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  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    +256
    (71%)
    5-2 in Last 7 NBA Picks
    IND +4
    -110
    Spread
    Picked: Dec 18 @ 1:35am

    Analysis

    I believe in intangibles. Played low-level basketball and even there after a big win, it was Letdown City. Course, my rival was Cub Scout Pack 104 (I was in 103, obviously the superior), but you get the point. This feels like one of the biggest letdown games of the season for any NBA team much less the Knicks, who had to play an extra game that does not count Tuesday in winning the NBA Cup and got paid $500K+ each for winning it -- and not putting up the banner at MSG, which I find funny (nor should they). So a bunch of young guys spent a long weekend in Vegas and suddenly came into money. Does that ever end well? It's called "the Hangover."
  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    +103
    (60%)
    3-2 in Last 5 NCAAB Picks
    CCTST
    -198
    Money Line
    Picked: Dec 18 @ 7:07am

    Analysis

    Big number, yes, but I think it should be -250 if the right CCSU team shows up -- so I'll go ahead and bet to win on this. The Blue Devils already own wins at power schools Boston College and Rutgers. Not saying those are Final Four teams, but pretty impressive for an NEC school. And CCSU is 3-0 at home, scoring triple digits in each. Granted, against teams like Godolkin U (actually they might be invincible), Charmin College (the Softies) and Beefaroni State (want one of those T-shirts). When scoring 70+ points under coach Patrick Sellers, who has built a nice program, CCSU is 26-1 in its past 27. Fairfield allows 75.5 and has surrendered at least 70 in all but one road game.
  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    #2
    +772
    (67%)
    24-12-5 in Last 41 NHL ATS Picks
    MON -1
    -122
    Spread
    Picked: Dec 18 @ 7:44am

    Analysis

    Can't deny that I've been in a bit of an NHL malaise for about 10 days, but boy did we get a gift in the Blackhawks' last game when they blew a 2-0 third-period lead and lost 3-2 in Toronto for a third straight defeat. I'll have to fade Chicago almost daily as long as Connor Bedard is out (two total goals in two games without) as it's not a great offensive team even with the former No. 1 overall pick. Montreal runs super hot and cold, so we have to hope for the former. The Habs won 3-2 in Chicago on Oct. 11 and a similar score/push would not surprise here, but maybe we get lucky. I think regulation is fine.
  • expert headshot
    Bruce Marshall
    +337
    (61%)
    11-7 in Last 18 NCAAB Picks
    WMMARY -8.5
    -105
    Spread
    Picked: Dec 18 @ 11:32am

    Analysis

    As the longest-running act to yet make the NCAA Tournament, we don't want to jump the gun and pencil Bill & Mary into the Big Dance next March, especially after some near-misses at the Colonial/Coastal Tourney in recent years. Still, this is looking pretty exciting for Tribe backers. Their team is scoring up a storm (86 pg) and it hits 50% from the floor. They recently ran off six straight wins before hitting a hot GW in D.C. Brian Earl's fast-paced entry has plenty of balance (seven scoring between 9-12 ppg) and will put pressure on the Highlanders, who are leaning awfully hard on NCS transfer wing Dennis Parker, Jr (19 ppg) for first-year HC Zach Chu. Play W&M.
  • expert headshot
    Bruce Marshall
    #3
    +500
    (100%)
    5-0 in Last 5 NCAAB O/U Picks
    Under 147.5
    -110
    Over/Under
    Picked: Dec 18 @ 11:49am

    Analysis

    After watching a loaded Bradley team torch his Sycamores for 118 points last January 15, Matthew Graves isn't likely to see that happen again tonight in Terre Haute. First, these aren't the same Braves, as Brian Wardle had to replace most of the key cogs from his 26-win NIT entry. Second, Graves has found a recipe that appears to be working for ISU, as the Sycs have been controlling pace, allowing just 56 ppg in their last six wins. While not explosive, ISU is rather efficient offensively, hitting a respectable 46.1% from the floor, and getting good mileage from some lower-tier transfers, D-II ex-Truman State PG Xavier Hall (5.3 apg), and NAIA ex-Grace College F Ian Scott (68% FGs). Play Bradley-ISU Under.

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