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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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03-19-18 | Stanford v. Oklahoma State -7.5 | Top | 65-71 | Loss | -104 | 9 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #618 Monday 10* Top Play Oklahoma State Cowboys (-) vs Stanford Cardinal @ 7 ET - This is a #2 vs #3 match-up in the NIT and the line may seem high given the small difference in seeding between these teams. However, don't be fooled, the Cowboys should absolutely win this game by double digits. Oklahoma State shot very poorly versus Florida Gulf Coast in the opening round but still won that game by double digits. Given that the Cowboys are again at home and off of a rare poor shooting performance, I expect a big game from Oklahoma State on the offensive end. As for the other end of the floor, the Cowboys have been playing much better than the Cardinal. OSU has held 6 of their last 7 opponents to 41.7% or less from the field. Stanford, on the other hand, has allowed 44.7% or more in 5 of their last 6 games. The Cardinal have allowed 83 points or more in 4 of their last 6 games. The Cowboys have given up 68 points or less in 4 of their last 6 games. Oklahoma State has covered 6 of their last 7 games. Stanford is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 true road games. The Cardinal are 3-11 ATS their last 14 non-conference games. The Cowboys are 9-5 ATS this season in games with a posted total in the 150s and they get the job done again here. 10* OKLAHOMA STATE |
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03-18-18 | Florida State +6 v. Xavier | Top | 75-70 | Win | 100 | 12 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #719 Sunday 10* Top Play Florida State Seminoles (+) vs Xavier Musketeers @ 8:40 ET - Here we go again. The odds makers, in the eyes of the public and therefore the betting markets, don't know what they're doing. After all, why would they make #1 seed Xavier only a 4 point favorite over the #9 seed Florida State? Guys I have said it many times before and I'll say it again. The odds makers are sharp. They know what they're doing. That doesn't mean that a method like this works all the time (because crazy things do happen in games from time to time as we all know) but the point is that this method does work quite often. That method is being contrarian and, of course, everyone has pounded on the #1 seed Musketeers here and driven this line all the way up to a 6 as of gameday morning. I'll gladly grab the other side and take the generous points. The Seminoles have more than enough to make up for the potential absence of Terance Mann and played Friday's game looking like the team they were early this season. Remember the Noles were 12-2 in early January after a win over North Carolina. This is a talented team that is very dangerous when they raise their game to another level and they proved that to be true again with their dominating effort versus Missouri in round one. Xavier is just 1-3 ATS in neutral court games this season and FSU is a long-term 6-1 ATS as a neutral court dog of 3.5 to 6 points AND all 6 of those wins were OUTRIGHT wins! Another potential upset here but at least a cover the way I handicap this one! 10* FLORIDA STATE |
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03-17-18 | Florida +2 v. Texas Tech | Top | 66-69 | Loss | -104 | 12 h 5 m | Show |
NCAA 2nd Round Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #533 Saturday 10* Top Play Florida Gators (+) vs Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 8:40 ET - The Gators had some slip-ups this season but when they come to play they can play with anybody. That said, their performance against St Bonaventure in Round 1 showed me they're ready to go here in the Big Dance. Keep in mind, Florida beat Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Texas A & M in the regular season plus also beat Gonzaga by 6 and lost to Duke by just 3 points! Texas Tech's 10 point win over Stephen F Austin is the perfect example of a deceiving final score as the Lumberjacks were really in that game most of the way against the Red Raiders. It was the 8th straight Texas Tech game where the Red Raiders did not cover and I expect this one to make it 9 in a row. Keep in mind, TT entered that game on a 2-5 SU run and that included losses to West Virginia twice and Kansas as well. The point is that the Red Raiders have had trouble against the top teams in the nation and they're in trouble again here in my opinion. Texas Tech is on a 5-13 ATS run against teams with a winning record! The Gators are a long-term 9-4 SU and 10-3 ATS versus Big 12 opponents and also an overall 12-4 ATS in games on a neutral court with a line between pick'em and +3. They get the job done again here! 10* FLORIDA |
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03-17-18 | Seton Hall +4.5 v. Kansas | Top | 79-83 | Win | 100 | 11 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #527 Saturday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (+) vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 7:10 ET - The #1 seed Jayhawks are laying a very small number against the #8 seed Pirates. Of course you know what that means for a contrarian guy like me. When something looks "off" or "too easy" you know where I'll be more often than not...on the other side! Many will be lining up to lay a very small number with a top-seeded Kansas team but I believe the odds makers were very sharp in the way they set this line because Seton Hall is built well for an upset here. If the Pirates do fall short look for it to be by just a single possession (3 points or less). Seton Hall is loaded with upper classmen, is solid both in the frontcourt and backcourt, and they are hungry after first round exits from the tourney each of the past two seasons. Now, after getting past NC State in the first game, look for the Pirates to make some noise in this tourney. The Jayhawks have been hot but Seton Hall is on a 6-0 ATS run. Also, Kansas only got 4 points from their bench in the win over Penn Thursday. The Quakers hung around with the Jayhawks until midway through the 2nd half. The Pirates can do more than just "hang around" here and the thin bench of Kansas could do them in here especially with 7-footer Udoka Azubuike still dealing with a knee injury for the Jayhawks. The Pirates are a long-term 26-11 ATS as an underdog and Kansas is 0-3 ATS the last 3 times they've held an opponent to 66 points or less. They held Pennsylvania to 60 points Thursday. 10* SETON HALL |
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03-16-18 | Syracuse +4.5 v. TCU | Top | 57-52 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
NCAA 1st Round Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #875 Friday 10* Top Play Syracuse Orange (+) vs TCU Horned Frogs @ 9:40 ET - TCU started the season 12-0 and then wrapped up the season going 9-11. The Horned Frogs numbers on offense are impressive but they leave a lot to be desired on the defensive end. Facing Syracuse is going to be a problem as the Orange play a unique style that is tough to prepare for when you're not use to seeing it. This games has a low total posted on it because the odds makers are expecting Syracuse to dictate the tempo. That said, it is certainly noteworthy that TCU is an ugly 4-7 SU in neutral court games with a posted total in the 135 to 139.5 range. Also, as a neutral court favorite of 3.5 to 6 points, the Horned Frogs have gone 2-6 ATS and all 6 of those losses were upset defeats which is what I am expecting here. It actually helps that the Orange had the play-in game on Wednesday and they certainly impressed in their ability to slow down a high-powered Arizona State offense. Syracuse should do the same thing to TCU here. The Orange will take advantage of a Horned Frogs team that will struggle with its shooting after the long layoff. Syracuse is 11-2 ATS (including 4-0 ATS in recent seasons) when they are a neutral court dog of 3.5 to 6 points. TCU went 1-4 SU this season when held to 68 points or less in a game and the Orange allowed 68 points or less in 22 of their 34 games this season. 10* SYRACUSE |
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03-16-18 | Nets v. 76ers -8 | Top | 116-120 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
Philly Special - Rickenbach NBA Game #804 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:05 ET - Though this is a back to back spot for Philadelphia, there is no shortage of motivation here and clearly the 76ers are the better team of course. This is the first time that the Sixers are hosting the Nets since Brooklyn thoroughly embarrassed them in a 141-118 loss last April. Philly owes it to their home fans to get payback for that one here and, of course, the Sixers need every win they can get right now as they battle for playoff positioning. The line on this one opened up at 11.5 but is all the way down to an 8.5 as of early Friday morning. Of course that has added to the value here and the Sixers are 20-10 ATS at home this season and 8-3 ATS their last 11 games versus teams that allow 106 points or more per game. Brooklyn is 1-11 SU (and 4-8 ATS) in divisional games this season and the 76ers avenge last season's embarrassing home loss and, though this is a back to back spot, they still crush the Nets. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-16-18 | Kansas State +1 v. Creighton | Top | 69-59 | Win | 100 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #865 Friday 10* Top Play Kansas State Wildcats (+) vs Creighton Bluejays @ 6:50 ET - Creighton's overall numbers on the season look impressive but they rely heavily on outside shooting and that has not traveled well for them this season. The Bluejays are strong at home but on the road they've knocked down a more modest 34.8% of their threes while allowing 39.1% three-point shooting to their opponents. Creighton averages 77.2 ppg on the road while allowing 82.3 ppg away from home! While most all teams have a home/road dichotomy the Bluejays is at the far end of the spectrum and I will take advantage by backing Kansas State here. The Wildcats were no match for Kansas in the Big 12 tournament but, prior to that, the Cats had held 7 of their last 9 opponents to 67 points or less. That holds significance here as the Bluejays (prior to a tight loss in the Big East tournament) had allowed 83 points or more in 4 of their last 5 games. Creighton is 2-8 ATS their last 10 lined games. The Wildcats were 5-3 ATS their last 8 games away from home prior to the ugly loss to the Jayhawks. The Cats are 4-0 SU the last 4 times they've played with 5 or 6 days of rest between games while the Bluejays are just 2-2 SU as their shooting tends to go cold after a layoff. Also, Creighton is on an ugly 3-9 ATS run versus teams with a winning record. Going contrarian here. Give me the lower seed! 10* KANSAS STATE |
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03-15-18 | Alabama v. Virginia Tech -2 | Top | 86-83 | Loss | -102 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #722 Thursday 10* Top Play Virginia Tech Hokies (-) vs Alabama Crimson Tide @ 9:20 ET - Time and time again when Alabama faced a big game it seems they tensed up and could not make shots. The Crimson Tide shooting performance to close out the season was abysmal and I don't foresee any reason that should change here as Bama faces the pressure of a "win or go home" situation. The Tide were held under 38% from the field in 3 of their last 5 games. Alabama averaged just 60.3 points per game in those 3 games. The Hokies certainly haven't been lighting up the scoreboard of late but they faced a slew of tough opponents and Virginia Tech at least shot 44% or better until they were held to 42% in their loss to Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament. The Hokies have wins over Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia this season. They have proven they can beat the best teams in the nation and I think they step up here and crush Alabama. The Crimson Tide have lost 6 of their last 8 games and Donta Hall is listed as questionable here. Hall leads the team in rebounds and blocked shots and is 2nd in scoring. Alabama is 0-4 ATS this season after allowing 80 points or more in their prior game. The Hokies are 14-5 ATS in first round tournament games and also went 7-2 ATS this season in non-conference games. Compared to the Crimson Tide, the Hokies are the much better shooting team including from three point land. 10* VIRGINIA TECH |
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03-15-18 | San Diego State v. Houston -4 | Top | 65-67 | Loss | -106 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #732 Thursday 10* Top Play Houston Cougars (-) vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 7:20 ET - On the surface, it would seem logical to grab the points with the team that has won 9 straight games and gone 8-1 ATS in the process. Of course, defying logic is a big part of being a contrarian and the fact is that the Aztecs are going to have their hands full with a Cougars team that is also playing their best basketball of the season. Houston, prior to losing by a single point to a quality Cincinnati team in their conference tournament, had won 10 of their 11 previous games. Both these teams play solid defense but the Cougars numbers are even better and, again, they face a tougher schedule than San Diego State does. Also, Houston is the much better shooting team from three point land in comparison with the Aztecs. San Diego State is a long-term 7-11 ATS (and 6-12 SU) as an underdog and only 3 of Houston's 27 wins this season came by less than 4 points. Only 2 of San Diego State's 10 losses came by less than 4 points. The Cougars are 5-1 ATS when off of a game where they were held under 60 points and they are also a perfect 4-0 ATS this season when off of a loss to a conference foe. 10* HOUSTON |
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03-14-18 | Temple +10 v. Penn State | Top | 57-63 | Win | 100 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
Philly Special - Rickenbach CBB Game #617 Wednesday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (+) @ Penn State Nittany Lions @ 8 ET - Yes the Nittany Lions are home and yes they won 20 games this season. However, Penn State displayed awful shooting in the Big Ten Tournament. The Nittany Lions averaged 36% from the field in their 3 Big Ten Tourney games. Now PSU hosts a Temple team that relishes the role of underdog and that shot very well in their conference tournament. The Owls shot 48% from the field and that included a match-up with Wichita State! Temple comes into this game with plenty of confidence after the way they battled with the Shockers and 6 of their last 10 losses have come by 8 points or less. On the season the majority of their losses were by 8 points or less and I love the big dog value we're being offered here in a game for Pennsylvania pride. As a road dog of 9.5 to 12 points Temple is 3-1 ATS and all 3 victories were SU upset wins! Also, the Owls are 11-3 ATS in tournament games the last 3 seasons combined. Yes PSU is definitely improved and they are at home here. But still are they truly 10 points better in this situation? I don't believe so. They've won only half of their last 4 home meetings with Temple. The Owls have won the other 6 meetings. So the point is that the Nittany Lions are only 2-8 SU their last 10 games versus Temple and I know that Penn State is improved and the Owls are down a little overall this season. But when you look at the way these teams shot in the conference tourneys too and how that is likely to carry over here, the road dog has some big scoring runs in them here. 10* TEMPLE |
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03-13-18 | Northern Kentucky v. Louisville -6.5 | Top | 58-66 | Win | 100 | 11 h 41 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #547 Tuesday 10* Top Play Louisville Cardinals (-) vs Northern Kentucky Norse @ 7 ET - Big line move toward Northern Kentucky here based on the fact that Louisville certainly had higher hopes than the NIT and, of course, the Norse would love nothing more than to knock off a big in-state school. However, even if Northern Kentucky is up at the half here I would foresee Louisville crushing them in the 2nd half. The Cardinals can approach the NIT two different ways. Make a run at winning the whole thing or just lay down because they're disappointed about not being in the Big Dance. I am confident that the former not the latter will be the case and, once again, even if down at the half, these guys would wake up at halftime and crush the Norse in the 2nd half. They don't want to lose to a much smaller in-state foe. Of course the Cardinals have played a much tougher schedule than the Norse. Also, the Cards have the home court edge here. As a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points, Louisville has gone 8-1 SU and they only failed to cover twice in those 9 games! Before getting knocked out of the ACC Tourney in a game in which Virginia started on fire and the Cardinals hit a bad stretch of shooting in the first half, the Cards had gone 13-6 ATS in their 19 prior games. They bounce right back here. 10* LOUISVILLE |
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03-12-18 | Spurs +12.5 v. Rockets | Top | 93-109 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #505 Monday 10* Top Play San Antonio Spurs (+) @ Houston Rockets @ 8:05 ET - The Spurs have been left for dead by many but they are still battling for their playoff lives and received some encouraging news about the impending return of Kawhi Leonard. That said, even though Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge are out for this game, San Antonio is going to put up a fight at Houston. The Spurs knocked the Rockets out of the playoffs last year but, of course, this season is entirely different and the fact is that Houston has already gotten revenge (twice) on SA during this season. That has the Spurs actually as arguably the more motivated team here and they will put up a helluva fight. San Antonio certainly has been in a slump but only 2 of their last 17 losses have come by more than a dozen points. With the Rockets James Harden wanting to take care of his ailing knee, I see Houston being careful not to over-exert themselves in this back to back spot. After blasting the Mavericks at Dallas last night, that led to extra value here. 15 of the Rockets last 22 wins, prior to crushing the Mavs, had come by a dozen points or less. The Spurs are 8-4 ATS (and SU!) this season when off of a loss by a double digit margin. The Rockets are a long-term 2-4 ATS (and SU!) when off of a game where they allowed 85 points or less. 10* SAN ANTONIO |
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03-11-18 | Houston +4.5 v. Cincinnati | Top | 55-56 | Win | 100 | 7 h 12 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #827 Sunday 10* Top Play Houston Cougars (+) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 3:30 ET - Of course it goes without saying that the Wichita State team that Houston beat yesterday is certainly a much stronger team than the Memphis team that Cincinnati knocked off. The key to the value here is that the Bearcats expended a lot of energy in the 2nd half to beat the Tigers after a dismal first half effort that was truly inexcusable. For Cincinnati to have a first half like that in a semi-final game truly says a lot about whether or not the Bearcats can be trusted and the answer right now is a no. After back to back non-covering wins for Cincy, they are now 3-5 ATS in their last 8 games and, though they have revenge here they were held to 39% in their last meeting with the Cougars and they have not been shooting well recently either. After yesterday's performance, the Bearcats have been held to 41% from the field in their last 3 games combined. Houston has been at the other end of the spectrum. After scoring 77 against Wichita State yesterday, the Cougars have scored 77 points or more in 6 of their last 7 games. Houston is on a 7-2 ATS run and they've shot 40% or better from three point land in both meetings with the Bearcats this season. The Cougars are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games against teams with a winning record and I'll grab the points here as they are 4-2 ATS (and SU!) this season as an underdog. Upset potential certainly looms here! 10* HOUSTON |
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03-09-18 | Providence v. Xavier -7.5 | Top | 75-72 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 35 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #858 Friday 10* Top Play Xavier Musketeers (-) vs Providence Friars @ 6:30 ET - The Friars are off of a hard-fought OT win over Creighton while Xavier blew right past St John's. That sets up the Musketeers well for pushing the pace and blowing right past Providence here. Xavier now on a 15-5 ATS run in neutral court games. 4 of the last 5 wins for the red hot Musketeers have come by a double digit margin. 10 of Providence's 12 losses this season have been by 9 points or more so, when they lose, they tend to lose big and of course I am not expecting a Friars upset here. In other words, this one has blowout written all over it. Providence is 0-4 ATS in a neutral court game with a posted total between 150 and 154.5 points. Each of the last 5 meetings between these teams has been decided by 9 or more points and I expect another one here. 10* XAVIER |
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03-08-18 | 76ers +1 v. Heat | Top | 99-108 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 43 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #653 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (+) @ Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - The Sixers are available at +1 in some spots as of early gameday morning but the bottom line is that this game is roughly a pick'em so I am going to talk about some SU stats here. The fact is that the 76ers are playing this game with revenge for a loss in Miami that should never have happened and they know it. Though all the games had been close this season, Philly let that one get away and they know it never should have happened. Had they not blown the big lead Sixers would be 3-0 against the Heat this season. Close games or not, the 76ers have had the upper hand through most of the playing time between these two teams this season and it is not "old news" either as all of their meetings were in February. With that said, the Sixers are offering great line value here because their loss at Miami is one of only 3 losses they've had in their last 13 games. As for the Heat, their numbers have been nowhere close to that as they've won only 5 of their last 15 games! Sixers 9-3 SU and ATS versus Southeast Division teams this season. Miami is 1-9 SU last 10 versus teams that average 106 points or more per game. Combined stat of 18-4 SU favoring the 76ers here! I'll take it! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-08-18 | San Diego State -3.5 v. Fresno State | Top | 64-52 | Win | 100 | 9 h 49 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #719 Thursday 10* Top Play San Diego State Aztecs (-) vs Fresno State Bulldogs @ Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV @ 5:30 ET - Not only is San Diego State playing this game with double revenge from the regular season, they also hold a huge edge because of a key injury for Fresno State. The Bulldogs recently lost senior guard Jaron Hopkins to injury. In the game he got hurt he had only played 12 minutes and Fresno State lost that game by double digits. In the games since, the Bulldogs scored only 54 points against Air Force and then they lost at New Mexico in OT. When Hopkins was rolling the Bulldogs were rolling - 5 straight wins and he averaged 17.6 points per game. Included in that stretch was a huge 20-point performance from him in the most recent win versus San Diego State. I look for his absence to make a huge difference in this rematch. The Aztecs come in red hot on a 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS run and that continues here as Fresno State remains winless ATS since the Hopkins injury. 10* SAN DIEGO STATE |
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03-07-18 | Raptors v. Pistons +5.5 | Top | 121-119 | Win | 100 | 11 h 34 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #568 Wednesday 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons (+) vs Toronto Raptors @ 8:05 ET - This is a very nice set up for the home dog to get the outright win which means certainly I love having the generous points being offered here. Toronto is in a back to back spot and off of a game they had no business covering last night. I know this all too well as I had Atlanta +13 last night. The Hawks were ahead OUTRIGHT at the end of each of the three quarters and then the fourth quarter so virtual insanity take place over the final 6+ minutes when Atlanta went from 3 down to losing by 16. In the books it looks like a blowout but of course it was anything but and is helping to give nice value here. When the Raptors are not in a back to back this season they have gone 41-13 SU. However, in the 2nd game of a B2B this season they are just 5-4 SU. You can see the huge variance there and the Pistons are seeking revenge for getting blown out by 29 at Toronto last week. Detroit is also hungry because they just ran into a buzzsaw in Cleveland when they faced the Cavaliers right after the Cavs had allowed 126 points in their prior game. Though the Pistons recent numbers don't look that great they have been on the road a lot. Now they're back home where they've won 7 of their last 10 games. Also, prior to the blowout defeat at Toronto, 3 of the 4 prior meetings between these teams had been decided by 5 or less points. Pistons payback here. 10* DETROIT |
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03-06-18 | Wake Forest +5 v. Syracuse | Top | 64-73 | Loss | -106 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #521 Tuesday 10* Top Play Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+) vs Syracuse Orange @ 7 ET - This line has gone from a -3 to a -5 on Syracuse as the markets feel the odds makers have made some type of egregious error by having the 19-12 Orange as only a 3 point favorite over an 11-19 Demon Deacons team. It's never that easy guys and the odds makers knew what they were doing with this one. Wake Forest plays Syracuse tough. The Demon Deacons are only 1-2 in the last 3 meetings but all 3 games were close ones and the Orange have really struggled to knock down shots this season. Syracuse is averaging 67.6 points per game on just 41.9% shooting this season. The Demon Deacons are hitting 38.2% of their threes this season while the Orange are hitting only 32.3% from three point land. While it is true that, on the season, Syracuse has the better numbers on defense than Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons finished up the season strong and allowed an average of just 39% from the field in their last 3 games. The Orange defense really struggled more as the season went on and, prior to allowing just 40% in their regular season finale, Syracuse had allowed 44% or more from the field in 6 of their previous 8 games. Look for the Orange to drop to 1-5 ATS on the season in games against teams with a losing record. 10* WAKE FOREST |
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03-05-18 | Bowling Green +7.5 v. Central Michigan | Top | 77-81 | Win | 100 | 10 h 50 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #715 Monday 10* Top Play Bowling Green Falcons (+) @ Central Michigan Chippewas @ 7:05 ET - I had my eyes on Bowling Green for their first round game in the MAC Tournament since they got blasted on their home floor by Buffalo in their regular season finale. Of course the Bulls are in a class of their own this season as they dominated the MAC East but the fact is that anytime a team gives up 100 on their home floor, especially in their final game of the season, you know they're going to be geared up for a bounce back performance in their next game. The fact that this game is on the road means extra line value for the home shading factored in plus the fact that odds makers had to over-adjust some after the Falcons got blasted. Bowling Green did lose at home to Central Michigan in their regular season match-up but the Falcons led the Chippewas at the half in that game. Also, Central Michigan just had to play on Saturday due to a shooting on campus that moved their game from Friday to Saturday and from on-campus to another location 30 miles away. While they did win that game the Chips are now on short rest and have gone just 2-4 ATS the last 6 times they've played with 1 day of rest or less between games. Central Michigan is also 2-4 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points and all 4 of those losses have been outright upset defeats! Another one wouldn't surprise here but I am grabbing the generous points with the Falcons. They are 5-0 SU and ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. 10* BOWLING GREEN |
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03-03-18 | Nuggets v. Cavs -4.5 | Top | 126-117 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #504 Saturday 10* Top Play Cleveland Cavaliers (-) vs Denver Nuggets @ 7:35 ET - The Cavaliers have done so poorly ATS this season (particularly at home) that you know a turnaround is coming and we're also getting line value as a result. This line was around a half-dozen points but has already dropped to a 4.5 as of early gameday morning and this is offering great line value on a Cleveland team that will be hungry. After losing at home to the 76ers Thursday night, the Cavs need a bounce back game and they're catching Denver at the perfect time to take advantage. The Nuggets are off of a win at Memphis last night so Denver is in a back to back spot here. Also, speaking of ATS struggles, the Nuggets have failed to cover 4 in a row but this is not the spot to rectify the situation. Denver is 6-11 ATS this season in games with a posted total of 220 or more. Cleveland is 17-7 SU in home games with a posted total of 220 or more and 39-21 SU long-term when off of an upset loss as a favorite. With those solid SU stats and the fact that this line is down to a 4.5 I feel very comfortable about an ATS win here as the Cavs are fired up to get back on track! 10* CLEVELAND |
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03-03-18 | Notre Dame v. Virginia -9 | Top | 57-62 | Loss | -106 | 8 h 0 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NCAAB Game #564 Saturday 10* Top Play Virginia Cavaliers (-) vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ 4 ET - Here is what people are talking about: Virginia is off of a miraculous last second win at Louisville. Notre Dame has Bonzie Colson back. Here what people are not talking about: The Cavaliers were knocked out of the ACC Tournament last spring by the Fighting Irish. It was the first time that Notre Dame had beaten the Cavaliers since joining the ACC. Also, Colson was good but not great in his first game back and that was against a very bad Pittsburgh team. So here is the takeaway: there is tremendous line value here with the Cavaliers in their home finale. They have revenge on their minds after what happened in the ACC Tourney last year. To put that game in proper perspective, the Cavaliers haven't allowed that many points (71) this entire season. The Cavs defense is going to bring their "A game" here. The Irish are smart enough to know this not a game to push Colson too hard in. They need him for the upcoming tournament games not for this one final regular season games. For the Cavaliers they are a very hard-working team and they want to send the seniors off the right way in their final home game. They'll be able to dominate defensively and the Cavaliers offensive production this season is much better than last year. Of course this is a big reason they're now the #1 ranked team in the nation and they're not getting the respect they should here. I'll gladly step in and take advantage. Notre Dame is just 4-8 ATS their last 12 games. The Cavaliers win at Louisville was a non-covering win and the Cavs haven't had 2 straight ATS losses this entire season. In other words, an ATS win for the home team as they avenge last season's loss. 10* VIRGINIA |
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03-02-18 | Missouri State v. Southern Illinois +3 | Top | 63-67 | Win | 100 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #860 Friday 10* Top Play Southern Illinois Salukis (+) vs Missouri State Bears @ 7 ET - Missouri State hung on for the win versus Valparaiso despite the Bears allowing 79 points on 45.5% from the field including 52.6% from three point land. Their luck runs out here as the Bears defense has been garbage for 3 straight games and, keep in mind, they had lost 4 straight games before getting past the Crusaders yesterday. Now they face a Salukis team that is ticked off of after a sub-par ending to the regular season. Southern Illinois is the healthier team and they are the more rested team here. Also, there is no shame in the fact that they lost to Loyola (top team in MVC) two games ago and then they definitely just threw in the towel in the season finale on the road. That said, lets not forget that before these two losses, the Salukis had won 8 of their last 9 games! Missouri State is on a 2-9 ATS run against teams with a winning record. They also are 1-6 ATS when playing with road loss revenge. Also, after scoring 80 points or more in a game, the Bears are 4-12 ATS the past 3 seasons. Look for the Salukis to improve to 4-1 ATS when playing with 5 or 6 days of rest between games. 10* SOUTHERN ILLINOIS |
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03-01-18 | Valparaiso +3 v. Missouri State | Top | 79-83 | Loss | -104 | 12 h 58 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #565 Thursday 10* Top Play Valparaiso Crusaders (+) vs Missouri State Bears @ 9:30 ET - The whole world is jumping on the Bears here. That is a Missouri State team that has lost 8 of its 10 games since Reggie Scurry has been out. Also, the Bears could be without another player that is part of their regular playing rotation as guard Ronnie Rousseau is questionable with an illness. Another key here is that it is hard to beat a team 3 times in one season. The Bears have knocked off the Crusaders in each of the first two meetings in the regular season and you can bet that Valparaiso loves the fact that they are getting this opportunity at revenge in the conference tourney. The Crusaders have picked up some momentum with 3 wins in their final 5 games of the regular season and are definitely playing their top basketball of the season right now. One of those two losses came to the MVC top team too as it was a loss at Loyola-Chicago. Valparaiso actually was down only 3 points on the road against the Ramblers with less than 4 and 1/2 minutes to go in that game. A valiant effort and the Crusaders will have no trouble with a similar effort in a "win or go home" game against the Bears. Simply put, a wounded and bad Missouri State team is getting too much respect here. The Crusaders are 3-1 SU and ATS when playing with road loss revenge this season and the Bears are 1-9 ATS when off of a loss in conference action. 10* VALPARAISO |
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03-01-18 | 76ers +3.5 v. Cavs | Top | 108-97 | Win | 100 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 8:05 ET - The 76ers are off a tough loss at Miami Tuesday and they know they had no business losing the game. The way the 4th quarter played out late was absolutely unacceptable and they'll come out with plenty of fire here at Cleveland. Keep in mind the Sixers are off of back to back losses but had previously won 7 straight games. The Cavaliers have a long winning streak (SU) against Philadelphia and the 76ers are tired of hearing about it. The Sixers now have the horses to compete with LeBron James and Company and the Cavs haven't exactly lit the world on fire in home games this season. In fact, the Cavaliers are 6-23 ATS in home games this season and 10-35 ATS as a favorite. Philly is 9-2 ATS in road games with a posted total of 220 points or more. Also, in the 2nd half of a season, when the 76ers face a team that scores an average of 106 points or more per game, the Sixers have gone 22-5 ATS their last 27. More of the same here and an outright upset would not surprise but if they lose I expect it to again be on a final shot and that means value with the points! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-28-18 | Pelicans +5 v. Spurs | Top | 121-116 | Win | 100 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #713 Wednesday 10* Top Play New Orleans Pelicans (+) @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8:35 ET - The Spurs are off of an upset win at Cleveland over LeBron James and the Cavaliers. That makes this the perfect spot to fade San Antonio as the Spurs had lost 4 straight and 6 of 7 prior to that win. Also, the Spurs are only 2-8 ATS in divisional games this season. Though they have revenge on their side here against the Pelicans, San Antonio is 5-11 SU when playing with revenge this season. New Orleans has won 2 of the last 3 meetings between these teams and the Pelicans enter this game on a 6-game winning streak! Look for the road dog to stay hot on Wednesday! 10* NEW ORLEANS |
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02-27-18 | Wizards v. Bucks -3 | Top | 107-104 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 44 m | Show |
Early TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #508 Tuesday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks (-) vs Washington Wizards @ 8:05 ET - The Bucks are off of a tight home loss to New Orleans and that certainly holds significance here because Milwaukee hasn't lost back to back games in 5 weeks. The Bucks were on a 9-3 SU run prior to the loss to the Pelicans. Milwaukee is catching the Wizards at the right time to get right back on track. Washington is off of a big home win versus the 76ers but the Wizards had previously lost 3 of their 6 prior games. Washington is a long-term 40-63 SU when they are an underdog and this is a very small number to lay on the Bucks at home. Milwaukee is a long-term 65-33 SU when they are a favorite. The Bucks are 8-2 ATS this season when off of an upset loss as a favorite and they are also 10-4 SU and ATS when they are off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. The icing on the cake for motivating the home team here is that the Wizards have won their last two visits here. Payback time. 10* MILWAUKEE |
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02-27-18 | Florida v. Alabama -2 | Top | 73-52 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #526 Tuesday 10* Top Play Alabama Crimson Tide (-) vs Florida Gators @ 7 ET - Florida, of course, has the long-term reputation in basketball while Alabama is all about football. However, it is no mistake that the Crimson Tide are favored here. This basketball program has come a long way under coach Avery Johnson and, on Senior Night, I look for a huge game from Alabama here. They've suffered 3 straight losses but 2 of those were on the road. Off of a rare home loss in their most recent game, look for the Crimson Tide to bounce back huge here. Alabama is still 12-3 SU at home this season and, with this line having fallen to just a -2 this morning, any SU win is likely to equate to an ATS win for the Tide as well. Alabama is 49-28 SU long-term when they enter a game on an ATS losing streak of 3 or more games. Also, in home games with a posted total between 135 and 139.5 points, the Crimson Tide are a long-term 26-11 SU. They are the better defensive team in this match-up and also shoot better than the Gators. So why are people backing Florida here? Long-term reputation and the revenge angle since the Gators lost to the Tide earlier this season. However, the reason not to buy into all that is that prior to a tight win versus Auburn in their most recent game, Florida had lost 5 of their last 7 games and had just 1 ATS win in those 7 games! The Gators are 0-4 SU and ATS this season in games with a posted total in the 130s. 10* ALABAMA |
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02-26-18 | Warriors v. Knicks +12 | Top | 125-111 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 4 m | Show |
Game of the Month NBA Game #710 Monday 10* Top Play New York Knicks (+) vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:35 ET - The Warriors are off of a huge win versus Oklahoma City so this one sets up perfectly. Yes, I know that the Knicks have an unimpressive record and in the midst of a 1-9 SU run but this chance to host star-studded Golden State only comes around once a year. New York will absolutely be "up" for this game while the Warriors are still relishing in the after-effects of having enjoyed a big win over Kevin Durant's former team. That's because Russell Westbrook and Company had become a bit of a nemesis for the Warriors in recent meetings so GS could absolutely be a little flat for this game. Plus this will be their first game after traveling all the way from coast to coast and they just faced the Thunder on Saturday. Golden State is known for a "ho-hum approach" to a game like this as they've gone just 1-7 ATS versus Atlantic Division teams this season and 7-19 ATS the last 3 seasons combined. Also, after a game in which they allowed 90 points or less this season, the Warriors have gone 1-3 ATS. The Knicks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against teams that allow 106 points or more per game on the season. New York has gone 6-1 ATS against teams from the Pacific Division this season. The Knicks also are a perfect 4-0 ATS this season in games with posted total of 220 points or more. The Warriors likely find a way to gut out a win here but the "amped up" home dog keeps this one within a single digit margin. 10* NEW YORK |
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02-25-18 | 76ers +2.5 v. Wizards | Top | 94-109 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #809 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 8:05 ET - The 76ers are in a back to back spot here but they are so hot it doesn't matter. They led Orlando by about 20 in yesterday's game before the Magic closed the gap late. The Sixers hung on for the cover but truly coasted at the end and the final score doesn't do justice to the domination that Philly had in that game. They've won 7 straight and have covered 5 of those 7 games and I am happy to take a hot 76ers team plus get a few points here at Washington. The Wizards are off of a home loss but actually have lost 2 straight home games and now and their defense has allowed 49.5% in their two games since the All Star break. As for the Sixers, their D has allowed 45.5% or less in NINE straight games! Washington is 13-24 ATS as a favorite and the Wizards are also just 10-18 ATS at home this season. Philadelphia is 10-5 SU and ATS when off of a win by a double digit margin and also 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS against Southeast Division opponents this season. More of the same here! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-23-18 | Celtics v. Pistons +2 | Top | 110-98 | Loss | -103 | 10 h 40 m | Show |
Early Smash Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #802 Friday 10* Detroit Pistons (+) vs Boston Celtics @ 7:05 ET - Both these teams were struggling prior to the All Star Break but what was very disconcerting about the Celtics performances was a lack of defense. Boston allowed 50% or more from the field in 3 of their 5 games prior to the break. The Pistons, on the other hand, held 4 of their final 6 opponents prior to the break to just 44% or less from the field. Detroit has also gone 9 straight games without allowing an opponent to hit better than 48.7% from the field. On the other end of the floor, the Celtics have been held under 100 points in 4 of their last 6 games. Conversely, the Pistons have won 6 of their last 9 games and have averaged 109.2 points per game during this stretch. Only 1 time in their last 11 games has Detroit been held below 103 points! Look for Boston to drop to 1-4 SU and ATS on the season when they are off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. As for the Pistons, they are 16-9 ATS this season as an underdog and I also expect them to improve to 4-1 SU and ATS when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. The hungry home dog (revenge from home loss in most recent meeting - in December) gets their payback here. 10* DETROIT |
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02-21-18 | Georgia +3 v. South Carolina | Top | 57-66 | Loss | -108 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #705 Wednesday 10* Georgia Bulldogs (+) @ South Carolina Gamecocks @ 6:30 ET - The first lines that popped up on this game had South Carolina as nearly a pick'em on their home floor. Keep in mind, this is even though the Gamecocks are 39-11 SU in home games the past 2+ seasons and the Bulldogs are 12-23 SU in road games the past 2+ seasons. Wow...must be a gift from the odds makers, right? It is never that easy folks and yet sure enough the markets have jumped all over South Carolina here and Georgia is now available at as high as a +3.5 and I'll gladly go contrarian and grab the dog here. I love to fade the line moves in situations like this and the Bulldogs are playing with home loss revenge here as they lost despite holding the Gamecocks to just 27% from the field last month at Georgia. The Bulldogs are 7-1 ATS (including 2-0 this season) when playing with home loss revenge. Georgia enters this game with plenty of confidence as they are off of back to back wins and have played very well on both ends of the floor in those victories. The Gamecocks are off of a big upset win as a sizable underdog but previously had lost 6 straight games. In those 6 games South Carolina averaged only 62 points per game. The Bulldogs are the better shooting team on the season and also have the better defense in terms of field goal percentage allowed. The Gamecocks are 1-3 SU and ATS this season when off of a win in SEC action. Also, South Carolina is a long-term 13-27 ATS as a home favorite of 3 points or less. Bulldogs payback time. 10* GEORGIA |
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02-20-18 | Creighton +5.5 v. Butler | Top | 70-93 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 23 m | Show |
Early Annihilation Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #509 Tuesday 10* Creighton Bluejays (+) @ Butler Bulldogs @ 7 ET - Even though this is a revenge game for Butler (lost at Creighton last month), there is a history of success for the Bluejays in their meetings with the Bulldogs. Creighton has won and covered 3 straight in this series and the Bluejays are 7-2 ATS in their 9 meetings with the Bulldogs. I also like the fact that Creighton is off of a loss here as they are 7-0 SU this season when off of a loss. You read that right, the Bluejays have not lost back to back games this entire season. As for Butler, they are off of a win which adds to the line value here because, prior to that win, the Bulldogs had lost 3 straight ATS and SU! Butler allowed 56% shooting from the field in those 3 games as their defense has struggled. As for Creighton, they had played solid defense (particularly defending the perimeter and 3 point shots) prior to their home loss to Marquette. Creighton is on a 21-4 SU run (including 7-1 SU this season) when off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. The Bulldogs won't be able to keep up here. Butler is 3-7 SU and ATS in their last 10 games against teams with a winning record plus 2-6 SU and ATS in their last 8 games against teams that average 77 points or more per game. The Bluejays come into this angry and improve to 8-0 SU this season when off of a loss but I'll grab the generous points in case they fall just short. 10* CREIGHTON |
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02-19-18 | Maryland v. Northwestern +1 | Top | 71-64 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #706 Monday 10* Northwestern Wildcats (+) vs Maryland Terrapins @ 7 ET - The Wildcats led by as many as 27 points in the first half versus Michigan State Saturday. Northwestern was still up by 22 points at the half. The Cats ended up losing the game. After scoring just 11 points in the 2nd half against the Spartans Saturday, there is no doubt the Wildcats are going to give a huge effort here! Even though Bryant McIntosh missed the game versus Michigan State, Anthony Gaines did a great job in his absence. McIntosh could be back here but whether he is or not should not prove to be a factor against the Terrapins given the way Gaines played. This line is roughly a pick'em and Maryland is 0-10 SU this season when they are not favored. Also, the Terrapins are 1-5 SU when off of a win in Big Ten action and also just 1-8 SU in road games this season! The Wildcats are on a 39-12 SU run in home games including 11-4 SU this season. Also, the Cats are 4-2 SU and ATS this season when revenging a road loss. Off of a loss at Maryland earlier this season, payback is on order for the very angry home team here as the Wildcats look to redeem themselves after giving top-ranked Michigan State a run for their money but then letting it slip away. 10* NORTHWESTERNÂ |
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02-18-18 | Houston v. Temple +2 | Top | 80-59 | Loss | -106 | 6 h 45 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #856 Sunday 10* Temple Owls (+) vs Houston Cougars @ 4 ET - Everyone just watched Houston knock off Cincinnati in a big win Thursday so they'll be the popular choice here. The line has already moved the way of the Cougars in this one as the markets are pushing that way early on gameday. The fact is that the Owls are very quietly playing solid basketball and are flying under the radar right now. This is the perfect spot to back Temple (off of a tight loss at Wichita State) and to fade Houston after their upset win at home versus the Bearcats. The Cougars are only 3-4 SU in their last 7 true road games and the Owls are 4-0 SU in their last 4 home games. Prior to that, Temple's two most recent home losses came by just 2 and 3 points respectively and both of those teams were quality opponents. The Owls can play with anyone with the way their playing right now and they are catching Houston at the right time for a mild upset win at home. Temple has covered 6 straight games and is playing as well as they have all season long. The Owls are shooting the ball very well and will also rally around the home crowd here. Houston is a long-term 5-9 ATS as a road fave of 3 points or less. Also, the Cougars are 3-6 ATS this season when they are off of a win in conference action. Temple is 6-1 SU and ATS after a game in which they scored 80 points or more. The Owls are 11-3 ATS this season off of a conference game. They are "all in" on this one and primed for the upset! 10* TEMPLE |
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02-17-18 | North Carolina v. Louisville -1 | Top | 93-76 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #634 Saturday 10* Top Play Louisville Cardinals (-) vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 8:15 ET - After missing two games, Cardinals forward (and leading scorer) Deng Adel is expected back for this one. That should help key a Louisville signature win which is much needed at this time of year as teams need to impress the tournament committee. The fact that the Tar Heels are a ranked team and have won 4 straight games and yet are installed as a dog should tell you a lot here. It is no mistake...the odds makers know what they're doing...and the home team is the play in this one. Louisville will prove to be the hungrier team. Also, the home team has dominated this series as 6 of the last 10 games were not neutral floor games. In those 6 games, the home team won every game. North Carolina is 0-7 SU and ATS the last 7 times they've been an underdog. While the Tar Heels have won 4 straight games, their defense has been sketchy at times with sub-par efforts versus NC State and Duke included in that winning streak. The Cardinals have won back to back games heading into this one and they really put the clamps down on defense in those two games. That return to solid D was much needed and resembled how the Cards were playing earlier this season when they were on top of their game. Couple this resurgence with Deng's return and the fact that Louisville is playing their biggest game of the season and you have a great set up here. The Cardinals are on a 9-3 ATS run and are 6-1 ATS this season when off of a win in conference action and are 48-5 SU at home the last 3 seasons. 10* LOUISVILLE |
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02-17-18 | Missouri +1 v. LSU | Top | 63-64 | Push | 0 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #513 Saturday 10* Missouri Tigers (+) @ LSU Tigers @ 2 ET - Missouri is red hot right now, playing solid defense, and they have revenge here. LSU of course has the home court edge here but their defense has been missing in most all of their recent games and the odds makers have this one priced this way for a reason! As you can see it looks inviting to just take LSU at home in a game that opened up at a -1 but the fact is that Missouri's mediocre road record is poised to add another W today. Even though LSU is 10-4 at home this season they come into this game having lost 7 of their last 10 games. Also, in 6 of their last 8 games, LSU has allowed their opponent to hit at least 51% from the field. Missouri's defense, on the other hand, has been rock solid as they've held 4 of their last 5 opponents to 69 points or less and 40% or less from the field. Missouri is 4-0 SU this month and on a long-term 16-5 ATS run in February games. This team is playing with a ton of confidence right now and the fact they lost at home to LSU last season and have lost all 3 visits to LSU is what strengthens this play as there is plenty of motivation. As for the home team here, they are on a 6-14 SU run in February games and also are 2-6 SU and ATS their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. 10* MISSOURI |
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02-16-18 | Bowling Green +14 v. Buffalo | Top | 82-95 | Win | 100 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #827 Friday 10* Bowling Green Falcons (+) @ Buffalo Bulls @ 7 ET - Perfect spot for a huge upset but, at the very least, the Falcons should at least keep this one in single digits. Buffalo only lost 2 games in conference action this season. One was at Northern Illinois but they had beat the Huskies in the 1st meeting. The other defeat was at Kent State and then the Bulls badly wanted revenge in the next meeting. They got it and that was Buffalo's most recent game as they are off of a huge revenging win versus the Golden Flashes. Look for that to leave the Bulls a little flat in this one. The fact is that Buffalo has owned this series recently with Bowling Green so they may not be as focused on the Falcons as you would otherwise think. That is going to allow a quality BG team to give the Bulls a run for their money in this one. Before Buffalo's strong effort on defense versus Kent State, they had allowed 85 points per game on 46% shooting from the field. As for the Falcons, before allowing 81 points in a high-scoring win versus Western Michigan, they had held their last 4 opponents to 58.5 points per game on 38.5% shooting! The Falcons are playing their best basketball of the season and are fully focused on this game and on a 5-0 ATS run. The Bulls are off of a big revenging win and could be in for a letdown here. That said, the big points should prove to be more than enough in this one! Buffalo is 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. The Falcons are 5-1 ATS this season when off of a win in MAC action. 10* BOWLING GREEN |
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02-15-18 | Nuggets +3 v. Bucks | Top | 134-123 | Win | 100 | 12 h 2 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Thursday 10* Denver Nuggets (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:05 ET - The Bucks are 19-9 SU at home this season while the Nuggets are 8-19 SU on the road this season. Why then is Milwaukee such a small home favorite here? Precisely! As usual there is more than meets the eye at first glance here. The key in this match-up is that the Bucks defense has improved but in recent games but their offense has not impressed of late. As a result, simply put, Milwaukee won't be able to keep up with this high-powered Denver team in this one. The Bucks have averaged only 98 points per game in their last 7 games. By comparison, the Nuggets have averaged 115.1 points per game in their last 8 games. Yes, Milwaukee has the better defense in comparison with Denver but the Nuggets certainly aren't going to be "sleeping' on D with this being their final game before the All Star break. The Nuggets are on a 15-8 ATS run against Central Division opponents. The Bucks have covered just 10 of their 28 home games this season! 10* DENVER |
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02-15-18 | Cincinnati v. Houston +3.5 | Top | 62-67 | Win | 105 | 10 h 60 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #510 Thursday 10* Top Play Houston Cougars (+) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 7 ET - Everyone will want the small road fave here that is undefeated in conference games this season. Hence the title of Contrarian Crusher on this one. Houston is being overlooked by most in this match-up because Cincinnati is so highly ranked and because the Bearcats are 12-0 SU in AAC action. The key to the value here on the Cougars is that many have forgotten they led the Cats by 18 on the road in their first match-up this season. Yes, that big lead did get away from the Cougars and they ended up losing the game by double digits. However, that is unlikely to happen at home. In other words, don't be surprised if Houston again gets a sizable lead but, the difference this time is that they'll hold onto it! This is why I see great value with grabbing the points here. Cincinnati is only 9-15 ATS in games against teams that average 77 points or more. Also, the Bearcats are off of a big win at SMU and they have a showdown with Wichita State on deck. The Cougars have quietly gone 12-0 at home this season and are "flying under the radar" which makes them a very dangerous home dog here. Houston is also 10-4 ATS (and 11-3 SU!) when playing with road loss revenge. Having gone 6-2 ATS in lined home games this season and coming into this game having allowed just 49.8 points per game in their last 4 games, the Cougars are going to be extremely tough as they eye their 20th win of the season and a big upset. 10* HOUSTON |
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02-14-18 | Heat +7.5 v. 76ers | Top | 102-104 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #703 Wednesday 10* Miami Heat (+) @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:05 ET - The Heat are in a back to back spot here but have actually gone 4-1 ATS the last 5 times they've played the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, with last night's cover at Toronto, Miami is 5-1 ATS their last 6 games against teams with a winning record. Even though they've endured a bit of a slump recently, so many of their losses have been very tight. That is why the Heat getting significant points here is certainly a solid line value. Miami is only 12-10 SU their last 22 games but the average margin of those 10 defeats was 4.9 points. NONE of the 10 losses came by double digits. In other words, getting big points here is indeed a solid value. I know Philadelphia has been hot but this is the final game before the All-Star break for both of these teams and the Heat want it just as bad. In fact, having lost at Philly (by 6) less than two weeks ago strengthens their resolve here. The Sixers are having a great season but they are 0-3 SU and ATS this season when they enter a game on a streak of 3 or more unders. Also, the long-term numbers in that situation are 6-11 ATS and 2-15 SU! Also, when Philadelphia enters a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home, they are 2-4 ATS this season and 4-21 SU the last 3 seasons combined. This one has upset written all over it and certainly there is value with grabbing the points which is what I am recommending for a top play here. 10* MIAMI |
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02-13-18 | Boston College -6 v. Pittsburgh | Top | 81-58 | Win | 100 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
Early Blowout Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #519 Tuesday 10* Boston College Eagles (-) @ Pittsburgh Panthers @ 7 ET - When you are laying close to a half-dozen points on the road you better have the decided edge and it also helps to have a motivational edge. In this specific case we can certainly "check the box" on both of those important factors. The Panthers are having a horrific season that honestly can't end soon enough! Pittsburgh is on a 13-game losing streak! The Panthers aren't just losing either, they're getting blasted! Pitt's 13 losses have included 11 defeats coming by a dozen points or more! Here is the problem though...will the Eagles be motivated? Of course they will! They lost at home to the Panthers last January by double digits! That game was tied at the half but Boston College had half as many field goal attempts even though they were the home team in that one. In other words, payback is in order here. The Eagles are 5-0 SU as a favorite this season so, even though they've had some SU losses of late they've been playing a very tough schedule and now will take full advantage of facing a weaker foe. As for the Panthers, they are 5-13 ATS in games with a posted total in the 130s. Also, Pittsburgh is 1-5 ATS when they enter a game on an ATS losing streak of 3 or more games! 10* BOSTON COLLEGE |
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02-12-18 | Knicks v. 76ers -11.5 | Top | 92-108 | Win | 100 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
NBA TV Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #702 Monday 10* Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - The Knicks have lost 6 straight games. I know the line seems steep here but is justified as the loss of Kristaps Porzingis is a huge one for New York. The game he got hurt was at home against Milwaukee and the Knicks have played 2 games since. In those 3 games the Knicks lost by an average margin of 15.7 points per game. Another blowout loss is likely here as the Sixers are at home and rolling. The 76ers have won 3 straight games and all of them were blowout wins. In fact, 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 wins have come by more than a dozen points. The average margin of victory in those 6 easy wins has been 16.7 points. The Sixers have allowed just 41% from the field in their last 6 games combined. The Knicks are allowing 109.1 points per game on the road this season and, without Kristaps Porzingis, New York is likely to struggle to be competitive in this one. The Knicks are 5-21 SU (and 7-19 ATS) in February games. The Sixers are 16-9 SU (and 17-8 ATS) in home games this season! This is a classic case of hot versus not and facing a hated division rival insures that the 76ers won't take their foot off of the gas in this one! 10* PHILADELPHIAÂ |
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02-11-18 | Cincinnati -7.5 v. SMU | Top | 76-51 | Win | 100 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
ESPN Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #831 Sunday 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bearcats (-) @ SMU Mustangs @ 4 ET - Even though the Mustangs have revenge from a 20 point loss at Cincinnati earlier this season, the Bearcats still have revenge on their minds too. Why? Because SMU knocked them out of the conference tourney last March AND also because the Mustangs have dominated Cincinnati in recent meetings at SMU. With that said, there will be no shortage of emotion from the road team in this one. Though their line may seem high, keep in mind the odds maker is factoring in the same key factors as what I noted above plus the fact that the Mustangs are down to just 7 scholarship players right now. SMU is currently without a couple of key players too as both Shake Milton and Jarrey Foster are expected to miss this game. The Mustangs are 1-3 ATS in games with a posted total in the 120s this season and the Bearcats stifling defense will frustrate them. SMU is also 5-9 ATS in games against teams with a winning record. Cincinnati is on a 6-0 ATS run against teams with a winning record. Also, the Bearcats are 11-0 SU and 8-3 ATS in conference action this season. This play has the makings of a road rout. 10* CINCINNATI |
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02-10-18 | Purdue +3.5 v. Michigan State | Top | 65-68 | Win | 100 | 8 h 31 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #621 Saturday 10* Top Play Purdue Boilermakers (+) @ Michigan State Spartans @ 4 ET - The Boilermakers are off of a loss by a single point. Not only was that just their 3rd loss of the season, the 3 defeats have come by an average margin of just 2.7 points per game! Purdue has not lost a game by more than 4 points this season. There is certainly value here as they are getting 3.5 points in this match-up and they've defeated the Spartans 3 of the last 4 games including a sweep last season (with both wins by double digits). These teams have identical records but Michigan State's 3 losses have come by an average margin of 11 points per game. Those were 3 of the Spartans most challenging games of the season too in terms of the match-up and this is certainly another one. That is why there is great line value here with the underdog Boilermakers. Purdue is 7-0 SU on the road this season and 7-0 SU on Saturdays. Michigan State is 1-8 ATS when off of a win in conference action. Also, the Spartans are the much younger team while the Boilermakers start 4 seniors who certainly know how to handle playing on the road. 10* PURDUE |
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02-09-18 | Clippers +3.5 v. Pistons | Top | 108-95 | Win | 100 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
ESPN Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #803 Friday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Clippers (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - Big revenge game for the Clippers here. Many will be looking at the revenge angle for Blake Griffin as the Pistons star gets a shot at the team that traded him away. However, the Clippers also appear to be fortified after the trade and they were the better team to begin with as well. That said, market perception has driven this line up from a 2.5 to as high as a 4 as of early gameday morning. This has led to fantastic line value for Los Angeles in this spot. The Clippers lost to the Pistons at home very early this season and the Clips also lost in their most recent visit to Detroit. That said, the Clippers have revenge on their minds here and are well rested and fully focused on making this a successful road trip. Coach Doc Rivers even said that it was a great time for the Clips to get away from home as they look to make a move up the standings and get away from any distractions at home. This is the first of seven straight road games for the Clippers. They've been off since Monday and they are not home again until the 28th. They know this road trip is critical. The Clippers come into this game having won 4 of their last 5 overall and they also have victories in 5 of their last 6 road games. They are 23-12 ATS when playing with home loss revenge and 8-3 ATS when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. The Pistons have won 5 straight games but are 7-14 ATS when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. Detroit is 11-17 ATS as a favorite this season. Take advantage of the line move and grab the points here with the revenge-minded road team. 10* LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS |
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02-09-18 | Toledo v. Miami-OH +3 | Top | 73-67 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #836 Friday 10* Top Play Miami (OH) Redhawks (+) vs Toledo Rockets @ 6:00 ET - The Rockets will be a popular choice here as they are leading the MAC West Division and because they have had their way for many years now in match-ups with the Redhawks. Of course that makes this a big revenge game for Miami (OH) and I love the fact that the Redhawks are off of a tight road loss that was decided very late while Toledo is off of a very tight home win where they barely hung on for victory against upset-minded Northern Illinois. The Rockets are facing another upset-minded team today and this time it is on the road. That certainly holds significance here because Miami's home record is nearly identical to Toledo's road record this season. Additionally, the Redhawks are allowing only 64.2 points per game and just 40.6% FG shooting in home games this season. For comparison's sake, the Rockets are allowing 77.1 points per game and a lofty 45.5% FG shooting in their road games this season! Toledo is a long term 13-23 ATS in Friday games and I look for the Rockets to drop to 5-9 ATS on the season in games where they are a favorite. Miami is an incredible 11-4-1 ATS as an underdog this season. Also, the Redhawks are 6-2-1 ATS this season against teams that average 77 points or more per game. 10* MIAMI-OHIO |
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02-08-18 | Celtics +2 v. Wizards | Top | 110-104 | Win | 100 | 14 h 50 m | Show |
TNT Early Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #505 Thursday 10* Boston Celtics (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 8:05 ET - These teams have only met once this season and Washington got the win on Christmas Day at Boston. Of course the Wizards wanted that game badly as they were eliminated from the post-season by the Celtics in May. Now the revenge angle lies with Boston. With both teams entering this game off of losses that followed hot streaks, I am happy to be back the team with the extra motivation as well as with the much better defense. The Celtics are allowing just 43.2% from the field this season while the Wizards are allowing 45.7% from the field. Boston is also 10-2 ATS as an underdog this season and 12-2 ATS when playing with revenge (including 4-0 ATS with home loss revenge) this season. Washington is an ugly 3-6 ATS this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. The Wizards are also a poor 11-23 ATS this season when they are an underdog. Celtics roll on the road in this one. 10* BOSTON |
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02-08-18 | Duke v. North Carolina +2.5 | Top | 78-82 | Win | 100 | 12 h 44 m | Show |
ESPN Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #550 Thursday 10* North Carolina Tar Heels (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 8 ET - Both teams have under-performed compared to expectations. Of course Duke is ultra-talented but they are a very young team certainly as they start 4 freshmen. North Carolina is the much more experienced team and, of course, they have the home court edge here. With Duke as the higher-ranked team and with the Tar Heels having lost 3 of their last 4 games, there has been a line move from a pick'em to as high as a 2.5 on this game. This is offering up exceptional line value on the home dog. UNC is 6-3 ATS in home games this season. Duke is on a 6-11 ATS run in February games. In regular season meetings the home team has won 3 of the last 5 and in the 2 home losses one came by just 4 points and the other by just a single point. I'll gladly take the more veteran team at home and getting points. Remember that the Tar Heels are also seeking revenge for last season's loss to Duke in the ACC tournament. 10* NORTH CAROLINA |
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02-07-18 | Rockets v. Heat +5 | Top | 109-101 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Game #704 Wednesday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (+) vs Houston Rockets @ 7:35 ET - The Rockets are off of a big win last night at Brooklyn but, don't be fooled by the final score, it was quite a battle and took a lot out of Houston. Now they are in the 2nd game of a back to back and this is a situation that has seen them go only 1-5 ATS this season. The Rockets are 1-5 ATS when playing the 2nd night of a back to back. Going from Brooklyn to Miami makes the travel situation even tougher. The Heat are in the midst of a 4-game losing streak but they truly have been "right there" in those games. In fact, Miami's last 5 losses have come by an average margin of just 3 points per game. With that said, there is substantial line value here with the generous points being offered on the home dog. Keep in mind, the Heat have played just 4 of their last 15 games at home so all the time away from home definitely caught up with them. Now, off of a home game and with another home game on deck, look for Miami to come up with a big performance here. The Heat lost the first match-up between these teams this season but they had swept them last season. Also, Miami is 25-10 ATS and SU when off of an upset loss as a favorite and they got upset at home by Orlando on Monday. Within that long-term run, note that this season's stats are 6-1 ATS and 7-0 SU in that situation! In other words, look for the Heat to bounce back huge in this spot. 10* MIAMI |
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02-07-18 | Maryland +4.5 v. Penn State | Top | 70-74 | Win | 100 | 9 h 6 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #713 Wednesday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Penn State Nittany Lions @ 6:30 ET - While it is true that the Terrapins defeated the Nittany Lions in Maryland early last month, it is also true that Penn State is still a game ahead of them in the Big Ten standings entering this contest. The Terps have been tough-luck losers in a number of their games and are a much better team than their Big Ten record indicates. Keep in mind, Maryland went 11-2 in non-conference action and they've faced some very tough teams in their Big Ten schedule thusfar. The Nittany Lions are entering this game off of a huge win where seemingly everything went right for them while everything went wrong for their opponents. This resulted in a PSU win by a score of 82-58 versus Iowa. The last 4 times that the Nittany Lions have held their opponent to 65 points or less, they are 0-4 SU in those games. The Terrapins are 5-1 SU against Penn State. The Terps are off of a win but had previously lost 6 of their 8 prior games. The key there was they faced Michigan State twice, Purdue, Michigan, and Ohio State. The other of the 6 losses was a 3-point loss at Indiana. In fact, Maryland's last 4 losses have come by an average of 4.5 points per game which also happens to be the line on this game. However, Penn State is not in the class of those teams that the Terrapins lost to. In other words, big value here. The Terps are on an 18-8 ATS run as an underdog and get the cash again here! The Nittany Lions are a long-term 5-15 ATS when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. 10* MARYLAND |
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02-06-18 | Wizards v. 76ers -6.5 | Top | 102-115 | Win | 100 | 12 h 49 m | Show |
TNT Early Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #512 Tuesday 10* Philadelphia 76'ers (-) vs Washington Wizards @ 8:05 ET - The Wizards are off of a big win last night at Indiana as they took advantage of the Pacers being without their entire starting backcourt. Both Victor Oladipo (illness) and Darren Collison (knee) missed last night's game versus Washington while both guards did play in the Pacers win versus the 76ers Saturday. This is helping drive some value here as the markets may not fully pick up on this and the fact is that these teams just faced the same team but at entirely different strength levels. Additionally, in terms of the set up here, the Sixers are off of a loss plus playing with 2 days off between games while the Wizards are off of a win and playing in a back to back. The rest edge plus motivating factor plus home court factor all in favor of Philadelphia here. Washington is a long-term 39-69 SU (and 45-63 ATS) the last 108 times they've faced a team that is averaging 106 points or more per game. The 76ers are 4-1 SU and ATS when facing a team from the Southeast Division this season. Also, Philadelphia is 19-4 ATS when, in the 2nd half of a season, they are facing a team this is averaging 106 points or more per game on the season. Wizards are playing 5th game in 8 nights. Sixers playing just 3rd game in 6 nights. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-06-18 | Michigan v. Northwestern +2 | Top | 52-61 | Win | 100 | 8 h 14 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #532 Tuesday 10* Top Play Northwestern Wildcats (+) vs Michigan Wolverines @ 7 ET - The Wildcats seek revenge for a double digit loss at Michigan a week ago in a game in which turnovers were the difference. On the season there is only a small difference between these teams in terms of turnovers so that is unlikely to be an issue again. Look for Northwestern to come up big at home. They won their most recent home game versus the Wolverines. Also, they still remember being knocked out of the Big Ten tourney by Michigan two years ago as well. Payback time here and the Wildcats come into this game playing excellent defense. The Cats are catching the Wolverines off of a high-scoring OT win versus Minnesota. In road games in Big Ten action this season, Michigan is allowing opponents to hit 52% from the field! As for the Wildcats, they have allowed just 43.3% from the field in Big Ten action and also have allowed only 62.7 points per game on 40.7% shooting in home games this season. The Wolverines are 2-4 SU and ATS as a road favorite of 3 points or less. Also, Michigan is 3-4 SU (and 2-5 ATS) when off of a win versus a conference opponent. Northwestern thrives in games projected to be low-scoring as the Wildcats have gone 7-1 SU in games with a posted total in the 120s the past 2+ seasons. 10* NORTHWESTERN |
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02-04-18 | Hornets -6 v. Suns | Top | 115-110 | Loss | -106 | 7 h 1 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #811 Sunday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets (-) @ Phoenix Suns @ 3:05 ET - The Hornets lost their last visit to Phoenix so they won't overlook the Suns here. That is bad news for the home dog because Phoenix has lost 11 of its last 14 games and only 1 of their last 14 losses has come by less than 7 points. In other words, a Charlotte victory here is likely to equate to a Charlotte cover as well! The Hornets have won 4 of their last 6 road games and they are 8-3 ATS this season when they are off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. The past 2+ seasons combined Charlotte is 27-13 ATS in this situation. The Suns have lost 19 of their last 23 February games. Also, Phoenix is 15-47 SU in games against teams that are averaging 106 points or more per game. Considering those SU stats as well as the fact that 9 of the Hornets last 10 wins have come by 7 points or more, I'll gladly lay the number with the road fave in this one. Look for a road rout. 10* CHARLOTTE |
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02-04-18 | Temple -2 v. Tulane | Top | 83-76 | Win | 100 | 5 h 26 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #827 Sunday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (-) @ Tulane Green Wave @ 3 ET - Many may look to fade Temple here since they are off of the big upset win versus Wichita State in their most recent game as they delivered the "shock" to the Shockers! However, the Owls are still right behind the Green Wave in the American Athletic Conference standings. In other words, it is very unlikely that that Temple will overlook Tulane here! Also, the Owls were a 10 point home dog versus the Green Wave in late December and yet lost the game outright by 10 points. This was after having notched 5 straight victories in this series. Again, given the above factors, there is no way Temple isn't focused on the task at hand in this one. On the season, the Owls have played a tougher schedule than the Green Wave have. That also adds value here. Look for the Owls to improve to 4-1 SU and ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. Keep in mind, Tulane is just 12-37 SU in AAC games and 11-37 SU in games against teams with a winning record. Lay the short number in what should turn into a road rout. It's payback revenge time. 10* TEMPLE |
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02-03-18 | Heat +3.5 v. Pistons | Top | 107-111 | Loss | -102 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Saturday 10* Miami Heat (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Pistons will be a popular choice here since they are at home and they were off yesterday while the Heat are in the 2nd game of a back to back. Also adding to the appeal of Detroit here is the fact that they now have Blake Griffin and they won their first game with him in the lineup. However, in that win over Memphis, the Grizzlies actually attempted 20 more field goals than the Pistons. In other words, Detroit was quite fortunate to escape with the two point win. The Pistons had lost 8 straight games before the back to back wins and they now face a Miami team that is very hungry off of back to back losses. Only one time this entire season have the Heat lost 3 straight games SU. Also, they have an ATS mark of 5-0 this season when they enter a game off of exactly 2 straight SU losses. The Pistons are on a 2-8 ATS run and they've allowed 111.3 points per game in their last 7 games. By comparison, the Heat have allowed just 92.4 points per game in their last 5 games. Miami is on a 15-8 ATS run in February games and the Heat are 24-16 ATS when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Look for the Pistons to drop to 4-8 ATS this season when facing an opponent from the Southeast Division. 10* MIAMI |
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02-03-18 | Kentucky v. Missouri -1.5 | Top | 60-69 | Win | 100 | 6 h 51 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #552 Saturday 10* Missouri Tigers (-) vs Kentucky Wildcats @ 2 ET - The very earliest lines on this one had the Tigers favored by as much as 3.5 points. The line, as of early gameday morning, is now down to as low as a 1.5 as everyone is jumping on the Wildcats. Of course that doesn't surprise me as Kentucky is ranked and has won 3 straight while Missouri is unranked and, prior to winning their most recent game, had lost 3 straight. I will gladly fade the market perception here and fade the Wildcats. The fact is that Kentucky starts five freshmen and had to put together back to back 2nd half rallies to come back from 17 down against West Virginia and 14 down against Vanderbilt. The big 2nd half deficits finally catch up with Kentucky here on the road. Missouri is a very talented team and much stronger than their record would lead you to believe. Before an embarrassing home loss by double digits versus Auburn, the Tigers were 9-1 at home this season with the only loss by just 2 points versus Florida. Missouri has held 6 of its last 10 opponents to 39.1% or less from the field and they'll turn up the heat on defense here. The Wildcats have allowed 75 points per game in their last 7 games played away from home. The Tigers, prior to the loss to Auburn, allowed 62 points or less in 7 of their 10 home games this season! Kentucky is only 2-6 ATS in SEC action this season and the Wildcats are 2-5 SU the last 7 times they've been an underdog! Missouri is 20-5 SU the last 25 times they've been a favorite and I'll gladly lay the small number here. Also, the Tigers are 13-4 ATS in February games the past two years. 10* MISSOURI |
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02-02-18 | Heat v. 76ers -4 | Top | 97-103 | Win | 100 | 13 h 3 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #810 Friday 10* Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Miami Heat @ 8:05 ET - The 76ers are happy to be back home after a 4-game road trip that ended with 3 straight losses. The Sixers have won 5 straight home games and all five victories have come by a margin of 6 points or more. Philadelphia is also 19-10 ATS including 6-2 ATS this season when they enter game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. JJ Redick did return for the 76ers Wednesday and he scored 20 points in the loss at Brooklyn. He had missed 7 straight games so the Sixers are certainly happy to have him back on the floor. Jerryd Bayless is also back for Philly and he had made missed 6 straight games. Bayless is averaging 25 minutes per game this season so he and Redick being back certainly strengthens the 76ers. The home team has won each of the last 4 meetings between these teams and all 4 of those wins came by at least 7 points. The Heat come into this one having lost 5 of their last 9 games. Miami will struggle to keep up here as they are 6-12 SU this season in games against teams that average scoring 106 points or more per game. The Heat come into this one having averaged only 91.4 points per game their last 5 games. The Sixers are averaging 109.9 points in home games this season. Also, though the 76ers full season numbers on defense do not impress, they Heat are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. Again, the high-scoring games just don't suit Miami and Philly takes advantage! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-02-18 | Rhode Island v. VCU +3.5 | Top | 81-68 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
Ranked Rout Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #820 Friday 10* Virginia Commonwealth Rams (+) vs Rhode Island Rams @ 7 ET - Rhode Island has won 13 games in a row and is 10-0 in conference action. With Virginia Commonwealth in 2nd place in the Atlantic 10 conference with a 6-3 record this game clearly means much more to the home dog. Yes, Rhode Island would love to keep their streak going. However, VCU is relishing this opportunity to host a ranked team that is at the top of their conference in a primetime nationally televised game. It will be a great atmosphere for the home team in this one and Virginia Commonwealth is the better rebounding team and is 40-6 SU in home games the past 3 seasons combined. Also, VCU is 12-2 SU in home games with a posted total between 150 and 154.5 points while RI is 5-12 SU in road games with a posted total between 150 and 154.5 points. Overall, in all games with a posted total in the 150s in the last 2.5 seasons, Rhode Island is 2-5 SU and this is a very challenging spot for them. RI is off of a pair of grueling wins and VCU is 6-2 ATS when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. From a situational standpoint, this spot favors the home dog in a big way! 10* VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH |
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02-01-18 | Wichita State v. Temple +7.5 | Top | 79-81 | Win | 100 | 7 h 10 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #514 Thursday 10* Temple Owls (+) vs Wichita State Shockers @ 7 ET - Temple is a very talented, well-coached team. The Owls had high hopes coming into this season but have fallen short of expectations. Truly this is one of the toughest road tests a team can face. Wichita State is a ranked team going into an underachieving teams house. What that means is the Shockers are going to get the Owls "best shot" and that is why there is extreme value here because Temple has the talent to win a game like this! They simply have under-achieved but when they're up emotionally (as they surely will be tonight) they can be a very tough team to beat. The Owls enter this game off of their 4th win in 6 games and one of those two losses came by just 3 points. With the line on this one going from a very early line of just 5 all the way up to a 7.5 there is great home dog value. Wichita State, of course, is a quality basketball program. However, they have allowed 69 points or more in 4 of their last 5 games. That holds some significance here because the Owls have held the opposition to 64 points or less in 6 of their last 8 games. Temple has been playing solid D in most of their recent games and it will be tough for Wichita State to get much of a margin, if any, in this game. One of the Shockers best outside shooters has gone cold and the Owls are 8-1 ATS in recent seasons, when in Game 15 or later in a season they are facing a team that averages 77 points or more per game. 10* TEMPLE |
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01-31-18 | Duquesne +3.5 v. George Washington | Top | 75-73 | Win | 100 | 9 h 48 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #731 Wednesday 10* Top Play Duquesne Dukes (+) @ George Washington Colonials @ 7 ET - The Dukes play defense and the Colonials don't and that will again prove to be the difference here. In 8 conference games, George Washington has a 2-6 SU record and has allowed opponents to hit 49.8% from the field. In 9 conference games, Duquesne has a 5-4 SU record and has held opponents to only 41.7% from the field. Both teams enter this game off of back to back losses but the Colonials are reeling with 6 losses in their last 7 games and all defeats coming by double digits. The Dukes back to back losses each came by 4 points or less. Duquesne is 3-0 ATS this season when off of a loss in conference action. George Washington is 2-8 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. The Colonials have the long-term reputation but the Dukes are the better team this season and finally getting some payback for years of dominance at the hands of the Colonials. Having already taken the first match-up as the host this season, look for the Dukes to get the job done again in the road match-up. Grab the points! 10* DUQUESNE |
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01-30-18 | Cavs v. Pistons +6 | Top | 114-125 | Win | 100 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
TNT Early Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #508 Tuesday 10* Detroit Pistons (+) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 8:05 ET - The Pistons just made the big trade for Blake Griffin and even though he won't be playing tonight it is already going to do wonders for Detroit in terms of their mental state here. Also, even though the final score from Sunday's match-up looks ugly (17 point loss), the Pistons were tied with the Cavaliers with only 7.5 minutes to go and that game was at Cleveland. With that said, and with the revitalized feelings after the trade, I expect a full 48-minute effort from Detroit here. Also, keep in mind, the Pistons had faced the Thunder the night before when they then faced the division rival Cavs on Sunday. This scheduling situation is a much better one for Detroit back at home. The Pistons are 15-9 ATS as an underdog this season. The Cavaliers are only 8-29 ATS as a favorite this season. Also, Cleveland is only 1-6 ATS this season when they won their prior game by a double digit margin. Long-term the Cavs are 34-66 ATS when facing a team with a losing record and that includes an ugly 4-18 ATS this season. 10* DETROIT |
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01-30-18 | North Carolina v. Clemson | Top | 78-82 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
ESPN Early Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #523 Tuesday 10* North Carolina Tar Heels (-) @ Clemson Tigers @ 7 ET - The Tar Heels are off of back to back losses and they have not lost 3 straight conference games since the very beginning of their ACC schedule back in 2014. In other words, this is a great spot to back them and it is certainly helped by Clemson's situation here. The Tigers are off of a Sunday night game and it was quite a battle as they fought off the Yellow Jackets for a 2 point win at Georgia Tech. UNC already defeated Clemson two weeks ago at North Carolina and the rematch will be even tougher for the Tigers because they are without Donte Graham. The starting forward is out for the season due to an ACL injury. Clemson is only 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games and the Tar Heels are a long-term 12-4 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. Also, there are three 100% perfect angles in our favor here that combine for 18-0. The Tar Heels are 9-0 SU in Tuesday games, 5-0 SU in games with a posted total in the 140s, and the Tigers are 0-4 ATS this season when off of a win in ACC action. I'll gladly test this triple perfect situation here. 10* NORTH CAROLINA |
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01-29-18 | Heat v. Mavs +2 | Top | 95-88 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #710 Monday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (+) vs Miami Heat @ 8:35 ET - The Mavericks have lost 3 straight but are in a good spot for a big home win. Couple that with the fact that the markets are backing the Heat early - line moved from a pick'em to a -2 on Miami - and you have a good set up for backing Dallas in this one. The Mavericks are hitting the road after this game (next home game not until February 10th) so they definitely will go "all out" tonight. As for the Heat, they're in the opposite type of situation because their focus is unlikely to be on this game. Miami is off of a divisional win over Charlotte and they have a big game on deck against LeBron James and Company in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Heat had lost 4 of 6 before Saturday's home win versus Charlotte. Also, Miami is only 8-14 ATS as a favorite this season. The Mavericks are 21-10 ATS when they enter a game having stayed under the total in each of their 3 prior games. That's because solid defense generally does lead to wins and the Mavs have held their last 4 opponents to 41.3% from the field. Also, the Mavericks are 20-11 ATS against teams with a winning record this season and they're sure to be at their best again tonight given the situation. 10* DALLAS |
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01-27-18 | North Dakota +9 v. Idaho | Top | 71-96 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
Hidden Gem - Rickenbach CBB Game #717 Saturday 10* Top Play North Dakota Fighting Hawks (+) @ Idaho Vandals @ 10 ET - The Fighting Hawks had won 3 straight games with the last of the 3 being a win over rival North Dakota State. Not surprisingly, they then fell flat and lost their next game on the road in OT. Then, off the curse of an OT loss that always makes the next game ultra tough to bounce back in, North Dakota had another road loss in their next game. This is now the finale of a two week stretch where all of the Fighting Hawks games have been on the road. They started the trip with a win and desperately want to end it with a win. Also, this is a revenge game as North Dakota was embarrassed at home by the Vandals in late December when Idaho had a great shooting night and the Fighting Hawks had a rare off night. That is the worst home loss that North Dakota has suffered so far this season and they want payback tonight. Prior to that defeat, the last 3 match-ups between these teams saw the Fighting Hawks take 2 games by an average margin of 14 points per game plus lose the other one (here in Idaho) by only a single point. That said, there is great line value with the big points being offered here. Though the Vandals are looking to bounce back off of a home loss, they are only 3-6 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. North Dakota is 20-10 SU and 22-8 ATS in games with a posted total in the 140s. Also, when playing with home loss revenge, the Fighting Hawks are 14-7 ATS. When playing in game 15 or later in a season, and facing a team that has a winning record, ND has gone 13-3 ATS! 10* NORTH DAKOTA |
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01-25-18 | SMU v. Connecticut +6 | Top | 52-63 | Win | 100 | 7 h 27 m | Show |
Rickenbach CBB Game #520 Thursday 10* Top Play Connecticut Huskies (+) vs SMU Mustangs @ 7 ET - SMU is only 2-5 SU in games played away from home this season. Connecticut has played the tougher schedule this season in comparison with the Mustangs. Also, the Huskies are 8-2 SU at home this season. Southern Methodist is off of back to back wins but previously had lost 3 straight. Connecticut is off of back to back losses but previously had won 3 straight games. Also, the Huskies have held opponents under 41.9% from the field in 8 of their 10 home games. Hungry off of back to back losses and playing at home where their defense will be kicked up a notch, Connecticut will prove to be a tough "out" for SMU in this one! The Mustangs are 4-7 ATS against teams with a winning record this season. The Huskies are 9-1 (90%) SU in home games with a posted total between 130 and 134.5 and another upset here would not surprise. Certainly there is value in grabbing the half-dozen points with the hungry home dog here. 10* CONNECTICUT |
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01-24-18 | Bulls +5.5 v. 76ers | Top | 101-115 | Loss | -102 | 12 h 46 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #701 Wednesday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls (+) @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:05 ET - The Bulls full season record does not look good but they have gone 15-9 SU the past month and a half. Also, Chicago enters this game having gone 20-5 ATS their last 25 games. The Bulls are off of a loss but have gone 8-3 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. Chicago also has fared very well versus the 76ers in recent years and that includes a 4-0 SU mark in their last 4 visits to Philadelphia. Though the Sixers have also been playing well, they are without JJ Redick and TJ McConnell for this one plus Jerryd Bayless is listed as questionable. The short-handed rotation also has a big road trip on deck featuring 4 games in 6 days. The Sixers take on a Bulls team missing just one player, Kris Dunn, for this one. Chicago has covered 6 straight games and catch Philly off of an upset loss. While that may seem like a good spot to back the 76ers, Philadelphia is actually an ugly 1-8 ATS (2-7 SU) this season when off of an upset loss as a favorite. The Bulls are an incredible 11-2 ATS in their last 13 road games and get the job done again here. 10* CHICAGO |
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01-23-18 | Arkansas +1.5 v. Georgia | Top | 80-77 | Win | 100 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
Top Play Special - Rickenbach CBB Game #513 Tuesday 10* Arkansas Razorbacks (+) @ Georgia Bulldogs @ 6:30 ET - With the Razorbacks still winless (ATS) in SEC games, the Bulldogs look "too easy" here as a home team at nearly a pick'em price. Of course you know what happens most of the time when something looks "too easy". The fact is that Arkansas is the play here as they are the much better team offensively and Georgia won't be able to keep up. The Razorbacks are averaging 85.1 points per game this season while the Bulldogs are averaging 69.9 points a game. Arkansas is knocking down 49.3% of their shots from the field including 39.6% from three point land. In games with a posted total in the 140s the Razorbacks are 15-7 ATS including 2-0 ATS this season. Arkansas is also 4-1 ATS in games where they are a road dog of 3 points or less. Arky also is 13-5 SU (and 11-5 ATS) in Tuesday night games. The Hogs are 8-3 SU this season when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. At game 15 or later in a season, when the Bulldogs face a team that is averaging 77 points or more per game, they've gone 8-14 SU. As I said above, Georgia struggles to keep up with high scoring, better shooting teams. Yes the Dogs have the better defense but the Razorbacks have too many scoring options! 10* ARKANSAS |
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01-20-18 | Bulls +2 v. Hawks | Top | 113-97 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Saturday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls (+) @ Atlanta Hawks @ 5:05 ET - When something looks too easy it usually is anything but that. This is a prime example of that as Atlanta opened up at a pick'em at home and is now a 2-point favorite as people jump on board to fade a Chicago team that is just 6-16 SU on the road. The key to the value here is the Bulls have been red hot but yet are off of a SU loss. Chicago fell short against the defending champion Warriors Wednesday but the Bulls did the cover. It is now a perfect 4-0 ATS run for Chicago. Speaking of perfect runs, the Bulls are also 9-0 ATS this season in games against Southeast Division opponents. The Hawks are an ugly 1-7 SU against Southeast Division foes. While the Bulls are hungry off of a loss, Atlanta is off of back to back wins and feeling a little too good about themselves. This is the type of game where upsets happen and lets not forget that the Hawks had lost 5 of 6 before notching those back to back victories. The Bulls have had some recent success versus the Hawks as a host but they've fallen short in recent visits to Atlanta so there is plenty of motivation for Chicago here. The Hawks are an ugly 2-6 SU when off of an upset win as an underdog. The double perfect edges for the Bulls, noted above, combine for a 13-0 ATS mark. 10* CHICAGO |
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01-20-18 | Oklahoma v. Oklahoma State +5 | Top | 81-83 | Win | 100 | 6 h 1 m | Show |
Big 12 Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #562 Saturday 10* Top Play Oklahoma State Cowboys (+) vs Oklahoma Sooners @ 2 ET - The Cowboys lost badly at Oklahoma early this month but Oklahoma State was simply done in by ridiculously hot shooting by the Sooners. I certainly don't expect a repeat of that on the road in Stillwater and the home dog Cowboys have a great shot at the upset here. For Oklahoma State, this is truly their "Game of the Year" as they host their biggest rival as a highly ranked foe in this one plus the Cowboys seek revenge. Keep in mind OSU had won each of the prior two meetings and 1 of their 2 prior losses had come by just 2 points. The Sooners hit a ridiculous 15 of 27 three-pointers in the January 3rd win and that won't be repeated here. OU, from Game 15 onward in a season, is on a 12-23 ATS run in games against teams with a winning record. Also, Oklahoma is on a 19-31 ATS run as a favorite. As for Oklahoma State, they have a long-term mark of 10-5 SU (and 11-4 ATS) when playing with a revenge from a blowout loss of 20 points or more. Keep in mind, in that bad loss at Norman, the Cowboys took 25% more shots from the field than did the Sooners. OSU had 80 field goal attempts in the game while the Sooners had 64. I know the phenom for Oklahoma needs a bounce back game but he has been exposed a bit in losses to West Virginia and Kansas State. Both those losses were on the road and this is another tough venue to play in. Give me the home dog BIG in this one. 10* OKLAHOMA STATE |
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01-19-18 | Heat -3 v. Nets | Top | 95-101 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 45 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #803 Friday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (-) @ Brooklyn Nets @ 7:35 - The Heat are seeking revenge here for an embarrassing home loss to the Nets just 3 weeks ago. Miami was blown out by 24 in that ugly defeat versus Brooklyn and payback is on order here. Prior to that loss the Heat were 7-1 SU and ATS in their last 8 meetings with the Nets so they've certainly had their number. Also, Miami is 15-5 SU their last 20 games while Brooklyn has lost 14 of their last 19 games so you can clearly see this is a case of two teams going opposite directions. Also, the Nets have been held under 42.5% from the field in 6 of their last 7 games while the Heat have shot at least 46% from the field in 7 of their last 9 games. Miami is on an incredible 30-13 ATS run when playing with home loss revenge. Also, the Heat are 15-3 SU when facing a team with a losing record. That is a key here as this line is very small so there is a high percentage chance that any SU win is also an ATS win in this one! The Nets are 25-40 ATS when they enter a game on a SU losing streak of 3 or more games. Brooklyn is also on an ugly 23-86 SU run in games against teams with a winning record. 10* MIAMI |
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01-18-18 | Virginia v. Georgia Tech +8 | Top | 64-48 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 3 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #540 Thursday 10* Top Play Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+) vs Virginia Cavaliers @ 8 ET - Virginia has been stellar this season and is certainly a tough team to play against due to their stout defense. However, another solid defense in the Atlantic Coast Conference is certainly that of Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets are allowing just 62.8 points per game on the season. This is a big number for the Cavaliers to cover on the road considering Georgia Tech has a penchant for getting into low-scoring grinder-type games just like Virginia does. With that said, the Cavs are in for a real battle here. The Yellow Jackets are on a 5-1 SU run and also a 5-0 ATS run. GT is allowing only 58.5 points per game in their last 6 games. In recent seasons the Cavaliers are only 14-12 SU in road games so it won't be a surprise to see this one turn into a bit of a dogfight. The Jackets are on an incredible 16-3 ATS run in January games. Also, Georgia Tech is 28-14 ATS in conference games. When facing a team with a winning record after the midway point in a season (game 15 or later), the Yellow Jackets have gone 25-11 ATS. 10* GEORGIA TECH |
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01-17-18 | Dayton +1.5 v. St. Joe's | Top | 65-81 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 18 m | Show |
Ultra Early Blowout - Rickenbach CBB Game #726 Wednesday 10* Top Play Dayton Flyers (+) @ St Joseph's Hawks @ 6:30 ET - Of course the Hawks wish they had Charlie Brown but he never even played a game this season. The same holds true for Lamarr Kimble but he only played 1 game and is now out for the season. While those are known "issues" for St Joseph's, they certainly are also further weakened here by the fact that 6'8 Pierfrancesco Oliva is currently dealing with the flu. He leads the team in rebounds and is 2nd in assists. Though he may indeed play tonight I expect him to be at less than 100%. With that said, there is value here with a Dayton team that still is seeking some revenge here. Yes the Flyers beat the Hawks in their match-up last season but they did lose their last visit to St Joseph's and also were eliminated from the Conference Tourney by the Hawks in March of 2016. While St Joe's is hitting only 41% of their shots this season, the Flyers are hitting 48% from the field this season. Also, Dayton allows 5 points per game less than the Hawks do. In games with a posted total in the 150s the Flyers are on a 5-1 SU run. Also, when it is game 15 or later in the season, and Dayton faces a team with a losing record, the Flyers are a perfect 10-0 SU. The Hawks are 1-4 ATS as a favorite this season. Also, St Joseph's is 3-6 SU this season in games against teams with a winning record. As a home fave of 3 points or less in recent seasons, the Hawks have gone 2-5 ATS. 10* DAYTON |
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01-16-18 | Louisville +3 v. Notre Dame | Top | 82-78 | Win | 100 | 11 h 33 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #525 Tuesday 10* Top Play Louisville Cardinals (+) @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ 7 ET - After this line opened up at a 1.5 on the Irish it has already moved up to a -3. Of course that is the power of home court in the betting markets' eyes and it would seem justified here. That's because Notre Dame is on a 6-0 SU and ATS run in home games versus Louisville. However, this is one of those cases where there is more than meets the eye at first glance. The fact is that the Irish have built much of their 13-3 start on the backs of Bonzie Colson and Matt Farrell. Notre Dame now enters this game off of back to back losses and Colson (leading rebounder and leading scorer) is out with a foot injury. Farrell (leads teams in assists and second in scoring) is questionable tonight with an ankle injury. Though he may indeed play tonight he is not 100% and these two players are key guys for ND no doubt. Another key to the value with this play is that the Cardinals have played the tougher schedule in comparison with the Fighting Irish so far this season. As a road dog of 3 points or less the Cards are a long-term 19-10 ATS. The Cardinals enter this game on a 4-game ATS win streak while the Irish, not including true road games, are on a 2-4 ATS run. In other words home court hasn't been overly favorable to Notre Dame of late. 10* LOUISVILLE |
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01-14-18 | Ohio State v. Rutgers +7 | Top | 68-46 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 24 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #822 Sunday 10* Top Play Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+) vs Ohio State Buckeyes @ 7 ET - Ohio State is off of a huge win versus Maryland where everything went right for the Buckeyes and everything went wrong for the Terrapins. The Buckeyes have been shooting the ball very well but most of those games have been at home. Now they are on the road and they're facing a scrappy Scarlet Knights team that is looking to bounce back off of a tight 4-point loss at Michigan State. Keep in mind, prior to that game Rutgers fought hard for a home win versus Wisconsin. Certainly the Scarlet Knights were not expected to follow that up with playing so well against the Spartans as a 22 point underdog but that is precisely what they did. The fact is that Rutgers, particularly on their home floor and playing with a lot of confidence, will be tough for the Buckeyes to "put away" in this one. With the way the Scarlet Knights have been playing, they have a great shot at the upset here which makes the points very valuable here. This is particularly true with the markets backing the Buckeyes heavily as this line has been driven all the way up to a 7. The Scarlet Knights are 6-0 ATS at home this season. The Buckeyes are 0-3 ATS in their last 3 match-ups with Rutgers. That means we have a combined 9-0 ATS spot here favoring the Scarlet Knights over Ohio State. I'll take it as the public is backing them in this revenge spot but the home dog is going to bring plenty of fight to this one! 10* RUTGERS |
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01-11-18 | Maryland +4.5 v. Ohio State | Top | 69-91 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 10 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #513 Thursday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Ohio State Buckeyes @ 7 ET - The Terrapins are already without Justin Jackson and Ivan Bender and now they lost Dion Wiley for this game. Certainly this has impacted the depth of the Terps but they didn't have Wiley in the 2nd half of their big win over Iowa and it was the 2nd half where Maryland made their big run against the Hawkeyes. That said, the fact this game is on regular rest (haven't played since Sunday) and the fact the Buckeyes are off of a huge upset win over Michigan State, this is a great spot to back the road dog. Maryland has won 4 straight meetings with Ohio State and Maryland lost by 30 points to the same Spartans team that the Buckeyes just rolled by 18 points. You can bet that the Terrapins are well aware of all this and are looking to make a statement against a Buckeyes team that is likely to get caught still celebrating this win. The Terps are on a 13-6 ATS run as an underdog and certainly this is their preferred role at the betting window! Ohio State is 11-19 ATS (including 2-4 ATS this season) in games with a posted total in the 140s. The Buckeyes will be caught back on their heels in this one as the Terrapins look to make up for the ugly loss at Michigan State in their most recent road game. 10* MARYLAND |
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01-10-18 | Xavier +9.5 v. Villanova | Top | 65-89 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 21 m | Show |
TV Big East Beast - Rickenbach CBB Game #763 Wednesday 10* Top Play Xavier Musketeers (+) @ Villanova Wildcats @ 8 ET - Xavier is off of a poor performance at Providence but it was not a huge surprise as they were clearly looking ahead to this showdown with the Wildcats at Villanova. Also, the Musketeers did play better in the 2nd half against the Friars and the difference tonight is that they'll be ready from the opening tip! Xavier had won 10 straight before the loss at Providence and were 15-1 overall on the season. The Wildcats are the #1 team in the nation and certainly should get this win at home but they are over-priced with a very challenging team coming to the Main Line to pay them a visit in Philly. The Musketeers are 82-30 SU when off of a loss against a conference rival. The Wildcats are 14-23 ATS when off of a win against a conference rival. A lot of points expected here and I look for Xavier to improve to 4-1 ATS this season in their games with a posted total in the 160s. Keep in mind, the Wildcats had trouble stopping the 3-ball in their recent games against Marquette and Butler. That said, the Musketeers are another dangerous team from three point land. 10* XAVIER |
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01-09-18 | Texas Tech +3 v. Oklahoma | Top | 65-75 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 1 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #529 Tuesday 10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders (+) @ Oklahoma Sooners @ 7 ET - Of course the money came in early on the Sooners here as they are at home and playing with revenge and opened up as a very small favorite in this one even though the game is being played in Norman. The fact is that the Red Raiders are still highly doubted by many but this is a very good Texas Tech team that plays fantastic defense, has a deep bench, and gets key contributions by using a deeper player rotation than many other teams. That is a key variable that helps them greatly here against a Sooners team that relies so heavily on their freshman phenom at point guard. The Red Raiders are allowing just 59 points per game on the season. Texas Tech is off of another strong effort versus Kansas State in their most recent game and the Red Raiders are 5-1 ATS this season after allowing 60 points or less in their prior game. Also, Texas Tech is 8-1 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. Oklahoma is 8-14 ATS when, after the midway point of a season, they face a team averaging 77 points or more per game. The Sooners are also just 18-29 ATS as a favorite and the Red Raiders rebounding margin, defensive stats, and bench depth speak volumes here in a game where I am projecting the outright win but certainly am happy to grab the points being offered. 10* TEXAS TECH |
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01-08-18 | Navy +4.5 v. Colgate | Top | 62-70 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 57 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #717 Monday 10* Top Play Navy Midshipmen (+) @ Colgate Raiders @ 5 ET - The Midshipmen have won 10 of their last 13 games. Just like Colgate, Navy returned 4 starters this season. The difference is that the Midshipmen have proven they do play up to their potential while the Raiders continue to underperform. On paper, Colgate looks good but they just continue to fall short on the court. The Raiders are 2-1 in Patriot League action but their two wins came against American and Holy Cross. Those two teams are two of the three weakest teams in the conference. Colgate's 2 prior wins came against Pitt-Bradford and New Jersey Tech - not exactly powerhouses! Prior to that the Raiders had lost 4 straight and they do enter this game off of a loss to Lafayette and the Leopards are projected to finish dead last in the Patriot League. With that said, Colgate is being priced here based on home court edge but that would be home court edge if they were the better team. They truly are NOT the better team and that means we are getting a favorable line here with the much better team. The Midshipmen are 15-4 SU in January games. The Raiders are 8-20 SU in games against teams with a winning record. 10* NAVY |
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01-07-18 | Arizona State -2.5 v. Utah | Top | 80-77 | Win | 100 | 11 h 44 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #843 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona State Sun Devils (-) @ Utah Utes @ 8 ET - The Sun Devils started the season 12-0 and then lost by 6 at Arizona. Of course this let the wind out of their sails and it wasn't a complete surprise when they then fell flat at Colorado and lost by 9 as a 9-point favorite. Now, after getting that game out of the way where they suffered "unbeaten letdown" after the loss to the Wildcats, the Sun Devils should come roaring back here. Enough is enough and this is a team that certainly proved themselves in early season wins over Kansas and Xavier. Now it is time to get rolling in conference action and a win at Utah is what ASU needs (and gets!) tonight. The Utes have been a nemesis for the Sun Devils in recent seasons and Arizona State lost at home last season plus got embarrassed two years ago in their most recent visit to Utah. The Sun Devils lost that game by 35 points and were down 44-10 at halftime. You can bet that ASU has revenge on their minds here and yet we are getting a low line here because of the back to back losses that Arizona State just suffered after their 12-0 start. Keep in mind, ASU is 9-0 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. Utah, in home games with a posted total between 155 and 159.5 points, is 0-3 ATS in recent seasons. That means we have a combined 12-0, 100% ATS stat working in our favor here and I love this situation for the under-valued Sun Devils as they respond after B2B losses. 10* ARIZONA STATE |
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01-06-18 | Kansas -1 v. TCU | Top | 88-84 | Win | 100 | 14 h 46 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #649 Saturday 10* Top Play Kansas Jayhawks (-) @ TCU Horned Frogs @ 9:15 ET - This is a huge revenge game for Kansas. They were knocked out of the Big 12 Tournament in the quarterfinals last year in a tight loss to TCU. The fact that this game is in Texas actually helps because it means the line is manageable. In fact, the line is basically a pick'em which is a great value. Yes the Jayhawks looked awful in their loss to Texas Tech but that was a wake-up call for this team and clearly Kansas was also likely peeking ahead to this game which was circled on their calendars. The Jayhawks are 57-12 SU (including 6-0 past 2 seasons) when they are off of a loss in Big 12 action. Also, Kansas is 75-15 SU when off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more! In recent seasons, the Jayhawks are 56-12 SU against teams with a winning record while the Horned Frogs are 24-36 SU. I fully realize that TCU is an improving basketball program but they're still catching a revenge-minded Jayhawks team at absolutely the wrong time and Kansas (and head coach Bill Self) will be ready to go here! The Horned Frogs are 12-31 SU in conference games in recent seasons. The Jayhawks are 35-7 SU over the same time period. 10* KANSAS |
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01-05-18 | Wisconsin v. Rutgers +3 | Top | 60-64 | Win | 100 | 10 h 22 m | Show |
TV Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #828 Friday 10* Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+) vs Wisconsin Badgers @ 7 ET - The Badgers are very banged up in the backcourt right now with three guards listed on their injury report. Wisconsin has won 5 of 6 meetings with Rutgers but it was no mistake when the oddsmakers opened up this game at very nearly a pick'em price. The betting markets have given us a lot of value here as they have driven this line all the way up to as high as a 3 as of early gameday morning. This offering solid home dog value to the Scarlet Knights. Admittedly the Badgers have played a tougher schedule than Rutgers has. However, the injury situation in the backcourt is certainly concerning for Wisconsin. Also, the Badgers are allowing 46% shooting from the field (including 36% from three point land). By comparison, Rutgers is allowing only 37.6% from the field (including a paltry 30.2% from beyond the arc). The point is that the Scarlet Knights have been more attentive to defense this season and the Badgers are still adjusting after losing a lot of key players coming into his season and now having some key injuries on top of that! Wisconsin is 3-8 ATS this season when playing against a team with a winning record. Also, the Badgers are a long-term 1-6 ATS in road games with a posted total in the 120s. Even though Rutgers is playing on short rest here, they are 5-2 ATS when playing with 1 day or less of rest between games. Also, the Scarlet Knights are a perfect 5-0 ATS this season in their home games! 10* RUTGERS |
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01-03-18 | Oklahoma State +10 v. Oklahoma | Top | 89-109 | Loss | -106 | 13 h 8 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #781 Wednesday 10* Top Play Oklahoma State Cowboys (+) @ Oklahoma Sooners @ 9 ET - Yes, this is a huge revenge game for the Sooners after getting swept by the Cowboys last season. Yes, Oklahoma returned more key players this season than Oklahoma State did. However, the key here is that Oklahoma State has responded very well to Mike Boynton whom has taken over the head coaching reigns from Brad Underwood. The Cowboys play with confidence, they're playing well on the defensive end, and they believe in themselves. Yes, Oklahoma State did lose at home to West Virginia and they blew a decent lead in doing so. However, that type of loss only makes them hungrier coming into a rivalry game like this. Though Oklahoma has the more impressive shooting stats and puts up big numbers on offense, Oklahoma State is the better team defensively. The Cowboys have allowed 12.7 points less per game plus they defend the 3-ball much better than OU does. The Sooners are 3-6 ATS as a favorite this season and, in my opinion, they are over-priced again here. Remember, revenge tends to get over-played and over-valued and I expect the Cowboys - off of a loss - to come up with a very strong effort here. Look for Oklahoma State to improve to 4-0 ATS in road games with a posted total in the 160s while Oklahoma drops to 4-8 ATS in games with a posted total in the 160s. The Sooners are 6-12 ATS when off of a win in conference action. Also, OU is on a long-term 17-29 ATS run as a favorite. 10* OKLAHOMA STATE |
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01-02-18 | Arkansas -2 v. Mississippi State | Top | 75-78 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 23 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #549 Tuesday 10* Top Play Arkansas Razorbacks (-) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs @ 9 ET - There has been a big move toward the Bulldogs here but I feel it will prove to be a big mistake. The Razorbacks have played a much tougher schedule than Mississippi State has this season. Even with that Arkansas is 9-4 ATS this season while the Bulldogs are 2-6 ATS on the young season. Also, the last time the Razorbacks played a true road game was exactly one month ago to the day. Arkansas lost that game by 26 points at Houston and they have been anxious to make amends for that defeat and prove what they can do on the road. They'll be ready to make a statement here in Starkville where they did lose their last visit in a blowout loss. The Razorbacks also lost at home to the Bulldogs last year in January so payback is on order in this one. Arkansas has earned their ranking and Mississippi State, despite one less loss, is not ranked for a reason. The Bulldogs schedule has been so weak and they just are not at the talent level that the Razorbacks are. Also, Arkansas is the better shooting team, including much better from 3-point land. The Razorbacks are 16-6 SU after a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. The Hogs are also 5-1 ATS (and SU) when they face a team that is allowing 64 points or less per game. The Bulldogs are 6-11 ATS after a game in which they scored 80 points or more. 10* ARKANSAS |
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01-01-18 | West Virginia v. Kansas State +2 | Top | 77-69 | Loss | -104 | 8 h 30 m | Show |
Ranked Rout - Rickenbach CBB Game #712 Monday 10* Kansas State Wildcats (+) vs West Virginia Mountaineers @ 5 ET - The Mountaineers have won 12 straight games and got the better of me when they rallied to beat Oklahoma State at Stillwater on Friday. However, we'll get it back today on Monday. West Virginia allowed the Cowboys to hit 51% of their shots in that game and now face a red hot shooting Wildcats team. It is so hard to win road games in the Big 12 and especially back to back affairs in a tough situation. Kansas State will be ready and wants this game badly as the Mountaineers knocked them out of the Big 12 Tourney last March. The Wildcats have shot 50% or better from the field in 4 of their last 6 games. The Mountaineers, despite all their winning, have gone 10 straight games without a single game where they've knocked down half their field goal attempts. The schedule is starting to toughen for West Virginia and the Wildcats are going to own this game at home. Kansas State is on a 30-10 SU run in home games including 7-0 this season. Also, the Wildcats are 16-8 SU when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. The Mountaineers are only 6-6 ATS in games against good defensive teams (allowing 64 points or less per game). KSU was known to have plenty of scorers but the attention to defense has been a big surprise early this season and the Wildcats are riding that D to wins. They get their revenge here. 10* KANSAS STATE |
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12-31-17 | 76ers v. Suns +3.5 | Top | 123-110 | Loss | -108 | 8 h 21 m | Show |
Non-Conf Game of the Year - Rickenbach NBA Game #815 Sunday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns (+) vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 8:05 ET - Phoenix has been a different team since guard Devin Booker has returned. Overall, the Suns have won 5 of their last 7 games and they now host a 76ers team that is off of a big road win at Denver last night but that had previously lost 10 of its last 12 games. With Joel Embiid slated to play tonight for the Sixers and with this being a revenge game for Philly, the line has been skewed toward the 76ers here. However, the Suns as a solid home dog here is a great value. Phoenix has covered 10 of its last 14 games and they are playing just their 2nd game in 5 nights. The Suns will have very fresh legs here. The 76ers are on a 4-13 ATS run and are playing their 5th straight road game. Not only is this spot a back to back for Philadelphia, they also are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Philly is playing this game with home loss revenge but they are 15-55 SU in this situation the past 2+ seasons. Also, the Sixers are 0-4 SU and ATS this season when playing the 2nd night of a back to back. The past 2+ seasons the 76ers long-term record in this situation (2nd of B2B) is 6-35 SU! The Suns are 5-2 ATS when off of a divisional game and also 5-2 ATS this season versus Atlantic Division opponents. 10* PHOENIX |
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12-30-17 | Villanova -5 v. Butler | Top | 93-101 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 44 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #555 Saturday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) @ Butler Bulldogs @ 4 ET - Butler expended a lot of energy in their double-overtime win at Georgetown on Wednesday. They were down huge at the half so really had to put in a lot of effort just to force overtime and then the game actually ended up going 2 extra stanzas! While it is true that the Bulldogs have had two days off since that win, it is also true that those are the types of wins that take a lot out of a team and top ranked 13-0 Villanova is coming in to this game as the much fresher team. Also, the Wildcats have revenge from losing both games to Butler last season. One could say that the Bulldogs have had the Cats number in recent meetings but one could also say that Butler certainly didn't impress in Wednesday's game versus the Hoyas as Georgetown had played a very soft schedule this season. Now the Bulldogs take on a Wildcats team that has played just as tough of a schedule as Butler has. The Bulldogs are 1-3 ATS as an underdog this season and also 2-7 ATS in recent seasons when they are off of a game where they allowed 80 points or more. Villanova is 9-1 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. Also, the Wildcats are a long-term 22-11 ATS when they face teams that are averaging 77 points or more per game on the season. Keep in mind, Butler is averaging a solid 78.6 points per game this season but Nova shoots the ball much better and is averaging 87.8 points per game this season. Also, Butler's weakness on D is against the 3-ball (allowing 37%) and the Wildcats are hitting a ridiculous 42.2% of their threes this season! That will likely play out as a key factor in this one. 10* VILLANOVA |
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12-29-17 | West Virginia v. Oklahoma State +2.5 | Top | 85-79 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 25 m | Show |
Big 12 Blowout - Rickenbach CBB Game #826 Friday 10* Top Play Oklahoma State Cowboys (+) vs West Virginia Mountaineers @ 7 ET - The Mountaineers come into this game having won 11 straight and they are highly ranked and yet they opened up as a very small favorite here. Don't fall for the trap! The fact is that, while "Press Virginia" is playing very good defense as usual, Oklahoma State has come a long way with their defense too. The Cowboys have been solid on that end of the floor and have done a great job of forcing turnovers and clogging passing lanes. The fact that this game is in Stillwater of course helps even more. Oklahoma State is 8-1 at home this season and they're hosting a West Virginia team that has played only one true road game this season. That was at Pittsburgh and the Mountaineers only beat the Panthers by single digits despite shooting 12 percentage points higher from the field. In other words, West Virginia is likely to be in trouble here in a much tougher road test. Oklahoma State's defense against the 3-ball has been better than that of the Mountaineers this season. Also, the Cowboys are 3-1 ATS this season in games with a posted total in the 150s. West Virginia is 1-3 ATS this season in a game with a posted total in the 150s. 10* OKLAHOMA STATE |
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12-26-17 | Jazz +6 v. Nuggets | Top | 83-107 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 27 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* Utah Jazz (+) @ Denver Nuggets @ 9:05 ET - Of course this is a revenge spot for the Nuggets as they lost at Utah by 29 in late November. However, is Denver really thinking that much about that here? The fact is that the Nuggets are off of a win over the NBA Champion Warriors in their final game before the NBA break. Also, Denver has another revenge game (at Minnesota) for tomorrow night and the Nuggets most recent home loss was to the Timberwolves just last week. You can truly see why Denver may not be fully focused here and they are going to have their hands full with a Utah team coming off of home loss to Oklahoma City. The Jazz are fired up as they've endured a tough stretch recently that has seen them lose 8 of their last 10 games. The best thing that could have happened for Utah was a break in the action and I look for the Jazz to come out renewed and refreshed after the Christmas break. As for the Nuggets, they are 1-9 ATS this season when off of a win by a double digit margin and that was a huge road win at Golden State on Saturday. Also, Denver is 12-30 SU long-term when off of an upset win as an underdog! As for the Jazz, they are a long-term 27-13 SU when off of a divisional game and, the fact they lost that divisional match-up at home against the Thunder means extra hunger for the road dog in this one. 10* UTAH |
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12-25-17 | Cavs v. Warriors -4.5 | Top | 92-99 | Win | 100 | 7 h 51 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #704 Monday 10* Golden State Warriors (-) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 3:05 ET - The Warriors are without Stephen Curry of course. However, the line has gone from as high as -7.5 to as low as -4.5 as of gameday morning and the betting markets are treating this as if the odds makers weren't aware that Curry was out when they set the line. The fact is that this is great line value on Golden State at home and laying a small number. The Warriors just had their 11 game winning streak snapped on Saturday and likely were caught looking ahead to this game. The fact is that Golden State has been playing better defense than Cleveland. The Warriors are allowing an average of just 98 points per game their last 8 games. The Cavaliers are allowing an average of 109 points per game their last 6 games. Opponents are shooting 49% from the field in the Cavs last 5 games. The Warriors are allowing just 41% from the field their last 8 games. Defense is a big deal in games like this. Yes the Cavs want revenge from last year's finals but Golden State will be up for this game on Christmas Day, particularly after being held to just 81 points on Saturday on their home floor! Cleveland is just 3-11 ATS after scoring 115 points or more in their prior game. The Warriors are 30-5 SU (including 6-0 SU this season) when off of an upset loss as a favorite. GS was embarrassed on Saturday and they'll respond BIG here. 10* GOLDEN STATE |
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12-20-17 | St. Joe's +8 v. St. John's | Top | 73-77 | Win | 100 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #747 Wednesday 10* St Joseph's Hawks (+) vs St John's Red Storm @ 4:30 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT in Basketball Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase - The Red Storm are 9-2 this season but the 5-5 Hawks have played the tougher schedule so far this season. Also, St John's really misses guard Marcus LoVett in a game like this. The Red Storm have not been shooting the ball well at all. They've been held under 39.7% from the field in 3 straight games. It is hard to cover a big spread when the shots aren't falling and now this game is being played on a neutral floor. St Joseph's is not without their own issues but certainly they've been ultra-competitive this season and I feel they are being vastly undervalued by the betting markets in this one. 3 of the Hawks last 4 losses have come by 6 points or less. The only exception was a blowout loss versus Villanova and, of course, St John's is no Villanova! Look for scrappy St Joseph's to be in this one all the way and improve to 6-3 ATS when facing a team that allows 64 points or less per game. In the process the Hawks will improve to 21-12 ATS the last 33 times they've been an underdog. St John's is an ugly 3-10 SU and 3-9 ATS in games played on a neutral court! 10* ST JOSEPH'S |
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12-19-17 | Northern Kentucky +14.5 v. Texas A&M | Top | 58-64 | Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #523 Tuesday 10* Top Play Northern Kentucky (+) @ Texas A & M @ 8 ET - Not a lot of respect being given here to a Northern Kentucky team that made a huge run last March and returned most of that team this season. I realize the Norse have played a weaker schedule than the Aggies have. I also realize that Northern Kentucky is off of a disappointing loss at Maryland-Baltimore County. However, the Norse were likely looking ahead to this special opportunity tonight where they have a chance to knock off a top ten ranked team. Of course I am not forecasting an upset win here but I certainly do expect Northern Kentucky to stay within single digits in this one. Texas A & M has a size edge of course but the loss of guard Admon Gilder for this one is significant plus big man Robert Williams is questionable for this game. The Aggies still have enough depth to get the win here but I don't expect it to be a blowout. Keep in mind, the Norse loss to Kentucky in March came by just 9 points! In games with a posted total in the 140s Northern Kentucky is 5-1 ATS this season and 16-6 ATS all-time! As a road dog of 12.5 points or more, the Norse are 7-3 ATS all time! As a home fave of 12.5 points or more, the Aggies are 2-5 ATS in recent seasons and 18-28 ATS long-term. Too many points! Grab the value with the big dog for a big play. 10* NORTHERN KENTUCKY |
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12-16-17 | Clippers v. Heat -6 | Top | 85-90 | Loss | -108 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #508 Saturday 10* Miami Heat (-) vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 8:05 ET - The Heat and Clippers are both in a back to back spot here but Miami certainly has the advantage of being at home while the Clips are playing their 3rd straight road game and have a big Western Conference match-up with the Spurs at San Antonio on deck. The Clippers have covered 4 straight games but they've done it with some smoke and mirrors as they were held under 38.9% from the field for the 2nd time in 3 games yesterday. As for the Heat, they have shot 50.5% from the field in their last 5 games. The Clippers have a number of injury issues while the Heat have certainly had to grow use to playing without Hassan Whiteside so that adjustment has already taken place as he has missed a lot of time this season. The Heat have played the tougher schedule on the season which makes their superior record even that much better than the Clippers losing record. By the way, Miami is 9-0 SU (and 7-2 ATS) in games against teams with a losing record this season. Also, the Heat are on a 21-13 ATS run when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Los Angeles is 0-4 SU (and 1-3 ATS) this season when playing the 2nd night of a back to back. The Clips are 3-11 SU as an underdog this season and that holds plenty of significance here as the Heat have failed to get the cover just ONCE (and that was by HALF A POINT) when they get a SU win. In other words, when the Heat have won, odds are strong they also cover. More of the same here. 10* MIAMI |
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12-16-17 | Oregon +2 v. Fresno State | Top | 68-61 | Win | 100 | 7 h 59 m | Show |
Non-Conf Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #557 Saturday 10* Top Play Oregon Ducks (+) @ Fresno State Bulldogs @ 6 ET - The Bulldogs top player, Jaron Hopkins, is dealing with a back injury. Even if he plays he won't be as effective as usual and he led Fresno State in scoring, assists and steals last season plus he was on the MWC all-defensive team. Suffice to say he is a very important player. Even though Oregon has dropped off from last season's level they are still projected to rank among the top five teams in the Pac-12 when all is said and done. By comparison, Fresno State WITH a healthy Hopkins is projected to finish in the top five of the Mountain West Conference. Of course I'll take the Pac-12 over the MWC any day of the week and I also like the fact that the Ducks have been the much better team on defense early this season. Oregon is allowing only 37.8% from the field and 29.3% from three point land while the Bulldogs are allowing 43.5% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc. There have only been 3 games this season where Fresno State was "challenged". In the two games they were favored by less than 7 points they failed to cover each time plus lost one of them outright. In the one game where the Bulldogs were an underdog they lost by 8. The gap may have closed on these teams but, especially with Hopkins hurting, there is still a gap and the Ducks will prevail. 10* OREGON |
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12-13-17 | Blazers +3 v. Heat | Top | 102-95 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #709 Wednesday 10* Top Play Portland Trail Blazers (+) @ Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - The Trail Blazers are hungry as they have lost 5 straight games. Portland has played better in their last 2 games and covered both of those. In fact, the Blazers are now 16-8 ATS when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Miami is off of back to back SU wins but they are 0-4 ATS when they enter a game on a winning streak of 2 or more games this season. Also, the Heat are also 0-3 ATS this season when they enter a game on an ATS winning streak of 2 games or more. Miami has not fared well at home this season as they've covered just 2 of 11 games as a host this season! The Heat were a small dog at Memphis Monday and they got the outright win. Miami is 1-4 ATS this season when off of an upset win as an underdog. The Heat have covered only 3 of 10 as a favorite this season. Miami also has a divisional game on deck at Charlotte and could look right past this non-conference match-up. Portland will absolutely not look past the Heat here as the Blazers are hungry to end their longest losing streak of the season. The road team is 24-15 ATS long-term in the meetings between these teams and the hungry road dog gets the cash again here! 10* PORTLAND |
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12-13-17 | Villanova v. Temple +9 | Top | 87-67 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Philly Insider - Rickenbach CBB Game #720 Wednesday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (+) vs Villanova Wildcats @ 7 ET - The Owls returned 4 starters from last season's team. The Wildcats are currently the #1 team in the nation. Temple would love nothing more than to get the upset of a Philly rival and #1 ranked team tonight at home at the Liacouras Center. While I feel the Owls will likely fall short in terms of that endeavor, I expect their defeat to be by only a bucket or two. With that said, tremendous home dog value here. Keep in mind, Temple has played a tough early season schedule. In fact, their strength of schedule so far this season does rank higher than that of the Wildcats. Villanova has dominated this match-up recently, including winning by 18.5 points per game in the past two meetings. However, it is with good reason that the odds makers opened this one up at "only" a -7 and yet the markets are driving this one higher which means even more value as the Owls are now available as high as a +9 as of gameday morning. Temple's defense has been solid and that will prove to be a key here against the high-flying Wildcats. The Owls are actually on a 12-2 ATS run in their games against teams that average 77 points or more per game! The Owls are on an overall 20-11 ATS run as an underdog while Villanova is on a 4-10 ATS run in Wednesday games. While Temple has a Saturday game on deck, the Wildcats are off until NEXT Friday the 22nd after this game. Could the undefeated Cats get caught looking ahead to their long break that starts tomorrow? Absolutely! 10* TEMPLE |
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12-12-17 | Lakers +3.5 v. Knicks | Top | 109-113 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 19 m | Show |
ESPN Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #505 Tuesday 10* Los Angeles Lakers (+) @ New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - The Lakers are off of back to back wins plus playing for just the 3rd time in 9 days! Fresh legs and confidence are both on the side of Los Angeles in this one. They've had 2 full off days since winning by double digits at Charlotte Saturday. As for the Knicks, they barely hung on for a tight win Sunday versus Atlanta and they now will be playing for the 3rd time in just 4 days! Certainly New York's situation is much different than the favorable scheduling situation of LA here. Also, the Knicks have a divisional game against city rival Brooklyn on deck! NY is 1-4 ATS this month. Also, the Knicks are on a 26-44 SU run against Western Conference teams and also 13-33 SU run against teams that average 106 points or more per game. The Lakers are 42-29 ATS against Eastern Conference foes in recent seasons. Also, this season, Los Angeles is 3-0 ATS when off of a win by a double digit margin and LA is also 4-1 ATS when they enter a game on an under streak of 3 games or more. 10* LOS ANGELES LAKERS |
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12-10-17 | Hawks v. Knicks -5 | Top | 107-111 | Loss | -106 | 8 h 10 m | Show |
Situational Slam - Rickenbach NBA Game #512 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Knicks (-) vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - Both teams are in a back to back but the Knicks will prove to the be hungrier team. The Hawks are off of a home win (albeit against an Orlando team that doesn't travel well) while New York is off of a tight 2-point road loss at Chicago and will be ready to respond here. The Knicks also have additional motivation as they lost at Atlanta earlier this season. Also, New York lost each of the final 3 meetings versus the Hawks last season by an average margin of only 2.7 points per defeat. Time for payback here and Atlanta is 0-5 SU in the 2nd game of back to backs this season. Also, the Hawks are 0-4 SU this season when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. The Knicks are 6-1 SU (and ATS!) as a favorite this season. Also, New York is 11-5 SU and 12-4 ATS in their home games this season. The Knicks are hungry after the way yesterday's game ended and we'll see the response here. 10* NEW YORK KNICKS |
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12-09-17 | Rockets -9 v. Blazers | Top | 124-117 | Loss | -108 | 16 h 19 m | Show |
Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Houston Rockets (-) @ Portland Trail Blazers @ 10:05 ET - The Rockets lost by 10 in their last visit to Portland so it is time for a little payback here. The Blazers are hurt (literally) by the ankle injury to Jusuf Nurkic here as he is likely to miss this game and he is tied for the team lead in rebounds, leads the team in blocked shots, and is also their 3rd leading scorer. Portland has lost 3 straight games and the average margin of defeat has been 11 points even though all 3 games were at home. That said, I don't see them shutting down a Rockets team that has won 14 of 15 games! What has been most impressive about this win streak for Houston is that only 1 of those 14 wins has come by less than 11 points. The Rockets aren't just winning, they are dominating teams! That is why this has been an 11-4 ATS run for Houston and I don't see them slowing down here. They remember what happened in their last visit to Portland. The Trail Blazers also have the defending champion Warriors on deck! Though the Blazers are off of an upset loss as a favorite that doesn't mean they'll bounce back here. In fact, Portland has just 1 cover in 7 games when playing in that situation. The Rockets are a stellar 9-3 ATS on the road this season. 10* HOUSTON |
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12-08-17 | Cavs v. Pacers +3.5 | Top | 102-106 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* Indiana Pacers (+) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers just played a Bulls team that has the longest losing streak in the NBA. Clearly Indiana was looking ahead to this match-up with the team that has the longest winning streak in the NBA. After barely getting by the Bulls (and with Myles Turner listed as questionable due to his knee) we are getting a nice home dog spot here on the Pacers. Indiana is 8-4 SU at home this season and 65-34 SU at home the past 3 seasons combined. Keep in mind, the Cavs (even with their current hot streak) have been money burners at the betting window as a fave. Cleveland is 4-15 ATS as a favorite this season! Also, the Cavaliers are on an ugly 16-28 ATS run versus division opponents. The Pacers are a fantastic 27-13 ATS their last 40 versus divisional foes. Indiana has failed to get the cash only ONCE in their last SIX games versus the Cavs. There is a reason the odds makers but such a low number on the favorite here even though they've won 13 in a row. Don't be fooled by it. Upset time here. 10* INDIANA |
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12-07-17 | Lakers v. 76ers -7.5 | Top | 107-104 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 27 m | Show |
TNT Explosion Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers (-) vs Los Angeles Lakers @ 8:05 ET - The Lakers have lost 5 straight and 10 of their last 13. Also, 7 of those 10 losses have come by 8 or more points. When the Lakers lose (often) they generally lose big and the Sixers are in a good spot to take the Lakers behind the woodshed and lay the lumber on Los Angeles! Philadelphia is angry off of a home loss to Phoenix where they were lethargic from the opening tip onward. The 76'ers are 3-1 SU and ATS when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more this season. Also, the past 3 seasons combined, Philly is 14-5 ATS in games with a posted total of 220 points or more and also 50-21 ATS in non-conference games including a fantastic 19-7 ATS in games against Pacific Division opponents. The Lakers are 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS in road games this season. The Sixers, off of a loss and with a road trip on deck that will take them away from Philly for a week, are going to make the most of this home game. The 76ers have had two full off days since the loss to the Suns so anger and frustration has built up and is ready to be unleashed on the slumping Lakers. Lay it! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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