Jay Todd
UNLV vs. Colorado State
Play: UNLV
UNLV is coming off a tough loss against TCU, so look for the Rebels to be focused and ready to go when coming into this game. UNLV is extremely battle tested on the road. They are 4-1 away from home, which includes a win at Louisville. Colorado State is just flat out not a very good team. They are just 5-11 on the season and have lost three straight games. Their best win on the year has been against Hawaii. UNLV will have no problems in this one. Play UNLV -8 over Colorado State.
John Martin
1 Unit on Portland Trail Blazers -1
The Philadelphia 76ers are still playing without their best player in Elton Brand. Portland will go into Philly tonight and come away with a victory because the play of their big men inside will be better than the play of the thin 76ers in the paint. Home court for the 76ers really hasn’t even been an advantage this season as Philly is just 9-8 at home this year. The last time these teams got together, Portland came away with a blowout 97-72 win. Although I don’t expect the margin of victory to be that decisive, I do expect the Blazers to win tonight as they come in having won 3 straight. Portland is 20-8 ATS after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons. Philly is 7-19 ATS in home games after a game where they made 12 or more 3 point shots since 1996. The 76ers have been shooting lights out from distance which is the sole reason they are on a 4-game winning streak. But the 76ers only average 4 made 3-pointers per game and are shooing just 31.4% from distance on the season. Portland allows just 34.7% 3-point shooting against them on the road this season, so the Blazers will put a halt to Philly’s hot shooting from the outside tonight. Portland wins this game on the inside and the outside for an all-around dominant performance. The Blazers also win from the foul line, as Philly is just 13-31 ATS in home games vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons. Cash in with the Blazers as the favorite.
DAVE COKIN
LA SALLE / NC CHARLOTTE
TAKE: LA SALLE
I utilize several different components to determine my numbers, and here's an example of a game where just about everything indicates a close battle. The Explorers actually seem to be the slightly stronger team right now, but obviously there's a home court edge on the Charlotte side. Bottom line is that I expect this game to be a one-possession result either way, so with the number where it is, La Salle is the value.
Nostradamus
Michigan St -5
Bowling Green +6.5
George Mason -6
South Carolina +3.5
Witchita St +4.5
Boston College +3.5
Baylor -1.5
Brett Maverick Sports
Knicks -5
Tonight we see two teams going different directions as the Knicks run and gun offense is starting to gell, and the Wizards are falling apart. The numbers show the Wizards at 0-5 ats vs the Atlantic, and the Knicks are 4-0 ats vs the Southest. The Knicks have scored an average of 118 points vs the Wizards in two games and Washington has dropped the money four of the last five at Madison Square. We tried, but we cant find any reason to go against the "Dumb" money in this one. It would be a service play, but with 95% of the early money going on the Knicks, we will tread lightly.
Tom Freese
Sacramento at Golden State
Sacramento is 6-1 OVER their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and they are 5-1 OVER as road underdogs of 5 to 10.5 points. The Kings are 8-2 OVER off a double digit home loss and they are 4-0 OVER on Wednesday. Golden St is 9-1 OVER their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and they are 4-0 OVER as home favorites of 5 to 10.5 points. The Warriors are 4-1 OVER after scoring 100 or more points in their last game and they are 37-18-1 OVER their last 56 home games. PLAY ON 'OVER'
Vegas Experts
Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have covered 25 of 38 games this year, including 8 of 9 vs. the Southeast Division. Miami remains terrible when coming off SU win, going just 8-25 ATS in that role. They are also 0-7 ATS when playing their 3rd game in four days and an almost equally as bad 2-15 ATS on the road when seeking revenge for a straight up loss as a favorite. This line kind of speaks volumes, doesn't it?
Play on: Milwaukee
LT Profits
Richmond +8.0
The Richmond Spiders have been a good investment so far this season, and they find themselves in a favorable scheduling spot when they visit the Virginia Tech Hokies tonight.
You see, Virginia Tech has begun their ACC schedule, and they are coming off of their first conference win of the season vs. Virginia on Saturday. Thus, they cannot be too enthused about this non-conference affair at this time, especially since they resume ACC play vs. Boston College this Saturday.
Conversely, this game means much more to Richmond, who would love to give their program a boost by knocking off an ACC opponent. The Spiders have certainly held their own so far this season, going 9-6 straight up but a much better 6-2 against the spread.
Furthermore, one of those covers came vs. another ACC team in a seven-point loss to Wake Forest, the same Wake team that just knocked off North Carolina. Richmond has also not minded traveling, going a respectable 3-3 SU and a perfect 3-0 ATS on the road.
The Hokies, meanwhile, may be 10-5, but they have not exactly been bettor-friendly, going a poor 3-7 ATS. Tech is 5-1 SU here at home, but they are only winning those games by an average of +6.7 points, a margin that would not be good enough to cover this number.
When you factor in the difference in motivation between these two teams, Richmond become the somewhat obvious choice at this price.
Pick: Richmond +8
Matt Fargo
Game: St. Josephs at St. Bonaventure
Prediction: St. Josephs
I think we saw the real St. Bonaventure on Saturday as it was blown out at home against Duquesne. The Bonnies surprised many with a 10-4 start but playing a schedule that is ranked 335th out of 347 teams certainly helps. The Bonnies are 1-1 in the Atlantic Ten with the lone victory being a road win at Fordham who is one of the worst teams in all of Division I (ranked 336th). Even more surprising is that St. Bonaventure is 6-0 on the road yet just 4-4 at home.
St. Josephs is off to an average start at 7-7 but it has definitely been tested, playing the 56th ranked schedule in the land. The Hawks have won two straight games including a confidence building overtime win over Rhode Island on Saturday. Playing Texas, Alabama and Villanova has got this team battle tested with that game against the Wildcats being just a three-point loss. The Hawks also lost one other game by a single point and another in overtime.
There are two keys stats favoring the Hawks. They are shooting 71.1 percent from the free throw line including a surprisingly solid 75.8 percent on the road. The Bonnies meanwhile are hitting just 65.3 percent from the charity stripe including a dismal 63.7 percent at home. Also in the favor of the Hawks is their assist/turnover ratio of 1.07 compared to a ratio of 0.90 for St. Bonaventure. The difference may look small but when the strength of schedules are so far off, it makes a huge difference.
St. Josephs also falls into a very solid situation. Play on road favorites that are averaging between 67 and 74 going up against a team allowing between 67 and 74 ppg after a game with a combined score of 165 points or more. This situation is 68-24 ATS (73.9 percent) since 1997. The Bonnies are 4-14 ATS after scoring 75 or more points in two straight games and they are 9-23 ATS of a home loss by 10 points or more. Since 1997, the Hawks have won 16 of the 19 meetings and they add to that here. 3* St. Josephs Hawks
DUNKEL
New Jersey at Boston
The Nets look to build on their 13-4 ATS record on the road against a Boston team that is just 2-6 ATS as a home favorite between 9 1/2 and 12 points. New Jersey is the underdog pick (+10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by only 7. Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+10 1/2).
Game 701-702: Chicago at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 113.442; Toronto 122.467
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 9; 186
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: Detroit at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 116.932; Indiana 119.111
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 705-706: Portland at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 119.511; Philadelphia 119.767
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 1 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+1 1/2); Under
Game 707-708: New Jersey at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 115.574; Boston 122.759
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 7; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 10 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+10 1/2); Over
Game 709-710: Washington at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 113.408; New York 114.515
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 3; 205
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 5; 198
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5); Over
Game 711-712: Utah at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 123.348; Oklahoma City 114.664
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 8 1/2; 212 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 713-714: Miami at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 117.905; Milwaukee 121.910
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 4; 205 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+6 1/2); Over
Game 715-716: New Orleans at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 121.837; Dallas 118.610
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 3; 197 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 717-718: LA Lakers at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 123.749; San Antonio 122.997
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1; 203 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 3; 199
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+3); Over
Game 719-720: Sacramento at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 109.914; Golden State 114.001
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 4; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 5; 226
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+5); Under
Game 721-722: Atlanta at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 121.241; LA Clippers 111.310
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 10; 200 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 4; 195
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-4); Over
NCAAB
Duke at Georgia Tech
The Blue Devils face a Georgia Tech team that is just 2-5 ATS at home this season. Duke is the pick (-10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Devils favored by 14 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Duke (-10 1/2).
Game 723-724: Michigan State at Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 70.332; Penn State 67.700
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (+5)
Game 725-726: South Florida at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 59.190; Pittsburgh 77.814
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+20 1/2)
Game 727-728: Duke at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 77.798; Georgia Tech 63.226
Dunkel Line: Duke by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-10 1/2)
Game 729-730: Ohio at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 56.118; Miami (OH) 63.689
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+10 1/2)
Game 731-732: Hofstra at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 49.984; Drexel 58.207
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Drexel by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (-4 1/2)
Game 733-734: Richmond at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 55.221; Virginia Tech 68.168
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 13
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-8 1/2)
Game 735-736: St. Joseph's at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 61.903; St. Bonaventure 56.363
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-3 1/2)
Game 737-738: VA Commonwealth at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: VA Commonwealth 59.003; Towson 52.668
Dunkel Line: VA Commonwealth by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: VA Commonwealth by 9
Dunkel Pick: Towson (+9)
Game 739-740: Temple at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 61.494; Pennsylvania 48.021
Dunkel Line: Temple by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-10 1/2)
Game 741-742: George Washington at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 48.993; Duquesne 63.542
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (-10 1/2)
Game 743-744: Bowling Green at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 54.223; Kent State 59.063
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 5
Vegas Line: Kent State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+7)
Game 745-746: NC Wilmington at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 41.914; James Madison 57.417
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 17
Dunkel Pick: NC Wilmington (+17)
Game 747-748: Toledo at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 45.437; Western Michigan 57.458
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 12
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 10
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (-10)
Game 749-750: George Mason at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 60.539; William & Mary 53.519
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 7
Vegas Line: George Mason by 6
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-6)
Game 751-752: LaSalle at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 57.194; Charlotte 63.762
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-4 1/2)
Game 753-754: Fordham at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 44.578; Dayton 64.196
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Dayton by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+21 1/2)
Game 755-756: Rutgers at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.850; Cincinnati 66.992
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 12
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-8)
Game 757-758: Syracuse at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 70.066; Georgetown 78.005
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 8
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 6
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (-6)
Game 759-760: West Virginia at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 70.273; Marshall 59.928
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 13
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (+13)
Game 761-762: San Diego State at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 62.710; Wyoming 55.361
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-6 1/2)
Game 763-764: Southern Mississippi at Tulane
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 60.438; Tulane 55.012
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 4
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-4)
Game 765-766: Arkansas at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 65.513; Mississippi 63.944
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+2 1/2)
Game 767-768: SMU at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 50.092; Rice 53.465
Dunkel Line: Rice by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Rice by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (-2 1/2)
Game 769-770: Florida at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 67.634; Auburn 64.178
Dunkel Line: Florida by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-2 1/2)
Game 771-772: South Carolina at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 63.471; LSU 69.153
Dunkel Line: LSU by 6
Vegas Line: LSU by 4
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-4)
Game 773-774: Drake at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 62.828; Illinois State 67.346
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+8)
Game 775-776: Nebraska at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 59.753; Iowa State 63.765
Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 4
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State
Game 777-778: Southern Illinois at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 57.493; Creighton 64.745
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 7
Vegas Line: Creighton by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (+9 1/2)
Game 779-780: Massachusetts at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 56.605; St. Louis 60.908
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-3 1/2)
Game 781-782: Alabama at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 60.950; Mississippi State 72.788
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 12
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-7)
Game 783-784: Wichita State at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 52.217; Missouri State 59.257
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 7
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (-4)
Game 785-786: Georgia at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 58.397; Vanderbilt 69.552
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 11
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 9
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-9)
Game 787-788: Michigan at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 65.340; Illinois 74.405
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 9
Vegas Line: Illinois by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (-6 1/2)
Game 789-790: Colorado at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 56.632; Missouri 70.995
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+16 1/2)
Game 791-792: Maryland at Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 66.958; Miami (FL) 72.467
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 9
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+9)
Game 793-794: UNLV at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 66.583; Colorado State 55.566
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 11
Vegas Line: UNLV by 8
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-8)
Game 795-796: Houston at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 62.911; UTEP 67.922
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 5
Vegas Line: UTEP by 4
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-4)
Game 797-798: Wake Forest at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 73.137; Boston College 66.375
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 7
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (-2 1/2)
Game 799-800: Baylor at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 66.513; Texas A&M 69.246
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 3
Vegas Line: Baylor by 1
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+1)
Game 801-802: CS-Northridge at UC-Riverside
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 54.437; UC-Riverside 56.565
Dunkel Line: UC-Riverside by 2
Vegas Line: UC-Riverside by 1
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (-1)
Game 803-804: Utah at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 65.921; Air Force 56.589
Dunkel Line: Utah by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah by 8
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-8)
Game 805-806: Elon at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 47.163; Davidson 69.131
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 22
Vegas Line: Davidson by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (+23 1/2)
The Miller Group
Michigan @ Illinois
PICK: Michigan
Michigan just defeated Illinois 74-64 no fewer than 10 days ago, and now they're catching seven points against them? Is it too good to be true? We don't think so.
The fact is, the Wolverines still aren't earning the respect they deserve from oddsmakers. They're 7-3-1 ATS so far this season and have already beaten the likes of UCLA and Duke. Still, an ugly home loss to Wisconsin and a less than impressive OT win at Indiana is what sticks in the minds of most.
We won't go as far as to say that Illinois is an overvalued team on the whole, but here at home, the Illini most certainly are. They've gone 8-1 SU, but just 1-3 ATS in lined games as the host.
The Illini realize that this is going to be a battle, at least they should after last week's result in Ann Arbor. They beat the Wolverines by 18 points here last season, but it took a combined 38 points from Brian Randle and Shaun Pruitt, both of whom are no longer in the picture.
Michigan is barely hanging on in the nation's top 25 rankings, but a win here tonight would go a long way toward strengthening their hold. They'll have a tough time winning the game SU, but should cover the number. Take Michigan (4*).
Jorge Gonzalez
San Antonio -3
The San Antonio Spurs (24-12) are a veteran team that has quietly had a solid season behind the hype of the Celtics, Lakers and Cavaliers. The Spurs dealt with some early season injuries but are back at full strength. The Spurs may have been looking forward to the Lakers in their last game out losing to a very good Orlando squad. 105-98. Prior to Orlando, San Antonio had won eight of nine games. The Lakers are coming off a 105-100 victory over the short-handed Houston Rockets. The Spurs will pick their intensity and come with their best effort. Look for the big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker to be ready to play for the national audience. Ginobli has struggled this season but has always stepped up in the big games. Tony Parker will be a mismatch for Derek Fisher and Tim Duncan , who has averaged 23.0 points and 12.8 rebounds in 68 career games against Los Angeles including playoffs will bring his best effort. The Lakers are 3-18 ATS when they have faced a team that gave up over 100 points in their previous game. The Spurs have covered the spread in their last six games against the Pacific Division. Lay the points with the Spurs.
Dwayne Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs
Play : UNDER 199
Laker legs should be a bit tired tonight, this being their third game in four nights after playing in Houston last night. The Spurs have had two days off to get ready for this big game. Remember, it was LA that knocked the Spurs out of the playoffs last season. And after allowing 105 on this floor to the Magic on Sunday, I expect a highly motivated Spurs team to bring their "A" game on the defensive end tonight.
The Spurs last two games have both gone OVER the total, so it should be noted that the UNDER in Spurs' games is 3-0 this season after they've had two straight OVERS. The UNDER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings in San Antonio and the one game that went OVER had a total score of 199.
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on New Jersey Nets +10
Boston has lost 7 of its last 11 games SU and is just 3-8 ATS during that span, yet it is still getting respected here as if it is still the same team that got off to the best start in NBA history. Boston has won 2 in a row, but they were far from easy wins in a home and home with Toronto. Now the Celtics face the same home and home situation with the Nets, who have been one of the best road bets in basketball. New Jersey is 10-7 SU and 13-4 ATS on the road this season. The key to Boston's recent struggles is that it is already fatigued. This is a veteran group and the bench is not as deep as it was a season ago with James Posey and PJ Brown playing key minutes. We'll play against favorites of 10 or more points after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points, tired team - playing 8 or more games in 14 days are 48-16 ATS since 1996. Take the points.
John Martin
1 Unit on Portland Trail Blazers -1
The Philadelphia 76ers are still playing without their best player in Elton Brand. Portland will go into Philly tonight and come away with a victory because the play of their big men inside will be better than the play of the thin 76ers in the paint. Home court for the 76ers really hasn’t even been an advantage this season as Philly is just 9-8 at home this year. The last time these teams got together, Portland came away with a blowout 97-72 win. Although I don’t expect the margin of victory to be that decisive, I do expect the Blazers to win tonight as they come in having won 3 straight. Portland is 20-8 ATS after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons. Philly is 7-19 ATS in home games after a game where they made 12 or more 3 point shots since 1996. The 76ers have been shooting lights out from distance which is the sole reason they are on a 4-game winning streak. But the 76ers only average 4 made 3-pointers per game and are shooing just 31.4% from distance on the season. Portland allows just 34.7% 3-point shooting against them on the road this season, so the Blazers will put a halt to Philly’s hot shooting from the outside tonight. Portland wins this game on the inside and the outside for an all-around dominant performance. The Blazers also win from the foul line, as Philly is just 13-31 ATS in home games vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons. Cash in with the Blazers as the favorite.