Sunday 2/21/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pacers (29-25) at Magic (24-29)

Date: February 21, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova gave promising signs they could aid Orlando's playoff push in their debuts for the Magic.

The two veterans would appear to have a more difficult task Sunday night when they try to help end Orlando's lengthy skid against the Indiana Pacers.

Jennings and Ilyasova, acquired from Detroit on Tuesday for Tobias Harris, combined for 34 points in 47-plus minutes off the bench in a 110-104 overtime victory against Dallas on Friday.

Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 12 rebounds while Victor Oladipo had a career-best 14 boards to go with his 17 points.

"It's definitely good to come here and get the first win. We've got a tough one against Indiana, who has been playing really well," said Jennings, who averaged 6.8 points in 23 games for the Pistons. "We've got to be consistent. That's the main thing, being consistent in the last 30 games."

Orlando, 3 1/2 games out of the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot, has won three of four since its 2-15 start to 2016, with two of those victories coming in overtime.

The Magic (24-29) will next face a team that's beaten them six straight times and in 10 of the last 11 meetings. The Pacers (29-25) have earned two of those victories this season, including a 95-86 win in Orlando in the last matchup Jan. 6.

The Magic have averaged 85.6 points while shooting 39.9 percent in the past 11 meetings - their worst totals against any opponent in that span - and have committed 39 turnovers in this season's two losses.

"They've been really physical with us. They've slapped balls out of hands in the paint, and we haven't reacted that well," Orlando coach Scott Skiles said. "(On Friday night), as the game got more physical, we actually rose to that challenge. ... We need a game where we respond to (Indiana's physicality)."

Like the Magic, Indiana has won three of four and was victorious in its return from the All-Star break Friday, 101-98 in Oklahoma City. The Pacers rallied from a seven-point deficit in the final 2 1/2 minutes, and Monta Ellis made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 18.8 seconds to go.

Ellis finished with 27 points, one more than in his final three games before the break combined. Ian Mahinmi tied a career high with 19 points and had 11 rebounds.

"Hopefully, this is a springboard victory," coach Frank Vogel said. "What we talked about before the game is an opportunity to get the best win of the year, to have a momentum-building victory to start the final 29 games, this stretch run."

Indiana has won two of three on the road after losing five of its previous six, and the Pacers will try to add their fourth consecutive win in Orlando, which would match their longest streak there.

The Magic are 3-2 at home since a season-worst five-game skid, which began with the loss to Indiana. Vucevic will seek to keep his team heading in the right direction while improving on his 22.8-point average in the past four games.

He's totaled 44 points while shooting 61.3 percent in the past two home matchups with Indiana.

Ellis has 44 points and 20 assists while shooting 51.5 percent in his last two games in Orlando.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (32-22) at Raptors (35-18)

Date: February 21, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors had another uncharacteristically poor defensive effort in their first game after the All-Star break, but a return home could get them back into the groove.

The Raptors seek an eight straight win at the Air Canada Centre, where they haven't played in three weeks, as they face the new-look Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.

Toronto (35-18) fell flat in its return to action after hosting the All-Star game with Friday's 116-106 loss to a Chicago team which had lost five straight. The Raptors gave up 37 points in the third quarter - matching their second-most allowed in any period this season - and let the Bulls shoot 51.6 percent.

"We had no semblance of defensive presence," coach Dwane Casey said. "... If we think we're going to go anywhere playing like that, we're kidding ourselves."

Toronto caused only nine turnovers after forcing just seven in its final game before the break, a 117-112 loss to Minnesota on Feb. 10. The Raptors, among the league leaders with 97.7 points allowed per game, are looking to avoid giving up more than 110 points in three consecutive games for the first time since March 2011.

They had won 14 of 15 before losing the last two games to cap a 3-3 stretch on the road.

The Raptors will play at Air Canada for the first time since beating Detroit on Jan. 30 and will have 10 of their next 12 games there. Toronto is riding its longest home win streak since an eight-game run in 2009-10.

The Atlantic Division leaders face a Grizzlies team seeking a season-high fourth consecutive road win, but the previous three opponents were all out of playoff position. Memphis (32-22) has lost its last two visits to Toronto but won the most recent meeting 92-86 on Jan. 21 last season, though half of the top six in the Grizzlies' rotation from that day are no longer with the team.

Marc Gasol, who averaged 24.0 points in last season's two meetings, has a fractured right foot that might keep him out the rest of the season. Courtney Lee was shipped to Charlotte in a three-team deal Tuesday that brought Chris Andersen and P.J. Hairston to the Grizzlies, and Jeff Green was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers shortly before Thursday's trade deadline for Lance Stephenson and a protected first-round pick.

Even with all the changes, and playing their second game since losing Gasol, the Grizzlies returned from the break to beat Minnesota 109-104 on Friday.

"I thought every guy who played tonight tried to bring energy to the game, brought a good spirit to the game," coach Dave Joerger said. "If we play that hard, we'll get some results we like."

While Andersen and Hairston combined for just six points in 18 minutes off the bench, Mike Conley stepped up with 25 points. He's averaging 24.0 and shooting 55.1 percent in the past three contests.

Stephenson could be available for the first time Sunday, though it's unclear if starting guard Tony Allen will play after leaving Friday's game with a sore left knee.

"It's next man up. Whoever can play will have to play. We've got to find a way to get it done," said forward Brandan Wright, who returned from a knee injury that had kept him out since Nov. 7.

Zach Randolph averaged 18.5 points and 15.5 rebounds last season against Toronto and enters Sunday amid one of his best stretches of the season, scoring 19.5 per game over the last four.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hornets (28-26) at Nets (15-40)

Date: February 21, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker hails from the Bronx, but he hasn't been too comfortable in Brooklyn.

Walker seeks his first win on the road against the Brooklyn Nets franchise Sunday night as the Hornets search for a season-high fifth straight victory.

Charlotte (28-26) can win five in a row for the first time since March 1-8, with this four-game run keyed by Walker's 25.8 points per game.

The five-game win streak in March included a 115-91 rout at Brooklyn (15-40) in a game Walker missed after knee surgery. That contest ended Charlotte's six-game road slide in this series - all since Walker joined the league in 2011-12 - and included an 0-4 mark in Brooklyn.

The rims at Barclays Center haven't been kind to Walker, who is shooting 29.5 percent and averaging 8.8 points there. His road average of 10.2 points in six games against the Nets is his lowest versus an Eastern Conference foe.

Walker scored a game-high 25 and Cody Zeller added a season-high 23 in Friday's 98-95 victory at Milwaukee. Marvin Williams finished with 15 points, Jeremy Lamb scored 14, Jeremy Lin had a season-high four steals and Al Jefferson scored six and grabbed five boards in his first game since Dec. 28 after arthroscopic knee surgery.

'Everybody made plays. Al made big plays. Jeremy Lin made big plays,' Walker said. 'Everybody contributed to the win."

The Hornets will debut former Nets guard Courtney Lee, acquired from Memphis on Tuesday in a three-team deal that included Miami. Lee, expected to join the starting lineup, averaged 10.0 points this season for the Grizzlies and shot 37.0 percent on 3-pointers.

'He's smart and dependable and doesn't make a lot of mistakes,' coach Steve Clifford said. 'He's a good spot-up 3-point shooter and he actually is a really good mid-range shooter, which is his biggest strength offensively.'

Lee's last game was ironically at Brooklyn as he scored 10 in a 109-90 rout by Memphis on Feb. 10.

Charlotte's game Friday was its first since announcing that oft-injured former No. 2 overall pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The Hornets trailed by as many as 13 points in the second half before prevailing to open a five-game trip.

'It was a gritty win for us, especially coming off the All-Star break,' Zeller said. 'We needed this one to get going. Five away games here to start the break. We picked it up and found every energy we could in that fourth quarter.'

Brooklyn won for the third time in five games with Friday's 109-98 home victory over New York. Brook Lopez matched a season high with 33 points.

The Nets played their first game since hiring general manager Sean Marks and the day after their first practice in Brooklyn after previously training in New Jersey.

'We're 100 percent the Brooklyn Nets now,' Lopez said. 'It's an exciting feeling to have everything situated out here. We're completely in New York and we obviously had a first, very positive step forward tonight.'

Charlotte won 116-111 at home over Brooklyn on Nov. 18 behind Nicolas Batum's 24 points and eight assists.

The Hornets signed Jorge Gutierrez to a 10-day contract Saturday. The guard played a total of 25 games for the Nets over the previous two seasons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: 76ers (8-46) at Mavericks (29-27)

Date: February 21, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Dallas Mavericks let another game get away, and their grasp on a playoff spot is slipping as well.

A tough recent stretch has increased the urgency of a season-high six-game homestand the struggling Mavericks begin Sunday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Though still in position to reach the postseason, Dallas (29-27) has had its margin for error greatly reduced by losing five of six. The Mavericks own just a one-game edge on two teams tied for eighth in the Western Conference, Houston and charging Utah.

The Mavericks weren't playing especially well entering the All-Star break and were sluggish coming out of it, falling behind by 21 points late in the first quarter Friday in Orlando. They then tired late in losing 110-104 in their third straight overtime game and league-high ninth this season.

Dallas overcame its early deficit behind a franchise-record 19 3-pointers but couldn't hit shots down the stretch, going 7 of 24 in the fourth quarter and overtime while being outscored 31-17 over the final 14 minutes of regulation.

'It's a long game and you've got outlast a team like this and we were unable to do it,' said Dallas coach Rick Carlisle. 'Frankly the group we have is not doing a good job finishing games.'

Playing nine of their next 10 at American Airlines Center could help the Mavericks get back on track, though they've lost their last three there. Dallas hasn't dropped four straight at home since Dec. 20, 2013-Jan. 5, 2014.

The Mavericks don't seem to be in much danger of matching that skid considering Philadelphia (8-46) is a league-worst 3-25 on the road and has lost seven of eight overall. The 76ers did play Dallas tough Nov. 16, however, leading by one with four minutes left before the Mavericks rallied for a 92-86 win.

Philadelphia outscored the Mavericks 48-24 in the paint and appears to have an advantage there with youngsters Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, coming off a season-high 24 points in Friday's 121-114 loss at New Orleans. The Sixers' 45.1 points per game in the lane ranks fourth in the NBA.

Dallas has allowed opponents to convert 60.1 percent of their attempts at the rim, among the NBA's worst marks, and has been outscored 196-110 in the paint over its last four.

While the Mavericks have struggled to defend inside, they've been on target from the outside. They're 45 of 108 on 3-pointers over their last three games and shot 46.3 percent (19 of 41) against the Magic.

Chandler Parsons is 14 of 23 over that stretch and went 6 of 7 in a 24-point effort against Orlando. Deron Williams finished 5 of 9 while scoring 25 and is averaging 23.3 points over his last three.

The 76ers also have done well from the perimeter of late, making 27 of 62 attempts (43.5 percent) over their last two games. Robert Covington was 7 of 11 in recording a career-high 29 points in a 114-110 loss to Sacramento prior to the break and Nik Stauskas has hit 7 of his last 11 tries.

Philadelphia, last in the league in scoring (95.5 ppg), shot 52.6 percent overall against New Orleans but couldn't overcome a slow start of its own, with the Pelicans building a 69-47 lead late in the first half.

"They jumped us," coach Brett Brown said. "We haven't played in nine days. It felt like it, and looked like it."

The 76ers have lost six straight to the Mavericks and nine in a row in Dallas since a 93-89 win Jan. 29, 2005.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lakers (11-45) at Bulls (28-26)

Date: February 21, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Twice during his illustrious career Kobe Bryant flirted with joining the Chicago Bulls to follow in Michael Jordan's footsteps and add more championship banners to the six His Airness helped hang at the United Center.

He's never been shy about admitting his past desire to play in Chicago, either. But instead of changing the Bulls' history, Bryant remained with the Los Angeles Lakers both times and won the last two of his five championship rings with current Chicago big man Pau Gasol.

Bryant has played in Chicago fewer times than any other place heading into Sunday night's final trip to the Windy City, which he's said nearly became his home.

Before signing a seven-year deal as a free agent with the Lakers (11-45) in the summer of 2004, Bryant met with Bulls executive John Paxson and reportedly was close to threatening general manager Mitch Kupchak to engineer a sign-and-trade deal that would send him to the Bulls (28-26) or risk losing him for nothing.

Bryant then suffered through three disappointing seasons in Los Angeles following the deal and demanded a trade prior to 2007-08. He said in an interview in recent years that "Chicago was my No. 1 choice," and the clubs reportedly presented him with an agreed-upon deal that would've given Bryant his wish.

He scoffed at the fact then-Bulls standouts Luol Deng and Ben Gordon were included in the package and vetoed the trade thinking it would significantly deplete the Bulls' talent since he desired to play for a winner.

The Lakers acquired Gasol during the following season and lost in the Finals before winning the next two championships. Although everything worked out for Bryant, he's looking forward to his last trip to Chicago, a place he says has "a special significance to me personally."

His 14 games road games against the Bulls are his fewest against any team as a visitor during his 20-year career.

Bryant will play despite dislocating his right middle finger and returning after having it popped back in to place during Friday's 119-113 loss to San Antonio, the Lakers' fourth straight defeat. X-rays following the game showed there was no break.

He scored 25 points despite the setback and is averaging 24.9 over his last seven. Bryant, though, scored only 10 and shot 4 of 13 from the field in the first meeting with Chicago on Jan. 28, as Gasol finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in the Bulls' 114-91 victory.

Gasol, who played 6 1/2 years with Bryant in Los Angeles before signing with Chicago prior to last season, barely missed a triple-double Friday with 18 points, 11 boards and nine assists in a 116-106 home win over Toronto that snapped the Bulls' five-game skid.

Chicago hadn't won since Jimmy Butler suffered a sprained knee Feb. 5 at Denver, but Doug McDermott went 13 of 17 from the field and finished with a career-high 30 points off the bench.

'We needed that,' said Derrick Rose, who added 26 points and six assists. 'Doug came out and played aggressively.'

McDermott is averaging only 8.6 points on the season, but he's scored in double figures in five of his last seven. He had 15 while hitting 3 of 6 from 3-point range in the first meeting with the Lakers.

'It was a long time coming,' McDermott said. 'There's been a lot of ups and downs so far and I just stayed with it. It's just one game so I'm not going to get too high on myself, but it's definitely a good start for my confidence. ... Hopefully I can build off it.'

The Bulls have won seven of the last nine meetings, including the last four in Chicago. Bryant missed the previous four matchups before last month's meeting.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (27-27) at Trail Blazers (28-27)

Date: February 21, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

It's no surprise to the Utah Jazz how well Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are playing.

The Trail Blazers have captured both meetings versus the Jazz with Lillard in the lineup, and these teams complete their season series with Sunday night's critical matchup in Portland.

Portland (28-27) has won four straight and nine of 10 after crushing league-leading Golden State 137-105 on Friday. Lillard scored a career-high 51 points with seven assists, six steals and no turnovers.

'It's a great feeling,' Lillard said. 'Especially against the best team in the league. I haven't scored 50 since ninth grade.'

The Trail Blazers have won two of three from the Jazz (27-27) this season and can claim the tiebreaker with a victory in this matchup of teams in contention for a playoff spot separated by one-half game.

Lillard sat out Portland's 109-96 loss at Utah on New Year's Eve with a foot injury. He has totaled 56 points in the two victories.

The first of those was a 108-92 rout Nov. 4, in which Lillard scored 35 and C.J. McCollum made 10 of 13 shots for 27. That was an early indication the Trail Blazers were a better team than many figured after losing LaMarcus Aldridge to San Antonio in free agency.

"I think our game with Portland earlier this year, when that game happened, people didn't really know who Portland was and we saw a glimpse I think of what they can be and what they are, and they've gotten even better," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said.

Lillard, who made 18 of 28 shots Friday with a career-best nine 3-pointers, is averaging 27.1 points over the last 10 games. McCollum is right on his average of 20.7 points in this stretch.

"They're playing as well as anybody in the league clearly, right, after (Friday)," Snyder said.

The first meeting was the only one of the three in which the Jazz had second-leading scorer Derrick Favors available. He had six points and 10 rebounds that night.

Favors had 23 and 10 in Friday's 111-93 home win over Boston one night after he scored 11 in a 103-89 defeat at Washington.

'I was just trying to be aggressive,' Favors said. 'I had a bad game in Washington and a lot of stuff was said, so I just wanted to come out and be aggressive and play my game.'

The Jazz have won eight of 10 as they seek to snap the Blazers' seven-game home win streak against Western Conference opponents.

The most recent game in that run was clearly the most impressive. Portland shot 53.6 percent and forced 20 turnovers in snapping the Warriors' 11-game win streak and handed them their worst loss. McCollum scored 21 points with seven assists.

"I think it gives us confidence in what we've been doing all along the last three weeks or so," Lillard said.

Utah center Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.2 points and 12.8 rebounds in a run of five straight double-doubles. He has 11 points, 17 boards and seven blocks in two games against the Blazers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Think twice before fading LeBron when facing Durant
By ANDREW CALEY

LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been the face of the NBA for the better part of a decade and as they prepare to square off for the 21st time in their careers, the argument of who's the better player continues.

What isn't an argument, is who has been the better bet whenever the two superstars go head to head.

It's the "King" and it's not close.

James is 16-4 straight up and 14-6 against the spread all time when he faces off against Durant and he has been an even more dominant bet in recent matchups with Durant, going 9-1 SU/ATS in their last 10 meetings, including the last three in a row.

LeBron has had the luxury of having the better team in the majority of the meetings, as he has been favored in 14 of the 20 matchups. But facing that chalk hasn't been a problem for James, having gone 10-4 ATS as a favorite.

However, that won't be the case Sunday, as the Cavaliers are currently listed as 3.5-point road pups. When James has been a pup versus Durant, he is 4-2 ATS and is 3-0 ATS the last three times he's been the dog.

If Cleveland can pull off a straight up win Sunday, James will improve to 8-0 SU and 6-2 ATS as a member of the Cavs. (He was 9-4 SU/ATS as a member of the Heat).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wolverines (19-8) at Terrapins (22-5)

Date: February 21, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

Diamond Stone's absence was conspicuous in Maryland's stunning loss to one of the Big Ten's lowliest teams.

Stone is expected to return when the sixth-ranked Terrapins try to re-energize their conference title hopes Sunday against Michigan, which will likely play without star Caris LeVert once again.

Maryland failed to keep pace atop the Big Ten on Thursday despite visiting a Minnesota team that was 0-13 in the league. The Terps (22-5, 10-4) exited with a 68-63 defeat and their first set of back-to-back losses this season.

"I've got to figure out a way to get our team going again," coach Mark Turgeon said. "We're not ourselves. ... This is not a lot of fun. I just want us playing better. That's what I'm going to try to get going."

Turgeon had suspended Stone for Thursday's game because he pushed Wisconsin forward Vitto Brown's head to the court in a 70-57 defeat Feb. 13, which ended a school-record 27-game home win streak. The 6-foot-11 freshman is averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

"Diamond can score down (in the paint), so we missed him," Turgeon said.

One of Stone's best performances came at Michigan on Jan. 12 with 22 points and 11 boards, but the Terrapins lost 70-67. That had been their only loss to an unranked team until the last two games.

The Wolverines (19-8, 9-5) earned one of their two wins in eight games against ranked teams this season with LeVert nursing his injured left leg. The preseason all-Big Ten pick, averaging a team-best 16.5 points in 15 games, played for the first time since Dec. 30 in a 61-56 victory over then-No. 18 Purdue last Saturday but re-aggravated the injury.

It appears LeVert will sit out this game, and coach John Beilein indicated that it's possible the senior guard gets shut down for the season if he doesn't get better soon. LeVert was limited to 18 games last season because of leg and foot ailments.

"He had, what we hope, is a temporary setback in that Purdue game. We're very optimistic that he will return," Beilein said. "I just feel bad for the kid."

Zak Irvin matched a season high with 22 points against Purdue but couldn't do enough to keep Michigan's momentum going Tuesday in a 76-66 loss at Ohio State.

Irvin also scored 22 in last month's upset of Maryland while Terps leading scorer Melo Trimble was held to a season-low two points and shot 1 of 7.

Trimble is shooting 16.2 percent (6 of 37) in his last three Big Ten contests. He went 3 for 11 on Thursday while scoring 10 points. The sophomore guard has totaled 11 turnovers in Maryland's back-to-back losses.

"It's my job. That's what I get paid to do. I've got to get Melo going again," Turgeon said. "Hopefully I can do it Sunday."

Michigan is hoping to get Duncan Robinson going. He scored 17 against the Terps and is averaging 11.5 points but has a combined seven over the past two games.

Maryland's Rasheed Sulaimon has averaged 20.3 points in the last four games, including a career-high 28 on Thursday, but had eight points on 3-of-10 shooting in the first matchup versus Michigan.

The Wolverines are 4-4 on the road and have lost all five visits to ranked teams since the beginning of last season, including a 66-56 defeat to a 14th-ranked Maryland squad last February.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (10-16) at Mustangs (21-4)

Date: February 21, 2016 2:00 PM EDT

SMU's postseason ban is probably starting to hurt a little less, but only because it's losing a lot more.

The college basketball world was wondering how the Mustangs would hold up on the national stage, but that talk has quieted substantially over the last seven games, and coach Larry Brown admits fatigue has set in ahead of Sunday's visit from East Carolina.

After Thursday's 68-62 loss at Connecticut, No. 21 SMU (21-4, 9-4 American Athletic) has followed an 18-0 start with four defeats in seven games.

The Mustangs have traded wins and losses in that span against all unranked teams while using a seven-player rotation and with NCAA and conference tournament bans on the horizon because of sanctions.

The losses have all come by nine points or fewer and an average of 5.7 with opponents shooting 48.7 percent and 40.5 from 3-point range after SMU had held teams to 39.3 and 33.0 marks during its perfect start.

"It's hard, because I'm playing guys too many minutes," said Brown, whose team has now fallen behind Temple at the top of the conference. "And when you play in this kind of environment, with (UConn's) kind of depth, it's hard not to be proud of your team."

It's also difficult to lump Nic Moore in with the letdown. The Mustangs' top scorer has averaged 19.3 points while shooting 46.4 percent overall and 42.6 from 3-point range in the last eight games while playing 36.0 minutes.

The regular-season title is still the objective as Moore and his fellow seniors now enter their final five games.

"I just told the guys, 'These are my last five games, make it fun for me,'" Moore said.

East Carolina (10-16, 2-11) doesn't pose any threat SMU needs to worry all that much about. The Pirates sit at the bottom of the league and are a defeat shy of their second six-game losing streak of the season.

Their six-game skid last month included a 79-55 home loss to then-No. 10 SMU on Jan. 13 - the Mustangs' third straight victory in the series - in which Moore took on a distributor's role, attempting just six shots while managing a career-high 12 assists.

Ben Moore finished with a game-high 17 points, but the team's No. 2 scorer has since fallen off with an average of 10.2 on 49.2 percent shooting in nine games. He entered that span scoring 13.3 per game and shooting 57.9 percent.

Ben Moore might again find things easier versus East Carolina, which over five straight losses has allowed teams to shoot 50.2 percent. The latest was Tuesday's 69-52 home loss to South Florida, which after Saturday is a half game ahead of the Pirates in the AAC. It was the offensive effort that bothered coach Jeff Lebo the most.

"We did not play well offensively, it was maybe our worst game of the year," said Lebo, whose team may have shot just 34.0 percent but has had five games with a worse mark than that this season.

"We couldn't make a shot. We couldn't even make a shot the last two minutes when they weren't trying to guard us. But give South Florida credit, they had a lot to do with that."

Top scorer B.J. Tyson was limited to nine points and went 4 of 11 from the floor, and he's shot 38.0 percent in his last six games.

The Pirates also had trouble on the boards and have been outrebounded by an average of 7.5 in the last five games. SMU's plus-9.5 season advantage ranks among the best in the country.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Sunday's games..........

Wisconsin won seven of last eight games, one of which was 63-55 Jan 31 at Illinois; Badgers shot 55.6% inside arc, only 2-14 outside it. Badgers won last nine games with Illinois, which lost last five visits to Madison, by 10-14-23-25-19 points. Illinois lost six of last nine games, with two of wins in OT; only twice in six road games have they lost by more than a basket. Big 14 double digit home faorites are 16-10 vs spread.

Hofstra won 96-92 in 3OTs at Northeastern Jan 21, playing subs total of only 16 minutes in a 55:00 game- win snapped an 8-game series skid with Northeastern. Huskies won last four visits here- they won in 3OTs at JMU Thursday, their 3rd win in row- three guys played 44+ minutes. Hofstra won its last three games, scoring 82.3 ppg; they're 5-2 at home. CAA home favorites of 7 or less points are 12-18 vs spread.

Tulsa was +14 (19-5) in turnovers in 75-60 home win over UCF Jan 24, Hurricanes' 6th win in last eight series games- they lost two of last three visits here. Tulsa lost three of last four on road- win was at SMU- they are 4-3 in last seven games overall. UCF lost seven of last eight games, including four in row at home, three by 11+ points. AAC home dogs of 8+ points are 3-5 against the spread.

UMass is 3-2 in last five games after starting 1-7 in A-14; they're 2-1 vs George Mason in A-14 pay- road team won all three games. Mason has forced least turnovers of any team in country; they're 3-10 in A-14, but two of wins came on road (Richmond/St Louis);- three of their four road losses were by 11+ points. A-14 single digit home favorites are 17-18 against the spread. Really isn't lot to choose from here.

Michigan made 12-29 on arc in a 70-67 home win over Maryland Jan 12 that ended Terps' 9-game win streak; Wolverines are 2-3 last five games; all five of their Big 14 losses are by 10+ points. Maryland scored 60 ppg in losing last two games, but C Stone was suspended last game, is back here. Terps are 6-1 at home, but three wins were by 6 or less points. Big 14 home favorites of 8+ points are 22-13 vs spread.

San Diego State is 12-1 in conference but only one of its five road wins was by more than 7 points; Aztecs beat San Jose 77-62 at home Jan 6, shooting 57% inside arc as they won 4th straight series game, all by 15+ points. Spartans are 3-4 at home in W, with one loss by more than nine points- they lost last three games overall, by 3-16-6- points. Mountain West home underdogs of 5+ points are 9-3 vs spread.

Wichita State beat Indiana State 82-62 at home Jan 17; they were +11 in turnovers (16-5), +11 on foul line. Shockers won seven games in row vs ISU, winning last three here by 4-7-10 points. Sycamores lost their last four games but are 6-1 at home in Valley, losing by 7 to SIU. Wichita St is 3-2 in last five games, could now be bubble team if they don't win the MVC tourney. Missouri Valley double digit home underdogs are 2-5.

Ill-Chicago split its last six games after starting season 0-18 vs teams in D-I; Flames lost 86-61 at Oakland Jan 10- Grizzlies outscored UIC on foul line, 32-14, in winning for 5th time in six series games- they lost to UIC in LY's Horizon tourney, won by 15-14 in two visits here. Horizon double digit home underdogs are 3-5 vs spread. Oakland is 7-1 on road in Horizon, losing by hoop at first place Valparaiso Friday, 86-84.

UAB beat Middle Tennessee 78-67 at home Jan 3, after being down 12 at half; Blazers won last four series games- they split two visits here, both decided by 5 points. UAB split its last four road games; needed OT to win at Southern Miss- they're 18-2 in last 20 games overall. MTSU is 10-2 in its last 12 games- they're 6-0 at home in conference. C-USA home favorites of 5 or less points are 14-5 vs spread.

USC is 6-0 at home in Pac-12 this year, 8-5 overall in league after going 5-31 in Enfield's first two seasons; Trojans lost last seven games against Utah, losing by 8-28 in last two played here- favorites covered last four series games. Utah won eight of last ten games, getting swept in Oregon; they're 4-4 on Pac-12 road. Pac-12 home favorites of 4 or less points are 5-8 vs spread. Home team won USC's last eight games overall.

Houston came to Philly and hammered Temple 77-50 Jan 2, holding the Owls to 3-23 on arc- they've won three of last four series games, with a 88-74 win in last one played here, in '14. Cougars won six of last seven games, including four in row at home, with wins over SMU-Tulsa. Owls won last two road games; this is their first road game in 15 days. AAC home favorites of 5 or less points are 7-3 vs spread.

Cal won its last four games, three by 12+ points, winning last three with PG Wallace back in lineup; Golden Bears won five of last six games with Washington State, winning by 4-9 in last two visits here. Cal was 0-5 on Pac-12 road until 78-75 win in Seattle Thursday. Wazzu lost its last 12 games, last two by 41-16 points- four of its last five home losses were by 12+. Pac-12 double digit underdogs are 3-9 vs spread, 0-1 at home.

Monmouth had 8-game win streak snapped by Iona Friday; losing its leading rebounder Jones (hand) isn't good. Hawks beat St Peter's 73-57 at home Jan 30, Hawks' second strait series win after three losses.- they won 63-58 here LY. Peacocks are playing third game in five days after splitting pair of one-point decisions Wed/Thurs- they're 6-2 at home in MAAC. MAAC home underdogs of more than 5 points are 2-7.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Terps bounce back'

Maryland off a lackluster performance in a 70-57 home loss to Wisconsin as -8.5 point chalk followed by a stunning 68-63 defeat as -10.0 point road chalk at Minnesota this past Thursday try to avoid a third straight loss and a second straight home setback.

Terrapins carry a 22-5 (10-4 ATS) record, 10-4 (7-7 ATS) mark in Big-Ten play into the contest behind 75.7 points/game on 48.9% shooting, 35.8% from long range. On the defensive end, Terps are holding opponents to an average 64.3 points/game on 39.6 from the field, 30.6% from outside.

Michigan Wolverines shooting just 39.0% from the field, 20.8% from outside in a loss at Ohio State last effort enter 19-8 (13-12 ATS) on the campaign, 9-5 (6-8 ATS) within the conference. Despite the poor shooting performance the Wolverines are still hitting 47.7% of their shots on the year, 39.7% from beyond the arc in dropping 76.0 points/game. On the defensive end, Wolverines rank 5th in the conference allowing 66.3 per/contest on 43.9% shooting.

Mark Turgeon's team thrives in the situation they find themselves. The Terrapins sport a sparkling 5-0 (4-1 ATS) record last five following back-2-back losses and have won 15 of their last 16 in front of the home audience hosting a Big-Ten rival (8-8 ATS). On the other side, Wolverines are in a tough spot. In the past 15 true conference road games the result has been 5 wins, 10 losses (7-8 ATS) including a 10 point beat-down at Maryland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (2nd) Tree Shaker, 8-1
(9th) Nick's Funnybone, 3-1

Fair Grounds (1st) Tia's Buckaroux, 3-1
(9th) Gu Gu Beans, 8-1

Golden Gate Fields (6th) La Rondine, 4-1
(9th) Pat's Gray Ray, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (6th) My Special One, 5-1
(7th) Shakin All Over, 5-1


Oaklawn Park (3rd) Raofthesun, 4-1
(7th) Sky Wonder, 7-2


Santa Anita (3rd) Curlin Road, 8-1
(6th) Gnarly Dude, 3-1


Tampa Bay Downs (5th) She's a Corker, 9-2
(8th) Tiz a Flyer, 7-2


Turf Paradise (5th) Rexburg, 7-2
(6th) Boss Carl, 5-1


Turfway Park (2nd) Devadutt, 5-1
(5th) La Piba, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Pelicans vs Pistons

Play - New Orleans Pelicans

Edges - Pelicans: 6-1 ATS last seven games in this series; and 3-1 ATS on Sundays this season. Pistons: 0-4 ATS with one day of rest versus opponent with one day of rest. With the boys from the Bayou anxious to reverse their dismal first half doldrums starting after the All Star break, we recommend a 1* play on New Orleans. Thank you and good luck as always.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Michigan vs Maryland

Bonus Play Maryland

I'm recommending a play on Maryland on Sunday. Former Terrapins basketball coach Lefty Driesell told the current roster they had a chance to be the best Maryland team ever. Maryland then went out and lost back-to-back games at Wisconsin and Minnesota. The loss to the Badgers is forgivable, but the "hangover" loss to the Gophers is not and I expect a refocused effort in today's homer against the Wolverines. Michigan has lost three of five, but they will have a target on their back after beating the Terps 70-67 in Ann Arbor in January. Maryland was off a 3-point win at Wisconsin just three nights prior and are in a much better "bet-on" spot this time. Also, Michigan will likely have to take the floor without leading scorer and second leading rebounder Caris LeVert again. LeVert is doubtful with a knee injury. U-M enters on a 0-6 ATS slide on the road against teams that make at least 48% of their FGA, while the Terps are on a 15-5 ATS run at home, following a SU loss as a favorite in their previous game. I expect the Terps to bounce back again. I'm recommending a play on Maryland minus the points on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Grizzlies vs Raptors

5* NBA Free Pick Under 202.5

I think we're in for a low-scoring contest when the Toronto Raptors host the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday night. The under is 11-1 in the last 12 meetings in the series and Memphis' Marc Gasol who averaged 24.0 points in last season's two meetings will most likely miss this game and the rest of the season with a broken foot. The Raptors may have struggled defensively of late giving up a total of 233 points through their last two games, but they were both on the road and they're holding opponents to an average of 96.8 points per game home at Air Canada Centre where the under is 13-2 in their last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Memphis is averaging just 95.9 points per game on the road while surrendering 97.5, and the under is 14-3 in the Grizzlies last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Adams

Monmouth vs St. Peter's

Bonus Play Monmouth

We cashed a ticket earlier in the week playing against Monmouth, and we'll go right back to the window, this time on their side. The Hawks will be looking for a bounce back win after losing at home 83-67 to Iona in their latest contest. Monmouth has been extremely efficient on the offensive side of the court this season, ranking 28th in the country in scoring. Prior to the Iona game the Hawks had won 8 straight. That was also their first home loss. This game will be played on the road but you have to think that they'll be fired up and ready to get back on track, wanting to get that much closer to a conference championship.

St. Peter's comes into this game with just a 12-14 overall record, and they were absolutely stomped earlier in the season when they played the Hawks. Another big factor in the game is that the Peacocks had to play a make up game against Manhattan this week, meaning they'll be playing their 3rd game in just 4 days. That's not common for a college team, and at this point in the season fatigue is already taking its toll on a normal schedule. St. Peter's offense is anemic. In fact, they rank 318th in the country in scoring. You can obviously see the disparity between these two teams which is why we'll look for the Hawks to cruise to a double digit victory. Take Monmouth.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp CBB Pick, Sunday, Feb 21, 2016 8:30 PM EST

(855) CALIFORNIA VS (856) WASHINGTON STATE

Take: Over the total

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Sunday, February 21, 2016 is in the College scheduled contest between California and the Cougars at Washington State. California's defense is suspect away from home, on a 7-3 run over the total, as well as 4-1 over in the Golden Bears last 5 games following a straight up win. Washington State's offense clicks best at home and the Over is 10-2 in the Cougars last 12 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. And when these teams clash the Over is 10-2, including 5-0 over the total in the last 5 meetings in Washington State. Play California/Washington State Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Sunday

827 NORTHEASTERN @ 828 HOFSTRA 2:00 PM

Take: 827 NORTHEASTERN +7

If you’re wondering what has suddenly gotten into Northeastern, it’s a simple enough answer. Quincy Ford is back in the lineup after missing four games, all of which were Huskies losses.

Ford has now been back for four games and Northeastern has gone 3-1. Ford was okay in a loss to UNC-Wilmington. He didn’t do much more than get his feet wet in an ugly win over Towson. He was a little better in the next outing as the Huskies got past Drexel. But on Thursday night, the real Quincy Ford was on full display. He logged 52 minutes in the triple OT thriller at James Madison, and pumped home 36 points in leading Northeastern to a wild win.

Speaking of triple OT, the first hookup this season between the Huskies and Hofstra went 55 minutes as well. The Pride ended up on top in that classic. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a rerun of sorts today.

There’s a decent long term revenge angle in play here. Road dogs that lose the first meeting at home by one, two or in overtime are a solid blind play in the rematch. Well, at least they have been until this season. The current campaign’s ledger for teams fitting this theory is now 12-15 vs. the line. There’s still a strong enough rationale in play here to suggest this angle will remain productive long term, but so far, not so so goos this season, and really bad lately.

As for the matchup, I think it’s another dynamite CAA duel. There are a number of teams in this conference that are really close, and now that Ford is back on the floor, I put Northeastern in that group.

From a historical perspective, this is a very underdog-oriented series and for whatever reason, Hofstra is a really lousy spread team at home. That’s a nice add-on, but my main take here is that I consider Northeastern a bit undervalued now that their star is good to go. The spread seems generous to me, and I’ll be taking the points with the Huskies.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Roz Wins

Roz's Sunday, February 21, 2016, Free NBA Pick: 9:05 PM

(819) UTAH JAZZ VS (820) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Utah has a powerhouse defense and will slow the pace down. The under is 13-5-1 in the Jazz's last 19 games playing on 1 days rest. Portland is home and the Under is 33-16-2 in the Trail Blazers last 51 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Play Utah/Portland Under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Sunday, February 21, 2016, NHL. 10:05 PM EST

(61) COLORADO AVALANCHE VS (62) VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Colorado has a winning road record, a 5-2 run on the road with a hot offense. Vancouver is No. 29 in goals scored, No. 23 in the NHL in goals allowed, No. 25 on the power play. The Canucks are 4-13 in their last 17 vs. the Western Conference and the Road team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Play Colorado.