Back in Action

We took a day off yesterday after going 1-3 on Thursday. As much as I love betting, sometimes taking a breather after a couple of bad beats (UCLA -5 1/2 and winning by 5 or UAB +4 and covering the entire game until the last two minutes) is a good thing. More than day off is ridiculous so today we're back to it.

$$$$ Villanova - 6 1/2 vs. Georgetown

I think Villanova is a dark horse final four team this year. They are a lot like Pitt in that they are tough at every position. They aren't as dominant as Pitt, but they will certainly make some noise in March... which means they shouldn't have a problem man handling a disappointing Georgetown squad. Maybe the Hoyas could cover this spread at home, but no way do they cover on the road. Take Nova in a double digit ball stomping.

$$$$ Miami Heat - 5 1/2 vs. New York

I think you all know my betting habit with the Knicks. They don't like playing outside of their home state or home stadium. Last night they wasted an abundance of energy erasing a 20 point deficit at home vs. the Sixers in a losing effort. You think they'll be up for a trip to Miami today? Probably not. Take the Heat in a route.

$$$ UConn - 11 1/2 vs. Notre Dame

No doubt this is a big game for ND, but it doesn't matter. They've had plenty of "big games" this year and rarely have they impressed. This game will be good practice in ND's preparation for the NIT and losing by less than 15 would be a good moral victory for them, but it's not going to happen. Uconn wins in a blowout.

$$ Colorado + 13 @ Baylor

Baylor finally gets to play a team they can beat, but the odds makers are still giving them too much credit. Colorado is amazing at covering the spread and are a must bet every game. It's rare when they win but, oddly enough, even rarer when they don't cover.

* WARNING TRAPLINE * LSU +4 vs. Kentucky

LSU has proven to be the only consistent and borderline quality team in the SEC while Kentucky has proven to be the complete opposite. The Wildcats are capable of losing to anyone by any amount, anywhere, and have very few quality wins on their resume. LSU should route em right? I'd like to think so, but I'm smelling something foul with this line. It looks awfully good, too good, and I'm staying away from it. LSU is a lock for the tourny and Kentucky has to win this game to earn "bubble status." LSU is hands down the better team but I'd advise you to hold off on the Tigers tonight.

Home Court Advantages

34-27 and up 2 more units of profit after going 2-1 yesterday. On a side note, I'm not betting on teams from Michigan anymore. I can't seem to figure them out.

$$$$ Cincinnati +5 vs. West Virginia

I'm shocked Cincinnati is getting points here. The Bearcats have to win this game to keep their tourny hopes alive while West Virginia appears to be in, barring a total meltdown. I think WV is a solid ball club, but it's tough to win big on the road in the Big East against a team who's playing for their season. Look for the Bearcats to cover and win a close one.

$$$$ UCLA -6 1/2 @ Stanford

UCLA is coming off an embarassing loss at home against Washington State and will be looking to put a beatdown on a Stanford Cardinal team who they already beat by 30 earlier in the year. UCLA's tourny seed will be based on how they play down the stretch and if they want to impress the comittee they can't teams like Stanford keep games close.

$$$ UAB + 4 1/2 vs. Memphis

I love betting on home dogs late in the year because these are when the biggest games are played and home court is at its highest worth. Tonight my 7th sense is feeling an upset, and when my 7th sense senses upset I don't even need my 6th sense (sense of covering). UAB would love to strengthen their tourny resume with a win against a Memphis team beat them earlier in the year by 13. UTEP played Memphis tough at home last week but couldn't seal the deal. Look for the Blazers to finish strong and humble the Tigers in court storming fashion.

$$$ Arizona +2 @ Washington State

Washington State is coming off a shocking win against UCLA but I don't think they can keep the momentum going. They are a .500 ball club and they've had trouble winning back to back games all year. They play up and down to their competition and Arizona needs this game too badly to let the Cougars get away with another big win. This game won't be easy, but I have to think Arizona can pull this one out.

Rolling Rolling Rolling...

I hope somebody had money on Iowa State because their cover yesterday was easy and gentle on the blood pressure. Thanks to the Cyclones we earned 5 more units of profit and improved our record to 32-26. We've won three of the last four days, going 7-3 and we're up a red hot 16 units in those games.

Today we keep it rolling with...

$$$$ Michigan State - 15 1/2 vs. Iowa

I don't like huge double digit spreads like this often, but I have faith in Tom Izzo and the Spartans. MSU is coming off an impressive win against Wisconsin and with that win people are talking about them as a possible 1 seed in the tourny. This means that if they want that 1 seed not only can they not slip up, they have to look dominant in games against garbage teams like Iowa. And Iowa is garbage. Look for State to take out the trash early in this one as they dump the Hawkeyes by 30.

$$$ South Carolina in a pick em vs. Kentucky

Speaking of garbage, welcome to the SEC. Aside from LSU, there isn't a team in this conference that can win on the road. Look for the Gamecocks to continue this trend and win a close one.

$$$ Dallas Mavericks - 7 1/2 vs. Milwaukee

Let's keep it simple... Dallas is good at home. Milwaukee isn't good, especially on the road.

!5 UNIT RELEASE!

Sherron Collins beat Oklahoma and saved me from purchasing a new television set, (mine nearly shattered when Oklahoma cut the lead to 3) and the injured Celtics defecated on the Nuggets by 38 to make us 2-0 yesterday, while profiting 7 units. Our overall record is now 31-26.

Tonight I like only like one game but it's a $5$ release.

$$$$$ Iowa State +2 1/2 vs. Baylor

Yes, you read it right. I like Iowa State to get off the snide and win outright against a Baylor team who's Michigan's mirror image when it comes to betting trends. Baylor can't win in-conference on the road and they can't win at home against a quality ball club. Iowa State has a stud named Brackins who might drop 50 tonight against a Baylor defense that is ranked 273rd in the country. Don't look at the records here, this game has the feel of the Michigan, Iowa game a couple of days ago. But in this case there will be no OT as the Cyclones get it done rather easily in regulation.

Back door woes

Days like yesterday are the kind that will make you never want to gamble again. It was looking like a 3-0 day until the tables drastically turned in the two games the Michigan teams played in. Michigan -1 1/2 was up by four with under a minute to play and managed to not cover and lose at the same time which for me was a one-two punch to the nuts, being a Michigan fan and all. At least failure in that capacity is somewhat expected of Michigan, but Wisconsin? Really Wisconsin? Up by 11 midway through the second half and you can't keep from losing by double digits?? Really Bo Ryan? I mean REALLY? The under looked amazing the entire game, but Wisconsin +8 1/2 looked even better! We still only lost a unit of profit but man, yesterday we were back doored more times than Jeff Garcia in his days with San Francisco. It's tough to come back and bet after a day like yesterday, but we must!

$$$$ Kansas + 2 1/2 @ Oklahoma

The Sooners All-American and player of the year candidate, Blake Griffin, is out tonight with a lingering concussion. This is bad, really bad for Oklahoma, but to be honest I think Kansas could beat Oklahoma even if Griffin was playing. The Jayhawks are playing the best they've played all year and they match up good against Oklahoma with Griffin playing, great when he's not. Also, Oklahoma doesn't have a true point guard or any great ball-handlers which means nobody will be able to guard Sherron Collins, and the Jayhawk defense will pressure the Sooners into a stampede of turnovers. If you can get a money line on this game drop some cabbage on Kansas. They win outright by 10.

$$$ Celtics -2 @ Denver

Denver has a nice record, but they smell against good teams and reek against better ones. Even without Garnett I still like the Celtics giving 2 points to 90 % of the teams in the league. Play Beantown to kidney shot the Nuggets right from the get go and cruise to a double digit win.

off the snide

Finally, after a four day drought we're back in the green as we went 3-1 yesterday and earned 6 units of profit. Also, Abby hit his/her pick on the nose as the Blackhawks won by 2 just as he/she predicted.

Today I like a couple of hardwood matchups and Abby will try and continue his/her hot streak on the ice.

$$$$ Wisconsin @ Michigan State UNDER 126 total points.

Neither of these teams -- like most of the Big Ten -- play stellar offense but each defense is well above average. This game will not reach 120. Wisconsin is one of the hottest teams in the country right now and they'll keep this game close because of their defense. That is why I also like...

$$$ Wisconsin +8 1/2 @ Michigan State

Big D defense defense, big D.

$$ Michigan - 1 1/2 @ Iowa

I hate betting on Michigan, but I have to think they can win this game. All Iowa has to play for is spoiler while Michigan HAS to have this game so they can keep delaying the inevitable of missing the field of 64. Play the Wolverines to win in similar fashion as they did last week at Northwestern.

$$$$$ Abby's Pick $$$$$

Avalanche + 125 @ Carolina

"I was going to lay off hockey on Sunday, but saw I could get 1.5x for my money betting on the Avs at Carolina. Carolina has the better record and they are at home, but Colorado beat a very good Capitals team at Washington Friday night, 4-1, and they’ve won 3 in a row—two of those on the road. This is the 2nd road trip game on a 6 game road trip, and assuming Granato has done his job preparing for the trip, they aren’t out of gas yet. Carolina has a good team, but is 1-2 in it’s last 3 at home and the losses were 5-1. So maybe this is a coin flip, but anytime you can bet $20 on a coin flip to win $30, you take it. "

Weekend Warriors

Amazingly we're still up, but our fourth consecutive day of losing dropped our record to 25-23 overall. Let's try to end this week on a high note with another barrage of Saturday hardball picks.

Also I'll be posting a special "Message Board pick" from commenter Abby Normal. This guy not only predicted I'd go 1-2 yesterday, he liked the Wings -1.5 and they won 5-2. Betting and hitting on a hockey game is very impressive and I think he deserves partial reigns to Trapline for a day. Plus I'm 4-10 over my last four days, so he really has no pressure.

And anyone else who wants to comment or make a prediction I happily encourage it. I'd like to hear what other people have to say. Outside perspective is great in the midst of a losing streak.

$$$$ Butler +4 1/2 @Davidson

This game offers two of the most overrated mid major teams in the country. Davidson just lost to the Citadel and Butler's been getting whacked around by teams in the Horizon. But when it comes down to it Butler is the better team here, especially with a hobbled Steph Curry. Look for Butler to cover and win by 10.

$$$$ Cincinnati +5 1/2 vs Louisville

Two things shant be underestimated in this game... 1. Cincinatti. 2. Home court advantage in college basketball. Parlay that with Louisville's road struggles and this should be an easy cover for the Bearcats.

$$$ Kansas - 12 vs. Nebraska

Nebraska can't play on the road and Kansas takes care of business on their home floor better than a bedless lady of the night. Play the Jayhawks to "rock chalk" the Cornhuskers.

$$$ Texas A&M -1 1/2 @ Texas Tech

I must be missing something here because this line doesn't make sense. Pat Knight is doing his dad proud by running a train wreck of a team in Texas Tech. A&M is easily the better team here and they have to win to keep their tourny hopes alive. Play the Aggies in a route.

$$$$$ ABBY'S Pick $$$$$
Today, bet the Black Hawks getting 1.5 at Dallas. Richards broke his wrist on Monday night and the odds-makers seemed to have missed that news. Giving Chicago 1.5 even if Richards was playing would be 2.5 too many. Look for Chicago to win by 2. GO BLACKHAWKS

WOW

Some bad lucky yesterday after Garnett gets injured just before halftime and doesn't come back. Not to mention the Celtics were covering the entire game until the last 4 minutes. Duke was also teetering the cover line most of the second half but couldn't find a way to put away a pesky (atrocious) St. Johns club.

After going 1-2 yesterday we're 24-21 overall. We're due for a couple of bounces our way...

$$$$ Knicks - 3 vs. Raptors

Knicks like playing basketball only in New York, and the Raptors are without their best player in Chris Bosh. The Knicks just beat the Spurs by 5 at home, you'd think they'd cover this game too.

$$$ Grizzlies -6 vs. Kings

Both of these teams are bad, but the Grizzlies are better here because of their home floor. The only people watching this game are the one's who have money on it... that's why gambling is great, it can make poop intriguing.

$$$ Lakers - 8 1/2 vs. Hornets

The Hornets are coming off a big win against the Magic, but don't look for them to suddenly turn their season around. The fact is the Hornets are still injured and Chris Paul isn't a good enough scorer to carry his team to a win against a team like the Lakers. Teasing this game down to 5 would be a great bet, but I still like the Lakers at 8 1/2.

losing streak

Ohio State's dismal second half performance against Northwestern's chess club cost us four units of profit while solitifying our first back to back losing days. Today we get some of it back with a couple of NBA picks.

$$$ Celtics -2 @ Utah

When the Celt's are completely healthy and a near pick em' against any team that doesn't have a Kobe, then they are a good bet. The Jazz are good at home, and home only, but they'll have to play one of their better games to have a shot against the world champs.

$$$ Spurs +1 @ Detroit

The Pistons stink! Okay? I said it. I think I saw Michael Curry playing with Legos during a timeout against the Bucks last night. He's the worst coach in the NBA, and tonight he's going against one of the best. The Spurs, even without Ginobli, are better than the Pistons right now. Not to mention they're coming off a two game losing streak, and they NEVER lose three in a row.

$$$ Duke -13 @ St. Johns

The reeling Dukies need more than a win to help cure their recent losing woes, they need a blowout, a drop kicking, a punching bag to make them feel like a top 5 team again. St. Johns is the perfect therapy. Take Duke in a blowout.

Must Win Wednesday

Eh, not a good day yesterday. 1-3 is never good. But today I'm confident we'll improve our 22-16 record and make up for yesterday's losses with a few solid college basketball picks.

$$$$ Ohio State + 1 1/2 @ Northwestern

Northwestern knows their chance of making it to the big dance was destroyed last week after losing to Michigan. This game means nothing to them. Ohio State however, knows that this game could hurt, maybe end their tourny bid and is a MUST WIN. Not to mention OSU is hands down the better team here and I'm shocked they are getting points.

$$$ Virginia Tech +1 @ Virginia

Once again I'm not sure what's going on with this line. Apparently Virginia's one and only good win last week against Clemson has the odds makers in a trance that is blinding them from seeing the Cav's 8-13 record. Regardless of what happens tonight Virginia has no shot to make the NIT even, where Tech on the other hand needs this game to keep their tourny hopes alive. Take VT in a close one.

$$$ Colorado +12 1/2 @ Nebraska

I said this last week and they stood strong against Texas, but all Colorado does is cover. They are 0-5 straight up but 7-1 ATS in their last 8. You never know what you're going to get out of the Cornhuskers, but you always know what to expect out of the Buffaloes... a big fat cover.

$$$ Illinois - 9 1/2 vs. Penn St.

At first glance this line looks pretty inflated for a solid Penn St. squad. But then you have to take into consideration this home court advantage thing that seems to determine the outcome of most games and spreads. Much like Penn St., Illinois dominates at home and struggles on the road. Look for the home team to win in a blowout.

Late Picks

Just a few late games to consider...

$$ Phoenix -7 1/2 vs. the Clippers

$$ Orlando - 8 1/2 vs Charlotte

$$ Spurs - 4 1/2 @ New York

My high school line of the day is...

$$$$$ Kalamazoo Central - 39 1/2 vs. Sturgis (Threaten to drop your bookie if he's not taking bets on this game)

The Roloff Edge

Pittsburgh covered easier than Kate Hudson's training bra, banking us 4 units of profit while improving are record to 21-13. Today we try to extend our three day winning streak to...

Four.

$$$ Michigan State + 2 1/2 @ Purdue

Michigan State is hands down the best team in the Big Ten. I don't care who they play, or where they play at, if they are GETTING points against an in-conference team they are a must bet. What scares me however, is this... These teams are very similar. They both play excellent defense and are at best average on the offensive side of the ball. From a defensive standpoint the game is a wash, but I'm giving State the edge of being "the tallest midget" on offense. Look for the Roloff Edge1 to get this game done for the Spartans as they win a close one.

1. Roloff, as in Matt Roloff, the star from TLC's hit show "Little People Big World." The Roloff Edge refers to a team or player who has an advantage over weak, sub par competetion. e.g., The smartest retard.

Stay tuned and check back later today for a couple more picks...

one-liner

After Virginia's 6-14 title wave crashed down on Clemson and any chance of the Tigers covering, Michigan, yes MICHIGAN calmed the waters and FINALLY got us a cover. Manny Harris and HIS Wolverines were covering and winning for most of the second half and their valiant attempt to give the game away weren't valiant enough as they not only covered, but won. And Louisville smoothly sailed to a measly 40 point victory and helped us gain another unit of profit while improving our record to a solid 20-13.

After a Hollywood scripted slam dunk contest and a Kobe/Shaq Dinsey tear jerker of an ending to last night's All-Star game, the NBA is taking a day off. But college basketball is alive -- even on a Monday -- and there is one big game matchup I really like.

$$$$ Pittsburgh +3 1/2 @ UConn

I think Pittsburg is the best team in the country and my personal favorite to win the National Championship. I've watched them play about 5-6 times this season and I haven't seen a place in their lineup where they are at a disadvantage. They are hands down the best rebounding team I have ever seen. If there was a team to out rebound them it would be UConn, but it's not happening tonight. Pitt plays better defense and will give Uconn's 7'3 stick monster Thabeet fits all night. Pittsburg covers and wins a close one.

Sunday Brunch

After yesterdays roller coaster we managed to go 3-2 and extend our bankroll by another unit while pushing our overall ATS record to 18-12.

I've recently discovered a trend in my betting where I bet against a team who covers, then bet on that team when they should cover and they don't. Michigan, UCLA, and Notre Dame are the three teams that always take me out back and steal my lunch money. I'm 0-3 betting on ND, 0-2 betting on or against Michigan, and 0-2 betting on or against UCLA. And not one of those games were close! Uconn wasn't close to covering at HOME against Michigan, nor was Michigan close to covering at HOME against State. And UCLA -- for anyone who watched and bet on them yesterday I apologize -- was down double digits the entire game against Arizona and they were giving 5 points!

Which leads me to my first pick....

$$ Michigan + 4 @ Northwestern

It's not that I don't learn from my mistakes (okay that's part of it) but eventually I have to get one of these right... right? Michigan has, HAS to win this game and some say win out to make the field of 64. How has Michigan faired in the past when their backs are up against the wall? They get kicked in the nuts and drop to the ground. They are terrible in big games, but, this is a different team, with a winning coach, and they are playing Northwestern! This is Michigan's last shot. If they don't cover this spread not only will I never bet on them again, I will leave this state and move to Florida.

$$$ Clemson -8 1/2 @ Virginia

The fact that this game is a rivalry game would alter my confidence in Clemson covering if Virginia wasn't garbage. Clemson is shooting 50 % from the three point line in their last three games and Virginia has been allowing teams to shoot over 40% outside the arch. Clemson won by 30 @ Virginia last year and if they don't do that again then the game is probably fixed. Seriously, this game shouldn't be close.

$$$ Lousville -21 vs DePaul

I never enjoying spotting a team 21 points unless Kalamazoo Central is at home against Sturgis (my hometown) or I'm playing my little brother in 1 on 1 (he plays for Sturgis, a 3-11 abortion clinic). But Lousiville is coming off an embarassing tail romping against Notre Dame and will be looking to take their agressions out as soon as the mongaloids from DePaul wobble off their short bus. Depaul bad, Lousville good. Covering this spread will be easier than selling a retard a turd sandwich.

$$$$$ Don't bet on this game if you believe in karma

5 pick combo meal

With a smorgous board of college basketball games to be played I thought I'd release a buffet of picks. Enjoy!

$$$$ UCLA -5 @ Arizona

I watched both of these teams play the other night and even though UCLA lost to my fickle Michigan Wolverines earlier in the year they are a much better team now. Arizona squeaked out a win against a mediocre USC team and UCLA will be looking to put another double digit shellacking on Arizona after losing a heart breaker to a ranked Arizona St. squad for the second time this season. UCLA's swarming D with lead the way to a ten point victory.

$$$ Nebraska +12 @ Missouri

A couple of things to consider here... Nebraska already beat Missouri by six at home, and Missouri is is coming off a huge comeback win against Kansas... Can you say let down game? Kinda. Missouri should be focused and ready to get revenge on the Corhuskers after losing to them earlier in the year, but a ballooned 12 point spread is one Nebraska should have no problem covering.

$$$ Memphis - 12 1/2 @ Southern Miss

If Memphis can win by 18 @ Gonzaga and Southern Miss can't stay within double double at home against UAB, then this game should be a no brainer. Unfortunately it's not always - never - that easy. The thing that scares me the most about Memphis is their ability to get up and play one pebble throwing David after another. What's encouraging is that they play great defense, and great defenses rarely break down, especially against bad teams. Look for Southern Miss to play off adrenaline for the first 15 minutes until the Tigers get annoyed and pounce their way to a 20 point victory.

$$$ Kansas -1 @ Kansas St

Huge rivalry game for both teams. Kansas is coming off a tough loss against Missouri and K State is riding a 6 game winning streak. This is a must win game for both but I think Kansas has more to play for. They lost to K State last year and would love to make a statement today and pick up a tough road win.

$$ Colorado +11 vs. Texas

Like most ranked teams in the Big 12 Texas is overrated and Colorado, well all Colorado does is play to cover. The Buffaloes are 1-8 straight up in their last 9, but 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games. They lost by a combine ten points @ #2 Oklahoma and @ Kansas. Look for the Buffs to hang around in a tight one and lose by 3.

Pat Rankings

Nothing to bet on today unless (I've said this before) you've got insider info on Cornell.

15-10 overall after going 1-1 yesterday...

Arizona defecated on an 18 point first half lead but still managed to cover in the end. Gonzaga on the other hand had four late possessions to add on to a 6 point lead but failed to do so. That, parlayed with a barrage of St. Mary's 3 balls with under a minute to go murdered the line and the Zags won by 1. I watched both games and was thankful to go 1-1. Gonzaga was losing most of the game and Arizona was down most of the second half. USC and Arizona are both garbage, but look out for St. Marys in the tourny. They are FOR REAL MATE. With Patty Mills back in March I already have the Gaels penciled into the sweet 16 team and wouldn't be surprised if they went further. They shoot the three, defend, rebound, and have a top 10 All American in Patty Mills.



When people see this guy play in March he'll be the second most talked about Patty in world right behind "Doug's" Patty Mayonnaise.

Patrick Swayze will drop a spot in the Pat rankings to third after his "I have cancer" publicity stunt didn't fool anyone.




Late Pat Morita, who played legendary Mr. Miyagi is now in a close fourth.




Patty Mills future fame will most certainly bump my friend Pat out of the top 10,000. He's in front trying to out homo Swayze, Morita, and Tennessee Vols head coach Pat Summit.

Last Minute Picks

Sorry for these late picks but I'm about to hit up the mall with my girlfriend. Today is "her day" which for me is what my uncle refers to as "having your balls in a genital clamp." I'm 14-9 after going 2-1 yesterday and profiting 4 more units.

Here are my quick picks with little explanation.

$$$ Gonzaga -5 @ St. Marys

St. Marys dominated Gonzaga the last time these teams met, until Aussie Pattie Mills broke his hand just before half time. Mills means about as much to St. Marys as Stephen Curry means to Davidson. St. Marys won't cover this spread without their all-star.

$$$ Arizona - 2 1/2 vs. USC

Arizona is hot, at home, and better than USC. This game should be easy.

Maize makes me blue

Even with Michigan clenching my genitals in a death grip we still managed to profit, going to 2-1 yesterday, including the $$$$ play on Golden State. Florida's cover canceled out Michigan's heroic efforts allowing us to squeak out 4 units of profit.

Not only will I never bet on Michigan again, I'm considering become a permanent Florida Gator fan. I take enough bad beats in online poker to give me an ulcer, and rooting for Michigan with money on the line only increases my odds of having a heart attack before I turn 25. I don't think I've seen a team that prides themselves on shooting the three miss so many. Actually, by the second half I was just rooting for Michigan to get a shot off every possession. State's suffocating defense and home cooking officiating (in Ann Arbor) was enough for them to get the job done. I guess Michigan's success at Uconn really duped me into betting on them and it made me realize how OVERRATED the Big East is. They have some legit teams, but any time Michigan covers a double digit spread in an away game I instantly lose respect for that team and its conference. On a side note, Duke and UCLA fans should be very worried.

On to my lock jockin picks.

12-8 after yesterday and we'll try keeping the wheels rolling today.

$$$$ Oklahoma -3 1/2 @ Baylor
Let me sum up the Baylor Bears for you... Good against bad, bad against good. They've managed to lose five straight in the mediocre Big 12 and are yet to beat a ranked opponent. And Oklahoma has a couple of big men who claim to be twins, human, and white, but are neither. Actually they are twins, but they are also freaks who will literally carry the Sooners on their backs in route to a double digit win and dinner at the Sizzler.

$$$ North Carolina - 2 1/2 @ Duke
Staying with the road team motif, I like North Carolina to obliterate an all too white Duke Blue Devils team. Carolina is quicker, faster, and downright better at every position. Let me break it down for you.

At PG we have Nolan Smith or Greg Paulus vs. Ty Lawson. Lawson wins both.
At SG we have Jon Scheyer vs. Wayne Ellington. Even Duke would agree that Ellington wins.
At SF we have Kyle Singler vs. Danny Green. Flip a coin.
At PF we have Gerald Henderson vs. Deon Thompson. Okay, we'll give this one to Duke.
You know the rest... Take Hansbrough's Heels to win big.

$$$ Lakers -1 @ Utah
Any time you get the best team in the NBA in a pick em you check the injury report or any article covering the game. I did that and found nothing that would lead me from believing that the odds makers got this one wrong. Take the Lakers against a beat up Jazz team.

Tip Toe Tuesday

2-0 yesterday on a couple of safe $ bets now brings my record to a respectable 10-7.

Today I'm releasing three games that have great looking spreads, but two of them feel like a trap and the other goes against one of my rules of betting. I'm confident in these picks, but bet carefully!

$$$ Michigan + 4 1/2 vs. Michigan State
They say never bet with your heart and for the most part I don't. I do the opposite. I bet against Michigan when they're on the road and the Lions every Sunday. But today, after watching many Michigan and State games this year, I'm taking the points and putting some cabbage on the Wolverines. Michigan is always tough at home and their 1-3-1 defense should give State fits. The teams who have had success against Michigan either have a dominant big man or shoot the three ball well. State doesn't have or do either. Look for Michigan to win outright and cover with ease.

$$$$ Golden State - 4 vs. Knicks
Golden State has been playing well since they've been healthy and the Knicks don't like to play basketball outside of MSG. Golden State wins by double digits.

$$$ Florida + 4 1/2 @ Kentucky
Every SEC team that makes the tournament will lose in the first round. Seriously, mark it down. The SEC smells of foul ball gravy. How Kentucky is giving 19-4 Florida points after losing three straight, two at home, one to Mississippi and one to Mississippi State, is beyond me. Florida isn't much of a team either, but I gotta think they can cover this spread. This would be a $$$$$ bet but it's one of those lines that appears too good to be true.

8-7

Well we got back on track a little yesterday after the Lakers won easily in Cleveland and covered our $$$$ bet. Penn State on the other hand never gave up and never gave hope as they trailed by six for what seemed like the entire game until the horn sounded and they lost by nine. 1-1 yesterday makes us 8-7 on the season.

Tonight I'm not a big fan of any games, but I'm still releasing a couple of $ picks for the addicts who can't take a bet off.

$ Pitt - 8 1/2 vs. West Virginia.
Pitt is arguably the best team in the country and they beat WV by 12 in Morgan Town the last time they met. Pitt's better and stronger at nearly every position and it's always nice to play on your home floor, especially in a rivalry game.

$ Charlotte -1 vs. Clippers
I love betting against bad teams. Unfortunately we have two in this matchup, so I'm going with the home team and the team desperate for a win. The Clippers are the perfect team to play when your club is looking to end a losing skid. The Bobcats will win and and become king crap of poop NBA teams.

Oh and 3

Let's be honest, Pamela Anderson has a better chance of covering her chest with a square of toilet paper than I did covering my picks yesterday. Michigan dominating their side of the spread and losing was the biggest kick in the nuts for me personally, but I'm not going to cry. The bankroll took a hit, as did my record as it's now dropped to 7-6. Today we fight back in the NBA, or at least go broke trying.

$$$$ Lakers + 4 1/2 @ Cleveland. What a game this is going to be. The new Kobe vs. Lebron rivalry will spark some passionate play and Cleveland fans might be in store to witness the Cav's first home loss. Plain and simple, I think the Lakers are a better team. Winning in Boston with a healthy Garnett is the best a team in the NBA can do, and that's what the Lakers accomplished a few days ago. I can assure you this game will not be a blowout. Both teams will be revved to play, but in the end clutch Kobe and Side Show Bob Gasol not only cover, they win.

$$$ Penn St - 2 1/2 vs. Wisconsin. I hate betting against Bo Ryan almost as much as I hate not betting on Penn St. at home giving a few points. Two things to factor in here... Wisconsin has struggled all year to win on the road, and Penn St. has struggled all year to lose at home. Look for this game to stay close throughout until the Nittany Lions ice the game at the stripe and win by 7.

7-3

Well we lost our first $$$$$ release a couple days ago, but that's not stopping us from releasing our second $$$$$ of the year.

Take Uconn -16 1/2 at home against Michigan. Michigan is losing on average by 15 every time they hit the road in the Big Ten, and Uconn is arguably their toughest game of the season. If Michigan wouldn't have came to play against Penn State in their last game this line probably would have been around 20. Look for Uconn to dominate this game from the opening tip.

In a $$$$ release take Duke at home -14 against a solid Miami squad. Two things to take into consideration here... Duke was just humiliated by Clemson, and Miami's coming off a huge win against Wake Forest. This is a let down game for Miami as they get pounced by a ticked off Dukies team in Cameron Indoor.

$$ Providence +11 at West Virginia. Providence always seems to play teams tough whether they're at home or on the road. West Virginia has struggled of late, dropping three of five, and I expect them to get off the shnide today as they pull away late from the Flyers but don't cover.

7-2

Sorry there were no picks last night. I had some car trouble on my way home from Grand Rapids and didn't get a chance to make a post.

Just to recap the games from two nights ago, I posted that I liked the Spurs +6 in Denver. A half hour before the game the line jumped to the Spurs +13. I scoured the Internet and all 33 ESPN channels to figure out why the line exploded and couldn't find a thing. It turns out that Papovich, due to a long road trip, decided to NOT PLAY Duncan, Parker, or Ginobli. Even with their scrubs the Spurs managed to cover the +13, but failed to hit the +6. I'm calling this game a wash, and apologize to anyone who banked on the Spurs.

My other game was Florida -8. The Gators were covering with under two minutes to play, but failed to get the job done. This brings my record to 7-2.

Tonight I'm releasing my first $$$$$, with the Washington Huskies as a pick em' at California. The Huskies have one of the best big men in the country in Jon Brockman and are coming off impressive wins against UCLA and at Arizona State. I watched Cal play last week, and their performance in no way reflected their at the time 16-4 record. From watching Cal I learned two things... bet against them when they play good teams, and the Pac 10 is pretty horrendous. Bank on the Huskies to get it done tonight.

* WARNING * TRAPLINE *WARNING*

I know Kevin Garnett is out tonight, but I still can't stop salivating over the Celtics @ Sixers line. Usually when the Celts are giving 4 against a mediocre sub .500 basketball team I ice my erection and bet big. But something's fishy about this line, there's something too easy about it. So I'm staying away from it. On paper it looks like the Celtics should win by double digits with or without Garnett. But the Sixers are an underrated team, especially at home, and if there is a time for the Celts nine game win streak to end, it could be tonight on the road without their best player. Does this mean I like the Sixers? No. Celts could win by fifty or lose at the buzzer. It's a pretty looking line, and even though I smell cheddar I'm staying away from it.


But I will be betting on a couple games tonight in and try to improve my 7-1 record. I hope someone out there has won a little cabbage with these FREE picks.

$$$ Spurs + 6 @ Denver
Anytime the Spurs are getting six points to a team in the Western Conference I like em. This is the last and toughest game of their road trip, but they should be able to hang if not beat Billups and the Nuggets.

$$$ In college ball I like the Florida Gator to get some revenge at home against South Carolina. The Gators are giving 7 1/2 and will be looking to spank the Gamecocks after getting beat at the buzzer the last time these two met.

Hardwood Picks

It takes a man with big balls and a fat bank roll to bet on the NBA every night. I'm not that man yet, but I'll continue to press my luck of a couple last second "meaningless dunk covers," until a team back-doors me. And being back-doored is never a good thing unless your name starts with an E. Elton, Ellen.... Eric... E's don't mind being a little faggy.

$$$ Butt jokes aside, I'll start with the streaking Portland squad getting 3 1/2 in New Orleans. I'm not crazy about this line unless you tease Portland and get them at 7 1/2 or 8. New Orleans has lost two straight and will continue to struggle against good teams as long as Tyson Chandler remains hurt. The last time these teams met in New Orleans, the Hornets won by double digits, but Portland was without their All-Star and ridiculously attractive cover boy Brandon Roy. I could see either team winning, but I'd play it safe and tease the Trailblazers.

$$ I also like the Miami Heat at home -10 against the Clippers. I know the Heat have struggled of late, but they always play well at home. And the Clippers, well, they suck.

Upset Special

I love tossing 5 bucks every now and then on the money line of a few games and trying parlaying that into some nice cabbage. Parlays are for suckers, but if you're getting good odds on a feasible bet then why not risk 5 bucks to win a hundred?

Here's my 3 teamer...

Knicks +210 vs. Lakers
Portland +135 @New Orleans
Golden State +175 vs. San Antonio

The Knicks could get drop kicked by the Bynum-less Lakers, but they're always capable of sucker punching teams when they play in the Garden. Portland could and in my opinion should beat the Hornets. And Golden State is now healthy and usually tough at home.

At 19 to 1 it's worth a buck.

LeBLOWme

Even though I had some money on the Steelers, I found myself rooting for the Cardinals after Dick Lebeau went into the Prevent D with 10 minutes to go. The Steelers deserved to lose this game. They controlled Fitzgerald and pressured Warner into mistakes the entire game until they got into the 4th quarter and decided to pull their safeties back 40 yards so nobody could see them wetting themselves. They also kept the Cardinal defense on their toes in the second half by running Willie Parker off tackle left or off tackle right on EVERY FIRST DOWN. Thanks to the Steelers "playing not to lose" mentality, and the Springsteen/Dennis Rodman halftime show, this turned out to be the best Superbowl I've ever seen.

And you can't feel too bad for the Cardinals. Kurt Warner played like an MVP, Boldin didn't cry, and Brenda Warner has a full head of hair. They played great in the 4th quarter and if it wasn't for that pick 6 to close out the first half who knows what would have happened... I do. The Steelers still win because Lebeau isn't going into the pussy Prevent D in a tight game.

And one more thing... To anyone who actually put money on Jennifer Hudson and the over of 2:01 for the National Anthem, you're welcome moron. Not only did she go over, the unnoficial time (compliments of my uncle Dean) was 2:10 on the nose. To understand the significance of 2:10 click on my last post and never expect that out of me again.

And if you've been keeping track or bet with us yesterday, Cclantz and I went 3-0 with our picks and are now 5-1 overall (not counting Hudson's easy cover).