Sportsbook
Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks
February 22, 2012 | 
Author The Chicago Bulls look to continue their dominance over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. The Bulls are -12.5 point favorites over the Bucks with an over/under point total set at 188.5.
Bulls fans finally got to see their reigning MVP in action again on Monday night as Derrick Rose made his return from injury to lead the Bulls past the visiting Atlanta Hawks 90-79. Rose, who has missed the previous five games with a back injury, led the way with a game high 23 points as Chicago opened up a 18 point advantage at the first break. The Bucks on the other hand continue to struggle as they fell to Orlando 93-90 at home on Monday, which was their fifth defeat in their last six outings.
Derrick Rose scored 26 points and dished out 13 assists to guide the Bulls to a comfortable 113-90 victory over the Bucks in the first meeting of the season in Milwaukee. Chicago jumped out of the gates to lead 30-16 at the end of the first quarter, and then extended their lead in the second quarter to 24 points, which proved to be the difference in the game. Drew Gooden top scored for the home side with 24 points, although the Bucks struggled from the field all night long as they connected on just 38% of their shots, which included going 1-12 from beyond the arc.
Head to head, the Bucks are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings, while the road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings and the favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. The Bulls are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference, but just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite of 11.0 or greater. The Bucks on the other hand are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog of 11.0 or greater, but just 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The Bulls did crush the Bucks in the first meeting of the season, however they had only beaten Milwaukee by double digits only once in their previous nine meetings. While the Bucks do have some quality big men out, this team can play and they have actually won six of their last nine away from home, after losing their first eight of the season. The Bulls win, but the gritty Bucks cover here.
Pick
Milwaukee Bucks +12.5 Chicago Bulls
Syracuse Orange vs. South Florida Bulls
The Syracuse Orange and the South Florida Bulls meet in Big East college hoops action on Wednesday at the Carrier Dome. The Orange is -14.5 point favorites over the Bulls with an over/under point total of 123.
The Syracuse Orange have been one of the best teams in the nation all season long and Jim Boeheim’s team appears headed towards a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. SU is 14-1 in the Big East, 17-0 at home this season, and they can clinch no worse than a tie for first place in the conference with one more win. Kris Joseph is averaging 14 points and 4.8 rebounds, Dion Waiters is averaging 12 points, Brandon Triche is averaging 9.4 points, and C.J. Fair is averaging 9.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. As a team Syracuse is averaging 76.8 points, 16.4 assists, and they are shooting 47.6 percent while defensively they are allowing 60.8 points and their opponents are shooting 38.5 percent. While it isn’t March yet Syracuse looks to be ready for the madness.
The South Florida Bulls look to have built their team specifically for Big East play as Stan Heath’s team didn’t appear to be much before conference play started but they have been a force in conference play. USF is 10-4 in the Big East, 4-7 on the road this season, and tied for fourth place in the conference. Augustus Gilchrist is averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, Victor Rudd is averaging 9.1 points and 4.3 rebounds, and Toarlyn Fitzpatrick is averaging 8.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. As a team South Florida is averaging 61.1 points and they are shooting 44.3 percent while defensively they are allowing 58.2 points and they are shooting 39.8 percent. South Florida has been impressive as they are riding a four game winning streak and have won eight of their last 10 but they or 0-4 against teams ranked in the top 25.
Syracuse is 10-3 against the spread following a game which they didn’t cover, 2-5 against the spread against a team with a winning record, and 2-6 against the spread following a win. South Florida is 4-0 against the spread in their last four games overall, 5-1 against the spread following a cover, and 5-2 against the spread following a win. The home team has covered in four of the last five meetings of these two.
With the way South Florida has been playing this would appear to be a gift getting the boatload of points but it’s just a free play as this is a big step up in competition and the Orange have been relentless at home making this pick a lean at best.
Pick
South Florida Bulls +14.5 Syracuse Orange
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the West Virginia Mountaineers meet on Wednesday in South Bend for a Big East college basketball match up. The Fighting Irish is -3 point favorites over the Mountaineers with an over/under point total set at 128.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have caught fire and are one of the hottest teams in the nation as Mike Brey’s team has won eight consecutive games and are surging up the conference standings. ND is 11-3 in the Big East, 14-1 at home this season, and tied for second place in the conference standings. Eric Atkins is averaging 13 points, Jerian Grant is averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 assists, and Jack Cooley is averaging 12.2 points and 9.3 rebounds. As a team Notre Dame is averaging 68.2 points and they are shooting 43.4 percent while defensively they are allowing 62.2 points and their opposition shoots 40.7 percent. The Irish are playing fundamentally sound basketball and it is yielding solid results that have them looking like a team who can make some noise in March.
The West Virginia Mountaineers will be looking for revenge for a four point loss they were handed by ND in Morgantown a few weeks back as Bob Huggins’ team is going to need all of the wins they can get to cement their spot in the NCAA Tournament field. WVU is 7-7 in the Big East, 3-5 on the road this season, and in eighth place in the conference standings. Kevin Jones is averaging 20.4 points and 11.3 rebounds, Darryl Bryant is averaging 16.7 points, and Deniz Kilicli is averaging 11.6 points and 5.4 rebounds. As a team West Virginia is averaging 73.3 points and they are shooting 45.4 percent and their opponents are averaging 6.5 points while shooting 44 percent. The Mountaineers are talented and experienced so a late season run isn’t out of the question.
Notre Dame is 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games overall, 5-2 against the spread in their last seven home games, and 5-0 against the spread against a team with a winning record. West Virginia is 1-4 against the spread in their last five games, 1-4 against the spread against a team with a winning record, and 1-4 against the spread following a win. The home team has covered in five of the last seven meetings of these two.
This one shapes up to be a war but even so this total is just a little too low I will go with the over.
Pick
Over 128
LSU Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs
The LSU Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs meet on Wednesday in Baton Rouge in SEC college basketball action. The Tigers are -6 point favorites over the Bulldogs with an over/under point total set at 120.
The LSU Tigers have been improving all season long and Trent Johnson’s team is playing their best basketball of the season winning their last three in a row and four of their last five. LSU is 6-6 in the SEC, 10-3 at home this season, and in a four way tie for fourth place in the conference standings. Justin Hamilton is averaging 13.9 points and 7.2 rebounds, Andre Stringer is averaging 10.1 points, and Anthony Hickey is averaging 9.6 points. As a team the Tigers are averaging 66.5 points and they are shooting 41.1 percent from the floor while defensively they are allowing 63.2 points and their opponents are shooting 41.1 percent. If LSU can win out during the regular season it could make it interesting on Selection Sunday.
The Georgia Bulldogs are having a tough year and it will take everything they have for Mark Fox’s team to finish out of the basement in the SEC this season. UGA is 3-9 in SEC play, 2-7 on the road this season, and they are in 11th place in the conference standings. Gerald Robinson is averaging 14.1 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is averaging 13.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, and Dustin Ware is averaging 8.1 points. As a team the Dawgs are averaging 61.3 points and they are shooting 39.2 percent while defensively they are allowing 62.8 points and their opponents are shooting 42.2 percent. With Florida and Kentucky up next for Georgia it looks like finishing over .500 this season isn’t going to happen.
LSU is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games, 1-4 against the spread in their last five Wednesday games, and 4-1 against the spread in their last five home games against a team with a losing road record. Georgia is 6-15 against the spread in their last 21 games against a team with a winning record, 1-4 against the spread following a loss, and 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 road games against a team with a winning percentage higher than .600. The road team has covered in nine of the last 13 meetings of these two.
Once again the odds makers have gotten a little too aggressive with the total to the low side and while I don’t see the scoreboard exploding I see enough scoring to make this an over.
Pick
Over 120
Posted in College Basketball, Sportsbook | 
Tags: College Basketball betting, Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers | 
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Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers look to snap their three game losing streak as they travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. The 76ers are -1 point favorites over the Grizzlies with an over/under point total set at 181.5.
The Grizzlies were hoping to carry a five game winning streak heading into tonight’s showdown against Philly, however they fell to the Rockers 97-93 in a tough fought game on Monday night in Houston. Memphis, who had won six of seven heading in last night’s game, were led by Rudy Gay’s 23 points, however he needed 22 shots to get that.
The 76ers suffered their season high third straight loss as they fell in heartbreaking fashion, going down by the slimmest of margins in Minnesota on Sunday night. Up 91-90 with no much time left on the clock, Kevin Love was fouled with 0.1 seconds left on the clock and made both free throws to give the Timberwolves the win.
Head to head, the 76ers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings, while the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. The Grizzlies are 21-5-1 ATS in their last 27 games playing on 0 days rest and 17-6 ATS in their last 23 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, but just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games. The 76ers on the other hand are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. loss, but just 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5 and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Having not played in back to back games since the 10th, the 76ers have an edge on the Grizzlies who will be playing in their fourth game in five nights. While I’m not taking anything away from Memphis, their last two wins have both come on last second tip in’s, so we could of easily seen both teams coming into this game riding three game losing streaks. I could see Memphis pulling this one out, but I just think Philly will be hungrier for the win and they are due.
Pick
Philadelphia 76ers -1 Memphis Grizzlies
Posted in NBA, Sportsbook | Tags: Memphis Grizzlies, NBA betting, Philadelphia 76ers | No Comments »
Ohio St. Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Ohio State Buckeyes look to stay in contention for the Big Ten regular season title as they host the struggling Illinois Fighting Illini on Tuesday. The Buckeyes are -16.5 point favorites over the Fighting Illini with an over/under point total set at 129.
Revenge will be a factor for the Ohio State Buckeyes as Thad Matta’s team looks to redeem themselves from an earlier loss in Champaign but also they are focused in on a season ending match up with Michigan State which could decide a lot when it comes to March madness seeding. OSU is 10-4 in the Big 10, 16-1 at home, and tied for second place in the conference standings with Michigan who they lost to on Saturday. Jared Sullinger is averaging 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, William Buford is averaging 15 points, and Deshaun Thomas is averaging 14.6 points. As a team Ohio State is averaging 74.9 points and they are shooting 47.8 percent while defensively they are allowing 57.1 points and their opponents are shooting 40.2 percent. Ohio State looks to be up against the same issue they had a year ago where their starters are as good if not better than anyone’s but they don’t have the depth.
The season has turned into an outright collapse for the Illinois Fighting Illini as Bruce Weber’s team has lost five games in a row and eight of their last nine games to all but knock themselves out of the NCAA Tournament. Illinois is 5-9 in the Big 10, 2-6 on the road this season, and they are tied for ninth place in the conference standings. Brandon Paul is averaging 14.9 points and 4.8 rebounds, Meyers Leonard is averaging 12.9 points and 8.0 rebounds, and D.J. Richardson is averaging 12.1 points. As a team Illinois is averaging 66.2 points and they are shooting 44.7 percent while defensively they are allowing 63.4 points and their opponents are shooting 42.3 percent. Weber has had a nice run at Illinois over his tenure but that tenure could end if the Illini don’t find answers soon.
Ohio State is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games following a game which they didn’t cover, 4-0 against the spread following a loss, and 6-2 against the spread in their last eight home games. Illinois is 0-4 against the spread following a loss, 0-5 against the spread in their last five road games, and 0-4 against the spread against a team with a winning record. Illinois is 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 visits at Ohio State.
The total is set at 129 and with these two it shouldn’t be much of an issue and my pick will be the over.
Pick
Over 129
Georgetown Hoyas vs. Seton Hall Pirates
The Seton Hall Pirates look to finish the regular season strong and snag a spot in the NCAA Tournament as they host the Georgetown Hoyas on Tuesday. The Hoyas are -1 point favorites over the Pirates with an over/under point total set at 123.
The Seton Hall Pirates started their Big East season strong but since then Kevin Willard’s team has gone 3-7 and despite a strong RPI and strength of schedule could be on the bubble for making the NCAA Tournament field of 68. SHU is 7-8 in the Big East, 12-2 at home this season, and they are ninth place in the conference standings. Jordon Theodore is averaging 15.7 points and 6.8 assists, Herb Pope is averaging 15.4 points and 10.6 rebounds, and Fuquan Edwin is averaging 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. As a team Seton Hall is averaging 68.8 points and they are shooting 43.2 percent while defensively they are allowing 63.2 points and their opponents are shooting 41 percent. Seton Hall finished the season with games against DePaul and Rutgers, game they figure to be favored in, so with a win here it could boost their status tremendously.
The Georgetown Hoyas are a lock to make the NCAA Tournament and with a strong record, a top 10 ranking, and a strong schedule John Thompson III’s team could be looking at high seed as well. Georgetown is 10-4 in the Big East, 6-3 on the road this season, and tied for fourth place in the conference. Jason Clark is averaging 14.8 points and 4.2 rebounds, Hollis Thompson is averaging 13.4 points and 5.5 rebounds, and Henry Sims is averaging 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds. As a team Georgetown is averaging 70.3 points and they are shooting 46.4 percent while defensively they are allowing 58.7 points and their opponents are shooting 38.4 percent. Georgetown has won seven of their last nine and while they can be beat it takes an off night from them and a big night from their opponent.
Seton Hall is 4-0 against the spread in their last four games overall, 7-2 against the spread in their last nine home games, and 15-6 against the spread in their last 21 games against a team with a winning record. Georgetown is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall, 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 road games, and 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record. The favorite has covered in six of the last eight meetings of these two.
I will go with the home team in what is really just a lean at best.
Pick
Seton Hall +1 Georgetown Hoyas
Posted in College Basketball, Sportsbook | Tags: College Basketball betting, Georgetown Hoyas, Seton Hall Pirates | No Comments »
Auburn Tigers vs. Florida Gators
The Florida Gators and the Auburn Tigers meet on Tuesday in SEC college basketball action. The Gators are -17.5 point favorites over the Tigers with an over/under point total set at 134.5.
The Florida Gators can’t say they didn’t have their chances to win the SEC this season but a series sweep to Tennessee and a beat down in Lexington have been their undoing as Billy Donovan’s team is not going to catch Kentucky in the standings. UF is 9-3 in the SEC, 13-1 at home this season, and they are in second place in the conference standings. Kenny Boynton is averaging 17.5 points, Bradley Beal is averaging 14.6 points and 6.3 rebounds, Erving Walker is averaging 12.4 points and 4.9 rebounds, and Patric Young is averaging 10.7 points and 6.3 rebounds. As a team Florida is averaging 78.9 points and they are shooting 46.7 percent while defensively they are allowing 65.5 points per game and their opponents are shooting 42.3 percent. Florida is the best three point shooting team in the nation but taking too many three pointers and taking them too early in the shot clock has caused problems for them.
The Auburn Tigers are a young group and Tony Barbee’s team has been playing hard but they obviously still have a lot of work to do. Auburn is 4-8 in the SEC, 1-8 on the road this season, and they are in 10th place in the conference standings. Frankie Sullivan is averaging 12.5 points, Kenny Gabriel is averaging 12.3 points and 7.8 rebounds, and Varez Ward is averaging 9.2 points. As a team Auburn is averaging 63.6 points and they are shooting 42.1 percent while defensively they are allowing 64.2 points and their opponents are shooting 40.5 percent. Auburn will definitely be a team we will be keeping in our back pocket for next year.
Florida is 4-1 against the spread against a team with a winning record, 2-7 against the spread following a cover, and 4-0 against the spread following a win by 20 or more points. Auburn is 9-2 against the spread in their last 11 games overall, 4-1 against the spread in their last five road games, and 7-1 against the spread against a team with a winning record.
This is simply a monster number and while the Gators are great at home and are coming off of a huge win, I have to take the points and Auburn here.
Pick
Auburn Tigers +17.5 Florida Gators
Posted in College Basketball, Sportsbook | Tags: Auburn Tigers, College Basketball betting, Florida Gators | No Comments »
New York Knicks vs. New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets will have their hands full on Monday when the Nets face off against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are -8 point favorites over the Nets with an over/under point total set at 194.5.
The New York Knicks are possibly the hottest team in the league right now, as New York is definitely someone no other team wants to face. The Knicks dismantled the Mavs last night as New York 104-97. The Knicks were led offensively by some guy named Jeremy Lin who finished with a very impressive 28 points and 14 assists against the Mavs. The talk is that Carmelo Anthony will return for tonight’s game against the Nets, which should be interesting to watch to see how well Lin and Anthony gel together. My thoughts are they will be just fine.
The New Jersey Nets just can’t seem to get it going this season, and last night the Nets fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in New Jersey by the total of 92-85. The Nets were led offensively by their point guard Deron Williams who did have a nice night against the Bucks as Williams finished with 26 points and six assists, but Williams wasn’t able to get much help as the Nets only had three other players finish with double digit points, none over 20.
The Knicks are a very impressive 8-1 overall in their last nine games. When the Knicks and Nets meet up, the total is usually pretty low as nine of the last twelve games between these two clubs have gone under the projected total. New Jersey has been a rough play for bettors as well when facing the Knicks as the Nets are just 2-4 against the spread in their last six games against the Knicks.
This will more than likely be the most watched game of the night as everyone will be tuning in to see how Jeremy Lin does with Anthony in the lineup. I don’t expect there to be much problem, even though Anthony has been known to be a bit of a ball hog in the past. The line here is pretty large, but I just can’t see backing the Nets in this situation, and even though it is a bit of a risk, I think the best play here is with the Knicks.
Pick
New York Knicks -8 New Jersey Nets
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets
The Memphis Grizzlies will have a tough task ahead of them when the Grizzlies try and stop the high powered Houston offense on Monday. The Rockets are -3.5 point favorites over the Grizzlies with an over/under point total set at 189.
The Houston Rockets are playing good ball this season, and even though the Houston defense has struggled at times, when you have an offense capable of putting up numbers like the Rockets can, you are going to win more often than not. The Rockets completely dismantled the Utah Jazz on Sunday as the Rockets defeated the Jazz 101-85. The Rockets were led offensively by Kyle Lowry who finished with 32 points on the night, and also Luis Scola had a solid outing as Scola finished with 26 points and nine boards.
The Memphis Grizzlies had the night off on Sunday, and Memphis continues to play solid ball this season as the Grizzlies are just above the .500 mark on the year with a record of 18-14. The Grizzlies didn’t play on Sunday, and Memphis needed the rest after a hard fought 104-103 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. The Grizzlies had all five starters finish with double digit points on the night, and leading the way for Memphis was their star forward Rudy Gay who finished with 19 against the Warriors.
Despite their high scoring offense, the Rockets have gone under the projected total in five of their last six games, and 14 of their last 19 games at home. The Memphis Grizzlies have been a poor bet lately as the Grizzlies are just 3-6 against the spread in their last nine games.
The Grizzlies are a good team, and will more than likely give the Rockets a good game here on Monday, but at the end of it all I think the Rockets cover this small number on Monday.
Pick
Houston Rockets -3.5 Memphis Grizzlies
