Follow@cimini

In the Eastern Conference the Hawks and Bulls are making things interesting in their respective series. Chicago has squandered their last two games against the Bucks, while the Hawks lost both road games to Brooklyn. Still, the Bulls are up three games to two and the Hawks have home court advantage.

Calm down people. Just because the Wizards and Cavs swept their opponents doesn’t mean a series can’t be a series. Coaches make adjustments and teams have to be able to respond throughout a series. Obviously, Jason Kidd is showcasing his abilities as a head coach to a level no one imagined.

At the same time this Bucks team is still too young. Maybe they even push the series to seven games but this Bulls team will prevail for the series we are all waiting for. Cleveland versus Chicago.

Atlanta’s problem has more to do with the matchup they’re in against Brooklyn. Brooklyn has the size inside with Lopez and aren’t a poor defensive team. They’ve shown the ability to contain Kyle Korver, Millsap, and Jeff Teague. Once again though, the Hawks have the coach of the year and home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

This series may be a bit trickier to predict the overall winner, but lets not over react on where both Eastern Conference series lie currently. The playoffs stretch from April through June. Rounds are not supposed to end in quick fashion like other sports playoffs. Enjoy the games and be sure to check out my daily plays available here at notjustagame.com.

Follow@cimini

It’s been a whirlwind year for me when it comes to futures. The future market in sports is one that often gets overlooked. If you’re in Vegas you may look at a futures sheet before a tournament, playoff, etc. Obviously the best value lies on grabbing a future before that period. Stretches of poor play, injuries, etc. will see market value rise on teams.

In the past year I’ve been able to hit the UConn Huskies at 35-1 in sweet 16 odds, San Antonio Spurs at 5-1 to win the NBA title(When they were down 2-1 to the Mavericks), and Duke/Tyus Jones MOP this past NCAA tournament. In MLB I missed on the Marlins at 100-1 and wavered from New England to Pittsburgh in the NFL. In college, I took a flyer on the Utah Utes early summer at 75-1.

It puts an extra dimension on handicapping. You can always find value out there if you look for the right book.

With the NBA playoffs about to start I’ve mentioned a team on twitter and YouTube videos that I like for a potential future. Eyes are of course on the top tier teams such as the Hawks, Cavs, Spurs, Warriors, and a few extra from the western conference. Value is not to be had with most of those teams. San Antonio’s boat has sailed drastically during their impressive double digit win-streak. But how much longer can those tired legs hold? Much like LeBron they’ve worn a lot of mileage on their legs. If it were not for a miracle Ray Allen three pointer they could be going for a three-peat title. I would not discount the Spurs but will not grab them at 2.5/3-1. They’d have to rise to the 5-1 level they were a year ago. Maybe that level creeps up again if they get down in a playoff series.

Value to me lies with the Chicago Bulls. There’s been so much negativity surrounding the Bulls cast and Derrick Rose. Rose, of course, has missed a large part of the last two seasons. He is back and all they need him to do is be a contributor. They have enough pieces now to be a contender with their bigs and improved play from their young players.

At 7/8-1 to win the Eastern Conference I love the value. Sure, currently they may face the Cavaliers in the second round, but what’s the difference now or later?

LeBron’s had his difficulties before when he faced the Bulls as a member of the Heat. They’ll pose a threat again on the interior with LeBron’s newly formed Cavaliers. It’s not a series that will be a cake walk. JR Smith’s three ball reign lately looks great, but lets not forget he lost the shot completely a playoff season with the Knicks.

There just is no value in my opinion on the Cavs at -200 or Hawks at plus 240.

Grab the Bulls at 7.5-1 and enjoy a solid NBA playoffs daily and weekly here at Notjustagame.com

Follow@cimini

Saturday in the Big Ten Michigan looks to right the ship as they face Ohio State. Is Michigan doomed from here on out with a continued slide, or can they play spoiler starting with this game against Ohio State? Watch as Zack, John, and Jeff discuss the matchup from an ATS perspective.

Follow@cimini

Saturday in the Big East Marquette travels to Villanova. Villanova has been a cash cow ATS this season but will the spread Saturday finally catch up to them? See what Jeff, Zack, and John have to say on this matchup.

Follow@cimini

Friday there is a Pac-12 matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and Washington Huskies. Will UofA be able to bounce back after a loss to ASU? The opening spread likely will be factored as a bounce back spot even on the road for Arizona. Tune in and watch as Jeff, Zack, and John break down the game from a Vegas perspective.

Follow@cimini

College basketball is now in the forefront for obvious reasons in the handicapping world. The NFL and college football seasons have both concluded over two weeks ago. In one month seedings will be unleashed and March Madness brackets will be printed in masses.

We’re at the point where teams have just six to eight regular season games left. That’s three and a half weeks to finish the season. Conference play is now ramped up after teams had winter break and another extended break of six to seven days off.

From now until season’s completion teams typically will have a max of two to three days off in between games.

Tuesday’s increased schedule is a result of this. The MAC, ACC, Mountain West, and several other conferences have games today.

Get use to this over the next three and a half weeks. Be cautious on the increased games and be sure to look under today’s picks daily for value ATS.

Enjoy the games and stay tuned for more video and opinion blogs on action this weekend and going forward in the college basketball season.