On Tuesday afternoon the Raptors introduced Bryan Colangelo as the new President and GM. He was very impressive at the press conference and very polished. He is looking forward to working alongside Wayne Embry, the Assistant to the President Richard Peddie along with Sam Mitchell the Head Coach and Bryan Colangelo as you know, the reigning executive of the year could win it again, as he has guided the Phoenix Suns to another winning season. But now he is a member of the Raptors organization and has a lot of work to do with Raptors to say the least. For now he is really enjoying that he is getting to know a lot of people at MLSE and the Raptors, the players, and the coaching staff. He is a tremendous addition to the Raptors ownership and also to the fan base here in Toronto.

A few of his moves with the Suns:
Brought in Mike D'Antoni, last season's coach of the year.
Signed Steve Nash, last season's MVP.
Acquired Boris Diaw in the Joe Johnson sign and trade.
Signed Eddie House, a leading candidate for sixth man of the year.
Signed Raja Bell, known for his defense but has shown to be an effective 3-point shooter for the Suns.
Traded Quentin Richardson for Kurt Thomas, who was having a solid season before he injured his foot last week.
Signed Amare Stoudemire to a mega extension before the season.

OK, I knew about this, but I don't know what happened. What's the story here? Bryan Colangelo to Toronto? Not Los Angeles or New York, and you go from Pacific Division powerhouse to ...... the Raptors ?
From golf, tennis and the Sun to the Great White North and the snow, what gives? What happened between Colangelo and Suns owner Robert Sarver ?
I'd sure like to know. You guys know anything, drop me a line.

Oh crap! I thought I posted Clippers -6.5 & UNDER 188, my mistake.
Be back later with thoughts on Mavericks at San Antonio.

Small card today and I'm looking ahead to Wednesday, but I did notice Sonics return to home after their dismal road trip (1-5 SU & 2-4 ATS) while tonight's opponent Hornets have won 2 on the road to start with 2 to go.
I saw this open yesterday with Sonics as the dog before the moneyline changed and total climbed to 203. I feel the side is a tough call, but the total showing over 200+ is interesting. I got burned on playing Seattle under at home and yet the Under in this match makes sense.
Have you noticed the big guys starting in Seattle tonight, they're not a tight bunch and I would expect some miscues, but the writing is on the wall.
Sonics don't want the label of giving up most points and they want the stops.
"Tomorrow night's our first game with this group, and I think we're all anxious," said Coach Bob Hill.

Watson, for his part, was excited to get some work in after playing just six game minutes over the last 12 days because the All-Star break was followed by last Thursday's trade that brought him back to Seattle, where he played as a rookie in 2001-02.
"I've been in Seattle for four days, just sitting," Watson said. "This was my first time practicing and really having some type of interaction with other players. I feel like I'm a little rusty, so I'm excited about the opportunity to get more fluent within the game and getting back on point."
Hill is equally excited to get Watson into the lineup after watching his first day of practice.
"Earl's pretty good," Hill said. "I was pretty impressed with him today; he's very, very quick and fast and can really guard the ball. We've gone from basically no backup point guards to two of them."
By adding Watson, Wilcox and Wilks, Hill believes the Sonics have improved their defense, a sore spot throughout this season. Watson is regarded as one of the league's best defensive point guards, while Wilcox has given the Sonics more athleticism to match up with opposing power forwards.
"If you want to play really good defense, you have to get some defensive-minded guys," Hill said, comparing the Sonics moves to when his Indiana team added tough defenders Antonio and Dale Davis during the early 1990s. "Once you build your team through your offense, then you need to start adding defensive components to it, and that's what we did there. I don't think there's any question that Chris Wilcox and Earl and Mike appreciate and like playing defense."
Tomorrow's game will provide the first look at Hill's new rotation in the backcourt, which will have Watson backing up starters Luke Ridnour and Ray Allen, spending time at both guard positions.
"I know tomorrow I'm going to try to play a three-guard rotation with Luke, Ray and Earl," he said. "I told Mike Wilks I wish he hadn't played so well in Miami because now I'm going to want to put him in."
Wilks, who scored 12 points in his Sonics debut, slots in as the fourth man in the backcourt and can be expected to see spot minutes.
Up front, the rotation will be determined in large part by the availability of Swift. Hill had hoped the Sonics starting center would be able to practice today before making his return to game action, but Swift's protective facemask is not yet ready, forcing him to sit out. Swift's facemask will be ready for tomorrow's game, but Hill is still uncertain whether Swift will play.
Despite Wilcox posting 34 points and 13 rebounds in two starts over the weekend, Hill plans to bring him off the bench behind Collison. At the same time, Hill downplayed the distinction between the two roles.
"Right now, Nick's the starting big forward," he said. "I like those two because they're different. They're not the same; they're different. Chris brings thing that Nick doesn't and vice versa. I don't really care [who starts]."
When the Sonics broke out into perimeter and post players for skills work at the end of practice, Hill took Wilcox aside to work with him on post moves. It's a process Hill intends to continue for the near future.
"We're going to start working really hard on developing a low-post game," Hill explained, "because looking at him, he's so athletic and so quick that he should be better in the low post than he is."
I think Sonics have the right idea tonight and over powering the middle is a good way to shutdown the Hornets.

Buy the 1.5 points

NOH/SEA 1st Half UNDER 103 -117 for 2 units(L)
NOH/SEA UNDER 204.5 -119 for 1 unit(L)

Oh no, another Under down the tube in Seattle. Sonics front court does look good although Hornets did make a run at the end. Same old Overs trend continues in Seattle. Hornets will hop on the plane and will be in L.A. within few hours with B2B against the another hot home team the Clippers.

0-2 -3.53 units

Don't forget Monday home dog plays are on.
Keep your eyes on the line and watch the movement to your favor.

CLE +3
ALT +2
*HOU PK

Out of the three I like the Hawks the best.

Cleveland 2nd of B2B in comparison to Detroit 2nd of B2B just doesn't measure up. Though Cavs have exceptional scoring up swing on game preceding under -80 points scored, taking the Over 3-1 in those situation this season. These two teams match up Under with strong trend to back that up.
Still Cavs 20-8 very dangerous to with points at home and Pistons 5-5 ATS is not all that scary. The books have shaded the Cavs as they could of easily set this at DET -5, I will watch the movement O/U moved quickly from 184 to 182.5 Looking to buck this trend with Over might be a ballsy play.

Houston at home is gearing up for a big revenge match and the line is pick'em.
If you've read the post game on that lop sided loss, even Suns coach Mike D'Antoni couldn't believe how the Suns had their way against the Rockets.
Nash sure didn't look like he was hurting.

The Hawks are my most likely play with Nets coming into town and Carter might be out for this one. Hawks lost by -10 to the Buck, but they shot better from the field and beyond the arc, they gave up the boards and most importantly missed the free throws. It was the Free Throws that lost it for the Hawks ATS backers. Nets broke the home court win streak and lose Carter with hammy cramp in the 1st quarter. It's still just a sore hammy and he could be in the game.
Carter is in this game, but todays system play counted him in. We get 0.5 point shade to home teams advantage and I bought it up some more.
This play went in at the last second.

ATL +3.5 -124 for 1 unit *with 1 point buy(W)
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Oh I will take one early dog on the over night with Bobcats getting +10 points.
Cats are getting stronger, better and took the 1st half SU against the Suns, almost winning ATS. I think that was a sign of things to come.
When you are considering to back the Clippers you must ask yourself, is the glass half full or empty as the Clippers have not won consecutive games since a four-game winning streak from February 1-7.
L.A. will be without center Chris Kaman (sprained left ankle),
Quinton Ross (sore lower back)
Bobcats leads the NBA in steals, turnovers forced and points off turnovers. Charlotte's also found it's offensive roll in the midst of a six game Western swing, averaging 115.5ppg on 50% shooting the past two contests.
Dribble penetration will be Cats order today.

CHA +10 -106 for 2 units(W)

On last 10 games samplings Clippers opponents hang around or top LAC in the first half.

CHA +5.5 1st Half -105 for 1 unit(L)
I might add to this if the line moves my way.

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I'm back, the opening dogs have not moved much, but not to worry as the nature of these dogs to move closer to game time.

The Warriors are finally back home after getting their butts kicked on the road trip and all these recent losses are impacted by the loss of Baron Davis.
Take a look at the recent 5 games Davis sat out, Warriors are struggling to put up points. Lacking offensive threats GSW have to play a slower tempo and that should be fine with Utah. The Jazz have given up 100+ points at home, as of late, but on the road they clamp down little more.

Buying +1.5 points to 183

UTA/GSW UNDER 183 -117 for 1 unit(L)
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Working the reverse angle on Totals at Dallas.
The trend in breakdown of two components, 1st & 2nd half, the 2nd half held strong Under tendencies which now I see swinging to the other side.
That is the 1st Half Over as teams are adjusting and missing lanky Josh Howard sure is helping the early scores.

PHL/DAL 1st Half Over 103 -110 for 2 units(L)

Not a good day. Cats 1st half meltdown after keeping it close.
The 1st Half Over at Dallas looked good after the 1st quarter, but failed.
UTA/GSW was just a bad call and had no chance.
The two win came on Cats ATS and Hawks ATS.
2-3 -1.42 units

Hornets have come a long way. Byron Scott's doing a good job, he's a Morningside high school product right here in Southern California and ofcourse a Laker from back in the days. He's also a ball handler so he had few things to say after the Sonics game and Hornets won that game.
Hornets holding 16-6 since the start of 2006. That's in the ranks of Detroit, Dallas and San Antonio. Chris Paul is no secret, but what about Kirk Snyder?
David West is playing the closer.
Blazers coming off 102-96 loss to the Celtics. Blazers were hanging around, but trailing. What bothers me is that Boston rookie Martell Webster set a season highs with 24 points, eight rebounds and four 3-pointers.
Joel Przybilla and Theo Ratliff are out. I don't like Zach Randolph as starting Center and they got rid of my favorite angry man Ruben Patterson.
Can they blow three in a row at the Rose Garden? Hell Yes! Hornet will get this party started out of the gate and protect the lead in the second half.

NOH -1 1st Quarter -105 for 2 units(L)
NOH -2 1st Half -109 for 2 units(L)

NOH -2.5 2nd Half -107 for 1 unit(W)
NOH/POR 2nd Half UNDER 91.5 -101 for 3 units(W)

Blazer spoiled my party and wiped my first half Sides.
Managed to salvage the day with late chase wins.
2-2 -0.28 units

Everyone watching the Raptors in Dallas? I can't keep up with these Saturday morning (West of the Rockies in USA) games. We have morning cartoons going on other channels. Too late for speculation, but you guys might want to note
Mavs Under trend characteristic is to go Under in the second half.
I don't know if you've noticed the 2nd Half total set at 98.5 and the public pounded the Over to the price of -135. I bought +1.5 and took the 2nd Half Under 100 for -103. The game may go Over, but this 2nd half looks Under.
Be back later.

OT takes the 2nd half over. It was a regulation 2nd half under and should of ended that way, but this one will not pay.
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Cats beat the Blazers on the road ending their near 2 month road skid.
Are you keeping track of the Cats? They dressed 12 guys on Tuesday against Denver for the first time since Jan. 4th. Gerald Wallace entered the game on Wednesday against Portland for the first time since Jan. 20th.
So they're getting healthy and the score is rising.
OK, even with Nash hurting he will play and Cats are 5-17 against the West,
1-10 against the West on the Road. Sun scoring 100+ points in 16 games in a row. Much of that punch comes in the first half. 1st Half total shaded, but I'll take it.
I'll go with early scoring.

CHA/PHO 1st Quarter Over 53 -110 for 2 units(W)
CHA/PHO 1st Half Over 107 -105 for 1 unit(W)

Took a good old fashion moose job on the early game, but that's my loss.
Published plays hits nothing but net. Easy early Over.
2-0 +3.00 units

Wow, this game is 100+ points for both sides and they still have one more quarter of play. Should of gone Over all the way across.

We will see ex-Magic Steve Francis in Knicks uniform against the visiting Nets tomorrow. Francis addressed the media alongside Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown during a press conference before last night's game, saying how excited he was about playing in New York. Oh yes, Isiah will get all the credit for this one. Just what Brown asked for. Knicks are in great shape now, not.
I thought Isiah's days were numbered....Sexual harassment accusation and all that stuff.
What about Stephon Marbury making his return to action.
In 31 minutes, he shot just 2-11 from the floor, finishing with a mere 7 points and 4 assists, and he allowed Jason Williams to go for 24 points on 8-13 shooting. Lets call it rust.
Nets on top of Atlantic rolling 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS last 10 games.
Knicks 1-9 SU and 4-6 ATS, having hard time reaching 90 points.

NJN -5 -109 for 1 unit(L)
NJN/NYK UNDER 189 -109 for 2 units(W)

Talked trash about Francis and he hits a 3 pointer to kill my Side.
You know I should of waited for NJN -4 and price improved on both of my picks if you played it late.
Yet again the money play cashes.
1-1 +0.91 units

I'm taking an early position.

Indiana practiced before leaving to Detroit. Pacers are a team on the surge having already upset Detroit at home and that was the game, Jackson coming out of the hospital Thursday, listed questionable for the game then playing outstanding game. I'm sure Pistons remember and they will keep in mind the point difference in the paint (28 - 38 Pacers), against Atlanta Pistons scored 52 points in the paint. Another factor in this game is Pistons are still shaded ATS which is costing the backers. I think Pacers are getting too many points here and also think the Over will edge out.

IND +8.5 -106 for 2 units(W)
IND/DET OVER 178 -105 for 1 unit(L)

Not enough score today to take Total & Side, but money play was on ATS and gain is a gain is a gain.

1-1 +0.95 units

It's mid week, mid morning and my game is moving in my favor.
I'm watching the line on Clips, playing back to back road game with a shuttle to Houston from Dallas.
Rockets throttled on Clips at Staples before the All Star break, then Rockets laid an egg at Phoenix. I will say T-Mac looks very much in the mid season form, but I feel Van Gundy does not want to shoulder all the weight on Tracy and Alston will be the key to diverting plays.
The front court is formidable and Swift is very good off the bench, but the low post is stronger playing half court grinder which they failed to do in Phoenix, even going small at times in failing effort for speed.
Clips almost broke Mavs win streak last night. Late game stops by Clips were impressive and cashed for ATS & UNDER backers. Clips strength is also the low post maybe not quite the Rockets level, but experienced ball handlers are supposed to make up for that.
This is a big revenge game and they got out boarded badly.
Waiting for my spot to get this one.

Sorry, missed all the games tonight. Clips got it close enough for ATS win, but scoring was high. I'll move on to Thursday.

This is the first game after the All Star, sos cap it like your testing the water.

My game today is the Clips at Dallas. Mavs surging with balance and I think defense will set the tone. AJ is big on "D" and that's where he wants to add strength in the Second half of the season. It will be interesting to see if the Mavs playing over 99+ and holding opponents to 99- is going to continue.
My guess is the actual total to decline with teams scoring below 99-.

LAC/DAL UNDER 192.5 -110 for 1 unit(W)
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This one looks like it's reaching.
SEA/SAS 2nd Half UNDER 98 -110 1 unit(W)

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I wanted to publish SAC -2 1st Quarter, but got carried away with the San Anonio game. See ya later, I'll be back jack.
2-0 +2.00 units

Greetings Cappers.
I'm not playing the All Star Game today, but wanted to give my well wishes for those who are.
As historical numbers go the eye poping total is right in line and the West is not as strong as the years past. I would say the East with 4 points looks good and 1st Quarter Over 64 at plus money +110 is the best value.
For the Total I'd go 1st Half Over 129.5 +114 and consider the second half Under at 128 or better.

Like I said, I'm not on this game and have interest on NCAA match up with UCLA and USC with the game going Under.

........UCLA falls to USC and game goes Over. NCAA Hoops did not pan out today.
Todays best bet was 2nd Half East in NBA All Star with 21 point deficit they have taken the lead in early 4th Quarter. I be looking ahead to see what's out in the horizon.

Suns just about go wire to wire at always hostile Pepsi Center.
They moved the ball and didn't miss a beat from their long rest.
Now on 2nd leg of back to back, road/home game, Suns strength is the momentum and they had lots of rest.
Houston's game is surging, T Mac is the nucleus raising the level of the Rockets front court and the bench production is also on the rise.
I understand the match up trends Under, but with both teams firing on all cylinders the production should be high.

I'll buy that 0.5 points back to 201

HOU/PHO OVER 201 -114 for 3 units(L)

Looks like the line is moving Over. The Suns will not change their way, they coasted in the 4th quarter last night and they will run the floor tonight. They'd like to keep Yao out of position as much as possible.
Rockets have an attacking front court as well as Ralfer Alston making the moves. Houston can push it up with the best of them right now.

HOU/PHO 1st Half Over 102 -108 for 2 units(L)

I knew after the first Quarter it was not going to make it.
Rockets didn't bring their game, I was not expecting that.
0-2 -5.60 units

Miami and Orlando are doing the turn around back to back. Sharps look at these games and weight the value of the home dog playing revenge or reversing the Total play. Public takes a big bite on Miami then wonders what happened.
But there's more to the trouble in Orlando than X's and O's.
I like Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, returning Grant Hill with 20+ minutes, but I don't like Steve Francis and he is holding the ball too much. Too bad Jamneer is out, I like that kid. Francis is killing the chemistry for the Magic and he's not working on the floor. I have a feeling something is brewing in the clubhouse.
OK, I'm going with this public play, more like an Magic fade.

MIA -5.5 -105 for 1 unit(W)

Isn't this interesting, ATS is holding ground and remain MIA -5.5 at -105
There was some movement last night, but only the Totals have changed directions from Under to Over. I'll find out what's cooking in Florida, but even with Orlando trade happening this morning Miami should stay its course.

MIA 1st Quarter -1.5 -105 for 1 unit(W)
MIA 1st Half -3 +102 for 1 unit(W)
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Hornets are rolling ATS and they are putting up scores. I like the way they're playing and Portland finally pulled one off on the road against the reeling Cats.
I guess Blazers need to get kicked around some before they bring their game.
Today will be challenging with Portland inside being suspect.
Lets see Hornets attack the rim and Blazers to keep pace.

POR/NOH OVER 187 -111 for 2 units(W)

Heat pounds Magic in repeat performance.
A friendly bounce and Over she goes with Blazers at Hornets.
Clutch kinda day.
4-0 +5.02 units

Valentines day at the Association. Got little busy for the Home Dog Monday, but Cavs rolled keeping the Monday streak. Amazing trend.

Another Valentines bit, too late to do any good, but Bucks are stellar on V-day and at Home they are almost unbeatable....91-106 Bucks over Seattle

Today I'm looking at the late game with HOU/LAC.
I might of advised on early Over with 179.5 and 181.5 still looks good but I will take the ATS on Houston with points. Rockets does have road woes and Clips have an nice home record, but recent ATS looks much better on the Houston side. I think Rockets front court is working and T-Mac like the road games.
Ross is hurting on Clips side and LA back court will need to do most of the scoring.

HOU +3.5 -110 for 2 units(W)

ATS or OVER it did not matter. You could of hit for 2nd Half HOU +5 or OVER 90 it would of all been good. I need more of these.
1-0 +2.00 units

How did I miss posting this strong Over trend on SAS/IND !

I'm working on some plays, but in the meantime I'll play the line on this game.
DET/MIA 1st Half UNDER 96 -120 for 1 unit(L)

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OK, I'll go with the Bucks and points. They are just keeping it close and this is too much to give on Nets home hype. The B2B is a mild variety, home/road and Bucks are winning.

MIL +8.5 -111 for 3 units(L)
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My last take for tonight. Chicago coming off an low scoring loss, 80-98 to Sacramento, but 80 points output is the lowest they've produced in 22 games.
I like the scoring to go up. Clippers score also improves at Staples.

CHI/LAC 1st Half Over 97.5 -111 for 2 units(W)
CHI/LAC OVER 193 -108 for 3 units(L)

Should of stayed in bed.
1-3 -5.77 units

Today I will follow the 1st Quarter trend with GSW at CLE.
Cavs taking many of their games Under and there has been few slow starts, MIL, MIA, NJN, come to mind, but more cases show opponents at Cleveland go Over 50+ in the starting quarter. Warriors also a strong 1st Quarter team.

GSW/CLE 1st Quarter OVER 51 -117 for 2 units(W)
Was not as close as the box scores shows.
1-0 +2.00 units

I like the over night line on Miami at Dallas. The Mavs have the Heats number and Miami will come in with high energy to snap the Dallas win streak.
I think this will be a good, hard fighting game.
Mavs have kept opponents below 99+ points for 11 games (@NYK 1/11 (L)115-117 in OT) and 12 games in regulation (@BOS 1/09 (W)104-102) and at home 18 games (GSW 12/30 (L)109-111)
That is impressive, but Miami is pushing up the score and if any team can attack the paint against Dallas it"s the Heat.

Over 199 -108 for 2 units(L)
Should of followed the trend.
0-1 -2.16 units

Good to see your back BetCrimes.

Clippers are rolling, chipping away the gap in Pacific Division race. Look at their last 10 games, outstanding, but look closer. Tonight is the 5th game of 6 game road trip, not counting the Denver back to back, road/homegame which would add another road turn around to the long trip.
Losing to Miami at the start of the trip, kept it close enough to cover.
Almost wire to wire at Orlando, only losing 3rd quarter by 1 point.
Wire to wire at Boston. Then 3 pointer and a stop to put the game in OT and win at Toronto, but this was the losing game for ATS. Clips hot shooting cools a little and Raps scored little more than others.
Knicks are struggling, but they are showing signs. They covered ATS against the fast healing Rockets at MSG. Rose was excellent moving the ball, he should be better with added time with his new team.
Crawford was agressive and I like Curry in the paint.
I like this game to reach 200+ as Knicks will attack knowing Clips road schedule. Clips back court are hot and will keep them scoring.

LAC/NYK OVER 197 +104 for 2 units(L)

That was an ugly game. So ugly I wished I was on the Under.
0-1 -2.00 units

On this home dog monday the play is looking like the Bobcats. Interestingly the ATS is only 5 points against the falling Sonics. Early money is on the Sonics so I will keep watch.
I got pretty good price on CATS ATS.

CHA +7 -119 for 2 units(W)
----------------------------------------------------

My early play is the Bucks. You have to love the Bucks surging ATS and doing it with defense, over the last 10 games holding opponents to 42% shooting.
Each of the last 3 meetings decided by 8 points or less.

MIL +8 -123 for 2 units(W)
MIL/CLE UNDER 190.5 -127 for 2 units(W)

Perfect day. I'll be working hard so yall come back now, you hear.
3-0 +6.00 units

This is the weekend for Sharps, Fleas, Public and everyone in between.
The Touts are louder and Books are busy. Superbowl Weekend.
I'll check with the Wisemen and put something in the Sharps Play Blog.

The Hardcourt games, my picks have become a bit dull so I took couple of days off. Today I'll take the 1st Half game with Detroit and Indiana.
I know Detroit lines are well tuned with the Line makers and it shows on ATS.
But today I think the Pacers 1st Half fade will be in effect.

DET -4 1st Half -108 for 3 units(L)

I got beat by Jackson who was hospitalized with a bruised hip and scraped elbow after a fall in Wednesday's game against the Lakers. I can't beleive this guy was questionable for today's game he started and played 39 minutes.
I did see the line movement go to -105 on both sides at Pinny before the game.
Lines have been sharp lately.
NBA is stale right now, but I'll get it working right.
In the meantime NCAA Hoops is giving me much needed lift. I'm considering NCAA Basketball blog or maybe using the Sharp Plays blog.
Well, keep your eyes on my NBA Plays.

0-1 -3.24 units

Without much to write on this game.
My play for today.

CHI/HOR UNDER 186 -108 for 2 units(L)
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Adding.

SAS -2.5 1st Quarter -100 for 3 units(W)
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Same game.

SAS/POR 2nd Half Under 91.5 for 3 units(W)

I must of missed something?
2-1 +3.84