Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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04-13-18 | Wild v. Jets OVER 5.5 | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Winnipeg Jets vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:35 ET - The Jets won Game 1 with offense. They sat back on their heels too much early but once they got more aggressive the goals came in bunches. That said, I look for the pace in Game 2 to be much better from the get go as Winnipeg controls the tempo on home ice. They don't want to let the Wild hang around in the game like they did in Game 1. That very nearly cost the Jets as they were only up 1-0 after 2 periods and then Minnesota got two early third period goals to take the lead. Winnipeg took over from there and registered a ton of shots on goal in the 3rd period. This time the Jets will do that from the get go and I look for a lot of end to end action in this game with odd man rushes and break out opportunities. Keep in mind, and I can't remember the last time I have ever seen this and truly don't know that I have ever witnesses in my multiple decades of watching hockey, the Jets missed an open net about a half dozen times in the final two minutes of the game. Just getting one of those would have resulted in a 4-2 final. Those who took the Wild on the puck line (+1.5 goals) willing to lay ridiculous juice ended up very fortunate. But for me, it was the total that burned as I had the over 5.5 and lost. I fully expect easy payback here as the pace we saw in the 3rd period Wednesday will be more of an all game pace we see in this one! The Jets are the highest scoring team on home ice in the NHL and they need to exert that power right from the start in this one and they know it. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg |
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04-13-18 | Rockies +159 v. Nationals | Top | 2-1 | Win | 159 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #955 Friday 10* Top Play Colorado Rockies Money Line (+) @ Washington Nationals @ 7:05 ET - The Rockies are 5-1 in their last 6 road games after yesterday's 5-1 win at Washington. That defeat for the Nationals dropped them to 2-5 in their home games this season. The Nats are likely to struggle again today. Washington will be facing Rockies southpaw Kyle Freeland and the Nationals numbers against lefties rank them dead last in the majors this season. The Nats are hitting just .171 with only a .243 slugging percentage versus lefties! The Nationals have only 1 homer and 2 doubles in those 70 at bats versus left-handers. The Rockies, on the other hand, have 12 homers in their 8 road games this season. Their .418 slugging percentage away from home ranks them in the top 3rd of the league. They'll take advantage of facing Tanner Roark whom allowed 2 big homers to the Mets in the Sunday night game. Though he struck out 9 in that start he also walked 4 and he also has walked 8 in 10 career innings versus the Rockies. Though not a huge gap between the bullpens, Colorado also has the edge there so far this season with a 4-2 mark and 4.15 ERA while the Nationals relievers are 0-3 with a 5.19 ERA. The Nats sticks are averaging just 2.5 runs per game their last 8 games! The Rockies have averaged 5 runs per game in their last 7 road games. I know it may seem "risky" taking a dog in this range but Washington is actually 0-4 this season as a home fave in a range of -125 to -175. Plus, the Rockies are 26-27 (+$11,500) as a road dog in a range of +125 to +175. Rockies 4-2 versus right-handed starters this season and Nationals 1-5 when off of a loss this year. 10* COLORADO ROCKIES |
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04-13-18 | Cardinals v. Reds OVER 9 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs St Louis Cardinals @ 6:40 ET - The Cardinals rolled 13-4 over the Reds yesterday. Cincinnati is 6-3 to the over this season when off of a loss including 2-0 to the over when they gave up 10 or more runs. The Reds are also a long-term 30-18 to the over as a home dog in a money line range of +125 to +175. The Cards Luke Weaver is off of back to back solid starts to open the season but both of those games were pitched in cold weather which certainly wasn't good for the hitters. Tonight's game at Cincinnati will feature temperatures up near 80 degrees at first pitch and the wind will be blowing toward the left field corner. The Reds sends Tyler Mahle to the mound. The right-hander got rocked for 5 earned runs on 9 hits (including 2 homers) in less than 5 innings of work in his most recent start. St Louis hitters are "feeling it" right now and that continues today while the Reds sticks had notched 11 hits or more in 4 of their 6 games prior to yesterday's beatdown. They should respond today and I am expecting a slugfest tonight at Great American Ballpark. 10* OVER the total in Cincinnati |
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04-12-18 | Blue Jackets v. Capitals OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 105 | 10 h 39 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The Blue Jackets ended the season on a 6-0 run to the over. The Capitals ended the season on a 3-0 run to the over. Granted this is now post-season hockey but more on that below. The Blue Jackets are weak on the penalty kill. Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky had a great regular season but is known for playoff struggles. Bobrovsky is an ugly 3-10 in his post-season career and has compiled a 3.63 GAA and .887 save percentage. The Capitals have decided to go with goalie Philipp Grubauer who has logged only 79 minutes of NHL playoff hockey in his career. They've decided to go with Grubauer over Braden Holtby and no matter what Grubauer says, he'll start looking over his shoulder as soon as Columbus pots a couple goals. It is hard when you're not the "real No. 1" for your team. The Blue Jackets scored 4 or more goals in 13 of their last 17 games. The Capitals wrapped up the regular season scoring 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games. This is playoff hockey but we all saw the Penguins score 7 goals yesterday and the only reason the Jets game didn't go over the total is because Winnipeg inexplicably missed an empty net about a half dozen times over the final two minutes! Some of these early post-season games are going to be quite high-scoring. Things tighten up as the post-season goes on. This looks like an early barn-burner in my opinion. Only 4 of the Caps final 13 games resulted in an under. Columbus went 15-5 to the over their last 20 games. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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04-12-18 | Tigers v. Indians OVER 8 | Top | 3-9 | Win | 100 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #909 Thursday 10* OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers @ 6:10 ET - These two teams are the bottom two teams in the majors for batting average so far this season. However, much of that has to do with the cold weather they've played in for so many games. This evening in Cleveland the temperature will likely be in the mid-60s at first pitch with the wind blowing out to right field. That's part of the reason you've seen this total climb from a 7.5 to an 8 even though both teams have trended under this season. The other key reason is that the lineups have plenty of familiarity with the pitchers they are facing today. I know that Michael Fullmer has good numbers on the season but he was constantly working out of jams in his most recent start. That is hidden by his low ERA and I expect a breakthrough game for the Indians against him. Fullmer has a 6.04 ERA and 1.82 WHIP versus Cleveland. As for the Indians Trevor Bauer, he has an ugly 7.97 ERA and 1.92 WHIP in his career versus the Tigers. Also, though both of these teams are at the bottom in terms of batting average, their strikeout rate is not bad (each averaging 8 Ks a game) compared to others in the league. They've been putting the ball in play and, finally, on a mild evening at Progressive Field, I look for that to pay off big on Thursday with both lineups enjoying a breakout game. Lets take advantage of the low total in this one. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland |
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04-11-18 | Nuggets v. Wolves OVER 213 | Top | 106-112 | Win | 100 | 24 h 39 m | Show |
Total of the Year - Rickenbach NBA Game #707 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets @ 8:05 ET - The winner of this game goes to the post-season. The loser is out. As a result of those high stakes as well as Denver's ultra low scoring win over Portland Monday, there has been a dramatic over-reaction with this total. The very first O/U that popped up on this one was a 220. Now, as of Tuesday evening, the total is all the way down to a 213. This is offering incredible line value for the over. Keep in mind, the loser is out. There is no tomorrow for this season. That said, I look at this game from a different viewpoint. Late game big scoring pushes are going to be huge. There will be fouling for the team that is trailing. They will be jacking up threes. Even if still down 10 with a minute to go there is likely to still be fouling (hence free throws) and then corresponding quick threes jacked up. Again, because there is no tomorrow. With all that said, I like the fact that both of these teams are plenty capable of going on quick scoring runs and I expect this game to have plenty of dramatics throughout. The Nuggets are averaging 110 points per game this season and the Timberwolves are averaging 111.4 points per game at home this season. Both teams allow at least 107.3 points per game as their season average. The Nuggets have hit 37% of their threes this season. Minnesota hit 36% of their threes at home this season but also allowed 36.6% three-pointers! You can see why there are likely to be some big shots and big scoring runs in this one. The over is 26-14 this season in Denver's games versus teams with a winning record. The over is 16-7 in the Timberwolves last 23 games versus teams with a winning record. Sure there will be intensity in this game but guys will be knocking down threes too and also looking to get quick points in transition rather than let their opponent get set on defense first. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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04-11-18 | Wild v. Jets OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -114 | 24 h 38 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg Jets vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - This total opened up at a 6 and dropped to a 5.5 and, of course, this is playoff hockey. However, Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is only 24 and has exactly 0 games of NHL playoff experience! But how about that Winnipeg offensive production? The Jets won 32 of 41 home games this season thanks to a juggernaut offense that averaged 3.9 goals per game. Devan Dubnyk was great in the post-season last year despite his record. However, I don't see anybody stopping the Jets offensive machine at home. These teams have played 7 games in Winnipeg the past 3 seasons. The over is a perfect 7-0 in those games. The last 4 games here have averaged 9 goals per game. Minnesota scored 10 goals in their last two road games of the regular season and I look for this one to fly over the total as the over improves to 18-10 in Jets home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg |
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04-11-18 | Padres v. Rockies OVER 11.5 | Top | 4-6 | Loss | -102 | 7 h 44 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #955 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs San Diego Padres @ 3:10 ET - I am coming right back with the same play I lost with yesterday. Yes, neither team looked overly impressive last night at the plate but both southpaw starters did pitch much better than I expected. However, now we have a day game with temperatures into the upper 70s, the wind blowing out to right, and a match-up of right-handed starters whom both should struggle. The Padres Luis Perdomo had good success with his slider in his last start at Houston but he won't get the same break on that pitch in the thin air of Colorado. Also, he has now walked 7 in his 9 innings on the mound so far this season. You don't want to give free passes at Coors Field where the ball carries so well. As for the Rockies German Marquez, has had 10 walks in less than 10 innings on the mound so far this season. Again, this leads to issues and he allowed 7 earned runs in less than 5 innings of work versus the Braves in his most recent start. Marquez has a 5.94 ERA in 3 starts versus San Diego. Perdomo is winless with a 7.40 ERA in his 5 starts versus Colorado. The Rockies had just 2 unders in their 8 divisional games prior to yesterday's poor effort at the plate. Things return to "normal" this afternoon at Coors Field and this one flies over the total. 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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04-10-18 | Padres v. Rockies OVER 10.5 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 27 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #909 Tuesday 10* OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs San Diego Padres @ 8:40 ET - Perfect set up here. These teams are getting their sticks going now that they're facing each other at hitter-friendly Coors Field instead of pitcher-friendly Petco Park. In addition to the bats combining for 13 runs yesterday, temperatures are expected to rise to about 70 this afternoon in Denver. It will likely be close to 70 for first pitch in this game. Warmer temperatures and this pitching match-up are going to lead to a lot of runs. These guys, Rockies Tyler Anderson and Padres Joey Lucchesi just squared off in San Diego and that was a low-scoring pitchers duel. Neither starter was charged with a run in the eventual 3-1 Rockies win. Now that they match up in Colorado and with these lineups having just faced these pitchers, the hitters are going to rule the day in this one. This will be Lucchesi's first career road start and it couldn't come at a worse venue. Pitchers are known for struggling in their first ever visits to Coors Field. As for Anderson, he has struggled versus right-handed batters throughout his career. The Padres will load up from that side of the plate tonight with their lineup. The over is 5-2 in San Diego's night games this season and the over has gone 7-4 the past two seasons in Padres road games with a posted total of 10 or 10.5 runs. Only 2 of the Rockies 8 divisional games this season have stayed under the total. More fireworks again at Coors tonight. 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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04-10-18 | 76ers -9.5 v. Hawks | Top | 121-113 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - The Hawks are wrapping up their season here and would love to finish up with a home win. However, Atlanta has the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Yes they are off of back to back wins but they are 0-3 ATS this season when off of back to back wins. Also, they now face a very "interested" opponent compared to the last two they faced. The Sixers would like to get the 3 seed in the East and they are in the drivers seat for that but they must keep winning. They need a win at Atlanta tonight and then home against the Bucks tomorrow night. In other words, they are very focused and on a mission and they also are encouraged by the fact that Joel Embiid very well could be back in time for the post-season. More good news for an already thriving franchise. Another key variable to this game, because depth is also important in late season games, is that the Sixers have two players in their rotation now that were dumped by the Hawks during this season. Don't be surprised if they come up with some big plays in this game tonight. The 76ers have won 14 straight and they've covered 10 of their last 12. The Sixers are also 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. Atlanta is 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games versus opponents that averaged 106 or more points per game. The Hawks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games and their hot shooting the last two games is an aberration that won't continue and has provided some extra value here. Sixers in a road rout! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-09-18 | Thunder v. Heat +4 | Top | 115-93 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #708 Monday 10* NBA Top Play Miami Heat (+) vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 7:35 ET - The Thunder still need to win to clinch a spot in the post-season. The Heat are already in. However, Miami doesn't want to go into the post-season playing bad basketball and they enter this game off of a 24 point loss at New York as a sizable road favorite! Note that Miami is 27-12 ATS (including 8-3 ATS this season) when off of an upset loss as a favorite. Their SU record in those 11 games this season is 10-1. As for the Thunder, they enter this game off of an upset win at Houston. Prior to upsetting the Rockets, Oklahoma City had lost 4 of their 5 prior games. Also, OKC is an ugly 2-6 SU (and 1-7 ATS) this season when off of an upset win as an underdog. With this line climbing all the way to a -4 on the Thunder (after opening up at a pick'em) I love the value here with the home dog. The Heat are not going to lay down at home in this one. They don't want to be playing poorly heading into the playoffs and they will respond after the abysmal performance at New York. 10* MIAMI HEAT |
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04-09-18 | Brewers v. Cardinals OVER 8 | Top | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #957 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers @ 7:05 ET - The Cardinals Miles Mikolas hit a homer in his first start after spending the past 3 years in Japan but he also allowed 3 homers and it was against the same Brewers team he's facing today. That doesn't bode well for the rematch as Milwaukee gets a quick "second look" at Mikolas. As for the Brewers starter, Jhoulys Chacin, he also made his most recent start versus the same team he is facing today. Giving the Cardinals a quick "second look" at him is unlikely to help as they hit him hard last week. Also, Chacin got hit hard in his first start this season too. Having allowed 10 runs (7 earned) in 9 innings in his first two starts this season, the Milwaukee righty is likely in trouble here. Couple that with the fact that this total has dropped from an 8.5 to an 8 and great value is being offered here. Yes I know it will be chilly at Busch Stadium this evening but it will not be brutal. Temperatures should be in the mid-40s and neither one of these starters is going to find it easy facing the same hitters that just gave them trouble last week. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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04-08-18 | Mets +150 v. Nationals | Top | 6-5 | Win | 150 | 11 h 46 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Mets Money Line (+) @ Washington Nationals @ 8:05 ET - You know how it is guys. Everyone will look at this match-up and take the Nationals because there is "no way" the Nats could get swept at home, right? Of course that is the common thinking and that is what drives the value in situations like this. Every game is a standalone event and while it may seem improbable for Washington to lose 3 straight at home to the division rival Mets, there is absolutely no reason that it can't happen. One of the keys is that the Mets bullpen ranks near the top of the majors early this season for ERA and the Nationals rank near the bottom for bullpen ERA. That said, even if the starters Matt Harvey and Tanner Roark pitch equally well, the Mets should hold the late season edge. Additionally, New York definitely holds the edge at the plate right now. The Mets have averaged 5 runs per game their last 3 games while the Nats have scored a TOTAL of just 5 runs their last 3 games. Harvey pitched 5 scoreless innings (just 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 5) in his first start this season. Roark also pitched well in his 1st start this season but he has allowed 6 earned RUNS in his last two starts versus the Mets while Harvey has allowed just 8 HITS in his last two starts versus Washington. As a home fave in a range of -125 to -175 the Nationals are only 42-39 their last 81 which has cost their backers $18,000 at $1,000 a game. NY has won 30 of 55 (+$6,800) road games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs. All things considered, great underdog value offered here. 10* NEW YORK METS |
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04-08-18 | Panthers v. Bruins OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers @ 7:30 ET - The Bruins have a chance to earn the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference thanks to Tampa Bay slipping up yesterday. That said, you know the division rival Panthers would love to play the role of spoiler here. Yesterday, Florida showed their not going to quit on the season as they stormed out to a 3-0 lead and thing hung on for a 4-3 win versus the Sabres even after finding out their post-season hopes were dashed by the Flyers. This says a lot about the character of the Panthers and I am expecting another solid effort from them here. That is what leads me to the over in this match-up. First off we're getting great line value with this total posted at a 5.5 as of Sunday morning. Secondly, I just don't see the Panthers being able to keep the Bruins from scoring plenty in this one. Boston has scored 53 goals in their last 11 home games. Yes, you read that right and yes that is an average of nearly 5 goals per game! The over is 8-2-2 in the Bruins last 12 home games and the 2 pushes were at 6 goals so, at a 5.5, the over would be 10-2 in Boston's last 12 at home! The over is 24-17-1 in Florida's games versus teams with a winning record this season. Roberto Luongo was strong in goal in the Panthers win versus the Bruins Friday but the last time he faced them in Boston he allowed 4 goals. This is the 5th game in 7 days for Florida (this was a rescheduled match-up) and I look for tired legs on the Panthers defensemen to also be an issue. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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04-08-18 | Pistons -5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 117-130 | Loss | -108 | 8 h 45 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Sunday 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons (-) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 3:35 ET - The Pistons can still finish with a .500 mark this season if they win out and they're really not showing any signs of quitting on the season even though they've been eliminated from post-season contention. As for Grizzlies, the story is much different. Memphis has won only 3 games since late January! With that said, the odds of a Detroit win here are pretty high! As for the cover, note that only 5 of the Grizzlies last 25 losses have come by less than 6 points! The Pistons are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games and are a much healthier team than the Grizzlies whom are missing a number of players and now just trying to wrap up on a disastrous season and look forward to next season. Look for Pistons to improve to 20-10 their last 30 non-conference games while Memphis drops to 3-27 SU (and 9-21 ATS) their last 30 games against Eastern Conference foes. 10* DETROIT |
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04-07-18 | Blues v. Avalanche OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #71 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Avalanche vs St Louis Blues @ 9:05 ET - Of course this game has huge playoff implications so most will be looking at the under in this game because of the intensity that the game will have. There are two major problems with that viewpoint. Jake Allen and Jonathan Bernier. I know that Blues goalie Allen is normally a solid netminder. However, goalies tend to be very streaky and the last thing you need when you're going bad is a game with huge pressure. That said, Allen has gone 0-4 in his last 4 starts and has an ugly .869 save percentage. All 4 of those games have gone over the total. As for the Avalanche, you truly have to feel bad for them. It looked like they finally were going to playoffs (and they still can with a regulation win tonight) but then they lost #1 goalie Semyon Varlamov. The issue this has created is that Bernier is now the guy for the Avalanche. This is no disrespect to him but he is the #2 guy here for a reason and I feel he has not been dealing with the playoff pressure either! He has gone winless in his 3 starts since Varlamov got hurt and the Avs have lost those games by a combined score of 11-6. Look for many more goals than what most are expecting here because this goalie match-up features two guys that are definitely struggling right now! Also, the Avs are on an 11-2 run to the over in April games and the over is a PERFECT 7-0 this season when the Avalanche enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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04-07-18 | Sabres v. Panthers OVER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 22 m | Show |
Situational Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Florida Panthers vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - Florida is still alive in the playoff picture as of Saturday morning. The chances they are alive in the post-season race by the time they drop the puck on this evening's game are not good. The Flyers are a huge favorite in early action versus the Rangers and only need to earn a single point to earn a post-season berth and eliminate the Panthers. That said, I am expecting that Philly wins that game and that is going to put Florida in a very tough spot here. It will be hard to play with a lot of defensive intensity when your playoff dreams are finally extinguished. With that said, the Sabres have been scoring a lot of goals but also giving up a ton of goals and I would look for a very loosely played wide-open affair. If by surprise, the Rangers do upset the Flyers early, I still like the over in this match-up because that shocking win would have the Panthers flying all over the ice with energy and that would lead to plenty of Florida goals. Either way the set-up is nice for another high-scoring game here. The Panthers have scored 4 goals in all 3 meetings with the Sabres this season. Buffalo enters this game averaging 3.7 goals per game their last 6 games the over is a perfect 5-0 in their last 5 games. 10* OVER the total in Florida |
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04-07-18 | Nuggets -123 v. Clippers | Top | 134-115 | Win | 100 | 6 h 19 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #701 Saturday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (-) @ Los Angeles Clippers @ 3:35 ET - Mathematically the Clippers are still alive in the playoff race but a loss today finishes them off. The fact is that their most recent win versus the Spurs saw them play very poor early and they were lucky to eventually pull that one out. They then win and got demolished at Utah (and were never in it) in a must-win game versus the Jazz. Also, prior to the win versus San Antonio, the Clippers had lost 2 straight. They're just not playing very good basketball right now. As for the Nuggets, they are red hot and have won 4 straight games. Also, they're right in the thick of the race for a final playoff spot and there is a much different attitude among the Nuggets right now compared to the Clippers. Denver also is playing this game with double revenge as they've lost both games with the Clippers this season. Payback time here. Look for the Nuggets to improve to 8-4 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. Clippers drop to 8-16 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. 10* DENVER |
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04-06-18 | Blues v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -120 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs St Louis Blues @ 8:35 ET - Coming right back with the same play I used when these teams met in St Louis on Wednesday. The Blackhawks rallied for the win there but the reason I used the over is because I don't trust their goalie. He gave up 3 goals Friday and it paid off for me in the 4-3 Chicago win and I expect Jean Francois-Berube to again struggle here. He has an .871 save percentage in his last 4 starts and all 4 went over the total. Keep in mind that if the Blackhawks turn to Jeff Glass here, he has an .860 save percentage in his last 4 games (3 starts). With Chicago pushing hard to try and hurt the Blues playoff chances I do expect the Blackhawks to again be successful in scoring plenty again but they simply won't be able to keep the puck out of their own net. The over is 4-0 in the Blues last 4 games and the over is 7-2-1 in Chicago's last 10 games. The over is 10-6 this season when St Louis is playing with home loss revenge. Only 5 of the Blackhawks last 21 April games have stayed under the total. 10* OVER the total in Chicago |
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04-06-18 | Sabres v. Lightning -1.5 | Top | 5-7 | Win | 100 | 9 h 17 m | Show |
Puck Line Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 goals -110 vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins loss last night at Florida kept the door open for Tampa Bay to have a shot at the #1 seed in the east. Boston has now lost 3 straight games and the Bolts can take advantage here with a late season push. The Lightning, surprisingly, are playing this game with double revenge against the lowly Sabres. TB lost when they most recent met in Tampa and also lost their most recent visit to Buffalo. That said they have payback on their minds and the Sabres are unlikely to be able to do much about it. Buffalo is very banged up and also has injuries at the goalie position. That should turn this into a home blowout as the Sabres last 8 losses have all come by at least 2 goals. In fact, 7 of those 8 Buffalo losses have come by 3 or more goals! As for the Lightning, 8 of their last 11 games have been decided by 2 or more goals. In other words, don't look for a 1 goal game here and of course I am not laying big money lines. Never have and never will. That said, the -110 price range available on the -1.5 goals here is offering great value. Buffalo has lost 27 of 38 games against teams with a winning record this season. The Lightning have won 9 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge. 10* TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING Puck Line -1.5 goals -110 |
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04-06-18 | Cavs v. 76ers -3.5 | Top | 130-132 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #508 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers have won 12 games in a row. They also have covered 10 in a row. The Cavaliers are in a back to back situation and had to use a lot of energy to come up with the late win versus the Wizards last night. This game has become even more important because of the battle for the #3 seed. If the Sixers win out (3 more games after this) they get the #3 seed. The key with the #3 seed is that the 2nd round match-up (should that team advance) would face the winner of the #2/#7 series rather than a #4 seed facing the winner of the #1/#8 series. Why is that so important? Because the #1 seed is Toronto (whom everyone wants to avoid) while the #2 seed, Boston, is further weakened by the loss of Kyrie Irving for the season. Philadelphia has proven extremely tough to beat at home as they've won 20 of 21 games played on their home floor since the calendar turned to 2018. The big difference between these teams is the 76ers play much better defense than the Cavaliers. With Cleveland also having tired legs in the 2nd game of a back to back, look for Philly to prevail here. The Cavs are 8-14 ATS in road games with a posted total of 220 or more this season and also a long-term 11-18 ATS when playing with home loss revenge. Keep in mind, not only did the Sixers win on the Cavs floor recently, Philly was blasted by 22 at home by LeBron and Company much earlier this season. Time for payback here. The 76'ers are 25-7 ATS in games with a posted total of 220 or more. Look for the Sixers overall 10-0 ATS streak to make it 11 in a row with another win and cover here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-05-18 | Warriors v. Pacers OVER 210.5 | Top | 106-126 | Win | 100 | 11 h 33 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #701 Thursday 10* OVER the total in Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:05 ET - This total opened up at a 213.5 and is now down to a 210.5 as of early gameday morning. Of course everyone is looking at the match-up last week between these two teams in Golden State and the fact that it totaled only 173 points. Folks, it is never that easy. The fact is that the result from last week is merely serving to give us exceptional line value here and I won't hesitate to step in. The Pacers were on a 3-1 run to the over before their game at Denver stayed just under the total Tuesday. Also, Indiana has shot at least 48.1% in each of their last 5 games and that includes the loss to the Nuggets. As for the Warriors, they are starting to heat up again and have averaged 111.8 points per game their last four games. They have shot at least 49.4% from the field in all 4 of those games. Golden State is off of an upset win at Oklahoma City and the Warriors are 5-2 to the over the last 7 times they were off of an outright win as an underdog. The fact that both of these teams have been trending under of late has greatly impacted market perception right now. The fact is they both come into this game shooting the ball very well and this is a late season non-conference match-up that should see plenty of offensive fireworks. 10* OVER the total in Indiana |
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04-05-18 | Hurricanes v. Flyers -1.5 | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
Puck Line Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Game #54 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Puck Line (-1.5 goals +160) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers still are not officially in the post-season. They're also coming off of an inexcusable game versus the Islanders where they fell behind 4-1. Philly rallied back to tie it at 4-4 in the 3rd period but then immediately allowed the game winning goal to the Isles and so the Flyers didn't even pick up a point in the standings. They are steamed about their performance and now, at home, they are poised to give one of their best efforts of the season. The Flyers are fired up and of course I am never fond of laying big prices so I am going with the puck line in a big way here. Philadelphia has a comeback price in the +160 range at -1.5 goals and I am forecasting a blowout win here. Carolina would love to play the role of spoiler here but they really wanted to play that role in their most recent game (versus Florida) and they couldn't get it done Tuesday. They've now lost 3 of their last 4 and the Flyers (though they recently won 4-2 at Carolina) still owe the Hurricanes for a 4-1 drubbing on home ice in early March. The Flyers didn't show up that night and this is their first opportunity to host the Canes since the ugly effort on home ice. Trust me, the Flyers are showing up tonight and with goalie Brian Elliott also poised to return Philly is filled with a lot of positive energy tonight whether Elliott is between the pipes or not. The Hurricanes have lost 9 of their last 11 April games. 14 of Carolina's last 21 losses have come by 2 or more goals. Another one here! 10* PHILADELPHIA FLYERS Puck Line -1.5 goals +160 |
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04-05-18 | Rockies v. Padres OVER 8 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 12 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #955 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Diego Padres vs Colorado Rockies @ 3:40 ET - There is reason to believe that both of these hurlers will struggle on Thursday afternoon. The Rockies Tyler Anderson struggled with command in his first start this season and got absolutely crushed at Arizona. Last season the Colorado southpaw went 3-5 with a 6.11 ERA before the All Star break and that included a very rough April. Also, he is now 3-7 with a 5.72 ERA in road games in his career after another rough road outing versus the Diamondbacks to begin this season. He did lose his only start at Petco Park last season and that was actually during a time when he was pitching better. In other words, he's likely in trouble here. As for San Diego's Joey Lucchesi, he did settle down after a rough first inning in his MLB debut. However, it is still concerning that a guy known as a strikeout specialist throughout his minor league career did record only one strikeout in nearly 6 innings of work. That said, he could find the going rough with the Rockies making plenty of contact. Colorado and San Diego entered their Wednesday late night match-up each with a mark of 4-1 to the over on the season. The Padres had averaged 5.3 runs per game their last 4 games and the Rockies had averaged the same over their past 4 as well. The ball does carry better in day games at Petco Park and we're getting a low total here because it is known as a pitcher-friendly park. I'll take advantage as this pitching match-up is very conducive to a high-scoring game here! 10* OVER the total in San Diego |
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04-04-18 | Blackhawks v. Blues OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 11 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* OVER the total in St Louis Blues vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:05 ET - The Blues know if they win out they're in the playoffs. That said, you know the long-time rival Blackhawks want nothing more than to spoil the post-season hopes of St Louis. As much as I would love to play Chicago as a big dog in the spoiler role here, the Hawks have a big issue in the crease. They already have without #1 goalie Corey Crawford for a long time but now they also lost Anton Forsberg for the season. That makes the goalie situation a tenuous one for the Blackhawks and Jean-Francois Berube the expected starter in this one. Berube's last 4 games (3 starts) have seen him compile an .877 save percentage and all 3 starts went over the total. On the road this season Berube has played in 6 games (3 starts) and compiled an .857 save percentage and all 3 starts went over the total. You can see why this is unlikely to go well for Berube. But I do know this, Chicago (even without Jonathan Toews) is going to push very hard in this game as they are relishing the opportunity to play the role of spoiler here. I expect this to lead to plenty of goals in this one. The Blackhawks have scored 17 goals in their last 5 meetings with Jake Allen and the Blues. The over is 6-2-1 in the Hawks last 9 games and 3-0 in the Blues last 3 games. Both Allen and Carter Hutton have struggled recently between the pipes for St Louis. The Blues also have been impacted by injuries to defensemen. Chicago is 17-9 to the over this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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04-04-18 | Heat -8 v. Hawks | Top | 115-86 | Win | 100 | 10 h 39 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Wednesday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (-) @ Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - The Hawks gave a valiant effort last night at Miami and very nearly got the upset win that would have prevented their division rivals from clinching a playoff spot. That said, it may seem like after losing by just a single possession on the road last night that Atlanta would definitely be the play now as a sizable dog at home. However, the Hawks not only gave a huge effort last night, they did it short-handed. Atlanta is not going to have much left in the tank tonight after, for the most part, playing a 6-man rotation yesterday. The Hawks had 6 guys who each played at least 33 minutes. Miami made full utilization of 9 guys last night as all 9 who played logged at least 20 minutes. Atlanta is simply a wounded team right now and the Heat will take advantage tonight. Miami still is seeking to improve their playoff seeding as right now they could finish as high as 6th or as low as 8th so they certainly won't lay down tonight. Look for the Heat to take advantage of tired Hawks as Atlanta plays their 3rd game in 4 nights while Miami had two days off before yesterday's win. The Heat non-covering win last night was just their 5th ATS loss in 15 divisional games this season! The Hawks are 1-12 SU (and 2-11 ATS) when they enter a game on a steak of 3 or more consecutive unders. 10* MIAMI |
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04-04-18 | 76ers v. Pistons OVER 212.5 | Top | 115-108 | Win | 100 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers and Pistons are two of the hottest teams in the league. However, both teams are also without key big men in the paint. This is going to allow both teams to attack the basket and, with the confidence of long winning streaks in tow, each team comes into this game with plenty of confidence on the offensive end. The 76ers have won 11 straight games and have averaged 116.8 points per game during this streak. The Pistons have won 5 straight games and 7 of their last 8 and they've averaged 109 points per game during this strong 8-game stretch. The point is that we could easily see this game reach the 226 range if these teams just play like the have been. With some missing pieces in the paint, I definitely expect this one to get into that range as the interior defense for each team has been weakened. 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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04-03-18 | Coyotes +120 v. Flames | Top | 4-1 | Win | 120 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Tuesday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ Calgary Flames @ 9:05 ET - Nice set up here. Arizona has been one of the hottest teams in the league even though they're not going to the playoffs. The Coyotes are 16-8-2 since February 8th and they're taking on a slumping Flames team that had lost 7 straight games before finally winning Saturday. Whom did Calgary beat? Only their biggest rivals in a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The point is that the Flames could definitely be flat here after knocking off their provincial rivals, Edmonton, on the final day of March. Calgary also has bigger games on deck as they play at Winnipeg and then host Vegas in their season finale. The Flames are not going to be fully focused here and the Coyotes are motivated by losing 3-0 in their last visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome. Arizona goalie Antti Raanta went 3-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .964 save percentage in his 3 most recent starts and he and the Coyotes are motivated to continue this strong finish to the season and continue building for next season. While Arizona has been getting great goaltending, the Flames have allowed 4.4 goals per game their last 8 games! Ignore the full season numbers as, while neither of these hockey clubs are going to the post-season, the Coyotes are playing like a playoff team and Calgary most certainly is not! 10* ARIZONA |
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04-03-18 | Pacers v. Nuggets OVER 214 | Top | 104-107 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 10 m | Show |
Situational Smash - Rickenbach NBA Game #719 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Denver Nuggets vs Indiana Pacers @ 9:05 ET - The over is 22-6 in the Nuggets last 28 games yet this total drifted down some this morning. Of course that is because the Pacers have a much different reputation than that of the Nuggets. However, with Denver being at home I do expect they will control the tempo and they'll force the Pacers to keep pace! Additionally, Indiana has shot at least 48% from the field in 4 straight games but has struggled at times on the defensive end. The Pacers have allowed 47.7% or more from the field in 4 of their last 5 games. The over is 3-1 in Indiana's last 4 games. Also, the last 7 times that the Pacers have entered a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games, they over has gone 5-2. Look for more of the same here as Denver is 7-2 to the over this season against Central Division opponents. Also, the Nuggets are 25-11 to the over in their games against teams with a winning record this season! 10* OVER the total in Denver |
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04-03-18 | Red Sox v. Marlins OVER 7.5 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 23 h 32 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #975 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Miami Marlins vs Boston Red Sox @ 6:10 ET - This is definitely a contrarian play because Chris Sale pitched fantastic in the season opener for Boston. However, the Red Sox southpaw did get roughed up in his lone start at Miami (a loss in 2016) and I expect him to have some struggles against at Marlins Park. One of the issues will be that Miami's lineup will be facing a southpaw starter for a 3rd straight game. They faced Brian Johnson in the opener of this series and remember they closed out the series with the Cubs by facing Jose Quintana. In that series with Chicago, the Marlins bounce back for 6 runs in each of the last two games and though this team has pitching issues (among other things) they are showing the ability to put up some runs. About those struggles on the mound, Jose Urena gets the ball here and he was shaky in the season opener versus the Cubs and now faces a potent and confident Red Sox lineup. I know Boston didn't score many runs in the series with the Rays but they did leave 20 men on base in the final two games so they did have some solid scoring opportunities they simply failed to convert on. We're getting a low total on this game because Sale is on the mound for the Red Sox and, keep in mind, Boston's bullpen had a 5.73 ERA heading into last night's game. The Marlins entered yesterday's series opener with a record of 23-15 to the over in interleague action the past two seasons. Look for this one to surprise many and climb over the low total. 10* OVER the total in Miami |
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04-02-18 | Michigan v. Villanova -6.5 | Top | 62-79 | Win | 100 | 36 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #602 Monday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) vs Michigan Wolverines @ 9:20 ET - After both favorites covered in the Final Four, don't be surprised if there is a lot of support for the underdog in this one. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am backing the favorite here. Lets not forget Michigan's path to get here. They beat low seeded teams (Montana and Loyola), only beat Houston because the Cougars couldn't make free throws late, did blowout Texas A & M but barely got by a Florida State team that (for this season at least) has a photo of its likeness next to the word inconsistent in the dictionary. In all seriousness though, the Wolverines have not been nearly as impressive as the Wildcats have. I have said it before and I'll say it again, Villanova is a team on a mission ever since, after winning it all in 2016, they were bounced early from the tourney by Wisconsin last year. The Wildcats haven't been just beating teams, they've been dominating them. How many people felt good about Michigan winning the game yesterday (against an 11 seed!) when they were down 7 at the half? Or still down 5 past the midway point of the 2nd half? Give the Wolverines credit for the comeback win (and a cover that did burn me as I had the Ramblers) but Villanova is not Loyola and this one will likely be close for awhile (Michigan is strong defensively) but the Wildcats will ultimately pull away in convincing fashion. Villanova has not only won 10 straight games, they are on an 8-1 ATS run. Also, the Wildcats last 9 wins have all come by double digit margins. Look for this to be another one. 10* VILLANOVA |
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04-02-18 | Capitals v. Blues OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-2 | Win | 102 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
Situational Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Blues vs Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are off of an embarrassing 6-0 shutout at Arizona Saturday. The last 3 times that St Louis has been off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less, not only is the over a perfect 3-0, the games have averaged 9 goals each! Look for another high-scoring barn-burner here because the Capitals are off of a big win yesterday. They clinched the Metropolitan Division by knocking off the Penguins at Pittsburgh Sunday. That huge win could leave Washington lacking in energy in their own zone tonight after they used up a lot of energy to hold off the Pens last night. That, coupled with plenty of energy from the desperate Blues (fighting for a playoff spot) means that we should see plenty of goals from St Louis. The thing is I won't be surprised if the Capitals match them goal for goal. Washington has so many weapons on offense and they've scored 3 goals or more in 9 of their last 11 games. The Caps have averaged 4 goals per game in their last 6 road games. The over is 23-14 when Washington faces a team with a winning record this season. Look for that trend to continue tonight. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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04-02-18 | Orioles v. Astros -1.5 | Top | 1-6 | Win | 100 | 25 h 0 m | Show |
ESPN Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #920 Monday 10* Top Play Houston Astros Run Line -1.5 runs vs Baltimore Orioles @ 7:10 ET - The Orioles are known as a team that loves fastballs and they struggle badly against off-speed stuff. That makes a match-up with Charlie Morton quite possibly a nightmare. He has developed a devastating curveball and uses it plenty as everyone saw in full display in the World Series versus the Yankees. Now, in Houston's home opener, the Astros home opener will celebrate the World Series victory and will have Morton on full display again with his arsenal of off-speed stuff. He should dominate the Orioles who will have hardly anyone in their lineup whom has any experience against them. This will make it even tougher on the O's to try and get good wood on Morton's stuff. As for the Baltimore starting pitcher in this one, Chris Tillman gets the call and he was 1-7 with a 7.84 ERA last season. He has struggled the last couple times he has faced the Astros. Also, looking at Tillman's numbers from last season's awful campaign, the bad news was that he was even worse on the road and worse in night games. Welcome to Houston Chris. Road game at night! This looks like a home blowout. Of course I don't lay big money lines. That's why my play here is the run line which is available at about a -120 price. Astros in a rout. 10* HOUSTON Run Line -1.5 runs |
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04-01-18 | Predators +133 v. Lightning | Top | 4-1 | Win | 133 | 8 h 8 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Sunday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 6:05 ET - Beautiful set-up here as the Predators are off of an embarrassing home loss to Buffalo. The Preds were clearly looking ahead to this big game at Tampa Bay as these two teams battle it out for the Presidents Cup as they are both at the top of the standings. Nashville has won 10 of 11 this season when they enter a game off of 3 straight home games. Also, Tampa Bay is off of a big win at the Rangers but of course the Blueshirts are just playing out the string on a disappointing season. The Lightning are in for a much different challenge here and they truly haven't been playing all that well. The Bolts had lost 5 of 8 prior to the win over the Rangers. Also, TB's Andrei Vasilevskiy has allowed 3 or more goals in 15 of his last 21 starts. That pales in comparison to the way Pekka Rinne has been playing. The Predators #1 netminder is coming off of a rare disastrous start versus the Sabres and will certainly respond here. Rinne is on a 22-3-1 run in which he has compiled a 2.02 goals-against average and .934 save percentage those 26 starts. Rinne has an overall record of 41-11-4, with a sparkling 2.25 GAA, fantastic .929 save percentage and his eight shutouts lead the league. The Lightning have lost 9 of their last 17 games versus teams with a winning record. The Preds have won 14 of their last 20 versus teams with a winning record! Also, even though this is a back to back for the Predators, they have won 7 of 10 this season in the 2nd game of a back to back. 10* NASHVILLE |
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04-01-18 | Pacers v. Clippers OVER 215.5 | Top | 111-104 | Loss | -105 | 21 h 8 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Clippers vs Indiana Pacers @ 3:35 ET - When these teams met in Indiana a week ago, the Clippers shot 55% and yet they lost and the game stayed under the total. This is helping to give us solid line value with this total because the Pacers are off of another unique result too. Indiana is off of a win at Sacramento Thursday despite allowing 53.8% from the field. As you can see, the Pacers defense hasn't exactly been on point of late! The Clippers are on an under streak but there is a reason this total is as high as it is. It is more than just some "strange results" recently, it is also that the Clips are now back home where the over is 5-2 in their last 7 games as hosts. LA is still alive in the playoff race and the Pacers are still chasing the Cavaliers for the top spot in the Central Division. With that said there will be no let up from either team and a tight game late could also lead to some free throws and "scramble points" helping our cause. The Clippers have averaged 115.7 points per game in their last 7 home games. The Pacers have scored 106 points or more in 4 of their last 6 games and the Clippers are going to push the pace in this one as they seek revenge for last week's loss. 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles Clippers |
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04-01-18 | Astros v. Rangers OVER 9.5 | Top | 8-2 | Win | 100 | 19 h 58 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #967 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros @ 3:05 ET - Gerrit Cole makes his debut for the Astros and in a very hitter friendly ballpark. That doesn't bode well for a guy that gave up nearly 3 times as many homers as he had in any other season last year. Though the Rangers did not hit well yesterday, remember that they did get to Dallas Keuchel on Friday and if Cole leaves some up in the zone (as I suspect he will) don't be surprised if Texas puts up some crooked numbers on the scoreboard in this one. Of course they'll need all the runs they can get because they're handing the ball to Mike Minor whom hasn't started at the MLB level since 2014! That spells trouble against an Astros lineup that was certainly "feeling it" yesterday as they piled up 9 runs. Houston now gets the luxury of facing a left-handed starter in back to back games. That always tends to help the lineup, especially when off of a big day. Even if Minor enjoys some early success here, I expect him to quickly fade and the Astros will continue pounding on the Rangers bullpen. Nice weather here in Arlington with an interesting dynamic that could help us as well (not that we necessarily need it) but a wind shift is on the way that could happen during the game depending on the timing of a weather front. Either way, the ball carries well here at this park and look for another high-scoring match-up just like yesterday but this time with a little more balanced scoring between the teams as Cole gives up some big extra base hits including dingers. The odds makers tried to hang a 10 on this game and the markets quickly got it down to a 9.5 and I'll gladly take advantage! 10* OVER the total in Texas |
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03-31-18 | Kansas v. Villanova -5 | Top | 79-95 | Win | 100 | 25 h 33 m | Show |
THE College Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #814 Saturday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 8:45 ET - Kansas just beat Duke in overtime. That was a huge win and it took OT to get it. Now, of course, the Jayhawks have had ample time to hit reset and get ready for Villanova but the Wildcats have been the much more impressive team. Keep in mind Kansas has allowed about 44% from the field in their last 3 games. The Wildcats, on the other hand, have allowed 61 points or less in 3 of their last 4 games and Villanova has held their last 5 opponents to a combined 37% from the field. The Wildcats defense is simply fantastic and, on offense they have 6 key cogs in the rotation that all handle the ball very well and can score well which creates a match-up nightmare for the opposition. Having already faced the two toughest defenses (including uniqueness of Mountaineers) of the Big 12 (Texas Tech and West Virginia), Villanova is more than ready to take on the Jayhawks. Jay Wright is a helluva strong coach and this team has been on a mission ever since winning it all in 2016 but then getting bounced early by Wisconsin in last year's Big Dance. Villanova will not be denied and we're getting great line value here with the low number on this one. The Wildcats are a long-term 39-2 SU when they enter off of a game in which they allowed 60 points or less. They are locked in on D right now and most all of their wins have come by at least a half dozen points this season. In other words, you can be very comfortable laying this! All 7 of the Jayhawks losses this season came by at least 5 points. 10* VILLANOVA |
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03-31-18 | Loyola-Chicago +5.5 v. Michigan | Top | 57-69 | Loss | -109 | 22 h 60 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #811 Saturday 10* Top Play Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (+) vs Michigan Wolverines @ 6:05 ET - The other match-up in the Final Four has a #1 seed matched up with another #1 seed and the line is the same as this line. Do you see my point? Here we have a #3 seed Michigan facing a #11 seed Loyola and we have the exact same line. So this is basically an invitation from the betting markets to take the much higher seed and lay a very small line. I am not buying it! The fact is that the odds makers (always very sharp and on top of their game) realize that this Loyola team is damn good and playing their best, most cohesive basketball of the season right now. The fact is that the odds makers had to put the line like this because they know they're going to have to keep the Michigan line low to balance the sharp money that will come in on the Ramblers. They fact is that Loyola has proven they can play with some top quality teams and if Michigan does defeat them I expect it to be by a single possession. Loyala has simply gone toe to toe with everyone they've faced. Michigan's record looks great but they haven't shot well in 2 of their last 3 games and also haven't shot well from beyond the arc in 3 of their 4 NCAA Tourney games. The Ramblers make a high percentage because they take quality shots and create good looks and high percentage chances. Loyola faced a tougher road to get this point and they've truly proven themselves. Michigan beat Houston by a single point and only because the Cougars didn't make free throws. The Wolverines beat the Aggies because of torrid hot shooting. But in their other game they faced Montana (much lower competition) and Florida State (a fragile, inconsistent team all season). This Ramblers team is anything but fragile or inconsistent! I'll gladly take the points and an outright upset will not surprise me in the least. 10* LOYOLA-CHICAGO |
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03-31-18 | Pistons v. Knicks OVER 211 | Top | 115-109 | Win | 100 | 21 h 15 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #803 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons @ 5:05 ET - The last time the Knicks were in action they combined with the Sixers to give me one of the worst "Bad Beats" I'll likely have this entire calendar year in any sport. The teams combined for 130 points at halftime and yet the game (a big play for me) did not go over the total. It was a horrific beat and, suffice to say, I had my eyes out for when I could get some payback involving New York. Now the Knicks host a Pistons team that, though not officially eliminated, knows that the odds of a playoff berth are basically somewhere between minuscule and nothing. In other words, this is a late season match-up of two non-playoff teams and that means defense goes out the window. Look for for a free-flowing offensive showcase. The Knicks are 7-3 to the over this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. Also, New York is 6-2 to the over in Saturday games. The Pistons are 7-2 to the over this season when off of an upset win as an underdog. 10* OVER the total in New York |
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03-30-18 | Nuggets +3.5 v. Thunder | Top | 126-125 | Win | 100 | 25 h 14 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Friday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (+) @ Oklahoma City Thunder @ 8:05 ET - The Nuggets still fighting hard for a playoff spot. I know Denver enters off of back to back losses but they faced two of the hottest teams in the East - Philly and Toronto. Prior to those defeats the Nuggets had won back to back games and they enter this one on a 3-1 ATS run. Denver also has a rest edge here as they've been off since Tuesday while the Thunder are playing the 2nd game of a back to back as they will be coming into this one off of a game at San Antonio Thursday night. Oklahoma City is playing this game with revenge but they are 9-22 ATS this season when playing with revenge. Also, OKC is an ugly 2-13 ATS in divisional games this season. The Nuggets are 8-4 in divisional games this season. Combined edges of 43-15 (74%) favoring the road dog in this one. 10* DENVER |
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03-30-18 | Illinois-Chicago +9 v. Northern Colorado | Top | 71-76 | Win | 100 | 24 h 47 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #781 Friday 10* Top Play Illinois-Chicago Flames (+) @ Northern Colorado Bears @ 7 ET - The Bears are at home for this one but they are still over-priced in my opinion. Many will look at Illinois-Chicago's travel situation and Northern Colorado's hot ATS streak and they'll be all over the Bears here. I am going contrarian and grabbing the points with the hungry road dog in this Championship Game. The Flames have played a tougher schedule on the season and Illinois-Chicago has defended very well this season. UIC also have shut down the 3-ball very well in their last two games and this is what Northern Colorado has been relying on to achieve their blowout wins. The Bears aren't going to hit 17 of 30 threes in this one like they did against Sam Houston State Wednesday. Also, Northern Colorado has allowed 79.5 points per game their last 4 games. Teams can get spoiled when winning with offense. Subconsciously there is a tendency to let up on defense when things are going so well on the offensive end. This will prove to be the undoing of the Bears because they now face a Flames team that has allowed 61 points or less (and 33.3% or less from the field) in 2 of their last 3 games. From a technical aspect, I like the fact that UIC is 20-8 ATS in recent seasons (including 7-2 ATS and SU) this season in games with a posted total in the 150s. Look for the Flames defense to be the difference here. As a home fave of 6.5 to 9 points, Northern Colorado is on an 11-16 ATS run including 2-4 ATS in recent seasons. The Bears are over-priced here. 10* ILLINOIS-CHICAGO |
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03-30-18 | Lightning v. Rangers OVER 6 | Top | 7-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
East Beast - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - The Rangers are playing youth and already in rebuilding mode for next season. This leads to mistakes which, in turn, leads to odd man rushes and players getting caught out of position. Their game against the Capitals Wednesday could (and should) of had a lot more goals. But puck luck was in favor of the iron that night as there were a few off the post and crossbar throughout the game. This match-up sets up well for a high-scoring game because the powerful Lightning are in desperate need of a win after dropping 3 straight and they are very potent in the offensive zone and will attack early and often. With last night's 4-2 loss at Boston, the Bolts are 25-10-2 to the over in their last 37 games. When they play the 2nd game of a back to back this season, Tampa Bay has gone 9-2 to the over. The Rangers are 7-1-2 to the over in their last 10 games. The over is 14-8-1 this season when New York is off of a divisional game. The Lighting are going to push hard and the Rangers typical late season defensive struggles will be evident again here but they have been playing fairly well in the offensive zone and creating good chances for themselves. As a result I am expecting at least a 4-3 type game. Tampa has allowed at least 3 goals in 25 of their last 35 games! 10* OVER the total in New York Rangers |
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03-29-18 | Bulls v. Heat OVER 210 | Top | 92-103 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 58 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #703 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls @ 7:35 ET - With the Bulls having shot so poorly in many recent games I know I am going against the grain here. However, that is all part of being a contrarian and this is an excellent situation. The Heat are off of a huge win versus Cleveland where they held the Cavs to just 79 points. That is certainly noteworthy as Miami is 12-5 to the over (including 4-1 this season) when off of a game where they allowed 85 points or less. Also, as the Heat have been pushing hard to secure a playoff spot, they have been trending over. Prior to the low-scoring match-up with the Cavaliers, the over was 16-6 in Miami's 22 previous games. As for the Bulls, they were 5-1 to the over in their 6 games prior to getting obliterated by Houston and scoring only 86 points. As you would expect, Chicago struggles to stop quality teams and that has played a key role in the over going 25-13 in Bulls games versus teams with a winning record this season. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Miami |
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03-29-18 | Penn State v. Utah OVER 134 | Top | 82-66 | Win | 100 | 10 h 16 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #711 Thursday 10* OVER the total in Utah Utes vs Penn State Nittany Lions @ 7 ET - 3 of the Nittany Lions 4 NIT games have gone under the total. However, a big win at Marquette thanks to hot shooting followed up by continued hot shooting here at MSG on Tuesday is what has Penn State in the NIT Championship. As a result, I feel we're getting great line value here because the results are similar for Utah. The Utes have stayed under the total in 3 of their 4 NIT games but they have shot the ball very well in their last 5 games. I just don't see Penn State as wanting this game to slow down too much. Couple that with Utah having shot 50% from the field in their last 5 games and you have the makings of an easy over here. The Utes, though they shot well overall, did not shoot the 3-ball well Tuesday versus Western Kentucky and that has led to value here. Utah is 6-3 to the over this season when off of a game where they were held under 32.2% from 3 point land. The over is 13-7 in Penn State's last 20 games versus teams with a winning record. 10* OVER the total in Utah |
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03-29-18 | Red Wings v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | Top | 6-3 | Win | 106 | 9 h 6 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Buffalo Sabres vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:05 ET - This is the type of late season match-up I look for in terms of finding games destined for a lot of scoring. The Red Wings and Sabres are both out of the post-season picture. They are each playing a lot of young guys to give them a look for next season. Younger players tend to lead to more mistakes on the ice which means turnovers, odd man rushes, defensemen out of position, and the list goes on with the point being more goals usually results. I also like the fact that Buffalo's Robin Lehner has allowed 8 goals in his last two starts. Detroit's Jimmy Johnson has lost 6 straight road starts while compiling a 3.60 GAA. Red Wings back-up Jared Coreau is 0-7-2 with a 4.57 GAA in his last 11 starts. The Sabres are off of a 3-2 win at Toronto but previously allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their 6 prior games. Detroit is off of a 5-2 win versus Pittsburgh but had allowed 4 goals or more in 11 of their 13 prior games! 10* OVER the total in Buffalo |
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03-28-18 | Flyers +125 v. Avalanche | Top | 2-1 | Win | 125 | 13 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Colorado Avalanche @ 10:05 ET - The Flyers are on a 6-game point streak. However, they continue to suffer some bad beats with losses in OT or the SO. Last night, despite completely outplaying the Stars, they lost in OT at Dallas. Philly was happy to earn at least a point (for the 6th straight game) but they are hungry to get a win and pick up two points in the standings. This is their final game this month and they have not been outshot in a game since their very first game of the month. Indeed, the Flyers have been playing very good hockey but some puck luck has gone against them of late. With this being their final game until Sunday's Easter match-up hosting the Bruins, Philadelphia is going to "leave it all on the ice" in this one. Yes, it is a back to back but with 3 off-days on deck (and desperate for points in the playoff race) look for the Flyers to go very hard at Colorado tonight. Like the Flyers, the Avalanche also need points in the playoff race but they're off of 3 straight huge divisional games (versus the Kings once and the Golden Knights twice). Against playoff caliber teams, the Avs have scored a total of only 5 goals in their last 3 home games. That won't get it done against a Flyers team that has averaged scoring 4 goals per game in its last 7 games. Philly, when in the 2nd game of a back to back where they allowed 3 goals or less in the 1st game, has gone 7-0, 100% the last 7 times. Also, 6 of those 7 wins came by a multiple-goal margin. Road rout here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-28-18 | Knicks v. 76ers OVER 220.5 | Top | 101-118 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - Look for this to be a very entertaining game with a ton of points scored. The Knicks Trey Burke looks like and, at least for the last 4 games, plays like his idol Allen Iverson. That said, off of a 42 point performance (with 12 assists) at Charlotte Monday, look for another huge game from Burke here as he's certainly excited about playing in Philly. This is his first visit to the City of Brotherly Love since he took on an increased role with the Knicks after the All Star break. The Sixers are red hot again and have won 7 straight games. They certainly are excited about Markelle Fultz being back on the floor finally and he had 10 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds in just 14 minutes in the 76ers big win over Denver Monday. Philadelphia is averaging 118 points per game during their current 7-game winning streak and the way the Knicks have been scoring since the All-Star break (and coinciding with Burke's increased role) sets the stage for an easy over here. The Knicks have scored at least 104 in 11 of their last 16 games while the Sixers have allowed 105.4 in their last 5 home games. This one should get well into the 220s based on that as Philly opened up as a 14 point favorite and both of these teams are really feeling it right now in terms of execution on offense! The over is 3-0 this season in Knicks road games with a posted total of 220 points or more. The over is 13-6 when the 76ers enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia |
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03-28-18 | Illinois-Chicago +6.5 v. Liberty | Top | 67-51 | Win | 100 | 11 h 2 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #723 Wednesday 10* Top Play Illinois-Chicago Flames (+) @ Liberty Flames @ 7 ET - Even though UIC is without leading scorer Dikembe Dixson, they've been without him for both games of this tournament already and are adjusting just fine by going guard-heavier with their lineup. The fact is that Dixson wasn't a high percentage shooter and Illinois-Chicago has clearly picked up the slack. Yes, Liberty is home for this game but I feel they are getting far too much respect here. The line has gone from Liberty -5 to as high as a -6.5 as of early gameday morning. The fact is that UIC played a tougher schedule than Liberty and Illinois-Chicago is also a solid team defensively just like Liberty is. In fact, UIC is allowing only 32.8% from three point land while Liberty has allowed 36.6% from beyond the arc this season. With that said, I feel we're getting excellent line value here with the big points. UIC is a long-term 46-26 ATS when playing with 5 or 6 days of rest between games and that includes 5-1 ATS (and SU) this season. Liberty is a long-term 3-8 ATS when they are off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. They're now going from facing a Central Michigan defense that played very little defense to facing a UIC team that is absolutely going to challenge their shots here. That said, Liberty is facing a much tougher test here and is over-priced. 10* ILLINOIS-CHICAGO |
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03-27-18 | Flyers +117 v. Stars | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 27 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:35 ET - The Flyers earned a much-needed point at Pittsburgh Sunday but still left with a disappointing OT loss that has them hungry and fighting for more Tuesday at Dallas. Fighting for more is something the Stars would certainly love to be doing as well but their 8-game slide has left them on the brink of elimination. While they try to stay focused on the task at hand, the 8-game losing streak and the absence of goalie Ben Bishop (knee) has devastated the psyche of a Stars team that once had high hopes for this season. Kari Lehtonen continues to struggle between the pipes and Dallas has been outscored by an average score of 4-2 during this 8-game losing stretch. As for the Flyers, good news is on the horizon at the goalie position with Michal Neuvirth's return imminent. He is on this road trip with Philly so it is expected that he likely starts tonight at Dallas or tomorrow at Colorado. Either way, just the fact he's returning from his injury is a big boost for this Flyers team. Even without him, they've been getting better goaltending than Dallas of late. Philadelphia, before the loss to the Penguins, had allowed 3 goals or less in 6 of their last 8 games. The Stars have allowed 4 or more in 5 of their last 7. The Flyers have won 14 of their last 21 when they enter a game having scoring 4 or more goals in their prior game. The Stars, having dropped 8 straight and down emotionally and physically, are easy to fade given they are priced as a favorite here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-27-18 | Spurs v. Wizards +1.5 | Top | 106-116 | Win | 100 | 10 h 28 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #762 Tuesday 10* Top Play Washington Wizards (+) vs San Antonio Spurs @ 7:05 ET - The Wizards are off of 3 straight losses and that is certainly worthy of note here as Washington has not lost 4 straight games this entire season! The Wizards are a long-term 9-3 SU (and 10-2 ATS) when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Washington also is playing this game with quadruple revenge as they've lost 4 straight versus the Spurs. This includes a loss last week at San Antonio where the Wizards gave up a big 3rd quarter run. Washington is 17-10 ATS as an underdog this season and I expect them to get revenge here. The Spurs are 14-23 SU on the road this season and have lost 8 of their last 9 away from San Antonio. 10* WASHINGTON |
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03-27-18 | Western Kentucky v. Utah | Top | 64-69 | Loss | -119 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #777 Tuesday 10* Top Play Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (-) vs Utah Utes @ 7 ET - This line, as of early gameday morning, has the Hilltoppers as a very small favorite. As a result, you can play the money line in the -120 range on this one and that is what I am recommending here. The Utes are the bigger name school and will attract some attention here as a small dog as a result. However, this Hilltoppers team is extremely talented and playing extremely well. As a result, we're getting fantastic line value in this one with the ability to just take Western Kentucky to win. The Hilltoppers have been ultra impressive on both ends of the floor. They are off of a 92-84 win at Oklahoma State and are 12-2 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. They've shot the ball very well in the NIT and have averaged 83.3 points on 54% shooting from the field. Also, Western Kentucky has allowed 38.9% or less from the field in 4 of their last 5 games. Utah is on a long-term 4-8 ATS run in tournament semi-final games and, in recent seasons the Utes have compiled a 6-10 ATS run in games played on a neutral court. 10* WESTERN KENTUCKY |
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03-26-18 | Flames v. Kings OVER 5.5 | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Kings vs Calgary Flames @ 10:35 ET - The Kings have lost 6 of their last 11 so they truly haven't been overly sharp. In fact, LA has allowed an average of 4 goals per game in those 6 losses. When you look at Calgary you see a team that is struggling to score goals but the fact is they've had some bad puck luck. The Flames have outshot their opponent in 11 straight games. Calgary has averaged 40 shots on goal per game their last 11 games. They're going to put plenty of pressure on a division rival here as they look to play the role of spoiler against the struggling Kings. However, the issue for the Flames is that they have allowed 4 or more goals in 6 of their last 7 games. That is why I like the over. I don't expect Calgary, though dealing with some injuries, to lay down here. So the Flames are going to score a few in this one but they just won't be able to stop Los Angeles. The last 8 times LA has been off of a loss, they've scored an average of 4 goals per game in their next game. The over is 12-6 this season when the Flames are off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. Calgary is also 23-8 to the over (including 10-2 to the over this season) when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles |
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03-26-18 | North Texas v. San Francisco -3.5 | Top | 62-72 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #742 Monday 10* Top Play San Francisco Dons (-) vs North Texas Mean Green @ 10 ET - Both teams faced a relatively easy path to reach this Championship Series of the CBI. However, don't be fooled by all the big points that North Texas has been putting up. They're facing a much tougher defensive test here. San Francisco played the tougher strength of schedule as their conference includes quality teams like San Diego and BYU and very strong teams like St Mary's and Gonzaga. I feel these tests during the season will help the Dons in terms of being ready to take down the Mean Green here. At home, San Francisco went 15-6 SU this season and that makes me very comfortable laying the short number here with the Dons. The Mean Green went just 6-11 SU in games away from home this season. 11 of their 17 losses this season came by 5 points or more. Also, long-term North Texas is 8-33 SU in road games and an incredibly poor 9-40 SU versus teams with a winning record. Look for the Dons to defend home court in Game 1 of this best of 3 series. 10* SAN FRANCISCO |
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03-26-18 | Knicks v. Hornets OVER 222 | Top | 128-137 | Win | 100 | 11 h 41 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #733 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - Though it is not official yet, even though the Hornets have won 3 straight games, Charlotte is effectively eliminated from the post-season race and they know it. That said, I like to look at the over in late-season match-ups like this that are between two teams that are not going to the post-season. These types of late season ho-hum games tend to lead to plenty of offense and very little defense as there is certainly not a lot of incentive to get stops on the defensive end. That said, I like the fact that this total already has dropped from it's earliest number of 224 down to a 222 and I would not be surprised if it drops even further. With their upset win at Washington yesterday, New York has scored more than 100 in 7 of their last 9 games. The rarity about yesterday's win was that the Knicks didn't allow triple digits. In fact, NY entered that game having allowed 108 points or more in 15 of their last 18 games. Not much defense in those numbers! The over is 8-4 this season when New York is playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, when off of an outright upset win as an underdog, the Knicks are 10-5 to the over this season! The over is 5-0 in the Hornets last 5 home games and they've averaged scoring 118.7 points per game their last 10 at home! 10* OVER the total in Charlotte |
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03-25-18 | Blazers +3.5 v. Thunder | Top | 108-105 | Win | 100 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
Divisional Game of the Year - Rickenbach NBA Game #713 Sunday 10* Top Play Portland Trail Blazers (+) @ Oklahoma City Thunder @ 7:05 ET - Portland is off of rare back to back losses at home. The Trail Blazers had been one of the hottest teams in the league and I look for them to bounce right back here. Portland is a PERFECT 5-0 SU their L5 games away from home. Overall, in their last 18 games, the Trail Blazers have lost ATS only 3 times! In their match-ups with the Thunder this season they are a PERFECT 3-0 SU and ATS. Oklahoma City enters this game quite hot also but if you look closely at what they've done, the Thunder just don't win against playoff level teams very often at all. A big part of the reason they've been on a hot streak is because of facing a weak schedule. Most all of their wins have come against teams that wouldn't be in the playoffs if the season ended today. In fact, the Thunder are just 4-8 SU their last 12 games against teams that are currently in a playoff position or just one game out (Denver). The point is that Oklahoma City has struggled when facing better teams and they're certainly facing one of those today. It is also noteworthy that the Thunder are just 9-21 ATS when playing with revenge this season and also an ugly 2-12 ATS in divisional games. Look for the Blazers to win outright for the 6th time in their last 6 road games and for the 4th time in their last 4 meetings with OKC. Grab the points but you shouldn't need them. 10* PORTLAND |
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03-25-18 | Predators +107 v. Jets | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - This is a huge divisional match-up and, after losing last night at Minnesota, I don't see the Predators losing again here. The Preds enter this game off of back to back losses and that certainly holds significance here as they are 7-1 this season when they enter a game off of B2B losses. Only once this entire season have they lost 3 games in a row. Also, even though this is a back to back spot for Nashville, they are 7-2 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Predators coach Peter Laviolette was ejected from last night's game and Nashville is fired up after back to back losses and a poor effort as the game went on last night. You know they will respond here and I expect them to be the hungrier team here. Also, the Jets have won 4 straight games and are off of a dominating effort versus Anaheim. So often it is tough to duplicate an effort like that and the Preds are very determined here after what has happened. Side note about Winnipeg is a fistfight on the ice in practice yesterday. Sometimes that will help a team that is struggling but it is not necessarily a good sign when you've been going well and players are still having issues among themselves. The Jets have been great at home this season but have lost 9 of 12 games this season when on a winning streak of 3 or more games. Combining that with the Predators streaks noted above and you have a combined 23-6 edge favoring the road dog in this one. The odds makers price this one this way for a reason. Many will be fooled into grabbing the Jets on home ice. Not you and I as we go contrarian for the cash! The hungry road team gets this one. 10* NASHVILLE |
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03-25-18 | Duke v. Kansas OVER 155 | Top | 81-85 | Win | 100 | 8 h 16 m | Show |
Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #719 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kansas Jayhawks vs Duke Blue Devils @ 5:05 ET - This total may seem to be on the high side but, keep in mind, these are two of the most potent offenses in college basketball today. The fact that Duke is off of a game where they scored only 69 points and didn't shoot well simply helps to add even more value here. The Blue Devils faced the tough frustrating defense of Syracuse but, in their prior games Duke had scored 87 points or more in 3 of 4 games and they shot extremely well from the field overall and from 3-point land in all 3 of those game! The Jayhawks have averaged 81 points per game in their last 6 games and they have consistently shot the ball very well over their last 10 games. It is no wonder why the over has gone 7-3 in those 10 games as Kansas is playing their best basketball of the season on the offensive end and playing with a ton of confidence. The Jayhawks are averaging 81.4 points per game and the Blue Devils 84.4 points per game on the season. Ton of offense expected here as both teams believe they can outdo each other on the offensive end and you may be surprised to see a very fast pace to this game but that is what I am expecting based on the game management expected from these coaches for this match-up. This is going to be a back and forth shootout. The over is 10-2 this season in Blue Devils games versus non-ACC foes. The over is 6-2 this season when the Jayhawks are playing with 1 day or less of rest between games. 10* OVER the total in Kansas |
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03-24-18 | Bulls v. Pistons OVER 210.5 | Top | 95-117 | Win | 100 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls @ 7:05 ET - The Pistons, though of course they wouldn't admit it, are coming to terms with the fact that they're not going to make the post-season. They're just too far back now. After a loss to the Rockets, Detroit has lost 11 of its last 15 games. I know the Pistons have some good recent stats on defense but I look for this to be a run and gun shootout on Saturday evening in Detroit. This is a match-up of two teams not going to the post-season and the Bulls quit playing defense a long time ago. Chicago has allowed 117.3 points per game their last 7 games. Detroit needs a breakout game on offense after a frustrating game at Houston. Of course facing the weak Bulls is going to allow the Pistons to enjoy a huge electric game on the offensive end. Chicago is off of a home loss to Milwaukee that went over the total and the over is 9-4 this season when the Bulls are off of a divisional game. The Bulls have averaged 107.7 points per game on offense their last 7 games and you can see why I am looking for a 120 to 108 type game here which, of course, equates to an early over. This will appear to be a bit of a contrarian play given the Pistons recent numbers on defense but you can see, per the above, why I am expecting an entirely different mindset for this one. 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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03-24-18 | Blues v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Columbus Blue Jackets vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Blues used Jake Allen last night and Carter Hutton is dealing with a neck injury. That said, goaltending certainly could be an issues for St Louis tonight. Couple that with the fact that this is a match-up of two teams that are scoring a ton of goals and you have the perfect situation for an over where many aren't expecting it. That is why we can the over 5.5 goals at a +120 and that is a strong value. The Blue Jackets have scored an average of 4.2 goals per game their last 10 games. The Blues have scored an average of 4.5 goals per game in the 6 wins they have notched during their current run that has seen them post 6 victories in their last 7 games. In other words, it should not come as a total shock if each team ends up with at least 4 goals here. Sounds preposterous? The last time these clubs met in Columbus, the Blue Jackets won 8-4. I am not saying that will happen of course but I do expect 6 goals to come without too much trouble in this one. Both hockey clubs are hot right now and "feeling it" and this should lead to some nice crisp, clean scoring chances. The over is 3-0 in the Blues last 3 road games and the Blue Jackets were on a 9-3 run to the over before their shutout win versus Florida Thursday stayed under the total. 10* OVER the total in Columbus |
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03-24-18 | Loyola-Chicago v. Kansas State -113 | Top | 78-62 | Loss | -113 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #514 Saturday 10* Top Play Kansas State Wildcats (-) vs Loyola (IL) Ramblers @ 6:05 ET - The Ramblers continue to be the story of the tournament but I just don't see that continuing here. Kansas State has allowed just 53.3 ppg in the tourney and their defense has limited the opposition to less than 34% from the field. Loyola is still alive in the tourney thanks to both strong shooting and clutch shooting. But the way the Wildcats are "locked in" on the defensive end right now, I just don't see the Ramblers as being able to maintain their unlikely run that has seen them hit better than 50% from the field in the tournament. Keep in mind, Loyola is allowing 46% from the field in the tourney so the Wildcats hold the D edge here based on current level of play and Kansas State certainly holds an edge in terms of strength of schedule they faced this season. With Loyola playing the role of "Cinderella Story" in this tournament, we're getting line value with the Wildcats and I won't hesitate to step in as the money line is available at a nearly "pick'em price" on K-State in this one. 10* KANSAS STATE |
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03-23-18 | Nets v. Raptors OVER 221.5 | Top | 112-116 | Win | 100 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #859 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:35 ET - The Raptors and Nets just met early last week in Brooklyn and the game barely stayed under the total. In the Nets other 10 games dating back to their final game of February, the over is 7-3. As for the Raptors, they played very solid defense late in their win at Orlando Tuesday but they then suffered a tough beat at Cleveland Wednesday as they let that one get away from them late. Toronto may not have a lot of defensive intensity left after trying desperately to hang on in that revenge game at Cleveland (they just can't see to win there) and, keep in mind, this is the Raptors 6th game in 9 days! Toronto has allowed 52.7% or more from the field in 3 of their last 4 games. As for the Nets defense, they've allowed 110.4 points per game on the season. Brooklyn is 6-3 to the over when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. The Raptors are 6-3 to the over in home games with a posted total of 220 points or more. This big total is absolutely justified and there won't be much D in this one! 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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03-23-18 | West Virginia v. Villanova -5 | Top | 78-90 | Win | 100 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #872 Friday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) vs West Virginia Mountaineers @ 7:25 ET - The Wildcats beat Alabama by 23 points despite hitting only 39.7% from the field. That certainly says a lot about just how good this Villanova team is. The Wildcats are 9-2 ATS in neutral court games this season and also 8-2 ATS in all NCAA Tournament games the past 3 tourneys combined. West Virginia has won and covered both their games so far in the tourney but they faced an Ohio Valley team and a Conference USA team. This is certainly a much stiffer challenge here and, keep in mind, the Mountaineers were only 9-9 SU their last 18 games prior to the Big Dance. As for Nova, they faced an SEC team Sunday and that is at least a tougher challenge than what West Virginia has faced so far. Also, the Mountaineers are 5-10 SU their last 15 as an underdog and 30 of the Wildcats 32 wins this season have come by a margin of 7 points or more. As you can, odds truly favoring a win for Nova by 7 or more and that gets us the cash here! We'll take it! 10* VILLANOVA |
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03-23-18 | Canadiens v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 30 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Divisional rivals but neither team going to the post-season. That is a key reason to like the over here as there is no reason for intense playoff-style hockey. Also, the Sabres are intent on opening things up and being aggressive here with an emphasis on offense as they know they must start scoring some goals again. Buffalo had been doing better with showing some glimpses of how they're capable of producing as they had scored 4 goals or more in 4 of 9 games but then they lost their last two games and managed only one goal. As for Montreal, they did get goalie Carey Price back but he is still a little rusty as he showed at Pittsburgh. The Canadiens have averaged allowing 4.1 goals per game their last 9 games. As for the Sabres, they've allowed an average of 3.7 goals per game their last 9 games. The over is a long-term 11-6 in Habs Friday games. The over is 3-0 in the Sabres last 3 divisional games. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Buffalo |
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03-22-18 | Texas A&M v. Michigan -2.5 | Top | 72-99 | Win | 100 | 10 h 44 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #818 Thursday 10* Top Play Michigan Wolverines vs Texas A & M Aggies @ 7:35 ET - The Aggies played the perfect game versus North Carolina and now the public is so enamored with Texas A & M that the line on Michigan in this game is being driven down from as high as a -4 to where it is now seems headed for a -2. Sure the Aggies looked great but everything was falling in for them and coming up roses while the Tar Heels couldn't buy a bucket. It was just one of those nights but now everyone over-reacts and you know where the value is now. Keep in mind, the Aggies beat a Providence team in round one that is certainly a good team but not great. Now A & M faces a Michigan team that has won 11 straight games and has allowed less than 35% from the field so far in this tourney. The Wolverines had a very tough shooting effort in their tight win over Houston in the 2nd round but Michigan had previously shot 44% or better in 8 straight games! Keep in mind, the Aggies (prior to getting hot in the first two games of this tourney) were held under 39.4% from the field in 3 straight games. I am not sold on this Aggies team but the world is and that has created value that is truly off the charts here with a Wolverines team that was seeded #3 with good reason! Big value here. 10* MICHIGAN |
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03-22-18 | Capitals v. Red Wings OVER 5.5 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 36 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #59 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - The Red Wings are off of a win but they allowed 4 goals. Detroit has now given up an average of 4.3 goals per game their last 10 games. Couple their struggles in their own zone with the fact that they've got confidence up front after their 5-4 win over the Flyers and you have the perfect set-up for an over here. The Red Wings host a Capitals team that has allowed 3.8 goals per game in their last 4 games. The key for Caps current 5-1 run their last 6 games is offensive production that has produced 3 or more goals in 5 straight games. During this 5-game stretch Washington has averaged scoring 4.6 goals per game. You can see why this game certainly has the potential to result in 6 or more goals. The over is 4-0 in the Capitals last 4 games. Also, the over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings between these teams and the average goals scored was 7.5 per game. More of the same here with 7 to 8 being expected! 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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03-22-18 | 76ers -7.5 v. Magic | Top | 118-98 | Win | 100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #801 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Orlando Magic @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers are in a back to back spot here but they got up huge last night versus Memphis and were able to rest up for tonight's game at Orlando. Also, the Sixers first two back to backs this season have seen them win both and average 115 points per game. The Magic just don't have the offense to keep up here. Orlando has lost 7 of their last 8 games. The Magic were held to 88 points or less in 5 of those 7 defeats. To put that in proper perspective, Philly has been held to 88 points or less just once this entire season. In fact, the 76ers have scored 98 points or more in 12 straight games. That's why odds are high that another Philly victory by a double digit margin is on tap here. The Sixers have won both meetings with the Magic this season by double digits and the average margin of those games was 15 points. Another rout here. Orlando 4-10 SU and ATS versus Atlantic Division opponents this season. The 76ers are 10-4 SU and ATS versus Southeast Division opponents this season. Philly is 16-10 SU and 17-9 ATS this season when off of a non-conference game. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-21-18 | Nuggets -9 v. Bulls | Top | 135-102 | Win | 100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #761 Wednesday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (-) @ Chicago Bulls @ 8:05 ET - Yesterday this line was as high as double digits but as of early this morning it has settled in at -9 in most spots. Of course the majority are looking at this game and find it hard to justify laying this big of a spread on the road but, trust me, the odds makers knew what they were doing setting this line this high. This one has road rout written all over it. Denver is fighting for their playoff lives but off of back to back losses and that is why they will take out their frustration on a Bulls team that has nothing to play for at this point in the season. Also, helping our cause here is the fact that Chicago is quite banged up right now. Denver is 4-1 SU and ATS their last 5 meetings with the Bulls but only won by a single point in their non-covering win over the Bulls at home earlier this season. Chicago shot unusually well in that game and that won't happen again here. The Bulls have been held 45.1% or less from the field in 6 of their last 8 games. After the epic multiple-overtime loss at Miami Monday, Denver is fired up about responding huge here at Chicago. The Nuggets are a long-term 20-10 ATS after a game in which they allowed 130 points or more. The Bulls have lost 10 of their last 14 games and the Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 wins. In other words, odds favor a big win and cover for the road fave in this one. 10* DENVER |
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03-21-18 | Bruins v. Blues -105 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout NHL Game #6 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - What is making big news here is that the Blues will probably be without leading scorer Vladimir Tarasenko tonight. However, St Louis has shown a lot of resiliency of late as they've been able to rally in the 3rd period of back to back games for key wins and have now won 4 of their last 5 games. Also, the Blues are the healthier team even if Tarasenko is out tonight. The Bruins are very banged up right now. St Louis lost at Boston earlier this season and the Blues also lost the last time they hosted the Bruins. Double revenge spot and a key payback spot for St Louis as they're fighting to earn a playoff spot. Jake Allen (Blues) and Tuukka Rask (Bruins) are both struggling but the key here for each team is on the other end of the ice. St Louis has scored 4 goals or more in 4 of their last 5 games while the Bruins had been held to 3 goals or less in 10 of their last 15 games prior to the 5-4 loss to Columbus. Also, now Boston is back on the road where they've averaged just 2.2 goals per game in their last 9 games. The Blues have won 26 of their last 35 March games and pick up a key 2 points here in the playoff race! 10* ST LOUIS |
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03-21-18 | Western Kentucky +4.5 v. Oklahoma State | Top | 92-84 | Win | 100 | 10 h 7 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #765 Wednesday 10* Top Play Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+) @ Oklahoma State Cowboys @ 8 ET - Even though the Cowboys had a shot at the cover versus Stanford Wednesday, they certainly were fortunate to even have that end-game opportunity as they were unimpressive again. For the 4th straight game Oklahoma State was held under 41% from the field. I look for the cold shooting to catch up with them here because Western Kentucky comes into this game red hot. The Hilltoppers have shot better than 53.5% in each of their two games in this tournament and it is not like they played push-overs. Western Kentucky faced Boston College and USC. Also, prior to allowing 46.8% from the field against the Trojans, the Hilltoppers had held each of their 3 prior opponents to 38.5% or less from the field. Western Kentucky allowed just 59.3 points per game in those 3 contests. The Hilltoppers are 6-1 ATS as an underdog this season and also are 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS in all tournament games this season. The Cowboys are 2-9 ATS this season in games with a posted total in the 140s. Also, Oklahoma State has gone 0-3 ATS this season when playing with 1 day or less of rest between games. 10* WESTERN KENTUCKY |
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03-20-18 | Flyers v. Red Wings OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 101 | 10 h 29 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #59 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:35 ET - At first glance, this looks like a great spot to back the Flyers since the Red Wings have lost 10 games in a row. However, Philadelphia is off of a big win versus Washington and they have a rivalry game at home versus the Rangers on deck. That said, this could be a bit of a flat spot for Philly and I expect this game to turn into a "barnburner" as a result. The Red Wings will score on a Flyers defense that could be a little flat-footed tonight but the problem for Detroit is they can't keep the puck out of their own net and that is why the play here is a big one on the over. The Red Wings have allowed 4.3 goals their last 9 games and, in fact, allowed at least 4 goals in 8 of those 9 contests! The Flyers have allowed 3.7 goals per game in their last 10 games and have given up 3 goals or more in 8 of those 10 games. You can see why I am expecting a 4-3 type game here! Philadelphia is 14-8 to the over this season when off of a divisional game. The Red Wings last 39 March games have resulted in only 14 unders! The last 4 times they were off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less they've gone 3-1 to the over. Another one here! 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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03-20-18 | Raptors v. Magic OVER 214 | Top | 93-86 | Loss | -107 | 12 h 40 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #651 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:05 ET - Who would play defense in this one and why? The Raptors certainly have bigger fish to fry and the Magic are just playing out the string on the season. Orlando is off of a very ugly game versus Boston Friday which is helping to give line value here as that one fell well short of the total. The fact is that, prior to that game, the Magic had allowed an average of 112.7 points per game in their 3 prior games. Also, in their 5 prior home games, Orlando had averaged 113 points per game. These teams just met 3 weeks ago and the total opened up at a 220. With this one opening up a half-dozen points short of that, I'll gladly step in. The Raptors have allowed 54.2% from the field in their last two games and defense is unlikely to be a priority here with a huge game at Cleveland on deck for tomorrow night. The over is 8-4 this season when Toronto is off of an upset loss as a favorite. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Orlando |
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03-20-18 | Penn State +2.5 v. Marquette | Top | 85-80 | Win | 100 | 11 h 4 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #665 Tuesday 10* Top Play Penn State Nittany Lions (+) @ Marquette Golden Eagles @ 7 ET - Yes Marquette has home court edge but there is a reason they opened at nearly a pick'em in this game. Now that the line is all the way up to a 2.5 as of early gameday morning it is "go time" with this one. The big edge the Nittany Lions have here is on the defensive end. Additionally, Penn State is loaded with confidence because they've notched a number of significant victories away from home this season. PSU just got a big win at Notre Dame here in the NIT and, previous to this, the Nittany Lions defeated Ohio State 3 times this season (including on a neutral floor and in Columbus) and they also lost at Purdue by just 3 points! Penn State has proven multiple times that they can raise their level away from home against top quality competition. The Golden Eagles shoot the 3-ball well but so too do the Nittany Lions. The key is on the defensive end where Penn State has allowed less than 30.9% from beyond the arc in 4 of their last 6 games. By comparison, Marquette has given up 35% or more from three point land in 8 of their last 11 games! On the season the Golden Eagles are allowing a dozen points more per game than PSU is. The Nittany Lions are 10-4 ATS in tournament games and 7-2 ATS their last 9 games versus teams that averaged 77 points or more per game. Marquette is 6-12 ATS this season after allowing 80 points or more in their prior game. 10* PENN STATE |
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03-19-18 | Kings +135 v. Wild | Top | 4-3 | Win | 135 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Wild opened up as a -135 home favorite here and of course the markets are falling all over themselves trying to get down on Minnesota at home here and the price is now all the way up to a 150 on Minny. The fact is that the Wild have a full 4 days off after this game and then they face the division leading Predators. This is a definite flat spot for Minnesota because they're also coming off of back to back wins on their 2-game road trip to the desert to face Vegas and Arizona. Now they take on a hungry Kings team that is off of a shutout loss versus New Jersey despite outshooting the Devils Saturday. Los Angeles entered that game having won 7 of their last 10 games and Jonathan Quick has allowed a total of only 4 goals in his last 3 starts. As for the Wild, goalie Devan Dubnyk is off of a solid start but previously had struggled badly in each of his two prior starts. Minnesota lost those games by a combined score of 9 to 2 and another bad loss could be on tap here with how hungry LA is. The Kings are 4-1 to the over in road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. The Wild have won only 5 of 9 games this month and the road dog is going to prove to be the hungrier team here as Minny looks ahead to a nice layoff and then the big game versus Nashville. 10* LOS ANGELES |
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03-19-18 | Grizzlies v. Nets OVER 211.5 | Top | 115-118 | Win | 100 | 10 h 59 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #611 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 7:35 ET - I successfully used the over in Brooklyn when the Nets hosted the Mavericks Saturday and this is a very similar situation. You have two non-conference foes matched up and both teams playoff aspirations are long gone. Simply put this is the perfect type of match-up that lacks in intensity and that almost always features loosely played defense and up-tempo offense throughout. The fact that both the Grizzlies and Nets are off of wins also helps in this regard as that further lessens the likelihood of any intense defense being played here. The over is 15-5 the last 20 times these teams have met in New York. Also, Brooklyn enters this game having gone 6-3 to the over in their last 9 games. They've allowed 117.2 points per game in those 9 contests. The Grizzlies, prior to a very rare win Saturday, had allowed 115.3 points per game in their 3 prior games. When Memphis enters a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home, the over has gone 19-8. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn |
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03-19-18 | Stanford v. Oklahoma State -7.5 | Top | 65-71 | Loss | -104 | 9 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #618 Monday 10* Top Play Oklahoma State Cowboys (-) vs Stanford Cardinal @ 7 ET - This is a #2 vs #3 match-up in the NIT and the line may seem high given the small difference in seeding between these teams. However, don't be fooled, the Cowboys should absolutely win this game by double digits. Oklahoma State shot very poorly versus Florida Gulf Coast in the opening round but still won that game by double digits. Given that the Cowboys are again at home and off of a rare poor shooting performance, I expect a big game from Oklahoma State on the offensive end. As for the other end of the floor, the Cowboys have been playing much better than the Cardinal. OSU has held 6 of their last 7 opponents to 41.7% or less from the field. Stanford, on the other hand, has allowed 44.7% or more in 5 of their last 6 games. The Cardinal have allowed 83 points or more in 4 of their last 6 games. The Cowboys have given up 68 points or less in 4 of their last 6 games. Oklahoma State has covered 6 of their last 7 games. Stanford is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 true road games. The Cardinal are 3-11 ATS their last 14 non-conference games. The Cowboys are 9-5 ATS this season in games with a posted total in the 150s and they get the job done again here. 10* OKLAHOMA STATE |
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03-18-18 | Florida State +6 v. Xavier | Top | 75-70 | Win | 100 | 12 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #719 Sunday 10* Top Play Florida State Seminoles (+) vs Xavier Musketeers @ 8:40 ET - Here we go again. The odds makers, in the eyes of the public and therefore the betting markets, don't know what they're doing. After all, why would they make #1 seed Xavier only a 4 point favorite over the #9 seed Florida State? Guys I have said it many times before and I'll say it again. The odds makers are sharp. They know what they're doing. That doesn't mean that a method like this works all the time (because crazy things do happen in games from time to time as we all know) but the point is that this method does work quite often. That method is being contrarian and, of course, everyone has pounded on the #1 seed Musketeers here and driven this line all the way up to a 6 as of gameday morning. I'll gladly grab the other side and take the generous points. The Seminoles have more than enough to make up for the potential absence of Terance Mann and played Friday's game looking like the team they were early this season. Remember the Noles were 12-2 in early January after a win over North Carolina. This is a talented team that is very dangerous when they raise their game to another level and they proved that to be true again with their dominating effort versus Missouri in round one. Xavier is just 1-3 ATS in neutral court games this season and FSU is a long-term 6-1 ATS as a neutral court dog of 3.5 to 6 points AND all 6 of those wins were OUTRIGHT wins! Another potential upset here but at least a cover the way I handicap this one! 10* FLORIDA STATE |
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03-18-18 | Clemson v. Auburn -119 | Top | 84-53 | Loss | -119 | 11 h 43 m | Show |
Marquee Mauling - Rickenbach CBB Game #724 Sunday 10* Top Play Auburn Tigers (-) vs Clemson Tigers @ 7:10 ET - With this money line available at -120 as of early Sunday morning I would certainly recommend playing the money line for those of you that have access to it. Auburn went 21-6 SU this season versus teams with a winning record. Clemson went only 6-8 SU their last 14 games against teams with a winning record. Keep in mind that poor stretch for Clemson relates closely to the time period that Donte Grantham has been out. The forward was lost for the season with an ACL injury and Clemson was a different team when he was on the floor. Auburn is on a 5-game ATS losing streak but there is no spread to be concerned with here with this line at virtually a pick'em. That said, I look for Auburn to improve to 14-1 SU this season in non-conference games. 10* AUBURN |
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03-18-18 | Red Wings v. Avalanche OVER 6 | Top | 1-5 | Push | 0 | 6 h 30 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Avalanche vs Detroit Red Wings @ 3:05 ET - The Red Wings are relegated to the role of spoiler this season and they get a shot to damage the playoff hopes of an old Western Conference rival here. Back in the day, the Red Wings were in the Western Conference and they had some epic battles with the Avalanche. That said, this spoiler opportunity at Colorado does carry a little extra weight for Detroit. The problem for the Red Wings though is they can't keep the puck out of their own net and that is why my play here is the over. Detroit has allowed 4.3 goals per game their last 8 games. The Avalanche are off of a 4-2 loss but previously had scored at least 4 goals in 4 straight games and at least 3 goals in 8 of their prior 9 games. There has been only one under in the last 5 meetings between these teams and Colorado is 19-9 to the over in non-conference games this season. The Avalanche also are a perfect 6-0 to the over in Sunday games this season. More of the same here! 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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03-18-18 | Thunder v. Raptors OVER 217 | Top | 132-125 | Win | 100 | 4 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #701 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 1:05 ET - The Raptors and Thunder have gone over the total in each of their last 4 meetings. Overall, Toronto is 20-8 to the over in their last 28 games against Northwest Division opponents. Keep in mind, the Raptors aren't going to play as intense of defense against non-conference opponents as they would against a division rival. The same holds true for Oklahoma City and I look for the over to improve to 6-3 in Thunder games versus Atlantic Division rivals this season. The over is 5-2 in OKC's last 7 road games. Toronto is 20-2 SU in their last 22 games and their dynamic offense has led the way. The Raptors have averaged 115.5 points per game in those contests. They are a 6.5 point favorite here. If they just hit their recent average and the odds makers are right about the spread in this one, you're talking about a game hitting 225 points. That said, we have plenty of value here for a top play and that is what I am going with. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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03-17-18 | Florida +2 v. Texas Tech | Top | 66-69 | Loss | -104 | 12 h 5 m | Show |
NCAA 2nd Round Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #533 Saturday 10* Top Play Florida Gators (+) vs Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 8:40 ET - The Gators had some slip-ups this season but when they come to play they can play with anybody. That said, their performance against St Bonaventure in Round 1 showed me they're ready to go here in the Big Dance. Keep in mind, Florida beat Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Texas A & M in the regular season plus also beat Gonzaga by 6 and lost to Duke by just 3 points! Texas Tech's 10 point win over Stephen F Austin is the perfect example of a deceiving final score as the Lumberjacks were really in that game most of the way against the Red Raiders. It was the 8th straight Texas Tech game where the Red Raiders did not cover and I expect this one to make it 9 in a row. Keep in mind, TT entered that game on a 2-5 SU run and that included losses to West Virginia twice and Kansas as well. The point is that the Red Raiders have had trouble against the top teams in the nation and they're in trouble again here in my opinion. Texas Tech is on a 5-13 ATS run against teams with a winning record! The Gators are a long-term 9-4 SU and 10-3 ATS versus Big 12 opponents and also an overall 12-4 ATS in games on a neutral court with a line between pick'em and +3. They get the job done again here! 10* FLORIDA |
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03-17-18 | Mavs v. Nets OVER 213.5 | Top | 106-114 | Win | 100 | 10 h 10 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Dallas Mavericks @ 7:35 ET - This is the ideal type of late season match-up and scheduling situation that I look for when it comes to finding what should be an easy over. Non-conference match-up, two teams eliminated from playoff contention already, and both teams in a back to back spot. The fact each of these teams were in action last night means tired legs on defense which means less effort trying to close out on shooters or make the switch on screens, etc. The fact that neither team has playoff pressure means plenty of free-flowing offense in this one. Both teams scored very well last night and I expect more of the same here. Brooklyn has gone over the total each of the last two times they've hosted the Mavericks and the Nets game at Dallas earlier this season also went over the total. There should be very little defense in this game! 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn |
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03-17-18 | Seton Hall +4.5 v. Kansas | Top | 79-83 | Win | 100 | 11 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #527 Saturday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (+) vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 7:10 ET - The #1 seed Jayhawks are laying a very small number against the #8 seed Pirates. Of course you know what that means for a contrarian guy like me. When something looks "off" or "too easy" you know where I'll be more often than not...on the other side! Many will be lining up to lay a very small number with a top-seeded Kansas team but I believe the odds makers were very sharp in the way they set this line because Seton Hall is built well for an upset here. If the Pirates do fall short look for it to be by just a single possession (3 points or less). Seton Hall is loaded with upper classmen, is solid both in the frontcourt and backcourt, and they are hungry after first round exits from the tourney each of the past two seasons. Now, after getting past NC State in the first game, look for the Pirates to make some noise in this tourney. The Jayhawks have been hot but Seton Hall is on a 6-0 ATS run. Also, Kansas only got 4 points from their bench in the win over Penn Thursday. The Quakers hung around with the Jayhawks until midway through the 2nd half. The Pirates can do more than just "hang around" here and the thin bench of Kansas could do them in here especially with 7-footer Udoka Azubuike still dealing with a knee injury for the Jayhawks. The Pirates are a long-term 26-11 ATS as an underdog and Kansas is 0-3 ATS the last 3 times they've held an opponent to 66 points or less. They held Pennsylvania to 60 points Thursday. 10* SETON HALL |
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03-17-18 | Devils v. Kings OVER 5.5 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 53 m | Show |
Daytime Demolition - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils @ 4:05 ET - The Devils have been playing very aggressive and are a different team since focusing more on speed. New Jersey has won 3 of their last 4 games and average scoring 4.8 goals per game. The Devils have allowed 3 goals or more in 6 of their last 7 games. The Kings lost 5-1 at New Jersey earlier this season so they'll be seeking revenge here and I look for LA to pressure the Devils early and often. Los Angeles has scored 3 or more goals in 17 of their last 20 games. In fact, during this solid stretch dating back to early February, the Kings have averaged 3.3 goals per game. Jonathan Quick is generally very solid between the pipes but he struggled badly versus the Devils earlier this season. Also, the Kings have allowed 4 goals or more in 3 of their last 6 games. The over is 16-9 this season when Los Angeles is off of a win by a margin of 2 or more goals. Also, Kings Saturday games are 14-5 to the over this season. The Devils are 7-3 to the over this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Also, New Jersey is 12-4 to the over when off of a win by a margin of 2 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles |
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03-16-18 | Syracuse +4.5 v. TCU | Top | 57-52 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
NCAA 1st Round Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Game #875 Friday 10* Top Play Syracuse Orange (+) vs TCU Horned Frogs @ 9:40 ET - TCU started the season 12-0 and then wrapped up the season going 9-11. The Horned Frogs numbers on offense are impressive but they leave a lot to be desired on the defensive end. Facing Syracuse is going to be a problem as the Orange play a unique style that is tough to prepare for when you're not use to seeing it. This games has a low total posted on it because the odds makers are expecting Syracuse to dictate the tempo. That said, it is certainly noteworthy that TCU is an ugly 4-7 SU in neutral court games with a posted total in the 135 to 139.5 range. Also, as a neutral court favorite of 3.5 to 6 points, the Horned Frogs have gone 2-6 ATS and all 6 of those losses were upset defeats which is what I am expecting here. It actually helps that the Orange had the play-in game on Wednesday and they certainly impressed in their ability to slow down a high-powered Arizona State offense. Syracuse should do the same thing to TCU here. The Orange will take advantage of a Horned Frogs team that will struggle with its shooting after the long layoff. Syracuse is 11-2 ATS (including 4-0 ATS in recent seasons) when they are a neutral court dog of 3.5 to 6 points. TCU went 1-4 SU this season when held to 68 points or less in a game and the Orange allowed 68 points or less in 22 of their 34 games this season. 10* SYRACUSE |
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03-16-18 | Nets v. 76ers -8 | Top | 116-120 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
Philly Special - Rickenbach NBA Game #804 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:05 ET - Though this is a back to back spot for Philadelphia, there is no shortage of motivation here and clearly the 76ers are the better team of course. This is the first time that the Sixers are hosting the Nets since Brooklyn thoroughly embarrassed them in a 141-118 loss last April. Philly owes it to their home fans to get payback for that one here and, of course, the Sixers need every win they can get right now as they battle for playoff positioning. The line on this one opened up at 11.5 but is all the way down to an 8.5 as of early Friday morning. Of course that has added to the value here and the Sixers are 20-10 ATS at home this season and 8-3 ATS their last 11 games versus teams that allow 106 points or more per game. Brooklyn is 1-11 SU (and 4-8 ATS) in divisional games this season and the 76ers avenge last season's embarrassing home loss and, though this is a back to back spot, they still crush the Nets. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-16-18 | Islanders v. Capitals OVER 6 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 9 h 57 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals crushed the Islanders 7-3 yesterday and the Isles are truly struggling so don't expect any turnaround here. The fact that coach Doug Weight was somewhat pleased with yesterday's effort from New York shows just how out of sorts this team is right now. They can score goals but they given up goals in bunches and no team in the NHL has allowed more goals than the Islanders this season. That said, I look for another high-scoring match-up here because the Capitals won't be stopped on home ice but goalie Braden Holtby has actually been struggling with losses in 3 of his last 4 starts and an ugly .862 save percentage. The Islanders will score their fair share here. The Isles, however, just can't stop anyone and the over is 16-5 this season when New York is off of a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. As for the Capitals, the over is 14-7 in their divisional games this season. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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03-16-18 | Kansas State +1 v. Creighton | Top | 69-59 | Win | 100 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #865 Friday 10* Top Play Kansas State Wildcats (+) vs Creighton Bluejays @ 6:50 ET - Creighton's overall numbers on the season look impressive but they rely heavily on outside shooting and that has not traveled well for them this season. The Bluejays are strong at home but on the road they've knocked down a more modest 34.8% of their threes while allowing 39.1% three-point shooting to their opponents. Creighton averages 77.2 ppg on the road while allowing 82.3 ppg away from home! While most all teams have a home/road dichotomy the Bluejays is at the far end of the spectrum and I will take advantage by backing Kansas State here. The Wildcats were no match for Kansas in the Big 12 tournament but, prior to that, the Cats had held 7 of their last 9 opponents to 67 points or less. That holds significance here as the Bluejays (prior to a tight loss in the Big East tournament) had allowed 83 points or more in 4 of their last 5 games. Creighton is 2-8 ATS their last 10 lined games. The Wildcats were 5-3 ATS their last 8 games away from home prior to the ugly loss to the Jayhawks. The Cats are 4-0 SU the last 4 times they've played with 5 or 6 days of rest between games while the Bluejays are just 2-2 SU as their shooting tends to go cold after a layoff. Also, Creighton is on an ugly 3-9 ATS run versus teams with a winning record. Going contrarian here. Give me the lower seed! 10* KANSAS STATE |
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03-15-18 | Alabama v. Virginia Tech -2 | Top | 86-83 | Loss | -102 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #722 Thursday 10* Top Play Virginia Tech Hokies (-) vs Alabama Crimson Tide @ 9:20 ET - Time and time again when Alabama faced a big game it seems they tensed up and could not make shots. The Crimson Tide shooting performance to close out the season was abysmal and I don't foresee any reason that should change here as Bama faces the pressure of a "win or go home" situation. The Tide were held under 38% from the field in 3 of their last 5 games. Alabama averaged just 60.3 points per game in those 3 games. The Hokies certainly haven't been lighting up the scoreboard of late but they faced a slew of tough opponents and Virginia Tech at least shot 44% or better until they were held to 42% in their loss to Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament. The Hokies have wins over Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia this season. They have proven they can beat the best teams in the nation and I think they step up here and crush Alabama. The Crimson Tide have lost 6 of their last 8 games and Donta Hall is listed as questionable here. Hall leads the team in rebounds and blocked shots and is 2nd in scoring. Alabama is 0-4 ATS this season after allowing 80 points or more in their prior game. The Hokies are 14-5 ATS in first round tournament games and also went 7-2 ATS this season in non-conference games. Compared to the Crimson Tide, the Hokies are the much better shooting team including from three point land. 10* VIRGINIA TECH |
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03-15-18 | San Diego State v. Houston -4 | Top | 65-67 | Loss | -106 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #732 Thursday 10* Top Play Houston Cougars (-) vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 7:20 ET - On the surface, it would seem logical to grab the points with the team that has won 9 straight games and gone 8-1 ATS in the process. Of course, defying logic is a big part of being a contrarian and the fact is that the Aztecs are going to have their hands full with a Cougars team that is also playing their best basketball of the season. Houston, prior to losing by a single point to a quality Cincinnati team in their conference tournament, had won 10 of their 11 previous games. Both these teams play solid defense but the Cougars numbers are even better and, again, they face a tougher schedule than San Diego State does. Also, Houston is the much better shooting team from three point land in comparison with the Aztecs. San Diego State is a long-term 7-11 ATS (and 6-12 SU) as an underdog and only 3 of Houston's 27 wins this season came by less than 4 points. Only 2 of San Diego State's 10 losses came by less than 4 points. The Cougars are 5-1 ATS when off of a game where they were held under 60 points and they are also a perfect 4-0 ATS this season when off of a loss to a conference foe. 10* HOUSTON |
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03-15-18 | 76ers v. Knicks OVER 217 | Top | 118-110 | Win | 100 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
Philly Special - Rickenbach NBA Game #705 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:35 ET - The 76ers kicked me hard on Tuesday when their game versus the Pacers did not go over the total. The game was perfectly on pace with the 1st quarter, 2nd quarter, 3rd quarter...ALL 3...being perfect for an over. Then came a dreadful 4th quarter that burned badly. I wasn't the only one getting burned as the Sixers did too! That dreadful performance cost them an important W in the standings. As a result, I look for Philly to take out their frustration on a dreadful Knicks team and that means plenty of points here! New York is 9-2 to the over in their last 11 games versus teams that average 106 points or more per game. The fact is that the Knicks just aren't playing defense any more and the over was 7-2 in their 9 games prior to a rare under versus Dallas Tuesday. As for the Sixers, they've averaged 113 points per game in their last 5 road games and they will not take their foot off of the gas after what happened against the Pacers! 10* OVER the total in New York |
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03-14-18 | Temple +10 v. Penn State | Top | 57-63 | Win | 100 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
Philly Special - Rickenbach CBB Game #617 Wednesday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (+) @ Penn State Nittany Lions @ 8 ET - Yes the Nittany Lions are home and yes they won 20 games this season. However, Penn State displayed awful shooting in the Big Ten Tournament. The Nittany Lions averaged 36% from the field in their 3 Big Ten Tourney games. Now PSU hosts a Temple team that relishes the role of underdog and that shot very well in their conference tournament. The Owls shot 48% from the field and that included a match-up with Wichita State! Temple comes into this game with plenty of confidence after the way they battled with the Shockers and 6 of their last 10 losses have come by 8 points or less. On the season the majority of their losses were by 8 points or less and I love the big dog value we're being offered here in a game for Pennsylvania pride. As a road dog of 9.5 to 12 points Temple is 3-1 ATS and all 3 victories were SU upset wins! Also, the Owls are 11-3 ATS in tournament games the last 3 seasons combined. Yes PSU is definitely improved and they are at home here. But still are they truly 10 points better in this situation? I don't believe so. They've won only half of their last 4 home meetings with Temple. The Owls have won the other 6 meetings. So the point is that the Nittany Lions are only 2-8 SU their last 10 games versus Temple and I know that Penn State is improved and the Owls are down a little overall this season. But when you look at the way these teams shot in the conference tourneys too and how that is likely to carry over here, the road dog has some big scoring runs in them here. 10* TEMPLE |
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03-13-18 | Jets v. Predators OVER 5.5 | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -114 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Nashville Predators vs Winnipeg Jets @ 8:05 ET - When these teams meet there are generally plenty of fireworks! The three meetings this season have all flown over the total. All 3 of those games totaled at least 8 goals. Also, each of the last four meetings between these teams in Nashville have gone over the total and they've averaged a total of 8 goals per contest. The Predators are off of a 3-2 loss versus New Jersey but had previously won 10 straight games and averaged 4.3 goals per game. The Jets are off of back to back low-scoring losses which is rare for them. Winnipeg had previously won 9 of their last 11 games and they averaged scoring 4.4 goals per game during this stretch. While it is true that this is a key late-season division battle, it is also true that both of these teams are loaded with firepower in the offensive end. The over is 20-12 when the Predators enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home and that includes an O/U mark of 6-3 this season with those parameters. Also, the Jets are having to go with Michael Hutchinson between the pipes since Connor Hellebuyck was in goal last night and Steve Mason is still out. As for the Winnipeg offense, they've generated 4.3 goals per game in their last 3 visits to Nashville and all 3 of those were with Pekka Rinne between the pipes for the Predators. 10* OVER the total in Nashville |
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03-13-18 | Northern Kentucky v. Louisville -6.5 | Top | 58-66 | Win | 100 | 11 h 41 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #547 Tuesday 10* Top Play Louisville Cardinals (-) vs Northern Kentucky Norse @ 7 ET - Big line move toward Northern Kentucky here based on the fact that Louisville certainly had higher hopes than the NIT and, of course, the Norse would love nothing more than to knock off a big in-state school. However, even if Northern Kentucky is up at the half here I would foresee Louisville crushing them in the 2nd half. The Cardinals can approach the NIT two different ways. Make a run at winning the whole thing or just lay down because they're disappointed about not being in the Big Dance. I am confident that the former not the latter will be the case and, once again, even if down at the half, these guys would wake up at halftime and crush the Norse in the 2nd half. They don't want to lose to a much smaller in-state foe. Of course the Cardinals have played a much tougher schedule than the Norse. Also, the Cards have the home court edge here. As a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points, Louisville has gone 8-1 SU and they only failed to cover twice in those 9 games! Before getting knocked out of the ACC Tourney in a game in which Virginia started on fire and the Cardinals hit a bad stretch of shooting in the first half, the Cards had gone 13-6 ATS in their 19 prior games. They bounce right back here. 10* LOUISVILLE |
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03-12-18 | Spurs +12.5 v. Rockets | Top | 93-109 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #505 Monday 10* Top Play San Antonio Spurs (+) @ Houston Rockets @ 8:05 ET - The Spurs have been left for dead by many but they are still battling for their playoff lives and received some encouraging news about the impending return of Kawhi Leonard. That said, even though Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge are out for this game, San Antonio is going to put up a fight at Houston. The Spurs knocked the Rockets out of the playoffs last year but, of course, this season is entirely different and the fact is that Houston has already gotten revenge (twice) on SA during this season. That has the Spurs actually as arguably the more motivated team here and they will put up a helluva fight. San Antonio certainly has been in a slump but only 2 of their last 17 losses have come by more than a dozen points. With the Rockets James Harden wanting to take care of his ailing knee, I see Houston being careful not to over-exert themselves in this back to back spot. After blasting the Mavericks at Dallas last night, that led to extra value here. 15 of the Rockets last 22 wins, prior to crushing the Mavs, had come by a dozen points or less. The Spurs are 8-4 ATS (and SU!) this season when off of a loss by a double digit margin. The Rockets are a long-term 2-4 ATS (and SU!) when off of a game where they allowed 85 points or less. 10* SAN ANTONIO |
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03-12-18 | Jets v. Capitals OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -111 | 10 h 27 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals struggled to score goals on their 3-game West Coast road swing but I expect their goal-scoring ways to return now that they're back on the East Coast. The Caps have scored 13 goals in their last 3 home games (including the outdoor game versus Toronto). The Jets Patrik Laine and Washington's Alexander Ovechkin are tied for the league lead in goals scored and I like looking at overs in non-conference match-ups. The total on this one is offering good value as it is a 5.5 and Winnipeg, prior to their 2-1 loss at Philly Saturday, had scored 3 or more goals in 11 straight games! The Jets averaged 4.4 goals per game in those 11 games and should get right back on track here. The over is 22-12 this season when the Capitals play a team with a winning record. The over is 29-13 the last 42 times the Caps have hosted the Winnipeg franchise. Again, in late season non-conference match-ups there is no concern about giving up a point to a team you're chasing in the standings so, if this game is 2-2 going to the 3rd period neither team will be sitting back playing to just get overtime. They'll be going all out for that 3rd goal right away and that's why games like this turn into 4-2 or even 4-3 finals when it is a non-conference match-up. I love the value of the 5.5 total on this one. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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03-11-18 | Pacers v. Celtics OVER 208.5 | Top | 99-97 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 59 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #813 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers @ 7:35 ET - The over is 10-3 in Boston's last 13 games versus teams that are averaging 106 points or more per game. The over is 6-2 this season when the Celtics are off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. The Pacers have stayed under the total in 6 straight games and Indiana's most recent game with Boston was also an easy under. However, their 4 prior meetings with the Celtics all went over the total. Look for Boston, the home team, to dictate the tempo here and 7 of their last 8 games have gone over the total. The Pacers have averaged 105.3 points per game in their last 7 road games. Red hot Boston has won 6 of their last 7 games. The Celtics have averaged 116.9 points per game in their last 8 games. They have allowed an average of 113.5 points per game their last 4 home games and we're getting good value here with the low total on this one. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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03-11-18 | Islanders v. Flames OVER 6.5 | Top | 5-2 | Win | 104 | 9 h 34 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Calgary Flames vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Flames have their provincial rival, Edmonton, on deck so their defensive intensity may not be at its best for this non-conference match-up. That said, I am looking for plenty of goals in this one. The Islanders, coincidentally, are off of a 2-1 loss to the Oilers but that low-scoring defeat was an unusual one. The Isles had given up an average of nearly 4 goals per game in their 7 prior losses and their losing streak is now 8 games! The Flames are off of a low-scoring win but the over was 13-6-1 in their 20 prior games. Mike Smith is listed as probable for tonight's game but could be rusty as he hasn't started a game in a full month. Calgary finally was getting good goaltending from David Rittich and now here comes Smith. The over is 12-4 this season when the Islanders are playing with 2 days of rest between games. This total is a big one (at 6.5 goals) but don't let the big number fool you as 7 or more is very likely in this one. 10* OVER the total in Calgary |
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03-11-18 | Houston +4.5 v. Cincinnati | Top | 55-56 | Win | 100 | 7 h 12 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #827 Sunday 10* Top Play Houston Cougars (+) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 3:30 ET - Of course it goes without saying that the Wichita State team that Houston beat yesterday is certainly a much stronger team than the Memphis team that Cincinnati knocked off. The key to the value here is that the Bearcats expended a lot of energy in the 2nd half to beat the Tigers after a dismal first half effort that was truly inexcusable. For Cincinnati to have a first half like that in a semi-final game truly says a lot about whether or not the Bearcats can be trusted and the answer right now is a no. After back to back non-covering wins for Cincy, they are now 3-5 ATS in their last 8 games and, though they have revenge here they were held to 39% in their last meeting with the Cougars and they have not been shooting well recently either. After yesterday's performance, the Bearcats have been held to 41% from the field in their last 3 games combined. Houston has been at the other end of the spectrum. After scoring 77 against Wichita State yesterday, the Cougars have scored 77 points or more in 6 of their last 7 games. Houston is on a 7-2 ATS run and they've shot 40% or better from three point land in both meetings with the Bearcats this season. The Cougars are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games against teams with a winning record and I'll grab the points here as they are 4-2 ATS (and SU!) this season as an underdog. Upset potential certainly looms here! 10* HOUSTON |
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03-09-18 | Flames v. Senators OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -108 | 9 h 27 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Calgary Flames @ 7:35 ET - With last night's 4-3 home loss Ottawa has now scored 3 goals or more in 7 straight home games. The Senators have averaged 4 goals a game during this stretch of games on home ice. As for Calgary, they exploded for 5 goals in the first two periods at Buffalo Wednesday before settling in for a 5-1 win. The over is now 7-1 in the Flames last 8 road games. With this being a non-conference match-up that also generally leads to less defensive intensity and more open ice for plenty of scoring opportunities. 4 of the last 5 meetings between these clubs has gone over the total and I expect another high-scoring one here. 10* OVER the total in Ottawa |
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03-09-18 | Providence v. Xavier -7.5 | Top | 75-72 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 35 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #858 Friday 10* Top Play Xavier Musketeers (-) vs Providence Friars @ 6:30 ET - The Friars are off of a hard-fought OT win over Creighton while Xavier blew right past St John's. That sets up the Musketeers well for pushing the pace and blowing right past Providence here. Xavier now on a 15-5 ATS run in neutral court games. 4 of the last 5 wins for the red hot Musketeers have come by a double digit margin. 10 of Providence's 12 losses this season have been by 9 points or more so, when they lose, they tend to lose big and of course I am not expecting a Friars upset here. In other words, this one has blowout written all over it. Providence is 0-4 ATS in a neutral court game with a posted total between 150 and 154.5 points. Each of the last 5 meetings between these teams has been decided by 9 or more points and I expect another one here. 10* XAVIER |