Sports Wagers Basketball Tracking

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Chicago –4½ over L.A. LAKERS -206

When was the last time you saw the Lakers getting points at home? It’s been a long time and there’s a good reason for it. The Lakers are a middle of the pack Western Conference team and it could take them some time to get going. Lakers are learning a whole new system, which they did not have much time to prepare for and the effective triangle offense is a thing of the past too. After the trio of Bynum, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers just can't compare to the conference's top teams and Bynum is suspended because of his actions in last year’s playoffs. Kobe Bryant is injured, although he’ll play, and he’s also going through a bitter divorce. Age has battered the Lakers' supporting cast, which is entirely too thin for a team with a payroll north of $80 million. The Bulls are very likely the second-best team in basketball. Chicago led the NBA in defensive efficiency last season when they won a league-best 62 games. Bulls remain intact from a year ago with only change being the addition of Rip Hamilton. Several young players likely will improve, including Joakim Noah and reserve bigs Omer Asik and Taj Gibson. Derrick Rose comes off an MVP season, but the exciting part is that he's still getting better. The Bulls should have a ton more continuity than the Lakers to open the year and should roll by a wide margin. Play: Chicago –4½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).

OKLAHOMA CITY –8 over Orlando  +200

The Magic are an interesting proposition this year. Everyone is anxious to predict doom and gloom for them because Dwight Howard, arguably one of the top three most dominant players in the league wants out. If Howard goes into Vince Carter-in-Toronto mode, the Magic will take a huge step backward. Right now, Vegas has "checked out" a big favorite over "dialed in." This, then, is a bit different from the 2007 example in which Kobe Bryant demanded a trade and then realized he had a really good team around him. In Orlando's case, Howard has a really good team almost entirely because of his own efforts. An unhappy basketball star can really check out and force a trade and that appears to be the way this thing is going. After the Thunder's unexpected trip to the Western Conference finals this past spring, their time appears to have come. The gap between Oklahoma City and the conference's top teams was relatively small last season. Although other teams have lost key contributors and suffered the effects of age, the rising Thunder kept their roster entirely intact before trading center Byron Mullens (85 minutes played all year) to Charlotte. Although Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook rightfully draw most of the attention, it's the youthful duo of third-year players James Harden and Serge Ibaka, both 22, that could make the difference for the Thunder as they continue to grow in the key roles they took over after Oklahoma City traded Jeff Green to the Celtics. The Thunder also get the benefit of a full season with a healthy, skinny Kendrick Perkins in the middle. Look out. Play: Oklahoma City –8 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).

GOLDEN STATE +6/+210 over L.A. Clippers  -206

The L.A. Clippers are this year’s version of last year’s Miami Heat in that everyone is telling them “they’re the new boss in town”. They’ve been hearing it for two weeks now and it’s fresh in their minds that all they have to do is show up and they’ll be the NBA’s most improved team with a chance to win it all. The positive is that nobody is stopping this offense in crunch time, not even Vinny Del Negro. The Hornets were the best crunch-time offense in the league with Chris Paul at the controls and now he's in L.A. with Blake Griffin as the dive man in the pick-and-roll and Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler and Ryan Gomes spacing the floor. Good luck guarding that. The downside is that there are just too many holes around CP3 and Griffin. The top wing defender right now is Randy Foye. That's a problem. More worrisome is the frontcourt. Gomes is the top reserve. As far as true big men go, you're looking at Brian Cook and Trey Thompkins, unless you'd rather look away, that is. Add it all up and the Clip Joint will be really good, because you almost have to be with Paul and Griffin together. However, their upside is limited by the lack of depth and they may not have the strength to overcome that. For the time being, it looks like another season of tremendously entertaining losing for the Warriors but they could easily win half of their games. Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis are still together in the league's most explosive backcourt. Much depends on how David Lee, Andris Biedrins and newcomer Brandon Rush performs but at least we know that the Warriors will put up a lot of points. It could take the Clip Joint a few games to get used to one another, much like the Heat last year and that provides us with a nice opportunity early in the year when the books are very aware that the whole world will be on them. Play: Golden State +6 (Risking 1.05 units to win 1) Play: Golden State +210 (Risking 1 unit).

-212.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Toronto +131 over CLEVELAND  +262

Toronto has finally come to grips with reality. No longer are the Raps delusional about loading up on mediocre veterans with long-term deals, nor about winning games without bothering to play defense. With Toronto again last in defensive efficiency in 2010-11, the overmatched Jay Triano was finally shown the door. Replacing him is former Dallas zone defense whiz Dwane Casey, who now must upgrade one of the most historically weak defensive units. With Casey’s signature and attention to detail, expect the Raps to be scrappy, if nothing else. Jose Calderon is a competent offensive operator and he has enough shooters to dish to. Guys like DeMar DeRozan, Ed Davis, Amir Johnson, James Johnson and Andrea Bargnani are capable of scoring 15-20 a game. As for Cleveland, things are better than a year ago. Slowly but surely the Cavs are rebuilding their future and cleaning up their salary cap issues. Top draft choice Kyrie Irving is a nice building block. Fourth overall pick Tristan Thompson will combine with a healthy Anderson Varejao to contribute some energetic defense, rebounding and finishing in the frontcourt. At forward, the Cavs triggered a sweet deal before the lockout by trading J.J. Hickson to Sacramento for Omri Casspi and a first-round pick. At the other forward spot, Antawn Jamison will score 18 points a game and give up 27 until he's traded or bought out, which should be soon, given his advanced age, huge expiring contract and his indifference to playing defense. Both teams are building but the Raps have the deeper bench and better shooters and they have a good chance to open the season with a win. Play: Toronto +131 (Risking 2 units).


Philadelphia +160 over PORTLAND  -200

While everyone is talking Miami, Chicago and New York, the 76ers have been left out of the conversation but they shouldn’t be. The limited practice time before opening day is going to favor teams with continuity and the Sixers are positioned well. The likely nine-man playing rotation will be identical to last season's. Philly sports a fair number of young players who should play better this season, most notably point guard Jrue Holiday and wing Evan Turner. Add Thaddeus Young, Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala and Jodie Meeks into the equation with Doug Collins in his second year and the 76ers could be as high as a #4 seed when playoff time rolls around. Portland had one of the worst first days of training camp in recent memory. Within the span of a few hours, the Blazers found out Brandon Roy had to retire, Greg Oden would hardly play this season and LaMarcus Aldridge was suffering from a heart problem. Presuming this is the last of the bad news (which is never a safe assumption with this team), the Blazers  have enough talent to overcome some of this but don’t expect them to come out of the gate blazing, as an adjustment period is inevitable and morale can’t be too high either. Play: Philadelphia +160 (Risking 2 units).

+62.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

SAN ANTONIO –4 over L.A. Clippers  +200

We’re going to stick with our philosophy of selling high. After the masses bet on the Clippers on opening day and easily cashed the ticket, their stock is soaring. That is evidenced by the Clippers getting the bulk of the money for this one. The Clips are good but a win over the Warriors did not expose their flaws, of which several remain. And then there’s the Spurs? Remember them? They won more games than any team in the conference last season and lost in the playoffs partly because their best player was hurt. Feel free to overlook them until mid-April, like most seasons, while they quietly accumulate victories as they fly under the radar. The Spurs opened the season with an impressive 13-point win over the Grizzlies and they’re much more familiar with one another than the Clip Joint. The Spurs are deep enough to spread around the minutes and Gregg Popovich is a master at exploiting flaws and managing a game. Play: San Antonio –4 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2). 

GOLDEN STATE +153 over N.Y. Knicks  +306

Lots of hype surrounding the Knicks this year and while we hate to be pessimists, we’re not sure it’s warranted. Mike D'Antoni's system demands a point guard that can quarterback the team and Baron Davis is not that guy. The Knicks boast three of the best frontcourt finishers in the game but nobody to get them the ball. That’s a problem, as is a weak bench. The real kicker here is that the Knicks play in Los Angeles tomorrow night against the Lakers and with 66 games in 120 days, this is one they’re likely to overlook. The Warriors lost their opener to the Clippers but they led at the half and were in that game until the fourth quarter. They followed that up with a very nice win over the Bulls to get Mark Jackson his first win as an NBA coach. This game is a priority for Jackson and he’s sure to have his guys ready and raring to go. Play: Golden State +153 (Risking 2 units).

MEMPHIS +109 over Oklahoma City  -200

Let's deal with this silly idea that Rudy Gay is somehow bad for the Grizzlies' chemistry, a notion that gained momentum when Memphis made the second round of the playoffs without him. The Griz got off to a slow start with Gay, but much of that was due to awful personnel choices that had nothing to do with Gay. They were starting Xavier Henry, Acie Law was the backup point guard, and Tony Allen was barely playing. You know how many times Allen and Gay both played at least 25 minutes? Seven. The Griz won six of those games, with an average margin of victory by eight points. Both will start this season, giving Memphis one of the best starting fives in basketball. Memphis lost its season opener in San Antonio but will now open at home in front of perhaps the most passionate fan base in the game. It was tough to win here last year and this season will be no different. Let’s not forget that thrilling playoff series last spring in which the Griz pushed the Thunder to the brink. This game has more importance for the Griz, as OKC is 2-0 and they host the World Champ Mavericks tomorrow night. Play: Memphis +109 (Risking 2 units).

+306.00

[TheGame]

Pass on Thursday's NBA. Back on Friday. 

Pass on Thursday's college hoops.

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers

Toronto +8½ over DALLAS Pinnacle  -210
The Mavericks stock was incredibly low after two absolutely putrid games to open the season. Dallas was embarrassed by Miami on opening day and followed that up with an even worse 22-point loss against Denver. With a 0-2 record and looking lost out there, the Mavericks traveled to Oklahoma City last night where nobody gave them much of a chance. As a 6½-point pooch, Dallas lost by two points on a buzzer beater trey by Kevin Durant. Dallas played well, they covered and although they’re 0-3, some credibility is restored. Meanwhile, the Raptors have a following in Canada and other than that, they’re a tiny dot on the NBA map. In other words, when you wager against the Raps, you’re going to pay a little extra to do so and that’s precisely the case here. The Raps have two games under their belt and still no credibility, as they beat Cleveland (big deal) and lost at home to Indiana just like they were expected to. That said, they’re a bit better than most realize. They have a deep and competent bench, they’re actually playing some strong defense and they have direction for the first time in years under new coach Dwayne Casey. Casey, an assistant with the Mavericks the last three seasons, knows this enemy well and should have his undervalued squad well prepped to compete. Possible upset. Play: Toronto +8½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
 
New Jersey +11½ over ATLANTA Pinnacle  +200
Wagering at the beginning of the year provides many good opportunities and this one qualifies. The Hawks are 2-0 after blowing out New Jersey by 26 in the opener and followed that one with an 18-point win over Washington. They barely broke a sweat in either game and now this complacent club may figure all they have to do is show up. Atlanta is grossly overvalued here based on two games. The Hawks won 44 games and made the second round of the playoffs last season but that can be misleading. They gave up more points than they scored in the regular season, went 10-17 after the All-Star break, lost one of the top sixth men in free agency (without replacing him) and they’ll be without Kirk Hinrich for nearly half the season. Atlanta's bench looms as a major weakness. The Nets are the hardest team to project because of all the potential wild cards. While Kris Humphries finally signed, they still have a ton of cap room and might sign Andrei Kirilenko. For now, the Nets are a mishmash. Star guard Deron Williams has been playing in real games since October and should be in tip-top shape and Brook Lopez can be productive as a secondary offensive weapon in the middle. That's a solid offensive foundation and certainly one that should improve on last season's 27th-place standing in offensive efficiency. They should be respectable all year but two bad losses in succession combined with two easy wins by Atlanta allow us to take back a bunch of extra points here. Play: New Jersey +11½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).

-10.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Denver +6/+180 over L.A. LAKERS  push

3:30 PM EST. It’s such an interesting year in that teams’ stock rise and fall so quickly due to the compact schedule thus resulting in more lopsided scores than we’re accustomed to seeing. Case in point are both the Lakers and Nuggets. Denver has opened the year 2-1 with all three games being decided by double digits. The Lakers opened up as a dog at home against Chicago. They blew an 11-point lead with three minutes to go and lost it with four seconds remaining. They followed that up with a loss in Sacramento and as a result of opening 0-2, they were a small 5½-point favorite over Utah. They trounced the Jazz by 25. Finally, the Lakers were a 4½-point favorite over the Knicks on Thursday and won going away by 17. If the Lakers were a 5½-fav over a Jazz team in total chaos and a point less against the Knicks, why are they the same price against Denver as they were against Utah? That’s an overreaction to two blowout wins in the same way the under-reaction was to its two opening season losses. The Lakers bench is rather weak and this is its fifth game since Christmas. The wrath of the schedule maker will affect teams with weaker benches hard and the Lakers fall into that category here. Play: Denver +5½ (Risking 1.06 units to win 1) Play: Denver +199 (Risking 1 unit).   

SACRAMENTO +107 over N.Y. Knicks  -200

The Knicks came into this season amidst a lot of hype that they were on the verge of greatness. That’s the influence of the New York press for you. In three games thus far, the Knicks look nothing like contenders. They have no true point guard that can give them solid minutes every night and they have a coach that does not care about defense. They were lucky to win on opening day against the Celtics. They subsequently got torched in back-to-back games in Golden State and in L.A. against the Lakers. There’s nothing in the Knicks play that suggest a turnaround. Meanwhile, the Kings are 1-2 after playing the Lakers, Portland and Chicago. That’s a difficult trio and they were rock solid in both home games against the Lakers and Bulls. Tyreke Evans has recovered from his foot problems and has resumed attacking the basket at will. Having an energetic, free-throw-creating machine in the backcourt is a huge edge in the Kings favor. The Kings look better than they’re getting credit for while the Knick hype has not subsided yet but the pressure is mounting. Play: Sacramento +107 (Risking 2 units).   

DETROIT +125 over Indiana Pinnacle  +250

We’re not going to suggest that the Pistons are even close to being the same caliber as the Pacers because they’re not. However, if the better team won and covered every night, we’d all be rich and this is one of those “red-flagged” games. Indiana is 3-0 while Detroit is 0-3. All three Detroit losses have been by 11 or more and as a result, they’re 0-3 versus the spread. The masses are on the Pacers here and we can understand why. We’re urging caution here because it could very well be a trap game. Indiana played last night and went into OT against Cleveland. Their plane was delayed and they didn’t get into Detroit until 3:30 AM this morning. By the time they got to their hotel and settled in, it was close to 5:30 AM. It’s the Pacers third game in four days and tail end of back-to- backs. Being New Year's this one starts a little earlier too, benefitting the host. This is a very difficult spot for the Pacers, as the line confirms and one we intend to take advantage of. Play: Detroit +125 (Risking 2 units).

+50.00

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers

Portland +3½ over L.A. CLIPPERS SportsInteraction  -220
Much like the Knicks, the Clippers came into the season with a lot of hype and higher expectations than ever. They’ve gotten off to a slow 1-2 start with only win coming over the Warriors. The Clippers have been whacked twice, once by San Antonio and once in their home opener against the Bulls. With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin getting more comfortable and used to one another, the Clip Joint will win a lot of games but they’re still out of sync, they still have a weak frontcourt and they haven’t proved they’re worthy of laying points against good teams. The Trail Blazers are off to a quick 3-0 start. The Blazers seem prepared for the compressed schedule, as a rebuilt guard rotation has kept up the energy. Raymond Felton, Jamal Crawford and Nolan Smith are newbies and Elliot Williams might as well be after missing his entire rookie season. They'll join Wes Matthews, Nic Batum and Gerald Wallace to give the Blazers a deep perimeter contingent. Marcus Camby is a rebounding machine but until he gets inevitably hurt he makes a difference out there. The Blazers can't match up for seven games against elite frontcourts or A-list perimeter stars but in one game against this flawed team that is struggling, they certainly have a great shot. Play: Portland +3½ (Risking 2.2 units).
 
Toronto +11½ over ORLANDO Pinnacle  +200
Expect to see the Raptors in this section quite a bit because they’re usually receiving an inflated number and that’s the case again here. Most project the Raps to win between 14-18 games but after three games, the signs are all positive that they’ll be in most games and win more than that. Dwayne Casey has them playing excellent defense and that was his first goal to gaining respectability. The team has bought into his system and although they’re 1-2, they could easily be 3-0. The Raps two losses came at home to Indiana by five points and in Dallas in a game they led by eight late in the third. This is exactly the type of game that should worry Magic backers. They play in Detroit tomorrow and that will be their fourth game in five nights. Chances are they’ll take the Raps lightly and want to save some energy for tomorrow’s road tilt. The Raps could come in sharper and actually steal a win here. We’ll take the points and risk a small amount on the money line too. Play: Toronto +11½ (Risking 2.16 units to win 2) Play: Toronto +688 (Risking 0.25 units to win 1.72 units).   
 
WASHINGTON +7 over Boston Pinnacle  -220
The Celtics were in here twice last year and they split them with both games being decided by less than three points. That was a great Celtic team while this year squad is not. In both those games last year, Boston was a –7-point favorite, the exact same price they are today. That strongly confirms that we’re on the “right side” of this game. The Celtics were thin even before they got the awful news about Jeff Green. Their big four, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, are going to log heavy minutes. This isn't the season to do that. Brandon Bass can help as a midrange shooter but the lack of offensive punch on the second unit has been evident in the C’s first four games. Boston's experience and toughness ensure that the Celtics will be a tough out in the postseason, but they might have to overcome a mediocre seed because of games like this. Washington comes in 0-3 with two blowout losses, thus creating the overlay. The two blowout losses were both on the road. The Wizards have a lot of young and talented players. We’re treated to amazing feats by the likes of JaVale McGee and John Wall. Plays nobody else in basketball can make. Mixed in, however, will be all kinds of unexpected knucklehead moves that you'd rarely see from another pro team and it costs them games. In spite of themselves, the Wizards are slowly getting better. No way should the Celtics be the same price as they were twice last season when they failed to cover both games. Play: Washington +7 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).

-240.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Milwaukee +167 over DENVER  -200.00

Take the 4½-points being offered if you like. If the game is that close going to the fourth, we like the Bucks chances and here’s why: First, Denver will be playing its third game in three days. That’s back-to-back-to-back games and that’s something no team in the NBA is accustomed to yet. Secondly, the Nuggets are coming off back-to-back games against the Lakers and you know for sure intensity was high and even higher yesterday after they lost the first game in Los Angeles. Furthermore, it’s the Nuggets fifth game in six days and again, if the Bucks are close, they’ll have a great chance of putting away this exhausted host and if they’re leading, they’ll have an even better chance of putting them away. Forget breaking down the X’s and O’s here, as this is simply a bad and highly unusual situational spot for a Nuggets team running on fumes. The Bucks come in rested, having played just three games thus far. Play: Milwaukee +167 (Risking 2 units).

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Sacramento +7 over MEMPHIS  -220.00

We usually wouldn't recommend playing against a team that got whacked by 40 points in its last outing but we'll make an exception here. The Grizzlies have just one win in four tries and have already lost two key players in Michael Conley and Zach Randolph. In a shortened season in which games, days and weeks will fly by, the Grizz are suddenly in some trouble and this young team could be pressing a little too hard here. Teams like Sacramento, Toronto, Golden State, Utah, Charlotte and Cleveland for instance, are under no pressure whatsoever, as expectations are extremely low and as a result, they come out loose and dangerous. They have a “so what if we get blown out attitide”. The Kings do have some scorers and they can get a lead on anyone should they heat up. Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton are big talents that are coming off a 52-point performance between them. The Kings are 2-3 and while they're ceratinly in danger od losing big almost against quality teams, the Grizz are just too fragile a team right now to be laying significant points with. Play: Sacramento +7 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Cleveland +5½/+182 over TORONTO  -270

After losing its opener to these same Raptors, the Cavaliers went on to win three of their next four games. Their only loss during that stretch came in OT in Indiana. The Cav's could easily be on a four-game winning streak and should in no way be offered this many points against an improved but still vulnerable Raptors team. Toronto has been one this years early surprises. They have just two wins in five games but they could just as easily be 5-0 after blowing a 17-point lead'in Orlando, an eight-point lead in Dallas and also losing at home to the Pacers by just five. Now Toronto returns home after a three-game trip and they don't have a single poor performance so far. They're certainly playing hard and playing well under the guidance of new boss Dwayne Casey but they're young, they still have plenty to learn and they're just not a team you want to be laying points with. This is a sell high opportunity on the Raps after they beat the Knicks in New York and probably should've won its other two road games. Play: Cleveland +5½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2) Play: Cleveland +182 (Risking 0.5 units).

Phoenix +8/+330 over DALLAS  -254

The Mavericks got off to a really ugly start and as a result of that, their focus and desire were certainly in question. After getting blown out in its first two games, Dallas responded by nearly beating OKC on the road. They then beat the Raps by 13, lost in Minnesota and on Monday night they whacked the Thunder at home by 13. There is no urgency anymore and the Mav's are surely going to take plenty of nights off this season and this looks like one of those spots. Dallas will be playing its fifth game since last Thursday and seventh game of the season. They play in San Antonio tomorrow night and this is really about as vulnerable a spot for them as you'll see all year. The Suns are rested and coming off a nine-point win over Golden State. They've played just five games all season and they're a respectable 2-3 so far. The Suns have a pretty strong frontcourt and that makes this a favorable matchup under these conditions. Possible upset. Play: Phoenix +8 (Risking 2.04 units to win 2). Play: Phoenix +330 (Risking 0.5 units).

-524.00

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers

SAN ANTONIO -1½ over Dallas Pinnacle  +300.00
Even with a 4-2 record, the Spurs are getting very little respect after going just 2-2 in their past four games. Their two wins came against Golden State and Utah while their two losses were against Minnesota and Houston so the disrespect is understandable. That works in our favor with this short line against a Mavericks team that will be playing its sixth game since last Thursday. If the Mav's were playing the Bobcats are some other useless team, it's one thing. But playing in San Antonio, under these conditions, where the Spurs went 36-5 a season ago and are 4-0 at home this season is a whole different story. The Spurs are still one of the best teams in the league and they play under the radar until playoffs roll around every year. They just go about their business of winning and putting away teams that they're supposed to. If you make one wager today, this should be it. Play: San Antonio -1½ (Risking 3.15 units to win 3).
 

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers
Pass NHL

NBA
Indiana +6 over BOSTON Pinnacle  +200
The Celtics started off 0-3 and there were some subsequent questions about how this aging club was going to endure a grueling 120-day schedule. Boston’s instant reply was four straight wins and that seems to have appeased the doubters for the time being. However, a close look shows those four wins came against Washington twice, Detroit and New Jersey, arguably the three worst teams in the Association. In fact, that trio is a combined 3-16 thus far. Boston's other three games (all losses) were to the Knicks on opening night, to Miami and in New Orleans. Thus, the C's have had one tough opponent this season and they were down by double digits most of the way to the Heat. The Pacers will be Boston’s second toughest opponent. Indiana has built itself a solid, deep team that should be able to take advantage of tired opponents on the schedule. The Pacers frontcourt can seriously fill it up. David West, Danny Granger, Paul George, Tyler Hansbrough and Roy Hibbert all should average at or near a point every two minutes this season. This team plays solid defense and they're a group that is likely going to bring a solid (ROI) return on investment throughout the year. They can win this one outright or stay well within this range. Play: Indiana +6 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
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Memphis +104 over UTAH Pinnacle  -200
The Jazz have reeled off wins in three of its last four games and that has them grossly overvalued here. Utah went off the rails last season and they're not back on them yet. It's hard to remember now but the Jazz were once 14 games over .500. With the departures of Jerry Sloan and Deron Williams marking a shift in direction, they had the biggest first to second half decline in NBA history, going from 27-14 at the break to 12-29 afterward. In particular, the defense fell off. The Jazz finished 23rd after ranking in the top 10 early and we have yet to see signs that Tyrone Corbin can motivate his troops to play halfway decent defense. The Jazz are set up to be a major force in about three years (Utah has four lottery picks from the past two drafts -- Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks -- and are likely to have two more, their own and Golden State's in the 2012 draft) but that doesn't help them now. By contrast, the Grizzlies are set up to win now. They've won three of its past four games and have one of the best starting fives in the game. The Grizzlies three losses have come against San Antonio, Chicago and Oklahoma City and that's nothing to be embarassed about. Their three wins have come against Minnesota, Sacramento and Houston and what that proves so far is that they're going to beat the teams that they should beat. This is another one of those games. Play: Memphis +104 (Risking 2 units).

0.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Toronto +10 over PHILADELPHIA  -210.00

What a perfect spot for the Raptors to stay well within this range or even pull off the upset. The 76ers are coming off a 23-point win over the Pistons last night while the Raps are coming off a 12-point home-loss to the previously, one-win Nets. Combine those two results and what it's created is a complete overreactiopn by the market. Philly is 4-2 but all of its wins have come against dregs, Phoenix, Golden State, New Orleans and Detroit. The 76ers also opended the year with five straight on the road and returned last night to play its home opener. That is a game you get up for. Now with a 4-2 record and playing its third game in four nights after that five-game trip, the Sixers could absolutely be flat tonight and even if they're not they would be hard-pressed to cover this number. The Raps are 3-4. Last night was their first flat performance of the year. Toronto has played Dallas, Orlando, Indiana and New York among others and realistically they could've opened the year 6-0 before losing last night. The Raps had a 17-point lead in Orlando, an eight point lead in Dallas and they lost by just five to Indiana. Those were three winnable games to go along with their other three wins. This is not the same Raptor team as last season. They have a lot of the same players but they're playing great defense, Andrea Bargnani is playing all-star caliber basketball and the whole team is responding to coach Dwayne Casey's philosophies. Raptors are grossly undervalued here and thus, this is a wager that should not be missed Play: Toronto +10 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Cleveland +10½ over PORTLAND  -212.00

The power in the NBA used to be all West conference but there is a shift taking place and one could argue that the East is more powerful now. So when a team like the Trail Blazers are favored by double digits over an underrated East conference club, it's time to take a close look. Portland is coming off a 25-point loss at Phoenix and it really doesn't get much uglier than that. LaMarcus Aldridge had 14 points in that game and no other starter had more than nine. Aldridge should make his first All-Star team but he doesn't have much help. Marcus Camby was running on fumes last season and Kurt Thomas and Craig Smith are the only other frontcourt bodies. Though they should win more than they lose the Blazers are a one-and-done outfit that is not going to blow out many teams this year. The Blazers have the Clippers on deck Tuesday and that's a foe every team wannts a chance at this year with all the hype surrounding them. Meanwhile, the Cav's are quietly 4-3. They've won three of four and in a recent loss in Indiana they took the Pacers to OT. The Cav's play strong defense. Although, they're likely going to lose a lot of games, the Cavaliers they have enough players now to give themselves a chance on most nights and this looks like one of those nights. Play: Cleveland +10½ (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

NEW JERSEY +5½/+201 over Atlanta  Push

Three of Atlanta's last four games have come against the Heat twice and the Bulls once, arguably the East's top two teams. The Hawks are off to a good 6-3 start with two of those wins coming against these same Nets, the first one by an eye-opening 36 points. Now they'll play the Nets for a third time following those three intense matchups and two straight wins. This becomes a vulnerable spot for the Hawks. New Jersey's 2-7 record is better than it looks. They've already played the Heat, Magic, Pacers and Celtics. They've looked much sharper in its last two games, one in Toronto (a 12-point win) and as hosts to Miami. Anthony Morrow is getting plenty of minutes and when he’s on his game, he can knock down shot after shot. The Nets have two star players in Deron Williams and Kris Humphries. You can be darn sure they're going to take this game very seriously after losing twice to this guest already. Atlanta has Indiana on deck and even more than they did last season, we can expect the Hawks to take nights like this ‘off’ in the year of the compressed schedule Play: New Jersey +5½ (Risking 1.02 units to win 1). Play: New Jersey +201 (Risking 1 unit).

CHICAGO -13½ over Detroit  +200.00

This has been the year of the blowout so far. We see 20-point wins every night. We see teams down by 10-12 in the fourth end up losing by 25. We see teams mailing it in once they get down by a lot because tomorrow is another day and clubs can't afford to waste energy when they have five games in a week. The Pistons are a team with no hope and that gets blown out regularly. They're coming off back-to-back 23 point-losses to the Knicks and Sixers, not to mention a 16-point loss to these same Bulls at The Palace. The best news is that the Bulls are coming off an embarassing 15-point loss to Atlanta. Chicago has played just two games at home and one of those was a 40-point win over Memphis. This is a true mismatch and on their best day, the Pistons don't have the horses to compete with the juggernaut Bulls, especially in the Windy City. Play: Chicago -13½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Southern Illinois +11 over MISSOURI STATE -210

Missouri State is 10-6 while the Salukis of Southern Illinois are just 5-10. That has factored into this number and so has the fact that the Bears have a notable road win against #21 Creighton. In reality, not a lot separates these two. The Bears rely heavily on Kyle Weems for points but after him, there's a dramatic dropoff. That could be a problem here as the Salukis come in shooting hot from the floor. They've won two of their past three games and averaged 77 points per game over that span. The Salukis are also getting outstanding help from their bench, which has outscored the opposition's bench over the past 10 games by a count of 302-189. At worst, SIU will have a chance for a backdoor cover should they fall behind by more than 11. However, we certainly don't expect that, as we anticipate them hanging around all night and keeping this one well within range against this familiar foe. Play: #563 Southern Illinois +11 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).

We're also playing the following games:

PROVIDENCE +8½ over Louisville
Play: Providence +8½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).  +200

Florida State +166/+4 over VIRGINIA TECH  +266
Play: Florida St +166 (Risking 1 unit) Play: Florida St +4 (Risking 1.03 units to win 1).

+256.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

MINNESOTA +6½ over Chicago  -206

Many are fading teams that are playing their third game in successive days and that's the situation here with the Timberwolves. They played in Washington on Sunday and in Toronto last night, thus setting up this difficult spot. With data showing that these situations are being faded, the result is an inflated number and you can up the inflation rate when popular teams like the Bulls are in the equation. Chicago won last night by 24 over the Pistons, which increases their stock as does its 8-2 record. What we're suggesting is that you're overpaying on the Bulls here and that's something that should be avoided. Chicago could definitely be caught napping here. They too, are in the midst of a heavy schedule that will see them play nine games in 12 nights. This is its fourth game in five nights and its fifth straight game in which they've had to board a plane and travel to its next destination. With both teams’ energy meters on low, expect a close, low-scoring affair and a possible upset. Play: Minnesota +6½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).

Houston -3 over CHARLOTTE  +200

Both these teams have just two wins but the similarities end there. The schedule will help the Bobcats steal a few wins this season against tired opponents but their talent deficit is daunting. The 'Cats played last night in New York and played their hearts out in a four-point loss. They'll play their fourth game in five nights here and that's not a good situation for a team that has to catch an opponent at precisely the right time. Frankly, they couldn't have caught the Rockets at a worse time. Houston is talented but its schedule thus far has placed them in a bit of an early hole. They've already played in Orlando and in L.A. against both the Clippers and Lakers. They've also played the Thunder twice. With a 2-7 record and a game in San Antonio tomorrow, this really becomes the Rockets most important game of the young season. With that tough one on deck against the Spurs, a third win is vital here. With two full days off to prepare, expect this 43-win team from a season ago to get back on track against what one of the more beatable teams in the Association Play: Houston -3 (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).

-6.00

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers

MARQUETTE -13½ over St. John's Pinnacle  +200
The Johnny's are a respectable 8-7 overall and 2-2 in the conference but against quality teams, they virtually have no shot. The Golden Eagles shot out of the gate with a 10-0 record and everyone took notice. The Red Storm has played five ranked teams so far and they're 0-5 in those games. Three of those were at home. In their two road games against ranked teams they lost by 22 and 14 points respectively. St. John's is a team that shoots a lot of low percentage shots with a lot or poor shooters taking them. They rank 203rd in the country in points per game and that's after playing at least eight cuopcakes, William & Mary, Lehigh, UMBC, St. Francis, Northeastern, Detroit, Fordham and Texas Pan Am. Now the Johnny's have the unenviable task of playing in Marquette after the Golden Eagles lost two on the road against #9 Georgetown and #1 Syracuse. Marquette opened the year 10-0. They won in Wisconsin and they've blown out every weak team they've played at the Bradley Center. The Red Storm are another weak team that is the Eagles next victim. Play: #744 Marquette -13½ (Risking 2.02 units to win 2).

We're also playing the following games:
Buffalo +7 over OHIO Pinnacle  -210
Play:#747 Buffalo +7 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
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TENNESSEE ST. -5½ over Moreland State Pinnacle
Play: #808 Tennessee St -5½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2). -210

New Jersey +12½ over DENVER Pinnacle  +200
The Nets won their opener but have lost eight of nine since and thus, their stock is extremely low. We're always in the market to buy low and it appears as though the Nets are being offered an inflated price here. The Nets are a lot moire competitive than they're getting credit for. Four of their starting five are capable of putting up 15-20 points a night. Deron Williams is one of the best PG's in the league and cn get them the ball. He's coming off a 15-point, 14 assist game against Atlanta. The Nuggets are 6-4 and they have a lot of upside. For instance, Andre Miller, Rudy Fernandez, Corey Brewer, Al Harrington and Chris Andersen are Denver's second five. Another reason to expect Denver to do exceptionally well at home is that the combination of altitude and pace is going to wreak havoc on exhausted teams sucking wind in the Mile High altitude. They have no stars but they have plenty of depth. Still, with the Heat on deck and more focus on them, this is certainly a game the Nuggets could overlook. In terms of situational plays, this one sets up nicely for an easily overlooked guest. Play: New Jersey +12½ (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).
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Sacramento +4½/+165 over TORONTO Pinnacle  +265
As an exhausted team playing its fifth game in six days, the Raptors went into Washington last night and lost by 15. It was the Wizards first win of the year. Toronto has now lost three of its last four games by 12 or more, including a 12-point home loss to the Nets. Now the Raps will play its third game in three days and its sixth game since last Wednesday. To make matters worse, it's also the third time in three days that they'll travel to its next destination. For elite teams, this would be a difficult assignment but for a team that was projected to win between 15-18 games, it's a daunting one at best. The Kings were whacked in Philly last night. They're 0-4 on the road with its closest margin of defeat being 17 points. At some point, Sacramento is going to put forth a solid road effort because they're better than recent form indicates. This is a great opportunity to do exactly that against a Raptors team that is subpar under the best of circumstances. Kings take this one outright. Play: Sacramento +165 (Risking 1 unit).
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Washington +13 over CHICAGO Pinnacle  -220
The Bulls will be playing this one under the most difficult of situations that we've seen in a long, long time. Consider that Chicago will be playing its sixth game in the span of seven days. They played in Minnesota last night and after building a 24-point lead they found the game tied with less than two minutes left in the third quarter. They eventually won by 11 but they used up lots of energy to get there. The Bulls will also be playing the tail end of three games in three days and they traveled in all three. In fact, the Bulls have traveled six times since last Wednesday. Incredible. The Wizards finally got into the win column last night after opening the year 0-8. One win does wonders to a team's psyche and while we're not going to try and make a case for the Wizards, we are taking a strong position on the situation, which is nearly an impossible one for the Bulls. Chicago also has the Celtics on deck Friday night. Wizards could actually pull off the upset here. Play: Washington +13 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).

+25.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Oregon State +5½/+210 over ARIZONA   -205

We often talk about NHL teams' dreading the three-game trip to Western Canada and the Pac-12 has a similar version of it. Arizona's coach Sean Miller had this to say about last week's trip to UCLA and USC, “I don't know a conference in the country that has a team leave on a Wednesday and get back at 12 midnight on Sunday. "Every team in our conference has a segment of the season that's like that but it puts a lot of pressure on our team. That Thursday-Sunday (combination), if you're the road team in particular, is the biggest disadvantage our conference can offer”. Whether it's a ploy to challenge his team or not, the coach understands he's in a tough situational spot here against a solid Beavers club. Oregon State is fourth in the country in points scored and sixth in assists. They have some skewed numbers as a result of playing a bunch of marshmallows but they also took Stanford to 4 OT's before losing by a bucket. A two-point loss to the Commodores is another credible loss. Besides, who have the Wildcats played or beaten to warrant being this big a choice in this spot? They've played one ranked team and lost by six. They hosted Gonzaga and lost by 11. The Beavers have shown more consistency in their shooting, they certainly have the deeper bench and they're in a favorable spot too. Play: Oregon State +5½ (Risking 1.05 units to win 1) Play Oregon State +210 (Risking 1 unit).

Cleveland +7 over PHOENIX Pinnacle  +200
The Suns have won three in a row at home with the smallest margin of victory being by nine points. In its last two home games, Phoenix beat the Bucks by 16 and the Trail Blazers by 25. What all that has created is an overpriced and overvalued team that really has no business being this big a favorite over any team that's not in a unfavorable spot. The Cavaliers didn't play last night so they'll come in here somewhat fresh. They've lost two in a row and three of four so there's no letdown spot either. There really isn't a lot that seperates these two in terms of talent but there is in hope. The Suns have none while the Cavaliers are going to be competitive in many more games this year and for years to come. So, recent results in the span of a week have the Suns at an inflated price against a team that is going to get better and better as the season progresses. Both teams come in with 4-5 records but the Cav's have an edge on the boards and in scoring and that's a combination that is more than capable of pulling off the upset. Play: Cleveland +7 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).

-5.00

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers

Detroit +132 over CHARLOTTE Pinnacle  +264
Both teams are 2-9. The Pistons have dropped six in a row while the Bobcats have dropped five in a row. Both played last night and both will travel to get here. Both teams will be playing its fourth game in five nights and its sixth game since last Friday. It's frustrating for both clubs but the difference is that the Pistons are playing hard and losing while the 'Cats are just losing. Detroit made a big run on the Bucks last night and were within five points late in the fourth. That 24-point loss to the Bulls a few nights ago was also misleading, as the game was close throughout until late in the third. Greg Monroe in the middle is the real deal in his second NBA season and should absolutely dominate on both ends. Detroit is closer to respectability than the Bobcats and this is definitely a winnable game. Charlotte's talent deficit is discouraging and every player on that team knows that they're years away from being competitive. A team that was hemorrhaging cash and is hoping for some lottery magic this spring is not one you want to lay anything with. Play: Detroit +132 (Risking 2 units).
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PHILADELPHIA -13 over Washington Pinnacle  +200
There's losing and then there's losing and the Wizards are about as uninterested and uninspired a team as any in recent memory. Against a Bulls team playing their sixth game in seven days and minus Derrick Rose, the Wizards scored 64 points and lost by 14. They play with no purpose, no sense of team, no direction and there's no mystery as to why they're 1-9. This is poorly put together squad that doesn't even seem to like one another. 13 points is a lot of lumber but a close look at the 76ers home games thus far and you'll understand why we're endorsing them. Philly is 4-0 at home and they've played three cupcakes and one playoff bound club. The playoff bound team they beat were the Pacers and they beat them by 10. The three poor teams they played were the Pistons, Raptors and Kings. They beat Detroit by 23, Toronto by 25 and Sacramento by 27. The 76ers are whacking the teams they're supposed to beat and we're suggesting that the Wizards are the worst of them all. Play: Philadelphia -13 +100 (Risking 2 units).
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Cleveland +10½ over L.A. LAKERS Pinnacle  +200
We're going to come right back on the Cavaliers tonight after they won in Phoenix and did so in rather impressive fashion. It was by far Kyle Irving's best game of the year and perhaps his coming out party too. The kid is so smooth and has one of the sweetest shots you'll ever see. He went off for 26 points and six assists in just 27 minutes of playing time. The Cavs should have something left for the Lakers, as lack of motivation is usually not a factor when facing the Lakers. Los Angeles has won four in a row. However, only one of those were by more than the points being offered here and that came against Phoenix. When you wager on the Lakers, you're always going to pay a premium and this year, despite the Lakers downgrade, is no exception. The Lakers have much more important games coming up after this one. L.A. will play the Clippers tomorrow in a highly anticipated contest and after that they have Dallas (the team that embarassed them in last year's playoffs), Miami and Orlando up. This game is one that is very likely going to be overlooked and one that the Cavs could steal outright. Play: Cleveland +10½ (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).

+664.00

[TheGame]

Xavier -8½ over St. Bonaventure Pinnacle  +200
12:00 PM EST. Give us the straight up winner in games like this and we'll usually see the point-spread winner too. The Xavier Musketeers just handed Duquesne a thorough 78-50 beating to extend their Atlantic-10 home-court winning streak to 41. The Bonnies pose little risk in ending it. The reason for this beatable number is that the Bonnies have won four of five and they're coming off a nice 8-point win over the 12-5 Dayton Flyers. Don’t put much stock into that one. Dayton is weak and so are a lot of the other teams St. Bonaventure has defeated. They lost their last road game in Duquesne by 14 points. They also lost at Virginia Tech by nine. The Bonnies are not in the same class as this A-10 power. Xavier went through a recent stretch in which they lost five of six games. That's a good reminder that you can never take anything for granted. This is a strong Musketeer team that plays relentless defense and that continually wins by double-digits at home against inferior competition. The Bonnies fit that bill. Play:#548 Xavier (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
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We're also playing the following games:

LSU +4½ over ARKANSAS (9:00 PM EST)  Pinnacle
Play: #679 LSU +4½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).  -210
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NORTHWESTERN +5 over Michigan State (3:00 PM EST) Pinnacle
Play: #596 Nothwestern +5 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).  +200
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FLORIDA ATLANTIC +144 over Mid Tennessee State (7:00 PM EST) Pinnacle
Play:#652 Florida Atlantic +144 (Risking 2 units)  -200

-10.00

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers NBA 3-0 +664.00 Last Night

L.A. CLIPPERS -2 over L.A. Lakers Pinnacle  +200
What a great spot for the Clippers to really show the city and the rest of the NBA that they're the “new kids in town”. The Lakers are getting far too much credit after extending their winning streak to five and running their record to 9-4. What most bettors forget is that Kobe's team opened 0-2 and were 3-3 at one point. The five wins in a row came against Golden State, Memphis, Phoenix, Utah and Cleveland last night. All were at home with the exception of an OT win in Utah. The Lakers did all they could to hold off a furious rally by the Cavs last night. Now the Lakers will get right back to work and play their sixth game in eight nights. They're tired and they're overvalued. The Lakers have played 13 games to the Clippers eight. The Clip Joint are rested and after a bit of a tough start, they've now won four of five. Included in that run is wins over the Heat and Trail Blazers. The Clippers are getting very familiar with one another and all that talent is beginning to gel. This is a spot where actuality trumps reputation. Play L.A. Clippers -2 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
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Minnesota +8½ over ATLANTA Pinnacle  +150
The dismantling of the Timberwolves occurred a few years ago with the departure of Kevin Garnett and it's been downhill ever since. Not much attention has been given to the T-Wolves and that's going to allow them to sneak up on some teams and steal some wins, especially teams from the East, who rarely see them. Several items point in their favor and we'll start with Darko Milicic. Minnesota constantly fed the ball in the post to Milicic even though he was their least effective offensive player on a per-possession basis. Merely redistributing these possessions to players who can either score or pass will substantially improve the Minnesota offense. Second, they have Rick Adelman coaching, which means two things: (1) They have Adelman, and (2) they no longer have Kurt Rambis. Huge difference and it's showing. The T-Wolves are 4-4 over their past eight games. They took the Bulls to the wire recently and went into New Orleans last night and won by seven. They catch the complacent Hawks after Atlanta beat Charlotte by 30. The Hawks are now 8-4 but that's as misleading as their 44-wins from a season ago. The Hawks gave up more points than they scored in the regular season, went 10-17 after the All-Star break, lost one of the top sixth men in free agency and didn't do much to replace him. Last week they lost Al Horford and there's no way they're going to replace him. What we have here is an overpriced Hawks team playing an underpriced Wolves squad and the result is an overlay with the pup having a great shot to win this one straight up. Play: Minnesota +8½ (Risking 2.14 units). Play: Minnesota +346 (Risking 0.5 units).

+350.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS

Youngstown St +8 over BUTLER  -216

When you think of the Horizon League, you think Butler Bulldogs because this team has made a name for themselves with eight consecutive league titles and a number of deep runs in the March Madness annual event. The Youngstown State Penguins are a virtual unknown from the same conference. So, when you wager on the Bulldogs in conference play against these teams they've been beating up on for years, you're going to pay a premium. This season, the Bulldogs are a middle-of-the-pack Horizon League club. They rank 303rd in the nation in points scored. They're 3-3 in the conference and 9-9 overall. In their last game against Cleveland State on Friday, they used up plenty of energy to get back into a game that they trailed 20-4 in. They briefly took a 41-40 lead before losing by 14. The Bulldogs are small, they always run cold for prolonged minutes during a game and in no way are they 8-points better than the Penguins. Youngstown State is 4-2 in the conference and 9-7 overall. They have three players, Ashen Ward, junior Damian Eargle and DuShawn Brooks who have all won Horizon League player of the week honours. The Penguins are more balanced and more dangerous from an offensive standpoint. Horizon League teams have been the Bulldogs whipping boys for years. This season they know they have a chance for redemption and the Penguins are no exception. Possible upset. Play: Youngstown State +8 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).

Georgia Tech +109 over MARYLAND -200

The Terrapins come in with an 11-4 record and a 1-1 mark in the conference. On paper that doesn't look bad at all but a close look reveals a whole different story. Maryland's four losses have come against Alabama by 20, Iona by 26, Illinois by nine and N.C. State by five. One could argue that's the only four good teams on its entire schedule thus far. The Terps lone conference win came against a rather lame Wake Forest club. Maryland's starting five could be the weakest in the conference and as a result, they're going to be tooth and nails to beat any other ACC team. The Yellow Jackets are also 1-1 in the conference and just 8-8 overall. However, their two ACC games have come against Duke and N.C. State. They lost by just seven at Duke and followed that up with an 11-point road win at N.C. State. Tech is really a wild card in this conference. They've been wildly inconsistent but they've also shown that they're very capable of beating some quality clubs if they play like a team. The Yellow Jackets have to be feeling pretty good about themselves after successive quality games against two solid ACC clubs and now they take a huge step down in class in this pivotal matchup that can see them either go 2-1 in the conference or 1-2. Play: Georgia Tech +109 (Risking 2 units).

-416.00

[TheGame]

Sports Wagers NBA

MINNESOTA -7 over Sacramento Pinnacle  +200
The Kings are a team in trouble. They picked up many bad habits by former coach Paul Westphal and now Keith Smart has to clean up the mess. No team in the NBA takes as many low percentage shots as the Kings and it appears as though it is not a priority on Smart’s list of to-do’s. Sac will play its fifth game in eight days here with all of them being on the road. They're coming off a 39-point loss in Dallas and a 14-point loss in Houston. They're 1-6 on the road with every loss being by 14 points or more. The T-Wolves are well-coached. They're coming off a two-point loss in Atlanta, in a game they basically gave away. You can be sure that Rick Adelman will have addressed that one. The T-Wolves are just 4-8 (just a half game better than the Kings) and that record has them very undervalued. There's no comparison to the two teams in terms of talent and direction. Ricky Rubio is scary good. Kevin Love has become one of the top power forwards in the game. He can dominate a game in much the same way Dwight Howard does. Minnesota already has a 17-point home win over Dallas and a 10-point home win over the Spurs. With three straight home losses after that and after blowing a late 18-point lead in Atlanta, expect the T-Wolves to keep the pedal to the medal and bury this lame guest. Play: Minnesota -7 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).

New Jersey +9 over L.A. CLIPPERS Pinnacle  -210
3:30 PM EST. The Clippers’ stock is soaring after consecutive wins over the Heat and Lakers. Think about that for a second. Historically, this is one of the worst franchises in all of sports in terms of winning percentage and they just knocked off two monsters. A letdown is almost inevitable and it's the perfect opportunity to sell high. While there is definite improvement, questions still remain. With Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, the Clippers will win a lot of games but this is a really small team that usually gets dominated on the boards. They also have a weak bench that can't pick up the slack if and when the starters struggle. The Nets 3-10 record has them in the bottom feeder category but they're closer than most think. Five of the Nets last six games could be considered decent outings and it includes a 5-point loss to Atlanta, an 8-point loss in Denver and a 7-point win in Phoenix. The Nets catch the Clip Joint at precisely the right time and it also appears as though Chris Paul could see limited minutes here due to a bum ankle. Upset possibility. Play: New Jersey +9 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).

Pass on Monday's College hoops.

-10.00

[TheGame]

SPORTS WAGERS  NBA

Detroit +293/+7½ over HOUSTON

Great spot for the Pistons to come in here and steal a win. Detroit is 3-10 and is coming off a home loss to the Warriors. The Rockets are 6-7 and they're coming off three straight wins over Portland, Sacramento and Washington. Despite this recent run, the Rockets are weak in the middle and weak off the bench. That has them very vulnerable in unfavorable situations like this one. Chances are that they take the 3-10 Pistons very lightly. Houston will play its fourth game in five nights, the tail end of back-to-backs and the sixth game since last Tuesday. This is where they can run out of steam. The Pistons will come in much fresher and surprisingly better than their record indicates. The Pistons have had one of the more difficult schedules in the league, having already played the Bulls twice, Pacers twice, Knicks, Boston, Philly, Milwaukee, Orlando and Dallas. That's tough. They should control the middle tonight with stud Greg Munroe playing lights out and guard Ben Gordon finding his game. Detroit has a poor record but they play hard each night and they should not be grouped with the likes of the Kings, Bobcats and Wizards (three of the past four teams the Rockets have beaten). We're definitely giving the Pistons a chance to win straight up and will play a unit on both the money line and spread. Play: Detroit +293 (Risking 1 unit). Play: Detroit +7½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2). -210.00