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**daveyd** · 02-10-2010, 05:40 PM

Good Luck

**ntorreg88** · 02-10-2010, 05:57 PM

good luck

**StarDust Bum** · 02-10-2010, 06:54 PM

Wednesday's Wagers

Bettors have put football season in the rearview mirror, bringing college basketball to the center stage. Right on cue, we get the sport’s best rivalry renewed tonight along Tobacco Road. Of course, that would be Duke-North Carolina, as the Tar Heels desperately need a win to invigorate their now-slim hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament.

Another Tourney mainstay – UConn – is teetering on the bubble and could use a breakout win at the Carrier Dome. Let’s look at these games and much more in breaking down Wednesday’s monster card.

**Connecticut at Syracuse**

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Syracuse (23-1 straight up, 15-5 against the spread) as a 10 ½-point favorite. As of early this morning, most betting shops had the Orange favored by 11 with a total of 145.

--UConn (14-9 SU, 8-13 ATS) snapped a three-game losing streak with Saturday’s 64-57 home win vs. Depaul. However, the Huskies failed to take the cash for a fourth straight time while laying 15 ½ points to the Blue Demons. Jerome Dyson paced the Huskies with 20 points.

--Syracuse and Villanova are in a first-place tie in the Big East with identical 10-1 records. The Huskies are 4-6 in league play.

--Jim Boeheim’s team has won 14 of its 15 games at the Carrier Dome, compiling a 7-4 spread record. Since losing at home to Pitt on Jan. 2, Syracuse has won 10 consecutive games while going 8-2 ATS. The Orange went on the road Sunday and thumped Cincinnati 71-54 as a four-point ‘chalk.’ Andy Rautins played all 40 minutes and scored a game-high 20 points.

--Syracuse’s Wesley Johnson, an All-American candidate and potential contender for Big East Player of the Year honors, sustained a bruised knee on a hard fall in last week’s 85-68 home win over Providence. Johnson played against the Bearcats but was limited to just 26 minutes and a season-low five points. The Iowa St. transfer, who averages a team-high 16.2 points per game, took just three shots against Cincy.

--UConn is winless in three road underdog spots, but the Huskies are 2-1 ATS in those situations.

--The ‘under’ is 10-6 overall for the ‘Cuse, but the ‘over’ is 4-3 in its home assignments. Totals have been a wash for UConn (10-10 overall).

--These schools haven’t met since last year’s epic six-overtime affair at Madison Square Garden in the Big East Tournament. On that night, the ‘Cuse captured a 127-117 win as a 5 ½-point underdog. The Orange only trailed or were tied in the first five extra sessions.

--The ‘under’ is 11-5 in the last 16 head-to-head meetings between these Big East rivals.

--Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**Duke at North Carolina**

--LVSC opened Duke (19-4 SU, 14-8 ATS) as a 4 ½-point favorite. As of early this morning, most spots had the Blue Devils at six with a total of 155 1/2. Bettors will probably get a money-line opportunity on the Tar Heels at around plus-180 (risk $100 to win $180).

--North Carolina (13-10 SU, 7-14 ATS) appears to be on the same path as Florida two seasons ago. That’s to say that after winning it all, the Tar Heels most likely aren’t getting back to the Big Dance. They have lost seven of their last nine games and barring a huge run, starting against the Blue Devils, this team is NIT-bound.

--Roy Williams’s team has lost three in a row and six of its last seven both SU and ATS, including Sunday’s 92-71 loss at Maryland as a six-point underdog. Marcus Ginyard had a team-high 17 points, while Ed Davis had 10 points and 16 rebounds in the losing effort.

--Duke has won back-to-back games since losing at Ga. Tech, but the Blue Devils failed to hook up their backers in Saturday’s 66-63 win at Boston College as eight-point road favorites. Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith scored 21 points apiece for the winners.

--UNC is 11-3 SU but just 4-8 ATS at home this year. The Tar Heels haven’t been home underdogs yet this season. They had their shortest ‘chalk’ spot on Dec. 1 in an 89-82 win over Michigan St. while laying 1 ½ points.

--UNC sophomore center Tyler Zeller remains “out” with a broken foot. Zeller, who was averaging 9.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, could return in the next two weeks.

--The ‘under’ is on a 7-1 run for the Tar Heels. The ‘under’ is 11-7 overall for UNC, 6-3 in its home games. Meanwhile, totals have been a wash for Duke (11-11 overall).

--North Carolina has won three in a row and six of the last seven in this bitter rivalry. When these teams met in Chapel Hill last season, UNC won by a 79-71 count, but Duke covered the number as an 8 ½-point underdog.

--The ‘over’ is 6-2 in the last eight head-to-head meetings between these ACC adversaries.

--ESPN will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--In this week’s Bracketology installment from ESPN.com’s Joe Lunardi, Florida went from the “next four out” to a No. 10 seed. The Gators, 6-3 in SEC play after taking out Mississippi St. on Saturday, return to the court tonight at South Carolina. They beat the Gamecocks on a buzzer beater by Chandler Parsons in Gainesville nearly three weeks ago. This time around, LVSC opened South Carolina as a three-point favorite. According to our spies in Columbia, Gamecocks’ star Devan Downey rolled his ankle at practice earlier this week and was in a walking boot at Tuesday’s practice. Nevertheless, Downey is expected to play vs. Florida.

--This space has been going to great lengths recently to point out how nice Northwestern’s schedule sets up the rest of the way, even when the Wildcats fell to 3-6 in Big Ten play with a 79-70 loss at Michigan St. two Saturdays ago. Bill Carmody’s team, which is now 5-6 in Big Ten action, plays tonight at Iowa. LVSC opened NW as the three-point road ‘chalk.’

--LVSC opened Clemson as an 8 ½-point home favorite for tonight’s game vs. Florida St. ESPN2 will have television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. As of early this morning, the number was down to six at most spots. The Seminoles are mired in a 1-7 ATS slide. The 'under' is on an 8-1 run in the last nine encounters between these ACC adversaries.

--Georgetown had not had a total as high as last night’s closing 158-point tally since March 8th of 2003. The total was actually at 159 in most books late yesterday afternoon. The previous high total for Georgetown from back in 2003 came vs. Notre Dame and went ‘over’ the number. This time around, the Hoyas won 79-70 at Providence, resulting in a winner for ‘under’ backers.

--The scheduled game between Virginia and Maryland for Wednesday in College Park has been postponed. The rescheduled date has yet to be announced.

--Nebraska will play host to Baylor in ESPN2’s 9:00 p.m. Eastern tip tonight. LVSC opened the Cornhuskers as 3 ½-point home underdogs.

--Bettors have a late-night option on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. Eastern. That’s when Idaho will play host to Nevada in the WAC. LVSC opened the Wolf Pack as a 1 ½-point road ‘chalk.’

--Delaware has covered the spread in 10 consecutive head-to-head meetings against William & Mary, which is an 11 1/2-point home favorite tonight vs. the Blue Hens. The 'under' has cashed in six straight games for the Tribe, who have a total of 128 tonight.

--Five Bubble Teams (that need wins the most Wednesday)
1-UConn
2-Northwestern
3-Florida
4-Dayton
5-FSU and Clemson

--I see eight schools that are capable of winning it all – Kansas, Syracuse, Kentucky, Villanova, Purdue, Georgetown, Michigan St. and Ohio St. The notable exceptions: West Va., Duke, Wisconsin, Kansas St. and Tennessee.

--UF sophomore center Kenny Kadji will have back surgery this week and is out for the season.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-10-2010, 07:05 PM

Wednesday Tips

The last full slate of NBA games for nearly a week takes place Wednesday night with ten contests to wager on. There is a pair of nationally televised games on Thursday prior to the break, but Wednesday's card is filled with intriguing matchups, including three of the top four teams in the East taking the court.

Heat (25-27 SU, 25-27 ATS) at Hawks (33-17 SU, 32-18 ATS)

These two Southeast Division rivals hook up for the third time this season, as the home club has won each of the first two meetings. Atlanta looks to avenge an embarrassing 92-75 setback in South Florida back in early January as two-point favorites.

The Heat and Hawks will both be playing with no rest, as Miami topped Houston on Tuesday while Atlanta blew out Memphis. The Heat has endured a tough road (literally), playing 14 of the last 22 games away from American Airlines Arena. Miami is 1-8 SU the last nine meetings in Atlanta, including a 105-90 defeat at Philips Arena as 7 ½-point underdogs in mid-November.

Following three days off, the Hawks play the second end of a back-to-back, going for a tenth home victory in 11 tries. Mike Woodson's has profited nicely at home during this hot streak, compiling a 7-3 ATS mark.

The Heat playing with no rest has been a disaster for Miami backers, as Dwyane Wade's team is 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS on the second of a back-to-back. On the flip side, the Hawks have thrived against tired clubs, going 11-3 SU/ATS against teams on no rest. At home, Atlanta is 7-2 ATS in this situation.

Magic (35-17 SU, 26-25-1 ATS) at Bulls (25-25 SU, 25-24-2 ATS)

Orlando invades the Windy City after a pair of come-from-behind victories over Boston and New Orleans. The Magic looks to avenge an eight-point loss at the United Center in early January as 3 ½-point 'chalk.' The Bulls head home following Tuesday's victory at Indiana.

Vinny Del Negro's squad has not been a strong play on no rest, going 4-8 SU/ATS. However, the Bulls have won each of their previous three at home on the second of a back-to-back, including last Saturday's victory over the Heat. The underdog role has worked well for Chicago, putting together a 11-3 ATS mark the last 14 when receiving points.

The Magic rallied at Boston on Sunday, thanks to a 30-5 third-quarter run to beat the Celtics for a third time this season. Orlando fell behind New Orleans on Monday by 17 points, but Vince Carter led the comeback, thanks to a 48-point effort in a 123-117 victory. The Magic did not cover as nine-point favorites, but Orlando has played better on the road recently. Stan Van Gundy's team is 3-1 SU/ATS the last four on the highway following a 1-6 SU/ATS run away from Central Florida.

Trying to get the total right at the United Center has been tough over the last seven weeks, as Chicago is 7-7 to the 'over.' Only six of those opponents are currently .500, with the Bulls going 9-5 SU.

Celtics (32-17 SU, 19-29-1 ATS) at Hornets (27-25 SU, 25-27 ATS)

Boston should be thrilled it isn't seeing a team named the Magic, Hawks, or Lakers. Following Sunday's loss to Orlando, the C's are 1-8 SU against the three aforementioned clubs. On the flip side, Boston is 31-9 against the rest of the league, and luckily New Orleans fits in that category.

The Hornets squandered a huge lead at Orlando in Monday's six-point setback to the Magic, but New Orleans managed its sixth straight road underdog cover. Chris Paul continues to recover from a knee injury, as the Hornets are 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS without their All-Star guard. Home has not been where the victories are for New Orleans, owning a 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS mark the last six games in the Big Easy.

The Celtics will play their next five games on the road, with four of these contests coming after the All-Star Break on the West Coast. Doc Rivers' club owns a dreadful 4-17 ATS mark against teams off a loss, while going 3-7 ATS on the road off a defeat. Boston did knock off New Orleans at TD Banknorth Garden in early November, 97-87, but the Hornets covered as 11-point 'dogs.

Blazers (30-24 SU, 28-25-1 ATS) at Suns (31-21 SU, 28-24 ATS)

Phoenix returns home from a solid 4-0 road trip, trying to win a sixth straight game leading into the break. The Suns look to bounce back from a disappointing 105-102 loss at the Rose Garden in mid-December, after Phoenix blew a 15-point lead.

The Blazers will be playing with no rest following Tuesday's home loss to the Thunder. Portland has lost nine straight meetings in the Valley, including twice last season by double-digits. Brandon Roy continues to rest his injured hamstring, with the Blazers going 476 SU and 6-5 ATS without their leading scorer since January 22. Portland does own a solid 5-3 ATS mark as a road underdog with Roy out this season.

The Suns were a pointspread disaster through most of January, going 2-9 ATS at one stretch. However, Phoenix's home victory over Dallas on January 28 started this five-game hot streak, which included wins over the Rockets, Hornets, and Nuggets. Returning home may not be the best thing, as the Suns are 2-5 ATS the last seven in Arizona. Alvin Gentry's team is on a 1-6 ATS run against teams playing with no rest, while Portland is 9-3 ATS on the second of a back-to-back.

Lakers (40-13 SU, 24-27-2 ATS) at Jazz (32-18 SU, 30-17-3 ATS)

Los Angeles hasn't missed a beat without Kobe Bryant, winning each of the last two games by double-digits against Portland and San Antonio. The Lakers travel to Salt Lake to battle a Jazz team that continues to play fantastic basketball, especially at home.

Jerry Sloan's club has won 13 of 14 following Tuesday's road victory over the Clippers. Utah has taken care of its home court, capturing ten straight games at Energy Solutions Arena. The Jazz knocked off the Lakers, 102-94 as two-point favorites in Salt Lake back in December.

Bryant is expected to be out through All-Star weekend to rest his sprained ankle, but the Lakers continue to win, going 7-2 the last nine games. The Champs have thrived on the road as well, putting together a 5-2-1 ATS ledger the previous nine away from Staples Center. Three of the games in this road span have been decided by two points or less, including losses at Memphis and Toronto.

Five straight meetings between these teams have finished 'under' the total, while both games without Bryant have resulted in 'unders.'

**StarDust Bum** · 02-10-2010, 07:06 PM

Trend Report - Wednesday

Magic at Bulls – The League is 0-8 ATS (-11.1 ppg) since April 17, 2007 on the road when seeking revenge for a loss as a road favorite in which they had no rest. The Bulls are 10-0 ATS (10.4 ppg) since November 02, 1996 at home with no rest after a road win in which they shot at least 50% from the field.

Heat at Hawks – The Heat are 0-11 ATS (-9.7 ppg) since December 04, 2004 on the road with no rest after a win in which they allowed less than 40% from the field. The Heat are 0-10 ATS (-9.2 ppg) since February 09, 2006 after a double digit win in which they committed fewer than ten turnovers. The Hawks are 6-0 ATS (5.8 ppg) since January 14, 2009 as a favorite with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which they allowed at least 50% from the field.

Celtics at Hornets – The Celtics are 8-0 ATS (7.1 ppg) since December 26, 2003 on the road with two or more days of rest off a loss in which they led by 10+ points. The Hornets are 9-0 ATS (4.6 ppg) since February 08, 2006 at home off a road loss in which they led at the end of the third quarter. The Hornets are 7-0 ATS (4.9 ppg) since February 03, 2003 at home with at most one day of rest off a loss as an away dog in which they led by 10+ points.

Lakers at Jazz – The Lakers are 7-0 ATS (9.8 ppg) since December 14, 2005 as a dog with at most one day of rest after a game in which they committed fewer than ten turnovers. The Jazz are 7-0-2 ATS (5.4 ppg) since December 08, 2001 as a home favorite after a double digit road win in which more than 75% of their baskets were assisted.

Bucks at Nets – The Bucks are 0-5 ATS (-7.7 ppg) since November 15, 2003 as a favorite after a home loss in which they had at least 20 offensive rebounds. The League is 0-8 ATS (-12.6 ppg) since February 23, 2009 as a home dog after a road loss in which they shot at least 50% from the field.

Kings at Pistons – The Kings are 0-7 ATS (-17.0 ppg) since December 12, 2006 with at most one day of rest off a win that broke at least a five-game losing streak.

76ers at Raptors – The 76ers are 0-10 ATS (-10.3 ppg) since October 31, 2003 as a dog after a double digit home win in which they had at least 12 steals. The 76ers are 0-10 ATS (-10.7 ppg) since March 20, 2003 as a road dog when they have won and covered their last three games.

Trailblazers at Suns – The Trailblazers are 8-0 ATS (11.3 ppg) since December 05, 2006 when they lost their last two games and both were at home. The Suns are 0-6 ATS (-9.6 ppg) since March 13, 2004 at home when seeking revenge for a loss as a dog in which they led by double digits.

Bobcats at Timberwolves – The Bobcats are 6-0 ATS (10.2 ppg) since January 09, 2008 with at most one day of rest off a win that broke at least a three-game losing streak. The Timberwolves are 0-10 ATS (-13.7 ppg) since February 19, 2003 with at most one day of rest after a road loss in which they allowed at least 55% from the field.

Clippers at Warriors – The Warriors are 10-0 ATS (11.7 ppg) since December 10, 2002 at home off a loss as a home dog in which they led at the end of the third quarter. The Warriors are 6-0 ATS (5.9 ppg) since January 28, 2005 at home with at most one day of rest after a double digit loss in which their DPA was at least plus 15 points.

**grandmama** · 02-10-2010, 08:28 PM

hope you win some "CNOTES!"

**ntorreg88** · 02-10-2010, 11:38 PM

great call on the GOM !! thanks

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The Bum's Wednesday's Best Bets -POD'S-GOM !

The Bum's Wednesday's Best Bets -POD'S-GOM !

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