2-18-14

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Tuesday's Olympic hockey betting cheat sheet

Here's a look at Tuesday's Olympic men's hockey action:

Slovenia vs. Austria (-118)

Tuesday's opener is expected to be the most tightly contested of the qualification playoff, and with good reason. Both teams finished the preliminary round with 1-2 records, with Slovenia compiling a minus-5 goal differential and the Austrians coming in right behind at minus-8. The deciding factor could very well be how the Slovenians deal with red-hot Austrian forward Michael Grabner. The New York Islanders veteran leads the tournament with five goals and has been one of the top three players in the event so far.

Russia vs. Norway (+1,500)

It hasn't been a great tournament for the host Russians, who have a regulation victory, an overtime triumph and a shootout loss on their ledger. That dropped them out of a top-four spot and an automatic first-round bye. They shouldn't have much trouble against a Norwegian side that was one of only two teams to be held without a point in the standings. Fans will be closely monitoring the status of Russian forward Ilya Kovalchuk, who missed practice Monday after suffering a injury against Slovakia.

Czech Republic vs. Slovakia (+190)

The latest chapter in this bitter rivalry sees both teams failing to live up to expectations at this point in the tournament. The Czechs got off to a terrible start and haven't recovered since, with their only victory coming against an overwhelmed Latvian club. The Slovakians have yet to earn a victory, taking the Russians to overtime but also handing the Slovenians their first-ever Olympic men's hockey victory. Slovakia has just two goals, tied with Switzerland for the fewest in the tournament.

Switzerland vs. Latvia (+380)

If the Latvians figure out how to beat a Swiss goaltender, they might be getting some phone calls from the other teams. Switzerland has been magnificent on the defensive end in this tournament, pulling out a pair of 1-0 victories while dropping a 1-0 decision to Sweden. The Swiss are the team nobody wants to face in the next round (too bad, Canada) and should have little trouble shutting down a Latvian side that has fought gamely, but lacks the firepower to generate many scoring chances.

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Take The Money And Run: Biggest Betting Streaks
Art Aronson

Finding a hot team to ride or a cold team to fade is like striking sports betting oil. Covers Expert Art Aronson breaks down some of the biggest streaks and slumps in betting, and if those teams will continue on those stretches this week.

ATS winning streak

Charlotte Bobcats

Are the Bobcats the only team in the Eastern Conference that actually WANTS to make the playoffs?
The Tank Marathon is approaching the 20-mile mark, and should produce some rancid basketball east of the Mississippi over the final two months of the season as teams shed talent and try to improve their draft standing.

But the Sons of Michael Jordan might actually be motivated to make the playoffs for the second time in franchise history, at least in the short term, as they try to sneak into the 7 or 8 spot and certain first-round elimination. The Bobcats are 23-30 SU (8th in the conference), but 29-22 ATS and have covered three of the last four games.

The schedule looks doable, at least for the next week and a half. They have a home-and-home with the dysfunctional Pistons this Tuesday and Wednesday, then home games against Pelicans and Grizzlies before things get insane – a 4-game, 6-day stretch that includes a road trip to San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Miami before a home game against Indiana. If the Bobcats somehow manage to steal 3 of those 8 games, they could gain ground in the tanking East.

ATS losing streak

New York Knicks

Get the feeling that Carmelo Anthony wishes he could play in an All-Star game every night instead of dealing
with the NBA grind and the pressure to win at Madison Square?

The Knicks were on one of their all-to-frequent crappy runs leading into the All-Star break, losing 5 of 6 SU (and also ATS) and Mike Woodson opening talking about how he figures to get fired. Included in that stretch was a loss at home to a Sacramento team that had played the night before and was riding a 7-game road losing streak.

To make matters worse, the Knicks will spend most of the next three weeks on road, with 8 of 10 on the road. New York is 12-18 away from MSG and hasn’t covered the spread in a road game since Jan. 11.

Over/under streak

Syracuse Orange

Undefeated college basketball teams are as rare as honest politicians these days, and it doesn’t look like the 25-0 Syracuse Orange are going to be able to run the table.

Jim Boeheim’s offense is starting to show a little wear and tear – his team has been held under 62 points for four straight games, and tight games have resulted in four straight games going under. After taking on Boston College on Wednesday, the Orange travel to Tobacco Road for its second game this month against Duke. The first one went overtime (and easily over), which could provide another opportunity for under players this time around as the books set the number arbitrarily high.

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Handicapping tips for betting the Post-All-Star break NBA

The second half of the NBA season can be a different beast than pre-All-Star break action. With teams pushing for the postseason, fighting for seeding, or flushing their season down the crapper – in hopes of landing a high lottery pick – basketball bettors have many more pitfalls to watch out for down the home stretch of the schedule.

We asked some of Covers Experts’ top NBA handicappers to share their secrets to capping the post-break NBA schedule:

Teddy Covers – “Pretty good but not great teams that were ‘hot' before the break - think Phoenix, Toronto, Dallas and Atlanta - don't necessarily maintain their momentum once the second half begins and the intensity picks up. The very worst teams - Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Boston, Cleveland, the L.A. Lakers and Utah - often become unbackable, even in inflated pointspread ranges. The squads that have no incentive to play hard often don't. That being said, if a team or two on this list plays with effort on a nightly basis, they have second-half pointspread juggernaut potential.”

Marc Lawrence – “One of the things I look for are teams who struggled before the break, due mainly to injuries. They can be undervalued, especially if they were playing well before being bit by the injury bug and especially so if some of the wounded are back in uniform and on the court after the break.”

Sean Murphy – “Definitely motivation, whether for the playoffs or otherwise. The elite teams tend to ramp up for the playoffs, while other teams find motivation in the spoiler role. A team like the Miami Heat for example, that has been in cruise control for much of the season and posting a poor ATS record, could turn out to be a solid bet down the stretch with the oddsmakers over-adjusting. I think we tend to see teams' true colors once the calendar turns over to March.”

Doc’s Sports – “Bad teams normally get worse after the All-Star break and we think that will be even more the case this season. While teams won't be tanking, like the media would like to portray, the executives of those teams will make the moves that will give their team the least chance of success down the stretch. This year's draft class is one of the best in ages and some bad teams can change their fortunes for next season with a good draft position. So we think that favorites will be the play in the second half, and road favorites should stay a hot option with the disparity of talent on some teams right now. Also, bad defensive teams should start trying even less, so there will be some good spots to play the over on totals.”

Steve Merril – “I look to bet on Class-A teams in the second half, especially if they went into the All-Star break on a downward swing. I look to bet Over between two losing teams, especially as the season winds down, and bet Under between two Class-A teams, especially in fatigue spots.”

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Suns' guard Eric Bledsoe, out indefinitely

Bledsoe underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair meniscus cartilage in his right knee on January 9th. He has been able to do agility drills as well as spot-up shooting during rehab but is still without a return date.


Spurs' guard Tony Parker, questionable Tuesday

Parker has been dealing with a sprained left hand since the beginning of February and is questionable to play Tuesday against the Clippers.

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Bank Shots: NBA's weekly betting news

Each week, we look back on the NBA betting scene and give you the best - and worst - basketball bets, as well as some spots to keep an eye on with the upcoming schedule.

For the week of Feb. 10-16.

Hottest ATS - Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS)

The Cavaliers were the team that least wanted to see the All-Star Break come along. Despite having to play four games in a six-day stretch leading into the hiatus, Cleveland wound up putting together its best stretch of the season - winning all four games outright, despite being the underdog in all four. Point guard Kyrie Irving was the catalyst as usual - and fans should expect a strong start to the second half after he took home All-Star Game MVP honors in the East victory.

Coldest ATS - Atlanta Hawks (0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS)

It's officially panic time in Georgia with the Hawks falling below the .500 mark heading into the break. Atlanta managed to get by without center Al Horford (torn pectoral) for a while, but is starting to feel the crunch on offense as the long-range shots have stopped falling and aside from Paul Millsap, there is no inside scoring presence. The Hawks were blown out in back-to-back road games last week and have lost five in a row overall - both straight-up and against the spread. They've scored more than 85 points just once in that span.

Best Over play - New Orleans Pelicans (1-1 SU, 2-0 O/U)

You have to hand it to the New Orleans Pelicans - they like to mix it up. Consider their last 10 games going into the All-Star break, from oldest to most recent: four unders, followed by two overs, two unders and finally back-to-back overs. The Pelicans dropped a 108-101 decision in Toronto to open last week before bouncing back nicely in Milwaukee, prevailing 102-98. New Orleans has been one of the toughest over/under teams to read this season, and that will continue to be the case until they get key players Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson back.

Best Under play - Chicago Bulls (2-0 SU, 0-2 O/U)

The defensive-minded Bulls are at it again, reeling off three straight low-scoring victories to end the unofficial first half of the season on a high note. Tom Thibodeau's troops held the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets all under 87 points in those victories and have played the under in eight of their last 10 games. Chicago has been the best under play in the entire NBA through 52 games - to no one's surprise - and will continue to be as long as defensive cogs Joakim Noah and Jimmy Butler remain healthy.

Surveying the schedule

With things back to normal this week, the Miami Heat have the most interesting schedule of all. The two-time defending NBA champions open the week with back-to-back games against their NBA Finals opponents from 2011 and 2012, respectively - facing the Mavericks in Dallas on Tuesday before wrapping up an interrupted six-game road trip in Oklahoma City on Thursday. Miami returns home to face Chicago on Sunday, and should expect a hard-fought game from the stingy Bulls.

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NBA

Hot teams
-- Pacers won five of their last seven games.
-- Cleveland won/covered its last four games.
-- Raptors won six of last nine games (6-2-1 vs spread).
-- Detroit won three of its last four games. Charlotte covered five of its last seven.
-- Grizzlies won three of their last four games.
-- Magic won three of its last four games.
-- Miami won eight of its last ten games. Dallas won six of last seven.
-- Spurs won five of their last seven games. Clippers won their last three games, scoring 121 ppg.

Cold Teams
-- Hawks lost their last five games (0-5 vs spread).
-- 76ers lost their last eight games (2-6 vs spread).
-- Wizards lost four of their last five games.
-- Knicks lost five of their last six games.
-- Bucks lost 19 of last 21 games, covered five of last six.
-- Denver lost its last four games, all by 17+ points. Suns lost three of their last four games.

Series records
-- Pacers won three of last four games with Indiana.
-- Home side won six of last seven Cleveland-Philly games.
-- Raptors won last three games with Wizards by 10-8-13 points.
-- Pistons won eight of last ten games with Charlotte.
-- Knicks lost three of their last four games with Memphis.
-- Magic won last three games with Milwaukee by 10-3-11 points.
-- Heat won their last five games with Dallas.
-- Suns are 3-0 vs Dallas this year, winning by 11-4-14 points.
-- Clippers lost three in row, 19 of last 23 games vs San Antonio.

Totals
-- Four of last five Atlanta games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Cleveland-Philly games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Raptor-Wizard games stayed under.
-- 14 of last 17 Charlotte-Detroit games went over.
-- Seven of last ten New York games went over total; last four Memphis games stayed under.
-- Seven of last ten Orlando games stayed under.
-- Last seven Miami-Dallas games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Phoenix-Dallas games went over.
-- Five of last six San Antonio games went over total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

POINTWISE

COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
GEO WASH'TON over Richmond (Tues) RATING: 5

(7:00) George Washington 79 - RICHMOND 76 (NBCS) _____ _____

(7:00) MARYLAND 82 - Wake Forest 63 _____ _____

(7:00) CLEMSON 64 - North Carolina State 56 (ESPNU) _____ _____

(7:00) IOWA STATE 80 - Texas 75 (ESPN2) _____ _____

(7:00) Villanova 79 - PROVIDENCE 69 (FOX 1) _____ _____

(7:00) Kentucky 82 - MISSISSIPPI 73 (ESPN) _____ _____

(7:00) LOUISVILLE 81 - South Florida 54 (CBSC) _____ _____

(8:00) Detroit 75 - ILLINOIS-CHICAGO 68 _____ _____

(8:00) SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 66 - Bradley 57 _____ _____

(8:00) ILLINOIS STATE 72 - Missouri State 62 _____ _____

(8:00) Kansas 79 - TEXAS TECH 65 _____ _____

(9:00) Virginia 76 - VIRGINIA TECH 54 _____ _____

(9:00) INDIANA 69 - Iowa 67 (ESPN) _____ _____

(9:00) Duke 77 - GEORGIA TECH 60 _____ _____

(9:00) DRAKE 68 - Northern Iowa 63 _____ _____

(9:00) ST JOHNS 70 - Butler 56 (FOX 1) _____ _____

(9:00) TENNESSEE 83 - Georgia 64 (ESPNU) _____ _____

(9:00) WYOMING 72 - Fresno State 67 _____ _____

(10:00) NEVADA 69 - San Jose State 61 _____ _____

(11:00) COLORADO STATE 74 - Boise State 72 _____ _____

(11:00) SAN DIEGO STATE 78 - Utah State 63 (ESPNU) _____ _____

BEST BETS
GEO WASH'GTON (5)
DETROIT
VIRGINIA
DUKE
TENNESSEE

[Can'tPickAWinner]

POINTWISE

NBA KEY RELEASES
CHARLOTTE over Detroit (Tues) RATING: 3
TORONTO over Washington (Tues) RATING: 4

(7:05) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 111 - Cleveland Cavs 104 _____ _____

(7:05) Toronto Raptors 108 - WASHINGTON 97 _____ _____

(7:05) INDIANA PACERS 96 - Atlanta Hawks 90 _____ _____

(7:35) Charlotte Bobcats 100 - DETROIT PISTONS 95 _____ _____

(8:05) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 103 - New York Knicks 99 _____ _____

(8:05) Orlando Magic 102 - MILWAUKEE BUCKS 99 _____ _____

(8:35) DALLAS MAVERICKS 98 - Miami Heat 95 _____ _____

(9:05) DENVER NUGGETS 110 - Phoenix Suns 101 _____ _____

(10:35) San Antonio Spurs 109 - LA CLIPPERS 103 _____ _____

BEST BETS
TORONTO (4)
CHARLOTTE (3)
SAN ANTONIO

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Game of the Day: Spurs at Clippers

San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers (-5, 211)

The Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs have yet to play a close contest against one another this season entering their final matchup of the regular season in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Clippers routed the Spurs 115-92 at home on Dec. 16 and it was San Antonio’s time to cruise to an easy victory when it produced a 116-92 home win on Jan. 4. The Spurs have the second-best record in the Western Conference while the Clippers possess the fourth-best mark.

Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul returned from a shoulder injury to play in the final two games before the break and he displayed that he’s back in form by scoring 20 points on 10-of-15 shooting and notching 12 assists in last Wednesday’s victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers have received terrific play from All-Star power forward Blake Griffin and have won their last three games. San Antonio has persevered through a slew of injuries and stands 4-2 on the nine-game rodeo trip that runs through Feb. 21.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Los Angeles as low as -4.5 which was bet up to -5. The total opened 210, climbed quickly to 211.5, then came back down to 211.

POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-13.0) - Clippers (12.5) + Home Court (-3.0) = Clippers -2.5

INJURY WATCH: Spurs - Manu Ginobili (Probable, hamstring), Tony Parker (Ques, hand), Tiago Splitter (Ques, calf), Kawhi Leonard (Out, hand). Clippers - Willie Green (Ques, hip), J.J. Redick (Out, back)

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "With Oklahoma City having emerged as the clear number one team in the West, this matchup will go a long way in determining just who is number two." - Bryan Power.

ABOUT THE SPURS (38-15 SU, 25-28-0 ATS, 31-21-1 O/U): Point guard Tony Parker is batting back and hand issues and he is expected to play after making a brief cameo in Sunday’s All-Star Game. Parker missed the final game prior to the break and the Spurs also figure to be without center Tiago Splitter (shin) for the fourth straight game. Guard Manu Ginobili (hamstring) and forward Kawhi Leonard (broken finger) remain sidelined as players like Nando de Colo, Cory Joseph and Patty Mills receive more minutes.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (37-18 SU, 31-24-0 ATS, 31-24-0 O/U): Griffin scored 38 points on 19-of-23 shooting in the All-Star Game and scored 20 or more points in 13 consecutive games prior to the break. Griffin stepped up his scoring when Paul was sidelined and he is averaging a career-best 24.2 points. “I’ve really just tried to expand my game every year,” said Griffin, “and tried to add things and improve upon things that I need to improve on and even improve upon the things that I do well.” Griffin is averaging 23 points in the two games against San Antonio this season.

TRENDS:
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Under is 20-6-1 in the last 27 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Spurs are 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Spurs are 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.

CONSENSUS: 56 percent of bets are on Spurs +5 while 58 percent are on Over 211.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DENVER MONEY

Olympic Hockey Plays

2* Switzerland -1.5 -125

1* Norway / Russia - Under 6-125

1* Slovenia -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Essler CBB Tuesday

Villanova at Providence: I wonder where Villanova's heads are at after the Creighton beating. Are they now vulnerable or did the just hit the Blue Jays at the wrong time. Certainly lean Providence to avenge another beating Villanova game them as well, and their stock may be back on the uptick after a few road losses. Friars have the size, but don't defend the perimeter too well, so they may need to work hard to slow this game down. I'd lean to either 'Nova and over, or Friars under. IMO the line movement in the total may be the key. Friars can still get a first round bye in the Conference Tournament, but their bench is pretty thin, so it may well get back to the pace of this game. Maybe Providence 1H.

Texas at Iowa State: Clearly Iowa State will be the public side here, so I'll look to back the Horns, probably. They lost to ISU at home and actually only sit a game behind Kansas in the Conference. However, they play the Jayhawks on the road Saturday, which is a factor, especially with them being so young. They do have a huge length advantage over ISU, so I can see a scenario where the Horns get a fair bit if second chance points. They do have three road wins in Conference, so this wouldn't be a stretch, and they do get to the line enough to where if ISU's thinner bench gets in foul trouble, Texas could hang.

Kentucky at Mississippi: Mississippi hasn't lost a conference home game, but they've play the second weakest SEC schedule. Two weeks ago they hung with the 'Cats in Lexington for a half before getting blown out. And in that game Kentucky only shot 2-13 from deep, but simply did not miss from inside, and went to the FT 26 more times. Mississippi has another home game Saturday against Florida, so where is the focus here. All the teams that have beaten Kentucky on the road this season have also been up-tempo teams, which the Rebels are. Even the last two road losses at UGA and at Auburn were both close games, so perhaps they're not playing as bad as the record might indicate. My biggest issue with the Rebels is they don't rebound defensively very well at all, but given the fact that they play defense, I can see this total being to high.

Kansas at Texas Tech: Don't sleep on Tubby Smith here. They've been playing pretty well and haven't been blown out in many games. At home, if they can slow this game down to their pace (slow) they've got a shot. Let's not forget how young Kansas actually is, and it's getting to "that point" in the season where people like Wiggins are playing minutes well beyond what they played in High School a year ago. If any of the Tech players have memories, Kansas hammered them twice last season, so at the start they should have some confidence. Perhaps Tech 1H as well. If Kansas does have a weakness it's not creating many turnovers, which could help the Red Raiders keep this game lower scoring, so there's a case here to fade Kansas, especially given that their only threat in the Conference is Texas (for the regular season title) and they play Texas Saturday.

Iowa at Indiana: Clearly Indiana has fallen out of any favor they might have been in at one point, but they're not as bad as the team that let Purdue roll them Saturday. I almost think the quick turnaround benefits them in some way, and they did beat both Michigan and Wisconsin at home. Iowa is not going to catch Michigan or Michigan State for one of the top two spots in the Conference Tournament, so is really playing for seeding here, in reality. They obvious key to me is whether the Hoosiers can protect the ball, which has been a problem for them. I'd like to think this game may go over, although it always depends on the number. Simple reason being that it'll be a fast paced game, both teams get to the line a lot, and shoot well from it.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Tuesday, February 18

Richmond won/covered all three games since leading scorer Lindsey was lost for season; Spiders won five of last seven games with GW, winning three of last four played here, by 4-10-9 points- they're 5-0 SU at home in league. GW lost last two games by 17-6 points; they're 2-3 on A-13 road, winning at St Bona/George Mason. A-13 teams are 10-13 against spread in games where spread was 3 or less points.

NC State played its heart out but lost by point at Syracuse; Wolfpack is 4-2 as ACC road dog- three of their last five road games were decided by one point. State won three of last four games with Clemson, losing four of last five visits to Littlejohn, with three losses by 10+ points. Clemson is 2-5 in last seven games, losing last two by 4-5; they're 1-2 as a home favorite. ACC home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-15 vs spread.

Texas won nine of last ten games, three of last four on road; Longhorns (+2) beat Iowa State 86-76 at home Jan 18, its 10th win in last 12 series games, but they lost last two visits here, by 6-20 points. Cyclones won four of last five games but are 1-5 as home favorites, failing to cover last five at home, with only one of last four home wins by more than six points. Big X home favorites of 5 or less points are 8-5 vs spread.

Villanova (-12) made 14-26 from arc in 91-61 thrashing of Providence Jan 5; Wildcats are 9-3 in last 12 series games, but lost last two visits to Providence, by 25-3 points. Wildcats are 4-2-1 as road favorites, with road wins by four of six road wins by 7+ points. Providence won five of last six home games, is 3-3 as Big East underdog, 1-0 at home. Big East home underdogs are 8-12 against spread.

Kentucky won four in row, 12 of last 14 games with Ole Miss, beating Rebels 80-64 (-11.5) at Rupp Feb 4, outscoring them 26-8 on foul line in game that was 35-34 at half. Wildcats won last three road games, are 2-2 as road favorites, losing at Arkansas/LSU in six road games. SEC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 11-6-1 vs spread. Ole Miss lost four of last six games, but all four were on road- they're 5-0 at home in SEC.

Kansas won its last eight games with Texas Tech, winning last three in Lubbock by 22-35-14 points, but Tubby Smith has injected life into the Tech program. Red Raiders won three of last four games, covered eight of last ten- they've won three of last four at home, are 2-2 as home dogs. Kansas is 3-2 as road favorite but lost two of last three on foreign soil. Big X home underdogs are 11-8-1 vs spread.

Indiana lost six of last eight games, with five losses by 7 or less poiints; Hoosiers split six home games, but won three of last four games with Iowa, winning by 14-13 in last two games played here. Hawkeyes won three of last four games, winning last three on road- they covered five of six road games. Big Dozen home teams are 10-8 vs spread in games where spread was 3 or less points; home underdogs are 8-12.

Duke, which plays UNC/Syracuse later this week, beat Georgia Tech at home 79-57 (-15) Jan 7, outscoring Tech 22-0 from foul line, hitting 9 of 20 from arc. Blue Devils won six in row, 15 of last 17 games with Tech- they split last four visits here, winning by 14-7. Tech lost four of last five home games, is 1-2-1 as home dog- five of its eight ACC losses are by 13+. ACC home underdogs of 6+ points are 0-6 against spread.

Northern Iowa (-8.5) beat Drake 76-66 Jan 11, outscoring Drake 23-8 in last 6:05; Panthers won five in row, nine of last ten series games, taking four of last five visits here, all by 7+ points. MVC home underdogs of 4 or less points are 3-5-1 vs spread. Bulldogs won last three home games, are 3-5 as MVC dogs. UNI won/covered last two games after covering once in previous eight games- they're 2-5 on MVC road.

St John's won last five games, covered six of last seven, including three in row at home; Red Storm (+3.5) won 69-52 at Butler Jan 25, as Bulldogs made only 1-8 on arc. Butler lost its last four games, three by 8 or less points; they're 1-5 as road underdogs, with last three road losses by 9 or less points. Big East home favorites of 8+ points are 8-6 vs spread. St John's is 2-4 as a conference favorite this season.

Georgia won its last four games, three by 12+ points; favorites are 4-0 vs spread in its last four road games. Dawgs won four of last five games vs Tennessee, with three wins by 6 or less points- they won two of last three visits here. Vols lost three of last four games, but covered three in row as home favorite, with last three home wins by 7-16-19 points. SEC home favorites of 8+ points are 14-9 vs spread.

Home side won last six Boise-Colorado State games; Broncos lost three in row at Roby Arena, by 17-11-20 points. MWC home teams are 12-9 in games where spread was less than 4 points. Colorado State lost five of last seven games, losing last two by 9 points each- they're 3-3 at home in league. Boise lost three of last four games but beat New Mexico by point last game- they lost four of five MW road games, winning at Nevada.

San Diego State (-3) won 74-69 in OT at Utah State Jan 25, outscoring Aggies 20-2 on foul line; Aztecs were +11 in turnovers (6-17), trailed in last 5:00 by 4. MWC home favorites of 10+ points are 10-15 vs spread. Aggies won three of last four games, is 2-2 as road dog, losing games on road by 1-8-4-20-17 points, with lone win at Colorado State. Only one of Aztecs' last five wins was by more than nine points.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Basketball Crusher
Drake +1.5 over Northern Iowa
(System Record: 45-7, lost last 5 games and a push)
Overall Record: 45-64-3

Soccer Crusher
Olimpo Bahia Blanca + Arsenal de Sarandi UNDER 2
This match is happening in Argentina
(System Record: 527-18, won last 3 games and a push)
Overall Record: 527-451-76

Here are the rest of his basketball plays for today...


Indiana +3 over Iowa
Illinois-Chicago +2 over Detroit
South Florida +22 over Louisville

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Three bad NBA teams that could become good bets

The NBA season is entering its final 30 games. Typically, this is where the contenders solidify their positions while the also-rans simply run away. But there are some teams that don’t fall into either category and that can provide some interesting betting value over the season’s final stretch.

We look at three bad teams that could become good bets before the schedule runs out:

Detroit Pistons (22-30 SU, 23-28-1 ATS)

It may come across as an understatement but there’s a lot of uncertainty in the Detroit Pistons camp these days. Interim head coach John Loyer probably won’t be around next year, general manager Joe Dumars may be on the chopping block, and no one knows if they’ll be sellers at the trade deadline. But what the Pistons do have is a team with some decent talent, a solid mix of veterans and youth, and a ninth-place position in the standings, just a half game out of the playoffs.

They have a tough schedule over the season’s final 30 games but claim they’re focused on the playoffs, which current form would suggest is true. They are 5-5 SU (6-4 ATS) over their last 10, which just might get them there and make backers a decent profit in the process.

New Orleans Pelicans (23-29 SU, 23-26-3 ATS)

It was around this point six years ago that New Orleans forward Anthony Davis, at the time a 5-foot-9, eighth-grade point guard, went on a growth spurt. It has yet to stop. The now 6-foot-10, Davis is an NBA All-Star, carrying an NBA franchise towards a bright future which bettors may take notice of these last 30 games of the season.

The Pelicans have been dynamite against teams below them, going 17-9 SU against sub .500 teams and 14-7 versus the moribund Eastern Conference. With nine games still to play versus the East and as many versus sub .500 teams in the West, there may be some value backing the Big Easy over the last 30 games.

Utah Jazz (19-33 SU, 23-26-3 ATS)

Don’t snicker but things are looking promising for the Utah Jazz going into the season’s final 30 games. Sure, they are 19-33 SU but did win three in row (2-1 ATS) before the break, including a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat as 9.5-point dogs.

This win was part of a 5-5 SU streak (4-5-1 ATS) that showed evidence of a maturing, young core. What’s more, they have been quite good in close games going 13-8 SU in games decided by less than 10 points, posting a 15-3-3 ATS record in these nail biters.