12-18-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

::handshake::

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pacers at Heat: What bettors need to know

Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat (OFF)

The Indiana Pacers had little trouble beating the defending champion Miami Heat at home last week. The Pacers will attempt to prove they can do the same on the road when they visit the Heat on Wednesday. Indiana suffered its first home loss on Monday but still owns the top record in the Eastern Conference by two games over Miami, which will bring an 11-2 home record and the memory of a Game 7 win in the Eastern Conference finals into the meeting.

Homecourt advantage played a big role in the series between the Heat and the Pacers last spring, with the home team winning each of the final four games. One key to those games - and most games - for Miami was reigning MVP LeBron James, who will be a game-time decision after missing practice on Tuesday with a sprained left ankle. “Treatment was better,” coach Eric Spoelstra told reporters. “It’s not the first time he’s gone through it with that ankle. “A lot of treatment (Tuesday), a lot of rest, and we’ll see how he feels (Wednesday).”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Indiana, Sun Sports (Miami)

LINE: The line and the total are currently off the board.

COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Indiana (-14.3) - Miami (-14.5) + home court (-3) = Miami -3.2

ABOUT THE PACERS (20-4, 16-8 ATS): Indiana may have gotten caught looking ahead in Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, when Roy Hibbert (2-for-12) and Paul George (4-for-14) suffered through sub-par efforts in a 101-96 setback. The Pacers have not won a regular-season game in Miami since Nov. 2010, but offer matchup advantages over the Heat with Hibbert, George and David West going up against a smaller front line. “Just going to do what I always do,” Hibbert said. “Try to play aggressive on the offensive end, clog up the paint and guard shooters.”

ABOUT THE HEAT (18-6, 12-12 ATS): Miami’s 90-84 loss at Indiana marked its lowest point total of the season and James was limited to 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting. James, who averaged 27.5 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in the Heat’s last two games, is taking the long-term view on his ankle injury and is not ready to declare the meeting with the Pacers as a pivotal contest. “I’m going to sit if I’m not feeling comfortable,” James told reporters. “It doesn’t matter who we are playing. Obviously, if it was a playoff game, I would play. We are a long-term team, and I am a long-term player.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Pacers are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 4-0 in the Heat's last four games versus a team with a winning SU record.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The loss to Indiana marked the only time in the last five games that James did not shoot at least 66.7 percent from the field.

2. Pacers F Danny Granger (calf) is expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Houston Rockets.

3. Indiana F Lance Stephenson put up a career-high 23 points on Monday and is averaging 21.5 on 64.3 percent shooting in the last two games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas at North Carolina: What bettors need to know

Texas Longhorns at North Carolina Tar Heels (-10.5, OFF)

North Carolina moves on from its latest upset victory to face another solid squad when it hosts Texas on Wednesday. The No. 18 Tar Heels defeated Kentucky last Saturday, adding more punch to a resume that includes victories over national powers Michigan State and Louisville. The Longhorns have won five consecutive games and a win would give them the program’s best start since the 2009-10 squad won their first 17 games.

Texas defeated the Tar Heels last season and recording a win at North Carolina would provide the type of signature victory the Longhorns need with a date against Michigan State looming. “When you talk about building resumes, this is where that comes in,” Texas coach Rick Barnes said. “This is a tough opponent, tough place to play, and then we come home and have a tough one.” North Carolina has been receiving stellar play from sophomore guard Marcus Paige, who scored 23 points against Kentucky to raise his season average to a team-leading 19.2.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2

LINE: The Tar Heels opened as 10.5-point faves. The total is currently off the board.

ABOUT TEXAS (9-1, 4-3 ATS): Sophomore center Cameron Ridley scored a career-best 22 points in last Saturday’s victory over Texas State and also grabbed 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the campaign. Ridley is averaging 10.3 points and 7.8 rebounds to go with a team-high 29 blocked shots. “There are a lot of improvements,” Barnes said. “He is in much better shape, he is continuing to grow, he has really worked hard and he is just a totally different player. This is a totally improved team and he has got a lot to do with it.”

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (7-2, 6-3 ATS): Embattled forward James Michael McAdoo had a splendid outing against Kentucky with 20 points and five rebounds. The junior is averaging 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds and is handling the weight of expectations much better than he did earlier in his career. “I mean that’s just a part of the game I play,” McAdoo said. “It’s not something that I enjoy, but it comes with the title. It’s all good, though. It’s just fuel to my fire.”

TRENDS:

* Texas is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* North Carolina is 5-1 in its last six games overall.

TIP-INS:

1. Texas has won five of the last six meetings and holds a 5-3 series edge.

2. Longhorns freshman PG Isaiah Taylor has four times as many assists as turnovers (20 to 5) over the past four games.

3. Paige has made 21 of North Carolina’s 25 3-point baskets.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Exposing the Top 25: Where the NCAAB polls went wrong
By JESSE SCHULE

Each week throughout the college basketball season, Covers Expert Jesse Schule will dissect the new Top 25 rankings, looking for betting value. He'll showcase the most overrated team, along with the most underrated ranked team, and an unranked squad that he feels should be in the Top 25.

Most Underrated Top 25 Team: Villanova Wildcats (10-0 SU, 7-1-0 ATS)

The Wildcats shocked then No. 2 Kansas at the end of November and followed up with another upset over Iowa the next day. After a 73-52 home win over La Salle on Sunday, they move to 10-0 to start the season. They have won their last three games versus unranked opponents by an average margin of 21 points.

The Wildcats have been kind to their backers, covering the points in seven of eight contests this year. Villanova will face a tough challenge when they visit No. 2 ranked Syracuse on the 28th of December.

Most Overrated Top 25 Team: Kansas Jayhawks (7-3 SU, 4-6 ATS)

The might have Andrew Wiggins, but the Jayhawks have already been upset twice by unranked opponents, and lost on the road to No. 19 Florida. Their three losses gives them the lowest winning percentage of any of the Top 25 teams, and make them one of just two ranked teams with more than two losses.

Wiggins can't be blamed for the loss at Florida, with 26 points, 11 rebounds and a pair of blocks in a losing effort. He needs more help from his teammates, and that was never more clear than during a 21-0 Gators run, when Wiggins went over five minutes without a single touch. The schedule doesn't get any easier for Kansas, with their next game against Georgetown and then hosting San Diego State in the first week of January.

Unranked Team That Should Be Ranked: Pittsburgh Panthers (10-0 SU, 3-5 ATS)

The Panthers are still undefeated with a 10-0 record, but have yet to face a ranked team. They face a tough Cincinnati team at a neutral site Tuesday night and they are being asked to cover a 5.5-point spread. A win tonight would almost surely push them into the Top 25 next week.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA Top 4: Bad teams providing good value

When it comes to mining for NBA gold, some of the worst SU teams have provided the strongest value.

As oddsmakers continue to punish the East for being miles behind its West counterpart, the weaker conference actually houses some of the strongest ATS bets through the opening quarter of the season. And one rather well-known Western Conference team has fared well ATS despite opening without its biggest star.

Here are four teams that have been decidedly kinder to bettors than they have to their own fans:

Charlotte Bobcats (10-14 SU, 14-9-1 ATS)

Charlotte has actually been decent - by Bobcats standards, at least - as it looks to turn things around following last season's 21-61 debacle. The Bobcats have shown a keen ability to stay in games this year, which explains why they have one of the conference's best ATS records despite being well below .500. The main reason for Charlotte's success: a stifling defense allowing the third-fewest points in the league (92.5) entering Tuesday's action. Not surprisingly, that has also made the Bobcats one of the best "under" plays of the year (7-16-1 O/U).

Boston Celtics (12-14 SU, 15-11 ATS)

The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics may not be the powerhouse unit of years gone by, but they're using many of the same tactics to thrive. Boston has defended all areas of the court well, but has been particularly stingy beyond the arc, limiting opponents to a league-worst 32.2-percent success rate. The Celtics have struggled on the offensive end, but some of those problems should disappear with the return of injured point guard Rajon Rondo. Unfortunately, the odds will likely be adjusted to reflect that - making Boston a less solid ATS play.

Washington Wizards (10-13 SU, 13-10 ATS)

While Charlotte and Boston have provided ATS value with strong defensive play, the Wizards are in the mix thanks to a surprisingly potent offense. Led by electrifying point guard John Wall, the Wizards are averaging 98.3 points per night - more than five points ahead of last year's mark - and have been one of the deadliest teams from long range, hitting 38.4 percent of their 3-point attempts. That hot shooting has enabled the Wizards to keep pace with favored teams - particularly of late, as they're 3-1 ATS in their last four games as an underdog.

Los Angeles Lakers (11-13 SU, 13-10-1 ATS)

Mike D'Antoni may not earn any Coach of the Year votes at season's end, but his ability to keep the Lakers semi-competitive despite being without injured star Kobe Bryant and fellow aging guard Steve Nash has been impressive. Los Angeles found a way to remain offensively efficient in Bryant's absence - averaging better than 100 points per game - and that has made the Lakers a tough out. Yet, with Bryant back in the fold, the Lakers have actually begun to lose value - going 1-4 ATS - as oddsmakers account for Los Angeles' perceived improvement with him in the lineup.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

POINTWISE

PRO BASKETBALL

♦♦♦♦ (7:05) Indiana Pacers 98 - MIAMI HEAT 97 (ESPN)

♦ (7:05) ORLANDO MAGIC 106 - Utah Jazz 93

(7:05) Charlotte Bobcats 95 - TORONTO RAPTORS 91

♦ (7:35) Sacramento Kings 102 - ATLANTA HAWKS 98

(7:35) BOSTON CELTICS 96 - Detroit Pistons 89

(7:35) BROOKLYN NETS 100 - Washington Wizards 91

♦♦♦ (8:05) New York Knicks 102 - MILWAUKEE BUCKS 95

(8:05) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 95 - Portland 94

(8:35) DALLAS MAVERICKS 103 - Memphis Grizzlies 98

(9:05) San Antonio Spurs 97 - PHOENIX SUNS 94

(9:35) HOUSTON ROCKETS 104 - Chicago 99 (ESPN)

(10:35) LA CLIPPERS 108 - New Orleans Pelicans 100

BEST BETS
INDIANA (4)
NEW YORK (3)
ORLANDO
SACRAMENTO

[Can'tPickAWinner]

THE GOLD SHEET

★★★ KEY RELEASE ★★★
CHARLOTTE by 5 over Toronto (Wednesday, Dec. 18)

MIAMI 97 - Indiana 87—Quick turnaround from last Tuesday’s Round One
at Indy when Pacers prevailed 90-84. Miami (last in rebounding) having more
and more problems dealing with Indiana C Roy Hibbert, who scored a gamehigh
24 in that Pacers’ win. And the Hibbert-David West frontline tandem has
been an awkward matchup for Miami in recent meetings. But with likely playofflike
intensity at AmericanAirlines Arena, expect a championship-level
performance from Heat, and for LeBron to fare better than his 6 for 16 FG
shooting in the first meeting. Miami also likely to do better than the poor 4-for-
21 shooting beyond the arc that proved costly last week. 13-IND -3' 90-84
(191); 12-IND +2 87-77 (187), IND +2 102-89 (184), MIA -7 105-91 (188), MIA
-8' 103-102 (OT-182), Ind +7' 97-93 (181), Mia -1' 114-96 (182), IND +2' 99-92
(185), MIA -7' 90-79 (185), IND +2' 91-77 (183), MIA -7 99-76 (181) TV—ESPN

ORLANDO 99 - Utah 93—The old “C & D Theory” should maybe be
amended the “D & D Theory” with these two stragglers. Not terribly interested
in the thought of laying any points with Orlando side that is just 1-3 in
unaccustomed chalk role and that had lost 6 in a row SU prior to win at Charlotte
on Dec. 10. But Utah not a much better alternative, and recent Jazz romp at
Sacto on Dec. 11 had more to do with Kings’ lineup jumbling in wake of the Rudy
Gay trade (Gay didn’t even suit up for that game). Jazz only have 2 SU wins on
road, and Magic close to full strength with C Nikola Vucevic available again. 12-
UTAH -8' 87-81 (196), Utah +1 97-93 (188)

★★★ Charlotte 95 - TORONTO 90—Toronto looking for a little payback after
2-point loss at the Cable Box back on Nov. 6 when Bobcat G Gerald Henderson
(scored 23) was the star of the game. But not sure what to make of Raptors
following their decision to begin cleaning house in the middle of the season, with
high-scoring Rudy Gay sent to Sacto and rumors that G Kyle Lowry is the next
to go. We’ve at least got an idea who will be on the floor for Bobcats, who have
covered 5 of their last 6 thru Dec. 12 and were a sparkling 7-1 vs. the line as a
road dog prior to facing Pacers at Indianapolis on Dec. 13. 13-CHA +2' 92-90
(187); 12-CHA -2' 98-97 (192), TOR -8 99-78 (195), TOR -12' 92-78 (194), CHA
+6' 107-101 (195)

ATLANTA 107 - Sacramento 95—Advantage Atlanta, which has won and
covered last three meetings vs. Sacto including 105-100 success at Sleep Train
on Nov. 5, when Hawk frontliners Al Horford and Paul Millsap combined for 52
points and mostly dominated proceedings. Not sure what to make of “new look”
Kings with Rudy Gay now in tow, but as mentioned earlier, we’re reluctant to
anticipate any immediate Sacto upgrade, as chemistry issues on team were not
the best prior to Gay’s arrival. Besides, Gay’s presence will not help vs. Millsap
and Horford, who still figure a difficult matchup for Kings. 13-Atl +2 105-100
(201); 12-Atl -2 112-96 (189), ATL -8 122-108 (205)

Detroit 96 - BOSTON 90—Boston hanging in there in Atlantic Division race
mostly because all of the other contenders have had their problems. But even
when Celtics had a more veteran look about themselves a year ago, they had
problems vs. Pistons, who have stretched cover streak in series to four straight
after 10-point win on Nov. 3 at Auburn Hills. Streaky Detroit in a mini-slump in
mid-December with three SU and spread losses in a row thru Dec. 12. But
matchups in paint still problematic for Boston, which has its hands full with
Detroit bigs Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond, while ex-Hawk Josh Smith has
had big games in the past vs. Celtics. Trust series trends to continue. 13-DET
-9 87-77 (193); 12-DET +4 103-83 (190), DET +2 103-88 (185), BOS -7 98-93 (197)

Washington 94 - BROOKLYN 91—Wizards scored comeback win vs. Nets
back on Nov. 8 in D.C., erasing an 11-point deficit in last 4½ minutes of
regulation to force OT, and then winning in the extra session. Nets were at full
strength at that point, too, and recently-returned starters Paul Pierce & Deron
Williams combined for just 18 points on 6 of 19 FG shooting, although it was
now-injured Wizards G Bradley Beal who made the different that night with 29
points. Washington has coped with Beal’s absence, although Wizards were
also down Nene and Martell Webster in Dec. 9 home loss to Nuggets.
Assuming those two have returned to active duty, prefer Washington, as we are
yet to be sold on Brooklyn’s resurgence after two wins over modest Bucks and
Celtics. Also note Wizards continuing to work on defensive end, reflected in 9-
5 “under” mark last 14 thru Dec. 12. 13-WA +2 112-108 (OT-198); 12-Bro -6
115-113 (2OT-183), WA -1' 89-74 (188), BR -6 95-78 (182), BRO -4 106-101 (190)

New York 97 - MILWAUKEE 86—The schizophrenic pattern of New York
aside, we still might want to take a chance with Knicks against a lowly
Milwaukee side that Mike Woodson’s team already defeated by 7 back on
opening night. Not much has gone right for either team since, although much
of Knicks’ problems can be traced to Tyson Chandler’s injury, robbing Woodson
of a rim protector. Milwaukee also down a key frontliner (Larry Sanders), but
Bucks’ lack of firepower has been acute all season. With 2-9 spread mark at
Bradley Center, punchless Bucks cannot be trusted. And several recent efforts
are evidence enough that Knicks can extend margin and add to N.Y.’s recent
series edge (Knicks 4-0 SU vs. Milwaukee last 1+, all wins by 7 or more). 13-NY -8
90-83 (196); 12-Ny -2' 102-88 (202), NY -5 96-86 (205), NY -7' 101-83 (202)

Portland 103 - MINNESOTA 95—First chance for these two to meet this
season. But need some good reasons to buck Portland, 9-2 vs. line on road thru
Dec. 13. And second night of back-to-back scenario no negative thus far for
Blazers, who are 5-1 vs. the points in role. Addition of Robin Lopez to Portland
frontline provides size and toughness to negate T-wolves Kevin Love and Nikola
Pekovic. 12-POR -1' 103-95 (197), Por +6' 102-97 (191), Por +3' 100-98 (193),
POR -8' 109-94 (198)

DALLAS 98 - Memphis 97—Memphis played last night at home against the
Lakers, but the Grizzlies have been a very reliable play on the road in 2nd night
of back-to-back games, going 27-12 vs. the points the last 3+ seasons.
Grizzlies have played Dallas on even terms at American Airlines Arena the last
few seasons, splitting the last six there SU and vs. the points. Memphis 7-3 SU
last 10 in series. 13-DAL -2' 111-99 (194); 12-MEM -10' 92-82 (189), DAL +1'
104-83 (188), MEM -7' 90-84 (188), Mem -4 103-97 (186)

San Antonio 113 - PHOENIX 102—Phoenix gave S.A. a scare back on Nov.
6, when the Suns pushed the defending Western champs to the limit in a 99-96
Spur win in San Antonio. That was the Suns' 2nd straight cover vs.the Spurs,
and they're now 3-1 as a home dog prior to hosting Golden State Sunday. Suns
out-rebounded and out-shot the Spurs in first clash, but not sure that will happen
again (especially if S.A. coming off a loss at the Clippers). 13-SAN -13' 99-96
(198); 12-SAN -9' 108-99 (200), San -9 97-87 (200), Pho +16 105-101 (OT-198)

HOUSTON 101 - Chicago 90—Houston a reliable 50-36 against the points
the last 2+ seasons at home, and Chicago has been lost at sea since knee injury
to talisman G Derrick Rose. Bulls have been playing some reliable defense for
HC Tom Thibodeau, holding 7 of last 8 foes below 100 and giving up just 85 ppg
in last 4 through Dec. 12, but Dwight Howard will make easy putbacks difficult
for Chicago's Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer. 12-HOU -1 93-89 (192), Hou +4'
120-97 (197) CABLE TV—ESPN

LA CLIPPERS 116 - New Orleans 105—N.O. has been playing faster,
resulting in a 10-3 "over" mark in last 13 through Dec. 12. The Clippers have
been doing their own "showtime" imitation at home, scoring 111 ppg and going
"over" 8-2 at the Staples Center this season. Looks like an "over" play. 12-No
+13 105-98 (189), LA -13' 93-77 (190), La -6 105-91 (188), La -9 96-93 (192)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

THE GOLD SHEET

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

AKRON over Detroit by 5 to 7—12-DET +1 80-73

OHIO ST. over Delaware by 17 to 20—12-DNP

Drexel 65 - SAINT JOSEPH’S 62—This is always a very special game for
Drexel, not only because it gets a crack at a local Big Five rep (not all of that
group wants to play the Dragons), but also a chance for HC Bruiser Flint to
coach against his alma mater. Which is why it pained Bruiser so much that his
side was not at full strength (it was missing key G Chris Fouch) when facing Phil
Martelli’s team last season. But this trip to Hawk Hill is an assignment a healthy
Dragon side (now with a healthy Fouch, scoring 19.3 ppg) can relish. Without
a rim protector, St. Joe’s is badly missing the defensive presence that
graduated 6-9 C.J. Aiken provided in the paint last season. 12-Stj -2' 63-49

NORTH CAROLINA over Texas by 8 to 11—12-TEX +4' 85-67 CABLE
TV—ESPN2

TENNESSEE over North Carolina St. by 1 to 3—12-DNP CABLE TV—
ESPNU

Massachusetts over OHIO by 12 to 15—12-MASS +2 85-76

MISSISSIPPI over La.-Monroe by 19 to 22—12-DNP

Charleston over OLD DOMINION by 4 to 6—12-CHA -8 76-65

DRAKE over Western Michigan by 5 to 7—12-DNP

LOYOLA-CHICAGO over Northern Illinois by 1 to 3—12-Loy -6 53-46

SAINT LOUIS 69 - Indiana St. 66—SLU has still been somewhat
overvalued by the oddsmakers, judging from its 2-6 spread mark thru Dec. 13.
Therefore, we’re eager to grab 4+ hoops with experienced, balanced & goodshooting
ISU (nailing 46.9% from the arc; 3rd nationally!). The Sycamores’
superb sr. G, Jake Odom (13.8 ppg, 5.6 apg), is able to break down the Billikens
aggressive halfcourt defense, while the deep ISU bench prevents any “weardown”
factor in the second half. The Sycamores can collapse on the stop end,
since SLU has no DD scorers hitting better than 30% from treyland. It’s worth
noting, MVC challenger ISU has covered five consecutive as a non-conference
underdog. 12-DNP

ST. JOHN’S over San Francisco by 8 to 11—12-USF -2' 81-65

WESTERN KENTUCKY over Southern Miss by 1 to 3—12-USM -6 67-64
(OT)

CONNECTICUT over Stanford by 8 to 11—12-DNP CABLE TV—ESPN2

Lsu 79 - TEXAS TECH 67—Already with double-digit losses to Alabama,
Pitt, and Arizona on its ledger, Tubby Smith’s Texas Tech continues to be
hampered by its shortccomings on the boards. Which could be exploited by a
well-rested LSU side that will be playing only its second game in 17 days since
the conclusion of the Old Spice Classic on Thanksgiving weekend at Orlando.
But there’s enough evidence against a tough early-season slate to be
comfortable with an LSU recommendation, especially with 6-8 frosh Jordan
Mickey (13.3 ppg) and Jarell Martin (8.2 ppg) providing (a) a size on wings (in
Mickey’s case) and (b) bulk on the blocks (in Martin’s case) to help punishing 6-
9 Johnny O’Bryant (16.8 ppg), while the veteran Andre Stringer-Anthony Hickey
backcourt (combined 24 ppg) pulls the strings from the perimeter. 12-DNP
CABLE TV—ESPNU

OREGON ST. over Towson by 7 to 10—12-Tow +14' 67-66 (OT)

SAN JOSE ST. over UC Davis by 1 to 3—12-Sjs +3' 73-64

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WINNING POINTS

PRO BASKETBALL

*Miami over Indiana by 6
The Pacers just hosted the Heat six days ago. Indiana had only played two teams above .500 during its first 19 games.
MIAMI 98-92.

*Orlando over Utah by 4
Utah plays its second of five road matchups in a row, but the Jazz have become more
respectable going 3-4 through Dec. 8.
ORLANDO 99-95.

**PREFERRED
Charlotte over *Toronto by 6
The Bobcats shaded the Raptors, 92-90, at home on Nov. 6 despite missing their best
player, Al Jefferson. Charlotte has been a tremendous value road play going 7-1-1 ATS
in its first nine away matchups.
CHARLOTTE 104-98

*Atlanta over Sacramento by 10
The Kings last beat the Hawks in Atlanta during March of 2006. The Hawks had won
and covered their last three home contests – including beating the Clippers and
Mavericks – through Dec. 9.
ATLANTA 102-92.

**PREFERRED
Detroit over *Boston 11
Thanks to their interior size and active rebounders, the Pistons figure to shoot a high
percentage against a small and talentless Celtics squad. The Pistons ranked fourth in
rebounding margin. Boston rated 21st. Boston had only one scorer averaging more
than 13 points a game.
DETROIT 100-89.

*Brooklyn over Washington by 4
Washington rallied from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat the Nets, 112-
108 in overtime, at home in the team's last meeting on Nov. 8. That was just the Nets'
fifth game of the season.
BROOKLYN 106-102.

*Milwaukee over New York by 3
The Bucks have revenge for a season-opening 90-83 road loss to the Knicks have been
idle since Saturday.
MILWAUKEE 103-100.

*Minnesota over Portland by 3
This is one of Portland's worst spots of the season, playing for the fourth time on the
road in five days. The Timberwolves should be highly motivated, too, since this is their
lone home matchup during a six-game stretch.
MINNESOTA 108-105.

*Dallas over Memphis by 8
The Mavericks canned 40 of 46 free throws when they beat the Grizzlies, 111-99, at
home on Nov. 2. Dallas is in good shape to duplicate that performance having been
idle since Saturday while the Grizzlies hosted the Lakers last night. DALLAS 107-99.
San Antonio over *Phoenix by 6 Phoenix was a sparkling 11-3 ATS taking points this season through Dec. 9.
SAN ANTONIO 103-97.

*Houston over Chicago by 7
The Bulls might be able to get away without Derrick Rose, but if leading scorer Luol
Deng (check status) is still sidelined by a calf injury they don't have enough scoring
to keep up with the Rockets on the road. Houston was 6-1 ATS in its last seven at
Toyota Center through the first week of this month.
HOUSTON 105-96.

*Los Angeles Clippers over New Orleans by 8
The Hornets are 3-1-1 ATS when playing in the second of back-to-back games this
season. LA CLIPPERS 108-100.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

POINTWISE

COLLEGIATE
BASKETBALL PROPHECY

KEY RELEASES
NORTH CAROLINA over Texas (Wed) RATING: 2
SAN JOSE ST over Cal-Davis (Wed) RATING: 4

(7:00) AKRON 78 - Detroit 70

(7:00) OHIO STATE 75 - Delaware 58 (BIG10)

(7:00) ST JOSEPHS 67 - Drexel 59

(7:00) NORTH CAROLINA 84 - Texas 67 (ESPN2)

(7:00) TENNESSEE 80 - North Carolina St 70 (ESPNU)

(7:00) Massachusetts 74 - OHIO U 65

(7:00) MISSISSIPPI 76 - La-Monroe 58

(7:00) College of Charleston 73 - OLD DOMINION 64

(8:00) DRAKE 69 - Western Michigan 56

(8:00) LOYOLA-CHICAGO 62 - Northern Illinois 53

(8:00) SAINT LOUIS 65 - Indiana State 61

(8:00) WESTERN KENTUCKY 70 - So Mississippi 64

(9:00) CONNECTICUT 75 - Stanford 71 (ESPN2)

(9:00) Lsu 68 - TEXAS TECH 67

(10:00) Towson 64 - OREGON STATE 63

(11:00) SAN JOSE STATE 77 - Cal-Davis 66

BEST BETS
NORTH CAROLINA (2)
SAN JOSE STATE (4)
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
DRAKE

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Syndicate

CBB
Ohio State
Umass
St Louis

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LA Syndicate

CBB
Stanford
Oregon St
UNLV

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Nostradamus

CBB
Ohio State
Texas
Umass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

H&H Sports

CBB
Triple Dime Umass
Double Dimes Drexel, College of Charleston

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with Pittsburgh (-5) on Tuesday and likes Akron on Wednesday.

The deficit is 1450 sirignanos.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cappers Access

S. Miss -1
Stanford +7
Texas Tech +3.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Plays Wednesday

Massachusetts -3

Ole Miss -13.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Basketball Picks

Stanford at Connecticut

The 9-0 Huskies host a Cardinal team that is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games versus teams with a winning SU record. Connecticut is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Huskies favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-7). Here are all of today's games.


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST


Game 725-726: Detroit at Akron (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 56.797; Akron 60.248
Dunkel Line: Akron by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Akron by 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+9)


Game 727-728: Delaware at Ohio State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 55.936; Ohio State 79.848
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 24
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-17 1/2)


Game 729-730: Drexel at St. Joseph's (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 61.097; St. Joseph's 62.154
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 1
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (+2 1/2)


Game 731-732: Texas at North Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 61.827; North Carolina 74.877
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 13
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-10 1/2)


Game 733-734: NC State at Tennessee (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 64.137; Tennessee 67.980
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 4
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 8
Dunkel Pick: NC State (+8)


Game 735-736: Massachusetts at Ohio (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 68.352; Ohio 62.216
Dunkel Line: Massachusetts by 6
Vegas Line: Massachusetts by 3
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (-3)


Game 737-738: UL-Monroe at Mississippi (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 53.301; Mississippi 63.772
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+13 1/2)


Game 739-740: College of Charleston at Old Dominion (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 48.729; Old Dominion 57.425
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-4 1/2)


Game 741-742: Western Michigan at Drake (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 51.699; Drake 65.492
Dunkel Line: Drake by 14
Vegas Line: Drake by 5
Dunkel Pick: Drake (-5)


Game 743-744: Northern Illinois at Loyola-Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 45.573; Loyola-Chicago 48.324
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 3
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (+6 1/2)


Game 745-746: Indiana State at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 60.055; St. Louis 65.234
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 5
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+7 1/2)


Game 747-748: San Francisco at St. John's (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 51.220; St. John's 68.877
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: St. John's by 12
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-12)


Game 749-750: Southern Mississippi at Western Kentucky (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 58.354; Western Kentucky 55.252
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 3
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 1
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-1)


Game 751-752: Stanford at Connecticut (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 64.109; Connecticut 73.452
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 7
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-7)


Game 753-754: LSU at Texas Tech (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 63.912; Texas Tech 58.806
Dunkel Line: LSU by 5
Vegas Line: LSU by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-3 1/2)


Game 755-756: Towson at Oregon State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 56.907; Oregon State 60.111
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 3
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Towson (+8)


Game 757-758: UC-Davis at San Jose State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 42.776; San Jose State 48.398
Dunkel Line: San Jose State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: San Jose State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Davis (+9 1/2)


Game 759-760: James Madison at NC-Greensboro (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 49.967; NC-Greensboro 43.628
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 3
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (-3)


Game 761-762: Chattanooga at UAB (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chattanooga 38.429; UAB 64.120
Dunkel Line: UAB by 25 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-20 1/2)


Game 763-764: Southern Utah at San Diego State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Utah 37.561; San Diego State 66.712
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 29
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 31
Dunkel Pick: Southern Utah (+31)


Game 771-772: Houston Baptist at DePaul (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston Baptist 40.843; DePaul 60.233
Dunkel Line: DePaul by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: DePaul by 16
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (-16)


Game 773-774: Radford at UNLV (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Radford 46.726; UNLV 57.651
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 11
Vegas Line: UNLV by 14
Dunkel Pick: Radford (+14)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NHL Picks

Ottawa at New Jersey

The Senators head to New Jersey tonight looking to build on their 4-0 record in their last 4 games against the Devils. Ottawa is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Senators favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+100) . Here are all of today's picks.


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST


Game 1-2: Ottawa at New Jersey (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.803; New Jersey 10.772
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+100); Over


Game 3-4: Pittsburgh at NY Rangers (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.839; NY Rangers 9.191
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 3 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Wednesday, December 18

Akron won two of last three games with Detroit, but lost 80-73 LY in Motor City; this is third game in five nights for Zips, who won three in row but are still turning ball over 22% of time, shooting 61.1% from the line. Detroit lost four of last six games, are shooting just 28.8% from arc. MAC home favorites are 11-11 vs spread; Horizon road dogs are 17-18.

Delaware is 5-5 with one loss by more than five points (85-66 at North Dakota State Monday); third game in five nights for Blue Hens, who've played tough (#44) schedule with experienced team- they lost at Notre Dame by 5, at Villanova by 4. 10-0 Ohio State has eight wins by 16 or more points; they're holding opponents to 23.2% from arc, are forcing turnovers 24.2% of time (#9 in country).

St Joe's won three of last four games with Drexel, winning last two here by 13-10 points, but Hawks lost four of last six games, all vs teams in top 100-- best team they best is #100 Washington State. Drexel is 7-1 in last eight games, with 66-62 loss to Arizona; Lee's injury makes them a thin team, but they've won last four games, with two wins in triple OT.

9-1 Texas is one of least experienced team in country; they won in OT at Temple in only road game so far. Longhonrs beat North Carolina three of last four years, waxing them 85-67 LY, holding Heels to 31% from floor. Carolina is 7-2, forcing turnovers 21.8% of time; they still don't shoot it well (29.4% on 3's, 61.1% FTs). Big X road underdogs 3-5 vs spread.

7-2 NC State lost by 11 at Cincinnati in its only true road game so far; best team they've beaten is #115 Northwestern. Wolfpack won last five games, four by 10+ points. Tennessee is 2-2 vs top 100 teams, beating Wake Forest of ACC by 19 on neutral floor; Vols are #4 in country on offensive boards, grabbing 43% of misses- they lost at Wichita State by 9 in last game Saturday.

UMass outscored Ohio 24-6 on foul line in 85-76 win over Bobcats LY, in game Ohio led 18-6 early, but trailed 48-40 at half. 9-0 UMass already has four wins by 9 or less points, five top 100 wins. Ohio lost by 10 at Ohio State in only top 100 game; best Bobcat win is over #110 Mercer. UMass plays lot of MAC teams because they're in MAC in football.

Western Michigan is 0-3 on road, losing by 10-16-6 points; hard to get excited by team that lost 51-35 at Northwestern; Broncos' best win was 99-88 over defenseless Oakland. Drake is 5-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100, winning at Fresno/Bakersfield; Bulldogs are making 39% from arc, 74.8% from line. MAC road underdogs are 15-16 against spread.

Indiana State is 6-2 with four road wins and pair of 1-point losses; they make 45.1% behind arc (#3 in US), 77.6% from line (#10). Sycamores split pair of top 100 games, winning at Notre Dame, losing at Belmont 96-95. Saint Louis is 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 5-6 points- their best win was by hoop at #114 Valpo, when they struggled on foul line. Saint Louis forces turnovers 23.4% of time (#13 in US).

San Francisco made 9-15 from arc in 81-65 win over St John's LY, in a homecoming game for Lavin; Dons lost by 18 at Oregon, won by point at Montana in only two road games this year. USF is making 56.9% of 2-pointers, but their defensive numbers are poor. St John's is 4-0 against teams outside top 100, with all four wins by 10+- they lost to Syracuse by 5 Sunday, after trailing by 14 in first half.

Southern Miss beat Western Kentucky by 3 in OT LY, after blowing a 10-point lead with 10:00 left; 9-1 Eagles are turning ball over 22.5% of time- they've got three solid road wins (DePaul/No Dakota State/USA). Hilltoppers lost by 17 to Wichita, 16 to Louisville in only top 100 tilts; they also turn ball over a lot (22.9%). Best team WKU has beaten is #218 NC-Wilmington.

UConn is 4-0 vs teams ranked #117 or higher, with four wins by total of five points, as Napier has saved their bacon time/again; three of the four wins were on neutral courts. Huskies are #1 in country, making 46.5% from arc. Stanford won by 9 at Denver in only true road game, win that looks better given Pioneers' recent wins. Cardinal allowed 100 ppg in its two games (0-2) vs top 100 teams, losing by 9-21 points.

LSU is 2-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by hoop at UMass in its only true road game; their other loss was by 7 to Memphis on neutral floor- they are 4-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with three wins by 14+. Texas Tech is 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 12-23-21 points to Bama-Pitt-Arizona. Best team Texas Tech has beaten is #194 South Dakota State.

Towson State is 6-4 vs D-I teams, with one win vs team ranked in top 260; Tigers are 0-3 on road, all vs top 100 teams, losing at SF Austin by 10, getting crushed by 30 at both Villanova/Kansas. 5-2 Oregon State has played 7th-easiest schedule in country- they did win at Maryland, but also lost to Coppin State. Beavers are making 61.1% of shots inside arc.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Wednesday, December 18

Hot teams
-- Miami won four of its last five games (5-8 as HF)., Pacers covered nine of their twelve road games.
-- Bobcats are 8-1-1 vs spread on n road. Toronto won three of last four.
-- Hawks won five of last six home games (8-5 vs spread at home).
-- Boston won five of its last seven games (5-2 as HF). Pistons won four of their last five road games.
-- Brooklyn won four of its last five games.
-- Portland won last five games, is 10-4 vs spread on road.
-- Dallas won three of its last four home games (1-4 last five HF).
-- Phoenix won/covered its last five games. Spurs won four of last five games, are 8-5 vs spread on road.
-- Rockets covered six of last eight games as a home favorite.
-- Clippers won four of last five games (4-6 as HF).

Cold Teams
-- Orlando lost eight of last ten games, is 4-7 vs spread on road. Jazz lost six of their last eight games.
-- Sacramento lost three of its last four games.
-- Wizards lost four of their last five games.
-- Milwaukee lost six of its last eight games. Knicks lost three of their last four road games.
-- Minnesota covered once in its last five home games.
-- Grizzlies lost six of their last seven games (2-4 as AU).
-- Bulls lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Pelicans lost four of last six games, losing last two by 9-11 points.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Indiana games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Orlando games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last ten Charlotte games stayed under total; five of Toronto's last seven games went over.
-- Five of last seven Sacramento games went over total.
-- Last six Detroit games went over the total; four of last five Celtic tilts stayed under.
-- Four of last five Washington games went over the total.
-- Eight of eleven New York road games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last ten Portland games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine San Antonio games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of eleven Clipper home games went over the total.

Series records
-- Pacers lost five of last six visits to Miami (Ls by 32-14-1-11-23).
-- Jazz won their last five games against Orlando.
-- Bobcats won nine of last twelve games with Toronto.
-- Hawks won their last ten games with Sacramento.
-- Pistons won four of their last five games with Boston.
-- Wizards lost last three visits to Brooklyn by 12-17-5 points.
-- Knicks won their last six games against Milwaukee.
-- Portland won five in row, 16 of last 18 games with Minnesota.
-- Grizzlies won seven of last nine games with Dallas.
-- Spurs won ten of last twelve games with Phoenix (1-3-1 vs spread in last five meetings).
-- Rockets won last three games vs Chicago, by 6-4-23 points.
-- Clippers won five of last six games with New Orleans.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PAUL LEINER

100* Ohio State -17.5
50* LSU -3.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

NHL OTTAWA at NEW JERSEY
Play On - Road underdogs of +100 to +200 against the money line (OTTAWA) good power play team - scoring on more than 17.5% of their chances, hot offensive team - 5 straight games with 30 or more shots on goal
54-26 over the last 5 seasons. ( 67.5% 39.7 units )
2-1 this year. ( 66.7% 1.5 units )

NHL OTTAWA at NEW JERSEY
Play On - Road underdogs against the money line (OTTAWA) good power play team - scoring on more than 17.5% of their chances, hot offensive team - 5 straight games with 30 or more shots on goal
55-28 over the last 5 seasons. ( 66.3% 40.1 units )
2-1 this year. ( 66.7% 1.5 units )

NHL OTTAWA at NEW JERSEY
Play On - Road underdogs of +100 to +150 against the money line (OTTAWA) good power play team - scoring on more than 17.5% of their chances, hot offensive team - 5 straight games with 30 or more shots on goal
50-23 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.5% 35.9 units )
2-1 this year. ( 66.7% 1.5 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

CBB W MICHIGAN at DRAKE
Play On - A road team (W MICHIGAN) after scoring 25 points or less in the first half last game, with just two starters returning from last year in the first 10 games of the season
119-65 over the last 5 seasons. ( 64.7% 47.5 units )
15-10 this year. ( 60.0% 4.0 units )

CBB STANFORD at CONNECTICUT
Play Against - Underdogs of +145 to +350 vs. the money line (STANFORD) good 3 point shooting team - making >=37% of their attempts, in December games
235-60 over the last 5 seasons. ( 79.7% 77.2 units )
21-11 this year. ( 65.6% -4.6 units )

CBB DETROIT at AKRON
Play Against - A road team vs. the 1rst half line (DETROIT) excellent free throw shooting team - making >=77% of their free throws, up-tempo team averaging 62 or more shots/game on the season
79-39 since 1997. ( 66.9% 36.1 units )
3-2 this year. ( 60.0% 0.8 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Power Play Wins

NBA Tor -5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets (http://foxsheets.statfox.com/)



NBA (http://www.statfox.com/nba) | CHICAGO (http://www.statfox.com/nba/nbateam.asp?teamid=CHICAGO&season=2005) at HOUSTON (http://www.statfox.com/nba/nbateam.asp?teamid=HOUSTON&season=2005)
Play On - Road underdogs of 10 or more points (CHICAGO) after being beaten by the spread by 18 or more points total in their last three games, a bad team, winning 25% to 40% of their games on the season
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )
4-1 this year. ( 80.0% | 2.9 units )


NBA (http://www.statfox.com/nba) | DETROIT (http://www.statfox.com/nba/nbateam.asp?teamid=DETROIT&season=2005) at BOSTON (http://www.statfox.com/nba/nbateam.asp?teamid=BOSTON&season=2005)
Play On - Home teams vs. the money line (BOSTON) after beating the spread by 48 or more points total in their last seven games, in December games
34-10 over the last 5 seasons. ( 77.3% | 22.3 units )
1-3 this year. ( 25.0% | -2.0 units )


NBA (http://www.statfox.com/nba) | CHICAGO (http://www.statfox.com/nba/nbateam.asp?teamid=CHICAGO&season=2005) at HOUSTON (http://www.statfox.com/nba/nbateam.asp?teamid=HOUSTON&season=2005)
Play On - Underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (CHICAGO) cold team - failing to cover the spread in 12 or more of the last 15, with a losing record
162-95 since 1997. ( 63.0% | 57.5 units )
6-2 this year. ( 75.0% | 3.8 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Winners Circle

WEDNESDAY BASKETBALL PLAYS

10* Play Sacramento +7 over Atlanta NBA TOP PLAY
10* Play Charlotte +5.5 over Toronto NBA TOP PLAY


10* Play San Diego State -31 over Southern Utah NCAA TOP PLAY
10* Play UAB -21 over UT-Chattanooga NCAA TOP PLAY

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

Indiana at Miami

The Pacers look to bounce back from their 101-96 loss to Detroit on Monday and build on their 11-1 ATS record in their last 12 games following an ATS defeat. Indiana is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Pacers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+4). Here are all of today's picks.


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Time Posted: 10:30 a.m. EST


Game 701-702: Indiana at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 127.094; Miami 125.503
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 4; 190
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+4); Over


Game 703-704: Utah at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 111.507; Orlando 117.592
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 6; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4; 197
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-4); Under


Game 705-706: Charlotte at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 113.810; Toronto 122.330
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 8 1/2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 5 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-5 1/2); Under


Game 707-708: Sacramento at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 118.660; Atlanta 120.486
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+7 1/2); Over


Game 709-710: Detroit at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 119.856; Boston 117.239
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 1; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+1); Over


Game 711-712: Washington at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 114.408; Brooklyn 121.697
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 7 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 5; 196
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-5); Under


Game 713-714: New York at Milwaukee (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 114.684; Milwaukee 108.424
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 6 1/2; 181
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2 1/2; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-2 1/2); Under


Game 715-716: Portland at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 124.886; Minnesota 122.326
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 213
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+1 1/2); Over


Game 717-718: Memphis at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 114.077; Dallas 120.808
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 6 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 10; 194
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+10); Over


Game 719-720: San Antonio at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 127.401; Phoenix 121.416
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 198
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-2 1/2); Under


Game 721-722: Chicago at Houston (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 111.130; Houston 126.093
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 15; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6 1/2); Under


Game 723-724: New Orleans at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 116.543; LA Clippers 122.410
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 6; 211
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 10 1/2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+10 1/2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Wednesday, December 18

Hot teams
-- Penguins won nine of their last ten games.

Cold teams
-- New Jersey lost five of its last seven games. Senators are 0-7 in game following their last seven wins.
-- Rangers lost four of their last five games.

Totals
-- Under is 8-3-3 in New Jersey home games.
-- Under is 3-0-1 in last four Pittsburgh games.

Series records
-- Devils lost their last four games with Ottawa.
-- Rangers lost eight of their last ten games with Pittsburgh.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Penguins at Rangers: What bettors need to know

Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers

The New York Rangers needed five contests to taste victory on their franchise-high nine-game homestand. Winning their second straight could be a tall task as the Eastern Conference-leading Pittsburgh Penguins pay a visit to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. New York improved to 1-3-1 on its homestand as Benoit Pouliot scored in the seventh round of a shootout in the team's 4-3 triumph over Calgary on Sunday.

Henrik Lundqvist, who will get the start on Wednesday, came up big in his first meeting with Pittsburgh by stopping 28 shots in a 5-1 victory on Nov. 6. The Penguins have been riddled with injuries but still managed their fourth straight victory and ninth in 10 outings with a 3-1 decision over Toronto on Monday. Captain Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal to increase his point streak to 11 games and his league-leading total to 47 points.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN2

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (24-10-1): New York assistant Ulf Samuelsson will see a familiar face on the opposing bench as son Philip made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh on Monday. The younger Samuelsson was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League in the wake of injuries to top defensemen Brooks Orpik (concussion), Paul Martin (lower body), Rob Scuderi (ankle) and Kris Letang (upper body). Former Hart Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (16-17-1): Derek Stepan scored on Sunday to snap a 10-game goalless drought and netted just his second since tallying against Pittsburgh in the teams' first meeting. Chris Kreider has done his best to pick up the slack, scoring five times in his last eight games to move within one tally of Brad Richards for the team lead. Richards notched two assists in the teams' first meeting and has recorded 41 points (nine goals, 32 assists) in 39 career games versus the Penguins.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Over is 7-1-1 in the last nine meetings in New York.
* Penguins are 4-1 in their last five road games.
* Rangers are 7-0 in their last seven Wednesday games.

OVERTIME:

1. Pittsburgh had won four straight overall and defeated New York in eight of nine contests prior to the teams' first meeting.

2. New York is 0-for-11 on the power play over its last four games.

3. The Penguins placed Jayson Megna (lower body) on injured reserve and recalled fellow C Brian Gibbons from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Diamond Dog Sports

#745 Indiana State +7.5 -110 (A)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ras 12/18

Loyola-Chi -6.5
St Johns -11

All same rating

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rocket Man Sports:



Clippers -10 *****

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA Basketball Play of the Day December 18, 2013 6:39 AM by GT Staff

San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns ( no line as yet) at 6:05 p.m. PST

Perfect spot for the Spurs who will be in a very nasty mood tonight in Phoenix as they were crushed in the last game by the Clippers and they have been real good when coming off a loss of 10 or more points and they have won and covered in their last three visits to Phoenix.

719 San Antonio Spurs ( no line as yet)

Results 2013-14 NBA (1-0-0) Overall Record: 3-4-0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GamingToday's Consensus Picks December 18, 2013 6:33 AM by GT Staff

NBA Basketball

703 Utah Jazz +3½: As we stick with the powerful numbers from Parry’s NBA Basketball Power Guide we will play on the underdog Jazz on the road in Orlando as according to the Power Guide the Jazz should be a -2½ point favorite.

706 Toronto Raptors -5½**: The Power Guide really has a big difference on this game as they make the Raptors a -15 point favorite and we catch the Bobcats off a win last night in Charlotte.

717 Memphis Grizzlies ( no line as yet): Memphis travels to Dallas and the Mavericks have gone 1-6 ATS in their last six home games.


Results 2013-14 NBA (Tue. 1-1-0) Overall Record: 22-18-1

NCAA Basketball

735 Massachusetts -3: Parry's NCAA Basketball Power Guide has U Mass 10 points better,we will be betting.

742 Drake -5: Big difference in this game according to Parry as he has Drake -17.

750 Western Kentucky +1: This is the last Power Guide play as he has the Hilltoppers from Bowling Green, Ken., a six point favorite.


Results 2013-14 NCAA BK (Tue. 2-0-0) Overall Record: 23-13-0

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Sports Betting Champ
Sacramento (B)
Utah (B)

[golden contender]

Hump day Power Card has 18-0 and 15-1 NBA Totals Systems + 100% Revenge system and a 15-0 NCAAB Power Angle Play. Tuesday card sweeps. NBA Ranked at or near the top of several leader boards. Free NBA System Play below.


On Wednesday the free NBA System Play is on the San Antonio Spurs. Game 719 at 9:05 eastern. This game has a system that plays against home teams like Phoenix that are off a home dog win at +4 or less and scored 100 or more, vs an opponent like the Spurs that are off a spread loss as a road favorite and scored 90 or more points in a loss. These home teams are 1-11 straight up and ats. The Spurs were drilled by the Clippers by 23 points. San Antonio has won 19 of 23 off a loss of 10 or more and are 4-0 ats after Allowing 105 or more.When playing off a straight up favored loss the Spurs are 25-6 straight and and 22-9 to the spread. The Suns have won and covered 5 straight but are 0-3 straight up and ats the last 3 at home vs San Antonio. Also NBA Road teams this year are on a 27-5 ats run if they are off a road loss. Look for the Spurs to snap the Phoenix win streak tonight. On Hump Day we Bring the Bang with 2 More NBA Totals systems, one is a 5* and has won 18 straight, the other has cashed 15 of 16. There is also a Perfect NBA Revenge system and a 15-0 NCAAB Dominator play. Those with us last night swept the board. Jump on now and Cash out as NBA Continues to be ranked at or near the Top of Several Major Leader boards. For the NBA Play take San Antonio tonight. GC

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From Platinum Plays (https://www.freeplays.com/handicapper.asp?serviceID=8030).
500K NBA Slam Dunk
the Toronto Raptors -5½ over
the Charlotte Bobcats
Best Bets
the Atlanta Hawks -7½ over
the Sacramento Kings
the Stanford Cardinal +7 over
the Connecticut Huskies
the NC State Wold Pack +8 over
the Tennessee Volunteers
the Ohio Bobcats +2½ over
the Massachusetts Minutemen
PREMIER PICKS

the Detroit Pistons Pk over
the Boston Celtics
Back After 11:00AM Thursday

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Jimmy Boyd:

5* Tennessee -7.5
4* Umass -2.5
4* W. Mich +5.5
3* UAB -20
3* Depaul -15.5

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Scott Spreitzer CBB Ultimate Shocker

San Francisco

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Hollywood Sports NBA Conference Dog Of the Month

25* Charlotte

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Matt Fargo CBB Ultimate Underdog

Ohio Univ

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Al DeMarco
15 Dimer:
UMASS

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Prime Time Sports


New Jersey Devils -120


New York Knicks -1.5


San Jose St. -9.5

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SpOrTs-JuNkiE
NBA: Portland vs Minnesota (8:05 pm est.)
$500 NBA Play: Minnesota -2 (-110) vs Portland <------ (PENDING)

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EZWINNERS

2* Ohio +3

2* San Francisco +11.5

2* Stanford +7

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SBP Original NBA 12/18


712. Brooklyn Nets -4




Rest of Games
706. Toronto Raptors -7

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Jimmy Moore

4* Texas +10.5

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Bio Sports Picks
College Basketball
Trends On Steroids
Total On The Game 140 Points Texas Tech
Play Texas Tech Under on the total in All games when the total is 140 to 149.5
( 0 Overs and 10 Unders for the last three seasons )


Total On The Game 122 Points N. Illinois
Play N. Illinois Under on the total in All games after a non-conference game
(1 Overs and 13 Unders for the last three seasons )


Total On The Game 158 Points James Madison
Play UAB Under on the total in Home games after a non-conference game
( 0 Overs and 8 Unders for the last three seasons )


Total On The Game 145.5 Points Stanford
Play Stanford Over on the total in Road games after scoring 80 points or more
( 7 Overs and 0 Unders for the last two seasons )

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Youngstown Connection
Date: Wednesday December 18, 2013
$20.00 NCAAB Play
#729 Drexel +3.5 7PM Eastern
Line from 5 Dimes
Line as of 255PM Eastern 12/18/13

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Sports Cash System Play of The Day for Today: 12/18
NCAA College Basketball





Mississippi -15 over Louisiana-Monroe
(Spread Bet)
Overall Record: 186-164

(System Record: 186-6, Won last 2 games)

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Indian Cowboy's Picks For College Basketball


6-Unit Play. #753. Take LSU -3.5 over Texas Tech (Wednesday @ 9pm est).

This is a game that LSU should outmatch Texas Tech and I have winning as much as by 12 according to my numbers. With similar records and both teams unranked, sometimes it can go unnoticed how much better one team is to another especially when they are big named schools so the lines are much softer. Bear in mind LSU is a very good team this year and could very well be in Atlanta at the year of the year with this ballclub. This team is 6-2 with their only 2 losses coming against top 30 power rankings team in Memphis and Butler and that was by 7 and 2 points away from home. This team has beat top 100 Butler and St. Josephs as well to add to their resume as this will be a Tournament team barring any major injury. Texas Tech with Tubby Smith looks like an improving team already 7-3 but this team lacks scoring potential as they have yet to beat a top 150 team this year with their losses coming to Arizona, Pittsburgh and Alabama. This team lost to Alabama by 12 points away from home and I think LSU is even a better team than Alabama this year as Johnny Jones team is an incredibly strong defensive team (top 30 in the league) and with senior leadership, I like them to win this game by 12 points as well. These two defensive teams should make points a premium but I like LSU's athleticism here. The Tigers are 7-2 ATS when facing teams with a winning percentage of 60% or better of late and the Red Raiders are 2-9 ATS when facing teams with a straight up winning record of late as well.

Indian Cowboy's Picks For NBA Basketball


5-Unit Play. #707. Take Over 204.5 Atlanta vs. Sacramento (Wednesday @ 7:35pm est).

This is a good spot to take the Over between these two teams. For starters, Atlanta will likely be sleep walking through this game and this is a contest that I think Sacramento can win Outright. Note that not only does Sacramento come off a loss to Charlotte, but this team has revenge against Atlanta for a close loss earlier this year at home. Now, with the addition of Rudy Gay, this team looks to be a much more competent team with star power both on the wing, down low and in the backcourt with their young guards as well. Vivek Ranavide is quickly making a stamp on this team and making them more competitive. We certainly could take the 7.5 point here side here but I like the Over here as I think both teams will likely shoot the ball well as this game will have Sacramento being a solid underdog. The last 8 of 9 of these two teams have gone over the posted total, Sacramento comes off one of its poorest showings with 87 points against a defensive minded Charlotte team and Atlanta games have generally been going over the posted total as well with 7 of their last 8 contests going above the posted total. So, the side is useful here but rather, I like the active dog as well to push this game over the posted total and think that is the safer selection as I have a 6 point differential on the total compared to the side which is only about a 3.5 point differential. The Over is 4-0 for the Hawks when they face teams with a losing percentage of less than 40% (Hawks play strong defense against better opponents, see the Mavs game for example) and the Over is 7-1 for the Hawks when they face a team with a straight up losing record.

Indian Cowboy's Picks For NHL Hockey


PASS TODAY in the NHL with only 2 games on the docket. Will be back with a selection tomorrow.

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Brandon Lang
25 DIME
COLLEGE HOOP
MONEY MOVE
#3 IN A ROW
Drexel +2 1/2

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Robert Ferringo
(1*) Take #735 Massachusetts (-2.5) over Ohio (7 p.m.)
(2*) Take #745 Indiana State (+8.5) over St. Louis (8 p.m.)
(2*) Take #748 St. John's (-11.5) over San Francisco (8 p.m.)
(3*) Take #753 LSU (-3.5) over Texas Tech (9 p.m.)
(4*) Take #774 UNLV (-13.5) over Radford (10 p.m.)
(2*) Take #772 DePaul (-16) over Houston Baptist (9 p.m.)
(2*) Take #738 Mississippi (-13.5) over Louisiana-Monroe (7 p.m.)
(2*) TEASER: Take #748 St. John's (-6.5) over San Francisco (8 p.m.) AND Take #752 Connecticut (-2) over Stanford (9 p.m.)
(1*) TEASER: Take #731 Texas (+16) over North Carolina AND Take #745 Indiana State (+13.5) over St. Louis (8 p.m.)
(1*) TEASER: Take #774 UNLV (-13.5) over Radford (10 p.m.) AND Take #752 Connecticut (-2) over Stanford (9 p.m.)

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DOC SPORTS
4 Unit Play. #730 Take St Josephs Hawks -2.5 over Drexel Dragons (7 pm)
This is a good match-up of mid-major teams. St. Josephs has not played up to their capabilities thus far in the
season but they are always a tough out at home. Drexel will be playing their second straight road
game in three days and that will eventually catch up with them. This is a Big 5 match-up and
Coach Martelli cannot lose three straight games to Philadelphia area teams. Drexel will not roll
over in this game, but eventually the height of the Hawks will be too much to overcome. Drexel is
7-15 ATS in their last 22 games following a victory in their previous game. The Hawks are 7-3 ATS
in their last 10 home games.

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Wunderdog Sports Free Play

Game: Texas at North Carolina (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: North Carolina -10.5 (-110) at Bookmaker

It may look like the Texas Longhorns have gotten back to the elite status they held up until a few years ago. The Horns have started 9-1 on the season, but have played an extremely soft schedule. Their only tough game resulted in their only loss, and now they have to travel to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina. North Carolina has played a lot of heavyweights to open the season, and they have come up aces vs. the likes of Michigan State, Louisville, and Kentucky - three of the top teams in the country. THe Tar Heels are young, deep, and talented, with 11 players seeing action in all nine games. UNC is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 at home, and have covered five of their last six outside the conference. Lay the points and take North Carolina.

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Sports Cash System

extra pick:

Connecticut -7 over Stanford (Spread Bet) (NCAA College Basketball) - Game Starts at 9:00 PM

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Steve Budin

New York Crew
# 1 in the NBA the Last 5 Years
Opening Game of the Year
38-24-4 NBA record L/5 Seasons
25 Dime Winner # 5 of 6
ORLANDO MAGIC

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Vegas Runner

2* NBA Tor -7

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YourBookiesMoney (2-1 Yesterday 12-5-1 Last 18 Plays)

3* Atlanta/Sacramento Over 204 1/2
3* Toronto Raptors Under Team Total 99 Points
3*Boston Celtics Under Team Total 97 1/2 Points
2* Detroit Pistons Pick
2* Washington/Brooklyn Over 196 1/2 Points
2* ​Milwaukee Bucks Under Team Total 91 1/2 Points

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RxPops69
Dec CBB 18-8-1


Detroit +9
La Monroe +14
Western Michigan +5
UCONN u145.5
Drexel u140
Texas Tech u140

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paul leiner

2000* umass -2.5

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DHayes
CBB Play
2* Stanford +6 1/2

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Chicago Syndicate

(Adds)

Over Hawks
Over Pistons
Timberwolves (ML)

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Charlie Sports

500* Memphis/Dallas Over

500* Minnesota

500* Detroit/Boston Over

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HIGHROLLERPLAYS FREE PLAYS 44-24 LAST 68

1) NCAAB Wednesday LSU -3
2) NCAAB Wednesday Massachusetts -1.5
3) NBA Wednesday Chicago Bulls +8

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MYSYSTEMPICKS

NCAAB Texas +10.5 2.0
NBA Bulls +8 2.0

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Maddux Sports

Jazz +4.5

Wizards +4.5

St. Josephs -2

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Diamond Dog Sports


Indiana St +7.5
Pistons / Celtics Under 195


Grizzlies / Mavericks Under 192.5


Bulls / Rockets Under 191.5

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Big Al
Ohio u bobcats

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J Clifton
St. John's -12
Drake -6
LSU -3
Umass -2

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SPOTSWAGER
Radford @ UNLV

Radford +14 -110 over UNLV
BEST LINE: bet365 (http://www.bet365.com/) +14 -110
The Runnin’ Rebels are 4-4 and they recently have a five-point loss to #2 Arizona but that was a game in which the Wildcats were flat after victories over Duke and Texas Tech. Pay little attention to UNLV’s narrow loss in that contest. The Rebels have four wins this season and they occurred against Portland State, Nebraska-Omaha, Tennessee Martin and the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. UNLV’s home win over Nebraska Omaha was by just three points and they also lost at home to Illinois and to Cal Santa Barbara by 21, also at home. The Rebels are a good rebounding team but they are poor shooters that rank 251st in the country in points per game and that’s after playing at least six and possibly seven marshmallows. The Radford Highlanders are a little known program that resides in the Big South conference. They don’t have a notable win on their schedule this year and they were destroyed by Virginia Tech in late November by 25 points. Combine all that with UNLV being a known program and right off the bat we have an inflated line. That said, the Highlanders are poised to make some noise in the conference, which is nothing short of astounding given the program that coach Mike Jones inherited. The Highlanders now boast a roster that returns over 90 percent of its minutes from last season's respectable Big South squad. The program's improvement has come almost entirely on the defensive end, where the philosophies Jones learned under Shaka Smart at VCU have served Radford well. The Highlanders look to keep opposing ball handlers under constant pressure, leading to steals or very few open 3-pointers. The ability to limit open 3s is an extremely valuable commodity in college basketball and Jones' men possess it. Javonte Green is a dynamic scorer and R.J. Price is a solid combo guard. The main issue last season for Radford was one of inexperience. By necessity, a lot of possessions were consumed by true freshmen, which is almost always going to lead to poor shot selection and very little accuracy. The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores and that investment is beginning to pay dividends, as the Highlanders are 6-3, they’re shooting better while taking more quality shots and they’re improving with each passing game. This is a good matchup for the visitor because the Rebels are careless with the rock and their shooting percentage of .433 is one of the worst in the country.

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The Prez

UConn -7

Houston Baptist +16

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windy city

Texas +11
Nc St +8

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RTG Sports

In this series, the Heat have led by more than 2 points at halftime in 8 out of the last 10 meetings. The Pacers have led at halftime only once in the last 10 games between these two teams. I'll take my chances tonight. Let's keep grinding .....

Miami Heat -2 (1H)**

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Oddsmaker Adam
OV 192 Grizzlies

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Mike Neri

Akron
St Joe's
Saint Louis