Bobby Maxwell
San Antonio at PHOENIX -2'
San Antonio may have won three straight games and 16 of its last 21, but we have absolutely no confidence in them going into Phoenix today for this Christmas Day matchup with the Suns. Play Phoenix today.
The Suns have been resting since Saturday's 108-101 home win over Denver, covering as 5 1/2-point home favorites. They are 5-2 in their last seven games and this team has found the offense that just wasn't there early in the season, averaging 113 points per game in the last seven.
The energy and enthusiasm of Jason Richardson might me just what this team needed. They need someone who wants to get up and down the court with Steve Nash and who can electrify the crowd with a big dunk. Shawn Marion used to play that role, but now they have Richardson and it has been paying off.
San Antonio beat the T'Wolves on Tuesday 99-93 but never really threatened to cover as a 12-point favorite. The Spurs have lost their last two on the road, both SU and ATS, and I'm sure they're not happy to be away from home on Christmas.
The Suns beat the Spurs 103-98 in the opening week of the season in San Antonio in a pick-em game and they'll get the job done in this one. Play Phoenix at home on the holiday.
3♦ PHOENIX
Sports Gambling Hotline
Washington at CLEVELAND -15
Merry Christmas from the staff at the Sports Gambling Hotline!
We have hit our last pair of comp plays as we come into action this Christmas Day, and we feel the blowout of the day is going to take place today between Washington, and Cleveland.
It seems like eons ago the Cavs won a 4-2 playoff series, as these 2 teams couldn't be any further from a series reprise this May!
Washington comes into this one riding a 7-game losing streak, and they have also failed the spread in their last 5 games.
Cleveland is a perfect 14-0 on their home hardwood this season, and an almost perfect 12-2 against the spread in their home games this year!
The Cavs have won their last 4, and they have covered in 3 of those 4.
This one could very well be a 20-points or better anihilation.
Play on the Cavaliers.
1♦ CLEVELAND
Nostradamus
New Orleans +4
Lakers -2
Portland -4.5
Brett Maverick Sports
Magic/Hornets Under 193
We cashed easily here yesterday as once again Hawaii proved no contest for a high budget recruiting University. On Christmas day we like the under in the Hornets vs Magic contest as New Orleans has now gone under in six straight games. Orlando has gone under the number 4 of the last 5 contest. Thats 10-1 under combined. Together they have gone under 29 games compared to only 20 overs. Take the under. We have a huge NBA winner in the Lakers vs Celtics matchup now.
John Ryan
New Orleans Hornets at Orlando Magic
Prediction: Over
AiS shows a 73% probability that 193 or more points will be scored in this game. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 54-27 for 67% since 2002. Play over with all teams in conference matchups where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points after beating the spread by 30 or more points total in their last three games. Orlando in a strong over role for this game noting they are 11-2 OVER (+8.8 Units) after allowing 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons. Both teams have an 84% probability of scoring 98 or more points and this places both teams in strong over roles. Now, they are more or less self fulfilling prophesies in many ways, but BOTH teams are involved in these roles and it is measured against the lines. Note that Orlando is 36-5 OVER (+30.5 Units) where both teams score 98 or more points in a game over the last 2 seasons and NO is 23-5 OVER (+17.5 Units) where both teams score 98 or more points in a game over the last 2 seasons. Take the OVER.
Frank Jordan
Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Play: Cleveland Cavaliers -15
Cleveland is 24-4, a perfect 14-0 at home, have won 9 of their last 10 and 4 in a row. Washington has just 4 wins against 22 losses, dropped 9 of their last 10 and 7 straight defeats. Look for Cleveland to move to 15-0 at home as the Wizards won't get their second road win of the year. Play Cleveland