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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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03-18-16 | Wolves v. Rockets -8 | 111-116 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 21 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Houston Rockets -8 vs Minnesota @ 8:05 ET Friday - The Timberwolves are off of a rare road win (at Memphis) as they took advantage of a Grizzlies team decimated by injuries. Minnesota is still just 11-24 SU in road games this season and a loss at Houston is not only likely to occur, it's likely to be ugly! The Rockets are not happy at all about the way they played versus the Clippers Wednesday as their defense was atrocious. Prior to that ugly effort, the Rockets had held 3 of their prior 4 opponents to 41% or less from the field. Houston will bounce back large here against an overmatched T-wolves team. The Rockets had won and covered 4 of their 5 prior games and, when they come to play (as they certainly will tonight), they are tough to beat. Houston is 27-17 ATS the past three seasons when they are off of a loss by a margin of 10 points or more. They are fired up after losing to the Clips by 16 in a game that was IN HOUSTON! The Rockets average margin of victory in wins since the All Star Break is 15.4 points per triumph. Another big win tonight as we see one of the more focused efforts of the season from the Rockets. Houston has won 8 of the 9 meetings between the teams the past three seasons and the Timberwolves are 15-23 ATS this season (and 48-72 ATS the last 3 seasons) when they are off of a game where they allowed 105 points or more. T-wolves off rare win, Rockets off ugly loss. Perfect set-up! *8* HOUSTON |
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03-18-16 | Pittsburgh v. Wisconsin -2 | 43-47 | Win | 100 | 11 h 51 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAA *8* Wisconsin Badgers -1 vs Pittsburgh @ 6:50 ET Friday - The Badgers hurt their backers early this season but they've certainly turned things on since Greg Gard took over. Overall, Wisconsin is on a 13-5 ATS run and that's even with failing to cover their last two games of the season as the Badgers lost their regular season finale at Purdue and then were upset in the Big Ten tourney by Nebraska. Rest assured, Wisconsin will be ready to respond and they have been playing their best basketball of the season the past two months. The Badgers methodical style will slow this game down and frustrate the Panthers. Pittsburgh comes into the Big Dance having failed to cover 4 straight games. That struggle at the betting window has Panthers backers anxious to back them in a bounce back spot. However, I wouldn't bet on it. In fact, when Pitt enters a game on an ATS losing streak of 3 games or more, the Panthers have gone 5-14 ATS the past three seasons combined! Pittsburgh is on a 11-20 ATS run in non-conference games and an 8-16 ATS run in non-conference games. The past three seasons combined, the Badgers are 20-5 SU in neutral court games. Of course with such a low line on Wiscy, any SU win is likely to equate to an ATS win as well. The Badgers still have plenty of hunger after losing to Duke in the NCAA Championship game last year. Many are counting them out this year but this team still has plenty of experienced players and Wiscy has "Big Dance experience" as well. The Panthers struggled down the stretch and the Pitt defense is simply not on par with what we've seen from past Pittsburgh teams. The Badgers will frustrate the Panthers with their style of play and remember Pitt lost by double digits to another Big Ten foe, Purdue, earlier this season. *8* WISCONSIN |
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03-18-16 | South Dakota State +9.5 v. Maryland | 74-79 | Win | 100 | 9 h 57 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAA *8* South Dakota State Jackrabbits +9.5 vs Maryland @ 4:30 ET Friday - Maryland lost 5 of their last 8 games and are over-valued here. The Terrapins are certainly talented but they have proven time and time again that they can't "put it all together" as a team. That is likely to spell trouble for the Terps as they now take on a Jackrabbits team that truly is their polar opposite. South Dakota State doesn't have the talent level of a Maryland nor the star power of a player like Melo Trimble. However, as the Terrapins struggles away from home are problematic as they travel all the way to the West Coast for this one, look for the "team concept" of South Dakota State to be the difference maker. The Jackrabbits have balanced scoring, they play with discipline, have a defense that forces opponents to make mistakes, and South Dakota State also takes good care of the basketball. The Jackrabbits went 7-3 ATS in non-conference games this season. The Terrapins went 5-6 ATS against teams outside the Big Ten. South Dakota State has been off for more than a week since they won the Summit League title but they are a solid 3-1 SU and ATS when they enter a game with a week or more of rest. The Terrapins have been off since their loss to Michigan State on the 12th and the Terps are 4-5 SU and 3-5 ATS when they enter a game with rest of 5 or 6 days prior to the game. Maryland already was having issues with not being a "cohesive unit" on the floor and so a layoff is not going to help them in a "game time" situation. The Jackrabbits are ready and make for a traditional dangerous 12/5 seeding match-up here. *8* SOUTH DAKOTA STATE |
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03-18-16 | Temple +7.5 v. Iowa | 70-72 | Win | 100 | 7 h 23 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAA *8* Temple Owls +7.5 vs Iowa @ 3:10 ET Friday - The Hawkeyes are 1-4 ATS this season (and 3-13 ATS the last 3 seasons combined) in neutral court games. Iowa certainly stumbled down the stretch too. The Hawkeyes won just 2 of their last 8 games and had a 1-7 ATS mark during this ugly season-ending skid. Iowa has a veteran-laden team but no one other than Jarrod Uthoff has truly been stepping up. Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery has an ugly 3-7 record in his Big Dance Tourney experience. Owls head coach Fran Dunphy also has a poor record in Big Dance action but Temple is getting 7.5 points here and that makes them a dangerous dog against an Iowa team that just hasn't been able to shake their late season swoon. The Hawkeyes had the perfect opportunity with taking on an over-matched Illinois team in the Big Ten tourney but Iowa managed to under-perform in that game as well. Temple has a great inside out game as big man Obi Enechionyia has been tough to stop inside while strong guard play from big scorer Quenton DeCosey and point guard Josh Brown gives the Owls a fantastic back-court combo. Temple lost in the AAC Tourney to red hot Connecticut but Temple hasn't lost two games in a row since before Thanskgiving! In other words, the Owls could definitely be a tough out for the Hawkeyes and, certainly, Temple is proving good value with the points being offered here. The Owls are 14-7 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. Look for Iowa to drop to 4-10 ATS in games played in the month of March the last three years combined. *8* TEMPLE |
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03-18-16 | Hawaii v. California -4.5 | 77-66 | Loss | -104 | 6 h 3 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAA *8* California Golden Bears -4.5 vs Hawaii @ 2:00 ET Friday - The big story for Cal coming into this match-up is that they lost starting guard Tyrone Wallace to a hand injury. That has forced a significant line drop on this game and I'll gladly step in and grab the extra value being offered. The Golden Bears have plenty of depth, including at the guard spot where they have solid talent ready to step in because of the absence of Wallace. The Bears played a much tougher schedule than did the Rainbow Warriors and this is not being properly reflected in this line. Also, this game will tip off at 11 AM Pacific as it is a very early game in Spokane, Washington. The significance of the early tip is that it will be 8 AM Hawaiian time when the game tips off! Certainly a rare, early start for the Rainbow Warriors body clocks. Hawaii has been off since knocking off Long Beach State on the 12th. When playing with 5 or 6 days of rest, the Rainbow Warriors have gone 0-3 ATS this season and are 1-7 ATS the last 3 seasons combined. Give credit to Hawaii for taking advantage of a weak Big West Conference to get here but they are taking a major step up in class now as they face Cal. The Bears are 4-0 SU (and 3-1 ATS) this season when they are playing with 5 or 6 days of rest. California lost a tight one to Utah on the 11th by an 82-78 final. The Golden Bears are 10-3 SU this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. With the small line here, a SU win is likely to also be an ATS win for the Bears. *8* CALIFORNIA |
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03-18-16 | Syracuse +1.5 v. Dayton | 70-51 | Win | 100 | 4 h 29 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAA *8* Syracuse Orange +1.5 vs Dayton @ 12:15 ET Friday - The Orange lost to the Flyers by a bucket as an 8.5 point favorite two years ago in tournament action. It is time for a little payback for Syracuse in this year's tourney. The Orange wrapped up the season on a 10-5 ATS run. Although they had some tight straight-up losses to finish the season, Syracuse is battle-tested to say the least. As you would expect based on the comparison of the conferences these two teams play in, the Orange played a much tougher schedule than did Dayton. The Flyers allowed 6 of their last 10 opponents to score at least 74 points. Syracuse allowed an average of just 65 points per game during their 10-5 ATS run that they carry into this tournament. The Orange are hungrier than ever after last season's self-imposed postseason ban and the fact that head coach Jim Boeheim missed 9 games this season (punishment for the school's NCAA violations). Syracuse has been playing much better since Boeheim returned to the bench and I look for their 2-3 zone defense to frustrate the Flyers. Dayton has gone 1-4 ATS the past two seasons in neutral court games with a posted total in the 120s. The Orange have gone 8-4 SU and ATS in all neutral court games the past three seasons combined. *8* SYRACUSE |
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03-17-16 | Wichita State v. Arizona -1.5 | Top | 65-55 | Loss | -117 | 14 h 24 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Arizona Wildcats -1 vs Wichita State @ 9:20 ET - Certainly Wichita State deserves credit for their huge second half against Vanderbilt Tuesday as that punched their ticket for today's showdown with Arizona. However, I still think the Shockers are getting way too much respect here. Let's not forget that Wichita State had failed to cover three straight games before their big late-game run against the Commodores. As good as the Shockers defense has been, the offense has labored with poor shooting being the culprit in 3 of their last 4 games. Taking a look at those 3 games which does include the win over Vandy, Wichita State has been held to shooting percentages from the field of 41%, 37%, and 32%. From three point land the Shockers have been held to 22% and 8% in 2 of their last 4 games. The Shockers now take on a Pac-12 team that was among the top teams in the conference for points per game on offense and points allowed on defense. The Wildcats also are a strong rebounding team and they are loaded with size and experience and are among the toughest teams in the country when focused. You can bet that coach Sean Miller (17-8 in Big Dance) will have his team ready to go here and the Wildcats made it all the way to the Elite 8 last year. Arizona is averaging 81 points per game this season but also went 7-0 straight-up in games with a posted total in the 130s. In neutral court games with a posted total in the 135 to 139.5 range the Wildcats did go 6-1 straight-up the past three seasons and this line is essentially a pick'em. The Shockers are a long-term 3-12 SU and 3-12 ATS when they are playing on a neutral court and the line is a range of pick'em to +3. Too much respect is being given to Wichita State just because they had a phenomenal late game run against Vandy. The Wilcats aren't the Commodores! *10* ARIZONAÂ |
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03-17-16 | Nuggets +8 v. Hawks | Top | 98-116 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Denver Nuggets +8 @ Atlanta @ 8:05 ET - Atlanta is off of a tight win at Detroit last night but now plays the 2nd night of a back to back plus has a much tougher foe (Houston) on deck. That said, the Nuggets make for a dangerous dog here as Denver was off yesterday and will have the fresher legs and they have been on top of their game for many weeks now. In fact, Denver is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games against teams with a winning record. Also, the Nuggets are very rarely blown out. Their overall season record may not be impressive but dating all the way back to late December 29th - a span of 11 weeks - Denver has lost by more than 8 points just TWICE. So in a span of 11 weeks if you could have the Nuggets +8 in every game they play you would have only lost at the betting window TWICE! That says a lot about just how competitive Denver has been and they will give a tired Hawks team all they can handle tonight. The Nuggets offense has been clicking (over 50% from field each of last 3 games) so the over has cashed 3 straight times. This season, when Denver enters a game on a streak of at least 3 consecutive overs, they have gone 11-5 ATS. The Nuggets offense stays hot, the Hawks tired legs wear down as the game goes on, and this was should be another cover for the under-rated underdog. *10* DENVERÂ |
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03-17-16 | Florida Gulf Coast v. North Carolina -22 | Top | 67-83 | Loss | -102 | 12 h 59 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play North Carolina Tar Heels -22 vs Florida Gulf Coast @ 7:20 ET - Do you remember when Florida Gulf Coast ("Dunk City") made their improbable run to the Sweet 16 three years ago? If you're a big March Madness fan that answer is likely a resounding YES! Well, the fact is that many other bettors remember that huge run for the under-rated Eagles as well. The result is that this line (for the betting markets to react properly) had to be set lower than it should be because Florida Gulf Coast was expected to attract some "big dog money" whether this line was in the low 20s or high 20s. The fact is that this line should likely be closer to 30 than 20 and I see great value with the Tar Heels here. This FGC team is simply not on par with the team of 3 years ago. Additionally, this is Eagles coach Joe Dooley making his first trip to the big dance. As for the Tar Heels Roy Williams this is his 89th! Williams has a 65-23 record here, UNC is playing the best defense they've played all season, North Carolina has emphasized not stopping until the final whistle in this tournament, the Tar Heels have great depth, and the Eagles are simply out-classed here. UNC simply won't let up in this game and it's being played in their home state and the depth the Tar Heels have means even the reserves get in on the act in making sure this is a colossal rout. Outside shooting is one weakness that North Carolina has but the Tar Heels don't need it to be able to pulverize the Eagles. The Heels will victimize FGC with transition points and fast-break opportunities. Facing a weak Fairleigh Dickinson team in the First Four only makes this insurmountable task even more daunting for a Florida Gulf Coast team that is facing a Tar Heels team that has gone 24-13 ATS long-term as a neutral court favorite of 12.5 points or more. *10* NORTH CAROLINA |
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03-17-16 | Arkansas-Little Rock v. Purdue -9 | 85-83 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 20 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Purdue Boilermakers -9 vs Arkansas-Little Rock @ 4:30 ET - Arkansas-Little Rock actually has decent size for a Sun Belt Conference team. However, the Trojans are facing a Purdue team that not only has great size but also has edges all over the floor in this one. The Sun Belt Conference is weak and UALR is taking a major step up in class to face the Boilermakers here. The Trojans lost by 12 to Texas Tech earlier this season and Purdue can certainly win this by more than a dozen. The difference in strength of schedule here is huge. The Trojans are getting some respect from the betting markets here because of their 29-4 record but they won't be able to match up that well with the Boilermakers talent level. I also like the coaching edge here with Purdue's Matt Painter coaching in his 17th Big Dance game while this will be the first ever for Arkansas-Little Rock's Chris Beard. The last time the Trojans got to the Big Dance was 2011 and they were knocked off by UNC-Asheville in a First Four match-up. They certainly face a much bigger challenge this time around, to say the least! Adding fuel to the fire here is that Purdue still remembers getting knocked out by Cincinnati in the first round last year. They'll make the most of a favorable draw in the first round of this year's tourney. Remember the Boilermakers wrapped up their season with games against teams like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State. UALR wrapped up their season going 2-3 ATS even though they faced weak Sun Belt foes. Arkansas-Little Rock has a long-term mark of 3-6 ATS in first round tournament games. The Boilermakers are 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS long-term against teams from the Sun Belt Conference. Mismatch! *8* PURDUE |
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03-17-16 | Yale +5 v. Baylor | 79-75 | Win | 100 | 8 h 45 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Yale Bulldogs +5 vs Baylor @ 2:45 ET - Baylor has a lot of weapons and certainly ranks among the top scoring teams in the tournament. However, the Bears are also known for slow starts in their games and then trying to battle back for the win. That could spell trouble here because Yale is going to be a difficult out for the Bears. The fact this game is in Providence, RI certainly favors the Bulldogs and should Baylor again have one of their slow starts the crowd is very likely to get behind Yale. Not only are dogs popular to root for but with where this game is being played the Bulldogs will be a likely choice for the fans. That will make a Baylor comeback even tougher. Remember last season the Bears were upset in the tourney (I had Georgia State plus the points) in that amazing outright win where the Panthers rallied late. This is putting additional pressure on Baylor to 'close out a game' in the Tourney this year and that pressure can lead to some poor shooting. The Bulldogs play strong defense, are loaded with veteran players, are very strong on the glass despite their "smallish" size, and have won 17 of their last 18 games entering this tournament. The Bulldogs only lost by 2 points at SMU in November and the Mustangs started the season on that incredible winning streak. That game says a lot about how Yale may stack up here as a tough dog to say the least! Baylor went 1-6 ATS in non-conference games this season and I feel they are again over-valued here. The Bulldogs are in the Big Dance for the first time in 55 years! But, in tournament games the past two seasons (in-season and post-season) the Bulldogs went 7-1 ATS and SU. This veteran team will have no problem handling a setting like this and the Bears are feeling all the pressure. The Bulldogs are simply "in the moment" and enjoying their underdog role here where they will prove to be ultra-dangerous. *8* YALEÂ |
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03-17-16 | Butler v. Texas Tech +4.5 | 71-61 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 31 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Texas Tech Red Raiders +4.5 vs Butler @ 12:40 ET - There is a certain affinity for the Bulldogs from their days as a mid-major school that still seems to persist today based on the betting markets. Butler has moved all the way from a -2.5 to a -4.5 in this match-up and it's offering some very favorable line value for the underdog Red Raiders. Texas Tech coach Tubby Smith has now taken 5 different teams to the Big Dance in his career and he has an all-time 30-16 record in his appearances. The Red Raiders are back in the Big Dance for the first time in 9 years and their balanced scoring attack creates problems for the opposition. Butler comes out of the Big East so they certainly have played a respectable schedule but Texas Tech has played one of the toughest schedules in the country. The Bulldogs defense has not been as impressive this season as it was in prior seasons. This was especially true late in the season and through the conference tourney. Butler allowed 6 of their last 8 opponents to hit at least 46.3% from the field with 5 of the 6 connecting on better than 48% from the field! By contrast, the Red Raiders held 6 of their last 8 opponents under 45% from the field and 4 of the 6 were held below 43% from the field. The Bulldogs went 1-3 ATS in tournament games season and the Red Raiders went 6-3 ATS in non-conference games this season as they continue to be under-valued. *8* TEXAS TECH |
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03-16-16 | Clippers v. Rockets -3 | 122-106 | Loss | -109 | 16 h 27 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Houston Rockets -3 vs LA Clippers @ 9:35 ET - These teams don't like each other (to say the least) and the Clippers still remember blowing the 3-1 series lead to the Rockets last spring and getting ousted from the playoffs. However, LA got some measure of revenge with a win in these teams most recent meeting in Los Angeles. That means the ball is back in the Rockets court to "hold serve" and get the win at home. Houston is catching the Clippers at a good time. The Clips were in San Antonio last night and they got annihilated by the Spurs. That is not a good sing of what to expect tonight for the Clippers. LA has now failed to cover 4 straight games and the Clips are now facing a Rockets team that has covered 4 of its last 5 games. Houston also was off yesterday and has an off day on deck plus only Minnesota up next. That means full focus and attention for the Rockets as they are fully prepared to host the Clippers. The Clips have an impressive full season record but they simply are not playing well right now and couple that with the situational edge for Houston here and there is great line value with the Rockets minus the short number. The Clippers defense has struggled now n 3 of its last 4 games and the Clips also got hammered on the boards by the Spurs last night. More of the same tonight. *8* HOUSTON |
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03-16-16 | Tulsa +4.5 v. Michigan | Top | 62-67 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 5 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness *10* Top Play Tulsa Golden Hurricane +4.5 vs Michigan @ 9:10 ET - There was a lot of noise about the Golden Hurricane making the Big Dance and it was mostly from naysayers. Tulsa is a senior-laden team and I look for them to make the most of this opportunity. Certainly they have heard all the negative talk about their invite to the tourney and the Golden Hurricane are out to prove the doubters wrong. Michigan's big win over Indiana is what sticks in the minds of many when they think about the Wolverines but lets not forget that Big Blue then turned around and got throttled by Purdue. Michigan allowed the Boilermakers to shoot 53% from the field and the game was a blowout with the Wolverines also getting dominated on the boards. Give credit to Michigan for what they've been able to do without Caris LeVert but his absence really hurts the Wolverines in a big game like this against a team loaded with experience players. No team in the tourney has more seniors than Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane also have extra motivation here as they felt they should not have been left out of the tourney last year (and yet they were) and now they do get in but are hearing negativity about it. If any team is playing with a chip on their shoulder in these early games it certainly is Tulsa! The Golden Hurricane have a long-term 7-3 ATS mark in NCAA Tournament games and I feel they are again undervalued here. The Wolverines have failed to cover 10 of their last 16 games against teams with a winning record. *10* TULSA |
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03-16-16 | Hawks v. Pistons -1 | Top | 118-114 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 27 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Detroit Pistons -1 vs Atlanta @ 7:35 ET - After an embarrassing 43 point loss at Washington on Monday, Detroit can be expected to respond in a huge way tonight. The Pistons had won 7 of their prior 10 games before the ugly effort against the Wizards. Detroit is happy to be back home now and is beginning a long homestand. The Pistons 3 prior home games has seen them win all 3 and the average margin of victory has been 17.7 points per win. Detroit is catching Atlanta at a good time here. The Hawks are off of a huge 29 point victory over the Pacers on Sunday. With the Hawks off of a rare huge win and the Pistons off of a rare ugly loss, the situational edge is strong for Detroit. The Pistons also are seeking revenge for a loss at Atlanta in their most recent on December 23rd. This is a standalone road game for the Hawks and they have a homestand coming up starting tomorrow night. Atlanta could get caught looking ahead here and they also may feel a little too good about themselves after the blowout win over Indiana. The Hawks have only won half of their road games this season while Detroit is 19-11 in home games. Huge playoff implications for the Pistons too. They won't be denied here as the four times they have allowed 116 points or more in a game this season they have gone 4-0 SU and ATS in their next game! *10* DETROIT |
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03-16-16 | Southern -2 v. Holy Cross | 55-59 | Loss | -103 | 14 h 31 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness *8* Southern Jaguars -2 vs Holy Cross @ 6:40 ET - Of course both of these teams come from weaker conferences but, similar to my play on Florida Gulf Coast over Fairleigh Dickinson yesterday, I look for the athleticism of Southern to cause problems for Holy Cross. The Crusaders just won't be able to keep up with the Jaguars in this one. Southern allowed just 53 points in the SWAC Championship game and, prior to that, the Jags had averaged 80 points per game in their 4 prior games. Yes the Southern offense was a little ugly in the championship game but I feel they will create some match-up problems for Holy Cross. The Crusaders deserve credit for fighting their way through the Patriot Conference tournament to get here but I don't expect much of a "run" from the Crusaders here as they were held to an average of 65 points per game on the season. Even in the tourney Holy Cross averaged just 67 points per game and that was even with facing 4 conference opponents whose season records combined for only a .500 mark on the season. The Crusaders not only have questionable production on offense, they are also weak in the rebounding department. Southern is on a long-term 9-1 (90%) ATS run when they are off of a game where they held their opponent to 60 points or less. Holy Cross is 13-25 straight-up in all their games against teams with a winning record the past three seasons combined. *8* SOUTHERN |
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03-15-16 | Vanderbilt +3.5 v. Wichita State | Top | 50-70 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 9 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness *10* Top Play Vanderbilt Commodores +3.5 vs Wichita State @ 9:10 ET - There has been discussion that Vandy shouldn't be in this tournament. This Commodores team is better than their 19-13 record and you can bet that they are ready to prove the doubters wrong tonight. Vanderbilt had 6 losses by 5 points or less this season. As you would expect, the SEC team played a much tougher schedule than did the Shockers. Wichita State comes from the Missouri Valley Conference and certainly there a few quality teams in the MVC but there also were some exceptionally poor teams this season that helped the Shockers to pad their record. While Wichita State has some impressive numbers so too does Vanderbilt and the Commodores achieved their success (allowing 38.6% from field and 29.2% threes) against much tougher competition. Vandy is the much better shooting team as they have knocked down 46% this season (and 39% threes) while the Shockers have labored on offense at times and ended up shooting just 43% from the field and only 33% from beyond the arc. Wichita State went an ugly 1-5 ATS in neutral court games this season. Also, the Shockers were just 4-6 ATS in non-conference games while the Commodores went 7-4 ATS in non-conference action this season. Wichita State was held to 41% or less from the field in 5 of their last 6 conference games against teams with a winning record. Look for their offense to again bog down tonight and they won't be able to keep up with a Vandy team that averaged 80 points per game in their last 10 regular season games. The conference tourney loss to Tennessee happened because the Commodores overlooked the Volunteers. They won't overlook the Shockers. *10* VANDERBILT |
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03-15-16 | 76ers v. Nets -7 | Top | 114-131 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets -7 vs Philadelphia @ 7:35 ET - The Sixers have only won 3 games against Eastern Conference foes this entire season. However, two of those victories came against the Nets. Brooklyn certainly doesn't want to be the team to have the embarrassment of losing their season series with the hapless 76'ers. That said, I look for a solid home win for the Nets just like that had back in December when they knocked off Philadelphia. Brooklyn is motivated for more reasons than one tonight. The Nets are not happy at all about the way they choked down the stretch in their home loss to Milwaukee Sunday. This will be just the 2nd home game for Brooklyn since February 21st so look for the Nets to make the most of it after letting one get away against the Bucks. Philadelphia is one of the worst teams in the league and they have lost 14 of their past 15 and also have failed to cover 9 of their last 12. The Sixers are playing with 2 days of rest here but Philly has gone 2-22 SU plus only covered 8 of its last 24 when they enter a game with two days of rest between games. The Nets are a fantastic 17-3 SU and 13-7 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points the past three seasons. Brooklyn is also 5-2 ATS this season and 16-8 ATS the last 3 seasons in Tuesday games. After being careless with the ball Sunday versus Milwaukee - and paying for it - the Nets play a clean and powerful game against a Sixers team further weakened by the loss of Jahlil Okafor for the season. The 76'ers have a number of other players who are banged up entering this game and might miss tonight's contest. *10* BROOKLYN |
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03-15-16 | Celtics v. Pacers -2 | 98-103 | Win | 100 | 11 h 56 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Indiana Pacers -2 vs Boston @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers are off an ugly loss as they simply couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with their shots on Sunday. That awful shooting performance led to a loss by 29 points at Atlanta. Indiana had previously won 4 of their last 5 including 3 straight and this stretch featured wins over tough Western Conference foes like San Antonio and Dallas. The Pacers will undoubtedly get right back on track here and get some revenge for a loss at Boston in January. Indiana had won the first two meetings with the Celtics earlier this season and the Pacers are catching the Celtics at the right time. The C's have lost 2 of their last 3 heading into this game. The Celtics recent winning that preceded that had a lot to do with a nice stretch of home games. On the road, Boston has actually lost 4 of its last 5 games. The Celtics have only covered 3 of their last 9 games overall. Boston has been off since Friday and the extra rest doesn't always help. In fact, the Celtics are 6-10 ATS the past three seasons combined when they enter a game off of 3 or more days of rest. The Pacers are 11-3 SU and 9-4-1 ATS the past 3 seasons combined when they are a home favorite of 3 points or less. Indiana is also 22-11 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. The Pacers have taken 28 of the last 42 meetings between these teams in Indiana and the small spread on this game makes the Pacers a solid play considering the situation here. *8* INDIANA |
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03-15-16 | Fairleigh Dickinson v. Florida Gulf Coast -5.5 | 65-96 | Win | 100 | 10 h 29 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness *8* Florida Gulf Coast Eagles -5.5 vs Fairleigh Dickinson @ 6:40 ET - Florida Gulf Coast (FGC) has too much size inside for Fairleigh Dickinson (FD). Of course neither one of these teams plays in a powerhouse conference but the Northeast Conference (NEC) was particularly weak this season. Give credit to the Knights for getting hot at the right time but the Eagles are still the much better team defensively. That includes overall as well as defending the 3-ball. Of course neither one of these teams is involved in lined games very often but Fairleigh Dickinson has a long-term 6-8 ATS mark and ugly 9-20 SU mark in neutral court games. As for Florida Gulf Coast, the Eagles have a long-term 9-1 ATS mark in neutral court games. Also, the Eagles are, interestingly enough, on a 7-0 ATS run in Tuesday games the last 3 seasons combined. FGC is on a long-term 16-6 ATS run in games against teams with a winning record. FD is on a 9-22 run the last 3 seasons against teams with a winning record. The Eagles are likely to have a huge edge on the boards in this one as well as a big advantage on points in the paint. The smaller frontcourt of the Knights is an issue and the athleticism of the Eagles results in edges across the board for the favorite in this one. This is a very manageable line. As a result, it is well worth pulling the trigger on this one. *8* FLORIDA GULF COASTÂ |
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03-14-16 | Blazers v. Thunder -8 | 94-128 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Oklahoma City Thunder -8 vs Portland @ 8:05 ET - The Thunder enter this game on a 2-game losing streak. That is significant because only ONCE this ENTIRE season has Oklahoma City lost three straight games and that was all the way back in early November. That said, I do expect the Thunder to get the win tonight as they play this game with revenge for a loss at Portland in January. OKC had covered each of their three prior meetings with the Trail Blazers before failing to cover that one. With the straight-up win very likely tonight at home for Oklahoma City, what about the all important cover? Good news there as the Thunder have covered the spread in EACH of their last SIX victories. A 6-0 ATS run in games where OKC has won SU. The last five times this season that the Thunder have entered a game on a two-game losing streak they have gotten the straight-up win every single time. A perfect 5-0 SU run. The last 3 such occurrences saw OKC win each game by an average of 12 points and get the cover every single time. A perfect 3-0 ATS run. Portland had lost 4 of their last 5 games before their blowout win over the Magic. With the Trail Blazers off of an easy win and the Thunder off of a loss (at San Antonio) where they know they let one get away, this set up is perfect for a big home win for revenge-minded OKC. *8* OKLAHOMA CITY |
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03-14-16 | Jackson State +6 v. Sam Houston St. | 81-77 | Win | 100 | 8 h 1 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness *8* Jackson State Tigers +6 @ Sam Houston State @ 7:30 ET - Both of these teams lost late in their final games in their conference tournaments and this prevented getting into the Big Dance for each team. While this is deeply disappointing for both the Bearkats and the Tigers, I feel strongly that Jackson State is going to be the hungrier team here and will be fully prepared in terms of bouncing back in the College Insider Tournament. The Tigers head coach is in the last year of his contract and there is uncertainty as to what will happen for him. The team played their hearts out for him in the conference tourney and, although they fell a bucket short of being in the Big Dance, they won't stop playing here. While Sam Houston State has had some post-season games the past few seasons they still had their sights set on something much bigger. For Jackson State, they certainly have had a few disappointing seasons before this season turned into a surprisingly successful run in conference regular season action and in the conference tournament. With that said, and with the College Insider tournament certainly being a new challenge for these Tigers while it is certainly not so for the Bearkats, I look for Jackson State to be the much more motivated team here. Though they are on the road here, the Tigers conference tournament just wrapped up a short distance from here in Houston and this "road trip" is certainly no big deal for Jackson State. The hungry dog will give Sam Houston State all they can handle in Huntsville and an outright upset would not surprise. The Bearkats are 2-6 ATS in games with a posted total in the 130s the past three seasons combined. Of course both of these teams are not often seen by the betting markets and Jackson State is traditionally undervalued by the markets. The Tigers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 lined games against teams with a winning record. *8* JACKSON STATE |
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03-14-16 | Mavs v. Hornets OVER 210 | Top | 107-96 | Loss | -111 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play OVER 210 in Charlotte vs Dallas @ 7:05 ET - Courtesy of a 7 game winning streak, the Hornets are simply loaded with confidence right now. As a result, they are playing very aggressive on offense and finding open shots quickly. Charlotte is averaging 118 points per game during this hot streak and the over is 6-1 in the 7 games. The Mavericks defense is unlikely to put up much of a fight as Dallas has given up at least 102 points in 14 straight games! The average points allowed for the Mavs during this 14 game stretch is 110.3 points per game. The over is 11-3 in these 14 games. Charlotte will force the tempo here and the Mavs have shown no resistance to getting involved in fast-paced high-scoring games. The result should be a game that gets well past the posted number on this one. The over is 20-12 in Dallas games this season when the Mavs are the underdog. Also, the over is 8-3 this season when the Mavericks are playing with home loss revenge. That Mavs loss in Dallas in early November also went over the total. The over is 6-2 in Charlotte games against teams from the Southwest Division this season. The over is also 14-4 this season in Hornets games when they are off of a win by a double digit margin in their prior game. After blasting Houston 125-109 on Saturday, the offense stays hot for the Hornets here but look for the high-scoring Mavs to be scoring well right along with them throughout this game. *10* OVER in Charlotte |
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03-13-16 | Bucks v. Nets +1.5 | Top | 109-100 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 33 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets +2.5 vs Milwaukee @ 8:05 ET - Nice situational edge here with Brooklyn plus the points. Milwaukee is off of back to back wins but both came at home and plus this is the second game of a back to back for the Bucks and they are now on the road. Milwaukee has lost 7 of its last 8 road games. Especially now in a back to back spot, I don't think road struggles like that merit the Bucks being favored on the road no matter who their playing. In this case, Milwaukee is at Brooklyn and, while the Nets overall record this season may not impress, the fact is that the Nets have been playing much better basketball of late. Brooklyn is fired up for this game as it their first home game in THREE WEEKS! That is a long time to be away from home and the Nets are happy to be back on their home court. Brooklyn is off of a surprising loss at Philadelphia but the Nets had covered 6 of their prior 8 games! Also, the Nets have won 3 of their last 5 home games. Against teams who are averaging 99 points or more per game on the season, the Nets are on an impressive 11-4 ATS streak. The Bucks have won just 2 of 9 games this season (and have gone 2-6-1 ATS) when they are off of a win by 10 points or more in their prior game. After winning big versus New Orleans yesterday, look for Milwaukee to fall short on the road today as their record the last 3 seasons combined is just 8-22 ATS when off of a win by 10 points or more. With this also being a back to back situation and also being a road game, I look for the Bucks are in a tough situation against the hungry Nets. *10* BROOKLYN |
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03-13-16 | Pacers +4.5 v. Hawks | 75-104 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 44 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Indiana Pacers +4.5 @ Atlanta @ 6:05 ET - Both teams are in back to back spots as each won their game yesterday. It is certainly an edge that the Pacers game was at 1 PM ET yesterday whereas the Hawks game was at 7:35 PM ET. Of course Atlanta has the edge of not having to travel for today's game but as far as "rest time" in between games Indiana does hold the edge and this edge is even a little more magnified given the time change to daylight saving time last night as everyone lost an hour of sleep. The Hawks are 7-15 ATS in Sunday games the last 3 seasons combined. Of course the Atlanta on a Saturday night is known for its nightlife and certainly could be a factor in that. Even though the Pacers are off of an upset win as an underdog yesterday they won't have any "winner's hangover" as they are 7-1 SU and ATS this season when off of an outright victory as a dog. Indiana also has been at their best in games against teams with a winning record as they've gone 22-10 ATS this season in those games. Good line value with the points here as the Pacers have covered 5 of their last 6 games and should get the cash again even if they do fall short of the outright upset as they drop the Hawks to 0-3 ATS in their last 3 games. Indiana had won the first two meetings this season but the Pacers lost early last month at Atlanta and they are hungry to avenge that loss Sunday. *8* INDIANA |
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03-13-16 | Memphis +5 v. Connecticut | Top | 58-72 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 50 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness *10* Top Play Memphis Tigers +5 vs Connecticut @ 3:15 ET - The Huskies took advantage of an over-matched Temple team yesterday but they finally are going to see the 4-OT game of Friday plus the fact this is their 3rd game in 3 days catch up with them here. Of course the Tigers are also playing their 3rd game in 3 days but they've had a much easier draw than UConn has. Memphis faced Tulsa and then Tulane and the Tigers were able to post blowout wins in each contest. As a result, Memphis has the much fresher legs coming into this game as the Tigers have been able to rest key players, etc. Even though the Huskies certainly want this game (who wouldn't?), they have likely already sealed their bid for the Big Dance. Conversely, the Tigers know they must get this win Sunday if they are to make the Big Dance and that means a huge effort can be expected here. The fresher legs and extra motivation will go a long way in this one. Memphis also has double revenge here as they did lose both games with Connecticut in the regular season. I certainly respect what the Huskies have done to get to this point but the fact they essentially have played 2 and 1/2 games in 2 days (because of that 4-OT game) means that this 3rd game in 3 days is really going to take its toll as they day goes on. The fresher team and certainly very hungry team, gets the job done as the dog in this one. Even though Avery Woodson is likely to miss this game, the Tigers did fine without him yesterday and he also made only 4 of 11 shots in the game against Tulsa Friday. *10* MEMPHIS |
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03-13-16 | Purdue +4.5 v. Michigan State | 62-66 | Win | 100 | 8 h 35 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness *8* Purdue Boilermakers +4.5 @ Michigan State @ 3 ET - Many will look at the Spartans here as they play this game with revenge for a 1 point loss to the Boilermakers back on February 9th. However, Purdue held Michigan State to just 38% from the field in that game. The Boilermakers deserved to win and they now enter this game simply "clicking on all cylinders" as their offensive efficiency has been spectacular. Purdue, for the 6th straight game yesterday, made at least 51.7% of their shots from the field. The Boilermakers have averaged 82 points per game during this hot streak. Michigan State only knocked down 42% of their shots in yesterday's win over Maryland. It marked the 5th time in their last 7 games that the Spartans were held to 48.7% or less from the field. In 4 of these 7 games the Spartans were held to 81 points or less. Of course Michigan State is a fantastic team and they have been performing insanely well at the betting window prior to yesterday's non-covering win. However, the point is that no offense is as hot as Purdue's has been of late and they have the confidence to take down the highly ranked Spartans in the Big Ten Championship Game after having already beaten them in the regular season. If the Boilermakers do fall short here, the points should be enough for the cover and that is added value for the red hot dog in tihs match-up. *8* PURDUE |
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03-13-16 | Kentucky -3.5 v. Texas A&M | Top | 82-77 | Win | 100 | 6 h 36 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness *10* Top Play Kentucky Wildcats -3.5 vs Texas A & M @ 1 ET - Huge revenge game for the Wildcats and I don't see them being denied. They never should have lost at Texas A & M on Feb 20th and they will get their payback here. Kentucky shot 50% in that game while holding the Aggies to just 39%. All but two of the Wildcats wins this season have come by a double digit margin and only one victory came by less than 6 points. With that said, great line value here as Kentucky now takes advantage of catching the Aggies on a neutral floor. The Cats are favored by nearly the same number they were when they faced Texas A & M at College Station so, with that said, there has been a little too much adjustment based on the Aggies annihilation of LSU yesterday. While that win was impressive, it was a fortunate draw for Texas A & M and they take a major step up in class in the championship game. While this is a "been there, done that" spot for a team like Kentucky, this will be the first title game for the Aggies since way back in 1994. The pressure gets to Texas A & M here and the ultra talented Wildcats flex their muscles in a big, revenging win. *10* KENTUCKY |
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03-12-16 | Rockets +5 v. Hornets | Top | 109-125 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 17 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Houston Rockets +5 @ Charlotte @ 7:05 ET - With Houston playing on the road for a second straight game and coming off of an upset win at Boston last night, the Rockets certainly will not be the popular choice here. But note that Houston has won 10 straight meetings with Charlotte. Also, although the Hornets have won 7 straight games at home, the Rockets have been streak-busters so far on this road trip. Houston ended a Raptors streak of 12 straight home wins and then ended the Celtics home winning streak at 14 games last night. The Rockets are fully capable of beating the Hornets an 11th straight time and ending Charlotte's overall 6 game winning streak and their streak of 7 straight home wins. James Harden is a beast for the Rockets and Houston now got a boost with Michael Beasley quickly getting re-acclimated to the NBA as he poured in 18 points in just 15 minutes last night. The Rockets are 13-7 ATS this season in games with a posted total of 210 points or more. Houston is also 53-28 ATS the last three seasons combined when off of a non-conference game. The Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games against teams with a winning record. As for the Hornets, when playing on back to back days, they have gone 3-7 ATS this season and 21-32 ATS the last 3 seasons combined. Also, as "hot" as Charlotte has been of late, a rather easy schedule with many games against the bottom-feeders of the NBA certainly helped the Hornets to string together some wins. Give credit to the Hornets for the win over the Pistons yesterday but the Rockets have "their number" and prove that again on Saturday. *10* HOUSTONÂ |
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03-12-16 | Connecticut -2.5 v. Temple | Top | 77-62 | Win | 100 | 8 h 23 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #739 - *10* Top Play Connecticut Huskies -2 vs Temple @ 3 ET - The whole world will line up on Temple and you know what usually happens when that is the case...the books usually WIN! Everyone will be excited to play the Owls since the Huskies are off of an improbable win yesterday and had to go to 4 overtimes to get it. It was an insane win over Cincinnati and certainly left Connecticut tired and trying to come down off of an emotional high last night. In a regular season situation where a team has a game the very next day after a crazy win like the Huskies had yesterday, certainly UConn might be in a "play against" spot. But this is entirely different. This is a shot the Huskies have at getting to the AAC Tournament Championship game tomorrow. You think the odds makers didn't know what was going on when they set this line at -3.5 on UConn? Of course they knew...they already adjusted it downward from where the prior lines were in Huskies games against Temple this season and that includes even downward from a game played AT Temple last month. In this case the better team, the Huskies, has the Owls on a neutral floor at -2 after being favored by nearly a half dozen AT Temple last month and being favored by double digits in the earlier meeting this season. This is a ton of value being offered to a "never say die" Huskies team that is all the way down to a 2 point favorite as of early Saturday morning. Yesterday's battle with Cincy was similar to a battle between the Orange and the Huskies in conference tourney action 7 years ago. That one went to 6 overtimes and the Huskies lost that one but it is what Syracuse did the very next day that is applicable here. They went on to beat the Mountaineers outright as a dog of about a half dozen points. The Orange were supposed to be too tired physically as well as too emotionally spent to be able to get another W on the floor the very next day. But that's precisely what they did and that's precisely what I expect the Huskies to do here even though the majority of the betting world will be lining up heavy on the Owls. Contrarian play but these types of plays have served me well through the years. *10* CONNECTICUTÂ |
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03-12-16 | St. Joe's +2 v. Dayton | 82-79 | Win | 100 | 7 h 43 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #729 - *8* St Joseph's Hawks +2.5 vs Dayton @ 1:30 ET - St Joseph's saw George Washington get ridiculously hot from three point land yesterday and take a 14 point lead at the half. The Hawks then came all the way back in the 2nd half and ended up outscoring the Colonials by 20 after the break. A win like St Joe's notched yesterday is huge for confidence and this is a Hawks team that already beat Dayton last month by a 79-70 count. The Flyers took advantage of an awful shooting performance by Richmond in their blowout win over the Spiders yesterday. This is the same Dayton team however that had covered the spread just once in their prior ten games. The Flyers got a favorable draw with facing a Spiders team whose season was just as mediocre as their record would lead you to believe. Conversely, the Hawks had to do battle with a solid George Washington team that notched 23 regular season wins. The big battle yesterday does wonders for the Hawks in more ways then one and this is a St Joseph's team that has gone a phenomenal 13-3 in games played away from home. The Hawks showed their resilience yesterday and bring huge momentum into a game against a Flyers team that, prior to yesterday's win, had trouble creating separation from opponents. Dayton's last 5 wins had come by an average of 1.8 points per game. That said, even with the points only being in the 2.5 range here, the value is with those points as the Hawks are feeling the "team of destiny" feeling after the way they won yesterday's game. *8* ST JOSEPH'S |
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03-12-16 | LSU v. Texas A&M -7 | 38-71 | Win | 100 | 6 h 15 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #726 - *8* Texas A & M Aggies -7 vs LSU @ 1 ET - The Aggies got by Florida yesterday despite a rough shooting performance. The fact that Texas A & M was still able to knock off the Gators despite the ugly shooting says quite a lot about just how strong the Aggies are this season. Now they will take advantage of an LSU team that benefited from turnovers in their upset win over Tennessee yesterday. Unlike the Volunteers, the Aggies won't be so generous with the ball in their game against the Tigers today. The Texas A & M backcourt matches up very well against LSU and the Aggies are seeking revenge for a tough loss at LSU last month. That was a tight win for the Tigers whereas Texas A & M blew out LSU by 14 in their other meeting this season (in January). The Aggies have won 7 straight games and have covered 6 of their last 7. LSU struggled down the stretch in the regular season as they went 2-4 in their last 6 games and only covered the spread in one of those games. That said, the Tigers got a favorable draw with the Vols yesterday as Tennessee was the #12 seed and playing a 3rd game in 3 days against a well-rested LSU team. There is no such edge for the Tigers today and they are facing an Aggies team whose last 11 wins (including yesterday over a tough Florida team) have come by an average margin of 12.5 points per game! The Tigers last 7 losses have come by an average margin of 12.5 points also! Look for a victory by a double digit margin for the Aggies here. *8* TEXAS A & M |
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03-12-16 | Michigan v. Purdue OVER 143 | Top | 59-76 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 14 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #721 - *10* Top Play OVER 143 in Purdue vs Michigan @ 1 ET - When these teams first met, the total was set at 132 and it flew over the total by 25 points. Of course, in the next meeting, an adjustment was made (up to 143) but the game stayed well under the total as it only totaled 117 points. With that said, why is there no adjustment for today's total? Why did it stay at 143 after the last meeting flew under by 26 points? I will tell you why. Purdue learned it's lesson in the 2nd game with Michigan. The Boilermakers allowed the Wolverines to turn it into a slow-paced game and Purdue paid the price with an ugly loss where they totaled just 56 points. That is not going to happen again today. The Boilermakers know their best bet is to push the pace like they did in the first match-up with Michigan. Not only did Purdue score 87 points in that game, they also forced the Wolverines to try and run with them and it was proven that Michigan could not keep up. Now, the advantage in doing that again here is magnified and the Boilermakers know it. They know they are catching Michigan playing a 3rd game in 3 days and plus off of a huge upset win yesterday. Purdue had good rest before yesterday's game against Illinois plus it was a very easy win for the Boilermakers so they also got to rest key players. Everyone will be fresh for this game and Purdue will push the tempo all game long. They are extremely hot on offense right now as the Boilermakers are shooting "lights out" and have averaged 83.4 points per game. All 5 games went OVER the total! As for Michigan, although yesterday's game stayed under the total, the Wolverines previously were on a 10-1 run to the over in games played away from Ann Arbor! That high-scoring trend continues as Purdue looks to run them right out of the arena in this one. *10* OVER in Purdue |
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03-11-16 | Seton Hall +3.5 v. Xavier | Top | 87-83 | Win | 100 | 13 h 16 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #567 - *10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates +5.5 vs Xavier @ 9 ET - This is like a home game for Seton Hall as their home campus is not far from here. For Xavier, Cincinnati is certainly much farther away from New York City. That said, there is even more value than usual with this one which opened up around a 3.5 and is up to a 5.5 as the morning has gone on. Seton Hall's Isaiah Whitehead is probable by the way and the reports on him are good after yesterday's fall. The Pirates are simply rolling, they are well-coached, and they essentially have the home court edge in this match-up. The Musketeers, make no mistake about it, are certainly a fantastic team and it's part of the reason I had them as my top selection yesterday. However, Xavier simply caught Marquette at a good time. The Golden Eagles were off of a big win, they didn't bring great effort against the Musketeers, and Xavier was able to roll to the win. Today's match-up with Seton Hall will play out nothing like that. The Pirates are dangerous, they have star power, they are playing with edginess and emotion all over the floor, and they are very well coached. This game is going to go down to the wire and the Pirates just might steal the outright upset which is why I feel so confident with grabbing the points being offered here. Seton Hall is 10-2 ATS as an underdog this season. The Pirates have gone 15-5 ATS against teams with a winning record this season. Xavier is playing this game with road loss revenge for the loss last month at Seton Hall. But the fact is that the Musketeers are just 2-4 ATS this season when playing with road loss revenge and the Pirates are essentially getting to host Xavier once again even though this is considered a neutral floor game. *10* SETON HALL |
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03-11-16 | Rockets +6 v. Celtics | Top | 102-98 | Win | 100 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Houston Rockets +6 @ Boston @ 7:35 ET - With wins in 3 of their last 4 games the Rockets are getting some confidence back. When in situations like this where they are coming off of a non-conference game there is certainly no "letdown" in the next game. This is especially true after facing a team like Philadelphia. That certainly wasn't a big win...it was simply an expected win. That said, note that Houston is a fantastic 17-5 straight-up this season when coming off of a non-conference game. Also, the Rockets are a stellar 52-28 ATS the past three seasons combined when they are off of a game against an Eastern Conference foe. The Rockets are getting sizable points here and have already covered 6 of 10 this season as a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points. 5 of those 6 ATS victories were outright upsets! Houston, overall, has covered 6 of its last 8 games against teams with a winning record. As well as Boston has been playing, let's not forget this is still an East versus West match-up and the Celtics are 29-53 straight-up in games against the Western Conference the last three seasons combined. Houston is playing this game with revenge for a home loss by a 16 point margin earlier this season. That stands as one of the worst defeats the Rockets have had on their home floor this season. A little payback is on order here and the points are adding some solid value to this play. *10* HOUSTON |
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03-11-16 | Pistons +4.5 v. Hornets | 103-118 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 9 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Detroit Pistons +4.5 @ Charlotte @ 7:05 ET - Revenge game for the Pistons. They were embarrassed here at Charlotte by 20 points back in December and now it is payback time. Even though the Hornets have won 5 straight games, 4 of those wins came against 4 of the worst teams in the league. Couple that with the fact that the 5-game winning streak was preceded by Charlotte losing 2 of 3 and you and you can see why I am not overly impressed by the Hornets current run. Charlotte now hosts a Detroit team that has won 6 of its 8 prior games and 4 of the 6 wins have come against teams with a winning record. As you can see, the Pistons hot streak is a little more impressive based on level of competition. Detroit was an underdog at Dallas Wednesday and got the outright win. The Pistons are 9-5 ATS this season when they are off of an upset win as an underdog. Charlotte is 7-16 straight-up the last three seasons combined when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home Complacency sets in. It will do so again here as the Hornets are feeling a little too good about themselves after beating up on weaker competition. In comes the improved (and revenge-seeking Pistons). I expect the upset but will grab the points. *8* DETROIT |
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03-11-16 | Western Kentucky +4 v. Old Dominion | Top | 77-89 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 1 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #553 - *10* Top Play Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +4 vs Old Dominion @ 4 ET - The Hilltoppers lost a pair of tight ones to Old Dominion in their regular season match-ups and that means it's payback time here. Western Kentucky is rolling as they have won 6 of their last 7 and are also 6-0 with one push ATS in those 7 games. Their offense has been on fire in their last 6 games and that makes them a very dangerous dog here. Confidence is surging after upsetting UAB yesterday and the Hilltoppers catch Old Dominion at the right time to spring the upset. The Monarchs have been hot too but they haven't been shooting the ball nearly as well as red hot Western Kentucky has. The Hilltoppers are a perfect 5-0 ATS in conference tourney games the past three seasons combined. Old Dominion is 5-10 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. Also, the Monarchs are 3-6 ATS this season when they enter a game with one day or less of rest. Old Dominion thrives on solid defense but they will be wearing down as they play a 3rd game in 3 days. This will allow the Hilltoppers to take advantage as they are completely comfortable getting out quickly in transition and knocking down shots early in their possessions. Western Kentucky has the much more prolific offense and, right now, the Hilltoppers are 'feeling it' on the offensive end. That spells upset here but I'll grab the points being offered. *10* WESTERN KENTUCKY |
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03-11-16 | Illinois v. Purdue -11 | 58-89 | Win | 100 | 7 h 38 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #524 - *8* Purdue Boilermakers -11 vs Illinois @ 2:30 ET - Illinois has shot three-pointers at a ridiculous clip so far in the Big Ten tourney. That helped lead the way to a massive upset of Iowa yesterday after the Illini took advantage of a short-handed Golden Gophers team the prior day. I look for the hot shooting to come to an abrupt halt today. The Boilermakers held teams to just 31.7% from three point land in the regular season. By comparison, the Illini have allowed 38.2% on three-pointers so far this season. Purdue is rested and ready here while, conversely, Illinois will be playing their third game in three days. Although the line is a significant impost here, the Boilermakers have edges all over the floor plus have revenge on their minds here as Purdue lost by 14 at Illinois in January. The Boilermakers have shot the ball extremely well in their last four games and averaged 82 points per game during this stretch. Purdue will not be denied as they seek to avenge the January loss where the situation was not nearly as favorable as it is for the Boilermakers in this rematch. On the season, the Boilermakers defense has been much better than that of the Illini. Couple this with the rest edge and the fact that the Illinois shooting must "come back down to earth" here and you have the makings of a Purdue rout. Look for the Boilermakers to improve to 5-1 ATS this season in games against teams with a losing record and to also improve to 9-4 ATS in tournament games the last three seasons combined. *8* PURDUEÂ |
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03-11-16 | Richmond +4.5 v. Dayton | 54-69 | Loss | -106 | 4 h 3 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #529 - *8* Richmond Spiders +4.5 vs Dayton @ Noon ET - With their win over Fordham yesterday the Spiders have now shot 48% or better from the field in 7 of their last 9 games. Richmond is one of the top scoring teams in the Atlantic Ten and though they've lost each of their last 3 match-ups with Dayton, the loss this season came by just a point and the loss last season came by only 3 points. There is value with the points here as, although Dayton has a great straight-up record, the Flyers have certainly struggled to put teams away. The Flyers wrapped up the season on an 0-8 ATS run including the 1 point win over Richmond as a 1.5 point favorite on the 1st of this month. Dayton wrapped up the season going 5-3 straight-up in these games and the average margin of victory in the 5 wins was just 1.8 points with not a single victory coming by more than three points. With the Spiders coming into this game seeking revenge and playing with confidence as they continue to shoot the ball very well, there is great line value with the underdog getting the points. *8* RICHMOND |
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03-10-16 | Hawks +4 v. Raptors | Top | 96-104 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks +4 @ Toronto @ 7:35 ET - The Hawks have been playing stellar defense. Atlanta comes into this game off of a win at Utah where the Hawks held the Jazz to just 87 points. It was the 5th time in their last 6 games that Atlanta has held their opponent under 39.9% from the field. The Hawks have covered all 6 games of these games and I look for them to take their ATS win streak to 7 in a row with another win tonight. While the Raptors also come into this game off of a Tuesday win, the victory marked the 6th time in their last 7 games that Toronto had allowed 47% or better from the field. The Raptors are allowing 105.3 points per game during this 7 game stretch. The Hawks are allowing just 88.5 points per game in their 6 game ATS winning streak. This series has been dominated by the road team. Not only has the roadie won each of the last four meetings, each victory has come by a double digit margin. The Hawks are on a long-term 23-10 ATS run in games played at Toronto in this series and they also have revenge for a home loss to the Raptors in their only meeting this season. That defeat in December continued the recent road domination in the series and now the Hawks seek road revenge in Toronto. Atlanta is 24-16 ATS when playing with home loss revenge the past three seasons combined. Also, the Raptors come into this game on a 3-game ATS losing streak. Toronto is 10-17 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points the past three seasons. The Hawks are 5-1 ATS as a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points this season. When off of a game where they allowed 85 points or less, Atlanta is 3-1 this season. The Hawks continued strong effort on defense leads the way today while the Raptors defensive struggles continues to hurt them at the betting window. *10* ATLANTA |
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03-10-16 | Marquette v. Xavier -10 | Top | 72-90 | Win | 100 | 11 h 8 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #730 - *10* Top Play Xavier Musketeers -9 vs Marquette @ 7 ET - Marquette snuck by St John's last night and now have a short turnaround of less than 24 hours. That's bad news in and of itself but it is particularly bad news when you now have to face the team that is arguably the top team in the Big East conference. Xavier and Villanova are definitely the big two in this conference and the Musketeers are going to be a problematic match-up for the Golden Eagles. Marquette again looked very bad on the defensive end last night and they were fortunate to cover the early number on the game as they very nearly lost the game outright before pulling away in the final minute. The Golden Eagles have now allowed at least 52% from the field in 4 straight games. Their offense has bailed them out in wins over St John's and Georgetown but against tougher teams like Butler and Villanova, this ugly defense led to losses by a combined margin of 31 points. I look for another big loss tonight for the Golden Eagles. Marquette will struggled against an Xavier team that is quite capable defensively when focused and, now that the tourney is here, look for a very focused effort from the Musketeers in this one. Prior to a pair of subpar late-season efforts on defense to close out the regular season portion of their schedule, Xavier held their five prior opponents to 39% combined from the field. Xavier has an explosive offense that has connected on 50% or better of its shots from the field in five of its last eight games. The Musketeers are 3-0 ATS in neutral court games this season and also 15-8 ATS in games against teams with a winning record this season. Marquette is 2-6 ATS when off of a win against a conference rival this season. Also, the Golden Eagles are 8-17 ATS the past three seasons when they are off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. *10* XAVIER |
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03-10-16 | South Florida +3.5 v. East Carolina | 71-66 | Win | 100 | 7 h 23 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #797 - *8* South Florida Bulls +3.5 vs East Carolina @ 3:30 ET - The line may look a little "funny" here considering that South Florida was an ugly 7-24 this season and a 12-19 East Carolina team is such a short favorite in a neutral floor game. However, there is good reason for the low number in this one. The Pirates have been impacted by illness with four players listed on the injury report including three guards. Although I do expect all will play, this is likely to impact the stamina and energy (and therefore the depth and effectiveness) of the East Carolina backcourt. This opens the door for a South Florida upset here as the Bulls already held the edge in the paint in this match-up. Now they also are likely to hold an edge in the backcourt too. These teams met a week ago and the Pirates embarrassed the Bulls on their home floor. However, the Bulls did knock off the Pirates in East Carolina by a double digit margin earlier this season as well. In their last 18 games the Pirates have won only 4 and, other than the 13 point win over the Bulls, the other 3 victories came by an average margin of just 3 points per game! The fact we are getting some points with USF here coupled with the illness issues impacting the Pirates is making for some nice line value with the underdog Bulls plus the points in a situation where they have a great shot at the outright win. The Bulls went 6-2 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Pirates went 2-6 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 60 points or less. Also, East Carolina is on a long-term ugly run of 3-13 ATS in first round tournament games. *8* SOUTH FLORIDA |
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03-10-16 | Illinois v. Iowa -10.5 | 68-66 | Loss | -109 | 7 h 54 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #712 - *8* Iowa Hawkeyes -10.5 vs Illinois @ 2:30 ET - Illinois has gotten the cash just once in their last 6 meetings with Iowa. This is a tough spot for the Illini here as it is a back to back and yesterday's win over Minnesota truly ended up being almost "too easy". Sometimes games like that are the worst thing for a team because a team is not even tested and that is what ended up happening with the Illini in their easy blowout win over the Golden Gophers yesterday. Now Illinois takes a major step up in class to face an Iowa team that has beaten them 6 straight times. This includes a 12 point victory for the Hawkeyes last month and that game was at Illinois. Iowa now gets their chance to drop a blowout win on the Illini on a neutral floor. Certainly the Hawkeyes had a rough late season patch that put a damper on their season. But Iowa closed out the regular season with a big win over a tough Michigan team and I believe these Hawkeyes will prove to be an ultra dangerous team that no one wants to have to face in this Big Ten tournament. Iowa is so potent offensively with 78.5 points per game on the season. The Hawkeyes had a number of tight losses during their rough late season stretch but when Iowa wins (as they absolutely should here) they do win big and that makes this spread quite manageable. The Hawkeyes notched 10 of their 12 Big Ten wins by double digit margins and Illinois was a paltry 5-13 in Big Ten regular season action. The lllini simply won't be able to keep up here after an uncharacteristically strong shooting performance yesterday. They dominated a short-handed Minnesota team but face a much tougher test today. Illinois is 8-19 ATS the past three seasons in games against teams averaging 77+ points per game on the season. The high-scoring Hawkeyes win this one going away. *8* IOWA |
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03-10-16 | Arkansas +3 v. Florida | 61-68 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 5 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #749 - *8* Arkansas Razorbacks +3 vs Florida @ 1 ET - The Razorbacks lost at Florida each of the last two seasons but the Jan 2015 defeat came by just a single point and the loss last month came by just four points. Now the Razorbacks get the Gators on a neutral court and I look for Arkansas to "get over the hump" against Florida in this one. Even though they faced some of the lower tier teams to close out the season, the Razorbacks winning 4 of 5 to close out the regular season certainly breeds some confidence heading into the SEC Tourney. They are catching Florida at the right time to spring the upset as the Gators still seem down-trodden after having such a disappointing finish to what was once a very promising season. Florida was 15-7 in early February before proceeding to lose 6 of their next 8 games before finally notching a win against Missouri in their regular season finale. Of course everyone beats the Tigers and the fact that the Gators closed the season with a win while the Razorbacks closed the season with a loss - albeit against a much tougher foe in South Carolina - actually helps our cause here. Florida is 2-6 straight-up this season when they are off of a win against a conference rival. The Gators are also 6-10 ATS the past three seasons in neutral court games. The Razorbacks are 8-4 ATS as an underdog this season. Also, Arkansas is 13-7 ATS in their games against teams with a winning record this season. When playing with revenge for a road loss, the Razorbacks went 3-1 ATS this season. *8* ARKANSAS |
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03-10-16 | Richmond -5 v. Fordham | 70-55 | Win | 100 | 4 h 5 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #733 - *8* Richmond Spiders -5 vs Fordham @ Noon ET - Richmond has won five straight games in this series the past three seasons combined. The Spiders simply "have the Rams number" and, with that said, this line is very manageable as I look for Richmond to win this one by double digits just like their 93-82 victory at Fordham in January. This, of course, is a neutral court game and the Spiders have gone 11-4 straight-up in neutral court games where they are favored between 3.5 and 6 points. That said, 13 of Richmond's 15 wins this season came by at least 8 points. With that being the case, odds are that a Spiders SU win here (which is likely) is also likely to come by a margin that covers the small number. Fordham finished the season strong but they did allow 7 of their last 11 opponents to hit 50% or better from the field. The Spiders did hold 8 of their last 13 opponents to 45% or less from the field. Couple the defensive edge with the fact that the Spiders averaged 77.5 points per game this season while the Rams averaged 71.9 points and you have the makings of a double digit victory for the favorite in this one as their series dominance of Fordham continues. *8* RICHMOND |
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03-09-16 | St. John's +6.5 v. Marquette | Top | 93-101 | Loss | -106 | 14 h 24 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #563 - *10* St John's Red Storm +6.5 vs Marquette @ 9:30 ET - This "neutral site" game is played on the home floor of St John's so it truly is an edge for the Red Storm. Of course that is factored into the line but I still think this spread range is too high for Marquette given the situational edges. The Golden Eagles went an ugly 3-10 ATS as a favorite this season. Also, Marquette allowed 87 points or more in each of their final three games of the regular season. The last three seasons combined, the Golden Eagles are an unsightly 5-15 ATS when they are off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. In home games with a posted total in a range of 140 to 144.5, the Red Storm have failed to cover the spread just twice in seven such games this season! In the most recent match-up between these teams, the Golden Eagles shot 52% from the field while the Red Storm shot just 35% from the field and yet St John's lost the game by only five points! That says a lot right there. In other words, with a much more equal shooting performance, an upset by the Red Storm would not be a surprise here. As it is, we are certainly getting great line value here with the sizable points being offered to St John's. The Red Storm shot at least 44% from the field in each of their last 3 home games this season and they scored at least 75 points in two of those games. Overall, the Red Storm scored at least 75 points in 3 of their last 5 games this season. Marquette's defense has been an issue this season and this has been particularly true in road games the past few weeks. This one has upset written all over it but I'll grab the sizable points. *10* ST JOHN'S |
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03-09-16 | Pelicans v. Hornets UNDER 210 | Top | 113-122 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 53 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play UNDER 210 in Charlotte vs New Orleans @ 7:05 ET - Even though Charlotte had been on a little "over streak", the Hornets actually had been playing respectable defense. Charlotte is off of an under and, prior to that game, the Hornets had held 4 of their last 5 opponents to 41.2% or less from the field! On a 12-3 run, Charlotte knows that keeping the intensity up is a key to keeping their winning ways going. Wednesday the Hornets are hosting a New Orleans team that is off of a very high-scoring win versus Sacramento. I feel strongly that this is causing the total on today's game to get skewed higher than it should be. The Pelicans, prior to the win over the Kings, had been held to 95 points or less in three straight games. On the season, New Orleans has struggled away from home as they have average just 98 points per game in road games and 22 of 29 Pelicans road games this season have stayed under the total. Both teams were off yesterday so fresh legs means plenty of energy and intensity available on the defensive end. As a road dog of 6.5 to 9 points, the Pelicans have stayed under the total in all 3 games this season. As a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points, the Hornets have stayed under the total in 3 of 4 games this season. Look for Charlotte to continue to turn to their defense (and use slow-down tactics) to keep their winning ways going. The Hornets have stayed under the total in 7 of 9 games this season when they enter the game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. They enter this game on a 4-game winning streak. *10* UNDER in Charlotte |
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03-09-16 | DePaul v. Georgetown OVER 143 | Top | 53-70 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 44 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #561 - *10* Top Play OVER 139 in Georgetown vs DePaul @ 7 ET - These teams have met 7 times the last 3 seasons and 6 of the games stayed under the total. That is helping to drive this number downward as money pours in on the under. This is giving even more value to the over as, the way these teams have been playing, I see no reason to expect anything other than a fast-paced game with the Hoyas putting up a ton of points and the Blue Demons (playing loose and with nothing to lose and therefore shooting well) hanging within single digits most of the way. The game ultimately is likely to be decided by an amount very close to the spread on this game but I see great value with the total. Georgetown wrapped up the regular season with 9 overs in their last 11 games. The Hoyas allowed 72 points per game on the season and their defense has been particularly weak down the stretch run of the season. The Blue Demons allowed 75 points per game in the regular season. DePaul wrapped up the regular season with 9 overs in their last 10 games. The Blue Demons, even though their point totals weren't overly impressive overall, did shoot the ball well in the final weeks of the regular season. A couple of big games with outside shots falling (even against tougher teams in the Big East to wrap up the season schedule) certainly gives DePaul some extra confidence on the offensive end heading into this game. The issue for the Blue Demons is that their porous defense stops no one. The over is 7-2 this season (and 23-8 the last 3 seasons) in Blue Demons games when they are off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. The Hoyas are also 5-2 to the over this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. In other words, a fantastic performance from either defense should not be expected here. *10* OVER in Georgetown |
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03-09-16 | Minnesota +9 v. Illinois | 52-85 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 5 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #553 - *8* Minnesota Golden Gophers +10 vs Illinois @ 4:30 ET - With Joey King now out with a foot injury, no one will want Minnesota here. However, the Golden Gophers forward had more fouls and turnovers combined (8) than points (6) in his final game of the season. King shot 1 of 9 in the 13 point loss to the Badgers. Had he put forth at least a half decent game the Golden Gophers likely would have covered and it would have been their 4th cover in 5 games. Even with the players suspended and with King now out, I think we are getting some insane line value here with Minnesota. The line is now up into the double digit range and a lot of that has to do with a dismal effort against Rutgers in the Golden Gophers final game of the regular season. However, even with a lot of players out, I have seen what Minnesota can do when they are "on their game" and "focused" and both of those key factors will be in play now that it's tourney time. Yes it would be a huge upset for Minny but they have no doubt they can get the job done. In the recent Illini win over the Gophers, Illinois shot a ridiculous 57% from the field. How crazy was that? Consider this...Illinois, in their final 11 games of the season, was held to 40.3% or less from the field in 8 of the other 10 games. Minnesota certainly does have some issues but now that it's tourney time, they have nothing to lose and will play a very loose game, and they face an Illinois team that won only 5 of its last 18 games...certainly the Golden Gophers fit the bill as a dangerous dog in this one! *8* MINNESOTA |
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03-09-16 | Utah State v. Wyoming OVER 141 | 88-70 | Win | 100 | 7 h 46 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #547 - *8* OVER 140 in Wyoming vs Utah State @ 2 ET - Wyoming loves to shoot threes. The Cowboys attempted 38 threes in their regular season match-up with the Aggies and they nailed 20 of them. Utah State was a solid 7 of 15 from three point land in that game. In games away from home the Cowboys are averaging 10 three pointers made per game while the Aggies are averaging 9 three points made per game. The over is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams and that includes their conference tourney match-up last March. Wyoming comes into this game having gone over the total in 9 straight games and 11 of its last 12. Utah State comes into this game having gone over the total in 15 of its last 22 games. The Cowboys have a number of players suspended for this game but the most impacting is simply a couple of reserve players. This could impact the Cowboys should they be able to move deep into the tourney but the fact they only have 7 scholarship players available for today's game should not be impacting. Wyoming has their starters and key scorers available and I look for plenty of offense in this one. The over is 6-1 in Wyoming's last 7 games played on a neutral court. Also, the Cowboys played 7 games this season where the total was posted in the 140 to 149.5 range and the over was a PERFECT 7-0 on the season. The Aggies play this game with road loss revenge and the over is a PERFECT 4-0 this season and 9-4 the last three seasons combined when Utah State is looking to avenge a road defeat. *8* OVER in Wyoming |
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03-09-16 | Syracuse +2.5 v. Pittsburgh | 71-72 | Win | 100 | 5 h 46 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #519 - *8* Syracuse Orange +2.5 vs Pittsburgh @ Noon ET - Talk about a payback spot. The Panthers have defeated the Orange 4 straight times. That includes a pair of defeats by double digit margins this season. However, it's very tough to defeat a solid, well-coached team like Syracuse 3 straight times in a span of about 10 weeks and that is what Pittsburgh is trying to do here. The Panthers faded at the end of the season and that is key factor with this play as Pitt lost 6 of its last 9 games and has lost some of their "mojo" to say the least. The concerning thing about that for the Panthers is that they were favored or a dog of 2 points or less in all but 2 of those 9 games. That means the other 7 were truly winnable games and yet Pittsburgh struggled mightily. The Orange also stumbled down the stretch but they faced a tougher late season schedule than did Pitt. That is why Syracuse was a dog in 3 of their last 5 games and the average line in those games was +8. What I like about the Orange is the fact that in their last 9 games where they were either favored or they were a dog of 3 points or less, Syracuse went 8-1 straight-up. The lone loss was to the Panthers. It is payback time indeed. The Orange have gone 8-3 SU in tournament games the past 3 seasons combined. Also, Syracuse is 18-9 ATS in neutral court games where their line ranges from pick'em to a +3. The Panthers are 24-38 ATS as a favorite the past 3 seasons combined. *8* SYRACUSE |
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03-08-16 | Nets v. Raptors OVER 207 | Top | 99-104 | Loss | -106 | 12 h 24 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* OVER 207 in Toronto vs Brooklyn @ 7:35 ET - The Nets have allowed 48% shooting or better from the field in 4 straight games. In their last 9 road games, Brooklyn has given up an average of 109.6 points per game. They are not catching the Raptors at the right time to see any of those numbers improve. Toronto is fired up after a home loss where they blew a huge lead. Even though the Raptors lost the game, it was the 7th straight game in which Toronto made at least 48% of their shots from the field. The Raptors are averaging 109 points per game in those 7 games. With the porous defense of the Nets, Toronto will have no problem exceeding that average tonight...and then some! One thing that has impressed me about Brooklyn of late is a never say die attitude and they have covered 10 of their last 16 games. This solid ATS run has been attributable mostly to some big production on offense which is likely to continue here. The Raptors will absolutely be wiling to run and gun in this game against an inferior foe and the over is 10-3 in Toronto's last 13 games. The over is 11-5 in the Nets last 16 games. Both teams have plenty of confidence right now and have been shooting the ball well of late. The over is 8-3 in Raptors games this season when Toronto is off of an upset loss as a favorite (which is the case here after the loss to the Rockets). The Nets defense has led them to simply get involved in shootouts in situations like this. The over is 11-3 in Brooklyn's last 14 games against teams averaging 99 points or more per game on the season. *10* OVER 207 in Toronto |
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03-08-16 | Texas-San Antonio +3.5 v. Florida Atlantic | Top | 58-82 | Loss | -106 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness *10* Top Play UTSA Roadrunners +3.5 vs Florida Atlantic @ 5 ET - It has been a frustrating season for UTSA but coach Brooks Thompson has been known for having the Roadrunners well prepared for Tournament games and he will have them ready here. Texas-San Antonio has a great shot at getting the upset of the Owls here in this CUSA opener and that's why I see great value with the points. Florida Atlantic is off of an ATS victory in their regular season finale and it looks good on paper but the fact is UAB cared little about that game. Prior to that cover, the Owls had failed to cover 6 of their last 7 games. Florida Atlantic was held under 36% from the field in 4 of those 6 non-covers. The Owls did beat UT-San Antonio in both match-ups this season but it is very tough to beat the same team three times in a season. Florida Atlantic had some big shooting performances in each game and that was the key difference maker. That is unlikely to be repeated here based on how poorly the Owls were shooting the ball late in the season and, in what some have rumored could be coach Thompson's last game with UTSA (should they lose), I fully expect an intense effort from the 'Runners defense in this one. Texas-San Antonio covered the spread in 3 of their last 4 games to close out the regular season and also had a respectable 5-3 ATS mark in their final 8 road games of the season. UTSA has a long-term mark of 15-9 ATS in tournament games. Florida Atlantic has gone 4-11 ATS the last 3 seasons as a favorite and, in 10 of those 11 losses they were defeated outright! The Runners have a great shot at the upset here and are fully motivated to get it. *10* UT-SAN ANTONIO |
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03-08-16 | Boston College v. Florida State OVER 136.5 | 66-88 | Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness *8* OVER 135.5 in Florida State vs Boston College @ 2:30 ET - Florida State should have no trouble putting up a solid point total here but I would not be surprised at all to see Boston College stay within about a dozen points of the Seminoles in this one. That is why the play here is the over. The Noles are among 12 ACC teams that have an overall winning record on the season. Among those 12 teams the Seminoles 73.3 points allowed per game ranks as the worst! As bad as the Eagles have been this season, the fact that Florida State does not impress as a defensive foe is the reason I expect Boston College to get their fair share of points in this one. FSU failed to cover 5 of their last 7 games. In the 5 non-covers they allowed an average of 80 points per game. The Eagles covered 2 of their last 3 games and shot 48% and 49%, respectively, in the two games they covered. Boston College totaled over 70 points in each of those two games and if FSU wins this game by 13, which is what is forecast by the odds makers, we just need to get Boston College into the low 60s to nail this over. I look for BC to get well into the 60s and I look for Florida State to play an up tempo game against a team that they know they can run right out of the arena. That means the Noles should get into the 80s here. FSU went over the total in 7 of their last 11 games. The over is 7-3 in Boston College games in March the past three seasons combined. The over is 6-1 in Seminoles games when they are off of a win in ACC action. *8* OVER 135.5 in Florida State |
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03-08-16 | Wake Forest +5 v. NC State | 72-75 | Win | 100 | 5 h 49 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness *8* Wake Forest Demon Deacons +5 vs NC State @ Noon ET - The Demon Deacons certainly did not have an impressive overall season but I liked what I saw from them late in the season. That said, this is the "anything can happen" tourney time and you can bet that Wake Forest will be ready to go today. The Demon Deacons know they have a great shot against the Wolfpack and I look for Wake Forest to be in this one all the way. The Demon Deacons held 4 of their last 5 opponents under 43.7% from the field. On the other end of the floor Wake Forest was also showing marked improvement as they shot 44.2% or better from the field in 9 of their last 11 games. The Demon Deacons covered 7 of their last 13 games this season while NC State enters the ACC Tournament having failed to cover 6 straight games! The Wolfpack defense has struggled consistently over their last 9 games while the offense has been held to 41.4% or less from the field in 4 of their last 6 games. NC State will be in an absolute war just to win this game...let alone cover the spread which is now all the way up to a 5 as of early gameday morning. The Wolfpack have a long-term history of 1-4 ATS as a neutral court favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. The Demon Deacons are 4-2 ATS the past three seasons when they enter a game with 5 or 6 days of rest. *8* WAKE FOREST |
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03-07-16 | Western Michigan +5.5 v. Northern Illinois | Top | 50-56 | Loss | -103 | 10 h 16 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness *10* Western Michigan +5.5 @ Northern Illinois @ 8 ET - The fact that Marin Maric is dealing with an ankle injury is significant. He's the leading scorer for the Huskies and even head coach Mark Montgomery was saying he was only 60% heading into this game in terms of being able to put pressure on his ankle. Another key here is that the teams split their season series which was quite heated and included numerous ejections. Western Michigan lost the most recent game and they seek revenge tonight. Even though the game is in DeKalb, IL the Broncos only lost the most recent game here by 9 points despite shooting a paltry 38% from the field while the Huskies shot 53% from the field. In other words, even with a huge off night in terms of shooting for Western Michigan they still were "right there" in the game even though the Huskies had a rare great shooting night. That says a lot about how evenly matched these teams are and with Maric now hurting, the value is clearly with the Broncos and grabbing the available points in this MAC Tourney opener. Western Michigan is 4-1 ATS this season and 13-5 ATS the past three seasons when playing with road loss revenge. Also, the emotional intensity (players ejected, etc) adds even more fuel to the Broncos fire as they seek to avenge the loss that occurred in their most recent match-up with the Huskies. Northern Illinois had a rare 20-win season but the Huskies lost 8 of their last 11 games prior to defeating Ball State in their regular season finale. A 3-8 run that stretched into early March coupled with an injury to the leading scorer makes the Huskies a "false favorite" here. Great value with the hungry underdog. *10* WESTERN MICHIGAN |
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03-07-16 | Wolves v. Hornets UNDER 213 | 103-108 | Win | 100 | 9 h 23 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* UNDER 214 in Charlotte vs Minnesota @ 7:05 ET - The whole world seems to be lining up on the over in this one and this has added even more line value to the playing the under as the total is up to a 214 as of 11 AM ET Monday morning. Even though the Timberwolves are off of a game where they scored 132 points that was a home game for Minnesota and they also shot an unheard of 68.4% from 3-point land. Of course the T-wolves are likely to come crashing back down to earth as far as shooting percentage on the road tonight. Additionally, that game was the 5th time in their last 10 games that Minny has registered 76 shots or less from the field. In other words, in terms of pacing in Monday's game at Charlotte, I expect it to play out much slower than a game with a posted total of 214 normally would. The fact is the Hornets are likely wanting to keep this tempo slow too. Charlotte has won 11 of their last 14 games and a big key has been defense where they've held their opponents under 100 points in all but 3 of those 14 games! The under has cashed in 6 of 8 Minnesota games against teams from the Southeast Division this season. The under has cashed in 7 of 8 Charlotte games against teams from the Northwest Division this season. The Hornets are on a rare streak where 3 straight games have gone over. This season, when entering a game on an 'over streak' of 3 games or more, the under has cashed in 5 of 6 times in Charlotte games. Look for another one here. *8* UNDER in Charlotte |
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03-07-16 | Spurs v. Pacers +7 | Top | 91-99 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Indiana Pacers +7 vs San Antonio @ 7:05 ET - There is no disputing that the Spurs are one of the top teams in the league. However, the books are starting to catch up with them and, that said, the value is now in fading the Spurs. They are on a 4-6 ATS run and are here they are being asked to cover 7 points on the road against a solid foe. I just don't see it happening. Taking a look at the Pacers last 19 games they are only 10-9. But in the 9 losses they have had only 3 defeats by more than 7 points. Indiana just does not get blown out and that is particularly true on their home floor. Even though the Pacers are off of an upset win as an underdog at Washington Saturday, Indiana is 5-1 ATS this season when off of an upset win. The Pacers also are a stellar 20-10 ATS in games against teams with a winning record this season. Over a span of two weeks from late Feb to mid March this is the only home game on the Pacers schedule. With a standalone game like this on the schedule you can bet that Indiana is going to make the most of their home floor. For the Spurs this is a tough scheduling spot as it is part of a 5 games in 7 days stretch and they have another road game at Minnesota on deck for tomorrow. The Pacers lost both meetings with the Spurs last season but each came by 6 points or less. With revenge from those tight defeats plus having lost this season's earlier meeting at San Antonio, a little payback is on order here. *10* INDIANA |
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03-07-16 | Hartford +18.5 v. Stony Brook | 64-80 | Win | 100 | 9 h 17 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness *8* Hartford Hawks +18.5 @ Stony Brook @ 7 ET - I faded Stony Brook in the first round of this tourney and won easily with UMBC as the Retrievers actually were in line for a potential outright upset very late into the game before the Seawolves finally pulled away and notched the 10 point victory as a 23.5 point favorite. Here Stony Brook is again an over-inflated favorite in my opinion. The line is in the 19 point range and the Seawolves last 8 games has featured only one win by more than 19 points. Included in this stretch was a 13 points win over the Hawks. Hartford may provide an even bigger challenge tonight than they did in that game. The Hawks have won 3 of their last 5 games and that included a huge upset of Albany in the tourney opener. That big upset gives Hartford plenty of confidence as they prepare to face the Seawolves and the fact that there were four off days in between games has given the Hawks plenty of time to come down off of the emotional high of knocking off Albany. Rest assured the Hawks are fully prepared to now face a Seawolves team that knocked them out of this tournament two years ago. That loss came by just 5 points and only 1 of the last 5 meetings between these teams was decided by more than 15 points. Also, Hartford knocked off UMBC in both match-ups this season. That is the same Retrievers team that, although they had an ugly overall record just like the Hawks too, truly gave the Seawolves all they could handle Wednesday. Look for this Monday game to be just as close. Stony Brook doesn't play many lined games but they continue to be over-valued when they do and I look for the Seawolves to drop to 0-5 ATS on the season. As for the Hawks, they are 5-0 ATS the past three seasons in games against teams with a winning record. That makes this one a combined 10-0 ATS mark in favor of the road dog. *8* HARTFORD |
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03-06-16 | Stetson v. Florida Gulf Coast -8 | Top | 78-80 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 50 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #878 - *10* Top Play Florida Gulf Coast Eagles -8 vs Stetson @ 7 ET - Stetson have been "the story" so far in this tourney but let's not forget how it played out. In other words, I am predicting it comes to an end today because it has been a bit of a fluke. Any team can have one big game and get an upset win. That's exactly what happened when the Hatters upset New Jersey Tech in their opening game of this tourney. NJ Tech had been struggling to finish the season and they simply had an awful shooting performance lead to an upset win at the hands of Stetson. However, the next match-up for the Hatters is where they caught a break. Stetson faced a 12-20 Lipscomb team because they had gotten the upset in overtime against Jacksonville. The result of all this is that the Hatters now take a major step up in competition and face a much superior foe that is simply red hot right now. Florida Gulf Coast is off of back to back wins in this tournament and they have each come by double digit margins. This included a 33 point blowout win over a 22-10 North Florida team. The Eagles are playing their best basketball of the season, they have won 6 of their past 8 games and are loaded with confidence right now plus have home court edge here. Adding even more strength to this play is that the Eagles did get upset at Stetson in their regular season finale. That means a little payback is on order here and Florida Gulf Coast will take advantage of having home court for the rematch. The last time they hosted Stetson, the Eagles blasted them by 29 points. Another rout is likely here as Stetson's luck runs out. Keep in mind this game means much more to FGC than it does to Stetson. The Hatters, due to poor academic performance, can't go to the Big Dance even if they win this game. The Eagles will represent the Atlantic Sun Conference if they get the win Sunday but, if they lose it will go to the regular season conference champion which was North Florida. That is the same Ospreys team that Florida Gulf Coast just crushed by 33 points. The Eagles are simply too powerful and are the much better defense in this match-up. Stetson has allowed 83.1 points per game on the season which ranks as the worst in the conference. The Eagles allowed just 70 points per game which ranks as the #1 spot in the conference. Couple that with the home court edge and motivational edge and talent edge and this should be an absolute mauling Sunday. *10* FLORIDA GULF COAST |
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03-06-16 | Maryland +5.5 v. Indiana | Top | 62-80 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 37 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB #579 - *10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins +5.5 @ Indiana @ 4:30 ET - Maryland certainly holds the motivational edge here based on the current situation in the Big Ten standings. Also, the Terrapins are back on track after a rare, late-season lull that saw them lose back to back games when they were upset at home by Wisconsin and then suffered the letdown effect in their next game, a shocking loss at Minnesota. The Terps have since gotten back on track as they've won 2 of their last 3 games and have their offense rolling in high gear again. They will certainly pose a huge challenge to a Hoosiers team that could get caught still celebrating their big win at Iowa Tuesday. That was the 4th straight win for Indiana and it was a key win for the Hoosiers as it locked up the Big Ten regular season title. The Hoosiers are the only team in the Big Ten that, for the full season, does not have a home loss. The Terrapins are still ticked off about the late season lull that cost them in the Big Ten standings and this game is very important to Maryland as it relates to positioning for the conference tournament. With that said, the Terps would love nothing more than to hand the Hoosiers their first home loss of the season while also improving their seeding in the Big Ten standings. Indiana is 5-11 ATS this season when they are off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. This is expected to be a rather high-scoring game and the Terrapins are 19-10 ATS the past three seasons (and 9-1 SU this season) in games with a posted total in the 140 to 149.5 range. Comparing these teams, Maryland is the better team defensively and the Terps have won each of the last two meetings. However, the Terrapins did lose ugly in a poor effort against the Hoosiers in their most recent visit to Indiana. Rest assured they've been constantly reminded of that heading into this meetings and with all the added motivation for the Terps here, the Hoosiers will be in an all-out war just to try and preserve their unblemished home record. Even if Indiana does that, I expect the victory to be by a very small margin. We have huge line value here with the hungry road dog in this one. *10* MARYLAND |
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03-06-16 | Thunder -7 v. Bucks | Top | 104-96 | Win | 100 | 8 h 24 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Oklahoma City Thunder -7 @ Milwaukee @ 3:35 ET - The Thunder have lost 6 of 8 games since the All Star break but Oklahoma City truly has played a brutal schedule. The Thunder are coming off of a loss at Golden State but playing the best team in the league on the road after losing on the road in a game in which you held a huge late lead (at LA against the Clips) the night before is absolutely a tough situation. Now that Oklahoma City has had two days off to regroup after the loss to the Warriors followed a stunning loss to the Clippers, I look for the Thunder to respond in a huge way Sunday. This is the only game that OKC has in a 5 day stretch as the Thunder have two days off after this game. There is no way that Oklahoma City won't be ready here and that is bad news for the Bucks. Milwaukee has been playing better for sure but they still are nowhere close to being on par with a team the caliber of the Thunder. The Bucks have been emphasizing a new offensive attack but, in the process, they've forgotten about playing defense. Milwaukee has allowed 47% or better from the field in 4 of their last 5 games. The Thunder defense got lit up by Golden State - then again...who doesn't against the Warriors? - but, prior to that, Oklahoma City had held 5 of their last 8 opponents under 45% from the field. The Thunder have the better defense, they have the more explosive offense, they are hungry and highly motivated for a win here, and the Bucks are off of a rare win. Set-ups don't get much better than this and the expected absence of Michael Carter-Williams is also going to impact Milwaukee Sunday. *10* OKLAHOMA CITY |
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03-05-16 | Nets v. Wolves -5 | Top | 118-132 | Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Minnesota Timberwolves -5 vs Brooklyn @ 8:05 ET - I have been riding the Nets a lot in recent weeks as they are definitely improving and they have offered some nice value of late. However, this is a very tough spot for them and has the makings of an absolute blowout. It is hard enough for a team to play the 2nd night of a back after facing Denver but in this case it will be ultra tough. Not only is the Nets 2nd game on the road. Not only did the Nets get the outright upset last night. The game went into overtime and was an OT victory in the Mile High City for Brooklyn. I don't expect the Nets to have much left in the tank for tonight's game and the Wolves are absolutely not going to be in a hospitable mood here. The Timberwolves are off of a loss at Milwaukee last night and, after playing better in prior weeks, Minnesota has now lost three straight games for the first time in a month. That means we can expect an "A game" from the T-wolves tonight who are a rock solid 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games. Brooklyn has lost 9 of 11 on the season when it is the 2nd game of a back to back and, in this case, off of an OT win at a very tough venue last night, it looks like the perfect spot for that record to drop to 2-10 on the season AND for the defeat to be a blowout loss to the hungry Wolves. Minnesota is 8-4 SU and ATS the past three seasons as  home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. The Nets are 15-34 SU (and 20-29 ATS) when off of an upset win as an underdog. *10* MINNESOTA |
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03-05-16 | Pacers +2.5 v. Wizards | 100-99 | Win | 100 | 11 h 33 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Indiana Pacers +2.5 @ Washington @ 7:05 ET - Home court hasn't meant much in this series. The road team has covered 12 of the last 15 meetings between these teams and that includes each of the last six. The Pacers seek revenge for an ugly 14 home loss in January and they catch the Wizards off of a deflating 25 point loss at Cleveland last night. That's the kind of defeat that can have a team hanging their heads and Washington is certainly a fragile team from a psyche standpoint. The Pacers are also coming off of a loss last night but they only lost by 7 at Charlotte. Though Indiana lost to the Hornets, the Pacers are the much better team on the defensive end in comparison with the Wizards. Indiana has used this to their advantage against the better scoring teams in the league this season and that is why the Pacers are 25-18 ATS this season in games against teams averaging 99 points or more per game. Indiana has won 6 of their past 7 against teams with a losing record and has a SU record the past three seasons combined of 80-39 in games against teams with a losing record. The Wizards are 2-6 SU and ATS in their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. The Pacers are 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 visits to Washington and the Wizards John Wall has downplayed his foot and ankle injury that he tweaked again in last night's loss. This is absolutely something he is likely to play through but also something that will impact his effectiveness and, as Wall goes so go the Wizards. *8* INDIANA |
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03-05-16 | Manhattan v. Siena -8.5 | 76-89 | Win | 100 | 10 h 19 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #698 - *8* Siena Saints -8 vs Manhattan @ 7 ET - Manhattan certainly has good history at this time of year in recent seasons. However, this season's Jaspers team is not nearly on par with those teams. That said, after a "fluke" performance in their MAAC opener I look for Manhattan to quickly come back down to earth as they get annihilated by a far superior Siena team. The Jaspers shot a ridiculous 63.5% overall from the field and 66.7% from three point land in their win over Marist Thursday. Now Manhattan goes from facing a Marist team that only managed 3 wins in conference action to facing a Siena team that won 20 games this season. The Saints also play this game with revenge. Siena lost at Manhattan in early January by 5 points but this came after blasting the Jaspers by 35 points in early December. As you can tell by those results, when Manhattan is "on" they were able to win by 5 while when the Saints were "on" they were able to win by 35 points! Siena is well rested here, catching the Jaspers with some false confidence after everything was just dropping into the bucket for them Thursday, and I look for the Saints superior defense to be a huge difference maker in Saturday's match-up. Siena allowed just 41% shooting from the field this season while Manhattan has allowed 47%. Also, the Saints are the better shooting time by about 4 percentage points as well. Siena is a stellar 8-0 ATS in March games the past two seasons. Also, this season the Saints are on a 6-2 ATS run in their last 8 games against teams with a losing record. The Jaspers are 4-7 ATS this season when facing a team with a winning record. Last but certainly not least is that Siena gets the edge of playing this game at home in Albany, NY. A crowd of about 8,000 is expected for this game and the venue and the atmosphere for this MAAC Tourney game absolutely favors the Saints. *8* SIENA |
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03-05-16 | Miami (Fla) v. Virginia Tech +6.5 | Top | 62-77 | Win | 100 | 7 h 29 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB #578 *10* Top Play Virginia Tech +6.5 vs Miami (FL) @ 4 ET - The world has jumped on Miami here as I expected. The line opened up at a 5 and has been driven up to a 6.5 as of Saturday morning. The fact is that the Hokies are a very dangerous home dog in a spot like this and I believe the Hurricanes are over-valued here on the road. Miami has gone just 3-6 ATS in road games this season while Virginia Tech has gone 9-3 ATS in home games this season. Also, the Hokies are 13-4 ATS in ACC games this season. Virginia Tech comes into this game rolling with four straight wins including three of those being outright wins as an underdog with victories over solid Pitt and Florida State teams included! The Hokies catch Miami off of a huge road win at Notre Dame and that is the type of emotional high (a dominating road win over a big name school) that can leave a team a little flat in it's next game. Even though the Hurricanes have been hot let's not forget that they've had a home-heavy schedule of late. Prior to the road win at Notre Dame the Canes had played 7 of their last 11 at home. That said, their road performances in the ACC prior to the win over the Irish included a 3-4 performance with one of the wins coming by just 2 points, one by only 7 points, and the only blowout win being over a conference worst Boston College team. The road losses for Miami came by an average margin of 15 points per defeat. As you can see, the Hurricanes don't travel particularly well and I feel they are ripe for an upset here after the huge win at Notre Dame. That makes the value of the points with the Hokies absolutely the way to go here. As a road fave of 3.5 to 6 points this season, the Hurricanes have gone 0-3 ATS. *10* VIRGINIA TECH |
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03-05-16 | Vanderbilt +4.5 v. Texas A&M | 67-76 | Loss | -105 | 3 h 20 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB #573 - *8* Vanderbilt Commodores +4.5 @ Texas A & M @ Noon ET - Texas A & M is 16-1 in home games this season while Vanderbilt has gone 3-8 away from home. Given those straight-up records, the fact that the Aggies opened up as only a 4 point favorite in this one certainly looked "off", didn't it? The odds makers don't make many mistakes and while many will flock to the small home favorite here I believe the value is with a road dog that is playing their best basketball of the season. The Commodores have won 4 straight and 11 of their last 15 games. Vanderbilt has also covered 4 straight games. Vanderbilt beat the Aggies back in early February and that has started a stretch of 9 straight games where the Commodores have scored at least 74 points in every game. Needless to say the Vandy confidence is sky high right now and when you're scoring the ball as well as the Commodores are right now, that makes you a truly dangerous dog. The Aggies have also begun to heat up but when you look at their 9 games beginning with the road loss at Vandy, Texas A & M has been held to 71 points or less in more than half of those games. Over their last 6 games particularly the Aggies have struggled from the three point line. I see Texas A & M struggling with a Vandy offense that is ultra dangerous right now and this means this one likely goes down to the wire with a Commodores outright upset being no surprise at all in my mind. Vanderbilt is 7-4 ATS as a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points the past three seasons combined. Texas A & M is 1-4 ATS this season in games with a posted total between 130 and 139.5 points. *8* VANDERBILTÂ |
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03-04-16 | Delaware +9 v. College of Charleston | Top | 63-67 | Win | 100 | 16 h 35 m | Show |
Rickenbach March Madness #873 - *10* Top Play Delaware Blue Hens +9 vs College of Charleston @ 8:30 ET - This is certainly the classic case of an "ugly dog" play and I see big value here with the Blue Hens. Delaware has matched up well with the College of Charleston in both regular season meetings. The Blue Hens beat the Cougars two weeks ago in Delaware and, in their prior meeting this season as the College of Charleston, it was a one point defeat for the Blue Hens. Neither game topped 121 points and it's tough for the favorite to get a lot of separation in uglier low-scoring games which is absolutely what I am predicting here. The Cougars haven't been the same since they lost Canyon Barry to a season-ending shoulder injury in January. College of Charleston started the season with a 9-3 record. Since then, without Barry, the Cougars have gone 7-10. Four of the Cougars last six wins have come by a margin of 7 points or less and, looking at their last 15 games overall, only 2 of the 15 were games that resulted in victories by more than a 7 point margin. You can see the value here with a big dog that has played the Cougars tough in each of their two regular season meetings. Also, the Blue Hens were in the Big Dance two seasons ago. Of course this team is nowhere close to the caliber of that team but the confidence level is higher than you might think for Delaware as they look to make a run in the tourney. It's always a fresh hope when a team has had a tough regular season and I look for Friday's game to be a close one. The Blue Hens are 3-0 ATS this season (and 6-1 ATS the last 3 seasons combined) in games with a posted total in the 120 to 129.5 range. The Cougars are 3-7 ATS this season (and 12-26 ATS the last 3 seasons combined) as a favorite. *10* DELAWAREÂ |
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03-04-16 | Blazers +5 v. Raptors | Top | 115-117 | Win | 100 | 15 h 41 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Portland Trail Blazers +5 @ Toronto @ 7:35 ET - Toronto certainly is a solid team but I like to look for strong teams off of a bad loss and that is the situation here with Portland. The Trail Blazers are off of an ugly 23-point loss at Boston on Wednesday. Portland will be ready to respond in a huge way Friday. The Blazers, prior to the loss to the Celtics, had won 18 of their past 22 games. Portland went 16-6 ATS in those 22 games and they have held each of their last four opponents to 43% or less from the field. The Trail Blazers simply had a sloppy, ugly effort at Boston and they'll be ready to atone for that performance here. Toronto is off of a win and cover versus Utah Wednesday but the Raptors had previously failed to cover the spread in 8 of their last 13. The Raptors are in a vulnerable spot here in my opinion because, even though they've been winning they've allowed their last 4 opponents to combine for a 50% shooting percentage from the field. Winning games even while playing subpar defense can lull teams into a false sense of confidence. In other words, the Raptors can run into trouble against a determined, hungry, strong team that is playing better defense than they are. The Blazers also have revenge here from a home loss to Toronto early last month. Portland had swept the season series each of the prior two years and the Trail Blazers are 7-2 SU and ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. Portland also is 16-9 ATS this season when off of a game where they allowed 105 points or more. They will be ready to go tonight. The Raptors have covered just 10 of 27 games the past three seasons when they are a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. *10* PORTLAND |
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03-03-16 | Marist +3 v. Manhattan | 63-81 | Loss | -114 | 15 h 6 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness Thursday #575 - *8* Marist Red Foxes +3 vs Manhattan @ 10 ET - This line looked "interesting" to say the least and, as I have mentioned many times in the past, when a line looks a little "off" it is certainly worth investigating. If you then find what you expected, you jump on it. That is the case here. How in the world is a Marist team that only went 4-16 in conference action such a small dog against a Manhattan team that went 9-11 in conference action? The fact is this is a classic case of hot versus not and it's also a big revenge game. The Red Foxes were knocked out of the conference tourney last March by the Jaspers so they certainly will be seeking revenge here. Marist did get some revenge by winning at Manhattan earlier this season but then the Jaspers returned the favor by beating the Red Foxes on their home floor. Now, in a neutral site game, I see the edge with the revenge-minded team here. Marist is much better and has much more talent than their record would lead you to believe. The Red Foxes won their last two games of the regular season which certainly has built some momentum for the conference tourney. As for Manhattan, the Jaspers lost 3 straight games to end the season. Overall the Jaspers have lost 5 of their last 6 games and have failed to cover 2 of their past 3 games. The Red Foxes not only won their last two games of the season, they also have covered 4 of their last 5. Taking a look at each team over their last 6 games, Marist has been playing the better defense and, at this time of year, it's a renewed home that permeates through the locker room of a team like the Red Foxes that under performed during the regular season but has the talent level to make a run in a tournament setting. Look for that run to begin today. Marist is 5-1 ATS in games with a posted total in the 140 to 149.5 range. Manhattan is 0-3 ATS this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 60 points or less. Keep in mind the Jaspers did give up allow 45% shooting from the field in that one and it was the 6th straight game they allowed 44% or better from the field while the Red Foxes have held 3 of their last 6 opponents to 41% or less from the field. *8* MARIST |
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03-03-16 | Florida Gulf Coast +7.5 v. North Florida | 89-56 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness Thursday Game #589 - *8* Florida Gulf Coast Eagles +7.5 @ North Florida @ 7:30 ET - The Eagles lost both match-ups with the Ospreys last season but they can erase the frustration of those defeats in a big way by getting the upset win in the Atlantic Sun Tournament Thursday. The Eagles certainly have the confidence level to get it done. They did split their match-ups with North Florida this season but Florida Gulf Coast's loss came by just 6 points and was a tight game late while the Eagles victory was decided by a dominant 16 point margin. Even though FGC won only 2 of their 7 road games in conference action this season, 4 of the 5 defeats came by a single margin and 3 of those 4 were by 7 points or less. The Eagles victory over Kennesaw State Tuesday marked the 5th time in their last 7 games that FGC held their opponent under 42.7% from the field. As for North Florida, as impressive as their overall offensive production is, the Ospreys defense has allowed over 46.1% from the field in 9 of their last 10 games! North Florida wrapped up the regular season with 4 losses in their last 7 games. By the way the 3 wins included a pair of victories by 3 points or less. I look for the Ospreys to struggle to create any kind of separation with FGC Thursday and I would not be surprised to see the Eagles get the upset. Neither one of these teams is involved in lined games very often but the long-term numbers do show North Florida at just 3-3 ATS in home games while the Eagles are 6-2 ATS in road games. Grab the points here! *8* FLORIDA GULF COAST |
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03-03-16 | Quinnipiac +5 v. Rider | 57-60 | Win | 100 | 10 h 33 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness Thursday Game #571 - *8* Quinnipiac Bobcats +5 vs Rider @ 5 ET - The Bobcats seek revenge for a 23 point defeat at Rider in late January. Quinnipiac had defeated the Broncs earlier in the month when they hosted Rider. So what happened in the rematch? The Bobcats shot a ridiculous 27.7% from the field. Only once the entire season did Quinnipiac shoot worse than that and the ugly outing came against Monmouth who is a fantastic small school team. That said, don't look for a repeat here. The Bobcats are likely to shoot much better tonight in this neutral floor match-up. Also, Quinnipiac has a huge edge on the boards where they've dominated all season long. As for defense, these teams rank about equal except that the Bobcats do a better job against the three ball. That said, they have a rebounding edge here and a perimeter edge as Quinnipiac is also the better three point shooting team as well. It's the overall shooting percentage of the Bobcats that is ugly for the season but they did shoot 44% or better from the field in 2 of their last 3 games. Rider has the better record on the season but they did lose 5 of their last 7 games and one of those two wins came by just three points. The Bobcats certainly fit the image of an "ugly dog" based on their performance this season but in an "anything can happen" neutral court tourney I will gladly challenge a week Broncs team to cover the spread. Rider is 1-9 ATS in games with a posted total in the 130 to 139.5 range. Also, the Broncs are 2-9 ATS the past 3 seasons in neutral court games. The beating the Bobcats took at Rider a little over 5 weeks ago was their worst loss of the season. Look for the Cats to improve to 3-1 SU and ATS the past 3 seasons when they are playing with revenge from a blowout loss of 20 points or more. Grab the points here. *8* QUINNIPIAC |
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03-02-16 | Wisconsin v. Minnesota +10 | 62-49 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 25 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB #750 - *8* Minnesota Golden Gophers +10 vs Wisconsin @ 9 ET - Of course I am aware of the suspensions that the Golden Gophers recently handed out. Even with those, Minnesota went on the road and actually had a nice lead at the half at Illinois on Sunday before the Golden Gophers were done in by a torrid shooting performance in the 2nd half by the Illini. That end result is helping to give us some line value here because now, at home and having had more time to adjust for the suspensions, the Golden Gophers will be a dangerous dog. Minnesota took care of business against a bad team by crushing Rutgers in the Golden Gophers most recent home game. In their game prior to that Minnesota upset the powerful Terrapins in a huge shocker where I rode the Golden Gophers to victory. Now certainly the team has been impacted by the suspensions but this line is also adjusted to reflect that and I am convinced it is offering exceptional line value to the home dog. The Golden Gophers are playing their final home game and the other players getting extra minutes as a result of the suspensions are absolutely going to make the most of it in this spot. The Badgers are off of a big home win versus Michigan and have a huge season finale on deck with a massive game at Purdue on Saturday. That makes this a tough "sandwich spot" for the Badgers and they could very easily be "flat" for this game. Look for the Golden Gophers to improve to 3-0 ATS this season as a home dog of 9.5 to 12 points. *8* MINNESOTA |
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03-02-16 | Oregon v. UCLA +2.5 | Top | 76-68 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 25 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB #758 - *10* Top Play UCLA Bruins +2.5 vs Oregon @ 9 ET - The Ducks are ranked in the top ten teams in the country, have gone 12-4 in the Pac 12 while the Bruins have gone just 6-10 and yet the Ducks opened up as a two point favorite here. Makes you scratch your head a little, doesn't it? Here is the key to this low line and why you want to be on the dog here while everyone else likely piles in on the favorite. The Ducks are only 3-4 SU in Pac 12 road games. Overall, Oregon has failed to cover 4 of their past 5 games and they have allowed 72 points or more in 9 of their last 12 games. UCLA is off of an ugly loss at Stanford where their defense failed them but the Bruins will respond here and had been playing quite well on that side of the floor before the Cardinal took it to them. Even though UCLA is only 4-3 SU in Pac 12 games this season two of those losses came by just 2 points. The Bruins are very close to being 6-1 SU in Pac 12 home games and certainly there is value here with getting the 2.5 points as UCLA wants to play the role of spoiler here plus get revenge for a 14 point loss at Oregon earlier this season. The Bruins have gone 14-5 SU the last 3 seasons when they are revenging a road loss. Also, when off of a loss in Pac 12 action past three seasons, UCLA has gone 16-7 ATS. The Bruins will bring their A game tonight and they have excelled in high-scoring games on their home court. Look for UCLA to improve to 4-0 ATS and SU in home games with a posted total in the range of 155 to 159.5 points. The Ducks are 2-6 ATS the past three seasons combined in a line range of pick'em to -3. *10* UCLAÂ |
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03-02-16 | Wizards v. Wolves +3.5 | Top | 104-98 | Loss | -101 | 13 h 32 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5 vs Washington @ 8:05 ET - The Timberwolves are off of an embarrassing loss at Dallas where they shot poorly and the Mavs simply shot lights out. It happens and Minnesota knows it. Now the T-wolves have had a couple days off to think about that loss and to get ready to respond in what is their first home game in over a week. I expect them to do just that. Minnesota has won 5 of their last 8 home games and one of the three losses came by just three points against a top tier Western Conference team, Oklahoma City. With that said, the Timberwolves are fully capable of giving the Wizards all they can handle...and then some! Washington's 3 game winning streak looks good at first glace but they faced the hapless 76'ers twice! The Wizards now could get caught looking right past a Timberwolves team that is better than their record would indicate. Washington will be looking ahead to a big game with LeBron James and the Cavs and will fail to recognize just how tough it can be to knock off "these" Timberwolves in Minnesota. The fact is that Minny has been playing much better than they were previously and the T-wolves have held their own against high-scoring teams like the Wizards. Minnesota has gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games against teams that average 99 points or more per game. Washington is 1-4 both SU and ATS in their games against teams from the Northwest Division this season. The Wizards also have gone 10-20 ATS in games in March that past two years. This is their first game this month and they have lost 6 of their last 9 road games. *10* MINNESOTA |
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03-02-16 | Jazz +6 v. Raptors | 94-104 | Loss | -107 | 12 h 3 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Utah Jazz +6 @ Toronto @ 7:35 ET - The Jazz went from a +6 to a +5 in their most recent game at Boston and that resulted in a "push" against the Celtics except for those who played it early and got the win. Utah has hit a tough patch where they have struggled to win and struggled to get covers. That means the Jazz are very hungry heading into this match-up with Toronto and they could be catching the Raptors at the right time to spring the upset. Toronto is coming into this game on a 4-1 streak but that could actually lead to some false self confidence here because the problem is the Raptors aren't playing defense very well at all. Toronto has been lit up for 52% combined in their last 3 games and yet they won 2 of the 3 games. That spells trouble for taking on a fired up Utah team that has held 4 of their last 6 opponents to 44% or less from the field and yet lost 4 of those 6 games. This is a rare statistical anomaly and I feel it is offering significant line value to the road dog in this one. Utah is 3-1 SU and ATS this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. The Raptors are an ugly 9-16-1 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points the last three seasons combined. Also, the 7 times this season that Toronto has faced a Northwest Division opponents, the Raptors have gotten the cash just TWICE! *8* UTAH |
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03-02-16 | Texas Tech +9.5 v. West Virginia | 68-90 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 27 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB #725 - *8* Texas Tech Red Raiders +9.5 @ West Virginia @ 7 ET - Texas Tech was projected to be one of the worst teams in the Big 12 coming into this season but they have been anything but and yet they still aren't getting the respect they deserve. The Red Raiders have been on a late season push and, in their four point loss to West Virginia in late February, Texas Tech actually let the game by 4 points before the Mountaineers managed to score the final 8 points of the game to notch the victory. I fully expect another tight game tonight as the Red Raiders are off of a rare, poor shooting performance at Kansas. Texas Tech only shot 31.6% from the field in that game and yet they still only lost by 9 points. It was the 5th cover for the Red Raiders in their last 6 games and, overall, Texas Tech had five straight wins before suffering the SU loss to the Jayhawks. The Red Raiders have fought hard for Tubby Smith all season long and that's why on the entire season they have just two losses by more than 10 points. Texas Tech is going to again battle hard tonight as they improve to 3-1 ATS this season when off of a game where they were held to 60 points or less. Look for West Virginia to drop to 1-4 ATS the past three seasons combined when they are a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points. *8* TEXAS TECH |
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03-02-16 | Mississippi State +4 v. Ole Miss | 78-86 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 26 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB #739 - *8* Mississippi State Bulldogs +4 @ Ole Miss @ 7 ET - While it is true that Ole Miss has revenge here for a loss at Mississippi State in late January it is also true that the Bulldogs and Rebels are huge in-state rivals and Mississippi State certainly hasn't forgotten about the fact that they had lost three straight meetings prior to that win. For the Bulldogs that included an SEC Tourney loss in 2014. So, as they gear up for the 2016 tournament, look for the underdog Bulldogs to "leave it all on the floor" Wednesday against their hated rival. As I have said many times before, when something looks "easy" there is usually a "catch" and that is the case here. Many will jump on the home team with the better record that is playing with in-season revenge. However, the fact is that the Rebels have only split their last 6 games and, from an ATS perspective they have failed to cover 3 of their last 4. Ole Miss has not been shooting the ball well at all and they now host a Bulldogs team that has shot the ball very well over the past four games. Mississippi State covered all four games and they have won 3 of their last 4 SU. The Bulldogs are 10-5 ATS as an underdog this season and they have covered 3 of 4 this season when off of a game where they allowed 60 points or less. As a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points, Ole Miss has gone 3-7 ATS the past three seasons combined and 5 of those 7 losses were outright defeats. *8* MISSISSIPPI STATE |
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03-02-16 | Maryland-Baltimore County +22 v. Stony Brook | 76-86 | Win | 100 | 11 h 23 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #781 - UMBC Retrievers +22 @ Stony Brook @ 7 ET - The loss of Bryan Sekunda to a knee injury impacts the depth of the Seawolves. Of course bench production is a key when it comes to covering a big spread like this. When these teams last met at Stony Brook the Seawolves knocked off the Retrievers by only 12 points. The prior two games in the series were decided by 10 points and 12 points as well. The point is that the only time in the last 4 match-ups between these teams that it was a blowout was when they met at UMBC and the Retrievers lost by 23 points. However, that was simply "one of those games" because the leading scorer for the Retrievers had a rare off shooting night and that certainly impacted the outcome greatly. In the prior match-up, Jairus Lyles had 24 points at Stony Brook and the Retrievers lost the game by only 12 points. Lyles is heating up again as he has averaged 23.7 points in his last three games and UMBC wrapped up the season with an OT win over Binghamton and a tight loss at New Hampshire where the determined Retrievers just wouldn't go away. I look for this game to be another close one tonight as Stony Brook lost two of their last three games to wrap up the season. The Seawolves also have just one win by more than 18 points in their last six games and that was the 23 point margin at UMBC when Lyles shot a ridiculous 3 of 17. That won't be repeated as Lyles is hot again and redeems himself here. The Retrievers have covered both of their lined games this season while the Seawolves have failed to cover all three of theirs and they are again overvalued here. *8* UMBC |
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03-01-16 | Magic +5.5 v. Mavs | Top | 108-121 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 58 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Orlando Magic +5.5 @ Dallas @ 8:35 ET - With their blowout win over the Timberwolves the Mavs are now 4-6 their last 10 games. That is hardly impressive and this is especially true when you consider that 2 wins came over awful Minnesota and Philadelphia teams, 1 win came in OT (versus Denver) and was truly a game the Mavs had no business covering the spread, and the other win came by just 4 points. The point is I don't see Dallas covering this spread when you consider the 4 wins they have notched in their last 10 games. 3 of them did come by more than 4 points but 2 of those were against awful teams and the other was a ridiculous OT cover where the Mavericks looked like the wrong side the entire game. We're getting nice line value here with a hungry road dog that is anxious to get back on track after they had hit a little lull. Even though the Magic are off of a big win they know it was only the Sixers and they know their defense left a lot to be desired as Orlando let them back in the game late. With that said, the Magic should look sharp on both ends of the floor tonight as they will be emphasizing the defensive end while certainly their offense has been firing on all cylinders for weeks now. That potent offense makes for a dangerous dog and the Magic have covered 9 of their last 13 games. Dallas is just 1-7 ATS and SU this season in games against teams from the Southeast Division and the Mavs could get caught looking ahead to 3 straight Western Conference match-ups that follow this game. Orlando is 7-1 ATS against Southwest Division opponents this season and, off of the big home win Sunday, note that the Magic are 5-1 ATS and SU this season when they are off of a win by a margin of 10 points or more in their prior game. They will carry momentum right into tonight's big game. *10* ORLANDO |
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03-01-16 | USC Upstate +14.5 v. North Florida | 69-92 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 53 m | Show | |
Rickenbach March Madness #575 - *8* USC Upstate +14.5 @ North Florida @ 7:30 ET - It's tourney time in the Atlantic Sun Conference and last March the Ospreys knocked the Spartans out of the tourney with a 6 point win. It's payback time for USC Upstate and even though they may not pull off the monumental upset as a huge dog in this game, I do expect the Spartans to be ultra competitive in this one. Yes, the game is being played at North Florida but these teams just met here a week ago and the Ospreys only won that game by 3 points. In fact, North Florida is a dismal 3-4 SU in their last 7 games and only one of the wins came by more than 3 points. The Ospreys have been struggling on the defensive end and have allowed 82.7 points per game in their last 10 games. That type of subpar defense makes it very tough to blowout a team and that is especially true in a tournament situation where the Spartans will come in loose knowing they have nothing to lose and everything to gain with a huge upset here. USC Upstate is only 7-10 SU in their last 17 games but only 2 of those 10 losses have come by more than 13 points and, in fact, the Spartans had 6 losses by a single digit margin during this stretch. USC Upstate got a major confidence boost for the tourney as, last week, they knocked off a New Jersey Tech team that ranks among the top teams in the conference. That makes this match-up with North Florida seem all the more winnable and, in fact, the Spartans had taken 5 straight meetings in this series before the tourney loss last spring and then the two losses this season. Again, two of those three losses came by 6 points or less and the Ospreys are going to have trouble building big separation in this game. *8* USC UPSTATE |
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03-01-16 | Kentucky -3.5 v. Florida | Top | 88-79 | Win | 100 | 10 h 24 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB #531 - *10* Top Play Kentucky Wildcats -3 @ Florida @ 7 ET - The Wildcats respond well when off of a SU loss. When off of a loss in SEC action the Wildcats are a PERFECT 4-0 SU and ATS this season. Looking further back, the past three seasons combined, Kentucky is a fantastic 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS when off of a loss in conference action. After the loss at Vanderbilt where the Wildcats had a tougher game than is typical on both ends of the floor, I have no doubts about a big response tonight. Keep in mind, prior to the loss, the Wildcats had held 6 straight opponents to 39.6% or less from the field! Also, Kentucky had scored at least 76 points in 11 straight games before being held to 62 points in the loss to the Commodores. Note that Florida has been struggling badly and has failed to cover 7 of their past 8 games. Sure they are looking at this as a statement game and one last chance to make some noise on their home floor in an otherwise disappointing finish to the season. But the problem is the Gators just don't have the talent level to match up with Kentucky. This is especially true when you factor in that the Wildcats are off of a loss and will be flying all over the floor tonight as a result. Florida is off of a high-scoring loss at LSU but, prior to that game, the Gators had been held to an average of 65.5 points per game in their last 6 games. The Cats already took the first meeting between these teams by 19 points and there is every reason to believe this will be another ugly loss for a stumbling Gators team. Florida is an ugly 4-9 ATS the past three seasons when playing with road loss revenge. The Wildcats are just too talented for the Gators so when the Cats are motivated (as they will be tonight to stay tied atop the SEC), Florida will not be able to stop them. *10* KENTUCKY |
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02-29-16 | Nets +13 v. Clippers | Top | 95-105 | Win | 100 | 14 h 48 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets +13 @ LA Clippers @ 10:35 ET - As I have stated before, sometimes rest isn't such a good thing when it's a little much. For example, it may be ideal to have a day off between games but when it's multiple days off between games some teams don't react well to that. For example, the Clippers have a losing record this season when they have 2 days of rest between games (as is the case for tonight's game). The ATS numbers are not good either as the Clippers have grabbed the cash just twice in seven such occurrences this season. The Clips not only might be a little rusty or lethargic due to the extra rest here, they also could easily get caught looking right past an Eastern Conference foe with one of the worst records in the league. This is especially true because the Clippers have a huge game on deck against a Western Conference foe that has one of the best records in the league. The Clips have lost three of their past five home games and while I don't expect them to lose this game outright, I do expect them to be challenged all night by a Nets team that has been surging for quite some time now. Brooklyn has covered 3 straight games and 8 of their last 12. In these last 12 games the Nets have gone just 5-7 SU but only 2 of the 12 games was a defeat decided by more than 8 points. As you can see, Brooklyn has been ultra-competitive of late and, the fact that the Nets are coming off of back to back straight up wins has built up confidence for them coming into this match-up. Brooklyn is 16-9 ATS this season in non-conference games and, against the Pacific Division, the Nets are 20-8 ATS the past three seasons combined. The Clippers are 2-5 ATS against Atlantic Division opponents this season and they will get caught looking ahead to the big game with the Thunder that is up next. *10* BROOKLYN |
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02-29-16 | Kansas v. Texas OVER 141 | Top | 86-56 | Win | 100 | 12 h 13 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play OVER 141 in Texas vs Kansas @ 9 ET - The Longhorns have made some noise with some big game wins on their home floor this season. However, it has been their offense that has been the key to those wins moreso than the defense. The lone exception to that just happened when the Horns knocked off Oklahoma on Saturday and held the Sooners to 63 points. Prior to that, in home games against Baylor, West Virginia, Iowa State, and North Carolina the Longhorns allowed an average of 82 points per game and yet they got the win in 3 of those 4 games. Looking at their 5 home games against the aforementioned teams, Texas scored at least 76 points in all but one of the games. They allowed at least 78 points in all but one of the games. The over was on a 4-0 run in Horns games before the rare, solid performance on defense against OU. The Jayhawks have been an "under team" this season and yet Kansas has been shooting the ball very well over their last 10 games. Kansas has hit about 50% from the field in their last 10 games combined! The Jayhawks have averaged 75.4 points per game during this stretch and Texas won't be able to slow them down. Kansas put up 76 points in the first meeting between the teams and that was even with shooting only 40% from the field. The Jayhawks now are "on fire" compared to the way they were shooting back then. In 12 games as an underdog this season, Texas games have stayed under the total just 4 times. When the Horns are a in a line range of pick 'em to +3 the over has gone 7-3. The Jayhawks are 3-2 to the over this season when playing with just one day of rest between games. With both teams off big wins Saturday I would not be surprised to see some lax defense from each team in this one as they are still riding those emotional highs and it's all about the offensive production in this one. The Jayhawks feel no one can keep up with them and UT knows their big upsets at home have been keyed by strong performances on offense. The tempo will be pushed by both teams in this one. *10* OVER in Texas |
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02-29-16 | Rockets -1.5 v. Bucks | 121-128 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 19 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Houston Rockets -1.5 @ Milwaukee @ 8:05 ET - Even though the Bucks are off of an upset loss as a favorite I do not expect them to bounce back here. In fact, Milwaukee is in a "go against spot" that is is 100% perfect so far this season. The Bucks are 0-4 SU and ATS when they are off of an upset loss as a favorite. Milwaukee's double digit loss to the Pistons Saturday was their 10th loss in their last 15 games. Houston is also off of a double digit loss as they lost to the Spurs by 10 points on Saturday. The Rockets are on a stellar 28-14 SU (and 26-16 ATS) run when they are off of a loss by a margin of 10 points or more the past three seasons. In road games with a posted total of 210 points or more, Houston has gone 10-5 this season. I look for the Rockets to put up a ton of points tonight after being frustrated by the stifling defense of San Antonio this weekend. The Bucks, of course, don't even come close to the talent and execution level of the Spurs. The Rockets, as a result, should get right back on track here. Houston had covered three straight games before the loss to San Antonio. Also, the Rockets have won 5 straight games with Milwaukee and I look for another one here in road rout fashion as Houston knows they must get right back on track as they cling to the #8 spot in the Western Conference. *8* HOUSTON |
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02-29-16 | Jazz +6 v. Celtics | 95-100 | Win | 100 | 11 h 49 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Utah Jazz +6 @ Boston @ 7:35 ET - The Jazz are off of a home loss to Brooklyn and they know this road trip is the key to getting back on track. Utah had won 7 straight games before their recent 2-5 slide and are still on a 10-6 run dating back to January 22nd. During this stretch 4 of the 6 losses came by a margin of 4 points or less. The fact is that in their last 16 games the Jazz have been blown out just twice. With that said, I like their chances of staying inside the inflated number at Boston Monday. The Celtics are laying about a half dozen points here and Boston is on a 15-22 ATS run in home games with a posted total in the 200 to 204.5 range. The Jazz, of course, were a large favorite at home against the Nets on Saturday and yet they lost the game outright. That is noteworthy to say the least because Utah is an incredible 8-0 ATS and SU this season when they are off of an upset loss as a favorite. While it wouldn't shock me to see the fired up Jazz get the outright win tonight at Boston, I am grabbing the generous points and I look for the better defensive team to stay inside the sizable number here. *8* UTAH |
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02-28-16 | Heat +1 v. Knicks | Top | 98-81 | Win | 100 | 12 h 40 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Miami Heat +1 @ New York @ 7:35 ET - The Heat suffered a tough loss yesterday as they actually played well against the Celtics until Boston pulled away late in that game. Miami had previously won 10 of 14 games and the 4 losses had come against solid Western Conference opponents - Golden State, San Antonio, LA Clippers, and Houston. The point is that the Heat won each of their other 10 games during this stretch before falling short at Boston yesterday afternoon. Miami is fired up about coming forth with a big response and the Knicks certainly aren't on par with any of the teams that the Heat have lost to during this 15 game stretch. New York is off of a rare win, versus Orlando Friday, as the Knicks had lost 13 of their 15 prior games. They are likely to stumble again here as New York hasn't recorded back to back wins in nearly six weeks! The Knicks also are playing right into the teeth of revenge here as New York did win at Miami last month and it's time for payback for a Heat team that had won each of the 5 prior meetings including three straight in New York! Miami should continue their success in The Big Apple Sunday. The Heat have won 4 straight games SU and ATS against teams with a losing record. Also, New York has lost 9 straight games SU against teams with a winning record and this line is basically a pick'em. The point is that the Knicks have not been able to beat winning teams and the only losses the Heat have had over the past five weeks have come to solid solid winning teams. Miami has taken care of business against subpar opposition and, even though this is a back to back for the Heat, they will get the job done once again. *10* MIAMIÂ |
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02-28-16 | Wolves +7 v. Mavs | 101-128 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 11 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Minnesota Timberwolves +7 @ Dallas @ 7:05 ET - The Mavericks are off of a fortunate win...not only straight-up but also ATS. The Mavs were getting hammered by the Nuggets for much of their game on Friday night and then, even with a late rally, they still looked like they were going to lose. However, they were fortunate to send the game to overtime where they then went to win the game by 6 points. With the line at 5.5 in some shops and a full 6 in others they got the "miracle" win or push for their backers. Sunday I should get a little payback against Dallas as everyone still seems to be buying into the Mavericks even though they certainly nothing special. A line as low as a 6 is now up to a 7 as of early gameday morning and that means it is go time with the Timberwolves plus the points. Minnesota has been playing very competitive basketball of late and has covered 3 straight and 10 of their past 15. The Timberwolves have, included in this stretch, covered 8 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. As for the Mavs, prior to their miraculous win over the Nuggets, they had failed to cover 9 of their last 13 games. With five straight wins over Minnesota it is easy for Dallas to overlook the T-wolves and that will prove to be a mistake on Sunday. The Mavericks are playing the 4th game of a 6 game homestand and, this season, Dallas has gone 0-4 SU and 0-4 ATS when they enter a game having played three or more consecutive games at home. *8* MINNESOTA |
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02-28-16 | Hornets +4.5 v. Hawks | Top | 76-87 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 42 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Charlotte Hornets +4.5 @ Atlanta @ 3:35 ET - With Atlanta seeking revenge for a 23 point beatdown at Charlotte last month, the "masses" seem to be piling up on the Hawks here as this line on Atlanta has moved upward as of early Sunday morning. Of course that means even more value for those backing the Hornets and that includes me and that is why it is now "go time" with this selection. Charlotte has presented some match-up problems for Atlanta this season and that is why the two wins the Hawks have over the Hornets each came by three points or less while the lone Charlotte win was an absolute blowout. Atlanta is off of a win over the Bulls but it was only the 2nd win for Atlanta in their last 7 games and the Hawks have shot less than 42% from the field in three straight games. Conversely, the Hornets have won 11 of their last 15 games and the Hornets have shot 48.7% or better from the field in 3 of their last 5 games. Charlotte has won 7 of their last 10 road games and they are fully focused on wrapping up this 6 game road trip with a victory as there is no lookahead (bad Phoenix team on deck). The Hornets have gone an incredible 22-8 ATS as a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points the past three seasons. The Hawks are just 4-7 ATS in divisional games this season and they are 6-15 ATS on Sunday games the past three seasons combined (a lot of nightlife in Atlanta to enjoy on a Saturday night has something to do with that for the Hawks I am sure). With this being an afternoon game, it makes the situation even tougher on an inconsistent home team facing a roadie that is rolling with confidence right now. *10* CHARLOTTE |
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02-28-16 | Duke v. Pittsburgh OVER 147.5 | Top | 62-76 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 7 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play OVER 147.5 in Pittsburgh vs Duke @ 2 ET - There is a unique statistical anomaly relating to this play for both teams and that is what made it simply too good to pass up on based on the value it is offering. Duke has stayed under the total in five straight games even though they have allowed 48% or better from the field in 3 of their past 4 games. Pittsburgh has stayed under the total in eight of their last ten games even though they have allowed 47% or better from the field in seven of those ten games! This is one of those rare statistical anomalies and now you have two teams matched up with the same trend going and that spells OVER today. Neither team has been playing very well defensively and yet the totals on their games have stayed under the total. The result is value for the over today. The total on today's game opened up close to 150 in some books but already has dropped down from that. This is offering some good line value as both teams should put up big points today. Duke has been shooting well from three point land, even on the road, and the Panthers are known for having their best games on offense when they are at home. Pitt won't be able to slow down the explosive Duke offense but look for the Panthers offense to keep them in this game in what should be an up-tempo entertaining affair. The over is 6-1 in Duke road games the past three seasons that have a posted total in the 145 to 149.5 range. The over is 25-13 in Pittsburgh home games the past three seasons. *10* OVER in Pittsburgh |
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02-28-16 | Penn State v. Michigan State -17.5 | 57-88 | Win | 100 | 4 h 8 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Michigan State Spartans -17.5 vs Penn State @ Noon ET - As long time followers know, I rarely play favorites in this high point spread range. However, when I see significant value I jump on it and, in this case, Michigan State should be favored by at least two dozen points in my opinion. The line is lower than it should be because the Nittany Lions have made a little noise with three straight wins. Closer examination of these three wins would raise some concerns about Penn State getting a lot of respect for the victories. Any team can score an upset on any given day but still I will give kudos to the Lions for their shocking win over Iowa but, of course, that win did come at home. Their road win in this three game streak came against an awful Rutgers team. As for the most recent win, and other home win, it came against Nebraska and the Nittany Lions very nearly blew the game as they won by a single point. The point is that, although there may have been some slight improvement with Penn State here recently they are certainly no match for a team that arguably is the hottest team in college hoops right now. Michigan State has covered 8 straight games and has gone 7-1 straight-up during this stretch. On the season, the Spartans have had many ultra dominating home wins while the Nittany Lions have had many ultra ugly road losses and that is what should be expected as it relates to today's game. The Spartans are simply too hot from three point land right now and won't be stopped at home while the Nittany Lions are well known for horrific shooting performances away from home. Penn State is 1-3 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge and I would not be surprised here to see a final score similar to the 92-65 Spartans win last month. Michigan State is 6-1 ATS as a home favorite of 12.5 points or more and they roll again here. *8* Michigan State |
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02-27-16 | Nets +11.5 v. Jazz | Top | 98-96 | Win | 100 | 14 h 58 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets +11.5 @ Utah @ 9:35 ET - While you could certainly put an asterisk by the Nets win at Phoenix because the Suns are simply awful right now, you certainly should not discount how ultra competitive Brooklyn has been for a full month now. Dating back to their final game in January, the Nets are on a 7-4 ATS run. In these 11 games, Brooklyn has lost by more than 8 points just twice. That means getting the 11.5 we're being offered here would have Brooklyn on a 9-2 ATS run. They simply have been playing like a rejuvenated team and the road win at Phoenix, no matter how bad the Suns are at times, is absolutely a confidence builder for this team. Now the Nets take on a Jazz team that has failed to cover 7 of its past 10 games and continues to be over-rated. During this entire 10 game stretch Utah has only one win by more than 9 points and most of the wins they notched were by 4 points or less. Utah simply is not known for blowing teams out and, couple that with the way the Nets are playing right now, and you have the makings of a tight one in Utah tonight. The Jazz are off of an ugly home loss to San Antonio but Utah has gone just 2-4 ATS this season when they are off of a loss where they were held to 85 points or less. The Nets are 15-9 ATS in non-conference games this season as their non-conference opponents certainly aren't too excited about facing them. Keep in mind that's a full season record too and Brooklyn is playing much better now than they were earlier this season. The Nets do have revenge here as well as they have lost ugly in recent meetings with the Jazz and that includes at home last month. That was before the Nets started playing better and now they get some revenge by, at the very least, being ultra competitive tonight. *10* BROOKLYN |
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02-27-16 | Richmond v. Duquesne OVER 155 | Top | 83-67 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 9 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB #619 - *10* Top Play OVER 155 in Duquesne vs Richmond @ 6 ET - This total dropped from a 162.5 to a 155 and that easily made it "go time" with this over as the initial number was easily well within the range of where this total should be posted at. Yes it is a big number but Duquesne is used to playing crazy, high-scoring games and, since the Dukes are at home they will be controlling the tempo in this one. Richmond will gladly be "along for the ride" as they can also put up points in a hurry and the Spiders have shown for much of this season that they love to get involved in shootouts. Richmond has allowed 76 points per game on the road this season but if you take out the aberration (a snoozefest at St Louis) they truly allow an average closer to 80 points per game in their typical road games. They will likely allow at least that today as they've allowed at least 82 points in 5 of their past 6 road games! Duquesne loves  to run and gun as shown by the fact that they've allowed 86 points per game in their last 6 games. The Dukes have averaged 81.4 points per game in their last 12 games and with the mediocre season that each of these teams had there is no reason to expect any resistance from the play in the defensive end for either team. It should truly be a wide open affair where the teams are just trying to maximize points by quickly getting down the court and firing away. The Dukes are off of an under but had previously gone over in 11 of their last 12. The over is 8-3 in Spiders games when they enter the game having not covered the spread in any of their three prior games. The over is 7-1 in Dukes games this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. *10* OVER in Duquesne |
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02-27-16 | DePaul +13 v. Providence | Top | 66-87 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
Rickenbach NCAAB #581 - *10* Top Play DePaul Blue Demons +13 @ Providence @ 4 ET - The Friars are off of a very tough stretch in their schedule and the fact that they failed miserably AND have a much tougher game on deck with Creighton means that Providence absolutely may not perform well against DePaul today. It is simply too easy to overlook the Blue Demons (with a 9-18 SU record) even with the revenge factor in place for Providence here. That will spell trouble for a Friars team that is on a 1-5 straight-up run that has seen them not cover any of the 6 games. Look for their ATS streak to reach 7 straight losses as they get the win but not the cover today. The problem for Providence is that they just haven't been shooting the ball well at all. That makes it very difficult to dominate a team that will certainly come into this game playing loose and could shoot lights out as certainly the Blue Demons have nothing to lose in this game. That makes for a dangerous dog at this late stage in the season when wins are more important than blowouts. DePaul gets a big boost from their win over St John's in their most recent game and the Blue Demons shot the ball well for the 4th time in their last 7 games. In fact, DePaul has hit at least 41% from the field in 6 of their last 7 games with 46% or better in 4 of those games. The Blue Demons have gone 5-1 ATS the past three seasons as a road dog of 12.5 to 15 points. DePaul is 8-3 ATS the past three seasons when off of a win in conference action. Also, the Blue Demons are 4-1 SU and 3-1 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. That is a huge confidence builder for DePaul. The Friars are 5-9 ATS in home games this season and Providence is also 1-9 (10%) ATS the past three seasons when they are off of a game where they were held to 60 points or less. Look for the disheartened Friars, who have seen their season slip away from them, to be quite sluggish in this game and, as a result, they get the win but not the cover as they look ahead to the Creighton game. *10* DEPAULÂ |
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02-27-16 | Heat +6 v. Celtics | 89-101 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 28 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Miami Heat +6 @ Boston @ 3:05 ET - The Heat are off of a SU loss but they got the cover in a fierce battle with Golden State. That was Miami's 4th straight covered and brought them to 10-3 ATS their last 13 games. The Heat are rested and ready after losing to the Warriors on Wednesday night. Miami has gone 5-1 SU and ATS this season when playing with two days of rest. They also are 22-10 SU in that situation the past three seasons combined. This is an ideal spot for backing them as they not only are rested but are getting between 5 and 6 points as of early Saturday morning. The Celtics have certainly been playing well but they have been keyed by an explosive offense and that often means overlooking defense. That works fine against a lot of teams but it could spell problems against a Heat that plays some of the best defense in the league. Boston snuck out a win versus Mlwaukee in their most recent game but the Celtics failed to cover for the 4th time in their last 6 games as Boston continues to be overvalued. Miami is seeking revenge for a 10 point home loss to the Celtics earlier this season and the situation is ideal for them to get it. *8* MIAMI |
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02-27-16 | NC State v. Syracuse -5 | 66-75 | Win | 100 | 6 h 21 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB #568 - *8* Syracuse Orange -5 vs NC State @ 2 ET - The Orange have had a full week off to contemplate their ugly home loss to Pittsburgh last week. With that said, I am expecting a huge response from Syracuse here as they are off of back to back losses for the first time since early January. The Orange had won 8 of 9 before these two defeats and they covered 7 of those 9 games too. Look for stifling defense from a fired up Syracuse team on Saturday and, quite frankly, the Wolfpack is not capable of stifling defense and that will be the difference maker here. The Orange offense will get the job done at home and NC State won't be able to do enough on the road as they get frustrated by the tenacious defense of a hungry Syracuse team early Saturday. The past three seasons combined, the Orange are a perfect 9-0 ATS when they enter a game on rest of 5 or 6 days. The Wolfpack are 15-29 SU as an underdog the past three seasons combined and with another SU loss likely here I don't see NC State staying inside this small spread. This is especially true given the situational edge for Syracuse. The Orange have extra motivation from the loss at NC State in the most recent match-up between the two teams as well as the fact that the Wolfpack knocked them out of the ACC tourney in their meeting prior to that one. Look for payback in a big way on Saturday. *8* SYRACUSE |
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02-27-16 | Ole Miss +3.5 v. Georgia | 66-80 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 22 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NCAAB #527 - *8* Ole Miss Rebels +3.5 @ Georgia @ Noon ET - The world is likely to jump on the Bulldogs based on "home court edge" in this one. However, Georgia is struggling right now as they have lost 4 of their last 5 SU and they have failed to cover 5 of their past 6 ATS. The Bulldogs have got the cash just once in their last five home games and early Saturday they are hosting an Ole Miss team that has won 6 of their past 9 games. Although the Rebels are off of a non-covering win against Missouri, Ole Miss had previously covered 7 of it's past 9 games. That includes Mississippi covering 4 of its past 6 road games. The Rebels always play the Bulldogs tough and the past 5 meetings have been decided by a total of just 13 points. Even though Georgia has revenge for a loss at Ole Miss last month, the Rebels certainly haven't forgotten about losing their last two visits to Georgia plus being knocked out of the conference tourney by the Bulldogs two years ago. It's payback time on Saturday. *8* OLE MISS |
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02-26-16 | Nuggets +5.5 v. Mavs | Top | 116-122 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 54 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Denver Nuggets +5.5 @ Dallas @ 8:35 ET - The Nuggets are an ugly 12-18 straight-up on the road this season while the Mavericks are a respectable 16-12 on their home floor. That will have many flocking to the Mavs here but, there is significant line value with the generous points here. The Nuggets are on a 15-7 ATS run and simply don't get blown out often at all. Even though Denver is only 6-6 SU in their last 12 games, 4 of the 6 losses have come by 4 points or less. Another of the  6 losses came by just 6 points. In their last 12 games, the Nuggets have only been blown out once. The way Dallas is playing, they are unlikely to inflict a blowout here. The Mavericks have failed to cover 9 of their past 13 games. The Mavs are 5-9 SU in their last 14 games and two of those victories came by 4 points or less. The only 3 big wins that Dallas has notched the past five weeks have been over Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Phoenix. Those are 3 of the 4 worst teams in the league. The 4th is the Lakers and that is a team Dallas only beat by 2 points during this ugly 5-9 run. The Mavs just aren't playing that well and that makes the Nuggets a dangerous dog here. This is especially true with Denver coming off of a confidence building win where they held the Clippers to just 81 points in Los Angeles! The Nuggets are 19-10 ATS on the road this season and Denver also has covered 8 of its past 10 games against teams with a winning record. Dallas is slumping and a lot of that has to do with poor defense which of course has resulted in plenty of overs lately. That is noteworthy because when the Mavericks enter a game on a streak of 3 or more overs, they are 11-21 ATS the past three seasons! As a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points the Mavs have gotten the cash just 9 of 24 times and, in fact, lost the game outright 12 times. Don't be surprised if the Nuggets win this outright but certainly the value is with grabbing the points. *10* DENVER +5.5 |
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02-26-16 | Hornets +3.5 v. Pacers | 96-95 | Win | 100 | 12 h 35 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA *8* Charlotte Hornets +3.5 @ Indiana @ 7:05 ET - This line looks "odd" to me and, as long-time followers know, I am a "contrarian" who is known to "go against the grain" in many situations like this. Here you have Indiana on their home floor where they are 18-9 SU this season hosting a Charlotte team that is 10-18 SU on the road this season plus the Pacers are playing with revenge and yet Indiana opened up as a 3 point favorite! Strange, isn't it? Of course the reality is that when lines look "off" it is usually for good reason and that is absolutely the case I think we have here. The fact is the Pacers have failed to cover 4 of their past 6 games overall and 6 of their past 9 games at home. Indiana just isn't getting the job done right now and I look for them to have the same "match-up issues" they had against the Hornets when Charlotte blasted them by 22 points in Indiana two weeks ago. The Hornets are off of a loss at Cleveland but they had previously won five straight games and 7 of their past 8 games. Charlotte will be fired up off of the loss and they've done very well in this price range. The Hornets are 6-3 ATS this season and 21-8 ATS the past three seasons combined when they are a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points. This season, in road games where the total is posted in the 200 to 204.5 range, Charlotte has gone 7-2 ATS. When off of a loss by a margin of 10 points or more, the Hornets are 9-4 ATS this season. Charlotte has been playing their best basketball of the season and you can bet on a response here. Even though Indiana has revenge from a home loss, note that the Pacers are an incredibly poor 1-9 SU and 1-9 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. What that tells you of course is that, with Indiana it's not so often that a home loss happened because of a bad night; rather, it's because of issues in matching up properly with that opponent. I expect that to be the case again tonight and whether or not the Hornets get the outright victory or not, I do expect the Pacers to see that ATS mark drop to 1-10 on the season. *8* CHARLOTTE +3.5 |
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02-25-16 | Thunder v. Pelicans +5.5 | Top | 119-123 | Win | 100 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play New Orleans Pelicans +5.5 vs Oklahoma City @ 8 ET - Very tough spot for Oklahoma City here. They are off of a big win at Dallas last night and they have a home game on deck with the top team in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors. That makes this a classic sandwich spot for the Thunder and I don't expect it to work out well for them. Oklahoma City is 7-17 ATS on the road this season and it looks like they are again overpriced here in this tough road match-up. The Thunder also are 7-14 ATS when off of a win by a margin of 10 points or more in their prior game. Oklahoma City is also 9-19 ATS this season against teams with a losing record. As you can see, the Thunder are known for falling flat after a big win and also known for overlooking a team with a subpar record. That puts them in a perfect "fade" spot here and the Pelicans can certainly be counted on to be ready for this one. New Orleans is off of an embarrassing 20 point loss at Washington on Tuesday. The Pelicans are 10-5 ATS the L3 seasons combined when they are a home dog in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. Also, New Orleans is "chomping at the bit" to get back on the floor after the embarrassment against the Wizards and the embarrassing 26 point loss the Pelicans were dealt at OKC two weeks ago. Looking at their last 6 games overall, New Orleans had these two ugly losses but all four of their other games were wins. They look to get back into the win column tonight and they are catching the Thunder at the perfect time to do it. If the Pelicans do fall short it should be by only a single possession. *10* New Orleans |
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