Cappers Sports Picks

My 10* TOTAL BLOOD-BATH is on the OVER Tennessee/Kansas.

This is the Big 12/SEC Challenge and while these two teams are both stout defensively, I believe that we'll see a faster pace and ultimately a higher-scoring affair once it's all said and done. 

The Vols have won two straight in blowout fashion, having won each by at least 20 points, most recently beating down Ole Miss 73-48. Jordan Bowden leads the nightly charge by averaging 12.3 points along with 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. 

Kansas is 15-3 and it's coming off an 83-60 destruction of K-State, a contest which ended in an ugly brawl and a number of suspensions. The best way to forget about that game and quickly move on? By winning and winning big of course!

Key Trends:

- Tennessee has seen the total go over the number in eight of its last 11 non-conference games and on a two-games or more unbeaten streak.

- Kansas has seen the total fly over in eight of its last 12 non-conference home games as the favorite.

The verdict: The overall situation and the trends all point to the "over" as the correct call in this one!

My 10* BIG TIGER is on Denver.

Denver won't be going down without a fight tonight. Last time out it also battled tooth and nail vs. North Dakota on Thursday, but its come-back bid fell short in the 78-71 setback. Ade Murkey was a bright spot in defeat with 25 points, while Jase Townsend added 19. Overall the Pioneers average 67.1 PPG and they've been holding the opposition to 31.5 percent from range, ranked second in the Summit League. It's also ranked third in the league in getting to the charity stripe.

North Dakota State averages 72.9 PPG and it concedes 65.4. Vinnie Shahid leads the nightly charge with 16.6 PPG. 

Key Trends:

- Denver is 7-3 ATS in its last ten road games after scoring 70 or more points in its previous outing and still losing SU.

- North Dakota State is just 4-7 ATS in its last 11 home games as a favorite in the -9.5 to -15.5 points range.

The verdict: I like Denver to keep pace offensively and while I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one being significantly more competitive than what this spread would suggest; grab the points!

My 10* TOTAL ULTIMATE OF THE ULTIMATE is on the UNDER Lakers/76ers.

Philadelphia has had a couple days off to absorb a double-digit road loss in Toronto. The Lakers are coming off a double-digit win over the Nets, one night after beating the Knicks. 

Philadelphia doesn't push the pace, and neither do the Lakers. LA is one of the most under-rated defenses in the league in my opinion. 

Key Trends:

- LA has seen the total go under the number in 11 of its last 15 after playing four straight on the road.

- Philly has seen the total dip under in 17 of its last 24 after playing two straight divisional contests.

The verdict: I expect a hard-fought game, where every possession is contested. I also expect half-court sets from each side as it looks to establish its low post paint game. This number is high, play the under!