3-29-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hockey Crusher
Tampa Bay Lightning -115 over New Jersey Devils
(System Record: 37-3, lost last game)
Overall Record: 37-28-1

Basketball Crusher
Michigan +2 over Kansas
(System Record: 80-4, lost last game)
Overall Record: 80-59-4

Baseball Crusher
Chicago White Sox +110 over Milwaukee Brewers
(System Record: 1-0)
Overall Record: 1-0

Soccer Crusher
Colon + Tigres UNDER 2.5
This match is happening in Argentina
(System Record: 377-14, lost last 3 games)
Overall Record: 377-326-44

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Basketball Picks

Michigan State vs. Duke

The Blue Devils look to take advantage of a Michigan State is that is coming off a 70-48 win over Memphis and is 6-16-1 ATS in its last 23 games following a win by 20 points or more. Duke is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Devils favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Duke (-2). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST

Game 873-874: Oregon vs. Louisville (7:15 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 70.548; Louisville 79.845 Dunkel Line: Louisville by 9 1/2; 135 Vegas Line: Louisville by 11; 129 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+11); Over

Game 875-876: Michigan State vs. Duke (9:45 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 72.335; Duke 76.487 Dunkel Line: Duke by 4; 130 Vegas Line: Duke by 2; 134 Dunkel Pick: Duke (-2); Under

Game 877-878: Michigan at Kansas (7:37 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 68.777; Kansas 73.850 Dunkel Line: Kansas by 5; 133 Vegas Line: Kansas by 2; 136 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-2); Under

Game 879-880: Florida Gulf Coast vs. Florida (9:57 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida Gulf Coast 63.146; Florida 73.298 Dunkel Line: Florida by 10; 142 Vegas Line: Florida by 13; 136 Dunkel Pick: Florida Gulf Coast (+13); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

Oklahoma City at Minnesota

The Thunder look to build on their 10-2 ATS record in their last 12 games versus a team with a losing SU record. Oklahoma City is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 851-852: Washington at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington 116.899; Orlando 112.191 Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 4 1/2; 186 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 853-854: Philadelphia at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.165; Cleveland 116.592 Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 197 Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2; 193 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+2); Over

Game 855-856: Atlanta at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.017; Boston 122.651 Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 5 1/2; 191 Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 195 Dunkel Pick: Boston (-1 1/2); Under

Game 857-858: Toronto at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 108.752; Detroit 108.708 Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 209 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 859-860: Charlotte at New York (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 107.185; New York 125.288 Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 18; 206 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 861-862: Oklahoma City at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 127.069; Minnesota 116.468 Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 10 1/2; 200 Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 7 1/2; 203 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-7 1/2); Under

Game 863-864: Miami at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Miami 124.314; New Orleans 120.508 Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 4; 199 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 865-866: Houston at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston 116.861; Memphis 127.226 Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 10 1/2; 190 Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 5; 197 Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-5); Under

Game 867-868: LA Clippers at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 123.293; San Antonio 126.189 Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 3; 208 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 869-870: Brooklyn at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 118.251; Denver 132.427 Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 14; 201 Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6 1/2; 205 Dunkel Pick: Denver (-6 1/2); Under

Game 871-872: Utah at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah 117.965; Portland 120.710 Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 205 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NHL Picks

Anaheim at Chicago

The Blackhawks look to take advantage of an Anaheim team that is 3-7 in its last 10 games in Chicago. Chicago is the pick (-155) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-155). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Time Posted 8:30 a.m. EST

Game 51-52: New Jersey at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 10.608; Tampa Bay 11.771 Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-115); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-115); Under

Game 53-54: Minnesota at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 12.888; Dallas 10.660 Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-110); 5 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-110); Over

Game 55-56: Anaheim at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.360; Chicago 12.744 Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 4 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-155); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-155); Under

Game 57-58: Columbus at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.673; Calgary 10.941 Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 6 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Friday, March 29

NCAA tournament Midwest Regional: Semifinal betting previews

Louisville Cardinals vs. Oregon Ducks (+10, 129.5)

As impressive as Oregon was in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, the 12th-seeded Ducks will need to be even better when they face No. 1 seed Louisville in the Midwest Region semifinal Friday in Indianapolis. Oregon advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2007 after defeating No. 5 seed Oklahoma State and No. 4 seed Saint Louis last weekend in San Jose, but the Ducks committed a total of 36 turnovers in the two wins.

While the Ducks were able to overcome their high turnover numbers in the first two rounds, Louisville might not be so forgiving. The Cardinals, who routed 16th-seeded North Carolina A&T and No. 8 seed Colorado State in their first two games, uses a tenacious defense to force an average of 19 turnovers per game. Louisville is peaking at the right time with 12 straight wins, including a dominant 78-61 victory over Syracuse in the Big East title game on March 16.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, CBS

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (31-5, 22-14-0 ATS): The Cardinals are second in the nation in turnover margin (plus-6.3) and steals (11), and they’re facing an Oregon team that led the Pac-12 with 14.2 turnovers per game. Coach Rick Pitino compared Oregon’s up-tempo offense to Missouri, which lost 84-61 to the Cardinals on Nov. 23. The Cardinals’ backcourt of Russ Smith and Peyton Siva ranks among the best in the country, and Smith averaged 25 points and five steals in two games last weekend. Center Gorgui Dieng could play a key role in neutralizing Oregon senior forward Arsalan Kazemi.

ABOUT OREGON (28-8, 15-18-1 ATS): The Ducks have won five straight, including a win over UCLA in the Pac-12 tournament title game. If they can somehow limit their turnovers, the Ducks have the offensive firepower to make things interesting. Kazemi is averaging 16.5 rebounds in the tournament, and Oregon dominated the boards in its first two tournament games. Freshman guard Damyean Dotson averaged 20 points last weekend, when the Ducks made 16 of their 33 shots from 3-point range. The Ducks feature a balanced offense, with six players averaging at least eight points.

TRENDS:

* Ducks are 5-1 ATS in their last six non-conference games.
* Cardinals are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Ducks last five NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 7-3 in Cardinals last 10 NCAA tournament games.

TIP-INS:

1. Since the NCAA expanded to 64 teams in 1985, only one No. 12 seed — Missouri in 2002 — has advanced to the Elite Eight.

2. Pitino is 44-16 in the NCAA Tournament.

3. The winner advances to the Elite Eight on Sunday against second-seeded Duke or No. 3 seed Michigan State.


Michigan State Spartans vs. Duke Blue Devils (-2, 134.5)

Few teams have experienced more success in Indianapolis during NCAA Tournament play than Duke and Michigan State. Two of college basketball’s premier programs look to continue their incredible run in that city Friday when the second-seeded Blue Devils face third-seeded Michigan State in the Midwest Regional semifinals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Duke has won six of seven NCAA Tournament games in Indianapolis – including a pair of national championships in 1991 and 2010 – while Michigan State is 7-1 in such games, including its last national championship run in 2000.

The Blue Devils advanced to their 13th Sweet 16 in the last 16 years with Sunday’s 66-50 victory over Creighton, while Michigan State cruised to a 70-48 win over Memphis on Saturday for its 11th berth in the regional semifinals over the same span. The winner of this contest will meet top-seeded Louisville or No. 12 seed Oregon in the Elite Eight on Sunday.

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (27-8, 14-16-2 ATS): Keith Appling practiced Monday and “is going to be fine,” according to coach Tom Izzo, after injuring his left patellar tendon during the Spartans’ victory over Valparaiso and aggravating a shoulder injury against Memphis. Adreian Payne recorded his first double-double in the NCAA Tournament with 14 points and 10 rebounds against the Tigers. He also added a career-high five blocks, a single-game record by a Michigan State player in a NCAA Tournament game. Gary Harris’ 23 points Saturday were the most by a Spartans freshman in the Big Dance since Shawn Respert scored 27 against Cincinnati in 1992.

ABOUT DUKE (29-5, 18-16-0 ATS): Assistant Chris Collins will reportedly accept the coaching vacancy at Northwestern at the end of the season. On the court, Duke turned in its second-worst shooting performance of the season (38.8 percent) against the Bluejays, but held the country’s second-best shooting team to season lows in points and shooting percentage (30.2). Although freshman Amile Jefferson’s two-point, two-rebound performance in 11 minutes wasn’t particularly noteworthy, his defensive effort against All-American forward Doug McDermott – who finished 4-of-16 – played a key role the Blue Devils’ win. Mason Plumlee, Josh Hairston and Ryan Kelly all battled foul trouble. Duke secured its 2,000th victory Sunday, becoming the fourth team to accomplish the feat.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
* Blue Devils are 1-4 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games.
* Spartans are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games following a ATS win.

TIP-INS:

1. Duke is 7-1 against Michigan State under coach Mike Krzyzewski, the loss coming in the Sweet 16 in 2005.

2. The Spartans boast a plus-23 rebounding margin through two games in the NCAA Tournament (98-52)

3. The Blue Devils are one win from hitting 30 victories for the fourth time in the last five years, and for the 13th time under Krzyzewski.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Friday, March 29

NCAA tournament South Regional: Semifinal betting previews

Michigan Wolverines vs. Kansas Jayhawks (-2, 136)

Michigan makes its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 since 1994, taking on top-seeded Kansas on Friday in Arlington, Tex. The Jayhawks are no stranger to the second week, reaching the Sweet 16 for the seventh time in 10 seasons under coach Bill Self. The fourth-seeded Wolverines beat No. 13-seed South Dakota State (71-56) in the second round and fifth-seeded Virginia Commonwealth (78-53) in the third. The Jayhawks have had a more difficult time advancing. They beat 16th-seeded Western Kentucky in their opener (64-57) followed by a win against eighth-seeded North Carolina (70-58).

Kansas features four seniors in its starting lineup: center Jeff Withey, forward Kevin Young and guards Elijah Johnson and Travis Releford. By contrast, none of Michigan’s top nine scorers is a senior. The Wolverines don’t have a true center on their roster, so look for them to employ a combination of players against Withey, a skilled 7-footer. Mitch McGary, a 6-10 freshman who averages 18.4 minutes, will likely get the first shot.

TV: 7:47 p.m. ET, TBS.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (28-7, 16-16-1 ATS): Trey Burke has done some things in this tournament that he hasn’t done all season. In the opener against South Dakota State, the sophomore point guard and Big Ten Player of the Year scored in single digits for the first time this season, shooting a season-worst 2-for-12 and scoring six points in Auburn Hills, Mich. He came back with 18 points against VCU but committed a season-high seven turnovers. That number stood out even more because Burke is fourth in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.11).

ABOUT KANSAS (31-5, 20-15-0 ATS): The Jayhawks have their own budding superstar in freshman guard Ben McLemore, but he’s also struggling lately. He missed all nine field-goal attempts against North Carolina and scored a season-low two points. He nearly had as many turnovers (four) as field-goal attempts (five) against Western Kentucky and hasn’t reached his 15.8 scoring average in the last four games dating to the Big 12 tournament semifinals. McLemore is capable of going on scoring sprees, having notched 30 or more points three times this season.

TRENDS:

* Wolverines are 4-1 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games.
* Jayhawks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 vs. Big Ten.
* Over is 15-7-1 in Wolverines' last 23 non-conference games.
* Under is 23-11 in Jayhawks' last 34 non-conference games.

TIP-INS:

1. Kansas is 29-9 all-time as a No. 1 seed in the tournament, but 3-4 against the No. 4 seed.

2. Withey averages 16.5 points, 11 rebounds and 3.9 blocks, which ranks second in the nation.

3. The winner is guaranteed to play a Florida-based team for the first time this season, facing third-seeded Florida or 15-seeded Florida Gulf Coast in the Elite Eight.


Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. Florida Gators (-13, 135)

The NCAA could not have picked a more appropriate venue than Cowboys Stadium to host the South Regional of the NCAA Tournament. The home of America's team will become the domain for America's newest darlings when upstart Florida Gulf Coast plays in-state powerhouse Florida on Friday in Arlington, Tex. The Eagles became the first No. 15 seed in NCAA history to reach the Sweet 16 by blitzing No. 2 seed Georgetown and No. 7 San Diego State.

While Florida Gulf Coast has captivated the nation, the third-seeded Gators are flying under the radar with dominant wins over Northwestern State and Minnesota to reach the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season. Florida looked like the best team in the country earlier in the season, rolling off 10 straight wins with ease before struggling down the stretch. The Gators are no strangers to the NCAA's biggest stage, having won national championships in 2006 and 2007.

TV: 9:57 p.m. ET, TBS.

ABOUT FLORIDA GULF COAST (26-10, 6-0-0 ATS): The Eagles have appeared unflappable through two games, riding the wondrous skills of sophomore point guard Brett Comer, the all-around play of backourt mate Sherwood Brown - the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year - and some high-flying antics that have earned them the moniker "Dunk City." Bernard Thompson scored 23 points in both tournament wins as Florida Gulf Coast continues to bear little resemblance to the team that lost to Lipscomb (twice), East Tennessee State, Stetson and Maine. "They play with a swagger, and they have a right to do that," San Diego State coach Steve Fisher said.

ABOUT FLORIDA (28-7, 18-14-0 ATS): The Gators are well equipped to match up against the Eagles. Florida has a deep, experience lineup that features five players averaging between 12.8 and 9.2 points. Point guard Scottie Wilbekin is joined in the backcourt by 2,000-point scorer Kenny Boynton and Mike Rosario, who had a career-best 25 points against Minnesota. Forward Erik Murphy provides punch inside, averaging 16.5 points and shooting 72.2 percent in the tournament. Florida thrives on defense, having held 24 opponents under 60 points and limiting 13 to fewer than 50. Finally, coach Billy Donovan knows a little about the dangers of a Cinderella squad. He played point guard and led Providence to the Final Four in 1987.

TRENDS:

* Eagles are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Gators are 18-5 ATS in their last 23 NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 5-2 in Eagles' last seven overall.
* Over is 13-5 in Gators' last 18 NCAA Tournament games.

TIP-INS:

1. Florida, one of four programs to reach the Sweet 16 the past three seasons, is 5-1 in regional semifinals under Donovan.

2. Florida Gulf Coast joined the Atlantic Sun in 2007, and this season marked only its second year of eligibility for Division I postseason play.

3. Donovan is one of only four men (Dean Smith, Joe B. Hall and Bobby Knight) to appear in a Final Four as a player and win an NCAA title as a coach.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Friday, March 29

Where the action is: Friday's Sweet 16 dogs drawing bets

The second slate of Sweet 16 games Friday is a little more wide open compared to Thursday’s spreads. Teams like Oregon and Florida Gulf Coast are getting double-digits from the oddsmakers, but that isn't scaring off bettors.

We talk with Bert Osborne, sportsbook manager at South Point in Las Vegas, and Michael Stewart, oddsmaker for CarbonSports.ag, about the betting action heading into Friday’s regional semifinal games:

Louisville Cardinals vs. Oregon Ducks – Open: +9.5, Move: +10

The early money on the spread has bumped this No. 1 vs. No. 12 matchup to double digits. But since the move, books have taken two-way action, even seeing a slight lean toward the upstart Ducks in terms of parlay action. The total has also been adjusted, jumping from 127.5 point to 130.

“They pushed it up from the original number,” says Osborne. “We had some sharp money come in this morning and drive this one up.”

Michigan Wolverines vs. Kansas Jayhawks – Open: -2.5, Move: -1.5, Move: -2

With two big-name programs involved, the public money will likely be split between Michigan and Kansas. Osborne says, depending on where the wiseguys go, there could be a hook come tipoff.

“These are heavyweights. And sometimes people don’t know who to bet and they’d rather sit back and watch this one,” he says.

CarbonSports.ag is seeing more money coming back on Michigan and could drop this spread again by Friday night.

"If anything, I can see us going back to Kansas -1.5 as more money is starting to show for the dog in this game," says Stewart.

Action on the total has also been split, with the number moving up as high as 136.5.

"We've seen more over money on this game, but not enough to move off our number," adds Stewart. "As we get closer to game time and the public starts betting more on the over, I can see us going higher."

Michigan State Spartans vs. Duke Blue Devils – Open: -1, Move: -2

Duke opened only briefly as a 1-point favorite for this regional semifinal showdown. Sharp money jumped on the Blue Devils and bumped the spread to -2, which is drawing good two-way money heading towards Friday.

“It’s dead even right now,” says Osborne. “It’s like Democrats and Republicans. There’s a strong opinion for MSU and a strong opinion for Duke.”

The total has moved slightly from 133.5 to 134 points.

"We opened 134 and while 70 percent of the action is on the under, we believe we'll see over money being bet on this game as we get closer to game time," says Stewart.

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. Florida Gators – Open: -11.5, Move: -13

While sharp money pushed this spread to as high as -13, Osborne says the public is backing the Cinderella Eagles in this Sweet 16 game. Osborne moved to Florida -13 but thought it was too high, he’s also brought FGCU’s moneyline odds down, not wanting to risk another shocker from the Eagles.

“Last Sunday, the dogs went 5-3 but for us they really went 4-4 because the public was all over Florida Gulf Coast like it was a favorite,” says Osborne. “And they’re on them for this game as well. And they’re really whacking the moneyline.”

CarbonSports.ag watched wiseguys push Florida as high as -13.5 before settling back down to -13. Stewart also expects the public to pour in on the No. 15 seed FGCU on Friday.

"We're back to Florida -13 as 60 percent of the action is on them," he says. "It's a game where the public is all over the underdog and the wiseguys are pounding the favorite."

The total for this game has climbed from 132.5 to 135 points.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BEN BURNS
Oregon vs. Louisville (NCAAB) - 7:15 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Total: Under 129.5 /-110 Play Title: Total of the Year

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DAVID CHAN
30-16 NBA RUN

10* Denver -6.5 over Brooklyn

10* Cleveland +2 over Philadelphia

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DAVID CHAN
CBB

Oregon vs. Louisville - March 29, 2013 - 7:15 PM
Pick: Louisville -9.5 -115

CHAN'S **10** Oregon/Louisville SUPER-BLOWOUT
This is a 10* play on Louisville. Oregon is going to face its toughest test of the year here, and I simply feel that Louisville's dominant defensive play will prove to be too much for the Ducks (the Cardinals forced the Rams into a season high 20 turnovers, and out-rebounded them 29-24). I'm laying the points!

NCAAB 1st Half: Michigan vs Kansas - March 29, 2013 - 7:37 PM
Pick: Kansas -1 -110

This is a "FIRST HALF NO-LIMIT" on Kansas.
David Chan is constantly "looking ahead" for the best possible lines he can find for his customers; often he'll come across a situation that he feels offers fantastic value and will release that selection "early". That is the case here. Expect the analysis to be posted for this pick shortly.

Florida Gulf Coast vs. Florida - March 29, 2013 - 9:57 PM
Pick: Florida -13 -106

This is a "BLOOD-BATH" on Florida.
David Chan is constantly "looking ahead" for the best possible lines he can find for his customers; often he'll come across a situation that he feels offers fantastic value and will release that selection "early". That is the case here. Expect the analysis to be posted for this pick shortly.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Don Best Consensus

Heat at Hornets
Pick: Over

The over is 7-1 in Miami's last 8 games vs. Western Conference opponents. The over is 6-2 in the Hornets' last 8 games vs. Eastern Conference opponents, 11-4 in the Hornets' last 15 Friday games. The over is also 7-2 in the last 9 meetings between these two teams in New Orleans. Play Miami-New Orleans Over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Friday, March 29

Clippers at Spurs: What bettors need to know

Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-5.5, 199)

It's starting to look as though the road to the NBA Finals will go through San Antonio, and the Los Angeles Clippers will get a taste of what that entails when they travel to face the Spurs on Friday. San Antonio sits atop the Western Conference with a 1 1/2-game cushion over Oklahoma City in large part because of a 31-4 mark at home, where the Spurs have won six straight.

The Clippers have had the Spurs' number lately, winning their last three games in San Antonio and holding a 2-1 edge in the season series. They could use a win to preserve their No. 3 spot in the West, as Denver is only a 1/2 game behind Los Angeles and Memphis is 1 1/2 back. A win would also give the Clippers a franchise record, surpassing their 49 victories in 1974-75.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), Fox Sports Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (49-23): Los Angeles is enjoying the best season in franchise history and its magic number to clinch its first division title is two, but the Clippers have been up and down a bit lately. They're coming off a 105-91 win at New Orleans but are just 6-5 in their last 11 after winning eight of their previous nine. "It's all about improving throughout the season," coach Vinny Del Negro told the team's website. "I expect a lot from this team, but more importantly they expect a lot from themselves. We just want to play as consistently as possible."

ABOUT THE SPURS (54-17): If San Antonio is going to clinch the top seed in the playoffs, it won't come easily. Of the Spurs' remaining 12 games, eight are against teams in position to make the playoffs. "We've got some really tough games this part of the schedule down the stretch here," veteran forward Tim Duncan told reporters. "It's going to be tough for us, so we need to win every one we can get." They've had to scratch and claw to win two of their last three with an overtime victory over Utah and a 100-99 win over Denver sandwiched around a one-point loss at Houston.

TRENDS:

* Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.
* Spurs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Clippers’ last five overall.
* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Duncan is averaging 20 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in March.

2. Clippers C DeAndre Jordan is shooting 83.9 percent (47-for-56) from the field in the month of March. He has made 15 consecutive field goals.

3. Spurs PG Tony Parker, who is questionable with a sprained finger, has scored in double figures in a career-high 53 consecutive games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Friday, March 29

The biggest Stanley Cup futures moves this season

If you haven't been watching the NHL over the past few days you might want to start. There is a playoff intensity in the air with only a dozen or so games left on the schedule for most squads and 14 teams in each conference still very much in the playoff hunt.

With the playoffs on the horizon, let's review the biggest Stanley Cup moves this shortened season at online sportsbook William Hill. Odds reflect where they stood before the first game of the year to where they sit Thursday, March 29.

Favorites:
Chicago Blackhawks 12-1 to 9-2
Pittsburgh Penguins 7-1 to 5-1
Boston Bruins 16-1 to 15-2

Biggest moves up:
Columbus Blue Jackets 150-1 to 66-1
Montreal Canadiens 50-1 to 10-1
Anaheim Ducks 40-1 to 10-1
Minnesota Wild 25-1 to 12-1

Biggest moves down:
Florida Panthers 50-1 to 750-1
Colorado Avalanche 66-1 to 500-1
Buffalo Sabres 25-1 to 125-1
Calgary Flames 66-1 to 150-1
Tampa Bay Lightning 25 to 1 to 100-1
Philadelphia Flyers 14-1 to 66-1
Edmonton Oilers 40-1 to 80-1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

5Lines

Total Line for 03/29/2013
(Won last 7 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
NBA - Boston Celtics : u194.5
Cost: -110

Run Line for 03/29/2013
(Lost last 4 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
NBA - Boston Celtics : -1.5
Cost: -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CAPPERS ACCESS

Michigan
Duke