WEDNESDAY PREMEIUM SERVICE PLAYS

Dominic Brando

NBA December Total of the Month

20* MILWAUKEE/PHILADELPHIA OVER 192/-125

Computer Crushers Guaranteed Selections

8000* COLLEGE HOOPS CRUSHER MEGA WINNER

Syracuse -24.5

NHL LATE STEAM CRUSHER PLAY OF THE DAY

Buffalo -150

HUGE 9000* NBA SLAM DUNK CRUSHER

Cleveland -9.5

Larry Ness

Revenge GOW-CBB (31-17 run)

UTEP

RAS

Weber St. -1 1 Unit

Old Dominion +5 1 Unit

Texas-El Paso -1.5 1 Unit

LENNY STEVENS

10* Philadelphia

10* Harvard

BEN BURNS

I'm taking the points with MINNESOTA. The Cavaliers have been playing great basketball. However, they're dealing with some key injuries right now and they finally saw their winning streak snapped last time out. I played against them in that game and they lost outright at Atlanta. Now, they're back on the road and expected to lay more points than they've been asked to lay for a road game all season long. I believe that's asking too much and that the line is too high. Yes, the T-Wolves got blown out last game. However, that was on the road and they were playing the second of back to back games. Prior to that, they'd been playing much better since the coaching change and had gone 3-1 ATS their previous four games. Just like the Cavs are laying more points on the road than they have all season, the T-Wolves are getting more points at home than they have vs. any team all season. In fact, Minnesota has hosted the likes of the Celtics, Spurs, Jazz, Suns, Nuggets and Blazers. Yet, none of those teams have been asked to lay more than eight points when they came here. It is worth noting that the T-Wolves are a tidy 5-1 ATS the last six times they were underdogs of greater than eight points though. The Cavs definitely miss Gibson, as he had been shooting very well before the injury. Not having Ilgauskas, who is listed as day-to-day, is arguably an even bigger blow though. In tonight's matchup, it should allow Minnesota's Al Jefferson to chance to have a big game. Look for a determined effort from the T-Wolves this evening, as they give their short-handed guests all they can handle and continue their recent success as large underdogs. *Best Bet

I'm playing on the Bucks and 76ers to finish OVER the total. I feel that this line is too low. The Bucks scored 98 points last time out. That marked the fourth straight game in which they have scored greater than 95 points. They averaged a whopping 106.25 during that stretch. Looking back further and we find that the Bucks have scored greater than 90 points in 10 of their last 11 games and that they've topped 95 in nine of those. Milwaukee does come off a strong defensive effort, holding the Heat to a mere 83 points. However, that wasn't normal. Even including that result, the Bucks are still allowing an average of 107 points through their past five games. For the season, they're allowing 101.2 per game on the road. As we saw in Miami, the Bucks are capable of occasionally delivering a defensive gem. However, they rarely do it twice in a row. In fact, the OVER is 8-1-1 the last 10 times that Milwaukee was coming off a game in which it allowed 85 points or less. Looking back further and we find the OVER at a highly profitable 71-41-7 (63.3%) the last 119 times that the Bucks were coming off a game in which they held their previous opponent to 85 points or less. It should also be noted that the Bucks have seen the OVER go 14-5 the last 19 times that they played a road game with a total ranging from 190 to 194.5 The 76ers broke out with a big offensive performance in their last game, scoring 104 points vs. Washington. If history is any indication, they've got a great chance of reaching triple- digits again this evening. The last time that the 76'ers faced the Bucks, they scored 119. That game finished well above the total and brought the OVER to 10-5 the last 15 meetings in this series. It also marked the third time in four series meetings in which the 76ers scored a minimum of 112 points. Look for another high-scoring affair. *Blue Chip

I'm laying the points with DETROIT. The Wizards are really struggling right now, as they've lost three straight and have just won win in their past seven games. Their three most recent losses came by 34, 15 and 20 points. The fact that their lone victory in the last two weeks came against these same Pistons will NOT benefit the Wizards here. The Pistons were playing poorly when they traveled to Washington last week and the loss marked their third straight. They're back home now though and they've won two in a row. In their most recent game, which came back on 12/13, the Pistons dominated Charlotte. However, they pulled their starters in the fourth quarter and the second-stringers nearly blew the lead. In fact, the starters had to go back in the game just to make sure that Detroit didn't lose entirely. Assuming that the Pistons get a double-digit lead in the second half, that result should serve us well here, as the Pistons will be much more likely to "keep the pedal to the metal." That should be particularly true, given that the Pistons are playing with "revenge." The Pistons won by 'only' eight points when they hosted the Wizards in November. However, the previous meeting here resulted in 28-point victory by the Pistons. Including the victory at Charlotte, the Pistons are now a profitable 14-5-1 ATS their last 20 games played in the month of December. Look for them to improve on those numbers with a double-digit victory here this evening. *Personal Favorite

I'm taking the points with SIENA. After a great finish to last season, including a win over Vanderbilt in the tournament, the Saints came in with extremely lofty expectations and goals this season. Along with those expectations came some fairly hefty pointspreads. The Saints have been asked to lay double-digits when facing weaker teams and they haven't been given many when facing top tier opponents. In fact, the Saints were only very slight underdogs (line was at pick'em but closed at 2) vs. Oklahoma State and were only 7.5 point underdogs vs. Tennessee. As the Saints failed to cover in either of those games, their pointspreads against good teams are now becoming significantly more reasonable. Granted, those earlier games were both on a neutral court, while tonight's game is at Pittsburgh. That being said, tonight's line is also much higher. Additionally, the Saints come in with some much needed confidence, having blown out Marist by double-digits (won by 17 as 14 point favorites) and are determined for a much better showing against a ranked team. The Saints led the Red Foxes by only two at halftime but dominated the second half. I expect them to carry the momentum into this evening's clash. Yes, Pittsburgh is undefeated and has been playing very well. The Panthers crushed Vermont and UMBC the last two times out. However, prior to that, when facing tougher opponents, three of their previous four games were decided by 14 points or less. Siena, which returned all its major weapons from last year, is much better than most people realize. With Pittsburgh looking ahead to a big game at Florida State and then to the beginning of Big East play, I fully expect the Saints to provide their toughest test yet. While it won't have an effect on tonight's game, its interesting to note that arguably the biggest upset in Siena's history came exactly 20 years ago at this very same campus. Going into the game against Siena, Pittsburgh had not lost a home nonconference game in two years while Siena had played only one previous game against a Big East school — a 113-72 beat-down at the hands of Syracuse. Yet, the Saints scored the remarkable upset. The hero of that game Steve McCoy was quoted as saying: "We thought we could play with anyone in the country. It was one of those things where you get a small school like Siena playing well, maybe Pitt's looking at the next game on the schedule, and we win the game." Siena, which allows a respectable 65 points per game, forced 26 turnovers last time out. The Saints are now forcing an average of 19.4 turnovers per game - the 18th best mark in the nation. No team has beaten them by more than 14 points this season and we find them at a highly profitable 14-6 ATS the last 20 times that they were listed as underdogs. The Saints are also 12-3 ATS the last 15 times that they were listed as underdogs of greater than eight points. This is a big game for them and I expect a huge effort. *ESPN GOM

CHARLIE

500* Southern Illinois -5'
30* Golden St @ Indiana Over 228'
20* Utah -3
20* UCLA -30'
10* Illinois St -5'
T Wolves +10 Free Play

DOC

4 Unit Play.Take East Carolina over North Carolina State

This battle of North Carolina will go down to the wire and we will collect with whichever team comes out on top. The Pirates are off to an impressive start at 8-1 and that includes two road victories. The Pirates won this meeting last year and they now believe they can play with this in-state team. Getting near double digits is too good of an opportunity to pass up.

igz1 sports

3* Washington +10.5

3* Clippers vs Chicago Under 198.5

3* San Antonio vs New Orleans Under 188

Hey blade, i know we were talking about the FatJack the other day and that are 2 guys we both really like. Who do you think are a few of the other really good pickers out there, I didn't realize there were so many

Jake Timlin

200* Cleveland Cavaliers

Yes nothing but a blowout tonight in Minnesota as I look for the Cavaliers to rebound from their Saturday loss in a big way. I mean despite losing last game out the Cavaliers are still tough to pass up as they have won/covered 11 of their last 12 games as in their 11 wins Cleveland is winning by an average of 19 points per game. Even better for the Cavaliers they have covered their last six games when laying double digits. Meanwhile, Minnesota has lost ten straight games and 7 of their last 10 against the spread as the Timberwolves have lost by double digit eight time over those 10 games, including their last four games overall. Flat out given that Cleveland has been off since Saturday thinking about their loss in Atlanta and now playing a piss poor Minnesota team I expect nothing less then a blowout tonight as Cleveland show no mercy on the Timberwolves. Take the Cavaliers minus the points as they win by at least 15 points, but more like 20 plus.

100* VCU Rams

Akron would love nothing more then getting revenge from losing to the Rams in last years Bracket Buster match up, but look for that to happen as VCU it just to good. After all thank to the Rams playing at home where they are a perfect 3-0 where they are winning by an average of 18 ppg and now one season removed from beating the Zip in Akron by 5 points I don’t see revenge for Akron tonight. Flat out thanks to home court advantage I expect for the Rams to roll by double digits. All VCU minus the points!

PICK: under
Your pick will be graded at: 185 WSEX
EXPERT: David Chan
TITLE: 4* NBA on ESPN SHOW STOPPER *16-4-2 RUN*
REASON FOR PICK: Play on San Antonio vs. New Orleans 'under' to win one unit.

You would be hard pressed to find two teams more familiar with one another than the Spurs and Hornets.

They've squared off 10 times in the last 11 months, including a seven-game playoff showdown last Spring. Over the course of those 10 games, they recorded a 3-6-1 o/u record. Going back to the start of last season, you can make it 3-7-1.

The Hornets are hosting this game, so you figure they'll be the ones setting the tempo. Well, if recent play is any indication, this one should move along at a snail's pace. New Orleans has attempted fewer than 80 shots in seven of its last eight games and put up only 62 in last night's win over Memphis. They won't be interested in a fast-paced game tonight, not after playing, and traveling last night.

The Spurs have got their offense going, but consider who they've been up against in recent games. Their last two games came against Oklahoma City and Minnesota, two of the worst defensive teams in the league. They've also gone up against Denver, Golden State, and Dallas this month, all teams that favor a quicker pace.

In this particular matchup, I believe that familiarity breeds tough defense. Neither side will give an inch and easy baskets will be few and far between. The under has value all the way down to 184. Best of luck, DC.
RECOMMENDED SPORTSBOOKS: betED 5Dimes Logan's
San Antonio Spurs
New Orleans Hornets 186

Covers.com

PICK: under
EXPERT: Steve Merril
TITLE: ESPN Game of the Night - Spurs/Hornets
REASON FOR PICK:

Game analysis will be available at 4 pm ET.

Play Spurs/Hornets UNDER as a 1 unit play.

Tom Freese's Pick Pack

NBA Daily Picks
Premium Plays
Matchup: San Antonio at New Orleans
Time: 9:35 PM EDT (Wed)

Play: New Orleans (-3.0 -110)
Line Source: BET365
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 10:15:36 AM EST
New Orleans has this game circled as they lost to San Antonio in the playoffs in 7 games last year. The Hornets are 16-6 ATS at home vs. teams with a win percentage of 60% to 70% and they are 6-0-1 ATS their last 7 games as favorites. New Orleans played last night but that is a good thing as they are 27-10-3 ATS when playing with no rest. San Antonio is 3-13 ATS after winning 15 or more of their last 20 games and they are 6-16 ATS as road dogs of 4.5 or less points. The Spurs are 4-10 ATS their last 14 road games vs. a team
with a home winning percentage of over 60% and they are 0-5 ATS after allowing 100 or more points in their last game. 20* "NO BRAINER" PLAY ON NEW ORLEANS –

Stephen Nover's Pick Pack

NBA Daily Picks
Premium Plays
Matchup: Utah at New Jersey
Time: 7:35 PM EDT (Wed)

Play: Utah (-2.5 -110)
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 12:35:24 PM EST

The Nets dealt short-handed Utah its worst loss of the season last month. That loss came at Salt Lake City .

The Jazz haven't forgotten. They've had this game circled. It's also a key spot, too, for the Jazz. They opened their four-game road trip on Monday with a loss to the Celtics. Following this game they play on Friday at Detroit and on Saturday at Chicago . This is the game the Jazz need to win.

Utah should find the Nets' 24th-ranked defense much more inviting than Boston 's. The Jazz rank 11th defensively and are a better rebounding club than New Jersey .

The Jazz won't have Carlos Boozer, but sixth-man Andrei Kirilenko will play. The Jazz usually are tough following a loss. They've covered six of the past seven times after losing.

New Jersey is just 4-7 straight-up and against the spread at home this season.

Bryan Leonard's Pick Pack

NBA Daily Picks
Guaranteed Plays
Matchup: Dallas at Toronto
Time: 7:05 PM EDT (Wed)

Play: Toronto (+2.5 -110)
Line Source: BET365
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 11:16:12 AM EST
Dallas at Toronto
Must win game here for the Raptors who are off back to back home favorite losses to New Orleans and New Jersey . The Net loss was especially bad because they led that game by seven points entering the fourth quarter, only to be outscored 31-17 in the final stanza. After tonight's game with the Mavericks Toronto goes on a season long six game western road trip including stops in San Antonio and Portland . Considering the Raptor's recent road problems they could be in for a tough time away from home.
Dallas enters this game fat and happy after winning 11 of their last 14 games. But the last seven of those games were played at the American Airlines Center as Dallas hasn't had to travel in the last 17 days. Now they take to the road in six of their next seven games including this east coast trip through Toronto , New Jersey and Washington . Now they must try to integrate Josh Howard back into the rotation with a still sore left ankle.
Since the firing of Sam Mitchell defense has been the word in Toronto . The Raptors have held the opposition to 42% shooting since the switch and 38% the last four games under new head coach Triano. Toronto is a bad rebounding team but with the defense improving they can limit opponent touches by not allowing easy baskets.
The need is there for Toronto and we like the way they have been defending since the firing of Mitchell. Look for Toronto to grab this much needed victory before hitting the road.
PLAY TORONTO

Sorry guys I am buried at work but will get this updated