NBA Picks – Chicago to Outshine Wizards, Knicks and Celtics to Roll

CHICAGO BULLS -5.5 over Washington Wizards

The Bulls are a whopping 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games, and Derrick Rose is a man on fire. To top things off, the Bulls have been raging against the betting line on the road, going 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games away from the United Center. With a stiff record against the Wizards (5-2 SU), don’t expect them to get surly tonight in NBA betting.

Washington is a sloppy 4-11 ATS in their last 16 games, while going just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games

Hey, if they had Haywood, Gilbert Arenas and Etan Thomas, this would be a different story. But they paid the new Penny Hardaway too early. They’ll be lucky to see him play at all this season. If you want to see a real point guard take over the hardwood, keep your eye out on my boy, Derrick Rose.

NEW YORK KNICKS -2.5 over Philadelphia 76ers

Love the Knicks at home. Hate the Sixers on the road. Philadelphia has been struggling against some tough opponents lately, going just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. On the road, they’re both 2-4 ATS and SU. And, finally, against the Knicks in MSG, they’re a woeful 3-10 ATS in their last 13 tries.

New York lost a tough one to Orlando on a no-call when Krypto-nate was fouled on a three-point attempt. Don’t expect the Knicks to let this game get decided in the final 15 seconds. New York is 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games and 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games. The trends are leaning towards the Knicks, and I suggest you do the same.

BOSTON CELTICS over Indiana Pacers

For me, the Pacers have been all over the betting map this NBA season. They notched a victory over the Grizzlies, another over the Bulls and aptly handled the Timberwolves a week ago. But they’ve also lost to Charlotte and New York on the road. Boston is coming off a horrific loss to the Clippers, where they were edged 93-91. If you don’t think the defending champs aren’t ready to blaze the NBA line open, then you have another thing coming.

The Celtics are a strong 13-6 ATS in their last 19 at home and have also gone 19-3 SU in their last 22 in the TD Banknorth Garden. With a 6-2 ATS record when hosting the Pacers, don’t expect Paul Pierce to let this one get out of hand. The Celtics will cover whatever spread the oddsmakers throw at them. But to be safe, don’t take it higher than 7.5 against the Celtics.

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

Game-day:  2/27/2009

Tip-off:  9:00 pm est.

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets in an important Western Conference match-up.  The Lakers have the best straight-up record in the NBA at 48 and 10, with an ATS record of 31 and 27.  The Lakers are coming off of a game on Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns, at home, where they won 132 to 106.

Like the Lakers, the Denver Nuggets are ranked in the top ten in the NBA Power Rankings.  But unlike Los Angeles, Denver hasn’t been dominating straight-up with a record of 38 and 20.  The Nuggets have a 31-26-1 record against the spread. 

Here is the BetOnline online sportsbook betting line for this game.

Los Angeles Lakers                           -2 ½ -110                     O 219 -110

Denver Nuggets                                 +2 ½ -110                    U 219 -110

Here are a few wagering trends for this game.

• The Los Angeles Lakers are 8 and 2 against the spread in their last 10 games on the road.
• The Los Angeles Lakers are 20 and 8 against the spread in the last 28 meetings between these two teams.
• The Denver Nuggets are 2 and 6 ATS in their last 8 games as the underdog.
• The Denver Nuggets are 0 and 4 against the spread in their last 4 games overall.

The Lakers and Nuggets appear to match up fairly well on paper.  The Nuggets look to have an inside game that can challenge Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol.  The Lakers counter with the best player on the planet, Kobe Bryant.

Denver had a tough time recently losing three games in a row straight-up before beating the Atlanta Hawks in their last.  One of the problems is that Nene, their exceptional front-court player, has been hurt.  Nene is questionable in Friday’s game against L.A.

But with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups the Nuggets should pose a nice challenge to the hot Lakers.  L.A. has won six games in a row.  Making it seven is gong to be tough because Denver may have found their way again after blowing three games in a row.

I like the Nuggets in this one.  I believe that the Lakers are definitely the better team, but they ran up and down the court like mad men on Thursday night.  Now, they have to travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets.

I see this as a close game, but I’m giving the Nuggets the benefit of the doubt as the home team. 

I’ll be making a bet on Denver to beat the +2 ½ points in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

1992 Stanley Cup Rematch – Pittsburgh at Chicago

NHL betting fanatics will have a fairly light board to pick and choose from on Friday night, however one particular matchup stands out.

In a battle between two of the youngest, most talented teams in the National Hockey League, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks will meet up in one of the final bouts before the NHL trade deadline.

Pittsburgh has made some waves already in the trade market, sending defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi. Many are going to criticize this move, as Whitney was the rock of the Penguins blueline last season, however he started the season injured following surgery in the summer. In Kunitz, the Pens add a physical presence on the forecheck, as well as a proven 60-point man, who could certainly be even more effective if given the chance to play with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Meanwhile, Tangardi is one of the top defensive prospects in the game, and became expendable with the development of Brian Salcido in Iowa (AHL).

The Blackhawks made all of their moves in the offseason, acquiring defenseman Brian Campbell and goaltender Cristobal Huet, which has solidified their back-end and allowed their offensive talent up-front to show its skill. There may be a few moves left in the ‘Hawks however, who were rumored to be shopping Dustin Byfuglien earlier this year. Rumors swirled that Chicago would send Byfuglien and Brent Sopel to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Michael Nylander. Whether it be Nylander or someone else, there is no question that Chicago will be hoping to strengthen their second line moving into the playoffs.

But the on-ice product is the focus here, and those evaluating NHL odds on Friday night should really have a look at the Chicago Blackhawks. With their firepower at forward, including Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp, scoring shouldn’t be an issue, especially considering the way Penguins netminder Marc-Andre Fleury has been playing of late. In addition, a solid blueline including Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook should do just enough to hold the Penguins stars at bay in order for the Blackhawks to pick up the victory.

Chicago is absolutely dynamite at home, and regardless of the NHL lines, you should be taking advantage of its home ice in this contest.

The Pick: Chicago Blackhawks.

Heat at Hawks – Take Miami and the Points

Miami Heat (30-26 SU, 27-28-1 ATS) at Atlanta Hawks (32-25 SU, 29-28 ATS)

BetOnline NBA Odds: ATLANTA -5, Total 194

Here are some of the NBA pro basketball betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* MIA has played eight of its last 12 games OVER the total

* MIA has lost four of its last five road games SU

* MIA has played nine of its last 12 road games OVER the total

* ATL has lost four of its last five games SU

* ATL has covered three of its last nine home games

* ATL has won 17 of its last 22 home games SU

* ATL has played eight of its last 11 home games OVER the total

Also…

* MIA has covered 12 of the last 16 meetings

* ATL has won four of the last six meetings SU

* MIA has won 16 of the last 21 meetings SU

* Seven of the last ten meetings have gone UNDER the total

* MIA has covered six of the last seven meetings as the road team

* MIA has won six of the last nine meetings SU as the road team

* Four of the last six meetings in Atlanta have gone UNDER the total

* MIA has had the shooting edge in five of the last six meetings

* ATL has had the rebounding edge in four of the last six meetings

* MIA has made more three-pointers in four of the last five meetings

These games certainly mean something because in the end, it might make the difference in who is going to host the first-round East playoff series. Since Boston, Cleveland and Orlando are well out in front in the conference, neither has any chance of advancing, and although Miami is only a couple of games ahead of Philadelphia, the Hawks are in a little more comfortable position.

On Tuesday the Heat dealt Detroit its eighth straight loss at the American Airlines Arena, while the Hawks have now lost three games in a row. But those defeats were on the road, at Portland, Utah and Denver. Atlanta has shot 50% in each of the last two, and in this game they are expected to get back Mike Bibby and Josh Smith, who both sat out the last game against Denver.

It’s not likely Dwyane Wade is going to cool down, as he has lit up the scoreboard to the tune of 37, 25, 50 and 31 points in the last four games. The Heat, however, only went 2-2 in those contests, and despite shooting 51% in foru games with the Heat, Jermaine O’Neal’s scoring and rebounding numbers are slightly down in his new digs. Atlanta’s Al Horford seems to be getting back into the swing of things; he had 18 rebounds against Sacramento in the Hawks’ last win, and against the Nuggets two nights ago he had 21 points and 11 boards.

Atlanta had been on the road ever since getting out of the All-Star break, and it is never an easy thing coming home after such a long trip. Bibby has obviously been bothered a little by the defense of Wade and Mario Chalmers, as he’s shot only 5-for-19 against the Heat in two meetings, and is just getting over the flu. Wade has had 56 points in those two encounters, and below him there has been quite a bit of balance lately. Miami’s bench is stronger with the addition of Jamario Moon.

We’ll take the points with Miami, the five-point underdog in the BetOnline Sportsbook NBA pro basketball sports betting odds.

JAY’S PLAY: MIAMI +5 **

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

(Charles Jay makes his share of shots from the top of the key as a contributor to the BetOnline Locker Room)

Warriors Host Bobcats – Take Golden State and the Points

Playoff-Challenged Teams Meet as Warriors Host Bobcats

While the Golden State Warriors (20-37 SU, 25-28-3 ATS, 30-26 O/U) have no hopes of reaching the postseason in the powerful Western Conference, the Charlotte Bobcats (23-35 SU, 33-25 ATS, 24-32-2 O/U) are fighting for their playoff lives.

Despite currently being in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, the Bobcats are just 4.5 games behind the eighth-place Milwaukee Bucks and clearly have a chance shot to reach the postseason in the mediocre East – if they begin to out the pedal to the metal that is.

Charlotte snapped its three-game losing streak on Wednesday, beating the Sacramento Kings 98-91 to cover the spread as a 3-point road favorite in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

Athletic forward Gerald Wallace scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Bobcats while the combined score fell UNDER the posted O/U total of 200 points.

Multi-talented forward Boris Diaw added 23 points while power forward Emeka Okafor added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.

The Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 118-105 on Monday, failing to cover the spread as 3-point road favorites while the game played under the 229-point O/U total.

Veteran small forward Stephen Jackson led the way for the Warriors with 28 points in a losing effort.

Here is a look at the nba betting trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks:

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

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte’s last 7 games when playing Golden State

Charlotte is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games

Charlotte is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Golden State

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State’s last 7 games when playing Charlotte

Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State’s last 7 games at home

NBA Odds

Charlotte Bobcats -1½ -110

Golden State Warriors +1½ -110

Over 208½ -110

Under 208½ -110

Analysis: As perplexing as the Golden State Warriors often are, they have won four straight in this series while covering the spread in three of those contests.

The Warriors also posted a very solid 4-1 SU and 3-1 ATS mark during its recent five-game home stand and are back at Oracle Arenas following a dismal loss to the lowly Clippers.

While the Bobcats snapped its three-game losing streak, their win came at the hands of arguably the worst team in the league this season.

I like the Warriors to win and cover the spread in this home contest while going Over the set O/U total for the seventh time in the last eight meetings against the Bobcats.

NBA Free Picks: Golden State +1½ Points/Over 208 Total Points

Arsenal vs Fulham Match Preview and Pick

Premier League betting is back at the forefront in the soccer betting market after a midweek frenzy that saw the European stage take the spotlight with Champions League and UEFA Cup action. The Gunners are coming off a successful outing in European action, beating Roma 1:0 at the Emirates Stadium. But as the euphoria over their triumphant opening bid in the knockout stages of Champions League subsides, the reality of the domestic dire straits they are in becomes wholly apparent. The Gunners desperately need to improve their Premier League form if they want to compete in Champions League action next season. Fifth place, the position they currently occupy, will not cut it as only the “Big Four” receive an invitation to the prestigious European championship. Anything less than a top four finish would be a disaster for Arsene Wenger and his men who have a tradition of excellence to uphold.

Soccer Betting Line:

Arsenal FC -1 -140 -250 2½ O Ev U -120 2 O +110 U -140 Draw +300

Fulham FC +1 +120 +850 2½ O Ev U -120 ½ O -110 U -120 Draw +300

Match Time: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time Saturday 28 February 2009

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Arsenal -250: Arsenal FC are off-pace this season. They are out of the title race and if they continue the poor run of form they are currently on they are in danger of finishing outside the top four. By their standards, this would be a disaster. The season proper aside they secured an important win in the first leg of their Champions League R16 tie against Roma. The emotional boost the positive start to their European campaign is encouraging. It is with a positive frame of mind they can turn to their Premiership commitments and their upcoming fixture against Fulham. A

Fulham +850: Fulham has had a few successes lately. They beat Swansea midweek in FA Cup and WBA over the weekend in Premiership action. They are undefeated in their last two so they have something to be optimistic about coming into this match. However, both victories came at Craven Cottage. Their last trek was to Man U, where they suffered a 3:0 defeat. On the road, Fulham has struggled. In their last six matches, they are 0-3-3. In fact, they have not won a match on the road yet this season.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Although Arsenal are the clear favourites in this match, Fulham will be no pushover. They have drawn six of 13 matches on the road. They are an obdurate side and though the bookies do not give them a chance to win, the draw is quite possible here. Of course, having said that, for Arsenal anther draw would just see them slip further away from a top four finish. They can ill-afford such an outcome. For that reason, I expect Arsenal will go for all three points. They have home edge and as they have capitalized on the edge before in the season, they should do so now.

Soccer Free Picks: Arsenal -250| Over 2.5 goals Even

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetOnline.com Locker Room

NFL’s Off Season Mistakes – The Release of Brooks, Lewis and Harrison

It might not be so strange that Marvin Harrison is looking for a job. What’s stranger to me is that the game’s two best linebackers are looking for jobs this summer.

What kind of NFL is this where Derrick Brooks and Ray Lewis are getting the boot by their respective franchises?

Marvin Harrison, Derrick Brooks and Ray Lewis are just three of the big names to hit the free-agency market. Also among them are Kurt Warner, who led the Cardinals to Superbowl XLVII, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Albert Haynesworth. The NFL is experiencing a huge hit in the credit crunch, but where are these NFL icons headed, if anywhere?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were infamous for their mishandling of the Jon Lynch situation, when Lynch helped the franchise win their first Superbowl. Have they let Brooks go a season too soon as well? It’s very likely. Brooks is still a linebacker with the physical talents to affect the game, and has proven to superb in the Cover-2 with extensive range and a nose for the ball. Why the Bucs would let their defensive leader walk in the wake of a youth movement is a striking blow.

Marvin Harrison is another big name to hit the NFL free-agent market. Harrison had one of his worst statistically seasons as he battled injury and the only guy who couldn’t out run – Father Time. Harrison notched just 60 catches and 636 yards with only 5 touchdowns. In fact, this was his worst statistical season when playing a minimum of 15 games.

Harrison, however, isn’t the only NFL veteran trying to win a losing battle against time. Ray Lewis, who led the NFL’s most feared defense with 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3 interceptions, put up massive numbers in a contract year. Are those numbers of a contract hungry veteran in the wake of the twilight of his career? Or can Ray Lewis put up those kind of numbers again?

The difference between Lewis, Brooks and any receiver on the open market is leadership. Both players have led their respective defenses to Superbowl victories. Lewis was the MVP of Superbowl XXXV, while Brooks led one of the best NFL defenses in history to a victory over the Oakland Raiders in Superbowl XXXVII. Will teams break the bank for either of these teams? And if so – just who will?

In all honesty, the departure of Brooks from the Bucs shows two very visible signs. First, it’s that new coach Raheem Morris is instilling a new culture in Tampa Bay, which has been adorned with the Tampa-2 defense for so many seasons. Maybe a complete revolution is necessary as new personnel infiltrate the franchise. But was Morris simply too scared of Brooks’ leadership while he did so? The move by the Bucs won’t go over well, especially when a vindictive Brooks signs elsewhere to prove what he’s got left.

And the scary part for Tampa is that Brooks is likely headed to one of their competitors. New Orleans and Atlanta both need to solidify their linebacker spots and are two teams that could put the veteran backer in a position to win another NFC Championship. Are you willing to bet on the Tampa Bay Bucs without their defensive leader? I’m sure as hell not.

The story for Ray Ray might be a little simpler. While Brooks still has a lot left in the tank, and is terrific in pass coverage, the Ray Lewis era might simply bet at an end. His efforts were huge this year and his numbers show it. He was the leading tackler on the scariest defense in the NFL this past betting season.

But he isn’t the Ray Lewis of old. He missed coverage, missed tackles and put the Ravens in trouble too many times by not being able to shed blocks. As the credit crunch puts the vices on teams’ wallets, especially with no salary cap in 2010, Ray Lewis’s list of teams will be short. The real question is whether or not a team will bank on him or not. Beyond that, will Lewis sign with a non-contender just to play the game he loves?

The fact remains that either player will be able to inspire their new team, wherever they go. If the Ravens are smart, they will keep Ray Lewis on board. I just can’t see him playing anywhere else. But whichever team signs Derrick Brooks will get a 13 year veteran, with a chip on his shoulder. The Bucs just better pray they don’t face his new team in the 2009 NFL betting season…

NBA Long Shot Pick – Spurs vs. Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers (44-11 SU, 37-18 ATS, 24-31 O/U) and the San Antonio Spurs (39-17 SU, 29-25-2 ATS, 26-29-1 O/U) will both be trying to pick up an SU and ATS win for BetOnline Sportsbook members everywhere when they battle at the AT&T Center tonight.

The Cavaliers lost to the Houston Rockets 93-74 on Thursday, failing to cover the spread as 3.5-point underdogs on the road just as I predicted in the BetOnline Locker Room that day while the game’s 167 combined points fell Under the posted O/U total of 185.5.

Mo Williams and LeBron James each had 21 points in a losing effort, but James was held without an assist for the first time in his career and the Cavs had no answer for Rockets center Yao Ming who scored a game-high 28 points.

The Spurs come into tonight’s matchup riding a four-game winning streak and have seen veteran point guard Tony Parker explode with superstar power forward Tim Duncan out of the lineup.

Parker dropped a game-high 39 points to lead the Spurs to a convincing 99-84 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. San Antonio covered the spread for NBA betting backers as a 5-point home favorite while the 183 combined points made it OVER the posted Over/Under total of 179.

Here is a look at the key betting trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.

Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland’s last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 8 games when playing San Antonio

Cleveland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road

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

San Antonio is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Cleveland

San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland

San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

NBA Odds

Cleveland Cavaliers -2 -110

San Antonio Spurs +2 -110

Over 176 -110

Under 176 -110

Analysis: I’m a bit surprised the Cavaliers are favored in this matchup even though Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili may not play tonight.

San Antonio has won five of the last six meetings against the Cavaliers while going an impressive 4-2 ATS during the span.

Simply put, I like the Spurs to win and cover the spread in this matchup by slowing down LeBron James with its terrific defense and another spectacular performance from point guard Tony Parker.

NBA Free Picks: San Antonio +2 Points/Under 176 Total Points

Pistons at Magic – Hard Times in the Motor City

Magic Looking To Add To Pistons’ Woes At Home Tonight

The Detroit Pistons (27-29 SU, 21-35 ATS, 23-32-1 O/U) will be looking to snap their eight-game losing streak in the BetOnline Sportsbook when they visit the Orlando Magic (42-15 SU, 36-20-1 ATS, 28-29 O/U) at Amway Arena tonight.

The Pistons lost to the New Orleans Hornets 90-87 on Wednesday as 8.5-point road underdogs while the game’s combined score fell UNDER the posted O/U total of 180.5 points.

An unhappy Richard Hamilton scored a team-high 24 points and dished out six assists in the loss, but said he’s fed up with coming off the bench since the team acquired gunner supreme Allen Iverson shortly after the start of the regular season.

The Magic bounced back from a loss in their previous outing to beat the New York Knicks 114-109 on Wednesday, cashing in for BetOnline NBA sports betting backers as a 3-point road favorite while the 223 combined points played OVER the posted O/U total (219).

Sweet-shooting forward Hedo Turkoglu scored a game-high 33 points while all-star center Dwight Howard scored 24 points and hauled down 21 rebounds for a double-double.

Here is a look at the key betting trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.

• Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit’s last 5 games
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
• Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Orlando
• Orlando is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games at home
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando’s last 6 games
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando’s last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando’s last 7 games when playing Detroit

NBA Odds

• Detroit Piston +9½ -110
• Orlando Magic -9½ -110
• Over 187 -110
• Under 187 -110

Analysis: While the Detroit Pistons have won three consecutive games in this series, they are clearly not the same team they used to be and will not only lose this game, but go down pretty darned hard against a Magic team that is trying to find its way without all-star point guard Jameer Nelson leading the way.

The good news for the Magic is that they acquired a very capable floor leader in Rafer Alston who is good enough to get the ball to the Magic’s gifted offensive players.

While I’m not in love with the high point spread, I like the Magic to cover the spread narrowly and get some revenge against the rapidly-aging Pistons.

NBA Free Picks: Orlando -9½ Points/Over 187 Total Points

Arizona Wildcats vs. (21) Washington Huskies

The Arizona Wildcats, like so many times in recent years, find themselves on the bubble in regards to making the NCAA Tournament. Arizona’s program, at one time one of the best in the nation, has fallen on hard times in recent years. The Wildcats no doubt have a group of talented players led by Chase Budinger and Nic Wise, but they can’t seem to put it all together. Straight-up the Wildcats are 18 and 10. Against the spread they’ve gone a decent 16-11. Their record ATS on the road is 4 and 6.

Washington has slowly become one of the better teams in the Pac-10. They usually challenge UCLA for the top spot in the Pac-10 and this year is no different. The Huskies have a 21 and 7 straight-up record. Their ATS record is 17 and 9. Their against the spread record at home is 9 and 5.

Here is my personal betting line for this game.

Arizona Wildcats +6 ½ -110

Washington Huskies -6 ½ -110

Here are a few online wagering trends for this game.

The Arizona Wildcats have gone 4 and 1 against the spread in their last 5 games.

The Arizona Wildcats have gone 7 and 3 ATS in their last 10 games.

The Washington Huskies have gone 4 and 1 ATS in their last 5 games.

The Washington Huskies have gone 7 and 3 against the spread in their last 10 games.

Both teams have done very well against the spread recently. The difference between the two teams is in their philosophy.

While the Huskies are no doubt a fantastic ball-sharing team, four of their players scored in double figures in their last game, Arizona usually relies on one or two out of these three players: Chase Budinger, Nic Wise or Jordan Hill.

Hill and Budinger should find it difficult going up against Jon Brockman and Justin Dentmon. Both of those players for the Huskies are very good. When it comes to the point guard position, Nic Wise is as good as anybody in the Pac-10, but Washington’s Isaiah Thomas can run a game very well.

On paper this is going to be a very close game. I see the Huskies trying desperately to get some separation from the Cats but the Cats fighting back and making it very close in the end.

It’s not going to be easy, but because Arizona lost their last game straight-up to the Washington State Cougars, I see them possibly bouncing back and putting a scare in the Huskies.

If the BetOnline online sportsbook releases a basketball betting line where Arizona is a +4 ½ underdog or higher, then I’m taking Arizona to beat the spread. Anything less than 4 ½ will cause me to make a bet on Washington.

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