Thursday's Picks and Predictions

(CBB) 9:00PM EST
RUTGERS +8 -120 (WON)
***KNOCKOUT PUNCH OF THE DAY***
RUTGERS ML +320 (LOST)
Pre-game Comment: In my opinion this is a clear example of over-valuing a bad team on the basis of one perceived "great win". The Hall upset Georgetown their last time out but as we are learning, after their loss again last night, the Hoyas are just an average team. The hardcore reality is the Hall, at 1-6 in conference play, is only 1 game better than Rutgers on paper, who sits at 0-7 in the conference. This is an in-state rival as these schools are only 20-30 minutes apart depending on traffic. So forget about records this one is all about bragging rights for New Jersey and the opportunity to attract the attention of their respective recruits. I expect this one to stay close throughout and for Rutgers to get the cover and SU win!

Post Game Comment: This is one of those bitter-sweet outcomes! Rutgers got the cover for us but failed to win outright. However, I have zero regrets in taking a stab at the moneyline and would do it again if presented with the same set of circumstances. This game turned into a 1 on 5 match up as Jeremy Hazell single-handedly beat the Knights by netting 35 for the game including 28 in the 2nd half.


OTHER PICKS
(CBB) 7:00PM EST
CLEMSON ML -110 (WON)
Pre-game Comment: This is simple for me! Va Tech is playing great of late winning 5 straight while Clemson has struggled losing 2 of their L3. However, this line opens as virtually a pick - WHY? Simple! 5 of the L6 meetings have been decided by 2 or fewer points so history was factored into this line. But history is just that - history and I don't expect it to repeat itself tonight! Look for Clemson to dominate the boards and for VT to come crashing back to earth! I expect Booker to control the pace and for Clemson's balance to be too much for Hokies in the end.

Post Game Comment: K.C. Rivers is my hero! Just when it looked like Clemson would get blown out, down 15 in the 2nd half, Rivers goes on a tear and nets 7 3-pointers to bring his team back to take a 72-66 lead. Va Tech rallied back with a 13-4 run of its own but ultimately Clemson's David Potter put it away for us when he hit a 3 with 1:20 left in the game. This was a great win for Clemson and a great win for us!


(NBA) 8:00PM EST
ORLANDO -4 (WON)
Pre-game Comment: Tonight we have a similar line and scenario as when the Magic hosted Boston a few weeks ago and lost. We backed the Magic in that one and walked away disappointed, however, we expect a much better result tonight. The Cavs are just 2-5 ATS when coming off a 5-9 point win including a perfect 0-2 on the road. Meanwhile, the magic are a perfect 9-0 ATS after scoring more than 110 points!

Post Game Comment: Down 1 at the half the Magic used aggressive defense to take control of the game. This strategy worked as King James spent most of his time complaining to officials instead of playing the game. And the frustration spread throughout the rest of the team as Coach Brown and guard Mo Williams both picked up technicals for their complaining about the officiating. These technicals lead to the momentum change the Magic needed to turn a 7 point 3rd quarter lead into a rout!


(CBB) 8:30PM EST
WASHINGTON ML -110 (LOST)
Pre-game Comment: It seems like the entire world is on Zona here but I don't understand why! I realize Arizona's Big 3 can compete with the best but I believe it will be Washington's balance and guard speed that will be the difference in this one. Look for the game to stay close with the Huskies pulling away down the stretch.

Post Game Comment: Hats off to Arizona! Their aggressive style of play built a lead that forced Washington into pressing and trapping which ultimately lead to many fouls and easy points for Cats - 41 easy points to be exact as they finished 41 of 51 from the charity stripe! That was a huge win for Arizona and a disappointing loss for us.


(NBA) 10:30PM EST
PHOENIX ML -125 (LOST)
Pre-game Comment: Rarely, if ever, will you see me lay the extra juice to play SU. However, call me a little gun shy after Toronto ruined my perfect night last night! The Suns come in on 2 days rest and are at their best offensively in this spot and should be ready to run the Spurs into the ground as a result. The Spurs are a perfect 0-2 ATS when playing a team on 2 days rest while they are on just one days rest. The Spurs are also a dismal 1-9 ATS after giving up 100 or more points! Look for the Suns to protect home court tonight!

Post Game Comment: This game had the feel of a playoff game. heated emotions, tempers flared, hard fouls - all leading to 4 technical fouls for the game! The game was tied at the half and remained close going into the 4th quarter. But then the Suns became uncharacteristically sloppy, committing 5 turnovers in the 4th, and used a strange strategy to try and keep the game close. The Suns made the decision to start intentionally fouling Bruce Bowen, a 57 percent career FT shooter. But his strategy back-fired when Bowen stepped up and nailed 5 of 6 down the stretch and helped his team grab the win!




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Let's make it a great day folks!