Tuesday's Picks and Predictions

(NBA) 9:00PM EST
UTAH -1 (LOST)
***KNOCKOUT PUNCH OF THE DAY***
Pre-game Comment: This one sets up a lot like New Orleans last night. You have home team that is banged up facing a hot team and yet the hot team opens as the dog. I don't think so! Here is the bottom line. Utah hasn't lost four in a row all season and I don't expect that to happen tonight. Utah is coming off a 20 point loss and that has happened twice this season and in the following game they won and covered both times. Additionally, the home team has dominated this series going 9-1 L10 including the Spurs' 25 point thrashing of the Jazz in San Antonio in November! With the Jazz coming off a 20 point blowout loss and seeking revenge for a 25 point blowout loss the last time these two met and you have a formula for a KNOCKOUT PUNCH OF THE DAY!

Post Game Comment: Things looked good for us going into the final period of play until the Spurs busted out with a 10-0 run lead by Ginobili. The Jazz fought to stay close but in the game's final minute until Ginobili's layup made it 96-93 and then his steal on the next possession put him at the line where he sank both FTs that virtually sealed the deal.


(NBA) 7:00PM EST
SACRAMENTO +14 (WON)
Pre-game Comment: The Cavs return home after their west coast trip and teams historically struggle in their first game back. Additionally, the Cavs won SU as a road dog last time out and now find themselves a huge fave and teams historically have also struggled in this spot. Meanwhile, Sac-town got it handed to them by Toronto last time out but they have fared well on the road in this spot going 3-1 ATS in their L4 off 10-19 point loss. Sac-town has also been most competitive against teams with winning records going 7-4 ATS including 3-0 ATS as a dog of 14 points or more. The Cavs are developing an interesting trend alternating win-losses against the number in their L6 so coming off a spread win I like their chances even more of not covering the number tonight!!

Post Game Comment: King James had a triple-double but it was Mo Williams who stole the show with a career high 43 points leading his team to the win over the Kings. Many feel Williams is All-Star worthy and hope he is selected as a back up to Allen Iverson. He certainly made a strong case for that spot tonight. Despite his performance the Kings still stayed within the number for us as Kevin martin netted 35 in the losing cause.


(NBA) 8:00PM EST
DENVER -5 -120 (WON)
Pre-game Comment: Memphis will try to end a 9-game losing streak tonight when they host Denver. Unfortunately, Denver is the Northwest Division leader and winners of 9 of the L12. This is the first of a 2-game road trip and with New Orleans on deck one can argue that Denver might get caught looking ahead, however, I don't think so. With Portland hot on their tails they can't afford to get caught looking ahead right now. I fully expect for the Nuggets to take care of business tonight!

Post Game Comment: This game was a huge public play going in and made me nervous. However, the Squares continue to shine lately and this is another W for them! The Nuggets built a solid double digit lead but Memphis fought back and was only down 4 mid-way through the 4th quarter. But then Denver took over and scored 16 consecutive points to put them away and give us the win!


(CBB) 7:00PM EST
MIAMI -2 (LOST)
Pre-game Comment: NCST should enter tonight's contest with confidence knowing they are 9-2 in all games played at home. However, Miami is the better overall team and I fully expect for the Canes to rebound from their OT loss to Va Tech on Saturday. In that game McClinton netted 20 but his performance was less than stellar as the team leader only shot 30% from the field. Look for McClinton to have a much better performance tonight and for the Canes to dominate the boards and use their balance to ultimately wear down the Wolfpack and cruise to victory. The Canes have thrived all year on the road going 6-1 ATS so far.

Post Game Comment: The Wolfpack came out strong and built a 14 point halftime lead. But the Canes fought back and eventually took the lead down the stretch only to see the game go to OT where they eventually lost. With 2 seconds left and all tied up in the extra period Julius Mays, a back up guard, launched what appeared a desperation shot that could result in another OT but, instead, resulted in the 3 that ended the game in dramatic style.


(CBB) 7:30PM EST
MARYLAND -4 (LOST)
Pre-game Comment: BC has been a bit of a Jeckyl & Hyde this year but, regardless, couldn't be traveling to College Park at a worst time. Maryland was humiliated by Duke their last time out and I look for them to be extra focused, clamp down defensively and get some redemption for that loss Saturday. Of course, entering the game tonight with an 11-1 home record should only help fuel their motivation!

Post Game Comment: BC proved, once again, they are Jeckyl & Hyde! In the first half it was "Jeckyl" as star player Tyrese Rice strugled and his team was staring at an 11 point deficit at the half. However, "Hyde" showed up in the 2nd half and with Reese still struggling team mates Sanders and Raji combined for 25 points to lead the Eagles on a fierce comeback and ultimately win the game. The Terps were humiliated on Saturday by Duke and tonight they were demoralized by BC. One has to wonder if they can recover from back-to-back blows like this.


(CBB) 7:30PM EST
AUSTIN PEAY +3 (PUSH)
Pre-game Comment: AP comes into this game sitting on top the OVC and riding a 6-game win streak. At first one may be skeptical to back them here because it might look too easy to take the points. However, we have to step back and understand that the series history is pretty even and, this, combined with home court advantage, which is often times weighted heavier in these smaller conferences, is why they are the dog. EKU plays solid defense but AP is playing really well and should continue to their streak with another win tonight.

Post Game Comment: This one was close from start to finish and u;timately turned into a non-event for us. EKU went scoreless for a 12 minute stretch in the 2nd half and AP built a 4 point lead and appeared to have the game in control. However, EKU clamped down on defense and was able to force OT where they won when Mike Rose threw down a dunk with 50 seconds left in the extra period. Rose lead all scorers with 25 points.



I will be posting more plays throughout the day including my Knockout Punch of the Day!!

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If you have any questions about a particular match up or in general feel free to post them here and I will answer them promptly!

Let's make it a great day folks!