Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-23-22 | Cincinnati v. UCF UNDER 141.5 | Top | 61-75 | Win | 100 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
AAC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Cincinnati and UCF at 9 pm et on Wednesday. Cincinnati has seen the 'over' cash in six straight games entering Wednesday's matchup with the Golden Knights in Orlando. The Bearcats have scored 70+ points in five straight games but clearly what they're doing right now isn't working as they've lost five of their last eight contests, going 2-6 ATS over that stretch. I do think that UCF will be able to slow the Bearcats down, noting that the Knights allow an average of only 23 made field goals and 14 free throw attempts per game here at home this season. The 'under' has cashed in UCF's last two games and it checks in having given up fewer than 70 points in five of its last seven contests. Only one of the two games where the Knights did allow 70 or more points over that stretch found its way 'over' the total. Interestingly, Cincinnati has been at its absolute best defensively on the road this season, giving up only 23 made field goals including just three made threes per game away from home. With that being said, it has had an issue with sending opponents to the charity stripe, yielding 23 free throw attempts per game on the road. Can the Knights exploit that? I'm not so sure. UCF averages only 17 free throw attempts per contest overall and just 14 per game at home. This will be the first matchup between these two teams this season and it's worth noting that we're working with a higher posted total than we saw in either of last season's two meetings. Those two games went 'over' the total but only one eclipsed the number we're working with here. That being said, seven of the last eight meetings between these two quads here in Orlando have stayed 'under' the total. Take the under (10*). |
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02-23-22 | Oilers v. Lightning UNDER 6.5 | 3-5 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 13 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Edmonton and Tampa Bay at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. We missed with the 'under' in Edmonton's 7-3 home loss to the Wild on Sunday but I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as the Oilers head to the Sunshine State to open an eastern road swing against the Lightning. Sunday's lopsided loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Oilers. During that winning streak, they allowed a grand total of only eight goals. I'm willing to chalk up Sunday's seven goals allowed against Minnesota as a short-term anomaly, even if I'm not all that high on Edmonton's long-term defensive prospects. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 14-5 with the Oilers playing on the road off a home loss by 2+ goals over the last two seasons with that spot producing an average total of only 5.1 goals. The 'under' is also 11-2 with Edmonton following a game where eight or more total goals were scored this season, resulting in an average total of only 5.5 goals. The Lightning, meanwhile, come into this one hot off consecutive road wins, scoring a whopping 10 goals in the process. Keep in mind, those performances came against the Coyotes and Devils - two of the league's weakest teams. The 'under' has gone 14-10 in Lightning home games this season, with an average total of just 5.6 goals scored. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 12-5 with the Lightning playing at home after winning two of their last three games this season, resulting in an average total of just 5.2 goals. Finally, I'll note that nine of the last 16 meetings between these two teams in Tampa have stayed 'under' the total. Take the under (8*). |
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02-23-22 | TCU v. Texas UNDER 126.5 | 66-75 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between TCU and Texas at 7 pm et on Wednesday. We won with the 'under' in Texas' most recent game - a 61-55 loss at home against Texas Tech on Saturday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as the Longhorns look to bounce back against another in-state rival in TCU. As I noted in Saturday's analysis, Texas has done an incredible job playing defense at home this season, allowing only 19 made field goals including only five made threes per game, also sending opponents to the free throw line just 15 times per contest. TCU doesn't figure to be a team that will easily break down the Longhorns defense. When these two teams met back on January 25th at TCU, the Horned Frogs scored only 50 points, knocking down just 18 field goals including only two shots from beyond the arc. Were it not for 21 trips to the free throw line, that could have been a truly embarrassing offensive performance (it was already bad enough considering TCU lost by a score of 73-50). Texas actually got off an uncharacteristically-high 65 field goal attempts in that contest, helping boost their scoring output. Consider the Longhorns average just 55 FG attempts per game, 54 per contest here at home. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 8-2 with Texas coming off an ATS loss this season, resulting in an average total of only 116.2 points. Take the under (8*). |
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02-23-22 | Ajax Amsterdam v. Benfica OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-2 | Win | 100 | 20 h 56 m | Show |
Champions League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Benfica and Ajax at 3 pm et on Wednesday. We saw two relatively low-scoring Champions League matches yesterday with both resulting in just two total goals. I expect nothing of the sort in this Round of 16 clash on Wednesday. Benfica knows that goals will be hard to come by when the scene shifts to Amsterdam for the second leg of this match next month. With that in mind, it also realizes that if it wants to have any hope of advancing past Dutch power Ajax, it will need to come up with a tremendous showing in Lisbon on Wednesday. Benfica does enter this match undefeated over its last three contests, also having been first to score in five of its last seven matches overall. Of concern, though, is the fact that it has gone six consecutive matches without posting a clean sheet and will now have to deal with a relentless and powerful Ajax attack that rolls into this contest on the heels of 10 consecutive victories. Of course, the level of competition Ajax has faced does have to be factored in. I think that has buoyed the Dutch squad's impressive goal-prevention ability more than anything else though. Ajax hasn't given up a single goal in its last four matches but I do expect it to concede at least one here. Note that in spite of that air tight defense of late, Ajax has still seen seven of its last eight contests find their way 'over' 2.5 goals. Benfica is certainly accustomed to getting involved in back-and-forth affairs, with each of its last six matches featuring goals from both sides. These two squads have actually met three times since 2014 with Benfica failing to post a clean sheet in any of those matches. It also only managed to score once across those three tilts, but it could be argued that it boasts a great deal more firepower now than it did the last time they met back in 2018. Frighteningly for the Portuguese side, so does Ajax. I'm anticipating plenty of fireworks in this one. Take the over (10*). |
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02-22-22 | Sharks v. Ducks UNDER 5.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose and Anaheim at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. We won with the 'under' in the Sharks most recent game - a 4-1 home loss to the Golden Knights on Sunday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Tuesday as they make the short trip to Anaheim to face the Ducks. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 with the Sharks coming off three consecutive games in which they allowed 3+ goals this season, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of just 4.2 goals. The 'under' is also a perfect 5-0 with the Sharks playing on the road off consecutive losses this season, leading to an average total of 5.0 goals. The Ducks exploded for seven goals in their most recent game but prior to that they had been held to three goals or less in five consecutive games. They've sagged defensively of late, yielding a whopping 17 goals over their last three games. A return home should help, however, noting that Anaheim allows only 2.5 goals per game on home ice this season, while the Sharks average 2.8 goals per contest on the road. Take the under (6*). |
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02-22-22 | Maple Leafs v. Blue Jackets UNDER 6.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. We missed with the 'under' in Columbus' most recent game - a 7-3 victory over the lowly Sabres on Sunday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well here, however, as the Blue Jackets face a much tougher challenge at home against a Maple Leafs squad coming off consecutive losses, including an ugly 5-2 defeat in Montreal last night. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 10-2 with the Leafs playing on the road off a road loss by 3+ goals over the last three seasons, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of only 5.1 goals in that spot. As for the Jackets, they've posted a 3-11 o/u record after winning six or seven of their last eight games over the last three seasons, which is also the situation here tonight, leading to an average total of only 4.3 goals scored. In the longer-term picture, the 'under' is 55-34 with Columbus playing at home after scoring 5+ goals in their previous game. This is certainly a contrarian play given the two teams' recent form, however it is worth noting that the 'under' is 5-3 in the last eight meetings in this series. Take the under (8*). |
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02-22-22 | Blues v. Flyers UNDER 6 | Top | 4-1 | Win | 102 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between St. Louis and Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. Despite a scoreless first period, the Flyers ultimately posted another 'over' result yesterday afternoon as they fell by a 4-3 score in overtime against Carolina. The 'over' has now cashed in their last five games overall. The Blues are coming off a high-scoring game of their own, as they skated to a 6-3 win in Toronto on Saturday. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 53-36 with the Blues coming off an 'over' result over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of 5.6 goals. When playing on the road after winning two of their last three games, the Blues have posted a 16-26 o/u mark over the last two seasons, also resulting in an average total of 5.6 goals in that situation. Better still, we'll note that St. Louis has seen the 'under' go 26-14 after scoring 5+ goals in its previous contest over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of only 5.4 goals. As for the Flyers, the 'under' has gone 10-2 when they play at home off three consecutive games that totalled 7+ goals, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of just 4.8 goals. We've seen eight of the last 16 meetings between these two teams in Philadelphia stay 'under' the total with those games rounding off to an average total of 5.0 goals. Take the under (10*). |
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02-21-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Canucks UNDER 5.5 | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Vancouver at 10:05 pm et on Monday. The Kraken are looking to salvage something from their western Canadian road trip after dropping consecutive games in Winnipeg and Calgary. Credit Seattle for holding a red hot Flames squad (no pun intended) to just a single goal on Saturday but it still fell short thanks to an offense that has really struggled away from home this season, averaging just 2.5 goals per contest. The Canucks suffered an ugly 7-4 home loss against the Ducks on Saturday. That high-scoring result was the exception rather than the rule here at home this season, where the Canucks have seen their games total an average of only 5.2 goals. Here, we'll note that Vancouver has seen the 'under' cash at an 8-2 clip when playing at home off a loss this season, resulting in an average total of 5.0 goals. The 'under' is 15-6 with the Canucks playing at home after scoring 3+ goals in consecutive games over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of only 5.4 goals. Take the under (8*). |
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02-21-22 | Eastern Illinois v. SIU-Edwardsville UNDER 128 | 52-66 | Win | 100 | 10 h 52 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Eastern Illinois and SIU-Edwardsville at 8 pm et on Monday. Eastern Illinois has been one of the best 'under' bets in the country this season, with 19 of its 26 lined games staying 'under' the total. Few teams play at a slower pace, as the Panthers rank 296th in the country in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). To compound matters, they rank a dreadful 357th in adjusted offensive efficiency. SIU-Edwardsville plays at a faster pace but doesn't fare much better offensively, ranking 327th in adjusted offensive efficiency. Both teams have had a penchant for turning the basketball over. In fact, Edwardsville turned it over 19 times in the first meeting between these two teams this season yet Eastern Illinois still only managed to score 53 points despite all of those extra possessions. On the road, we've seen the Panthers average just 19 made field goals including an average of only six from beyond the arc. That's not to mention only eight made free throws per road game. In a game where SIU-Edwardsville figures to control proceedings and perhaps take the air out of the basketball with a sizable lead in the second half, I'm comfortable playing the 'under', even at a lower number than we saw in the first meeting this season (that game totalled only 119 points). Take the under (7*). |
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02-21-22 | Liberty v. Central Arkansas OVER 150.5 | Top | 85-66 | Win | 100 | 11 h 49 m | Show |
CBB Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Liberty and Central Arkansas at 8 pm et on Monday. Central Arkansas checks into this game off three consecutive 'under' results but remains one of the fastest-paced teams in the entire country, ranking 13th in adjusted tempo according to KenPom. A look at its home conference games shows totals of 181, 177, 167, 188, 154, 148 and 159 points. Liberty is coming off a tougher-than-expected 88-82 win over Stetson on Saturday. The Flames don't play at nearly the same break-neck pace as Central Arkansas but as we saw on Saturday, they're certainly capable of hanging a crooked number on the scoreboard. That's thanks in large part to the fact that they knock down 11 three-pointers per game with not much of a drop-off in production at all on the road this season. Central Arkansas will certainly afford Liberty plenty of opportunities in this contest, noting that it yields 24 three-point attempts and 20 trips to the free throw line at home this season. It's worth noting that it has held three straight opponents to fewer than 80 points as it marks the first time that has happened all season. Don't count on the Bears accomplishing that feat for a fourth consecutive game on Monday. Take the over (10*). |
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02-21-22 | Napoli v. Cagliari UNDER 2.5 | 1-1 | Win | 120 | 6 h 32 m | Show | |
My selection is on the first half 'under' between Cagliari and Napoli at 1 pm et on Monday. We won with Napoli +0.5 goal in its most recent match - a Europa League clash against Barcelona last Thursday. We saw Napoli execute its gameplan to perfection in that match, grabbing a first half lead and sitting on it as long as it could, ultimately coming away with a draw on the strength of that critical 'away goal'. Now it's back to Serie A action against one of the worst teams of the bunch in Cagliari. Currently sitting in 18th position, one point back of Venezia, Cagliari is flirting with relegation right now. It could desperately use a point from this match but to earn that it will need to tighten things up as should it fall behind, it's highly unlikely to level proceedings, noting that Napoli has allowed a grand total of just 17 goals in 25 Serie A contests this season. With that being said, I'm anticipating a rather cagey start to this affair. Note that Napoli enters this match having seen eight of its last 10 matches stay 'under' 2.5 goals. Cagliari has gone 'under' that total in four of its last five contests. Both teams should come in confident with Cagliari edging closer to safety thanks to going undefeated over its last there matches and Napoli avoiding defeat for five consecutive games. If you can find the first half 'under' 1.5 goals that's how I'm playing this one (laying some considerable juice to do so) but 1.0 is playable as well. Take the first half under (6*). |
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02-20-22 | Golden Knights v. Sharks UNDER 5.5 | Top | 4-1 | Win | 115 | 10 h 17 m | Show |
NHL Pacific Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Vegas and San Jose at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams are coming off relatively high-scoring 'over' results last time out but I look for a different story to unfold when they match up on Sunday in San Jose. The Golden Knights blew an early lead in an eventual 4-3 overtime loss against the Kings on Friday. They continue to play on without a number of key contributors, including Mark Stone and Robin Lehner, but did recently welcome Jack Eichel back from injury. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 29-16 with Vegas playing on the road after a game that totalled 7+ goals over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of just 5.3 goals. The Knights have also seen the 'under' go 13-4 when coming off an overtime loss over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of only 5.0 goals. As for the Sharks, they're coming off an OT loss of their own against the Canucks. The 'under' is a terrific 31-11 after allowing 5+ goals in their previous game over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 5.7 goals. The 'under' is also 12-3 after San Jose gives up 3+ goals in consecutive games this season with an average total of 5.4 goals scored in that spot. Take the under (10*). |
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02-20-22 | Wild v. Oilers UNDER 6.5 | 7-3 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Edmonton at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. We're being given a very generous total to work with for this Sunday night affair between two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions. The Wild are a terrific offensive team but they're not scoring with any consistency right now, having potted three goals or less in four of their last five games. On a positive note, they have allowed just 2.1 goals per game when playing on the road off consecutive losses over the last two seasons with that situation leading to an average total of only 5.4 goals. The Oilers have given up a grand total of only eight goals over the course of their five-game winning streak. Note that they have seen the 'under' go 14-6 when playing at home off a road victory by 2+ goals over the last two seasons, as is the case here following yesterday's 4-2 win in Winnipeg, resulting in an average total of only 5.8 goals. The first meeting between these two teams this season reached just five total goals. The 'under' has cashed in 26 of the last 42 matchups between them here in Edmonton, averaging just 5.0 total goals per contest. Take the under (7*). |
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02-20-22 | Team Durant v. Team LeBron OVER 320.5 | 160-163 | Win | 100 | 58 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Team Lebron and Team Durant at 8 pm et on Sunday. I would recommend jumping on this play early as the total is only going to rise leading up to tipoff on Sunday. Last year's All-Star Game actually totalled only 320 points. In fact, since the format changed to Team Lebron vs. Team 'insert name here', we've only seen one of four games go 'over' the total we're working with this year. I believe we're going to see a throwback to the games of 2016 and 2017, when we saw point totals up around 370 points. The talent on these two rosters is incredible (I don't need to tell you that). I also think we have two squads more than willing to push the pace at every opportunity. Team Lebron is favored for a reason. The mix of scorers and distributors should make for some very appealing offensive basketball. With that being said, you can be sure guys like Ja Morant, Trae Young and Devin Booker will ball out on the other side and should be able to keep within arm's reach all night long. I have this one soaring 'over' the total - always nice to make a little money if we're going to sit down and watch a glorified exhibition game in the middle of February. Take the over (10*). |
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02-20-22 | Sabres v. Blue Jackets UNDER 6.5 | 3-7 | Loss | -106 | 6 h 22 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Buffalo and Columbus at 6:05 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams are coming off high-scoring games but I'll go the other way and back the 'under' as they square off in Columbus on Sunday. Note that the Sabres average just 2.5 goals per game with an average total of 6.0 goals scored when they play on the road this season. The 'under' is a perfect 6-0 when Buffalo plays on the road in the second half of a back-to-back this season, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of only 4.5 goals. As for the Blue Jackets, they've seen the 'under' go 11-2 when coming off six or seven wins in their eight games over the last three seasons, which is the case here, leading to an average total of only 3.8 goals. Additionally, the 'under' is 12-4 when the Jackets return home following a road game where both teams scored 3+ goals, which is also the situation here following Thursday's 7-4 win in Chicago, with an average total of just 4.3 goals in that spot. Take the under (5*). |
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02-20-22 | Leicester v. Wolverhampton Wanderers UNDER 2.5 | 1-2 | Loss | -135 | 14 h 59 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Wolverhampton and Leicester City at 11:30 am et on Sunday. We won with the 'over' in Leicester City's most recent EPL match but I won't hesitate to go the other way as it faces Wolverhampton on Sunday. Note that Leicester has now gone seven consecutive matches without posting a clean sheet. It will need to be particularly careful on Sunday, noting that Wolves have scored the first goal in five of their last seven contests. It's certainly worth noting, however, that Leicester has gone five straight matches in this series without allowing a goal. Each of the last five meetings between these two squads have stayed 'under' 2.5 goals. While both teams can certainly use the three points as they try to ascend the EPL table, they can also ill afford to come up empty-handed. Expect both to plot carefully in what I anticipate being a relatively low-scoring affair. Take the under (8*). |
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02-19-22 | Texas Tech v. Texas UNDER 126.5 | 61-55 | Win | 100 | 5 h 56 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Texas Tech and Texas at 12:30 pm et on Saturday. The first meeting between these two in-state rivals totalled 141 points back on February 1st. I don't think the Longhorns want any part of a similar type of contest here, noting that they allowed 77 points in that lopsided loss. Keep in mind, this is a Texas team that gives up just a shade over 50 points per game at home this season, on a ridiculously-low 49 field goal attempts. Texas Tech can play some defense too, as we saw in its impressive home win over Baylor earlier this week. The Red Raiders have held the opposition to 38% shooting on the road this season. This is without a doubt a low total, but it's actually higher than the closing number we saw in the first meeting between these two this season. With injury doubts for the Red Raiders (Kevin McCullar could miss again), I believe they'll be comfortable getting involved in a slugfest here. Expect an NCAA Tournament-like atmosphere for this one. Take the under (9*). |
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02-19-22 | Verona v. Roma OVER 2 | 2-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 17 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between AS Roma and Hellas Verona at 12 noon et on Saturday. This promises to be an entertaining affair between two squads looking to pull closer to the top-six in Serie A by taking all three points in Saturday's game in Rome. Roma will need to keep on its front foot for this one having failed to earn a victory in any of its last three matches. There should be opportunities aplenty for the home side, however, noting that Hellas Verona have seen both teams score in five of their last seven contests with the 'over' 2.5 goals coming through in five of their last six overall. You would have to go back six meetings in this series to find the last time Roma posted a clean sheet against Hellas Verona. Not surprisingly each of the last five meetings have gone 'over' 2.5 total goals. I don't believe either side will be content to 'settle' for a draw in this one and that should lend itself to a relatively high-scoring contest. Take the over (8*). |
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02-19-22 | Watford v. Aston Villa UNDER 2.5 | 1-0 | Win | 100 | 12 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Aston Villa and Watford at 10 am et on Saturday. I'm not anticipating much in the way of offensive fireworks as Aston Villa host a very manageable matchup on Saturday in Birmingham. Watford sits just one place above last in the EPL table and doesn't figure to pose a significant threat here having not scored a single goal in its last four matches, with no victories in its last 12 trips to the pitch. Of course, Aston Villa hasn't exactly been getting off on the right foot lately either, conceding the first goal in four of its last five matches. I'm just not convinced Watford has the firepower to take advantage of any Villa short-comings here. We have seen Watford play a more competitive brand of football away from home this season, ranking 16th rather than 19th when factoring in only 'away' contests. Aston Villa has struck just 31 times in 23 EPL matches this season so I do think Watford will fancy its chances of potentially coming away with a low-scoring draw in this one. Take the under (7*). |
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02-19-22 | Everton v. Southampton OVER 2.5 | 0-2 | Loss | -118 | 12 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Southampton and Everton at 10 am et on Saturday. With matches in hand on the majority of the squads it looks up at in the English Premier League table, Everton can attempt to make a move but desperately needs all three points from Saturday's away match at Southampton. Interestingly, Southampton enters Saturday's contest undefeated over its last four matches, yet has conceded first in four of its last five overall. You would incredibly have to go back 16 matches to find the last time Southampton posted a clean sheet and I believe it will be hard-pressed to accomplish that feat on Saturday as well. Everton has been involved in its share of relatively high-scoring affairs recently, with six of its last seven matches resulting in at least three total goals. Noting that both combatants have scored in each of Southampton's last 10 contests, we can anticipate another crackling affair on Saturday. While Southampton has generally fallen behind the eight-ball with some consistency lately, it has actually struck first in five of its last seven matchups with Everton. Both teams have found the back of the net in eight of the last 10 meetings in this series but I believe they can do one better on Saturday with one of the two sides capturing the three points. Take the over (8*). |
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02-19-22 | Hoffenheim v. VfL Wolfsburg OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 12 h 46 m | Show |
Bundesliga Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim at 9:30 am et on Saturday. Wolfsburg gets an opportunity to continue to climb the Bundesliga ranks as it goes for its third straight victory on Saturday. A win certainly won't come easy against fifth-place Hoffenheim but I do think it has a puncher's chance and that lends itself to a relatively high-scoring affair. Hoffenheim is coming off a much-needed 2-0 home win over Bielefield last time out. I expect it to face a far tougher challenge here, however. Note that despite that recent 2-0 victory, Hoffenheim has still seen both teams find the back of the net in eight of its last 10 games, conceding first in six of its last eight contests. Of course, it will be tough sledding for Wolfsburg here when you consider that it hasn't posted a clean sheet against Hoffenheim in any of the last 10 meetings in this series. Not surprisingly, each of the last seven matches between these two squads have gone 'over' 2.5 total goals with both teams scoring in each of the last seven meetings. With Hoffenheim looking to stay in the top-six and Wolfsburg aiming to inch closer to the top-10 positions in the Bundesliga, look for plenty of fireworks in this one. Take the over (10*). |
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02-19-22 | Villarreal v. Granada UNDER 2.5 | 4-1 | Loss | -111 | 10 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Granada and Villarreal at 8 am et on Saturday. Granada will have to be extremely careful in this contest as it is clearly overmatched against Villarreal but might just be able to muck it up enough to come away with a hard-fought point if it plays its cards right. Granada enters this match having lost four matches in a row, failing to score in its last three. It has gone five consecutive matches without posting a clean sheet but is capable of accomplishing such a feat, keeping in mind we saw a 0-0 draw the last time these two squads met last August. Villarreal enters this match undefeated over its last three contests. It didn't allow a goal in any of those matches. Villarreal knows it can control proceedings against Granada - after all, it has gone undefeated in the last 11 meetings in this series. I'm just not convinced we'll see it shake loose offensively with Granada likely falling back into a defensive shell for much of the contest. While we've seen some offensive explosions in this series in the past, those type of affairs have been few and far between. Take the under (7*). |
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02-18-22 | Metz v. Lille OSC OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-0 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 44 m | Show |
Ligue 1 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Lille and Metz at 3 pm et on Friday. I'm fairly high on Lille but not without some hesitation for one particular reason. We've seen it have a difficult time keeping the ball out of its net when it matters most, allowing 18 of its 35 goals in 24 Ligue 1 matches in the final 15 minutes (plus added time) of the first or second half this season. While it sits a respectable 10th in the league table, it is the only squad inside the top 11 with a negative goal differential. It could easily take Ligue 1 bottom-feeder Metz (19th overall) lightly in this contest. Note that Metz has gone winless in its last three matches, with a recent tendency to get involved in low-scoring affairs as six of its last seven contests have stayed 'under' 2.5 goals. With that being said, I believe Lille can force it into a higher-scoring contest here, noting that both teams have scored in six of its last eight matches overall. Having scored a grand total of just three goals over a difficult three-match slate going back to late January, Lille will be eager for an opportunity to break loose here, and break loose it should considering that Metz has conceded a whopping 45 goals in 24 Ligue 1 matches this season. Speaking of struggling to contain opposing offenses when it matters most, Metz has been lit up for 20 goals in the final 15 minutes of the first or second half this season. Interestingly, though, Metz actually checks in ninth in Ligue 1 when factoring in only 'away' matches, albeit still with a poor -10 goal differential. It has found a way to play reasonably competitive football in hostile environments and should that be the way this one plays out, I believe we'll be in fine shape with the 'over'. Take the over (10*). |
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02-18-22 | Rayo Vallecano v. Elche OVER 2 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 8 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Elche and Rayo Vallecano at 3 pm et on Friday. Neither of these squads are turning heads in La Liga action this season with Raya Vallecano sagging lately to fall all the way to 11th place and Elche sitting even further behind in 14th. With that being said, I'm expecting an entertaining affair between the two on Friday. Vallecano has reason to come out aggressively, having failed to register a victory in any of its last three matches. This is a favorable match for it to break out of its recent funk, noting that Elche has gone three consecutive matches without recording a clean sheet while failing to do so in each of the last six meetings between these two squads. On the flip side, there's reason for Elche to be confident that it can find some success, noting that Vallecano has conceded the first goal in five of its last seven matches, and both teams have managed to find the back of the net in five of the last six matches in this series. While goals haven't necessarily been easy to come by for Elche, it's biggest issue lies at its own end of the pitch, where it has conceded 33 goals in 24 La Liga matches this season. Most alarming is the fact that it has conceded eight goals in the final 15 minutes (plus added time) of its league matches, showing an inability to button things up in crunch time. Take the over (8*). |
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02-17-22 | 76ers v. Bucks UNDER 224.5 | 123-120 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 55 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Philadelphia and Milwaukee at 8:30 pm et on Thursday. The Bucks enter this game on the heels of six consecutive 'over' results while the Sixers are fresh off a high-scoring game of their own - an unthinkable 135-87 blowout loss at home against Boston. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 26-11 with the Sixers having lost four or five of their last six games ATS over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of just 210.0 points. Better still, the 'under' is 17-4 when Philadelphia checks in off five or six ATS losses in its last seven contests over the same stretch, leading to an average total of only 207.7 points scored in that situation. As for the Bucks, they've seen the 'under' cash at a 15-5 clip when coming off two losses in their last three games this season, producing an average total of 213.3 points. In the rest of their games, the Bucks have posted a 23-16 o/u mark. Take the under (9*). |
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02-17-22 | Bruins v. Islanders UNDER 5.5 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and New York at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. The Bruins have scored just five goals combined over their last four games and don't figure to show much improvement on Thursday as they travel to Long Island to face the Islanders. Note that the 'under' is 7-1 with the Bruins coming off a road loss this season, as is the case here following Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Rangers, with an average total of only 4.8 goals in that situation. Better still, the 'under' is 10-2 with the Bruins checking in off a game where they were held to a goal or less over the last two seasons with that situation producing an average total of only 3.7 goals. As for the Isles, they've lost three straight games, with the 'over' cashing in each of their last two contests. Note that the 'under' is 13-3 when they play at home off consecutive 'over' results over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of just 3.8 goals. When coming off consecutive games in which 7+ total goals were scored over the last three seasons, as is the case here, the Isles have seen an average total of only 4.4 goals. Take the under (8*). |
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02-17-22 | Red Wings v. Rangers UNDER 6 | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 21 m | Show |
NHL Metropolitan Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and New York at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Red Wings have seen their last four games go 'over' the total but I look for a different story to unfold on Thursday night in New York. Detroit has had a couple of days to stew over Monday's ugly 7-4 loss in Minnesota. Here, we'll note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 5-0 with the Wings coming off a game where both teams scored 4+ goals this season, resulting in an average total of just 4.0 goals. Meanwhile, the Rangers check in off a 2-1 win over the undermanned Bruins on Tuesday. They've seen the 'under' go 11-1 after allowing one goal or less in their previous game this season, with an average total of just 4.4 goals scored in that situation. The 'under' is also 14-4 with the Blueshirts playing at home after winning five or six of their last seven games over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 5.2 goals. While New York has plenty of offensive firepower it has also quietly been an extremely stingy team here at home, allowing only 2.3 goals per contest. It may not need to score a lot to secure a win here, noting that Detroit averages only 2.6 goals per game on the road. Take the under (10*). |
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02-17-22 | Senators v. Sabres UNDER 6 | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Ottawa and Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. We've seen both previous meetings between these two teams total five goals or less this season and I expect more of the same on Thursday in Buffalo. The 'over' has cashed in each of the Sabres last four games but I don't see that trend continuing here. Note that the 'under' has gone 12-4 with the Sens coming off an 'over' result this season, resulting in an average total of 5.2 goals. The 'under' is also 19-9 with the Sens playing on the road after giving up 5+ goals in their previous game over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 5.6 goals scored in that spot. As for the Sabres, they've seen the 'under' go a perfect 8-0 when seeking revenge for a road loss by 4+ goals against an opponent over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with an average total of only 3.9 goals scored in that situation. Take the under (9*). |
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02-17-22 | Blues v. Canadiens UNDER 6 | 2-3 | Win | 110 | 9 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between St. Louis and Montreal at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Blues have scored 14 goals over their last three games and opened their current road trip with a 5-2 win in Ottawa on Tuesday (we won with St. Louis in that game). While this certainly looks like another layup against the lowly Habs, I prefer to go 'under' the total in a bit of a contrarian spot here. Note that the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 with St. Louis coming off consecutive games in which it scored 5+ goals over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of just 4.7 goals. The 'under' is also 25-15 with the Blues on the road after winning two of their last three contests over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of 5.6 goals. As for the Canadiens, they've seen the 'under' go 24-11 when playing at home seeking revenge for a loss by 2+ goals against an opponent over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of 5.3 goals in that spot. The 'under' is also a solid 34-22 with the Habs playing at home off an 'over' result over the last two seasons, which is the case here following Sunday's 5-3 loss to Buffalo. Take the under (6*). |
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02-17-22 | Real Sociedad v. RB Leipzig OVER 2.25 | 2-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between RB Leipzig and Real Sociedad at 3 pm et on Thursday. RB Leipzig picked up a much needed 3-1 victory over Koln last Friday and should bring plenty of confidence into this home affair against Real Sociedad on Thursday. As for Sociedad, it will likely be happy to get out of La Liga for one match at least as it has managed to win just once in its last three league contests, scoring only two goals along the way. In fact, it has scored a grand total of just two goals in its last four matches across all competitions. I simply feel there's too much talent on this side for that run of futility to be sustainable. I would certainly expect it to find some opportunities against an RB Leipzig squad that will undoubtedly push the pace in this one. Note that Sociedad has seen each of its last two Europa League affairs go 'over' 2.5 total goals. I'm confident that both sides will be willing participants in a high-energy contest here with Sociedad determined to pick up an away goal. Take the over (8*). |
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02-16-22 | Baylor v. Texas Tech UNDER 137 | Top | 73-83 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 43 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Baylor and Texas Tech at 9 pm et on Wednesday. Both of these teams are coming off 80+ point performances in winning efforts on Saturday. I don't expect either side to sniff out that number on Wednesday, however. Those respective 'over' results snapped two-game 'under' streaks for both teams. They also served to give us a bit of a higher total to work than we might have otherwise seen here considering the first meeting between the Bears and Red Raiders this season saw a closing total of just 135.5 in a game that totalled only 127 points. Texas Tech pulled off a stunning 65-62 upset victory in that one, thanks in large part to shooting just shy of 51% from the field. It will be hard-pressed to repeat that performance here as Baylor has locked in defensively ever since that 83-59 loss in Kansas a week-and-a-half ago. Since then, the Bears have held Kansas State and Texas to 60 and 63 points, respectively, on a combined 41-of-115 (35.6%) shooting. You would have to go back six games to find the last time Texas Tech allowed more than 70 points. It has done a tremendous job on defense here at home this season, limiting the opposition to just 20-of-52 shooting on average while giving up just a shade over 58 points per game. In last year's meeting on this floor, Texas Tech held Baylor to just 68 points on 41.8% shooting but ultimately fell by a 68-60 score. Take the under (10*). |
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02-16-22 | Pistons v. Celtics UNDER 214.5 | Top | 112-111 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
NBA Eastern Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and Boston at 7:40 pm et on Wednesday. The Celtics are arguably the hottest team in the league right now and enter this game off a 135-87 drubbing of the Sixers in Philadelphia last night. With this being their last game prior to the All-Star break, I expect them to 'manage' proceedings wisely. Yes, last night's 135-point outburst was impressive but let's face it, the Sixers simply didn't show up, essentially laying down after falling behind early. Offensively explosions like that haven't been commonplace for the C's. They did have another similar performance in Brooklyn last week but followed it up by scoring just 108 and 105 points during a brief two-game homestand. Boston has actually been a slightly lower-scoring team at home compared to only the road this season, averaging 108.1 points per game. The 'under' is 18-12 at TD Garden this season with an average total of just 210.8 points. As for the Pistons, they managed to score only 94 points against a struggling Wizards squad last time out. They're just three games removed from scoring 86 points in a lopsided loss in Dallas and put up only 93 points at home against these same Celtics back on February 4th (that game totalled only 195 points). They've shot sub-38% in three of their last six games overall. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 33-21 with the Pistons seeking revenge for a same-season loss against an opponent over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, the 'under' is a perfect 9-0 with the Celtics coming off consecutive ATS wins as a favorite over the last two seasons, with that spot producing an average total of only 203.2 points. Take the under (10*). |
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02-16-22 | Bayern Munich v. Salzburg OVER 2.75 | 1-1 | Loss | -122 | 27 h 31 m | Show | |
My selection is on the first half 'over' between Bayern Munich and Red Bull Salzburg at 3 pm et on Wednesday. Bayern doesn't exactly bring its best form into this Champions League match on Wednesday, fresh off a stunning 4-2 away defeat at the hands of Bochum on Saturday. That should only serve to ramp up its focus ahead of this critical contest against a punchy Red Bull Salzburg squad on Wednesday, and I believe it lends itself to a rather fast start in this one. Note that Bayern has been first to score in each of its last seven matches - a scenario I can certainly see playing out once again here. With that being said, we've also seen it have trouble containing opposing attacks, allowing seven goals over its last three matches. Salzburg comes in confident off of three consecutive wins but has proven vulnerable at the back end in Champions League play, having yielded four first half goals to the opposition in its last six UCL matches and it only gets tougher against a BM squad in a foul mood on Wednesday. Of course, Bayern has been clinical in the early stages of Champions League action, scoring nine first half goals in its last six UCL contests. If Salzburg is to have any sort of a chance of keeping within arm's reach of Bayern, it needs to get off to a promising start. Keep in mind, Bayern prevailed by scores of 6-2 and 3-1 in Champions League matches between these two back in 2020, holding a combined 3-1 edge in the first half of those two contests. Salzburg desperately needs to fight fire with fire in this case, as it is highly unlikely that it will be able to contain Bayern for long. I expect plenty of early fireworks between these two on Wednesday. Take the first half over (8*). |
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02-16-22 | Liverpool v. Inter Milan UNDER 3.5 | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 26 h 13 m | Show | |
My selection is on the first half 'under' between Inter Milan and Liverpool at 3 pm et on Wednesday. I don't expect either of these sides to give an inch, particularly in the early stages of Wednesday's Champions League clash. To say that Inter Milan has been stingy in the first half in Champions League play would be an understatement. It has given up a grand total of one goal in the first half of its previous six UCL contests. Liverpool has been a little more forgiving, allowing five first half goals in its last six UCL affairs but I'm not convinced Inter will be able to take advantage. Note that Inter has found the back of the net only once over its last six UCL matches. Inter knows it will need to be extremely cautious here in the home leg of this UCL showdown as Liverpool comes in hot, having won six matches in a row - undefeated in its last nine matches overall. Liverpool has also managed to kick off the scoring in each of its last six contests. We were benefactors of that in its most recent match as we backed the Reds in the first half against Burnley over the weekend. Of course, we were fortunate to cash that ticket as Liverpool waited until the waning moments of the first half to finally strike. While there's plenty of offensive punch to be featured in this one, I'm not sure we'll see the action really heat up before halftime, with a 'feeling out' process likely the first order of the day. Take the first half 'under' (6*). |
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02-16-22 | Reading v. Peterborough United OVER 2.5 | 0-0 | Loss | -104 | 27 h 36 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Peterborough United and Reading at 2:45 pm et on Wednesday. Low totals are generally the norm in the English Championship, and sometimes for good reason as we saw in Monday's Blackburn-West Brom match that saw no offensive fireworks whatsoever. I expect a different story to unfold on Wednesday, however, as two desperate sides near the bottom of the table do battle. Incredibly, it's been 20 matches since Reading last posted a clean sheet. With that being said, Peterborough checks in having allowed the first goal in five of its last seven matches. Having been shut out in its last two contests, Peterborough will undoubtedly be looking to take advantage of this mouth-watering matchup, noting that it hasn't been shut out by Reading in any of the last six meetings in this series. In fact, each of the last eight matchups between these two English sides has gone 'over' the 2.5 goal total we're working with on Wednesday. Additionally, both teams have found the back of the net in five of the last six matches between the two. Few squads have been as forgiving as these two this season, with Reading having posted a -24 goal differential and Peterborough considerably worse in that department at -37. The question is of course whether either side has the creativity or punch to break through offensively. Given the matchup, I'm confident they can. The last match in the series came last September with Reading cruising to a 3-1 win. We can anticipate some form of payback from Peterborough here and I believe that lends itself to another relatively high-scoring affair. Take the over (8*). |
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02-16-22 | Levante v. Atletico Madrid OVER 2 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -100 | 25 h 1 m | Show |
La Liga Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Atletico Madrid and Levante at 1 pm et on Wednesday. While I'm not interested in playing a side here with the odds tilted considerably in Atletico's favor, I will make a play on the total as I'm confident we see another relatively high-scoring affair between these two squads, which check in at virtually opposite ends of the La Liga spectrum. You would have to go back seven matches to find the last time Atletico posted a clean sheet. Similarly, it hasn't held lowly Levante off the scoreboard in the last three matches in this series. That includes the last time it hosted Levante almost a year ago to the day, when it was stunned 2-0. Here, I'm confident we'll see Atletico pour it on and Levante figures to serve as an ideal punching bag having lost three matches in a row, not to mention conceding the first goal in four of its last five contests. We've seen a nice run of six consecutive matches involving Atletico finding their way 'over' 2.5 goals. I do believe that Levante can make some contribution in this one as well, noting that it will come in confident having not lost any of its last three meetings with the seemingly superior Atletico side. It's certainly worth noting that the winning side has scored at least three goals all on its own in five of Levante's last seven La Liga matches. The only occasions where we didn't see such a story unfold came in matches against Mallorca and Cadiz, two of La Liga's bottom-six squads (Levante currently sits in last place in La Liga). Take the over (10*). |
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02-15-22 | Clippers v. Suns UNDER 223.5 | 96-103 | Win | 100 | 13 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Tuesday. The last time we saw these two teams meet they combined to score just 195 points, staying well below the closing total of 222. We're dealing with an even higher total this time around, largely due to the Suns recent high-scoring results. In fact, the 'over' is 4-0 in the Suns last four games and has cashed in six of their last seven contests overall. I'm not convinced that's a sustainable trend when you consider the 'under' is still 28-27-1 in all Suns games this season with an average total of 219.1 points scored. The Clippers are coming off a relatively high-scoring game of their own last night against Golden State (we missed cashing our 'under' ticket by a single point). The 'over' has now come through in six of their last seven games as well. After shooting better than 52% in consecutive games, I look for the Clippers offense to come back to Earth in this back-to-back spot, as they continue to play without newly-acquired Norm Powell, and could miss Luke Kennard again as well. Last night we saw Tre Mann go off for the Clips, pacing their 119-point outburst. Keep in mind, that was their highest point total since back on January 19th. They average just 105.6 points per game on the road this season, where the 'under' has gone 15-13-1. The Suns have done a terrific job of smothering opposing offenses lately, holding seven straight opponents to 90 or fewer field goal attempts. The Clippers don't play at all that quick of a tempo to begin with and I certainly don't anticipate them shooting the lights out against a Suns squad that limits opponents to 105.3 points per game on 43.7% shooting at home this season. Take the under (9*). |
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02-15-22 | Hornets v. Wolves UNDER 243.5 | 120-126 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Charlotte and Minnesota at 8:10 pm et on Tuesday. This game features one of the highest posted totals in the NBA this season. I believe it will prove too high. The Hornets enter this game off consecutive 'over' results. Their last game against the Grizzlies on Saturday only crept 'over' the total thanks to Memphis carrying a 31-point lead into halftime and then essentially laying down defensively in the second half, allowing Charlotte to score a whopping 75 points. I'm certainly expecting a more competitive affair between these two relatively evenly-matched teams tonight. Despite those to recent 'over' results, the 'under' remains 18-8 in the Hornets last 26 games. The T'Wolves are coming off a ridiculously high-scoring four-game road trip, with the 'over' cashing in all four of those games. Here, we have a 'catalyst for change' as Minnesota returns home, where it has played to considerably lower-scoring results with the 'under' cashing at a 15-11 clip. In fact, the T'Wolves average 4.1 points per game below their season scoring average while allowing 6.5 ppg less here at home. Their home games have averaged a total of just 214.4 points. It's also worth noting that the 'under' has gone 9-1 in the Hornets last 10 games played on two days' rest going back to last season, with that spot producing an average total of just 108.5 points. Take the under (9*). |
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02-15-22 | Buffalo v. Bowling Green OVER 163 | 112-85 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show | |
CBB Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Buffalo and Bowling Green at 7 pm et on Tuesday. While there are times the oddsmakers can't set the total low enough (case in point our play on the Virginia-Virginia Tech 'under' last night - a sub-120 total), there are also situations where the number simply can't be set high enough. The latter is the case here in my opinion. We won a big play on a Buffalo 'over' last week - a game that reached 166 points despite its extremely lopsided nature against Eastern Michigan (Buffalo won 102-64). Here, I'm anticipating a far more competitive affair for the Bulls, but ultimately a game that will be equally, if not even higher scoring. Buffalo has taken its aggressiveness on offense to a whole new level lately, hoisting up 70+ field goal attempts in three of its last five games. The only two contests were it didn't get off 70+ shots came in lopsided affairs at Ohio (a 21-point loss) and at home against Central Michigan (a 20-point win). Bowling Green can run and gun with the best of them. In fact, only four other teams in the country rank higher in terms of adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). We successfully faded the Falcons in their most recent game as they fell by a 92-78 score at Miami-Ohio on Saturday. They've had no interest in trying to limit opponents scoring opportunities here at home, allowing 74.6 points per game on an average of 64 field goal attempts per contest. Offensively, the Falcons have been hard to handle here on their home floor, hoisting up a whopping 68 field goal attempts per game, resulting in north of 87 points per contest. These two teams met back in January in Buffalo - a game that totalled 187 points. We didn't see anything particularly out of the ordinary in that game, perhaps other than Buffalo getting to the free throw line 35 times (and making 33 of those). Even if we do temper expectations on that front, we still have plenty of wiggle room with this total sitting in the low-160's (at the time of writing). Take the over (10*). |
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02-15-22 | Brighton & Hove Albion v. Manchester United OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -103 | 27 h 44 m | Show |
EPL Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove at 3:15 pm et on Tuesday. We missed with Manchester United as its misery continued with a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Southampton on Saturday. I see this as a fine 'get right' spot, particularly at the offensive end of the pitch but given the Red Devils recent vulnerability at the back-end, I suspect Brighton & Hove will be able to find some success as well. The fact that we're dealing with a relatively low posted total is no surprise. Man U has seen four of its last five matches stay 'under' 2.5 goals while the same can be said for Brighton in five of its last six contests. That's a bit conflicting, however, as both teams have scored in five of Man U's last six matches and seven of Brighton's last eight. Also, in spite of the Red Devils recent struggles, going winless in their last three matches, they've actually managed to score first in seven straight matches and here will face a Brighton squad that tends to play from behind, allowing the first score in five of its last six. In this particular series, goals haven't been all that difficult to come by. In fact, each of the last seven meetings between these two squads has gone 'over' 2.5 total goals with both teams finding the back of the net in five of those contests. You would have to go back eight meetings to find the last time Brighton shut Man U out entirely so again, this looks like a fine 'get right' situation, which lends itself to a relatively high-scoring affair in my opinion. Take the over (10*). |
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02-15-22 | Real Madrid v. Paris Saint-Germain OVER 2.75 | 0-1 | Loss | -116 | 26 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at 3 pm et on Tuesday. Both of these squads are coming off tight, low-scoring affairs with PSG prevailing on a goal in injury time against Stade-Rennes and Real Madrid settling for a 0-0 draw against Villarreal. Of course, in the case of the latter, we know that La Liga is often where quality offenses go to die. Perhaps that's a bit harsh, but 0-0 affairs in Spain are by no means out of the ordinary. Seeing PSG held to just a single goal and needing the full 90 minutes and then some to get it was surprising, however. While we haven't seen these two European powerhouses meet since 2019, there's been a history of thrilling, relatively high-scoring matchups between the two. In fact, each of the last five meetings has gone 'over' 2.5 total goals - the total we're working with on Tuesday (at the time of writing). In four of those five matches we saw both teams find the back of the net, and I expect a similar story to unfold here. Getting away from league play should serve to open things up for both sides after getting bogged down last time out. Note that PSG has had a penchant for taking the reins in its matches, scoring the first goal in four of its last five trips to the pitch. I'm confident it can set Real Madrid back on its heels here as well. An answer should never be far off for Madrid, however, noting that it has excelled in Champions League action, posting a 5-0-1 record to date, scoring 14 goals in the process. Take the over (7*). |
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02-14-22 | Warriors v. Clippers UNDER 222.5 | Top | 104-119 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 12 m | Show |
NBA Division Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Los Angeles at 10:40 pm et on Monday. I'm not convinced either of these teams want to get involved in a track meet on Monday night. The Warriors will be playing for the fourth time in the last six nights after dropping two of their last three games. The 'over' has cashed in their last two contests as they uncharacteristically struggled to contain the Knicks and Lakers offenses, allowing 116 and 115 points. Here, they'll catch the Clippers just one day removed from a hard-fought 99-97 win in Dallas to snap a three-game skid. L.A. isn't going to be at full strength for this game with newly-acquired Norman Powell sidelined due to a toe injury and Luke Kennard questionable to play as well. Note that the 'under' has gone 18-8 with the Warriors coming off an ATS loss this season with those games totalling an average of just 209.3 points. Meanwhile, the Clippers have seen the 'under' cash at a 14-4 clip after losing three of their last four games ATS this season, resulting in an average total of just 205.2 points in that spot. Take the under (10*). |
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02-14-22 | Oilers v. Sharks OVER 6 | 3-0 | Loss | -116 | 13 h 9 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Edmonton and San Jose at 10:35 pm et on Monday. The Oilers are coming off three straight low-scoring 'under' results but I look for a different story to unfold as they head to San Jose to face a Sharks squad that has been idle since February 1st. Note that Edmonton has actually been a higher-scoring team on the road compared to at home this season, averaging 3.4 goals per game. Better still, the Oilers have averaged 4.0 goals per game when coming off a home victory over the last three seasons. That is of course the situation here following Saturday's 3-1 win over the Islanders. Here, they'll face a Sharks squad that has struggled to keep the puck out of their own net all season here at home, allowing 3.3 goals per game. On the flip side, San Jose had scored just three goals over is last two contests - both losses - prior to the extended layoff. Note that the Sharks average 3.6 goals per game when coming off consecutive losses this season (11-game sample size). While San Jose has predominantly been an 'under' team this season (18-28 o/u record), the 'over' has gone 5-4 when it comes off a two-game stretch in which it managed to score three goals or less, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 6.2 goals. With regular starter Mikko Koskinen on the Covid list, we're likely to see Mike Smith between the pipes for the Oilers. The last time he faced the Sharks the result was a 6-3 San Jose victory here in California. Take the over (8*). |
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02-14-22 | Oklahoma State v. Kansas UNDER 143.5 | 62-76 | Win | 100 | 11 h 2 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Oklahoma State and Kansas at 9 pm et on Monday. The first meeting between these two teams totalled just 137 points in a game where both teams played faster than usual. We're dealing with a slightly lower total for this one than we saw in that previous encounter but I'm not sure enough of an adjustment has been made. It's unlikely Kansas is going to shoot better than it has over its last four games, incredibly knocking down better than 51% of its field goal attempts in each of those four contests. Oklahoma State is fresh off a strong offensive showing of its own, scoring 81 points on 48% shooting but that came at the expense of West Virginia at home. Lost in that strong offensive performance was the fact that the Cowboys held the Mountaineers to just 31.7% shooting. That marks the second time in the last three games that Oklahoma State has held the opposition to sub-40% from the field. Note that the 'under' is on a long-term 24-15 run in this particular series. Take the under (8*). |
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02-14-22 | Virginia v. Virginia Tech UNDER 119.5 | 53-62 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Virginia and Virginia Tech at 7 pm et on Monday. At first glance, this looks like a pretty low total. In fact, it doesn't just look like a low total, it is. With that being said, it's warranted in my opinion. These two in-state rivals have met four times since the start of 2020 with those four games totalling 104, 109, 116 and 106 points with the latter result coming earlier this season. Both teams are rolling right now. The Cavaliers have won four in a row including a stunning upset win at Duke while the Hokies are winners of five straight games. The question will be which defense blinks first in this one as both are more than capable of stymieing the opposing offense. There have certainly been situations lately where the oddsmakers have gone a little too far in setting low totals in games involving these teams as Virginia has seen the 'over' cash in four of its last five games while Virginia Tech has posted a 6-2 o/u mark over its last eight. I don't expect that to be the case here as neither team gives an inch in this rivalry showdown. Take the under (7*). |
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02-14-22 | Blackburn Rovers v. West Bromwich Albion OVER 2.5 | 0-0 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between West Brom and Blackburn at 3 pm et on Monday. Both of these teams bring poor scoring form to the table on Monday - a big reason why we're being offered a plus-money return to back the 'over' 2.5 goals. West Brom remains in third-place in the EFL standings but has failed to bulge the twine in its last three matches, losing all three of those games. Blackburn is in a battle to simply remain in playoff contention and has gone winless in its last three matches, failing to score in any of those. With all of that being said, West Brom hasn't recorded a clean sheet in any of its last five matches against Blackburn. Worse still, Blackburn hasn't shut out West Brom in any of the last seven meetings. Each of the last five matches between these two has seen both teams score and five of the last seven have gone 'over' 2.5 goals. Both squads realize the importance of this week-opener. As I mentioned, West Brom sits in third position but the other teams it is contending with at the top of the table have matches in hand so earning three points from this match is critical. Blackburn is in similar position but considerably lower in the table and needs to take something away from this contest in order to improve its playoff prospects. Take the over (8*). |
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02-14-22 | Fiorentina v. Spezia Calcio OVER 2.5 | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 4 h 5 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Spezia and Fiorentina at 2:45 pm et on Monday. I'm expecting goals aplenty in this match as Spezia hosts Fiorentina on Monday. Spezia plays a free-flowing style that tends to afford plenty of scoring opportunities to the opposing side so it's not a big surprise that it sits near the bottom of the Serie A table. Interestingly, it does enter this match having gone undefeated over its last four so there's reason for confidence against a Fiorentina side that is not without its own warts. Fiorentina has been forced to play a man down due to red cards in each of its last three Serie A matches. Note that the 'over' 2.5 goals has cashed in five of its last six trips to the pitch and you would have to go back four matches to find the last time it posted a clean sheet. It should also be confident as a favorite here, however, noting that it has gone undefeated in the last three meetings between these two squads, finding the back of the net in all three of those matches. Expect an entertaining affair between these two teams on Monday. Take the over (6*). |
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02-13-22 | Rams v. Bengals UNDER 48.5 | 23-20 | Win | 100 | 59 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on the first half 'under' between Cincinnati and Los Angeles at 6:30 pm et on Sunday. |
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02-13-22 | Colorado State v. Boise State UNDER 133.5 | Top | 77-74 | Loss | -115 | 5 h 24 m | Show |
CBB Mountain West Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Colorado State and Boise State at 4 pm et on Sunday. Boise State is one of the stingiest home teams in the country, allowing just 53 field goal attempts per game (17 from beyond the arc) while sending opponents to the free throw line only 14 times per game. Yet here the Broncos are, coming off four consecutive 'over' results, with their last two games being played right here in Boise. I believe that has helped push this total a little too high. Colorado State isn't going to overwhelm anyone with its pace. In fact, the Rams play at an almost identical tempo to that of the Broncos. While they do average 73 points per game away from home, I don't see them coming close to that number against a Boise State defense that allows less than 60 points per game here at home. The Rams are fresh off a game that totalled just 115 points in a lopsided victory over Fresno State. They actually check in having shot 51% or better from the field in consecutive games but again, I don't see them approaching that level of success here. Note that the 'under' is a perfect 7-0 with Colorado State involved in a game with a total set between 130 and 139.5 points, as is the case here. Take the under (10*). |
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02-13-22 | Stony Brook v. Maine UNDER 139.5 | Top | 85-74 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 40 m | Show |
CBB America East Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Stony Brook and Maine at 1 pm et on Sunday. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled 152 points but that's been far from the norm in this series with the last 10 matchups averaging a total of just 130 points. Stony Brook enters this game off a wild 87-85 win over UMass-Lowell - also not the norm for the Seawolves this season, noting that their previous three contests had all stayed 'under' the total. Stony Brook has had a bit of a difficult time controlling opponents' tempo on the road but shouldn't have such trouble here against a Maine squad that doesn't tend to get out and run here at home, averaging 56 field goal attempts per game (20 from three-point range) and gets to the free throw line an average of just 14 times per contest. Take the under (10*). |
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02-13-22 | West Ham United v. Leicester OVER 2.5 | 2-2 | Win | 100 | 6 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Leicester City and West Ham at 11:30 am et on Sunday. Both of these squads are coming off relatively low-scoring affairs but I look for a different story to unfold on Sunday. Leicester enters this match winless over its last four contests. It has also yielded at least a goal in five consecutive matches. While West Ham has had a tendency to get involved in lower-scoring affairs, that hasn't been the case in this particular matchup as each of the last six meetings have gone 'over' 2.5 goals. For Leicester's part, it has failed to register a clean sheet in each of its last 10 meetings with West Ham. We've consistently seen highly-competitive affairs between these two with both teams finding the back of the net in six of the last seven matchups. Take the over (8*). |
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02-13-22 | Borussia Dortmund v. Union Berlin OVER 2.75 | 3-0 | Win | 50 | 4 h 45 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund at 9:30 am et on Sunday. Dortmund won't have the services of Erling Haaland for this match and that's a big reason why we're dealing with a total as low as we are. I believe it will prove too low. Dortmund is of course likely going to have to get used to playing without its high-profile striker as he's rumored to be moving on to greener pastures. Here, we'll note that Dortmund has gone six matches without posting a clean sheet and the 'over' 2.5 goals has cashed in each of its last seven contests. On the flip side, Union Berlin checks in off a 2-0 defeat against potential relegation candidate Augsburg. Note that it has conceded at least a goal in eight consecutive matches in this series. That's not to say it has been all that one-sided though as both teams have scored in six of the last eight meetings and five of the last six have gone 'over' 2.5 goals. I'm anticipating another relatively high-scoring affair, even without Haaland in the mix on Sunday. Take the over (8*). |
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02-13-22 | Aston Villa v. Newcastle United UNDER 2.5 | 0-1 | Win | 105 | 3 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Newcastle and Aston Villa at 9 am et on Sunday. I'm anticipating a tightly-contested affair between these two teams on Sunday. Both squads enter Sunday's contest undefeated over their last three matches. It's also worth noting that four of Newcastle's last five matches have stayed 'under' 2.5 goals. Speaking of 'under' trends, the last 10 meetings in this series have all stayed 'under' 2.5 goals. Interestingly, Aston Villa has gone undefeated in the last five meetings but it doesn't exactly bring tremendous form into this contest, having only managed one victory and two draws in its last six matches. Newcastle on the other hand is coming off a 3-1 win over Everton - its second victory in a row. A letdown could certainly be in order here and it will need to be careful considering Aston Villa has struck first in four of the last five matches in this series. Take the under (9*). |
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02-12-22 | Magic v. Suns UNDER 225.5 | 105-132 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 4 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Orlando and Phoenix at 9:10 pm et on Saturday. We won with the 'under' in Orlando's loss in Utah last night and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here. Phoenix is coming off three straight 'over' results including a 131-107 win over the Bucks in an NBA Finals rematch on Thursday. I expect to see the Suns use this matchup to catch their break, to to speak, following a stretch of five games in eight nights (in five different cities). After this contest, Phoenix will get a couple of days off before a back-to-back set against the Clippers and Rockets. Orlando has now been held under 100 points in two of its last three games and doesn't figure to show much improvement against a terrific defensive opponent here, especially considering it will be playing its fifth game in the last eight nights (in four different cities). While Orlando has allowed 110.7 points per game on the road this season, it has actually given up just 105.2 points per contest when playing away from home after losing three of its last four games ATS, as is the case here. That situation has produced an average total of just 212.8 total points (10-game sample size). Take the under (9*). |
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02-12-22 | Dartmouth v. Princeton OVER 139.5 | 40-85 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Dartmouth and Princeton at 4 pm et on Saturday. Dartmouth has a tendency to yield to whatever tempo its opponent chooses to set, as we saw in the previous meeting between these two teams this season - a game that Princeton won by an 84-80 score. In this case, I'm confident we'll see the Tigers continue to push the pace, just as they have in their last four games, hoisting up 67, 64, 65 and 68 field goal attempts. Dartmouth got off 62 field goal attempts but couldn't make the most of them in a 62-60 loss at Brown last time out. Note that the Big Green have scored fairly consistently on the Ivy League road this season, racking up 71, 68, 76, 69 and 60 points in five conference road tilts. Princeton hasn't been held to fewer than 72 points since way back on November 24th at Monmouth. The Tigers have been ultra-efficient at the offensive end of the floor here at home this season, shooting better than 50% from the field and knocking down 11-of-28 three-point attempts per contest. With Dartmouth playing its fourth straight game away from home, it will need to push the pace itself in order to keep up. The good news is, the Big Green have actually shot better from beyond the arc on the road this season, knocking down an average of 10 triples per game. Take the over (9*). |
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02-12-22 | VfL Wolfsburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt OVER 2.5 | 2-0 | Loss | -106 | 12 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt at 9:30 am et on Saturday. I look for both of these German sides to 'go for it' in Saturday's key fixture at Deutsche Bank Park. Frankfurt is coming off a 3-2 win over Stuttgart and can potentially earn European qualification by picking up all three points in this match on Saturday. That result is certainly well within the realm of possibility against a Wolfsburg side that is simply looking to avoid potential relegation at this point. Keep in mind, Wolfsburg had faced a very difficult slate of matches prior to a win last time out. With renewed confidence there's certainly a window of opportunity cracked here as Frankfurt has been anything but consistent. Frankfurt yielded far more productive scoring chances than the end result showed in that most recent 3-2 victory. That poor defensive form could lend itself to another tightly-contested affair here. Frankfurt will be fortunate to welcome back midfielder Filip Kostic for this match after he missed the victory over Stuttgart due to flu-like symptons. However, it will likely be missing key defender Hasebe due to a rib injury. Kruse and Wind will look to once again find some fruits for their labor on the attack for Wolfsburg. Take the over (9*). |
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02-11-22 | Magic v. Jazz UNDER 222.5 | 99-114 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Orlando and Utah at 9:10 pm et on Friday. With a four-game winning streak intact and fresh off a 26-point rout of the Warriors two nights ago, I see this as a game we see the Jazz 'manage' on Friday night at home against the lowly Magic. Orlando checks in off a blowout win in Portland. Keep in mind, that victory came after the Blazers dealt C.J. McCollum among others earlier in the day. While the Magic scored 113 points in that victory, they're just a game removed from an 83-point effort against the Celtics. I expect them to have a tough time scoring against a Jazz squad that is locked in defensively, having held their last three opponents to 41%, 38% and 36% shooting. Note that the first meeting between these two teams this season totalled only 207 points in an upset victory by the Magic in Orlando. That game saw a closing total of 211 points. I simply feel too much of an adjustment has been made here. Take the under (9*). |
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02-10-22 | Penguins v. Senators UNDER 6 | Top | 2-0 | Win | 112 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Pittsburgh and Ottawa at 7 pm et on Thursday. The Penguins have seen their last three games go 'over' the total while the Sens have come out of the break with back-to-back 'over' results, winning both games against the Devilsi and Hurricanes. Ottawa scored four goals in each of those contests but I'm not convinced their recent offensive surge is sustainable. Keep in mind, the Sens still average just 2.8 goals per game on home ice this season. Interestingly, the 'under' has gone a perfect 5-0 with the Sens coming off a home game in which both teams scored 3+ goals this season, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of just 4.6 goals. The 'under' is also 11-2 with Ottawa following up a game that totalled seven goals or more this season, leading to an average total of just 5.0 goals in that spot. Finally, I'll point out that the 'under' is 21-11 when the Sens play at home seeking revenge for a loss by two goals or more against an opponent, which is the case here after dropping a 6-4 decision in Pittsburgh on January 20th (we won with the 'over' in that game). The Penguins have been producing plenty of goals but it's worth noting that they allow only 2.4 goals per game on the road this season. They'll be off the next two days before playing again on Sunday and that should certainly help with their focus against a very manageable opponent here. Take the under (10*). |
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02-09-22 | High Point v. Presbyterian UNDER 128 | Top | 79-70 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
CBB Big South Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between High Point and Presbyterian at 7 pm et on Wednesday. These two teams are coming off very different results last time out as High Point outlasted UNC-Asheville by a 91-83 score in overtime while Presbyterian fell by a 74-69 score at Hampton. That most recent game was at home for High Point. It has struggled mightily on the road, winning just once in 10 tries. Presbyterian has proven to be a very frustrating team to play against, particularly on this floor, where it has held opponents to just 50 field goal attempts per game. For its part, High Point has had a tough time getting into any sort of rhythm on the road, getting off just 51 field goal attempts per contest. The Panthers also get to the free throw line five times less than their season average away from home. With all of that being said, High Point has also done a nice job of controlling the tempo on the road, giving up just 51 field goal attempts per game. In other words, I'm not expecting a free-flowing affair here. Presbyterian is actually coming off consecutive 'over' results - the first time we've seen that since December 6th and 12th. High Point's most recent game also found its way 'over' the total. We haven't seen consecutive games involving the Panthers go 'over' the total since December 29th and 31st with those two games coming against Michigan State and Kentucky (High Point allowed 81 and 92 points in those two games). Presbyterian has allowed just 57.7 points per game when playing at home off a loss by six points or less over the last two seasons (six-game sample size), as is the case here. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 16-6 with High Point having lost two of its last three games over the last two seasons (22-game sample size). Take the under (10*). |
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02-08-22 | Pistons v. Mavs OVER 213.5 | Top | 86-116 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Detroit and Dallas at 8:40 pm et on Tuesday. I don't think a lot of bettors are rushing to back the 'over' in this low-key Tuesday non-conference affair. With that being said, I love the way the situation sets up. The Mavs have let their defense do the talking in their last two games, holding the 76ers and Hawks under 100 points in fairly comfortable victories. Here, I think Dallas will need its offense to do some of the heavy-lifting, noting that the Pistons have actually scored over 100 points in nine of their last 10 games, employing an up-tempo style, getting off 90+ field goal attempts in each of their last three games. Keep in mind, Detroit scored 117 and 105 points in a pair of matchups with Dallas last year with both of those contests flying 'over' the total. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 21-11 with Detroit coming off a game in which it scored 105 points or less this season, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 219.1 points. Better still, the 'over' is 12-4 with the Pistons off consecutive games scoring 105 points or less, leading to an average total of 220.9 points. As for the Mavs, the 'over' is a long-term 70-45 when they come off consecutive home victories, which is also the case tonight. The Mavs haven't been forced to play on consecutive nights since January 29th and 30th and inexplicably won't do so against until the third week of March. In other words, there's no need for them to 'manage' this game in the same way the Warriors did last night (as I noted in my analysis of that play on the GS-OKC 'under'). While Dallas is missing some key contributors, including Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., it has still managed to score more than 100 points in six straight games. It's worth mentioning that the Mavs are also without one of their best defensive players in Maxi Kleber. The Pistons aren't slowing anyone down these days, allowing over 100 points in 12 consecutive contests and will be hard-pressed to improve on last year's two performances against Dallas in which they gave up 127 and 115 points. Finally, I'll note that the 'over' is 4-1 with the Pistons playing on the road off consecutive 'under' results this season. Take the over (10*). |
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02-08-22 | Wild v. Jets OVER 6 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -118 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Winnipeg at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. We're generally much more interested in playing 'overs' rather than 'unders' in games involving the Minnesota Wild and that's the case on Tuesday as well. Minnesota headed into the All-Star break off an 'under' result, securing a 5-0 win in Chicago last week. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 26-14 with the Wild coming off an 'under' result over the last two seasons with that situation producing an average total of 6.6 goals. There are a number of key trends supporting the 'over' when it comes to the Wild - not surprisingly - perhaps most notable is the fact that the 'over' is 10-2 when they face a division opponent this season, with those contests totalling an average of 7.7 goals. That includes a pair of matchups against the Jets that reached 11 and eight goals, with the Wild prevailing in both contests. The Jets have been scuffling along and will be without one of their best players up front in Pierre-Luc Dubois, who has landed on the Covid list. Perhaps more concerning is the fact that the Jets continue to play without 3-4 regulars on the blue line. That certainly opens the door for an explosive Wild offense that averages 4.5 goals per game after scoring three or more goals in four consecutive games this season, as is the case here. The question becomes whether the Jets can contribute enough offensively to help this one 'over' the total. I'm confident they can. Note that Winnipeg averages 3.3 goals per game at home this season. Guys like Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are obviously going to need to step up and produce in Dubois' absence but they're all capable. I like the fact that the Wild are turning to Kaapo Kahkonen in goal for this one. He performed admirably in place of an injured Cam Talbot (who took part in the All-Star Game over the weekend) in early January but has struggled of late, allowing six goals in his last two starts (both of those games totalled seven goals) while also giving up one goal on six shots in the third period in relief of Talbot against the lowly Canadiens on January 24th. The Jets are in desperate need of wins if they are to have any hope of rallying to earn a playoff berth in the crowded Western Conference. In order to take anything away from this one, they'll likely have to score 3-4 goals. Note that the 'over' is 17-7 with the Jets coming off a game that totalled four goals or less over the last two seasons, which is the case here, resulting in an average total of 6.6 goals. Take the over (10*). |
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02-08-22 | Eastern Michigan v. Buffalo OVER 148.5 | Top | 64-102 | Win | 100 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
CBB MAC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Eastern Michigan and Buffalo at 7 pm et on Tuesday. Buffalo enters this game off consecutive 'under' results. I expect that streak to be short-lived, however. No team has struggled more to control tempo (perhaps I should word that another way given the Bulls actually prefer to play at a fast pace), as Buffalo has allowed opponents to get off an incredible 68 field goal attempts per game here at home this season. Not surprisingly, Bulls home games have averaged north of 149 points per contest. Eastern Michigan doesn't operate at a blazing fast pace but it has picked it up after a couple of dismal campaigns, averaging just over 71 points per game this season. The Eagles are going to have to keep pace with the Bulls if they want to snap their current three-game skid on Tuesday. Note that Eastern Michigan has been held to 71 points or less in three straight games but this is a team that has scored 90+ points on three previous occasions this season and an arguably worse Eagles squad did manage to score 77 points (in a game that totalled 169) points in last year's meeting here in Buffalo. As I mentioned, the Bulls are coming off consecutive relatively low-scoring affairs. Keep in mind, the first of those two games came against one of the MAC's better teams in Ohio and the other against one of the conference's worst squads in Central Michigan. I look for a big bust-out performance from the Buffalo offense, noting that it averages just shy of 80 points per game at home this season, where it averages 28 three-point attempts per game (two more than its season average) and gets to the free throw line an average of 22 times per contest (four above its season average). EMU has allowed 80+ points in four of its last five games and has given up 90 or more points on three previous occasions this season. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 8-1 with Eastern Michigan coming off consecutive double-digit losses against conference opponents over the last three seasons with that spot producing an average total of 150.9 points. Take the over (10*). |
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02-07-22 | Warriors v. Thunder UNDER 212 | Top | 110-98 | Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Non-Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Oklahoma City at 8:10 pm et on Monday. This is a game that Golden State can and likely will 'manage' as it begins a stretch of three games in four nights (in three different cities) between now and Thursday. The Warriors have been lighting it up offensively but actually check in having allowed consecutive opponents to shoot better than 50% from the field. Considering they've only allowed four opponents to shoot better than 50% all season, that's notable. What better opponent to button things up defensively against than Oklahoma City? The Thunder have been held under 100 points in five of their last nine games overall and average just a shade over the century mark in terms of points per game at home this season. Oklahoma City is at home playing its third game in four nights tonight and doing so without a number of key contributors with the most notable being Shae Gilgeous-Alexander. Lu Dort remains questionable to play due to a nasal fracture but it does sound more likely that he'll be able to go. Nevertheless, the Warriors have held the Thunder to just 98 and 82 points in two previous meetings this season. In fact, they've held the Thunder under 100 points in four straight meetings in this series. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 27-14 with Golden State in the role of favorite this season and 32-15 in its last 47 games when playing on the road off a double-digit win over a division opponent. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 30-17 when the Thunder seek revenge for a double-digit loss against an opponent over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Take the under (10*). |
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02-07-22 | Hurricanes v. Maple Leafs OVER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Carolina and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The Hurricanes were struggling offensively heading into the All-Star break but that might have had something to do with a tough schedule that saw them play six games in 10 days. I expect them to come out re-energized out of the break, noting that the 'over' is a perfect 7-0 when they play five or less games in a 14-day span over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 9.0 goals. The Leafs come out of the break on the heels of five straight wins. That's notable as they've gone 1-5 when coming off five or more consecutive victories over the last two seasons, allowing an average of 3.8 goals in that situation. Tonight, the Leafs will give the start to backup goaltender Petr Mrazek. Note that Mrazek has made just two home starts this season, with both of those games totalling nine goals against the Red Wings and Blackhawks. The last two meetings between these two teams in Toronto have totalled nine and 14 goals. Expect another relatively high-scoring affair on Monday. Take the over (10*). |
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02-07-22 | NC-Wilmington v. Hofstra OVER 145 | Top | 71-73 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
CBB Colonial Athletic Association Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between N.C. Wilmington and Hofstra at 5 pm et on Monday. This will be the second meeting between these two teams in as many weeks after Wilmington prevailed by a 78-72 score at home on January 29th. The Seahawks are the surprising leaders in the CAA right now with head coach Takayo Siddle squeezing every last drop out of the talent he has at hand. As expected, Wilmington is playing fast and comes into this game off a 92-point explosion against William and Mary last time out. Of course, going up-tempo plays right into the hands of Hofstra, which checks in ranked 112th in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). Aaron Estrada has absolutely gone off for the Pride, most recently pouring in 35 points in Saturday's overtime win over James Madison. The Pride have scored 70+ points in six of their last seven games and come into this one on the heels of three straight 'over' results. Note that in that first meeting with Wilmington, the Pride knocked down only three of 18 three-point attempts. Considering they shoot 10-of-28 from beyond the arc here at home, I would expect a vast improvement over that performance here. Note that the Seahawks have held just one conference opponent to fewer than 70 points on the road this season, that being a highly-disappointing Northeastern squad in a game that still found its way 'over' the total. The 'over' has cashed in five of Wilmington's last seven games overall. Note that the second meeting between these two teams has been higher scoring than the first in each of the last three years in this series. Take the over (10*). |
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02-06-22 | AFC v. NFC OVER 62.5 | 41-35 | Win | 100 | 28 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between the AFC and NFC at 3 pm et on Saturday. I rarely get involved in the Pro Bowl as there doesn't tend to be any sort of edge to be found. This year I'm willing to make an exception, however. The NFL regularly adjusts the rules for the Pro Bowl and this year is no different. Those rule adjustments are generally made to favor the offenses and improve player safety, while also speeding the game up to provide a more entertaining 'All-Star Game' experience for the fans. Among the changes include forcing the defenses to use a 4-3 alignment for the entire game, limiting the number of defensive backs on the field. That certainly serves to open things up for the aerial attacks and creates a number of mismatches for the tight ends in particular as they often end up matched up against linebackers with little coverage ability. There is of course no blitzing allowed, serving to provide mostly clean pockets for the quarterbacks all afternoon long. We'll also see a two-minute warning in each quarter along with a change of possession at the end of each quarter, forcing the teams to employ an aggressive offensive gameplan at the end of each quarter, much like we're accustomed to seeing at the end of the first half. In another interesting quirk, the goalposts are just 14-feed wide rather than the standard 18-feet, six inches. While that leads to more difficult field goals for the kickers, it also lends itself to more aggressive play-calling, perhaps leading to more sevens on the board rather than threes. Some of these changes were made perhaps to improve the appeal of the game after a string of three consecutive dull, low-scoring games from 2017 through 2019. Last year's Pro Bowl was cancelled due to Covid-19 but the last time we saw some of these rules in place in the 2020 edition, a total of 71 points were scored in an relatively entertaining affair. Expect more of the same here. Take the over (10*). |
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02-05-22 | Thunder v. Kings OVER 216.5 | Top | 103-113 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Oklahoma City and Sacramento at 10:10 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the 'over' in the Thunder's 96-93 win in Portland. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here, however. The pace was there but neither the Thunder or Blazers shot well in last night's game. In fact, both teams shot sub-40% from the field. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday. The Thunder are going to need to perform better offensively if they want to secure a third straight win as the Kings have scored 112 and 114 points over their last two games, most recently shooting north of 52% in a tough road game at Golden State on Thursday (we won with the 'over' in that game). On the flip side, the Kings have allowed at least 103 points in 18 consecutive games. Even with the Thunder's flaws offensively (noting they're without Shae Gilgeous-Alexander), they should benefit from facing a Sacramento squad that allows just under 112 points per game at home this season. Considering Kings home games have averaged 221.6 total points this season and four meetings between these two teams here since the start of 2020 have totalled 220, 224, 228 and 228 points, I believe this total will prove too low. Take the over (10*). |
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02-05-22 | Bucks v. Blazers OVER 227.5 | 137-108 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Milwaukee and Portland at 10:10 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the 'over' in the Blazers loss at home against the Thunder last night. The pace was absolutely there, however, noting that Portland got off a whopping 101 field goal attempts in that contest (while allowing 87). The Blazers know they're going to have to step it up offensively tonight if they want to have any chance of keeping up with the Bucks. Portland has now been held under 100 points in three consecutive games but still averages 111 points per game at home this season (four points per game above its season average). Keep in mind, in two meetings between these teams last season, the Bucks hung 134 and 127 points on the board. After a stretch that saw it held to under 100 points in four of eight games, the Bucks have now reached the century mark in three straight. Note that the 'over' has gone 38-23 and the Bucks have averaged 115.9 points per game when playing on the road off an 'under' result over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, the 'over' is 18-6 with the Blazers coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last two seasons, with that situation producing an average total of 231.6 points, even including last night's low-scoring result. Take the over (8*). |
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02-05-22 | UNLV v. Utah State UNDER 139 | 75-90 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between UNLV and Utah State at 6 pm et on Saturday. Utah State got off an uncharacteristically-high 67 field goal attempts in its most recent game - a 78-62 rout of lowly San Jose State on Thursday. Off that 'over' result, we'll go the other way and back the 'under' on Saturday, noting that the 'under' has cashed on both occasions that situation has come up in conference play involving the Aggies this season. Utah State enters this game having scored 70+ points in four straight games. While UNLV isn't known for its defense, it has actually held opponents to a slightly slower pace on the road compared to at home this season, giving up fewer field goal and free throw attempts per game. The Rebels don't play at a particularly fast pace themselves, checking in 181st in the nation in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). They've gotten off 60+ field goal attempts in four of nine Mountain West games this season but scored more than 55 points in just two of those contests, with those coming against two of the conference's weakest teams in New Mexico and San Jose State. Utah State has not surprisingly done a terrific job of defending here at home this season, holding opponents to just 18 three-point attempts per game (five below their season average allowed) and 15 free throw attempts per contest. Note that the 'under' is 15-6 with Utah State coming off consecutive double-digit wins over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of just 132.5 points. Take the under (9*). |
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02-05-22 | Sacred Heart v. St Francis NY OVER 142.5 | Top | 66-62 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 23 m | Show |
CBB Northeast Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Sacred Heart and St. Francis (NY) at 4 pm et on Saturday. This is a rematch of a game between these two teams on January 27th. St. Francis took that meeting by a 71-66 score in a game that stayed 'under' the closing total. As a result we're dealing with a slightly lower total here, but I'm not sure the move is warranted. That game was played at a relatively slow pace with both teams hoisting up sub-60 field goal attempts and a combined 26 trips to the free throw line. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday. Sacred Heart hasn't had a hope of slowing down opponents on the road, particularly of late. It has yielded 62, 69, 63 and 65 field goal attempts in four road games since New Year's Eve and while St. Francis (NY) doesn't play at all that quick of a pace, it does play considerably faster at home and I expect it to be afforded plenty of good looks in this one. Note that opponents are shooting a ridiculous 49.3% against Sacred Heart in its road games this season, where it allows just shy of 80 points per game. I do think that Sacred Heart can stay competitive in this one, however. It shot a miserable 5-of-16 from beyond the arc in that first meeting this season but that could be considered an anomaly as the Pioneers average nine made threes per game on the season, with that average holding steady on the road. Noting that St. Francis sends opponents to the free throw line 19 times per game on average, I would also anticipate Sacred Heart improving on its 10 free throw attempts in the first matchup. When these two teams last played on this floor last February they combined to score 170 points in a wild 88-82 Sacred Heart victory. That was the back half of a two-game set with the front-end resulting in 164 total points. Noting that both teams bring plenty of returning experience to the table, I'm anticipating another relatively high-scoring affair on Saturday afternoon. Take the over (10*). |
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02-04-22 | Thunder v. Blazers OVER 214 | Top | 96-93 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
NBA Northwest Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Oklahoma City and Portland at 10:10 pm et on Friday. These two teams just met on Monday night in Oklahoma City with the Thunder rolling to a 98-81 victory - one of the lowest-scoring games for both teams this season. I expect a much different story to unfold on Friday night in Portland, however. Oklahoma City continues to play on without Shae Gilgeous-Alexander among others, but it does bring some confidence to the table off consecutive wins over the Blazers and Mavs. While the Thunder did hold Portland to just 81 points earlier this week, they've proven to be a considerably weaker defensive team on the road, where they allow 2.3 points per game above their season average and have had no luck controlling tempo, allowing opponents to get off an average of 93 field goal attempts per game away from home. In Monday's matchup, Portland knocked down just 7-of-38 three-point attempts and got to the free throw line only eight times. Perhaps that sleepy performance shouldn't have come as a surprise as it was playing the second of back-to-backs after a wild 130-116 loss in Chicago the night previous. A return home should help the Blazers cause, noting they average 3.5 points per game above their season average and make good on an average of 15 threes while getting to the free throw line 23 times per contest. Those are far more encouraging numbers than what we saw in OKC on Monday. The Thunder are undermanned right now but I'm confident guys like Lu Dort, Tre Mann and Josh Giddey can continue to pick up the slack. While the Blazers have held consecutive opponents under 100 points, that could be chalked up as an anomaly as they had given up over 100 points in 10 of their previous 11 games. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 18-5 with the Blazers coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last two seasons, with that spot producing an average of 233.4 points. The 'over' is also 24-11 with Portland seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite over the last three seasons, as is the case here, leading to an average total of 231.2 points. Take the over (10*). |
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02-04-22 | Nets v. Jazz OVER 228.5 | 102-125 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Brooklyn and Utah at 9:10 pm et on Friday. The Nets are coming off an ugly loss in Sacramento two nights ago as their woes continued on their current trip, which has seen them go 0-3 so far, part of a six-game skid overall. In that loss, James Harden shot 2-of-11 from the field and didn't get to the free throw line a single time. For his part, Kyrie Irving scored only 14 points. It was a generally lackadaisical offensive effort from Brooklyn, which hoisted up only 25 three-point attempts (it averages 32 attempts per game on the road this season) and got to the charity stripe just 14 times (it averages 21 attempts per game on the road this season). The Nets know they'll need to go on the attack and ramp up their offensive production if they want to have any hope of tasting victory on Friday. That's because their defense has incredibly allowed 100 points or more in 27 straight games. While the offense, or lack thereof, has been taking a lot of the heat lately, Brooklyn hasn't played a lick of defense on this trip (you could make the argument it held up ok at Golden State - notably without James Harden in the lineup), allowing 110, 121 and 112 points. Utah has had its share of struggles lately as well but snapped a five-game losing streak with a 108-104 win over Denver two nights ago and now it is expected to get Donovan Mitchell back after he missed time due to a concussion. After being held under 100 points in four of eight games, the Jazz have now put up 109, 106 and 108 points over their last three contests and I look for them to improve on those numbers here. Last time out against Denver, Utah scored 108 points despite shooting an ugly 7-of-29 from beyond the arc (it averages 15 made threes per game at home this season). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 15-5 with the Nets coming off an outright loss as a road favorite over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 235.8 points. The 'over' is 12-2 with the Jazz playing at home off a win this season, leading to an average total of 232.8 points scored in that situation. Take the over (8*). |
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02-04-22 | Princeton v. Cornell OVER 157.5 | Top | 83-88 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
CBB Ivy League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Princeton and Cornell at 7 pm et on Friday. The first meeting between these two teams this season stayed comfortably 'under' the total as Princeton prevailed by a 72-70 score at home. There were some notable takeaways from that game. Cornell got all the looks it wanted but simply couldn't knock down enough shots, noting that it shot 43% from the field on 62 attempts. It's worth mentioning that the Big Red were playing their second game in as many days on that occasion. Here, we'll see a rested Big Red bunch having not played since last Sunday (in typical Ivy League scheduling). As further illustration to how many points Cornell left on the table in that first meeting, it made just 9-of-26 three-point attempts and got to the free throw line an uncharacteristically-low nine times (but did make nine of those freebies). The Big Red check in an impressive seventh in the nation in adjusted tempo according to KenPom and will certainly look to dictate the pace against a very beatable Princeton defense here. On the flip side, the Tigers should be more than happy to be along for the ride in a potential track meet, noting that they've scored 70+ points in 13 consecutive games. This isn't the same fundamentally-sound Princeton defense we've been accustomed to seeing, however, as it has allowed 80, 76, 81, 73 and 80 points in five road games this season. The fact that the Tigers baited a slow Dartmouth squad (334th in adjusted tempo) into a game that totalled 164 points in their most recent road game is telling. Princeton is more than capable of shooting the lights out and I suspect it will be even more set on pushing the pace after Cornell was seemingly the more aggressive offensive side in the last meeting. It's worth noting that the Tigers were without sharp-shooter Jaelin Llewellyn in the first meeting, which certainly hampered their offense. He knocked down six threes in Princeton's most recent game - an 80-74 loss to Yale last Saturday. Take the over (10*). |
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02-03-22 | Kings v. Warriors OVER 223.5 | Top | 114-126 | Win | 100 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
NBA Pacific Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Sacramento and Golden State at 10:10 pm et on Thursday. The Warriors are absolutely rolling offensively right now. Even last time out, in a game in which they sat Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, they still managed to post a 30+ point fourth quarter in a stunning 124-120 win over a full strength Spurs squad (we unfortunately lost with San Antonio +2.5 after playing it before the news of Curry and Wiggins' absence came out). Here, there's little reason to expect anything other than an offensive onslaught against a Kings squad playing the second of back-to-backs and for the third time in four nights, in three different cities. Note that the Kings have allowed over 100 points in 18 consecutive games. They did manage to upset the Nets at home last night, however, and should carry some confidence into this one as a result. For their part, the Warriors have scored 130, 124, 110, 122 and 124 points over their lats five games, clearly benefiting from Klay Thompson shaking off the rust, and the re-emergence of Andrew Wiggins as a go-to scorer. On the flip side, Golden State has now given up over 100 points in four straight games. This will be a rematch of a mid-December meeting between these two teams that went the way of the Warriors 113-98. Note that the 'over' is 36-23 with the Kings seeking revenge for a loss where their opponent scored 110+ points over the last two seasons, with that situation producing an average total of 234.1 points. The 'over' is also 33-18 with the Kings coming off six or seven losses in their last eight games over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 231.0 points. Take the over (10*). |
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02-03-22 | UCLA v. Arizona OVER 146.5 | Top | 66-76 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between UCLA and Arizona at 8 pm et on Thursday. We saw a closing total north of 150 points in the first matchup between these two teams last week. That game ultimately fizzled with just 134 points as UCLA rolled to a double-digit victory. The Wildcats followed up that loss with another unimpressive offensive showing, albeit in a double-digit win of their own over Arizona State, scoring just 67 points on 32% shooting. Keep in mind, Arizona still ranks second in the nation in adjusted tempo and 13th in adjusted offensive efficiency (both according to KenPom). I expect a strong bounce-back performance from the Wildcats offense in this one. UCLA hasn't posted monster offensive numbers away from home, but that's had a lot to do with the opposition they've faced. The Bruins simply haven't had to ramp it up offensively in order to secure road victories. Again, I expect a different story to unfold here. While the Bruins defense has been terrific, it also checks in 17th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency. Here, we'll note that Arizona has averaged 82.1 points per game when coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with those games totalling an average of 148.2 points (16-game sample size). The fact that Arizona shot just 30% on a whopping 75 field goal attempts in the last meeting indicates plenty of points were left on the table in that one. Also note that the game featured a grand total of just 16 free throw attempts. Noting that last year's meeting in Tucson totalled 157 points, I'm quite comfortable playing the 'over' in this rematch. Take the over (10*). |
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02-03-22 | Western Illinois v. Oral Roberts OVER 161.5 | Top | 90-85 | Win | 100 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
CBB Summit League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Western Illinois and Oral Roberts at 8 pm et on Thursday. I don't expect either of these teams to pump the breaks one bit in this rematch of a wild 87-86 Oral Roberts victory in January. We're talking about two teams that rank well inside the nation's top-50 in terms of adjusted tempo (according to KenPom) with neither boasting a great deal of defensive prowess. Western Illinois scored 'only' 75 points in a disappointing home loss against UMKC last time out. The Leathernecks left plenty of points on the table in that game as they turned the ball over 15 times and shot just 44% from the field. That marked the second time in their last four games that they allowed an opponent to shoot better than 56% from the field. Oral Roberts is coming off a two-game road trip that saw it score 100 and 89 points in wins over Nebraska-Omaha and Denver. While Western Illinois will pose a more difficult challenge, the Golden Eagles should be up for it. They average an incredible 87.7 points per game at home this season. That's on the strength of 13-of-31 shooting from beyond the arc. You could argue that Western Illinois was fortunate to only lose by a single point in the first meeting between these two teams this season as ORU knocked down just nine three-pointers in the game. Speaking of that contest, Western Illinois shot a woeful 40% from the field but isn't likely to shy away from pushing the pace again here, noting that it did get plenty of good looks on 64 field goal attempts, not to mention 30 free throws in that narrow loss. While this total has been adjusted by a couple of points, I don't believe it will be enough. Take the over (10*). |
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02-02-22 | Oilers v. Capitals OVER 6 | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 31 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Edmonton and Washington at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. We won with the 'under' in the Oilers most recent game as they got bogged down by a Senators squad that has been playing a frustrating, stingy style of hockey lately in a 3-2 overtime loss in Ottawa on Monday. Here, I won't hesitate to go the other way as Edmonton looks to bounce back before the All-Star break in Washington on Wednesday. The Capitals rallied for a 4-3 overtime win in Pittsburgh last night and have now scored nine goals in their last two games after being held to a grand total of seven goals over their previous four contests. It may seem a little counter-intuitive, but the return of John Carlson and Dmitry Orlov on the blue line has actually bolstered their offense considerably with Orlov chipping in with two goals last night. At the back-end, the Caps remain in tough. Vitek Vanecek had been their more consistent goaltender recently but he was lost to an injury in last night's game. Ilya Samsonov filled in admirably the rest of the way but that doesn't change the fact that's he's been shaky at best lately, posting an .876 save percentage over his last four games and his aggressive style isn't likely to serve him well against the Oilers explosive offensive attack that has been further bolstered by the addition of Evander Kane. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 12-5 with the Oilers coming off an 'under' result this season, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 7.1 goals. Meanwhile, the Caps have posted an 8-2 o/u record when coming off two or more consecutive wins this season, resulting in an average total of 6.7 goals. Interestingly, the 'over' is also 10-2 with the Caps coming off an overtime win over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of 6.7 goals. Take the over (9*). |
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02-02-22 | Binghamton v. Stony Brook OVER 141 | 77-61 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Binghamton and Stony Brook at 7 pm et on Wednesday. We saw 145 total points in the first meeting between these two teams this season, a game that was closer than expected with Stony Brook going on the road and winning by a 74-71 score. Stony Brook left a ton of points on the table in that game as it shot a miserable 34% from the field, knocking down only five three-pointers. Binghamton essentially bailed the Seawolves out, sending them to the free throw line a whopping 34 times. I'm confident we'll see Stony Brook stay aggressively offensively and this time around, absolutely go off against a Binghamton squad that generally doesn't play a lick of defense, ranking 268th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency (according to KenPom). Note that Stony Brook ranks 114th in the country in adjusted tempo and should relish the opportunity to get loose after facing a tough three-game stretch that included matchups against Albany, Vermont and New Hampshire. The Seawolves are averaging just shy of 75 points per game, getting off 63 field goal attempts per contest here at home this season. On the flip side, I do think Binghamton can be along for the ride offensively here. It's certainly worth noting that the oddsmakers are anticipating another reasonably competitive affair with the spread holding steady in single-digits. Stony Brook, while one of the America East's elite teams, ranks 291st in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. Binghamton averages over 72 points per game the last six times it plays on the road off a conference loss, as is the case here. It should be able to get off plenty of scoring opportunities here against a Stony Brook squad that despite forcing an average of 14 turnovers per game here at home, still gives up 60 field goal attempts per contest on average. Take the over (8*). |
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02-01-22 | Providence v. St. John's OVER 146 | 86-82 | Win | 100 | 7 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Providence and St. John's at 9 pm et on Tuesday. I expected this total to get bet up considerably in the morning hours on Tuesday but that simply hasn't been the case. Noting that the first meeting totalled 156 points earlier this season - with a load of points left on the table - I'm comfortable playing the 'over' in Tuesday's rematch. The Friars are coming off consecutive 'under' results while the Red Storm have seen each of their last three contests stay 'under' the total. That serves to give us some value with the 'over' on Tuesday. Note that St. John's still ranks top-four in the country in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). The Red Storm will certainly look to run the Friars out of the gym in this one with Providence playing on just one day of rest after successfully avenging an earlier loss against Marquette. In that first matchup between these two teams this season St. John's shot just north of 41% from the field, including 5-of-22 from beyond the arc. It also missed nine of 17 free throw attempts. The Friars hung 83 points on the board despite shooting just 3-of-16 from three-point range. Note that the Red Storm are allowing an average of nine made threes per game here at home this season, not to mention the fact they send opponents to the free throw line an average of 20 times per contest (Providence gets to the charity stripe 21 times per game and shoots better than 73% from there). Take the over (9*). |
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01-31-22 | New Mexico v. San Diego State UNDER 139.5 | Top | 47-72 | Win | 100 | 12 h 49 m | Show |
Mountain West Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between New Mexico and San Diego State at 10 pm et on Monday. I'm expecting a lower-scoring game than most in this Mountain West matchup on Monday night as San Diego State looks to bounce back from a disappointing lopsided loss at Utah State. That game was played last Wednesday night so the Aztecs have had five days to chew on it and I expect them to come out with plenty of fire as a result on Monday. Whether that fire leads to offensive success is up for debate but I'm confident the Aztecs will put their best foot forward defensively. Note that off its four previous losses this season, San Diego State allowed just 63, 47, 56 and 55 points in its next game with the 'under' going a profitable 3-1. The only game that didn't stay 'under' the total still reached just 135 points. Given how well New Mexico has been playing (7-1-1 ATS over its last nine games) I don't expect it to let San Diego State run up the score here. The Lobos are by no means an elite defensive team, but they're a confident bunch right now and I do feel they can handle San Diego State's very manageable pace. Note that the Aztecs average just a shade over 67 points per game at home this season and 70.8 points per game when coming off a loss. The Aztecs did score 80 points on 52% shooting in a win over UNLV in their most recent home game, but they're also just two games removed from an ugly 37-point on 28% shooting performance against Boise State on this same floor. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 9-1 with San Diego State priced as a home favorite of between -12.5 and -15 points over the last three seasons with those games totalling an average of just 125.5 points. Take the under (10*). |
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01-31-22 | Eastern Washington v. Weber State OVER 156 | 84-90 | Win | 100 | 8 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Eastern Washington and Weber State at 9 pm et on Monday. If Eastern Washington wants to snap out of its two-game mini slide, it's going to have to keep up with one of the fastest-paced teams in the nation in Weber State on Monday. The Wildcats enter this game as hot as any team in the country shooting the basketball, knocking down 55%, 52%, 50% and 58% of their FG attempts while scoring 95, 92, 85 and 79 points over their last four games. While they 'only' got to 79 in their most recent contest that was only due to the lopsided nature of their win over Sacramento State. I do expect Eastern Washington to pose more of a challenge here. The Eagles opened their current road trip with an 89-point explosion at Idaho State but then got bogged down in a pair of games against Montana State and Montana. After shooting sub-39% in consecutive contests I look for the Eagles to get back on track here. They can run with the best of them, ranking 43rd in the country in adjusted tempo. Take the over (9*). |
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01-31-22 | Oilers v. Senators UNDER 6.5 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Edmonton and Ottawa at 7:35 pm et on Monday. The Oilers are coming off a wild 7-2 victory over the reeling Canadiens in Montreal on Saturday. That high-scoring result actually sets us up well with a play on the 'under' as their road trip continues in Ottawa on Monday, noting that the 'under' has gone 8-2 in the Oilers last 10 games following a contest in which eight or more total goals were scored, with that situation producing an average total of only 5.7 goals. The Sens would be wise to avoid a free-flowing affair here as they continue to play without a number of key contributors up front, including Drake Batherson and Josh Norris. They employed a 'muck it up' type of gameplan in a similar matchup against a stacked Hurricanes offense last week and managed to salvage a point in a 3-2 overtime loss. All told, the 'under' is a perfect 5-0 in the Sens last five home games. It's certainly worth noting that the 'under' is 23-11 with the Sens playing at home with a total of 6.0 or higher over the last two seasons, with that spot resulting in an average total of 5.8 goals. Better still, the 'under' is 13-5 the last 18 times Ottawa has played at home after losing four or five of its last six games, as is the case here, leading to an average total of only 5.2 goals. Take the under (10*). |
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01-30-22 | 49ers v. Rams UNDER 46 | 17-20 | Win | 100 | 10 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between San Francisco and Los Angeles at 6:40 pm et on Sunday. The 49ers limitations with a banged-up Jimmy Garoppolo running the offense are real. If not for that late comeback against these same Rams in Week 18 we would be talking about a team that scored 23 points or less in five straight games heading into this one. I'm not convinced we'll suddenly see them bust out in this, the third matchup between these familiar NFC West foes this season. The Rams offense had little trouble (other than turnovers) carving up the Bucs defense last Sunday. I think we see a different story unfold here, however. While Matt Stafford has been terrific through the first two playoff games, he hasn't really faced a whole lot of resistance. Here, I'm confident he will against a Niners defense that isn't going to turn blitz-happy the way the Bucs defense did last week, which opened the door for Stafford to find open receivers all game long. Note that the Rams have scored 30+ points in consecutive games for only the second time this season. The last time that happened, they followed it up with a low-scoring 20-10 home win over Seattle the next week. For San Francisco, with an ailing Garoppolo going up against a fierce Rams pass rush, not to mention Trent Williams battling a possible high-ankle sprain, this one will need to be 'managed' just as we saw in the last six quarters of action (since Jimmy G. suffered the shoulder injury in the second quarter against Dallas). The fact that we're working with a fairly low posted total (by today's NFL standards) is the only thing that has me limiting my bet somewhat here. Take the under (8*). |
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01-30-22 | Cavs v. Pistons UNDER 210 | Top | 105-115 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 7 m | Show |
NBA Central Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Cleveland and Detroit at 6:10 pm et on Sunday. This first meeting between these two teams totalled just 176 points back in mid-November and I believe Sunday's posted total will prove too high as well. This is the start of a grueling week for the Cavs as they'll play five games between now and next Sunday. I can certainly see them 'managing' this one knowing they'll be back on the floor at home against the Pelicans tomorrow night. Detroit checks in having scored over 100 points in five straight games, although it just barely got over that number in three of those games. That marks a season-long streak of the sort for Detroit, one that should be in jeopardy against the Cavs on Sunday. Note that Cleveland has held its last three opponents to just 99, 93 and 87 points and comes into this game well-rested having not played since Wednesday, when it rolled to a 115-99 win over the Bucks at home. While the Pistons are by no means a top-flight defensive team, they have managed to hold opponents to 4.1 points per game below their season average here at home. Like the Cavs, they're rested, playing just their second game in the last five days. Take the under (10*). |
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01-30-22 | Bengals v. Chiefs UNDER 54.5 | Top | 27-24 | Win | 100 | 8 h 56 m | Show |
NFL Playoffs First Half Total of the Year. My selection is on the first half 'under' between Cincinnati and Kansas City at 3:05 pm et on Sunday,. The Chiefs have now seen the first half 'over' cash in five straight games. I believe that streak comes to an end on Sunday. The stakes are obviously sky-high in this one as Kansas City looks to advance to a third consecutive Super Bowl while the Bengals look to get there well ahead of schedule in the Joe Burrow era. There's been a pretty solid pattern developing with Bengals first half totals away from home. Cincinnati has scored just 9.6 points on average in the first half on the road this season - north of three points fewer than their overall first half scoring average. While the Chiefs don't figure to generate the same level of pressure on Burrow that the Titans did last week, Kansas City still boasts a capable defense that has excelled in the first half at home this season, giving up just 9.1 points on average. The Bengals defense wasn't pushed all that hard by the Titans last Saturday but it will be here. With that being said, this is a capable defense that I believe can hold up well, at least in the early stages of this game. I certainly don't expect to see the Bengals serve as a 'swinging gate' the way they did in their regular season meeting with the Chiefs, when they gave up a whopping 28 first half points. Keep in mind, after making halftime adjustments, they held the Chiefs vaunted offense to just three points in the entire second half, so we do know they're capable. I'm not convinced that either team wants to get involved in the type of shootout we saw in Cincinnati. Both offenses are certainly capable but effectively shortening this game might be the best course of action for both squads given the talent on the opposing sideline. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is a perfect 7-0 in the first half over the last three seasons with the Chiefs having gained an average of over 450 total yards per contest over their last three games, as is the case here. That situation has produced an average first half total of just 24.1 points. Take the first half under (10*). |
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01-29-22 | Wizards v. Grizzlies UNDER 228.5 | Top | 95-115 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
NBA Revenge Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Memphis at 8:10 pm et on Saturday. I look for the Grizzlies to 'manage' this game after securing a double-digit win over the Jazz on this same floor last night and before heading out on a three-game road trip beginning on Monday night in Philadelphia. The Wizards are reeling right now, losers of four games in a row including that stunning setback at home against the Clippers after leading by 30+ on Tuesday. The Wiz couldn't buy a basket when they needed it most in the fourth quarter in that one and are just one game removed from an ugly 87-point effort against the Celtics. Keep in mind, Washington averages 2.7 points below its season scoring average on the road, where its games have totalled an average of just 214.6 points. Here, we'll note that the Grizzlies have posted a 1-13 o/u record when seeking revenge for a loss by 20+ points against an opponent over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of just 213.0 points. That's worth noting given the most recent meeting between these two teams went the way of the Wizards by a 115-87 score in Washington back in early November with that contest easily staying 'under' the 220.5-point total. We're dealing with an even higher number here and I don't believe it's warranted. Take the under (10*). |
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01-29-22 | Devils v. Hurricanes OVER 6 | 1-2 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between New Jersey and Carolina at 7 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the 'over' in the Devils most recent game - a 3-2 loss in Tampa on Thursday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here, however. Note that the 'over' is 15-6 with the Devils having scored two goals or less in consecutive games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 7.2 goals. Despite being down to third and fourth-string goaltenders, New Jersey has held up ok, allowing 'only' 11 goals over its last three contests. I believe the floogates could open here, however, with the Canes looking to avenge a 7-4 loss on the road against the Devils earlier this month. Note that Carolina averages 3.8 goals per game at home this season and better still, has scored an average of 4.1 goals per game against division opponents, with those games totalling an average of 7.8 goals. Take the over (7*). |
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01-29-22 | Eastern Kentucky v. Stetson OVER 139.5 | Top | 95-113 | Win | 100 | 7 h 49 m | Show |
Atlantic Sun Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Eastern Kentucky and Stetson at 4 pm et on Saturday. There's a lot of upside playing this one 'over' the total with the number sitting in the high-130's. We'll certainly see a contrast in styles here as Eastern Kentucky ranks top-25 in the country in adjusted tempo according to KenPom while Stetson sits well north of 300th in that category. With that being said, Stetson is just two games removed from a 91-point performance in a narrow two-point home loss against Florida-Gulf Coast. There's reason to believe we'll see Stetson push the pace a little more than usual here after it was held to just 47 points on 28% shooting last time out against Bellarmine. Despite its break-neck place, Eastern Kentucky hasn't posted an 'over' result since the first week of December. Keep in mind, it has regularly seen totals posted in the 150's and 160's. We're dealing with a much lower total here. Stetson has high hopes this season after appearing in the CBI Tournament last April and returning a wealth of talent. Rob Perry being sidelined hasn't helped its cause but in theory there is plenty of depth - particularly at the guard position - to make up for his absence. Regardless, I believe the Hatters will be afforded plenty of good looks against a 'defense-optional' Eastern Kentucky squad here as both teams do their part in helping this one 'over' the very reasonable total. Take the over (10*). |
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01-28-22 | Capitals v. Stars OVER 5.5 | Top | 5-0 | Loss | -116 | 14 h 43 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Dallas at 9:05 pm et on Friday. I like the way this one sets up as a high-scoring affair on Friday night in Dallas. Washington got bogged down at home on Wednesday night, managing just one goal in a lopsided loss to the Sharks. The Caps have managed to score just a single goal over their last two games combined. They know they'll need to pick up the pace against a Stars squad that has found its groove offensively, scoring 18 goals over their last four games. Dallas checks in averaging an impressive 3.6 goals per game on home ice this season. Better still, when playing at home off a win this season, the Stars average 4.2 goals per game (10-game sample size). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 9-1 the last 10 times the Caps have come off three or more consecutive 'under' results, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 6.6 goals. Take the over (10*). |
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01-28-22 | Wild v. Rangers UNDER 6 | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and New York at 8:05 pm et on Friday. Both of these teams have been involved in their share of high-scoring games lately. The Wild are coming off an eight-goal outburst on Monday but that came at the expense of the lowly Canadiens, who are down to their fourth or fifth-string goaltender right now. The Rangers took it on the chin in Columbus last night, jumping ahead 2-0 before falling by a 5-3 score. That was with backup goaltender Alex Georgiev in goal. We should see standout netminder Igor Shesterkin back between the pipes for the Blueshirts on Friday. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 13-4 in the Wild's last 17 road games when coming off consecutive contests totalling seven goals or more, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of just 5.1 goals. As for the Rangers, the 'under' is 16-5 in their last 21 home games after a loss by two goals or more, as is the situation here, leading to an average total of only 5.3 goals. Finally, I'll point out that you would have to go back four meetings here in New York to find the last time these two teams posted a total north of five goals at MSG. Take the under (8*). |
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01-27-22 | Wolves v. Warriors OVER 228.5 | Top | 115-124 | Win | 100 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
NBA on TNT Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Golden State at 10 pm et on Thursday. I'm high on both of these teams entering this nationally-televised matchup on Thursday night. While we're dealing with a fairly high total at first glance, I believe it will prove too low. The T'Wolves have now given up over 100 points in each of their last 18 road games. They're giving up just shy of 115 points per game away from home this season. Golden State is coming off its second highest-scoring performance of the season, putting up 130 points in a rout of the Mavs two nights ago. Klay Thompson appears to be getting more comfortable with each passing game (he had actually sat the previous two games before Tuesday's blowout win). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 64-29 the last 93 times the Warriors played at home seeking revenge for a 20+ point loss, as is the case here after they suffered a 119-99 setback in Minnesota less than two weeks ago. Keep in mind, the Warriors elected to rest a number of their starters in that game at the tail-end of a four-game road trip. The T'Wolves are playing as well offensively as any team in the league right now, having scored 108 points or more in nine straight games. They're just one game removed from a 136-point outburst against Brooklyn. There's little reason for them to shy away from the challenge at hand here as the T'Wolves have scored 108, 111, 126, 110 and 119 points in five meetings in this series going back to the start of 2021. Note that the 'over' is 23-10 in Minnesota's last 33 games when playing on the road after losing four or five of their last six games ATS over the last three seasons, producing an average total of 235.5 points in that situation. Take the over (10*). |
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01-27-22 | California v. UCLA UNDER 130 | Top | 57-81 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 20 m | Show |
CBB Pac-12 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between California and UCLA at 9 pm et on Thursday. Cal is coming off a dreadful performance against Arizona in which it was ripped for 96 points. That could be considered an outlier, however, as the Bears had only allowed more than 65 points once in five previous Pac-12 contests this season. UCLA came up with a stunning 16-point upset win over Arizona two nights ago which obviously sets it up in a bit of a letdown spot here. The Bruins are locked in defensively right now, allowing 65, 58, 65 and 59 points over their last four contests. Since the start of 2020, they've held Cal to 40, 56, 57 and 52 points with the latter coming in a 60-52 victory earlier this month. With both teams adept at taking care of the basketball, I look for much of this one to be played in the half-court, much like we saw in the first meeting between these two squads this season. Take the under (10*). |
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01-27-22 | Wisconsin v. Nebraska OVER 145 | Top | 73-65 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
CBB Big Ten Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Wisconsin and Nebraska at 5 pm et on Thursday. I don't believe for a second that Nebraska's defense can contain Wisconsin's offense in this game. The Badgers, more often known for their patient, methodical offense have shifted into another gear this season. They check in averaging well north of 70 points per game and come into this game in a foul mood after dropping an 86-74 decision against Michigan State last time out. This is an ideal bounce-back spot as the Cornhuskers don't play a lick of defense, allowing 87, 79, 93, 81, 92 and 78 points over their last six games with the 'over' cashing at a 5-1 clip along the way. Desperate for a victory off six consecutive losses, I'm confident we'll see Nebraska throw everything it has at the Badgers defense in this one. We've certainly seen cracks in that Badger defense as they've given up a very un-Wisconsin-like 43.9% shooting on the season. The Huskers should find their opportunities, noting that they rank 21st in the nation in adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). Last year's two meetings between these two teams were low-scoring. Different story here. Take the over (10*). |
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01-26-22 | Suns v. Jazz UNDER 223.5 | Top | 105-97 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Utah at 10:10 pm et on Wednesday. We just saw these two teams combine to score 224 points in Phoenix two nights ago. The Jazz were undermanned but battled hard in a tight six-point loss. While they're getting healthier, they're still missing a big part of their offense in the form of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. The Suns check in having allowed over 100 points in five straight games, matching their longest such streak of the season. Note that the only other time that happened, they allowed just 94 points in a blowout win in Memphis in their next game - a contest that easily stayed 'under' the total, reaching just 213 points. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 31-17 when the Suns play on the road with a total of between 220 and 229.5 points over the last three seasons. In fact, the 'under' is 14-8 in all Suns road games this season. The Jazz are just one game removed from allowing only 94 points in a game against the Warriors that totalled just 186 points in San Francisco. Utah doesn't have the weapons to prevail in a track meet against the Suns right now and it knows it. Note that the last meeting between these two teams in Utah totalled only 201 points. Take the under (10*). |
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01-26-22 | Marquette v. Seton Hall OVER 145.5 | Top | 73-63 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
CBB Big East Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Marquette and Seton Hall at 8:30 pm et on Wednesday. These two teams just met on January 15th. That game totalled 145 points, staying comfortably below the closing total of 152.5 points. Now that both teams come in riding three-game 'under' streaks, I believe this total has swung too far in the other direction. Note that in that previous meeting Seton Hall scored 72 points despite turning the basketball over a whopping 20 times. The Pirates average only 12 turnovers per game (despite ranking 53rd in the nation in adjusted tempo according to KenPom). I expect a far more efficient offensive performance from Seton Hall here, especially after shooting sub-40% from the field in consecutive games. As for Marquette, it ranks 42nd in the country in adjusted tempo and is playing its best basketball of the season, reeling off six straight wins both SU and ATS. The Golden Eagles scored 75 points in a win over Xavier last time out but that's really only scratching the surface offensively as they started their current win streak by scoring 88, 92 and 87 points in consecutive games. After holding their last two opponents under 39% shooting, I look for some regression from the Golden Eagles defense here, noting that they've allowed 89 points at Wisconsin and 80 points at Xavier earlier this season. Take the over (10*). |
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01-26-22 | Sharks v. Capitals OVER 5.5 | 4-1 | Loss | -117 | 7 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between San Jose and Washington at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. We've got the goaltending matchup we wanted with James Reimer expected between the pipes for the Sharks and Ilya Samsonov likely to get the nod for the Caps. Reimer checks in having allowed 25 goals over his last six games. Meanwhile, Samsonov will be making his first start since a week ago Sunday against Vancouver. He gave up three goals in that game and has given up 20 goals over his last six contests. There's more to this play than just the goaltenders, however. The Sharks average 3.8 goals per game on nine previous occasions coming off consecutive losses this season, as is the case here. The Caps on the other hand have allowed 3.2 goals on average when coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last three seasons (35-game sample size). Washington has also posted a 17-7 o/u record when coming off a game where four total goals or fewer were scored over the last two seasons, resulting in 6.6 total goals on average. When these two teams met back in mid-November in San Jose, the Caps skated to a 4-0 win in a game that cruised 'under' the closing total of 6.0. We're dealing with a more favorable total here and I'm anticipating a higher-scoring affair. Take the over (8*). |
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01-25-22 | Sabres v. Senators OVER 6 | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
NHL Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Buffalo and Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Senators enter this game off consecutive low-scoring affairs, collecting three of a possible four points in splitting two games in Washington and Columbus over the weekend. They just faced these same Sabres here at home one week ago tonight, with that game totalling just four goals in a Sabres 3-1 victory. Since then, Buffalo has lit it up offensively, scoring a whopping 10 goals over its last two games. Alex Tuch's debut has certainly fueled the Sabres mini-resurgence and I expect that to continue on Tuesday. Note that Ottawa allows 3.6 goals per game on home ice this season. Interestingly, the Sens are averaging 3.9 goals per game with an average total of 7.1 goals when coming off a game in which they allowed one goal or less over the last two seasons (13-game sample size), as is the case here. As for Buffalo, it has allowed 3.8 goals per game the last 17 times it has come off two wins over its last three games. It's worth noting that Ottawa fired 44 shots on Sabres goaltender Michael Houser in his season debut last Tuesday. I'm confident they can improve considerably on their one goal scored in that contest, regardless whether we see Houser or Aaron Dell in goal for the Sabres in this one. Finally, I'll note that the 'over' is a long-term 205-166 with the Sens coming off consecutive games scoring two goals or less, as is the case here. Take the over (10*). |
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01-24-22 | Blues v. Flames OVER 5.5 | Top | 1-7 | Win | 100 | 12 h 26 m | Show |
NHL Western Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between St. Louis and Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Monday. We cashed a free play on the 'under' in the Blues 3-1 win in Vancouver last night. St. Louis jumped ahead early in the second period and was able to cruise the rest of the way with the Canucks missing plenty of offensive firepower due to Covid protocols. Tonight, I suspect St. Louis will need to keep its foot on the gas for three full periods as the Flames come in having scored eight goals in their last two games, and fired a whopping 47 shots on the Oilers net in a disappointing 5-3 loss on Saturday. Since December 30th, the Flames have scored 6, 5, 2, 1, 3, 1, 5 and 3 goals - good, but not great. Here, they'll catch a Blues squad in a back-to-back spot, and likely with currently the weaker of their two goaltenders in the crease in Jordan Binnington. Six of Binnington's last seven starts have totalled at least six goals. The last time he faced the Flames was right here in Calgary in January of 2020 when the Blues skated to a 5-4 victory. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 52-36 with the Blues coming off an 'under' result, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 6.5 goals. The 'over' is also 24-13 in the Blues last 37 games following a contest that totalled four goals or less with that spot producing an average total of 6.6 goals. As for the Flames, the last 23 times they've played at home after scoring three goals or more in consecutive games, they've seen an average total of 6.6 goals scored. Also working in our favor is the fact that the Blues are expected to have Pavel Buchnevich back in the lineup after he was forced to remain in Seattle due to Canada's Covid rules. Take the over (10*). |
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01-24-22 | Pacers v. Pelicans OVER 215.5 | 113-117 | Win | 100 | 10 h 44 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Indiana and New Orleans at 8:10 pm et on Monday. There are a number of key contributors missing due to injury on both sides but I still think this one finds its way 'over' the reasonable total on Monday. Let's keep in mind, the Pacers have scored 133, 111, 121 and 103 points in splitting the first four games on their current road trip. The problem for Indiana is it has thrown defense out the window for an extended period of time, allowing over 100 points in 19 consecutive games. As for the Pelicans, they've put up over 100 points in 15 of their last 16 games. The only occasion where they didn't reach the century mark was on the road in a three-in-four situation in Boston last Monday (in a sleepy matinee affair). While the 'under' has gone 11-9-1 in Pelicans home games this season, those contests have totalled an average of 217.8 points. Here, we'll note that the 'over' has gone 41-26 with the Pacers coming off a loss over the last two seasons, with that spot producing an average total of 225.6 points and 23-10 with the Pelicans playing at home off a win over the last three seasons, with that situation resulting in an average of 235.6 total points. Take the over (9*). |
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01-24-22 | Louisville v. Virginia UNDER 124.5 | Top | 52-64 | Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Louisville and Virginia at 7 pm et on Monday. I love the way this one sets up as a prime bounce-back spot for both defenses. Louisville just gave up 82 points on a ridiculous 63% shooting in a loss to Notre Dame on Saturday, marking its fourth loss in its last five games. There's no reason to expect a repeat performance here as the Cardinals look to contain a Virginia team that hasn't sniffed 70 points over its last five games, topping out at 66 points and scoring sub-60 in three of those contests. For its part, Virginia allowed N.C. State to score 77 points on 60% shooting in a loss on Saturday. The 'over' has now cashed in each of the Cavaliers last two games. That situation has come up three times previously this season, and on each occasion the 'under' has cashed in the next game. We know the Hoos' can play defense. Here at home they're allowing just 57.5 points per game on 40.6% shooting. The Cardinals don't figure to be able to expose any sort of weaknesses, noting that they average right around three points below their season scoring average on the road, where they shoot just a shade over 40% from the field. The last time these two teams met on this floor they combined to score just 111 points. Expect more of the same on Monday. Take the under (10*). |