HO HO HO...........

Deepest apologies to our loyal (borderline rabid) fanbase. Due to maritial obligations, November has been a complete wash for me at Propick Sports. Here's the good news....now I can hit stride right at the end of the year and line everyone's pockets with luccini....aka Cash.

Georgia +8.5 over Alabama. Every statistical edge screams Alabama in this game. Our Propick proprietary model suggest a double digit win by the Crimson Tide. Guess what? This is a gut feel and despite playing inferior competition, Georgia will hang around and keep this game close.

Kansas State vs. Texas Under 61.5. Enough with all the offense in the Big 12. Can anyone in this lousy conference play defense? Of course this is a moot point because Texas' offense has sputtered at times and tonight will be one of these instances. 

Life Sucks.....

Then you die!  After last nights horrific loss and more importantly, non cover by the Cowboys, the emotional roller coaster is off the charts. As a result, tonight's release will be that of the no frills variety.


Eagles +3 Over Saints. Both teams have played extremely disappointing football this season, however the Eagles problems seem easier to diagnose/correct. While Michael Vick has cost the Eagles mightily with all his turnovers, contrast that to a Saints team which may have the worst defense in NFL history. This game falls into the coin flip category and I am siding with the Eagles.

Cowboy Up.....

After a disappointing day in the financial markets, we at Propick Sports have decided to provide our avid followers with what we like to call "blank check Friday".  With all the consternation over what the presidential election means for the economy, Propick Sports fervently believes that this weekend's NFL releases will more than compensate for the current hardships that are out there. "Ask not what you can do for your bookie but what your bookie can do for you". Whenever people complain about not having enough money make sure that you forward this link with Sunday's selections.

Dallas +4 over Atlanta. This game is so stinky it pains me to see the line at only -4. Following a heartbreaking loss to the Giants, many novice handicappers believe that this will spell the end for the Cowboys. Furthermore, after crapping ourselves with the Eagles over the Falcons release last week, we believe we were a week early in predicting Atlanta's first loss of the season. Atlanta has struggled at home against weaker opponents such as Carolina and Oakland. Factor in a desperate Dallas team fighting for survival and you have a Cowboys cover.

Steelers 3.5 Over Giants. Take the Steelers moneyline $$$$$$ as well. We love the Giants but this is the perfect spot for them to come up short. After huge wins against the 49ers, Redskins, and Cowboys, the Giants are overdue for a flat performance at home. While we are no fan of the creep known as Big Ben, the Steelers veteran quarterback should be able to nullify the Giants pass rush with a short passing game. The fact that this line is hovering around 3.5 despite how poorly the Steelers have played on the road, suggests that the smart money knows something others do not.

*We will have another NFL selection coming once we complete our research. Stay tuned for College Football releases. There will be a MONSTER college play coming.

Same Theme....Different Night?

After watching the Heat cruise past a gritty veteran Boston Celtics squad two nights ago,  I see an identical matchup tonight in the western conference between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Like the Celtics, the Spurs are a saavy and well coached team that derives their leadership from veterans such as : Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginoboli. However, the Spurs have done an excellent job building around their aging superstars, as evidenced by last years league leading win total. 

Despite a disappointing performance in last years NBA finals, the Thunder have shown marked improvement during the past few years. Even without six man of the year award winner, James Harden, the Thunder are loaded with young talent. Last years western conference playoffs were less a competition than  a corination which saw the Thunder run all over their opponents. What does that all mean for tonight's home opener in San Antonio?

With the line currently sitting at Spurs -2, bookmakers are begging you to take the Thunder. From a historical point of view, it appears as though the Thunder are peaking while at best, the Spurs are holding their ground, defying father time. With seventy percent of the public backing the Thunder tonight, doesn't that mean smart money is stepping in and betting the Spurs? 

Spurs -2 over the Thunder. While I am failing to adhere to one of my core tenets (aging teams), there are several other factors at work here. The Spurs are a great regular season team, specifically at home. If they are not fresh in game one of their season, then that is a terrible omen going forward. In addition, the common man is completely decked out in Kevin Durant jerseys.....what are the odds of 70% of the dopes out there being right tonight?  Fade the concensus here and  take the Spurs.

Opening Night.............

After a GOY (Game of the Year) stinkbomb release, I have vowed to make amends. What better way to right the ship then to bounce back with the NBA opening night card? A wise man once told me "I can accept losing but I will not tolerate sitting out games. If there is a game to wager on, then do so".

Heat vs. Celtics. At first glance this line seems a little light at  Heat -6.  However, cemented deep into handicappers minds everywhere is the long six game struggle, that was last years NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Furthermore, defending NBA champions are just 2-8 against the number in their last ten openers.  For those looking to make a case for the Celtics, it appears they have found one.

Beware. While Rondo presents a matchup nightmare for Miami (along with almost every other team), the rest of his Celtics teammates are coasting on fumes. Without the services of Ray Allen, who is incidentally playing for the Heat, Boston will have more issues trying to run their offensive sets. As of now their best shooter is Kevin Garnett. While the Celtics remain a proud team with Pierce and the aforementioned Garnett, I cannot help but think that this could finally be the year where their age catches up with them.

After finally winning an NBA title that eluded him, expect to see a more relaxed Lebron James as he tries to lead the Heat in defense of their championship. During the past two years the Heat appeared at times to carry the burden of a team that was expected to win. In doing so, this was a squad that would play tight and allow lessor teams to compete with them.  This year is a different story. Two teams but only one is going in the right direction.

The Release.....Heat -6 over Celtics.

World Series.....

In an effort to be as succinct as possible, I will cut right to the chase. Tonight's 5 Star release is the Under 6.5 runs.  Here's the logic: the shadows around home plate will present nightmares for both teams since it is a 5pm start pacific time. Verlander has been unhittable this post season, so this extra advantage should keep the Giants' offense contained.  Conversely, the Tigers bats have been rested for a week now and while Zito is a wildcard, he has pitched very well this post season. Take the under and hope for a 3-2 final score.

Game of the Year....

In an unprecedented move, we at Propick Sports are releasing our NFL GOY (Game of the Year), on a Tuesday afternoon.  Why? Two reasons. First off, this line will probably move by weeks end so it is imperative to lock the spread in now. Furthermore, due to contractual demands I will be on the road for the next few days.  Regardless of the reason, remember that "when I throw you a blank check, do not question my reason for doing so".

Atlanta Falcons. After jumping out of the gate with an impressive 6-0 record, the Falcons have been  anointed by most pundits as the best team in the NFL.  At the very least, they have been the most consistent. With a revamped defense, a quarterback playing at the top of his game, and clutch come from behind wins, the Falcons have managed to impress even the most cynical sports handicapper. Factor in a breakout year from wide receiver Julio Jones and the Falcons are an absolute nightmare for opposing defensive backs throughout the league.

Eagles. Sitting at 3-3 the Philadelphia Eagles have once again managed to underperform expectations.  After a strong finish to last season (despite not making the playoffs), most experts believed that this would be the year that the stars would align in the city of brotherly love. No such luck thus far. What ails one of the most talented teams in the NFL?  Turnovers and weak offensive line play.  Can Michael Vick find lightening in a bottle and play like he did during the 2010 season?  One thing is certain at this point: the Eagles have more questions than answers.

The line.  With all the issues the Eagles are facing why are they a slight favorite?  After opening up at a pick em, the line is now anywhere from Eagles -1 to -2.5.  What Vegas is doing is begging the common man to take the 6-0 Falcons. With repeated comments regarding Andy Reid's future in Philadelphia, the common man cannot believe the gift which he has been given.  Who doesn't want to take the best team in the NFL getting points?

The Release.  Eagles -2 over the Falcons. This is the greatest example of a "hold your nose and buy em" philosophy.  After running several scenarios via our proprietary models, the Eagles came out ahead with several strong trends supporting them in this matchup. This is a must win for the Eagles and coming off a bye week under Andy Reid, history suggests the Eagles will get the job done. Furthermore, Atlanta is the softest 6-0 this league has ever known. This is a classic case of backing a desperate team at home.

Lucky Seven?

As we brace ourselves for tonight's National League Championship Series game seven between the Giants and the Cardinals, the consensus appears to be shifting towards the Cards. Despite blowing a commanding 3-1 series lead, it has become a foregone conclusion that the Cardinals will find a way to win this game. This is the same Cardinals team that battled all the way back after spotting the Nationals a 6-0 lead in the deciding game five of the Division Series.  Furthermore, these are the defending World Series Champions, so their respect is well deserved.

While the Giants have matched their opponent so far this playoff season, with a dramatic three game sweep of the Reds on the road after losing their first two games at home, they appear to be winning through sheer will alone. Although the Giants have a formidable pitching staff, their offense consistently relies on role players delivering in the clutch. Unlike the Cardinals, there are not a lot of hitters in the Giants lineup that strike fear into opposing pitchers (except Buster Posey). That said, this is exactly how the Giants won the 2010 World Series when they faced a far superior offense in the Texas Rangers.

The Release:  Giants -135 Over the Cardinals. The Giants are sending their ace Matt Cain to the hill tonight.  While the line suggests that the Giants are the clear favorite tonight, all you have to do is turn on sports radio and the overwhelming consensus suggests a Cardinals victory tonight. This is less about momentum than it is about a clear pitching advantage. Cain will pitch spectacularly tonight and the Giants will find a way to get themselves into the World Series. 

Angry Ducks..........

Tonight's marquee matchup in college football pits the third ranked Oregon ducks against the surprising Arizona State Sun Devils. Heading into tonight's clash the focus appears to be less about the game then about how Oregon is not ranked number two in the BCS polls. Despite having a far weaker strength of schedule than the Florida Gators, folks in Oregon are using the disrespect card and fervently believe they deserve to be ranked number two.  Furthermore, the consensus pick among the public is Oregon in a rout.

Oregon. The Ducks under coach Chip Kelly have become the "It" team in college football.  Featuring a wide open fast break offense, the Ducks have racked up points at will during the past few years. More impressively, even NFL teams have taken notice and made attempts to implement variations of this style into their own gameplans. Couple this with the recent snub by the BCS computers and you have one unstoppable team heading into Tempe, Arizona tonight.

Arizona State. Despite a potent offense led by quarterback Taylor Kelly, you will be hard pressed to find many believers, outside of the folks in Tempe. What most people overlook is the surprise stout defense, specifically the defensive line, which will play a pivotal role in trying to stop an Oregon offense that is averaging over 52 points per game this year.

Beware. Tonight's game for Arizona State is on par with a BCS bowl game. This is a team that rarely plays in primetime (ESPN televised game tonight), let alone against the top team in their conference.  With a full crowd and the home team catching 10 points, I will take the path less travelled and side wih the Sun Devils. The common man has spoken and collectively, they believe Oregon will win in a rout. I have been inside the mind of the common man and it scares the hell out of me.

The Pick: Arizona State +10 Over Oregon.

Coaching Icon.....

Due to scheduling issues, we at Propick were unable to provide our Monday Night release. Upon returning home I was shocked to see Denver trailing the  Chargers 24-0. Furthermore, with the line at a pick em, I figured that no amount of heroics from Peyton Manning could overcome a deficit like this.  What I failed to remember was: no lead is safe when it involves a Norv Turner coached team.

Norv.  In what could only be described as coaching tenure, the San Diego Chargers have routinely overlooked Norv Turner's shortcomings throughout the years.  While the argument in Norv's defense was always "his teams make the playoffs", what people failed to comprehend was how much talent was on the Chargers roster. In addition, the Chargers routinely got off to horrible starts and relied on strong end of season streaks against a very weak division to bail them out. After not making the playoffs these past two years, Norv is living on borrowed time. In a league where coaches are constantly placed under a microscope, good old Norv has managed to elude such occupational hazards.

Post Game. In a feeble attempt to dodge obvious criticism, Norv did what he does best: play dumb. When asked about the constant shortcomings during his tenure with the Chargers, Norv simply refused to answer the question. I must admit that despite the futility that is Norv and the Chargers, you have to respect a man who acts like he's bulletproof regardless of how bleak the situation may look.  Here's another public service announcement......Fade the Chargers for the balance of this NFL season. Eventually Norv will be culpable for the Charger's collective failures.  Following their bye week, start taking the other side of Norv. This is another one of the gaming tenets that has proven to be successful throughout the years.

Tigers -175 over Yankees. We have seen this script before. The Yankees are shot and now face the best pitcher in baseball. If the series was tied at 1-1 or there was any sign of life up and down the Yankee lineup, I would think differently. However, this Yankees lineup acts like they just want the pain to end. Does anyone have faith in Arod at this point?  Is a defeated Nick Swisher going to all of a sudden heat up? As for Cano, after not getting a hit what makes anyone think he can hit Justin Verlander? The Yankees are a dismal 0-7 in their last seven playoff games as an underdog. Expect that trend to continue tonight.

Mea Culpa......

Last night saw the apex of my fustration.  After dominating every facet of the game, there was an uneasy feeling as LSU took only a nine point lead with five minutes to play. As the announcers flashed the stats on the screen, one would have expected this game to be a blowout-420 total yards for LSU and  171 yards for the visiting gamecocks.  That said, the LSU defense was hitting their stride and completely shut down South Carolina, with the exception of one drive early in the second half. So why was I so concerned?

Backdoor cover. No one likes to lose but find me a sports handicapper who has never fallen prey to the last minute meaningless score (which has no impact on the outcome of the game but only the spread) and I will show you a liar. As South Carolina opened their last drive in a multiple wide receiver set and LSU dropping back into prevent coverage, I knew this had all the trappings of a blown cover. Furthermore, laying 2.5 points with LSU, I realized that a touchdown by South Carolina would result in  LSU winning by only 2. Without fail, the Gamecocks marched down the field with a series of short completions, aided by a personal foul penalty, until it was fourth down and 17 yards to go on the LSU 22 yard line. If logic prevailed then South Carolina  would have kicked the field goal, since they needed two scores and would in turn focus on recovering the ensuing onside kick. No such luck. Coach Spurrier decided to fade conventional wisdom by throwing for a first down and as luck would have it.....First and goal from just outside the goal line. That was it...my obituary read: LSU 23 South Carolina 21.

No time like the present. Today's NFL contests feature a lot of interesting matchups and with the exception of the Falcons laying 9.5 over the Raiders, most of the lines are fairly tight.  On days like this, getting inside the mind of the common man is a simple task, just take all the home favorites. If only life was this easy.

Jets -3.5 Over Colts.  This line is begging you to take the Colts. Here is why you don't. First, the Colts are coming off an emotional win at home which saw veteran players turn back the clock to performances of yesteryear. The odds of veterans like Reggie Wayne duplicating such a feat is highly unlikely. Secondly, the Jets have no right to be a favorite against anyone, let alone by more than  a field goal.  This is the most common of logic.  The average Joe Schmoe is thinking "I bet this is a field goal game either way so with the line at + 3.5, I would be an idiot not to take the Colts".  Here's a public service announcement, most of my friends are using that logic, even the Jets fans.  Hold your nose and take the Jets.

Cowboys/Ravens Over 44.  Cowboys +3.5 Over Ravens. Two picks in one game.  While this is an anomaly, I feel very confident in both picks. With both the Ravens and Cowboys possessing a myriad of offensive weapons, the reason for this total being only 44, is a result of the public's overestimation of both defenses. The Ravens are nowhere near the defense they used to be but since this squad still has Ray Lewis and Ed Reed leading the way, the overwhelming consensus is that the Ravens win with their defense. Conversely, because Dallas has arguably the best pass rusher in the game, Demarcus Ware, their defense is viewed as a stalwart despite giving up tons of yardage on a weekly basis.  As for the straight play- Cowboys +3.5, its a contrarian play on what the public is thinking.

Check back later for the late game.....

SEC Game of the Year......

LSU -2.5 over South Carolina. In an effort to atone for my Fresno State Stink bomb this afternoon.
LSU applies very favorably following losses(cause they do not lose much). Conversely, the Gamecocks are in unchartered waters here. Following an emotional blowout win against Georgia last weekend, look for South Carolina to struggle on the road at death valley. If the line has moved from 2.5 to 3, then buy the hook.

Check back tomorrow at noon for the NFL Week 6 releases. Expecing a difficult week for the favorites.......

Help Me.....Help You

In an effort to be as succinct as possible, I will cut straight to the chase and release the winners.

Fresno State +7.5 Over Boise State. This is the classic overreaction matchup. In prior years Boise State would be laying 20 points, so upon seeing the line at only 7.5, the "common man" can hardly contain his emotions. However, much to the common man's chagrin, this is not the same Boise State team. Gone are: Kellen Moore, Doug Martin,etc.  and this years team feels more like a work in progress. Despite having a big edge playing at home, I expect this game to be closely contested and will gladly take the 7 and a hook.

Pittsburgh +3 Over Louisville. Weak conference, always side with the home dog, especially in early starts.

 Oklahoma -3 Over Texas. Mack Brown recruits like no one else.  Unfortunately his teams underachieve like no others. As bad as Bob Stoops' coached teams have played in big games, this  is my "lesser of two evils" release. If either team was playing a legitimate top 10 opponent, I would fade them. However, in this case give me the Sooners to win by at least a touchdown.

Remember.......

The Titans.  Following last weeks embarrassment, also known as the Titans @ Vikings, you cannot find many people who think tonight's game between the Titans and Steelers will be much of a contest. In fact, many of the same people who were convinced that the Texans would destroy the hapless Jets, can be overheard singing the praises of Big Ben and company. While all road favorites are not created equal, rule of thumb suggests treading lightly.

Pittsburgh. This line has moved from 5 to 6 as the public has voted and unanimously chosen the Steelers.
After getting blown out in 4 of their last 5 games, the Titans appear to have absolutely no shot against a Steelers team that is getting healthy after some early season injuries to some of their star players. Furthermore, the Steeler defense has successfully caused opponents to turn the ball over, something that the Titans struggle with mightily.

Titans. Despite an abysmal 1-4 record against the spread (ATS), their opponent is a different team away from home. The two losses that Pittsburgh has suffered this year have both been away from Heinz field (Broncos and Raiders). In both games, the Steeler defense got torched after jumping out to quick leads.  Furthermore, Pittsburgh is only 1-3 against the spread. Even though the Titans have played poorly, this is a one of their only opportunities to play in primetime and that should be enough to motivate this sad sack team. 

Release: Titans +6 over Pittsburgh.

"Coffee is For Closers"

After last night's thesis confirming win, now is the time to adhere to the tenets of modern sports handicapping. While there is no greater contrarian indicator than the "common man" theory, also referred to as "the golden goose" by respected handicappers everywhere, there are still several huge opportunities that are staring us right in the face. This weekend's SEC college football release of the decade is setting up to be the gaming equivalent of Haley's comet.  For all you pikers who jumped aboard the Texans last night, fear not, there is still time to recoup all your losses and then some!

Reds vs. Giants. Heading into the playoffs the concensus was that this series between the Reds and Giants would go five games. With both teams boasting superior starting pitching and veteran leadership, fans expected to be in for an fall classic. Unfortunately for the aforementioned fans, the Giants crapped themselves in games one and two and now are facing the unenviable task of trying to dig themselves out of an 0-2 hole.  Good luck with that.

Enter Gaming Rule 97 : "Fading road teams in close out games".  Although this rule fails to make our top ten indicators, it's still a proven winner. As with all rules, some will fail but the overwhelming majority continue to provide steady income generation for those who remain loyal by adhering to them. In addition to this rule you are also getting another major set up, which is dubbed "climate control".

The Release: Reds- 142 over the Giants. Out of respect for a proud Giants squad that has proven starting pitching, this line is only -142.  Here's the rub....After getting torpedoed in game two the Giants are now travelling to the midwest where they face a pumped up Reds team looking to close the series out in front of a "sea of red".  With temperatures in the low 40's by gametime, I can hardly imagine this is ideal for our friends by the bay. Furthermore, this game just has the feel of finality to it.  Without a headline starting pitcher with prior playoff success on the mound tonight, it would be irresponsible to take a flier on the Giants. Instead, cooler heads will prevail with our release of the Reds-142 tonight. This is a close out and game and Coffee is for Closers!

Bright Lights.....Big Cover?

Tonight's matchup between the 4-0 Houston Texans and the 2-2 New York Jets features two teams who epitomize what it means to be heading in the opposite direction.  Despite an average record, the Jets have been far from impressive, with the exception of their week one victory over the listless Buffalo Bills. Contrast this with the Houston Texans who have not only won every game but have done so in impressive fashion. Furthermore, the Texans are a perfect 4-0 against the spread (ATS), while the Jets are mere mortals at 2-2. What does this all mean for tonight's game?

Houston.  To quote legendary sports handicapper Mike C, "I've been inside the mind of the common man and it scares the hell out of me".  Is there a more beloved team in the NFL  than the Houston Texans?  Not even close. Right now the Texans are the most balanced team across the board and are the favorites to win the Superbowl. In addition to a superb defense, led by their all world pass rusher JJ Watt, the Texans also have a plethora of weapons on the offensive side of the ball.  After years of coming up short and battling injuries, quarterback Matt Schaub is finally realizing the results that were expected from him.

Jets.  To call this team "underappreciated" is an understatement. After losing their two most talented players on both sides of the ball, the expectations for the Jets could not be any lower. With quarterback Mark Sanchez seemingly being thrown under the bus daily, a weak offensive line, no explosive skill position players, and absolutely no pass rush, it is easy to see why everyone is so down on the Jets. Based on the numbers, the Jets should lose tonight's game something along the lines of 31-10.  Is there something we are all missing?

The Pick: Jets +9.  Gaming rule101: "this trend is Not your friend".  Tonight's game features one team that is loved by the Public (aka- the common man) in the Texans, versus another team who is seen as having no opportunity to even compete. When I polled ten of my friends, everyone of them said "Texans roll and will cover this game easily." Keep in mind that over half of these people are lifelong sports handicappers, who despite my warnings eschew such time tested rules and will take the team loved by the public. What are the odds that all of my ten friends winning tonight?  Could it happen? Sure but the odds suggest taking the home underdog with the 9 points. This won't be pretty but in the end, expect the ugliest of covers from the unloved Jets.

Wild Card Winner........

Upon first glance, tonight's matchup between the Orioles and the Rangers appears to be a mismatch.  However, hasn't this been the case all season? The O's are a squad that has fed off "the lack of respect card", so why would this game be any different?  Furthermore, why would the Orioles be starting Joe Saunders in such a pivital outing, while the Rangers are throwing out their ace Yu Darvish? 

When something looks this easy, it rarely is. Texas has the best lineup in all of baseball and are playing at home. In addition, the Rangers are a playoff seasoned team, while the Orioles are a complete cinderella story with a lineup comprised of names. Again, with such an obvious advantages why would anyone bet the Orioles?

Joe Saunders, while a disappointment this season, is a lefty and that should be enough to quell some of the left handed power in the Rangers lineup, specifically Josh Hamilton. If the Orioles can get a few strong innings from Saunders, that is a victory and they can shift the focus to their bullpen.  On the other hand, all the pressure is on the Rangers, a team that has collapsed at the end of this season. In situations like this I chose to focus on two major points: 1) which team has the momentum heading into the playoffs  and  2) which team has the most pressure on them to win now?  In both cases the answer is the  Texas Rangers. 

Tonight I will take the Orioles, who also possess a major managerial edge with Buck Showalter over Ron Washington.  While the two time defending AL Champion Rangers deserve all the respect in the world, I will take the heavy odds +185 and the Orioles to pull off the upset.

College Game of The Year.......

Today's release features the first College GOY for the 2012 football season. After scouring the lines for this week's picks, we stumbled upon an absolute "cant miss play".  Luckily for our loyal fanbase, this is a primetime game, therefore no one will be required to search the internet in an attempt to monitor the outcome.

Michigan State -5 over Notre Dame.  While the Spartans of Michigan State have routinely underachieved in years past, I fervently believe that the Spartans finally possess a defense worthy of the lofty praise that they have been receiving during this off season. Furthermore, under their current head coach, the Spartans have shown the ability to come up big against top teams, most notably Wisconsin in last years thriller.  While Michigan State is nowhere near the elite of college football, specifically Alabama, LSU, or USC, they are still a formidable squad.

Notre Dame has made progress under Brian Kelly, however this team is a work in progress. With a lack of elite talent on the defensive side of the ball, I expect Michigan State to take advantage and exploit any weakness they find. According to Propick's proprietary model, the Spartans should be an 8 point favorite and this does not include the situational edge which also favors them. As a result of Notre Dame having a built in premium (reputation), this really sets up nicely for our release..

Tonight's College Football Game of The Year Release:  Michigan State -5 over Notre Dame.

Tuesday.........

Rays +120 over Rangers.  I have made a habit of playing the Shields card during this epic streak that both he and the Rays have been on.  While there is no shortage of respect for this deep Rangers lineup, which has been by far and away the best in baseball, I still believe that pitching wins. Yu Darvish is a nice story but one I would prefer to read at a later date.

Tonights release: Rays +120 over Rangers.

The Drive For Five.....

As Ton Loc so famously said, in his brilliant Loc'd After Dark" debut, "Im cruising at the bar and I'm looking for some action but like Mick Jagger said I can't get no satisfaction".  Well, Propick Inc. has cruised many a bar, had many a satisfaction, and is now focused on completing the fifth straight winning release.

Major league baseball is in the heat of a major playoff push. Guess what? Tonight I don't care. As handicapping legend (and Cultural Icon) Mike C once told me "Listen Propick, if i'm auctioning off my M Coupe it's not going to be some dopey listing on craigslist, I am having a box pool on some meaningless Monday night NBA game that tips off at 10pm est.  In the spirit of Mike C I am pursuing a similar path.

Giants -3 over Chicago. Yes, tonight's monster Friday Night Release of the preseason is the New York Football Giants -3 over the Chicago Bears.  I threw Cutlerface a bone the other day by taking the Bears over 9 wins. Tonight is about a meaningless "Throw away" game in the swamp (I sold my 2 season tickets for $70) and for anyone willing to cap off their week with a trip out to Metlife, kudos to you. Consider this a little thank you courtesy of Propick.

The Release.....

Rays -200 over Kansas City.  This is a 1:05 est start.  Propick never enjoys laying this much wood but for today we will make an exception. Expect James shields to be throwing high 90's well into the later innings of this one.  Remember, the Rays lack a ton of star power due to their small market status. However they have the most valuable player on their team in Longoria.  Furthermore, this is an incredibly "streaky" bunch who make yet another run at the division.

Rays -200 over Kansas City.  Book it!

Heat Wave.....

After hot stepping my way to a third straight victory, stay tuned for tonight's Major League Baseball Play of the Year.  This is the single biggest MLB play Propick Sports has ever released.

Now for the moment of truth, our 2012 NFL Over/Under totals.  Per usual, Propick is focusing on a select group of teams which we believe create outstanding value.  Rather than providing a laundry list of teams, as a hedging mechanism, we stand firmly behind our releases and "load up" on each play.  If you are looking for some hack who provides thirty over/under's for $100 each, please logoff this site immediately.

JETS - UNDER 8.  This is the easiest total on the board. After imploring mountains of empirical data, it is clear that the Jets will be a 6-10 team. Absolute best case scenario finds gang green getting to 7-9 behind the gimmicky wildcat executed by backup quarterback Tim Tebow. Furthermore,  the scheduling does not allow the Jets to jump off to a strong start, as they did last year despite still finishing at 8-8.

BILLS-OVER 7.  This is less about the Bills taking a quantum leap forward than it is about the number (7) being too low.  With another year under their belt offensively and some major additions to their defense, this is a team that should win at least 8 games.  Pass rushers have the greatest impact in the NFL and the addition of Williams is a huge one.

BEARS OVER 9. I have been harsh on Cutler face over the years but this team has talent. As much as I loathe taking a team who must face the Packers and Lions twice in their division, I fervently believe that the Bears will make a run at the division title and find themselves in the playoffs. This is a 10 or 11 win team.

Are You Ready......

For some football?  As we embark upon another season of football, Propick Sports has been kicking it into overdrive.  After crunching the numbers relentlessly throughout the past few months, we are a mere few days away from releasing our highly anticipated Season totals for the 2012-2013 NFL Season.  Without providing any hints before tomorrow's release date, I would like to remind people that since inception (1999), Propick Sports has close to a 75% winning percentage with season totals.

Tonight's Release.....Angels -105 over Red Sox. Despite their recent cold streak, I still believe the Angels are the most talented team in all of baseball. Furthermore, this is a team that is taylor made for the post season, provided they make it that far.  With that said, the Red Sox are in disarray and if there was ever a time to right the proverbial ship, tonight is the time. With Santana on the hill, look for the Angels to win in convincing fashion. 

Monday Winners......

Tampa Rays -170 over Kansas City

Phillies -150 over Reds

No More Second Fiddle......

In what can only be described as epic, the Chinese have managed to steal the Olympic spotlight with one of the greatest virtuoso performances of our generation. Rather than making headlines for inflated economic growth, the Chinese women's Olympic ping pong team was the story. After settling for the role of runner up for many years, Li XX defeated legendary "ponger" Ding Ning. Furthermore, Li XX (yes I googled it and got sites that no one under 18 years of age should even consider visiting), won the mental battle which was an impressive task to say the least.

By displaying the type of showmanship that would have made johnnnie Mac proud (not Mccarthy, McEnroe), Li XX seemed to be baiting Ding Ning into a flurry of unforced effors. In addition, with each fist pump and display of emotion by Li XX,  Ding Ning lost her cool and could be seen disputing several calls.  The fact that there was a lines woman sitting a few feet from a six foot table, seemed assinine but then again, its Li XX vs the Donger. When all was said and done, number two took down the big dog  and let it be known in a story as poignant as "Rudy", that miracles can come true. For all you children out there, follow your dream and become the next Li XX.

Tonight's release: Nationals -125 over the Phillies. The logic here is simple, after watching endless amounts of women's ping pong I need to release something that does not involve a raquet.

Monday's Total Release......

In an effort to be as succinct as possible, I give to you the Over 7.5 in tonight's Blue Jays vs. Mariners game. While this could be a trap, Propick has an overwhelming record when it comes to taking the Over in totals where the number is under 8.5.  According to our proprietary model, the outcome will be over in tonight's matchup.

Release: Blue Jays-Mariners Over 7.5

*Bonus Play: Angels +140 over the Rangers. Laying a fairly decent number with an old pitcher in Oswalt on the hill for the Rangers. The Angels have a formidable lineup of their own and are capable of scoring in bunches.

Two Dime Tuesday.....

Fresh off my Reds victory Sunday night, we at Propick are continuing our "aggressive reign of terror," in the form of the Yankees tonight.  While the line is "meaty" at Yanks -220 over the Blue Jays, we instead  are releasing the runline: Yanks -1.5  -155.  Not only will Sabathia excel in these humid conditions but the balls will be flying off the Yankees bats.

This is a bigtime play. Take the Yanks -1.5 (-155) for 2 dimes.  Remember folks, Propick is a blank check service. You want to find a political candidate that will actually make a difference for the average man?   Then cast a ballot for this guy.

Sins of Paterno

Before launching into a profanity laced diatribe I would first like to apologize to the staunch Propick fan base. Due to economic/stock market conditions, we at Propick have failed our loyal subscribers.  Rest assured, this trend will will commence beginning tonight.

Reds-113 over the Cardinals.This is an absolute gift.  The Cardinals have surpassed any and all expectations but Propick Sports is predicting a major letdown during the second half of the season. Is Carlos Beltran going to continue at this pace? Will the Cardinals not miss the presence of Albert Pujols?  Tonight's game is a foreshadowing of things to come.  Take out a home equity loan if you have to and load up on the Reds.  Tonight's release ....Reds -113 for a DIME over the Cards.

After a reading the lurid details involving Penn State and the elaborate cover up that took place, Propick Sports has officially lost all respect for anyone named Paterno. While there will be no shortage of mental midgets parading around happy valley (aka -Sex offense capital of the US), vehemently defending Paterno along with the heads of the university, this man's legacy will live in infamy. The fact that Paterno allowed this animal Sandusky access to the campus despite knowing he was a sex offender, is deplorable. Furthermore, to make the requests he made before dying, is despicable. Use of the private plane? Large sums of money for his family (due to his negligence).  The fact that this walking corpse was still running the football program (despite nonsensical interviews where he appeared ready to crap his diapers) is mind numbing at best.

As someone who admired the Penn State program for many years , I can honestly say Joe Paterno's actions and callousness towards these children, is more of a disgrace than anything we saw from the tainted programs (Oklahoma, Miami, etc.) that he used to disparage. Paterno had the ultimate power in that he not only ran Penn State (despite claims to the contrary) but he was arguably the most powerful coach since Bear Bryant. Shame on you Joe. When you hold yourself above the fray, you better adhere to a higher standard. The fact that Paterno interacted with Sandusky after knowing about the repeated sex crimes makes my blood boil. 
 As for Jerry Sandusky, I only hope your last few years on this earth are a living hell.  Back in January of 1987 I remember celebrating the upset and  seeing a creepy looking Sandusky hailed as a defensive genius.  Now I can only hope he finds himself repeatedly beaten for the torment he inflicted on so many innocent children.

Giant Release.....

Today's release is the first of this baseball season.  Sorry for the delay but at Propick Sports, we adhere to a sound mandate- do not release out of boredom. Contrary to many preconceived notions,  abstaining from a bad bet is in fact the soundest strategy.

Giants -140 over Dodgers. This is my favorite game in a long time.  Lincecum is on the hill for the Giants and unlike years past, Lincecum is no longer a heavy favorite. Following a lackluster start to the season, many pundits are predicting the demise of this former two time Cy Young award winner. You know what happens when people all start to think that Lincecum has structural issues with his arm and could be on a downward slope? These people end of losing alot of money. 

Take the Giants -140 over the dodgers and thank me in the morning......

Bonus Play: Texas -130 over Detroit.  Roy Oswalt might be old but this Texas team is an explosion waiting to happen.  Expect a lot of runs and a surprising outing from Oswalt tonight.

"Can't We All Just Get Along" R. King 1992

Twenty years ago the city of Los Angeles was recovering from the worst riot this country has ever known. Twenty years later I find myself begging to be tasered and beaten senseless for a much needed payday. At the risk of sounding incredibly insensative, I appeal to the pragmatist in all of you reading this blog. During the past twenty years my handicapping exploits are the stuff of legend. However, throughout the duration of this iconic career, the swings have been epic.

Happy Fathers Day!  Today's Father's Day blank check comes courtesy of a gaming icon. As someone who grew up in the tony town of  Manhasset, our celebrity handicapper needs no introduction. "Men wanted to be him and women wanted to be with him". Mickey Mantle? Try again. If you guessed JV Handicapper (who now relcutantly lists Dana Hall as his playground), you would be a spot on. Without further adieu I present JV's Horse Racing Play of the Year:  Half Lucky in the 8th race at Belmont today. Details are limited but I will  say this, the trainer is Linda Rice. If you have to ask who Linda Rice is.....never log onto this site again. You are embarrassing yourself.

Heat -4 over Thunder.   This line stinks. As JV told me earlier, "Hold your nose and take the Heat".  The Thunder are America's favorite story. Guess what? Story's are made for movies and not the real world. The Heat will win this series going away...starting tonight. Take the Heat -4 and thank me in the morning.

I'll Tumble For Ya....

Tonight's NBA Finals celebrity post comes from a man who needs absolutely no introduction. Bobby O, better known as "Jumbo", is like many of us at Propick Sports, in that he has a gift. Despite years of being called a degenerate gambler in desperate need of help, Jumbo chose the path less travelled and fine tuned his craft. As a result, we are proud to present his mortal lock of the year. Got Heat? the only thing more ridiculous than the fans in Miami, is the collective public's loathing of Lebron James. Jumbo sees betting on Lebron as the equivalent of rooting for Idi Amin. With 65% of the public on the Thunder laying 5 (or 5.5) points, Jumbo will gladly take the other side of that bet. Furthermore, Jumbo is releasing the Heat to win the series. With all the talk about Miami lacking a supporting cast, Jumbo fervently believes Lebron gets this done on his own, in dramatic fashion. Tonight's release.....Order a few chicken parm heroes and throw down a few dimes on the Heat plus the points. Jumbo is also recommending a little "side car" on the Heat $ line as well. To quote Wall Street icon Allen "smokey" Bear, "money isn't won or lost, it is merely transferred".

Dream Time......

As promised, hockey gaming icon, "Dream" is releasing his Stanley Cup Game of the Decade. After being out of pocket for the past week (you may have heard about a newly single Hollywood vixen on the prowl), Dream has finally responded to my various voicemails. Since Dream is "crushing it" in the City of Angels, its only fitting that he chose this venue for his regime change release tonight. After two excrutiating home losses at the hands of the Kings, most NHL prognosticators are writing the Devils off for dead. However, as Dream told me earlier, the common man will be coming out of the woodwork for tonight's big game. You know what happens when you have an arena filled with celebrities and fickle fans? The place resembles a morgue once the visiting team takes the lead. With that said, Dream is "fading" the public money and taking the Devils tonight. The Devils are a gritty team and will not let two heartbreaking losses demoralize them. Tonight's Game of the Decade Release: Devils +135 over the Kings. If you are still wondering what Dream looks like, here's a not so subtle hint (hes the guy sitting center ice next to the hottest babe in the whole place).

Dream Answered..............

After watching what resembled a WWF steel cage match circa 1986, in the form of the Heat-Pacers series, I can only hope for the best in tonight's contest between the Celtics and the Sixers. A few months ago I predicted the Sixers season ending slide. Now, this Sixers team has shown the type of intestinal fortitude I had hoped to see from the Knicks. In this game seven, I can promise the sports handicapper one thing- neither team will be tense. Whenever you have a veteran team with a history of winning, the approach game 7's the same way they do every other. Conversely, a young upstart like the Sixers may wilt under such pressure. Here's the rub- regardless of what effort the Sixers put forth tonight, there will be points scored. Tonight's total of 170.5 is sizing up to be one of our biggest releases in NBA playoff history. While we at Propick Sports expect a competitive game, we have no interest in making this task anymore difficult than it has to be. After evaluating several trends/models, our indicators scream OVER 170.5. This Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity to provide both you and your family with financial security. On a more important note, after a long hiatus, hockey handicapping legend "Dream" is back. Although Dream has been busy touring the globe with stints to Italy and the Riveria, the blame lies at the feet of Propick Sports. During last offseason, we failed to meet several demands that were requested by Dream, Inc. As a result we failed to produce hockey winners during the 2011-2012 season. With our "financial house" in order, the problem has been resolved and Dream will be releasing his Stanley Cup Game of the year, as well as his series prediction. Stay tuned.

Monday Night Madness.......

Very rarely does it rain hundred dollar bills on a random Monday night in May. However, tonight is one of those nights where you should not look a gift horse in the mouth. Upon reviewing tonight's action, we at Propick decided to find the most obvious games on the board and go from there. Kansas City over Yankees. Why is this line only Yankees -160? Sure Kuroda is far from an ace but considering how poorly the Yankees have played and the superior lineup they possess, this should be a no brainer. After asking my friends, strangers, fellow handicappers,etc. which game they liked bast tonight, the overwhelming response was "New York Yankees". There you have it my friends, rarely if ever, will all these people make a fortune overnight. Baltimore over Boston. This is an anti-Sox play more than anything else. Bobby V wanted to be the big cheese and now his wish(nightmare) has come to fruition. Managing in Japan never looked so good Bobby!

Lock of the Year...........

After spending the past few weeks traveling, I have decided to return with a bang! A statement release if you will. Throughout the duration of these first round NBA playoff matchups, the action has been lackluster at best. With injuries taking a toll on several teams, most notably the Bulls, we are witnessing firsthand the affects of a lockout shortened season. Luckily for our loyal patrons, Propick is poised to release our NBA playoff game of the year. Without fail, our proprietary model appears to be complimented by a favorable situational trend. When the Dallas Mavericks lost their second straight final second game to the Oklahoma Thunder, most pundits declared the Mavs dead. After all, this is an older team who just got its heart ripped out by a younger, more athletic squad. Upon viewing the lines I was surprised to see the Mavericks only a 3 point favorite at home for tonight's game 3 contest. Our proprietary models suggested the Mavericks would be a 5.5 point favorite. Immediately we smelled blood in the water. Throughout the history of the NBA playoffs, teams that were down 2-0 in a series have experienced overwhelming success upon their return home for game 3. Furthermore, while this trend supports our underlying thesis, you must also factor in the type of team the defending champion Mavericks are. This is a proud, angry, and well coached group. With all this going for them, I see no reason not to lay the 3 points tonight and take out a second mortgage if feel so inclined. Rarely do you a situation where you are getting the home team at a discount. Tonight's NBA Playoff Lock of the Year is : Mavs -3 over Thunder.

Bulls...

Tonight's release is Chicago -2.5 over the Pacers. While both teams have nothing to play for, I will side with the better team in a situation where the spread is a non factor. Why is Propick Sports releasing a meaningless game? As long as there's action, games will be released. This includes the WNBA, Jai alai and anything else one can place a wager on.

Game Of The Year.......

After last night's heartless effort from the Miami Heat in front of their home crowd, we at Propick Sports have dug deep to come up with Tonight's Game of the Year. In fact, Game of the Year does not even begin to describe how excited we are about this contest. Whatever your limit is ......double, no triple it!

Milwaukee Bucks -4 over the Knicks. My first thought was -4 points looks high. Guess what, that was the concensus opinion. Upon further review it becomes more evident that the Bucks should win this game in a similar fashion as the Bulls did last night. Besides some clear matchup advantages, the Bucks are better rested and playing in front of a crowded house. Meanwhile the Knicks are coasting on fumes.

Considering how the Knicks have fared away from the confines of Madison Square Garden (11-17 ATS this season), I feel increasingly confident that the Bucks win this comfortably. Without a point guard and having to overextend their starters, all signs are pointing Milwaukee's way.

Heat Alert........

After an embarrassing drubbing at the hands of the Celtics a few weeks ago, look for the Miami Heat to come out like a team on a mission. While I respect the Celtics for their intestinal fortitude and veteran leadership, look for the Heat to roll. Lay the 7.5 and take Miami. The Release: Heat -7.5 over Boston.

Philly Flop........

As one of my friends and gaming icons likes to say, "a zebra doesn't change it's stripes". In keeping with that statement, I present to you the Philadelphia 76ers. After a surprisingly strong start, the Sixers have looked lackluster during the past six weeks. With the playoff push upon us, there is no reason to believe this recent trend will reverse for the Sixers.

Toronto +8.5 over Sixers. Tonight's contest between the Toronto Raptors and Sixers appears to be exactly what Philly needs. After suffering losses against the elite of the Eastern Conference, the "common man" is expecting a strong effort out of Philly as they host one of the dregs of the NBA. Knowing that the public expects an easy Sixer win, I will take the Raptors +8.5 tonight and hope for the best. Take the Raptors and thank me tomorrow.

Game Of The Year.......

This years Men's College Basketball Final Four features some intriguing matchups amongst schools that are steeped in tradition. While the marquee game for many will be the Wilcats of Kentucky against Rick Pitino's Louisville squad, the true gamer is focused on the Ohio State-Kansas game.

Kansas. This is a bi-polar tournament team. Throughout the past twenty years, even the most talented Kansas teams were capable of laying an egg. Rule of thumb was: if Kansas made it past the first round or two, it was clear sailing into the Final Four. After a lackluster start to the torunament, Kansas appears to have hit their stride against North Carolina last weekend, albeit without the Tar Heels star point guard.

Ohio State has flown under the radar. Despite being a # 2 seed in their region, this was not a team that people seemed to pencil in as a legitimate National Champion. After rolling through Cincinnati and Syracuse, I think this is the team who will give Kentucky fits. While I loathe to look ahead to the next game, this will be the exception.

All our proprietary models point to Ohio State winning this game by 8 points. Despite the fact that Kansas is loaded and has played a better quality of opponents all year, the intangibles favor Ohio State. Furthermore, with the exception of Kentucky, I think Ohio State is the most complete team out there. The College Basketball Game Of The Year Release is: Ohio State -2.5 over Kansas.

Knicks......

The Knicks are without the services of Amare Stoudamire and have struggled in the past against the Magic. That said, with the Knicks catching 1.5 at home, there appears to be real line value here. With the playoffs fast approaching, it becomes imperative for the Knicks to get hot. Tonight's play....Knicks +1.5 over Orlando.

Final Four ........

Please Note This Weekend's Final Four will feature Propick's 10 star Release of the Tournament. Check back this Saturday morning.

Elite 8...........

Down at the beach enjoying the fruits of my gaming labor. After sucking wind these past few games, today is when the ship gets righted.

Florida -1.5 over Louisville. With Louisville, there is usually a coaching advantage heading into every game they play. However, in today's contest against Bill Donavan and the Gators, this is not the case. While both teams are playing fantastic ball and Louisville has actually had the more impressive road to this point, I side with athletes. Florida has more of them.....Take the Gators -1.5

Can I Kick it?

Yes you can.......

Nevada +6.5 over Stanford. Here's the deal- neither team is psyched to be in this "losers tourney" so lets just take the points and hope for a lackluster effort on both sides. If you want a more thorough analysis, then wait for a better game.

Free Shoes University........

After scouring todays lines there was only one game that struck my interest. Tonight's marquee matchup between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Florida State Seminoles features two teams that in many ways resemble each other. However, upon further analysis this line appears to present an opportunity for anyone interested in making money.

Despite both teams looking lackluster in their opening round games, the better more disciplined team is Florida State. While I usually give an advantage to teams that play in the Big East, come tournament time everything boils down to matchups and this is where the Seminoles have an edge. The physical style of Cincy will not have the same impact it has against smaller, more finesse teams. This Seminole team feels to be the right play here. Tonight's NCAA Release of the Year is Florida State -2 over Cincinnati.

Let's Dance.......

Marquette -5 Over Murray State. Marquette was my pick to make a run deep into this tournament. Why stop now? Murray State has had a magical year but has not had to deal with the rigors of Big East Competition. Marquette has proven senior leadership. Lay the wood with the Golden Eagles.....Marquette -5 is the play.

VCU +6 Over Indiana. VCU is like a bad rash that refuses to go away. Mind you, I am not speaking from experience but rather illustrating the annoying style with which they play. While Indiana has looked great at times, I refuse to lay 6 points against a feisty, tournament tested VCU team. How can you bet against a team who is coached by a guy named Shaka Smart? You can't. VCU +6 over Indiana.

Winners.....

Cincy -4 over Texas

NC State -2 Over San Diego State

UNC -15.5 over Groovy UVY (Vermont)

Golden Eagles...

Marquette -6 Over BYU. This is an absolute no brainer. Marquette will make a run in this tourney. With a senior squad and good play from the guards, expect this to be an early gift courtesy of Propick sports.

Iowa State Pick em Over Uconn. In full disclosure I have only seen New Mexico state play once this year. The only reason for taking them over the defending champs is simple- everyone wants to see Kentucky vs. Uconn in the second round. Guess what happens when everyone expects to see something? It never happens......

No Country For Old Men............

Clippers -6 over the Celtics. Following a hard fought last second loss to the Lakers yesterday, the Celtics find themselves in the uneviable spot of having to play a younger, well rested Clipper squad. While the Celtics do not have to make another road trip for tonight's game, their big three should struggle mightily against the likes of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

Depending on where you look, this line is between 5.5 and 6 points. Either way I recommend laying the wood and cashing in with the Clippers in what should be a double digit victory.

March Madness....

With the official start of March Madness only a few days away, much of our attention has been focused on which teams will make the field and where they will be seeded. That being said, we still have a responsibility to our subscribers who are looking to line their pockets ahead of what should be a very profitable two week period beginning next Thursday.

Ohio State vs. Michigan State. After handing the Spartans their first home loss last week, I am loathe to take the Buckeyes in this spot. Conversely, Michigan State has failed to show me that they are a legitimate championship caliber team, despite having a great coach and young talent. As a result, I offer you the Over (130) in today's game. At first glance this game screamed 60-57, which would be below the aforementioned total. However, whenever something looks this easy, it never is. Expect the total to surpass what Vegas has come up with. Ohio State vs. Michigan State OVER 130......

Phily....

Sixers -6.5 over Celtics. This one doesn't pass the stink test. After seeing this line I was thoroughly confused. Despite the successful season the Sixers have put together, they are still a work in progress. Boston is a saavy team which plays it's best ball this time of year. So why is the line so "out of whack"?

The Celtics are old and find themselves playing a series of back to back games in the next few weeks. If the line looks wrong, trust me it isn't. Take the Sixers as much as your gut tells you otherwise. Tonight's release....Sixers -6.5 over Boston.

Rocket Man...........

Lakers +3 over Heat. The Heat are the chalk these days. While this title as "the best team in the NBA" is well deserved, I am looking to fade them in this spot. The Lakers still have the big men to give the Heat fits and Kobe Bryant always plays big in these spots. Lakers +3 over the Heat....this one is easy money.

Houston -1.5 over Clippers. This line stinks. The Clippers are one of the most exciting teams in the NBA this season and feature two of the most popular players in the league. That said, this team has been running on fumes during the past few weeks , including a packed schedule these past few days. Houston is deep and should take care of business tonight. Take the Rockets and thank me in the morning.

MAAC 5* Superplay.....

While most commoners consider Friday night handicappers to be the dregs of the gaming world, I present to you Friday night's MAAC Superplay courtesy of "The Big Guy". Any schuck can pick a marquee Saturday matchup, however only a select few schmucks can crush the Friday night action.

Without further adieu I present to you Big Guys Epic Superplay: the Red Foxes of Marist tonight -4.5 against St. Peter's. The Foxes have been on a mini roll and the Peacocks absolutely stink and cannot wait for their pourous season to be over. This line should be closer to -13. There will be no joy in Jersey City tonight. Take Marist -4.5 and enjoy your riches.

There you have it, courtesy of the Big Guy. If you happen to see a dapper Cat with a flowing silver mane hair crushing it on the UES, make sure you say "Thank you" and be on your way. While The Big Guy likes the accolades, its the common man stares he can do without.

Big Monday......

Oklahoma State -9 over Kansas. This is a well tested theory which has served our readers very well throughout the years. In conference games, always take the points with the home dog. Following a huge come from behind win on Saturday, Kansas is ripe for a letdown. Regardless of which Kansas team shows up tonight, Oklahoma state should be able to stay within striking distance. Tonight's release.....Oklahoma State -9 over Kansas.

Dog Days of Winter.........

Due to a lack of compelling lines in today's matchups, we are forced to test our skill level by thinking outside the box. While Pittsburgh vs. Louisville is an interesting game, the line (Louisville -8), renders this a "no touch" although I lean Lousville. Now for our Sunday college hoops release....

Manhattan -3.5 over Loyola. Loyola has put together a surprisingly good season and a run at an automatic tourney bid is not out of the realm of possibility. That said, Manhattan is a superior team and should be able to defend their home court today, in addition to covering the number. Take Manhattan and lay the 3 and a hook.

NBA All Star Game 2012. Release : Over 283.5 . These are glorified pick up games where neither squad plays any defense. Barring an incredibly slow start by either conference, I expect the total to reach 300 this afternoon. This is like betting a coin flip....and I like betting coin flips. Take the over and thank me tomorrow.

Nets.....

+9.5 over Knicks. After being responsible for creating Linsanity, the Nets now find themselves trying to slow down a white hot Knicks squad (8-1 in last nine games). Despite a dismal 9-24 record, the Nets remain resilient and always play their cross town rivals tough.

Following a huge victory over the Mavs yesterday, I am siding with the 9.5 points and the Nets to keep this game close. With Jeremy Lin and the Knicks getting all the attention, expect Nets star point guard Derron Williams to come up big tonight. Tonight's release.....Nets +9.5 over Knicks.

Sunday......

Funday is being sponsored by Propick Sports. After crushing it with our College Game of the Year play last night, we are back in the saddle....again. Today's Knicks vs Mavericks game is a contrast in styles. While I would ordinarily side with the home team in an early Sunday contest, I will refrain and avoid adhering to one of my gaming principles.

The Mavs are ripe for the taking. After escaping with a narrow victory in Philly the other night, these are generally the type of games teams in their position lose. After all, the Knicks are not a division/conference opponent and if a team ever was to come out flat, today would be the day.

Despite going 7-1 during the reign of the Dragon, the Knicks have played against the dregs of the NBA. Furthermore, as Jeremy Lin's turnovers start to become more concerning, I cannot help but think this feel good story will hit a few bumps in the road from time to time. With that being said, Lay the 2 points with the Mavericks. Today's release: Mavs -2 over the Knicks.

College Hoops Game of the Year........

After a brief hiatus, we at Propick Sports plan on stuffing tons of dollars in the pockets of our loyal fans. While car companies are promising "deals of the century" this President's day weekend, Propick Sports, eschews the self promotion and would rather receive a few thank you emails come Tuesday morning.

Michigan +5.5 over Ohio State. If nothing else, please remember "home dogs in conference games". Furthermore, factor in the significance of a Big 10 school playing at home on a Saturday night in primetime. Michigan is not on the same level as Ohio State but does have two things going for them tonight: head coaching and belief in themselves. This is not the NBA, these kids still believe.......Release of the Year: Michigan +5.5 over Ohio State.

*Bonus play. Clippers -3 over Spurs. Despite playing inspired ball this year, the Spurs are an old team and will not perform as well down the stretch, especially on west coast road trips. While the Clippers are a "trendy play", I will side with the common man and lay the wood. Clippers -3 over the Spurs tonight.

NBA.......

Pacers -3 over Celtics. This line stinks like the cabbie who dropped me off at La Guardia last week. The Celtics just came off an impressive win over the Magic, despite being down over twenty points in the second half. Guess what? This is an old team and will be running on empty tonight. While I ordinarily have disdain for the road favorite, not all are created equal. Situational release: Pacers -3 over Celts.....


Suns vs. Trailblazers Over 192. This is not the same Suns squad of years ago, however they are still capable of putting up points. Furthermore, the Trailblazers should have no problems scoring at will. Why pick the winner when the over is staring you right in the face? Consider this a gift.....Suns-Blazers Over 192.

2012: Year Of The Dog

Without a clue as to what the Chinese have to say about 2012, we at Propick Sports are declaring it: the year of the dog! After a rough Christmas weekend, we are treading lightly this week, since many games have a preseason atmosphere. There are however, some compelling story lines and games with major playoff implications.

Chiefs +3 over Broncos. This line may be +2.5 by kickoff time. Have no fear. After laying an egg against the Raiders last week, the Chiefs have an interim head coach looking to make a case for leading this team for the next year and beyond. As for quarterback Kyle Orton, he was absolutely vilified by Denver fans. How badly was he treated? Try having billboards calling for your benching littered throughout the roadways in Denver. One must always be cautious with regards to "betting emotionally" but we at Propick are confident in this call. Chiefs +3 over Broncos.

Lions -5 over Packers. No this is not a misprint. Green Bay at home is ordinarily a no brainer in this matchup. However, the Packers have nothing to play for with the #1 seen in the NFC and home field already secured. With Aaron Rodgers and several other starters benched, expect the Lions to pull away in what is the equivalent of a preseason game.

Dallas +3 (and moneyline +125) over Giants. In full disclosure, the president of Propick Sports is a season ticket holder and Giants fan. That said, this line absolutely stinks. With rumors swirling over Tony Romo's injured hand, Felix Jones not being able to play,etc, the line remained at Giants -3. With the public leaning heavily on the Giants (and expecting a convincing victory), it is hard to climb aboard the common man express. The Release.....Cowboys +3 over the Giants.