Tim Michael - Betting Expert

T.M. Selection: Indiana Pacers (10* BLACK-LABEL)

Denver smashed the Knicks 111-93 on the road on Friday, while the Pacers return home to friendly confines off a humbling 0-4 Western Conference road trip, including a 112-89 setback to Golden State on Thursday. Part of their losing road trip included a 102-100 loss in Denver on March 16th. With a chance to avenge that loss and to break the four-game slide, I look for the home side to risk life and limb here as it tries to get back into the playoff hunt. Denver comes in complacent at the end of its trip and note that it’s just 1-3 ATS in its last four after six or more SU wins. Additionally note that the Pacers are already 4-1 ATS this year as a home dog of six points or less.

T.M. Prediction: 108-103 Pacers.

T.M. Selection: Ohio State (10* TRADE-MARK)

Ohio State enters off a 62-59 win over Iowa State, while Houston rolled to an 84-55 win over Georgia State to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes had a poor shooting game last time out, but their tough defensive play was the difference. Ohio State also collected 38 boards, compared to just 31 for Iowa State. Houston rolled to victory in Round 1, but I think the Cougars, who only average 75.6 PPG, will have a much more difficult time today vs. the buzz saw of an Ohio State defense right now. Additionally note that Ohio State is 5-0 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs. Outright is possible, but I’m grabbing the points.

T.M. Prediction: 67-65 Houston.

T.M. Selection: Virginia (9* BANKROLL BUILDER)

Oklahoma backed its way into the NCAA Tournament with two straight losses, but it came out in the first round and rebounded with an upset win over Ole Miss. The Sooners would go on to post a season high 95 points in the victory. However, I think a predictable letdown here is imminent facing the nation’s No. 1 defense. Overall Oklahoma averages 71.2 PPG, while allowing 68.2. The Cavs average only 71.8 PPG, but as mentioned above, they enter with the No. 1 defense in the country, conceding just 55.1 PPG. Oklahoma is only 1-4 ATS in its last five following a SU/ATS win, while Virginia is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 following an ATS loss. I’m laying the points and expecting a rout. 

T.M. Prediction: 75-53 UVA.

T.M. Selection: Duke (8* MONEY-MAKER)

After upsetting VCU, I think that the Knights take a step back here vs. the No. 1 seed. UCF averages 72.1 PPG an fit allows 64.3. The Golden Knights held the Rams to 58 points, but I believe they’ll have their hands full with the Blue Devils, who average 83.5 PPG. Duke is also stout at the other end of the floor, conceding only 67.6 PPG.  UCF is just 1-4 ATS in its last five vs. the ACC, while Duke is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss and 6-2 ATS in its last eight following a SU win of more than 20 points. Lay the points.

T.M. Prediction: 80-63 Blue Devils.