The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Quicken Loans Arena. Oddsmakers currently have the Cavaliers listed as 14-point favorites versus the Timberwolves, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Timberwolves were defeated 96-88 by the 76ers last time out, as 10-point underdogs. That game's combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total of 200.5. Rodney Carney netted 21 points, and Craig Smith had 20 in a losing effort. LeBron James netted 22 points with eight rebounds and dished out 11 assists to lift the Cavaliers to a 98-87 victory over the Nets on Wednesday. The Cavaliers failed to cover the 12-point spread, and the 185 points went UNDER the posted total of 190. Anderson Varejo tossed in 16 points to go with 11 rebounds, while Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas also scored 16 points. Current streak: Minnesota has lost 6 straight games. Cleveland has won 10 straight games. Team records: Minnesota: 20-52 SU, 32-38-2 ATS Cleveland: 58-13 SU, 42-29 ATS Minnesota most recently: When playing on Friday are 3-7 Before playing New Jersey are 5-5 After playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After a loss are 2-8
Cleveland most recently: When playing on Friday are 9-1 Before playing Dallas are 3-7 After playing New Jersey are 3-7 After a win are 9-1 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Cleveland The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Minnesota's last 15 games The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota Next up: Minnesota home to New Jersey, Sunday, March 29 Cleveland home to Dallas, Sunday, March 29
The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Philips Arena. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. The Celtics lost 84-82 to the Magic as a 3.5-point road underdog last time out. That game's 166 points went UNDER the posted total of 188.5. Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 26 points and seven rebounds. The Hawks were defeated 102-92 by the Spurs last time out, as 6.5-point favorites at home. The game's 194 points made it OVER the posted total of 179. Joe Johnson collected 30 points in the loss. Team records: Boston: 54-19 SU, 37-36 ATS Atlanta: 42-30 SU, 40-31-1 ATS Boston most recently: When playing on Friday are 7-3 Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6 After playing Orlando are 7-3 After a loss are 8-2
Atlanta most recently: When playing on Friday are 4-6 Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6 After playing San Antonio are 6-4 After a loss are 7-3 A few trends to consider: Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta Atlanta is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home Atlanta is 10-1-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games Next up: Boston home to Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29 Atlanta home to LA Lakers, Sunday, March 29
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Amway Arena. Oddsmakers currently have the Magic listed as 12-point favorites versus the Bucks, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Bucks were defeated 115-106 by the Raptors last time out, as 4-point underdogs on the road. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 201. Richard Jefferson had 22 points for the Bucks, and Charlie Bell added 20 in the loss. The Magic were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to hang on and defeat the Celtics 84-82 on Wednesday. The Magic failed to cover the 3.5-point spread, and the 166 points went UNDER the posted total of 188.5. Dwight Howard had 24 points with 21 rebounds for a double-double in leading the way. Current streak: Milwaukee has lost 3 straight games. Orlando has won 4 straight games. Team records: Milwaukee: 31-41 SU, 36-34-2 ATS Orlando: 53-18 SU, 44-26-1 ATS Milwaukee most recently: When playing on Friday are 6-4 Before playing Miami are 7-3 After playing Toronto are 5-5 After a loss are 4-6
Orlando most recently: When playing on Friday are 5-5 Before playing Miami are 7-3 After playing Boston are 8-2 After a win are 8-2 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Orlando The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 9 games on the road Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games Next up: Milwaukee at Miami, Saturday, March 28 Orlando at Miami, Monday, March 30
• The fans at Air Canada Centre will be treated to a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Toronto Raptors when they take their seats on Friday. Oddsmakers currently have the Raptors listed as 5½-point favorites versus the Thunder, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Kevin Durant went for 24 points and six rebounds for the Thunder in their 107-89 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night. Los Angeles covered as 8-point road favorites as the game played under the 207-point total listed by oddsmakers. The Raptors built up a 21 point halftime lead and held off the Bucks for a 115-106 victory on Wednesday. The Raptors managed to cover the 4-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 201. Chris Bosh had a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Andrea Bargnani netted 23 points in the win. Current streak: Toronto has won 2 straight games. Team records: Oklahoma City: 20-51 SU, 41-29-1 ATS Toronto: 26-45 SU, 26-42-3 ATS Oklahoma City most recently: When playing on Friday are 2-8 Before playing Boston are 3-7 After playing LA Lakers are 2-8 After a loss are 4-6
Toronto most recently: When playing on Friday are 3-7 Before playing Chicago are 4-6 After playing Milwaukee are 4-6 After a win are 5-5 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto Oklahoma City is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Toronto The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing Toronto The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 13 games Toronto is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Oklahoma City Next up: Oklahoma City at Boston, Sunday, March 29 Toronto home to Chicago, Sunday, March 29
The Charlotte Bobcats and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Wachovia Center. Oddsmakers currently have the 76ers listed as 5½-point favorites versus the Bobcats, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Bobcats fell 95-93 to the Wizards last time out, as 6.5-point favorites on the road. That game's 188 points fell UNDER the posted total of 191.5. Gerald Wallace tossed in 21 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. The 76ers stretched their winning streak to four games with a 96-88 win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The 76ers failed to cover the 10-point spread, and the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total of 200.5. Thaddeus Young had 29 points from 9-for-18 shooting, while Andre Iguodala, and Andre Miller each had 15 points in the win. Current streak: Charlotte has lost 2 straight games. Philadelphia has won 3 straight games. Team records: Charlotte: 31-40 SU, 42-29 ATS Philadelphia: 37-33 SU, 32-36-2 ATS Charlotte most recently: When playing on Friday are 3-7 Before playing New York are 6-4 After playing Washington are 4-6 After a loss are 4-6
Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Friday are 6-4 Before playing Detroit are 2-8 After playing Minnesota are 5-5 After a win are 6-4 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia Charlotte is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte Next up: Charlotte home to New York, Saturday, March 28 Philadelphia at Detroit, Sunday, March 29
The Missouri Tigers and the Connecticut Huskies will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at University of Phoenix Stadium in the fourth round of the NCAA Tournament. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. Missouri fought their way to a 10 point halftime lead and defeated Memphis 102-91 on Thursday in the Sweet 16. Missouri won the game as a 4.5-point underdog, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 141.5. J.T. Tiller netted 25 points with three rebounds and three assists. DeMarre Carroll chipped in with 17 points in the win for the Tigers. Hasheem Thabeet tossed in 15 points and hauled down 13 boards for a double-double in Connecticut's 72-60 win over Purdue in the Sweet 16 on Thursday. Connecticut covered the 7-point spread, but the 132 points went UNDER the posted total of 134. Craig Austre had a game-high 17 points, and A.J. Price added 15 in that win for the Huskies. Team records: Missouri: 31-6 SU, 20-9-1 ATS Connecticut: 30-4 SU, 16-14 ATS Missouri most recently: When playing on Saturday are 4-6 After playing Memphis are 0-2 After a win are 8-2
Connecticut most recently: When playing on Saturday are 9-1 After a win are 8-2 A few trends to consider: Missouri is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Connecticut is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games
The Villanova Wildcats and the Pittsburgh Panthers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at TD Banknorth Sports Center. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. Villanova poured in 51 second half points and ran past Duke 77-54 on Thursday in the NCAA East Regional semifinals. Villanova won the game as a slight 2.5-point underdog, while the 131 points went UNDER the posted total of 148. Scottie Reynolds tossed in 16 points for Villanova, and Dante Cunningham added 14 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Pittsburgh clawed their way back from a eight point deficit and defeated Xavier 60-55 in the NCAA East Regional semifinals on Thursday. Pittsburgh failed to cover the 6.5-point spread, and the 115 points fell UNDER the posted total of 138. Sam Young netted a game-high 19 points to go with three rebounds in that win. Team records: Villanova: 29-7 SU, 18-14 ATS Pittsburgh: 31-4 SU, 17-12 ATS Villanova most recently: When playing on Saturday are 6-4 After playing Duke are 2-1 After a win are 7-3
Pittsburgh most recently: When playing on Saturday are 9-1 After playing Xavier are 1-0 After a win are 8-2 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Villanova's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh Villanova is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games Villanova is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Villanova Pittsburgh is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Villanova
Here is the official betting preview of the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup between Arizona and Louisville.
The Wildcats come into this game at 21-13 straight up and 19-14 to the number. They have covered 14 of their last 20 contests. Louisville is 30-5 outright and 21-14 to the Vegas odds. Louisville though is 0-2 against the spread in the Big Dance, though they enter with a 12-game straight up winning streak.
Arizona is especially efficient on offense shooting an outstanding 47.7 percent versus teams normally allowing 43.1. This includes 39.4 percent from beyond the arc, which is 4.6 percent more than their opponents normally allow.
Both ratios are better than Louisville. However points are tough to come by to the No. 1 seeded Cards. They allow just 61.7 points per game to teams normally getting 61.7 on 39.4 percent shooting to 44.5
BetUs Sportsbook, rated No. 1 of all approved sportsbooks based on client satisfaction has the Cardinals a nine point favorite with a total of 139.
Some spread betting trends, all against the spread: The Wildcats are 9-2 opponent winning percentage of .600 or greater. The Cards are 16-7 overall their last 23.
Oh good, Brian Perry of the Palm Beach Players Club is the latest brand to telematch us for calling the Steve Budin scorephones. We were going to take our “free winners” but the recording doesn’t understand English.
We are sure the power of 620 sports services behind every selection will have the rookie brand’s mark for us soon at OffshoreInsiders.com. It surely has to be better than Jonathan Stone’s stone cold locks or Joe Wiz whiz plays.
Despite missing the playoffs last year, the New York Yankees are the odds-on favorites to win the 2009 World Series according to BetUs Sportsbook. At +450, the Bronx Bombers are followed by their hated rivals the Boston Red Sox to win the Fall Classic. The BoSox check in at +500.
The oddsmakers believe a Subway Series is quite possible as the NY Mets are the team deemed most likely to win the final game in October from the National League. Actually they are co-NL favorites with the Cubs to end the Curse of the Billy goat at +800.
Further demonstrating the past results are not indicative of future performance, the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies are relative long shots at +1400. That ties them with last year’s breakout team, the AmericanLeagueChampionTampaBay Devil-less Rays, also at +1400.
Who will lead MLB in home runs? The Phillies Ryan Howard is +300 and the heavy (so to speak) favorite to have more four ply swats than anyone else.
Alex Rodriquez is +800 to put aside distractions and injuries to win the title. He is followed by Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera at +1000.
Also included are more than 100 proposition bets from the number of David Wright home runs to Cole Hamels wins.
“It’s a rotisserie baseball player’s paradise and potential goldmine,” insists Bob Warner of Lines-Maker.com.
The author Joe Duffy is the only living American Grandmaster sports handicapper. Since his Cadillac Club days, “JD of the ACC” is accepted as the greatest MLB handicapper ever.
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