Archive for December 2010
Hawks V.S. Thunder
December 31, 2010 | 
Author It’s New Year’s Eve and the Atlanta Hawks are on the road again. Unfortunately for them, the road has not been a friendly place. While the Hawks have been dominant at home, their road record, a paltry 9-8 speaks volumes to the pain of leaving home. Currently they are riding a nine game home (keyword: home) winning streak into Oklahoma City where they will face Kevin Durant and his talented young Thunder squad. The Hawks have lost their last 6 of 8 away from home, and this next matchup could add to that total. Marvin Williams, one of the team’s important role players, also may not be available for the game (Day-to-Day) with an injured back.
Currently, the statistics favor a Thunder victory by far. According to data gathered by Accuscore, the Thunder are 74.4% likely to win the matchup, with key numbers showing up in their favor (Hawks are shooting 43.8% overall, whereas the Thunder are forecasted to shoot 45.9, the Thunder hold a distinct rebounding advantage of 45.8 to 39.1, and currently the Thunder commit three fewer turnovers a game than the Hawks.) The one number the Hawks having going for them is the three-point shot, a stat in which they have made 7.1 shots at field goal percentage of 38.3% compared to the Thunder’s 4.5 made on 32.1% shooting.
The line total is currently (– 5) OKC and I’ve got to put my bet in with Kevin Durant and the Thunder. The Hawks match up terribly with the Thunder, and Mike Bibby will not be able to keep up with Russell Westbrook’s agility and determination to drive it to the hole. Nobody can really guard Kevin Durant effectively, and the Thunder’s second unit, which features James Harden, is much more talented than the Hawk’s bench. Historically, the Thunder hold a 34-23 record when it comes to home games. The Hawks’ less than respectable home record, and the fact that the Thunder are coming off a dominant win at New Jersey (114-93) in front of an energized (not to mention sold out) home crowd, will catch up to them. The Thunder will play with more energy and enthusiasm than the Hawks and OKC will beat the spread by at least two points. Book it.
Suns V.S. Pistons
On New Year’s Eve the Detroit Pistons will square off against the Suns. On one hand, Steve Nash’s Suns are reeling, coming off a 123-110 to Philadelphia(a bottom feeding team), the highest point total scored by the 76ers thus far. The Sun’s defense is failing them, allowing a league worst 107.5 points and winning just 2 of 8 over the last 10 games. Despite the new acquisitions of Vince Carter (who FINALLY played in his first game and scored 18 pts) and Marcin Gortat, the Suns are floundering. The Suns statistically rank near the bottom of the league when it comes to steals, blocked shots, and field-goal percentage defense. Case and point—their last two opponents shot over 53% from the field. With Nash feeling frustrated by the losing, one has to wonder if their losing streak—which now numbers four—will continue.
On the flip side of things, the Pistons, after a rocky start and multiple injury bugs, seem to finally be gelling. Detroit has been playing some stellar basketball recently, most noticeably in a 104-92 victory over the Boston Celtic’s, currently the Eastern conference’s top seed. Rodney Stuckey is also slated to return for Detroit on Friday, which can only add to the Piston’s potent scoring backcourt that features a revitalized Tracy McGrady. McGrady, filling in for the injured Stuckey (virus), scored a season high 21 points, and played over thirty minutes, a good sign that may show that the T-Mac of old is back. Over the last 5 games, the Pistons have gone a combined 3-2, with both losses decided over a margin of a mere 8 points.
I predict Detroit to not only beat the spread on Friday, but to win in a convincing blow-out fashion. There is just too much momentum going for the Pistons right now. They just beat the Celtic’s, a formidable Eastern conference team and the Pistons frontcourt is revitalized and finally realizing the potential of teamwork. The Suns still need more time to integrate their new teammates, who are still learning the run and gun system. Steve Nash isn’t getting any younger—or happier. Another loss, another heartache in Phoenix.
Posted in NBA, Sportsbook | 
Tags: basketball betting, Detroit Pistons, NBA, NBA betting | 
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S. Florida vs Clemson
Much attention has been given to the S. Florida vs Clemson bowl contest
The current line on this game is 6 points favoring Clemson. That line is grossly lower than what it should be. Clemson should be favored by many more points than what they are favored by right now. This is a team that has been in bowl games far more often than S. Florida. They also have more recent experience taking on the stronger teams in recent years. Not only have they played the big teams, but they have beat the big teams. There is no reason not to believe that they are going to roll in this game. Look for Clemson to take this one by about 14 points. Just make sure that you are betting on them in this one.
Beating on a team to win a game does not appeal to some people. Some like to make a little more interesting bets to keep themselves interested in the game in case things don’t go their way.
If you are curious about the over/under line, then it stands at 40.5 points. That is about 20 points per team. While S. Florida may have difficultly pulling in their share of the 20 points they are suppose to bring in, Clemson is sure to light up the scoreboard. It is likely that the over is going to be the winning bet on this line. Clemson may be able to put up about 28 or more points. That means that S.Florida would only be needing to put up 13 points. That is all that would be required to get to the over. This seems like a great bet to make on both ends. Bet on a weak S.Florida team by betting against them in every way. Bet on Clemson, bet on the over line.
Posted in College Football, Sportsbook | Tags: College Football, College football betting | Comments Closed
Kansas State VS Syracuse
The Kansas State vs Syracuse contest is a game between two high powered teams that is looking just about even on paper.
As it turns out, the betting line on this game is perfectly even. This means that the odds makers do not have a favorite to win this game. You are simply picking the winner of this game if you are to bet on it. There is no line to bet against.
If you are not someone who wants to bet on a game that is looking to be so even, then you might consider betting on the over/under of this game. Currently the line for that is 47.5 points. This means that it equates to about 24 point per team. That is right about in line with the amount of points per game that these teams have been putting up throughout the season.
This kind of high attention game is one of the hardest for a better to get behind. It is so difficult to figure out exactly which team will win. It is better to just sit at home and flip a coin on this one. Where you might consider laying some action is on that over/under line. Although the line is sitting at about even markets for what the teams have been doing throughout the season, you have to remember that this is a bowl game, not the regular season. You are going to find that many teams play a bit more nervous in a bowl game. Many teams are not willing to take as many chances early in the game in a bowl game. You might want to select the under on this game for a winning bet. If you are interested in placing a bet on the team, then you might go with Syracuse in this one.
Posted in College Football, Sportsbook | Tags: College Football, College football betting, Kansas State, Syracuse | Comments Closed
Betting on the Rose bowl
There were three unbeaten college football teams this year there is TCU who finished 12-0 that’ll be facing Wisconsin 11-1 in the Rose Bowl includes one of them. If you’re looking to place a bet on that game, Texas Christian (TCU) is a 3 point favorite. I’m takin’ that wager for sure. In fact, I think the spread should be more like 10, in fact, TCU might just take ‘em by 14. TCU should have been number one and Auburn number two just because their respective divisions are tougher then the Pac 10 and Oregon had a soft schedule.
I’m an Oregonian though, so maybe I’m biased.
TCU out scored Oregon 78 total TDs with 95 second to Auburn and TCU quarterbacks have a better pass rating than Oregon’s 151.8. TCU shows up to the game with a pass rating of 167.4. So for all rights TCU got cheated out of the national Championship. TCU has its work cut out for them at least as far as the stats sheets go.
The Wisconsin Badgers are 11-1 but as a team passer rating of 172 that is better then Oregon or Texas Christian second to Auburns Cam Newton and the Badgers have scored more total TDs 80 then even Oregon’s 78. it will be no doubt a good game but the edge has to go to TCU defense. The Texas Christian defense gave up a total of 127 points that is 14 points allowed per game the Wisconsin Badgers defense has allowed 21 points per game that gives TCU a 7 point edge.
Posted in College Football, Sportsbook | Tags: College Football, College football betting, Texas Christian, Wisconsin Badgers | Comments Closed
Washington vs. Nebraska – Betting College Bowls
Heading into the 2010-11 bowl season, one of the most lopsided bowls appeared to be the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, which features the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Washington Huskies. Presently, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are favored by 14 points and the over / under is set at 52.5 points.
Throughout the 2010-11 regular season, the Cornhuskers looked like one of the best teams in the country and they spent much of the season ranked in the top 10 in the country. The Cornhuskers played in the weaker Big 12 North conference, but looked extremely dominant at times. At the end of the year, the Cornhuskers lost the Big 12 Championship game to the Oklahoma Sooners by a score of 23 to 20, which shot their hopes of heading to a BCS championship game.
The Washington Huskies, on the other hand, were a pretty big disappointment throughout the year. The Huskies, who were led by future NFL quarterback Jake Locker, struggled throughout the regular season. The Huskies were trounced by several ranked opponents and had a difficult time defeating the weaker ones. The Huskies finished the year strong by winning their last three games against UCLA, California, and Washington State. Their last three wins brought them to a record of 6 wins and 6 losses, which was just good enough to be bowl eligible.
Ironically, the Huskers and the Huskies have already met up earlier this year. In mid September Nebraska head to Washington and beat the Huskies by a score of 56 to 21. Because of the complete disparity between the two teams, and the fact that Nebraska has already proven that they could beat Washington, the safe bet would be to give up the 14 points and bet on Nebraska. Considering both teams have the ability to put up significant points, and that they previously combined for 77 points, it would also be wise to bet on the “over†on this game. Those looking for the largest return on their bet should combine the two bets into a parlay.
Posted in College Football, Sportsbook | Tags: Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, College Football, College football betting, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Washington Huskies | Comments Closed
North Carolina vs Tennessee
In a clash of the ACC vs the SEC, we have a bowl match up of North Carolina and Tennessee. These two teams have not had the kind of seasons that they hoped for, but they squeezed out just enough wins to make a bowl game. This is the kind of game that you are going to mostly find just the hard core fans and the fans of both schools watching. That is to say that it is not a game that is gaining a lot of attention from the national press.
Anytime there is any football game on, there are betting chances. This game is currently carrying a line that favors North Carolina in this one by one point. That is to say that it is difficult to determine who the real favorite in this game really is. The bookmakers have North Carolina as the favorite, but with such a close line, there is action on both sides of this one. As the educated gambler, you want to make sure that you are looking for any edge that you can find in this game. With this one, you might consider betting on North Carolina. Even though they are only a one point favorite, they probably should be favored by much more. The reason is not because of the greatest of this team, but because of the lackluster season that Tennessee has had. They are limping into this bowl game, and there is not much hope that they will come out explosive in this one.
If you don’t want to bet on a team in this close contest, you might consider betting the over/under line on this one. Currently, that line is set at 50.5 points. That is about 25 points per team. That is a lot of points for these two weak teams to score. It is more likely that they will not reach that many points. It is a wise idea to bet the under on this line and try to score big on two lower scoring teams. You might consider betting heavy on the under line and putting a little insurance on North Carolina.
Posted in College Football, Sportsbook | Tags: College Football, College football betting, North Carolina, Tennessee | Comments Closed
Army vs. SMU
Bowl season is upon us, it is time to figure out which teams to bet on in these games. We are all going to be gathering around our televisions to watch all of our favorite teams duel it out. Why should we not lay a little money on these games as well? One of the games that you might consider as a betting opportunity is the Army vs SMU game.
The current line on this game is 7.5 points in favor of SMU. The fact of the matter is that both of these teams are pretty weak in comparison to the other teams in bowl games. It is not likely that one team is going to break away that much in this game. It is much more likely that SMU will win this game by a small margin, say 3 or 4 points. While it does seem that the bookmakers have made the correct pick in this game, they have overestimated the margin of victory on this one. SMU will likely win the game, but 7.5 points seems like a bit of a long shot. Even if they are able to win by a touchdown, they will still not cover the spread. Make sure that you are betting on Army to beat the spread.
If you are not comfortable betting on a weak team, then you are going to want to make sure that you bet on the over/under line. Currently that line is sitting at 50 points, 25 points per team. With two teams that are as weak as these two, you are going to want to make sure that you bet the under on this part of the bet. You are going to find that you are more likely to be able to win this bet if you choose to bet on the under part of this one. Two weak teams are not likely to put up a total of 50 points. That is a nice way to double up your money on a bowl game that most people are not going to pay attention to on this day.
Posted in College Football, Sportsbook | Tags: College Football, College football betting | Comments Closed
St Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
The St Louis Rams will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks in a winner take all match up during week 17. This is a division where we see both teams are in the negative net points. The Rams must win out right if they want to see a playoff game from the field. The Rams however haven’t played a single solitary game since 2005. Now it all comes down to the final game of the NFL season as well as both teams.
The Seattle Seahawks may be without their QB Matt Hasselbeck who suffered a nasty hip injury this past Sunday. They will have a bit of an edge over the Rams that’s based soley on location, The Rams are playing in the known-for-being-loud Qwest field and QB Sam Bradford must be patient. The offensive line of St Louis is just plain going to have to manhandle a good Seattle Defense. The Rams should look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and how they took it to the Seattle Seahawks. Now neither the Rams or Seahawks will go far but make for a good final game before playoffs.
Seattle hold the edge because of home field but I go with the Rams by 5. If St Louis defeats the Seahawks then both teams from Missouri will enter the playoffs the other Missouri team is the surprising Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC west. Also in like note Pennsylvania has both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles; Pittsburgh in the AFC and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC.
Now there is something to bet on if both the teams from Missouri will play each other in the Super Bowl and or will both teams from Pennsylvania represent their respective conferences. Now yet to be seen is if the teams from New York will represent. The New York Jets are in to be determined is if the New York Giants will. It is a long shot but possible if the Giants win for the Jets to face the Giants in the Super Bowl..
Posted in NFL, Sportsbook | Tags: Matt Hasselbeck, NFL, Sam Bradford, Seattle Seahawks, St Louis Rams, super bowl, Superbowl | Comments Closed
Chicago Bears vs. Greenbay – Week 17
The Chicago Bears will be looking to win their place as the number 2 seed and the first round bye. Before they get that extra week of rest and relaxation, they’ll  have to get by the Green Bay Packers who will be playing this game for their chance at the post season.
This is a rival game so weather is pretty much irrelevant, and not a factor for either team. This game has possible playoff potential and has the Packers play off life at steak. The edge however goes to head coach Lovie Smith and the Chicago Bears.
If Chicago beats Greenbay, the Giants win as well, they get a shot at Washington, If Greenbay wins, they make the playoffs, and the Giants are watching from the sofa seats.
The New York Giants have, up until today held an edge over the other teams all they had to do was win. That’s been easier said then done. As of today, it’s out of their hands, their fate is entirely up to the Chicago bears.
In the end though, if the Giants don’t make it, and get this last chance at a spot in the play-offs they will not be able to blame the Bears entirely. The New York Giants and Eli Manning may not make the playoffs for two reasons most importantly because they did not play well enough during the season. Additionally, they allowed one too many games to slip away.
The Giants will face division rival the Washington Redskins and formost will defeat them but even if the new York Giants win they could still fall short of post season action and rightfully so.
It is also this one fact that the Giants failed to beat the Packers who will be playing the Chicago Bears. The bears head coach said he will play the game to win; the Giants hope so because if the Packers lose and Giants win the Giants make the post season. Now it is my personal opinion that if the Bears do not play to win they they are cowards because they can still be the number one seed.
Yet it may do the game of football justice if the Giants fail to make the post season because they have let down their fans and have not played the way Giants ball is played.Currently Washington is a 4 point favorite. Now if the Giants fail to make the post season it is their falt and should shoulder the responsibility because they played without passion or purpose.
Posted in NFL, Sportsbook | Tags: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Lovie Smith, New York Giants, NFL | Comments Closed
