Sean Higgs
10* Kansas
Taking the Jayhawks again as a Top 10*. We will start off with the talent gap that is about the size of Texas. Let us venture to the rebounding area where Kansas should outrebound this bunch by at least 10-15 boards. VCU will play right into the Jayhawks hands when the press. Kansas loves to push it and play uptempo averaging over 81ppg. The Rams also love the 3pt shot, and Kansas has a tough perimeter defense (29% 3pt allowed 6th in nation). Rams have had a most impressive run this tournament. But the combination of playing in what is now their 5th game, the press and their reliance on the 3pt shot all point to Kansas in another 15-20 point win. I wrote here that Kansas would beat Richmond by 20. And they did. I can safely say that the Jayhawks should win this one by no less than 15, and it could turn into one of those 85-61 type of games. Look for the Kansas size, talent and defense to overpower what is really a short bench for VCU here. Kansas has been a bit over looked here as Arizona upset Duke, the Kimba Walker show, Kentucky knocking off Ohio State. Fact is this is the lone 1 seed remaining. The are deep and experienced. Play defense. Hit their 3s and rebound well. They are a bit weak on the FT line, but that should not matter as Bill Self and Co. cut down the nets for a trip to Houston and the Final Four... ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK $ 10* Elite 8 GOY
10* Kansas
Taking the Jayhawks again as a Top 10*. We will start off with the talent gap that is about the size of Texas. Let us venture to the rebounding area where Kansas should outrebound this bunch by at least 10-15 boards. VCU will play right into the Jayhawks hands when the press. Kansas loves to push it and play uptempo averaging over 81ppg. The Rams also love the 3pt shot, and Kansas has a tough perimeter defense (29% 3pt allowed 6th in nation). Rams have had a most impressive run this tournament. But the combination of playing in what is now their 5th game, the press and their reliance on the 3pt shot all point to Kansas in another 15-20 point win. I wrote here that Kansas would beat Richmond by 20. And they did. I can safely say that the Jayhawks should win this one by no less than 15, and it could turn into one of those 85-61 type of games. Look for the Kansas size, talent and defense to overpower what is really a short bench for VCU here. Kansas has been a bit over looked here as Arizona upset Duke, the Kimba Walker show, Kentucky knocking off Ohio State. Fact is this is the lone 1 seed remaining. The are deep and experienced. Play defense. Hit their 3s and rebound well. They are a bit weak on the FT line, but that should not matter as Bill Self and Co. cut down the nets for a trip to Houston and the Final Four... ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK $ 10* Elite 8 GOY
Gold Sheet
DAL -4' 102-101 (216), PHO -2 112-106 (216), DAL -4 107-97 (215)
GOLDEN ST. 106 - Washington 95—
Tickets probably aren’t going to be
too hard to find for this Sunday night non-thriller in Oakland, although the
depressed Golden State fan base might relish the opportunity to see the
Warriors take out their frustrations on somebody. And the woeful Wizards
would appear to be a good candidate, as their dismal road fortunes continue
(just one SU win all season, and that came at Cleveland, and 10-23 vs. line away
thru March 24) as the likelihood grows that Washington will match the 1990-91
Kings’ 1-40 road mark as the NBA’s all-time worst. The occasional green
shoots of hope occasionally spring from the Wizards, however, as the young
core of John Wall, JaVale McGee, and Jordan Crawford combined for 79 points
in last Wednesday’s OT loss at the Clippers. But as extended 5-game lateseason
road trip winds to a conclusion, not sure we can expect much from
Wizards, still likely without Andray Blatche (shoulder) and Rashard Lewis
(knee) out for the season. Expect better effort at Oracle Arena from Golden
State star G Monta Ellis, who struggled (only 15.3 ppg and 38.5% FG shooting)
on recent road trip during which Warriors lost four straight by a whopping 18.3
ppg margin. 10-Gs -1 106-102 (212); 09-Was +3 118-109 (222), WAS +2' 112-
94 (220)
too hard to find for this Sunday night non-thriller in Oakland, although the
depressed Golden State fan base might relish the opportunity to see the
Warriors take out their frustrations on somebody. And the woeful Wizards
would appear to be a good candidate, as their dismal road fortunes continue
(just one SU win all season, and that came at Cleveland, and 10-23 vs. line away
thru March 24) as the likelihood grows that Washington will match the 1990-91
Kings’ 1-40 road mark as the NBA’s all-time worst. The occasional green
shoots of hope occasionally spring from the Wizards, however, as the young
core of John Wall, JaVale McGee, and Jordan Crawford combined for 79 points
in last Wednesday’s OT loss at the Clippers. But as extended 5-game lateseason
road trip winds to a conclusion, not sure we can expect much from
Wizards, still likely without Andray Blatche (shoulder) and Rashard Lewis
(knee) out for the season. Expect better effort at Oracle Arena from Golden
State star G Monta Ellis, who struggled (only 15.3 ppg and 38.5% FG shooting)
on recent road trip during which Warriors lost four straight by a whopping 18.3
ppg margin. 10-Gs -1 106-102 (212); 09-Was +3 118-109 (222), WAS +2' 112-
94 (220)
LA LAKERS 95 - New Orleans 91—
As expected, Lake Show ramping up
nicely for fast-approaching playoffs, losing just once SU in fourteen games
since the All-Star break (thru March 24). L.A., however, has been prone to
pointspread streaks this season, and recent string of three straight wins and
non-covers prior to meeting vs. Clippers last Friday indicates laying points vs.
stingy New Orleans might be a bit risky. Remember, the Hornets did cover on
this Staples Center floor vs. Lakers on January 7, and had won 3 of last 4 SU on
road prior to March 25 game at Phoenix. Concern for New Orleans is the status
of C David West, who tore his ACL last Thursday at Salt Lake City vs. the Jazz
and is out for the remainder of the season. But backup Aaron Gray was
serviceable in relief vs. Utah, and New Orleans is doggedly hanging on to one
of the final two West playoff spots as postseason looms. Although these two yet
to go “under” in three previous meetings, both have been trending that way
much of the season (Hornets now “under” 10 of last 14, L.A. “under” 8-3 last 11,
both thru March 24). 10-La -3 103-88 (191), LA -7' 101-97 (189), La -4' 101-95
(189); 09-LA -6' 104-88 (198), LA -14' 110-99 (202), NO +5' 108-100 (201)
nicely for fast-approaching playoffs, losing just once SU in fourteen games
since the All-Star break (thru March 24). L.A., however, has been prone to
pointspread streaks this season, and recent string of three straight wins and
non-covers prior to meeting vs. Clippers last Friday indicates laying points vs.
stingy New Orleans might be a bit risky. Remember, the Hornets did cover on
this Staples Center floor vs. Lakers on January 7, and had won 3 of last 4 SU on
road prior to March 25 game at Phoenix. Concern for New Orleans is the status
of C David West, who tore his ACL last Thursday at Salt Lake City vs. the Jazz
and is out for the remainder of the season. But backup Aaron Gray was
serviceable in relief vs. Utah, and New Orleans is doggedly hanging on to one
of the final two West playoff spots as postseason looms. Although these two yet
to go “under” in three previous meetings, both have been trending that way
much of the season (Hornets now “under” 10 of last 14, L.A. “under” 8-3 last 11,
both thru March 24). 10-La -3 103-88 (191), LA -7' 101-97 (189), La -4' 101-95
(189); 09-LA -6' 104-88 (198), LA -14' 110-99 (202), NO +5' 108-100 (201)
PHOENIX 102 - Dallas 98—
Phoenix is running out of time to squeeze into
the West playoff picture, but the Suns are hardly giving up hope, having covered
four in a row entering Friday’s game vs. Hornets, and losing SU only one of
those in heroic fashion, a triple-OT setback against the Lakers at Staples
Center. Alvin Gentry is beginning to get some good mileage out of recentlyacquired
G Aaron Brooks, the ex-Rocket who scored 25 off the bench in
Wednesday night’s win over Toronto. Note that Dallas (at Utah last night) hasn’t
been bothered by the back-to-back scenario, covering 11 of 16 in second
nights, and realizes its playoff seed (likely anywhere from 2nd to 4th in the West)
will be determined by how it fares on current 6-game road trip. Recent
Mavericks form, however, has not been overwhelming (just 3-8 vs. number last
11 thru march 25), as HC Rick Carlisle continues to tweak with personnel
combinations, juggling between Shawn Marion and recently-hurting Peja
Stojakovic in starting lineup. 10-DAL -7 106-91 (211), Dal -2 112-106 (206); 09-
the West playoff picture, but the Suns are hardly giving up hope, having covered
four in a row entering Friday’s game vs. Hornets, and losing SU only one of
those in heroic fashion, a triple-OT setback against the Lakers at Staples
Center. Alvin Gentry is beginning to get some good mileage out of recentlyacquired
G Aaron Brooks, the ex-Rocket who scored 25 off the bench in
Wednesday night’s win over Toronto. Note that Dallas (at Utah last night) hasn’t
been bothered by the back-to-back scenario, covering 11 of 16 in second
nights, and realizes its playoff seed (likely anywhere from 2nd to 4th in the West)
will be determined by how it fares on current 6-game road trip. Recent
Mavericks form, however, has not been overwhelming (just 3-8 vs. number last
11 thru march 25), as HC Rick Carlisle continues to tweak with personnel
combinations, juggling between Shawn Marion and recently-hurting Peja
Stojakovic in starting lineup. 10-DAL -7 106-91 (211), Dal -2 112-106 (206); 09-
DAL -4' 102-101 (216), PHO -2 112-106 (216), DAL -4 107-97 (215)
Ben Burns
***ALERT*** Burns' 10* March TOTAL OF THE MONTH!
Total: 146.5/-108
I'm playing on Kentucky and UNC to finish UNDER the total. 10*
Burns' Afternoon ANNIHILATOR! (IT'S PAYBACK TIME!)
Point Spread: -11.0/-110
I'm playing on KANSAS. 9*
Burns' 3-Game EXECUTIVE SWEEP! (2 totals, 1 side)
Point Spread: 2.0/-104
I'm playing on PHOENIX. 10*
Burns' 3-Game EXECUTIVE SWEEP! (2 totals, 1 side)
Total: 197.0/-108
I'm playing on San Antonio and Memphis to finish OVER the total. 9*
Burns' 3-Game EXECUTIVE SWEEP! (2 totals, 1 side)
Total: 193.0/-105
I'm playing on Cleveland and Atlanta to finish OVER the total. 9*
Burns' Big Juice NHL Puckline Power Situation!
Point Spread: 1.5/-215
I'm playing COLUMBUS on the "puck-line." (+1.5 goals.) 5
***ALERT*** Burns' 10* March TOTAL OF THE MONTH!
Total: 146.5/-108
I'm playing on Kentucky and UNC to finish UNDER the total. 10*
Burns' Afternoon ANNIHILATOR! (IT'S PAYBACK TIME!)
Point Spread: -11.0/-110
I'm playing on KANSAS. 9*
Burns' 3-Game EXECUTIVE SWEEP! (2 totals, 1 side)
Point Spread: 2.0/-104
I'm playing on PHOENIX. 10*
Burns' 3-Game EXECUTIVE SWEEP! (2 totals, 1 side)
Total: 197.0/-108
I'm playing on San Antonio and Memphis to finish OVER the total. 9*
Burns' 3-Game EXECUTIVE SWEEP! (2 totals, 1 side)
Total: 193.0/-105
I'm playing on Cleveland and Atlanta to finish OVER the total. 9*
Burns' Big Juice NHL Puckline Power Situation!
Point Spread: 1.5/-215
I'm playing COLUMBUS on the "puck-line." (+1.5 goals.) 5
Gold Sheet
GOLDEN ST. 106 - Washington 95—Tickets probably aren’t going to be
too hard to find for this Sunday night non-thriller in Oakland, although the
depressed Golden State fan base might relish the opportunity to see the
Warriors take out their frustrations on somebody. And the woeful Wizards
would appear to be a good candidate, as their dismal road fortunes continue
(just one SU win all season, and that came at Cleveland, and 10-23 vs. line away
thru March 24) as the likelihood grows that Washington will match the 1990-91
Kings’ 1-40 road mark as the NBA’s all-time worst. The occasional green
shoots of hope occasionally spring from the Wizards, however, as the young
core of John Wall, JaVale McGee, and Jordan Crawford combined for 79 points
in last Wednesday’s OT loss at the Clippers. But as extended 5-game lateseason
road trip winds to a conclusion, not sure we can expect much from
Wizards, still likely without Andray Blatche (shoulder) and Rashard Lewis
(knee) out for the season. Expect better effort at Oracle Arena from Golden
State star G Monta Ellis, who struggled (only 15.3 ppg and 38.5% FG shooting)
on recent road trip during which Warriors lost four straight by a whopping 18.3
ppg margin. 10-Gs -1 106-102 (212); 09-Was +3 118-109 (222), WAS +2' 112-
94 (220)
LA LAKERS 95 - New Orleans 91—As expected, Lake Show ramping up
nicely for fast-approaching playoffs, losing just once SU in fourteen games
since the All-Star break (thru March 24). L.A., however, has been prone to
pointspread streaks this season, and recent string of three straight wins and
non-covers prior to meeting vs. Clippers last Friday indicates laying points vs.
stingy New Orleans might be a bit risky. Remember, the Hornets did cover on
this Staples Center floor vs. Lakers on January 7, and had won 3 of last 4 SU on
road prior to March 25 game at Phoenix. Concern for New Orleans is the status
of C David West, who tore his ACL last Thursday at Salt Lake City vs. the Jazz
and is out for the remainder of the season. But backup Aaron Gray was
serviceable in relief vs. Utah, and New Orleans is doggedly hanging on to one
of the final two West playoff spots as postseason looms. Although these two yet
to go “under” in three previous meetings, both have been trending that way
much of the season (Hornets now “under” 10 of last 14, L.A. “under” 8-3 last 11,
both thru March 24). 10-La -3 103-88 (191), LA -7' 101-97 (189), La -4' 101-95
(189); 09-LA -6' 104-88 (198), LA -14' 110-99 (202), NO +5' 108-100 (201)
PHOENIX 102 - Dallas 98—Phoenix is running out of time to squeeze into
the West playoff picture, but the Suns are hardly giving up hope, having covered
four in a row entering Friday’s game vs. Hornets, and losing SU only one of
those in heroic fashion, a triple-OT setback against the Lakers at Staples
Center. Alvin Gentry is beginning to get some good mileage out of recentlyacquired
G Aaron Brooks, the ex-Rocket who scored 25 off the bench in
Wednesday night’s win over Toronto. Note that Dallas (at Utah last night) hasn’t
been bothered by the back-to-back scenario, covering 11 of 16 in second
nights, and realizes its playoff seed (likely anywhere from 2nd to 4th in the West)
will be determined by how it fares on current 6-game road trip. Recent
Mavericks form, however, has not been overwhelming (just 3-8 vs. number last
11 thru march 25), as HC Rick Carlisle continues to tweak with personnel
combinations, juggling between Shawn Marion and recently-hurting Peja
Stojakovic in starting lineup. 10-DAL -7 106-91 (211), Dal -2 112-106 (206); 09-
DAL -4' 102-101 (216), PHO -2 112-106 (216), DAL -4 107-97 (215)
GOLDEN ST. 106 - Washington 95—Tickets probably aren’t going to be
too hard to find for this Sunday night non-thriller in Oakland, although the
depressed Golden State fan base might relish the opportunity to see the
Warriors take out their frustrations on somebody. And the woeful Wizards
would appear to be a good candidate, as their dismal road fortunes continue
(just one SU win all season, and that came at Cleveland, and 10-23 vs. line away
thru March 24) as the likelihood grows that Washington will match the 1990-91
Kings’ 1-40 road mark as the NBA’s all-time worst. The occasional green
shoots of hope occasionally spring from the Wizards, however, as the young
core of John Wall, JaVale McGee, and Jordan Crawford combined for 79 points
in last Wednesday’s OT loss at the Clippers. But as extended 5-game lateseason
road trip winds to a conclusion, not sure we can expect much from
Wizards, still likely without Andray Blatche (shoulder) and Rashard Lewis
(knee) out for the season. Expect better effort at Oracle Arena from Golden
State star G Monta Ellis, who struggled (only 15.3 ppg and 38.5% FG shooting)
on recent road trip during which Warriors lost four straight by a whopping 18.3
ppg margin. 10-Gs -1 106-102 (212); 09-Was +3 118-109 (222), WAS +2' 112-
94 (220)
LA LAKERS 95 - New Orleans 91—As expected, Lake Show ramping up
nicely for fast-approaching playoffs, losing just once SU in fourteen games
since the All-Star break (thru March 24). L.A., however, has been prone to
pointspread streaks this season, and recent string of three straight wins and
non-covers prior to meeting vs. Clippers last Friday indicates laying points vs.
stingy New Orleans might be a bit risky. Remember, the Hornets did cover on
this Staples Center floor vs. Lakers on January 7, and had won 3 of last 4 SU on
road prior to March 25 game at Phoenix. Concern for New Orleans is the status
of C David West, who tore his ACL last Thursday at Salt Lake City vs. the Jazz
and is out for the remainder of the season. But backup Aaron Gray was
serviceable in relief vs. Utah, and New Orleans is doggedly hanging on to one
of the final two West playoff spots as postseason looms. Although these two yet
to go “under” in three previous meetings, both have been trending that way
much of the season (Hornets now “under” 10 of last 14, L.A. “under” 8-3 last 11,
both thru March 24). 10-La -3 103-88 (191), LA -7' 101-97 (189), La -4' 101-95
(189); 09-LA -6' 104-88 (198), LA -14' 110-99 (202), NO +5' 108-100 (201)
PHOENIX 102 - Dallas 98—Phoenix is running out of time to squeeze into
the West playoff picture, but the Suns are hardly giving up hope, having covered
four in a row entering Friday’s game vs. Hornets, and losing SU only one of
those in heroic fashion, a triple-OT setback against the Lakers at Staples
Center. Alvin Gentry is beginning to get some good mileage out of recentlyacquired
G Aaron Brooks, the ex-Rocket who scored 25 off the bench in
Wednesday night’s win over Toronto. Note that Dallas (at Utah last night) hasn’t
been bothered by the back-to-back scenario, covering 11 of 16 in second
nights, and realizes its playoff seed (likely anywhere from 2nd to 4th in the West)
will be determined by how it fares on current 6-game road trip. Recent
Mavericks form, however, has not been overwhelming (just 3-8 vs. number last
11 thru march 25), as HC Rick Carlisle continues to tweak with personnel
combinations, juggling between Shawn Marion and recently-hurting Peja
Stojakovic in starting lineup. 10-DAL -7 106-91 (211), Dal -2 112-106 (206); 09-
DAL -4' 102-101 (216), PHO -2 112-106 (216), DAL -4 107-97 (215)
