Granger’s Pacers host Playoff-Bound Bulls – Chicago at Indiana

Divisional bragging rights – and playoff positioning will be the theme tonight when the Chicago Bulls (36-39 SU, 38-36-1 ATS, 41-32-2 O/U) and Indiana Pacers (31-43 SU, 40-32-2 ATS, 39-33-2 O/U) meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The Bulls fell to the Toronto Raptors 134-129 in overtime as a 2-point road underdog on Sunday, snapping their four-game winning streak while the final score played Over the posted O/U total (208.5).

Veteran shooting guard Ben Gordon led the Bulls with 37 points and gifted rookie point guard Derrick Rose added 23 points and nine assists.

The Pacers beat the Washington Wizards 124-115 as a 9-point home favorite on Sunday while the 239 combined points played well Over the posted over/under total of 207.5 points.

All-star forward Danny Granger scored a team-high 31 points for Indiana while rookie swingman Brandon Rush added 29 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

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

Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana

Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indiana’s last 11 games at home

Indiana is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Chicago

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana’s last 9 games

Indiana is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home

NBA Odds

Chicago Bulls +1½ -110

Indiana Pacers -1½ -110

Over 215½ -110

Under 215½ -110

Analysis: Both teams are playing well coming into this contest with Indiana having won three of its last four and the Bulls going an impressive 8-2 over their last ten contests. These teams have split two games this season with each winning on their home floor, but I like the Bulls to win and cover the spread in this matchup despite being on the road. Chicago has really been a different ballclub since adding veterans John Salmons, Brad Miller and Tim Thomas.

Take the Bulls to win and cover BetOnline NBA sports betting backers.

NBA Free Picks: Bulls -1½ Points/Under 215½ Total Points

New York at Denver – Take the Knicks and the Dozen

The New York Knicks (29-45 SU, 42-31-1 ATS, 36-38 O/U) have lost two straight and eight of its last nine including its 112-104 road loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday.

New York narrowly covered the spread for BetOnline NBA online betting backers as 11-point underdogs while the final score played Over the 214-point O/U total.

Forward Al Harrington scored a team-high 24 points in a losing effort.

The Denver Nuggets (48-26 SU, 40-33-1 ATS, 38-36 O/U) have won three consecutive games in the BetOnline Sportsbook, including its 129-116 spanking of Golden State on Saturday.

The Nuggets covered the spread as 12-point home favorites while the combined score played well Over the posted O/U total of 228 points.

Carmelo Anthony dropped a game-high 31 points for the Nuggets while Chris ‘Birdman’ Anderson added a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

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

New York is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York’s last 10 games

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York’s last 5 games on the road

The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York’s last 5 games when playing Denver

Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Denver is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver’s last 5 games at home

NBA Odds

New York Knicks +12 -110

Denver Nuggets -12 -110

Over 221½ -110

Under 221½ -110

Analysis: The Nuggets will undoubtedly win this contest playing at home tonight, but I like the Knicks to cover the big spread with its all-out offensive attack.

The Over also looks like a winning wager as these two ballclubs have played Over the set O/U total in four of their last five meetings.

NBA Free Picks: Knicks +12 Points/Over 221½ Total Points

Mavericks need a Win – Dallas at Minnesota

The Dallas Mavericks (43-30 SU, 35-38 ATS, 34-39 O/U) and Minnesota Timberwolves (21-53 SU, 33-39-2 ATS, 37-35-2 O/U) battle at the Target Center at 8 PM ET.

The Mavericks were obliterated by the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-74 as a 9-point road underdog on Sunday while the 176 combined points checked in Under the posted over/under total of 191 points.

All-star forward Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 20 points in a losing effort.

The Timberwolves lost to New Jersey 108-99 as a 4.5-point home underdog on Sunday while the combined score played Over the posted O/U total (199.5).

Veteran shooting guard Mike Miller recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

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

Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota

Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas’s last 8 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota’s last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas

The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Minnesota’s last 16 games when playing Dallas

The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Minnesota’s last 17 games

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota’s last 9 games at home

NBA Odds

Dallas Mavericks -7½ -110

Minnesota Timberwolves +7½ -110

Over 200-100

Under 200 -110

Analysis: While I am not impressed in the least by the Dallas Mavericks and saw their pitiful showing in Monday night’s rout by the Cavaliers, I think they will bounce back in a big way tonight to beat the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves despite being on the road.

The Mavs are still a decent ballclub, they’re just not an elite one anymore capable of beating the best in the league. Still, they win and cover the spread here. I also like the Under here as these two teams have gone Under their set O/U total in three of the last four meetings.

NBA Free Picks: Dallas -7 ½ Points/Under 200 Total Points

No Love in Philadelphia – Hawks at 76ers

At the end of last season, these were the two teams you never bet against at home. Philadelphia became a home steady soldier at Wachovia, while the Hawks barely lost to the oddsmakers in their own building. Now, Atlanta has continued that trend, decimating the Lakers as Kobe got in to early foul trouble, and they’ve been decent on the road depending on the matchup.

The same can not be said about Philadelphia. The Sixers have been woeful against opponents and the oddsmakers. In the last two weeks, they’ve only managed to beat Minnesota, and lost to Charlotte, when playing at home. On the road they tallied a couple impressive wins, but a recent visit to Mo-Town saw them lose to Detroit. Do you see why I called Andre Igoudala a glorified role player?

That’s the thing about Atlanta. They at least have one bonafide superstar in their ranks, and that’s Joe Johnson. And when Johnson isn’t in kill mode, he has enough support around him to get Atlanta wins. Mike Bibby posted 21 points and 3 assists against LA and Maurice Evans stepped in to add 13 points. Still, if the Hawks hope to contend in this one, they’ll have to get big games out of Johnson and Al Horford, who had just four points in the game against the Lakers (and mind you, he’s on my fantasy team and it’s god damn playoffs! Step it up!!!)

NBA Betting Trends

-Atlanta is 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games

-Atlanta is 9-3 SU in their last 12 games

-Atlanta is 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games on the road

-Atlanta is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against Philadelphia

-Philadelphia is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games at home

-Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS at home against Atlanta

-the total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 6 against Philadelphia

The Hawks are playoff contenders. Philadelphia has gone from hopeful to hopeless in one, Elton Brand contract/injury (what did you expect, Philadelphia? A full season? Hahahahaha!). That’s why, with playoff implications on the line, you can expect the spread steady Hawks to reward their betting investors tonight.

Atlanta Hawks (43-31) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (37-35)

Tuesday, March 31st — Wachovia Center, Philadelphia — 7:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Philadelphia -2 (193)

The line is tiny because Philadelphia hasn’t been able to get it done at home, let alone against Atlanta. And when Andre Miller is getting blown up at the point, then the Sixers melt down. Mike Bibby is steaming hot right now, and has been throughout the entire second half. That’s why I’m encouraging the Hawks in the UNDER as the Sixers get blown up in their own living room. That’ll learn you to sign Elton Brand! Who’s next? Gilbert Arenas?

NBA Betting Free Pick: Atlanta +2 (UNDER)

Veteran Spurs vs. Young Thunder – Oklahoma City at San Antonio

The Oklahoma City Thunder (20-53 SU, 42-29-1 ATS, 33-39 O/U) have lost three straight games including their 103-84 road loss to the Boston Celtics as a 10.5-point road underdog on Sunday.

Rookie point guard Russell Westbrook led Oklahoma City with 23 points and shooting guard Kevin Durant added 21 points in the loss while the combined score checked in Under the set O/U total of 191.5 points.

The San Antonio Spurs (48-25 SU, 36-35-2 ATS, 34-38-1 O/U) had their three-game winning streak snapped in its 90-86 loss to New Orleans on Sunday. The Spurs failed to cover the spread as a 1.5-point road favorite while the 176 combined points played Under the posted O/U total of 178.5 points.

Veteran point guard Tony Parker led San Antonio with 20 points and Tim Duncan had 19 points and 15 rebounds.

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

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City’s last 8 games

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City’s last 6 games on the road

Oklahoma City is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing San Antonio

Oklahoma City is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Antonio

San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

San Antonio is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Oklahoma City

San Antonio is 8-1-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

San Antonio is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home

NBA Odds

Oklahoma City Thunder +11½ -110

San Antonio Spurs -11½ -110

Over 188 -110

Under 188 -110

Analysis: The San Antonio Spurs don’t look like they’ll be able to take down the mighty Los Angeles Lakers if they meet in the upcoming postseason – and have not been able to put together a really impressive winning streak this season, but will lay a spanking on the Thunder tonight as Oklahoma City has been routed in three straight games coming into tonight’s contest.

I also like the Under to play out between these two teams for the fourth time in the last five meetings.

NBA Free Picks: San Antonio -11 ½ Points/Under 188 Total Points

NHL Tuesday Night – Blackhawks Down

NHL hockey betting fans will be thrilled when they take a look at the board on the BetOnline sportsbook for Tuesday night. It’s the most exciting time of year for those who bet on hockey, as we progress towards the Stanley Cup playoffs. This can also make hockey betting more difficult in some cases, and most suggest that teams play harder, and the level of competition certainly goes up. Whether or not that is true is up for debate, but there is no arguing that things get tougher for those evaluating NHL odds once the post season begins, so it’s important to get your single game NHL hockey betting done now, while you still have the advantage.

Two teams who had a lot of NHL betting hype surrounding them prior to the season will square off in the marquee matchup on Tuesday night.

Prior to the season, the sexy pick on Stanley Cup futures was indeed the Montreal Canadiens. The storyline was perfect—it is the team’s 100th anniversary, they are a year removed from an incredible rebuilding year, and even the All-Star Game was hosted in their rink. However, after an excellent start, the team began to slide around the time of said All-Star Game. Suddenly, the squad couldn’t stay healthy. The team’s leading scorer twice went on the injured reserve list—Robert Lang and Alex Tanguay—and sophomore goaltender Carey Price completely fell apart, and no longer resembled himself from just a year ago.

For their opponents, the Chicago Blackhawks, it has been a tale of two halves as well. After a blistering first half, the young Hawks have cooled off a bit, and seem to be shaking in their skates a bit about a potential first round playoff matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. NHL lines favored the Blackhawks heavily at the break to make the playoffs, and indeed they will, but in what condition?

With the Canadiens at home, a bettor’s first inclination will be to bet on Les Habitants. However, the Blackhawks are an excellent road team, and their youthful energy tends to propel them to some high-scoring affairs while away from home as well. For those betting on hockey this Tuesday, it may be a good time to take a peak at the over on NHL lines, as two high-scoring teams collide, but also a moneyline play on the visiting Blackhawks, at inflated NHL odds.

NHL East Parlay – 3 Games and 3 Winners

BOSTON BRUINS -400 over Tampa Bay Lightning

The last time a team was listed as -400 favorites at home, it was when the Red Wings…lost to the Islanders. Is the same fate in store for the Bruins? With Tampa boasting a 3-10 SU record on the road, and a 2-18-5 SU record when playing Boston on the road, I’d say the odds are highly against it. Of course, I had very similar things to say about the New York Islanders and Red Wings. But who knows? That’s why the call it gambling. For my money, I’m sticking with the Bruins, 4-1 SU in their last 5 at home and too physical for the injury riddled Bolts to deal with.

Ottawa Senators +110 over FLORIDA PANTHERS

Whatever magic infected Florida in the first place has vanished. They’re now just 3-7 SU in their last 10 games and 1-4 SU in their last 5 at home. To top things off, they’re 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing Ottawa. None of those trends make me encouraged, especially with Ottawa riding a 10-3 SU in their last 13 games. You’ve been warned…

MONTREAL CANADIENS -115 over Chicago Blackhawks

Holy crap, the Blackhawks are driving me crazy! They’re 3-6 SU in their last 9 games and 1-4 SU on the road. But they’ve also beaten San Jose and New Jersey in their last five games so I have no idea what the hell to tell you. Montreal is 2-3 SU in their last 5 games, beating just Atlanta and Tampa in Montreal so that’s not encouraging either. When in doubt, take the team that plays well under these circumstances. That would be Montreal with a 4-1 SU record when playing Chicago at home.

NHL West Picks – 3 Game Parlay

MINNESOTA WILD +105 over Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver is 4-1 SU in their last 5 when playing Minnesota. They’re also 5-2 SU when playing in Minnesota. So why am I backing Minnesota? Because they’re coming off a four game road trip and will bask in the glory of being back home. As solid as Vancouver is, losses to Phoenix and St. Louis scare me. And they’re still on an extended Western Conference road trip so the legs have to give out sometimes. That’s what I’m betting happens when they step in to Xcel Energy Arena and play a Minnesota team that always gives Vancouver fits.

Anaheim Ducks +105 over EDMONTON OILERS

While Edmonton is a staggering 15-4 SU in their last 19 home games against Anaheim, things are just clicking for the Ducks right now. They’re 4-1 SU on the road and 6-1 SU overall in their last 7 games. So when the Ducks visit the Oilers as road dogs, I’m loving it. Edmonton is better at home, but haven’t played well against the top echelon of the West. Recent homes losses to Minnesota and Detroit have me worried for Edmonton…while I lump my money on Anaheim!

LA KINGS -150 over Dallas Stars

You know who really wins in this game? Nobody! Not hockey fans, not either team, not the owners. Nobody wins! These two teams suck and if you pointed a gun to my head, I’d say “pull the trigger” before taking either team. But if you held the gun to my dog, I’d tell you to take LA. The Kings are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against Dallas.

Miami Masters French Connection – Simon vs. Tsonga

Key Biscayne, Florida – The battle between Gilles Simon and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is dubbed as one of the big battles on the tennis-betting menu at the Sony Ericsson Open on Tuesday. Both Frenchman emerged into the spotlight through standout 2008 seasons. Tsonga saw his stock in the tennis-betting marketplace go on the up when he pushed to the Australian Open final and win two titles –Bangkok and the Paris Masters Series. Simon’s stock saw a sharp uptick when he rocked Roger Federer (twice), Rafael Nadal (once), and finished runner-up at the ATP Masters Madrid .

On the 2009 season is where these Frenchies differ slightly. Tsonga is seen to have the better form having already tallied a 22-4 mark and picked up two titles – Johannesburg and Marseille. By contrast, Simon comes in at a 12-8 mark and no titles on the season. However, the fact that has had several good turnouts should be pointed out, namely a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open and back-to-back semi appearances in Marseille and Dubai.

So as these two French superstars collide in the last 16, a spot in the quarterfinal on the line, inquiring minds want to know which of these competitors is the better play. Here is my take on it.

Tennis Betting Line: Gilles Simon +160 Jo Wilfried Tsonga -210

Match Time: 01:00 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday March 31 2009

Head-to-Head Analysis: Gilles Simon owns the head-to-head series 1-0. He beat Tsonga at the ATP Masters Series Rome in the R64, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(6).

Tennis Betting Analysis:

Gilles Simon +160: Simon currently ranks higher at No.8, has the edge lifetime and enters the tournament as the seventh seed, but comes in as the underdog in this matchup. Some might think this is a bit bizarre. Odds makers are overly cautious where Simon is concerned, seemingly of the opinion he will not amount to much during the course of the 2009 term and see his ranking slip. Fans have a different opinion of the Frenchman (thankfully so) who never leaves the desire to win a match a question. He is one of the most resolute competitors. His return game and ability to redirect shots outstanding and his serve is rather underrated. For all that he is a value underdog play.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga -210: The big man enters this matchup as the favourite and it is understandable why that is the case. He has two titles on the season and an impressive 22-4 mark. Everywhere he goes he causes a sensation, encouraging sports bettors and pundits alike to flirt with the idea he could challenge for a title. Compared to his two previous titles this one would be a big coup. That he has one Masters Shield, which he won last season in Paris, makes him a viable challenger in Miami – albeit at the bottom of the list, of which the Big Four are at the top. But for all the sensation he has come up short on punts in two prior big events this season – he fell at the quarterfinal hurdle at the Australian Open and the third round of Indian Wells.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Methinks Simon and Tsonga fell into a relatively favourable corner of the draw and we have not had a chance to see the best of either player. Indeed, they are each other’s first big test of the tournament. Tsonga faced veteran Agustin Calleri in the second round before taking out qualifier Robert Kendrick in the third round. Similarly, Simon faced semi-veteran Lleyton Hewitt in his opening match and another veteran Rainer Schuettler in the second round.

Many bettors and pundits have questions about Simon and his ability and form this season and there is no better place to answer these questions than on the big stage here. Simon has come up big on previous big occasions and I believe he will do so against his compatriot. Tsonga is on a hot streak it is a double-edged sword. It makes him the favourite but gives him all the pressure it entails. Simon plays better when there is no pressure on him like in this match. Give Simon an inch and he will take a mile. If Tsonga loses focus, Simon will methodically take him down.

Tennis Free Picks: Simon in three sets

Taylor Dent and Roger Federer in the Last 16 Action

Key Biscayne, Florida – Tuesday’s schedule of play serves up the men’s fourth round in the bottom half of the draw. One of the most intriguing matchups for North American tennis bettors is the matchup that features a local favourite Taylor Dent and former world No.1 Roger Federer. Dent whose tennis career not long ago was thought to be over because of injuries has resurged in Miami. And his comeback is a feel good story, giving North American tennis junkies invested in this match for obvious national sentiment that much more reason to rally behind him against Federer. It is hard to resist an inspiring story that revolves around a wounded Cinderella, as is the story of Dent’s remarkable comeback, but surely that is de rigueur in tennis betting where long-term yield holds more weight than short-term stance and should be fundamental in handicapping.

Tennis Betting Line: Taylor Dent +1800 Roger Federer -10000

Match Time: 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday March 31 2009

Head-to-Head Analysis: This is the first time the pair meet on the pro-level. They met once in juniors, where Taylor Dent beat Roger Federer in three sets.

Tennis Betting Analysis:

Taylor Dent +1800: Dent has solid tennis genes— the son of 1974 Australian Open finalist Phil Dent and U.S. pro player Betty Ann Grubb Stuart, he peaked at No.21 in August 2005 and his best Grand Slam result is the fourth round at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. However he lost the battle with his back injuries and finally in 2007, he was required to have spinal fusion surgery and spend the bulk of that year in a body cast (armpits to knees). This is his first season back on the tour with any marked success.

Dent entered the Miami Masters 3-6 on the season. He had to qualify for the event because his low ranking. He reaches the last 16 with victories over qualifier Ricardo Mello, 19th seed Nicolas Almagro and 15th seed Tommy Robredo.

Roger Federer -10000: Federer enters Miami 13-3 on the season. He has reached the semis or better in all competitions entered and has lost to only two players – Rafael Nadal (once) and Andy Murray (twice). Sure, the days when sports bettors confidently pencilled Federer in the final movement of a tournament and winning major titles are over but odds makers are still confident he is the sure play in matchups like this one—despite all the questions surrounding him and his place in Big Four hierarchy, he is still seen as a tough customer. It will take something special to halt Federer in his tracks here.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Will the Swiss maestro pull of his game against the inspiring Taylor Dent in their first clash at the pro level? It is never easy taking on a local favourite; taking on one that has survived the trials and tribulations that Dent has is another matter entirely. The crowd will be that much more boisterous and that much more invested for there is nothing like a comeback story of a wounded player to survive another day and at the expense of a player as great as Federer. Might the atmosphere be charged. Sure. Might the match be hard fought. Definitely. Yet, Federer is a great player and as such, he is still the sure play for most sports bettors (for myself included).

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in three sets

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