburgh at Louisville
Prediction: Louisville
3* graded play on Louisville as they square off against number one Pittsburgh slated to start at 6:00 EST. AiS shows a 72% probability that Louisville will win this game by 3 or more points. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 57-26 ATS for 69% since 1997. Play against road teams as a dog or pick that are excellent offensive teams scoring >=76 PPG facing an excellent defensive team allowing <=63 PPG and after 3 straight wins by 10 points or more. Louisville is in a series of strong roles noting they are 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons; 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus good defensive teams sporting a shooting percentage defense of <=42% after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons; 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons; 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) versus good ball handling teams committing <=14 turnovers/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons. Take Louisville.
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SPURS vs. BULLS
The Bulls go for their first three-game winning streak of season tonight as they host a
San Antonio team that has routinely defeated them in Chicago.
Chicago (18-22) has dropped eight of its last 10 to the Spurs (25-13) at the
United Center. They improved to 13-7 at home following a 102-93 overtime
victory over Central Division-leading Cleveland on Thursday night. Derrick
Rose will match up against Spurs counterpart Tony Parker who missed the
teams' first meeting this season with a sprained left ankle that sidelined him
for nine games. Rose had 10 points, six assists and six rebounds in
Chicago's 98-88 loss to the Spurs on Nov. 26. Chicago looks for just its
third home win against San Antonio since 1996-97 as the Southwest
Division-leading Spurs are trying to rebound from their most lopsided defeat
this season. San Antonio opened its three-game road trip on Friday with a
109-87 loss to Philadelphia, its worst defeat since a 90-64 loss to Utah on
April 4. Tim Duncan posted his third straight double-double with team highs
of 20 points and 12 rebounds against the 76ers who outrebounded the
Spurs 51-40. While shooting a season-low 36.5 percent from the field, the
Spurs allowed 105 or more points for the third straight game although San
Antonio has held Chicago to less than 100 points in 20 of the last 22
meetings. The verteran Spurs team will bouce back after a lackluster game
Friday night while the young Bulls team is still celebrating their win over
Cleveland Thursday night.
TAKE SAN ANTONIO-3 1/2
JR Tips
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Charlies Sports - free pick
cbb. maryland @ florida state-3. the florida state seminoles are off to one of
their best starts ever an coach leanord hamilton has them believing, maryland
had a bad loss to a mid major early but they are coming to form, florida st
covers -3 at home.
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Today's Free Pick is Stanford -3
Maddux Sports
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Wunderdog
South Florida at West Virginia
Pick: South Florida +18
The South Florida Bulls went a longtime in the Big East without winning a road game, and they certainly haven't won very many since they became a member of the Big East. That reputation has caused some very inflated lines against this team and another one presents itself today. The Bulls have not lost to a double-digit line on the road in two years and are already 2-0 ATS this season. What was a 21-point line at No. 1 Pitt is now a 17-point line at West Virginia? I think the Panthers are a bit more than four points better than the Mountaineers. This one is simply a product of reputation and not reality, so I'll back the Bulls with an inflated line.
Info Plays
3* on San Antonio Spurs -3
Reasons why San Antonio covers the spread Saturday
1.) The Spurs are coming off a blowout loss to the 76ers. San Antonio had a big letdown in this game after beating the Lakers in their previous contest. But now the Spurs will be re-focused and ready to dominate the Chicago Bulls, who are in a big letdown spot themselves. Chicago just beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime on Thursday, so there's no doubt the Bulls will have a bit of an emotional letdown here. San Antonio brings more energy and determination to the court tonight which is more than enough reason to lay the points.
2.) The Spurs are 17-7 SU & 15-9 ATS in their last 24 meetings with Chicago. The Spurs are 8-4 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 trips to the United Center. The Spurs own this team and we don't see that changing tonight, especially with San Antonio coming off a loss.
3.) Trends favoring the Spurs. Chicago is 4-16 ATS off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons. This trend just shows the Bulls' tendency to have a letdown following a big win over the last couple seasons. Also, Chicago is 8-23 ATS off a home win over the last 2 seasons. Bet San Antonio on the road.