Daily tips for January 1

What’s on today

I hope everyone had a great New Year’s Eve and you’re ready to kick-off 2014 with some winners after another day in the green! Tips for the first two College Football bowl games of the day are posted here with two more to follow later in the morning; today’s card also features 11 NHL games and eight NBA match-ups, with the Oklahoma City v Portland Trail Blazers clash a clear highlight of the day; it’s also a huge day of racing around the country highlighted by the running of the Perth Cup at Ascot; GL punters!


Racing for January 1

Today’s highlights

Flemington R5 Listed $150,000 Bagot Handicap (2800m)

Flemington R6 G3 $150,000 Standish Handicap (1200m)

Randwick R5 Listed $100,000 Tattersalls Club Carrington Stakes (1100m, quality, 3yo+)

Randwick R6 Listed $100,000 Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m, quality, 3yo+)

Ascot R6 Listed $100,000 Schweppes Summer Scorcher (1000m, quality, 3yo+)

Ascot R7 G1 $500,000 Golden River Developments Perth Cup (2400m, quality, 3yo+)

Ascot R8 Listed $100,000 Ascend Sales Trophies La Trice Classic (1800m, SWP, 3yo+ fillies & mares)

Horse racing: Flemington (Vic), Randwick (NSW), Eagle Farm (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Ascot (WA), Mornington (Vic), Terang (Vic), Inverell (NSW), Port Macquarie (NSW), Fannie Bay (NT). Harness racing: Echuca (Vic), Kilmore (Vic), Leeton (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld). Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Bendigo (Vic), Richmond (NSW), Angle Park (SA), Bulli (NSW), The Meadows (Vic), Cranbourne (Vic), Ballarat (Vic), Rockhampton (Qld).

New Year’s Day is one of the greatest racing days of the year. There’s black-type racing in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth (highlighted by the running of the Perth Cup) to go with numerous picnic meetings around the nation in venues as diverse as Hanging Rock (pictured), King Island and Wallabadah. The money in the Perth Cup has been flowing for #2 Rohan, but I’m leaning more to #3 Black Tycoon. This is a pretty mediocre class of stayers, which makes the 8yo gelding’s win in the Tattersall’s Cup all the more telling. He was also making up ground late in the CB Cox Stakes (2100m). From his draw in barrier 7, Damien Oliver should have him parked in the first half a dozen in running and, with only 55.5kg on his back, he will take some beating.

Confirmed bets

Flemington R2 #3 Gig (E/W) 1st ($5.60/$2.10)

Flemington R5 #2 Unchain My Heart (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Randwick R1 #2 Laidback Larry (win) 1st ($1.60)

Randwick R6 #3 Destiny’s Kiss (win) LOSE (3rd)

Eagle Farm R2 #10 Pantalettes (E/W) 1st ($43.40/$7.30)

Ascot R7 #3 Black Tycoon (E/W 1x2) 1st ($4.80/$2.10)

Leans

Flemington R3 #8 Kaiser Sun (win) 1st ($2.40)
Flemington R4 #1 Amaethon (E/W) 3rd ($1.80)
Flemington R7 #4 Index Linked (E/W 1x3) 2nd ($1.60)
Flemington R8 #12 Galway Warrior (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Randwick R2 #12 Estonian Princess (E/W 1x3) 1st ($3.50/$1.60)

Randwick R4 #6 Atmospherical (win) 1st ($1.80)
Randwick R5 #8 Prettyfamous (E/W) LOSE (4th)
Randwick R8 #1 Shelford (E/W 1x3) 1st ($3.20/$1.50)

Eagle Farm R3 #11 Beatnicks (E/W 1x2) 2nd ($2.50)
Morphettville R8 #5 Real Delight (win) 1st ($2.00)
Ascot R3 #1 Mountain Haze (E/W 1x3) 2nd ($1.50)
Ascot R5 #11 Tudor Royal (E/W) LOSE (U/P)
Mornington R6 #2 Couperin (E/W) LOSE (4th)
Singapore R3 #2 Flying Ahead (win) LOSE (2nd)
Singapore R11 #5 Exquisitely Sweet (E/W)


NHL for January 1

Philadelphia Flyers (19-16-4, 54 points) @ Calgary Flames (14-19-6, 34 points), Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada, Wednesday, January 1, 1.10pm

A pair of third-period comebacks have the Philadelphia Flyers in position to win three in a row on the road for the first time this season. Facing the Calgary Flames may not provide too tough a hurdle. Philadelphia (19-16-4) entered this six-game road trip with only two wins in their last 10 there. It hasn’t taken very long to match that win total, but it has needed some dramatics. The Flyers snapped a five-game losing streak away from home Saturday, winning 4-3 in a shootout at Edmonton and scoring with 46.8 seconds left in regulation before Steve Mason turned aside all three shootout attempts in a 4-3 win at Vancouver. A visit to Calgary (14-19-6) may keep the Flyers rolling into the new year by sweeping the Western Canada portion of this trip. They visit Colorado on Thursday. Before that, Philadelphia will try to extend its four-game winning streak at Scotiabank Saddledome, dating to a loss there on March 22, 2001.

Claude Giroux (pictured) has one goal and two assists in two career visits to Calgary. He assisted on goals by Jakub Voracek and Braydon Coburn before scoring in the shootout of a 5-4 win there on February 25, 2012. The Flames have dropped six of seven games (1-4-2), and they’ve been shut out three times during that stretch. That includes back-to-back 2-0 defeats to Edmonton on Friday and two days later to Vancouver, managing just 18 shots versus the Canucks. Calgary has never been blanked in three straight games. Michael Cammalleri leads the Flames with 12 goals, but he’s scored just once in 12 home games despite taking 40 shots. He's failed to get on the scoresheet in three straight meetings with Philadelphia. Sean Monahan doesn't have a point in six games. The center, the sixth overall selection in June's draft, is third on the team with 10 goals, but has just one in the past six home contests. Calgary’s average of 2.36 goals on the season rank 25th.

Confirmed bets

New York Islanders @ Boston Bruins +5.5 (one unit @ $2.05) WIN (5-3)

Philadelphia Flyers WIN @ Calgary Flames (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (4-1)

Montreal Canadiens WIN @ Carolina Hurricanes (one unit @ $1.87) LOSE (4-5)

New York Rangers WIN @ Florida Panthers (one unit @ $1.83) WIN (2-1)

St Louis Blues WIN @ Minnesota Wild (one unit @ $1.74) WIN (2-1)

Buffalo Sabres @ Winnipeg Jets 1P -1.5 (one unit @ $1.74) WIN (0-1)

Leans

Pittsburgh Penguins @ New Jersey Devils -5 $2.11 WIN (1-2)

Los Angeles Kings WIN $2.08 @ Dallas Stars LOSE (2-3)

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Colorado Avalanche WIN $1.71 WIN (3-5)

San Jose Sharks @ Anaheim Ducks WIN $1.91 WIN (3-6)

Edmonton Oilers @ Phoenix Coyotes +5.5 $1.95 WIN (3-4)

NBA for January 1

Sacramento Kings (9-20, 3-9 away) @ Houston Rockets (21-12, 13-4 home), Toyota Center, Houston, TX, Wednesday, January 1, 11.10am

It wasn't long ago when newly acquired Rudy Gay (pictured) sparked a victory over the Houston Rockets in his home debut with Sacramento. The Kings will need Gay at his best to avoid a sixth loss in seven games away from home while the Rockets seek their 12th win in 14 home games. In his first home game after being acquired from Toronto, Gay walked off the court to a standing ovation after his 26 points led the Kings to a 106-91 victory over Houston on December 15. Gay is averaging 19.3 points in nine contests with the Kings after scoring 19.4 per game for Toronto, but he’s been far more efficient with a 48.1 field-goal percentage. He was shooting a career-worst 38.8 per cent in 18 games with the Raptors. With 24 points in a 112-104 loss at San Antonio on Sunday, Gay has scored at least 20 in four of six road games for the Kings. Sacramento has dropped five of those contests, however, and has a Western Conference-worst 3-9 road record.

Sacramento faces another difficult road test against the Rockets, who have won three straight and 10 of 12 meetings on their home floor. Houston, though, is hoping to regroup after having its three-game winning streak snapped with a 117-86 loss at Oklahoma City on Sunday. James Harden had a season-low eight points while missing 7 of 9 from the floor for the second time in three games. He twisted his ankle in the first matchup with the Kings but stayed in to finish with 25 points. In the most recent meeting with Sacramento in Houston, Harden scored 29 on 11-of-16 shooting with nine assists in a 121-100 win April 14. Dwight Howard also is coming off a subpar performance with nine points and nine rebounds Sunday, three days after finishing with two and six in a 100-92 win over Memphis. He is a doubtful starter here. Howard contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds in the first meeting, while DeMarcus Cousins finished with 21 points, 10 boards and five assists for Sacramento.

Confirmed bets

Atlanta Hawks +2.5 @ Boston Celtics (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (92-91)

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Indiana Pacers -13 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (76-91)

Sacramento Kings +9.5 @ Houston Rockets (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (110-106)

Portland Trail Blazers +6 @ Oklahoma City Thunder (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (98-94)

Leans

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Indiana Pacers -197.5 $1.91 WIN (76-91)

Golden State Warriors -6 @ Orlando Magic $1.91 WIN (94-81)

Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets -213 $1.91 LOSE (110-106)

Brooklyn Nets @ San Antonio Spurs -12 $1.91 WIN (92-113)

Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls +186 $1.91 LOSE (85-79)

Milwaukee Bucks @ Los Angeles Lakers +202 $1.91 LOSE (94-79)

College Football (late games) for January 1

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Rice Owls (10-3, 7-1 C-USA) v Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-6, 3-5 SEC), Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN, Wednesday, January 1, 8am

Rice picked up its first outright conference title since 1957 with a victory in the Conference-USA championship game and is headed to a bowl game in consecutive seasons for the second time in school history. The Owls’ reward for a strong season is a date with Mississippi State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The Bulldogs needed to pull out overtime victories in their final two games to gain bowl eligibility. Rice coach David Bailiff was named C-USA Coach of the year by his peers after guiding the Owls to the second 10-win season in school history and can set a record with an 11th triumph. Rice ended the season with four straight wins, including a 41-24 triumph over Marshall in the C-USA championship game, and will go after the Bulldogs defense with a strong running attack. Mississippi State endured a particularly brutal regular-season schedule and counts its six losses against ranked teams Oklahoma State, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Alabama. Quarterback Dak Prescott returned late in the season-ending win over rival Mississippi after a two-game absence due to a nerve injury in his non-throwing shoulder and should be healthy for the bowl game.

Confirmed bet

Rice Owls +7 v Mississippi State Bulldogs (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE (7-44)

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Duke Blue Devils (10-3, 6-2 ACC) v Texas A&M Aggies (8-4, 4-4 SEC), Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA, Wednesday, January 1, noon

Johnny Manziel could play his final collegiate game when Texas A&M meets Duke in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta. Manziel, who burst onto the scene to become the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012, finished fifth in the voting this season and said he will seek feedback from the NFL before declaring for the draft prior to the January 15 deadline. If Manziel learns he may not be selected in the first round, he said he would probably return to Texas A&M. Most of the current Blue Devils got their feet wet in the post-season with a 48-34 loss to Cincinnati in the 2012 Belk Bowl, but sharing the stage with the Aggies is a far bigger step. It is expected to be a high-scoring affair with the total betting line set at 73.5. Texas A&M is sixth in the nation in scoring at 43.6 points but 88th among the 123 FBS teams at 30.9 points allowed. Duke averages 31.6 points scored and 24.7 against, but struggled to stop the No. 2 scoring offence in its 45-7 loss to top-ranked Florida State in the ACC championship game on December 7.

Confirmed bet

Duke Blue Devils v Texas A&M Aggies +72 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (48-52)

Lean

Duke Blue Devils v Texas A&M Aggies -13.5 $1.91 LOSE (48-52)

College Football (early games) for January 1

AdvoCare V100 Bowl: Arizona Wildcats (7-5, 4-5 Pac-12) v Boston College Eagles (7-5, 4-4 ACC), Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA, Wednesday, January 1, 4.30am

All eyes will be on star running backs Andre Williams and Ka’Deem Carey as this match-up features two of the nation’s top rushing attacks. Williams, who rushed for a Boston College-record 2102 yards and 17 touchdowns, edged out Carey for the Doak Walker Award before finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. Carey, a two-time All-American, also had 17 touchdowns while ranking fifth behind Williams in FBS play with 1716 yards. The Wildcats had a somewhat awkward finish to the regular season, losing three of their last four but making the one win memorable, pounding then-No. 5 Oregon 42-16 on November 23. The luster of that victory was wiped away in a 58-21 loss to rival Arizona State the following week, which clinched the program’s 15th straight season with at least five losses. The Eagles used to make a living in bowl games, reaching 12 straight from 1999-2010 before two down years without an entry. The Wildcats are in a bowl game for the fifth time in the last six seasons. I really like the Eagles here – they won four straight down the stretch before dropping the season finale at Syracuse on a late touchdown.

Confirmed bet

Arizona Wildcats v Boston College Eagles +7.5 (one unit @ $1.83) LOSE (42-19)

Lean

Arizona Wildcats v Boston College Eagles +57 $1.91 WIN (42-19)

Hyundai Sun Bowl: Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4, 5-3 ACC) v 17 UCLA Bruins (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12), Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX, Wednesday, January 1, 6am

The Bruins, who play Virginia Tech here, have one of the top defensive ends in the nation in Anthony Barr and a talented sophomore quarterback in Brett Hundley, who must soon decide whether to enter the NFL Draft. But no player has generated more buzz than Myles Jack. The freshman linebacker added running back to his duties last month and totaled 267 yards and seven touchdowns in the final four games. The Hokies weren’t a strong ground team before losing leading rusher Trey Edmunds to a fractured right tibia in the regular-season finale against Virginia. Now they’ll have to lean on J.C. Coleman, who has carried the ball just 75 times for 262 yards this season, and possibly gamble with freshman Jerome Wright, who's yet to touch the ball. Virginia Tech is dealing with a handful of other injuries that could impact the game, most notably to cornerback Kyle Fuller. The Bruins are aiming for their first 10-win season since 2005, a year that also culminated with a victory in El Paso. Hundley has played a major role in UCLA’s outcomes this season, not only leading the Bruins in every passing category but also leading the team in rushing.

Confirmed bet

Virginia Tech Hokies v UCLA Bruins -7 (two units @ $1.87) WIN (12-42)

• Selections are listed in three categories – 1) Suggested (likely bet but yet to be finalised); 2) Confirmed (locked in at the price listed); and 3) Leans (tips, but not recommended bets); all times quoted are Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT); prices with thanks to Centrebet (except where markets are not available), correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for December 31

What’s on today

It’s New Year’s Eve in my half of the world so Happy New Year for 2014 folks, “May the best of your yesterdays be the worst of your tomorrows”; well, after a 6-1 run on the NFL and 5-0 on NHL, it can’t get much better! The line-up for today includes four College Bowls (two games are posted here, two to come), seven NBA games and four NHL games highlighted by the Kings’ trip to Chicago; there’ll be no racing tips tomorrow as I’m taking my 16-month-old son to the beach!! GL punters!

NHL for December 31

Los Angeles Kings (25-10-4, 54 points) @ Chicago Blackhawks (27-7-7, 61 points), United Center (pictured), Chicago, IL, Tuesday, December 31, 12.10pm

Only on the rare occasion do the Chicago Blackhawks fail to record at least a point. The same can be said of Patrick Kane. Kane puts his career-best 14-game point streak on the line here when the Blackhawks try to send the visiting Los Angeles Kings to their first three-game skid in nearly a year. The reigning Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks (27-7-7) are again among the league's elite, leading the Central Division and battling for the NHL’s best record. Chicago has lost just once in regulation in its last 11 games (7-1-3), including a 5-0-2 mark at home (where it hasn’t lost before overtime since December 3). A third straight victory was within their grasp Saturday in St Louis, but the Blackhawks squandered a two-goal lead in the final 3:51 of regulation before falling 6-5 in a shootout. Kane had a goal and an assist in Chicago’s second three-goal first period in two nights, while Patrick Sharp continued his torrid scoring with his 22nd goal. Kane hasn’t been held without a point since November 29, tallying eight goals and 17 assists during those 14 games.

Kane has recorded at least one point in 26 of 27 contests, including an assist in Chicago’s 3-1 victory over Los Angeles on November 25 in the teams’ first meeting since the Blackhawks eliminated the Kings in June in the Western Conference finals. Captain Jonathan Toews has three goals and 12 assists over his last 10 games. He also produces at a high rate at home against Los Angeles, collecting seven goals and 18 points in 15 contests. Of bigger concern now for the Kings is avoiding their first three-game skid since opening last season 0-2-1. Jeff Carter’s goal (his third in four games) with 37 seconds left Saturday in Nashville appeared to give the Kings at least a point, but the Predators’ Mike Fisher scored 10 seconds later for a 3-2 victory. One bright spot for the Kings was Anze Kopitar’s power-play goal, the team’s first in six games. Los Angeles, however, allowed an opponent to score on the man advantage for the third consecutive game. Ben Scrivens made 28 saves against Nashville in his first start since losing to the Blackhawks.

Confirmed bets

Los Angeles Kings @ Chicago Blackhawks WIN (one unit @ $1.68) WIN (0-1)

Detroit Red Wings @ Nashville Predators +5 (one unit @ $1.74) WIN (4-6)

Leans

Washington Capitals @ Ottawa Senators WIN $1.83 WIN (1-3)

Los Angeles Kings @ Chicago Blackhawks -5.5 $1.85 WIN (0-1)

Philadelphia Flyers @ Vancouver Canucks +5 $1.73 WIN (4-3)

NBA for December 31

Phoenix Suns (18-11, 7-7 away) @ Los Angeles Clippers (21-11, 13-2 home), STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA, Monday, December 31, 2.10pm

The presence of Chris Paul made the talented Eric Bledsoe (pictured) expendable in the Clippers’ backcourt, though a deal to ship him out of Los Angeles wasn’t without its obstacles. The Phoenix Suns are certainly glad it didn't fall apart. The Suns have been the NBA’s biggest surprise thus far largely thanks to Bledsoe, who returns to Staples Center to face his former team for the first time in a showdown between the Pacific Division’s top two teams. Los Angeles (21-11) dealt Bledsoe to Phoenix in a three-team deal while landing J.J. Redick and former Sun Jared Dudley. The trade almost didn’t go through, as it was reported that Clippers owner Donald Sterling, long a fan of Bledsoe, nearly vetoed the deal. But Sterling changed his mind, the trade went through and the Suns (18-11) have turned into a surprise contender. Phoenix has won nine of 11 after Saturday’s 115-101 victory over Philadelphia, and Bledsoe is leading the way for a Suns team that leads the league with 19.1 fast-break points per game. He's averaging 18.4 points, 5.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals – one of just four players in the league to hit those marks.

Paul is also playing at an incredible high level of late. After totaling 60 points, 27 assists and eight steals in back-to-back losses at Golden State and Portland, he finished an assist shy of a triple-double and had five steals in Saturday’s 98-90 win over Utah. All he wanted to talk about after the victory, though, was Blake Griffin. The Clippers' power forward had 40 points and 10 rebounds against the Jazz and has averaged 30.2 points on 55.0 percent shooting in his last five games. Griffin was held to a total of 21 points and 13 boards in the Clippers’ last two games against the Suns last season, including a 93-88 loss in Phoenix on January 24 that Paul missed with a bruised knee. Goran Dragic took advantage of Paul's absence, going for a game-high 24 points and eight assists, and along with Bledsoe this season, has been an instrumental part of Phoenix’s success. The Suns are 7-2 when Dragic, who’s averaging 18.1 points, scores 20 or more. Miles Plumlee had a career-high 22 points and 13 rebounds two games after going for 17 and 20 in a victory over the Lakers.

Confirmed bets

Chicago Bulls @ Memphis Grizzlies +179.5 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (95-91)
Miami Heat -2.5 @ Denver Nuggets (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (97-94)

Phoenix Suns +8 $1.91 @ Los Angeles Clippers (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (107-88)

Leans

Washington Wizards @ Detroit Pistons +202.5 $1.91 WIN (106-99)

Dallas Mavericks +4 $1.93 @ Minnesota Timberwolves WIN (100-98)

Portland Trail Blazers @ New Orleans Pelicans +2 $1.91 PUSH (108-110)

Charlotte Bobcats @ Utah Jazz -2 $1.91 WIN (80-83)

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Clippers -210 $1.91 WIN (107-88)

College Football (late games) for December 31

Valero Alamo Bowl: 10 Oregon Ducks (10-2, 7-2 Pac-12) v Texas Longhorns (8-4, 7-2 Big 12), Alamodome, San Antonio, TX, Tuesday, December 31

This might be Texas coach Mack Brown’s swan song with the Longhorns but the Oregon Ducks are deserved two-TD favourites to take out the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. Texas announced on December 14 that Brown will step down after 16 seasons, during which he has compiled a 158-47 record. Oregon went from national championship contender to having its streak of four straight BCS bowls snapped thanks to November losses at Stanford (26-20) and Arizona (42-16), but the Ducks say they won't lack motivation despite the lower-tier postseason invitation. The Ducks’ up-tempo spread offense is similar to the system employed by Baylor, which rolled up 508 total yards in a 30-10 win over the Longhorns in the regular-season finale. Texas will need defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year) to be a constant fixture in the backfield to disrupt Oregon's timing and give the Longhorns a chance to keep pace on the scoreboard. Even with former coach Chip Kelly now plying his trade in the NFL, the Ducks continue to put up prolific offensive numbers, ranking second in the nation in total yards (573.1) and third in scoring (46.8).

Confirmed bet

Oregon Ducks -14.5 v Texas Longhorns (one unit @ $1.87) WIN (30-7)

Lean

Oregon Ducks v Texas Longhorns -67.5 $1.91 WIN (30-7)

National University Holiday Bowl: 17 Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3, 8-1 Pac-12) v Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-5, 4-5 Big 12), Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA, Tuesday, December 31

The Rose Bowl was the preferred destination but Arizona State plans to take the National University Holiday Bowl seriously as it looks for the school’s first 11-win campaign since 1996. The Sun Devils had a seven-game winning streak snapped with a loss to Stanford in the Pac-12 title game but are rising under second-year coach Todd Graham. Texas Tech collapsed after a 7-0 start and is saddled with a five-game losing streak. Red Raiders quarterback Baker Mayfield (12 touchdown passes) decided to transfer in the second week of December so it appears Davis Webb will be the starter against the Sun Devils. Webb (16 TD passes) started five games this season and ended up with the same number of yards (2,315) and interceptions (nine) as Mayfield. Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said Michael Brewer (10 pass attempts) will compete with Webb for the starting role. The status of Arizona State running back Marion Grice (lower-leg injury) remains uncertain after he missed the past two games. The multi-purpose threat has rushed for 996 yards and 14 touchdowns and found the end zone six more times as a receiver. I suspect the Red Raiders will respond here in a genuine letdown spot for the Sun Devils.

Confirmed bet

Arizona State Sun Devils v Texas Tech Red Raiders +17 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (23-37)

Lean

Arizona State Sun Devils v Texas Tech Red Raiders -72 $1.91 WIN (23-37)

College Football (early games) for December 31

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (8-4, 6-2 C-USA) v Navy Midshipmen (8-4), Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX, Tuesday, December 31, 3.45am

Middle Tennessee finished the regular season with a flourish, cruising to five straight wins by scoring an average of 42.6 points. That streak earned the Blue Raiders a date with Navy in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. The Midshipmen crushed rival Army in their annual showdown on December 14 and enters bowl season with a four-game winning streak thanks to a dominating ground attack. Middle Tennessee doesn’t run it quite as much as Navy but can pile up yards on the ground behind Jordan Parker and Reggie Whatley, who combined for 1372 rushing yards in the regular season. Quarterback Logan Kilgore finished the season strong with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions during the season-ending winning streak for the Blue Raiders.  No team in college football throws it less than the Midshipmen, who dominate on the ground with a triple-option attack. Navy QB Keenan Reynolds averaged 10.1 pass attempts and 23.3 rushing attempts in guiding an offence that puts up an average of 34.3 points. Navy’s game plan has bamboozled opposition sides all season and despite the time the Blue Raiders have had to prepare, I like the Midshipmen to roll here.

Confirmed bet

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders v Navy Midshipmen -6.5 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (6-24)

Lean

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders v Navy Midshipmen -56.5 $1.91 WIN (6-24)


Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Ole Miss Rebels (7-5, 3-5 SEC) v Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-5, 5-3 ACC), LP Field, Nashville, TN, Tuesday, December 31, 7.15am

Two highly productive offences will be on display when Georgia Tech meets Mississippi in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in Nashville. The Yellow Jackets are fifth in the nation in rushing (311.7) with a variety of weapons and Ole Miss has shown a bit more balance with QB Bo Wallace throwing for 3090 yards and 17 touchdowns. Georgia Tech is 4-5 since beating Duke and North Carolina while the Rebels finished with two losses, but own solid victories over LSU and Texas. The key may be which defence can come up with a big play to turn the momentum. All-SEC defensive back Cody Prewitt has six interceptions for Ole Miss, including one each in the last two games, and Georgia Tech defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu is tied for second in the country in sacks with 12. Georgia Tech plays in a bowl game for the 17th straight season and is 23-18 overall after snapping a seven-game losing streak with a 21-7 victory over USC in last year’s Sun Bowl. The Rebels are 22-12, including wins in nine of their last 10 bowl games, and have split with the Yellow Jackets – winning the 1971 Peach Bowl and losing the 1953 Sugar Bowl.

Confirmed bet

Ole Miss Rebels WIN v Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (one unit @ $1.67) WIN (25-17)

• Selections are listed in three categories – 1) Suggested (likely bet but yet to be finalised); 2) Confirmed (locked in at the price listed); and 3) Leans (tips, but not recommended bets); all times quoted are Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT); prices with thanks to Centrebet (except where markets are not available), correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for December 30

What’s on today

It’s the final week in the NFL regular season with marquee match-ups all over the schedule; I have seven bets available and also recommend punters consider the Titans SU in a game the Texans have no interest in winning; it’s also a big night in the EPL with all eyes on Stamford Bridge where Chelsea will host Liverpool in the most anticipated match of the day; five NBA games are on the slate with Houston’s trip to Oklahoma City the trickiest on the card; a total of 10 NHL games are on offer, with the west coast clash between Anaheim and San Jose the pick of the day; GL punters!

Racing for December 30

Horse racing: Ararat (Vic – good 3), Coffs Harbour (NSW – good 3), Corowa (NSW – dead 4). Harness racing: Albion Park (Qld), Globe Derby (SA), Stawell (Vic), Parkes (NSW). Greyhound racing: Ballarat (Vic), Nowra (NSW), Cranbourne (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Angle Park (SA), Warrnambool (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Launceston (Tas), Albion Park (Qld), Mandurah (WA).

Technology doesn’t seem to assisting when it comes to the recent run of incorrect decisions made by Victorian race officials adjudging photo finishes. Racing Victoria (RV) stewards took the unprecedented decision to remove the judge from his duties at Saturday’s Mansfield picnic meeting after he posted the wrong result in a two-horse race. RV steward Peter Ryan, who chaired the meeting, stood down judge Shaun Quin after he declared Vixenite, the $1.24 favourite, the winner of the Mal Ryan and Glen Trophy (1100m) by a nose over The Blue Angel. Subsequent to correct weight being declared the photo finish operator approached the stewards regarding the result. After viewing the photo finish image stewards detected an error in the placings and removed Quin, appointing another steward to act as judge for the remaining three races. You only had one job …

Confirmed bets

Coffs Harbour R2 #4 Lucky Meteor (win) LOSE (U/P)

Coffs Harbour R4 #10 Lizards Lover (win) 1st ($1.40)

Corowa R7 #1 Game Of Shadows (win) 1st ($2.40)

Leans

Ararat R6 #7 Choisance (E/W 1x2) 2nd ($1.95)

Ararat R7 #5 Emdee (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Ararat R8 #2 Ardroy (E/W 1x2) 1st ($5.80/$2.00)

Coffs Harbour R5 #13 De Crillon (E/W 1x2) 1st ($10.10/$4.00)

Coffs Harbour R6 #2 Cultural (E/W 1x3) 3rd ($1.70)

Corowa R4 #4 Eklands (win) LOSE (3rd)

Corowa R6 #2 Talbanga (win) LOSE (4th)

NHL for December 30

Vancouver Canucks (22-11-6, 50 points) @ Calgary Flames (14-18-6, 34 points), Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada, Monday, December 30, 11.40am

An injury to goaltender Roberto Luongo has forced back-up Eddie Lack (pictured) into the starting role for the time being, and that’s quite all right with Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella. Lack looks to help Vancouver stay hot after a six-day break as it visits the slumping Calgary Flames. The Canucks (22-11-6) improved to 9-1-1 over their last 11 with a 2-1 victory over Winnipeg last Sunday, but Luongo exited toward the end of the first period with a lower-body injury. Lack entered and stopped 15 of 16 shots to earn the victory. Though Luongo went into that contest 5-1-1 with a 1.75 goals-against average over his previous seven starts, Lack appears ready to carry the load for as long as Luongo is out. The rookie is 6-2-0 with a 1.93 GAA in seven starts and four relief appearances. He’s 4-0-0 with a .955 save percentage this month. Lack will be returning to the site of his first career start. He made 32 saves before Mike Santorelli scored his second goal of the game in overtime to help the Canucks beat the Flames 5-4 on October 6.

Vancouver has won three straight meetings with the Flames (14-18-6), who are 1-3-2 over their last six after falling 2-0 to Edmonton on Friday. Calgary has split the first two on its five-game homestand. The Flames were shut out for the second time in their last five games after not being blanked at all through their first 33. Reto Berra stopped 26 of 27 shots, but again didn't receive much offensive support. He’s 2-3-0 over his last five starts despite a 1.79 GAA. Berra has started the last two, but Karri Ramo could get the nod against the Canucks. Ramo is 0-1-2 with a 3.26 GAA over his last three outings. Flames 19-year-old rookie Sean Monahan, who has no points in his last five but is tied for fourth on the team with 16, scored in the first meeting with Vancouver. I love the Canucks in this spot – they face a tough stretch after this game but will derive maximum benefit from almost a week’s rest. The SU price of $1.70 is excellent value too.

Confirmed bets

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Columbus Blue Jackets 1P +1.5 (one unit @ $2.00) WIN (1-1)

New York Rangers WIN @ Tampa Bay Lightning (one unit @ $1.95) WIN (4-3)

Montreal Canadiens @ Florida Panthers WIN (one unit @ $2.04) WIN (1-4)

Washington Capitals @ Buffalo Sabres -5.5 (one unit @ $1.79) WIN (1-2)

Vancouver Canucks WIN @ Calgary Flames (one unit @ $1.70) WIN (2-0) 

Leans

Winnipeg Jets @ Colorado Avalanche WIN $1.65 LOSE (2-1)

St Louis Blues WIN $2.05 @ Dallas Stars WIN (3-2)

Carolina Hurricanes @ Toronto Maple Leafs -5.5 $1.83 LOSE (2-5)

Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames -5.5 $1.72 WIN (2-0)

New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay Lightning -5 $2.10 LOSE (4-3)

New York Islanders @ Minnesota Wild +5 $1.72 WIN (5-4)
Anaheim Ducks WIN $2.35 @ San Jose Sharks LOSE (1-3)

NBA for December 30

Houston Rockets (21-11, 8-7 away) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (24-5, 13-1 home), Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK, Monday, December 30, 11.10am

There were plenty of frustrated NBA punters out there yesterday – this one included. Chris Bosh sinks the Blazers at the death; the Pacers cover the 13.5-point line by the minimum; the Wizards smash the Pistons; the Grizzlies pummel Denver and the Jazz cover against the Clippers. It’s character-building stuff, if nothing else! OK, back to the grind! The Houston Rockets' three-game win streak has coincided with James Harden’s return from a brief absence. He’ll try to keep the Rockets heading in the right direction against Oklahoma City. The Thunder managed to win their first game without star point guard Russell Westbrook but will have a more difficult challenge here. After missing two games with a sprained ankle, Harden has averaged 25.3 points (6.0 more than any other Rockets player) during his team’s winning streak. Houston (21-11) earned two of those wins over last season's Western Conference finalists before rallying for 107-98 victory against New Orleans on Saturday. The Rockets have been red-hot when playing back-to-back games, going 7-1 this season including wins over Portland and San Antonio.

Oklahoma City earned an 89-85 win in Charlotte on Friday day as Durant had 14 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 12 rebounds. The Thunder didn’t receive more than 12 points from any other player. Durant was held to 16 points on 4-of-13 shooting in his most recent regular-season matchup with Houston but averaged 32.5 in the playoff series. Including the postseason, the Thunder have won six of the last nine match-ups with the Rockets and seven of nine at home. To feed its desire to go deeper in the postseason, Houston signed Dwight Howard in the off-season, but Oklahoma City has been effective at shutting him down lately. He’s scored a combined 14 points on 4-of-14 shooting (28.6 per cent) in his last two match-ups. While hopefully getting a better performance from their big man, the Rockets will seek a season-high third straight road win here. Oklahoma City hasn’t dropped back-to-back regular-season games on its own floor since March 13-16, 2012, a skid that started with a one-point defeat to Houston.

Confirmed bets

Houston Rockets +4.5 @ Oklahoma City Thunder (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE (86-117)

Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers +7.5 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (108-104)

Philadelphia 76ers @ Los Angeles Lakers -215.5 $1.91 WIN (111-104)

Leans

Atlanta Hawks @ Orlando Magic +202 $1.91 WIN (102-109)

Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers +205 $1.91 WIN (108-104)

Sacramento Kings +12.5 $1.91 @ San Antonio Spurs WIN (102-112)

Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder -210 $1.91 WIN (86-117)

Philadelphia 76ers @ Los Angeles Lakers -7 (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE (111-104)

NFL (week 17) for December 30

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6, 5-2 away) @ Dallas Cowboys (8-7, 5-2 home), AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, Monday, December 30, 12.40pm

It’s the final week of the NFL regular season with numerous scenarios at play. Some sides are chasing playoff berths; others out to improve their playoff seeding or secure home-field advantage while for a handful, the end of the season can’t come quickly enough. Check the scenario for each match carefully – for instance, the Kansas City Chiefs have secured their playoff berth and cannot improve their finish so are expected to rest many of their starters while their opponents, San Diego, require victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. Then there sides like the Houston Texans, who have absolutely no interest in damaging their chances of securing the top pick in next year’s NFL Draft as they head to Tennessee as seven-point underdogs. The $1.33 on the Titans to win is as good as buying money. The other unique feature of this week’s games is number of games offering a line of a touchdown or more. With only one or two exceptions, I’m going to steer clear of most of them. Take Seattle for example – they’re in a must-win situation against an underrated Rams side while coming off a shock loss to Arizona. This has “bounceback” written all over it, but 11.5 is a big start.

For my best of the day, I’m going with the final game of the day and the battle for the NFC East title as the Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles. With QB Tony Romo watching from the sideline, the Cowboys will start veteran back-up Kyle Orton as they taking on second-year stud Nick Foles (pictured) and the explosive Eagles offence, with the winner earning a home playoff game next weekend. Philadelphia is relatively healthy and coming off arguably its best game of the season, while Dallas had lost four of six prior to last week's dramatic win over Washington. Dallas will also be without star linebacker Sean Lee. Without Romo, the Cowboys' offence will likely rely on DeMarco Murray, who has rushed for 439 yards and five touchdowns in his past four games Philadelphia owns the rare distinction of having the NFL's leader in passer rating (Foles, 118.8) and the league's top rusher (LeSean McCoy, 1,476), not to mention electric receiver DeSean Jackson and his career-high 79 catches for 1304 yards. Philadelphia has allowed 21 points or fewer in 10 of its last 11 games and, combined with their offensive clout, I’m expecting the Eagles to light up AT&T Stadium.

Confirmed bets

Philadelphia Eagles -7 @ Dallas Cowboys (one unit @ $1.91)

Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons -46 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (21-20)

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots -7 (one unit @ $1.95) WIN (20-34)

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans WIN (five units @ $1.33) WIN (10-16)

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins -41.5 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (20-7)

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers -44 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (7-20)

San Francisco 49ers WIN @ Arizona Cardinals (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (23-20)

Leans

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants WIN $1.60 WIN (6-20)

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals +43 $1.91 WIN (17-34)

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts -45 $1.91 WIN (10-30)

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings +51 $1.91 LOSE (13-14)

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers -7 $1.91 WIN (7-20)

Green Bay Packers WIN $1.65 @ Chicago Bears WIN (33-28)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +11 $1.95 @ New Orleans Saints LOSE (17-42)

Denver Broncos -10.5 $1.91 @ Oakland Raiders WIN (34-14)

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals -43 $1.91 PUSH (23-20)

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers +44.5 $1.91 WIN (24-27)

St Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks -43 $1.91 WIN (9-27)

EPL for December 30

Chelsea (11-4-3, 37 points) v Liverpool (11-3-4, 36 points), Stamford Bridge, London, England, Monday, December 30, 3am

The unpredictability of EPL games at this time of year was again underlined yesterday – when Hull City start winning games 6-0 (at odds of 1000-1), you know crazy things are happening! If nothing else, we’re assured a plenty of niggle as Luis Suarez and Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge for the match of the weekend. All cameras will be watching another battle between Suarez and Branislav Ivanovic (pictured), which could be just one of the highlights/lowlights of this clash. Suarez scored a second-half equaliser in both league meetings with Chelsea last season. In contrast, Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers are likely to play it clean as Rodgers was first youth, and then reserve-team manager, at Chelsea during Mourinho’s first stint at the Bridge. Rodgers' Liverpool side emerged with plenty of credit in their game at Manchester City but with no points, so avoiding defeat at Stamford Bridge is crucial.  Liverpool should be encouraged that they have lost just one of their last eight games against Chelsea, though they'd have preferred that defeat not to have been in the FA Cup final.

Scoring is Chelsea’s big difficulty. Samuel Eto’o has been putting in performances that add considerable weight to the theory that Didier Drogba, and not Eto’o, is the best striker Africa has ever produced, whilst Demba Ba continues to show why he’s being used sparingly. Between them, Chelsea's three strikers have scored five Premier League goals this season; that’s a total matched by Norwich’s Gary Hooper! Midfielder Ramires received his fifth yellow card of the season against Swansea and will serve a one-match suspension while Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to return in place of Ashley Cole and Fernando Torres could start. The Blues have only lost one of their last eight league games have kept two clean sheets in a row after achieving one in their previous 11. Mourinho’s stunning record (54 wins, no losses in 69 EPL matches as a manager) has to be respected but Liverpool have the firepower to end that run here. We’re getting a great price for the Reds to do so as well.

Confirmed bets

Chelsea v Liverpool BTS (two units @ $1.53) WIN (2-1)

Newcastle United v Arsenal +2.5 (one unit @ $1.67) LOSE (0-1)

Leans

Chelsea v Liverpool WIN $3.50 LOSE (2-1)

Everton v Southampton +2.5 $1.80 WIN (2-1)

Newcastle United v Arsenal WIN $2.05 WIN (0-1)

Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City BTS $1.91 LOSE (3-0)

• Selections are listed in three categories – 1) Suggested (likely bet but yet to be finalised); 2) Confirmed (locked in at the price listed); and 3) Leans (tips, but not recommended bets); all times quoted are Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT); prices with thanks to Centrebet (except where markets are not available), correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.