Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
07-25-20 | Tigers v. Reds -1.5 | Top | 6-4 | Loss | -107 | 15 h 32 m | Show |
Luis Castillo is a serious Cy Young Award candidate and the Reds appear to be one of the most improved teams in baseball. The Tigers remain the Tigers - a team that went 47-114 last year and had the worst offense in the league. Detroit has dropped 23 of its last 31 interleague road games. I don't see Ivan Nova changing that trend. Nova, the Tigers' scheduled starter, doesn't miss many bats. That's dangerous against a slugging Reds team that has added power hitters Nick Castellanos and Mike Moustakas and is playing in their offensive-friendly ballpark. | |||||||
07-24-20 | Giants v. Dodgers -1.5 | 1-9 | Win | 100 | 18 h 6 m | Show | |
The Dodgers are the best team in the National League, if not all of baseball. The Giants could be the worst. It's nearly a no-brainer to just back the Dodgers on the run line thus avoiding laying heavy juice. It easily worked on Thursday with LA winning by seven runs even though Clayton Kershaw didn't pitch. The Dodgers have a dominant offense. It doesn't matter who the Giants start on the mound. San Francisco's bullpen is extremely weak, too, having lost its best relievers from last season. LA's scheduled starter, Ross Stripling, is solid. The key with Stripling is he has excellent control. The Giants are without three of their key hitters with Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria. That makes their already weak lineup even weaker. | |||||||
07-24-20 | Twins -103 v. White Sox | Top | 10-5 | Win | 100 | 17 h 9 m | Show |
We know this about the Twins: They are coming off a 101-win season and a major league record 307 homers. We know this about the White Sox: They have some intriguing young talent and are projected to challenge for the AL Central Division title. But they are untested. The Twins are the proven commodity. The White Sox are unknown. I like Twins starter Jose Berrios more than White Sox starter Lucas Giolito in this matchup. The price is right to back Minnesota. The Twins dominated the White Sox last season winning 13 of 19 times. Minnesota scored 231 more runs than Chicago last year. Berrios has a strong history versus the White Sox with an 11-2 record and 2.40 ERA in 14 career starts. This includes a 4-1 mark and 2.88 ERA against the White Sox last season. By contrast, Giolito is 4-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Twins. | |||||||
07-24-20 | Rockies v. Rangers -120 | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 17 h 1 m | Show | |
The Rockies are usually a good fade on the road. That should be the case here. Colorado has lost 39 of its last 54 away games. They are starting German Marquez and have one of the worst bullpens on paper. The Rockies' best reliever, Scott Oberg, is on the DL with a back strain. I like Texas starter Lance Lynn more than Marquez. The veteran Lynn won't lack motivation making his first Opening Day start. He hasn't pitched against the Rockies in three years, but has a 2.76 ERA and 1.16 WHIP versus them in seven career starts. | |||||||
03-11-20 | Senators +150 v. Kings | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 16 h 58 m | Show | |
Kudos to the Kings, who have the fewest points in the Western Conference. Despite their lowly status, the Kings have put together a six-game win streak. Note, though, that three of those victories were by one goal with two of the victories coming in either overtime, or via a shootout. Now, for just the second time in their last 16 games, the Kings are favored. This is where I jump off the Kings' bandwagon. Ottawa hasn't been playing bad either with four wins in its last six games. The Senators are 7-3 the past 10 times against the Kings. Bottom line: Too much value on Ottawa to let this one pass. | |||||||
03-11-20 | Kansas State v. TCU -1.5 | Top | 53-49 | Loss | -109 | 16 h 43 m | Show |
TCU was 2-0 versus Kansas State during the regular season. I don't see that pattern changing in their Big 12 Conferernce Tournament game. The Horned Frogs have played better down the stretch even defeating Baylor three games ago. TCU has a chance to draw an NIT bid with a good tournament showing. Kansas State is not going anywhere with a 10-21 record, 3-15 mark in the Big 12. The Wildcats actually are a little fat and happy having halted a 10-game losing streak with a 79-63 home win against Iowa State this past Saturday on their senior day. TCU is the better and more motivated squad. The Horned Frogs also have revenge incentive. Kansas State defeated them, 70-61, in the Big 12 Tournament last year. | |||||||
03-11-20 | Florida Atlantic v. Old Dominion UNDER 131.5 | 66-56 | Win | 100 | 14 h 24 m | Show | |
The last time these teams met was 10 days ago. Old Dominion won, 85-80, in overtime. Both teams shot well from the floor. But that final score shouldn't disguise the fact that Florida Atlantic is a strong defensive-minded team. So are the Monarchs. They also play at a slow pace. These teams are familiar with each other having just met. That's a plus for the defenses. This is a netural site setting, too - the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. That's another plus for the Under especially given Old Dominion's track record there, which is five games played in the last two years all of which fell below 121 points. | |||||||
03-11-20 | CS Sacramento v. Weber State +4 | 62-54 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 54 m | Show | |
These are two evenly matched teams - each 8-12 - playing at a neutral site in the first round of the Big Sky Conference Tournament. So I am happy to accept this many points with Weber State. The Wildcats average nearly seven points more per game than Sacramento State. The Hornets are the better defensive team, but they enter tourney play giving up 76 and 79 points during their last two games, losses to Portland State and Montana. Weber State beat Sacramento State during the most recent meeting, 70-66, as 1-point home 'dogs on Feb. 6. | |||||||
03-10-20 | Nets +11.5 v. Lakers | Top | 104-102 | Win | 100 | 17 h 19 m | Show |
The Nets are a pesky underdog. They have covered five of the last six times getting points and are in an excellent spot to cover the spread again. The Lakers are coming off impressive victories against the Bucks this past Friday and rival Clippers two days ago. The Lakers host the Rockets on Thursday in a much bigger matchup than this one. That makes this a major letdown situation for the Lakers. Brooklyn is playing its second game under interim coach Jacque Vaughn having opened his era with a 110-107 home win against the Bulls this past Sunday. One of Vaughn's changes from former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson was starting and giving more minutes to center DeAndre Jordan at the expense of Jarrett Allen. Jordan helped the Nets outrebound the Bulls, 50-31. He is a better defensive player, rebounder and shot-blocker than Allen. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are going to receive all the attention, but Jordan knows the Lakers well from his many years with the Clippers. Brooklyn has an underrated backcourt, too, with Spencer Dimwiddie and Caris LeVert, who is averaging 28.8 points in his last four games. Tuesday Free Play Timberwolves plus 12 1/2 at Rockets It has been eight years since the Timberwolves beat the Rockets in Houston. I don't expect Minnesota to end that 13-game road losing streak to the Rockets. I do expect, though, the Timberwolves to hang within single digits. Houston isn't playing nearly well enough to be laying this many points to any NBA opponent. The Rockets are 0-4 SU and ATS in their last four games losing to the Knicks on the road by two, falling to the Clippers by 15 at home, dropping a road game to the Hornets by nine points and getting blown out at home by 20 points to the Magic two days ago. The Rockets have been cold with their 3-point shooting and are minus-36 rebounding during their losing streak. That's the danger of going with the smallest lineup in the NBA. Houston also could be minus Eric Gordon, its third-leading scorer. He's questionable with a knee injury. The major part of my handicap is a fade on the Rockets. But the Timberwolves do offer a top-10 offense. They have produced at least 115 points in 11 of their last 14 games. D'Angelo Russell is an accomplished scorer and shooting guard Malik Beasley is one of the more underrated players in the league producing nine 20-point performances in 13 games since coming from Denver. Sure there's a chance the Rockets take their frustrations out on the Timberwolves. Keep in mind, though, the Rockets are playing their third game in four days and have a far bigger matchup on deck against the Lakers on Thursday. Houston is not a deep team either. So even in a worst case scenario for the Timberwolves of the Rockets getting things together, the backdoor should swing open if late-game garbage time should occur. | |||||||
03-10-20 | Illinois-Chicago +4.5 v. Northern Kentucky | 62-71 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 30 m | Show | |
Illinois Chicago is on a tremendous roll in the Horizon League tournament with three wins and covers, including a highly impressive 73-56 victory against top-ranked Wright State on Monday. There was nothing flukish about the Flames' win as the they built a 27-point lead versus Wright State. I'm going to ride with the Flames here in the title game. These two teams met on Feb. 16 at Northern Kentucky. It was no contest. Illinois Chicago destroyed the Norse by 30 points. Now the Flames are peaking and taking points on top of it. Count me in. | |||||||
03-10-20 | Pittsburgh v. Wake Forest +1.5 | 81-72 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 16 m | Show | |
Pittsburgh has a history of playing poorly at the end of the season and this year has proven to be no exception. The Panthers are 2-10 in their last 12 games. They've lost their last seven games. They have scored 57 points or fewer in five of their past seven games, while giving up 72 or more points in four of their past five games. Wake Forest showed its ability posting late February victories against Duke and Notre Dame. Pittsburgh lost by eight points to Notre Dame and by 12 points to Duke, although both of those defeats were on the road while Wake Forest's victories versus those two opponents were at home. Still, in a pick type of betting line at a neutral site, the Demon Deacons are the team I want going for me. Wake Forest beat Pittsburgh, 69-65, on the road in the lone meeting this season. The Demon Deacons won despite falling behind 22-6 during the first half. It was Wake Forest's fourth straight victory versus Pittsburgh. | |||||||
03-09-20 | Avalanche v. Kings +121 | 1-3 | Win | 121 | 11 h 58 m | Show | |
Not only are the Kings playing their best hockey - winners of five in a row - but they are in a tremendous situational spot. Colorado is playing for the fourth time in six days and at its seventh different venue in a row. The Avalanche are coming off a 4-3 victory against the Sharks on Sunday. So they will be playing without rest. This is third consecutive away matchup. After this game, the Avalanche head home for four games in Colorado. LA is 6-1-1 in its last eight home games with four victories during their past four home contests. Jonathan Quick is expected to be in net for the Kings. He has a .957 save percentage and 1.35 GAA in his last five games. Colorado either will go with overworked Pavel Francouz, or backup Michael Hutchinson, in goal. Note, too, the Kings have defeated Colorado in seven of their last 10 meetings. | |||||||
03-09-20 | Coastal Carolina +5 v. Appalachian State | Top | 65-70 | Push | 0 | 11 h 40 m | Show |
Coastal Carolina averages nearly 10 more points per game than Appalachian State. That showed when the teams last met 10 days ago at Appalachian State. The Chanticleers won, 84-77, as 4-point road 'dogs. The Chanticleers average nearly 80 points on the road. The Mountaineers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home agmes and 1-8 ATS the past nine times when favored. I really like Coastal Carolina point guard DeVante Jones. I also like the way the Chanticleers stepped up defensively in their last game nipping Texas-Arlington, 63-62, as 5.5-point road 'dogs in their first round Sun Belt Conference Tournament game this past Saturday. The Mountaineers have short revenge, but Coast Carolina certainly isn't going to lack incentive knowing it needs to win this Sun Belt Conference Tourney to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. | |||||||
03-08-20 | North Dakota v. South Dakota UNDER 154.5 | Top | 74-71 | Win | 100 | 15 h 56 m | Show |
South Dakota won both games from North Dakota during the regular season shooting better than 50 percent combined from the floor during the two games. The Coyotes beat North Dakota, 77-67, at home on Feb. 29 and on the road, 82-68, on Feb. 8. It's important to note that the combined total of those two games was 144 and 150 despite South Dakota's hot shooting. Both of those final numbers are less than what this total opened at. I don't expect either team to shoot that well for several reasons. There is going to be a rust factor since neither team has played since that Feb. 29 matchup. This game is at a neutral site in Sioux Falls being the first game of the Summit League Tournament. South Dakota really could be impacted since it relies on its 3-point shooting. North Dakota has had some misleading final scores recently due to overtime games. If you just count regulation, the Fighting Hawks have scored 74 or fewer points in seven of their last eight games. | |||||||
03-08-20 | Raptors -5.5 v. Kings | 118-113 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 40 m | Show | |
Credit to Sacramento for not giving up on trying to make the playoffs. But the Raptors are two levels higher than the Kings and are in a good situational spot even though they are the road team. The Kings are coming off an impressive, 123-111, road victory against the Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Sacramento, however, carries a heavy fatigue rating. Not only are they playing without rest, but this marks their seventh game in 11 days. Toronto has been idle the past two days. The Raptors are 14-2 the last 16 times they've played a below .500 opponent. Serge Ibaka returned to the lineup in the Raptors' last game after being out the last three games with a knee injury. There's a chance the Raptors could get Marc Gasol and Fred VanVleet back for this game. | |||||||
03-08-20 | Pelicans v. Wolves UNDER 247 | 120-107 | Win | 100 | 7 h 12 m | Show | |
I understand defense is not exactly a high priority with these two teams. But a lot has to break right for the Pelicans and Timberwolves to exceed this high Over/Under. New Orleans is playing for the fifth time in eight days. So is Minnesota. The tempo should be slower than usual because of that fatigue factor. The teams just met five days ago and it was a track meet with the Timberwolves pulling off a 139-134 upset road win. Both teams should be prepared for each other following this short turnaround especially the Pelicans in a rapid revenge situation. | |||||||
03-07-20 | Blue Jackets v. Oilers OVER 5.5 | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 9 m | Show | |
The Blue Jackets have gone Over in seven of their last nine games. They have given up 3 or more goals in 11 straight games. The Oilers have scored at least 3 goals in eight of their last 11 games. Leon Draisitl remains hot with 11 points during his last four games. The Over has cashed 10 of the last 13 times the Oilers have hosted the Blue Jackets. | |||||||
03-07-20 | Kings v. Blazers -138 | 123-111 | Loss | -138 | 11 h 5 m | Show | |
This is a crucial game for both teams being 3 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot. I want Portland going for me here being home, having a healthy Damian Lillard and off a bad 127-117 road loss to the Suns on Friday. Portland is a much better home team going 17-13 compared to 11-23 on the road. Lillard should have the rust off this being his third game back from a groin injury. I like Portland's talent level more than Sacramento's with Lillard, CJ McCollum and Hassan Whiteside. The Kings haven't won at Portland since 2012, a string of 12 straight road losses. | |||||||
03-07-20 | Jazz v. Pistons +8.5 | 111-105 | Win | 100 | 8 h 9 m | Show | |
Utah is in a letdown spot and carries a heavy fatigue rating. The Jazz are coming off a huge 99-94 road win against the Celtics last night. Now they are playing their fourth road game in six days. The Jazz have not been good as favorites going 3-11-2 ATS the past 16 times laying points. The Pistons are down Derrick Rose. But they are expected to get back guard Bruce Brown. They acquired Jordan McRae to boost their backcourt and have been getting strong performances recently from guard Brandon Knight and big man Christian Wood. Detroit has been idle the past two days. So the Pistons hold a definite scheduling advantage. | |||||||
03-07-20 | Valparaiso +3.5 v. Missouri State | 89-82 | Win | 100 | 6 h 40 m | Show | |
I'm surprised to see Missouri State favored by this large amount in what I consider to be a pick type matchup. Both teams have been playing well, but I like Valparaiso's momentum. The Crusaders are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games and have won six of their past eight games. Their adrenalin should be pumped after pulling off an upset overtime victory against Loyola on Friday. Valparaiso hosted Missouri State on Feb. 25 and easily won, 89-74. | |||||||
03-07-20 | Penn State -7 v. Northwestern | Top | 69-80 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 16 m | Show |
Penn State needs to get well and Northwestern is the perfect remedy. The Nittany Lions are in a kill mood after losing four of their last five games, including a 79-71 loss to 17th-ranked Michigan State this past Tuesday. Before meeting the Spartans, the Nittany Lions played at Iowa, hosted Rutgers, played at Indana and hosted Illinois. Now they are dropping way down in class. Northwestern has lost 13 of its last 14 games with its one win during this span coming in overtime against Nebraska when the Cornhuskers missed a mind-boggling 22 of 30 free throws. Each of the Wildcats' last six losses have been by eight or more points. Northwestern is on pace to lose its most Big Ten games in 30 years. The Wildcats are 1-8 ATS in their last nine home games, too. The teams met on Feb. 15 and Penn State had no problem handling Northwestern winning, 77-61. | |||||||
03-07-20 | UTEP +3.5 v. Rice | 77-72 | Win | 100 | 5 h 49 m | Show | |
UTEP is playing well winning and covering its last three games. The Miners have held their past three foes to an average of 58 points. I trust their defense more than Rice's defense. The Owls have surrendered at least 68 points in 24 of their last 27 games. The Miners own the best low-post player on the court in Bryson Williams. The teams just met on Feb. 22 at UTEP. The Miners won, 68-62, despite shooting just 39 percent from the field and Williams scoring only 10 points, which is seven below his average. I see UTEP shooting better and Williams have a stronger performance. | |||||||
03-06-20 | Austin Peay v. Murray State -113 | Top | 61-73 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
The teams just met on Feb. 29 and Murray State had no trouble this time putting away an opponent. The Racers buried Austin Peay, 75-61, as 4-point home favorites. So I was expecting this line to open a little higher being on a neutral court in this Ohio Valley Conference Tournament being played in Evansville, Ind. Austin Peay has failed to cover in its last three games. The Governors are 4-9 ATS the last 13 times they were an underdog. Murray State, on the other hand, enters this matchup on a three-game win streak while not allowing more than 63 points during its last five games. | |||||||
03-06-20 | Blazers -2.5 v. Suns | 117-127 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 6 m | Show | |
The Trail Blazers can't afford to lose this game in their quest to make the playoffs. Their journey is made easier with the return of star guard Damian Lillard. Phoenix has dropped four in a row. The Suns are down two key players with third-leading scorer Kelly Oubre sidelined with a knee injury and Deandre Ayton not likely to play because of an ankle injury. That should ensure another strong inside game from rejuvenated Hassan Whiteside. Portland has won the last five it has played the Suns in Phoenix. | |||||||
03-06-20 | Blackhawks v. Red Wings +145 | 1-2 | Win | 145 | 9 h 5 m | Show | |
The Red Wings are getting strong goalie work from Jonathan Bernier and have been idle since Monday. But this handicap is based far more on fading the Blackhawks. It's weird to see the Blackhawks this big of a favorite especially since they are playing without rest having edged the Oilers, 4-3, at home Thursday. The Red Wings nearly beat Chicago in the first meeting between the two teams this season. They led 2-0, but fell, 4-2. This gives the Red Wings revenge incentive and a rare realistic chance to win a home game for their long-suffering fans. | |||||||
03-06-20 | Ohio +2 v. Miami-OH | Top | 67-65 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
Wrong team favored. Ohio buried Miami of Ohio, 77-46, when it hosted the Redhawks on Feb. 8. I don't see anything that has changed now a month later. Miami of Ohio being home doesn't alter that. The Redhawks are 3-7 in their last 10 games, scoring 65 or fewer points in seven of those matchups. They are last in the Mid-American Conference East Division with a 5-12 record. The Bobcats have held eight of their last 10 opponents to 69 points or fewer, while averaging 71.1 points. They are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games. Jason Preston has been hot for the Bobcats scoring at least 18 points in five of his last six games. | |||||||
03-05-20 | Portland v. Santa Clara -7 | Top | 62-76 | Win | 100 | 18 h 1 m | Show |
Portland enters tournament play on one of the worst runs in the nation going 0-14 SU, 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games. The Pilots have scored 65 or fewer points in nine of their last 11 games. Santa Clara averages 75.8 points a game. Santa Clara buried Portland, 85-61, on the road in the first meeting this season on Feb. 1. Santa Clara hosted the Pilots in a rematch on Feb. 29 and just won by five, 73-68. Portland, a bad shooting team, made 10 of 24 from 3-point range and sank 80 percent of its free throws. The Pilots are a 67.5 percent shooting free throw team. Now the stakes are raised with this being a first-round West Coast Conference Tournament game at neutral site Las Vegas. I don't see Portland being able to stay within single digits this time around. | |||||||
03-05-20 | Weber State -4 v. Idaho | 72-64 | Win | 100 | 16 h 37 m | Show | |
Prior to losing to Idaho State, Weber State had scored 83 and 82 points, respectively. The Wildcats average 70 points a game. Idaho averages fewer than 65 points a game. The Vandals' scoring has been down recently, too. They are averaging just 55.2 points during their last four games. The Vandals also have lost and failed to cover in their last five games. I see a class difference that is greater than this point spread. | |||||||
03-05-20 | Illinois State v. Drake UNDER 135 | 65-75 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 31 m | Show | |
The last time these two teams met was on Feb. 22. Illinois State won, 57-53, as 1 1/2-point home 'dogs. Now the teams are facing each other again, but it's in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at a neutral site in St. Louis at a venue known for having a tough shooting backdrop. Drake is averaging just 52 points in its last three games. Illinois State has held its last three foes to an average of 60 points in regulation. This is a defensive-minded conference so I have to believe this one is going to be as low-scoring as the last matchup. | |||||||
03-04-20 | Dayton -3.5 v. Rhode Island | 84-57 | Win | 100 | 13 h 7 m | Show | |
Don't overthink this game. Dayton has won 18 games in a row because the Flyers are the superior team. Led by Obi Toppin, the Flyers are leading the nation in shooting percentage at 52.6 percent. Toppin is averaging nearly 20 points a game while shooting an Atlantic-10 leading 63.2 percent from the floor. Rhode Island has yielded at least 72 points in four of its last five games, losing three of those matchups. The Rams aren't going to be able to stay with Dayton. That was the case in the first meeing, which Dayton won, 81-67, on Feb. 11. It will be the case here, too. | |||||||
03-04-20 | Florida State v. Notre Dame +2.5 | Top | 73-71 | Win | 100 | 13 h 4 m | Show |
I like Notre Dame as a home 'dog in revenge. Florida State nipped the Irish, 85-84, as a 9-point home favorite on Jan. 25. The Seminoles may not be completely recovered from a last-second, 70-69, road loss at Clemson this past Saturday. The Irish need a victory to boost their NCAA Tourney chances. The had won three straight until an 84-73 road loss to Wake Forest on Saturday. Notre Dame has never lost to Florida State at Purcell Pavilion. The Irish give up the fewest turnovers per game and have a huge inside advantage thanks to John Mooney, who is tied with Tim Duncan for the single-season record of 15 double-doubles in ACC competition. This has been a 'dog series, too, with the favorite just 1-5 ATS the last six times. | |||||||
03-04-20 | Thunder -7.5 v. Pistons | 114-107 | Loss | -116 | 7 h 57 m | Show | |
Oklahoma City is in stop-the-pain mode having lost its last two games. Those matchups, though, were against the Bucks and Clippers. Now the Thunder step way down in class to face the battered Pistons. The Pistons no longer have Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson. Blake Griffin is out for the season. Their two best players are Derrick Rose and Christian Wood. Rose isn't likely to play because of an ankle injury while Wood is questionable with a foot injury. So this sets up as a kill spot for the Thunder. The situation also favors Oklahoma City. Detroit is home for the first time since finishing a four-game road trip at Sacramento on Sunday. Detroit is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 home games and 1-8 ATS at home versus foes that have a winning road mark. The Thunder have been one of the top road spread teams covering 22 of their last 29 away games. They are 9-1 ATS, too, the past 10 times when playing without rest and and 9-1 ATS against opponent with a losing home mark. | |||||||
03-03-20 | Sabres v. Jets -150 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 56 m | Show | |
The Jets are 10-3 the past 13 times as a home favorite. I want them going for me returning home after being idle for two days and coming off a tough 3-2 loss to Edmonton on Saturday in which they outshot the Oilers, 41-22. Buffalo is a terrible road team as evidenced by its 14-46 away mark in its past 60 away games. The Sabres' offense is heavily reliant upon Jack Eichel and he's in a scoring slump without a point in his last four games. | |||||||
03-03-20 | Marquette -4 v. DePaul | 68-69 | Loss | -109 | 15 h 38 m | Show | |
In Markus Howard I trust. The senior guard leads the nation in scoring at 27.6 points a game. Marquette desperately needs this game being on the bubble for an NCAA Tourney bid. DePaul can't beat its fellow Big East teams. The Blue Demons are 2-14 in their last 16 conference games. The Golden Eagles have defeated DePaul during the past four meetings. This includes a 76-72 win at Marquette. DePaul shot 50 percent from the floor in that loss, while Marquette managed to hit only 40 percent of its field goals yet still win by four. Look for the Golden Eagles to shoot better this time around and to win by a more comfortable margin. | |||||||
03-03-20 | Cleveland State v. Oakland -7 | Top | 59-80 | Win | 100 | 14 h 9 m | Show |
Oakland is home for this first-round Horizon League Conference Tournament matchup. The Golden Grizzlies are peaking winning five of their last six. Their scoring has increased since star guard Rashad Williams returned from injury 13 games ago. Oakland has scored 68 or more points in each of its last 10 games. Cleveland State averages 64.3 points and ranks 329th in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency ratings. The Vikings are terrible long-rang shooters, which impacts their ability to come from behind. While Oakland is on the upswing, Cleveland State enters the tournament having lost three of its past four. The Vikings are 0-2 to the Golden Grizzlies this season losing by an average of nine points. | |||||||
03-03-20 | Arkansas-Little Rock +3.5 v. Georgia State | 70-89 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 47 m | Show | |
Georgia State is much better at home. Arkansas Little Rock already has clinched the Sun Belt Conference title. Yet this line is out of whack because Arkansas Little Rock still is a much superior team to the Panthers with a big inside edge. Little Rock has been playing with a chip on its shoulder the whole season after being picked to finish 11th in the conference. So the Trojans just aren't going to mail this one it. Georgia State has lost three in a row - all by at least eight points. That's dropped the Panthers to fifth place in the Sun Belt. | |||||||
03-02-20 | Grizzlies +2.5 v. Hawks | 127-88 | Win | 100 | 15 h 44 m | Show | |
The Hawks are getting some love here from the oddsmaker coming off consecutive home double-digit victories against the Nets and Trail Blazers. The key for the Hawks in those victories was their 3-point shooting. Atlanta sank 37 of 81 3-pointers during those two games for 45.6 percent. I don't see the Hawks keeping up that long range accuracy. They rank last in the NBA in 3-point accuracy hitting 33.2 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. The buy sign is back on the Grizzlies after they halted a five-game losing streak coming off break with a monster, 105-88, home win against the Lakers on Saturday. That was LA's lowest scoring total of the season. The Grizzlies don't want to just give that victory back with a loss to the lowly Hawks, who are one of the five-worst teams in the NBA and at least 1 1/2 levels lower than Memphis. | |||||||
03-02-20 | North Carolina A&T -1 v. South Carolina State | Top | 76-65 | Win | 100 | 15 h 4 m | Show |
I have found one college basketball game I like on the Monday board and it comes from the small Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. North Carolina AT&T opened the slightest of favorites against South Carolina State. The Aggies are not a good road team, but they still are superior to South Carolina State. The Aggies rolled past the Bulldogs, 78-63, in the first meeting a month ago despite missing 16 of 19 shots from 3-point range. The Aggies are tied for first in the conference with an 11-3 mark. They are 15-14 overall and have won eight of their last 10. South Carolina State is 11-16 overall and 6-9 in conference. The Aggies hold a huge backcourt edge with Kameron Langley and Ronald Jackson. They have helped the Aggies score 71 or more points in 14 of their last 15 games. I find this a very cheap price to get the much better team. | |||||||
03-02-20 | Blazers +7 v. Magic | 130-107 | Win | 100 | 14 h 13 m | Show | |
The bottom line for me is Orlando is not this many points better than Portland even playing at home and the Trail Blazers missing Damian Lillard. The teams met in Portland on Dec. 20 and the Trail Blazers won, 118-103. Lillard was instrumental in that victory. But even without Lillard, the Trail Blazers should keep this close, if not win, taking on such a limited offensive opponent. Portland outscores Orlando by eight points a game. The Trail Blazers still have the best guard on the court in CJ McCollum. I also would take Hassan Whiteside against any of Orlando's big men right now. Whiteside has been rejuvenated this season leaving Miami. He's produced double-doubles in his last nine games. Orlando doesn't have a strong home-court failing to cover in seven of its last nine games at Amway Center. | |||||||
03-01-20 | Pistons +7.5 v. Kings | Top | 100-106 | Win | 100 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
The Kings just defeated the Grizzlies in Memphis two days ago. That was a big victory for the Kings. Sacramento concluded its four-game road trip going 3-1. Now, though, the Kings could run into an ambush and may also be short-handed. Sacramento may not have its full concentration and motivation returning home to face the lowly Pistons. Sacramento has failed to cover seven of the last 10 times it has been a home favorite. So the Kings are not good in this home favorite role. The Kings could really be in trouble if their two top point guards, De'Aaron Fox and Cory Joseph, both are out. Each is questionable. Fox has been battling an abdominal injury while Joseph has a bruised heel. Detroit has been getting strong contributions lately from youngsters Christian Wood and Brandon Knight along with a steady hand from rejuvenated veteran Derrick Rose. The Pistons are playing loose and had their confidence restored with a 113-111 road win against the Suns on Friday. | |||||||
03-01-20 | 76ers v. Clippers UNDER 219 | 130-136 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 55 m | Show | |
The 76ers and Clippers have plenty of star power. They also are underrated defensive clubs. Philadelphia ranks No. 2 in the NBA in scoring defense giving up 106.5 points. The Clippers rate No. 3 in defensive field goal percentage. The 76ers are down their two best players, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. That greatly reduces not only their offense but tempo, too. Only two teams have played at a slower pace than Philadelphia during its past three games. The Clippers are fully healthy for one of the few times this season. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Patrick Beverley are all excellent defensive players. Note this is an early West Coast start time. That's a plus for the Under, also. | |||||||
03-01-20 | Florida International +5 v. Charlotte | Top | 67-52 | Win | 100 | 5 h 9 m | Show |
This should be a closely contested game as these two teams are nearly even in the Conference USA standings and playing for tournament seeding. Florida International outscores Charlotte by nearly eight points a game and forces the most turnovers in Conference USA. Turning the ball over is a weakness for Charlotte. The 49ers have scored fewer than 69 points in four of their last six games and are going to have problems scoring inside facing the Panthers' ace shot blocker Osasumwen Osaghae. I also like the Panthers having revenge motivation for a blowout loss suffered to the 49ers on Jan. 25. | |||||||
02-29-20 | Stars +124 v. Blues | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 57 m | Show | |
I'll take a plus price with the Stars in revenge mode for a 5-1 home loss to the Blues on Feb. 21. Dallas is 10-4 the last 14 times as a road 'dog and 18-7 the past 25 times when facing an above .500 opponent. The Blues, by contrast, are 4-10 versus opponents with a winning mark. | |||||||
02-29-20 | Nets +7 v. Heat | 113-116 | Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show | |
Miami received a much needed win beating the Mavericks, 126-118, last night. The Nets also played last night and were humiliated in the fourth quarter by the Hawks losing, 141-118, on the road. That was the most points the Nets had surrendered in three years. I'm expecting a much stronger and focused effort from the Nets, who even with that loss still yield just two fewer points per game than Miami. The Heat are a bit fat and happy after that victory. Miami hasn't been playing well just 3-7 SU and ATS in its last 10 games. The Heat are 1-6 ATS the past seven times following a point spread cover. Brooklyn is 5-2 ATS the past seven times following a victory. The Nets have covered in four of their last five games against the Heat, including both meeting this season winning, 117-113, at home on Jan. 10 and falling, 109-106, as 4 1/2-point home 'dogs. Kyrie Irving didn't play in either of those games. | |||||||
02-29-20 | Canucks v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5 | 2-4 | Loss | -128 | 3 h 20 m | Show | |
The Canucks have gone Over eight of the last nine times they've gone against an Eastern Conference foe. Look for that pattern to continue. Vancouver has yielded an average of four goals per game during its last five games. The Maple Leafs are averaging four goals a game in their last four contests. The Over has cashed seven of the last 10 times the Maple Leafs have met a Western Conference foe. | |||||||
02-29-20 | Wyoming v. Fresno State OVER 127 | Top | 55-63 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 47 m | Show |
Both offenses have picked up since Fresno State won the first meeting, 65-50, on Jan. 18. The Bulldogs have scored 70 or more points in six of their last eight games. They also have given up 71 points or more in seven of their past 10 games. Wyoming has produced 68 or more points in four of its past five games. The Cowboys have picked up their pace averaging six more possessions per game during their last seven matchups. | |||||||
02-29-20 | Oakland +3.5 v. Illinois-Chicago | 68-66 | Win | 100 | 9 h 25 m | Show | |
I see Oakland scoring enough points to produce an outright upset. The Golden Grizzlies have produced 70 or more points in eight of their last nine games. The lone exception was scoring 68 points in their last game. Illinois-Chicago averages fewer than 69 points a game. This has been a road team series with the visitor covering four of the last five times. | |||||||
02-29-20 | George Washington +12.5 v. VCU | 51-75 | Loss | -108 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
Considering VCU is likely to be withou guard Marcus Evans for a second straight game and has been playing horrible, I see this line being vastly inflated. The Rams have lost and failed to cover in their last five games. Evans, the Rams' third-leading scorer and top assists guy, is dealing with a knee injury. It's hard to cover a large margin against George Washington because the Colonials play at a very slow tempo. The Colonials haven't lost by more than 12 points in 12 of their last 15 games. | |||||||
02-28-20 | Washington State +10 v. Washington | 78-74 | Win | 100 | 16 h 60 m | Show | |
I'm hoping point guard Isaac Bonton will be able to play for Washington State. He's questionable with a hip injury. But the Cougars still have a tremendous all-around player in CJ Elleby. I don't believe Washington is this many points better than Washington State so I'm on the Cougars regardless of Bonton's status. Washington State defeated the Huskies, 79-67, on Feb. 9 behind Elleby's 34 points. The Huskies have been one of the worst ATS teams since Christmas failing to cover in 13 of their last 16 games. The talent gap between these two teams doesn't merit this high of a point spread in my view. | |||||||
02-28-20 | Nets -2 v. Hawks | Top | 118-141 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 39 m | Show |
The Nets have dominated the Hawks this season winning and covering all three meetings. Brooklyn's winning margin against Atlanta this season is 13 points. Brooklyn is trying to hold on to the No. 7 seed in the East. This is important since the 8th seed would face the Bucks in the first round. The Nets are in stop-the-pain mode having lost two in a row. The Nets are a better team than the Hawks and should be fully focused knowing their next two games are on the road against the Heat and Celtics, which loom as likely losses. I would suggest locking in now if you can because the line would skyrocket up if Trae Young can't play. He's been battling an illness and didn't practice Thursday. | |||||||
02-28-20 | Wild v. Blue Jackets -124 | Top | 5-0 | Loss | -124 | 15 h 59 m | Show |
These two teams just met on Tuesday in Minnesota. The Blue Jackets were playing for the eighth time in 13 days. The Wild edged them, 5-4. Now the fatigue situation is reversed. Columbus has been idle the past two days. Minnesota just played last night rolling past the Red Wings. This marks the Wild's third game in four days and fourth matchup in six days. The Wild's track record in these spots is very bad - 2-8 the past 10 times on zero rest and 2-11 the last 13 times when playing in a 3-in-4 situation. They also have a losing record on the road. This is a crucial home matchup for the Blue Jackets, who hold a narrow two-point lead over the Hurricanes and Rangers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. | |||||||
02-27-20 | Arizona State +4 v. UCLA | Top | 72-75 | Win | 100 | 16 h 18 m | Show |
Arizona State romped past UCLA, 84-66, at home as six-point favorites three weeks ago. The Bruins have gone 5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS since then. But Arizona State also has been playing well winning its past seven games. So I have to get involved taking these points. The Sun Devils can hold their own inside against the Bruins and have top-notch guards in Remy Martin and Alonzo Verge Jr. They both average more than 20 points a game. Martin ranks second in the Pac-12 in scoring while also averaging four assists a game and 1.6 steals. | |||||||
02-27-20 | Texas-San Antonio +4 v. Florida Atlantic | 71-80 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 0 m | Show | |
Texas-San Antonio is the 23rd-highest scoring team in the nation. The Roadrunners average eight more points per game than Florida Atlantic. They have a big backcourt edge with Jhivvan Jackson and Keaton Wallace, who average a combined 47 points per game. The Roadrunners have scored 77 or more points in 10 of their last 13 games. I don't see Florida Atlantic producing enough points to cover let alone win the game. The Owls have not been playing well losing and failing to cover in four of their last five games. | |||||||
02-27-20 | Delaware +4 v. College of Charleston | 71-80 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 5 m | Show | |
Delaware has won eight of its last 10 games, while Collge of Charleston is at low ebb losing and failing to cover in its last four games. The Cougars are averaging just 58.5 points during these past four games. The Blue Hens, on the other hand, have produced 76 or more points in six of their last eight games. | |||||||
02-26-20 | Oilers v. Golden Knights -1.5 | 0-3 | Win | 120 | 13 h 15 m | Show | |
Las Vegas is playing its best hockey on a six-game win streak. The Golden Knights should be well-rested, too, having been idle since Sunday. Edmonton, though, is coming off a road overtime loss to the Ducks last night. Because it's their second game in two nights, the Oilers are expected to start backup goalie Mikko Koskinen. He has less than sterling credentials with an .899 save percentage and 3.28 GAA in his last four games. | |||||||
02-26-20 | New Mexico v. Air Force -2 | 58-60 | Push | 0 | 12 h 13 m | Show | |
New Mexico hasn't been the same since Carlton Bragg was booted off the team in mid-January. Bragg provided the Lobos an inside force being their best rebounder and top field goal percentage shooter. The Lobos' roster has been in flux since then. The results have showed that as New Mexico is 1-7 in its last eight games and has lost four in a row. The Lobos have yet to win on the road without Bragg going 0-7 SU, 1-6 ATS. This has been a home team series with the host covering 11 of the last 15 times. That's the way I see this matchup going, too, with Air Force winning. The Falcons are a far superior 3-point shooting team and won't lack motivation. Not only are the Falcons coming off an embarrassing 78-72 home loss to Wyoming in which they were favored by 8 1/2-points, but this is the final home game for five of their seniors. | |||||||
02-26-20 | Magic -129 v. Hawks | 130-120 | Win | 100 | 15 h 42 m | Show | |
The Magic are at their best versus sub .500 teams covering 10 of the past 13 times against them. This includes a 115-113 road win against the Nets this past Monday when Orlando rallied from 19 points down in the third quarter. That win pulled the Magic within 1 1/2 games of Brooklyn for the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Orlando certainly doesn't want to give back that progress with a loss to the lowly Hawks. The Hawks can be pesky versus good teams, but are just 7-16-1 ATS the past 24 times taking on opponents with a losing mark. The Magic surrender 14 points less per game than Atlanta. Orlando's top-ranked defense has the capability of frustrating John Collins, Trae Young and De'Andre Hunter. | |||||||
02-26-20 | Bradley -3 v. Illinois State | Top | 74-71 | Push | 0 | 17 h 17 m | Show |
Bradley buried Illinois State, 75-63, as 8 1/2-point favorites on Jan. 22. The Braves accomplished that despite not having their two top scorers, Elijah Childs and Darrell Brown. Both are back for the Braves. It was the fourth straight time Bradley has defeated Illinois State. Illinois State plays better at home and is the host team. However, the Braves are the superior team and the spot sets up well for them. Illinois State is off an upset home win against Drake in their Senior Day game. The Redbirds are fat and happy after that win. They also are locked into the No. 9 seed for the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, which opens next week. Bradley still has a shot at being as high as a No. 2 seed. The Braves rank 27th in the nation in defensive field goal percentage. Illinois State ranks last in the MVC in assist-to-turnover ratio and is ninth in the conference in scoring at 65.8 points. So not only is Bradley much better, but the situation is ripe, too, for the Braves. Considering this, I believe this line is way too short as I expect the Braves to win by double-digits again. | |||||||
02-25-20 | Panthers v. Coyotes -124 | 2-1 | Loss | -124 | 4 h 17 m | Show | |
The Coyotes draw the Panthers at the end of their five-game, nine-day road trip. Arizona has been idle the past two days after posting an impressive home victory against Tampa Bay. The Coyotes are 10-1 the past 11 times on two days rest. The teams met last month and the Coyotes beat the Panthers, 5-2, in Florida. The Panthers are 0-5 the past five times they've been underdogs and are 1-5 during their last six visits to Arizona. | |||||||
02-25-20 | Thunder -6.5 v. Bulls | Top | 124-122 | Loss | -109 | 19 h 41 m | Show |
Considering the Bulls' massive amount of injuries, I would rate the Thunder three levels higher than Chicago. So I don't mind laying these road points. Oklahoma City has been a top road team covering 22 of its last 27 away games for 81 percent. The Thunder have covered their last 13 away games! This is the Thunder's first road matchup since the All-Star break. The Thunder have looked great coming off break beating the Nuggets, 113-101, and Spurs, 131-103. They are 3 1/2 games out of being the No. 3 playoff seed in the West. Chicago is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games. The Bulls still are far from healthy being without Lauri Markkanen, Otto Porter Jr., Wendell Carter Jr., Kris Dunn and Denzel Valentine. They are extremely thin up front. Zach LaVine and promising rookie Cody White are it for the Bulls right now. The Thunder have a deep rotation, including three very good guards. Oklahoma City is 20-6 ATS the past 26 times versus sub .500 foes. The Bulls have covered only 31 percent of their last 58 home games. | |||||||
02-25-20 | Flames v. Bruins UNDER 6 | 5-2 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
Look for the Bruins to play with a great deal of defensive intensity at home after giving up nine goals to the Canucks on the road in their last game three days ago. Before that game, Boston had allowed just 17 goals in its past 12 games. Both teams have been active on the trade market so the various lines may not be in full sync yet. Boston played at Calgary this past Friday and won, 4-3. However, only one goal was scored during the second and third periods combined as the defensives figured things out. | |||||||
02-25-20 | Ole Miss +8.5 v. Auburn | 58-67 | Loss | -109 | 14 h 56 m | Show | |
These teams met in late January and Auburn nipped Mississippi, 83-82, in double overtime. A takeaway from that game is that Rebels star senior guard Breein Tyree scored only six points. Tyree leads the SEC in scoring at 20.6 points. He has been hot during his last six games making 56 of 107 shots from the floor for 52.3 percent. The Rebels have scored 68 or more points in five of their last six games sparked by Tyree. I expect Tyree to play much better this time around against Auburn and for the Rebels to get the cover. Auburn is just 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games. The Tigers had to rally from 17 points down in the second half to beat Tennessee, 73-66, this past Saturday covering as six-point home favorites. The Tigers managed to eke out a cover by making two free throws with eight seconds left. If Auburn didn't cover in that matchup it would have the Tigers' fifth straight non-cover. | |||||||
02-24-20 | Oklahoma State +15.5 v. Kansas | 58-83 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 34 m | Show | |
The combination of Oklahoma State playing well and Kansas in a letdown spot after knocking off top-ranked Baylor, 64-61, on Saturday puts me on the Cowboys. Oklahoma State has looked sharp especially this past Saturday when the Cowboys rolled past Oklahoma, 83-66. Better backcourt production has been instrumental for the Cowboys and can help them hang in against the Jayhawks at this large point spread. The Cowboys have scored 70 or more points in four of their last six games. | |||||||
02-24-20 | Magic +3.5 v. Nets | Top | 115-113 | Win | 100 | 15 h 18 m | Show |
Brooklyn is 8-4 in its last 12 games. Orlando is 3-9 in its past 12 games. Note, though, that half of the Nets' victories during this 12-game span were against below .500 foes. The Magic have played a far tougher schedule during their last 12 games drawing the Thunder, Heat twice, Celtics, Bucks, Clippers and Mavericks. The Magic have struggled versus elite teams, but are 8-3 SU and ATS the past 11 times when meeting below .500 foes. This includes a 101-89 home win against the Nets on Jan. 6. Orlando gives up five fewer points than Brooklyn. The Magic have been idle the past three days. This is a huge game for the Magic as they trail the Nets by 2 1/2 games for the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. That's important because the 8th seed would draw the Bucks in the first round. | |||||||
02-23-20 | Pistons v. Blazers -4.5 | Top | 104-107 | Loss | -106 | 16 h 12 m | Show |
I don't want to minimize Portland not having Damian Lillard here. It's a big loss. But Detroit has nothing anymore. The Pistons have gotten rid of Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson and Markieff Morris. The Pistons have lost five in a row. I can't see them being competitive on the road against a borderline Western Conference playoff team that has motivation. The Trail Blazers can't afford to take the Pistons lightly. And they won't minus Lillard and being 3 1/2 games back of the final playoff spot in the West. Even minus Lillard, the Trail Blazers still have the three best players on the court in CJ McCollum, Hassan Whiteside and Carmelo Anthony. Portland is a top-eight scoring team that averages nearly 114 points. Detroit has no firepower anymore. The Pistons are averaging 96.6 points during regulation in their last five games. | |||||||
02-23-20 | Wizards v. Bulls | 117-126 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 7 m | Show | |
Decimated by injuries, the Bulls have lost eight straight games. They are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games. Minus Lauri Markkanen, Otto Porter Jr., Wendell Carter Jr., Kris Dunn. Denzel Valentine and Luke Kornet the Bulls committed a season-worst 26 turnovers in a 112-104 home loss to the Suns on Saturday. Zach LaVine is Chicago's only legitimate NBA starter. The Wizards had some momentum going 5-2 in their last seven games before All-Star break. However, the Wizards' shooting was off and their rust showed on Friday in their first game back from break. They lost, 113-108, at home to the Cavaliers. Washington should shoot better than the 38.7 percent it did against Cleveland. The Wizards have a better lineup and bench than the banged-up Bulls with their YMCA roster. The teams just met 12 days ago and the Wizards won, 126-114, as 3-point home favorites. | |||||||
02-23-20 | Wolves +14 v. Nuggets | 116-128 | Win | 100 | 13 h 1 m | Show | |
It's taken nearly all season, but the Nuggets finally have gotten healthy. Short-term, though, that may not be such a huge plus as the team has to integrated again and role players have to readjust. The Timberwolves are thin up front without Karl-Anthony Towns. But their morale is better with D'Angelo Russell on board and Andrew Wiggins gone. Former Nugget Malik Beasley has looked good for Minnesota since coming from Denver on Feb. 5. He knows his old team so his presence should be an added plus. The Nuggets are not good in this role going 3-9-1 ATS the past 13 times versus opponents with a below .400 winning percentage. The Timberwolves have lost the first three games of the series to Denver, but only by an average margin of six points. None of their defeats were by more than nine points. | |||||||
02-23-20 | Blackhawks v. Stars -1.5 | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 2 h 26 m | Show | |
The Blackhawks are 2-7 in their last nine games and don't have a realistic shot at the playoffs. They take to the road fat and happy, though, after beating the Predators, 2-1, at home on Friday. Chicago is 6-21 the past 27 times when playing on one day's rest. Chicago draws an angry Dallas team coming off a 5-1 loss to the Blues. | |||||||
02-23-20 | Wichita State +4 v. Cincinnati | 64-67 | Win | 100 | 4 h 46 m | Show | |
Wichita State is back on track after getting embarrassed at Houston winning three in a row by an average of 17.3 points. The Shockers rank 37th defensively and have held their last three opponents - Central Florida, Tulane and South Florida - to 58 points or fewer. This is a big revenge spot for the Shockers and they now have their swagger and confidence restored. The Bearcats nipped Wichita State, 80-79, on Feb. 6 when Jarron Cumberland converted a three-point play with 3.5 seconds left. Cumberland is the Bearcats' best player, but is in a shooting slump making just 12 of 45 shots during his last four games. Cincinnati has been winning, but not covering margins. The Bearcats are 1-5 ATS in their last six games. They've played four straight overtime games so they could have tired legs. Sunday Free Play Wisconsin minus 4 1/2 hosting Rutgers Wisconsin is another one of those Big Ten teams that is much better at home. The timing works here to back the Badgers. Rutgers is at low ebb. The Scarlet Knights are 2-4 this month. They also are a bit shell shocked having just lost for the first time in 18 games at home falling to Michigan, 60-52, this past Wednesday. Rutgers shot just 34.9 percent from the floor in that loss. The Badgers have held opponents below 40 percent from the field in five of their last six games. Wisconsin is 12-1 at home this season. Rutgers has lost its past five road/neutral court games. Like the Badgers, the Scarlet Knights are a far better home team. Wisconsin has revenge motivation, too. Rutgers defeated the Badgers, 72-65, in Piscataway on Dec. 11. The Scarlet Knights took advantage of the Badgers not having Micah Potter, their leading rebounder, to outrebound Wisconsin, 40-26. Rutgers has never swept a season series for Wisconsin. I don't see the Scarlet Knights putting a halt to that streak. | |||||||
02-22-20 | Avalanche v. Kings OVER 6 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 36 m | Show | |
The Kings are going with youth and playing a more wide open style. That was evident in their last game, a 5-4 home win against the Panthers on Thursday. LA has scored an average of four goals in its last 4 games. LA, though, has given up 3 or more goals in 12 of its last 14 games.Colorado is banged-up, but leads the NHL in goals per game with one of the top lines in hockey. | |||||||
02-22-20 | Fresno State v. Nevada -6.5 | Top | 76-78 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 25 m | Show |
Nevada-Reno should keep rolling. The Wolf Pack have won four in a row. Their scoring has taken off as the Wolf Pack have produced 86 or more points in six of their last eight games. The Wolf Pack own a strong home-court edge, too, winning 19 straight Mountain West home contests. They are 11-2 at home this season. Fresno State isn't playing nearly as well, isn't as good as Nevada and is a poor road team. The Bulldogs beat Air Force at home in their last game. However, they were 1-3 in their previous four games before that with the lone victory coming in overtime against a pathetic San Jose State squad. The Bulldogs are 4-9 on the road. They don't have the firepower to hang with the Wolf Pack, who are averaging 77.5 points and rank 12th in the nation in 3-point shooting. | |||||||
02-22-20 | Southern Utah v. Weber State +3 | 71-82 | Win | 100 | 13 h 55 m | Show | |
Weber State beat Southern Utah, 75-65, as an 8 1/2-point road 'dog on Jan. 30. Southern Utah has lost three in a row, all on the road going 1-2 ATS. Weber State has the best player on the court in guard Jerrick Harding, who is averaging 22.5 points. The Wildcats are the better long-range shooting team and are home. They should not be underdogs. | |||||||
02-22-20 | Suns -126 v. Bulls | 112-104 | Win | 100 | 9 h 1 m | Show | |
Subtract Lauri Markkanen, Otto Porter Jr., Wendell Carter Jr., Kris Dunn and Denzel Valentine and the Bulls are in the argument for worst team in the Eastern Conference if not the entire NBA. The battered Bulls have dropped seven in a row the latest come at home to the lowly Hornets, 103-93, two days ago. Now comes the Suns, who are better than the Hornets. Analyzing this matchup I'll call Devin Booker versus Zach LaVine even. But the Suns hold talent edges at all the other spots especially with Deandre Ayton and Ricky Rubio. While the Bulls remain seriously undermanned, the Suns have gotten healthy with Dario Saric and Aron Baynes returning to the lineup. The Suns do well in these spots covering 15 of the last 22 times on the road when meeting a foe with a losing home mark. The Bulls have covered only 30 percent of their last 56 home games. | |||||||
02-22-20 | Sharks v. Rangers UNDER 6.5 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 3 h 14 m | Show | |
The Rangers haven't allowed more than 3 goals during their last nine games. The Sharks are down a lot of firepower with Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl and offensive-minded defenseman Erik Karlsson all out. San Jose does posses the No. 1 penalty-killing unit in the NHL, though. | |||||||
02-22-20 | UAB +3.5 v. Florida Atlantic | 58-65 | Loss | -118 | 11 h 59 m | Show | |
Alabama-Birmingham holds foes to fewer than 65 points a game. Florida Atlantic is going to have trouble putting up points and holding its own on the glass against the Blazers. The Owls have lost and failed to cover in their last four games. They are averaging just 60.7 points during this span. Only once in their last nine games have the Owls scored more than 69 points and that was against Marshall, which ranks 262nd defensively. | |||||||
02-22-20 | Georgia State v. Texas State UNDER 144 | 76-86 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 57 m | Show | |
Georgia State has held three of its last four opponents under 70 points. The Panthers rank 32nd in the nation in defensive field goal percentage and are first in the Sun Belt Conference in that category. Texas State forces a lot of turnovers, which is a Georgia State weakness, and has been playing outstanding defense holding its last 12 opponents to fewer than 67 points. The Bobcats should approach this matchup with extra intensity as they lost, 81-69, to Georgia State in the first meeting. That was back on Dec. 21. Texas State is far better defensively now than it was back then. | |||||||
02-22-20 | Massachusetts -125 v. Fordham | 57-49 | Win | 100 | 8 h 54 m | Show | |
UMass isn't a great scoring team, but till averages 12 more points per game than Fordham. The Rams are one of the worst scoring teams in the nation averaging 57.1 points. They haven't reached 60 points in their last eight games. Fordham is averaging 52.2 points in its past five games. The Rams are 1-12 in their last 13 games. | |||||||
02-21-20 | Grizzlies +11.5 v. Lakers | 105-117 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 1 m | Show | |
If you're going to play without rest the best time to do it is following a week long layoff. Memphis is 5-0 ATS the past five times when playing on the second of consecutive days and should even hold an edge on the Lakers because of it. The Grizzlies lost to the Kings on the road last night. The Grizzlies are adjusted to West Coast time now and should have the rust off. The Lakers, on the other hand, haven't played in nine days. The last time the Lakers played with more than five days rest was on Jan. 31 and they lost, 127-119, to the Trail Blazers as 13-point home favorites. LA also has a marquee look-ahead matchup hosting the Celtics on national television Sunday. The Grizzlies have been red-hot even with their loss to the Kings Thursday night winning 15 of their last 20 games, while going 14-6 ATS. | |||||||
02-21-20 | Predators -120 v. Blackhawks | 1-2 | Loss | -120 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
The Blackhawks are fade material as they look to rebuild and deal with trade rumors as the trade deadline nears. Chicago is 1-7 in its last eight games. The Blackhawks have dropped their past three home games with the latest being, 6-3, to the Rangers two days ago. After this matchup, the Blackhawks face road games against the Stars, Blues and Lightning. So they know the playoffs are not going to be reached. The Predators should be pumped as defenseman Ryan Ellis could make his return to the lineup. He's been out with a head injury. Nashville is 5-2 in its last seven road games. The Predators can take advantage of a Blackhawks defense that is giving up an average of 4.3 goals in their last six games and last-ranked power play unit that has failed to score in its last six games spanning 17 chances. | |||||||
02-21-20 | Celtics -6.5 v. Wolves | Top | 127-117 | Win | 100 | 19 h 60 m | Show |
Boston comes out of the All-Star break winning eight of its last nine. Minnesota is 1-15 in its last 16 games and lost 115-108 at home to the Hornets nine days ago the last time it took the floor. The Celtics won't have Kemba Walker. They will Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward along with a much strong bench than the Timberwolves. Brad Stevens versus Ryan Saunders is a monster coaching mismatch. The Timberwolves will be minus Karl-Anthony Towns. That leaves them D'Angelo Russell, who is learning the Timberwolves' system, and a bunch of garbage, including a very thin front line. This is the first of a four-game road swing for Boston. The Celtics face the Lakers, Trail Blazers and Jazz after this matchup. Stevens knows the Celtics can't screw up this first leg of the road trip. Boston is 5-1-1 ATS the past seven times when playing on three or more days rest. Minnesota is 4-10 ATS the last 14 times in similar situations. The Celtics also have won and covered the past six times they've met the Timberwolves. | |||||||
02-21-20 | Pacers -5.5 v. Knicks | 106-98 | Win | 100 | 17 h 12 m | Show | |
This line opened short. The Pacers are back on track after knocking off the Bucks in their final game before the All-Star break. TJ Warren may not play for Indiana, but the Pacers still hold a major talent edge with a now-healthy Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. The Pacers won't lack motivation as they are in revenge mode for a 92-85 home loss suffered to the Knicks on Feb. 1 when they weren't playing well. Indiana has covered in seven of its past nine away matchups. The Knicks are in total rebuild mode and team chemistry was shaken when word leaked that interim coach Mike Miller isn't going to be back even though Miller has been a huge improvement on David Fizdale. | |||||||
02-21-20 | Green Bay v. Detroit UNDER 166.5 | 84-67 | Win | 100 | 11 h 54 m | Show | |
This is the largest total of the season for Detroit and I don't see it. If you discount an 86-point performance versus Wright State, the Titans are averaging 67.4 points in their last five games. The Titans have been playing better defense, too, giving up 77 or fewer points in five of their last seven games. Green Bay can be erratic with its scoring. Just two games ago, the Phoenix scored only 58 points on the road against Illinois-Chicago. There were 163 points scored in the first meeting with Green Bay nipping Detroit, 83-80, on Jan. 18. The teams combined to make 34 of 42 free throws for 81 percent. Both are excellent shooting free throw shooting teams, but not that good. | |||||||
02-20-20 | Murray State -4 v. Eastern Illinois | Top | 60-63 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 47 m | Show |
Eastern Illinois had won four in a row when it played on the road against Murray State on Jan. 30. Murray State beat the Panthers for the fifth straight time, 73-70. Since that loss, Eastern Illinois has gone 1-4 SU and ATS. The Panthers are not playing well like they were at the end of last month. Murray State is 13-2 in its last 15 games. The Racers are tied with Austin Peay on top of the Ohio Valley Conference. They are clearly better than Eastern Illinois, which is 5-9 in conference and has a losing overall record. The Panthers have failed to cover in their last four home games. The superiority of Murray State is illustrated by the KenPom ratings, which have the Racers ranked 153rd in offensive efficiency and 141st in defensive efficiency compared to Eastern Illinois, which is rated 242nd in offensive efficiency and 249th in defensive efficiency. | |||||||
02-20-20 | Hornets +5.5 v. Bulls | 103-93 | Win | 100 | 18 h 28 m | Show | |
Perhaps you think the Bulls are better than Charlotte? They aren't. Chicago is 19-36. Charlotte is 18-36. The Hornets are 2-1 versus the Bulls this season with their lone defeat coming by one point. Charlotte covered all three games versus the Bulls and is on a five-game ATS run against Chicago going back to last season. The Bulls would be superior to the Hornets if they were fully healthy. That's not the case, though. Center Wendell Carter Jr. is the only key injured Bull set to return today. Lauri Markkanen, Otto Porter Jr. and Kris Dunn all remain sidelined. Take away those players and Charlotte has the better roster. Zach LaVine gives Chicago the best player on the court. After that, however, the Hornets have Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington and emerging star Devonte' Graham, who is quietly averaging 18.1 points and 7.8 assists per game. Carter last played on Jan. 6 so he figures to be rusty and could be on a minutes restriction. Note the Bulls held LaVine to 4-of-19 shooting from the floor when the teams last played with Charlotte winning, 83-73, on Dec. 13 in Chicago. Charlotte comes out of the break having posted consecutive road victories against the Pistons and Timberwolves. Graham is playing his best ball of the season. The Bulls, on the other hand, have dropped six in a row. Among these losses were by 15 points to the Nets and by 12 points to the Wizards. Chicago isn't a strong home team especially versus weaker foes where they are 9-24 ATS the past 33 times hosting sub .500 opponents. | |||||||
02-20-20 | Jets -118 v. Senators | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 7 h 35 m | Show | |
The Jets got better and the Senators got worse with Winnipeg picking up defenseman Dylan DeMelo from Ottawa. The trade happened just two days ago. DeMelo is eager to make an impact against his old team and the timing is right. Winnipeg has been strong as a road favorite winning 23 of the last 34 times in that role. Ottawa is 4-11 in its last 15 home contests. The Senators have given up at least three goals in seven of their last eight games. | |||||||
02-19-20 | California v. Washington State -5.5 | 66-57 | Loss | -105 | 17 h 0 m | Show | |
Washington State is a mediocre Pac-12 team. But that's good enough to cover this margin at home against California, which is 0-10 on the road. The Golden Bears have lost four in a row and lack the size and talent to take advantage of Washington State inside. The Cougars are 11-3 at home, including going 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six home games. They have been up-and-down but own victories against UCLA, Arizona State, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State. I like the Cougars to cover this spread even if guard Issac Bonton has to miss a second straight game with a leg injury. He missed the Cougars' last game this past Saturday. Washington State lost 70-51 to USC in that matchup. That game, though, was at USC and Bonton's freshmen replacements will be better prepared if called upon. The Cougars still have CJ Elleby, who is averaging 18.7 points and 7.5 rebounds, to give them the best player on the court. | |||||||
02-19-20 | Coyotes v. Stars -155 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 55 m | Show | |
You have to go back to 2012 to find the last time Arizona won in Dallas. The Coyotes are 1-9-1 in their past 11 games against the Stars, including losing 4-2 at home on Dec. 29. I don't see that pattern changing in this matchup. The Coyotes go to Dallas fat and happy riding a two-game winning streak with home victories against the Capitals and 2-1 over the Islanders this past Monday. The Stars are 6-1-2 this month, but coming off a 4-3 road loss to the Senators from Sunday. That was Dallas' fourth game in six days. The Stars are home now and have had two days to rest up following that defeat. Wednesday Free Play Rangers plus $1.17 at Blackhawks Face it Chicago it's not going to happen. The Blackhawks aren't going to make the playoffs. Not after going 1-6 in their last seven games. The Blackhawks return home for the first time in two weeks. They are 0-2 in their previous two home games. Chicago hosts the Predators after this matchup followed by road matchups against the Stars, Blues and Lightning. So deep down inside if they are being honest, the Blackhawks have to realize that their just completed 1-4 road swing just about destroyed their forlorn playoff hopes. The Rangers are in desperate need of a victory here, too, as they are outside the playoff picture. Unlike the Blackhawks, though, the Rangers have shown life winning four of their last five games. The lone loss came to the hot Bruins, 3-1, at home this past Sunday. This gives the Rangers amble time to regroup. New York has won its last five road games. The Rangers have been getting outstanding goalie play from Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev. Those two have made Henrik Lundqvist almost an afterthought. The Rangers are giving up just 1.8 goals in their last five games. Only once in their last 10 games have they surrendered more than three goals. The Blackhawks rank last in the NHL in power play percentage. They were 0-for-14 in their power play opportunities during their just conclued five-game road trip. Chicago is allowing an average of four goals per game during their last five contests. | |||||||
02-19-20 | Valparaiso v. Drake -4 | Top | 75-77 | Loss | -102 | 15 h 21 m | Show |
Drake has a size advantage with 7-footer Liam Robinson and is a very strong 13-1 at home. Valparaiso is just 4-8 on the road. The Crusaders, however, nipped Illinois State, 65-62, on the road in their last game this past Saturday for their second straight victory. Valparaiso hasn't won three Missouri Valley Conference games in a row all season. The Crusaders are averaging 59.7 points in their last four games. Drake has scored a minium of 71 points in six of its last eight games. | |||||||
02-18-20 | Nevada -1.5 v. New Mexico | Top | 88-74 | Win | 100 | 17 h 7 m | Show |
If you toss out a 73-64 road loss to Boise State, Nevada is averaging 89.6 points during its last six games. New Mexico has surrendered 78 or more points in eight of its last 10 games and five of its past six games. The Wolfpack have a backcourt edge with Jalen Harris and Jazz Johnson. Nevada forces a lot of turnovers and New Mexico commits a lot of turnovers. New Mexico lost its low post edge when double/double machine Carlton Bragg was dismissed from the team in mid-January. The Lobos didn't have Bragg when they were slaughtered by Nevada, 96-74, in Reno on Jan. 25. The Wolfpack are ascending while the Lobos are going downhill. New Mexico is 1-5 SU, 2-4 ATS in its last six games. The Wolfpack have won three in a row while covering seven of their last eight. | |||||||
02-17-20 | Iowa State v. Kansas -16 | Top | 71-91 | Win | 100 | 17 h 3 m | Show |
Iowa State is real down this season. Poor play on the road and the loss of star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season are factors the Cyclonces can't overcome. The Cyclones are 0-8 SU, 2-6 ATS in true road games. In their last two road games, they lost by 29 at Oklahoma and by 15 at West Virginia. By comparison, Kansas just trounced Oklahoma by 17 points at home this past Saturday and two games ago defeated West Virginia on the road by nine points. That's a good current comparison showing the difference between Iowa State and Kansas and why I feel confident laying this many points with the Jayhawks. Kansas destroyed Iowa State, 79-53, on the road in the first meeting between the teams, too. The Jayhawks are 10-0 SU, 7-3 ATS since losing to Baylor. They trail the Bears by one game for first place in the Big 12 with six games left to play. So I'm not expecting a letup from Kansas especially after Iowa State beat Kansas in the Big 12 Conference Tournament last season. If there's a letdown it probably would come from Iowa State as the Cyclones are coming off an 81-52 home win against Texas from Saturday. | |||||||
02-17-20 | Capitals +120 v. Golden Knights | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 26 m | Show | |
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02-16-20 | Utah +12.5 v. Oregon | 62-80 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 34 m | Show | |
Utah can bother Oregon enough with its slow, grind-down style to get the cover. The Ducks are coming off a huge 68-60 home victory against then 15th-ranked Colorado from this past Thursday to pull even with the Buffaloes in the loss column on top of the Pac-12 standings. I don't believe Oregon will have the super motivation it had against Colorado since this is a less important matchup. The Ducks can't be blamed for taking the Utes a bit lightly after Utah lost, 71-51, at Oregon State on Thursday. That was a season low in points for the Utes. The Ducks haven't been covering big spreads. Just once in their last 10 games have they won by more than nine points. Utah hung tough at home in the first meeting against the Ducks this season, losing 69-64 on Jan. 4. | |||||||
02-16-20 | Memphis +4 v. Connecticut | Top | 61-64 | Win | 100 | 12 h 56 m | Show |
I'm often attracted to the better team receiving points. That's the case here. Memphis is 17-7 and defeated Connecticut, 70-63, at home on Feb. 1. It was the Tigers' fourth straight victory against the Huskies. Despite their excellent record, Memphis has had a number of close losses. The Tigers have lost to Georgia, SMU and South Florida by a combined nine points. They just lost in overtime at Cincinnati in their last game this past Thursday. The Tigers blew a 10-point lead with six minutes left against the Bearcats. The Huskies are 13-11, but are not playing well losing eight of their last 12. The Huskies are going to have problems controlling Memphis' Precious Achiuwa inside. | |||||||
02-15-20 | Islanders v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5 | 0-1 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 48 m | Show | |
The Islanders have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last eight games. They also have yielded 3 or more goals in each of their last seven games. If you discount a shutout loss to the Wild two games ago, the Golden Knights have scored 18 goals in their last three games. However, Las Vegas is giving up 4.2 goals per game in its last five games. The Over has cashed in seven of Las Vegas' last eight home contests. | |||||||
02-15-20 | Chicago State v. Grand Canyon UNDER 143.5 | 47-71 | Win | 100 | 13 h 32 m | Show | |
Chicago State is one of the worst offensive teams in the country ranking 338th averaging 62.4 points. Only once in its last six games has Chicago State scored more than 54 points. The Cougars have played seven straight Under games. Grand Canyon averages 70 points a game. Chicago State's defense has improved slightly giving up an average of 69.7 points the past four games. This doesn't shape up to be a close game so Grand Canyon's reserves should be seeing more playing time. | |||||||
02-15-20 | George Washington +7 v. George Mason | 73-67 | Win | 100 | 8 h 57 m | Show | |
George Washington defeated George Mason, 73-67, as three-point home 'dogs during the first meeting. I see the Colonials holding their own inside, which is a key. Neither team is strong offensively so this is too many points. George Mason hasn't broken the 67-point barrier in four of its last five games. The Patriots still could be on Cloud Nine after upsetting VCU, 72-67, as 14-point road 'dogs this past Wednesday. Previous to that game, though, the Patriots had dropped four in a row. They are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games. | |||||||
02-15-20 | West Virginia v. Baylor -5 | Top | 59-70 | Win | 100 | 9 h 49 m | Show |
I don't see Baylor's 21-game win streak ending at home to West Virginia. The Bears have too much guard depth for the Mountaineer and flexibility with the ability to win playing either slow or fast. West Virginia has scored just 49 and 59 points during its last two games shooting under 32 percent in each. The Bears have held nine of their last 13 opponents to 57 points or fewer. The Mountaineers have lost and failed to cover in each of their last three road contests losing by 10 points to Oklahoma, by eight to Texas Tech and by 16 to Kansas State. | |||||||
02-15-20 | Louisville -6 v. Clemson | 62-77 | Loss | -103 | 8 h 45 m | Show | |
Louisville buried Clemson, 80-62, as 9 1/2-point home favorites on Jan. 25. The Cardinals went on a 20-0 run at one point during the game. Now we have the rematch. There is little chance Louisville comes out flat, or lets up against Clemson. Not after the Cardinals had their 10-game win streak snapped on the road by Georgia Tech this past Wednesday. That loss opened things up for Duke and Florida State in the ACC. Clemson is a mediocre 12-12, 6-8 in the ACC. The Tigers are coming off an impressive 72-52 win at Pittsburgh this past Wednesday. Clemson had lost its three previous games, though. The Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games. They've gone eight games without putting together a two-game win streak. The Tigers are not in Louisville's class and they draw the Cardinals in a fired-up, angry mood. | |||||||
02-14-20 | Illinois-Chicago +11 v. Wright State | Top | 58-75 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 8 m | Show |
Wright State is on top of the Horizon League standings at 11-2, while Illinois-Chicago is 7-6. But that doesn't mean Wright State is strong as a favorite. In fact, the Raiders are most decidedly not going 4-11-1 ATS as favorites of five points or more. Illinois-Chicago is 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight games. The Flames are road tested, too, winning four of their past six away games with the two losses coming by a combined three points. This has been a 'dog series with the underdog covering four of the last five times. That has meant Illinois-Chicago. The Flames have won and covered the past three times versus Wright State, including 76-72 at home this season as six-point 'dogs. | |||||||
02-14-20 | Canadiens v. Penguins OVER 5.5 | 1-4 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are both hot. Crosby has scored 14 points in his last 10 games, while Malkin has notched at least one point in five straight games. The Penguins' offense is better, too, now that they acquired Jason Zucker. The Penguins can take advantage of Montreal being without its best defenseman with Shea Weber out with an ankle injury. The Penguins were held to one goal by Tampa Bay on Thursday. Prior to that, though, the Penguins had scored 15 goals in their last three home games. Montreal is getting to the desperate point. I don't see the Canadiens playing a conservative game here when they've managed just five goals in their last three games. Before that, Montreal had averaged 3.6 goals in its last five games. |
Service | Profit |
---|---|
William Burns | $1,060 |
Dan Kaiser | $932 |
Jesse Schule | $566 |
Ricky Tran | $555 |
Ray Monohan | $518 |
Mike Lundin | $493 |
Tom Macrina | $430 |
Marc Lawrence | $400 |
Joseph D'Amico | $390 |
Big Al McMordie | $340 |