SERVICE PLAYS FOR THUR. 2/21
- Thread starter GIANTS007
- Start date
Deano's Free B
Deano's Free B
Josh Dean
+ 30 units Yesterday
***55 Dimes out today***
Record: 69-48 OA-- 4-3 Yesterday -- >34-23-2 NBA<
Top Picks: 24-16-2
20* Weber St. +1
------------------------------------
10* Oregon +5.5
10* Arizona +2*
10* Heat +11.5
5* G. Tech -5.5
Free B: Mich +8.5
Deano's Free B
Josh Dean
+ 30 units Yesterday
***55 Dimes out today***
Record: 69-48 OA-- 4-3 Yesterday -- >34-23-2 NBA<
Top Picks: 24-16-2
20* Weber St. +1
------------------------------------
10* Oregon +5.5
10* Arizona +2*
10* Heat +11.5
5* G. Tech -5.5
Free B: Mich +8.5
Last edited:
THE SPORTS REPORTER
BEST BET
*DENVER over MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE by 14
Joe Scott?s Pioneers are back home, again, which should result in a sharply-improved performance
level for this hard-bitten, defensively-oriented outfit. After a decent stint at Air
Force, Scott didn?t work out so well when he tried to go home again (to Nassau Hall, my boy
. . . ), but his edgy style and this crop of players have got something going. MTS is a long
way from home, and headed the wrong way, as forwards Uriah Hethington and Josh Sain
both missed last Saturday?s game with the Hilltoppers with health/academic issues.
DENVER 71-57
BEST BET
*DENVER over MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE by 14
Joe Scott?s Pioneers are back home, again, which should result in a sharply-improved performance
level for this hard-bitten, defensively-oriented outfit. After a decent stint at Air
Force, Scott didn?t work out so well when he tried to go home again (to Nassau Hall, my boy
. . . ), but his edgy style and this crop of players have got something going. MTS is a long
way from home, and headed the wrong way, as forwards Uriah Hethington and Josh Sain
both missed last Saturday?s game with the Hilltoppers with health/academic issues.
DENVER 71-57
anyone get any of these guys
AJ Apollo is on a 15-1 CBB Streak
MikeRose is on an 11-1 CBB Run
Bob Akmen 38-11 CBB Totals Run
thanks.
AJ Apollo is on a 15-1 CBB Streak
MikeRose is on an 11-1 CBB Run
Bob Akmen 38-11 CBB Totals Run
thanks.
Cappers Access
Thur (CBB) Notre Dame Pittsburgh 4- Notre Dame
Thur (CBB) Minnesota U. Michigan 8- Minnesota U.
Thur (CBB) Notre Dame Pittsburgh 4- Notre Dame
Thur (CBB) Minnesota U. Michigan 8- Minnesota U.
VEGAS EXPERTS
Oregon State Beavers at UCLA Bruins
Thursday, February 21st, 10:30 PM ET
It would be difficult for the Bruins to let down far enough to keep the Beavers in this one. Oregon State is 6-19 on the year, 2-9 on the road, 0-13 in the Pac-10 and thus 0-7 on the Conference road. It has lost those seven contests by an average of 14.3 points. It comes off a Saturday home loss to Washington by 38 points, 97-59. UCLA has won six of its last seven and the loss, at that same Washington club, came just two games ago. UCLA has played just five Conference home games, losing to arch-rival USC but winning the other four contests by 14, 17, 33 and 22 points.
Play on: UCLA
Oregon State Beavers at UCLA Bruins
Thursday, February 21st, 10:30 PM ET
It would be difficult for the Bruins to let down far enough to keep the Beavers in this one. Oregon State is 6-19 on the year, 2-9 on the road, 0-13 in the Pac-10 and thus 0-7 on the Conference road. It has lost those seven contests by an average of 14.3 points. It comes off a Saturday home loss to Washington by 38 points, 97-59. UCLA has won six of its last seven and the loss, at that same Washington club, came just two games ago. UCLA has played just five Conference home games, losing to arch-rival USC but winning the other four contests by 14, 17, 33 and 22 points.
Play on: UCLA
VEGAS SPORTS PICS
Notre Dame Fighting Irish - 4.5 over Pittsburgh Panthers
Injury depleted Pittsburgh (19-6, 7-5) is out of the national rankings for the first time in two plus seasons. No.21 Notre Dame (19-5, 9-3) is 15-0 at home with an average winning margin of 17.1 points. The Irish lead the Big East in both scoring and rebounding margin.
Massachusetts Minutemen + 6 over (at) Rhode Island Rams
Rhode Island (20-6, 6-5) vs. Massachusetts (16-9, 5-6) ranks tenth in the nation averaging 82.2 ppg. In A-10 games the Minutemen's 284 three-pointers easily leads the league. They're 3-1 last four meetings, the loss coming at Rhode Island 75-72 last season.
Michigan Wolverines + 8.5 over (at) Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota (15-9, 5-7) vs. Michigan (8-17, 4-9) enters on a three game win streak off posting an 80-70 home win over (17-9) Ohio State on Sunday. Sagarin ratings has the Wolverine's schedule ranked second toughest in the nation. Michigan won at Minnesota 62-51 last season.
Oregon Ducks + 5.5 over (at) USC Trojans
USC (15-9, 6-6) key player starting guard Hackett (back) is out. Oregon (15-10, 6-7) in its last road game hit a team record 18 three-pointers winning at (15-9) Cal. 92-70. Ducks lost at USC 71-68 last season going cold from the field getting outshot 60.2 percent to 33.1 percent.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish - 4.5 over Pittsburgh Panthers
Injury depleted Pittsburgh (19-6, 7-5) is out of the national rankings for the first time in two plus seasons. No.21 Notre Dame (19-5, 9-3) is 15-0 at home with an average winning margin of 17.1 points. The Irish lead the Big East in both scoring and rebounding margin.
Massachusetts Minutemen + 6 over (at) Rhode Island Rams
Rhode Island (20-6, 6-5) vs. Massachusetts (16-9, 5-6) ranks tenth in the nation averaging 82.2 ppg. In A-10 games the Minutemen's 284 three-pointers easily leads the league. They're 3-1 last four meetings, the loss coming at Rhode Island 75-72 last season.
Michigan Wolverines + 8.5 over (at) Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota (15-9, 5-7) vs. Michigan (8-17, 4-9) enters on a three game win streak off posting an 80-70 home win over (17-9) Ohio State on Sunday. Sagarin ratings has the Wolverine's schedule ranked second toughest in the nation. Michigan won at Minnesota 62-51 last season.
Oregon Ducks + 5.5 over (at) USC Trojans
USC (15-9, 6-6) key player starting guard Hackett (back) is out. Oregon (15-10, 6-7) in its last road game hit a team record 18 three-pointers winning at (15-9) Cal. 92-70. Ducks lost at USC 71-68 last season going cold from the field getting outshot 60.2 percent to 33.1 percent.
Comps
Brian Marshall
February 21, 2008
Game: Oregon vs. UCLA
Plays On: Oregon +5.5 (-110)
Game Analyses: There is a lot of value with the underdog Oregon tonight as they take on USC.
It's a known fact that Oregon has the better offense. In fact, the Oregon offense in itself will keep Oregon in this game with a chance to win it outright.
The road team has done very well in this series. In fact, the road team is 16-4 ATS in the last 20 meetings between these teams.
The underdog has also done very well in this series. This is shown by the underdog being 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings between these teams.
Take Oregon +5.5
John Ryan
Game: Montana at Idaho State Feb 21 2008 9:00PM
Prediction: Idaho State
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Idaho State - AiS shows an 80% probability that Idaho State will win this game. Montana State is 15-10 on the season, but just 4-9 on the road. They are averaging 35 points in the 1st half, but nearly 5 PPG less on the road. Idaho State has a solid defense, which I think Montana will struggle against tonight. Idaho State also defends their glass well and has allowed opponents just 29 total boards in home games and also allowing 31 PPG in the first half. This combination of matchups certainly supports Idaho State in getting a home win tonight. Note that Montana State is 5-15 ATS in road games in February games since 1997.
WINNINGWAY SPORTS
Selection: Rhode Island -6 (-110)
Reason: Put us down on Rhode Island -6 for our Free College Basketball Selection on Thursday. Today Massachusetts will be on the road as they take on Rhode Island. We will lay the points with Rhode Island! Out of these two teams, Rhode Island has the much better defense. Rhode Island (at home) is allowing opponents to score an average of only 68.6 points per game, while Massachusetts (on the road) is allowing opponents to score an average of 82.4 points per game. That means the Rhode Island defense is allowing opponents to score an average of 13.8 points per game less then the Massachusetts defense. In addition, Rhode Island has been a proven winner against Massachusetts. In fact, Rhode Island is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings against Massachusetts. Lay the points! Take Rhode Island -6
Scott Spreitzer
Miami Heat at Houston Rockets
Thursday, February 21st, 8:05 PM ET
I'm taking the points with the Heat on Thursday night. With Shaq in the desert and Shawn Marion now bringing his athletic style to South Beach, I believe Miami is in "buy" mode. The team is much better with their current lineup. Marion averaged 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals per game in his first three outings with the Heat. Meanwhile, although the Rockets won at Cleveland on Tuesday, Tracy McGrady has been in a cold-funk and Yao Ming didn't fare to well himself, in the win. In fact, McGrady is barely topping 12 PPG on 31% shooting in his last five outings. Houston has been getting solid play from the supporting cast, but with T-Mac off his game, they should NOT be laying double-digits against a Heat squad that just got much better due to the Marion/Shaq trade mentioned above. I'm "buying" the Heat and taking the points with the double-digit pup
Play on: Miami
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Atlanta Thrashers at Carolina Hurricanes Feb 21 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Atlanta Thrashers
Reason: The Hurricanes are leading their division but the Thrashers are only 3-points back with two games in hand. The Thrashers are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta is 12-5 in their last 17 games vs. Division opponents. The Hurricanes dealt Stillman a couple of weeks ago and then Brind'amour went down and both will hurt Carolina's playoff chances. This will be their 3rd game in 4 night and in their lat 5 games played in this scenario they are 1-4. The Thrashers are 5-0 in their last 5 trips to Carolina. Atlanta has won 4 of the last 6 meetings overall. Play on the Thrashers +.
Brian Marshall
February 21, 2008
Game: Oregon vs. UCLA
Plays On: Oregon +5.5 (-110)
Game Analyses: There is a lot of value with the underdog Oregon tonight as they take on USC.
It's a known fact that Oregon has the better offense. In fact, the Oregon offense in itself will keep Oregon in this game with a chance to win it outright.
The road team has done very well in this series. In fact, the road team is 16-4 ATS in the last 20 meetings between these teams.
The underdog has also done very well in this series. This is shown by the underdog being 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings between these teams.
Take Oregon +5.5
John Ryan
Game: Montana at Idaho State Feb 21 2008 9:00PM
Prediction: Idaho State
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Idaho State - AiS shows an 80% probability that Idaho State will win this game. Montana State is 15-10 on the season, but just 4-9 on the road. They are averaging 35 points in the 1st half, but nearly 5 PPG less on the road. Idaho State has a solid defense, which I think Montana will struggle against tonight. Idaho State also defends their glass well and has allowed opponents just 29 total boards in home games and also allowing 31 PPG in the first half. This combination of matchups certainly supports Idaho State in getting a home win tonight. Note that Montana State is 5-15 ATS in road games in February games since 1997.
WINNINGWAY SPORTS
Selection: Rhode Island -6 (-110)
Reason: Put us down on Rhode Island -6 for our Free College Basketball Selection on Thursday. Today Massachusetts will be on the road as they take on Rhode Island. We will lay the points with Rhode Island! Out of these two teams, Rhode Island has the much better defense. Rhode Island (at home) is allowing opponents to score an average of only 68.6 points per game, while Massachusetts (on the road) is allowing opponents to score an average of 82.4 points per game. That means the Rhode Island defense is allowing opponents to score an average of 13.8 points per game less then the Massachusetts defense. In addition, Rhode Island has been a proven winner against Massachusetts. In fact, Rhode Island is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings against Massachusetts. Lay the points! Take Rhode Island -6
Scott Spreitzer
Miami Heat at Houston Rockets
Thursday, February 21st, 8:05 PM ET
I'm taking the points with the Heat on Thursday night. With Shaq in the desert and Shawn Marion now bringing his athletic style to South Beach, I believe Miami is in "buy" mode. The team is much better with their current lineup. Marion averaged 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals per game in his first three outings with the Heat. Meanwhile, although the Rockets won at Cleveland on Tuesday, Tracy McGrady has been in a cold-funk and Yao Ming didn't fare to well himself, in the win. In fact, McGrady is barely topping 12 PPG on 31% shooting in his last five outings. Houston has been getting solid play from the supporting cast, but with T-Mac off his game, they should NOT be laying double-digits against a Heat squad that just got much better due to the Marion/Shaq trade mentioned above. I'm "buying" the Heat and taking the points with the double-digit pup
Play on: Miami
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Atlanta Thrashers at Carolina Hurricanes Feb 21 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Atlanta Thrashers
Reason: The Hurricanes are leading their division but the Thrashers are only 3-points back with two games in hand. The Thrashers are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta is 12-5 in their last 17 games vs. Division opponents. The Hurricanes dealt Stillman a couple of weeks ago and then Brind'amour went down and both will hurt Carolina's playoff chances. This will be their 3rd game in 4 night and in their lat 5 games played in this scenario they are 1-4. The Thrashers are 5-0 in their last 5 trips to Carolina. Atlanta has won 4 of the last 6 meetings overall. Play on the Thrashers +.
BIG AL
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs minus the points over Minnesota. Yesterday, San Antone bolstered its front line by trading (little-used) Francisco Elson and (injured) Brent Barry (who may end up back with the Spurs in April after the Sonics waive him) for PF Kurt Thomas. Thomas is a terrific addition, as he will provide scoring with his mid-range jumper, and he'll be great on the defensive board. San Antonio won its third straight game Tuesday, 85-65, against Charlotte. That was the Spurs' best defensive outing of the year. It was also San Antonio's seventh win out of its last eight games, and if one scans the results of those eight games, one sees that the Spurs have really clamped down on defense. Charlotte converted just 28% of its shots, and only two of the Spurs' last nine foes has shot better than 45% for the game. Defense and rebounding has been the hallmark of the Spurs' championship teams, and that should be the key tonight. For Minnesota, the key stat is rebounding. The Timberwolves are a 'respectable' 10-17 this season when outrebounding their foe, but an awful 1-24 when they've been outrebounded. In its last game vs. S.A., Minny was outrebounded 47-40, and not surprisingly lost 105-88. The Spurs also won their other game this season vs. the T-Wolves, 106-91, and outrebounded them in that game 46-43. San Antonio will receive a boost tonight with the return of NBA Finals MVP Tony Parker, who has been sidelined 23 days, and coach Gregg Popovich plans to give him 15 minutes of playing time tonight. We had a big play on Minnesota Tuesday night vs. Philly, and the T-Wolves rewarded us with a 104-88 victory. But I don't think they'll string back-to-back wins together, as home dogs of 5+ points, with a win percentage less than .300, are a dreadful 20% ATS since 1991 off a home win, if matched up against a .620 (or better) non-division foe. The Spurs have also covered six of seven in this series, and won't be complacent tonight as they're well-aware of the importance of every game for the Western Conference playoff seedings.
San Antonio
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs minus the points over Minnesota. Yesterday, San Antone bolstered its front line by trading (little-used) Francisco Elson and (injured) Brent Barry (who may end up back with the Spurs in April after the Sonics waive him) for PF Kurt Thomas. Thomas is a terrific addition, as he will provide scoring with his mid-range jumper, and he'll be great on the defensive board. San Antonio won its third straight game Tuesday, 85-65, against Charlotte. That was the Spurs' best defensive outing of the year. It was also San Antonio's seventh win out of its last eight games, and if one scans the results of those eight games, one sees that the Spurs have really clamped down on defense. Charlotte converted just 28% of its shots, and only two of the Spurs' last nine foes has shot better than 45% for the game. Defense and rebounding has been the hallmark of the Spurs' championship teams, and that should be the key tonight. For Minnesota, the key stat is rebounding. The Timberwolves are a 'respectable' 10-17 this season when outrebounding their foe, but an awful 1-24 when they've been outrebounded. In its last game vs. S.A., Minny was outrebounded 47-40, and not surprisingly lost 105-88. The Spurs also won their other game this season vs. the T-Wolves, 106-91, and outrebounded them in that game 46-43. San Antonio will receive a boost tonight with the return of NBA Finals MVP Tony Parker, who has been sidelined 23 days, and coach Gregg Popovich plans to give him 15 minutes of playing time tonight. We had a big play on Minnesota Tuesday night vs. Philly, and the T-Wolves rewarded us with a 104-88 victory. But I don't think they'll string back-to-back wins together, as home dogs of 5+ points, with a win percentage less than .300, are a dreadful 20% ATS since 1991 off a home win, if matched up against a .620 (or better) non-division foe. The Spurs have also covered six of seven in this series, and won't be complacent tonight as they're well-aware of the importance of every game for the Western Conference playoff seedings.
San Antonio
BEN BURNS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
DUQUESNE
Game: Duquesne vs. Xavier Game Time: 2/21/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Duquesne Reason: I'm taking the points with DUQUESNE. The Musketeers are a solid and well-balanced team. That being said, they've played four games in a row which were decided by four points or less and I feel that tonight's number is too high vs. an improved Dukes lineup which can score points with the best them. Indeed, Duquesne ranks fourth in the nation with 84.1 points per game and has eight players averaging at least seven points. The up-tempo Dukes (16-8, 6-5) have already clinched their first winning season since 1993-94, and can match that team?s win total with one more victory. The Dukes have also been involved in a pair of extremely close games recently. They lost by three points vs. Richmond last time out after winning by two at Dayton in their previous game. Prior to that, they won by 17 at La Salle and beat St' Joseph's by 14, topping 100 points in both those games. The Musketeers, 3-5 ATS when coming off a conference win, managed to scratch out a cover in their last game. They're still just 1-4 ATS their last five though. The Dukes, who are 3-1 ATS their last four, are 14-6 ATS with one push, the last 21 times that they were listed as road underdogs in the +9.5 to +12 range. Listed as +13 point underdogs, the Dukes upset the Musketeers 93-91 the last time that these teams faced each other. They know that a win here would greatly improve their otherwise remote chances of an NCAA at-large bid and I look for them to give the Musketeers a much tougher game than expected once again.
UNDER heat/rockets
Game: Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets Game Time: 2/21/2008 8:05:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Rockets and Heat to finish UNDER the total. The Rockets were originally expected to be a higher-scoring team this year, placing a greater emphasis on offense than in previous seasons. That hasn't really turned out to be the case though. Once again, they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. The 90.9 points per game they allow on this floor ranks as the fourth best mark in the league, second to only San Antonio in the West. The offense has remained mediocre though, managing only 95.8 points per game on this floor. That's the sixth worst mark in the entire league and third worst in the Western Conference. In fact, only the Clippers and T-Wolves score fewer points on their home floor in the West. Not surprisingly, the Rockets have seen the UNDER go a profitable 16-9 at home for the year. They really tighten things up defensively in games they are "supposed to win" as that includes a healthy 4-1 mark when they've been listed as home favorites in the -9.5 to -12 range. The Rockets have also been at their best defensively of late. In fact, they've allowed an average of just 84.3 points in their last seven games, while seeing six of those seven games fall below the number. None of those seven opponents reached 90 points. Tonight, they'll be facing a Miami team which is scoring a league-worst 92.7 points per game. Note that the Heat have seen the UNDER go 3-1 their last four games and 9-5-1 their last 15. The Rockets, who have seen the UNDER go 10-7 on the season when facing a team which previously defeated them, are proud of their defensive prowess. As McGrady recently was quoted as saying: "What we?re developing on this team is a team like the Pistons. Great defensive team, going out there and playing together and not relying on one or two people to score the rock." Playing with "revenge" from an earlier loss at Miami, I expect them to play very well at that end of the floor again tonight. Lastly, it's worth noting that tonight's over/under line is significantly higher than it was for the earlier meeting as it was just 179.5 or 180 for that game. I feel that tonight's bigger number provides us with excellent value and I look for the final combined score to beneath it. *TNT Total of the Month
LIGHTNING
Game: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders Game Time: 2/21/2008 7:05:00 PM Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning Reason: I'm playing on TAMPA BAY. The Islanders have been on an impressive run of late. Last night, they battled back from an early 2-0 deficit to tie the Capitals and force overtime. They would eventually win in a shootout, marking their fifth straight victory. Already missing defenseman Brendan Witt, Chris Campoli and Bruno Gervais, the Islanders are also now without Andy Sutton as he was injured late in Monday's win over San Jose. While they were able to earn another valuable two points yesterday, I expect the lack of defensive depth to catch up with the Isles in today's "back to back situation" and what will be their third "tough" game in the past four days. While the Isles can now afford to relax just slightly, the Lightning cannot, as they are last in the Eastern Conference with only 22 games remaining. Like their hosts, the Lightning went to overtime last night. However, the back-to-back situation shouldn't be quite as gruelling as, prior to last night, they had the previous three nights off. (TB previously played on 16th. NYI previously played on 18th.) Despite their poor overall record, the Lightning have still managed to win seven of their past nine road games. Playing with "double-revenge" from a pair of earlier losses in this series, I'm expecting a highly motivated effort and for them to snap the Isles winning streak tonight.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
DUQUESNE
Game: Duquesne vs. Xavier Game Time: 2/21/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Duquesne Reason: I'm taking the points with DUQUESNE. The Musketeers are a solid and well-balanced team. That being said, they've played four games in a row which were decided by four points or less and I feel that tonight's number is too high vs. an improved Dukes lineup which can score points with the best them. Indeed, Duquesne ranks fourth in the nation with 84.1 points per game and has eight players averaging at least seven points. The up-tempo Dukes (16-8, 6-5) have already clinched their first winning season since 1993-94, and can match that team?s win total with one more victory. The Dukes have also been involved in a pair of extremely close games recently. They lost by three points vs. Richmond last time out after winning by two at Dayton in their previous game. Prior to that, they won by 17 at La Salle and beat St' Joseph's by 14, topping 100 points in both those games. The Musketeers, 3-5 ATS when coming off a conference win, managed to scratch out a cover in their last game. They're still just 1-4 ATS their last five though. The Dukes, who are 3-1 ATS their last four, are 14-6 ATS with one push, the last 21 times that they were listed as road underdogs in the +9.5 to +12 range. Listed as +13 point underdogs, the Dukes upset the Musketeers 93-91 the last time that these teams faced each other. They know that a win here would greatly improve their otherwise remote chances of an NCAA at-large bid and I look for them to give the Musketeers a much tougher game than expected once again.
UNDER heat/rockets
Game: Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets Game Time: 2/21/2008 8:05:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Rockets and Heat to finish UNDER the total. The Rockets were originally expected to be a higher-scoring team this year, placing a greater emphasis on offense than in previous seasons. That hasn't really turned out to be the case though. Once again, they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. The 90.9 points per game they allow on this floor ranks as the fourth best mark in the league, second to only San Antonio in the West. The offense has remained mediocre though, managing only 95.8 points per game on this floor. That's the sixth worst mark in the entire league and third worst in the Western Conference. In fact, only the Clippers and T-Wolves score fewer points on their home floor in the West. Not surprisingly, the Rockets have seen the UNDER go a profitable 16-9 at home for the year. They really tighten things up defensively in games they are "supposed to win" as that includes a healthy 4-1 mark when they've been listed as home favorites in the -9.5 to -12 range. The Rockets have also been at their best defensively of late. In fact, they've allowed an average of just 84.3 points in their last seven games, while seeing six of those seven games fall below the number. None of those seven opponents reached 90 points. Tonight, they'll be facing a Miami team which is scoring a league-worst 92.7 points per game. Note that the Heat have seen the UNDER go 3-1 their last four games and 9-5-1 their last 15. The Rockets, who have seen the UNDER go 10-7 on the season when facing a team which previously defeated them, are proud of their defensive prowess. As McGrady recently was quoted as saying: "What we?re developing on this team is a team like the Pistons. Great defensive team, going out there and playing together and not relying on one or two people to score the rock." Playing with "revenge" from an earlier loss at Miami, I expect them to play very well at that end of the floor again tonight. Lastly, it's worth noting that tonight's over/under line is significantly higher than it was for the earlier meeting as it was just 179.5 or 180 for that game. I feel that tonight's bigger number provides us with excellent value and I look for the final combined score to beneath it. *TNT Total of the Month
LIGHTNING
Game: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders Game Time: 2/21/2008 7:05:00 PM Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning Reason: I'm playing on TAMPA BAY. The Islanders have been on an impressive run of late. Last night, they battled back from an early 2-0 deficit to tie the Capitals and force overtime. They would eventually win in a shootout, marking their fifth straight victory. Already missing defenseman Brendan Witt, Chris Campoli and Bruno Gervais, the Islanders are also now without Andy Sutton as he was injured late in Monday's win over San Jose. While they were able to earn another valuable two points yesterday, I expect the lack of defensive depth to catch up with the Isles in today's "back to back situation" and what will be their third "tough" game in the past four days. While the Isles can now afford to relax just slightly, the Lightning cannot, as they are last in the Eastern Conference with only 22 games remaining. Like their hosts, the Lightning went to overtime last night. However, the back-to-back situation shouldn't be quite as gruelling as, prior to last night, they had the previous three nights off. (TB previously played on 16th. NYI previously played on 18th.) Despite their poor overall record, the Lightning have still managed to win seven of their past nine road games. Playing with "double-revenge" from a pair of earlier losses in this series, I'm expecting a highly motivated effort and for them to snap the Isles winning streak tonight.
Michael Cannon
15 Dime
XAVIER
Take Xavier as the home chalk tonight over Duquesne.
The Dukes are a game opponent, there?s no question about that, but I doubt they?ll be able to rack up the points against the stingy man-to-man defense of Xavier.
The Minutemen are second in the conference in team defense and have the quickness to defend against the ultra high tempo attack of Duquesne.
Plus, there?s the revenge factor working here after the Dukes stunning 93-91 home win over Xavier last year.
The Musketeers have a balanced scoring attack with six players averaging in double figures in scoring, led by Josh Duncan and Drew Lavender, who both average over 11 points a game.
Duquesne is still too unrefined on defense to keep Xavier from pulling away here, and with a revenge factor working against them on the road, I wouldn?t be surprised if Xavier wins this one going away.
Lay the points with Xavier as they grab the home win and cover.
5 Dime
VIRGINIA
Take the points with Virginia tonight when they travel to take on Georgia Tech.
We?re getting some value with the Cavaliers tonight, as they battled North Carolina to the end in a 75-74 loss on February 12, then grabbed the 79-74 road win over Boston College five days later.
The Cavaliers resurgence over those two games can be attributed to the return of forward Laurynas Mikalauskas, who had missed 13 games with a shoulder injury. He returned for the game against North Carolina and immediately gave the Cavs a presence in the paint. Mikalauskas had 13 points in 18 minutes in the win over Boston College, so he?s made the most of the time he?s been in there.
Georgia Tech has been playing close games all year, especially in ACC play. They?ve lost six games this season by five points or less, or in overtime. They have shot less than 45 percent from the field in the last three games, and now they?re being asked to cover this number?
Take the points with Virginia as they stay within the number on the road.
15 Dime
XAVIER
Take Xavier as the home chalk tonight over Duquesne.
The Dukes are a game opponent, there?s no question about that, but I doubt they?ll be able to rack up the points against the stingy man-to-man defense of Xavier.
The Minutemen are second in the conference in team defense and have the quickness to defend against the ultra high tempo attack of Duquesne.
Plus, there?s the revenge factor working here after the Dukes stunning 93-91 home win over Xavier last year.
The Musketeers have a balanced scoring attack with six players averaging in double figures in scoring, led by Josh Duncan and Drew Lavender, who both average over 11 points a game.
Duquesne is still too unrefined on defense to keep Xavier from pulling away here, and with a revenge factor working against them on the road, I wouldn?t be surprised if Xavier wins this one going away.
Lay the points with Xavier as they grab the home win and cover.
5 Dime
VIRGINIA
Take the points with Virginia tonight when they travel to take on Georgia Tech.
We?re getting some value with the Cavaliers tonight, as they battled North Carolina to the end in a 75-74 loss on February 12, then grabbed the 79-74 road win over Boston College five days later.
The Cavaliers resurgence over those two games can be attributed to the return of forward Laurynas Mikalauskas, who had missed 13 games with a shoulder injury. He returned for the game against North Carolina and immediately gave the Cavs a presence in the paint. Mikalauskas had 13 points in 18 minutes in the win over Boston College, so he?s made the most of the time he?s been in there.
Georgia Tech has been playing close games all year, especially in ACC play. They?ve lost six games this season by five points or less, or in overtime. They have shot less than 45 percent from the field in the last three games, and now they?re being asked to cover this number?
Take the points with Virginia as they stay within the number on the road.
GIANTS007
I did try to e-mail you with the address on your profile but I got it back. Don't know what else to do. Jack says he is too busy to give out e-mails. Any ideas?????
MMST
I did try to e-mail you with the address on your profile but I got it back. Don't know what else to do. Jack says he is too busy to give out e-mails. Any ideas?????
MMST
