This Week's Best Spot Bet Opportunities
By Ben Burns
Covers.com
Letdown spot
On 3/1 the Vanderbilt Commodores will host archival Tennessee. Its always a big game when these instate rivals get together and this game also marks the Commodores' last home game. Off such an emotional game, and having faced Florida and Kentucky before that, it may be easy to suffer a letdown for a road game against Texas A&M. After this season's earlier meeting against the Vols, Vanderbilt followed it up by getting blown out its next game. On the other hand, the Aggies should be fired up as they'll be playing their final home game while looking to avenge their worst loss of the season. Take a look at the Aggies in their final game.
Lookahead spot
On Sunday afternoon, the Wizards will host Lebron James and the Cavs. They've played the Cavs tough this season (1-1 SU/2-0 ATS) and will be looking forward to do so again. First, however, they've got a date with the lowly 76ers, at Philly, on Friday night. Having beaten the 76ers three straight and seven of eight times, including a 12-point win at the beginning of February, they could easily get caught "looking ahead" to Sunday's big game. The 76ers have been mostly competitive in recent weeks (10-5 ATS L15 entering Tuesday's game vs. Orlando) and are worth a look on Friday night.
Schedule spot
Back on 1/7, playing at home, the Siena Saints hammered the Fairfield Stags by 15 points. On Wednesday, Fairfield will host Siena, getting a chance for some payback. Off five straight wins, the Stags (10-4 at home) are playing better now than they were for the previous meeting. This is their final home game of the regular season, so they'll be motivated for a big performance. On the other hand, the Saints (8-8 on the road) are off an emotional loss vs. rival Iona and they have their final home game of the season on deck. The Stags may be slight underdogs for this one but with the schedule in their favor, I like their chances of rewarding the faithful with a victory. Consider Fairfield on Wednesday
Celtics vs. Lakers Prediction One of the oldest rivalries in the NBA will be renewed on Tuesday night in L.A. where the Lakers will host the Celtics at 10:00 p.m. ET. With the Lakers laying three points as home chalk and the total sitting at 217.5, what’s the best bet in this matchup?
Nets vs. Mavericks Prediction The Nets have won seven of their last 10 games and will take on an opponent Tuesday night in the Mavericks that has dropped seven of its last 10 overall. With Brooklyn only laying 3.5 points tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET in Dallas, are the Nets the smart play?
Texas Tech vs. Tennessee Prediction No. 13 Tennessee will take on Texas Tech on Tuesday night in New York City for the opener of the Jimmy V Classic. Are the Vols a good bet to cover as a 4-point neutral site favorite or will the Red Raiders come through as an underdog?
Panthers vs. Blues Prediction The Panthers got the best of the Blues last weekend in Florida, but St. Louis have an opportunity to settle the score on its home ice Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET. Will the Blues cash as a home dog or is there a better bet on the board?
Patriots vs. Bills MNF Prediction First place is on the line in the AFC East on Monday night when the Bills host the Patriots at 8:15 p.m. ET. Will the Patriots continue their hot play and pull off the small upset in Buffalo or are the Bills the better play as a small home favorite?
Nuggets vs. Bulls Prediction The Bulls are off to a 16-8 start and will have a golden opportunity to earn their 17th victory of the season when they host the Nuggets at 8:00 p.m. ET. That said, given Denver’s ATS success against Chicago in previous meetings, are the Nuggets the best play on the board?
Illinois vs. Iowa Prediction Big Ten rivals clash in Iowa City on Monday night where the Hawkeyes will host the Illinois Fighting Illini at 7:00 p.m. ET. Will the Hawkeyes cover as a 3-point home favorite?
Ducks vs. Capitals Prediction The Ducks and Capitals will square off in Washington on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. ET with a total that currently sits at 5.5 goals. Will these two teams combine for enough goals to cash the over?
Pelicans vs. Rockets Prediction The Pelicans have had plenty of ATS success against the Rockets in previous meetings but will New Orleans cash as a road favorite on Sunday night when these two teams meet in Houston at 7:00 p.m. ET?
Broncos vs. Chiefs Prediction The Sunday Night Football matchup in Week 13 pits AFC West rivals against each other when the Broncos visit the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Will the Chiefs cover as a 9-point home favorite or is there a better bet on the board?
