Way too short a number for a Butler team that has lost just one home game this season, regardless of how Cleveland State played them here 10 days ago. Remember, just because a team doesn't NEED to win its conference tournament doesn't neccessarily mean they won't roll (Gonzaga). Also remember that Butler won last year's Horizon League Final vs. CSU on this same floor by 15 points. Cleveland State is just 3-13 ATS in this tournament since 1997.
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on Calgary as they face New jersey slated to start at 7:05 EST. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 337-375 for just 46% winners since 1996, but has made a whopping 78.1 units exploiting false favorites. I absolutely love system like this one. Play against home favorites of -200 or less against the money line that are good teams outscoring their opponents by 0.3+ goals/game and after playing a game where 7 or more total goals were scored. Here is a 2nd system that has gone 61-44 making 35.8 units since 1996. Play on road dogs of +100 to +150 against the money line after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game facing an opponent after scoring 3 goals or more in 4 straight games. Here is a third system that has gone 63-41 making 26 units since 2003. Play against home teams when the money line is -100 to -150 after playing a road game facing an opponent after playing 3 consecutive road games. Calgary a very strong 16-4 against the money line (+12.1 Units) against good starting goalies saving >= 91.5% of shots against this season. Take Calgary.
589) MONTANA STATE
(590) WEBER STATE
Take " (590) WEBER STATE "
Big Sky Conference Tournament Game of the Year: Weber State.
Oddsmakers don't pay as much attention to small schools, and notice that powerful Weber State is 10-0 SU/ATS the last 10 games! They are great offensively and defensively. Montana State (14-18) is a bad team, at 6-10 in the Big Sky. These teams just met the last game, and it wasn't even close. Damian Lillard scored 27 points to help Weber State avenge its only conference loss by beating Montana State 84-64 last week. Kellen McCoy added 20 points for Weber State (21-8, 15-1 Big Sky), the conference's regular season champion....and that game was AT Montana State! Weber State fell 75-70 to MSU on Jan. 15 in a big upset (their only conference defeat), a game that was also Weber's last defeat. Monatan State will have no chance on the road. Play Weber State.
Craig Davis
Tuesday's Lineup
30 Dime ---- CAVALIERS
10 Dime ---- RUTGERS
CLEVELAND --- This game has absolute blowout written all over it, and luckily we're backing the right side of this lopsided affair. The Cavs beat the Clips by 17 back in late-January, holding yet another opponent to under 100 points while scoring 112 themselves. That's the great part about backing a team like the Cavs whenever you get the chance. They are one of the few teams in the NBA that actually has the ability to score over 100 points per night while playing very good on the other end of the floor.
The Clippers, on the other hand, are one of the league's worst teams and stand at a disastrous 15-48 on the season. Right now these two teams have different things in mind at this point in the season and it plays right into our hands. First off, the Cavs are fighting for home court advantage in the Eastern Conference and trying to have the league's best record to get home court in the Finals (should they make it that far). After Boston handed them a defeat last week, that put the two teams in a virtual deadlock for best record in the East. With a win tonight they can put a small separation between themselves and the Celtics and they realize that it's teams like the Clippers that can play the role of spoiler if Cleveland doesn't bring its A-game. You can bet everyone from LeBron James to Anderson Varajeo and everyone in between is going to do whatever it takes to win, and dominate, a lesser opponent like the Clippers tonight. They realize how important having home court advantage is (just look at their home record) and they won't let this one get away.
The Clippers are looking at things differently. They're first trying to figure out what they've got on their bench for next season along with the fact they're looking at the draft lottery and how many ping pong balls they can get. They're in a dogfight with Sacramento, Oklahoma City and Washington for the league's worst record right now... and I'm not saying they'll try to lose tonight, but you know that has to be in the back of their minds.
Tonight's game is the first of a three-game, West Coast road trip for the Cavs and they usually start these road trips hot. The Cavs are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 vs. teams from the West and 20-8 in their last 28 vs. teams with a losing record while the Clippers are just 3-12 ATS their last 15 coming in off a SU loss. Cavs rout the Clippers in my strongest NBA play in a few weeks.
RUTGERS --- This one is as much about going AGAINST Notre Dame as it is backing Rutgers... maybe even more so. Look, I know the Irish has more talent and SHOULD be able to name their score against the Knights, but that just hasn't been the case recently and a big part of that is because they simply don't play defense. They'd rather outscore everyone they play on the offensive end rather than actually having to give some effort on the other end of the floor.
Big East teams are scoring an average of 75 PPG vs. the Irish while shooting over 43%. You won't get much pressure defense from Notre Dame, you won't see them forcing turnovers and you won't see them blocking many shots (they rank last in that category in the Big East). The only meeting between these two took place a couple of weeks ago in South Bend when the Irish were lucky to come away with a five-point win.
Rutgers stud Mike Rosario is coming off a poor shooting night in his last game so you can bet he's been working on fine-tuning a few things before tonight's matchup. When they last met he scored 20 points despite shooting just 4 of 12 from downtown. And for Notre Dame, I'm sure they'll get another double-double from Luke Harangody, and that's expected, but the Knights need to do a better job of trying to find ways to frustrate Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson.
Notre Dame has failed to cover 11 times in their last 15 games vs. Big East foes and 12 times in their last 16 overall. Rutgers, meanwhile, has dominated ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Irish, covering nine of the last 10. Notre Dame wins, but barely, giving the Knights yet another ATS cover.
Mr East <hr style="color: rgb(253, 222, 130); background-color: rgb(253, 222, 130);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --> <!-- message --> Handicapper: Mr East Sport: College Basketball Game: Northern Illinois Huskies @ Kent State Golden Flashes - Tuesday March 10, 2009 2:20 pm Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Kent State Golden Flashes -12 (-110) (Normal)
kent St. played a very tough out of conference schedule, and it pinned losses on them vs Temple,Illinois,Kansas, Texas A&M, and St. Mary's, as well as a 21 win Cleveland St. team. It toughened this team up, and down the stretch they closed the season going 10-2. Northern Illinois has had a trying year. They played better toward the end of the season, but fell back again at the very end, dropping their last 3 ATS. That left them at 5-13 ATS in their final 18 games. They were at their worst out of their own gym, having finished conference play 0-8 on the road, and 0-8 ATS. Their average margin of losing in those 8 games was 17.9ppg. Kent St. closed strong and hard, and I expect a big win from them here. <hr>
Handicapper: Mr East Sport: College Basketball Game: Princeton Tigers @ Pennsylvania Quakers - Tuesday March 10, 2009 8:00 pm Pick: 3 unit(s) TOTAL: Under 117.5 (-110) (Normal)
Princeton is back to their methodical offense, and it has shown over the last 11 games they have played in the IVY League. The Tiger offense has not topped 63 points in their last 11 played in conference, and at the same time they have allowed just 1 team over 62 points. That leaves a fine line between the maximums allowed vs the total posted here, as the Princeton maximums would be in the mid 120s. Those games ahve shown an average points scored of just 108.1ppg. Last year a much better offensive Penn team, that averaged 71ppg in Ivy play, finished the season with 60 against Princeton, and 107 total points for the game. These teams have averaged just 107.4ppg in their last 7 meetings (non OT points). Princeton has played under in 9 of their last 11, while Penn has played under in 5 of their last 6. I like this one to go under the total. <hr>
Handicapper: Mr East Sport: College Basketball Game: Oakland Golden Grizzlies @ North Dakota State Bisons - Tuesday March 10, 2009 8:00 pm Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Oakland Golden Grizzlies +4.5 (-110) (Normal)
Sorry the the late add on this play, but doesn't tip-off until 8PM EDT. This is another system play, part of the group for conference tournaments that has produced 60-70% winners over the last 11 years. This one has a track record of 66% winners, and I am adding it, as this year these games have not disappointed, as they have gone 10-4-1 ATS good for 71.4% winners. The system play is in the Summit Conference Final, and the sytem says to take Oakland plus the points. <hr>
Handicapper: Mr East Sport: NBA Basketball Game: New York Knicks @ Milwaukee Bucks - Tuesday March 10, 2009 8:05 pm Pick: 3 unit(s) TOTAL: Under 222 (-110) (Play of the Day)
The New York Knicks have now scored 100+ points in 23 straight games. That means the totals in their games have been creeping upward. This one is in the 220s, and higher than the game they played the Lakers, who are the highest scoring team in the NBA. Milwaukee has had the Knicks number this season. The Knicks have scored 87 points or less just 6 times this season, and 3 of those were in the 3 games they have played against Milwaukee. I like this one to go under the total <hr> Handicapper: Mr East Sport: College Basketball Game: South Alabama Jaguars @ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers - Tuesday March 10, 2009 10:00 pm Pick: 3 unit(s) TOTAL: Over 134.5 (-110) (Normal)
This is another NCAAB Tournament system play. These have hit 60-70% over the course of the past 11 seasons. This season so far they have not disappointed going 10-4-1 for 71.4%, including another winning day yesterday. This one figures to be close at the end which is always good for OVERS as they often become free throw shooting contests. This one is a system play that has yielded 63% winners and the play here is on the OVER.
4 Unit Play. #562. Take the Los Angeles Clippers +11 over the Cleveland Cavaliers (Tuesday @ 10:30pm est). Glad we were able to cash with Portland +2 Outright over the Lakers in an easy cash. Let's focus and cash today's winner with the Clippers +11 today. There is a specific reason why I waited to release this play as the line opened up at +9 and has moved to +11 which is beautiful. Who is to say that it doesn't move up to +11.5, so just wait around until game time. For starters, I think the public gets buried today as 73% are on the Cavs. But why? "Oh, the Cavs are so great, they are awesome, unbeileveable, fabulous, blah, blah, blah". This is the same nonsense that got the Lakers backers buried last night as they took it up the backside on the road at Portland. Now, I'm not saying the Cavs lose SU here. But, I am saying we have a great shot at a cover here. Remember, this is the same Clippers team that defeated the Celtics at home. This is the same Clippers team that beat the Warriors at home and was leading by 13 against the Pacers at home in their last game to lose by a point. On top of that, this is the same Clippers team that was tied on the road at Cleveland at the half 54-54. That's right, tied 54-54 as 15 Point Underdogs. Now, having said that, Cleveland came back in the second half and beat this team 17 as they hit the cover late. Now, some key differences. Zach Randolph did not play that game for the Clippers and Baron Davis only played 23 Minutes - plus that game was in the Cleveland where the Cavs get every call. This game is in L.A, Randolph is back, Baron specifically rested for this game which is why he sat out the Pacer game and Eric Gordon will once again play in this contest. Oh, and I almost forgot, Al Thornton will be playing this game as well! How big is Thornton? How about the fact he played 43 minutes in the last contest agains the Pacers and dropped 22 points and grabbed 9 boards. In short, we have Thornton back, Zach back, we are in L.A., the Clippers know they can play with this team as they were tied at the half last time and a rested Baron Davis - let's Roll baby! The home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings beteween these two teams of late.
4 Unit Play. #592. Take the North Dakota State Bisons -4 over Oakland (Tuesday @ 8pm est). Before I forget, do note, that I will be making more than 1 selection per day during the Madness as I step out more during this time as we lead up to the Dance and during the Dance. This is when you just let it ride given what you know and what you've followed. When you make Selections for the Madness, in the early goings, favorites rule. This is what i have traked over the past few years and for a dog play like myself usually, it's a bit irritating. Granted, although we had Portland +2 in the NBA which was an Outright winner essentially early on, I was still upset at Charleston given that every other favorite covered that night it seemd with VCU, Western Kentuck, Gonzaga and Siena - although South Alabama did cover. So, favorites won yesterday to a tune of 4-2. This is usually the case in conference tournaments. Such is the case today as we take North Dakota State -4 on the relative cheap today. The Bisons are a strong team. This team is 25-6 and they do play on the court of South Dakota State today which is essentially a semi-home game as Oakland will not have as much of a fan base there. This team has relative comfort in playing in South Dakota as they defeated even South Dakota State by 10 in overtime this year. Why can they not beat Oakland in a semi-home game this year? In many ways, this game reminds me of the VCU vs. George Mason game yesterday. The public does like VCU, that was basically a semi-home game for them, they were laying similar small chalk, were the better team during the regular season and was the much better free throw shooting team. North Dakota State shoot 74.1% from the charity stripe, are a well disciplined team that lost to Oakland by 1 on the road this year to then beat them by 10 at home this year. Oakland is a good looking team and they have played a tough non-conference schedule. In fact, Oakland has looked very strong in the early goings of the Summitt Tournament defeating IUPUI Fort Wayne and South Dakota State. Having said that, I will lay it on the line with North Dakota State as our play given their strength from the line, the fact that it is a semi-home game and the Bison are 6-1 ATS over their last 7 games overall. Let's take the more disciplined team as we look to step out later this week with more college hoops selections per day.
Comments
Championship Club - Notre Dame
Computer Boys Club - -- Portland State
Vegas Crusher Club - Indiana Pacers
5* Georgetown
4* Kent State, Notre Dame, Portland State, Butler
3* Weber State, Western Michigan, Western Kentucky
Lang YTD: 54-78-5, -186.5 Dimes<!-- / message -->
Play: 4 Unit Play. Take the North Dakota State -4 over Oakland
Play: 4 Unit Play. Take the Los Angeles Clippers +11 over the Cleveland Cavaliers
1* West. Kentucky
1* Montana St.
1* Georgetown
1* Ohio U.
1* Butler
inner circle
butler -6
rutgers +11
10* Cleveland State
5-0 last 5
Way too short a number for a Butler team that has lost just one home game this season, regardless of how Cleveland State played them here 10 days ago. Remember, just because a team doesn't NEED to win its conference tournament doesn't neccessarily mean they won't roll (Gonzaga). Also remember that Butler won last year's Horizon League Final vs. CSU on this same floor by 15 points. Cleveland State is just 3-13 ATS in this tournament since 1997.
Play on: Butler
Mike Stone
5000 unit NCAAB Seton Hall -6
Basketball
#559 - NBA - 3 units on Oklahoma City +3.5
#582 - NCAA - 3 units on Butler -5.5
#588 - NCAA - 3 units on Portland State -6
Hockey
#57 - NHL - 3 units on Florida +145
#63 - NHL - 3 units on Edmonton +160
#69 - NHL - 3 units on Dallas +115
Money Line: 125 Calgary Flames
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on Calgary as they face New jersey slated to start at 7:05 EST. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 337-375 for just 46% winners since 1996, but has made a whopping 78.1 units exploiting false favorites. I absolutely love system like this one. Play against home favorites of -200 or less against the money line that are good teams outscoring their opponents by 0.3+ goals/game and after playing a game where 7 or more total goals were scored. Here is a 2nd system that has gone 61-44 making 35.8 units since 1996. Play on road dogs of +100 to +150 against the money line after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game facing an opponent after scoring 3 goals or more in 4 straight games. Here is a third system that has gone 63-41 making 26 units since 2003. Play against home teams when the money line is -100 to -150 after playing a road game facing an opponent after playing 3 consecutive road games. Calgary a very strong 16-4 against the money line (+12.1 Units) against good starting goalies saving >= 91.5% of shots against this season. Take Calgary.
THE GOLD SHEET'S HOOP LATE PHONE SERVICE
TODAY'S TOP PLAYS FROM THE OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED
SPORTS ADVISORY COMPANY IN THE WORLD!
BASKETBALL LTS RELEASES FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 10:
NBA:
OVER 175 total points in the Charlotte-San Antonio game 5:35 PM (Game #555-556)
College:
SETON HALL -4½ over South Florida 6:20 PM (at New York, NY; Team #572)
Early College Releases for Wednesday, March 11:
SAINT LOUIS Pick over La Salle 9:00 AM (at Atlantic City; Team #631)
NEBRASKA -2½ over Baylor 9:30 AM (at Oklahoma City; Team #640)
WENT 0-2 IN CBB YESTERDAY & 1-0 IN PROS.
LTS ATS RECORD SINCE 01-20-09 UP +23 UNITS.
30 dimer CHARLOTTE -6 if at 5.5 buy to 6
(2) 10 dimers:
Bucks -3
Kings -3
589) MONTANA STATE
(590) WEBER STATE
Take " (590) WEBER STATE "
Big Sky Conference Tournament Game of the Year: Weber State.
Oddsmakers don't pay as much attention to small schools, and notice that powerful Weber State is 10-0 SU/ATS the last 10 games! They are great offensively and defensively. Montana State (14-18) is a bad team, at 6-10 in the Big Sky. These teams just met the last game, and it wasn't even close. Damian Lillard scored 27 points to help Weber State avenge its only conference loss by beating Montana State 84-64 last week. Kellen McCoy added 20 points for Weber State (21-8, 15-1 Big Sky), the conference's regular season champion....and that game was AT Montana State! Weber State fell 75-70 to MSU on Jan. 15 in a big upset (their only conference defeat), a game that was also Weber's last defeat. Monatan State will have no chance on the road. Play Weber State.
Bond12 Indiana under 215
Tuesday's Lineup
30 Dime ---- CAVALIERS
10 Dime ---- RUTGERS
CLEVELAND --- This game has absolute blowout written all over it, and luckily we're backing the right side of this lopsided affair. The Cavs beat the Clips by 17 back in late-January, holding yet another opponent to under 100 points while scoring 112 themselves. That's the great part about backing a team like the Cavs whenever you get the chance. They are one of the few teams in the NBA that actually has the ability to score over 100 points per night while playing very good on the other end of the floor.
The Clippers, on the other hand, are one of the league's worst teams and stand at a disastrous 15-48 on the season. Right now these two teams have different things in mind at this point in the season and it plays right into our hands. First off, the Cavs are fighting for home court advantage in the Eastern Conference and trying to have the league's best record to get home court in the Finals (should they make it that far). After Boston handed them a defeat last week, that put the two teams in a virtual deadlock for best record in the East. With a win tonight they can put a small separation between themselves and the Celtics and they realize that it's teams like the Clippers that can play the role of spoiler if Cleveland doesn't bring its A-game. You can bet everyone from LeBron James to Anderson Varajeo and everyone in between is going to do whatever it takes to win, and dominate, a lesser opponent like the Clippers tonight. They realize how important having home court advantage is (just look at their home record) and they won't let this one get away.
The Clippers are looking at things differently. They're first trying to figure out what they've got on their bench for next season along with the fact they're looking at the draft lottery and how many ping pong balls they can get. They're in a dogfight with Sacramento, Oklahoma City and Washington for the league's worst record right now... and I'm not saying they'll try to lose tonight, but you know that has to be in the back of their minds.
Tonight's game is the first of a three-game, West Coast road trip for the Cavs and they usually start these road trips hot. The Cavs are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 vs. teams from the West and 20-8 in their last 28 vs. teams with a losing record while the Clippers are just 3-12 ATS their last 15 coming in off a SU loss. Cavs rout the Clippers in my strongest NBA play in a few weeks.
RUTGERS --- This one is as much about going AGAINST Notre Dame as it is backing Rutgers... maybe even more so. Look, I know the Irish has more talent and SHOULD be able to name their score against the Knights, but that just hasn't been the case recently and a big part of that is because they simply don't play defense. They'd rather outscore everyone they play on the offensive end rather than actually having to give some effort on the other end of the floor.
Big East teams are scoring an average of 75 PPG vs. the Irish while shooting over 43%. You won't get much pressure defense from Notre Dame, you won't see them forcing turnovers and you won't see them blocking many shots (they rank last in that category in the Big East). The only meeting between these two took place a couple of weeks ago in South Bend when the Irish were lucky to come away with a five-point win.
Rutgers stud Mike Rosario is coming off a poor shooting night in his last game so you can bet he's been working on fine-tuning a few things before tonight's matchup. When they last met he scored 20 points despite shooting just 4 of 12 from downtown. And for Notre Dame, I'm sure they'll get another double-double from Luke Harangody, and that's expected, but the Knights need to do a better job of trying to find ways to frustrate Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson.
Notre Dame has failed to cover 11 times in their last 15 games vs. Big East foes and 12 times in their last 16 overall. Rutgers, meanwhile, has dominated ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Irish, covering nine of the last 10. Notre Dame wins, but barely, giving the Knights yet another ATS cover.
7* Milwaukee -3.5
7* New York Knicks/Milwaukee Bucks Under 223
Paid for and Confirmed
clippers+11
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Northern Illinois Huskies @ Kent State Golden Flashes - Tuesday March 10, 2009 2:20 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Kent State Golden Flashes -12 (-110) (Normal)
kent St. played a very tough out of conference schedule, and it pinned losses on them vs Temple,Illinois,Kansas, Texas A&M, and St. Mary's, as well as a 21 win Cleveland St. team. It toughened this team up, and down the stretch they closed the season going 10-2. Northern Illinois has had a trying year. They played better toward the end of the season, but fell back again at the very end, dropping their last 3 ATS. That left them at 5-13 ATS in their final 18 games. They were at their worst out of their own gym, having finished conference play 0-8 on the road, and 0-8 ATS. Their average margin of losing in those 8 games was 17.9ppg. Kent St. closed strong and hard, and I expect a big win from them here. <hr>
Handicapper: Mr East
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Princeton Tigers @ Pennsylvania Quakers - Tuesday March 10, 2009 8:00 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) TOTAL: Under 117.5 (-110) (Normal)
Princeton is back to their methodical offense, and it has shown over the last 11 games they have played in the IVY League. The Tiger offense has not topped 63 points in their last 11 played in conference, and at the same time they have allowed just 1 team over 62 points. That leaves a fine line between the maximums allowed vs the total posted here, as the Princeton maximums would be in the mid 120s. Those games ahve shown an average points scored of just 108.1ppg. Last year a much better offensive Penn team, that averaged 71ppg in Ivy play, finished the season with 60 against Princeton, and 107 total points for the game. These teams have averaged just 107.4ppg in their last 7 meetings (non OT points). Princeton has played under in 9 of their last 11, while Penn has played under in 5 of their last 6. I like this one to go under the total. <hr>
Handicapper: Mr East
Sport: College Basketball
Game: Oakland Golden Grizzlies @ North Dakota State Bisons - Tuesday March 10, 2009 8:00 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) ATS: Oakland Golden Grizzlies +4.5 (-110) (Normal)
Sorry the the late add on this play, but doesn't tip-off until 8PM EDT. This is another system play, part of the group for conference tournaments that has produced 60-70% winners over the last 11 years. This one has a track record of 66% winners, and I am adding it, as this year these games have not disappointed, as they have gone 10-4-1 ATS good for 71.4% winners. The system play is in the Summit Conference Final, and the sytem says to take Oakland plus the points. <hr>
Handicapper: Mr East
Sport: NBA Basketball
Game: New York Knicks @ Milwaukee Bucks - Tuesday March 10, 2009 8:05 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) TOTAL: Under 222 (-110) (Play of the Day)
The New York Knicks have now scored 100+ points in 23 straight games. That means the totals in their games have been creeping upward. This one is in the 220s, and higher than the game they played the Lakers, who are the highest scoring team in the NBA. Milwaukee has had the Knicks number this season. The Knicks have scored 87 points or less just 6 times this season, and 3 of those were in the 3 games they have played against Milwaukee. I like this one to go under the total <hr>
Handicapper: Mr East
Sport: College Basketball
Game: South Alabama Jaguars @ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers - Tuesday March 10, 2009 10:00 pm
Pick: 3 unit(s) TOTAL: Over 134.5 (-110) (Normal)
This is another NCAAB Tournament system play. These have hit 60-70% over the course of the past 11 seasons. This season so far they have not disappointed going 10-4-1 for 71.4%, including another winning day yesterday. This one figures to be close at the end which is always good for OVERS as they often become free throw shooting contests. This one is a system play that has yielded 63% winners and the play here is on the OVER.
Sacramento
Utah under
Spurs
Clippers
anymore sportsbetcapping
4 Unit Play. #562. Take the Los Angeles Clippers +11 over the Cleveland Cavaliers (Tuesday @ 10:30pm est). Glad we were able to cash with Portland +2 Outright over the Lakers in an easy cash. Let's focus and cash today's winner with the Clippers +11 today. There is a specific reason why I waited to release this play as the line opened up at +9 and has moved to +11 which is beautiful. Who is to say that it doesn't move up to +11.5, so just wait around until game time. For starters, I think the public gets buried today as 73% are on the Cavs. But why? "Oh, the Cavs are so great, they are awesome, unbeileveable, fabulous, blah, blah, blah". This is the same nonsense that got the Lakers backers buried last night as they took it up the backside on the road at Portland. Now, I'm not saying the Cavs lose SU here. But, I am saying we have a great shot at a cover here. Remember, this is the same Clippers team that defeated the Celtics at home. This is the same Clippers team that beat the Warriors at home and was leading by 13 against the Pacers at home in their last game to lose by a point. On top of that, this is the same Clippers team that was tied on the road at Cleveland at the half 54-54. That's right, tied 54-54 as 15 Point Underdogs. Now, having said that, Cleveland came back in the second half and beat this team 17 as they hit the cover late. Now, some key differences. Zach Randolph did not play that game for the Clippers and Baron Davis only played 23 Minutes - plus that game was in the Cleveland where the Cavs get every call. This game is in L.A, Randolph is back, Baron specifically rested for this game which is why he sat out the Pacer game and Eric Gordon will once again play in this contest. Oh, and I almost forgot, Al Thornton will be playing this game as well! How big is Thornton? How about the fact he played 43 minutes in the last contest agains the Pacers and dropped 22 points and grabbed 9 boards. In short, we have Thornton back, Zach back, we are in L.A., the Clippers know they can play with this team as they were tied at the half last time and a rested Baron Davis - let's Roll baby! The home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings beteween these two teams of late.
4 Unit Play. #592. Take the North Dakota State Bisons -4 over Oakland (Tuesday @ 8pm est). Before I forget, do note, that I will be making more than 1 selection per day during the Madness as I step out more during this time as we lead up to the Dance and during the Dance. This is when you just let it ride given what you know and what you've followed. When you make Selections for the Madness, in the early goings, favorites rule. This is what i have traked over the past few years and for a dog play like myself usually, it's a bit irritating. Granted, although we had Portland +2 in the NBA which was an Outright winner essentially early on, I was still upset at Charleston given that every other favorite covered that night it seemd with VCU, Western Kentuck, Gonzaga and Siena - although South Alabama did cover. So, favorites won yesterday to a tune of 4-2. This is usually the case in conference tournaments. Such is the case today as we take North Dakota State -4 on the relative cheap today. The Bisons are a strong team. This team is 25-6 and they do play on the court of South Dakota State today which is essentially a semi-home game as Oakland will not have as much of a fan base there. This team has relative comfort in playing in South Dakota as they defeated even South Dakota State by 10 in overtime this year. Why can they not beat Oakland in a semi-home game this year? In many ways, this game reminds me of the VCU vs. George Mason game yesterday. The public does like VCU, that was basically a semi-home game for them, they were laying similar small chalk, were the better team during the regular season and was the much better free throw shooting team. North Dakota State shoot 74.1% from the charity stripe, are a well disciplined team that lost to Oakland by 1 on the road this year to then beat them by 10 at home this year. Oakland is a good looking team and they have played a tough non-conference schedule. In fact, Oakland has looked very strong in the early goings of the Summitt Tournament defeating IUPUI Fort Wayne and South Dakota State. Having said that, I will lay it on the line with North Dakota State as our play given their strength from the line, the fact that it is a semi-home game and the Bison are 6-1 ATS over their last 7 games overall. Let's take the more disciplined team as we look to step out later this week with more college hoops selections per day.
-clev. st.