Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-04-19 | Ducks v. Maple Leafs OVER 6 | Top | 1-6 | Win | 100 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Anaheim Ducks @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Penguins on Saturday. That sets this non-conference match-up very well to play out with a lot more offense. Simply put, it is hard to give strong defensive efforts in back to back games when a team is off a win over one of the league's best. The Leafs are likely to suffer a bit of a letdown on defense here. However, Toronto should have no trouble lighting the lamp early and often in this one. Of course that is why the Maple Leafs are a very pricey money line favorite in this one. Where the value lies with this one is the total and, specifically, the over. Anaheim enters this game having given up an average of 7 goals in their last two games! Ironically, the Ducks did allow 7 goals in their most recent game at Toronto as well. However, I do look for Anaheim to have some success finding the back of the net in this one. Frederik Andersen is expected to get the start for the Maple Leafs and he has allowed at least 3 goals in each of his last 3 starts overall. Also, in his last 4 home starts, Andersen has allowed at least 3 goals in all 4 starts. This total is a 6 and the Maple Leafs are a -250 favorite. So, unless the odds makers are dead wrong, Toronto will prevail in this game and considering Andersen's recent performances and the likelihood that the Ducks get 3 goals here, you can see why I am expecting no less than a 4-3 final score here! This is contrarian to the recent "under trending" of these teams but, from a situational standpoint, a barn-burner with plenty of end to end action is on tap in this non-conference match-up Monday night. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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02-04-19 | Hawks +6 v. Wizards | Top | 137-129 | Win | 100 | 11 h 57 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Game #533 Monday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - When you look at Monday's full NBA card you see the following teams favored: Spurs, Rockets, Pacers, Bucks, Nuggets, and Wizards. What sticks out when you look at the list? There is only one team with a losing record that is in that list and it is the team I am fading right here. Now I know the Hawks, of course, are not a great team. However, they are catching about a half-dozen points here against a Wizards team that is only 4-5 SU in their last 9 games and two of those wins came by 4 points or less. In other words, laying 6 points with Washington would result in a 2-7 ATS record their last 9 games. The Hawks are seeking revenge for a double digit loss when these teams most recently met, also in DC, in early January. Atlanta is wrapping up a 7-game road trip and, although they are still not home, the Hawks are happy to be back east again. Atlanta is 3-3 so far on this trip and is hell-bent on finishing with a winning road trip. They are going hard for the 4th win here and I expect them to be the more motivated team here. Interestingly, the Wizards have a game on deck at Milwaukee and that is the same Bucks team that they just got throttled by at home by a double digit margin Saturday. Could the Wizards overlook the Hawks? With Atlanta having a 17-35 record you better believe it! Look for the Hawks to improve to 8-4 ATS this season in road games with a posted total of 230 points or more. Washington is off an ugly loss to Milwaukee but is 2-8 ATS this season when off a game in which they allowed 130 points or more. 10* ATLANTA |
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02-04-19 | Louisville v. Virginia Tech -3.5 | Top | 72-64 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 48 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #852 Monday 10* Top Play Virginia Tech Hokies (-) vs Louisville Cardinals @ 7 ET - The line was as high as a -6 and has dropped to 3.5 as of early Monday morning. This line move is opening up great value on the home favorite here. I understand the move as the Hokies are off a dominating win over NC State Saturday while the Cardinals are off an ugly loss versus North Carolina the same day and so many bettors are playing the zig-zag theory here. Additionally, Virginia Tech will be without guard Justin Robinson again as he his out indefinitely with a foot injury. However, Robinson didn't play Saturday either and that was a 47-24 win at NC State! As for Louisville, they were at home on Saturday versus North Carolina but still had an ugly game and got dominated on the glass. Adding to the value with the Hokies here is the fact that they were swept by the Cardinals in last season's meetings and Louisville has won 5 straight over Virginia Tech! Coach Buzz Williams and his players are out for revenge (big-time!) on Monday night and being on their home floor certainly will help. The Hokies are 11-0 SU at Cassel Coliseum this season and they are beginning a three-game homestand with this revenge opportunity tonight. The Cardinals are just 4-4 SU this season in their games played away from Louisville. Only one of the Hokies 18 wins this season has come by less than 6 points and in fact, 15 of the 18 victories have come by a double digit margin. Look for another home blowout here. 10* VIRGINIA TECH |
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02-03-19 | Patriots v. Rams +3 | Top | 13-3 | Loss | -110 | 124 h 54 m | Show |
Super Bowl Side - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams (+) vs New England Patriots @ 6:30 PM ET @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA - One could argue that the Rams are lucky to be here. After all, that was the story after the NFC Championship Game and the blown pass interference call. However, lets not forget the luck of the Patriots either. Not only did they catch the West Coast Chargers on the East Coast for back to back weeks when they met in the Divisional Round, New England got the added benefit of facing arguably the worst playoff coach in the history of the NFL in the form of Andy Reid in the AFC Championship Game. There are so many mistakes he made in that game it would be too tiring and lengthy to list them all here but lets just put it this way: Rams head coach Sean McVay is at another level compared to Andy Reid. Yes, McVay is very young but I trust his decision-making many times over in comparison with Mr. Reid - known for great regular seasons and horrible playoff flops throughout his career. However, the Patriots luck didn't just stop with the opportunity of facing the Chiefs, they also won yet another coin flip and the way those offenses were moving late in the game do you really think the Patriots would have stopped KC had it been the Chiefs that won the coin toss in overtime? The point is that the Pats have had their share of good fortune to say the least and the fact is I feel strongly that the Patriots reign ended with the Philly Special in the Eagles impressive Super Bowl win over the Pats last season. Everyone and their brother is going to be on New England in this Super Bowl as the savvy veteran Bill Belichick looks to become the oldest head coach to win a Super Bowl while, arguably, the "inexperienced" Rams head coach McVay would be the youngest to ever win a Super Bowl. I feel the Patriots defense is a glaring weakness and the Rams defense doesn't get enough credit for how solid they are. Both teams are good offensively but one could argue Los Angeles has the more dangerous weapons and I am expecting Todd Gurley to bounce back big after an awful performance in the NFC Championship game. The extra time off will no doubt help him. Now, about those defenses. The Patriots defense allowed 26 points or more in 6 of their 9 road games. The Rams have allowed just 15.8 points per game in their last 4 road games. All 4 of those opponents were held to 310 yards or less. Conversely, New England has allowed an average of 387 yards per game in their 9 games away from home this season! I am fully expecting the upset here but grabbing the points should the underdog fall just short. 10* LOS ANGELES RAMS |
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02-03-19 | Patriots v. Rams OVER 56 | Top | 13-3 | Loss | -108 | 124 h 52 m | Show |
Super Bowl Total - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Rams (+) vs New England Patriots @ 6:30 PM ET @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA - The over is 5-1 in the last 6 Super Bowls. The Patriots, with an improbable over in their Conference Championship Game at Kansas City, are now on a 7-1 run to the over in their last 8 playoff games. Remember that 5-1 Super Bowl over run includes the improbable over two years ago when the Patriots rallied and managed to send the game to OT in their dramatic win over the Falcons. Facts are facts and Patriots games, as long as Brady is on the field and Belichick is on the sidelines, are likely to continue to have a flair for the dramatics and that means plenty of late scoring. That said, with this total having moved down to as low as a 56 as of Tuesday, it was "go time" for me in this one. The Rams have played 4 games against AFC opponents this season. Those games averaged 63 points per game! The Patriots 4 games against NFC opponents saw them score an average of 30 points per game. Would a final score somewhere in the neighborhood of 33-30 or 35-31 or 34-28, when you consider the potency of these offenses, really surprise you? Me either...no surprise here...plenty of points with another wild playoff game involving the Patriots. 10* OVER the total in the Super Bowl |
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02-03-19 | Stanford v. California OVER 145 | Top | 84-81 | Win | 100 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Game #833 Saturday CBB 10* Top Play OVER the total in California Golden Bears vs Stanford Cardinal @ 4 ET - Those who appreciate strong defensive play in college hoops might want to look elsewhere on Saturday. The Cardinal are allowing 74 points per game on the road this season. The Golden Bears are allowing 50% from the field, 38.5% from three point land, and 79 points per game on the season! Each of the last 3 regular season meetings between these teams has resulted in an over and this total on Sunday is low enough to fully expect another one. The over is 4-2 in Stanford's last 6 road games. The over is 4-2 in California's last 6 home games. The average points scored in the last 6 road games for the Cardinal is 151. For Cal, 5 of their last 6 home games have totaled at least 146 points. That is why the small drop on this total this morning carries even a little more significance for our purposes here. In terms of long-term trending, the over is 11-3 in Stanford's February games the last two years. The over is 4-1 when the Golden Bears are playing with 7 or more days of rest between games and also 4-1 when the Bears are a home dog in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. Look all these trends to continue here on Sunday afternoon. 10* OVER the total in California |
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02-03-19 | Thunder v. Celtics OVER 226 | Top | 129-134 | Win | 100 | 7 h 2 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Game #527 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 2:05 ET - The recent match-up history between these teams has trended under and that is the direction many will be looking in this one as a result. However, the way these two have been playing of late and the fact this is a non-conference match-up (generally a little less defensive intensity in those), has me looking for a solid over in this match-up. Both teams are red hot. The Celtics have won 8 of their last 9 games and averaged 116 points per game in doing so. The Thunder have won 7 straight games and they've reached the century mark in each of their last dozen games. In fact, Oklahoma City has averaged 124 points per game in these 12 games. Two of those games did go to OT but if we remove those points for the Thunder they are still averaging, in regulation, 122 points per game those dozen games! The over is 10-2 in those 12 OKC games! The over is 7-2 in Oklahoma City's last 9 games versus teams that average 106 points or more per game. The over is 14-4 this season in Thunder games when they are coming off a non-conference game. The over is 13-5 this season when the Celtics face a team with a winning record. History says under but the current play of these two teams absolutely suggests otherwise. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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02-03-19 | Flames -115 v. Hurricanes | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 5 h 24 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 2:05 ET - I like to take good teams off a loss and Calgary is one of the best teams in the league this season and coming off a tight last minute loss at Washington on Friday. They can't wait to get back on the ice and atone for that loss. Keep in mind, the Flames were on a 10-2 run prior to that loss to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Capitals. As for the Hurricanes, they are off a big win over the defending Western Conference Champion Golden Knights. That win over Vegas was the 2nd straight for the Canes. However, prior to this 2-game run, Carolina had lost 3 of their 4 prior games and allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game in doing so! The Hurricanes have won just 25 of their 51 games this season and the Flames are 7-0 their last 7 games against teams with a losing record. Also, Calgary is a fantastic 13-2 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Carolina has lost 16 of their last 24 February games and I expect another fade to begin here with this game. Keep in mind, the Hurricanes are also an ugly 6-13 this season when off a non-conference game. We get a short price to lay on a great team coming off a loss here. We get that short price because they are on the road. Grabbing a roadie in a spot like this is a great value and I am going with a top play here. 10* CALGARY |
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02-02-19 | Alabama v. Auburn -9 | Top | 63-84 | Win | 100 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #746 Saturday 10* Top Play Auburn Tigers (-) vs Alabama Crimson Tide @ 8 ET - The Tigers have had to wait a long time for this rematch and I fully expect a home blowout here. Last March, in the SEC Tournament, Auburn led Alabama by double digits at the half. By virtue of a great shooting performance for the Crimson Tide and a horrible shooting performance for the Tigers, Alabama had a huge 2nd half and won the game by 18 points! It was a beatdown (outscored by 28 in the 2nd half) that Auburn most certainly has not forgotten and it is payback time here. The Tigers are the better team this season, they are at home, and they are playing with big-time revenge. That is why I am willing to lay a big number here as I feel strongly that Auburn will get a double digit lead here and then, because of what happened in March, the Tigers absolutely will keep their foot on the gas! The Crimson Tide are off a big win but that was at home against Mississippi State. Prior to knocking off the Bulldogs, Alabama had lost 4 of 6. The Tigers are a huge 10-1 this season and the lone loss was to Kentucky! The 10 home wins for Auburn have been games decided by a victory margin of 30.2 points! You read that right...THIRTY point margin of victory on average! Another home blowout expected here as the Tigers get revenge in a big way! 10* AUBURN |
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02-02-19 | Blackhawks v. Wild OVER 6 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 58 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:05 ET - The Wild are off a frustrating 3-1 loss at Dallas last night but the Blackhawks penchant for high-scoring games should provide the perfect elixir for Minnesota to get their game back on track in the offensive zone tonight. Going home will also help the Wild. Chicago has been an "over machine" for an extended stretch as the Blackhawks are on an 8-1 run to the over in their last 9 games. Chicago has scored at least 3 goals in all 9 of those games. Of course the Wild are a sizable favorite for a good reason. In other words, if they win (as they are fully expected to) they likely will have to score more than 3 goals. You can see precisely why I expect this game to get to at least 4-3 and that means a solid winner here with this total at a flat 6 goals. Minnesota had scored 4.5 goals per game in their two games prior to losing to the Stars last night. The Wild get back on track here but Chicago continues to find the back of the net as well. The over is 9-5 this season when Minnesota is off a divisional game. The past two years in February games, the Wild went 16-8 to the over. The Blackhawks are 10-4 to the over this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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02-02-19 | Bucks v. Wizards OVER 227 | Top | 131-115 | Win | 100 | 9 h 37 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Wizards vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:05 ET - The odds makers made a huge mistake, right? The first total that popped up on this game was a 231.5 on Friday afternoon. Of course with the history of unders between these teams and the perceived "mistake" the total has been driven down to a 227 as of early Saturday morning. I am happy to jump on the over and grab the added value here. The Bucks are off a very strong defensive effort to get a big win over Toronto, the top team in the East. Milwaukee entered that game having allowed an average of 111.5 points per game in their two prior games. As for the Wizards, they are off a surprisingly strong effort on the defensive end as they held the Pacers to 89 points in their win over Indiana. Prior to that, Washington had allowed 124 points per game in their two prior games. While one could argue that those were on the road, also note that prior to beating Indiana the Wizards allowed 126 points in their most recent home game. Both the Bucks and Wizards have been scoring a ton of points and now coming off big wins that involved huge defensive efforts I expect a letdown on D here and an all-out offensive onslaught in this game to result! Note that the over is 21-12 when Milwaukee is off an upset win as an underdog and that includes 3-1 this season. The Bucks are also on a 29-10 run to the over in Saturday games including 6-2 to the over this season. The over is 13-5 in Wizards home games with a posted total of 220 points or more this season. Washington is 6-1 to the over this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Wizards are also on a 23-10 run to the over in Saturday games including 6-1 to the over this season. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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02-01-19 | Grizzlies v. Hornets -4.5 | Top | 92-100 | Win | 100 | 11 h 50 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #582 Friday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets (-) vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 7:05 ET - The Hornets had a 6-8 January but 10 of their 14 games were on the road! Charlotte is a different team when they are at home. They've won 3 straight home games and the average victory margin in those games was 16 points. Also, the Hornets run at home goes further back than that. They're 7-1 in all home games since mid-December and the 7 wins all came by 9 or more points with an average victory margin of 15.6 per win! While Charlotte, despite a sub-.500 record, is battling for the top spot in the Southeast Division, the Grizzlies are 12 games below .500 and in the basement of the Southwest Division. Memphis also had let it be know that they were willing to take offers on a Conley/Gasol package but they were trying to unload Parsons contract as part of the deal. In any event, the point is that the Grizzlies are in disarray right now while the Hornets are batting hard for the division lead as we head closer to the All-Star break. Memphis has lost 16 of their last 18 games! The Grizzlies are 0-8 in their last 8 road games and they lost those games by an average margin of 13.8 points per defeat! The Hornets are 4-0 SU and ATS in the last 4 meetings between these teams and the very first line that popped up on this game yesterday was 6.5 but it has dropped to 4.5 and I am grabbing the great value with the small home favorite. 10* CHARLOTTE |
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02-01-19 | Predators -117 v. Panthers | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 60 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Friday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Before the All-Star break these teams met in Nashville on the 19th of January and the Panthers got the win despite the Predators holding the edge in shots on goal. The Preds also lost their most recent trip to Florida as well. That makes this a double revenge spot for Nashville and I am happy to lay the small money line to have the better team in a game in which they are highly motivated. The Predators have played better on the road over the past month as they're 6-3 their last 9 games away from home. The Panthers won their final 3 games before the break but that was immediately preceded by a 7-game losing streak. Of course home shading is always priced into the line but Florida is only 7-7 their last 14 home games and I expect Nashville's strong road play to continue here. Additionally, the Predators are 7-3 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Nashville is also a long-term 24-10 (including 10-5 this season) when they are on the road in a game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Panthers have lost 10 of 15 non-conference games this season and Florida has lost 3 of 4 this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. 10* NASHVILLE |
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02-01-19 | Michigan v. Iowa OVER 141.5 | Top | 59-74 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #861 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Michigan Wolverines @ 7 ET - The fact this game is at Iowa makes a big difference. This is a contrarian play because Michigan is allowing just 56 points per game this season. If that average were to hold true and they win the game by 4 points as odds makers are calling for, you've got a 60-56 game that falls well short of this total. So the odds makers must have made a big mistake, right? Of course not! The fact is that Iowa is fully capable of putting up big points (they average 82 per game this season) and this is particularly true when they are at home where the shooters are even more comfortable. The over is actually 7-1 the last 8 times these teams have met at Iowa. The Hawkeyes also lost to the Wolverines in the Big Ten tourney last season so there is extra motivation here - and, by the way, that neutral site game also went over the total. The Hawkeyes enter this game off a defeat and the over is 4-0 this season when they are off a Big Ten loss. The over is 9-5 in Michigan's February games the past two years. The long-term trending of these games going over when the Hawkeyes are the host continues here. 10* OVER the total in Iowa |
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01-31-19 | Xavier v. Georgetown OVER 152.5 | Top | 73-80 | Win | 100 | 11 h 26 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Game #635 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Xaviers Musketeers @ 8 ET - The last 7 meetings between these teams have all gone over the total. In addition to that perfect 7-0 O/U record, the over is 11-3 this season in Georgetown's games against teams with a winning record. The Hoyas are on an 8-1 run to the over in their last 9 games overall. Georgetown is averaging 87 points per game this season but their defense certainly has not been overly impressive. That is where Xavier will look to take advantage. The Musketeers are off a loss versus Marquette Saturday where they had a big lead but perhaps got a little too complacent with hit and they paid the ultimate price as the Golden Eagles rallied for the win. Xavier won't make the same mistake here and they'll push the pace all game long and certainly the Hoyas are proven to enjoy the "run and gun" game this season. The over is 4-1 in the Musketeers last 5 games. Xavier has struggled to stop the 3-point shot this season and the Hoyas are averaging 38% from beyond the arc in their home games. In other words, look for a high-paced shootout and I am happy to take advantage of the line move here too as this one opened up at a 155 but is down to a 152.5 as of early game day morning. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown |
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01-31-19 | Mavs +2 v. Pistons | Top | 89-93 | Loss | -101 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #571 Thursday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - Though this is a back to back spot for the Mavericks, there are a couple of key factors as to why there is plenty of value here. First off, Dallas blew out the Knicks so easily last night that no one played more than 29 minutes. Secondly, that game was preceded by 2 off days. Also, up next for the Mavericks is a stretch that sees them with just 1 game in the first 5 days of February. In other words, Dallas will go all out here and they are a hot 5-0 ATS their last 5 games. Additionally, the Mavericks are actually on a 3-1 ATS run the last 4 times they've played the 2nd game of a back to back and that stretch included games at Portland, at Oklahoma City, at Philadelphia, and versus the Clippers. All 4 of those teams are much tougher opponents than this stumbling and bumbling dysfunctional Pistons squad. Detroit enter this game on a 5-12 SU run. Lets also not forget about the East/West factor. In non-conference games the Pistons are 7-10 SU this season. As for the Mavericks, with last night's blowout win, they are now 13-5 ATS in non-conference games. Also, Dennis Smith Jr had a triple double last night and the Mavs are a perfect 4-0 ATS in the 4 games since he returned to the lineup as he is a key running mate with Luke Doncic and this is a dangerous Dallas team when they are on the floor together. Of course the Pistons would like to get revenge for last week's loss at Dallas but the Mavericks are fighting even harder than Detroit has been when it comes to staying alive in their respective conference playoff races. The Pistons are 4-9 SU when off a double digit loss. The Mavs are 26-13 ATS against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. 10* DALLAS |
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01-30-19 | Lightning v. Penguins +102 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 102 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Wednesday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:05 ET - We continue with the same system that has worked so well immediately after the All Star break. The key is taking the team that has already played and going against a team that has not and, therefore, still has plenty of rust to work off. In this case, the system is even sweeter because the Penguins got absolutely rolled in their first game after the break on Monday. The Pens got embarrassed in a listless performance versus the Devils. Not only did they work off their rust, they also worked up some anger and emotion for a bounce back performance tonight after that embarrassing home loss. Pittsburgh will be hosting the Lightning for the second time this season. The first time the Bolts got the win. However, not only does that mean this is a home loss revenge situation, it also is worth pointing out that prior to that TB win over the Pens, the home team had won EACH of the last FIVE meetings! The home ice dominance in this series resumes Wednesday as the Penguins take advantage of a Lightning team that hasn't played since the 19th - a span of over 10 days! Tampa Bay is 15-19 (-$10,000) in January games since 2017. The Penguins are 39-19 after a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. The Pens are also 25-14 when playing a game with home loss revenge! 10* PITTSBURGH |
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01-30-19 | Mavs v. Knicks OVER 217 | Top | 114-90 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #555 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Knicks vs Dallas Mavericks @ 7:35 ET - The Mavericks are off a strong scoring effort but fell just short in their loss versus the Raptors Sunday. Dallas is 8-5 to the over this season when off a game in which they scored 115 points or more. Also, the Mavs are seeking revenge in this games as they lost when they hosted the Knicks earlier this season. As a result, look for Dallas to go hard here and not take their foot off the gas even if they get a big lead. The Mavericks are 5-2 to the over this season when playing with home loss revenge. As for New York, they didn't score well in their most recent home game but that was against defensive-minded Miami. Prior to that game the Knicks 4 prior home games saw them average 107.5 points per game. Also, their match-ups with Western Conference opponents are known for being high-scoring. The over is 10-5 this season in New York's non-conference games. Dallas has gone 5-2 to the over this season in games against Atlantic Division opponents. The Mavericks first game with the Knicks totaled 224 points and I fully expect a similar total to be amassed in the rematch as the situation is ideal for a high-scoring game. 10* OVER the total in New York |
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01-30-19 | Marquette v. Butler -2.5 | Top | 76-58 | Loss | -112 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #784 Wednesday 10* Top Play Butler Bulldogs (-) vs Marquette Golden Eagles @ 6:30 ET - To the casual observer this line will look "off" but it is truly anything but. The betting markets may be a little confused as to how a Top Ten Marquette team that has won 7 straight games can be in the range of a 3-point dog against a Butler team that has lost 6 of its last 9 games. After all, take a look at the records too: Golden Eagles (18-3, 7-1 Big East) and the Bulldogs (12-9, 3-5 Big East). Wow, the odds makers made a big mistake, right? Long-time followers know how I feel about that. Many will be lining up on Marquette here but sharps will be on Butler as this game has home rout written all over it. The Golden Eagles are off an improbable win at Xavier as they were down by double digits to the Musketeers in the 2nd half. How did they do it? Ridiculous 3-point shooting which won't be repeated here. Marquette made 56% of their three pointers Saturday and that was in a road game folks. The Golden Eagles previously had one other insane road performance when they knocked down 57.1% of their threes at Creighton in a game they still only won by 2 points. Other than that, Marquette has been held to 28% from beyond the arc in their other 3 true road games (at Georgetown, St. Johns, and Indiana). The Bulldogs are a tough team to face at Butler and they're knocking down 40% of their threes in home games this season. They have played at Creighton and have faced Villanova and St John's in their last 3 games. Battle tested and ready for a statement win tonight, the Bulldogs did beat the Red Storm by 9 and that is the same team that crushed these Golden Eagles by 20 before they began their 7 game winning streak which has not included facing Villanova. The point is that the Golden Eagles are a little over-rated right now and the odds makers and sharp bettors know this but the betting masses are still overly high on Marquette right now. Creates an interesting match-up tonight and I also like the fact that Butler is a perfect 3-0 ATS this season when they're at home off back to back ATS losses. Marquette is 17-27 ATS (including 2-4 ATS this season) when off a game in which they scored 80 or more points. The Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS their last 5 games against the Golden Eagles and they get the cash again on Wednesday evening. 10* BUTLER |
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01-29-19 | Flyers +103 v. Rangers | Top | 1-0 | Win | 103 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - Normally a back to back situation for one team automatically favors the other team. The key word in that statement is normally! Tuesday features one of the exceptions. The reason is that players have a lot of rust to work off when they first come back from the All Star break. The Flyers, in that regard, actually have an edge in this match-up since they were in action last night. Philadelphia got the 3-1 win at home versus the Jets. Not only is Philly now 4-0 their last 4 games, they've also defeated the hated rival Rangers 5 straight times! The Flyers will be ready for this game and will be the more polished team with their passes and overall puck-handling skills while the Rangers certainly could be a little sloppy especially early on in this game. The Flyers James van Riemsdyk has been skating on a line with Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny and this line combination has been a part of Philly's big improvement in recent weeks. The Rangers have lost 8 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, New York has lost 10 of 14 divisional games this season. The Rangers are playing their first game in 10 days. The Flyers take advantage. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-29-19 | Bucks v. Pistons OVER 218.5 | Top | 115-105 | Win | 100 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #541 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Pistons vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:05 ET - I know these teams have trended under in recent weeks. I am also aware of the fact that recent meetings between these teams each of the last few seasons have trended under the total as well. However, in typical contrarian fashion here, I am backing the over. Of course it is not without plenty of good reason. First off the Bucks have averaged 114.3 points per game in their 3 games against the Pistons this season. As for Detroit, though they struggled in their games at Milwaukee, they have averaged 107 points per game the last two times they've hosted the Bucks. The Pistons made 14 three pointers in their most recent home contest versus the Bucks and, like most teams, perform better on the offensive end when at home. Detroit is also well rested here and the over is 7-3 the last 10 times the Pistons entered a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. Look for the over to improve to 4-1 this season in Detroit's Tuesday games. As for the Bucks, they're fired up off a loss at Oklahoma City. Milwaukee is 29-14 to the over when off a game in which they allowed 115 points or more. The Bucks won't take their foot off the gas in this one against the Pistons. 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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01-29-19 | Kansas v. Texas OVER 139 | Top | 63-73 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
Game of the Week total - Rickenbach CBB Game #619 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas Longhorns vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 7 ET - The very first total that popped up on this game was 141 yesterday. It has been adjusted down to as low as a 139 now. The last 7 meetings between these teams have all totaled at least 142 points. That's 7 straight game totals in match-ups between these teams that have eclipsed the total on this game. I understand the mindset that the Longhorns have to bounce back at home after giving up 98 points at Georgia in the Big 12/SEC Challenge this past weekend. However, Texas giving up high percentage shots on defense has been a recurring them in recent weeks. The O/U in Horns games is now 4-1 their last 5 and that includes 2-0 in home games. The Longhorns have allowed an average of 76.6 points per game during this stretch. As for Kansas, they employ a 4-guard lineup and of course that can cause some issues defending the paint and rebounding. The Jayhawks can score just fine though as they're averaging 77.3 points per game on the season. However, Kansas has allowed 72.5 points per game their last 4 games and the Longhorns have averaged 78 points per game in their last 3 meetings with the Jayhawks. That includes the 80-78 loss at Kansas two weeks ago. The over is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams. Also, the over is 7-0 in Jayhawks games with a posted total between 130 and 139.5 points. The Kansas over is also 9-3 this season when off a non-conference game. The over is 5-2 in the Longhorns last 7 home games. 10* OVER the total in Texas |
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01-28-19 | Warriors v. Pacers OVER 226 | Top | 132-100 | Win | 100 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #529 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:05 ET - The Warriors are off of an under but the over was 9-2 in Golden State's 11 prior games. The Pacers enter this game with a record of 10-4 to the over in their last 14 games. The teams combined for 232 points in their most recent meeting in Indiana. The Warriors have been red hot and scoring a ton of points. Golden State is averaging 129 points their last 12 games. If they hit that "average" here and win by 9 as the odds makers are projecting you're talking about a 129-120 game. I am not saying we're going to see 249 points here but I do feel that this number shows we have some great value with playing the over in this match-up. The Pacers have had just one bad game offensively in their last 7 games. In the other 6 games as a host since Christmas, Indiana has averaged 119 points per game. Truly one could make the argument this is going to be a 129 to 119 type of game. The over is 13-7 in Golden State's road games with a posted total of 220 points or more this season. The over is a perfect 3-0 the last 3 times Indiana has entered a game off a road loss. They bounce back with a strong performance on the offensive end on their home floor but they aren't going to stop a Warriors team that will go all out in looking to cap a perfect 5-0 road trip. Golden State won't hold back here as they have two off days on deck before facing the Sixers Thursday. Also, the Warriors are seeking revenge for getting swept by the Pacers last season so they won't take their foot off the gas either. 10* OVER the total in Indiana |
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01-28-19 | Jets v. Flyers +115 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 115 | 9 h 36 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #72 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Dogs tend to be a profitable play right after the All Star break. This is because teams are a little rusty after the lay-off and that means it is a little more of "anything can happen" which raises the risk that laying any extra juice in these first games after the break is certainly a risky proposition. The Flyers make for a great home dog to back here for multiple reasons. One is that Philly has won 3 straight games entering the All Star break. Additionally the home team has won each of the last 6 meetings between these teams. Overall Philadelphia has won 7 of its last 10 meetings with the Jets. As for Winnipeg, they enter this game having lost 3 of their last 4 road games. With a perceived tougher game on deck at Boston tomorrow night for the Jets, they get caught looking right past a Flyers team that is a dangerous home dog in this spot. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-28-19 | Duke v. Notre Dame +14.5 | Top | 83-61 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #852 Monday 10* Top Play Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 7 ET - With the Blue Devils off that suffocating effort on defense in their win over the Yellow Jackets Saturday, and the Fighting Irish off a blowout home loss versus Virginia the same day, everyone is lining up on Duke here (line has gone from -13 to -14.5 as of early Monday AM). The Blue Devils did get guard Tre Jones back from injury and that helped them run their full court press against Georgia Tech. However, even though Notre Dame lost senior guard Rex Pflueger to injury earlier this season and have turned to freshman Prentiss Hubb at the point, they still have done a great job of not turning the ball over. To that point, Duke is turning the ball over 13 times per game this season while Notre Dame is averaging only 10 turnovers per game. I like having the big points here with an Irish team that is off a blowout home loss and now facing a Duke team that has been struggling badly with its outside shooting for a few weeks now. From beyond the arc, the Blue Devils have been shooting a very poor percentage. That makes it tough to create a big winning margin in games and it comes as no surprise that Duke is just 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games. By the way, in games in which Tre Jones has played it is an 0-3 ATS run for the Blue Devils! Also, Duke is 0-2 ATS the past two seasons in road games where they are favored in a range of 12.5 to 15 points. When playing with one day or less of rest between games this season the Blue Devils are 2-2 SU (1-3 ATS) this season while the Fighting Irish are 2-0 SU. I expect Duke to win this game but by single digits as the Irish give a huge effort after the embarrassing home loss to the Cavaliers Saturday. 10* NOTRE DAME |
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01-27-19 | Raptors v. Mavs OVER 219 | Top | 123-120 | Win | 100 | 11 h 58 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #517 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Dallas Mavericks vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:05 ET - Mavericks games have resulted in unders in 5 straight games and 13 of their last 15. So how I am playing this one? Contrarian of course and going over the total but it is with good reason. First off Dallas has looked much better in their last two games since Dennis Smith Jr returned. He and Luka Doncic give the Mavs a powerful 1-2 punch. As for the Raptors, Kawhi Leonard finally came back after 4 games off. Though the Raptors lost that game at Houston they did put up 119 points. With Toronto entering this game off back to back losses and Leonard able to quickly shake the rust off in his first game back, this one is likely to be played at a great pace with plenty of points. The Raptors have averaged 117 points per game in their last 13 games. They are favored by 5 points here. Toronto winning this game by 117-112 certainly would not come as a surprise and that is a full 10 points over the posted total on this game. The Raptors are 5-1 to the over in games against Southwest Division opponents this season. The Mavericks are 5-1 to the over in Sunday games this season. 10* OVER the total in Dallas |
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01-27-19 | Iowa v. Minnesota OVER 151 | Top | 87-92 | Win | 100 | 8 h 32 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Game #835 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 5 ET - Iowa is averaging 82 points per game this season. Minnesota is averaging 80 points per game at home this season. The over is a long-term 17-9 when the Hawkeyes are off a Big Ten loss and that includes a perfect 3-0 this season. Also, when on the road in a game with a line ranging from pick'em to +3, Iowa has gone a perfect 3-0 to the over the past two seasons. Minnesota is 4-1 to the over the past two seasons in home games in which their line ranges from pick'em to -3. The Golden Gophers are also 3-0 to the over this season when off a game in which they were held to 60 points or less. Minny goes from facing the Big Ten's top defense (Michigan) to one of the Big Ten's worst (Iowa). The Hawkeyes go from facing a strong Michigan State defense to facing a Gophers D that, prior to the low-scoring grudge match with the Wolverines, had allowed 78 points per game in their 4 prior games. The Golden Gophers are allowing 38% three pointers at home this season and Iowa is a strong team from beyond the arc. This one turns into a shootout. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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01-26-19 | 76ers v. Nuggets -9 | Top | 110-126 | Win | 100 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #508 Saturday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (-) vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 9:05 ET - It is evident the Sixers are treating this as a "throw away" game. Joel Embiid is being given the night off even though Philadelphia has had two days off leading into this game and also has two days off coming up after this game. Jimmy Butler is dealing with a wrist injury that is likely to keep him out of this game. Also, Wilson Chandler is out with a hamstring injury. Of course he would have loved to go against his former team but that is not going to happen. As for his former team, the Nuggets, they are in a back to back spot here BUT it was a home game for Denver last night versus Phoenix and they rolled to an easy win. That 132 to 95 victory was so easy in fact that the Nuggets were able to rest a ton throughout the game. Speaking of fresh legs for tonight, Nikola Jokic did not play last night due to suspension. He is back tonight and will be particularly tough for the Sixers to handle without Embiid on the floor. This really sets up as an all-out rout in which the Nuggets can name the final margin and certainly I expect that margin to be at least a dozen! As I noted above, Philly is essentially conceding this game. Also, the Nuggets got swept by the 76ers last season so they'll keep their foot on the gas in this one. Denver is 17-8 ATS in home games this season. Philadelphia is 9-17 ATS this season after a game in which they scored 115 points or more. They were very fortunate to beat the Spurs Wednesday and now they get blasted here. 10* DENVER |
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01-26-19 | Kansas +6 v. Kentucky | Top | 63-71 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 45 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #705 Saturday 10* Top Play Kansas Jayhawks (+) @ Kentucky Wildcats @ 6 ET - I am always happy to back high-quality teams when they are undervalued because the betting markets have turned against them. Keep in mind the betting markets tend to have a short-term memory. That said, there is an anti-Kansas mindset right now because the Jayhawks have covered just 1 of 7 games since the calendar turned the page to 2019. However, Kansas is still a team that is 16-3 SU this season and two of those losses game by 4 points or less! Also, the Jayhawks have played a slightly tougher schedule than Kentucky. But right now it is the Wildcats that are getting the love from bettors not only because of an 8-4 ATS run but 3 straight covers. Again, the short-term memory! Now there is no disputing that Kentucky is a great team but lets not just hand this game to the Wildcats! Kansas has won the turnover battle by a combined 35-23 in their last two meetings. That has helped lead to the Jayhawks having 22 more shot attempts from the field in the last two games (both Kansas wins) in the last two meetings between these highly regarded basketball powerhouses. Kentucky is on a 9-15 ATS run in January games and they are over-priced here, in my opinion, because the Cats are on an ATS run while Kansas is on an overall ATS slide. The fact is, of course, the Jayhawks are highly talented and very well-coached. Of course they can rise up for a game like this and if they do fall short I expect it to only be by a bucket or two. Upset is very possible here! Kansas has failed to cover the spread in 3 straight games. That is the first time that has happened this season. It happened 3 times in the past two seasons and, every single time, the Jayhawks won and covered their very next game. Look for that to be the result this time as well. 10* KANSAS |
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01-25-19 | Butler v. Creighton OVER 153 | Top | 61-75 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #857 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Butler Bulldogs @ 8:30 ET - The very first number that popped up offshore on this total was a 157 and it has since plummeted to as low as 152.5 in some spots. In typical contrarian fashion I am on the over here but it is, of course, not without reason. First off, Butler is 7-0 to the over this season in conference games. Secondly, Creighton is 3-0 to the over this season when playing with road loss revenge. The Bluejays lost at Butler earlier this month and that game was the 2nd straight in this series that flew over the total. Look for this one to make it 3 in a row. Creighton relies heavily on knocking down their 3-pointers and they are hitting 47.7% from beyond the arc in home games this season. Butler is also having a solid season from 3-point land as the Bulldogs are hitting 37.4% of their threes on the season. In fact, Butler has averaged better than 40% from three point land in their last 4 games and two of those games were on the road as well! Amazingly, the Bluejays have hit 40% or better from three point land in 9 of their 10 home games this season. The lone exception was against Ohio State and they still hit 36% against the Buckeyes! Creighton is loaded with shooters and they particularly like the "run and gun" approach when playing at home. Look for the over to improve to 10-5 this season in Bluejays games against teams with a winning record. Take advantage of the drop on this total from the opener. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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01-25-19 | Heat v. Cavs OVER 209.5 | Top | 100-94 | Loss | -103 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
Game of the Week Total - Rickenbach NBA Game #567 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - The Heat are off back to back games where they were held under 100 points. The last 3 times that Miami has entered a game off back to back games where they scored 101 points or less, the Heat are a perfect 3-0 to the over in their next game. Facing a Cavaliers team that is a horrific 9-40 SU this season and allowing 114 points per game is certain to help Miami's offensive production get back on track. Keep in mind, the over is 2-0 this season Heat games versus the Cavs and Miami averaged 117.5 points in those two games. Also, prior to back to back unders for Miami in a pair of low-scoring losses, the Heat were on a 9-4 run to the over. Cleveland is on a 13-4 run to the over in their last 17 games. Also, the Heat are 8-4 to the over this season when off an upset loss as a favorite. Miami is also 13-8 to the over in their games against teams with a losing record this season. Cleveland is 8-2 to the over this season in Friday games. Also, the Cavaliers are a long-term 51-25 to the over when off a game in which they allowed 115 points or more. Look for Miami to get a big lead in this game and then coast to the win which means a very relaxed game without a lot of intense defense as this game progresses. That should lead to plenty of points and the Heat, off back to back losses, aren't going to slow down here even with a big lead. Take advantage of the low total posted on this one. Yesterday this total was high as a 211.5 when it first was coming up. It's dropped a bucket from there and was already a great value at that number. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland |
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01-24-19 | Pelicans v. Thunder OVER 237 | Top | 116-122 | Win | 100 | 10 h 16 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Game #559 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans @ 8:05 ET - Anthony Davis is still out for the Pelicans. While the first two games he missed both resulted in unders I expect that trend to reverse here. Davis is one of the top defensive big men in the league and his absence will have the Thunder attacking the rim early and often in this one. Oklahoma City has been on a scoring tear and they love to play run and gun so I also don't expect too much of a concern from the Thunder in terms of paying attention to defense on the other end of the floor. In other words, this one results in a high-scoring shootout. The over is 5-2 this season when New Orleans is playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the over is 7-1 in OKC's last 8 games overall. Though this total may seem too big, note that the Thunder are 10-3 to the over this season in games with a posted total of 220 points or more. Oklahoma City did lose at New Orleans last month so they are seeking revenge here and they are the healthier team (since Davis is out). That being the case, and catching the Pelicans in a back to back, I have no doubt that the Thunder will employ a game plan of running N.O. up and down the court all game long. Also, since it is a revenge game, OKC won't take their foot off the gas either and that means a ton of points scored in this one. Also, the Thunder have two off days on deck after this game so there is no holding back in this match-up. 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma City |
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01-24-19 | Memphis v. Temple OVER 157.5 | Top | 76-85 | Win | 100 | 10 h 14 m | Show |
Game of the Week total - Rickenbach CBB Game #609 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Temple Owls vs Memphis Tigers @ 7 ET - The very first total that popped up on this game yesterday afternoon was a 160 and not surprisingly the under starting getting hit and it has dropped as low as a 157.5 this morning. The fact is that this total may seem too big but Temple is at home and is going to get big points here but the problem is they are one of the worst teams in the AAC in a number of defensive categories. One they do excel in is steals which of course leads to a lot of transition points. However, a gambling mentality on defense (going for those steals) also can lead to open looks and easy scoring opportunities for the opposition when Temple fails to get the steal. Facing a Memphis team that is the top scoring team in the AAC means this game is going to be played with a great tempo for over players. The Tigers are averaging 84 points per game this season. The Owls are a 5 point favorite here. If Memphis hits their average and Temple wins by the margin the odds maker is suggesting you've got an 89-84 game that crushes the posted total by 15 points here. In other words, we've got some value here with this total in my opinion. The Tigers love to play up tempo basketball and the Owls will be happy to oblige on their home floor. Temple, prior to their 77-70 loss to Penn, had scored over 80 points in 4 of their last 6 home games. Memphis, other than neutral court games, has scored at least 76 points in every single game this season! That is another way to look at this total too. If the Tigers hit that mark of 76 (they've never failed to at home or in a true road game this season) and the Owls win by 5, you're already at 157 points here. Again, you can see why I am liking the value here in a game that many will perceive to have "too high" of a total. Memphis is 8-4 to the over this season in games against teams with a winning record. The Owls, since the calendar turned the page to 2019, have gone a perfect 6-0 to the over. Look for 7 straight here! 10* OVER the total in Temple |
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01-23-19 | Spurs v. 76ers -4 | Top | 120-122 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #548 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs San Antonio Spurs @ 8:05 ET - The Sixers got blasted at San Antonio on December 17th when the Spurs caught Philly in the 2nd night of a back to back and, of course, away from home. This situation is much different now with the 76ers at home and having not had any back to backs recently plus not having any games on deck again until Saturday when a Western road swing begins. Philadelphia, in fact, will not be at home again for nearly two weeks to tonight they certainly want to "make this one count" and I foresee them getting payback at home. Finally Joel Embiid is not even listed on the injury report plus Jimmy Butler (wrist) was at practice yesterday. Ben Simmons (illness) was not but I don't see him missing this game with two full off days on deck after this. Look for the training staff to have Simmons ready to go here and it should be "all hands on deck" for Philly. Note that 76ers head coach Brett Brown and assistant coach Monty Williams both worked for the Spurs prior to coming to Philadelphia. Brown logged 11 seasons as an assistant coach under Popovich from 2002 to 2013. Williams not only played for the Spurs from 1996 to 1998, he also later served as vice president of basketball operations from 2016 to 2018 in San Antonio. The point is that there is plenty of incentive here for both the players and coaches to respond after that embarrassing loss in mid-December in SA. The Spurs enter this game on a 2-5 SU (and ATS) run. The Sixers are 28-11 ATS versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season. The 76ers also are 31-9 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-23-19 | Capitals +155 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 22 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #31 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - When you lose a game 7-6 in OT because you blew a late 2-goal lead including allowing the tying goal in, literally, the final second of the game you are going to be fired up. That is the case with the Capitals here as that is how they lost last night's game against the Sharks. The defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Caps, have now lost 6 straight games! This is their worst losing streak in the past 5 years! However, I am expecting a big bounce back effort here for Washington on the final day of NHL action prior to the All Star break. This is a phenomenal value spot for the Capitals. Though the Caps have won only 3 of their last 9 games, the Maple Leafs also have won just 3 of their last 10 games. Also, home ice is always factored in the hockey money lines but this is where the value really comes in here. Toronto has been a much better team on the road compared to at home this season. Also, the Capitals have been a better road team than home team thus far this season. The point is that we're getting big dog value here with Washington when you consider that the Leafs are basically a .500 team at home this season while the Capitals are 4 games over .500 on the road this season! The Caps did lose at home against the Leafs in October and the Capitals have won 63 of their last 96 when playing with revenge. Toronto has lost 6 of its last 7 home games. More of the same here. 10* WASHINGTON |
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01-23-19 | Tennessee -8.5 v. Vanderbilt | Top | 88-83 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 18 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #803 Wednesday 10* Top Play Tennessee Volunteers @ Vanderbilt Commodores @ 7 ET - Tennessee opened up favored by about a dozen points here. The line has dropped all the way down to as low as an 8.5 this morning as Vanderbilt is getting plenty of attention here as a home dog against their biggest rival and a foe that is currently the #1 team in the country! I also understand that the Commodores have defeated the Volunteers the last two times they have faced them in Nashville. Additionally, I am aware of the fact that the last time Tennessee rose to a #1 ranking their next game was at Vanderbilt and they lost! This was in 2018 but the Commodores were a #18 ranked team that season. This team is much weaker this season especially because their offense is having all sorts of issues without point guard Darius Garland (out for the season). Vandy is not shooting well at all and they are a young team that makes many mistakes. Conversely, Tennessee was on fire from the field before not shooting well in their tight win over the Crimson Tide Saturday. However, the Vols blew a 15 points lead against Alabama in that game so it is not as if it was a tight game all the way. Plus you saw that the Tide are a solid team after they thrashed a ranked Ole Miss team last night. After already having had their "scare" against the Crimson Tide and also being plenty wary of the Commodores, I look for the Volunteers to roll on the road in this one. The Vols are the much more experienced team and they are the much better team offensively. Vandy simply won't be able to keep up here. In terms of technical support, the Volunteers are 18-9 ATS in road games including a perfect 3-0 this season. Vanderbilt is 3-7 ATS this season in games against teams with a winning record and also a long-term 2-7 ATS when off a game in which they scored 60 points or less. 10* TENNESSEE |
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01-22-19 | Hurricanes v. Flames OVER 6.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 1 m | Show |
Game of the Week total - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Calgary Flames vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 9:05 ET - Carolina has played 10 games since the calendar turned the page to 2019 and only 2 of the 10 have resulted in an under. Not only are the Hurricanes 7-2-1 to the over in their last 10 games, the Flames also come into this game on a hot "over" streak! Calgary is 10-1 to the over in their last 11 games. The Hurricanes have done a great job of generating shots on goal this season. The Flames have been red hot on the power play and certainly are going to be ultra aggressive all game long here in a match-up that is their final one before the All Star break. The Flames recent stretch of 11 games is not featuring match-ups just "sneaking" over the total either. Those 11 games dating back to December 31st have averaged 8.2 goals per game! Likewise, the Hurricanes 10 games this month are averaging 7.4 goals per game! Yes this total is a lofty one at 6.5 but it is absolutely justified as it is hard to foresee either team being held below 3 goals in this one. In fact, the Canes have scored at least 4 goals in 7 of their last 10 games. The Flames have scored at least 4 goals in 9 of their last 11 games and have not been held below 3 goals in ANY of those 11 games. Non-conference match-ups also have a tendency to be higher scoring and I look for a wild one at the Saddledome tonight in Alberta. 10* OVER the total in Calgary |
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01-22-19 | Blazers v. Thunder OVER 228 | Top | 114-123 | Win | 100 | 13 h 26 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #531 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 8:05 ET - The Blazers are off a win at Utah last night that stayed under the total. Of course Jazz games are known for trending toward being lower scoring match-ups. However Portland was on a 5-1 run to the over entering last night's contest and I fully expect the high-scoring ways to resume at Oklahoma City tonight. Why? Because the Thunder certainly have been in run and gun mode for an extended stretch. With their big win at New York yesterday afternoon, OKC is on a 6-1 run to the over. Also, the Thunder are on a 13-6 run to the over this season as a home favorite. With this game played at a good pace and with some weary legs on defense considering this is a back to back spot, look for little resistance from the D for long stretches in this one. The recent over trending of both teams resumes in this one Tuesday. 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma City |
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01-22-19 | Mississippi State v. Kentucky OVER 144.5 | Top | 55-76 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 6 m | Show |
Game of the Week total - Rickenbach CBB Game #603 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kentucky Wildcats vs Mississippi State Bulldogs @ 7 ET - Two very talented teams matched up here and they are loaded with balanced scoring. I don't see the Bulldogs as being able to slow down the Wildcats scorers at Kentucky. In fact the over is 5-0 in Mississippi State's last 5 road games at Kentucky. Though the Bulldogs won't be able to stop the Cats here, note that Mississippi State ranks 2nd in the SEC for number of 3-pointers made this season. Both of these teams have been lighting it up overall from the floor as well as from beyond the arc. Kentucky is averaging 80 points per game and the Bulldogs are averaging 79 points per game this season. Yes there will be some defensive intensity in this key SEC battle but note that this can also lead to turnovers and quick transition points and both of these teams have been lethal at making teams pay for mistakes. Overall, Mississippi State enters this game having gone 4-1 to the over in their last 5 games. Another key factor here is that the spread on this game has the Wildcats favored by about a half dozen points. This game is indeed likely to be quite close late and that means plenty of late fouls and trips the free throw line could result as the trailing team won't give up without a fight. Again, the ability of each team to knock down threes will also be key at that late stage in the game should we need "scramble points" like this in the final minutes. 10* OVER the total in Kentucky |
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01-21-19 | Rockets v. 76ers -5 | Top | 93-121 | Win | 100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #524 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Houston Rockets @ 8:05 ET - The 76ers are off a tough last-second loss to the Thunder on Saturday. Conversely, the Rockets are off an OT win and that was preceded by an OT loss. Look for Philly to take advantage of a Houston team that may not have a lot left in the tank after their big OT win over the Lakers Saturday. Additionally, the Sixers have been playing much better defense of late in comparison with the Rockets. Philadelphia has allowed just 41.5% from the field in their last 4 games. Houston has certainly been at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to defensive play in their last 3 games. The Rockets have allowed each of their last 3 opponents to shoot over 50% from the field! Also, Houston is still without Chris Paul and Clint Capela. As of early this morning Jimmy Butler is listed as questionable for the Sixers but it is with right wrist soreness and I expect he'll be upgraded to probable after this morning's shootaround. Also, 76ers big man Joel Embiid is probable with his continuing back issues. On that note, it has helped Philly that they haven't had any back to back situations recently and won't have one again until mid-February. The healthier team, the more rested team, the home team, and looking for revenge for losing last year's contest here versus the Rockets by a single point...all signs point to Philly getting a solid home win in this one. Houston is 1-6 ATS after a game in which they scored 130 points or more this season. The 76ers are 27-11 ATS versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season and also 30-9 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season. All Sixers in this one! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-21-19 | Nebraska v. Rutgers OVER 134.5 | Top | 69-76 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #857 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Nebraska Cornhuskers @ 8 ET - I lost with Nebraska on Thursday when their much improved offense fell short against the stifling defense of Michigan State. After that result, I had a strong feeling I would be involved with the Cornhuskers again in their very next game and, sure enough, we've got great value here. The value in this one lies with the total. I know that this series with Rutgers has a recent history of staying under the total but Nebraska is going to have a breakout game on offense in this one but I am not about to lay a double digit spread on the road. This is one of those solid situations for an over as the road team is the superior team and highly motivated off a loss while the lesser team is at home where, as usual, most poor teams tend to score better. Rutgers will "get theirs" tonight but they're not going to be able to stop a Nebraska team that is averaging 77.7 points per game this season. Keep mind, the Scarlet Knights defense has not been as strong this season as it was last year and they're giving up a higher percentage on outside shots. The over is 3-0 this season when Nebraska is off a Big Ten loss. Prior to the Huskers ugly effort on offense versus the Spartans, they had shot 44% or better from the field in 12 straight games! The over was 5-1 this season in Rutgers Big Ten games before their low-scoring home loss to Northwestern. Including the loss to the Wildcats, the Scarlet Knights are allowing 75 points per game in Big Ten action this season. The Knights do shoot a little better when at home, the game versus Northwestern an exception, but they've also been getting lit up from beyond the arc and, overall, allowed 48% or higher from the field in 3 of their 4 games prior to the loss to the Wildcats. Look for the Huskers to get a big lead in this game and, because of being off a loss, they'll keep their foot on the gas but it is also natural to relax on defense with a big lead. The result should be a game that gets well into the 140s. 10* OVER the total in Rutgers |
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01-21-19 | Blues v. Kings +106 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 106 | 5 h 26 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #14 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) vs St Louis Blues @ 4:05 ET - While the Blues are off a win plus have another game on deck at Anaheim Wednesday, this is the final game for the Kings until after the All Star break. Not only that, Los Angeles is off an embarrassing loss at Colorado Saturday that saw them get pummeled in a 7-1 loss. That is certainly noteworthy here as the Kings are 8-2 this season the last 10 times they have entered a game off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals. Look for a huge bounce back effort from an LA team that is very hungry to erase the bitter taste of that ugly loss to the Avalanche. The Kings know they won't have another chance to get another W until February 2nd! In other words, Los Angeles is sure to "leave it all on the ice" in this one particularly since this game is at home. The Blues have lost their last two road games by a combined score of 7 to 3. St Louis is 3-7 this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Kings are 11-3 the last 14 times they've been off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Big bounce back here for the home dog. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS |
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01-20-19 | Suns v. Wolves OVER 227 | Top | 114-116 | Win | 100 | 11 h 18 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns @ 7:05 ET - The Timberwolves are playing this game with revenge and that is a situation that has seen the over go 15-7 this season. The Suns are in a tough back to back spot as they were at Charlotte yesterday where they got crushed and allowed 135 points. This is nothing new as it has been a miserable season for Phoenix and they've allowed 121 points per game in their last 6 road games. The Wolves need a huge win to bounce back after back to back losses and with the Suns putting up little resistance, Minnesota can essentially name the score here. It will be a high-scoring win (likely by double digits as you can see with the big line posted on this game) for the Wolves in a run and gun type game. The over is 14-2 in the Timberwolves last 16 games and I expect another one here. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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01-20-19 | Patriots v. Chiefs -3 | Top | 37-31 | Loss | -109 | 69 h 57 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Game #314 Sunday 10* Top Play Kansas City Chiefs (-) vs New England Patriots @ 6:40 ET - The Patriots are off a completely dominating win against the Chargers last week. However, that game was set up perfect for them. They were at home playing with an extra week of rest and facing a Chargers team traveling to the East Coast for a second straight week. Now the situation is much different as the Pats are on the road and facing a Chiefs team that will be playing a home game for the 5th time in their last 6 games! Only one time since an early December game at Oakland have the Chiefs had to leave Kansas City! The Chiefs lost at New England earlier this season but remember they won at New England the prior season and now they're finally getting the Patriots in Kansas City. That is certainly significant as the Chiefs were 8-1 SU at home this season and all 8 wins came by at least 3 points (the current line on this game as of Thursday night). New England went only 3-5 SU on the road this season and 4 of the 5 losses were by a margin of at least 7 points. The Patriots went 1-4 SU and ATS in games played on grass this season. Also, in road games with posted total of 49.5 points or more, the Pats went 0-3 SU and ATS this season! New England benefited this season, as usual, from playing in the weak AFC East and, in my mind, the Patriots dynasty ended when the Eagles got the best of them in the Super Bowl last season. This year, the Pats won't even get to the Super Bowl. It is the Chiefs turn! 10* KANSAS CITY |
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01-20-19 | Rams v. Saints OVER 56.5 | Top | 26-23 | Loss | -105 | 66 h 56 m | Show |
Playoff Total of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Game #311 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams @ 3:05 ET - The Saints did next to nothing in the first quarter against the Eagles on Sunday. That said, they essentially gained all of their 420 yards of offense in the final three quarters of that game. Of course that projects out to 560 yards over four quarters. The point is that New Orleans is "feeling it" again on offense and I look for this game to turn into another massive shootout between these teams. The last two times these teams have met in New Orleans the average total points scored is 75. Keep in mind the Rams have scored 29 points or more in 14 of their 17 games this season. Los Angeles is averaging 32.8 points per game on the season and do you really think the Saints aren't going to match the Rams score for score here? The points is that both teams are likely to get into the mid-30s here and that is why, though this total may seem very large, the odds makers were fully justified in setting this total in the mid-50s. There will not be many stops in this game. The Rams will be forced to the air because the Saints run defense has been solid. The Saints love going to the air against LA as they've had 346 passing yards each of the past two times they've hosted LA. The point is that both teams will be airing it out early, often, and throughout this game. Of course plenty of passing is great for an over and the Eagles Foles location last week was off on key passes or the Eagles would have scored a ton. Don't look for the Rams Jared Goff to miss those opportunities. I was not impressed with the Saints secondary. At the same time, New Orleans has proven time and time again they can throw on the Rams. Los Angeles enters this game having gone over the total in each of their two prior games with an average of 66 points scored per game. The Saints are on a 12-4 run to the over in playoff games even with last week's game versus the Eagles staying under the total. The high-scoring trend resumes here as the Saints gameplan will be much different than it was against the Eagles defense. This is an entirely different match-up and both offenses will be attacking downfield early and often. 10* OVER the total in New Orleans |
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01-20-19 | Ducks v. Islanders OVER 5.5 | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -105 | 5 h 24 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Anaheim Ducks @ 3:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that both these hockey clubs have been trending under of late but that has led to situational value here with this total posted at just 5.5 goals. The Ducks are off back to back wins and have scored 3 goals in each victory but are in a back to back here. That means a rusty Chad Johnson is likely to get the start between the pipes. Johnson hasn't started since mid-December and in his last 4 appearances (2 starts) he has a poor .875 save percentage. As for the Islanders, they are off a huge emotional win at Washington in head coach Barry Trotz first visit back to DC since leading the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in June. While I expect the Isles to enjoy success against a rusty Johnson, I also expect the Islanders to be a little sluggish and less intense on defense after their huge effort against the Caps. As a result, the Ducks (surging with confidence after back to back wins) should get some very high-quality scoring chances in this one. Anaheim is 26-13 to the over in Sunday games (including 7-3 to the over this season). New York is on a 15-7 run to the over in Sunday games plus 7-3 to the over when they are off a shutout win. 10* OVER the total in the New York Islanders game |
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01-20-19 | Florida State v. Boston College OVER 147 | Top | 82-87 | Win | 100 | 4 h 41 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #817 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston College Eagles vs Florida State Seminoles @ Noon ET - The over is a perfect 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams. I also like having the lesser team, Boston College, at home in a situation like this. The Eagles should be able to score well since they're on their home floor but they have very little chance of slowing down the Seminoles in this one. That's because Boston College is a weak team defensively and Florida State enters this game off a loss and looking for a breakout game offensively. The Noles have faced tough match-ups recently at Pittsburgh, versus Duke, and at Virginia. Now the Seminoles can take advantage of facing a weaker foe with weaker defense. The over is 4-1 in Boston College's last 5 games. Also, the Eagles are 12-3 to the over when they enter game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Overall, BC is on a long-term run of 25-10 to the over in home games. Florida State found it tough to score this season in only 3 games: at Pittsburgh, at Virginia, and on a neutral floor versus Villanova. In their other 14 games this season the Seminoles have averaged 82 points per game this season. They are a 7 point favorite. In other words if FSU scores like they normally do and the odds makers is right about the spread you have yourself an 82-75 type game which means this one should fly over by double digits. I'll take it. 10* OVER the total in Boston College |
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01-19-19 | Flyers +110 v. Canadiens | Top | 5-2 | Win | 110 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #69 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - If you ever want to see what it looks like when a team truly "leaves it all on the ice" you should see that Saturday night with the Flyers at Montreal. Due to Philadelphia's bye week being scheduled just prior to the All Star break this is the Flyers final game until January 28th! Philly also has had two days off coming into this one and is looking to make it 3 straight wins prior to their extended break. The Canadiens also have been playing well and are on an even longer winning streak. However, Montreal's scheduling situation is a tough one as they were at Columbus last night. The Habs get a big 4-1 upset win at Columbus last night and have now been outshot by a combined 131-76 margin in their last 3 games. That makes this the ideal spot to fade Montreal. Even though the Canadiens have gotten strong goaltending of late from both Niemi and Price, Flyers rookie Carter Hart has been playing great between the pipes and the rested Flyers hold a huge scheduling edge here. Additionally, Philadelphia has won each of their last 4 meetings with the Habs. Prior to yesterday's win, the Canadiens were 0-3 this season when they entered a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. On their longest winning streak of the season but in a tough scheduling situation tonight, Montreal falls short in this one to a very hungry and aggressive Flyers team. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-19-19 | Virginia v. Duke OVER 136.5 | Top | 70-72 | Win | 100 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
ESPN Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #601 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Duke Blue Devils vs Virginia Cavaliers @ 6 ET - Once again the odds makers made a HUGE mistake, right? You guys know how I feel about the odds makers. Tremendous respect for the quality numbers they put out on games. That said, the last two meetings between these teams totaled just 120 points and 128 points. Yet, even though the Blue Devils also lost point guard Tre Jones to injury in their most recent game, this total opened up at a 140! The odds makers really screwed up, right? Hardly! The fact is people don't fully think about such things and Jones, even as described by his head coach, is a "defensive catalyst". On the flip side, in terms of offensive production, Duke is expected to have Cam Reddish back for this game and of course the Blue Devils are loaded with great offensive production including freshmen RJ Barrett (23.4 ppg) and Zion Williamson (21.2 ppg) - the two leading scorers in the ACC. Well aware of the Cavaliers defensive prowess but the Blue Devils have still averaged 64 points per game in their last two games against Virginia. Also, playing with home loss revenge from last season and arguably as dynamic as their offense has been this season, I look for the Blue Devils to get into the 70s in this one and Virginia will be right there with them! The Cavs are undefeated this season thanks, in part, to an offense that has averaged 74 points per game thus far. Look for the over to improve to 3-1 in Virginia's ACC games this season. The Blue Devils are 13-6 to the over when off a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. 10* OVER the total in Duke |
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01-19-19 | Thunder v. 76ers -2 | Top | 117-115 | Loss | -103 | 7 h 4 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #568 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 3:35 ET - The Sixers Joel Embiid is again on the injury report here as he continues to deal with a sore back. However, he got better in the 2nd half of Philadelphia's dominating win at Indiana on Thursday. The fact is I really don't see Embiid missing much time again until back to back type situations crop up again for Philly and that is not until mid-February. He should be ready to go here and, either way, I like the small number we're getting on the 76ers in this one as they are on their floor and hosting a Thunder team that is stuck in a slump. Oklahoma City has lost 5 of its last 6 games. Conversely, Philadelphia has won 7 of its last 9 games. Also, the Sixers defense has kicked into high gear in its last 3 games. As for OKC, their defense has been atrocious over their last 4 games. Additionally, the Thunder are a long-term 3-10 ATS after a game in which they allowed 130 points or more. This season Oklahoma City is 1-5 ATS after a loss by a double digit margin. The Sixers are a long-term 69-40 ATS in home games. Additionally, when past the midway point of a season and facing a team that allows 106 points or more per game, Philly is 27-10 ATS. When past the midway point of a season and facing a team that scores 106 points or more per game, the 76ers are 30-8 ATS. Look for a home rout in this day game Saturday. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-18-19 | Heat +2 v. Pistons | Top | 93-98 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #557 Friday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Heat just got blasted by 38 points on Tuesday at Milwaukee. The Pistons are off a dramatic overtime win versus the Magic on Wednesday. Set ups simply don't get much better than this. Miami is angry and ready to bounce back and all the stuff you're reading about guys saying stuff complaining about playing time will be turned into positive aggressive energy in this game. When you get embarrassed like the Heat players did on Tuesday against the Bucks, you respond! Also, the Pistons are only 2 games over .500 at home this season. It is not a huge edge for Detroit to be at home. Additionally, the Heat have been a better team on the road than at home this season and do have a winning record away from Miami. The Pistons were 3-10 SU in their 13 games prior to the OT win over the Magic. The Heat were 10-4 SU in their 14 games prior to getting blasted by the Bucks. Also, Miami is 6-1 ATS when playing with 2 days rest this season and also a superb 14-6 ATS as an underdog this season. The Pistons are 14-24 ATS (including 5-8 ATS this season) when off a game in which they allowed 115 points or more. The Heat are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 games between these teams and that streak adds another W on Friday! 10* MIAMI |
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01-18-19 | Maryland +3 v. Ohio State | Top | 75-61 | Win | 100 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #851 Friday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Ohio State Buckeyes @ 6:30 ET - This is a match-up of two teams going opposite directions and that means it is not going to be easy for the Buckeyes to turn things around. The Terrapins have been down big early in games and still found a way to win. Maryland has also had huge leads in games and then blown it in the 2nd half and still found a way to win. That is how a young team builds character and this Terps team is proving they are the real deal. They are 15-3 on the season and the 3 losses ALL came by 5 points or less. In other words there is no way to look at this match-up other than the fact that Maryland will, worst case scenario, be a threat to cover in the final minutes. However, I foresee them actually winning this game outright rather handily. The Buckeyes are struggling to find the right floor combinations with their players and the result has been ugly and confidence is now shaken after 3 straight losses. Granted Ohio State faced some tough competition but Maryland has also played just as tough of a schedule this season. Additionally, the "kicker" for me with this play is that the Terrapins got blasted by 22 points in last season's meeting. How did that happen? The Buckeyes outscored the Terps by 27 points from three point land because they made a ridiculous 58.6% of their three pointers. Of course had that not happened Ohio State loses the game by 5 points. You can see where I am going with this and the point is the Buckeyes are so discombobulated right now they truly are not functioning well enough to have some huge shooting game here. They are a mess. Ohio State is on an 0-3 SU run and 0-4 ATS run. Maryland has won 6 straight games SU. The Terrapins are set to improve to 5-0 ATS in road games this season while the Buckeyes shooting woes are unlikely to improve after a long layoff. From a technical standpoint that factor is also supported by this: Ohio State is 0-6 ATS when they enter a game with 5 or 6 days of rest between games. The road dog is barking loudly in this one and Coach Mark Turgeon gets revenge after his Terps were embarrassed here in Columbus by the Buckeyes and Coach Chris Holtmann in his first year with Ohio State last season. Payback time and the set up and current momentum of these teams make it an ideal situation. 10* MARYLAND |
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01-17-19 | Jets +140 v. Predators | Top | 5-1 | Win | 140 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This is phenomenal line value on one of the best teams in the NHL. Yes, the Jets did knock the Predators out of the post-season last May but the Preds already got revenge for that with a shutout win in Nashville in October. In fact, that game truly sets this up as a revenge game for Winnipeg. The Jets remember all too well that shutout loss at Nashville early this season and are hungry for revenge. Also, while both these teams are off key wins against strong opponents, note that the Predators played nearly the perfect game versus the Capitals while the Jets know they were very fortunate to beat the Golden Knights Tuesday as they were outshot 44-27 in that game. As a result, Winnipeg knows they must play much better here, they must make up for the shutout loss at Nashville earlier this season, and they need to protect their lead at the top of the division. The fact the Jets catch the Predators off a win over the Stanley Cup Champion Caps is simply an added bonus to the value in this spot. Keep in mind too that the Preds, prior to that win, had lost 11 of their 16 previous games. As for Winnipeg, they've been one of the hottest teams in the league the past month and a half. The Jets have won 17 of their last 23 games. It is not often you get a high quality team like this at a +140 range underdog price and I'll gladly grab the Jets in this superb spot. 10* WINNIPEG |
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01-17-19 | Michigan State v. Nebraska +2.5 | Top | 70-64 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #634 Thursday 10* Top Play Nebraska Cornhuskers (+) vs Michigan State Spartans @ 8 ET - When the betting masses have the opportunity to take one of the top ranked teams in the nation at nearly a pick'em price against an unranked foe, they tend to jump all over it. In typical contrarian fashion, I am on the other side in a situation like this and taking advantage of the extra value offered by the line move in a spot like this. One of the big keys here is that Michigan State is still without guard Joshua Langord and another key player, guard Kyle Ahrens may be out again for this game or, at the very least, limited. That said the Cornhuskers are likely to hold a key edge in the backcourt in this match-up as they have big guards and have a size edge over the Spartans. This is especially true given the current injury situation in the Michigan State backcourt. In terms of some technical value here: the Spartans, versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games, have gone 5-8 ATS the past two seasons. The Huskers, versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games, have gone 8-2 ATS the past 2+ seasons. The Cornhuskers have won 20 straight games at home and Michigan State is facing the tough task of trying to win back to back road games and are now facing the stingiest D (60.8 ppg) in the Big Ten other than Michigan. Look for the home dog to get the upset in this one. 10* NEBRASKA |
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01-17-19 | 76ers +3 v. Pacers | Top | 120-96 | Win | 100 | 11 h 36 m | Show |
TNT Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #543 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (+) @ Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - Early movement was on Indiana here as the Pacers (15-5 SU in home games) opened up as only a 2.5 points favorite over a 76ers team that is 10-12 SU in road games this season. It's easy, right folks? Ladies and gentlemen, it is never easy in this business and this is precisely the type of situation I look for. Looks like easy money on the small home favorite an you know what usually happens when something looks easy in this business! The fact is that the 76ers are playing with a ton of confidence right now and are also seeking revenge for a home loss versus the Pacers last month. That game in fact marked the 3rd straight time in this series that the road team has won and covered. Look for that streak to make it 4-0 here! The Sixers are an incredible 29-8 ATS when, in the 2nd half of a season, they're facing a team that averages 106 points or more per game. Philly is also 33-16 ATS when playing with home loss revenge. The Pacers are just 2-5 ATS their last 7 games. Also, Indiana is an ugly 1-4 ATS when off a game in which they scored 130 points or more. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-16-19 | Magic +3.5 v. Pistons | Top | 115-120 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 8 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #525 Wednesday 10* Top Play Orlando Magic (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - Now that we are past the midway point of the season teams are certainly already beginning to look at the playoff picture. That said, both these teams are just outside the top 8 in the Eastern Conference and this game carries plenty of extra meaning as a result. This situation favors the Magic. We're able to get a handful of points with Orlando and they were at home and have had two days off and are playing with plenty of confidence after beating the Rockets and Celtics in their last two games. Conversely, the Pistons are playing their first game back East after a long road trip out west and Detroit has had only one day off between games. From a technical standpoint, note that the Pistons are a poor 4-9 SU and ATS when off a non-conference game. The Magic are 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS this season when off a game in which they scored 115 points or more. The road dog stays hot in this one and, should they fall short, look for it to be by just a bucket. 10* ORLANDO |
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01-16-19 | Iowa v. Penn State OVER 140 | Top | 89-82 | Win | 100 | 9 h 21 m | Show |
Game of the Month Total - Rickenbach CBB Game #801 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Penn State Nittany Lions vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 7 ET - We're getting line value here for a couple of key reasons. One is that the Hawkeyes Tyler Cook is likely a game-time decision and he leads the team in points and rebounds. I expect him to play but, even if he doesn't, Ryan Kriener has been playing much more recently and has now averaged double figures in 3 of his last 4 games. Iowa is averaging 81.7 points per game this season and has plenty of firepower. The other reason we've seen the posted total on this game drop (and another reason we're getting line value) is because the Nittany Lions have been in a scoring slump in Big Ten play. For one thing their games have included Michigan, Wisconsin and Michigan State. Those are 3 of the tougher defenses to face in the conference. Certainly Iowa does not fit into that category and note that Penn State coach Pat Chambers even said he wants to play fast and he wants to see his team scoring 70+ points per game like it often did last season. Considering that fact as well as this game being at home and facing another team that also doesn't mind playing fast, I am expecting plenty of points in this one. The over is 3-0 when Iowa's line ranges from pick to +3 and also the over is 9-3 when the Hawkeyes line ranges from pick to -3. You can see we're in that sweet spot here and the over is also on a 16-6 run in Iowa's January games. The over is 11-6 when Penn State, in game 15 or later in a season, is facing a team that averages 77 points or more per game. Also, the Nittany Lions Wednesday games are 10-4 to the over. 10* OVER in Penn State |
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01-15-19 | Ducks -102 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -102 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Tuesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (-) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Ducks have lost 10 straight games (6 in regulation and 4 post-regulation). That said, most won't be backing Anaheim in a spot like this. But, ladies and gentlemen, why do you think the odds makers made this game a pick'em on the money line even though the Red Wings have a couple wins in their last five games and are on home ice? Of course it is because they will not be surprised, just like I won't, when the Ducks snap their skid and win this game. For one thing Detroit has been mired in nearly just as awful of a stretch as Anaheim has. However, with Red Wings off huge upset win at Minnesota and Anaheim off a tough OT loss at Winnipeg, you know will be hungrier here. That said, hunger certainly matters in a rather "even match-up" like this. The Ducks want it more and will be harder on the puck, stronger on the forecheck and backcheck, and overall be much more "dialed in" then the Red Wings in this one. Detroit does have revenge here but they've actually lost 20 of 30 this season when playing with revenge. The Ducks have won 36 of 58 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* ANAHEIM |
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01-15-19 | Wolves v. 76ers -6 | Top | 107-149 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #514 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Minnesota Timberwolves @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers Jimmy Butler is facing his former team and Philly will take advantage of a Timberwolves team that is hurting. Minnesota will be, at the very least, hobbled in this one but could also be short-handed. The problem is a cluster injury situation as both injuries are at the point guard position. Starting PG Jeff Teague and veteran PG Derrick Rose are both listed as questionable for this game with ankle injuries. Keep in mind that the Wolves are an ugly 6-15 SU on the road this season while Philadelphia is a stellar 18-4 SU in home game this season. That said, a Sixers home victory is quite likely but what about the all-important spread factor? It should get there for us! 16 of Minny's last 20 losses have come by a margin of at least a half dozen points! Also, note that Minnesota is 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS in road games with a posted total of 230 points or more. The 76ers are off a tight win at New York but are 8-2 SU and ATS when off a divisional game this season. Also, the Sixers are a long-term 22-11 SU (and 21-12 ATS) in home games with a posted total of 220 points or more. Look for a home blowout here! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-15-19 | Seton Hall +2 v. Providence | Top | 63-72 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 33 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB #601 Tuesday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (+) @ Providence Friars @ 6:30 ET - This line opened up at a pick'em and it is also a revenge game for the Friars. That said, it comes as no surprise that bettors jumped on Providence at home and the line is now up to a -2 on the Friars. I am happy to grab the extra value with another contrarian play. The key here is that Providence has had trouble with their shooting and that is why they sorely miss freshman phenom (and 2nd leading scorer) AJ Reeves. The Friars have now lost 3 straight games and are coming off a heart-breaking double-OT loss at Georgetown. Of course those types of defeats are very tough to bounce back from. Also, Providence is starting to develop a "losers mentality" as that is what happens when you lose 3 straight tight games in conference action and you're missing one of your best players. Seton Hall will pounce on this and be very aggressive and take advantage tonight. Keep in mind, the Pirates have thrived in situations like this. Seton Hall is a perfect 6-0 ATS in games with a line ranging from pick'em to +3 and all 6 wins were outright upsets! As for the Friars, they've gone 4-8 ATS when off a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. That includes Providence going 1-3 ATS this season when in that situation. The teams are roughly equivalent on the defensive end but the Pirates hold the edge on the offensive end as the Friars continue to struggle with consistency on the offensive end as they continue to adjust to life without Reeves. He will be back but not yet! Seton Hall is off a loss and they haven't lost back to back games since mid-November. By the way, the Pirates last 4 losses have come by average margin of just 3 points. The points could come in handy here but I fully expect an outright win as the Pirates bounce back off a defeat. 10* SETON HALL |
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01-14-19 | Celtics -4.5 v. Nets | Top | 102-109 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 53 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Monday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics (-) @ Brooklyn Nets @ 7:35 ET - The Celtics have a big game at home with Toronto on deck for Wednesday. However, there is no way they're looking past this game. That's because this is the finale of a 3-game road trip that has seen Boston go winless so far. The Celtics are hungry for a win and the Nets should provide the perfect punching bag for Boston to take out their frustrations after back to back losses at Miami and Orlando. The Celtics are 6-2 ATS in road games with a posted total of 220 points or more. The Nets enter this game having won 4 of their last 6 games. However, Brooklyn is 6-12 ATS after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games. Also, the Nets are just 4-7 ATS this season when off a road loss and they just got smashed at Toronto Friday. Also, Brooklyn has a long history of struggles versus the Celtics and the Nets are on a long losing streak versus Boston. If Kyrie Irving (questionable) does not play tonight, Terry Dozier will get the start and he has played better as a starter compared to when coming off the bench. Either way the Celtics are a much more stacked team in comparison with the Nets. Brooklyn has lost 13 of 19 games this season when facing a team with a winning record. Celtics respond big off back to back losses here. 10* BOSTON |
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01-14-19 | Canadiens v. Bruins OVER 5.5 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 53 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #81 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - I am well aware of the fact that both of these teams have been getting strong goal-tending and that this is an "original 6 rivalry" which helps increase the likelihood of solid defensive play. However, we've got a very low total to work with here and the Bruins have been looking much stronger since they got healthier again. The fact is that there is a lot of firepower on Boston and that is going to force Montreal to play "catch up" in this game and take some chances in their own zone and in the neutral zone to create more opportunities in the Bruins zone. The last two games that the Canadiens have played that had a total of 5.5 goals each stayed under the total. However, of the 10 prior Montreal games with a posted total of 5.5 goals, the over went 8-2. The Bruins enter this game having won 12 of their last 17 games and they've scored 3 or more goals in 12 of those 17 games. The Canadiens have won 5 of their past 7 road games. Though the Habs lost their most recent road game 4-1 they previously scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 5 prior road games. Also, the road team in the Montreal/Boston series has scored at least 3 goals in each of the last 3 meetings. That said, look for the Canadiens to "get theirs" tonight but the Bruins scoring depth means they will not be denied either and we see at least a 4-3 game here based on my projections. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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01-14-19 | Nebraska +3 v. Indiana | Top | 66-51 | Win | 100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #865 Monday 10* Top Play Nebraska Cornhuskers (+) @ Indiana Hoosiers @ 6:30 ET - The very first lines that popped up on this game offshore Sunday afternoon had Hoosiers -1 and, not surprisingly, the betting masses jumped on Indiana at home and this line is now up to as high as a -3 as of early Monday morning. Of course I am contrarian and grabbing the road dog here. This game was priced this way originally with good reason as the Cornhuskers are the better team. I am well aware of the fact that the Hoosiers have been strong at home and the Huskers have had some struggles on the road. However, this is not going to go on forever and Nebraska is going to make a statement in this game. The Cornhuskers have beaten the Hoosiers in each of the last two meetings. Also, Nebraska is 15-8 ATS as a road underdog or pick in recent seasons. The Huskers did win at Oklahoma State and Clemson and lost by just 2 points at Maryland. Indiana has been strong at home this season but, keep in mind, the Hoosiers won by just 2 points versus Northwestern and only 1 point versus Louisville. Indiana is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games but 4 of those 7 wins have come by 3 or less points. Again, there is value with having the dog here in an game in which Nebraska (preseason projections just behind Michigan State and Michigan in the Big Ten) has a great shot at the upset. The Hoosiers are just 4-8 ATS in recent seasons in games versus good defensive teams (allowing 64 points or less per game). 10* NEBRASKA |
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01-13-19 | Lightning v. Islanders OVER 6.5 | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware that the Islanders are much improved defensively this season as, of course, head coach Barry Trotz has had a huge impact in his first season with the team. However, stopping most NHL teams from scoring is one thing, stopping the highest scoring team in the league when you're off a grueling low-scoring battle versus a division rival the prior day is an entirely different thing! In other words, the Islanders are absolutely going to struggle to stop the Bolts here. Tampa Bay is off a 5-3 win at Buffalo yesterday and continues to surge. Incredibly, the Lightning have scored 4 or more goals in 26 of their last 33 games! It is likely that Andrei Vasilevskiy will be between the pipes here for the Bolts. The Lightning lost his most recent road start 5-2 and, generally speaking, Vasilevskiy is not as strong on the road as he is at home. Also, the Islanders will be ready to bounce back after scoring just 1 goal yesterday! New York entered that game have scored an average of 3.6 goals per game their past dozen games. Keep mind, TB is averaging 4.3 goals per game on the season. You can see from those numbers that this game reaching 8 goals is certainly not unlikely and we only need 7 to be a winner. The over is a perfect 4-0 this season in Bolts back-to-back games and also the Lightning are 4-0 to the over in Sunday games. The Islanders are a long-term 15-6 to the over in Sunday games and back-up goalie Thomas Greiss (pedestrian .901 save percentage in home games this season) is likely to get the start here for the Isles. 10* OVER the total in New York Islanders |
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01-13-19 | Eagles +8.5 v. Saints | Top | 14-20 | Win | 100 | 45 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Game #307 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ New Orleans Saints @ 4:40 ET - Though they would deny it, there certainly were some questionable play calls (one in particular) in terms of the Saints running up the score when they met the Eagles in mid-November and crushed them 48-7. That loss easily could have sent Philadelphia into a tailspin but, instead, they "rallied the troops" and made the playoffs. Keep in mind they had to beat the Rams in Los Angeles just to get here. Then they won on the road at Chicago last week to open up the post-season. Just like the Rams game, the Bears game was another game where the Eagles had "no chance" and yet prevailed. Once again this week the Eagles have "no chance" against the Saints. Of course this is laughable. These are the defending Super Bowl champs. Philly is again building up confidence with Nick Foles at QB while the secondary which has been so injury-depleted all season continues to grow with confidence thanks to the continuity of more and more playing time together during this late season run. Keep in mind the Saints had a great season BUT their high-flying prolific offense truly peaked with the aforementioned blowout "rub salt in the wound" over the Eagles in mid-November. Since then New Orleans has averaged only 299 yards per game. I did not mis-type! The almighty Saints offense has averaged just 299 yards per game since ripping the Eagles to shreds on November 18th. In 3 of the games the Saints were held to 14 points or less. They do have the rest edge here of course and should win this game but I don't see the win coming by more than a TD and I truly feel the Eagles have a great shot at the upset win. This is a huge revenge game for the defending champs who took the worst beatdown ever for a SB champ at the hands of these Saints. It is payback time. Keep in mind, the Eagles are 12-4 SU and 11-5 ATS when entering a game on a winning streak of 2 or more games. The Saints went 0-3 ATS this season when a home favorite in a range of 7.5 to 10 points and 2 of those losses were outright upsets. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-13-19 | Michigan State v. Penn State +8.5 | Top | 71-56 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #836 Sunday 10* Top Play Penn State Nittany Lions (+) vs Michigan State Spartans @ 4:30 ET - The Nittany Lions are a much better team than their record shows. That said, there is great home dog value here with Penn State. After getting blown out by Wisconsin, PSU responded with a strong effort at Nebraska. Keep in mind, the Lions have been very competitive in nearly all their defeats this season except for the Badgers game. That said, though the Spartans have continue to play great even with Joshua Langford out, this is going to be a hard-fought game Sunday. The Nittany Lions are desperate for a Big Ten win and the home crowd will be ready for hosting one of the top teams in the nation. Will be a great atmosphere for Penn State to excel and they are well-coached under Patrick Chambers. Also note that Langord's back-up, junior Kyle Ahrens, is also dealing with an injury right now. The Spartans have been great at the betting window this season but went just 6-12 ATS in road games the prior two seasons and they are over-priced here. The Nittany Lions are 11-5 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games in a season. Technical and situational value here with the home dog. 10* PENN STATE |
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01-13-19 | Bucks v. Hawks OVER 230.5 | Top | 133-114 | Win | 100 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #583 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 3:35 ET - Once again the Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for this game and, hopefully, unlike Friday that will not change before game time and burn me. But either way, I look for the Bucks (Greek Freak or not) to have their foot firmly on the gas from the opening tip all the way to the final horn in this one. Milwaukee is off a loss at Washington and will take advantage of facing one of the worst teams in the league here. Of course that is why they are a double digit favorite but I don't like laying double digits on the road in the NBA and also feel Atlanta (off a big road win) will be able to stay hot and put up plenty of points in this one as they are back on their home floor. Of course at first glance this total looked a little on the high side when it opened up. This has caused the markets to move it down some and in typical contrarian fashion I am taking advantage of the additional value on the high side of this one. The fact is that the odds makers set this total big for a reason and I concur because the Bucks are going to push the tempo all game long and look to put a white-washing on the Hawks. The over is 26-15 when Milwaukee is off an upset loss as a favorite. The over is 13-8 in Bucks Sunday games. The over is a long-term 29-17 in Hawks games against Central Division opponents. 10* OVER the total in Atlanta |
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01-13-19 | Chargers v. Patriots OVER 47 | Top | 28-41 | Win | 100 | 42 h 21 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Game #305 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New England Patriots vs Los Angeles Chargers @ 1:05 ET - Of course it will be cold in Foxboro on Sunday but the winds will be rather light and no precipitation is in the forecast. That said, both offenses will be able to operate freely and fully in this one and I am expecting plenty of points. The Chargers are 7-2 to the over as an underdog in a range of 3.5 to 9.5 points. The Patriots are 8-2-1 to the over in their last 11 playoff games. New England is also on a 4-1 run to the over when coming off a bye week. Keep in mind this total is only in the 47 range and the Los Angeles has averaged 26.5 points per game in road games this season. Also, the Pats have averaged 33 points per game in home games this season. The Chargers have scored at least 23 points in 8 of their 9 road games this season and, keep mind, the Patriots are favored by 4 in this game. The point is that if the Chargers just have a "normal" game and New England does what they're supposed to here and continues their high-scoring ways at home, this game flies over the total. The Chargers got a bit of a break last week with facing a very inexperienced QB on the road. Note that in their prior road games against quality teams with quality QBs Los Angeles allowed an average of 27.5 points per game. Those games were @ Pitt, KC, Sea, and the Rams. The Patriots D rates in similar fashion as they take advantage of facing weak foes but have struggled against stronger offenses this season. That said Philip Rivers and Co can't be counted out here in the same way that Tom Brady and Co should have a huge game too. In other words, plenty of points in this one. 10* OVER the total in New England |
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01-12-19 | Cowboys v. Rams -7 | Top | 22-30 | Win | 100 | 28 h 30 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #304 Saturday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams (-) vs Dallas Cowboys @ 8:15 ET - The Cowboys are set up to get pummeled here. While it has been a great run for Dallas and has rejuvenated Cowboys fans everywhere, Dallas has covered just once in their last four games. The point is that they're a bit over-valued by the betting markets over the past month and that has continued here. To be able to get the Rams at a -7 is a tremendous value. Keep in mind, Los Angeles has a significant rest edge here and the Cowboys have expended a lot of energy in back to back weeks as they barely squeaked by the Giants at the Meadowlands two weeks ago. Then last week it was post-season time of course and Dallas barely eeked out a win over the Seahawks. The Dallas offense, on the season, has averaged only 324 yards per game on the road. The fact is that the Cowboys have been a very lucky team this season and also have got a ton of help from the refs in tight games / crucial situations. I tell it like it is folks and while that also builds up momentum, it also leads to being over-valued when facing a VERY high-quality foe and that is certainly the case here with the Rams. Keep in mind, LA has averaged 37 points on 453 yards per game in home games this season. Remember the Cowboys 324 yards per game figure above, Dallas has averaged just 17 points per game on the road this season. That is a 20 point differential between these teams and yet the line here is a -7 and it is Los Angeles with the rest edge. This is VALUE! Look for Dallas to drop to 0-4 ATS in their last 4 January games while the powerful Rams improve to a potent 3-0-1 ATS when coming off a bye week. 10* LOS ANGELES RAMS |
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01-12-19 | Colts v. Chiefs -5 | Top | 13-31 | Win | 100 | 24 h 27 m | Show |
Playoff Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Game #302 Saturday 10* Top Play Kansas City Chiefs vs Indianapolis Colts @ 4:35 ET - The Colts are on a great run but they now run into the #1 seed in the AFC. Not only did the Chiefs certainly earn that #1 seed, they also earned the bye last week and home field edge. That means a lot here. Kansas City is rested and ready plus their defense was much stronger at home than on the road. For the season the Chiefs potent offense averaged 35.3 points per game but their much-maligned defense also allowed just 18 points per game at home. As strong as the Colts run has been, lets not forget that they've averaged only 19.5 points per game their last 4 road games. Simply put, Indianapolis won't be able to keep up with the potent Chiefs in this one. The Colts are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games against AFC West opponents. Also, Indianapolis is a long-term 9-15 ATS in road games with a posted total of 49.5 points or more. The Chiefs went 10-2 SU (and 8-4 ATS) this season versus AFC foes. The Colts had dominated this series prior to Kansas City winning the most recent match-up. Also, the Chiefs (and head coach Andy Reid) are known for their playoff struggles. However, this team is different with Mahomes at the helm and with the play of the defense in home games as well as the rest factor, I do not see the Chiefs being denied here as they make up for a blowing a huge half-time lead in last season's playoff debacle. The Chiefs went 7-1 at home this season and only one of those 7 wins came by a margin of less than 7 points. 10* KANSAS CITY |
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01-12-19 | Pistons v. Clippers -7 | Top | 109-104 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 52 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #564 Saturday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Clippers (-) vs Detroit Pistons @ 3:35 ET - The Clippers are off a blowout loss at Denver but previously were on an 8-2 ATS run. Now facing the slumping Pistons at home should allow the Clippers to get right back on track. Detroit did win at Los Angeles last season so the Clips also have some extra motivation but truly they don't even need that extra incentive considering they are off the bad loss to the Nuggets. The Pistons enter this game on a 2-9 SU and ATS run and they've allowed each of their last 3 opponents to shoot better than 51% from the field. In fact the composite of those three games was a field goal allowance rate of 54% for Detroit. Of course that kind of defense is not going to get the job done and that is particularly true when the opponent (in this case the Clippers) has held their last two opponents at home to 40% or less from the floor. Detroit is 2-9 ATS when off a non-conference game. Los Angeles is a superb 17-6 ATS this season as a favorite. Also, the Clippers are 11-3 ATS this season in home games with a posted total of 220 points or more. The Clips take advantage of facing a struggling foe and this is something they've been doing all season long. LA is 12-3 SU (and 11-4 ATS) this season in games against teams with a losing record. Another home rout is in the offing here. 10* LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS |
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01-12-19 | Drexel +4 v. NC-Wilmington | Top | 83-97 | Loss | -109 | 6 h 46 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #649 Saturday 10* Top Play Drexel Dragons (+) @ NC-Wilmington Seahawks @ 2 ET - This line is going to look a little "off" to those that don't follow college hoops very closely. I say that because the Seahawks have hammered the Dragons by a double digit margin in each of the last two meetings at NC-Wilmington. That said, many may feel it is a mistake that the Seahawks are priced so low here on their home floor but there is much more than meets the eye here. First off Drexel has enough size and bulk in the middle to help counter the Seahawks top weapon Davontae Cacock. Additionally, the Dragons just welcomed back point guard Kurk Lee. He was one of their top players last season and in addition to returning starters Alihan Demir and senior guard Troy Harper, Drexel has seen others step up while Lee has been out. Trevor John, Camren Wynter, and James Butler are combining to contribute 33 points per game. That said, Lee and Demir and Harper are all guys that can contribute 15 points a night. The Dragons are still flying "under the radar" right now but are truly the better team in this match-up as the Seahawks have been "on the fade" this season. In terms of technical support, the Dragons are 6-2 ATS in games with a posted total in the 160s. Also, Drexel has gone 3-1 SU and ATS this season in games against teams with a losing record. NC-Wilmington is 2-5 ATS in home games with a posted total in the 160s. Also, the Seahawks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games against teams that allow 77 points or more per game. In a game projected to be a shootout, you can see why the situation favors the road dog. 10* DREXEL |
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01-12-19 | Rangers v. Islanders OVER 6 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -111 | 6 h 45 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs New York Rangers @ 1:05 ET - Under head coach Barry Trotz, the New York Islanders have trended under this season. However, the New York Rangers continue to struggle to keep the puck out of their own net and this rivalry match-up continues to lead to high-scoring games even with Trotz behind the bench. The 3 match-ups this season have averaged 8 goals per game. The Rangers are struggling this season but they always bring extra energy and effort for this match-up and they've averaged 4.3 goals per game in the 3 meetings. As for the Islanders and getting their fair share of goals too, note that the Rangers have lost 8 of their past 10 games overall and have allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game in those 8 defeats. This match-up truly has the right ingredients for a 5-4 type game (Thursday's meeting was a 4-3 Isles win). The Islanders have won 7 of their last 8 games and have scored an average of 3.8 goals per game during this strong stretch. The Rangers are 9-4 to the over this season in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals and also a long-term 42-20 to the over in divisional games. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in New York Islanders |
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01-11-19 | Red Wings v. Jets OVER 6.5 | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -104 | 11 h 15 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings @ 8:05 ET - The Jets are feeling the pressure to "get going" again and I expect them to jump on Detroit early in this game and never take their foot off the gas. Of course that is why Winnipeg is a large favorite in this one on the money line. Where we find the value is with the total as there should be goals early, often, and throughout in this one. The Jets are off a 3-2 loss at Minnesota last night and they allowed themselves to get off to a slow start and then it was too little too late for the Jets. That said, they're going to take to the ice with plenty of jump in their skates as soon as the puck drops! The reason is considered a contrarian play is because the Red Wings last few games have stayed under the total and the Jets are in a back to back which means Laurent Brossoit is likely to get the start in goal as he has played well of late. Why the over despite those factors? Before back to back unders the Red Wings were on a 6-0 run to the over. For the Jets, prior to last night's low-scoring loss, they had scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their 4 prior games. Also, Winnipeg has allowed 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games! The Jets offense averages scoring 4 goals per game when at home though. That is why I expect at least a 4-3 games here. By the way, Detroit is 8-2 to the over this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, the over is a long-term 14-7 in Red Wings road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The over is 16-7 this season in Jets games against teams with a losing record. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg |
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01-11-19 | Bucks -6.5 v. Wizards | Top | 106-113 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #545 Friday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks (-) @ Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - The Bucks are a red hot 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games and they're certainly not going to slow down here. Being on the road is helping Milwaukee to stay focused and up next is a game at Atlanta so certainly there is no lookahead here. The Bucks also have extra motivation because the Wizards won the most recent meeting and that game was on Milwaukee's home floor. In fact, road dominance has been the theme in recent meetings between these foes as the away team is a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS and I'll gladly take advantage of the extra line value here since the typical "home factor" is factored into this line even though there has been no home court edge in recent meetings between these teams. The Wizards are off a ridiculously strong shooting performance against the Sixers in their most recent game. Off that huge upset win they'll fall flat here and the Bucks have too much talent and will pull away big as this game goes on and win it by double digits. Milwaukee is 6-2 SU and ATS in Friday night games this season. Washington is 0-9 SU (and 1-8 ATS) in Friday night games this season. Also, the Wizards are 1-5 SU and ATS this season against Central Division opponents. Last but not least, Washington is a poor 1-4 ATS this season when off an upset win as an underdog. 10* MILWAUKEE |
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01-11-19 | Wright State v. Northern Kentucky -5.5 | Top | 64-68 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #804 Northern Kentucky Norse (-) vs Wright State Raiders @ 7 ET - This is the only home game for the Norse between December 30th and January 24th. There is no doubt that Northern Kentucky wants to take advantage of this opportunity and who better to welcome to town than Wright State. The Norse have big-time revenge on their minds here as they won the regular season title in the Horizon League last season but they lost both games against the Raiders. They want payback here and I like the added line value here with this line dropping as of early game day morning. We can lay a rather small number to have the better defense and the home team in this match-up. Northern Kentucky has held opponents to 39.6% from the field this season while Wright State has allowed 46.3% from the field so far this season. Keep in mind, this is even with playing very similar early season schedules. Also, from 3-point land the Norse are allowing just 28.7% while the Raiders are allowing 39.5% from beyond the arc! Wright State is 1-5 SU (and 2-4 ATS) in road games this season. The Norse are 30-4 SU (and 23-11 ATS) in games the past 2+ seasons against teams with a losing record. 10* NORTHERN KENTUCKY |
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01-10-19 | Celtics -125 v. Heat | Top | 99-115 | Loss | -125 | 12 h 13 m | Show |
TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #537 Thursday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics (-) @ Miami Heat @ 7:05 ET - The Celtics are such a small favorite here (-2) as of early game day morning, I would recommend playing the money line for those of you that have access to it. Even though this is a back to back spot for Boston, any concern about that is mitigated by the fact that last night's home win versus Miami was a blowout victory that allowed guys plenty of rest. There was not a single Celtic that played more than 29 minutes and most played 24 minutes or less. Since the calendar turned the page to 2019, Boston appears refocused and rejuvenated. With last night's win over the Pacers, the Celtics are a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS in the new year and I fully expect their run to continue tonight. The Heat are on an 0-3 ATS run and we have a big coaching edge here with Boston's Brad Stevens over Miami's Erick Spoelstra. The Celtics, surprisingly, have suffered a tight loss in each of their last two games against the Heat - once in Boston and once in Miami. That said, payback is on order here! The Celtics are on a 21-9 SU run (and 19-11 ATS) in January games. Keep in mind too, the Atlantic Division is much stronger than the Southeast Division. The Heat are a 19-28 SU against Atlantic Division opponents while the Celtics are 33-16 SU against Southeast Division opponents. That includes Miami 2-4 SU this season and Boston 4-2 SU this season respectively. In a game where it is basically a matter of "pick the winner" with no spread involved I am grabbing the surging Celtics as the Heat drop to 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games while road team stays perfect in the New Year! 10* BOSTON |
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01-10-19 | Capitals v. Bruins OVER 6 | Top | 4-2 | Push | 0 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins are seeking revenge for an embarrassing 7-0 loss at Washington on opening night of this season. While I feel Boston does have a decent shot at that I feel this game is most likely going to turn into a barn-burner with plenty of end to end action with plenty of goals as a result. The Capitals have scored an average of 5.3 goals per game in their last 3 games versus the Bruins. Entering this game, Boston has won 8 of its last 10 games and has scored an average of 3.6 goals during this strong extended stretch. The Bruins, on the season, have averaged 3.7 goals per game at home. The Capitals, on the season, have averaged 3.5 goals per game on the road. With both teams also getting healthier there is even more firepower on each hockey club than what they've had at other times throughout the first half of the season. The Bruins are on an 8 for 17 run on the power play in their last 6 home games! The Capitals are 6 for 14 on the power play in their last 3 games versus the Bruins. Look for plenty of goals, including from special teams, in this one. A very entertaining game between two of the top Eastern Conference teams. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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01-10-19 | Cincinnati v. Tulsa +6 | Top | 70-65 | Win | 100 | 11 h 8 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #612 Thursday 10* Top Play Tulsa Golden Hurricane (+) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 7 ET - Home court means a lot in this match-up. More on that in a moment but first off the motivation factor. Two years ago the Golden Hurricane got crushed by the Bearcats in the AAC Tourney by a score of 80-61. As a result, the rematch last season at Cincinnati was a revenge game for Tulsa and the Golden Hurricane did play very well in that game and actually led at the half. However, the Bearcats ultimately prevailed by an 8 point margin but that was thanks to an absolutely insane shooting performance from 3-point land. Cincy made 15 of 22 (68.3%) three-pointers! Of course that is not happening again this season and this time the teams are meeting at Tulsa. I like the fact that the Golden Hurricane returned some key cogs from last season's team plus are getting some key contributions from unexpected sources so far this season. They have looked stronger than expected early this season and the Golden Hurricane are 9-0 SU in home games! The Bearcats are 0-3 ATS in true road games this season and 2 of of those were outright losses. I am expecting another one here but am grabbing the points with Tulsa as added insurance. Long-term Cincinnati is on a 1-4 ATS run in road games with a total in a range between 130 and 134.5 points. The Golden Hurricane are 3-1 ATS as home dog in a range of 3.5 to 6 points and all 3 wins were outright upsets! This will be a hard-fought battle where having the points is truly invaluable. The Golden Hurricane want this game badly and have the talent to get it on their home floor. If they fall short, I expect it to be by the slimmest of the margins and that means we still cash our ticket! 10* TULSA |
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01-09-19 | Bucks -116 v. Rockets | Top | 116-109 | Win | 100 | 12 h 58 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #523 Wednesday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks (-) @ Houston Rockets @ 8:05 ET - First off just want to mention this line, as of very early Wednesday morning, currently has the Bucks as a 1 to 1.5 point favorite. However for as low as nickel more (-115 price range) you can play Milwaukee on the money line just to get the SU win which is certainly what I would recommend doing for those of you with access to it. The Rockets are in a flat spot here as Houston just knocked off the Western Conference leading Nuggets on Monday. They did that thanks to hitting a ridiculous 22 of 47 three-pointers. Denver actually won the battle of the boards in that game and had 17 more shots from the field for the game but Houston simply hit a ridiculously high percentage of threes. That is unlikely to be repeated and, keep in mind, this is a Rockets backcourt that is still without Chris Paul and Eric Gordon. The hungry Bucks (lost both games versus Houston last season) will take advantage for the big road win. Both these teams give up a lot of points but note that Milwaukee is 21-8 SU this season against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. The Rockets are only 14-14 SU this season with that same parameter. Why expect Houston's shooting to go flat here? They are 4-8 ATS this season after a game in which they scored 115 points or more. The Bucks are 26-8 SU in games with a posted total of 220 points or more this season. 10* MILWAUKEE |
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01-09-19 | Predators v. Blackhawks OVER 6 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 16 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This is a divisional game and, generally speaking, those games do have a tendency to be lower-scoring. However, the Predators lost 2-1 at Chicago in mid-December after winning at home on December 1st 5-2 over the Blackhawks. The point is that this is a revenge game and I don't expect the Predators to take their foot off the gas in this one. Also, this is a front-end of a back to back for the Preds as they are at Columbus tomorrow. That said, Pekka Rinne is likely to start one and Juuse Saros the other. If Rinne starts tonight he is off a shutout win but previously his 3 prior starts all went over the total (11 goals allowed). If Saros gets the start, the over is 6-2 in his road starts this season and also 2-0 in divisional starts - poor .769 save percentage in those. In other words, the Blackhawks are going to score some goals tonight and they have scored an average of 3.3 goals per game their last 9 games. As for the Predators, they should find the back of the net early and often in this one. Nashville has scored an average of 4 goals per game their last 6 games. Also, the over is 3-1 this season when the Preds are off a shutout win. The over is 10-5 in Blackhawks divisional games this season. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Chicago |
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01-09-19 | Houston v. Temple +1.5 | Top | 69-73 | Win | 100 | 10 h 43 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #788 Wednesday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (+) vs Houston Cougars @ 7 ET - As long-time followers know I love to go contrarian and if you looked up contrarian in a sports betting dictionary that included an example, this game would be the perfect example. The Cougars are 15-0 this season and ranked. So the odds makers opened this game at very nearly a "pick'em" even though Houston still has not lost a game this season. Now, do you really think the odds makers are stupid? Of course they are not! They know, just as well as sharps like me know, this is a great spot for the Cougars to lose their first game. So while the masses are likely to back Houston as "they can't lose...they're undefeated, etc" the sharp money (including mine) is on the Owls. Why Temple? First off a road trip to Philly is NOT easy for Houston but certainly they made it look easy last year when EVERYTHING went their way and NOTHING went Temple's way in a blowout win by 21 points in February. The Owls haven't forgotten that home beatdown. Additionally, though Temple is "only" 11-3 this season while Houston is a sparkling 15-0, the Owls have played a much tougher early season schedule. That pays off BIG in this game and the home court helps key the win! The Cougars are 2-0 SU in road games this season but went just 12-10 SU away from home the past two seasons. The Owls are a solid 21-11 SU in lined home games the past 2+ seasons and that includes 5-0 SU this season. Give me a highly motivated home dog that is eager to give a conference foe the first blemish on their record this season. 10* TEMPLE |
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01-08-19 | Nuggets +1.5 v. Heat | Top | 103-99 | Win | 100 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Tuesday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (+) @ Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - Last night the Nuggets saw the Rockets hit a ridiculously high percentage of their 3-points as Houston went 22 of 47 from downtown while Denver only made 7 of 29 from beyond the arc. That said, the team with the best record in the Western Conference went down in flames despite outrebounding the Rockets by double digits and despite having 17 more field goal attempts in the game. When you get outscored by 45 from three point land it is hard to win. Suffice to say that is not happening again tonight and I fully expect the Nuggets to bounce right back. The Nuggets were 16-4 SU in their 20 games prior to last night's loss by a dozen points. Denver now visits a Miami team that is only 3-3 SU their last 6 games and has covered only 2 of the 6 games. The Heat play in the weaker Eastern Conference and the particularly weak Southeast Division. Miami is 0-4 SU and ATS in Tuesday games this season. The Nuggets are 4-1 SU in Tuesday games this season and tonight they will improve to 5-2 SU and ATS in games against Southeast Division opponents. 10* DENVER |
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01-08-19 | Blue Jackets v. Lightning OVER 6.5 | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The red hot Lightning finally suffered a loss as their shots struck iron 3 times in a 5-2 loss at San Jose. Look for the Bolts to bounce right back here after their first regulation loss since November! Of course that is why Tampa Bay is a big favorite in this spot. The best value in this one is with the total because plenty of goals are likely. The Lightning have averaged scoring an insane 4.5 goals per game in their home games this season. However, Columbus also enters this game playing quite well. The Blue Jackets have won 7 of their last 9 games and they know they're going to have to score plenty to top a potent Tampa Bay team in their own barn. That said, note that the Blue Jackets have scored an average of 3.6 goals per game in their last 7 games. You can see why my projections have this one totaling 8 goals on Tuesday night. In the last 6 road games for Columbus only 1 has resulted in an under. As for the Lightning, the over is 14-3-1 when they are off a non-conference game. Also, the Bolts are a long-term 27-12-1 to the over when they enter game having played each of their three prior games on the road. A true barn-burner with plenty of back and forth action on tap tonight! 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay |
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01-08-19 | St. John's v. Villanova -5.5 | Top | 71-76 | Loss | -112 | 11 h 34 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #626 Tuesday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) vs St John's Red Storm @ 7 ET - The Red Storm are off to a great start this season and are ranked. However, they are now in the wrong place at the wrong time. Keep in mind, St John's (14-1) has played a much weaker schedule than Villanova (11-4) so far this season. Also, the Wildcats (accustomed to being the top team in the Big East) are now unranked while the Red Storm are ranked! Give credit to St John's for their strong start to this season for sure. However, Villanova not only is more battle-tested (long-term and this season due to tougher schedule), the Wildcats also have big-time revenge here. Last season in February Villanova lost at home to St John's as a 16 point home favorite. Suffice to say payback is on their minds here. The Red Storm simply had a great shooting night and also caught the Cats in a situation where they were back on the heels. Tuesday you can back on Nova being the team that is putting their opponent back on their heels! The Red Storm have gone just 14-23 ATS (including 2-5 ATS this season) in games with a posted total in the 140s and they simply won't be able to keep up with the revenge-minded Wildcats in this one. Villanova improves to 8-4 SU and ATS in games against teams with a winning record this season. Also, the Wildcats are a long-term 35-8 SU and 29-14 ATS in games against teams that average 77 points or more per game. 10* VILLANOVA |
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01-07-19 | Alabama v. Clemson OVER 58 | Top | 16-44 | Win | 100 | 13 h 49 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #151 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Alabama Crimson Tide vs Clemson Tigers in National Championship Game @ Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA @ 8 ET - High temperatures near 60 today with no precipitation and winds not expected to be an issue either. That said, while I respect both of these defenses I respected the explosiveness of each of these offenses even more. The Crimson Tide averaged 47.7 ppg on 527.6 ypg this season. The Tigers averaged 44.3 ppg on 530.4 ypg this season. Even though Clemson scored "only" 30 points against Notre Dame in the Semi-Final, the Tigers gained 538 yards in that game. Also, prior to that game Clemson's previous 8 games saw them average 50 points per game. If we get each team to 30 points here, which in my mind is absolutely likely, we have a guaranteed winner. Alabama scored 45 points on 528 yards of offense in their win over the Sooners in the Semi-Final. The Crimson Tide scored at least 29 points in 13 of their 14 games this season. With the line move on this total from low 60s to upper 50s, we've got additional line value here. Look at it this way too, the Tigers have never been held below 27 points this season and the Tide were only held below 29 points once. The point is that even if BOTH of these teams had one of their worst night offensively this game is likely to go over. The fact is, with the momentum these teams have heading into this one and the fact they know each other well and know how to find the holes in the D (last two Championship meetings averaged 75.5 ppg), I expect plenty of points in this one. Clemson has scored at least 27 in every game this season and Alabama is about a 6 point favorite here. That tells you at least 60 points LIKELY in this one! Yes, both teams have solid defenses but of course each facing very explosive offenses in this one and though game may start a little "slow" look for it quickly to turn into a game filled with huge plays from each of these teams offensive starts. 10* OVER the total in National Championship Game |
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01-07-19 | Spurs -3 v. Pistons | Top | 119-107 | Win | 100 | 11 h 9 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #575 Monday 10* Top Play San Antonio Spurs (-) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Spurs are surging and have won 4 straight games and 12 of their last 15. In terms of their ATS run it is even better as San Antonio is 13-2 ATS their last 15 games. The Pistons are certainly going the opposite direction as they are 4-13 SU since December 2nd. Also, Detroit enters this game on a 2-7 ATS run. That said, the Pistons aren't just losing they're also failing to cover and there is no questioning the Spurs motivation here. They were held to just 79 points in a loss at Detroit last season. As for the Pistons, they've been having trouble with slow starts in games but then fixed that by surging ahead early and leading Utah by 18 points in their most recent game. However, thanks to turnovers and overall poor play (a recurring them for Detroit), they blew the lead and lost to the Jazz. The fact is that the Pistons are a fragile team right now and facing a Spurs team that is firing on all cylinders certainly isn't going to help matters. Take advantage of the small line here and the lay the short number with SA on the road in this one. San Antonio is 4-1 SU and ATS this season after playing each of their 3 prior games at home. Look for the Spurs to improve to 10-5 ATS this season when off a win by a double digit margin. The Pistons drop to 2-7 ATS on the season when off a non-conference game as Detroit's 10-20 SU run in January games adds another loss to the ledger. Spurs get payback for ugly loss here last year. 10* SAN ANTONIO |
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01-07-19 | Blues v. Flyers -110 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #36 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers show the betting public a current 6-game losing streak. However, they've certainly been playing better than that fact would lead you to believe. They never trailed against Calgary Saturday but gave up a very late goal for the tie and then lost in OT. The good news for Philly is they go from facing one of the best teams in the league to facing a struggling Blues team likely to be a giving a goalie his first-ever NHL start. St Louis is likely to start Jordan Binnington tonight. He got called up from the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL where he has played well of late. However, Binnington would be making his first ever NHL start on enemy ice against a desperate Flyers team that is going to pepper him with shots early and often. As soon as the crowd gets into it (which they will) it is going to be a helluva rough atmosphere for Binnington. In his only NHL appearances (3 games, 0 starts) he has an ugly .828 save percentage and 3.70 GAA. The Flyers have been getting solid goal-tending from young phenom netminder Carter Hart whom has showed poise and skills beyond his years. The Blues have lost 3 of their last 4 and goal-tending has been an issue for them whereas the Flyers goaltending has absolutely been on an uptick. Home ice and a very small price to lay makes this a top choice investment. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-06-19 | Pacers +3 v. Raptors | Top | 105-121 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 24 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #571 Sunday 10* Top Play Indiana Pacers (+) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:35 ET - This is a tough scheduling spot for the Raptors. They are off a revenge win at Milwaukee last night and now had to travel back home to face a revenge-minded Pacers team. Not only is Indiana the more rested team, they've won 6 straight games since a 3-point loss at Toronto on December 19th. The Pacers have now lost 4 straight to the Raptors so they are amped up about this revenge opportunity Sunday. Overall it is a 13-2 SU run for Indiana and their two losses came by a total of just 4 points! Great value with the road dog in this spot. Toronto is just 3-7 ATS against Central Division teams this season and 1-4 ATS in Sunday games. Indiana is 6-2 SU and ATS against Atlantic Division teams. Also, the Pacers are a fantastic 23-9 SU and 24-8 ATS in Sunday games. Here they catch the Raptors still celebrating that huge win over the Bucks last night. 10* INDIANA |
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01-06-19 | Memphis +9 v. Houston | Top | 77-90 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 23 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #823 Sunday 10* Top Play Memphis Tigers (+) @ Houston Cougars @ 6 ET - Long-time followers know I love seeking spots like this. The Cougars are a ranked team and undefeated while the Tigers are only 9-5 on the season and on the road here catching only single digits. Many will back an undefeated team in a spot like this but there are important keys as to why the Tigers are going to be a "tough out" for the Cougars. First off, Memphis has played a tougher schedule than Houston this season. Also, a key to winning on the road when the conference schedule rolls around is having a veteran team and being battle tested. The Tigers fit the bill in both regards. They returned their top four scorers from last season and all are now seniors. Additionally there is tremendous positive energy with this program as they brought in former NBA star Penny Hardaway at head coach and brought in a new influx of playing talent this season that already has led to some key contributions from new sources for Memphis. The Tigers losses this season have included LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech. That is not exactly a slate of cupcakes and those experiences will serve the Tigers well in their first key conference battle of the new season. Note that Memphis is already 6-3 ATS this season in games against teams with a winning record. The Cougars do play great defense but the Tigers have the veteran skilled players to break down a defense like this. In fact, Memphis is 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last 3 meetings with Houston and the lone loss came by just a single point. The Cougars are NOT shooting the ball well at ll this season and it will tough for them to build a significant margin here against a senior-laded Tigers team viewing this game as one of their BIGGEST of the season. 10* MEMPHIS |
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01-06-19 | Eagles +6.5 v. Bears | Top | 16-15 | Win | 100 | 9 h 0 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Game #107 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Chicago Bears @ 4:40 ET - Be careful what you wish for. The Bears decided it was better to face the Eagles than the Vikings. Chicago got a big win at Minnesota last week and that kept a division rival out of the post-season and welcomed Philly to town. However, was that really a smart move? Would you rather face Kirk Cousins (a QB known for NOT being able to get the win in key games) or Nick Foles (Super Bowl MVP and absolutely red hot right now)? The fact is that I feel strongly that last week's Bears win that allowed the Eagles into the playoffs and stamped their invitation to Soldier Field is ultimately going to spell the demise of Chicago. Yes, I am grabbing the points here but I expect an outright victory for the Eagles. Make no mistake about it the Bears defense has been great this season. But Philly has positive history in recent meetings with Chicago and Alshon Jeffery (former Bear) is poised for another huge game and has become a key target for Foles. Also, Golden Tate (former Lion) has seen plenty of the Bears secondary in his recent seasons matched up against the division rival. Of course Darren Sproles being healthy is another key catalyst for the Eagles offense as the veteran has incredible quick play capabilities and it forces defenses to NOT be able to focus on just TE Zach Ertz (100+ catches this season) coming across the middle. Back to the QB situation, Foles ribs are only bruised. He will be fine here. No disrespect intended but just be honest with yourself here. Would you rather have Mitchell Trubisky leading your team or a Super Bowl Champion QB whom completed 25 straight passes before exiting last week's game with bruised ribs? The Bears defense has been great this season but there is something magical again (just like last season) about this Eagles team as certainly they were counted out by many when they dropped to 6-7 after that devastating (and ref-impacted) loss to the Cowboys. On the season the Eagles played a tougher schedule than the Bears. This line is offering tremendous underdog line value. The Bears are 0-6 SU (and 1-5 ATS) their last 6 against NFC East foes. The Eagles are 11-4 SU (and 10-5 ATS) when they enter a game on a SU winning streak of 2 or more games. They are hot again, Foles is feeling "it" again, and this team is truly feeling "it" again and also has had a chance to heal up some in their secondary. Keep in mind that is their biggest weakness (due to injuries all season long) but their defensive line (and offensive line for that matter) is one of the best in the game. Trubisky is not going to have much time to beat the Eagles downfield. They just won't give him time. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-06-19 | Rangers +115 v. Coyotes | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 13 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - I like to look for dogs when they're matched up with false favorites and, that said, this one certainly fits the bill. The Coyotes are favored because they're on home ice and both Arizona and the Rangers have been struggling this season. However, the Coyotes have won just 7 of their 21 home games this season. That is just 33% and no NHL team has won fewer home games than Arizona this season. Also, the Coyotes are dealing with a rash of injuries right now. Not only are the Rangers the much healthier team, they also will have Henrik Lundqvist back in goal after he was given a night off in their most recent game. Keep in mind, he and the Rangers also are seeking revenge for a home loss 3 weeks ago suffered at the hands of the Coyotes. That was a 4-3 defeat and New York is used to dominating Arizona. In other words, they are hungry for payback here and I look for the Rangers to take full advantage of an injury-depleted Arizona team. The Coyotes have been held to 2 goals or less in 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. The Rangers couldn't stay out of the penalty box in their most recent game and are ticked off as they've struggled in their last 3 games. Prior to this the Rangers had scored 3 or more goals in 9 of their 10 previous games. If you can't score it is tough to win and New York definitely has the edge over Arizona in the goal-scoring department as the injuries mount for the Coyotes. The Rangers have won 44 of their last 76 non-conference games. The Coyotes have lost 54 of their last 82 non-conference match-ups. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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01-06-19 | Chargers +3 v. Ravens | Top | 23-17 | Win | 100 | 6 h 1 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #105 Sunday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Chargers (+) @ Baltimore Ravens @ 1:05 ET - Give the Ravens credit for their big road win at Los Angeles last month. Certainly that road victory is going to have many backing Baltimore at home in this match-up. However, as per usual I am going contrarian and going with the Chargers in this match-up. Keep in mind that game at LA was played when the Chargers were in a divisional sandwich situation. They had just beat the Chiefs AT Kansas City and had another big divisional ROAD game on deck. In other words it was a definite flat spot for Los Angeles. Of course it goes without saying that the Chargers are NOT going to be flat here and I'll take Philip Rivers over Lamar Jackson at QB in a playoff game anytime anywhere. Keep in mind the Chargers are 7-1 SU and ATS on the road this season and their last 3 wins came at Denver (not an easy place to play) and Kansas City and Pittsburgh. That is no small feat! As for the Ravens, they wrapped up the season going 6-1 after going 4-5 prior to their bye week. However, Baltimore's wins (other than against the Chargers) came against a slate of sub-par teams! The Ravens other 5 wins came against teams with a combined 29-50-1 record. NONE of those 5 teams finished the season with a winning record. The Ravens are 4-8 SU and ATS when they enter a game on a winning streak of 2 or more consecutive games. In Sunday's match-up look for Baltimore to drop to 4-8 ATS on the season in games in which they are a favorite. The Chargers fully fit the definition of a "live dog" here! 10* LOS ANGELES CHARGERS |
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01-05-19 | Raptors +5.5 v. Bucks | Top | 123-116 | Win | 100 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #553 Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Raptors (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - The Raptors embarrassed the hell out of me at San Antonio on Thursday but sometimes in this business one can be dead wrong and that was the case with me when Toronto faced the Spurs. However, the Raptors look like a live dog in this spot. Yes I am aware of the continuing Kyle Lowry injury situation. However, the Raptors have now lost 3 straight against the Bucks, including both meetings this season, and it is absolutely payback time here. Milwaukee is in a back to back spot here and has gone 2-4 ATS in Saturday games this season. Also, the Bucks are a poor 1-5 ATS (and SU!) the last 6 times they were off a game in which they scored 130 or more points. The Raptors are 4-1 SU this season in Saturday games. Toronto is 3-1 SU when off a loss by a double digit margin. Also, the Raptors are 6-3 SU when playing with revenge this season but that includes not faring well against the Bucks this season. In other words, payback time here in a big way and I like having the points in a game the Raptors are bound and determined to win and do have a rest edge. 10* TORONTO |
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01-05-19 | Seahawks +2.5 v. Cowboys | Top | 22-24 | Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #103 Saturday 10* Top Play Seattle Seahawks (+) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 8:15 ET - Just a couple days ago this line was very nearly a pick'em and now the Cowboys are inching closer to being a 3 point favorite as of early game day morning. With all due respect to the Cowboys, the Seahawks have some key edges here. First off at head coach I would take Pete Carroll over Jason Garrett any day of the week. Secondly at quarterback, I certainly like having the veteran leadership in crunch time of Russell Wilson over the talented but still learning Dak Prescott. Keep in mind too, when Prescott and the Cowboys have to play from behind, things become particularly problematic for them as Prescott seems to press and get rattled. The Cowboys are 2-9 SU in their last 11 playoff games. Certainly they do not have a good history while the Seahawks are a PERFECT 6-0 their last 6 Wild Card playoff games and 4 of those have been in the Pete Carroll era. Overall, under Carroll, the Seahawks are 7-3 in playoff games their last 10. This season Seattle has failed to cover just ONCE in NINE games with a line between +3 and -3. By comparison, the Cowboys have only 3 ATS win in NINE games with a line in that same range. That said, having the points here sure could prove handy though I do expect an outright upset win for the Seahawks! Seattle is also 5-1 ATS in their last 6 versus NFC East teams. The Seahawks are 4-0 ATS their last 4 versus teams with a winning record this season. Dallas has covered just 2 of their past 7 wild card round playoff games. The turnover battle has been won 3-0 in favor of the Seahawks in each of the past two meetings and look for that to be a key again here as Carroll has his team ready and the Cowboys make the crucial mistakes again. 10* SEATTLE |
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01-05-19 | Colts v. Texans -120 | Top | 21-7 | Loss | -120 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NFL Game #101 Saturday NFL 10* Top Play Houston Texans (-) vs Indianapolis Colts @ 4:35 ET - When these teams met AT Indianapolis earlier this season the Texans were a 1 point favorite on the road. Given that, when they met later in the year in Houston a line of -7 on the Texans would not have surprised. However, that was a revenge game for the Colts and Houston ended up only at -4 and Indianapolis got the outright upset. But now it is the Texans with revenge and they are at home and it is playoff time and yet a line that very easily could have been -7 earlier this month (given the above) is now a PICK'EM! Of course the reason is that Andrew Luck and the Colts have been red hot. However, let us not forget that in road games against playoff teams, Indy went 1-2 and was outscored by a combined 79 to 64 in the 3 games - win at Houston, and losses at Philly and New England. As for the Texans at home against playoff teams, they did beat the Cowboys and had the one loss to the Colts. Overall at home this season Houston has won 6 of their last 7 games with the lone loss to Indianapolis. It is payback time here. The Texans are 5-1 SU the last 6 times they've been a home favorite of 3 points or less. The Colts are 1-4 SU the last 5 times they've been a road dog of 3 points or less. With the current line on this game showing Houston as low as -1 point favorite, a price range of -115 to -120 is currently available on the money line in a number of books and I look for the Texans strong play at home to continue. 10* HOUSTON |
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01-05-19 | Kansas State +12 v. Texas Tech | Top | 57-63 | Win | 100 | 4 h 35 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #645 Saturday 10* Top Play Kansas State Wildcats (+) @ Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 2 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Wildcats, already without Dean Wade, have another senior (Kamau Stokes) listed as doubtful for this game. However, this is a horrible scheduling spot for the Red Raiders and a huge situational edge for Kansas State. While the Wildcats are off an embarrassing loss at Texas, the Red Raiders enter this game off a hard-fought road win at West Virginia. Also, Texas Tech has a huge game with Oklahoma on deck. In other words this is truly a sandwich game and flat spot for the Red Raiders. Additionally, the Wildcats have revenge on their mind as they were blown out by Texas Tech in both games last season. I like the talent on this Kansas State team and, right now, the Red Raiders continue to be over-valued. As a result, we can get a dozen points with the Wildcats in a game that is projected to be very low-scoring (posted total opened up in the 115 range!). With points at a premium in this one and the hungry and motivated defense ready to turn up the heat on defense, this game will be much closer than many are expecting. By the way, Texas Tech is on a 6-12 ATS run in January games. The Wildcats are a long-term 4-1 ATS in games with a posted total of 119.5 points or less. Give me the big dog in this one. 10* KANSAS STATE |
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01-05-19 | Eastern Washington +16.5 v. North Dakota State | Top | 24-38 | Win | 100 | 5 h 33 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CFB Game #801 Eastern Washington Eagles (+) vs North Dakota State Bison @ Noon ET in FCS Championship Game @ Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX - The Bison are looking to win their 7th title in the last 8 seasons. However, this will be the final game for North Dakota State head coach Chris Klieman as he accepted the head coaching job at Kansas State - replacing Bill Snyder home finally retired. This could be a bit of a distraction for the Bison no doubt. While they are the better team defensively in this match-up, the Eagles are arguably the better offense and grabbing the big points with Eastern Washington is the way to go. The Eagles have averaged 540 yards per game compared to 470 yards per game for the Bison. Eastern Washington QB Eric Barriere has stepped in and been fantastic (24 TDs, 7 INTs) after starting QB Gage Gubrud got hurt after just 5 games. The point being that the Eagles have been even better since the injury to Gubrud. Though the Bison have the huge experience edge in Title Games and have each of their last 6 appearances, the Eagles did win their only other appearance and it was here @ Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX in 2010. Considering the possible coaching distraction as well as the huge points that are offered, North Dakota State (currently as high as a 16.5 point favorite) are over-priced here. Yes the Bison have rolled through the playoffs but that has resulted in an inflated line here and, don't forget, the Eagles offense is so potent it certainly has backdoor cover potential (should that be needed) but I expect them to hang in tough throughout this game. 10* EASTERN WASHINGTON |
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01-04-19 | Wizards +7 v. Heat | Top | 109-115 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #531 Friday 10* Top Play Washington Wizards (+) @ Miami Heat @ 8:05 ET - We're getting to the point in the season where you're going to see trends start to reverse. The NBA season is almost at it's mid-point and this is the time of the season where it is a good idea to take a look at teams that have under-achieved at the betting window but that are playing better of late. I especially like to look for those teams when they're facing a team that has over-achieved at the betting window and also when I can have my team as a sizable underdog. That is the case here because, as of 7:30 AM ET, the Wizards are available as high as a +7 in some big shops. Washington is a poor 13-25 ATS on the season but enters this game off back to back wins and covers and there is a different feeling in the Wizards locker room as they head into this match-up against a divisional foe. The Heat are on a ridiculous 15-4 ATS run which you know can't continue. Miami is just not that strong of a team and the absence of Goran Dragic is going to catch up with them. The Heat are 2-2 SU their last 4 games and I expect another SU loss here but, of course, am grabbing the generous points being offered. The Wizards are 5-3 SU and ATS in divisional games this season while Miami is a poor 2-7 SU and ATS in divisional games on the season. Washington is already adjusting to life without John Wall plus remember they've only had Trevor Ariza for the past 8 games and he has already had games with highs of 24 in points, 9 in assists, and 8 in rebounds. He is a key contributor that will be a difference maker tonight. The Wizards are playing scrappy and hungry basketball right now and that is the kind of dog (with plenty of fight) you want on your side. 10* WASHINGTON |
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01-04-19 | Jets +117 v. Penguins | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have won 7 straight games, are on home ice, and they've been priced as a small favorite by the odds makers. Do you think the odds makers are stupid? Of course they are not and the Pens are priced this way because the sharp money (including mine) is going to be on the Jets in this one. Winnipeg is 9-5 this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Also, they're playing this game with home loss revenge from November. The Jets are 13-6 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Winnipeg is also 10-5 in non-conference match-ups this season. The Penguins are off a huge win over the Rangers where they exploded late in the game and erupted for a 7-2 win. However, the Pens are an ugly 5-7 (DOWN $6,300) this season when off a divisional game. The Jets have an extra two days of rest compared to Pittsburgh and the fresher legs get the road win in this revenge match-up. 10* WINNIPEG |