Play: San Antonio -5 -110
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Spurs are still without Tony Parker, but they don't need him to get past Charlotte. San Antonio had eight players (and nearly nine players) in double figures on Wednesday, and it was 9-of-19 on threes. Kawhi Leonard, playing for the first time in 14 games, had 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Bobcats have won four straight, but look who they played: Detroit (twice), New Orleans and Memphis. Charlotte is 0-7 against the NBA's top four teams. The Spurs should easily outshoot the Bobcats overall, from the line and especially on threes. San Antonio also should have a rebounding advantage. The power rankings say this line should be 10. I say it should be 10 even without Parker in the lineup.
Overall Record: 26-16-2 (61.9%)
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Thursday's NCAAB play
Play: UC Santa Barbara/UC Irvine over 133 -110
Time: 10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Both teams average well over this total. And in the home/away splits, it looks even better (Gauchos games average: 144.8 ppg, Anteaters games average: 144.3 ppg). Both squads are excellent at shooting, especially from behind the arc (37.7% and 36.2%, respectively). The game should be close and it could go to overtime. The teams combined for 140 points in their first meeting on Jan. 30. This total is the fourth-lowest number that UCSB has faced this season. For UCI, it's the third-lowest.
Overall Record: 26-15-2 (63.4%)
Time: 10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Both teams average well over this total. And in the home/away splits, it looks even better (Gauchos games average: 144.8 ppg, Anteaters games average: 144.3 ppg). Both squads are excellent at shooting, especially from behind the arc (37.7% and 36.2%, respectively). The game should be close and it could go to overtime. The teams combined for 140 points in their first meeting on Jan. 30. This total is the fourth-lowest number that UCSB has faced this season. For UCI, it's the third-lowest.
Overall Record: 26-15-2 (63.4%)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Wednesday's NBA plays
Play: Detroit/San Antonio under 210.5 -109
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Spurs haven't played since Friday, when they got blown out by Phoenix. San Antonio shot a season-low 34.9% in that contest and, without Tony Parker, its sluggish offense turned it over 18 times. Parker will miss this tilt too. Parker's backup, Patty Mills, was 2-of-14 shooting on Friday. I expect the Spurs to turn it around defensively with Kawhi Leonard back. I believe the line is five points too high, based on the overall and home/away splits and the referee assignments. And if this is a Spurs blowout, I expect that to help the under cash. The Pistons shoot 66.2% on free throws and their center, Andre Drummond, is 9-of-31 from the line over the last nine games.
Play: Houston/L.A. Clippers under 222 -108
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Games for each of these squads average less than 209 points. Two of the three refs tonight (Sean Corbin and Dan Crawford) have game averages under 200 points. Both teams are better than average defensively, below average on threes, very poor from the line and better than average at defensive rebounding. The Clippers steal the ball, the Rockets block shots. L.A. has faced just two totals above 215 points this season, with the higher total being 219.5. Houston has gone against three totals higher that 215, which the highest being 218.
Overall Record: 25-14-2 (64.1%)
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Spurs haven't played since Friday, when they got blown out by Phoenix. San Antonio shot a season-low 34.9% in that contest and, without Tony Parker, its sluggish offense turned it over 18 times. Parker will miss this tilt too. Parker's backup, Patty Mills, was 2-of-14 shooting on Friday. I expect the Spurs to turn it around defensively with Kawhi Leonard back. I believe the line is five points too high, based on the overall and home/away splits and the referee assignments. And if this is a Spurs blowout, I expect that to help the under cash. The Pistons shoot 66.2% on free throws and their center, Andre Drummond, is 9-of-31 from the line over the last nine games.
Play: Houston/L.A. Clippers under 222 -108
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Games for each of these squads average less than 209 points. Two of the three refs tonight (Sean Corbin and Dan Crawford) have game averages under 200 points. Both teams are better than average defensively, below average on threes, very poor from the line and better than average at defensive rebounding. The Clippers steal the ball, the Rockets block shots. L.A. has faced just two totals above 215 points this season, with the higher total being 219.5. Houston has gone against three totals higher that 215, which the highest being 218.
Overall Record: 25-14-2 (64.1%)
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tuesday's NCAAB play
Play: San Jose State/San Diego State over 122.5 -103
Time: 11:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is by far the lowest total the Spartans have gone against this season and have gone against just two totals in the 120s. San Jose State road games average 138.5 points while SDSU games average 126.2 points. The Spartans shoot well from the line (72.4% overall and 79.1% in the last five games) and the Aztecs get to the line often (26.0 attempts per game). San Jose State also puts up a ton of threes and SDSU's perimeter defense has been lacking in its last five games.
Overall Record: 24-14-2 (63.2%)
Time: 11:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is by far the lowest total the Spartans have gone against this season and have gone against just two totals in the 120s. San Jose State road games average 138.5 points while SDSU games average 126.2 points. The Spartans shoot well from the line (72.4% overall and 79.1% in the last five games) and the Aztecs get to the line often (26.0 attempts per game). San Jose State also puts up a ton of threes and SDSU's perimeter defense has been lacking in its last five games.
Overall Record: 24-14-2 (63.2%)
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Sunday's NBA play
Play: Orlando/Toronto over 195 -103
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a low total for these teams in this situation. Against totals of 195 or more, the combined over record for these teams is 36-28 (56.3%). The referees may play a part in this too, as games for all three (David Jones, Gary Zielinski and Violet Palmer) average more than 200 points. The combined over record for these zebras is 66-52 (55.9%). Raptors home games average 198.0 points. Both teams are average at shooting three-pointers but they also are poor at perimeter defense. They are above average in free-throw shooting and below average in steals and blocks. I expect a big game from Magic rookie guard Victor Oladipo, who put up 30 points Friday night.
Overall Record: 24-14-1 (63.2%)
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a low total for these teams in this situation. Against totals of 195 or more, the combined over record for these teams is 36-28 (56.3%). The referees may play a part in this too, as games for all three (David Jones, Gary Zielinski and Violet Palmer) average more than 200 points. The combined over record for these zebras is 66-52 (55.9%). Raptors home games average 198.0 points. Both teams are average at shooting three-pointers but they also are poor at perimeter defense. They are above average in free-throw shooting and below average in steals and blocks. I expect a big game from Magic rookie guard Victor Oladipo, who put up 30 points Friday night.
Overall Record: 24-14-1 (63.2%)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday's NCAAB #3 and #4
Play: Stanford -2 -105
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Reasoning: UCLA won the first meeting convincingly, but this is a home game for the Cardinal. Stanford is 9-2 ATS in Palo Alto this season and is outscoring visitors by 13.1 ppg. In the first meeting Bruins forward Tony Parker scored 22, but he's been held to under 10 in seven consecutive contests. In the last five games, the Cardinal has given up just 63.6 ppg and allowed opponents just 39.0% shooting. Stanford has the advantage on the inside with forwards Josh Huestis and Dwight Powell.
Play: SDSU +4 -106
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Pit is a tough place to play for most, but the Aztecs have won two of the last three in that venue. The Aztecs have a suffocating defense that, in their last game, allowed Utah State just 45 points. SDSU allows just 58.2 ppg and only 31.3% on threes. I expect Aztecs guard Xavier Thames to have a big game. He scored just four points on 1-of-9 shooting in his last contest, but he's averaging 17.2 ppg.
Record: 22-12-1 (64.7%)
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Reasoning: UCLA won the first meeting convincingly, but this is a home game for the Cardinal. Stanford is 9-2 ATS in Palo Alto this season and is outscoring visitors by 13.1 ppg. In the first meeting Bruins forward Tony Parker scored 22, but he's been held to under 10 in seven consecutive contests. In the last five games, the Cardinal has given up just 63.6 ppg and allowed opponents just 39.0% shooting. Stanford has the advantage on the inside with forwards Josh Huestis and Dwight Powell.
Play: SDSU +4 -106
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Pit is a tough place to play for most, but the Aztecs have won two of the last three in that venue. The Aztecs have a suffocating defense that, in their last game, allowed Utah State just 45 points. SDSU allows just 58.2 ppg and only 31.3% on threes. I expect Aztecs guard Xavier Thames to have a big game. He scored just four points on 1-of-9 shooting in his last contest, but he's averaging 17.2 ppg.
Record: 22-12-1 (64.7%)
Saturday's NCAAB #2
Play: LSU +10.5 -110
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Tigers won the first meeting 87-82. LSU also is 5-1 ATS in the last six at Kentucky. The Wildcats are below average in three-point and free-throw shooting. The Tigers should be able to hang with Kentucky on the glass. In the last five games LSU has averaged 80.0 points while the Wildcats have averaged just 71.2 points.
Overall Record: 22-12-1 (64.7%)
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Tigers won the first meeting 87-82. LSU also is 5-1 ATS in the last six at Kentucky. The Wildcats are below average in three-point and free-throw shooting. The Tigers should be able to hang with Kentucky on the glass. In the last five games LSU has averaged 80.0 points while the Wildcats have averaged just 71.2 points.
Overall Record: 22-12-1 (64.7%)
Saturday's NCAAB Play #1
Play: Marquette/DePaul under 141 -107
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The teams combined for just 122 points in their first contest on Jan. 4. They are both below average in three-point shooting and don't make many attempts. They also are below average on free throws. And should this be a blowout by the Golden Eagles, the road team should slow it down a bit and thus help the under. The Blue Demons have averaged just 62.4 points in their last five games.
Overall Record: 22-12-1 (64.7%)
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The teams combined for just 122 points in their first contest on Jan. 4. They are both below average in three-point shooting and don't make many attempts. They also are below average on free throws. And should this be a blowout by the Golden Eagles, the road team should slow it down a bit and thus help the under. The Blue Demons have averaged just 62.4 points in their last five games.
Overall Record: 22-12-1 (64.7%)
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tuesday's NBA plays
Play: Charlotte/Detroit under 204.5 -110
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: New Pistons coach John Loyer, who is 1-1 at the helm, has made it known that his staff is focusing on transition defense. But that's not the only reason to like the under here. Bobcats games average 191.8 points. Detroit games average 203.2 points. Both teams are below average in overall shooting and the Pistons are last in the NBA on threes (30.9%) and free throws (66.7). Charlotte is below average in both categories too, neither team hoists a lot of threes and both are above average in blocked shots.
Play: Miami/Dallas under 208.5 -110
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Once upon a time the Mavericks were nicknamed "allas" because they had no D. Well, in the last seven games, Dallas has held opponents to just 95 ppg. Mavericks games average 205.6 points while Heat road games average 199.8. Both squads are terrible at offensive rebounding. This is the fourth-highest total Miami has gone against this season and the score went under in two of those other three games and over by just a bucket in the other contest.
Play: San Antonio/L.A. Clippers under 211.5 -110
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Spurs always play excellent defense (97.5 ppg allowed, 97.0 on the road), and will only be tougher defensively if Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tiago Splitter and Kawhi Leonard can go Tuesday night. There is a chance all four could play, which would be the first time since Jan. 4. And if they all do or some do and some don't, I expect their collective offensive game together to be rusty rather than their defensive play. Los Angeles will be without J.J. Redick (hip) and his 15.7 ppg. These teams went under this total in their first two meetings this season and San Antonio posted unders in each of the three games that have seen totals higher than 209. Both teams are below average in offensive rebounding and above average in defensive rebounding.
Record: 21-10-1 (67.8%)
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: New Pistons coach John Loyer, who is 1-1 at the helm, has made it known that his staff is focusing on transition defense. But that's not the only reason to like the under here. Bobcats games average 191.8 points. Detroit games average 203.2 points. Both teams are below average in overall shooting and the Pistons are last in the NBA on threes (30.9%) and free throws (66.7). Charlotte is below average in both categories too, neither team hoists a lot of threes and both are above average in blocked shots.
Play: Miami/Dallas under 208.5 -110
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Once upon a time the Mavericks were nicknamed "allas" because they had no D. Well, in the last seven games, Dallas has held opponents to just 95 ppg. Mavericks games average 205.6 points while Heat road games average 199.8. Both squads are terrible at offensive rebounding. This is the fourth-highest total Miami has gone against this season and the score went under in two of those other three games and over by just a bucket in the other contest.
Play: San Antonio/L.A. Clippers under 211.5 -110
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Spurs always play excellent defense (97.5 ppg allowed, 97.0 on the road), and will only be tougher defensively if Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tiago Splitter and Kawhi Leonard can go Tuesday night. There is a chance all four could play, which would be the first time since Jan. 4. And if they all do or some do and some don't, I expect their collective offensive game together to be rusty rather than their defensive play. Los Angeles will be without J.J. Redick (hip) and his 15.7 ppg. These teams went under this total in their first two meetings this season and San Antonio posted unders in each of the three games that have seen totals higher than 209. Both teams are below average in offensive rebounding and above average in defensive rebounding.
Record: 21-10-1 (67.8%)
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday's NCAAB play
Play: Oregon State/Oregon over 151.5 -105
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I normally don't like playing overs this high, but when it comes to these teams it's not too high. Both teams are loaded offensively. Oregon State boasts Roberto Nelson (21.5 ppg), Devon Collier (14 ppg, 60.4% FG) and Angus Brandt (12.6 ppg, nine consecutive double-figure outings). Oregon features Joseph Young (18.4 ppg), Mike Moser (12.6 ppg), Jason Calliste (12.4 ppg) and Damyean Dotson (10.3 ppg). The Ducks also lead the Pac-12 with a 77.8 free-throw percentage. Oregon home games average 161.4 points. The teams combined for 152 points in their meeting last month, and they only shot 41% combined.
Record: 20-9-1 (69.0%)
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I normally don't like playing overs this high, but when it comes to these teams it's not too high. Both teams are loaded offensively. Oregon State boasts Roberto Nelson (21.5 ppg), Devon Collier (14 ppg, 60.4% FG) and Angus Brandt (12.6 ppg, nine consecutive double-figure outings). Oregon features Joseph Young (18.4 ppg), Mike Moser (12.6 ppg), Jason Calliste (12.4 ppg) and Damyean Dotson (10.3 ppg). The Ducks also lead the Pac-12 with a 77.8 free-throw percentage. Oregon home games average 161.4 points. The teams combined for 152 points in their meeting last month, and they only shot 41% combined.
Record: 20-9-1 (69.0%)
Saturday, February 15, 2014
NBA All-Star Game
Play: West/East under 293 -105
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The only time in the last 10 years that a final score in this contest reached this total was two years ago, when the squads combined for 301 points. Since the 2004 game the average combined score was 271.5 points. In the last 22 games, dating back to 1991, the average was 261.9 points. On Sunday they will be playing in New Orleans, and that may be a factor as the players, fresh off of Bourbon Street, may not shoot as well as they normally would. In fact, the lowest score in the last seven years came in 2008, when the game was played in New Orleans, and that combined score totaled just 262 points.
Record: 20-9-1 (69%).
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The only time in the last 10 years that a final score in this contest reached this total was two years ago, when the squads combined for 301 points. Since the 2004 game the average combined score was 271.5 points. In the last 22 games, dating back to 1991, the average was 261.9 points. On Sunday they will be playing in New Orleans, and that may be a factor as the players, fresh off of Bourbon Street, may not shoot as well as they normally would. In fact, the lowest score in the last seven years came in 2008, when the game was played in New Orleans, and that combined score totaled just 262 points.
Record: 20-9-1 (69%).
Friday, February 14, 2014
Saturday's NCAAB play
Play: Rhode Island -6 -110
Time: Noon ET
Reasoning: Both of these teams have dropped four straight, but the Rams should be the ones who end their skid. I expect a double-digit victory. Rhode Island is 5-5 ATS in its last 10 but missed at least pushing in those five losses by a combined 14 points. The Rams have played a much tougher schedule (58th compared to 181st) and play great perimeter defense (26.3 percent at home). The Dukes allow opponents to shoot a whopping 39.8 percent from behind the arc. Rhode Island has a big rebounding advantage as well.
Record: 20-8-1 (71.4%)
Time: Noon ET
Reasoning: Both of these teams have dropped four straight, but the Rams should be the ones who end their skid. I expect a double-digit victory. Rhode Island is 5-5 ATS in its last 10 but missed at least pushing in those five losses by a combined 14 points. The Rams have played a much tougher schedule (58th compared to 181st) and play great perimeter defense (26.3 percent at home). The Dukes allow opponents to shoot a whopping 39.8 percent from behind the arc. Rhode Island has a big rebounding advantage as well.
Record: 20-8-1 (71.4%)
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Thursday's NCAAB play
Play: Rider +4 -110
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Broncs are dangerous, especially at home. Rider has taken six of the last nine meetings and has big advantages in three-point and free-throw shooting. The Broncs can hold their own with Manhattan on the glass too. In their last five games the Jaspers have canned just 59.4% from the charity stripe.
Record: 20-7-1 (74.1%)
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Broncs are dangerous, especially at home. Rider has taken six of the last nine meetings and has big advantages in three-point and free-throw shooting. The Broncs can hold their own with Manhattan on the glass too. In their last five games the Jaspers have canned just 59.4% from the charity stripe.
Record: 20-7-1 (74.1%)
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Monday's NCAAB play
Play: Maryland +11 -110
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Virginia has won 14 straight home games in conference play, but that may be in jeopardy here even though it is a double-digit favorite. The Terrapins have averaged 75.8 points over their last five contests and are shooting 49.3% on field goals and 38% from behind the arc over that time period. Virginia is shooting just 61.7% from the line at home. I expect another monster game from Seth Allen, who scored 32 against Florida State on Saturday. Allen is one of five Terps who averages 9.8 points or more. The Cavs only average 66.5 ppg.
Record: 19-7-1 (73.1%)
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Virginia has won 14 straight home games in conference play, but that may be in jeopardy here even though it is a double-digit favorite. The Terrapins have averaged 75.8 points over their last five contests and are shooting 49.3% on field goals and 38% from behind the arc over that time period. Virginia is shooting just 61.7% from the line at home. I expect another monster game from Seth Allen, who scored 32 against Florida State on Saturday. Allen is one of five Terps who averages 9.8 points or more. The Cavs only average 66.5 ppg.
Record: 19-7-1 (73.1%)
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Sunday's NCAAB play
Play: Wisconsin -2.5 -110
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Michigan State is 10-1 away from home this season, but none of those games were at the Kohl Center. And the Spartans likely be without Keith Appling (wrist) on Sunday. Best-case scenario is Appling, MSU's best athlete and defender, will be limited. That's not good news against a Badgers team that ranks second in the country in fewest turnovers per game. Wisconsin outscores road teams by nearly 13 ppg and it has a big advantage over Michigan State on free throws.
Record: 19-6-1 (76.0%)
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Michigan State is 10-1 away from home this season, but none of those games were at the Kohl Center. And the Spartans likely be without Keith Appling (wrist) on Sunday. Best-case scenario is Appling, MSU's best athlete and defender, will be limited. That's not good news against a Badgers team that ranks second in the country in fewest turnovers per game. Wisconsin outscores road teams by nearly 13 ppg and it has a big advantage over Michigan State on free throws.
Record: 19-6-1 (76.0%)
Friday, February 7, 2014
Saturday's NCAAB play
Play: Virginia Tech +19.5 -110
Time: Noon ET
Reasoning: This line opened at 21.5 and I wish I got it then but it dropped two points very quickly and I still like it. Especially against a Pittsburgh team averaging just 56 points in its last three games and that needed overtime to score 59 against Miami. The Panthers scored just 46 in regulation. The Hokies play pretty good defense, shoot the three ball very well and rebound.
Record: 18-6-1 (75%)
Time: Noon ET
Reasoning: This line opened at 21.5 and I wish I got it then but it dropped two points very quickly and I still like it. Especially against a Pittsburgh team averaging just 56 points in its last three games and that needed overtime to score 59 against Miami. The Panthers scored just 46 in regulation. The Hokies play pretty good defense, shoot the three ball very well and rebound.
Record: 18-6-1 (75%)
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Thursday's NBA Plays
Play: Brooklyn -5.5 -107
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Short-handed San Antonio, which played a double-overtime game at Washington last night, will have its hands full against a rested Nets team. Brooklyn is coming off two rest days and will get a Spurs squad without Tony Parker, who will sit for this one after hurting his back against the Wizards. San Antonio was already without Manu Ginobili (hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (finger). Brooklyn, which has 43 steals in its last three games, should also have Joe Johnson back tonight. The Nets shoot well from behind the arc and at the line, particularly at home.
Play: Chicago +8.5 -103
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Warriors were embarrassed in their last game, losing 91-75 to Charlotte at home Tuesday night. Now they'll have to face a Bulls team that is allowing just 92.8 points per game, which is second-best in the NBA. Chicago swept Golden State last season and has won seven of the past 10 meetings. The Bulls also have a distinct advantage in free-throw shooting. Additionally, Chicago is 9-4 ATS this season when getting four-plus points.
Record: 17-5-1 (77.3%)
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Short-handed San Antonio, which played a double-overtime game at Washington last night, will have its hands full against a rested Nets team. Brooklyn is coming off two rest days and will get a Spurs squad without Tony Parker, who will sit for this one after hurting his back against the Wizards. San Antonio was already without Manu Ginobili (hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (finger). Brooklyn, which has 43 steals in its last three games, should also have Joe Johnson back tonight. The Nets shoot well from behind the arc and at the line, particularly at home.
Play: Chicago +8.5 -103
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Warriors were embarrassed in their last game, losing 91-75 to Charlotte at home Tuesday night. Now they'll have to face a Bulls team that is allowing just 92.8 points per game, which is second-best in the NBA. Chicago swept Golden State last season and has won seven of the past 10 meetings. The Bulls also have a distinct advantage in free-throw shooting. Additionally, Chicago is 9-4 ATS this season when getting four-plus points.
Record: 17-5-1 (77.3%)
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Wednesday's NBA Play
Play: Dallas/Memphis over 189 -110
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is the lowest point total the Mavericks have faced all season. It's also just the fifth time in 50 games that Dallas has gone against a total of less than 195 points. Mavericks games average 209.4 points. Grizzlies games average 190.5 points. Memphis hasn't cracked the century mark in scoring in 11 straight games, but in three of those games it got to 99 points and once it got to 98 points. The Grizzlies average 95.5 ppg and 96.3 ppg at home. Both teams are above average shooting the ball and below average at blocking shots.
Record: 16-5-1 (76.2%)
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is the lowest point total the Mavericks have faced all season. It's also just the fifth time in 50 games that Dallas has gone against a total of less than 195 points. Mavericks games average 209.4 points. Grizzlies games average 190.5 points. Memphis hasn't cracked the century mark in scoring in 11 straight games, but in three of those games it got to 99 points and once it got to 98 points. The Grizzlies average 95.5 ppg and 96.3 ppg at home. Both teams are above average shooting the ball and below average at blocking shots.
Record: 16-5-1 (76.2%)
Monday, February 3, 2014
Monday's NCAAB plays
Play: Xavier/Villanova under 148 -110
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is the highest point total the Musketeers have faced all season. They went over the highest total they faced so far -- 147.5 -- earlier this season, but overtime was needed. In their last game against Seton Hall, they scored just 60 points and shot only 1-of-11 on threes in the second half. Nevertheless, Xavier has a good defense and allows just 67.5 ppg. This may be a blowout by the Wildcats, but the safer play is the under. And if it is a blowout, that should only help the under. Both teams are excellent in rebounding and they are above average in steals.
Play: Alabama A&M -6 -109
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Prairie View A&M is terrible on defense, especially on the road. The Panthers have been outscored by 20 ppg away from home. They allow all opponents to shoot 48.2 percent from the field and 36.7 percent on threes. The Bulldogs shoot 47.7 percent at home and 39.3 percent from behind the arc. Alabama A&M guards Jeremy Crutcher, Arthur Capers and Tyler Davis should go crazy on threes. The Bulldogs also have the rebounding advantage.
Record: 13-5-1
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is the highest point total the Musketeers have faced all season. They went over the highest total they faced so far -- 147.5 -- earlier this season, but overtime was needed. In their last game against Seton Hall, they scored just 60 points and shot only 1-of-11 on threes in the second half. Nevertheless, Xavier has a good defense and allows just 67.5 ppg. This may be a blowout by the Wildcats, but the safer play is the under. And if it is a blowout, that should only help the under. Both teams are excellent in rebounding and they are above average in steals.
Play: Alabama A&M -6 -109
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Prairie View A&M is terrible on defense, especially on the road. The Panthers have been outscored by 20 ppg away from home. They allow all opponents to shoot 48.2 percent from the field and 36.7 percent on threes. The Bulldogs shoot 47.7 percent at home and 39.3 percent from behind the arc. Alabama A&M guards Jeremy Crutcher, Arthur Capers and Tyler Davis should go crazy on threes. The Bulldogs also have the rebounding advantage.
Record: 13-5-1
Monday's NHL Play
Play: Philadelphia +168
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: These teams don't tangle too often. The last time was nearly two years ago. San Jose is excellent at home but I think it's catching the Flyers at the wrong time. Philadelphia has shut out two of its last three opponents and the Sharks have just two goals in regulation over their last four games. San Jose hasn't scored three goals in nine of its last 13 contests. The Flyers, who should have defenseman Kimmi Timonen back tonight, have scored power play goals in each of their last six games.
Record: 13-5-1 (72.2%)
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Super Bowl 48
Plays: Denver -2.5 -102 and Denver/Seattle over 47.5 -108
Time: 6:25 p.m. ET
Reasoning: For this first outdoor-in-the-cold-weather Super Bowl the elements shouldn't be much of a factor. That's excellent news for both teams offensively, especially the Broncos. It should be a pretty fast track, and the over is 13-2-1 in Denver's last 16 games on FieldTurf. The Broncos scored a record 606 points this season and their games average 60.4 points. The Seahawks allow just 14.6 ppg, but they didn't face very tough offenses this season. Denver simply has too many weapons. The Broncos gave up a lot of points, but many of those scores came in garbage time after their victories were sealed. Basically, Denver's offense should win the battle against Seattle's defense and the Broncos' defense should hold its own against the Seahawks' offense. But I like Russell Wilson to still pile up yards through the air and on the ground because he'll be able to avoid Denver's pass rush, one of its weaker aspects, epecially against mobile quarterbacks.
Final Score Prediction: Denver 31-23
Record: 12-4-1
Time: 6:25 p.m. ET
Reasoning: For this first outdoor-in-the-cold-weather Super Bowl the elements shouldn't be much of a factor. That's excellent news for both teams offensively, especially the Broncos. It should be a pretty fast track, and the over is 13-2-1 in Denver's last 16 games on FieldTurf. The Broncos scored a record 606 points this season and their games average 60.4 points. The Seahawks allow just 14.6 ppg, but they didn't face very tough offenses this season. Denver simply has too many weapons. The Broncos gave up a lot of points, but many of those scores came in garbage time after their victories were sealed. Basically, Denver's offense should win the battle against Seattle's defense and the Broncos' defense should hold its own against the Seahawks' offense. But I like Russell Wilson to still pile up yards through the air and on the ground because he'll be able to avoid Denver's pass rush, one of its weaker aspects, epecially against mobile quarterbacks.
Final Score Prediction: Denver 31-23
Record: 12-4-1
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