Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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04-08-19 | Texas Tech +1.5 v. Virginia | Top | 77-85 | Loss | -103 | 15 h 34 m | Show |
The Game Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #811 Monday 10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders (+) vs Virginia Cavaliers @ 9:20 PM ET - As I wrote in my analysis that accompanied my selection on the Red Raiders over Michigan State Saturday, this Texas Tech team is for real and has the stifling defense and enough senior presence (half of their playing rotation) to get the job done here! With their win over the Spartans, the Red Raiders are 11-0 ATS in their last 11 games that have had a line in single digits. Two great defenses but the Cavaliers have been so fortunate in this tournament I feel it comes to an end here. Lightning usually doesn't strike twice but it has for the Cavs. After their lucky win (and insane cover!) over Purdue where they were fortunate the game even went to OT, Virginia dodged another bullet with the insane finish in a win over Auburn. This Red Raiders team won't make the same "end game mistakes" that the Tigers did. First off, when you're ahead by 4 and don't at least get a hand up on a guy shooting a 3 that is their hottest shooter with 20 seconds to go you have made a huge mistake. Then, with a 2 point lead and the clock winding down to the final second you do make a run at a guy shooting a 3 and end up getting your body into him? Players fault or the fault of the coach? Either way you won't see the same mistakes with this Texas Tech team. The Red Raiders have proven to be incredibly focused throughout this tourney and I just don't see them being denied. Look for them to get an early jump on the Cavaliers here and then their stifling defense does the rest as Virginia can't quite climb back! Remember the scoring drought the Cavs had late in the game against Auburn? I mentioned that could be an issue in my write-up (had Tigers plus points over Cavaliers) and the fact is those types of scoring droughts continue to be an issue for this Virginia team. That will eventually be the straw that breaks the camels back as the saying goes. It hasn't happened yet but, like I said above, it is rare enough for lighting to strike twice in same place and even more rare to happen 3 times in a row. The Cavs are a great team don't get me wrong but, so too are the Red Raiders, but the luck the Cavaliers have had to even get here is unreal. Just like when I faded Duke after their insanely tight win, I'll fade Virginia again here as the REd Raiders improve to 12-0 ATS L12 games with a line in single digits. 10* TEXAS TECH |
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04-08-19 | A's v. Orioles OVER 9 | Top | 4-12 | Win | 100 | 12 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #963 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baltimore Orioles vs Oakland A's @ 7:05 ET - The Orioles have gone over the total in 3 straight games. Baltimore's bullpen ranks as one of the worst in the majors thus far as they have compiled a 7.97 ERA, been hit at a .333 clip and allowed 15 homers in 40.2 innings! That is bad news for this match-up because with Andrew Cashner on the mound, the bullpen could very well be called upon early in this one! Cashner just faced the A's in September and allowed 8 earned runs in 8 innings! Not only that, in his two starts versus Oakland last season, Cashner allowed 3 homers in less than 7 innings of work! Marco Estrada gets the start for the A's here. I know he has had some success early this season but, in his only start away from home (in Japan) he did allow 2 homers in 5 innings. Also, the Orioles are very familiar with him and Estrada has allowed 4 homers in 17 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts against them. The Oakland right-hander went 5-11 with a 6.17 ERA in his night starts last season. The A's lineup got back on track with 8 runs in yesterday's tight loss at Houston. Oakland will now take advantage of a starting pitcher they have pounded plus a weak bullpen. Don't be surprised if the O's answer them run for run! 10* OVER the total in Baltimore |
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04-07-19 | Dodgers v. Rockies OVER 11 | Top | 12-6 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #911 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 8:35 ET - Julio Urias has pitched sporadically in recent seasons and is only in the rotation due to injury. One thing that has been consistent for Urias when he has pitched though is the fact that he didn't like Coors Field! He has pitched here twice (one start) and has compiled an 11.57 ERA and been hit hard at a .457 clip! The southpaw faces a Rockies lineup tonight that has a number of hitters whom have enjoyed success against him. An evening game in early April in Colorado certainly can be chilly or even downright cold! But that is not the case this evening and that adds to the value here. Temperatures will top out in the 70s today in Denver and won't be much cooler than that when this one gets underway and on through the game temps should remain about the 60 degree mark. Very pleasant weather for baseball and the ball will carry very well tonight at Coors Field. Of course that also spells bad news for Rockies start Chad Bettis. Last season in his 17 home games (10 starts) he got rocked to the tune of a 7.08 ERA and opponents hit .311 against him. He is already off to rocky start this season as he struggled at Tampa Bay in his first start. Bettis is known for making mistake pitches that lead to big hits and that will spell trouble against a Dodgers lineup that is on fire right now. LA is very familiar with Bettis and has enjoyed some success against him. The Dodgers are scoring an average of 8 runs per game this season. The Rockies are still "getting going" now that they are at home but their 6 runs Friday is a sign of things to come and I expect them to pound Urias. Big total here but it is not nearly big enough when you consider all pertinent factors in this one. 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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04-07-19 | Magic v. Celtics -4.5 | Top | 116-108 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #578 Sunday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics (-) vs Orlando Magic @ 7:35 ET - The first number that popped up off shore on this one Saturday afternoon had the Celtics favored by 6.5 and it has dropped to as low as a 4.5 as of early Sunday morning. This is offering us great line value here with Boston at home as Orlando is currently getting a little too much respect. The Magic are off a blowout win but it came against an Atlanta team that decided just to "go through the motions" on Friday. Orlando took advantage on their home floor. But now the Magic are on the road and facing a Boston team that, as usual, has been strong at home this season. Also, the Celtics are motivated here as they look to lock up the home seed for their upcoming first round series with the Pacers. Orlando is only 15-24 on the road this season and the Celtics are 28-12 at home on the season. Each of the last 7 losses for the Magic have come by 5 or more points with each of the last 6 coming by 8 or more points. 10 of the Celtics last 12 wins have come by 5 or more points. The home team is 12-4 ATS in Orlando's last 16 games. The Magic have been hot but the Celtics are also heating up, including Gordon Hayward, and they've won 5 of their last 6 games. 10* BOSTON |
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04-06-19 | Texas Tech +2.5 v. Michigan State | Top | 61-51 | Win | 100 | 13 h 15 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #801 Saturday 10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders (+) vs Michigan State Spartans @ 8:50 PM ET - My selection here involving the Spartans game actually has a lot to do with their in-state rival, the Wolverines. Strange, right? But let me explain. First off when the Spartans play Michigan it is a big deal of course. This season, Michigan State faced Michigan 3 times and won 3 hard-fought games. The key? They are 0-3 ATS in their game that followed the Wolverines. How does that relate here? The Spartans are off a very hard-fought win over Duke which they viewed as their road-block to the Championship. In other words, beat the Blue Devils and win it all. Texas Tech may have something to say about that first but before moving along to the Red Raiders, let me finish by saying that the only bigger opponent for Michigan State this season than Michigan was Duke and you could see the huge emotion for the Spartans after that game. Look for another flat performance off such a huge, emotional win. Now comes the other key part of how Michigan ties into this one. The Wolverines had a tremendous team this season and are very well coached. That Michigan team just faced the Red Raiders last week and the Wolverines didn't score their 20th point until they were 5 minutes into the 2nd half! Texas Tech absolutely dominated them and I am not saying they will do the same thing to Michigan State but I am saying the Red Raiders get the upset here. I personally bet the money line on this game but certainly I would recommend you grab the points for added insurance. However, this Texas Tech team is for real and has the stifling defense and enough senior presence (half of their playing rotation) to get the job done here! The Red Raiders are 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games that had a line in single digits. Two great defenses but the Spartans feel like they won the Championship already after beating Duke while the Red Raiders are still fully focused here and get an early jump on the Spartans here and then their defense does the rest as the Spartans can't quite climb back! 10* TEXAS TECH |
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04-06-19 | Red Sox v. Diamondbacks OVER 8.5 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #979 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona Diamondbacks vs Boston Red Sox @ 8:10 ET - This total did open up at a 9 and then it dropped to an 8.5 and, in typical contrarian fashion, I am grabbing the extra value and going with the over in this match-up. These teams combined for 23 runs yesterday. I don't expect them to get anywhere close to that today but just around half that (11 or 12) will do just fine for our purposes! The fact is that David Price can be a tough lefty but he did allow 4 earned runs in his first start and he is facing a Diamondbacks team that has pounded left-handed pitching so far this season. Also, Arizona starter Luke Weaver has bounced between the minors and the bigs in recent seasons and there is a reason for that. He showed again why that is by allowed 5 runs (4 earned) in less than 5 innings in his first start of this season. The right-hander now faces the defending World Champs and they'll build off scoring a bunch of runs in the latter innings of last night's game. Also, behind Weaver is a Dbacks bullpen that has been one of the worst in the majors so far this season. The normally brilliant Red Sox bullpen also has struggled and ranks only in the middle of the pack so far this season. The over is 7-2 this season in Boston's games and the Diamondbacks are 7-1 to the over. Until these trends start to turn around I see no reason to fade them. Since I like the pitching match-up here as well, I am looking for another one to eclipse the number today. 10* OVER the total in Arizona |
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04-06-19 | 76ers -9 v. Bulls | Top | 116-96 | Win | 100 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
NBA TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #559 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Chicago Bulls @ 8:05 ET - The 76ers, of course, have some injury/rest concerns as they try and get prepared for the playoffs. However, their inexcusable loss to the Bucks (Philly led by 5 with just a couple minutes left) has resulted in the Sixers FIRST 3-game losing streak of this entire season. Of course it is a bad time to be cold and they know it. They will respond here and, as far as whom sits and whom plays for the Sixers, note that the Bulls are also ravaged by injuries. Chicago is off an upset in at Washington as roughly a double digit dog too. How did they do it? The Wizards played like they didn't care and the Bulls (even with many unknown players) shot a ridiculous 61% from two-point land. I will challenge them to do that again here as they take on a very hungry 76ers team that certainly is in a much different situation than that of the Wizards. This Philly teams needs a win and needs to get their confidence and swagger back so I don't expect them to take their foot off the gas here. Keep in mind, the Sixers also are now in need of at least one win to lock down the #3 seed they've worked so hard for. Plenty of motivation here and don't let the big spread scare you. Philly, finally, goes the full 48 minutes in this one! They have two days off after this so the 76ers will NOT hold back. The Bulls are 14-25 ATS at home this season. Chicago is also 6-11 ATS off an upset win as an underdog. Also, the Bulls most recent loss came by 8 points but 6 of the prior 8 came by 9 or more points and this one has double digit blowout written all over it. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-06-19 | Blue Jackets v. Senators OVER 6.5 | Top | 6-2 | Win | 111 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play after last night's Blue Jackets game very nearly ended 2-1. The Rangers scored a late goal to force overtime and then Columbus prevailed 3-2 in the shootout. The fact is that the Blue Jackets did generate 41 shots on goal last night but New York got great goaltending. Now, off that clinching win, don't be surprised if there is a bit of a letdown here for Columbus and plus they'll either be starting Korpisalo (hasn't started in two weeks) or Bobrovsky (2nd night of a back to back). Neither situation is ideal. As for the Senators, their defense and goaltending has been inconsistent at best and we should see plenty of goals in their season finale. Ottawa is off a 5-2 loss but had scored 4 or more goals in 6 of their prior 10. The Senators have allowed 5 or more goals in 5 of their last 9 games! The over is 13-7 in Blue Jackets April games. The Senators have had just 18 unders in their last 48 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. In other words, this total is a big one with good reason. Don't be fooled here. Go contrarian. 10* OVER the total in Ottawa |
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04-05-19 | Red Sox v. Diamondbacks OVER 8.5 | Top | 8-15 | Win | 100 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #919 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona Diamondbacks vs Boston Red Sox @ 7:10 ET - As I mentioned when I used the over in his first start this season, even though Boston's Rick Porcello is a sinkerballer he has major trouble with giving up too many homers. The right-hander even went more and more to his slider last year and that didn't help matters. The fact is that Porcello entered this season having allowed 88 homers the past 3 seasons. There are only 2 other pitchers in the majors that allowed more over that span. Now the Red Sox right-hander certainly faces a challenge here as he pitches at Chase Field just like he did at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners were crushing the ball with 13 homers in their first 5 games of the season. Now Porcello faces a Diamondbacks team that has crushed 14 homers in their first 7 games this season! Porcello got rocked plus allowed a homer at Seattle and this was after allowing 4 homers in limited action in spring training. Look for the ball to continue to fly out of the yard in this one! The Red Sox righty will be opposed by Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Godley. He struggled badly in his first start this season and was roughed up for 7 earned runs in 5 and 1/3 innings. Godley goes from facing the World Series runner-up Dodgers to facing the World Champion Red Sox! In other words, the task at hand doesn't get any easier. I know the Boston sticks have been a little slow out of the gate this season but their last 4 games were at pitcher-friendly Oakland. Keep in mind their first 4 games saw them average 6 runs per game at Seattle and now the Red Sox finally play a series in a hitter-friendly venue. Also, the over is 6-1 in Diamondbacks games this season and 6-2 in Boston's games this season. The total on this one opened up at a 9 and dropped to an 8.5 and, in typical contrarian fashion, I am going opposite the line move and grabbing the added value with the over. Look for the over to improve to 4-0 in Porcello's career starts against Arizona. Also, the over is 28-10 when the Diamondbacks are playing after an off day. 10* OVER the total in Arizona |
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04-05-19 | Blue Jackets v. Rangers OVER 6 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 26 m | Show |
Total of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Each of the last 4 meetings between these teams have gone over the total. Those games have averaged a total of 9 goals per game! The Blue Jackets enter this game with a chance to clinch a post-season berth with a win. Columbus will be very aggressive in this game as they're coming off a 6-2 loss to Boston Tuesday. That Blue Jackets defeat was preceded by a 5-game winning streak that saw Columbus score an average of 4.8 goals per game! The Rangers enter this game having allowed 4 or more goals in 7 of their last 11 games. New York is off back to back losses but, prior to that, the Rangers had won a pair of games as part of a 3-game stretch where they scored at least 3 goals in each game. With this being their final home game, and with the announcement that team president Glen Sather is stepping down (will be in an advisory role in future) the Rangers are going to go all out here. I expect them to get to 3 goals but, as you can see by the 2 to 1 odds on the Blue Jackets, the road team fully expected to prevail here. As a result, at a minimum, I expect a 4-3 game here. The reality is, as noted above, the last 4 meetings have averaged 9 goals per game and getting to that total would not surprise me here. The Blue Jackets made a bunch of moves before the trade line and now all their new acquisitions are starting to "click" and that is why we've seen the uptick in production on offense. The over is 12-3-1 in the 16 meetings between these teams with the Rangers as a host. Columbus is 13-6-1 to the over in April games. The Rangers are 15-8-2 to the over after a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals in their prior game. 10* OVER the total in New York Rangers |
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04-05-19 | Hawks +9 v. Magic | Top | 113-149 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 41 m | Show |
SE Div GOY - Rickenbach NBA Game #535 Friday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Orlando Magic @ 7:05 ET - This is one of those beautiful late season situations simply too good to pass up on. The Magic control their own destiny because if they win out they are in the post-season. However, they now host a divisional foe that would love nothing more than to play the role of spoiler here. Keep in mind, even without big man Dewayne Dedmon, the Hawks continue to look strong! Atlanta has won 5 of its last 7 SU and also gone 6-1 ATS during this stretch. They are relishing the role of spoiler and truly fit the bill as a dangerous dog in a spot like this. All the pressure is on the Magic here and when a team starts to feel pressure that is when they start losing their shooting touch. This line has gone from as low as a -6 yesterday afternoon all the way up to as high as a -9 early this morning. Of course bettors love to bet the teams that "need to win" and yet that so often proves to be the WRONG thing to do and I fully expect that will be the case again tonight. The Magic are going to have a fight on their hands with the Hawks who continue to scratch, flight, and claw their way to gritty victories and covers. With Trae Young dominating the backcourt and John Collins getting it done in the frontcourt, the Hawks have proven to be a handful for playoff-bound teams like the 76ers and Spurs. Perhaps Atlanta falls short of the upset tonight but, if they do, I expect them to lose this game by only a possession or two so the points should prove to be more than enough here for the cover! The Hawks also are 11-6 ATS their last 17 games against teams with a losing record. The Magic are 3-11 ATS (and only 5-9 SU) in Friday night games this season. Upset alert! 10* ATLANTA |
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04-05-19 | South Florida v. DePaul OVER 145 | Top | 77-65 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #735 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in DePaul Blue Demons vs South Florida Bulls @ 7 ET - I am aware of the injury situation for the Blue Demons. The following 3 players are listed as questionable for tonight: Devin Gage, Eli Cain, Jaylen Butz. However, not only do I most certainly NOT expect all 3 of those guys to miss tonight's game and a chance to win the CBI Championship on their home floor, note that the other 5 plays (NONE listed on injury report) are the DePaul players that accounted for 90 of their 100 points in Wednesday's OT win! The point is, we still have plenty of potency with this Blue Demons team regardless of those injured players but, again, I do expect at least 1 if not 2 of them to be good to go tonight. Even though Wednesday's game went to OT, they didn't need it to get the over. The teams totaled 164 points in regulation. With this game total opening up at a 147 and dropping to a 145 I love the value we're getting here in this spot. DePaul made only 31.8% of their threes in Game 2 on Wednesday and yet still totaled 100 points! The over is 9-5 this season in games where South Florida is an underdog. The Bulls are 12-6 to the over the last 18 times they've allowed 80 points or more in a game. DePaul is 15-7 to the over in home games this season. Also, the Blue Demons are 11-5 to the over in non-conference games, 9-4 to the over after allowing 80 or more points, and 4-1 to the over when they enter game having failed to cover the spread in each of their 3 prior games. All of those trends are current season trends and they continue here. 10* OVER the total in DePaul |
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04-04-19 | Bucks v. 76ers +5.5 | Top | 128-122 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #526 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (+) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:05 ET - The Sixers have been resting Joel Embiid and that could be the case again tonight plus Jimmy Butler is a question mark too. Of course this is why you're seeing the Bucks favored by as much as 5.5 in this one as of Thursday morning when lines first popped up again on this after it was off the board. Philadelphia is off back to back losses but the Sixers are 6-0 SU this season when they enter a game off B2B losses. You read that right...Philly has NOT lost three straight games yet this season and yet they are a 5.5 point home dog here. I'll take it! Yes the Bucks are a great team but Philly isn't just going to lay down here at home. Also, the Sixers cupboard certainly is far from bare if they decide to rest 1 or 2 players tonight. The Bucks have lost 5 of their last 8 road games SU. Also, the Bucks depth has been impacted by a slew of injuries lately. The Sixers won and covered the most recent meeting in Milwaukee as well as each of the last two meetings in Philly and I look for more of the same here. I do expect the outright win but am grabbing the points for added "insurance" here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-04-19 | Islanders v. Panthers +100 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #10 Thursday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (+) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This is one of those contrarian situations that leads to superb line value. We are getting Florida at home and not having to lay any juice and it is because the Islanders are the team that "needs to win" while the Panthers will soon be on the golf course rather than battling in playoff hockey. The point is that this often leads to false market perception and this is another case of that. The team that "needs to win" often is pressing a little bit harder while the other team is playing loose and relaxed and often becomes truly a "dangerous dog" as a result. That is precisely the case we have here with the Panthers. Note that Florida has won 3 straight games and the victories have included wins over two of the top teams in the East - the Bruins and Capitals! Overall, the Panthers continue to be tough on home ice as they have won 4 of their last 5 games as a host. The Islanders come into this game off a loss and they have lost 8 of their last 14 road games. I am aware that Roberto Luongo is expected to start in goal in Saturday's season finale and that Samuel Montembeault is expected to get the start tonight. However, prior to recent struggles in his last 2 starts (and one very short outing), Montembeault went 6 straight starts without ever allowing more than 3 goals. The Panthers have beaten the Islanders 3 straight times. Florida also is one of the best power play teams in the league while the Isles are one of the worst. The Panthers are 5-1 the last 6 times they've been off a win by a multiple goal margin and they stay hot here. 10* FLORIDA |
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04-04-19 | Lipscomb v. Texas -1 | Top | 66-81 | Win | 100 | 10 h 18 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #728 Thursday 10* Top Play Texas Longhorns (-) vs Lipscomb Bisons @ 7 ET - Hats off to Lipscomb for making it this far but they aren't facing Wichita State tonight. They are facing a Big 12 team that has shown, when it wants to, it can play great basketball on both ends of the floor. The Shockers, inexcusably, blew a late double digit lead against the Bisons on Tuesday. As a result, Lipscomb instead of Wichita State is here tonight and now we can take advantage of the betting markets infatuation with a Bisons team that hails from a conference that is nowhere near the talent level of the Big 12. Teams like Lipscomb can go on tourney runs and look great in doing so but how many times do you remember a team like this hoisting a championship trophy? Maybe for the CIT or CBI Tourney, yes. But when it comes to the Big Dance (NCAA) or the 2nd best tourney in the nation (NIT) you will see from looking at the list of champions they come from bigger conferences than the Atlantic Sun. If this was a smaller tourney like the CBI or CIT I would have some concern about backing the Horns. But on the grand stage of Madison Square Garden, Texas will not be denied here and I love the fact I can get them at -1 this morning. How much difference is there in these two conferences? When the Bisons beat TCU earlier this season in a meaningless non-conference match-up (Horned Frogs would have been much more motivated on a stage like this) that was the FIRST WIN in Lipscomb's last 10 games against a Big 12 team. If TCU was here they would be exacting revenge but that win the Bisons have over the Frogs also only strengthens the fact that Lipscomb has the full attention of the Horns and will be the recipient of the Longhorns "A game" here. Another way to compare these teams: the TOP 5 teams in the Atlantic Sun included North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, and New Jersey Institutional Tech - yes that powerhouse NJIT (tongue in cheek). The TOP 5 teams in the Big 12 - Texas Tech, Kansas State, Kansas, Baylor, and Iowa State. This line is roughly a pick'em and I don't see the Longhorns being denied here. They beat them by 23 points last season and the Bisons haven't improved THAT much in one year nor have the Horns fallen THAT much in one year. It was no fluke either as the Horns won the first half by 14 and second half by 9. They dominated the game. I can see Lipscomb putting a scare into Texas and hanging around for awhile but eventually the difference in talent level will be evident and the Longhorns will pull away. 10* TEXAS |
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04-04-19 | Red Sox -115 v. A's | Top | 3-7 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 14 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #965 Thursday 10* Top Play Boston Red Sox Money Line (-) @ Oakland A's @ 3:35 ET - I am well aware of the scoreless inning streak Brian Anderson has in home games. So too are the odds makers. The fact is that the Red Sox are favored here with good reason and I also like the fact that Boston can build off last night's big 3-run top of the 9th that led to a 6-3 win. Keep in mind, the Red Sox scored the final 6 runs of that game. As for the A's Anderson, he had a great first start this season while Boston's Eduardo Rodriguez struggled. However, early in the season it is important not to over-react to one start. Note that Anderson faced an Angels team that has been struggling miserably at the plate early this season while Rodriguez faced a Mariners team that has been one of the hottest hitting teams in the majors early this season. In other words, don't be surprised if Anderson struggles here while Rodriguez bounces back. Anderson did struggle early last season and most of his struggles past two seasons were pre-All Star break. The timing is perfect to fade Anderson here as we only have lay a short price to have the defending champions and, again, I like the momentum boost they get after last night's 9th inning win. Sometimes all it takes is one game like that to completely flip the switch for a team and, of course, the Red Sox are a much better team than what their 1-5 start indicated. Also, in looking at this match-up, Boston does have the better bullpen as well. Oakland was strong in day games last season but the Red Sox were even stronger as they went an incredible 36-10 in afternoon action. 10* BOSTON |
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04-03-19 | Blues v. Blackhawks OVER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - With the Blackhawks relegated to the role of spoiler, you know they'd love to help prevent the Blues from winning the Central Division title. These divisional rivals certainly have some history. For Chicago to get the upset of St Louis they know they need to turn to their offensive production. That's because the Blackhawks have reverted to their long-term struggles in their own zone. Chicago has allowed an average of 3.7 goals per game in their last 3 games. The strength of this team is their production up front and the Blackhawks have scored 10 goals in their last 3 games. Their most recent match-up with the Blues was way back in November and was a rare low-scoring game between these rivals. How rare? The over was 9-2-1 in the 12 meetings prior to that 1-0 Chicago win. The over is 10-3-1 in the Blackhawks last 14 games against teams with a winning record. St Louis is off B2B unders but, prior to that, only 1 of their 7 previous games had resulted in an under. The Blackhawks will fight hard to play the role of spoiler here and the Blues do have a home game on deck for tomorrow. That said, I expect the home dog to get their fair share of goals here but the Blackhawks won't be able to stop a St Louis team that has scored an average of 4 goals per game in its last 9 games. 10* OVER the total in Chicago |
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04-03-19 | South Florida v. DePaul OVER 146 | Top | 96-100 | Win | 100 | 13 h 31 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #717 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in DePaul Blue Demons vs South Florida Bulls @ 8 ET - Since the CBI is a series, this sets up a classic situation that leads to great line value. The job of the odds makers is to set numbers that balance the action. Now, because Monday's Game 1 of this Best of 3 series ended up being so low scoring down in South Florida they've posted this one a full 5 points below the Monday opener. They had to do it because they know how the markets would have reacted if they had again posted a number north of 150. But the fact is the odds makers are quite sharp and their 151 in Game 1 was posted with full reasoning and logic. That said, the fact the series has now shifted to Chicago is actually MORE conducive to an over and yet the odds makers had to give a lower number. The home team tends to have more impact of controlling the tempo and pace in games and that favored South Florida on Monday and the Bulls are known for relying on their defense to win games. DePaul, on the other hand, pays little attention to defense and loves to run and gun. The Blue Demons are averaging 81 points per game when at home this season and, keep in mind, they've allowed an average of 76 points per game on the season. The over in DePaul home games went 14-7 this season. Also, the Blue Demons are were 10-4 to the over in non-conference games prior to Monday's game staying under the total. Look for the home team to force a much different pace in this game than what we saw Monday. South Florida is on a 14-4 run to the over in Wednesday games. The Bulls, as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points, are 4-1 to the over. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in DePaul |
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04-03-19 | Bulls v. Wizards -11 | Top | 115-114 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #506 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Wizards (-) vs Chicago Bulls @ 7:05 ET - At first glance one would have to question how can the Wizards (eliminated from post-season contention and just terminated the team president) be favored by double digits over anyone. Well, against these Bulls it actually makes perfect sense! Chicago is expected to again be without their 4 leading scorers and they account for about 70 points per game for the Bulls! Of course this is too much to overcome and that was proven when they lost to the lowly Knicks in their most recent game. Chicago is currently putting a team on the floor filled with inexperienced players who are trying to adjust to the NBA game. Conversely, though Washington is also "getting a look" at players for next season, the Wizards younger players are thriving. Washington just won at Denver and got strong contributions from a number of players. The Wizards are playing hard and have won 3 straight games ATS and they rallied from a 15 point and then allowed just 28 second half points to the Nuggets on Sunday. Though just returning from a road trip out west, the fact that the Wizards have had two full off days to prep for this game means they'll be ready and I expect them to dominate on their home floor. Washington will take advantage of a very short-handed Bulls team. Chicago has failed to cover 3 in a row and I foresee the Wizards improving to 4-0 ATS their last 4 games with a dominating home win. 10* WASHINGTON |
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04-03-19 | Diamondbacks v. Padres OVER 7 | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -121 | 6 h 58 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #905 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks @ 3:40 ET - This total has dropped to as low as a 7 in some spots as of early Wednesday morning and that is offering great line value on the over. The Diamondbacks are a perfect 6-0 to the over this season and their games have averaged 15 runs per game which is, of course, double the opening total of 7.5 that was posted on this match-up. I understand the low total as Joey Lucchesi and Robbie Ray both merit some respect for sure. However, the key to the value here is that the Diamondbacks have been one of the hottest hitting teams in the majors early this season and they have given Lucchesi some issues in the past. On the flip side, Ray gets a lot of strikeouts but also usually has command issues and walks a lot of batters. That combination generally leads to short outings. Now enter the Dbacks bullpen. They have performed as one of the worst pens in the league early this season and Ray often lasts no more than 5 innings in his starts so we'll get some Arizona bullpen in this one for a good chunk of the game quite possibly. Last but not least, though Petco Park favors pitchers more than hitters, it is also true that day games are more favorable than night games on the West Coast. Again, couple all the above factors with a very low total here and you can see why I am expect the over to improve to a perfect 7-0 in Arizona games this season. The Diamondbacks have averaged 14 hits in their last 3 games and even the Padres reached double digits in hits yesterday. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in San Diego |
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04-02-19 | Flyers v. Stars -1.5 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 142 | 8 h 34 m | Show |
Puck Line #1 Top Game - Rickenbach NHL Game #66 Tuesday Dallas Stars Puck Line -1.5 goals +145 vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 8:35 ET - The Stars are highly motivated here. The Flyers could care less. Dallas is still trying to secure a playoff spot and if the Stars were a division rival of Philly or, at the very least, an Eastern Conference foe, the Flyers might care. However, sitting in the Western Conference, Philadelphia could care or less about this game. Their season ended with a late slump that left them on the outside looking in and the losses are now piling up. The Flyers have lost 7 of their last 10 games. Of course this is why the Stars are nearly 2 to 1 favorites on the money line in this game. There is no value in that play. Where there is value is on the puck line. Instead of laying 2 to 1 odds on Dallas just to win, which I certainly would never do, you can lay 1.5 goals on the Stars on the puck line and get nearly a +150 return! Now that is value especially when you consider that when the Flyers have lost recently it is generally an ugly loss. 10 of Philly's last 12 losses have come by a margin of at least two goals! Dallas is off a loss to the Canucks but that was on the road. The Stars two prior wins came by just a single goal but those were also on the road. Now back at home I look for a blowout win and prior to the aforementioned 3 games, note that Dallas had seen EACH of their last 5 wins come by two or more goals and, in fact, the average margin of the 5 victories was THREE goals! Two months ago these teams met in Philly and Dallas lost despite a 38 to 22 edge in shots on goal. On Tuesday night, the Stars get payback in a home rout. 10* DALLAS -1.5 goals +145 |
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04-02-19 | Lakers v. Thunder -12.5 | Top | 103-119 | Win | 100 | 10 h 40 m | Show |
TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #580 Tuesday 10* Top Play Oklahoma City Thunder (-) vs Los Angeles Lakers @ 8:05 ET - Perfect spot for a contrarian play. We get a little extra value here because the Lakers have surprisingly won 4 of their last 5 SU and are on a 5-0 ATS run. The Thunder have been struggling. The key here is OKC is at home and angry due to losing 7 of their last 9 games. Also, this is a home revenge spot for Oklahoma City as they lost as a host versus the Lakers in January. The Thunder lost that game by double digits despite being a double digit favorite! Payback comes big tonight! OKC is a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS on the season when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. The Lakers are 9-18 ATS this season when off a game in which they scored 115 points or more. The recent wins for Los Angeles all have come against below .500 teams. They face a much different "animal" tonight and that "animal" is angry and seeking revenge. This will be a home blowout. 10* OKLAHOMA CITY |
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04-02-19 | Phillies v. Nationals OVER 7 | Top | 8-2 | Win | 100 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies @ 7:05 ET - It goes without saying that Max Scherzer is a fantastic pitcher. That said, the Phillies are familiar with him and Philadelphia now has one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball and is the only undefeated team on the season thus far. Of course Scherzer being on the mound is why this total is being held to a 7. The Phillies 1 through 8 is arguably the deepest lineup of any team in the league. In my opinion the weakest link is the guy they've been batting 6th and that is Odubel Herrera. Therein lies the key to this match-up. I really like the other 7 sticks in the lineup and, as for Herrera, he is hitting .341 against Scherzer and it is NOT a small sample size. That is over 41 at bats and includes 2 homers and 5 RBI. Don't be surprised if the Phillies do some damage tonight and note that the Nationals bullpen is a major question mark too! As for the Washington sticks, they certainly should have a big game here. Phillies starter Zach Eflin has proven much better at home than on the road in his young career. In his road starts he is 6-10 with a 5.80 ERA and has been hit at nearly a .300 clip. By the way, at Nationals park, he has been rocked in two career starts and the Nats have hit .400 against him there! The over is 2-1 in Eflin's 3 career starts against Washington and the over is 2-1 in Scherzer's last 3 starts against the Phils. The last 22 times Philadelphia has played a game with a posted total of 7 runs only 7 of the 22 stayed under the total. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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04-02-19 | Wichita State -105 v. Lipscomb | Top | 64-71 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 47 m | Show |
NIT #1 Top Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #709 Tuesday 10* Top Play Wichita State Shockers (-) vs Lipscomb Bisons @ 7 ET - The Bisons have been a great story and they've gotten here thanks to a red hot run with their shooting. However, now they face a Shockers team that can actually play some defense. This is particularly true of Wichita State when they are in "tournament mode" as they have been for quite some time now. The Shockers have held their opponents to 41.9% or less in each of their last 6 games. By comparison, Lipscomb has allowed 48.3% or more in 3 of their last 4 games. Not only that, when comparing strength of schedule, Wichita State of course has faced tougher competition this season than Lipscomb. The Bisons have been a great story for sure to make it all the way to MSG but defense wins championships and that is why the Shockers will prevail in this game and be the team that has a chance to win the NIT Championship on Thursday. 10* WICHITA STATE |
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04-01-19 | Avalanche +147 v. Blues | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 6 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Monday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Yes I am aware of the Mikko Rantanen injury and the fact that he is still out. However, the Avalanche have won 3 of the 4 games since he's been out. Overall, Colorado has won 6 of its last 7 games. This is a contrarian play of course because everyone will back the playoff-bound Blues on home ice over the playoff-hopeful Avalanche. However, the Avs will prove to be the hungrier team. Yes this game still matters to St Louis but they've at least clinched a playoff berth. As for the Avs they are still in a fierce battle to clinch the final spot. There is some history between these teams and playoff hopes but that only goes so far once the puck drops on the game. The fact is that the Blues are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights while the Avalanche come in well rested as they have had each of the last two days off! Colorado has allowed only 1.6 goals per game their last 7 games! The Blues have given up 2.6 goals per game their last 7 games. Both numbers are solid but you can see why I like the huge road dog value with the Avs here. The Avalanche got a big win in April last season but the Blues have taken all 3 meetings this season. That said, the scheduling situation here and playoff implications here make this one ripe for road dog payback! 10* COLORADO |
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04-01-19 | Blazers -3.5 v. Wolves | Top | 132-122 | Win | 100 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
NW Div #1 Top Game - Rickenbach NBA Game #571 Monday 10* Top Play Portland Trail Blazers (-) @ Minnesota Timberwolves @ 8:05 ET - Great line value here with the Trail Blazers coming off a loss. Yes the Timberwolves recently upset Golden State but that certainly has been the exception rather than the norm for this slumping Minnesota team. Other than that win, the Wolves have won just 1 of their last 8 games and that victory came against lowly Memphis. Now Minnesota is hosting a Trail Blazers team that is angry off a loss and won't lack for focus here. Keep in mind the Blazers lost at Minnesota early this season so they'll be ready to exact road revenge here. Yes, Portland has won their two home match-ups with the Timberwolves this season but now it is time for road payback for that loss in mid-November. As mentioned above, the Blazers enter this game off a loss but, prior to that defeat, they had won 9 of their last 10 games. Yes, Portland is without CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic but that is factored into this line. The fact is that the Wolves are without a number of players too as they enter this match-up and this is simply a matter of the much better in a great spot (off a loss) facing a team that has faded down the stretch run. The result is great line value with the short road favorite. Minnesota is 2-5 ATS when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home. The Blazers are 9-5 ATS in their last 14 games against teams with a losing record and roll again here. Each of the Trail Blazers last 28 wins have come by a margin of 4 or more points! Each of the Wolves last 14 losses have come by a margin of 5 or more points. Lay the short number! 10* PORTLAND |
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04-01-19 | Rockies +125 v. Rays | Top | 1-7 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #925 Monday 10* Top Play Colorado Rockies Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Rays @ 7:10 ET - The Rockies are off a disappointing 2-2 split of their series at Miami. Colorado was shutout in the series finale yesterday. The Rockies are 13-8 the past two seasons when coming off a shutout loss. Also, Colorado had scored an average of 5 runs per game in the first 3 games of the series. By comparison, the Rays haven't even scored 5 runs in a game yet this season! Yes, Tampa Bay is known for strong pitching but they've managed an average of just 6 HITS per game in their first 4 games this season. Conversely, the Rockies as I noted above, had averaged 5 RUNS per game in their first 3 games this season. Play this game with ACTION on the pitchers because the Rays are going the "Bullpen Game" rout in this one and Ryne Stanek is expected to be the opener but sometimes they change those things up. I want action on this money line play because no matter who pitches, I like the Rockies to bounce back here and I like the Colorado lineup in comparison with the Tampa Bay lineup. Note that Chad Bettis is a quality pitcher when he is healthy and he went 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in his April starts last year. He should excel against a Tampa lineup that is off to a slow start this season. The Rays are 18-22 (-$6,800) in interleague games the past two seasons. The Rockies are 88-72 (+$30,600) the past two seasons when facing a team with a winning record. Tampa Bay has won 3 straight and the Rockies have lost 2 straight. The markets are over-reacting to this and I am grabbing the road dog value. 10* COLORADO |
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04-01-19 | DePaul +1.5 v. South Florida | Top | 61-63 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
CBI #1 Top Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #701 Monday 10* Top Play DePaul Blue Demons (+) @ South Florida Bulls @ 7 ET - This is the first game of the best out of three CBI Championship Series. Most will look at this game and see the team with the overall better record at home and at roughly a pick'em price and just jump all over the host. Of course that is where contrarian viewpoints become so important. There is a reason this game is priced this way. The Blue Demons play in the Big East. The Bulls play in the American Athletic Conference. As a result of that, as well as the way their non-conference schedules were laid out this season, DePaul has played a tougher strength of schedule than South Florida. Of course that is factored into this line but much of the betting market overlooks that and looks at this one as "easy" to take the Bulls on their home floor. Of course, we all know how that typically plays out when something looks "easy". There is nothing easy in this business and that is why I generally maintain a contrarian viewpoint on games. We have plenty of support for a play on DePaul here. South Florida has won 3 straight games but they previously lost 7 of their last 8. Also, the Bulls have been held to 41% or less from the field in 4 of their last 5 games. The Blue Demons are loaded with confidence right now on the offensive end as they've been shooting lights out. This is particularly true of late but the hot shooting run generally extends all the way back to mid-February. Just as you've seen with Auburn in the Big Dance, when a team gets hot with their shooting they can make a huge run. That is what the Blue Demons have been doing and it continues here. Yes they've been at home so far and now are on the road for this game but the Blue Demons have scored 73 points or more in 5 straight road games! More of the same expected here! 10* DE PAUL |
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03-31-19 | Michigan State +2.5 v. Duke | Top | 68-67 | Win | 100 | 8 h 5 m | Show |
Rematch Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #691 Sunday 10* Top Play Michigan State Spartans (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 5:05 ET - The Spartans seek revenge for last season's regular season loss to the Blue Devils and, of course, there is much more at stake with this match-up than last season's early season match-up. Michigan State has been dominating of late while the Blue Devils have been just getting by for close wins. What really factors into this is the line value as we're getting 2.5 points as of early Sunday morning and taking a look at Duke's last 14 games as a good sample size reveals a lot. The Blue Devils are 11-3 SU in those 14 games but 5 of the 11 wins have come by 2 or less points. So if you had +2.5 going against the Blue Devils you cashed in about half of their SU wins plus got the outright upset 3 times. Duke, plain and simple, is fortunate to be here. They are on a 3-11 ATS run but continue to attract bets because, well, their Duke! Truly they are a public team and everyone wants to be the #1 seed here and lay a short number. I am expecting an upset however and we've got some great technical support for backing Tom Izzo's team here. Michigan State is 9-2 ATS this season in games with a posted total in the 150s. The Spartans are also 11-2 ATS when off a game in which they scored 80 points or more. The Blue Devils are 1-6 ATS their last 7 games against teams that average 77 points or more per game. The Spartans certainly hold the edge in experience and I look for freshman-laden Duke's luck to run out in this one. 10* MICHIGAN STATE |
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03-31-19 | Red Sox v. Mariners OVER 8.5 | Top | 8-10 | Win | 100 | 6 h 27 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach MLB Game #977 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Seattle Mariners vs Boston Red Sox @ 4:10 ET - Even though Boston's Rick Porcello is a sinkerballer he has major trouble with giving up too many homers. The right-hander also went more and more to his slider last year and that didn't help matters. The fact is that Porcello has allowed 88 homers the past 3 seasons. There are only 2 other pitchers in the majors that allowed more over that span. Now the Red Sox right-hander certainly faces a challenge here as he pitches at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners are crushing the ball with 13 homers in their first 5 games this season. Porcello has allowed 4 homers in his last 2 visits to Seattle. He'll be opposed by Mariners southpaw Wade LeBlanc. The lefty had a strong outing when he faced the Red Sox in Seattle last season. However, his very next start was also against Boston but this time it was at Fenway. LeBlanc got crushed for 6 earned runs in less than 5 innings of work. The point is the Red Sox certainly figured a few things out in reference to the soft-tossing lefty and they will pound him again here. Another key to the value with this play is both bullpens have been giving up their fair share of runs so far in this series. Look for a 4th straight over between these teams and that means the Mariners O/U mark will go to 6-0 on the season. I am going to ride this early season trend on Sunday. 10* OVER the total in Seattle |
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03-31-19 | Mavs v. Thunder OVER 221.5 | Top | 106-103 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 55 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #549 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks @ 3:35 ET - The Thunder have been inconsistent on the offensive end of late. However, now comes the perfect remedy. The Mavericks are in town and Dallas is eliminated from post-season contention. I fully expect Oklahoma City to run and gun this game and it is likely to turn into a home blowout. However, I am never a fan of laying huge points in the NBA and this spread currently sits at a dozen points. Don't be surprised if the Mavericks score well in "garbage time" in this game as well. The Mavs are 6-3 to the over in Sunday games this season. The Thunder are 10-2 to the over in their last 12 games against teams with a losing record. OKC has allowed 115 points or more in 4 of its last 6 games. Dallas has allowed an average of 115.4 points in its last 7 games. 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma City |
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03-31-19 | Auburn v. Kentucky OVER 140.5 | Top | 77-71 | Win | 100 | 6 h 2 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #693 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kentucky Wildcats vs Auburn Tigers @ 2:20 ET - The way Auburn is red hot from three point land it is very hard not to like the over in this match-up. What is most impressive about the Tigers run is that all this hot shooting has come in games played on a neutral floor. Auburn has shot 35% or better from 3-point land in 8 straight games and each of the last 7 were games played on a neutral floor. Incredibly, the Tigers have shot about 42% from 3-point land in their last 5 games! They will score plenty here against Kentucky but won't be able to stop the Wildcats. Keep in mind, Auburn has allowed an average of 77 points in their last 3 games and the over is a perfect 4-0 in Auburn's last 4 games. Kentucky is off back to back low-scoring games but that had a lot to do with the type of teams they faced. Prior to those two match-ups, the Wildcats had scored an average of 77 points per game in their 3 previous games. Kentucky is averaging 76 points per game on the season and Auburn is averaging 80 points per game on the season. The over is 14-5 this season in Auburn's games with a posted total in the 140s and I love the value here as this total first opened at a 144.5 offshore and is now a 140.5 as of early Sunday morning. The Wildcats averaged 81 points per game in their two games with Auburn this season! 10* OVER the total in Kentucky |
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03-30-19 | 76ers -4.5 v. Wolves | Top | 118-109 | Win | 100 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
NBA TV Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #541 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Minnesota Timberwolves @ 8:05 ET - The markets sometimes help create value where it otherwise should not be and that is the beauty of a situation like this. First off this line was first up at an 8.5 but then got taken down because of Joel Embiid possibly missing this game. Now that it is confirmed that he will sit this game out to get extra rest the line has now plummeted to as low as a 4.5 this morning. The funny thing is did anyone pay attention to last night's games? The 76ers were NOT in action and were resting and getting ready for this game. As for the Wolves they were in the middle of a hard-fought overtime win over the World Champion Warriors last night! So now after knocking off the champs and taking OT to do it, the short-handed Timberwolves (a number of players out recently) are supposed to beat a Sixers team that has man-handled them in recent meetings? Yes I know about the "revenge against Jimmy Butler" angle but Philly is the far superior team and in a much better scheduling situation. This game is set up to be a road rout! Prior to beating GS last night, Minnesota had lost 10 of their 14 prior games. The 76ers enter this game having won 7 of their last 9 games. The Sixers are off a big win over Brooklyn and are 11-4 ATS this season when off a divisional game. The Timberwolves are on a 15-25 ATS run in March games. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-30-19 | Texas Tech v. Gonzaga OVER 137 | Top | 75-69 | Win | 100 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
March Madness Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #684 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 6:10 ET - The very first total that popped up offshore on this game early Friday morning was 140 and now we're looking at a 137. Yes, I am well aware of the Red Raiders defense but their not stopping this Bulldogs offense. Gonzaga has the most efficient offense in the nation and, unlike what Texas Tech saw with Michigan, these Bulldogs will be on the run in transition. Unlike the Wolverines, the Bulldogs aren't going to allow this game to settle down into a match-up filled with halfcourt sets. Every chance they get Gonzaga will be pushing the pace and I look for plenty of points in this one because you also don't want to count out the Red Raiders offensive production. Texas Tech scored "only" 63 points in the win over the Wolverines but Michigan is one of the toughest teams in the nation to score on. Prior to that, the Red Raiders had scored 70 points or more in 10 straight games! In fact, Texas Tech averaged 79.4 points per game in those 10 games! Gonzaga is averaging 88.2 points per game on the season! The over is 11-2 in Red Raiders Saturday games this season. The over is a long-term 19-8 in Bulldogs neutral court games with a total in a range of 135 to 139.5 points. Both these teams can play some D but take a look at their full season numbers on offense (including shooting percentages) and you can't help but be very impressed. That said, and knowing the Bulldogs plan of attack for this game, this is a generously priced total that we can take advantage of. 10* OVER the total in Gonzaga |
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03-30-19 | Braves v. Phillies -134 | Top | 6-8 | Win | 100 | 6 h 4 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach MLB Game #906 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Phillies Money Line (-) vs Atlanta Braves @ 4:05 ET - The first numbers that popped up offshore for this game had the Phillies in the -155 price range. They have since dropped to as low as a -130 in some spots. I understand the move because the Braves are expected to be just as strong as Philadelphia in the NL East this season and Nick Pivetta flies "under the radar" for Philly. However, Pivetta is truly a much stronger pitcher than the "black and white" numbers show. He is a strikeout pitcher and tends to be particularly tough at home and even tougher in day games! Pivetta has a 3.83 ERA in day game outings in his career and this is a guy that struck out 113 batters in his 91 innings on his home mound last season. He held batters to a .229 BAA in day games last season. The Braves counter with Bryse Wilson and I know he has a top prospect for Atlanta and had a strong spring training. However, now he makes just the 2nd start of his MLB career (and just 4th appearance) and he has a 2.00 WHIP at the MLB level in his young career. He faces a very potent Phillies lineup and the wind will be blowing out at Citizens Bank Park this afternoon. Wilson is just 21 years old. He only made 3 starts at AAA level of minors and has a 5.32 ERA in his 5 appearances at the AAA level. Some may be looking for an Atlanta bounce back after getting trounced in the opener but the Braves are 11-15 after allowing 10 or more runs. The Phillies are 25-14 as a home favorite in a range of -125 to -175. How strong is this Phillies lineup? Prized offseason acquisitions Harper and Realmuto combined to go 0 for 6 in the season opener and the Phils still scored 10 runs! Lay the reasonable price here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-30-19 | Panthers v. Bruins OVER 6.5 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -105 | 6 h 39 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers @ 1:05 ET - The Panthers aren't going to the playoffs. The Bruins playoff position is set. With the current situation ongoing for both clubs, it is not surprising that they've been continually involved in high-scoring games. The fact is that defensive intensity takes a step back when you reach the point that each of these teams are at this late in the season. The over is a perfect 4-0 in Boston's last 4 games and 6-1-1 in the Bruins last 8 games. As for Florida, the over is a perfect 6-0 their last 6 games and 17-4-1 in the Panthers last 22 games. In the last 6 meetings between these teams in Boston NONE of the 6 have stayed under the total as there have been 3 overs and 3 pushes. Combined perfect trends here of 13-0 in favor of the over and, with this total at a 6.5, there will be no push in this one! Look for 7 or more as the Panthers have scored an average of 4 goals per game their last 11 games and the Bruins have averaged scoring 5.4 goals per game their last 5 games. A 5-4 type game here would not be a surprise. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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03-29-19 | Devils v. Red Wings OVER 5.5 | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -114 | 7 h 56 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #71 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:35 ET - I like to look for late-season match-ups between teams that are NOT going to the post-season and that are NOT division rivals. Usually games like this tend to lack in defensive intensity and the result is often a high-scoring barn-burner with end-to-end action! The Red Wings are playing well as they have won 5 of their last 6 games and Detroit has averaged 3 goals per game in their last 7 games. The Devils have not been scoring as well but they do enter this game off back to back wins on home ice. Also, prior to being shutout in their most recent road game, New Jersey had scored an average of 4.3 goals per game in their 3 prior road games. The over is on a 3-0 run in match-ups between these teams when Detroit is the host. Also, the Red Wings are 3-1 to the over this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The over is a long-term 15-6 (including 5-1 this season) when the Devils enter a game with rest of 3 or more days between games. Also, in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals, New Jersey is 5-1 to the over this season. Look for a wild Friday night at Joe Louis Arena as the over improves to 8-3 in Devils Friday games this season! 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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03-29-19 | Auburn +6 v. North Carolina | Top | 97-80 | Win | 100 | 8 h 5 m | Show |
March Madness Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #673 Friday 10* Top Play Auburn Tigers (+) vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 7:30 ET - Did you notice yesterday that the lines (compared to seeding) were, as you would expect, very small spreads on the 2 vs 3 match-ups and then, as you would expect, bigger spreads on the 1 vs 4 match-up and 1 vs 12 match-up. That said, why is it that today the biggest seed differential (1 vs 5) has the 3rd smallest spread? Both Michigan State (in a 2 vs 3) and Duke (in a 1 vs 4) have bigger spreads than the North Carolina - Auburn match-up? I'll tell you why. It is because the odds makers are very sharp and they know what their doing here. Don't be fooled by the line. I am expecting a Tigers upset but happy to grab all the points I can get should Auburn fall just short. The fact is that the Tigers live and die with the 3-ball but they have been very hot of late and very consistent and I expect that to be a key to the cover here. Note that Auburn has made 35% or better from 3 point land in 7 straight games. Not only is this all part of an 8-game stretch that has seen the Tigers only be dealt 1 ATS loss, it also holds significance when you look at an interesting not about the Tar Heels. Let's look at North Carolina's last 13 games. UNC went 8-5 ATS in those games. What was the key with the 5 ATS losses? The Tar Heels allowed 35% or better from 3 point land in all 5 ATS defeats! In their 8 ATS wins they held their opponent under 35% in all 8 covers! Now they face an Auburn team that has been red hot from beyond the arc (all on neutral floors too!) and I fully expect the Tigers to give UNC hell from beyond the arc in this one. By the way, North Carolina is 2-6 ATS their last 8 games against SEC opponents. The Tigers are a perfect 3-0 SU in neutral court games with a posted total in the 160s. Upset alert but grab the points for added insurance. 10* AUBURN |
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03-29-19 | Astros v. Rays +125 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 125 | 9 h 7 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #962 Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Rays Money Line (+) vs Houston Astros @ 7:10 ET - Of course the Astros are a great team and certainly Gerrit Cole deserves plenty of respect. However, lets not forget the Rays won 90 games last season! I love getting them as a home dog here with Charlie Morton on the mound. It will be his first start with the Rays and, coincidentally, he gets to face his former team! Keep in mind, he was a big part of the 2017 World Series team in Houston and then last year was an All Star for the Astros. Morton has a fantastic curveball but what has also been impressive with him is that his fastball is improving with age! Though Morton is now in his mid-30s, his fastball is consistently in the mid-90s and that ranks him as one of the best in the AL among starters. I also like the fact that the few Houston hitters that do have experience against Morton have not had success while the Rays do have a few hitters whom have had some success against Cole. As I said above, Cole is a great pitcher but so too is Morton and you know he is going to give a huge effort against his former team here. I like grabbing home dog Tampa Bay off the low-scoring loss yesterday. In home games with a posted total of 7 runs or less, the Rays are 19-6 their last 25 games! That is even including yesterday's loss and note that, even with the Astros win yesterday, Houston is still just 3-5 (-$4,000) in road games with a posted total of 7 runs or less. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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03-29-19 | Pacers v. Celtics OVER 213 | Top | 112-114 | Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #517 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - The Celtics are 7-2 to the over in their last 9 games. Boston has allowed 48% or more from the field in 7 of their last 10 games. The Celtics have shot 47% or better from the field in 10 of their last 12 games. The other time they hosted Indiana this season the game totaled 243 points. The Pacers are 8-4 to the over in Friday games this season. Boston is 13-8 to the over this season after a win by a margin of double digits. The Celtics also are 10-6 to the over in games against Central Division opponents. The tempo at which Boston has been playing of late and the fact the Celtics are at home here and should control the pace of this game will be the factors that combine to lead to another high-scoring game between these two. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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03-28-19 | Panthers v. Senators OVER 6.5 | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 10 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Senators have won 4 of their last 6 games and they've scored 4 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 games. The Panthers are off an embarrassing 6-1 loss at Montreal. However, prior to that defeat, Florida had scored 4 or more goals in 6 of their last 9 games. In fact, the Panthers averaged 4 goals per game during that 9-game stretch. The last 6 meetings between the Sens and the Panthers have averaged 7.5 goals per game. Yes this total today is a big one at 6.5 but both teams are playing very loose hockey as they are simply wrapping up the season before hitting the golf courses - no playoffs for either one of these teams! The over is 5-0 in Florida's last 5 games and the Panthers are 9-2 to the over their last 11 games. Also, the Senators are 15-8 to the over in divisional games this season. Ottawa is 3-0 to the over this season after a shutout win. After a win by two or more goals this season, the Sens are 11-6 to the over. Florida is 8-3 to the over this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Panthers are 22-11 to the over after allowing 4 or more goals in their prior game. Also, when entering a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games, Florida is 8-3 to the over this season. 10* OVER the total in Ottawa |
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03-28-19 | Florida State v. Gonzaga OVER 146.5 | Top | 58-72 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 15 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #655 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Florida State Seminoles @ 7:10 ET - These teams each have big frontcourts and that gives them a solid line of defense in the paint. However, don't underestimate the potency of each one of these offenses and also don't forget the big points they've given up in similar match-ups. Yes I know last season's match-up stayed well under the total but now this season's total posted for this game has been adjusted below that one even though one could easily make a case for this game being much higher scoring. Note that Gonzaga is ranked as the most efficient offense in the nation and they are averaging 88.6 points per game on the season. However, also note that the Bulldogs faced two ACC opponents this season (NC and Duke) and they allowed an average of 95 points per game in those two games! As for Florida State, they are surging with confidence in the offensive end after putting up 90 in their 2nd round win. On the defensive end though lets look at how they fared against Duke (twice) and North Carolina. The Seminoles allowed an average of 77 points per game in their 3 meetings with those powerful offenses. Based on the above you can see why plenty of points are likely in this one! Also, in games with a posted total of 144 or more, the Bulldogs are 4-1 to the over their last 5. Florida State has gone over the total in each of their NCAA Tourney games thus far and Zags games against ACC teams both flew over the total this season. 10* OVER the total in Gonzaga |
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03-28-19 | Nets v. 76ers -7.5 | Top | 110-123 | Win | 100 | 10 h 36 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #502 Thursday 10* Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:05 ET - Enough is enough for the Sixers. After knocking off their nemesis (and long-time rival) Boston, they've lost back to back games at Atlanta and Orlando. Now they are back home and in need of a big win and the Nets are going to feel the wrath. Note that Philly is 5-0 SU this season when they enter a game off B2B SU losses. You read that right. The Sixers have NEVER lost 3 straight game this entire season and I don't expect that to change here either. However, what about the spread (currently 7.5) on this game? The fact is that the Nets are 7-26 ATS in their last 33 losses! In other words, when you're holding a Brooklyn ticket and they lose the game SU, you're only cashing your ticket about 20% of the time! I like the 76ers to roll big at home in this one as they also are playing this game with home loss revenge. That is a situation that has seen them go 37-19 ATS in recent seasons including 6-3 ATS this season. Also, when the Sixers are off a loss by a double digit margin, they've gone 37-18 in recent seasons including a superb 10-3 ATS this season. This one has home blowout written all over it. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-28-19 | Cubs v. Rangers OVER 9.5 | Top | 12-4 | Win | 100 | 5 h 49 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #933 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas Rangers vs Chicago Cubs @ 4:05 ET - The Cubs Jon Lester was fortunate last season. His overall numbers look good but when you analyze advanced metrics he wasn't pitching nearly as well as you would think. Now he comes off a rough spring training and has to pitch at one of the most hitter friendly venues in baseball. Sometimes the Dallas-Fort Worth area can be quite cold in late March but it is going to be a very mild spring afternoon in DFW with the south winds blowing. Lester has allowed 14 hits in just 8+ innings in his last two opening starts. I do not expect this to go well for him. The Rangers are a much better hitting team when at home than on the road and though they strike out a lot the fact is that Lester is NOT the type of dominating strikeout pitcher that gives them trouble. He'll pitch to contact and Texas is going to do some damage. As for the Cubs bullpen, they are certainly weakened by the fact that closer Brandon Morrow is still out. The Rangers starter here is also a southpaw as Mike Minor gets the call. Rare opening day start for him plus he missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to injury and then was a reliever in 2017. I know he had a solid 2018 as a starter but he is still absolutely not your typical opening day starter and he is facing a helluva test here against a very powerful Cubs lineup. As for the Rangers sticks, for total runs they ranked 2nd in AL against left-handed pitching last season and also 4th in AL for total runs in home games. The Cubs had the #1 team batting average in the NL last season. It is with good reason that this total (9.5) is the biggest total on the board on opening day. Look for plenty of runs early and often in this one. 10* OVER the total in Texas |
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03-27-19 | Pacers v. Thunder OVER 215 | Top | 99-107 | Loss | -106 | 12 h 25 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #575 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers @ 8:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Thunder have had some struggles on offense in recent weeks. However, I am expecting a big bounce back on their home floor tonight after both Paul George and Russell Westbrook struggled in Oklahoma City's loss at Memphis Monday. As for the Pacers, they are expected to get a boost with the return of point guard Darren Collison tonight. Even if he does not return though, look for Indiana's struggles with defense on the road to continue. The Pacers have lost 8 straight road games and the fact they've allowed 110 points per game in those defeats has certainly played a role in it. The Thunder defense has not been impressive of late either as they've allowed 113.5 points per game during their current 1-5 overall stretch their last 6 games. The OKC loss to the Grizzlies Monday was an ugly one and the over is 4-1 in 2019 when when the Thunder are off a loss by a margin of 11 points or more. Indiana is 3-0 to the over the last 3 times they were off a game in which they scored 115 points or more. Look for the Pacers offensive production to pick up right where it left off in the win versus Denver Sunday while the Thunder offense gets back on a roll at home after the poor effort versus the Grizz began this week on the wrong foot. 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma City |
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03-27-19 | Coastal Carolina v. DePaul OVER 162.5 | Top | 87-92 | Win | 100 | 12 h 38 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in DePaul Blue Demons vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ 8 ET - The over is a PERFECT 6-0 in the Blue Demons last 6 games. DePaul has allowed an average of 87 points per game in its last 4 games. Coastal Carolina enters this game having scored an average of 95 points per game in its last 2 games. You can see why we should expect plenty of points here as the Chanticleers are hot in the offensive end and the Blue Demons are about the furthest thing from a defensive-minded team. DePaul relies on quick-strike scoring to beat teams and they will simply look to run and gun their way past Coastal Carolina. Of course the Blue Demons have played a tougher schedule than the Chanticleers and that is why I expect DePaul to enjoy plenty of success in the offensive end. I just don't foresee the Blue Demons as being able to stop Coastal Carolina in this one and we should see a wildly high-scoring affair. DePaul has averaged 90.3 points per game in its last 6 games. The Chanticleers have allowed an average of 81 points per game in their last 10 games. The over is a long-term 4-1 in Coastal Carolina semi-final games in tournaments. The over is 13-7 in Blue Demons home games this season and I look for their overall streak with totals to make it 7 in a row on Wednesday. 10* OVER the total in DePaul |
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03-27-19 | Rangers v. Bruins OVER 6 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 105 | 10 h 11 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins led the Lightning 4-2 going to the 3rd period Monday and then lost 5-4 because they took their foot off the gas and tried to simply sit back and protect the lead. They won't make that mistake against the Rangers. In other words, look for a full-on offensive onslaught all the way through this game. As for New York, they jumped out 2-0 at Pittsburgh in the first period Monday but then their shots on goal totals from the 2nd and 3rd period combined BARELY topped their total from the first period alone. In other words, look for the Rangers to also be highly motivated to keep the pressure on in the offensive zone all game long. New York certainly has plenty of confidence here as they've scored 3 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 meetings with the Bruins and have won each of the last two meetings at Boston. The Bruins enter this game having allowed 8 goals in their last two games. The Rangers enter this game having lost 6 of their last 7 games overall and defense/goaltending has been a big issue as New York allowed an average of 4.2 goals per game in the 6 defeats. The over is 6-3 in the last 9 meetings between these clubs. The Bruins have scored an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 7 games. Many will be looking under here since the Rangers haven't been scoring well but I like their confidence factor with their recent success against Boston and the fact that the Bruins could be in for a letdown defensively after that huge showdown with the Lightning on Monday. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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03-26-19 | Creighton +4 v. TCU | Top | 58-71 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 28 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #619 Tuesday 10* Top Play Creighton Bluejays (+) @ TCU Horned Frogs @ 9 ET - I am happy to challenge TCU here. The Horned Frogs have struggled in the biggest of games this season. TCU went a combined 0-7 against Kansas State, Texas Tech, and Kansas this season. The Horned Frogs enter this game off back to back wins and covers but they entered the NIT Tournament on a 3-11 ATS run. As for the Bluejays, they are peaking at the right time. With each win the confidence grows and Creighton enters this game having won 7 of their last 8 games both SU and ATS. Also, the lone loss during that stretch came by just 2 points and would be an ATS win based on the current number posted on this game. By the way, that number has grown too and I like fading the masses. The earliest number on this game had TCU at "just" a -3 so, of course, everyone jumped on the Horned Frogs at a small number on their home floor and drove the line to as high as a -4.5 in some spots. Creighton has a rest edge here as they have had 3 days off prior to this game while the Horned Frogs will be playing this game with just one day of rest. Note that TCU is a poor 0-5 ATS the last 5 times they've played a game with 1 day or less of rest between games. Give me the points with the rested team rolling with confidence right now. 10* CREIGHTON |
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03-26-19 | Sabres v. Senators OVER 6 | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -125 | 8 h 52 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:35 ET - The last 4 match-ups between these divisional foes all totaled at least 6 goals and they averaged 7.5 goals per game. These are the type of late season match-ups I look for in terms of finding "overs" as both teams will play loose and relaxed as they've been eliminated from post-season contention. Neither team looking to play spoiler and neither team battling for a playoff spot. This type of set up (and based on the recent results for these teams too) generally lends itself to a higher-scoring game. The Sabres are off a low-scoring loss at New Jersey but they entered that game with the over having gone 9-4-1 in their 14 prior games. Buffalo has allowed a ridiculous 4.6 goals per game in its last 8 road games. Prior to the under against the Devils, the Sabres were on a 5-1-1 run to the over in road games. The Senators have scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games. However, Ottawa also has allowed an average of 5 goals per game their last 3 games. You can see why it wouldn't be shocking to see a 5-4 type game break out tonight in Ottawa. The Sens last 44 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals have resulted in only 16 unders. The Sabres last 28 road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals have resulted in only 8 unders. The over is 9-5 in Buffalo's last 14 games against teams with a losing record. Also, the Sabres are 8-4 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Ottawa |
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03-26-19 | Magic +5.5 v. Heat | Top | 104-99 | Win | 100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #559 Tuesday 10* Top Play Orlando Magic (+) @ Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - Many will be looking to fade Orlando here because they are off a big win over the 76ers last night so it looks like the ideal spot to go against a team in a back to back situation. However, remember that we are now at the point in the season where there are very few "tomorrows" left for a team. In other words, the Magic need to win now or their season will be coming to an end. They are in a battle with Miami for the top spot in the Southeast Division and punching their ticket to the post-season. That said, there is absolutely not going to be a letdown here from the Magic in the slightest sense of the word. The time to win is now. I also like the fact that Orlando did have two days off prior to hosting the Sixers last night so they are truly not that fatigued here. Additionally, hosting Philly last night was just the 3rd game for Orlando in the past 8 days! As for Miami, though they have been off two days heading into this one they had played 5 games in 7 days prior to the 2-day break. In fact one could argue that the Magic should have the fresher legs here overall despite being in a back to back. Orlando has played less recently than Miami has. Also, not much distance separates these instate rivals so it truly should not come as a big surprise that the road team has covered 4 of the last 5 meetings. The Heat won and covered their most recent home game but that was preceded by a 4-9 ATS run as a host! Also, the Magic are surging with confidence as they bring a 5-game winning streak into this one. If Orlando falls just short here I like the fact we've got a handful of points to work with as well but I am expecting the outright upset here. The Magic are 16-7 ATS after scoring 115 points or more and also 12-6 ATS this season after a win by a double digit margin. Last night they held Philly without a field goal for a stretch of 12 minutes! Miami is 1-6 SU and ATS in Tuesday games and the Heat are an ugly 5-10 ATS in divisional match-ups this season. 10* ORLANDO |
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03-25-19 | Thunder v. Grizzlies OVER 218.5 | Top | 103-115 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #549 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 8:05 ET - The Grizzlies are off an under but the over was 6-1 in their 7 prior games. As their hopes for a playoff spot have faded, their focus on the defensive end has also faded as well but the markets aren't properly assessing that factor and we can take advantage here. The total opened up at a 220.5 and has already dropped to a 218.5 as of early game day morning. It is likely headed even lower as the recent under streak that the Thunder had is fresh in the minds of the marketplace too. However, OKC is now 2-0-1 to the over in their last 3 games and they've allowed 47% or more from the field in EACH of their last 4 games. The over is a perfect 3-0 the last 3 times these teams have met in Memphis. The Grizzlies are 8-4 to the over this season when off an upset loss as a favorite. Oklahoma City is 18-8 to the over this season when off a non-conference game. Also, the Thunder have gone 9-2 to the over in their last 11 games versus teams with a losing record. Look for more of the same here and fade the false perception of the marketplace in this one. 10* OVER the total in Memphis |
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03-25-19 | Bruins v. Lightning OVER 6 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 8 h 37 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - Most will look at this game and expect a tight defensive-minded battle between division rivals. However, Tampa Bay's playoff position is set and the Bruins have now clinched a playoff spot and their position is very close to being set as well. With these teams also likely on a collision course to eventually meeting the NHL's "second season" I feel strongly that this game will play out with a lot more offense than many are expecting. There will be more open ice and scoring opportunities as neither team wants to show how their going to attempt to bottle the other one up in the playoffs should they meet. In terms of support for this play, the over is 4-0-1 in the Bruins last 5 road games. The over is 6-1 in the Bolts last 7 games. The Lightning are 27-15-1 to the over after playing 3 or more consecutive road games. Boston is 27-19-1 to the over when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay |
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03-25-19 | Utah Valley +2.5 v. South Florida | Top | 57-66 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #607 Monday 10* Top Play Utah Valley Wolverines (-) @ South Florida Bulls @ 7 ET - The Auburn Tigers are in the Sweet 16 in the Big Dance. What does that have to do with this play? Plenty! The Tigers barely survived their first round game when they beat the New Mexico State Aggies by just a single point. That is the same Aggies team that finished ahead of Utah Valley in the WAC this season. The Wolverines faced New Mexico State twice this season and lost to them by an average margin of just 6 points. Had the Aggies got by Auburn it might be New Mexico State in the Sweet 16 and the point is that Utah Valley - a team many may not follow that closely - is actually a quality basketball program. Look for the Wolverines to upset the Bulls here. South Florida barely survived Stony Brook to get to this point. Prior to that win, the Bulls had lost 7 of their 8 prior games. They've been on a late season fade and Utah Valley's strength of schedule is NOT that much different from USF on the season. That said, the fact that the Wolverines are 24-6 in their last 30 games and the Bulls are 2-7 in their last 9 games means plenty! 10* UTAH VALLEY |
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03-24-19 | Ohio State v. Houston OVER 132 | Top | 59-74 | Win | 100 | 11 h 60 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #871 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Cougars vs Ohio State Buckeyes @ 8:40 ET - The odds makers, fully unaware that the Cougars are a strong defensive team, put the first number on the total in this game at 134. Of course I am joking but I do think many will still feel this total is too high even though it has dropped to a 132 now. The fact is the odds makers are sharper than many people give them credit for. Of course Houston has a strong defense but Ohio State is use to a banging and bruising style in the Big Ten and the Cougars are too smart to let this game turn into a half-course snooze fest. Houston's best bet is to be quick and not allow the Buckeyes to get comfortable playing their typical style. That said, Ohio State is going to get their fair share of points here but they won't be able to stop Houston either. The Buckeyes had a poor shooting effort but snuck by Iowa State in the first round. Note that Ohio State had averaged scoring 72 points per game in their 3 games prior to facing the Cyclones and all 3 of those went over the total. The Cougars are on an under streak right now but they scored 84 points in their first round game and that means Houston has now scored 84 points or more in 6 of their last 10 games. The Cougars averaged 76 points per game this season. Many people talk about their defensive play but also fail to realize how efficient their offense is too. This one will see both teams get to 70 in my opinion. The over is a long-term 25-15 in Buckeyes NCAA Tourney games. The under in the 1st round was their first under in 4 neutral court games this season. The Cougars are 6-3 to the over in a neutral court game where the total is 130 to 134.5 points. 10* OVER the total in Houston |
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03-24-19 | Spurs v. Celtics -2 | Top | 115-96 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #542 Sunday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics (-) vs San Antonio Spurs @ 7:35 ET - While it is true that this is a back to back spot for the Celtics, there are a number of reasons to like Boston plenty in this situation and laying a very short number. The line has dropped from a -3 to a -2 so we're getting some extra value here for sure. Keys to this play include the fact that the Celtics blew a huge late lead in their loss at Charlotte yesterday. As a result, Boston ended up with their 3rd straight SU loss. The Celtics are 9-2 SU and ATS the last 11 times they've entered a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Boston also has no shortage of motivation here. That's because the Spurs have held the upper hand in recent meetings and that includes the first match-up this season at San Antonio. The Celtics led that game by 6 at the half but then got outscored by 15 points in the 2nd half. It is payback time here. The Spurs are off back to back losses and their recent winning streak that grabbed a lot of attention was filled with home games and a majority of soft opponents. In other words, look for San Antonio to lose their 3rd straight game here as not only are they not at home, they are also certainly not facing a soft opponent. The Spurs have lost 4 of their last 6 road games and the only two wins came at Atlanta and Dallas. Those teams are a combined 37 games under .500 on the season! The Celtics are 98-42 at home including 26-11 this season. With those types of numbers and considering the low spread on this game, I am happy to lay the short number here. 10* BOSTON |
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03-24-19 | Buffalo +4 v. Texas Tech | Top | 58-78 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 41 m | Show |
2nd Round Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #869 Sunday 10* Top Play Buffalo Bulls (+) vs Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 6:10 ET - The Bulls are a #6 seed for a reason. Yes they come from the MAC but no one in the MAC was anywhere close to their level this season. They were the top team in the conference by a huge margin and that truly puts them at a level of being able to compete with any team in the nation in my opinion. Buffalo is deep and loaded with scoring depth and experience. That is the type of team that can challenge a solid defense like the Red Raiders have. That said, and with this line climbing from +3 to a +4, I am happy to grab the underdog value here with Buffalo. Note that the Bulls are 9-2 ATS in non-conference games this season. Long-term Buffalo also has some impressive technical support here as the Bulls are 10-1 ATS in a neutral court game where the total is 145 to 149.5 points. The Red Raiders are 0-3 ATS (and SU!) in a neutral court game where the total is 145 to 149.5 points. Certainly I respect the Texas Tech defense but will they have enough offense to keep up with a Bulls team that has a very balanced attack on offense? I don't think so as I know that the Red Raiders have been scoring much better for an extended stretch now but they've also faced some match-ups that were very favorable for them and this one does not fall into that category in my opinion. I am expecting the upset here but will grab the points for added insurance should the Bulls fall just short. 10* BUFFALO |
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03-24-19 | Coyotes +148 v. Islanders | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 11 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 3:05 ET - The Coyotes and Islanders both play this game with plenty of playoff implications. However, I like the fact that Arizona lost in the shootout yesterday in another non-conference game while New York is off a win in a divisional game against the Flyers. In terms of the set-up here, it is a nice one in which to back the Coyotes off a tight loss and fade the Islanders off a key win. Note that the Islanders entered yesterday's game having scored an average of 1.4 goals per game their last 7 games. Also, yesterday's game against the Flyers was one of the most poorly officiated games of the season with all the call going the Islanders way. They won't have that same benefit today and the officiating certainly impacted the outcome yesterday. Arizona enters this game on a 4-game losing streak and they are 3-1 this season when they enter a match-up on a losing streak of 4 or more games. The Islanders had lost 9 of their last 16 games prior to yesterday's win over the Flyers. The Isles are on a putrid 1 for 36 run on the power play in their last 15 games! The Coyotes power play hasn't been great but at least it has been substantially better than that as Arizona has notched 3 power play goals in its last 5 games. Prior to this rare tough 4-games stretch, the Coyotes had won 13 of 17 games and this is great line value here on the sizable road dog. The Islanders have lost 27 of their last 43 games played in the month of March. 10* ARIZONA |
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03-23-19 | Villanova +3.5 v. Purdue | Top | 61-87 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Game #837 Saturday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (+) vs Purdue Boilermakers @ 9 ET - Everyone is gunning for the national champions of course and it does make sense that the higher seed in this match-up would be the favorite. However, the result for us simply means exceptional line value. The defending champion Wildcats have been an underdog 5 times this season. The result has been a perfect 5-0 ATS mark in those games with 3 outright upsets. As for Purdue, they are a long-term 6-11 ATS in neutral court games where they are favored in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. Also, the most recent seasons in that role have seen the Boilermakers go 0-3 and two of the three losses were outright upsets which is what I am expecting here. Though Nova lost some key players from last season's team, they certainly are not without veteran leadership. Also, the Wildcats Jay Wright is absolutely one of the top coaches in the nation. This is a tough team to beat let alone beat by a couple buckets. Over the past 5 weeks Villanova hasn't been covering many of their games and this has resulted in diminished perception in the marketplace when it comes to the Wildcats. That leads to value in a spot like this because the Cats still have won 6 of their last 7 games SU and seem to be getting hot again at the perfect time. Purdue has not been shooting the ball well of late and they had lost 2 of 3 prior to knocking off an Old Dominion team that simply had a horrific shooting performance in their match-up Thursday. Also, the Boilers are on an 0-4 ATS run the last 4 times they've been a favorite of 6.5 points or less. Their struggles in that role continue here and I expect the upset but am happy to grab the generous points being offered. 10* VILLANOVA |
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03-23-19 | 76ers -8 v. Hawks | Top | 127-129 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
Hidden Gem - Rickenbach NBA Game #519 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - I am calling this a hidden gem because the fact it is that on a Saturday when the NCAA Tournament is going in full force there is simply very little attention being paid to the NBA. That works in our favor here as this line should be much higher than an 8. This is a revenge game for Philadelphia as they suffered a home loss at the hands of the Hawks in January. While it is true that the 76ers are off a much needed revenge win over the Celtics, it is also true that they have had two full off days since that game and after facing the Hawks they face another team, Orlando, that also has a losing record on the season. The point is that even if the Sixers start off a bit sluggish in Atlanta their superior talent level is eventually going to lead to a double digit win. Keep in mind the Hawks also, it could be argued, are in a flat spot here. That is because they just rallied for an upset win over the Jazz on Thursday. Prior to that win the Hawks had lost 10 of their last 15 games. The 76ers enter this game having won 6 straight games. Atlanta is 5-11 ATS in games against teams from the Atlantic Division this season. Philly is a long-term 37-18 ATS (including 6-2 ATS this season) when playing with home loss revenge. Also, the Sixers are 11-3 ATS when off a divisional game this season. In other words, even though they are off that big win over the Celtics, don't be surprised when the 76'ers eventually roll to a road rout win at Atlanta on Saturday night. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-22-19 | Ohio State +5.5 v. Iowa State | Top | 62-59 | Win | 100 | 11 h 49 m | Show |
1st Round Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #813 Friday 10* Top Play Ohio State Buckeyes (+) vs Iowa State Cyclones @ 9:50 ET - Having Kaleb Wesson back is a key for the Buckeyes and had he not had foul trouble and been limited to just 16 minutes versus Michigan State who knows how that eventual 7 point loss might have turned out. Keep in mind Wesson missed the final 3 games of the regular season and all 3 of those were losses. Certainly Wesson is an important player for Ohio State and he entered the Spartans game having scored 17 points or more in 3 of his 4 prior games. Also, Wesson had notched 5 steals, 7 assists, and 4 blocks in his 2 prior games. In his 5 prior games he had averaged 9.8 rebounds per game! The Buckeyes are 6-0 all time against the Cyclones and while I certainly respect Iowa State, did they use up all their magic in the feverish run through the Big 12 tourney? The fact is the Cyclones entered the tournament having lost 6 of their 8 prior games. I feel we're getting great line value here with the sizable points being offered to Ohio State. Iowa State is on an 0-4 ATS run in games with a posted total between 132 and 142 points. The Buckeyes physical style could take the Cyclones out of their game and Iowa State certainly is not known for their defense either so if their shots aren't falling on the other end they're in trouble here! We're getting line value here with Ohio State because they have an ugly ATS record on the season including a poor late season run at the betting window. Take advantage of the value with a team that is built well for some tournament upsets! 10* OHIO STATE |
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03-22-19 | Clippers v. Cavs +6.5 | Top | 110-108 | Win | 100 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
Early ATS Smash - Rickenbach NBA Game #506 Friday 10* Top Play Cleveland Cavaliers (+) vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 7:35 ET - The Cavaliers are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last 4 home games and that included knocking off the Raptors and the Bucks! Now they host a Clippers team playing the first game of an eastern road swing. These road trips tend to be tough on west coast teams. Even if the Clippers find a way to notch a road win here I expect it to come by the slimmest of margins. Certainly with the Cavaliers confidence growing with each late season win they are playing their best basketball of the season and have a chance at the outright upset here. Kevin Love has been cleared to play and that was a key for me in backing the Cavs here. The Clippers are off a win and cover but, prior to that big home win versus the Pacers, the Clips had failed to cover 3 straight games. The Cavaliers are 10-4 ATS this season when off a divisional game. Los Angeles is 12-21 ATS when the Clippers enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home. 10* CLEVELAND |
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03-22-19 | North Dakota State v. Duke OVER 148.5 | Top | 62-85 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
1st Round Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #797 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Duke Blue Devils vs North Dakota State Bison @ 7:10 ET - The Bison are known for their hot shooting ability but they also are horrible defensively. I expect that to lead to plenty of points in this one. North Dakota State is now 6-2 to the over this season in neutral site games after their game versus North Carolina Central on Wednesday easily went over the total. The Bison have scored an average of 79 points per game in their 8 neutral site games this season. ND St has shot better than 40% from three point land in EACH of their last four games. The way I see this game playing out is that Duke will score a ton of points and get out to a huge lead and then will be able to relax defensively. This will open up the scoring for the Bison in "garbage time" as this game goes on. North Dakota State has proven all season long they have sharpshooters and that will help send this one over the total because Duke might get to triple digits on their own in this one! The over is 4-1 in Bison NCAA Tournament games. The Blue Devils are a long-term 16-10 to the over in games with a posted total in the 140s. Also, just two of Duke's last 6 NCAA Tournament games have resulted in an under. The Blue Devils averaged 88 points per game this season in games where they were favored by 13 or more points. 10* OVER the total in Duke |
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03-22-19 | Wild v. Capitals OVER 6 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 53 m | Show |
Early Total Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals have scored an average of 4.1 goals per game their last dozen games. The Wild have had some trouble in the goal-scoring department of late but a visit to Washington should provide the perfect remedy. The Caps have allowed 5 or more goals in 3 of their last 5 games. The over is 4-1 in the Capitals last 5 games. Washington is 18-6-2 to the over this season when they are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Wild are 13-8-1 to the over this season when they are off a divisional game. Minnesota has allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of its last 9 games. The Wild have scored 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 14 road games. Of course if both teams get to 3 goals here we've got ourselves nothing less than a 4-3 final since there are no ties in hockey. In other words, look for this to one fly over the total! Minnesota has been scoring better away from home ice and only 3 of their last 8 road games against Eastern Conference foes have resulted in an under. Look for at least 7 goals in this one. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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03-21-19 | Jazz v. Hawks +8 | Top | 114-117 | Win | 100 | 8 h 46 m | Show |
Early ATS Smash - Rickenbach NBA Game #586 Thursday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) vs Utah Jazz @ 7:35 ET - The Hawks are off back to back losses (SU and ATS). However, Atlanta previously was on an 11-3 ATS run. Also, though the Hawks have lost 3 straight games SU, that included match-ups with the Celtics and Rockets. Of course the Jazz also fall into the "quality team" category but I like the fact that Atlanta is at home and catching Utah in the 2nd game of a back to back. Getting 8 points with the Hawks in a spot like this is a great value. The Jazz are on a 5-game winning streak both SU and ATS but are still just 3-8 ATS when they enter a game on a SU winning streak of 3 or more games. In other words, don't be surprised when their 5-game run comes to an end tonight (at least ATS). Look for the Hawks to improve to 11-6 ATS this season when they enter a game on a losing streak (SU) of 3 or more games. 10* ATLANTA |
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03-21-19 | Coyotes v. Panthers OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 36 m | Show |
Early Total Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Florida Panthers vs Arizona Coyotes @ 7:05 ET - The other meeting this season, in Arizona, went over the total. The last time these teams met in Florida the game also went over the total. The Coyotes have allowed 3.7 goals per game in their last 9 road games. The Panthers are 12-4-1 to the over their last 17 games. Florida has scored an average of 4.5 goals per game their last 8 home games. The over is 6-1-1 in the Panthers last 8 home games. Florida has allowed 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 13 games. The over is 18-9 this season in Panthers games against teams with a losing record. Florida has been hot on the power play but the Panthers have also been struggling on the penalty kill. Of course that is the ideal special teams combo for high-scoring games and another one is expected here. 10* OVER the total in Florida |
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03-21-19 | Florida v. Nevada -2.5 | Top | 70-61 | Loss | -106 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #778 Thursday 10* Top Play Nevada Wolf Pack (-) vs Florida Gators @ 6:50 ET - The Gators are a popular choice for many due to having faced the tougher schedule this season since they come from the SEC. In typical contrarian fashion for me I am backing the Wolf Pack in this spot! The fact is that Nevada is a high-quality team and their weakness (depth/bench) won't be an issue here since they've had plenty of time off leading into this game. In fact, the Wolf Pack are 14-0 SU (11-2-1 ATS) the last 14 times they've entered a game with 5 or 6 days of rest between games. While Nevada has played an easier schedule than Florida one has to give them credit for their consistency and this Wolf Pack team has veteran players and Big Dance experience. They certainly won't be "star struck" by facing an SEC team on this stage. The Wolf Pack had one inexcusable performance (a loss to New Mexico) this season. Their other losses were to Utah State (28 wins) and San Diego State (21 wins). The Aztecs actually took 2 out of 3 from the Wolf Pack but Nevada's two losses to San Diego State were both by single digits while their win was by 28 points! Similarly, the Wolf Pack lost to the Aggies by just 5 points but their win over them came by 23 points! Nevada averages 80.7 points a game and certainly the Gators are an offensively challenged team. This game may be tight for awhile but eventually the Wolf Pack pull away and, with a small line on this game, that should translate to an easy cover. Florida is 6-18 SU (and 8-16 ATS) the last 24 times they've been an underdog. The Wolf Pack are 11-0 SU (and 8-2-1 ATS) when off a conference loss. 10* NEVADA |
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03-21-19 | Northeastern v. Kansas OVER 143 | Top | 53-87 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 39 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #783 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kansas Jayhawks vs Northeastern Huskies @ 4 ET - The Huskies live and die with the 3-ball but it looks like that should set them up very well in this game. Northeastern knocked down an incredible 40% of their three pointers this season in road games! Kansas allowed a whopping 37.4% from beyond the arc in their road games this season. In other words, the Huskies should do some damage with their outside shooting in this game. The key to the value with the over here is that, while Northeastern should score plenty, they will struggle to stop a high-power Kansas attack that was one of the top scoring teams in the Big 12. The Jayhawks went 9-3 to the over in non-conference games this season. Also, Kansas is 7-2 to the over the past two seasons in NCAA Tournament games! Overall, Jayhawks games played in the month of March on a 15-6 run to the over. The Huskies are 11-6 to the over this season in games with a posted total in the 140s. Northeastern is 8-4 to the over in non-conference games this season. Huskies have allowed 46% shooting to their opponents on the season. Plenty of points in this one! 10* OVER the total in Kansas |
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03-20-19 | Arizona State v. St. John's +2.5 | Top | 74-65 | Loss | -104 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
First Four Top Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #714 Wednesday 10* Top Play St John's Red Storm (+) vs Arizona State Sun Devils @ 9:10 ET - Long-term the Sun Devils are 5-9 SU and 4-8 ATS in games against teams from the Big East Conference. Also, the Pac-12 certainly was not overly impressive this season. Arizona State finished the season stronger than St John's did as the Sun Devils won 6 of their last 8 games while the Red Storm lost 4 of their last 5 games. However, when it is a "win to get in" situation, things can change in a hurry. In other words, don't be surprised when the Red Storm really raises their level of play on the defensive end in this one. Prior to an ugly loss to Xavier in their final game of February, St John's held their 6 prior opponents to an average of 40% from the field and none of those 6 shot better than 43% from the field. The Sun Devils enter this game having allowed 45% from the field over their last 7 games away from home. Arizona State beat the Red Storm when they most recently met two years ago but St John's had 9 more shots from the field but had a rare poor shooting night while the Sun Devils shot well in that match-up. The recent trending of these two teams as well as the ASU win in their most recent meeting is resulting in too much respect being given to the Sun Devils here. Grab the value with the hungry dog and, keep in mind, you hear a lot about St John's Shamorie Ponds but when Mustapha Herron plays 27 minutes or more (and he is healthier again), the Red Storm have won 4 of their last 6 games. Herron averaged 22 points per game in the 3 most recent of those 4 wins. Look for him to come up big here while Ponds and LJ Figueroa also have big games to lead the way to an "upset" here. 10* ST JOHN'S |
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03-20-19 | Lightning v. Capitals +123 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 46 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #24 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Lightning already clinched home ice for the entire post-season. The Capitals will prove to be the much hungrier team here. Certainly Tampa Bay is not going to lay down in this game but the fact is that Washington is still in a dog fight for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division while the Bolts wrapped up the Presidents Trophy for this season by knocking of the Coyotes 4 to 1 on Monday. The Caps also are seeking revenge for their loss at Tampa Bay last week. Even though this is a back to back spot for Washington they'll be ready as they have had this game circled after losing 6-3 down in Tampa. That game was closer than the final score would indicate as the Lightning got two empty-net goals. Also, the Capitals went with Phoenix Copley between the pipes last night so that Braden Holtby would be ready to go tonight. The dog had won 6 of the last 9 meetings between these teams prior to the favored Bolts getting the win in the most recent match-up. The Capitals are 25-6 including a superb 9-3 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 10* WASHINGTON |
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03-20-19 | Celtics v. 76ers -2.5 | Top | 115-118 | Win | 100 | 10 h 53 m | Show |
Atlantic Division #1 Top Game - Rickenbach NBA Game #568 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Boston Celtics @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers purposely rested Joel Embiid last night in their win at Charlotte so he would be ready for this huge match-up tonight as the Sixers host the Celtics. The very first number that popped up offshore on this one had Philly -4.5 but the line has dropped down to as low as a -2.5 as of early game day morning. This is offering great line value on a Philadelphia team that has an extreme hunger about them when it comes to knocking off Boston here. Not only are the Celtics long-time rivals, not only did Boston knock the 76ers out of the post-season last spring, the C's also have won all 3 meeting this season! To say that Philadelphia "owes them one" is a colossal understatement. The fact is the Sixers owe them plenty and with Boston off a loss and having lost 7 of their last 13 games, the timing is perfect here. The Celtics games against quality opponents (Denver, Clippers, Golden State, Houston, Portland, Toronto, Milwaukee) have seen them go 1-6 SU since the All-Star break. In other words, with the exception of beating the Warriors, the only wins that Boston has been getting since the All Star break have come against weak foes. Also, the Celtics last 6 losses have come by an average margin of 14 points so the spread should not be an issue here. As for the 76ers, they have won 5 straight games. Also, the Sixers have won 14 of their last 20 home games. When playing with home loss revenge Philly is 37-17 ATS including 6-1 ATS this season. The Celtics have covered just 6 of their last 18 road games. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-19-19 | Belmont v. Temple +3.5 | Top | 81-70 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #672 Tuesday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (+) vs Belmont Bruins @ 9:10 ET - The Bruins have the better record and the betting markets strongly favor them in this match-up. Of course you know what that usually means! The fact is that the first number that popped up off-shore on this game had the line at very nearly a pick'em. Now it has been driven all the way up to a -3.5 on Belmont! This is offering tremendous underdog line value to a Temple team that has a long-time veteran coach (Fran Dunphy) and that has played a much tougher schedule this season than the Bruins. Yes Belmont has a very high-scoring offense but keep in mind the competition that they faced. Also, the Owls are 16-6 ATS their last 22 games against teams that average 77 points or more per game! The Bruins are 3-6 ATS their last 9 tournament games. Specific to the NCAA Tourney Belmont is a long-term 0-7 SU (2-5 ATS). The Bruins are a long-term 1-3 ATS when they are a neutral court favorite in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. Temple is on a 7-3 ATS run in games with a posted total in the 150s. Additionally, the Owls went 4-0 SU in games with a posted total in the 150s this season. They will call this one an upset when it goes into the books but truly the earliest of the first numbers posted on this game (right around a pick'em) had it right! Grab the extra value of the points but we should not need them. 10* TEMPLE |
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03-19-19 | Avalanche v. Wild OVER 5.5 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:05 ET - The Avs are off a rare shutout win. Prior to that, the Avalanche had allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of their previous 5 games. Also, Colorado is 9-3 to the over (including 3-1 this season) when off a game in which they shut out their opponent. The Avs are also 7-2 to the over in Tuesday games this season and 6-3 to the over this season when they are off 3 or more consecutive home games. Now the Avalanche are at Minnesota tonight. There have only been two unders in the last 6 meetings between these teams. Also, those 6 games have all totaled at least 5 goals and the average has been 7 goals per game. Tonight's total is a 5.5 and the Wild are 10-6 to the over in their last 16 games against teams with a losing record. The Avalanche are 5 for 17 on the power play in their last 5 road games. The Wild are 4 for 10 on the power play in their last 3 home games. Minnesota has allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their last 5 games. I see no reason that each team won't get to 3 goals in this one given all of the above factors. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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03-19-19 | 76ers -1 v. Hornets | Top | 118-114 | Win | 100 | 9 h 23 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #551 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers have Boston on deck and also will be resting Joel Embiid tonight. As a result, many will be looking the way of the Hornets in this one tonight. However, Charlotte is 0-9 SU in their last 9 games against the Sixers. Also, the Hornets play in the weakest division in the NBA. Even though Charlotte fell short at Miami Saturday, they are still 10-5 against Southeast Division opponents. That means that the Hornets are a horrible 21-33 against the rest of the league! They now host a Sixers team that is 45-25 on the season! Also, Philly is 8-1 SU its last 9 versus teams with a losing record. The Hornets are 3-10 SU their last 13 versus teams with a winning record. Charlotte is also a long-term 14-36 ATS (16-34 SU) against Atlantic Division opponents. The Hornets enter this game on a 4-10 SU run and 3-11 ATS run. Also, even though Philly has the Celtics on deck, they are well aware of the fact that they are in a huge battle with the Indiana and Boston in terms of the 3,4,5 seeding in the Eastern Conference. Dropping to 5th means no home court edge in the opening series. In other words, with just a dozen regular season games left, every W counts. Look for the 76ers to get this W against an out-classed Charlotte team as the Sixers make it 10 in a row over the Hornets. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-18-19 | Canucks v. Blackhawks OVER 6 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -130 | 11 h 1 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks @ 8:35 ET - The Canucks have trended under but the Blackhawks have trended over in a huge way and I expect Chicago to dictate the pace and flow of this game on home ice. The Blackhawks are 24-3-1 to the over their last 28 games. Vancouver does enter this game having recorded an under in 3 straight games but that is a situation that has seen them go 6-2 to the over the last 8 times. In other words, the odds strongly favor that under streak coming to an end as this one flies over the total. The Blackhawks are 13-0 to the over in their last 13 games against teams with a losing record! Also, Chicago is 7-1 to the over this season when on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Blackhawks are 22-7-1 to the over this season in a home game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in Chicago |
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03-18-19 | Nuggets +3.5 v. Celtics | Top | 114-105 | Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #537 Monday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (+) @ Boston Celtics @ 7:35 ET - Many believe the Western Conference is better than the Eastern Conference and it has been that way for many consecutive seasons. I feel we're getting great value here with a high-quality Nuggets team as a sizable underdog here. The Celtics are 10-17 ATS against the West this season. Denver enters this game having gone 16-8 SU against the East this season. Also, the Nuggets are 14-8 ATS (15-7 SU) this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more consecutive games. Boston is a long-term 11-20 ATS in home games with a posted total of 220 points or more. The Celtics are 3-8 ATS the last 11 times they've allowed 115 points or more. Boston got the sweep last season (but only by a combined margin of 7 points) and the Nuggets are looking to return the favor this season after already winning at home by 8 points earlier in the season. Based on the above trends, the situational value here, and the fact the Celtics are a little banged up, don't be surprised if the road dog wins this one outright. Grab the points! 10* DENVER |
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03-17-19 | Flyers v. Penguins OVER 6.5 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -140 | 9 h 37 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:35 ET - The over is 11-3-1 in the Flyers last 15 games. The Penguins have been trending under of late but it hasn't been a result of a lack of offense. Prior to their 5-1 home loss to St Louis yesterday, Pittsburgh had scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 9 previous games. The over is 15-9 this season when the Pens are off a non-conference game. I don't expect the Flyers to be able to stop the Penguins here but, at the same time, Philly has been scoring very well also. Philadelphia's problem has been inconsistent play in their own zone and then getting some shaky goaltending as well. The Flyers have allowed an average of 4.2 goals per game in their last 5 games. The Penguins have averaged scoring 4.8 goals per game in their last 4 games against Philly. This total is big but it is fully justified given all of the above and I look for scoring early, often, and throughout this game between these division in-state rivals. Should be plenty of power play opportunities as well as these teams don't like each other and there is some bad blood that often leads to some extra penalties! 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh |
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03-17-19 | Michigan v. Michigan State OVER 130.5 | Top | 60-65 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 38 m | Show |
Big Ten #1 Top Game O/U - Rickenbach CBB Game #655 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Michigan State Spartans vs Michigan Wolverines @ 3:30 ET - The over is a perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. Also, the over is 9-4 when Michigan State, past the midway point in a season, faces a team that is allowing 64 points or less per game. Why? The reason is because the oddsmakers tend to over-adjust when the Spartans are matched up with a team that is also strong defensively just like they are. That said, we've got a lot of value here as this total opened up in the mid-130s but has dropped down to as low as 130 early this morning. Even with yesterday's Michigan game staying under the total, the over is still on a 7-3 run in Wolverines conference tournament games. The Spartans game yesterday also stayed under the total but that is part of what is driving the total down in this one and leading to even more value on the over. 70% of yesterday's games stayed under the total and the betting public is always guilty of being very short-sighted. Just because the majority of games stayed under the total yesterday does not mean a repeat performance today. Yet you're seeing most of the unders getting pounded today. Even though both these teams were involved in unders yesterday, the Spartans scored 67 points and they're averaging 79 points per game on the season! The Wolverines scored 76 points yesterday and they've scored 69 points or more in 8 of their last 11 games. 10* OVER the total in the Big Ten Championship Game |
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03-17-19 | 76ers +6.5 v. Bucks | Top | 130-125 | Win | 100 | 5 h 4 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #521 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 3:35 ET - Not only is Philadelphia 10-5 SU their last 15 games, 3 of the 5 losses came by 3 or less points. Of course that means that at +6.5 (the current line on today's game), the 76ers would be on a 13-2 ATS run. Certainly Milwaukee deserves plenty of respect and the Bucks are at home here. However, there isn't nearly enough respect being given to a Sixers team that is viewing this game as a chance to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the league. The Bucks have covered each of their last two home games but prior to that they were on an 0-3 ATS run in home games. Keep in mind, Milwaukee just returned from a 3-game road trip too. Conversely, Philly has won 3 straight games and has been enjoying the comforts of home. The 76ers have revenge from a loss by a double digit margin at Milwaukee in their first meeting this season. Philadelphia is a much different team now than they were then when these teams met in late October. Keep in mind the Bucks were only favored by 5 in that game. Now they are favored by 6.5 even though the Sixers now have Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. You can see why the Sixers are offering great value here. Also, Philly is 38-18 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season. The Sixers are also 57-30 ATS when coming off a non-conference game. The Bucks are 2-6 ATS in a home game with a posted total of 230 points or more. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-17-19 | Cincinnati +5.5 v. Houston | Top | 69-57 | Win | 100 | 7 h 2 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #653 Sunday 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bearcats (-) vs Houston Cougars @ 3:15 ET - This line opened up at a -4 on Houston and has been bet up to a -5.5 as of early Sunday morning. Of course the public remembers that Houston has beaten Cincinnati in both meetings this season. However, not only is it tough to win 3 straight over a conference rival in the same season, there is also the matter of the point spread here as well. The Cougars blew the cover against Memphis yesterday and the same thing is absolutely possible here as the Bearcats come into this game rolling with confidence and fully capable of an outright upset. That said, if Cincinnati does fall short of the upset bid I fully expect the defeat to be by a margin of just a single possession. The Bearcats most recent loss was an ugly one versus Houston but 2 of Cincinnati's 3 prior losses came by 3 or less points. The average margin of defeat in the Bearcats 3 prior losses was just 4 points. Cincinnati had 13 more field goal attempts than Houston in the first meeting this season. The Bearcats simply had an awful shooting performance. In the 2nd meeting the Cougars made a ridiculous 12 of 23 three pointers. That resulted in Houston having 18 more points from beyond the arc and that certainly was the key difference in the 16-point victory. The Bearcats have a history of getting to the line much more than the Cougars in their match-ups with an edge of 122 to 69 in free throw attempts in the last 5 meetings. Don't be surprised when the Bearcats gut out an upset win here with the charity stripe also being an edge. 10* CINCINNATI |
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03-16-19 | Suns +2.5 v. Pelicans | Top | 138-136 | Win | 100 | 8 h 21 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #505 Saturday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns (+) @ New Orleans Pelicans @ 7:05 ET - The Pelicans have a winning record at home this season. The Suns are 6-30 on the road this season. So when this line opened up at nearly a pick'em, it comes as no surprise that everyone jumped all over New Orleans in this game and drove the line to as high as a -3 on the Pelicans. However, do you think the odds makers are fools? They knew what they were doing here! Anthony Davis (rest) and Jrue Holiday (abdominal) are listed as out for this game. Also, the Pelicans have lost 5 straight games overall and also 5 straight home games. The Suns have been playing better of late as they've actually won 5 of their last 9 games overall. Also, Phoenix is on a perfect 4-0 ATS run in road games and 2 of those wins were outright upset wins. Ride the hot team (Phoenix) in this one as they improve to 8-4 ATS this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. In the process, the Suns will drop New Orleans to 3-10 SU this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. 10* PHOENIX |
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03-16-19 | Seton Hall v. Villanova OVER 135 | Top | 72-74 | Win | 100 | 9 h 3 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #629 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Seton Hall Pirates @ 6:30 ET - The over is 3-0 in Villanova's last 3 games and the Wildcats game with the Pirates last Saturday totaled 154 points. Seton Hall enters this game having allowed 70 points or more in 7 of its last 9 games. The Pirates have also scored 70 points or more in each of their last 5 games away from home. Villanova has scored over 70 points in 4 straight games. Based on these numbers it is very reasonable to expect this game to get into the 140s. The over is on an 11-5 run in Seton Hall's tournament games. The over is on a 10-4 run in Wildcats games played away from home. These teams shot the 3-ball very well in their last meeting and I expect more of the same in the rematch as they play their 3rd straight game in 3 days at Madison Square Garden in New York. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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03-16-19 | Panthers v. Kings OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 4 h 7 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Kings vs Florida Panthers @ 4:05 ET - The Panthers have averaged 4 goals per game their last 14 games. Their most recent game resulted in an under but, prior to that, the over went 10-2-1 in Florida's 13 prior games. Even though the Kings are known for low-scoring games, I am expecting a wild one in Los Angeles Saturday afternoon. That's because LA is looking for payback from a 6-1 loss at Florida earlier this season. The Kings have gotten a little healthier lately and eventually the goal-scoring will see an uptick for LA. With the Panthers coming into this one overconfident, this looks like the perfect spot to see the Kings do some damage in the offensive zone. However, Los Angeles won't be able to slow down the red hot production of the Panthers forwards. Florida is 17-8 to the over this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. LA is 14-8 to the over this season after being held to 1 goal or less in their prior game. Also, the Kings are on a long-term 34-17 run to the over (including 13-5 this season) in Saturday games. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles |
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03-16-19 | Memphis +8.5 v. Houston | Top | 58-61 | Win | 100 | 6 h 56 m | Show |
AAC #1 Top Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #617 Saturday 10* Top Play Memphis Tigers (+) vs Houston Cougars @ 3 ET - I used the Tigers yesterday and they blasted a respectable Central Florida team. The Cougars are also off an impressive win but it came against a Huskies team that had a down season. I like this senior-laden Memphis team to give Houston all they can handle here. That said, we've got great line value with the points being offered. This one opened up at a 7.5 but is up to an 8.5 as of early this morning. The Tigers lost by double digits at Houston earlier this season but they've been playing much better on defense of late compared to how they were playing on that end of the floor in early January when they faced the Cougars. Memphis has held five straight opponents to 39.1% or less from the field. The Tigers held those 5 opponents to an average of 66 points per game and, keep in mind, Memphis is averaging a solid 81 points per game on the other end of the floor. The point is that the Tigers are currently getting the job done on both ends of the floor. Memphis is 7-2 ATS this season in games with a posted total in the 140s. Also, the Tigers are 8-4 ATS in Saturday games this season. I look for Houston's record to drop to 3-6 ATS the last 9 times they've played a neutral court game with a posted total between 145 and 149.5 points. 10* MEMPHIS |
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03-15-19 | Golden Knights v. Stars +127 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher – Rickenbach NHL Game #26 Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - Too much value to pass up on here with this home dog. Yes it is true that Dallas is in a back to back spot but the Stars are battling for a playoff spot just like the Golden Knights are. That said, Dallas is tough to beat because they just don't allow many goals at all. The Stars have allowed a TOTAL of only FOUR goals in their last SIX games! Goalie Bishop was in between the pipes yesterday and Dallas has won each of his last 5 starts. Goalie Khudobin lost his most recent start despite playing well and each of his 3 prior starts were winners. As you can see, the Stars have been getting solid goaltending. As for the Golden Knights, they have been getting solid goaltending most of the time too but certainly not as consistently as Dallas has. Vegas is actually off a 6-3 loss that marked the 3rd time in their last 8 games that they've allowed 5 or more goals. People are grabbing the Golden Knights here due to their scheduling edge but, keep in mind, the Stars also have revenge on their side in this game. Dallas has been the better team in their own zone of late and the Stars are making a playoff push and are starting to believe! That makes for a dangerous home dog. 10* DALLAS |
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03-15-19 | Kings v. 76ers -9 | Top | 114-123 | Push | 0 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #574 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Sacramento Kings @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers have revenge from a loss at Sacramento earlier this season and, keep in mind, the Kings did sweep Philly last season. It is definitely payback time here and the Sixers are catching Sacramento at the right time to exact revenge. The Kings are off a hard-fought loss at Boston last night. Note that the Kings are an ugly 2-8 ATS this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the Sixers SU and ATS loss at Sacramento early last month certainly appears to be an aberration. The 76ers are a fantastic 7-1 SU and ATS in their other 8 games against Pacific Division opponents this season. Philly's Ben Simmons has been upgraded to probable for this game as well and a double digit victory is in the forecast here. The Sixers playing with 2 days of rest between games while the Kings are in a back to back. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-15-19 | Auburn -8 v. South Carolina | Top | 73-64 | Win | 100 | 6 h 43 m | Show |
SEC #1 Top Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #817 Friday 10* Top Play Auburn Tigers (-) vs South Carolina Gameocks @ 3:30 ET - The Tigers lost their match-up at South Carolina in the regular season. In that match-up the Gamecocks Chris Silva had a season high 32 points and made 11 of 12 from the field. The rest of the team made only 19 of 52 attempts from the field. Also, the fact that game was at home also makes a difference. Though Silva had a big game in his road finale too, his 8 prior games away from home saw him average only 10.1 points per game. As you can see he is much more likely to be closer to 10 points in this game than the 32 he scored in the first meeting. Yes, the Gamecocks ended up being the higher seed in the SEC Tourney but the Tigers are the ranked team and for good reason. I look for them to blast South Carolina in the rematch. The Gamecocks have been held to 40% or less from the field in 4 of their last 5 games. The Tigers have shot over 45.2% in 4 of their last 5 games. Look for Auburn to have their physicality on the increase throughout this tourney and they showed that in their win over Missouri yesterday. The Tigers know they need that again here against Silva and Company and I expect it to be on full display as they get payback big here! The Gamecocks have a strong ATS streak against the Tigers but it ends here. Auburn is the much better team this season and the first game was truly an aberration. The Tigers are on an 11-6 ATS run when playing with road loss revenge. South Carolina is 14-25 when playing with 5 or 6 days of rest between games. That is a long-term trend but the point is that oftentimes it proves better for momentum if you keep playing and sometimes rest leads to rust. The fact that Auburn was in action yesterday arguably could end up giving them the edge in this rematch with the rusty Gamecocks. 10* AUBURN |
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03-14-19 | Capitals v. Flyers +120 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Double revenge spot for the Flyers as they've lost each game by a 5-3 count this season even though Philadelphia has outshot Washington by a combined count of 70 to 60 in the two games this season. The Flyers are still very much alive in the playoff race and have won 6 of their last 8 games. Even though the Capitals have also been hot, they are off a loss at Pittsburgh and are just 13-13 in their last 26 games. Look for the Caps to drop to 9-9 this season when off a game which they lost by a margin of 2 or more goals. The fact is that Washington is overvalued here as a road favorite here against a hungry division rival home dog! Other than the loss to the Capitals last week, the Flyers have won 8 of last 12 against teams with a winning record. They've been playing their best hockey of the season as they continue to make a push for the post-season. With Carolina and Columbus matched up tomorrow, the Flyers know they can pick up two points here plus see one of those two teams they are chasing fail to do so tomorrow on Friday. That means Philly can continue to gain ground with a win here and I look for them to do just that as the Flyers improve to 12-4 in their last 16 games on home ice. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-14-19 | Thunder v. Pacers OVER 219 | Top | 106-108 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 21 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #561 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 7:05 ET - The Thunder are off a win versus Brooklyn yesterday that stayed well under the total as I know all too well. I won't hesitate to come right back with the over today. Oklahoma City had a horrific start on the offensive end yesterday and that set the tone for the entire game. Now on the road and in a back to back spot, the Thunder know they can ill afford another slow start. I look for OKC to hit the floor running in this one and we should see a good pace throughout. Oklahoma City is 16-6 to the over this season when coming off a non-conference game. I am well aware of the fact that, like the Thunder, the Pacers have been trending under of late. However, the Pacers have scored an average of 125 points per game in their last 4 home games versus teams from the Western Conference. The over went 3-1 in those 4 games. Indiana, going further back, is 6-2 to the over the last 8 times the Pacers have been a host in non-conference action. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Indiana |
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03-14-19 | St. Joe's -119 v. Duquesne | Top | 92-86 | Win | 100 | 8 h 11 m | Show |
Atlantic 10 #1 Top Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #693 Thursday 10* Top Play St Joseph's Hawks (-) vs Duquesne Dukes @ 6 ET - This is another one that many view as an odd line. The Hawks opened up as the favorite here even though St Joseph's is 5 games over .500 while the Dukes are 7 games over the .500 mark on the season! Must be some kind of huge mistake by the oddsmakers, right? Of course that is not the case and the fact is that we've got great value here with the small line on a St Joseph's team that has played a tougher schedule in comparison with Duquesne this season. Also, the Hawks have revenge for a 1 point road loss to the Dukes two months ago. Duquesne has allowed opponents to shoot 49% or better in 4 of their last 6 games. St Joseph's has held their last 4 opponents to a combined shooting percentage under 40% from the field. The Hawks went 11-5 SU this season as a favorite. Also, St Joseph's is a long-term 20-13 ATS when off a loss in conference action including 4-1 ATS their last 5. The Dukes are on a 2-5 SU and ATS run in games played on a neutral court. Long-term Duquesne is an awful 22-42 ATS and 16-51 SU in games played in the month of March. 10* ST JOSEPH'S |
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03-13-19 | Nets v. Thunder OVER 230 | Top | 96-108 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #553 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:05 ET - I looked like a fool with my play on the over in Brooklyn on Monday but I don't know if I have ever seen something like this in my life! The Nets gave up just 75 points even though they allowed the Pistons 97 field goal attempts! Detroit simply was horrific with their shooting as they made just 27.8% of their shots from the field! Truly unreal and also noteworthy here as the over is a perfect 4-0 the last 4 times the Nets were off a game in which they allowed 75 points or less. Brooklyn's pace has certainly been conducive to overs of late even though overs have not been cashing in. The Nets have allowed an average of 101 field goal attempts in their past two games and 97.2 FG attempts their last 11 games! The Thunder certainly have no qualms about getting into high-scoring shootouts with teams but, like the Nets, they are off of a bit of an unusual game. They played the defensive-minded Jazz and Utah and Oklahoma City both failed to reach the century mark in that game. The over is 18-9 in Brooklyn's last 27 games against Northwest Division opponents. The over is 13-7 in Oklahoma City's home games with a posted total of 220 points or more this season. The over is 4-1 the last 5 times the Thunder were off a game in which they held their opponent under 100 points. 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma City |
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03-13-19 | Blackhawks v. Maple Leafs -1.5 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #66 Wednesday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Puck Line -1.5 goals +120 vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 7:05 ET - Perfect set up here as the Blackhawks are off a huge 7-1 win while the Maple Leafs are off a 6-2 loss. Toronto is 16-4 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Chicago is playing this game with home loss revenge but that is a situation that has seen them lose 15 of 19 games this season. Also, the Blackhawks have lost 21 of 31 games against teams with a losing record this season. The Maple Leafs have won 47 of their last 74 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Per the above, a Toronto bounce back here is quite likely. Of course the money line is huge here but that is where the puck line comes into play as a valuable asset. By taking the Maple Leafs at -1.5 goals we actually get a plus money return on Toronto here and any Leafs win is likely to come by 2 or more goals. The reason I say that is because the Maple Leafs last 40 wins have featured 32 (80%) by a victory margin of 2 or more goals. As for the Blackhawks losses, 5 of Chicago's 6 losses since the All Star break have come by a margin of defeat of 2 or more goals. Situation points toward a Toronto win here and the odds (as you can see immediately above) fully favor the win to come by at least two goals. 10* TORONTO Puck Line -1.5 goals +120 |
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03-13-19 | Wyoming v. New Mexico OVER 145.5 | Top | 68-78 | Win | 100 | 7 h 6 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Mexico Lobos vs Wyoming Cowboys @ 4:30 ET - These teams just met at Wyoming on Saturday and the game totaled 169 points. The Lobos totaled 81 points and the amazing aspect of that is that New Mexico had 7 players that played 17 minutes or more in the game and 4 of the 7 combined to make just 9 of their 35 field goal attempts. Even with poor shooting from 4 guys whom each had at least 7 field goal attempts, New Mexico still put up 81 points on the scoreboard. Both the Lobos and Cowboys are two of the worst teams defensively in the Mountain West in terms of points allowed. Also, Wyoming has built up confidence (particularly on the offensive end) based on recent performances. The Cowboys have won back to back games for the first time this season and Wyoming has averaged scoring 80.3 points per game their last 3 games. On the season the Lobos have averaged 76 points per game so I expect plenty of points in this one. New Mexico has averaged 92 points per game in their last 4 meetings with Wyoming. The Cowboys have scored 75 points or more in 3 of last 4 meetings with Lobos. Also, in the last 3 meetings NOT played at New Mexico (either at Wyoming or at neutral site) the Cowboys have averaged scoring 92.3 points per game! The over is 3-0 in Wyoming's last 3 games overall. The over is 4-1 this season in Lobos games with a posted total of 148 or less. This one falls into that category and after opening as high as a 147 has dropped to as low as a 145.5 as of early this morning. That is a value add I won't pass up. 10* OVER the total in New Mexico |
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03-12-19 | Cavs v. 76ers OVER 221.5 | Top | 99-106 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 57 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NBA Game #535 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia 76ers vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - The Cavs are off a big upset win over the Raptors last night. Don't be surprised if they are a little flat on the defensive end tonight. The 76ers are rested after a big win over Indiana Sunday. In that game the Sixers really turned the heat up on defense in the 2nd half to eventually pull away and win by double digits. As they now face one of the worst teams in the NBA and also have 2 more off days on deck after this. I would not be surprised to see Philly lacking in defensive intensity tonight as well. The last 3 meetings between these teams all went over the total and they averaged 242.7 points per game. As you would expect with that type of average, all 3 games flew over the total! The Cavaliers enter this game on a 7-3 run to the over. Cleveland is 11-5 to the over this season in games against Atlantic Division opponents. As a home favorite of 12.5 points or more, the 76ers are 3-1 to the over this season. The Sixers have averaged scoring 124 points per game in their last 3 games against the Cavs. The Cavaliers have scored an average of 121.3 points per game in their last 3 visits to the City of Brotherly Love. Look for more of the same in this one as it crushes the posted total. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia |
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03-12-19 | Bruins -110 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-7 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Each of these teams are coming off a loss. However, while that is newsworthy for the Bruins, it truly is nothing new for the Blue Jackets. The fact is that Columbus is playing with playoff pressure and they continue to, more often than not, wilt under that pressure. The Blue Jackets have now lost 4 of their past 6 games and they've scored an average of only 1.3 goals per game those 6 contests! As for Boston, prior to their 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh, they had won 15 of their past 17 games! High-powered Boston had averaged scoring 3.8 goals per game in their last 13 wins. While the Bruins were off yesterday, the Blue Jackets were at New York getting shutout by the Islanders. That said, Boston has the rest edge here and Columbus has lost 8 of 12 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Bruins have won 25 of 37 Tuesday games including 9 of 11 this season. Columbus took 2 out of 3 meetings last season and it is time for a little payback here! 10* BOSTON |
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03-12-19 | Notre Dame -122 v. Georgia Tech | Top | 78-71 | Win | 100 | 5 h 28 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #603 Tuesday 10* Top Play Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-) vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ 2:30 ET in ACC Tournament at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC - This line opened up at a -2.5 on Notre Dame even though the Fighting Irish went just 3-15 in ACC action while the Yellow Jackets finished the ACC regular season campaign with a 6-12 mark. Of course this means the odds makers made an egregious mistake, right? That is what the betting markets would lead you to believe as they drove the line down to as low as a -1 and the money line (best play here in my opinion) fell down to the -120 range. In typical contrarian fashion I am against the move here. Keep in mind, Notre Dame only split with Georgia Tech this season but the Irish had 13 more field goal attempts than the Jackets in the road match-up and 10 more in the home match-up. The reasons for the advantage in attempts were edges in rebounding and in turnovers. I look for those areas to continue to be factors here and the Fighting Irish will take advantage of their additional scoring opportunities to advance in the ACC tourney. The Irish went 11-3 SU this season as a favorite. In the past 2+ seasons the Fighting Irish are 21-3 SU when facing a team with a losing record. The Yellow Jackets are playing with road loss revenge here but that is a situation that has seen them go 1-8 SU this season! Georgia Tech is also 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on a neutral court. 10* NOTRE DAME |
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03-11-19 | Pistons v. Nets OVER 221 | Top | 75-103 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 59 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:35 ET - The Nets have stayed under the total in 4 straight games. However, Brooklyn has scored an average of 118 points per game their last 3 games. But, as a result of the under streak, the posted total on this one already dropped from an opener of 222.5 down to a 221 overnight heading into Monday. The Pistons come into this game off an under but, prior to that, the over was 9-1 in Detroit's last 10 games! Also, the over is 10-5 this season in Pistons games against Atlantic Division opponents. Detroit has averaged scoring 121 points per game in its last 4 games. The over in Nets game improves to 14-8 the last 22 times they've entered a game on an under streak of 3 more consecutive games. Both teams have been scoring very well and that continues here. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn |
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03-11-19 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5 | Top | 6-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 24 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off back to back unders but they had previously gone over the total in 6 straight games. Toronto has averaged scoring 4.3 goals per game their last 8 games. The Lightning have been trending under of late but the Bolts are a very high-powered team. Tampa Bay has averaged 3.9 goals per game on the season. The over is 14-6-1 in Maple Leafs divisional games this season. In March games, the Maple Leafs are 20-12 to the over. The Bolts are converting 28.8% of their power plays this season. The Maple Leafs are converting 26% of their power plays in home games this season. Look for this one to fly over the total. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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03-11-19 | Western Michigan v. Central Michigan -9.5 | Top | 67-81 | Win | 100 | 14 h 47 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #870 Monday 10* Top Play Central Michigan Chippewas (-) vs Western Michigan Broncos @ 7 ET - Central Michigan just played at Western Michigan Friday. Though the game was decided by a 7 point margin, the Chippewas led the game by 15 points at the half. Keep in mind, this followed a 21 point beating that the Chips put on the Broncos when they hosted them in early February. Now, in conference tournament action, the Chippewas again are the host and another beating is likely here. Central Michigan is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a losing record. Also, the Chips are 11-4 ATS this season when off a game in which they scored 80 or more points. This line dropped from an early opener of 11 down to a 9.5 as of overnight heading into Monday. Western Michigan, versus teams that average 77 points or more, has gone 2-8 ATS this season. The Broncos are a long-term 7-14 ATS in first round tournament games. Western Michigan also is a poor 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games played in the month of March. All signs point to a home blowout here. I normally don't lay big points but the edges here are too strong. Keep in mind the Chippewas won the turnover battle 20-8 when these teams met here last month! 10* CENTRAL MICHIGAN |
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03-10-19 | Bruins v. Penguins OVER 6.5 | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - Both teams in a back to back spot here. The Bruins hosted the Senators and the Penguins were at Columbus yesterday. Boston has won 13 of their last 14 games and has averaged 3.8 goals per game in those 13 victories. Pittsburgh's last 13 games, prior to yesterday's low-scoring loss, saw the Penguins average scoring 3.6 goals per game. The over is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between these teams and that includes each of the last 5 meetings in Boston going over the total. Look for another one here as there is a lot of firepower on both of these hockey clubs and with both off low-scoring "grinders" yesterday I expect a barn-burner today to result. Look for this long-term series trend of high-scoring games between the Pens and Bruins to continue here. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh |
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03-10-19 | Pacers v. 76ers -5.5 | Top | 89-106 | Win | 100 | 5 h 15 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NBA Game #506 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Indiana Pacers @ 3:35 ET - It looks like Joel Embiid will be back for this game. Even though the Sixers got blown out by the Rockets in their most recent game they truly were done in by poor shooting. If they had just shot "normal" Philly would have won the game outright. Instead it was a blowout loss but that helps with the line value here actually. The 76ers are a very manageable favorite against a Pacers team that they blew out by 24 in the most recent meetings at Indiana. The Pacers are on a poor 3-11 ATS run in their last 14 road games. The Sixers are very hungry for a win here and will be rejuvenated by the expected return of Embiid and the fact this game is at home. Philly is off back to back losses and they are a perfect 4-0 SU when off B2B straight-up losses this season. Indeed, the 76ers have not lost 3 straight games this entire season and I don't expect that to change here. Indiana is playing this game with home loss revenge but that is a situation that has seen them go 2-5 ATS this season. The Sixers are 36-18 ATS (including 9-3 ATS this season) when off a loss by a double digit margin. Also, Philly is 74-46 ATS long-term in home games. Look for a blowout by the host in this one with a winning margin by double digits expected. 10* PHILADELPHIA |