Brian Hansen
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
Prediction: New York Knicks
With Garnett serving a one-game suspension, the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics seek their seventh straight victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at TD Banknorth Garden, however I don't seem them being able to cover the large spread. New York is off to its best 10-game start since 2000-01, when it also won six of its first 10 games. It's also interesting to note that the Knicks are already 1-0 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record this season; because of all of these reason I recommend a play on the KNICKS!
Tom Freese
Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers
Prediction: Over
Chicago is 26-11 OVER after playing four straight home games and they are 12-4-2 OVER their last 18 road games vs. teams with a winning home record. The Bulls are 14-6-2 OVER their last 22 road games overall. Los Angeles is 28-11 OVER at home after being called for 30 or more fouls in their last game and they are 18-6 OVER off a straight up loss. The Lakers are 4-1 OVER their last 5 home games and they are they are 12-5 OVER off a double digit home loss. PLAY ON 'OVER'
LT Profits
Cleveland Cavaliers @ New Jersey Nets Over 198.0
The Over may seem counter-intuitive in a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Jersey Nets, but the recent performances of these teams suggest that this game could eaily hit the 200s.
First of all, these are not the Cavaliers of recent seasons, who relied too heavily on LeBron James to carry the offense. This version has scored 100 points or more in six of the last seven games, and Cleveland scored 99 points in the only game during this streak where they did not crack the century mark.
Obviously, James is still leading the way at 29.8 points per game, but he is actually getting decent support this year from Maurice Williams, Delonte West and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, all of whom are averaging in double-digits.
As for the Nets, they are coming off of back-to-back shootouts vs. the Atlanta Hawks, sweeping those games by scores of 119-107 and 115-108. Moreover, all of their home games are averaging a combined 201.8 points, mainly due to a porous defense that is allowing 101.1 points per game overall and 104.2 points at home.
You can basically throw out the fact that the Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings, given the different personalities of these teams this year. In fact, that trend may actually make this Over a tad undervalued here.
Pick: Cavaliers, Nets Over 198
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Kings +5.5
The Kings have been playing much better basketball since their first road trip of the season and I like them to fare much better against a struggling Memphis team which has lost 4 straight. The Kings are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 vs. the Western Conference, 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games playing on 1 days rest, and 12-5 ATS in their last 17 Tuesday games while the Grizzlies are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Tuesday games and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. The Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and we'll take the points tonight.
Sports Gambling Hotline
Northern Illinois at KENT
On a cold night in Kent, Ohio, let's play the UNDER between the Huskies and the Golden Flashes.
Both schools have been involved in some high-scoring affairs recently, as Northern Illinois' last pair of games have seen 63, and 59 combined points, while Kent has really been playing them high, as their last 3 games have seen 79, 75, and 73 combined points!
That all changes this evening, as Northern Illinois sports some long-term UNDER numbers, going 20-7-1 UNDER the posted total in their last 28 games, and 7-2 their last 9 in the cold month of November.
Kent meanwhile, has been UNDER the posted price in 8 of their last 11 November games, and the series has seen UNDERS in the last 3 meetings between the schools.
With the temperature dipping lower, and lower at night, we will play the UNDER in this MAC battle from Dix Stadium.
Play the LOW!
2♦ UNDER
Drew Gordon
South Alabama +10 at MISSISSIPPI
Interesting match up here, as suspensions have the Jaguars backcourt hurting, but overall, while I do see the Rebels winning this contest, I just don't see them covering the number and here's why:
First and foremost, despite the suspensions of guards Tilford and Hayles, the Jaguars still have the plenty of firepower where it matters most in this match up, and that's the frontcourt. Senior forwards Davis (21 points, 14 boards, 2 swats in opener) and Coleman (14 points, 8 boards, 2 swats in opener) pace the Jaguars attack. This is critical, because while the Rebels have size, its not exactly quality size, and the Jags can and will take advantage.
That brings me to my next point... While the Rebels clearly have the edge in the backcourt, with their trio of Warren, Huertas, and Polynice, the Jaguars aren't as far behind as you think with a couple strong backups getting the start tonight. Jaguars have two solid junior college tranfers in Sherrer and Watson, who both score 13 points in the opener, not to mention senior B.J. Ford. You still give the nod to the Rebels, but again, not by as much as Vegas wants you to believe.
Finally, let's not forget last year's match up, as the Rebels won a close game 81-78 at home last November. Of course, the Jaguars had Bennet and Merrit in that contest, but nonetheless, the Jaguars will not be intimidated in this one... They almost beat the Rebels at home last year, and that goes a long way in the confidence department. In the end, while this would be a more competitive game with Tilford and Hayles playing, the Jaguars have enouh firepower in the frontcourt and enough depth in the backcourt to grab the cash.
Take South Alabama plus the points over Mississippi in this college hoops match up.
1♦ SOUTH ALABAMA
Portland +1 at GOLDEN STATE
No secret the Blazers are playing damn good basketball right now, winners of 5 of their last 6 games SUATS! Expecting more of the same tonight, as they gear up for a late night affair at the Warriors, and here's why:
First and foremost, the Blazers do something well that the Warriors do not, and that's play defense. Portland is allowing 96 ppg on the road this season, and while not an offensive force just yet, Greg Oden is contributing BIG-TIME on the defensive end (13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks in just 23 minutes last game).
Warriors meanwhile have lived up to their name as the youngest team in the NBA, playing the pathetic defense we see from inexperienced teams. Golden State is allowing a whopping 108 ppg over their last 5 games, and while the Blazers aren't going to burn down any barns with their offense, they have the pieces necessary to take advantage of piss-poor Warriors D.
Speaking of the match ups, its clear that Brandon Roy is the best player on the court, and there's little the Warriors can do to stop him. Also, while Golden State's frontcourt can score plenty of points, they also allow A LOT of points by the opposition, as Maggete, Jackson, and Biendrins will never be accused of being anything better than average defenders (at best). Look for Aldridge to really take advantage, as he's coming off a sub-par effort at Minnesota.
Bottom line, the Blazers are playing rock-solid basketball, and while we expect them to slow down Golden State considerably, we cannot say the same for the Warriors, who play defense like a matador avoiding a raging bull. In the end, its a close game, but I'll take the better team, with the better match ups in this one.
Take Portland plus the points over Golden State in this NBA match up.
2♦ PORTLAND
Mr A
Northern Illinois at Kent State Northern
Northern Illinois has won and covered the spread in the last three games versus Kent State. Take the Huskies to keep their slight chance for a bowl bid alive. The Golden Flashes are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games at home.
Illinois Huskies -3½
Indiana Pacers -2
Cleveland Cavaliers -6
Los Angeles Lakers -12½
Johnny Guild
Northern Illinois Huskies at Kent State Golden Flashes
Kent State will have a big chore containing Northern Illinois' offense with freshman quarterback Chandler Harnish at the helm. Take the Huskies to grab their fourth straight victory over the Golden Flashes.
Northern Illinois Huskies -3
Miami Heat at Washington Wizards
The Miami Heat hammered the struggling Washington Wizards, 97-77 at home last Friday. The Heat have struggle away from home, just 1-4 in their last five games, but have been profitable against the Wizards in Washington. Miami is 11-1-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings at Verizon Center. Take the Heat to win a close battle tonight on the Wizards home court.
Miami Heat +2.5
South Alabama Jaguars +11
Arizona St. Sun Devils -4.5
Rocketman
4* Chicago -110.
Wunderdog
Miami at Washington
Pick: Miami +2.5
Miami did not crack double-digits in wins last year until after the All-Star break. This season they are half-way there in mid November. Things have certainly changed and Wade gives them a chance every night, but they have a lot of healthy bodies which was something that was missing all last season. Washington is the team with the injury problems this season. Here we are seven games in and the Wizards are just 1-6, and have just six players that have logged minutes in every game. Brendan Haywood and Gilbert Arenas have yet to suit up, and now Antonio Daniels is dealing with a bad knee. This is a much better Miami team that should be favored here against a Wizards team that is similar to the Miami of last year and wins are going to be hard to come by. I'll grab the points here and take the Heat.
Idaho at Gonzaga
Pick: Idaho +27.5
It is hard to even refer to Gonzaga as a mid-major anymore, as they have been a fixture in the top 25 for years, and this year are ranked No. 9 in the early going. The Vandals certainly are nowhere near that lofty status, but they are capable of staying around an inflated number, as they have four scorers that are averaging double-digits so far. Idaho has been money against the better teams that call off the dogs against them as they have logged a 14-6 ATS mark against teams with a .600 winning percentage or better. Gonzaga is clearly the better team in this matchup, but they have not covered well against the WAC as they are just 1-4 in their last five. Even if the Vandals don't hang within the number, there is a second chance here for a backdoor late cover. I'll take the Vandals and the bushel of points.
Jeff Alexander Sports
1 Unit on Charlotte Bobcats +5.5
Dallas is just 3-7 SU and ATS this season and finds itself in a spot that has not treated it well. Dallas is just 3-15 ATS off a road win over the last 2 seasons, 4-19 ATS off a road win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons, and 1-9 ATS in road games after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread over the last 2 seasons. The Bobcats have covered 2 in a row and 4 of their last 6. We'll take the points tonight.
Alex Smart
Boston College -8.0
Boston College prepares to take on the St.Johns Red Storm at the Conte Forum in a non conference battle this Tuesday on ESPN2. This is the East Regional final of the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament.
The Red Storm opened up their campaign with a nice win over LIU, and than looked good in the opening game of this tournament upending Cornell by a 86-75 count . Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles rolled over Central Connecticut by a 80- 65 count in their opener, and than followed that up with a impressive win against the Loyola Greyhounds , shooting 50.9 % from the field, and converted on 8 of 18 from beyond the arc . Now these two old rivals collide in a tilt, that promises to be a hard fought affair, at least for the first part of this game. As this contest progresses ,look for Al Skinners Golden Eagles to dominate and showcase a ACC side that is on the rise behind offensive catalyst Tyrese Rice.
Final notes & Key Trends: St.Johns has lost 6 straight meetings in this series and have failed to cover 5 straight vs ACC foes.
Play on Boston College to cover
Dennis Macklin
Miami Heat at Washington Wizards
Assuming that DWade is playing here as at this writing he's considered probable. Miami has been God awful on the road at 1-4SU and ATS but if they were ever going to get healthy, it would be tonight vs. the Wiz. These same two met four days ago in South Beach with Heat winning by 20 and crushing Wash off the boards 61-41, 18-10 on the offensive glass. The Wiz are just 1-6 with their only win over the injury riddled road hapless Jazz. Don't see any buy signs on the Wiz until Agent Zero (Gilbert Arenas) is back and dealing at somewhere near 100%. Miami is a work in progress that will improve as we get further into the season.
Play on: Miami
Stephen Nover
Atlanta Hawks @ Indiana Pacers
PICK: Indiana Pacers -3
The confidence and swagger from a 6-0 start is gone for Atlanta. That's what a three-game losing streak, being short-handed and on the road extensively can do to a young up-and-down team.
The Hawks are on the road for the fifth time in their last six games. This marks their fifth game in eight days. This has really cut into needed practice time.
The Hawks continue to be without injured Josh Smith, their best defender and most versatile player. He probably won't be back for another couple of weeks because of an ankle injury.
Indiana last played on Saturday. The Pacers don't play again until Friday. So they are able to concentrate and fully focus on this home matchup. The Pacers have covered 67 percent of the time on two days rest during the past 87 instances.
The Pacers have the scorers and athletic ability to match up to Atlanta. They've defeated the Hawks in 14 of their last 16 home games. The Hawks last won at Conseco Fieldhouse in 2006.
Lenny Del Genio
Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
We're not buying into the Bulls, who are off back-to-back home wins over two bad teams where 25% of their scoring came from the FT line, and they still only scored 98 and 104 against Dallas and Indiana. Lakers have the 2nd best FG% defense in the league. This is their first game since their first loss of the season, to Detroit, 106-95. They are looking for an overmatched opponent to smack around. Chicago will be more than willing. They are just 5-18 ATS off a home win, 14-26 ATS off an ATS win and 10-26 ATS off a win of any kind. No Kirk Hinrich for the Bulls tonight and F Drew Gooden aggravated his ankle in practice on Monday and is a gametime decision. Take LA Lakers.