DCI
NBA
Houston vs. CHARLOTTE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PHILADELPHIA 101, Chicago 96
Detroit vs. TORONTO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Orlando 103, WASHINGTON 91
ATLANTA 106, Indiana 100
BOSTON 104, Memphis 84
New York 109, MINNESOTA 108
New Orleans 97, MILWAUKEE 94
PORTLAND 102, New Jersey 92
Cleveland 105, SACRAMENTO 94
Dallas 112, GOLDEN STATE 109
NBA
Houston vs. CHARLOTTE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PHILADELPHIA 101, Chicago 96
Detroit vs. TORONTO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Orlando 103, WASHINGTON 91
ATLANTA 106, Indiana 100
BOSTON 104, Memphis 84
New York 109, MINNESOTA 108
New Orleans 97, MILWAUKEE 94
PORTLAND 102, New Jersey 92
Cleveland 105, SACRAMENTO 94
Dallas 112, GOLDEN STATE 109
DCI
NCAAB
Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
Dayton 72, Duquesne 71
Xavier 67, Temple 64
Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Duke 81, Boston College 72
Florida State 72, Georgia Tech 67
North Carolina 90, Virginia Tech 77
Wake Forest 81, Maryland 74
Big 12 Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Missouri 84, Oklahoma State 83
Texas 76, Baylor 71
Big East Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Louisville 73, Villanova 69
Syracuse 76, West Virginia 74
Big Ten Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals
at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Michigan 58, Illinois 57
Michigan State 68, Minnesota 57
Purdue 62, Penn State 56
Wisconsin 58, Ohio State 56
Big West Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Anaheim Convention Center Arena, Anaheim, CA
Cal State Northridge 70, UC Santa Barbara 67
Pacific 68, Long Beach State 66
Conference USA Tournament
Semifinals
at FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN
MEMPHIS 80, Houston 61
Uab 65, Tulsa 64
Mid-American Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Akron 59, Bowling Green State 56
Buffalo 58, Ball State 50
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC
Morgan State 65, Coppin State 56
South Carolina State 72, Norfolk State 67
Mountain West Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
Byu 68, San Diego State 64
Utah 79, Wyoming 71
Pacific-10 Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Ucla 71, Usc 63
Washington 71, Arizona State 70
Patriot League Tournament
Championship
at Washington, DC
AMERICAN 59, Holy Cross 53
Southeastern Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals
at St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL
Auburn 74, Florida 70
Lsu 73, Kentucky 72
Mississippi State 79, South Carolina 78
Tennessee 79, Alabama 78
Southland Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Merrell Center, Katy, TX
Nicholls State 69, UT San Antonio 67
Stephen F. Austin 62, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59
Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Fair Park Arena, Birmingham, AL
Alabama State 70, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 60
Jackson State 73, Prairie View A&M 69
Western Athletic Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Lawlor Events Center, Reno, NV
NEVADA 65, Louisiana Tech 59
Utah State 75, Boise State 66
Non-Conference
SAINT MARY'S 76, Eastern Washington 54
NCAAB
Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
Dayton 72, Duquesne 71
Xavier 67, Temple 64
Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Duke 81, Boston College 72
Florida State 72, Georgia Tech 67
North Carolina 90, Virginia Tech 77
Wake Forest 81, Maryland 74
Big 12 Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Missouri 84, Oklahoma State 83
Texas 76, Baylor 71
Big East Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Louisville 73, Villanova 69
Syracuse 76, West Virginia 74
Big Ten Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals
at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Michigan 58, Illinois 57
Michigan State 68, Minnesota 57
Purdue 62, Penn State 56
Wisconsin 58, Ohio State 56
Big West Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Anaheim Convention Center Arena, Anaheim, CA
Cal State Northridge 70, UC Santa Barbara 67
Pacific 68, Long Beach State 66
Conference USA Tournament
Semifinals
at FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN
MEMPHIS 80, Houston 61
Uab 65, Tulsa 64
Mid-American Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Akron 59, Bowling Green State 56
Buffalo 58, Ball State 50
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC
Morgan State 65, Coppin State 56
South Carolina State 72, Norfolk State 67
Mountain West Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
Byu 68, San Diego State 64
Utah 79, Wyoming 71
Pacific-10 Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Ucla 71, Usc 63
Washington 71, Arizona State 70
Patriot League Tournament
Championship
at Washington, DC
AMERICAN 59, Holy Cross 53
Southeastern Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals
at St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL
Auburn 74, Florida 70
Lsu 73, Kentucky 72
Mississippi State 79, South Carolina 78
Tennessee 79, Alabama 78
Southland Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Merrell Center, Katy, TX
Nicholls State 69, UT San Antonio 67
Stephen F. Austin 62, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59
Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Fair Park Arena, Birmingham, AL
Alabama State 70, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 60
Jackson State 73, Prairie View A&M 69
Western Athletic Conference Tournament
Semifinals
at Lawlor Events Center, Reno, NV
NEVADA 65, Louisiana Tech 59
Utah State 75, Boise State 66
Non-Conference
SAINT MARY'S 76, Eastern Washington 54
The Soccer Expert
59-25 SOCCER SIDES AND TOTALS
12-13 SOCCER PARLAYS
13-13 NBA ( AMERICAN BASKETBALL)
14-8 NCAAB ( COLLEGE BASKETBALL)
Football:
Polish premier league(12:00AM):
Polonia vs. LKS time of first goal
Bet:After 28min
German premier league(02:30PM):
Wolfsburg vs. Shalke Time of first goal
Bet:After 27min
Argentina Apertura(07:15PM)
Arsenal de Sarandi v Rosario Central
Bet:Over 2.5
59-25 SOCCER SIDES AND TOTALS
12-13 SOCCER PARLAYS
13-13 NBA ( AMERICAN BASKETBALL)
14-8 NCAAB ( COLLEGE BASKETBALL)
Football:
Polish premier league(12:00AM):
Polonia vs. LKS time of first goal
Bet:After 28min
German premier league(02:30PM):
Wolfsburg vs. Shalke Time of first goal
Bet:After 27min
Argentina Apertura(07:15PM)
Arsenal de Sarandi v Rosario Central
Bet:Over 2.5
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
ACC TOURNAMENT
(at Atlanta)
Maryland (19-12, 13-10-2 ATS) vs. (8) Wake Forest (24-5, 15-10 ATS)
Maryland kept its slim NCAA Tournament hopes alive by slipping past North Carolina State 74-69 as a 2½-point favorite in its ACC tourney opener, halting a 1-3 SU and ATS skid. The Terrapins have played five neutral-site contests this season, going 3-2 SU and ATS, despite getting narrowly outscored by an average final margin 68.0-67.4.
Wake Forest, which earned an opening-round bye as the ACC’s No. 2 seed, capped its regular season with a 4-0 SU run (3-1 ATS), finishing with Sunday’s 96-88 victory over Clemson as a 4½-point favorite. During their four-game surge, the Demon Deacons have outscored opponents by nearly seven points per game (79-72.3). Wake also won both its neutral-site games this season – against Texas-El Paso and Cal State Fullerton – but failed to cash in either one.
Maryland is 4-1 SU in the last five meetings with Wake Forest but has gone just 2-3 ATS in those games. Ten days ago, Wake went to Maryland and prevailed 65-63, narrowly covering as a 1½-point road chalk. The teams have alternated spread-covers over the past five contests.
Despite Thursday’s effort, the Terrapins are still on a 4-10 ATS slide on neutral floors, and they haven’t won two games in the ACC tournament in five years, going 2-4 SU and ATS since 2004. Likewise, the Demon Deacons are on a 6-21 ATS freefall at neutral sites and they are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 ACC tourney tilts, but they are on pointspread upswings of 5-2 overall and 20-8-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The under for Maryland is on runs of 4-1 overall, 5-1 at neutral sites and 4-1 against winning teams, and the total has stayed low in the last four meetings between these two teams. However, Wake has topped the total in seven of its last nine overall (all in ACC play).
ATS ADVANTAGE: WAKE FOREST
Boston College (22-10, 14-13 ATS) vs. (9) Duke (25-6, 15-14-1 ATS)
Boston College rolled over Virginia 76-63 to open the ACC tournament, easily cashing as a five-point favorite to halt a two-game ATS skid and also end a six-game run of alternating SU wins and losses. The Eagles have won three of four and four of six, and are now 3-0 ATS (2-1 SU) in neutral-site games this season.
Duke, the No. 3 seed in the ACC, enters its postseason opener on a 5-1 SU and 4-1 ATS surge, though the SU loss came in Sunday’s 79-71 setback at archrival North Carolina in the regular-season finale. The Blue Devils got the cash as an 8½-point road underdog, moving to 4-1 ATS in their last five after going 0-5 ATS in their previous five.
Boston College dropped Duke 80-74 as a 7½-point home pup last month, moving to 5-2-1 ATS in eight clashes this decade, though the Blue Devils are 7-1 SU in that stretch. BC is 4-2 ATS against Duke since joining the ACC four years ago, and the underdog is on a 6-1 ATS streak.
BC has gone 5-3 SU and ATS in the ACC tourney since joining the league but has bowed out in this quarterfinal round each of the past two years with SU and ATS losses. Since sweeping to the ACC title with a 3-0 SU mark (1-2 ATS) in 2006, Duke has gone 1-2 SU and ATS in this event the last two years.
Duke played a trio of neutral-site games this season, going 3-0 SU and ATS and winning by an average of 19.3 ppg, including an 82-64 drubbing of Atlantic 10 regular-season champ Xavier laying six points. However, the Blue Devils have covered in just four of their last 19 Friday tilts.
The Eagles have now cashed in 21 of their last 29 neutral-site contests, but they also carry negative pointspread streaks of 0-4 coming off a spread-cover, 2-5 against winning teams and 4-9-1 in Friday contests.
For Boston College, the under is on tears of 5-0 overall (all in the ACC) and 5-1 on neutral courts, and the under for Duke is on rolls of 24-11 overall, 8-1 at neutral sites and 15-5 within the ACC. However, the over is on 8-0 stretches for both squads when playing against winning teams, and the total has cleared the posted price in the last eight meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT
(at Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Texas vs. Baylor (19-13, 10-15 ATS)
Baylor, which knocked off Nebraska 65-49 as a one-point ‘dog in an opening-round game Wednesday, shocked top-seeded and three-time defending tournament champion Kansas 71-64 as an 8½-point underdog Thursday afternoon. Sophomore guard LaceDarius Dunn drained six shots from three-point range and scored a game-high 24 points for the Bears, who have won and covered in consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 21.
Following Baylor’s win, Texas took the court at the Ford Center and outlasted Kansas State 61-58, pushing as a three-point favorite. The Longhorns, who topped Colorado 67-56 but failed to cover as a 14½-point favorite in Wednesday’s opening round, were taken to the limit despite clearly outplaying K-State, shooting 52.3 percent from the field while holding the Wildcats to 28.8 percent. Texas has rebounded from a three-game slide by winning six of its last nine SU, but the Longhorns remain mired in a 5-13-1 ATS slump (5-12-1 ATS in Big 12 action).
These teams met just 11 days ago in Austin, Texas, and the Longhorns cruised to a 73-57 victory as an eight-point favorite for their 24th straight win in this rivalry. Texas also prevailed 78-72 as a 1½-point underdog at Baylor on Jan. 27 and is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
The Bears are in the tournament semifinals for just the second time in school history, the first coming in 2001. Prior to this week, Baylor had lost six of seven Big 12 tourney games (4-3 ATS). Texas has now won consecutive games in this event for the fourth straight year, but in each of the past three, the Longhorns failed to win a third game. That includes three straight losses to Kansas in the tournament championship game the last three seasons.
Despite getting the money in the first two games of this tournament, Baylor is still just 4-14 ATS in its last 18 games (4-13 ATS in Big 12 action) and 2-5 ATS in its last seven as an underdog. However, the Bears are now 4-0 SU and ATS at neutral sites this season, 13-3 ATS in their last 16 at neutral venues and 6-3 ATS in their last nine Big 12 tournament games. Meanwhile, Texas is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 as a favorite, but the ‘Horns are now 5-1 SU at neutral sites this year (3-2-1 ATS) and 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven on Friday.
Baylor has stayed under the total in nine consecutive games, and the under is 10-1-1 in its last 12 (all in conference) and 7-3 in its last 10 at neutral venues. Also, Texas is on “under” stretches of 4-1 overall (2-0 in this tournament), 4-0 at neutral sties and 6-2 on Friday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS and UNDER
Oklahoma State (22-10, 14-11-1 ATS) vs. (14) Missouri (26-6, 15-10 ATS)
Oklahoma State’s late-season run continued Thursday with a 71-70 upset of rival Oklahoma in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament, cashing as a five-point ‘dog. With the upset of the Sooners, the Cowboys won for the eighth time in their last nine games (9-0 ATS) and had five players reach double-digits. Defensively, OSU held the Sooners to just 3-of-19 shooting from the three-point line.
Missouri earned its spot in today’s semifinal with a 81-60 blowout win over Texas Tech on Wednesday, cashing as a 12½-point favorite. The Tigers broke open a tied game at the half by outscoring the Red Raiders 50-29 over the final 20 minutes and finished by shooting 53.4 percent from the floor while holding Texas Tech to 37 percent shooting.
These two teams played a thriller in Stillwater, Okla., on Jan. 21 with Missouri scoring a 97-95 win as a one-point road pup. The Tigers have won five of the last seven series clashes (6-1 ATS), and the ‘dog has covered each and every one of those games.
Oklahoma State is on a 12-3 SU and 9-5-1 ATS roll in this tournament, including back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004. Meanwhile, Missouri snapped a three-game SU and ATS losing skid in the Big 12 tournament with last night’s win, and they’re looking to get to the championship game for the first time in six years.
In addition to cashing in nine consecutive games (all in the Big 12), the Cowboys are on ATS streaks of 16-6-2 in neutral-site games and 7-1-1 in Big 12 tournament action. Meanwhile, the Tigers have cashed in eight of their last 11 overall and 11 of 16 (all in the Big 12), going 7-2 ATS in their last nine as a favorite. Also, Missouri is 3-2 SU and ATS on neutral courts this season.
For Oklahoma State, the under is on streaks of 5-2 overall (all in confference0, 6-2 on Friday and 5-1 after a SU win. The under is also 5-2 in Mizzou’s last seven neutral-site games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE and UNDER
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
(at Indianapolis)
Michigan (20-12, 16-10-1 ATS) vs. Illinois (23-8, 14-11-1 ATS)
Michigan advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament with Thursday’s 73-45 rout of Iowa at Conseco Fieldhouse, easily covering as a five-point underdog. The Wolverines are on a 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS run, cashing in the last four games in a row.
Illinois earned a first-round bye in this event by finishing tied for second in the conference standings, but it closed the regular season with consecutive SU and ATS losses to Michigan State at home (74-66) and Penn State on the road (64-63). The Illini’s two-game slide comes on the heels of a 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS run.
These teams split their season series, with Michigan winning 74-64 as a 1½-point home chalk and Illinois returning the favor with a 66-51 blowout victory as a seven-point favorite. Michigan is 6-3 ATS in the last nine meetings, but the favorite has cashed in four of the last five.
The Illini advanced to last year’s tournament championship game, where they lost to Wisconsin 61-48 as a seven-point underdog. Going back to 1998, Illinois is 11-1 in its initial tournament game, but just 5-7 ATS. Michigan has now won three straight opening-round games (3-0 ATS), but it went 0-2 SU and ATS the last two years in the second round and hasn’t won two straight in this tourney since capturing the championship in 1998.
Although the Wolverines have cashed in four straight overall and six of their last seven – all in Big Ten action – they’ve failed to cover in four straight Friday outings. Illinois is on ATS runs of 4-0 at neutral sites, 5-2 on Friday, 6-2 after a SU loss and 8-3 following a pointspread setback, but the Illini have failed to cover in five of their last seven Big Ten tourney games as a favorite.
The under is on runs of 5-0 for Michigan at neutral sites, 19-9-1 for Michigan versus the Big Ten, 4-1 for Michigan on Friday, 11-4 for Illinois overall (all in the Big Ten), 5-1 for Illinois at neutral sites and 14-3 for Illinois on Friday. Finally, the total has alternated in the last six series meetings between these schools, with the most recent contest at Illinois staying under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Penn State (22-10, 14-10-1 ATS) vs. (24) Purdue (22-9, 12-15 ATS)
Penn State moved a step closer to locking up its first Big Dance berth since 2001 with Thursday’s 66-51 rout of Indiana as an 8½-point favorite in opening-round action. The Nittany Lions have won five of their last seven, but they’re just 4-6 ATS in their last 10.
Purdue finished tied for second place in the Big Ten in the regular season, but closed by losing three of its last four, including two in a row to Northwestern (64-61 as a 12½-point home favorite) and Michigan State (62-51 as a 5½-point road underdog). The Boilermakers, whose 1-3 SU slump follows a 10-2 SU hot streak, have failed to cover in seven of their last 10 contests.
The Nittany Lions scored a mild upset over Purdue back on Jan. 6, winning 67-64 as a 2½-point home underdog, but the Boilermakers exacted revenge with a 61-47 route at home a month later, barely covering as a 10½-point chalk. Purdue is 5-1 SU in the last six meetings and has cashed in four of the last five, all as a favorite.
The Boilermakers have gotten bounced in the first round of this event in six of the last seven years, going 2-5 ATS in those contests. That includes last year’s 74-67 overtime loss to Illinois as a 4½-point chalk. Despite yesterday’s rout of Indiana, Penn State is just 2-8 SU in the Big Ten tournament since 2001, but the Nittany Lions are 7-0 ATS in their last seven in this event (6-0 ATS as an underdog).
Penn State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 on Friday, while Purdue is 5-2 ATS in its last seven Friday outings, but the Boilers have failed to cover in five of their last six at neutral venues.
Nine of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry have stayed under the total, and the under is 7-3 in Penn State’s last 10 on Friday, 6-1 in its last seven against winning teams and 6-1 in Purdue’s last seven versus teams with a winning record.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PENN STATE and UNDER
ATLANTIC 10 TOURNAMENT
(at Atlantic City, New Jersey)
Temple (20-11, 16-11-1 ATS) vs. Xavier (25-6, 16-11-2 ATS)
Xavier, which won the Atlantic 10 regular-season crown, opened the tournament Thursday with a 66-47 blowout of Saint Louis as a 12½-point chalk, quickly bouncing back from Saturday’s 80-75 setback at Richmond as a 5½-point favorite to cap the regular season. The Musketeers have won four of their last five games (3-1-1 ATS), averaging 71.2 ppg in that stretch while holding opponents to just 58.6 ppg.
Temple also rolled Thursday, taking out St. Joe’s 79-65 as a five-point favorite for its third straight win and cover following a three-game ATS skid (1-2 SU). Over the last five games, the Owls have averaged 67.6 ppg and allowed 63.4 ppg, and in their three neutral-site outings this year, they have outscored opponents by eight points per game (77-69) in going 3-0 ATS (2-1 SU).
Xavier topped Temple 83-74 last month, getting a push as a nine-point home chalk to halt a 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS run by the Owls in this rivalry. Still, the underdog is on a 6-0-1 ATS roll in the last seven clashes.
Temple is on a 6-2 SU and ATS run in A-10 tournament play, winning and cashing in all three games last year en route to the conference championship. Xavier hasn’t reached the conference final since going 4-0 SU and ATS in the 2006 tournament, posting a 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS since winning that title.
The Musketeers are on a bundle of ATS streaks, including 12-5-2 overall, 9-3-1 against winning teams and a lengthy 35-16-1 on neutral courts. Likewise, the Owls are on positive ATS runs of 33-16-1 overall, 6-1 on neutral floors, 14-5 after a spread-cover, 16-7-1 after a SU win and 25-9-1 in the A-10.
The under for Xavier is on rolls of 6-2-1 overall (all in the A-10) and 4-0 at neutral sites, and the under for Temple is on stretches of 7-2 overall (all in A-10 play) and 5-1 after both a SU and ATS win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: XAVIER and UNDER
BIG EAST TOURNAMENT
(at New York)
(5) Louisville (26-5, 19-11-1 ATS) vs. (10) Villanova (26-6, 16-12 ATS)
Villanova blew a 16-point halftime lead against Marquette on Thursday and trailed by one in the waning seconds when Dwayne Anderson took a pass under the basket and banked in a layup as the buzzer sounded to lift the Wildcats to a 76-75 victory. Anderson’s bucket, his only one of the game, gave Villanova its third straight victory, but it failed to cover as a 2½-point favorite despite holding Marquette to just 33 percent shooting.
Louisville had little trouble with Providence in its tournament debut Thursday, rolling to a 73-55 victory and cashing as a 10½-point favorite. The Cardinals, who outshot the Friars 48.4 percent to 33.9 percent, have now won eight in a row, going 6-1-1 ATS. During the winning streak, Rick Pitino’s squad has posted five double-digit wins.
The Wildcats have won and covered in their last four opening-round tournament games, only to get bounced in the very next round each time (0-4 ATS). Meanwhile, Louisville hasn’t won two games in the Big East tournament since joining the league in 2005-06, going 1-3 SU and ATS in four contests prior to this year. The SU winner has cashed in each of the Cardinals’ five conference tourney games, and the winner had been 11-0 ATS in Villanova’s previous 11 contests in this event prior to Thursday.
The Cardinals went to Villanova on Dec. 10 and escaped with a 61-60 victory as a two-point road underdog, improving to 4-0 ATS (2-2 SU) in the last four series meetings. Louisville has won the last two straight-up after the Wildcats took the first three clashes after the Cardinals joined the league in 2006.
Even though they came up short against the number Thursday, the Wildcats are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 overall (all in the Big East) and 4-1 ATS in their last five as an underdog (all versus league opponents). Louisville’s ATS runs include 36-16-2 overall and 40-12-3 in Big East play, but it has failed to cover in four of its last five on Friday and four of its last five at neutral venues.
Louisville has stayed under the total in its last two games and the under is 5-1-1 in its last six at neutral sites and 4-1 in its last five on Friday. Conversely, the over is 8-3 in Villanova’s last 11 overall (all in the Big East).
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(18) Syracuse (25-8, 16-13 ATS) vs. West Virginia (23-10, 15-15 ATS)
Syracuse survived the longest game in Big East history and the longest game in college basketball since 1981 Thursday night, beating UConn 127-117 in six overtimes and cashing as 5½-point underdogs. The Orange got tremendous efforts from Jonny Flynn, who finished with 34 points, 11 assists, went 16-of-16 from the free-throw line and played 67 of 70 minutes, while Paul Harris chipped in with 28 points and 20 rebounds and went 12-of-12 from the charity stripe.
West Virginia moves into the tourney semifinals after Thursday’s 74-60 upset win over second-ranked and No. 2-seed Pittsburgh as a 4½-point underdog. The Mountaineers got a career-high 20 points from Devin Ebanks and have advanced to the semis for the second straight season.
Syracuse is on a 6-0 SU and ATS run and has scored at least 86 points in seven of its last eight games. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers are 7-2 in their last nine outings (6-3 ATS), and they’ve been doing it with defense, giving up just 59.7 points per contest in their last six. The winning team is on ATS runs of 13-2 in West Virginia’s last 15 games and 18-0 in Syracuse’s last 18, with both trends entirely encompassing Big East play.
The Orangemen blew out West Virginia back on Feb. 4 in Syracuse, winning 74-61 as 1½-point home underdogs. The Mountaineers are have prevailed just once in the last 10 meetings, with Syracuse going 7-3 ATS during this stretch (6-2 ATS last eight).
Syracuse is now riding a 10-2 SU and 9-2-1 ATS streak in Big East tournament action in Madison Square Garden, and the Orange are also on ATS runs of 4-1 at neutral sites and 5-2 on Friday. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers are 4-1 SU (3-2 ATS) in their last five Big East tourney contests and 5-1 ATS in their last six Friday affairs.
West Virginia sports “under” streaks of 9-2 overall (all in the Big East), 4-0 at neutral sites and 6-1 after a SU win. However, Syracuse has topped the total in 13 of 20 Big East games, including eight of the last 12, and the over is 6-1 in its last seven neutral-site games. Finally, the under was the play when these two met in January, coming in by 10 points, and four of the last five series clashes have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
PAC-10 TOURNAMENT
(at Los Angeles)
(23) Arizona State (23-8, 17-10 ATS) vs. (13) Washington (25-7, 18-10-1 ATS)
Arizona State ended a seven-game Pac-10 tournament losing streak by ousting archrival Arizona 68-56 Thursday, covering as a 4½-point favorite as it beat the Wildcats for the third time this season. Sophomore superstar James Harden led the way with a game-high 27 points for the Sun Devils, who have followed up a three-game SU and 1-3 ATS slide by winning and covering in each of their last two, both double-digit victories.
Washington, which clinched their first Pac-10 regular-season tournament title since 1953 with Saturday’s 67-60 win over Washington State as a seven-point home favorite, dominated in the second half against Stanford yesterday en route to an easy 85-73 victory as a 5 ½-point favorite. The Huskies have won six in a row and nine of their last 10, going 6-2-1 ATS in lined games.
The Huskies swept the regular-season series, rolling 84-71 as a five-point road underdog, then needing overtime to prevail 73-70 on Feb. 26, coming up just shy as a 3½-point home chalk. Washington is 13-1 SU in the last 14 meetings (9-5 ATS), though the underdog has gotten the money in each of the last four clashes since the start of last season.
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last six neutral-site games and hasn’t won consecutive conference tournament games since winning the championship in 2005. Meanwhile, ASU is on pointspread upticks of 7-3 overall (all in the Pac-10), 6-2 at neutral sties and 5-1 after a SU win, but is just 3-5 ATS in its last eight conference tourney contests.
The over for Washington is on stretches of 15-3 overall, 14-3 as a favorite, 21-6 in Pac-10 play, 5-1 at neutral sites (4-0 last four) and 5-1 on Friday. Also, the over is 4-1 in the Sun Devils last five neutral-site contests. Finally, the last three meetings between these clubs – including both this year – easily topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON and OVER
USC (19-12, 15-14 ATS) vs. (15) UCLA (25-7, 16-14-1 ATS)
USC gets its third shot this season against cross-town rival UCLA after improving to 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three games with Thursday’s 79-75 win over Cal as a two-point favorite. After building a 15-point halftime lead, the Trojans had to hold on down the stretch, hitting 16-of-20 free throws to seal the deal and win their third straight opening-round Pac-10 tournament game. The team’s modest three-game winning streak comes after the Trojans lost six of seven Pac-10 games (2-5 ATS) in February.
UCLA is riding a five-game winning streak (4-0-1 ATS) after Thursday’s 64-53 victory over Washington State, covering as an 8 ½-point chalk. Ben Howland’s team, which avenged its most recent defeat with the victory, held the Cougars to 29.1 percent shooting from the field and got 15 points from senior point guard Darren Collison. The Bruins’ 4-0-1 ATS surge comes after an 0-4 ATS dip, and the SU winner is now 12-1-1 ATS in the team’s last 14 games.
The Bruins swept the regular season series against the Trojans (2-0 SU and ATS) and they have won four straight, six of seven and nine of 11 in this rivalry. However, USC is 5-3 ATS in the last eight meetings overall. The pup has cashed in 11 of the last 16 head-to-head battles.
Going back to last year’s postseason, the Bruins are 9-2 SU at neutral sites, but just 5-6 ATS. However, they’re the defending Pac-10 tournament champs and have cut down the nets twice in the last three years, The Trojans come into this one on ATS runs of 7-1 ATS ias a neutral-site ‘dog and 4-0 on Friday, but they’re just 4-13 ATS in their last 17 after a spread-cover and 11-4 ATS in their last five overall when catching points.
USC has stayed under the total in nine of 12 neutral-site contests and four of its last five on Friday, but it is currently riding an 8-4 “over” run (4-1 “over” in the last five). The Bruins have topped the total in 13 of their last 15 games (all in the Pac-10), four of their last five at neutral sites and 26 of 36 conference games. In this rivalry, the under has been the play in the last three clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCLA
SEC TOURNAMENT
(at Tampa, Fla.)
Alabama (18-13, 13-12-1 ATS) vs. Tennessee (19-11, 12-15-1 ATS)
Alabama knocked off Vanderbilt 82-75 in its SEC opener Thursday, covering as a three-point pup to improve to 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six games, all in conference action. The Crimson Tide, putting up 81.7 ppg over their last six starts after averaging 71.2 in their first 25 games, have gone 3-1 SU in their four neutral-site contests this year (2-1 ATS in lined contests).
Tennessee, which got a first-round bye, gets an immediate shot at revenge, having lost its regular-season finale to Alabama 70-67 as a heavy 13-point home chalk Sunday, ending a three-game SU run (2-1 ATS). The Volunteers have averaged 74.2 ppg in their last five starts, just a tick above their opponents (73.6 ppg), but they put up 80.7 ppg and allowed 75 in their three neutral-court starts, going 2-1 SU and ATS.
Alabama has absolutely owned this rivalry lately, going 7-3 SU and 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and the SU winner is also 9-1 ATS in the last 10 clashes.
The Crimson Tide are on ATS rolls of 6-1 overall (all in the SEC), 6-1 against winning teams and 6-1 at neutral sites, and this is the fourth time in the past six years they’ve reached the second round of the SEC tourney, but they’ve failed to get out of this round the previous three tries (1-1-1 ATS).
The Vols are a dismal 7-17-1 ATS in their last 25 neutral-site games, and they are on a 1-6 ATS slide in their last seven SEC tournament games (2-5 SU).
The over for Alabama is on stretches of 5-1 overall (all in SEC play) and 6-2 at neutral sites. On the flip side, the under has hit in seven of Tennessee’s last eight games (all in the SEC), and Sunday’s home affair against ‘Bama fell well short of the 151.5 posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ALABAMA
Florida (23-9, 10-14-1 ATS) vs. Auburn (21-10, 19-5 ATS)
Florida rolled past Arkansas 73-58 laying 9½ points in its SEC tourney opener yesterday, winning and cashing in back-to-back starts for the first time since late January and only the third time all season. The Gators, who won this event three straight years before getting bounced in the first round last year, are still mired in an 4-7 ATS slump overall (5-6 SU), all in conference play.
Auburn, which got a first-round bye after taking second in the SEC West, enters the tournament on an 8-1 SU and 9-0 ATS tear, including a blowout 69-53 home win over regular-season SEC champion LSU as a two-point home chalk last Saturday. With the exception of that game, the Tigers have scored 71 points or more throughout their current run, all against league foes, averaging 76.2 ppg while yielding 66.8.
Florida has won and covered in the last three clashes in this rivalry, taking a 68-65 road win as a 2½-point chalk in January in the only meeting this season. In fact, Florida has won 10 straight meetings dating to 2001, going 7-2-1 ATS in that span.
Auburn went 0-2 SU (1-1 ATS) on neutral courts this season, and Florida is now 3-1 SU (1-2 ATS in lined contests).
Despite Thursday’s win and cover, the Gators remain on a 1-4 ATS skid at neutral sites and a 3-5 ATS dip against the SEC. However, still riding the strength of their back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007, they are 10-1 SU and 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 conference tournament games.
The Tigers are an 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS slide in their last four SEC tourney starts, failing to win a game in this event since 2005, and they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five at neutral sites, but they sport positive pointspread streaks of 12-2 against the SEC, 8-0 against winning teams and 19-7-1 overall. Furthermore, their 19-5 ATS mark this season ranked No. 1 in the country.
The over is 4-2 in Florida’s last six neutral-site contests and is on a 10-4 tear for Auburn playing on neutral courts.
ATS ADVANTAGE: AUBURN and OVER
NBA
Houston (42-24, 31-34-1 ATS) at Charlotte (28-36, 38-26 ATS)
The Bobcats will try to rebound from their first loss in seven games when they welcome the Rockets to Charlotte tonight.
Houston arrives in Charlotte having won five of seven overall (4-3 ATS), but the Rockets fell 102-96 at home Wednesday to the Lakers, blowing an 11-point halftime lead in losing as 3½-point favorites. Houston has won two of its last three roadies, including Monday’s 97-95 victory in Denver as a four-point underdog, and it is a respectable 15-17 on the road this season (16-16 ATS).
The Bobcats were flying high with a six-game SU and ATS winning streak before losing 100-86 in San Antonio on Tuesday, coming up short as 5½-point ‘dogs. Charlotte has increased its offensive production lately, averaging 98.8 points per game in the last five and shooting at a 50-percent clip.
Houston has won six straight in this series (4-2 ATS), including a 99-78 home win back on Feb. 22, easily cashing as a six-point chalk. When they went to Charlotte last season, the Rockets edged the Bobcats 85-82 but came up short as 6½-point favorites.
The Rockets are on ATS runs of 20-6 against Southeast Division opponents, 4-1 against the Eastern Conference and 12-3 after a non-cover. Charlotte is on positive ATS streaks of 11-2 at home, 6-1 overall, 14-6-1 on Fridays and 9-4 when getting two days of rest.
For Houston, the under is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 6-1 on Fridays, 4-1 against Southeast Division teams and 4-0 after a non-cover. Meanwhile, the Bobcats have gone over the total in five of their last six, but they’re otherwise on under runs of 23-11 against Southwest Division teams, 4-1 against teams with a winning record and 5-0 after a straight-up loss. In this rivalry, the under is 5-1 in the last six clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
ACC TOURNAMENT
(at Atlanta)
Maryland (19-12, 13-10-2 ATS) vs. (8) Wake Forest (24-5, 15-10 ATS)
Maryland kept its slim NCAA Tournament hopes alive by slipping past North Carolina State 74-69 as a 2½-point favorite in its ACC tourney opener, halting a 1-3 SU and ATS skid. The Terrapins have played five neutral-site contests this season, going 3-2 SU and ATS, despite getting narrowly outscored by an average final margin 68.0-67.4.
Wake Forest, which earned an opening-round bye as the ACC’s No. 2 seed, capped its regular season with a 4-0 SU run (3-1 ATS), finishing with Sunday’s 96-88 victory over Clemson as a 4½-point favorite. During their four-game surge, the Demon Deacons have outscored opponents by nearly seven points per game (79-72.3). Wake also won both its neutral-site games this season – against Texas-El Paso and Cal State Fullerton – but failed to cash in either one.
Maryland is 4-1 SU in the last five meetings with Wake Forest but has gone just 2-3 ATS in those games. Ten days ago, Wake went to Maryland and prevailed 65-63, narrowly covering as a 1½-point road chalk. The teams have alternated spread-covers over the past five contests.
Despite Thursday’s effort, the Terrapins are still on a 4-10 ATS slide on neutral floors, and they haven’t won two games in the ACC tournament in five years, going 2-4 SU and ATS since 2004. Likewise, the Demon Deacons are on a 6-21 ATS freefall at neutral sites and they are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 ACC tourney tilts, but they are on pointspread upswings of 5-2 overall and 20-8-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The under for Maryland is on runs of 4-1 overall, 5-1 at neutral sites and 4-1 against winning teams, and the total has stayed low in the last four meetings between these two teams. However, Wake has topped the total in seven of its last nine overall (all in ACC play).
ATS ADVANTAGE: WAKE FOREST
Boston College (22-10, 14-13 ATS) vs. (9) Duke (25-6, 15-14-1 ATS)
Boston College rolled over Virginia 76-63 to open the ACC tournament, easily cashing as a five-point favorite to halt a two-game ATS skid and also end a six-game run of alternating SU wins and losses. The Eagles have won three of four and four of six, and are now 3-0 ATS (2-1 SU) in neutral-site games this season.
Duke, the No. 3 seed in the ACC, enters its postseason opener on a 5-1 SU and 4-1 ATS surge, though the SU loss came in Sunday’s 79-71 setback at archrival North Carolina in the regular-season finale. The Blue Devils got the cash as an 8½-point road underdog, moving to 4-1 ATS in their last five after going 0-5 ATS in their previous five.
Boston College dropped Duke 80-74 as a 7½-point home pup last month, moving to 5-2-1 ATS in eight clashes this decade, though the Blue Devils are 7-1 SU in that stretch. BC is 4-2 ATS against Duke since joining the ACC four years ago, and the underdog is on a 6-1 ATS streak.
BC has gone 5-3 SU and ATS in the ACC tourney since joining the league but has bowed out in this quarterfinal round each of the past two years with SU and ATS losses. Since sweeping to the ACC title with a 3-0 SU mark (1-2 ATS) in 2006, Duke has gone 1-2 SU and ATS in this event the last two years.
Duke played a trio of neutral-site games this season, going 3-0 SU and ATS and winning by an average of 19.3 ppg, including an 82-64 drubbing of Atlantic 10 regular-season champ Xavier laying six points. However, the Blue Devils have covered in just four of their last 19 Friday tilts.
The Eagles have now cashed in 21 of their last 29 neutral-site contests, but they also carry negative pointspread streaks of 0-4 coming off a spread-cover, 2-5 against winning teams and 4-9-1 in Friday contests.
For Boston College, the under is on tears of 5-0 overall (all in the ACC) and 5-1 on neutral courts, and the under for Duke is on rolls of 24-11 overall, 8-1 at neutral sites and 15-5 within the ACC. However, the over is on 8-0 stretches for both squads when playing against winning teams, and the total has cleared the posted price in the last eight meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT
(at Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Texas vs. Baylor (19-13, 10-15 ATS)
Baylor, which knocked off Nebraska 65-49 as a one-point ‘dog in an opening-round game Wednesday, shocked top-seeded and three-time defending tournament champion Kansas 71-64 as an 8½-point underdog Thursday afternoon. Sophomore guard LaceDarius Dunn drained six shots from three-point range and scored a game-high 24 points for the Bears, who have won and covered in consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 21.
Following Baylor’s win, Texas took the court at the Ford Center and outlasted Kansas State 61-58, pushing as a three-point favorite. The Longhorns, who topped Colorado 67-56 but failed to cover as a 14½-point favorite in Wednesday’s opening round, were taken to the limit despite clearly outplaying K-State, shooting 52.3 percent from the field while holding the Wildcats to 28.8 percent. Texas has rebounded from a three-game slide by winning six of its last nine SU, but the Longhorns remain mired in a 5-13-1 ATS slump (5-12-1 ATS in Big 12 action).
These teams met just 11 days ago in Austin, Texas, and the Longhorns cruised to a 73-57 victory as an eight-point favorite for their 24th straight win in this rivalry. Texas also prevailed 78-72 as a 1½-point underdog at Baylor on Jan. 27 and is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
The Bears are in the tournament semifinals for just the second time in school history, the first coming in 2001. Prior to this week, Baylor had lost six of seven Big 12 tourney games (4-3 ATS). Texas has now won consecutive games in this event for the fourth straight year, but in each of the past three, the Longhorns failed to win a third game. That includes three straight losses to Kansas in the tournament championship game the last three seasons.
Despite getting the money in the first two games of this tournament, Baylor is still just 4-14 ATS in its last 18 games (4-13 ATS in Big 12 action) and 2-5 ATS in its last seven as an underdog. However, the Bears are now 4-0 SU and ATS at neutral sites this season, 13-3 ATS in their last 16 at neutral venues and 6-3 ATS in their last nine Big 12 tournament games. Meanwhile, Texas is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 as a favorite, but the ‘Horns are now 5-1 SU at neutral sites this year (3-2-1 ATS) and 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven on Friday.
Baylor has stayed under the total in nine consecutive games, and the under is 10-1-1 in its last 12 (all in conference) and 7-3 in its last 10 at neutral venues. Also, Texas is on “under” stretches of 4-1 overall (2-0 in this tournament), 4-0 at neutral sties and 6-2 on Friday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS and UNDER
Oklahoma State (22-10, 14-11-1 ATS) vs. (14) Missouri (26-6, 15-10 ATS)
Oklahoma State’s late-season run continued Thursday with a 71-70 upset of rival Oklahoma in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament, cashing as a five-point ‘dog. With the upset of the Sooners, the Cowboys won for the eighth time in their last nine games (9-0 ATS) and had five players reach double-digits. Defensively, OSU held the Sooners to just 3-of-19 shooting from the three-point line.
Missouri earned its spot in today’s semifinal with a 81-60 blowout win over Texas Tech on Wednesday, cashing as a 12½-point favorite. The Tigers broke open a tied game at the half by outscoring the Red Raiders 50-29 over the final 20 minutes and finished by shooting 53.4 percent from the floor while holding Texas Tech to 37 percent shooting.
These two teams played a thriller in Stillwater, Okla., on Jan. 21 with Missouri scoring a 97-95 win as a one-point road pup. The Tigers have won five of the last seven series clashes (6-1 ATS), and the ‘dog has covered each and every one of those games.
Oklahoma State is on a 12-3 SU and 9-5-1 ATS roll in this tournament, including back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004. Meanwhile, Missouri snapped a three-game SU and ATS losing skid in the Big 12 tournament with last night’s win, and they’re looking to get to the championship game for the first time in six years.
In addition to cashing in nine consecutive games (all in the Big 12), the Cowboys are on ATS streaks of 16-6-2 in neutral-site games and 7-1-1 in Big 12 tournament action. Meanwhile, the Tigers have cashed in eight of their last 11 overall and 11 of 16 (all in the Big 12), going 7-2 ATS in their last nine as a favorite. Also, Missouri is 3-2 SU and ATS on neutral courts this season.
For Oklahoma State, the under is on streaks of 5-2 overall (all in confference0, 6-2 on Friday and 5-1 after a SU win. The under is also 5-2 in Mizzou’s last seven neutral-site games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE and UNDER
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
(at Indianapolis)
Michigan (20-12, 16-10-1 ATS) vs. Illinois (23-8, 14-11-1 ATS)
Michigan advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament with Thursday’s 73-45 rout of Iowa at Conseco Fieldhouse, easily covering as a five-point underdog. The Wolverines are on a 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS run, cashing in the last four games in a row.
Illinois earned a first-round bye in this event by finishing tied for second in the conference standings, but it closed the regular season with consecutive SU and ATS losses to Michigan State at home (74-66) and Penn State on the road (64-63). The Illini’s two-game slide comes on the heels of a 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS run.
These teams split their season series, with Michigan winning 74-64 as a 1½-point home chalk and Illinois returning the favor with a 66-51 blowout victory as a seven-point favorite. Michigan is 6-3 ATS in the last nine meetings, but the favorite has cashed in four of the last five.
The Illini advanced to last year’s tournament championship game, where they lost to Wisconsin 61-48 as a seven-point underdog. Going back to 1998, Illinois is 11-1 in its initial tournament game, but just 5-7 ATS. Michigan has now won three straight opening-round games (3-0 ATS), but it went 0-2 SU and ATS the last two years in the second round and hasn’t won two straight in this tourney since capturing the championship in 1998.
Although the Wolverines have cashed in four straight overall and six of their last seven – all in Big Ten action – they’ve failed to cover in four straight Friday outings. Illinois is on ATS runs of 4-0 at neutral sites, 5-2 on Friday, 6-2 after a SU loss and 8-3 following a pointspread setback, but the Illini have failed to cover in five of their last seven Big Ten tourney games as a favorite.
The under is on runs of 5-0 for Michigan at neutral sites, 19-9-1 for Michigan versus the Big Ten, 4-1 for Michigan on Friday, 11-4 for Illinois overall (all in the Big Ten), 5-1 for Illinois at neutral sites and 14-3 for Illinois on Friday. Finally, the total has alternated in the last six series meetings between these schools, with the most recent contest at Illinois staying under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Penn State (22-10, 14-10-1 ATS) vs. (24) Purdue (22-9, 12-15 ATS)
Penn State moved a step closer to locking up its first Big Dance berth since 2001 with Thursday’s 66-51 rout of Indiana as an 8½-point favorite in opening-round action. The Nittany Lions have won five of their last seven, but they’re just 4-6 ATS in their last 10.
Purdue finished tied for second place in the Big Ten in the regular season, but closed by losing three of its last four, including two in a row to Northwestern (64-61 as a 12½-point home favorite) and Michigan State (62-51 as a 5½-point road underdog). The Boilermakers, whose 1-3 SU slump follows a 10-2 SU hot streak, have failed to cover in seven of their last 10 contests.
The Nittany Lions scored a mild upset over Purdue back on Jan. 6, winning 67-64 as a 2½-point home underdog, but the Boilermakers exacted revenge with a 61-47 route at home a month later, barely covering as a 10½-point chalk. Purdue is 5-1 SU in the last six meetings and has cashed in four of the last five, all as a favorite.
The Boilermakers have gotten bounced in the first round of this event in six of the last seven years, going 2-5 ATS in those contests. That includes last year’s 74-67 overtime loss to Illinois as a 4½-point chalk. Despite yesterday’s rout of Indiana, Penn State is just 2-8 SU in the Big Ten tournament since 2001, but the Nittany Lions are 7-0 ATS in their last seven in this event (6-0 ATS as an underdog).
Penn State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 on Friday, while Purdue is 5-2 ATS in its last seven Friday outings, but the Boilers have failed to cover in five of their last six at neutral venues.
Nine of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry have stayed under the total, and the under is 7-3 in Penn State’s last 10 on Friday, 6-1 in its last seven against winning teams and 6-1 in Purdue’s last seven versus teams with a winning record.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PENN STATE and UNDER
ATLANTIC 10 TOURNAMENT
(at Atlantic City, New Jersey)
Temple (20-11, 16-11-1 ATS) vs. Xavier (25-6, 16-11-2 ATS)
Xavier, which won the Atlantic 10 regular-season crown, opened the tournament Thursday with a 66-47 blowout of Saint Louis as a 12½-point chalk, quickly bouncing back from Saturday’s 80-75 setback at Richmond as a 5½-point favorite to cap the regular season. The Musketeers have won four of their last five games (3-1-1 ATS), averaging 71.2 ppg in that stretch while holding opponents to just 58.6 ppg.
Temple also rolled Thursday, taking out St. Joe’s 79-65 as a five-point favorite for its third straight win and cover following a three-game ATS skid (1-2 SU). Over the last five games, the Owls have averaged 67.6 ppg and allowed 63.4 ppg, and in their three neutral-site outings this year, they have outscored opponents by eight points per game (77-69) in going 3-0 ATS (2-1 SU).
Xavier topped Temple 83-74 last month, getting a push as a nine-point home chalk to halt a 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS run by the Owls in this rivalry. Still, the underdog is on a 6-0-1 ATS roll in the last seven clashes.
Temple is on a 6-2 SU and ATS run in A-10 tournament play, winning and cashing in all three games last year en route to the conference championship. Xavier hasn’t reached the conference final since going 4-0 SU and ATS in the 2006 tournament, posting a 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS since winning that title.
The Musketeers are on a bundle of ATS streaks, including 12-5-2 overall, 9-3-1 against winning teams and a lengthy 35-16-1 on neutral courts. Likewise, the Owls are on positive ATS runs of 33-16-1 overall, 6-1 on neutral floors, 14-5 after a spread-cover, 16-7-1 after a SU win and 25-9-1 in the A-10.
The under for Xavier is on rolls of 6-2-1 overall (all in the A-10) and 4-0 at neutral sites, and the under for Temple is on stretches of 7-2 overall (all in A-10 play) and 5-1 after both a SU and ATS win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: XAVIER and UNDER
BIG EAST TOURNAMENT
(at New York)
(5) Louisville (26-5, 19-11-1 ATS) vs. (10) Villanova (26-6, 16-12 ATS)
Villanova blew a 16-point halftime lead against Marquette on Thursday and trailed by one in the waning seconds when Dwayne Anderson took a pass under the basket and banked in a layup as the buzzer sounded to lift the Wildcats to a 76-75 victory. Anderson’s bucket, his only one of the game, gave Villanova its third straight victory, but it failed to cover as a 2½-point favorite despite holding Marquette to just 33 percent shooting.
Louisville had little trouble with Providence in its tournament debut Thursday, rolling to a 73-55 victory and cashing as a 10½-point favorite. The Cardinals, who outshot the Friars 48.4 percent to 33.9 percent, have now won eight in a row, going 6-1-1 ATS. During the winning streak, Rick Pitino’s squad has posted five double-digit wins.
The Wildcats have won and covered in their last four opening-round tournament games, only to get bounced in the very next round each time (0-4 ATS). Meanwhile, Louisville hasn’t won two games in the Big East tournament since joining the league in 2005-06, going 1-3 SU and ATS in four contests prior to this year. The SU winner has cashed in each of the Cardinals’ five conference tourney games, and the winner had been 11-0 ATS in Villanova’s previous 11 contests in this event prior to Thursday.
The Cardinals went to Villanova on Dec. 10 and escaped with a 61-60 victory as a two-point road underdog, improving to 4-0 ATS (2-2 SU) in the last four series meetings. Louisville has won the last two straight-up after the Wildcats took the first three clashes after the Cardinals joined the league in 2006.
Even though they came up short against the number Thursday, the Wildcats are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 overall (all in the Big East) and 4-1 ATS in their last five as an underdog (all versus league opponents). Louisville’s ATS runs include 36-16-2 overall and 40-12-3 in Big East play, but it has failed to cover in four of its last five on Friday and four of its last five at neutral venues.
Louisville has stayed under the total in its last two games and the under is 5-1-1 in its last six at neutral sites and 4-1 in its last five on Friday. Conversely, the over is 8-3 in Villanova’s last 11 overall (all in the Big East).
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(18) Syracuse (25-8, 16-13 ATS) vs. West Virginia (23-10, 15-15 ATS)
Syracuse survived the longest game in Big East history and the longest game in college basketball since 1981 Thursday night, beating UConn 127-117 in six overtimes and cashing as 5½-point underdogs. The Orange got tremendous efforts from Jonny Flynn, who finished with 34 points, 11 assists, went 16-of-16 from the free-throw line and played 67 of 70 minutes, while Paul Harris chipped in with 28 points and 20 rebounds and went 12-of-12 from the charity stripe.
West Virginia moves into the tourney semifinals after Thursday’s 74-60 upset win over second-ranked and No. 2-seed Pittsburgh as a 4½-point underdog. The Mountaineers got a career-high 20 points from Devin Ebanks and have advanced to the semis for the second straight season.
Syracuse is on a 6-0 SU and ATS run and has scored at least 86 points in seven of its last eight games. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers are 7-2 in their last nine outings (6-3 ATS), and they’ve been doing it with defense, giving up just 59.7 points per contest in their last six. The winning team is on ATS runs of 13-2 in West Virginia’s last 15 games and 18-0 in Syracuse’s last 18, with both trends entirely encompassing Big East play.
The Orangemen blew out West Virginia back on Feb. 4 in Syracuse, winning 74-61 as 1½-point home underdogs. The Mountaineers are have prevailed just once in the last 10 meetings, with Syracuse going 7-3 ATS during this stretch (6-2 ATS last eight).
Syracuse is now riding a 10-2 SU and 9-2-1 ATS streak in Big East tournament action in Madison Square Garden, and the Orange are also on ATS runs of 4-1 at neutral sites and 5-2 on Friday. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers are 4-1 SU (3-2 ATS) in their last five Big East tourney contests and 5-1 ATS in their last six Friday affairs.
West Virginia sports “under” streaks of 9-2 overall (all in the Big East), 4-0 at neutral sites and 6-1 after a SU win. However, Syracuse has topped the total in 13 of 20 Big East games, including eight of the last 12, and the over is 6-1 in its last seven neutral-site games. Finally, the under was the play when these two met in January, coming in by 10 points, and four of the last five series clashes have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
PAC-10 TOURNAMENT
(at Los Angeles)
(23) Arizona State (23-8, 17-10 ATS) vs. (13) Washington (25-7, 18-10-1 ATS)
Arizona State ended a seven-game Pac-10 tournament losing streak by ousting archrival Arizona 68-56 Thursday, covering as a 4½-point favorite as it beat the Wildcats for the third time this season. Sophomore superstar James Harden led the way with a game-high 27 points for the Sun Devils, who have followed up a three-game SU and 1-3 ATS slide by winning and covering in each of their last two, both double-digit victories.
Washington, which clinched their first Pac-10 regular-season tournament title since 1953 with Saturday’s 67-60 win over Washington State as a seven-point home favorite, dominated in the second half against Stanford yesterday en route to an easy 85-73 victory as a 5 ½-point favorite. The Huskies have won six in a row and nine of their last 10, going 6-2-1 ATS in lined games.
The Huskies swept the regular-season series, rolling 84-71 as a five-point road underdog, then needing overtime to prevail 73-70 on Feb. 26, coming up just shy as a 3½-point home chalk. Washington is 13-1 SU in the last 14 meetings (9-5 ATS), though the underdog has gotten the money in each of the last four clashes since the start of last season.
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last six neutral-site games and hasn’t won consecutive conference tournament games since winning the championship in 2005. Meanwhile, ASU is on pointspread upticks of 7-3 overall (all in the Pac-10), 6-2 at neutral sties and 5-1 after a SU win, but is just 3-5 ATS in its last eight conference tourney contests.
The over for Washington is on stretches of 15-3 overall, 14-3 as a favorite, 21-6 in Pac-10 play, 5-1 at neutral sites (4-0 last four) and 5-1 on Friday. Also, the over is 4-1 in the Sun Devils last five neutral-site contests. Finally, the last three meetings between these clubs – including both this year – easily topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON and OVER
USC (19-12, 15-14 ATS) vs. (15) UCLA (25-7, 16-14-1 ATS)
USC gets its third shot this season against cross-town rival UCLA after improving to 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three games with Thursday’s 79-75 win over Cal as a two-point favorite. After building a 15-point halftime lead, the Trojans had to hold on down the stretch, hitting 16-of-20 free throws to seal the deal and win their third straight opening-round Pac-10 tournament game. The team’s modest three-game winning streak comes after the Trojans lost six of seven Pac-10 games (2-5 ATS) in February.
UCLA is riding a five-game winning streak (4-0-1 ATS) after Thursday’s 64-53 victory over Washington State, covering as an 8 ½-point chalk. Ben Howland’s team, which avenged its most recent defeat with the victory, held the Cougars to 29.1 percent shooting from the field and got 15 points from senior point guard Darren Collison. The Bruins’ 4-0-1 ATS surge comes after an 0-4 ATS dip, and the SU winner is now 12-1-1 ATS in the team’s last 14 games.
The Bruins swept the regular season series against the Trojans (2-0 SU and ATS) and they have won four straight, six of seven and nine of 11 in this rivalry. However, USC is 5-3 ATS in the last eight meetings overall. The pup has cashed in 11 of the last 16 head-to-head battles.
Going back to last year’s postseason, the Bruins are 9-2 SU at neutral sites, but just 5-6 ATS. However, they’re the defending Pac-10 tournament champs and have cut down the nets twice in the last three years, The Trojans come into this one on ATS runs of 7-1 ATS ias a neutral-site ‘dog and 4-0 on Friday, but they’re just 4-13 ATS in their last 17 after a spread-cover and 11-4 ATS in their last five overall when catching points.
USC has stayed under the total in nine of 12 neutral-site contests and four of its last five on Friday, but it is currently riding an 8-4 “over” run (4-1 “over” in the last five). The Bruins have topped the total in 13 of their last 15 games (all in the Pac-10), four of their last five at neutral sites and 26 of 36 conference games. In this rivalry, the under has been the play in the last three clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCLA
SEC TOURNAMENT
(at Tampa, Fla.)
Alabama (18-13, 13-12-1 ATS) vs. Tennessee (19-11, 12-15-1 ATS)
Alabama knocked off Vanderbilt 82-75 in its SEC opener Thursday, covering as a three-point pup to improve to 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six games, all in conference action. The Crimson Tide, putting up 81.7 ppg over their last six starts after averaging 71.2 in their first 25 games, have gone 3-1 SU in their four neutral-site contests this year (2-1 ATS in lined contests).
Tennessee, which got a first-round bye, gets an immediate shot at revenge, having lost its regular-season finale to Alabama 70-67 as a heavy 13-point home chalk Sunday, ending a three-game SU run (2-1 ATS). The Volunteers have averaged 74.2 ppg in their last five starts, just a tick above their opponents (73.6 ppg), but they put up 80.7 ppg and allowed 75 in their three neutral-court starts, going 2-1 SU and ATS.
Alabama has absolutely owned this rivalry lately, going 7-3 SU and 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and the SU winner is also 9-1 ATS in the last 10 clashes.
The Crimson Tide are on ATS rolls of 6-1 overall (all in the SEC), 6-1 against winning teams and 6-1 at neutral sites, and this is the fourth time in the past six years they’ve reached the second round of the SEC tourney, but they’ve failed to get out of this round the previous three tries (1-1-1 ATS).
The Vols are a dismal 7-17-1 ATS in their last 25 neutral-site games, and they are on a 1-6 ATS slide in their last seven SEC tournament games (2-5 SU).
The over for Alabama is on stretches of 5-1 overall (all in SEC play) and 6-2 at neutral sites. On the flip side, the under has hit in seven of Tennessee’s last eight games (all in the SEC), and Sunday’s home affair against ‘Bama fell well short of the 151.5 posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ALABAMA
Florida (23-9, 10-14-1 ATS) vs. Auburn (21-10, 19-5 ATS)
Florida rolled past Arkansas 73-58 laying 9½ points in its SEC tourney opener yesterday, winning and cashing in back-to-back starts for the first time since late January and only the third time all season. The Gators, who won this event three straight years before getting bounced in the first round last year, are still mired in an 4-7 ATS slump overall (5-6 SU), all in conference play.
Auburn, which got a first-round bye after taking second in the SEC West, enters the tournament on an 8-1 SU and 9-0 ATS tear, including a blowout 69-53 home win over regular-season SEC champion LSU as a two-point home chalk last Saturday. With the exception of that game, the Tigers have scored 71 points or more throughout their current run, all against league foes, averaging 76.2 ppg while yielding 66.8.
Florida has won and covered in the last three clashes in this rivalry, taking a 68-65 road win as a 2½-point chalk in January in the only meeting this season. In fact, Florida has won 10 straight meetings dating to 2001, going 7-2-1 ATS in that span.
Auburn went 0-2 SU (1-1 ATS) on neutral courts this season, and Florida is now 3-1 SU (1-2 ATS in lined contests).
Despite Thursday’s win and cover, the Gators remain on a 1-4 ATS skid at neutral sites and a 3-5 ATS dip against the SEC. However, still riding the strength of their back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007, they are 10-1 SU and 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 conference tournament games.
The Tigers are an 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS slide in their last four SEC tourney starts, failing to win a game in this event since 2005, and they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five at neutral sites, but they sport positive pointspread streaks of 12-2 against the SEC, 8-0 against winning teams and 19-7-1 overall. Furthermore, their 19-5 ATS mark this season ranked No. 1 in the country.
The over is 4-2 in Florida’s last six neutral-site contests and is on a 10-4 tear for Auburn playing on neutral courts.
ATS ADVANTAGE: AUBURN and OVER
NBA
Houston (42-24, 31-34-1 ATS) at Charlotte (28-36, 38-26 ATS)
The Bobcats will try to rebound from their first loss in seven games when they welcome the Rockets to Charlotte tonight.
Houston arrives in Charlotte having won five of seven overall (4-3 ATS), but the Rockets fell 102-96 at home Wednesday to the Lakers, blowing an 11-point halftime lead in losing as 3½-point favorites. Houston has won two of its last three roadies, including Monday’s 97-95 victory in Denver as a four-point underdog, and it is a respectable 15-17 on the road this season (16-16 ATS).
The Bobcats were flying high with a six-game SU and ATS winning streak before losing 100-86 in San Antonio on Tuesday, coming up short as 5½-point ‘dogs. Charlotte has increased its offensive production lately, averaging 98.8 points per game in the last five and shooting at a 50-percent clip.
Houston has won six straight in this series (4-2 ATS), including a 99-78 home win back on Feb. 22, easily cashing as a six-point chalk. When they went to Charlotte last season, the Rockets edged the Bobcats 85-82 but came up short as 6½-point favorites.
The Rockets are on ATS runs of 20-6 against Southeast Division opponents, 4-1 against the Eastern Conference and 12-3 after a non-cover. Charlotte is on positive ATS streaks of 11-2 at home, 6-1 overall, 14-6-1 on Fridays and 9-4 when getting two days of rest.
For Houston, the under is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 6-1 on Fridays, 4-1 against Southeast Division teams and 4-0 after a non-cover. Meanwhile, the Bobcats have gone over the total in five of their last six, but they’re otherwise on under runs of 23-11 against Southwest Division teams, 4-1 against teams with a winning record and 5-0 after a straight-up loss. In this rivalry, the under is 5-1 in the last six clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Bobby Maxwell
Houston at CHARLOTTE -1
Charlotte had won six in a row before playing in San Antoino on Tuesday, falling 100-86 on the Spurs home court as 5 1/2-point underdogs. But this team has been playing great and can get in there and get the job done tonight against the talented Rockets.
The Bobcats have averaged 98.8 points a game in the last five and they are shooting 50.8 percent from the floor. Charlote is still trying to fight its way into the Eastern Conference playoffs and the mid-season additions of Raja Bell and Boris Diaw has really lit a fire under these guys.
Charlotte is on ATS streaks of 11-2 at home, 6-1 overall, 14-6-1 on Fridays and 9-4 when they get two days of rest.
Play the home team in this one as the Bobcats should get the job done down the stretch.
4♦ CHARLOTTE
Michigan +3 vs. Illinois, in Indianapolis
Michigan is playing for its postseason life. The Wolverines need to grab as many wins as possible and they know it. They'll play with passion in this one and we'll back them in this Big 10 quarterfinal against Illinois.
The Wolverines have won five of seven (5-1-1 ATS) and they dominated Iowa on Thursday in the opening round of the Big 10 tourney, winning 73-45 as a five-point favorite. Remember, Michigan has some big wins on the board already, with victories over Duke and UCLA early in the season.
These two teams split the two games this season as the home team has rattled off eight straight wins. Michigan is 6-3 ATS in the last nine head-to-head meetings.
Illinois is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games against teams with winning records and they are just 1-4 ATS in their last five as a favorite of up to 6 1/2-points. Meanwhile, Michigan is 4-0 ATS in its last four, all against Big Ten foes.
DeShawn Sims and Manny Harris combined for 45 points on Thursday for the Wolverines and they know what it takes to beat Ilinois. Play Michigan in this one.
2♦ MICHIGAN
Houston at CHARLOTTE -1
Charlotte had won six in a row before playing in San Antoino on Tuesday, falling 100-86 on the Spurs home court as 5 1/2-point underdogs. But this team has been playing great and can get in there and get the job done tonight against the talented Rockets.
The Bobcats have averaged 98.8 points a game in the last five and they are shooting 50.8 percent from the floor. Charlote is still trying to fight its way into the Eastern Conference playoffs and the mid-season additions of Raja Bell and Boris Diaw has really lit a fire under these guys.
Charlotte is on ATS streaks of 11-2 at home, 6-1 overall, 14-6-1 on Fridays and 9-4 when they get two days of rest.
Play the home team in this one as the Bobcats should get the job done down the stretch.
4♦ CHARLOTTE
Michigan +3 vs. Illinois, in Indianapolis
Michigan is playing for its postseason life. The Wolverines need to grab as many wins as possible and they know it. They'll play with passion in this one and we'll back them in this Big 10 quarterfinal against Illinois.
The Wolverines have won five of seven (5-1-1 ATS) and they dominated Iowa on Thursday in the opening round of the Big 10 tourney, winning 73-45 as a five-point favorite. Remember, Michigan has some big wins on the board already, with victories over Duke and UCLA early in the season.
These two teams split the two games this season as the home team has rattled off eight straight wins. Michigan is 6-3 ATS in the last nine head-to-head meetings.
Illinois is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games against teams with winning records and they are just 1-4 ATS in their last five as a favorite of up to 6 1/2-points. Meanwhile, Michigan is 4-0 ATS in its last four, all against Big Ten foes.
DeShawn Sims and Manny Harris combined for 45 points on Thursday for the Wolverines and they know what it takes to beat Ilinois. Play Michigan in this one.
2♦ MICHIGAN
Teddy Covers
Orlando Magic @ Washington Wizards
PICK: Orlando Magic
Washington is fairly typical of most last place teams at this time of the year. When the Wizards have something that sparks them – like Barack Obama’s visit to the Verizon Center – they are capable of stepping up, bringing energy, and playing a good game. That’s exactly how they beat the Bulls by 23 in that contest. But without some sort of obvious spark, interim head coach Ed Tapscott has no way to motivate his squad, as evidenced by Washington’s other recent home games: a 31 point loss to San Antonio, an eleven point loss to New Orleans, an eight point loss to Philadelphia and a nine point loss to Atlanta that was garbage time throughout the fourth quarter.
There is virtually no home court edge for the Wizards these days, playing in front of a half empty arena – we’re talking about a team that is 10-23 SU, 12-21 ATS at home this year, with no signs of improvement. Washington’s defensive effort is atrocious; their ball movement stinks and they aren’t working hard on the boards – this is, for all practical purposes, a ‘dead’ team here in March. The Magic have won the previous three meetings with the Wizards by a combined 49 points. Expect Dwight Howard to dominate the paint and the Magic’s perimeter shooters will rain three’s whenever they want to against this level of defense. 2* Take Orlando.
Orlando Magic @ Washington Wizards
PICK: Orlando Magic
Washington is fairly typical of most last place teams at this time of the year. When the Wizards have something that sparks them – like Barack Obama’s visit to the Verizon Center – they are capable of stepping up, bringing energy, and playing a good game. That’s exactly how they beat the Bulls by 23 in that contest. But without some sort of obvious spark, interim head coach Ed Tapscott has no way to motivate his squad, as evidenced by Washington’s other recent home games: a 31 point loss to San Antonio, an eleven point loss to New Orleans, an eight point loss to Philadelphia and a nine point loss to Atlanta that was garbage time throughout the fourth quarter.
There is virtually no home court edge for the Wizards these days, playing in front of a half empty arena – we’re talking about a team that is 10-23 SU, 12-21 ATS at home this year, with no signs of improvement. Washington’s defensive effort is atrocious; their ball movement stinks and they aren’t working hard on the boards – this is, for all practical purposes, a ‘dead’ team here in March. The Magic have won the previous three meetings with the Wizards by a combined 49 points. Expect Dwight Howard to dominate the paint and the Magic’s perimeter shooters will rain three’s whenever they want to against this level of defense. 2* Take Orlando.
Stephen Nover
5 Dimes
Memphis Grizzlies
REASON FOR PICK: It doesn't matter what team Boston is playing now, even one as bad as Memphis. The Celtics are in no condition to cover a big spread, especially one as high as double-digits.
The Celtics are 3-4 in their last seven games, 1-6 against the spread. They are not the same club without Kevin Garnett. And they're nothing resembling an elite club minus five of their eight main rotation players as point guard Rajon Rondo remains out along with reserves Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen.
This cluster injury problem means extended minutes for newcomers Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore and even rookie Bill Walker. Marbury and Moore, two well-traveled veterans, have not looked good. Marbury is extremely rusty. He's missed 18 of 21 shots from the floor during the last five games.
The Celtics are merely trying to survive as they wait to get back to full strength while going through growing pains with their newcomers. They are in no condition to cover big spreads.
Memphis traditionally has had good success against Boston, going 12-3-1 against the number in the past 16 meetings. The Grizzlies struggle to score points, but usually can be counted on for an effort because Lionel Hollins is trying hard to show he should be the team's coach again next season.
I expect Memphis to be fired-up after an embarrassing 25-point loss on Wednesday to the lowly Timberwolves. Marc Gasol quietly is putting together an excellent rookie season for Memphis.
Boston and Memphis meet again in eight days, so don't expect the Celtics to do anything to embarrass the Grizzlies. They couldn't even if they wanted to because of their injury situation.
This is a two-unit play for me.
5 Dimes
Memphis Grizzlies
REASON FOR PICK: It doesn't matter what team Boston is playing now, even one as bad as Memphis. The Celtics are in no condition to cover a big spread, especially one as high as double-digits.
The Celtics are 3-4 in their last seven games, 1-6 against the spread. They are not the same club without Kevin Garnett. And they're nothing resembling an elite club minus five of their eight main rotation players as point guard Rajon Rondo remains out along with reserves Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen.
This cluster injury problem means extended minutes for newcomers Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore and even rookie Bill Walker. Marbury and Moore, two well-traveled veterans, have not looked good. Marbury is extremely rusty. He's missed 18 of 21 shots from the floor during the last five games.
The Celtics are merely trying to survive as they wait to get back to full strength while going through growing pains with their newcomers. They are in no condition to cover big spreads.
Memphis traditionally has had good success against Boston, going 12-3-1 against the number in the past 16 meetings. The Grizzlies struggle to score points, but usually can be counted on for an effort because Lionel Hollins is trying hard to show he should be the team's coach again next season.
I expect Memphis to be fired-up after an embarrassing 25-point loss on Wednesday to the lowly Timberwolves. Marc Gasol quietly is putting together an excellent rookie season for Memphis.
Boston and Memphis meet again in eight days, so don't expect the Celtics to do anything to embarrass the Grizzlies. They couldn't even if they wanted to because of their injury situation.
This is a two-unit play for me.
MTI COMP Selection
The Warriors are 0-13 ATS (-10.1 ppg) after a win at home in which Andris Biedrins had a double-double, 0-8 ATS (-10.6 ppg) after a win in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line and 0-5 ATS (-8.1 ppg) off a win in which they trailed by 10+ points. The Mavs are 11-0 ATS (9.5 ppg) before playing on the road, 13-0-1 ATS (8.9 ppg) as a dog after a game on the road in which they scored at least 25 fewer points than in the game before and 6-0 ATS (9.8 ppg) with at least a day of rest after a win in which Jason Kidd had more assists than points.
Take Dallas and the points.
The Warriors are 0-13 ATS (-10.1 ppg) after a win at home in which Andris Biedrins had a double-double, 0-8 ATS (-10.6 ppg) after a win in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line and 0-5 ATS (-8.1 ppg) off a win in which they trailed by 10+ points. The Mavs are 11-0 ATS (9.5 ppg) before playing on the road, 13-0-1 ATS (8.9 ppg) as a dog after a game on the road in which they scored at least 25 fewer points than in the game before and 6-0 ATS (9.8 ppg) with at least a day of rest after a win in which Jason Kidd had more assists than points.
Take Dallas and the points.
