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Pacers at Heat: What bettors need to know
Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat (OFF)
The Indiana Pacers had little trouble beating the defending champion Miami Heat at home last week. The Pacers will attempt to prove they can do the same on the road when they visit the Heat on Wednesday. Indiana suffered its first home loss on Monday but still owns the top record in the Eastern Conference by two games over Miami, which will bring an 11-2 home record and the memory of a Game 7 win in the Eastern Conference finals into the meeting.
Homecourt advantage played a big role in the series between the Heat and the Pacers last spring, with the home team winning each of the final four games. One key to those games - and most games - for Miami was reigning MVP LeBron James, who will be a game-time decision after missing practice on Tuesday with a sprained left ankle. “Treatment was better,” coach Eric Spoelstra told reporters. “It’s not the first time he’s gone through it with that ankle. “A lot of treatment (Tuesday), a lot of rest, and we’ll see how he feels (Wednesday).”
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Indiana, Sun Sports (Miami)
LINE: The line and the total are currently off the board.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Indiana (-14.3) - Miami (-14.5) + home court (-3) = Miami -3.2
ABOUT THE PACERS (20-4, 16-8 ATS): Indiana may have gotten caught looking ahead in Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, when Roy Hibbert (2-for-12) and Paul George (4-for-14) suffered through sub-par efforts in a 101-96 setback. The Pacers have not won a regular-season game in Miami since Nov. 2010, but offer matchup advantages over the Heat with Hibbert, George and David West going up against a smaller front line. “Just going to do what I always do,” Hibbert said. “Try to play aggressive on the offensive end, clog up the paint and guard shooters.”
ABOUT THE HEAT (18-6, 12-12 ATS): Miami’s 90-84 loss at Indiana marked its lowest point total of the season and James was limited to 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting. James, who averaged 27.5 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in the Heat’s last two games, is taking the long-term view on his ankle injury and is not ready to declare the meeting with the Pacers as a pivotal contest. “I’m going to sit if I’m not feeling comfortable,” James told reporters. “It doesn’t matter who we are playing. Obviously, if it was a playoff game, I would play. We are a long-term team, and I am a long-term player.”
TRENDS:
* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Pacers are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 4-0 in the Heat's last four games versus a team with a winning SU record.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The loss to Indiana marked the only time in the last five games that James did not shoot at least 66.7 percent from the field.
2. Pacers F Danny Granger (calf) is expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Houston Rockets.
3. Indiana F Lance Stephenson put up a career-high 23 points on Monday and is averaging 21.5 on 64.3 percent shooting in the last two games. -
Texas at North Carolina: What bettors need to know
Texas Longhorns at North Carolina Tar Heels (-10.5, OFF)
North Carolina moves on from its latest upset victory to face another solid squad when it hosts Texas on Wednesday. The No. 18 Tar Heels defeated Kentucky last Saturday, adding more punch to a resume that includes victories over national powers Michigan State and Louisville. The Longhorns have won five consecutive games and a win would give them the program’s best start since the 2009-10 squad won their first 17 games.
Texas defeated the Tar Heels last season and recording a win at North Carolina would provide the type of signature victory the Longhorns need with a date against Michigan State looming. “When you talk about building resumes, this is where that comes in,” Texas coach Rick Barnes said. “This is a tough opponent, tough place to play, and then we come home and have a tough one.” North Carolina has been receiving stellar play from sophomore guard Marcus Paige, who scored 23 points against Kentucky to raise his season average to a team-leading 19.2.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
LINE: The Tar Heels opened as 10.5-point faves. The total is currently off the board.
ABOUT TEXAS (9-1, 4-3 ATS): Sophomore center Cameron Ridley scored a career-best 22 points in last Saturday’s victory over Texas State and also grabbed 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the campaign. Ridley is averaging 10.3 points and 7.8 rebounds to go with a team-high 29 blocked shots. “There are a lot of improvements,” Barnes said. “He is in much better shape, he is continuing to grow, he has really worked hard and he is just a totally different player. This is a totally improved team and he has got a lot to do with it.”
ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (7-2, 6-3 ATS): Embattled forward James Michael McAdoo had a splendid outing against Kentucky with 20 points and five rebounds. The junior is averaging 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds and is handling the weight of expectations much better than he did earlier in his career. “I mean that’s just a part of the game I play,” McAdoo said. “It’s not something that I enjoy, but it comes with the title. It’s all good, though. It’s just fuel to my fire.”
TRENDS:
* Texas is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* North Carolina is 5-1 in its last six games overall.
TIP-INS:
1. Texas has won five of the last six meetings and holds a 5-3 series edge.
2. Longhorns freshman PG Isaiah Taylor has four times as many assists as turnovers (20 to 5) over the past four games.
3. Paige has made 21 of North Carolina’s 25 3-point baskets.Comment
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Exposing the Top 25: Where the NCAAB polls went wrong
By JESSE SCHULE
Each week throughout the college basketball season, Covers Expert Jesse Schule will dissect the new Top 25 rankings, looking for betting value. He'll showcase the most overrated team, along with the most underrated ranked team, and an unranked squad that he feels should be in the Top 25.
Most Underrated Top 25 Team: Villanova Wildcats (10-0 SU, 7-1-0 ATS)
The Wildcats shocked then No. 2 Kansas at the end of November and followed up with another upset over Iowa the next day. After a 73-52 home win over La Salle on Sunday, they move to 10-0 to start the season. They have won their last three games versus unranked opponents by an average margin of 21 points.
The Wildcats have been kind to their backers, covering the points in seven of eight contests this year. Villanova will face a tough challenge when they visit No. 2 ranked Syracuse on the 28th of December.
Most Overrated Top 25 Team: Kansas Jayhawks (7-3 SU, 4-6 ATS)
The might have Andrew Wiggins, but the Jayhawks have already been upset twice by unranked opponents, and lost on the road to No. 19 Florida. Their three losses gives them the lowest winning percentage of any of the Top 25 teams, and make them one of just two ranked teams with more than two losses.
Wiggins can't be blamed for the loss at Florida, with 26 points, 11 rebounds and a pair of blocks in a losing effort. He needs more help from his teammates, and that was never more clear than during a 21-0 Gators run, when Wiggins went over five minutes without a single touch. The schedule doesn't get any easier for Kansas, with their next game against Georgetown and then hosting San Diego State in the first week of January.
Unranked Team That Should Be Ranked: Pittsburgh Panthers (10-0 SU, 3-5 ATS)
The Panthers are still undefeated with a 10-0 record, but have yet to face a ranked team. They face a tough Cincinnati team at a neutral site Tuesday night and they are being asked to cover a 5.5-point spread. A win tonight would almost surely push them into the Top 25 next week.Comment
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NBA Top 4: Bad teams providing good value
When it comes to mining for NBA gold, some of the worst SU teams have provided the strongest value.
As oddsmakers continue to punish the East for being miles behind its West counterpart, the weaker conference actually houses some of the strongest ATS bets through the opening quarter of the season. And one rather well-known Western Conference team has fared well ATS despite opening without its biggest star.
Here are four teams that have been decidedly kinder to bettors than they have to their own fans:
Charlotte Bobcats (10-14 SU, 14-9-1 ATS)
Charlotte has actually been decent - by Bobcats standards, at least - as it looks to turn things around following last season's 21-61 debacle. The Bobcats have shown a keen ability to stay in games this year, which explains why they have one of the conference's best ATS records despite being well below .500. The main reason for Charlotte's success: a stifling defense allowing the third-fewest points in the league (92.5) entering Tuesday's action. Not surprisingly, that has also made the Bobcats one of the best "under" plays of the year (7-16-1 O/U).
Boston Celtics (12-14 SU, 15-11 ATS)
The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics may not be the powerhouse unit of years gone by, but they're using many of the same tactics to thrive. Boston has defended all areas of the court well, but has been particularly stingy beyond the arc, limiting opponents to a league-worst 32.2-percent success rate. The Celtics have struggled on the offensive end, but some of those problems should disappear with the return of injured point guard Rajon Rondo. Unfortunately, the odds will likely be adjusted to reflect that - making Boston a less solid ATS play.
Washington Wizards (10-13 SU, 13-10 ATS)
While Charlotte and Boston have provided ATS value with strong defensive play, the Wizards are in the mix thanks to a surprisingly potent offense. Led by electrifying point guard John Wall, the Wizards are averaging 98.3 points per night - more than five points ahead of last year's mark - and have been one of the deadliest teams from long range, hitting 38.4 percent of their 3-point attempts. That hot shooting has enabled the Wizards to keep pace with favored teams - particularly of late, as they're 3-1 ATS in their last four games as an underdog.
Los Angeles Lakers (11-13 SU, 13-10-1 ATS)
Mike D'Antoni may not earn any Coach of the Year votes at season's end, but his ability to keep the Lakers semi-competitive despite being without injured star Kobe Bryant and fellow aging guard Steve Nash has been impressive. Los Angeles found a way to remain offensively efficient in Bryant's absence - averaging better than 100 points per game - and that has made the Lakers a tough out. Yet, with Bryant back in the fold, the Lakers have actually begun to lose value - going 1-4 ATS - as oddsmakers account for Los Angeles' perceived improvement with him in the lineup.Comment
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POINTWISE
PRO BASKETBALL
♦♦♦♦ (7:05) Indiana Pacers 98 - MIAMI HEAT 97 (ESPN)
♦ (7:05) ORLANDO MAGIC 106 - Utah Jazz 93
(7:05) Charlotte Bobcats 95 - TORONTO RAPTORS 91
♦ (7:35) Sacramento Kings 102 - ATLANTA HAWKS 98
(7:35) BOSTON CELTICS 96 - Detroit Pistons 89
(7:35) BROOKLYN NETS 100 - Washington Wizards 91
♦♦♦ (8:05) New York Knicks 102 - MILWAUKEE BUCKS 95
(8:05) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 95 - Portland 94
(8:35) DALLAS MAVERICKS 103 - Memphis Grizzlies 98
(9:05) San Antonio Spurs 97 - PHOENIX SUNS 94
(9:35) HOUSTON ROCKETS 104 - Chicago 99 (ESPN)
(10:35) LA CLIPPERS 108 - New Orleans Pelicans 100
BEST BETS
INDIANA (4)
NEW YORK (3)
ORLANDO
SACRAMENTOComment
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THE GOLD SHEET
★★★ KEY RELEASE ★★★
CHARLOTTE by 5 over Toronto (Wednesday, Dec. 18)
MIAMI 97 - Indiana 87—Quick turnaround from last Tuesday’s Round One
at Indy when Pacers prevailed 90-84. Miami (last in rebounding) having more
and more problems dealing with Indiana C Roy Hibbert, who scored a gamehigh
24 in that Pacers’ win. And the Hibbert-David West frontline tandem has
been an awkward matchup for Miami in recent meetings. But with likely playofflike
intensity at AmericanAirlines Arena, expect a championship-level
performance from Heat, and for LeBron to fare better than his 6 for 16 FG
shooting in the first meeting. Miami also likely to do better than the poor 4-for-
21 shooting beyond the arc that proved costly last week. 13-IND -3' 90-84
(191); 12-IND +2 87-77 (187), IND +2 102-89 (184), MIA -7 105-91 (188), MIA
-8' 103-102 (OT-182), Ind +7' 97-93 (181), Mia -1' 114-96 (182), IND +2' 99-92
(185), MIA -7' 90-79 (185), IND +2' 91-77 (183), MIA -7 99-76 (181) TV—ESPN
ORLANDO 99 - Utah 93—The old “C & D Theory” should maybe be
amended the “D & D Theory” with these two stragglers. Not terribly interested
in the thought of laying any points with Orlando side that is just 1-3 in
unaccustomed chalk role and that had lost 6 in a row SU prior to win at Charlotte
on Dec. 10. But Utah not a much better alternative, and recent Jazz romp at
Sacto on Dec. 11 had more to do with Kings’ lineup jumbling in wake of the Rudy
Gay trade (Gay didn’t even suit up for that game). Jazz only have 2 SU wins on
road, and Magic close to full strength with C Nikola Vucevic available again. 12-
UTAH -8' 87-81 (196), Utah +1 97-93 (188)
★★★ Charlotte 95 - TORONTO 90—Toronto looking for a little payback after
2-point loss at the Cable Box back on Nov. 6 when Bobcat G Gerald Henderson
(scored 23) was the star of the game. But not sure what to make of Raptors
following their decision to begin cleaning house in the middle of the season, with
high-scoring Rudy Gay sent to Sacto and rumors that G Kyle Lowry is the next
to go. We’ve at least got an idea who will be on the floor for Bobcats, who have
covered 5 of their last 6 thru Dec. 12 and were a sparkling 7-1 vs. the line as a
road dog prior to facing Pacers at Indianapolis on Dec. 13. 13-CHA +2' 92-90
(187); 12-CHA -2' 98-97 (192), TOR -8 99-78 (195), TOR -12' 92-78 (194), CHA
+6' 107-101 (195)
ATLANTA 107 - Sacramento 95—Advantage Atlanta, which has won and
covered last three meetings vs. Sacto including 105-100 success at Sleep Train
on Nov. 5, when Hawk frontliners Al Horford and Paul Millsap combined for 52
points and mostly dominated proceedings. Not sure what to make of “new look”
Kings with Rudy Gay now in tow, but as mentioned earlier, we’re reluctant to
anticipate any immediate Sacto upgrade, as chemistry issues on team were not
the best prior to Gay’s arrival. Besides, Gay’s presence will not help vs. Millsap
and Horford, who still figure a difficult matchup for Kings. 13-Atl +2 105-100
(201); 12-Atl -2 112-96 (189), ATL -8 122-108 (205)
Detroit 96 - BOSTON 90—Boston hanging in there in Atlantic Division race
mostly because all of the other contenders have had their problems. But even
when Celtics had a more veteran look about themselves a year ago, they had
problems vs. Pistons, who have stretched cover streak in series to four straight
after 10-point win on Nov. 3 at Auburn Hills. Streaky Detroit in a mini-slump in
mid-December with three SU and spread losses in a row thru Dec. 12. But
matchups in paint still problematic for Boston, which has its hands full with
Detroit bigs Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond, while ex-Hawk Josh Smith has
had big games in the past vs. Celtics. Trust series trends to continue. 13-DET
-9 87-77 (193); 12-DET +4 103-83 (190), DET +2 103-88 (185), BOS -7 98-93 (197)
Washington 94 - BROOKLYN 91—Wizards scored comeback win vs. Nets
back on Nov. 8 in D.C., erasing an 11-point deficit in last 4½ minutes of
regulation to force OT, and then winning in the extra session. Nets were at full
strength at that point, too, and recently-returned starters Paul Pierce & Deron
Williams combined for just 18 points on 6 of 19 FG shooting, although it was
now-injured Wizards G Bradley Beal who made the different that night with 29
points. Washington has coped with Beal’s absence, although Wizards were
also down Nene and Martell Webster in Dec. 9 home loss to Nuggets.
Assuming those two have returned to active duty, prefer Washington, as we are
yet to be sold on Brooklyn’s resurgence after two wins over modest Bucks and
Celtics. Also note Wizards continuing to work on defensive end, reflected in 9-
5 “under” mark last 14 thru Dec. 12. 13-WA +2 112-108 (OT-198); 12-Bro -6
115-113 (2OT-183), WA -1' 89-74 (188), BR -6 95-78 (182), BRO -4 106-101 (190)
New York 97 - MILWAUKEE 86—The schizophrenic pattern of New York
aside, we still might want to take a chance with Knicks against a lowly
Milwaukee side that Mike Woodson’s team already defeated by 7 back on
opening night. Not much has gone right for either team since, although much
of Knicks’ problems can be traced to Tyson Chandler’s injury, robbing Woodson
of a rim protector. Milwaukee also down a key frontliner (Larry Sanders), but
Bucks’ lack of firepower has been acute all season. With 2-9 spread mark at
Bradley Center, punchless Bucks cannot be trusted. And several recent efforts
are evidence enough that Knicks can extend margin and add to N.Y.’s recent
series edge (Knicks 4-0 SU vs. Milwaukee last 1+, all wins by 7 or more). 13-NY -8
90-83 (196); 12-Ny -2' 102-88 (202), NY -5 96-86 (205), NY -7' 101-83 (202)
Portland 103 - MINNESOTA 95—First chance for these two to meet this
season. But need some good reasons to buck Portland, 9-2 vs. line on road thru
Dec. 13. And second night of back-to-back scenario no negative thus far for
Blazers, who are 5-1 vs. the points in role. Addition of Robin Lopez to Portland
frontline provides size and toughness to negate T-wolves Kevin Love and Nikola
Pekovic. 12-POR -1' 103-95 (197), Por +6' 102-97 (191), Por +3' 100-98 (193),
POR -8' 109-94 (198)
DALLAS 98 - Memphis 97—Memphis played last night at home against the
Lakers, but the Grizzlies have been a very reliable play on the road in 2nd night
of back-to-back games, going 27-12 vs. the points the last 3+ seasons.
Grizzlies have played Dallas on even terms at American Airlines Arena the last
few seasons, splitting the last six there SU and vs. the points. Memphis 7-3 SU
last 10 in series. 13-DAL -2' 111-99 (194); 12-MEM -10' 92-82 (189), DAL +1'
104-83 (188), MEM -7' 90-84 (188), Mem -4 103-97 (186)
San Antonio 113 - PHOENIX 102—Phoenix gave S.A. a scare back on Nov.
6, when the Suns pushed the defending Western champs to the limit in a 99-96
Spur win in San Antonio. That was the Suns' 2nd straight cover vs.the Spurs,
and they're now 3-1 as a home dog prior to hosting Golden State Sunday. Suns
out-rebounded and out-shot the Spurs in first clash, but not sure that will happen
again (especially if S.A. coming off a loss at the Clippers). 13-SAN -13' 99-96
(198); 12-SAN -9' 108-99 (200), San -9 97-87 (200), Pho +16 105-101 (OT-198)
HOUSTON 101 - Chicago 90—Houston a reliable 50-36 against the points
the last 2+ seasons at home, and Chicago has been lost at sea since knee injury
to talisman G Derrick Rose. Bulls have been playing some reliable defense for
HC Tom Thibodeau, holding 7 of last 8 foes below 100 and giving up just 85 ppg
in last 4 through Dec. 12, but Dwight Howard will make easy putbacks difficult
for Chicago's Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer. 12-HOU -1 93-89 (192), Hou +4'
120-97 (197) CABLE TV—ESPN
LA CLIPPERS 116 - New Orleans 105—N.O. has been playing faster,
resulting in a 10-3 "over" mark in last 13 through Dec. 12. The Clippers have
been doing their own "showtime" imitation at home, scoring 111 ppg and going
"over" 8-2 at the Staples Center this season. Looks like an "over" play. 12-No
+13 105-98 (189), LA -13' 93-77 (190), La -6 105-91 (188), La -9 96-93 (192)Comment
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THE GOLD SHEET
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
AKRON over Detroit by 5 to 7—12-DET +1 80-73
OHIO ST. over Delaware by 17 to 20—12-DNP
Drexel 65 - SAINT JOSEPH’S 62—This is always a very special game for
Drexel, not only because it gets a crack at a local Big Five rep (not all of that
group wants to play the Dragons), but also a chance for HC Bruiser Flint to
coach against his alma mater. Which is why it pained Bruiser so much that his
side was not at full strength (it was missing key G Chris Fouch) when facing Phil
Martelli’s team last season. But this trip to Hawk Hill is an assignment a healthy
Dragon side (now with a healthy Fouch, scoring 19.3 ppg) can relish. Without
a rim protector, St. Joe’s is badly missing the defensive presence that
graduated 6-9 C.J. Aiken provided in the paint last season. 12-Stj -2' 63-49
NORTH CAROLINA over Texas by 8 to 11—12-TEX +4' 85-67 CABLE
TV—ESPN2
TENNESSEE over North Carolina St. by 1 to 3—12-DNP CABLE TV—
ESPNU
Massachusetts over OHIO by 12 to 15—12-MASS +2 85-76
MISSISSIPPI over La.-Monroe by 19 to 22—12-DNP
Charleston over OLD DOMINION by 4 to 6—12-CHA -8 76-65
DRAKE over Western Michigan by 5 to 7—12-DNP
LOYOLA-CHICAGO over Northern Illinois by 1 to 3—12-Loy -6 53-46
SAINT LOUIS 69 - Indiana St. 66—SLU has still been somewhat
overvalued by the oddsmakers, judging from its 2-6 spread mark thru Dec. 13.
Therefore, we’re eager to grab 4+ hoops with experienced, balanced & goodshooting
ISU (nailing 46.9% from the arc; 3rd nationally!). The Sycamores’
superb sr. G, Jake Odom (13.8 ppg, 5.6 apg), is able to break down the Billikens
aggressive halfcourt defense, while the deep ISU bench prevents any “weardown”
factor in the second half. The Sycamores can collapse on the stop end,
since SLU has no DD scorers hitting better than 30% from treyland. It’s worth
noting, MVC challenger ISU has covered five consecutive as a non-conference
underdog. 12-DNP
ST. JOHN’S over San Francisco by 8 to 11—12-USF -2' 81-65
WESTERN KENTUCKY over Southern Miss by 1 to 3—12-USM -6 67-64
(OT)
CONNECTICUT over Stanford by 8 to 11—12-DNP CABLE TV—ESPN2
Lsu 79 - TEXAS TECH 67—Already with double-digit losses to Alabama,
Pitt, and Arizona on its ledger, Tubby Smith’s Texas Tech continues to be
hampered by its shortccomings on the boards. Which could be exploited by a
well-rested LSU side that will be playing only its second game in 17 days since
the conclusion of the Old Spice Classic on Thanksgiving weekend at Orlando.
But there’s enough evidence against a tough early-season slate to be
comfortable with an LSU recommendation, especially with 6-8 frosh Jordan
Mickey (13.3 ppg) and Jarell Martin (8.2 ppg) providing (a) a size on wings (in
Mickey’s case) and (b) bulk on the blocks (in Martin’s case) to help punishing 6-
9 Johnny O’Bryant (16.8 ppg), while the veteran Andre Stringer-Anthony Hickey
backcourt (combined 24 ppg) pulls the strings from the perimeter. 12-DNP
CABLE TV—ESPNU
OREGON ST. over Towson by 7 to 10—12-Tow +14' 67-66 (OT)
SAN JOSE ST. over UC Davis by 1 to 3—12-Sjs +3' 73-64Comment
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WINNING POINTS
PRO BASKETBALL
*Miami over Indiana by 6
The Pacers just hosted the Heat six days ago. Indiana had only played two teams above .500 during its first 19 games.
MIAMI 98-92.
*Orlando over Utah by 4
Utah plays its second of five road matchups in a row, but the Jazz have become more
respectable going 3-4 through Dec. 8.
ORLANDO 99-95.
**PREFERRED
Charlotte over *Toronto by 6
The Bobcats shaded the Raptors, 92-90, at home on Nov. 6 despite missing their best
player, Al Jefferson. Charlotte has been a tremendous value road play going 7-1-1 ATS
in its first nine away matchups.
CHARLOTTE 104-98
*Atlanta over Sacramento by 10
The Kings last beat the Hawks in Atlanta during March of 2006. The Hawks had won
and covered their last three home contests – including beating the Clippers and
Mavericks – through Dec. 9.
ATLANTA 102-92.
**PREFERRED
Detroit over *Boston 11
Thanks to their interior size and active rebounders, the Pistons figure to shoot a high
percentage against a small and talentless Celtics squad. The Pistons ranked fourth in
rebounding margin. Boston rated 21st. Boston had only one scorer averaging more
than 13 points a game.
DETROIT 100-89.
*Brooklyn over Washington by 4
Washington rallied from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat the Nets, 112-
108 in overtime, at home in the team's last meeting on Nov. 8. That was just the Nets'
fifth game of the season.
BROOKLYN 106-102.
*Milwaukee over New York by 3
The Bucks have revenge for a season-opening 90-83 road loss to the Knicks have been
idle since Saturday.
MILWAUKEE 103-100.
*Minnesota over Portland by 3
This is one of Portland's worst spots of the season, playing for the fourth time on the
road in five days. The Timberwolves should be highly motivated, too, since this is their
lone home matchup during a six-game stretch.
MINNESOTA 108-105.
*Dallas over Memphis by 8
The Mavericks canned 40 of 46 free throws when they beat the Grizzlies, 111-99, at
home on Nov. 2. Dallas is in good shape to duplicate that performance having been
idle since Saturday while the Grizzlies hosted the Lakers last night. DALLAS 107-99.
San Antonio over *Phoenix by 6 Phoenix was a sparkling 11-3 ATS taking points this season through Dec. 9.
SAN ANTONIO 103-97.
*Houston over Chicago by 7
The Bulls might be able to get away without Derrick Rose, but if leading scorer Luol
Deng (check status) is still sidelined by a calf injury they don't have enough scoring
to keep up with the Rockets on the road. Houston was 6-1 ATS in its last seven at
Toyota Center through the first week of this month.
HOUSTON 105-96.
*Los Angeles Clippers over New Orleans by 8
The Hornets are 3-1-1 ATS when playing in the second of back-to-back games this
season. LA CLIPPERS 108-100.Comment
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POINTWISE
COLLEGIATE
BASKETBALL PROPHECY
KEY RELEASES
NORTH CAROLINA over Texas (Wed) RATING: 2
SAN JOSE ST over Cal-Davis (Wed) RATING: 4
(7:00) AKRON 78 - Detroit 70
(7:00) OHIO STATE 75 - Delaware 58 (BIG10)
(7:00) ST JOSEPHS 67 - Drexel 59
(7:00) NORTH CAROLINA 84 - Texas 67 (ESPN2)
(7:00) TENNESSEE 80 - North Carolina St 70 (ESPNU)
(7:00) Massachusetts 74 - OHIO U 65
(7:00) MISSISSIPPI 76 - La-Monroe 58
(7:00) College of Charleston 73 - OLD DOMINION 64
(8:00) DRAKE 69 - Western Michigan 56
(8:00) LOYOLA-CHICAGO 62 - Northern Illinois 53
(8:00) SAINT LOUIS 65 - Indiana State 61
(8:00) WESTERN KENTUCKY 70 - So Mississippi 64
(9:00) CONNECTICUT 75 - Stanford 71 (ESPN2)
(9:00) Lsu 68 - TEXAS TECH 67
(10:00) Towson 64 - OREGON STATE 63
(11:00) SAN JOSE STATE 77 - Cal-Davis 66
BEST BETS
NORTH CAROLINA (2)
SAN JOSE STATE (4)
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
DRAKEComment
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Chicago Syndicate
CBB
Ohio State
Umass
St LouisComment
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LA Syndicate
CBB
Stanford
Oregon St
UNLVComment
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Sports Nostradamus
CBB
Ohio State
Texas
UmassComment
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H&H Sports
CBB
Triple Dime Umass
Double Dimes Drexel, College of CharlestonComment
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Mighty Quinn
Mighty missed with Pittsburgh (-5) on Tuesday and likes Akron on Wednesday.
The deficit is 1450 sirignanos.Comment
Comment