ACC:

Virginia starting center Assane Sene will miss as many as six weeks of action because of a broken ankle that required surgery. Sene is a 7'0" senior averaging 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 21 minutes per game. He started every game for the Cavaliers and they went 15-2 SU over their first 17 games. Since Sene’s injury, Virginia has gone 2-1 SU but just 1-2 ATS with their ...  read more

ACC:

North Carolina has lost starting guard Dexter Strickland for the season after he tore his ACL in his right knee in the Tar Heels last game at Virginia Tech. Strickland was only averaging 8 points per game, but he was the catalyst for North Carolina’s transition game and he actually led the team while shooting 57% from the floor. Strickland’s biggest impact came on the defe ...  read more

ACC

Virginia Tech got some good news this week as their leading scorer, point guard Erick Green, is expected to return to the lineup. Green is averaging 16.1 points, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game this season. But he has missed game time because of a sprained left knee he suffered in practice. The Hokies have really missed Green’s presence on the court as they turned the ...  read more

ACC

Miami (Fla) is finally starting to resemble the team that had high expectations coming into this season. The Hurricanes had to play their first nine games of this season without their best player, Reggie Johnson, who was recovering from knee surgery. Miami was also without DeQuan Jones for their first eleven games as he was suspended indefinitely on accusations of receiving i ...  read more

ACC

Wake Forest is missing their best player as guard C.J. Harris is out with a groin injury. Harris ranks second in the ACC in scoring at 18.7 points per game. “We are sideways offensively,” said Demon Deacons head coach Jeff Bzdelik. Even opposing head coaches are sympathizing over the absence of Harris. After Wake Forest lost at home 56-52 to Wofford, their head coach Mike ...  read more

NFL Oddities

Drew Brees broke Dan Marino’s 27-year-old NFL passing record of 5,084 yards. Brees has thrown for 5,087 yards in 15 games. Tom Brady can also do it this week; he has 4,897 yards and needs just 187 yards to eclipse Marino’s mark. The Steelers have lost 8 regular season games since 2010. In their next game, their defense has allowed an average of just 8.9 points pe ...  read more

ACC

Virginia has lost two players to transfer. KT Harrell and James Johnson have decided to leave the Cavaliers after they were both relegated to the bench. Head coach Tony Bennett plays a very slow, half-court game and that style didn’t fit the player’s strengths. “I think we’re getting a better handle on what will work here and what we’re trying to get and filling holes,” Be ...  read more

College Oddities

Norm Chow has been an assistant coach for 39 years. Currently the offensive coordinator at Utah, Chow has been named the head coach of Hawaii. Perfect place for Chow to get his first head coaching job as he was born in Honolulu and started his career at Waialua High School on the North Shore of Oahu way back in 1970. Former Patriots and Steelers linebacker Mik ...  read more

ACC

Miami (Fla) finally got one of their best players back on the court as center Reggie Johnson returned to game action after having knee surgery over the summer. Johnson is a key cog in the paint for the Hurricanes, and his return will be a major boost. “You don’t know how many times I’ve wanted to choke my doctor to get him to let me play,” said Johnson. “My knee didn’t bot ...  read more

NFL Oddities

The Colts are the sixth team to start 0-12 since 1978. Only one of the previous five teams went winless. The Packers have won 18 consecutive games. The Dolphins have out-scored their last five opponents 139-54. Kansas City ran just 2 plays on the Chicago side of the field in the first half, yet they led 7-3 at the half thanks to a Hail Mary touchdown pass caught ...  read more

NFL Oddities

Tim Tebow has won 83% (5-1) of his starts this season; the second highest of any QB with multiple starts this year – Aaron Rodgers 100% (11-0). Arizona rookie Patrick Peterson has 4 punt returns for touchdowns. Raiders’ kicker Sebastian Janikowski accounted for 19 of Oakland’s 25 points (6 FG’s and 1 extra point) versus Chicago. Arizona’s RB Beanie Wells ran for 2 ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Friday night:

DIAMONDBACKS at BREWERS (Under 7 ½, -120) – 5:00 pm ET #987-988

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean tonight.

We head back to Milwaukee for Game 5 of the NLDS series between the Diamondbacks and Brewers. It's a rematch of Game 1 when the Brewers won 4-1. Yovani Gall ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Wednesday night:

Tigers/Royals OVER 9 +111 (Scherzer/Paulino) – 8:10 pm ET #977-978

Not an official play, but I would rate the Over as a light lean tonight.

Two of the hotter teams in baseball take the field in Kansas City when the Royals host the Tigers. Kansas City has won eight of their last nine games, d ...  read more

Below is a free NFL play, with analysis, for Saturday night:

SAINTS at TEXANS (Over 40) – 8:00 pm ET #419-420

Not an official play, but I would rate the Over as a light lean tonight.

New Orleans and Houston both won their opening preseason games last week but neither team was satisfied, especially with their offensive production. The Saints first-team ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play, with analysis, for Tuesday night:

ASTROS at CARDINALS (Over 8.5, -105) – 8:15 pm ET #911-912

Not an official play, but I would rate the Over as a light lean tonight.

The Cardinals continued their hot offensive run on Monday by putting up 10 hits or more for the fourth straight game and for the fifth time in their last six gam ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play, with analysis, for Friday night:

INDIANS at ORIOLES (Under 8.5, +105) – 7:05 pm ET #967-968

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean tonight.

Baltimore's losing streak continued on Thursday night. Now they'll hope Jake Arrieta can stop the bleeding. He'll be glad to be home after making four straight ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Friday night:

RAYS at ASTROS (+1.5 runline, -140) – 8:05 pm ET #966

Not an official play, but I would rate the Astros run line as a light lean tonight.

Houston returns home on a high note after taking a late inning victory against the Rangers in Arlington. Now they'll host a Tampa Bay team that just took a s ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play, with analysis, for Wednesday night:

BLUE JAYS at RAYS (Under 8, -115) – 6:40 pm ET #919-920

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean tonight.

Toronto is looking to snap a 3-game losing streak as they continue their series in Tampa Bay against the Rays. Jeff Niemann makes the start. He's 1-3 with a 5. ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play, with analysis, for Tuesday night:

GIANTS at PIRATES (+1.5 runline, -130) – 7:05 pm ET #904

Not an official play, but I would rate Pittsburgh as a light lean tonight.

The Giants, losers of four straight games, head to Pittsburgh to begin a 3-game set with the Pirates. San Francisco was swept at home by Atlanta in a series whe ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play, with analysis, for Monday night:

A’s at ANGELS (Under 6 ½, +110) – 10:05 pm ET #965-966

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean tonight.

Two hot A.L. West starters take the mound in Anaheim when the Angels host the Athletics. Jered Weaver is 5-0 with a 1.23 ERA in five starts this season. The righty ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play, with analysis, for Thursday night:

TWINS at ORIOLES (Under 8, +110) – 7:05 pm ET #965-966

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean tonight.

Two struggling offenses take the field on Thursday night in Baltimore. The Twins have scored just 54 runs in their first 18 games which is an average of just 3 ru ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play, with analysis, for Tuesday night:

ANGELS at RANGERS (-1.5 runline, +110) – 8:05 pm ET #974

Not an official play, but I would rate Texas as a light lean tonight.

Texas took Game 1 of their important early series with the Angels and they’ll hope to do it again on Tuesday night in a pitching match-up that they have a clear advan ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play from Steve Merril, with analysis, for Sunday afternoon:

PADRES at ASTROS (-115) – 2:05 pm ET #960

Not an official play, but I would rate Houston as a light lean today.

Houston picked up their fifth win of the season on Saturday after beating San Diego and Mat Latos. Brett Myers has a chance to end their homestand with another ...  read more

Steve Merril’s Starting Five, a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of NBA and college basketball. Steve uncovers the juicy quotes that relate to the pointspread wars – who cares who wins the game? We only care about who covers!

1. Arizona: For the conspiracy theorists out there, this game is for you. Arizona will face Memphis, and if you think like fo ...  read more

Merril’s FULL-COURT REPORT (Thursday, March 17, 2011)

Steve Merril’s Starting Five, a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of NBA and college basketball. Steve uncovers the juicy quotes that relate to the pointspread wars – who cares who wins the game? We only care about who covers!

1. San Diego St: Head coach Steve Fisher’s best team wa ...  read more

Merril’s FULL-COURT REPORT (Thursday, February 17, 2011)

Steve Merril’s Starting Five, a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of NBA and college basketball. Steve uncovers the juicy quotes that relate to the pointspread wars – who cares who wins the game? We only care about who covers!

1. The Spurs? Have you ever heard of them? Not many ...  read more

Merril’s FULL-COURT REPORT (Wednesday, February 16, 2011)

Steve Merril’s Starting Five, a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of NBA and college basketball. Steve uncovers the juicy quotes that relate to the pointspread wars – who cares who wins the game? We only care about who covers!

1. Hibbert to be Square: Indiana fired head coach J ...  read more

Merril’s FULL-COURT REPORT (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)

Steve Merril’s Starting Five, a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of NBA and college basketball. Steve uncovers the juicy quotes that relate to the pointspread wars – who cares who wins the game? We only care about who covers!

1. To Infinity and Beyond: Buzz Lightyear? No, let’s ...  read more

Merril’s FULL-COURT REPORT (Monday, February 14, 2011)

Steve Merril’s Starting Five, a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of NBA and college basketball. Steve uncovers the juicy quotes that relate to the pointspread wars – who cares who wins the game? We only care about who covers!

1. West Virginia: ‘We can't shoot,’ Mountaineers head ...  read more

MNF Preview – Saints/Falcons (ESPN) – 8:35 pm ET by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The Falcons opened as a 2-point home favorite and the line has since risen to -2½ in most locations as 53% of the public is supporting Atlanta according to the consensus sites.

The Over/Under line opened at 47½ total points and has since risen to 49 points as 75% of ...  read more

MNF Preview – Bears vs. Vikings – 8:35 pm ET (ESPN) by Steve Merril

Current Odds

This game was off the board all week until Saturday because of the uncertainty of both the Minnesota starting quarterback and where this game would be played. Once Joe Webb was named the starter and the location was set at the University of Minnesota, the oddsmakers fina ...  read more

MNF Preview – Ravens at Texans – 8:30 pm ET (ESPN) by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The Ravens opened as a 3-point road favorite and the line has held steady at most books, while a few books do have Baltimore at -2½ -120. The line might rise a bit on Monday night as 76% of the public is backing the Ravens according to the consensus sites.

The Ove ...  read more

NFL Game of the Night – Jets/Patriots (ESPN) – 8:30 pm ET by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The Patriots briefly opened as a -3 -120 favorite last week, but the majority of sportsbooks around the world opened the line at -3½ where it currently stands. A few of the more “public” sportsbooks have risen to -4 as 62% of the public is favoring the Patriots accor ...  read more

MNF Report – 49ers at Cardinals by Steve Merril

Current Odds

There has been very little movement on the pointspread as the 49ers opened as a 1-point road favorite in most locations, which is still the current number, while a few sportsbook have raised the line to -1½. The public is leaning slightly towards the road team with 54% of the consensus sites ...  read more

MNF Preview – Broncos at Chargers by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The Chargers opened as a 10-point home favorite and the line has since dropped down to 9½ and 9 in most locations. This is not a surprise as 56% of the public is supporting the Broncos according to the consensus sites.

The Over/Under line opened at 48 and has risen sharply to 50 t ...  read more

MNF Preview – Eagles at Redskins by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The oddsmakers opened Philadelphia as a 3-point road favorite last week and the money has come in Philadelphia, pushing the spread to 3½ in many locations, while others have adjusted the juice only and made the Eagle -3 -125. Oddsmakers are often reluctant to move off the key number of ‘3’ a ...  read more

NFL Game of the Night - Steelers at Bengals by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The Steelers opened as a 3½-point road favorite last week and the money has since pushed the line higher as Pittsburgh is currently a 6 to 6½-point favorite. This is not a surprise as 63% of the public is backing the favorite according to consensus reports.

The public is ...  read more

NFL Game of the Night – Texans/Colts by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The Colts have fluctuated between a 5 to 6-point home favorite during the past week and currently stand -5½ in most locations. The Over/Under on this game opened at 49 and has since risen to the key number of 51. The public is looking for a high-scoring game as 65% of the Covers.com con ...  read more

NFL Game of the Night – Giants at Cowboys by Steve Merril

NFL Game of the Night - Titans at Jaguars by Steve Merril

Current Odds

Oddsmakers are reluctant to move on or off the key number “3” in the NFL as favorites win by exactly a field goal nearly 10-percent of the time. Oddsmakers are especially careful on primetime games due to the heavy volume of action and prefer to adjust the moneyline, instead of the actu ...  read more

NFL Game of the Night – Vikings at Jets

Current Odds

New York opened as a -4½ point favorite last week and the early money came in on the underdog Vikings, especially once Minnesota acquired WR Randy Moss. New York dropped to a -3½ point favorite in some locations, but has since risen back up to a -4½ point favorite after CB Darrelle R ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Sunday afternoon:

RAYS at RANGERS (-125) – 1:00 pm ET #978

Not an official play, but I would rate the Rangers as a light lean this afternoon.

The Rangers failed in their first attempt to closeout the Tampa Bay Rays. Now they'll hope to do so on Sunday behind Tommy Hunter who has no ...  read more

NFL Game of the Night – Patriots (-1, 47 ½) at Dolphins – 8:35 pm ET (ESPN)

Current Odds

A few sportsbooks opened the line at Pick’em last week, but the line quickly rose to make the Patriots a -1 point favorite by the time most other sportsbooks posted a number. New England has a 52% chance of winning the game straight-up as they are a slight ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Sunday afternoon:

BREWERS at REDS (Over 8, -105) – 1:15 pm ET #901-902

Not an official play, but I would rate the Over as a light lean this afternoon.

Cincinnati's decision to make Edinson Volquez their first game starter of the NLDS puts Aaron Harang in at starter for today’s game ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Friday night:

INDIANS at WHITE SOX (-110) – 8:10 pm ET #924

Not an official play, but I would rate the White Sox as a light lean tonight.

Two hot A.L. Central teams meet in Chicago on Friday night as the White Sox host the Indians. Chicago has won three straight games and seven of ...  read more

NFL Game of the Day – Packers (-3, 46) at Bears

Current Odds

The Packers briefly opened as a 3½-point road favorite last week, but the majority of sportsbooks opened the line -3 where it currently stands with the juice slightly favoring Chicago as Green Bay is -3 +100 in most locations with the Bears standing +3 -120. The oddsmakers are un ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Saturday afternoon:

BRAVES at NATIONALS (+1.5 runline, -120) – 1:05 pm ET #902

Not an official play, but I would rate the Nationals run line as a light lean this afternoon.

Perhaps the Braves have run out of luck after using it all earlier this season. Their offense has deserted th ...  read more

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers (-5½ , 44) – 8:30 pm ET (ESPN) by Steve Merril

Current Odds

The oddsmakers opened the Saints as a 4½-point road favorite and the early money quickly came in on the favorite, pushing the line to -5½. There is a chance the line will rise higher on Monday night as 73% of the public is backing the Saints according to the ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Saturday afternoon:

A’s at TWINS (-135) – 1:10 pm ET #968

Not an official play, but I would rate the Twins as a light lean this afternoon.

Kevin Slowey is a big fan of facing the Athletics. He's 3-0 with a 1.38 ERA in four starts against the A's in his career; he no-hit them thru s ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

REDS at ASTROS (-105) – 8:05 pm ET #910

Not an official play, but I would rate the Astros as a light lean tonight.

The Astros have won eight of their last 12 games and they welcome Cincinnati to town for the first of a 3-game set on Friday night. Houston is 4-3 on their current 10-game homestand. Wandy Rodriguez gets the start for ...  read more

Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets (-2, 36) – 7:00 pm ET (ESPN)

Current odds

The Jets opened as a 3-point home favorite earlier this summer, but the money has come in on the Ravens and New York is currently 2-point chalk. The Over/Under opened at 37½ this summer and the bettors have come in on the Under and dropped the totaled down to 36.

These are t ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below are 2 free MLB plays, with analysis, for Friday night:

MARLINS at NATIONALS (Over 9, +105) – 7:05 pm ET #951-952

Not an official play, but I would rate the Over as a light lean tonight.

The Nationals are lucky that Josh Johnson is not making this start for the Marlins. Instead, they'll get Alex Sanabia who Washington ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Saturday night:

TIGERS at ROYALS (-115) – 7:10 pm ET #977-978

Not an official play, but I would rate the Tigers as a light lean tonight.

Detroit’s Rick Porcello has benefited from his time in the minor leagues. The Tigers starter has thrown a quality start in six of his last nine ...  read more

NFL Game of the Day – Vikings at 49ers (-2½, 35) By Steve Merril

Opening Line and Weather Report

The oddsmakers opened San Francisco as a 3-point home favorite earlier this week on Monday and the line later dropped to -2½ on Saturday morning. The Over/Under opened at 34½ and has risen to 35 in some locations.

The weather looks fantastic on Su ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Wednesday afternoon:

RAYS at TIGERS (Under 7 ½, -110) – 1:05 pm ET #967-968

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean this afternoon.

The Rays have won two straight games and they can sweep the Tigers with a win on Wednesday afternoon. The last time Matt Garz ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Tuesday night:

RAYS at TIGERS (+105) – 7:05 pm ET #917

Not an official play, but I would rate Tampa Bay as a light lean tonight.

Jeremy Hellickson makes his second career start as the Rays continue their series with the Tigers on Tuesday night. Hellickson made a great first impress ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Friday night:

ROCKIES at PIRATES (Over 8, -110) – 7:05 pm ET #905-906

Not an official play, but I would rate the Over as a light lean tonight.

The Pirates have won two of their last three games as they continue their home series with the Colorado Rockies tonight. Pittsburgh turns t ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Thursday afternoon:

WHITE SOX at TIGERS (Under 8 ½, +100) – 1:05 pm ET #963-964

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean this afternoon.

For the third time this season, Freddy Garcia gets to face the Detroit Tigers. Garcia is 2-0 with a 3.46 ERA against Detro ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Tuesday night:

PHILLIES at MARLINS (Under 7 ½, +100) – 7:10 pm ET #955-956

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean tonight.

The Marlins will get their fourth look at Roy Halladay this season. So far he is 2-1 with a 1.08 ERA against Florida giving up three ...  read more

By: Steve Merril

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Monday afternoon:

GIANTS at BREWERS (-120) – 4:10 pm ET #952

Not an official play, but I would rate the Brewers as a light lean this afternoon.

San Francisco comes to Milwaukee after exhausting their bullpen in a 15 inning loss to Colorado late Sunday afternoon. The Giants hope tha ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play with analysis for Sunday afternoon:

ASTROS at PADRES (Under 7, -110) – 4:05 pm ET #911-912

Not an official play, but I would rate the Under as a light lean this afternoon.

The Astros and Padres have had a pair of pitcher's duels the last two nights. They'll wrap up their series on Sunday afternoon in San Diego. Brett Myers g ...  read more

NBA Game of the Day – Lakers/Celtics (Game 5)

Line Move

The early money quickly came in on the Under as the oddsmakers opened the Game 5 total as high as 189½ and it quickly dropped to 187½ and 187 in most locations. It is not a surprise as the Under is now 3-1 in this series and 5-1 in all six meetings this season.

The oddsma ...  read more

NBA Game of the Day – Celtics at Lakers (-6, 190) By Steve Merril

Line Adjustment

The Lakers were a 5½-point favorite in Game 1 and they have now been installed as a 6-point favorite in Game 2 after their easy win on Thursday. Los Angeles led by 20 points entering the fourth quarter in their eventual 102-89 win and the oddsmakers have now adjusted the ...  read more

Current Odds

The oddsmakers have made a substantial adjustment on the both the side and total for Game 3. The Lakers were 6½ and 7½-point favorites at home in both Games 1 & 2, but now the Suns are a 2½-point home favorite. This 10-point adjustment is largely due to the fact that teams down 0-2 usu ...  read more

NBA Game of the Day

by Steve Merril

Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (-3½, 207) – 8:05 pm ET (TNT)

Opening line

Despite trailing 3-0 in this playoff series, the early money quickly came in on San Antonio when an opening line was posted on Saturday morning. Oddsmakers initially made the Spurs a 2½-point home favorite and ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

Baseball begins this week and below is a list of play-on and play-against pitchers for the 2010 MLB season.

Five Pitchers to back:

Wade Davis (Tampa Bay)

This 5th starter made six starts last year for the Rays going 2-2 with a 3.72 ERA on the season. Davis started his career giving up one run and three ...  read more

Kansas is the best team in the nation, but there is not much value at 2/1 to win the NCAA Championship. Below are 3 long-shots that could make some noise next month.

West Virginia

Opened 15/1 Current 30/1

There is excellent value with West Virginia at 30/1 as their odds have doubled since the start of the season, due mainly to their recent two-game losing str ...  read more

Weather and line movement

Weather will not be a factor tonight as the forecast is calling for 71 degrees and clear skies with just a 20% chance of showers and only a 4 mph wind.

The Ravens opened as a 3-point favorite earlier this week and the oddsmakers have been reluctant to move off this key number. The early action has come in on the underdog Jets and the line has now ...  read more

The NBA Finals begin this Thursday, June 4th in Los Angeles. Below is a look at some key numbers in the matchup between the Lakers and Magic.

16.7

This was the regular season scoring average for Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson who averaged 16.7 points in the 42 games he played in before injuring his shoulder against Dallas on February 2nd. Nelson was ruled out for the r ...  read more

Lakers vs. Nuggets (-4½, 208½) – 9:05 pm ET (ESPN)

Updated odds

When a 7-game series is tied 1-1, the winner of Game 3 has historically won that series 76% of the time. The updated series odds now reflect this fact as Los Angeles is a -360 favorite, while Denver is a +300 underdog, even though the Nuggets are favored in Game 4 tonight. Phil Jackson coached t ...  read more

Below is a look at some of the hottest bets this week, covering an array of different sports and events.

NBA

DENVER NUGGETS

Despite their 105-103 loss in Game 1 on Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets still got the pointspread win as a 6½-point road underdog. The Nuggets are now 10-0-1 ATS in their eleven playoff games this season. Denver has also bounced back w ...  read more

Nuggets at Mavericks (-1½, 210) – 9:35 pm ET (TNT) #732

Controversial Finish

Dallas led 105-101 with 0:31 remaining in Game 3 on Saturday, but the Mavericks allowed the Nuggets to score the final five points in a controversial 106-105 win. The Mavericks’ Antoine Wright tried to intentionally foul the Nuggets’ Carmel Anthony two different times in the f ...  read more

Rockets at Lakers (-8, 193½) – Game 1 - 10:35 pm ET (TNT)

Regular season dominance

The Lakers were a perfect 4-0 straight-up in the four head-to-head meetings during the regular season and this is a bad sign for the Rockets as teams that were swept in the regular season (3+ games) are 0-25 all-time in a NBA playoff series. Los Angeles is currently -900 ...  read more

Nuggets at Hornets (-2½, 193) – Game 4 – 8:35 pm ET (NBA-tv)

Line movement

The oddsmakers opened the Hornets as a 3-point favorite, but the early money quickly moved the line down to 2 ½ by Sunday afternoon. This is a full two points less than the line in Game 3 which saw New Orleans as a 4½-point favorite. New Orleans only won by two points and has n ...  read more

Bulls at Celtics (-8, 196) – 7:05 pm ET (TNT)

Tale of Two Teams

The Bulls pulled the upset in Game 1 as an 8½-point underdog and they covered from start to finish as they never trailed by more than five points the entire day. Chicago became a better team in late February after they acquired John Salmons and Brad Miller from the Kings. Salmons averages ...  read more

Bulls at Pistons (-4, 196) – 7:35 pm ET (NBA-tv)

Playoff Positioning

The good news for Chicago and Detroit is the fact they have both clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The bad news is that they will have to face Cleveland, Boston, or Orlando in the first round. Chicago (40-40) is currently 7th in the conference and one spot ahead of ...  read more

Michigan State vs. North Carolina (-7½, 152½) – 9:15 pm ET (CBS)

Line Movement

The oddsmakers opened North Carolina as a 7-point favorite on Saturday night after the semi-final games were complete and the early money has since pushed the line to -7½. The Over/Under line opened at 153 total points and was quickly bet down to 152, before settling at 152½ ...  read more

Below is a look at a key matchup in the Eastern Conference tonight:

Orlando Magic (-3, 194) at Miami Heat – 7:35 pm ET

Playoff Positioning

The Magic have clinched the Southeast division title and a top three seed in the upcoming playoffs; however Orlando is still battling with the Boston Celtics for the overall #2 seed and home court advantage in ...  read more

Controversial bid

When the 34 at-large teams were announced for the NCAA tournament, the most controversial bid went to Arizona which extended Wildcat’s NCAA-leading streak of tournament appearances to 25 in a row. Arizona was just 19-13 straight-up and many felt that a non-BCS team such as San Diego State, St. Mary’s-CA, or Creighton should have been dancing. Arizona re ...  read more

Below is a look at tonight's top game in the NBA:

Nuggets vs. Suns (-3½, 236½) – 10:05 pm ET

Playoff Positioning

Nuggets vs. Suns (-3½, 236½) – 10:05 pm ET

Playoff Positioning

The Nuggets are currently in first place in the Northwest division and one game ahead of Portland in the standings. As a division wi ...  read more

Rockets vs. Hornets (-3½, 182) – 8:05 pm ET

Playoff Battle The Western Conference is once again the dominant conference in the NBA this season with seven of the current eight playoff teams with a win percentage of 61% or better, compared to the weaker Eastern Conference that has just three teams with a win percentage above 58%. Houston enters tonight’s ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

The Florida Gators are two years removed from a national championship and they are now firmly on the bubble with a strong chance of missing the Big Dance for the second straight season. Florida plays a must-win game on Thursday night in the SEC tournament versus Arkansas, so now is an excellent time to take a closer look and to decide if t ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

March is upon us and there is nothing like making a last minute push for an at-large bid. One team that is gaining some “bubble” notice is Rhode Island as the Rams have won six straight and are 10-1 straight-up in their past eleven games overall. This strong finish down the stretch is a reversal from last season when Rhode Island started ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

One of the biggest losers coming out of the Bracket Buster Weekend was Davidson who couldn't defend their home court against the Butler Bulldogs and lost outright 75-63 as a 4½-point home favorite. Davidson is now a bubble team that might need to win the Southern Conference tournament in order to ensure their spot in the field of 65. The ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

The month of February is a time for bubble teams to start separating themselves from the pack. This year’s bubble includes Florida State who has been one of the surprise teams in the nation with a current 19-6 straight-up record and a 6-4 ACC mark, but the question still remains if the Seminoles are they for real?

Any discussion of F ...  read more

Duke remains one of the most prominent college basketball programs in the nation and they have high expectations this season with four returning starters from a squad that went 28-6 SU last season. Expectations are always high in Durham and the Blue Devils have not missed the NCAA Tournament since 1995, so when the question arises this season if Duke is “for real” this refers to the Blue Dev ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

The Naval Academy’s future this season has already been determined as they are penciled in for the Eagle Bank Bowl against an ACC team on December 20th. Still, do they deserve to play in a better bowl? Are they for real?

Navy has tested themselves this season against some quality opponents and the Midshipmen have passed a few of tho ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

The MAC conference has posted some success this year in non-conference games and one of those teams bringing them strong victories is Central Michigan. Last year the Chips were the MAC champions and lost a close game with Purdue in the Motor City Bowl 51-48. Now CMU enters a key game on Wednesday night versus Northern Illinois a ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for Steve Merril Sports

South Florida burst onto the scene last year and climbed as high as #2 in the national polls by midseason. They faltered down the stretch, losing four of their final seven games, but still garnered a respectable 9-4 SU record. This year’s Bulls team isn’t surprising anyone, but that didn’t stop them from starting the season with five stra ...  read more

By Matt Josephs for for Steve Merril Sports

Entering this weekend, the list of undefeated teams features some of the usual suspects… a Big 10 squad, a SEC team, a couple of Big 12 squads, Utah, Boise state, Ball state and Tulsa... wait a second, did i just type Tulsa… the Golden Hurricanes? The school that produced Steve Largent is producing some impressive offensive numbers thi ...  read more

When the college football season began seven weeks ago, there were 49 teams ahead of Oklahoma State in the BCS title odds and the Cowboys were a whopping 200-1 at some sportsbooks. Oklahoma State is now 6-0 straight-up and 5-0 ATS after a surprising 28-23 outright win as a 14-point road underdog at Missouri last week. Oklahoma State’s national title odds are now down to 22-1 and the Cowboys ...  read more

Until this week, Ball State was best known for being the alma mater of late-night TV host David Letterman, but now the Cardinals are getting attention for their football program with their best start since 1965 and first Top 25 ranking in the school’s 84-year football history. So the question now arises… is Ball State for real?

Ball State has benefited from a relatively easy schedule; ...  read more

The Southeastern Conference is the strongest college football conference and by the third week of the season they became the first conference to ever have five teams ranked in the Top 10. The league is extremely deep from top to bottom and this was evident last weekend when Florida lost outright as a 22-point home favorite versus Mississippi.

While the media has been focusing on powerh ...  read more

Below are 2 daytime MLB selections for Sunday afternoon. You can also get an awesome NFL Sunday Night winner (Cowboys/Packers) on Steve Merril’s Guaranteed Selections page!

MINNESOTA +100 (action) – 1:40 pm ET #973

The Devil Rays completed one of the greatest turn around stories in MLB history by clinching a playoff birth last night for the first time in franchi ...  read more

Below is a free MLB selection for Wednesday night. You can also get an awesome MLB Steamroller Blowout on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page!

MILWAUKEE +110 (Sheets) – 8:05 pm ET #963

The Brewers have struggled this month, but they are still one of the best teams in the league and they should receive a spark now that manager Ned Yost has been fired. Milwaukee p ...  read more

The Fighting Irish have always been a public team, so last year’s collapse and 1-9 SU start to the season was national news. Their eventual 3-9 SU losing record for the year was especially surprising since Notre Dame had been a combined 19-6 SU in 2005 and 2006 and entered their BCS bowl games with #5 and #11 national rankings.

Notre Dame’s sudden fall led to a 0-4 ATS start in 2007, b ...  read more

Below is a free college football play for Saturday night. You can also get an awesome 3-game NCAA Triple Play on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page!

UL MONROE +26 (at Auburn) – 7:00 pm ET (time-change) #195

UL Monroe is perhaps the best team in the Sun Belt conference this season as they return 7 offensive starters and 8 defensive starters, along with some key J ...  read more

Below is look at 2 of the NFL preseason games for Friday night. You can also get an awesome NCAA Football Steamroller Blowout for Saturday on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page!

SAN FRANCISCO -2½ -120 (vs. San Diego) – 10:00 pm ET #140

The 49ers have a decisive scheduling edge in their game as they have 8 days of rest, while San Diego must travel on just 3 days ...  read more

Below is a free MLB selection for Monday night. You can also get an awesome MLB Over/Under Grand Slam on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page! as his RED~HOT 14-5 run continues!

SAN DIEGO -105 (Peavy/Haren) – 10:05 pm ET #908

The Padres would ...  read more

Below is a free NFL winner for Friday night. You can also get an awesome NFL Steamroller Blowout for Friday night on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page!

OVER 36 (Titans/Falcons) – 7:30 pm ET #245

The Titans have been an excellent offensive team in the preseason the past two years, averaging 27.2 points during their past five games with total scores of 51, 45, 44 ...  read more

Below is a free Daytime winner for Thursday afternoon. You can also get an awesome 2-0 **NFL PARLAY** for Thursday night on Steve Merril’s Guaranteed Selections page!

ARIZONA -140 (Haren/Rusch) – 3:05 pm ET #953

The Diamondbacks were swept by Colorado in the NL Championship Series last year, but Arizona has gotten their revenge this season with a 9-2 record versus t ...  read more

Below is a free underdog play for Tuesday night. You can also get awesome late-night MLB **STEAMROLLER** BLOWOUT on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page!

BALTIMORE +120 (Olsen/Sowers) – 7:05 pm ET #971

The Orioles fit a subset of my Underdog System tonight, and they are in solid current form offensively as they have scored 9, 9, 7, and 8 runs in each of their past ...  read more

PITTSBURGH +1.5 -120 (Maholm/Blanton) - 7:05 pm ET #953

Statistically, the Pirates and Phillies are even offensively this season and Pittsburgh has the bet ...  read more

Below is a free underdog play for Thursday night. You can also get awesome MLB Grand Slam **CRUSHER** on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page as his RED~HOT 27-7 MLB run continues!

SAN DIEGO +100 (Peavy/Lohse) – 8:15 pm ET #953

The Padres vastly underachieved during the first half of the season, and they will now be a value t ...  read more

Below is a free underdog play for Friday night. You can also get awesome MLB Steamroller Blowout on Steve Merril’s Premium Selections page as his RED~HOT 20-6 MLB run continues!

ATLANTA +135 (Reyes/Peavy) – 10:05 pm ET #913

The Braves remain an underrated team as they head into the second half of the season as they have been ex ...  read more

MINNESOTA +110 (Slowey/Rogers) – 1:05 pm ET #963

Minnesota is coming off an embarrassing 18-5 loss yesterday, but they should bounce-back today as they have their best pitcher on the mound. We also get solid line value with the better p ...  read more

By Jason Crowe for Steve Merril Sports

It’s hard to remember a 4th of July without fireworks, hot dogs, a few beers and great baseball. A few of the notable series this weekend include a matchup between the two teams battling for the NL Central lead, Cubs @ Cardinals; AL East rivals, Red Sox @ Yankees; and the surprising Rays (I think taking the preceding Devil out of the ...  read more

Most Americans celebrate Independence Day with an outdoor barbeque or with an assortment of fireworks, however another tradition is quickly gaining popularity and it involves eating an enormous amount of hot dogs in a very short period of time.

The first Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest was held 92 years ago in 1916 in Coney Island, New York. Rumor has it that four immigrants had ...  read more

Below is a free Over/Under for Monday night. You can also get a late-night MLB Steamroller Blowout on Steve Merril’s Best Bets selections page!

UNDER 8 -115 (Athletics/Angels) (Smith/Garland) - 10:05 pm ET #976

The Angels are ice-cold on offense and have scored 0, 0, and 1 run in their past three games. They are likely to struggle again tonight as my pitcher perfo ...  read more

By Jason Crowe for Steve Merril Sports

The final weekend of Interleague play wraps up this weekend highlighted with an extended Subway Series in New York and the boys from the north side making the short trip to the south in Chicago.

Yankees @ Mets

The first game of an unusual four game series starts Friday afternoon at 2:05 pm ET in what will very possibly ...  read more

By Reed Hogben for Steve Merril Sports

The general betting public usually leans to Favorites, Overs and the Home teams; therefore sportsbooks were probably happy campers after the 2007 CFL season.

Favorites and Underdogs went a perfect 50% at 36-36 ATS. Home Favorites let bettors down at 25-28 ATS, while Away Favorites made a little money at 11-8 ATS. Of those 36 covering ...  read more

Below is a free MLB play for Tuesday night:

OVER 9½ -110 (Mariners/Mets) (Dickey/Perez) – 7:10 pm ET #967

The Mariners should have plenty of success tonight against Oliver Perez as Seattle has been much stronger versus left-handed pitchers this season, averaging 6.9 runs and batting .275 on the road versus LHP, compared to just 3.2 runs and .235 versus RHP.

Per ...  read more

By Jason Crowe for Steve Merril Sports

Everyone has heard the quote Defense Wins Championships, but have you ever utilized this mindset when making your picks? Before you rush to place all your wagers on the Under, let’s take the time to evaluate some trends from last year’s playoffs, as well as those that are developing so far in this year’s playoff series.

Over/Under ...  read more

Most sports bettors believe that selecting the winning team (versus the pointspread) is the most important aspect to successful sports wagering. While this is the most difficult factor, it is only third in the order of importance. The top two components to long term profits are money management and shopping for line value. These are the two factors which professional bettors understand and ...  read more

The hype leading up to Super Bowl XLI was as overblown and drawn out as I have ever seen. There are too many sports networks and too many TV analysts these days.

My favorite statement of the week came from ESPN’s Sean Salisbury who proclaimed:

”If Devin Hester returns a kick for a touchdown, I guarantee you that the Colts will not win.”

For those keeping score at home, Sali ...  read more

A pair of national TV battles for Thursday night on TNT. Many felt the early game between Cleveland and Miami would be a preview of the Eastern Conference finals, but both squads have under performed this season and continue to battle injuries.

The late game pits two contenders in the Western Conference and two of the best teams in the league as the Suns look to rebound from a rare los ...  read more

A pair of inter-conference battles on Thursday night in the NBA. The Mavericks look to extend their red-hot 21-1 SU run when they visit Chicago’s strong home court where the Bulls stand 18-6 SU this season, while the Nets look to continue their 11-2 ATS run when they visit a Clippers squad on a current 3-games winning streak.

Below is a look at both national TV matchups on TNT tonight. ...  read more

There are three games on the NBA card for Tuesday night and each of the three games involves key injuries to starters. Below is a detailed look at all three matchups for this evening.

ORLANDO (-6½, 177) at NEW ORLEANS (NBA-tv)

The Hornets 8-3 SU start to the season was a distant memory after the 4-19 SU slide that followed from November 22nd thru January 8th. That fall co ...  read more

Two full months into the NBA season and injuries continue to play a major role. Below is a look at three games on the Tuesday night card in which key players might be out of the lineup.

DETROIT (-3½) at PHILADELPHIA

The Pistons will most likely be without their starting point guard again tonight as Chauncey Billups is doubtful due to an ankle sprain. Billups has missed the ...  read more

There are three NBA games on the board for Thursday night. The Pistons and Hornets are both battling key injuries and will play tonight’s game without their starting point guards, while the Pacers will try to stop the Mavericks 11-game SU winning streak. Finally, the late-night TNT game pits a critical division battle between the Lakers and Kings.

Below is a look at all three NBA matc ...  read more

The heart of the college bowl season is here with 20 bowl games in the next seven days between December 28th through January 3rd. It is important to once again review proper money management as these games provide an excellent investment opportunity.

Most sports bettors believe that selecting the winning team (versus the pointspread) is the most important aspect to successful sports wa ...  read more

It is a busy night in NBA on Wednesday with thirteen games on the board and injuries continue to play a major role. Below is a look at five games this evening in which key players might not be available for their teams.

NEW ORLEANS at ORLANDO (-7½, 177½)

The Hornets 8-3 SU start to the season is a distant memory compared to their 2-10 SU mark since November 22nd. The fall ...  read more

The smaller schools have it right when it comes to determining a national champion in college football as Divisions I-AA, II, and III all use a playoff system. Below is a look at Saturday's Division II championship game on ESPN-2.

Division II Championship – Florence, AL

GRAND VALLEY STATE (-4, 50) vs. NORTHWEST MISSOURI – 12:00 pm ET (espn2)

This i ...  read more

Many sportsbooks do not offer proposition bets, but I felt these two had value and therefore I wanted to release them. I found the props available at Ultimate-Odds.com

(prop bet) CARLOS ARROYO +2½-140 points/assists (vs. Brevin Knight)

Orlando is decimated by injuries and will probably be without Jameer Nelso ...  read more

It is a busy night in NBA on Wednesday with thirteen games on the board and injuries continue to play a major role. Below is a look at nine games this evening in which key players might not be available for their teams.

PHOENIX (-10) at MIAMI (ESPN)

The Heat have learned to win without Shaquille O’Neal and have gone 7-1 ATS during the past eight games, compared to just 1-7 ...  read more

Six weeks into the NBA season and injuries continue to play a major role. Below is a look at all four matchups in the NBA for Tuesday night, along with the injury status of key players in each game.

DENVER (-5½) at ATLANTA

Atlanta forward Joe Johnson missed Sunday’s 117-92 loss at Sacramento and is questionable tonight due to his calf injury. Johnson has been one of the m ...  read more

It is a large card in the NBA on Wednesday night and injuries continue to play a major role. Below is a look at four different games this evening in which key players might be missing.

TORONTO at CLEVELAND (-8½, 197)

The Raptors have won five of their past seven games and stand 8-2 ATS over the past ten, but they might now be without their best player as forward Chris Bosh i ...  read more

There is a six-pack of games on the NBA card for Tuesday night. A month into the NBA season and injuries are starting to play a major role in team’s performances. Below is a look at all six matchups this evening, including three games with key injury concerns.

PORTLAND at DETROIT (-10, 193½)

The Pistons had their 8-0 SU (6-2 ATS) streak snapped on Sunday when they lost 97-8 ...  read more

We get a pair of strong national TV matchups for Thursday night which could very well be previews of upcoming playoff series this spring. Below is a look at each game on TNT this evening.

DETROIT PISTONS (-3, 193½) at MIAMI HEAT (TNT)

This is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference finals and the Pistons will have revenge on their minds after losing in six games. The Pi ...  read more

The single most important factor which determines the straight-up and pointspread winner in the NFL is turnover margin. The parity and level of competition in the league is at an all-time high and a team can not afford to give away two or three possessions per game and expect to win. In fact, NFL teams that win the turnover battle have covered 80% ATS the past three seasons.

read more

The public has more influence on NFL lines than any other sport and it has always been important to take a contrarian approach when handicapping the NFL, but I have noticed that the 'due theory' hasn't worked as well the past few years as some teams remain overrated, while others remain underrated and the betting public and oddsmakers fail to adjust. Below is a look at some of the worst team ...  read more