Sports Picks & Predictions

 At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs over the Portland Trail Blazers.  The Spurs have a severe home/road bias this season.  At home, the Spurs are 31-8 straight-up and 24-13-2 ATS.  And they've won their last nine home games in a row (8-1 ATS).  But on the road, San Antone is a miserable 14-26 SU and 17-22-1 ATS, including 0-7 SU its last seven (and 1-11 SU its last 12).  A key reason for this is that San Antonio's defense has not traveled with it on the road, of late.  Indeed, since the All-Star break, the Spurs' defensive rating at home is 97.3 (2nd in the NBA), while it's 110.5 on the road (#22). The good news for Gregg Popovich's crew is that it will have two of its final three games at home, including tonight's game vs. Portland.  The Spurs will likely qualify for the Playoffs with just one more win, and I believe they'll get that victory tonight.  San Antonio is an awesome 59-28 ATS as a favorite off a double-digit road loss, if its opponent is off a point spread win.  Lay the points with the Spurs.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Golden State Warriors minus the points over New Orleans.  This will be the Warriors' final home game of the season.  And while it's true that it's largely been a disappointing regular season for the champs, I expect them to play hard tonight, given coach Steve Kerr's post-game comments following their 20-point loss to Indiana.  Kerr called his team's performance "pathetic," and said he was "embarrassed."  That should light a fire under his team tonight, and Golden State will also have an advantage in that the Pelicans had to play on Friday night, in Phoenix (while the Warriors were resting).  The Warriors are an awesome 35-12 ATS off a loss by more than eight points, if they're playing an unrested foe.  Lay the points with Golden State.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points over New York.  We played on the Knicks last night, and got the cash when they blew out Miami, 122-98, as a 7.5-point underdog.  Unfortunately, since 1990, losing teams off a double-digit win are a poor 26% ATS as home dogs of more than 8 points vs. foes off a loss.  Additionally, Milwaukee falls into a 137-75 ATS system of mine Take Milwaukee.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Montreal Canadiens.  It's been a season to forget for the once-mighty Montreal Canadiens.  If it seems like the team that has won more NHL Championships than other has been banged up the entire season that's because it has.  Montreal still has enough decent players on the shelf (both offense and defense) to put together a pretty good hockey team -- with a couple to spare on the bench as well.  Of course for a team that has been out of contention for a while, this gives the Canadiens a chance to see what some of the youngsters can do.  But that probably won't win you many games, especially against a talented group like the Leafs.  Toronto features one of the best young players -- if not THE best -- on the planet in 20-year-old C Auston Matthews, but the talent on the team doesn't stop there.  If there's a team that the favorites (Caps, Bruins, Lightning) don't want to face in the playoffs, it's likely this one.  Montreal is 11-40 in its last 51 vs. teams with a winning record.  And even though the game seemingly has little meaning for the Leafs, they did not play well vs. the Devils on Thursday.  And that did not sit well with either the players, or their coach, Mike Babcock.  After the game, Babcock lamented that his team "didn't compete hard enough," and said that tonight's game will be the "last chance to get ready."  I believe they will.  Take the Maple Leafs.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Capitals over the New Jersey Devils.  The Devils have wrapped up their first NHL Post Season appearance since they made the Cup Finals in 2012 with a strong showing in the last few weeks.  And they still have a chance to improve their position in their final game of the regular season.  They've won four straight games, but the problem for them tonight may be that those were against the Islanders, Canadiens, Rangers and Maple Leafs -- the latter of which being the only one with a winning record.  They face a much tougher test tonight against the Capitals in Washington, despite the fact that the home team has nothing to play for.  After all, just because a team isn't playing for anything in its final game, doesn't mean it's going to roll over, especially when it wants to send the local faithful home happy one last time.  It's interesting that Braden Holtby is scheduled to play in goal tonight.  It may mean that the Caps are going to go with Philipp Grubauer to begin the post-season.  The Devils are 3-13 in the last 16 meetings and 1-5 in the last six in D.C.  Take the Caps.  NHL Roadkill Winner.

At 3:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers over the Denver Nuggets.  Los Angeles needs to win its last three games to even have a shot to make the playoffs, so this is a 'must-win' game for Doc Rivers' crew.  If there is a silver lining for L.A., it's that all three of their games will be played here, at home.  Denver's been a fairly poor road team this season, with a 14-25 SU record, and a 16-21-2 ATS mark.  Even worse:  Denver's 7-15 ATS on the road off a win.  And the Clippers fall into a 67-25 ATS angle of mine which plays on certain teams off double-digit losses.  Take the Clippers.

At 8:35 pm our selection is on the St. Louis Blues over the Chicago Blackhawks.  Usually, by this time of the season, the Blues and Hawks have both made it safely into the playoffs and they're battling each other for the better seed in the West.  This year however is different.  There are new, dominant teams in the Conference and Chicago has long been eliminated from post-season consideration while St. Louis is hanging on by a thread and desperately needs to win its remaining two games (and get help from others).  They got no help from this Blackhawks team two nights ago when Chicago came to St. Louis and beat the Blues despite being out-played through most of the game.  The Blues will try to return the favor tonight at United Center where they won an overtime contest on March 18, 5-4.  In fact this place has been good for them recently as the Blues are 5-2 in their last seven trips here.  Searching for answers to their awful net-minding this season, the Hawks have used four different goalies at various stages in their last four games without much success.  Take St. Louis.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the New York Knicks + the points over Miami.  The Knicks were blown out by 24 points, at home, on Tuesday by the Magic, while Miami won by 29 vs. Atlanta, on Wednesday.  But off those two results, we'll grab the points with New York, as underdogs of 9+ points, off losses by more than 20, have covered 63% the last 15 seasons vs. foes off wins by more than 20 points.  Take the Knicks.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Charlotte Hornets minus the points over Orlando.  The Hornets have won 10 straight (8-2 ATS) in this Southeast division series, and catch the Magic off back to back SU/ATS wins.  Unfortunately for Orlando, it's a poor 1-6 SU/ATS off back to back SU/ATS wins.  And it's 28-48-2 ATS at home its last 78.  Take Charlotte.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Philly 76ers minus the points over Cleveland.  These two teams are tied in the loss column (with 30 losses), so this game will likely determine which ends up with the overall #3 seed in the Eastern Conference.  Philly has a definite advantage tonight, as it is rested, while Cleveland played last night vs. Washington.  And the Cavs are a poor 2-14 ATS on the road off back to back wins, if they played the night before.  Meanwhile, the Sixers have covered 10 straight, and won their last 12, straight-up.  Lay the points.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vancouver Canucks over Arizona.  The Coyotes come into this game off back to back blowout wins over St Louis (6-0) and Calgary (4-1).  But they're an awful 2-16 after not giving up more than a goal in either of their two previous games.  Take Vancouver to win its final home game of the season.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the Florida Panthers.  The Panthers are hanging on by a thread in the race for the last playoff spot in the East.  One thing they have going for them is that while most teams have two games left in the regular season, the Panthers have three.  The problem is that two of those are against the Bruins, starting with this one tonight at home (they finish the season in Boston on Sunday).  Unfortunately the Bruins aren't going to lay down tonight because they are also playing for the top seed in the East as, heading into this game, Boston is tied with Tampa for the conference's most points with 110.  And both Boston and Tampa have an outside shot at the President's Trophy, and home ice throughout the playoffs (Nashville currently leads the NHL with 113 points).  The Bruins can't be too happy coming in tonight, having just been shutout by the Lightning in their last game on Tuesday in Tampa (4-0).  They're going to have a chip on their shoulder here in South Florida.  The Bruins are 21-5 in the last 26 meetings and 16-5 in the last 21 trips to Miami.  Take Boston.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Nashville Predators over the Washington Capitals.  In what could be a preview of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Predators travel to DC to take on the Capitals in the next-to-last game of the regular season for both clubs.  While the Caps have wrapped up their third straight Division Crown, the Wild has been hanging around in the Central Division, but Nashville could clinch with a win tonight.  The Preds lost a tough one in their last, falling to the Panthers in Florida despite out-shooting them by 13 (46-33).  The Caps have been good, but inconsistent lately, as they beat the Penguins in Pittsburgh and Blues in St. Louis, but lost badly at home to the Hurricanes on Friday in the game before that.  They have a goaltending decision to make for the playoffs, as back-up Philipp Grubauer has out-played #1 Braden Holtby pretty much all season and is making a strong case to be the post-season starter.  But Holtby is scheduled to go tonight.  Nashville is 6-2 in the last eight meetings and 10-3 in its last 13 road games.  Take the Preds.

At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Phillies over the Miami Marlins.  After visiting Atlanta and Queens, the Phillies will play their home opener this afternoon and they probably couldn't have asked for a better match-up.  Much has been made of the off-season clearance sale that took place in South Florida courtesy of new owner Derek Jeter, and most baseball folks think it will be a long season for the Marlins as a result.  Not only are Stanton, Ozuna, and Yelich gone, but the next best player on the team, catcher J.T. Realmuto has been out since the start of the season (back) and will not be rushed back to action.  LHP Caleb Smith will get his second start of the season tonight, and he and the Marlins can only hope that it goes as well as his season debut.  In that one, Smith allowed one run on four hits in five innings in a 2-1 victory over the Cubs (he did not factor in the decision).  But Smith put up an ugly 7.71 ERA in nine games in his rookie season, so his 2018 debut was likely an aberration.  Smith's mound opponent tonight will be Nick Pivetta (who we backed last week in a 5-4 win at Atlanta).  Miami is 0-4 in the last four meetings and 1-4 in the last five trips to Philly.  Take the Phils.  MLB Roadkill Winner. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs minus the points over Los Angeles.  Last night, the Spurs lost a heartbreaker to the Clippers in LA, while the Lakers fell by seven, 117-110, in Utah.  So, the Lakers will travel back home tonight to host the Spurs (who won't have to travel at all).  We'll lay the points with San Antonio, as the Spurs are 87-54 ATS vs. unrested foes, including 24-6 ATS when the Spurs were off an upset loss.  Take San Antonio. NBA Road Warrior Winner. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Oakland Athletics over the Texas Rangers.  Both of the starters in tonight's game, RH Doug Fister of the Rangers and LH Sean Manaea of the A's pitched well in their season debuts against very good teams.  Fister picked up the win against the Astros at home while Manaea took a tough loss against the Angels (also here at home).  Fister joins the Rangers after spending 2017 with the Red Sox, and he will have a more prominent role for Texas given how thin its rotation is this season.  But while Manaea is a potential star on the rise, Fister's best years are clearly behind him and he is a prime candidate for a regression tonight in his first road start of the season.  Although Fister sports a career 2.61 ERA here in nine starts, he is just 4-4 in those.  And it's important to note that most of those were with teams that were much better than this current incarnation of the Rangers.  Manaea has pitched well against the Rangers in his career and the A's are 5-2 in this seven starts against them.  Heading into Wednesday, Texas is 3-9 in the last 12 meetings and 2-10 in the last 12 in Oakland.  Take the A's.  AL West Division Game of the Month.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over Boston.  The Raptors have lost their last nine to the point spread.  But Toronto still has a winning ATS record this season, and the Raptors are also in first place by two games over the Celtics (with five to play).  So, this game is huge for both teams, and I look for Toronto to blow out Boston, as teams with a .450 (or better) ATS win percentage are 77.2% ATS since 1990 off 9+ ATS losses.  Lay the points with Toronto. NBA Game of the Week.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the San Jose Sharks over the Dallas Stars.  The Sharks have been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL over the past two decades in terms of making it to the playoffs.  It looks like they will be post-season bound again -- San Jose's 18th trip to the playoffs in the last 20 years.  But despite all that success, the Sharks have only made one appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, and that was two seasons ago and they were pretty soundly beaten by the Penguins that year.  They come into tonight having lost three straight games for only the fourth time this season and no doubt the Sharks would love to get back on the winning track and lock up that post-season birth.  The Stars won their last game, beating the Wild 4-1, but it was only their second victory in the last 11 games.  The home team is 5-0 in the last five meetings of these two, while the Stars are 3-10 in the last 13 trips to San Jose.  Take the Sharks.  NHL Roadkill Winner. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. 

At 9:40 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Clayton Kershaw got his eighth opening-day start last week, and for the first time, the Dodgers lost the game.  It really wasn't his fault, as the offense generated no runs to back another strong performance by their LH ace, and the Dodgers fell to the Giants at home, 1-0.  They also failed to get a man across the plate in their second game, but by their third game, the Dodgers' hitters had come out of hibernation, as they throttled the Giants in back-to-back shutouts to the tune of 5-0 on Saturday and 9-0 on National TV the following night.  Last night, unfortunately for LA, the Diamondbacks scored three in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game, and then proceeded to win 8-7 in extra innings.  Now, the Dodgers and Kershaw get another chance tonight in Arizona, where rumor has it they are using a humidor in an effort to keep the balls in the Park more.  That could definitely help the three-time Cy Young Award winner as Kershaw is 5-7 with a 3.75 ERA in 12 starts at Chase Field.  But most of the damage was done in one particularly ugly start here back in 2014 (it might have been Kershaw's worst ever).  L.A. is 12-1 in Kershaw's last 13 starts on four days' of rest.  Take the Dodgers.  MLB Payback Payday.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Brooklyn Nets + the points over Philadelphia.  The Sixers are on a 10-game win streak (and 8-game point spread win streak), while Brooklyn was blown out, 108-96, as as 1-point underdog in its last game.  But those two situations set up our play tonight, as home favorites that have covered 7+ games in a row are a poor 17.8% ATS since 1990 vs. foes that failed to cover by 10+ points in their previous game.  Take Brooklyn + the points over Philly.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Oakland Athletics over the Texas Rangers.  The Energizer Bunny of Major League Baseball, RHP Bartolo Colon, will get his first start of the season tonight in Oakland.  The Texas Rangers will be the 11th Major League team that Colon will pitch for when takes the mound tonight at The Coliseum.  But as much as we want to root for the 44-year-old veteran, Colon fell off badly last season.  After posting a 3.43 ERA and making the All-Star team in 2016 with the Mets, Colon went 7-14 with a 6.48 ERA in 28 starts in stints with the Braves and Twins in 2017.  In some respects, Texas is the perfect team for him as it is clearly in rebuilding mode and will likely finish at or near the bottom of the AL West this year, so anything Colon can contribute will be seen as a success.  RHP Andrew Triggs will get his first start of the season for the A's and Triggs has pitched very well in his two starts against the Rangers (one ER in 11 2/3 innings).  Triggs also beat them in his only start against them last season, 4-2.  Texas is 2-8 in the last 10 meetings and 0-8 in the last eight in Oakland.  Take the A's.  MLB Mound Mismatch Massacre.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9:20 pm, our selection is on the Michigan Wolverines + the points over Villanova.  We played on Michigan and against Villanova on Saturday.  And we will do so, once again, tonight.  The Wildcats darted out to a 22-4 lead vs. Kansas, and then kept the Jayhawks at bay the rest of the way, en route to a 95-79 win.  Unfortunately, in the NCAA Tournament, in the Sweet 16 round forward, favorites off wins by more than 15 points have covered 0 of their last 10 vs. lower-seeded opponents.  That doesn't bode well for the Wildcats tonight.  And neither does the fact that underdogs of +6.5 (or more) points have gone 10-0 ATS in the Final Four since 1993 vs. .895 (or better) foes.  Finally, Michigan falls into 49-15, 26-3, 31-4, 15-0 and 18-1 ATS Tourney systems of mine.  Grab the points with the Wolverines.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the St. Louis Blues over the Washington Capitals.  With their victory over the Penguins on Sunday, the Caps have clinched their third straight Metropolitan Division Crown.  But getting to the post-season has never been the Caps issue in the past.  Now they travel to St. Louis to face the Blues who are battling for one of the five remaining playoff spots in the Western Conference.  This will be the Caps fourth game in the last six days as they will make their first visit to the Gateway City since January of 2017.  With their post-season spot pretty much decided, don't be surprised if the Caps take their foot off the accelerator a bit in their remaining games. The Blues lost their second straight game on Saturday, an embarrassing 6-0 drubbing at the hands of the Coyotes in Arizona.  Expect a bounce-back tonight at home with the Blues backs against the proverbial playoff wall.  The Blues are 4-0 in their last four vs. teams from the Eastern Conference and 13-5 in their last 18 vs. teams from the Metropolitan.  Take St. Louis.  NHL Game of the Week.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Brooklyn Nets + the points over Detroit.  Brooklyn upset Miami, 110-109, as an 8.5-point road underdog on Saturday, while Detroit downed the Knicks yesterday, 115-109, as a 4.5-point favorite.  We'll take the Nets as a home dog this evening, as home dogs have cashed 65.4% ATS since 1990 vs. unrested foes off a SU/ATS win, if our home dog won outright as a 6-point (or better) road underdog in its last game.  Take Brooklyn.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Orlando Magic + the points over Atlanta.  The Hawks have been a very poor favorite over the last two seasons, and they're 21-36 ATS as a favorite since Nov. 20, 2016.  That bodes well for Orlando this evening.  As does the fact that Orlando falls into a 92-61 ATS system of mine which plays on certain teams off upset losses (the Magic were upset by the Chicago Bulls, on Friday).  Take Orlando + the points.

At 1:35 pm, our selection is on the Baltimore Orioles over the Minnesota Twins.  The Orioles won their opening day game here on Thursday in dramatic fashion when Adam Jones hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 11th inning.  It marked the third straight 3-2, walk-off victory for the Orioles on Opening Day.  But that's likely to be somewhat the norm for the 2018 version of this team as the Orioles have plenty of hitting, but questionable-at-best pitching, meaning that last-minute heroics -- both for and against them -- could be something we see a lot of this season.  Today it will be RHP Kevin Gausman going for Baltimore.  Gausman came up just about the same time as their newly-minted ace, Dylan Bundy.  And although he was thought to have as much potential, Guasman has yet to advance the way his young teammate has.  But Gausman routinely throws in the mid-to-upper 90s and that's not something you can teach, so look for a possible breakout from him in 2018.  The Twins will go with LHP Jose Berrios and they are 1-10 in his last 11 road starts.  Take Baltimore.  MLB Roadkill Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 1:05 pm, in an NBA TV-televised game, our selection is on the Charlotte Hornets + the points over Philadelphia.  These two teams will be meeting for the fourth time this season on Sunday.  The other three games all took place in March, and the Sixers won each game.  But the leading scorer for Philly in two of those three games (and in all three games, combined) was center Joel Embiid.  Unfortunately for Philly, Embiid will be absent today, as he recently underwent surgery to repair an orbital fracture.  That will help open up things for Charlotte's center, Dwight Howard, who has averaged 22.8 ppg over his last five appearances.  Take the Hornets.

At 8:45 pm, our selection is on the Kansas Jayhawks + the points over Villanova.  These two teams were seeded #1 in their respective regions.  But it was Kansas which faced the more difficult road here to San Antonio.  The Jayhawks bested Duke, Clemson, and Seton Hall.  And those three teams rank #3, #14 and #25 in the current KenPom.com rankings.  In contrast, Villanova's last three wins were against Texas Tech, West Virginia and Alabama.  And those three teams currently rank #11, #12 and #55.  Kansas also faced a more difficult schedule throughout the season, as the Jayhawks' schedule ranked as the 2nd toughest in College Basketball this year.  Interestingly, there have been 35 post-season match-ups between two teams seeded #1, and the underdog has cashed 69.6% (23-10-2 ATS), including 11-1 ATS when getting 5+ points, and 10-2 ATS in the semi-final round.  Moreover, Kansas is a super 8-3 ATS in the NCAA Tourney when getting 3+ points.  Finally, the Jayhawks fall into several of my best tournament systems, with records of 31-3, 40-9, 18-1, 24-4 and 155-59 ATS.  Take the Jayhawks + the points.  NCAA Game of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the Chicago Blackhawks.  With five games to go in the NHL regular season, the Blackhawks will put this down as a season to forget.  The 'Hawks have been eliminated from post-season play for the first time in 10 years, and they're going to finish the season with the lowest 82-game point total since their 2006-2007 campaign.  It doesn't get any easier tonight as they venture into what has been one of the toughest places for opposing teams this season (Pepsi Center) to face a team that is right in the thick of the Wild Card race and desperate for a victory.  The Avalanche is sitting with 90 points right now -- one behind the Blues and Ducks in the battle for the final playoff spot in the West.  The 'Hawks pulled off an upset of the Jets on Thursday, but when you consider that Winnipeg's playoff spot is pretty much set at this point and its #1 concern right now is probably the health of its players, then Chicago's 6-2 win really isn't that surprising.  The Avs are 5-1 in their last six home games vs. teams with a road winning % of less than .400.  Take Colorado.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Phillies over the Atlanta Braves.  The Phillies surprised a lot of people in the off-season.  Instead of waiting for their talented group of youngsters to develop to the point where they could be competitive -- thought to be at least a year from now -- the Phils went out and signed some high-profile free agents.  The most notable of these were 1B/OF Carlos Santana (previously with the Indians) and RHP Jake Arrieta (Cubs).  These proven veterans, along with up and comers like Rhys Hoskins, Jorge Alfaro, JP Crawford, Cesar Hernandez, and Aaron Nola, add up to a team that could compete this season -- if not on the same level as the Nationals then definitely as a strong Wild Card contender.  They play the second game in as many days against the Braves in Atlanta and will hand the ball to second-year RHP Nick Pivetta. Pivetta struggled through most of his rookie campaign, but he had a very solid Spring and at age 24 could be poised for a breakout in 2018.  Philly is 4-0 in Pivetta's last four starts and 7-2 in their last nine following a loss.  Take the Phils.  MLB Division Game of the Month.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the San Francisco Dons + the points over North Texas.  We played on San Francisco -3.5 in Game 1 of this best-of-3 series (and won), and then took North Texas -3 in Game 2 (and also won).  Now, for Game 3, the deciding game of this Championship series, we will grab the points with San Francisco.  This is the 11th year of the CBI tournament, and for the ninth time in 11 tourneys, the Championship round has gone a full three games.  In the previous eight tournaments that reached Game 3, the underdog has cashed five of seven (with one push).  We'll grab the points with the Dons, as San Francisco falls into 9-1, 67-35, 33-17 and 33-16 ATS systems of mine.  Additionally, North Texas has gone 0-8 ATS since 2010 as a favorite of -4 points or more at home vs. non-conference foes.  Take San Francisco.  CBI Tourney Game of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the Dallas Stars.  With five games to go in the season, the Dallas Stars are dangerously close to being eliminated from the post-season for the eighth time in the last 10 years.  The Stars have 86 points -- four behind the Avalanche and five away from the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.  The Wild on the other hand are almost assured of their sixth straight playoff appearance with what is looking like a third-place finish in the in the Central Division.  Once again, Minnesota relied heavily on its defense and goaltending this season.  And although its 2.79 GAA overall was slightly better than average, Minnesota's home number of 2.23 is the best in the entire League this season.  The Wild will put that defense to work tonight at home in an effort to lock up that post-season berth against a team that has won just 14 road games all season.  And this has been a very host-friendly series lately as the home team is 41-19 in the last 60 meetings.  Take Minny.  NHL ROADKILL WINNER.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Baltimore Orioles over the Minnesota Twins.  The 2017 regular season will start out looking familiar for the Baltimore Orioles, but by the summer, things could change dramatically.  Offensive stars Adam Jones and Manny Machado will be free agents at the end of this season, and assuming the O's are not in contention (an assumption almost everyone is making) then they may be saying goodbye to both of these familiar faces before the end of July.  But for now, this is a team with a solid chance of winning when not facing the two "beasts from the east" (the Red Sox and Yankees).  Budding ace RH Dylan Bundy gets his first opening day start, while the Twins #1 hurler, RH Ervin Santana, will be out for most of April with a finger injury.  That leaves Minny's opening-day duties to newly-acquired RH Jake Odorizzi, who came over from the Rays in February.  Odorizzi has never pitched well at Camden Yards (a 5.44 career ERA in nine starts here) while the suspension of SS Jorge Polanco won't help their offensive output today.  Take the O's.  MLB ROADKILL WINNER.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Sam Houston State Bearkats + the points over Northern Colorado.  The Bearkats come into this game off back-to-back upset wins over Texas San Antonio and Eastern Michigan.  And that bodes well for them tonight, as teams off back-to-back upset wins have cashed 38 of 63 in the NIT, CBI and Insider Tourneys since 1991.  Additionally, Northern Colorado falls into a negative 72-152 ATS system of mine.  Take the points with Sam Houston.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:30 pm, our selection is on the North Texas Mean Green minus the points over San Francisco.  We played on North Texas in both of its home games earlier in this tournament, and were rewarded with two blowout wins over Mercer (96-67) and Jacksonville St (90-68).  We played against North Texas in its next game, which was on the road, and got the cash with San Francisco.  But we'll come right back with the Mean Green at home, tonight, as it's 5-0 straight-up, and 4-1 ATS at home in the post-season, with an average cover by 12.2 ppg.  Meanwhile, San Francisco is a poor 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS on the road in the post-season, including 0-5 ATS when not getting more than 6 points.  Finally, the Mean Green fall into a 60% ATS system of mine.  Lay the points with North Texas.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Portland Trail Blazers minus the points over Memphis.  The Grizzlies won a rare game two nights ago when they went into Minnesota and defeated the Timberwolves, 101-93, as a 13-point underdog.  But the last time Memphis won two straight games was back on January 19, so I expect it to get blown out tonight.  Memphis is a dreadful 2-21 SU and 7-16 ATS its last 23 games, while Portland is 17-3 SU and 16-3-1 ATS over its last 20.  Take Portland.  NBA Road Warrior Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Florida Panthers.  The Maple Leafs look to lock up their second-straight trip to the playoffs (and just the third in the last 13 years) very soon.  They also stand a very good chance at their first 100-point season since 2003-2004.  But if they're going to go further in the months of April and May, they're going to have to avoid the frequent let-downs they've been having on the ice.  Like their last game -- a 3-2 loss at home to the lowly Buffalo Sabres.  The Panthers come into tonight having won two straight and four of their last five.  But those four wins were against the Islanders, Coyotes, Senators, and Canadiens -- all losing teams with a combined season record of 111-193.  The only winning team they faced during that time was Columbus, who handled them easily in a 4-0 rout.  The Panthers are 0-4 in the last four trips to Toronto while the home team is 5-0 in the last five between these two.  Take the Leafs.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9:30 pm, our selection is on the Penn State Nittany Lions minus the points over Mississippi State.  The Nittany Lions have been terrific in the non-conference post-season tournaments over the years, as they've gone 19-5 straight-up and 15-8-1 ATS.  Tonight, in New York, they'll take on a Bulldogs squad which pulled off a huge upset last Tuesday when it went into Louisville, and upset the Cardinals, 79-56, as a 6-point underdog.  We'll go against Mississippi State, as it's a poor 1-11 ATS off an 18-point (or greater) SU/ATS win.  Take Penn State.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over the Denver Nuggets.  The Toronto Raptors are mired in a 6-game point spread losing streak.  And this cold patch immediately followed a six-week stretch of games where the Raptors went 17-1 straight-up and 14-4 against the spread.  Still, Toronto is a very respectable 54-20 SU and 40-34 ATS on the season.  There are now just eight games left for Toronto.  And, even more important, it now sits just one game behind Golden State in the loss column for the second-best record in the league.  The Warriors are just 3-5 over their last eight games (primarily due to injuries), so the Raptors' opportunity and motivation to overtake the Warriors are certainly real.  Tonight, Toronto will host Denver, which defeated it in the first meeting back in November.  I look for the Raptors to snap their six-game ATS losing streak, and blow out the Nuggets, as they've been installed as a 9-point favorite.  Toronto is 21-8 ATS its last 29 when priced from -9 to -14 points, and it also falls into one of my best revenge systems, which is 101-41 ATS since 1990.  Take Toronto.  NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Utah Utes over Western Kentucky.  The Hilltoppers come into this game off back to back upset wins over USC (as a 4.5-point underdog) and Oklahoma State (as a 6.5-point underdog).  Unfortunately for Western Kentucky, teams off back to back upset wins, where they were a 4-point (or greater) underdog in each of their two previous games, have cashed just 30% in the NIT Final Four over the past 28 years.  Additionally, Utah falls into a 24-2 ATS Tourney system of mine.  Take Utah.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Colorado Avalanche.  Barring the most unusual of circumstances, the Vegas Golden Knights will not only make the NHL Post-season in their very first year of existence, but they will win their division.  That in itself is nothing short of incredible in the world of Professional Sports Leagues.  And it's one of the best stories to come out of the NHL in a long time (regardless of what they do in the playoffs).  They play the back end of a home-and-home series against the Avs tonight.  And although the Knights come in having lost their last two -- including the game in Denver on Saturday -- there is certainly no reason to panic.  Both of those losses were on the road, and both were overtime, 2-1 decisions that could have gone either way.  Those are the type of games that will make the Knights even better for their first post-season.  The Knights are 25-10 in their last 35 home games and the Avs are 7-20 in their last 27 road games vs. teams with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Take Vegas.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10 pm, on Monday, in Game 1 of the Best-of-3 CBI Tournament Championship series, our selection is on the San Francisco Dons minus the points over North Texas.  We played on the Mean Green in each of their last two games -- both at home -- and they rewarded us with two huge blowouts.  They upset Mercer, 96-67, as a 2.5-point home underdog last Monday.  And then they smashed Jacksonville St, 90-68, as a 1-point favorite last Wednesday.  But North Texas isn't just off two blowouts.  It also upset South Dakota, 90-77, as an 11.5-point underdog to start this tournament.  Thus, the Mean Green have covered the point spread in their last three games by 24.5, 31.5 and 21 points (+77 points combined), which represents the 2nd best stretch of three straight covers since 1990.  Indeed, only Georgia, in 1990, had a better stretch of 3 ATS wins (of 118,955 eligible games in my database) when it covered by 28, 39 and 18.5 points (+85.5 points combined) in three straight games.  Not surprisingly, Georgia failed to cover its next lined game, when it fell to Vanderbilt, 75-74, as an 8.5-point favorite.  I also look for North Texas to come up short tonight, as San Francisco is 19-9-1 ATS when matched up against opponents off 3 straight wins that were also on a 3-game ATS win streak.  And home teams are 7-2 ATS since 2009 in this CBI Tournament in the opening game of the Best-of-3 Championship series.  Take San Francisco. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Kansas Jayhawks + the points over Duke.  The #1-seeded Jayhawks are off back to back ATS losses in their victories over Seton Hall and Clemson.  But #1 seeds are 22-8 ATS after not covering the spread in each of their two previous games.  Additionally, since 1991, the Duke Blue Devils are 0-5 SU/ATS in the NCAA Tournament vs. foes that failed to cover the point spread in their previous game (including three outright upset losses as a favorite of -13.5, -5.5, and -3 points).  And Kansas is 32-13 ATS in the post-season off a point spread defeat.  Take the Jayhawks + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 12:35 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Philadelphia Flyers.  The Penguins have received a well-needed boost just in time for the final two weeks of the season and their quest for a third-straight Stanley Cup.  #1 Goaltender Matt Murray has returned from a concussion that has kept him out for almost a full month.  Not surprisingly, Murray has shown some rust in his two starts since returning, so the Penguins will give him rest from time to time.  But in time, Murray should be able to round back into the form that led the Pens in the last two post-seasons.  He will get the start today at home against a Philly team that is looking like it will make it into the post-season as well.  But the Flyers have some goalie issues of their own right now as both Michal Neuvirth and Brian Elliott are out with injuries and Petr Mrazek has been a liability lately, forcing Philadelphia to rely on rookie Alex Lyon.  With Mrazek struggling mightily, Lyon will be in goal again today -- a tall order against one of the best offenses on the planet.  The Flyers are 1-4 in the last five trips to Pittsburgh.  And Pittsburgh is 32-9 at home off a loss.  Take the Pens.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:45 pm, our selection is on the Florida State Seminoles + the points over Michigan.  Leonard Hamilton's #9-seeded Seminoles have already upset #1-seed Xavier and #4-seed Gonzaga to reach this Elite 8 round.  Now they will take on the #3-seeded Wolverines.  We'll grab the points with FSU as NCAA teams seeded #4 (or worse) have gone 29-8-2 ATS in this Elite 8 Round when not laying 5+ points against foes seeded #3 or better.  But that's not the best part:  if our 'play-on' team was an underdog of +4 or more points in its previous game (Florida State was +6), then our 29-8-2 stat zooms to 17-1 ATS since 1991.  Take the Seminoles.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Kansas State Wildcats minus the points over Loyola Chicago.  The 11th-seeded Ramblers are off three straight underdog wins to start this tournament, while 9th-seeded Kansas State has won twice in the underdog role, including an upset of Kentucky, as a 5-point dog, on Thursday.  We'll lay the points with the Wildcats today, as teams off upset wins as 4.5-point (or greater) underdogs in the Sweet 16 round have gone 20-3 ATS in the Elite 8 round since 1991.  Additionally, Kansas State falls into 67-30, 127-66, and 24-3 ATS tourney systems of mine.  Lay the points.  Elite 8 Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia 76ers minus the points over Minnesota.  The Sixers have won five straight, and have covered their last three games, including a 20-point blowout win at Orlando on Thursday.  Philly had last night off, while Minnesota had to play against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden.  Unfortunately for the T-Wolves, unrested road teams are a poor 15-28 ATS at Philly, including 2-7 ATS as an underdog of 4+ points.  And Philly's also covered six of the last seven vs. Minnesota, including the last three here in Philly by an average point spread differential of 11.83 ppg.  The 76ers have been dominant at home since the calendar turned on January 1, with a 16-2 SU record (14-4 ATS).  Take the Sixers.  NBA Roadkill Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Kansas Jayhawks minus the points over Clemson.  The Jayhawks won by 4 points vs. Seton Hall last weekend (as a 4.5-point favorite), while the Tigers blew out Auburn, 84-53.  And that was Clemson's 2nd straight double-digit win in this tournament.  Overall, Clemson's covered four straight games.  But we'll go against the Tigers tonight, as NCAA Tourney teams off wins by more than 16 points, and back to back wins and covers, overall, have been awful -- going 71-115-4 ATS since 1994.  Moreover, Clemson's covered just 7 of 24 games in the post-season away from home, if their opponent was off an ATS loss.  Take Kansas.  ELITE INFO WINNER. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Gonzaga Bulldogs minus the points over Florida State.  Our selection on the team to win the NCAA Tournament this season was Gonzaga, at 25-1 odds.  It has done nothing to disappoint, as it's reeled off wins over NC Greensboro and Ohio State, and is just one of seven teams originally ranked among the top 16 teams that have made this Sweet 16 round.  On Thursday, Gonzaga will take on a Florida State team that upset #1-seed Xavier, 75-70.  Unfortunately for the Seminoles, single-digit underdogs have cashed just 25 of 65 in the Sweet 16 round off an upset win, provided their opponent wasn't off an upset win.  And the Seminoles have also covered just 11 of 36 post-season games off a post-season win.  Take Gonzaga. Sweet 16 Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:35 pm, our selection is on the Kansas State Wildcats + the points over Kentucky.  John Calipari's men have won nine of 10, including their last five in a row.  And they've covered their last five games, as well.  But we'll play against Kentucky on Thursday, as favorites of less than nine points have covered just 23% in the NCAA Tourney over the past 28 years off 5 straight wins and covers, if their opponent wasn't off back to back SU/ATS wins.  Moreover, Kentucky's a horrid 2-13-1 ATS in the NCAA Tournament, if it's off 4+ wins and 3+ covers, including 0-9 ATS from the Sweet 16 round forward.  Take Kansas State + the points.  NCAA Tourney High Roller.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Arizona Coyotes.  With their victory last night, the Coyotes have now won two games in a row three times in their last 11 games.  But three of those six victories were against the Sabres, Senators, and Canucks -- not exactly the cream of the NHL crop.  And perhaps the Carolina Hurricanes' aren't exactly NHL elite either, but they should offer up a tougher challenge than any of those teams.  Moreover, Arizona's an awful 3-17 its last 20 games when installed as an underdog of +150 or higher, which illustrates that it hasn't been able to step up in class.  Last night against the Sabres, the Coyotes netted four goals on just 29 shots -- the last goal being the empty-net variety.  That isn't likely to be the case tonight against the 'Canes and goalie Cam Ward who should get the start at home.  The Coyotes' victory over the Sabres on Wednesday was also just their 10th road win of the season.  Finally, the Coyotes are 2-6 in the last eight meetings with the Hurricanes.  Take Carolina.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10 pm, our selection is on the St Mary's Gaels minus the points over Utah.  We played on Utah in its game on Monday vs. LSU, and were rewarded with a 95-71 blowout win.  Unfortunately for the Utes, it's covered just 13 of 40 post-season games off a win.  Meanwhile, St. Mary's is an awesome 83-47-3 ATS as a favorite of 20 points or less in non-conference games.  Lay the points with St. Mary's.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10 pm, our selection is on the San Diego Torerros minus the points over Northern Colorado.  The Torreros will be playing their 3rd straight home game, and being able to stay at home, and avoid travel is a huge advantage in these post-season tournaments.  Indeed, over the past 15 years, home teams have gone 50-18 SU and 44-23-1 ATS at home in the post-season (non-conference) tournaments when not laying 6+ points, if they won at home their two previous games.  San Diego also falls into 72-29 and 77-39 ATS Tourney systems of mine.  Lay the points with San Diego.  Insider Tourney Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:35 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs minus the points over Washington.  Nine days ago, after their loss to Houston, the Spurs were in 10th play in the Western Conference, and on the outside, looking in at the Playoff picture.  The Spurs have made the Playoffs 20 consecutive seasons, so there were certainly frayed nerves in the Alamo City at that time.  But since then, the Spurs have ripped off four straight wins (and covers), including victories against the Pelicans and Timberwolves -- two teams with which the Spurs are competing for a Playoffs berth.  Tonight, the Spurs will attempt to win their fifth straight game.  I believe they'll get it, as they fall into a 90-37 ATS 'momentum' system of mine, which plays on certain teams off back to back double-digit victories.  Also, San Antonio has dominated the Wizards over the years, and especially here at home where it has won 17 straight games (13-3-1, 81% ATS).  Even worse:  Washington's a poor 53-75 ATS as underdogs off back to back wins, when matched up against winning opponents.  Take the Spurs.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the North Texas Mean Green minus the points over Jacksonville St.  We played on North Texas in its win Monday, at home, vs. the Mercer Bears.  North Texas was installed as a home underdog, but blew out Mercer, 90-67.  And that was the second straight high-scoring win for the Mean Green, as it also blew out South Dakota, 90-77, on the road, in Vermillion.  I won't step in front of this North Texas freight train, as NCAA teams off back to back wins, in which they scored 88+ points, have gone 91-58 ATS as a favorite in the post-season since 1991.  Take North Texas.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the Oklahoma State Cowboys minus the points over Western Kentucky.  The Cowboys have been among the best teams in non-conference games, and especially when favored.  Indeed, dating back to 1991, Oklahoma State is 125-76 ATS as a favorite vs. non-conference foes.  But that's not the best part.  If our play-against team (here, Western Kentucky) is playing back-to-back road games, then our 125-76 stat zooms to 21-5 ATS.  Take Oklahoma State.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Buffalo Sabres over the Arizona Coyotes.  It's the battle of the two conference cellar-dwellers as the Coyotes visit the Sabres for the first time in over a year.  Both of these teams have already been eliminated from the post-season and are only playing for pride at this point along with some experimenting with new players and schemes.  The Coyotes will play eight of their final 10 games on the road beginning with a six game trip that kicks off in Buffalo tonight.  The Sabres lost their last game to a very good Predators team on Monday night by a 3-0 final, but they recently got a big boost from the return of their young superstar Center, Jack Eichel, from an ankle injury.  Although he and the rest of the team couldn't solve Preds goalie Pekka Rinne, Eichel had a team-high five shots on goal in that one.  The Coyotes are 1-5 in the last six meetings of these two and 2-5 in the last seven trips to Buffalo.  The Sabres are 10-5 in their last 15 coming off a home blowout loss by three goals or more.  Take Buffalo.  NHL Roadkill Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Blackhawks over the Colorado Avalanche.  The Blackhawks have already lost 43 games this season, thereby guaranteeing them of a losing record - their first in 10 years (2007-2008; 40-42).  But this is a proud franchise that isn't just going to roll over the rest of the season - especially here at home - even though its playoff chances are basically zero.  It's likely that #1 goalie Corey Crawford - still recovering from a head injury - will not see any more playing time this season, even if he were medically cleared to play.  This gives the 'Hawks a chance to see how their other net-minder options can perform.  Tonight it will likely be Jean-Francois Berube's turn to man the crease and although the 26-year-old has struggled mightily recently, it's interesting to note that his last victory came right here against the Avs  exactly two weeks ago.  Colorado's road struggles continue (14-22 away from Denver).  The Avs are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Chicago and the home team is 4-0 in the last four meetings, going back one year (March 19, 2017).  Take the Blackhawks.  NHL Roadkill Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over Orlando.  The Raptors were upset at home, 132-125, by the OKC Thunder on Sunday.  That loss snapped Toronto's 11-game win streak.  But the Raptors should get back on track tonight, as they fall into a 338-210 ATS system of mine which plays on certain favorites in non-division games off losses.  Even better:  Toronto's an awesome 11-1 ATS its last 12 games as a favorite of -9+ points, and 23-8 ATS its last 31 in this point spread role (6-1 ATS on the road).  Lay the points with the Raptors.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 11:30 pm, our selection is on the Southern Cal Trojans minus the points over Western Kentucky.  The Trojans won their opening round NIT Tourney game, 103-98, vs. NC Asheville last Tuesday, while Western Kentucky topped Boston College, 79-62.  That bodes well for USC tonight, as Tourney favorites of -2.5 (or more) points, off a post-season win in which they scored 100+ points, have gone 54-26-3 ATS since 1991.  Lay the points with the Trojans.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Utah Utes minus the points over LSU.  Utah's always had one of the best home courts in College Basketball, as it's covered 56% at home over the past 28 seasons.  Of course, there's nothing wrong with 56%.  But we can greatly improve that number by solely focusing on home games where the Utes own a win percentage greater than .570, and are priced from -3.5 to -10.  With those parameters applied, our 56% stat zooms to 67-23, 74.4% ATS.  Take Utah.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the North Texas Mean Green + the points over Mercer.  The Mean Green had a most impressive opening round game in this CBI Tournament.  It was a double-digit road underdog at South Dakota, yet blew out the Coyotes, 90-77.  North Texas has now been installed as a home underdog.  And home underdogs (or PK) have cashed 65% in the post-season since 1990 off a game where they covered the spread by more than 9 points.  Take the Mean Green.

At 7:30 pm, in the College Insider Tournament, our selection is on the Sam Houston State Bearkats + the points over Eastern Michigan.  The Bearkats were given a bye into this 2nd round of the Insider Tournament, while Eastern Michigan won its opening round game vs. Niagara.  The Eagles have won now won eight of their last nine, and have covered their last eight games.  But we'll fade Eastern Michigan tonight at Sam Houston St, as teams playing away from home in the non-conference post-season tournaments have cashed just 13 of 44 games when they were on a 6-game (or better) ATS win streak, and their opponent was off a point spread defeat.  With Sam Houston State, indeed, off an ATS loss in their final Southland Conference game (a 10-point loss to SE Louisiana), we'll grab the points with the Bearkats.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers over the Portland Trail Blazers.  The Blazers have won 12 straight, and covered their last nine.  Unfortunately, .676 (or worse) road underdogs of +1.5 or more points, off 7+ ATS wins, are a poor 20-51 ATS in the regular season.  Even worse:  Portland played at home last night (and beat Detroit), while the Clippers had Saturday off following their loss to Houston.  But the Blazers are an awful 17.6% ATS over the past 11 seasons when playing without rest off a home win against a rested opponent off a loss.  Take the Clippers.  NBA Game of the Month. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:40 pm, our selection is on the West Virginia Mountaineers minus the points over Marshall.  This is a huge rivalry, as these two schools are located in the same state, 158 miles apart.  They actually played each other for 38 straight seasons, until two years ago, when the series was ended by WVU's administration.  We will fade the Thundering Herd, who pulled off an upset to win the Conference USA Tourney, and then another upset against Wichita on Friday.  Meanwhile, WVU was upset by Kansas in the Big 12 title game.  One of the things I love to do is play on teams in the NCAA Tourney's 2nd round that lost their Conference title game when they're matched up against foes off a SU/ATS win.  Such teams have cashed 67% since 1990.  Take the Mountaineers minus the points.

At 7:45 pm, our selection is on the Kansas State Wildcats over the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers.  UMBC upset Virginia as a 20.5-point underdog on Friday.  That was the 2nd biggest post-season upset of all time (only Missouri's defeat to Norfolk State, as a 21-point favorite in 2012, was worse), and ranked among the 42 greatest upsets of the past 28 years (whether in the regular season or the tournaments).  For those who might be curious, the biggest upset since 1990 occurred in 2007 when Gardner-Webb went into Lexington, and upset the #23-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 84-68, as a 26-point underdog.  But off this big emotional win, we'll fade the Retrievers this evening.  Indeed, underdogs of 9+ points off an upset win against an .640 (or better) opponent in Round 1, have covered just 23% in Round 2 since 2001!  Take Kansas State to blow out Maryland-Baltimore County.  2nd Round Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the Auburn Tigers minus the points over Clemson.  It's true that that Auburn Tigers have dropped their last five to the point spread, and are 2-3 in those five games, while Clemson is on a 3-game ATS win streak.  But if one looks at the BIG picture, the Auburn Tigers have had a great year, both SU and ATS, as they are 26-7 straight up, and 18-12 ATS.  And College Basketball favorites of 14 or less points, off 5+ ATS defeats, that don't have a losing ATS record on the season, have covered 92% since 1990 vs. foes off 3 ATS wins, including a perfect 7-0 ATS the last four seasons.  Take Auburn. NCAA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the Louisville Cardinals minus the points over Middle Tennessee St.  The  Blue Raiders blew out Vermont by 27 to open their NIT Tourney.  However, since 2000, NIT Tourney underdogs off a win by 20+ points have cashed just 26.3%.  Take Louisville minus the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Edmonton Oilers.  In what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Bruins visited Tampa and the result was no contest.  The Bruins shut out the Lightning in front of their home crowd by a 3-0 final and got two points closer to the best record in the NHL.  Through the first half of the season, the Bolts' Andrei Vasilevskiy was clearly the best goalie in the league.  But the 23-year-old has now played in 57 games after not appearing in more than 50 in any of his previous seasons, and it's beginning to look like the young All Star is in danger of being over-worked.  Vasilevskiy gave up all three goals last night after allowing six the game before and being replaced in a loss to Ottawa.  So Vasilevskiy will get a much-needed break tonight and Tampa will go with Peter Budaj between the pipes.  The veteran net-minder has the type of experience that the Bolts need right now as they head into the final stretch.  The home team is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings of these two and Edmonton is 0-5 in the last five in Tampa.  Take the Lightning.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 4:30 pm, our selection is on Marquette minus the points over Oregon.  Marquette falls into one of my best NIT Tourney systems, which is 55-15 ATS since 1991.  Also, the Eagles are a super 6-2 ATS at home in the post-season.  Take Marquette.

At 2:40 pm, our selection is on the Michigan State Spartans minus the points over Syracuse.  The Orange pulled off a big upset against Texas Christian on Friday.  And that was Syracuse's 2nd straight upset win in the Tournament, as they also downed Arizona State in the "First Four" play-in game.  Unfortunately for Syracuse, teams off back to back upset wins have been horrid in Round 2 over the years, as they've cashed just 27% since 1990.  Lay the points with Michigan State.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Pistons + the points over Portland.  The Blazers have won 11 in a row, and have covered their last eight.  But don't be surprised if Detroit gives them a run for their money on Saturday night.  Detroit has won and covered five straight vs. the Blazers (by an average of 13 ppg), including a 20-point blowout win 40 days ago in Motown.  Even worse:  Portland falls into a negative 64-132 ATS system of mine which goes against certain teams off 7+ ATS wins.  Take Detroit + the points.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the St. Louis Blues over the New York Rangers.  If you were wondering when Henrik Lundqvist's job as the New York Rangers' #1 goalie would come to an end, then your time may have come.  The 36-year-old veteran has been struggling through most of the season and now it appears that the team is ready to hand the lead net-minder duties to Alexandar Georgiev.  The 22-year-old rookie has started the last two games between the pipes for the Rangers and has performed well in victories over the Hurricanes and Penguins.  But he also was the beneficiary of 10 goals by his team in those two games, something Lundqvist didn't enjoy very often.  So it remains to be seen whether Georgiev will be the answer.  He will get a very good test tonight against a Blues team that is averaging 33.7 shots on goal at home this season.  The Rangers are 1-10  in their last 11 coming off a victory by a single goal over a division rival.  They are also 1-9 in their last 10 games vs. teams from the Central Division.  Take St. Louis.  HIGH ROLLER WINNER. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 5:15 pm, our selection is on the Kentucky Wildcats minus the points over Buffalo.  The Bulls upset Arizona, 89-68, as a 9-point underdog on Thursday, 89-68.  Unfortunately for the Bulls, underdogs of more than 3 points that covered the pointspread by 25+ points in Round 1, have covered just 25% in the NCAA Tourney since 1990.  Take Kentucky.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Stars over the Ottawa Senators. When the Stars acquired All Star goalie Ben Bishop during the off-season, they were hoping that the veteran net-minder would be the missing piece that would get them to their first Stanley Cup Final since the 1999-2000 season. And it looked like that lofty goal was a possibility as Bishop was putting up some very strong numbers through his first 50 games. But then in game 51, Bishop suffered a knee injury and was forced to leave early, being replaced by back-up Kari Lehtonen. Ironically, the game that Bishop exited was against the Senators. And fortunately for Dallas, Bishop is skating with the team and will likely be back in action before the end of the season, although he won't be available tonight. The Senators have won their last two games, but they were both on the road and they are 0-4 in their last four games here at the Canadian Tire Centre. The road team is 5-1 in the last six meetings of these two while Dallas is 4-1 in the last five trips to Ottawa. Dallas has also won 92% (11-1) off 3+ losses. Take the Stars. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:25 pm, our selection is on the Auburn Tigers minus the points over Charleston.  Auburn dropped its last four games to the point spread (and lost three of those four, straight-up).  And its SEC Tourney loss to rival, Alabama, was its worst defeat of the season, as it was blown out by 18, 81-63, and failed to cover by 24.5 points.  It also was its worst loss as a favorite in more than 10 years.  We'll lay the points with Auburn, as NCAA Tourney teams have cashed 79.1% over the past 10 years after failing to cover the spread by 21+ points in their previous game.  Take the Tigers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the Michigan State Spartans minus the points over Bucknell.  This will be a tough venue for the Bison, as the game's being played in Detroit, so the crowd will be firmly in Michigan State's corner.  The Spartans were upset by their rival, Michigan, in the Big 10 Tourney semi-finals.  However, Tom Izzo's men typically bounce back off losses, as they're 176-71 straight-up, and 124-96-4 ATS off a loss the past 28 seasons (including 11-5-1 ATS after losing in the Big 10 Tourney).  Meanwhile, Bucknell easily won the Patriot League this season, by a whopping four games over its closest competition (Colgate).  And that lack of competition won't serve Bucknell well this evening, as it makes a huge step-up in class by playing Michigan State, which is one of the country's best teams.  Bucknell has won just 2 of its previous 23 meetings vs. a Big 10 Conference member school, while MSU is 23-13 ATS off a loss when playing a foe off back to back ATS wins.  The Spartans also fall into a 52-22 ATS system of mine which plays on certain top-level teams to bounce back from conference tourney losses.  Take Michigan State. NCAA High Roller Winner. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4 pm, our selection is on the West Virginia Mountaineers minus the points over Murray State.  The Mountaineers were upset by Kansas in the Big 12 Conference title game, while the Racers pulled off an upset vs. Belmont to win the Ohio Valley Conference.  That bodes well for WVU, here, as teams off an upset loss in their Conference championship game have bounced back to cover 70% of the time since 1990 when they were matched up against a foe which pulled off an upset to win its conference championship.  Take WVU.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2:45 pm, our selection is on the North Carolina Tar Heels minus the points over Lipscomb.  The Tar Heels lost the ACC Conference championship game to #1-ranked Virginia, but I look for them to bounce back this afternoon.  Indeed, the losers of the ACC Title game have done well in their initial game following that loss, as they've cashed 62% since 1997.  Even worse for Lipscomb:  it topped 100 points in its win at Florida Gulf Coast to win the Atlantic Sun tourney.  But underdogs (or PK) have covered just 40% over the last 28 years in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tourney after scoring 100+ points.  Take North Carolina.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the Cincy Bearcats minus the points over Georgia State.  The Panthers have won and covered four straight games heading into this match-up in Nashville, while Cincinnati's on a 3-game ATS losing streak.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to take the double-digits with the red-hot Panthers.  But over the last 28 years, teams on a 4-game SU/ATS win streak have actually burned money in the NCAA Tourney when playing a foe off back to back ATS defeats, as they've covered just 33%.  Lay the point with the Bearcats.

At 1:30 pm, our selection is on the Wichita State Shockers minus the points over Marshall.  The Thundering Herd upset Western Kentucky, 67-66, as a 6-point underdog to win their Conference.  But that upset win has placed Marshall in a nasty 6-64 ATS system of mine which goes against certain teams that got the $$$ as underdogs.  Moreover, Wichita is on a six-game ATS losing streak, but favorites off 6 ATS losses have covered 83% in the NCAA Tourney vs. foes off back to back wins.  Take Wichita.  Opening Round Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 12:40 pm, on Friday, our selection is on the Purdue Boilermakers minus the points over Cal Fullerton.  The Titans upset Cal Irvine, 71-55, to win the Big West Conference Tournament, while Purdue was upset, 75-66, by Michigan in the Big 10 Title game.  And that was the 3rd straight ATS loss by Purdue.  The good news, though, for the 2nd-seeded Boilers is that Top 2-seeded teams, off 3 ATS losses, have cashed 75% in the NCAA Tourney as double-digit favorites vs. foes off upset wins.  Lay the points with Purdue. NCAA High Noon Hanging. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:50 pm, our selection is on the Montana Grizzlies + the points over Michigan.  The Wolverines upset Purdue to win the Big 10 Title, and have been installed as a double-digit favorite in this 1st round game vs. Montana.  We'll fade Michigan, as top 4-seeded teams have gone 1-10 ATS as favorites of -11 or more points in the NCAA Tourney since 2000 off an upset win.   Take Montana. Elite Info Winner. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:55 pm, our selection is on the Florida Gators minus the points over St Bonaventure.  The Bonnies upset UCLA in the play-in game on Tuesday, to run their season record to 26-7, while Florida was upset by Arkansas last Friday, and dropped to 20-12.  We'll lay the points with Florida, as teams off upset wins (like St Bonaventure) have cashed just 39 of 96 games in the NCAA Tournament vs. foes off upset wins, including 7 of 28 if our play-against team (here, St Bonnie) owned a better win percentage than its opponent.  Take the Gators.  NCAA High Roller.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Winnipeg Jets over the Chicago Blackhawks.  The Jets come home after a very tough six-game road trip that took them east.  The trip started out well enough for Winnipeg, as it won the first three games over the Hurricanes, Rangers, and Devils.  But the Jets lost the final three games in Philadelphia, Washington, and Nashville -- only their second three-game losing streak this season and they've yet to lose four in a row.  The Blackhawks come in having won their last game at home over the Bruins, 3-1.  But they're back on the road tonight and that's not been a good situation for them lately.  Chicago is just 1-9 in its last 10 road games.  It's been a rough season for 'Hawks #1 goalie Corey Crawford, who has been limited to just 28 games due to a concussion and he is still dealing with it and has no timetable for a return.  The latest ailment for the 'Hawks is to #1 LW Brandon Saad, who suffered an undisclosed injury in the last game and may not suit up tonight for his team.  The Jets are 12-1 in their last 13 home games after returning from the road, and 7-0 at home off back to back road losses.  Take Winnipeg.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie

At 4 pm, our selection is on the Ohio State Buckeyes minus the points over South Dakota State.  Ohio State was upset by Penn State in the Big 10 Tourney, while South Dakota State punched its ticket to the Big Dance with an upset win over rival, South Dakota, in the Summit League Championship game.  However, since 1990, Big 10 teams have cashed 79% in the post-season, if they were off an upset loss, and their opponent was off an upset win.  Lay the points with the Buckeyes.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:10 pm, our selection is on the Miami-Fla Hurricanes minus the points over Loyola-Illinois.  The Ramblers have won 10 in a row, but have been installed as an underdog vs. the Hurricanes.  Unfortunately for Loyola, teams on 9-game (or better) win streaks that are underdogs in the first round of the NCAA Tourney, are a soft 32-54-1 ATS since 1990.  Take Miami.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the Pennsylvania Quakers + the points over Kansas.  The #1-seeded Jayhawks enter this Tourney on a 3-game SU/ATS win streak, including an upset of WVU in the Big 12 Championship game.  Unfortunately, Big 12 Conference teams (or Big 8 Conference before that) have been dreadful in the 1st round of the NCAA Tourney off an upset win in the Conference Title game.  Since 1990, they've cashed just 28%.  Meanwhile, Ivy League teams have cashed 69% in the post-season since 1990 vs. foes off upset wins.  Take Penn + the points.

At 12:40 pm, our selection is on the Tennessee Volunteers minus the points over Wright State.  The Raiders have won and covered four straight games.  But that hot streak sets them up in several of my negative situations, including two angles that are 83-45 and 34-15 ATS going against Wright State.  Meanwhile, Tennessee was upset by Kentucky in its previous game, and that defeat has triggered a solid 51-22 ATS system on the Volunteers.  Also, Tennessee's covered 14 of its last 18 games away from home vs. non-conference foes, while the SEC Conference has covered 83% vs. the Horizon League since 1990 as a double-digit favorite when the SEC team was off a loss.  Lay the points with Tennessee.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10 pm, our selection is on the Washington Huskies over Boise State.  The #4-seeded Broncos are the higher seeded team in this NIT Tournament, but #5-seeded Washington will enjoy home court tonight, since Boise's court is being used by the NCAA Tournament this week.  Boise was upset, 78-75, by Utah State in the Mountain West tourney last week.  And that doesn't bode well for the Broncos tonight, as road favorites off an upset loss have cashed just 33% in the post-season the past 28 years, including 1-10-1 ATS the past four year.  Take Washington.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the Colorado Avalanche.  Goalie Semyon Varlamov had started 10 straight games for the Avs, so the team decided to give him a rest on Saturday against Arizona.  Back-up Jonathan Bernier probably would've seen some action at some point during those 10 games if he hadn't been recovering from a head injury. And ironically, Bernier couldn't finish Saturday's start because he got hit in the head/neck area by a slap shot and Varlamov had to play for the final 12 1/2 minutes.  So Varlamov is forced into action again tonight for the 12th straight game - not an ideal situation.  Another non-ideal situation for tonight is that Colorado is back on the road where it is just 12-22 on the season.  The Wild come in having lost to the Oilers in Edmonton, 4-1, despite out-shooting them by 33-28.  They're back at the Xcel Energy Center where they've won their last four in front of the home faithful.  The home team is 5-1 in the last six meetings of these two while the Avs are 2-10 in the last 12 trips to Minneapolis.  Take the Wild.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Baylor Bears minus the points over Wagner.  The Bears dropped their last two games to end their Big 12 Conference campaign, but have still earned a #1 seed in this NIT tournament.  We'll lay the points with Baylor, as #1-seeded teams have cashed 80% since 1992 in the post-season when favored by 9+ points.  Even better:  Baylor's 41-13-3 ATS at home off back to back losses vs. .785 (or worse) foes.  Take the Bears minus the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Anaheim Ducks over the St. Louis Blues.  The Blues would like nothing more than to have a strong finish to the regular season and reach their seventh straight post-season.  But those hopes are fading fast as St. Louis currently sits on the outside looking in in the Western Conference with just 77 points.  And they're essentially down to just one goalie as Carter Hutton is nursing a neck injury.  And although he may be available if needed tonight, he still isn't 100%, so Jake Allen will have to shoulder the load once again.  This has been an incredibly one-sided series recently here in California as the Blues are just 5-21-1 in the last 27 meetings in Anaheim.  Meanwhile, the Ducks come in having lost two straight on the road, but those were against very tough opponents in Nashville and Dallas.  And they won three straight -- all at home -- before those two.  The home team is 38-13-1 in the last 52 meetings of these two.  Take Anaheim.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia 76ers minus the points over the Brooklyn Nets.  Brooklyn's a poor 21-45 on the season, but did pull off an upset win in its previous game, 125-111, at Charlotte.  One of the things I love to do is play against bad teams off wins.  And Brooklyn's upset win has placed Kenny Atkinson's men in a negative 36-94 ATS system of mine which fades certain bad teams off upset wins.  Meanwhile, Philly's off an upset loss to the Miami Heat.  But the Sixers have cashed 75% ATS over the past five seasons off an upset road loss.  And they're also 54-29 ATS the last three seasons off any road defeat.  Take the 76ers minus the points.  NBA Division Game of the Month. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Dallas Stars.  As they often do, the Pittsburgh Penguins are finishing the regular season strong and setting themselves up as one of the favorites once again heading into April.  This despite the fact that their #1 goalie - Matt Murray -- has been out since February 24 with a concussion and has no timetable for a return.  Back-ups Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry have played very well in Murray's absence and the offense has really stepped up, logging a scoring average of 4.00 so far in the month of March.  Dallas, meanwhile is on the opposite end of that spectrum, managing just 2.20 GPG so far in their first five March contests.  Pittsburgh returns home tonight after two tough road games in Philadelphia and Toronto and that's potentially very good news for them (and bad for the Stars) as they are 25-9 here this season.  The Stars are just 2-7 in their last nine trips to the Steel City and the Pens are 6-1 in their last seven games vs. teams from the Western Conference.  Take Pittsburgh.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Cincinnati Bearcats minus the points over Houston.  Cincinnati's a fantastic 29-4 this season, and earned the #1 seed in this AAC Tournament.  The Bearcats won by double-digits in each of their first two tournament games, and that's a good sign for them today, as #1 seeds have gone 73-50 ATS in the Championship round off back to back double-digit wins, when not favored by 9+ points.  Moreover, Cincy's playing with revenge from a loss earlier this season to Houston.  And the Bearcats are 11-2 ATS as a favorite when playing with revenge.  Lay the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Tennessee Volunteers over Kentucky.  It's true that Kentucky is off an impressive 86-63 blowout of Alabama.  However, the Vols won both meetings with Kentucky this season, and that bodes well for Tennessee to win the title, today, on Sunday.  Indeed, since 1991, .692 (or better) teams (like Kentucky) playing with double revenge from two losses earlier in the season, have been a wallet-busting 82-114 ATS in the Conference Tourneys.  Even worse:  teams off 18-point wins (and 18-point covers) in the semi-final round have covered just 40% of Title games when not getting double-digits.  Take Tennessee.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:30 pm, our selection is on the Virginia Cavaliers minus the points over North Carolina.  Yesterday we played on North Carolina in its upset win as a 4-point underdog vs. its rival, Duke.  But off that upset win, I expect a letdown tonight vs. Virginia.  Indeed, North Carolina falls into negative 5-40, 14-34 and 3-19 ATS systems of mine that go against certain teams in the tourneys off upset wins.  And the Tar Heels are also a poor 1-6 ATS vs. Virginia when not favored in the game.  Take the Cavaliers minus the points.  ACC Tourney Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the Arizona Coyotes.  Making a push for just their second playoff appearance this decade, the Colorado Avalanche looked like they were on their way after winning three straight games by a combined score of 15-4 between February 26 and March 2.  But just as quickly as that three-game success happened, it was nullified by three straight losses leading into this afternoon's match-up with the Coyotes.  But there are at least a couple of reasons to think that the bleeding will stop today.  First, all three of those losses came in overtime.  Second, two of them were on the road, and the lone home loss was to the best team in the conference -- Nashville -- and the Avs almost pulled the upset in that one.  It's no secret that this team is much better here at the Pepsi Center in Denver than it is on the road, and the Coyotes only have nine road victories this season -- by far the lowest number in the conference.   Take the Avalanche. NHL Elite Info Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Flyers over the Winnipeg Jets.  The Jets have won their last four games, including 3-2, 3-0 and 3-2 victories to start this six-game road trip.  But i believe their success will come to a halt in Philly this afternoon.  Winnipeg is a horrid 2-7 this season off 3+ wins, and they're 19-35 (minus 20 games on the moneyline) their last 54 off back to back wins.  Even worse:  the Jets are 11-27 after not allowing 3 goals in any of their two previous games.  Take the Flyers.  Hockey High Roller Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.