12-28-14

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NCAA Basketball Picks

UCLA at Alabama

The Bruins head to Tuscaloosa tonight to face an Alabama team that is coming off a 60-59 win over Appalachian State and is 3-13-2 ATS in its last 18 games following a SU victory. UCLA is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Crimson Tide favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's NCAA Basketball picks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 813-814: Tulane vs. St. John's (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 53.738; St. John's 68.254 Dunkel Line: St. John's by 14 1/2 Vegas Line: St. John's by 12 Dunkel Pick: St John's (-12)

Game 815-816: Harvard at Arizona State (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 61.661; Arizona State 62.835 Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 1 Vegas Line: Arizona State by 3 Dunkel Pick: Harvard (+3)

Game 817-818: Buffalo at Wisconsin (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 57.922; Wisconsin 82.505 Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 24 1/2 Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 22 Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-22)

Game 819-820: Long Beach State at Syracuse (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 57.535; Syracuse 71.962 Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 14 1/2 Vegas Line: Syracuse by 11 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-11 1/2)

Game 821-822: Bowling Green at South Florida (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 56.349; South Florida 54.669 Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: South Florida by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+1 1/2)

Game 823-824: Wake Forest at Richmond (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 52.746; Richmond 61.257 Dunkel Line: Richmond by 8 1/2 Vegas Line: Richmond by 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Richmond (-6 1/2)

Game 825-826: Illinois-Chicago at Bradley (5:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 46.723; Bradley 52.868 Dunkel Line: Bradley by 6 Vegas Line: Bradley by 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+8 1/2)

Game 827-828: UC-Davis at Washington State (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 53.062; Washington State 58.648 Dunkel Line: Washington State by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: Washington State by 3 Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-3)

Game 829-830: UCLA at Alabama (6:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 63.769; Alabama 65.187 Dunkel Line: Alabama by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: Alabama by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+4 1/2)

Game 831-832: Iona at Drexel (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Iona 60.645; Drexel 52.461 Dunkel Line: Iona by 8 Vegas Line: Iona by 5 Dunkel Pick: Iona (-5)

Game 833-834: Marist at Elon (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Marist 41.877; Elon 55.510 Dunkel Line: Elon by 13 1/2 Vegas Line: Elon by 11 Dunkel Pick: Elon (-11)

Game 835-836: NC-Greensboro at East Carolina (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NC-Greensboro 42.735; East Carolina 54.232 Dunkel Line: East Carolina by 11 1/2 Vegas Line: East Carolina by 9 Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (-9)

Game 837-838: Rutgers at Monmouth (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 50.628; Monmouth 55.262 Dunkel Line: Monmouth by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Monmouth by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Monmouth (-2 1/2)

Game 839-840: South Dakota State at Northern Iowa (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 52.516; Northern Iowa 68.871 Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 16 1/2 Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 13 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-13 1/2)

Game 841-842: WI-Milwaukee at South Dakota (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 47.368; South Dakota 53.387 Dunkel Line: South Dakota by 6 Vegas Line: South Dakota by 4 Dunkel Pick: South Dakota (-4)

Game 843-844: St. Peter's at Cornell (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 53.121; Cornell 52.049 Dunkel Line: St. Peter's by 1 Vegas Line: Cornell by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+1 1/2)

Game 845-846: Belmont at Butler (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 55.953; Butler 71.232 Dunkel Line: Butler by 15 1/2 Vegas Line: Butler by 11 Dunkel Pick: Butler (-11)

Game 851-852: Morgan State at Marquette (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Morgan State 45.204; Marquette 60,044 Dunkel Line: Marquette by 15 Vegas Line: Marquette by 17 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Morgan State (+17 1/2)

Game 853-854: Northwestern State at Arkansas (3:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern State 47.497; Arkansas 71.881 Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 24 1/2 Vegas Line: Arkansas by 22 Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (-22)

Game 855-856: Florida Gulf Coast at Xavier (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida Gulf Coast 53.566; Xavier 70.105 Dunkel Line: Xavier by 16 1/2 Vegas Line: Xavier by 13 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-13 1/2)

Game 857-858: Stony Brook at Washington (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Stony Brook 54.951; Washington 65.916 Dunkel Line: Washington by 11 Vegas Line: Washington by 13 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Stony Brook (+13 1/2)

Game 859-860: CS-Bakersfield at California (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: CS-Bakersfield 48.727; California 67.958 Dunkel Line: California by 19 Vegas Line: California by 15 1/2 Dunkel Pick: California (-15 1/2)

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StatFox Super Situations

CBB | UCLA at ALABAMA
Play Against - Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (ALABAMA) after a close win by 3 points or less against opponent after trailing in their previous game by 15 or more points at the half
44-17 over the last 5 seasons. ( 72.1% | 25.3 units )
1-1 this year. ( 50.0% | -0.1 units )

CBB | TULANE at ST JOHNS
Play Against - Any team (TULANE) after 2 straight games making 37% of their shots or worse against opponent after a game where a team made 20% of their 3 point shots or worse
183-116 since 1997. ( 61.2% | 53.8 units )
3-8 this year. ( 27.3% | -9.0 units )

CBB | IL-CHICAGO at BRADLEY
Play On - Any team (IL-CHICAGO) poor three point shooting team (<=32%) against an average 3PT defense (32-36.5%), after a game where a team made 28% of their shots or worse
146-83 since 1997. ( 63.8% | 54.7 units )
4-4 this year. ( 50.0% | -0.4 units )

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StatFox Super Situations

NBA | PHOENIX at LA LAKERS
Play Against - Any team (LA LAKERS) revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points against opponent off a road win against a division rival
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )
2-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 2.0 units )

NBA | TORONTO at DENVER
Play On - Road teams vs. the money line (TORONTO) after a road game where both teams score 100 or more points, well rested team - playing 4 or less games in 10 days
60-49 over the last 5 seasons. ( 55.0% | 38.3 units )
2-3 this year. ( 40.0% | 0.1 units )

NBA | NEW YORK at PORTLAND
Play Under - Any team vs. the 1rst half line playing with 2 days rest, on Sunday games
276-171 since 1997. ( 61.7% | 87.9 units )
1-3 this year. ( 25.0% | -2.3 units )

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StatFox Super Situations

NFL | ST LOUIS at SEATTLE
Play Against - Favorites of 10.5 or more points (SEATTLE) after 3 or more consecutive wins, in the second half of the season
41-15 over the last 10 seasons. ( 73.2% | 24.5 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 1.0 units )

NFL | JACKSONVILLE at HOUSTON
Play On - Any team vs the money line (HOUSTON) average passing team (185-230 PY/G) against a poor passing defense (230-265 PY/G) after 8+ games, after gaining 4.5 or less passing yards/attempt in last game
37-19 over the last 10 seasons. ( 66.1% | 0.0 units )
5-3 this year. ( 62.5% | 0.0 units )

NFL | SAN DIEGO at KANSAS CITY
Play On - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (KANSAS CITY) after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games, in December games
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )
3-1 this year. ( 75.0% | 1.9 units )

NFL | DETROIT at GREEN BAY
Play On - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (GREEN BAY) after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games, in December games 46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units ) 3-1 this year. ( 75.0% | 1.9 units )

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Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with Arizona State (-7 1/2) on Saturday and likes the Panthers (NFL) on Sunday.

The deficit is 1443 sirignanos.

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Hondo

Hondo serves a holiday picks buffet

By now, the Yule Log embers are cooling and the reindeer droppings have been rinsed from the roof, which means it’s time for Hondo, who surged above .500 with a 10-6 record in Week 16, to unveil his final regular-season selections.

As the 2014 curtain falls, Mr. Aitch confidently begins the end with:

Jets over Dolphins: A fond farewell to Rex Ryan. He will be missed, because, after all, what are the chances Gang Green’s next leader will be a fun-loving, finger-flipping, F-bomb dropping, foot-fetishing, trash-talking, no-Belichick-ring-kissing, Super Bowl-guaranteeing, phenomenal mad scientist of a defensive coach who provided as much entertainment as any New York sports figure the last six years? The answers: none; Rex guarantees it.

From BarkingMut of SoBe, the HondoNation Southern Bureau Chief: Soon-to-be-canned Rex Ryan, who promised fans at his opening presser he and the Jets would be visiting The White House before he is through, now will have to jump the fence to get in, like everyone else.

Giants over Eagles: Coughlin and Co. have done their best work since being eliminated from contention. Hondo probably isn’t venturing too far out on a limb by predicting a monster day for OBJ against the Eagles’ slow-footed, big-play giving secondary.

Packers over Lions: Copious props and pounds are due Ms. Charleen, who kept her run of Bettor’s Guide Women’s Division titles alive. When the conversation turns to the all-time legendary streaks — DiMaggio’s “56,” Rice’s “274” and Ripken’s “2,632” — the “25” straight WD crowns won by the Native Canadian and ex-Post Sports Dept. secretary formerly known as Typing Bear has to be included.

Texans over Jaguars: Robert Kennedy Jr. has been invited to be a contestant on “Dancing With The Stars.” Rumor has it his wife, Cheryl Hines, isn’t crazy about the idea because she’s concerned week-long bumping and grinding sessions with some smokin’ dance instructor could activate his semi-dormant lust demons.

Titans over Colts: Legendary DJ Casey Kasem, who died June 15, finally was buried last week at the Vestre Gravlund in Norway. Counting down the world’s top 40 graveyards, VG, as the Nords call it, is No. 24 on the list with 243 peaceful acres that make it the country’s largest boneyard and a most comfortable eternal resting place.

Ravens over Browns: A panel of experts working with the Secret Service to help keep fence jumpers off the White House grounds and out of the President’s home has advised the agency to “raise the fence.” Thank God there are brilliant minds capable of figuring out how to stay one step ahead of the intruders. Hondo’s no expert, but here’s another suggestion that could help: Lock the doors!

Bills over Patriots: The American Kennel Club seems to be going to great lengths to knock off the invincible terrier, having approved four new breeds that will be able to compete in the dog shows. If that doesn’t work, then the terrierists have won.

Panthers over Falcons: Cop-ripping, protester-backing Mayor de Blasio de blasted the media this week for dividing the city. It not only angers him but also makes him jealous because he knows mayors in other cities such as Moscow and Havana don’t have to deal with that kind of media issue.

Vikings over Bears: George Clooney tried to play the tough-guy role after Sony caved to threats and canceled the release of “The Interview.” Apparently, he was trying to show his range as an actor after nailing the complete wimp role in an email in which he whined to a Sony exec about needing “protection” from the bad reviews for “The Monuments Men.”

It’s a tossup as to who has thinner skin, George Clooney or Phil Jackson.

Chargers over Chiefs: Obama second-guessed Sony for canceling its release of “The Interview,” saying: “We cannot have a society in which some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship here in the United States.” He’s so right. U.S. censorship should be the exclusive domain of King Barack I, who tried to censor the “offensive video” he erroneously blamed for the Benghazi attack.

Redskins over Cowboys: According to another hacked email, Sony co-Chairman Amy Pascal called Adam Sandler an “a–hole” because of his money demands. Having already pleaded for forgiveness from Al Sharpton for sending some racially charged emails, Pascal now is rumored to be seeking absolution from Alec Baldwin for sending rectally charged emails.

Saints over Buccaneers: Hate to back the league’s most underachieving team, but the Bucs have too much to lose by winning.

Rams over Seahawks: Why the Rams? Hondo will borrow from the words of Marshawn Lynch, who when repeatedly asked after his incredible Sunday night TD jaunt replied repeatedly: “Thanks for asking. ’Preciate it.”

Cardinals over 49ers: Jim Harbaugh on whether he will be going to Michigan: “What will happen, will happen. What won’t, won’t.” That keen sense of what the future holds explains why Harbaugh is so much in demand for next season.

Broncos over Raiders: Cuban spy Gerardo Hernandez, who was released as part of Obama’s normalization of relations with the Castro brothers, artificially inseminated his wife while in a US prison, according to reports. That may have been a violation of the embargo, which means someone in the Obama Administration has spermatozoa on his hands. … Hondo’s first heir guesses if the embargo violator is to be prosecuted he will have to be caught white-handed.

Bengals over Steelers: Let’s hope the ending to the NFL regular season will be better than the “Homeland” finale. Having the head of the CIA walk in a tray of lasagna to a grieving agent’s house didn’t exactly leave the viewer hungering for more. Maybe the break will be good, because it will give the CIA chief time to make some quilts for his favorite agents.

Best bets: Packers, Texans, Chargers.

Happy New Year, HondoNation.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

River City Sharps

The dreadful NFL South will have the most compelling game of the day Sunday afternoon when the 6-8-1 Carolina Panthers travel to the Georgia Dome to take on the 6-9 Atlanta Falcons in a winner take all game for the division title. The Falcons expect to be pretty one-dimensional again on Sunday as Steven Jackson is expected to miss this game and the Falcons will rely on QB Matt Ryan to pass their way to the playoffs. The Panthers were basically left for dead, but they have strung together three straight wins headed into this big game with the Falcons. The Panthers do it with a dominant defense, allowing just 275 yards per game during their current winning run. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in these teams last five meetings and the Panthers are 4-1 against the number in their last five games. We don't LOVE either of these teams moving forward, but believe there is good value here with the road dog and we're going to back Cam Newton and the Panthers. The Sharps say...

3 UNITS - CAROLINA PANTHERS +3

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Today's NHL Picks

Vancouver at Anaheim

The Canucks head to Anaheim tonight and come into the contest with a 10-3 record in their last 13 games versus Pacific Division opponents. Vancouver is the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Canucks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+120). Here are all of today's NHL picks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 1-2: Toronto at Florida (5:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.404; Florida 11.879 Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-115); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Florida (-115); Under

Game 3-4: Vancouver at Anaheim (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.853; Anaheim 10.940 Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-140); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+120); Over

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Brandon Lang

100 Dimes - New York Giants - 2 1/2 at home over the Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 PM EST

Free play - Minnesota Vikings -6 1/2 over the Chicago Bears

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Jack Jones

25* Giants
20* Redskins
20* Steelers
15* Bills
15* Rams

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SPARTAN

Triple-dime bet – New England Patriots

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Gabriel DuPont

100 Dime Winner #8 in a Row

NFL DOG SHOCKER OF THE YEAR

Arizona + 6.5

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SB Professor Original NFL Picks

System Plays:
Dallas -4
Carolina +3


Additional Plays:
NY Jets +6
New Orleans -4

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ANDRE RAMIREZ

30* Detroit vs Green Bay – Under 47½

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JEFF CLEMENT

8* Miami Dolphins -6