TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASKETBALL SELECTION SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH
#511 CHICAGO (Pick) over Cleveland at 8 PM EST
Off back-to-back SU and ATS losses to Milwaukee and New Orleans and with No. 6 Cleveland and No. 7 Toronto just one game back in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, Chicago will rally the troops and win an important road game. The Cavaliers enter this battle off a pair of SU and ATS losses to the Lakers and Raptors and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his crew won’t be able to break out of their slump here.
Since April 8th, 2011, Da Bulls have been a dominant force in this series inking an outstanding 29-19 SU and 33-15 ATS record in the last 48 meetings. In this run priced as an underdog or a favorite of -1.5 or less, Chicago improves to a sensational 19-4 ATS. Also, when playing with rest and matched up against a division foe, the Bulls hold a highly profitable 74-45-1 ATS record provided they hit the floor without confidence off two or more straight up losses. Provided Da Bulls hold a team won/loss percentage of .350 or better, this team trend cruises to a powerful 27-13 SU and 28-11-1 ATS.
The Cavaliers are locked into one of their worst roles too. When competing against a foe that arrives off a SU and ATS loss, Cleveland has struggled financially posting a woeful 36-62 SU and 38-59-1 ATS record in its last 98 games. In this run checking off an ATS loss of their own, the Cavs fall to a disturbing 13-34 SU and 12-35 ATS including a filthy 1-13 ATS if they are priced as a favorite or an underdog of +1.5 or less. Lastly, when facing an opponent that holds a team won/loss percentage of .550 or higher, Cleveland carries a disgusting 5-32 SU and 8-28-1 ATS record provided its opponent takes the court off a blemish.
Even though the Bulls have been a below average guest, head coach Billy Donovan’s boys find a way to get it done here. Take Chicago. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
MICK’S 18-1 ATS 5* NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME OF THE YEAR
If you missed Mick’s 5* NIT Game of the Year victory on St. Bonaventure (+2′) over Virginia WON OUTRIGHT 52-51, then be sure to grab this top-rated Big Dance payday. A nearly perfect 18-1 ATS angle supports this selection along with one key intangible that will prove to be the difference. Grab Mick’s 5* NCAA Tournament Game of the Year for $30.