MONEYSMARTSPORTS
NBA
Toronto Raptors +3
LA Clippers+3
SPORTS WAGERS
New Jersey -101 over CALGARY
In terms of value, no other team on today’s board offers as much as the Devils do. Detroit is a -180 favorite on Long Island, Philly is a -160 chalk in Carolina and the Canucks, playing their third game in four days is –150 in Tampa Bay. Surely, this game is as big a mismatch as any of those three and if it's not, it sure is close. New Jersey remains hot with just one regulation loss (to the Bruins) in its last six games. They've won 11 of 16 games and they have as good a record as any team in the NHL over the past calender year. This is a Stanley Cup contender that plays hard every night. Meanwhile, the Flames have one win over their past six. That lone victory came against Minnesota, a club that has one win in its last 12 games. The Flames are not in the same class as the Devils, it’s as simple as that. This is true value and regardless of the outcome, we're undoubtedly going with the best of it here. Play: New Jersey -101 (Risking 2.02 units to win 2).
MONTREAL +101 over St. Louis
Lots of interest surrounding this game, as Jaroslav Halak returns to the city in which he was hailed a hero in Montreal's unlikely run to the conference finals two seasons ago. He may even get a hero's welcome from Habs’ fans. When the Canadiens management opted to sign Carey Price over Halak, the fans went into an uproar over that decision. As it turns out, it was the correct decision because Carey Price is one of the top five goaltenders in the league while Halak has become Brian Elliott's backup. The Blues come in here with a great overall record but on the road, they're two games under .500. They've won three in a row but all those were at home. Away from the Scottrade Center, the Blues have lost five of their last six. The Canadiens have won two in a row and scored 10 goals in doing so. They also have a recent six-goal outburst against Ottawa. Halak's nerves could get the best of him here. He's been given this start as a courtesy because he wants it so badly. Price is likely to have the better game because he's the superior goaltender and he’ll treat this one no differently than others. The books have made the Blue Notes a small favorite here and when they entice you to bet that way, it's usually wise to go the other way Play: Montreal +101 (Risking 2 units).
Ottawa +130 over PITTSBURGH
Boy, the hockey gods really have it in for the Penguins. Last season was lost due to injuries to several key players and they just couldn't compensate for the loss of so much talent. Coach Dan Bylsma held it together the best he could, keeping the Penguins motivated even when their injury situation was grave. With the worst seemingly behind them, the Pens appeared geared up for a solid 2011-12 campaign. Pittsburgh got off to a good start and they were actually favored to win the Cup just six weeks ago. So much has changed since then. Sidney Crosby may not play again this year. James Neal is out with a broken foot. Jordan Staal is out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. Craig Adams injured his right knee after colliding with teammates. Kris Letang is out with a concussion. The list goes on and on and the results are that Pittsburgh has lost four in a row and they've scored a paltry five goals over that span. Mentally, the Pens have to be down. They're going to need a few games to digest everything and get their composure back. Even then, it's still going to be tough to compete. Meanwhile, no team in the NHL is having as much fun as the Senators. Here's a team that was predicted to finish last by every so-called expert in the business. They're playing with house money and they're winning. The Sens are coming off a 6-4 victory over Philly. They've won five of six with only loss coming against those same Flyers. Ottawa is in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind the Flyers and three behind the Bruins. Lastly, since being pulled on Dec. 27th vs Montreal, Craig Anderson is 5-0-1 with a .926 save pct and 2.37 GAA Play: Ottawa +130 (Risking 2 units).
SPORTS WAGERS
MINNESOTA +6½ over Chicago
Many are fading teams that are playing their third game in successive days and that's the situation here with the Timberwolves. They played in Washington on Sunday and in Toronto last night, thus setting up this difficult spot. With data showing that these situations are being faded, the result is an inflated number and you can up the inflation rate when popular teams like the Bulls are in the equation. Chicago won last night by 24 over the Pistons, which increases their stock as does its 8-2 record. What we're suggesting is that you're overpaying on the Bulls here and that's something that should be avoided. Chicago could definitely be caught napping here. They too, are in the midst of a heavy schedule that will see them play nine games in 12 nights. This is its fourth game in five nights and its fifth straight game in which they've had to board a plane and travel to its next destination. With both teams’ energy meters on low, expect a close, low-scoring affair and a possible upset. Play: Minnesota +6½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).
Houston -3 over CHARLOTTE
Both these teams have just two wins but the similarities end there. The schedule will help the Bobcats steal a few wins this season against tired opponents but their talent deficit is daunting. The 'Cats played last night in New York and played their hearts out in a four-point loss. They'll play their fourth game in five nights here and that's not a good situation for a team that has to catch an opponent at precisely the right time. Frankly, they couldn't have caught the Rockets at a worse time. Houston is talented but its schedule thus far has placed them in a bit of an early hole. They've already played in Orlando and in L.A. against both the Clippers and Lakers. They've also played the Thunder twice. With a 2-7 record and a game in San Antonio tomorrow, this really becomes the Rockets most important game of the young season. With that tough one on deck against the Spurs, a third win is vital here. With two full days off to prepare, expect this 43-win team from a season ago to get back on track against what one of the more beatable teams in the Association Play: Houston -3 (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).
SPORTS WAGERS
Southern Illinois +11 over MISSOURI STATE
Missouri State is 10-6 while the Salukis of Southern Illinois are just 5-10. That has factored into this number and so has the fact that the Bears have a notable road win against #21 Creighton. In reality, not a lot separates these two. The Bears rely heavily on Kyle Weems for points but after him, there's a dramatic dropoff. That could be a problem here as the Salukis come in shooting hot from the floor. They've won two of their past three games and averaged 77 points per game over that span. The Salukis are also getting outstanding help from their bench, which has outscored the opposition's bench over the past 10 games by a count of 302-189. At worst, SIU will have a chance for a backdoor cover should they fall behind by more than 11. However, we certainly don't expect that, as we anticipate them hanging around all night and keeping this one well within range against this familiar foe. Play: #563 Southern Illinois +11 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
We're also playing the following games:
PROVIDENCE +8½ over Louisville
Play: Providence +8½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
Florida State +166/+4 over VIRGINIA TECH
Play: Florida St +166 (Risking 1 unit) Play: Florida St +4 (Risking 1.03 units to win 1).
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