ENEFELGuru

Jets (9-2) at Patriots (9-2)
LINE: NEW ENGLAND BY 3½

The Patriots have been training like a prize fighter, via other teams, in preparing for this colossal bout. Don’t be surprised to see the Jets get knocked out. Tom Brady is at the top of his game, New England has won 14 straight at home and the Pats owe the Jets for an early season loss at New Meadowlands. While both share equal records on the season, the football gods have been very kind to the Jets as several of their games could have had much different outcomes. New York’s charmed existence gets served a large dose of reality here.

TAKING: PATRIOTS -3½

YTD: 9-16-1

Memphis +2.00 over ATLANTA Pinnacle

Don’t be fooled by Atlanta’s three game win streak. Before beating the Wizards, Knicks and Raptors, the Hawks were in the middle of a 2-7 stretch that included losses to the Nets and the Bucks at home. New coach Larry Drew made a big deal about his “motion offense” when he was hired but management can’t be happy with the results thus far. Joe Johnson, the Hawks 119 million dollar man, has been horrendous over the first 18 games, averaging a measly 17 points while shooting 40% from the field and 25% from three. Atlanta ranks 16th in points per game and 20th in rebounding, numbers that are actually down from last years Mike Woodson coached team. The giant killers of the NBA are undoubtedly the Memphis Grizzlies. They just beat the Lakers at home, a mightily impressive win considering Los Angeles was on a two game losing streak and playing their absolute hardest to avoid losing three. The Grizzlies got a huge game from Mike Conley to win their biggest game since beating Miami on November 20th, a game that saw Rudy Gay hit a game winning shot at the buzzer. The Grizz started slow last year and did so again this year but are now 4-1 over their last five games. The emotional win over the Lakers should translate into another inspired effort tonight for a team that is really coming on. We have liked Memphis since the beginning of the season and their finally starting to play up to their capabilities. Grizzlies outright.

Play: Memphis +2.00 (Risking 2 units).

MIAMI –6½ (1H) over Detroit Pinnacle

You’d be flat broke if you’ve been betting the Heat against the spread this season. Miami is an awful 5-13 ATS this year and it’s no surprise why; combine ridiculous expectation with poor play and it spells disaster every time. The Heat looked to be cruising against the Wizards on Monday to finally reward their bettors but unbelievably a useless last second possession led to a basket and cover for the Wizards. We don’t trust anyone on the Heat roster except the Big 3 and that’s why we’re making a play on the first half only. It cuts out the free throws and bench from the game and if we learned anything about this Heat team it’s that it’s going as far as the Big 3 take them. We give the Pistons credit for turning what looked to be a horribly disastrous season into what will most likely be a run of the mill bad season but their still no match for the Heat. Lost in Miami’s struggles is the fact that the Heat still has an amazing point differential with James and Wade both playing at career low levels. This team will eventually come around and the numbers prove it - they rank fourth in the league in defensive efficiency and seventh in offensive efficiency. The Heat will win this game but we don’t want to be on the side of a gut wrenching cover by the Pistons 12th man, therefore we’ll bet the Heat can bury this opponent early. Play: Miami –6½ (1H) (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).

last night 0-1

DUQUESNE +10½ over Pittsburgh Pinnacle

That 3-1 record that Duquesne has actually means nothing because they’ve beaten up on three dregs but it’s the way in which they’ve won that means something. Duquesne not only won but they buried three teams by 30 points or more and barely broke a sweat in doing so. The Dukes are an outstanding shooting team. No matter whom you play the three-point shot is the same distance and right now the Dukes are hitting about 11 triples a game. What’s even more interesting is the fact that the Panthers rank a lowly 242nd in the nation in 3-point field goal defense. The Panthers don’t have many weaknesses but perimeter defense has been one and isn’t basketball all about matchups? We also have a high ranked team playing a nobody and when you wager on high ranked teams in situations like this, you’re almost always going to pay a premium to do so. Also note that the Panthers come in with an unblemished 7-0 mark and they beat the team (Robert Morris) by 19 points that the Dukes only loss came against. That fact also has this line inflated and it’s just not a good idea to pay extra to wager on specific teams in certain situations. This is one of those games. Play: #588 Duquesne +10½ (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).   

LOYOLA CHICAGO +3½ over Butler Pinnacle

The Ramblers are not a recognizable school and certainly not mentioned in many conversations when talking college ball. On the other hand, the Butler Bulldogs are perhaps the most recognizable little school in college ball. In fact, you all might remember that Butler made it to the NCAA Championship game last year and lost by a bucket to the Dukies. The Bulldogs make the dance every year because they dominate the Horizon League every year. Having said that, what we have her is a classic case here of a reputable program being a small favorite on the road against an unfamiliar school. Last season the Bulldogs escaped the Gentile Center with a 48-47 decision and five of the last nine meetings have been decided by four or fewer points. That’s significant and so is the fact that the Ramblers are 7-0. Loyola returns seven experienced players from a last season's 14-16 team, including all five starters plus Walt Gibler, the Horizon League's sixth man of the year. The Ramblers have five players averaging in double figures and they're outscoring foes by 15.4 points per game. They haven’t played anyone significant yet but neither have the Bulldogs and it would appear they’re experiencing a severe hangover from last year’s incredible run. Butler comes in with just a 3-2 record with losses to Louisville and Evansville. The Bulldogs three wins have come against Marion College, Sienna and Ball St. Butler will be without starting point guard Ronald Nored, who suffered a head injury earlier this season and that hurts. This a huge game for the home team and they absolutely have a legit shot at beating this intruder for the first time in a long time. Play: #560 Loyola Chicago +3½ (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).

YTD: 0-0-0

Today:

Iowa –2 over WAKE FOREST

The Hawkeyes are by no means an elite team and chances are they’re in for a rather long year in the very tough Big-10, however, the Deacs could be in for a much longer year because this is a bad team with a capital B. Wake comes in with a 3-3 record with losses to Stetson, VCU and Winthrop. All three of those teams put up 83 or more against the Deacs and that’s some serious damage. Wakes three wins have come against winless Marist, Elon and Hampton. After playing six games against a bunch of nobodies the Deacs offensive and defensive numbers should be skewed but they’re not. Again, this is a lousy group that will get badly outrebounded and while the Hawkeyes schedule has seen them play some cupcakes too, at least they play some solid defense. In addition, the Hawkeyes have played Xavier and they hung around for a while before losing by 13. They also have games against the Crimson Tide and Long Beach St. Wake has absolutely no bench and if any of its starters get into foul trouble or are cold they virtually have very little shot at beating anybody. The Hawkeyes will struggle to score points, as they’re an offensively challenged group to be sure. However, they’re definitely deeper and they play defense and that’s more than enough to get by a Wake team that is in serious trouble. Play: Iowa –2 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).  

Season to date- 81-71

Patriots (8-2) at Lions (2-8)

LINE: NEW ENGLAND BY 7 Sports Interaction

While Bill Belichick and the Patriots approach the game differently than most, there is still a human element that cannot be denied and it can certainly be applied here. New England comes off a set where they defeated both the Steelers and Colts respectively. Now they find themselves on a short week, only to have a Monday night tussle with AFC East co-leading Jets. The Lions are a tough out in their own building as evidenced by four covers in four tries as hosts, This one provides a good opportunity for Detroit to showcase some of its promise while the circumstance surrounding it allows for them to catch this visitor slightly off guard.

Saints (7-3) at Cowboys (3-7)

LINE: NEW ORLEANS BY 3½ Pinnacle

All that rah-rah stuff is nice with the seemingly revitalized Cowboys but when the smoke clears, there are still a multitude of issues that will not be resolved anytime soon. Dallas’s two wins since making a coaching change are anything but convincing. The Giants piled up 480 yards of offence but had a couple of key turnovers that were too much to overcome. Under Jon Kitna, the Cowboys did little last week against the Lions but were again beneficiaries of a couple of big plays that turned the tide in Dallas’ favour. Luckily, the perception following those two wins has lowered the price here and we’re happy to back this surging Saints at this reduced rate.

TAKING: SAINTS –3½

Bengals (2-8) at Jets (8-2)

LINE: NY JETS BY 9 Pinnacle

There is little to get worked up over with these Bengals but that’s not to say this setting does not offer a reasonable opportunity to back them. Cincinnati is at its best when little is expected of them. In the two games that they have been six or more underdogs, the Bungles have managed covers against both the Colts and Steelers. Jets are in a lot of close games and have huge contest with Patriots on deck.

TAKING: BENGALS +8½

The Rest:

Jacksonville +7.5 (2 Units)

Pittsburgh -6 (2 Units)

Tampa +9 (2 Units)

Season: 3-6, -3.96 Units

Houston –3½ over WASHINGTON Pinnacle

GL Rush, I have been following you on and off for years on Covers, So I just wanted to extend my gratitude for the money you have made me.

Cheers

GL Mack

I am on the west coast in Calgary, AB...us Canadians has a special handicapping touch lol

Toronto Raptors/Sacramento Kings (O 207.5)

San Antonio Spurs/Los Angeles Clippers (U 194)

1 unit each

NBA FUTURES