Saturday 2-17-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Sooners have dropped 4 in a row SU and 5 of 6 and are 1-9 ATS in their last 10. OU is currently a 10-point home fave.


Miami is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 home games. The Hurricanes are currently 4.5-point faves.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2018 NBA All-Star Saturday Night betting: Slam Dunk, 3-Point & Skills Contests
Ashton Grewal

NBA All-Star Saturday is a party and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise. Who here hasn’t pumped up your Reeboks and showed off your anti-gravity moves on a hoop eight feet off the ground?

Maybe you don’t have all the moves you once did and maybe those shoes don’t pump up the same way for you as they did for Dee Brown. You can still get in the mix by betting on the three skills competitions on Saturday night which sportsbooks have been kind enough to post odds on.

Here’s a look at the players competing in each event and the odds to win along with my best stab at handicapping them.

Taco Bell Skills Challenge

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Participants and their odds:

Lou Williams (+350)
Joel Embiid (+700)
Lauri Markkanen (+750)
Al Horford (+500)
Buddy Hield (+600)
Andre Drummond (+1000)
Jamal Murray (+375)
Spencer Dinwiddie (+500)

This used to be a guard-only event with players showcasing their dribbling, passing and shooting but the format was switched up so it could include the big fellas too. The four guards fill out one side of the bracket and the four bigs battle it out in the other bracket. The winner of each side faces off in the final and of the last two winners have been 7-footers.

It’s not about how fast a player is dribbling through the pylons; it’s about how quickly they can pass the ball into the net and if they can make their first 3-point attempt. Drummond has attempted six 3-pointers this season and has missed all of them. Let’s rule him out. Embiid loves the spotlight but he’s the second-worst shooter in the field. Bye, bye Joe Joe.

If Buddy Hield loses by five seconds in the first round it’ll be the closest game he’s played in since he was at Oklahoma. Spencer Dinwiddie is having a great season for the Nets but he was almost out of the league a year ago and he’s the least accurate shooter from deep between the guards.

That leaves us with Al Horford, Lauri Markkanen, Jamal Murray and the favorite Lou Williams. Markkanen is my pick because the price is nice, his shot is pure and he’s extremely mobile for a 7-footer.

Pick: Markkanen +750

Three-Point Contest

Klay Thompson +210
Kyle Lowry +850
Eric Gordon +375
Paul George +650
Bradley Beal +750
Wayne Ellington +750
Devin Booker +550
Tobias Harris +1100

This used to be an event reserved for off-the-bench specialists like Craig Hodges, Tim Legler and Jason Kapono. But many of the best players in the league are also the best shooters because of the expansion of the 3-point shot.

All-Star players like Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving have taken home the hardware in this competition in five of the last eight years. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been handsome payouts in the past for bettors who correctly predicted the winners. Last year’s champ, Eric Gordon, was listed at +660 and 2016 winner Klay Thompson was +450.

Thompson is the chalk again this year while defending champ Gordon is the third choice. Tobias Harris and Wayne Ellington are the only two players in the field who are competing in the event for the first time.

Gordon and fellow dead-eye shooter Bradley Beal carry the lowest season 3-point shooting percentage at 33.4 and 37. Devin Booker’s 3-point shooting stats are finally starting to catch up to his reputation as a marksman. He’s shooting a career-best 38.3 percent from deep and he performed pretty well when he competed as a rookie in 2016.

Paul George is my pick and not because he’s the hottest hand entering the night. He’s making 47.4 percent of his shots from deep this month on 9.8 attempts per game. He’s a California native and the LA crowd should be pulling for him – especially with the way he’s been flirting with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pick: George +650

Verizon Slam Dunk

Dennis Smith Jr. +190
Donovan Mitchell +210
Larry Nance Jr. +290
Victor Oladipo +375

This event is tougher to handicap with many favorites winning the competition but last year gave long shot bettors so hope. While the 2017 Slam Dunk Contest didn’t live up to the epic showdown among Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine in 2016, underdog bettors were treated to a healthy payout when Glenn Robinson III (+1300) won.

Books aren’t offering that type of value this year but it is clear the hype is behind Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. to put up the most impressive showing. Larry Nance Jr. is the best in-game dunking between the four players in this event but his specialty is dunking on guys. Not sure if that will translate as well in this competition.

Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell has flashed some creativity with his finishes at the rim this season. It’s nothing more than a hunch but I’ll back him.

Pick: Mitchell +210

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA All-Star Game producing a dominant Over trend
Ashton Grewal

The total in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game is the second highest in 10 years – and possibly in the exhibition game’s history – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any value betting the Over.

The Over is 8-1 in the last nine All-Star games and last year’s contest was the highest-scoring (374 points) in the history of the game. The total in this year’s game is 78 points greater than the over/under line in the 2009 game. Oddsmakers have increased the All-Star total almost every year but haven’t been able to slow the winning tickets for Over bettors.

The Houston Rockets are threatening to produce the greatest single season offense in NBA history is season for the same reason the scoring in All-Star games keeps soaring: 3-point shooting.

The game in 2010 had 38 attempts from deep and in just six years the record was set for most 3-pointers attempted in an NBA All-Star game with 139. The All-Star record for most total points was set in 2016 and then broken the very next year.

Of course this year the league introduced a new format for the composition of the two teams. It’s no longer East vs. West; it’s Team LeBron vs. Team Steph. There are some, like Sharp 600 podcast host Joe Fortenbaugh, who think there will be more intensity in this year’s game because of the team selection process.

Bragging rights are not the only stakes that have been increased. The NBA doubled its prize payout to each player on the winning team from $50,000 to $100,000. A six-figure cash prize might be enough to see some players get down in a defensive stance before the last two minutes in the fourth quarter.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA's Best ATS Teams Heading Into All-Star Weekend:

1. Celtics 34-23-2
2. 76ers 31-23-1
3. Raptors 32-25
4. Clippers 31-24-1
5. Nets 33-26
6. Pacers 32-26
7. Hawks 31-26-2
8. Bulls 30-26-1


NBA's Worst ATS Teams Heading Into All-Star Weekend:

30. Cavs 18-37-1
29. Thunder 25-34
28. Hornets 22-31-4
27. Grizzlies 24-30-2
26. Warriors 26-31-1
25. Bucks 24-28-5
24. Kings 25-29-3
23. Suns 27-30-2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Saturday, February 17

Home side won last nine LA-Buffalo games; Kings lost last four visits to western NY. Under is 6-2-1 in last nine series games. Los Angeles lost its last three games, outscored 14-7; they lost four of last five road games. Four of their last six games went over. Sabres are 3-2 in last five games, but lost five of last seven at home. Five of their last six games went over the total.

Minnesota won three of last four games with Anaheim; under is 6-1-1 in last eight series games. Ducks won three of last five games in the Twin Cities. Anaheim is 3-5 in its last eight games overall, 2-4 in last six road games. Ducks’ last four games stayed under total. Minnesota split their last six games but won four of last six at home. Five of their last seven games went over.

Ottawa won its last four home games, three in OT/SO; they’re 5-3 in last eight games overall. Four of their last five games went over. Home side won nine of last ten Ranger-Senator games, with Ottawa winning three of last four; Rangers lost their last five games in this building. Over is 3-2-2 in last seven series games. New York lost six of last eight games overall, four of last five on road- their last three games stayed under.

Oilers won their last five games with Arizona, winning 4-2/3-2 in last two visits here. Five of last seven series games stayed under total. Edmonton was outscored 25-14 in losing its last five games, four of which were on road. Six of their last eight games went over total. Coyotes won their last three games, allowing four goals; six of their last seven games went over. Arizona split its last six home games.

Lightning won six of last eight games with New Jersey, which lost its last four games in this arena. Under is 5-3-2 in last ten series games. Devils are 5-4 in last nine games overall, splitting last four road games. New jersey’s last four games went over total. Tampa Bay split its last six games overall but won last three home games. Eight of their last ten games went over the total.

Montreal beat Las Vegas 3-2 at home in only meeting Nov 7. Canadiens lost its last four games overall, outscored 15-7. Canadiens lost their last five road games. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games. Golden Knights won three of their last four games but split last four home games. Five of their last seven games went over the total.

Maple Leafs won their last three games with Pittsburgh, but lost three of last five games in the Steel City. Under is 4-2-1 in last seven series games. Toronto won its last five games, all at home, scoring 26 goals; they won three of last four road games. Four of their last five games went over the total. Penguins won eight of its last ten games; they won their last seven home games. Six of their last nine games went over.

Red Wings won their last six games with Nashville; they won four of last five visits to Music City. Over is 5-1-1 in last seven series games. Detroit lost four of last six games overall, three of last five on road. Six of their last eight games stayed under the total. Predators are 5-3 in last eight games overall; they won three of last four at home. Five of their last six games went OT. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Washington won seven of last eight games with Chicago, but lost three of last five visits to the Windy City. Over is 2-0-2 in last four series games. Capitals split their last 10 games overall; they’re 3-2 in last five road games. Eight of their last nine games went over. Blackhawks were outscored 32-14 in losing their last eight games, three of which were at home. Under is 3-2-1 in their last six games.

Bruins won four of last five games with the Canucks, winning 4-0/6-3 in last two games played here. Last four series games went over total. Boston won its last four road games and six of last seven games overall- their last four games all went over. Vancouver lost six of last seven games overall, three of last five at home. Six of their last nine games went over the total.

Calgary won its last four games with Florida; last seven series games went over. Panthers lost three of their last four games in the Saddledome. Florida won six of last seven games overall, four in row on road. Five of their last six road games went over. Calgary is off a 4-2 road trip; they lost two of last three home games. Three of their last four games went over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, February 17

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LOS ANGELES (30-22-0-5, 65 pts.) at BUFFALO (17-30-0-11, 45 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 28-35 ATS (-22.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 40-50 ATS (-22.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 7-17 ATS (-10.9 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 215-224 ATS (+491.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 19-9 ATS (+7.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUFFALO is 17-41 ATS (-29.9 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 7-17 ATS (+30.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
BUFFALO is 1-8 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
BUFFALO is 10-29 ATS (+51.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-2 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 3-2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

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ANAHEIM (28-20-0-11, 67 pts.) at MINNESOTA (31-20-0-6, 68 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 541-434 ATS (+37.2 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 44-29 ATS (+9.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 432-436 ATS (+894.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 266-235 ATS (+512.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 58-63 ATS (-26.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-3 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-3-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.2 Units)

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NY RANGERS (27-26-0-5, 59 pts.) at OTTAWA (20-27-0-9, 49 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 43-41 ATS (+87.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 33-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 19-13 ATS (+33.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 20-36 ATS (-20.3 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 8-6 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 8-6-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.4 Units)

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EDMONTON (23-29-0-4, 50 pts.) at ARIZONA (16-32-0-10, 42 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 23-33 ATS (-16.6 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 4-11 ATS (-9.9 Units) after a division game this season.
EDMONTON is 8-13 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 16-42 ATS (-49.5 Units) in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 6-16 ATS (+28.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 2-9 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games on Saturday games this season.
ARIZONA is 2-13 ATS (+18.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 6-20 ATS (+32.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
ARIZONA is 6-15 ATS (+22.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ARIZONA is 1-9 ATS (+13.8 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 6-6 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 6-6-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (29-20-0-8, 66 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (39-16-0-3, 81 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 21-43 ATS (+76.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 39-19 ATS (+62.3 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 217-227 ATS (+522.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-2 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 5-2-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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MONTREAL (22-28-0-7, 51 pts.) at VEGAS (38-15-0-4, 80 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 22-35 ATS (-16.9 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 8-19 ATS (-13.3 Units) in non-conference games this season.
VEGAS is 38-19 ATS (+62.7 Units) in all games this season.
VEGAS is 9-1 ATS (+10.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
VEGAS is 6-1 ATS (+4.7 Units) on Saturday games this season.
VEGAS is 11-4 ATS (+15.4 Units) after a division game this season.
VEGAS is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games this season.
MONTREAL is 102-81 ATS (+183.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus VEGAS over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 1-0-0 straight up against VEGAS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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TORONTO (35-19-0-5, 75 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (33-22-0-4, 70 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 66-99 ATS (-46.7 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 10-1 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-4 ATS (+14.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-2 ATS (+11.3 Units) in home games revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-2 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-4 ATS (+13.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-3 (+1.7 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-3-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.2 Units)

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DETROIT (23-24-0-9, 55 pts.) at NASHVILLE (34-13-0-9, 77 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 17-36 ATS (+54.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 47-46 ATS (-13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-0 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-0-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.6 Units)

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WASHINGTON (33-17-0-7, 73 pts.) at CHICAGO (24-26-0-8, 56 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 190-221 ATS (-75.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 157-89 ATS (+18.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 61-47 ATS (+110.3 Units) in road games in February games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 24-34 ATS (-28.5 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 0-8 ATS (-11.9 Units) in February games this season.
CHICAGO is 6-14 ATS (+21.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 8-20 ATS (-16.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CHICAGO is 7-19 ATS (-12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-1 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-1-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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BOSTON (35-12-0-8, 78 pts.) at VANCOUVER (22-30-0-6, 50 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 14-6 ATS (+6.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
BOSTON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games on Saturday games this season.
BOSTON is 139-109 ATS (+25.2 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 17-4 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 8-17 ATS (+30.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
VANCOUVER is 235-240 ATS (-121.0 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 2-13 ATS (+19.7 Units) after a division game this season.
VANCOUVER is 121-127 ATS (-54.9 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 8-23 ATS (+34.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 101-125 ATS (-51.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-1 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.3 Units)

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FLORIDA (25-23-0-6, 56 pts.) at CALGARY (30-20-0-8, 68 pts.) - 2/17/2018, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-1 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-1-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.4 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Saturday, February 17

Trend Report

LOS ANGELES @ BUFFALO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Buffalo is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

ANAHEIM @ MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Minnesota is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home

NY RANGERS @ OTTAWA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Rangers's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Rangers's last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
Ottawa is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

EDMONTON @ ARIZONA
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 8 games
Arizona is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games

MONTREAL @ VEGAS
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Montreal's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Montreal's last 23 games
Vegas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Vegas is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home

TORONTO @ PITTSBURGH
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Pittsburgh is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home

NEW JERSEY @ TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Jersey

DETROIT @ NASHVILLE
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Nashville
Detroit is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Nashville is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Nashville's last 7 games when playing Detroit

WASHINGTON @ CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Chicago's last 16 games at home
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games

BOSTON @ VANCOUVER
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Boston

FLORIDA @ CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Florida
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida

PHILADELPHIA @ NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
NY Rangers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Rangers is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Saturday, February 17


Los Angeles @ Buffalo

Game 1-2
February 17, 2018 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
10.457
Buffalo
11.634
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
-140
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(+120); Over

Anaheim @ Minnesota

Game 3-4
February 17, 2018 @ 2:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
10.672
Minnesota
12.134
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-130); Under

NY Rangers @ Ottawa

Game 5-6
February 17, 2018 @ 2:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
11.225
Ottawa
9.872
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Rangers
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
-125
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Rangers
(+105); Over

Edmonton @ Arizona

Game 7-8
February 17, 2018 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Edmonton
10.667
Arizona
9.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
-115
6
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-115); Under

New Jersey @ Tampa Bay

Game 9-10
February 17, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Jersey
10.231
Tampa Bay
12.726
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-210
6
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-210); Under

Montreal @ Vegas

Game 11-12
February 17, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
12.224
Vegas
11.311
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vegas
-250
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+200); Over

Toronto @ Pittsburgh

Game 13-14
February 17, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
12.142
Pittsburgh
11.289
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-140
6
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+120); Over

Detroit @ Nashville

Game 15-16
February 17, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
9.673
Nashville
12.556
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville
by 3
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville
-230
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
(-230); Under

Washington @ Chicago

Game 17-18
February 17, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
12.224
Chicago
10.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-125
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-125); Under

Boston @ Vancouver

Game 19-20
February 17, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
10.672
Vancouver
11.513
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Vancouver
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-180
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Vancouver
(+160); Over

Florida @ Calgary

Game 21-22
February 17, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida
10.712
Calgary
12.315
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
-120
6
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-120); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 11:00 AM ET, Saturday, February 17, 2018
Where: CFE Arena, Orlando, Florida
Matchup Edge
SMU Edge in: UCF
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turnovers
Bench

Preview: SMU at Central Florida
Gracenote
Feb 16, 2018

SMU's once-promising season has slipped away, and Central Florida is attempting to avoid a similar fate. Two middle-of-the-pack teams in the American Athletic Conference face off Saturday on the Knights' home court.

UCF has won two in a row following a 2-5 stretch that included losing massive center Tacko Fall for the season due to a shoulder injury. The Knights still rank third nationally in points allowed (61.2), but that figure has been slipping in the wrong direction since the 7-6 Fall closed the book on his season. Wednesday's 72-57 win over South Florida was a step in the right direction, as UCF shut down four of the Bulls' five starters and posted an easy win over the AAC's worst team. SMU, meanwhile, has lost four in a row and is 3-8 over its last 11 games.

TV: 11 a.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT SMU (15-11, 5-8 AAC): Jahmal McMurray did everything he could Wednesday against Memphis, knocking down nine 3-pointers en route to a career-high 33 points, but it still wasn't enough in a 70-67 defeat. McMurray, who has taken on a larger role for the injury-plagued Mustangs, has made 27 3-pointers over the last five games and has only sat out 10 minutes over that stretch. Ben Emelogu has been quiet from 3-point range over the last three games - 2-of-8 combined - but is still shooting a blistering 50.5 percent from the arc.

ABOUT UCF (16-9, 7-6): Over the last nine games, UCF is 4-0 when scoring at least 68 points and 0-5 when it fails to reach that mark. Two Knights carried the bulk of the scoring load against USF, as A.J. Davis registered 26 points and B.J. Taylor chipped in 21, while the other three starters totaled four points on 1-of-6 shooting. Davis is 4-of-4 from 3-point range over the last two games - and is averaging 23 points in those contests - after beginning the season 11-of-53 from the arc.

TIP-INS

1. In his last two games, SMU G Jimmy Whitt is averaging 17.5 points, six rebounds, four assists and 3.5 steals.

2. Knights G Dayon Griffin had 12 points against USF after shooting 1-of-14 combined over his previous two games.

3. In the last three games, Emelogu is 5-of-24 from the field.

PREDICTION: SMU 66, Central Florida 62

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ATS Trends
Southern Methodist

Mustangs are 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 Saturday games.
Mustangs are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Mustangs are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Mustangs are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 road games.
Mustangs are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Mustangs are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Mustangs are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Mustangs are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. American Athletic Conference.

Central Florida

Knights are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Knights are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Knights are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home games.
Knights are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win.
Knights are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Knights are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.

OU Trends
Southern Methodist

Over is 4-1 in Mustangs last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Mustangs last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Mustangs last 5 vs. American Athletic Conference.
Over is 5-2 in Mustangs last 7 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Mustangs last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 5-2 in Mustangs last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Central Florida

Over is 6-1 in Knights last 7 overall.
Over is 6-1 in Knights last 7 vs. American Athletic Conference.
Under is 10-3 in Knights last 13 games following a straight up win.
Under is 19-7 in Knights last 26 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-2 in Knights last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 5-2 in Knights last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 7-3 in Knights last 10 Saturday games.

Head to Head

Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Central Florida.
Road team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, February 17, 2018
Where: Watsco Center, Coral Gables, Florida
Matchup Edge
SYR Edge in: MIA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turnovers
Bench

Preview: Syracuse at Miami
Gracenote
Feb 16, 2018

Miami looks to rebound from only its second home loss of the year as it hosts Syracuse in an important ACC matchup Saturday. The Orange are basically in a must-win situation if they hope to make the NCAA Tournament as they face ranked teams in three of their final four games after Saturday.

The Hurricanes were held to 38 percent from the floor and 6-of-21 from behind the arc by No. 3 Virginia's top-ranked defense as the Cavaliers won 59-50 on Tuesday. Freshman guard Chris Lykes scored 19 points and was the only Miami player to have any kind of offensive success as the team shot less than 40 percent for the seventh time this season. Syracuse lost a key game between two bubble teams Wednesday as North Carolina State's Markel Johnson broke a tie game with a 3-pointer with 33 seconds left in the 74-70 victory. "The game was decided because we didn't get to the 3-point shooters three times in the last five or six possessions," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim told reporters after the game as N.C. State went 7-for-13 on 3-point attempts in the second half.

TV: Noon ET, CBS

ABOUT SYRACUSE (17-9, 6-7 ACC): Freshman Oshae Brissett tied a career-high with 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting against N.C. State while sophomore Tyus Battle scored 17 and sits third in ACC scoring at 20.2 points per game. Defense is the key to Syracuse's success, however, and its 2-3 zone has kept opponents to 39.2 percent shooting, good for second in the ACC and seventh in the nation. Junior Frank Howard has led the way on the back end and leads the ACC with 2.04 steals per game, including eight in his last two contests.

ABOUT MIAMI (18-7, 7-6): Lykes has stepped up since the loss of starting guard Bruce Brown Jr. (left-foot surgery Feb. 1) and is averaging 16 points per game over his last three. Sophomore guard Dejan Vasiljevic could also be called upon to play a big offensive role in this game - he is averaging only 9.2 points per game this season but scored 31 in the two contests against Syracuse last season and has hit 18 of his last 41 3-point attempts (43.9 percent). Defensively, Miami sits fourth in the ACC in scoring defense (66.2) and has allowed an opponent to shoot better than 50 percent on only five occasions.

TIP-INS

1. Syracuse leads the series 17-8. The teams split a pair of games last season with Miami knocking Syracuse out of the ACC Tournament in the quarterfinals.

2. Miami has won 36 of its last 40 games at home but is 4-9 against Syracuse in Coral Gables.

3. Syracuse relies heavily on its starters as Battle leads the nation in minutes per game with 38.4, while fellow starters Frank Howard is fourth (38.0) and Brissett is ninth (37.5).

PREDICTION: Miami 68, Syracuse 62

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ATS Trends
Syracuse

Orange are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games.
Orange are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Orange are 14-38-2 ATS in their last 54 Saturday games.

Miami-Florida

Hurricanes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Hurricanes are 9-23-1 ATS in their last 33 games following a straight up loss.
Hurricanes are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Hurricanes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Hurricanes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Hurricanes are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Hurricanes are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. Atlantic Coast.

OU Trends
Syracuse

Under is 3-0-1 in Orange last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 22-4-1 in Orange last 27 road games.
Over is 21-4-1 in Orange last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 5-1 in Orange last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 20-5-1 in Orange last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 18-7-2 in Orange last 27 vs. Atlantic Coast.
Over is 10-4-1 in Orange last 15 games following a straight up loss.

Miami-Florida

Under is 3-0-1 in Hurricanes last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 7-1 in Hurricanes last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 8-3 in Hurricanes last 11 overall.
Over is 8-3 in Hurricanes last 11 vs. Atlantic Coast.
Under is 8-3 in Hurricanes last 11 Saturday games.
Over is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 home games.
Over is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 games following a straight up loss.

Head to Head

Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings.
Orange are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami-Florida.
Road team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, February 17, 2018
Where: McCamish Pavilion, Atlanta, Georgia
Matchup Edge
VT Edge in: GT
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turnovers
Bench

Preview: Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech
Gracenote
Feb 16, 2018

Virginia Tech wraps up a three-game road trip Saturday at Georgia Tech looking to continue its late-season surge, a stretch during which the Hokies have won five of their past seven to move into a tie for sixth place in the ACC standings. Despite Wednesday’s 22-point loss at No. 10 Duke, the Hokies keep improving their NCAA tournament resume - highlighted by an upset of third-ranked Virginia last week - but cannot afford a mistake against a Georgia Tech team riding a four-game losing streak.

“Our initial defense was fine,” Virginia Tech guard Justin Bibbs told reporters after the Hokies were outrebounded 36-19 in the 74-52 setback against the Blue Devils. “They just had a lot of second-chance points.” Virginia Tech owns one of the biggest road victories in the nation this season, ending Virginia’s 16-game homecourt winning streak in overtime last Saturday, while the Yellow Jackets seek something positive after dropping eight of their past nine games. Georgia Tech lost to Wake Forest 79-62 on Wednesday, in its first game since losing point guard Jose Alvarado for the season to an elbow injury. “It’s as bad as it’s ever been for me around a team with the injury bug,” Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner told the media afterward.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN2

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (18-8, 7-6 ACC): Bibbs (13.6 points per game) and Justin Robinson (13.5) lead a balanced scoring attack with five players averaging in double figures. The Hokies are one of the top shooting teams in the country, leading the ACC in field-goal percentage (51.1 percent) and shooting from 3-point range (39.6 percent). Virginia Tech averages 82.5 points per game, which would be the highest total for the program since 1988-89.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (11-15, 4-9): Leading scorer Josh Okogie (19.1 points per game) took over for Alvarado at point guard Wednesday, finishing with one assist and four turnovers. After connecting on just 1-of-9 from 3-point range against Wake Forest, the Yellow Jackets are last in the ACC and 313th nationally in long-range shooting (32.2 percent). Center Ben Lammers scored 14 points against Wake Forest, and averages 11.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest.

TIP-INS

1. Georgia Tech's past four opponents have combined to shoot 51.3 percent from 3-point range.

2. Virginia Tech G Ahmed Hill is 15 points shy of the 1,000-career point mark.

3. The Hokies have won the past three meetings against the Yellow Jackets, including a 62-61 home triumph last season.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 80, Georgia Tech 64

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ATS Trends
Virginia Tech

Hokies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Hokies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Hokies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Hokies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Atlantic Coast.
Hokies are 25-12 ATS in their last 37 games following a ATS loss.
Hokies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.

Georgia Tech

Yellow Jackets are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 home games.
Yellow Jackets are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Yellow Jackets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Yellow Jackets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Yellow Jackets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Yellow Jackets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Yellow Jackets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Atlantic Coast.

OU Trends
Virginia Tech

Over is 6-1 in Hokies last 7 Saturday games.
Over is 5-2 in Hokies last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.

Georgia Tech

Over is 7-1 in Yellow Jackets last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 6-2 in Yellow Jackets last 8 overall.
Under is 9-3 in Yellow Jackets last 12 Saturday games.
Over is 6-2 in Yellow Jackets last 8 vs. Atlantic Coast.
Over is 8-3 in Yellow Jackets last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 38-15-1 in Yellow Jackets last 54 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 5-2 in Yellow Jackets last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 37-15-1 in Yellow Jackets last 53 home games.

Head to Head

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, February 17, 2018
Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Matchup Edge
PROV Edge in: BUT
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turnovers
Bench

Preview: Providence at Butler
Gracenote
Feb 16, 2018

Providence followed up a disappointing home loss with an exhilarating win and now will try to avoid a letdown on the road when it visits Butler for a key Big East clash Saturday afternoon. After an ugly loss to struggling DePaul put a stain on the Friars' postseason resume, they found new life with a 76-71 victory over No. 2 Villanova on Wednesday.

"Coming off the way we played over the weekend and the turnaround emotionally that we just went through. For our players to respond the way they did, it’s almost like a dad," coach Ed Cooley told reporters of his emotions after the upset win. "You see your kids and they're hurting. You don't want to be negative, you pick 'em up and you tell them how proud you are because now today is a proud moment." The Bulldogs are looking for a similar turnaround after losing their third straight with Tuesday's 87-83 setback against Georgetown in the opener of a three-game homestand. They've given up an average of 90.3 points during the slide, which has dropped them behind Providence in the Big East and cast some doubt on their NCAA Tournament chances. Butler lost 70-60 at Providence on Jan. 15, shooting 34.9 percent in its worst offensive effort in conference play.

TV: Noon ET, FOX

ABOUT PROVIDENCE (17-9, 8-5 Big East): Kyron Cartwright leads the Big East with six assists per game and he paced the Friars with 17 points in the win over Villanova. Four others scored in double figures, including the team's top scorer in Rodney Bullock (14.6), who had 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting after going 6-for-21 over his previous three contests. Jalen Lindsey hit 3-of-6 from 3-point range and ranks second in the conference at 46 percent from beyond the arc, including 3-for-5 en route to 13 points in the earlier matchup with Butler.

ABOUT BUTLER (17-10, 7-7): Each opponent during the three-game losing streak has shot over 50 percent from the field, including a 58.8 percent showing from the Hoyas. "This one, we've really got to inspect and just think about who we want to be moving forward, how we're going to play, and how we're going to fight," coach LaVall Jordan told the media. "I think it's going to be together. We have to do it. It can't just be talk." Kelan Martin, who is third in the Big East in scoring (20.7), had 22 points on 8-of-23 shooting against Georgetown and is averaging 28 points over his last four games.

TIP-INS

1. Bulldogs F Tyler Wideman had 19 points while shooting 7-for-9 from the field against Georgetown and leads the Big East in field goal percentage (69.5).

2. Cartwright needs 22 points to join the 1,000-point club at Providence and just one assist to become the third Friar to record 600 for his career.

3. Providence has won three of four games at Butler.

PREDICTION: Butler 79, Providence 77