Super Tuesday Tilts

The University of Kentucky is ranked third and Michigan State is fifth in the last updated Top 25 poll and each could be in for a real test on Tuesday night. The Wildcats responded nicely from their first loss of the season vanquishing Vanderbilt 85-72 as 8.5-point favorites and they stay in Lexington to host Ole Miss. Wisconsin gives everyone a problem, especially at the Kohl Center, which the Spartans will have to deal with this evening.

For Kentucky, size does matter

The Wildcats tested fate and were finally burned at South Carolina, which gave them their initial loss of the season. Kentucky (20-1, 10-9 ATS) had often built nice leads, all but given them away and been Clutch Cargo at winning time. The necessary plays have come from a variety of competitors, each entrusted by coach John Calipari to come thru when needed. Coach Cal got after his guys to make sure they play a complete game and they never let Vanderbilt build any real confidence in cruising to victory. Big Blue has a big advantage in this matchup with DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson and Daniel Orton having too much size and skill for the Rebels small front court to match. Calipari coached teams are 28-12 ATS versus offensive teams scoring 77 or more points a game after 15 contests have been played on the season.

Ole Miss (16-5, 11-6 ATS) was picked second in the SEC West and is meeting expectations and hopes to play the role of giant killer in Lexington. The strength of the Rebels is in the guard positions, led by leading scorer Chris Warren. For the Rebels to shock the nation, collectively, this group is going to have to play near perfect, disrupting Kentucky’s offense along with hitting a higher than expected number of shots, since they fight a losing battle on the glass being too small. Mississippi is 3-13 and 7-9 ATS against the Wildcats since 1997.

Mississippi suffered a deflating 80- 73 loss at home to Arkansas, which was delayed one day because of weather issues in Oxford Saturday. That meant one less day to prepare for Kentucky and more tired bodies. The Rebels are 10.5-point underdogs with total of 153 at Bookmaker.com. The most positive news is Ole Miss is 12-4 ATS in road games over the last two seasons and will have come up with strategy-filled (junk) defense to inhibit Cousins in particular.

Sensational freshman guard John Wall caused a stir in the Blue Grass state this past week wondering why his coach was singling him out since in his own words he was playing “OK”. Wall certainly has likely been told his whole basketball life how wonderful he is and Calipari has seen a dip in his production and was trying to motivate him, something he’s not had to deal with. Reports are everything is cool between them and Kentucky is 5-1 and 2-4 ATS at Rupp Arena since 1998 against the Rebels. Game One on Super Tuesday starts at 7 Eastern.

Sparty winning, but not making friends with bettors

Michigan State (19-3, 8-13 ATS) is a perfect 9-0 in the Big Ten, holding a comfortable three game lead over four teams that have three losses. It would be overstating the facts that this has been breeze, especially on the road lately. The Spartans have maneuvered by Minnesota and Michigan by a single digit in each case, trailing the vast majority of each contest. Leading scorer Kalin Lucas was the difference in each ballgame from a team coach Tom Izzo seeks more consistency. Michigan State has won 12 of last 13 Big Ten road games and is 15-4 ATS as visitor playing only their second game in a week over the last two seasons.

Wisconsin is off near upset at Purdue, losing 70-67, having two chances inside final 10 seconds to take the lead. The Badgers (16-5, 11-8 ATS) have been coping without their big man Jon Leuer, however if Keaton Nankivil can shoot the ball anywhere close to last outing (career high 25 points) he improves the chances of Wisconsin handing Spartans their first conference loss. The Badgers have won 17 in a row in Madison (9-6 ATS) and are 31-13 ATS in home games versus good passing teams, averaging 16 or more assists a contest.

The Badgers are part of a contingent in second place in the Big Ten and are a 2.5-point favorite, with total of 123, having won six straight over the Spartans at home (5-1 ATS). Michigan State is 1-4 ATS in last five contests and 1-9 ATS after eight or more consecutive wins over the last three seasons. Wisconsin lost at East Lansing 54-47 on Jan. 6 and is 8-0 UNDER revenging a loss after scoring fewer than 50 points. Bucky Badger is 27-12 ATS as a home favorite of six points or less or pick, while Izzo’s club is 39-23 UNDER when the total is 120 to 129.5.

This anticipated Big Ten battle starts at 9 Eastern or right after the SEC televised showdown.

Time for Lift off on Monday

Brought the truck back around to the winning side with 2-1 day and I warned Paul Buck Pitt might be in trouble. Today we have a super NHL trend that will bring a smile to hockey bettors face. The Best System is in the MAC at 28-6 and I have several weekend observations. Good Luck

What I thought today- It was quite a weekend in basketball for the sports bettor to take in the action and learn a great deal about the teams they were wagering on. You could make a case Georgetown has as good a three main players in guards Chris Wright, Austin Freeman and center Greg Monroe, as there is in college basketball. No question a number of others teams are more complete than the Hoyas, however when all three of these players are on, as Duke found out, G-Town is very good. The Blue Devils looked very tired and did an unusually poor job in transition defense. When Duke is getting beat, they are not receiving any contributions in the paint.

Louisville outscored West Virginia 71-46 in the middle 32+ minutes of their game against West Virginia and covered. However, they trailed 13-0 after the first three minutes of the contest and the Mountaineers used an 18-4 closing salvo to win 77-74. Credit coach Bob Huggins for using 1-3-1 zone defense in last four minutes plus to prevent the Cardinals from scoring. Louisville also got “homered” on brutal call with seconds remaining, which should have given them the ball back under their own basket.

In watching Baylor and Texas, it really appeared the Bears were the better team in upsetting the Longhorns in Austin. The Texas guards just don’t offer enough offensively unless you count turnovers and excessive dribbling as positives. One positive for coach Rick Barnes, Texas played with defensive intensity in the second half of this contest, something not witnessed in a couple of weeks. For the oddity of the weekend, Baylor’s Ekpe Udoh was 0-10 shooting in regulation play with no points and he scored the Bears first seven points in OT.

Kentucky went from seven point favorites all the way to 9.5 early Saturday afternoon before the marketplace settled on 8.5. It didn’t matter as the Wildcats were awesome on defense against Vanderbilt and DeMarcus Cousins showed he is going to be a tremendous NBA talent, probably after this his freshman season.

The Kansas and Kansas State’s contest lived up to all the billing with overtime thriller. The Jayhawks can turn to several different players in the context of a game and find a way to win. K-State is so aggressive, especially on the offensive glass. Coach Frank Martin might have played the final minute differently given more time to think about, taking what seemed to be an unnecessary calculated risk. Glad I was off that game, as the last second heave by the Wildcats was either a heart-breaking spread loss or cause for lucky celebration with Kansas State catching four points.

Illinois is not mentally strong and are a bad favorite play. Watched Pacific for about 25 minutes, they look like a good bet the rest of the way in the Big West as single digit favorites, which won’t be often. Couldn’t help but be impressed with Cornell. The Big Red wasn’t on TV, however the humiliated Harvard 86-50 on their own home floor. Cornell is 18-3 and 13-3 ATS and their only losses have come to Seton Hall, Syracuse and they realistically could have been then and now No. 1 Kansas in Lawrence, losing by five.

Go figure, North Carolina is 13-8, as is Connecticut, after both were upset this weekend. There is still time to improve record, but right now neither looks like they belong in NCAA Tournament and they are a combined 14-23-1 ATS.

It was lost on me why PGA Tour players were outraged Phil Mickelson used an old Ping wedge that technically could be deemed illegal, but was “grandfathered” in under the rules of golf and thus is 100 percent legal. Having worked in the golf business for a long time, I’m well aware that many professional golfers are not that much different than those that setup NASCAR rigs. In other words, you make the rules and I’ll take them as possibly as close as I can without “breaking the law”. Mickelson was playing by the rules and if he could get a slight edge on his competitors don’t blame him, blame the golfers that didn’t keep an old wedge around that was over 20 years old. Trust me, though these golfers are as honorable as any athletes in sports, if their golf balls went one foot past the number of feet per second rule on compression, very few would not use golf balls deemed “illegal”.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play On home favorites of 10 or more points like Bowling Green after scoring 55 points or less, against opponent after scoring 60 points or less three straight games. The Falcons are in 28-6 ATS winning situation at 82.4 percent.

Free Hockey Trend - 2) The most humorous NHL game tonight is Edmonton and Carolina, as each team has combined angles of 0-22 going against each other. Instead we’ll say to watch Anaheim, who is 9-1 against the money line in road games after two consecutive non-conference games over the last three seasons.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Ron is the newest member of the Left Coast Connection and he sees a tired and flat Lakers club in Memphis tonight and is backing the Grizz.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right.

Louisville and Texas making bettors nervous

Rick Pitino knew the 2009-10 Cardinals were not at the same level as last year’s squad and expected growing pains. Rick Barnes of Texas knew he had a deep and talented club, which rose all the way to No.1 this season. As both Louisville and Texas have come up on the wrong side of the ledger in recent games, college basketball bettors are left to ponder what each of these teams might do on Big Monday.

Hey, a little helper over here

The Cardinals (13-8, 6-10 ATS) have lost four of last five in Big East play and Louisville backers are seeing red with their team 1-5 ATS in last six. The Cardinals 77-74 loss at West Virginia might have been microcosm of the entire season. The ‘Ville trailed the Mountaineers 13-0 to start the game and were outscored 18-4 to end it. The other 32+ minutes they dominated the contest 71-46. When the game was in the balance; the Cards could not make a bucket and didn’t stop the opposition, a familiar theme this season. Louisville is 3-11 ATS in home games when playing only their second game in eight days over the last three seasons.

About the only positive news for the home team is tonight’s foe is in the same predicament. Connecticut (13-8, 7-11-1 ATS) have fallen in five of their last seven outings, including the last two to Providence and Marquette. The Huskies have too often played like dogs to start games and they trailed by double digits against the Golden Eagles before rallying, only to lose 70-68 at home as five point favorites. UConn wiped the glass clean against smallish Marquette, outrebounding them by 19, yet forced but three turnovers. “I’m ready to play another game,” forwards Gavin Edwards said. “I want to get this taste out of my mouth as quick as possible.” Connecticut is 12-4 ATS in road games after playing consecutive contests as a favorite.

Louisville is a six-point favorite at DiamondSportsbook.com, with total at 145.5 and is 12-3 ATS in February games over the last two seasons, normally the time a Pitino coached club starts to jell. UConn will be playing their fifth game without coach Jim Calhoun (2-2 SU & ATS) and they are 6-0 OVER on the road after outrebounding opponent by 15 or more, winning by 7.7 points per game.

This is the early 7:00 Eastern start on ESPN and Louisville is 10-3 OVER as a favorite this season.

Longhorns coming up short

Texas hits the Big 12 road for the first time since losing at Kansas State and is off immensely disappointing home loss to Baylor 80-77 in overtime, as nine-point chalk. Texas (18-3, 8-9 ATS) has not been playing with the same urgency they were earlier in the season and has dropped three of last four. Opposing teams have bothered the Texas guards who have been dribbling too much and not getting offense into motion by passing the ball. Some Longhorns backers wonder if the team would be better served have a more set rotation of players having specific roles. They are just 5-18 ATS against conference opponents over the last two seasons, which includes current 0-6 spread mark in 2010.

After facing the frenetic pace at Missouri two days ago, another team that can get up and down the floor is next for Oklahoma State (16-5, 9-5-1 ATS). As usual it was physically and mentally draining contest in Columbia, losing 95-80, committing 24 turnovers and the Cowboys starters will be tested, since points off the bench are like the scenery from Stillwater to Austin, not much. Outside of James Anderson, perimeter shooting for Okie State is thinner than Kate Moss. The Cowboys have to shoot well since they are 8-46 ATS when they make 34 to 39 percent of their shots.

Texas is a 2.5-point fave in Stillwater and is putrid 6-17 ATS after a Big 12 game over the last two seasons. It will be a raucous setting for Okie State who is 17-7 ATS in all home games since 2008. Gallagher-Iba Arena hasn’t been hospitable for Texas, who is only 2-5 SU and ATS in previous seven visits.

Get your red hot NBA Systems here!

The numbers on tonight’s seven NBA games came out slower than usual as oddsmakers had to determine what to make of five specific contests in which injuries could have a direct impact on the outcome. That situation has been handled and here is a look at some the best side and total systems in the NBA marketplace to start another work week. Numbers from DiamondSportsbook.com.

Boston (-5, 191) at Washington

After losing three games in a row to top notch competition, the Boston Celtics get a breather of sorts traveling to Washington to take on the Wizards. Road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points having lost two or more consecutive losses, with a win percentage of 60 to 75 percent and facing a team with a losing record are 28-9 ATS the last five seasons.

Milwaukee (+6.5, 188) at Miami

The Miami Heat have hit a dry spell changing the numbers on the scoreboard, scoring 92 points or less in three of their last five contests. This does not bode well for them since favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, with a marginal record (51 to 60 percent), facing a losing team, are 37-73 ATS in the previous five years.

L.A. Lakers (-1.5, 205) at Memphis

The Memphis Grizzlies just completed an outstanding 10-5 January to get them into the thick of Western Conference playoff talk and they catch the Los Angeles Lakers off a grueling one-point win over Boston yesterday. This contest wraps up the Lakers eight-game road trip. When a team like Memphis (51 to 60 win percent) faces a winning team and the total is 200 to 209 in February, the UNDER is 34-9 since 2005.

Sacramento (+11.5, 210.5) at Denver

The Kings aren’t exactly defensive-minded to begin with, ranking 26th in points permitted. Tonight’s situation isn’t likely to improve that record playing their third game in four days, having lost eight of nine. When the road team has failed to cover six or seven of last eight contests and is apparently tired having to play three times in roughly 96 hours and the total is 210 or higher, the OVER is a good bet at 23-8 since 2007.

Phoenix (+1, 212) at New Orleans

Chris Paul’s injury isn’t going to improve New Orleans status, as they worked back in playoff contention. Nevertheless, look to play OVER when the total is 210 or higher in a matchup involving two teams with winning percentage of 51 to 60 percent. This system calculates out to 36-8 in last 44 contests.

Dallas (+4, 199) at Utah

The Dallas Mavericks have been defenseless in last three outings, surrendering 111 points per game, with opponents converting on at least 53.3 percent of shot attempts. Utah on the other hand has won eight of nine, scoring 100 or more points six straight times. When the total is between 190 and 199.5 points and one club allowed105 points or more, against opponent having scored 100 points or more in five straight contests, review the OVER, which is 42-13 since 1996.

Charlotte (+1.5, 199) at Portland

The Portland Trailblazers are battered, bruised and shorthanded, yet they came away with two-point win at Dallas as nine-point underdogs Saturday. Charlotte is in the midst of a six-game West swing and since losing at Denver to get things started, the results have been quite positive in winning three in a row. Tonight’s matchup doesn’t set up well for Portland, as teams off an upset win as an underdog, against opponent off three or more consecutive road wins are 9-30 ATS since 1996.

It's the last of January, let's win!

The 1-3 record didn’t make me happy, but what shocked me was Louisiana Tech losing outright at home. Today we’ll take a peek how a Big Ten coach does in a specific situation for Top Trend. The Best System is the NBA and north of the border. My pal Paul Buck continues to shine and has a Big East play as his best. Good Luck

What I thought today- A fair amount of games today, but not a lot to get the juices flowing. I’ll catch a couple while watching a few replays from yesterday that I could view. I will have full commentary about weekend hoops on Monday.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play On home teams like Toronto who shoot 45.5-47.5 percent range against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5%), being an average rebounding team (+/-3 reb/game) against a poor rebounding team (-3 to -5.5 reb/game). Have to like the fact this system is 29-6 ATS, 82.9 percent the last five seasons.

Free Basketball Trend -2) Coach Matt Painter of Purdue is 14-3 ATS in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams forcing 14 or fewer turnovers game past the midway points of the year.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Paul Buck was 1-1 here yesterday, but was 7-3 in CBB and 2-0 in the NBA and is backing Pittsburgh in Tampa today.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right.

NBA Telivised Tilts

It’s a sure sign the football season is nearly complete, when guys in the semi-short pants from professional basketball are on TV to close out the weekend. For many NBA bettors, they have toiled for some time with the daily grind of crunching numbers and attempting to determine if their methodology will work. The NBA offers two quality contests for your viewing pleasure, with the first contest possibly missing key players and the later contest an old school showdown with glorious past.

Denver at San Antonio 1:00E ABC

The Nuggets are uncertain if Carmelo Anthony’s gimpy ankle will allow him to go, after missing Friday’s contest in Oklahoma City. Additionally, Denver is still sorting out the behavior antics of J.R. Smith from eight days ago on the bench. Smith was nearly suspended but V.P. of player personnel Rex Chapman; finally deciding against it, in hopes coach George Karl won’t have any more problems with him forward.

It’s been no problem on the actual court for Denver (31-15, 21-24-1 ATS), having won eight of nine with 4-4-1 ATS mark. The Nuggets surge has been led by guard Chauncey Billups who is averaging a career-high 19.2 points in addition to 5.9 assists. Denver is 25-11 ATS playing against a team with a winning record in the half of the season over the last two years.

While Anthony’s status is up in the air for Denver, no such luck for San Antonio, with Tony Parker sidelined with an ankle sprain. The Spurs (27-18, 23-21-1 ATS) aren’t exactly hitting on all cylinders, having lost five of last eight and covering just three spreads. The most damning aspect of the slump is they have not been able to take advantage of six game home stand (2-3 SU & ATS), since after today they take to the road for eight games on “Rodeo Trip.” The Spurs will have to shoot a high percentage with less firepower in the backcourt and are 20-9 ATS when they make 48 to 51 percent of their shots in a game since last season.

DiamondSportsbook.com has San Antonio as six-point favorite with total of 198. The Spurs are just 2-7 ATS on Sunday assignments and 8-1-1 UNDER on this day of the week. Denver comes in 4-11 ATS in last 15 contests with a day’s rest and is 23-7 UNDER as the visiting team if the home team has a .600 or better record on their court. The road team has covered the last five meetings between this Western Conference clubs.

L.A. Lakers at Boston 3:30E ABC

Possibly Boston’s midseason lull isn’t a cause for concern, with 6-10 (5-11 ATS) record since Dec. 27 and this veteran squad will turn it on once the scent of playoff basketball is in the air, yet watching them play you still wonder where the Celtics (29-15, 18-26 ATS) are headed. Ray Allen seems to be aging game to game, lacking the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. In NBA language that is called “catch and shot” player and not many elite teams have this type of guy in the starting lineup.

All was thought to be well with Kevin Garnett back, one problem he looks slow, like his long aging and increasing injured legs are starting to fail him, particularly on defense. Guard Rajon Rondo needs Google search to find the basket with as wayward as jump shot has been. Boston is also suffering from a lack of cohesiveness with Garnett and others taking turns missing game. Boston is 13-7 at home with sickly 6-14 ATS record.

The Lakers (36-11, 22-24-1 ATS) probably feel like their home was foreclosed on, playing their seventh road game in a row, all in the Eastern Time zone. The purple-clad team from L.A. is 4-2 SU and ATS thus far, with three wins in a row and starts heading back west tomorrow, with a stop in Memphis to conclude the road trip, against one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Los Angeles however is just 1-6 ATS if the opponent has a winning home record.

The Lakers will attempt to thwart Boston’s interior defense, by shooting well from the perimeter and they are 31-14 ATS when they make 39 to 45 percent of their three point attempts. Los Angeles has covered six of last seven Sunday contests and is 4-1 OVER since falling at Cleveland. Boston 0-8 against the number taking on Pacific Division squads and is 20-7 OVER off a SU loss. The one-point favored Lakers have covered once in previous five visits in Bean-Town.

Sound Reasoning to Watch and Wager on the Pro Bowl

For most people, the title of this article I was asked to write makes no sense. And while I can appreciate the logic of those of you who think flipping a coin to guess “heads or tails” would be an equally worthy pursuit, cut me a little slack and at least play along. I hear all the complaints; it’s just an exhibition game! Whine, whine whine and I suppose you are going to sit there and act so high and mighty that you wouldn’t lower yourself to watching and betting on such contest, yet you are same person salivating in August for professional football and are willing to bet on a game involving two fourth string quarterbacks and bunch of other players that won’t even be on those teams’ rosters, but you are OK with that because it’s a preseason (exhibition) game?

Here are reasons to Bet and Watch the Pro Bowl.

1) How many reruns can you watch of Criminal Minds or NCIS in a weekend?

This will be the 40th version of the Pro Bowl, and interestingly, the NFL chose to mark the occasion with some experimentation. The changing of the date was done to promote the Super Bowl week, as opposed to the Pro Bowl being an afterthought it has been in the past.

The Super Bowl players always hated to go to the game unless the wife, girlfriend or whomever wanted a vacation and some of the cool swag that comes with the trip. For many of the players they get a little extra cha-ching for playing and typically turn it over to their other half, to make them look like good guys. The Miami setting is still cool and the night life is even better. ESPN is going to handle this like a live NFL Films production, so the entertainment value at least has potential.

2) It’s betting on football and you can watch

The vast majority of football bettors, hell bettors in general like to watch what they bet on for some reason, like their anguished faces or smirking know it smiles will in some way determine the outcome. Think of it as an awards show, just without all the stars being able to attend. The NFC is favored by 2.5-points and for you those of you addicted to line movement, the total opened at 60.5 and has tumbled like President Obama’s approval rating to 57 points.

3) Check out players in laid back setting and see how those from your favorite team perform.

I’ve read more than one report that a lot of the Pro Bowl players aren’t very cool with moving the game up two weeks. Most of these young studs want to come to South Beach to hang out and party, not practice and play a meaningless game. One thing about these guys once they strap on the pads and start hitting each other, the competitive part of their personality surfaces and they want to win for each other, just because. Besides, since many guys will be around Miami all next week some extra good-natured barbs can be launched at one another based on the outcome or if something funny happened during the game. That is unless Gilbert Arenas shows up. During the game the players will be more relaxed and might offer something humorous.

4) Public service material about the Pro Bowl

My friend Steve Makinen from StatFox assembled a vast amount of Pro Bowl data for those that just want the information and even offers a prediction. (Clearly Steve has even less a life than yours truly)

Digging into the game a little bit, with the Saints' Drew Brees and Vikings' Brett Favre unavailable to play, the NFC offense will be guided by quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers of the Packers, Donovan McNabb (3553 passing yards, 22 TD, 10 INT) of the Eagles, and Tony Romo (4483 passing yards, 26 TD, 9 INT) of the Cowboys. Even with the two NFC title game combatants backing out, this is still a star-studded trio. Rodgers, who threw for 4,434 yards and 30 touchdowns against just seven interceptions while leading Green Bay to a playoff berth, will be making his first appearance in the game. The receiving corps will include the Eagles' DeSean Jackson (63 receptions, 9 TD) and Cowboys' Miles Austin (81 receptions, 11 TD), both of whom are expected to start, with the 49ers' Vernon Davis (78 receptions, 13 TD) getting the start at the tight end spot. The Vikings' Adrian Peterson (1383 rushing yards, 18 TD) is expected to open in the backfield one week after his fumble-laden performance in the NFC Championship. The offensive line will be led by Minnesota guard Steve Hutchinson, who makes his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.

The game will feature a “no-blitz” rule as always, meaning pressure on the passer will have to come from the down linemen. In this case, for the AFC, with would-be starting ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis of the Colts both unavailable due to their Super Bowl commitment, Mario Williams (38 tackles, 9 sacks) of the Texans and Kyle Vanden Bosch (44 tackles, 3 sacks) of the Titans will get the first crack at Rodgers and the NFC quarterbacks. Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (41 tackles, 17 sacks), who led the NFL in sacks in 2009, will also be involved. On the back end, a star-studded secondary paced by perhaps the league's top three cornerbacks - the Jets' Darrelle Revis (49 tackles, 6 INT), Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha (29 tackles, 1 INT) and Broncos' Champ Bailey (61 tackles, 3 INT) - along with starting strong safety Brian Dawkins (95 tackles, 2 INT) of Denver, will focus on slowing the NFC receivers.

Like the NFC, the AFC team will not be without its top QB’s, in this case, three of them. With Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, and Tom Brady all unavailable on Sunday, the AFC will go with NFL passing yards leader Matt Schaub (4770 passing yards, 29 TD, 15 INT) of the Texans, with the Titans' Vince Young (1879 passing yards, 10 TD, 7 INT) and Jaguars' David Garrard (3597 passing yards, 15 TD, 10 INT) both backing him. Young will be appearing in his second Pro Bowl game, after making it as a rookie in 2006. Houston's Andre Johnson (101 receptions, 9 TD) and Denver's Brandon Marshall (101 rushing yards, 10 TD) will open at wideout for the AFC, with the Chargers' Antonio Gates (79 receptions, 8 TD) starting at tight end. Among the notable reserve pass-catchers is the Bengals' Chad Ochocinco (72 receptions, 9 TD), who makes his sixth Pro Bowl appearance. A standout AFC backfield will include NFL Offensive Player of the Year Chris Johnson (2006 rushing yards, 50 receptions, 16 TD) of the Titans, along with the diminutive Maurice-Jones Drew (1391 rushing yards, 53 receptions, 16 TD) of the Jaguars and Ray Rice (1339 rushing yards, 78 receptions, 8 TD) of the Ravens. Jets guard Alan Faneca and Titans center Kevin Mawae, who now have 17 Pro Bowl appearances between them, anchor the line.

The NFC will look to pressure the AFC quarterbacks with Vikings end Jared Allen (43 tackles, 14.5 sacks), Panthers end Julius Peppers (36 tackles, 10.5 sacks) and Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (47 tackles, 11 sacks). Their defensive backfield features Asante Samuel (43 tackles, 9 INT) of the Eagles and Terence Newman (61 tackles 3 INT) of the Cowboys, in addition to safety Nick Collins (47 tackles, 6 INT) of the Packers. The linebackers are headed by 49ers middle man Patrick Willis (113 tackles, 3 INT), among others.

Prediction: On paper, you certainly have to like the QB rotation of the NFC much better than that of the AFC, with Rodgers, Romo, and McNabb all capable of lighting up the scoreboard. That said, the AFC defensive backfield is one of hall-of-fame credentials and certainly won’t make things easy. With the total set at 57 for this contest, we’ll go with a rare prediction of an UNDER in the game, with the NFC pulling it out 24-20.

5) Pro Bowl info and betting stuff

The NFC leads the all-time Pro Bowl series by a 20-19 margin, including wins and covers in the last two games. In fact, the NFC has covered the spread the last four matchups and is 7-5 ATS the last dozen years, with the teams splitting the end results. Looking back to 1997, dogs are 6-6 ATS with the Over 8-4. (Just the fact that I took the time to look that up makes me just as bad as Steve)

One needless bit of information has been stripped away with this year’s new date; whatever conference won the Super Bowl was 15-11 SU dating back to 1983.

If your life is boring and mundane to all your friends, reinforce their beliefs and watch the Pro Bowl. Better yet invite people you will be seeing next week for a Super Bowl party and tell them you are having a Pro Bowl shin-dig, they will think you are really nuts.

This article penned by Red Wydley.

Let's make cash Saturday

Had a ton of Super Bowl work to do this week, which is why I haven’t been able to keep up. Found an absolutely beauty of a CBB system this is 89.7 percent. Have a rock solid perfect trend today in college hoops and red hot Paul Buck has a pair of freebies. Good Luck

What I thought today- A lot of cappers will take Vanderbilt with the points, but honestly I think that is a lazy pick with no real opinion on if it is right or wrong. They hope to be right taking road dog to look smart. The battle of Kansas should be outstanding, but another superb game today is Harvard at Cornell in the Ivy League. These are two awfully good teams and if the Big Red wins, they might pop into the Top 25 next week.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play Against home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points like Central Florida, who are average 3-point shooting team (32-36.5 percent), against a good 3-point defense (32 percent or less), after two straight games making 37 percent of their shots or worse. In the last 13 years this system sparkles like champagne at 26-3 ATS.

Free Basketball Trend -2) Louisiana Tech is 12-0 ATS versus poor defensive teams with shooting pct. defense of 45 percent or worse the last three seasons.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Paul Buck continues to smoke the odds, 14-3 in the NBA and 11-4 in college hoops. He's got two plays he likes equally- USC and Georgia.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right.

College Hoops Dominates Landscape

For a lot of casual bettors and fans, this is really the kickoff of the college basketball season. Forget the fact that more than half the season has already been played, with no football this weekend (unless you consider the Senior Bowl and Pro Bowl football) a vast number of people start turning their attention towards college hoops and beginning mentally prepping for March Madness which is not that many weeks away. Here is a look at some of the top matches this weekend on the collegiate hardwood. Sides and total from Bookmaker.com.

Saturday, Jan. 3o

Louisville at West Virginia (-7, 137.5) 12:00E ESPN

Louisville (13-7, 5-10 ATS), playing in the Big East is going to face more than their fair share of challenging opponents and as per usual went out of conference to face a number of tough hombres. Come tournament time that helps your resume, however it really helps the confidence of the team to beat a Top 25 club, not just play with them. The Cardinals are 0-4 SU and ATS against ranked teams and will have another shot to improve against West Virginia. The Cards are 18-7 ATS in conference road games over the last three seasons.

Since its fast start, West Virginia (16-3, 7-11 ATS) has been erratic in its play since 2010 began with 5-3 and 3-5 ATS record. Continual 40 minute effort has been lacking, with the Mountaineers playing like characters in a Rob Zombie movie, with no visible signs of emotion. What has curtailed West Virginia’s excellence is their star players have not been playing like stars. Da’Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks have been off their game somewhat and it has had a trickle affect on the team. They will look to find earlier rhythm and are 38-20 ATS vs. teams who attempt 21 or more three point shots a game.

Louisville has failed to cover their last five contests; however is 5-1 and 4-2 ATS against West Virginia the last dozen years.

Duke at Georgetown (+2, 141.5) 1:00E CBS

As opposed to previous few seasons, this Duke (17-3, 13-6 ATS) team could do some damage in the NCAA Tournament instead of being bounced early on. This matchup with Georgetown will be a good barometer where the Blue Devils are at present and what improvements they should work on. Credit Kyle Singler for finding ways to work thru shooting slump. Instead of just firing away, he brought his game closer to the basket, taking more 10-15 foot shots and worked the offensive glass, building confidence until he was back in groove for team that is 11-21 ATS against the Big East.

The same measuring stick can all be used by Georgetown (15-4, 8-7 ATS), who was scorched by Syracuse 73-56 after starting the contest with 14-0 lead. The Hoyas Greg Monroe has become the focal point of the team, delivering all over the floor and his desire to run on the break not only shows hustle, but a willingness to be team player, hungry to win. In reviewing Georgetown’s season, one fact sticks out like Heidi Montag’s plastic surgeries, if Chris Wright doesn’t play well, the Hoyas will labor to be victorious. G-Town is a raunchy 11-22 ATS in home games over the last three seasons.

Duke comes in 10-4 ATS off a win like they enjoyed over Florida State, while Georgetown is 8-2-1 ATS in non-conference tilts. With both teams ranked, the underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in five previous meetings.

Oklahoma State at Missouri (-7.5, 145.5) 2:00E ESPN

The top three teams in the Big 12 have been established, but who is one rung down? We’ll start to find out with this encounter. Oklahoma State (16-4, 9-4-1 ATS) is a smallish team, too dependent on outside shooting, which explains them ranking ninth in the conference in buckets made. When the offense breaks down, all eyes turn to guard James Anderson to bail them out. Though Anderson his very good player, he can’t be counted on to make shots from bad spots on the floor with the shot clock winding down. The Cowboys are going to have to step up after losing two of last three as visitors and are 26-43 ATS as a road underdog or pick.

Missouri’s unique brand of basketball is a little like the triple option in football, you can simulate it in practice, but that doesn’t mean you are ready for it in games. The Tigers (15-5, 8-6 ATS) defensive pressure forces over 20 turnovers a game, however what coach Mike Anderson’s club doesn’t get credit for is defending the perimeter, allowing the lowest three-point percentage of buckets made in the Big 12. Missouri’s front line looks to matchup and secure a draw, being inexperienced and having the guards to score points. The Tigers are 21-12 ATS as a favorite since last year.

Okie State has a three game win streak in the works and is 17-5-1 ATS off a SU victory. Missouri is perfect 12-0 at home this season (5-2 ATS) and is 21-6 against the spread in last 27 contests in Columbia. The straight up winner is 8-1-1 ATS since 2002.

Washington State at Washington (-8.5, 156) 3:30E FSN

Alright, the Pac-10 has a foul odor about it and even the Patriot League looks more interesting this season. Nonetheless, somebody has to win this conference and these two teams believe they can answer the bell to be that team. Washington State (14-6, 6-11 ATS) is your classic ADHD team, seldom focusing for long periods of time without drifting into other thoughts. Coach Ken Bone is looking a more even keel approach and threatened to start sitting players if they are not ready to play, even star Klay Thompson. The Cougars are 10-19 ATS against teams outscoring opponents by four or points a game.

Coach Lorenzo Romar had seen enough. After three indifferent Pac-10 performances that ended up being losses, coach Romar inserted forward Justin Holiday into the starting lineup and he set the table with his defensive energy for others to follow. Senior Quincy Pondexter was pleased with the shakeup, since as a senior; he wants to win the Pac-10 title. Unfortunately, Washington (13-7) went to Los Angeles last weekend and was swept by the L.A. universities leaving them three games behind California in the Pac-10 chase. The Huskies want to hurry the pace and are 35-18 ATS when they score 75 to 80 points.

Washington is one of the worst bets in college basketball at 5-14 ATS. The Huskies have taken nine of last 12 at Bank of America Arena in the Apple Cup rivalry, but have played like dogs with just four covers.

Vanderbilt at Kentucky (-8.5, 154) 4:00E ESPN

Two weeks ago this SEC showdown would have been footnote in most newspapers across the country. That has abruptly changed with what has happen the last 14 days. Vanderbilt (16-3, 10-6 ATS) is the last unbeaten team in the conference with their impressive 85-76 win at Tennessee as six-point underdogs. That gave the Commodores 10 straight wins (7-2 ATS) and they are bubbling to the top as one of the best shooting teams in the country at 49.8 percent. Vandy shooters have been dandy, making less than half their attempts just twice in this streak. This underappreciated squad is 13-2 and 10-4 ATS off a SU triumph.

Top-ranked Kentucky (19-1, 9-9 ATS) was the last unbeaten to fall, being demonized by South Carolina guard Devan Downey, who literally threw in 30 points against the Wildcats. Coach John Calipari was mildly disappointed, more frustrated his team was outworked. However like any good coach, he’s not going to dwell on one defeat. “It’s a great lesson,” Calipari said. “A lot of times, until you take an ‘L’ they don’t want to believe you. Especially with how young we are.” Kentucky may be a young team, however the most shocking aspect from the loss was the no-show performance from junior Patrick Patterson, who totaled five points (0 in last 20 minutes) and lacked any sort of assertiveness they may have made the difference, especially from an upperclassman. The Cats are 8-0 and 5-1 ATS off a non-cover.

Kentucky will face a far more balanced team in Vanderbilt than they witnessed at South Carolina. Playing before Ashley Judd and the rest of the zealous Kentucky fans will be a big plus, along with being 9-2 SU and 7-4 ATS against Vandy since 1998 in Lexington.

Kansas at Kansas State (+4, 155) 7:00E ESPN

Though Kansas (19-1,9-7-1 ATS) probably is the most talented team in the country, it hasn’t shown the killer instinct that of the club that won the national championship two years ago. The Jayhawks will go on auto-pilot emotionally and as coach Bill Self acknowledged, this group doesn’t like to embarrass opponents and flex their intimidation muscles like their predecessors. Kansas is 10-2 ATS playing against a team with a winning record this season, but if they don’t bring a bucket of raw emotion like did in mauling Missouri this past Monday, they could stumble again.

Kansas State’s got game, a lot of game. The Wildcats (17-3, 11-4 ATS) not only have a sound backcourt, their frontline has proven to be vastly underrated. Curtis Kelly and Jamar Samuels have found ways to score in the paint and Luis Colon can be a defensive presence when not committing senseless fouls. Though Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente make a terrific backcourt combination, Rodney McGruder has a spark plug off the bench as third guard and will eat up more minutes if either of the other two is having off night. K-State is 9-2 ATS vs. teams outscoring opponents by four or points game this campaign.

This series is not a pantisocracy, with Kansas 11-1 SU and ATS at Bramlage Coliseum since 1997.

Sunday, Jan. 31

Florida at Tennessee (-7.5, 141 ) 1:00E CBS

Coach Billy Donovan has a conundrum. “I have a hard time figuring these guys out sometimes,” Donovan said. This is the main reason why Florida (15-5, 8-7 ATS) stumbled out of the SEC gate and is trying to play catch up in the formidable East Division. Among the problems is forward Dan Werner’s prolonged shooting slump. Though guard Erving Walker has been drilling shots beyond the arc, other than Alex Tyus, game to game the scoring has been spotty. The better teams continue to beat the Gators off dribble penetration and they do a poor job on rotation giving up too many easy buckets. They have strung together four SEC wins playing three of those games in Gainesville, but must be sound defensively since Florida is 0-7 ATS when they allow 75 to 80 points.

This might be Bruce Pearl’s best coaching job. Losing four players to suspension (two returned) and having to end the career of his best player Tyler Smith for transgressions, Pearl helped unite his squad and they accepted responsibility. Often the merry prince, senior center Wayne Chism immediately thrust himself into leadership role and his on-court play jumped markedly. Presumed freshman sensation Kenny Hall was buried on the Tennessee bench, however after the upheaval; he’s become instant energy off the bench for the Vols. Veterans J.P. Prince, Scotty Hopson and Bobby Maze have all become better players particularly on defense.

The Vols (15-4, 8-8 ATS) are 11-3 ATS when they make 47 to 53 percent of their shots, but have failed to connect on more than 44 percent in last four games, losing the last two outright as favorites. Has the emotion worn off for Tennessee and now they are starting to feel the pain of not having Smith? Everyone finds out since the Volunteers are 9-3 and 8-4 ATS vs. Florida the last 12 seasons.

Maryland at Clemson (-4.5, 145 ) 5:30E FSN

The Terrapins started the season in the Top 25 and haven’t returned since losing two of three in Hawaii. That started a period of dissonant play in December, however since the calendar started a new year, Maryland (14-5, 8-6 ATS) is looking more like a ranked team again winning six of seven, including four in a row (6-0 ATS in January). Senior guard Greivis Vasquez is good for at least 20 points most nights and Landon Milbourne has regained level of more consistent play. Maryland was probably a bit overrated to begin with and everyone will have to play well against Clemson’s full court press. They Terps are 16-6 ATS in road games since 2007.

Clemson (15-6, 9-9 ATS) begins an important stretch of games, playing four of the next five at home after losing three in a row. Finished with Duke and North Carolina, the Tigers can write their own ticket for the ACC, trying to maneuver up from eighth place. Clemson has frequently played imposing basketball, but can’t sustain it for two halves often enough. They’ve built big leads and lost them and fallen behind and made furious comebacks, coach Oliver Purnell would prefer to see the pendulum not swing as dramatically. Clemson is 12-4 ATS in home games facing teams converting 45 or percent of their shots.

Maryland has won seven of 11 at Clemson with 4-6-1 ATS mark.

NBA 2nd Half Season Betting Systems

With the College Bowl games now in the rear view mirror and a new Super Bowl champion about to be crowned, our focus shifts to the NBA where teams are now engaged in the 2nd half the season.

With that, let’s check your handicapping prowess as we take a look at a handful of handicapping theories that apply to teams playing from Game 42 out during the regular season in the NBA. All results are ATS (Against The Spread) and are since 1990, prior to the start of the current 2009-10 season…

1. FACT OR FICTION: TEAMS OFF BACK-TO-BACK DOUBLE-DIGIT WINS DOMINATE TEAMS OFF BACK-TO-BACK DOUBLE DIGIT LOSSES.

Fiction. The fact of the matter is these teams are just 52-59-1 ATS, including 23-32-1 ATS at home. At home against .367 or greater opponents they dip to 6-14-1 ATS. Worse, at home with a win percentage of less than .677 they are 1-12-1 ATS when facing a .367 or greater foe.

2. FACT OR FICTION: DOUBLE-DIGIT DOGS OFF SU WIN AS A DOUBLE DIGIT-DOG ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.

Fact. That’s confirmed by the fact that these teams are 32-18 ATS, including 15-6 ATS when facing an opponent off a SU and ATS wins. Better yet, put these guys up against an opponent off a SU and ATS win of six or more points and they zoom to 10-1 ATS.

3. FACT OR FICTION: DOGS OFF A SU LOSS AS DOUBLE-DIGIT FAVORITES BOUNCE BACK BIG THE NEXT GAME VERSUS AN OPPONENT OFF A SU AND ATS LOSS.

Fiction. Quite the opposite, considering the fact that they are 9-17 ATS, including 6-15 ATS away.Home or away, they are virtual no-shows if the opponent lost Su as a favorite in its last game, going 1-11 ATS.

4. FACT OR FICTION: ROAD WHO ARE 0-3 SU AND ATS THEIR LAST 3 GAMES CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WHEN FACING AN OPPONENT THAT IS 3-0 SU AND ATS IN ITS LAST THREE GAMES.

Fiction. The truth of the matter is while struggling these teams bring ‘value’ to the contest as they are 64-51-3 ATS, including 20-10-1 ATS when taking more than 10 points.
Better yet, when taking more than 10 points in same conference games they are an eye-opening 12-1-1 ATS.

5. FACT OR FICTION: TEAMS OFF THREE STRAIGHT-UP WINS IN A ROW AS AN UNDERDOG CONTINUE THEIR WINNING WAYS.

Fact. Momentum goes a long way in the NBA. Teams off three consecutive upset wins in a row are 38-28-1 ATS. Put them up against division foes and they really turn things up, going 17-5 ATS, including 15-2 ATS versus sub .550 opposition.

There you have it. Five Super Systems to follow the 2nd half of this season. Happy hunting.

Article from Marc Lawrence at Playbook.com

Badgers try to sweep Boilers

Annually one of the most confounding teams in the country is Wisconsin. Even though Bo Ryan can X and O with the best in college basketball, a look at the roster before the season screams of this school not being in the Top 125 talent-wise. Yet here they are, in second place the Big Ten Conference with 6-2 record, which appears to be improved over recent years. The Badgers (16-4, 10-8 ATS) will lean a little heavier on guard Trevon Hughes, with versatile forward Jon Leuer out three to four more weeks with broken wrist. Wisconsin is 7-3 ATS vs. teams like Purdue allowing 64 or less points a game this season.

Last week, the Boilermakers (16-3, 9-10 ATS) broke their three-game losing skid at Illinois 84-78, getting a lift from unlikely source which seemed to elevate the entire squad. John Hart, who had played all of 33 minutes and wasn’t even in official score book for that game, came off the bench to score 14 points (12 in second half) to lead Purdue charge. Coach Matt Painter hopes this leads to others being productive off the bench which invigorates the team to play more for each other, instead of feeling pressured to produce on individual basis. Purdue is 15-7 ATS in home games after a conference game over the last three seasons.

Wisconsin has seen guard Jordan Taylor rise to the occasion with the absence of Leuer, scoring and displaying all around floor game. This could be challenging spot the Badgers; since they are 4-9-1 ATS in road games vs. teams with a winning home record.

Purdue is still jittery home favorite, sporting 9-1 and .500 spread record. The win at Champaign was followed up with mauling Michigan in first half 43-27, but let backers down in being outscored by six points in final stanza and failing to cover the 13-point spread.

The Boilers have normally blasted the Badgers at home and are on 8-1 SU and ATS run against them, which is why Bookmaker.com has them as 9.5-point favorites. Purdue is 9-2 when playing with three or more days rest, nonetheless is vile 3-8 ATS with this much time to practice.

Wisconsin took the earlier meeting 73-66 at the Kohl Center as one-point home underdogs and has covered six of last seven Thursday throw-downs.

This Big Ten battle is in the 7:00 Eastern Time slot on ESPN with a total of 126 and the Badgers are 1-10 UNDER on the road and Purdue is 6-2 OVER on Thursday nights.

NBA Betting Opportunites

In the two televised games on TNT tonight, a special situation occurs you don’t see every night. Boston and Dallas are the two road teams that are on television and they rank first and third respectively in the NBA for the best straight up road records at 16 -6 and 16-8. Their opponents are both in the Top 10 for the best home records, winning over 73 percent. This leaves NBA sports bettors to not only to try and figure out spreads, but also contemplate money line possibilities.

Boston at Orlando 8:00 Eastern

The Celtics (29-13, 17-25 ATS) have the second best record in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland. This veteran club is 16-6 on the road, but is far from a good bet despite their success. Boston is merely 11-11 ATS in the visiting green uniforms; however it’s hard to blame them for merely being average. The Celtics have been labeled a road favorite 16 of their 22 road excursions and they are 12-4 SU, a very solid record. In those games they have won by an incredible 8.2 points per game, yet are 7-9 ATS, which ends up being more an indictment of the opposition, than of Boston.

The Orlando Magic (29-16, 21-21-3 ATS) have played 10 of last 14 away from their central Florida home and will be in more familiar surroundings with four of their next five outings. The Magic are 16-4 SU at Amway Arena (5th best home record) and punish visiting clubs by 10.4 points per game. In the gambling world, this type of success will bring high numbers from oddsmakers, which is why Orlando is not so magical 10-9-1 ATS at home.

The Celtics only recently got Kevin Garnett back after he missed 10 games and while the defense has picked up immediately, the offense is lagging behind. Boston averages 99.7 points per game, but has only reached that figure twice in last nine tries. This explains recent 3-6 ATS record, including losing five in a row. The Bookmaker.com oddsmakers have handed out the typical number for these evenly matched teams, making the C’s a four-point underdog with total of 187.5.

Boston is deceiving 10-20 ATS after playing consecutive games as favorite this season (they win by 5.4 PPG). Orlando lost at Memphis in previous game and is splendid 34-12 ATS off a road defeat over the last three seasons. The road team has won three in a row in this matchup, including the Magic totaling a mere 77 points at home on Christmas Day, losing by nine as 5.5-point favorites. They are 23-11 ATS revenging a home loss. The total is the lowest in 11 regular season games at the city Walt Disney made famous and six of last eight have played UNDER the number.

Dallas at Phoenix 10:30 Eastern

If the earlier game looks defensive-minded, this Western Conference conflict will alter that situation from the opening tip. Dallas (30-15, 20-25 ATS) is a rock solid 16-8 on the road (15-9 ATS), winning by over four points per game. The Mavericks seem to be more comfortable away from home, despite having same winning percentage. This is determined by Dallas winning by just 1.5 points per game at American Airlines Center. Their one point 108-107 win over Milwaukee Tuesday got them into the NBA record books and it’s hard to determine if the Mavs are good or just lucky, as that win was their 10th straight victory by a single digit, tying the St. Louis Hawks from 50 years ago. Dallas is 47-26 ATS on the road after a game where both teams scored 105 points or more.

Phoenix (26-21, 22-24 ATS) is no longer on the rise. After starting 14-3, the Suns have been setting, losing 18 of next 30. In that first part of the season, Phoenix at least gave a passing interest in attempting to play defense, allowing 104.5 points per game, since then the Suns have greater disinterest is halting opponents from scoring, now ranked next to last in points allowed at 107.9.

Phoenix is above average 17-6 at Planet Orange with 11-11-1 ATS mark. They have been without two important bench players Leandro Barbosa and Grant Hill, with Barbosa out six weeks after wrist surgery and Hill day to day with bum heel. Also swirling around the desert is the specter of Amare Stoudemire trade, which has him going pretty much everywhere but to a good team. While the Suns big man talks about wanting to win, respect to him means a max contract and his defense and rebounding would generously be described as ordinary. The floundering Suns are 7-21 ATS in January games over the last two seasons.

Phoenix is a 1.5-point home favorite with total of 216 and they are off a 114-109 overtime home loss to Charlotte. The Suns are 20-9 ATS in home games after contest in which both teams scored 105 points or more and are 18-8 OVER after draining a dozen or more three-point shots. Dallas on the other hand is 11-2 ATS as visitors after not covering the spread and 11-1 UNDER after two straight games where they made 50 percent of their shots or better.

The Suns are playing into triple revenge and has lost five of last six to the Mavs and needs to show some defensive acumen to improve home record.

Hump Day Spotlights Ranked Teams

Other than Saturday, Wednesday is the most time-consuming and harried for the sports basketball bettor. Betting college basketball properly involves a great deal of time, as does looking thru a full slate of NBA encounters. Today we’ll focus on the four key games in college hoops pertaining to conference play.

Villanova on historical pace

Last season’s trip to the Final Four helped bring Villanova back into the discussion about the best teams in college basketball. For an encore, coach Jay Wright’s team is trying to better that. The Wildcats 18-1 start (14-4 ATS) matches the record of a Villanova team from 59 years ago and they remain the only unbeaten club in the taxing Big East Conference at 7-0. Their lone defeat (75-65) was to fellow city member Temple back on Dec. 13 and that loss looks far better today with the Owls not having lost in A-10 action.

Villanova has racked up nine consecutive wins since then and is 10-3 ATS after three or more consecutive wins this season. Led by Scottie Reynolds, the Wildcats are tough, have great resolve and are a lot like another Philly icon from the movies, Rocky, who has to be knocked out in order to be defeated. There isn’t much this team doesn’t do right, shooting almost 47 percent, 38.4 percent from downtown and convert better than 75 percent from the charity stripe. When it comes to effort, they hold opposing teams to 39.5 percent shooting and out-rebound them by seven a game. No wonder they are 10-3 ATS off a game where they covered the spread this season.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Nova as 10.5-point home favorites, with total of 167 at the Wachovia Center. This is their second trip this season into this venue and Villanova is 12-4 ATS as a favorite and will have to deal with Luke Harangody of Notre Dame, the Big East’s leading scorer at 24.7 points a game. The Fighting Irish (15-5, 7-6-1 ATS) can match scores with Villanova, however is nowhere near as skilled defensively. Notre Dame is 4-13 ATS in road games versus good teams outscoring their opponents by four or more points a game over the last two seasons. ESPN has coverage at 7 Eastern.

Vandy is dandy

With top-ranked Kentucky suffering their first loss of the season, only one squad remains undefeated in the SEC, which is confounding Vanderbilt (15-3, 9-6 ATS). The Commodores have run off nine straight wins since losing to Illinois and Western Kentucky in the early days of December. Vanderbilt is 5-0 in the SEC for the first time in 44 years and is led by junior center A.J. Ogilvy. Vandy works the ball expertly to find quality shots and makes 49.7 of attempts as a team which explains 6-2 ATS record in this hot streak.

Laying in wait is ambitious in-state rival Tennessee (15-3, 8-7 ATS), who lost their first conference game at Georgia 78-63 this past Saturday. Coach Bruce Pearl knows Vanderbilt will play zone, daring his inconsistent three-point attack to beat them deep. The Tennessee fans will be in full throat as their team is 26-11 ATS at home games playing against a top-level team with a win percentage of 80 percent or higher. The Vols are 6.5-point favorites on ESPNU starting at 7 Eastern and the Vanderbilt guards will have to hold up to the pressure defense better than their predecessors, as they are 10-23 ATS in road games versus teams forcing 18 or more turnovers.

Blue Devils defense looks to respond again

Duke was upset last week at N.C. State 88-74, allowing the Wolfpack to make 58.2 percent of shots. It didn’t matter to coach Mike Krzyzewski if N.C. State was just having a hot shooting night, his team had to defend better and did they ever. At a hostile Clemson environment, they held the revenge-minded Tigers to 47 points on 37.5 percent shooting. Duke (16-3, 12-6 ATS) returns home where they score 91.6 points per game to face a Florida State (15-4, 4-10 ATS) squad that can also D-it up.

Coming into tonight, the Seminoles are the top-rated defense team in the country in field goal percentage at 35.5. Florida State (15-4, 4-10 ATS) is long and athletic, forcing 16.7 turnovers a game and almost seven rejections. What holds the Noles back from being elite team is perimeter shooting, which explains poor spread record this season. This is shown by Florida State having 2-9 ATS mark vs. defensive teams with shooting percentage defense of 42 percent or less this season.

Duke shoots over 50 percent on its home floor and remarkable 43.2 percent from beyond the arc, which in part is why oddsmakers have them as 13-point favorites with total of 140. The Dukies are 13-4 ATS at home when the total is 140 to 149.5; however are just 3-7 ATS in Durham against the Seminoles despite winning nine of 10. Dick Vitale will be singing the praises of Coach K and the Dukies starting at 9 Eastern.

Magical Mountain West matchup

Like the girl in last year’s KFC commercial, nobody saw two ranked teams from the Mountain West Conference squaring off in late January. BYU (20-1, 11-7 ATS) is led by point guard Jimmer Fredette, who continues to play heavy minutes in spite of battling the affects of mononucleosis. Fredette, besides being an excellent shooter is top notch passer to the Cougars big people. This is why they are shooting 50.7 percent from the field, fourth in the country. BYU is the last unbeaten club in the MWC and is 15-3 ATS in road games over the last two seasons.

New Mexico (18-3, 13-7 ATS) was the biggest pleasant surprise in the country this side of Syracuse back in December. Most believed the Lobos suffering back to back losses in the first part of January was the signal this team had overachieved and was headed back to where most expected them to be. However, coach Steve Alford’s squad has again proved the critics wrong with four consecutive W’s and they are 12-3 ATS in home games after three consecutive conference contests since 2006-07 campaign.

The line has jumped around, but presently the Lobos are favored by two-points and are 9-0 ATS after two straight wins by 15 points or more. New Mexico is 4-2 in conference and needs this win to keep title hopes alive. This matchup starts at 10 Eastern and is on the Mountain Network.

Bound for Glory Tuesday

After a couple of desultory days, got back to work with 3-0 Monday. For Tuesday have a sharp Top Trend in the NBA out West. Paul Buck is heating up in the NBA and has what he hopes is another winner for you today. Top quality systems are scarce today, however found one that is good just not up to out 80 percent standards. Good Luck

What I found today – Dallas opened as eight-point favorites against Milwaukee; however several sportsbooks have dropped the Mavs to 6.5-point faves with their 5-15 ATS home record. NBA bettors also haven’t been to keen on Warriors and Kings 221 total in Sacramento and most reporting stations have this one falling to 219.5.

Minnesota is off gut-wrenching one-point loss to Michigan State, nevertheless with its tremendous defense and long history of success at “The Barn”, the action has been on the Golden Gophers taking them from 10-point home favorites to 12 or 12.5.

In the ACC, the Miami and Maryland matchup has drawn the attention of total players, taking this one from opening 153.5 to 156 by afternoon to those East of the Mississippi River. Just the opposite of West Virginia at DePaul, as college hoops aficionados wonder who will score for the Blue Demons behind Will Walker, dropping the total from 126 to 122.5 at a few wagering outlets.

On the ice, despite losing four of last five, the Red Wings are a public betting favorite and have gone from -160 to -175 on the money, getting ready to host Phoenix. Maybe having won seven straight at “The Joe” over the Coyotes is influencing backers.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play Against home teams like Ball State where the line is +3 to -3 off a cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog, with a winning percentage of between 40-49 percent on the season. This decent system is 57-20 ATS, 74 percent the last five years.

Free Basketball Trend -2) Golden State is 2-12 ATS in road games after scoring 60 points or more in the first half last contest, losing by 12.7 points per game.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Paul Buck had a winner last night and has won eight of his last 10 NBA plays and likes Milwaukee to cover the seven at Dallas.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right.

Trustworthy College Basketball Teams to Bet

All of us go thru our lives trying to find people and things we can depend on. If we go out to eat, we look to go to places where the food is good or trust the judgment of our friends, for a tasty meal. When we need services for cars, air-conditioning or heat and possibly appliances that breakdown, we want to be able to trust someone to fix the problem at a fair price.

The same logic applies to sports betting. How often has anyone of us bet on a team maybe we don’t wager on a great deal, play them, lose the bet and forget about playing that team for an extended period because we’ve been burned by them? It happens to all of us making knee-jerk reactions, rightly or wrongly. We instead retreat back to situations or in this instance, teams we can trust.

With the college basketball season past the halfway point, we have enough games in the hopper to make observations about certain teams making them worthy of consideration for our wagering dollars or possibly not. We are aware what is true in sports wagering today, isn’t necessarily so in a week. Nevertheless, a collection of teams have been found to be trustworthy looking at two simple situations this season.

One such instance is teams off a spread loss. We all know you can’t win every bet and you have to play the percentages. One bad week does not a season make, but realistically, how many of us make a bet before the game thinking we are going to lose. When our wager goes south in the first 10 minutes, we have all said “I knew this was going to lose”, yet the fact remains we believed enough in the team to actually place the bet, thus we are being revisionists if nothing else.

Teams off a spread loss record (SU & ATS)
BYU 6-1, 5-1 ATS
Detroit 3-2, 5-0
Duke 6-0, 5-1
Georgetown 6-0, 4-1-1
Kansas 6-1, 4-1-1
Temple 6-1, 5-2
Valparaiso 4-2, 4-0-1
Xavier 6-1, 6-1

For the most part, the teams on this list have pedigree in terms of winning and expectations. Duke, Georgetown and Kansas are going to be somewhat overvalued by oddsmakers and when they come off a less than desirable result as a team and the perception of the head coach, they go right back to work and solve the issues. That is not to say these teams are going to make this group each year, rather, the group of individuals on this particular team is more adaptive, willing to listen to their coach, have team leaders and the talent to immediately improve and will likely get a somewhat fairer price labeled on them especially off a loss.

BYU and Xavier would also fit similar reasoning, just not being as public teams for the normal sports bettor.

Temple lost three very good players from last year’s team, however coach Fran Dunphy has elevated the Owls program thru recruiting to the point where they can reload as opposed to rebuild. Valparaiso is well coached by Homer Drew with limited talent, while Detroit is regaining status under second year coach Ray McCallum having the players buying into his system after being down for years.

The next grouping we seek is teams off a spread victory. Here the idea is to find teams that cover the number and continue to beat those setting the lines. For this contingent, we want to entrust teams that can build on momentum and have proven that they can cover the spread and one setback isn’t going to hold them back since they can climb right back in the saddle and win again and continue on.

Teams off a spread win record (SU & ATS)
Baylor 6-3, 5-2 ATS
Clemson 9-0, 6-1
College of Charleston 8-2, 6-2-1
Gonzaga 9-0, 6-2
Kansas State 9-1, 5-1
Morehead State 7-2, 5-1
Northeastern 10-1, 8-2-1
Siena 6-1, 5-0
South Florida 7-3, 7-2
Southern Miss 7-2, 5-1
St. Mary’s 11-2, 9-3
Syracuse 11-1, 8-3
Texas 8-0, 5-1
Villanova 13-0, 10-3

What’s not to like about these winners! Some of the very finest teams in the country are within this group and having seen many of them play; the ability is certainly there to continue winning ways, as long as the oddmakers don’t start adding too many points on their ledger. Whenever time is allotted to dig a little deeper, surprise teams always emerge. A Northeastern, picked to finish fifth in the Colonial Athletic Conference steps forward. Most basketball bettors are aware of Murray State from the Ohio Valley, but Morehead State led by possible OVC Player of the Rear Kenneth Faried, could be going back to NCAA Tournament after last season’s astonishing appearance.

We also find teams in this latter group that deserve their own special mention. These are true “under the radar” squads not gathering much attention, possibly a little hard to stomach, however their wagering results after a cover are tremendous in spite of sketchy SU records.

Teams off a spread win with unimpressive SU record (SU & ATS)
Drake 5-4, 6-1-1 ATS
Sacramento State 3-10, 8-3
Wyoming 2-6, 6-0

Drake is expediently acquiring notoriety and trust with 5-1 and 6-0 ATS mark in last six outings, all as underdogs. Sacramento State is being outscored by six points per game after a spread cover, which is great news since they have mostly received 10 or more points in putting together 7-14 campaign. The Hornets might be 3-14 as underdogs, but the cha-ching heard is 13-4 ATS record. Wyoming to is outscored after covering the number (3.3 PPG), nonetheless they must be being overlooked by Mountain West teams and others with 7-2 ATS mark as humble and profitable dogs.

It pays to go with things you can trust, even in college basketball betting.

Sports Bettors want a Super Tuesday

Two of the top five teams in the polls will be on the road and available for viewing this evening. No. 5 Michigan State travels to in-state rival Michigan for a tussle in the Wolverine State, while newly anointed No.1 Kentucky heads into hostile territory against South Carolina, who is off a crushing defeat. College basketball sports bettors are working feverishly to make this a Super Tuesday.

Spartans claim Michigan as their state

Michigan State (17-3, 8-11 ATS) showed their true grit at Minnesota, finding a way to win 65-64, to run their record to 7-0 (5-2 ATS) in the Big 10. The Spartans despite shooting just 39.3 percent kept battling and nipped the Golden Gophers at the end. Michigan State has won 16 of last 19 games against Michigan (10-9 ATS) and coach Tom Izzo still carries the torch for Spartans fans to wallop the Wolverines. “I’m motivated by the fact that every alum in this country is motivated by it (beat Michigan),” Izzo said Monday. “I’m motivated by it because it stands in the way of us hopefully getting our goals at the end of the year.

The Spartans are 7-0 ATS off a close road win by three points or less, winning by 17.3 points per game.

Michigan’s overall season has been a massive disappointment in Ann Arbor at 10-9, with similar 8-7 ATS record. The Wolverines were believed to be primed to make the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year after an 11-year drought, however, with a pedestrian record and just two noteworthy wins over Ohio State and Connecticut (both at Crisler Arena), it’s a call to action for Michigan. Coach John Beilein looks at the rest of the season this way, “You got to go on a big string at the end of the year or you have to peak at tournament time and win the tournament.

“Those are our two options right now.” The Wolverines are 9-2 ATS in home games after a conference game over the last two seasons.

Bookmaker.com has Michigan as 4.5-point home underdogs with total of 131, with team suffering from unrest. The Wolverines have lost last two games at Wisconsin and at Purdue, the latter without star guard Manny Harris after a one-game suspension for an undisclosed incident in Friday’s practice. Michigan is 9-1 ATS after playing two consecutive games as an underdog since last season and forward DeShawn Sims said the team was “back to normal,” after the suspension. Michigan State is 8-1 ATS as a road favorite of six points or less or pick, however is 2-15 ATS as a visitor after playing a game as a road underdog.

ESPN has the coverage at 7 Eastern and Meechigan has covered four in a row overall.

Top team hits the road

John Calipari may be lugging around excess baggage from a couple of his stops, however two elements about him are absolutely true, he can recruit and he can coach. Since the new year, Kentucky (19-0, 9-8 ATS) has faced a number of challenges home and away and at every critical juncture of these games, the Wildcats never gulped and met adversity head on to emerge victorious. Opponents have started gearing defenses to corral John Wall and take away either Patrick Patterson or DeMarcus Cousins. Nonetheless, an Eric Bledsoe or Daniel Orton comes in and provides the necessary lift for a team. The Wildcats ambushed Arkansas Saturday 101-70 in a home game that wasn’t that close and they are 9-2 ATS on the road after playing a game as a home favorite.

South Carolina (11-8, 7-9 ATS) has been a mild disappointment and losing two returning starters hasn’t helped. (Injury and suspension) The cure turns out be the great equalizer, scoring machine Devan Downey. The senior guard has been outstanding all season and evidently saved his best for last, being unstoppable in SEC action (31.6 points per game). Coach Darrin Horn had to retool his squad and focused on defense and rebounding in the frontcourt to take some of the pressure off Downey. The Gamecocks have to slow down Kentucky since they are 1-9 ATS at the Colonial Center vs. good offensive teams averaging 77 or more points.

South Carolina has to regroup after a heart-breaking last second loss at Florida 58-56, in which Downey drained 36 points. The Gamecocks are a lengthy seven-point home underdog and are 8-1 ATS off two straight losses against conference rivals over the last three seasons. Top-ranked Kentucky is 10-2 and 8-4 ATS roll in Columbia and is 9-2 ATS on the road playing only their second contest in eight days since last season.

This SEC showdown is set for 9 Eastern on ESPN, with South Carolina 0-7 all time taking on No.1.

Oh how the mighty have fallen

North Carolina (12-7, 6-11 ATS) has been an 8.5-point or more favorite over N.C. State (13-7,10-7-1 ATS) in last seven meetings, but tonight they might be a generous two-point choice in Raleigh against Wolfpack team that actually has better record. The Tar Heels will look to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat and are 9-3 SU and ATS at N.C. State.

Time to start winning streak this Monday

Got whacked good yesterday and look to rebound in a hurry. Paul Buck has a Free Play in the NBA. The Top Trend is perfect and involves one of the Big Monday games. The Best System is 84.4 percent, but you will want to read more. Good Luck

What I thought yesterday – Though the San Diego Chargers have enjoyed success against the Indianapolis Colts the last decade, the fundamental difference in the coaching philosophies has been on display the last two weeks. The Colts have coaches that can isolate and fix a problem, in this case, the New York Jets blitzing defense, and make it work in their favor. As seen, New York picked up right where they left off against San Diego, sacking Peyton Manning for losses the first two series. However, OC Tom Moore, Manning and OL coach Howard Mudd made quick and effective adjustments, which allowed the Colts to take over the game.

As expected, Darrelle Revis took Reggie Wayne out the game and New York had a solid game plan for Dallas Clark. Instead, Indy started shortening routes and made the Jets secondary start chasing diagonal patterns across the field. Manning started doing more three-step drops and getting rid of the ball, something the Chargers never did.

The offensive line went from man on man passing blocking to more a zone wall, being able to catch or knock off Jets pass-rushers with greater effectiveness. Spreading the Jets defense out more effectively allowed running lanes for Indianapolis running backs. In the end absolutely outstanding in-game adjustments which set up the Colts for a chance to win another Super Bowl.

I’ve read more than few comments from Packers fans relishing Brett Favre’s untimely interception and while I agree as does Favre it was unfortunate throw, the entire Minnesota offense has to be held accountable for their failure to advance.

Simple-minded announcers will point to the fact that statistics lie when determining the outcome of some contests, but this game couldn’t be accurate from the handicapping perspective about the outcome.

First downs – Minnesota 31-15
Total yards – Minnesota 475-257
Rushing yards – Minnesota 165-68
Penalties- New Orleans (9-88) Minnesota (5-32)
Turnovers – Minnesota 5 to 1

Troy Aikman – Ending words with - in’ (ex. - tacklin’), lost track after 50 in the third quarter, sorry, had nothing to do with outcome.

I thought Adrian Peterson would have a big day, but his reckless style of running killed Minnesota. FOX had a number of great replays that showed when A.P. is cutting, juking or just trying to get into open space; the ball separates from his body, letting him become an easy target.

You can knock Favre, but if the other Vikings players do their job throughout the game, or the mix up on the previous play with 12 men on the field hadn’t cost Minnesota five yards, where a running play could have still been in order for field under 50 yards, who knows. I’m not a Favre apologist, I’ve been as tough on him as anyone for all his antics the last several years, but I admired his courage, since I don’t think many quarterbacks could have taken the punishment he did and still finish the game, let alone having a chance to win in OT.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play On a good shooting team like Denver (45.5-47.5 percent) against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5 percent) past the midpoint of the season, after three straight games attempting 10 or more free throws than opponent. I really like this 27-5 ATS system, however no Carmelo at least has me leery.

Free Basketball Trend -2) Kansas is 11-0 ATS playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games over the last two seasons, winning by 14.5 points a contest.

Free Basketball Pick -3) Paul Buck presumes Utah will continue to play well and Phoenix will keep playing lousy.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right.

Missouri and Kansas Clash in Border War

Missouri was chosen as the seventh best team in the Big 12 before the season and early on that figure was befitting of their play. Yet, as the team worked together, they developed chemistry and all the hard work is paying off having won 10 of 11 (5-2 ATS). Last season’s Elite Eight club suffered key losses, but that experience taught the returning players about what it takes to play at high level. The Tigers (15-4, 8-5 ATS) mentally grinding pressure makes them 16-6 ATS versus offensive teams like Kansas scoring 77 or more points a game, including 6-0 against the spread this season.

The loss to Tennessee might have been a good thing for Kansas (18-1, 8-7-1 ATS), as players and coaches were able to get back on the same page. The Jayhawks are as talented as any team in the land and all players that see major minutes have aspirations of playing at the next level, which can become a distraction for coaches. Bill Self has stressed the importance of playing for each other and winning the Big 12, earning No. 1 seed, which allows the other aspects to take care of themselves. Kansas is sick 17-3-1 ATS playing against a team with a winning record past the midpoint of the regular season the last two years.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Kansas listed as 12-point home favorites with total of 150, which works out to projected score of 81-69, which sounds off since Missouri averages 81.6 points per contest, however their point total falls off on the road where they’ve scored 70.9 PPG in seven road conflicts.

Missouri is 13-3 ATS having won two of their last three games since last season and is 6-0 ATS after playing a home game this year. The Tigers have to be aggressive and look to force their 20.9 turnovers per game, which is the best in the country. Misso is 11-2 OVER as a road underdog or pick the last three seasons.

Since losing to the Vols, the Jayhawks have won four in a row (2-1-1 ATS) and one player in particular is returning to his old form. Center Cole Aldrich has faced several issues of late, including dealing with the loss of his grandmother last week and he bounced back with his first double-double since Jan. 2 at Iowa State Saturday. “It just feels good to be back,” Aldrich said. “I’ve been through a lot of stuff. It’s tough and it weighs on me, but I’m just going out and giving it my heart.” The Tigers are 11-2 ATS after playing a road game and are 13-4 UNDER off a win against a conference rival since last year.

Jayhawks are laudable 10-1 and 6-4-1 ATS in Missouri’s last 11 visits to Lawrence and this Border War begins at approximately 9 Eastern on ESPN.

Hoyas and Orangemen in Big East Bash

This is one of the storied rivalries from the Big East and it plays on in upstate New York. For Georgetown (15-3, 8-6 ATS), patience is truly a virtue. The Hoyas are at their best when the offense runs thru center Greg Monroe. The sophomore has displayed an acute awareness of how to play the game since arriving on campus and besides his ability to score, rebound and play defense, he has the knack of finding open shooters. He’s contributed assists to Austin Freeman and Chris Wright when they had career games this season. To the chagrin of backers, Monroe and mates are 5-10-1 ATS in January games over the last two seasons.

Syracuse (19-1, 12-4 ATS) hosted maddening Marquette on Saturday holding them off 76-71 as 8.5-point favorites and have quick turnaround for this battle. Besides the surprise element this team has produced, the Orangemen have been remarkably consistent, with very few valleys for coach Jim Boeheim. Wes Johnson has been a big reason for this, providing double-double’s most nights or close to it. Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku both do excellent work on the low boxes, which frees up visual lanes for shooters like Andy Rautins. In spite of distinguished record at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse is 13-23 ATS at home facing teams with win percentage of 80 or higher.

DiamondSportsbook.com has the Orangemen as six-point favorites with total of 146 and Syracuse has covered 12 of its last 16 home games. The Orangemen are the best shooting team in the country at 53.4 percent and drain 38.9 percent from beyond the three point line. This Syracuse club is more athletic and does an outstanding job in its 2-3 zone limiting teams to 37.6 percent from the field and is 10-4 ATS this season off a victory.

Georgetown is no slouch offensively, converting on 49.7 percent from the field and nailing 39.9 percent behind the arc. They shot 63 percent Saturday against Rutgers in 88-63 rout as 19.5-point home favorites, which was their fifth highest shooting percentage in 13 years. The Hoyas get the job done with greater effectiveness if Wright is scoring, since they don’t have a number of dependable scorers like the Orange.

Monday night brings out different variables for both teams, with G-Town 4-10 against the spread on this day of the week. They Hoyas are 6-1 UNDER on Monday’s while Syracuse is 8-3 UNDER, making the total worth noting.

The Orangemen are 8-1 and 6-3 ATS in previous nine home outings against G-Town.

This Big East battle begins at 7 Eastern on ESPN.

All Systems Go for NBA Monday

On a busy night for sports bettors in professional basketball, five matchups in particular standout, given specific situations on the sides and totals. Take a hard look at these systems before making a decision on what looks best on the NBA board to start another week of wagering. Numbers from DiamondSportsbook.com.

Indiana (+4.5, 206) at Philadelphia

The Pacers headed down a very familiar path, losing a lot of basketball games. Indiana has dropped four of last five, as even their offense is failing them, averaging 95.8 points per game compared to season average of 99. Having lost by 10 points at home to the Sixers Saturday, they turn right around and face them again in Philly. Teams that have played five or more consecutive Unders, averaging 98-102 points per contest, against an ordinary offensive team (92-98 PPG) are 5-23 ATS the last five seasons.

Cleveland (-1, 190) at Miami

The Cavaliers have won four in a row, including a pair of narrow wins over the Lakers and Oklahoma City. Cleveland ranks 13th in points scored at 100.9 PPG, however, pedestrian offensive teams (98-102 PPG) facing other teams that allow 92-98 points a contest, after two wins by six or fewer points are 33-64 ATS the last 14 years.

Orlando (+1, 204.5) at Memphis

The Orlando Magic after losing last three games of their recent road trip have come back to win take a trio of contests by 10 points or more. Orlando is seventh in points surrendered at 96.2 per game and visits a Memphis squad that 24th defensively in conceding 103.9 PPG. These factors set up a total situation that reads this way. Play Over when the total is 200 to 209.5, with one team permitting 92-98 PPG, against a lousy defensive team (102 or more PPG), after two straight wins by 10 points or more. (25-7 L5Y)

Atlanta (+1, 197) at Houston

The Rockets have not been firing correctly in 2010, winning just four of 10 tries and costing backers dearly with 2-8 ATS mark. Their record has fallen to 24-19 and home teams where the line is +3 to -3, after failing to cover four of their last five against the spread, with winning percentage between 51 and 60 percent, are 9-32 ATS since 2005.

Phoenix (+6.5, 221.5) at Utah

The Suns (26-19) and Jazz (25-18) have similar records, with Phoenix having lost five of last seven and Utah hitting the right notes having emerged victorious six of last seven games. Though the Jazz are vastly superior defensive team (97 vs 107.4 points allowed) oddsmakers see Phoenix dictating the tempo with predicted total. In this case, Play Over when the total is greater than or equal to 210, in a game involving two marginal winning teams, with record falling into 51 to 60 percent. (32-8 L5Y)

Scintillating Sunday

Playing against what will be the No. 1 team in the country tomorrow was not a trepidant idea; nevertheless it was the best system which led to 1-2 day. Today, we look to bounce back with 32-8 hockey system along with an excellent NBA Top Trend. Felt sorry for Sal, at least from our perspective, since he was 8-1 yesterday, but his top play was a loser. Ken likes the total in one of the NFL games today. Good Luck

What I thought last yesterday – Clark Kellogg was harping on Texas not playing well offensively for their reasons for losing. While there is truth in that, the fact remains in watching them, the Longhorns do a poor job in stopping dribble penetration off the wings and allow entry passes into the post (within seven of the basket) way to easily. Personally, I think the defense, not the offense is what needs more attention.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Hockey System -1) Play Against all teams against the money line like Carolina playing their third game in five days, a terrible team (30 percent or less win percentage), playing a team with a losing record in the second half of the season. The NHL system is 32-8 and even 80 percent.

Free Basketball Trend -2) The L.A. Lakers are 11-1 ATS in road games versus defensive teams allowing 103 or points a game in the second half of the season over the last three years.

Free Football Pick -3) Ken of the LCC is 6-1 in the NFL Playoffs and has the Under in Jets and Colts today.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right.