Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-24-22 | UC-Santa Barbara v. UC-Davis +2.5 | 76-69 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 9 m | Show | |
UC Davis has had several cancellations this season. The Aggies have played just 18 games going 11-7. However, the Aggies are beginning to make a move having won three in a row. UC Santa Barbara is a fade on the road. The Gauchos have failed to cover in eight of their last 10 away matchups. I don't see the Aggies having a problem handling the Gauchos at home. Getting points is a nice bonus. |
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02-24-22 | Idaho State v. Northern Arizona -3.5 | Top | 70-66 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 52 m | Show |
Northern Arizona isn't very good at 9-18. But 6-20 Idaho State is downright terrible. I find this a short number to lay with the Lumberjacks at home. Idaho State ranks 326th in scoring at 64.2 points a game. The Bengals are just as bad defensively ranking 340th in defensive field goal percentage. The Lumberjacks have covered six of their last eight games. |
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02-23-22 | Houston v. Tulane +9.5 | 81-67 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 17 m | Show | |
After a slow start, Tulane has come on to cover 11 of its last 14 games. The Green Wave draw Houston at home after the Cougars just scored a 76-74 double overtime road win against Wichita State this past Sunday. The Cougars' next game is a home revenge matchup against SMU. So it's not a great spot for the Cougars. Tulane, meanwhile, hasn't played in eight days. So the Green Wave should be rested and ready. They average barely two points fewer per game than the 14th-ranked Cougars. |
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02-23-22 | Chattanooga -3 v. East Tennessee State | Top | 83-77 | Win | 100 | 19 h 41 m | Show |
Chattanooga rolled past East Tennessee State, 82-52, as a 7 1/2-point home favorite on Dec. 31. The Mocs may not win by 30 points again, but they still should easily win this game. Chattanooga is the top team in the Southern Conference with a 22-7 overall record and 12-4 league mark. East Tennessee State ranks eighth out of 10 teams in the Southern Conference with a 6-10 league mark. The Buccaneers are under .500 on the season overall. The Mocs are 21-5-1 ATS the past 27 times playing a below .500 opponent. They also have covered 67 percent of their last 55 road games. The Mocs are 5-1 in their last six road contests. Chattanooga clearly is superior to the Buccaneers outscoring them per game while giving up an average of eight fewer points a game. The Buccaneers have revenge and senior night playing in their final home game of the season. But Chattanooga isn't going to lack motivation. The Mocs are on a rare two-game losing skid falling twice at home as big favorites during their past two games. They haven't lost three in a row all season. Chattanooga is 20-7-1 ATS after not covering the spread in its previous game. East Tennessee State defeated The Citadel in its last game. The Buccaneers have failed to cover the spread six of the past seven times following a victory. |
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02-22-22 | Villanova +2.5 v. Connecticut | 69-71 | Win | 100 | 21 h 47 m | Show | |
Villanova nearly got caught peeking ahead to this game before dispatching Georgetown, 74-66, at home this past Saturday. Look for the Wildcats to be far more focused against UConn. I consider Villanova to be the superior team. The Wildcats are 21-6 and 14-3 in the Big East. UConn is 19-7 and 10-5 in the Big East. The teams met at Villanova on Feb. 5 and the Wildcats won, 85-74. I see a similar scenario for Villanova so catching points is an added bonus. |
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02-22-22 | Miami-FL -3.5 v. Pittsburgh | 85-64 | Win | 100 | 19 h 27 m | Show | |
This line came much lower than I expected given the class difference between these two teams. Miami is 19-8 and tied for third in the ACC with an 11-5 conference mark. The Hurricanes currently are ranked 65th in the NET rankings. They are firmly in the mix for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Hurricanes shouldn't lack for motivation after letting a 10-point second-half lead slip in a 74-71 home loss to Virginia this past Saturday. Pittsburgh is ranked 169th in the NET rankings. The Panthers average 12 points fewer per game than the Hurricanes. Pittsburgh ranks 341st in scoring at 62.5 points per game. The Panthers are not going to the Big Dance with an 11-17 record and 6-11 ACC mark. |
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02-22-22 | Michigan State +7 v. Iowa | Top | 60-86 | Loss | -120 | 20 h 11 m | Show |
I'll willingly accept this many points with a desperate Michigan State and Tom Izzo. The Spartans are 1-4 in their last five games. They are 8-3 ATS following a loss. Iowa, in contrast to Michigan State, has won four of its last five. The Hawkeyes are averaging 90.5 points in their last five games. This has contributed to an inflated line, though. Points and possessions matter in the rugged Big Ten. The Spartans haven't been an underdog of more than three points in any of their 15 Big Ten games. The Hawkeyes aren't that much better than the Spartans - if they are even better at all. |
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02-21-22 | Penn State v. Maryland -2.5 | Top | 61-67 | Win | 100 | 18 h 7 m | Show |
I don't trust Penn State's weak offense, nor do I trust the Nittany Lions on the road. Penn State ranks 306th in scoring. Maryland averages five more points per game than the Nittany Lions. The Terrapins hold a backcourt edge with Eric Ayala and Fatts Russell, both of whom average more points than any player on Penn State. The Nittany Lions are 1-6 in their Big Ten Conference road games. They have lost their last five away Big Ten matchups. Maryland has looked good recently. The Terrapins nearly upset Purdue on the road two games ago falling by one point. Maryland then buried Nebraska, 90-74, in its last game hitting 52 percent from the floor while turning the ball over just four times. The Terrapins have proven themselves at home knocking off Illinois there and losing to Wisconsin by only one point. |
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02-20-22 | Michigan v. Wisconsin -2.5 | Top | 63-77 | Win | 100 | 13 h 47 m | Show |
Can the Wolverines win road games against Iowa and Wisconsin in a span of four days? I say no. Michigan upset the Hawkeyes this past Thursday, 84-79. Now, though, the Wolverines draw the 15th-ranked Badgers also on the road. Wisconsin gives up the fewest turnovers in the nation at 8.6. The Badgers' traditionally strong defense is coming on, too, giving up an average of 63.2 points during the last four games. Michigan has faced five ranked teams this season - and lost four of those five games. |
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02-20-22 | NJIT -2 v. Maine | 61-65 | Loss | -110 | 3 h 55 m | Show | |
There's a class difference here not reflected in the number. Maine has only two Division I wins. New Jersey Tech has taken care of teams that have easily defeated Maine. The Highlanders are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games. Maine also has had some internal problems that came to a boil this past week with its head coach being replaced. The Black Bears aren't even going to qualify for the league playoffs so motivation could be an issue even with a coaching change. |
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02-19-22 | DePaul +9 v. Seton Hall | Top | 64-66 | Win | 100 | 19 h 45 m | Show |
This point spread is way out of whack. DePaul beat Seton Hall the first time these teams met. The Blue Demons have a better point spread record covering 58 percent, shoot the ball better than Seton Hall and have the best player on the court in Javon Freeman-Liberty. Seton Hall ranks 257th in field goal percentage. The Pirates are 4-4 since losing their second-leading scorer, Bruce Aiken. They are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games. DePaul upset Xavier as a 14-point 'dog and lost by three points to Providence in overtime as a nine-point 'dog in its last two road games. Freeman-Liberty is one of the better players in the Big East Conference averaging 20.5 points. The Blue Demons defeated the Pirates, 96-92, on Jan. 13 as a 6 1/2-point 'dog. The Blue Demons certainly are capable of hanging around if not pulling another straight-up upset win.
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02-19-22 | Tennessee Tech v. Austin Peay | 73-69 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 12 m | Show | |
These are a pair of middle-of-the-road Ohio Valley Conference teams. But Austin Peay is a step above Tennessee Tech. Tennessee Tech is 3-7 in its last 10 games with two of those victories occurring versus Eastern Illinois, which is in last place in the Ohio Valley and is the third-lowest scoring team in the nation. Austin Peay can't beat Murray State, Morehead State and Belmont. But the Governors can take out all the other Ohio Valley teams especially at home. That includes Tennessee Tech. Austin Peay defeated the Golden Eagles, 58-55, on the road when the teams met on Jan. 29. The Governors now get the rematch at home where they have won four of their last five. |
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02-18-22 | Wright State v. Oakland -3.5 | 78-74 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 9 m | Show | |
I don't see Wright State slowing down Oakland with the Golden Grizzlies playing at home. Wright State ranks 256th in scoring defense and 268th in defensive field goal percentage. Oakland ranks 66th in the nation in points averaging 75.9. The Golden Grizzlies average 87,5 points at home. Wright State just surrendered 75 points at home to Northern Kentucky in its last game, that's four points more than Northern Kentucky averages on the season. Oakland is 15-3 ATS the past 18 times as a home favorite. Wright State is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 road games. |
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02-18-22 | Ohio +1.5 v. Kent State | Top | 52-75 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 11 m | Show |
Kent State is an upper level Mid-American Conference team. But Ohio leads the MAC and is better than the Golden Flashes. So I'm not buying Kent State opening as the favorite. The Bobcats are 22-4, including 8-3 on the road. They have a better road mark than Kent State's home record. The Golden Flashes are 16-9, 8-4 at home. Ohio took care of Kent State, 80-72, back on Jan. 7. Bobcats star Mark Sears had a big game with 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the floor while grabbing six rebounds and dishing off three assists. Sears averages 20.1 points, which ranks in the top 20 in the country. He's a tremendous shooter. Ohio ranks 15th in the country in turnover margin and first in the MAC at plus 4.23. Kent State can't match Sears, nor Ohio's ball protection. Ohio is ranked 87th in the latest NET rankings. Kent State is ranked 140th. |
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02-17-22 | 76ers +6.5 v. Bucks | Top | 123-120 | Win | 100 | 19 h 44 m | Show |
After suffering their worst loss in seven years losing by 48 points to the Celtics this past Tuesday, I see the 76ers coming out super intense against Milwaukee. The 76ers have been strong on the road going 18-10. They are 10-2 ATS following a loss. Philadelphia also has covered its past five away games. Milwaukee has failed to cover eight of the last 11 times it has been a home favorite. The Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo back. But the Bucks still are playing short-handed with several rotation players out, including Pat Connaughton, Wesley Matthews and Grayson Allen questionable. |
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02-17-22 | UMKC -4 v. North Dakota | 80-65 | Win | 100 | 17 h 31 m | Show | |
There's a class difference here not fully reflected in this point spread. UMKC is 16-10. North Dakota is 6-21. Kansas City should be motivated despite the Fighting Hawks' poor record. The Roos had their four-game win streak snapped this past Saturday by Oral Roberts after blowing a 10-point halftime lead. The Roos surrender 12 fewer points per game than North Dakota. They also shoot much better from the floor. UMKC has covered five of its last six road contests. |
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02-17-22 | Delaware v. Elon +3.5 | 71-62 | Loss | -110 | 16 h 1 m | Show | |
I can envision Elon pulling the outright upset here. The teams met on Jan. 22 in Delaware. The Blue Hens won, 80-77. Delaware shot 52 percent from the floor and had 11 more free throw opportunities than Elon. Yet the Blue Hens still just won by three points at home. Delaware last played a road game back on Jan. 29. |
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02-16-22 | UNLV v. Fresno State -6 | Top | 60-57 | Loss | -105 | 22 h 13 m | Show |
I don't see another Fresno State loss happening here with the Bulldogs home to the Rebels, who are 3-8 ATS during their past 11 road contests. Fresno State has covered nine of its last 11 home games. UNLV has been hot from beyond the arc lately. Don't look for that to continue, though, against a Fresno State defense that ranks fifth in the nation allowing only 57.9 points. The Bulldogs shoot better from the floor than the Rebels and also are the superior free throw shooting team. Fresno State beat UNLV, 73-68, at UNLV on Jan. 14. That was the seventh time in the last 10 meetings the Bulldogs have defeated the Rebels. |
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02-15-22 | Grizzlies -4.5 v. Pelicans | Top | 121-109 | Win | 100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
The Grizzlies are playing the best basketball of any team winning and covering eight of their last nine games. All of their victories during this span have come by at least seven points. Memphis has had two full days to prepare for this revenge matchup having last played on Saturday. The Pelicans won the first meeting, 112-101, at home on Nov. 13. It's going to be difficult for the inconsistent Pelicans to duplicate their ''A'' performance of last night when they buried the Raptors, 120-90, at home shooting a season-best 58.4 percent from the floor. New Orleans is 2-5 ATS the past seven times as a home 'dog. Memphis is 14-3 ATS the past 17 times when favored.
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02-13-22 | Mercer +5 v. NC-Greensboro | 73-64 | Win | 100 | 12 h 1 m | Show | |
I'm not convinced UNC Greensboro is the better team. The Spartans certainly weren't when they met Mercer on Jan. 15. The Bears won, 58-49, as a 3-point home favorite. The Bears have covered three of their last four games. They are the 16th-best free throw shooting team in the nation. Greensboro is 3-7 ATS the past 10 times when favored. Perhaps the Spartans deserve to be a slight favorite being home. But I find this to be too many points. |
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02-12-22 | St. Mary's +16.5 v. Gonzaga | 58-74 | Win | 100 | 20 h 2 m | Show | |
In no way is this a fade on Gonzaga. Instead it's taking what I perceive to be value on a very strong defensive team in Saint Mary's. The 22nd-ranked Gaels give up 59.1 points per game. Only 10 teams surrender fewer points per game. Gonzaga has won 20 games for 25 consecutive seasons. St. Mary's has a very proud tradition, too, having reached that milestone during 14 of the last 15 seasons. |
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02-12-22 | Drake +2.5 v. Bradley | 59-68 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 32 m | Show | |
I'm backing Drake in revenge mode and stop-the-pain mode having lost two in a row after winning its previous four. Bradley may lack Drake's intensity following its huge, 68-61, home win against Loyola, who was in first place in the Missouri Valley Conference this past Wednesday. The Bulldogs are aiming for payback after losing, 83-71, as a 7-point home favorite against Bradley on Jan. 19. Drake is 6-2 in road games. The Bulldogs outscored their opponents by nearly eight points a game and have a better conference record than Bradley. |
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02-12-22 | Arkansas-Little Rock +13.5 v. Troy State | 66-62 | Win | 100 | 15 h 30 m | Show | |
Little Rock isn't good. But Troy isn't this many points better than Little Rock. Troy hasn't won by more than nine points during any of its past nine games. Troy also has a terrible track record when playing below .500 teams covering only 30 percent of the time during the past 62 instances. |
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02-12-22 | Florida +10 v. Kentucky | 57-78 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 33 m | Show | |
Florida has won four in a row and has 6-foot-10 star big man Colin Castleton back in its lineup. Castleton averages 15.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks a game. He can keep the Gators close in this matchup. The key for Florida is knocking down its perimeter shots to free Castleton inside. The Gators have a better chance of doing that with Castleton returning to the court. Florida has covered five of the last six times against above .500 opponents. The Wildcats could be looking ahead since their next game is against Tennessee. |
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02-11-22 | Nevada +11.5 v. Utah State | 85-74 | Win | 100 | 10 h 32 m | Show | |
After a tough 78-76 overtime road loss to Wyoming, I think Utah State has a bit of a hangover. That loss halted a five-game Aggies' win streak. The Aggies are coming on, but this line is inflated. Nevada has lost six in a row. But the Wolf Pack are capable of hanging in against good conference opponents as evidenced by a two-point road loss to San Diego State five days ago. The Wolf Pack rank fifth in the Mountain West Conference in scoring. They are the only Mountain West team with three players in the top 20 in scoring. Utah State is just 10-8 at home and has a bigger game on deck when it meets San Diego State. |
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02-11-22 | Thunder +12.5 v. 76ers | 87-100 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 5 m | Show | |
Excitement is in the air in Philadelphia following yesterday's trade deadline with the 76ers acquiring James Harden. The 76ers dealt Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond and Seth Curry along with two first-round picks to get Harden. Harden isn't likely to be in uniform for this matchup, though. Meanwhile, the 76ers are down rotation pieces Drummond and Curry. The 76ers' concentration level is likely to be off, too. The 76ers have been better on the road. They are just 14-12 at home. Oklahoma City is in rebuilt mode, but shouldn't lack motivation after a 117-98 home loss to the Raptors two days ago. The Thunder are at their finest in this role covering 17 of the last 24 times (71 percent) as a road 'dog. The 76ers are 1-5 ATS the past six times as home chalk. |
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02-11-22 | Long Beach State v. Hawaii -3 | 73-66 | Loss | -108 | 14 h 40 m | Show | |
Long Beach State took over first place in the Big West Conference with an upset home win against Cal State-Fullerton two days ago. Obviously a monster win for the Beach. Now, however, Long Beach State has to travel to Hawaii just 48 hours later to play the Rainbow Warriors. Hawaii beat Long Beach, 72-67, as a 2-point road 'dog on Jan. 8. Hawaii last played five days ago. The Rainbow Warriors are rested and catch Long Beach State in a huge letdown spot with a fatigue factor, too. |
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02-10-22 | Hofstra +1.5 v. Drexel | Top | 83-73 | Win | 100 | 19 h 40 m | Show |
These teams met on Jan. 17. Hofstra was an eight-point home favorite and beat Drexel, 71-68. Hofstra is the fourth-best free throw shooting team in the nation at 80 percent. The Pride shot just 10 free throws in that game and also made only 4 of 16 3-pointers. Hofstra is 14-9 and in third place in the Colonial Athletic Association at 7-4. Drexel is 11-10 and 6-5 in the CAA. There is a point spread difference of around 10 points in this game compared to the earlier meeting. Hofstra is the better team so I'm attracted to taking this many points. The Pride just defeated UNC-Wilmington in its last game three days ago. Drexel went against Wilmington on Jan. 31 and lost, 70-63. |
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02-09-22 | Tulane +10 v. Memphis | Top | 69-80 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 10 m | Show |
Memphis has tremendous talent. But the Tigers are poorly-coached, one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the nation and are terrible against spread going 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games. Tulane upset the Tigers, 85-84, as a 6-point home 'dog back on Dec. 29 and the Green Wave definitely can hang within single digits in this rematch. The Green Wave are a solid 7-4 in the American Athletic Conference, good for third place behind only Houston and SMU. Tulane has covered five of its last seven road games and is 3-1 in its last four games. Despite its talent, Memphis is horrendous from the free throw line making less than 66 percent. The Tigers rank 333rd in free throw percentage. The Tigers have failed to cover five of the last six times when laying 8 or more points.
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02-09-22 | Spurs +6 v. Cavs | Top | 92-105 | Loss | -106 | 8 h 56 m | Show |
Cleveland may appear to be in better current form than the Spurs. But the Spurs have played a much more difficult schedule recently and are in an excellent situational spot here. San Antonio defeated Houston in its last game. That was this past Friday. The Spurs were 1-4 entering that matchup. But their previous five opponents were the Heat, Warriors, Suns, Bulls and Grizzlies. Cleveland is 6-2 in its last eight games. The Cavaliers' last five games, though, have come against weak opponents - Pacers, Hornets, Rockets, Pelicans and Pistons. The Cavaliers acquired Caris LeVert, but still may be without underrated Darius Garland, who has missed the last four games because of a sore back. The Spurs will be playing for the first time in five days. That's more than ample time for Gregg Popovich to come up with a strong game plan for this specific opponent not to mention ensure a lot of energy from the Spurs. San Antonio is 18-8 ATS the past 26 times when playing on 3 or more days rest for a long-term mark of 69 percent. San Antonio also has covered nine of the last 13 times it has been a road 'dog. Cleveland is 1-6 ATS the last seven times it has been favored. |
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02-08-22 | Portland +18.5 v. San Francisco | 69-68 | Win | 100 | 20 h 15 m | Show | |
The record shows Portland to be 11-12. But the Pilots have been much better against the spread covering 14 of 22 games for 64 percent. They are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. San Francisco, on the other hand, is 19-5 but terrible against the spread with a 7-15-1 ATS mark for 32 percent. The teams just met this past Saturday and San Francisco only won, 74-71, as a 15-point road favorite. The Dons also outshot Portland from the floor making 50 percent. The Pilots hit 47 percent of their field goals yet still only lost by three points. Portland actually led at halftime. Now we have even a larger point spread. San Francisco's home-court isn't worth that much of an edge. The Dons are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games. The Pilots have covered six of their last seven away contests. |
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02-08-22 | Utah State v. Wyoming -1.5 | Top | 76-78 | Win | 100 | 23 h 36 m | Show |
Both Utah State and Wyoming are playing well. But the Cowboys are the superior team and are at home with a short point spread. Wyoming is a perfect 10-0 at home. The Cowboys have outscored opponents by an average of 20.3 points at home. The Cowboys average 84.1 points at home. That's 12 points higher than what Utah State averages on the road. The Aggies have won five in a row so perhaps that's why the spread is shorter than I anticipated. However, four of those victories were achieved at home. The Aggies also played some weak competition during this time frame posting wins against UNLV, San Jose State and Air Force. Utah State has a losing road mark. Wyoming is 10-1 in its last 11 games and 19-3 overall. The Cowboys trail Boise State by one-half game for the top spot in the Mountain West Conference. They can't afford a loss here especially following their tremendous, 61-59, road upset win against Fresno State this past Sunday night. The Cowboys feature two of the best players in the conference, Graham Ike and Hunter Maldonado. |
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02-08-22 | Rockets +9.5 v. Pelicans | 97-110 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
The Pelicans are playing their best ball winning three in a row - all on the road. The result is they are now laying the most points they have all season. I'm not a big fan of the Rockets. I'm not sure who is. But the circumstances are right for the Rockets to keep this one close. New Orleans definitely is fat and happy returning home for the first time since Jan. 29. So concentration could be an issue. This marks the Pelicans' fifth different venue in nine days. The Pelicans aren't nearly good enough to cover a spread this high if they aren't playing well. Houston has short revenge. The Rockets fell at home to the Pelicans, 120-107, this past Sunday. The game was close for three quarters. Houston even had the halftime lead. The Rockets defeated New Orleans, 118-108, at home in the team's first meeting this season on Dec. 5. |
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02-07-22 | Knicks +8 v. Jazz | 104-113 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 14 m | Show | |
The Jazz are getting healthier. They've posted consecutive home victories against the Nuggets and Nets in their last two games. But they still are missing some key players, including center Rudy Gobert. Utah has a bigger home game on deck meeting the Warriors on Wednesday. The Knicks are off a 122-115 overtime loss to the Lakers from Saturday. The Knicks played well in building a 21-point lead. It was a heartbreaking loss, but there were many positive signs for the Knicks. The Jazz have been terrible as a home favorite going 3-12-1 ATS the past 16 times in that role. The Knicks are a gritty bunch with a top-seven defense. Now that the line has climbed to 8 I'm going to back the Knicks. |
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02-07-22 | Virginia +12.5 v. Duke | Top | 69-68 | Win | 100 | 19 h 59 m | Show |
Duke is coming on. I get that. I also understand Virginia is in the midst of a down season just 14-9 and that's playing a less than stellar schedule. But I'm not going to turn down this many points with the Cavaliers. They have shown signs lately of picking up their game, winning three of their last four. This includes an impressive victory against Miami, 71-58, this past Saturday. The Cavaliers have a history of playing Duke close with five of the past seven meetings decided by one or two points. The Blue Devils just nipped the Cavaliers, 66-65, at Duke last season. Virginia desperately needs a good performance here as the Cavaliers are in serious jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament. Duke may lack Virginia's motivation coming off a 20-point beatdown of arch-rival North Carolina this past Saturday night. Virginia remains well-coached, disciplined and respectable on defense.
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02-07-22 | James Madison +5.5 v. Drexel | 66-72 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 43 m | Show | |
James Madison won nine of its first 11 games, before having to pause for nearly a month starting on Dec. 11 due to COVID. Since resuming play on Jan. 9 the Dukes have yet to regain their earlier form going 4-6. Drexel also lost three weeks of its season due to a COVID pause. The Dragons are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Dragons are looking to post consecutive victories for just the second time this season after beating Delaware, 76-68, on the road this past Thursday. James Madison has covered in 11 of its last 15 road contests. I don't see why Drexel should be favored by this many points? The teams met on Jan. 27. James Madison was a 3 1/2-point home favorite. The Dukes were upset by Drexel, 88-82. The Dragons were red-hot making nearly 56 percent of their shots from the floor. James Madison shot 48 percent. The Dukes are the better shooting team, though. They rank 30th in the nation in field goal percentage at 47.7 percent. Drexel shoots 46.9 percent from the floor. |
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02-06-22 | Wyoming +3.5 v. Fresno State | Top | 61-59 | Win | 100 | 16 h 10 m | Show |
These are two of the best teams in the Mountain West Conference. Fresno State has the sixth-best defense in the country. But Wyoming is the more complete team. Fresno State also is coming off two easy matchups. The Cowboys have won nine of their last 10 games. They are 26-9 ATS in their last 35 road games, including covering the past four. This has been a road team series with the visitor going 6-1-1 ATS the past eight times. Wyoming averages nearly 10 more points pre game than Fresno State. The Bulldogs have one of the best players in the conference, Orlando Robinson. But Wyoming has two of the three best players on the court in Graham Ike and Hunter Maldonado. |
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02-06-22 | Akron v. Miami-OH +3 | 71-59 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 56 m | Show | |
Talk about short revenge. Miami of Ohio sure has it here hosting Akron after losing, 66-55, on the road to the Zips this past Friday. Akron may have gotten some home cooking in that one getting to shoot 10 more free throws than the RedHawks. But Miami of Ohio was done in by its poor shooting from the floor. The RedHawks made just 36 percent of their shots and were 5-of-17 from 3-point range. Akron, on the other hand, made 50 percent of its field goal attempts. I'm looking for a strong bounce back effort from the RedHawks at home and for Akron not to shoot as well as it did on Friday. Akron is 2-5 ATS in its last seven road games and 1-5 ATS following a victory. The Zips also may be without Bryan Trimble, who missed the second half of Friday's game with an injury. The Zips have four players who average between 11 and 13 points. Trimble is one of those players. |
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02-05-22 | Bucks v. Blazers +10.5 | Top | 137-108 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
I find this to be a buy-low spot on the Trail Blazers following Portland's, 96-93, home loss to the lowly Thunder last night. That was the Trail Blazers' first home game since Jan. 26. I expect the Trail Blazers' concentration and focus to be much better against the Bucks. Portland had just made a trade the day before the Thunder game, too. I also expect Portland's 3-point shooting to be back on track. The Trail Blazers shot 40 percent from the floor against the Thunder. Far worse was their horrendous shooting from beyond the arc. Portland could connect on only 6-of-33 3-point shots for 18 percent. The Trail Blazers rank 11th in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 35.6 percent. The Trail Blazers obviously are missing Damian Lillard. But CJ McCollum has returned to the lineup and Anfernee Simons continues to play at a high level. So Portland's backcourt remains strong. The Bucks play at the Clippers on Sunday. So if the Trail Blazers trail by double-digits late - which I am not anticipating - the backdoor could swing open because the Bucks may be resting starters knowing they have three more road games during the next five days. |
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02-05-22 | Louisiana Tech v. Florida International +7.5 | 86-82 | Win | 100 | 17 h 53 m | Show | |
This has been an underdog series with the 'dog covering the spread the past five times. I see that trend continuing here. Neither team has been playing well. Louisiana Tech shouldn't be laying this many points on the road. The Bulldogs' average road win this season is by a mere two points. Florida International plays much better at home. So I'll ride with the Panthers here. |
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02-05-22 | Northern Illinois v. Bowling Green -8.5 | 65-87 | Win | 100 | 16 h 33 m | Show | |
Northern Illinois scored the most points it has scored in regulation all season when the teams met for the first time this season. Bowling Green still won, 92-83, covering as a 6 1/2-point road favorite. The price is cheap to back the Falcons again this time at home. Bowling Green averages nearly 20 points more per game than Northern Illinois. The Huskies, 6-13 overall, rank 326th in scoring at 63.4 points a game. The Huskies, though, are off a 75-56 road upset win against Western Michigan while Bowling Green lost 78-74 as small road chalk to Central Michigan in its last game. Look for the Falcons, 11-11 on the season, to bounce back against this inferior foe. The Falcons have defeated the Huskies five straight times. |
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02-05-22 | Texas Tech v. West Virginia +6 | Top | 60-53 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
There aren't many easy games in the Big 12 Conference. And this one isn't going to be easy for Texas Tech especially after the Red Raiders won an emotional, 77-64, home game against 23rd-ranked Texas this past Tuesday. West Virginia is in a desperate situation with six straight losses and possibly missing its best player, point guard Taz Sherman. He's in concussion protocol and questionable for this game. With or without Sherman, though, I like West Virginia in this spot. The Mountaineers played well in their last game, an 81-77 road loss to Baylor this past Monday. They shot a season-best 54.2 percent from the field. Look for the Mountaineers to give Texas Tech their best punch. I doubt the Red Raiders can produce another ''A'' game after beating Texas. |
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02-04-22 | Nets +4.5 v. Jazz | 102-125 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 16 m | Show | |
Kevin Durant is out and the Nets have lost six in a row. I didn't expect the Nets to lose their last game to the Kings in the middle game of their five-game road trip after previously losing to the Warriors and Suns. The defeats to Golden State and Phoenix weren't a surprise. The one to the Kings was shocking as James Harden had a rare off game scoring only four points on 2-of-11 shooting. Still, the Nets are 17-9 on the road this season. I expect a much better performance from them here. Utah is off a victory against the Nuggets and isn't at full strength either. Out for the Jazz are Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles and Danuel House Jr. with Hassan Whiteside and Jordan Clarkson questionable. The Jazz get sharpshooter Donovan Mitchell back. MItchell, however, could be rusty having been out since Jan. 17. The Jazz have been terrible in this role going 5-16-1 ATS the last 22 times as a home favorite. |
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02-04-22 | Toledo v. Ball State +8.5 | Top | 83-93 | Win | 100 | 23 h 15 m | Show |
Should be a great game: Ohio at Toledo to decide the Mid-American Conference and No. 1 conference tournament seed. That game, though, is Tuesday. Before that Toledo is being asked to cover what I see as an inflated road number against Ball State. The Rockets have won nine in a row. But this definitely is a look-ahead spot for them, which could produce a flat effort. Ball State had won and covered three in a row until getting buried by Ohio in its last game. The Cardinals average a healthy 74 points a game. The Cardinals have covered eight of their last 11 games. The Rockets have allowed 173 3-point field goals. Ball State has made 180 3-pointers, ranking 69th in 3-point accuracy. The combination of their 3-point shooting, home-court and catching Toledo in a flat spot should mean a cover for the Cardinals. |
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02-04-22 | Rockets v. Spurs -3.5 | Top | 106-131 | Win | 100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
I really hope Dejounte Murray plays. But even if he doesn't the Spurs have enough depth and a huge edge in coaching to cover this short number against the Rockets. San Antonio is in stop-the-pain mode losers of three in a row. The Rockets enter San Antonio fat and happy after a 115-104 home victory against Cleveland this past Wednesday. Houston has lost its previous four games. The Rockets are 6-17 ATS the past 23 times as a 'dog. They are 2-6-1 ATS during their past nine meetings against the Spurs. Houston was no match for San Antonio when the teams just met on Jan. 25. The Spurs buried the Rockets, 134-104, dominating the paint with 82 points. |
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02-03-22 | Washington State v. Stanford +3.5 | 66-60 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
I'm not buying Stanford being a home 'dog to Washington State. The teams met on Jan. 13 and Stanford won, 62-57, as a 7-point road 'dog. Washington State has won three in a row since that loss to Stanford. All of those victories, though, were at home. The Cardinal played a tough non-conference schedule and they've proved themselves in Pac-12 play sweeping USC. Stanford is 9-1 at home. Among the teams Stanford has beaten at home are Oregon, USC and California. |
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02-02-22 | Nets -3.5 v. Kings | 101-112 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 42 m | Show | |
The Nets have been strong on the road all season with a 17-8 away record. This is the middle game of Brooklyn's five-game West Coast trip and the easiest of the matchups. The Nets already have lost to Western powers Golden State and Phoenix. The Nets face the Jazz and Nuggets following this game. So a loss to the lowly Kings would be unacceptable. There's no Kevin Durant. But James Harden is back in the lineup and Kyrie Irving is there for road games. The Nets draw the Kings at a good time. Sacramento has dropped seven in a row. The Kings returned home this past Monday night following an 0-5 road trip that took them to the East, Midwest and South. Sacramento is not at full strength either. Big man Marvin Bagley III is out with an ankle injury. De'Aaron Fox is questionable with an ankle injury that kept him from playing during the recently concluded road trip. Sacramento is 3-9 ATS the past dozen times at home when facing an opponent with a winning road record. The Kings lost to the lowly Pistons and Rockets during their previous two home contests. |
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02-02-22 | Wizards +10.5 v. 76ers | 106-103 | Win | 100 | 8 h 3 m | Show | |
The 76ers are flying high. They just won their fifth straight beating the hot Grizzlies, 122-119, in overtime two days ago. Philly achieved this feat resting Joel Embiid. This is the final game of a five-game homestand for the 76ers. They are 0-4 ATS following a point spread cover and are in letdown mode here against a slumping Wizards team that is without its best player, guard Bradley Beal. The Wizards should produce a better effort than they did last night when they fell, 112-98, on the road to the Bucks. Wizards Coach Wes Unseld Jr. expressed optimism his team would step up with Beal out. I believe the Wizards will do that here and the 76ers will be flat allowing Washington to stay within single digits. |
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02-01-22 | Texas +5.5 v. Texas Tech | Top | 64-77 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 7 m | Show |
Every point figures to matter in this matchup of elite defenses. Texas has the No. 1 defense in the nation holding foes to 54.5 points. Defense is a Chris Beard trademark as Texas Tech well knows about its former coach. The Red Raiders allow the 19th-fewest points in the country. So I'm attracted to the road 'dog receiving this many points. This has been an underdog series with the 'dog covering eight of the last 11 times. I trust Beard's defense and the Longhorns' motion offense to find some open looks from 3-point range. I also trust the Longhorns to control their turnover count facing Texas Tech's full-court pressure. It comes down to what should be a low-scoring matchup, as the oddsmaker anticipates, where Texas definitely can stay within two possessions. |
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01-31-22 | Warriors v. Rockets +10.5 | Top | 122-108 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
The teams just met 10 days ago in Golden State. The Rockets nearly pulled the upset losing, 105-103. That victory was the start of a five-game win streak for the Warriors. Golden State has won three of those games by a total of eight points. The Warriors are off a big emotional win against the Nets from two days ago. They are at the Spurs on Tuesday in a revenge spot. So this looms as a potential flat spot for the Warriors, who remain without Draymond Green. Houston only has played twice since losing to the Warriors 10 days ago. The Rockets' last game was this past Friday. That should ensure a rested, full effort and an added bonus if Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood are able to return to the lineup. |
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01-31-22 | Wofford v. Mercer +4 | 62-67 | Win | 100 | 20 h 9 m | Show | |
This is a battle for third place in the Southern League. I see a wrong favorite. Neither team is in good current form. The underdog has cashed the past five times in the series. So taking points is attractive. Mercer knocked off Wofford in the conference tournament last season during the previous meeting. The Bears are 9-3 at home. Mercer is 1-3 in its last four games. Wofford, though, is 1-2 in its last three games and 1-3 ATS during its past four games. The Terriers are off a victory against UNC Greensboro. Before that game, however, the Terriers only averaged 55 points in losses to Chattanooga and Furman. Those are the two best teams in the Southern. The Bears can play slow, similar to those teams, which would frustrate the Terriers. |
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01-30-22 | Spurs +13.5 v. Suns | 110-115 | Win | 100 | 9 h 5 m | Show | |
The Suns have won nine in a row. It seems, though, with each of their victories their betting line gets more and more inflated. None of Phoenix's last five victories have been by more than 10 points. The Suns should have only beaten the Timberwolves by eight points instead of 10 in their last game two days ago. A late meaningless Minnesota foul resulted in two free throws by the Suns to account for a final 10-point margin. The Suns have been playing short-handed with Deandre Ayton (ankle), Jae Crowder (wrist) and reserves Cameron Payne (wrist) and JaVale McGee (knee) all missing in action. Ayton is out. The other three are questionable. San Antonio has been up and down. But the Spurs rank in the top 10 in scoring and are perhaps off their best game of the season, a 131-122 home win against the Bulls this past Friday. San Antonio had 35 assists in that win. The Spurs have covered seven of the last eight times on the road versus opponents with a winning home mark. This already is the fourth meeting between these two teams. The Spurs have kept two of the three close, losing by four points twice. They are 3-0-1 ATS the past four times in Phoenix. |
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01-30-22 | Bengals v. Chiefs -6.5 | 27-24 | Loss | -130 | 110 h 19 m | Show | |
Joe Burrow has elevated the Bengals. Cincinnati is going to be a serious playoff contender for years if Burrow stays in one piece. But this isn't Cincinnati's time. Kansas City is the elite team in the NFL and the Chiefs are peaking at the right time. They also are home. The Bengals have too many holes, including a 26th-ranked secondary, to keep Patrick Mahomes and his bevy of weapons from scoring touchdowns. Mahomes has regained his status as the best QB in football. The Chiefs have scored at least 28 points in each of their last seven games. During their two playoff games against the Steelers and Bills, the Chiefs averaged 42 points and 515 yards. The Bengals' defense isn't nearly at the level of Buffalo's top-ranked unit. This puts tremendous pressure on Burrow to keep up with Mahomes. Burrow has the talent, poise and athleticism to do this. He doesn't have the offensive line, though. The Bengals surrendered nine sacks to the Titans yet still came away with a playoff victory last week because of Ryan Tannehill's three interceptions. Mahomes has committed one turnover during his last five games. Until giving up 36 points to the Bills in last week's overtime shootout, the Chiefs had permitted the fewest points per game since Week 8 allowing 16.1 points. Kansas City has won 10 of its last 11 games with the lone defeat occurring to the Bengals in Cincinnati. Kansas City is 9-2 at home this season with an average winning margin of 14.2 points. I'm not going to step in against the Chiefs. |
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01-30-22 | Marist v. Manhattan +1.5 | 66-72 | Win | 100 | 12 h 15 m | Show | |
I don't profess to be an expert on the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. But this line sure looks out of whack to me with Marist opening as a road favorite. The Red Foxes are 1-5 SU and ATS in their last six games. They've dropped three in a row, including a seven-point home loss to Sienna a couple of weeks ago. Manhattan has a winning ATS mark in its last eight games. The Jaspers are 5-2 on their home court. They have taken care of business at home in MAAC play, beating Sienna and Canisius. |
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01-29-22 | Stephen F Austin v. California Baptist +2.5 | 81-77 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 4 m | Show | |
Both teams are 12-8. But given the home/road splits, the wrong team is favored. Cal-Baptist is 11-3 at home this season. The Lancers lead the Western Athletic Conference in assists at 17.6 per game. Stephen F. Austin is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games and 2-5 ATS during its past seven road contests. The Lumberjacks have lost and failed to cover during their last three road games. |
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01-29-22 | Raptors +4.5 v. Heat | 124-120 | Win | 100 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
The Raptors are rested, have short revenge and are likely to get Fred VanVleet back in their lineup. The Heat are playing without rest, are minus Kyle Lowery and Markieff Morris and Jimmy Butler is dealing with a toe injury. Toronto fell to Miami, 104-99, on the road 12 days ago. The Raptors have been idle since Wednesday when they lost, 111-105, to the Bulls on the road. Toronto came back to take the lead with 3:11 left after trailing by 19 points in the second half. The Raptors have covered the past seven times when failing to cover the spread during their previous game. I like their resiliency, toughness and coach, Nick Nurse. Lowry and Morris remain out. It would not surprise me if Butler sat out, too. He played more than 37 minutes against the Clippers despite dealing with a sore big toe. |
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01-29-22 | Virginia +4.5 v. Notre Dame | Top | 65-69 | Win | 100 | 19 h 27 m | Show |
Notre Dame is hot, winning nine of its last 10 games. But Virginia is just the team to beat the Irish. The Cavaliers are a bad matchup for Notre Dame as evidenced by Virginia defeating the Irish 16 of 18 times in the series, including the past six times. Notre Dame relies on its perimeter shooting especially from long range. The Irish rank 27th in 3-point percentage. Notre Dame is very much a rhythm team. Virginia disrupts that rhythm. No team plays slower than the Cavaliers. Virginia's defense is at its best clamping down on open shots, especially catch-and-shoot 3-point shots like Notre Dame likes to launch. On the flip side, Virginia guards Kihei Clark and Reece Beekman are adept at patiently beating half-court sets. Given four days to prepare, Virginia's elite coach Tony Bennett should have an excellent game plan. Virginia is 5-3 SU and ATS in its last eight road/neutral site games. Notre Dame is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 home games versus foes who have an above .500 road mark. |
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01-29-22 | VCU v. Richmond -3 | 64-62 | Loss | -108 | 17 h 15 m | Show | |
Richmond averages 11 more points per game than VCU. The Rams rank 325th in scoring at just 63.4 points per game. They also are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the nation. VCU's success comes from applying tremendous defensive pressure. Richmond, though, has a low turnover rate thanks to the steady hand of point guard Jacob Gilyard, who leads the Spiders in assists averaging 6.2 per game. This also is a favorable spot for the Spiders as they catch VCU having just ended Davidson's 15-game win streak with a 70-68 road win this past Wednesday. The Rams host Dayton in a big matchup for their next game. Richmond is on a good roll having won and covered its last three games.
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01-28-22 | Cleveland State +2 v. Wright State | 71-67 | Win | 100 | 21 h 3 m | Show | |
Cleveland State is largely unproven on the road, but I'm not buying the Vikings as a road 'dog to Wright State. The defending Horizon League champions met Wright State last month and won, 85-75, as a 2 1/2-point home favorite. The Vikings are leading the Horizon at 9-1. Wright State is 8-3 in league, but coming off a 73-63 road loss as a short favorite against Northern Kentucky. Cleveland State rolled past Northern Kentucky, 72-58, at home when the teams met in early December. Wright State has failed to cover in 13 of its 19 line games this season. |
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01-28-22 | Bulls v. Spurs +2.5 | 122-131 | Win | 100 | 13 h 32 m | Show | |
I see this as a ripe spot for the Spurs. San Antonio is off a 118-110 home loss to the Grizzlies two days ago. The Bulls are a bit fat and happy having won their second straight game with a satisfying, 111-105, home win against the Raptors also on Wednesday. It has been three weeks since the Bulls last won three in a row. This marks Chicago's fourth game in six days, all at different arenas. The Bulls are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight road contests. The Spurs are 11-5 ATS following a non-cover. |
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01-28-22 | Clippers v. Heat -6.5 | Top | 114-121 | Win | 100 | 12 h 21 m | Show |
Kudos to the Clippers for coming back from a 35-point deficit against the Wizards to pull out a victory three days ago. That was the second-largest comeback in NBA history. Kudos again to the Clippers to beat the Magic two days ago in an obvious letdown spot after trailing by 14 points against Orlando. Now, though, the Clippers step way up in class against the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference - Miami. The Heat are 17-5 at home this season. They have covered nine of their last 11 games. LA is 10-13 on the road even with its consecutive away victories versus the Wizards and Magic. This marks the Clippers' third game in four days and sixth road game in 10 days. The Heat have taken off now that Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are back in the lineup joining Jimmy Butler. The Clippers are missing their two best players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Also out is their third-leading scorer, Marcus Morris. I see a double-digit Heat victory. |
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01-27-22 | East Carolina +13.5 v. Memphis | Top | 54-71 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 23 m | Show |
Penny Hardaway was one of my favorite NBA players when he played for the Orlando Magic. But as a head college basketball coach, Hardaway has to rank among the bottom 10. He actually could be in the argument as the worst coach. Yes Hardaway's Memphis team has had injuries. But the Tigers have underachieved so much they may not even make the NCAA Tournament. Memphis 5-12-1 ATS on the season. The Tigers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven home games. Until beating Tulsa in their last game, the Tigers had lost three in a row. East Carolina is off an embarrassing, 79-36, road loss to Houston this past Saturday. I find this line inflated because of that loss. Before that defeat to the Cougars, East Carolina had lost in overtime as an underdog to Central Florida and upset Memphis, 72-71, as a 7-point home 'dog. That was less than two weeks ago. Memphis shot 50 percent from the floor in that game while East Carolina made 40 percent of its field goals. Yet the Pirates still pulled it out. The Pirates may be without third-leading scorer Brandon Suggs, who scored the game-winner against Memphis in the first meeting. The Tigers, though, are far more banged-up. They will be without their leading scorer, Deandre Williams, and likely NBA lottery pick and leading team rebounder Jalen Duren. He is questionable with a hand injury. Also out are Landers Nolley II and Jayden Hardaway. Nolley leads the Tigers in assists. |
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01-27-22 | Lakers v. 76ers -2.5 | Top | 87-105 | Win | 100 | 8 h 9 m | Show |
No player is performing better lately than Joel Embiid, who has scored at least 38 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in four straight games. The 76ers catch the Lakers playing their fourth road game in six days. The Lakers welcomed Anthony Davis back with a 106-96 victory against the Nets two days ago. Davis, though, is working his way into the lineup. I don't see the Lakers being able to sustain that momentum against this tough opponent. LA is 7-20 AT following a cover. The Lakers are 2-1 on their current road trip having opened with a victory against the Magic, However, during their previous four away contests the Lakers lost to the Heat by six points, were blown out by the Nuggets by 37 points, lost to the Kings by nine and fell to the Grizzlies by five points. |
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01-26-22 | UCF +4.5 v. Wichita State | 79-84 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 6 m | Show | |
Wichita State is the most disappointing team in the American Athletic Conference dropping all four of its league games going 1-3 ATS with the lone cover coming in a 10-point loss to Houston as an 11-point 'dog. The Shockers also haven't played in 10 days due to COVID-19 issues. So they figure to be rusty. Central Florida is 8-3 in its last 11 games. The Knights also are 8-3 ATS during their past 11 road games. The Knights have proven themselves both in conference and non-league with victories against Miami and Michigan. Wichita State has yet to prove itself worthy.
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01-26-22 | Kings +8.5 v. Hawks | Top | 104-121 | Loss | -102 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
The Kings should be fired-up after being embarrassed, 128-75, by the Celtics last night. The Kings ended up playing all 13 of their rostered players. No Sacramento player reached the 30-minute mark. So fatigue should not be a factor. Prior to that loss to the Celtics, the Kings had gone a respectable 2-4 with their four defeats occurring by a combined 15 points, which is less than four a game. The Hawks have not been good as home favorites either, failing to cover 11 of the last 14 times in that role. There's a chance the Kings get back injured De'Aaron Fox, who I consider their best player. He's been out two games with a sore left ankle. It's a nice bonus if Fox plays, but I'm not counting on that. |
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01-25-22 | Maryland v. Rutgers -3.5 | 68-60 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 56 m | Show | |
Rutgers is very tough at home as evidenced by a 10-1 record. The Scarlet Knights haven't been nearly as good on the road at 1-6. However, that lone victory occurred against Maryland, 70-59, 10 days ago. Now the Scarlet Knights host Maryland drawing the Terrapins fat and happy after they upset 17th-ranked Illinois four days ago. The Illini, though, were short-handed minus superstar big man Kofi Cockburn. Maryland is 5-16 ATS the last 21 times following a point spread cover. Rutgers should be fired up after losing, 68-65, to Minnesota on the road three days ago. The Gophers shot 54.2 percent from the field. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell ripped his team following that loss as the Gophers were missing three of their top four scorers. So I'm expecting an all-out effort from Rutgers. |
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01-24-22 | Texas Tech +7 v. Kansas | 91-94 | Win | 100 | 10 h 37 m | Show | |
Never mind Kansas revenge. The Jayhawks are laying too many points against a tough Texas Tech team after enduring a very hard struggle against in-state rival Kansas State just two days ago. The Jayhawks came from 17 points down in the second half to nip the Wildcats, 78-75. Texas Tech is 15-4 and now has a healthy Terrence Shannon, its leading scorer. The Red Raiders are 7-1 ATS versus opponents with a winning record. Kansas has failed to cover four of the last five times it has been favored. |
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01-24-22 | Pacers v. Pelicans -3 | Top | 113-117 | Win | 100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
New Orleans has been strong at home winning and covering seven of its last nine. The Pelicans catch a schedule break here hosting a short-handed and tired Indiana squad that is concluding a five-game road trip. The Pacers are playing for the fifth time in eight days. They are minus their two best players with Domantas Sabonis and Malcolmb Brogdon both out. They've been without Caris LeVert, maybe their third-best player, too. He's questionable. Those are Indiana's top three scorers. The Pelicans have held five of their last seven opponents to 105 points or fewer. New Orleans enters this home matchup on a winning note beating the Knicks, 102-91, this past Thursday in New York. That was a big confidence builder for the Pelicans after they were blown out during the first two games of their road trip by the Nets and Celtics. Even if Ingram is out, I still like the Pelicans. |
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01-23-22 | Rams v. Bucs -2.5 | Top | 30-27 | Loss | -114 | 66 h 1 m | Show |
Do you really think the Rams can beat the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers at home traveling cross-country on a short week having just played this past Monday night? I don't and I'm willing to lay a field goal to back that opinion. Free of the Lions, Matthew Stafford picked up his first playoff victory knocking off a slumping Cardinals team that hadn't been good since late October. Tom Brady, by comparison, has 35 postseason victories. He's won 21 of his 25 home playoff games. The Buccaneers are 7-1 ATS as home chalk. They are 8-1 at home this season with an average winning margin of 19.3 points. The Rams are 2-5 ATS versus above .500 opponents. Brady doesn't have reliable Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown anymore. But he still has a deep wide receiving corps, a rejuvenated Rob Gronkowski and could be getting his two best running backs in Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones. The Rams' defensive line has come on strong. Aaron Donald is a force. But they have holes in their secondary. Losing safety Jordan Fuller late in the season is a key injury. If the Rams have to trot out 38-year-old formerly retired Eric Weddle they're in trouble. The Buccaneers' defense is back to being formidable with the return to health of linebackers Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett and edge pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul. |
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01-23-22 | Xavier v. Marquette +2.5 | 64-75 | Win | 100 | 3 h 9 m | Show | |
Xavier is playing well. But Marquette is playing great, is home and has revenge. So I'm going to grab the Golden Eagles as a home 'dog. Marquette has won five in a row - and they haven't come against cupcakes with three of the victories occurring versus ranked opponents. The Golden Eagles are outscoring their foes by an average of 15 points during this span. The Golden Eagles have revenge for an 80-71 road loss to Xavier last month. |
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01-22-22 | Bengals v. Titans -3 | 19-16 | Loss | -110 | 95 h 1 m | Show | |
Nice season for the Bengals. But it ends in Nashville. The Titans have the right style, playoff experience and improved defense to beat the Bengals by more than a field goal. Cincinnati ended up in a death struggle to get past the Raiders at home last week finishing that game down three defensive linemen. The Bengals definitely won't have defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. These current Bengals have never played in a postseason road game. Tennessee, 7-2 at home this season, is playoff-tested and rested having had a first-round bye. Mike Vrabel is 4-0 SU and ATS following a bye beating the closing point spread by an average of 19.1 points per game. The extra time should allow Derrick Henry to make his return from a foot injury. Cincinnati has permitted 100 yards rushing in five of its past six games. The Titans averaged 29.1 points a game during Henry's last seven games before he was injured. Ryan Tannehill is a much better QB when defenses have to key on Henry. The Titans' bruising, ball-control style keeps Joe Burrow off the field. But it's not just that. The Titans were one of the most improved defenses during the last 11 games giving up 17.5 points and 300.3 yards per game during this stretch. They have a number of underrated pass rushers and athletic linebackers. I doubt the Bengals' youthful offensive line will hold up at the line of scrimmage to the detriment of Burrow. |
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01-22-22 | Notre Dame v. Louisville -1.5 | 82-70 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 13 m | Show | |
Louisville has been anything but reliable, but I believe the Cardinals win this game. They got on the right path with a 67-54 home win against Boston College this past Wednesday that ended a three-game losing streak. Notre Dame is playing well going 7-1 in its last eight games, but the Irish have struggled against Louisville. The Cardinals have defeated the Irish six straight times, including 69-57, last February. Notre Dame has lost during its last four visits to Louisville. Notre Dame is heavily reliant on its long-range shooting. It's going to be tough for the Irish to get hot on the road dealing with the Cardinals' end line-to-end line pressure and tough home crowd. The Cardinals have the depth to fully pressure Notre Dame the entire game and take advantage of the Irish's inside weaknesses. |
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01-22-22 | West Virginia +9.5 v. Texas Tech | 65-78 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 50 m | Show | |
Texas Tech is in a sandwich spot having just scored an impressive revenge victory against Iowa State this past Tuesday and with a monster road game at Kansas looming on Monday. It would be a mistake for the Red Raiders to overlook West Virginia. The Mountaineers fell to fifth-ranked Baylor this past Tuesday, 77-68. The Mountaineers had their chances, though, missing multiple layups. Baylor also hit 12 of 27 3-pointers. West Virginia forces the 11th-most turnovers in the country. Texas Tech is vulnerable to that. The Mountaineers also are 4-1 in their last five games against Texas Tech, including winning, 82-71, last February in Lubbock. West Virginia accomplished that without Taz Sherman, who was out with a groin injury. Sherman leads the Mountaineers in scoring at 18.8 points, but is just rounding into shape after dealing with a bout of COVID-19. |
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01-21-22 | Michigan State +4.5 v. Wisconsin | Top | 86-74 | Win | 100 | 22 h 44 m | Show |
These are two of the top 14 teams in the nation, according to the latest The Associated Press rankings. But we're getting a buy-low spot on Michigan State since the Spartans were upset by Northwestern at home in their last game this past Saturday, while the Badgers just defeated Northwestern, 82-76, three days ago. Michigan State had won nine in a row prior to losing to the Wildcats. Wisconsin is riding a seven-game win streak. The Badgers are playing extremely well. But the Spartans should never be underestimated. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games against Wisconsin. The Badgers nipped the Spartans, 64-63, at home last season. Michigan State is 7-3-1 ATS versus foes that have a winning percentage above .600. Both teams give up less than 66 points a game. The Spartans rank 30th in defensive field goal percentage, though, while Wisconsin is 217th. I see Michigan State winning this game so getting this many points is a nice bonus. |
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01-21-22 | Bulls +11 v. Bucks | 90-94 | Win | 100 | 9 h 49 m | Show | |
I've followed this series ever since the Bucks came into existence and Milwaukee always has a tough time when hosting the Bulls. Chicago has covered in six of its last eight visits to Milwaukee. I'm looking for the Bulls to continue that trend even though they are banged-up minus guards Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine. The much improved Bulls, though, still have stars in DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic along with a deep bench. They recently got back guard Alex Caruso, too. The Bulls weren't playing well losing four in a row. But they got right with an impressive, 117-104, win against Cleveland this past Wednesday. The Bucks are off a highly-satisfying, 126-114, victory against the Grizzlies two days ago. Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS the past six times when favored.
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01-21-22 | Thunder +9.5 v. Hornets | 98-121 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 43 m | Show | |
Oklahoma City is 25-10-1 (71 percent) the last 36 times as an underdog. This is a good spot for the Thunder to get another underdog cover. Charlotte is fat and happy having just defeated the Celtics, 111-102, at Boston two days ago. The Hornets have beaten the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers and Bucks twice during five of their last six games. Their lone loss during this span came to lowly Orlando at home. The Hornets could be overlooking the Thunder, too, as Oklahoma City has dropped three in a row. The Thunder should be motivated, though, after losing by an embarrassing 22 points on the road to the Spurs this past Wednesday.
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01-20-22 | San Diego +15.5 v. BYU | 71-79 | Win | 100 | 9 h 4 m | Show | |
This is a good spot for San Diego to hang close to BYU. The Toreros have won three in a row and are 6-2 in their last eight games. They have hopes to make a run for an NCAA Tournament berth. So they should be giving an all-out effort here. BYU, on the other hand, is in letdown mode having just faced the three top teams in the West Coast Conference - Gonzaga, St. Mary's and San Francisco. The Toreros have the necessary 3-point defense to keep BYU from blowing them out. San Diego ranks 21st in 3-point defense. |
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01-20-22 | Pelicans v. Knicks -2.5 | Top | 102-91 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 43 m | Show |
The oddsmaker is downgrading the Knicks because they've lost two straight home games, sleepwalking through a loss to the Hornets during an early start on Martin Luther King Day and then blowing a late lead in a 112-110 loss to the much improved Timberwolves on Tuesday. Prior to those defeats, though, New York had won five consecutive games at Madison Square Garden with the last two being blowout wins against the Mavericks and Spurs. The Pelicans are a drop in class for New York. The Knicks are a much stronger defensive club than New Orleans giving up six fewer points per game. New Orleans is 0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS in its last five road contests. The Pelicans are averaging under 100 points during their last three games. |
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01-19-22 | Nets +1.5 v. Wizards | 119-118 | Win | 100 | 6 h 9 m | Show | |
Washington is home and the Nets won't have Kevin Durant. But I'm not buying the Wizards as a home favorite - as slight as the point spread is - to beat the Nets. This is the Nets' second game without Durant. They lost, 114-107, to the Cavaliers two days ago in Durant's first missed game since his knee injury. Brooklyn still has superstars James Harden and Kyrie Irving. The Nets have had a game now to adjust to temporary life without Durant. Brooklyn is 15-5 on the road this season. The Nets are 4-1 ATS the last five times as an underdog. Washington is 0-5 ATS the past five times when favored. The Wizards defeated the 76ers, 117-98, this past Monday. So there may be a Wizards' letdown factor following that impressive win and knowing they won't have to go against Durant.
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01-19-22 | Wake Forest -2.5 v. Georgia Tech | 80-64 | Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show | |
Can we just say it: Georgia Tech isn't very good this season. The Yellow Jackets have a losing record and are 1-5 in the ACC. They just were blown out by North Carolina on the road this past Saturday. Being at home isn't going to change this. The Yellow Jackets are 1-7-1 ATS at home. Wake Forest has taken care of business all season. The Demon Deacons' defense has been sharp in their last four games, holding Virginia to 55 points and Florida State to 54 points during this span. |
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01-18-22 | Pistons +15.5 v. Warriors | 86-102 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 5 m | Show | |
Golden State can't be laying this many points considering its injury situation and current form. This also is a bad spot for the Warriors, returning home after a four-game road trip. This is Golden State's fifth game in eight days. The Warriors are 2-5 in their last seven games. This is their worst stretch by far. They are off a 20-point loss to the Timberwolves this past Sunday. Golden State is 0-5 ATS the past five times when playing on one day's rest. Draymond Green is out. Stephen Curry is questionable with a sore hand. Klay Thompson is back, but he remains very rusty shooting 35.7 percent from the field in four games since returning. Detroit had been playing well, especially star rookie Cade Cunningham, winning three of four until getting blown out at home to the Suns this past Sunday. Cunningham was having a great game, but was thrown out 25 minutes into the game for technical fouls. It was a humbling experience for the youthful Pistons. They should learn from that and be prepared to give the Warriors a tough battle here. |
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01-18-22 | Wolves v. Knicks +3.5 | Top | 112-110 | Win | 100 | 8 h 48 m | Show |
I don't think the Knicks should be a home 'dog to the Timberwolves. New York couldn't get awake for yesterday's early-start Martin Luther King home game against the Hornets losing by 10 points after trailing by as many as 23 points. Look for the Knicks to be more awake for this game after Monday's embarrassment. Prior to that loss to the Hornets, the Knicks had won five straight at Madison Square Garden with the last two being blowout victories against the Mavericks and Spurs. The Timberwolves are looking good to the oddsmaker right now because they just rolled past the short-handed Warriors, 119-99, at home this past Sunday night. Keep in mind, though, that before that victory Minnesota had lost and failed to cover consecutive road games against the Pelicans and Grizzlies. |
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01-17-22 | UNLV v. San Jose State +6.5 | 81-56 | Loss | -108 | 18 h 1 m | Show | |
The Rebels under first-year head coach Kevin Kruger aren't strong enough to lay this mid-range number on the road against a San Jose State that is better than perceived. The Spartans are much improved at 7-7 than they were last season when they went 5-16, including 2-12 in the Mountain West Conference. The Rebels are a middle-of-the-road Mountain West Conference team hoping to get an NIT berth. San Jose State is 8-5 ATS in its lined games. The Spartans have played their best ball at home going 5-2 ATS. The Rebels are an unimpressive 5-10 ATS. They have been inconsistent all season and are 0-2 SU and ATS in their two true road games losing to SMU and San Francisco by an average of 20 points. This is UNLV's first away game since Dec. 4. |
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01-17-22 | Thunder +11.5 v. Mavs | 102-104 | Win | 100 | 9 h 46 m | Show | |
Dallas is 8-1 in its last nine games after a 108-92 home win against Orlando. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis were both in Dallas' lineup for the first time since Dec. 10. Now the Mavericks draw the Thunder, a bottom feeder that is 1-6 in their last seven games and 0-2 versus Dallas this season with both losses coming in Oklahoma City. Safe to say the Mavericks are in a fat and happy state. They host the Raptors in a bigger game on Wednesday. Oklahoma City, though, is very dangerous in this role going 19-7-1 ATS the past 27 times as an underdog, including covering seven of their last nine road contests. The key for the Thunder is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He's been on fire averaging 28.7 points, eight assists and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 52.5 percent from the field during his past three games. |
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01-17-22 | Cardinals v. Rams -3.5 | Top | 11-34 | Win | 100 | 21 h 48 m | Show |
The Cardinals lost their edge with a late October Thursday night home loss to the Packers. They have yet to regain it and I don't see that changing in this matchup. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, who had a superstar season, can take advantage. Stafford threw for a career-high 41 TD passes in his first year with Rams offensive guru coach Sean McVay while Kupp led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TD's, emerging as the top wide receiver in the NFL. Stafford had no problem in two games against the Cardinals this season, completing 69 percent for 567 yards and a 5-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Rams are going to get their points here. I don't see the Cardinals keeping up. I give a huge plus to Aaron Donald and a Rams defense line that is peaking against an Arizona offensive line that has sprung leaks and doesn't have a quality healthy running back left. This puts tremendous pressure on Kyler Murray, who hasn't been the same dominant force he was earlier in the season before missing four games. Minus superstar wide receiver and security blanket DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals are far less dangerous through the air and in the red zone. Arizona's offense mainly consists of a bunch of 5-yard passes for Murray, which isn't going to get the job done. McVay is 5-1 against Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury. During these six meetings the Rams have held Murray in check. Murray's averaged 233.2 passing yards, 6.8 yards per attempt with eight all-purpose TD's and nine turnovers along with being sacked 18 times. |
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01-16-22 | Jazz -4.5 v. Nuggets | 125-102 | Win | 100 | 9 h 35 m | Show | |
Utah has lost four in a row. Denver is off a 133-96 beatdown of the Lakers last night. So are you surprised the Jazz are such a strong road favorite? Don't be. The oddsmaker knows what he's doing. This is a stop-the-pain game for the Jazz and they have star center Rudy Gobert to help them achieve this. Utah hasn't played in four days. Gobert is as valuable to his team as any player. The Jazz didn't have Gobert, who was in COVID-19 protocol, during their current four-game losing streak. Gobert is back. The Jazz are rested, prepared and anxiously pointing to this game. They catch the Nuggets fat and happy after Denver buried the Lakers, 133-96, last night. |
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01-16-22 | Canisius v. Manhattan -4 | 75-80 | Win | 100 | 13 h 48 m | Show | |
It's a limited Sunday slate of college basketball games. But there is one play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference that merits an investment. Manhattan is better on both sides of the ball against Canisius. The Golden Griffins could be the worst team in the MAAC. They are 5-10 overall and have lost seven straight road games. The Golden Griffins are 0-7 away from home this season with an average loss of 12.2 points. The closest they've come on the road is seven points. The Jaspers are 8-4. They have the better offensive and defensive statistics. I look for them to cover a number that I believe opened too short. |
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01-16-22 | Eagles v. Bucs -8.5 | Top | 15-31 | Win | 100 | 110 h 19 m | Show |
I rate the Buccaneers two levels higher than the Eagles. Given home field advantage and having more playoff experience, the Buccaneers should win this game handily. Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl last season. The Buccaneers could be even better this season. They set a franchise record with 13 victories. Tom Brady had one of his greatest seasons, which really says a lot given how many outstanding years he's had. Brady passed for 5,316 yards - third most in NFL history - and set a Tampa Bay record with 43 TD passes. The Eagles are not battle tested. They've met only three teams at .500 or above since November and went 1-2 SU and ATS against them. The Eagles went 1-6 ATS on the season when they faced above .500 opponents. Nick Sirianni is in his first season as Eagles head coach. Second-year QB Jalen Hurts has never been in a playoff game. He also is dealing with an ankle injury. Philadelphia led the NFL in rushing. But Tampa Bay has been one of the best run defenses for the past three seasons. Hurts is a better runner than thrower. The Buccaneers built a 28-7 lead against the Eagles in their earlier matchup this season. The Eagles scored a couple of late TD's to make the final a respectable, but misleading 28-22. The game closed with Brady taking a knee inside the Eagles' 10-yard line. The Eagles have been huge money-burners when getting points going 3-14 ATS the last 17 times as an underdog. |
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01-15-22 | Arkansas +7 v. LSU | 65-58 | Win | 100 | 10 h 40 m | Show | |
Arkansas' explosive attack, which averages 80.5 points a game, faces a very strong defense here. But I see the Razorbacks hanging in. The Razorbacks have cut down on their turnovers, which is crucial in this matchup. LSU's intensity could be down after victories against Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida during the last 11 days. The Tigers aren't likely to have starting point guard Xavier Pinson. He's doubtful with a knee injury.
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01-14-22 | Cavs v. Spurs +3.5 | Top | 114-109 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 9 m | Show |
The timing is right to buy low on the Spurs in this home spot. San Antonio is in circle-the-wagons mode saddled with a four-game losing streak. The Spurs are off a 128-124 loss to the Rockets two days ago, which opened their seven-game homestand. Dejounte Murray could be the most underrated player in the NBA. The Spurs certainly are capable of winning this game straight-up. There's the chance their rotation could be bolstered if Derrick White and Doug McDermott return today from COVID-19 protocol. The Cavaliers are much improved. But they are far from elite. Their 111-91 victory against Utah on Wednesday comes with an asterisk as the Jazz were missing several players, including their star center and key to their team, Rudy Gobert. This marks Cleveland's fifth road game in eight days. The Cavaliers close their road trip tomorrow at Oklahoma City. The Cavaliers had opened their road swing beating shorthanded Portland. They then lost by 14 to the Warriors, nipped the lowly Kings by one point before knocking off Utah. Cleveland is 4-5 in its last nine games, 2-6-1 ATS. |
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01-13-22 | Thunder +7.5 v. Nets | 130-109 | Win | 100 | 8 h 52 m | Show | |
Oklahoma City lost on the road to the Wizards, 122-118, two days ago. But the Thunder enjoyed their finest offensive game of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke out of his shooting slump with 32 points. The underrated Gilgeous-Alexander can make the Thunder a dangerous road foe if he's on his game. Oklahoma City has covered 23 of its last 32 road games. Brooklyn returned home in the wee hours Thursday morning after a highly-satisfying late Wednesday victory on the road against the Bulls, 138-112. Kyrie Irving won't play today. Kevin Durant might get rested, too, although I still like the Thunder in this spot figuring Durant is going to play. The Nets haven't won two in a row in nearly a month. Brooklyn also has been very mediocre at home going 11-10. The Nets are 1-5 in their last six home contests with the lone victory during this span occurring in overtime to the Spurs. Going back to last season, the Nets are 4-17 ATS as a home favorite. |
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01-11-22 | Oklahoma State +3 v. West Virginia | 60-70 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 5 m | Show | |
I was impressed with Oklahoma State beating then ranked No. 14 Texas, 64-51, against Texas this past Saturday. I don't see a letdown. Instead I'm going to ride the Cowboys, who have momentum and are playing well now. Oklahoma State is 9-3 ATS the past 12 times it has been a road 'dog. West Virginia came back from a 40-27 halftime deficit to defeat Kansas State, 71-68, at home this past Saturday failing to cover as 8 1/2-point favorites. The Mountaineers had lost to Texas, 74-59, in their previous game. |
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01-11-22 | DePaul +7 v. Marquette | Top | 76-87 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 51 m | Show |
Marquette isn't as bad as it looked early in the Big East Conference, but the Golden Eagles aren't as good as their recent performances - blowout victories against Georgetown and Providence - may indicate. On the flip side, DePaul isn't as bad as its four-game losing streak may appear. The Blue Demons have lost their last two games to Villanova and St. John's. Certainly no shame in that. Overall, DePaul is 9-5 while Marquette is 10-6. So there's line value with DePaul. The Blue Demons also match up well to Marquette because of their height and superior rebounding. The Golden Eagles give up a lot of easy inside shots. The Blue Demons are the 17th-best offensive rebounding team in the nation. The Golden Eagles can't get anything going in transition without controlling the boards. Marquette hasn't been good as chalk either, failing to cover 13 of the last 18 times when favored. |
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01-09-22 | Chargers -3 v. Raiders | Top | 32-35 | Loss | -106 | 25 h 60 m | Show |
The stage and pressure is too much for the Raiders with a chance to reach the playoffs for only the second time in 19 years. I give checkmarks to the Chargers in nearly every category with a major one at QB with Justin Herbert, who already has set a Chargers franchise record with 35 TD passes this season. The Chargers' secondary is healthy for one of the rare times this season and underrated run-stuffer Justin Jones also has returned to the lineup. Special teams have been a weakness for the Chargers. But that area was shored up in late October with the signings of kicker Dustin Hopkins and kick/punt returner Andre Roberts. Hopkins is 17-for-18 in field goals. Roberts leads the league in yards per kickoff return. |
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01-09-22 | Patriots v. Dolphins +6.5 | 24-33 | Win | 100 | 21 h 45 m | Show | |
I find this line inflated because the Dolphins are out of playoff contention and the Patriots are off a 40-point victory against the Jaguars and are alive to win the AFC East. The Dolphins, though, aren't going to roll over with a chance to finish above .500, beat their long-time division rival and have a number of players reach performance bonus incentives. The Patriots won't win the division with a victory here if the Bills beat the Jets. The Patriots know the Bills aren't losing to the Jets. Until giving up 34 points to the Titans last week on a short week and in a flat spot, Miam had held its previous seven opponents to an average of 11.7 points. Even in the loss to the Titans, the Dolphins held them to 308 total yards. The Patriots don't have an explosive offense when going against a good defense. Bill Belichick doesn't have a good track record either when playing in Miami during December and January going 2-7 SU and ATS the past nine times. Playing in high 70-degree heat in January is not what the Patriots are used to. |
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01-09-22 | Seahawks v. Cardinals -5.5 | 38-30 | Loss | -102 | 21 h 31 m | Show | |
This one is about mindset and numbers. The Cardinals are alive for the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. All it would take is for them to win here and for the Rams to lose to the 49ers for the sixth time in a row. Arizona ranks in the top 11 in nearly all of the major statistical categories, including giving up the fifth-fewest points and being ranked eighth in total offense. Seattle won't be making the postseason for only the second time in the last 10 seasons. The Seahawks have below average offensive numbers and rank 30th in total defense and 31st in pass defense. And this was padding their statistics with a 51-29 victory against the Lions last week. The Seahawks could enter this matchup, which for them is meaningless, fat and happy following that victory lacking a killer instinct. Seattle isn't likely to have its best defensive player, middle linebacker Bobby Wagner. He suffered a knee sprain last week. The Cardinals have played three tough opponents during their last four games having drawn the Rams, Colts and Cowboys. Seattle, on the other hand, got to go against the Texans, Bears and Lions during three of its past four matchups. Arizona defeated the Seahawks, 23-13, at Seattle in Week 11 outgaining the Seahawks by 147 yards. |
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01-09-22 | Bengals +6 v. Browns | 16-21 | Win | 100 | 19 h 29 m | Show | |
Yes, the Bengals will be sitting out certain starters, including Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon. But the Browns also will be minus many players with 15 players landing on their mid-week injury report. Cincinnati is the hotter team with three straight wins. Morale is great with the Bengals, who have won the AFC North. Chemistry isn't so good with the Browns, who have lost three in a row and eight of their last 12. Only twice in their past seven games have the Browns broken 20 points. There is some randomness to this game with both teams starting backup QB's. The Bengals are the superior team, though, and they revenge motivation for an embarrassing, 41-16, loss to the Browns in November. So I'll go ahead and accept this many points.
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01-08-22 | Heat v. Suns -8.5 | Top | 123-100 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 50 m | Show |
Kudos to the Heat for beating the Trail Blazers, 115-109, this past Wednesday in their last game. However, I don't see the Heat keeping up with the Suns today. This is Miami's fifth of a six-game road trip and the team has 12 players on its illness/injury report list, including Jimmy Butler. Meanwhile the Suns are expected to get reinforced with Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and JaVale McGee. All are off the COVID-19 list. Ayton is the Suns' leading rebounder and No. 2 scorer. The Suns own the best record in the NBA at 30-8. They are playing well with three straight wins and covers, winning by an average of 22 points during this span. The Suns shouldn't lack intensity since they won't play again until Tuesday and won't be home again until Jan. 22. |
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01-08-22 | Northern Iowa +6 v. Missouri State | Top | 85-84 | Win | 100 | 15 h 16 m | Show |
Northern Iowa has looked good in its last two games, blowout victories against Evansville and Valparaiso. The Panthers have the outside shooting, especially from 3-point range, to hang tight with high-scoring Missouri State, which has a below average 3-point defense. Northern Iowa has dominated the series winning eight of the last 10 meetings, including six of the past seven. The Panthers have the frontcourt size to win the rebounding battle, which would prove pivotal. |
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01-08-22 | Nebraska +7.5 v. Rutgers | 65-93 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 19 m | Show | |
Nebraska is far from being a Big Ten power, but the Cornhuskers have been hanging in against elite Big Ten opponents. The Cornhuskers took Ohio State to overtime and they also covered against Michigan State this past Wednesday. Now the Cornhuskers drop down in class to face Rutgers - and they catch the Scarlet Knights in a letdown spot. Rutgers is coming off a 75-67 home win against Michigan. It was the first time the Scarlet Knights have defeated the Wolverines. Nebraska had no problem with Rutgers last season winning, 72-51. |