3-18-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

::clap::

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bank shots: NBA betting news and notes

Each week, we look back on the NBA betting scene and give you the best –and worst – basketball bets, as well as some spots to keep an eye on with the upcoming schedule.

For the week of March 10-16.

Hottest ATS

Denver Nuggets (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)

The Nuggets were last week’s best bet (4-0 ATS) and they haven’t disappointed their bettors since. Denver has strung together eight consecutive covers and is riding an 11-game winning streak into Chicago on Monday. The Nuggets follow up with another tough road tilt in Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

Coldest ATS

Phoenix Suns (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS)

The Suns’ inability to play defense is making them a fade down the stretch. Phoenix has dropped four straight, failing to cover in all four contests as underdogs. The Suns have allowed opponents to score an average of 113 points during the skid. Opponents are scorching the Suns from long range, firing at a league-best 40 percent clip. Phoenix hosts Los Angeles (Lakers), Washington, Minnesota and Brooklyn this week.

Best over play

Indiana Pacers (1-3 SU, 4-0 over/under)

Bettors have been banking on the Pacers’ ability to go low all season, but the team dynamic has changed since Danny Granger returned from injury and oddsmakers have been setting the bar low for Indiana down the stretch. The Pacers have played over in five consecutive games, facing an average total of 187 during that span. Indiana hosts Cleveland Monday before hitting the road for Orlando and Milwaukee.

Best under play

Utah Jazz (2-1 SU, 0-3 over/under)

The surging Lakers have bucked Utah from the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference standings. Every game will be treated as a must-min for the Jazz down the stretch and that usually means closer, low-scoring contests. Utah has three tough games against Knicks, Rockets and Spurs this week.

Scouting the schedule:

-After a Sunday showdown with the Hawks, the Brooklyn Nets embark on a season-long eight-game road trip. The Nets have been a good under play (11-18-1 O/U) away from home.

-The Philadelphia 76ers are way out of contention for a playoff spot in the East and things could get ugly for them down the stretch. The Sixers play 12 of their final 17 games away from Wells ***** Center and have a dismal 6-23 SU record on the road (12-17 ATS). Philadelphia also has a tendency to play under totals (8-18-3 O/U) away this season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL bets

Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.

For the week of March 10-16

Hot team

Pittsburgh Penguins (4-0 SU)

The Penguins have ripped off eight consecutive wins heading into Sunday’s clash with the Bruins. Pittsburgh has tightened up defensively over its past four contests, yielding a total of four goals. The Penguins play three games against sub-.500 opponents this week (Capitals, Islanders, Flyers).

Cold team

Florida Panthers (0-4 SU)

The Panthers have dropped six consecutive games and nine of their last 10 to fall to the bottom of the league standings. Florida is allowing 3.7 goals per game and is only killing penalties at a 73.3 percent clip – both league-worst marks in the respective categories. The Panthers embark on a five-game road swing beginning Tuesday in Carolina.

Best over play

San Jose Sharks (1-3 SU, 3-0-1 over/under)

After playing under in eight consecutive games, the Sharks have gone over or earned a push for bettors in their last seven contests (4-0-3 O/U). A major reason for the reversal of trends is that oddsmakers have trimmed San Jose’s totals to five instead of the usual 5.5 for its last eight contests because of its overall tendency to play under (8-15-4 O/U). The Sharks play the second of five consecutive road games in Anaheim Monday.

Best under play

Columbus Blue Jackets (2-2 SU, 0-4 over/under)

Bettors have been taking Columbus to the bank on the puckline (23-6 ATS) and they’ve now gone low in five consecutive games because of the stellar play of G Sergei Bobrovsky. The Russian netminder posted the first two shutouts of his career over the past week and has allowed two goals or less in each of his last six starts. The Blue Jackets have earned points in 10 straight games heading into Tuesday’s battle with Nashville.

Surveying the schedule:

-After a Sunday home date with the Sabres, the Washington Capitals hit the road for seven of their next eight games. The Caps have a brutal 4-8-1 record away from home and a 5-8 O/U mark.

-The St. Louis Blues head north of the border for three clashes with Canadian teams beginning Tuesday. The Blues will make stops in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary on the trek. St. Louis has played over the total in 10 of its 14 (10-3-1 O/U) road games this season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Past week saw some of the biggest covers of the NBA season
By JON CAMPBELL

It largely slipped under the radar, but there were some of the biggest covers for bettors in the NBA over the past week

Two of the three most lopsided covered spreads of the season – and three of the biggest seven covers this campaign - happened in the past seven days (March 8-15).

The Sacramento Kings had the biggest cover of the week and second biggest in the NBA this year on Wednesday when they obliterated the Chicago Bulls 121-79 as 3.5-point underdogs. The 45.5-point cover was second on the season only to Houston’s 48.5-point cover against Utah on Jan. 28 (125-80 as a 3.5-point underdog).

The third biggest cover of the year came last Friday (March 8) when the Portland Blazers trampled Sacramento 136-106 as 11.5-point road dogs.

These games make for some convincing results for bettors, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the same for sportsbooks.

“Nothing big either way on these games,” Jay Rood, Vice President of Race & Sports at MGM properties, told Covers in regards to money won. “If the wise guys thought that these games would produce that kind of cover they would have run the number harder than the 3.5 (on the Sacramento game).”

The biggest cover on a total this season came Nov. 12 when the Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors went to triple overtime and combined for 273 points. That game went over the total by 80.5 points.

The biggest cover on a total in game that didn’t go to overtime came on Dec. 19 when Golden State traveled to Sacramento. They combined for 258 points to go over the number by 57.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

68 Stats for 68 NCAA Tournament - Bound Teams

It's tourney time, so here's a few betting stats and notes for all 68 teams vying for the national title:

MIDWEST REGION

(1) Louisville - Ranks 224th in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage (33.1%)

(2) Duke - Went 18-0 in the regular season with forward Ryan Kelly in the lineup (11-7 ATS) but 9-3 SU and 6-7 ATS without him.

(3) Michigan State - The Spartans play strong, balanced team defense, finishing 35th or better in four key defensive statistical categories - points allowed per game, opponent field goal percentage, opponent 3-point percentage and opponent free throw percentage.

(4) Saint Louis - In seven NCAA tournament appearances, the Billikens have never advanced past their second game.

(5) Oklahoma State - The Cowboys lost in the opening round of their last tournament appearance in 2010.

(6) Memphis - The Tigers are very efficient from the floor, shooting 37.9% from 3-point range and 47.9 from the field. But their 66.7 percent mark from the free-throw line ranks 260th in the country.

(7) Creighton - The Bluejays lead the nation in field goal percentage (.508) and rank fourth in assists per game (17.2).

(8) Colorado State - Have only covered once in their last seven games.

(9) Missouri - The Tigers are the second-best rebounding team in the country at 41.4 per game.

(10) Cincinnati - The Bearcats rank 26th or better in opponent points per game, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage.

(11) TBD from play-in game.

(12) Oregon - The Ducks will make their first tournament appearance since 2008, when they were eliminated in the first round as a No. 9 seed.

(13) New Mexico State - Enters the tourney on a five-game winning streak and has now won six straight WAC tournament games by at least nine points, and by an overall average margin of 14.3 points per win.

(14) Valparaiso - The Crusaders are making their first NCAA appearance since 2004. They head into the tourney on a six-game winning streak after breaking the school's single-season record for victories.

(15) Albany - This will be the third tournament appearance for the Great Danes. They also made it to the Big Dance in 2006 and 2007.

(16) TBD from play-in game

SOUTH REGION

(1) Kansas - Kansas has the best field-goal percentage defense in the country -- and much of it comes from its shot-blocking prowess on the interior. The Jayhawks allow teams to shoot only 38.9 percent inside the arc, and only 35.9 percent overall -- both rank first in the country.

(2) Georgetown - The Hoyas rank 297th in experience, making them one of the youngest teams in the field.

(3) Florida - The Gators were once seen as a lock for a No. 1 seed. After going 5-4 on the road during the SEC regular season and losing in the tournament title game, the Gators fell to a No. 3 seed

(4) Michigan - Posted a 19-12 over/under mark during the regular season - the most overs in the Big Ten.

(5) VCU - The Rams lead the country in turnovers forced per game (19.9) and steals per game (11.9).

(6) UCLA - Second leading scorer Jordan Adams (15.3 ppg) is out for the rest of the season. He suffered a broken foot Friday night against Arizona.

(7) San Diego State - The Aztecs have only covered once in their last six games.

(8) UNC - The Tar Heels have advanced to at least the regional final in six of their last seven NCAA tournament appearances, including two national championships in 2009 and 2005.

(9) Villanova - The Wildcats were a Big East-best 19-10-1 ATS this season.

(10) Oklahoma - The Sooners have played over the total in 10 of their last 11 games.

(11) Minnesota - The Gophers have some quality wins over Memphis, Illinois, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Indiana this season.

(12) Akron - The Zips overcame the loss of G Alex Abreu to win the MAC tournament, but their 64.5 percent free throw shooting percentage is a major cause for concern.

(13) South Dakota State - The Jackrabbits' sole NCAA appearance came last year, when they earned a trip to the dance but fell in the opener 68-60 to Baylor.

(14) Northwestern State - The Demons score 81 points per game and average 72.9 possession - both are tops in college basketball

(15) Florida Gulf Coast - The Eagles won the Atlantic Sun's automatic bid with an 88-75 victory over top-seeded Mercer on its floor on March 9. It's the first time for FGCU in the tournament in just its second year of eligibility.

(16) Western Kentucky - Went 0-3-1 O/U in the Sun Belt tourney.

WEST REGION

(1) Gonzaga - Has lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament three years in a row.

(2) Ohio State - The Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last five games and 7-1 ATS in their last eight.

(3) New Mexico - The Lobos' January 9th win over UNLV is their only victory against a team in the RPI Top 20.

(4) Kansas State - The Wildcats are 9-2 in games when senior guard Rodney McGruder scores 20+ points.

(5) Wisconsin - The Badgers hold opponents to a 10th-best 55.9 points per game.

(6) Arizona - The last time Arizona posted seven losses in the regular season (2010-11) it advanced to the Elite Eight.

(7) Notre Dame - The Irish have gone over the total in four straight heading into the NCAA Tournament.

(8) Pittsburgh - This will be Pitt's first NCAA appearance since 2011, when they were eliminated by Butler in the round of 32 as a No. 1 seed.

(9) Wichita State - The Shockers were eliminated in the first round in last season's tournament by VCU. They were an at-large entry and a No. 5 seed.

(10) Iowa State - The Cyclones rank fourth in the nation in points per game (79.6).

(11) Belmont - This is the third year in a row that Belmont earned an automatic tournament bid as Atlantic Sun tournament winner. They were eliminated in the first round the previous two seasons.

(12) Ole Miss - Last made an appearance in the 2002 NCAA tournament and lost in the first round.

(13) TBD from play-in game

(14) Harvard - The Crimson are a good rebounding team that shoots well from beyond the arc. Harvard ranks seventh in the nation in 3-point percentage (40.1) and 28th in rebounding (27.2).

(15) Iona - The Gaels won the MAAC tournament last winter and were eliminated in the first round of the 2012 NCAA tournament by Brigham Young.

EAST REGION

(1) Indiana - All five of Indiana's losses this season have come against teams in the RPI Top 50.

(2) Miami - The Hurricanes broke the program’s record for wins in a season, set by the 2001-02 team. Miami easily covered in all three of its ACC tournament games.

(3) Marquette - The Golden Eagles have failed to cover in their last three games.

(4) Syracuse - The last time Syracuse lost in the Big East Conference final (2009) it advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to No. 2 Oklahoma.

(5) UNLV - The Runnin' Rebels have been ousted in the opening round of the NCAA tournament three years in a row.

(6) Butler - Has been a perennial bracket buster in past tournaments and brings a balanced attack with four players averaging 10 points or more per game.

(7) Illinois - The Illini have the third most Top-25 RPI wins in the country with six.

(8) N.C. State - The Wolfpack shot 49.5 percent from the field – fourth best in the nation – but only 45.3 percent in their nine losses.

(9) Temple - The Owls tangled with some big-name programs in non-conference play, taking on Villanova, Duke, Syracuse and Kansas. Temple was 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS in those games.

(10) Colorado - Junior forward Andre Roberson is second in the nation with 11.3 rebounds per game. The Buffaloes were a great under play this season, posting a 7-16 O/U mark.

(11) Bucknell - The Bison failed to cover as big favorites in all three Patriot League playoff games.

(12) Cal - Junior guard Allen Crabbe led the Pac-12 in scoring with 18.7 points per game, but the Golden Bears were a great under play (9-16 O/U) this season.

(13) Montana - The Grizzlies were covering machines on the road this season (10-4-1 ATS).

(14) Davidson - This team is the best in the nation from the charity stripe (80.1 percent).

(15) Pacific - This is Pacific's eighth appearance in the NCAA tournament, and its first since 2006. In the Tigers' last tourney appearance, they lost to Boston College in the first round.

(16) TBD from play-in game

Play -In Teams

North Carolina A&T - The Aggies have an aggressive offense that gets to the foul line on a quarter of their possessions.

Liberty - The Flames dropped their first eight games of the season and amassed 20 losses. A classic example of a team getting hot at the right time to win its respective conference tourney to earn a berth.

Middle Tennessee - The Blue Raiders are headed to the big dance for the first time in 24 years and are 2-6 all-time in the tournament, with the last win coming in the 1989 Southeast Regional appearance.

St. Mary's - The last time the Gaels entered the NCAA tournament with an at-large bid was 2008. They were eliminated in the first round.

La Salle - The Explorers have been on everybody's NCAA radar since one of the greatest weeks in recent school history when they defeated visiting Butler, 54-53 on Jan. 23 and then earned a 69-61 win at VCU on Jan. 26.

Boise State - The Broncos rank 33rd in the nation with 7.8 three pointers made per game and boast an efficient 39.1 three-point percentage.

LIU-Brooklyn - The Blackbirds became the first team to win the Northeast Conference tournament three years in a row and are 5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site games.

James Madison - The Dukes are 5-0 ATS in their last five Wednesday and neutral site games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marc Lawrence: NCAA Tourney Early Round Betting Trends

The 2013 NCAA Tournament has arrived and with it a final chance to pad our bankrolls for the season.

To make that shining moment happen, let’s take a look at how teams in this event have fared most recently in the past.

Because it’s my belief that success in handicapping this tournament is tantamount to breaking the action down into rounds, let’s take a look at some of the more relevant and most recent first round betting trends.

Here are notes from the 2013 PLAYBOOK NCAA Tournament guide. Note all results are since 1991 unless noted otherwise. Abbreviations: ATS (Against The Spread), SU (Straight Up).

BRACKET BUSTING

If your dream of designs is completing the perfect bracket (read: picking every winner in every game), enjoy the dream.

You have a better chance of winning 50 Powerball lotteries in your lifetime!

Since expanding to 64 teams in 1985, the odds of randomly picking a perfect bracket sheet are one in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 – or better than one in nine quintillion.

Hint: you can reduce the odds to one in 13.5 billion simply by picking the No. 1 seeds over the No. 16 seeds in the first round and going from there.

Now that you’re feeling better about your chances, concentrate, instead on picking the Final Four teams. That’s 16 to the fourth power, or one in 65,536.

Incidentally, there have been only seven teams seeded lower than No. 6 to reach the Final Four since 1985: 1985 Evansville (8), 1986 LSU (11), 2000 North Carolina (8), 2000 Wisconsin (8), 2006 George Mason (11), 2011 Butler (8) and 2011 VCU (11).

For what it’s worth, Sheldon Jacobson, a computer science professor at the University of Illinois, informs us the most likely Final Four seed combination is 1, 1, 2, 3. The odds against this occurring are about 16 to 1. It has happened three times in the past 28 years. Chalk artists beware: the odds of all four No.1 seeds reaching the Final Four: 47.5 to 1.

And long shot lovers note: the odds of a No. 16 seed reaching the Final Four: 828 to 1. The odds of all four No. 16 seeds reaching the Final Four: about one trillion to 1.

PLANTING THE SEED

• No. 1 seeds are 88-0 SU and 50-37-1 ATS vs. No. 16 seeds, including 16-3 ATS if favored by fewer than 10 points off back-to-back SU wins.

• No. 2 seeds are 82-6 SU and 37-47-4 ATS vs. No. 15 seeds, including 11-25-4 ATS vs. foes off a SU win.

• No. 3 seeds are 78-10 SU and 47-39-2 ATS vs. No. 14 seeds, including 34-1 SU & 26-8-1 ATS off a SU favorite loss.

• No. 4 seeds are 69-19 SU and 49-38-1 ATS vs. No. 13 seeds, including 34-16 ATS as favorites of less than 10 points.

• No. 5 seeds are 57-31 SU and 43-45 ATS vs. No. 12 seeds, including 9-6 SU and 6-9 ATS the last four years. In addition, No. 12 seeds that participated in last year’s event are 21-16 SU against No. 5’s dating back to 1985. Those who did not play in this tournament the previous season are 17-58 SU in this round. FYI: a No. 12 seed has failed to beat a No. 5 seed only twice since 1988.

• No. 6 seeds are 60-28 SU and 47-39-2 ATS vs. No. 11 seeds, including 9-8 SU and 4-12-1 ATS vs. an opponent off an ATS win of more than seven points.

• No. 7 seeds are 49-39 SU and 46-41-1 ATS vs. No. 10 seeds, including 1-7 SU and ATS 1-7 ATS when off back-to-back SU losses.

• No. 8 seeds are 43-45 SU and 42-44-2 ATS vs. No. 9 seeds, including 8-14 SU and 7-15 ATS as favorites of three or more points.

Pete Tiernan of Bracketscience.com reminds us that since 1985, No. 5 and 6 seeds own identical 74-38 SU marks against No. 12 and 11 seeds respectively.

FIRST ROUND NOTES

Conference tournament champs most recent trends in this round (numbers all ATS):

ACC 3-1-1, Atlantic 10, 2-4, Big Ten: 4-2, Big 12: 0-3, Big East: 5-1Big West: 1-6, Colonial: 7-4, C-USA: 1-5, Horizon: 4-1, MAC: 3-0, Missouri Valley: 2-5-1, Mountain West: 4-1-1, Pac-12: 5-2, Sun Belt: 3-2, SEC: 2-3, WAC: 2-6, West Coast: 2-5.ß

Best Team Records (SU) in this round

N Carolina: 10-0, Kansas: 6-0, Pittsburgh: 6-0, Wisconsin: 6-0, UCLA: 5-0, Gonzaga: 5-0, Kansas State: 5-0, NC State: 5-0, Syracuse: 4-0, Duke: 14-1, Cincinnati 10-1.

Worst team records (SU) in this round

New Mexico State: 0-5, Minnesota: 0-4, UNLV: 0-3, San Diego State: 1-4, Temple: 1-4.

Best Team ATS Records in this round

VCU: 5-0, Kansas State: 4-0, NC State: 4-0, St. Louis: 4-0, Western Kentucky: 4-0, Cincinnati: 3-0, Butler: 8-1, Indiana: 5-1.

Worst Team ATS Records in this round

Oregon: 0-7, Temple: 0-5, Minnesota: 0-4, Creighton: 1-5, Notre Dame: 1-5, Villanova: 1-5, Memphis: 1-4.

Best Conference ATS Records in this round

Big Ten: 11-2, Pac-12: 8-2, Horizon: 9-3, MAC: 9-2 dogs, Colonial: 10-5.

Worst Conference ATS Records in this round

CUSA: 1-6, Big West: 1-5, Ivy: 2-11, Big 12: 3-9.

MOST RECENT ‘ANY ROUND’ TRENDS

• Favorites of seven or more points who are 3-0 SU & ATS in their last three games are 14-31 ATS vs. foes off a SU win… and 16-5 ATS vs. an opponent off a SU loss.

• Favorites of 20 or more points with a win percentage of less than .880 are 2-14-1 ATS vs. a foe off a SU win.

• Favorites of more than seven points who scored 100 points or more in their last game are 19-7 ATS, including 14-2 ATS the last sixteen games.

• Underdogs of four or more points playing off a SU post-season tourney win as a dog of six or more points are 14-37-1 ATS since 2000.

If this is not enough to get your blood flowing then you may be seriously in need of a cardiologist. I’ll be back next week with a look at Sweet 16 and Elite Eight round action.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Tournament Odds: Spreads & Totals for Opening Matchups

Louisville, Gonzaga, Kansas and Indiana were all awarded No. 1 seeds in the 2013 NCAA tournament Sunday, with the Big East champion Cardinals (29-5 SU, 20-14-0 ATS) earning the tournament’s top seed overall in the Midwest Regional.

The Bulldogs (31-2 SU, 17-12-2 ATS), winners of the WCC title were awarded the No. 1 seed in the West Regional while the Big 12 champion Jayhawks (29-5 SU, 19-14-0 ATS) earned top billing in the South Regional. The Hoosiers (27-6 SU, 17-14 ATS, who many had as early favorites to be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA, are at the top of the East Regional after getting upset in the Big Ten tournament.

Here's a look at the opening matchups for the NCAA tournament, beginning with the four play-in games on Tuesday and Wednesday:

Play-in Games

March 19, 2013

Liberty vs. North Carolina A&T (-3, 127)

St. Mary's vs. Middle Tennessee State (+3, 131)

March 20, 2013

La Salle vs. Boise State (Pick, 138)

James Madison vs. LIU Brooklyn (-1, 147)

Round 2

March 21, 2013

No. 9 Missouri vs. No. 8 Colorado State (+2.5, 143)

No. 12 Oregon vs. No. 5 Oklahoma State (-3, 135)

No. 13 New Mexico State vs. No. 4 Saint Louis (-10, 122)

No. 14 Valparaiso vs. No. 3 Michigan State (-9.5, 128)

No. 12 Akron vs. No. 5 VCU (-5.5, 138)

No. 13 South Dakota State vs. No. 4 Michigan (-12, 141)

No. 12 California vs. No. 5 UNLV (-3, 126)

No. 13 Montana vs. No. 4 Syracuse (-15, 130)

No. 11 Bucknell vs. No. 6 Butler (-4.5, 124)

No. 14 Davidson vs. No. 3 Marquette (-3.5, 131)

No. 16 Southern vs. No. 1 Gonzaga (-22, 127)

No. 9 Wichita State vs. No. 8 Pittsburgh (-5.5, 125)

No. 11 Belmont vs. No. 6 Arizona (-5, 142)

No. 14 Harvard vs. No. 3 New Mexico (-11.5, 127)

March 22, 2013

No. 10 Cincinnati vs. No. 7 Creighton (-1.5. 124)

No. 15 Albany vs. No. 2 Duke (-19, 133)

No. 16 Western Kentucky vs. No. 1 Kansas (-20, 135)

No. 9 Villanova vs. No. 8 North Carolina (-4, 137)

No. 11 Minnesota vs. No. 6 UCLA (+3, 133)

No. 14 Northwestern State vs. No. 3 Florida (-20, 136)

No. 10 Oklahoma vs. No. 7 San Diego State (-2, 135)

No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast vs. No. 2 Georgetown (-14, 126)

No. 9 Temple vs. No. 8 North Carolina State (-4, 152)

No. 10 Colorado vs. No. 7 Illinois (Pick, 128)

No. 15 Pacific vs. No. 2 Miami (-13, 127)

No. 10 Iowa State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Pick, 142)

No. 15 Iona vs. No. 2 Ohio State (-13, 142)

No. 12 Mississippi vs. No. 5 Wisconsin (-3.5, 128)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CBB Straight - UP, All - Time

1 vs 16 = 112-0

2 vs 15 = 106-6

3 vs 14 = 96-16

4 vs 13 = 88-24

5 vs 12 = 91-41

6 vs 11 = 88-44

7 vs 10 = 81-55

8 vs 9 = 70-66

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with the Bucks (-9 1/2) Sunday.

Monday it’s the Grizzlies. The deficit is 155 sirignanos.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Tournament Tidbits
Steve Merril

The 2013 NCAA Basketball Tournament is finally here.
Below are some quick facts and thoughts to consider when filling out your office bracket.

#1 Success:

Overall #1 seed has won 5 of last 6 NCAA national championships.

In 2011 when #3 seed Connecticut won the title, it was the first time in history that no #1 or #2 seed made the Final Four.

Teams seeded #1 thru #3 have won 30 of the past 34 NCAA Championships:

#1 seed (19 times 56%)
#2 seed (6 times 18%)
#3 seed (5 times 15%)
#4 or worse (4 times 12%)

First Rounds Dominance:

#1 seeds are 88-0 (100%) SU versus #16 seeds.

#2 seeds are 82-6 (93%) SU versus #15 seeds, however two #15 seeds won last year.

#3 seeds are 78-10 (89%) SU versus #14 seeds

#4 seeds are 69-19 (78%) SU versus #13 seeds

Biggest pointspread upset in NCAA Tournament history occurred last year when #15 Norfolk State (+21.5) defeated #2 Missouri, 86-84.

Odds & Ends:

Georgetown has lost 4 straight times in the first round to a double-digit seeded opponent in the NCAA Tournament. The Hoyas have lost to #10, #14, #11, and #10 seeds (2008-2012).

Oregon is a #12 seed, while UCLA is a #6 seed, despite Ducks being -1.5 favorite and winning the MWC tournament versus the Bruins on a neutral court? A strange seeding which shows how the oddsmakers and the selection committee often have different opinions.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Heat at Celtics: What Bettors Need to Know

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (+4.5, 189)

Recent whispers out of Boston Celtics camp suggested that they were not very impressed with the Miami Heat's lengthy winning streak. The Celtics now have a chance to end it when the Heat carry a 22-gamer -- tied for the second longest in NBA history -- into Monday's matchup at TD Garden. Miami rolled to a 108-91 win at Toronto on Sunday, matching the 2007-08 Houston Rockets on the all-time list. Amazingly, Boston ended Houston's streak five years ago to the day.

The Heat's last loss came at Indiana on Feb. 1. Five days earlier, Miami lost an epic double-overtime game at Boston on the day that the Celtics learned that All-Star guard Rajon Rondo was out for the season. Including that victory in the latest chapter of a solid rivalry, Boston has gone 16-6, the latest a 105-88 drubbing of Charlotte on Saturday. That win came without star forward Kevin Garnett, who sat with a left adductor strain. Garnett did not practice Sunday and coach Doc Rivers said his emotional leader is 50/50.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sun Sports (Miami) Comcast SportsNet New England (Boston)

ABOUT THE HEAT (51-14): Miami has had a few close calls during the streak but the last two have been cakewalks and the road winning streak is up to 10 games. Dwyane Wade scored 24 points and LeBron James had 22, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the win over the Raptors. The Heat were outrebounded by a remarkable 51-26 margin and were outscored in the paint 62-38. Such statistics matter little when you have shooters and the opponent does not; Miami made 10 of its 22 3-pointers while Toronto was 2-for-20 from long distance. With a win in Boston, the Heat will be 10 shy of matching the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the longest winning streak in NBA history.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (36-29): Garnett's absence mattered little to Boston as it sought, and attained, revenge for an ugly loss in Charlotte on Tuesday. Paul Pierce filled up the stat sheet in just three quarters, collecting 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three blocks in 23 minutes as the Celtics won their 11th straight at home. That means there is more than just one streak on the line Monday, and Pierce is confident his team's will remain. "We just feel like this is a building we should never lose in," Pierce said Saturday. "Teams coming to the Garden, they've got to know that this is going to be their toughest game of the year. That's the feeling and the swagger that we're bringing." Boston has also won its last 10 regular-season games at home against Miami.

TRENDS:

* Heat are 8-1 ATS in their last nine road games.
* Celtics are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
* Over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Under is 4-0 in Heat’s last four road games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Miami has held a season-high 10 straight opponents under 100 points.

2. The Celtics are 2-0 without Garnett this season, winning by an average of 21 points. He had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the victory over Miami on Jan. 27.

3. James established a new career high Sunday with his 32nd double-double.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Hot Teams
-- Washington won last three games, but lost four of last five road tilts (4-5 AF).
-- Portland won five of its last eight games (3-6 last nine A).
-- Nets won four of last six games (3-4 AF with PJ).
-- Dallas won five of last seven games (4-1 last five AU). Hawks won last three games, by 4-13-12 points (3-1 last four HF).
-- Miami won its last 22 games (10-0 last ten AF). Celtics won seven of their last nine games (3-3 HU).
-- Nuggets won their last eleven games (8-1-1 last ten AF). Bulls won last three home games, allowing 85 ppg (2-5 HU).
-- Memphis won its last seven home games (1-4 last five HF).
-- Lakers won eight of last ten games (3-1 last four AF).
-- Utah won its last three home games, allowing 80.7 ppg (3-0 last three HF).

Cold Teams
-- Pacers lost three of their last four games (3-1 last four AF). Cavaliers lost six of their last eight (1-3 last four HU).
-- Bobcats lost 12 of last 13 games (1-5 last six HU).
-- 76ers lost six of their last eight games (5-2 last seven HF).
-- Detroit lost its last eight games (1-4 last five HU).
-- Minnesota lost eight of last eleven games (1-4 last five AU).
-- Hornets lost six of their last seven games (6-12-1 HU). Golden State lost four of its last five road games (4-4-1 AF).
-- Suns lost six of their last seven games (1-4 last five HU).
-- Knicks lost five of their last six games (1-5 last six U).

Totals
-- Last five Indiana games went over the total.
-- Washington's last 12 road games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Portland games went over the total.
-- Last three New Jersey games went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Miami games.
-- Six of last eight Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Golden State games went over total.
-- Four of last five Laker games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Utah games stayed under the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Brooklyn covered five of last six when it played night before.
-- Dallas is 10-4 vs spread if it played night before. Hawks are 11-9.
-- Miami is 5-3 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Minnesota is 4-7 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Warriors are 3-5 vs spread last eight times they played night before. New Orleans is 7-9 if it played night before.
-- Lakers are 4-7-1 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Knicks covered last three times they played night before.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Blackhawks won eight of their last ten games.
-- Anaheim won five of its last six games.
-- Minnesota won four of its last five games.
-- Los Angeles won six of its last seven home games.

Cold teams
-- Carolina lost last two games, scoring three goals. Rangers lost last three, outscored 9-2.
-- Tampa Bay lost seven of last ten games. Flyers lost five of last seven road games.
-- Dallas Stars lost last four games, outscored 16-3. Flames lost their last six away games.
-- Colorado lost last three games, outscored 15-7.
-- Sharks lost five of their last six games.
-- Vancouver lost five of its last seven games.
-- Phoenix lost its last three road games: 2-0/3-0/1-0(so).

Totals
-- Over is 5-0-1 in last six Ranger-Carolina games.
-- Four of last five Philly road games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Calgary games.
-- 12 of last 18 Chicago-Colorado games went over the total.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in San Jose's last five games.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Minnesota games.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Phoenix road games.

Series records
-- Rangers won their last five games against Carolina.
-- Lightning won seven of last ten games against Philly.
-- Flames won last three games vs Dallas, scoring 16 goals.
-- Avalanche won four of last five games with Chicago.
-- Ducks won six of last eight games with San Jose.
-- Canucks won nine of last 12 games with Minnesota.
-- Kings won five of last seven games with Phoenix.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

03/18/13 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 650-304 (.681)
ATS: 513-466 (.524)
ATS Vary Units: 1302-1163 (.528)
Over/Under: 502-476 (.513)
Over/Under Vary Units: 677-618 (.523)

PHILADELPHIA 97, Portland 95
Washington 97, CHARLOTTE 91
Indiana 98, CLEVELAND 95
ATLANTA 102, Dallas 99
Brooklyn 96, DETROIT 94
Miami 98, BOSTON 94
Denver 100, CHICAGO 98
MEMPHIS 100, Minnesota 85
NEW ORLEANS 100, Golden State 99
L.A. Lakers 105, PHOENIX 101
UTAH 100, New York 97

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Hockey
The Daniel Curry Index

03/18/13 Predictions

Season: 155-103 (.601)

N.Y. RANGERS 3, Carolina 2
TAMPA BAY 4, Philadelphia 3
Calgary vs. DALLAS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Chicago 3, COLORADO 2
VANCOUVER 3, Minnesota 2
ANAHEIM 3, San Jose 2
LOS ANGELES 3, Phoenix 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Play Monday

Blackhawks -145

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Guaranteed Picks Today

Portland
Hawks
Bobcats
Warriors
Wolves

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hockey Crusher
Los Angeles Kings -160 over Phoenix Coyotes
(System Record: 35-1, won last 5 games and a push)
Overall Record: 35-19-1

Basketball Crusher
Philadelphia 76ers PICK over Portland
(System Record: 74-4, lost last 2 games)
Overall Record: 74-55-4

Soccer Crusher
Club Atletico All Boys + Atl.Rafaela UNDER 2.5
This match is happening in Argentina
(System Record: 373-14, won last 2 games)
Overall Record: 373-321-43

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NHL Picks

Calgary at Dallas

The Stars look to bounce back from their 8-1 loss to Chicago on Saturday and build on their 6-2 record in their last 8 games following a home defeat by 3 or more goals. Dallas is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-135). Here are all of today's picks.


MONDAY, MARCH 18
Time Posted 7:00 a.m. EST


Game 1-2: Carolina at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 10.646; NY Rangers 12.844
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-150); Under


Game 3-4: Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.334; Tampa Bay 10.868
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-105); Over


Game 5-6: Calgary at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.544; Dallas 12.520
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-135); Under


Game 7-8: Chicago at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.578; Colorado 10.874
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150); Over


Game 9-10: San Jose at Anaheim (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.314; Anaheim 13.009
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 2 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-150); Under


Game 11-12: Minnesota at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.945; Vancouver 11.130
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+135); Over


Game 13-14: Phoenix at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.387; Los Angeles 12.514
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-165); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cappers Access

Wizards -7.5
Warriors -3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JOE WIZ FREE PLAY

Under 198 Golden St and New Orleans

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Our Free Plays are 1001-742 (57 + %) over the last 4 1/2 years !

Free winner Mon: Wash Wizards -7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

5Lines

Total Line for 03/18/2013
(Won last 6 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
NBA - Memphis Grizzlies : u183
Cost: -110

Run Line for 03/18/2013
(Won last 3 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
NBA - Memphis Grizzlies : -14.5
Cost: -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

NBA LA LAKERS at PHOENIX

Play On - Road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (LA LAKERS) an excellent offensive team (>=102 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG) after 42+ games.
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% 26.2 units )
9-6 this year. ( 60.0% 2.4 units )

NBA GOLDEN STATE at NEW ORLEANS

Play Against - Home teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (NEW ORLEANS) cold team - having lost 6 or 7 of their last 8 games against opponent after having won 2 of their last 3 games.
88-47 over the last 5 seasons. ( 65.2% 39.0 units )
18-9 this year. ( 66.7% 9.0 units )

NBA DENVER at CHICAGO

Play On - Home underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points vs. the first half line (CHICAGO) after going over the total by more than 18 points in their previous game against opponent after going under the total by 54 or more points total in their last ten games.
46-18 since 1997. ( 71.9% 26.2 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% 1.0 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DENVER MONEY

MLBx

1* Atlanta Braves -120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Betting Champ
Washington [A] bet
Brooklyn [A] bet

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BookiesHunter

Won YTD Tennis play.

19-5 run
2* Tennis Parlay of the day Take in a parlay Tim Smyczek and Rajeev Ram
2* ATP Dog of the Day Take Olivier Rochus


1* ATP Total of the Day Take Over 22.5 Games De Schepper/Dancevic

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Paul Leiner

100* Suns / Lakers Over 200

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd

5* Heat/Celtics Under 189

3* Pacers/Cavs Under 190.5

3* Wizards/Bobcats Over 189

3* Indiana Pacers -7

Free Play Detroit Pistons +4.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

Miami at Boston

The Heat look to build on their 9-1 ATS record in their last 10 road games. Miami is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5). Here are all of today's picks.


MONDAY, MARCH 18
Time Posted: 12:30 p.m. EST


Game 501-502: Indiana at Cleveland (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 119.722; Cleveland 119.942
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 7; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+7); Under


Game 503-504: Washington at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 113.802; Charlotte 107.752
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 6; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 7; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+7); Over


Game 505-506: Portland at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 119.411; Philadelphia 113.390
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+1 1/2); Over


Game 507-508: Brooklyn at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 119.170; Detroit 111.963
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 6; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 3; 189
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-3); Under


Game 509-510: Dallas at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 120.434; Atlanta 119.188
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 4; 201
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+4); Over


Game 511-512: Miami at Boston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 127.027; Boston 120.107
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 7; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5; 189
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5); Under


Game 513-514: Denver at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 128.406; Chicago 121.365
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 7; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 3 1/2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-3 1/2); Under


Game 515-516: Minnesota at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 109.082; Memphis 128.279
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 19; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 13; 183
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-13); Over


Game 517-518: Golden State at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 117.639; New Orleans 116.243
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 1 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 4; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+4); Over


Game 519-520: LA Lakers at Phoenix (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 118.022; Phoenix 116.444
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 3; 201
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+3); Under


Game 521-522: New York at Utah (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 112.456; Utah 124.458
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 12; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 10; 189
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-10); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wunderdog Sports Free Pick

Game: New York at Utah (10:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: Utah -10 (-110)
The Knicks are in trouble as they now have Wallace, Stoudemire, Anthony and Chandler all out. This will be even more challenging as the shortened Knick's rotation has to play in the high altitude at Utah. They will be placying against a Jazz team that is exceedingly tough to beat here to begin with. The Knicks have dropped four straight on this road trip and they have lost them by a combined 80 points or an average of 20 a contest. The Knicks have no offense, no go to guy and the last four show them averaging just 81.8ppg. That simply isn't enough to keep them competitive here vs. a strong home team. Play on Utah.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lang :

My 15 Dime selection is on Boston over Miami.
The current line on this game is +5 1/2 in Vegas and offshore.
Be sure to shop around for the best price available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

POWER PLAY WINS

POD

NBA: Atlanta Hawks -4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Stephen Nover | NBA ML - Monday, Mar 18 2013 7:05PM
ML 506 PHI (-120) Hilton (http://www.pregame.com/en/main/sports-betting-lines-odds/) vs 505 POR triple-dime bet

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Scott Rickenbach 8* NHL Road Warrior

Philadelphia

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ness-
NBA Triple Play Going Over the Total,
Was/Char over 189
Brooklyn/Det over 188.5
NY/UT over 188.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Fezzik

Best Bet From First Preview

Middle Tenn St +3 (Tues)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Joe Williams

Celtics +5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JACK JONES

NBA Basketball Premium Picks



NBA | Mar 18 '13 (7:05p)
Washington Wizards vs Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte Bobcats
+6½-104 (http://affiliates.5dimes.com/tracking/Affiliate.asp?AffID=af000123&mediaTypeID=633&Image=/tracking/banner/160x600/5dimes-MB-160x600v4.gif&AffUrlID=176) at 5dimes (http://www.5dimes.com/)


15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Charlotte Bobcats +6.5

The Washington Wizards should not be favored on the road by 6.5 points over any team in the league. Not even the Charlotte Bobcats. I'll gladly fade the 23-42 Wizards, who are just 5-25 on the road this season.

Sure, the Bobcats own the worst record in the league, but as a result the betting public is almost completely off of them. That forces oddsmakers to inflate their lines, which should lead to some great betting opportunities the rest of the way.

Charlotte wants revenge from an 87-104 loss at Washington on March 9th just over a week ago. I like its chances of getting it considering the Wizards are extremely tired right now. This will be the 5th game in 7 days for Washington.

This play falls into a system that is 52-23 (69.3%) ATS since 1996. It tells us to bet on underdogs (CHARLOTTE) - cold team - failing to cover the spread in 12 or more of the last 15 against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread.

Washington is 4-16 ATS in road games after scoring 120 points or more since 1996. The Wizards are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Bobcats are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 Monday games. Roll with Charlotte Monday.








NBA | Mar 18 '13 (10:05p)
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
+3-105 (http://affiliates.5dimes.com/tracking/Affiliate.asp?AffID=af000123&mediaTypeID=633&Image=/tracking/banner/160x600/5dimes-MB-160x600v4.gif&AffUrlID=176) at 5dimes (http://www.5dimes.com/)


15* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Phoenix Suns +2.5

The Phoenix Suns should not be an underdog at home tonight to the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, I fully expect the Suns to blow the Lakers out of the building in this one. Los Angeles is way overvalued due to winning its last two games despite having Kobe Bryant play just 12 minutes in the Indiana victory. He sat out last night's 113-102 home win over Sacramento.

Teams tend to actually play well without their superstar for a few games, but over time they certainly miss him. I look for that to be the case tonight as the Lakers simply do not have enough talent without Kobe to warrant being favored at Phoenix. That's especially the case considering how tired it is.

The Lakers will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days. That is the toughest possible situation in the NBA, and that's what they're up against tonight. They'll be up against a Phoenix team that absolutely hates them and always seems to play them tough.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series over the last few years. In fact, the home team has won each of the last eight meetings dating back to 2011. Phoenix is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in its last 3 home meetings with Los Angeles despite being an underdog each time. It won by finals of 92-86, 125-105 and 102-90. The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

The Lakers are 17-38 ATS in their last 55 games following a S.U. win. Los Angeles is 14-36-1 ATS in its last 51 games following a ATS win. The Suns are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. The Lakers are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Phoenix. Take the Suns Monday.






-= TOP PLAY =-


NBA | Mar 18 '13 (10:35p)
New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
-10-105 (http://affiliates.5dimes.com/tracking/Affiliate.asp?AffID=af000123&mediaTypeID=633&Image=/tracking/banner/160x600/5dimes-MB-160x600v4.gif&AffUrlID=176) at 5dimes (http://www.5dimes.com/)


20* Knicks/Jazz ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah -10

The Utah Jazz will blow the New York Knicks out of the building tonight for several reasons. The first of which is the fact that the Knicks are very short-handed right now, playing without Amare Stoudemire (out), Tyson Chandler (doubtful) and Carmelo Anthony (doubtful). There is a slight chance that Anthony plays tonight, but even if he does I have no doubt the Jazz will cover.

Making matters worse for the Knicks is the fact that they'll be running on fumes tonight. This will be the second of a back-to-back and the 4th game in 6 days for New York. Being short-handed makes handling this situation even tougher. Meanwhile, Utah will have a lot of energy to bring to the court considering this will only be its 2nd game in 5 days.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series considering the home team has won 12 of the last 13 meetings. Utah has serious revenge in mind as it will be looking for payback from an 84-113 loss at New York on March 9th just over a week ago. I like its chances of getting revenge in blowout fashion considering it is 24-8 SU & 20-12 ATS at home this year.

The Knicks are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. New York is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. New York is playing its worst basketball of the season due to these injuries, losing its last four games by 29, 23, 15 and 13 points. Bet the Jazz Monday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indian Cowboy's Picks For NBA Basketball

11-0 Hoops sweep the last 5 Days. 7100+ Basketball Run since March 1st with a 22-6 (79%) Basketball Run

4-Unit Play. #518. Take Under 195.5 Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Hornets (Monday @ 8pm est).

These two teams are defensive teams at heart. With Golden State being just a 3 point favorite on the road at New Orleans, and the public being on State to a tune of 70%+, look for this New Orleans to be an active underdog and likely win this game Outright. But, rather than take a wager against a team who needs to make the playoffs, I like the Under here between these two teams this evening. If you notice, the last time these two teams met in January, the total went up as high as 228. Now, when these two teams meet, the total is at a modest 195.5. Look for New Orleans to play their physical style of defense at home and for this game to have a more defensive tone to it. Note that when State played Philadelphia, the final score added up to 201 and when the played Boston, the total added up to 180. New Orleans returns home from losing a 3 game road trip and I suspect they will look to rebound at home especially on the defensive front. The short line indicates that they are expected to be a good underdog here at home and to do well today and usually New Orleans does that through their defense at home.


Indian Cowboy's Picks For NHL Hockey

4-Unit Play. #2. New York Rangers -145 vs. Carolina (Monday @ 7:05 pm est)Rick Nash is the most important addition to the New York Rangers and arguably the best player to change NHL teams this offseason and the ?Blue Shirts? hope he is the final piece to the Cup Puzzle. The "Blue Shirts" have all the faith in goalie, Henrik Lundqvist, the talented Swede that he will respond beneath the bright lights of the "Big Apple" on a nightly basis as solving his mastery in between the pipes is never easy. The Rangers are (16-5) in their last (21) Monday games as they return home to Madison Square Garden, New York, New York where they lost their previous game. The Hurricanes are (0-5) in the last (5) meetings and just (5-12-1) in the last (18) meetings in New York.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Robert Ferringo's Picks For NHL Hockey
3-Unit Pick Take #3 Philadelphia (-1.15) over Tampa Bay (7:35 pm, Monday, March 18)
This will be the only game that Philadelphia plays until they visit Pittsburgh on Sunday, with the Flyers trailing the last playoff spot by four points this makes this game every bit as any this season. Both of these hockey clubs expected much better from their seasons this year but both have fell short so far this year. I think Philadelphia is in a better spot to turn things around here, Tampa has already started to put younger guy's in the lineup a sign that they are looking to build for next year. I think Philadelphia will be focus and all out to get this win with their short break in the schedule, the line opened with Tampa as a short home favorite and has drifted to Philadelphia as the road favorite, still a little value left in this line for what I think is the better team.

2-Unit Pick Take #9 San Jose (+1.15) at Anaheim (10 pm, Monday, March 18)
This is another line that came down and for good reason. Anaheim has been a real good hockey team this year while San Jose started off hot winning their first seven games only to lose 15 of their last 20 games. The Sharks are coming off a loss to the Kings where players and coaches question their efforts, San Jose was put through a intense physical practice leading me to believe we will get a max effort from the visitors tonight. The hardest thing to gauge in spots is effort and in situations like this we have that part figured out. The Ducks are still missing forward Cory Perry that definitely helps our cause tonight. Take the plus money.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Matt Fargo 10* Enforcer - NO HORNETS

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Betting Line Moves NCAAB 3/18

624. james madison +2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Cash System Free Picks for 3/18

Dallas Mavericks/Atlanta Hawks OVER 201 (Total Points Scored in Game) (NBA Basketball)

Cleveland Cavaliers +7.5 over the Indiana Pacers (NBA Basketball)

New York Knicks +10.5 over the Utah Jazz (NBA Basketball)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Monday, March 18

Around the rink: Monday's NHL betting notes

Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers (-143, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Dan Ellis (CAR), Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)

The Rangers have dropped three straight, scoring only twice during the skid and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Henrik Lundqvist has yielded 11 goals en route to losing his last four starts. The Hurricanes are 5-0 in their last five games against Atlantic foes and have played under the total in their last four road games.

Philadelphia Flyers at Tampa Bay Lightning (+103, 6)

Probable starting goaltenders: Ilya Bryzgalov (PHI), Anders Lindback (TB)

Philadelphia has won two of three after a 2-1 shootout triumph over New Jersey on Friday and - with six days before its next game - should empty the tank against the Lightning. Tampa Bay, which has split a pair with Philadelphia, is six points out of eighth place despite going 3-8-0 in its last 11. The home team is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars (-130, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Joey MacDonald (CGY), Kari Lehtonen (DAL)

The Dallas Stars wrap up a four-game homestand looking to avoid a five-game winless streak when they host the Flames. The Stars were trounced 8-1 by Chicago on Saturday to drop to 0-3-1 in their last four games, during which the team has scored just three goals. The Flames have won their last two games and recorded two victories against the Stars in February. The over is 6-0-3 in the last nine meetings.

Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche (+137, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Ray Emery (CHI), Semyon Varlamov (COL)

Chicago returns to the site where it had its NHL-record, season-opening 24-game point streak halted on March 8. The Avalanche have won four of the last five meetings between the teams - both overall and in Colorado. The over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Colorado.

Minnesota Wild at Vancouver Canucks (-153, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Niklas Backstrom (MIN), Roberto Luongo (VAN)

The Canucks defeated the Wild 2-1 at home on Feb. 12 and hold a 2-1-0 lead in the season series, but lost 4-2 in Minnesota on March 10. Vancouver's anemic power play was foiled for the 11th straight game Saturday and the Canucks were unable to sustain any offensive momentum in a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The over is 6-0-1 in the Canucks’ last seven home games.

San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks (-134, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Antti Niemi (SJ), Viktor Fasth (ANA)

San Jose fell to 0-3-1 in its last four road games when it dropped a 5-2 decision to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday The Sharks continue to struggle offensively, as they have scored fewer than three goals in 15 of their last 17 contests and more than three just once in 22 matches. The Ducks are kicking off a five-game stretch at home, where they have won 11 in a row. The under is 5-1 in the Ducks’ last six overall.

Phoenix Coyotes at Los Angeles Kings (-166, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Mike Smith (PHX), Jonathan Quick (LAK)

The Phoenix Coyotes are halfway through their four-game road trip and have yet to score a goal. Phoenix began its trek with a 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday and dropped a 1-0 shootout decision to the streaking Columbus Blue Jackets two days later. The Coyotes have been shut out in each of their last three road games, as they dropped a 2-0 decision in Anaheim on March 6. The Kings have won nine of their last 10 home games, outscoring their opponents 40-20 in the process. The over is 8-1 in the Kings’ last nine overall.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Monday, March 18

Fullcourt press: Monday's NBA betting news and notes

Portland Trail Blazers at Philadelphia 76ers (-1, 195.5)

Philadelphia had dropped 12 of 13 to fall well out of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference, but a stretch of two wins in three games against quality competition has shown that it is not willing to pack it in. The Blazers are trying to win their third straight but have won just one of their last nine away from home. The Sixers are 4-1 ATS in their last five overall and last five home games.

Washington Wizards at Charlotte Bobcats (+6.5, 188.5)

The Wizards have won three straight as part of a five-game home winning streak, but they've lost their last three road games. This is the last of four meetings, with Charlotte holding a 2-1 edge in the series. The Bobcats won the first two contests as part of the Wizards' 0-12 start, but Washington won 104-87 at home in the most recent meeting March 9. The Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers (+7.5, 189)

The Pacers have won 10 of the last 11 games against the Cavaliers, who are coming off an 0-2 trip to Texas. A 119-113 loss at San Antonio on Saturday was Cleveland's sixth in its last eight games. The vaunted Indiana defense, which entered Sunday ranked second in fewest points allowed per game (90), has given up more than that number in four straight games. The over is 5-0 in the Pacers’ last five overall.

Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks (-3.5, 201.5)

The Hawks defeated the Mavericks 105-101 in Dallas on Feb. 11. Atlanta has won the last two meetings after Dallas was victorious in 19 of the previous 25. Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (calf) is expected to miss his seventh straight game and backup guard Roddy Beaubois joined him on the injured list by breaking his left hand in Sunday’s loss to the Thunder. Dallas is 5-0 ATS in the second half of back-to-backs this season.

Brooklyn Nets at Detroit Pistons (+3.5, 190.5)

The Brooklyn Nets begin a 17-day, eight-game road trip Monday against the Detroit Pistons, who have lost eight straight games and 11 of their last 12. The Pistons are 0-6 in their last six Monday games and have played over the total in four of their last five overall.

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (+5, 189.5)

Recent whispers out of Boston Celtics camp suggested that they were not very impressed with the Miami Heat's lengthy winning streak. The Celtics now have a chance to end it when the Heat carry a 22-gamer -- tied for the second longest in NBA history -- into Monday's matchup at TD Garden. Miami rolled to a 108-91 win at Toronto on Sunday, matching the 2007-08 Houston Rockets on the all-time list. Amazingly, Boston ended Houston's streak five years ago to the day. Boston may be without F Kevin Garnett (adductor strain) but that may not be a bad thing. The Celtics are 2-0 without Garnett this season, winning by an average of 21 points. He had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the victory over Miami on Jan. 27. Boston is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 home games.

Denver Nuggets at Chicago Bulls (+3.5, 194.5)

The Denver Nuggets look to match the longest winning streak in franchise history Monday when they visit Chicago. The Nuggets extended their winning streak to 11 games on Friday with an 87-80 win over Memphis. The Bulls are the worst scoring team in the league, but they’re coming off a 113-95 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday. The over is 7-1 in the Nuggets’ last eight road games.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies (-13, 183)

The Timberwolves are coming off a 97-95 home win over New Orleans and are in search of their first back-to-back victories since winning four straight from Dec. 7-15. Memphis had won 14 of 15 before its current two-game slide. The under is 4-0 in the Grizzlies’ last four home games and 8-1 in the last nine meetings.

Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Hornets (+3.5, 196)

The Hornets would not seem like the type of team capable of running up the score against the Warriors, but neither did the Bulls prior to Friday’s 113-95 final. New Orleans has dropped three straight and six of seven. Golden State has taken the first two meetings, including a 116-112 triumph in New Orleans on Jan. 19. The over is 7-1 in the Hornets’ last eight home games.

Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns (+3, 200.5)

Kobe Bryant (ankle, flu) missed Los Angeles’ victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday but the offense clicked well without him as the Lakers won for the 19th time in 26 games. Bryant is likely to sit out again Monday against a Suns squad that has dropped four consecutive games. Phoenix has lost the four games by an average of 20 points and was routed 127-105 by the lowly Washington Wizards on Saturday. The Suns are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following a loss.

New York Knicks at Utah Jazz (-10, 189)

New York lost both Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler in a loss at Denver last week and has dropped each of the first four games on its current road trip by double figures. Both Anthony and Chandler are questionable and Amar'e Stoudemire is out on Monday, leaving the Knicks shorthanded against one of the better frontcourts in the league. New York has lost five in a row at Utah but is 7-0 ATS in its last seven trips to Salt Lake City.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marco D'angelo (betting first look)

Charlotte +6.5

[Dancin' Shoes]

LEGIT PICKS

Monday 3/18/13 Plays...

3* CAVS +7 (4:05PM PST)

3* PISTONS +4.5 (4:35PM PST)

3* HORNETS +3.5 (5:05PM PST)

---LEGIT PICK'S WARNING: Practicing Money Management & Shopping Lines Can Lead to Long Term Success--

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dr. Ed Meyer | NBA Total - Monday, Mar 18 2013 8:05PM
513 DEN / 514 CHI UNDER 196.5 double-dime bet

[Can'tPickAWinner]

King Creole | NBA Total - Monday, Mar 18 2013 8:05PM
515 MIN / 516 MEM UNDER 184.0 double-dime bet

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rochestertitans
Soccer
Czech league jihlava under 2.25(5un)
GA Eagles Over 3.25 (4u)

NBA
Mavs OVER 201.5(5un)
Suns +3(5un)
Jazz OVER 188.5(4un)
Twolves +13(4un)
Sixers-1(3un)
Bobcats OVER 188.5(3un)
Bobcats +6.5(2un)
Heat -5(2un)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ben Burns
10* grizz
9* bobcats
10* stars under
8* stars
7* vancouver
8* nyr

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SB Professor

1. Carolina Hurricanes +132

5. Calgary Flames +123

9. San Jose Sharks +122

13. Phoenix Coyotes +155

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CHRIS JORDAN 100*

Miami Heat -5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seabass Report for Monday:
100 UNDER Celtics
100 Portland
200 Dallas in the NBA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SPORTS BANK
Brooklyn nets

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Cash System Play of the Day:


Dallas Mavericks +3.5 over the Atlanta Hawks


(System Record: 52-1, Won last game)
Overall Record: 52-38-7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jack Jones

20* Utah Jazz -10

15* Charlotte Bobcats +6.5

15* Phoenix Suns +2.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doc's NBA - 3/18

#502 Take Cleveland +7.5 over Indiana (7 p.m. EST, Monday)

#511 Take Miami -5 over Boston (8 p.m. EST, Monday)

#513 Take Denver -3.5 over Chicago (8 p.m. EST, Monday)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

10 Top Side Play · [508] Detroit Pistons
King of the Court Mon Mar 18th, 2013 7:35pm EDT

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Uncle Harry
NBA.
SUNS

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BookiesHunter
Plays added:

2* NHL Crusher Play of the Night Take Rangers ML
2* Ultimate Blowout Take 76ers PK
2* Home underdog of the day Take Suns +3.5
2* Oddsmakers error Take Bobcats +6.5

1* Total Destruction Take Over 188.5 Knicks/Jazz
1* NHL Power Play Take Stars ML

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CHAN
Statisitcal Analysis
Charlotte hold a postive +1.4 point differential advantage in the away/home category over Washington - the bobcats avrage 8.8 points more offense per game than Washington.
Pick Analysis
The plays is 8 * Charlotte +7.5 ~ WAS continutes to imrpvoe at home - however laying over 7 points on the road will be tough for the Wizards - vs a tram who has shown they can play with them.

Statistical Analysis
Over the last games GS hold an impressive +13.8 point differential between the teams - GS are averaging 99 pts for - and 91 pts against.
GS hold an edge in FG% - Rebounds - Blocks - and a +12% edge in 3PT%.
Pick Analysis
The play is 10* on GS -1.5 ~ GS are under pressure to win on the road to keep pace with the other teams in the West - taking on NO team coming off another hard road trip will keep the Warriors win streak going.
Good luck......David

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bruce Marshall: Top Play Miami Heat

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GOMES 1* Pacers Pacers Under Phil Phil Over Dall Under Utah Over GS Under Heat Brooklyn

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kelso
50 Utah

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wellington Syndicate

Monday NBA Smasher

Detroit Pistons +4.5 pts

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Hook

Monday NBA GAME of the MONTH!

Dallas Mavericks