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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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04-16-21 | Clippers v. 76ers -2 | Top | 103-106 | Win | 100 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #536 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 7:10 ET - I still can not believe that Philadelphia did not cover against the Nets Wednesday night as they let the easy cover slip away late. Much less to worry about here as we have a very small number to work with and the Clippers have injury issues. I know LA comes into this one having won 7 straight but Leonard is questionable (foot) and Ibaka and Beverley are both out with injuries. The Sixers are the much healthier team and also have two off days on deck as they do not play again until Monday. The 76ers are on a 3-game winning streak and are 4-1 this season when they entered a game having won 3 straight. The home team has been the winning team in recent meetings between these teams and here Philly gets revenge for the double digit loss at Los Angeles 3 weeks ago. Situation and injuries strongly favor the home team here. Lay the small number. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-15-21 | Bucks v. Hawks OVER 229 | 120-109 | Push | 0 | 10 h 58 m | Show | |
Situational Slaughter - NBA Rotation #525 Thursday 8* OVER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:40 ET - I am aware of the Giannis injury situation but the Bucks played without him yesterday at Minnesota and still put up 130 points. I am also aware of the Trae Young injury situation and do expect him back today but, even if he does not play, the Hawks should score well here. They had 66 points at half-time Tuesday. Even through 3 quarters they were still on pace to score 120 in that game. But a poor 4th quarter nearly cost them game against the Raptors. Now back home for this one, I expect them to be much better in terms of strong scoring throughout. Getting Young back would simply be an added boost and I am expecting him back but like this one to fly over the total either way. The Bucks are 12-6 to the over last 18 games. Their most recent match-up with the Hawks totaled 244 points. Atlanta is off back to back unders but this is on the heels of a 7-2 run to the over including each of the Hawks last two home games going over the total. This one will too. 8* OVER the total in Atlanta |
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04-14-21 | Nets v. 76ers -6.5 | Top | 117-123 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 22 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - NBA Rotation #502 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:10 ET - This is a big showdown for Eastern Conference dominance but the problem is that it may not live up to its billing. It is a back to back spot for the Nets. Kevin Durant played yesterday. Playing in a back to back would be rare for him and he might be limited or certainly not at his best. Kyrie Irving missed yesterday's game for personal absence. He might be in Philly physically tonight but will he be there mentally? LaMarcus Aldridge dealing with an illness (missed yesterday's game) may not seem like a big deal but actually the Nets were hoping he could guard Joel Embiid who is becoming the most dominant big man in the NBA. That said, the fact Aldridge might miss or be limited or not be 100% is another issue for Brooklyn in this one. Of course James Harden is out for sure with his hamstring injury. So the Sixers hold a ton of edges here in the health department and situational department as they are at home and were able to rest yesterday. These teams are tied for the top spot in the East with identical 37-17 records. The 76ers are the much healthier team and the home team has won both meetings by more than a dozen points this season. Different night, same result here as the injury factor is just too much for the Nets to overcome against a highly motivated Sixers team. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-13-21 | Hawks v. Raptors OVER 223 | Top | 108-103 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 47 m | Show |
Contrarian Total of the Year - NBA Rotation #571 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - With all the injuries for both teams, including Trae Young being questionable for the Hawks, we are getting a low total here. In typical contrarian fashion I am fading the public perception here and going with the over regardless of who is on the floor. That's because the set up here is perfect. Each team is off an under but each team faced an opponent that trends toward lower scoring games. Atlanta faced the Hornets and Toronto faced the Knicks. Prior to the under in most recent game, the over was on a 7-2 overall run and 5-0 road game run in Hawks games. Prior to the under in most recent game, the Raptors had gone over the total in 3 straight games. Look for these teams to resume the high-scoring ways now that they are matched up against each other. The over is a perfect 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between these two. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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04-12-21 | 76ers v. Mavs OVER 218.5 | Top | 113-95 | Loss | -107 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - NBA Rotation #559 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Dallas Mavericks vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:35 ET - The last time these teams met the game stayed under the total but the posted total was 227.5 points and now we are dealing with a posted total nearly ten points below that! I know the Sixers are on an under trend but I feel this total has been adjusted too far down compared to the prior meeting in late February. Keep in mind, the Mavericks are in a back to back but they lost versus San Antonio yesterday and are 9-1 SU the last 10 times when off a SU loss. They are going to bring a strong effort here and have averaged scoring 116.5 points the last 6 times when off a loss. The Sixers are averaging 110 points per game their last 11 road games. Each team should get to at least 110 here and that puts this game well past the posted total. The 76ers know the Mavericks are in 2nd game of a back to back and will push the tempo here and try to run them right out of the arena and wear them down in doing so. Good pace to this one. 10* OVER the total in Dallas |
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04-11-21 | Hawks v. Hornets OVER 218.5 | Top | 105-101 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 28 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - NBA Rotation #533 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks @ 1:05 ET - The spread and total jumped some this morning as injury news is breaking, etc. But you see this so many times and so often playing the other side of the move is the way to go as the opposite impact of the news is what actually ends up occurring. So in this case the total dropped from a 221.5 to a 218.5 early this morning and I will not hesitate to get involved and fade the move. I am aware there are injury issues but others will step up and so often these situations lead to more points than you would expect as there tends to be some sloppy basketball that leads to quick transition opportunities for each offense. Looking at the recent facts here, the Hornets have extra confidence from back to back wins and having won 7 of 10 games. They have scored at least 113 points in each of their last 4 wins. The Hawks are on a 7-2 run to the over and have scored an average of 122 points their last 6 games. More of the same expected here. I know the first two meetings this season went under but the totals were 232.5 then 228.5 and now we have 218.5 which is offering us great value here. 10* OVER the total in Charlotte |
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04-10-21 | Raptors v. Cavs OVER 216.5 | Top | 135-115 | Win | 100 | 12 h 46 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - NBA Rotation #583 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:35 ET - The Cavaliers are playing with more confidence right now as they enter this game off back to back wins in which they scored an average of 127 points per game. The Raptors could get Lowry back for this one but even if he does not return, they did not have him when they scored 130 against Golden State in what is part of a 4-game stretch which has seen Toronto average 112 points per game. This is a late-season match-up (only 20 games left roughly for each team) between a pair of clubs that know their playoff hopes are all but finished. These are the kind of games I like to look for a bit of let-up in defensive intensity and loose, relaxed play on the offensive end that often leads to strong shooting performance. Cavs off back to back big wins with a lot of points scored and the Raptors will be ready to match them bucket for bucket here in an entertaining game between two teams "playing out the string" on this season. Per all of the above, this total is set too low in my opinion. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland |
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04-09-21 | Bulls v. Hawks OVER 226.5 | Top | 108-120 | Win | 100 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - NBA Rotation #505 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls @ 8:10 ET - I am aware of all the players listed on the injury report for each team. However, couple comments here. As for Atlanta, I do expect Clint Capela to play as the reason he sat out the most recent game was an Achilles injury but also had a lot to do with it being a back to back situation. Also, the Bulls players listed are not key guys. That said, I am expecting plenty of points in this one as Chicago has a lot of confidence off 3 straight wins and facing an Atlanta team without a few guys for this one. The Bulls have scored at least 113 points in 4 of their last 5 games. The Hawks, even without John Collins have scored an average of 118 points (not including OT) in their last 5 games. This one should get close to the 235 mark the way I see it but it is priced near the 225 mark. We'll take it. The only other match-up this season stayed under the total even though the teams combined for 142 points in the first half. After that statistical anomaly look for this one to be high-scoring in more than just the first half! The over improves to 7-2 in the Hawks last 9 games. 10* OVER the total in Atlanta |
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04-08-21 | Bulls v. Raptors OVER 221 | Top | 122-113 | Win | 100 | 11 h 49 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - NBA Rotation #575 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls @ 7:35 ET - I am aware of all the players listed on the injury report for each team. However, couple comments here. As for Toronto, hardly any of those guys contributed to the 130 points the Raptors recently scored in a home win. Also, the Bulls players listed are not key guys. That said, I am expecting plenty of points in this one as Chicago has a lot of confidence off back to back wins and facing a Toronto team without Lowry and that could also be missing VanVleet for this one. The Bulls have scored at least 113 points in 3 of their last 4 games. The Raptors have scored an average of 111 points their last 3 home games and, going further back, an average of 115 points their last 8 home games. This one should get close to the 230 mark the way I see it but it is priced near the 220 mark. We'll take it. This is a match-up of two teams with losing records on the season and I just do not expect a tremendous amount of defensive intensity in this one. Look for just the opposite actually. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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04-07-21 | Mavs v. Rockets OVER 224.5 | Top | 93-102 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 25 m | Show |
Southwest Div Total of the Year - NBA Rotation #553 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks @ 8:05 ET - The Mavericks are off a huge win versus the Jazz and held them to 103 points. After beating one of the best in the west they now have a game on deck against the Bucks which is one of the best teams in the east. Do you really think they are going to be focused on defensive play against a Rockets team that is 13-37 this season? I know that Houston is an in-state division rival but the fact is the Rockets stink this season. That means plenty of points in this one as the Mavericks can freely "run and gun" in this game and still easily prevail. I also like the fact that Houston is 3-0 to the over their last 3 home games. The Rockets scored an average of 118.3 points per game in those contests but have allowed 126.6 points per game their last 5 games overall. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Houston |
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04-06-21 | 76ers -114 v. Celtics | Top | 106-96 | Win | 100 | 12 h 47 m | Show |
Atlantic Div Game of the Year - NBA Rotation #531 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -115 @ Boston Celtics @ 7:35 ET - The 76ers are off a loss versus Memphis Sunday but Joel Embiid was rested because it was the 2nd game of a back to back and he had just returned from injury Saturday. Of course he will be back on the floor here and ready to dominate. Philadelphia had won 12 of 15 before Sunday's loss and they'll go all out here against their hated rivals. Long-time rivalry between these teams and Boston, again, knocked them out of the playoffs last season. The Sixers have gotten some measure of revenge with a couple wins over the Celtics already this season and I expect them to continue to prove they are now the elite team in this division. Boston has fallen on some hard times for sure and they do not play as strong on the defensive end as consistently as they use to. The Celtics are off back to back wins but this was preceded by a stretch in which they lost 8 of 12 games. I know they have the home court edge here but, in my opinion, that is a plus for our play here because it is the reason this line is right around a pick'em and I fully expect the road team to big up the victory here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -115 |
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04-05-21 | Baylor +169 v. Gonzaga | Top | 86-70 | Win | 169 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
Money Line Game of the Year - CBB Rotation #811 Monday 10* Top Play Baylor Bears Money Line (+170) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs @ 9:20 ET - The Bulldogs have had a great season and, really, that goes without saying as they are undefeated. I give them all the credit in the world for that but the reason so few teams in CBB history have ever had undefeated seasons on their way to being National Champions is because it is so hard to do. The fact is Gonzaga is lucky to even be here as they banked in a 3-pointer in overtime to survive against UCLA and that was in overtime. Granted the game was headed to double OT if the shot doesn't go in from just inside halfcourt but the fact remains the Bulldogs got pushed to the limit by a #11 seed. Let me repeat that...the supposed best team in the country nearly got ousted by a #11 seed that was nearly a 15 point dog in the match-up. Gonzaga never even sniffed a chance at getting the cover in the game. I could take the points in this match-up but I really don't expect to need them and that is why I am pulling the trigger on a rare money line play in hoops. I want the big plus money return when the battle-tested Bears win this game outright. Baylor has played a tougher schedule this season and the fact they have a couple losses on their record helps them coming into this game. They have tasted defeat. Since their most recent defeat they have won 5 straight and none of the games have been closer than a 9 point victory margin. Keep in mind the 4 most recent games came against Wisconsin (Big Ten), Villanova (Big East), Arkansas (SEC), and a highly-ranked Houston team from the AAC. Their regular season conference action was in the tough Big 12 whereas the Bulldogs played mostly cupcake opponents all season in the West Coast Conference. The strength of schedule strongly favors the Bears here and just like Baylor oust Arkansas after they barely survived for back to back nail-biting wins, the Bears now do the same against a Bulldogs team off a similar win. That OT game just 48 hours ago really tests the moxie of Gonzaga here and, as it stood already in this match-up, Baylor had the depth edge. Now after the way Saturday's games played out, even more value with the underdog in this one. No points needed. 10* BAYLOR +170 |
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04-05-21 | Wizards v. Raptors OVER 227 | Top | 101-103 | Loss | -112 | 8 h 41 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - NBA Rotation #517 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - When a team is entering a game off a very unusual result, things usually quickly return to normal and yet we get line value because of the prior result. In this case that applies to both teams. Toronto is off a win in which they allowed only 77 points. On the season they are allowing 112 points per game, 35 points more than that, so you know what is coming here. The Wizards are, ironically, off back to back games in which they scored 91 points or less each time. On the season, Washington is averaging 114 points per game. Again, you know what is coming here. These are two bad teams that are not known for playing good defense and, in fact, just looking at their 7 most recent meetings...all 7 have gone over the total. More of the same here! 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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04-04-21 | Nets -2.5 v. Bulls | Top | 107-115 | Loss | -112 | 6 h 3 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NBA Rotation #501 Sunday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets (-) @ Chicago Bulls @ 2 ET - I am aware that James Harden is out for the Nets and, of course, Kevin Durant is still out. However, there is still plenty of talent on this Brooklyn team and others are stepping out with key guys out. Long-term the Nets have won 12 of 14 games and they enter this game on a 4-game winning streak. We are simply getting line value here because of the injury situation for Brooklyn because the fact is the Bulls are struggling badly. Chicago has lost 5 straight games and 7 of their last 8 games. Lay the small number with the Nets in this one as this is a classic case of hot versus not. 10* BROOKLYN |
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04-03-21 | UCLA +14.5 v. Gonzaga | Top | 90-93 | Win | 100 | 13 h 51 m | Show |
Game of the Month - CBB Rotation #803 Saturday 10* Top Play UCLA Bruins (+) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs @ 8:34 ET - All you here about is Gonzaga and going for the undefeated season and how great they are. I get all that and the Bulldogs indeed just might do it. But they are over-priced here as a large favorite against a Bruins team that is doing a great job of playing with an "us against the world" mentality. When Alabama drilled that 3-pointer against UCLA at the buzzer to force OT in the Sweet 16 most teams would not have been able to overcome that. But the Bruins are proving to not be "most teams" as they calmly gathered themselves and beat the Crimson Tide handily in the OT period. That would have left most teams out of gas and unable to duplicate the effort against an even tougher foe, Michigan, in their next game but again "most teams" does not define this Bruins team. UCLA continues to surprise and they will be more competitive in this game than many people are expecting. I know Gonzaga just beat USC handily as they blitzed them early and the team could not recover. The Bulldogs outshot the Trojans as Southern Cal struggled to hit shots. I see the Bruins getting more clutch shots. It has been the nature of this team throughout the tournament and I see it continuing here. Of course I am not calling for an upset here. I am just saying I absolutely do expect the Bruins to hang within a single digit margin in this one. 10* UCLA |
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04-03-21 | Mavs v. Wizards OVER 228 | Top | 109-87 | Loss | -113 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NBA Rotation #563 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Wizards vs Dallas Mavericks @ 7:10 ET - Wizards off an embarrassing low-scoring beatdown at Detroit. However, in their last 7 home games they averaged 119 points. The Mavericks are favored here. That means if Washington hits their reason home average but loses like they are expected to there then this total gets into the 240s. That said I feel we do have some solid line value here as the Wizards have allowed 120 points or more in 9 of last 13 games. The Mavericks off a very low-scoring win at New York last night but had scored an average of 120 points per game in their 7 preceding road games. With each team off rare games where they did not even get to the century mark in points scored, look for a high-scoring wild one tonight. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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04-03-21 | Houston v. Baylor OVER 134.5 | Top | 59-78 | Win | 100 | 10 h 3 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - CBB Rotation #801 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baylor Bears vs Houston Cougars @ 5:14 ET - All you hear talked about in this match-up is how strong these defenses are. However, Baylor has averaged 83 points per game this season and Houston has averaged 77 points per game this season. Something is going to have to give here and I think many will be surprised that there will be more scoring than expected. I know the Cougars are on a run of 3 straight unders but that had a lot to do with who they were playing. Previous to this, the over was on a 6-2 run in Houston games. Also, the over is on a 7-2 run in Baylor games and the Bears have scored at least 74 points in 8 of last 9 games. If they hit 74 again here and the odds makers are close with the 5 point spread than this game lands in the mid-140s. Indeed it does! 10* OVER the total in Baylor |
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04-02-21 | Rockets v. Celtics OVER 223 | Top | 102-118 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NBA Rotation #545 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets @ 7:40 ET - I do not expect much defense in this non-conference battle. The last time these teams met the game totaled 241 points. The Boston defense has not been what it once was this season and they enter this game having allowed at least 113 points in 5 of last 6 games. Houston has plenty of problems as we all know as they just endured a horrific long losing streak and poor defensive play has a lot to do with it. The Rockets are allowing 115 points per game on the road this season. 4 of Houston's last 6 road games have totaled at least 228 points and I am confident this one gets into the 230s as the Celtics are in need of a blowout win and will not take their foot off the gas in this one. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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04-02-21 | Mavs -6 v. Knicks | Top | 99-86 | Win | 100 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
NBA TV Game of the Month - NBA Rotation #547 Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (-) @ New York Knicks @ 7:40 ET - The Mavericks only won by 5 points at Boston Wednesday but anyone who watched the game realizes it could have (and should have) been by much more. That said, there is value here with this rather low number as Dallas takes on a much lesser team in New York. The fact is the Knicks are fourth quarter failures this season and proved that again with an inexcusable loss at Minnesota in their most recent game. I haven't looked this up because whether they are dead last or not is besides the point but I just know that the Knicks have to be one of the worst scoring teams in the 4th quarters of games in the NBA this season. I just see it time and time again that this team chokes and even if they hang around with the Mavs through 3 quarters in this one then they will get obliterated in the 4th quarter like they have done so often this season. This is the first of two meetings between these teams this season and with the Mavericks just 1-3 SU and ATS the past two seasons against the Knicks, New York has their full attention here. I know the Knicks have a decent record and particularly at home but the Mavericks are on a mission to win their division and have won 16 of their last 23 games. They will stay hot here! 10* DALLASÂ |
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04-01-21 | 76ers -8 v. Cavs | Top | 114-94 | Win | 100 | 11 h 10 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NBA Rotation #529 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:10 ET - The 76ers are on the road for this one but I am mentioning their home record (19-4) here because only one team in the NBA, Utah, has fewer home losses and so the Sixers certainly remember theirs. One of those four defeats as a host came at the hands of the Cavaliers in late February. Now it is time for payback. Even though Embiid is still out for Philadelphia, he is expected back this weekend. Just the fact his return is imminent is a big boost to the spirits of his Sixers teammates and they are still much more talented than this Cleveland team even though the Cavaliers have won both meetings this season (one in OT). Another issue for the Cavs is they have a number of players listed as questionable for tonight's game. Look for the 76ers to take advantage! The Sixers are off back to back losses but they were road games against the Nuggets and Clippers. Though still on the road for this one, Philly will take advantage of facing one of the worst teams in the league. Philadelphia had won 12 of 14 games before the back to back losses and Cleveland has lost 9 of 12 games and the average margin of defeat has been 16 points per loss. Look for another ugly Cavaliers loss here as the 76ers get their revenge. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-31-21 | Mavs -114 v. Celtics | Top | 113-108 | Win | 100 | 11 h 2 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NBA Rotation #515 Wednesday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (-115) @ Boston Celtics @ 7:40 ET - Even though Jaylen Brown might play tonight he still dealing with a hip injury and his Celtics have been struggling. Boston has lost 6 of 9 overall including 3 of last 4 at home. The Mavericks enter this game off a win at Oklahoma City and have won 6 of last 9 road games! Though Boston is at home here they have not dominated as a host like they typically do and also the Mavs actually have a better road record than home record this season. Also, the Celtics have gone just 7-11 against Western Conference teams this season. The Boston defense has not been what it once was this season and they enter this game having allowed at least 114 points in 4 of last 5 games. The Mavericks, on the other hand, have allowed just 105.4 points per game their last 5 games. Look for the road team to continue their push to hold on to the top spot in the Southwest Division. 10* DALLASÂ |
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03-31-21 | Blazers v. Pistons +7 | 124-101 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 20 m | Show | |
NBA Rotation #512 Wednesday 8* Detroit Pistons (+) vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 7:10 ET - The Pistons got a strong night from young players and had hot shooting at home to take down the Raptors on Monday. The fact Detroit is still at home and continues to play with more confidence and heart than they had been has me liking them as a sizable home dog here against Portland. The Pistons are on a 7-3 ATS run and have covered 3 of last 4 at home and just do not seem to show any quit in their game. The Trail Blazers enter this game on a hot 10-4 SU run but this is a team whose last 9 wins have all been by single digits and the average margin of victory in those games was only 4.4 points. This will be another tight one here and if the Pistons don't pull out the SU victory look for them to lose by the slimmest of margins here. Grab the points. 8* DETROIT |
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03-31-21 | Heat v. Pacers +1.5 | 92-87 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 60 m | Show | |
NBA Rotation #510 Wednesday 8* Indiana Pacers (+) vs Miami Heat @ 7:10 ET - Solid spot for a small home dog here. The Pacers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Heat last season and Indiana has already gotten revenge this season by winning 2 games at Miami earlier this month. However, I don't expect any let up here as this is the Pacers first shot at home against the Heat this season. Sure Miami would like to get revenge for the two home losses versus Indiana this season but this is just not the same team this season. The Heat are off a win at New York but that was preceded by 6 straight losses both SU and ATS. Now Miami takes on a Pacers team that is off a loss at Washington but previously had won 4 of 5 games. Indiana has not played well at home this season and that has cost them. They are currently just outside the playoff spots in the East and the Heat are just inside for the final playoff spot. Long way to go in the regular season but the Pacers know they need to start to defend their home floor better if they are going to get into the post-season. Look for that to begin here with a big win over the Heat. 8* INDIANA |
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03-30-21 | USC +8.5 v. Gonzaga | Top | 66-85 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 44 m | Show |
CBB Rotation #657 Tuesday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (+) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs @ 7:15 ET - Gonzaga is a great team of course. They are undefeated on the season. However, the public bettors - and there a lot of them throwing plenty of money around during March Madness - are all over the Bulldogs. That said, even with that, this line is moving toward USC. Why is that? The sharps are on the Trojans here and you can include me in that group as well. The Trojans have played a tougher schedule. Also, Southern Cal matches up better with Gonzaga then any other team left in the tournament except perhaps Baylor would have a decent shot against the Bulldogs. We all know how rare undefeated seasons are. The point is that if Gonzaga was going to get upset this would likely be the game and truly I would not be surprised to see that happen here. Sprinkling a little on the money line here too is not a bad idea at all. The Trojans allow less points per game, allow a lower shooting percentage from the field, rebound the ball just as well, and also get more blocked shots on the defensive end than the Bulldogs. Again, Gonzaga is a great team but don't lose sight of all of the above plus the fact that the Dogs are being asked to win this game by double digits. I just don't see that happening and expect Southern Cal to be in this one all the way. USC is 25-7 on the season and only 1 loss was by more than 10 points. UCLA lost to the Trojans in both meetings this season and one of those was an 18-point lambasting. What does that have to do with this play? Well the Bruins knocked BYU out of the tourney with a win by nearly double digits. BYU is the best team, other than Gonzaga, in the Bulldogs conference. The Cougars lost all 3 games against Gonzaga this season - once in tournament - but the average margin was 12 points. Like I said, UCLA knocked out Brigham Young and Southern Cal better than UCLA. This game in Elite 8 action going to be much closer than the public thinks. 10* USC |
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03-30-21 | Hornets -2.5 v. Wizards | Top | 114-104 | Win | 100 | 10 h 27 m | Show |
NBA Rotation #501 Tuesday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets (-) @ Washington Wizards @ 7:10 ET - Washington off a crazy win over Indiana yesterday. Why was it crazy? The Wizards are one of the worst teams in the NBA and were without Bradley Beal but shot a ridiculous 56% from the field including 53% from three-point land and also outrebounded the Pacers by a huge margin. None of those things are likely to be repeated here. This is a divisional game and the Hornets, leaders in the division, will come in focused. They have won 6 of 7 divisional games this season while the Wizards have lost 6 of 7 divisional games. Washington is off back to back wins but this was preceded by a 2-10 stretch and we have got a low number to work with here with Charlotte. The Hornets are angry off an OT loss and that defeat was preceded by a 7-3 run. They resume their divisional dominance here with another convincing win over the Wizards similar to the 119-97 victory in their earlier meeting this season. 10* CHARLOTTE |
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03-29-21 | Oregon State v. Houston OVER 129 | Top | 61-67 | Loss | -104 | 11 h 35 m | Show |
#655 CBB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Cougars vs Oregon State Beavers @ 7:15 ET - We are getting a lower total than we should in my opinion. The number on this one has moved down from its opener too. The recent results for each of these teams have forced an over-reaction in the marketplace so lets take a closer look at this. The Beavers just faced a Loyola-Chicago team known for low-scoring games and that one still totaled 123 points. Prior to that low-scoring win - impressive that Oregon State scored 65 on a tough Ramblers defense - the Beavers had scored an average of 72.5 points per game their preceding 8 games. That does not include any OT points in the average and they scored at least 67 points in all 8 games. Oregon State is an 8 point dog in this game. Even if the Beavers scored only 65 like they did against Loyola that would still put this game in the upper 130s if the odds makers are correct about the Cougars being an 8 point favorite here (73-65 final using that example). Shifting focus to Houston for a minute, I am well aware they play solid defense but their overall point totals have been impacted by recent match-ups. The Cougars last two games were against the vaunted zone defense of Syracuse and a scrappy Rutgers team known for physicality and making teams really earn their points. So what happened prior to these two games? Houston won 8 straight games and scored at least 76 points in all but one of the wins! I am not saying this game will be high-scoring but the point is that it does not have to be high scoring to go over this low total. Given all of the above stats you can see why I am expecting this one to get closer to the 140 range and yet we're talking about a total posted in the upper 120s as of game day morning. I will take it! 10* OVER the total in Houston |
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03-29-21 | Pacers -5 v. Wizards | Top | 124-132 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 21 m | Show |
#559 NBA 10* Top Play Indiana Pacers (-) @ Washington Wizards @ 7:10 ET - Great spot to fade a bad team and lay a short number. Yes the Wizards are off a win but it came against a very bad Pistons team and Washington almost blew that game before recovering just in time to secure the win after blowing a massive halftime lead. The Wizards are just 6-20 in Eastern Conference games this season! They had lost 10 of 12 games prior to the win over Detroit. They are hosting a Pacers team that has the most road wins (13) of all but one other team in the entire Eastern Conference. Indeed Indiana has been better on the road than at home this season the Pacers enter this game on an overall run of 4 wins in their last 5 games. 3 of Indiana's last 4 road wins have come by a double digit margin. The Wizards most recent loss was by a margin of just 4 points but this was preceded by a stretch in which 7 of Washington's last 8 losses were by a margin of 6 or more points. Look for this one to turn into a road rout as the Pacers also have fresh legs as they have not played since Friday. The Wizards also have a key injury (Beal - hip) to deal with. 10* INDIANA |
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03-28-21 | UCLA +7 v. Alabama | Top | 88-78 | Win | 100 | 10 h 59 m | Show |
Sweet 16 Game of the Year - NCAA 10* Top Play UCLA Bruins (+) vs Alabama Crimson Tide @ 7:15 ET - This line has consistently climbed and is now a full +7 as of gameday morning. Look for the underdog Bruins to surprise some people in this one. I know that Alabama is on an 8-game winning streak but 4 of their last 9 wins have been by a margin of 5 or less points. Also, the Crimson Tide final two wins of the SEC tourney came by a combined 6 points. One of those wins was over LSU who just got bounced by a Big Ten foe in this tourney and the Big Ten has underachieved in this tourney this season. Also, the other win was over Tennessee and the Vols just got bounced from this tourney by Oregon State. Coincidentally now another SEC team takes on a Pac-12 team and I expect this to be another very challenging game for the favorite. The Crimson Tide are a solid team but coach Cronin has this Bruins team believing. Though they entered the tourney on a losing streak their recent Pac-12 losses were by a combined 5 points the last 2 games and were against USC and Oregon State. Both the Trojans and Beavers are still alive in this tournament. The loss before that was Oregon, also still alive in this tournament. And all these losses were by a single digit margin. Alabama only had to beat Iona and Maryland (again, Big Ten struggling) to get to this point and the Tide face a dangerous Pac-12 underdog in this one. All the pressure is on Bama here and the Bruins shot the ball very well this season, even in road games, and with an underdog "nothing to lose" mentality could give Alabama fits here as all the pressure is on the favorite. Upset alert but I will grab the points as added insurance as the Pac-12 ATS dominance continues. 10* UCLA |
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03-28-21 | Blazers +1 v. Raptors | Top | 122-117 | Win | 100 | 9 h 52 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NBA 10* Portland Trail Blazers (+) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:10 ET - I was looking to fade the Raptors after they so luckily got the back door cover against the Suns on Friday and now I have the perfect situation to do so. To the public it looks easy to take Toronto at nearly a pick'em price on their home floor. After all, most bettors love the home court "edge" but this season the Raptors have not even been playing in Toronto. That said, is it any surprise they are only 9-11 at home this season? Also, this is a Raptors team that is only 6-11 against Western Conference teams. Also Toronto enters this game on a 2-12 SU run. As for the Trail Blazers, they are on a 9-4 SU run their last 13 games and also are a rock solid 12-6 against Eastern Conference teams. Damon Lillard missed the last game for the Blazers but they still beat Orlando. However, they did not cover in that game which is also helping to give us line value in this one. Portland only beat the Raptors by a single point when these teams met in January so there is no way the Blazers will overlook them here. Look for a road rout as a result as Toronto's losing stretch goes to 2-13 last 15 games. 10* PORTLAND |
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03-28-21 | Florida State +2 v. Michigan | 58-76 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 40 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - NCAA 8* Florida State Seminoles (+) vs Michigan Wolverines @ 5 ET - The Big Ten certainly underachieved in this tournament. Yes Michigan is still alive but there is a reason this line moved toward Florida State even though the Wolverines are ranked higher. I look for the Seminoles to give Michigan a lot of trouble down low at both ends of the court. In other words, easy buckets for FSU in the paint while the Wolverines will find the going in and around the paint very tough in the offensive end. Of course the biggest edge of all here is the coaching edge for the veteran Hamilton over the inexperienced Howard. The loss of forward Isaiah Livers was also a huge one for Michigan. The fact we are getting points here is simply an added bonus as I fully expect Hamilton to outcoach Howard and the Noles to advance to the Elite 8 with a solid win here. 8* FLORIDA STATE |
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03-28-21 | Creighton +13.5 v. Gonzaga | 65-83 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 33 m | Show | |
Big East Beast - NCAA 8* Creighton Bluejays (+) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs @ 2:10 ET - Too many points. Gonzaga was fortunate to get the cover against Oklahoma and we all know how badly the Big 12 ended up performing in this tournament. That said, Gonzaga got here off a win over the Sooners and facing an outclassed Norfolk State team. Of course the Bulldogs are a great team and that is why they are undefeated on the season. But they will face a major test here. I expect Gonzaga to win but look for this game to be decided by a single digit margin. The Bluejays actually have slightly better defensive numbers than the Bulldogs and they played the tougher schedule this season too. After Creighton had some tough recent shooting efforts, they got it going in their most recent win in NCAA Tourney action. That is a huge confidence boost for the Bluejays and they will carry momentum from that better shooting effort right into this game. 8* CREIGHTON |
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03-27-21 | Pistons v. Wizards -3.5 | Top | 92-106 | Win | 100 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NBA 10* Top Play Washington Wizards (-) vs Detroit Pistons @ 8 ET - The Pistons burned me yesterday as they rallied for the backdoor cover. On that note the Raptors did the same thing to me yesterday but they are not in action tonight. Detroit is in action and we are going to get our money back by fading this weak team. I know the Wizards are not a great team but they are better than Detroit and also a better team when they are on their home floor. Washington is off 3 straight losses but those games were on the road. The Wizards most recent home game was a win over Utah - one of the best teams in the league! Now Washington hosts one of the worst teams in the league and I expect them to take full advantage. The Pistons are 5-19 SU in road games this season and the Wizards are laying only 3.5 points here. Washington is a respectable 8-9 SU last 17 home games and the average margin of victory in the 8 wins is 9.8 points per game. Look for a win by a double digit margin as the Wizards have played just 3 games the last 8 days while Detroit is playing the 2nd game of a back to back and it will be their 3rd game in 4 days! 10* WASHINGTON |
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03-27-21 | Oral Roberts +11.5 v. Arkansas | Top | 70-72 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
Top Play - 10* Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (+) vs Arkansas Razorbacks @ 7:25 ET - Arkansas is off a tight win over Texas Tech but the Big 12, other than Baylor, really ended up being a dud in this tournament. What I like about Oral Roberts here is they score so well and are dangerous with their 3-point shooting. I don't expect them to have the same scoring droughts that Colgate had in the opening round against the Razorbacks. Keep in mind, Colgate led Arkansas 33-19 before allowing a 17-0 run to end the half. Then, after tying the game at 58 more than halfway through the 2nd half, Colgate allowed a game-ending 27-10 run. Those two 17 point differentials were, of course, the key to the Razorbacks win and cover. That is not happening against Oral Roberts and I feel Arkansas is a little over-rated in this match-up. I expect them to win this game but only by a single digit margin as the Golden Eagles will put up a helluva fight. Only 4 of the last 13 games for the Razorbacks have resulted in an Arkansas win by more than 11 points. The Golden Eagles lost by 11 at Arkansas in December but got dominated on the glass in that one. They are well aware of that fact and though the Razorbacks will hold a rebounding edge thanks to their size and athleticism edges, you can bet the hungry underdog is going to be much better on the glass in this one than they were in the first meeting. 10* ORAL ROBERTS |
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03-27-21 | Villanova +7.5 v. Baylor | 51-62 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 51 m | Show | |
Big East Beast - 8* Villanova Wildcats (+) vs Baylor Bears @ 5:15 ET - The Big 12 has not been what it was cracked up to be heading into this tournament. That said, the lone remaining team is certainly a good one but just how good are they given the lackluster performance of the Big 12 in this tournament? Even though the Wildcats are without Collin Gillespie, I like them in this spot as a live dog. The Bears just beat Wisconsin but the teams scored exactly the same number of points from the field. Yes Baylor outscored the Badgers at the free throw line by 13 points but another key to the game was 14 turnovers for Wisconsin compared to just 4 for the Bears. That is not happening for Baylor against Villanova. Also, since the covid pause that impacted the Bears program, they finished the regular season and Big 12 tournament on a combined 5-2 SU run. Not only did they lose 2 of 7 games but 3 of their 5 wins were by 6 or less points including one in OT. I do feel Baylor will find a way to win this game but it won't be easy and the points are far too much against a well-coached Wildcats team that also has plenty of big-game experience. Look for this one to go down to the wire as the Cats only two losses since Gillespie got hurt came by a combined total of just three points! 8* VILLANOVA |
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03-27-21 | Mississippi State v. Louisiana Tech OVER 135 | 84-62 | Win | 100 | 7 h 48 m | Show | |
8* OVER the total in Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Mississippi State Bulldogs @ 3 ET - In this battle of the Bulldogs I am going with the over after getting burned by the over in Mississippi State's tight win over Richmond. That game fell just short of going over the total but look for this one to make up for it. Most books have Mississippi State favored by 1 here and the fact is that Louisiana Tech has had only one ugly scoring performance (versus North Texas) of late. In Louisiana Tech's other 8 most recent games, they have scored at least 69 points all 8 games. In fact the average points scored in those 8 games was 79.4 points! Given the above as well as the spread on this game, don't be surprised if each team gets into the 70s here and we have a solid over as a result. 8* OVER the total in Louisiana Tech |
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03-26-21 | Suns -4.5 v. Raptors | Top | 104-100 | Loss | -108 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #515 Friday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns (-) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:30 ET - Ideal set-up for a road rout here. The Suns are off a 1-point loss at Orlando but that was preceded by wins in 12 of their last 15 games both SU and ATS. As for the Raptors, they are off a rare win as they knocked off Denver in convincing fashion on Wednesday. The blowout win over the Nuggets followed a 9 game losing streak for Toronto and a 1-5 ATS run their last 6. That ugly run for the Raptors even included an 18-point loss to a Rockets team that had lost 20 straight games! In fact, that Toronto loss immediately preceded the win over Denver and now I look for the Suns to immediately return the Raptors to their losing ways. Phoenix is angry here and will not take their foot off the gas in this one. Each of the Suns last 14 wins have come by at least a 6 point margin and all signs point to that streak reaching 15 in a row here! 10* PHOENIX |
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03-26-21 | Nets -5.5 v. Pistons | 113-111 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 40 m | Show | |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #511 Friday 8* Brooklyn Nets (-) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:00 ET - The Nets lost by 30 at Utah Wednesday but, already without Durant and Irving, Harden did not play either. Harden is dealing with a neck injury but I really don't see him missing this game. The fact is Brooklyn got him some extra rest and treated the Jazz game as a throwaway game. Now, however, the Nets take on one of the worst teams in the league and they have two off days on deck after this. As a result, I fully expect the Nets to go hard here plus Harden to be back. Additionally, Griffin is expected to be back and could have a special game considering he'll be facing his former team. Even short-handed against the Jazz, Brooklyn did have more shot attempts from the field in Wednesday's loss. The difference was that the Nets had a very poor shooting night while the Jazz were lights out from three-point land and outscored Brooklyn by 48 points from beyond the arc. Suffice to say that was a huge difference in the 30-point win and that won't be repeated here. No matter who ends up on the floor for the Nets in this one, they take advantage of a Pistons team that has lost 12 of its last 16 games and is having a very rough season overall. 8* BROOKLYN |
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03-25-21 | Blazers v. Heat OVER 218 | Top | 125-122 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Miami Heat vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 7:40 ET - This total has dropped from the low 220s down to as low as 218 as of early game day morning. The Blazers are off back to back unders but allowed an average of 124 points per game so there is value baked into today's total. Portland has allowed an average of 122.3 points per game their last 3 games. The Heat are off back to back unders on their home floor but this was on the heels of a 5-2 run to the over in Miami home games. The Heat have had 1 low-scoring effort on their home floor last 9 games but averaged 111.1 points per game in the other 8 games. As for Portland, they have had 1 low-scoring effort their last 11 games but have scored an average of 117.5 points per game the other 10 games. More of the same expected here and this one should get into the upper 220s for a point total as you can see so we have excellent value with the over here. The over is a long-term 16-6 in meetings between these teams in Miami and the two meetings last season saw the Heat and Trail Blazers combine to average 228.5 points per game. 10* OVER the total in Miami |
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03-25-21 | NC State v. Colorado State +2 | Top | 61-65 | Win | 100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
NIT Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #614 Thursday 10* Top Play Colorado State Rams (+) vs NC State Wolfpack @ 7 ET - The Wolfpack have played a tougher schedule than the Rams this season but I am fading the line move here and grabbing the team that has proven to be more committed to defense. On the season Colorado State allowed 66 points per game. Note that North Carolina State allowed 74 points in games away from home this season! The Rams held opponents to lower shooting percentages from the field including beyond the arc. While the Wolfpack were in the mid-40s and mid-30s respectively in those two categories, the Rams were closer to 40% and 30% respectively. Before a high-scoring win over Buffalo last week, Colorado State allowed 62 points or less in 5 of 7 games. NC State, on the other hand, allowed an average of 79 points per game the two games preceding the win over Davidson last week. The Rams find a way here and get more stops when it counts. 10* COLORADO STATE |
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03-25-21 | Mississippi State v. Richmond OVER 136.5 | Top | 68-67 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 54 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #611 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Richmond Spiders vs Mississippi State Bulldogs @ 6 ET - I am aware of the Spiders injury situation here but this was also the case heading into their game versus Toledo last week in this tourney. I successfully used Richmond in that one but here I am going with the over instead. The point is the Spiders can score just fine even though Golden is out and Francis might miss again but, the thing is, I do not trust their defense in this match-up. Richmond has allowed an average of 69 points per game this season as they allow a very high shooting percentage (46%) from the field. The under has cashed 5 straight times in Spiders games but 4 of the 5 totaled more than the total posted on this game! Value here as a result! Mississippi State has scored at least 71 points in 3 of its last 4 games. Look for the over to improve to 4-1 in the Bulldogs last 5 games with another high-scoring game here. Mississippi State has allowed 76 points per game their last 4 games. 10* OVER the total in Richmond |
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03-24-21 | Coastal Carolina +5.5 v. Pepperdine | Top | 61-84 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 7 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #609 Wednesday 10* Top Play Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (+) vs Pepperdine Waves @ 8 ET - Coastal Carolina blew a late lead and had to go to OT to beat Stetson yesterday. Yes the Waves are a better team than the Hatters. However, the Chanticleers won that game yesterday despite making just 4 of 16 three-pointers and 17 of 32 free throws. On the season Coastal Carolina hits 36% of threes and 72% of free throws. In other words, yesterday's poor shooting unlikely to be repeated here and I also do not expect Pepperdine to have a big rebounding edge like they did yesterday. The Chanticleers are a solid rebounding team. Also, though the Waves won yesterday's game by double digits, they actually had 5 less shots from the field than Bellarmine. Also, Pepperdine hit 46% of their threes. That is unlikely to be repeated here and Coastal Carolina is a solid team defensively. The Chanticleers allowed 67.6 points this season on just 38.5% from the field and only 30.8% from three point land. Grab the points in this one and don't be surprised if the underdog wins this one outright. If not, the loss likely to be by the slimmest of margins. 10* COASTAL CAROLINA |
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03-24-21 | Pistons v. Pacers -6 | Top | 111-116 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #560 Wednesday 10* Top Play Indiana Pacers (-) vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers are not just off a loss here, they are off a thorough beatdown. That said, they certainly should respond huge here. Indiana just allowed 140 points in a loss at Milwaukee but this was on the heels of back to back wins over a Miami team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. In other words, perhaps the beatdown made sense. But now the Pacers go from facing of the league's best teams to facing one of the league's worst. Indiana has not tasted victory on their home floor since the beginning of February so I know they are going to bring a huge effort here. The Pacers will take advantage of hosting a Pistons team that is the only team in the NBA that is still winless in their own division. Detroit is 0-8 this season in divisional play and also 5-18 in road games. This one gets ugly! 10* INDIANA |
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03-23-21 | Nuggets -7.5 v. Magic | Top | 110-99 | Win | 100 | 8 h 7 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #547 Tuesday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (-) @ Orlando Magic @ 7:10 ET - The Nuggets are off a loss and that sets this one up perfectly. Denver is a perfect 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS the last 4 times when off a defeat. Also, they are on the road here so we get a manageable line and they are facing a Magic team that is enduring a horrific long-term run. Orlando is 1-10 SU their last 11 games. The Magic have been held to an average of just 97 points per game their last 5 games. Denver, when off a loss, averaged 119.5 points per game the last 4 times after tasting defeat. Look for the Nuggets to cruise to a double digit victory here. 10* DENVER |
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03-23-21 | Stetson +7.5 v. Coastal Carolina | Top | 72-77 | Win | 100 | 6 h 4 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #601 Tuesday 10* Top Play Stetson Hatters (+) vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ 5:30 ET - The Hatters beat Bellarmine in the Atlantic Sun conference tourney and, of course, that is the same Bellarmine team that is taking on Pepperdine in the other CBI game going today. The point being that Stetson is better than their record indicates and are playing solid basketball at the right time of the season for sure. That does not mean they will upset Coast Carolina here but it does mean there are strong odds this is going to be a helluva game that goes down to the wire. That said, I don't see the Chanticleers covering this big number and they actually played a slightly weaker schedule than Stetson did this season. Also, the Hatters have won 3 of 4 games and their only loss was to Liberty who ended up in the NCAA Tourney. The 3-1 run by Stetson was preceded by a 1-2 stretch but both losses came by 5 or less points and the Hatters should be in this one all the way with Coastal Carolina as well. 10* STETSON |
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03-22-21 | Thunder v. Wolves OVER 226.5 | Top | 112-103 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #533 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 8:10 ET - The Thunder are in a back to back spot after a high-scoring win at Houston yesterday. Speaking of high-scoring, OKC has allowed 116 points per game the last 5 times when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Now they face a Timberwolves team that will be fired up at home after a road loss that stayed under the total. Minnesota can score well for sure and was on an 8-2 run to the over prior to the loss at Phoenix. The Wolves have allowed an average of 124 points their last 11 games and they are the favorite here too! That said, you can see where I am going with this one. Minny gives up a ton of points but, per the odds makers, are expected to win this game. As a result, this one should fly over the total rather easily. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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03-22-21 | Colorado +2 v. Florida State | Top | 53-71 | Loss | -112 | 8 h 16 m | Show |
Pac-12 Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #827 Monday 10* Top Play Colorado Buffaloes (+) vs Florida State Seminoles @ 7:45 ET - I am going with Colorado again here after successfully using them against Georgetown on Saturday. In that write-up I mentioned the following: "The Buffaloes are a strong team in both defensive and offensive efficiency. Also, they are a top free throw shooting team. They will be very focused here coming off a disappointing 2-point loss in the Pac-12 tourney to Oregon State who, by the way, is a pretty good team as shown yesterday. The Beavers won outright versus Tennessee by double digits as nearly a double digit dog!" Keep in mind Oregon State followed up the win over the Volunteers with another upset win over Oklahoma State yesterday. The Pac-12 is showing in this tournament that it is quite strong and I look for that trend to continue in this match-up. The Buffaloes will take advantage of a Seminoles team that is strong but has a couple of key weaknesses. Florida State often allows teams too many second chance scoring opportunities. In games away from home this season the Noles allowed 13 offensive boards this season which is nearly double what the Buffs allowed as travelers. Also, FSU known for turning the ball over too much. Florida State pulled away very late in their game against UNC Greensboro but now faces a much tougher opponent and the Seminoles have failed to get the cash in 4 straight games while the Buffaloes are on a 5-2 ATS run and get the job done again there. 10* COLORADO |
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03-22-21 | Kings -4 v. Cavs | Top | 119-105 | Win | 100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #531 Monday 10* Top Play Sacramento Kings (-) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:40 ET - The Kings are off a bad loss at Philly but entered that game 9-13 against the East this season. That is noteworthy here because the Cavaliers are just 4-14 against the West this season. Also, Cleveland is in a back to back spot here plus off a big win versus Toronto. Sacramento is 4-1 SU the last 5 times they were off a loss and I expect them to bounce back here and take advantage of a Cavs team in the 2nd game of a back to back and known for struggling against Western Conference teams. 10* SACRAMENTO |
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03-22-21 | Ohio v. Creighton OVER 148.5 | Top | 58-72 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #819 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Ohio Bobcats @ 6:10 ET - The Bobcats made it to this point for one key reason. Ohio University has a very explosive offense. Ohio enters this game having scored an average of 80 points per game on the season. This is even after their low-scoring upset win over Virginia to reach this point. Keep in mind, the Cavaliers are known for defense so that game was a battle of each team trying to impose their own style and Virginia, of course, would not run and gun with the Bobcats. However, Creighton absolutely will! The Bluejays have a high-scoring offense given the right match-up and this is one of those match-ups! Creighton if off 3-straight low-scoring games but this is still a team that has averaged 77 points per game on the season. Now in their 2nd game of this tournament, the Bluejays will shoot much better. That said, this should fly over the total as the Bobcats want to play up-tempo and will be ready for an explosive game after dealing with the frustration of facing the Cavaliers defense. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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03-22-21 | Oklahoma +14 v. Gonzaga | 71-87 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 36 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #817 Monday 8* Oklahoma Sooners (+) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs @ 2:40 ET - I am aware of the De'Vion Harmon situation for the Sooners but feel strongly that this is still far too many points. Oklahoma is "only" 16-10 on the season but 8 of their last 9 losses came by a margin of 7 or less points. Also, the Sooners played the tougher schedule this season in comparison with Gonzaga. Keep in mind, the Bulldogs were on a 1-3 ATS run before getting the cover against Norfolk State in the first round but that game was a clearly a complete mismatch as evidenced by the huge spread on the game. The Bulldogs have been a favorite in range of 11 to 14 points twice in the past 7 weeks and they did not win either game by more than 11 points. Considering that as well as the Sooners knack for tight losses, look for this one to surprise many and be decided by single digits. 8* OKLAHOMA |
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03-21-21 | North Texas v. Villanova -5 | Top | 61-84 | Win | 100 | 12 h 43 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #804 Sunday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) vs North Texas Mean Green @ 8:45 ET - Villanova keeps catching breaks. Yes they are without Collin Gillespie and that has derailed their bigger hopes and dreams for this season but I don't see them bowing out just yet. Their first match-up was against Winthrop and, though a quality team, that was a smaller school program that the Wildcats could handle. Now they were supposed to be facing Purdue in this round. A dangerous Big Ten team would have been tough on the short-handed Cats. However, Nova caught a break as North Texas upset the Boilermakers in the first round! The Mean Green, don't get me wrong, are certainly a quality team but they are similar to Winthrop in that they don't come from a Power Five conference and lets not forget how strong Villanova is. Yes the Gillespie injury is a significant issue for them but lets not forget the other talent that is on this team. The Mean Green played a much weaker schedule than the Wildcats did this season and I know they are well-coached and play solid defense but both those two items describe the Wildcats as well. So what is the difference then? The level of players the Wildcats have. That is why the Cats are in the Big East and the Mean Green are in Conference USA. Again, not knocking the team, just saying that there is a difference in talent level and we are now getting solid line value here since the Wildcats are without Gillespie and North Texas just upset Purdue in OT in the first round. Now the Cats are laying just 5 points as the markets love the dog in this one. Everything clicked for the Mean Green in their upset of the Boilermakers. This is still a North Texas team that lost 3 straight games to close out the regular season prior to making a run through their conference tourney. 10* VILLANOVA |
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03-21-21 | Pacers v. Heat -4.5 | Top | 109-106 | Loss | -110 | 3 h 17 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #512 Sunday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (-) vs Indiana Pacers @ 1:10 ET - These teams just met Friday and the Pacers were seeking revenge for last year's playoff exit. They got it in a big way but it was a bit of a fluke. Give Indiana credit for sure but it was also just one of those nights where everything was falling. Indiana made 20 of 36 three pointers while Miami made just 9 of 34. The Pacers won the game by a 27 point margin but they outscored the Heat by 33 points from beyond the arc! Suffice to say that kind of disparity is not happening again and you know Miami will be hungry today after suffering such an embarrassing loss on their home floor Friday! The Heat are now off back to back losses and will be out for blood after one of their worst defeats of the season. That said, lay the short number here. 10* MIAMI |
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03-21-21 | Loyola-Chicago +7.5 v. Illinois | 71-58 | Win | 100 | 3 h 21 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #809 Sunday 8* Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (+) vs Illinois Illini @ 12:10 ET - These in-state rivals having a rare meeting here. Did you see Abilene Christian (located in Texas) upset the Longhorns last night? The point is that these in-state meetings come tourney time can certainly be dangerous for the bigger programs. The hungry underdogs facing the bullies of the neighborhood tend to kick things up a notch and be highly aggressive and motivated. I am not saying another upset looms here but I am expecting this game to go down to the wire. The Ramblers are very well coached and, of course, the Illini are too. But, the point is that Loyola is catching points here in a game in which they are going to be very hard to put away. Illinois, prior to destroying Drexel in the first round, had seen 3 of their 6 immediately preceding wins come by 5 or less points. Loyola has just 4 losses this season and 3 of the 4 were by a margin of 5 or less points. This one goes down to the wire. 8* LOYOLA-CHICAGO |
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03-20-21 | Maryland +3.5 v. Connecticut | Top | 63-54 | Win | 100 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
Big East Beast Top Side - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #791 Saturday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins vs Connecticut Huskies @ 7:10 ET - Both teams play solid defense and struggle some in the offensive end. In a game likely to be a low-scoring grinder, there is even more value than usual with having the points on your side. I especially like having the points in this case because the Terrapins do have a great shot at the outright upset here. The Huskies rely heavily on James Bouknight and he has not been himself in recent games. He has only had one strong shooting performance in his last 4 games. In those 3 games Bouknight combined to go 12 of 38 from the field and averaged just 13.3 points per game! Connecticut needs him but the Terps have the defenders to shut him down plus he has had just one big game from 3-point land last 10 games. In the other 9 games he has gone a combined 5 of 31 from downtown. Overated? Sure looks like it but it could be a health issue right now. Either way the Huskies are not necessarily the better team here and, especially with consideration to the Bouknight situation, a well-coached Terrapins team that has bought into a commitment to defense makes the underdog the play here. 10* MARYLAND |
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03-20-21 | Hawks v. Lakers OVER 221 | Top | 99-94 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 8 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks @ 3:40 ET - Another total that has made a downward movement and that I expect to prove to be a mistake. The Lakers have averaged 118 points per game their last 7 games. The Hawks have scored at least 115 points in 5 of last 6 games. 118 to 115 Lakers over Atlanta is very close to the spread on this game and yet that puts the final score about a dozen points above the posted total. Perhaps little value with the side but that is a lot of value with the O/U. Enough said! 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles Lakers |
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03-20-21 | UC-Santa Barbara v. Creighton OVER 137 | Top | 62-63 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 6 m | Show |
Big East Beast Top Total - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #767 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos @ 3:30 ET - As usual I am fading the masses here. This total opened up at a 140.5 and is now down to as low as a 137 as of early game day morning. I fully understand that Creighton is off back to back low-scoring games but, when this happened during the season the Bluejays responded with a big performance in the 3rd game. Look for that to be the case again here and note that the Gauchos can score right along with them. UCSB averaged 75 points this season while Creighton averaged 77 points per game this season. Both teams are strong from outside the arc and fire up plenty of threes. Cal Santa Barbara averaged 77.2 points per game in a 5-0 win streak to close out the season. The Bluejays, prior to a tough 2-game stretch offensively in the Big East tournament, averaged 90 points over 2 previous games. Look for this game to have a good pace with a lot of quick points in transition. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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03-20-21 | Georgetown v. Colorado -5.5 | 73-96 | Win | 100 | 5 h 18 m | Show | |
Big East Beast EARLY - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #784 Saturday 8* Colorado Buffaloes (-) vs Georgetown Hoyas @ 12:15 ET - Congrats to the Hoyas on an amazing run through the Big East tournament as they managed to win it thanks, in part, to Villanova being without all-everything guard Collin Gillespie. Now after certainly deserving of being commended for the Big East run, Georgetown's season with end with a thud here. The Buffaloes are a strong team in both defensive and offensive efficiency. Also, they are a top free throw shooting team. They will be very focused here coming off a disappointing 2-point loss in the Pac-12 tourney to Oregon State who, by the way, is a pretty good team as shown yesterday. The Beavers won outright versus Tennessee by double digits as nearly a double digit dog! So the Hoyas are off their biggest win of the season and Colorado is off a 2-point loss that will have them very dialed in for this game. The Buffaloes went 6-1 this season when entering a game off a loss and the average margin of victory was 12 points. 8* COLORADO |
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03-19-21 | Winthrop v. Villanova -6.5 | Top | 63-73 | Win | 100 | 13 h 26 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #730 Friday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) vs Winthrop Eagles @ 9:57 ET - The Wildcats are in trouble here according to many people. That is because they lost Collin Gillespie to a season-ending injury two weeks ago. I know he was a very important player but do people realize the disparity between these two teams in terms of level of opposition they face each year? Yes Winthrop went 23-1 this season but they played no one of any significance. I am serious. Give them credit for a strong season as they took care of business for sure but again their "business" was nothing like what Villanova faces in the Big East. In fact, even comparing non-conference schedules, there is simply no comparison. The toughest game for Winthrop this season was UNC Greensboro. The Wildcats, conversely, were facing teams like Texas and a team that was ranked 18th when they faced them and a Virginia Tech team that is now ranked 25th. That was their non-conference schedule and, again, the Big East competition they faced all season was tougher than the Big South competition the Eagles faced. The fact the Wildcats are without Gillespie here actually helps us in terms of ATS value here in my opinion. We get a lower line as a result as a 6.5 is much more manageable than a double digit line where the back door cover always looms with "meaningless" late buckets. At the same time, you know Villanova will not overlook Winthrop either because, without Gillespie, the Wildcats know they must maintain proper focus here. Nova by double digits! 10* VILLANOVA |
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03-19-21 | Kings v. Celtics OVER 232 | Top | 107-96 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 13 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #565 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Celtics vs Sacramento Kings @ 7:40 ET - This total has been dropping all morning but this has led to great value in this one in my opinion. The Kings have scored at least 110 points in 20 of their last 21 games and none of those went to OT! Sacramento has scored 117 points per game during this stretch. However, the Kings are a 7 point dog here. So that would put this game at about 124-117 and a total above the 240 mark. Can we really expect Boston to get into that range though? You bet...literally! Sacramento has allowed an average of 123 points per game their last 17 games and, again, none of those went into overtime! Also, the Celtics last 6 victories, none going to OT, did see them average 122 points. Look for this one to be very high-scoring and I am happy to fade the line move and grab the resulting extra line value. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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03-19-21 | Wisconsin v. North Carolina OVER 137 | Top | 85-62 | Win | 100 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #727 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in North Carolina Tar Heels vs Wisconsin Badgers @ 7:10 ET - I am well aware of the fact that Wisconsin plays solid defense and has been known for scoring troubles at the other end at times this season. However, North Carolina is going to force the tempo here. The Tar Heels do not want this game to turn into a half-court battle. Also, UNC can score plenty in transition and even at the risk of getting sloppy and seeing buckets going the other way. I simply do not see the Heels sitting back on their heels here! It will be full speed ahead and getting quick looks at the buckets including easy looks for their big men down low. The Badgers are a streaky shooting team and I see this is as being one of their better games. Why? Well UNC allowed 36% three pointers away from home this season. By the way, Wisconsin allowed 44.4% shooting from the field when away from Madison this season. Also, North Carolina allowed 69 points or more in 6 of their last 7 games. Their most recent game stayed under the total but the Tar Heels entered that game on a 6-2 run to the over. Also, the Badgers are off an under but this followed a 4-0 run to the over in Wisconsin games in which they allowed at least 73 points in all 4 games. Also, the Badgers ugly game against Iowa was preceded by a 5-game stretch in which they scored at least 68 in all 5 games. Look for each team to get to 70 here in a match-up that will surprise many in terms of the pace it is played at. 10* OVER the total in North Carolina |
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03-19-21 | Drexel +23 v. Illinois | 49-78 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 7 m | Show | |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #741 Friday 8* Drexel Dragons (+) vs Illinois Illini @ 1:15 ET - Illinois is a great team of course and a popular choice to win it all this season. However, this is still too many points in my opinion. This is particularly true with Drexel having backdoor cover potential as well. The Dragons went a fantastic 11-3 ATS in road games this season as they averaged 72.4 points as travelers on 49.1% shooting from the field including 39.2% from three point land. Teams that shoot the ball that well away from home make for dangerous underdogs in a tournament setting. I still expect the Illini to win this game by double digits but I expect the Dragons to actually stay inside the number the entire way in this one. Only 4 of the last 21 victories for the Illini have been decided by a margin greater than 23 points. The key cogs in the Dragons rotation are upperclassmen and they have enough veteran leadership to weather the storm here and remain competitive throughout. The Illini pull away late but still win this one by no more than 18 points in my opinion. 8* DREXEL |
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03-18-21 | Jazz v. Wizards OVER 235.5 | Top | 122-131 | Win | 100 | 8 h 59 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #551 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Wizards vs Utah Jazz @ 7:05 ET - The Wizards game last night was on pace for 260 points as they had 195 points through 3 quarters for a 65 point quarterly average. Inexplicably, the 4th quarter totaled just 45 points and the game stayed under the total. This followed back to back overs for Washington and the 240 total points scored still would have gone over the total which is posted on tonight's game. In fact, I feel we're retaining some line value here thanks to yesterday's game staying under the total. Now it is the Jazz in town to face the Wizards and Utah is off an under but this was preceded by a 10-4 run to the over in their last 14 games. The Jazz have averaged 120 points per game, not including OT points, last 9 games. The Wizards have averaged 120 points per game their last 9 home games. This one should get well into the 240s and make up for last night's surprising finish when the Wizards hosted the Kings. I am aware Westbrook might miss this game for Washington but they have scored an average of 122 points per game in the 3 home games he has missed this season. I am aware Conley might miss this game for Utah but the Jazz have scored an average of 122.5 points per game in the last 6 games he has missed. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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03-18-21 | Drake v. Wichita State +2.5 | Top | 53-52 | Win | 100 | 8 h 48 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #714 Thursday 10* Top Play Wichita State Shockers (+) vs Drake Bulldogs @ 6:27 ET - Here is another one with a classic line flip. Wichita State was favored by 2.5 points and now the line has swung the other way and it is Drake favored by 2.5 points! I know the Bulldogs have the better record on the season but they closed the season going 7-4 last 11 games including losing 2 of last 3. Wichita State closed the season with a loss to Cincinnati by just a single point in the AAC Tourney but this followed an 8-game winning streak for the Shockers! In fact, Wichita State was on a 15-2 run prior to the loss to the Bearcats. The Shockers and Bulldogs are former rivals in the Missouri Valley Conference but Wichita State is now in the AAC and did play the tougher schedule this season. I do not believe the betting markets are practically factoring that into this match-up and we'll take advantage of that here. 10* WICHITA STATE |
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03-18-21 | Mt. St. Mary's v. Texas Southern +1 | 52-60 | Win | 100 | 7 h 4 m | Show | |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #716 Thursday 8* Texas Southern Tigers vs Mount St Mary's Mountaineers @ 5:10 ET - The line move here has gone from Texas Southern being favored by 2.5 points to Mount St Mary's being favored by 1.5 points. The Mountaineers have struggled to get consistent offensive production this season while the Tigers strength is scoring in bunches. Texas Southern averages 75 points per game while Mount St Mary's averages only 64 points per game. Also, there were only 4 teams in the conference tournament Mount St Mary's just played in. Texas Southern enters this game off 9 straight wins and having won 14 of last 15 games. The Mountaineers enter this match-up just 4-3 SU last 7 games and one of those wins came in overtime. The Tigers have scored 73 points or more, not including OT points, in 11 of last 12 games. 8* TEXAS SOUTHERN |
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03-17-21 | Bucks v. 76ers +6 | Top | 109-105 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #532 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (+) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:05 ET - Well aware of the fact that Philly is in a back to back spot and playing 5th game in 7 days and still without Embiid. However their key guys did not play huge minutes yesterday and Philadelphia has won 6 straight games. Yes the Bucks are on a winning streak too but Milwaukee's road cover at Washington was their first ATS win in their last six road games. That's right...Bucks had been on an 0-5 ATS run in away games. The 76ers are off a non-covering win but have not had back to back ATS losses since mid-February. They may not get the outright win here but I look for at least a cover in this one. The Bucks, prior to huge win over Wizards, had seen 4 of last 5 wins come by 6 or less points. Look for the home team to get the cover for the 4th straight time in this series as the host is 3-0 ATS last 3 meetings between these teams. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-17-21 | Toledo v. Richmond +3 | Top | 66-76 | Win | 100 | 9 h 31 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #706 Wednesday 10* Top Play Richmond Spiders (+) vs Toledo Rockets @ 7 ET - I understand the line flip here but the Spiders opened up as the favorite for a reason. Now Richmond is a 3 point dog and I won't hesitate to step in. The Spiders have had about two weeks off and normally that is a bad thing but that is not the case here! Senior big man Grant Golden (finger) and senior guard Blake Francis (hip) have both been able to recover better from injuries as a result of the extra time off. These two are the top two scorers for Richmond and Golden is also solid in terms of assists and rebounds. I know each of these guys have been listed as a game time decision for this evening but I would be very surprised if they miss this game. Keep in mind, the NIT is down from the usual 32 teams to just 16 for this season. The Spiders certainly want to make a run at it and I just don't see these guys missing this game. I know Richmond is on a 3-game losing streak but Francis missed the most recent game and played only 9 minutes in the prior game (got hurt) and with Francis in the lineup for a full game the Spiders have never lost back to back games. I feel strongly that both guys will play but even if 1 of the 2 misses, Richmond will have 4 guys on the floor that average double digits in points, and again I do expect this number to be 5 though! The Spiders are undervalued here against a MAC team that, in regulation time, has allowed an average of 77 points per game last 4 games. The Rockets will struggle to do enough on the defensive end against a Spiders team that has allowed an average of only 65.6 points per game even during a rough 4-4 stretch to end the season! 10* RICHMOND |
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03-16-21 | Knicks v. 76ers OVER 216 | Top | 96-99 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
Atlantic Div Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #525 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks @ 8:05 ET - The Knicks are in a back to back spot here. Their 5-point loss at Brooklyn last night did go over the total. The over is 7-1 in New York's last 8 games. Joel Embiid is currently out for the 76ers and that certainly impacts the interior defense of this team. Overall, Philadelphia has been trending over of late. The over is 5-1 in their last 6 games. Also, the Sixers have a big game against the Bucks on deck. Looking ahead to a showdown with an East challenger certainly will not help the level of the defensive intensity for Philly in this one. Yes the Knicks are a divisional foe but Philadelphia has a long winning streak against New York and could get caught looking ahead to tomorrow's game versus Milwaukee. The Knicks have averaged 111.5 points per game their last 4 games. The 76ers are averaging 127.2 points per game in regulation time of their last 5 games. More of the same expected here as this one flies over the total. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia |
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03-15-21 | Kings +3.5 v. Hornets | Top | 116-122 | Loss | -107 | 9 h 35 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #503 Monday 10* Top Play Sacramento Kings (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - The low line on this game makes no sense and, in typical contrarian fashion, I am fading public perception and fading the line move as this one has moved up a little higher this morning. Charlotte is a very small favorite here even though they are at home where they are 11-8 this season and even though the Kings are on the road where they are 6-11 this season. Additionally, the Hornets are on a 9-5 run and have won 3 straight games while Sacramento is on a 3-12 run. Given all of the above the line makes no sense here, right? Exactly! Give me the team no one wants here! The Kings are off a loss but are 3-0 L3 when off a loss. Also, Sacramento does have revenge in this one for a 1 point home loss to the Hornets earlier this season. Charlotte does have a long road trip on deck and could look right past the Kings here. Grab the points! 10* SACRAMENTO |
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03-14-21 | Spurs v. 76ers -2.5 | Top | 99-134 | Win | 100 | 8 h 29 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #562 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs San Antonio Spurs @ 6:35 ET - The Spurs blasted Orlando without DeMar DeRozan but that game was at home and the 76ers are not the Magic. That said, the reason for this low line on the Sixers is that Joel Embiid is out. I know that Philly has often struggled in games without Embiid in the lineup this season. However, the 76ers will have Ben Simmons back for this one and the Spurs being without DeRozan is a key loss. The Spurs had lost back to back games and 4 of 6 prior to the win over the Magic. The Sixers have won 4 straight and 8 of their last 10 games. They won both match-ups last season including by 11 when the teams met here in Philly. Look for another double digit win in this one as well as a well-rested Simmons takes over with Embiid out and look for Dwight Howard, as he so often does, to have another huge game with the big man out. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-14-21 | Ohio State v. Illinois -6 | Top | 88-91 | Loss | -107 | 6 h 3 m | Show |
Championship Best Bet - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #658 Sunday 10* Top Play Illinois Illini (-) vs Ohio State Buckeyes @ 3:30 ET - The Buckeyes upset Michigan yesterday thanks to hitting a ridiculous 12 of 22 three pointers! The Illini hung on to beat Iowa yesterday despite making only 3 of 15 three pointers! You see the difference? This is helping to create line value here because Ohio State scored a total of only 32 points yesterday from inside the arc. Illinois scored a total of 73 points yesterday from inside the arc. Recent meetings between these teams have been tight but I look for the Illini to pull away as this one goes on. The Buckeyes are playing for 4th time in 4 days and their game prior to upsetting the Wolverines went into overtime too. Conversely, the Illini are playing just their 3rd game in 3 days and their first one was a blowout win over Rutgers. Strong situational edge here for the favorite. Lay it. 10* ILLINOIS |
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03-13-21 | Pistons v. Nets OVER 227.5 | Top | 95-100 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 37 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #543 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Pistons are off an ATS win but SU loss in their 1st game after the break. Though they came up just short of the outright upset there I do expect Detroit to continue to play better now that the Blake Griffin situation is behind them. Griffin actually went to the Nets but has been ruled out of this game with continued left knee issues. The fact is that the Pistons should have another respectable game here like they did at Charlotte but I also don't see them stopping Brooklyn. The Nets have played 4 of their last 6 games at home and in this stretch dating back to the final week of February, Brooklyn has won 5 of the 6 games and averaged 124 points per game in regulation time of the 5 victories. More of the same expected here but they are about an 11 point favorite here. A 124-113 type game sounds about right here and that puts this one nearly 10 points above the line. I will take it. Keep in mind the Nets had to raise their defensive intensity some in a bigger game versus the Celtics Thursday. Don't be surprised if you see a dropoff in level of defense played in this one as the Pistons have the worst record in the Eastern Conference. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn |
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03-13-21 | Georgetown v. Creighton OVER 143 | Top | 73-48 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 13 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #619 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Georgetown Hoyas @ 6:30 ET - Not only did each of the Big East semi-final games involving these teams stay under the total, they did not even come close to going over. However, the Hoyas did allow 62 shots from the field to Seton Hall yesterday but the Pirates had a horrible shooting performance. As for the Bluejays game, they also took 62 shots but shot poorly and they faced a Connecticut team that also shot very poorly. Give some credit to the defensive play as well but this situation falls into the "I have seen this movie before" category! After a pair of low-scoring games yesterday, the betting markets are now backing the under here and yet we'll see much better shooting today and a great pace to this game. Like I said, I have seen situations like this in the past and this is so often how it ends up playing out. The posted total on the two games between these teams in each of the two regular season meetings was in the 150 to 152 range and now you have a total on this one dipping into the low 140s. This is a value spot. The last meeting between these teams totaled just 111 points which is also leading to line value here. The teams entered that game on a 3-0 run to the over in their meetings and had totaled at least 151 points in 4 consecutive meetings. By the way, Creighton had averaged 90 points per game in their 2 games immediately preceding yesterday's low-scoring win. As for Georgetown, they had averaged 72.4 points per game in their 5 games preceding yesterday's low scoring win. The Bluejays are favored by 9 points here and that puts this game in the 82-73 range or mid-150s which is well above where this total is now. Lets take advantage. 10* OVER the total in Big East Championship Game |
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03-12-21 | Connecticut v. Creighton OVER 143.5 | Top | 56-59 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
Big East Beast Top Total - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #849 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Connecticut Huskies @ 9 ET - These teams are both on fire right now and I don't see that slowing down here. The Huskies have been a different team since James Bouknight came back. Connecticut enters this game on a 5-game winning streak and has averaged scoring 81.2 points per game during this win streak. Overall the Huskies have won 7 of 8 games and have averaged 80.6 points per game in the 7 wins. Now UConn faces a Creighton team which is off back to back wins in which they have averaged scoring 90 points per game. Also, the Bluejays have scored at least 77 points in each of their last 4 wins and that includes a victory over Villanova in which the Jays scored 86 points. I just don't see either team being stopped here today as they are both loaded with confidence right now in the offensive end and that means plenty of points from both teams. In regulation time of their two games this season they averaged only 136 points but the situation was different in terms of player health for those match-ups as well as just the way the teams were playing at the time. I like what I am seeing from both these teams right now and look for plenty of points in this one as a result. Already firing on all cylinders at MSG, more of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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03-12-21 | 76ers -4 v. Wizards | Top | 127-101 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #529 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Washington Wizards @ 8:05 ET - The 76ers rolled the Bulls last night despite being without Joel Embiid plus Ben Simmons and despite the fact Chicago made 14 of 29 three pointers. The Sixers still won the game by 22 points. Now they could have Embiid back tonight plus the Wizards have a very concerning situation with Bradley Beal. A top scorer for Washington, he is currently being limited by a knee injury that is lingering and this is even after the All Star break was able to give him some rest too so this is certainly not a good sign. That plus the fact the Wizards just got blasted by 15 points at Memphis Wednesday is not a good sign for Washington as they now host a tough Philly team. Philadelphia has beaten the Wizards 4 straight times by an average margin of 9 points per game. That said, I am happy to lay the short number on the road in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-12-21 | Georgetown v. Seton Hall -2.5 | Top | 66-58 | Loss | -103 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
Big East Beast Top Side - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #848 Friday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (-) vs Georgetown Hoyas @ 6 ET - The Pirates are off a hard-fought OT win but the Hoyas have the disadvantage of playing a 3rd game in 3 days. Also, Georgetown is off a huge upset win over Villanova. Conversely, Seton Hall's win over St John's did not come easily but the fact is the Pirates had finished the regular season on a 4-game losing streak. As a result, Seton Hall felt some extra pressure in their 1st game of the Big East tourney. With that first win now out of the way, and with the Pirates the only team other than Villanova to win this tourney in recent years, Seton Hall knows they have a real shot at winning this tournament thanks to the Wildcats being knocked out of it. I like the fact that the Pirates reached double digits in shots blocked yesterday plus held the Red Storm to just 24% from beyond the arc. The Hoyas benefitted from hitting 41% from three point land yesterday plus going 23 for 23 from the line against Nova. Neither of those stats likely to be repeated here and I expect the Pirates to roll in this one as a result. They beat the Hoyas when they faced them away from Georgetown and the only reason they lost the game in which they visited them is because the Hoyas made a ridiculous 10 of 16 shots from beyond the arc. That is not being repeated here. 10* SETON HALL |
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03-11-21 | 76ers v. Bulls OVER 227 | Top | 127-105 | Win | 100 | 9 h 15 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #513 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 8:05 ET - Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid - the two 76ers All-Stars - will each miss this game due to covid-19 protocol requirements. That is also why they did not play in this past weekend's all-star game. In typical contrarian fashion, with the Sixers two big scorers out for tonight, I am on the over here! Yes, look for their absences to effect the defensive play of Philly in this game and the Bulls will try to run the 76ers right out of the building! The over is 3-1 in Chicago's last 4 games and 3-0 in Philadelphia's last 3 games. The Sixers have allowed 117 points per game last 5 road games. The Bulls have allowed an average of 118.5 points per game last 4 games overall. Look for more of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Chicago |
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03-11-21 | Pistons +4.5 v. Hornets | 102-105 | Win | 100 | 9 h 54 m | Show | |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #505 Thursday 8* Detroit Pistons (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - The Hornets entered the All Star break off a win but this is a Charlotte team that hasn't won back to back games since early February. The Pistons used the All Star break as a chance to get healthier and also have the Blake Griffin situation now fully in the rear view mirror after his departure to the Nets. That said, look for a fully focused Detroit team to shock the Hornets here so I am happy to grab the points in this one. The Pistons are off a non-covering loss at New York prior to the All Star break but entered that game having only lost the money twice in their eight most recent road games! Detroit bounces back here as Charlotte's pattern of alternating wins with losses continues here. The road team has covered each of the last two meetings between these teams. Also, the Pistons last two trips to Charlotte have both been losses but by an average margin of just 2 points per defeat. 8* DETROIT |
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03-11-21 | Butler v. Creighton OVER 135 | Top | 56-87 | Win | 100 | 8 h 11 m | Show |
Big East Beast Top - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #697 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Blue Jays vs Butler Bulldogs @ 6 ET - I am well aware of the fact that this game is at Madison Square Garden and both Butler and Creighton do not score as well when they are away from home. I am also aware that we got some good fortune here yesterday when the Bulldogs game against Xavier went to overtime and that allowed that game to get over the total. However, lets look at some important facts here and why I am expecting yet another over involving these teams (I used the over in their Saturday match-up as a big play). The fact is that Creighton has scored quite well on the road in recent weeks other than a tough battle at Villanova - but who does not struggle with the Wildcats? That said, lets look at the Blue Jays other 5 road games since mid-January. Creighton has averaged 71.4 points per game in those 5 games. As for the Bulldogs, they are on a hot run of upset wins so they are surging with confidence. Butler has won 3 of its last 4 games and even though 2 of their last 3 games have been played away from home, the Bulldogs averaged 68.3 points per game in regulation time of those 3 games. Given those numbers and the fact that the Blue Jays are a double digit favorite here with good reason, you can see why I like the over in this match-up. The last meeting totaled 166 points and though the prior meeting this season was low-scoring, Creighton had an unusually poor shooting game in that one. The Blue Jays are again firing on all cylinders now and Butler is playing at a higher level thanks to all the recent upset wins boosting confidence. The result should be another high-scoring shootout here. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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03-11-21 | Seton Hall -110 v. St. John's | 77-69 | Win | 100 | 6 h 12 m | Show | |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #695 Thursday 8* Seton Hall Pirates (+) vs St John's Red Storm @ 3 ET - These teams just met over the weekend and the Red Storm got the win but shot ridiculously high percentages from both inside and outside the arc! I don't expect that to be repeated here and the Pirates had taken 3 in a row from St John's prior to that loss. Also, from what I am seeing, most of the tickets are being written on the Red Storm in early wagering action for this one but yet the line moved toward a Seton Hall team that has lost 4 straight games SU and is also on a 6-game skid ATS. What does that tell us? Some sharp money coming in on the Pirates here! I rate Seton Hall as the better team defensively in this match-up and now that it is tournament time look for that to be a factor here and the Pirates pull away late in this one. 8* SETON HALL |
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03-10-21 | Wizards +3.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 112-127 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Wizards (+) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 8:05 ET - This line looked funny based on its opener and of course the masses are going one way and I am going the other in a typical fade the masses contrarian situation for me. The Grizzlies just beat the Wizards by double digits before the All Star break. That game was at Washington and now this game is at Memphis and the line opened up at nearly a pick'em. This is despite the Grizzlies having the much better record plus being at home plus having just destroyed the Wizards. Something seems odd about that right? Do not let the odds fool you! The road dog is the play here. The Wizards want revenge and the all star break was a good reset point for them plus they have been playing much better overall of late with 8 wins in last 11 games and 1 of the losses was the loss to Memphis and one of the other defeats came by just a single point. 10* WASHINGTON |
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03-10-21 | Butler v. Xavier OVER 133 | Top | 70-69 | Win | 100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
Big East Beast Top - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #627 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs Butler Bulldogs @ 6 ET - These teams met a little over two weeks ago and the game totaled a ridiculous 114 points. That is because the teams combined for a ridiculous 16% from three point land as they hit 8 of 50. That is not happening again here. These teams normally would have combined to hit at least 16 of the 50 and that would have put this game up to 138. I look for a high-scoring game to surprise some people here. Butler has scored 73 points in each of its last two games and the over is 5-2 in their last 7 games. Xavier is off back to back low-scoring games but this was preceded by a stretch of just 1 under in 5 games. The Musketeers scored an average of 73 points per game in those 5 games. Xavier also has allowed 78.5 points per game their last 4 games away from home. 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams have stayed under the total including both this season but, as long-time followers know, I am a contrarian. This one goes over the total as look for a tight game late with plenty of extra free throws for the team in the lead and plenty of threes fired up for the team trailing. We have seen this play out before. A lot of late scramble points if needed but truly I think we'll see a lot more scoring early and more consistently throughout this game than many expect. Much better shooting expected here. I am aware of the injury situation for both teams but feel any disruption to the playing rotation will also just lead to more confusion defensively and actually just leads to even more points here including quick points in transition too. 10* OVER the total in Xavier |
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03-10-21 | Marquette v. Georgetown +3 | 49-68 | Win | 100 | 6 h 34 m | Show | |
Big East Beast Day Game - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #626 Wednesday 8* Georgetown Hoyas (+) vs Marquette Golden Eagles @ 3 ET - The Hoyas led the Golden Eagles 36 to 20 at halftime of their lone meeting this season but went on to lose that game. Suffice to say Georgetown will be very focused and ready to play the full 40 minutes here in the rematch that has come up in the Big East tournament. Marquette has won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams and the Hoyas are ready for payback in this triple revenge situation. The Eagles finished the regular season winning 4 of 5 but Georgetown also was on a 4-1 run before an ugly season ending loss to Connecticut. Coming off a 98-82 beatdown, the Hoyas look to atone for that loss here. Georgetown had covered 3 straight road games prior to that loss. The Golden Eagles won their most recent road game but entered that game having lost 4 of their last 5 Big East games played away from home. This one is a road game for each of course but I like the Hoyas as they had been playing well on the road ATS before the loss to the Huskies. They will regroup and get payback here against Marquette. The Golden Eagles are making just 30% of their three pointers on the road this season while the Hoyas are making 40% of theirs from beyond the arc. Don't be surprised if that ends up making a difference in this one and I am grabbing the points here as added insurance but do expect an outright upset. 8* GEORGETOWN |
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03-09-21 | Oakland v. Cleveland State OVER 138.5 | Top | 69-80 | Win | 100 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
Horizon League Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #824 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland State Vikings (-) vs Oakland Golden Grizzlies @ 7 ET - I understand this total in terms of being rather low because we saw some crazy results yesterday in this tourney. It is tournament time and Oakland has a great long-term reputation in the Horizon League and knocked off Northern Kentucky last night. This is the "anything can happen" time of year when you see upsets in tournament action similar to the "on any given Sunday" mantra relating to the NFL. Here is the thing about that though. Lightning usually doesn't strike twice and the Golden Grizzlies just had their "anything can happen" moment last night. Oakland beat the Norse by double digits despite Northern Kentucky taking 11 more shots from the field and despite the Golden Grizzlies being putrid - 10 of 26 - from the free throw line! Oakland was fortunate is the point I am making as the Norse made just 33% from the field for the game and also were held to 23% from beyond the arc. None of those stats are likely to be repeated again here and the Vikings are the superior team. Cleveland State is 18-7 on the season while Oakland is 12-17. The Golden Grizzlies will shoot much better from the free throw line tonight but both teams are off deceiving performances in terms of points allowed and that is why I love the over here. The Norse scored just 58 points on Oakland but took 69 shots from the field! The UW-Milwaukee Panthers scored only 65 points on Cleveland State but also took 69 shots from the field. Wisconsin-Milwaukee made just 3 of 17 three pointers so that is what held them back. So both teams off unders last night but Cleveland State entered last night's game on a stretch of just 2 unders in 10 games! As for Oakland, they are 21-7 to the over this season and yesterday's under followed a stretch of 8 straight overs. Both the Golden Grizzlies and Vikings were fortunate in terms of points allowed last night. That will not be repeated tonight. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland State |
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03-08-21 | Elon +5 v. Hofstra | Top | 76-58 | Win | 100 | 8 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #779 Monday 10* Top Play Elon Phoenix (+) vs Hofstra Pride @ 6 ET - The Pride took advantage of a Delaware team yesterday that had not played a game in 5 weeks. Even with that edge, Hofstra was nearly upset and had to pull away late. They were fortunate that the Fightin' Blue Hens lost by 8 points despite the Pride missing 12 free throws out of 29! That poor free throw shooting and the fact that Burgess and Ray played the whole game - all 40 minutes - could come back to bite Hofstra here. Elon has the lesser record on the season but keep in mind they were also priced this way in the game against James Madison yesterday and the Dukes were the #1 seed in this tournament. That said, I feel we have some solid line value here with the Phoenix. That is particularly true because Elon won yesterday's game despite shooting only 32% from inside the arc! That is right, the Phoenix made just 8 of 25 shots from 2-point land and yet still beat James Madison. It is now a 6-0 SU and ATS run for Elon entering this one. Look for that streak to reach 7-0 for the Phoenix here. I do expect an outright upset but will grab the points just in case. 10* ELON |
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03-07-21 | Texas v. TCU OVER 137 | Top | 76-64 | Win | 100 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #747 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in TCU Horned Frogs vs Texas Longhorns @ 7 ET - The first meeting between these teams had a posted total of 141 and fell well under the total. So, with the odds makers again posting a 141 on the rematch, of course the betting markets treat it like some major mistake and have pounded the under early in this one. Now, at a 137 as of early game day morning, it is go time for us and we pull the trigger on the over in this one. Couple keys here. TCU shot just 36% from the field at Austin in the earlier match-up. That won't be repeated here. The Horned Frogs are shooting 45% in home games this season. Also, the Frogs are catching UT off back to back huge wins including a big rivalry victory at Oklahoma Thursday. As a result, the Longhorns level of defensive intensity in this one could absolutely be a few notches below where you would expect. That said, the Horns are scoring an average of 75 points per game this season and are unlikely to again hit just 28.6% of their threes in this one like they did in the first meeting! Also, Texas Christian University is averaging 70 points per game on their home floor this season and UT scored 70 points in the first meeting despite the rough shooting from beyond the arc. You can see why I am expecting this game to get to at least the mid-140s. By the way, Texas is off an under but has not recorded unders in back to back games in 2 months. 10* OVER the total in TCU |
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03-07-21 | Texas Tech +8 v. Baylor | Top | 73-88 | Loss | -108 | 8 h 14 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #741 Sunday 10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders (+) @ Baylor Bears @ 4 ET - The Bears check the box on a number of things here that make it hard for me to imagine them winning this game by much of a margin. They already have a loss this season so it is not like they are motivated by going for an undefeated record. Baylor also already won at Texas Tech this season so there is no revenge angle in play here for the Bears. Also, they already locked up the Big 12 title. With all of the above factored in, look for the Red Raiders to prove to be the team that wants this one a little more! Of course that does not mean they will win this game outright but I do expect Texas Tech to put up a helluva fight and for this game to likely be decided by a final margin of just a bucket or two. The Red Raiders last 7 losses have featured 6 by a margin of 8 or less points and 2 of those defeats were in overtime. In fact, other than the 8 point loss to Baylor, the other 5 of those tight losses were decided by an average margin of just 3.6 points. Look for another tight one here as the Red Raiders are back on track and playing as a confident bunch as they enter this game on a 3-0 run with an average margin of victory of 18.7 points per game. 10* TEXAS TECH |
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03-07-21 | Delaware v. Hofstra OVER 138.5 | 75-83 | Win | 100 | 4 h 10 m | Show | |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #751 Saturday 8* OVER the total in Hofstra Pride vs Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens @ 11 AM ET - Delaware hasn't played in 5 weeks as their last game was on the final day of January. Hofstra hasn't played in 3 weeks as their last game was on Valentine's Day! In the strange covid-impacted schedule for college basketball this season we have seen similar scenarios like this and I have used the over in these spots. Many people worry about cold shooting after a layoff but what actually happens in situations like this that is more of a factor is that teams tend to struggle in other facets of the game that help a total go over. There tends to be more turnovers that lead to easy buckets and better looks in transition. There tends to be missed defensive assignments as teams do not rotate properly or end up not switching on players when they should, etc. It all adds up to better looks at the basket and more scoring opportunities and I will ride that theory again here in this unique conference tournament situation. Hofstra is averaging 77 points per game during a 6-3 run entering this game. However, the Pride also have allowed 77 points per game their last 7 games. You can see from those numbers that we should get the kind of pace to this game with Delaware to have this one fly over the total. As for the Fightin' Blue Hens, they have averaged 70 points per game their last 6 games. Look for both teams to reach the 70 point mark in this one. 8* OVER the total in Hofstra |
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03-06-21 | Butler v. Creighton OVER 134 | Top | 73-93 | Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
Big East Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #643 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Butler Bulldogs @ 5 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Bulldogs have not scored well on the road this season. However, I love the set up here and the corresponding line value. Butler is likely to shoot more and score better than you would expect here because they are off back to back upset wins over Seton Hall and Villanova. Facing a Bluejays team not known for defense (allowing 68 ppg at home) the Bulldogs will score enough here for us. The big key to the play though is a Creighton team known for huge games on the offensive end at home and that enters this game off back to back road losses at Xavier and Villanova. Now the Bluejays are back home where they are averaging 83 points per game this season. They are about a 13 point favorite here so if the odds makers are right about the spread and the Jays hit their average you are talking about an 83-70 type game. Now Butler is averaging only 60 points per game on the road so that would put this at a 73-60 type game. The reality? I am expecting more than that from each team based on the factors noted above and it should at least finish in between these projected totals and that would be 143 points. That is still a comfortable win for us and shows solid margin with this play. I expect the Bluejays to force a fast tempo in this one at home. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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03-06-21 | Pittsburgh +8 v. Clemson | 62-77 | Loss | -105 | 4 h 12 m | Show | |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #603 Saturday 8* Pittsburgh Panthers (+) @ Clemson Tigers @ Noon ET - The Panthers are off a win but this followed a lengthy losing streak. Here is the key though. Pittsburgh's 5-game losing streak featured all 5 losses coming by 7 or less points. Pitt is a very strong rebounding team and is not an easy team to blow out. Also, on the road, they are allowing just 41.6% from the field to their opponents. I know Clemson is a very solid team, particularly at home, but I do not see them winning big in this game. The Tigers are going to have their hands full with a scrappy dog that hits the boards hard and plays tough defense more often than not when traveling. Also, when these teams met last season the Panthers lost by 20 points and that was on their home floor! Pitt shot very poorly in that one from 3-point land while Clemson shot lights out from beyond the arc. That kind of ridiculous disparity will not happen again here. Grab the generous points being offered to a scrappy underdog in this one. 8* PITTSBURGHÂ |
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03-05-21 | Georgia Tech v. Wake Forest +9 | Top | 75-63 | Loss | -102 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #840 Friday 10* Top Play Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+) vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ 8 ET - Of course it has been a disappointing finish to the regular season for Wake Forest. However, the Demon Deacons are not going to lay down here in their home finale. That said, this is simply too many points in my opinion. Georgia Tech is only 3-5 in road games this season while Wake Forest is 5-5 in home games. Also, the Yellow Jackets are off a huge home win versus Duke. Not sure how excited the Jackets are going to be about this game as a result. That said, the Demon Deacons are likely to prove to be the hungrier team and they lost the first match-up with Georgia Tech this season largely due a big disparity in 3-point shooting as they had a horrific shooting night. However, Wake Forest is hitting 34% from beyond the arc this season and Georgia Tech is shooting 35% from beyond the arc this season. In other words, and particularly with this rematch being at Winston-Salem, the Yellow Jackets are unlikely to hold such an edge from 3-point land in this one. Look for this one to go down to the wire as the Demon Deacons are a very hungry home dog here and I just do not see them losing this game by double digits on their home floor. 10* WAKE FOREST |
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03-05-21 | Duquesne v. St Bonaventure OVER 130 | Top | 59-75 | Win | 100 | 3 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #859 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Bonaventure Bonnies vs Duquesne Dukes @ 11 AM ET - Long-time followers know I like contrarian plays. This total certainly fits the bill in that regard. Duquesne got a low-scoring win over Richmond yesterday to advance to this game. That one stayed under the total. St Bonaventure also is off a low-scoring game and it was a very ugly 55-52 loss to Dayton. That is going to bring out the best in the Bonnies here. Keep in mind the two regular season meetings between these teams averaged just 118 points totaled per game yet the odds makers opened this up at 131. Of course the total dropped from its opener. In typical contrarian fashion, I am going against the markets here. Note that the Bonnies entered their game against the Flyers off an 88-point outburst. Also note that Duquesne has averaged scoring 76 points per game their last 7 games. 10* OVER the total in St Bonaventure |
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03-04-21 | Raptors v. Celtics OVER 217 | Top | 125-132 | Win | 100 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #547 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:05 ET - The Raptors are depleted by quarantine requirements for multiple key players due to the covid-19 restrictions. That did not stop the Pistons from putting a beating on them last night and certainly Toronto is not going to get any mercy from Boston either. Indeed the Celtics knocked the Raptors out of the playoffs last year and have since dominated Toronto in both meetings this season. Boston scored an average of 123 points in those two games and won them by an average margin of 13 points. Each game flew over the total and I expect more of the same here. The Celtics enter this game on a run of 6-2 to the over. The Raptors enter this game on a run of 9-2 to the over their last 11 road games. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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03-04-21 | George Washington v. George Mason OVER 134 | Top | 59-73 | Loss | -120 | 7 h 2 m | Show |
A-10 Tourney TV Top - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #765 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in George Mason Patriots vs George Washington Colonials @ 5:30 ET - We are getting line value here as these teams just met and the total was posted in the low 140s and yet now we have a total in the mid-130s. The last meeting stayed under the total but that is because George Mason shot only 30.6% from the field! The Patriots dominated the offensive glass in that game and took 72 shots for the game but simply had "one of those nights" which is, of course, giving us line value here. The pace should again be there for an over but this time the teams should cash them in! George Mason's other 3 recent games have seen them score at least 77 points and actually average 82 points in those 3. I know George Washington has not scored well other than their first back in mid-February after a long layoff but the Colonials have averaged scoring 68 points per game in their last 3 meetings with the Patriots and they are an 8 point dog here. 76-68 sounds about right to me and that puts this game 10 points above the current total. I'll take it. 10* OVER the total in George Mason |
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03-03-21 | Pacers v. Cavs +7 | Top | 114-111 | Win | 100 | 8 h 7 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #532 Wednesday 10* Top Play Cleveland Cavaliers (+) vs Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers are on a 4-game SU and ATS losing streak while the Cavaliers have won and covered 4 straight. Of course Indiana would love to reverse this trend but this is Cleveland's last game before the All-Star break and they are hungry to keep the winning going and enter the break on a 5-game run. The Pacers have their home finale before the break on deck for tomorrow so this situation favors the Cavs in my opinion. Cleveland had a horrific losing streak going before starting this win streak and they do not want to lose that winning feeling right before the break. They will go all out here and if they do fall short look for it to be by only a bucket or two. The Pacers are just 3-9 SU their last dozen games and one of the wins was by just 6 points. That said, I love the valuable with the sizable home dog in this one. 10* CLEVELANDÂ |
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03-03-21 | Connecticut -120 v. Seton Hall | Top | 69-58 | Win | 100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Big East Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #669 Wednesday 10* Top Play Connecticut Huskies (-) @ Seton Hall Pirates @ 6:30 ET - The set up here is perfect. The Huskies are on the road so we get line value. Connecticut is playing with revenge for a home loss to the Pirates last month. Also, the Huskies now have leading scorer James Bouknight back and they did not have him for the first game versus Seton Hall. Since Bouknight has returned to the lineup UConn has lost only once and that was to Villanova, the top team in the Big East. As for Seton Hall, they enter this game struggling badly as they have lost back to back games including an ugly loss at Butler. The Bulldogs are not a very good team and the Pirates lost to them by 9 as an 8 point favorite! Overall, Seton Hall is on an 0-4 ATS run while the Huskies enter this game on a 4-1 SU and ATS run which includes 3 of 4 since Bouknight returned with the only loss being at the hands of a very strong Villanova team as noted above. Bouknight is definitely the star of the Huskies and they are 8-2 SU in the games he has played in this season with the only other loss being a 2-point loss in OT versus Creighton when the Bluejays were ranked 9th in the nation! Bouknight has been on the floor for only 2 Big East losses this season and those came against the two best teams in the conference. Seton Hall certainly does not fall into that category and I look for the Huskies to roll to a road rout in this one behind another huge game from Bouknight as they get their revenge. 10* CONNECTICUT |
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03-02-21 | Hawks v. Heat OVER 220.5 | Top | 94-80 | Loss | -112 | 10 h 18 m | Show |
SE Div Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #517 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - These teams totaled only 208 points in Sunday's match-up but the over is 8-1 the last 9 times Atlanta has entered a match-up off a game in which they were held to 114 points or less. Also, Miami was on a 5-2 run to the over prior to the game against the Hawks this past weekend. The Heat could have Jimmy Butler back for this one as well. The two meetings between these teams that preceded Sunday's game each totaled more than 250 points. I don't expect that range here but I do like the value here with this total. It is down around 220 whereas Sunday's posted total went off the board in the mid-220s. Nice line value here. I'll take it! Neither team shot well from the field in Sunday's game and that has led to excellent value here as you'll probably see a flip of the script here and each team shoots much better in this one. 10* OVER the total in Miami |
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03-02-21 | Xavier v. Georgetown +2 | Top | 66-72 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #618 Tuesday 10* Top Play Georgetown Hoyas (+) vs Xavier Musketeers @ 7 ET - Georgetown leading scorer Jahvon Blair will be back for senior night in Washington DC tonight. The Hoyas still managed to get by without him at DePaul on Saturday afternoon. Georgetown now faces a much tougher challenge then they did with the Blue Demons but I don't see the Hoyas being denied in their home finale. Georgetown should hold a rebounding edge here and the Musketeers are not quite the same team without guard Nate Johnson. I know they just upset the Bluejays but that makes me like going against Xavier even more here as they could be a little flat after upsetting Creighton. That was the Musketeers home finale and now they face a team highly motivated to win their home finale as well. Keep in mind, Xavier was on an 0-4 ATS run prior to knocking off the Bluejays. Also, the Hoyas enter this game on a solid 6-2 ATS run at the betting window. With the early line move toward Xavier, I like this one even more. Grab the home dog in this one as they have gone from being a slight favorite to now being the underdog in this one. Traditionally going against moves like this works out very well and I love this spot for all the reasons noted above too. 10* GEORGETOWN |
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03-01-21 | Pacers v. 76ers -5 | Top | 114-130 | Win | 100 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #504 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - The Sixers are normally fantastic on their home floor. But they just gave a horrific effort versus the Cavaliers on Saturday and lost the game in OT outright as a double digit home favorite! Suffice to say, Philadelphia was not happy with that result and will be ready to go here after a very rare home loss. The 76ers beat Brooklyn by 16 points the last time they entered a game off a home loss. Also, here they can take advantage of an Indiana team that has lost 10 of its last 14 games. The Pacers Malcolm Brogdon is dealing with a knee injury and missed their last game. Even if he goes tonight he is unlikely to be 100 percent and this is an angry Sixers team that Indiana will be facing here. Look for the home team, 14-3 this season and 31-4 last season as a host, to roll by double digits in this one! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-01-21 | Dayton v. St Bonaventure OVER 132.5 | Top | 55-52 | Loss | -107 | 9 h 46 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #829 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Bonaventure Bonnies vs Dayton Flyers @ 5 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Bonnies have trended under recently as well as truly being an "under team" for the season. However, this total is far too low considering the opponent. Dayton is averaging 72 points per game on the road this season. The reason St Bonaventure has trended under this season is solid defense but they won't be able to totally shutdown this Flyers team that has some skilled scoring options. At the same time, the Bonnies are averaging 77 points per game on their home floor this season. Again, the under trend has certainly not been because St Bonaventure can't score well because they truly do score very well as a host. The Bonnies enter this game off an 88-point outburst versus George Washington and they have now averaged 82 points per game their last 4 home games. Dayton did have a recent 2-OT game on the road but even removing those points from the equation, the Flyers have averaged 73 points per game their last 4 road games. However, not including OT points, Dayton has also surrendered 76.5 points per game their last 4 road games. Their defensive play has been much better at home than on the road this season. The Flyers almost always get to the mid-60s in points scored and the Bonnies are favored by 7.5 points here for good reason. That said, I certainly see this total getting to at least the 140 mark and the 150 range would not be a total shock either given all of the above. 10* OVER the total in St Bonaventure |
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02-28-21 | Clippers v. Bucks OVER 236 | Top | 100-105 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 17 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #563 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 3:35 ET - The Clippers are off back to back unders but that had a lot to do with playing at Memphis. The Grizzlies certainly are not known for getting involved in high-scoring games. That is worthy of note because LA, prior to those B2B unders, was on a 5-0 run to the over in road games. As for the Bucks, they are red hot and playing at home and so they should continue to shoot very well here. Buoyed by the confidence of a 4-game winning streak, Milwaukee has been particularly red hot in the last 3 games as they have averaged 132 points per game. However, when winning despite allowing an average of 117.3 points per game, you can tend to have a bit of a let up on the defensive end because you feel your offensive production will continue to bail you out. That said, don't be surprised if this game flies over the total as the Clippers have scored 119 points or more in 6 of their last 7 road games and the Bucks are flying high right now and have seen 7 of their last 9 home games go over the total. This one will too. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee |
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02-28-21 | Villanova v. Butler OVER 129.5 | Top | 61-73 | Win | 100 | 4 h 27 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #791 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Butler Bulldogs vs Villanova Wildcats @ Noon ET - The Wildcats have a much tougher game with Creighton on deck. Will their defensive focus be a little distracted here as a result? I absolutely believe that will prove to be the case here and, at the same time, Butler is off a tremendous effort on the defensive end that certainly will not be repeated here. The Bulldogs just held Seton Hall to 52 points but the Pirates are definitely not in the same class as these Wildcats. Also, the last 3 meetings between these teams each went over the total and the last 2 averaged 153 points per game! We have got a low total to work with here when you consider that Villanova is averaging 78 points per game this season. Yes, Butler is averaging only 65 points per game at home this season but the Wildcats are a double digit favorite for a reason. In other words could we see a 75-65 type game here? Absolutely! The Wildcats lost their last visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse so they won't take their foot off the gas in this one as they have been reminded of that defeat heading into this one. 10* OVER the total in Butler |
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