Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Duke Travels to Virginia in Key ACC Hoops Action

Duke Basketball

 

Duke Has Won 5 Straight Since Coack K Return



The Duke Blue Devils and the Virginia Cavaliers will meet on Wednesday  at John Paul Jones Arena on the University of Virginia's campus. Both teams are near the top of the ACC standings. Both teams are in a four-way tie for 2nd place with Florida State and Louisville. They are trailing North Carolina. Wednesday's game will be televised at 9 pm EST on ESPN2.

The Blue Devils have reeled off five straight victories. This includes beating ACC leader and bitter rival North Carolina last week. It looked as though Duke was heading downward after losing three of four games. Coach K returned to the sidelines and got the Blue Devils back on track.

Oddsmakers opened the Cavaliers as -4-point favorites versus the Blue Devils, while the game's total opened at 129.5.

Virginia was a 80-78 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Virginia Tech Hokies. They failed to cover the -5-point spread as favorites. Virginia guard London Perrantes is coming off of a 22-point game against the Hokies. He had to take a career-high 22 shots to manage that though. Perrantes will need to continue to pace the Cavaliers against a Blue Devils team who will be keying on the senior.

Duke won its last outing, a 64-62 result against Clemson Tigers on February 11. They failed to cover in that game as a -11-point favorite. Duke guard Luke Kennard comes into the game averaging 20 points and five rebounds for the season. His ability to make outside shots along with his  ability to penetrate inside could provide a challenge for Virginia. UVA struggled against Virginia Tech's dribble penetration.

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Next up:
Duke home to Wake Forest Saturday, February 18
Virginia at North Carolina Saturday, February 18

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Northwestern Hosts Maryland Wednesday

Northwestern Wildcats Sports

 

Cats on Verge of First NCAA Tourney Bid



The Maryland Terrapins and the Northwestern Wildcats will square of on Wednesday when they meet at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The game is set for a 7 pm EST tip-off and will be televised by the Big Ten Network.

An NCAA tournament invitation is tantalizingly close for Northwestern. They could further cement its post-season aspirations by beating Maryland or at least playing them to a very close game.

It's also a very most important week of the season for the Terps. They have Wisconsin coming up on Sunday in Madison, and if they lose to both teams they could seriously hurt their chances to make the Dance.

Oddsmakers opened the Wildcats as -3-point favorites versus the Terrapins, while the game's total opened at 137.

Northwestern was a 66-59 winner in its last match on the road against the Wisconsin Badgers. They covered the +11.5-point spread as underdogs. It was a signature victory for Northwestern. They entered that game on a two-game losing streak. They were also without leading scorer Scottie Lindsey for the third straight game. Bryant McIntosh stepped up with a game-high 25 points plus seven assists. The Wildcat defense repeatedly double-teamed and held Badger big man Ethan Happ to 9 points.

In their last action, Maryland was a 86-77 winner at home against the Ohio State Buckeyes. They covered the -7.5-point spread as favorites. Maryland is coming off its best offensive outing since late December with last Sunday's 86-77 victory over Ohio State . Four Terrapins score in double figures including a game-high 19 from Anthony Cowan.

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Next up:
Maryland at Wisconsin Sunday, February 19
Northwestern home to Rutgers Saturday, February 18

Get all of your College Basketball Odds at Bovada Online Sportsbook.

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Clippers Go for 4th Straight Win Against Hawks

LA Clippers

 

Clippers and Hawks Look to End Strong Before Break



The STAPLES Center will host Wednesday night's game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers look to extend their three game win streak as they have stepped up defensively of late.

Oddsmakers opened the Clippers as -3-point favorites versus the Hawks, while the game's total opened at 213.

Los Angeles was a 88-72 winner in its last matchup on the road against the Utah Jazz. They covered the +8-point spread as underdogs, while the total score of 160 sent UNDER bettors to the payout window. Forward Blake Griffin had 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as the Clippers blew out the Jazz 88-72 on Monday. They benefitted from a third-quarter spurt get the win and to cap a five-game road swing.

Atlanta was a 109-104 winner as they battled the Portland Trail Blazers on the road. The Hawks covered in the match as a +2-point underdog, while 213 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors. The Hawks have won four of their past six contests. They scored the final 12 points in overtime on Monday. Guard Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered another solid outing with a club-high 25 points.

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Next up:
Atlanta home to Miami Friday, February 24
Los Angeles at Golden State Thursday, February 23

Get all your 2017 NBA Odds at Bovada Online Sportsbook

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NBA Odds: Beleaguered Knicks Travel to Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder Go as Westbrook Goes



The New York Knicks are making more news for their off-court troubles these days than they are on the court. They’re struggling on the court as they have most of the season. They’ll hit the road on Wednesday to face an Oklahoma City Thunder team that’s also slumping.

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The Knicks are 25th in the league in points allowed. This poor defense offsets their 12th-place ranking in points scored. Despite being the subject of trade rumors and a feud with Phil Jackson, Carmelo Anthony is putting up over 23 points a night. Kristaps Porzingis has had a few injury problems this season as well. With all the injuries he’s still averaging over 18 points and seven rebounds.

The Thunder continue to go as Russell Westbrook goes. He continues to average a triple-double with 30.9 points (first in the NBA), 10.4 rebounds and 10.1 assists. A lack of three-point shooting puts pressure on the Thunder to drive into a packed lane as they’re 29th in the league from downtown; only Chicago is worse.

Oklahoma City is 7-3 SU and 5-5 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Knicks, but they’ve struggled of late. The Thunder have lost three of their last four with the losses coming by an average of 13.6 points per game.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Maple Leafs Host the Islanders Tuesday Night

Toronto Maple Leafs

 

Hot Islanders Can Pass Leafs' In Standings



The New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs battle on Tuesday at Air Canada Centre. The Islanders have positioned themselves to challenge for a playoffs spot, and it may be the Maple Leafs spot they get.

The Islanders have gone 10-3-2 in the past 15 games and have moved within one point of the Maple Leafs (25-18-11), who are in a playoff position.

Oddsmakers opened the Maple Leafs as -128-moneyline favorites versus the Islanders, while the game's total opened at 5.5.

In their last action, Toronto was a 3-1 loser at home against the Buffalo Sabres. Bettors on Buffalo at +156 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (4) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well. Toronto has lost six of its past eight games. They lost 3-1 to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday and 2-1 in overtime to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

In their last action, New York was a 5-1 winner at home against the Colorado Avalanche. Bettors on New York at -201 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (6) sent OVER bettors home happy as well. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 6-5 in overtime in Brooklyn on Feb. 6. They overcame Toronto leads of 4-2 and 5-4.

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Next up:
New York home to New York Thursday, February 16
Toronto at Columbus Wednesday, February 15

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Kentucky Hosts Tennessee In Key SEC Battle

Kentucky Wildcats

 

Cats and Vols in Must Win Games



The Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats are both in must win situations on Tuesday when they battle at Rupp Arena. Tennessee needs a key win to build a case for an NCAA Tournament bid. Kentucky has to win to keep pace for the SEC regular season championship. They are in a 3-way tie with South Carolina and Florida atop the SEC.

Tennessee defeated Kentucky 82-80 in Knoxville on January 24th, handing the Wildcats their first loss in Southeastern Conference play. Vols coach Rick Barnes knows it will be a much different story tonight in Lexington.

Oddsmakers opened the Wildcats as -13-point favorites versus the Volunteers, while the game's total opened at 159.5.

Kentucky was a 67-58 winner in its last match on the road against the Alabama Crimson Tide. They covered the -7.5-point spread as favorites. No. 13 Kentucky is trying to find its way. The Tennessee loss sent the Wildcats into a skid in which they lost three of the next four games. Kentucky is 3-3 since that loss. In two of those victories they have blown 20-point leads in the final eight minutes.

Tennessee lost its last outing, a 76-75 result against Georgia Bulldogs on February 11. They failed to cover in that game as a -4.5-point favorite. Tennessee may still be reeling from Saturday's 76-75 loss to Georgia. They blew a 14-point lead late in the game. It's been a terrible trend as the Volunteers held leads of 19, 15, 13 and 13 only to lose to Mississippi State, North Carolina, Arkansas and Ole Miss, respectively.

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Next up:
Tennessee home to Missouri Saturday, February 18
Kentucky at Georgia Saturday, February 18

Get all of your College Basketball Odds at Bovada Online Sportsbook.

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NBA Tuesday Preview & Free Pick- Cleveland at Minnesota

Minnesota Timberwolves

Cavs Rounding Into Shape After Trades



The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves kick off a double header of action this Tuesday night on NBA TV. The matchup is set for a 8 p.m. tip at the Target Center. BetAnySports has listed Cleveland as a 4.5-point road favorite and the total line for this inter-conference clash has been set at 218.

Cleveland is coming off Saturday’s 125-109 victory at home against Denver. The Cavs were a 12-point favorite with BetAnySports. This is following last Thursday’s 118-109 road loss to Oklahoma City. The linesmakers had the Cavs as a slight 1.5-point underdog. The Cavaliers are now 5-1 straight-up and against the spread in their last six games. The total has gone OVER in all six of those contests. They will head back on the road with a 10-15 record ATS this season.

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving posted 27 points in Saturday’s win. Kevin Love adding 16 points and nine rebounds to the winning cause. Love has already been ruled out for Tuesday night with a sore knee. James continues to lead the team in both points (25.8) and assists (8.8). Irving is a close second in scoring with 24.4 points per game. Cleveland is ranked third in the NBA in scoring with an average of 111.2 PPG.

TWolves' Fighting for Playoff Spot



Minnesota is just 21-34 SU this season with a 23-32 record ATS, but it is still within striking distance of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference heading into this weekend’s All-Star break. The Timberwolves hammered Chicago 117-89 on Sunday after doubling up the Bulls 34-17 in the first quarter of that game. Minnesota covered BetAnySports’ closing seven-point spread to improve to 14-17 SU (15-16) at home this season. The total has gone OVER in the Timberwolves last nine games.

Both Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins came up big in Sunday’s win. Towns went 8-for-11 from the field as part of his 22-point night and Wiggins led all scorers with 27 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists. Towns leads the team in scoring this season with an average of 23.7 PPG as part of Minnesota’s team scoring average of 104.6 points. Wiggins is averaging 22.6 PPG and shooting 45.8 percent from the field.

Cleveland has been playing with better consistency as of late, but without Love in the lineup this game could remain close right down to the final possession. My “best bet” pick for this one is the OVER on BetAnySports’ 218-point total line given the strong trends for this play with both of these teams right now.

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Monday, February 13, 2017

Hawks and Trail Blazers Meet Monday on TNT

Trail Blazers Basketball

Hawks are 10-5 ATS Last 10 Games on the Road



The Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers will meet on Monday when they meet at Moda Center. The game will be televised nationally by TNT and tip-0ff is scheduled for a little after 10:30 pm EST.

Oddsmakers opened the Trail Blazers as -3-point favorites versus the Hawks, while the game's total opened at 215.

Both these teams will be trying to get back on track Monday night. The Hawks have lost two of its last three games. That includes an excruciating 108-107 loss at Sacramento on Friday night. Tim Hardaway felt he was fouled on an attempted game-winning shot just before the final horn.  The Hawks failed to cover the -2-point spread as favorites, while the total score (215) made winners of OVER bettors.

Portland has dropped four of its last six games. They failed to cover the -3-point spread as favorites, while the combined score (231) was profitable news for OVER bettors. Portland's defense has been a problem most of the season. Lately it has taken an even further step back. In their last nine games, six opponents have scored 108 points or more. Five teams have shot 47 percent or better from the field.

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Next up:
Atlanta at Los Angeles Wednesday, February 15
Portland at Utah Wednesday, February 15

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Kansas Jayhawks Host West Virginia Monday Night

Kansas Jayhawks Sports

 

Jayhawks Hold Slim 1-Game Lead in Big XII



The fans at Allen Fieldhouse will see the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Kansas Jayhawks on Monday night in a key late-season Big XII matchup. The game will be televised by ESPN and it will tip-off a few minutes after 9 pm EST.

Oddsmakers opened the Jayhawks as -2.5-point favorites versus the Mountaineers, while the game's total opened at 158.5.

Kansas won its last outing, a 80-79 result against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 11. They failed to cover in that game as a -4.5-point favorite. With Jayhaw star Frank Mason battling illness, freshman guard Josh Jackson took over for the Jayhawks. He become the go-to man with Mason first struggling and then sidelined. Jackson scored a career-best 31 points at Texas Tech. He also added 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double in five games.

In their last action, West Virginia was a 85-66 winner at home against the Kansas State Wildcats. They covered the -7.5-point spread as favorites. For the season, the Mountaineers' scorers are well-balanced. Junior guard Jevon Carter paces West Virginia with an 11.8 average. Four other players average at least 9.5 points. West Virginia trails first-place Kansas by two games. So a sweep of the season series looks almost necessary to have any regular season title hopes the Mountaineers.

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Next up:
West Virginia home to Texas Tech Saturday, February 18
Kansas at Baylor Saturday, February 18

Get all of your College Basketball Odds at Bovada Online Sportsbook.

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Sunday, February 12, 2017

Boston Hosts Habs in NHL Action Sunday

Bruins Host Habs

 

Habs have Lost Five of Last Six



The Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins will renew the NHL's greatest rivalry at the TD Garden on Sunday.

Oddsmakers opened the Bruins as -135-moneyline favorites versus the Canadiens, while the game's total opened at 5.

Boston won its last outing, a 4-3 result against the Vancouver Canucks on February 11. Bettors who backed the Bruins at -205 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (7) sent OVER bettors to the payout window. The Bruins have won two straight since assistant Bruce Cassidy took over as the interim coach after the firing of of Claude Julien.

Montreal lost its last outing, a 4-2 result against the St. Louis Blues on February 11. Bettors who backed the Blues at +112 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (6) sent OVER bettors to the payout window. The Habs have won nine straight games in the Boston area, eight at TD Garden and one at Gillette Stadium in last year's Winter Classic. The last Boston win over Montreal in Boston came back on Jan. 12, 2012.

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Next up:
Montreal home to Winnipeg Saturday, February 18
Boston at San Jose Sunday, February 19

 

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