February 22, 2009
Dave Cokin's Illinois-Ohio State
Illinois @ Ohio State 1PM ET
Play: Ohio State -2'
Illinois looks like they're in excellent shape for an invite to the NCAA Tournament. The landscape isn't as attractive for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are definitely still in the hunt, but this is a game they really need. I think there's a pretty good chance they'll get it. Ohio State has thoroughly dominated the Illini on this court, covering seven of their last eight meetings as hosts. The game power rates very close to even, so there's really no line value with Ohio State, but I believe the situation is solid enough to warrant a lean to the Buckeyes today.
James Patrick's
Pistons vs. Cavaliers 8:05 p.m. est. ESPN
The Boys from Motown come to Cleveland and that hasn't been a very pleasant trip for Detroit especially in Sunday action as the Pistons don't click on Sunday with a 1-11 ATS record. Cavaliers are 19-6 ATS as a home favorite and 22-6-1 ATS of late. Our Sunday NBA complimentary selection is #818 Cleveland Cavaliers at home and you can see the action on ESPN.
Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Sunday
02/22 03:05 PM PT / 6:05 PM ET
NBA (813) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS at (814) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take: over (Sunday's Bonus Play)
Reason: The Blazers have a potent offense, as was evident the last game, a thorough 108-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. They racked up 44 points in the paint, accumulated 22 second-chance points. The Blazers used hot shooting to build a 97-61 lead. Fueled by a small lineup, the Blazers made 7 of their first 10 field goals in the fourth quarter as Rudy Fernandez was swishing jumpers and Brandon Roy was doing a little bit of everything. Now they face a team that plays no defense, giving up 140 and 142 points the last two games. In fact, the disinterested Clippers are on a 9-1 run over the total. Look for plenty of points in the Rose Garden, play the Clippers/Blazers over the total.
Marc Lawrence College Hoops - Sunday 2/22
Play On: Arizona
Note: The Wildcats travel to Tempe to take on arch rival Arizona State in a key PAC 10 showdown this evening. Aside from looking to avenge a 53-47 home loss a month ago - a game in which they were held to their lowest scoring output in over two decades - Arizona has taken it on the chin three straight times in this series. Prior to the three losses they were 24-1SU in the previous 25 games against the Sun Devils. With the Wildcats a sterling 33-13 ATS as dogs in games off back-to-back wins, the points become the play in this game today.