SPORTS ADVISORS
Denver (17-7, 15-8-1 ATS) at Houston (15-9, 12-12 ATS)
The red-hot Nuggets complete a quick two-game Texas road trip tonight when they visit the Toyota Center for a battle with the Rockets, who have won four straight home games.
Denver traveled to Dallas on Monday and knocked off the Mavericks 98-88 as a two-point road underdog. The Nuggets have won four in a row and seven out of eight, and they’re 16-4 since acquiring point guard Chauncey Billups from the Pistons in exchange for Allen Iverson. George Karl’s club is also 6-2 ATS in its last eight overall and has won four straight on the road (3-1 ATS). Finally, although they fell just short of the century mark last night, the Nuggets have still scored in triple digits eight times in their last 10 contests.
Houston has been idle since Saturday’s 95-82 loss at the Clippers as a four-point road chalk. The Rockets are still 8-4 SU in their last 12 (7-5 ATS), and they’ve lost consecutive games just once all season. Rick Adelman’s squad has been inconsistent offensively, scoring 100 points or more just nine times in 24 games, but it has accomplished that feat three times in its last four at home.
The home team has dominated this rivalry since the start of last season, going 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS, and the winner has scored at least 103 points in each of the last seven meetings. That includes Denver’s 104-94 rout as a 3½-point home chalk on Nov. 30, with Billups (game highs of 28 points and 10 assists) stealing the show.
Also in this rivalry, the SU winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 clashes, and despite last month’s loss in Denver, Houston has gotten the money in seven of the last 10 meetings, going 3-1 SU and ATS when hosting the Nuggets.
Denver has failed to cash in eight of its last 12 games against winning teams, but otherwise is on positive ATS streaks of 11-3 versus the Southwest Division, 4-0-1 on Tuesdays and 5-1 when playing on consecutive nights. The Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last five against the Northwest Division, but 6-1 ATS in their last seven versus teams with a winning overall record.
The over is on runs of 8-3 for Denver overall, 6-3 for Denver against the Western Conference, 9-3 for Denver on Tuesdays, 9-3 for Houston overall, 6-1 for Houston against the West and 4-0 for Houston when playing on two days’ rest. However, the under is 13-4 in the Rockets’ last 17 games inside the Toyota Center, 6-1 in their last seven on Tuesdays and 4-1 in the last five meetings between these teams in Houston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER
New Orleans (13-7, 9-10-1 ATS) at Memphis (9-15, 11-12-1 ATS)
The suddenly surging Grizzlies go for their fifth consecutive victory and look to snap a six-game losing skid to the division-rival Hornets when these teams clash at the Fed Ex Forum.
Memphis dumped the Heat 102-86 as a two-point home underdog for its fourth straight win and cover, which comes on the heels of a 2-12 SU and 3-11 ATS slump. The Grizzlies, who reached triple digits in scoring just five times in their first 20 games, have topped the century mark in each of their last four games. Rookie O.J. Mayo, who had 28 points in Sunday’s win over Miami, has scored in double figures in every game this season and he’s averaging 20.8 points per game.
The Hornets tonight cap a three-game road trip that started with Friday’s 94-82 loss at Boston as a seven-point underdog, followed by Sunday’s 99-91 win at Toronto as a two-point road chalk. In Sunday’s victory, New Orleans drained 12 of 33 attempts from 3-point range as four of five starters scored in double figures.
New Orleans was the last team to beat Memphis, winning 106-87 and covering as a 14½-point home favorite back on Dec. 6 in the season’s first meeting between these rivals. The Hornets have won six straight and nine of the last 10 against the Grizzlies, but Memphis is 4-3 ATS in the last seven after going 1-3 ATS in the previous four. The underdog has cashed in five of the last seven head-to-head battles.
New Orleans is on ATS runs of 4-1 overall, 6-0 as a favorite, 4-0 as a road chalk, 8-2-1 on Tuesdays and 40-16 versus teams with a losing record. However, the Hornets are just 2-5 ATS In their last seven against divisional foes. Meanwhile, Memphis has chased in four straight home games, five consecutive games when playing on one day of rest and four of its last five as an underdog, but otherwise the Grizzlies are in ATS funks of 16-36 after a SU win, 3-7 against the Western Conference, 1-4 in Southwest Division contests, 1-6 on Tuesdays and 7-21 after scoring at least 100 points in the previous game.
The over is 13-3 in the last 16 clashes in this rivalry, with the last five played in Memphis topping the total. Also, the over is on runs of 12-5 for the Grizzlies overall, 20-7 for the Grizzlies on Tuesdays, 6-1 for the Grizzlies against the Western Conference, 11-0 for New Orleans against teams with a losing record and 4-1 for New Orleans as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
South Florida (3-4, 4-2 ATS) vs. Vanderbilt (6-3, 3-4 ATS) (at Nashville)
Vanderbilt ventures a short distance from its campus arena in Nashville when it battles South Florida, which brings a three-game losing streak into the Sommet Center.
The Commodores snapped a two-game slide with Wednesday’s 78-55 rout of Alabama A&M in a non-lined home game. Vanderbilt has scored at least 70 points in five of its six victories while averaging just 56.3 ppg in its three defeats. Defensively, the Commodores have held all but one foe to less than 70 points.
The Bulls followed up a tough 78-77 overtime loss at UAB with consecutive upset losses to Central Florida (73-61 as a 1½-point road favorite Dec. 6) and Niagra (70-55 as a five-point home chalk Sunday). After giving up an average only 51.6 ppg in its first four contests, South Florida has yielded 70-plus points in each of its last three outings.
South Florida is winless in three road games this year, but 2-1 ATS. Meanwhile, the Commodores are just 4-2 as a designated home team, going 1-3 ATS in lined home contests.
The Bulls are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games, but they’re on ATS slides of 2-5 on Tuesdays, 6-18-1 after a SU loss and 4-13-1 after a non-cover. Vanderbilt is on pointspread streaks of 5-1 on Tuesdays, 4-0 at home against teams with a losing road record and 5-1 when coming off a victory of 20 points or more.
For South Florida, the under is on streaks of 7-3 on the road, 7-1 on Tuesdays, 8-3 after a SU defeat and 5-1 after an ATS setback. Vanderbilt is on under stretches of 4-0-1 overall (all in non-conference play) and 5-1-1 at home, but the over is 5-1 in the Commodores’ last six games against the Big East and 9-4 in their last 13 on Tuesday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VANDERBILT
(24) Marquette (8-1, 2-3 ATS) vs. (16) Tennessee (6-2, 3-3-1 ATS) (at Nashville)
Tennessee looks to bounce back from Saturday’s upset loss at Temple when it travels across the state for a non-conference neutral-site battle with Marquette in a meeting of Top 25 teams.
The Volunteers went to Temple as an eight-point favorite but were never in the contest, falling behind by nine points at halftime and eventually succumbing 88-72. Bruce Pearl’s squad struggled on both ends of the court, shooting just 36.5 percent on offense (6-for-26 on 3-pointers) and allowing the Owls to make 55.4 percent of their shots (8-for-20 on 3-pointers), while also getting outrebounded, 35-30.
Since a 5-0 start, Tennessee has lost two of its last three, including an 83-74 neutral-site loss to No. 9 Gonzaga on Nov. 30. Prior to that defeat, the Vols beat then-No. 21 Georgetown 90-78 in their only other game against a Top 25 opponent.
Marquette has rebounded from its only loss of the season – an 89-75 neutral-site defeat to Dayton – with three straight wins, including Saturday’s 69-50 rout of Indiana/Purdue-Fort Wayne. There was no line in Saturday’s contest, but the Golden Eagles have failed to cover in three straight games (all as a favorite). Tonight marks their first game of the season against a Top 25 opponent.
These schools last met in November 2001, with Marquette rolling to an 85-74 victory as a 2½-point road underdog.
Both teams have been sensational offensively this year, with the Golden Eagles averaging 81 points per game (44.8 percent shooting) and Tennessee putting up 85.2 ppg (47.1 percent). Defensively, Marquette (67.8 ppg, 42 percent) rates a slight edge over the Vols (73.4 ppg, 43.8 percent).
Marquette is on ATS upticks of 8-2 away from home, 4-1 against the SEC and 7-3 on Tuesdays, while Tennessee is 1-4 ATS in its last five versus the Big East and 4-10 ATS in its last 14 following a SU defeat.
The over is 41-19-2 in the Eagles’ last 62 on the highway and 4-0 in their last four versus the SEC. Conversely, Tennessee is on under runs of 9-4 in non-conference play, 6-1 against the Big East and 5-2 on Tuesdays.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE
DAVE COKIN
CHICAGO BULLS / CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Take CHICAGO BULLS
The Bobcats came through for me as my top NBA Monday play, but I'll try to beat them here. Despite being more competitive under Larry Brown, they still don't win many and the Bobcats have now dropped seven straight. The Bulls should be the fresher team, and Chicago has played okay the last week or so. I think there's enough to support the Bulls as tonight's free opinion.
JIM FEIST
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS / MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Take UNDER
New Orleans is on a roll, at 8-2 SU, 7-3 ATS the last 10 games. David West scored 29 points, James Posey added a season-high 20 points, including six 3-pointers, and 10 rebounds for the Hornets, who beat the Raptors 99-91 Sunday for their eighth win in 10 games. They held Toronto to 40% shooting. Rasual Butler scored 16 points and Chris Paul added 12 points and 12 assists for the Hornets. The Hornets are 3rd in the NBA allowing 92 ppg. They take on a Memphis team that can't shoot, averaging 95 ppg (26th). Memphis is on a 4-2 run under the total. Defense should take center court in this one. Play the Hornets/Grizzlies under the total.
Jimmy The Moose
Atlanta Thrashers at Ottawa Senators
Prediction: Over
Atlanta has played the over in their last 2 games and in 9 of their last 10 overall. The over is a profitable 12-1 in their last 13 road games. In their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing record the over is 10-1. The over is 18-5 in their last 23 games overall. Ottawa has played the under more often than not this season but when they face the Thrashers the over is in the cards. The team's have played the over in 3 of the last 4 meetings. The over is 4-0 in Atlanta's last 4 trips to Ottawa. Play the over.
LARRY NESS
New Orleans Hornets @ Memphis Grizzlies
PICK: New Orleans Hornets -5.5
Memphis lost its first game in December at Atlanta, dropping them to 4-14 on the season. The Grizzlies had lost seven straight and 11 of 12 at that point and looked "dead in the water." However, the team is 5-1 SU and ATS since then, winning four in a row. The team has covered all four as well, winning by an average margin of 10.2 PPG. What's going on here? OJ Mayo (20.8) is the league's highest scoring rookie, Rudy Gay (20.0-5.2) continues to improve and Marc Gasol (11.2-6.7), while not his brother, is pretty solid. During this four-game winning streak, second-year PG Mike Conley (Ohio St) is averaging almost 12 PPG, as he's now coming off the bench. However, the trouble here is, the Grizzlies have matchup problems with the Hornets, especially Chris Paul. The team's lone loss in its last six games came to these Hornets in New Orleans, 106-87. Paul (19.9-5.5-12.1) only had 21 points in that game but scored 40 in his last trip to Memphis. That December 6 win over the Grizzlies was the Hornets' sixth straight win over Memphis, a team they've beaten in 11 of the last 12 matchups. West (20.4-7.4) is leading the team in scoring and more bad news could be coming Memphis' way as Tyson Chandler (8.5-8.0) is expected back at center, after missing the last two games with a minor neck injury. Peja (13.3) and Posey (9.3-4.8) continue to be major contributors for the Hornets and while the Grizzlies are on a nice roll, this isn't the Thunder, the Bulls or the Heat (last three teams the Grizzlies have beaten). Lay the points with the road team.
AC Sports Advisors
Colorado Avalanche vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Play: Philadelphia Flyers -183
Col played Det last night and come to Philly once a year I love the home team here. Take the flyers
Matt Rivers
For Tuesday take the Lakers at home.
Kobe and the Lakers tonight are laying a decent amount and I do admit they have not been covering all that much of late but I will give them a go tonight and expect a burial for the home squad against what should be a fatigued visitor from the east..
Mike D'Antoni's Knicks have actually been alright of late as Al Harrington has been coming up huge but the New Yorkers are on the road all the way across the country and are not up against a poor Sacramento squad here. They also are on the dreaded back-to-back and playing a third game in four nights.
Los Angeles is extremely due to put the pedal to the medal and there is nothing Kobe would rather do then put on a show against the world famous franchise known as the New York Knicks who will not be able to keep pace in this spot..
Even with the solid play of late it's all about 2010 for the Knicks and with the Marbury issue still somewhat looming this group is not out of the woods of being called dysfunctional. Like I said Harrington has been very good as well as David Lee and Chris Duhon but on a back-to-back after being in Phoenix last night and playing a third game in four nights is a bit much tonight as the Lakers are just too good in every aspect of the game.
DUNKEL
Sacramento at Portland
The Kings look to take advantage of a Portland team that is just 1-6 ATS against Pacific Division teams this season. Sacramento is the underdog pick (+11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blazers favored by only 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+11 1/2).
Game 701-702: Chicago at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 114.999; Charlotte 118.140
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 3; 183 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: New Orleans at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 121.926; Memphis 115.742
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 6; 188
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-4 1/2); Under
Game 705-706: LA Clippers at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 117.748; Oklahoma City 110.379
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 7 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 4 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-4 1/2); Under
Game 707-708: Denver at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 122.775; Houston 122.390
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 200 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 709-710: Sacramento at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 111.781; Portland 121.120
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 9 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 11 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+11 1/2); Over
Game 711-712: New York at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: New York 116.885; LA Lakers 127.053
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 10; 2133 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 13; 225
Dunkel Pick: New York (+13); Under
NCAAB
South Florida at Vanderbilt
The Commodores face a South Florida team that is just 13-24 ATS as an underdog over the last three seasons. Vanderbilt is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Commodores favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-8).
Game 713-714: South Florida at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 57.094; Vanderbilt 69.580
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 8
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-8)
Game 715-716: Florida Atlantic at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 46.692; Denver 49.525
Dunkel Line: Denver by 3
Vegas Line: Denver by 1
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-1)
Game 717-718: Marquette at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 67.349; Tennessee 71.273
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 4
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+7 1/2)
Game 719-720: Tennessee Tech at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 46.447; Florida State 67.621
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 21
Vegas Line: Florida State by 17
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-17)
Game 721-722: Portland at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 52.010; Northern Colorado 55.297
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 3
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 1
Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (-1)
NHL
Calgary at St. Louis
The Blues lost to Calgary (4-3) at home the last time the two met on the 5th, but look to build on their 6-1 record when revenging a home loss versus an opponent. St. Louis is the underdog pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Blues favored straight up by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+130).
Game 51-52: Montreal at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.167; Carolina 11.571
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-110); Over
Game 53-54: Washington at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.001; NY Islanders 10.152
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-165); Over
Game 55-56: Colorado at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 10.949; Philadelphia 12.472
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-200); Under
Game 57-58: New Jersey at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 10.524; Toronto 12.174
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+105); Under
Game 59-60: Atlanta at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 11.407; Ottawa 10.058
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+170); Under
Game 61-62: Calgary at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.308; St. Louis 11.782
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+130); Over
Game 63-64: Phoenix at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.536; Dallas 11.916
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-130); Under
Game 65-66: Chicago at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 13.378; Edmonton 12.215
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-115); Over
Game 67-68: NY Rangers at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.565; Anaheim 12.850
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-155); Under
Scott Spreitzer
Marquette at Tennessee
Prediction: Marquette
I'm taking the points with Marquette on Tuesday night. Volunteers' coach Bruce Pearl kept saying his team was overrated and didn't belong in the top-10. Whether that was "coach-speak" or not, he sure looked to be right on the button after watching his team get rocked by Temple over the weekend. In fact, in their only three games against true quality opposition, the Vols have looked clueless and somewhat lazy on the defensive end. Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Temple all topped 50% in FG shooting. The three teams combined to make 84 shots on 157 attempts, or 54%. That included a 26-of-58, 45% mark from area code three. The bottom line is that Tennessee lost a ton of talent from last year's squad. They did return some nice talent, but they are also counting on newcomers, who haven't yet figured it out. Five players who are averaging double-digits in minutes played are underclassmen...four are freshmen. I expect Tennessee to be a serious "player" once again in March, but they shouldn't be laying this many points in step-up games in December. I'm taking the points with Marquette on Tuesday night.
Brian Hansen
New York Rangers at Anaheim Ducks
Prediction: Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have really been coming on strong, winning 4-2 at home over the Wild their last time out, and I expect another dominating performance in front of the home town crowd vs. the visiting New York Rangers tonight! In fact New York has struggled mightily in this spot all year, going a horrible 3-5 in their last 8 non-conference games! Look for ANAHEIM to improve to 4-3 in the month of December!
Frank Jordan
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Play: Los Angeles Lakers -13
The Knicks are having trouble on the road with a 4-9 record as they are coming off a loss at Phoenix. The Lakers are 20-3 and 13-1 at home as they have the second best record in the league. Look for the Lakers, who are putting up a league best 108 points per game, to jsut score all over the Knicks who don't play defense who just gave up 111 points last night. Play LA Lakers
Carlo Campanella
New Orleans Hornets at Memphis Grizzlies
These two squads met 10 days ago in New Orleans, with the host Hornets easily beating Memphis, 106-87. That victory improved Chris Paul and company to 8-1 SU in this series, but just 5-4 ATS during the last nine meetings. Tuesday's meeting moves to Memphis, and we find these Grizzlies at 9-20 ATS at home when seeking revenge from a loss in which they allowed 100 points or more! The site changes this time around, but the results are the same.
Play on: New Orleans
Vegas Experts
LA Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City has to win sooner or later, right? They enter tonight on a seven-game losing streak and are just 2-23 on the year. However, Thunder backers are cleaning up at the betting window having cashed in nine of their last 12 games. Tonight is one of their best opportunities to record a win as they get to host the Clippers, who are 0-8 ATS over the last two seasons when coming off a double-digit win as an underdog. Take the points.
Play on: Oklahoma City
Alex Smart
Montreal Canadiens @ Carolina Hurricanes Under 5.5
Two teams that are struggling to score goals the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Canes go head to head tonight in a key eastern conference confrontation.
The Hurricanes have scored 3 or less goals in 8 of their L/9 games overall, thanks in part to an inept power play, that has scored just 4 goals for 7.7 % conversion rate in their last 10 trips to the ice, the worst mark in the Eastern Conference during that span. The Habs offense has not been much better, as is evident by scoring 1 goal or less in 3 of their L/4 games overall . Montreal s problem is also power play related as they are just 4-for-46 (8.7 percent) over its last 10 tilts.
The last time these played ,the Canes took a hard fought 2-1 win in Raleigh back on Nov. 18. That was their second meeting of the season, the first back on Oct 28 in Quebec had a final score of 3-2 attached to it. Look for another hard fought low scoring affair here tonight.
Final notes & Key Trends: Cam Ward Carolinas expected starting goalie is 6-1-2 with a 2.26 GAA in his last nine starts against Montreal. The Habs starting stopper, Jaroslav Halak is red hot form despite of two losses during a current 3 game span, posting a solid 2.02 GAA.Carolina is 11-1 off a road game this year, with them and their opponents combining to put an average of 4.3 goals on the board during that span.
Play UNDER
Jimmy Boyd
Marquette vs. Tennessee
Play: Tennessee -7
After getting crushed at Temple, I like the Vols to bounce back with a strong effort at home tonight. While Marquette is 8-1, it has not played really any quality opponents this season. N. Iowa and Wisconsin do not have the teams they have had in recent years and Marquette lost to its only challenging opponent, Dayton, by 14 points. Tennessee loves playing on its home floor where it is 9-1 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons, winning these games by an average score of 90.1 to 73.3. Tennessee is also 10-1 ATS in home games in non-conference play over the last 3 seasons and 6-0 ATS in home games after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons. Take the Vols.