SERVICE PLAYS FOR TUESDAY 1/29
- Thread starter GIANTS007
- Start date
THE SPORTS REPORTER
TUESDAY
BEST BET
GOLDEN STATE over *HOUSTON by 11
Don Nelson does a great job of game-planning for opposing big men and he?s always
done a number on Yao Ming?s performance. The Golden State attack is predisposed to
exploiting size mismatches, and Yao represents one giant size mismatch. Rick Adelman?s
offense has given the Rockets more diversity, but they still can?t match the Warriors for
speed and effectiveness. GOLDEN STATE 104-93
TUESDAY
BEST BET
GOLDEN STATE over *HOUSTON by 11
Don Nelson does a great job of game-planning for opposing big men and he?s always
done a number on Yao Ming?s performance. The Golden State attack is predisposed to
exploiting size mismatches, and Yao represents one giant size mismatch. Rick Adelman?s
offense has given the Rockets more diversity, but they still can?t match the Warriors for
speed and effectiveness. GOLDEN STATE 104-93
Big Al
At 8:35 pm, our Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Golden State,
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Boston Celtics minus the points over Miami
At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Hawk
At 8:35 pm, our Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Golden State,
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Boston Celtics minus the points over Miami
At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Hawk
Brandon Lang
Brandon Lang
Brandon Lang
15 Dime - Marquette
5 Dime - Sonics
5 Dime - San Diego State
Free - Suns
He went 2-0 yesterday. Might be time to fade.
Brandon Lang
Brandon Lang
15 Dime - Marquette
5 Dime - Sonics
5 Dime - San Diego State
Free - Suns
He went 2-0 yesterday. Might be time to fade.
Burns
3 game nba exec report
---under knicks/lakers
---over sonics/spurs
---nder raptors/wizards
best bet---penn state
nhl line value GOM---Tampa Bay Lightning
FERRINGO
2-Unit Play. Take #723 Miami (+1.5) over Wake Forest (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
The Deacons are one of the worst shooting teams in the nation ? particularly on the outside ? and I think they?re going to have a hard time against the smothering defense of the Hurricanes. Wake just lost third-leading scorer L.D. Williams, one of their better shooters and a stabilizing factor. The Deacons play just seven guys more than 19 minutes per game, so to lose one of their top guys is a hit. I also don?t think that they matchup with Miami very well since they don?t have the strength on the inside to handle the Hurricanes. Clemson came out flat against Wake last week. I don?t think Miami will. The Canes are on an 11-2-1 ATS run and are 7-1-1 ATS over their last nine road games. I think they score an outright winner for us tonight and look for big games out of Jack McClinton and Anthony King. Finally, public is pounding Wake at nearly 80 percent. I like it.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #726 George Mason (-4) over VCU (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
I?ve been waiting for this play for 10 months. The Rams came from behind to win ? and cover ? against the Patriots last year in the CAA Tournament. A stunning win for sure, and one manufactured by Eric Maynor. But George Mason returned all five starters from that game and will be looking for revenge. They have been shooting the ball well lately and the Pats have been a wrecking crew at home. They beat Dayton, when UD was healthy, by nine points, Drexel by 47, Northeastern by 28, and Old Dominion by 33. They have dominated at home, going 9-0 to this point. VCU has been playing great ball, much better than George Mason, but I think that emotion and the home court edge will be enough tonight. The favorite is 5-1 ATS and the home team is 8-3 ATS in this series.
1-Unit Play. Take #746 Morehead State (-1) over Tennessee Tech (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
As strange as it sounds, this is a mini-letdown spot for Tech. They lost a heartbreaker at home to Tennessee State on Saturday and travel to face rival Tennessee-Martin this weekend. In the meantime they are traveling to face a Morehead team that has been blistering from the outside, shooting 46 percent from 3-point land at home (compared to 29 percent on the road for Tech). Morehead is 7-2 ATS overall while Tech is 5-11 ATS on the road. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in this series and the home team has covered five straight.
1-Unit Play. Take #741 Tennessee (-4.5) over Alabama (9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
I?m ignoring all of the keys to good handicapping here. Why? Because I think that little of Alabama. The Tide are terrible, and they are coming off a shocking strong performance against archrival Auburn. They shot 54 percent in that game and I don?t see them repeating that feat. Alabama has already dropped home games to Mississippi State (by 10), Florida (by 7) and Clemson (by 26). Those teams are in the same league as Tennessee. The Tide is not. UT has won at Gonzaga and at Xavier, so they can handle the road. Alabama is 8-0 ATS in the last eight meetings and the Vols haven?t won in Tuscaloosa since 1998. But those were different teams, and UT has a clear edge in talent here. An uptempo game will accentuate Alabama?s poor backcourt and that will be the difference in this one.
1-Unit Play. Take #735 Florida State (+3.5) over Virginia Tech (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
Underdogs have been the money play in the ACC over the last week or so. The puppies are on an 8-3 ATS run and road dogs are a stellar 6-1 ATS. FSU is 5-1 SU in this series and, as ridiculous as this sounds, I just think that they are due to catch a break after being involved in so many close games. Six of their last nine games have been decided by six points or less, with a seventh game being determined in overtime. The Hokies have been a shaky conference favorite and I think they lay an egg in this one.
1-Unit Play. Take #747 Samford (+10) over Murray State (8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
Note: Sorry. Changed my mind on this one. Going with it. Did the same thing last night and gave you SD over St. Mary's, so hopefully it's a good sign!
The underdog has covered four straight in this series and eight of 10 overall. Ten points is a lot to hand the Bulldogs because of their deliberate style of play. Toss in the fact that Murray State doesn?t do a good job of defending the 3-point line and I think Samford could make this a game. The Racers are 8-17-1 ATS at home against a team with a losing road mark.
Leans: Ohio, Buffalo, Austin Peay, and South Florida (really like this one too).
That's it for today. Good luck.
2-Unit Play. Take #723 Miami (+1.5) over Wake Forest (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
The Deacons are one of the worst shooting teams in the nation ? particularly on the outside ? and I think they?re going to have a hard time against the smothering defense of the Hurricanes. Wake just lost third-leading scorer L.D. Williams, one of their better shooters and a stabilizing factor. The Deacons play just seven guys more than 19 minutes per game, so to lose one of their top guys is a hit. I also don?t think that they matchup with Miami very well since they don?t have the strength on the inside to handle the Hurricanes. Clemson came out flat against Wake last week. I don?t think Miami will. The Canes are on an 11-2-1 ATS run and are 7-1-1 ATS over their last nine road games. I think they score an outright winner for us tonight and look for big games out of Jack McClinton and Anthony King. Finally, public is pounding Wake at nearly 80 percent. I like it.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #726 George Mason (-4) over VCU (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
I?ve been waiting for this play for 10 months. The Rams came from behind to win ? and cover ? against the Patriots last year in the CAA Tournament. A stunning win for sure, and one manufactured by Eric Maynor. But George Mason returned all five starters from that game and will be looking for revenge. They have been shooting the ball well lately and the Pats have been a wrecking crew at home. They beat Dayton, when UD was healthy, by nine points, Drexel by 47, Northeastern by 28, and Old Dominion by 33. They have dominated at home, going 9-0 to this point. VCU has been playing great ball, much better than George Mason, but I think that emotion and the home court edge will be enough tonight. The favorite is 5-1 ATS and the home team is 8-3 ATS in this series.
1-Unit Play. Take #746 Morehead State (-1) over Tennessee Tech (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
As strange as it sounds, this is a mini-letdown spot for Tech. They lost a heartbreaker at home to Tennessee State on Saturday and travel to face rival Tennessee-Martin this weekend. In the meantime they are traveling to face a Morehead team that has been blistering from the outside, shooting 46 percent from 3-point land at home (compared to 29 percent on the road for Tech). Morehead is 7-2 ATS overall while Tech is 5-11 ATS on the road. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in this series and the home team has covered five straight.
1-Unit Play. Take #741 Tennessee (-4.5) over Alabama (9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
I?m ignoring all of the keys to good handicapping here. Why? Because I think that little of Alabama. The Tide are terrible, and they are coming off a shocking strong performance against archrival Auburn. They shot 54 percent in that game and I don?t see them repeating that feat. Alabama has already dropped home games to Mississippi State (by 10), Florida (by 7) and Clemson (by 26). Those teams are in the same league as Tennessee. The Tide is not. UT has won at Gonzaga and at Xavier, so they can handle the road. Alabama is 8-0 ATS in the last eight meetings and the Vols haven?t won in Tuscaloosa since 1998. But those were different teams, and UT has a clear edge in talent here. An uptempo game will accentuate Alabama?s poor backcourt and that will be the difference in this one.
1-Unit Play. Take #735 Florida State (+3.5) over Virginia Tech (7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
Underdogs have been the money play in the ACC over the last week or so. The puppies are on an 8-3 ATS run and road dogs are a stellar 6-1 ATS. FSU is 5-1 SU in this series and, as ridiculous as this sounds, I just think that they are due to catch a break after being involved in so many close games. Six of their last nine games have been decided by six points or less, with a seventh game being determined in overtime. The Hokies have been a shaky conference favorite and I think they lay an egg in this one.
1-Unit Play. Take #747 Samford (+10) over Murray State (8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29)
Note: Sorry. Changed my mind on this one. Going with it. Did the same thing last night and gave you SD over St. Mary's, so hopefully it's a good sign!
The underdog has covered four straight in this series and eight of 10 overall. Ten points is a lot to hand the Bulldogs because of their deliberate style of play. Toss in the fact that Murray State doesn?t do a good job of defending the 3-point line and I think Samford could make this a game. The Racers are 8-17-1 ATS at home against a team with a losing road mark.
Leans: Ohio, Buffalo, Austin Peay, and South Florida (really like this one too).
That's it for today. Good luck.
THE GOLD SHEET
COLLEGE HOOPS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
Ohio St. over PENN ST. by 1 to 3?06-Osu -11' 64-62, OSU -19' 68-60
BUFFALO over Western Michigan by 1 to 3?06-WMU -7 85-64
WAKE FOREST 78 - Miami-Florida 73?At near pick ?em, would endorse
revived Wake, which has captured 14 straight at boisterous Lawrence Joel
Memorial Coliseum, including victories over BYU & Virginia Tech this season.
Deacons? frosh phenom 6-8 F James Johnson (16 ppg, 9 rpg) is most dangerous
post scorer on court. And Miami HC Haith was critical of his squad?s
?nonchalant? attitude in recent 76-66 at Boston College. Moreover, WF enjoys
four more prep days than Hurricanes, now just 2-6-2 vs. spread on ACC trail last
1+Ys. 06-Wfu +3' 59-58, WFU -4' 74-69
GEORGE MASON 71 - Va. Commonwealth 65?Now that GMU appears to
have straightened things out, don?t mind supporting revenge-seeking Patriots
against VCU, which scored series hat trick last season, including wild CAA
Tourney final that Rams? G Eric Maynor turned on its ear with a breathtaking
display on both offensive and defensive ends in final moments. Although we
don?t expect GMU G Dre Smith to hit another 10 for 10 from tripleville (really!) as
he did in Jan. 19 win at James Madison, that threat from perimeter ought to open
more room for sr. F Thomas in paint. And rest assured Jim Larranaga?s patented
?scramble? defense will pay extra attention to the dangerous Maynor in this payback
battle. 06-Vcu +4 75-62, VCU -6' 63-49, VCU-4' 65-59 (CT) TV-ESPN2
OHIO 77 - Central Michigan 60?Ohio not without flaws, but the sloppiness
and backcourt inconsistencies that have occasionally plagued the Bobcats
haven?t been on display that much at friendly Convocation Center, where OU
won its first 8 prior to Ball State matchup Jan. 26. And despite presence of milktruck
sized 6-3, 260-lb. F Minnoy, not sure matchups are promising for CMU
against bruising and taller Bobcat frontline threats Fs L. Williams (15.9 ppg) &
Tillman (14.5 ppg). 06-Ohio -5 74-73
IOWA ST. 74 - Colorado 61?Have to be impressed with ISU?s 72-67 upset
vs. Missouri despite converting only 1 of 16 beyond the arc in mid-January.
Doubt inside-oriented Cyclones will even need to fire away as much from long
distance vs. G-heavy CU (top 5 scorers are Gs!), ranked last in Big XII in FG%
defense & rebounding. Look for ISU to repeatedly pound it inside to five-star 6-
10 frosh F Brackins (13 ppg; recruited by Clemson, Pitt & Indiana), 6-11 C
Hubalek (12 ppg, 8 rpg), and now-healthy 6-7 soph F W. Johnson (12 ppg) vs.
smallish Buffs. 06-COLO +3' 74-65, ISU -10' 55-53
MARQUETTE over South Florida by 13 to 16?06-Mar -6 70-68
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS over Evansville by 11 to 14?07-Siu -6 80-67; 06-
EVA +6 75-68, SIU -13' 76-69
VIRGINIA TECH over Florida St. by 1 to 3?06-FSU -3 82-73
Missouri St. over WICHITA ST. by 1 to 3?07-MSU -5 71-47; 06-MSU -5' 95-
87, Msu +1' 71-65, Msu -4' 67-64 (CT-neut.)
San Diego St. 72 - COLORADO ST. 61?Recollection of painful exit in last
March?s Mountain West tourney ought to motivate SDSU in revenge battle vs.
depleted CSU. Rams forced to go ?small? in absence of injured F Creason. And
recent nosedive (losses in 8 of last 9 thru Jan. 21, including shocking Moby
Arena setback vs. Panhandle State) indicates any renaissance under new HC
Miles likely has to wait another year. 06-SDS -4 81-76, Sds +2' 81-66, Csu +4'
69-64 (CT-neut.)
Tennessee over ALABAMA by 4 to 6?06-TEN -5 69-66 (OT) TV-ESPN
COLLEGE HOOPS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
Ohio St. over PENN ST. by 1 to 3?06-Osu -11' 64-62, OSU -19' 68-60
BUFFALO over Western Michigan by 1 to 3?06-WMU -7 85-64
WAKE FOREST 78 - Miami-Florida 73?At near pick ?em, would endorse
revived Wake, which has captured 14 straight at boisterous Lawrence Joel
Memorial Coliseum, including victories over BYU & Virginia Tech this season.
Deacons? frosh phenom 6-8 F James Johnson (16 ppg, 9 rpg) is most dangerous
post scorer on court. And Miami HC Haith was critical of his squad?s
?nonchalant? attitude in recent 76-66 at Boston College. Moreover, WF enjoys
four more prep days than Hurricanes, now just 2-6-2 vs. spread on ACC trail last
1+Ys. 06-Wfu +3' 59-58, WFU -4' 74-69
GEORGE MASON 71 - Va. Commonwealth 65?Now that GMU appears to
have straightened things out, don?t mind supporting revenge-seeking Patriots
against VCU, which scored series hat trick last season, including wild CAA
Tourney final that Rams? G Eric Maynor turned on its ear with a breathtaking
display on both offensive and defensive ends in final moments. Although we
don?t expect GMU G Dre Smith to hit another 10 for 10 from tripleville (really!) as
he did in Jan. 19 win at James Madison, that threat from perimeter ought to open
more room for sr. F Thomas in paint. And rest assured Jim Larranaga?s patented
?scramble? defense will pay extra attention to the dangerous Maynor in this payback
battle. 06-Vcu +4 75-62, VCU -6' 63-49, VCU-4' 65-59 (CT) TV-ESPN2
OHIO 77 - Central Michigan 60?Ohio not without flaws, but the sloppiness
and backcourt inconsistencies that have occasionally plagued the Bobcats
haven?t been on display that much at friendly Convocation Center, where OU
won its first 8 prior to Ball State matchup Jan. 26. And despite presence of milktruck
sized 6-3, 260-lb. F Minnoy, not sure matchups are promising for CMU
against bruising and taller Bobcat frontline threats Fs L. Williams (15.9 ppg) &
Tillman (14.5 ppg). 06-Ohio -5 74-73
IOWA ST. 74 - Colorado 61?Have to be impressed with ISU?s 72-67 upset
vs. Missouri despite converting only 1 of 16 beyond the arc in mid-January.
Doubt inside-oriented Cyclones will even need to fire away as much from long
distance vs. G-heavy CU (top 5 scorers are Gs!), ranked last in Big XII in FG%
defense & rebounding. Look for ISU to repeatedly pound it inside to five-star 6-
10 frosh F Brackins (13 ppg; recruited by Clemson, Pitt & Indiana), 6-11 C
Hubalek (12 ppg, 8 rpg), and now-healthy 6-7 soph F W. Johnson (12 ppg) vs.
smallish Buffs. 06-COLO +3' 74-65, ISU -10' 55-53
MARQUETTE over South Florida by 13 to 16?06-Mar -6 70-68
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS over Evansville by 11 to 14?07-Siu -6 80-67; 06-
EVA +6 75-68, SIU -13' 76-69
VIRGINIA TECH over Florida St. by 1 to 3?06-FSU -3 82-73
Missouri St. over WICHITA ST. by 1 to 3?07-MSU -5 71-47; 06-MSU -5' 95-
87, Msu +1' 71-65, Msu -4' 67-64 (CT-neut.)
San Diego St. 72 - COLORADO ST. 61?Recollection of painful exit in last
March?s Mountain West tourney ought to motivate SDSU in revenge battle vs.
depleted CSU. Rams forced to go ?small? in absence of injured F Creason. And
recent nosedive (losses in 8 of last 9 thru Jan. 21, including shocking Moby
Arena setback vs. Panhandle State) indicates any renaissance under new HC
Miles likely has to wait another year. 06-SDS -4 81-76, Sds +2' 81-66, Csu +4'
69-64 (CT-neut.)
Tennessee over ALABAMA by 4 to 6?06-TEN -5 69-66 (OT) TV-ESPN
THE SPORTS REPORTER
COLLEGE HOOPS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
OHIO STATE over *PENN STATE by 6
WESTERN MICHIGAN over *BUFFALO by 1
*WAKE FOREST over MIAMI FLORIDA by 1
?Canes are improved, but they?re having a devil of a time notching Ws on the ACC road, at
this writing. WAKE FOREST, 67-66.
*GEORGE MASON over VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH by 4
Battle of the Colonial titans. Slight edge to Colonials at projected spread, but nothing more
emphatic, at press time . . . GEORGE MASON, 72-68.
*OHIO over CENTRAL MICHIGAN by 9
*IOWA STATE over COLORADO by 7
*MARQUETTE over SOUTH FLORIDA by 14
Marquette?s Dominic James made it back to action against UConn 1/20 . . . looked a bit tentative,
but should be 100% again, by this time. MARQUETTE, 78-64.
*SOUTHERN ILLINOIS over EVANSVILLE by 14
*VIRGINIA TECH over FLORIDA STATE by 6
MISSOURI STATE over *WICHITA STATE by 2.
Shockers need G Matt Braeuer back, in the worst way. Without him, must lean to sound
defensive team. MISSOURI STATE, 67-65.
SAN DIEGO STATE over *COLORADO STATE by 6
TENNESSEE over *ALABAMA by 16
Vols were toying with Ohio State . . . TOYING with ?em! The likes of Carolina (even with their
loss), Memphis and Kansas are seasoned top-level programs. Tennessee?s not of their class,
historically . . . but it?s not because Bruce Pearl?s not doing everything he can to get ?em
there. As they please. TENNESSEE, 92-76
NBA
DETROIT over *INDIANA by 4
A great rivalry has fallen to the dust as Indiana?s status as playoff contender has disappeared.
The Pacers should put up a good fight as they?ve finally returned home after a week
spent on the road and have had two full days to prepare. DETROIT 93-89
TORONTO over *WASHINGTON by 9
The Raptors didn?t have a Sunday game this weekend, instead having the full three-day
weekend to relax. These two teams finish a home-and-home back-to-back, and the Raptors
have a very good chance of sweeping it with this type of scheduling advantage.
TORONTO 101-92
BOSTON over *MIAMI by 15
It?s the best and worst of the Eastern Conference. Pat Riley?s head might explode after witnessing
how well the Celtics plays together ? it should drill in the lesson that his team?s time
has passed. BOSTON 96-81
*NEW JERSEY over MILWAUKEE by 7
*CHICAGO over MINNESOTA by 9
BEST BET
GOLDEN STATE over *HOUSTON by 11
Don Nelson does a great job of game-planning for opposing big men and he?s always
done a number on Yao Ming?s performance. The Golden State attack is predisposed to
exploiting size mismatches, and Yao represents one giant size mismatch. Rick Adelman?s
offense has given the Rockets more diversity, but they still can?t match the Warriors for
speed and effectiveness. GOLDEN STATE 104-93
*PHOENIX over ATLANTA by 11
Joe Johnson visits his old squad, and you have to wonder what kind of doubts he has about
leaving Phoenix. If he had stayed, would the Suns have fared better in the playoffs? It?s a real
possibility. PHOENIX 124-113
SAN ANTONIO over *SEATTLE by 11
RECOMMENDED
*L.A. LAKERS over NEW YORK by 12
The Lakers need to take advantage of the soft spots in their schedule with Bynum?s injury
and this is a great example. Phil Jackson has to be giving thanks for this one gift from
the schedulers with contenders in the rearview mirror and three weeks on the road
ahead. L.A. LAKERS 116-104
COLLEGE HOOPS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
OHIO STATE over *PENN STATE by 6
WESTERN MICHIGAN over *BUFFALO by 1
*WAKE FOREST over MIAMI FLORIDA by 1
?Canes are improved, but they?re having a devil of a time notching Ws on the ACC road, at
this writing. WAKE FOREST, 67-66.
*GEORGE MASON over VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH by 4
Battle of the Colonial titans. Slight edge to Colonials at projected spread, but nothing more
emphatic, at press time . . . GEORGE MASON, 72-68.
*OHIO over CENTRAL MICHIGAN by 9
*IOWA STATE over COLORADO by 7
*MARQUETTE over SOUTH FLORIDA by 14
Marquette?s Dominic James made it back to action against UConn 1/20 . . . looked a bit tentative,
but should be 100% again, by this time. MARQUETTE, 78-64.
*SOUTHERN ILLINOIS over EVANSVILLE by 14
*VIRGINIA TECH over FLORIDA STATE by 6
MISSOURI STATE over *WICHITA STATE by 2.
Shockers need G Matt Braeuer back, in the worst way. Without him, must lean to sound
defensive team. MISSOURI STATE, 67-65.
SAN DIEGO STATE over *COLORADO STATE by 6
TENNESSEE over *ALABAMA by 16
Vols were toying with Ohio State . . . TOYING with ?em! The likes of Carolina (even with their
loss), Memphis and Kansas are seasoned top-level programs. Tennessee?s not of their class,
historically . . . but it?s not because Bruce Pearl?s not doing everything he can to get ?em
there. As they please. TENNESSEE, 92-76
NBA
DETROIT over *INDIANA by 4
A great rivalry has fallen to the dust as Indiana?s status as playoff contender has disappeared.
The Pacers should put up a good fight as they?ve finally returned home after a week
spent on the road and have had two full days to prepare. DETROIT 93-89
TORONTO over *WASHINGTON by 9
The Raptors didn?t have a Sunday game this weekend, instead having the full three-day
weekend to relax. These two teams finish a home-and-home back-to-back, and the Raptors
have a very good chance of sweeping it with this type of scheduling advantage.
TORONTO 101-92
BOSTON over *MIAMI by 15
It?s the best and worst of the Eastern Conference. Pat Riley?s head might explode after witnessing
how well the Celtics plays together ? it should drill in the lesson that his team?s time
has passed. BOSTON 96-81
*NEW JERSEY over MILWAUKEE by 7
*CHICAGO over MINNESOTA by 9
BEST BET
GOLDEN STATE over *HOUSTON by 11
Don Nelson does a great job of game-planning for opposing big men and he?s always
done a number on Yao Ming?s performance. The Golden State attack is predisposed to
exploiting size mismatches, and Yao represents one giant size mismatch. Rick Adelman?s
offense has given the Rockets more diversity, but they still can?t match the Warriors for
speed and effectiveness. GOLDEN STATE 104-93
*PHOENIX over ATLANTA by 11
Joe Johnson visits his old squad, and you have to wonder what kind of doubts he has about
leaving Phoenix. If he had stayed, would the Suns have fared better in the playoffs? It?s a real
possibility. PHOENIX 124-113
SAN ANTONIO over *SEATTLE by 11
RECOMMENDED
*L.A. LAKERS over NEW YORK by 12
The Lakers need to take advantage of the soft spots in their schedule with Bynum?s injury
and this is a great example. Phil Jackson has to be giving thanks for this one gift from
the schedulers with contenders in the rearview mirror and three weeks on the road
ahead. L.A. LAKERS 116-104
POINTWISE
NBA
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
(7:05) Detroit Pistons 97 - INDIANA PACERS 87
(7:05) Toronto Raptors 106 - WASHINGTON 103
(7:35) Boston Celtics 104 - MIAMI HEAT 99 (NBA)
(7:35) NEW JERSEY NETS 96 - Milwaukee Bucks 82
(8:35) CHICAGO BULLS 108 - Minnesota Timberwolves 94
(8:35) Golden State Warriors 100 - HOUSTON 97
(9:05) PHOENIX SUNS 116 - Atlanta Hawks 107
(10:05) San Antonio Spurs 98 - SEATTLE 'SONICS 96
(10:35) LOS ANGELES LAKERS 108 - New York Knicks 89
BEST BETS: NEW JERSEY, CHICAGO, LOS ANGELES LAKERS (3)
NCAA HOOPS
(7:00) PENN STATE 74 - Ohio State 68
(7:00) BUFFALO 83 - Western Michigan 82
(7:00) WAKE FOREST 78 - Miami-Florida 75
(7:00) GEO MASON 70 - Va Commonwealth 69 (ESPN2)
(7:00) OHIO U 76 - Central Michigan 56
(8:00) IOWA STATE 63 - Colorado 61
(8:00) MARQUETTE 89 - South Florida 59
(8:00) SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 72 - Evansville 63
(9:00) VIRGINIA TECH 74 - Florida State 72
(9:00) Missouri State 65 - WICHITA STATE 64
(9:00) San Diego State 73 - COLORADO STATE 63
(9:00) ALABAMA 70 - Tennessee 69 (ESPN)
BEST BETS: COLORADO, MARQUETTE, SAN DIEGO STATE
NBA
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
(7:05) Detroit Pistons 97 - INDIANA PACERS 87
(7:05) Toronto Raptors 106 - WASHINGTON 103
(7:35) Boston Celtics 104 - MIAMI HEAT 99 (NBA)
(7:35) NEW JERSEY NETS 96 - Milwaukee Bucks 82
(8:35) CHICAGO BULLS 108 - Minnesota Timberwolves 94
(8:35) Golden State Warriors 100 - HOUSTON 97
(9:05) PHOENIX SUNS 116 - Atlanta Hawks 107
(10:05) San Antonio Spurs 98 - SEATTLE 'SONICS 96
(10:35) LOS ANGELES LAKERS 108 - New York Knicks 89
BEST BETS: NEW JERSEY, CHICAGO, LOS ANGELES LAKERS (3)
NCAA HOOPS
(7:00) PENN STATE 74 - Ohio State 68
(7:00) BUFFALO 83 - Western Michigan 82
(7:00) WAKE FOREST 78 - Miami-Florida 75
(7:00) GEO MASON 70 - Va Commonwealth 69 (ESPN2)
(7:00) OHIO U 76 - Central Michigan 56
(8:00) IOWA STATE 63 - Colorado 61
(8:00) MARQUETTE 89 - South Florida 59
(8:00) SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 72 - Evansville 63
(9:00) VIRGINIA TECH 74 - Florida State 72
(9:00) Missouri State 65 - WICHITA STATE 64
(9:00) San Diego State 73 - COLORADO STATE 63
(9:00) ALABAMA 70 - Tennessee 69 (ESPN)
BEST BETS: COLORADO, MARQUETTE, SAN DIEGO STATE
WINNING POINTS
NCAA HOOPS
Tuesday, January 29
Ohio State over Penn State* by 5
Road team has too many scorers compared to the Claxton-less home team. Thad
Matta must flog self with own tie if he allows Ed DeChellis to come up with a successful
Plan B. OHIO STATE, 60-55.
Western Michigan over Buffalo* by 2
Wake Forest* over Miami-FL by 3
**PREFERRED
VCU over George Mason* by 6
Ah, the rare triple-revenge home team is George Mason. But their upcoming CAA
Player of the Year, forward Will Thomas, doesn?t seem to want to play much defense
right now. He didn?t pick up his first foul at Hofstra until overtime. He fouled only
once at James Madison. He hasn?t faced many smart opposing coaches in the last 10
days, but that run of luck stops here. And Dre Smith?s 10-for-10 shooting afternoon
at James Madison last Saturday? Come on. Not against these guys. VCU, 70-64.
Ohio* over Central Michigan by 15
Iowa State* over Colorado by 6
Marquette* over South Florida by 19
Southern Illinois* over Evansville by 13
Florida State over Virginia Tech* by 2
Wichita State* over Missouri State by 2
San Diego State over Colorado State* by 14
You don?t touch Colorado State with a 10-foot pole. Or Lithuanian. It?s the other side,
or nothing. SAN DIEGO STATE, 79-65.
Tennessee over Alabama* by 10
Alabama has good stat rankings, the function of a pretty weak non-conference slate.
They began SEC play 0-4 SU, most recently getting 56 points home vs. Mississippi
State. Let the so-called disappointments continue. TENNESSEE, 79-69.
NBA
Tuesday, January 29
Detroit over *Indiana by 5
Pacers point guard Jamaal Tinsley loves playing for Jim O?Brien, averaging more than
13 points per game and ranking among the leader in assists. But Jermaine O?Neal
(check status) has been sidelined with a knee injury. The Pistons have one of the better
road spread marks at 13-9-1 ATS through Jan. 20. DETROIT 106-101.
*Washington over Toronto by 2
Chris Bosh is back at full strength and consistently putting up 30 point-games and
Jose Calderon has been steady as a full-time point guard helping the Raptors win nine
of their first 17 games after losing starting point guard T.J. Ford (check status).
WASHINGTON 102-100
Boston over *Miami by 10
Shaquille O?Neal actually has played better since returning from a hip injury, but the
sad reality for the Heat is they just may never turn the corner this season. Team morale
is at an all-time low and the Celtics aren?t taking teams lightly anymore after a recent
loss to Charlotte. BOSTON 96-86
*New Jersey over Milwaukee by 4
This marks Milwaukee?s sixth game in nine days, while this is New Jersey?s first game
back from a season-high six-game road swing. However, the Nets are a terrible 6-16-
1 ATS at home this season. NEW JERSEY 97-93.
*Chicago over Minnesota by 5
The Bulls have won only eight of their first 19 home games. So the Timberwolves have
a rare chance here. Despite opening with a 1-20 road mark, the Timberwolves were a
far more respectable 10-11 ATS away from home. CHICAGO 98-93.
**PREFERRED
*Houston over Golden State by 12
Defense and rebounding. Those are the two key ingredients you need to match up well
against the Warriors. The Rockets have both, holding foes under 94 points. They also
rate in the top 10 in rebounding. They?ve been playing well, even without Tracy
McGrady, covering nine of their past 12 through Jan. 20. HOUSTON 107-95.
*Phoenix over Atlanta by 6
While we?re not confident enough to back the Hawks on the road vs. this caliber of
club, it is worth nothing the Suns were just 3-8 ATS at the U.S. Airways Center entering
their last home game before this matchup. The Hawks have the athletes to hang
in, the question is do they have the maturity and road savvy? PHOENIX 112-106.
**PREFERRED
*Seattle over San Antonio by 1
It?s not that we especially care for the Sonics. We don?t. But this is a sandwich spot for
San Antonio. The Spurs were at Utah last night and host Phoenix on Thursday. In
between is this ugly road match against a foe the defending world champs are going
to have a hard time gearing up and respecting. The Sonics should be relaxed. It?s their
fourth of seven home games in a row. The Spurs have failed to cover in their previous
five road encounters through Jan. 20. Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo knows San Antonio
well having been a former assistant to Gregg Popovich. SEATTLE 92-91.
*Los Angeles Lakers over New York by 8
The Knicks are playing in their second of five straight West Coast games after opening
their trip on Sunday versus Golden State. The Lakers defeated the Knicks at
Madison Square Garden last month while playing their third game in four nights.
Kobe Bryant, who loves to play against New York, had 39 points, 11 rebounds and
eight assists. LA LAKERS 109-101.
NCAA HOOPS
Tuesday, January 29
Ohio State over Penn State* by 5
Road team has too many scorers compared to the Claxton-less home team. Thad
Matta must flog self with own tie if he allows Ed DeChellis to come up with a successful
Plan B. OHIO STATE, 60-55.
Western Michigan over Buffalo* by 2
Wake Forest* over Miami-FL by 3
**PREFERRED
VCU over George Mason* by 6
Ah, the rare triple-revenge home team is George Mason. But their upcoming CAA
Player of the Year, forward Will Thomas, doesn?t seem to want to play much defense
right now. He didn?t pick up his first foul at Hofstra until overtime. He fouled only
once at James Madison. He hasn?t faced many smart opposing coaches in the last 10
days, but that run of luck stops here. And Dre Smith?s 10-for-10 shooting afternoon
at James Madison last Saturday? Come on. Not against these guys. VCU, 70-64.
Ohio* over Central Michigan by 15
Iowa State* over Colorado by 6
Marquette* over South Florida by 19
Southern Illinois* over Evansville by 13
Florida State over Virginia Tech* by 2
Wichita State* over Missouri State by 2
San Diego State over Colorado State* by 14
You don?t touch Colorado State with a 10-foot pole. Or Lithuanian. It?s the other side,
or nothing. SAN DIEGO STATE, 79-65.
Tennessee over Alabama* by 10
Alabama has good stat rankings, the function of a pretty weak non-conference slate.
They began SEC play 0-4 SU, most recently getting 56 points home vs. Mississippi
State. Let the so-called disappointments continue. TENNESSEE, 79-69.
NBA
Tuesday, January 29
Detroit over *Indiana by 5
Pacers point guard Jamaal Tinsley loves playing for Jim O?Brien, averaging more than
13 points per game and ranking among the leader in assists. But Jermaine O?Neal
(check status) has been sidelined with a knee injury. The Pistons have one of the better
road spread marks at 13-9-1 ATS through Jan. 20. DETROIT 106-101.
*Washington over Toronto by 2
Chris Bosh is back at full strength and consistently putting up 30 point-games and
Jose Calderon has been steady as a full-time point guard helping the Raptors win nine
of their first 17 games after losing starting point guard T.J. Ford (check status).
WASHINGTON 102-100
Boston over *Miami by 10
Shaquille O?Neal actually has played better since returning from a hip injury, but the
sad reality for the Heat is they just may never turn the corner this season. Team morale
is at an all-time low and the Celtics aren?t taking teams lightly anymore after a recent
loss to Charlotte. BOSTON 96-86
*New Jersey over Milwaukee by 4
This marks Milwaukee?s sixth game in nine days, while this is New Jersey?s first game
back from a season-high six-game road swing. However, the Nets are a terrible 6-16-
1 ATS at home this season. NEW JERSEY 97-93.
*Chicago over Minnesota by 5
The Bulls have won only eight of their first 19 home games. So the Timberwolves have
a rare chance here. Despite opening with a 1-20 road mark, the Timberwolves were a
far more respectable 10-11 ATS away from home. CHICAGO 98-93.
**PREFERRED
*Houston over Golden State by 12
Defense and rebounding. Those are the two key ingredients you need to match up well
against the Warriors. The Rockets have both, holding foes under 94 points. They also
rate in the top 10 in rebounding. They?ve been playing well, even without Tracy
McGrady, covering nine of their past 12 through Jan. 20. HOUSTON 107-95.
*Phoenix over Atlanta by 6
While we?re not confident enough to back the Hawks on the road vs. this caliber of
club, it is worth nothing the Suns were just 3-8 ATS at the U.S. Airways Center entering
their last home game before this matchup. The Hawks have the athletes to hang
in, the question is do they have the maturity and road savvy? PHOENIX 112-106.
**PREFERRED
*Seattle over San Antonio by 1
It?s not that we especially care for the Sonics. We don?t. But this is a sandwich spot for
San Antonio. The Spurs were at Utah last night and host Phoenix on Thursday. In
between is this ugly road match against a foe the defending world champs are going
to have a hard time gearing up and respecting. The Sonics should be relaxed. It?s their
fourth of seven home games in a row. The Spurs have failed to cover in their previous
five road encounters through Jan. 20. Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo knows San Antonio
well having been a former assistant to Gregg Popovich. SEATTLE 92-91.
*Los Angeles Lakers over New York by 8
The Knicks are playing in their second of five straight West Coast games after opening
their trip on Sunday versus Golden State. The Lakers defeated the Knicks at
Madison Square Garden last month while playing their third game in four nights.
Kobe Bryant, who loves to play against New York, had 39 points, 11 rebounds and
eight assists. LA LAKERS 109-101.
DCI
COLLEGE HOOPS
Atlantic Coast Conference
VIRGINIA TECH 70, Florida State 63
WAKE FOREST 72, Miami (Fla.) 69
Big 12 Conference
IOWA STATE 64, Colorado 55
Big East Conference
MARQUETTE 82, South Florida 64
Big Ten Conference
Ohio State 70, PENN STATE 56
Colonial Athletic Association
Vcu 64, GEORGE MASON 62
Mid-American Conference
OHIO 75, Central Michigan 61
Western Michigan 73, BUFFALO 66
Missouri Valley Conference
Missouri State 58, WICHITA STATE 55
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 64, Evansville 49
Mountain West Conference
San Diego State 71, COLORADO STATE 60
Ohio Valley Conference
Austin Peay 82, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE 79
MOREHEAD STATE 71, Tennessee Tech 69
MURRAY STATE 67, Samford 54
TENNESSEE STATE 87, Jacksonville State 74
TENNESSEE-MARTIN 71, Eastern Kentucky 67
Southeastern Conference
Tennessee 86, ALABAMA 79
Non-Conference
KENNESAW STATE 65, Savannah State 64
Loyola (Md.) 77, NEW JERSEY TECH 53
SAN JOSE STATE 74, Cal State Bakersfield 66
NHL
BOSTON 3, Nashville 2
NEW JERSEY 3, Pittsburgh 2
Ottawa vs. N.Y. ISLANDERS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PHILADELPHIA 4, Los Angeles 3
N.Y. Rangers vs. CAROLINA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
COLUMBUS 3, Phoenix 2
Buffalo vs. TAMPA BAY: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
TORONTO 3, St. Louis 2
MONTREAL 4, Washington 3
San Jose 3, EDMONTON 2
VANCOUVER 3, Dallas 2
NBA
WASHINGTON 97, Toronto 95
Detroit 102, INDIANA 97
NEW JERSEY 98, Milwaukee 94
Boston 96, MIAMI 86
CHICAGO 100, Minnesota 91
HOUSTON 106, Golden State 102
PHOENIX 109, Atlanta 97
San Antonio 100, SEATTLE 92
L.A. LAKERS 109, New York 97
COLLEGE HOOPS
Atlantic Coast Conference
VIRGINIA TECH 70, Florida State 63
WAKE FOREST 72, Miami (Fla.) 69
Big 12 Conference
IOWA STATE 64, Colorado 55
Big East Conference
MARQUETTE 82, South Florida 64
Big Ten Conference
Ohio State 70, PENN STATE 56
Colonial Athletic Association
Vcu 64, GEORGE MASON 62
Mid-American Conference
OHIO 75, Central Michigan 61
Western Michigan 73, BUFFALO 66
Missouri Valley Conference
Missouri State 58, WICHITA STATE 55
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 64, Evansville 49
Mountain West Conference
San Diego State 71, COLORADO STATE 60
Ohio Valley Conference
Austin Peay 82, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE 79
MOREHEAD STATE 71, Tennessee Tech 69
MURRAY STATE 67, Samford 54
TENNESSEE STATE 87, Jacksonville State 74
TENNESSEE-MARTIN 71, Eastern Kentucky 67
Southeastern Conference
Tennessee 86, ALABAMA 79
Non-Conference
KENNESAW STATE 65, Savannah State 64
Loyola (Md.) 77, NEW JERSEY TECH 53
SAN JOSE STATE 74, Cal State Bakersfield 66
NHL
BOSTON 3, Nashville 2
NEW JERSEY 3, Pittsburgh 2
Ottawa vs. N.Y. ISLANDERS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PHILADELPHIA 4, Los Angeles 3
N.Y. Rangers vs. CAROLINA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
COLUMBUS 3, Phoenix 2
Buffalo vs. TAMPA BAY: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
TORONTO 3, St. Louis 2
MONTREAL 4, Washington 3
San Jose 3, EDMONTON 2
VANCOUVER 3, Dallas 2
NBA
WASHINGTON 97, Toronto 95
Detroit 102, INDIANA 97
NEW JERSEY 98, Milwaukee 94
Boston 96, MIAMI 86
CHICAGO 100, Minnesota 91
HOUSTON 106, Golden State 102
PHOENIX 109, Atlanta 97
San Antonio 100, SEATTLE 92
L.A. LAKERS 109, New York 97
THE POWER INDEX
NBA
Detroit 3 over Indiana*
Washington* 1.5 over Toronto
New Jersey* 4 over Milwaukee
Boston 8.5 over Miami*
Houston* 4.5 over Golden State
Chicago* 8.5 over Minnesota
Phoenix* 11 over Atlanta
San Antonio 6 over Seattle*
L.A. Lakers* 11 over New York
NHL
Boston* (-110) even with Nashville (+110)
New Jersey* (-141) 1/2 over Pittsburgh (+141)
N.Y. Islanders* (-110) even with Ottawa (+110)
Tampa Bay* (-110) even with Buffalo (+110)
Philadelphia* (-179) 1 over Los Angeles (+179)
Carolina* (-122) 1/2 over N.Y. Rangers (+122)
Columbus* (-125) 1/2 over Phoenix (+125)
Toronto* (-148) 1/2 over St. Louis (+148)
Montreal* (-157) 1 over Washington (+157)
Edmonton* (-125) 1/2 over San Jose (+125)
Vancouver* (-126) 1/2 over Dallas (+126)
NBA
Detroit 3 over Indiana*
Washington* 1.5 over Toronto
New Jersey* 4 over Milwaukee
Boston 8.5 over Miami*
Houston* 4.5 over Golden State
Chicago* 8.5 over Minnesota
Phoenix* 11 over Atlanta
San Antonio 6 over Seattle*
L.A. Lakers* 11 over New York
NHL
Boston* (-110) even with Nashville (+110)
New Jersey* (-141) 1/2 over Pittsburgh (+141)
N.Y. Islanders* (-110) even with Ottawa (+110)
Tampa Bay* (-110) even with Buffalo (+110)
Philadelphia* (-179) 1 over Los Angeles (+179)
Carolina* (-122) 1/2 over N.Y. Rangers (+122)
Columbus* (-125) 1/2 over Phoenix (+125)
Toronto* (-148) 1/2 over St. Louis (+148)
Montreal* (-157) 1 over Washington (+157)
Edmonton* (-125) 1/2 over San Jose (+125)
Vancouver* (-126) 1/2 over Dallas (+126)
Comps
TONY WESTON
Tennessee over Alabama.
The line on this game is pretty ridiculous and will end up being an easy winner for us and the Vols.
Alabama comes into this game 2-3 SU its L5 games at home and 1-3 ATS its L4 lined games at home. For the season the Crimson Tide are only 2-7 ATS at home.
While Tennessee is only 3-5 ATS on the road this season, the Volunteers are 5-3 ATS their L8 games, including a 3-1 mark ATS on the road.
Also, since Nov. 27 when the Vols beat North Carolina A&T, they?re 12-1 SU.
Tennessee will dominate the Tide and pick up an easy win.
Go with the Vols.
3♦ TENNESSEE (1♦ to 5♦ Scale)
Marc Lawrence
Game: Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers Jan 29 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Indiana Pacers
Reason: Play On: Indiana Pacers
Note: Pacers return home off embarrassing loss to Miami, a game in which the Heat halted a 15-game losing streak at Indiana's expense. Meanwhile the Pistons enter off a home revenge win over Orlando with yet another revenge game on tap at home against the Lakers this Thursday. Our database reminds us that the Pacers are 5-2 SU & ATS in this series when playing with double-exact revenge. Look for the hungry host to come up big against the satisfied visitor in this letdown/lookahead special this evening.
JEFF BENTON
On Tuesday, we get back on the winning side by backing Marquette minus the big points against South Florida.
To put it bluntly, the Golden Eagles have been fartin? around for way too long; they?re way too talented to be letting crappy teams hang around in games. It?s time for them to step up and lay the wood to an opponent, and I think this is it, because South Florida is bad ? really bad!
Since opening Big East play with a 68-54 home rout of Rutgers as an 11-point chalk, the Bulls have lost six in a row, all in conference. But that?s just the start of it ? all six losses have come by double digits, and as a result USF is also 0-6 ATS during this slump. Not only that, but the Bulls are 1-12 ATS in their last 13 Big East games dating last year, and they?ve failed to cover in four straight road games, losing by margins of 13, 12, 16 and 10 points to Wake Forest, Syracuse, Providence and Seton Hall ? in other words, four teams that can?t hold Marquette?s collective jock!
Marquette, despite its recent ATS downturn (1-5 ATS last six, all in conference), is still destroying teams at home, outscoring visitors by an average of 24 points per game (82-58) and outshooting them by more than 10 percentage points (48.1% to 37.7%). Bottom line: If the Golden Eagles want to be taken seriously as an NCAA Tournament contender, they need to start blowing out the Big East?s bottom-feeders ? beginning tonight!
(based on a 1 to a 10 ♦ Rating)
5♦ MARQUETTE
Dave Cokin
Marquette hasn't exactly been dominating lately, but I think they're ready to blow someone out, and hapless South Florida is the perfect victim. The Bulls are simply getting overmatched in the Big East, and are off two wipeout losses at home. Marquette finally got something going Saturday against DePaul, and looked good in the second half when they needed to in getting the win, although they failed to cover. I see some legit value in this number, thanks to the recent ATS struggles of the Golden Eagles. They're only laying one more basket here than they did against DePaul, and they actually were bigger chalk than this against Seton Hall. USF is pretty awful defensively, so here's where Marquette should finally get their offense rolling and I see this one being very lopsided. Marquette minus the points.
Jim Feist
never know which NY team is going to show up, with one exception -- they never play defense. The Knicks allow 47.3% shooting by opponents, worst in the NBA. In fact, both teams allow over 100 ppg, ranked in the bottom 11 in points allowed. The Knicks allow 103 ppg on the road where they are 13-6 over the total. 2 of the last 3 meetings between these teams have gone over. Look for more offense than defense in this one, play the
Knicks/Lakers over the total!
Bobby Maxwell
The Hokies got a big ACC win Saturday, beating Boston College in Beantown 81-73 as a five-point underdog. That momentum will certainly carry over tonight and carry Virginia Tech to an easy win over Florida State.
The Seminoles lost to North Carolina State 69-66 on Saturday and now sit at 1-4 in their last five, all against ACC competition. Florida State was an eight-point favorite against the Wolfpack and have now failed to get the cash in six straight games and 10 of their last 11.
In ACC action, Florida State is just 1-5 ATS. On the road, the Seminoles are 1-4 ATS in their last five and they are 2-5 ATS as an underdog.
Virginia Tech is 5-2 ATS as a favorite of less than 15 points, 8-1 at home and in this series the home team has won all four matchups (3-1 ATS).
Look for the Hokies to pounce on the struggling Seminoles tonight. This line is way too short not to play Virginia Tech. The Hokies win this game by 10 points. Play Virginia Tech.
3♦ VIRGINIA TECH
MATT RIVERS
For Tuesday once again take the points with the Knicks out West.
In a similar write up to Sunday night I am going to once again roll with the Knicks tonight at Staples against Kobe and the Lakers. Whether you want to admit it or not these New Yorkers have really been a lot better of late and are certainly worth a shot here.
Isiah Thomas is still a joke and the Knick players have the potential to quit at anytime but they also have some talent and if they want to play certainly can compete here.
Jamal Crawford has been lighting it up, Zach Randolph is a bona fide All-Star and Eddy Curry has the ability to put up some numbers when he wants. Throw in guys like David Lee and Nate Robinson and the Knicks have the upside to be in this game until the end.
Kobe and the home Lakers should win the game but this team has not been the same since the Andrew Bynum injury and if you remember at right about this time a year ago Phil Jackson's squad hit the crapper. The Knicks just covered easily in Golden State on Sunday and all of a sudden have won five of their last eight games and covered six of those contests. It's also not as if they are just beating bottomfeeder teams as the streak started by pounding the Pistons by 24 and includes beating both the Nets and Wizards on the road.
New York continues their five game West Coast road trip here and if they really want to have any chance at snatching a playoff spot cannot just get drilled and go from 14-28 to 14-33 in a span of a week or so.
Los Angeles seems to be a regressing club after blowing the late lead once again to LeBron and the Cavs at home on Sunday and at this solid takeback I'll once again take my chances on Isiah's squad for sure!
TONY WESTON
Tennessee over Alabama.
The line on this game is pretty ridiculous and will end up being an easy winner for us and the Vols.
Alabama comes into this game 2-3 SU its L5 games at home and 1-3 ATS its L4 lined games at home. For the season the Crimson Tide are only 2-7 ATS at home.
While Tennessee is only 3-5 ATS on the road this season, the Volunteers are 5-3 ATS their L8 games, including a 3-1 mark ATS on the road.
Also, since Nov. 27 when the Vols beat North Carolina A&T, they?re 12-1 SU.
Tennessee will dominate the Tide and pick up an easy win.
Go with the Vols.
3♦ TENNESSEE (1♦ to 5♦ Scale)
Marc Lawrence
Game: Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers Jan 29 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Indiana Pacers
Reason: Play On: Indiana Pacers
Note: Pacers return home off embarrassing loss to Miami, a game in which the Heat halted a 15-game losing streak at Indiana's expense. Meanwhile the Pistons enter off a home revenge win over Orlando with yet another revenge game on tap at home against the Lakers this Thursday. Our database reminds us that the Pacers are 5-2 SU & ATS in this series when playing with double-exact revenge. Look for the hungry host to come up big against the satisfied visitor in this letdown/lookahead special this evening.
JEFF BENTON
On Tuesday, we get back on the winning side by backing Marquette minus the big points against South Florida.
To put it bluntly, the Golden Eagles have been fartin? around for way too long; they?re way too talented to be letting crappy teams hang around in games. It?s time for them to step up and lay the wood to an opponent, and I think this is it, because South Florida is bad ? really bad!
Since opening Big East play with a 68-54 home rout of Rutgers as an 11-point chalk, the Bulls have lost six in a row, all in conference. But that?s just the start of it ? all six losses have come by double digits, and as a result USF is also 0-6 ATS during this slump. Not only that, but the Bulls are 1-12 ATS in their last 13 Big East games dating last year, and they?ve failed to cover in four straight road games, losing by margins of 13, 12, 16 and 10 points to Wake Forest, Syracuse, Providence and Seton Hall ? in other words, four teams that can?t hold Marquette?s collective jock!
Marquette, despite its recent ATS downturn (1-5 ATS last six, all in conference), is still destroying teams at home, outscoring visitors by an average of 24 points per game (82-58) and outshooting them by more than 10 percentage points (48.1% to 37.7%). Bottom line: If the Golden Eagles want to be taken seriously as an NCAA Tournament contender, they need to start blowing out the Big East?s bottom-feeders ? beginning tonight!
(based on a 1 to a 10 ♦ Rating)
5♦ MARQUETTE
Dave Cokin
Marquette hasn't exactly been dominating lately, but I think they're ready to blow someone out, and hapless South Florida is the perfect victim. The Bulls are simply getting overmatched in the Big East, and are off two wipeout losses at home. Marquette finally got something going Saturday against DePaul, and looked good in the second half when they needed to in getting the win, although they failed to cover. I see some legit value in this number, thanks to the recent ATS struggles of the Golden Eagles. They're only laying one more basket here than they did against DePaul, and they actually were bigger chalk than this against Seton Hall. USF is pretty awful defensively, so here's where Marquette should finally get their offense rolling and I see this one being very lopsided. Marquette minus the points.
Jim Feist
never know which NY team is going to show up, with one exception -- they never play defense. The Knicks allow 47.3% shooting by opponents, worst in the NBA. In fact, both teams allow over 100 ppg, ranked in the bottom 11 in points allowed. The Knicks allow 103 ppg on the road where they are 13-6 over the total. 2 of the last 3 meetings between these teams have gone over. Look for more offense than defense in this one, play the
Knicks/Lakers over the total!
Bobby Maxwell
The Hokies got a big ACC win Saturday, beating Boston College in Beantown 81-73 as a five-point underdog. That momentum will certainly carry over tonight and carry Virginia Tech to an easy win over Florida State.
The Seminoles lost to North Carolina State 69-66 on Saturday and now sit at 1-4 in their last five, all against ACC competition. Florida State was an eight-point favorite against the Wolfpack and have now failed to get the cash in six straight games and 10 of their last 11.
In ACC action, Florida State is just 1-5 ATS. On the road, the Seminoles are 1-4 ATS in their last five and they are 2-5 ATS as an underdog.
Virginia Tech is 5-2 ATS as a favorite of less than 15 points, 8-1 at home and in this series the home team has won all four matchups (3-1 ATS).
Look for the Hokies to pounce on the struggling Seminoles tonight. This line is way too short not to play Virginia Tech. The Hokies win this game by 10 points. Play Virginia Tech.
3♦ VIRGINIA TECH
MATT RIVERS
For Tuesday once again take the points with the Knicks out West.
In a similar write up to Sunday night I am going to once again roll with the Knicks tonight at Staples against Kobe and the Lakers. Whether you want to admit it or not these New Yorkers have really been a lot better of late and are certainly worth a shot here.
Isiah Thomas is still a joke and the Knick players have the potential to quit at anytime but they also have some talent and if they want to play certainly can compete here.
Jamal Crawford has been lighting it up, Zach Randolph is a bona fide All-Star and Eddy Curry has the ability to put up some numbers when he wants. Throw in guys like David Lee and Nate Robinson and the Knicks have the upside to be in this game until the end.
Kobe and the home Lakers should win the game but this team has not been the same since the Andrew Bynum injury and if you remember at right about this time a year ago Phil Jackson's squad hit the crapper. The Knicks just covered easily in Golden State on Sunday and all of a sudden have won five of their last eight games and covered six of those contests. It's also not as if they are just beating bottomfeeder teams as the streak started by pounding the Pistons by 24 and includes beating both the Nets and Wizards on the road.
New York continues their five game West Coast road trip here and if they really want to have any chance at snatching a playoff spot cannot just get drilled and go from 14-28 to 14-33 in a span of a week or so.
Los Angeles seems to be a regressing club after blowing the late lead once again to LeBron and the Cavs at home on Sunday and at this solid takeback I'll once again take my chances on Isiah's squad for sure!
COMPS
ARTHUR RALPH
Iowa State
TOTALS 4 U
COLORADO BUFFALOS + 6 1/2
#1 SPORTS
SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS + 16
DARK HORSE
NCAA - Penn State +8 over Ohio State
HUDDLE UP
Ohio State -8
FAT JACK SPORTS
NCAA Basketball
1/29/2008 at 7:00:00 PM
Ohio State at Penn State
Ohio State -8
Templer's Sports Picks
NHL 1/29/2008 at 7:00:00 PM
Pittsburgh at New Jersey
Pittsburgh/New Jersey o5
The Fall Miracle
CBB 1/29/2008
WAKE FOREST -1.5
BIG AL
George Mason Patriots -3.5 over VCU Rams
BIG TIME SPORTS
TUESDAY JANUARY 29th
MURRAY STATE -10.5 OVER SAMFORD
RAZOR SHARP
TUESDAY: WESTERN MICHIGAN -5 over Buffalo
PLATINUM PLAYS
CBB: PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS + 7.5 Over the Ohio State Buckeyes
NEVADA SHARPSHOOTER
TUESDAY
OHIO ST -8 OVER PENN ST
TV HOTLINE
MURRAY ST. -10
HDs ACTIONLINE
Tennessee -13.5
THE VEGAS STEAMLINE
Tuesday: Take Iowa St -6.5 over Colorado
JOE WIZ
NBA
San Antonio (-7.5)
ARTHUR RALPH
Iowa State
TOTALS 4 U
COLORADO BUFFALOS + 6 1/2
#1 SPORTS
SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS + 16
DARK HORSE
NCAA - Penn State +8 over Ohio State
HUDDLE UP
Ohio State -8
FAT JACK SPORTS
NCAA Basketball
1/29/2008 at 7:00:00 PM
Ohio State at Penn State
Ohio State -8
Templer's Sports Picks
NHL 1/29/2008 at 7:00:00 PM
Pittsburgh at New Jersey
Pittsburgh/New Jersey o5
The Fall Miracle
CBB 1/29/2008
WAKE FOREST -1.5
BIG AL
George Mason Patriots -3.5 over VCU Rams
BIG TIME SPORTS
TUESDAY JANUARY 29th
MURRAY STATE -10.5 OVER SAMFORD
RAZOR SHARP
TUESDAY: WESTERN MICHIGAN -5 over Buffalo
PLATINUM PLAYS
CBB: PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS + 7.5 Over the Ohio State Buckeyes
NEVADA SHARPSHOOTER
TUESDAY
OHIO ST -8 OVER PENN ST
TV HOTLINE
MURRAY ST. -10
HDs ACTIONLINE
Tennessee -13.5
THE VEGAS STEAMLINE
Tuesday: Take Iowa St -6.5 over Colorado
JOE WIZ
NBA
San Antonio (-7.5)
Ace-Ace
Record 26-28 -1649
Fla St +3.5 -105..........................$400
Mighty Quinn
Mighty hit with the College of Charleston (+1-1/2) Monday night.
Today it's the Raptors -2.
The surplus is 240 sirignanos.
CAPPERS ACCESS
(Tue) CBB Penn st
(Tue) CBB Alabama
Redzone Sports
ny-lakers over
Mr.A's
Tuesday, January 29th, 2008
Washington Wizards -3
Phoenix Suns -11
San Antonio Spurs 8.5
Los Angeles Lakers -9
GINA
Detroit Pistons -7
Los Angeles Lakers - 9
LT'S LOCK
The LOCK: Alabama +5'
The STREAK: 1 loss
The RECORD: 551-449-21
Record 26-28 -1649
Fla St +3.5 -105..........................$400
Mighty Quinn
Mighty hit with the College of Charleston (+1-1/2) Monday night.
Today it's the Raptors -2.
The surplus is 240 sirignanos.
CAPPERS ACCESS
(Tue) CBB Penn st
(Tue) CBB Alabama
Redzone Sports
ny-lakers over
Mr.A's
Tuesday, January 29th, 2008
Washington Wizards -3
Phoenix Suns -11
San Antonio Spurs 8.5
Los Angeles Lakers -9
GINA
Detroit Pistons -7
Los Angeles Lakers - 9
LT'S LOCK
The LOCK: Alabama +5'
The STREAK: 1 loss
The RECORD: 551-449-21
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