SPORTS ADVISORS
Virginia Tech (12-5, 5-7 ATS) at (1) Wake Forest (16-0, 8-4 ATS)
Wake Forest returns to the court for the first time since assuming the top spot in the national rankings as it welcomes Virginia Tech to Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Demon Deacons, who are the last remaining unbeaten team in Division I, come home after back-to-back double-digit road wins at Boston College (83-63) and Clemson (78-68). They easily cashed as a three-point favorite against the Eagles and a 2½-point underdog against the Tigers to improve to 5-0 ATS in their last five lined games. In Saturday’s win at previously unbeaten Clemson, Wake Forest shot 48.2 percent from the field and held the Tigers to 33.8 percent, but it was held under 83 points for the first time in seven contests.
The Hokies have won three in a row and seven of their last eight, and they’re coming off Saturday’s 79-71 home victory over Boston College as a 3½-point chalk. Virginia Tech’s last setback came on Jan. 4 in its only previous ACC road game, a 69-44 loss at Duke as a 17-point underdog. Seth Greenberg’s squad has followed up a 1-7 ATS slump with back-to-back spread-covers.
Virginia Tech crushed the Demon Deacons 80-58 as a five-point home favorite in last year’s lone meeting between the schools. The Hokies are 4-1 SU and ATS in the last five battles, but the home team has taken the last four clashes (3-1 ATS).
Wake Forest has scored at least 82 points in 12 of 16 games and ranks in the Top 10 nationally in scoring offense (85.1 ppg, 5th), field-goal offense (51.1 percent, 3rd), field-goal defense (36.2 percent, 2nd) and three-point defense (28.3 percent, 7th), and the Deacons allow just 65.8 ppg. Wake Forest is 9-0 at home (4-1 ATS in lined games), winning by an average of 23 ppg (85-62).
Boston College averages just 70.1 ppg on 43.8 percent shooting, while giving up 64.6 ppg on 39.8 percent shooting. The Hokies are 5-4 (3-4 ATS) in road/neutral site contests.
Va-Tech is on ATS runs of 8-2 in ACC play, 11-5 after a SU victory and 10-2 after a spread-cover. Meanwhile, in addition to its current 5-0 ATS run, Wake Forest is on positive pointspread stretches of 14-6-2 at home, 4-1 in ACC action, 5-1 on Wednesday and 5-0 against teams with a winning record.
The over is 7-2 in the Hokies’ last nine overall, but the under is 8-3 in Wake’s last 11 Wednesday affairs.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WAKE FOREST
(20) Villanova (14-3, 6-7 ATS) at (3) UConn (16-1, 5-6 ATS)
The latest matchup of ranked Big East foes comes from the XL Center in Hartford, as UConn guns for its fifth straight win when it hosts Villanova.
The Huskies cruised past Seton Hall 76-61 on Sunday, but came up just short as an 18½-point home favorite, their second consecutive non-cover. During its five-game winning streak – all against Big East foes – UConn is averaging 73 ppg, shooting 49.6 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent from three-point range while giving up 58.4 ppg, 37.8 percent shooting overall and 27.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc. UConn is 2-1 in Big East home games (1-2 ATS).
Villanova has alternated SU wins and losses in its last five games, including its first four league contests. On Saturday, the Wildcats pummeled St. John’s 76-57, covering as a 14½-point home favorite to end an 0-3 ATS slide. Jay Wright’s club is 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS in Big East road games, beating Seton Hall 89-85 in overtime as a 6½-point chalk and losing 79-72 at Marquette as a three-point underdog.
The Wildcats edged UConn 67-65 as a one-point home favorite last season, improving to 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four head-to-head meetings. The home team is 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS in the last eight clashes, with the Huskies cashing in four of the last five as a host; the chalk is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings; and the SU winner as covered in nine of the last 10.
The Huskies have scored at least 76 points in 13 of 17 games, while holding four of their last five league foes to 61 points or less. Meanwhile, Villanova has put up at least 70 points in five of its last seven games and held five of its last eight opponents to 61 points or fewer.
Villanova is in ATS droughts of 1-4 in Big East play and 3-7 versus winning teams, while the Huskies are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games and 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 contests against teams with a winning road record.
The over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these schools and 4-0 in the last four clashes at Connecticut, and the over is 4-1 in Villanova’s last five against Big East foes. However, the under is on runs of 20-7-1 for Villanova overall, 9-3-1 when Villanova takes to the road, 5-0 for Villanova on Wednesday, 5-1 for UConn overall, 4-1 for UConn at home and 4-1 for UConn in Big East games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCONN
(10) Clemson (16-1, 6-6 ATS) at (5) North Carolina (16-2, 7-9 ATS)
Four days after tasting defeat for the first time this season, Clemson now faces the difficult task of traveling to Chapel Hill, N.C., for an ACC clash with the rejuvenated fifth-ranked Tar Heels.
The Tigers fell 78-68 to Wake Forest as a 2½-point home favorite on Saturday, just the second time this season they have given up more than 75 points in a game. During its 16-0 start to the season, Clemson posted 11 double-digit victories, and it is 6-0 SU and 3-3 ATS in road/neutral-site games. The Tigers are just 1-3 ATS in their last four contests.
North Carolina is coming off Saturday’s 82-65 rout of Miami, Fla., its second consecutive double-digit ACC victory after starting out league play 0-2. However, the Tar Heels barely fell short as a 17½-point home favorite, dropping to 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games, including 1-5 ATS inside the Dean Dome.
North Carolina is riding a nine-game winning streak in this rivalry against Clemson, but just 5-4 ATS. Last year, the Tar Heels needed overtime to beat the Tigers twice in the regular season, winning 90-85 as a 5½-point road favorite and 103-93 as an 8½-point home chalk. Then in the ACC tournament championship game, UNC edged Clemson 86-81, again barely covering as a 5½-point choice.
North Carolina ranks second in the nation in scoring at 93 ppg and 14th in field-goal shooting (49 percent). Roy Williams’ team has scored more than 80 points in 16 of its 18 games, including tallying 90 or more eight times. Defensively, the Heels yield 70.1 ppg on just 39.5 percent shooting. Meanwhile, Clemson is putting up 79.7 ppg on 47.8 percent shooting while giving up 63.4 ppg on 40.2 percent shooting, but it has failed to score 70 points in three straight contests.
Despite Saturday’s loss to Wake Forest, the Tigers are on ATS streaks of 5-1 on the road, 6-0 on the road against teams with a winning home record, 4-1-1 in ACC play, 4-1 on Wednesday and 8-2 after a double-digit home loss. North Carolina, in addition to its 3-7 ATS slump overall and 1-5 ATS rut at home, has failed to cover in six of its last seven ACC games and seven of its last eight after an outright victory. On the positive end, the Tar Heels are 5-0 ATS in their last five Wednesday contests and 28-13 ATS in their last 41 versus winning teams.
The under is on streaks of 4-0 for Clemson overall, 11-5-1 for Clemson in ACC play, 4-1 for Clemson following a non-cover and 5-2-1 for North Carolina in ACC action. Conversely, the over is on runs of 4-1 for the Tigers on the road, 4-1 for the Tigers on Wednesday, 5-2 for the Tar Heels at home and 6-2 for the Tar Heels on Wednesday. Finally, all three meetings between these schools last year went over the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Nebraska (12-4, 4-4- ATS) at (6) Oklahoma (17-1, 8-5 ATS)
Oklahoma tries for its sixth straight win overall and its fourth consecutive victory to start the Big 12 season when it entertains Nebraska at the Noble Center.
The Sooners faced a stiff challenge at Texas A&M on Saturday but held on for a 69-63 victory, covering as a 3½-point favorite as they improved to 3-0 SU and ATS in conference play. Since suffering their only defeat of the season – 96-88 at Arkansas as a 5½-point road chalk – Oklahoma has won five in a row by an average of 21 ppg (80-61) while shooting 48.6 percent and holding the opposition to 34.6 percent.
Nebraska is 5-1 in its last six games, including Saturday’s 73-51 rout of Kansas State as a one-point home favorite. The Cornhuskers are 2-1 SU and ATS in Big 12 action, but the loss was a 65-53 setback at Iowa State as a one-point underdog in their first conference road game. Nebraska hasn’t allowed more than 65 points in any game this season, holding 11 of 16 foes under 60 points, and they rank second in the nation in scoring defense, yielding only 55.8 ppg.
These rivals met just once last year, with Nebraska rolling to a 63-45 victory as a 2½-point home chalk. The Huskers are 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four meetings after going 0-6 SU and ATS in the previous six. The host has won and covered the last four regular-season clashes. Finally, the SU winner has cashed in each of the last 10 head-to-head battles.
Oklahoma is 10-0 at home (3-2 ATS in lined games), outscoring visitors by more than 20 points per game (83.1-62.6) while shooting 48.4 percent and holding opponents to just 35.7 percent at the Noble Center. Meanwhile, Nebraska is 1-3 SU and ATS on the highway, managing just 55.5 ppg (37 percent) and giving up 60.8 ppg (39.1 percent).
Nebraska is 8-23 ATS in its last 31 roadies, but otherwise is on pointspread upticks of 6-1 in Big 12 play, 4-1 on Wednesday and 5-2 after an ATS win. Oklahoma is on ATS runs of 6-2 in Big 12 action, 5-2 versus winning teams and 8-1 on Wednesday.
The under is 5-2-1 in the last eight Nebraska-Oklahoma matchups, 9-1 in the Sooners’ last 10 conference games and 9-2 in the Sooners’ last 11 Wednesday contests. Also, for the Huskers, the under is on stretches of 7-1 overall, 6-0 in Big 12 play, 4-0 on Wednesday and 5-0 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA and UNDER
NBA
Utah (25-17, 22-20 ATS) at Houston (26-16, 19-23 ATS)
After a brief stop at home last night, the Jazz go back on the road for a Western Conference clash with the Rockets at the Toyota Center.
Utah returned to Salt Lake City from a three-game road trip on Tuesday and held off Minnesota 112-107, failing to cover as an 8½-point favorite. The Jazz are 6-2 SU but just 3-5 ATS in their last eight games, and they’ve lost six of their last seven road tilts (2-5 ATS), including a 120-115 overtime loss at Houston as a nine-point underdog on Dec. 27.
Houston is coming off Monday’s narrow 115-113 victory over the Nuggets, coming up shy as a three-point home chalk. The Rockets are 5-1 in their last six games, but only 3-3 ATS, and they’ve alternated spread-covers in their last nine contests. Also, they have won 11 of their last 13 at the Toyota Center, but they’re just 6-7 ATS, including 2-6 ATS in the last eight.
While the Jazz have scored at least 100 points in nine of their last 11 games, the Rockets have held 13 of their last 18 opponents under triple digits.
Utah knocked the Rockets out of the playoffs each of the last two seasons, and including the spread-cover in last month’s loss in Houston, the Jazz are 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings in this rivalry, going 6-1 ATS in their last seven trips to Houston. While the home team is 4-0 SU in the last four meetings, the visitor and the underdog have both cashed in eight of the last 11 in this rivalry.
The Jazz are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games against Southwest Division foes, while the Rockets are in ATS slumps of 4-10 overall, 2-6 at home, 0-5 against the Western Conference, 3-7 versus the Northwest Division, 1-4 on Wednesday and 0-5 when playing after one day of rest.
Utah sports “over” streaks of 9-2 overall, 4-1 on the road, 7-1 against the Western Conference, 7-2 versus the Southwest Division, 10-4 on Wednesday and 4-0 when playing on back-to-back nights. The over is also 11-4 in Houston’s last 15 against the Western Conference and 7-1 in its last eight versus the Northwest Division, but the under is 18-8 in the Rockets’ last 26 home games and 16-5 in its last 21 on Wednesday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH
Cleveland (31-8, 27-12 ATS) at Portland (25-16, 20-21 ATS)
Two days after a blowout loss at the Lakers, the Cavaliers resume their four-game Western Conference road trip with a stop at the Rose Garden for a battle with the Trail Blazers.
Cleveland took a 50-49 halftime lead into the locker room Monday night in Los Angeles, then got steamrolled 56-38 in the second half to lose 105-88 as a five-point road underdog. The Cavaliers are just 5-4 SU and ATS in their last nine games, including 1-4 SU and ATS on the highway, and the winner has cashed in each of those nine contests.
Portland returned from a 2-2 SU and ATS Eastern Conference road trip Monday night and crushed Milwaukee 102-85 as a 6½-point home favorite. The Blazers are on runs of 5-2 SU and 4-2 ATS, and the SU winner is 18-1 ATS in their last 19 games.
The Cavs swept the season series last year, winning 84-83 as a three-point road underdog and 88-80 as a 5½-point home chalk. LeBron and Co. are 4-1 SU and ATS in the last five meetings with Portland and 7-2 SU and ATS in the last nine. However, the Blazers are 6-2 ATS in the last eight head-to-head matchups at the Rose Garden, and the favorite is on a 10-3 ATS roll in this rivalry.
Despite its 1-5 ATS slump on the road, Cleveland is on positive pointspread streaks of 37-15 overall, 10-2 against the Western Conference, 6-1 versus the Northwest Division, 5-0 on Wednesday, 10-1 after a double-digit loss, 6-0 after giving up more than 100 points in a game and 23-8 after an ATS setback. Portland is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 home games and 4-1 ATS in its last five against Central Division foes, but it is on pointspread declines of 3-9 after a SU win, 2-5 after a spread-cover, 2-8 against winning teams and 3-9 when playing on one day of rest.
For the Cavaliers, the under is on stretches of 4-1 overall, 6-2 on the road, 4-0 when facing Northwest Division opponents, 9-2 when playing on one day of rest and 18-8-1 after an outright defeat. Also, the Blazers are on “under” streaks of 4-1 at home, 5-1 against the Central Division, 43-18-1 on Wednesday and 22-10 after a SU victory. Finally, the last four meetings between these squads have stayed under the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA DUNKEL
Memphis at Charlotte
The Grizzlies are just 1-5 ATS as a road underdog from 6 1/2 to 9 points and face a Charlotte team that is a perfect 6-0 ATS at home when the total is between 170 and 179 1/2 points. The Bobcats are the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Charlotte favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-6 1/2).
Game 501-502: Memphis at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 110.243; Charlotte 120.323
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 10; 184 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 6 1/2; 177
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-6 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Boston at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 125.377; Miami 121.219
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 4; 177 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: Toronto at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 115.065; Detroit 120.120
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 5; 170 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 7; 179
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+7); Under
Game 507-508: Phoenix at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.110; New York 117.687
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 210 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 5; 220
Dunkel Pick: New York (+5); Under
Game 509-510: Dallas at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 116.996; Milwaukee 115.861
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 1; 203
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+1); Under
Game 511-512: New Jersey at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 115.760; New Orleans 122.771
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 7; 184 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 6; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-6); Under
Game 513-514: Utah at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 118.372; Houston 123.178
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 5; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-2 1/2); Over
Game 515-516: Cleveland at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 126.425; Portland 120.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 6; 178 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 1; 186
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-1); Under
Game 517-518: Washington at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 111.610; Sacramento 112.942
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 1 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 3 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2); Under
Game 519-520: LA Lakers at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 123.043; LA Clippers 108.544
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 14 1/2; 208 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 16; 203
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+16); Over
Game 521-522: Oklahoma City at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 112.124; Golden State 120.020
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 8; 228
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 5; 223 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-5); Over
NCAAB
Bradley at Northern Iowa
The Panthers come into the contest with a 5-0 ATS mark in January and 6-1 ATS in conference play. Northern Iowa is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Panthers favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-6 1/2).
Game 523-524: Northwestern at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 63.514; Michigan State 75.102
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (+12 1/2)
Game 525-526: VA Commonwealth at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: VA Commonwealth 61.151; Georgia State 52.953
Dunkel Line: VA Commonwealth by 8
Vegas Line: VA Commonwealth by 9
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (+9)
Game 527-528: William & Mary at Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: William & Mary 50.235; Hofstra 52.726
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+5 1/2)
Game 529-530: Villanova at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 67.730; Connecticut 79.944
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 12
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-9 1/2)
Game 531-532: Duquesne at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 59.088; St. Joseph's 63.750
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 7
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (+7)
Game 533-534: Southern Mississippi at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 62.811; Central Florida 62.579
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 3
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (+3)
Game 535-536: Virginia Tech at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 61.908; Wake Forest 78.831
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 17
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (-13 1/2)
Game 537-538: Florida at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 68.268; South Carolina 66.494
Dunkel Line: Florida by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Florida
Game 539-540: George Mason at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 60.701; Northeastern 61.614
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 1
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+3 1/2)
Game 541-542: Louisville at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 72.245; Rutgers 59.078
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 13
Vegas Line: Louisville by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-10 1/2)
Game 543-544: NC Wilmington at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 37.549; Old Dominion 60.479
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 23
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-20 1/2)
Game 545-546: Xavier at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 69.096; St. Bonaventure 57.720
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 13
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+13)
Game 547-548: Towson at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 47.834; James Madison 61.405
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 10
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (-10)
Game 549-550: Kent State at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 57.379; Buffalo 60.766
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-2 1/2)
Game 551-552: Southern Illinois at Indiana State
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 58.239; Indiana State 52.560
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 6
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-3 1/2)
Game 553-554: Rhode Island at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 61.904; Richmond 62.038
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 3
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+3)
Game 555-556: Pennsylvania at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsyvlania 47.729; LaSalle 58.684
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 11
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pennsylvania (+12 1/2)
Game 557-558: SMU at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 50.871; Marshall 59.427
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Marshall by 10
Dunkel Pick: SMU (+10)
Game 559-560: Florida State at Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 63.522; Miami (FL) 72.478
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 9
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (-7 1/2)
Game 561-562: Massachusetts at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 59.147; Charlotte 60.045
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 1
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 5
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+5)
Game 563-564: Tulsa at Tulane
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 66.406; Tulane 54.033
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-7 1/2)
Game 565-566: Wyoming at TCU
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 52.870; TCU 62.649
Dunkel Line: TCU by 10
Vegas Line: TCU by 8
Dunkel Pick: TCU (-8)
Game 567-568: Illinois State at Wichita State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 64.361; Wichita State 56.880
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-3)
Game 569-570: Mississippi at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 57.110; Alabama 65.956
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 9
Vegas Line: Alabama by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-6 1/2)
Game 571-572: East Carolina at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 51.290; Houston 69.653
Dunkel Line: Houston by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston by 15
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-15)
Game 573-574: UTEP at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 63.396; UAB 66.168
Dunkel Line: UAB by 3
Vegas Line: UAB by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (+6 1/2)
Game 575-576: Bradley at Northern Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 58.683; Northern Iowa 70.191
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-6 1/2)
Game 577-578: Drake at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 57.529; Missouri State 59.506
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (-1)
Game 579-580: Mississippi State at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 68.167; LSU 70.308
Dunkel Line: LSU by 2
Vegas Line: LSU by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (+5 1/2)
Game 581-582: Wisconsin at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 69.513; Iowa 62.502
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 7
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-2 1/2)
Game 583-584: Rice at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 49.985; Memphis 78.562
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 28 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 27
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-27)
Game 585-586: Nebraska at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 60.366; Oklahoma 77.378
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 17
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 13
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-13)
Game 587-588: Missouri at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 74.396; Oklahoma State 71.714
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Missouri
Game 589-590: Baylor at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 66.909; Kansas State 67.728
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 1
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (+3 1/2)
Game 591-592: Auburn at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 60.999; Kentucky 76.575
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 13
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-13)
Game 593-594: Clemson at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 70.991; North Carolina 82.355
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 15
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+15)
Game 595-596: Arizona State at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 74.337; Arizona 68.933
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-2 1/2)
Game 597-598: CS-Fullerton at CS-Northridge
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 50.304; CS-Northridge 60.151
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 10
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (-7 1/2)
Game 599-600: UNLV at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 62.323; BYU 73.918
Dunkel Line: BYU by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-7 1/2)
Game 601-602: New Mexico at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 60.592; San Diego State 70.033
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-4 1/2)
Game 603-604: Furman at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 36.648; Davidson 70.838
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 34
Vegas Line: Davidson by 28
Dunkel Pick: Davidson (-28)
Game 605-606: Appalachian State at College of Charleston
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 46.705; College of Charleston 59.560
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 13
Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (-10 1/2)
Game 607-608: Montana at Eastern Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 48.982; Eastern Washington 51.561
Dunkel Line: Eastern Washington by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Washington by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montana (+3 1/2)
NHL
Dallas at Florida
The Stars look to bounce back from their 4-2 loss at Tampa Bay and build on their 9-4 record after a loss by 2 or more goals in their previous game. Dallas is the underdog pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+110).
Game 51-52: Montreal at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.864; New Jersey 12.950
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-140); Under
Game 53-54: Anaheim at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.415; NY Islanders 11.726
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+165); Under
Game 55-56: Atlanta at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 11.544; Philadelphia 11.906
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-250); 6
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-250); Over
Game 57-58: Buffalo at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.672; Tampa Bay 12.360
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+105); Over
Game 59-60: Boston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.080; Toronto 11.216
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-180); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+160); Under
Game 61-62: Dallas at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 12.258; Florida 11.697
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+110); Over
Game 63-64: St. Louis at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.768; Chicago 12.786
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-280); 6
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-280); Under
Game 65-66: Los Angeles at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.500; Colorado 11.107
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+150); Over
Game 67-68: Columbus at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.775; Calgary 13.080
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-210); Over
DAVE COKIN
TULSA / TULANE
Take TULSA
Tulsa might be without Ben Uzoh tonight as they visit Tulane. Uzoh isn't the best player on the team, but he's a major contributor and runs the offense. But even if Uzoh's ankle prevents him from playing, I see the Golden Hurricane having little trouble here. Tulane is a bad team with one of the smallest home court edges in the land. In fact, should Uzoh have to sit this one out, it might insure greater focus for the road team. Either way, Tulsa should coast to a double digit road win
JIM FEIST
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Cleveland may be 20-0 at home, but they are just 11-8 on the road after getting blasted at the Lakers. The Cavs are also banged up, with Delonte West and center the Big 'Z' still out. While Cleveland is on a long road trip, the Blazers are home from their long trip, spending this entire week at home (3 games). Greg Oden scored a career-high 24 points and added 15 rebounds in the Portland Trail Blazers' 102-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. It was Oden's team-high 12th double-double of the season. Portland is 15-4 at home and will be fired up to face one of the top teams in the East. Play the Blazers.
Jeff Benton
Terrible call with Evansville last night. I've definitely hit a bit of a rough patch with the free plays, but I'm still on an 18-9 run with my complimentary plays in College Hoops, and I'll try to make it 19-9 tonight by backing Oklahoma over Nebraska.
I’m still not sure how good the sixth-ranked Sooners are, but I do know they’re markedly better than Nebraska, which simply cannot put the ball in the hoop when it goes on the road. The Cornhuskers have played four games outside of Lincoln and they’ve lost three, scoring 62, 44, 63 and 53 points in those four contests. That’s barely 55 ppg. Well, tonight, they run up against Oklahoma and its beast in the middle, Blake Griffin, who are holding visitors to the Noble Center to just 62.6 ppg on 35.7 percent shooting. At the same time, the Sooners average 83.1 points on 48.4 percent shooting on their home floor.
The last time Oklahoma on its own court, it obliterated Texas 78-63 as a 4½-point favorite, making 27 of 53 shots (51 percent) and holding the 11th-ranked Longhorns to 23-for-68 shooting (33.8 percent). If the Sooners can dominate a legitimate Top 15 team like Texas, they can surely take care of business against Nebraska, which lost its first Big 12 road game at Iowa State 65-53 and also lost at Arizona State 64-44 as a 10-point underdog in its only game against a ranked team.
Oklahoma has cashed in seven of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry, including four straight in Norman, the last being a 70-53 rout in 2007. In fact, the home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four regular-season meetings.
Throw in the fact that Oklahoma is riding a five-game winning streak, including 3-0 SU and ATS so far in Big 12 play, and with no look-ahead game for the Sooners, and this one’s a no-brainer. Lay the chalk.
4♦ OKLAHOMA
Scott Delaney
Today's Selection
The Rams are a lot tougher than Eric Maynor. In fact, against archrival Old Dominion, VCU’s star player sat on the bench and watched his teammates protect and preserve an 11-point lead. To protect and serve turned out to be more than the mantra, as Maynor’s supporting cast not only produced a 17-point win, they it showed us why the 13-5 mark this season – 6-1 in conference play – is more than the senior point guard.
I know we’re laying points on the road, but VCU has covered four of its last five against teams with a winning percentage below .400, while it’s also on ATS runs of 7-2 when visiting a team that loses at home and 7-3 when taking on a team with an overall losing straight-up mark.
This is a mismatch made in heaven, as Georgia State is 5-13 on the year and won’t stand a chance offensively against this well-balanced attack.
VCU RAMS
Sports Gambling Hotline
Cleveland +1 at PORTLAND
At a near pick, we prefer to support the road team tonight, as Cleveland looks to get the bad taste of their 105-88 MLK night loss at the Lakers lingering around for an extra day out of their mouths.
Portland took care of business at home over Milwaukee on MLK Day, as the Blazers improved to 15-4 straight up, and 12-7 against the spread at the Rose Garden this year.
Still, Cleveland can counter with one of the better road marks in the Association, as the Cavaliers are 11-8 both straight up, and against the spread this year, and the Cavs have also bested the Trail Blazers in 3 of the last 4 series meetings both SU, & ATS. Included is a season series sweep last year.
This will be the first time the Cavaliers face Portland with Greg Oden patrolling the paint, but as we pointed out, Cleveland is coming off a 17-point flop in the City of Angels, and they should be itching to get back on the hardwood and take out some of their ire on the Blazers tonight.
Play on Cleveland.
4♦ CLEVELAND
Bobby Maxwell
Cleveland -1 at PORTLAND
Tonigh's play comes on the NBA hardwood as we play the Cavaliers on the road in Portland against the Blazers.
The Cavaliers have won four of the last five meetings with the Blazers and seven of the last nine. They just lost in Los Angeles on Monday and will be out to regain some momentum with a big win in Portland.
Cleveland is 7-2 ATS in its last nine meetings with the Blazers. They went to Portland and got an 84-83 win last year as three-point 'dogs and then got an 88-80 win in Cleveland as 5 1/2-point favorites.
The Cavs have dropped their last two road games and four of their last five. But they have too much talent for this one and LeBron isn't going to lose two in a row. They are on ATS runs of 37-15 overall, 10-2 against the Western Conference, 47-23-1 after a straight-up loss and 6-1 against teams from the Northwest Division.
Portland is just 2-5 ATS after a spread-cover, 3-9 when getting a day off and 3-9 ATS aftre a straight-up win.
We like the Cavaliers to jump out and get this one tonight. Play LeBron and Cleveland.
3♦ CLEVELAND
Chris Jordan
Northwestern at MICHIGAN STATE -12'
Northwestern almost beat Purdue and knocked off Minnesota last week. A pair of nationally ranked conference foes, and now it’s time for the Wildcats to suffer a bit of a letdown. Or, in my world, what’s better known as a beat down.
Purely betting numbers for this free play, as the Wildcats are mired in ATS skids of 8-21 on Wednesday nights, 1-5 when visiting teams with a winning home mark and 2-5 overall. On the other hand, Michigan State storms into this one having covered six of seven after an ATS loss, 4-1 when hosting teams with a losing road record and 6-2 against teams with a winning mark on the floor.
Looking inside the series numbers, the favorite has covered seven of nine contests, while the Spartans are 7-2 ATS the last nine battles overall.
3♦ MICHIGAN STATE
Karl Garrett
Auburn at KENTUCKY -13
Took it on the chin last night with Ohio State, but still at 4-2 the 6 days with my comp plays.
Billy Gillispie has got it going on right now in Lexington, as the Wildcats come back to Rupp fresh off conference road wins at Tennessee, and at Georgia. The win over the Bulldogs was a prime letdown spot, and the 'Cats came out of Athens with a resounding 68-45 rout.
Back at home Kentucky should be able to easily dispatch an Auburn team that is just 1-4 straight up away from home. It is an Auburn team that was pounded by 27-points on their last visit to Rupp Arena in 2007.
The Tigers are only averaging 62 points per game on the road this year, while the Wildcats are lighting up the scoreboard at home to a tune of 84 points per game.
As you can see, it will only be a matter of time before the Rupp rowdies start hooting and hollering.
G-Man laying the points in this one.
5♦ KENTUCKY
Cajun Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Play: Under 184.5
The Rose Garden will be the site of tonight’s matchup between the host Portland Trailblazers and the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs enter tonight’s contest off a loss at the Lakers on Monday, 105 to 88 while the Blazers defeated the Bucks at home 102 to 85.
Cleveland is averaging 96.6 points per game on the road this season holding opponents to 90.9 points per game. They are 17-22 Under in all games this season, 7-12 Under on the road, 8-17 Under their last 25 games overall and 1-4 Under their last 5.
Portland is averaging 101.5 points per game this season at home while allowing opponents 92.8 points per game. The Blazers are 18-22 Under in all of their games this season and 8-10 Under at home.
This series has been dominated by the ‘under’ with 14 of the last 22 meetings falling below the posted total. This includes 8 of the last 11 meetings in Portland and the last two in a row when playing in the Northwest.
Data base research has uncovered two systems that are active for tonight’s game. Play Under NBA road teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team, 47-94 Under the last five seasons. Play Under NBA teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points with a team playing 6 or more games in 10 days, a team with a winning percentage of 60% to 75% playing a team with a winning record, 21-49 Under the last five seasons.
The pace and tempo of this game should be dictated by the Cleveland defense as they will be looking to bounce back from that loss to the Lakers. With the combination of fundamental, technical and situational factors all pointing to an ‘under’ we will call for this contest to fall below the posted total of 185.5.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Cleveland / Portland Under 185.5
Alex Smart
St. Louis Blues +240
Two long time rivals the Chicago Blackhawks(25-11-8) and the St.Louis Blues(18-23-4) go head to head tonight , in 4th meeting between these teams this season. The 3 previous games have all gone to over time , with the Blues winning 2 of those tilts.
This past Saturday the Hawks got their first win in this series with a 2-1 extra framer in St.Louis. Turning the trick twice in row, even on their own home ice will not come easily.
The Blues won in their last trip to the United Center, and look like viable bets again tonight, after an impressive 5-4 OT victory vs the Boston Bruins on Monday. The Blackhawks after a nice run, have looked a little ragged in their last trip to the ice, suffering a loss to the Minnesota Wild by a 4-1 count. A worrying trend of late has seen Chicago's young star Patrick Kane score just 1 point in his last 10 contests. Slumps like this have a way of working their way through the lineup which is not a good omen going forward for the Hawks team trying to bust out of a two game home losing streak.
Considering both these sides current form, and the Blues ability to matchup well against their opponents under any venue, make for what I am betting is a viable- value based underdog wager.
Final notes & Key Trends: The Blues are 8-3 L/11 vs Central division teams. The Hawks lost 0-4 L/4 playing on just 1 days rest. Chicago has lost 9 of their L/13 vs Central Division teams.
Play on the St.Louis Blues on the moneyline
Bob Harvey
Boston Bruins @ Toronto Maple Leafs Over 6.0
The All-Star break can’t get here soon enough for the Bruins who need several days to get healthy. Boston was firing on all cylinders most of the first half but once the injury bug bit, they’ve been just another team going 4-3-1 in their last eight games They went from a team that was averaging over 4 goals per game to just 2.9 per game. In addition they’ve lost three of their last six at home.
But we’re not looking for a win tonight, just scoring. And injured or not the Bruins should be able to light the lamp tonight against the Maple Leafs.
Toronto’s goalie Vesa Toskala got pulled from his last game against Boston after allowing four goals on just 11 shots. His defense hasn’t exactly helped. The Leafs rank 28th in the league in goals allowed (3.48 goals per game).
The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight series meetings. The first four series meetings have produced in order: 6, 5, 7, and 8 goals. That’s 3-1 to the OVER. I expect both teams to let ‘er fly tonight with the All-Star break on the radar.
This one should be fun to watch.
Dennis Hill
Missouri vs. Oklahoma State
Play: Missouri +1.5
This all comes down to my power ratings being right this time of the year in College Hoops. My power ratings have Missouri better by 5 pointsd in this game. Missouri is road battled tested, and will win this game outright.
Marc Lawrence
Play On: BYU
Okay, enough is enough. Thats the feeling on the BYU campus these days when it comes to the Rebels, a team that has beat them each of the last two seasons in the Mountain West Conference championship game. To say that the Cougars are ready for this game would be an understatement. They'll take the floor knowing they are 57-2 SU on this court since 2005, including 24-0 SU and 16-6-2 ATS in conference games (6-1-1 ATS with revenge). Toss in UNLVs despicable 3-26-1 ATS record this decade in SU losses against avenging foes and suddenly this game has the makings of blowout.