1-23-14

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA doubleheader: Lakers at Heat, Nuggets at Trail Blazers

Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat (-12.5, 210.5)

The Los Angeles Lakers are showing some fight on their seven-game road trip with two wins and an overtime setback at Chicago in the last three contests. The Lakers will try to make it three of four when they visit the defending champion Miami Heat on Thursday. The Heat had dropped four of six before coming through on the defensive end in a 93-86 triumph over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday that marked the start of a four-game homestand.

Los Angeles had dropped six straight before turning things around with a pair of wins at Boston and Toronto. Taj Gibson’s overtime buzzer beater prevented a third straight triumph but Pau Gasol turned in another strong effort and is averaging 22 points and 13.7 rebounds in the last three games. Miami has won three straight at home and LeBron James is enjoying another hot streak while shooting 52.6 percent from the field over the last four contests.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE: The Heat opened as 12-point faves and now sit at -12.5. The total opened at 211 and now sits at 210.5.

COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Los Angeles (-0.5) - Miami (-14.3) + home court (-3) = Miami -16.8

ABOUT THE LAKERS (16-26, 23-18-1 ATS): Gasol is holding together a roster short on time together but is helping to coax career-best performances out of the likes of Nick Young and Kendall Marshall. The latest to step up is rookie Ryan Kelly, who is averaging 16.7 points while playing at least 34 minutes in each of the last three contests after failing to score in double figures in any of his first 17 NBA games. The forward from Duke found his way into the starting lineup after putting up 20 points at Boston on Friday and is helping to stretch the defense with his 3-point shooting ability.

ABOUT THE HEAT (30-12, 18-24 ATS): James made some noise before Tuesday’s game about the absence of Dwyane Wade, who missed his third straight game due to knee soreness. “It’s tough,” James told reporters of the injury troubles of Wade and others in the rotation. “We have a team built on chemistry, built on rhythm.” All the chemistry Miami needed down the stretch on Tuesday was James himself, as the star forward scored seven of his 29 points in the final 2:32. Wade, who was held to eight points in back-to-back games last week before sitting out, remains day-to-day.

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* Lakers are 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings in Miami.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Heat have taken three straight in the series, including a 101-95 triumph in Los Angeles on Dec. 25 behind 23 points from Wade.

2. Lakers F Xavier Henry (knee) has missed the last 11 games but is expected to practice on Wednesday and is questionable for Thursday.

3. Miami C Chris Bosh is shooting 63.6 percent from the field in the last three wins.


Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers (-7, 221.5)

The Portland Trail Blazers haven’t lost three straight games all season and strive to avoid that occurring when they host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Portland lost consecutive games to Houston and Oklahoma City to end a four-game homestand and has slipped below both the San Antonio Spurs and the Thunder in the Western Conference race. Denver has lost three of four while allowing an average of 117 points.

The Nuggets won five consecutive games before the recent defensive struggles and will play five of six at home after the visit to Portland. The Trail Blazers led Oklahoma City for most of Tuesday’s contest before Kevin Durant took over late in the game, handing Portland a loss in the finale of a road excursion in which it allowed an average of 110.5 points. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has strung together six consecutive double-doubles and is averaging 27.5 points and 15.3 rebounds during the stretch.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE: The Blazers opened as 7-point faves. The total opened at 220.5 and and is up to 221.5.

COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Denver (-7.3) - Portland (-10.7) + home court (-3) = Portland -6.4

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (20-20, 18-22 ATS): Denver had been preparing for the return of forward Danilo Gallinari but learned earlier this week that he is done for the season after requiring a second operation on his injured left knee. Gallinari tore his ACL last April and the original prognosis pinpointed a return late this season. “It’s a tough situation,” point guard Ty Lawson told reporters. “He’s been working all year to get back on the court. It’s tough for him. We’re going to be here for him, keep encouraging him and just let him know that we want him back soon.”

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (31-11, 24-18 ATS): Guard Damian Lillard (131) is second in the NBA in 3-pointers behind Golden State’s Klay Thompson (132) but struggled from long range during the road trip. Lillard went 6-of-24 on the excursion – missing all five attempts against Oklahoma City – and dropped his season percentage to 43 percent. Lillard has scored 17 or fewer points in five of the last nine games as Aldridge has been the focal point of the attack with his standout play. Lillard averages 21.2 points – second on the squad to Aldridge’s 24.2.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Nuggets are 0-4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Portland.
* Road team is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Portland defeated the Nuggets 113-98 in Denver on Nov. 1 in this season’s first meeting.

2. Trail Blazers F Nicolas Batum (fractured finger) played 35 minutes against the Thunder but scored just three points.

3. Lawson has nine double-doubles over the last 10 games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Four NCAAB mid-major moneymakers
By CHASE RUTTIG

Mid-major money. Small conference cash. Every season in college basketball there are small schools that provide value ATS that are overlooked to bettors. Whether it be a lack of television coverage, or playing in a small conference with a lack of marquee names, these teams might not be thought of as quality bets despite churning cover after cover.

Today we look at four schools that have been killing it ATS this season and are worth a look for those interested in diversifying what conferences they bet on.

Wichita State (Missouri Valley Conference, 12-3-1 ATS)

Wichita State is actually one of the most consistent mid-majors in terms of success at the NCAA tournament and are currently an undefeated 19-0. The Shockers are also a very impressive 12-3-1 ATS. Led by Cleanthony Early (15.5 PPG) and a balanced group of returning players, the Shockers could very well finish the regular season undefeated. If spreads get inflated and teams start getting more and more motivated to end their undefeated streak we could see more ATS losses which is a concern. For now, the Shockers are the giants of the mid-majors on the court and against the spread.

New Mexico State (WAC, 7-2 ATS)

New Mexico State, most known for having 7'5" center Sim Bhullar and Johannesburg-born Tshilidzi Nephawe down low, have no problems using their size to dominate opponents in the WAC. With their only ATS loss in their last ten meetings being against the Arizona Wildcats, it is no secret that the Aggies' size creates value when they are facing smaller opponents. With Nephawe averaging 7.4 rebounds and Bhullar averaging 3.4 blocks per game, the Aggies are simply dominant in the post most nights. Add in Daniel Mullings 16.2 PPG and the Aggies have more than enough on the perimeter to support the interior defense and rebounding of their Twin Towers.

Air Force (Mountain West, 9-3 ATS)

Air Force has been a top underdog in the Mountain West in the opening month of conference play, covering four-straight spreads of 7.5 or more recently. Air Force has also covered while favored, covering as 9-point favorites against San Jose State. While the team is a pretty average 9-8 SU and is fairly pedestrian when it comes to statistics, they appear to stay in games and have three players averaging points in the double digits including scoring leader Tre Coggins who is averaging a steady 17.5 PPG. That "Big Three" is keeping them in games, and while handicappers keep them as underdogs there is value.

UTEP (C-USA, 10-3 ATS)

A betting scandal hasn't slowed down the Miners from being solid both in the C-USA and ATS. After stumbling in a loss to Charlotte and failing to cover against Western Illinois in the fallout of the scandal, UTEP has won and covered four of the last five. Holding teams to a 37.8 percent from the field and 28.7 percent shooting behind the arc, the Miners' defense has kept them in the C-USA race and as the best ATS team in the conference.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Australian Open betting tidbits: Day 11 action

We are getting down to the wire at the Australian Open as three of the four semi finals are played tonight, so we dug up some more essential betting tidbits for the intense Day 11 action.

Eugenie Bouchard (30) v Na Li (4)

- The 19-year-old Bouchard hit 47 winners in her first Grand Slam quarterfinals match.
- Li has won her last two matches in straight sets, losing just six games in those matches.

Dominika Cibulkova (20) v Agnieszka Radwanska (5)

- Cibulkova has lost just one set on her way to the semi final.
- Rawwanska upset two-time Aussie Open defending champion Victoria Azarenka in the last round.

Tomas Berdych (7) v Stanislas Wawrinka (8)

- Berdych defeated No. 3 David Ferrer pretty handily despite having 62 unforced errors.
- This is Wawrinka's second straight appearance in a Grand Slam semi final, he's never been to a final.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Woods favored to win again at Torrey Pines
by Freddy Wander

Farmers Insurance Open

Tees Off: Thursday, January 23
Torrey Pines – San Diego, CA

Odds to Win Tournament

Golfer Odds
Tiger Woods 5-to-2
Phil Mickelson 12-to-1
Brandt Snedeker 20-to-1
Bill Haas 22-to-1
Jason Day 22-to-1
Keegan Bradley 25-to-1
Bubba Watson 28-to-1
Jimmy Walker 30-to-1
Hunter Mahan 30-to-1
Nick Watney 30-to-1
Jordan Spieth 30-to-1
Marc Leishman 40-to-1
Graham DeLaet 40-to-1
Ian Poulter 40-to-1
Rickie Fowler 40-to-1
Lee Westwood 40-to-1
Billy Horschel 40-to-1
Gary Woodland 50-to-1
Charley Hoffman 50-to-1
Charles Howell III 50-to-1
Hideki Matsuyama 60-to-1
Brian Stuard 60-to-1
Luke Guthrie 80-to-1
Matt Jones 80-to-1
Brendon de Jonge 80-to-1
K.J. Choi 80-to-1
Justin Leonard 80-to-1
Brendan Todd 80-to-1
Robert Garrigus 80-to-1
Ben Crane 80-to-1
Victor Dubuisson 80-to-1
4 golfers 100-to-1
8 golfers 125-to-1
3 golfers 150-to-1
Michael Kim 200-to-1
FIELD (Any other golfer) 7-to-2

One of the strongest fields of the year comes together for the Farmers Insurance Open, a tournament dominated by Tiger Woods. He was the winner last season at this tournament by four strokes even after shooting par on Sunday, eventually finishing 14-under par. The tournament takes place over two Torrey Pines golf courses, South and North course, splitting between the two over the first 36 holes then finishing the last two days on the South course. Here are some players to keep an eye on this week…

Golfers to Watch

Tiger Woods (5/2): Woods has absolutely owned this tournament and has won seven different times, but only once over the past five years. He also won the 2008 U.S. Open when it was played at the South course in Torrey Pines. A victory here would be Woods’ 80th in his career, so his dominance of this course and desire to reach a new milestone could put him over the top in his second tournament of the season.

Jimmy Walker (30/1): Walker is the current money leader ($2.4M) and points leader (1,233) this season with two wins and two other top-12 finishes in six 2013-14 tournaments. He currently ranks third in driving distance this season (308.8), which should help him on one of the longer courses on the tour. Walker has placed in the top-8 in this tournament in each of the past two years, including a fourth place finish last year.

Brandt Snedeker (20/1): Snedeker was one of two runner-ups last season in this tourney and was the victor in 2012 after a two-hole playoff. He also placed T9 in 2011 and T2 in 2010. His play as of late has not been great though, with three cuts made but underwhelming performances (55th and 58th last week) in two of those three starts. Look for Snedeker to turn it around at Torrey Pines this weekend.

Phil Mickelson (12/1): Mickelson has a new driver and is coming off his first tournament start of 2014, a second-place finish in Abu Dhabi. He has had past success at Torrey Pines, with three victories when this was the Buick Open, and has four top-10 finishes since his last win back in 2001. This includes a runner-up in 2011, but missed the cut in 2012 and finished T51 last year, making him a risky wager for this week.

Scott Brown: Brown is one of three players in 2014 to make seven cuts so far and has two top-four finishes. The 30-year-old American uses his driving accuracy (71.3%), which is currently 15th on the tour, to keep him in the running in each tournament, and could be a surprise contender this week.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Steve's Picks for Farmers Insurance Open

Bubba Watson 36 to 1

Bill Haas 26 to 1

Graeme Delaet 60 to 1

Hunter Mahan 42 to 1

Victor Dubuisson 90 to 1

Brandt Snedeker 23 to 1

head to head for tournament
2 unit Brandt Snedeker over Keegan Bradley

1 unit Victor Dubuisson over Brendon Todd

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Miami won three of its last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Lakers lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Nuggets lost three of their last four games. Portland lost its last two games by 13-8 points.

Series records
-- Miami won three in a row against the Lakers; underdogs covered nine of last eleven series games.
-- Nine of last ten Denver games went over the total.

Totals
-- Six of last seven Laker games went over the total.
-- Nuggets lost four of their last five games with Portland.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Hurricanes won seven of their last ten games.
-- Rangers won six of their last eight games.
-- Blue Jackets won their last seven games, scoring 30 goals.
-- Senators won last three road games, allowing one goal.
-- Islanders won seven of last nine games. Penguins won six of their last eight.
-- Minnesota won six of its last nine games.
-- Toronto won its last six games, scoring 25 games.
-- Vancouver won its last two games, allowing three goals. Predators won three of their last four games.
-- Ducks won eight of their last ten games.
-- Sharks/Jets both won their last four games, allowing seven goals each.

Cold teams
-- Buffalo lost its last four games, all by 4-3 scores.
-- Blues lost three of their last four games.
-- Flyers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Tampa Bay lost its last five home games.
-- Blackhawks lost four of last five away games.
-- Dallas Stars lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Kings lost their last three games, scoring seven goals.

Totals
-- Four of last five Carolina games stayed under total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven St Louis games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Philly games.
-- Four of last five Ottawa games stayed under.
-- Seven of last eight Pittsburgh games went over.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Minnesota games.
-- Last five Toronto games went over the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Vancouver games.
-- Eight of last eleven Anaheim games went over.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Winnipeg games.

Series records
-- Sabres lost their last four games with Carolina.
-- Rangers lost three of last four games with St Louis.
-- Home team won last six Columbus-Philly games.
-- Lightning won three of last four games with Ottawa.
-- Islanders lost four of last five games with Pittsburgh.
-- Blackhawks won seven of last ten games with Minnesota.
-- Maple Leafs won their last three games with Dallas.
-- Canucks won their last four games with Nashville.
-- Kings won seven of last ten games with Anaheim.
-- Sharks won three of their last four games with Winnipeg.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Plays Thursday

Trailblazers -7

Columbus Blue Jackets -145

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Free winner THURS Stanford + 6

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NCAA Basketball Picks

Stanford at UCLA

The Cardinal (12-5) travel to UCLA tonight to face a Bruins team that is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games against teams with a winning percentage above .600. Stanford is the pick (+6) according to Dunkel, which has the Bruins favored by only 3. Dunkel Pick: Stanford (+6). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 Time Posted: 9:00 a.m. EST

Game 505-506: Seton Hall at St. John's (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 62.012; St. John's 62.947 Dunkel Line: St. John's by 1 Vegas Line: St. John's by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+4 1/2)

Game 507-508: Valparaiso at Youngstown State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 54.493; Youngstown State 54.966 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: Youngstown State by 4 Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (+4)

Game 509-510: Southern Mississippi at Old Dominion (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 62.975; Old Dominion 55.230 Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 7 1/2 Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 5 Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-5)

Game 511-512: Tulane at East Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 49.620; East Carolina 53.720 Dunkel Line: East Carolina by 4 Vegas Line: East Carolina by 8 Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+8)

Game 513-514: Illinois at Ohio State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 64.943; Ohio State 72.175 Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 7 Vegas Line: Ohio State by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Illinois (+10 1/2)

Game 515-516: Western Michigan at Kent State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 52.013; Kent State 58.910 Dunkel Line: Kent State by 7 Vegas Line: Kent State by 5 Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-5)

Game 517-518: Florida at Alabama (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida 70.244; Alabama 68.272 Dunkel Line: Florida by 2 Vegas Line: Florida by 5 Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+5)

Game 519-520: Charlotte at Louisiana Tech (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 54.831; Louisiana Tech 74.047 Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 19 Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 12 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (-12 1/2)

Game 521-522: Houston at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston 58.894; Memphis 70.328 Dunkel Line: Memphis by 11 1/2 Vegas Line: Memphis by 13 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Houston (+13 1/2)

Game 523-524: UAB at North Texas (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UAB 56.616; North Texas 53.034 Dunkel Line: UAB by 3 1/2 Vegas Line: UAB by 2 Dunkel Pick: UAB (-2)

Game 525-526: Buffalo at Ball State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 55.010; Ball State 50.884 Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 4 Vegas Line: Buffalo by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+7 1/2)

Game 527-528: Marshall at Rice (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 46.169; Rice 51.116 Dunkel Line: Rice by 5 Vegas Line: Rice by 1 Dunkel Pick: Rice (-1)

Game 529-530: Texas State at AR-Little Rock (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas State 46.046; AR-Little Rock 54.399 Dunkel Line: AR-Little Rock by 8 1/2 Vegas Line: AR-Little Rock by 5 Dunkel Pick: AR-Little Rock (-5)

Game 531-532: Nebraska at Penn State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 58.342; Penn State 64.568 Dunkel Line: Penn State by 6 Vegas Line: Penn State by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-3 1/2)

Game 533-534: Western Kentucky at UL-Monroe (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 51.708; UL-Monroe 53.301 Dunkel Line: UL-Monroe by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+1 1/2)

Game 535-536: Georgia State at UL-Lafayette (8:15 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 58.000; UL-Lafayette 60.893 Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 3 Vegas Line: Pick Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette

Game 537-538: Central Florida at Cincinnati (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 57.374; Cincinnati 74.420 Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 17 Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 14 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-14 1/2)

Game 539-540: Troy at TX-Arlington (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Troy 46.523; TX-Arlington 54.961 Dunkel Line: TX-Arlington by 8 1/2 Vegas Line: TX-Arlington by 7 Dunkel Pick: TX-Arlington (-7)

Game 541-542: Colorado at Arizona (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 68.072; Arizona 78.992 Dunkel Line: Arizona by 11 Vegas Line: Arizona by 14 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+14 1/2)

Game 543-544: Middle Tennessee State at Tulsa (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 57.362; Tulsa 59.218 Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 2 Vegas Line: Tulsa by 4 Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (+4)

Game 545-546: Utah at Arizona State (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah 62.700; Arizona State 69.790 Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 7 Vegas Line: Arizona State by 5 Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-5)

Game 547-548: San Diego at Gonzaga (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 52.684; Gonzaga 76.623 Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 24 Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 17 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-17 1/2)

Game 549-550: BYU at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: BYU 65.551; Portland 59.162 Dunkel Line: BYU by 6 1/2 Vegas Line: BYU by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: BYU (-4 1/2)

Game 551-552: Loyola Marymount at Pacific (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Loyola Marymount 51.665; Pacific 60.798 Dunkel Line: Pacific by 9 Vegas Line: Pacific by 7 Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-7)

Game 553-554: Pepperdine at St. Mary's (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 53.968; St. Mary's 67.818 Dunkel Line: St. Mary's by 14 Vegas Line: St. Mary's by 11 Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (-11)

Game 555-556: CS-Northridge at UC-Irvine (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 48.698; UC-Irvine 63.728 Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 15 Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 13 Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (-13)

Game 557-558: UC-Santa Barbara at UC-Riverside (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 57.381; UC-Riverside 49.385 Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 8 Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (+10 1/2)

Game 559-560: Cal Poly at CS-Fullerton (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 56.909; CS-Fullerton 49.018 Dunkel Line: Cal Poly by 8 Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 2 Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (-2)

Game 561-562: Hawaii at UC-Davis (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 57.642; UC-Davis 44.959 Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 12 1/2 Vegas Line: Hawaii by 8 Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (-8)

Game 563-564: Oregon at Washington (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 69.782; Washington 65.129 Dunkel Line: Oregon by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Oregon by 2 Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-2)

Game 565-566: Stanford at UCLA (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 68.451; UCLA 71.695 Dunkel Line: UCLA by 3 Vegas Line: UCLA by 6 Dunkel Pick: Stanford (+6)

Game 567-568: Davidson at Western Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Davidson 52.891; Western Carolina 57.850 Dunkel Line: Western Carolina by 5 Vegas Line: Davidson by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+2 1/2)

Game 569-570: Appalachian State at The Citadel (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 43.405; The Citadel 38.951 Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (-1 1/2)

Game 571-572: Wofford at Georgia Southern (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 47.448; Georgia Southern 45.408 Dunkel Line: Wofford by 2 Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 1 Dunkel Pick: Wofford (+1)

Game 573-574: Elon at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Elon 51.774; Chattanooga 47.095 Dunkel Line: Elon by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Elon by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Elon (-2 1/2)

Game 575-576: St. Peter's at Siena (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 51.023; Siena 52.657 Dunkel Line: Siena by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: Siena by 4 Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+4)

Game 577-578: Fairfield at Monmouth (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 49.397; Monmouth 50.463 Dunkel Line: Monmouth by 1 Vegas Line: Monmouth by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Fairfield (+3 1/2)

Game 579-580: Denver at NE-Omaha (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Denver 58.127; NE-Omaha 54.042 Dunkel Line: Denver by 4 Vegas Line: NE-Omaha by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Denver (+1 1/2)

Game 581-582: Eastern Illinois at Tennessee-Martin (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 44.648; Tennessee-Martin 43.259 Dunkel Line: Eastern Illinois by 1 Vegas Line: Tennessee-Martin by 3 Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+3)

Game 583-584: Morehead State at Belmont (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 49.957; Belmont 58.638 Dunkel Line: Belmont by 8 1/2 Vegas Line: Belmont by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Belmont (-7 1/2)

Game 585-586: Eastern Kentucky at Tennessee State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 54.628; Tennessee State 43.731 Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 11 Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 8 Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (-8)

Game 587-588: NC-Greensboro at Samford (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NC-Greensboro 44.003; Samford 50.022 Dunkel Line: Samford by 6 Vegas Line: Samford by 4 Dunkel Pick: Samford (-4)

Game 589-590: Jacksonville State at Austin Peay (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 45.032; Austin Peay 45.137 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 3 Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville State (+3)

Game 591-592: Sacramento State at North Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 45.188; North Dakota 50.920 Dunkel Line: North Dakota by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: North Dakota by 9 Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+9)

Game 593-594: SIU-Edwardsville at SE Missouri State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 41.298; SE Missouri State 53.631 Dunkel Line: SE Missouri State by 12 1/2 Vegas Line: SE Missouri State by 10 Dunkel Pick: SE Missouri State (-10)

Game 595-596: South Dakota at Western Illinois (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota 50.976; Western Illinois 50.944 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: Western Illinois by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: South Dakota (+2 1/2)

Game 597-598: Tennessee Tech at Murray State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 46.667; Murray State 52.763 Dunkel Line: Murray State by 6 Vegas Line: Murray State by 8 Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Tech (+8)

Game 599-600: Northern Arizona at Northern Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 53.436; Northern Colorado 58.258 Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 5 Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+7 1/2)

Game 601-602: Southern Utah at Eastern Washington (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Southern Utah 32.165; Eastern Washington 47.043 Dunkel Line: Eastern Washington by 15 Vegas Line: Eastern Washington by 18 Dunkel Pick: Southern Utah (+18)

Game 603-604: Montana at Idaho State (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Montana 49.147; Idaho State 47.095 Dunkel Line: Montana by 2 Vegas Line: Pick Dunkel Pick: Montana

Game 605-606: Montana State at Weber State (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 51.014; Weber State 56.310 Dunkel Line: Weber State by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: Weber State by 8 Dunkel Pick: Montana State (+8)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Thursday, January 23

St John's is 0-5 in Big East this year, 16-31 in last 47 league games; they lost last three Big East games by total of 10 points, beating Dartmouth since. Seton Hall won three of last four games with Johnnies, losing by 4 here LY; Pirates are 2-3 in league, but both wins came on road, in OT at Providence, at Georgetown, holding Hoyas without hoop over last 9:35. Big East home favorites are 10-8 vs spread, 5-3 if giving 6 or less.

Home side won last four Valpo-Youngstown games; Crusaders lost last two visits here by 18-12 points, their only losses in last 13 series tilts. YSU won last three games, winning both home games by 1-14; they are holding teams to 29% from arc in league games. Valpo is 3-2 in league, splitting pair of road games- they're making 39.8% from arc in Horizon games. Horizon home favorites of 5 or less points are 4-6 vs spread.

Southern Miss won seven of its last eight games, with all seven wins by 9+ points; Eagles are 5-3 on road, 1-1 in league, losing last road game at Tulsa. Old Dominion won its last four games after 5-9 start; all of three of its league wins were on road. Monarchs lost four of last six at home. C-USA home teams are 6-7 vs spread if number was 5 or less points. USM is turning ball over 20.8% of time in league, worst mark in league.

Ohio State lost last four games (scoring 64.3 ppg) after 15-0 start, losing to Iowa in only home game during that span; teams are making 50.8% of 2-pointers vs Buckeyes in league play. Illinois have worst eFG% offense in league, making 26.2% from arc; they've also lost last four games after a 13-2 start, losing road games by 25-6 points. Big Dozen double digit home favorites are 7-2 vs spread.

Charlotte won four of last five games, with last three wins all by five or less points; 49ers are 2-3 in true road games, winning at Applachian St., UTEP. Louisiana Tech had 7-game win streak snapped at Southern Miss Sunday; they're forcing turnovers 22% of time in league, holding teams to 14% behind arc. Tech won two league home games by 20-34 points. C-USA double digit home favorites are 5-1 vs spread.

Georgia State is 5-0 in Sun Belt, forcing turnovers 23.8% of time; they've won nine games in row, forcing turnovers 23.8% of time. ULL won both its league home games by 20-23 points; they're 2-3 vs teams in top 125, beating Houston/La Tech. Cajuns are making 41.7% of their 3's in league play. Sun Belt home teams are 3-10 vs spread in games where number was less than 5 points.

Home side won last four Utah-Arizona State games; Utes lost last two visits here by total of 6 points, losing by 1 in OT LY. Utah is forcing turnovers 22.4% of time in league play- they lost first two road games in league by total of 5 points to Washington schools. ASU is 2-3 in league, with all five games decided by 11+ points- they split first two games at home. Pac-12 home favorites of 7 or less points are 2-4 vs spread.

BYU won its four WCC games with Portland, winning by 19-18 in two visits here; Cougars won last five games after losing four in row, winning road games in Bay Area last week by 7-10 points. Portland is 3-4 in its league games, 2-3 at home, with three of four losses by 8+. WCC home underdogs are 4-5 against spread, 0-3 if getting 5 or less points. Cougars scored 83+ points in each of last five wins.

St Mary's won 13 in row, 18 of last 19 with Pepperdine, winning last six here, four of last five by 12+ points. Gaels are 2-0 since Bennett came back from suspension, winning by 15-6 points. Waves lost three of last five games, with all three losses by 10+- they split four WCC road tilts. WCC double digit home favorites are 4-3 vs spread. St Mary's is making 41.2% of its 3-pointers in WCC play.

Oregon lost last four games after 13-0 start, allowing 89.5 ppg; Ducks are 1-2 on Pac-12 road, losing at Colorado/Oregon State, winning in OT at Utah- they were 3-0 vs Washington LY, beating Huskies by 3 in OT at Pac-12 tourney; Ducks are 2-3 in last five visits here but 1-4 in league, Washington allowed 55.5 ppg in winning first two Pac-12 home games by 2-17 points. Pac-12 home underdogs are 7-5 against spread.

UCLA won three in row, 12 of last 14 games with Stanford, winning last eight played here, with seven of eight by 8+ points. Bruins are 3-2 in league, with all three wins by 13+ points- they're forcing turnovers 22% of time in league play, making 39.4% from arc. Stanford won last three games, scoring 80.3 ppg; they split their first league road trip, up in Oregon. Pac-12 home favorites of 6+ points are 12-6 vs spread.

Belmont was 35-43 on foul line in 93-74 win over Morehead State LY, first league game between the two; Morehead turned ball over 24 times, was 19-31 on line, but is much better this year at 4-1 in OVC, winning at Edwardsville/E. Illinois in only road games. Morehead is getting to foul line most in OVC so far, and making 78.8% once they get there. OVC home favorites of 7+ points are 4-7 vs spread.

Northern Colorado won five of last six games with Northern Arizona, winning last six meetings here, last two by 16-8 points. Bears are 5-1 in Big Sky, 4-0 at home, with three wins by 18+ points. NAU won its last four games; they're also 5-1 in league, 2-1 on road, winning at Montana and at dreadful SUU. Big Sky home favorites of 4+ points are 4-7-1 vs spread. Northern Colorado is shooting 59.6% inside arc in league tilts.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NHL Picks

Los Angeles at Anaheim

The Kings come into Anaheim tonight carrying a 6-2 record in their last 8 games versus the Ducks. Los Angeles is the pick (+135) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+135). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 Time Posted: 10:00 a.m. EST

Game 51-52: St. Louis at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.375; NY Rangers 12.327 Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 6 Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-130); 5 Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+110); Over

Game 53-54: Carolina at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.282; Buffalo 9.867 Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1 1/2; 4 Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-115); 5 Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-115); Under

Game 55-56: Philadelphia at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 10.724; Columbus 12.706 Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 2; 6 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-150); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-150); Over

Game 57-58: Pittsburgh at NY Islanders (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.629; NY Islanders 10.140 Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-135); 6 Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135); Under

Game 59-60: Ottawa at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.354; Tampa Bay 12.799 Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 6 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-150); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-150); Over

Game 61-62: Toronto at Dallas (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 12.367; Dallas 10.170 Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-140); 6 Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+120); Under

Game 63-64: Chicago at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.519; Minnesota 12.406 Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 5 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-135); 5 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Over

Game 65-66: Nashville at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.463; Vancouver 12.122 Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1 1/2; 4 Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-170); 5 Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-170); Under

Game 67-68: Los Angeles at Anaheim (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.213; Anaheim 11.406 Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-155); 5 Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+135); Over

Game 69-70: Winnipeg at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 10.539; San Jose 12.165 Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-230); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-230); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

Denver at Portland

The Nuggets head to Portland tonight to face a Trail Blazers team that is coming off a 105-97 loss at Oklahoma City and is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games after allowing 100 points or more in the previous game. Denver is the pick (+7) according to Dunkel, which as the Trail Blazers favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Denver (+7). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 Time Posted: 9:00 a.m. EST

Game 501-502: LA Lakers at Miami (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 111.828; Miami 120.496 Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 8 1/2; 207 Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 12 1/2; 211 Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+12 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Denver at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Denver 120.482; Portland 124.697 Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 4; 225 Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 7; 220 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Denver (+7); Over

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StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

CBB SOUTHERN UTAH at E WASHINGTON
Play On - An underdog (SOUTHERN UTAH) after being beaten by the spread by 48 or more points total in their last ten games, in January games
41-15 over the last 5 seasons. ( 73.2% 24.5 units )
6-3 this year. ( 66.7% 2.7 units )

CBB TENNESSEE TECH at MURRAY ST
Play On - An underdog vs. the money line (TENNESSEE TECH) average shooting team (42.5-45%) against an average defensive team (42.5-45%), average ball handling team (14.5-17.5 TO) vs. a poor pressure defense (<=14.5 TO) after 15+ games
73-94 over the last 5 seasons. ( 43.7% 53.6 units )
0-2 this year. ( 0.0% -2.0 units )

CBB NEBRASKA at PENN ST
Play On - Road underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (NEBRASKA) off an upset win over a conference rival as a home underdog against opponent off a road cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog
89-45 since 1997. ( 66.4% 39.5 units )
4-0 this year. ( 100.0% 4.0 units )