SPORTS ADVISORS
San Antonio (11-8, 10-9 ATS) at Dallas (11-8, 9-10 ATS)
Two bitter Southwest Division rivals clash for the second time this season, this time at American Airlines Center where Dirk Nowitzki and the red-hot Mavericks play host Tim Duncan and the Spurs.
Since limping out to a 2-7 SU and ATS start, Dallas has won nine of its last 10 (7-3 ATS), including the last four in a row (2-2 ATS). On Saturday, the Mavs held off the Hawks 100-98 as a 6½-point home chalk, scoring at least 100 points for the sixth straight game and the ninth time in the last 11 contests.
During its 9-1 hot streak, Dallas has won five straight games at home, but is just 2-3 ATS. In fact, the Mavericks are 2-7 ATS on their home court, compared with 7-3 ATS on the road.
Like their opponent tonight, the Spurs are playing solid basketball, winning two in a row, six out of eight and nine of their last 12, with the SU winner covering the spread in each of those 12 games. In fact, the SU winner is 19-1 ATS in San Antonio games this year. Gregg Popovich’s team has been idle since Saturday, when it crushed Golden State 123-88 as a 12-point home favorite.
Dallas hammered the Spurs 98-81 as a 4½-point road chalk back on Nov. 4, improving to 6-2 ATS in the last eight against San Antonio. The underdog is 21-7 ATS in the last 28 meetings, including 9-1 ATS in the last 10, with eight of those nine being outright upsets. Also, the visitor has cashed in 13 of the last 17 head-to-head battles.
In addition to its 9-3 ATS run overall, San Antonio is on ATS tears of 4-1 on the road, 5-1 against the Western Conference and 5-2 against Southwest Division rivals, but the Spurs have failed to cover in four of their last five on Tuesdays. Meanwhile, the Mavs are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games on Tuesday, but 42-19-1 ATS in their last 62 divisional games and 5-1 in their last six versus the West.
The under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings between these rivals. Also, for the Spurs, the under is on runs of 21-7 overall, 9-4 on the road, 16-7 against the Western Conference, 7-2 against the Southwest Division, 14-2 after an ATS triumph, 9-1 coming off a double-digit victory and 6-0 on Tuesdays. For Dallas, the under is on streaks of 13-6-1 on Tuesdays, 5-2 versus winning teams and 6-1 in divisional battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN ANTONIO and UNDER
Atlanta (12-7, 10-8-1 ATS) at Houston (13-8, 10-11 ATS)
The Hawks continue a four-game road trip that includes three games in the state of Texas when they visit the Toyota Center for the only time this season in a non-conference clash with the Rockets.
Atlanta began its Texas trifecta at Dallas on Saturday, coming up short 100-98 to end a three-game winning streak. However, the Hawks covered as a 6½-point road underdog, moving to 4-1 ATS in their last five, including 3-0 ATS on the road. Prior to this ATS surge, Atlanta and failed to cover in its previous seven contests.
The Rockets return home after last night’s quick trip to Memphis, where they lost 109-97 as 6½-point road favorite. Houston is 8-4 in its last 12 games (7-5 ATS), including 4-2 at home (3-3 ATS). Rick Adelman’s club has scored at least 100 points in each of its last seven wins while being held under triple digits in all eight of its defeats.
Houston swept the season series from Atlanta last year, wining 108-89 as a 9½-point home chalk and 83-75 as a 4½-point road choice. That latter victory ended an eight-game SU winning streak and a seven-game ATS run by the home team in this rivalry, with the Hawks going 0-4 ATS in their last four trips to Houston. The SU winner is 8-0 ATS in the last eight head-to-head battles, and the favorite is 6-1 ATS in the past seven.
Atlanta has failed to cash in six of its last seven games on Tuesday, but otherwise it is on positive pointspread runs of 4-1-1 versus the Western Conference and 4-0 against the Southwest Division. As for the Rockets, they’re on ATS runs of 23-8-1 against the Southeast Division, 39-18-1 versus the Eastern Conference, 5-1 against winning teams and 4-1 when playing on back-to-back nights.
The under is on runs of 12-4 for the Rockets at home, 5-1 for the Rockets on Tuesday and 10-4 in this rivalry. However, Houston has topped the total in four straight games overall and four of its last five against the East, and the over is 6-2-1 in Atlanta’s last nine games on Tuesday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: HOUSTON
Orlando (16-5, 11-9-1 ATS) at Portland (15-7, 11-11 ATS)
The streaking Trailblazers return home after a successful five-game road swing as they welcome the Magic to the Rose Garden.
Portland capped a 4-1 East Coast road trip with Sunday’s 98-97 victory at Toronto, but it failed to cash as a 2½-point road favorite, its fourth straight non-cover. The Trailblazers have won 14 of their last 18 games (10-8 ATS), holding the opposition under 100 points in 16 of those contests, including the last eight in a row.
Orlando kicked off a five-game Western Conference road trip in Los Angeles on Monday night, knocking off the Clippers 95-88 as a 4½-point road chalk. The Magic overcame a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit by outscoring Los Angeles 29-13 in this final quarter, and center Dwight Howard (23 points, 22 rebounds) posted his second straight 20-20 game. Since starting the season with consecutive losses, the Magic are 15-3 SU, and they’re 5-2 ATS in their last seven. Stan Van Gundy’s squad has held six of its last seven foes to 96 points or fewer.
The Blazers are unbeaten through seven games at the Rose Garden, going 5-2 ATS, and they’ve outscored their visitors by an average of 15 ppg (102-87). Meanwhile, Orlando is 6-2 on the highway (4-3-1 ATS) despite averaging 96.8 ppg and allowing 94 ppg.
Portland traveled to the Magic Kingdom on Nov. 10 and dealt Orlando a 106-99 loss as a seven-point road underdog, ending a four-game SU and three-game ATS slide to the Magic. Orlando is 3-1 SU and 2-1-1 ATS in its last four trips to the Rose Garden.
The Blazers’ current 0-4 ATS slide has come against Eastern Conference teams, but they’re 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games going back to last season and 10-3 ATS in their last 13 versus winning teams. Orlando is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 on Tuesdays.
The under for Portland is on stretches of 8-1 overall, 5-0 at home, 5-2 on Tuesdays, 6-1 against the Eastern Conference and 35-17 when playing on one day of rest. The under is also 5-1 in Orlando’s last six on the road and 9-3-1 in its last 13 against the Northwest Division. Lastly, the under is on a 9-4-1 roll in this rivalry, including 5-1 in Portland.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PORTLAND and UNDER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
(23) Davidson (6-1, 3-2 ATS) vs. West Virginia (6-1, 2-3 ATS) (at New York)
Davidson’s Stephen Curry, who leads the nation in scoring, goes up against one of the top defenses in the nation when he leads the 23rd-ranked Wildcats against West Virginia in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.
Curry rebounded from his first-ever scoreless game by matching his career high with 44 points in Saturday’s 72-67 victory over North Carolina State. Curry, who is averaging 31.3 points per game, scored the game’s final 10 points to lead Davidson to its fourth straight win, but the Wildcats failed to cover as a 9½-point favorite, and they’ve now alternated spread-covers in their last four lined contests.
West Virginia is coming off Saturday’s 53-43 victory over Cleveland State, failing to cash as a 14-point home chalk, the third straight non-cover for the Mountaineers. Bob Huggins’ squad is allowing just 55.1 ppg, which ranks 13th in the nation, but tonight they face the Curry-led Wildcats, who are putting up 83.3 ppg against Division I foes.
West Virginia leads the all-time series against Davidson 18-15, but the schools last met in the opening round of the 1994 NIT.
Despite failing to cover Saturday against N.C. State, Davidson is still on ATS runs of 47-21-1 overall, 10-2 in non-conference play, 44-18 away from home, 47-14-2 after a non-cover and 6-1 on Tuesdays. The only negative is the Wildcats’ 1-5 ATS slump versus the Big East. The Mountaineers are on pointspread streaks of 23-9 in non-conference play and 6-0 versus the Southern Conference, but they’re 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 on Tuesday and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 after a SU victory.
The over is on steaks of 11-4 for West Virginia overall and 5-1 for Davidson on the road, but the under is 11-3-1 in the Mountaineers last 15 games on Tuesday, 11-5 in Davidson’s last 16 on Tuesday, 23-11 in Davidson’s last 34 after a SU victory and 8-2 in Davidson’s last 10 after a non-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DAVIDSON
(6) Texas (6-1, 3-3 ATS) vs. (15) Villanova (8-0, 3-2 ATS) (at New York)
Villanova faces easily its stiffest challenge to date when it meets sixth-ranked Texas in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.
The Wildcats have feasted on low-level competition so far, winning all eight of their games by 13 points or more. Most recently, Villanova obliterated Division II Houston Baptist 93-57 in a non-lined game Tuesday. Against their seven Division I opponents, the Wildcats are putting up 77.7 points per game (46.4 percent shooting) while allowing 56.7 ppg (36.9 percent shooting).
The Longhorns ran their winning streak to three in a row with Thursday’s 68-64 victory over then-No. 8 UCLA, but they fell short as a six-point home favorite. A.J. Abrams tied his career high with 31 points, including five three-pointers, the last of which broke a 62-62 tie with less than three minutes to play. Texas, which will be facing its third Top 15 team of the season tonight, has scored at least 68 points in every game while holding five of seven opponents to 57 points or less.
These schools played a home-and-home non-conference series in January of 2006 and 2007, with the host winning both contests and Villanova going 2-0 ATS, including a 76-69 win as a six-point home favorite two years ago.
Texas is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games on Tuesday and 10-5-1 in its last 16 at neutral sites (2-1 this year), but the ‘Horns are 0-6 ATS in their last six versus the Big East. Meanwhile, Villanova is on pointspread streaks of 6-1 against the Big 12 and 4-0 on Tuesday, but it is 1-3 ATS in its last four at neutral venues.
The Wildcats sport nothing but “under” streaks, including 20-7-1 overall, 4-0 against the Big 12, 4-0 in non-league action and 4-1 on Tuesdays. Conversely, the Longhorns are on “over” stretches of 8-3 against the Big East, 7-2 after a SU win and 5-1 away from home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Black Widow Sports
1* on Denver +10
CS-Northridge is 1-6 on the season and they should not be laying this many points against any team. Denver catching double-digits here is a solid free pick for Tuesday that we want you to take advantage of. Denver has played 5 road games already this season, coming away with only 1 loss against the spread. The Denver defense is what makes this such a great play, as the Pioneers give up a mere 62.4 points per game on the road. After CS-Northridge posted a 20-10 campaign last season, the linesmakers have this team valued as a much better squad than they really are. Denver is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus poor ball handling teams - committing >=18 turnovers/game since 1997. Northridge is turning the ball over 22 time per game, and they cannot be relied upon to cover this huge spread tonight because of their turnover woes. Denver is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) after having lost 3 of their last 4 games since 1997. The Denver defense alone makes this a solid wager tonight as they easily stay within the number. Take Denver and the points.
Black Magic Sports
1 Unit on Washington Wizards +5
Washington now has a new head coach and new life. The Wizards have responded to their new head man, as they are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall playing very competitive basketball. Washington will get back in the win column at home Tuesday against a Detroit team that lost their swagger ever since trading Chauncey Billups. This team still is not in sync with Allen Iverson running the show, and the Pistons have dropped back-to-back games as favorites to both the 76ers and Knicks. Detroit is frustrated right now, while Washington is starting to play up to their capabilities. They seem to step it up during this time of year, as Washington is now 13-3 ATS in December games over the last 2 seasons. This team is also well-rested, which is a good sign tonight considering that the Wizards are 13-3 ATS when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons. Washington is 25-14 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons. The Pistons are favored here and they really shouldn’t be after losing 2 in a row as favorites. Cash in with the Wizards as the underdog.
JIM FEIST
DETROIT PISTONS / WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Take DETROIT PISTONS
Good bounce back situation for the Pistons. They are off a loss at NY, but Detroit played nearly the entire fourth quarter without Richard Hamilton, who was thrown out of game. He got a technical foul in the first half, then was called for another and ejected. The Pistons face a truly wretched Washington (3-15) defense that is allowing 103 ppg and just 2-8 at home. While Washington has a bad home record, the Pistons have a winning road mark. Washington allows over 47% shooting by opponents, 4th worst in the NBA. The Wizards have lost 5 of 6 and will be overmatched here. Play the Pistons.
DAVE COKIN
SAN FRANCISCO / PACIFIC
Take SAN FRANCISCO
Rex Walters seems to be turning around the mindset of the Dons, and while they've got miles to go before they can compete with the upper echelon in the WCC, there's now some light at the end of the tunnel. Pacific looked like they'd be the team to beat in the Big West, but they took a pair of pre-season hits and just haven't been sharp. The Tigers are well coached and I expect them to put it together once league play gets rolling, but they're really scuffling right now and just lost at home to a bad Fresno State team. I'll take the number with San Francisco tonight.
Matt Rivers
11-5 run after the Magic on Monday!
For Tuesday take the Spurs in Dallas.
It was a very rough start to the season due mainly to the injuries of Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker. Now with the big three rocking and rolling once again led by the big man in Tim Duncan I can't help but back Pop's squad in this spot.
The Spurs certainly stalled out of the gate but over the past few weeks we have see these guys rev it up and win a bunch of games. Now with the team as healthy as they have been in awhile I can't see anything but more winning and Dirk and the mavs certainly no longer scare me all that much.
The Mavericks are still a good team, don't get me wrong, but with all of the playoff failures in recent seasons and the firing of Avery Johnson I just see the Dallas window closing and an overall team that when push comes to shove should not beat San Antonio.
Josh Howard is not 100% healthy and even with the home court advantage I do not trust this Dallas team San Antonio will bring their momentum to Big D along with their proferssionalism and more than likely walk off the court as the victor like tey did in Denver last week against the red hot Nuggets.
Bobby Maxwell
Drake at IOWA STATE (pk)
Today we've got a comp play on the college hardwood as we play Iowa State at home to get the cash against Drake.
Iowa State is a perfect 5-0 at home this season and they are coming off a very impressive 63-50 win over Oregon State as 10-point favorites. The Cyclones are very tough at home and they'll get the best of Drake in this one.
The Cyclones will get a big effort from Lucca Staiger who had 14 points last time out against the Beavers. And look for him to get help rom the likes of Craig Brackins and Diante Garrett. Iowa State has held the opposition to 58.4 points a game this season and 35,7 percent shooting, inclduign 27.2 percent from the three-point line.
Drake has won four straight, but the last three have been agaisnt absolutely nobody, in fact the three have been unlined home games. The Bulldogs haven't had a true road game this season only going onto a neutral court for a loss to Vandy and a win over New Mexico.
These two teams meet each season and Drake has won the last two and humiliated the Cyclones 79-44 last season as an 8 1/2-point favorite. The home team is 7-2 ATS in the alsdt nine meetings and Drake has gone just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 Tuesday contests.
Iowa State has gone 5-2 ATS in its last seven at home and 5-1 ATS in its last six games against a team with a winning record. Play the Cyclones to get the win an discover tonight.
4♦ IOWA STATE
Bryan Leonard
2* Milwaukee (+) over Phoenix
Just can't trust this Phoenix team laying points while they continue to fight for an identity. They have dropped four of their last five games with the only win being by a bucket last time out hosting Utah. Defensively they continue to struggle allowing 102 points or more in six straight games. Keep in mind that in the last two weeks they have lost straight up on this court to both Miami and New Jersey, neither team would be considered world beaters.Milwaukee has played well on the road against this type of opponent only losing by double digits as of late to the Lakers, Detroit and Utah, all superior squads to the one the Bucks will face tonight. Milwaukee is a team that fails to quit as evidenced by playing even in the fourth quarter of their last seven road games, despite being a sizable underdog each time.Phoenix has just three home wins this season by more than this spread, look for another close contest as the Bucks cash the ticket.
PLAY MILWAUKEE
James Patrick Sports
Drake vs. Iowa State
In Tuesday NCAA College Basketball action our selection Iowa State Cyclones as they host the Drake Bulldogs. The home team in this series has cashed in 7 of 9 ATS and the Cyclones are a play only on their home court as they dropped all of their conference road games a year ago. Drake adjusting to new Head Coach Mark Phelps a former Arizona State assistant and the state schools such as Iowa State treasure these wins for their recruiting war battles.
Jimmy The Moose
Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators
Prediction: Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have been struggling of late but tonight they get a Nashville team that played in St. Louis and lost on Monday. Vancouver has won 7 of their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record. The Predators have had trouble vs. the Canucks recently and will be in tough tonight. The Predators have lost the last 4 meetings between the clubs and 5 of the last 6. Vancouver has won their last 2 trips to Nashville. Play on the Vancouver Canucks +.
Alex Smart
New York Islanders @ Philadelphia Flyers
PICK: Over
The Islanders enter into this game against their Atlantic division rivals off a hard fought game last night in Toronto , where they lost a 4-2 decision. The Flyers have not played in a couple of days, and will be well rested and ready to come out with all guns blazing.
The Islanders defense and goal-tending is starting to be a big problem spot, as is evident by allowing 5 or more goals in 4 of their L/6 overall. Tonight on tired legs , I expect the Isles D, to once again falter against a Flyers team that can skate with them and light it up in transition.
These teams have played some hard fought defensive affairs here in Philly in the recent past, but tonight that all goes out the window.
Final notes & Key Trends: Over is 8-0-1 in NYI last 9 overall. Joey MacDonald the Islanders goalie is 0-4-1 along with a hefty 3.56 GAA in 5 career starts in this series. Over is 4-0 in Flyers last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 . Over is 7-1 in Flyers last 8 games playing on 2 days rest.
Play OVER
Big Al McMordie
Iowa St v Drake
Pick: Cyclones
At 9 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Iowa State Cyclones minus the points over Drake. Last year, ISU lost 79-45 to the Bulldogs, so the Cyclones will be playing this game tonight with major revenge. Also, the Cyclones are a terrific 29-6 ATS at home when priced from -3 to +1 and the current line is ISU -2.5 points. Lay the small number with the Cyclones.
Cajun Sports
Texas vs. Villanova
Play: Villanova +2.5
The Texas Longhorns do battle against the Villanova Wildcats on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. Texas enters tonight’s contest with a 6-1 SU record while Nova checks in with a perfect 8-0 straight up record.
This Nova team went 22-13 last season and advanced to the Sweet 16 as a Number 12 seed. Jay Wright’s team was looking at a possible NIT invitation in early February as they were 3-6 in the conference. Wright made some changes to his lineup and their defense improved greatly and they finished strong with a 6-3 record and an invite to the NCAA Tournament.
This season HC Jay Wright returns ninety-five percent of all their players minutes which is extremely rare. With an improved defense from last season and better outside shooting this year Nova should cause problems for this Longhorns team on Tuesday night.
The Longhorns have played well early for the most part until they ran into the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who got the best of them as a 3-Point underdog 81 to 80. This Nova team plays much better defense than the Irish and they also have the ability to get to the free throw line and convert.
Converting free throws is not one of the Longhorns strengths this season as they only convert a little better than 58% and this fact will not go unnoticed by the Cats head coach. Wright will turn his attacking defense loose against a poor free throw shooting team in the Garden on Tuesday night.
Nova’s defense is holding opponents under 37% shooting from the field so far this season and they are outscoring their opponents by more than 22 points per game.
Villanova has been installed as a 2.5 point underdog for tonight’s contest and this is a role that the Cats have found success under Head Coach Jay Wright. They are 45-30 ATS in that role with Wright at the helm and will be looking for winner number 46 tonight.
The Longhorns have done well over the years when facing top caliber teams on their home floor but on the road they have not found much success. In fact Texas Head Coach Rick Barnes is 20-32 ATS on the road facing teams that outscore their opponents by 12 or more points per game.
We will back the better defensive team playing on a court that they should have an edge on, so take the points and play the Villanova Wildcats on Tuesday night at the Garden!
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Villanova Wildcats 74 Texas Longhorns 69
DUNKEL
Detroit at Washington
The Wizards are 4-0 ATS in December and face a Detroit team that is just 3-5 ATS against teams with a losing record. Washington is the underdog pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Wizards favored straight up by 3. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2).
Game 501-502: Detroit at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 117.502; Washington 120.578
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3; 198 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 4 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Toronto at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 114.219; Cleveland 131.778
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 17 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 11; 192
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-11); Over
Game 505-506: Utah at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 118.303; Minnesota 112.513
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 6; 199
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 507-508: Atlanta at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.871; Houston 124.001
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8; 199 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 509-510: New York at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: New York 115.196; Chicago 117.718
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 197 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 8 1/2; 213
Dunkel Pick: New York (+8 1/2); Under
Game 511-512: San Antonio at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.571; Dallas 126.201
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 3 1/2; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 513-514: Milwaukee at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.917; Phoenix 117.944
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 7 1/2; 205
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+7 1/2); Under
Game 515-516: Orlando at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 119.969; Portland 127.755
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 8; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 5 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-5 1/2); Under
Game 517-518: LA Lakers at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 126.202; Sacramento 116.005
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 10; 205 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
West Virginia vs. Davidson
While the Mountaineers come into the Jimmy V Classic allowing just 55.1 points per game, Davidson has posted an 11-2 ATS record over the last three seasons against good defensive teams (<64 points per game). The Wildcats are the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has Davidson favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Davidson (-1).
Game 519-520: Northern Iowa at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 55.544; Iowa 64.190
Dunkel Line: Iowa by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Iowa by 6
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (-6)
Game 521-522: Toledo at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 49.951; Wright State 53.372
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Wright State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+5)
Game 523-524: Purdue at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 67.918; Ball State 58.442
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+11 1/2)
Game 525-526: Virginia Tech at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 65.713; Georgia 59.813
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 6
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-3 1/2)
Game 527-528: St. Joseph's at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 60.027; Towson 57.634
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 5
Dunkel Pick: Towson (+5)
Game 529-530: Drake at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 59.051; Iowa State 62.786
Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Iowa State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (-2)
Game 531-532: Texas vs. Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 74.839; Villanova 71.225
Dunkel Line: Texas by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas by 2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-2)
Game 533-534: Denver at CS Northridge
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 44.292; CS Northridge 56.235
Dunkel Line: CS Northridge by 12
Vegas Line: CS Northridge by 10
Dunkel Pick: CS Northridge (-10)
Game 535-536: San Francisco at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 54.176; Pacific 58.221
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 4
Vegas Line: Pacific by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+8 1/2)
Game 537-538: Marist at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 52.503; Siena 64.584
Dunkel Line: Siena by 12
Vegas Line: Siena by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marist (+14 1/2)
Game 539-540: West Virginia vs. Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 70.937; Davidson 74.837
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 4
Vegas Line: Davidson by 1
Dunkel Pick: Davidson (-1)
Game 541-542: Idaho State at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 50.313; Wisconsin 67.525
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 17
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 21
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (+21)
Game 543-544: CS Fullerton at Montana State
Dunkel Ratings: CS Fullerton 53.939; Montana State 52.611
Dunkel Line: CS Fullerton by 1
Vegas Line: CS Fullerton by 3
Dunkel Pick: Montana State (+3)
NHL
Vancouver at Nashville
The Predators look to take advantage of a Vancouver team that's coming off a 5-4 loss at Colorado and is just 3-5 after allowing 4 goals or more. Nashville is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Predators favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-120).
Game 1-2: NY Islanders at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 9.528; Philadelphia 11.878
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-230); Over
Game 3-4: Calgary at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.866; Montreal 12.482
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-150); Under
Game 5-6: Vancouver at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.694; Nashville 12.003
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-120); Over
Game 7-8: Los Angeles at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.325; Colorado 12.372
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1;
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-150);
LARRY NESS
Toledo @ Wright State
PICK: Wright State
What's going on here? Wright State hired Brad Brownell away from NC-Wilmington and two years ago, won the Horizon tourney, made the NCAAs and won 23 games led by player-of-the year, DaShaun Wood. The Raiders lost Wood last year but still won 21 games, behind the backcourt duo of Duggins (13.8) and Brown (12.7). While TY's team did lose two key frontcourt players in Plieman (8.1-6/1) and Wilson (9.8-7.2), most expected the Raiders to give the Horizon title a run again this year. So far, not so good. Wright State has yet to win (0-6) and Duggins is expected to be out four weeks with a finger injury. Brown is averaging only 5.2 PPG and little, if anything, has gone right. However, Toledo is just 2-6 and could surely play the perfect foil here, as WSU picks up its first win of the season. Gene Cross (former Notre Dame assistant), has his first head coaching job, taking over for Stan Joplin (gone after more than a decade at Toledo). The Rockets were just 11-19 last year and the administration wanted a change. One thing that hasn't changed for the Rockets is that Kent, the MAC's leading scorer last year, is again leading the way for Toledo, averaging 16.9 PPG and 5.0 RPG. Swingman Amos (10.8-5.1) plus veteran guards Byrd (7.6) and Johnson (5.3) are OK, while up front, the 6-9 Anyijong (7.9-5.6) and Lo (2.8-3.4), starters last year, are fighting for playing time this year. Cross was supposed to have a very good freshman class but it has underachieved, so far. Guards Batsfield (2.5) and Sterling (1.8) have done almost nothing, while in the frontcourt, the 6.7 Okafor (2.2-2.0), the 6-9 Tubbs (2.0) and the 6-10 Salter (2.5-2.4) have been equally unimpressive. However, Brownell "can coach" and the losing WON'T continue. He's gotten some nice play out of 6-7 CC player Cooperwood (10.0-5.8) plus a handful of guards. Gardiner followed Brownell from Wilmington and after playing just 11 games LY with injuries, is averaging 6.5 PPG this season. Graham is a decent PG (6.3) and Evans (5.5) has shown some signs of making an impact in his sophomore year. Let's lay the points with this winless (until tonight!) team.