Service Plays Thursday 1/30/14

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Thursday's NBA betting news and notes
Brian Covert

We dug up these vital betting tidbits for both of Thursday’s NBA games that will help you make the right call before tipoff.

Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers (-10, 199)

Suns forward Markieff Morris may be the key for their supporters. The Suns are 12-3 ATS when their sixth man scores 15 or more points with the team 17-11-1 ATS when he doesn’t. Morris is averaging 16.8 points over his last five.

The Suns are 6-1 ATS on zero days rest and an impressive 8-2 ATS against teams with a .600 or better record. The last time these two trends crossed, the Suns beat the Rockets in Houston 97-88 as 9.5-point dogs.

The Indiana Pacers, 16-6 ATS at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, are coming off a road trip where they went just 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS. "We're all real tired,” said center Roy Hibbert. “There were some games we dropped that we should have won on this trip. We'll get better."

The Pacers have given up 100-points only eight times all season. One of those was a 124-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns last Wednesday night on a 196.5-point total. All eight of those games have been on the road.

Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks (-5.5, 196.5)

* Cavs coach Mike Brown was not impressed with his team’s fighting spirit following Tuesday’s 100-89 loss as a 2.5-point favorite in Cleveland. "Our competitive spirit is non-existent," said Brown. "Maybe I need to shake some things up."

* Cavs center Anderson Varejao is questionable for Thursday's game after missing Tuesday’s loss to New Orleans, his first missed game of the year. Cleveland went 29-27-2 ATS in 58 games the Brazilian missed last year.

* The Knicks got some payback Tuesday versus Boston. “It was kind of personal, the way they beat us the last time,'' forward Kenyon Martin said referring to the team’s 114-77 loss to the Celtics at MSG in December. ''So we wanted a little get-back.'' The Knicks lost 109-94 to the Cavs the last time they met in mid-December.

* The Knicks are 7-1 ATS after both a SU win and scoring 100 points in their previous game both of which happened Tuesday in their 109-94 win over the Celtics.

Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors (-5.5, 212)

* The Clippers are showing their elite potential, scoring and winning without All-Star Chris Paul. The Clips are 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS without their leader and the Over has hit in nine of the 12 games with L.A. scoring less than 109 points only three times.

* The Over has hit in the last seven meetings between these two clubs including a 105-103 Warrior win on a 207.5-point total on Christmas Day.

* The Golden State Warriors have scored less than 100 points, 15 times this season. Nine of those 15 have come back-to-back (and one three-game streak). The Warriors only scored 85 points in an 88-85 loss to Washington Tuesday night.

* The Warriors are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 against teams with a .600 record or better but did beat Portland 103-88 as 5.5-point home favorites this past Sunday.
 

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STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 1/30/14
NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_________________________________________



***** Thursday, 1/30/14 NCAACB Knowledge *****
(ALL RESULTS ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2013-14 NCAA College Basketball season we will analyze all of your daily basketball action, featuring all our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
______________________________________________________

Thursday's Notebook
•Marquette's last three games all went to OT; Eagles lost by two of three by 9-12 points, beating Georgetown, but they won their last nine games versus Providence, winning last six at home, all by 7+ points. Eagles are 2-9 versus teams in top 100, beating Georgetown/George Washington. Big East home favorites of less than 5 points are 2-4 versus spread. Providence won its last five games but four of them were at home; the fifth was in OT at St John's.

•Cincinnati is 10-point dog despite being 7-0 in AAC; they've won last 12 games, beating Pittsburgh/Memphis away from home. Bearcats are 3-4 in last seven games versus Louisville, losing last two visits to KFC Yum Center by 5-16 points. Cardinals won last four games, last three by 39-12-39 points; they're 1-2 as home favorites, beating SMU by 8, losing to Memphis. AAC home favorites of 9+ points are 9-3 versus spread.

•Tex-Arlington is in its third league in three years, so these road trips are all new to Mavericks, who are 4-3 in Sun Belt but played five of seven games at home- they lost by 20 at ULL, won at Texas State. Western Kentucky is 5-2 in league but both losses were at home, with the only home win in double OT versus Arkansas State. Sun Belt Conference home favorites are 10-16 versus spread. Hilltoppers won last three games by 5-18-9 points.

•Nebraska threw its third-leading scorer off team this week; they've won last two home games, with only home loss in league to Michigan by one point. Huskers/Indiana split two league meetings; Hoosiers lost by point here in Lincoln in 2012, won by 29 at home LY- they're 3-4 in last seven games, 1-2 on road, losing by 3 at Illinois, 5 at Michigan State. Big Ten home teams are 7-9 versus spread if number is 5 or less points.

•UTEP threw three kids off team few weeks ago but they're still 9-1 in last ten games, winning last four while allowing 54.6 ppg. Miners are 2-1 at home in league, winning by 10-19, losing to Charlotte. Conference-USA home underdogs are 5-6 versus spread. Louisiana Tech also won nine of last ten games but lost last road game, at Southern Miss; Bulldogs are 2-4 against teams in top 150, winning in OT at Oklahoma, beating St. Bonaventure by 4.

•Home side won eight of last nine USC-Oregon State games; Trojans lost last four visits to Corvallis by 4-6-4-19 points- they split at home last week after 0-5 start in league. USC is 0-3 on Pac-12 road, losing by 34-18-21 points. Beavers are 3-4 in league, 2-1 at home, losing to California by 5, beating Stanford/Oregon- their Pac-12 wins are by 8-9-11. Pac-12 home favorites of 7+ points are 12-7 versus spread.

•Oregon lost five of last six games after a 13-0 start, losing both games at home in Pac-12, to California/Stanford. Ducks won last four games versus UCLA, by 17-7-8-9 points. Bruins are 5-2 in league but beat Colorado in Buffaloes' first game without star Dinwiddie, lost by 5 at Utah in only road tilts. Pac-12 home teams are 10-7 versus spread if number was 5 or less points. UCLA is forcing turnovers 21.6% of time, best in Pac-12 play.

•St Mary's won five in row, 10 of last 11 games with San Diego, taking four of last five here at Jenny Craig Pavilion, with wins by 23-12-6-10 points. This is first road game in 26 days for Gaels, who won at Pacific/Portland, lost by 21 at Gonzaga on West Coast Conference road. Toreros are 3-6 but split only two home games, beating LMU, losing by 4 to Pepperdine. Favorites are 8-1 versus spread in WCC games where number was less than 4 points.

•Home side won seven of last eight Irvine-UCSB games; Anteaters lost last five visits to Thunderdome by 7-3-13-18-3 points, but they're 4-1 in Big West Conference so far, allowing 48 ppg in wins at Long Beach/Riverside, by 4-20 points. Irvine has blocked 16.6% of opponents' shots in its league games. Underdogs are 8-1-1 versus spread in Big West games where spread was 6 or less points. UCSB split its first two conference home games.

•Chattanooga is 8-0 in Southern Conference in Wade's first year after coming over from VCU, where he was an assistant on their Final Four team. Mocs are on 10-game win streak after starting season 4-8; their last five losses are all by 13+ points. Southern Conference double digit home favorites are 1-6 versus spread. Davidson is 6-1 in league, winning home games by 12-30, but they also lost a home game, in OT to Elon.

•Quinnipiac won six of last eight games, is 5-0 at home in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with wins by 4-12-5-9-14 points- they won in OT at Manhattan in last game Sunday. MAAC home teams are 8-5 versus spread in games where number was 3 or less points. Canisius won five of last six games; their two road games in that streak were decided by total of three points. Quinnipiac is the worst team in country forcing turnovers (12% of time).

•Weber State won its last 11 games with Northern Arizona, but needed OT to win 80-78 in Flagstaff LY; they've won last five visits to Rolle Activity Center- they split first two Big Sky road games, losing at Northern Colorado, winning by 12 at North Dakota. Big Sky home underdogs of 5 or less points are 5-1 versus spread. Lumberjacks are 5-3 in league, 3-0 at home, but none of three teams they beat are ranked higher than #279 in country.

•Northern Colorado won five of its last seven games with Portland State; sweeping Vikings by 17-10 points LY. Bears are 7-1 but split only two road games, on Montana trip. Portland State won four of last five games, is 3-1 at home in league, winning last three by 3-3-9 points, with loss to Montana State. Big Sky home underdogs of 5 or less points are 5-1 versus spread. Northern Colorado is shooting 57.9% inside the arc.

•Situational Trends of The Day
-- MIDDLE TENN ST is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIDDLE TENN ST 79.5, OPPONENT 51.7.

-- UAB is 14-1 UNDER (+12.9 Units) after 2 straight games with 12 or less assists over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was UAB 59.2, OPPONENT 59.5.

-- FLORIDA is 17-4 against the 1rst half line (+12.6 Units) after allowing 25 points or less in the first half last game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was FLORIDA 34.7, OPPONENT 24.7.

-- WRIGHT ST is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) the 1rst half total after 2 straight games with 9 or less offensive rebounds this season.
The average score was WRIGHT ST 31.1, OPPONENT 27.3.

-- JOHN BEILEIN is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games after 2 straight games making 78% of their free throws or better as the coach of MICHIGAN.
The average score was BEILEIN 73.8, OPPONENT 58.7.

•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- IUPUI is 1-15 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was IUPUI 60.4, OPPONENT 78.2.

-- CINCINNATI is 9-0 UNDER (+9.0 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=45% of their shots this season.
The average score was CINCINNATI 65.1, OPPONENT 55.4.

-- MISSISSIPPI ST is 1-11 against the 1rst half line (-11.1 Units) versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 4+ per game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MISSISSIPPI ST 22.9, OPPONENT 38.7.

-- PURDUE is 12-1 OVER (+10.9 Units) the 1rst half total versus top caliber teams - outscoring their opponents by 12+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PURDUE 32.0, OPPONENT 36.7.

-- JAMES DICKEY is 9-30 ATS (-24.0 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games in all games he has coached since 1997.
The average score was DICKEY 64.2, OPPONENT 77.2.

•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play On - Road favorites of -165 to -500 versus the money line (N DAKOTA ST) - excellent shooting team (>=47.5%) against an average shooting team (42.5-45%) after 15+ games, after a game where a team made 55% of their shots or better.
(54-4 since 1997.) (93.1%, +46.3 units. Rating= 6*)

The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -192.5
The average score in these games was: Team 75.6, Opponent 66.7 (Average point differential = +8.9)

The situation's record this season is: (2-0, +2 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (13-0, +13 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (17-2, +13.6 units).

-- Play On - Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (MARQUETTE) - average shooting team (42.5-45%) against a poor shooting team (40-42.5%), after going over the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team.
(64-25 since 1997.) (71.9%, +36.5 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (76-15)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 5.8
The average score in these games was: Team 77.6, Opponent 67.6 (Average point differential = +10)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 37 (41.1% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (0-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-6).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (15-9).

-- Play Against - Favorites of 6 to 11 points versus the first half line (E KENTUCKY) - average defensive team (67-74 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=78 PPG), after a combined score of 165 points or more.
(40-12 since 1997.) (76.9%, +26.8 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 8.3
The average first half score in these games was: Team 34.4, Opponent 38.9 (Average first half point differential = -4.5)

The situation's record this season is: (5-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (10-3).

-- Play On - All teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (W ILLINOIS) - an excellent defensive team (<=63 PPG) against an average offensive team (67-74 PPG), after going under the total by 42 or more points total in their last seven games, a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) playing a losing team.
(47-16 since 1997.) (74.6%, +29.4 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 0.2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 31.7, Opponent 28.6 (Average first half point differential = +3.1)

The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (7-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-6).
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Thursday's Match-ups

#509 PROVIDENCE @ #510 MARQUETTE
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, Fox Sports 1 - Line: Marquette -4.5, Total: N/A) - Providence is one of the surprise teams in the Big East thus far, reeling off five straight conference wins after an 0-2 league start to sit among the leaders as January draws to a close. The Friars are the only team in the league to beat Creighton and they come off a victory over Xavier, so it's not like they've been beating the patsies of the league during the streak. But now they face a Marquette team that has dominated them since the Golden Eagles joined the Big East, winning 10 of 11 meetings as conference rivals.

Marquette is a perennial contender for the league title, but the Eagles have had a hard time finding consistency lately, alternating losses and wins over their first seven conference games. Coach Buzz Williams' team seems like it could go either way the rest of the season, considering it has had a one-point regulation win, two overtime losses and an overtime victory in its last four outings. Winning against the teams above them in the standings is a must for the Eagles, so this contest is key to their hopes of getting into the title picture.

•ABOUT PROVIDENCE (15-5 SU, 10-9-0 ATS, 5-2 Big East): Despite his team's early success in conference play, Providence coach Ed Cooley isn't looking ahead to anything. He knows there is a lot of basketball to be played before celebrating any accomplishments and he's been trying to impart that on his team as well. “Truly it's been a game-by-game approach with this team, but we are earning our way right now,” Cooley told the Providence Journal. “We're not even at the halfway point (in league play). Can you stay injury free, stay away from the flu, keep your focus? I tell our guys every day, 'Let's try to go 1-0 today.'”

•ABOUT MARQUETTE (11-9 SU, 7-11-0 ATS, 3-4 Big East): Coaches often preach playing a full 40 minutes to their teams, and Williams is definitely one of them — even a full 45 minutes lately. The Golden Eagles have struggled to close out games, dropping a pair of overtime contests in their last three outings that Williams saw as very winnable games, so he's trying to preach to his players to play just as hard in the last few minutes as they do in the first few. “We did not get a stop in the last five minutes of (an overtime loss to Villanova on Saturday) and we worked incredibly hard to get it to that point,” Williams told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I told our guys, 'You played with great guts to get it to overtime and you did not make a stop in overtime.'”

•PREGAME NOTES: While the Golden Eagles have played overtime contests in their last three outings, it's the Friars who have more overtime games this year, playing an extra five minutes twice and going to double overtime two other times.... Marquette G Jake Thomas has an affinity for the 3-point line, with 95 percent of his made baskets (37 of 39) this season coming from beyond the arc.... Providence is looking to win six consecutive conference games for only the second time in its history, with the first instance happening during the 2003-04 season.... The Friars 4-12 against the spread in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game over the last two seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, PROVIDENCE covered the spread 510 times, while MARQUETTE covered the spread 490 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, MARQUETTE won the game straight up 602 times, while PROVIDENCE won 373 times. In 1000 simulated games, PROVIDENCE covered the first half line 532 times, while MARQUETTE covered the first half line 468 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MARQUETTE is 9-2 against the spread versus PROVIDENCE since 1997.
--MARQUETTE is 10-1 straight up against PROVIDENCE since 1997.
--5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--MARQUETTE is 6-5 versus the first half line when playing against PROVIDENCE since 1997.
--6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Friars are 0-8 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Friars are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Marquette.
--Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

--Favorite is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--PROV is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big East.
--Under is 7-2 in PROV last 9 road games.
--Over is 5-2 in PROV last 7 vs. Big East.

--MARQ is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
--MARQ is 1-10 ATS in their last 11 vs. Big East.
--Under is 7-2 in MARQ last 9 home games.
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#515 FLORIDA @ #516 MISSISSIPPI ST
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, ESPN2 - Line: Florida -14, Total: N/A) - Fourth-ranked Florida is starting to take on the look of a national championship contender as it carries an 11-game winning streak into its contest at Mississippi State on Thursday, and its one-game-at-a-time mentality is serving it well. It also helps that the Gators, coming off a 67-41 victory versus Tennessee on Saturday, do not play No. 11 Kentucky until Feb. 15, and with the SEC seemingly down, that appears to be the only reason to look forward. "I think our guys understand the length of this league in terms of the grind for nine weeks and I think they also understand that from one game to the next it’s very important,” Florida coach Billy Donovan told Florida Today.

The Gators win with a stifling defense which holds opponents to 58.8 points per game - ninth in the nation - while defeating their first six SEC foes by an average of 13.2 points. The Bulldogs had their two-game winning streak snapped with an 82-63 setback at Mississippi on Saturday, a contest marred by coach Rick Ray swearing at the Rebels' Marshall Henderson as he left the court with 6.3 seconds left. Ray on Sunday apologized to Henderson and Mississippi coach Andy Kennedy.

•ABOUT FLORIDA (17-2 SU, 8-6-1 ATS, 6-0 SEC): The Gators are in such dominating form, they were able to survive injuries to three starters during their winning streak. Senior forward Casey Prather (team-leading 16.8 points per game) averaged 15.7 points and five rebounds in the last three games after missing two contests with a bone bruise in his right knee, while senior guard Scottie Wilbekin (ankle) and senior center Patric Young (tendinitis in knees) were able to play through their ailments. Sophomore guard Michael Frazier II (12.3 points) was named SEC Player of the Week after averaging 17.5 points against Alabama and Tennessee.

•ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (13-6 SU, 4-7-0 ATS, 3-3 SEC): The Bulldogs are not a strong offensive team (202nd in the nation at 70.9 points per game), so struggling at the other end - as they did against Mississippi - makes it very difficult for them to win. “Our guys didn’t come out and execute on the defensive end and that is very disappointing,” Ray told the school web site. “We have our challenges on the offensive end, but that does not impact how we should be playing on the defensive end.” Sophomore guard Craig Sword leads the Bulldogs at 13.9 points per game, but has scored a total of 10 in his last two games - four against the Rebels on 2-for-7 shooting.

•PREGAME NOTES: Florida is 8-2 in games decided by single digits after going 0-6 in such contests last season.... Mississippi State is 11-1 at home, with its only blemish a 71-61 decision against Texas Christian in the Big 12-SEC Challenge on Dec. 5.... The Gators have won three straight meetings and lead the series 60-49, and are 5-4 against the Bulldogs under Donovan.... The Bulldogs are 2-11 against the spread versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 4+ per game over the last two seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, MISSISSIPPI ST covered the spread 588 times, while FLORIDA covered the spread 383 times. *EDGE against the spread =MISSISSIPPI ST. In 1000 simulated games, FLORIDA won the game straight up 801 times, while MISSISSIPPI ST won 183 times. In 1000 simulated games, MISSISSIPPI ST covered the first half line 606 times, while FLORIDA covered the first half line 356 times. *EDGE against first half line =MISSISSIPPI ST.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MISSISSIPPI ST is 12-8 against the spread versus FLORIDA since 1997
--FLORIDA is 12-8 straight up against MISSISSIPPI ST since 1997
--8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997

--MISSISSIPPI ST is 12-6 versus the first half line when playing against FLORIDA since 1997.
--9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Gators are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
--Gators are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Mississippi St.
--Home team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--Under is 20-7-1 in FLA last 28 overall.
--Over is 21-10 in FLA last 31 Thu. games.
--Under is 11-3-1 in FLA last 15 vs. Southeastern.

--MSST is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
--Over is 8-1 in MSST last 9 overall.
--Under is 8-3 in MSST last 11 Thu. games.
_______________________________

#517 CINCINNATI @ #518 LOUISVILLE
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, ESPN - Line: Louisville -9.5, Total: N/A) - Even as it sits atop the standings and holds the best overall record in the league, No. 15 Cincinnati seems to be an afterthought in the American Athletic Conference title race. The Bearcats look to change that when they travel down I-71 and across the Ohio River to face No. 7 Louisville on Thursday. The Cardinals have won four straight since suffering their lone conference defeat against Memphis, and two of those victories have been 39-point blowouts.

The Bearcats were picked to finish fourth in the inaugural season of the American, but they've won 12 straight — including their first eight conference contests — to set up a showdown with the defending national champion Cardinals. "For us, I want our guys to embrace it," Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin told reporters. "I think you have to remember these are college kids and they've earned the right to have a big game on a big night... This is one game I won't have to worry about motivation and making sure my guys are ready to play." The preseason league favorite, the Cardinals hope to get guard Chris Jones (11.3 points) back Thursday after missing three games with a strained oblique.

•ABOUT CINCINNATI (19-2 SU, 9-6-0 ATS, 8-0 AAC): The Bearcats and their winning streak survived a scare in an 80-76 win at Temple on Sunday, getting a season-high 29 points from Sean Kilpatrick, the league's leading scorer at 19.1 points per game. Kilpatrick is hardly a one-man show, but Cincinnati could be without a key member of its supporting cast with forward Justin Jackson nursing a sprained ankle suffered early in the Temple game. Jackson, the Bearcats' top interior defender, ranks in the top 10 in the nation with 3.38 blocks per game and averages 11.1 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

•ABOUT LOUISVILLE (17-3 SU, 10-8-0 ATS, 6-1 AAC): The Cardinals feed off their defensive pressure — the hallmark of coach Rick Pitino's teams — averaging 10 steals and 21.9 points off turnovers while boasting a plus-6.8 average turnover margin. Louisville has five players averaging double-digit scoring, but the go-to guy is guard Russ Smith (18.1 points, 4.8 assists), who is shooting a blistering 61.3 percent from 3-point range in conference play and also leads the league with 2.4 steals per conference game. Forward Montrezl Harrell (12.1 points, 8.5 rebounds) has been a force lately with four double-doubles in the last five games and frontcourt mate Luke Hancock (10.8 points) has stepped up his production to 15.9 points per game in conference play.

•PREGAME NOTES: It's the first meeting between the rivals when both are ranked in the top 15 since 1997.... Cincinnati had held 27 consecutive opponents under 70 points before giving up 76 to Temple. The Bearcats have allowed 70 or more only three times in their last 49 contests.... Smith needs four points to reach 1,600 in his career. He ranks 15th all-time at Louisville and is 18 points behind No. 14 Lancaster Gordon (1,614) and 28 behind No. 13 Marques Maybin (1,624).... The Bearcats are 1-8 against the spread versus good defensive teams - allowing less than 64 points/game after 15+ games over the last two seasons.... The Cardinals are 14-4 versus the spread off a win by 10 points or more over a conference rival over the last two seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, LOUISVILLE covered the spread 532 times, while CINCINNATI covered the spread 468 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, LOUISVILLE won the game straight up 769 times, while CINCINNATI won 201 times. In 1000 simulated games, LOUISVILLE covered the first half line 502 times, while CINCINNATI covered the first half line 498 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CINCINNATI is 16-13 against the spread versus LOUISVILLE since 1997.
--CINCINNATI is 17-12 straight up against LOUISVILLE since 1997.
--16 of 24 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--CINCINNATI is 16-10 versus the first half line when playing against LOUISVILLE since 1997.
--12 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
--Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Louisville.
--Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--CIN is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--Under is 42-11 in CIN last 53 overall.
--Under is 20-8 in CIN last 28 road games.

--Over is 19-7 in LOU last 26 overall.
--Over is 16-5 in LOU last 21 home games.
--Under is 11-4 in LOU last 15 Thu. games.
_______________________________

#531 INDIANA @ #532 NEBRASKA
(TV: 8:15 PM EST, Big Ten Network - Line: Nebraska -1, Total: N/A) - When Nebraska last hosted Indiana, the Cornhuskers stunned a ranked Hoosiers squad for what was easily their biggest win of that season. While another home victory Thursday wouldn’t register the same amount of surprise this time around, it would serve as another critical triumph for Nebraska, which downed then-No. 13 Indiana 70-69 on Jan. 18, 2012. The Cornhuskers, who defeated Ohio State at home earlier this month, improved to 9-1 at Pinnacle Bank Arena with Sunday’s win over Minnesota.

The first order of business for the Hoosiers to avoid another loss in Nebraska will be to find an answer for Terran Petteway, who ranks third in the Big Ten in scoring (18.2 points) after erupting for a career-high 35 against the Golden Gophers. “(Petteway) is absolutely fearless and plays both ends of the floor extremely well. … I think he's going to be very tough to deal with,” Indiana coach Tom Crean told the school’s official website. The Hoosiers ended a two-game slide with Sunday’s 56-46 home victory over fading Illinois, but they are a mere 2-5 away from home thus far.

•ABOUT INDIANA (13-7 SU, 10-8-1 ATS, 3-4 Big Ten): The Hoosiers finished with a plus-14 rebounding margin – the largest differential for the school in conference play – and continue to have their way on the glass, winning or tying their opponent on the boards in 19 of 20 games. Indiana limited Illinois to a season low-tying four offensive rebounds and zero second-chance points. “That was paramount; (Illinois is) one of the best offensive rebounding teams around ... and had 25 offensive rebounds when they went to Wisconsin (on Jan. 8). Our rebounding was really strong,” Crean told the school’s official website.

•ABOUT NEBRASKA (10-9 SU, 11-7-0 ATS, 2-5 Big Ten): Deverell Biggs – the team’s third-leading scorer at 9.9 points – was dismissed from the team Tuesday for unspecified reasons. That could mean even more offensive pressure on Petteway, who became the 13th Cornhusker with multiple 30-point games in his career, tied the 10th-highest single-game scoring effort in school history Sunday and scored the most points by a Cornhusker since Aleks Maric had 36 against Iowa State in 2007. "He's a machine, he really is; he can score in transition and make 3s. I'm not going to risk slowing him down a little bit," coach Tim Miles told the school’s official website.

•PREGAME NOTES: In its loss to Michigan State and the victory over Illinois, Indiana started three freshmen (Noah Vonleh, Stanford Robinson and Troy Williams) in consecutive contests for the first time since the last five games of the 2010 season.... Each of Nebraska’s last five games has been decided by six points or fewer.... The 82 points the Cornhuskers scored Sunday were their most in a conference tilt since joining the Big Ten while the 46 points Indiana allowed to Illinois were its fewest in any game under Crean.... Nebraska is 24-7 versus the spread in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game after 15+ games since 1997.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, INDIANA covered the spread 544 times, while NEBRASKA covered the spread 439 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, INDIANA won the game straight up 506 times, while NEBRASKA won 456 times. In 1000 simulated games, INDIANA covered the first half line 542 times, while NEBRASKA covered the first half line 458 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--NEBRASKA is 1-1 against the spread versus INDIANA since 1997.
--NEBRASKA is 1-1 straight up against INDIANA since 1997.
--1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--NEBRASKA is 1-1 versus the first half line when playing against INDIANA since 1997.
--1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

•RECENT TRENDS
--IND is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Thu. games.
--IND is 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--Under is 4-1 in IND last 5 Thursday games.

--NEB is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big Ten.
--NEB is 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 home games.
--NEB is 16-36 ATS in their last 52 games following a S.U. win.
_______________________________

#539 USC @ #540 OREGON ST
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, Pac-12 Network - Line: Oregon State -8.5, Total: N/A) - USC is still at least a year away from contending for the Pac-12 title, but the Trojans visit Oregon State on Thursday with some much-needed confidence. After losing their first five league games by an average of 22 points, the Trojans upset California before losing in overtime to Stanford on Sunday. They'll be tested by the league’s top scorer in Roberto Nelson, averaging 22.2 points for the Beavers while scoring at least 20 points in five consecutive games.

The Beavers are shooting 49.5 percent from the field and can reach .500 through eight league games for the first time since 1999 with a victory over USC. Coach Craig Robinson’s squad has won three of its last five and ranks as the top 3-point shooting team in conference games at 49.1 percent. “We’re getting better as a team in a lot of ways,” Robinson told reporters. “We just have to get better in everything at the same time and execute everything all at once.”

•ABOUT USC (10-10 SU, 7-10-1 ATS, 1-6 Pac-12): The Trojans’ encouraging play last week was sparked by 6-10 freshman forward Nikola Jovanovic, who scored a career-high 23 points in the 77-69 victory over California. The Trojans also received a welcome boost from senior guard J.T. Terrell, who has averaged 11.5 points and 3.8 rebounds over the last four games after struggling to get untracked during non-conference play. Guard Byron Wesley leads the Trojans in points (16.5) and rebounds (7.1), while 7-2 center Omar Oraby ranks second in the Pac-12 with 49 blocks.

•ABOUT OREGON STATE (11-8 SU, 8-7-1 ATS, 3-4 Pac-12): Nelson is shooting 45.9 percent from the field along with 19 steals, and Robinson told reporters he’s become a complete player in his senior season. “What makes him such a good scorer is that he doesn’t just rely on the outside shots,” Robinson said. “He can score going to the basket, he’s got a nice mid-range jump shot and he gets to the foul line.” The Beavers’ solid frontcourt includes center Angus Brandt and forward Devon Collier, who had a combined total of 33 points and 10 rebounds in two games last week.

•PREGAME NOTES: USC leads the all-time series 67-60, but Oregon State has won four straight at home.... The Trojans are 7-0 when holding their opponent to less than 70 points.... Oregon State is 5-73 when trailing with five minutes to play over the past four seasons.... The Trojans are 14-4 against the spread in road games versus teams who attempt 14 or less 3-point shots/game on the season after 15+ games since 1997.... The Beavers are 12-4 versus the spread off a loss against a conference rival over the last two seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, OREGON ST covered the spread 531 times, while USC covered the spread 469 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, OREGON ST won the game straight up 776 times, while USC won 192 times. In 1000 simulated games, USC covered the first half line 499 times, while OREGON ST covered the first half line 461 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--USC is 15-14 against the spread versus OREGON ST since 1997.
--USC is 19-11 straight up against OREGON ST since 1997.
--11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--OREGON ST is 15-14 versus the first half line when playing against USC since 1997.
--11 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Trojans are 0-5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Trojans are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Oregon St.
--Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

--Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Home team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--USC is 7-20-2 ATS in their last 29 road games.
--USC is 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall
--Over is 10-3 in USC last 13 Thu. games.

--ORST is 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.
--Under is 6-1 in ORST last 7 games following a ATS loss.
--Under is 6-2 in ORST last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
_______________________________

#541 UCLA @ #542 OREGON
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, Pac-12 Network - Line: Oregon -2.5, Total: N/A) - USC is still at least a year away from contending for the Pac-12 title, but the Trojans visit Oregon State on Thursday with some much-needed confidence. After losing their first five league games by an average of 22 points, the Trojans upset California before losing in overtime to Stanford on Sunday. They'll be tested by the league’s top scorer in Roberto Nelson, averaging 22.2 points for the Beavers while scoring at least 20 points in five consecutive games.

The Beavers are shooting 49.5 percent from the field and can reach .500 through eight league games for the first time since 1999 with a victory over USC. Coach Craig Robinson’s squad has won three of its last five and ranks as the top 3-point shooting team in conference games at 49.1 percent. “We’re getting better as a team in a lot of ways,” Robinson told reporters. “We just have to get better in everything at the same time and execute everything all at once.”

•ABOUT USC (10-10 SU, 7-10-1 ATS, 1-6 Pac-12): The Trojans’ encouraging play last week was sparked by 6-10 freshman forward Nikola Jovanovic, who scored a career-high 23 points in the 77-69 victory over California. The Trojans also received a welcome boost from senior guard J.T. Terrell, who has averaged 11.5 points and 3.8 rebounds over the last four games after struggling to get untracked during non-conference play. Guard Byron Wesley leads the Trojans in points (16.5) and rebounds (7.1), while 7-2 center Omar Oraby ranks second in the Pac-12 with 49 blocks.

•ABOUT OREGON STATE (11-8 SU, 8-7-1 ATS, 3-4 Pac-12): Nelson is shooting 45.9 percent from the field along with 19 steals, and Robinson told reporters he’s become a complete player in his senior season. “What makes him such a good scorer is that he doesn’t just rely on the outside shots,” Robinson said. “He can score going to the basket, he’s got a nice mid-range jump shot and he gets to the foul line.” The Beavers’ solid frontcourt includes center Angus Brandt and forward Devon Collier, who had a combined total of 33 points and 10 rebounds in two games last week.

•PREGAME NOTES: USC leads the all-time series 67-60, but Oregon State has won four straight at home.... The Trojans are 7-0 when holding their opponent to less than 70 points.... Oregon State is 5-73 when trailing with five minutes to play over the past four seasons.... The Bruins are 4-14 versus the spread in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) over the last three seasons.... Oregon is 12-3 against the spread after a win by 15 points or more over the last two seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, UCLA covered the spread 590 times, while OREGON covered the spread 410 times. *EDGE against the spread =UCLA. In 1000 simulated games, UCLA won the game straight up 498 times, while OREGON won 469 times. In 1000 simulated games, UCLA covered the first half line 557 times, while OREGON covered the first half line 443 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--OREGON is 17-16 against the spread versus UCLA since 1997.
--UCLA is 18-15 straight up against OREGON since 1997.
--17 of 28 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--UCLA is 17-16 versus the first half line when playing against OREGON since 1997.
--16 of 29 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Trojans are 0-5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Trojans are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Oregon St.
--Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

--Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Home team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--USC is 7-20-2 ATS in their last 29 road games.
--USC is 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
--Over is 10-3 in USC last 13 Thu. games.

--ORST is 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.
--ORST is 15-5-2 ATS in their last 22 games following a S.U. loss.
--Under is 6-1 in ORST last 7 games following a ATS loss.
_______________________________

#543 HOUSTON @ #544 CONNECTICUT
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, CBS Sports Network - Line: Connecticut -14, Total: N/A) - Connecticut stumbled a bit at the beginning of American Athletic Conference play but seems to have righted the ship with five wins in the last six games. The Huskies will attempt to avenge their first conference loss when they host Houston on Thursday. The Cougars are moving in the opposite direction with four losses in the last five games since opening AAC play with back-to-back victories.

Connecticut battled back from a 21-point deficit only to fall 75-71 at Houston on Dec. 31, and let that loss spiral into another at Southern Methodist before turning things around. The Huskies appear to be at the top of their game at the moment after back-to-back victories over Temple and Rutgers by an average of 17.5 points. Star guard Shabazz Napier scored at least 26 points in each of the last three games and is looking for his own redemption against the Cougars after his tying layup attempt was blocked in the final minute of the first meeting.

•ABOUT HOUSTON (11-9 SU, 8-7-0 ATS, 3-4 AAC): The Cougars are allowing an average of 82.7 points in their last three losses and gave up 50 points in the second half of a 75-68 home setback to Southern Methodist on Sunday. “We have to defend for 40 minutes,” coach James Dickey told reporters. “Defense is something that you can play every day and every night. Offense is going to be a little inconsistent. That’s something that we have to continue to impress, and it has to be our winning formula.” A bright spot for Houston continues to be forward TaShawn Thomas, who posted a double-double Sunday and went for a season-high 23 points in the victory over the Huskies.

•ABOUT CONNECTICUT (16-4 SU, 9-9-0 ATS, 4-3 AAC): Napier piled up 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists at Houston, but had his layup attempt blocked by Thomas just before the clinching free throws Dec. 31. Napier’s recent scoring binge is due in part to a better effort from 3-point range, where the senior has gone 12-for-25 over the last three games. The Huskies lead the AAC in 3-point shooting (41.3 percent) but struggled to 7-of-22 from beyond the arc against the Cougars the first time around.

•PREGAME NOTES: Connecticut leads the AAC in blocked shots (6.5), paced by freshman C Amida Brimah’s 2.6.... Thomas (60.9) ranks third in the AAC in field-goal percentage and fifth (16.4) in scoring, just below Napier (17.8) in fourth.... Huskies G Omar Calhoun sat out Saturday’s game with an ankle sprain and is day-to-day.... The Cougars are 1-8 versus the spread in road games in January games over the last three seasons.... The Huskies are 4-15 against the spread after two or more consecutive wins over the last two seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, HOUSTON covered the spread 490 times, while CONNECTICUT covered the spread 472 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, CONNECTICUT won the game straight up 855 times, while HOUSTON won 129 times. In 1000 simulated games, HOUSTON covered the first half line 535 times, while CONNECTICUT covered the first half line 418 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--HOUSTON is 3-0 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT since 1997.
--CONNECTICUT is 2-1 straight up against HOUSTON since 1997.
--1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--HOUSTON is 2-1 versus the first half line when playing against CONNECTICUT since 1997.
--1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

•RECENT TRENDS
--HOU is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
--HOU is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
--Under is 9-3 in HOU last 12 overall.

--UCONN is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--UCONN is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
--Under is 7-3 in UCONN last 10 home games.
_______________________________

#545 PURDUE @ #546 MICHIGAN
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, ESPN - Line: Michigan -12, Total: N/A) - Last season, Nik Stauskas was somewhat of a role player on a Michigan squad that reached the Final Four led by Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Mitch McGary. Now with Burke and Hardaway in the NBA and McGary (back) out indefinitely, Stauskas will look to continue his superb sophomore season Thursday when the 14th-ranked Wolverines host Purdue in search of their 10th straight victory. "He’s the best player in the league,” Boilermakers coach Matt Painter said to the Detroit Free Press. “He’s No. 1 in our league in assist-to-turnover ratio in Big Ten play and that’s a big-time stat for someone who’s not the point guard."

Michigan coach John Beilein told the media this week that if his team rebounds effectively against Purdue, the Wolverines should be able to defeat the Boilermakers, who lead the Big 10 in offensive boards. "Big emphasis on keeping them off the backboard," said Beilein, whose team has defeated three ranked opponents in the last two weeks. The Boilermakers, meanwhile, have lost back-to-back games amid some serious offensive issues and could struggle to reach 60 points against the surging Wolverines.

•ABOUT PURDUE (13-7 SU, 6-11-0 ATS, 3-4 Big Ten): Painter knows that his team's offense must go through center A.J. Hammons, who has made just 4-of-17 shots over his last three games. “We always try to establish our big kid, no matter who we play, always trying to get into the paint whether we’re driving or with the post feed, so I think that’s important,” Painter said earlier this week. Over the Boilermakers' last six games, their scoring output has dipped steadily from 79 to 70 to 66 to 65 to 60 and finally 58 in a 14-point loss to Wisconsin on Saturday.

•ABOUT MICHIGAN (15-4 SU, 10-6-1 ATS, 7-0 Big Ten): Stauskas is averaging a conference-best 18.5 points with terrific shooting percentages across the board - 50 percent from the field, 46.2 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the foul line. He has averaged 22.7 points over his last three games in wins against No. 13 Wisconsin, No. 12 Iowa and No. 6 Michigan State. The Wolverines continue to get solid play out of their center combination of Jordan Morgan and Jon Horford, who combined for 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in Saturday's 80-75 victory at Michigan State.

•PREGAME NOTES: Stauskas has 69 assists with only 27 turnovers this season, including nine straight games with at least four assists and no more than two turnovers.... The Wolverines are 27-0 under Beilein when scoring at least 80 points.... Four of Purdue's top five scorers, with the exception of Hammons (52.7) shoot below 43 percent from the field.... The Boilermakers are 11-25 against the spread versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.... The Wolverines are 14-5 versus the spread in home games versus good defensive teams - shooting percent defense of less than 42% over the last three seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, MICHIGAN covered the spread 588 times, while PURDUE covered the spread 394 times. *EDGE against the spread =MICHIGAN. In 1000 simulated games, MICHIGAN won the game straight up 855 times, while PURDUE won 126 times. In 1000 simulated games, MICHIGAN covered the first half line 496 times, while PURDUE covered the first half line 467 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PURDUE is 15-12 against the spread versus MICHIGAN since 1997.
--PURDUE is 16-12 straight up against MICHIGAN since 1997.
--12 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--PURDUE is 18-10 versus the first half line when playing against MICHIGAN since 1997.
--12 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Boilermakers are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Boilermakers are 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Michigan.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

--Underdog is 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Road team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--PUR is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big Ten.
--PUR is 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 Thu. games.
--Over is 7-3 in PUR last 10 Thu. games.

--MICH is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Big Ten.
--MICH is 35-15-1 ATS in their last 51 Thu. games.
--Over is 10-3 in MICH last 13 Thu. games.
_______________________________

#595 ALABAMA @ #596 AUBURN
(TV: 8:15 PM EST, SEC Network - Line: Auburn -1, Total: N/A) - Auburn is one of two SEC teams still seeking its first league victory and has lost six in a row. But the Tigers will not lack motivation when they host in-state rival Alabama on Thursday, considering Auburn receives the trophy from the school’s Iron Bowl football victory in a halftime ceremony after the Tigers struggled mightily in Saturday’s 86-67 loss at Arkansas. The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but officials postponed it when a rare winter storm swept through Alabama.

The Crimson Tide snapped a two-game slide with an 82-80 win over LSU on Saturday despite blowing a 19-point second-half lead. The Crimson Tide are part of a six-team logjam tied at .500 in conference play after benefiting from a career-best 17 points against LSU from Shannon Hale, who has scored in double figures in all six SEC games. Plenty of scoring punch will be on the court Wednesday. Auburn’s duo of KT Harrell (second in the conference at 19.1) and Chris Denson (fourth at 18.8) drives the Tigers’ offense, while Alabama’s Trevor Releford (seventh at 18.2) posted his sixth game of 20-plus points with 21 in Saturday’s victory.

•ABOUT ALABAMA (9-10 SU, 5-10-1 ATS, 3-3 SEC): Releford is the unquestioned key cog in the Crimson Tide’s attack, ranking second in the SEC in both free-throw percentage and steals per game while standing sixth in 3-pointers made. He has averaged 21.7 points in Alabama’s three SEC victories and 13.7 in the Crimson Tide's three conference defeats. Guard Retin Obasohan has missed the past two games with a hip flexor injury, and the status of the Crimson Tide’s second-leading scorer (12.2 points per game) for Wednesday is uncertain.

•ABOUT AUBURN (8-9 SU, 6-7-0 ATS, 0-6 SEC): The Tigers played miserably in the first half against Arkansas, going 0-for-7 from 3-point range and shooting 25.9 percent overall while committing 13 turnovers. Harrell, who transferred from Virginia, is fourth in the SEC in 3-point shooting at 41.9 percent, and combines with Denson to account for 51.8 percent of Auburn’s scoring. The Tigers have not won since a victory over Florida A&M on Jan. 4.

•PREGAME NOTES: The Tigers have scored more than 68 points once in six SEC games.... Alabama tied a season high with 18 assists against LSU, sparked by Hale’s career-best six.... Alabama leads the all-time series 89-58, winning six of the past seven meetings.... The Tigers are 1-8 versus the spread versus poor passing teams, averaging less than 12 assists/game after 15+ games over the last two seasons.... The Crimson Tide are 13-4 against the spread versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game after 15+ games over the last two seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, ALABAMA covered the spread 521 times, while AUBURN covered the spread 445 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, ALABAMA won the game straight up 498 times, while AUBURN won 479 times. In 1000 simulated games, ALABAMA covered the first half line 534 times, while AUBURN covered the first half line 466 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--AUBURN is 19-11 against the spread versus ALABAMA since 1997.
--ALABAMA is 18-15 straight up against AUBURN since 1997.
--11 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--ALABAMA is 19-12 versus the first half line when playing against AUBURN since 1997.
--11 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Crimson Tide are 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
--Crimson Tide are 1-5-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Auburn.
--Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--ALA is 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
--Over is 19-7 in ALA last 26 Thu. games.
--Under is 16-5 in ALA last 21 road games.

--AUB is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games.
--AUB is 3-13 ATS in their last 16 vs. Southeastern.
--Under is 5-2 in AUB last 7 Thursday games.
_______________________________
 
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Mickelson favored to win again at Phoenix Open
by Freddy Wander

Waste Management Phoenix Open

Tees Off: Thursday, January 30
TPC Scottsdale Golf Course – Scottsdale, AZ

Odds to Win Tournament

Golfer Odds
Phil Mickelson 12-to-1
Webb Simpson 15-to-1
Keegan Bradley 20-to-1
Graham DeLaet 20-to-1
Bubba Watson 25-to-1
Bill Haas 25-to-1
Brandt Snedeker 25-to-1
Harris English 25-to-1
Gary Woodland 30-to-1
Ryan Palmer 30-to-1
Billy Horschel 30-to-1
Chris Kirk 30-to-1
Ryan Moore 30-to-1
Hunter Mahan 30-to-1
Hideki Matsuyama 35-to-1
Rickie Fowler 40-to-1
K.J. Choi 40-to-1
Charley Hoffman 40-to-1
Marc Leishman 40-to-1
Matt Every 40-to-1
Charles Howell III 50-to-1
Ian Poulter 50-to-1
Pat Perez 50-to-1
Brian Stuard 50-to-1
Scott Piercy 50-to-1
Lee Westwood 50-to-1
Nick Watney 50-to-1
Martin Kaymer 50-to-1
Robert Garrigus 60-to-1
Brendan Steele 60-to-1
Patrick Reed 60-to-1
Kevin Na 60-to-1
Brendon de Jonge 60-to-1
Scott Stallings 60-to-1
Kevin Streelman 60-to-1
13 golfers 80-to-1
Chris Stroud 100-to-1
FIELD (Any other golfer) 3-to-1

The PGA heads to the desert for the biggest party of the season as 43-year-old Arizona State alum Phil Mickelson looks to shake off nagging injuries and defend his title. He finished four shots better than any other golfer in the field in last year, as he held the lead for the entire four days to capture his third Phoenix Open title. This tournament always gets a lot of press because of its party atmosphere and now famous par-three 16th hole, which features grandstands, booing, drinking and betting on caddies. Let’s take a look at a few golfers who could shine brightest in Scottsdale.

Golfers to Watch

Phil Mickelson (12/1): Mickelson withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open last week due to nagging pain in his lower back but is expected to make his way to Arizona in an attempt to win this tournament for the fourth time in his storied career. Last year, he tied this tournament’s record for lowest four-round score (28-under) and lowest single round (60). “Lefty” has placed in the top-20 in both tournaments that he finished this season, but his back is something of a concern here and should be watched carefully.

Brandt Snedeker (25/1): Snedeker is off to a slow start by his standards this season with only one top-15 finish (11th in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions) to go along with two finishes in the 50’s and a missed cut last week. To say that the six-time PGA Tour victor is due would be an understatement, and this is certainly a course he has had success at in the past. Last year, he shot four rounds of 66 or better, eventually placing second behind Mickelson while also placing in the top-9 two other times since 2008.

Marc Leishman (40/1): Leishman is coming off two straight top-5 finishes and nearly holed an eagle last week at 18 which would have forced a playoff against Scott Stallings at Torrey Pines. The Aussie has placed in the top-20 only once over three tries at this tournament, but seems poised to earn his second PGA Tour win with his consistent play as of late.

Pat Perez (50/1): Perez knows this course well as a former member of the Arizona State Sun Devils golf team and is coming off two top-8 finishes over his past three tournaments; including tying for second in last week’s Farmers Insurance Open. He currently resides in the hosting city, Scottsdale, and this would be a fitting place for him to win his first PGA tournament since the Bob Hope Classic in 2009. Perez should be a fan favorite and create quite an uproar on the 16th hole when he gets into the tee box.

J.B. Holmes (80/1): Holmes has only two PGA Tour victories since turning pro back in 2005, and they were both in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2006 and 2008. In 2008, he edged out the favorite, Phil Mickelson, in the first hole of a playoff after a four-round total of 270 (14-under par). Holmes is coming off an ankle injury that caused him to miss nearly the entire 2013 season, but played well last weekend in placing 23rd in the Farmers Insurance Open, marking his first tournament back.
 
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Steve's golf picks

Steve's Pick's WM - Phoenix Open

BRENDAN STEELE 66 TO 1
BILLY HORSCHEL 28 TO 1
SCOTT PIERCY 85 TO 1
NICOLAS COLSAERTS 85 TO 1
RYAN MOORE 28 TO 1
GRAHAM DELAET 34 TO 1

72 Hole Head to Head

2 UNITS - Brendan Steele (-105) over Patrick Reed
 
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NBA

Hot teams
-- Suns won five of their last six games. Indiana won seven of last nine.
-- New York won its last three games, scoring 116.3 ppg.
-- Clippers won nine of their last eleven games.

Cold Teams
-- Cavaliers lost four of their last five games.
-- Warriors lost five of their last seven games.

Series records
-- Suns won five of last seven games with Indiana.
-- Cavaliers lost five of last seven games with New York.
-- Clippers lost six of last nine games with Golden State.

Totals
-- Four of last five Indiana-Phoenix games went over.
-- Seven of last eight New York games went over the total; last five Cleveland games stayed under.
-- Seven of last nine Clipper games went over the total. Under is 3-1-1 in last five Golden State games.

Back to backs
-- Suns are 6-4 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Clippers are 6-5 vs spread if they played night before
 
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NHL

Hot teams
-- Bruins won their last four games, scoring 21 goals.
-- Toronto won seven of last nine games. Panthers won three of their last four road games.
-- Washington won last two games, scoring 10 goals, after losing previous seven games.
-- Lightning won three of their last four games.
-- Minnesota won nine of its last thirteen games. Colorado won six of last eight.
-- Sharks won six of their last seven games. Flames won last three games, all by one goal.
-- Coyotes won three of their last four home games.
-- Anaheim won 20 of its last 24 games.
-- Penguins won five of their last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Canadiens lost four of their last five games.
-- Columbus lost its last three games, outscored 11-6.
-- Senators lost four of their last six games.
-- Devils lost last three road games, scoring three goals. Dallas lost four of last six games.
-- Sabres lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Flyers lost four of their last five games.
-- Los Angeles lost six of its last seven games.

Totals
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Boston games.
-- Four of last five Florida games went over total.
-- Four of last five Washington games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Tampa Bay games went over.
-- Three of last four New Jersey-Dallas games stayed under.
-- Under is 5-1-2 in last eight Minnesota games.
-- Under is 8-1-1 in last ten San Jose games.
-- Seven of last eight Buffalo games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Philly games went over the total; four of last five Duck games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Los Angeles games stayed under total.

Series records
-- Canadiens won their last four games with Boston.
-- Toronto won three of its last four games with Florida.
-- Blue Jackets lost five of last six games with Washington.
-- Lightning won four of last five games with Ottawa.
-- Devils won three of last four games with New Jersey.
-- Avalanche won three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Sharks won four in row, 10 of last 13 games with Calgary.
-- Sabres won six of their last seven games with Phoenix.
-- Ducks won four of last five games with Philly.
-- Kings lost five of last six games with Pittsburgh.
 

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Scott Spreitzer Thursday NBA SHOCKER

I'm taking the points with the Suns on Thursday night. Indiana is in revenge of a 124-100 loss in Phoenix on January 22. But while they may get their revenge, the line is too high, in my opinion. The Suns still aren't getting their "just due" from the public, which means you're truly "paying for it" if you back the Pacers in this one. The Suns played last night, beating Milwaukee 126-117. Phoenix is on a 5-1 ATS run when playing in their second of back-to-back nights and I don't believe the average fan or bettor realizes just how deep this team is even with Eric Bledsoe sidelined. Last night, no less than 10 Suns' players saw action. All 10 played more than 21 minutes, but not a single player topped 30 minutes. So, despite playing last night, there's no reason to believe the team will be "gassed." Phoenix is getting double-digits at the time of this post and we should note that not a single one of their seven losses in 2014 came by double-digits. In fact, the average margin of defeat is less than 4.5 ppg. Phoenix is 27-18 SU on the season and only three of the 18 losses came by more than Thursday's point-spread. They're tough on the road, currently 12-11 SU & 17-6 ATS. And Phoenix has represented themselves well on the road against the league's top teams, going 5-2 ATS at the Clippers, Golden State, Houston, Mi„ami, Portland, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City, beating the Clippers and Rockets outright. Yes, Indiana will be fired-up early after the 24-point loss eight days ago. But I'm betting the point-spread will be the "great equalizer" tonight. Besides the 5-1 ATS run mentioned above, the Suns are on a 4-0 ATS run on the road. They're on a 6-0 ATS overall run against the Pacers and 4-1 in their last five in Indianapolis. I'm grabbing the points with the Suns, my Thursday night Shocker. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
 
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Today's NBA Picks

LA Clippers at Golden State

The Clippers travel to Golden State tonight to face a Warriors team that 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games as a home favorite of 3 1/2 to 6 points. LA is the pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Warriors favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST
Game 501-502: Phoenix at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.752; Indiana 133.119
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 13 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 10; 199
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-10); Over
Game 503-504: Cleveland at New York (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 112.621; New York 120.583
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 8; 192
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 5 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-5 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: LA Clippers at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 124.139; Golden State 125.922
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 5 1/2; 212
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+5 1/2); Over
 
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NCAA Basketball Picks

UCLA at Oregon

The Bruins travel to Oregon to face a Duck team that is returning home after an extended road trip and is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 home games following 3 or more consecutive road games. Oregon is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored by 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's games.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST
Game 507-508: Florida Atlantic at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 55.438; Charlotte 56.282
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 1
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+6 1/2)
Game 509-510: Providence at Marquette (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 62.731; Marquette 69.432
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Marquette by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (-4 1/2)
Game 511-512: Florida International at Marshall (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 51.663; Marshall 51.140
Dunkel Line: Florida International by 1
Vegas Line: Marshall by 4
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+4)
Game 513-514: South Alabama at Georgia State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 49.142; Georgia State 64.817
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 515-516: Florida at Mississippi State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 71.954; Mississippi State 61.546
Dunkel Line: Florida by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 14
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (+14)
Game 517-518: Cincinnati at Louisville (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 69.264; Louisville 82.225
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 13
Vegas Line: Louisville by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-9 1/2)
Game 519-520: East Carolina at Middle Tennessee State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 49.558; Middle Tennessee State 63.175
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-11 1/2)
Game 521-522: Wright State at WI-Milwaukee (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 58.149; WI-Milwaukee 50.671
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Wright State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-2)
Game 523-524: TX-Arlington at Western Kentucky (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: TX-Arlington 50.809; Western Kentucky 56.103
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 7
Dunkel Pick: TX-Arlington (+7)
Game 525-526: UL-Lafayette at AR-Little Rock (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 55.601; AR-Little Rock 50.581
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 5
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (-2)
Game 527-528: Arkansas State at UL-Monroe (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 54.336; UL-Monroe 48.150
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 6
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (-3 1/2)
Game 529-530: Old Dominion at UAB (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 55.548; UAB 58.114
Dunkel Line: UAB by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 6
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (+6)
Game 531-532: Indiana at Nebraska (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 63.249; Nebraska 66.667
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 1
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (-1)
Game 533-534: Pacific at BYU (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 55.529; BYU 66.443
Dunkel Line: BYU by 11
Vegas Line: BYU by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (+13 1/2)
Game 535-536: Louisiana Tech at UTEP (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 68.118; UTEP 63.050
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 5
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 3
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (-3)
Game 537-538: Rice at TX-San Antonio (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 45.271; TX-San Antonio 47.323
Dunkel Line: TX-San Antonio by 2
Vegas Line: TX-San Antonio by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+3 1/2)
Game 539-540: USC at Oregon State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: USC 58.039; Oregon State 65.482
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: USC (+8 1/2)
Game 541-542: UCLA at Oregon (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 67.130; Oregon 71.636
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-2 1/2)
Game 543-544: Houston at Connecticut (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 58.894; Connecticut 71.375
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 14
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+14)
Game 545-546: Purdue at Michigan (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 61.892; Michigan 79.492
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan by 12
Dunkel Pick: Michigan (-12)
Game 547-548: UC-Davis at Cal Poly (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 40.922; Cal Poly 57.859
Dunkel Line: Cal Poly by 17
Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 13
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (-13)
Game 549-550: St. Mary's at San Diego (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's 63.846; San Diego 57.701
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's by 6
Vegas Line: St. Mary's by 4
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (-4)
Game 551-552: UC-Irvine at UC-Santa Barbara (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 58.132; UC-Santa Barbara 62.579
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-2 1/2)
Game 553-554: UC-Riverside at CS-Northridge (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 46.553; CS-Northridge 51.171
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 7
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (+7)
Game 555-556: Long Beach State at Hawaii (12:00 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 53.728; Hawaii 62.793
Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 9
Vegas Line: Hawaii by 7
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (-7)
Game 557-558: Samford at Furman (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 45.564; Furman 42.725
Dunkel Line: Samford by 3
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 559-560: NE-Omaha at IPFW (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NE-Omaha 51.429; IPFW 59.872
Dunkel Line: IPFW by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: IPFW by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: IPFW (-4 1/2)
Game 561-562: The Citadel at Georgia Southern (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: The Citadel 38.951; Georgia Southern 44.793
Dunkel Line: Georgia Southern by 6
Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: The Citadel (+9 1/2)
Game 563-564: Chattanooga at Davidson (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chattanooga 48.598; Davidson 62.484
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 14
Vegas Line: Davidson by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Davidson (-11 1/2)
Game 565-566: Appalachian State at NC-Greensboro (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 45.410; NC-Greensboro 44.253
Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 1
Vegas Line: NC-Greensboro by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (+2 1/2)
Game 567-568: Western Carolina at Elon (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 50.163; Elon 51.408
Dunkel Line: Elon by 1
Vegas Line: Elon by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+4 1/2)
Game 569-570: Monmouth at Marist (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Monmouth 47.663; Marist 54.956
Dunkel Line: Marist by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Marist by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marist (-5 1/2)
Game 571-572: Tennessee-Martin at Eastern Kentucky (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee-Martin 44.751; Eastern Kentucky 58.314
Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee-Martin (+15 1/2)
Game 573-574: Western Illinois at IUPUI (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Illinois 50.874; IUPUI 43.467
Dunkel Line: Western Illinois by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Illinois by 3
Dunkel Pick: Western Illinois (-3)
Game 575-576: Canisius at Quinnipiac (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 54.252; Quinnipiac 58.702
Dunkel Line: Quinnipiac by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Quinnipiac by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Quinnipiac (-2 1/2)
Game 577-578: Tennessee State at Tennessee Tech (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 40.021; Tennessee Tech 44.163
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Tech by 4
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (+6 1/2)
Game 579-580: North Dakota State at South Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 60.096; South Dakota 47.827
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State 12
Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 9
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota State (-9)
Game 581-582: Niagara at Siena (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 47.166; Siena 56.542
Dunkel Line: Siena by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 7
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-7)
Game 583-584: Weber State at Northern Arizona (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 54.765; Northern Arizona 49.192
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Weber State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Weber State (-2)
Game 585-586: Montana at Southern Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 47.868; Southern Utah 38.854
Dunkel Line: Montana by 9
Vegas Line: Montana by 11
Dunkel Pick: Southern Utah (+11)
Game 587-588: South Dakota State at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 51.485; Denver 61.700
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10
Vegas Line: Denver by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8 1/2)
Game 589-590: North Dakota at Eastern Washington (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota 50.737; Eastern Washington 46.921
Dunkel Line: North Dakota by 4
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota
Game 591-592: Northern Colorado at Portland State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Colorado 56.027; Portland State 48.770
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 4
Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (-4)
Game 593-594: Idaho State at Sacramento State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 48.319; Sacramento State 47.497
Dunkel Line: Idaho State by 1
Vegas Line: Sacramento State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (+1)
Game 595-596: Alabama at Auburn (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 61.259; Auburn 62.797
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Auburn by 1
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+1)
Game 601-602: Bryant at Robert Morris (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Bryant 51.039; Robert Morris 58.066
Dunkel Line: Robert Morris by 7
Vegas Line: Robert Morris by 5
Dunkel Pick: Robert Morris (-5)
 

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Brady Kannon Phoenix Open Match up plays

Waste Management Phoenix Open
For The Phoenix Open, I am going to take a look at a couple of head to head match ups. First, between a couple of relative unknowns.. Brian Stuard and Patrick Reed. Stuard is listed as the favorite at -120 at The LVH. Reed has played very sparingly since the end of the regular Tour season in 2013 but did win his last event, The Humana Challenge, just a couple of weeks ago. Stuard has been playing off and on during the wrap around season and has been playing quite well, earning a 2nd place finish in Cancun at Mayakoba, a 6th at The Sony in Hawaii, a 5th at The Humana, and a tie for 28th just last week at Torrey Pines. 7-of the last-14 Phoenix winners have earned top 10 finishes in the 3-weeks leading up to the event, of which Stuard has two. I also like the thought of fading Reed in his very next start after a win.. a formula that worked last year when he won at The Wyndham and missed the cut the very next week at The Barclays. Off of Reed's win at The Humana, he has moved to the top spot on tour in birdies made on Par 4's, a stat I feel will be very important in Phoenix as the net scoring on the 4's here is actually lower than on the five pars... however, Reed still ranks 111th in scoring and 24th in Greens in Regulation. He is 15th in putting but finished 2013 ranked 53rd. He also finished 2013 ranked 157th in driving accuracy. This is Reed's first time ever playing in The Phoenix Open. Stuard played here in 2010, finishing 70th. He was 32nd in driving accuracy in 2013, is 15th this season in Par 4 birdies, and is 9th in overall scoring. I am going with the hot hand here who has seen the course before, over a guy I want to fade off of a win, who ranks low in scoring, struggles off the tee, and hasn't seen the golf course before this week. The second head to head match up I am playing is our local Las Vegas golfer, Scott Piercy over Brendon de Jonge. Piercy is listed at +140 at Bookmaker.eu The reason for the long price, I feel, is that Piercy has struggled most recently.. in the last 3-months, he has 3-missed cuts and has a WD.. but let's take a look at his stats. Despite the struggles, Piercy ranks 12th in driving distance - yes, he's a bomber - 14th in Par 4 birdies, and 10th in putting. If I had to pick two stats to focus on this week it would be Par 4 birdies and putting. De Jonge meanwhile is 109th in Par 4 birdies, 69th in scoring, 24th in putting, and 122nd in Greens in Regulation. De Jonge has 1-top 10 here in Phoenix in 5-tries and that came last season - another reason I think we are getting some price here. Prior to that he has two missed cuts and two finishes outside the top 20. Scott Piercy on the other hand may be at just the right place to say goodbye to his struggles as he has 3-top 10 finishes in Phoenix in the last 5-years including a 3rd place last year. At a price like this, I've got to take a look at a guy who calls the Southwest home and has an excellent track record at the venue. Brian Stuard (-120) over Patrick Reed (LVH) Scott Piercy (+140) over Brendon de Jonge (Bookmaker.eu)
 
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Today's NHL Picks

Washington at Columbus

The Capitals head to Columbus coming off a 5-4 win at Buffalo and carrying a 4-1 record in their last 5 games after scoring 5 goals or more in the previous game. Washington is the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Capitals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+120). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
Time Posted: 8:30 a.m. EST
Game 1-2: Florida at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.432; Toronto 12.899
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-160); Under
Game 3-4: Washington at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.120; Columbus 11.089
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+120); Over
Game 5-6: Montreal at Boston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 9.107; Boston 12.750
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-180); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-180); Over
Game 7-8: Tampa Bay at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.779; Ottawa 10.556
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+105); Under
Game 9-10: New Jersey at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.409; Dallas 10.562
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+120); Over
Game 11-12: Buffalo at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 10.226; Phoenix 11.788
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-210); Under
Game 13-14: San Jose at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.904; Calgary 11.899
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+160); Over
Game 15-16: Minnesota at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.322; Colorado 11.908
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 3 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-155); Under
Game 17-18: Philadelphia at Anaheim (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.904; Anaheim 10.877
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+170); Over
Game 19-20: Pittsburgh at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.722; Los Angeles 10.322
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 2 1/2; 3 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-115); Under
 

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STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 1/30/14
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_________________________________________



***** Thursday, 1/30/14 NBA Information *****
(ALL RESULTS ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2013-14 National Basketball Association season we will analyze all of your daily basketball action, featuring all our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
____________________________________________________________

Betting Notes - Thursday
•Hot Teams
-- Suns won five of their last six games. Indiana won seven of last nine.
-- New York won its last three games, scoring 116.3 ppg.
-- Clippers won nine of their last eleven games.

•Cold Teams
-- Cavaliers lost four of their last five games.
-- Warriors lost five of their last seven games.

•Totals
-- Four of last five Indiana-Phoenix games went over.
-- Seven of last eight New York games went over the total; last five Cleveland games stayed under.
-- Seven of last nine Clipper games went over the total. Under is 3-1-1 in last five Golden State games.

•Back-To-Backs
-- Suns are 6-4 versus spread if they played the night before.
-- Clippers are 6-5 versus spread if they played night before.

•Series Records
-- Suns won five of last seven games with Indiana.
-- Cavaliers lost five of last seven games with New York.
-- Clippers lost six of last nine games with Golden State.

•Situational Trends of The Day
-- NEW YORK is 26-6 ATS (+19.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more 3 straight games since 1996.
The average score was NEW YORK 105.1, OPPONENT 102.6.

-- CLEVELAND is 12-3 UNDER (+8.7 Units) after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread this season.
The average score was CLEVELAND 91.6, OPPONENT 97.7.

-- NEW YORK is 23-8 against the 1rst half line (+14.2 Units) revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NEW YORK 50.2, OPPONENT 48.1.

-- PHOENIX is 17-5 OVER (+11.5 Units) the 1rst half total against Central division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 51.7, OPPONENT 52.8.

-- FRANK VOGEL is 13-2 UNDER (+10.8 Units) the 1rst half total after 2 straight games with 60 or more rebounds as the coach of INDIANA.
The average score was VOGEL 47.5, OPPONENT 41.3.

•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- PHOENIX is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was PHOENIX 106.9, OPPONENT 102.2.

-- LA CLIPPERS are 33-15 OVER (+16.5 Units) versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was LA CLIPPERS 104.0, OPPONENT 101.3.

-- CLEVELAND is 0-9 against the 1rst half line (-9.9 Units) in road games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 25% to 40%) this season.
The average score was CLEVELAND 45.6, OPPONENT 53.7.

-- PHOENIX is 24-8 OVER (+15.2 Units) the 1rst half total versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was PHOENIX 55.3, OPPONENT 52.8.

-- MIKE WOODSON is 15-4 against the 1rst half line (+10.6 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season as the coach of NEW YORK.
The average score was WOODSON 53.4, OPPONENT 43.2.

•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play On - Underdogs of +145 to +350 versus the money line (LA CLIPPERS) - an excellent offensive team (>=102 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG) after 42+ games, after scoring 105 points or more 4 straight games.
(28-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (87.5%, +26.3 units. Rating = 5*)

The average money line posted in these games was: Team underdog with a money line of: +108.2
The average score in these games was: Team 108.1, Opponent 98.4 (Average point differential = +9.7)

The situation's record this season is: (1-0, +1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (13-1, +13.1 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (64-31, +14.2 units).

-- Play On - Any team versus the money line (NEW YORK) - an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG) after 42+ games, after going over the total by 18 or more points total in their last three games, with a winning percentage of between 40-49% on the season.
(31-11 since 1996.) (73.8%, +25.7 units. Rating = 4*)

The average money line posted in these games was: Team underdog with a money line of: +118.4
The average score in these games was: Team 103.1, Opponent 96.9 (Average point differential = +6.3)

The situation's record this season is: (1-0, +1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-3, +2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (7-4, +4.8 units).

-- Play Under - Home teams where the total is greater than or equal to 210 (GOLDEN STATE) - well rested team - playing 4 or less games in 10 days, after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team.
(39-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (76.5%, +25.8 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 214.9
The average score in these games was: Team 104.7, Opponent 101.1 (Total points scored = 205.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 33 (66% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (7-4).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (17-5).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (89-68).
__________________________________________

Thursday's Match-ups

#501 PHOENIX @ #502 INDIANA
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN Arizona (Phoenix), FSN Indiana - Line: Pacers -10.5, Total: 199) - The Phoenix Suns unleashed an offensive onslaught in back-to-back victories in Philadelphia and Milwaukee earlier this week - but they're going to find things much more difficult Thursday as they visit the formidable Indiana Pacers. Phoenix comes into Thursday's marquee matchup having scored 250 points in the wins over the 76ers and the Bucks - two teams headed for the draft lottery. The Pacers present a serious challenge, armed with the NBA's toughest defense.

A key for the Suns will be to get continued offensive production from the backcourt duo of Goran Dragic and Gerald Green. The two combined for 54 points in Monday's 124-113 triumph over Philadelphia, then racked up 53 points to help the Suns get past Milwaukee 126-117. Indiana has the best record in the NBA thanks to a defense allowing a little more than 90 points per game, but surrendered 124 in a loss to the Suns in their previous encounter Jan. 22.

•ABOUT THE SUNS (26-18 SU, 30-14-1 ATS): Every team in the NBA would love to know how Phoenix managed to hang a season-high point total on the Pacers. As with most of the Suns' victories in the absence of injured guard Eric Bledsoe, it was Green and Dragic leading the way with 44 combined points on 14-of-23 shooting. Phoenix shot 54.2 percent from the field and 68.8 from 3-point range, prompting Indiana head coach Frank Vogel to say: "Heck of an offensive performance ... their shot-making was off the charts."

•ABOUT THE PACERS (35-9 SU, 29-15-0 ATS): The Pacers' defensive woes didn't end with the lopsided loss in Phoenix. Indiana surrendered 111 points in a narrow overtime win over Sacramento and was torched for 109 in a loss to Denver the following night before settling back into form with a 104-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. "We've got to hold ourselves to a higher standard," center Roy Hibbert said following the win. "There were some games we dropped that we should have won on this trip. We'll get better."

•PREGAME NOTES: Phoenix has won five of the last seven meetings, with the winning team scoring at least 110 points five times in that span.... Dragic averages 14 points in seven career games against the Pacers.... The Suns are 5-5 in the second game of a back-to-back this season.... The Pacers are 15-4 versus the spread in home games versus good 3-point shooting teams - making more than 36% of their attempts - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... Phoenix is 16-6 against the spread versus good 3-point shooting teams - making more than 36% of their attempts this season.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX covered the spread 550 times, while INDIANA covered the spread 450 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, INDIANA won the game straight up 693 times, while PHOENIX won 297 times. In 1000 simulated games, 493 games went over the total, while 482 games went under the total. *No EDGE.

--In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX covered the first half line 544 times, while INDIANA covered the first half line 427 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 509 games went over first half total, while 491 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PHOENIX is 17-13 against the spread versus INDIANA since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 19-13 straight up against INDIANA since 1996.
--17 of 30 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.

--INDIANA is 17-13 versus the first half line when playing against PHOENIX since 1996
--22 of 29 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996

--Suns are 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Suns are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Indiana.

--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Indiana.

--Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Under is 6-0 in Suns last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Under is 8-0 in Suns last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

--Over is 6-1-1 in Pacers last 8 overall.
--Under is 5-1 in Pacers last 6 Thursday games.
--Over is 4-0-1 in Pacers last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
_______________________________

#503 CLEVELAND @ #504 NEW YORK
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, TNT, MSG (New York) - Line: Knicks -6, Total: 196.5) - Only separated by two games in the Eastern Conference standings, the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers seem miles apart heading into a meeting Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have won three straight to get to 3-3 on their eight-game home stand, prompting coach Mike Woodson to note his team's renewed commitment and sense of urgency. Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said his team's "competitive spirit is non-existent" after wrapping up a 1-4 homestand with a 100-89 loss to New Orleans.

The Knicks hit an offensive slump during a five-game losing streak earlier this month, but Carmelo Anthony's franchise-record 62-point game snapped them out of their funk and the whole team has contributed to the last two victories. "When you make shots it makes it easier," Anthony told reporters. "Guys are moving the ball and guys are making shots. Everyone feels like they're having fun again." It hasn't been much fun for the Cavaliers lately, as they averaged just 91.2 points over their five-game homestand with the only win coming against league-worst Milwaukee.

•ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (16-29 SU, 19-26-0 ATS): Leading scorer Kyrie Irving (21.5 points) has topped 20 points in six of the last seven games, but it hasn't spelled success for Cleveland. Center Anderson Varejao, who sat out against the Pelicans with a knee injury, practiced Wednesday and is expected to return at some point on the three-game road trip. If Varejao doesn't make it back against the Knicks, it might mean more playing time for No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett, who has faced a disappointing rookie campaign but put up 15 points and eight rebounds against New Orleans.

•ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-27 SU, 19-26-0 ATS): New York is banged-up with forwards Andrea Bargnani (elbow) and Amar'e Stoudemire (ankle) out and guard Iman Shumpert (shoulder) potentially missing some time, too. The injuries haven't hampered the Knicks' offensive production recently, as they've topped 110 points in three straight games. Anthony's production certainly has helped, as he has shot 55.6 percent and averaged 40.3 points over that span.

•PREGAME NOTES: The Cavaliers are just 4-6 since acquiring SF Luol Deng, who has averaged 15.6 points with Cleveland after scoring 18 per game in 23 games with Chicago.... Anthony has topped 20 points in nine consecutive games, one shy of his longest streak of the season from Nov. 13-Dec. 1.... Varejao needs 10 points and one rebound to reach 4,000 in each category, joining Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Brad Daugherty and John Williams as the only players in franchise history to do so.... The Knicks are 15-4 versus the spread in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last three seasons.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, CLEVELAND covered the spread 495 times, while NEW YORK covered the spread 477 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, NEW YORK won the game straight up 645 times, while CLEVELAND won 332 times. In 1000 simulated games, 690 games went over the total, while 310 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.

--In 1000 simulated games, NEW YORK covered the first half line 478 times, while CLEVELAND covered the first half line 478 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 589 games went over first half total, while 380 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CLEVELAND is 30-29 against the spread versus NEW YORK since 1996.
--CLEVELAND is 34-28 straight up against NEW YORK since 1996.
--32 of 61 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.

--CLEVELAND is 36-24 versus the first half line when playing against NEW YORK since 1996.
--34 of 60 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.

--Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
--Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in New York.

•RECENT TRENDS
--Under is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 overall.
--Under is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Under is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more.

--Over is 5-0 in Knicks last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
--Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
_______________________________

#505 LA CLIPPERS @ #506 GOLDEN STATE
(TV: 10:30 PM EST, TNT - Line: Warriors -5.5, Total: 212.5) - The Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers have not gotten along very well when they’ve met this season. The Clippers will try to keep their players from getting tossed out of the latest meeting when Los Angeles visits the Warriors on Thursday. Blake Griffin was ejected under dubious circumstances in a 105-103 Clippers loss on the Christmas night the last time Los Angeles visited Golden State.

The NBA came out the next day and said Griffin did not deserve to get tossed from the testy Christmas contest but the damage was already done after Klay Thompson blocked Chris Paul’s tying layup attempt. Paul (shoulder) will not be on the floor this time around but the Warriors have several of their own issues to deal with an appear to be stuck in neutral ever since a 10-game winning streak came to an end earlier this month. “We have to be better,” Golden State coach Mark Jackson told reporters after an 88-85 home loss to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. “The very good teams or the great teams in this league, they take care of business.”

•ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (33-15 SU, 28-20-0 ATS): Los Angeles just got off the road after a seven-game trip necessitated by the Grammy Awards taking over their arena and made a brief pit stop at home with a 110-103 to the Wizards on Wednesday before heading right back out to Golden State. The 5-2 trip was the best Grammy swing ever for the team, which has won four straight and 10 of 12 to push five games in front of the Warriors in the Pacific Division, with the Phoenix Suns in between. Blake Griffin scored 29 points on Wednesday and is averaging 25.2 points in 13 games since Paul went down to help keep the Clippers near the top of the Western Conference.

•ABOUT THE WARRIORS (27-19 SU, 20-24-2 ATS): Golden State is 3-6 in the nine games since the end of their winning streak and squandered the momentum from a win over the Portland Trail Blazers by falling to the Wizards. “Right now we are a team that if a championship caliber team comes in here or an elite team comes in here we play at that level,” Jackson said. “If a bad team or average team comes in we play at that level. We are not good enough to allow who comes in here to determine how hard we play.” The Warriors, who are 1-3 on the current five-game homestand, had been struggling on the defensive end but have held each of their last two opponents to 88 points.

•PREGAME NOTES: Warriors G Stephen Curry is averaging 29.2 points in the last five games but struggled to 8-of-23 from the field on Tuesday.... Los Angeles C DeAndre Jordan has recorded double-digit rebounds in 25 straight games and has pulled down 35 boards in the last two contests combined.... Golden State C Andrew Bogut received both a technical and a flagrant foul in the last meeting while F Draymond Green was ejected from the Christmas night contest.... The Clippers are 9-1 versus the spread when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%) this season.... The Warriors are 1-8 against the spread as a home favorite of 6 points or less this season.

StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.

--In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS covered the spread 599 times, while GOLDEN STATE covered the spread 401 times. *EDGE against the spread =LA CLIPPERS. In 1000 simulated games, GOLDEN STATE won the game straight up 536 times, while LA CLIPPERS won 435 times. In 1000 simulated games, 635 games went under the total, while 365 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.

--In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS covered the first half line 551 times, while GOLDEN STATE covered the first half line 415 times. *Edge against first half line =LA CLIPPERS. In 1000 simulated games, 589 games went under first half total, while 371 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
 

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Hockey Crusher
Dallas Stars -130 over New Jersey Devils
(System Record: 62-2, won last game)
Overall Record: 62-45-1
 

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Basketball Crusher
South Dakota +9 over North Dakota State
(System Record: 40-5, won last 2 games)
Overall Record: 40-51-2
 

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