05-07-17 |
Yankees v. Cubs -129 |
|
5-4 |
Loss |
-129 |
12 h 49 m |
Show
|
15* Yankees/Cubs ESPN Sunday Night BAILOUT on Chicago -129
The Chicago Cubs have lost the first two meetings of this series with the New York Yankees. They will be highly motivated to avoid the sweep tonight. They'll get the win with ace Jon Lester on the mound.
Lester has gone 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA in six starts this season, including 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in three home starts. Lester is 13-6 with a 3.78 ERA in 29 career starts against the Yankees as well.
Luis Severino is off to a decent start this season for the Yankees, going 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA in five starts. But he has never been able to sustain this kind of success at the big league level. And he allowed 5 earned runs and 10 base runners in 5 2/3 innings in his last start against Toronto.
Lester is a perfect 14-0 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last two seasons. Lester is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games vs. teams whose hitters draw 4 walks or more/game in his career. Take the Cubs Sunday.
|
05-06-17 |
Warriors v. Jazz +6.5 |
Top |
102-91 |
Loss |
-110 |
9 h 41 m |
Show
|
20* Warriors/Jazz Game 3 No-Brainer on Utah +6.5
The Utah Jazz have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA. They are 30-14 at home this season. They were at least competitive in their two games at Golden State, covering the spread in both games. Now they are catching 6.5 points at home in Game 3 with the series basically on the line. I look for a big effort from them here.
The Jazz have played the Warriors tough at home over the past few years. They have gone 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings in Salt Lake City, not once losing by more than 7 points. And the only non-cover came in overtime in a 96-103 loss as 4.5-point dogs last season.
Plays against favorites (Golden State) - when leading in a playoff series, a top-level team (winning at least 75%) playing a good team (60% to 75%) are 44-16 (73.3%) ATS since 1996. Plays on home underdogs (UTAH) - revenging two straight losses vs opponent of 10 points or more against opponent off two no-covers where the team won straight up as a favorite are 37-13 (74%) ATS since 1996.
The Jazz are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games when playing on one days' rest. Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall. The Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning record. Utah is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings. Bet the Jazz in Game 3 Saturday.
|
05-06-17 |
Indians -112 v. Royals |
|
3-1 |
Win
|
100 |
4 h 21 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Indians -112
We're getting the best team in the AL Central in the Cleveland Indians at a great value today against the worst team in the division in the Kansas City Royals. We'll take advantage and back the Indians here.
Josh Tomlin hasn't been on top of his game yet this season, but that's why we're getting this good price. But Tomlin is 8-4 with a 4.11 ERA and 1.143 WHIP in 17 career starts against Kansas City. He is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in his last five starts against the Royals, giving up just 5 earned runs in 33 1/3 innings.
Jason Vargas is off to a great start for the Royals, which is why he is being overvalued now. But don't expect much run support for him as the Royals are hitting .215 and scoring 2.9 runs per game this season. Vargas has posted a 4.68 ERA in 13 career starts against Cleveland.
Kansas City is 1-9 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season. Tomlin is 16-4 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when the money line is -100 to -150 over the last 2 seasons. The Indians are 15-2 in Tomlin's last 17 starts vs. a team with a losing record. The Royals are 3-14 in their last 17 vs. American League Central opponents. Take the Indians Saturday.
|
05-05-17 |
Astros -127 v. Angels |
|
7-6 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 44 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -127
The Houston Astros have been one of the most profitable teams to back this season due to their 19-10 start. They have lived up to their potential this season with one of the best lineups in baseball, one of the top bullpens, and an improved starting rotation.
Speaking of living up to their potential, 2015 AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel has returned to that form after a sub-par 2016 campaign. Keuchel is 5-0 with a 1.21 ERA and 0.806 WHIP in six starts this season. He is 10-2 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.274 WHIP in 14 career starts against the Angels as well.
Jesse Chavez has gone 2-3 with a 4.03 ERA and 1.345 WHIP in five starts this season. Chavez is 3-2 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.389 WHIP in six career starts against the Astros. He is an average starter, but he's no match for Keuchel and this potent Astros' lineup tonight.
The Astros are 5-0 in Keuchel's last five starts vs. AL West opponents. Houston is 12-3 in its last 15 vs. AL West foes. The Astros are 6-0 in their last six during game 1 of a series. The Angels are 18-38 in their last 56 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Houston is 16-6 in the last 22 meetings, including 4-0 in Keuchel's last four starts vs. Los Angeles. Take the Astros Friday.
|
05-05-17 |
Spurs v. Rockets -4 |
|
103-92 |
Loss |
-115 |
33 h 5 m |
Show
|
15* Spurs/Rockets ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Houston -4
The Houston Rockets relaxed in Game 2 after throttling the Spurs 126-99 in Game 1. They actually kept it close for three quarters before getting blown out in the 4th by the Spurs in Game 2. The Spurs simply wanted that game more, but that won't be the case tonight as the series heads to Houston for Game 3.
I truly believe that the Rockets are the better team in this series and will win it when it's all said and done. And Game 3 tonight is their chance to prove that they are the better team. The Rockets have gone 33-11 at home this season and will be playing in front of a raucous home crowd.
James Harden will be motivated to redeem himself following a 3-for-17 shooting performance in Game 2. And the problem remains for the Spurs that Kawhi Leonard has to do too much for them. Now his task is even taller with starting PG Tony Parker out for the season with a torn quad muscle suffered in Game 2. Leonard will have to handle the ball even more on offense for them, while also being tasked with guarding Harden on the other end.
Plays on home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (HOUSTON) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points against opponent off a win by 20 points or more over a division rival are 35-11 (76.1%) ATS since 1996. The Spurs are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win. Houston is 18-9 ATS off a loss this season. Take the Rockets in Game 3 Friday.
|
05-05-17 |
Cavs v. Raptors +2 |
Top |
115-94 |
Loss |
-108 |
30 h 25 m |
Show
|
25* NBA 2nd Round GAME OF THE YEAR on Toronto Raptors +2
This same thing happened last year before the Raptors got back in the series in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavs. They were blown out in their first two games last year in Cleveland, but then rebounded to win Games 3 and 4 at home. I think they'll repeat that feat again this year.
Home-court advantage has been huge the last two years in the playoffs in this series. The home team is now 7-1 SU in the last eight playoff games between these teams The only exception was a Cavs' win in Toronto in Game 6 last year to close out the series. The Raptors are 30-14 at home this year, while the Cavs are a very vulnerable 22-21 on the road.
I think Cleveland is going to relax in Game 3 tonight. The Cavaliers have won six straight games to open this postseason just as they did last year. It's only human nature to relax when things have been going this well for them. The fact of the matter is that the Raptors are going to want this game more, and that's going to show on the court and on the scoreboard.
Cleveland is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 road games off two straight wins by 10 points or more. The Cavaliers are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Raptors are 15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Toronto is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Bet the Raptors in Game 3 Friday.
|
05-04-17 |
Celtics v. Wizards -5.5 |
Top |
89-116 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 33 m |
Show
|
20* Celtics/Wizards Game 3 No-Brainer on Washington -5.5
I've been riding the Boston Celtics with a ton of success during their 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS run in their last six games overall. However, I'm going to switch gears here and take the Washington Wizards in Game 3.
This is do-or-die for the Wizards tonight. It's a must-win game as they trail 2-0 after blowing Game 2 and eventually losing in overtime. I look for them to respond in a big way at home tonight and to win by a comfortable margin.
The Wizards have had one of the most underrated home-court advantages in the NBA this season. They are 33-11 at home while scoring 110.3 points per game and shooting 48.1% from the field. They are much more comfortable here in DC, and I look for John Wall to have a monster game to lead the way.
Boston is 2-10 ATS off two or more consecutive home wins this season. The Celtics are 3-15 ATS off four or more consecutive wins over the last two seasons. The home team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings. Bet the Wizards in Game 3 Thursday.
|
05-03-17 |
Rockets +5.5 v. Spurs |
Top |
96-121 |
Loss |
-105 |
9 h 26 m |
Show
|
20* Rockets/Spurs Game 2 ANNIHILATOR on Houston +5.5
We were on the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of this series in a 126-99 victory. They dominated from start to finish and led by 30 points at halftime. The Spurs will give a better effort in Game 2, but the fact of the matter remains that the Rockets are the better team.
Getting 5.5 points in Game 2 is a real nice value when you look at the season series. The Spurs have won three of five meetings, but they haven't won by more than 6 points, and three games have been decided by exactly 2 points. The Rockets have been the better team in the season series.
The Spurs are vulnerable because they are so reliant on one player in Kawhi Leonard. LaMarcus Aldridge has been a no-show, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli don't have much left in the tank, and Danny Green is on the downside of his career as well. Meanwhile, the Rockets are a complete team that can beat you even if James Harden is having an off game, which is rare.
Houston is 13-3 ATS as a road underdog this season. The road team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings. Houston is 7-0 ATS in road games when playing 6 or fewer games in 14 days this season. The Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four Conference Semifinals games. Bet the Rockets in Game 2 Wednesday.
|
05-03-17 |
Diamondbacks v. Nationals -131 |
|
1-2 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 21 m |
Show
|
15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington Nationals -131
After losing three of their last four games coming in, the Washington Nationals will be highly motivated for a victory tonight at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They are scoring 6.7 runs per game this season and should get their bats going again tonight.
Robbie Ray is 2-1 with a 3.56 ERA and 1.351 WHIP in five starts this season. He has never beaten the Nationals, going 0-2 with an 8.43 ERA and 1.781 WHIP in two career starts against them, both of which came last season.
Gio Gonzalez has been lights out for the Nationals, going 3-0 with a 1.62 ERA and 1.110 WHIP in five starts this season. Gonzalez has pitched well against the Diamondbacks, going 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA in six career starts against them.
The Diamondbacks are 7-18 in Ray's last 25 road starts, including 2-8 in its last 10 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. The Nationals are 8-2 in Gonzalez's last 10 home starts. Washington is 58-26 in its last 84 Wednesday games and 18-5 in Gonzalez's last 23 Wednesday starts. Take the Nationals Wednesday.
|
05-02-17 |
White Sox v. Royals -112 |
|
6-0 |
Loss |
-112 |
8 h 48 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Kansas City Royals -112
The Kansas City Royals can finally breathe again after ending their dreadful 9-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox yesterday. Now I believe they get back in the win column again tonight with their ace on the mound.
Danny Duffy remains one of the most underrated starters in baseball. The left-hander is 2-1 with a 2.81 ERA and 1.219 WHIP in five starts this season. Duffy is 6-3 with a 3.75 ERA and 1.212 WHIP in 15 career starts against Chicago.
Jose Quintana knows that he's likely to be traded this season, so his focus isn't there. Quintana has gone 1-4 with a 5.22 ERA and 1.466 WHIP in five starts this season. The left-hander is 2-9 with a 4.27 ERA and 1.303 WHIP in 23 career starts against the Royals as well.
The White Sox are 1-5 in Quintana's last six road starts. The Royals are 6-1 in their last seven vs. a team with a winning record. Kansas City is 25-8 in Duffy's last 33 home starts. The Royals are 6-1 in Duffy's last seven home starts vs. Chicago. The White Sox are 5-17 in Quintana's last 22 starts vs. Kansas City. Take the Royals Tuesday.
|
05-02-17 |
Wizards v. Celtics -5 |
Top |
119-129 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 56 m |
Show
|
20* Wizards/Celtics Game 2 No-Brainer on Boston -5
The Boston Celtics have been on a roll ever since Isaiah Thomas returned from his first trip to Washington to see his family. His mind has been more set at ease, and the Celtics' players have rallied around him during their impressive 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS streak coming in to Game 2.
The Celtics have been much more efficient offensively as they have scored at least 104 points in five straight games. But perhaps the biggest difference has been defense as they've allowed 97 or fewer points in four of their last five. This is a locomotive right now that you do not want to step in front of.
The Wizards were shelled for 123 points on 51.1% shooting by the Celtics in Game 1. Not having Ian Mahinmi really hurts their defense, and now forward Markieff Morris has an ankle injury that he suffered in Game 1. The Celtics really pulled away once Morris went out with that injury.
The favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings. The Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last six home meetings with the Wizards. Bet the Celtics in Game 2 Tuesday.
|
05-01-17 |
Rockets +6 v. Spurs |
Top |
126-99 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 1 m |
Show
|
20* Rockets/Spurs Game 1 No-Brainer on Houston +6
The Houston Rockets put the Oklahoma City Thunder away in five games and now have had extra rest heading into this series with the San Antonio Spurs. They haven't played since April 25th and will be ready to go in this series, one that I think they win against a vulnerable Spurs squad.
Getting 6 points in Game 1 is a real nice value when you look at the regular season series. Yes, the Spurs won three of four meetings, but all four games were decided by 6 points or less, including three by exactly 2 points. There's a good chance this one goes down to the wire as well.
The Spurs are vulnerable because they are so reliant on one player in Kawhi Leonard. LaMarcus Aldridge has been a no-show, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli don't have much left in the tank, and Danny Green is on the downside of his career as well. Meanwhile, the Rockets are a complete team that can beat you even if James Harden is having an off game, which is rare.
Houston is 12-3 ATS as a road underdog this season. The Rockets are 13-2 ATS in road games when revenging a loss vs. opponent this season. Houston is 8-0 ATS in road games revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 points or more this year. The Spurs are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games following a straight up win. The road team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings. Bet the Rockets in Game 1 Monday.
|
05-01-17 |
Mets v. Braves -108 |
|
7-5 |
Loss |
-108 |
8 h 25 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Atlanta Braves -108
The Atlanta Braves have really gotten their bats going of late. They have gone 4-1 in their last five games overall while scoring a combined 39 runs, which equates to 7.8 runs per game. Those bats should stay red hot tonight against an overmatched starter in Robert Gsellman.
Gsellman is 0-2 with an 8.27 ERA and 1.742 WHIP in four starts this season. He has given up 19 earned runs in 20 2/3 innings. Gsellman has never beaten the Braves, going 0-2 with a 6.91 ERA and 2.024 WHIP in three career starts against them. He gave up 6 runs and 13 base runners in 4 innings of a 2-8 loss to the Braves in his last start on April 26th.
Ace Julio Teheran is off to a solid start this season for Atlanta, going 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in five starts. To say Teheran owns the Mets would be an understatement as he's 8-3 with a 1.95 ERA and 1.017 WHIP in 16 career starts against them. He has allowed just 2 runs in 12 1/3 innings in two starts against the Mets in 2017 already.
The Mets are 3-11 in their last 14 games overall. They gave up 23 runs to the Nationals yesterday. They are without their best hitter right now in Yoenis Cespedes. The Braves are 6-0 in their last six home games vs. a team with a losing record. Take the Braves Monday.
|
04-30-17 |
Jazz v. Clippers -3.5 |
Top |
104-91 |
Loss |
-107 |
4 h 13 m |
Show
|
20* Jazz/Clippers Game 7 No-Brainer on Los Angeles -3.5
The road team has actually won four of the six games in this series. That is unheard of in a playoff series, and I don't expect that trend to continue in this do-or-die Game 7. I think that trend has offered us some tremendous line value on the Clippers here laying only 3.5 points.
The Clippers still have the best player in the series in Chris Paul, who has just been a monster in the fourth quarter all series and who I trust more than anyone to get the job done. And the healthy return of Austin Rivers has been huge as well. His defense on Gordon Hayward has been great, but he also scored 13 points and hit three 3-pointers in Game 6.
Utah is 17-31 ATS as a road underdog over the last two seasons. Rudy Gobert suffered an ankle injury in the second half of Game 6 and wasn't the same player down the stretch. I have a hard time believing it will be heeled in time for Game 7, which could be a huge factor in the outcome. Bet the Clippers Sunday.
|
04-30-17 |
Angels v. Rangers -101 |
|
5-2 |
Loss |
-101 |
4 h 43 m |
Show
|
15* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY on Texas Rangers -101
Martin Perez has been a monster at home over the past two seasons. The Rangers are used to winning his starts at home, and they are always at great prices like this -101 price today. We'll back Perez and the Rangers here.
Perez has posted a 3.12 ERA in three home starts this season. Perez has also posted a 3.29 ERA and 1.231 WHIP in eight career starts against the Angels. Perez has been dominant at home against the Angels, going 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA in four career starts, allowing just 4 earned runs in 27 1/3 innings.
JC Ramirez is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers in this game Sunday. He is 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA in three starts this season, including 0-2 with a 6.97 ERA in two road starts. He has allowed 8 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings in those two road starts.
The Angels are 2-8 in their last 10 road games. Perez is 15-6 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last two seasons. The Rangers are 7-3 in their last 10 home games. Texas is 5-2 in its last seven home meetings with Los Angeles. Take the Rangers Sunday.
|
04-29-17 |
Braves v. Brewers -113 |
Top |
11-3 |
Loss |
-113 |
8 h 59 m |
Show
|
20* NL GAME OF THE WEEK on Milwaukee Brewers -113
The Milwaukee Brewers blew leads of 4-0 and 8-4 yesterday and lost to the Atlanta Braves 10-8 after giving up two more runs in the 9th inning. Look for them to come back highly motivated here in Game 2 to get the victory at a great value as small home favorites.
Jimmy Nelson has pitched well at home this season, posting a 3.18 ERA through two starts. Nelson has owned the Braves in his two career starts against them, posting a 2.31 ERA while allowing just three earned runs in 11 2/3 innings.
Jaime Garcia is still looking for his first win of the season for the Braves. He has gone 0-1 with a 4.23 ERA and 1.329 WHIP in four starts, including 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA and 1.353 WHIP in three road starts.
Plays on all favorites with a money line of -110 or higher (MILWAUKEE) - very good NL offensive team (at least 5.0 runs/game) against a team with a below avg. bullpen (4.50 ERA or worse), starting a pitcher who walked 5 or more hitters last outing are 92-35 (72.4%, +43.8 units) since 1997. Bet the Brewers Saturday.
|
04-28-17 |
Clippers +6 v. Jazz |
|
98-93 |
Win
|
100 |
17 h 48 m |
Show
|
15* Clippers/Jazz ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles +6
The Los Angeles Clippers are tired of early exits in the playoffs. With Chris Paul healthy, they still have a shot to win this series, and I think they go on the road and get another huge win in Utah like Game 3. Getting the 6 points here is just an added bonus.
Each of the last three games really could have gone either way. All three were basically toss-up games in the final minutes, and the Jazz managed to win two of the three thanks to some late-game heroics from Joe Johnson. I certainly do not believe he can keep up his level of play.
The fact of the matter is that the role players are due for the Clippers. Both JJ Redick and Jamal Crawford have been off the entire series, but they are too good of shooters to stay cold forever. And Doc Rivers has more options now to go small and match the Jazz with Austin Rivers healthy. That small ball lineup got them back into the game in Game 5.
Utah is 2-12 ATS in home games after covering four of its last five against the spread over the past three seasons. The Clippers are still 19-5 SU in their last 24 meetings with the Jazz. Look for an inspired effort from them tonight as they try and send this series back to Los Angeles. Take the Clippers in Game 6 Friday.
|
04-28-17 |
Braves v. Brewers -123 |
|
10-8 |
Loss |
-123 |
14 h 28 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Milwaukee Brewers -123
The Milwaukee Brewers have been one of the most underrated teams in baseball this season. They've gone 12-11 and have scored a combined 29 runs in winning three straight coming in. They had yesterday off, which is a huge advantage for them here.
The Atlanta Braves just swept the New York Mets in their series yesterday. They don't have the luxury of having a day off like the Brewers, and that should be factored into the line more. Instead we are getting a cheap price with the Brewers here in Game 1 at home.
And Milwaukee clearly has the edge on the mound. Chase Anderson is 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA and 1.042 WHIP in four starts this season. He has never lost to the Braves, going 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.054 WHIP in two career starts against them.
Bartolo Colon may finally be slowing down this season. He is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in four starts this season, including 0-2 with a 5.82 ERA in two road starts. Colon is 4-3 with a 4.33 ERA and 1.654 WHIP in nine career starts against the Brewers as well.
Milwaukee is 10-2 (+9.6 Units) against the money line off two straight home wins against division rivals over the last three seasons. The Braves are 16-42 in their last 58 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Atlanta is 3-8 in its last 11 road games. The Brewers are 6-0 in their last six during Game 1 of a series. Roll with the Brewers Friday.
|
04-28-17 |
Wizards v. Hawks -3 |
Top |
115-99 |
Loss |
-105 |
14 h 53 m |
Show
|
20* Wizards/Hawks Game 6 No-Brainer on Atlanta -3
The home team has won all five meetings in this series, and I think that holds true again here in Game 6. I would argue that the Hawks have been the better team in this series thus far and should be favored by more at home here.
Atlanta won its two home games by a combined 28 points, while Washington won its three home games by a combined 19 points. So, the Hawks have actually outscored the Wizards by a combined 9 points in this series thus far despite playing three of five games on the road.
Atlanta has plenty of playoff experience to rely on over the past few years in this do-or-die situation. Meanwhile, John Wall and the Wizards basically have zero experience in close-out games, which are the toughest to win.
The Hawks are a perfect 9-0 ATS after two consecutive division games over the last two seasons. Washington is 10-24 ATS in road games versus teams who average 23 or more assists per game over the last three seasons. Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last five home games. Bet the Hawks in Game 6 Friday.
|
04-27-17 |
A's v. Angels -120 |
|
1-2 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 3 m |
Show
|
15* A's/Angels AL Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -120
The Los Angeles Angels come in playing well having won three straight and four of their last five. I think they'll continue this momentum tonight and finish off the sweep of the Oakland A's. The A's have lost three straight while scoring a combined 7 runs in the process.
Ricky Nolasco has allowed two earned runs in two of his last three starts and has posted a 4.76 ERA on the season. Nolasco certainly enjoys facing the A's, going 3-0 with a 3.52 ERA and 1.025 WHIP in eight career starts against them. He pitched 8 innings without allowing a single earned run in his last home start against Oakland, an 8-1 victory last season.
Kendall Graveman is overvalued due to going 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA through three starts this season. But Graveman was blasted in his last start at Los Angeles, giving up 6 earned runs in 4 innings of a 6-8 loss to the Angels last season.
The A's are 3-10 in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Oakland is 2-8 in Graveman's last 10 starts vs. AL West opponents. The Angels are 15-5 in their last 20 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Los Angeles is 5-0 in its last five home meetings with Oakland. Take the Angels Thursday.
|
04-27-17 |
Spurs -4 v. Grizzlies |
Top |
103-96 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 21 m |
Show
|
20* Spurs/Grizzlies Game 6 No-Brainer on San Antonio -4
The home team has won every meeting in this series dating back to the regular season, which is nine straight games. I was on the Grizzlies in Game 3 and 4 at home, but I have a better feeling today that the Spurs are going to close it out tonight.
The Spurs have clearly been the better team in this series, winning all three home meetings by 13 points or more. They have outscored the Grizzlies by 43 points in this series, an average of 8.6 points per game. The Grizzlies were fortunate to win in overtime in Game 4, and I think their luck runs out tonight.
Expect Greg Popovich to challenge his team here to get a road win knowing that they are going to need them down the road if they want to reach their ultimate goal. And the Rockets are sitting at home waiting on them, so the Spurs don't want this to go to a Game 7 and give the Rockets and even bigger advantage. They'll be 'all in' tonight to finish the job. Bet the Spurs in Game 6 Thursday.
|
04-26-17 |
Bulls v. Celtics -7.5 |
Top |
97-108 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 38 m |
Show
|
20* Bulls/Celtics Game 5 No-Brainer on Boston -7.5
The Boston Celtics have really played up to their potential in the past two games. They were out of it after Isaiah Thomas lost his sister, but after he went home to be with his family following two home losses to Chicago, he and the Celtics have come back a completely different team.
They dominated from start to finish in a 104-87 win in Game 3 as 2.5-point road favorites. Then they jumped out to a big lead early, lost it, and then pulled away in the 4th quarter of a 104-95 win as 1.5-point road favorites in Game 4.
A key in this turnaround has been the loss of Rajon Rondo as the Bulls have been helpless on offense without him. And while there is talk of Rondo possibly returning tonight, he won't be effective at all considering he has a broken thumb on his shooting hand. It would do the Bulls more harm than good to have him in there.
It will be a raucous atmosphere in Boston tonight, and I think these players are going to be extra motivated to put on a great performance after disappointing their fans in the first two home games. There's nothing the Bulls can do to halt their momentum right now. This one has blowout written all over it. Bet the Celtics Wednesday.
|
04-26-17 |
Yankees v. Red Sox -106 |
|
3-1 |
Loss |
-106 |
8 h 54 m |
Show
|
15* Yankees/Red Sox AL East ANNIHILATOR on Boston -106
The Boston Red Sox are showing great value as only -106 home favorites over the rival New York Yankees Wednesday. Rarely ever will you get the Red Sox at this kind of price at home, especially with 2016 AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello on the mound.
But Porcello is undervalued due to a sub-par start to the season that won't last. He is 1-2 with a 5.33 ERA through four starts, but he's really only had one bad start when he gave up eight earned runs to the Rays. Porcello is 7-6 with a 3.44 ERA and 1.178 WHIP in 15 career starts against the Yankees, including 4-3 with a 2.21 ERA in his last seven starts, allowing 13 earned runs in 53 innings.
Luis Severino is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers. He's 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA in three starts this season. But Severino has never beaten the Red Sox, going 0-3 with a 5.63 ERA in three career starts against them. We'll take this 100% never lost system straight to the bank tonight.
Severino is 1-9 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in the first half of the season over the last two seasons. Porcello is 16-2 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last two seasons. The Yankees are 3-12 in Severino's last 15 starts overall. Take the Red Sox Wednesday.
|
04-25-17 |
Jazz v. Clippers -3 |
Top |
96-92 |
Loss |
-108 |
32 h 9 m |
Show
|
20* Jazz/Clippers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -3
The Los Angeles Clippers did not play up to their standards defensively in Utah, giving up 52.2% shooting and 106 points in Game 3, and 54.1% and 105 points in Game 4. They still managed to split 1-1 and easily could have won both. Look for them to be much better on defense when they return home for a huge Game 5 Tuesday night.
The Jazz are in trouble right now because they are relying too much on the likes of Joe Johnson and Joe Ingles to make plays for them. Johnson, Ingles and Rodney Hood caught fire late in Game 4 to erase an 8-point deficit in the 4th and win, but that's unlikely to happen again in Utah.
Rudy Gobert isn't 100%, and Gordon Hayward missed most of Game 4 due to food poisoning. It's uncertain if Hayward will be back for Game 5, and even if he is he certainly won't be feeling anywhere near 100%.
The Clippers have had a huge home-court advantage all season, going 30-13 straight up. They basically just have to win this game to cover the 3-point spread. And they still own the Jazz, going 19-4 in their last 23 meetings. I trust in veteran Chris Paul to lead this team to victory even without Blake Griffin as Paul is by far their most important player.
Utah is 3-11 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less this season. Plays on home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (LA CLIPPERS) - after a game where they failed to cover the spread, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%) are 157-99 (61.3%) ATS since 1996. The Jazz are 9-22-1 ATS in their last 32 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Bet the Clippers in Game 5 Tuesday.
|
04-24-17 |
Padres v. Diamondbacks -157 |
|
6-7 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 34 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Arizona Diamondbacks -157
The Arizona Diamondbacks want revenge on the San Diego Padres after losing two out of three to them last week. Zach Greinke wants revenge on Jhoulys Chacin after an absolute pitcher's duel last week in which the Padres won 1-0.
Greinke is clearly the better starter here, going 1-2 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.216 WHIP in four starts this season. Chacin is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA and 1.304 WHIP in four starts, including 0-2 with a 14.05 ERA and 2.641 WHIP in two road starts.
Greinke has owned the Padres throughout his career. Indeed, he is 8-2 with a 1.96 ERA and 0.861 WHIP in 17 career starts against them. The Diamondbacks are 8-2 at home this season, hitting .316 and scoring a whopping 7.4 runs per game. The Padres are just 3-8 on the road, hitting .207 and scoring 3.0 runs per game.
Greinke is 80-23 (+39.3 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more in his career. Greinke is 34-7 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in home games vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse in his career. The Padres are 14-40 in their last 54 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Take the Diamondbacks Monday.
|
04-24-17 |
Wizards v. Hawks -2 |
Top |
101-111 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 59 m |
Show
|
20* Wizards/Hawks Game 4 No-Brainer on Atlanta -2
I would argue that the Atlanta Hawks have been the better team in this series despite being down 2-1. They were in both games in Washington in losses by 7 and 8 points before fading late. Then they blew out the Wizards by 18 in Game 3, and now they actually are +3 in point differential in the series.
What I like about the Hawks is how aggressive they have been in getting to the basket. They shot 39 free throws in Game 1, 38 in Game 2 and 32 in Game 3. The Wizards haven't been able to keep Dennis Shroeder out of the paint as he's averaging 25 points in this series. I also like how Schroeder picked Wall up defensively full court in Game 3, making it more difficult for the Wizards to get into their offense.
"I watched video," Schroder said. "The first two games it was too easy to just bring it up half-court and have all these passes. I told Coach I want to be in his stuff. I want to take him full court. That's what I did (Saturday), and it worked well."
The Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a win. Atlanta is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games. Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last seven road games. The Wizards are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games playing on 1 days rest. The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings. Bet the Hawks in Game 4 Monday.
|
04-23-17 |
Clippers v. Jazz -2.5 |
|
98-105 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 1 m |
Show
|
15* Clippers/Jazz TNT Late-Night BAILOUT On Utah -2.5
The Utah Jazz let the Los Angeles Clippers off the hook in Game 3. The blew an 8-point lead late as Chris Paul simply took over down the stretch. The Clippers rallied around each other after losing Blake Griffin to an injury, and they came through with a huge win.
But now it's the Jazz turn to get a big win here and get right back in this series. They can't afford to go back to Los Angeles down 3-1. I look for a big effort from them here behind a raucous home crowd. The Jazz are 29-13 at home this season and have one of the most underrated home-court advantages in the NBA.
Make no mistake, the Clippers aren't going anywhere now that Griffin is out for the rest of the postseason. The Clippers just haven't been the same without him in the past, and they really can't afford to lose him, Paul or DeAndre Jordan. The loss of Griffin for the Clippers is bigger than the loss of Rudy Gobert for the Jazz.
Utah is 37-16 ATS when revenging a home loss over the last three seasons. Plays on home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (UTAH) - off a home loss, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%) are 51-23 (68.9%) ATS since 1996. Take the Jazz in Game 4 Sunday.
|
04-23-17 |
Celtics -1.5 v. Bulls |
Top |
104-95 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 26 m |
Show
|
20* Celtics/Bulls Game 4 No-Brainer on Boston -1.5
The Boston Celtics were distracted with the death of Isaiah Thomas' sister in the first two games. But he went home after Game 2 and spent time with his family to grieve. In Game 3, players rallied around him and got back to focusing on basketball, and the end result was a dominant 104-87 win.
The Celtics also got a motivational speech from Kevin Garnett, the former Boston great. Every player to a man said it was the difference, and I believe them. But with the Celtics still having their backs against the wall, this Game 4 remains a must-win, and I think we see another big effort from them.
Boston got a break when Rajon Rondo suffered a broken thumb in Game 2. Now he's out indefinitely, and he was nearly averaging a triple-double in the first two games. The Bulls simply don't have a good backup point guard, so Rondo's absence is huge for them. It puts more pressure on Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade to handle the ball, but they are much better playing off the ball and letting Rondo run the show.
The Bulls are just 3-10 in their last 13 playoff home games, including three straight losses. I just don't think their home-court advantage is enough for them to overcome the loss of Rondo. The Celtics are the far superior team in this matchup and that will be shown again in Game 4. Bet the Celtics Sunday.
|
04-23-17 |
Giants -110 v. Rockies |
|
0-8 |
Loss |
-110 |
4 h 56 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on San Francisco Giants -110
The San Francisco Giants have lost three straight to fall to 6-12 on the season. It's safe to say that they'll be highly motivated for a win Sunday to avoid the sweep at the hands of the Colorado Rockies.
Jeff Samardzija hasn't been great in the early going, but he has faced Arizona twice and Colorado, two great lineups. And he has had plenty of success against the Rockies, going 3-3 with a 2.64 ERA and 1.034 WHIP in eight career starts against them.
Kyle Freeland has not fared well this season for the Rockies. He is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA and 1.704 WHIP in three starts, averaging just 4.9 innings per start. He even gave up 6 earned runs over 4 2/3 innings at home to the lowly Padres in his last home start.
The Giants are 4-1 in their last five games after losing the first two games of a series. The Rockies are 1-6 in their last seven during game 3 of a series. Roll with the Giants Sunday.
|
04-22-17 |
Braves v. Phillies -110 |
|
3-4 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 18 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Philadelphia Phillies -110
The Philadelphia Phillies have a massive edge on the mound tonight. We'll take advantage and back them as small home favorites over the Atlanta Braves in this one.
Jerad Eickhoff is one of the most underrated starters in baseball. He has posted a 3.20 ERA and 1.118 WHIP through three starts this season. Eickhoff has owned the Braves, going 2-1 with a 1.54 ERA and 0.914 WHIP in six career starts against them.
Jaime Garcia is far past his prime for the Braves. It hasn't worked out for them thus far getting Garcia, who is 0-1 with a 4.67 ERA and 1.443 WHIP in three starts this season.
Eickhoff is 8-1 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in home games when working on 5 or 6 days rest over the last three seasons. The Braves are 15-42 in their last 57 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Atlanta is 1-6 in its last seven road games. Take the Phillies Saturday.
|
04-22-17 |
Wizards v. Hawks -2.5 |
Top |
98-116 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 59 m |
Show
|
25* NBA 1st Round GAME OF THE YEAR on Atlanta Hawks -2.5
The Atlanta Hawks were competitive in Games 1 and 2 in Washington, losing by 7 and 8 points. They did not finish either game well as they had a chance to win down the stretch. But now with their backs against the wall, I expect their best effort of the series as the head home for Game 3.
Adding to the Hawks' motivation is the fact that they have now lost five straight meetings with the Wizards dating back to the regular season. It's safe to say that they are going to want this game more, and I expect them to get it in front of their home fans tonight.
Washington is 4-17 ATS in its last 21 games after two straight games where it committed 7 or fewer turnovers than its opponents. The home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings. Bet the Hawks in Game 3 Saturday.
|
04-21-17 |
Clippers -1.5 v. Jazz |
|
111-106 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 58 m |
Show
|
15* Clippers/Jazz ESPN 2 Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -1.5
The Los Angeles Clippers seemed to relax when Rudy Gobert went out with an injury in Game 1. They lost that game on a buzzer-beater by Joe Johnson, but they came back focused in Game 2 and got the job done in a 99-91 victory.
Now Gobert remains out for the Jazz tonight, and it's a huge loss for them. Look for the Clippers to seize the opportunity and take Game 3 to regain home-court advantage. They are clearly the more talented team and still own the Jazz, going 19-3 SU in their last 22 meetings.
Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan have all put up huge numbers through the first two games. But the role players have really struggled, and they won't continue to. Jamal Crawford is shooting a paltry 29.2% and is 0-for-9 from 3-point range. J.J. Redick is averaging just 5.5 points and shooting 20% from 3-point range in this series. Look for these two to be much more efficient moving forward.
Plays against underdogs (UTAH) - off a cover where the team lost the game straight up as an underdog, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%) are 55-17 (76.4%) ATS since 1996. The road team is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings. Take the Clippers in Game 3 Friday.
|
04-21-17 |
Giants -118 v. Rockies |
|
5-6 |
Loss |
-118 |
9 h 55 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on San Francisco Giants -118
The San Francisco Giants have gotten off to a poor 6-10 start this season. I think they are undervalued right now because of it, and I like the price we are getting with them Friday as small road favorites over the Colorado Rockies.
Johnny Cueto went 18-5 with a 2.79 ERA in 32 starts in his first season in San Francisco last year. He is 3-0 with a 3.79 ERA and 1.211 WHIP in three starts in 2017. Cueto has owned the Rockies, going 8-2 with a 2.25 ERA and 1.148 WHIP in 13 career starts against them.
The Rockies are overvalued right now due to their 10-6 start despite the fact that they are hitting just .224 and scoring 3.4 runs per game with an injury-ravaged lineup. Their good fortune won't last as their starting rotation simply isn't as good as it has been through the first 16 games.
Cueto is 8-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -150 over the last two seasons. Cueto is 17-2 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in the first half of the season over the last two seasons. San Francisco is 26-10 in Cueto's last 36 starts overall. Roll with the Giants Friday.
|
04-21-17 |
Celtics -1.5 v. Bulls |
Top |
104-87 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 20 m |
Show
|
20* Celtics/Bulls ESPN Game 3 No-Brainer on Boston -1.5
It is gut check time for the Boston Celtics in Game 3 tonight. The Celtics inexplicably lost the first two games in this series at home, and now they know that their season is on the line tonight. It's basically win or go home here.
The death of Isaiah Thomas' sister was a huge distraction in the first two games as the Celtics were clearly out of it. But Thomas went home to his family after Game 2 to deal with it. Now he'll come back with a clearer mind in Game 3, and I think the players will rally around him in one of their best efforts of the season.
The Celtics got a big break when it was announced that Rajon Rondo suffered a broken thumb in Game 2 and is now out indefinitely. There will be a huge void at the PG position for the Bulls now because Rondo was playing very well, averaging 11.5 points, 10.0 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game in this series.
The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. The Bulls are 10-23 ATS off a road win over the last two seasons. Boston is 41-27 ATS when revenging a loss over the last two seasons. Bet the Celtics in Game 3 Friday.
|
04-20-17 |
Cardinals -113 v. Brewers |
|
5-7 |
Loss |
-113 |
8 h 53 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -113
The St. Louis Cardinals have rebounded by winning three straight games to build some momentum after a slow start to the season. Now they send their ace to the mound to take care of the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of this series Thursday.
Carlos Martinez will be highly motivated for his first win of the season after an 0-2 start despite a 3.57 ERA through three starts this year. Martinez owns the Brewers, going 4-1 with a 1.790 ERA and 1.169 WHIP in eight career starts against them.
Zach Davies has been awful in the early going for the Brewers. He is 0-2 with an 8.79 ERA and 2.024 WHIP through three starts. Davies has allowed 14 earned runs and 29 base runners over 14 1/3 innings this year.
St. Louis is 17-5 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 2 runs or less over the last two seasons. Martinez is 15-3 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse over the last three seasons. The Cardinals are 19-8 in Martinez's last 27 road starts. The Brewers are 1-4 in Davies' last five home starts. Take the Cardinals Thursday.
|
04-20-17 |
Cavs v. Pacers +2.5 |
Top |
119-114 |
Loss |
-110 |
7 h 41 m |
Show
|
20* Cavs/Pacers Game 3 ANNIHILATOR on Indiana +2.5
The Indiana Pacers are the worst road team in the playoffs. However, they managed to take the Cavs down to the wire on the road in each of the first two games of this series, losing by 1 and 6 points, respectively. Now they'll be laying it all on the line to get a win in Game 3 and get back in this series.
And they should do just that now that they are returning to Indiana, where they are one of the best home teams in the playoffs. The Pacers have gone 29-12 at home this season. They have now gone 8-0 ATS in their last eight games overall.
The Cavaliers actually had a losing record on the road this season. They went 20-21 SU & 17-24 ATS on the road this year. The Pacers have gone 10-2-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings, including 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in Indiana.
Indiana is 21-6 ATS in its last 27 games playing on two days' rest. The Pacers are 6-0 ATS in their last six Conference Quarterfinals games. The Cavaliers are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win. Bet the Pacers in Game 3 Thursday.
|
04-19-17 |
Thunder +8 v. Rockets |
Top |
111-115 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 42 m |
Show
|
20* Thunder/Rockets Game 2 No-Brainer on Oklahoma City +8
The Oklahoma City Thunder were thoroughly embarrassed in Game 1. They only managed 87 points and shot just 37% from the field. Expect them to come back with a much better effort in Game 2 and to stay within the number as they try and steal this one.
"Looking at video, it was definitely down to positioning and getting those reads on when to go," Thunder center Steven Adams said. "You can't be premature about it, otherwise they do what they do. We cleared it up a lot more, bigs and guards. We've got to make sure we come out more aggressive, aggressive and physicality. Forcing them to do stuff rather than letting them do stuff."
Three of the four meetings during the regular season went right down to the wire and were decided by 3 points or less. I expect this one to hold true to form and to go down to the last few possessions, so getting the Thunder are +8 is a huge value here.
Oklahoma City is 10-1 ATS off a blowout loss by 20 points or more over the last two seasons. The Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on 2 days' rest. The Rockets are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Bet the Thunder in Game 2 Wednesday.
|
04-19-17 |
Phillies v. Mets -128 |
|
4-5 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 34 m |
Show
|
15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on New York Mets -128
The New York Mets are going to be highly motivated for a victory tonight after losing four straight coming in. That includes a 2-6 loss in 10 innings last night after Jose Reyes dropped a routine fly ball that would have given the Mets the win.
Robert Gsellman is off to a poor start this year, but now he faced a team he has owned. Gsellman has gone 2-1 with a 2.37 ERA and 1.105 WHIP in three career starts against Philadelphia. He gave up just one earned run in 13 innings while striking out 15 in his final two starts against the Phillies last season.
Vincent Velasquez is struggling as well, going 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.889 WHIP in two starts this season. He is 1-2 with a 3.54 ERA in four career starts against New York. He gave up 5 earned runs and 9 base runners in 5 innings of a 4-5 loss to the Mets in his last start on April 12th.
The Phillies are 14-37 in their last 51 games following a win. Philadelphia is 4-13 in its last 17 road games. The Phillies are 1-10 in Velasquez's last 11 starts. The Mets are 11-4 in their last 15 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. New York is 39-16 in the last 55 meetings, and 15-6 in the last 21 home meetings. Take the Mets Wednesday.
|
04-19-17 |
Orioles v. Reds OVER 9 |
|
2-0 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 34 m |
Show
|
15* MLB TOTAL OF THE DAY on Orioles/Reds OVER 9
The wind is expected to be blowing out to left field today at about 8 miles per hour. That will aid the offenses as they feast on two overmatched starting pitchers in this game between the Orioles and Reds.
Ubaldo Jimenez is one of the worst starters in baseball and it's amazing he's been able to keep his rotation spot in Baltimore. He is 0-0 with a 10.39 ERA and 2.079 WHIP in two starts this season, giving up 10 earned runs, 3 homers and 18 base runners in 8 2/3 innings.
Amir Garrett has gotten off to a great start for the Reds, but it's only a small sample size. He'll be up against a Baltimore team that has scored 35 combined runs in its last six games overall, an average of 5.8 runs per game. The Reds have put up 5.1 runs per game on the season behind an underrated lineup.
Cincinnati is 18-6 to the OVER when playing against a team with a winning percentage of 62% or greater over the last two seasons. The OVER is 9-2 in Orioles last 11 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter. The OVER is 14-6-1 in Jimenez's last 21 starts. The OVER is 11-4 in Reds last 15 home games. The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings. Roll with the OVER in this game Wednesday.
|
04-18-17 |
Jazz v. Clippers -8.5 |
|
91-99 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 43 m |
Show
|
15* Jazz/Clippers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -8.5
After Rudy Gobert went out with an injury on the first possession of Game 1, the Clippers appeared to relax and think that they would win the game by just showing up. That wasn't the case as the Jazz rallied around Gobert and stole Game 1.
I think that with that wake-up call, the Clippers will put forth one of their best efforts of the season tonight. Gobert remains out for Game 2, meaning that the Clippers will have a massive advantage inside. Look for monster games from Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in this one as Los Angeles evens this series in blowout fashion.
This has been a very one-sided series over the last several years. Indeed, the Clippers are 18-3 in their last 21 meetings with the Jazz. Utah is 2-10 ATS as a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season. Los Angeles is 18-8 ATS when revenging a home loss over the last two seasons. The Jazz are 8-22-1 ATS in their last 31 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Take the Clippers in Game 2 Tuesday.
|
04-18-17 |
Pirates v. Cardinals -130 |
|
1-2 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 47 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on St. Louis Cardinals -130
I backed the St. Louis Cardinals with success yesterday and I'm going to jump back on them today at a reasonable price against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I like them to take this series and possibly sweep it giving the situation coming in.
The Pirates are in letdown mode after sweeping the defending champion Cubs over the weekend. The Cardinals are extra motivated due to their 4-9 start this season which included a sweep at the hands of the Yankees over the weekend.
Mike Leake has been dominant in two starts for the Cardinals, going 1-1 with a 0.60 ERA and 0.733 WHIP while allowing only one earned run and 11 base runners in 15 innings. Leake is 9-5 with a 3.66 ERA in 28 career starts against Pittsburgh. Chad Kuhl is 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA and 2.286 WHIP in two career starts against St. Louis.
St. Louis is 16-5 (+14.0 Units) against the money line after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7 games over the last two seasons. Bets on all favorites with a money line of -110 or higher (ST LOUIS) - ice cold hitting team - batting .200 or worse over their last five games, starting a pitcher who walked 1 or fewer hitters each of his last two outings are 105-34 (75.5%, +58.6 units) over the last five seasons. Roll with the Cardinals Tuesday.
|
04-18-17 |
Bulls v. Celtics -7 |
Top |
111-97 |
Loss |
-105 |
8 h 4 m |
Show
|
20* Bulls/Celtics Game 2 No-Brainer on Boston -7
After losing Game 1 to the Bulls, I fully expect the Boston Celtics to bounce back in a big way in Game 2. Look for them to win this game going away similar to their 100-80 home win over the Bulls in their final regular season meeting.
The Isaiah Thomas news with his sister passing away really was a down for this team. Now that they've had a few extra days to cope with it, I think they'll come back more focused tonight and get back to playing their brand of basketball.
Bets on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (BOSTON) - after being beaten by the spread by 48 or more points total in their last ten games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games are 74-36 (67.3%) ATS since 1996.
Chicago is 9-23 ATS off a road win over the last two seasons. The Bulls are 16-30 ATS off an upset win as an underdog over the last three seasons. The home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings. Bet the Celtics in Game 2 Tuesday.
|
04-17-17 |
Pacers +8.5 v. Cavs |
Top |
111-117 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 13 m |
Show
|
20* Pacers/Cavs Game 2 No-Brainer on Indiana +8.5
The Indiana Pacers know they can play with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They took them to double-OT in Cleveland in their final meeting of the regular season on April 2nd, and then they had a chance to win it at the buzzer in a 108-109 loss in Game 1 Saturday.
The Pacers had to win each of their final five regular season games just to make the playoffs. They are clearly playing their best basketball of the season right now, going a perfect 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall. Yet they continue getting no respect from oddsmakers as 8.5-point dogs here in Game 2.
The Cavaliers actually have a losing record since the All-Star Break. The betting public just thinks that they can turn it on the playoffs, but I don't think that's going to be the case. We'll make some good money fading them throughout the postseason.
The Pacers are 5-0 ATS in their last five Conference Quarterfinal Games. Indiana is 7-0 ATS in its last seven after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game. Cleveland is 18-38-1 ATS in its last 57 vs. division opponents, while Indiana is 23-10 ATS in its last 33 vs. division foes. The Pacers are 9-2-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings, including 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Cleveland. Bet the Pacers Monday.
|
04-17-17 |
Pirates v. Cardinals -130 |
|
1-2 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 54 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -130
The St. Louis Cardinals are going to be highly motivated for a victory when they return home from a 6-game road trip tonight. They were just swept by the Yankees and have lost six of their last seven overall coming in.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in a big letdown spot heading into Game 1 of this series. They just swept the defending champion Cubs in Chicago over the weekend, which is a huge feat. They won't be nearly as interested against the Cardinals tonight.
Lance Lynn is 13-2 against the money line in Monday games in his career. Lynn is 22-5 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in home games when working on 5 or 6 days rest in his career. The Pirates are 0-7 in their last seven Monday games. Take the Cardinals Monday.
|
04-16-17 |
Thunder +7 v. Rockets |
Top |
87-118 |
Loss |
-110 |
47 h 46 m |
Show
|
20* Thunder/Rockets TNT No-Brainer on Oklahoma City +7
Russell Westbrook got some much-needed rest over the final week of the regular season and will be ready to go in the playoffs. That's important because the Thunder get outscored by 9 points per 100 possessions when he's not on the court, and outscore their opponents by 3 points per 100 when he is on the floor.
Westbrook only averages 34 minutes per game in the regular season. That will be closer to 40 minutes in the postseason as Billy Donovan knows he needs Westbrook on the floor as much as possible. That adjustment will make the Thunder a much better team throughout the course of a 48-minute game.
Yes, Houston won three of four meetings with OKC this season, but three of them were decided by 3 points or less. I have a good feeling this game is going to go right down to the wire. The Rockets come in playing their worst ball of the season, going 0-9 ATS in their last nine games. I don't think they can just flip on the switch, either. Bet the Thunder Sunday.
|
04-16-17 |
White Sox v. Twins -123 |
|
3-1 |
Loss |
-123 |
5 h 21 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Twins -123
The Minnesota Twins are a team I'm going to be looking to back a lot this season because I believe they are underrated by oddsmakers and the betting public. They are off to a fast 7-4 start this season. Look for them to take this series from the Chicago White Sox with a win in Game 3 Sunday.
Hector Santiago is 1-1 with a 2.38 ERA and 0.883 WHIP in two starts this season. Santiago has owned the White Sox throughout his career, going 4-1 with a 1.71 ERA and 0.884 WHIP in five starts against them.
James Shields is one of the worst starters in baseball. He went 4-12 with a 6.77 ERA and 1.697 WHIP in 22 starts for the White Sox last season. That includes 0-2 with a 9.65 ERA in his last two starts against the Twins, giving up 10 earned runs and 5 homers in 9 1/3 innings.
Santiago is 12-2 (+9.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last three seasons. The White Sox are 0-4 in Shields' last four road starts. The Twins are 5-0 in their last five during Game 3 of a series. Take the Twins Sunday.
|
04-15-17 |
Jazz v. Clippers -5.5 |
Top |
97-95 |
Loss |
-110 |
24 h 17 m |
Show
|
20* Jazz/Clippers ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -5.5
The Los Angeles Clippers are the second-best team in the Western Conference when healthy in my opinion. They battled through injuries to several key players this season, including Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, but now they are full healthy entering the playoffs.
And as they've chased down the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage in the first round, they've played their best basketball of the season now healthy. Indeed, the Clippers are 7-0 in their last seven games overall, including five straight double-digit victories. They needed all seven wins to fend off the Jazz for the No. 4 seed.
The Jazz are an up-and-coming team that is going to be a playoff contender for the foreseeable future. However, not many of the key players on the Jazz like Rudy Gobert and Gordon Hayward have playoff experience, so they will be at a disadvantage in that respect.
The Clippers simply own the Jazz, going 18-2 SU in the last 20 meetings. They won three of four meetings this season all by 13 points or more. Utah is 1-10 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season. The Jazz are 2-11 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less this season. The Jazz are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Saturday games. Bet the Clippers Saturday.
|
04-15-17 |
Rays v. Red Sox -1.5 |
|
1-2 |
Loss |
-105 |
4 h 13 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-105)
After getting embarrassed 10-5 at home by the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of this series yesterday, I expect a motivated effort from the Boston Red Sox today. They'll also be motivated to get Chris Sale his first win of the season.
It's only due to a lack of run support that Sale doesn't have a win yet. After all, he has posted a 1.23 ERA and 0.682 WHIP in two starts this season, giving up just 2 earned runs and 10 base runners over 14 2/3 innings.
Jake Odorizzi has gone 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts this season for the Rays. Odorizzi is 3-3 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.292 WHIP in 13 career starts against Boston. Sale is 4-4 with a 3.76 ERA and 1.044 WHIP in eight career starts against Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay is 4-17 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in road games vs. an excellent bullpen whose ERA is 2.70 or better over the last three seasons. It is losing by 2.1 runs per game on average in this spot. Roll with the Red Sox on the Run Line Saturday.
|
04-15-17 |
Pacers +8.5 v. Cavs |
|
108-109 |
Win
|
100 |
17 h 31 m |
Show
|
15* Pacers/Cavs 2017 NBA Playoffs Opener on Indiana +8.5
The Indiana Pacers are playing their best basketball of the season heading into the playoffs. They needed to win their final five games of the season just to get into the playoffs, and that's precisely what they did. In fact, they are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall with all five of their wins coming by 9 points or more.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have gone in the opposite direction. Needing to win just two of their final four games to get the No. 1 seed in the East, they instead went 0-4 SU & 1-3 ATS in those four contests. They gave up at least 114 points in three of the four losses, and defense has been a problem with this team all season.
The Pacers were very competitive with the Cavaliers in the regular season. They did go just 1-3 SU, but two of their losses came by single-digits, including the latest in double-overtime in Cleveland in a 130-135 loss on April 2nd. They believe they can play with the Cavs, which is half the battle.
Indiana is 10-1 ATS in road games when playing on two days' rest over the last two seasons. Cleveland is 1-10 ATS after scoring 85 points or less over the past two seasons. The Cavaliers are 15-35-2 ATS in their last 52 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. The Pacers are 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Cleveland. Take the Pacers Saturday.
|
04-14-17 |
Rays v. Red Sox -134 |
Top |
10-5 |
Loss |
-134 |
7 h 21 m |
Show
|
20* AL Friday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -134
The Boston Red Sox were hit hard by the flu early in the season. They were without Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez for multiple games, and they struggled in those contests. But now their lineup is fully healthy aside from the injury to Jackie Bradley Jr.
2016 AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello gets the ball tonight looking to continue his dominance of the Rays. Porcello is 10-4 with a 3.03 ERA and 1.150 WHIP in 17 career starts against Tampa Bay.
Chris Archer has struggled mightily against the Red Sox. Indeed, Archer is 1-11 with a 5.38 ERA and 1.649 WHIP in 16 career starts against them. That's right, he has only won one of his 16 starts against Boston.
Porcello is 16-1 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last two seasons. Archer is 1-9 (-9.2 Units) against the money line after three or more consecutive losses over the last two seasons. Archer is 0-11 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last two seasons. Bet the Red Sox Friday.
|
04-13-17 |
A's v. Royals -127 |
Top |
1-3 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 31 m |
Show
|
20* AL Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Kansas City Royals -127
The Kansas City Royals have dropped each of the first two games of this series to Oakland to fall to 2-6 on the season. They'll be highly motivated to avoid the sweep and pick up their first home win of the season tonight against the A's.
Jason Vargas was dominant in his first start this season, giving up just one earned run over 6 innings of a 5-1 victory at Houston. He has been unhittable in his last two home starts against the A's, pitching 18 shutout innings while allowing only eight base runners in the process.
Jesse Hahn will be making his first start of the season for the A's tonight. He will be in over his head here against Vargas, who is 7-7 with a 3.22 ERA in 20 career outings, 18 of them starts, against Oakland.
Vargas is 10-2 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last three seasons. Vargas is 33-12 (+18.1 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -150 in his career. Bet the Royals Thursday.
|
04-12-17 |
Nuggets +5 v. Thunder |
|
111-105 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 42 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Denver Nuggets +5
The Denver Nuggets could have easily packed it in after getting eliminated from the playoffs with two games to go. Instead, they went out and handled their business last night, dismantling the Mavericks 109-91 on the road. Now they have a chance to get to 40 wins in their final game of the season, and I think they'll be the more motivated team here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are locked in to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Russell Westbrook rested in their last game, and he's unlikely to play many minutes tonight. The Thunder are way more concerned about staying healthy and fresh for the playoffs than winning this game tonight.
Both teams are playing the second of a back-to-back tonight, and I think that benefits the Nuggets more because they are the deeper team. This situation will only force the Thunder to get as much rest as possible for their key players.
Denver is 14-6 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less this season. Plays against any team (OKLAHOMA CITY) - off two or more consecutive upset wins as a road underdog, tired team - playing 6 or more games in 10 days are 35-9 (79.5%) ATS over the last five seasons. Take the Nuggets Wednesday.
|
04-12-17 |
Orioles v. Red Sox -127 |
Top |
12-5 |
Loss |
-127 |
7 h 48 m |
Show
|
20* AL East GAME OF THE MONTH on Boston Red Sox -127
The Boston Red Sox are showing excellent value as small home favorites over the Baltimore Orioles today. The Red Sox got hit by the flu over the past week, but now they are getting healthy and have both Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez back in the lineup today, which are their two best hitters.
Steven Wright has never lost to the Orioles, going 2-0 with a 2.76 ERA and 0.980 WHIP in two career starts against them. He has allowed just 5 earned runs and 16 base runners over 16 1/3 innings in those two starts, both of which came last season.
Ubaldo Jimenez is one of the worst starters in baseball, and it's amazing that he has been able to keep a rotation spot in Baltimore. Jimenez is 2-7 with a 6.63 ERA and 1.745 WHIP in 15 career starts against Boston.
Jimenez is 1-12 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in road games after two or more consecutive losses over the last three seasons. The Red Sox are 12-5 in Wright's last 17 starts, including 6-0 in his last six starts vs. AL East opponents. Bet the Red Sox Wednesday.
|
04-11-17 |
Thunder v. Wolves -4 |
Top |
100-98 |
Loss |
-107 |
8 h 25 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -4
The Minnesota Timberwolves just completed a brutal four-game road trip with trips to the Warriors, Blazers, Jazz and Lakers. They were competitive the entire trip and clearly have not quit. Now they return home to play their final home game of the season and will want to go out a winner in front of their fans.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have nothing to play for. They are locked in to the No. 6 seed in the West. Russell Westbrook just got his record-setting 42nd triple double last time out, so they don't need to focus on that either. Don't be surprised one bit if Billy Donovan decided to rest his starters these final two games.
The line move in this game suggests that he will rest his starters, or at least limit their minutes. The Timberwolves opened as -1 favorites and have already been bet up to -4, and I see it going much higher before the game starts. It would be foolish of the Thunder to go all out in this game.
Oklahoma City is 13-29 ATS in its last 42 games off a road win by 3 points or less. The Timberwolves are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. Minnesota is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 home meetings with OKC. Bet the Timberwolves Tuesday.
|
04-11-17 |
Cardinals +128 v. Nationals |
|
3-8 |
Loss |
-100 |
7 h 58 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on St. Louis Cardinals +128
The St. Louis Cardinals are showing excellent value as road underdogs to the Washington Nationals tonight. The Cardinals need a win after opening 2-5 this season. They were embarrassed 6-14 in Game 1 of this series and will show some resilience tonight.
Lance Lynn is back from Tommy John surgery and performed well in his first start, giving up 2 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs. Lynn has never lost to the Nationals, going 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA and 1.026 WHIP in four career starts against them.
Gio Gonzalez has been on the steady decline in recent years. And Gonzalez has not fared well against the Cardinals of late, giving up 9 earned runs over 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts against them for a 7.59 ERA.
St. Louis is 14-1 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7 games over the last two seasons. Gonzalez is 4-11 (-12.7 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -125 to -175 over the last two seasons. The Nationals are 1-9 in Gonzalez's last 10 starts vs. NL Central opponents. Take the Cardinals Tuesday.
|
04-10-17 |
Rockets v. Clippers -7 |
Top |
96-125 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 57 m |
Show
|
20* Rockets/Clippers TNT Monday No-Brainer on Los Angeles -7
The Los Angeles Clippers are tied with the Utah Jazz at 49-31. These teams will play in the first round of the playoffs, but home-court advantage is still at stake. The Clippers own the tiebreaker so they control their own destiny here.
And the Clippers have certainly been fighting to make sure they get home court in the first round. They are 5-0 in their last five games overall, winning all five games by at least 6 points, and four of those by 9 points or more. They are hitting on all cylinders heading into the playoffs.
The Rockets have pretty much been locked in to the No. 3 seed in the West for a while now. As a result, their play has suffered as they are just 3-4 SU & 0-7 ATS in their last seven games overall. This game means absolutely nothing to them, and they could rest players since they'll be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days. This will be just the 3rd game in 9 days for the Clippers.
The Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. a team with a winning record. The Rockets are 0-6 ATS in their last six vs. Western Conference opponents. Houston is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games overall. These three trends combine for a perfect 17-0 system backing Los Angeles. Bet the Clippers Monday.
|
04-10-17 |
Dodgers v. Cubs -142 |
|
2-3 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 3 m |
Show
|
15* Dodgers/Cubs ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Chicago -142
After playing six straight road games to open the season, the Chicago Cubs get to play their home opener tonight. This will be a special night with their World Series banner getting raised in what will be a rowdy atmosphere at Wrigley Field.
Jon Lester allowed one run in five innings in his opener against the Cardinals. He is 3-2 with a 2.58 ERA and 0.949 WHIP in seven career starts against the Dodgers. He held them to just 3 earned runs over 28 innings for a 0.96 ERA in four starts against them last season.
The Dodgers are notorious for struggling against left-handed starters. The Dodgers ranked 30th in the majors in average (.213), on-base percentage (.290) and slugging (.332) against southpaws in 2016. Don't expect their lefty-heavy lineup to be much better against them in 2017. San Diego lefty Clayton Richard beat them 4-0 and Freeland of the Rockies beat them 2-1 already this season.
Jon Lester is 16-1 (+13.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 or more over the last two seasons. Lester is 11-0 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in home games vs. teams whose hitters draw 4 walks or more/game on the season in his career. The Dodgers are 1-8 in their last nine games vs. a left-handed starter. The Dodgers are 1-7 in Alex Wood's last seven road starts. The Cubs are 10-1 in Lester's last 11 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Take the Cubs Monday.
|
04-09-17 |
Marlins v. Mets -165 |
|
2-5 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 0 m |
Show
|
15* Marlins/Mets ESPN Sunday Night BAILOUT on New York -165
The New York Mets have lost their first two games of this series to the Miami Marlins by a combined score of 3-15. It's safe to say that they'll be highly motivated for a victory to avoid the sweep today, especially playing on ESPN's Sunday Night baseball.
Now the Mets send ace Noah Syndergaard to the mound to take care of business. He is becoming one of the best starters in baseball, going 14-9 with a 2.60 ERA and 1.149 WHIP in 30 starts for the Mets last season. Syndergaard is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in three career starts against the Marlins.
Edinson Volquez is the ace of the Marlins, which just shows how poor their rotation is. Volquez went 10-11 with a 5.37 ERA and 1.548 WHIP in 34 starts for the Royals last season. He is 3-5 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.599 WHIP in 12 career starts against the Mets.
Bets against road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more (MIAMI) - top level team, outscoring opponents by 1 or more runs/game on the season are 38-5 (88.4%, +29.7 units) over the last five seasons. Roll with the Mets Sunday.
|
04-09-17 |
Thunder v. Nuggets -4 |
Top |
106-105 |
Loss |
-105 |
6 h 8 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Western Conference ANNIHILATOR on Denver Nuggets -4
The Denver Nuggets need a win Sunday or they'll be officially eliminated from the playoffs. They have played well under this pressure down the stretch, going 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall despite playing three of them on the road.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have nothing to play for as they are locked in to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. That showed in their effort last time out as they lost 99-120 as 9-point road favorites at Phoenix, failing to cover the spread by 30 points.
Oklahoma City is 1-8 ATS in road games versus teams who score at least 106 points per game in the second half of hte season this season. The Nuggets are 47-23-1 ATS in their last 71 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Bet the Nuggets Sunday.
|
04-09-17 |
Giants -155 v. Padres |
|
5-3 |
Win
|
100 |
6 h 40 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on San Francisco Giants -155
The San Francisco Giants are off to an awful 1-5 start this season. It's safe to say that they'll be highly motivated for a victory tonight, especially after losing the first two games against the Padres in this series by exactly one run. They'll salvage the series and avoid a sweep Sunday.
Johnny Cueto is one of the most underrated starters in baseball. He went 18-5 with a 2.79 ERA in 32 starts for the Giants last season. Cueto is 7-4 with a 2.96 ERA and 1.059 WHIP in 12 career starts against San Diego.
Clayton Richard is the ace of the Padres, which shows how poor their rotation really is. He has gone 54-53 with a 4.19 ERA and 1.407 WHIP in his big league career.
Cueto is 8-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -150 over the last two seasons. Cueto is 15-2 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in the first half of the season over the last two seasons. Take the Giants Sunday.
|
04-08-17 |
Clippers +3.5 v. Spurs |
|
98-87 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 54 m |
Show
|
15* Clippers/Spurs ABC ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles +3.5
The Los Angeles Clippers are fighting for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. They trail the Utah Jazz by just one game for that spot, which would give them home-court advantage in that upcoming series. The Jazz have a tough game in Portland tonight.
The San Antonio Spurs have nothing to play for right now. They are locked in to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. As a result, there's no way they should be favored in this game when they don't care about it, while the Clippers really need it.
And the Clippers have a huge advantage in rest and preparation here. They have won four straight coming in and have had the last two days off, and they'll be playing just their 2nd game in 7 days. The Spurs will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 5 days, which is one of the toughest situations in the NBA today.
Bets against home favorites (SAN ANTONIO) - playing on back-to-back days, in April games are 212-137 (60.7%) ATS since 1996. The Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Spurs are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win. The underdog is 18-7 ATS in the last 25 meetings. Take the Clippers Saturday.
|
04-08-17 |
Cubs -1.5 v. Brewers |
|
11-6 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 18 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-110)
The Chicago Cubs are coming off an extra innings loss to the Milwaukee Brewers last night. I look for them to bounce back with a dominant performance tonight and win by multiple runs in Game 2 of this series Saturday.
Right-hander Kyle Hendricks will start for Chicago. He'll be looking to improve on his 5-3 record and 2.11 ERA in 10 career starts against the Brewers, including a 3-1 mark and a 1.82 ERA in five starts at Miller Park.
Tommy Milone is no more than a fill-in starter for the Brewers. The veteran left-hander moved into the rotation when Opening Day starter Junior Guerra was lost with a strained calf just three innings into his opening start. Milone posted a 9.00 ERA in allowing 14 earned runs in 14 innings in Spring Training.
Chicago is 11-1 against the run line vs. good fielding teams who turn 1.1 or more double plays per game over the last two seasons. Kendricks is 18-3 as a favorite of -125 to -175 over the last two seasons, and the Cubs are winning these games by 2.5 runs per game on average. Roll with the Cubs on the Run Line Saturday.
|
04-08-17 |
Celtics -1 v. Hornets |
Top |
121-114 |
Win
|
100 |
6 h 24 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Celtics -1
The Boston Celtics have lost two in a row and now are not only in a tough spot to get the No. 1 seed, but also in jeopardy of losing the No. 2 seed. They trail the Cavs by one game for the No. 1 and lead the Raptors by one game for the No. 2. Simply put, they will be highly motivated for a win tonight.
The same cannot be said for the Charlotte Hornets, who aren't mathematically eliminated, but essentially are eliminated from the playoffs. That's because they are three games behind both the No. 7 Bulls and No. 8 Pacers for the last two playoff spots. There is only three games to play, so you do the math. I don't expect the Hornets to show up at all tonight.
The Celtics simply own the Hornets. They are 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings. They won by 10 and 8 at home earlier this season, and also by 6 on the road. Now they will cap off the season sweep of the Hornets tonight.
The Hornets are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 home games. Charlotte is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 vs. NBA Atlantic division opponents. The Hornets are 1-8 ATS in Saturday home games this season. Bets on road teams (BOSTON) - terrible defensive team - allowing 103+ points/game on the season, after trailing their last two games by 10+ points at the half are 114-57 (66.7%) ATS since 1996. Bet the Celtics Saturday.
|
04-07-17 |
A's v. Rangers -130 |
|
5-10 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 35 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Texas Rangers -130
The Texas Rangers have opened 0-3 this season with two blown saves against the Cleveland Indians. They'll be highly motivated to pick up their first win of the season tonight against the Oakland A's.
The Rangers had yesterday off to regroup and should come back focused and determined. Meanwhile, the A's just finished a 4-game series with the Angels in which they split 2-2. They won 5-1 yesterday.
A.J. Griffin has the benefit of never facing Oakland, so they won't know what to expect from him. Raul Alcantara went 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA in two starts against the Rangers last season, giving up 6 earned runs and 3 homers in 11 2/3 innings.
Griffin is 13-3 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last two seasons. The Rangers are 5-1 in Griffin's last six starts overall, including 4-0 in his last four home starts. Take the Rangers Friday.
|
04-07-17 |
Heat +5.5 v. Raptors |
Top |
94-96 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 7 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Miami Heat +5.5
The Miami Heat are a half-game behind both the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers for the 7th and 8th spots in the playoffs, respectively. A win tonight would get them back in as they own the tiebreaker over the Pacers, so they will be highly motivated for a victory here.
The Toronto Raptors are playing for nothing other than playoff positioning. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the No. 3 and No. 4 seed, which the Raptors are currently in. They certainly don't need this game as much as the Heat do.
The Heat will be well-rested and ready to go tonight. They will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, while this will be the 3rd game in 4 days for the Raptors. Toronto needed a 20-point comeback to beat Detroit 105-102 on Wednesday, a Pistons team that really had nothing to play for.
The Heat are 10-1 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season. Better yet, Miami is 7-0 ATS in its last seven vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Heat are 27-9-1 ATS in their last 37 games overall. Bet the Heat Friday.
|
04-06-17 |
Bucks v. Pacers -4.5 |
Top |
89-104 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 19 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -4.5
The Indiana Pacers are in a three-way tie with the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for them, they lose the tiebreaker to both teams, so they are on the outside looking in right now.
They'll clearly be motivated as a result, and I like what I saw from them in a 108-90 home win over the Raptors on Tuesday after losing in double-overtime to Cleveland on the road the game prior. Lance Stephenson gave them a spark in the second half, and Paul George is on a tear, averaging 31.3 points in his last eight games.
"I'm dialed in," George told Pacers.com. "Whatever it takes to get it, I'm going to work my butt off and try to get us on the right path. Every night I am going to try and put it all out on that floor."
The Milwaukee Bucks are only playing for either the 5th or 6th seed, so not nearly as much is at stake for them. And they are playing like it, getting upset 105-109 as 6.5-point home favorites against the Mavs, and getting blown out 79-110 at Oklahoma City as 6-point dogs in their last two games coming in.
The Pacers had lost the first three meetings of the season to the Raptors before beating them by 18 last time out. Well, they'll also be looking to avoid the season sweep after losing the first three meetings of the season to the Bucks as well. That will only add to their motivation tonight.
Indiana is 27-12 at home this season. The Pacers are 14-4 ATS in a home game with a total of 200 to 209.5 this season. The Pacers are 21-10 ATS vs. division opponents over the past two seasons. Bet the Pacers Thursday.
|
04-06-17 |
Tigers -118 v. White Sox |
|
2-11 |
Loss |
-118 |
3 h 24 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Thursday Early Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on Detroit Tigers -118
The Chicago White Sox are going to be one of the worst teams in baseball this season. They are on full-on rebuilding mode after trading away Chris Sale and Adam Eaton in the offseason. Any time we can fade them at a generous price like this one, we're going to look to do so.
James Shields went 6-19 with a 5.85 ERA in 2016. He went 4-22 with a 6.77 ERA in 22 starts for the White Sox after being traded from San Diego last season. You know the White Sox are in poor shape when he's their No. 3 starter. Shields gave up 16 earned runs over 22 innings in four starts against the Tigers last season, posting a 6.55 ERA.
Matt Boyd has earned a rotation spot thanks to a strong spring training in which he posted a 2.10 ERA. He struck out 23 batters in 25 2/3 innings this spring. Boyd faced the White Sox four times last year, and he didn't allow more than 2 earned runs in each of his last three starts against them.
Shields is 9-24 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last two seasons. Detroit is 46-22 (+19.1 Units) against the money line when the money line is -100 to -150 over the last two seasons. The Tigers are 7-3 in Boyd's last 10 starts. The White Sox are 2-7 in Shields' last nine starts. Take the Tigers Thursday.
|
04-05-17 |
Warriors v. Suns +10 |
|
120-111 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 25 m |
Show
|
15* Warriors/Suns NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Phoenix +10
The Golden State Warriors are way overvalued right now due to winning 12 straight games coming in. This winning streak has allowed them to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, which means they have nothing to play for the rest of the way.
Now the Warriors will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 9 days tonight, so they are extremely tired right now. That's why they are expected to rest both Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala tonight, and Kevin Durant isn't expected to return until Saturday.
The Phoenix Suns are undervalued due to losing 12 straight coming in, but they have been competitive of late, going 4-2 ATS in their last six games. That includes a 6-point loss to the Clippers, a 10-point loss at Boston, a 4-point loss at Atlanta, and a 7-point loss to Houston. They will show up for the Warriors tonight at home.
Phoenix is 24-12 ATS in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last two seasons. The Warriors are 7-23 ATS in their last 30 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Suns are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning record. Phoenix is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home meetings with Golden State. Take the Suns Wednesday.
|
04-05-17 |
Nuggets +8.5 v. Rockets |
Top |
104-110 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 25 m |
Show
|
20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Denver Nuggets +8.5
The Denver Nuggets have gone on the road and pulled off back-to-back upset wins over the Heat and Pelicans to pull within a half-game of the Portland Trail Blazers for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. It's safe to say they'll be highly motivated for a win in Houston tonight.
Conversely, the Houston Rockets are locked in to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, so they have nothing to play for the rest of the way. That has started to show as they are 1-3 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall. And now they are dealing with some key injuries as both Sam Dekker (hand) and Ryan Anderson (ankle) are out, while Trevor Ariza (personal) and James Harden (flu) are both questionable tonight.
The Nuggets will want revenge from losing each of the first three meetings with the Rockets this season and avoiding the season sweep. The last two have been excruciating as they lost 109-105 at home, and 124-125 on the road. I think they'll easily stay within this 8.5-point spread, possibly pulling off the upset tonight.
The Nuggets are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last six vs a team with a winning record. The Nuggets are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings. Bet the Nuggets Wednesday.
|
04-05-17 |
Blue Jays v. Orioles -113 |
|
1-3 |
Win
|
100 |
6 h 15 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Baltimore Orioles -113
Last year, Baltimore lost the season series to Toronto 10-9. That gave the Blue Jays the home-field advantage in the AL wild-card game, which went to Toronto in extra innings with a 5-2 victory on Edwin Encarnacion's three-run homer in the 11th.
There is some bad blood in this rivalry, and the Orioles want some serious payback this season. That's why they'll be motivated to sweep the Jays after winning the opener 3-2. Now they're sending perhaps their most talented starter to the mount today in Dylan Bundy, a former first-round pick who stepped into the starting rotation in the second half of last year and really threw well at times.
J.A. Happ had a great season last year with 20 victories. However, he was one of the luckiest starters in baseball according to the metrics, and he's in line for some big-time regression in 2017. Happ is 4-3 with a 3.56 ERA and 1.279 WHIP in 11 career starts against Baltimore. Bundy is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in four career relief appearances against Toronto.
Baltimore is 40-15 (+18.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -110 or higher over the last two seasons. The home team is 37-18 in Eric Cooper's last 55 Wednesday games behind home plate. Roll with the Orioles Wednesday.
|
04-04-17 |
Cubs -137 v. Cardinals |
|
2-1 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 57 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago Cubs -137
After losing their opener Sunday in walk off fashion to the rival St. Louis Cardinals, I full expect the Chicago Cubs to bounce back with a victory here in Game 2 Tuesday. They have the clear edge on the mound and at the plate in this one.
Jake Arrieta went 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA last year to follow up his Cy Young Award season of 2015. He has a history of success against the Cardinals, going 7-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 13 career starts. He limited opponents to an MLB-low .194 batting average last year.
Adam Wainwright went 13-9 with a 4.62 ERA last season. He clearly has lost it and probably will never return to his once dominant form. Wainwright posted a 7.98 ERA in three starts against the Cubs last season.
Arrieta is 15-1 (+13.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -150 over the last two seasons. The Cubs are 41-15 in Arrieta's last 56 starts. The Cardinals are 0-7 in their last seven games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Take the Cubs Tuesday.
|
04-04-17 |
Raptors v. Pacers -3 |
Top |
90-108 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 33 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -3
The Indiana Pacers are tied with the Miami Heat for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They lose the tiebreaker, so they need to actually gain a game on the Heat the rest of the way to get in. It's safe to say they'll be highly motivated for a victory tonight, especially after four straight losses coming in, including a double-OT hearbreaker against the Cavs last time out.
The good news for the Pacers is that they'll be playing on their home floor tonight, where they have been dominant all season. The Pacers are 26-12 at home this year. They are clearly undervalued right now due to their recent skid, and they want revenge from a 100-111 loss at Toronto on March 31st just a few days ago.
Conversely, the Raptors come in overvalued due to going 8-1 in their last nine games overall. This entire run has come against teams seeded 7th or worst in the playoff standings currently. They have beaten up on some bad teams, but they will get some resistance from a Pacers team tonight that is desperate for a win.
The home team is 6-0 SU in the last six meetings. Indiana is 24-13 ATS in home games revenging a road loss over the last two seasons. The Pacers are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Bet the Pacers Tuesday.
|
04-03-17 |
North Carolina -1 v. Gonzaga |
Top |
71-65 |
Win
|
100 |
32 h 59 m |
Show
|
20* UNC/Gonzaga Championship Game No-Brainer on UNC -1
The UNC Tar Heels suffered the agony of losing on a buzzer-beater in last year's championship game against Villanova. They've been on a mission all season to get that sour taste out of their mouths, and now they have a chance to do just that by beating Gonzaga Monday.
The Bulldogs have had a huge size advantage against everyone they have faced this season. But that won't be the case against UNC, which is the best offensive rebounding team in the country, grabbing 43% of their own misses on the season. They have done so behind the duo of Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks.
The X-factor for the Tar Heels' is Theo Pinson, who has missed 19 games this season due to injury, but has gotten healthy and come up huge in the NCAA Tournament. He is their best perimeter defender, and he will harass Nigel Williams-Goss and whoever he is matched up against in this game. He just makes so many huge plays that don't always show up in the box score, including game-winning plays against both Kentucky and Oregon.
UNC has faced the much tougher path to reach the Championship Game. Gonzaga couldn't have had a much easier path with games against South Dakota State, Northwestern, WVU, Xavier and South Carolina. I think the fact that the Tar Heels are more battle-tested and that they were just here last year will be a huge advantage. You can't simulate their championship game experience.
Bets on all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (N CAROLINA) - team from a major division 1-A conference against a team from a second tier conference, off a no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite are 23-5 (82.1%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bulldogs are 1-4-1 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games, and 0-3-1 ATS in their last four vs. ACC opponents. The Tar Heels are 21-8-3 ATS in their last 32 neutral site games as a favorite. Bet North Carolina Monday.
|
04-03-17 |
Pirates v. Red Sox -154 |
|
3-5 |
Win
|
100 |
3 h 59 m |
Show
|
15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -154
The Boston Red Sox have the best lineup in baseball, and it's really not even all that close. They hit .281 and scored 5.4 runs per game last season, including .299 and 5.9 runs per game at home. Now Pablo Sandoval looks like his old self, which will help make up for the absence of David Ortiz.
Rick Porcello won the AL Cy Young last year by going 22-5 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.016 WHIP in 34 starts. Porcello went 13-1 with a 2.97 ERA in 16 home starts last year. The right-hander has never lost to the Pirates, going 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA and 0.609 WHIP in three career starts against them.
Gerrit Cole had an injury-plagued 2016 campaign. He finished 7-10 with a 3.88 ERA and 1.440 WHIP in 21 starts, including 5-5 with a 4.30 ERA and 1.567 WHIP in 10 road starts. Now he has to open the 2017 season against the best lineup in baseball, so don't expect him to turn it around in time.
The Red Sox are 15-1 in Porcello's last 16 home starts. Boston is 86-34 in its last 120 interleague games. The Red Sox are 21-7 in their last 28 during game 1 of a series. The Pirates are 0-5 in Cole's last five starts. The Pirates are 26-54 in their last 80 interleague road games vs. a right-handed starter. Take the Red Sox Monday.
|
04-02-17 |
Hawks v. Nets UNDER 217 |
Top |
82-91 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 14 m |
Show
|
20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hawks/Nets UNDER 217
The Atlanta Hawks have really struggled to score without Paul Millsap. That's why they are just 2-8 in their last 10 games overall. They have been held to 100 or fewer points in nine of those 10 contests. The UNDER is 8-1 in their last nine games as a result.
I like the fact that the Nets and Hawks just played a week ago, and this will actually be their 3rd meeting in a month. They combined for 199 points a week ago, and 215 points in the meeting prior. They are obviously very familiar with each other now, and familiarity favors the defenses.
In fact, the Hawks and Nets have combined for 215 or fewer points at the end of regulation in 12 straight meetings. That makes for a perfect 12-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to today's total set of 217. Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.v
|
04-02-17 |
Giants v. Diamondbacks +140 |
|
5-6 |
Win
|
140 |
5 h 53 m |
Show
|
15* Giants/Diamondbacks 2017 MLB Season Opener on Arizona +140
The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the most underrated teams in the league heading into 2017. They were expected to make a run at the NL West last year, but fell flat on their faces with a 69-93 finish. Injuries and bullpen issues really brought them down.
Look for the Diamondbacks to realize their potential this season. They have one of the best lineups in the National League, and their rotation should be healthier this year. There's no question that Zack Greinke will bounce back following a sub-par season in his first year of the new $200 million contract.
"I still have really high hopes for our team," Greinke said this spring. "I thought we were going to be really good going into last year. We pretty much have the same team or a very similar team. I think we should be good. I'm shocked we didn't do better last year."
Greinke has owned the Giants throughout his career, going 9-2 with a 2.49 ERA and 1.129 WHIP in 14 career starts against them. Roll with the Diamondbacks Sunday.
|
04-02-17 |
Jazz +5.5 v. Spurs |
|
103-109 |
Loss |
-105 |
5 h 43 m |
Show
|
15* Jazz/Spurs ABC Sunday ANNIHILATOR on Utah +5.5
The San Antonio Spurs are essentially locked into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. They aren't catching the Warriors, and they are way ahead of the Rockets. I question their motivation the rest of the regular season as a result.
Greg Popovich is taking the conservative approach already. LaMarcus Aldridge, Manu Ginobli and Danny Green are all expected to miss today's game due to either minor injuries or rest. So the Spurs will be short-handed for this matchup already.
Unlike the Spurs, the Jazz actually have something to play for. The lead the Clippers by just one game for the 4th seed, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round. The Jazz have been fighting to hold on to that seed, going 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games coming in.
Utah is 37-14 ATS when revenging a home loss over the last three seasons. The Jazz are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 Sunday games. The Spurs are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win. Take the Jazz Sunday.
|
04-01-17 |
South Carolina +7 v. Gonzaga |
Top |
73-77 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 34 m |
Show
|
25* NCAA Tournament GAME OF THE YEAR on South Carolina +7
The South Carolina Gamecocks have been disrespected the entire NCAA Tournament. They are still getting no love from oddsmakers here as 7-point underdogs in the Final Four, and that's precisely the way that Frank Martin and company like it.
The Gamecocks have pulled four straight 'upsets' to get here in beating Marquette, Duke, Baylor and Florida. But really, these games weren't even all that close as all four wins came by 7 points or more, including two by exactly 20 points. The Gamecocks are playing as well as anyone right now.
This is a team that I love to back because they get after it defensively better than anyone in college basketball. Nothing comes easy against them, and offensively, they have found their stride in the tournament, averaging 82.0 points per game. They have the best player in the tournament to bail them out in Sindarius Thornwell, who is averaging 25.8 points in the big dance while scoring at least 24 points in every game.
The Gamecocks are 38-18-1 ATS in their last 57 non-conference games. South Carolina is 21-8-1 ATS in its last 30 neutral site games. I think Gonzaga is being overvalued here due to its blowout win over Xavier in the Elite 8. But the Musketeers didn't belong in the Elite 8 and were the worst team left in the field. The only real team that Gonzaga has faced is West Virginia, and it was fortunate to escape with a 3-point victory. Bet South Carolina Saturday.
|
04-01-17 |
Hawks v. Bulls -4.5 |
|
104-106 |
Loss |
-105 |
7 h 34 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -4.5
The Chicago Bulls got a big break yesterday when BOTH the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers lost. That means they are just 0.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the East as they sit at 36-39, while both the Pacers and Heat are 37-39. They can pull even with them with a win today.
The Bulls will be well-rested and ready to go as this will be just their 2nd game in 6 days. And they'll come in with confidence after pulling off back-to-back upsets 109-94 at Milwaukee as 6.5-point dogs, and 99-93 at home over Cleveland as 5.5-point dogs.
The Atlanta Hawks are just 2-7 in their last nine games overall. Their two wins were struggles over Phoenix (by 4) and Philadelphia (by 7). They are 2-8 without Paul Millsap this season. Millsap will be out again Saturday, as will their best defender in Thobo Sefolosha, who would usually match up with Jimmy Butler.
The Hawks are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. The Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Chicago is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games overall. Take the Bulls Saturday.
|
03-31-17 |
Wizards v. Jazz -2.5 |
Top |
88-95 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 19 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Utah Jazz -2.5
We're getting the Utah Jazz at a discount at home tonight as only 2.5-point favorites over the Washington Wizards. The Jazz are motivated to earn home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, and they have played like it their past two games.
Rudy Gobert called out his team following a 95-108 loss to the Clippers on Saturday. His team has responded by beating the Pelicans 108-100 as 6-point home favorites, and then throttling the Kings 112-82 as 7.5-point road favorites.
The Jazz are 25-12 at home this season and own one of the better home-court advantages in the league. The Wizards are 17-19 on the road this season. This will be the 3rd game in 4 days, 5th game in 8 days and the 15th game in 25 days for the Wizards. They have had a brutal schedule 11 of their last 15 games on the road and they are simply running out of gas right now.
Plays against road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (WASHINGTON) - after going over the total by more than 18 points in their previous game, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a team with a winning record are 31-10 (75.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Wizards are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 games playing on 1 days rest. Bet the Jazz Friday.
|
03-31-17 |
Knicks v. Heat UNDER 207 |
|
98-94 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 7 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Knicks/Heat UNDER 207
This is a classic home-and-home situation in the NBA. The Heat just beat the Knicks 105-88 on the road on Wednesday, and now they face each other two days later in Miami. I also like backing the UNDER in the second meeting in these situations because familiarity favors the defenses.
And these teams combined for only 193 points in the first meeting, and now the total has been set at 207 for the rematch, a full 14 points more. I think there's some serious value with the UNDER, especially when you look at the head-to-head history in this series.
Indeed, the Knicks and Heat have combined for 204 or fewer points in 28 o their last 29 meetings. That makes for a 28-1 system backing the UNDER pertaining to tonight's total set of 207. These are bitter rivals and defense usually wins out. Take the UNDER in this game Friday.
|
03-30-17 |
Rockets v. Blazers +2 |
Top |
107-117 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 26 m |
Show
|
25* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Portland Trail Blazers +2
The Portland Trail Blazers are quietly playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now. They have gone 12-3 SU & 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall. This run has put them into the 8th seed in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the Denver Nuggets.
While the Blazers have everything to play for, the Rockets are locked in to the No. 3 seed in the West. I expect them to lack focus down the stretch as a result knowing that winning or losing doesn't matter to them now.
And this is an awful spot for the Rockets. They are coming off a loss to the Warriors on Tuesday, and now they have a huge game against Golden State on deck tomorrow where they'll be looking for revenge. I don't expect them to show up at all tonight given the spot. Bet the Blazers Thursday.
|
03-30-17 |
Georgia Tech v. TCU -4 |
|
56-88 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 35 m |
Show
|
15* Georgia Tech/TCU NIT No-Brainer on TCU -4
The TCU Horned Frogs are clearly on a mission to win the NIT. And I expect them to get the job done in Jamie Dixon's first year on the job Thursday with another win and cover against Georgia Tech tonight.
I would argue that TCU has beaten three straight opponents that are all better than anyone Georgia Tech has faced in its last three games. The Horned Frogs won at Iowa, then blew out Richmond (by 18) and UCF (by 15). Tech's three wins have come against Belmont, Ole Miss and CS-Bakersfield.
The Horned Frogs are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 neutral site games. That includes an upset win over Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament. TCU is 4-0 ATS in its last four neutral site games as a favorite. Bet TCU Thursday.
|
03-29-17 |
Warriors v. Spurs -4 |
Top |
110-98 |
Loss |
-105 |
9 h 13 m |
Show
|
20* Warriors/Spurs ESPN Wednesday No-Brainer on San Antonio -4
The San Antonio Spurs have played their best basketball against the NBA's top teams. Indeed, they are 9-1 against the top four teams in the NBA in the Warriors, Cavs, Rockets and Celtics this season. Their only loss was by two points in November to the Rockets.
The Golden State Warriors are in a tough spot here tonight. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after beating Houston 113-106 on the road last night. They will certainly be the more tired team considering the Spurs had yesterday off following their 103-74 thrashing of Cleveland on Monday.
The Spurs have absolutely owned the Warriors in both meetings this season. They won 129-100 as 8-point road underdogs on October 25th and 107-85 as 10.5-point home favorites on March 11th. Look for them to improve to 3-0 against the Warriors this season and inch closer to the No. 1 seed in the West tonight.
Golden State is 6-16 ATS when playing its 3rd game in 4 days this season. San Antonio is 19-6 ATS versus good offensive teams scoring 106-plus points per game this season. The Spurs are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last five home meetings with Golden State. Bet the Spurs Wednesday.
|
03-28-17 |
Nuggets v. Blazers -1.5 |
Top |
113-122 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 56 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Portland Trail Blazers -1.5
The Portland Trail Blazers have fought their way back into an 8th-place tie with the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference. Now they get to host the Nuggets tonight, and they aren't about to let this golden opportunity slip by.
The Blazers have put themselves in this position by playing their best basketball of the season down the stretch. Indeed, they've gone 11-3 SU & 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall. Each of their last five victories have come by 11 points or more, so these games really haven't even been close.
The Blazers have owned the Nuggets, too. They are 5-1 in the last six meetings, and 13-2 in the last 15 meetings. The Blazers are 30-11 straight up in their last 41 home meetings, including 7-0 in the last seven meetings in Portland.
Portland is 13-2 ATS after a combined score of 185 points or less over the past two seasons. The Blazers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall. Bet the Blazers Tuesday.
|
03-28-17 |
Wolves v. Pacers -3.5 |
|
115-114 |
Loss |
-115 |
7 h 55 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Indiana Pacers -3.5
The Indiana Pacers are 26-11 at home this season. They have the biggest home/away difference in the league this year. We'll back them at home here against a struggling Minnesota Timberwolves team with nothing to play for.
The Timberwolves have gone 0-6 SU & 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall. They are clearly just playing out the string. But they've also had a brutal schedule with 11 of their last 15 games on the road, and this tough slate appears to be catching up with them.
Bets against road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (MINNESOTA) - revenging a home loss vs opponent, off two consecutive road losses by 10 points or more are 64-29 (68.8%) ATS since 1996.
Indiana is 13-3 ATS in home games where the total is 200 to 209.5 this season. Minnesota is 14-30 ATS off a road loss by 10 points or more over the last three seasons. The Timberwolves are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games. The Pacers are 5-1 ATS int heir last six vs. Western Conference opponents. Take the Pacers Tuesday.
|
03-28-17 |
CS Bakersfield +2.5 v. Georgia Tech |
|
61-76 |
Loss |
-102 |
7 h 50 m |
Show
|
15* CS-Bakersfield/GA Tech NIT No-Brainer on CS-Bakersfield +2.5
Bakersfield has been the most impressive team in the NIT to this point. It has pulled off three straight outright road upsets over California (73-66) as 6.5-point dogs, Colorado State (81-63) as 4.5-point dogs and UT-Arlington (80-76) as 4-point dogs.
You could argue that all three of those teams they've already beaten are better than Georgia Tech. Now Bakersfield finds itself in the role of the dog once again in the semifinals. This team has been playing tremendous defense, limiting Cal to 33.3% shooting, Colorado State to 34.5% and Arlington to 35.5%.
Georgia Tech is just 3-11 in all road games this season, while Bakersfield is 13-8 away from home. Bakersfield is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games as an underdog. The Roadrunners are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games. Roll with Bakersfield Tuesday.
|
03-27-17 |
Thunder v. Mavs +2 |
Top |
92-91 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 35 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Dallas Mavericks +2
The Dallas Mavericks are 3.5 games behind the Blazers for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They need to finish strong to have any hope, and I like their chances of taking down the Oklahoma City Thunder at home tonight.
This is an awful spot for the Thunder, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a 125-137 loss at Houston yesterday. That shootout clearly took a lot out of them. Russell Westbrook played 39 minutes in the defeat.
Oklahoma City is 1-9 ATS in road games after covering five or six of their last seven against the spread this season. The Mavericks are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Dallas is 21-7 ATS in its last 28 games following a loss.
Plays against road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (OKLAHOMA CITY) - an excellent offensive team (>=102 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG), after a combined score of 215 points or more two straight games are 25-7 (78.1%) ATS over the last five seasons. Bet the Mavericks Monday.
|
03-26-17 |
Grizzlies v. Warriors UNDER 207.5 |
|
94-106 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 46 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Grizzlies/Warriors UNDER 207.5
This will be the 4th and final meeting of the season between the Grizzlies and Warriors. It's safe to say that these teams are very familiar with each other by now, and familiarity tends to favor defensive battles. I expect that to be the case in this game Sunday.
The Warriors have been an UNDER machine since losing Kevin Durant to injury. In fact, the UNDER is 14-1 in Warriors last 15 games overall. Now they're up against one of the best defensive teams in the NBA in the Grizzlies, who have allowed 97 or fewer points in each of their last six games coming in.
Memphis is 9-1 UNDER after covering four of their last five against hte spread this season. Golden State is 6-0 UNDER in its last six home games. The UNDER is 4-0 in Grizzlies last four road games. The UNDER is 70-34-1 in Warriors last 105 Sunday games. The UNDER is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings. Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.
|
03-26-17 |
South Carolina v. Florida -3.5 |
Top |
77-70 |
Loss |
-110 |
3 h 51 m |
Show
|
20* South Carolina/Florida East Region No-Brainer on Florida -3.5
The Florida Gators have been the most impressive team in the NCAA Tournament thus far. They have gone 3-0 SU & 2-0-1 ATS in their three games. They beat East Tennessee State by 15, Virginia by 26 and Wisconsin by 1. They led the Badgers by 12 late in the second half, though.
South Carolina has been the story of the NCAA Tournament, but this Cinderella story comes to an end Sunday. I like the toughness the Gamecocks have shown, but they've beaten some overrated teams in Marquette, Duke and Baylor to get here.
Now they're up against the 3rd-best team in the country in Florida according to Kenpom. The Gators rank 4th in defensive efficiency and 25th in offensive efficiency in his rankings. They should be roughly an 8-point favorite over South Carolina on a neutral court, instead they're only laying 8.5 here.
Florida is 19-8 ATS as a favorite this season. The Gators are 9-2 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) this season. The Gamecocks are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 vs. SEC opponents. The Gators are 22-10-1 ATS in their last 33 NCAA Tournament games. Florida is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5 points. Bet Florida Sunday.
|
03-25-17 |
Oregon v. Kansas -7 |
Top |
74-60 |
Loss |
-102 |
9 h 16 m |
Show
|
20* Oregon/Kansas Midwest Region No-Brainer on Kansas -7
The Kansas Jayhawks have been the most impressive team in the NCAA Tournament thus far. They are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS with wins by 38, 20 and 32 points. They are simply obliterating the competition, and I expect that to continue here tonight.
The Jayhawks have certainly used location from their No. 1 seed to their advantage. They got to play close to home in their first two games in Tulsa, and their next two games have been in Kansas City. They have rode their home crowd edge to 100, 90 and 98 points offensively in their three games.
Oregon has been fortunate to make it this far, needing late comebacks to beat Rhode Island (75-72) and Michigan (69-68). But now the Ducks take a big step up in class here, and this is where the loss of Chris Boucher inside will finally hurt them. Look for Kansas to get whatever it wants offensively and to hang another big number on this Oregon defense.
Kansas is 6-0 ATS in road games versus good defensive teams who allow 42% or less after 15-plus games this season. The Ducks are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Jayhawks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight NCAA Tournament games as a favorite. Kansas is 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bet Kansas Saturday.
|
03-25-17 |
Raptors v. Mavs UNDER 194 |
|
94-86 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 1 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Raptors/Mavs UNDER 194
The Dallas Mavericks have gotten better defensively since trading for elite rim protector Nerlens Noel from Philadelphia. The Toronto Raptors have struggled offensively since losing PG Kyle Lowry to injury. I think this game makes for an easy UNDER winner today.
After all, Toronto just beat Dallas 100-78 at home on March 13th for 178 combined points. Now these teams meet up less than two weeks later in Dallas, and they are obviously very familiar with one another now. That will familiarity will certainly favor the UNDER again in the rematch.
Toronto is 24-8 UNDER off an upset win as an underdog over the last three seasons. Dallas is 8-1 UNDER as a home favorite of 6 points or less this season. Toronto is 14-3 UNDER when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) this season. The UNDER is 13-3 in Raptors last 16 road games. The UNDER is 12-3-1 in Mavericks last 16 vs. Eastern Conference. Take the UNDER in this game Saturday.
|
03-24-17 |
Wisconsin v. Florida |
Top |
83-84 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 9 m |
Show
|
20* Wisconsin/Florida East Region BAILOUT on Florida PK
No team has been more impressive in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament than Florida. After beating East Tennessee State as 9.5-point favorites, the Gators rolled Virginia 65-39 as 1.5-point favorites. They are hitting on all cylinders right now.
Wisconsin is getting a lot of love right now for its upset of Villanova. However, that was a perfect matchup for the Badgers as they took advantage of their size and the Wildcats' lack of it. They won't have that same advantage inside over the Gators here.
Kenpom's rankings have Florida as the 4th-best team in the country, and I agree. They have Wisconsin at 21st. According to his rankings, the Gators should be roughly 6-point favorites in this game. I tend to agree with that as well. This Gators team has been underrated all season.
Florida is 9-2 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) this season. The Badgers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games as an underdog. The Gators are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5 points. Florida is 6-0 ATS in its last six games off a win by more than 20 points. Bet Florida Friday.
|
03-24-17 |
Hawks v. Bucks -6 |
|
97-100 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 1 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Milwaukee Bucks -6
Don't look now but the Milwaukee Bucks are sitting in 6th place in the Eastern Conference just one game behind Atlanta for the No. 5 seed. Just a few weeks ago it was looking like the Bucks wouldn't even make the playoffs.
But they have buckled down and played their best basketball of the season down the stretch. They've gone 10-2 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall, including a perfect 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS at home over this span with all five wins coming by 7 points or more.
The Atlanta Hawks are stuck in strugglesville thanks to key injuries to Paul Millsap and Kent Bazemore, both of which are expected to sit out tonight. They are 0-5 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with four of those losses coming by 8 or more points. It's hard to envision them being able to hang with the Bucks without Millsap and Bazemore tonight.
Bets against road underdogs (ATLANTA) - good offensive team - scoring 99+ points/game on the season against opponent after leading their last two games by 10+ points at the half are 61-24 (71.8%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Hawks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss. Roll with the Bucks Friday.
|
03-24-17 |
Nets +12 v. Wizards |
|
108-129 |
Loss |
-110 |
7 h 1 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Brooklyn Nets +12
The Brooklyn Nets don't have to tank because they are essentially guaranteed to finish with the worst record in the NBA. As a result, they have been playing their best basketball of the season of late. They are 5-5 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
The Washington Wizards were on fire going into the All-Star Break, but they came out of it overvalued because of it. And that has shown in the market place as the Wizards are just 4-12 ATS since the Break. They have gone 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall.
This is an awful spot for the Wizards, who will be looking ahead to their huge game tomorrow night against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. They won't be focused on the Nets, certainly not enough to put them away by 12-plus points. Look for them to struggle to even win this game, let alone win by margin.
Washington is 4-14 ATS after failing to cover the spread in four or more consecutive games over the last three seasons. Bets against home favorites of 10 or more points (WASHINGTON) - after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points, tired team - playing 8 or more games in 14 days are 76-34 (69.1%) ATS since 1996. The Nets are 6-0 ATS in their last six vs. Eastern Conference. Take the Nets Friday.
|
03-23-17 |
Xavier v. Arizona -7.5 |
|
73-71 |
Loss |
-105 |
11 h 26 m |
Show
|
15* Xavier/Arizona West Region BAILOUT on Arizona -7.5
The Arizona Wildcats are are set up well to make the Final Four and win it all. They have will have played close to home all tournament, and that's the case again for the next two rounds as they'll be playing in San Jose, CA. And then the Final Four will be in Phoenix.
The Wildcats have gone 11-1 in their last 12 games overall, including 6-0 SU & 5-0-1 ATS in their last six. They have the best big man duo in the country down low, and their guards have really taken their games to the next level, especially since getting Alonzo Trier back from suspension.
Xavier has had a nice run thus far, pulling off back-to-back upsets over Maryland and Florida State. But those two teams faded down the stretch and were two of the most inconsistent teams coming into the tournament. Xavier meets its match today in Arizona.
Arizona is 8-0 ATS in road games after covering two of their last three against the spread this season. Xavier is 1-9 ATS versus good rebounding teams who outrebound their opponents by 4-plus boards per game this season. The Musketeers simply don't have the man power to match up with Arizona's two 7-footers inside. Take Arizona Thursday.
|
03-23-17 |
Purdue v. Kansas -5 |
Top |
66-98 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 20 m |
Show
|
25* Midwest Region GAME OF THE YEAR on Kansas -5
The Kansas Jayhawks have a huge home-court advantage over Purdue in the Sweet 16. This game will be played in Kansas City at the Sprint Center, the same location where they play the Big 12 Tournament every year. It will be a pro-Jayhawk crowd to say the least.
The Jayhawks also had a decided home-court edge in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Tulsa, going 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS. They dominated Cal Davis 100-62 as 23-point favorites, and also rolled Michigan State 90-70 as 8-point favorites. This team is on a mission and has been as impressive as anyone thus far.
Guard play wins out in the NCAA Tournament, and Kansas has the best trio in the country in Mason, Graham and Jackson. The Boilermakers will be at a severe disadvantage on that front as they don't have the guards that can stay with them. Athletically, this is a huge mismatch in favor of Kansas.
The Jayhawks are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 neutral site games. The Jayhawks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven NCAA Tournament games as a favorite. Kansas is 4-0 ATS in its last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Jayhawks are 8-1 ATS in road games after successfully covering the spread in two or more consecutive games over the last two seasons. Bet Kansas Thursday.
|
03-23-17 |
Grizzlies v. Spurs UNDER 198.5 |
|
90-97 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 20 m |
Show
|
15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Grizzlies/Spurs UNDER 198.5
This will be the 2nd meeting in 6 days for the Spurs and Grizzlies. They met up on March 18th in Memphis with the Grizzlies winning 104-96. Now they are very familiar with one another, and that familiarity favors a defensive battle in the rematch that stays UNDER this 198.5-point total.
This has been a low-scoring series to say the least. Nine of the last 12 meetings have seen less than 198.5 combined points. The UNDER is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. They have averaged 183.9 combined points per game in those seven meetings, which is roughly 16 points less than tonight's posted total of 198.5.
Memphis is 15-4 UNDER vs. good 3-point shooting teams who make 39% or better over the last three seasons. The UNDER is 6-1 in Grizzlies last seven Thursday games. The UNDER is 12-4-1 in Spurs last 17 games following a win. The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings in San Antonio. Roll with the UNDER in this game Thursday.
|
03-22-17 |
76ers +10.5 v. Thunder |
Top |
97-122 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 53 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Philadelphia 76ers +10.5
The Philadelphia 76ers have been a covering machine, yet they continue to get no respect from oddsmakers. They are a ridiculous 30-9 ATS in their last 39 games overall, including a perfect 7-0 ATS in their last seven games coming in.
Now they are catching a whopping 10.5 points against an Oklahoma City Thunder team that is in a terrible spot. The Thunder will suffer a hangover from their home loss to the Warriors on Monday. They also have a huge game at Houston on deck, so this is a sandwich game for them.
Philadelphia is 10-0 ATS in its last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. The 76ers are 13-0 ATS versus good offensive teams scoring 106-plus points per game in the second half of the season this season. Philadelphia is 7-0 ATS versus poor defensive teams allowing 106-plus points per game in the second half of the season this season. These three trends combine for a perfect 30-0 system backing the 76ers. Bet the 76ers Wednesday.
|
03-21-17 |
Grizzlies v. Pelicans -2 |
Top |
82-95 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 23 m |
Show
|
20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans -2
The New Orleans Pelicans are finally starting to play up to their potential with DeMarcus Cousins. They are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall to continue their playoff push. In their three home games during this stretch, all three resulted in blowouts over Portland (by 23), Houston (by 16) and Minnesota (by 14).
The Memphis Grizzlies also come in playing well. They had lost five straight prior to their current four-game winning streak. But they are getting too much respect from oddsmakers now, and this is clearly a letdown spot off their upset home win over the Spurs last time out.
Not only is this a letdown spot, but it's also a lookahead spot for the Grizzlies. They have two huge road games on deck against the Spurs and Warriors. I don't expect them to give the Pelicans their full attention tonight as a result.
The Grizzlies are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games when playing on two days' rest. Memphis is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 Tuesday games. New Orleans is 6-0 ATS in its last six Tuesday games. The Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. Bet the Pelicans Tuesday.
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