Current Lines

Friday, November 30, 2012

Football Picks, Dec 1st

Only one game worth a peek on a short NCAA football schedule.

$30 on UCF (+$120) over Tulsa
Central Florida has won 7 of their last 8 games, but the one loss was at Tulsa 23-21 two weeks ago. The Hurricane is 2-2 in their last 4 and are coming off a 35-27 loss at SMU. 


Starting Bankroll        $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                     $79.00
Current Bankroll        $2,079.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

PokerPalooza Cooler

We had eight runners show for our Tuesday night PokerPalooza at the Duck Blind. After an artery clogging dinner of pizza and brownies, we were pitching cards shortly after seven.

Seated at this $20 buy-in, dealer's choice limit game were J-Dawg, Dealer Larry, Bobby Dee, Ray-Ray, Gentleman Jim, Stamps, Farmer Harry, and yours truly, Lucki Duck.

It was the first time Harry had come back since he won our big side pot game. Each week every player would put $1 in the pot. When we would draw for seats, whomever drew the ace would get to pick a card from a separate deck. This deck contains one joker and if you draw the joker, you win the pot. If you didn't pick it, whatever card you drew was eliminated from the deck and the next week your chance of drawing the joker increased. Harry was the winner three weeks ago, pulling in a $106 pot. Not bad.

He also drew the ace last night, but whiffed on the joker pull, drawing the 10D instead.

I was able to win the High Hand Jackpot with quad kings in a hand of Omaha, beating Bobby's quad jacks he had hit earlier in the game. Even with the HHJ, I still managed to lose two dollars on the night.

Most of it was spewed on a cooler. In a hand of hold 'em, I looked down at A-T and tossed in a chip. Several calls later we saw a flop of A-T-3 and I bet out after Farmer Harry checked. Ray-Ray and Harry called. Another T on the turn was a bingo card for me and I bet my boat following a check from Harry. Ray-Ray mucked, but Harry came along for the ride.

The river completed a flush draw and Harry came to life, tossing in a bet. I raised, but then Harry 3 bet me.

Uh oh.

I called and Harry tabled pocket aces for a bigger full house.

Sneaky bastard :)

Ray-Ray had just returned from Korea the day before, where he and his wife had visited their daughter, who is an English teacher there. He was dead tired from his 24 hour flight and predictably lost a fair amount of money. He also told us about an eight foot penis he saw at a restaurant they visited (some kind of phallic symbol for fertility in Korea), but couldn't produce any pictures. But, it did open up a Pandora's Box of junior high level humor for most of the evening. Fun times.

Friday night is Tin Man's $5 NLHE Tourney. Hopefully, I'll be able to recover my big $2 loss :)

Till next time, win the flips.




Basketball Picks, Nov 30th

There are three games in the basketball world that are worth a peek.

3 units on Milwaukee (+$115) over Minnesota
The Bucks bring a 4-2 road record to Minnesota tonight. The T-Wolves have dropped 7 of their last 10 games and are 3-3 at home this season.
4 units on Louisana Tech (+$115) over Georgia State
The alma-mater of Terry Bradshaw and Phil Robertson (Duck Dynasty) have won 6 straight, including a 37 point blowout win over SE Louisana in their last outing. The host Panthers are 1-2 at home this season, but have played a tougher schedule than the Bulldogs.
2 units on Utah (+$120) over Texas State
The Utes bring a 4-2 record to San Marcos, but are 0-1 on the highway. The Bobcats have dropped 3 of their last 4 games.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                     (7.1) units
Current Bankroll           292.9 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Picks Due

If you're picking today's game, I need to have your selection by 6pm (CST). If you are picking one of the Sunday games, I'll need it by midnight (CST) Saturday.

You can leave it in the comments or e-mail it to nfl.picks@ymail.com.

Good luck!

Basketball Picks, Nov 29th

Only one game on today's schedule that's worth a peek.

4 units on Pepperdine (+$120) over Montana State
The Waves travel north to Montana, bringing a three game winning streak to the dance. The Bobcats are 1-3 this season, with their 3 losses by an average of 14 PPG.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                     (11.9) units
Current Bankroll           288.1 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 28th

Only two games on the round ball menu tonight.

3 units on Phoenix (+$140) over Detroit
The Suns visit the Motor City, winning 3 of their last 4 games, but are 2-5 on the highway, which is why the line is as high as it is. The Pistons are 4-11 overall, but have won 4 of 7 after a 0-8 start. They are 3-3 at home.
3 units on Michigan State (+$105) over Miami (Florida)
The #13 team in the land visits South Beach, bringing a 5 game winning streak to the party. The Hurricanes are 3-0 at home, but did lose an ugly road game to Florida Gulf Coast, not exactly known as a college basketball powerhouse.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      (5.9) units
Current Bankroll           294.1 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Shameless Promotion


 I've never been one to shamelessly ask for a link to this little corner of the world. I know that quite a few of you have "Small Potatoes" on your blogroll, providing increased exposure and traffic to my blog, and I sincerely appreciate it.

Having been inspired by KenP, I decided to embark on a new site, called #1 SportsPicks. If you have followed Small Potatoes for any length of time, you have noticed that the focus has turned from poker to sports betting. What I'm hoping to accomplish from the new site is advertising revenue. That's the business plan anyway. But, in order to receive attention from potential advertisers, I need to move up the pages of the search engines.

One way to accomplish this is by having the site "linked" by other sites. It's not necessarily the quantity of links, but the quality. It's more valuable if the links are from sites with similar interests, such as poker and gambling in general. And that's the subject matter of most of your blogs.

So, here is my shameless promotion of my new venture. Would you consider "linking" #1 SportsPicks to your blog and other websites to help me get the word out? If you will (and let me know you have) I will send you a #1 SportsPicks tee shirt (autographed if requested) absolutely FREE! Act now and free shipping is included :) I haven't had them made yet, so it may be a few weeks before you receive yours.

Please take a moment to look at the site and let me know what it needs to improve. Also, any advise on promoting it (besides begging) will be appreciated.

For now, onward thru the fog!

Basketball Picks, Nov 27th

There are a couple of college games tonight that are interesting.

4 units on Iowa (+$135) over Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is 5-0, but none of the wins are against quality opponents. Iowa brings a 5-1 record to the party.
3 units on Minnesota (+$150) over Florida State
The Gophers are a very physical team as evidenced by their #3 ranking in offensive rebounds and 6-1 record. Florida State is also playing well, posting a 4-1 record. 

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      (6.4) units
Current Bankroll           293.6 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Monday, November 26, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Results and Standings

Here are the results and updated standings in the NFL Picks Contest

lightning- Denver (W 17-9) = 18 pts.
TwoMinuteWarning- Denver (W 17-9) = 18 pts.
Grange95-  New England (W 49-19) = 40 pts.
ohcowboy12go- Denver (W 17-9) = 18 pts.
M Prosk- no pick = 0 pts.
Full House- Denver (W 17-9) = 18 pts.
Music City Momma- Cincinnati (W 34-10) = 34 pts.
Coach-  New England (W 49-19) = 40 pts.
Neophyte- Denver (W 17-9) = 18 pts.
Waffles- no pick = 0 pts.
MOJO-  Denver (W 17-9) = 18 pts.
ggrouchie- New England (W 49-19) = 40 pts.
Vegas Vic- New England (W 49 19) = 40 pts.
Captain Crunch- Denver (W 17-9) = 18 pts.

Here are the current standings;

grrouchie - 14+48+20+5+16+40 = 143 pts
Coach - 20+19+22+13+16+40 = 130
MOJO - 40+19+22+13+16+18 = 128
Grange95 - 20+19+22+13+14+40 = 128
Vegas Vic - 16+19+22+13+16+40= 126
TwoMinuteWarning - 13+19+22+16+31+18 = 119
Music City Momma - 17+19+24+5+17+34 = 116
Captain Crunch - 13+11+18+16+31+18 = 107
lightning - 13+19+24+13+16+18 = 103
Neophyte - 17+19+0+13+32+18 = 99
M Prosk - 17+0+41+5+17+0 = 80
Waffles - 15+11+22+16+14+0 = 78
ohcowboy12go - 13+19+22+5+13= 72
Full House - 20+19+22-(34)+16+18 = 61

Congratulations to grrouchie for grabbing the lead this week!

Basketball Picks, Nov 26th

Only one game on the docket today that's worth a peek.

3 units on Denver (+$145) over Utah
The Nuggets visit the Jazz tonight having won four games in a row and 4 of their last 6 on the highway. Utah has won 3 of their last 4.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      (3.4) units
Current Bankroll           296.6 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- This Week's Picks


Here are the picks for this week's Small Potatoes NFL Picks Contest.

lightning- Denver
TwoMinuteWarning- Denver
Grange95- New England
ohcowboy12go-  Denver
M Prosk- no pick
Full House- Denver
Music City Momma- Cincinnati
Coach- New England
Neophyte- Denver
Waffles- no pick
MOJO-  Denver
ggrouchie- New England
Vegas Vic- New England
Captain Crunch- Denver

Good luck!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Football Picks, Nov 22-25

I'll be away from the magic box all weekend, so I'm getting my football picks in early.

$30 on Rutgers (+$110) over Pitt
Rutgers bring a 9-1 record to the party, not to mention a nasty defense that only surrenders 12 PPG. The Scarlet Knights adapt well to life on the highway, posting a 5-0 record. Pitt has dropped 4 of 6 and are 4-6 for the season.
$30 on Rice (+$100) over UTEP
The Owls visit El Paso having won 4 of their last 5 games. In their last 3 they are averaging 43 PPG. The Miners have surrendered 36 over their last three games. UTEP is 3-8 this season.
$20 on Green Bay (+$130) over NY Giants
I don't bet the NFL much, because there's such a small difference in the teams that it's very hard to make money with any consistency. Having said that, I do like the Packers and their 5 game winning streak against an average Giants team. NFC East teams have disappointed overall, going 3-13 ATS and 2-8 at home ATS outside of their division.
Starting Bankroll          $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                     $99.00
Current Bankroll          $2,099.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

NFL Picks Contest- Picks Due

If you're picking one of the Thanksgiving Day games, I need to have your selection by 9am (CST) Thanksgiving morning. If you are picking one of the Sunday games, I'll need it by midnight (CST) Saturday.

You can leave it in the comments or e-mail it to nfl.picks@ymail.com.

I'll be away from my computer this weekend, so I probably won't get a chance to post the picks until Sunday night.

Good luck!

Basketball Picks, Nov 21st

There are a few games taking place on the hardwood tonight that are worth a look.

3 units on Colorado St (+$135) over Denver
The Rams have 4 starters back from a 20 win team and have beaten Denver three years in a row. Denver is 1-2 and is coming off an 11 point home loss to Cal.
2 units on San Deigo (+$120) over UC Santa Barbara
UCSB is 0-2 against D-1 schools this season.
2 units on Pittsburgh (+$125) over Michigan
Pitt is off to a 4-0 start. Michigan is 3-0, but is playing their first game in over a week, so they might be a little rusty. Michigan is shooting 49% from beyond the arc. I can't see that lasting.
2 units on Boston (+$105) over San Antonio
The host Celtics have won 3 of their last 4 at home.
2 units on LA Clippers (+$155) over Oklahoma City
The Clippers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games. OKC is 7-1 in their last 8 games, but +$155 is a big number for a team as good as the Clippers.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      .55 units
Current Bankroll           300.55 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 20th

Only one game worth a peek today.

2 units on Wisconsin-Green Bay (+$115) over Idaho
The Phoenix bring a 2-1 record ATS to the potato state. The Vandals are winless in two tries at home this season.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      2.55 units
Current Bankroll           302.55 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Vegas or Bust Poker League Tournament

Our Vegas or Bust Poker League met last Friday for the 11th of 16 league tournaments. Once the season is complete, the top two players in the standings win a trip to Vegas to participate in the 2013 WSOP.

Bobby Dee elected to go deer hunting and missed the tourney which means he didn't receive any points. Big Daddy was the first one out again, followed by J-Dawg, Ollie the Accountant, and moi. It's the second tournament in a row in which I finished closer to the bottom than the top. Disappointing.

Fortunately, I built a hefty lead early by reeling off five wins in a row, so I still have a nice lead, but really would like to have a top three finish next month.

Lil' Annie Okie had a nice stack of chips going into the middle stages, but had to walk away because of a stomach bug. She looked and felt terrible. Too bad, I think she had a good chance of winning, which she sorely needs to do.

Dealer Larry had a good night finishing fourth, followed by Tin Man.

Philly Phanatic and Stamps had a short heads up battle that ended when Philly hit a full house to take the win.

With five tourneys to go I have a 10 point lead (79-69) on second place and 11 over third. If I can finish in the top five in the rest of the tournaments, that should be enough to hold on to my seat to the WSOP. I sure hope I'm able to hang on, with Ms. Duck losing her job it's probably our only chance to get out there anytime soon. Fingers crossed :)

Click here for the complete standings.

Till next time, win the flips.

Monday, November 19, 2012

NFL Picks Contest - Results and Updated Standings

Here are the results and updated standings in the NFL Picks Contest

lightning- Houston (W 43-37) = 16 pts.
TwoMinuteWarning- New Orleans (W 38-17) = 31 pts.
Grange95-  Atlanta (W 23-19) = 14 pts.
ohcowboy12go- Dallas (W 23-20) = 13 pts.
M Prosk- Denver (W 30-23) = 17 pts.
Full House- Houston (W 43-37) = 16 pts.
Music City Momma- Denver (W 30-23) = 17 pts.
Coach-  Houston (W 43-37) = 16 pts.
Neophyte- Cincinnati (W 28-6) = 32 pts.
Waffles- Atlanta (W 23-19) = 14 pts..
MOJO-  Houston (W 43-37) = 16 pts.
ggrouchie- Houston (W 43-37) = 16 pts.
Vegas Vic- Houston (W 43-37) = 16 pts.
Captain Crunch- New Orleans (W 38-17) = 31 pts.

Here are the current standings;

MOJO - 40+19+22+13+16= 110 pts
grrouchie - 14+48+20+5+16= 103
TwoMinuteWarning - 13+19+22+16+31= 101
Coach - 20+19+22+13+16= 90
Captain Crunch - 13+11+18+16+31= 89
Grange95 - 20+19+22+13+14= 88
Vegas Vic - 16+19+22+13+16= 86
lightning - 13+19+24+13+16= 85
Music City Momma - 17+19+24+5+17= 82
Neophyte - 17+19+0+13+32= 81
M Prosk - 17+0+41+5+17= 80
Waffles - 15+11+22+16+14= 78
ohcowboy12go - 13+19+22+5+13= 72
Full House - 20+19+22-(34)+16= 43

Congratulations to Neo for the high score this week!

Basketball Picks, Nov 19th

There are three games on today's NBA and NCAA schedules that look interesting.

4 units on Texas A&M (+$110) over St. Louis
The Aggies visit the Billikins in St Louey tonight, bringing a 3-0 record and a tough defense that is only allowing 61 PPG. Rick Majerus is unable to coach. St Louis dropped their last home game to Santa Clara.
3 units on LA Clippers (+$165) over San Antonio
The Clippers have won five straight and are 2-0 on the highway this season. The host Spurs are 8-2 this season and 3-1-1 ATS at home.
2 units on Fresno St (+$130) over Cal Poly
Fresno won their last two games by an average of 7PPG after dropping their opener by two points to Texas. Cal Poly is 1-0 at home, but are shooting < 30% from 3 point land.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                       (1.0) units
Current Bankroll           299.0 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- This Week's Picks


Here are the picks for this week's Small Potatoes NFL Picks Redemption Contest.

lightning- Houston
TwoMinuteWarning- New Orleans
Grange95- Atlanta
ohcowboy12go-  Dallas
M Prosk- Denver
Full House- Houston
Music City Momma- Denver
Coach- Houston
Neophyte- Cincinnati
Waffles- Atlanta
MOJO-  Houston
ggrouchie- Houston
Vegas Vic- Houston
Captain Crunch- New Orleans

Good luck!

NFL Picks Contest- Picks Due

If you haven't done so already, be sure to get your picks in by midnight (CST). You can leave it in the comments or e-mail it to nfl.picks@ymail.com.

Good luck!

Football Picks, Nov 17th and 18th

There are a few games this weekend in the football world that look interesting.

$30 on Kent St. over Bowling Green St. @ (+$120)
The Golden Flames (cool name) are 15th in rushing this year, averaging 236 YPG and have reeled off 8 straight wins. BGS has won 6 in a row and their defense is allowing only 15 PPG.
$20 on UCLA over USC @ (+$145)
The Bruins have won 3 straight, averaging 52 PPG. They are also 2-0 ATS as a dog this season. USC is 1-2 in their last 3 games and 0-5 ATS on the highway this year.
$20 on La. Tech over Utah St. @ (+$140)
The Bulldogs are 9-1, with their only loss to Texas A&M by two points. Utah St. is 1-6 in their last 7 versus La Tech. However, they are 9-0 ATS this season.
$20 on Philadelphia over Washington @ (+$170)
Both teams are struggling, but the Eagles have beaten the Redskins 5 of the last 6 times they have met. They've won the last three by an average of 21 PPG. Washington has dropped three straight overall and is 1-3 at home this season.
Starting Bankroll          $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                     $74.00
Current Bankroll          $2,074.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 16th

There are a couple of NBA games that are worth a peek today.

3 units on Houston (+$110) over Portland
The Rockets take a road trip to Portland to face a Trailblazer team that has dropped 4 of their last 5 games.
2 units on NY Knicks (+$195) over Memphis
Two white hot teams face off in Memphis. The Knicks are 6-0 this season and the Grizzles have won 6 straight. Plus $195 is a big number for an undefeated team.
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                       4.0 units
Current Bankroll           304.0 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 15th

There's a handful of interesting games on the docket today in the basketball universe.

4 units on Illinois St (+$240) over Drexel
The Redbirds bring 4 returning starters from a 21 win team to the dance. Drexel lost to Kent St and had trouble putting the ball thru the hoop.
3 units on NY Knicks (+$180) over San Antonio
The 5-0 Knicks pull into the Alamo City having won all of their games by double digits. The Spurs will be a tough test, winning 7 of 8 this season and are 2-0-1 ATS at home.
2 units on Dayton (+$130) over Colorado
The Flyers return 3 starters from a 20 win team and won their opener by 13 over Arkansas St. The host Buffalos return 2 starters from an excellent 24 win team. Colorado won their opener by 15 over Wofford.
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      (9.0) units
Current Bankroll           291.0 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

NFL Picks Contest- Thursday Pick Due Today

If you are picking the Thursday night game this week, I'll need your pick by noon. Picks for the Sunday game are due by midnight (CST) Saturday. You can leave it as a comment or e-mail it to me at nfl.picks@ymail.com.

Thanks and good luck.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 14th

There are four games on the round ball schedule that are worth a look.

4 units @ 11/10 on the OVER (186 1/2) Chicago/Phoenix
The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 Sun's games.
2 units @ 11/10 on the UNDER (187 1/2) Houston/New Orleans
The UNDER is 4-1 in the Rocket's last 5 games.
2 units @ 11/10 on N. Iowa (-14) over Toledo
NIU returns four starters from a team that won 20 games last season. Toledo is 0-2 and has lost by an average of 19 PPG.
2 units @ 11/10 on Fresno St. (-9) over UC-Riverside
Fresno lost a close one to a tough Texas team 55-53. UC Riverside is playing a lot of freshmen, returning only one starter from last year's team.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      (8.6) units
Current Bankroll           291.4 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

NFL Picks Contest- Results and Standings

Back in the saddle again.
Here are the results and updated standings in the NFL Picks Contest

lightning- Pittsburgh (W 16-13) = 13 pts.
TwoMinuteWarning- New England (W 37-31) = 16 pts.
Grange95- Pittsburgh (W 16-13) = 13 pts
ohcowboy12go- San Francisco (T 24-24) = 5 pts
M Prosk- San Francisco (T 24-24) = 5 pts.
Full House- Miami (L 3-37) = (34)
Music City Momma- San Francisco (T 24-24) = 5 pts.
Coach- Pittsburgh (W 16-13) = 13 pts
Neophyte- Pittsburgh (W 16-13) = 13 pts
Waffles- New England (W 37-31) = 16 pts.
MOJO- Pittsburgh (W 16-13) = 13 pts
ggrouchie- San Francisco (T 24-24) = 5 pts.
Vegas Vic- Pittsburgh (W 16-13) = 13 pts
Captain Crunch- New England (W 37-31) = 16 pts.

Here are the current standings;

MOJO - 40+19+22+13=94
grrouchie - 14+48+20+5= 87 pts.
Grange95 - 20+19+22+13=74
Coach - 20+19+22+13=74
Vegas Vic - 16+19+22+13=70
TwoMinuteWarning - 13+19+22+16= 70
lightning - 13+19+24+13=69
Music City Momma - 17+19+24+5= 65
Waffles - 15+11+22+16= 64
M Prosk - 17+0+41+5= 63
ohcowboy12go - 13+19+22+5= 59
Captain Crunch - 13+11+18+16= 58
Neophyte - 17+19+0+13=49
Full House - 20+19+22-(34)= 27

Congratulations to MOJO for taking the lead this week!

Basketball Picks, Nov 13th

 There are a couple opportunities on today's menu, one college and one pro.

4 units @ 11/10 on NY Knicks (-6 1/2) over Orlando
The Knicks have won 4 straight games, all by double digits. The Magic has dropped four in a row by an average of 17 PPG.
3 units @ 11/10 on Kansas (-3) over Michigan St.
The Spartans travel to Atlanta after just getting back from their game in Germany last Friday, so there could be some jet-lag lingering. The Jayhawks have three starters back and won their opener by 19 points, despite shooting an anemic 9% from beyond the arc. 
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      (9.3) units
Current Bankroll           290.7 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Monday, November 12, 2012

NFL Picks Redemption Contest- Tie Game

When I came up with this contest, I didn't worry about tie games in the NFL. Heck, there hadn't been one since 2008 and even if there was one, what were the chances it would be a game one of the contestants picked?

Well, guess what!

There were several of you that picked the 49ers game yesterday, which ended in a 24-24 tie, so how many points, if any, should be awarded?

In the standings, the NFL considers a tie to be 1/2 win and 1/2 loss, so my decision is to award the 49ers 1/2 win, which translates to 5 points for everyone who picked the Niners this week.

Thanks for playing!

Basketball Picks, Nov 12th

There are three games on today's NBA schedule that are worth a peek.

4 units @ 11/10 on Denver (-4 1/2) over Phoenix
The Nuggets visit the Suns tonight, bringing a 5-0 record ATS in their last 5 outings, winning four of them straight up.
3 units @ 11/10 on Oklahoma City (-6 1/2) over Detroit
The Thunder storm into the Motor City on a four game winning streak. Their average margin of victory has been 13 points.
2 units @ 11-10 on the UNDER (194 1/2) Miami / Houston
The Heat visit Houston. The UNDER is 3-0 in Miami's last three games and 4-0 in Houston's last four.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      <.3> units
Current Bankroll           299.7 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

NFL Picks Redemption Contesy- This Week's Picks


Here are the picks for this week's Small Potatoes NFL Picks Redemption Contest.

lightning- Pittsburgh
TwoMinuteWarning- New England
Grange95- Pittsburgh
ohcowboy12go- San Francisco
M Prosk- San Francisco
Full House- Miami
Music City Momma- San Francisco
Coach- Pittsburgh
Neophyte- Pittsburgh
Waffles- New England
MOJO- Pittsburgh
ggrouchie- San Francisco
Vegas Vic- Pittsburgh
Captain Crunch- New England

Good luck!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

NFL Picks Redemption Contest- Picks Due

If you haven't done so already, be sure to get your picks in by midnight (CST).  You can leave it in the comments or e-mail it to nfl.picks@ymail.com.

Good luck!

Friday, November 9, 2012

College Football Picks, Nov 10th

I see four games on the college football menu that are worth a nibble.

(Sorry about the third one Coach.)

$22 @ 11/10 on Texas Tech (-25) over Kansas
A lot of points to lay, but Kansas was unable to keep up with Baylor last week and Tech is better than Baylor. The Jayhawks have lost 18 straight Big XII games.
 $22 @ 11/10 on Central Florida (-12 1/2) over UTEP
UCF brings a 7-2 record (4-0 Conference USA) to the dance. The Miners are limping along at 2-7. Nuff said.
 $22 @ 11/10 on La. Tech (-20) over Texas State
Terry Bradshaw's alma mater brings one of the most prolific offenses in the country to San Marcos, America. Tech is averaging 570 YPG and 52 PPG and sports an 8-1 record. The Bobcats are 3-5 and have dropped their last two games by an average of 20+ points. TSUs defense allows 31 PPG.
$22 @ 11/10 on Georgia (-15) over Auburn
The Bulldogs come to town with an 8-1 record and fresh off a 37-10 lambasting of Ole Miss. The host Tigers are 0-6 in SEC play this year ans 0-3 against top 25 teams. The Auburn offense averages a pedestrian 19 PPG. They'll need more than that against Georgia.
Starting Bankroll          $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                     $120.00
Current Bankroll          $2,120.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

Basketball Picks, Nov 9th

There are a couple of interesting games on a full NBA schedule tonight.

3 units @ -110 on the UNDER (190 1/2) Milwaukee/ Washington
The Wizards host the Bucks tonight. The UNDER is 6-1 in Washington's last 7 games. It would be 7-0 except for an overtime game against Boston earlier this week.
2 units on Orlando over Brooklyn @ +$125
The Magic and Nets meet in Orlando where the hosts have played well, winning their last two home games by an average of 20 points.
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      4.7 units
Current Bankroll           304.7 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 8th

There's not much from which to choose on the NBA docket today, with only two games on tap.

3 units @ -110 on LA Clippers (-1) over Portland
The Clippers visit the Trailblazers, marking their first game out of the Staples Center this season. LA won 3 of the 4 games versus Portland last year.
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      2.0 units
Current Bankroll           302.0 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Home Game

I had a good week at the poker table last week, winning $22  at my home game on Thursday, then following that up with another $12 win on Friday at Tin Man's.

We only had six for our Pokerpalozza at the Duck Blind. After a slice or two of pizza and a brownie for dessert, we started tossing cards at seven. Seated around the felt were Dealer Larry, Ollie the Accountant, Glass Man, Stamps, J-Dawg and your humble scribe.

J-Dawg took home the High Hand Jackpot with quad 7s in our $20 buy in, dealer's choice, limit game. He and I were the big winners on the night, with Glass Man and Dealer Larry taking it on the chin.

We had five show on Friday for Tin Man's $5 buy in NLHE Tournament. Flyboy joined us for the first time in a while, with Philly Phanatic seated to his right, followed by Lil' Annie Okie, Tin Man, and Lucki Duck.

Philly was the first to fall on his sword when Flyboy called him with only a draw, but it hit and Philly was done. I had a good run of cards when it counted and managed to run the table, knocking out Flyboy, Tin Man, and finally Annie to take down first place.

The cash game was short handed, with only four of us. I managed to win another few bucks to end a profitable week playing cards.

Our Vegas or Bust Poker League's monthly tourney is this Friday. It will be the eleventh of sixteen during league play, with the top two finishers winning seats to the 2013 WSOP. Right now I'm in first place with a decent lead on third place. As we get closer to the end of the league, I have to admit that I'm getting a little excited about how I might be spending part of next summer :)

Till next time, win the flips.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

NFL Picks Redemption Contest

If you are picking the Thursday night game this week, I'll need your pick by noon tomorrow. Picks for the Sunday game are due by midnight (CDT) Saturday.

Thanks and good luck

Basketball Picks, Nov 7th

A couple of games on the NBA schedule are worth a look.

2 units @ -10 on the UNDER (187) Washington @ Boston
The under is 10-1 in Washington's last 11 games.
2 units on Orlando (+$220) over Minnesota
The Magic bring a 2-1 record to Minnesota tonight and are 3-0 ATS this season. The T-Wolves had a nice comeback on Monday, erasing a 22 point deficit to the Nets for the win. At +$220 this one's worth a shot. 
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      6.0 units
Current Bankroll           306.0 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Oops!


I guess it's a good thing I didn't put my money where my mouth was on tonight's Presidential election. Although it was a close vote, President Obama was able to overcome a high unemployment rate and a sluggish economy, numbers no candidate since FDR could overcome, to pull out the win.

So it's time to eat some crow on my call.

Congratulations on the win Mr. President.

I read grrouchie's post yesterday where he pointed out how uninterested he is in politics. However, he seemed to have a lot of knowledge on the subject, so he must care a least a little. I find politics interesting, purely as a spectator sport. Both parties have spent this country into bankruptcy, we'll just get to the breaking point a little quicker than we would have with Romney. Things should get real interesting when that dam breaks.

I guess the planning for the next election begins tomorrow.

I did call the Detroit/Denver NBA game correctly, so I've got that going for me :)

Till next time, win the flips (like Obama).

Basketball Picks, Nov 6th

One game on the NBA docket today that's worth a nibble.

3 units @ -110 on the OVER (196 1/2) Detroit at Denver
The Pistons travel to the Mile High City to meet the Nuggets. Denver won their Colorado meeting last year 116-115. That's well above the 196 1/2 points we need to cash. The Pistons are coming off a 119-116 loss to the Heat, so they're giving up points in bunches.
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      3.30 units
Current Bankroll           303.00 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Meet the 45th POTUS


I wrote a post last January (click here) predicting an Obama loss in this year's presidential election. Here on the eve of the election, my opinion hasn't changed.

Not that any of you are the type to wager on such things, but just in case, here's an excerpt from an article I ran across that is written by Wayne Allen Root, one of the top Vegas handicappers in the business:

I have been predicting a Romney victory from the beginning. In December 2011, I predicted  Mr. Romney would win the GOP presidential nomination and go on to win the presidency. In spring 2012, after Mr. Romney clinched the GOP nomination, I predicted a Romney landslide victory in November. For the past month, as Mr. Romney has trailed badly in every poll, especially in the all-important battleground states, I have continued to predict a Romney landslide. Today, I’m making it official:
Mitt Romney will win the presidency, and it won’t be close.
I’m predicting a 5- to 7-point popular-vote victory, with an outside shot at 10 points. Electorally, it won’t be that close. Mr. Romney will win many states that went to Mr. Obama in 2008 — I predict wins in Ohio, Florida, Colorado, Virginia, Iowa, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Indiana. I predict he will win by 100 to 120 electoral votes. I’ll go out on a limb and say Mr. Romney even will win one or two Democratic “safe states” such as Michigan, Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Click here for the complete article.

So, there you have it. No reason to stay up late to see who wins.

You're welcome :)

Of course, as Dennis Miller says, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong."

Basketball Picks, Nov 5th

There are a couple of games in the NBA that look interesting.

3 units on New York over Philadelphia @ +$125

The Knicks invade Philly tonight, bringing a 2-0 record which includes a 16 point win over the 76ers yesterday. New York is 4-1 in their last 5 versus Philadelphia.
2 units on Portland over Dallas @ +$165
These two teams always play tight games. The Mavericks won 2 of 3 from the Trailblazers last season, but all three games were decided by 3 points or less.  Even though Portland is on the highway for this one, the +$150 price is a good value in a toss up game.
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                      1.55 units
Current Bankroll           301.55 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

NFL Picks Contest- Results and Standings

Below are the results of the third week of the Small Potatoes NFL Picks Redemption Contest. Please let me know if you see any mistakes.

lightning- Green Bay (W 31-17) = 24  pts.
TwoMinuteWarning- Houston (W 21-9) = 22 pts.
Grange95- Houston (W 21-9) = 22 pts.
ohcowboy12go- Houston (W 21-9) = 22 pts.
M Prosk-  Chicago (W 51-20) = 41 pts.
Full House- Houston (W 21-9) = 22  pts.
Music City Momma- Green Bay (W 31-17) = 24 pts.
Coach- Houston (W 21-9) = 22 pts.
Neophyte- No Pick = 0 pts.
Waffles- Houston (W 21-9) = 22 pts.
MOJO- Houston (W 21-9) = 22 pts.
grrouchie-  Baltimore (W 25-15) = 20 pts.
Vegas Vic- Houston (W 21-9) = 22  pts.
Captain Crunch- Denver (W 31-23) = 18 pts.

Here are the current standings;

grrouchie - 14+48+20= 82 pts.
MOJO - 40+19+22= 81
Grange95 - 20+19+22= 61
Full House - 20+19+22= 61
Coach - 20+19+22= 61
Music City Momma - 17+19+24= 60
M Prosk - 17+0+41= 58
Vegas Vic - 16+19+22= 57
lightning - 13+19+24= 56
TwoMinuteWarning - 13+19+22= 54
ohcowboy12go - 13+19+22= 54
Waffles - 15+11+22= 48
Captain Crunch - 13+11+18= 42
Neophyte - 17+19+0= 36

Congratulations to MProsk for winning this week!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

NFL Picks Redemption Contest- This Week's Selections


Here are the picks for this week's Small Potatoes NFL Picks Redemption Contest.

lightning- Green Bay
TwoMinuteWarning- Houston
Grange95- Houston
ohcowboy12go- Houston
M Prosk- Chicago
Full House- Houston
Music City Momma- Green Bay
Coach- Houston
Neophyte- ?
Waffles- Houston
MOJO- Houston
ggrouchie- Baltimore
Vegas Vic- Houston
Captain Crunch- Denver

Saturday, November 3, 2012

NFL Picks Redemption Contest- Picks are Due

If you haven't done so already, be sure to get your picks in by midnight (CDT).

College Football Picks, Nov 3rd


Saturday is shaping up to be an interesting day in college football. No less than four games look ripe for the pickin'.

$33  @ 11/10 on Kansas St. (-9) over Oklahoma St.
The Wildcats host the Cowboys needing to win big to stay in the race for a BCS Championship Game invitation.
$22 @ 11/10 on Stanford (-28) over Colorado
The Cardinal invades Boulder to play a bad Buffalos team. I hate laying 28 points, but Colorado is that bad. Did I mention that Colorado has a bad team?
$22 @ 11/10 on Oregon St. (-3 1/2) over Arizona St.
The Beavers host a tough defensive team. The Wildcats lead the Pac 12 in rush defense (148 YPG) and total defense (322 YPG). The Beavers are coming off their first loss of the season and should be fired up for this one. 
$22 @ 11/10 on Georgia (-14) over Mississippi
The Bulldogs are fresh off a big win over Florida. Unless they show up flat for this game, they should cover the two touchdown spread.

Starting Bankroll          $2,000.00
Profit/Loss                      $30.00
Current Bankroll          $2,030.00

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at you own risk.

Good luck!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 2nd

There are a couple of games on tonight's menu that look interesting.

2 units @ -5 on Indiana (-7) over Charlotte
The Pacers visit the Bobcats tonight. Indy is 6-1 versus the spread when playing Charlotte over the past three seasons. Last year the Pacers went 3-0 against the Bobcats, winning by 22, 35, and 14 points.
3 units @ -5 on Chicago (-2 1/2) over Cleveland
The Bulls travel to Ohio for a meeting with the Cavs. Chicago has beaten Cleveland seven straight times over the last three seasons and went 3-0 last year, winning by a combined 92 points.

Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                        0.7 units
Current Bankroll           300.7 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Basketball Picks, Nov 1st

One game on the NBA schedule looks interesting.

2 units on Oklahoma City over San Antonio @ +$120
Kevin Durant and company opens their season in the Alamo City. The Spurs return from New Orleans, where they opened the season versus the Hornets last night. San Antonio is a little long in the tooth and might slow down a step late in the game after playing and traveling the night before. The youthful Thunder might be able to steal one.
Starting Bankroll             300 units
Profit/Loss                        2.7 units
Current Bankroll           302.7 units

All picks are for entertainment purposes only with no guarantees implied. Any money wagered is at your own risk.

Good luck!