11-1-13

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LA Syndicate

Oregon State

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USC at Oregon State: What bettors need to know

USC Trojans at Oregon State Beavers (-4, 52.5)

USC’s stellar defense figures to be tested Friday against Oregon State at Reser Stadium, where the Trojans haven’t won since 2004. The Trojans held Utah to 201 total yards in a 19-3 victory last week, but weren’t facing Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion, who leads the nation in passing yards and touchdown passes. USC has been ravaged by injuries, especially to its offensive line and receiving corps, and All-American receiver Marqise Lee (knee) is expected to miss at least one more week.

Oregon State bounced back from its season-opening loss to FCS team Eastern Washington with six straight wins before yielding eight sacks in a 20-12 loss to Stanford last week. “Even though we lost, we took a top 10 team to the end,” Beavers coach Mike Riley said. “We saw a lot of good stuff out there and some stuff we have to correct. We’ll use that going forward." USC leads the all-time series 59-11-4, but Oregon State has won three of the past five meetings.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2.

LINE: The Beavers opened -4.5 and are now -4. The total opened at 52.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s. The threat of rain will increase as the game progresses.

ABOUT USC (5-3, 2-2 Pac-12): The Trojans dropped to 116th in the country on third-down conversions with a 27.6-percent success rate after going 3-for-15 against Utah. Andre Heidari kicked four field goals against the Utes to lead USC’s offense, which needs to see continued growth from sophomore quarterback Cody Kessler. The injury bug has impacted the entire roster, but defensive end Leonard Williams has been a constant force while leading the Trojans in tackles (54), tackles for loss (11) and sacks (five).

ABOUT OREGON STATE (6-2, 4-1): After struggling against Stanford, the Beavers' offensive line squares off against a USC squad that leads the Pac-12 in total defense and forced four Utah turnovers last week. Brandin Cooks leads the nation in receiving yards, receptions and receiving TDs, but the Beavers rank 122nd among 123 FBS teams in rushing at 66.6 yards per game. The Beavers are coming off their best defensive game of the season, and are ranked tied for fifth nationally in turnover margin and tied for sixth in interceptions.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Trojans are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 road games.
* Over is 9-1 in Beavers last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. USC has allowed a total of 17 points in the first quarter of its first eight games.

2. Oregon State is 56-5 since the start of the 2004 season when leading after three quarters.

3. USC has a 10-3 record in games played Nov. 1, most recently a 56-0 victory over Washington in 2008.

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CFL Friday: What bettors need to know

Montreal Alouettes at Toronto Argonauts (-3, 53)

Their playoff positions in the East Division are already set, but the Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Alouettes still have much to play for Friday night. The Argonauts need a victory to finish the regular season with a winning record at home, while the Alouettes can earn a split in the season series with their second win in Toronto. Montreal, which won 20-9 in its last visit, is coming off a heartbreaking road loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and could use a victory to end its tumultuous season that saw its coach fired and star quarterback lost for the season.

The Argonauts offense is healthy again now that quarterback Ricky Ray and running back Chad Kackert have returned. Ray threw for a career-high 505 yards last week and has the CFL record for completion percentage (77.2), but Toronto will rest the veteran Friday with the division already clinched. Backup quarterback Zach Collaros will need to be smart against an Alouettes' defense that leads the league in interceptions with 24 and allows the fewest passing yards per game in the East Division by a wide margin.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (7-10): Slotback S.J. Green made a spectacular one-handed catch against Hamilton last week, putting an exclamation mark on a season that already includes career-highs in receiving yards (1,183) and touchdown catches (13). Green and Duron Carter provide great targets for new quarterback Troy Smith, who has taken over the starting job with his strong throwing arm that has created touchdown passes of more than 60 yards in each of his first two starts. Smith does have accuracy issues - completing 45-of-86 passes - and tends to slow down in the second half, but that should not overshadow the promising start to what could be a long CFL career.

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (11-6): Slotback Chad Owens is 21 receiving yards away from reaching 1,000 for the second straight season, while leading the league with 2,298 total combined yards despite missing time due to injuries. Toronto signed linebacker Aaron Maybin - a former first-round pick of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills in 2009 - to bolster its defense, which is second-worst in the league with 38 sacks. Ray was named offensive player of the week for his performance against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, which included a team-record 21 consecutive completions.

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Alouettes are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 meetings in Toronto.
* Alouettes are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
* Argonauts are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Alouettes LB Chip Cox and Argonauts LB Robert McCune are the top two tacklers in the league. Cox has 109 tackles, while McCune has 99.

2. Montreal allows 253.8 passing yards per game; Toronto allows a league-worst 304.2.

3. The Alouettes will head back to Guelph, Ont., to face Hamilton in the East Semifinal on Nov. 10, with Toronto awaiting the winner at home a week later.


Calgary Stampeders at BC Lions (Pick, 52.5)

The BC Lions can’t advance in the West Division standings, but they have pride to play for when they finish their regular season at home against the division-leading Calgary Stampeders on Friday. The Lions are 7-1 at home and can tie Calgary for the best home record in the league with a victory, while the Stampeders are looking for their sixth straight win. Quarterback Kevin Glenn started Calgary’s last game, but Drew Tate finished it and looks to have regained his spot atop the depth chart.

Quarterback Buck Pierce provided the spark that snapped the Lions out of their three-game losing streak last week, tossing three touchdown passes against the Edmonton Eskimos in his first real action with BC since being traded. With Travis Lulay still nursing a shoulder injury and backup Thomas DeMarco struggling, the Lions will need Pierce’s veteran leadership if they hope to make a dent in the playoffs. A strong performance against the Stampeders, who have one of the top defenses in the league, would go a long way to giving BC some confidence heading into the postseason.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (14-3): Defensive lineman Charleston Hughes and running back Jon Cornish were both named players of the week. Hughes received defensive honours for his three-sack performance, which vaulted him into the league lead with 18 - one shy of the team record - while Cornish was named Canadian player of the week for the seventh time in 2013 after adding to his league-leading rushing yards total of 1,799. Slotback Marquay McDaniel reached 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his fifth CFL season and has a career-high eight touchdown catches to go with one touchdown run.

ABOUT THE LIONS (10-7): Pierce is 17-for-27 since arriving back in BC and has targets such as slotback Nick Moore, who reached 1,000 receiving yards for the first time and has replaced Geroy Simon as the Lions’ top option in the air. Linebacker Adam Bighill has had another stellar season with a team-leading 89 tackles and eight sacks despite missing time early on due to injuries. Cornerback Cord Parks has six interceptions - one behind league-leader Geoff Tisdale of Montreal.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Stampeders are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 meetings in BC.
* Over is 7-1 in Lions last eight Friday games.
* Stampeders are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Calgary leads the league with 61 sacks. The Stampeders and Lions are two of three teams to limit their opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards per contest.

2. BC is second-last in the league in passing yards with 4,217.

3. Calgary is 7-2 against West Division foes, while the Lions are 5-4.

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NCAA Football Game Picks

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Time Posted: 5:00 p.m. EST (10/29) Game 313-314: USC at Oregon State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: USC 99.723; Oregon State 100.824
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 1; 46
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 5 1/2; 52
Dunkel Pick: USC (+5 1/2); Under

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Today's CFL Picks

Montreal at Toronto

The Argonauts look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games in November. Toronto is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Argonauts favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-2 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Time Posted: 9:00 p.m. EST (10/29)

Game 491-492: Montreal at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 110.410; Toronto 116.278 Dunkel Line: Toronto by 6; 49 Vegas Line: Toronto by 2 1/2; 53 Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-2 1/2); Under

Game 493-494: Calgary at BC (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 122.808; BC 112.201 Dunkel Line: Calgary by 10 1/2; 56 Vegas Line: Pick; 52 Dunkel Pick: Calgary; Over

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NHL

Hot teams
-- Blue Jackets won three of their last four games. Pittsburgh won six of last nine.
-- Lightning won five of their last seven games.
-- Blues won seven of their first ten games.
-- Canadiens/Minnesota both won three of their last four games.
-- Colorado won ten of its first eleven games.

Cold teams
-- Flyers lost five of last seven games. Washington lost four of its six road games.
-- Carolina lost its last three games, scoring four goals.
-- Islanders lost seven of their last nine games. Ottawa lost four of last five.
-- Panthers lost six of their last seven games.
-- Dallas Stars lost six of their last nine games.
-- Red Wings lost four of their last five games. Calgary lost five of last seven.

Series records
-- Flyers won five of last six games with Washington.
-- Penguins won two of last three games with Columbus.
-- Lightning won four of last five games with Carolina.
-- Islanders lost five of last six games with Ottawa.
-- Blues won last three games with Florida, outscoring them 13-2.
-- Canadiens won last two games with Minnesota, scoring 13 goals.
-- Colorado is 4-6 in its last ten games with Dallas.
-- Flames won four of last five games with Detroit.

Totals
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Flyer games.
-- Six of last eight Pittsburgh games stayed under.
-- Six of last nine Carolina games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Islander games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Florida games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last ten Montreal games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Dallas games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Calgary games went over the total.

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Hockey Crusher
Colorado Avalanche -113 over Dallas Stars
(System Record: 17-0, won last game)
Overall Record: 17-5

Basketball Crusher
Utah Jazz +3 over Phoenix Suns
(System Record: 4-0, lost last 3 games)
Overall Record: 4-3

Soccer Crusher
Arsenal de Sarandi + All Boys UNDER 2
This match is happening in Argentina
(System Record: 477-17, lost last 2 games)
Overall Record: 477-411-66

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Today's NBA Picks

Detroit at Memphis

The Grizzlies look to bounce back from their 101-94 loss to the Spurs on Wednesday and build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Memphis is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Grizzlies favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 701-702: New Orleans at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 111.832; Orlando 113.391 Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 1 1/2; 190 Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 4; 194 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+4); Under

Game 703-704: Cleveland at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 112.016; Charlotte 107.386 Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 4 1/2; 195 Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 2 1/2; 190 Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-2 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Philadelphia at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 113.578; Washington 119.071 Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 5 1/2; 192 Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 10; 197 Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+10); Under

Game 707-708: Toronto at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 113.007; Atlanta 120.688 Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 199 Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 195 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Over

Game 709-710: Milwaukee at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 113.669; Boston 121.216 Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 7 1/2; 192 Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 2; 188 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Boston (-2); Over

Game 711-712: Dallas at Houton (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.210; Houston 122.011 Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 3; 191 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 713-714: Detroit at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 112.388; Memphis 128.532 Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 12; 193 Vegas Line & Total: Memphis 7 1/2; 188 Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-7 1/2); Over

Game 715-716: Oklahoma City at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.616; Minnesota 118.182 Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5 1/2; 198 Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 202 Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2 1/2); Under

Game 717-718: Miami at Brooklyn (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Miami 124.604; Brooklyn 123.224 Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1 1/2; 187 Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 3 1/2; 193 Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (+3 1/2); Under

Game 719-720: Portland at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Portland 110.088; Denver 125.759 Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 15 1/2; 204 Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 4 1/2; 198 Dunkel Pick: Denver (-4 1/2); Over

Game 721-722: Utah at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah 122.038; Phoenix 115.969 Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 6; 192 Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 196 Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3); Under

Game 723-724: LA Clippers at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 120.804; Sacramento 114.716 Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 6; 204 Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3 1/2; 196 Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-3 1/2); Over

Game 725-726: San Antonio at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 126.768; LA Lakers 120.639 Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 195 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

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Cappers Access

Oregon St -3

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Today's NHL Picks

Washington at Philadelphia

The Flyers look to build on their 23-9-1 record in their last 33 home games versus the Capitals. Philadelphia is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Time Posted 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 51-52: Washington at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.382; Philadelphia 11.706 Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-135); 5 Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-135); Over

Game 53-54: Columbus at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.156; Pittsburgh 11.124 Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-200); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+170); Under

Game 55-56: Tampa Bay at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.785; Carolina 10.298 Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 4 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-125); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-125); Under

Game 57-58: NY Islanders at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.204; Ottawa 10.157 Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-140); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+120); Over

Game 59-60: St. Louis at Florida (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.126; Florida 10.577 Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 4 Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-190); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-190); Under

Game 61-62: Montreal at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.790; Minnesota 10.711 Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-125); 5 Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+105); Over

Game 63-64: Colorado at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.863; Dallas 11.255 Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-115); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-115); Over

Game 65-66: Detroit at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 10.332; Calgary 11.204 Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 4 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-125); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+105); Under

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Oregon State hosts USC Friday night
by Freddy Wander

Kickoff: Friday, 9:00 p.m. ET
Line: Oregon State -5, Total: 53.5

USC looks to go 3-1 under its new coach Ed Orgeron, but it won't be easy to win on the road against an Oregon State team with the top-ranked passing offense in the nation.

The Trojans' struggles have been well documented this season, but since the firing of Lane Kiffin after a 62-41 blowout loss on national television against conference foe Arizona State, they have gone 2-1 and nearly beat Notre Dame (14-10) in South Bend. The Beavers have used their passing game to score more than 40 points per game this season, leading them to a 4-1 record in conference play. Their sole loss in the Pac-12 came against Stanford last week, where the Beavers were held to only 271 yards in the air, and threw an incompletion in the end zone down 20-12 with one second left on the clock. Since 1992, USC has dominated in this series, going 13-4 SU against Oregon State, but only 9-8 ATS. These two programs last squared off in 2010, when the Beavers (as 3-point underdogs) defeated the Trojans 36-7 at home. In that game, there was only 585 yards of combined offense between the two teams, with the difference maker being the two turnovers by USC. Oregon State is an impressive 9-3 SU over its past 12 games at home, but has gone only 2-4 ATS in its past six at Reser Stadium. The Trojans are uncharacteristically 1-4 SU (0-5 ATS) in their past five road games. This will be the first time in the past 20 years that Oregon State is favored in this matchup, with USC averaging a two-touchdown spread advantage in those games. Trojans star WR Marqise Lee is questionable for this game with a knee injury.

USC has relied heavily on its defense this year to stay in games, as its offense has struggled (24.6 PPG) and has had to deal with injuries to their number one talent, WR Marqise Lee. He has not played in two of the past three games, and had only two catches for 18 yards in his last game played against Utah on Oct. 19. QB Cody Kessler has made due in Lee’s absence and has gone 36-for-62 (58.1%) for 431 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the two games. On the season, Kessler has thrown for 1,560 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. With Lee out, WR Nelson Agholor has taken over the role of No. 1 receiver, and has 347 yards on 19 receptions (18.3 avg.) and two touchdowns over the past three games. HB Tre Madden has done well this season with 671 yards on 127 attempts (5.3 YPC) and three touchdowns. He has also added a lot to the passing game with 201 yards receiving (14.4 avg.) and four touchdowns. In his past two games played (did not play against Notre Dame on Oct. 19), Madden has only 17 total attempts. The Trojans defense has allowed just 19.3 points per game and 317.3 yards per game against on the season, including giving up only 201 total offensive yards against Utah in their last game, a 19-3 USC victory.

Oregon State has torn up opposing defenses through the air and has QB Sean Mannion to thank. Mannion leads the nation in both passing yards (3,263 yards) and passing touchdowns (30), and has thrown for 360+ yards with 3+ touchdowns in every game but one this season. He struggled last week against the Stanford defense with only 271 passing yards and one touchdown. Amazingly, in Mannion’s 391 attempts on the season, he has only three interceptions. Accompanying Mannion atop the nation’s offensive leaderboards is WR Brandin Cooks, who leads FBS in both receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,256) and is also tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (13). Cooks has caught a touchdown in all but one of the Beavers eight games, including five multi-touchdown games, and has eclipsed 130 yards in six of eight games this season. Oregon State’s rushing attack has added only 533 yards on 219 attempts (2.4 YPC) this season, but does have 10 touchdowns. The Beavers have needed to put up a ton of points since their defense has not been that good, giving up an average of 27.4 PPG, including giving up a season-high 49 points in their first game of the year, a stunning loss against FCS school Eastern Washington.

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PREDICTION MACHINE

CFB Against the Spread Picks
313 9:00 PM USC @ OREST. - 51.9%

Over/Under Picks
314 9:00 PM USC @ OREST. - Over - 50.6%

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WINNING POINTS

PRO BASKETBALL

New Orleans over *Orlando by 3
The Pelicans played well during preseason and could jump out fast with a healthy Eric
Gordon. This is their lone road matchup during their first four games.
NEW ORLEANS 91-88.

*Charlotte over Cleveland by 3
The Bobcats beat the Cavaliers for the first time in seven meetings during the final
regular season game last year in Charlotte, 105-98. The Bobcats have won and covered eight of their last 10 home contests with one of the losses occurring to the Heat.
CHARLOTTE 100-97.

*Washington over Philadelphia by 5
Washington was 3-4 ATS last season when laying more than five points and is at
Miami on Sunday followed by a rematch at Philadelphia on Wednesday.
WASHINGTON 94-89.

***BEST BET
Toronto over *Atlanta by 4
Toronto closed out last season winning seven of its last eight, including blowing out
the Hawks, 113-96, at Atlanta. The Hawks may be in for a slow start with a new
coach installing new offensive and defensive systems. Al Horford has been bothered
by a sore hamstring.
TORONTO 102-98.

*Boston over Milwaukee by 3
The Bucks are breaking in a new backcourt. Rajon Rondo isn't expected back this
soon for the Celtics.
BOSTON 99-96.

*Houston over Dallas by 8
Dallas lacks the interior defense to contain Dwight Howard. The Rockets travel to the
West Coast for their next three games so winning this matchup should be a priority.
HOUSTON 111-103.

*Memphis over Detroit by 12
Memphis has won better than 70 percent of its home games during the last three seasons. The Grizzlies have defeated the Pistons six consecutive times, including the last three at home by an average of 16 points.
MEMPHIS 95-83.

Oklahoma City over *Minnesota by 2
After opening with what should be a home breather against Orlando, the
Timberwolves face a potential stiff test. Minnesota covered six of its first seven games
last season before injuries decimated the team.
OKLAHOMA CITY 99-97.

***BEST BET
Miami over *Brooklyn by 15
The Nets can do the talk, but have yet to do the walk. Deron Williams hasn't been
100 percent and the Heat have knocked off the Nets 13 times in a row. The Nets went
0-3 last season to Miami losing by an average of 21 points. The sight of trash-talking
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce should stir the blood of LeBron James and Dwayne
Wade.
MIAMI 104-89.

*Denver over Portland by 12
Fading Portland on the road rarely is a bad idea. The Trail Blazers covered only 42 percent of their away games last season. Portland also failed to cover 12 of its last 14
games against Western Conference opponents to close out last season.
DENVER 104-92.

*Phoenix over Utah by 4
The Suns' four-game home win streak against Utah was halted during the Jazz's last
visit. The Jazz are in for a long season with Gordon Hayward shaping up as their goto
scorer.
PHOENIX 97-93.

Los Angeles Clippers over *Sacramento by 6
The Kings enter this season having dropped eight of their last nine. The Clippers are
playing without rest, but have a far superior bench.
LA CLIPPERS 103-97.

San Antonio over *Los Angeles Lakers by 7
This is a start of three-game road swing for the Spurs, who must show they are over
their heart-breaking seven-game championship series loss to the Heat. Gregg
Popovich has lost some of his key assistants.
SAN ANTONIO 101-94

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Winning Angle Sports

CFB
Oregon State -3 over USC