LT Profits
Pacers
Mike Rose
Raptors
Rocketman
Knicks
Alex Smart
N. Illinois / Ball St Over
Seabass
20* Sacramento Kings
20* San Antonio Spurs
20* Boston Celtics
20* Washington Wizards
20* Charlotte Bobcats
20* Edmonton Oilers
20* Toledo/Akron OVER the total
100* Vegas Steam Play
Northern Illinois buying hook to +10.
James Betting Expert
10 Units - Sacramento Kings -3
5 Units - San Antonio Spurs -4.5
JeffersonSports
Early NBA
San Antonio/Minnesota Under 182
MONEYLOCKOFTHEDAY
4 Units Northern Illinois +10
Buy the 1/2 pt if you get it at +9.5
3 Units Clippers +15
2 Units Grizzlies +3.5
2 Units Suns -3
BEN BURNS
MAIN EVENT
I'm taking the points with TOLEDO. Its been a disappointing season for the Rockets. They're currently 2-6 and coach Tom Amstutz will be resigning at the end of the season. However, they're a more talented team than their record indicates and I expect the players to rally behind their coach tonight. Keep in mind that both the Rockets' victories came on the road. Todelo destroyed Eastern Michigan and then followed it up by winning at Michigan. While the Wolverines are having a down year, that is still a very impressive feat. Additionally, the Rockets lost their last game by a single point vs. Central Michigan and they also lost a game by a single point vs. a very good Fresno State team. In other words, they were just a couple of plays away from a 4-4 record. They still have a shot at finishing the season with a 500 record. While that may be unrealistic, its still their goal and gives them something to play for. While the Rockets come in well-rested, the Zips come in over-rested. Indeed, they've had an 18-day layoff between games. When asked about the layoff, Akron coach J.D. Brookhart admitted: "I've never been a part of anything like this. I hope we're doing the right things. We've been out recruiting for five days." Prior to their extended break, Akron had played four straight games which were all decided by a touchdown or less and three of them were decided by four points or less. While the Zips did win their last game, we find them at just 1-6 SU (0-6-1 ATS) the last seven times they were coming off a win over a conference opponent. The line has already climbed from its opener and I feel we're getting excellent value with the visitors, who have long dominated this series. *Main Event
NBA BEST BET
I'm taking the points with OKLAHOMA CITY. As you know, Boston is the "better" team in this matchup. However, the better team doesn't always cover the spread and in this case, the scheduling situation strongly favors the home dog. While the Thunder had last night off, the Celtics were involved in an extremely hard fought game at Houston. Off that big win, it should be easy for the defending champs to overlook the lowly Thunder. While the Celtics don't have much of a reason to get excited here (other than perhaps Ray Allen) this is a big game for Oklahoma City. The new fans will be getting a chance to see the league champions and the Thunder badly want to show them that they can compete. Remember, this isn't an expansion team. This was a Sonics team that was really making strides and which has some quality young players, like last year's Rookie of the Year, Kevin Durant. The Thunder have been playing strong defense, which should serve them well when trying to hang within a large number. Through three games, they're allowing an average of only 90.7 points and none of their opponents have reached triple-digits. The Sonics won two of their last three home meetings with the Celtics and they covered the spread (8 point loss as 10 point underdogs) in the other game. Having played the Celtics tough in that most recent game and coming in off a victory, the Thunder should have some confidence here. Look for the former Sonics to give another inspired effort here as they do enough to (at least) cover the generous number. *Best Bet
NBA PERSONAL FAVORITE
I'm laying the points with SACRAMENTO. I played against the Kings in their last game and they got crushed by Philadelphia. However, tonight's game is significantly more favorable for them for several reasons. For starters, the game vs. the 76ers was the final game of an Eastern road trip. The Kings are now back at the Arco Arena where they've been an excellent team for many years. Note that this is their home opener and that they haven't lost to the Grizzlies here in a decade. It's true that the Kings don't have much in terms of proven talent these days. However, Memphis is one of the few teams that they actually match up well against. While Memphis' new center Marc Gasol has been impressive thus far, I expect Sacramento's Kevin Martin to be the best player on the floor tonight. Note that Martin averaged 32.7 points in three games against the Grizzlies last season. While the Kings still don't have Miller back (he'll return from suspension next game) they have been getting solid play from a pair of young players who have been filling in for him. Rookie Jason Thompson is averaging better than 14 points a game while shooting 62.5 percent from the field. He's also contributing seven rebounds per game. Meanwhile, second-year center Spencer Hawes is averaging 9.3 boards per game while scoring 12.5 points. The Grizzlies do come in off an impressive 90-79 win over Golden State. That was at Memphis though and we find them at 3-14 (6-11 ATS) the last 17 times that they were coming off a double-digit victory. Look for the Kings to be the "hungrier" team as they get energized by the home crowd and move to 20-0 the last 20 times they were a host in this series. *Personal Favorite
DOC
4 Unit Play. Take Northern Illinois Huskies over Ball State
Both squads are coming off of a bye week and that should give the Huskies a slight edge because of the status of QB Nicholson. Tradition has a lot of points in this match-up, as the last seven years have averaged 60 points per game. The Cardinals certainly have the better offense, but the better defense lies with the Huskies. As I dig deeper into this match-up, I believe that NIU has played a more difficult schedule. Common opponents are Toledo and Eastern Michigan and the results are very similar. In 2007, Ball State won in DeKalb; however, one must remember that the Huskies at a hospital full of players last season. In this game I feel both team are equal and all the pressure lies with Ball State and their pursuit of perfection. Points look very attractive for a team that I feel could win outright. I felt the line would be seven, but getting near a field goal more then that makes this a strong play with the homer, as the Cardinals survive a tough Wednesday battle. Ball State 31, Northern Illinois 27.
3 Unit Play.Take Over in Edmonton @ Columbus
The Jackets have been a strong over team all season long and have went over tonight’s posted number three straight games. Edmonton is in the midst of a long road trip and combined for nine goals in their victory last Sunday in Philadelphia. This is a pick’em game and thus we will not worry about who wins this one and just collect with the over.
LENNY STEVENS
Pass Football
10* Knicks
10* Spurs
Nick Bogdanovich
Small Northern Ill +9½
Small Sonics +9
Small Bulls +8½
Kiki Sports
3 Units N Orleans
atslocks.com
15 Units Bulls / Cavaliers Under 186
5 Units Ball State -9
Pure Lock
5 units Memphis