Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04-18-18 | Pacers v. Cavs -7.5 | 97-100 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on Cleveland minus the points over Indiana at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. I've long supported the angle that the SU winner generally covers the spread (and vice versa) in games involving Lebron James-led teams in the playoffs. In other words, pick the SU winner and you usually have the ATS winner as well. The Pacers not only covered the number in Game 1 of this series but they won outright as well. Now I look for the Cavs to return the favor after having a couple of days to stew on that ugly result. There's no question we're being asked to lay a rather steep number here considering how good the Pacers looked on Sunday, but I believe the line is warranted. Take Cleveland (10*). |
|||||||
04-17-18 | Pelicans v. Blazers -6 | 111-102 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on Portland minus the points over New Orleans at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. We stayed away from the opener of this series, which featured a rather surprising result with the Pelicans winning in a relatively low-scoring affair. I will get involved in Game 2 as I'm confident we'll see the Blazers bounce back and defend home court before the series shifts to New Orleans. Portland couldn't have played much worse than it did in the series opener, almost seeming surprised by the Pelicans defensive tenacity. Of course you can't really blame them after New Orleans gave up points in bunches throughout the regular season. While the Pelicans are saying all the right things leading up to this one as they try not to ease up after stealing the opener, I can't help but think that mission accomplished mentality sinks in just a little bit, enough for the Blazers to bring their 'A' game and deliver a decisive victory on Tuesday night. Take Portland (10*). |
|||||||
04-17-18 | Wizards v. Raptors UNDER 215 | 119-130 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. We missed the mark with the 'under' in the opener of this series on Saturday as the Raptors rode a barrage of three-pointers to a 114-106 victory. It was an admittedly sloppy performance from the Wizards defensively, one that I expect them to clean up a bit on Game 2 on Tuesday night. On the flip side, the Raptors didn't do a great job of containing the Wizards dynamic duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal - Wall in particular, as he scored 23 points and added 15 assists. Look for the Raps to do a better job of matching the Wizards speed on Tuesday night. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
04-16-18 | Heat v. 76ers OVER 215 | Top | 113-103 | Win | 100 | 23 h 21 m | Show |
NBA First Round Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Miami and Philadelphia at 8:05 pm et on Monday. I really like the way this total sets up on Monday night. We saw 233 total points in the series opener on Saturday with the 76ers facing little resistance en route to a 130-point performance. For their part, the Heat looked various shades of awful, struggling to knock down shots for much of the game. Yet, they still managed to score 103 points. I certainly expect to see the Heat improve offensively on Monday night but I'm not convinced they can do anything to slow down Ben Simmons and the 76ers offense. Philadelphia won't get center Joel Embiid back for this game and that actually works well for our purposes with the 'over'. The scoring will die down a bit as this series progresses, especially if the 76ers have to adjust to bringing Embiid back in the lineup but that won't happen on Monday. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
04-15-18 | Wolves v. Rockets -11 | 101-104 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on Houston minus the points over Minnesota at 9:05 pm et on Sunday. I'll lay the points with the Rockets on Sunday night as they begin their quest to ultimately dethrone the Warriors in the Western Conference. Minnesota battled hard in the final week of the season to eke into the playoffs, thanks to an overtime win over Denver on the final night of the regular season. I'm not sure they'll be able to keep that momentum going here though as they struggled mightily against the Rockets throughout the season, dropping all four meetings with the closest of those losses coming by nine points on their home floor. The Rockets have dropped the cash in six of their last seven games overall heading into the playoffs but that was of little consequence as they were just looking to stay healthy. This is certainly a favorable matchup for Houston and I look for it to make a statement right out of the gates. Take Houston (10*). |
|||||||
04-14-18 | Wizards v. Raptors UNDER 211 | 106-114 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Toronto at 5:35 pm et on Saturday. I'll back the 'under' at Air Canada Centre on Saturday evening. The Wizards easily disposed of the Raptors in four games three years ago, the last time these two teams met up in the playoffs. Obviously both teams are in much different places now with the Raptors heavily favored to return the favor. I'm not sure that we're going to see a track meet right out of the gates. The Wizards didn't exactly finish the regular season with a full head of steam, while the Raptors playoff history, particularly early in the postseason leaves a lot to be desired. Look for the Raptors to do a fine job of locking down on the Wizards this time around. If this were the regular season this total might look a little low, but in a playoff game between two familiar foes, I expect to see some defense. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
04-09-18 | Pelicans v. Clippers +6.5 | Top | 113-100 | Loss | -107 | 26 h 48 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over New Orleans at 10:35 pm et on Monday. The Pelicans are coming off a huge upset win in Oakland on Saturday night, beating the Warriors to improve their playoff standing. I look for them to stumble on Monday, however, as they head to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers. L.A. has dropped back-to-back games and four of its last five contests overall. The Clips are out of the playoff hunt but should relish playing the role of spoiler on Monday night. We're being given a considerable cushion with the home underdog in this spot and I believe they have a shot at the outright victory. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
|||||||
04-07-18 | Pelicans v. Warriors OVER 225.5 | 126-120 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between New Orleans and Golden State at 8:35 pm et on Saturday. I'm anticipating a track meet in Oakland on Saturday night. The Pelicans are battling for their playoff lives and fresh off a 122-point performance in Phoenix I'm confident they'll be able to get out and run again in this matchup. Meanwhile, the Warriors are coming off a loss in Indiana and should have little trouble bouncing back against a porous Pelicans defense on Saturday night. We're dealing with a high total in this matchup, but it's certainly warranted. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
04-05-18 | Wolves v. Nuggets OVER 224.5 | 96-100 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Denver at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. I'll back the 'over' in Denver on Thursday night. I'm not sure where the defense is going to come from in this matchup. Keep in mind, the most recent meeting between these two teams finished up 128-125 in favor of Minnesota back in late December. The T'Wolves have been struggling a bit offensively of late but should bounce back against a porous Nuggets defense on Thursday. Denver, meanwhile, continues to roll along having put up 100 points or more in every game going back to March 19th. The Nuggets have scored over 120 points on four different occasions over that stretch. Expect a track meet in the late game on Thursday night. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
04-03-18 | Raptors v. Cavs -1 | 106-112 | Win | 100 | 22 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on Cleveland minus the points over Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Cavs have dropped just one game since St. Patrick's Day while the Raptors have played arguably their worst and most inconsistent basketball of the season since that date. It's going to take quite an effort for the Raps to come away victorious in Cleveland on Tuesday. I'm just not sure they have enough in the tank right now to prevail. The Cavs are brimming with confidence. They can make another big statement against one of the teams they're going to have to contend with in order to earn another trip to the Finals in June. At this stage of the season, I simply feel that Cleveland is the superior team and playing at home, I look for it to hold serve. Take Cleveland (10*). |
|||||||
04-02-18 | Michigan v. Villanova -6.5 | 62-79 | Win | 100 | 25 h 17 m | Show | |
My selection is on Villanova minus the points over Michigan at 9:20 pm et on Monday. We've been backing Villanova each game going back to the Elite Eight and I see little reason to jump ship now. The Wildcats appear poised for their second national title in three years, and I don't expect the pointspread to come into play against Michigan on Monday night. Credit the Wolverines for rallying from a big second half deficit against a game Loyola-Chicago squad on Saturday night but the challenge will be a little tougher this time around. Villanova has been relentless over the course of this tournament, suffering just a few brief lapses. Look for the Wildcats to win this one going away. Take Villanova (10*). |
|||||||
04-01-18 | Thunder v. Pelicans +1 | 109-104 | Loss | -102 | 21 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on New Orleans plus the points over Oklahoma City at 6:05 pm et on Sunday. I'll back the Pelicans on Sunday evening as they aim to end their three-game losing streak against the Thunder. New Orleans may have dropped three straight games coming in but there's really no shame in that skid as those losses came against the Rockets, Blazers and Cavs - three of the league's best teams. They'll face another tough test here, but I'm confident they'll be up for it. Note that the Thunder have also lost three straight games, including a tough one-point setback against the Nuggets last time out. In fact, their last three losses have come by a combined margin of only eight points. Nothing is going their way right now and I look for their woes to continue in the Big Easy. Take New Orleans (10*). |
|||||||
03-31-18 | Kansas v. Villanova -5 | Top | 79-95 | Win | 100 | 24 h 1 m | Show |
Final Four Game of the Year. My selection is on Villanova minus the points over Kansas at 8:45 pm et on Saturday. Villanova was my pick to cut down the nets in April at the start of this tournament and I'm certainly going to stick with that prediction now that the Wildcats have reached the Final Four. The Wildcats were certainly challenged in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight last weekend, but passed both tests. Of course, Kansas was in a similar boat, including an instant classic against Duke last Sunday afternoon. But Villanova is favored for a reason in this one. Kansas is certainly a formidable opponent, after all the Jayhawks are a one-seed. I'm just not convinced the Jayhawks can hang within arm's reach of the Wildcats for 40 minutes on Saturday night. The Wildcats have the look of a championship squad once again under Jay Wright, and I look for them to post a convincing win on their way to Monday's title game. Take Villanova (10*). |
|||||||
03-30-18 | Clippers +6 v. Blazers | 96-105 | Loss | -105 | 25 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Portland at 10:35 pm et on Friday. The Clippers have won three games in a row and I don't think we'll see them simply roll over in Portland on Friday night. The Blazers have dropped three of their last five games overall including a shocking loss in Memphis last time out. Portland simply isn't an elite team, even if many were ready to buy in a couple of weeks ago. This game is nothing more than a toss-up as far as I'm concerned. I'll gladly grab all the points I can get with the underdog Clips. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
|||||||
03-28-18 | Cavs v. Hornets +1.5 | 118-105 | Loss | -103 | 22 h 50 m | Show | |
My selection is on Charlotte plus the points over Cleveland at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. I don't expect the Hornets to back down from the challenge posted by the Cavaliers on Wednesday night in Charlotte. The Hornets come into this game riding a four-game winning streak while the Cavs are in a tough spot having played in an emotional contest in Miami last night. This will be Cleveland's third game (in three different cities) in the last four nights. All the Hornets really have to hang their hat on at this point is playing the spoiler role against playoff-bound opponents. I don't think there's any question they'll be up for this contest. Take Charlotte (10*). |
|||||||
03-27-18 | Blazers v. Pelicans OVER 221.5 | 107-103 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Portland and New Orleans at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. We missed the mark with the 'over' in the Blazers last game, a narrow victory over the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Sunday night. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Tuesday, however, as the Blazers continue their trip in New Orleans. Portland may be a little road weary but it catches a break facing a weak defensive squad in the Pelicans here. On the flip side, New Orleans will want to use this as a measuring stick game and I certainly don't expect it to hold anything back. Both of these teams are accustomed to getting involved in track meets and I expect nothing different in this spot. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-26-18 | Nuggets v. 76ers OVER 223 | 104-123 | Win | 100 | 23 h 59 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Denver and Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Monday. I'll back the 'over' in Philadelphia on Monday night. The last meeting between these two teams came in late December and feels like an eternity ago now. That contest totaled just 209 points, which helps keep this total in check. A lot has changed for both squads and both come in playing with confidence and ready to get out and run. Simply put, don't count on a lot of hard-nosed defensive play in this contest. The 76ers have scored at least 118 points in five of six games during their current winning streak. Look for them to set the pace again in this one, and for the Nuggets to follow suit. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-25-18 | Blazers v. Thunder OVER 216 | Top | 108-105 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Portland and Oklahoma City at 7:05 pm et on Sunday. I'll back the 'over' in Oklahoma City on Sunday night. Neither team is coming off a tremendous offensive effort, but I expect both to respond positively in this key late season Western Conference showdown. Both teams have certainly been putting up big points in recent weeks, and throughout the season. Yet, the last time they met back on March 3rd we saw only 208 total points in an eight-point Blazers victory. That's a big reason why this total hasn't gotten to an unreasonable level. Prior to being held to just 100 points last time out, the Blazers had scored at least 111 points in six of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Thunder have scored just 100 and 105 points in their last two contests, but had put up 119, 121 and 132 points in their previous three. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-25-18 | Clippers +8 v. Raptors | 117-106 | Win | 100 | 10 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Toronto at 6:05 pm et on Sunday. The Raptors suffered a tough loss in Cleveland earlier in the week but did bounce back with a narrow victory over Brooklyn on Friday. That close call against the lowly Nets tells me the Raps weren't quite over that loss to the Cavs, and now with another sneaky-tough matchup on deck against the Clippers on Sunday, I'm not anticipating a dominating victory on Sunday evening. The Clips have dropped five of their last six games overall, coming at the most inopportune time. They can end this road trip with a 2-2 split though and I believe that will be motivation enough for them to at least stick around against the sleep-walking Raptors on Sunday evening. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
|||||||
03-25-18 | Texas Tech v. Villanova -6.5 | 59-71 | Win | 100 | 7 h 49 m | Show | |
My selection is on Villanova minus the points over Texas Tech at 2:20 pm et on Saturday. We won with the Wildcats on Friday night as they pulled away late for a win and cover against West Virginia. I'm not sure that they'll find themselves in as much trouble on Sunday as they outmatch Texas Tech from the opening tipoff. Credit the Red Raiders for getting to this point. I considered them to be over-seeded as a number three entering this tournament but they've proved me wrong to this point. On the flip side, though, I picked Villanova to cut down the nets in April and this is a team that appears to be getting stronger with each passing game. Look for Jay Wright's squad to turn in another fine performance on Sunday afternoon as the Wildcats dance their way into the Final Four in convincing fashion. Take Villanova (10*). |
|||||||
03-24-18 | Florida State v. Michigan -3.5 | Top | 54-58 | Win | 100 | 7 h 46 m | Show |
Elite Eight Game of the Year. My selection is on Michigan minus the points over Florida State at 8:45 pm et on Saturday. I'll lay the points with Big Blue on Saturday night. I had Michigan as a Final Four team at the outset of this tournament and I'm not about to change my opinion now. I believe the Wolverines catch a favorable draw here thanks to the Seminoles upset win on Thursday. While I do feel the Seminoles can keep pace for a while in this game, it will be Michigan's outside shooting that takes over as the 'Noles wear down in the second half. I actually had this number close to -6/-6.5 but the betting marketplace is fairly high on Florida State after the upset over Gonzaga. The Bulldogs were vulnerable. The Wolverines are not. Take Michigan (10*). |
|||||||
03-23-18 | Texas Tech v. Purdue -1.5 | 78-65 | Loss | -108 | 26 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on Purdue minus the points over Texas Tech at 9:55 pm et on Friday. Texas Tech needed everything it had to get through the opening weekend of this tournament, facing stiff challenges from both Stephen F. Austin and Florida. Now the Red Raiders will step up in class against Purdue, and I believe this will prove to be the end of the line. The Boilermakers faced some adversity at the start of this tournament, losing their starting center, a big part of what they do at both ends of the floor. But they persevered in the opening two rounds, including a victory over a game Butler squad last time out. Now the Boilers' catch a favorable draw against Texas Tech and we're being asked to lay a very reasonable number. Take Purdue (10*). |
|||||||
03-23-18 | West Virginia v. Villanova -4.5 | 78-90 | Win | 100 | 23 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on Villanova minus the points over West Virginia at 7:25 pm et on Friday. I picked Villanova to win it all prior to the start of this tournament and I stand by that pick as we work through the Sweet 16. This is undoubtedly a tough matchup for the Wildcats but I also believe the Mountaineers will draw the right level of motivation and focus out of Jay Wright's squad. This is actually the type of game the Wildcats probably need after cruising past Radford and Alabama. Meanwhile, I felt that West Virginia overachieved in blowout wins over Murray State and Marshall. Look for Villanova to impose its will as this game wears on. Take Villanova (10*). |
|||||||
03-22-18 | Kansas State v. Kentucky -5 | 61-58 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on Kentucky minus the points over Kansas State at 9:35 pm et on Thursday. Kansas State has had a fortunate draw to reach the Sweet 16, first facing a Creighton squad that has fallen off in recent years, and then UMBC, a 16-seed that shocked the nation with a win over Virginia in the opening round. Now things get tough on the Wildcats as they face John Calipari's Kentucky squad, which has seemingly been flying under the radar to this point, but looks well-positioned to continue its run toward the Final Four. As usual, the Wildcats of Kentucky are a young team, loaded with blue chip NBA prospects. But unlike recent Kentucky teams, this one seems to play with a bit more of an edge, and with a lot more grit. Kansas State isn't an 'easy out' by any means, but I'm confident we'll see UK put its stamp on this game in the second half and ultimately pull away for a comfortable victory. Take Kentucky (10*). |
|||||||
03-22-18 | Texas A&M v. Michigan -2.5 | 72-99 | Win | 100 | 23 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on Michigan minus the points over Texas A&M at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. I'll lay the short number with the Wolverines as they aim to dispose of the Aggies and continue on a favorable path toward the Final Four. Things have really opened up for Michigan in the West Region with the top two seeds going down (including number two UNC falling at the hands of Texas A&M). I wasn't particularly high on A&M at the start of this tournament, fading the Aggies against Providence in the opening round. Of course, that didn't work out well but I'm not going to stray from my original thinking here. I believe that Michigan is a team built for tournament success and I'm confident this is the year they get back to the Final Four. There's little doubt this will be a tightly-contested affair, but it's the Wolverines that I expect to make the clutch plays down the stretch. I had the Aggies as an over-seeded squad last week and they find themselves overmatched on Thursday. Take Michigan (10*). |
|||||||
03-22-18 | Loyola-Chicago v. Nevada -1 | Top | 69-68 | Loss | -106 | 22 h 18 m | Show |
Sweet 16 Game of the Year. My selection is on Nevada over Loyola-Chicago at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. Loyola-Chicago has taken its rightful place as this year's Cinderella team, advancing to the Sweet 16 to face another upstart in Nevada on Thursday night. I simply feel that the Wolf Pack are the superior team in this matchup and having cashed with them in their stunning come-from-behind win over Cincinnati last Sunday, I won't hesitate to go back to the well with them again here. I certainly don't believe we're going to see Nevada give the Ramblers as much open floor space as Loyola's first two opponents in this tournament did. The Wolf Pack are a character team that has certainly taken their cue from their head coach, whose spirited post-game antics have gained national attention. Loyola will get plenty of support from casual bettors here, but I believe it will be Nevada that keeps on dancing at the end of the night on Thursday. Take Nevada (10*). |
|||||||
03-21-18 | Wizards +5 v. Spurs | 90-98 | Loss | -108 | 25 h 2 m | Show | |
My selection is on Washington plus the points over San Antonio at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday. I'll grab the points with the Wizards as they catch the Spurs in a letdown spot following a double-digit win over the undermanned Warriors on Monday night. San Antonio won that game in a rout - at least that's what the final score would seem to indicate. However, the fact is, the Warriors stuck around for three quarters in that contests, and the Spurs couldn't even break 90 points. The Wizards come into this game off of back-to-back wins and I believe they'll consider this to be a winnable contest as well. Take Washington (10*). |
|||||||
03-21-18 | Wizards v. Spurs OVER 203.5 | 90-98 | Loss | -105 | 25 h 56 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and San Antonio at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday. I'll back the 'over' in San Antonio on Wednesday night. The Wizards have scored north of 100 points in six straight games and I believe they'll be able to bait the Spurs into a high-scoring affair on Wednesday as well. San Antonio is coming off a sloppy game against the undermanned Warriors on Monday night, scoring just 89 points in an eventual victory. The Spurs did hold the Warriors to only 75 points but Golden State was missing Curry, Durant and Thompson among others. Here, the Spurs won't be so fortunate. I'm expecting both offenses to show up in this one. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-20-18 | Rockets v. Blazers +4.5 | Top | 115-111 | Win | 100 | 26 h 42 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Portland plus the points over Houston at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. Solid value with the underdog Blazers on Tuesday night as they'll undoubtedly be up for a showdown against the Rockets. Much has been made of Houston's winning ways but Portland has been just as hot lately, reeling off 13 consecutive victories. I don't expect the Blazers to back down in the face of a serious challenge on Tuesday. Houston survived a wild one in Minnesota on Sunday night, ultimately winning by a 129-120 score. James Harden was banged-up in that contest but stayed in and guided the first place Rockets to yet another win. I simply feel that things will get tougher on Tuesday night and I'm not sure Houston should be laying as many points as it is given it will be playing its third game in four nights on the road and undoubtedly peeking ahead to a five-game homestand that waits on deck. Take Portland (10*). |
|||||||
03-19-18 | Warriors v. Spurs OVER 206 | 75-89 | Loss | -105 | 25 h 17 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Golden State and San Antonio at 9:35 pm et on Monday. I'll back the 'over' in San Antonio on Monday night. The Warriors are of course without a number of key cogs, including Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson. They still managed to put up 120+ points last time out, however, cruising past the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. While I'm not sure they'll be able to keep up with the Spurs for four quarters on Monday night, I'm also not sure that San Antonio warrants being in such a steep pointspread range. With that being said, I am confident we'll see a high-scoring affair between these two Western Conference rivals. The Spurs have reeled off three straight wins, scoring 117 points against a quality T'Wolves squad last time out. They're not likely to ease up on the Warriors as I expect to see them push the pace at every opportunity. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-18-18 | Nevada +8 v. Cincinnati | Top | 75-73 | Win | 100 | 21 h 24 m | Show |
Second Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Nevada plus the points over Cincinnati at 6:10 pm et on Sunday. I'll grab the points with the Wolf Pack as they take on two-seed Cincinnati on Sunday evening. The Wolf Pack didn't bring their 'A' game against Texas on Friday but still managed to rally from a 14-point deficit to ultimately prevail in overtime. It was a gutsy win that I believe will have some carry-over effect into Sunday's matchup with the Bearcats. Cincinnati has cruised over the last month or so, last losing a game against Wichita State on February 18th. The Bearcats really weren't challenged by Georgia State in the opening round but they will be here. The oddsmakers are giving us a generous helping of points with the Wolf Pack, and I'll gladly take it in a game that could go either way. Take Nevada (10*). |
|||||||
03-18-18 | Texas A&M v. North Carolina -6 | 86-65 | Loss | -107 | 20 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on North Carolina minus the points over Texas A&M at 5:15 pm et on Sunday. We missed the mark fading the Aggies on Friday as they managed to get past Providence in a tightly-contested affair. I don't believe they'll be so fortunate on Sunday, however, as they get a tough draw against North Carolina. The Tar Heels are a legitimate threat to cut down the nets in April but aren't getting a ton of love from the betting marketplace, as evidenced by the relatively short line we're dealing with here. I simply feel that UNC will be able to run A&M out of the gym on Sunday night, as their athleticism proves too much in this particular matchup. Take North Carolina (10*). |
|||||||
03-17-18 | Florida +2 v. Texas Tech | 66-69 | Loss | -106 | 23 h 56 m | Show | |
My selection is on Florida plus the points over Texas Tech at 8:40 pm et on Saturday. I didn't expect Florida to get past St. Bonaventure in the opening round of this tournament but now that the Gators have accomplished that, I believe they have a favorable path to advance to the Sweet 16. We cashed a ticket fading Texas Tech in the opening round as the Red Raiders had some trouble putting away Stephen F. Austin. Things certainly won't get any easier against an athletic Gators squad that had little trouble brushing aside the Bonnies. I simply feel that Texas Tech is an over-seeded squad in this tournament and the wrong team is favored in this matchup. Take Florida (10*). |
|||||||
03-17-18 | Alabama +11 v. Villanova | 58-81 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on Alabama plus the points over Villanova at 12:10 pm et on Saturday. Simply too many points being given to the Crimson Tide in this one. Yes, Villanova looked good in its opening round blowout victory. And yes, the Wildcats are an extremely popular pick to cut down the nets in April. But Alabama is no pushover, and after a strong showing in the opening round, I look for the Crimson Tide to give the Wildcats all they can handle on Saturday afternoon. I never like these early start times for big favorites. I won't be surprised if the Wildcats get off to a sleepy start which may be all Alabama needs to stick around and make things difficult on the number one seed. Take Alabama (10*). |
|||||||
03-16-18 | Murray State +10.5 v. West Virginia | 68-85 | Loss | -104 | 28 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on Murray State plus the points over West Virginia at 4 pm et on Friday. The Mountaineers have become accustomed to getting involved in tight opening round battles against presumably weaker opponents in recent years in this tournament and I’m expecting a similar story to unfold against Murray State on Friday. Of course, the Racers are no strangers to this tournament, making their 15th appearance all-time. They enter this tournament having won 13 games in a row. Note that Murray State has won its last two opening round games, albeit back in 2010 and 2012. West Virginia is a good team without question, having already defeated number one overall seed Virginia this season. The Mountaineers are capable of going on a deep tournament run but I’m just not convinced they’ll get off easy on opening weekend. We’re being given a generous helping of points with a team that not only feels it can compete, but can stage the upset on Friday afternoon. Take Murray State (10*). |
|||||||
03-16-18 | Butler -1.5 v. Arkansas | 79-62 | Win | 100 | 27 h 2 m | Show | |
My selection is on Butler minus the points over Arkansas at 3:10 pm et on Friday. This looks like a case of a couple of mis-seeded teams if you believe the betting marketplace. Butler finds itself as the favorite at the time of posting, despite the fact that it comes in as the lower-ranked squad in this matchup. And rightfully so, in my opinion. I don’t think we’ll see the Bulldogs get rattled by the Razorbacks relentless defensive pressure. They’re battle-tested coming out of the Big East – one of six teams from the conference to reach the tournament, including two number one seeds. I’m not as high on Arkansas, or the SEC for that matter, noting that the Razorbacks fell in the SEC Tournament semi-finals against Tennessee. While most expect this to be a high-scoring affair, I actually expect to see the Bulldogs frustrate the Hogs offense throughout. Take Butler (10*). |
|||||||
03-16-18 | Providence +2.5 v. Texas A&M | Top | 69-73 | Loss | -114 | 24 h 9 m | Show |
Opening Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Providence plus the points over Texas A&M at 12:15 pm et on Friday. Providence is in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year and I look for the Friars to make the most of their appearance. Credit the Friars for their Big East Tournament run last week, upsetting a number one seed in this tournament, Xavier before falling to another top seed, Villanova, in the final. I like the way Providence has battled all season long and believe this is a team capable of turning some heads in this tourney. Meanwhile, Texas A&M is back in the tournament after missing out last year and I simply feel the Aggies inconsistency over the course of the season will resurface on Friday afternoon. Note that the Aggies are just 11-14 SU all-time in the NCAA Tournament. While that has little bearing on the outcome of Friday’s contest, let’s consider the fact that this team started the campaign with a stellar 11-1 mark before going 9-11 the rest of the way. They probably deserved a better fate in the SEC Tournament as they fell to Alabama on a last second basket but a loss is a loss and I don’t believe they carry a great deal of positive momentum in this matchup. Take Providence (10*). |
|||||||
03-15-18 | St Bonaventure +5.5 v. Florida | 62-77 | Loss | -105 | 35 h 8 m | Show | |
My selection is on St. Bonaventure plus the points over Florida at 9:55 pm et on Thursday. The Bonnies needed to outlast UCLA in a play-in game on Tuesday night just to get into the NCAA Tournament but now that they’re here, I look for them to make a little noise. St. Bonaventure draws a favorable matchup, in my opinion, against Florida. The Gators exited the SEC Tournament with a whimper, falling 80-72 against Arkansas in their first game. That ended a three-game winning streak which came on the heels of a three-game skid. In other words, the Gators have been inconsistent in recent weeks, not the way you want to enter the Big Dance, certainly not against an capable opponent like St. Bonaventure. The Bonnies ran into a red hot shooting Davidson suqad in the A-10 Tournament semi-final, as the Wildcats rode 16 made three-pointers to victory. That marked the Bonnies first loss since January 19th. The win over UCLA was obviously just what the doctor ordered and now I’m confident St. Bonaventure can go on a bit of a run. Florida reached the Elite Eight a year ago but I don’t believe it’s the Gators time in 2018. Take St. Bonaventure (10*). |
|||||||
03-15-18 | Stephen F Austin +11.5 v. Texas Tech | 60-70 | Win | 100 | 32 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on Stephen F. Austin plus the points over Texas Tech at 7:25 pm et on Thursday. The Red Raiders are laying an awful lot of points for a program that hasn’t advanced past the opening round of the NCAA Tournament since reaching the Sweet 16 in 2005. Playing this game in Dallas will certainly help the Red Raiders cause, but the same goes for SFA. The Lumberjacks haven’t lost to an opponent other than Lamar since falling by a 100-92 score at Central Arkansas back on January 24th. I like the way the Lumberjacks have been able to win games with their offense and their defense. They scored a combined 164 points in two Southland Conference Tournament wins before allowing only 55 in a slugfest win over Southeast Louisiana in the championship game. Texas Tech enters having lost five of its last seven games overall, topping 74 points only once over that stretch. Look for a closer game than most are expecting on Thursday evening in Dallas. Take Stephen F. Austin (10*). |
|||||||
03-15-18 | South Dakota State +8 v. Ohio State | 73-81 | Push | 0 | 29 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on South Dakota State plus the points over Ohio State at 4 pm et on Thursday. South Dakota State certainly has no shortage of motivation as it enters this tournament for the fifth time in the last seven years, still having not managed to record a single victory. It seems like every year the Jackrabbits are a popular upset pick in the opening round and this March is no different. With that being said, I do expect them to hang with an overrated Buckeyes squad on Thursday afternoon. Ohio State wasn’t expected to contend for a Big Ten title in 2018 but managed to finish tied for second in the conference despite limping to the finish line. Unlike past editions of the Jackrabbits, I don’t think there’s a real intimidation factor at play this year. South Dakota State truly believes it can hang with Ohio State and that’s really half the battle when it comes to the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. We’re being given a generous cushion in a game that I believe could go either way on Thursday afternoon. Take South Dakota State (10*). |
|||||||
03-15-18 | Loyola-Chicago +2 v. Miami-FL | 64-62 | Win | 100 | 28 h 4 m | Show | |
My selection is on Loyola-Chicago plus the points over Miami at 3:10 pm et on Thursday. The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers are certainly a popular upset pick in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament but that doesn’t mean they’re a bad pick. I believe Miami is ripe for an upset, keeping in mind this is a team that started the season with a perfect 10-0 record before going just 12-9 the rest of the way. The Hurricanes were not surprisingly outclassed by North Carolina in the ACC Tournament last week, bringing an end to a four-game winning streak. While I do feel the ‘Canes have a lot going for them, they draw a tough opponent in the Ramblers. Loyola-Chicago is fresh off a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title and hasn’t lost a game since January 31st at Bradley. While the Ramblers were solid offensively throughout the regular season, they had to rely on some hard-nosed defense to run the table in the MVC Tourney, allowing 50, 54 and 49 points in three victories. They’ll face a tougher test here against a Miami squad that believes it can go on a run, but I look for the Ramblers to prevail. Take Loyola-Chicago (10*). |
|||||||
03-15-18 | Wright State +12.5 v. Tennessee | 47-73 | Loss | -107 | 26 h 34 m | Show | |
My selection is on Wright State plus the points over Tennessee at 12:40 pm et on Thursday. I’ll grab the points with Wright State in an underdog role against Tennessee as the NCAA Tournament tips off on Thursday afternoon. Since starting the season with three consecutive losses, Wright State has gone on a 25-6 tear, culminating with a Horizon League Tournament championship. The fact that the Raiders went 0-2 against tournament-bound opponents during the regular season has many bettors hesitating to back them here, but I’m confident they can give the upstart Vols a considerable run on Thursday. Tennessee reached the SEC Tournament championship game last weekend, falling by five points to Kentucky. Head coach Rick Barnes has admitted that a grueling SEC schedule has been tough on the Vols this season and while many see them as being battle-tested, I’m not sure how much they have left in the tank entering this tournament. Look for the Raiders to stay within arm’s reach on Thursday afternoon. Take Wright State (10*). |
|||||||
03-14-18 | Heat v. Kings +6.5 | 119-123 | Win | 100 | 14 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over Miami at 10:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Heat have dropped eight consecutive games on the road and I'm not sure they belong in this price range against a Kings squad that has been at the very least playing competitive basketball lately. Sacramento comes in off of back-to-back losses but that's the first time it has dropped consecutive games since a five-game losing skid in late February. It's worth noting that the Kings last two losses came on the road, and in those games they still managed to score over 100 points. Miami continues to battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference but this is precisely the type of matchup that should draw motivation from the lottery-bound Kings. Maybe the Heat bust out of their road slump but I'm not convinced they'll be able to win by margin. Take Sacramento (10*). |
|||||||
03-14-18 | Bucks v. Magic +8.5 | 117-126 | Win | 100 | 11 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on Orlando plus the points over Milwaukee at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. We won with the Bucks on Monday as they rolled to a blowout win in Memphis. I won't hesitate to switch gears on Wednesday, however, as Milwaukee rounds out its brief two-game road trip with a stop in Orlando. The Magic will have no shortage of motivation following a disappointing five-game road trip that saw them go winless - book-ended by a pair of blowout losses including a 36-point beatdown at the hands of the Spurs on Tuesday. While this is a tough back-to-back spot for Orlando, that has certainly been factored into this line. Note that the Bucks won by only seven points in the most recent matchup between these two teams back on February 10th. Milwaukee checks into this one just 4-6 over its last 10 contests. Take Orlando (10*). |
|||||||
03-13-18 | Clippers -6 v. Bulls | 112-106 | Push | 0 | 23 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on Los Angeles minus the points over Chicago at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Clippers are coming off a missed ATS cover against the Magic at home but that came on the heels of a big double-digit victory over Lebron and the Cavs. Here, I look for L.A. to have little trouble getting past the lowly Bulls in Chicago. The Clippers have played well with little fanfare this season. With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin out of the picture, the Clips are light on star power, but that seems to actually work in their favor. I don't think we'll see them overlook the Bulls on Tuesday night as they can ill afford to slip up in the middle of the Western Conference playoff hunt. We're being asked to lay a reasonable number with the Clips here. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
|||||||
03-12-18 | Bucks -7 v. Grizzlies | 121-103 | Win | 100 | 23 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on Milwaukee minus the points over Memphis at 8:05 pm et on Monday. The Grizzlies are an absolute mess right now, having dropped 17 games in a row. There's really no end to this tank in sight and I certainly don't expect the playoff-hungry Bucks to lay down for them on Monday night. I actually feel this line could be closer to double-digits with the Grizzlies fresh off a 34-point loss to the Mavs on Saturday night. Maybe Memphis sticks around for a while in this one, but it should only be a matter of time before Milwaukee exerts its will. Take Milwaukee (10*). |
|||||||
03-11-18 | Rockets v. Mavs +12.5 | 105-82 | Loss | -100 | 22 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Houston at 7:05 pm et on Sunday. The Rockets saw their long winning streak come to an end in Toronto on Friday night and while they may bounce back with a win here, I'm not convinced they win by margin. Houston is leading the Western Conference for now, but I'm not sure that's how things will stand once the regular season comes to a close. Simply put, I believe the Rockets are laying too many points in this spot. Everyone is gunning for the Rockets right now, and while the Mavs are in full-on tank mode, I expect them to put forth a competitive effort on Sunday afternoon at home. Take Dallas (10*). |
|||||||
03-10-18 | Wizards v. Heat UNDER 207 | 102-129 | Loss | -121 | 10 h 6 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Miami at 7:35 pm et on Saturday. I don't think anything will come easy for the Wizards on Saturday night in Miami. The Heat have played their best basketball of the season since re-acquiring Dwyane Wade and are fresh off a big home win over the 76ers on Thursday night (we won with Miami in that contest). I certainly don't expect the Heat to back down from Saturday's challenge against an uneven Wizards squad. On the flip side, I'm not sure that the Heat are quite as efficient offensively as they looked in the second half against the 76ers. Look for them to suffer some offensive regression in this matchup. In what should be a tightly-contested affair, I'll back the 'under' on Saturday night. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
03-09-18 | Cavs +1.5 v. Clippers | 102-116 | Loss | -105 | 17 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on Cleveland plus the points over Los Angeles at 10:35 pm et on Friday. Lebron James pretty much single-handedly lifted the Cavs to victory over the Nuggets in a revenge spot in Denver two nights ago and I believe that was the type of performance that can send Cleveland on a bit of a run during this western road swing. There's no question Cleveland has been playing inconsistent ball lately, but can we say any more of the Clippers. They've had a few nice victories in recent weeks but have also fallen when stepping up in class against the Warriors and Rockets, and most recently suffered a 121-116 home loss at the hands of the Pelicans. This is a key game for Cleveland to keep the positive momentum building off back-to-back wins and I'm confident Lebron and co. will make the most of the opportunity. Take Cleveland (10*). |
|||||||
03-09-18 | Rockets v. Raptors +2.5 | 105-108 | Win | 100 | 13 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on Toronto plus the points over Houston at 7:35 pm et on Friday. Not a lot of respect is being given to the Raptors in this spot, despite their league-best home record and the fact that they sit atop the Eastern Conference. Yes, the Rockets look unbeatable right now, having reeled off 17 straight victories. But they're not invincible by any means. Keep in mind, Toronto has already defeated Houston once this season, on the road no less. There's no question that will add to the Rockets motivation here, but I still believe the Raps can hang with the best in the west, especially given their current form. Toronto got more of a challenge than it probably expected from the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday but ultimately found a way to win thanks to DeMar DeRozan's late-game heroics. That performance serves as a nice catapult into this showdown. All eyes will be fixed on the Air Canada Centre on Friday night and I don't expect the Raptors to disappoint. Take Toronto (10*). |
|||||||
03-09-18 | Rockets v. Raptors OVER 220 | Top | 105-108 | Loss | -107 | 13 h 28 m | Show |
NBA Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Toronto at 7:35 pm et on Friday. The Rockets are coming off a relatively low-scoring game, by their own standards, in Milwaukee on Wednesday night but I expect a return to form on Friday as they square off against the East-leading Raptors in Toronto. The Raptors aren't going to back down from the challenge at hand, as they come in playing some of their best basketball of the season. The last time they faced a real step-up game on their home floor they fell against the Warriors so you can be sure they'll be up for this one. I don't think we'll see the Raps shy away from a potential track meet here either. Unlike previous years, Toronto has the scoring depth to keep up with a team like the Rockets. This has the potential to be one of the most entertaining games of the season and we'll grab a piece of the 'over' at what I would consider a reasonable number. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-08-18 | 76ers v. Heat +1 | 99-108 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on Miami plus the points over Philadelphia at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. There's no question the Heat were given an emotional boost following the acquisition of Dwyane Wade. Even their recent losses have mostly been tight save for a blowout defeat at the hands of the Lakers. Here, I look for Miami to bounce back from another close loss in Washington as it hosts the 76ers on Thursday night. Philadelphia is fresh off a blowout road win over the Hornets which was just what the doctor ordered following a big blown opportunity in Milwaukee. I simply feel that the 76ers have been too inconsistent to trust lately, and believe the wrong team is favored in this spot. Take Miami (10*). |
|||||||
03-07-18 | Raptors v. Pistons +5.5 | 121-119 | Win | 100 | 23 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on Detroit plus the points over Toronto at 8:05 pm et on Wednesday. I'll grab all the points I can get with the Pistons as they host the Raptors on Wednesday night. Toronto had its hands full with the lowly Hawks last night, proving it will be no cake walk for the Raps down the stretch. Now Toronto hits the road on no rest to face a Pistons squad that just got embarrassed in Cleveland on Monday. I certainly expect to see Detroit play with some pride in this spot. Note that the Pistons were also embarrassed in Toronto the last time these two teams squared off. They'll have more than enough motivation on their side to hang tough with the Raps in this spot. Take Detroit (10*). |
|||||||
03-06-18 | Rockets v. Thunder OVER 222.5 | 122-112 | Win | 100 | 24 h 60 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Oklahoma City at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. As long as the oddsmakers continue to dangle relatively low totals in games involving the Rockets we'll continue to play the 'over'. We won with that play in Saturday's wild back-and-forth affair between Houston and Boston and I won't hesitate to go back to the well as the Rockets hit the road to challenge the Thunder on Tuesday. The Rockets play at such a ridiculous pace and hoist up so many three-point attempts, it takes an awfully sloppy performance to keep a game 'under' the total, regardless how high the number is. I certainly don't expect to see the Thunder back down in this one. Look for another wild, high-scoring affair between two of the Western Conference's best teams. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-05-18 | Pistons +7 v. Cavs | 90-112 | Loss | -105 | 22 h 22 m | Show | |
My selection is on Detroit plus the points over Cleveland at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The Cavs got a bit of a boost from their trade deadline shakeup but the shine seems to have worn off as they've now dropped back-to-back games and four of their last six overall. They'll be facing a highly-motivated Pistons squad on Monday night as Detroit has dropped the first two games of its current road trip. Note that the Pistons did take the most recent meeting in this series, scoring 125 points in the process back on January 30th. While the Cavs should bounce back with a win in this spot, I'm not sure they'll be able to pull away to cover the lofty pointspread. Take Detroit (10*). |
|||||||
03-04-18 | 76ers -1 v. Bucks | 110-118 | Loss | -105 | 23 h 2 m | Show | |
My selection is on Philadelphia minus the points over Milwaukee at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. These two teams are heading in opposite directions right now and I'm not convinced the Bucks can pick themselves up off the mat against the 76ers on Sunday night. Milwaukee doesn't own a considerable home court advantage as far as I'm concerned. I like the fact that the 76ers didn't let down their guard after that upset win in Cleveland on Thursday night, following it up with a 110-99 win over Charlotte on Friday. Meanwhile, the Bucks have lost four games in a row with three of those losses coming at home. Milwaukee will turn it around at some point but right now, I just don't think the Bucks are good enough. Solid value with the visiting 76ers here. Take Philadelphia (10*). |
|||||||
03-03-18 | Celtics v. Rockets OVER 216.5 | Top | 120-123 | Win | 100 | 24 h 57 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Boston and Houston at 8:35 pm et on Saturday. I'll back the 'over' in Houston on Saturday night. The Rockets are somewhat surprisingly coming off back-to-back relatively low-scoring affairs. I look for a different story to unfold on Saturday, however. The Celtics put up north of 130 points in their last game - a rout of the Hornets at home. Having won four games in a row, I don't believe they'll miss a beat here. Keep in mind, the Rockets have won a whopping 14 games in a row so they're obviously the 'hunted' at this point. They're also brimming with confidence and certainly won't back down from the Celtics. Look for this to be a highly-competitive matchup, with the final score soaring 'over' the total. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
03-02-18 | Knicks +9.5 v. Clippers | 105-128 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York plus the points over Los Angeles at 10:35 pm et on Friday. The Clippers have been playing over their heads lately as far as I'm concerned, with only three losses in their last 10 games. They did get shown up on their home floor against the Rockets on Wednesday, and while they might be able to bounce back with a win here, I simply feel they're being asked to lay too many points. The Knicks have dropped back-to-back games but those came against the Celtics and Warriors - two NBA title contenders. That, the Clippers are not. Having been idle since February 26th, look for the Knicks to come out rested and ready for this game. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
03-01-18 | 76ers v. Cavs UNDER 223 | 108-97 | Win | 100 | 24 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Philadelphia and Cleveland at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. I'll keep my analysis short and sweet for this play on Thursday night. The Cavs are coming off a predictably high-scoring game against the Nets on Tuesday - a game that was closer than most expected. Here, I look for Cleveland to set the tone with a stronger defensive effort, catching the 76ers in a tough spot, a little road weary off a gut-wrenching loss in Miami on Tuesday night. I don't anticipate seeing peak efforts offensively in this particular spot, yet we're dealing with a very high posted total. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
02-28-18 | Pelicans +5 v. Spurs | 121-116 | Win | 100 | 24 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on New Orleans plus the points over San Antonio at 8:35 pm et on Wednesday. I'll grab all the points I can get with the Pelicans on Wednesday night as they travel to face a Spurs squad that is coming off a surprising rout of the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday. Keep in mind, that win snapped a four-game losing skid for the Spurs. They have still dropped six of their last eight games overall. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have won six games in a row and are absolutely rolling offensively right now. That's not to say the Spurs won't be able to slow them down on Wednesday night, but this is a big measuring stick game for the Pelicans and I don't expect them to roll over in the face of a tough challenge. Take New Orleans (10*). |
|||||||
02-28-18 | Pelicans v. Spurs UNDER 219.5 | Top | 121-116 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 14 m | Show |
NBA Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between New Orleans and San Antonio at 8:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Pelicans have been absolutely rolling offensively over the course of their six-game winning streak but I do expect them to face some resistance against the Spurs on Wednesday night. That's not to say they can't hang tough in this game, or even keep their winning streak going, but I think we're going to see a different pace of play than the breakneck one they've settled into lately. The Spurs are coming off a big blowout win in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon, snapping a four-game losing streak in the process. Note that they had been struggling mightily defensively, but that performance against the Cavs, allowing only 94 points, should give them a bit of a shot in the arm. Look for a tightly-contested affair all the way on Wednesday night. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
02-28-18 | Bucks +2 v. Pistons | 87-110 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on Milwaukee plus the points over Detroit at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Bucks are listed as the underdog here due in large part to playing a hard-fought game against the Wizards last night. I don't believe that has much bearing on tonight's outcome, however, and it's certainly worth noting that Milwaukee ended up losing that contest. I look for the Bucks to bounce back in this spot. The Pistons have just one win over their last seven games and that came at home against the lowly Hawks. This is a team that certainly looks like it has hit a wall after a brief burst following the Blake Griffin acquisition. Off a blowout loss in Toronto I'm not sure they pick themselves up off the mat here. Take Milwaukee (10*). |
|||||||
02-27-18 | Kings +12 v. Blazers | Top | 99-116 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 8 m | Show |
NBA Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over Portland at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Kings essentially played one bad quarter at home against the T'Wolves last night, and ultimately lost by 18 points (we missed with Sacramento in that contest). That won't discourage me from going back to the well with the Kings on Tuesday, however, as we're getting even more value as they head out on the road to face the Blazers. Portland comes in off three consecutive wins, which all started with a big home victory over the Warriors. In other words, there's a good chance the Blazers look past the lowly Kings here, especially considering they'll host a much better team, the aforementioned T'Wolves on Thursday night. Off four straight losses (only one of those came by more than nine points), look for the Kings to show some pride and hang tough in the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday. Take Sacramento (10*). |
|||||||
02-26-18 | Wolves v. Kings +6 | 118-100 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over Minnesota at 10:05 pm et on Monday. The Kings have lost three games in a row, including a 113-108 setback against the Lakers on Saturday night but they catch the T'Wolves in a favorable spot on Monday as Minnesota is 'fat and happy' off a blowout win over the Bulls on Saturday night but still hasn't posted consecutive wins since defeating the Bucks and Pelicans in a three-night stretch in the first week of February. It would be easy for the young T'Wolves to look past the Kings to back-to-back games in Portland and Utah later this week. Look for Sacramento to surprise on Monday night. Take Sacramento (10*). |
|||||||
02-25-18 | Rockets v. Nuggets OVER 228 | 119-114 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Denver at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. We missed the mark with the 'over' in the Rockets last game, a win over the T'Wolves on Friday night at home. That game wasn't ultimately as competitive as I thought it would be, and as a result wasn't able to get up and over the lofty total. I expect a different story to unfold on Sunday night in Denver, however. The Rockets are certainly coming off a strong offensive showing and I don't expect them to miss a beat here but they'll without question face a challenge from a strong Nuggets offense that won't back down on its home floor. We're dealing with an even higher total than we saw on Friday, but it's warranted in this case. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
02-23-18 | Wolves v. Rockets OVER 225.5 | 102-120 | Loss | -108 | 23 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Houston at 8:05 pm et on Friday. No need to get too carried away with my analysis of this play. The fact is, both of these teams want to push the pace at every opportunity and it's unlikely we see much in the way of defense on Friday night. The last time they met on February 13th, the Rockets rolled to an 18-point victory. I expect a more competitive affair on Friday night and that lends itself to an even higher-scoring contest as far as I'm concerned. Yes, we're dealing with a high posted total but it's warranted in this case. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
02-22-18 | Clippers +11 v. Warriors | 127-134 | Win | 100 | 27 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Golden State at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. I think there's a common misconception that the Clippers were waving the white flag when they dealt Blake Griffin to the Pistons. The fact is, the Clips have actually played better since trading Griffin and having already defeated the Warriors in Oakland this season, I believe they're undervalued in this spot. The Warriors simply haven't been a good bet this season and while they'll certainly be highly-motivated to come out of the All-Star break with a win after going into it with a loss in Portland, I'm not convinced they'll be able to cover this lofty pointspread. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
|||||||
02-22-18 | Wizards v. Cavs OVER 220.5 | Top | 110-103 | Loss | -107 | 25 h 36 m | Show |
NBA Eastern Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Cleveland at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. I'll back the 'over' in Cleveland on Thursday night. Both of these teams went into the All-Star break firing on all cylinders offensively. It remains to be seen whether the break costs them their positive momentum but I'm willing to bet both pick up right where they left off and we see a track meet on Thursday night. The Wizards have actually been pushing the pace even more since losing John Wall to injury with Bradley Beal really stepping up in his absence. On the flip side, the Cavs have looked like a completely different team since their flurry of trade deadline deals. Count on an entertaining affair on Thursday. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
02-22-18 | 76ers v. Bulls +5.5 | 116-115 | Win | 100 | 24 h 17 m | Show | |
My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Philadelphia at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. I'll grab the points with the Bulls on Thursday night in Chicago. The 76ers went into the All-Star break having won five games in a row. However, I'm not sure how the break will serve this young squad. In fact, I expect it to have a negative effect as they come out of the break with a game they're expected to win in Chicago. The Bulls are certainly in a downturn but they did head into the break having split their last four contests and will be looking for something to hang their hat on as they head down the stretch. The 76ers are the best rebounding team in the NBA but the Bulls actually aren't far behind in that department. I look for Chicago to hang tough on the boards in this matchup as well and it's certainly worth noting that the 76ers rank 30th, yes 30th, in the league in turnovers per game while the Bulls check in sixth. Take Chicago (10*). |
|||||||
02-18-18 | Team LeBron -2.5 v. Team Stephen | 148-145 | Win | 100 | 11 h 13 m | Show | |
My selection is on Team LeBron minus the points over Team Stephen at 8 pm et on Sunday. I'll lay the short number with Team LeBron in Sunday's NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. This game became a little bit bigger, or perhaps I should say became put under a bit larger spotlight following the headlines made by a little-known news anchor calling out LeBron James for his political statements, telling him to 'shut up and dribble' in the process. The bottom line is, I'm anticipating a spirited affair here on Sunday night in L.A. and I'm confident we'll see LeBron James play with a little extra fire than we might normally see in such a contest. On top of that, I simply feel that the oddsmakers have got it right installing Team LeBron as a short favorite here as I simply believe LBJ has the better squad. I rarely get involved in All-Star contests, but will take a shot here. Take Team LeBron (10*). |
|||||||
02-15-18 | Nuggets v. Bucks -3 | 134-123 | Loss | -105 | 23 h 60 m | Show | |
My selection is on Milwaukee minus the points over Denver at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. I'll lay the points with the Nuggets on Thursday night. Denver is coming off back-to-back wins, with its most recent coming at home against the Spurs. Now it hits the road where it has gone a miserable 1-7 SU over its last eight games. Milwaukee has won back-to-back games even if those results were a little closer than it would have liked against the Magic and Hawks. Note that the Bucks enter this contest riding a five-game winning streak on their home floor. Take Milwaukee (10*). |
|||||||
02-14-18 | Warriors v. Blazers OVER 225.5 | 117-123 | Win | 100 | 11 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Golden State and Portland at 10:35 pm et on Wednesday. I really feel that this play comes down to whether you think the Blazers show up or not. I believe they will coming off an ugly home loss to the Jazz on Sunday. Portland certainly won't be short on motivation having dropped the last seven meetings in this series. And the pointspread really says it all as the Warriors are only laying a few buckets in this matchup. Golden State ran up the score against the lowly Suns on Monday night, scoring 129 points in a 46-point rout. I don't think they'll face a great deal of resistance against the Blazers defense on this night. We're dealing with a high posted total, but it's warranted. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
02-14-18 | Wizards v. Knicks +5 | 118-113 | Push | 0 | 22 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York plus the points over Washington at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Wizards haven't been a great bet this season and while the Knicks may be in full on tank mode right now, I still expect them to hang around and show some pride against Washington on Wednesday. Keep in mind, the Wizards are coming off a road win in Chicago. Prior to that they had lost back-to-back games so it's not as if they're rolling along. The Knicks haven't won in what seems like an eternity but they're back home following a three-game road trip and have to consider this a winnable contest. The first meeting between these two teams this season was no contest as the Wizards rolled to a 121-103 win at home. Different venue. Different result. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
02-13-18 | Heat v. Raptors OVER 207 | 112-115 | Win | 100 | 22 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Miami and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. I'll back the 'over' in Toronto on Tuesday night. The Heat are coming off a low-scoring affair at home against the Bucks on Friday, with Goran Dragic hitting just 1-of-11 shots in that contest. Expect a bounce-back offensively here, but I'm not sure Miami will have any answers for a rolling Raptors offense. Toronto absolutely blew the doors off of Charlotte on Sunday afternoon and should have little trouble keeping it rolling back at home, where it averages nearly 113 points per game this season. The Heat are averaging over 100 points per contest on the road themselves and they won't back down in this matchup. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
02-11-18 | Cavs v. Celtics -4.5 | 121-99 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Boston minus the points over Cleveland at 3:35 pm et on Sunday. Big bounce-back spot for the Celtics here as they stay home following Friday's tough loss to the Pacers to host the new-look Cavs. Cleveland may end up being stronger following its trade deadline flurry but it's not going to happen overnight. Expect some growing pains as the Cavs work their new pieces into the mix. This will be an emotional day at the Garden with the Celtics retiring Paul Pierce's number. Expect the Celtics to show up and prove why they're the top contender in the Eastern Conference. Take Boston (10*). |
|||||||
02-10-18 | Nuggets v. Suns +7.5 | 123-113 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on Phoenix plus the points over Denver at 9:05 pm et on Saturday. Quick turnaround for the Nuggets here after getting their doors blown off in Houston last night. Not sure this is the easy layup the betting marketplace is anticipating as the lowly Suns aren't going to draw a great deal of motivation from Denver. Phoenix should be able to get out and run in this game, and ultimately stay within arm's reach of an overvalued Nuggets squad. Take Phoenix (10*). |
|||||||
02-09-18 | Bucks +1.5 v. Heat | 85-91 | Loss | -103 | 12 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on Milwaukee plus the points over Miami at 8:05 pm et on Friday. I like the Bucks to add to the Heat woes on Friday night. Miami is coming off another loss, this time at the hands of the Rockets, on Wednesday night. Things won't get any easier as the Heat prepare to host a Bucks squad that will be looking for revenge after suffering a narrow loss the last time these two teams met. Miami made a splash at the trade deadline, adding veteran Dwyane Wade for a second go-round with the team. So it will likely be an emotional night in South Beach on Friday, but I'm not sure that Wade's presence will be enough. The Bucks are the superior squad, and they're playing better basketball right now. Take Milwaukee (10*). |
|||||||
02-08-18 | Mavs +12.5 v. Warriors | 103-121 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Golden State at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. The Mavs have dropped nine of their last 11 games overall but they were competitive in many of those losses and I look for them to put forth another strong effort in Oakland on Thursday night. This will wrap up a four-game road trip for Dallas, and it has only one win to its credit on the jaunt so far. Meanwhile, the Warriors come in off rare back-to-back losses leaving most bettors to believe they'll bounce back in a big way here. I'm not so sure as they simply haven't been playing close to their best basketball lately. It would be easy to overlook the Mavs here noting that the Warriors will host the Spurs on Saturday night. We're being given a generous helping of points to work with. Take Dallas (10*). |
|||||||
02-07-18 | Wolves v. Cavs +4 | 138-140 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on Cleveland plus the points over Minnesota at 8:05 pm et on Wednesday. It's time to 'buy low' with the Cavs following last night's embarrassing meltdown at the hands of the Magic in Orlando. This line has everything to do with the dire straights Lebron and co. appear to be in right now but I do see this as a good spot for Cleveland to step up and play with some pride against one of the league's emerging elite teams in the T'Wolves. Minnesota has notched back-to-back victories but both of those came at home. Note that they've dropped four games in a row on the road. And of course Cleveland certainly remembers at a 28-point beatdown it suffered at the hands of the T'Wolves in Minnesota back in early January. Despite their recent struggles, having dropped three of their last four games, the Cavs are still a top three team in the Eastern Conference and have to realize the importance of getting a win here before heading out on the road for three games. Note that Cleveland has won three of its last four games at home. In this rare opportunity to grab points with the Cavs at home, we'll give them a shot. Take Cleveland (10*). |
|||||||
02-07-18 | Rockets v. Heat +5 | Top | 109-101 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Miami plus the points over Houston at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Rockets are playing exceptionally well right now and check in to tonight's game in Miami a perfect 3-0 on their current road trip. The problem here is, they're in a back-to-back spot following a game that drew a little more energy out of them than they probably would have liked last night in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, the Heat have lost four straight games although three of those losses came on the road. They were stunned by the Magic in a 111-109 home loss on Monday which should only provide them with a little extra motivation, not that they need it, against an elite opponent on Wednesday. While Miami has a day off tomorrow before another home game on Friday against Milwaukee, the Rockets will have an eye on a return home where they'll host the Nuggets and Mavs on Friday and Sunday, respectively. While I would like to be grabbing a couple more points with the Heat in this spot, I still feel they warrant a step-up play in an underdog role given the situation. Take Miami (10*). |
|||||||
02-07-18 | Nets +9.5 v. Pistons | 106-115 | Win | 100 | 11 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on Brooklyn plus the points over Detroit at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Nets find themselves in a tough spot on paper on Wednesday night as they fell short in a track meet at home against the Rockets on Tuesday and now have to hit the road in a quick turnaround to face the surging Pistons. I simply feel Detroit is being given a little too much respect from the oddsmakers in this spot, however. Yes, the Pistons have won four games in a row but only one of those victories came in true blowout fashion, and two of them came by four points or less. It would be easy for Detroit to overlook the lowly Nets in this matchup, noting that those four wins in a row have all come on their current homestand. The Nets have lost three games in a row and seven of their last eight overall so they'll obviously be highly-motivated to get back in the win column tonight. With a three-game homestand on deck they could certainly use a shot in the arm in the form of an upset victory over the Pistons. While I'm not about to call for the outright win, I will grab all the points I can get with Brooklyn in this spot. Take Brooklyn (10*). |
|||||||
02-06-18 | Rockets v. Nets OVER 218 | 123-113 | Win | 100 | 23 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Brooklyn at 7:35 pm et on Tuesday. The Rockets are in a clear letdown spot after cruising to a 32-point rout of the Cavaliers on Saturday night. While they may let down their guard defensively and allow the Nets to hang around in this contest, I don't believe we'll see Houston let up one bit offensively, where they've obviously been extremely consistent this season. The Nets have lost back-to-back games after opening their current homestand with an impressive 116-108 win over the 76ers. This is precisely the type of spot where Brooklyn tends to show up and surprise the opposition. I'm not all that interested in grabbing the points but will call for a high-scoring track meet at Barclay's Center. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
02-03-18 | Warriors -5 v. Nuggets | 108-115 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on Golden State minus the points over Denver at 9:05 pm et on Saturday. The Nuggets are coming off a thrilling last second win over the Thunder on Thursday night but now comes the letdown against the league's best team, the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors certainly haven't been a good bet lately and they come into this game in a tough back-to-back spot after playing in Sacramento on Friday night. However, with that 30-point beatdown at the hands of the Jazz earlier in the week still fresh in their minds, I look for their best effort in Denver on Saturday. It's not as if the Nuggets have been rolling along lately, save for that victory over the Thunder two nights ago. They do check in an impressive 20-7 SU at home but the Warriors have been slightly better on the road. Take Golden State (10*). |
|||||||
02-02-18 | Jazz v. Suns +5.5 | 129-97 | Loss | -107 | 25 h 36 m | Show | |
My selection is on Phoenix plus the points over Utah at 9:05 pm et on Friday. A simple fade of the Jazz here off of their stunning 30-point rout of the Warriors. The Suns aren't playing bad basketball right now, and come off a home win over the Mavs, not to mention a day of rest. I see this as a favorable spot for Phoenix to catch Utah flat-footed, and we're being given a generous helping of points to work with. Take Phoenix (10*). |
|||||||
01-31-18 | Heat v. Cavs -3 | 89-91 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Cleveland minus the points over Miami at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. I'll lay the points with the Cavs in this spot. We're getting a favorable line here as the Cavs are playing the second of back-to-back nights. It does appear, however, that they have turned the corner, particularly at the offensive end of the floor, and they host a Heat squad that has simply been treading water lately. It's worth noting that the last time Miami faced Cleveland, it entered the game playing well, having won three in a row. It had that streak halted, dropping a 108-97 decision. Not an ideal scheduling spot for the Cavs by any means, but I like their chances on their home floor. Take Cleveland (10*). |
|||||||
01-29-18 | Celtics v. Nuggets -1 | 111-110 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on Denver minus the points over Boston at 9:05 pm et on Monday. Tough spot for the Celtics here as they're reeling and coming off a hard-fought losing effort against the Warriors on Saturday night. Here at the tail-end of their western road swing I'm not sure they'll have enough in the tank against the up-tempo Nuggets. Denver has won three games in a row but narrowly escaped with a two-point victory over Dallas last time out. There's certainly a good chance they were looking ahead to this contest. Note that the Nuggets are 2-0-1 ATS in the last three meetings in this series. They'll be looking to split the season series here. Take Denver (10*). |
|||||||
01-28-18 | Suns +13.5 v. Rockets | 102-113 | Win | 100 | 8 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on Phoenix plus the points over Houston at 3:35 pm et on Sunday. I'll grab the points with the Suns on Sunday afternoon. Phoenix is coming off an ugly 22-point home loss against the Knicks which came on the heels of a 1-3 road trip, but one in which the Suns went 3-1 ATS. I look for Phoenix to bounce back in this spot. Houston had its four-game winning streak halted on Friday night in New Orleans. The Rockets have been involved in a number of tightly-contested affairs lately, and I'm not sure we'll see their absolute best effort against a 17-win Suns squad on Sunday afternoon. Take Phoenix (10*). |
|||||||
01-27-18 | Thunder v. Pistons UNDER 207.5 | 121-108 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Oklahoma City and Detroit at 5:05 pm et on Saturday. I'll back the 'under' at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday afternoon. We won with the 'over' in the Thunder's most recent contest - a 121-112 win over the Wizards on Thursday night. I won't hesitate to switch gears here, however. Oklahoma City is scoring at will right now. But it will run into a highly-motivated and well-rested Pistons squad on Saturday. Detroit has lost six straight games and unlike the Thunder, the Pistons aren't scoring with a great deal of consistency. Note that Detroit is allowing just a shade over 100 points per game at home this season so it is capable of keeping opposing offenses in check. In fact, these two teams have combined to post a 39-54-1 o/u record this season. The 'under' has cashed in seven straight meetings in this series. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
01-26-18 | Lakers v. Bulls OVER 220 | 108-103 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Chicago at 8:05 pm et on Friday. I'll back the 'over' in Chicago on Friday night. The Bulls have quietly been involved in a number of high-scoring games lately, with their last five averaging just shy of 230 total points. While we're dealing with a relatively high total here, I believe it could be even higher. Note that the Lakers are playing with some confidence, having won three games in a row, scoring 127 and 108 points in their last two contests. The problem is, L.A. has also allowed at least 107 points in four of its last five games. The Bulls will be looking to get loose following a three-game road trip that saw them drop a couple of games, but still manage to go 2-1 ATS. Chicago is 6-1 ATS over its last seven contests. Expect a competitive, high-scoring affair on Friday night. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-25-18 | Wizards v. Thunder OVER 213 | 112-121 | Win | 100 | 24 h 34 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Oklahoma City at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. We're dealing with a high total in this matchup but it's warranted in my opinion. The Wizards were a complete no-show in Dallas last time out, scoring 75 points in a blowout loss. I do expect them to bounce back in a big way offensively against a Thunder squad that has offered little defensive resistance of late. Oklahoma City has scored 114, 148 and 109 points in its last three games, all victories, but has also allowed 124 and 108 points over its last two contests. Note that the Wizards have scored over 100 points in five of the last six meetings in this series. In fact, the 'over' is 5-1 in the last six matchups between these two teams as well. Expect a track meet on Thursday night. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-25-18 | Kings +10.5 v. Heat | 89-88 | Win | 100 | 23 h 8 m | Show | |
My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over Miami at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. We won with the Heat in their loss to the Rockets earlier in the week but I won't hesitate to switch gears and fade them as they return home to host the Kings on Thursday night. Sacramento got blown out by Memphis in the first game of their current trip but has responded with back-to-back competitive efforts since, including a win in Orlando on Tuesday night. This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season after the Heat needed overtime to get past the Kings at home and won by five on the road in last year's two matchups. The Kings have scored over 100 points in back-to-back games and I look for them to hang around for four quarters on Thursday night. Take Sacramento (10*). |
|||||||
01-24-18 | Raptors v. Hawks OVER 215.5 | 108-93 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 8 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Toronto and Atlanta at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. We've seen a couple of fairly low-scoring games between these two teams this season and as a result we're dealing with a lower total than we saw in their last meeting back in late December. The Raptors aren't a good defensive road team by any means. They've allowed at least 110 points in each of their last six road contests. On the flip side, we know the Raptors can score. They're averaging just shy of 110 points per game away from home this season. Atlanta is playing with some confidence right now, having posted victories in three of its last four games overall. The 'under' has cashed in the Hawks last four contests, but again, that only serves to give us a more reasonably priced total in this spot. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-22-18 | Heat +10 v. Rockets | 90-99 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on Miami plus the points over Houston at 8:05 pm et on Monday. The Rockets are coming off a big home win over the Warriors on Saturday night but I look for them to suffer a bit of a letdown on Monday as they stay home to host the Miami Heat. That's not to say Houston will lose this game, but we've been given plenty of wiggle room with a lofty pointspread attached to the underdog Heat - who just happen to have won nine of their last 11 games overall. Miami will be particularly motivated after splitting the first four installments of its five-game trip, which wraps up tonight in Houston. Note that the Heat haven't lost a game by double-digits since December 29th. Take Miami (10*). |
|||||||
01-20-18 | Raptors v. Wolves -3.5 | 109-115 | Win | 100 | 13 h 17 m | Show | |
My selection is on Minnesota minus the points over Toronto at 9:05 pm et on Saturday. The Raptors aren't playing particularly well right now, but they do continue to win games, most recently squeaking out a three-point victory over the undermanned Spurs on Friday night. Now they face a quick turnaround on the road against the T'Wolves, a team that will be highly-motivated following back-to-back road losses. Here at home, Minnesota has gone 18-6 SU and hasn't lost since back on December 16th. Toronto has gone 0-3 ATS over its last three contests and is just 1-3 ATS in its last four tries against Minnesota. Take Minnesota (10*). |
|||||||
01-19-18 | Wizards v. Pistons +1 | 122-112 | Loss | -105 | 24 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on Detroit plus the points over Washington at 8:05 pm et on Friday. The Pistons ran into a highly-motivated Raptors squad on Wednesday night in Toronto and while they hung around for four quarters, they ultimately fell short in a rather ugly contest. I do expect Detroit to bounce back at home on Friday. This time around, it should be the Pistons that are particularly motivated, having dropped three straight games overall, and three in a row against the Wizards as well. Washington is not a great road team at 10-11 SU on the season. The Wizards are coming off back-to-back losses of their own. In fact, they've won only two of their last six games and one of those victories came by way of overtime. Take Detroit (10*). |
|||||||
01-19-18 | Spurs v. Raptors OVER 208 | 83-86 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 31 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between San Antonio and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Friday. This has been a high-scoring series at times in recent years and I'm anticipating a similar result on Friday night in Toronto. The Spurs are of course without Kawhi Leonard so they're going to need to learn how to run their offense efficiently once again. They've sputtered offensively of late, but I'm confident they can get loose against a vulnerable Raptors defense on Friday night. Toronto scored only 96 points in perhaps a less than impressive win over the Pistons on Wednesday. Prior to that they had scored 133, 125 and 111 points in their last three games, however. Note that they're averaging just shy of 115 points per contest at home this season. The Spurs are a good defensive team but I'm not sure they'll be able to resist getting involved a high-scoring affair here. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-17-18 | Knicks +2 v. Grizzlies | 99-105 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York plus the points over Memphis at 8:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Grizzlies pulled out a victory on Monday afternoon against the Lakers and while they should take care of business against a Knicks squad that has been absolutely miserable on the road this season, I'm not sure it will play out that way on the court. The Knicks are coming off a confidence-building win in Brooklyn in which they scored 119 points. While they've only posted two wins since the start of January, they've suffered three hard-luck overtime losses along the way. This is their first opportunity to build some real momentum here in January and I look for them to take full advantage. The Grizzlies have won twice in their last five games and check in a less than impressive 9-13 SU at home this season. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
01-15-18 | Heat v. Bulls -1 | 111-119 | Win | 100 | 19 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Chicago minus the points over Miami at 3:35 pm et on Monday. Both of these teams are playing well right now but I believe the Bulls are in better position to keep it rolling on Monday afternoon. While Chicago has struggled overall this season, it checks in just a game under .500 at home. The Bulls come into this one off back-to-back wins and have welcomed Zach LaVine back to the lineup. LaVine played only 19 minutes but contributed 14 points in Saturday's two-point win over the Pistons. Miami is coming off back-to-back underdog road wins which leaves it in a tough spot here as far as I'm concerned. The Heat have won three straight meetings in this series which should add to the Bulls motivation. Note that Chicago has gone 2-1 ATS in those most recent three matchups. Take Chicago (10*). |
|||||||
01-12-18 | Rockets v. Suns OVER 226.5 | 112-95 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Phoenix at 10:35 pm et on Friday. I fully expect a track meet between the Rockets and Suns in Phoenix on Friday night. Of course, the Rockets have been scoring at will all season long. There's little reason to expect the Suns will offer much resistance on Friday. Note that Houston has scored at least 123 points in winning each of the last five meetings in this series. The Suns aren't likely to back down, however, as they boast an explosive fast-paced offense of their own. Phoenix is coming off a big home win over the Thunder, scoring 114 points in that contest. The Rockets are allowing right around 110 points per game over their last five contests so the door is open for the Suns to turn in another strong offensive showing. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-11-18 | Celtics -2 v. 76ers | 114-103 | Win | 100 | 19 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on Boston minus the points over Philadelphia at 3:05 pm et on Thursday. Both of these teams are streaking right now, but I believe the Celtics are better positioned to keep it rolling in London on Thursday afternoon. Boston certainly travels well, having gone 15-5 SU away from home this season. The C's are a long way from home in this one, but I believe they'll be up for the opportunity to showcase themselves overseas. The 76ers have scored at will during their current four-game winning streak, of course the only truly impressive win over that stretch came on paper only as the Spurs elected to bench a number of their key cogs. The Celtics have already defeated the 76ers twice this season, look for them to make it three straight on Thursday. Take Boston (10*). |
Register for an Account Now for Free Picks and More Special Offers!
Sean Murphy Basketball Picks
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04-18-18 | Pacers v. Cavs -7.5 | 97-100 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 16 m | Show | |
04-17-18 | Pelicans v. Blazers -6 | 111-102 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 53 m | Show | |
04-17-18 | Wizards v. Raptors UNDER 215 | 119-130 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 24 m | Show | |
04-16-18 | Heat v. 76ers OVER 215 | Top | 113-103 | Win | 100 | 23 h 21 m | Show |
04-15-18 | Wolves v. Rockets -11 | 101-104 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 24 m | Show | |
04-14-18 | Wizards v. Raptors UNDER 211 | 106-114 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
04-09-18 | Pelicans v. Clippers +6.5 | Top | 113-100 | Loss | -107 | 26 h 48 m | Show |
04-07-18 | Pelicans v. Warriors OVER 225.5 | 126-120 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show | |
04-05-18 | Wolves v. Nuggets OVER 224.5 | 96-100 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 14 m | Show | |
04-03-18 | Raptors v. Cavs -1 | 106-112 | Win | 100 | 22 h 25 m | Show | |
04-02-18 | Michigan v. Villanova -6.5 | 62-79 | Win | 100 | 25 h 17 m | Show | |
04-01-18 | Thunder v. Pelicans +1 | 109-104 | Loss | -102 | 21 h 53 m | Show | |
03-31-18 | Kansas v. Villanova -5 | Top | 79-95 | Win | 100 | 24 h 1 m | Show |
03-30-18 | Clippers +6 v. Blazers | 96-105 | Loss | -105 | 25 h 15 m | Show | |
03-28-18 | Cavs v. Hornets +1.5 | 118-105 | Loss | -103 | 22 h 50 m | Show | |
03-27-18 | Blazers v. Pelicans OVER 221.5 | 107-103 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 46 m | Show | |
03-26-18 | Nuggets v. 76ers OVER 223 | 104-123 | Win | 100 | 23 h 59 m | Show | |
03-25-18 | Blazers v. Thunder OVER 216 | Top | 108-105 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
03-25-18 | Clippers +8 v. Raptors | 117-106 | Win | 100 | 10 h 25 m | Show | |
03-25-18 | Texas Tech v. Villanova -6.5 | 59-71 | Win | 100 | 7 h 49 m | Show | |
03-24-18 | Florida State v. Michigan -3.5 | Top | 54-58 | Win | 100 | 7 h 46 m | Show |
03-23-18 | Texas Tech v. Purdue -1.5 | 78-65 | Loss | -108 | 26 h 42 m | Show | |
03-23-18 | West Virginia v. Villanova -4.5 | 78-90 | Win | 100 | 23 h 46 m | Show | |
03-22-18 | Kansas State v. Kentucky -5 | 61-58 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 48 m | Show | |
03-22-18 | Texas A&M v. Michigan -2.5 | 72-99 | Win | 100 | 23 h 43 m | Show | |
03-22-18 | Loyola-Chicago v. Nevada -1 | Top | 69-68 | Loss | -106 | 22 h 18 m | Show |
03-21-18 | Wizards +5 v. Spurs | 90-98 | Loss | -108 | 25 h 2 m | Show | |
03-21-18 | Wizards v. Spurs OVER 203.5 | 90-98 | Loss | -105 | 25 h 56 m | Show | |
03-20-18 | Rockets v. Blazers +4.5 | Top | 115-111 | Win | 100 | 26 h 42 m | Show |
03-19-18 | Warriors v. Spurs OVER 206 | 75-89 | Loss | -105 | 25 h 17 m | Show | |
03-18-18 | Nevada +8 v. Cincinnati | Top | 75-73 | Win | 100 | 21 h 24 m | Show |
03-18-18 | Texas A&M v. North Carolina -6 | 86-65 | Loss | -107 | 20 h 24 m | Show | |
03-17-18 | Florida +2 v. Texas Tech | 66-69 | Loss | -106 | 23 h 56 m | Show | |
03-17-18 | Alabama +11 v. Villanova | 58-81 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 25 m | Show | |
03-16-18 | Murray State +10.5 v. West Virginia | 68-85 | Loss | -104 | 28 h 7 m | Show | |
03-16-18 | Butler -1.5 v. Arkansas | 79-62 | Win | 100 | 27 h 2 m | Show | |
03-16-18 | Providence +2.5 v. Texas A&M | Top | 69-73 | Loss | -114 | 24 h 9 m | Show |
03-15-18 | St Bonaventure +5.5 v. Florida | 62-77 | Loss | -105 | 35 h 8 m | Show | |
03-15-18 | Stephen F Austin +11.5 v. Texas Tech | 60-70 | Win | 100 | 32 h 18 m | Show | |
03-15-18 | South Dakota State +8 v. Ohio State | 73-81 | Push | 0 | 29 h 53 m | Show | |
03-15-18 | Loyola-Chicago +2 v. Miami-FL | 64-62 | Win | 100 | 28 h 4 m | Show | |
03-15-18 | Wright State +12.5 v. Tennessee | 47-73 | Loss | -107 | 26 h 34 m | Show | |
03-14-18 | Heat v. Kings +6.5 | 119-123 | Win | 100 | 14 h 26 m | Show | |
03-14-18 | Bucks v. Magic +8.5 | 117-126 | Win | 100 | 11 h 20 m | Show | |
03-13-18 | Clippers -6 v. Bulls | 112-106 | Push | 0 | 23 h 19 m | Show | |
03-12-18 | Bucks -7 v. Grizzlies | 121-103 | Win | 100 | 23 h 11 m | Show | |
03-11-18 | Rockets v. Mavs +12.5 | 105-82 | Loss | -100 | 22 h 58 m | Show | |
03-10-18 | Wizards v. Heat UNDER 207 | 102-129 | Loss | -121 | 10 h 6 m | Show | |
03-09-18 | Cavs +1.5 v. Clippers | 102-116 | Loss | -105 | 17 h 33 m | Show | |
03-09-18 | Rockets v. Raptors +2.5 | 105-108 | Win | 100 | 13 h 21 m | Show | |
03-09-18 | Rockets v. Raptors OVER 220 | Top | 105-108 | Loss | -107 | 13 h 28 m | Show |
03-08-18 | 76ers v. Heat +1 | 99-108 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show | |
03-07-18 | Raptors v. Pistons +5.5 | 121-119 | Win | 100 | 23 h 28 m | Show | |
03-06-18 | Rockets v. Thunder OVER 222.5 | 122-112 | Win | 100 | 24 h 60 m | Show | |
03-05-18 | Pistons +7 v. Cavs | 90-112 | Loss | -105 | 22 h 22 m | Show | |
03-04-18 | 76ers -1 v. Bucks | 110-118 | Loss | -105 | 23 h 2 m | Show | |
03-03-18 | Celtics v. Rockets OVER 216.5 | Top | 120-123 | Win | 100 | 24 h 57 m | Show |
03-02-18 | Knicks +9.5 v. Clippers | 105-128 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 29 m | Show | |
03-01-18 | 76ers v. Cavs UNDER 223 | 108-97 | Win | 100 | 24 h 41 m | Show | |
02-28-18 | Pelicans +5 v. Spurs | 121-116 | Win | 100 | 24 h 18 m | Show | |
02-28-18 | Pelicans v. Spurs UNDER 219.5 | Top | 121-116 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 14 m | Show |
02-28-18 | Bucks +2 v. Pistons | 87-110 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 54 m | Show | |
02-27-18 | Kings +12 v. Blazers | Top | 99-116 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 8 m | Show |
02-26-18 | Wolves v. Kings +6 | 118-100 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 57 m | Show | |
02-25-18 | Rockets v. Nuggets OVER 228 | 119-114 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
02-23-18 | Wolves v. Rockets OVER 225.5 | 102-120 | Loss | -108 | 23 h 53 m | Show | |
02-22-18 | Clippers +11 v. Warriors | 127-134 | Win | 100 | 27 h 40 m | Show | |
02-22-18 | Wizards v. Cavs OVER 220.5 | Top | 110-103 | Loss | -107 | 25 h 36 m | Show |
02-22-18 | 76ers v. Bulls +5.5 | 116-115 | Win | 100 | 24 h 17 m | Show | |
02-18-18 | Team LeBron -2.5 v. Team Stephen | 148-145 | Win | 100 | 11 h 13 m | Show | |
02-15-18 | Nuggets v. Bucks -3 | 134-123 | Loss | -105 | 23 h 60 m | Show | |
02-14-18 | Warriors v. Blazers OVER 225.5 | 117-123 | Win | 100 | 11 h 10 m | Show | |
02-14-18 | Wizards v. Knicks +5 | 118-113 | Push | 0 | 22 h 25 m | Show | |
02-13-18 | Heat v. Raptors OVER 207 | 112-115 | Win | 100 | 22 h 25 m | Show | |
02-11-18 | Cavs v. Celtics -4.5 | 121-99 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 58 m | Show | |
02-10-18 | Nuggets v. Suns +7.5 | 123-113 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 11 m | Show | |
02-09-18 | Bucks +1.5 v. Heat | 85-91 | Loss | -103 | 12 h 33 m | Show | |
02-08-18 | Mavs +12.5 v. Warriors | 103-121 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 33 m | Show | |
02-07-18 | Wolves v. Cavs +4 | 138-140 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show | |
02-07-18 | Rockets v. Heat +5 | Top | 109-101 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
02-07-18 | Nets +9.5 v. Pistons | 106-115 | Win | 100 | 11 h 18 m | Show | |
02-06-18 | Rockets v. Nets OVER 218 | 123-113 | Win | 100 | 23 h 14 m | Show | |
02-03-18 | Warriors -5 v. Nuggets | 108-115 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 11 m | Show | |
02-02-18 | Jazz v. Suns +5.5 | 129-97 | Loss | -107 | 25 h 36 m | Show | |
01-31-18 | Heat v. Cavs -3 | 89-91 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 58 m | Show | |
01-29-18 | Celtics v. Nuggets -1 | 111-110 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 33 m | Show | |
01-28-18 | Suns +13.5 v. Rockets | 102-113 | Win | 100 | 8 h 54 m | Show | |
01-27-18 | Thunder v. Pistons UNDER 207.5 | 121-108 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 24 m | Show | |
01-26-18 | Lakers v. Bulls OVER 220 | 108-103 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 10 m | Show | |
01-25-18 | Wizards v. Thunder OVER 213 | 112-121 | Win | 100 | 24 h 34 m | Show | |
01-25-18 | Kings +10.5 v. Heat | 89-88 | Win | 100 | 23 h 8 m | Show | |
01-24-18 | Raptors v. Hawks OVER 215.5 | 108-93 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 8 m | Show | |
01-22-18 | Heat +10 v. Rockets | 90-99 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show | |
01-20-18 | Raptors v. Wolves -3.5 | 109-115 | Win | 100 | 13 h 17 m | Show | |
01-19-18 | Wizards v. Pistons +1 | 122-112 | Loss | -105 | 24 h 14 m | Show | |
01-19-18 | Spurs v. Raptors OVER 208 | 83-86 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 31 m | Show | |
01-17-18 | Knicks +2 v. Grizzlies | 99-105 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 24 m | Show | |
01-15-18 | Heat v. Bulls -1 | 111-119 | Win | 100 | 19 h 58 m | Show | |
01-12-18 | Rockets v. Suns OVER 226.5 | 112-95 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 29 m | Show | |
01-11-18 | Celtics -2 v. 76ers | 114-103 | Win | 100 | 19 h 38 m | Show |