For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.
CLICK A CAPPERS NAME TO SEE THEIR PREMIUM DAILY EXPERT PLAYS + PREDICTIONS!
Schedule: NFL | CFB | MLB | NBA | CBB | NHL
WANT FREE SPORTS PICKS to your inbox? | Newsletter Sign-UP!
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04-04-17 | Yankees v. Rays -104 | 5-0 | Loss | -104 | 2 h 48 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Although he went 1-0 against the Rays last season, Sabathia also logged an ugly 5.52 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in three starts covering 14 2/3 innings vs. them. On the opposing side, few starters in the league had as dominant a second half in 2016 as Rays RHP Jake Odorizzi. All Odorizzi did after the All-Star break was go 7-1 with a 2.71 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 14 starts covering 83 innings. Odorizzi will look to carry that hot streak into 2017, and based on his solid Spring training campaign, there's no reason to think that at just 27 years old, he won't be able to. And Odorizzi does by far his best work at home, where he has a 3.14 career ERA in 50 starts (vs. just 4.43 in 48 starts elsewhere). |
|||||||
04-04-17 | Tigers -127 v. White Sox | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 2 h 30 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Detroit Tigers may soon run out of time with a star-laden roster loaded with veterans, but they hope to have enough in the tank to make a return to the postseason in 2017. That quest begins in Chicago today. when the Tigers and White Sox open their regular seasons in the first of three games at Guaranteed Rate Field after Monday's game was rained out. Veteran slugger Miguel Cabrera returns for his 10th season in Detroit to anchor the lineup and 34-year-old Justin Verlander gets the Opening Day start after authoring a spectacular rebound in 2016. The rebuilding White Sox have endured four straight losing seasons and will be hard-pressed to end that streak in the challenging American League Central division. Gone is ace Chris Sale, yielding the top spot in the rotation to fellow left-hander Jose Quintana, who will be making his first Opening Day start. |
|||||||
04-03-17 | North Carolina v. Gonzaga +1.5 | 71-65 | Loss | -102 | 25 h 50 m | Show | |
Rating: 4 Units I am not convinced the Tar Heels are quite as good as their 2016 edition, which also made it to the final game and was tied with Villanova in the final second before a Kris Jenkins 3-pointer won it for the Wildcats. That UNC edition had an athletic big in 6-9 Brice Johnson and a nervy bomber in Marcus Paige who was not afraid to step up and take the big shot. Still, the 2017 version has proven remarkably resilient, already pulling three nailbiters out of the fire in the Dance. And there is always a chance that an unsuspecting hero (such as capable sr. G Nate Britt, who sank a couple of key shots on Saturday vs. Oregon) steps forward for the Heels. But, aside from Meeks and Jackson, UNC was a combined 8 for 42 from the floor in the semis and did not appear entirely comfortable with their shots, probably bothered by the depth perception adjustments in the football stadium. Though I don’t expect Berry and Hicks to shoot a combined 3 for 26 from the floor as on Saturday, I am not sure Williams can count on much scoring from them, either. And let’s not forget that the Gonzaga defense has allowed foes to hit only 36.5% from the floor the entire season, tied with UCF (thanks largely to its 7-6 C Tacko Fall) for the top mark in the nation. Previously-hot South Carolina could only connect on 37.9% of its shots on Saturday. The fundamentally-sound Bulldog defense is adept at staying “in front” of opposing dribblers, which should come in very handy vs. the Heels, who as a result are unlikely to be able to crash the glass as usual. A season’s worth of exemplary performance is not a mirage. This Gonzaga edition has beaten all comers (except a late-season home letdown vs. explosive BYU), with most of the big wins away from Spokane. With depth, balance, size, and more athleticism on the perimeter than past editions, the Zags also appear built to beat the Tar Heels, who will likely fall just short for the second straight year. |
|||||||
04-03-17 | Canadiens -140 v. Panthers | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 13 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Canadiens, who captured the Atlantic in 2014-15 and the Northeast Division two seasons earlier, are riding a four-game winning streak after edging Tampa Bay 2-1 in overtime on Saturday in the opener of their trek. Phillip Danault scored a goal and set up Alexander Radulov's winner in the extra session to give him four points over his last three contests. Florida returns to the Sunshine State for its final homestand of the season after coming away winless on its four-game road trip. The Panthers, who will miss the playoffs for the 14th time in 16 seasons, scored only two goals in each game on the trek - including Saturday's 5-2 setback in Boston. |
|||||||
04-03-17 | Indians -114 v. Rangers | 8-5 | Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Kluber looks to put together another Cy Young Award-worthy season after matching his career high in wins last season to lead the team. The 30-year-old Alabama native, who posted a 9-1 record after the All-Star break last year, has completed at least 215 innings and struck out at least 227 in three straight seasons, and he limited opponents to a .210 batting average on the road in 2016. Adrian Beltre is 4-for-10 with a homer versus Kluber, who is 2-1 with a 3.67 ERA in four career games against Texas. |
|||||||
04-03-17 | Royals -105 v. Twins | 1-7 | Loss | -105 | 4 h 23 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Kansas City is counting on another big performance from Eric Hosmer, who led the team with a career-high 104 RBIs in 2016 and placed second with 25 home runs - also a personal best. Minnesota finished with 103 losses last season - the most in the major leagues - and figure to have a difficult time recording more than the 59 victories it posted. The Twins will begin the campaign without Byung Ho Park as the South Korean slugger was re-assigned to minor-league camp despite having a superb spring at the plate (.353 average, six home runs, 13 RBIs in 19 games). Robbie Grossman likely will be the team's designated hitter and Jorge Polanco is the starting shortstop, while closer Glen Perkins (shoulder) is headed for the 60-day disabled list. |
|||||||
04-03-17 | Pirates +1.5 v. Red Sox | 3-5 | Loss | -135 | 4 h 15 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Cole followed up a 19-win season in 2015 with an injury-plagued campaign that saw his ERA soar by more than a run as he was limited to 21 starts. The 26-year-old, who was 2-6 with a 5.48 ERA in nine starts after the All-Star break, allowed four runs in 10 innings during Grapefruit League action, although he was knocked around for three runs in three frames in his most recent outing Wednesday against Philadelphia. Cole limited the Red Sox to two runs in seven innings in his only prior meeting with them in 2014. |
|||||||
04-02-17 | Cubs v. Cardinals +115 | 3-4 | Win | 115 | 6 h 3 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Martinez saw his strikeout rate drop from 9.2 per nine innings in 2015 to eight last season, but the 25-year-old Dominican still posted 20 quality starts and won a career-best 16 games. Martinez will be the youngest Opening Day starter for St. Louis since Joe Magrane in 1989. Good value here with theCardinals. |
|||||||
04-02-17 | Bulls v. Pelicans -6.5 | 117-110 | Loss | -107 | 9 h 34 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units New Orleans had covered 7 of the last 9 at the Smoothie King Center, and the addition of C DeMarcus Cousins has had something to do with the surge. PF Anthony Davis and Cousins give the Pels a dominating frontline, and the Bulls have been much weaker on the boards since trading F Taj Gibson (6.9 rpg) and shutting down Dwyane Wade, a solid rebounding guard. Before the trade, the Bulls were outrebounding foes by 4 per game. Since the trade they’ve been beaten on the boards by 2 per game. Bull C Robin Lopez and 2nd-year PF Bobby Portis are decent role players, but they won’t have Wade (22 pts, 5 rebs in 1st meeting) or Gibson (15 and 15 vs. the Pels) this time around. |
|||||||
04-02-17 | Pacers +9 v. Cavs | 130-135 | Win | 100 | 8 h 57 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units After dropping the first game with Indiana while playing without rest and without LeBron James, Cleveland has bounced back to win and cover two ensuing meetings. The Pacers had dropped 5 straight spread decisions on the road before starting this 3-game road trip in Memphis on Wednesday, and the Cavs are feeling great pressure at the top of the table in the East from Boston. However, not sure Cleveland can just flip the switch unless Cavs play better defense (allowing 110 ppg and being out rebounded by 4 per game since the break). |
|||||||
04-02-17 | Giants -134 v. Diamondbacks | 5-6 | Loss | -134 | 5 h 26 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units San Francisco starter, Madison Bumgarner was 15-9, with a 2.74 ERA in 2016, setting career highs in innings (226.2) and strikeouts (251. He is one of only two pitchers to make at least 30 starts and pitch 200 innings in each of the past six regular seasons and no one forgets his postseason exploits, especially his memorable 2014 World Series performance against the Royals. Bumgarner is 9-7 with a 2.53 ERA in 26 appearances vs. Arizona, including 25 starts (Giants are 15-10). The Giants were 13-6 against the D'backs in 2016, winning nine of 10 games in the desert! Bumgarner had a solid spring (2.52 ERA in seven starts) and is 6-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) at Chase Field. He is making his fourth consecutive Opening Day start, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his previous three. |
|||||||
04-02-17 | Hornets v. Thunder -4.5 | 113-101 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 29 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Charlotte won the first meeting with OKC this season, notching a 123-112 decision in Charlotte on Jan. 4. The victory came despite Hornet PG Kemba Walker making just 5 of 13 shots and being outscored by Thunder counterpart Russell Westbrook 33-20 (Westbrook added 15 rebounds and 8 assists). Charlotte G Nicolas Batum (28 pts.) and C Frank Kaminsky (17 pts., 6 rebs. off the bench) helped turn the tide that night. This game is in OKC, however, where the Thunder are 21-9 as a favorite and where they have won and covered 8 straight against the Hornets. |
|||||||
04-02-17 | Celtics -6.5 v. Knicks | 110-94 | Win | 100 | 3 h 59 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Boston likely to remember the last meeting between these two, as New York went into the TD Garden and scored a convincing 117-106 victory behind Knick G Derrick Rose (30 points). The part the Celtics might remember most clearly is the music blasting from the N.Y. locker room after that game. HC Brad Stevens won’t let Boston forget that or the pathetic job the Celtics did on the boards that night, allowing the Knicks to build a 57-33 rebounding edge. The Celtics are 23-15 vs. the points on the road and fighting for the best record in the Eastern Conference. |
|||||||
04-01-17 | Suns v. Blazers -11 | 117-130 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units While the Suns waived the white flag in early March and shut down some of their veteran assets, Portland has marched into the final playoff spot by winning 11 of 14 games last month. That surge corresponds roughly with the acquisition of C Jusuf Nurkic from Denver. The 7-0, 280 Nurkic has given the Blazers a different look inside, scoring 14 ppg and grabbing 10 rpg in his 18 games with Portland. Phoenix has been content to lose, build up more lottery balls, and let young G Devin Booker see just how much he can score when given the green light (the answer is 70 pts. on 40 shots vs. Boston 8 days ago). |
|||||||
04-01-17 | Ducks v. Oilers -125 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 23 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Connor McDavid is the modern-day face of the Edmonton Oilers and the 20-year-old phenom couldn't be happier as the ascending club moved within one point of first place in the Pacific Division. The NHL leader in assists (63) and points (91), McDavid looks to send the red-hot Oilers to their fifth straight victory overall and eighth in a row at Rogers Place today when they host the Anaheim Ducks. McDavid, extended his point streak to nine games (five goals, 11 assists) by scoring his team-best 28th goal and adding an assist in Thursday's 3-2 victory over San Jose. Edmonton has won eight of its last nine contests |
|||||||
04-01-17 | Oregon +5 v. North Carolina | Top | 76-77 | Win | 100 | 105 h 16 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units The normal North Carolina size edge, which Williams has exploited all season for a nation’s-best +13 rebound margin, and resultant dominance on the offensive glass, might come harder this weekend for the Heels. That’s because, against the Ducks, Williams is likely reluctant to go with his normal bigs of 6-10 Kennedy Meeks and 6-9 Isaiah Hicks at the same time, as the defensive match ups caused by Oregon’s lineup figure to force Roy’s hand. That’s because Williams could get away with committing Hicks or Meeks to Oregon’s mobile 6-9 pivot Jordan Bell, but neither would be a good fit against the Ducks’ 6-7 wing Dillon Brooks, their most likely other defensive assignment. Expect, then, to see Williams use a lot more of F Luke Maye, which might not be an altogether bad thing after Maye excelled (16.5 ppg) in last weekend’s regionals at Memphis, including hitting the game-winning jump shot in the last second vs. Kentucky. But Maye’s presence will likely be at the expense of either Meeks or Hicks (and also perhaps of 6-10 frosh Tony Bradley, who has played key minutes for UNC in the Dance), which would correspondingly limit some of the trademark dominance the Heels have displayed on the boards all season...especially on the offensive glass. There is also going to be plenty of pressure on Heel PG Joel Berry to hit some outside shots (especially with 6-8 wing Justin Jackson misfiring repeatedly beyond the arc last weekend, when he hit just 3 of 13 triples in Memphis) and to limit his TOs, both of which have been recurring issues in the Dance. |
|||||||
04-01-17 | Kings +12 v. Wolves | 123-117 | Win | 100 | 10 h 10 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Sacramento hasn’t won many games since trading DeMarcus Cousins, but the Kings have been competitive lately, logging a 6-4-2 spread mark in their last 12 through their March 26 miracle rally to beat the Clippers. The Kings remarkably erased an 18-point, 4th-Q lead vs. L.A. Sunday. Teams leading by 18 in the final Q this season were 359-0 prior to Sacto’s victory. Meanwhile, Minnesota is proving to be one of the bigger busts in the league. After being touted as a breakthrough team with the young Timberwolf talent being combined with vet HC Tom Thibodeau, Minny was the darling of the preseason prognosticators. It hasn’t worked out that way. Twolves are struggling with a 3-7 SU and spread run in their last 10. |
|||||||
04-01-17 | Maple Leafs -155 v. Red Wings | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Matthews, who has scored five goals and set up three others during his point streak, recorded his seventh game-winning tally on Thursday as Toronto improved to 6-1-1 in its last eight games with a 3-1 triumph over Nashville. The Maple Leafs' march has them within two points of provincial rival Ottawa for second-place in the Atlantic Division while holding a one-point edge over Boston for the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. The postseason and the Red Wings have long since been synonymous, but a sputtering 26th-ranked offense and punchless 28th-ranked power play were too much to overcome as their 25-season playoff streak officially came to an end earlier this week. The reeling Red Wings have mustered six goals and failed on all seven opportunities with the man advantage against the Maple Leafs this season. |
|||||||
04-01-17 | Stars v. Hurricanes -160 | 3-0 | Loss | -160 | 9 h 35 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Carolina muddled through a seven-week stretch in which it won four of 18 games to drop into last place in the Eastern Conference, but a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on March 9 ignited the current franchise-record point streak. The Hurricanes are 5-0-1 in their last six after knocking off Metropolitan Division power Columbus 2-1 on Thursday to stay in the chase. Dallas, which earned the top seed in the Western Conference last season, is lurching to the finish line as it makes the fourth stop of a five-game road trip. |
|||||||
04-01-17 | South Carolina +6.5 v. Gonzaga | Top | 73-77 | Win | 100 | 102 h 10 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units While South Carolina's joyride might be coming to an end vs. tall, deep, and experienced Gonzaga, the point spread of 6½ seems enticing enough to shade the dog. The Zags have four DD scorers, with their top seven players logging 17 or more minutes per game. Rotating seven-footers Przemek Karnowski (12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Zach Collins (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg) represent inside size rarely encountered TY by USC. But Gonzaga really only pulled away from upstart Xavier in the Elite Eight when the Zags finally started hitting their treys (12 of 24 vs. the Musketeers), and Chris Mack’s Big East overachievers ran out of gas. Hitting from distance is hard to do vs. the in-your-face (but rarely fouling) Gamecock defense, as USC’s foes have found out. Opposing coaches have been praising the Cocks for how well they “close out.” One of the more impressive occurrences in the tourney has been the development and confidence shown by the South Carolina attack, which suffered through some erratic stretches in the regular season. |
|||||||
04-01-17 | Hawks +4.5 v. Bulls | 104-106 | Win | 100 | 7 h 26 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Chicago hasn’t given up on nabbing the final playoff spot in the East, as a 5-1 SU and spread surge through March 29th brought the Bulls to within a half-game of Miami for the 8th spot as of Monday. Atlanta has had injury problems, with PF Paul Millsap (18 ppg, 7.7 rpg; knee), G Kent Bazemore, and defensive specialist F Thabo Sefolosha (groin) down for periods. However, all 3 of those starters might be ready to go for this game. Favor Hawk side that is 9-1 SU in last 10 vs. Chicago. |
|||||||
03-31-17 | Rockets +9.5 v. Warriors | 98-107 | Win | 100 | 12 h 52 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Houston just hosted Golden State on Tuesday, and the Rockets are coming off a game last night in Portland. That scheduling hasn’t bothered Houston, however, as they’ve covered 10 of 14 this season playing without rest. The Warriors have certainly perked up since the middle of March, winning 9 straight with 7 covers in their last 9 of those victories. The Warriors have been doing it with defense, holding their last 6 foes to just 93 ppg. After Warrior games averaged 223 ppg before the All-Star break, HC Steve Kerr’s team has slowed the pace, with scoring down to 209 ppg total. That downshift has resulted in a 15-1 “under” run for Golden State games from Feb. 25-March 27. Warriors feeling heat from the Spurs, but Houston’s 9-1 mark as a road dog this season is impressive, and the now-injured F Kevin Durant led G.S. with 39 & 32 pts. in first two meetings with the Rockets. |
|||||||
03-31-17 | Blue Jackets v. Blackhawks -145 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 14 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Chicago has a comfortable lead for the top seed in the West come playoff time with 105 points - seven more than Central Division-rival Minnesota and nine better than Pacific-leading Anaheim with five games remaining. The Blackhawks have earned at least one point in nine of their last 10 contests (7-1-2) after rolling to a 5-1 triumph in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Reigning Art Ross Trophy winner Patrick Kane notched a pair of assists in the victory to raise his point total to 84 - seven fewer than Edmonton's Connor McDavid for the league lead. |
|||||||
03-31-17 | Spurs v. Thunder +2 | 100-95 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The home team has won and covered both meetings this season, and OKC is 7-1 SU and vs. the points hosting the Spurs the last 4+ regular seasons at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. To be clear, the Thunder had Kevin Durant for most of those successes, and San Antonio has managed to win a few playoff games at this site the last few seasons. The Spurs have played well on the road this season (28-9 SU), but OKC is 27-10 SU at home (25-12 vs. the points), and the Thunder catch the Spurs coming off significant home games facing Cleveland and Golden State earlier this week. |
|||||||
03-31-17 | Pacers v. Raptors -6 | Top | 100-111 | Win | 100 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Rating: 3 Unit NBA Play of the Day These two played for the first time this season just 12 days ago at the Air Canada Centre, and Toronto cruised to a 25-point victory fueled by a 51-33 rebounding advantage and a 44%-26% edge in three-point shooting. The Raptors have won 9 of the last 10 at home against Indiana, covering 7 of those meetings, and are 5-1 SU overall in their last 6 games. Indiana was in a 3-way logjam for the 5-thru-7 spots in the Eastern playoff pecking order on Monday, so with Toronto in a fight with Washington for the 3-4 slots, this is a potential first-round playoff match up for both. Raptor G DeMar DeRozan has regained his shooting stroke, and F Serge Ibaka starting to fit in nicely with his new team. |
|||||||
03-31-17 | Penguins +105 v. Rangers | 4-3 | Win | 105 | 7 h 47 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins already have punched their ticket for the playoffs, but the Metropolitan Division clubs hardly have the look of a heavyweight contender with their play of late. New York has been knocked around for 11 goals in its last two contests and dropped six of eight overall (2-3-3) heading into Friday's game against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. |
|||||||
03-30-17 | Rockets -110 v. Blazers | 107-117 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 2 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Houston has pounded Portland on both previous occasions this season in similar fashion (126-109 & 130-114). Those games were both in November, and James Harden (32 ppg in those wins) clearly outplayed Damian Lillard. Blazers have taken flight since and are fighting to make the playoffs, while Rockets now look locked into No. 3 playoff seed in West. But Mike D’Antoni’s bunch (won 7 of last 8 SU into Tuesday vs. Warriors) showing no signs of slowing down, so wouldn’t figure on Harden and others to take a breather until right at the end of the reg.-season schedule in two weeks. Prefer this season’s Houston-oriented series trends. |
|||||||
03-30-17 | Clippers -11 v. Suns | 124-118 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 41 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Clippers haven’t had much trouble vs. the Suns this season, winning and covering all three handily, including 10-point win in the desert in most-recent meeting on Feb. 1. Clips scoring almost 117 ppg in those wins. So even with L.A.’s recurring (and puzzling) bouts of indifference, we are hard-pressed to recommend a Suns team that has appeared to be in dump mode ever since Gs Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight went down with injuries earlier in March. L.A.’s inconsistencies (such as the blown lead on Sunday vs. Sacto) more than a bit troubling, but Clips have something to play for (4th seed in West) and Phoenix doesn’t. Series trends and margins in Clipper wins (last eight by nine or more) suggest this is one spot we can trust Doc Rivers’ bunch. |
|||||||
03-30-17 | Cavs v. Bulls +6 | 93-99 | Win | 100 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Chicago has curiously dominated Cleveland this season, winning and covering all three meetings. And LeBron only missed one of those three losses (out for most-recent setback on Feb. 25 due to illness). D-Wade, however, now out for Bulls after scoring almost 20 ppg in first three clashes. It might be time for the Cavs to be really concerned about their defense, which has allowed four of their last five opponents to shoot better than 50 percent and ranks 29th since the All-Star break. Cavs were destroyed in the paint (70-30) in March 22 loss in Denver and couldn’t slow down John Wall in last Saturday’s loss to Washington, but they’ve also forced just 10 turnovers per 100 possessions (the lowest rate in the league) since the break. Suddenly, it’s no sure thing the Cavs can flip the switch. |
|||||||
03-30-17 | Lakers v. Wolves -10.5 | 104-119 | Win | 100 | 9 h 30 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Let’s see if Minny is up for a payback after blowing a late lead at Staples Center last Friday. Not only did Jordan Clarkson score a career-high 35 points for Lake Show in that one, but he and D’Angelo Russell had a positive plus-minus (plus-6) together for just the second time in their last 27 games. Such embarrassment should spark an answer from the T-wolves, even though they had lost six in a row amid growing defensive concerns into Tuesday at Indiana. But this looks like a proper spot for Tom Thibodeau’s troops to take out some frustration, which Minny did the last time LA visited Target Center (125-99 T-wolves blowout back on Nov. 13). Last six Lake Show road losses by a staggering 25 ppg! |
|||||||
03-30-17 | Georgia Tech +3.5 v. TCU | 56-88 | Loss | -110 | 32 h 57 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The No. 7 team in the Big 12 meets the No. 11 team in the ACC for the 2017 NIT title! Edges appear small in a game that figures to feature improving 6-11 TCU C Vladimir Brodziansky (13.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) vs. 6-10 Ga. Tech C Ben Lammers (14.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Brodziansky is more likely to step outside and face the basket, trying to draw out the postoriented Lammers. GT could perhaps gain an advantage with versatile 6-5 frosh Josh Okogie, who hits 75% of his FTs as part of his 16.1 ppg (prior to the semis). Meanwhile, Horned Frog contributors G Alex Robinson (11.4 ppg) and F Kenrich Williams (10.9 ppg) can be liabilities at the FT line (63% and 57%, respectively) in the late going. So TCU could end up being quite dependent upon 6-5 freshman Desmond Bane (5 of 11 triples first three rounds) and 6-6 sr. Brandon Parrish (7 of 15 treys) to connect from downtown under title-game pressure. |
|||||||
03-29-17 | Furman +3 v. St. Peter's | 51-77 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 46 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Truth be told, I was wishing these two didn’t draw one another in the semifinal, such is my respect for each. Especially the host Peacocks, who provided several point spread wins down the stretch thanks to their stingy defense, ranking sixth nationally in scoring allowance (just 61.1 ppg). But Saint Peter’s is often challenged offensively, usually forced to dump the ball on the blocks to rugged 6-8, 251-lb. PF Quadir Welton (top scorer at only 12 ppg) when needing a bucket, with the attack threatening to bog down completely if 6-2 George Washington transfer G Nick Griffin (43% triples) can’t find his stroke beyond the arc. Battle-tested Furman, whose 14-4 SU mark tied for first in the combative SoCon, has more offensive options, including the premier scorer in this matchup, 6-2 jr. G Devin Sibley (17.6 ppg; 52.4% FGs over the past 14 games), who gives the Paladins an edge when these teams need to find a go to scorer in the late going. |
|||||||
03-29-17 | Coastal Carolina v. Wyoming -7.5 | 57-81 | Win | 100 | 31 h 40 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Like the Chants, the Cowboys were unblemished vs. the spread in the earlier rounds of the CBI at home, winning and covering vs. Eastern Washington, UMKC, and dangerous Utah Valley at the Arena-Auditorium, where Wyo has now won and covered 6 of its last 7 stretching back to Mountain West regular season action. The Cowboys have to be somewhat encouraged by their 81 points in Game One without much help from their high scorer, slithery 6-7 wing Justin James (16 ppg), normally a 47% FG shooter (46% treys), who was only 5-for-17 from the floor (just 1 of 7 triples) at Conway. At some point in this series, the Cowboys’ lengthy perimeter (including 6-7 James, 6-8 Hayden Dalton, and 6-5 Jason McManamen) figures to cause matchup problems for the smaller Coastal back court. Worst yet, the Chants are expected to be shorthanded, as sr. G Shivaughn Wiggins (10.3 ppg) missed Game One of the Finals with a knee problem, while spindly 6-5 sr. Colton Ray-St. Cyr (14 points; 4 of 5 treys in the opener) is done for the tourney with a knee injury of his own. Expect the Cowboy comeback to begin tonight in Laramie as Wyo evens the series. |
|||||||
03-29-17 | Kings v. Flames -139 | 4-1 | Loss | -139 | 8 h 52 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Flames, who hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference but still are in the race for first place in the Pacific, have won two straight overall and three in a row at home - including a triumph over Colorado on Monday in the opener of a four-game stretch at the Saddledome. One of those home victories was a 5-2 win over Los Angeles on March 19 in which Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan each recorded a goal and two assists. The Kings' slim postseason hopes got even slimmer Tuesday as they dropped a 2-1 decision at Edmonton to fall to 0-3-2 over their last five road games. The goal against the Oilers was the first in two contests for Los Angeles, which trails St. Louis by 11 points for the second wild card with seven games remaining. |
|||||||
03-29-17 | Heat -3 v. Knicks | 105-88 | Win | 100 | 9 h 39 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Knicks have had worse records in recent years, but that is faint praise for the continued dysfunctions this season. New York still doesn’t have a win streak longer than one game in calendar 2017, and now Joakim Noah’s 20-game suspension only adds to the woes in the first year of a four-year, $72 million contract that was looking ill-advised (to put it mildly) well before the suspension. Miami getting a real gift in its quest to make the playoffs with back-to-back games vs. Knicks. Would dismiss NY’s long-ago win at AA Arena on Dec. 6, back when Knicks were actually trying and before Heat took flight in mid-January. Though Miami had lost 3 of 4 entering the week, shooting only 30% from beyond arc, while Goran Dragic has shot 34 percent overall (with almost as many turnovers as assists) in that stretch. Heat made up for the bad shooting with 25 second-chance points in recent win over Phoenix, but needs to start making shots (and get Dion Waiters back to active duty) as Miami tries to hold onto the eighth and last playoff seed in the East. |
|||||||
03-29-17 | Hornets v. Raptors -6 | 110-106 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 30 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Sandwiched around a couple of narrow Toronto wins this season over Charlotte was a startling 35-point Hornets blowout back on Jan. 20. Raptors have since avenged that loss and entered the week on a 5-game SU win streak (4-1 vs. line), all minus G Kyle Lowry, who remains sidelined with a bad wrist, as Dwane Casey’s bunch not giving up in quest for something better than a 4 seed in the East playoffs. The recent 5- game Toronto uptick featured its best stretch of defense (93.5 points allowed per 100 possessions) of the season. Though the rotation is much different (no Lowry, new faces, young guys getting time) than it has been previously, they’re still much better when they go to their bench. With the improved defense, depth and versatility, a healthy return by Lowry for the playoffs would make the Raps a team to watch in the postseason. |
|||||||
03-29-17 | Hawks v. 76ers +1.5 | 99-92 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 5 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Atlanta has had no trouble with Philly this season, winning and covering handily (closest margin 17) in three earlier romps. Those, however, were all with PF Paul Millsap available, and since he’s out until the weekend at the earliest, must note Hawks were 0-8 SU in his absence, scoring 17 ppg fewer without him, into last night vs. the Suns. Atlanta (which also lost 7 in a row into last night vs. Phoenix) could see its depth further compromised with Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore also hurting. If Philly is to avenge the earlier results, it is catching the Hawks at the right time. Sixers, at 17-5 vs. points last 22 into last night vs. Nets, s0 there is a technical case to be made for Sixers. |
|||||||
03-28-17 | Nuggets v. Blazers -130 | 113-122 | Win | 100 | 12 h 42 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Lots at stake here between the top contenders for the last West playoff berth. Thus, it’s extremely important for both sides, as Portland (which has won 2 of the first 3 vs. Denver) also gets the tiebreaker over the Nuggets with a win in this one. Blazers have hit overdrive the past couple of weeks with wins and covers in six of their last seven, as what was the league’s worst defense through December ranks seventh this month and has allowed less than a point per possession in 277 minutes with its two starting bigs--Noah Vonleh and Jusuf Nurkic--on the floor together since Nurkic arrived before the break. That upgraded defense has also resulted in four straight “unders” for Portland. |
|||||||
03-28-17 | TCU v. UCF +2.5 | 68-53 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 21 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units TCU has made a dramatic turnaround under first-year HC and alum Jamie Dixon, who led Pittsburgh to the Big Dance in 11 of his 13 seasons in the Steel City. Horned Frogs’ 6-11 Slovakian C Vladimir Brodziansky (13.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg) has developed into one of the top big men in the Big 12, while 6-1 jr. Alex Robinson (Texas A&M transfer) and 6-7 jr. F Kenrich Williams (he had the school’s first triple-double vs. Richmond!) provide steady scoring support. Additionally, 6-5 frosh G Desmon Bane (6.8 ppg) has been blossoming in the NIT, generating 13 points off the bench in each of the victories over Iowa & the Spiders. By the same token, UCF’s first-year mentor Johnny Dawkins has done a marvelous job in his debut in Orlando, leading the hard-nosed Knights to 24 victories after they won a total of only 37 games over the previous three campaigns. As the Stanford head honcho, Dawkins—who has gotten the Knights (with only seven scholarship players due to injuries/defections) to quickly buy into his philosophy of toughness and discipline—led the Cardinal to two NIT championships (2013 & 2015). I feel this should be a pick ’em game in the Big Apple, so I am suggesting “taking” with defensively-stifling, strong-boarding and surging UCF (allowing 67.2 ppg; a nation-leading 36.2% FGs; +8.8 rebounding margin, 6th nationally), which is 9-1 in its last 10 outings. |
|||||||
03-28-17 | Warriors +1.5 v. Rockets | 113-106 | Win | 100 | 10 h 46 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units After being outgunned by Houston in a wild 2-OT shootout at Oakland on Dec. 1, Golden State returned the favor on Jan. 20 at Toyota Center when rolling by 17, as Kevin Durant scored 32 and James Harden was “held” to 17 points. K-D, of course, is out at least another week (or perhaps longer according to the latest reports from HC Steve Kerr) as he nurses his bad knee, but his unavailability has prompted one of the top “totals” streaks in the NBA this season, as the Warriors are “under” 15-1 their last 16, roughly coinciding with Durant’s absence. Golden State, which slumped a few weeks ago in its early stages minus Durant, now enters Toyota Center on a 7-game SU win streak. |
|||||||
03-28-17 | Wolves v. Pacers -4.5 | 115-114 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 51 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Indiana has yet to lock down a spot in the East playoffs, but did at least enter the week in a postseason position. Now the Pacers are gifted a reeling Minnesota side that enters Bankers Life Field house on a 6-game SU and spread skid. What has gone wrong for the T-wolves, whose current losing streak is also the longest in the career of HC Tom Thibodeau? Blame a tough March schedule and a sagging defense that has allowed opponents to score 120 points per 100 possessions in the slump. Can Indiana take advantage? The Pacers had better, because their next five games are against teams currently with winning records, and Indiana is only 11-18 SU vs. those sorts this term. Nate McMillan also has bench issues at the moment with Al Jefferson and Rodney Stuckey both hurting. But Jeff Teague (20.8 ppg on 53% FGs the last four) is providing consistent production, Myles Turner had a couple of big games over the weekend, and their starting lineup has been solid (plus-9.7 points per 100 possessions) over the last 10 games. |
|||||||
03-28-17 | CS Bakersfield +2.5 v. Georgia Tech | 61-76 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 57 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units First, some recognition is due to Bakersfield, this year’s regular-season champion of the WAC and last year’s winner of the WAC tourney. Three times a national champ at the Division II level in the 90s, the Roadrunners (as a 15-point dog) hung tough in earning a cover in last year’s NCAA tourney, falling 82-68 vs. eventual Final Four team Oklahoma in CSUB’s first try in the Big Dance. And the Roadrunners have been undaunted in winning three straight as a visitor (at Cal, Colorado State, UTArlington) to reach the Garden. Something good is happening with the team put together by Rod Barnes, a former HC at Ole Miss and Georgia State. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech found itself on the outside looking in when this year’s NCAA teams were called on Selection Sunday, watching all nine teams ahead of the Yellow Jackets in the ACC standings get the call to the Big Dance. While CSUB has been traveling for the entire NIT tournament, higher-seeded Tech was gifted with a pair of home games (Indiana, Belmont) before winning at Ole Miss in the quarterfinals to reach New York. The Yellow Jackets are only 3-11 in all games away from home this season despite the emergence of 6-5 blue-chipper Josh Okogie (16.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) to go with well-seasoned, NBA bound 6-10 jr. C Ben Lammers (14.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg). |
|||||||
03-27-17 | Thunder -1 v. Mavs | 92-91 | Push | 0 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Teams split first two meetings along home court lines. Not long ago, Dallas did get Ok City by 15 at AA Center on March 5 when Russell Westbrook was “held” to 29 & 6. Which was a nice accomplishment by Mavs after Westbrook lit them up for 45 in Thunder’s 11-point win and cover at the Peake on Jan. 26. Ok City had won and covered five straight before running headfirst into Warriors on March 20, and Westbrook’s recent brilliance has put the West fifth seed in play for Ok City. After a six-game stretch in which he averaged 44.0 points but only 8 assists as the Thunder lost 4 of 6, jeopardizing his chances of finishing the season with a triple-double average, Westbrook tallied 26.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg and 14.4 apg during the five game winning streak. That sort of production can reverse this season’s series home trends. |
|||||||
03-27-17 | Cavs v. Spurs -5 | 74-103 | Win | 100 | 11 h 32 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units These two played a classic double-OT game at the “Q” on Jan. 21 when the Spurs survived by 3. Kawhi Leonard was the star that night with 41 points, one of his staggering 25 games of 30+ points thru March 20. Even with Kevin Love back in the fold, not sure about backing Cavs in revenge role, considering they had covered just 4 of last 13 thru March 20 and are just 2-8 as road dog this term. It won’t matter in this game, but Cavs fans in Charlotte, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta and Miami all need to be aware that the games their favorite team is playing in those cities are part of four remaining back-to-backs for the champs (though maybe that Boston game will mean something in regard to the No. 1 seed in the East), and that several starters are likely to rest those nights, as was case March 18 vs. Clippers. |
|||||||
03-27-17 | Magic v. Raptors -9 | 112-131 | Win | 100 | 10 h 0 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Double-revenge game for Toronto, which is chasing Boston for the Atlantic Division title and still hasn’t salted away the homecourt edge in the first round of the playoffs. The Raptors have played much-improved defense since the All-Star break, holding foes to 97.6 ppg in the 13 games since, compared with 104.3 ppg prior to that. Conversely, Orlando is playing it fast and loose, losing 5 of its last 6 through March 21 against the points while yielding 115 ppg. The Magic, who have no incentive to win games, might not have C Nikola Vucevic due to ankle and Achilles problems, and he’s been their leading scorer vs. the Raptors |
|||||||
03-26-17 | Blazers -6.5 v. Lakers | 97-81 | Win | 100 | 9 h 15 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units After years of taking their lumps against the Lakers, Portland has completely turned the tables on the once-great L.A. franchise and has won 11 straight in the series (9-2 vs. the points). The young Laker backcourt has been hurt by Blazer Gs C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard, who combined for 47 ppg in the first 3 meetings this season. McCollum shot 55% in those games, leading Portland to a 50.4% mark as a team. Los Angeles is yielding 118 ppg and 50% in its last 10 games. |
|||||||
03-26-17 | Pelicans +6.5 v. Nuggets | 115-90 | Win | 100 | 8 h 58 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Much has changed since Denver won at New Orleans way back in October, when the Nuggets scored a 107-102 upset despite a 50-point game by Pelican PF Anthony Davis. Since then the leading scorer for the Nuggets that night, Jusuf Nurkic, was traded to Portland, and the Pels have acquired DeMarcus Cousins. New Orleans PG Jrue Holiday missed that game as well, and he’s been on form lately, helping guide New Orleans to a 6-4 SU and 7-2-1 spread mark in the last 10 games prior to hosting Memphis Tuesday. Nuggets just 5-5 SU and vs. the points in their last 10 at the Pepsi Center through March 21. |
|||||||
03-26-17 | Heat v. Celtics -5 | 108-112 | Loss | -103 | 6 h 52 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Boston Celtics are making the most of a critical late-season homestand and look to stay perfect in the stretch when they host the Miami Heat today. The Celtics weathered the storm of a 70-point performance by Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker in a 130-120 win Friday night, improving to 3-0 on their season-high six-game homestand. The streak has Boston one-half game behind first-place Cleveland in the Eastern Conference entering Saturday, but coach Brad Stevens wants a complete effort from his team after watching Booker make things interesting in the second half. |
|||||||
03-26-17 | Kentucky +2.5 v. North Carolina | 73-75 | Win | 100 | 30 h 20 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units In this clash pitting two high-octane attacks, I have more faith that defensively-superior Kentucky (42.4% FGs allowed; 5.3 bpg) will come up with more critical stops in crunch time than offense-minded UNC, which allowed a different SEC foe, Arkansas, to find plenty of open looks until clamping down in the final 3 minutes in the Round of 32. The Wildcats’ budding 6-10 frosh C “Bam” Adebayo & battle-tested 6-9 sr. F Derek Willis can hold their own in the paint area with UNC’s more celebrated frontliners. So, look for UK to notch its 15th straight victory in Memphis, where mastermind John Calipari served as the Memphis head honcho for nine years before taking over in Lexington in 2009. When these two teams met in Las Vegas back on Dec. 17, the Cats’ Malik Monk had 47 and UK won. Monk has slowed a bit, but the Wildcats are much improved overall. |
|||||||
03-26-17 | South Carolina v. Florida -3 | 77-70 | Loss | -108 | 27 h 11 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units This is the rubber match between these SEC rivals, who split a pair of games this season, with the home side winning each. While SC was noted for its snarling defense for much of the season, its games have become faster-paced as the campaign has progressed, which did not help SC much in its 81-66 loss at Gainesville on Feb. 21. Which proved Florida can shift gears as needed, especially when soph G KeVaughn Allen (13.4 ppg, but 26 in that 15-point win) has located his shooting radar. Speaking of radar, the Gators didn’t even register on it from 3-point land in the first meeting at Columbia back on Jan 18, missing all 17 (!) triple attempts, but still losing by only 4. With the Gators maintaining their defensive intensity into late March, they have a Final Four look about them. |
|||||||
03-26-17 | Nets +7 v. Hawks | 107-92 | Win | 100 | 1 h 48 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Atlanta has been a money-burner at Philips Arena since mid-November, logging an 8-21 spread mark in its last 29 at home. One of those non-covers was a 110-105 victory over Brooklyn a few weeks ago (March 8), when Net backup G Sean Kilpatrick came off the bench with 27 points. Kilpatrick might be down with a hanstring injury, but PG Jeremy Lin should be available (he said his ankle twist wasn’t serious). Hawks can’t count on PG Dennis Schroder scoring 31 points as he did to lead all scorers in first goaround. Note Atlanta’s 19-28 mark as chalk this season through March 21. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Wolves v. Blazers -6.5 | 100-112 | Win | 100 | 11 h 29 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Portland won 8 of its last 10 through Monday to climb into the playoff conversation, just 1 game behind Denver for the final spot in the West. The Trail Blazers took the first meeting 95-89 behind an explosive 43-point game from G C.J. McCollum, winning in Minnesota without the services of star PG Damian Lillard. Lillard has since returned and is scoring 31 ppg and shooting 49% since the All-Star break. Minny is coming off a game last night in Los Angeles against the Lakers, and Timberwolves are just 2-19 SU and 6-14-1 vs. the spread at Portland the last few seasons. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Oregon +7.5 v. Kansas | 74-60 | Win | 100 | 10 h 1 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The key matchup in this Elite Eight battle will likely be Oregon HC Dana Altman sticking his 6-7 ace Dillon Brooks on Bill Self’s versatile 6-8 frosh phenom Josh Jackson; Brooks gives the Ducks the sort of unique component to neutralize Jackson that most Kansas foes have not owned. Depth issues could arise for the Jayhawks in a short turnaround vs. a high-quality foe. And the KU defense will be stretched against the various inside and outside Oregon weaponry, which has continued to operate at a high level even minus key 6-10 F Chris Boucher. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Raptors +2 v. Mavs | 94-86 | Win | 100 | 9 h 29 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Toronto Raptors are doing just fine without star point guard Kyle Lowry, and they may be able to climb the standings in the Eastern Conference for his probable return in the playoffs. They will aim for their fifth straight win and potentially seize third place in the East when they visit the Dallas Mavericks today. Behind another monster effort from DeMar DeRozan - who has reached the 40-point mark in back-to-back games - Toronto rallied from 15 points down to grab a 101-84 win at Miami on Thursday. The triumph gave the Raptors a 10-5 record since Lowry was sidelined with a wrist injury at the All-Star break. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Knicks v. Spurs -15.5 | 98-106 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 25 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The San Antonio Spurs still have a chance to catch the Golden State Warriors for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference but time is running out. The Spurs have little margin for error over the final 11 regular-season games and look to post their fourth consecutive victory when they host the New York Knicks today. San Antonio recorded a 97-90 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday and coach Gregg Popovich was pleased with the 23-point performance by power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. The Knicks have dropped four straight games and nine of 11 after falling 110-95 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Flames v. Blues -129 | 3-2 | Loss | -129 | 7 h 21 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The red-hot St. Louis Blues have bolstered their resume for a sixth straight postseason appearance with victories in nine of their last 10 games while the Calgary Flames have dropped consecutive contests on the heels of a scintillating 12-1-0 run. The Blues will look to strengthen their hold on third place in the Central Division and extend their winning streak to five games today when they host the Flames. Jake Allen has been at the forefront of St. Louis' surge, improving to 7-1-0 with two shutouts, a 1.25 goals-against average and .957 save percentage in that stretch following a 27-save performance in Thursday's 4-1 victory versus Vancouver. The 26-year-old has yielded just 10 goals in eight outings this month, but stopped 23 of 27 shots in the Blues' 6-4 victory over the Flames on Oct. 22. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Maple Leafs -143 v. Sabres | 2-5 | Loss | -143 | 7 h 18 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Rookie William Nylander and the Toronto Maple Leafs have been riding high of late, and their success is showing in the standings. Toronto is hoping Nylander continues his torrid pace as it looks to move closer to second place in the Atlantic Division when it visits the Buffalo Sabres today. The Maple Leafs are five points behind second-place Ottawa in the Atlantic but climbed three ahead of Boston for third by extending their point streak to five games (4-0-1) with Thursday's 4-2 triumph over New Jersey - a contest in which the 20-year-old Nylander set a franchise rookie record by registering a point in his 10th consecutive game as he notched a goal and an assist. Buffalo began its three-game homestand Tuesday with a 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh, marking the fifth straight contest in which it scored fewer than three goals. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Blackhawks -124 v. Panthers | 0-7 | Loss | -124 | 7 h 14 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Chicago Blackhawks continue to widen their lead in the Central Division and look to extend their point streak to eight games when they start a three-game road trip against the Florida Panthers today. The Blackhawks defeated Dallas 3-2 in a shootout Thursday to improve to 6-0-1 in their last seven games and lead Minnesota by eight points in the Central with one more game played. The Panthers are seven points out of the second wild card in the Eastern Conference after earning only its fourth win in 15 games. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Xavier +8 v. Gonzaga | 59-83 | Loss | -101 | 7 h 20 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Unit Xavier comes into his one after stuffing Arizona following minor upsets of Maryland and Florida State to get to this West final vs. Gonzaga. The “Muskies” have stayed hot, and just might very well give the Bulldogs a run for their money in the fight to reach the Final Four. Basketball fans were well aware that the X-Men “knew how to play” before their late-season slump brought about by the loss of PG Edmond Sumner followed a little later by the ankle injury that bothered 6-6 wing Trevon Bluiett. Please note that under Mark Few, with all of his tourney teams the last 17 years, the Zags have never made it to the Final Four. Xavier has just enough quickness outside and bangers inside to give Gonzaga a battle. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Jazz v. Clippers -4 | 95-108 | Win | 100 | 5 h 5 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units After L.A. took the first two meetings by handy margins, Utah turned the tables on the Clippers. The Jazz were leading the Northwest Division by 2½ games at the beginning of the last week, but hard-charging OKC is going to the whip in the stretch and putting pressure on them. The Jazz have PG George Hill, F Gordon Hayward and C Rudy Gobert all on the same page, but they might miss PF Derrick Favors matching up against Clip counterpart Blake Griffin. Also must note Utah’s 3-12 mark this season as a road dog. |
|||||||
03-25-17 | Flyers v. Blue Jackets -170 | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 2 h 23 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Although the Columbus Blue Jackets' bid for the Presidents' Trophy may have taken a hit following back-to-back losses, coach John Tortorella's charges could get back in the mix among the Metropolitan Division powers on Saturday afternoon if recent history holds true. The Blue Jackets vie for their 10th straight home victory over the Philadelphia Flyers when the clubs play the third contest of their four-game season series at Nationwide Arena. Sergei Bobrovsky, who leads the league with 39 victories, saw his seven-game winning streak end on Thursday despite making a season-high 44 saves in a 2-1 shootout loss to Washington. The 2013 Vezina Trophy winner has turned aside 48 of 51 shots to win both outings this season versus Philadelphia, which continues to rue the day it traded Bobrovsky to Columbus for three draft picks in June 2012. |
|||||||
03-24-17 | Wolves -6.5 v. Lakers | 119-130 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 37 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units These teams aren’t that far apart in the standings, but they are miles apart in terms of talent on hand. Since the All-Star break, Minnesota C Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 29 ppg and 14 rpg, F Andrew Wiggins 22 ppg, and PG Ricky Rubio 16 ppg and 11 apg. Rubio has suddenly found his shooting touch, clicking on 48% of his attempts in his last 10 games through Monday night’s action. Minny likely to be on a 4-game losing streak after absorbing double-digit losses against Boston, Miami and New Orleans before hosting San Antonio Tuesday. The Lakers have lost 8 straight at Staples Center, covering only as larger home dogs. Hungry Timberwolves will add to that misery. |
|||||||
03-24-17 | Wisconsin +2 v. Florida | Top | 83-84 | Win | 100 | 52 h 37 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units Wisconsin is aiming for its third Final Four berth in the last four seasons. The Badgers became the only team in the nation to advance to four straight Sweet 16s when they upset No. 1 overall seed Villanova in the Round of 32 last weekend thanks to continued terrific play from Bronson Koenig. The Badgers have two key seniors with multiple Final Four experience in Koenig, who has drained 11 3-pointers en route to 45 points through two games of this event, and Nigel Hayes, who is averaging 17.5 points and nine boards through two NCAA contests. Ethan Happ, who notched at least 10 points and eight rebounds in five straight games, is another cause for concern for the Gators. |
|||||||
03-24-17 | UCLA -105 v. Kentucky | Top | 75-86 | Loss | -105 | 51 h 19 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units Sure, surging Kentucky (on 13-game win skein) in its sixth Sweet 16 in eight years under HC John Calipari—is seeking to avenge its earlier 97-92 loss to UCLA, which ended the Wildcats’ 42-game home win streak. In that high-profile clash in early December, the balanced Bruins had six players score in DDs, while hitting a sizzling 53% from the field, compared to 41.2% for UK. It can be tough as nails and oh-so-rare to knock off Calipari twice in the same campaign. But prefer to support UCLA (third Sweet 16 in last 4 years), who lead the nation in scoring (90.3 ppg), FG percentage (51.9%), assists (21.5 pg) and assist-to-TO ratio. The Bruins have also been hustling more on the stop end (42% FGs allowed; 5.4 bpg; 11th nationally) down the stretch. Admittedly, the Wildcats’ defense is more “connected” after finally internalizing Coach Cal’s philosophy. Nevertheless, UK will once again have trouble slowing down the explosive Bruin attack now that sharp-shooting sr. G Bryce Alford has snapped out of his mini-slump by canning 4 of 11 from distance in his team’s 79-67 victory over defensively-sticky Cincinnati in the Round of 32. The same can’t be said for the Wildcats’ frosh sensation, 6-3 G Malik Monk, who has converted a rim-clanking 20 of 64 from the field (7 of 26 from deep) in his last six outings. The Wildcats’ gifted 6-10 frosh C “Bam” Adebayo has become a greater force in the paint area down the stretch. But UCLA also has been benefiting from more instrumental play supplied by unheralded 7-0 jr. C Thomas Welsh (10.8 ppg), who has scored 27 pts. along with 15 caroms so far in the Big Dance. Moreover, the finely-tuned Bruins have amassed 47 assists while committing a meager 9 TOs vs. gritty Kent State and the defense-oriented Bearcats. And, since the boys from Westwood have transcendent 6-6 frosh Lonzo Ball (considered the likely top lottery pick in the next NBA draft) and UK does not, believe the Wildcats, who narrowly escaped vs. Wichita State in the Round of 32, drop to 0-3 as an underdog their last 3 campaigns. |
|||||||
03-24-17 | 76ers +6.5 v. Bulls | 117-107 | Win | 100 | 23 h 10 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Philadelphia had covered 16 of its last 19 after getting the money at Orlando Monday, as Sixer PF Dario Saric has made a convincing case for being selected rookie of the year. Saric has averaged 20 pts. and 8 boards since the All-Star break, and Philly C Jahlil Okafor could be available after resting his sore knee for a few games. Chicago is just 22-31 as home chalk the last two seasons, while the Sixers are 10-4 this year as single-digit road dogs. The Bulls held sway in first two meetings this season, winning and covering at home and on the road, but G Dwyane Wade has since been declared out for the season, and he played an important role in earlier series victories (20 ppg, 57% vs. the Sixers). Sixers have lost 12 straight to the Bulls, but had covered 8 of last 9 road games this season prior to kicking off this road trip in Orlando Monday night. |
|||||||
03-24-17 | South Carolina v. Baylor -3.5 | 70-50 | Loss | -110 | 49 h 46 m | Show | |
Rating: 3 Units This marks the fourth time in 14 seasons under Scott Drew that the Bears made it to the Sweet 16 and they've advanced to the Elite Eight twice with wins over Saint Mary's in 2010 and Xavier in 2012 while losing to No. 2 seed Wisconsin in 2014. Motley, a 6-10 junior forward who has played himself into NBA lottery consideration, leads the team in scoring (17.3) and led the Big 12 in rebounding (9.9), and had 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the Bears' 82-78 second-round victory over USC. Junior point guard Manu Lecomte (12.3) is the only other player averaging in double figures but 7-0 junior forward Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., who averages 9.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, and junior guard Al Freeman, who had 21 points in the team's 91-73 first-round victory over New Mexico State, have also been impact performers. Baylor is 9-1 against SEC teams since the 2012-13 season, including two wins over South Carolina. |
|||||||
03-24-17 | Butler +7.5 v. North Carolina | 80-92 | Loss | -110 | 49 h 39 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Have the utmost respect for talent-rich UNC and likeable, 14-year mentor Roy Williams, who’s making his 18th trip to the Sweet 16, dating back to his time at Kansas. But it is somewhat troubling that the board-crashing, unselfish Tar Heels (who lead the nation in rebounding margin; 2nd in apg)—spearheaded up front by 6-10 sr. C Kennedy Meeks and versatile 6-8 jr. Justin Jackson—nearly blew a DD lead in their harrowing 72-65 victory over Arkansas in the second round, needing a 12-0 run over the final 3 minutes to knock off the Razorbacks. While we expect UNC’s key G Joel Berry II (ankle injury; 3 of 21 from the field in the Dance) to be more effective with extra time to heal, still recommend grabbing 7½ pts. (line at TGS presstime) with tough-minded Butler, back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. There will be no “intimidation factor” vs. the undaunted, smartly-coached Bulldogs, who defeated loaded, Sweet 16 team Arizona in the Las Vegas Invitational in late November, as well as prevailing twice vs. LY’s national champ Villanova, plus another Sweet 16 squad (Xavier) in the reg.-season, before losing to the Musketeers in the Big East tourney. Moreover, UNC won’t easily unleash its devastating transition game vs. methodical, tempo-controlling, mistake-minimizing Butler, owning a solid 3.2 TO margin (21st nationally). Don’t see the bruising Tar Heels, who thrive on the offensive glass, getting a plethora of second-chance opportunities vs. the Bulldogs’ industrious inside duo of 6-8 jr. F Tyler Wideman & 6-7 jr. F Andrew Chrabascz, who’ve faced a string of high-quality bigs in the Big East. In addition, the Butler attack has displayed more punch after savvy 3rd-year HC Chris Holtmann decided to bring top scorer 6-7 jr. Kelan Martin (16.1 ppg) and Kamar Baldwin (10.1 ppg) off the bench. Fundamentally, look for 6-3 jr. Bulldog defensive stopper G Kethan Savage, who stifled Middle Tennessee star G Giddy Potts (0 for 8 from the field) in the Round of 32, to be a virtual savage vs. UNC’s go-to G Joel Berry II. And envision an inspired effort from the Bulldogs’ integral 6-2 sr. G Avery Woodson, who played two years at Memphis before transferring to Indianapolis. The resolute, deep Bulldogs are 6-1-1 their last 8 as an underdog, and they have endured only one DD loss all season. |
|||||||
03-23-17 | Xavier +7.5 v. Arizona | 73-71 | Win | 100 | 28 h 19 m | Show | |
Rating: 3 Units The Musketeers struggled initially after point guard Edmond Sumner tore an ACL on Jan. 30, but junior guard Trevon Bluiett sparked the team’s postseason surge by averaging 25 points on 51.7 percent shooting in the NCAA Tournament. After knocking off two higher seeds in the first two rounds, Xavier aims for another upset in today’s Sweet 16 as the 11th-seeded Musketeers face No. 2 Arizona in an NCAA Tournament West Region matchup in San Jose, Calif. Xavier is back in the regional semifinals for the second time in three years following victories over Maryland and Florida State. |
|||||||
03-23-17 | Purdue v. Kansas -5 | 66-98 | Win | 100 | 27 h 39 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units For those who were thinking the Big Ten might not have a team escape the sub-regionals (and count me among the doubters), Purdue is one of three league reps still alive into the Sweet 16. In the Boilermakers’ case, erasing the bad taste left over from last year’s stunning first-round exit, courtesy of Little Rock. More recently, there’s also some redemption for the Boilers’ early exit at the Big Ten Tourney, which might have temporarily gotten the masses off Purdue’s scent last week in Milwaukee, where the Riveters eased past Vermont and then outscored one of the nation’s hottest teams (Iowa State) to survive and advance. But the ride likely ends today at the Sprint Center, where Kansas will have a near-home court edge. Though the KC venue did not help the Jayhawks in the recent Big 12 Tourney, when they were KO’d in their first game by upset minded TCU. Bill Self’s bunch, however, had a legit excuse vs. the Horned Frogs, as 6-8 star frosh Josh Jackson (16.6 ppg) was out due to suspension. Jackson was back in action at the sub-regionals in Tulsa, looking as good as ever, especially when scoring 23 in KU’s 90-70 second-round romp past capable Michigan State. |
|||||||
03-23-17 | West Virginia +3 v. Gonzaga | Top | 58-61 | Push | 0 | 25 h 20 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units Top-seeded Gonzaga looks for its third trip to the Elite Eight when it faces pressure-based West Virginia in today's NCAA Tournament West Region Sweet 16 contest at San Jose, Calif. Ball-handling will be of utmost importance for the Bulldogs when they face the fourth-seeded Mountaineers, who are the national leaders in turnovers forced at 20.1 per game. West Virginia's relentless approach is known as "Press Virginia" and the squad said it feels overlooked despite the school reaching the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in 10 seasons under coach Bob Huggins |
|||||||
03-23-17 | Michigan v. Oregon +1.5 | Top | 68-69 | Win | 100 | 25 h 53 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units Tyler Dorsey continued his recent tear as he poured in 27 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.4 seconds remaining, in the comeback win against Rhode Island. Brooks scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds to become the Ducks' all-time leader in NCAA Tournament scoring with 123 points as he passed Joseph Young (105) and Elgin Cook (117). Jordan Bell secured a game-high 12 rebounds as the Ducks erased an 11-point deficit in the second half and matched a program record for most wins in a season. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Cincinnati v. UCLA -3.5 | Top | 67-79 | Win | 100 | 24 h 43 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units None of the current UCLA players likely remember when the Bruins knocked off the top-seeded Bearcats in double-overtime to reach the Sweet Sixteen in 2002, but the Bruins probably learned a lot about it during their off day. Like that day when Dan Gadzuric dominated the middle, Jason Kapono was sharp from outside and freshman point guard Cedric Bozeman ran the offense smoothly and efficiently, UCLA will need 6-10 freshman T.J. Leaf to be the best post player on both teams, Bryce Alford to shoot a high percentage from outside and Ball to distribute the ball well. A player the Bearcats may have trouble matching against is 7-foot forward Thomas Welch, who should find room to implement his dangerous mid-range game. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Kings v. Flames -113 | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Calgary is as hot as its nickname - especially goaltender Brian Elliott - as the Flames host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday for the first of three meetings with their Pacific Division rivals in 19 days. Elliott won his last 10 decisions, helping Calgary vault nine points clear of ninth-place Los Angeles in the Western Conference and into a three-way battle with Anaheim and Edmonton for the second and third place in the Pacific. Elliott didn't play because of the flu when the Flames' 10-game winning streak was snapped by Boston 5-2 on Wednesday but returned to make 24 saves in Friday's 3-1 victory over Dallas. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | South Carolina v. Duke -7.5 | Top | 88-81 | Loss | -105 | 23 h 31 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units The Gamecocks were somewhat of an afterthought after losing five of their last seven leading up to the event, but they used a dominant second half to rout Marquette 93-73 on Friday for their first NCAA Tournament win since 1973. They also figure to have something of a home-court advantage playing at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, although the Blue Devils say they relish the thought of a hostile environment.Duke's Mike Krzyzewski has made an NCAA-record 23 trips to the Sweet 16 as a coach. The Blue Devils rank third in 3-point defense, holding opponents to 29.2 percent |
|||||||
03-19-17 | USC +7 v. Baylor | 78-82 | Win | 100 | 22 h 38 m | Show | |
Rating: 3 Units Trojans have been the feel-good story of the tournament so far, coming back from 17 down to defeat Providence, 75-71, in a First Four game on Wednesday night and then rallying from a 12-point second half deficit to edge sixth-seeded SMU, 66-65, on Friday afternoon. It was the 13th time that USC had a double-digit comeback win this season, the most such victories in Division I. USC's 26 wins are a school record, surpassing the previous mark of 25 set in 2007. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Rhode Island +5.5 v. Oregon | 72-75 | Win | 100 | 21 h 6 m | Show | |
Rating: 3 Units Oregon dominated the paint against the smaller Gaels but faces a tougher test against Rhode Island, which led from start to finish in Friday’s 84-72 upset of No. 6 seed Creighton. Freshman guard Jeff Dowtin scored a career-high 23 points against Creighton and senior forward Kuran Iverson added 17 as the Rams recorded their ninth straight victory and first in the NCAA Tournament since 1998. Forward Hassan Martin registered a double-double and helped limit Creighton big man Justin Patton to eight points on 3-of-12 shooting. Junior guard E.C. Matthews averages 14.9 points to lead the Rams, who finished tied for third in the Atlantic 10 Conference regular season but earned an automatic bid after winning three games in three days in Pittsburgh. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Kings +13.5 v. Spurs | 102-118 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 42 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units San Antonio hasn’t lost to Sacto in a few years, but isn’t exactly running roughshod over the Kings this season, either, as Spurs have failed to cover any of the first three meetings. That includes March 8 at Verizon Center after departure of Boogie Cousins, when Coach Pop’s bunch had to rally from 37-15 after 1st Q (largest 1st-Q deficit in S.A. history!) and down 28 in 2nd Q before finally collaring Sacto in late going. Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge were rested that night, but Aldridge’s absence will now continue indefinitely as he undergoes a battery of tests for heart arrhythmia that could keep him out an extended period. Not greatly interested in laying another inflated price with Spurs, who had dropped six straight vs. line before being gifted with a shorthanded Golden State team on March 11. Though S.A. was effectively tied with Warriors for top playoff seed entering the week, Spurs have been winning a lot of close games lately. Not too keen to lay this sort of price. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Arkansas v. North Carolina -10 | 65-72 | Loss | -115 | 20 h 8 m | Show | |
Rating: 3 Units North Carolina has unfinished business in the NCAA Tournament, but the next step for the top-seeded Tar Heels is Sunday's encounter with eighth-seeded Arkansas in Greenville, S.C. The Razorbacks advanced to the second round in the South Region with a close win over Seton Hall, while the Tar Heels cruised in their tournament opener. Justin Jackson was the story for North Carolina on Friday, posting 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting (5-of-8 from the arc) in a much-needed performance for the ACC Player of the Year. The junior had shot 7-of-31 from the arc during a four-game shooting slump and also pulled down seven rebounds in the Round of 64 - his highest total in two months. This is the sixth meeting in the NCAA Tournament between the teams. Both of the Razorbacks' last two NCAA Tournament exits came at the hands of the Tar Heels (2008, 2015). |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Blazers v. Heat -5.5 | 115-104 | Loss | -102 | 6 h 46 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Miami’s surge is almost becoming ‘72 Dolphins like, as Heat now 21-5 SU and 22-4 vs. line in last 26 thru March 14. Last Sunday’s close loss (but cover) at Indiana was the first time in that 26-game span that the SU and spread winners were different in a Miami game. Speaking of different, it is not the same Heat as the floundering version that lost by 7 at Portland way back on December 3, though remember that underrated Miami defense kept Damian Lillard & C.J. McCollum mostly in check that night, limiting them to combined 13 for 37 from floor. Both teams in pitched battles to squeeze into the back end of their respective conference playoff slots, though tech case more persuasive against Blazers, just 7-15 as road dog into March 14 at New Orleans |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Suns v. Pistons -10.5 | 95-112 | Win | 100 | 4 h 20 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Just in the nick of time, Detroit looks to be developing a beachhead in East playoff chase, winning and covering 4 of last 5 through March 11 win over Knicks to hold the seventh slot in the traffic jam into this week for the final conference postseason invitations. Stan Van Gundy’s experiment with Tobias Harris as the sixth man also seems to have ended after Harris scored 23 points in the first half alone of that recent win over New York. Don’t want to completely dismiss improving Phoenix, whose 5-1 spread uptick was finally slowed in March 12 loss vs. desperate Portland. But also like long range revenge angle, as Pistons not likely to shoot a sickly 36% from the floor as was the case in their 7-point loss in the desert way back on November 7. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Wichita State +5 v. Kentucky | Top | 62-65 | Win | 100 | 17 h 56 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units In addition to owning far and away the Missouri Valley Conference's top scoring offense (81.5 points), the Shockers boast the conference's top marks in field-goal percentage defense (37.6 - fourth in the nation), 3-point percentage defense (30.9 - 17th) and rebounding margin (plus-9.2 - third). Leading scorers Markis McDuffie (11.7 points) and freshman guard Landry Shamet (11.2) shot a combined 4-of-17 against Dayton but received plenty of help from Zach Brown (12 points, 3-of-3 from beyond the arc) and Rashard Kelly (eight, career-high 11 rebounds). Shamet has connected on a 3-pointer in 24 consecutive games and made a freshman school-record 70 on the season, while Conner Frankamp has recorded at least one in 21 straight contests and leads the team with 71. A victory on Sunday by Wichita State, which is tied with Drake at 1,202 wins, will make it the winningest program in MVC history. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Blue Jackets -140 v. Devils | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 1 h 14 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Columbus Blue Jackets go after their third shutout in the series this month when they visit the struggling New Jersey Devils on Sunday afternoon. The Blue Jackets, who are in the middle of a three-way battle for first place in the Metropolitan Division with Pittsburgh and Washington, blanked New Jersey 3-0 on March 5 and 2-0 two days later, and boast points in 10 of their last 12 games (9-2-1) overall. Sergei Bobrovsky, who turned aside 53 shots in the back-to-back shutouts for Columbus, is likely to be in net after resting during Saturday’s 3-2 overtime win at the New York Islanders. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Celtics -5 v. 76ers | 99-105 | Loss | -103 | 1 h 54 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Philly still covering numbers (three straight after win over Lakers on March 12, improving spread mark to 12-3 last 15 prior to last Tuesday at Golden State), which Sixers have done on all three occasions this season vs. Boston, despite losing all of those SU vs. Celtics. That includes most-recent meeting on Feb. 15 at TD Garden, when Philly used 22 points from improving 6-10 Euro rookie import Dario Saric to stay within earshot. Still, Sixer technical case not airtight despite 23-8 home dog mark, as Boston a solid 23-13 vs. line on road into March 17 at Brooklyn, and Celtics still very much in a scrap with the East elite for the top four conference playoff seeds, all still up in the air into mid-March. |
|||||||
03-19-17 | Michigan v. Louisville -150 | Top | 73-69 | Loss | -150 | 14 h 15 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units Senior center Mangok Mathiang matched his career high with 18 points to go along with five rebounds in the win against Jacksonville State. Sophomore forward Deng Adel scored 16 points in his first NCAA Tournament appearance after the Cardinals missed last season's tournament due to a postseason ban, while Quentin Snider added 16 points and five assists against the Gamecocks. Donovan Mitchell shrugged off a 3-for-15 performance from the field in his first tournament appearance by grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds as Louisville finished with 16 offensive boards. Louisville has won all three meetings with Michigan. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Ducks v. Sharks -164 | 2-1 | Loss | -164 | 7 h 26 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The San Jose Sharks attempt to extend their lead over the second-place Anaheim Ducks in the Pacific Division when they wrap up their six-game homestand today. San Jose, which has gone 3-2-0 on its stretch at SAP Center, is six points ahead of Anaheim and seven in front of third-place Calgary with 12 games remaining. The Sharks, who still are within reach of the top spot in the Western Conference as they trail Chicago by four points, have won eight of their last 12 contests and scored at least four goals in each triumph on the homestand. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Bucks v. Warriors -10.5 | 92-117 | Win | 100 | 7 h 9 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Golden State had lost 5 of its last 7 SU prior to starting this 3-game homestand vs. Philly and Orlando. That tailspin, which not coincidentally corresponds almost directly to the injury to allstar F Kevin Durant, has the Warriors in danger of losing the top seed in the West. Golden State needed every one of Durant’s 33 points to hold on for a 124-121 victory at Milwaukee on Nov. 19. Golden State was 1-9 vs. the number last 10 through March 13. Still, would rather lay reasonable number than count on Buck side that’s 8-14 as a road dog. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Iowa State v. Purdue +1 | Top | 76-80 | Win | 100 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units A contrast in styles figures to make for an intriguing second-round NCAA Tournament Midwest Region matchup tonight when Iowa State takes on Purdue in Milwaukee. The fifth-seeded Cyclones feature a high-scoring four-guard attack while the fourth-seeded Boilermakers boast one of the nation’s most-imposing front lines, led by national player of the year-candidate Caleb Swanigan. The 6-9, 250-pound Swanigan totaled 16 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and a trio of blocked shots in Thursday’s 80-70 first-round win over Vermont while fellow forward Vince Edwards added a game-high 21 points - with 15 coming in the second half. Swanigan, Edwards and a 7-2 Isaac Haas combined for 25 of Purdue’s 38 rebounds as the Boilermakers finished a plus-10 on the glass and overwhelmed the Catamounts in the paint. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Blues -150 v. Coyotes | 3-0 | Win | 100 | 6 h 10 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The St. Louis Blues and Arizona Coyotes will get to know each other rather well in the next 12 days, as the clubs face off on Saturday in the first of three meetings in that span. Facing the cellar-dwelling Coyotes likely is music to the ears of the red-hot Blues, who have won six of seven to reside two points behind Nashville for third place in the Central while moving four points up on Los Angeles for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Vladimir Tarasenko (team-leading 34 goals) continued his offensive surge in Thursday's 4-1 triumph over San Jose, recording his second two-goal performance in four contests and seventh of the season. The 25-year-old Russian has seven points (six points, one assist) in his last six games overall and ravaged Arizona with three goals and two assists as St. Louis completed a three-game series sweep last season. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Jazz v. Bulls +6 | 86-95 | Win | 100 | 6 h 57 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Utah F Gordon Hayward had an unusually poor shooting night (3 of 15) and was held to just 8 pts. back on Nov. 17 when these two first met this season. Look for the Jazz to turn the tables on Chicago this time around. Utah is 8-4 SU in its last 12 road games, and the Jazz have regained the services of PG George Hill after a brief absence. Chicago played in Washington last night, and the Bulls are just 1-4 this season vs. the number at home in 2nd of back-to-back games. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Virginia +2 v. Florida | Top | 39-65 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 16 m | Show |
Rating: 3 Units Florida and Virginia meet Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament’s East Region in Orlando, Fla. in a matchup of two power-five conference teams are excellent defensively. Both squads will look for better performances after the fourth-seeded Gators shook off a sluggish first half to pull away from East Tennessee State and the fifth-seeded Cavaliers actually relied on their offense to hold off UNC-Wilmington. Virginia, which leads the nation in scoring defense, shot 51 percent and received a career-high 23 points off the bench from Marial Shayok in the five-point victory. Florida, which came into the tournament averaging 9.5 turnovers (third in the nation), committed eight in the first half. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Cavs +3.5 v. Clippers | 78-108 | Loss | -105 | 5 h 23 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Cleveland will well remember Clippers sailing to a 113-94 victory at Quicken Loans Arena back on Dec. 1. LeBron James made just 5 of 14 shots and only 6 of 11 FTs, while the Clipper Bench out scored the Cav reserves 46-28. Cleveland is feeling heat from Boston and Washington in the East, and it’s imperative that the Cavs have a successful road trip. This 4-game swing starts with a victory over Los Angeles. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | St. Mary's v. Arizona -4 | Top | 60-69 | Win | 100 | 8 h 50 m | Show |
Rating: 3 Units Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen had 20 points and six rebounds in Thursday’s 100-82 win over No. 15 seed North Dakota as the Wildcats dominated the paint and shot 58 percent from the field. The 7-foot freshman averaged 20 points to lead Arizona to the Pac-12 tournament title but faces a tough matchup Saturday against Saint Mary’s 6-11 center Jock Landale, who averages 16.2 points along with 9.2 rebounds and recorded his 16th double-double of the season in the win over VCU. Landale will need to avoid foul trouble against a formidable Arizona frontline that includes 7-foot center Dusan Ristic, who had 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting against North Dakota. Arizona averages 76.9 points |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Blackhawks +105 v. Maple Leafs | 2-1 | Win | 105 | 4 h 16 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Chicago Blackhawks turned the page since the start of February, posting win streaks of five and seven contests before beginning their current three-game run by vaulting into first place in the Central Division. With victories in 15 of their last 18 contests, the Blackhawks look to continue their impressive March as they vie for a sweep of their Canadian road trip with today's tilt versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. Richard Panik was a major part of Chicago's sizzling run with five goals highlighting his seven-game point streak before failing to tally again until Thursday's 2-1 victory over Ottawa. Blackhawks G Corey Crawford owns a 10-3-0 mark with a .925 save percentage in his last 13 appearances. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Middle Tennessee +2.5 v. Butler | Top | 65-74 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 34 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units A decade ago, Butler began establishing itself as one of the gold standards for mid-major basketball programs. Relative unknown Middle Tennessee, a 12th seed which is coming off a first-round upset in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season, will be looking to take another step toward that end when the Blue Raiders tangle with the fourth-seeded Bulldogs in the second round of the South Region today in Milwaukee. Middle Tennessee, which led by as many as 17 in Thursday’s 81-72 triumph over fifth-seeded Minnesota, beat Michigan State in the first round last season as a No. 15 seed before falling to Syracuse. The Blue Raiders, who have already set a school record for wins (31), have won 20 of their last 21 games and have wins this season over SEC schools Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Xavier v. Florida State -7 | Top | 91-66 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 47 m | Show |
Rating: 3 Units The Seminoles need to cut down on the 16 turnovers they committed against Florida Gulf Coast, but their offensive potential was on full display. Star guard Dwayne Bacon (17.1 points) scored 25 points against the Eagles while freshman forward Jonathan Isaac (12.1, 7.7 rebounds) recorded 17, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The Seminoles also blocked nine shots and got double-digit scoring from point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes (10.4 points, 4.9 assists) and wing Terance Mann (8.6, 4.7 rebounds), but they will face a tougher defensive opponent in the Musketeers. With a win, the Seminoles would tie the school record for wins set in 1971-72, when they advanced to the NCAA Tournament championship game. |
|||||||
03-18-17 | Wisconsin v. Villanova -5.5 | Top | 65-62 | Loss | -108 | 3 h 37 m | Show |
Rating: 4 Units Villanova opened its title defense with a 20-point win against Mount St. Mary's in which the team overcame a dreadful start, missing its first eight shots and not taking a lead until 2:33 remained in the first half. The Wildcats likely can't afford another slow start against a Badgers team that topped Virginia Tech on Thursday behind Bronson Koenig and Nigel Hayes, two seniors with a pair of Final Fours on their resume. |
|||||||
03-17-17 | Rockets v. Pelicans +5 | 112-128 | Win | 100 | 6 h 15 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Houston faced the “twin towers” version of New Orleans on Feb. 23 and wasn’t impressed. The Rockets scored a 129-99 blowout victory in C DeMarcus Cousins’ debut with the Pelicans. N.O. has begun to adjust to the changes since then, however, as the Pels had a 4-1-1 spread record in their last 6 through. Cousins and F Anthony Davis have combined for 46 ppg and 23 rpg in their last 5 through March 13, and PG Jrue Holiday has dished 8 apg in that span (a bit above his seasonal avg.). The addition of NBA vet G Jordan Crawford on a 10-day deal appears a coup for the Pelicans, as he scored 16 ppg and shot 56% on his threes in his first 3 games. |
|||||||
03-17-17 | Raptors v. Pistons -4 | 87-75 | Loss | -102 | 8 h 17 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Detroit has been making the most of home court the last six weeks, covering 10 of 12 at the Palace prior to hosting Utah Wednesday. Pistons have held foes to 99 ppg at home, and top scorer F Tobias Harris didn’t appear to be hampered by a sore knee in scoring a season-high 28 pts. vs. New York Saturday. Toronto has hit a bit of a swoon, dropping 3 of 4 SU and vs. the points prior to hosting Dallas Monday, as absence of G Kyle Lowry might’ve begun to take a toll. Raptor star DeMar DeRozan has been held to 20 ppg and 40.7% in his last 5 games, and F DeMarre Carroll missed action recently with a sore ankle. |
|||||||
03-17-17 | Wichita State -5.5 v. Dayton | 64-58 | Win | 100 | 28 h 38 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units I have a healthy respect for tough-minded, astutely-coached Dayton (7), boasting a topflight senior backcourt duo in 6-2 Scoochie Smith (13.5 ppg, 4.4 apg) and 6-5 Charles Cooke (16.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.0 apg). But, while the Flyers were 3-0-1 as an underdog this year, I still prefer to lay a fair price with Missouri Valley juggernaut Wichita State, which made it to the Final Four in 2013 under mastermind Gregg Marshall. The strong boarding Shockers (5th nationally in rebounding margin), spearheaded by remarkably-poised frosh PG Landry Shamet (11.3 ppg, 3.3 apg) and hard working 6-8 soph F Markis McDuffie (11.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), are riding a 15-game win skein, admittedly in a down year for the MVC. But proven motivator Marshall who defeated Arizona’s Sean Miller, the brother of UD head honcho Archie Miller in LY’s opening round (after Wichita beat Vandy in a play-in)—will use his team’s perceived low seeding as extra-incentive in Indianapolis. The Flyers are not exactly entering the Big Dance exuding confidence, having been knocked off as a No. 1 seed in the first round of the A-10 tourney by Davidson. Undeterred from laying around 3 hoops, since the d-e-e-e-p Shockers have won by more than 6 points in 29 of their 30 victories TY! |
|||||||
03-17-17 | Bulls v. Wizards -7 | 107-112 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 52 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Chicago took first meeting vs. Washington, but that was back on Nov. 12, before Washington put things together and went 34-8 from Dec. 8 through March 12. The Wizards won the next two against the Bulls, although Chicago covered at the Verizon Center on Jan. 10. Washington has cooled off at home in the last month, covering only 3 of last 9 as host prior to facing Dallas Wednesday after ripping to a 14-1 spread mark in previous 15. Still, the Bulls had dropped 5 in a row SU and against the point spread through Sunday, scoring just 90 ppg and shooting 40.7%. Trust Wizard team that’s caught Boston and is breathing down Cleveland’s neck for the top spot in the East a bit more at this stage. |
- PREVIOUS
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- NEXT
- Early Lines
- High Limits
- NEW VIP Rewards
- VIP Program
- Mobile Betting
- Crypto
- VIP Program
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting!
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting
- 48 Hour Payouts
- 35% Crypto Bonus
- Live Betting
- Mobile Friendly
Guaranteed Winners or your money back and Free Picks in the NFL football, NBA basketball, MLB baseball, NCAA college football and basketball, Nascar Racing, Arena Football nhl hockey leagues and more.
We are part of the internets Premier Sports Handicappers League with full documentation of all members on this sports betting news and info portal. Free Membership, Join Today and start Winning!
For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.