NFL Wild Card Parlay Free Picks

Most online betting fans will say that it makes no sense to bet parlays because the odds of winning a parlay bet aren’t very good.

I tend to think differently than that. The odds on winning a parlay bet aren’t any good if the online bets that you are making as a BetOnline online sportsbook wagering fan are all equal. In other words, if the online betting line is where it should be in every single game then betting a parlay makes no sense.

I try to put football betting, all online wagering actually, into the realm of horse betting and then look at it from that point-of-view. In horse betting using the exacta, trifecta and daily double bets in order to raise the online odds of a single horse you might like is par for the course.

Professional online racebook fans do it everyday. So, what’s the difference in betting parlays in football? There really isn’t any. It’s only a bad bet, as the saying goes, if you aren’t getting value.

Well, because of the way the online betting lines have been issued for this weekend’s NFL Wild Card games, a two game and even four game parlay appears capable of hitting.

Let’s take a look at a couple of parlays that I feel very comfortable betting.

Best Two Team Parlay This Weekend in the NFL

** The BetOnline online sportsbook usually pays 2 to 1 on parlays of two online bets. Always ask your personal account manager for specific pay-outs.

Two Team NFL Wild Card Parlay: Atlanta Falcons – 2 + Philadelphia – 3

The Atlanta Falcons are a much better team than the Arizona Cardinals. They should be the bet of the NFL Wild Card Weekend because they will go into the game with a strong rushing attack, a capable quarterback, and a good defense. Those are the three things that a team needs to win in the playoffs.

The Eagles will march into Minnesota on a roll, but the reason the Eagles are a terrific addition to the parlay is because Minnesota is going to have a problem keeping their quarterbacks from feeling the pressure that the Eagles blitz schemes will bring. Without a real passing attack, the Vikings should be toast in this game.

Four Team Roll the Dice Parlay This Weekend in the NFL

** Winning four games is very difficult, some might say virtually impossible, but the benefit could be huge. The BetOnline online sportsbook usually pays around 11 to 1 on a four team parlay. Always ask your personal account manager for specific pay-outs.

Four Team NFL Wild Card Parlay: Atlanta Falcons – 2 + Philadlephia – 3 +

Indinapolis Colts – 1 + Miami Dolphins

straight-up at + 160

The Chargers shouldn’t be able to handle that Colts’ passing attack because the Chargers have had issues all season with putting pressure on the quarterback. Peyton Manning will have all day to throw it. That means the Colts pretty much score at will. On offense the Chargers are very good but I have the feeling that defensive guru Tony Dungy will come up with something to keep the Chargers to field goals on a few possessions in this game.

Putting the Miami Dolphins money-line bet into the four team parlay could skyrocket the pay-out. That’s the reason to do it. If online NFL betting fans are going to take a swing, I believe they should take a big swing! The BetOnline odds makers are showing the Fins no respect by making them underdogs at home against a team with a rookie quarterback. The difference between Miami and Arizona is that Miami has two pound it out running backs in Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown and a much better defense than the Arizona Cardinals. Miami’s defense boasts the league leader in sacks in Joey Porter. Porter could absolutely dominate Joe Flacco in this game. That leads me to believe that the Fins have a good shot on the BetOnline online sportsbook money-line.

Good Luck!

Insight Bowl Betting Minnesota vs Kansas

The Minnesota Gophers (7-5 SU, 7-4 ATS, 5-6 O/U) enter this bowl game coming off of four straight losses that dropped them from a stellar 7-1 at one point, to their current 7-5 record.

Minnesota was shut out 55-0 by Iowa in their regular season finale on Nov. 22, failing to cover the spread for BetOnline NFL sports betting backers as a 7-point home underdog in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

Quarterback Adam Weber completed 14 of 28 passes for 127 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Golden Gophers were held to a paltry seven yards rushing on 21 total carries.

The Kansas Jayhawks (7-5 SU, 6-5 ATS, 7-4 O/U) are coming off a thrilling 40-37 win over Missouri in their regular season finale, easily covering the spread as a 16-point road underdog.

Todd Reesing’s touchdown pass to Kerry Meier with 33 seconds remaining lifted the Jayhawks to victory.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NCAAF Free Pick:

The Golden Gophers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.

The Golden Gophers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.

The Jayhawks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.

The Jayhawks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games.

The Over is 10-1-1 in Golden Gophers last 12 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.

The Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 games on grass.

NCAAF Odds

Minnesota +8 -110

Kansas -8 -110

Over 60 -110

Under 60 -110

Analysis: Unless the Golden Gophers have magically transformed themselves from the incompetent bunch they looked like in their final four regular season games, the

Kansas Jayhawks will win this contest handily while covering the spread for BetOnline NCAA college football sports betting analysts everywhere.

NCAAF Free Picks: Kansas Jayhawks -8 Points

AFC Wildcard Odds Baltimore @ Miami

The Baltimore Ravens (11-5 SU, 12-4 SU, 9-6-1 O/U) have been the best defensive team in all of football for the better part of the last decade.

Now with a strong-armed rookie quarterback leading the team’s improving offense, the Ravens are a playoff opponent’s worst nightmare.

The Miami Dolphins (11-5 SU, 8-8 ATS, 6-10 O/U) completed the greatest one-season turnaround in league history and come into their improbable AFC wildcard showdown having won five straight games and nine of their last ten overall.

Baltimore is coming off an emphatic 27-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, covering the spread fro BetOnline NFL sports betting fanatics as a 10-point home favorite in the BetOnline Sportsbook as rookie quarterback Joe Flacco completed 17 of 23 passes for 297 yards while running back Le’Ron McClain rushed for 70 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 25 carries for Baltimore.

"This wasn’t just finishing up the season or a game that was going to get us into the playoffs. This was a playoff game," center Jason Brown said. "That level of intensity, we had to come out full steam ahead. We’re not holding back any of our weapons, we’re not going to try and keep anybody fresh. We’re coming out and giving everything.”

"Back in training camp, we just knew how special this team could be," linebacker Ray Lewis said.

The Dolphins laid a convincing 24-17 spanking on the New York Jets on Sunday, covering the spread as a 2.5-point road underdog in Week 17. Veteran quarterback Chad Pennington passed for 200 yards with two touchdowns for the Dolphins and Ted Ginn Jr. caught two passes for 71 yards with a touchdown in the win.

"It’s always a sweet feeling to be a champion," the Dolphins quarterback said after beating the New York Jets 24-17 on Sunday. "That’s what we are: AFC East champions. It’s a great feeling. This organization has been unbelievable. They accepted me from the get-go. This has been an unbelievable ride."

Miami completed its surprising turnaround from a franchise-worst 1-155 mark in 2007.

"We were able to change this around with a good coach who came in with pride and passion," Ginn said. "We got a great quarterback and our D stepped up for us. That’s all you could ask for."

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Pick:

The Ravens are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.

The Ravens are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.

The Dolphins are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.

The Dolphins are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

The Over is 5-0-1 in Ravens last 6 road games.

The Under is 5-0 in Dolphins last 5 Wildcard games.

The Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

NFL Odds

Baltimore Ravens -3 -125

Miami Dolphins +3 +105

Over 37½ -110

Under 37½ -110

Analysis: While I am thoroughly impressed by the Miami Dolphins’ turnaround, even as arguably the biggest Dolphins fan anywhere, I can’t pick the Dolphins to win this contest as I fully expect Baltimore to use its overwhelming defense to keep the Dolphins out of the end zone often.

Simply put, defense wins championships and they clearly have the better defense in this contest, no matter where it’s being played.

NFL Free Picks: Baltimore -3 Points/Under 37½ Total Points

NBA Odds & Pick Nets @ Pistons

The New Jersey Nets (15-16 SU, 16-16 ATS, 16-15 O/U) were upset 100-87 by the Chicago Bulls on Monday, failing to cover the spread for BetOnline NBA sports betting backers as 5-point home favorites in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

Veteran shooting guard Vince Carter dropped a game-high 31 points for the Nets while blossoming point guard Devin Harris added 26 in a losing effort.

"It’s a tough loss for us," Carter told the Nets’ official Web site. "It felt like we had found our way, but then unfortunately the last six minutes we just didn’t have enough."

The Detroit Pistons (18-11 SU, 13-16 ATS, 12-17 O/U) snapped Orlando’s seven-game winning streak on Monday, beating Orlando 88-82 while covering the spread as a 3.5-point home underdog.

Second-year point guard Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 19 points while forwards Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince each added 16 points in the win.

"It does give us some confidence, being the fact they won that many games in a row and they come in here and we’re able to get it done," veteran shooting guard Allen Iverson told the Pistons’ official Web site. "… They’re a tough team and it shows a lot about the team we’re becoming."

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.

The Nets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.

The Nets are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.

The Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.

The Pistons are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

The Over is 4-0 in Nets last 4 games following a S.U. loss.

The Under is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.

The Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

The Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

The Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

NBA Odds

New Jersey Nets +6 -110

Detroit Pistons -6 -110

Over 188½ -110

Under 188½ -110

Analysis: Were this two weeks ago, I’d say the Nets had a respectable chance to cover this spread. Now, mired in a big funk, the Nets won’t be able to match the improving Pistons at home.

I like Detroit to cover the spread with just a bit of wiggle room to spare.

NBA Free Picks: Pistons -6 Points/Under 188½ Total Points

BCS Bowl Game Odds & Picks

Among the five BCS games, the Rose Bowl, being ”The Granddaddy of Them All” and the BCS National Championship game, which determines the best team in college football, are hands down the highest anticipated and most wagered on games at BetOnline. But the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl also captivates excitement and delivers major online betting stakes to the BCS table. Here’s a look at the trio along with your New Year money-makers

Orange Bowl—No. 19 Virginia Tech vs. No. 12 Cincinnati (8:00pm EST – Miami, FL)

Cincinnati (11-2 SU, 6-6 ATS) was ransacked by injuries throughout this season, most notably at quarterback where they’ve used four different starters, but head coach Brian Kelly has done a spectacular job of finding a way to win and claim its first Big East title. Cincinnati’s ability to overcome countless hurdles earned them their first trip to a BCS game, as they’ll appear in the Orange Bowl against No. 19 Virginia Tech (9-4 SU, 5-7 ATS).

The Bearcats beat three ranked opponents and their No. 12 ranking is the highest that either team has achieved this season. Though, Cincinnati didn’t appear in the BCS standings until after its Nov. 8 game, and Virginia Tech didn’t show up until the last week.

The Bearcats can strike quick on offense but the unit is at its best when they methodically move the ball by attacking the seams. Quarterback Tony Pike, who completed 62.9 percent of his passes with 18 TDs and seven interceptions this season, and his wideouts Dominick Goodman and Marty Gilyard will be in for a fight against Virginia Tech’s physical defense.

—Bearcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 bowl games.

—Bearcats are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

—Bearcats are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games on grass.

—Bearcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games.

Frank Beamer’s Hokies love to send multiple defenders at the quarterback and force him to get the ball out of his hands quickly and make mistakes. If Pike can’t read the defense at the line, than he’s going to have a long day. Still, the Bearcats have an experienced defense and match up well against an inexperienced Hokie offense.

While Tyrod Taylor looked good in the ACC Championship Game against Boston College, he must prove that he can win moving the ball through the air. If the Bearcats contain him and not allow him to keep drives alive with his feet, Tech might struggle putting points on the board.

—Hokies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 bowl games.

—Hokies are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

—Hokies are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.

—Hokies are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 Thursday games.

Beamer, who has the Hokies in the Orange Bowl for the second straight year, is seeking to end the ACC’s eight-game losing streak in BCS bowls. The Hokies gave up 17.5 points per game this season, and held nine of their 13 opponents below 20. They forced 30 turnovers, including four games with four takeaways or more.

Analysis: Cincinnati has had a great season. But this game should come down to two things – defense and special teams, which are the two things that make ”Beamer Ball” what it is.

Free BCS Bowl Picks: Virginia Tech +2½

Sugar Bowl—No. 6 Utah vs. No. 4 Alabama (8:00pm EST – New Orleans, LA)

Alabama (12-1 SU, 9-4 ATS) is expected by oddsmakers to win its BCS bowl by a healthy margin, even though Utah (12-0 SU, 7-3-1 ATS) is the only undefeated team to play in a BCS bowl game. The Tide has an edge in athleticism, and the Louisiana Superdome will be filled with Crimson. They are a short drive from New Orleans, and they haven’t been there for the Sugar Bowl in 16 years. Alabama is 8-4 SU in the Sugar Bowl, and its 31 bowl victories lead the nation.

Alabama has a major advantage up front on both sides of the ball and even though their offense has lacked explosiveness at times this season. Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson doesn’t have big numbers, throwing for 2,096 yards and nine touchdowns. But in the backfield they have Glen Coffee, who had 1,347 yards and 10 touchdowns, with four 100-yard games and a 200-yard effort.

Overall, Alabama’s offense is run oriented so expect a huge serving of Coffee for four quarters to wear the Utes down. Coffee can break Bobby Humphrey’s single-season school rushing mark with 125 yards against Utah. Alabama averages 31.2 points and 196.5 rushing yards.

Utes have had a great year and you don’t win 12 games by accident. Utah, which finished no worse than 41st in the FBS in 10 major statistical categories and was 15th in scoring at 37.4 points per game, reaching the 40-point mark six times. Defensively, the Utes finished 12th in the FBS in scoring defense at 17.3 points per game and 14th in rushing defense, yielding 104.8 yards per contest.

Utah also has a good track record in bowl games, going 10-3 and carrying the second-longest active bowl winning streak at six games. The Utes also have the nation’s longest active overall winning streak at 13 games after the Tide’s 13-game run ended against Florida.

Utah quarterback Brian Johnson will face a Tide defense ranked third in the FBS with 256.9 yards allowed per game, fourth in rush defense at 78.9 and sixth in scoring defense with 13.0 points a game.

Alabama All-America left tackle Andre Smith has been suspended from the Sugar Bowl for violating team rules, possibly signaling an end to the Outland Trophy winner’s college career. Coach Nick Saban did not specify Smith’s violation leading up to the suspension. Smith’s absence could mean starting guard Mike Johnson moves over to be replaced by David Ross.

Analysis: Outside of an impressive come-from-behind win over TCU, the Utes haven’t faced a superior opponent all season that even comes close to the Alabama’s talents. Utah is 0-6 SU against SEC teams, and the losing streak will continue with the Tide rolling to a cover win.

Free College Football Picks: Alabama -9

Fiesta Bowl—No. 3 Texas vs. No. 10 Ohio St. (8:00pm EST – Glendale, AZ)

When No. 3 Texas (11-1 SU, 9-3 ATS) plays No. 10 Ohio State (10-2 SU, 5-6 ATS) in the Fiesta Bowl it will be the teams’ third meeting in four seasons. The Longhorns won in Columbus 25-22, on their way to winning the 2005 national championship. The Buckeyes won in Austin 24-7, on their way to the championship game a season later.

Outside of the national championship game, this might be the best bowl matchup of the season. Ohio State lost each of their toughest games this season when they were defeated by USC and Penn State, but freshman quarterback Terrell Pryor brings an added dimension to the field and seems to be getting better each game. Of course, it helps having a running back in Chris “Beanie” Wells in the same backfield.

Pryor completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 1,158 yards and threw 12 TDs and four interceptions in nine games as starter. He also rushed 99 times for 424 yards and five scores during that span, finishing as the second-leading rusher (553) on the team behind Wells (1,091). An early season injury cost Well the opportunity to possibly win the Heisman Trophy, but otherwise he’s been dominant this season. His combination of speed and power makes him one of the best backs in the nation.

For Texas, everything revolves around quarterback Colt McCoy, who has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. McCoy just finished one of the best regular seasons in Texas history, setting school records with 3,445 yards and 32 TDs to go along with an NCAA-record 77.6 percent completion rate. He excels at getting the ball out of his hands quickly and accurately, and allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch. And when his receivers are blanketed, McCoy is equally effective with his legs as evidence by his team-leading 576 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. The Longhorns were 11th in the nation with 299.5 yards in the air.

However, McCoy and the Longhorns haven’t faced a defense as good as Ohio State’s this season, who limited opponents to the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (164.3). The Buckeyes are experienced and physical on this side of the ball and allowed 13.1 points per game. They were eighth in total defense, allowing 279.3 yards per game, while the Longhorns ranked 50th (339.9) and gave up 18.6 points per game.

Analysis: Texas has something to prove after being snubbed by the BCS and they’ll use this game to prove that they deserved a shot to play in the national championship game. Pryor will make some good plays on the ground and in the passing game, but he’ll be out played by McCoy. The Longhorns win this one while making a statement.

Free BCS Bowl Picks: Texas -8

Be sure to checkout all the latest BetOnline NCAA football odds for your bankroll building lines. As well, Happy New Year and may all the scores go your way in 2009!

Gator Bowl Clemson Tigers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

BetOnline NCAA Football Betting Odds:  CLEMSON -2.5, Total 56

Here are some of the NCAA college football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* CLEM has won and covered four of its last five games

* CLEM has played 10 of its last 13 games UNDER the total

* NEB has covered eight of its last 23 games

* NEB has won five of its last six games SU

* NEB has played four of its last five games OVER the total

Clemson may be the biggest disappointment in college football this season. The Tigers looked to have so much offensive weaponry at their disposal, and were considered such easy favorites in the ACC, given a great chance to compete for a national title. Instead, they had to get hot at the end just to secure a bowl bid, and head coach Tommy Bowden was given his walking papers.

The good news for this program was that it indeed did show some progress toward the end, as Dabo Swinney took over the head coaching job on an interim basis (he has since gotten an extension). The numbers for the skill people on offense were way down for last year, though; James Davis had 725 yards in the backfield, with partner C.J. Spiller picking up 612. Cullen Harper, who was looked upon as the best quarterback in the senior class, threw for just 2395 yards with 11 TD’s and 12 interceptions, a far cry from his outstanding 2007, when he threw just six picks to go with 27 scores. Harper was benched at one point by Bowden and that led to a lot of friction between the two, which may have contributed to Bowden’s ouster.

Clemson certainly can’t be accused of not playing defense. The Tiger stop unit ranked ninth nationally in scoring defense and allowed only two opponents (‘Bama and FSU) to score more than 21 points. They’re 10th in pass defense and held the opposition to 3.8 yards a rush,. This is a solid group, and will present problems for Joe Ganz, Nebraska’s quarterback who was a real gunslinger last season when he replaced the injured Sam Keller, but opted more for accuracy this year, completing 69% of his throws with 23 touchdowns. Marlon Lucky, considered a pro prospect at running back, didn’t produce much, but Roy Helu Jr. did have 166 yards in the regular season finale against Colorado.

The Huskers, in their first year under Bo Pelini, emphasized defense more and were a little stingier, but are still a work in progress. Nebraska surrendered 34 points a game to foes over the last nine games, although it bears mentioning that there are a lot of quality attacks in the Big 12. A huge concern is turnovers; Nebraska has lost 15 fumbles this year, contributing to a minus-10 ratio. Personal tragedy sidetracked the coaches, as Anthony Pelini, father of Bo and Carl Pelini (the defensive coordinator) died last week.

The time off between games has allowed Clemson to settle down and get everything on the same page offensively, not to mention providing more stability for the ever-changing offensive front and more practices. We know they have the horses. The question is whether they have breezed through enough workouts to go the distance and finish strong. I’m looking for some more offensive cohesion, enough to lay 2.5 points with the Tigers in the BetOnline NCAA college football sports betting odds.

JAY’S PLAY:  CLEMSON -2.5 ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

(Charles Jay scores a touchdown every time as a contributor to the BetOnline Locker Room)

NHL Betting East Picks

Washington Capitals +120 over BUFFALO SABRES

This is what I love about NHL lines. Ovechkin and his Capitals are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games, with a blowout loss to Philadelphia on the road as their only recent blemish. The Sabres? They just managed to break a three game losing streak by vanquishing the Islanders 4-3. So if you’re smart, you’ll make an NHL betting play on the thundering Capitals despite a 3-7 SU record when facing Buffalo. You bet on streaks in hockey, and very few teams are as hot as the Capitals right now.

Boston Bruins +100 over PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Pittsburgh as managed to give Boston fits, but they’ve played only once this season with the Pens winning 2-1. Boston has been stream rolling the league since then, going undefeated in their last five games overall and undefeated in their last five roadies as well. Against Pittsburgh on the road, they’ve struggled, but an 11-5 SU record over Pittsburgh in their last 16 overall clashes should entice the betting market quite favorably. Also, with the Pens struggling as of late (just 1-4 SU in their last 5 games) I don’t have too much faith in Sidney Crosby right now.

Montreal Canadians -125 over TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

The Bolts have been horrid this season, winning just one game in their past six at home. With Montreal coming to town, this is an open shut case. In fact, you bet against Tampa until further notice. Quite frankly, they don’t even belong in the NHL right now. What a waste of supreme scoring talent.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS -150 over Atlanta Thrashers

In their last five meetings, Toronto has beat Atlanta four times. In that span, they’ve outscored them 20-12. Anymore questions?

NBA Sports Betting Action Spurs Host Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks (14-17 SU, 20-10-1 ATS, 16-15 O/U) are coming off a disheartening 87-76 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

The San Antonio Spurs (20-10 SU, 14-15-1 ATS, 11-18-1 O/U) have won five straight games for NBA sports betting backers.

Tonight, the two teams will each look to pick up a victory when they meet at the Alamodome.

The Bucks are coming off a disheartening 87-76 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, failing to cover the spread as a 6-point home favorite.

Milwaukee got a team-high 17 points from center Andrew Bogut though head coach Scott Skiles pulled his underachieving starters in the second half, barely playing them in the fourth quarter.

"Because I’m putting the other guys in doesn’t mean I’m giving up on the game," Skiles said. "I still intend to win the game. It can be very confusing on certain nights of why certain guys just don’t have it, but it does happen in the NBA."

All-star shooting guard Michael Redd is averaging just 14.4 points per game on 30.5 percent shooting (25-for-82) during Milwaukee’s last five games.

The Spurs needed two overtimes to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 106-103 on Saturday for their fifth straight win and 11th in 13 games.

Point guard Tony Parker scored 32 points and scored two of San Antonio’s three baskets in the second extra period.

"Tony stepped up and knocked down a couple of big shots," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "It was a good win."

After playing five games in seven days, Hall of Fame-bound forward Tim Duncan thinks the two days off before this game will be a huge help after he, Parker and Manu Ginobili all logged extensive minutes the last two games.

"Two days is a very long break, especially with the type of schedule we have been holding lately," said Duncan, who had 29 points in nearly 46 minutes before fouling out on Saturday. "We have a lot of guys who have played a lot of minutes, so a break will be great."

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.

Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee’s last 6 games on the road

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee’s last 6 games

Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio’s last 7 games

NBA Odds

Milwaukee Bucks +8 -110

San Antonio Spurs -8 -110

Over 187 -110

Under 187 -110

Analysis: While the Spurs are clearly the better team in this contest, I am a bit concerned about their inability to cover the spread on a consistent basis against the league’s second-best ATS team so far.

Milwaukee has made a habit out of hanging around in ballgames and I suspect they will do so again tonight. I also like the Under in a big way and think it may be an even better play in this contest than the ATS selection.

Take the Bucks to cover the spread narrowly.

NBA Free Picks: Under 187 Total Points/Milwaukee +8 Points

NCAA Basketball Big 12 Power Poll

1: Baylor Bears (3-1 ATS, 10-1 SU) (LW: 2) The Bears remain undefeated at home this season with a 74-59 victory over Hartford right before Christmas. They’ll play their first home game with a sports betting line on Monday in a very crowded week.

This Week: Home vs. Portland State, Home vs. Jackson State, Home vs. South Carolina

2: Kansas Jayhawks (4-2 ATS, 8-3 SU) (LW: 1) It’s becoming increasingly evident that this isn’t the same Jayhawks team of last season. They lost 84-67 in Arizona last week, and must rebound in a hurry if they plan on being back in the Big Dance this year. The good news is that they don’t leave home this week, and they’re a perfect 4-0 ATS in Lawrence.

This Week: Home vs. Albany, Home vs. Tennessee

3: Oklahoma Sooners (5-4 ATS, 12-0 SU) (LW: 3) Oklahoma handed Rice a 70-58 defeat last Monday, but it couldn’t figure out how to cover the 16.5-point spread. The ATS skid is now at two games for OU, and the road doesn’t get any easier with a trip to Arkansas on deck.

This Week: Away @ Arkansas, Home vs. Coppin State

4: Texas Longhorns (5-4 ATS, 10-2 SU) (LW: 6) The difficult non-conference slate for the Longhorns continued last week in Wisconsin, and they passed another test with flying colors. The 74-69 win was UT’s fifth major win against non-Big XII foes. Austin will get to see their Longhorns for the first time since December 20th this week.

This Week: Home vs. Appalachian State

5: Texas A&M Aggies (3-3 ATS, 11-1 SU) (LW: 5) A&M hasn’t been winning games with much flair, but it continues to notch the ‘W’s. The Aggies beat Sam Houston St. 60-50 last week, and has now averaged beating opponents on this seven-game win streak by just eight points per game.

This Week: Away @ Rice, Home vs. McNeese State

6: Missouri Tigers (4-3 ATS, 10-2 SU) (LW: 4) A 75-59 loss to Illinois as short favorites had to sting for the Tigers heading into the holidays. The year should end on a high note with Centenary coming to town before traveling to Georgia to kick off ’09.

This Week: Home vs. Centenary, Away @ Georgia

7: Iowa State Cyclones (5-5 ATS, 8-4 SU) (LW: 9) The Cyclones crack the Top-8 this week after posting a resounding 71-67 upset in Houston. A few cupcakes are on deck at home, but in its L/3 at home, Iowa State is just 1-2 SU and 1-1 ATS, averaging just 62.3 points per game against all non-BCS schools.

This Week: Home vs. Mercer, Home vs. SIU-Edwards

8: Kansas State Wildcats (2-3-1 ATS, 8-3 SU) (LW: 7) KSU has been off since the 20th, and has a few home games against lesser opponents before kicking off Big XII play on January 10th. The Wildcats beat Wagner 101-59 last season, and you can expect a similar result this time around.

This Week: Home vs. Wagner, Home vs. Idaho State

And the rest…

9: Colorado Buffaloes (3-4 ATS, 7-3 SU) (LW: 7)

10: Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-3 ATS, 7-3 SU) (LW: 10)

11: Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-4-1 ATS, 8-3 SU) (LW: 11)

12: Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-4-1 ATS, 9-4 SU) (LW: 12)

NBA Sports Betting Cavaliers vs Heat

The Cavaliers take their incredible against the BetOnline online betting spread record into Miami to take on the Heat. Cleveland is a phenomenal team both straight-up and against the spread. Straight-up they have gone 26 and 4. Against the BetOnline online wagering spread, they have gone 22 and 8. The BetOnline odd makers are sort of onto this team as they’ve failed to cover in their last two games, but the Cavs are still a much better option for NBA betting fans than any other team in the league. Cleveland is just a good team. With general manager Danny Ferry putting some terrific role players around LeBron “King” James, the Cavs are a definite team to watch in the Eastern Conference.

The Miami Heat has a lot of talent but so far their record hasn’t shown it. They are only 16 and 13 on the season and 6-8-1 against the BetOnline online betting spread. Dwayne Wade is averaging 29 points a game but Shawn Marion has been a disappointment in the scoring category. He is averaging close to 10 rebounds a game but scoring wise he’s been a no show this season. Also, rookie Michael Beasley really hasn’t developed into the player that the Heat organization envisioned when they drafted him second overall. Maybe they should have gone for that O.J. Mayo kid who can score at will.

Here are the BetOnline Sportsbook online NBA betting odds for this game:

Cleveland Cavaliers – 4 ½ – 110 O 182 ½ – 110

Miami Heat + 4 ½ – 110 U 182 ½ – 110

Here are a few online wagering trends that might help us find a good online bet in this game:

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 15 and 5 against the spread in their last 20 games on the road.

The Road team is 4 and 1 against the spread in the last 5 meetings between these two teams.

The Miami Heat is 5 and 0 against the spread in their last 5 games as the underdog.

The Under is 7 and 1 in the Miami Heat last 8 games overall.

So the Cavs haven’t covered in their last two games. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing. The Cavaliers should easily cover the spread in this game, but I’m not going to bet that by itself.

I also like the under. Why? Because neither one of these teams wants to score over 90 points much less 100. The Heat have an issue in the sense that unless D-Wade puts up close to 40 every game, they’re probably not going to win. Nobody else on the Heat is a scorer in the traditional sense.

The Cavs should beat the spread and this game should go under the BetOnline Total of 182 ½.

It sure feels like a nice basketball betting parlay to me.

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