SPORTS ADVISORS
Boston (23-2, 14-11 ATS) at Atlanta (15-9, 13-10-1 ATS)
The Celtics take their NBA-best 15-game winning streak down south to Atlanta for a meeting with the Hawks in a rematch of last year’s thrilling opening-round playoff series.
Boston pulled away late on Monday against the Jazz, prevailing 100-91 for its 15th straight victory but coming up just shy as a 9½-point home favorite. The Celtics have allowed 91 points or fewer in seven of their last nine games, and they’re 10-5 ATS during their winning streak, but only 3-3 ATS on the road.
The Hawks rallied from a six-point halftime deficit against Charlotte on Monday, allowing just 31 second-half points en route to an 83-79 victory, failing to cover as an 8½-point home favorite to end a 3-0 ATS run. Atlanta will be trying to snap an opponent’s long winning streak for the second time in five days, having ended Cleveland’s 11-game run in Saturday’s 97-92 upset victory at home.
The Hawks took the eventual defending champs to the brink last spring, eventually succumbing in seven games, with the host going 7-0 SU and ATS during the first-round series. These teams also met on Nov. 12 in Boston, with Paul Pierce hitting a fallaway jump shot with 0.5 seconds left to give the Celtics a 103-102 win, but Atlanta easily got the cash as an 11-point road underdog.
Boston is riding a bunch of ATS streaks, including 10-4 overall, 10-4 on the road, 7-2 against the Eastern Conference, 5-1 against winning teams, 6-1 after a day of rest and 4-0 after a non-cover, but Doc Rivers’ squad has failed to cash in four of its last five trips to Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight at home and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 versus the Eastern Conference, but otherwise they’re on pointspread runs of 7-2 overall, 6-1 as an underdog, 5-2 on Wednesday and 4-1 against winning teams.
The over is 5-1 in the last six Hawks-Celtics clashes overall and 5-1 in the last six meetings in Atlanta. Also, the over is on runs of 14-6 for the Hawks at home, 5-1 for the Hawks against winning teams, 7-2 for the Celtics against the Southeast Division and 6-1 for the Celtics on Wednesday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Dallas (13-10, 9-14 ATS) at Toronto (10-14, 9-15 ATS)
A pair of playoff-caliber squads off to disappointing starts meet up north of the border at the Air Canada Centre, where the Raptors host the Mavericks.
Dallas wrapped up a seven-game homestand with Monday’s lethargic 98-88 loss to the Nuggets as a 2½-point home favorite. The Mavericks did go 5-2 on the homestand, but 1-6 ATS, including five consecutive non-covers in the last five games. Although Rick Carlisle’s club had its two-game winning streak snapped with the loss to Denver, it is still 11-3 SU in its last 14 after starting the season 2-7. Also, Dallas is 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in its last five on the highway.
Toronto is coming off back-to-back home losses to the Hornets on Sunday (99-91 as a two-point underdog) and the Nets on Monday (94-87 as a 4½-point chalk). The Raptors, who fired coach Sam Mitchell last week, are 4-9 SU and 3-10 ATS in their last 10 contests, including 3-5 SU and 2-6 ATS at home.
These teams split their season series last year, with Dallas winning 105-99 at home and the Raptors getting revenge with a 92-76 rout in Canada, with Toronto cashing in both games as an underdog. The Raptors are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings (all as a ‘dog), but prior to their SU home win last year, they had lost eight consecutive games to the Mavericks. Also, in this rivalry, Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last six trips north of the border, and the host has cashed in five of the last seven series clashes.
In addition to its current 0-5 ATS rut, the Mavericks are in the midst of pointspread slumps of 6-11 as a favorite, 0-4 when playing on one day of rest, 1-4 against sub-.500 teams and 2-7 against the Eastern Conference. But they’re 4-0 ATS in their last four on Wednesdays and 5-0 ATS in their last five after a double-digit home loss.
Toronto carries nothing but negative ATS trends, including 18-37 overall, 3-10 at home, 8-20 against the Western Conference, 1-4 against the Southwest Division and 17-35 when playing on one day of rest.
The over is 11-4-1 in the last 16 series meetings, 8-3 in Toronto’s last 11 when playing after one day of rest and 5-2 in Toronto’s last seven against the Western Conference. However, the under is on stretches of 4-0 for the Raptors overall, 8-2 for the Raptors against the Southwest, 5-1 for the Raptors at home, 4-1 for Dallas overall, 7-2 for Dallas against the East and 35-16-1 for Dallas when going on one day of rest.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
San Antonio (15-8, 11-11-1 ATS) at New Orleans (14-7, 9-10-2 ATS)
Two of the top three teams in the crowded Southwest Division clash for the first time since last year’s Western Conference semifinal series, with the Hornets getting the first crack at revenge on their home court.
New Orleans knocked off Memphis on Tuesday 91-84, pushing as a seven-point road favorite. The Hornets have been rolling, winning nine of their last 11 (7-3-1 ATS), including four consecutive victories at home (3-1 ATS). Byron Scott’s defense has done the damage during this 8-2 stretch, giving up an average of 91.1 ppg.
San Antonio arrives in the Big Easy with a six-game winning streak (4-2 ATS), most recently toppling the Thunder 109-104 on Sunday, but never threatening to cover as a 16-point home favorite. Beset by injuries early in the season, the Spurs have rebounded from a 2-5 start by going 13-3 in their last 16 games (11-5 ATS), including 6-1 SU and ATS on the highway. Gregg Popovich’s club is in a virtual three-way tie with the Hornets and Rockets atop the Southwest Division.
The Hornets jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over San Antonio in last year’s best-of-7 Western Conference semifinal series and led 3-2 after five games. However, the Spurs won Game 6 at home then went to New Orleans for Game 7 and prevailed 91-82 as a 4½-point road underdog. Prior to that Game 7, the home team had been on an 8-0 SU and ATS roll in this rivalry, with New Orleans going 4-0 SU and ATS against San Antonio at home. The chalk has cashed in six of the last seven series tussles.
In addition to ATS runs of 11-5 overall and 6-1 on the road, the Spurs are on pointspread streaks of 4-1 against the West, 4-1 within the division and 6-1 when playing on two days’ rest, but they’re 1-5 ATS in their last seven on Wednesdays. Meanwhile, New Orleans is on ATS upticks of 20-9-1 at home, 37-18-1 on Wednesdays, 4-1 against the Western Conference and 27-10-3 when playing on back-to-back nights.
The under is 4-0 in the last four series meetings overall, 4-1-1 in the last six head-to-head clashes at New Orleans Arena, 5-1 in the Hornets’ last six divisional games, 23-9 in San Antonio’s last 32 overall, 7-3 in San Antonio’s last 10 against the Southwest Division and 4-0 in the Spurs’ last four on Wednesday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
St. Mary’s (6-1, 3-2-1 ATS) at Oregon (4-5, 3-5 ATS)
St. Mary’s, which is looking for back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament, puts a four-game winning streak on the line when it travels up the Pacific coast for a meeting with slumping Oregon.
The Gaels held off San Diego State in the John Wooden Classic in Anaheim on Saturday, winning 67-64 and pushing as a three-point favorite. Their four-game winning streak has come entirely on the highway – one road game, three neutral-site contests – with the last three victories coming by a total of 15 points.
Oregon looks to rebound from Saturday’s 64-57 loss to the University of San Diego, falling as a seven-point favorite in a game played in nearby Portland. The Ducks are 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five games, and they’re struggling on the defense end, giving up 76.6 points per game on 46.1 percent shooting, with all nine of Oregon’s opponents scoring at least 64 points.
These teams met last year on the Gaels’ home court in northern California, and St. Mary’s rolled to a 99-87 victory as a two-point underdog.
St. Mary’s is on ATS streaks of 4-1 against the Pac-10, 4-1 on Wednesdays and 19-7-1 against teams with a losing record, but the Gaels are also on pointspread dips of 4-7-1 overall, 2-4-1 on the road and 2-5-1 after a SU win. Meanwhile, despite Saturday’s loss to San Diego, Oregon is still on ATS streaks of 15-7-3 at home, 10-4 versus West Coast Conference squads and 5-2 on Wednesdays, but the Ducks are 1-5 ATS in their last six against winning teams.
The under is 6-1 in Oregon’s last seven home games, but the over is 6-2 in the Ducks’ last eight against the West Coast Conference and 4-0 in the Gaels’ last four on Wednesdays.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
James Patrick Sports
Siena vs. Pitt
The Saints have under achieved so far this season and their Big Chance to catch the eye of the College Basketball World takes place tonight in the Steel City. Head Coach Fran McCaffery had only one significant loss as he returns all five starters an added a junior college transfer to bolster his roster. With (23) wins a year ago they aren’t sneaking up on anybody and the Panthers are Big, Bad and tough at home. Our Wednesday selection is Siena Saints as we look for them to rise to the challenge of playing a Big East Bully in their back yard.
JIM FEIST
WASHINGTON WIZARDS at DETROIT PISTONS
Take: DETROIT PISTONS
Reason: Detroit has had 3 full days to rest and prepare for this one. And don't be fooled by that last game, a close win at Charlotte. The Pistons led by 22 points when the starters rested late. The team has been working on defense during its 3-day layoff. It's also a revenge spot, as the Wizards upset the Pistons a few weeks ago. Washington is just awful, on their second coach while riding an 0-3 SU/ATS run. Washington allows 103.5 ppg, 6th most in the NBA -- and getting worse, allowing 118, 104 and 122 the last three. Play the Pistons.
Dave Cokin
Northern Arizona @ Stanford
Play: Stanford -17
The Cardinal have played only five games, but signs are positive that this team might be pretty good. One thing we're seeing with Johnny Dawkins now in charge is more willingness to run and I think that bodes well for them tonight as they host Northern Arizona. Anthony Goods figures to have a big game tonight for the hosts. NAU is not much this year. They have an okay backcourt with Josh Wilson and Matt Johnson, but neither are world beaters and the Lumberjacks are weak up front. Stanford should be able to name the score tonight, and I expect them to win by 20+.
Jimmy The Moose
New York Rangers at Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings
The Rangers have lost 3 of their last 5 games heading into last night's game in Anaheim. New York is 4-14 in their last 18 games vs. Western Conference opponents. The Rangers have lost 5 of their last 7 games vs. Pacific Division teams. The Kings are playing better and have won 3 of their last 5 games. LA has won 3 of their last 4 home games. The Kings have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between the clubs. Play on the Los Angeles Kings +.
Sportspic
San Jose at Columbus
Play Under
Jackets have allowed just 1.0 GA L4 at home, Sharks have scored 1.7 it's L4 away. Teams have a combined 10-2 'Under' mark playing within the conference. The 'Under is a profitable 5-2-1 L8 meetings and a cash stuffing 8-1 'Under' L9 meetings at Nationwide Arena.
Bobby Maxwell
Utah -3 at NEW JERSEY
Revenge will play a key factor in this one when the Jazz take on the Nets in New Jersey. The Nets handed the Jazz a 105-88 loss in Utah back on Nov. 29, their worst home defeat since April 2007.
Tonight, you'll see a much more focused Jazz roster that will come in and get an easy victory, the first for Utah in New Jersey since 2003. Utah lost in Boston on Monday 100-91, the Jazz's third lowest road point total of the season and they shot just 23.1 percent from the three-point line.
Look for the Jazz to get a great game from PG Deron Williams and Paul MIlsap has made the most of his chances without Carlos Boozer in the lineup, scoring a career-high 32 and grabbing 10 rebounds against the Celtics on Monday.
Utah is 4-2 ATS in is last six games overall and they have gotten the cash in four of their last five on the road.
The Nets have had trouble stopping teams when they come to New Jersey, giving up 103.3 points per game and letting teams shoot 47 percent when they come to town. Look for the Jazz to get their revenge tonight and win this one by 10. Play Utah.
3♦ UTAH
Matt Fargo
East Carolina vs. NC State
Play: East Carolina +9.5
East Carolina has been one of the bigger surprises in college basketball this season. The Pirates are a young team but they have gelled together quickly and their biggest reason for success has been balance. Sam Hinnant, who leads the Pirates with 17.4 ppg is getting scoring help from fellow senior guard James Legan (15.3 ppg), freshman forward Darrius Morrow (10.8), sophomore point guard Brock Young (9.8) and sophomore center Chad Wynn (9.1). Young leads the nation with 8.6 apg.
The Wolfpack come in with a stellar 5-1 record but they have not faced any real competition with the exception of Davidson, which resulted in their lone loss. Injuries are already taking their toll on NC State. Farnold Degand, penciled in as the starting point guard, has played just 17 minutes while coming back slower than expected from major knee surgery. Second leading scorer Courtney Fells missed the last game and is questionable as is third leading scorer Brandon Costner who got a head injury last game.
The Pirates sole stumble came in a hard-fought, 77-71 loss to George Mason while the wins have included road victories at NC-Wilmington, where they hadn't won since 1991, and at Winthrop as well as a home win over VCU. NC State holds a 17-1 advantage in the all-time series between the schools but that matters none considering that the Pirates lone victory came last season. It is revenge time but these teams are matched up very well and that should not even come into play.
East Carolina falls into a very solid situation based on its last performance. Play on underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points that are coming off a win by 30 points or more going up against an opponent after scoring 40 points or more in the first half in two straight games. This situation is 28-6 ATS (82.4 percent) since 1997. NC State has been money burners of late, going 7-22-1 ATS in its last 30 games overall dating back to last season and 4-9 ATS in its last 13 non-conference games. 3* East Carolina Pirates
DUNKEL
Dallas at Toronto
The Mavericks look to take advantage of a Toronto team that is just 3-9 ATS at home and 1-5 ATS in non-conference games. Dallas is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Mavs favored by 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-1).
Game 501-502: Milwaukee at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.508; Philadelphia 119.819
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 5 1/2; 195 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 4 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-4 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Boston at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 128.153; Atlanta 124.284
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 4; 186
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: Golden State at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 109.860; Indiana 119.820
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 10; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 7 1/2; 228 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-7 1/2); Under
Game 507-508: Dallas at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 121.842; Toronto 117.407
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 4 1/2; 191 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-1); Under
Game 509-510: Utah at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 117.635; New Jersey 118.306
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 200 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 3 1/2; 199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+3 1/2); Over
Game 511-512: Washington at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 113.484; Detroit 119.063
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 5 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 9 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+9 1/2); Over
Game 513-514: Cleveland at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 127.115; Minnesota 113.641
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 13 1/2; 183 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 9; 188
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-9); Under
Game 515-516: LA Clippers at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 113.281; Chicago 119.678
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 207 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-5); Over
Game 517-518: San Antonio at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 123.257; New Orleans 123.422
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 196
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 2 1/2; 185 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+2 1/2); Over
NCAAB
Ohio at Marshall
The Bobcats come in 0-4 ATS as an underdog this season and face a Marshall team that is 4-2 ATS as a home-court favorite of 3 1/2 to 6 points over the last three seasons. The Thundering Herd is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Marshall favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Marshall (-5 1/2).
Game 519-520: Illinois State at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 59.711; Central Michigan 55.169
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+6)
Game 521-522: Old Dominion at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 54.218; Duquesne 61.785
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 4
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (-4)
Game 523-524: East Carolina at NC State
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 58.019; NC State 64.283
Dunkel Line: NC State by 6
Vegas Line: NC State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+10 1/2)
Game 525-526: Ohio at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 51.086; Marshall 60.225
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 9
Vegas Line: Marshall by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (-5 1/2)
Game 527-528: Akron at VA Commonwealth
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 56.949; VA Commonwealth 68.875
Dunkel Line: VA Commonwealth by 12
Vegas Line: VA Commonwealth by 9
Dunkel Pick: VA Commonwealth (-9)
Game 529-530: Georgia State at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 50.067; Georgia Tech 63.727
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 12
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (-12)
Game 531-532: Southern Illinois at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 60.254; Northern Illinois 50.454
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 10
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-5 1/2)
Game 533-534: Arkansas Little Rock at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas Little Rock 56.417; Memphis 76.344
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 20
Vegas Line: Memphis by 22
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas Little Rock (+22)
Game 535-536: SMU at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 49.169; Texas A&M 67.026
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 18
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: SMU (+19 1/2)
Game 537-538: Harvard at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 45.403; Rice 52.619
Dunkel Line: Rice by 7
Vegas Line: Rice by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (-4 1/2)
Game 539-540: Texas Tech at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 59.421; UTEP 63.733
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-1 1/2)
Game 541-542: St. Mary's (CA) at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's (CA) 63.600; Oregon 62.706
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 1
Vegas Line: Oregon by 3
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (+3)
Game 543-544: Santa Clara at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 54.112; UNLV 64.923
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 11
Vegas Line: UNLV by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-9 1/2)
Game 545-546: Loyola Marymount at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola Marymount 39.524; UCLA 72.695
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 33
Vegas Line: UCLA by 29 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-29 1/2)
Game 547-548: Rider at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 52.847; LaSalle 61.697
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 9
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 7
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (-7)
Game 549-550: Canisius at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 51.149; Syracuse 72.463
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 24 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+24 1/2)
Game 551-552: The Citadel at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: The Citadel 39.536; Michigan State 74.106
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 34 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 29
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-29)
Game 553-554: Austin Peay at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 55.996; Arkansas 64.843
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 9
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 8
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (-8)
Game 555-556: Jacksonville State at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 50.357; UAB 67.144
Dunkel Line: UAB by 17
Vegas Line: UAB by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-13 1/2)
Game 557-558: Tennessee State at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 46.956; Alabama 65.122
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 18
Vegas Line: Alabama by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-16 1/2)
Game 559-560: UC-Santa Barbara at Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 53.087; Weber State 55.806
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 3
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Weber State
Game 561-562: Siena at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 61.584; Pittsburgh 82.272
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 21
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-18 1/2)
Game 563-564: Portland State at Cal Poly
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 57.723; Cal Poly 52.467
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 5
Vegas Line: Portland State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (+7 1/2)
Game 565-566: Northern Arizona at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 52.995; Stanford 68.050
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 15
Vegas Line: Stanford by 17
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+17)
NHL
NY Rangers at Los Angeles
The Rangers look to build on their 11-5 record against teams with a losing record as they take on the Kings in L.A. New York is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-120).
Game 1-2: San Jose at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.699; Columbus 11.938
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+170); Under
Game 3-4: New Jersey at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.331; Buffalo 12.494
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-145); Over
Game 5-6: Calgary at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.583; Minnesota 11.910
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-140); Under
Game 7-8: NY Rangers at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.222; Los Angeles 10.635
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-120); Over
Game 9-10: Edmonton at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 11.678; Vancouver 12.891
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-160); Under
John Ryan
Utah Jazz at New Jersey Nets
Prediction: New Jersey Nets
Simulator 3* graded play on the New Jersey Nets - AiS shows a 77% probability that NJ will win this game. Although a modest dog there is no additional opportunity to exploit the money line for this game as the risk/reward profile does not meet the high standards necessary for that type of added play. Supporting this graded play is a strong system that has produced a record of 132-77 ATS since 1996. Play against any team revenging a straight up loss versus an opponent as a favorite off a road cover where the team lost straight up as a dog. Utah is in a horrible role for this game noting they are just 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games versus good foul drawing teams attempting >=27 free throws/game over the last 2 seasons; 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games after having lost 2 of their last 3 games over the last 3 seasons.
Tom Freese
Texas Tech at Texas-El Paso
Prediction: Texas-El Paso
Reason: UTEP is 6-0 ATS vs. teams that average 62 or more shots a game and they are 29-12 ATS vs. teams that allow an average 40 or more rebounds a game. The Miners are 48-30 ATS when playing their second game in eight days. Texas Tech is 1-5-1 ATS their last seven games and they are 1-4 ATS away vs. teams with a winning home record. PLAY ON UTEP
Brian Hansen
Calgary Flames at Minnesota Wild PM
Prediction: Minnesota Wild
Mired in a five-game losing streak, the Minnesota Wild hope their struggling offense will get a boost from franchise scoring leader Marian Gaborik. Gaborik is expected to be back on the ice for the first time in more than two months on Tuesday night as the Wild (15-13-1) play host to Jarome Iginla and the Calgary Flames; I expect the Wild to perform great with their leader back in the lineup! In fact this is a spot that the Wild have excelled in all year, sitting with a 3-1 after allowing 4 goals or more in their previous contest; play on MINNESOTA!
LT Profits
Akron +8.5
Not so much separates the Akron Zips and the Virginia Commonwealth Rams statistically that either of these teams deserved to be this big of a favorite over the other, so Akron offers nice value at this number.
Akron is 6-3 straight up overall, and they are a nice 2-1 on the road, upsetting Niagara outright and beating Fairleigh Dickinson by 44, and in their other road game, they actually covered the number at Pittsburgh.
The Zips have been solid defensively, allowing only 59.2 points per game on 40.3 percent shooting, and that will make any team desirable as a decided underdog like this. If you take out that Pittsburgh game, Akron allowed an average of just 50.0 points in their other two road contests.
Now VCU has an identical 6-3 SU record, but they are allowing 68.2 points per game defensively. Given that they do not figure to match their scoring average of 76.1 points vs. the Akron defense, that defense makes them vulnerable here, and even if the Rams do manage to get a decent lead, the backdoor will always be open.
We do not expect that to happen however, as we see the Zips keeping this contest close from start to finish, and with a little luck, and outright upset would not be impossible.
Pick: Akron +8.5
Jimmy Boyd
Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors
Play: Dallas Mavericks -2
Since getting off to a slow start, the Mavs are playing fantastic hoops, having won 11 of their last 14 games. Toronto has lost 7 of 9 and just can't seem to get it going. The Raptors are only 5-7 at home this season and a pitiful 3-9 ATS in those games while Dallas is 6-4 on the road and 7-3 ATS in those contests. Dallas also enters this game off its worst shooting night of the season and I've been around long enough to know that NBA players are too good to go ice cold in back-to-back games. The Mavericks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. The Raptors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Lay the points.
Frank Jordan
Texas Tech vs. UTEP
Play: Texas Tech +1
Texas Tech is 7-2 on the year but in their only road game Texas Tech lost Lamar and it was last time out. UTEP is a .500 team at 4-4 but in their 4 home games they are 3-1. In this all Texas battle look for Texas Tech to bounce back and send UTEP to their 4th loss in their last 5 games. Play Texas Tech