2-3-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CBB

-- Providence outscored Villanova 29-17 on foul line in 69-66 (-3.5) win over Wildcats 15 days ago; Friars were 29-48 on line, Villanova 17-25. Villanova also turned ball over 25 times. Friars lost last five visits here, by 8-9-17-11-2 points; they're 0-3 since Villanova win, losing by 4-10-3 points. Big East home favorites of 7 or less points are 2-17 vs spread. Wildcats are 3-1 at home in Big East, with two wins in overtime.
-- Minnesota lost four of last five games; they're 3-1 at home in league play, winning by 13-18-19 points. Gophers lost twice to Iowa LY, by 2-4 points, after winning previous six series games. Hawkeyes lost three of last four visits here, losing by 13-35-10 points. Iowa is 0-3 on road in league play, losing by 28-9-3 points. Big Dozen home favorites of 10 or less points are 7-9 against the spread.
-- Louisville won 10 of last 13 vs Marquette, with last three wins here by 20-1-4 points; they've beaten Eagles by 25-13 in last two league tournaments. Marquette is 6-1 in Big East but five games were at home-- both its road games went to OT. Cardinals snapped 3-game skid with 74-71 win over Pitt last game; they're 3-1 at home in Big East, winning by 18-26-3 points. Big East double digit home faves are 4-6 vs spread.

-- UConn won six of last seven games vs South Florida, winning three in row in Nutmeg State by 19-14-5 points. Huskies are 4-3 in conference, 2-1 at home, winning by 21-12 points, with loss to Louisville. USF lost all four Big East road games, by 26-3-8-13 points; four of seven league losses are by 8 or less points. Big East single digit home faves are 10-23 vs spread. UConn ranks in bottom 50 in nation in rebounding; unusual.
-- Virginia won last four games, allowing 50 ppg; they're 1-2 on road in league, with win at Va Tech. Georgia Tech is 1-6 in ACC, with four of six losses by 13+ points; they've lost last five games vs Cavaliers, losing 70-38 LY after previous four losses were all by 8 or less points. UVa's 42.0 defensive eFG% is #7 in country. ACC home underdogs are 10-4 against spread. Tech is 1-7 vs top 100 teams (beat St Mary's).
-- Stanford is 15-5 in last 20 games vs Oregon State, winning LY by 2-5 points, with win at OSU in four OTs; Beavers are 1-8 in last nine visits here, losing last three, by 24-14-5 points. OSU is 1-7 in Pac-12; its last three losses were by total of 7 points- they're 0-3 on Pac-12 road, with losses by 10-1-3 points. Cardinal is 3-1 at home in Pac-12, with wins by 11-10-24. Pac-12 home faves are 11-29 vs spread, 3-12 if laying 7+.

-- Wisconsin is 11-4 in last 15 games vs Illinois, winning last four by 10-4-14-23 points; Badgers (-6) won first meeting 74-51, making 10-23 on arc, 53% inside it- they've also won four of last six visits to Illinois. Big Dozen favorites are 8-3 vs spread if number was 3 or less points. Illini lost five of last six games; they're 3-7 since 12-0 start, losing last three home games, by 17-17-14 points.
-- Rider is 9-1 in last ten games vs Marist; LY's 95-75 loss here was its first in last five visits to McCann Center. Last five series games were all won by 13+ points. Broncs lost last three games, by 17-11-10 points, scoring average of 53.3 ppg, but they're 7-1 vs teams outside top 200. Marist is 2-3 at home in MAAC, with losses by 12-4-4 points. MAAC home underdogs are 10-4 against the spread.
-- Manhattan lost six of last eight games; three of their last four losses were by 4 or less points. St Peter's is 1-8 in its last nine games, skid that started with 55-53 home loss (-3.5) to Jaspers Jan 4, when they missed 11 of 20 foul shots; Peacocks lost eight of last nine visits here, with four of last five losses here by 7 or less points. MAAC home favorites of 7+ points are 12-5 against the spread.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Penguins won three of their last four games.
-- Canadiens won five of their last six games.
-- Islanders won four of their last six games.

Cold teams
-- Washington lost six of first eight games, but won last two at home.
-- Senators won three of their last five games.
-- Panthers/Sabres both lost five of their last six games.
-- Devils lost last four games, with three losses in OT/SO.

Totals
-- Seven of last eight Penguin-Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Montreal games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Florida-Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in last eleven Devil-Islander games.

Series records
-- Washington won eight of last eleven games against the Penguins.
-- Senators lost three of last four visits to Montreal.
-- Sabres are 10-5 in their last fifteen games against Florida.
-- Islanders lost nine of last 12 games against New Jersey.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI College Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

02/03/13 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 2599-854 (.753)
ATS: 1147-1186 (.492)
ATS Vary Units: 3534-3767 (.484)
Over/Under: 313-294 (.516)
Over/Under Vary Units: 339-361 (.484)

Atlantic Coast Conference
Virginia 55, GEORGIA TECH 51

Big East Conference
CONNECTICUT 66, South Florida 54
LOUISVILLE 70, Marquette 60
VILLANOVA 74, Providence 64

Big Ten Conference
MINNESOTA 73, Iowa 65
Wisconsin 61, ILLINOIS 58

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
MANHATTAN 64, Saint Peter's 52
Rider 67, MARIST 62

Pacific-10 Conference
STANFORD 77, Oregon State 66

Patriot League
Lehigh 76, ARMY 66

Southland Conference
Northwestern State 82, McNEESE STATE 71

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

02/03/13 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 453-223 (.670)
ATS: 350-341 (.507)
ATS Vary Units: 996-898 (.526)
Over/Under: 363-330 (.524)
Over/Under Vary Units: 533-477 (.528)

L.A. Clippers 94, BOSTON 93
DETROIT 100, L.A. Lakers 99
Miami 100, TORONTO 95

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Hockey
The Daniel Curry Index

02/03/13 Predictions

Season: 44-26 (.629)

Pittsburgh vs. WASHINGTON: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
MONTREAL 3, Ottawa 2
BUFFALO 3, Florida 2
New Jersey vs. N.Y. ISLANDERS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Play Sunday

Total sacks under 4.5. -160

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Basketball Picks

Oregon State at Stanford

The Beavers look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 road games. Oregon State is the pick (+10) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinal favored by only 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+10). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 807-808: Providence at Villanova (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Providence 60.602; Villanova 64.428 Dunkel Line: Villanova by 4 Vegas Line: Villanova by 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Providence (+6 1/2)

Game 809-810: Iowa at Minnesota (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 68.347; Minnesota 74.631 Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 6 1/2; 142 Vegas Line: Minnesota by 9 1/2; 138 Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+9 1/2); Over

Game 811-812: Marquette at Louisville (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 67.115; Louisville 79.712 Dunkel Line: Louisville by 12 1/2; 129 Vegas Line: Louisville by 10 1/2; 132 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-10 1/2); Under

Game 813-814: South Florida at Connecticut (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 58.805; Connecticut 66.474 Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 7 1/2 Vegas Line: Connecticut by 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+9 1/2)

Game 815-816: Virginia at Georgia Tech (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 66.190; Georgia Tech 65.824 Dunkel Line: Even; 117 Vegas Line: Virginia by 2; 112 Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+2); Over

Game 817-818: Oregon State at Stanford (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 59.535; Stanford 64.953 Dunkel Line: Stanford by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: Stanford by 10 Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+10)

Game 819-820: Wisconsin at Illinois (3:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 67.778; Illinois 68.750 Dunkel Line: Illinois by 1; 130 Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 1 1/2; 126 Dunkel Pick: Illinois (+1 1/2); Over

Game 821-822: Rider at Marist (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Rider 48.925; Marist 47.039 Dunkel Line: Rider by 2 Vegas Line: Rider by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Marist (+3 1/2)

Game 823-824: St. Peter's at Manhattan (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 43.191; Manhattan 54.503 Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 11 1/2 Vegas Line: Manhattan by 8 Dunkel Pick: Manhattan (-8)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NHL Picks

Ottawa at Montreal

The Senators look to take advantage of a Montreal team that is coming off a 6-1 win over Buffalo and is 7-21 in its last 28 games after scoring 5 goals or more in the previous game. Ottawa is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Senators favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+105). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Time Posted 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 51-52: Pittsburgh at Washington (12:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.383; Washington 11.651 Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-130); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Washington (+110); Over

Game 53-54: Ottawa at Montreal (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 12.725; Montreal 11.056 Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-125); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+105); Over

Game 55-56: Florida at Buffalo (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.463; Buffalo 11.358 Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-160); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-160); Under

Game 57-58: New Jersey at NY Islanders (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 12.094; NY Islanders 10.929 Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5 Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-120); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+100); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

LA Clippers at Boston

The Clippers look to take advantage of a Boston team that is coming off a 97-84 win over Orlando and is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. LA is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-1). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 801-802: LA Clippers at Boston (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 121.067; Boston 117.559 Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3 1/2; 181 Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1; 184 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-1); Under

Game 803-804: LA Lakers at Detroit (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 119.293; Detroit 118.674 Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1; 204 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 805-806: Miami at Toronto (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Miami 124.324; Toronto 118.385 Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 6; 191 Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 4 1/2; 195 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Miami (-4 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

CBB MARQUETTE at LOUISVILLE

Play Against - Home favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (LOUISVILLE) playing with 5 or 6 days rest, in February games.
124-68 since 1997. ( 64.6% 49.2 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% 1.0 units )

CBB OREGON ST at STANFORD

Play On - Any team (STANFORD) average 3PT shooting team (32-36.5%) against a good 3PT defense (<=32%) after 15+ games, after 2 straight games making 50% of their 3 point shots or better.
47-27 since 1997. ( 63.5% 26.7 units )
2-1 this year. ( 66.7% 1.0 units )

CBB VIRGINIA at GEORGIA TECH

Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 55.5 or less after playing a game where both teams score 65 points or less against opponent after 2 straight games where both teams score 65 points or less.
89-45 over the last 5 seasons. ( 66.4% 39.5 units )
3-2 this year. ( 60.0% 0.8 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

NBA LA LAKERS at DETROIT

Play On - Road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (LA LAKERS) after a road game where both teams score 100 or more points, in February games.
27-7 over the last 5 seasons. ( 79.4% 19.3 units )

NBA LA CLIPPERS at BOSTON

Play Against - All teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (LA CLIPPERS) in a game involving two average three point shooting teams (33%-36.5%) after 42+ games, after a game where a team made 35% of their shots or worse.
30-9 since 1997. ( 76.9% 20.4 units )

NBA LA CLIPPERS at BOSTON

Play On - Any team vs. the 1rst half line (LA CLIPPERS) in a game involving two good shooting teams (45.5-47.5%) after 42+ games, after a game where a team made 35% of their shots or worse
40-15 since 1997. ( 72.7% 23.5 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Line Changers Advisory Team

Ravens +4 (10 UNITS)

UNDER 48 (10 UNITS)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL PICKS PRO

BALTIMORE +4 vs San Francisco

You gotta love Super Bowl hype. We've heard endless stories about Ray Lewis' retirement, the different QB styles and the battle between two brothers. There's a lot more to the game plans than just those story lines, so let's look at the three phases of this game.

Special Teams
I always pay close attention to special teams and suspect this game could come down to a critical play or mistake in this phase of the game. Jacoby Jones gives the Ravens a big edge in the return game. Ted Ginn is nothing special, LaMichael James is a little better, but neither player has produced anything close to Jones' big plays. I haven't forgotten about Trindon Holliday's two returns against the Ravens in Denver, but the Ravens are the bigger threat to break off a long return on Sunday.
A bigger factor could be the kicking game. David Akers has struggled all year and has the look of a kicker who's lost his confidence. Justin Tucker is solid and gives Baltimore an edge. Who would you rather have lining up for a 45 yard game winner?

Niners O vs Ravens D
Kaepernick and the Niners read-option have been a tough assignment for opposing teams, with Gore, CK and LaMichael James putting up big rushing stats. Not as much has been said about the passing, but Kaepernick has been very efficient throwing the ball.
The Raven's must stop the run. Gore should be handled by Lewis and Ngata shutting down the middle of the field. Kaepernick & James both have enough speed to create big problems for the defenders, so we'll see the Niner's trying to break containment often. Terrell Suggs, Dannell Ellerbe and Paul Kruger must contain the Niner's running game on the edges. Baltimore should control Crabtree in the passing game, which leaves critical match ups between Ed Reed/Bernard Pollard vs Vernon Davis/Delanie Walker. The Raven's safeties MUST win that battle or Kaepernick will have a huge game.

Ravens O vs Niners D
The Ravens offense has improved greatly since they've gotten comfortable with Jim Caldwell's replacement of Cameron. It's been a balanced attack with the entire team contributing, Flacco has been nearly flawless.
The Niners beat a similar offense in Atlanta (with better wide-outs) and I doubt Baltimore can add anything that San Fran hasn't prepared for already. With all the Ray Lewis talk… let's not forget Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman are the best LB's playing Sunday. So how can the Ravens move the ball? They have a much better O-line than the Falcons and they've been great throughout the playoffs. Caldwell will spread the field often to get the Niners into nickel and dime packages where he'll have matchup advantages for Flacco to expose. I expect lots of screen and running plays in these situations. The Ravens will be able to move the ball effectively.

Intangibles
I hate intangibles, but they always play a big part in Super Bowls. The biggest intangible is the Harbaugh brothers. I'm not confident anyone can read something into it, and I don't see any obvious advantage going to either guy. They're both very good coaches and I suspect either one is capable of making a gutsy call or taking a risk or two in critical situations.

The Pick
I expect this to be a close game, with some back and forth. Both teams have started games slowly in the playoffs, which is likely to happen in this game as they play it safe early on. Eventually things will get rolling. I doubt the Ravens have enough speed to contain Kaepernick and the read-option consistently, so we'll see some big plays in the running game. Flacco will do plenty of damage spreading the ball around while exposing mismatches. Turnovers will be critical and this game is likely to come down to a late FG… made by Tucker. Pick: Raven +4


Prop Bets

Will he score a touchdown in the first half? – Torrey Smith (BAL) – Yes (+340):
I expect Smith to get targeted often, especially downfield early in the game. Flacco needs to extend the field to open up his screen game and running attack while the Niners are in nickel/dime packages. Good chance Smith snags a deep ball early.
Total Receptions – Torrey Smith (BAL) – Over 3.5 (EVEN)
Once again, lots of targets for Smith. The Niners have to respect the deep ball for the Ravens to win the game.
Total Rushing Yards – Colin Kaepernick (SF) – Over 48.5 (-110)
I don't think the Ravens have the players to consistently contain CK. Maybe the D-coordinator can devise something, but someone has to make the plays.
Total Receiving Yards – Vernon Davis (SF) – Over 42.5 (-110)
Davis will be a big part of the gameplan and he'll give the Ravens LBs and safeties problems.
R.Lewis solo+assisted tackles un 11½
Lewis has put up crazy stats since returning, but 11½ is too high - especially without the Baltimore stat crew handing out assists.
T.Suggs solo+assisted tackles ov 4½
Suggs has to help stop the read-option or Baltimore is in deep do-do. I suspect he'll be all over the field.
D.Ellerbe solo+assisted tackles ov 7
Ellerbe projects higher and he's likely to outproduc Ray-Ray. I know he's been on the IR's but he'll be ready-to-roll.
N.Bowman solo+assisted tackles ov 8½
Bowman's stats have been down recently, but it's all about opportunity. Baltimore will provide him with enough chances to hit double digits easily & he's one of the best tacklers in the league.
Will the game go to Overtime? Yes (+700)
Obviously I think this is a close game, so +700 makes sense.
Good luck. Let's win them all.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TOP SHELF CHICAGO

3* San Francisco -4

# 102 San Francisco Over 47.5
Action

Passed On
San Fran ML

The Ravens defense has not had to defend the likes of Kaepernick yet. And they do not have the personnel to do so. The defensive starters have been on the field more than any other team in NFL play-off history. Their best players are all nursing injuries. They are in a tough sot.

Last two weeks I have raved about Kaepernicks qualities. More about what he can do that others cannot match up with. The Ravens are built with size. They like to play in between the seems with the backers. You cannot set the edge vs a read option run by Kaepernick. You can only force one or the other and hope each man performs his responsibility well. This is how San Fran has gotten large chunks of yardage and convert on third down. Ray Lewis will be exposed.

The Ravens offense is rather basic. They are led by a pro bowl running back who does not see the ball enough. Their QB has a big arm who struggles with the intermediate pass. Whispers say they will attack the San Fran secondary deep. Much like Atlanta did. I see this being the wrong approach. Why? San Fran's defenses was top 5 in every category I look at. They only allowed 38 passes of more than 20 yards this season. Only 7 passes of more than 40 yards. They were third in QB rating against and have handled tight ends well. I just do not see the Ravens getting enough done.

Atlanta attacked the San Fran Backs with vertical play action and Pro Bowl wide outs like Jones and White. There is no Jones or White on the Ravens. The Ravens won't get more than 20. San Fran's kicking issues will not be a problem indoors. San Fran hangs a big number. San Fran and the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Best of the Rest: What Else to Bet on Super Bowl Sunday

Yeah, it’s Super Bowl Sunday but the sports world doesn’t stop spinning just for the NFL. Well, OK, it does a little.

Most leagues are getting their schedule out of the way before the Big Game hogs the Sunday spotlight. Here’s a look at the best from the rest of the sports betting options:

NBA

Los Angeles Clippers at Boston Celtics (+1, 184)

The Los Angeles Clippers are among the league's best home teams, but they are not finding life on the road to their liking. Of course, the absence of All-Star point guard Chris Paul could have a lot to do with the Clippers' recent struggles. Paul is expected to miss his seventh consecutive game when Los Angeles visits the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon. It is the third stop of an eight-game road trip for the Clippers, who have lost five of seven and are coming off their most lopsided defeat of the season in a 98-73 drubbing at Toronto on Friday night.

Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons (+2.5, 200)

Los Angeles has won four of its last five games and dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday to break an eight-game road losing streak. The Lakers are just 6-16 in away games and the contest against Detroit is the third of a seven-game road excursion. The Pistons are hoping newly acquired point guard Jose Calderon will energize a late run at a playoff berth. Veteran forward Tayshaun Prince was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the three-team trade that brought Calderon to Detroit. Lakers center Dwight Howard flew to Detroit on Saturday after receiving treatment in Los Angeles for his ailing right shoulder and is listed as a game-time decision.

Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors (+4.5, 195.5)

The reigning NBA champions have not had a ton of success on the road this season, but they certainly have made themselves feel at home when they visit Toronto. The Miami Heat will have a chance to climb above .500 away from home when they square off with the Raptors on Sunday. The Heat have won the last nine meetings with Toronto, including a 123-116 overtime victory in Miami on Jan. 23. That game featured monster performances from Heat superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. James posted a triple-double and Wade scored a season-high 35 points.

NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (+125, 5.5)

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally proved they could win at home on Saturday. The Penguins will look to continue their early-season road success on Sunday when they travel to the nation's capital to face the Washington Capitals. Captain Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz recorded a goal and two assists apiece as Pittsburgh breezed to a 5-1 triumph over Atlantic Division rival New Jersey on Saturday afternoon.

Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens (-129, 5.5)

The Montreal Canadiens recovered from a 5-1 loss to the Senators in Ottawa on Wednesday with a 6-1 victory over Buffalo at home three days later. On Sunday, the Canadiens will host the Senators with momentum on their side and defenseman P.K. Subban on their roster. Subban had an assist on the power play in the third period on Saturday and led Montreal with three hits in his season debut as the Canadiens set the tone early, outshooting the Sabres 15-1 in the first period. Montreal was 2-for-8 with the man advantage and has 11 goals on 41 opportunities this season. The Canadiens were 1-for-6 in their loss to Ottawa.

Florida Panthers at Buffalo Sabres (-154, 5.5)

The Florida Panthers snapped a five-game losing streak with their second home win of the season on Thursday. The Panthers will try to earn their first road victory of the season on Sunday when they travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres. Alex Kovalev scored in Florida’s 6-3 win over Winnipeg on Thursday and only has points in the Panthers’ two victories this season. Tomas Fleischmann, who leads Florida with seven points, notched three assists against Winnipeg but finished minus-2. The Panthers are 6-for-12 on the power play in their two wins, but 2-for-24 in their five losses. They have not allowed fewer than three goals in a game since their season-opening 5-1 win over Carolina.

New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders (-115, 5.5)

Although they've collected at least a point in all but one contest this season, the New Jersey Devils find themselves in the midst of a four-game losing skid. The visiting Devils will look to right the ship on Sunday when the face the Atlantic Division rival New York Islanders for the third time in this abbreviated campaign. New Jersey scratched for a 2-1 triumph over New York in the season opener before suffering a 5-4 overtime setback on Thursday.

NCAAB

Iowa Hawkeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers (-9.5, 138)

This year’s Gophers appeared to be a lock for the “Big Dance” with a 15-1 start until they dropped four straight, but they turned it around in Tuesday's 84-65 defeat of Nebraska. With another win on Sunday, Minnesota would improve to 12-1 at home and help erase last year’s struggles against the Hawkeyes, who had lost five of their first seven conference games prior to Thursday’s 76-67 victory over Penn State.

Marquette Golden Eagles at Louisville Cardinals (-11, 132.5)

The Golden Eagles are winners of eight of their last nine games, most recently beating South Florida 63-50 on Monday. Marquette’s only loss in that span came to No. 23 Cincinnati, a 71-69 overtime loss on Jan. 19. While the Cardinals are ranked lower than the Golden Eagles, Marquette is alone atop the Big East standings at 6-1 after No. 6 Syracuse’s 65-55 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Louisville beat the Golden Eagles in their last contest, 84-71 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.

EPL

West Bromwich at Tottenham (12/5, 12/5 draw, 11/10)

Manchester City at Liverpool (5/6, 11/4 draw, 16/5)