Ice picks: Sunday's best NHL bets

Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators (+100, 5.5)

The Nashville Predators may have had their three-game winning streak snapped with a loss to the Detroit Red Wings Friday night but the good times continued to roll for total bettors.

Nashville has topped the total in five straight games and in eight of its past 10 contests including Friday’s 5-2 defeat to Detroit which toppled the 5.5-goal number set by sportsbooks.

The Predators’ blueline was dealt a blow in that loss when top defenseman Shea Weber left the game in the first period with an arm or hand injury. Weber was hit from behind by Tomas Holmstrom and went down in a scrum in the corner, possibly getting stomped on by the skate of Johan Franzen.

"It was something that started (on Thursday) and I started playing through it, but I reaggravated it (Friday),'' Weber told The Tennessean.

With Weber listed as day-to-day and the high-flying Canucks coming to town (fourth in the NHL in scoring), total bettors are licking their chops. Vancouver has also favored over betters in recent games, playing beyond the total in five straight outings.

Pick: Over

New Jersey Devils at Edmonton Oilers (+185, 5.5)

Is New Jersey Devils star goaltender Martin Brodeur suffering from an Olympic hangover?

The legendary netminder’s soft performance at the 2010 winter games has apparently carried over to the second half of the NHL season.

In his first two games back off the two-week break, Brodeur nearly ruined a solid defensive effort from his blueline by giving up three goals on 20 shots to the San Jose Sharks Tuesday (New Jersey won 4-3). Then the future Hall of Famer got burned by the Calgary Flames for five goals in a 5-3 loss Friday evening.

"He could've stopped a few pucks that came to him," Devils coach Jacques Lemaire told the New Jersey Star-Ledger. "But, again, when there is a big crowd in front of the net it's always hard to see a puck coming."

Brodeur echoed his coach’s critical comments, telling the media he has had a tough time controlling rebounds and that he hasn’t really felt comfortable between the pipes.

"Yeah, it doesn't happen too often," Brodeur said. "Lately the puck isn't hitting me. On the last goal (Matt) Stajan just fans on it and it still goes through everything and goes through my legs. These bounces are happening right now. I just have to practice more and get myself in a better frame of mind."

New Jersey doesn’t score enough (2.3 goals per game -23rd in the NHL) to make up for an off night or two from its goaltender. Even with the lowly Edmonton Oilers on tap, who won the most recent meeting with the Devils, a less-than-perfect Brodeur could prove costly.

Pick: Edmonton

Pick 'n' roll: Sunday's best NBA bets

Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors (and perhaps all those teams waiting with piles of free agent cash) were dealt a big scare Friday night when All-Star forward Chris Bosh was rushed to hospital.

According to the team, Bosh was suffering from severe stomach pains and was taken for evaluation after he couldn’t even stand due to the pain. The Raptors took the floor without their star player, defeating the New York Knicks 102-96 but failed to cover as 8-point home favorites.

“He went to the hospital just prior to the game just to get checked,” coach Jay Triano told the Toronto Star. “We don’t anticipate it’s anything serious, they just wanted to do some tests and hopefully ..... he’ll be ready to go on Sunday.”

Toronto had already been without Bosh for six games due to a sprained ankle. The team went just 2-4 in that span and managed to cover the spread in just one of those contests.

With Bosh in the lineup, the Raptors have won three straight meetings with the Sixers. The most recent was a 104-93 win at the ACC as 5.5-point favorites. Bosh scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win.

Pick: Toronto

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (-6, 206.5)

The Raptors weren’t the only team receiving bad news Friday night. The Denver Nuggets learned that starting power forward Kenyon Martin may need surgery to correct a partial tear of his left patella tendon.

Martin sat out Friday’s win over the Indiana Pacers and has played sparingly in the past month. The former No. 1 overall draft pick, who has already had multiple knee surgeries, denied the claim from Yahoo! Sports writer Marc Spears that an unanimous source told him about Martin’s condition.

"I don't know where Marc Spears got that from, man,'' Martin told FanHouse following Friday's game. "It's a little more than tendinitis, but I don't know if it's torn. I had an MRI (on Thursday). They looked at it. There's a lot of speculation going on. ... It's more serious than tendinitis but I don't know yet.''

Whether Martin goes under the knife or not, having him on the bench is a big blow to the Nuggets interior defense. He leads the team in rebounding with 9.6 boards per night and is assigned to opponents’ top forwards – like Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge, who Martin limited to just 10 points when these teams met on Christmas Day.

If the Denver's rush to find a replacement big man is any indication of Martin’s current health, the Blazers frontcourt should have a field day Sunday night.

Pick: Portland

SPORTS ADVISORS

SUNDAY, MARCH 7

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Florida (20-10, 13-12 ATS) at (3) Kentucky (28-2, 16-12 ATS)

The Wildcats look to wrap up the SEC’s regular-season championship when they take on Florida at Rupp Arena.
Kentucky fell to Tennessee 74-65 on Feb. 27 as a 2½-point road favorite, ending an eight-game winning streak (6-2 ATS), all in the SEC. But it bounced back at Georgia on Wednesday with an 80-68 victory giving 7½ points. On the home floor this year, the Wildcats are a perfect 18-0 (just 8-8 ATS), rolling up 83.9 ppg on sturdy 49.6 percent shooting while holding foes to just 65.5 ppg on 38.3 percent shooting. They also outrebound visitors to Rupp Arena by nearly a dozen per game (39.6-27.9).
Florida may have already seen its Big Dance bubble burst over its last two starts, losing at Georgia 78-76 as a two-point chalk on Feb. 27, then falling to No. 13 Vanderbilt 64-60 Tuesday as a three-point home favorite. The Gators have shot a modest 42.9 percent over their last five games, including just 28.8 percent from three-point range. In fact, Billy Donovan’s troops have struggled greatly from long range all year, hitting just 30.8 percent, which rates 294th among 347 teams.
Kentucky has won three of the last four meetings in this rivalry (2-2 ATS), following a 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS run by Florida. Two months ago in Gainesville, the ‘Cats cruised 89-77 as a 3½-point chalk. Still, the Gators are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 contests, but the chalk is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings, and the home team is on a 5-2 ATS surge.
The Wildcats are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 outings after a spread-cover, but they carry positive ATS streaks of 5-1 overall (all in SEC play), 4-0 on Sunday, 4-1 after a SU win and 4-1 against winning teams. The Gators have failed to cash in five of seven overall, but they’re 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Sunday starts and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 roadies.
Kentucky is on “over” stretches of 5-2 overall, 5-1 after a SU win, 4-1 after an ATS win and 5-2 in the SEC, and Florida is on “over” streaks of 5-1 on Sunday, 8-3 after a non-cover, 7-3 after a SU loss and 13-6 against winning teams. In addition, the over has cashed in four of the last six series meetings between these rivals, but the total has tayed low in five of the last six Lexington clashes.

ATS ADVANTAGE: KENTUCKY


(15) Wisconsin (22-7, 16-11 ATS) at Illinois (18-12, 12-17 ATS)

The Badgers aim to firm up their postseason credentials with a trip to Champaign for a Big Ten clash against Illinois at Assembly Hall.
Wisconsin has followed a 1-2 SU and ATS hiccup by winning three in a row (2-1 ATS), including consecutive blowout victories. On Feb. 25, the Badgers ripped Indiana 78-46 as a hefty 12-point road chalk, then they suffocated Iowa 67-40 laying 18 points at home Wednesday. Coach Bo Ryan fields the nation’s third-best scoring defense, allowing just 56.1 ppg, while his team scores 67.8 ppg. On the road, however, the margin tightens, with Wisconsin averaging 61.6 and allowing 57.3.
Illinois went on a 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS run that put the squad on the Tournament bubble, but the Illini have since dropped four of their last five (2-3 ATS) and will likely need to win the upcoming conference tourney or be relegated to the NIT. Illinois lost to No. 6 Ohio State 73-57 catching 9½ points on the road Tuesday, and has lost its last two at home – 62-60 to Minnesota giving three points last week and 72-53 to the Buckeyes as a two-point pup. In their last five games, the Illini have averaged just 57.2 ppg on a meager 37.7 percent shooting (27.6 percent from three-point range), while surrendering 65.2 ppg.
Illinois stunned Wisconsin 63-56 a month ago as a nine-point road underdog, halting a 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS run by the Badgers in this rivalry. Wisconsin is 4-1-1 ATS on its last six trips to Assembly Hall, and the favorite is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings overall.
The Badgers have covered in just two of their last seven games against winning teams, while Illinois is on ATS skids of 1-5 at home, 4-9 against teams with a winning record and 0-4 at home against squads with a losing road mark.
In this rivalry, the total has stayed low in the last four clashes overall and six of the last eight in Champaign. In addition, Wisconsin is on “under” tears of 25-10 overall, 4-1 against winning teams, 36-16 on the highway, 14-3 on the road against teams with a winning home record, 15-5 on Sunday and 44-20 in the Big Ten. Likewise, Illinois sports “under” streaks of 5-1 overall (all in the Big Ten), 4-0 against winning teams and 15-6-1 on Sunday, though the over is 11-4 in the Illini’s last 15 home outings and 9-3 in their last dozen after a SU loss.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER


MISSOURI VALLEY TOURNAMENT

(at St. Louis, Mo.)

Wichita State (25-8, 13-12-1 ATS) vs. Northern Iowa (27-4, 19-11 ATS)

The top two teams in the Missouri Valley will collide for the tournament title and an automatic Big Dance bid when the top-seeded Panthers battle Wichita State at the Scottrade Center.
Northern Iowa stifled Drake in the quarterfinals 55-40 laying 10½ points Friday, then put the handcuffs on Bradley in a 57-40 victory Saturday as an 8½-point favorite in the semifinals. The Panthers have held 11 of their last 12 conference opponents to less than 59 points, including nine to 55 or less, and they currently rank second in the nation in scoring defense at 54.4 ppg. Offensively, Northern Iowa averages 63.2 ppg.
Wichita State dropped Missouri State 73-63 as a three-point chalk in the quarterfinals, then held off Illinois State 65-61 Saturday as a two-point favorite to reach the conference title game. The Shockers have won and covered three straight after a modest two-game SU skid and six-game pointspread purge. Wichita State is averaging 70.0 ppg and giving up 61.2, and it is holding opponents to just 26.2 rebounds per game (fourth).
These two teams split their regular-season meetings this year, with the home team winning each time and Wichita State cashing in both games. On Jan. 19, the Shockers won 60-51 giving two points at home, and on Feb. 3, Northern Iowa prevailed 59-56 but fell short as a six-point home favorite. Wichita State is on a 5-2 ATS run in this rivalry (3-4 SU), cashing the last three in a row and four of the last five.
The Panthers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight neutral-site starts, going 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS this season (including three double-digit victories). But they are also just 2-4 ATS in their last six games against winning teams. The Shockers, meanwhile, are on ATS tears of 8-1 on neutral courts and 7-3 as a neutral-site chalk, though they still carry negative pointspread streaks of 3-6 overall, 3-6 as a chalk and 3-5 in Missouri Valley play.
Northern Iowa is on “under” tears of 23-6 overall (4-0 last four), 20-4 at neutral sites, 10-3 in road/neutral-site contests this year, 18-4 in conference action, 10-2 as a chalk, 5-1 against winning teams, 21-6 after a SU win and 8-3 as a neutral-court favorite. Both of Northern Iowa’s MVC tourney games also fell far short of the posted prices of 118½ and 118, respectively.
Prior to the MVC tourney, Wichita State was on a 7-3 “under” run on the highway, and the Shockers’ two games thus far in St. Louis split, going over the posted price of 128 against Missouri State and falling just short of the 128½-point total against Illinois State. Finally, the total stayed low in both meetings this year, after a four-game “over” streak in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER


NBA

L.A. Lakers (46-17, 26-34-3 ATS) at Orlando (43-20, 33-29-1 ATS)

The Lakers, looking to salvage a three-game Eastern Conference road trip and avoid their first three-game losing streak in more than two years, head to Amway Arena to face the Magic in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals.
Los Angeles is at the beginning of stretch in which it will play 11 of 14 games on the road, and it has already dropped the first two of those games. The Lakers fell at Miami 114-111 in overtime as a five-point favorite Thursday night, then came back Friday and got trounced at Charlotte 98-83 as a 3½-point chalk. L.A. is averaging about a bucket more than its opponents on the highway this year, scoring 100 points even and allowing 98.1 ppg. That translates into a modest 17-12 road record (11-17-1 ATS).
Phil Jackson’s team hasn’t dropped three straight contests since January 2008, a stretch of 228 games (playoffs included).
Orlando has won four in a row and six of its last seven (5-2 ATS), notching three wins on the road and three at home. On Friday, the Magic topped New Jersey 97-87 but fell just short as a 10½-point road chalk, ending a three-game ATS uptick. Orlando has the NBA’s No. 1 field-goal defense (43.7 percent) and is sixth in points allowed (95.5 ppg), and over the past five games, the Magic have shot 50.1 percent and averaged 105.8 ppg, while allowing 92.4 ppg on 43.8 percent shooting.
Los Angeles has won three in a row and five of the last six in this rivalry, with four of those wins coming in the NBA Finals, and they’ve gone 4-1-1 ATS in that span. In the lone meeting this season, the Lakers won 98-92, pushing as a six-point home favorite. The Lakers are 6-1 ATS on their last six trips to Amway, the underdog is on a 10-1-1 ATS tear between these squads, and the road team is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five clashes.
The Lakers are 6-1-2 ATS in their last nine Sunday starts, but the pointspread streaks spiral downward from there, including 1-7-1 overall, 0-4 on the highway, 1-4 after a SU loss, 0-5-1 after a non-cover, 2-5 as a pup, 1-5-1 against the East and 1-5-1 against Southeast Division foes. On the flip side, the Magic are on ATS rolls of 5-2 overall, 4-1 at home (all as a chalk), 18-7-1 against the Pacific Division, 20-8 on Sunday, 7-3 after a day off and a lengthy 61-30-2 after a non-cover.
The total has stayed low in six of the last seven meetings in this rivalry, including the last three in a row. In addition, Los Angeles is on “under” streaks of 9-3 overall, 8-1 as a pup (all on the road), 6-1 against winning teams, 7-2 on the road and 26-10 following a SU loss. Likewise, Orlando is on “under” stretches of 21-7 overall, 4-0 at home (all as a chalk), 6-0 against the Pacific Division, 6-1 against winning teams, 20-6 laying points, 45-18 after a day off and 35-16 against the West.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER


Portland (37-27, 35-28-1 ATS) at Denver (41-21, 28-30-4 ATS)

The Trail Blazers pursue their fourth straight victory when they trek to the Mile High City to take on the Nuggets in a Northwest Division battle at the Pepsi Center.
Portland has won three in a row and five of its last six, going 4-1 SU and ATS on a five-game road trip – with the only loss coming in OT at Chicago – before returning home Wednesday night to rout Indiana 102-79 as a nine-point chalk. The Blazers have averaged 104.7 ppg in the past six games and allowed just 93, with all five wins coming by at least nine points (the last three by double digits).
Denver bounced back from losses at the Lakers and Phoenix (0-1-1 ATS) with a pair of home wins in its last two games, ripping Oklahoma City 119-90 giving seven points Wednesday and topping Indiana 122-114 as an 11-point chalk Friday. The Nuggets rate second in the league in scoring at 107.5 ppg, though they also allow 102.6 ppg (22nd). In the home jerseys, Denver’s output jumps to a whopping 112.2 ppg, while its opponents’ scoring remains the same at 102.6.
These rivals have split their last six games SU and ATS, with the home team going 5-1 ATS in that stretch, including Portland’s 107-96 victory as a one-point chalk on Christmas Day. The SU winner has cashed in the last seven meetings, the favorite is on a 5-1 ATS run, and Denver has gone 24-10-1 ATS in the last 35 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the last five at the Pepsi Center.
The Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last five Northwest Division games, but they sport positive ATS streaks of 5-1 overall, 10-2 on the highway, 4-1 in the West and 6-2 as a road ‘dog. The Nuggets are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 after a non-cover and 37-14-2 ATS in their last 53 as a home chalk of five to 10½ points, but they are on pointspread slides of 1-3-1 overall, 9-19-1 as a favorite, 2-5-2 in the division and 1-7-2 after a SU win.
Portland is on “over” surges of 9-2 on the road, 6-2 as a road pup, 5-2 in division play and 14-6 in the Western Conference, and Denver is on “over” tears of 5-2 overall, 4-0 at home (all as a chalk) and 5-0 giving points. However, the Blazers are on “under” runs of 5-1 against winning teams, 5-1 as a ‘dog and 26-10-1 after a break of three or more days, and the under is 5-1 in the Nuggets’ last six against winning teams.
Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in five of the last six meetings overall, but the over has hit in 11 of the last 16 clashes in Denver.

ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER

Trace Adams

1000* - Wisconsin Badgers
500* - Los Angeles Lakers

Well aware that 18-12 Illinois is in dire need of a win this Sunday to solidify their at-large credentials, but truth be told, this team is not playing like a team that deserves any consideration, as the Illini have now lost their last pair, and 4 of their last 5.

Wisconsin is thinking revenge for a 63-56 home loss to the Illini back on February 9th that snapped the Badgers home winning streak, and with wins in 4 of their last 5 since that loss, including 3 in a row, I like the Badgers chances in this near-pick spot.

Bo Ryan's team has captured 6 of the last 8 series meetings, while going 5-2-1 against the spread in those 8, and I like Wiscy to get their in-season revenge on the slumping host.

Sorry Bruce Weber, but your team is NIT-bound unless you come up with a miracle next week in the conference tournament.

Badgers the call.

1000♦ - Wisconsin Badgers


I am sorry, but I don't see the Lakers losing ALL 3 on this 3 game road swing!

I know Orlando is humming right now, and they want revenge not only for losing 98-92 back in the middle of January at Los Angeles, but also for losing in 5 games in the NBA Finals last June.

Just don't see it happening.

Not too often you are going to get the Lakers catching points, and the underdog in this series has gone an outstanding 10-1-1 the last dozen time these teams have clashed.

Lakers have been funking of late, today they get "inspired" and take down one of the East's elite teams.

I love LA!

500♦ - Los Angeles Lakers

ACCUSCORE (Went 6-0 yesterday)
Best Sides as of 8:55 a.m.
NCAA: Northern Illinois +8.5
NBA: Washington +12.5
NHL: Minnesota -125
Best Totals as of 11:00 a.m.
NCAA: Ohio-Ball State u129.5
NBA: LAL-Orlando u194
NHL: New Jersey-Edmonton u5.5 -125

Craig Davis

Sunday's Lineup

100 Dime – LAKERS

I will be back by 11:30 eastern with my analysis.

Insider Sports

OK city 4*
Wisconsin 3*

sportsbetsnow

NBA

3 units Lakers +2.5

Karl Garrett 9-3 (75%) and +110 units
20* 869 Wisconsin -3
10* 813 Old Dominion

Chris Jordan 4-2 (67%) and +1300 units
300* 818 Minnesota -13.5

Bobby Maxwell 7-4 (64%) and +1100 units
300* 818 Minnesota -13.5
100* 804 Orlando Magic -2.5

Stephen Nover 8-5 (62%) and +90 units
40* 813 Florida +11
15* 807 Washington Wiz +13.5

Chuck O'Brien 6-5 (55%) and +50 units
20* 818 Minnesota -13.5

Brandon Lang 3-3-1 (50%) and +30 units
5* 816 NC State -2.5

Michael Cannon 5-6-1 (45%) and -5 units
25* 820 Wake Forest -2

Derek Mancini 3-4 (43%) and -25 units
15* 811 Portland +6
5* 818 Minnesota -14

Anthony Redd 4-8 (33%) and -85 (rough week for AR)
20* 816 NC State -2.5
20* 808 Boston -13.5
20* 811 Portland +6

Kiki Sports

2* Game of the Month Orlando Magic

Billy Coleman

5* LAL +2 (GOM)
3* Hou/Det un196.5

3* Tol +18
free play: W.Mich -6.5

Rocketman

4* Orl -2.5

Ben Burns

CBB Sides Sun, 03/07/10 - 6:00 PM œš

triple-dime bet 820 Wake Forest -1.5 (-110) Bookmaker.com vs 819 Clemson

Analysis: I'm playing on WAKE FOREST. This is a big game for the Tigers. However, its arguably much bigger for the Demon Deacons. For starters, the Deacons are looking to snap a losing streak. Also, this is their final home game and their seniors will want to go out on top. Additionally, while the Tigers have likely already wrapped up an NCAA Tournament berth, the Deacons badly need a victory here to keep them out of the "bubble danger zone."

Yes, the Deacons come in on a 4-game losing streak. This has worked in our favor though, as it's helped to keep the line down. Also, let's keep in mind that three of those four losses came on the road. For the season, Wake Forest is still a very healthy 12-2 at home.

Yes, Clemson comes in on a roll, having won five of six. Again, this has worked in our favor, helping to keep the line down. Also, let's keep in mind that only one of those five victories came on the road. For the season, the Tigers are just 5-5 on the road. Prior to their narrow win at Florida State, the Tigers had been 0-6 ATS their previous six road games.

Note that the Tigers are a money-burning 4-10 SU/ATS the last 14 times that they were listed as road underdogs (or pick'em) of three points or less.

You may recall that the Deacons also closed out their regular season by hosting the Tigers last year. Wake Forest fell behind by 10 points early but rallied to win that 3/08/09 game by a score of 96-88. Al-Farouq Aminu had 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Deacons i…n that one and they'll be counting on him to have another big game here.

This will very likely be the last game that Ish Smith, L.D. Williams, Chas McFarland and David Weaver (and likely Aminu) will ever play here. Those players love Wake Forest and naturally, they'll be wanting to "leave it all on the floor."

The Deacons are 6-2 the last eight times that they scored 60 or more points in their previous game. During that stretch, they've gone 19-5 after allowing 60 or less in their previous game and 6-1 when playing a home game with an O/U line in the 135 to 139.5 range.

Including last year's victory, the Deacons have beaten the Tigers 17 straight times, here at Winston-Salem. With so much on the line, I expect them to extend that streak here. *10 GOY

ATS Lock Club

5 Units St. Marys -4.5

5 Units Middle Tenn St -1.5

3 Units Northern Iowa -2.5

PowerPlayWins

Kentucky

Michigan St

Denver Nuggets

Ben Burns GOY

CBB Sides Sun, 03/07/10 - 6:00 PM œš

triple-dime bet 820 Wake Forest -1.5 (-110) Bookmaker.com vs 819 Clemson

Analysis: I'm playing on WAKE FOREST. This is a big game for the Tigers. However, its arguably much bigger for the Demon Deacons. For starters, the Deacons are looking to snap a losing streak. Also, this is their final home game and their seniors will want to go out on top. Additionally, while the Tigers have likely already wrapped up an NCAA Tournament berth, the Deacons badly need a victory here to keep them out of the "bubble danger zone."

Yes, the Deacons come in on a 4-game losing streak. This has worked in our favor though, as it's helped to keep the line down. Also, let's keep in mind that three of those four losses came on the road. For the season, Wake Forest is still a very healthy 12-2 at home.

Yes, Clemson comes in on a roll, having won five of six. Again, this has worked in our favor, helping to keep the line down. Also, let's keep in mind that only one of those five victories came on the road. For the season, the Tigers are just 5-5 on the road. Prior to their narrow win at Florida State, the Tigers had been 0-6 ATS their previous six road games.

Note that the Tigers are a money-burning 4-10 SU/ATS the last 14 times that they were listed as road underdogs (or pick'em) of three points or less.

You may recall that the Deacons also closed out their regular season by hosting the Tigers last year. Wake Forest fell behind by 10 points early but rallied to win that 3/08/09 game by a score of 96-88. Al-Farouq Aminu had 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Deacons i…n that one and they'll be counting on him to have another big game here.

This will very likely be the last game that Ish Smith, L.D. Williams, Chas McFarland and David Weaver (and likely Aminu) will ever play here. Those players love Wake Forest and naturally, they'll be wanting to "leave it all on the floor."

The Deacons are 6-2 the last eight times that they scored 60 or more points in their previous game. During that stretch, they've gone 19-5 after allowing 60 or less in their previous game and 6-1 when playing a home game with an O/U line in the 135 to 139.5 range.

Including last year's victory, the Deacons have beaten the Tigers 17 straight times, here at Winston-Salem. With so much on the line, I expect them to extend that streak here. *10 GOY

Cappers Access

Florida
Wisconsin
Michigan

Jim Feist's NBA 20* Hi Roller Total (70%) - Sunday

NBA (811) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS at (812) DENVER NUGGETS
Take: over (NBA 20* HI Roller Total)

Reason: Normally when we think of the Portland Trailblazers we think "defense." I don't think the word "OVER" comes first to mind. But surprisingly this team has some good over spots and today is one of them. I'm going with the OVER here. First, the Blazers have been a good over bet on the road as the last three road games have gone OVER and nine of the last 11 away contest have gone OVER. And what kind of surprised me even more than that was the fact that Portland has scored over 100 points in each of its last nine away games. Second, we couple this road scoring binge with the fact that the Denver Nuggets are the 22nd ranked scoring defense in the league. The Nuggets allow an average of 102.56 ppg overall this season. Thirdly, we toss in a Denver offense that has gone OVER the total in four straight home games and 10 of its last 13 home games. The Nuggets have the second ranked scoring offense in the league and the top rated scoring offense at home (112.22 ppg). All in all, this game shapes up as a good old fashioned shoot out. I'll take the OVER here as one of my red-hot Hi Roller totals and look for at least 210 or more in this one.

Don Wallace Sports
NBA

4* Houston -1
4* Oklahoma City -3.5
4* Washington +12
4* Portland + 7