Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-06-21 | Texas Southern +23 v. Florida | Top | 69-54 | Win | 100 | 7 h 41 m | Show |
CBB Earliest Rout - 10* Top Play Texas Southern Tigers +23 @ Florida Gators @ 6 ET - Texas Southern comes from a weak conference and they are 0-7 to start this season but the Tigers have played a brutal non-conference schedule. Keep in mind, we are not asking them to win this game but, rather, just to cover. This line is inflated because Texas Southern just had their worst loss of the season and because the Gators are off their first loss of the season. I feel the result here is solid line value as this Tigers team won their First Four game in NCAA Tourney last season and then lost to Michigan but by much less than the spread on this game. Also, the first 6 losses for Texas Southern this season came by an average margin of 10 points and this included some tough competition. Florida started the season 6-0 SU but 4 of the 6 wins were by less than the spread on this game. Just too many points here as the Tigers are hungry to be much more competitive in this game than their most recent and should shoot the ball much better in this one after a horrible shooting effort in prior game. Florida gets back on track and gets a big win here but I expect that big win to fall in a range of 12 to 18 points. 10* TEXAS SOUTHERN +23 |
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12-04-21 | Heat v. Bucks -5.5 | Top | 102-124 | Win | 100 | 12 h 56 m | Show |
NBA Game of the Week - 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks -5.5 vs Miami Heat @ 8:10 ET - Giannis is likely to be out for this game for the Bucks. However, Butler and Adebayo both likely to miss for the Heat. That said, I love the situational aspect of this game as Milwaukee is seeking revenge for a 137 to 95 loss at Miami early this season. Also, the Bucks are off a loss but this was preceded by 9 straight wins SU and a 4-1 ATS run. Heat are off a win but this was preceded by a 2-4 SU run and 1-5 ATS run. 10* MILWAUKEE -5.5 |
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12-04-21 | Rhode Island +6 v. Providence | Top | 52-66 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 51 m | Show |
CBB Rivalry Rout - 10* Top Play Rhode Island Rams +6 @ Providence Friars @ 2 ET - I really like the scrappy Rams getting points in this rivalry match-up. Rhode Island has shot the ball very well early this season and also defended very well. The Rams are more talented than many realize and they seem to have jelled well early this season which is always important. Rhode Island is catching the Friars off a tight, hard-fought win over Texas Tech so the set-up is perfect here. 3 of Providence's last 5 wins by 5 or less points. The average margin of the Rams two losses just 3.5 points. In a game that should go to the wire and does have potential for an outright upset, I love having the sizable points here. Strong shooting early this season, hitting the boards hard, and playing solid defense. Like what the Rams are doing and they are catching rival Providence at the right time to spring the upset. Grab the points as added insurance. 10* RHODE ISLAND +6 |
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12-03-21 | 76ers +2.5 v. Hawks | Top | 98-96 | Win | 100 | 7 h 37 m | Show |
NBA ESPN Rout - 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +2.5 @ Atlanta Hawks @ 7:40 ET - The first thought here might be revenge on the part of the Hawks since they got blasted at Philly earlier this season. However, two key points relating to that. One is that the Sixers, despite that win, still have much to atone for here as they lost in the post-season to the Hawks last season and they are very hungry for a win at Atlanta. Also, the 76ers - in comparison with Atlanta - are now the much healthier team. In the only meeting between these teams this season nearly 40% of Atlanta's points came from Reddish, Bogdanovich, and Hunter. The latter two of those guys are out for tonight and Reddish has been downgraded to doubtful. The Hawks, simply put, are short-handed for this one in a big way while Philly - despite some recent struggles still - is much healthier now than they have been in a long time. That said, a lot of line value here with the road dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA +2.5 |
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12-03-21 | Notre Dame v. Boston College +5 | Top | 57-73 | Win | 100 | 6 h 6 m | Show |
CBB Early Blowout - 10* Top Play Boston College Eagles +5 vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ 6 ET - This Eagles team has new energy in the program based on some new faces on the team as well as a new head coach and he came in with a solid track record too. I like the hard-nosed gritty attitude that Boston College has. They are one of the lesser talented teams in the ACC but they battle so hard and they are known for battling the Irish particularly tough when they face them at Chestnut Hill. This one should go down to the wire as the Eagles are 5-0 SU at home this season and Notre Dame has a 3-3 SU record but the 3 wins were against weaker foes and the Fighting Irish have struggled some when stepping up in terms of level of competition. This will be a fierce battle as a result and is also just the 2nd true road game for Notre Dame this season. An outright upset will not be a total shock but certainly the points provide valuable added insurance I will not pass up on in this one. 10* BOSTON COLLEGE +5 |
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12-02-21 | Bucks -3.5 v. Raptors | Top | 93-97 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
NBA Earliest Cash - 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks -3.5 @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:40 ET - I know this is a back to back for the Bucks but they are 2-0 SU L2 times in the 2nd game of a B2B and each win by 9 or more points. Also, the road team 3-0 SU and ATS in last 3 meetings between these teams. Additionally, Milwaukee has won 8 straight games while the Raptors have lost 10 of last 13 games. Toronto has been held to 97 points or less in 3 straight games and the last two of those were at home. Bucks averaging 111.5 points per game on the road this season and they have been hot. 10* MILWAUKEE -3.5 |
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12-02-21 | Northern Kentucky +4 v. Cleveland State | Top | 58-72 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 48 m | Show |
CBB Early Crusher - 10* Top Play Northern Kentucky Norse +4 @ Cleveland State Vikings @ 7 ET - Double revenge spot from last season as the Vikings took B2B meeting in January. The Norse are 1-3 SU this season and 0-4 ATS but have played the tougher competition overall in comparison with Cleveland State so far this season. Yes, the Vikings are 4-2 SU this season and, statistically, look like the better team on paper. But, as the saying goes, the teams do not play the games on paper! Two quality Horizon League programs but I like the value of the revenge-minded underdog that has played the tougher schedule thus far this season. 10* NORTHERN KENTUCKY +4 |
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12-01-21 | 76ers +3 v. Celtics | Top | 87-88 | Win | 100 | 7 h 1 m | Show |
NBA TV Rivalry Rout - 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +3 @ Boston Celtics @ 7:40 ET - The Sixers are finally getting healthy and after a double-OT loss and a narrow win have been how the first two games have played out, look for the third time to be the charm! Yes, barring something unforeseen, this should be the 3rd game with both Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris on the floor together. The 76ers won all 3 games against the Celtics last season after Boston knocked them out of the post-season in 2020. There is a special disdain that Philly has for Boston in the sports world and it certainly carries over to this long-time NBA rivalry. Philadelphia will be hungry for a big win over their rivals as they make up for lost time when they have been without key players like Harris for Embiid for extended stretches this season. It has made them a bit disjointed but they can start to turn the corner now. At the same time, Celtics might rest Jaylen Brown tonight and, either way, he could be somewhat limited with his ongoing hamstring injury. Also, Boston is off a big win and cover at Toronto but they are 0-4 ATS the last 4 times they entered a game off an ATS win. The Sixers won the 3 games last season by average of 10 points and each victory was by 8 or more points. I look for that trend to continue here! 10* PHILADELPHIA +3 |
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12-01-21 | Binghamton v. St. Joe's OVER 144 | Top | 57-79 | Loss | -107 | 6 h 44 m | Show |
CBB Earliest Cash - 10* Top Play OVER 144 in Saint Joseph's Hawks vs Binghamton Bearcats @ 7 ET - I know this is a game a bit off the beaten path so to speak but I follow St Joe's rather closely as long-time followers know. As for Binghamton, they are in the America East Conference where they are projected to finish dead last this season. No team in the America East allowed more points per game than the Bearcats did last season. Binghamton can score very well though and has a new coach this season. Certainly still issues on defense as, other than when they faced a non-division I team, the Bearcats allowed an average of 73 points per game. That does not include OT points either. By the way, again not including OT, Binghamton is averaging 76.6 points per game. As for the Hawks, they are fine with a run and gun style of play as, other than when they faced a very tough USC defense, they have averaged 75.2 points per game this season. St Joe's is allowing 77.3 points per game last 4 games however and you can see why I am expecting a free-flowing non-conference match-up here with a ton of scoring. Neither one of these teams is known for focusing on defense! 10* OVER 144 in Saint Joseph's |
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11-30-21 | Grizzlies v. Raptors OVER 218 | Top | 98-91 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
NBA Total of the Month - 10* Top Play OVER 218 in Toronto Raptors vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 7:40 ET - The over is 7-0 in Grizzlies last 7 games. The over is 7-2 in Raptors last 9 games. I know long-term the games between these teams at Toronto have trended under but the over is 2-1 in 3 most recent meetings between these clubs and the way they are going right now I expect plenty of scoring. Memphis has allowed 117 points per game in road games this season. Toronto allowing 108 per game at home this season and overall has had held only one opponent under 109 points in last 9 games! In the other 8 games, the Raptors allowed average of 116 points per game! You can see why I am projecting this game to get well into the 220s if not 230s as neither one of these teams has been showing a ton of commitment on the defensive end and plus this is a non-conference match-up and those generally tend to have less intensity defensively. Both teams have games on deck that are in-conference games that will garner more intensity defensively. As a result, look for tonight to be a free-flowing game with plenty of points. Yes, Ja Morant is now out for the Grizzlies but they scored 128 in first game without him and it was not a fluke. They only hit 13 of 39 threes but it was simply a fast-paced game and I look for another one here. 10* OVER 218 in Toronto |
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11-30-21 | Minnesota v. Pittsburgh +2.5 | Top | 54-53 | Win | 100 | 10 h 56 m | Show |
CBB Game of the Month - 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Panthers +3 vs Minnesota Golden Gophers @ 7 ET - Part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. I know that Pittsburgh has disappointed early this season but there were some foul trouble factors in their most recent loss to UMBC and the Retrievers also were insanely hot from 3-point land in that game. The Panthers will bounce back here and as I mentioned in my November 14th write-up about Minnesota: "The Golden Gophers are in rebuild mode. Yes Minnesota is a Big Ten school and is commanding more respect from the betting markets than an Ivy League school does but this is merely serving to give us some extra line value here with a solid Princeton team." Ultimately I lost that pick with the underdog Tigers in double OT but my feelings are the same and this Minny team now facing its first true road game tough test. Pitt is normally a tough place to play and I know that has not been the case early this season but this Panthers team can turn the tables in a hurry and I know they will come out highly motivated in this one and I expecting a massive effort. Love the fact that the betting markets saw this line open up at 2.5 with an undefeated Minnesota team taking on a 2-4 Panthers team. You know the world is going to be lining up on the Gophers here. In typical contrarian fashion, give me the home dog no one will want in this one. 10* PITTSBURGH |
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11-29-21 | Magic v. 76ers OVER 208.5 | Top | 96-101 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 48 m | Show |
NBA Earliest Punisher - 10* Top Play OVER 208.5 in Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic @ 7:10 ET - We are getting line value here with a low total because the Magic have such bad scoring numbers as Orlando has been a depleted team all season long. However, this has led to value here because the way I see this one playing out is the Sixers rolling to a blowout win but I just don't trust laying 15 points really in any situation. But the key is Philadelphia is not going to take the foot off their gas at least in the first 3 quarters of this game. This team is getting healthier but they are angry off B2B losses including one in double-OT against the Timberwolves on Saturday. Philly will take advantage of facing an Orlando team that has allowed 115 points per game last 6 games. The 76ers have a road trip on deck so this game carries extra importance for them. They will not be stopped in this game but I would not be surprised if they let the Magic creep back into the range of the spread late in this game. That is another reason to like the over here as a lot as Philadelphia should score a ton and then we see a loosely played game in the latter stages with plenty of easy buckets for both teams during "mop-up" time. 10* OVER 208.5 in Philadelphia |
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11-29-21 | Iowa v. Virginia OVER 130.5 | Top | 75-74 | Win | 100 | 8 h 12 m | Show |
CBB Early Dominator - 10* Top Play OVER 130.5 in Virginia Cavaliers vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 7 ET - Virginia, year in and year out, is one of the best defensive teams in College Basketball. Trust me, the odds makers are well aware of this too. Yet we saw this line in the mid-130s as an opener and now it is down to the 130 range as of mid-morning Monday. I will grab the value on the other side of this move. Iowa is smart enough to know they have no chance if they let this game turn into a half-court defensive-minded struggle. I feel strongly that the Hawkeyes - averaging 97 points per game this season but against weak competition - are going to force the pace here. Iowa is going to look to get quick outside shots and/or quick points in transition and this is a team that has knocked down nearly 40% of its three pointers this season. Virginia is allowing 32% from three point land at home this season and not only is that not exactly spectacular, it also was against much weaker teams with lesser shooters than this Hawkeyes team has. At the same time, this will be the toughest team, by far, that Iowa has faced this season and the Cavs are going to score quite well here. The Cavaliers had an ugly game versus Houston not too long ago but that was the only rough performance in a 6-game stretch that saw them average 65 points per game in the 5 wins. So consider that average and the fact Iowa is going to force some tempo in this game. This should get into the 140s in my opinion. 10* OVER 130.5 in Virginia |
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11-28-21 | Villanova v. La Salle OVER 139 | Top | 72-46 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 36 m | Show |
CBB Philly Special - 10* Top Play OVER 139 in La Salle Explorers vs Villanova Wildcats @ 6 ET - The Wildcats ready to make amends for what happened against Purdue. The over is 4-1 in Villanova's games this season and their defense has not been what we are use to seeing from a typical Wildcats team. However, the Cats offense is phenomenal and averaging 82.6 points so far this season and will have no trouble against an over-matched Explorers team here. La Salle also can score well though and I feel the Wildcats will force a fast tempo here as they can't wait to "let loose" for a big win after what happened against he Boilermakers. That means we have a lot of line value here with this rather low total because I just don't see La Salle as being able to slow down Villanova. But also, the Wildcats will get such a huge lead in this game that there is no reason for intense focus on defense and the Explorers, as an example, had only 28 points in the first half of the last meeting between these teams but then scored 44 in the 2nd half and that game totaled 155 points. I feel we have good value with this low total as Nova will be pushing to score a ton of points here. 10* OVER 139 in La Salle |
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11-27-21 | Delaware v. Temple OVER 139 | Top | 74-75 | Win | 100 | 8 h 52 m | Show |
CBB Philly Special - 10* Top Play OVER 139 in Temple Owls vs Delaware Fightin Blue Hens @ 7 ET - The Owls are happy to be at home in Philly and will score plenty here. Temple has scored more than 70 in each of their two home games this season and one of those was against USC. Delaware has been very weak on defense early this season and certainly will not put up much resistance. The over is a perfect 6-0 in Fightin' Blue Hens games this season. Delaware has been shooting the ball very well early this season but can stop no one. The Owls are off a dominating win over an over-matched Elon team but Delaware will be much more of a test, hence the low line on this game in terms of the small spread. Prior to the win over Elon, Temple allowed 78 points per game over 3 prior games. With this total also moving down from low 140s to upper 130s, we have even more value to work with in this one. I'll take it. 10* OVER 139 in Temple |
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11-27-21 | Wolves v. 76ers -4.5 | Top | 121-120 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 42 m | Show |
NBA Early Annihilation - 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 vs Minnesota Timberwolves @ 6:10 ET - The Sixers have a huge rest edge here as they were off Thursday and Friday. Not only did the Timberwolves play yesterday on Friday, they also were in action on Wednesday which makes this a back to back and 3rd game in 4 days scenario. The Sixers could get Embiid and Harris both back for this one. Either way, the 76ers get it done in this one! Philly is off an ugly loss at Golden State but had won 2 of 3 before that and is ready to turn the tide back east after a rough trip out west. Getting healthier and back on the east coast will get the Sixers going again. Minnesota is 2-4 last 6 road games and has allowed 123 points or more in all 4 of those defeats away from home. More of the same expected here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -4.5 |
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11-26-21 | St. Joe's v. Georgetown OVER 145 | Top | 77-74 | Win | 100 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
Total of the Week - CBB 10* Top Play OVER 145 in Georgetown Hoyas vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 9 ET in Anaheim, CA - Yesterday both these teams has games that stayed under the total but the Hoyas made just 4 of 20 from beyond the arc. The Hawks also shot poorly as they made just 6 of 31 from downtown. Georgetown faced San Diego State and St Joseph's faced USC. Even with facing tougher defensive teams yesterday the poor three point shooting was the difference maker. Now, these two teams that are certainly not known for defense are matched up and I expect a lot more points from each as a result. Both will shoot much better from 3-point land plus the overall flow of the game will be conducive to a high-scoring result as well. 10* OVER 145 in Georgetown |
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11-26-21 | Suns -3 v. Knicks | Top | 118-97 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show |
Early Dominator - NBA 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns -3 @ New York Knicks @ 7:10 ET - The Suns have won 14 straight games but are on the road and facing a Knicks team that just beat the Lakers and so they are getting a little extra respect from the betting markets here. I feel New York is getting a little too much respect though! The Knicks are off a win but have not won back to back games since October! In fact, prior to beating LA, New York had lost 7 of 11 games. Now they host a Phoenix team whose 14 straight wins feature only one by less than 4 points and that was a 3 point win. The Suns are 3-0 against the East and 7-1 on the road this season. Knicks are only 5-5 at home this season and were on an overall 3-9 ATS run before getting the cover versus Lakers. Lay the points with short road favorite. 10* PHOENIX -3 |
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11-25-21 | USC v. St. Joe's OVER 150 | Top | 70-55 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
CBB Philly Special - 10* Top Play OVER 150 in St Joe's vs USC @ 9:30 ET (game played in Anaheim) - The Hawks can't stop anybody and have allowed 82.5 points per game now that they have stepped up to a little stronger competition last two games. St Joseph's does score well though as they are never afraid of playing at a fast pace and the Hawks have averaged 77 points per game last 3 games. The key here is USC can run and gun all over them but the Trojans also lost some length from last season's team that was so good defensively. So Southern Cal has allowed 71 points in 2 of their last 3 games but the Trojans also are averaging a stellar 85 points per game this season. Look for plenty of points in this one as it should play out with a lot of quick shots and plenty of points in transition too. 10* OVER 150 in St Joseph's |
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11-24-21 | Nets v. Celtics +1 | Top | 123-104 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
NBA Game of the Month - 10* Top Play Boston Celtics +1 vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:40 ET - The Celtics are seeking revenge for the playoff exit (in 5 games) to the Nets that ended their season last year. Brown and Richardson both listed as questionable for this game. I expect both will end up playing but even if the they did not (Brown being the bigger key), note that Celtics have been playing well even in games he has recently missed. Brown just came back from injury on Monday so he had a day off heading into this game and has a day off after this game too so, in terms of minutes management, I do expect him to be a go in this big game tonight. The key about big games is also the key to this play by the way. So often this season the Nets have struggled in the biggest of games while Boston has been much better in the big games against tough competition. I look for that trend to continue on Wednesday night. The Celtics enter this game having won 3 straight and 8 of 11 games and the Nets have been piling up wins lately too but against bad teams. Keep in mind they lost games against the Warriors, Bucks, and Heat and those were all double digit losses this season. Look for the hungry Celtics to get their revenge here. 10* BOSTON +1 |
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11-24-21 | Wisconsin v. St. Mary's +1.5 | Top | 61-55 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 27 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - 10* Top Play St Mary's Gaels +1.5 vs Wisconsin Badgers @ 5 ET - The Badgers off huge upset win over Oregon. Johnny Davis scored 30 points in that game but the rest of the team scored only 35 points. Also, the Ducks did a great job on him in the 2nd half and held Wisconsin to only 25 points total in the 2nd half of the near comeback win. That said, you can bet the Gaels will have some defensive focus centered around slowing Davis down. St Mary's has a veteran team and the Badgers are the much younger team in this match-up and the Gaels just knocked off Oregon by double digits yesterday. Keep in mind the Gaels are the #2 team in their conference but that #1 team is Gonzaga and, of course, the Bulldogs are the best team in the nation as they continue to prove on a game by game basis. That said, this Gaels team is flying a bit under the radar but they are really good and, after a poor shooting season last year, the shots have been falling much better for them this season and they keep that going here! 10* ST MARY'S +1.5 |
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11-23-21 | Heat v. Pistons +10 | Top | 100-92 | Win | 100 | 10 h 56 m | Show |
NBA Earliest Cash - 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons +10 vs Miami Heat @ 7 ET - The Pistons have covered 6 of last 8 games (compared to opening number). They continue to fight hard and, as a result, have only 2 losses by more than 5 points out of their last 8 games. With Miami laying double digits on the road here in the front end of a back to back, we have excellent line value with a motivated home dog still a bit steamed from blowing game versus Lakers Sunday and with the whole LeBron James - Isaiah Stewart incident. Stewart is out for this game as a result but these Pistons continue to battle hard and this game is decided by single digits. 10* DETROIT +10 |
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11-23-21 | Wisconsin +8 v. Houston | Top | 65-63 | Win | 100 | 7 h 17 m | Show |
CBB Tourney Dominator - 10* Top Play Wisconsin Badgers +8 vs Houston Cougars @ 5 ET - The Cougars are highly ranked and off a dominating win over Butler yesterday. However, Wisconsin is a solid team that is 4-1 this season and off a solid win over Texas A & M yesterday. The Badgers only loss this season was to Providence. Not only are the Friars a very deep and veteran team, Wisconsin was without Johnny Davis in that game. He is currently the Badgers leading scorer and combines in the backcourt with Brad Davison to give Wisconsin a solid 1-2 punch. Those guys are the top two scorers for the Badgers and they combined for 40 points in yesterday's win over the Aggies in the Maui Invitational being held here in Vegas where I live. I am following the tournament action and feel we have strong value here in a game projected to be very low-scoring and yet where were are getting significant points with a solid underdog. I'll take it! Yes the Cougars have been playing very well but this is a challenging match-up for them. 10* WISCONSIN +8 |
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11-22-21 | Rockets v. Celtics OVER 212.5 | Top | 90-108 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 20 m | Show |
NBA Earliest Cash - 10* OVER 212.5 in Boston - Celtics getting back Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams and Boston has been heating up even without Brown so I am expecting plenty of points with his return tonight. As for Rockets, they showed a lot of fight in their loss at New York Saturday and I expect this Houston team to keep battling as they look to end their long losing streak. To be competitive in this game the Rockets will have to score plenty of points and I am fully expecting that as they hang around in this one. That will help send this one way over the total in my opinion. Celtics averaging 112 points in regulation time of last 6 home games. Boston has allowed 107 points in regulation time of last 3 home games. 10* OVER 212.5 in Boston |
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11-22-21 | Butler v. Houston OVER 123 | Top | 52-70 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 1 m | Show |
CBB Afternoon Annihilation - 10* OVER 123 in Houston - I fully understand the reputation of Houston and Butler as grinders when it comes to pace of play and looking to grind out victories in lower-scoring games. However, I feel this total has been adjusted too far low. Especially with Houston shooting the 3-ball well early this season and with Butler, off a rare down season in terms of offensive efficiency, likely to ratchet things right back up to normal this season. The Cougars are scoring an average of 72 points per game in regulation time of their games this season. The Bulldogs are averaging 66 points per game this season. This game is part of the Maui Invitational but it was moved to Las Vegas for this year due to covid effecting travel requirements for entry into Hawaii. In this neutral site tourney action I am looking for strong outside shooting to carry both these teams and I expect it to be a close enough game late that we will get plenty of late points too based on one team fouling and the other jacking up quick threes to stay alive in the game. 10* OVER 123 in Houston |
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11-21-21 | St Bonaventure v. Marquette OVER 136.5 | Top | 70-54 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
CBB Total of the Week - 10* Top Play OVER 136.5 in Marquette - This is a tourney game being played in South Carolina. Both St Bonaventure and Marquette are hot to start the season as they each have perfect SU records. The Bonnies have averaged 70 points in their 5 wins and the Golden Eagles have averaged 78 points in their 4 wins. I look for plenty of points here as Marquette's strength is certainly NOT defense but this team can score well and is going to challenge St Bonaventure. The over is 4-1 this season because the Golden Eagles have allowed 70 points or more in 4 of 5 games. Look for that trend to continue here as the Bonnies struggle to slow them down but also have plenty of success at the other end. I feel the Golden Eagles are going to force a good tempo with this game as they don't want St Bonaventure to be able to slow it down into a half-court grinder. 10* OVER 136.5 in Marquette |
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11-21-21 | Lakers v. Pistons +7.5 | Top | 121-116 | Win | 100 | 7 h 56 m | Show |
NBA Contrarian Crusher - 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons +7.5 - There is a chance LeBron James won't play for LA tonight and, even if he does, he is not 100% just yet as he recovers from oblique injury. The Lakers have lost 3 straight and the Pistons showed a lot of heart at home against Golden State on Friday when they battled to what ultimately ended up being a 3-point defeat. That said, I like the home dog value with a scrappy Detroit team that certainly has been showing they will not quit on games. Prior to the 3 point loss to the Warriors, the Pistons had covered 4 of 6 games and I feel strongly they will bring a highly motivated effort hosting the Lakers tonight. 10* DETROIT +7.5 |
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11-20-21 | Rockets +11.5 v. Knicks | Top | 99-106 | Win | 100 | 6 h 58 m | Show |
NBA Earliest Cash - 10* Top Play HOUSTON +11.5 - The Rockets are having a very rough season and have lost 13 straight games. You know they are hungry to end that streak and they catch a Knicks team that is in the front end of a B2B as they are at Chicago tomorrow night. That said, I feel we have great line value here with with big points. New York is only 3-6 SU last 9 games. The Knicks last five wins have featured only one by a margin of more than 8 points. Right or not the Rockets view this as a winnable game and they are desperate to stop their streak. That said, even if they do fall short, you can see why the loss is likely to be a margin in the single digits. 10* HOUSTON +11.5 |
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11-20-21 | Detroit v. Louisville OVER 142.5 | Top | 67-73 | Loss | -110 | 2 h 23 m | Show |
CBB TWD Top Play - 10* Top Play OVER 142.5 in Louisville - The Cardinals want to play faster this season on offense. They made some changes in terms of assistant coaches and strategy and that is why they are scoring well even though they have made only 30% of three this season. Louisville is off B2B overs and averaging 74 points per game and will take advantage of facing a team that is allowing high shooting percentages so far this season. Detroit is allowing 81 points per game and the over is 2-0 in their last two games also. They have some scoring talent and should score well here as, like the Cardinals, they are also due to start shooting better from outside. The key here is the pace and I except the hosts to really run and gun in this game based on their strategic initiative and that should make for a game that gets into the 150s. 10* OVER 142.5 in Louisville |
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11-19-21 | Warriors v. Pistons +7 | Top | 105-102 | Win | 100 | 7 h 25 m | Show |
Early Punisher - NBA 10* DETROIT +7 - The Warriors might rest Stephen Curry here. 2nd game of a back to back and 3rd game in 4 days. Even if he plays this Golden State team has to be running out of gas here. It actually will be their 8th game in 12 days during what has been a brutal scheduling stretch. I know the Warriors found a way last night but what a miracle cover it was. They outscored the Cavaliers 36 to 8 in the 4th quarter. Suffice to say they used a lot of energy in coming back for that win and unreal cover as a big favorite. They will struggle to put away a rested Detroit team. The Pistons are playing just their 6th game in 15 days. Also, Detroit is off a home win versus Indiana and are now on a 4-2 ATS run. They have been playing much more competitive and will be up for this game at home and a chance to knock off Curry and Company - whether he plays or not. 10* DETROIT +7 |
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11-19-21 | Oklahoma v. Indiana State OVER 135.5 | Top | 87-63 | Win | 100 | 5 h 55 m | Show |
TWD Top Play - CBB 10* OVER 135.5 in Indiana State - Yesterday the Sycamores allowed only 36 points to Old Dominion. Oklahoma is most definitely not Old Dominion. The shooting numbers for the Monarchs were absolutely atrocious from everywhere on the floor including only 11 of 24 free throws. That said, these Sooners are going to put up plenty of points on Indiana State and this game should fly over the total. Oklahoma is a double digit favorite for a reason and, keep in mind, the Sooners did allow 74 points in yesterday's win. The key for Oklahoma is their offense is averaging 84 points per game this season. By the way, Indiana State is averaging 79 points per game this season and lets not forget that in their first two games this season they allowed an average of 84.5 points per game. This one should fly over the total in this B2B tourney game situation for these clubs. Like the fact that we saw plenty of free throw attempts for the opponents in yesterday's games involving these teams as well. 10* OVER 135.5 in Indiana State |
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11-18-21 | Warriors v. Cavs +8.5 | Top | 104-89 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 55 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #504 Thursday 10* Top Play Cleveland Cavaliers +8.5 vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:40 ET - Yes, this is the 2nd game of B2B for Cavaliers but at least they are at home and they did put up a good fight at Brooklyn. This Cleveland team is not showing any quit. That is why the Cavs entered last night's game on a 10-2-1 ATS run. As for the Warriors, everyone knows they have been red hot. But now this is the 1st game of a B2B and it is after the big marquee game win at Brooklyn Tuesday and Steph Curry is dealing with a sore hip. That means even if Curry plays he could be limited and also it means the red Warriors will need to hold a little something back for Friday's game at Detroit. That said, Golden State has played a home heavy schedule and though they are now 4-1 SU in road game this season, the Warriors had only 1 road win by more than 8 points prior to Tuesday's big win at Brooklyn. Considering the full situation here, I see GS in a battle just to win this game let alone cover the big road number. The value is with the home team that has been quite hot ATS for multiple weeks now. 10* CLEVELAND +8.5 |
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11-18-21 | Clemson v. Temple +5.5 | Top | 75-48 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 15 m | Show |
Philly Special - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #758 Thursday 10* Top Play Temple Owls +5.5 vs Clemson Tigers @ 4:30 ET - The Tigers have yet to play a strong team. Also, this Clemson team is going to really be hurting after the loss of some key players from last season and, in particular, that includes Aamir Simms. As for Temple, they already became battle-tested by having to battle USC in their most recent game. The Owls lost but it was good they had to battle with a solid Pac-12 team like the Trojans. Temple returns most of their key players from last season and they were heavily impacted by Covid last season so don't judge them too quickly on those results. This Owls team is highly talented and has experience and I look for them to surprise here. Yes the location of this game favors the Tigers but there is a reason this game for the Owls against an ACC school was priced this way. I look for them to surprise here and if they do fall short of the upset look for it only to be by a bucket or two. 10* TEMPLE +5.5 |
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11-17-21 | Cavs v. Nets -9 | Top | 99-109 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #566 Wednesday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets -9 vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:40 ET - The Nets off embarrassing home loss to Warriors last night. They will respond here. Brooklyn is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS this season when off a loss. Also, this is their 3rd back to back this season. So far each one featured a double digit win and a double digit loss. That pattern continues here. After getting blown out last night, the Nets are on the right end of the blowout tonight. I know Cleveland has been a pleasant surprise this season thus far but the Cavaliers, between injury and illness, are missing too many guys right now. 10* BROOKLYN -9 |
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11-17-21 | Wizards v. Hornets OVER 218.5 | Top | 87-97 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #559 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 218.5 in Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards @ 7:10 ET - Wizards games have stayed under the total in 6 straight and Hornets games have stayed under the total in 3 straight and each of the last 3 meetings between these teams has resulted in an under. In typical contrarian fashion, given those stats, I will take the over here! Of course it is not blindly though. The fact is that Charlotte is comfortable playing fast and they are going to force the pace of this game to be the way they want it at home. They had a low-scoring 4th quarter versus Golden State Sunday that looked like a sure over. Following that ridiculous result, we get some payback here as I come right back with a Hornets over knowing that Washington averaging 108.4 points per game game this season and Hornets averaging 116.2 points in home games this season. 10* OVER 218.5 in Charlotte |
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11-17-21 | Drexel v. St. Joe's OVER 144.5 | Top | 78-75 | Win | 100 | 9 h 34 m | Show |
Philly Special - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #659 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 144.5 in St Joseph's Hawks vs Drexel Dragons @ 7 ET - Big match-up for bragging honors in the city as these two Philly rivals match up. I expect the result to be plenty of points. Yes Drexel's most recent game stayed under but that was at Syracuse so not a big surprise the Dragons did not score well there. Now they are matched up with a team that likes to play fast and they will play the same way as well and both teams have shot well early this season. Both teams having trouble defending the 3-point arc early this season too. 10* OVER 144.5 in St Joseph's |
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11-16-21 | Warriors v. Nets -2.5 | Top | 117-99 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 29 m | Show |
TNT Punisher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #552 Tuesday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets -2.5 vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:35 ET - Two strong teams matched up here but I feel the home team is offering excellent value. Brooklyn will make the most of this opportunity as it is their first home game since nearly two weeks ago. The edge the Nets have here is catching the Warriors playing the 2nd road game of a 4-game trip and Golden State will be playing those 4 games in just a 6 day span. Yes GS has a great record early this season but they also were helped by the fact that 10 of their first 13 games were at home to start this season. In fact, their loss at Charlotte Sunday was the Warriors first road game since the 26th of October. The Nets blew out the Warriors in both meetings last season and, while I do expect this one to be a much closer game, I still expect the hosts to prevail and easily cover this low number along the way to the victory circle in this one. 10* BROOKLYN -2.5 |
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11-16-21 | Howard v. Villanova -25.5 | Top | 81-100 | Loss | -112 | 8 h 44 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #688 Tuesday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats -25.5 vs Howard Bison @ 6:30 ET - It is not often that I lay big points but this spot is too good to pass up! The Wildcats are off a loss at UCLA Friday night and need a big bounce back. The Cats already proved in their season opener they will show no mercy on a team as they blew out Mount St. Mary's by 40 points. By the way, that team is in the Northeast Conference and expected to contend for the league title in a conference that certainly is a little tougher than the Mid-Eastern Conference that Howard resides in. Also, the Bison are expected to finish in the lower half of the conference and the Mid-Eastern is arguably the weakest in Division 1 basketball. Keep in mind, Howard is off the upset win at Bradley Saturday but the Braves missed half of their 26 free throws and shot horribly from 3-point land while the Bison lit it up from outside. Bradley outrebounded Howard by a big margin too. So the fact Howard, first two games were non-lined, is 3-0 this season is merely helping to give us line value here because the Wildcats are vastly superior and at home and are angry off a loss. Considering all these factors, another win in the 40-point range would not surprise me in the least. Either way big blowout by 30+ is likely. 10* VILLANOVA -25.5 |
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11-15-21 | Magic v. Hawks OVER 213.5 | Top | 111-129 | Win | 100 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
Early Punisher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #537 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 213.5 in Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic @ 7:40 ET - Hawks head coach had been wanting his team to up the tempo and they finally did it yesterday and it led to a 120-100 win versus Milwaukee. I love the fact that Atlanta scored 120 but the game still stayed under the total. That gives us value here as we have a lower total to work with courtesy of the Hawks facing a bad Orlando team. Couple keys here as to why this will go over even though the Magic such a bad team right now and still without some players. The Hawks defensive intensity likely to drop off after being up for the big game versus the NBA champs last night. Also, Atlanta is without Hunter (wrist surgery) and he is one of their best defenders. Additionally, the Magic have scored an average of 109 points last 3 road games but are a double digit dog here with good reason. In other words, look for this one to crush the rather low total as the Trae Young and the Hawks run and gun again in this one. 10* OVER 213.5 in Atlanta |
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11-15-21 | Bowling Green +16.5 v. Ohio State | Top | 58-89 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #803 Monday 10* Top Play Bowling Green Falcons +16.5 @ Ohio State Buckeyes @ 6:30 ET - You might remember I faded the Buckeyes with another MAC team, Akron, last week in their season opener and the Zips very nearly upset Ohio State. This Falcons team is just as good as Akron. Also, Bowling Green already had their "wake up call" early this season as they lost their opener to Western Carolina. The Falcons responded by winning their most recent game by 41 points. Granted it was an over-matched team they faced but BG did return 4 starters from last season's team plus they added a bevy of Division 1 transfers and I expect this Falcons team to give OSU plenty of trouble here. Keep in mind, Ohio State was fortunate to even beat Akron and they were a huge favorite in that game and won by a point on a late bucket. The Buckeyes then "responded" by beating MAAC school Niagara by only 10 even though they were a 20-point favorite. That said, a lot of value with the big MAC dog again in this one. 10* BOWLING GREEN +16.5 |
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11-14-21 | Minnesota v. Princeton +2.5 | Top | 87-80 | Loss | -114 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
ESPN2 Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #696 Sunday 10* Top Play Princeton Tigers +2.5 vs Minnesota Golden Gophers @ 7:30 ET - The Golden Gophers are in rebuild mode. Yes Minnesota is a Big Ten school and is commanding more respect from the betting markets than an Ivy League school does but this is merely serving to give us some extra line value here with a solid Princeton team. The Tigers have outside shooters, have a solid system in place, and are the more cohesive team in comparison with Minny early this season. Yes the Gophers just upset Western Kentucky but the Tigers got an upset win of their own over South Carolina. Give me the points here as I look for the more veteran team to make the key decisions down the stretch that turn this game for them and so with them pulling away for the win we should not need the points. But I will grab them for extra value should they lose on a late bucket. 10* PRINCETON +2.5 |
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11-14-21 | Warriors v. Hornets OVER 227 | Top | 102-106 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 6 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #519 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 227 in Charlotte Hornets vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:10 ET - Warriors have averaged 123 points last 5 games. Hornets have averaged 118 points in home games this season. Both teams hitting 37% of their threes this season. Charlotte off B2B unders but over was 9-3 on the season before that two game stretch. Golden State off an under but this followed 3 straight overs. Non-conference match-up, both teams off wins, and this the type of situation I like to look for softer defense and a run and gun type affair. 10* OVER 227 in Charlotte |
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11-13-21 | Texas +7.5 v. Gonzaga | Top | 74-86 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 6 m | Show |
ESPN2 Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #663 Saturday 10* Top Play Texas Longhorns +7.5 @ Gonzaga Bulldogs @ 10:30 ET - Gonzaga lost their top assistant coach as he went to Arizona. The Bulldogs also lost a couple key players from last year's amazing team. Make no mistake, and it goes without saying as the #1 ranked team in the nation, of course this is fantastic team in Spokane, WA. However, this UT team is for real. Texas hired away head coach Beard from rival Texas Tech and he has a bevy of fantastic assistant coaches with him and this team has added tremendous talent. Now when you add in all these factor plus the Longhorns hitting 13 of 23 three pointers in their opener while the Bulldogs shot 6 of 21 three pointers, you can see where I am going with this one. The Horns come in with the underdog mentality and an playing the disrespect card as if most give them no chance to win this game. I am here to tell you this Longhorns team is very good and extremely well-coached and they could get the upset win here! At the very least, this road dog should surely get the cover as I see this game absolutely going down to the wire. 10* TEXAS +7.5 |
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11-13-21 | 76ers +135 v. Pacers | Top | 113-118 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 11 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #505 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers Money Line +135 @ Indiana Pacers @ 7:10 ET - The Sixers are the dog here but no points needed in my opinion. The 76ers have lost 3 straight games and bounce back big here. The Pacers are in a rough scheduling spot as they are off a road trip out west that just ended Thursday and this is the lone home game before another road trip begins Monday. That makes this a "one off trap game" and the hungry Philly team takes advantage and gets an elusive win to snap their skid. Indiana is off a win and only has one winning streak (a modest 2-gamer) on the season and so this is a Pacers team that is 1-3 when off a win and I look for that trend to continue here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +135 |
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11-12-21 | Tarleton St +27 v. Kansas | Top | 62-88 | Win | 100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
CBB Contrarian Crusher - 10* Top Play Tarleton State Texans +27 - I know the Texans are only in their 2nd year since the jump to Division I basketball but this program is led by Billy Gillispie who has big school experience as a head coach. Tarleton State returned all 5 starters from last season's team and has other solid key reserves back as well. The Texans will do better to hang around in this game then most people are expecting. Kansas is off that big opening game win versus Michigan State so this is the perfect spot to fade them. I look for the Jayhawks to win by 15 to 20 and so we have some wiggle room with this huge line. I don't think Kansas is going to run up the score too much in this one and Gillispie is a good enough coach to get the most out of his players in a spot like this and their compete level will not stop. Just too many points! We'll take it. 10* TARLETON STATE +27 |
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11-12-21 | Knicks v. Hornets OVER 223.5 | Top | 96-104 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 16 m | Show |
NBA Early Dominator - 10* Top Play OVER 223.5 in Charlotte - The Hornets like to play fast and this is particularly true at home where they are averaging 100 shots per game from the field! Though Charlotte is off an under this was preceded by a run of 9-3 to the over! Also, the Knicks are off an under at home and I know they have also generally trended under the total of late but this is a New York team that is 5-1 SU on the road this season and has averaged scoring 113 points per game in their 5 road victories. Couple that with the fact the Hornets are averaging 122 points per game at home this season and you can see why I am expecting a fast-paced shootout in this one! 10* OVER 223.5 in Charlotte |
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11-11-21 | Raptors v. 76ers -2.5 | Top | 115-109 | Loss | -104 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
NBA TV Blowout - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #550 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:10 ET - The Sixers are off B2B home losses and have a huge 6-game road trip on deck that sees them not play again at home until after Thanksgiving Day! Suffice to say, this game carries extra importance as a result. Even though Philly is expected to still be without Joel Embiid, they could get Tobias Harris back from covid-19 protocols. Also, the Raptors are in a tough back to back spot after losing at Boston last night. Toronto has lost 3 straight games and, with this being a back to back, Pascal Siakam is expected to be rested. Look for the 76ers to get back on track with a much needed home win here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -2.5 |
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11-11-21 | George Washington v. Maryland UNDER 142.5 | Top | 64-71 | Win | 100 | 8 h 54 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #774 Thursday 10* Top Play UNDER 142.5 in Maryland Terrapins vs George Washington Colonials @ 6:30 ET - Though both teams are off season opening wins, I expect each to ready to dial up the defensive intensity here. Maryland ranked 3rd in the Big Ten for points allowed last season but then allowed 69 points to Quinnipiac in their season opener. The Terrapins will be tougher on defense here and now lets talk about George Washington. The Colonials know they must play solid defense if they want to hang around in this game and they are motivated to face a nearby big school in this one. Indeed these campuses are not that far apart but GW comes come the A-10 while the Terps, of course, are in the Big Ten. George Washington can not afford to play fast here and risk being blown out and I feel the Colonials will try to slow this one down a little and stay within striking distance for a possible 2nd half rally. It is their best hope and this will be a bit of a grinder and this total has climbed a little too high in my opinion. 10* UNDER 142.5 in Maryland |
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11-10-21 | Bucks v. Knicks OVER 215.5 | Top | 112-100 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 29 m | Show |
Eastern Conf Total of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #529 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 215.5 in New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:40 ET - The Bucks off a 118-109 win at Philly that went over the total last night. Now in the 2nd game of a B2B we could see a little slacking in intensity level in the defensive end as a result. The Knicks have been playing well and scoring with much more consistency this season. The over is 4-1 in New York's home games this season. The Bucks have scored 117 points or more in 4 of their last 5 road games. Milwaukee's last visit here totaled 240 points! We may not see that many tonight but all signs pointing to this one getting into the 220s based on the situation. The Knicks off a low-scoring divisional win over the Sixers Monday so the set up here is perfect. 10* OVER 215.5 in New York |
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11-10-21 | Buffalo +13.5 v. Michigan | Top | 76-88 | Win | 100 | 9 h 46 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #747 Wednesday 10* Top Play Buffalo Bulls +13.5 @ Michigan Wolverines @ 6:30 ET - Michigan projected to be one of the best teams in the nation again this season but the Wolverines lost a ton of production from last season's team. That said, is going to take some time for this team to be firing on all cylinders. Buffalo, on the other hand, should hit the floor running - literally - as they enter this season with nearly their entire roster of starters and key returners back from last season's team. Yes the Bulls are "only" a MAC team but they are projected to be the #1 team in their conference and we are not asking them to win this game rather just to keep it respectable. That said, I love the value of the double digit points being offered in this one as I feel strongly that the Bulls are going to hang around in this one and lose by just a single digit margin. The Wolverines have the more talented players but the Bulls are the more cohesive group and that latter factor is particularly a key early in the season! 10* BUFFALO +13.5 |
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11-09-21 | Bucks v. 76ers OVER 220 | Top | 118-109 | Win | 100 | 10 h 1 m | Show |
TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 218 in Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:35 ET - The Bucks without Middleton. The 76ers without Embiid and Harris. I know both these teams have been trending under of late but this one is going to play out much differently in my opinion. The 76ers are in a back to back spot and scored 109 the only other time this season they were in the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the Sixers are off a disappointing home loss to the Knicks last night and have averaged 116 points per game this season when off an ATS loss. The Bucks are off a disappointing road loss at Washington but had scored an average of 119 points per game their 3 road games prior to the loss to the Wizards. Milwaukee is a big road favorite for a reason here and you can see, based on the above, why I am expecting this one to go over the total as both teams bounce back from low-scoring efforts. 10* OVER 218 in Philadelphia |
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11-09-21 | Akron +16.5 v. Ohio State | Top | 66-67 | Win | 100 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #605 Tuesday 10* Top Play Akron Zips +16.5 or +17 @ Ohio State Buckeyes @ 6 ET - Buckeyes are a ranked team and, as such, certainly are a high quality team. But Akron is relishing this shot against the big boys and I don't see them getting completely obliterated here. Maybe they lose by 10 or 12 but I really expect that the Zips could keep this one close in a game likely decided by a single digit margin. Ohio State actually ranked last in Big Ten defensive efficiency last season. Also, the Buckeyes lost their starting backcourt. The Zips lost their star guard but this is still a solid MAC program that brought back a lot of solid scoring talent on the wings too and has a solid interior defender. The Buckeyes are going to find out that the Zips came to play very hard in this one and I expect it to be quite the battle with Ohio State pulling away late but not by a big enough margin to cover this huge spread. 10* AKRON +16.5 or +17 |
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11-08-21 | Knicks v. 76ers -4.5 | Top | 103-96 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 29 m | Show |
Atlantic Div Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #502 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 vs New York Knicks @ 7:10 ET - The Knicks have now lost 3 of 4 and are in the 2nd game of a back to back. They rested Kemba Walker last night because it was a back to back but also it does appear he is dealing with an undisclosed injury too. Either way, I look for the Sixers to roll at home here. Philly has won 6 straight games. What preceded the 6-game win streak? A loss to the division rival Knicks. In other words, this is a payback game and the 76ers have an edge in that they were off yesterday too. That is important for big man Joel Embiid and he is coming off a strong game on Saturday as it was one of his best of the season. Putting the Ben Simmons situation out of their minds and even playing without Tobias Harris (covid), the 76ers have continued to find a way to get it done. I expect more of the same in this revenge game. Each of the Knicks losses have been by 6 or points the last 3 in the 1-3 run have all been by 9 or more points. Look for Philly to roll again and get the cover at home. Sixers on a 5-0 ATS run and Knicks on a 1-4 ATS run. 10* PHILADELPHIA -4.5 |
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11-07-21 | Cavs v. Knicks OVER 209 | Top | 126-109 | Win | 100 | 8 h 8 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 207 in New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 6 ET - We had a horrible bad beat here with the Knicks over on Friday but it was not New York's fault. The game had 117 points at half but then Milwaukee scored like hell in the 2nd half even though they were at home and that cost us big. We'll get some payback here because Knicks had huge 2nd half and I look for them to carry it right into this game. New York scored 113 points and is averaging 113 points per game on the season. Cleveland has won 3 straight games and averaged 107 points per game during this win streak. I know the Cavs have some injury and covid concerns but they have been playing with those in this streak and this game should be a shootout. 10* OVER 207 in New York |
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11-06-21 | 76ers v. Bulls -3.5 | Top | 114-105 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls -3.5 vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 8:10 ET - Revenge game for Bulls. Yes they lost at Philly on Wednesday but it was because of sub-par shooting. It was absolutely a winnable game and I do not see them being denied in this game after they outrebounded the Sixers by a big margin but were outscored by 18 points from 3-point land. That was the difference in the game and the Bulls get some payback as the 76ers continue to deal with injury and quarantine issues and Embiid's knee is certainly nowhere near 100 percent right now either. 10* CHICAGO -3.5 |
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11-05-21 | Knicks v. Bucks OVER 217 | Top | 113-98 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* Top Play OVER 217 in Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks @ 7:35 ET - Bucks have been struggling to score in last two home games but I look for a breakout game on offense here as they make up for it in a big way. Milwaukee just scored 117 on road and carry that momentum into a much needed strong performance at home. I am aware of the injury situation but they should get Jrue Holiday back for this one as well. Knicks off low scoring loss at Pacers but were averaging 115 points per game before that and should bounce back here with plenty of offense. Over had been 5-2 in Knicks games and that trending resumes here. 10* OVER 217 in Milwaukee |
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11-04-21 | 76ers v. Pistons OVER 206.5 | Top | 109-98 | Win | 100 | 9 h 31 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 206.5 in Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:10 ET - Sixers in a back to back so could be a little flat defensively here after holding the Bulls under 100 last night. Also, Embiid may not play since it is a back to back. That means the Philly defensive middle could be impacted. I know Pistons not a good team but they allow a ton of points. Detroit has allowed 114 points per game last 5 games. So you can see if Philly wins by close to the line of -6 that would put this game at about 114-108 if Pistons continue to allow the average points they have been. The over is 6-1 L7 meetings including 4-0 L4 at Little Caesars Arena. More of the same here. 10* OVER 206.5 in Detroit |
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11-03-21 | Knicks v. Pacers -110 | Top | 98-111 | Win | 100 | 5 h 28 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Indiana Pacers -110 vs New York Knicks @ 7:10 ET - Pacers are favored over Knicks even though Indiana is 2-6 SU this season and New York is 5-2. Big mistake by the odds makers right? Of course not! A big key here is that, after missing 3 games, Malcolm Brogdon will be back for Indiana tonight. He has big numbers for the Pacers early this season but has been out. Also Indiana is at home for this one and coming off a big win by a double digit margin. The Pacers needed a win and got it and now they get Brogdon back tonight. Though New York is 5-2 this season 3 of their 5 wins have come against teams that are a combined 5-18 on the season! The Pacers have double revenge here from two tight losses to the Knicks in their last two meetings. As for the Knicks, they could get caught looking ahead to their next game as they face the NBA Champion Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday. As for Indiana, they have a west coast road trip starting Friday so this game is ultra-important for them. I do not see them being denied. 10* INDIANA -110 |
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11-01-21 | Blazers +2.5 v. 76ers | Top | 103-113 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 43 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #535 Monday 10* Top Play Portland Trail Blazers +2.5 @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:10 ET - I liked this situation a ton even before Joel Embiid was set to rest but now with the 76ers big man expected to miss this game I especially like the underdog in this one. The Trail Blazers have been much better with Norman Powell in the lineup and they had won 2 of his 3 games by big margins before losing at Charlotte on Saturday. However, in that defeat the Hornets simply shot a ridiculous 48% from three point land and that was the difference in the game. Now Portland bounces back off that loss and note the Blazers are 3-0 SU and ATS in their last 3 games against Philly. Also, the Trail Blazers had won 3 of 4 (all by 19 or more points) before the loss at Charlotte. They also are catching Philly off huge revenge win over the Hawks as Atlanta had knocked the 76ers out of the playoffs last season. Set ups just do not get much better than this and now, with Embiid set to rest, this easily gets my highest rating. 10* PORTLAND +2.5 |
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10-31-21 | Jazz v. Bucks OVER 224.5 | Top | 107-95 | Loss | -103 | 7 h 58 m | Show |
NBA TV Blowout - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #527 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 224.5 in Milwaukee Bucks vs Utah Jazz @ 7:10 ET - I am aware that a few guys are out right now for the Bucks but I love the over in this match-up Sunday. Both teams are off low-scoring upset losses yesterday in which they were held under 100 points. Look for the focus for each team to be on the offensive end in this one after those dismal shooting performances. Note that last season's two meetings between these teams each flew over the total and the over is on a 16-7 run in last 23 meetings between these clubs in Milwaukee. The Bucks had allowed 117.5 points per game last 4 games prior to allowing just 102 to what is not a very good team, Spurs, yesterday. The Jazz are going to have a huge scoring effort here but note also that Utah has some impressive defensive numbers this season but now faces its toughest test yet this season. A road game in a back to back and facing the defending NBA champs. Look for a rather loosely played, wide-open non-conference match-up here and that means a lot of open looks and uncontested shots and easy buckets. I expect a very good pace to this game just like the two meetings last season and those each totaled 244 or more. 10* OVER 224.5 in Milwaukee |
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10-30-21 | Hawks v. 76ers -3 | Top | 94-122 | Win | 100 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #510 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:40 ET - Though Joel Embiid is listed as questionable again with knee soreness, the big man has yet to miss a game for the Sixers this season. I certainly do not see him missing this one either as it is a huge revenge game for Philly. While one definitely does not want to just blindly play revenge, the fact is that the favored 76ers will want this game badly after losing in the playoffs to the Hawks last season in June. Note that the home team is 5-0 ATS in Atlanta's games this season and I look for that trend to continue here as Philly is known for being tough on their home floor. 76ers off a non-covering win versus Detroit in most recent game and that is keeping this line lower than it should be. Lay the small number and look for a big home win in this one as the road teams drops to 0-6 ATS in Hawks games on the season! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-29-21 | Magic v. Raptors OVER 205 | Top | 109-110 | Win | 100 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #561 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 205 in Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic vs 7:10 ET - The Magic, despite being very short-handed, continue to go over the total in their games. Part of the reason for this is that Orlando's defense has been very poor early this season. The Magic are allowing 115 points per game and are allowing high percentages from the field including from 3-point land. That said, if they give up 115 here but lose the game by 8 points as the posted spread is suggesting, that would put this total in the 222 range but we are working with an O/U that is much lower than that. I will take it because I believe the Raptors may not have their best defensive intensity for this game either. Toronto is off a home win versus the Pacers and they have a game on deck at Indiana tomorrow. The Raptors have allowed 105 points last 3 games. The Magic have scored 110 points or more in 2 of last 3 games. I know this game could be a bit ugly but still I feel this total is just too low given the situation. Orlando also is in the front end of a back to back as well and the over is 3-0 in last 3 meetings between these teams. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 205 in Toronto |
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10-28-21 | Pistons v. 76ers OVER 212 | Top | 102-110 | Push | 0 | 8 h 49 m | Show |
NBA TV Blowout - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #549 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 212 in Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:10 ET - This total has dropped a lot because Jerami Grant is questionable for the Pistons and Joel Embiid is questionable for the 76ers. Keep in mind, when Grant did not play the last game, Kelly Olynyk moved into the starting five. Olynyk had a huge game and it flew over the total. Speaking of overs, the over is a perfect 6-0 in last 6 games between these teams. The Sixers have a big game with Atlanta on deck. Philly could easily look right past a Pistons team that is winless on the season. Additionally, if Embiid does not play that leave a gaping hole in the Sixers interior defense. Everyone always looks at points scored when guys are out but Embiid also matters on defense. That said, even if he does play he has not been moving that well. I look for this one to have plenty of scoring from both teams as Detroit faced a bad Bulls team in B2B games to open up the season and then finally faced a challenge with the Hawks and gave up 122. The Sixers will score plenty here too but note that they have allowed 110 points per game last 3 games and the line here is around a -10. That said, 120 to 110 sounds about right not me and that means the over improves to 7-0 in last 7 meetings between 76ers and Pistons. 10* OVER 212 in Philadelphia |
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10-27-21 | Hornets -5.5 v. Magic | Top | 120-111 | Win | 100 | 7 h 22 m | Show |
Early Punisher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #529 Wednesday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets -5.5 @ Orlando Magic @ 7:10 ET - The Magic are still without a number of key players to begin this season. Not only is Orlando off to a tough 1-3 start to the season, the Magic have lost all 3 games by at least 17 points apiece and an average margin of defeat of 23 points! That said, it comes as no surprise that I like the Hornets to cover this rather short number that is in the range of a half-dozen points. Charlotte is off a home loss in OT versus Boston so they will be hungry to bounce back here as they had started the season 3-0 SU. I just don't see the short-handed Magic as being able to score enough to avoid a loss by a double-digit margin here. Keep in mind, Orlando is averaging only 98 points per game this season! The Hornets, not including OT, are averaging 120 points per game this season! Each of Charlotte's two road games this season resulted in wins by double digits. I fully expect this one will as well as the Hornets roll big on the road. 10* CHARLOTTE -5.5 |
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10-26-21 | Lakers -4 v. Spurs | Top | 125-121 | Push | 0 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #525 Tuesday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Lakers -4.5 @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8:40 ET - The Lakers should be fully focused here as they lost at home to the Spurs in most recent meeting. Los Angeles is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in last 4 meetings at San Antonio and the lone non-covering win was a win by 6 points which, as you can see from today's line, would get us the cash here. That said, I am laying the points here with the Lakers as LeBron James is on the injury report but I do expect him to play. Either way, I like LA here as the Spurs are not going to be a very good team this season. They lost too many key players and are rebuilding right now with young players. Also, the Spurs only SU win was over a Magic team missing a ton of their regulars. I know Lakers started slow this season and also are 0-3 ATS but I look for them to build off their first SU win of the season with another one here and I expect them to cover the small number here in the process. 10* LOS ANGELES LAKERS -4.5 |
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10-25-21 | Celtics v. Hornets OVER 223.5 | Top | 140-129 | Win | 100 | 9 h 57 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #503 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 223.5 in Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics @ 7:10 ET - Both teams in 2nd game of back to back. Both teams off wins in which they allowed less than 100 points. Historically I like overs a lot in situations like this and I expect some tired legs on the defensive end after giving big efforts to get low-scoring wins yesterday. Adding to the value here is that Jaylen Brown should be back after he missed yesterday's game. It was merely precautionary and Boston only wanted him to play one game of the back to back so this is it. Look for more of a run and gun type of game here after yesterday's grinders for each team. Both teams gave up plenty of points in their first two games this season so one should not over-react to yesterday's surprising results. 10* OVER 223.5 in Charlotte |
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10-23-21 | Bucks -6 v. Spurs | Top | 121-111 | Win | 100 | 9 h 28 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks -6 @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8:40 ET - The Bucks just got absolutely destroyed at Miami. That means this is a bounce back spot for Milwaukee and they should have Jrue Holiday back for this one. Yes they are not 100% percent healthy yet for sure but that it is a big plus for them here to get Holiday back. While the Bucks also were off yesterday, the Spurs were at Denver. San Antonio coming off a game in high altitude where they expended a lot of energy. The Spurs in 2nd game of tough back to back and yes they did win their only home game so far but that was much better situation and they faced a bad Magic team missing a ton of starters. This situation is much different and features a very strong, and angry, Bucks team that is rested and in bounce back mode! 10* MILWAUKEE -6 |
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10-22-21 | Nets -3 v. 76ers | Top | 114-109 | Win | 100 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets -3 @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:40 ET - The Ben Simmons saga rolls on in Philly. A lot of pressure on Tobias Harris here as the Sixers are in the process of parting ways with Simmons plus Joel Embiid is now questionable for tonight's game with knee issues. That makes this a fantastic situation because Philadelphia is off a blowout win in their first game but it was against a bad Pelicans team while Brooklyn is off a blowout loss in their first game but they faced the defending champion Bucks. Not only off a loss at Milwaukee but also with an extra day of rest between games compared to Philly. The Nets also have double revenge here from losing their last two meetings with the Sixers last season. The road team is favored with good reason here! Lay it! 10* BROOKLYN -3 |
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10-21-21 | Mavs +2.5 v. Hawks | Top | 87-113 | Loss | -103 | 10 h 26 m | Show |
TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks +2.5 @ Atlanta Hawks @ 7:40 ET - The Hawks are at home and had a decent record last season. That is leading to solid line value with the road dog in this one. Keep in mind, Atlanta was barely above .500 against Western Conference teams last season. Conversely, Dallas was 21-9 against Eastern Conference teams last season and that included 2-0 versus the Hawks. I still feel strongly that there exists an East-West dichotomy in the NBA and, until we see this dynamic change, there is always a bit of shading toward the West in my mind when it comes to East-West match-ups. That said, when I can get the team from the West on the road and getting points then I pay particularly close attention. Looking at this match-up, the Hawks also are a bit banged up while the Mavs appear healthy entering this one. I do expect an outright upset but will gladly grab the points as added insurance in this one. 10* DALLAS +2.5 |
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10-20-21 | 76ers -3 v. Pelicans | Top | 117-97 | Win | 100 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ New Orleans Pelicans @ 8:10 ET - The Sixers are eager to prove that life will go on without Ben Simmons. They want to put that entire nonsense behind them and press ahead. Joel Embiid and company will dominate here as the Pelicans are without Zion Williamson to open up the season. I know Brandon Ingram is going to play for New Orleans here but he was bothered by his knee as the preseason went on. Of course Williamson and Ingram are two key players for New Orleans. As for the 76ers being without Simmons, he honestly had become more of a distraction than anything else and hurt them in the post-season with his reluctance to take shots. Look for Embiid and Tobias Harris to help lead the way to a dominating road win here as the 76ers get payback for a loss here the last time these teams met at New Orleans. 10* PHILADELPHIA -3 |
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07-20-21 | Suns +180 v. Bucks | Top | 98-105 | Loss | -100 | 16 h 27 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #511 Tuesday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns Money Line +180 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 9:05 ET - The Suns have lost 3 straight games. Phoenix is 3-0 this year when entering a road game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. The Suns did not lose 4 straight games in the regular season and I do not see this happening in the post-season either. Yes we could grab the points here but the strong post-season trend of the points not mattering in almost every single game continues here in my opinion. Outright Suns win. Phoenix shot the ball extremely well in the Game 5 loss and they also were much better with the ball (finally) and did not lose the turnover battle after 3 straight games in which they did. They will call this a shocking upset but really it will not be. Remember Milwaukee went just 16-14 against the West this season. Phoenix went 21-9 against the East this season. The Suns also had the best road record in the NBA this season with a 24-12 mark. I love the huge dog value we are getting here in a must win spot for the road team. Looking forward to Game 7. Indeed I am confident we will see one! 10* PHOENIX +180 |
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07-17-21 | Bucks +148 v. Suns | Top | 123-119 | Win | 148 | 12 h 2 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher ML - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #509 Saturday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks Money Line +150 @ Phoenix Suns @ 9:05 ET - The Suns had it in their grasp. It was all theirs for the taking. Then they went to Milwaukee and let it slip away. Yes I know there are still games to be played but I now have major concerns about this Phoenix team. Losing Game 3 was understandable. Not bouncing back though and winning Game 4 was unacceptable. The Suns were supposed to be the better team. They had looked like the better team. But now check out some of these numbers as Phoenix has just not been the same team since the Game One win. The Bucks had 97 shots from the field in Game 4. The Suns had 78. Are you kidding me? An NBA Championship caliber team is off a loss and that is how they perform. How about turnovers? The last 3 games the Suns have more turnovers in every single came and this has accumulated to a total of 43 to 23 during this stretch. That means Phoenix has nearly twice as many turnovers! Milwaukee also has 29 more free throw attempts than the Suns in the last 3 games combined. Again, as they saying goes, the game is not played on paper but when you look at these stats in black and white it is very clear that the Bucks could (should?) have won each of the last 3 games and have a 3-1 lead in the series. In fact, one could argue that the only reason Phoenix won Game 2 is they had twenty 3-pointers made compared to just 9 for the Bucks! Will the Suns again make 20 of 40 three pointers in this home game? I highly doubt it! Finally, for the first time in this series, the road team not only covers the game but they get the outright win! Give me the plus money in this one. 10* MILWAUKEE +150 |
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07-14-21 | Suns +157 v. Bucks | Top | 103-109 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 11 m | Show |
Money Line Shocker - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #507 Wednesday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns Money Line +157 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 9 ET - Giannis had 17 free throw attempts for the Bucks Sunday while Phoenix only had 16 shots from the charity stripe. The Suns Devin Booker averaged 29 points in the first two games but then was a miserable 3 of 14 from the field in Game 3. Those two unusual stat variations will NOT be repeated Wednesday and I love the fact that the Suns, since late January, have gone 15-3 SU when off a loss. No points needed here. The Suns win outright and avoid the pressure of heading home with this series knotted at 2 games apiece. Unlike Milwaukee, Phoenix has shown the ability to win consistently on the road in this post-season. I do not see them losing two straight games. The Suns respond in a big way here and the extra time off between games benefited them as it took away some of the Bucks momentum. 10* PHOENIX Money Line +157 |
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07-11-21 | Suns +168 v. Bucks | Top | 100-120 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 34 m | Show |
Money Line Finals Game of the Year - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #505 Sunday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns Money Line +170 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:05 ET - The normal reaction is to expect the Bucks to bounce back on their home floor and get a win. Conventional wisdom says that will happen. In typical contrarian fashion though I love to buck conventional wisdom. I know the NBA would love to have a longer series but this is not looking good for the Bucks. What people are forgetting is how Milwaukee got to this point. They beat a Heat team and a Hawks team that play in the weak Southeast Division. They also beat a Nets team that dealt with significant injuries to 2/3 of its Big Three with both Harden and Irving dealing with injuries in that series. I just do not think the Bucks are in the same class as the Suns. They were down double digits entering the 4th quarter of each game in Phoenix. I know Milwaukee is a better team when at home but do you realize that the Suns have won 13 of 15 games including 6 of 7 on the road? Championship teams win on the road. The Bucks? They have lost 6 of last 9 road games and one of the three wins was in OT. I know...I know...Milwaukee is at home here but you get my point...the best teams know how to win on the road and that is a Championship-caliber team. All the pressure here is on the Bucks. They are down 2-0 in this series and, unlike when they faced the Nets in this same situation two rounds ago, the Suns are 100% healthy. By the way Milwaukee scored only 86 points in that game 3 win. Now they face a healthy Phoenix team. Also, the Suns have scored an average of 122 points in their last 3 games including 130 in most recent road game. I am going contrarian here and playing the loose and relaxed team that is playing with confidence and no pressure. No points needed. Upset time. Give me the big plus money return. 10* PHOENIX +170 |
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07-08-21 | Bucks +189 v. Suns | Top | 108-118 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 40 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #503 Thursday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks Money Line +190 @ Phoenix Suns @ 9:05 ET - The Bucks are a perfect 4-0 SU the last 4 times they were off a loss. Milwaukee has played great defense after a game in which they tasted defeat as the Bucks allowed 91 points or less in 3 of those 4 victories. I expect a very strong effort from a hungry Milwaukee team and note that the Suns had alternated wins and losses in their 5 games prior to the victory to open up this series. The Bucks were outscored by 16 points at the free throw line in Game 1 but otherwise won the game by 3 points. There is great value here in my opinion. I know we could take the points at +5.5 as added insurance but as we have seen throughout this post-season, there have hardly been any games where the point-spread has matter. Since late May, as an example, the SU winner has also been the ATS winner in 14 of 15 Bucks games and 13 of 14 Suns games. I will grab the big plus money here. 10* MILWAUKEE +190 |
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07-06-21 | Bucks v. Suns -6 | Top | 105-118 | Win | 100 | 14 h 47 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #502 Tuesday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns (-) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 9:05 ET - Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful for this game. The line still may look a little steep to most considering the Bucks have been winning some games without him. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the other side of that thinking. I look for Phoenix to win this game by double digits. This is the toughest team the Bucks have faced in the post-season and they are on the road and they are not at full strength and likely without their best player. Blowout home win in the forecast here to get the finals underway. Suns on 10-3 ATS run. Milwaukee off a rare road win and cover and had been on 2-4 ATS run in road games. 10* PHOENIX |
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07-03-21 | Bucks v. Hawks -2.5 | Top | 118-107 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 31 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #562 Saturday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (-) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - Giannis is more likely to miss this game than Trae Young. I just can't see Young missing a win or go home game while Giannis has the luxury of knowing there would still be a Game 7 at home in Milwaukee he can rest up for if the Bucks lose this game. Subconsciously, the Bucks could have a letdown here. They rallied the troops in the first game without Giannis on Thursday but I just don't see them again shooting 50 percent from the field without him like they did in Game 5. That said, regardless of who plays, I like the Hawks to get a big win here at home in Game 6. They did win Game 4 convincingly here without Young and even before Giannis got hurt in the 3rd quarter of that game, the Bucks were down by double digits for most of that game. Milwaukee has lost 4 of last 6 road games. The home team has won 4 of last 6 games between these teams and the Hawks held the Bucks to 39% from the field and 20% three pointers the last time these teams met in Atlanta. The home team, after being embarrassed at Milwaukee in Game 5, will respond big here in Game 6 regardless of who is on the floor. But, in that regard, the odds favor that it will be Young coming back for this one and not Giannis. Either way, the play here is the home team in a blowout. 10* ATLANTA |
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07-01-21 | Hawks +126 v. Bucks | Top | 112-123 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #541 Thursday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks Money Line +125 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - Highly doubtful that Giannis Antetokounmpo will play here and the news gets even worse. The Bucks had him up until he got hurt about 5 minutes into the 3rd quarter. Even with him they were down 10 points at that point in the game AND the Hawks were playing without Trae Young. The fact that there is a decent chance Young will be back tonight really makes this situation tough on Milwaukee. This is particularly true because Cam Reddish is now back for Atlanta and playing well also. The Hawks now have a ton of confidence, are the healthier team, and this line is VERY small on the Bucks at home for a reason. The odds makers are enticing the betting public with the idea of taking a traditionally great home team, Milwaukee, at a number as low as -2 this morning. In my opinion the sharps will be on the Hawks here and the public will be on the Bucks at home. That said, give me the Atlanta money line as we have just not seen many games at all in this post-season where the spread has mattered so I will grab some plus money with the Hawks to win SU. Look for Atlanta to continue their ultra impressive playoff run. The Hawks got embarrassed in their last game here at Milwaukee but this followed 3 straight road wins and they will get payback after being completely obliterated in Game 2 of this series. 10* ATLANTA +125 |
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06-30-21 | Suns +1 v. Clippers | Top | 130-103 | Win | 100 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #531 Wednesday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns (+) @ Los Angeles Clippers @ 9 ET - As you know, I am not fond of laying big juice or big points and, that said, this the perfect spot to take Phoenix to finish this series off. Since the Suns are on the road, we get great line value here with this line right around a pick'em and even available at +1 for Phoenix in some spots this morning. The Suns had won 10 of 11 prior to Monday's loss and I look for them to improve to 3-0 the last 3 times they were on the road and coming off a loss. The Clippers made 54.8% of their shots from the field and I certainly do not expect that to be repeated. In fact, LA made just 32.5% of their shots in the last game here. Considering that as well as the Suns being fired up off a loss and Los Angeles still without Kawhi Leonard, look for this series to end tonight. 10* PHOENIX +1 |
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06-29-21 | Bucks v. Hawks +7 | Top | 88-110 | Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #522 Tuesday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks Money Line +230 vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:30 ET - Of course you can grab the Hawks at +7 if you prefer but I am grabbing the money line. I am glad we won with the Clippers last night as a plus points underdog but still kicking myself for not using their big plus money line like I did on Atlanta in Game 1 of this series when they won outright at nearly +300 odds. The fact is that the Hawks are off back to back losses now and they are 5-1 SU the last 6 times they have entered a game off consecutive losses. We are getting extra line value here because of the Trae Young injury situation but I would be shocked if he did not play and/or was not effective. Either way though I expect a huge response from the Hawks here and certainly do not expect the Bucks to shoot better than 50% from the field for a 3rd consecutive game either. Milwaukee has a solid home record but Atlanta's home record even better. Also, the Hawks were the better team for the first 3 quarters of Sunday's loss before blowing the game in the 4th quarter as they were flustered by the Young injury situation. That will not impact them here as it known he has a bone bruise and he and the Hawks rally the troops for this one. 10* ATLANTA Money Line +230 |
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06-28-21 | Clippers +5.5 v. Suns | Top | 116-102 | Win | 100 | 15 h 33 m | Show |
Western Conf Finals Game of the Year - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #511 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Clippers (+) @ Phoenix Suns @ 9:05 ET - This series has featured tight games and I am expecting another one here. The Clippers lone win was by 14 points but their 3 losses were by a total of only 11 points! That said, we have some value with the 5.5 points being offered here as the Suns, despite going against an LA team playing without Kawhi Leonard, has struggled to put them away in each game. Phoenix has made just 20 of 78 three pointers in the last 3 games in this series and that included one at home of course. The Clippers actually have shot better at Phoenix from downtown in this series as they have made 33 of 81 three pointers in the 2 games played here. That said, don't be surprised if Los Angeles finds away to stay alive in this series with an upset win here in Game 5. However, if LA does fall short, look for the points to be enough for the all-important cover in this one. 10* LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS |
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06-27-21 | Bucks v. Hawks +165 | Top | 113-102 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 44 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #502 Sunday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks Money Line +165 vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - The Hawks did not just lose at Milwaukee in Game 2, they got absolutely annihilated in an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Bucks. That said, the set up here is ideal as Atlanta is back at home and in response mode. Remember that, entering March, the Hawks were just 14-20 on the season. That means they wrapped up the regular season on a 27-11 run. In fact, when at home off a loss, Atlanta is 7-1 the last 8 times. Just like I did in Game 1 when we cashed with the big dog Hawks on the money line at nearly a 3 to 1 payback, I am shunning the points again for the bigger payout with the money line. The ATS winner has also been the SU winner in 12 of last 13 Bucks games. The ATS winner has also been the SU winner in 13 straight Atlanta games. The point is that if you like the Hawks to get the cover here, the odds strongly favor that you play the money line for the bigger payout as any ATS win also likely to be a SU win. This has actually been a strong pattern throughout this post-season in nearly all the series. More of the same here and I look for the hosts to improve to 8-1 SU the last 9 times they were at home off a loss. 10* ATLANTA money line +165 |
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06-26-21 | Suns v. Clippers OVER 218.5 | Top | 84-80 | Loss | -103 | 13 h 42 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #591 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns @ 9:05 ET - Back to back unders in this series. The only time in this post-season that the Clippers have been at home following back to back unders, the game flew over the total. The only two times that the Suns have been on the road following a streak of 2 or more consecutive unders, each time the game flew over the total. That is a combined 3-0 over trend for these teams that is perfect in this post-season and that I expect to remain perfect here as well. Phoenix, off a loss, will be more aggressive in game 4 and should get more free throw attempts as a result. In Chris Paul's second game back, I expect improvement. Also, the Suns will certainly shoot better than the 39% they shot in game 3 from the field. I certainly don't see them continuing the poor outside shooting that has seen them hit just 16 of 58 threes in the last two games. Phoenix will be much better but LA is on their home floor and looking to even this series up and I see more of a high-scoring game like we saw in Game 1 as a result of the situation and the fact we have got Suns off a loss here. 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles Clippers |
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06-25-21 | Hawks +8 v. Bucks | Top | 91-125 | Loss | -104 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
East Conf Finals Game of the Year - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #581 Friday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - Bad news for the Bucks here. The Hawks Bogdan Bogdanovic scored just 2 points on only 1 of 6 shooting in Game One as he was bothered by a sore knee and Atlanta still won the game outright. That said, I am grabbing the points here in Game Two for the same reasons I took the Hawks to win Wednesday's game outright as a +$300 money line dog. The only reason I am grabbing the points here is I would not be surprised to see the Bucks find a way to get a SU win here but I certainly don't see them getting that win by any kind of sizable margin. As mentioned in Wednesday's write-up, the Hawks are just feeling it right now and are playing with no playoff pressure on them. The Bucks, conversely, have a ton of pressure on them because of high expectations coupled with recent post-season disappointments. The loose and relaxed team is the Hawks and that makes for a very dangerous underdog. Atlanta is 6-2 SU on the road in the playoffs and they enter this game on an overall 4-1 SU run with the only loss in that stretch coming by just 5 points. The Bucks last 7 games have resulted in 3 SU losses and only 2 of the 4 SU wins for Milwaukee were by more than 4 points. You can see the value in having the points on your side with numbers like this and you know the Bucks will be geared up to not drop a 2nd consecutive home game. But again, this Hawks team is simply incredibly resilient and Trae Young right now is playing at another level that is simply phenomenal. 10* ATLANTA |
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06-24-21 | Suns v. Clippers OVER 221 | Top | 92-106 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 21 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #571 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns @ 9:05 ET - I think we can all agree on one thing when it comes to the odds makers and that is...they do a damn good job of making the numbers on a daily basis. That said, the line on this game being in the pick'em range is likely "spot on" in terms of this being a tight game that could go either way late in the final minutes as we have seen with so many of these games in this post-season. That said, I feel we have excellent line value here with this total. The Suns are getting Chris Paul back tonight to lead this offense. Phoenix is buoyed by a 2-0 series lead here and winning Game 2 on a last-season shot. However, even with Kawhi Leonard still out for the Clippers, LA is certainly not going to just lay down here. That said, I am fully expecting a high-scoring game here as the Suns, with Paul back, will push the pace here and look to run the Clippers right out of the building. Keep in mind, Phoenix is on a 9-game winning streak. In the 7 games preceding the tight low-scoring win in Game 2, the Suns had averaged 119 points per game. No, none of those games went to OT either. That said, a 119-118 final here certainly would not be a complete shock and yet this total is in the 221 range. I feel we have a lot of good value in this low number because let us also not forget that Kawhi Leonard is a 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. His absence is absolutely impactful to this D and now they face a healthy Suns team again with Paul coming back. This is going to lead to some extra scoring in my opinion as Phoenix pushes the pace but the Clippers come up big at home too. 10* OVER the total in LA Clippers |
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06-23-21 | Hawks +8.5 v. Bucks | Top | 116-113 | Win | 100 | 6 h 16 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #561 Wednesday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks Money Line +300 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - The Bucks beat a Nets team that was a giant mess. Kyrie Irving got hurt during series. James Harden was hurt for the key early part of the series and had no rhythm with his shooting when he came back. So basically Milwaukee beat a Brooklyn team that for much of the series was a shell of the team it should be. That does not mean the Bucks are not a rock solid team as they truly are one of the best teams in the league. But I feel strongly they are in for some "shock value" when they face Atlanta here. Yes I know the Hawks are a little banged up right now but they are not dealing with major injury issues like the Nets were. That said, Atlanta comes into this series having defeated a high-quality 76ers team that had their stars on the floor. The Hawks have plenty of momentum on their side and a confidence and a swagger that are both keys to winning on the road. Atlanta gets down double digits in a game that is still not a problem as they have shown throughout this post-season. But I actually expect the Hawks to get a great early jump on Milwaukee in this game and to play from ahead for much of the way. Trae Young is the Hawks superstar and he only played in ONE of the three games against Milwaukee in the regular season because of injuries during the year and he shot an uncharacteristic 3 of 17 in that one game. So Young essentially did nothing against the Bucks in the entire regular season series and yet Atlanta still went 1-2 in the 3 games. Also, the Hawks are on a 4-1 SU run in road games. The ATS winner has been the SU winner in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games. In other words, whoever you like ATS here you can certainly also feel confident about in terms of a SU win too and I am going for the big payback here. Grab the money line on the Hawks as they are rolling with confidence right now and are a cohesive group unlike the wounded and broken Nets team that the Bucks just played. 10* ATLANTA +300 |
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06-22-21 | Clippers v. Suns -5 | Top | 103-104 | Loss | -106 | 15 h 9 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #552 Tuesday 10* Phoenix Suns (-) vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 9:05 ET - Per the zig zag theory, the Clippers are the play here since they lost Game 1. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the Suns here but it certainly is not without reason. I know Phoenix is still without Paul but the Clippers still being without Leonard is an even bigger factor. Also, I love the fact that the Suns won and covered the first game despite LA having nearly twice as many free throw attempts PLUS the fact that the Clippers outscored the Suns by 21 points from the 3-point line! Yes Los Angeles hit 20 threes compared to 13 threes for Phoenix and yet they still lost the game by half a dozen points! Keep in mind, the Suns are allowing only 100 points per game last 6 home games. The Clippers have allowed 115 points last 4 road games and are missing a key defender with the aforementioned absence of Kawhi. The Suns have won 8 games in a row and all have been by 6 or more points. Look for this one to fall into that category as well! 10* PHOENIX |
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06-20-21 | Clippers v. Suns OVER 221.5 | Top | 114-120 | Win | 100 | 6 h 6 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #535 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 221.5 in Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 3:35 ET - Kawhi Leonard out for the Clippers. Chris Paul out for the Suns. These are two key absences for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. So what will happen here? Others will step up with them absent. Also, let's not forget about the impact on defense without guys like that on the floor. It changes multiple aspects. That said, people often just tend to look at points scored per game when looking at the absences of key personnel but truly they impact defense, defensive rotations, etc. as well. That said, with the Suns 3-2 to the over last 5 and Clippers 4-1 to the over last 5, I like the over in this match-up! The last two match-ups stayed under the total but had 116 and 110 points, respectively, at the half of each game and should have gone over. Each of the two meetings prior to that this season did go over the total. We're getting some line value here in my opinion as a result of all of the above. 10* OVER the total in Phoenix |
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06-19-21 | Bucks +2 v. Nets | Top | 115-111 | Win | 100 | 13 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #521 Saturday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks (+) @ Brooklyn Nets @ 8:35 ET - Normally I would suggest playing the money line here but at the time of this write-up at 8 AM ET on gameday morning, the money is only +110 but the spread is +2 and that gives enough value to grab the point spread in my opinion. Why I am looking for a Milwaukee win here? As long-time followers know I am a contrarian. These teams have met 9 times this season. 3 times in the regular season and 6 times in this playoff series. The home team has won all 9 games. Then the oddsmakers opened up the Bucks as 1.5 point road favorites here. The betting markets of course are saying the oddsmakers do not know what they are doing and the line has moved 3.5 points to where it is now Brooklyn that is a 2-point favorite. Keep in mind, the Nets are without Kyrie Irving and to me the Bucks sure look like the hungrier team. They are playing with a lot of intensity and passion right now. I know Brooklyn will dig deeper at home in this Game 7 but the hungrier team and healthier team will not be denied in Game 7 no matter the venue. The Bucks did a great job in the rebounding department and in terms of getting to the free throw line in Game 6 and they will do the same here and get the road win. 10* MILWAUKEE |
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06-18-21 | 76ers -3 v. Hawks | Top | 104-99 | Win | 100 | 11 h 34 m | Show |
2nd Round Game of the Year - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #511 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - The Sixers led by 18 going to the 4th quarter Wednesday and lost. They led by 13 at the half in Atlanta Monday and lost. After blowing back to back games the 76ers are in trouble as the Hawks are in the drivers seat now. However, Philadelphia knows that with one win tonight, the Sixers can force a Game 7 which would be in Philly. I do not see them being denied in that quest. Someone, or even a few players (the star talent is there) will step up for the 76ers in the fourth quarter of this game. This team should have a "going for the kill" mentality throughout the entirety of this game. The following is an excerpt from what I mentioned in a write-up earlier in this series on Philadelphia when they took a 2-1 series lead by winning Game 3 at Atlanta: "The Hawks played in a much weaker division this season than Philadelphia did. Note that Philly played in a tough Atlantic Division but still went 10-2 in the division. Also, the 76ers went 13-2 against the weak Southeast Division. The Hawks record was helped by the fact they went 9-3 in their own division. Against the Atlantic Division, Atlanta had a losing record at 7-8." All of that still holds true here and now you have the 76ers very angry after back to back losses and they are on the road so that is keeping this game at a very playable number - currently in the -3 range. Lay it! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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06-17-21 | Nets +188 v. Bucks | Top | 89-104 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 34 m | Show |
Money Lin Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Thursday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets Money Line +190 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - This play is very similar in thinking to my successful money line play on the Nets in Tuesday's game. The very first line to come out on this game was a 3.5 which means the game is expected to be quite tight. Yet, the line then moved the way of the Bucks to force it up into the -6 range and so the money line has also moved accordingly. So now we can get Brooklyn as a big money line dog even though the original point spread arrived at by the odds makers was telling us this should be a very close game. Couple that with the fact that so often in these playoffs - almost without fail - the team that has won SU has also won ATS. We have seen very few games where a team wins SU but does not also win ATS. Long-term, dating back to the regular season, the Bucks have been following this trend too. Here we get a chance to take a team at nearly 2 to 1 plus money odds and we're taking a team that has won 12 of 15 games! Yes Kyrie Irving is again out but James Harden will surely be much better tonight in his 2nd game back after being nothing short of awful on Tuesday. The Nets still won that game despite his struggles and that says a lot. Now I know this game is at Milwaukee of course but with Harden playing much better tonight and the Nets having swung momentum back in their favor, I am sensing a big upset win tonight. 10* BROOKLYN +190 |
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06-16-21 | Hawks v. 76ers -6 | Top | 109-106 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #582 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:30 ET - The following is an excerpt from what I mentioned in a write-up earlier in this series on Philadelphia when they took a 2-1 series lead by winning Game 3 at Atlanta: "The Hawks played in a much weaker division this season than Philadelphia did. Note that Philly played in a tough Atlantic Division but still went 10-2 in the division. Also, the 76ers went 13-2 against the weak Southeast Division. The Hawks record was helped by the fact they went 9-3 in their own division. Against the Atlantic Division, Atlanta had a losing record at 7-8." All of that still holds true here and now you have Philly, after blowing a big lead in Game 4, all of the sudden knotted at 2 games apiece in this series but back home where they are known for dominating. The 76ers have one of the best combined home records in recent seasons among any of the teams in the league. Now of course we not only need the Sixers to win this game but also cover the spread. To put your mind at ease about this but, not sure if you have noticed in this post-season, the spread has hardly ever mattered. There have been very few games where the SU winner was not also the ATS winner. That trend dates back to the regular season in 76ers games to as only 1 of their last 14 games has seen the SU winner not also be the ATS winner. Look for the home team to get right back on track here and win this one in a blowout by a double digit margin. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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06-15-21 | Bucks v. Nets +175 | Top | 108-114 | Win | 175 | 12 h 36 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #572 Tuesday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets Money Line +175 vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:30 ET - The odds makers knew James Harden and Kyrie Irving were not expected to play when they opened up this line at a -2 for Bucks. That line is indicating a very tight game of course and it is never shocking to see a +2 underdog win outright. That said, now that the markets have said the odds makers are clueless about doing their job and have caused this line to rise all the way to a -5 on Milwaukee, I am jumping in on the other side with Brooklyn. However, on the basis the odds makers are indeed quite sharp, I am not even taking the points, I will grab the big money line - range of +175 as of 9 AM ET - with the Nets in this one. This one has value, home court edge, coaching edge, and a hungry Nets team ready to prove the naysayers wrong after what happened in Game 4 at Milwaukee once Irving got hurt. These are still professionals that surround the lone remaining star, Kevin Durant, and watch them step up and help produce a "shocking" win over the Bucks. Per the odds makers original line, that should not be a shock at all but it will be to the betting markets and the masses after this insane line movement. In contrarian fashion I am calling for the upset here. 10* BROOKLYN Money Line +175 |
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06-14-21 | 76ers v. Hawks UNDER 226 | Top | 100-103 | Win | 100 | 12 h 31 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #562 Monday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:35 ET - I just do not see these teams again combining for an unusually high 71 free throw attempts again like they did in Game 3. I also do not expect the torrid shooting of the Sixers to continue on the road. It was very surprising that they did make 48% of their three pointers and 58% from the field overall Friday at Atlanta. The Hawks, now down 2-1 in this series, have to come out strong here but they have averaged only 106.5 points per game last two games. So, the point is, you have Atlanta buckling down a bit for a crucial Game 4 but also having struggled a bit to get big points. Look for a solid under here as, despite 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams resulting in an over, the odds makers have held firm in the mid-220s range with this one for a reason! The point is this game will surprise many by being a bit more of a grinder. 10* UNDER the total in Atlanta |
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06-13-21 | Suns v. Nuggets +140 | Top | 125-118 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #554 Sunday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets Money Line +140 vs Phoenix Suns @ 8:05 ET - I do not see the Nuggets being swept. No points needed as Denver avoids the embarrassment of a Game 4 loss on their home floor as that is no way to get swept out of the playoffs. The Nuggets actually had 14 more shots from the floor than the Suns did in Game 3 but lost the game by double digits because Phoenix shot very well and Denver struggled to make shots. From beyond the arc, the Nuggets shot about 12 percentage points less than the Suns and the same was true from the field overall. That said the play here is on the home team to win outright. Denver had won 4 of last 5 home games versus Suns prior to that loss. In fact, heading into this series, the Nuggets had won 9 off 11 SU overall versus Phoenix. Of course being without Jamal Murray is hurting them but they entered this series on a 7-3 SU run overall and, as hot as the Suns have been, Phoenix was just 4-4 SU last 8 road games prior to the Game 3 win Friday. Again, that victory was a fortunate one for the Suns in terms of much better shooting. Give them credit for the win of course but the Nuggets won some key hustle stat battles like offensive rebounds as an example and this team will not quit! 10* DENVER Money Line +140 |
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06-13-21 | Nets v. Bucks OVER 228 | Top | 96-107 | Loss | -103 | 7 h 0 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #551 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets @ 3 ET - After the horrific shooting in Game 3 there will be a turnaround in Game 4 for both teams. I know this series has been all unders so far but it does not make sense based on the pace of the games. That said, good pace again here plus much better shooting. I trust the Nets to bounce back and score much better here after the loss in Game 3. Also, the Bucks are known for shooting much better on their home floor and I fully expect that here after the unreal scoring result Thursday. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee |
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06-12-21 | Jazz +175 v. Clippers | Top | 106-132 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #541 Saturday 10* Top Play Utah Jazz Money Line +175 @ Los Angeles Clippers @ 8:35 ET - The Clippers are at home and down 2-0 in this series and so automatically they must win this game, right? That is the common thinking of course but, as we all know from experience, common thinking is not what you want to have to make money long-term in sports betting and I see this spot as an excellent value spot for grabbing the Jazz. Note that Utah is on a 4-0 SU run on the road while the Clippers are on a 1-4 SU run in home games! Yet everyone will remember Los Angeles winning Game 7 of their series with Dallas in LA but forget they lost 4 straight home games preceding that. Of course this is why we get fantastic line value in this spot. Prior to that Game 7 win over the Mavericks, the road team in Clippers games had actually prevailed as the SU winner in 6 straight games and 9 of 11 games. How many times are you going to get a great team like Utah - on a 6-game winning streak and winners in 8 of 9 - at a +175 price? Exactly! I certainly respect the Clippers but feel the Jazz are the better team in this series and I look for them to continue to prove that with an upset win in Game 3 to take a stranglehold on this series as they shock the masses tonight. Note from June 4th to tonight this will be the 5th game for the Clippers while the Jazz enter this game having played only twice since their June 2nd series-clinching win over Memphis. The road team is also the team with the fresher legs in this one. 10* UTAH +175 |
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06-11-21 | Suns v. Nuggets OVER 222.5 | Top | 116-102 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #533 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns @ 10:05 ET - The Nuggets are known for being much tougher to play against when at home and they show a strong tendency to score much better when on their home floor. After back to back frustrating performances on offense on the road in this series, I fully expect Denver to bounce back with a strong effort here and put up big points. They will need it because the Suns have been on fire offensively and that is why the over is on a 10-2 run in Phoenix road games. Prior to Game 2 of this series staying under the total, games between these teams were on an 8-4 run to the over and I look for that trend to quickly resume tonight. The Nuggets respond on their home floor but the Suns continue their red hot scoring trend away from home. 10* OVER the total in Denver |
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06-11-21 | 76ers -116 v. Hawks | Top | 127-111 | Win | 100 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #531 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers Money Line -115 @ Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - With the Sixers available at a -1 -110 on the spread I am going to suggest laying an extra 5 cents and grabbing them on the money line at -115 in this one. I know Atlanta has a good home record but here is something interesting to note. The Hawks played in a much weaker division this season than Philadelphia did. Note that Philly played in a tough Atlantic Division but still went 10-2 in the division. Also, the 76ers went 13-2 against the weak Southeast Division. The Hawks record was helped by the fact they went 9-3 in their own division. Against the Atlantic Division, Atlanta had a losing record at 7-8. The point is that the value here because this game is at Atlanta and we can take Philly just to win the game is too much to pass up on in my opinion. I am going with the better team on the road to avoid falling into a 2-1 series deficit here. Big game and having an extra day off between games - these teams last played Tuesday - also favors the road team with Embiid getting extra rest for his knee. The big man is capable of dominating any game and has already produced huge numbers in this series and will come up big here in my opinion. 10* PHILADELPHIA money line -115 |
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06-10-21 | Nets v. Bucks -3.5 | Top | 83-86 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Rotation #522 Thursday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks -3.5 vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:30 ET - So far in this series, excluding 3 pointers, the Bucks have outscored the Nets by 19 points. That is crazy to think about, right? But it is true and it is even more crazy considering Brooklyn has been without James Harden. He is going to miss tonight's game too and I feel strongly that this is where it will catch up with the Nets. They are on the road facing an angry Milwaukee team and I expect a huge effort from the Bucks as Brooklyn's 3-point shooting finally settles back down from astronomical levels! In the regular season the Nets were only 20-16 SU in road games while the Bucks were 26-10 SU in home games. The home team has won and covered all 5 meetings between these teams this year and I look for that trend to continue tonight as the Bucks finally put forth a very strong effort and Brooklyn's ridiculously hot outside shooting finally cools. 10* MILWAUKEE |