Streak for the Cash- 2/23/09

Today's Matchups- http://streak.espn.go.com/?addata=2009_STREAK_PAGE1

Not that many great matchups for the streakers today, but still some good picks for everyone to make. Here are my picks for today.

English Premier League (Tottenham @ Hull City): How many TOTAL GOALS WILL BE SCORED?
2 Goals or Fewer
3 Goals or More
Between these two teams, they should be able to put up three goals. Although Tottenham has struggled in their last two games, and Hull City has only been involved in a match with 3 or more goals once in their last 5 games, it shouldn't be too surprising when these two combine for three today. Both of these teams are near the bottom of the fixtures and really need to get a win here. Look for both teams to attack early and often and combine for three goals or more.

Canadian Women's Curling Championship (Victoria, BC) Draw 7: Who will WIN this matchup?
Quebec
Alberta
ESPN's sudden fascination with women's curling is beyond me. However, this matchup doesn't seem that hard to predict. Quebec is off to a 3-0 start, but is losing already this morning in a match with B.C., who is also 3-0. Alberta is 2-1, but their only loss came against undefeated Team Canada in a 9-3 blowout. Despite the location of this match being very close to Alberta, I still don't see them coming away with a victory here. Quebec should be heavily motivated after a poor showing this morning, and they should beat an underperforming Alberta team here. I will not pick the other curling match tonight between Alberta and B.C. until later tonight. I want to be able to see how those two teams do today before I make my selection. Please check the blog later today to see my pick there.

Who will WIN this matchup?
#7 Louisville Cardinals
@ Georgetown Hoyas
I don't see Louisville losing this game at all, even if it is in D.C. Georgetown has been struggling as of late, while Louisville has won three in a row since their terrible performance at Notre Dame, and is currently tied atop the Big East standings. Despite the fact that Georgetown really needs this game to help their NCAA Tournament chances, I just think the Cardinals have too much firepower with Samuels down low to stumble here.

Who will WIN this matchup?
Philadelphia 76ers
@ New Jersey Nets
This will be a battle of two teams heading in the wrong direction. The 76ers, after playing some of the best basketball in all of the NBA before the All-Star break, are now on a three game losing streak. The Nets are also on a free fall down the standings, losing their last five. However, four of those games were against some of the most elite teams in the NBA. Now that the Nets are at home for four straight games, they should be able to regroup and beat a Brand-less Philadelphia team. Here's a hint: Even though it's the NBA, home court advantage can never be forgotten. When you have two evenly-matched teams like this, take the home team.

NHL (Sharks @ Stars): How many TOTAL GOALS will be SCORED?
5 Goals or Fewer
6 Goals or More
This could be the toughest matchup of the day to predict. Both of these teams are certainly capable of putting the puck in the net. However, San Jose is coming off of a three game home stand, and now are beginning a four game road trip. The Sharks have lost their last three games starting road trips of three games or more, and haven't scored more than two goals in any of those losses. Dallas is tough at home and has great goalie play. So, I'm leaning towards 5 goals or fewer here.

Who will WIN this matchup?
Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks
@ Murray State Racers
Don't let the records fool you. The Skyhawks are a huge beneficiary of a weak schedule so far this season. They have a record of 2-5 against teams with winning records, and are coming off a loss against Missouri State in ESPN's Bracketbuster challenge this weekend. Murray State isn't exactly that great either, but they have won four games in a row in the Ohio Valley Conference. They are also very tough at home. I like the Racers in a close one.

Who will WIN this matchup?
Boston Celtics
@ Denver Nuggets
This is a game that you should stay away from. Sure, the easy pick is the Celtics. However, Boston is on the second night of a back-to-back on the road, after yesterday's win over Phoenix. Denver is returning home after eight straight on the road, and you can bet they will be looking to get back on track with a win. If you have to go with one, go with Boston. But I wouldn't pick this matchup at all if you're smart.

Who will WIN this matchup?
#18 Kansas Jayhawks
@ #2 Oklahoma Sooners
Even though Blake Griffin is questionable for this game, and probably won't play, take OU in this one. Austin Johnson and Willie Warren should be able to handle things for the Sooners on the perimeter, while Taylor Griffin is still a strong presence down low. As long as Oklahoma can keep Sherron Collins under control, they should still be able to take this game, with or without the younger Griffin.

Who will WIN this matchup?
Golden State Warriors
@ Los Angeles Clippers
This is a matchup you should stay away from if you have a decent sized streak. Yes, it is the late game which makes you very eager to pick it. But, it's just not an easy pick despite what the percentages say. Golden State is very inconsistent on the road, and the Clippers are just very inconsistent anywhere. If you have a small streak or no streak at all, I would go with the Warriors. But, if you have a good streak of 4 or more, stay away.

Check back later for my curling prediction between Alberta and B.C.