3-3-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Goldsheet

NORTH CAROLINA by 23 over Florida St. (Sun., Mar. 3, Day)

MIAMI by 17 over New York (Sunday, March 3, Day)
OVER in the Charlotte-Sacramento game (Sun., March 3)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Heat at Knicks: What bettors need to know

Miami Heat at New York Knicks (+4.5, 198)

When the Miami Heat last tasted defeat, they were clinging to a half-game lead over the New York Knicks for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Things have taken a dramatic turn since. The Heat will enter Sunday's matinee showdown at Madison Square Garden riding a 13-game winning streak and holding a comfortable 6 1/2-game edge over the Knicks. Miami still has some unfinished business with New York, which has won both meetings between the teams this season - each by a 20-point margin.

The Heat overcame a sub-par outing by LeBron James to keep the win streak intact with a gritty 98-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Miami has won five in a row away from home, all coming by double digits. The Knicks used a strong fourth quarter to knock off the Washington Wizards on Friday night. It was the third consecutive victory following a four-game skid for New York, which is tied with the Indiana Pacers for the second seed in the East.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE HEAT (42-14): While James earned his fourth consecutive Eastern Conference Player of the Month Friday, teammate Dwyane Wade is quietly putting together his own stellar stretch. Wade scored a team-high 22 points against the Grizzlies and is averaging 29.5 points in his last four games. Wade is shooting a blistering 63.1 percent and has added eight steals and five blocked shots during that span. He is averaging 27.3 points in his career vs. the Knicks despite scoring a combined 28 points in the two meetings this season.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (35-20): New York routed the Heat in Miami on Dec. 6 without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony, who is on a scoring spree of his own. Anthony put up 30 points against the Wizards and is averaging 31.5 points in the last four games. But he continues to struggle from 3-point range, connecting on just 20 percent of his attempts (8 of 40) over the past six games.

TRENDS:

* Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Knicks are 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Heat’s last four overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Knicks’ last five overall.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. A victory Sunday will allow Miami to match the longest winning streak in franchise history, set during the 2004-05 season.

2. The Knicks have buried 37 3-pointers in the two wins over the Heat.

3. Miami ousted New York in five games in last season's playoffs, not allowing more than 94 points.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Michigan State at Michigan: What bettors need to know

Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines (-4, 132.5)

Michigan’s Big Ten title hopes probably ended after blowing a 15-point lead in the second half and losing at last-place Penn State on Wednesday. The fourth-ranked Wolverines should be an angry, focused group when they return home to face rival Michigan State on Sunday afternoon. Michigan can still be a major factor in the conference and NCAA tournaments, but must find answers after losing four of its last seven. The Wolverines are certainly comfortable at home where they are 16-0 overall and 7-0 in the Big Ten. However, they were hammered at Michigan State 75-52 on Feb. 12.

The 10th-ranked Spartans also need to restart, coming off consecutive losses to Indiana and Ohio State. Michigan State, which outrebounded Michigan 39-27 in the first meeting, is 5-3 on the road in conference play and stands one game behind Indiana in the Big Ten going into the weekend.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, CBS.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (22-6, 11-4 Big Ten): One of the reasons the Spartans could not get over the hump in close games against the Buckeyes and Hoosiers was leading scorer Keith Appling’s sudden shooting slump. The junior guard was 2-of-14 from the field and 0-of-6 from 3-point range the last two contests, dropping his scoring average to 13.4 -- slightly ahead of freshman guard Gary Harris (13.2). Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix have done a solid job inside, both averaging more than 12 points the last five games. Payne, Nix and Branden Dawson (10.4 points) all shoot over 50 percent from the field.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (23-5, 10-5): The Wolverines might have needed the slap in the face from Penn State to get back to basics and finish strong. After facing the Spartans, Michigan plays at Purdue and hosts Indiana to end the regular season. Player of the year candidate Trey Burke hasn’t slowed down, shooting 49.6 percent from the field. Burke is second in the Big Ten in scoring (18.8) and first in assists (6.9). Tim Hardaway Jr., averaging 15.2 points, will have to be better than the 1-of-11 shooting performance at Michigan State. The Wolverines can also play better defense. They stand ninth in field-goal percentage defense in Big Ten games.

TRENDS:

* Wolverines are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Under is 7-1 in Wolverines’ last eight vs. a team with a winning record.

TIP-INS:

1. The Spartans are third in the Big Ten in scoring defense and Michigan is second in offense.

2. Michigan F/C Jordan Morgan scored 11 points against Penn State, his first time in double figures since Jan. 3.

3. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 94-76, but Michigan State has won 20 of the last 26 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL Top 5: Best Puckline Bets to Date

Profitable puckline bettors know teams with the best straight up records aren’t necessarily the best teams ATS. In fact, the exact opposite is often the case.

The Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers were both sub-.500 teams last season, but were great bets with identical 47-35 ATS records.

Here are the five best NHL puckline bets:

Columbus Blue Jackets (15-6 ATS)

The Blue Jackets were a great puckline bet last season (44-38 ATS) and they’re on track to be very profitable once again this year. Columbus is once again struggling to pick up wins, but is keeping games close. The Blue Jackets have only been favorites once this season and 13 of their 21 games have been decided by one goal.

Edmonton Oilers (13-7 ATS)

Edmonton has skated to a respectable 8-8-3-1 SU start and is in the midst of a daunting nine-game road swing. The young Oilers have been playing plenty of extra time, as eight of their contests to date have been decided in overtime or the shootout.

Anaheim Ducks (12-7 ATS)

Oddsmakers weren’t counting on goaltender Viktor Fasth to be unbeatable after Jonas Hiller fell to injury. They also weren’t expecting Anaheim to open the season with 15 wins in its first 19 contests.

Ottawa Senators (14-8 ATS)

The Sens stopped getting respect from oddsmakers when Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson succumbed to long-term injuries. But Ottawa has persevered, picking up points in six straight games and nine of its last 12.

Toronto Maple Leafs (13-9 ATS)

The Maple Leafs have identical straight up and ATS records heading into action Monday against the Devils. James van Riemsdyk is clicking with Phil Kessel and Toronto’s young goaltending duo of Ben Scrivens and James Reimer are getting the job done so far.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 4 Michigan hosts No. 9 MSU on Sunday
by Brian Graham

Crisler Center - Ann Arbor, MI
Tip-off: Sunday, 4:00 p.m. ET
Line: Michigan -3.5

After a stunning loss at Penn State on Wednesday, No. 4 Michigan tries to get back in the win column Sunday in a showdown with in-state rival No. 9 Michigan.

In addition to trying to redeem themselves after losing to a 13-point underdog, the Wolverines are also aiming to avenge a 75-52 blowout loss in East Lansing two weeks ago when the Spartans outshot them 48.4% FG to 39.6% FG and outrebounded them by a hefty 40-28 margin. Michigan finished the month of February with a 3-4 SU record and a dismal 1-6 ATS mark. MSU has also been struggling since beating the Wolverines, going 0-2-1 ATS, and losing back-to-back games to Indiana and Ohio State. The Spartans are 14-6 SU in the past 20 meetings with Michigan, but the Wolverines are 10-10 ATS during this span with three SU wins in the past five matchups. This game will likely be low-scoring, as the Under is 12-3 (80%) in this series since 2005.

Michigan State is not a team that wins with a fast-paced offense (69.6 PPG, 53.3 FGA per game), but it doesn't take many bad shots, connecting on 46.8% FG and 34.7% threes. The Spartans drain only 5.0 threes per game, but they always work hard on the glass (+7.0 RPG margin) and their defense produces 8.3 steals per game. MSU is one of the tougher teams to score on in the nation, as it allows a mere 59.9 PPG on 39.3% FG and 31.8% threes this season. Junior PG Keith Appling (13.4 PPG, 3.8 APG) is a solid floor general with a 1.54 Ast/TO ratio and 1.4 SPG on the defensive end, but his offense has been lagging this season with 40.5% FG and 31.6% threes. His 2-for-14 shooting (0-for-6 threes) over the past two games is a big reason why Michigan State lost both contests. Appling has averaged 10.3 PPG in his past four meetings with Michigan, but made just 4-of-14 shots (1-for-6 threes) on Feb. 12. Swingman Branden Dawson (10.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG) scored 10 points in that win over Michigan, but has just 6.7 PPG and 3.7 PPG in three games since. Junior PF Adreian Payne (9.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG) has been outstanding in these past three games with 14.7 PPG (58% FG) and 12.0 RPG, but was a non-factor in the win over Michigan with four points in 30 minutes. Freshman SG Gary Harris (13.2 PPG) scored a team-high 17 points (5-of-9 threes) in the win over the Wolverines, which started a four-game streak of 14+ points. He's averaging 16.0 PPG on 54% FG over these four contests and dished out five assists in Sunday's loss in Columbus. Senior C Derrick Nix (9.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG) has given Michigan fits in the past two seasons with 11.0 PPG on 58% FG in three meetings. He's also averaged 12.8 PPG on 53% FG in his past five contests.

Michigan boasts an impressive offense that scores 76.0 PPG on a blistering 49.5% FG (6th in D-I) and 39.3% threes (16th in nation). Another big reason the Wolverines are so efficient on offense is because they have the 3rd-best Ast/TO ratio in the nation (1.53), thanks to a mere 9.7 TOPG (3rd-fewest in D-I). They also commit the 2nd-fewest fouls (12.5 per game) in the country, which makes up for a lack of depth, especially in the backcourt. But the conservative defense also leads to a mere 5.8 SPG and 2.6 BPG. In Wednesday's upset loss, Michigan outshot (52% FG to 47% FG) and outrebounded (37-27) Penn State, but also committed six more turnovers (15 to 9) and allowed the Nittany Lions to make 10-of-20 threes. Michigan's offense is fueled by its outstanding backcourt of PG Trey Burke (18.8 PPG, 6.9 APG) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (15.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG). Both players shoot 46% or better from the floor, with Hardaway Jr. draining 40% of his three-point tries and Burke leading the nation with a 3.57 Ast/TO ratio. Burke has scored at least 15 points in each of his past 16 games, including 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting in the loss in East Lansing. Although Burke also scored 18 points on Wednesday, he committed a season-high six turnovers in the loss at Penn State. Hardaway has been horrible in the past three meetings with MSU, scoring only 5.3 PPG on 5-of-30 FG, including 0-for-12 from three-point land. Two weeks ago in East Lansing, he made 1-of-11 shots and finished with two points. Hardaway did play well in Happy Valley though, with 19 points (8-of-16 FG) and seven rebounds. Freshman F/G Nik Stauskas (11.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG) continues to be a key player for this team, coming off a solid 12 points (5-of-9 FG) and eight rebounds in Wednesday's loss. He scored 10 points in the earlier meeting with Michigan State. Freshman F Glenn Robinson III (11.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG) recorded just two points (1-of-4 FG) against the Spartans, but has averaged 13.0 PPG and 6.3 RPG in three games since. But fellow freshman PF Mitch McGary (6.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG) has been struggling recently with just 3.5 PPG and 3.0 RPG in the past four games. He logged only eight minutes in Wednesday's loss. Junior PF Jordan Morgan (5.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG) was the team's most effective frontcourt player against Penn State with 11 points (5-of-6 FG) and five rebounds in 24 minutes. Morgan had only one point and two rebounds in nine minutes of action in East Lansing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CAPPERS ACCESS

Michigan St
N. Carolina
Georgia Tech

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thunder and Clippers collide Sunday in L.A.
by Brian Graham

Tip-off: Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Line: Los Angeles -1.5, Total: 204

The Thunder look to snap a long road losing skid when they visit the red-hot Clippers on Sunday afternoon.

Oklahoma City leads the NBA in scoring (106.7 PPG), but has struggled on the road recently, going 3-7 (SU and ATS) in its past 10 away games, including three straight defeats where the team has allowed 112.0 PPG to these hosts. The Clippers have won eight of their past nine contests (7-2 ATS), including four in a row (SU and ATS), where they have held their opponents to a mere 89.5 PPG on 42% FG and 29% threes. Although these teams have split their past 12 meetings 6-6 SU, the Thunder have won both matchups this season, prevailing 117-111 in overtime at home on Nov. 21, and then winning more comfortably, 109-97, in L.A. on Jan. 22.

Oklahoma City is an excellent shooting team, making 48.3% FG, 39.2% threes and an NBA-leading 83.3% free throws. The Thunder are also strong defensively, allowing just 97.2 PPG on 42.9% FG and 35.1% threes. SF Kevin Durant (28.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.6 APG) has posted two triple-doubles in his past five games, averaging 21.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG and 7.4 APG during this span. In Friday's loss to Denver, he had 25 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Durant has also played extremely well against L.A. this season with 33.5 PPG (50% FG), 6.5 RPG and 6.0 APG in the two victories. PG Russell Westbrook (23.3 PPG, 7.8 APG, 5.2 RPG) has also exploded on the Clippers for 24.5 PPG and 7.5 APG this season. Westbrook has scored at least 20 points in eight straight games, averaging 28.4 PPG on 50.3% FG (13-of-23 threes) to go along with 6.1 APG. SG Kevin Martin (14.6 PPG) usually provides healthy scoring off the bench, but has struggled with four single-digit scoring outputs in the past seven games, tallying just 10.1 PPG over this span. Martin has played well against L.A. though, scoring 16.5 PPG on 53% shooting. PF Serge Ibaka (13.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.0 BPG) has averaged a double-double in the season series with the Clips, posting 16.0 PPG (55% FG) and 10.5 RPG despite fouling out of both meetings.

The Clippers are a team without a real weakness, averaging 100.5 PPG, and allowing just 93.8 PPG this season. They love to share the basketball with 23.4 APG, and lead the NBA with 9.92 steals per game. And despite playing Friday in Cleveland, they should be well-rested for this matinee as only one player logged 30+ minutes in the 105-89 lopsided win at Cleveland. PG Chris Paul (16.2 PPG, 9.6 APG) saw the most action with 33 minutes, tallying an impressive 15 assists and zero turnovers to go along with 11 points and a +19 rating. Paul leads the NBA in both Ast/TO ratio (4.42) and steals (2.43 per game), but he played a terrible game in his lone meeting with Oklahoma City this season, making just 2-of-14 shots and committing four turnovers. However, Paul was able to keep his team in the game with nine assists, five rebounds and four steals. PF Blake Griffin (18.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG) has had no problem scoring on the Thunder this season with 27.0 PPG (57% FG), 8.5 RPG and 2.5 SPG in the two victories. Griffin has also been red-hot during his team's four-game win streak with 19.0 PPG on 67% FG, plus 10.5 RPG. SG Jamal Crawford (17.0 PPG) has also shot well since his one-game absence to deal with a personal matter. In two games since returning, he has 23.5 PPG on 57% FG (4-of-7 threes). Crawford has shot poorly versus Oklahoma City though, making just 36% of his shots, but has still managed to score 17.0 PPG in the two meetings. C DeAndre Jordan (8.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG) played only 10 minutes at Indiana on Thursday due to a bloody nose, but he showed no ill effects in Friday's win with 10 points (5-of-6 FG) and five rebounds in just 20 minutes of action. He's also been very efficient against the Thunder this season with 9.5 PPG (60% FG) and 8.0 RPG.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Heat go for 14th straight win Sunday at MSG
by Brian Graham

Tip-off: Sunday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: Miami -2, Total: 202.5

Sizzling-hot Miami seeks a 14th straight victory when it visits the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.

Although Miami has won 13 in a row since Feb. 3, the Heat have failed to cover three straight games, all at home. But they were a perfect 5-0 (SU and ATS) on the road in February, winning at Toronto by 15, at Oklahoma City by 10, at Atlanta by 13, at Chicago by 19 and at Philadelphia by a whopping 24 points. New York is also riding a win streak, prevailing in three straight games. But Friday's eight-point victory at Washington was the first time the Knicks have covered a spread since Feb. 4, as the team went 0-7-1 ATS from Feb. 6-27. New York has dominated both meetings with the Heat this season, winning by 20 points in each game. The Knicks won 104-84 at home on Nov. 12 and 112-92 in Miami on Dec. 6. However, the Heat are 14-5 SU (10-8-1 ATS) in this series since 2009, including last year's 4-games-to-1 playoff series victory.

The Heat have scored 103.8 PPG this season, while allowing 96.6 PPG. But during the 13-game win streak, they have put up 108.4 PPG (52% FG, 42% threes) and allowed just 96.1 PPG on 46% FG and 36% threes. Nobody on the planet is playing better than SF LeBron James (27.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 7.3 APG), who has 28.9 PPG on 63% shooting (44% threes) during the win streak to go along with 8.4 APG and 7.6 RPG. He hit just 4-of-14 shots in Friday's win over Memphis but still recorded at least 10 assists for the fourth time in the past six games. James has 27.0 PPG versus the Knicks this season, which is actually below is gaudy 27.7 PPG average in 32 career games against New York. James has been even better at Madison Square Garden with 29.5 PPG (48% FG), 6.9 RPG and 6.5 APG in 15 visits to Manhattan. SG Dwyane Wade (21.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.8 APG) has also been outstanding during the 13-game win streak with 24.3 PPG (54% FG), 6.0 RPG and 5.7 APG. But he has struggled versus New York this season with a mere 14.0 PPG (44% FG), 4.0 RPG and 2.5 APG. PF Chris Bosh (16.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG) has put up solid numbers of 16.5 PPG (55% FG) and 6.6 RPG during the current winning streak, but has made just 8-of-25 shots (32%) against the Knicks this season, posting 12.0 PPG and 8.5 RPG.

New York has scored 100.2 PPG this season, making 44.2% FG and 37.1% threes. Defensively, the Knicks allow just 96.3 PPG on 45.8% FG and 36.4% threes. Although they have won three straight games with 101.3 PPG, they are shooting just 42% FG and 28% threes during this win streak. But the defense held the Wizards to 11 fourth-quarter points on Friday to pull away for the 96-88 win. SF Carmelo Anthony (28.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG) scored 30 points with six boards at Washington, which actually lowered his scoring average to 31.5 PPG in the past four games. Anthony also scored 30 points with 10 rebounds in the home win over the Heat on Nov. 2, but shot just 10-of-28 from the field. He did not play in the win at Miami in December due to a cut on his left hand that required stitches. PG Raymond Felton (14.8 PPG, 6.0 APG) has played pretty well during the three-game win surge with 15.7 PPG, including 23 points at Washington. But he has just 3.7 APG over his past nine games, a far cry from the 6.6 APG he posted in his first 34 contests. Felton has been a big key to his team's dominance of Miami this season with 20.5 PPG (46% FG, 9-of-17 threes), 8.0 APG and 4.0 RPG in the two victories. SG J.R. Smith (16.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG) has made just 7-of-26 FG (27%) against the Heat this season, but has been on fire in his past four games with 18.0 PPG on 48% FG and 15-of-31 threes. He also pulled down 12 rebounds before fouling out of Friday's win at Washington.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NASCAR heads west to Phoenix Sunday

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Subway Fresh Fit 500

Sunday, March 3 – 3:00 p.m. EDT
Phoenix International Raceway – Phoenix, AZ
With the Daytona 500 now completed, the NASCAR circuit shifts west to Phoenix for Sunday's Subway Fresh Fit 500. Denny Hamlin is the defending champion of this race, edging out runner-up Kevin Harvick. And in the most recent race on this track, last November’s AdvoCare 500, these two drivers also finished first and second with Harvick taking the checkered flag and Hamlin as the runner-up.

Phoenix International Raceway is a one-mile, tri-oval track completed in 1964. It was built with bankings measuring 11° on turns 1 and 2, a 9-degree banking on the 1,551-foot (0.29 miles) backstretch and a near-flat 3° frontstretch measuring 1,179 feet (0.22 miles).

Drivers to Watch

Kevin Harvick (15/1) - These odds are extremely favorable for a driver who finished first and second in his two races at this track last year. The No. 29 car always competes well on one-mile tracks, and since 2006, Harvick has three wins and eight top-7 finishes in 14 starts at Phoenix. At 15-to-1, he not only represents the best value on the board, but is our pick to win Sunday's race.

Ryan Newman (30/1) - Not only did Newman finish fifth at Daytona to start his 2013 season, but he's always raced well at Phoenix in his career. In 21 starts at this track, he's grabbed the pole four times, and has posted eight top-5 finishes. This includes five top-5's in his past six starts, winning the 2010 Subway Fresh Fit 600, and then placing 2nd, 5th, 5th, 21st and 5th in five Phoenix races since then. What's more impressive about this run is that his average start in these six races was 15.7, as he started no better than 6th in any of these races. With such darkhorse odds, Newman is certainly worthy of a small wager on Sunday.

Greg Biffle (15/1) - Like Newman, Biffle also began his season with a bang, starting 5th and finishing 6th in the Daytona 500. Although he's never won at Phoenix, he's been awfully close with two career runner-ups (2005 and 2007) and four top-7 finishes in his past eight starts at Phoenix. He placed 3rd in the 2012 Subway Fresh Fit 500, and came in 7th place in the AdvoCare 500 last November.

Jimmie Johnson (6/1) - After taking home the checkered flag in Daytona last week, Johnson's odds are understandably very low. He's also been a beast in Phoenix over the years, finishing outside the top-10 just four times in 19 starts at this track. All four of his Phoenix wins have come since 2007, and in the past six spring starts in the desert, he has finished 4th, 1st, 4th, 3rd, 3rd and 4th. With that kind of track record, the low odds are certainly justified.

Kurt Busch (60/1) - As longshots go, there's no doubt that Busch provides the best bang for your buck. His average finish at Phoenix is a strong 13.2, which includes 11 top-10's, four top-5’s and a victory in 2005. With six top-10’s in his past nine starts at this track, this long-odds bet is certainly justified. Busch's average starting position in his past nine starts at Phoenix has been 8.2.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Subway Fresh Fit 500 Picks

Race: Subway Fresh Fit 500
Date: Sunday March 3, 2013
Track: Phoenix International Raceway
Time: 3pm ET
TV: FOX

Well, that was a bust! While the 500 was an awesome race to watch, Stewart totally blew the shot he had at the win being involved in an early wreck totaling his car. Coming off a strong win from the Nationwide race on Saturday, it was certain that Stewart had a shot at the Daytona 500 win. Unfortunately, it just goes to show the unpredictability of the track. Dark horse contender, Danica Patrick, fared well, running a strong and solid race coming in 8th after slipping from the 3rd position on the last lap. That being said, I do believe that Patrick will have an enormous challenge coming to the 1-mile track of Phoenix this weekend.

It's something about those blue walls that just makes Phoenix a pretty awesome race. Coming off the 500, it's hard to beat the intensity, but Phoenix does a pretty awesome job every year. This track is a 1-mile oval with 8-11 degree variable banking through the turns. The frontstretch is 1,179 feet with the backstretch slightly smaller at 1,551 feet. Those figures are a far cry from the 3800 foot frontstretch of Daytona. Despite that fact, Phoenix races similar to a short track with the excitement.

I think that one of the challenges that loomed at Daytona will carry over to Phoenix. The issue we saw with these new Gen-6 cars is that because of their body lines and major differences, passing seemed to be tough. It may simply be a result of the draft and the conditions of a superspeedway, but I really think that the passing is going to continue to be a demon for the drivers. As they say, it's one thing to catch 'em. It's another to pass 'em. Another big consideration at Phoenix is fuel mileage. Although we didn't see it at Daytona like we typically do, we are going to have to watch strategy based on the number of cautions. Because of the nature of this track, drivers seemed to be tempted to stay out and give fuel mileage a gamble. Having to pit isn't necessarily a losing move here late in the race, but it can still be very detrimental to track position. This isn't like the superspeedways where drivers can gain or lose 10+ positions in a single lap. Gaining positions take patience and more than 1 lap, so we will have to wait and see how strategy follows that philosophy.

When we consider our potential winners for this week, I hate to jump on the Jimmie Johnson bandwagon so soon this season, but he's got the best record here for all active drivers. He has led the most laps, has the most wins and also has the best average finish at 6.7. Behind Johnson is actually Mark Martin. Although not a fulltime driver this year, Martin still holds a legacy at Phoenix with a whopping 32 starts. He's got the next best average finish at just under 10th place. Although Martin has good stats here, I am going to have to run with Johnson for the win this weekend. I think that he will have a ton of momentum coming off his Daytona 500 win and also moving into one of his best tracks. Following Johnson, I think that teammate Jeff Gordon and also Gibbs driver Denny Hamlin are going to be 2 other drivers to watch. Here's the rundown for your potential winners this weekend:

Pick to Win: Jimmie Johnson

Middle of the Road Pick: Clint Bowyer

Dark Horse Pick: Mark Martin

Clint Bowyer is one to keep your eyes on. He had a strong run going throughout every race he ran during speed weeks. He's definitely coming into his own in terms of a competitor and is driving like he has something to prove every weekend. Look for Bowyer to run in the top 10 all day and perhaps to be inching to the front of the line. Bowyer rounds out the top 10 in points as of Daytona. Here are the rest of the points standings after our inaugural 2013 race.

1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3. Mark Martin
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Ryan Newman
6. Greg Biffle
7. Danica Patrick
8. Michael McDowell
9. J.J. Yeley
10. Clint Bowyer
11. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
12. Aric Almirola

Now, don't worry if you don't see your driver in the top 12 as of right now. These points simply reflect the finish of the Daytona 500, which, in my opinion, is the most unpredictable race of the year. As terrible as it may be, I'd bet that we are going to see Patrick, McDowell, Yeley, Almirola, and Stenhouse knocked out of the top 12. That will most likely happen this weekend, but if not, it will be in the next few races.

The Subway Fresh Fit 500 is shaping up to be another awesome race. Stay tuned for this Sunday's at Phoenix International Raceway!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chris justice

Over 99 NYk first half

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI College Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

03/03/13 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 3494-1187 (.746)
ATS: 1611-1652 (.494)
ATS Vary Units: 4587-4917 (.483)
Over/Under: 452-422 (.517)
Over/Under Vary Units: 472-492 (.490)

America East Conference
NEW HAMPSHIRE 61, Maine 58
STONY BROOK 64, Albany 50
UMBC 68, Binghamton 58
VERMONT 60, Hartford 50

Atlantic Coast Conference
NC State 72, GEORGIA TECH 66
NORTH CAROLINA 81, Florida State 64
Virginia 66, BOSTON COLLEGE 58

Big East Conference
PITTSBURGH 64, Villanova 55
SOUTH FLORIDA 69, DePaul 64

Big Ten Conference
MICHIGAN 68, Michigan State 65
WISCONSIN 66, Purdue 49

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Fairfield 62, MARIST 61
IONA 85, Siena 67
LOYOLA (MD.) 64, Manhattan 56

Pacific-10 Conference
STANFORD 69, Utah 58
WASHINGTON 70, Washington State 59

Non-Conference
TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN 77, New Orleans 64

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

03/03/13 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 562-283 (.665)
ATS: 449-417 (.518)
ATS Vary Units: 1180-1057 (.527)
Over/Under: 444-422 (.513)
Over/Under Vary Units: 624-562 (.526)

Miami 102, NEW YORK 98
L.A. CLIPPERS 103, Oklahoma City 101
WASHINGTON 94, Philadelphia 88
Memphis 96, ORLANDO 88
SACRAMENTO 108, Charlotte 98
HOUSTON 111, Dallas 105
SAN ANTONIO 108, Detroit 92
INDIANA 92, Chicago 84
L.A. LAKERS 103, Atlanta 99

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Hockey
The Daniel Curry Index

03/03/13 Predictions

Season: 108-82 (.568)

Chicago vs. DETROIT: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Ottawa vs. N.Y. ISLANDERS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Colorado vs. COLUMBUS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
DALLAS 3, St. Louis 2
Carolina vs. FLORIDA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
BOSTON 3, Montreal 2
N.Y. RANGERS 3, Buffalo 2
MINNESOTA 3, Edmonton 2
Vancouver vs. CALGARY: TOO CLOSE TO CALL