Soccer: EPL Best Bets - Week 25
By Chris David
Week 23 & 24 Recap
Even though the last week of January watched favorites notch a 4-3 record in Matchday, two of the underdogs made a serious statement. Swansea City (+385) and Chelsea (+250) both earned impressive road wins respectively over Everton and Arsenal. This weekend was also highlighted by perhaps the best game of the season which saw Liverpool outlast Norwich City 5-4 in a wild shootout. The effort helped the ‘over’ go 6-4 in the 23rd week.
In Matchday 24 this past Tuesday and Wednesday, favorites posted a 6-1 record to go with three draws. The defensive units were on display as the ‘under’ went 6-4.
Including the last two weeks, favorites are 106-65 with 69 draws while the ‘under’ holds a slight edge with a 120-115-5 mark.
Trends to Watch
Every club has played at least five games in the second-half of the season and we’re starting to see some angles develop.
-- Leicester City and Manchester City have both notched 11 out of a possible 15 points since the midway point, the most in the Premier League.
-- Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion have all posted three draws in their last five games. Everton leads the EPL with 11 draws this season.
-- Crystal Palace has dropped all five games since the break while getting outscored 13-2 during this skid.
-- Norwich City has gone 1-4 since the break and has allowed 14 total goals in the four losses.
-- It’s been feast or famine for Liverpool lately. The club has netted eight goals for a 1-1-0 record and been shutout in three losses in the second-half.
-- West Ham United has scored at least one goal in its last seven games.
-- Stoke City has watched the ‘over’ go 4-1 since the break.
-- Southampton has posted four consecutive clean sheets and the ‘under’ is 4-1 in the second-half of the season.
-- Tottenham’s magic number has been two this season as in goals. The Spurs are 10-2-0 when they score at least two goals.
Top 4
Some great nationally televised action set for this weekend, starting with the battle for first place of the Premier League on Saturday and ending with the Red Devils and Blues squaring off on Sunday from Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City vs. Leicester City (Saturday, NBCSN, 7:45 a.m. ET)
Despite sitting in first place of the English Premier League, Leicester City (+475) has been installed as a very heavy underdog to Manchester City (-175) and you could be undecided on this matchup.
The Foxes have won the points away from home this season with 25 (7-4-1) while the Citizens have secured the most points at home with 28 (9-1-2). Both Leicester (3-3-0) and City (3-3-0) have produced the same record over their last six games as well, and that includes a scoreless draw between the pair on Dec. 29 from King Power Stadium.
The draw (+325) for Saturday’s match has a decent payout but Manchester has only tied five times this season and just one came at Etihad Stadium.
This game has the highest total on the board (3) and certainly understandable. Manchester leads the league with 46 goals and Leicester is right behind them with 44. The ‘over’ is 10-2 at home for the Citizens while the Foxes have watched the ‘over’ connect at an 8-4 rate as visitors.
Arsenal at Bournemouth (Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Vitality Stadium will be buzzing this week as Bournemouth (+270) meets Arsenal (+105) as a healthy home underdog. The Cherries have been respectable at home, going 3-4-4 with draws against Leicester and Tottenham, plus a victory over Man United.
Bournemouth enters this game unbeaten in its last three (2-1-0) games but that came against two teams near the relegation zone and the other against a struggling Palace squad.
Arsenal isn’t in great form, winless in its last four games (0-1-3) and the offense has been shutout in three straight games. The Gunners have not gone five EPL games without a win since the 2011 season.
Fortunately for the Gunners, the offense (21 goals) has been better on the road and that’s led to a 6-3-3 record as visitors. These teams met in late December from the Emirates and Arsenal captured a 2-0 victory and many pundits felt the margin could’ve been greater.
The total is 2 ½ and shaded to the low side (-135) for the second meeting.
Manchester United at Chelsea (Sunday, 11:00 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Super Sunday matchup between Manchester United (+285) and Chelsea (+105) from Stamford Bridge is a big win but the oddsmakers are certainly expecting a victory from the home side.
It’s hard to expect a loss from the Blues, considering they haven’t dropped points since they parted ways with manager Joe Mourinho in mid-December. Make a note that Chelsea (3-5-0) only has three wins during this span and Wednesday’s scoreless draw at Watford shows that the club still lacks confidence.
Manchester needs to win to keep in line with the race for a Top 4 spot but it’s just 1-4-8 in its last 13 EPL games against Chelsea. The Red Devils have been up and down on the road (5-3-4) this season but it appears that the offense has finally found its groove. Including Tuesday’s 3-0 home win versus Stoke City, the club has scored nine goals in the second-half of the season and they only had 22 goals in the first 19 games.
These teams played to a scoreless draw on Dec. 28 at Old Trafford and another tie (+235) offers up a generous return on Sunday. In the last eight EPL encounters, a draw has occurred four times.
The total is set at just 2 goals but shaded to the ‘over’ (-130) and that line seems low. In their last four home games, the Blues have scored 10 goals and that’s produced a 4-0 ‘over’ record.
For what it’s worth, both clubs will be sending out Dutch managers and Guus Hiddink is 4-1-0 against Louis Van Gaal in their last five meetings in all competitions.
Fearless Predictions
We kept the momentum of 2016 rolling in Matchday 23 as we posted another winning week (+345) and cut into the season deficit ($1,175). Once again, we’re spreading out the action over the two days and going to include a couple prop bets tied into Super Bowl 50 as well.
Straight – Over 2 ½ (+120) West Ham United-Southampton – 2 Units
Parlay – Liverpool (-230), Totteham (-210), Crystal Palace (+255) – 1 Unit
Straight – Manchester City (-175) over Leicester City – 1 Unit
Straight – Arsenal (+105) over Bournemouth – 2 Units
Straight – Over 2 ½ (+115) Arsenal-Bournemouth – 2 Units
Straight – Over 2 (-130) Manchester United-Chelsea – 2 Units
SB50 Prop – Arsenal Goals (-160) over Peyton Manning TD Passes – 2 Units
SB50 Prop – Chelsea-Manchester United Goals (+120) over Panthers-Broncos Rushing TDs – 1 Unit
By Chris David
Week 23 & 24 Recap
Even though the last week of January watched favorites notch a 4-3 record in Matchday, two of the underdogs made a serious statement. Swansea City (+385) and Chelsea (+250) both earned impressive road wins respectively over Everton and Arsenal. This weekend was also highlighted by perhaps the best game of the season which saw Liverpool outlast Norwich City 5-4 in a wild shootout. The effort helped the ‘over’ go 6-4 in the 23rd week.
In Matchday 24 this past Tuesday and Wednesday, favorites posted a 6-1 record to go with three draws. The defensive units were on display as the ‘under’ went 6-4.
Including the last two weeks, favorites are 106-65 with 69 draws while the ‘under’ holds a slight edge with a 120-115-5 mark.
Trends to Watch
Every club has played at least five games in the second-half of the season and we’re starting to see some angles develop.
-- Leicester City and Manchester City have both notched 11 out of a possible 15 points since the midway point, the most in the Premier League.
-- Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion have all posted three draws in their last five games. Everton leads the EPL with 11 draws this season.
-- Crystal Palace has dropped all five games since the break while getting outscored 13-2 during this skid.
-- Norwich City has gone 1-4 since the break and has allowed 14 total goals in the four losses.
-- It’s been feast or famine for Liverpool lately. The club has netted eight goals for a 1-1-0 record and been shutout in three losses in the second-half.
-- West Ham United has scored at least one goal in its last seven games.
-- Stoke City has watched the ‘over’ go 4-1 since the break.
-- Southampton has posted four consecutive clean sheets and the ‘under’ is 4-1 in the second-half of the season.
-- Tottenham’s magic number has been two this season as in goals. The Spurs are 10-2-0 when they score at least two goals.
Top 4
Some great nationally televised action set for this weekend, starting with the battle for first place of the Premier League on Saturday and ending with the Red Devils and Blues squaring off on Sunday from Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City vs. Leicester City (Saturday, NBCSN, 7:45 a.m. ET)
Despite sitting in first place of the English Premier League, Leicester City (+475) has been installed as a very heavy underdog to Manchester City (-175) and you could be undecided on this matchup.
The Foxes have won the points away from home this season with 25 (7-4-1) while the Citizens have secured the most points at home with 28 (9-1-2). Both Leicester (3-3-0) and City (3-3-0) have produced the same record over their last six games as well, and that includes a scoreless draw between the pair on Dec. 29 from King Power Stadium.
The draw (+325) for Saturday’s match has a decent payout but Manchester has only tied five times this season and just one came at Etihad Stadium.
This game has the highest total on the board (3) and certainly understandable. Manchester leads the league with 46 goals and Leicester is right behind them with 44. The ‘over’ is 10-2 at home for the Citizens while the Foxes have watched the ‘over’ connect at an 8-4 rate as visitors.
Arsenal at Bournemouth (Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Vitality Stadium will be buzzing this week as Bournemouth (+270) meets Arsenal (+105) as a healthy home underdog. The Cherries have been respectable at home, going 3-4-4 with draws against Leicester and Tottenham, plus a victory over Man United.
Bournemouth enters this game unbeaten in its last three (2-1-0) games but that came against two teams near the relegation zone and the other against a struggling Palace squad.
Arsenal isn’t in great form, winless in its last four games (0-1-3) and the offense has been shutout in three straight games. The Gunners have not gone five EPL games without a win since the 2011 season.
Fortunately for the Gunners, the offense (21 goals) has been better on the road and that’s led to a 6-3-3 record as visitors. These teams met in late December from the Emirates and Arsenal captured a 2-0 victory and many pundits felt the margin could’ve been greater.
The total is 2 ½ and shaded to the low side (-135) for the second meeting.
Manchester United at Chelsea (Sunday, 11:00 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Super Sunday matchup between Manchester United (+285) and Chelsea (+105) from Stamford Bridge is a big win but the oddsmakers are certainly expecting a victory from the home side.
It’s hard to expect a loss from the Blues, considering they haven’t dropped points since they parted ways with manager Joe Mourinho in mid-December. Make a note that Chelsea (3-5-0) only has three wins during this span and Wednesday’s scoreless draw at Watford shows that the club still lacks confidence.
Manchester needs to win to keep in line with the race for a Top 4 spot but it’s just 1-4-8 in its last 13 EPL games against Chelsea. The Red Devils have been up and down on the road (5-3-4) this season but it appears that the offense has finally found its groove. Including Tuesday’s 3-0 home win versus Stoke City, the club has scored nine goals in the second-half of the season and they only had 22 goals in the first 19 games.
These teams played to a scoreless draw on Dec. 28 at Old Trafford and another tie (+235) offers up a generous return on Sunday. In the last eight EPL encounters, a draw has occurred four times.
The total is set at just 2 goals but shaded to the ‘over’ (-130) and that line seems low. In their last four home games, the Blues have scored 10 goals and that’s produced a 4-0 ‘over’ record.
For what it’s worth, both clubs will be sending out Dutch managers and Guus Hiddink is 4-1-0 against Louis Van Gaal in their last five meetings in all competitions.
Fearless Predictions
We kept the momentum of 2016 rolling in Matchday 23 as we posted another winning week (+345) and cut into the season deficit ($1,175). Once again, we’re spreading out the action over the two days and going to include a couple prop bets tied into Super Bowl 50 as well.
Straight – Over 2 ½ (+120) West Ham United-Southampton – 2 Units
Parlay – Liverpool (-230), Totteham (-210), Crystal Palace (+255) – 1 Unit
Straight – Manchester City (-175) over Leicester City – 1 Unit
Straight – Arsenal (+105) over Bournemouth – 2 Units
Straight – Over 2 ½ (+115) Arsenal-Bournemouth – 2 Units
Straight – Over 2 (-130) Manchester United-Chelsea – 2 Units
SB50 Prop – Arsenal Goals (-160) over Peyton Manning TD Passes – 2 Units
SB50 Prop – Chelsea-Manchester United Goals (+120) over Panthers-Broncos Rushing TDs – 1 Unit
SB50 Cross-Sport Props
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has released hundreds of proposition wagers for Super Bowl L between the Panthers and Broncos for Sunday, Feb. 7, 2015.
Included in that mix are “Cross-Sport” prop wagers, which allow bettors to focus on pro football and other sports, one of them pro hockey.
Listed below are opening props from the SuperBook for selected NHL games to be played on Sunday.
Sunday, Feb. 7
Philadelphia at Washington (9:00 a.m. PT)
Carolina at Montreal (11:30 a.m. PT)
Edmonton at N.Y. Islanders (11:30 a.m. PT)
Be sure to check the times and rules for each prop.
---------------------------------------------------------------
PRO HOCKEY CROSS-SPORT PROPS
---------------------------------------------------------------
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers+Capitals+Hurricanes+Canadiens+Oilers+Isl anders Goals--February 7, 2016)
Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
NHL GOALS -1.5 -140
PANTHERS+BRONCOS 2ND QUARTER POINTS +1.5 +120
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers/Capitals--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
FLYERS+CAPITALS GOALS PK -130
PANTHERS+BRONCOS TOUCHDOWNS PK +110
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers/Capitals--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
ALEXANDER OVECHKIN (WAS) POINTS +0.5 +155
CAM NEWTON (CAR) TOUCHDOWN PASSES -0.5 -175
**Ovechkin Points(Goals+Assists)--Shootout Goals excluded
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers/Capitals--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
FLYERS+CAPITALS SHOTS ON GOAL -12.5 -110
TED GINN JR (CAR) RECEIVING YARDS +12.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hurricanes/Canadiens--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
HURRICANES SHOTS ON GOAL -2.5 -130
PANTHERS POINTS +2.5 +110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hurricanes/Canadiens--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
HURRICANES+CANADIENS GOALS PK -110
GREG OLSEN (CAR) RECEPTIONS PK -110
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Oilers/Islanders--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
ISLANDERS GOALS +0.5 -140
PANTHERS+BRONCOS MADE FIELD GOALS -0.5 +120
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Oilers/Islanders--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
OILERS+ISLANDERS FIRST PERIOD GOALS PK -150
PANTHERS+BRONCOS FUMBLES LOST PK +130
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has released hundreds of proposition wagers for Super Bowl L between the Panthers and Broncos for Sunday, Feb. 7, 2015.
Included in that mix are “Cross-Sport” prop wagers, which allow bettors to focus on pro football and other sports, one of them pro hockey.
Listed below are opening props from the SuperBook for selected NHL games to be played on Sunday.
Sunday, Feb. 7
Philadelphia at Washington (9:00 a.m. PT)
Carolina at Montreal (11:30 a.m. PT)
Edmonton at N.Y. Islanders (11:30 a.m. PT)
Be sure to check the times and rules for each prop.
---------------------------------------------------------------
PRO HOCKEY CROSS-SPORT PROPS
---------------------------------------------------------------
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers+Capitals+Hurricanes+Canadiens+Oilers+Isl anders Goals--February 7, 2016)
Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
NHL GOALS -1.5 -140
PANTHERS+BRONCOS 2ND QUARTER POINTS +1.5 +120
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers/Capitals--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
FLYERS+CAPITALS GOALS PK -130
PANTHERS+BRONCOS TOUCHDOWNS PK +110
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers/Capitals--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
ALEXANDER OVECHKIN (WAS) POINTS +0.5 +155
CAM NEWTON (CAR) TOUCHDOWN PASSES -0.5 -175
**Ovechkin Points(Goals+Assists)--Shootout Goals excluded
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Flyers/Capitals--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 9:05 am Pacific
FLYERS+CAPITALS SHOTS ON GOAL -12.5 -110
TED GINN JR (CAR) RECEIVING YARDS +12.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hurricanes/Canadiens--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
HURRICANES SHOTS ON GOAL -2.5 -130
PANTHERS POINTS +2.5 +110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hurricanes/Canadiens--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
HURRICANES+CANADIENS GOALS PK -110
GREG OLSEN (CAR) RECEPTIONS PK -110
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Oilers/Islanders--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
ISLANDERS GOALS +0.5 -140
PANTHERS+BRONCOS MADE FIELD GOALS -0.5 +120
**In case of shootout only 1 goal is added to game total
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Oilers/Islanders--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:35 am Pacific
OILERS+ISLANDERS FIRST PERIOD GOALS PK -150
PANTHERS+BRONCOS FUMBLES LOST PK +130
Preview: Flyers (23-18) at Capitals (37-9)
Date: February 07, 2016 12:00 PM EDT
As they attempt to forget about a frustrating loss to another division rival, the Philadelphia Flyers can draw upon the confidence gained from a recent road win over the Washington Capitals.
The teams face off at Verizon Center for the second time in 12 days Sunday with the first-place Capitals aiming for a third consecutive win and charging Philadelphia looking to extend its point streak to five games.
Philadelphia stopped the Capitals' 12-game home winning streak with a 4-3 overtime victory on Jan. 27, the final game for both before the All-Star break. The Flyers returned with two more wins and nearly had a fourth straight Saturday against the New York Rangers, taking a one-goal lead into the final seconds of regulation before ending with a potentially costly 3-2 shootout defeat.
New York's Keith Yandle tied it with 12.9 seconds remaining in the third period and the Rangers scored on their two shootout attempts against Steve Mason to deny Philadelphia (23-18-9), currently outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture but 8-3-2 since Jan. 5, an important point.
'It's definitely a tough way to lose a game," Mason said. "We have to find ways to close it out. We lost a big point there.'
The Flyers were forced to play much of the game without top goal scorer Wayne Simmonds, ejected midway through the first period for punching Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh. Simmonds entered off two straight two-goal efforts and recorded six with two assists over his previous four.
Philadelphia totaled 14 goals during its winning streak and a resurgent power play has converted 34.5 percent of its chances while scoring in seven straight. Rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has 10 points over a seven-game streak and Jakub Voracek 11 during a six-game run.
Voracek scored twice, including 38 seconds into overtime, in the recent win over Washington (37-9-4), dealing Braden Holtby his first home loss since Oct. 28.
Holtby owns a 3.09 goals-against average over his past six starts but has been solid in two following the break, backing a 24-save effort in Thursday's 3-2 home win over the New York Islanders with 22 in Saturday's 3-2 shootout victory at New Jersey.
Andre Burakovsky scored in a fifth straight game and T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin each had shootout goals after Paul Carey scored his first NHL with 5:53 left to tie it.
'You always envision the goals being big ones, and to tie it up in the third period is a great feeling and to help the team out on a call-up makes it even better," said the 27-year-old Carey, recalled from the minors on Friday.
The Capitals also overcame another dull effort from their usually strong special teams. Washington is 0 for 15 on the power play over a four-game stretch, tying its longest drought of the season, and has killed just 11 of 16 short-handed situations in its last five.
Ovechkin has eight goals over his past 10 but has been held without a point in two meetings with the Flyers this season. Jason Chimera scored two power-play goals in a 5-2 win at Philadelphia on Nov. 12.
Mason will likely start on consecutive days with Michal Neuvirth, who had 27 saves in the teams' last matchup, out with a lower-body injury. Mason stopped just 27 of 32 shots in the November loss.
Date: February 07, 2016 12:00 PM EDT
As they attempt to forget about a frustrating loss to another division rival, the Philadelphia Flyers can draw upon the confidence gained from a recent road win over the Washington Capitals.
The teams face off at Verizon Center for the second time in 12 days Sunday with the first-place Capitals aiming for a third consecutive win and charging Philadelphia looking to extend its point streak to five games.
Philadelphia stopped the Capitals' 12-game home winning streak with a 4-3 overtime victory on Jan. 27, the final game for both before the All-Star break. The Flyers returned with two more wins and nearly had a fourth straight Saturday against the New York Rangers, taking a one-goal lead into the final seconds of regulation before ending with a potentially costly 3-2 shootout defeat.
New York's Keith Yandle tied it with 12.9 seconds remaining in the third period and the Rangers scored on their two shootout attempts against Steve Mason to deny Philadelphia (23-18-9), currently outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture but 8-3-2 since Jan. 5, an important point.
'It's definitely a tough way to lose a game," Mason said. "We have to find ways to close it out. We lost a big point there.'
The Flyers were forced to play much of the game without top goal scorer Wayne Simmonds, ejected midway through the first period for punching Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh. Simmonds entered off two straight two-goal efforts and recorded six with two assists over his previous four.
Philadelphia totaled 14 goals during its winning streak and a resurgent power play has converted 34.5 percent of its chances while scoring in seven straight. Rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has 10 points over a seven-game streak and Jakub Voracek 11 during a six-game run.
Voracek scored twice, including 38 seconds into overtime, in the recent win over Washington (37-9-4), dealing Braden Holtby his first home loss since Oct. 28.
Holtby owns a 3.09 goals-against average over his past six starts but has been solid in two following the break, backing a 24-save effort in Thursday's 3-2 home win over the New York Islanders with 22 in Saturday's 3-2 shootout victory at New Jersey.
Andre Burakovsky scored in a fifth straight game and T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin each had shootout goals after Paul Carey scored his first NHL with 5:53 left to tie it.
'You always envision the goals being big ones, and to tie it up in the third period is a great feeling and to help the team out on a call-up makes it even better," said the 27-year-old Carey, recalled from the minors on Friday.
The Capitals also overcame another dull effort from their usually strong special teams. Washington is 0 for 15 on the power play over a four-game stretch, tying its longest drought of the season, and has killed just 11 of 16 short-handed situations in its last five.
Ovechkin has eight goals over his past 10 but has been held without a point in two meetings with the Flyers this season. Jason Chimera scored two power-play goals in a 5-2 win at Philadelphia on Nov. 12.
Mason will likely start on consecutive days with Michal Neuvirth, who had 27 saves in the teams' last matchup, out with a lower-body injury. Mason stopped just 27 of 32 shots in the November loss.
Preview: Hurricanes (24-21) at Canadiens (25-24)
Date: February 07, 2016 2:30 PM EDT
It's been so long since Montreal won consecutive games that Carey Price had a hand in it. While there's no news on when the reigning MVP might return, the Canadiens are at least in a position to remedy the first problem.
The opportunity comes Sunday against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes, who are one of the teams that's blown by the once-promising Canadiens in the Eastern Conference.
Montreal (25-24-4) is a league-worst 7-20-2 since a four-game win streak Nov. 20-27 - Price's last appearance was Nov. 25 - and every other team has at least 11 wins during that slide. The Canadiens have allowed 3.10 goals per game in that time, though a 5-1 home win over Edmonton on Saturday ended a four-game skid on which they gave up 18.
Queue Ben Scrivens, one of Price's replacements, for maybe the understatement of the year after beating his former team:
"We're kind of in a bit of a struggle right now, so hopefully that's a good game for us that we can build off of," the December acquisition told the team's official website after his first win in five games this season. "That's all that really matters to me."
Tomas Plekanec had a goal and three assists after recording an assist in his previous seven games, while P.K. Subban and Brendan Gallagher added a goal and an assist each. Subban, the team's points leader, has two goals and six assists on a five-game point streak, but he's been held from the score sheet in his last six against Carolina.
Gallagher's tally came with the man advantage, marking the team's fifth straight game with a power-play goal after going 6 for 71 in its previous 22.
"No complaints this time," Plekanec said. "We played with confidence. We moved the puck really well and scored some goals. Hopefully this is the start of the solid winning streak that we need and that we keep it going."
Montreal could still use a spark from Max Pacioretty, who's been limited to an assist with a minus-10 rating over the past seven games but has seven goals and five assists in his last eight versus the Hurricanes.
Part of the extended struggle was a 3-2 loss in Carolina on Dec. 5 which ended the Canadiens' five-game winning streak in the series, though they've still got a five-game run going at home against the Hurricanes.
Carolina (24-21-8) is 8-3-1 since going winless in the first three games of 2016. The Hurricanes have scored 2.92 goals per game in that span, which was padded in Friday's 5-3 win at Winnipeg.
They got four first-period goals and have 10 over a 3-1-0 span, but coach Bill Peters wasn't entirely pleased after the Jets scored the next three.
"We got off to a good start, so there are some positives, but lots and lots of things to work on," Peters told the team's official website. "We're not quite where we were when we entered the All-Star break. We've got to get our team game back.
"I thought we did some good things structurally early, but then we got away from it and allowed them to build some momentum and get back in the game."
Andrej Nestrasil scored twice and Jordan Staal had a goal and two assists to help Cam Ward ease back into things after missing six games with a concussion. Ward made 33 saves and has a 1.89 goals-against average and .928 save percentage over a 6-3-2 span, though he's posted 3.95 and .873 marks on a 1-5-0 stretch in Montreal.
Mike Condon, who has dropped his last three starts with 3.38 GAA and .889 save percentage, figures to complete the back-to-back set for the Canadiens.
Date: February 07, 2016 2:30 PM EDT
It's been so long since Montreal won consecutive games that Carey Price had a hand in it. While there's no news on when the reigning MVP might return, the Canadiens are at least in a position to remedy the first problem.
The opportunity comes Sunday against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes, who are one of the teams that's blown by the once-promising Canadiens in the Eastern Conference.
Montreal (25-24-4) is a league-worst 7-20-2 since a four-game win streak Nov. 20-27 - Price's last appearance was Nov. 25 - and every other team has at least 11 wins during that slide. The Canadiens have allowed 3.10 goals per game in that time, though a 5-1 home win over Edmonton on Saturday ended a four-game skid on which they gave up 18.
Queue Ben Scrivens, one of Price's replacements, for maybe the understatement of the year after beating his former team:
"We're kind of in a bit of a struggle right now, so hopefully that's a good game for us that we can build off of," the December acquisition told the team's official website after his first win in five games this season. "That's all that really matters to me."
Tomas Plekanec had a goal and three assists after recording an assist in his previous seven games, while P.K. Subban and Brendan Gallagher added a goal and an assist each. Subban, the team's points leader, has two goals and six assists on a five-game point streak, but he's been held from the score sheet in his last six against Carolina.
Gallagher's tally came with the man advantage, marking the team's fifth straight game with a power-play goal after going 6 for 71 in its previous 22.
"No complaints this time," Plekanec said. "We played with confidence. We moved the puck really well and scored some goals. Hopefully this is the start of the solid winning streak that we need and that we keep it going."
Montreal could still use a spark from Max Pacioretty, who's been limited to an assist with a minus-10 rating over the past seven games but has seven goals and five assists in his last eight versus the Hurricanes.
Part of the extended struggle was a 3-2 loss in Carolina on Dec. 5 which ended the Canadiens' five-game winning streak in the series, though they've still got a five-game run going at home against the Hurricanes.
Carolina (24-21-8) is 8-3-1 since going winless in the first three games of 2016. The Hurricanes have scored 2.92 goals per game in that span, which was padded in Friday's 5-3 win at Winnipeg.
They got four first-period goals and have 10 over a 3-1-0 span, but coach Bill Peters wasn't entirely pleased after the Jets scored the next three.
"We got off to a good start, so there are some positives, but lots and lots of things to work on," Peters told the team's official website. "We're not quite where we were when we entered the All-Star break. We've got to get our team game back.
"I thought we did some good things structurally early, but then we got away from it and allowed them to build some momentum and get back in the game."
Andrej Nestrasil scored twice and Jordan Staal had a goal and two assists to help Cam Ward ease back into things after missing six games with a concussion. Ward made 33 saves and has a 1.89 goals-against average and .928 save percentage over a 6-3-2 span, though he's posted 3.95 and .873 marks on a 1-5-0 stretch in Montreal.
Mike Condon, who has dropped his last three starts with 3.38 GAA and .889 save percentage, figures to complete the back-to-back set for the Canadiens.
Preview: Oilers (21-27) at Islanders (26-18)
Date: February 07, 2016 2:30 PM EDT
Although John Tavares can sympathize with the pressure and expectations foisted on phenom Connor McDavid, their teams are in far different positions.
Tavares is trying to help the New York Islanders get back into the playoff picture Sunday against the highly touted rookie and the last-place Edmonton Oilers.
Expectations were high when Tavares was selected first overall at age 18 in 2009. He played all 82 games that season and led New York with 54 points, showing the promise fans have hoped would turn the struggling franchise into a Stanley Cup champion.
Tavares has turned the Islanders into a playoff contender, and that burden of expectations has him relating to McDavid, last year's top pick who turned 19 last month and is expected to turn around the moribund Oilers as the NHL's next transcendent star.
"Some of it is a little overwhelming," Tavares told the team's official website. "You're going through it for the first time and you're barely an adult. You're trying to mature and make sure you're handling yourself the right way. I had great people around me that really helped me through that."
Tavares, the team's captain, has done his part to live up to those expectations. He's tied with Kyle Okposo for the team lead with 37 points and has eight in eight games after scoring a goal on an assist by Okposo in Saturday's 5-1 loss at Detroit.
The Islanders (26-18-6) are one point back of New Jersey for the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.
McDavid and the Oilers (21-27-5) trail the same spot in the West by 11 points. The young center had 12 points in his first 13 games before a broken clavicle sidelined him for the next 37. He got five points in his first two games back before failing to get on the score sheet during a 5-1 loss at Montreal on Saturday.
Coach Todd McLellan wasn't happy with Edmonton's overall play, which included being outshot 36-24 overall and 13-4 in the third period.
"That's as bad as we've been in a long time," McLellan said. "We didn't skate well, we didn't pass, our structure was poor ... We got what we deserved."
It's unknown if McLellan thinks Cam Talbot deserves to be back in net after allowing four goals on 23 shots and getting pulled after the second period Saturday. Backup Anders Nilsson stopped 12 of 13 shots the rest of the way.
Nilsson was a third-round pick by the Islanders in '09, and he went 9-9-2 with a 3.05 goals-against average in 23 games over two seasons before moving on to the Oilers as a free agent last summer.
Talbot, however, is 3-1-0 with a 2.78 GAA in five career meetings with New York.
The Islanders are in a similar situation after Jaroslav Halak was lifted midway through the second period Saturday after surrendering four goals on 13 shots. He's lost three straight starts with a 4.04 GAA but is 8-2-1 with a 1.98 mark and three shutouts in 12 games against the Oilers. He had 34 stops in a 3-2 overtime home win Feb. 10.
Rookie Jean-Francois Berube made six saves after replacing Halak against the Red Wings. He split his first two career starts with a 3.50 GAA.
Still, much of the focus will be on Tavares and McDavid. Tavares has seven points in six games against Edmonton, while McDavid is getting his first taste of the Big Apple.
"Special players just have a demeanor around them," Tavares said. "He's very humble, doesn't take anything for granted and obviously has shown some great promise about why he's going to be a great player."
Date: February 07, 2016 2:30 PM EDT
Although John Tavares can sympathize with the pressure and expectations foisted on phenom Connor McDavid, their teams are in far different positions.
Tavares is trying to help the New York Islanders get back into the playoff picture Sunday against the highly touted rookie and the last-place Edmonton Oilers.
Expectations were high when Tavares was selected first overall at age 18 in 2009. He played all 82 games that season and led New York with 54 points, showing the promise fans have hoped would turn the struggling franchise into a Stanley Cup champion.
Tavares has turned the Islanders into a playoff contender, and that burden of expectations has him relating to McDavid, last year's top pick who turned 19 last month and is expected to turn around the moribund Oilers as the NHL's next transcendent star.
"Some of it is a little overwhelming," Tavares told the team's official website. "You're going through it for the first time and you're barely an adult. You're trying to mature and make sure you're handling yourself the right way. I had great people around me that really helped me through that."
Tavares, the team's captain, has done his part to live up to those expectations. He's tied with Kyle Okposo for the team lead with 37 points and has eight in eight games after scoring a goal on an assist by Okposo in Saturday's 5-1 loss at Detroit.
The Islanders (26-18-6) are one point back of New Jersey for the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.
McDavid and the Oilers (21-27-5) trail the same spot in the West by 11 points. The young center had 12 points in his first 13 games before a broken clavicle sidelined him for the next 37. He got five points in his first two games back before failing to get on the score sheet during a 5-1 loss at Montreal on Saturday.
Coach Todd McLellan wasn't happy with Edmonton's overall play, which included being outshot 36-24 overall and 13-4 in the third period.
"That's as bad as we've been in a long time," McLellan said. "We didn't skate well, we didn't pass, our structure was poor ... We got what we deserved."
It's unknown if McLellan thinks Cam Talbot deserves to be back in net after allowing four goals on 23 shots and getting pulled after the second period Saturday. Backup Anders Nilsson stopped 12 of 13 shots the rest of the way.
Nilsson was a third-round pick by the Islanders in '09, and he went 9-9-2 with a 3.05 goals-against average in 23 games over two seasons before moving on to the Oilers as a free agent last summer.
Talbot, however, is 3-1-0 with a 2.78 GAA in five career meetings with New York.
The Islanders are in a similar situation after Jaroslav Halak was lifted midway through the second period Saturday after surrendering four goals on 13 shots. He's lost three straight starts with a 4.04 GAA but is 8-2-1 with a 1.98 mark and three shutouts in 12 games against the Oilers. He had 34 stops in a 3-2 overtime home win Feb. 10.
Rookie Jean-Francois Berube made six saves after replacing Halak against the Red Wings. He split his first two career starts with a 3.50 GAA.
Still, much of the focus will be on Tavares and McDavid. Tavares has seven points in six games against Edmonton, while McDavid is getting his first taste of the Big Apple.
"Special players just have a demeanor around them," Tavares said. "He's very humble, doesn't take anything for granted and obviously has shown some great promise about why he's going to be a great player."
Grand Salami - February
The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.
Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.
*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.
NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
2/1 No games scheduled - - -
2/2 12 64.5 75 OVER
2/3 3 16 15 UNDER
2/4 12 64.5 77 OVER
2/5 4 21 27 OVER
2/6 12 62 67 OVER
2/7 3 - - -
2/8 4 - - -
2/9 12 - - -
2/10 3 - - -
2/11 9 - - -
2/12 7 - - -
2/13 10 - - -
2/14 5 - - -
2/15 7 - - -
2/16 8 - - -
2/17 3 - - -
2/18 11 - - -
2/19 5 - - -
2/20 9 - - -
2/21 6 - - -
2/22 4 - - -
2/23 9 - - -
2/24 4 - - -
2/25 10 - - -
2/26 5 - - -
2/27 9 - - -
2/28 7 - - -
2/29 6 - - -
The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.
Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.
*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.
NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
2/1 No games scheduled - - -
2/2 12 64.5 75 OVER
2/3 3 16 15 UNDER
2/4 12 64.5 77 OVER
2/5 4 21 27 OVER
2/6 12 62 67 OVER
2/7 3 - - -
2/8 4 - - -
2/9 12 - - -
2/10 3 - - -
2/11 9 - - -
2/12 7 - - -
2/13 10 - - -
2/14 5 - - -
2/15 7 - - -
2/16 8 - - -
2/17 3 - - -
2/18 11 - - -
2/19 5 - - -
2/20 9 - - -
2/21 6 - - -
2/22 4 - - -
2/23 9 - - -
2/24 4 - - -
2/25 10 - - -
2/26 5 - - -
2/27 9 - - -
2/28 7 - - -
2/29 6 - - -
NHL
Hot teams
-- Washington won sevne of its last ten games. Flyers won three of their last four.
-- Hurricanes won three of their last four games.
Cold teams
-- Montreal lost eight of its last ten games.
-- Oilers, Islanders both lost four of their last six games.
Series records
-- Flyers won seven of last nine games with Washington,
-- Canadiens won eight of last ten games with Carolina.
-- Home side won last ten Edmonton-Islander games. -
Totals
-- Over is 4-0-2 in last six Philadelphia games.
-- Last five Montreal games went over the total.
-- Nine of last ten Edmonton-Islander games stayed under.
Back-to-backs
-- Flyers are 2-3 if they played the night before; Washington is 3-7.
-- Montreal is 1-7 in last eight games if it played the night before.
-- Edmonton is 2-4 if it played the night before. Islanders are 4-1 in last five.
Hot teams
-- Washington won sevne of its last ten games. Flyers won three of their last four.
-- Hurricanes won three of their last four games.
Cold teams
-- Montreal lost eight of its last ten games.
-- Oilers, Islanders both lost four of their last six games.
Series records
-- Flyers won seven of last nine games with Washington,
-- Canadiens won eight of last ten games with Carolina.
-- Home side won last ten Edmonton-Islander games. -
Totals
-- Over is 4-0-2 in last six Philadelphia games.
-- Last five Montreal games went over the total.
-- Nine of last ten Edmonton-Islander games stayed under.
Back-to-backs
-- Flyers are 2-3 if they played the night before; Washington is 3-7.
-- Montreal is 1-7 in last eight games if it played the night before.
-- Edmonton is 2-4 if it played the night before. Islanders are 4-1 in last five.
Preview: Kings (21-29) at Celtics (30-22)
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
The last time Boston went on this type of run at home, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were getting by with a third-year guard thrust into a more prominent role after Rajon Rondo went out with a torn ACL.
Jump forward three seasons and those big names are long gone, though Avery Bradley remains with the Celtics again streaking heading into Sunday's home game against Rondo and a struggling Sacramento Kings team that's reportedly considering a coaching change.
In Friday's 104-103 win in Cleveland, Bradley made a 3-pointer from the corner at the buzzer to give Boston (30-22) its eighth win in nine games, including three straight by no more than eight points. The guard finished with 14 points while hitting 4 of 8 from 3-point range and is averaging 16.3 points in his last 11 games.
"It's a great feeling," Bradley told the team's official website. "It's a blessing from God that I even had a chance to get open. I lost the ball for a second and I didn't even think I had enough time to get the shot off, but I did and it's just a great feeling."
The winner sparked a celebration by the young Celtics, who were swept by the Cavs in last year's playoffs. They've all of a sudden opened up a 7 1/2-game lead over New York for second in the Atlantic Division with Toronto five games ahead.
"In the big picture it does count as one (win), but it gives you a sense you're improving and getting better," said coach Brad Stevens, whose team has averaged 108.8 points over the last nine games. "For us it would have been disappointing to lose that lead and not come out with a win. They made huge plays late in the game, but our guys stayed poised. To score five points inside 8 seconds is a good deal."
The Celtics return to Boston having won six straight at home for the first time since an 11-game run from Jan. 27-March 16, 2013.
Boston opened the season series with a 114-97 win in Sacramento on Dec. 3, and it's also won the last seven meetings at home.
Sacramento (21-29) is playing its second of a four-game road trip, and how many more George Karl will be around for seems to be up in the air. After Friday's 128-19 loss in Brooklyn, Rondo placed blame on those on the court.
"It has nothing to do with the coaches, it's about us," said Rondo, who finished with 15 points and 15 assists and had 29 points in his only return to Boston with Dallas last season. "We don't sacrifice enough to do what it takes to win consecutive games."
The Kings have dropped six of seven while allowing 116.4 points per game with opponents shooting 44.9 percent from 3-point range. They've also lost four straight on the road for the third time this season, allowing an average of 121 points and 50 percent from long distance. The Nets went 18 of 28 from 3-point range.
"Shooters get going and in a lot of ways we never got a defensively mentality in the game," Karl said. "We tried to do a shootout mentality and just, we sit here very empty right now."
Whatever's boiling remains under the surface - for now. DeMarcus Cousins has had four straight double-doubles and is averaging 31 points and 12.6 rebounds in 17 games since the calendar flipped to 2016, but he wasn't willing to expand on the team's internal concerns.
"I'd rather keep it in house, but we definitely have a bigger issue than just energy and effort," Cousins said. 'That can't be the excuse every night."
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
The last time Boston went on this type of run at home, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were getting by with a third-year guard thrust into a more prominent role after Rajon Rondo went out with a torn ACL.
Jump forward three seasons and those big names are long gone, though Avery Bradley remains with the Celtics again streaking heading into Sunday's home game against Rondo and a struggling Sacramento Kings team that's reportedly considering a coaching change.
In Friday's 104-103 win in Cleveland, Bradley made a 3-pointer from the corner at the buzzer to give Boston (30-22) its eighth win in nine games, including three straight by no more than eight points. The guard finished with 14 points while hitting 4 of 8 from 3-point range and is averaging 16.3 points in his last 11 games.
"It's a great feeling," Bradley told the team's official website. "It's a blessing from God that I even had a chance to get open. I lost the ball for a second and I didn't even think I had enough time to get the shot off, but I did and it's just a great feeling."
The winner sparked a celebration by the young Celtics, who were swept by the Cavs in last year's playoffs. They've all of a sudden opened up a 7 1/2-game lead over New York for second in the Atlantic Division with Toronto five games ahead.
"In the big picture it does count as one (win), but it gives you a sense you're improving and getting better," said coach Brad Stevens, whose team has averaged 108.8 points over the last nine games. "For us it would have been disappointing to lose that lead and not come out with a win. They made huge plays late in the game, but our guys stayed poised. To score five points inside 8 seconds is a good deal."
The Celtics return to Boston having won six straight at home for the first time since an 11-game run from Jan. 27-March 16, 2013.
Boston opened the season series with a 114-97 win in Sacramento on Dec. 3, and it's also won the last seven meetings at home.
Sacramento (21-29) is playing its second of a four-game road trip, and how many more George Karl will be around for seems to be up in the air. After Friday's 128-19 loss in Brooklyn, Rondo placed blame on those on the court.
"It has nothing to do with the coaches, it's about us," said Rondo, who finished with 15 points and 15 assists and had 29 points in his only return to Boston with Dallas last season. "We don't sacrifice enough to do what it takes to win consecutive games."
The Kings have dropped six of seven while allowing 116.4 points per game with opponents shooting 44.9 percent from 3-point range. They've also lost four straight on the road for the third time this season, allowing an average of 121 points and 50 percent from long distance. The Nets went 18 of 28 from 3-point range.
"Shooters get going and in a lot of ways we never got a defensively mentality in the game," Karl said. "We tried to do a shootout mentality and just, we sit here very empty right now."
Whatever's boiling remains under the surface - for now. DeMarcus Cousins has had four straight double-doubles and is averaging 31 points and 12.6 rebounds in 17 games since the calendar flipped to 2016, but he wasn't willing to expand on the team's internal concerns.
"I'd rather keep it in house, but we definitely have a bigger issue than just energy and effort," Cousins said. 'That can't be the excuse every night."
Preview: Nuggets (20-31) at Knicks (23-30)
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
Carmelo Anthony's ongoing knee issues are putting a drain on the New York Knicks' offense.
Making matters worse, he's being outperformed by a player they gave up to obtain the All-Star's services.
In the midst of arguably the best stretch of his career, Danilo Gallinari leads the Denver Nuggets into Madison Square Garden Sunday afternoon attempting to deal the sagging Knicks a season-high fifth straight loss.
Anthony has gone 8 of 34 from the field over his last two games and shot 32.6 percent over his past six, part of a 1-8 run that's dropped New York (23-30) to 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The 31-year-old has missed three of those games due to recurring tendinitis in his surgically repaired left knee, an injury that's led to Anthony registering a career-low 42.4 field goal percentage.
"He's carrying a big load night to night," coach Derek Fisher said. "I think he'll be fine long term. I think we just have to get through this next set of days into the break and hopefully re-evaluate him from there in terms of something that's not reoccurring."
The Knicks have shot just 38.7 percent while averaging 93.0 points during their swoon. They struggled again with Anthony held out of Friday's 91-85 loss to Memphis, falling to 0-7 in games he's missed and 1-18 when scoring 93 or less.
"We need a guy like 'Melo who you can give him the ball and he will score, he will get to the line and he will make plays for others," forward Kristaps Porzingis said. "I think that's what we're missing."
Anthony is expected to play Sunday, a positive for a team that had other encouraging signs in its latest defeat. Jose Calderon had 18 points in his second game back from a groin injury and Porzingis compiled 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. The rookie averaged 9.0 points on 33.3 percent shooting over his previous four games.
Gallinari has often been sidetracked by injuries since being part of the package New York sent to the Nuggets in the February 2011 trade for Anthony. The Italian has been healthy and productive since returning from a sprained ankle Jan. 2, averaging 23.4 points in 18 games to help Denver (20-31) split its last 16.
Gallinari had a season-high 33 and hit all 18 of his free throws in Friday's 115-110 comeback win over injury-plagued Chicago. He's shot 89.3 percent from the line while leading the NBA in free throws made and attempted since Jan. 6.
Denver, which has topped 100 points in 10 of its last 11, had several other contributors in rallying from an 18-point deficit late in the third quarter against the Bulls. Rookies Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic each recorded 10 points during a fourth quarter in which the Nuggets outscored Chicago 42-21, with Mudiay finishing with 22 points and sixth man Will Barton 18.
"I would categorize this win as a character win," coach Michael Malone said. "One thing about our team, all year long we've had this resiliency, this never die, never quit mentality and that allows you to stay in a game and pull it out. You never want to get down by 18 but one thing I love about our guys is they have that fight."
The Nuggets begin a four-game trip seeking to end a three-game skid at Madison Square Garden. Anthony had 28 points in New York's 109-93 home win last season but did not play in a 106-78 loss in Denver on March 9, 2015.
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
Carmelo Anthony's ongoing knee issues are putting a drain on the New York Knicks' offense.
Making matters worse, he's being outperformed by a player they gave up to obtain the All-Star's services.
In the midst of arguably the best stretch of his career, Danilo Gallinari leads the Denver Nuggets into Madison Square Garden Sunday afternoon attempting to deal the sagging Knicks a season-high fifth straight loss.
Anthony has gone 8 of 34 from the field over his last two games and shot 32.6 percent over his past six, part of a 1-8 run that's dropped New York (23-30) to 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The 31-year-old has missed three of those games due to recurring tendinitis in his surgically repaired left knee, an injury that's led to Anthony registering a career-low 42.4 field goal percentage.
"He's carrying a big load night to night," coach Derek Fisher said. "I think he'll be fine long term. I think we just have to get through this next set of days into the break and hopefully re-evaluate him from there in terms of something that's not reoccurring."
The Knicks have shot just 38.7 percent while averaging 93.0 points during their swoon. They struggled again with Anthony held out of Friday's 91-85 loss to Memphis, falling to 0-7 in games he's missed and 1-18 when scoring 93 or less.
"We need a guy like 'Melo who you can give him the ball and he will score, he will get to the line and he will make plays for others," forward Kristaps Porzingis said. "I think that's what we're missing."
Anthony is expected to play Sunday, a positive for a team that had other encouraging signs in its latest defeat. Jose Calderon had 18 points in his second game back from a groin injury and Porzingis compiled 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. The rookie averaged 9.0 points on 33.3 percent shooting over his previous four games.
Gallinari has often been sidetracked by injuries since being part of the package New York sent to the Nuggets in the February 2011 trade for Anthony. The Italian has been healthy and productive since returning from a sprained ankle Jan. 2, averaging 23.4 points in 18 games to help Denver (20-31) split its last 16.
Gallinari had a season-high 33 and hit all 18 of his free throws in Friday's 115-110 comeback win over injury-plagued Chicago. He's shot 89.3 percent from the line while leading the NBA in free throws made and attempted since Jan. 6.
Denver, which has topped 100 points in 10 of its last 11, had several other contributors in rallying from an 18-point deficit late in the third quarter against the Bulls. Rookies Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic each recorded 10 points during a fourth quarter in which the Nuggets outscored Chicago 42-21, with Mudiay finishing with 22 points and sixth man Will Barton 18.
"I would categorize this win as a character win," coach Michael Malone said. "One thing about our team, all year long we've had this resiliency, this never die, never quit mentality and that allows you to stay in a game and pull it out. You never want to get down by 18 but one thing I love about our guys is they have that fight."
The Nuggets begin a four-game trip seeking to end a three-game skid at Madison Square Garden. Anthony had 28 points in New York's 109-93 home win last season but did not play in a 106-78 loss in Denver on March 9, 2015.
Preview: Hawks (30-22) at Magic (21-28)
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
After last month was rough on the Atlanta Hawks, February has started in promising fashion, and a home-and-home with the spiraling Orlando Magic could keep it that way.
The Hawks go for a fourth straight win as they look to extend their dominance of the Magic on Sunday.
Atlanta (30-22) closed a 6-9 January with five losses in six games but has bounced back with three straight wins by an average of 19.7 points. The Hawks have scored 112.7 per game on the streak to move atop the Southeast Division by one-half game over Miami.
They shot 51.3 percent for the game while limiting Indiana to 30.2 in the second half of Friday's 102-96 win. Atlanta added 17 points off 20 Pacers turnovers and won despite being outrebounded 53-32, including 19-3 on the offensive boards.
"Obviously we'd like to be better, but I think just because you give up a rebound doesn't mean automatically they're going to score two points," coach Mike Budenholzer said. "Overall, our defense is a lot of times what's giving us a chance."
That's certainly been the case against Orlando (21-28), which has averaged 87.7 points while losing 17 of the last 20 matchups and eight of 10 at home.
Atlanta suffocated the Magic on Jan. 18 by holding them to 34.5 percent shooting, including 6 of 22 from 3-point range, en route to a 98-81 home victory.
Orlando has been abysmal in the new year, losing 15 of 17 and giving up 105.4 points per game after ranking sixth in the NBA at 98.4. The Magic have surrendered at least 107 in eight straight games and dropped their seventh in that span with a 107-93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
"Our whole mantra all season has been defense is going to carry us, and we've lost that side of the ball," coach Scott Skiles said.
Skiles got some good news at practice Saturday when he learned Tobias Harris didn't suffer a concussion after being inadvertently hit in the head by Victor Oladipo on Friday. After leaving that game in the fourth quarter, he's expected to face the Hawks.
Harris, though, has totaled 10 points in two meetings with Atlanta this season after averaging 16.3 over the previous six.
Oladipo is averaging 14.4 points but is putting up 19.2 in 13 games since rejoining the starting lineup following a 20-game stint as a reserve. That stretch included a 103-100 home loss to Atlanta on Dec. 20 in which he had four points on 2-of-11 shooting with six assists. The guard averages 18.8 points in six career matchups as a starter.
Paul Millsap and Al Horford are looking for another strong performance after combining for 45 points Friday. Millsap was averaging 9.8 over the four prior games, while Horford totaled 17 in the previous two.
Both, however, have been limited offensively in two season matchups with Orlando. Millsap is averaging 13.0 points and 12.5 rebounds and Horford has totaled 29 points while making 14 of 25 from the floor.
These division rivals will meet in Atlanta on Monday.
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
After last month was rough on the Atlanta Hawks, February has started in promising fashion, and a home-and-home with the spiraling Orlando Magic could keep it that way.
The Hawks go for a fourth straight win as they look to extend their dominance of the Magic on Sunday.
Atlanta (30-22) closed a 6-9 January with five losses in six games but has bounced back with three straight wins by an average of 19.7 points. The Hawks have scored 112.7 per game on the streak to move atop the Southeast Division by one-half game over Miami.
They shot 51.3 percent for the game while limiting Indiana to 30.2 in the second half of Friday's 102-96 win. Atlanta added 17 points off 20 Pacers turnovers and won despite being outrebounded 53-32, including 19-3 on the offensive boards.
"Obviously we'd like to be better, but I think just because you give up a rebound doesn't mean automatically they're going to score two points," coach Mike Budenholzer said. "Overall, our defense is a lot of times what's giving us a chance."
That's certainly been the case against Orlando (21-28), which has averaged 87.7 points while losing 17 of the last 20 matchups and eight of 10 at home.
Atlanta suffocated the Magic on Jan. 18 by holding them to 34.5 percent shooting, including 6 of 22 from 3-point range, en route to a 98-81 home victory.
Orlando has been abysmal in the new year, losing 15 of 17 and giving up 105.4 points per game after ranking sixth in the NBA at 98.4. The Magic have surrendered at least 107 in eight straight games and dropped their seventh in that span with a 107-93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
"Our whole mantra all season has been defense is going to carry us, and we've lost that side of the ball," coach Scott Skiles said.
Skiles got some good news at practice Saturday when he learned Tobias Harris didn't suffer a concussion after being inadvertently hit in the head by Victor Oladipo on Friday. After leaving that game in the fourth quarter, he's expected to face the Hawks.
Harris, though, has totaled 10 points in two meetings with Atlanta this season after averaging 16.3 over the previous six.
Oladipo is averaging 14.4 points but is putting up 19.2 in 13 games since rejoining the starting lineup following a 20-game stint as a reserve. That stretch included a 103-100 home loss to Atlanta on Dec. 20 in which he had four points on 2-of-11 shooting with six assists. The guard averages 18.8 points in six career matchups as a starter.
Paul Millsap and Al Horford are looking for another strong performance after combining for 45 points Friday. Millsap was averaging 9.8 over the four prior games, while Horford totaled 17 in the previous two.
Both, however, have been limited offensively in two season matchups with Orlando. Millsap is averaging 13.0 points and 12.5 rebounds and Horford has totaled 29 points while making 14 of 25 from the floor.
These division rivals will meet in Atlanta on Monday.
Preview: Clippers (33-17) at Heat (29-22)
Date: February 07, 2016 2:00 PM EDT
The Miami Heat's recent surge is about to get a pair of major tests prior to the All-Star break.
The Heat go for a seventh win in eight tries Sunday when they attempt to salvage a split of the season series with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Miami (29-22) is one-half game behind Atlanta for the Southeast Division lead with two left before the break - one fewer than the Hawks.
Entering the layoff with some momentum will be tough since the Heat host Southwest-leading San Antonio on Tuesday after facing the Clippers (33-17).
Miami, though, has won six of seven games after beating Charlotte 98-95 on the road Friday. The Heat dominated the paint with a 64-32 scoring edge, and Hassan Whiteside had 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks for his fourth triple-double.
"It's obvious we're not like a big 3-point shooting team. We're going to beat guys up in the paint. That's our motto; 'A physical Miami Heat team,'" said Whiteside, whose average of 4.0 blocks is ahead of the 3.9 franchise record set by Alonzo Mourning in 1998-99.
Whiteside has totaled 33 points, 27 rebounds and five blocks during his last two meetings with the Clippers. However, his 10 points and 11 boards off the bench weren't enough in a 104-90 road defeat Jan. 13.
Los Angeles held a 42-32 scoring edge in the paint in that one even though DeAndre Jordan didn't play. Cole Aldrich had 19 points in 24 minutes in his place, while Dwyane Wade had seven turnovers - one less than the Clippers had as a team.
Wade has averaged 21.8 points over the past eight games while Chris Bosh has put up 20.3 per game. Bosh came three assists shy of a triple double against the Clippers last month, totaling 11 points and 12 boards.
That win was the last of Los Angeles' 10 straight and it's continued to play well without Blake Griffin by winning seven of its past 11. The Clippers never trailed Friday in a 107-93 victory at Orlando to open a four-game road trip.
While Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford combined for 61 points, reserve Lance Stephenson made all six of his shots and finished with 13 points in 19 minutes at power forward.
"Never in my wildest imagination did I see Lance Stephenson playing the four," coach Doc Rivers said. "We have found something. You can't guard him at the four. You can't put a four on him and every team that's tried to do that, it has been good for us."
Stephenson is averaging 4.5 points on the season, but he's getting 8.8 over the last four while going 15 of 19 from the field.
"I think I can help the team anywhere on the floor," Stephenson said. "I've been in an attack mode since I've been playing the four."
Paul has averaged 21.3 points and 11 assists over the past three games against the Heat.
Date: February 07, 2016 2:00 PM EDT
The Miami Heat's recent surge is about to get a pair of major tests prior to the All-Star break.
The Heat go for a seventh win in eight tries Sunday when they attempt to salvage a split of the season series with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Miami (29-22) is one-half game behind Atlanta for the Southeast Division lead with two left before the break - one fewer than the Hawks.
Entering the layoff with some momentum will be tough since the Heat host Southwest-leading San Antonio on Tuesday after facing the Clippers (33-17).
Miami, though, has won six of seven games after beating Charlotte 98-95 on the road Friday. The Heat dominated the paint with a 64-32 scoring edge, and Hassan Whiteside had 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks for his fourth triple-double.
"It's obvious we're not like a big 3-point shooting team. We're going to beat guys up in the paint. That's our motto; 'A physical Miami Heat team,'" said Whiteside, whose average of 4.0 blocks is ahead of the 3.9 franchise record set by Alonzo Mourning in 1998-99.
Whiteside has totaled 33 points, 27 rebounds and five blocks during his last two meetings with the Clippers. However, his 10 points and 11 boards off the bench weren't enough in a 104-90 road defeat Jan. 13.
Los Angeles held a 42-32 scoring edge in the paint in that one even though DeAndre Jordan didn't play. Cole Aldrich had 19 points in 24 minutes in his place, while Dwyane Wade had seven turnovers - one less than the Clippers had as a team.
Wade has averaged 21.8 points over the past eight games while Chris Bosh has put up 20.3 per game. Bosh came three assists shy of a triple double against the Clippers last month, totaling 11 points and 12 boards.
That win was the last of Los Angeles' 10 straight and it's continued to play well without Blake Griffin by winning seven of its past 11. The Clippers never trailed Friday in a 107-93 victory at Orlando to open a four-game road trip.
While Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford combined for 61 points, reserve Lance Stephenson made all six of his shots and finished with 13 points in 19 minutes at power forward.
"Never in my wildest imagination did I see Lance Stephenson playing the four," coach Doc Rivers said. "We have found something. You can't guard him at the four. You can't put a four on him and every team that's tried to do that, it has been good for us."
Stephenson is averaging 4.5 points on the season, but he's getting 8.8 over the last four while going 15 of 19 from the field.
"I think I can help the team anywhere on the floor," Stephenson said. "I've been in an attack mode since I've been playing the four."
Paul has averaged 21.3 points and 11 assists over the past three games against the Heat.
SB50 Cross-Sport Props
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has released hundreds of proposition wagers for Super Bowl L between the Panthers and Broncos for Sunday, Feb. 7, 2015.
Included in that mix are “Cross-Sport” prop wagers, which allow bettors to focus on pro football and other sports, one of them pro basketball.
Listed below are opening props from the SuperBook for selected NBA games to be played next Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, Feb. 6
New Orleans at Cleveland (4:00 p.m. PT)
Brooklyn at Philadelphia (4:30 p.m. PT)
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio (5:30 p.m. PT)
Oklahoma City at Golden State (6:00 p.m. PT)
Sunday, Feb. 7
Atlanta at Orlando (10:00 a.m. PT)
Denver at New York (10:00 a.m. PT)
Sacramento at Boston (10:00 a.m. PT)
L.A. Clippers at Miami (11:00 a.m. PT)
Be sure to check the times and rules for each prop.
---------------------------------------------------------------
PRO BASKETBALL CROSS-SPORT PROPS
---------------------------------------------------------------
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Pelicans/Cavaliers--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 4:35 pm Pacific
ANTHONY DAVIS (NO) POINTS +3.5 -110
EMMANUEL SANDERS (DEN) LONGEST RECEPTION -3.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Pelicans/Cavaliers--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 4:35 pm Pacific
**(If no FG is made--all bets are refunded)
LEBRON JAMES (CLE) POINTS +1.5 -110
SHORTEST MADE FIELD GOAL OF GAME -1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Nets/76ers--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 4:35 pm Pacific
76ERS 1ST QUARTER POINTS -5.5 -110
BRONCOS FIRST DOWNS -5.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Lakers/Spurs--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 5:35 pm Pacific
LAKERS/SPURS MARGIN OF VICTORY +1.5 -110
PANTHERS+BRONCOS FIRST HALF POINTS -1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
KEVIN DURANT (OKC) POINTS -6.5 -110
PEYTON MANNING (DEN) COMPLETIONS +6.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
RUSSELL WESTBROOK (OKC) POINTS+ASSISTS +2.5 -110
CAM NEWTON (CAR) RUSHING YARDS -2.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
STEPHEN CURRY (GS) POINTS -4.5 -110
PANTHERS POINTS +4.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
STEPHEN CURRY (GS) 3 PT FIELD GOALS MADE PK +110
GREG OLSEN (CAR) RECEPTIONS PK -130
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
KLAY THOMPSON (GS) POINTS -0.5 -120
BRONCOS POINTS +0.5 EVEN
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Kings/Celtics--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
DEMARCUS COUSINS (SAC) POINTS+REBOUNDS -6.5 -110
OWEN DANIELS (DEN) RECEIVING YARDS +6.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Kings/Celtics--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
(If no punt---all bets are refunded)
**Must be an official punt
KINGS+CELTICS FIRST QUARTER POINTS -8.5 -110
BRAD NORTMAN (CAR) DISTANCE OF FIRST PUNT +8.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Kings/Celtics--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
CELTICS POINTS -38.5 -110
DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) RECEIVING YARDS +38.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Nuggets/Knicks--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
CARMELO ANTHONY (NY) POINTS -1.5 -110
CAM NEWTON (CAR) COMPLETIONS +1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Nuggets/Knicks--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
KRISTAPS PORZINGIS (NY) POINTS -1.5 -110
PANTHERS+BRONCOS 2ND QUARTER POINTS +1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hawks/Magic--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
HAWKS+MAGIC 1ST HALF POINTS -35.5 -110
C.J. ANDERSON (DEN) RUSHING YARDS +35.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hawks/Magic--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
PAUL MILLSAP (ATL) POINTS +0.5 -110
JONATHAN STEWART (CAR) RUSHING ATTEMPTS -0.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
CHRIS PAUL (LAC) POINTS +4.5 -110
DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) LONGEST RECEPTION -4.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
DEANDRE JORDAN (LAC) FREE THROWS MADE -0.5 -140
PANTHERS+BRONCOS FIELD GOALS MADE +0.5 +120
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
CHRIS BOSH (MIA) REBOUNDS -1.5 EVEN
DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) RECEPTIONS +1.5 -120
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
DWYANE WADE (MIA) POINTS +1.5 -110
PEYTON MANNING (DEN) COMPLETIONS -1.5 -110
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has released hundreds of proposition wagers for Super Bowl L between the Panthers and Broncos for Sunday, Feb. 7, 2015.
Included in that mix are “Cross-Sport” prop wagers, which allow bettors to focus on pro football and other sports, one of them pro basketball.
Listed below are opening props from the SuperBook for selected NBA games to be played next Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, Feb. 6
New Orleans at Cleveland (4:00 p.m. PT)
Brooklyn at Philadelphia (4:30 p.m. PT)
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio (5:30 p.m. PT)
Oklahoma City at Golden State (6:00 p.m. PT)
Sunday, Feb. 7
Atlanta at Orlando (10:00 a.m. PT)
Denver at New York (10:00 a.m. PT)
Sacramento at Boston (10:00 a.m. PT)
L.A. Clippers at Miami (11:00 a.m. PT)
Be sure to check the times and rules for each prop.
---------------------------------------------------------------
PRO BASKETBALL CROSS-SPORT PROPS
---------------------------------------------------------------
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Pelicans/Cavaliers--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 4:35 pm Pacific
ANTHONY DAVIS (NO) POINTS +3.5 -110
EMMANUEL SANDERS (DEN) LONGEST RECEPTION -3.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Pelicans/Cavaliers--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 4:35 pm Pacific
**(If no FG is made--all bets are refunded)
LEBRON JAMES (CLE) POINTS +1.5 -110
SHORTEST MADE FIELD GOAL OF GAME -1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Nets/76ers--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 4:35 pm Pacific
76ERS 1ST QUARTER POINTS -5.5 -110
BRONCOS FIRST DOWNS -5.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Lakers/Spurs--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 5:35 pm Pacific
LAKERS/SPURS MARGIN OF VICTORY +1.5 -110
PANTHERS+BRONCOS FIRST HALF POINTS -1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
KEVIN DURANT (OKC) POINTS -6.5 -110
PEYTON MANNING (DEN) COMPLETIONS +6.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
RUSSELL WESTBROOK (OKC) POINTS+ASSISTS +2.5 -110
CAM NEWTON (CAR) RUSHING YARDS -2.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
STEPHEN CURRY (GS) POINTS -4.5 -110
PANTHERS POINTS +4.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
STEPHEN CURRY (GS) 3 PT FIELD GOALS MADE PK +110
GREG OLSEN (CAR) RECEPTIONS PK -130
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Thunder/Warriors--February 6, 2016) Prop closes at 6:05 pm Pacific
KLAY THOMPSON (GS) POINTS -0.5 -120
BRONCOS POINTS +0.5 EVEN
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Kings/Celtics--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
DEMARCUS COUSINS (SAC) POINTS+REBOUNDS -6.5 -110
OWEN DANIELS (DEN) RECEIVING YARDS +6.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Kings/Celtics--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
(If no punt---all bets are refunded)
**Must be an official punt
KINGS+CELTICS FIRST QUARTER POINTS -8.5 -110
BRAD NORTMAN (CAR) DISTANCE OF FIRST PUNT +8.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Kings/Celtics--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
CELTICS POINTS -38.5 -110
DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) RECEIVING YARDS +38.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Nuggets/Knicks--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
CARMELO ANTHONY (NY) POINTS -1.5 -110
CAM NEWTON (CAR) COMPLETIONS +1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Nuggets/Knicks--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
KRISTAPS PORZINGIS (NY) POINTS -1.5 -110
PANTHERS+BRONCOS 2ND QUARTER POINTS +1.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hawks/Magic--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
HAWKS+MAGIC 1ST HALF POINTS -35.5 -110
C.J. ANDERSON (DEN) RUSHING YARDS +35.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Hawks/Magic--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 10:05 am Pacific
PAUL MILLSAP (ATL) POINTS +0.5 -110
JONATHAN STEWART (CAR) RUSHING ATTEMPTS -0.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
CHRIS PAUL (LAC) POINTS +4.5 -110
DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) LONGEST RECEPTION -4.5 -110
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
DEANDRE JORDAN (LAC) FREE THROWS MADE -0.5 -140
PANTHERS+BRONCOS FIELD GOALS MADE +0.5 +120
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
CHRIS BOSH (MIA) REBOUNDS -1.5 EVEN
DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) RECEPTIONS +1.5 -120
WHO WILL HAVE MORE:
**(Clippers/Heat--February 7, 2016) Prop closes at 11:05 am Pacific
DWYANE WADE (MIA) POINTS +1.5 -110
PEYTON MANNING (DEN) COMPLETIONS -1.5 -110
NBA
Sunday's hot teams
-- Celtics won eight of their last nine games (4-1 last 5HF).
-- Hawks won their last three games (5-8 last 13AF).
-- Miami won six of its last seven games (4-3 last 7HF). Clippers won five of their last six games (5-4AU).
Cold teams
-- Kings lost six of their last seven games (7-4 last 11AU).
-- New York lost eight of last nine games (9-4HF). Nuggets lost three of last four road games (6-1 last 7AU).
-- Orlando lost nine of its last ten games (6-3HU, 1-3 last 4).
Series records
-- Celtics won four of last six games with Sacramento.
-- Home side won last six Denver-New York games.
-- Hawks won six of last seven games with Orlando.
-- Clippers lost four of last six games with Miami.
Totals
-- Four of last five Sacramento games went over total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Denver games; five of last six New York tilts stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Orlando games went over total.
-- Six of last eight Clipper games stayed under total.
Back/backs
-- None
Sunday's hot teams
-- Celtics won eight of their last nine games (4-1 last 5HF).
-- Hawks won their last three games (5-8 last 13AF).
-- Miami won six of its last seven games (4-3 last 7HF). Clippers won five of their last six games (5-4AU).
Cold teams
-- Kings lost six of their last seven games (7-4 last 11AU).
-- New York lost eight of last nine games (9-4HF). Nuggets lost three of last four road games (6-1 last 7AU).
-- Orlando lost nine of its last ten games (6-3HU, 1-3 last 4).
Series records
-- Celtics won four of last six games with Sacramento.
-- Home side won last six Denver-New York games.
-- Hawks won six of last seven games with Orlando.
-- Clippers lost four of last six games with Miami.
Totals
-- Four of last five Sacramento games went over total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Denver games; five of last six New York tilts stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Orlando games went over total.
-- Six of last eight Clipper games stayed under total.
Back/backs
-- None
Preview: Hawkeyes (18-4) at Fighting Illini (11-12)
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
Not looking ahead. Taking it one game at a time. Focusing on the next opponent.
All those cliches apply for Iowa, which needs to take care of business at Illinois on Sunday ahead of a key Big Ten showdown.
The fifth-ranked Hawkeyes (18-4, 9-1) are in the softest part of their conference schedule, a seven-game stretch in which Thursday's road contest against No. 22 Indiana is their only one against a ranked opponent. Iowa has done what it's needed to thus far, posting double-digit victories over Northwestern and Penn State.
The Hawkeyes rolled past the Nittany Lions 73-49 on Wednesday.
'Right from the outset, our defense set the tone,' coach Fran McCaffery said. 'We got stops, we got run-outs. I thought we really were locked into throwing it ahead and attacking in transition.'
Iowa, winner of 11 of 12, yielded season lows in points and shooting percentage (30.4) to improve to 10-0 when holding opponents to 40 percent or worse.
Despite its surge and recent success against Illinois - Iowa has won four of five meetings, including an 81-74 victory Feb. 1, 2014 to snap an 11-game losing streak in Champaign - McCaffery is expecting a struggling Illini squad to give the Hawkeyes their best shot.
"It's a tough place to play," he said. "The last couple of times we've played them, they have been good, close, hard-fought games. We have to be ready."
Jarrod Uthoff is averaging a team-high 18.4 points - third in the Big Ten - but scored 14 in 24 minutes against Penn State and had nine in a loss to then-No. 8 Maryland on Jan. 28. He's totaled 13 in three career games against Illinois, going 5 of 17 from the floor.
The Illini (11-12, 3-7) has lost three straight home games since upsetting then-No. 20 Purdue 84-70 on Jan. 10, but they return to Assembly Hall with some momentum after winning 110-101 in triple overtime at Rutgers on Wednesday. Malcolm Hill sank 10 free throws in the final five-minute period and finished with 32 points in Illinois' third OT game in the last four.
"It's fun after you win, it's depressing when you lose, so I mean, the first thing I did was lay down when we got back in the locker room,' said Hill, who also had a career-high 14 rebounds in 49 minutes and is averaging a Big Ten-best 19.1 points. "This is a game you'll remember for a long time, you can tell your family and friends back home about it."
Jalen Coleman-Lands added a career-best 26 as the Illini hit 30 of 34 foul shots. The win did no favors for their scoring defense, as Illinois ranks second-to-last in the Big Ten at 76.2 points per game. It allowed 75 in regulation.
Iowa is averaging 80.8 points, trailing only the Hoosiers in the conference. Senior point guard Mike Gesell is 10 points away from becoming the 45th player in school history to reach 1,000.
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
Not looking ahead. Taking it one game at a time. Focusing on the next opponent.
All those cliches apply for Iowa, which needs to take care of business at Illinois on Sunday ahead of a key Big Ten showdown.
The fifth-ranked Hawkeyes (18-4, 9-1) are in the softest part of their conference schedule, a seven-game stretch in which Thursday's road contest against No. 22 Indiana is their only one against a ranked opponent. Iowa has done what it's needed to thus far, posting double-digit victories over Northwestern and Penn State.
The Hawkeyes rolled past the Nittany Lions 73-49 on Wednesday.
'Right from the outset, our defense set the tone,' coach Fran McCaffery said. 'We got stops, we got run-outs. I thought we really were locked into throwing it ahead and attacking in transition.'
Iowa, winner of 11 of 12, yielded season lows in points and shooting percentage (30.4) to improve to 10-0 when holding opponents to 40 percent or worse.
Despite its surge and recent success against Illinois - Iowa has won four of five meetings, including an 81-74 victory Feb. 1, 2014 to snap an 11-game losing streak in Champaign - McCaffery is expecting a struggling Illini squad to give the Hawkeyes their best shot.
"It's a tough place to play," he said. "The last couple of times we've played them, they have been good, close, hard-fought games. We have to be ready."
Jarrod Uthoff is averaging a team-high 18.4 points - third in the Big Ten - but scored 14 in 24 minutes against Penn State and had nine in a loss to then-No. 8 Maryland on Jan. 28. He's totaled 13 in three career games against Illinois, going 5 of 17 from the floor.
The Illini (11-12, 3-7) has lost three straight home games since upsetting then-No. 20 Purdue 84-70 on Jan. 10, but they return to Assembly Hall with some momentum after winning 110-101 in triple overtime at Rutgers on Wednesday. Malcolm Hill sank 10 free throws in the final five-minute period and finished with 32 points in Illinois' third OT game in the last four.
"It's fun after you win, it's depressing when you lose, so I mean, the first thing I did was lay down when we got back in the locker room,' said Hill, who also had a career-high 14 rebounds in 49 minutes and is averaging a Big Ten-best 19.1 points. "This is a game you'll remember for a long time, you can tell your family and friends back home about it."
Jalen Coleman-Lands added a career-best 26 as the Illini hit 30 of 34 foul shots. The win did no favors for their scoring defense, as Illinois ranks second-to-last in the Big Ten at 76.2 points per game. It allowed 75 in regulation.
Iowa is averaging 80.8 points, trailing only the Hoosiers in the conference. Senior point guard Mike Gesell is 10 points away from becoming the 45th player in school history to reach 1,000.
Preview: Hurricanes (17-4) at Yellow Jackets (12-10)
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
The difference between Miami and Georgia Tech in the ACC standings is four games and seven places, but certain conference results are hinting toward the on-court gap being not quite what one might expect.
That could be especially true Sunday with the 17th-ranked Hurricanes headed to Atlanta seeking just their second league road win.
The Yellow Jackets (12-10, 2-7) have lost their last two after a 90-83 win at N.C. State on Jan. 27, but they've yet to have an ACC game decided by more than nine points.
Miami (17-4, 6-3) is coming off Wednesday's 79-70 home win over Notre Dame following an 85-69 loss at N.C. State on Jan. 30. The Hurricanes are just two games back in the conference race, though they're 1-3 on the road.
"Every game really matters," Angel Rodriguez said. "More than anything, I always say we can't let one loss become two. I thought we did a great job of coming out with a lot of energy and with the right mindset. As you can see, we didn't let one loss become two. Hopefully now we let one win become two."
Rodriguez has averaged 13.2 points on 46.8 percent shooting with 5.6 assists over his last five games after opening conference play with 7.3 points on 27.0 percent - including 2 of 22 from 3-point range - and 3.0 assists through four games.
Miami shot 56.4 percent against Notre Dame to match its best mark in conference play, which featured 30 bench points with those four players combining to go 11 for 21.
"Often times when you go to the bench you have a drop off," coach Jim Larranaga said. "We don't."
The play of his reserves could be on the upswing with the emergence of Anthony Lawrence Jr. The freshman played 21 minutes after never topping 12 in his previous seven ACC games, and the result was a personal-best 18 points on 5-of-6 shooting. In games in which he's topped 20 minutes, Lawrence has averaged 13.3 points and shot 57.9 percent, but that's only happened three times as Larranaga eases him into the rotation.
"I didn't get discouraged at all, because coach L told me before the beginning of the season, 'You're going to have to be patient with me,'" Lawrence said. "... I knew my time was going to come, and I was going to play well."
The Yellow Jackets won last season's meeting in Miami 70-50 on Jan. 28, 2015, though the Hurricanes have taken the last three in Atlanta by an average of 14.0 points without letting Georgia Tech reach 50.
The home struggles have also been there more recently for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech is coming off Tuesday's 80-71 loss to Duke for its third straight home defeat after knocking off then-No. 4 Virginia on Jan. 9.
The Blue Devils went 11 of 23 from 3-point range, and Georgia Tech's last three opponents have hit 41.8 percent of their outside shots. At the other end, coach Brian Gregory's team made 2 of 19 from deep and is shooting 25.5 percent over a 1-5 span.
"We need to get some more basketball out of some other guys," Gregory said. "We've got some guys that need to kind of turn it around a little bit as we get to these next few home games."
Top scorer Marcus Georges-Hunt has been limited to 8.0 points on 4-of-14 shooting in the last two games. The senior had 24 points in last season's win over the then-No. 23 Hurricanes, while the Miami backcourt of Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan was held to a collective six points on 2 of 15.
Date: February 07, 2016 1:00 PM EDT
The difference between Miami and Georgia Tech in the ACC standings is four games and seven places, but certain conference results are hinting toward the on-court gap being not quite what one might expect.
That could be especially true Sunday with the 17th-ranked Hurricanes headed to Atlanta seeking just their second league road win.
The Yellow Jackets (12-10, 2-7) have lost their last two after a 90-83 win at N.C. State on Jan. 27, but they've yet to have an ACC game decided by more than nine points.
Miami (17-4, 6-3) is coming off Wednesday's 79-70 home win over Notre Dame following an 85-69 loss at N.C. State on Jan. 30. The Hurricanes are just two games back in the conference race, though they're 1-3 on the road.
"Every game really matters," Angel Rodriguez said. "More than anything, I always say we can't let one loss become two. I thought we did a great job of coming out with a lot of energy and with the right mindset. As you can see, we didn't let one loss become two. Hopefully now we let one win become two."
Rodriguez has averaged 13.2 points on 46.8 percent shooting with 5.6 assists over his last five games after opening conference play with 7.3 points on 27.0 percent - including 2 of 22 from 3-point range - and 3.0 assists through four games.
Miami shot 56.4 percent against Notre Dame to match its best mark in conference play, which featured 30 bench points with those four players combining to go 11 for 21.
"Often times when you go to the bench you have a drop off," coach Jim Larranaga said. "We don't."
The play of his reserves could be on the upswing with the emergence of Anthony Lawrence Jr. The freshman played 21 minutes after never topping 12 in his previous seven ACC games, and the result was a personal-best 18 points on 5-of-6 shooting. In games in which he's topped 20 minutes, Lawrence has averaged 13.3 points and shot 57.9 percent, but that's only happened three times as Larranaga eases him into the rotation.
"I didn't get discouraged at all, because coach L told me before the beginning of the season, 'You're going to have to be patient with me,'" Lawrence said. "... I knew my time was going to come, and I was going to play well."
The Yellow Jackets won last season's meeting in Miami 70-50 on Jan. 28, 2015, though the Hurricanes have taken the last three in Atlanta by an average of 14.0 points without letting Georgia Tech reach 50.
The home struggles have also been there more recently for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech is coming off Tuesday's 80-71 loss to Duke for its third straight home defeat after knocking off then-No. 4 Virginia on Jan. 9.
The Blue Devils went 11 of 23 from 3-point range, and Georgia Tech's last three opponents have hit 41.8 percent of their outside shots. At the other end, coach Brian Gregory's team made 2 of 19 from deep and is shooting 25.5 percent over a 1-5 span.
"We need to get some more basketball out of some other guys," Gregory said. "We've got some guys that need to kind of turn it around a little bit as we get to these next few home games."
Top scorer Marcus Georges-Hunt has been limited to 8.0 points on 4-of-14 shooting in the last two games. The senior had 24 points in last season's win over the then-No. 23 Hurricanes, while the Miami backcourt of Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan was held to a collective six points on 2 of 15.
Preview: Mustangs (19-2) at Bulls (5-19)
Date: February 07, 2016 2:00 PM EDT
SMU sounds like it saw this coming.
Following its second loss in three games since an extended unbeaten start, the Mustangs look to get back on track defensively as they visit South Florida on Sunday.
The No. 12 Mustangs (19-2, 8-2 AAC) have given up 76.0 points per game in their 1-2 stretch after allowing 61.9 during the first 18 contests. SMU allowed Houston to shoot 46.4 percent and go 7 for 16 from 3-point range in a 71-68 road loss Monday.
The Mustangs didn't seem that surprised with the result.
'Now every game is going to be like this,' said coach Larry Brown, whose team holds a half-game lead in the conference. 'We experienced it at Temple (in an 89-80 defeat Jan. 24). We are going to experience it every night. People are going to give us their best shot. They are going to be prepared for us, and I think we need to learn to embrace it.'
Houston made 55 percent in the second half, while SMU went 8 of 27 after the break to finish at 40.4 percent for the second straight game. The Mustangs hit at a 51.6 percent clip during their 18-0 start.
'To me, teams are more excited to play us than we are to play them,' said forward Jordan Tolbert, who averages 12.0 points but has scored in single digits in three of his past four. 'We have to get back (to being) hungry. A lot of people are gunning for us now.'
SMU, in the top 10 in the country with a plus-10.4 rebounding differential, was dominated 41-27 on the boards and 15-8 on the offensive glass.
'I think we have had slippage in a lot of areas,' Brown said. 'In some ways I think we are worrying about things that really aren't that important. We won by doing a great job on the boards, and we haven't done that recently. I have seen it, but I also understood that every game will be a lot tougher based on how we started the season.'
The Mustangs should have a good chance to get back on track against South Florida (5-19, 2-9), which they've beaten three straight times and four of five, taking the first matchup of the season 72-58 at home Jan. 2. SMU has posted a margin of victory of 19.0 in those four wins.
The Bulls haven't had much success against anyone this season, getting blown out 88-57 at Cincinnati on Thursday. South Florida was outscored 52-28 in the second half.
"We needed to keep fighting and we just couldn't get anything really going," coach Orlando Antigua told the team's official website about the final 20 minutes. "Some of the decisions we made led to them turning some of the turnovers into quick transition points."
Leading scorer Jahmal McMurray had 17 points but went 6 of 17 from the floor for South Florida, which shot 39.2 percent and went 3 of 15 from behind the arc.
Forward Bo Zeigler went 5 of 7 for 10 points. He scored a season-high 12 and shot 5 of 7 at SMU last month.
The Bulls have dropped 19 in a row to Top 25 opponents by an average of 18.6 points. They've lost six home games in a row overall.
Date: February 07, 2016 2:00 PM EDT
SMU sounds like it saw this coming.
Following its second loss in three games since an extended unbeaten start, the Mustangs look to get back on track defensively as they visit South Florida on Sunday.
The No. 12 Mustangs (19-2, 8-2 AAC) have given up 76.0 points per game in their 1-2 stretch after allowing 61.9 during the first 18 contests. SMU allowed Houston to shoot 46.4 percent and go 7 for 16 from 3-point range in a 71-68 road loss Monday.
The Mustangs didn't seem that surprised with the result.
'Now every game is going to be like this,' said coach Larry Brown, whose team holds a half-game lead in the conference. 'We experienced it at Temple (in an 89-80 defeat Jan. 24). We are going to experience it every night. People are going to give us their best shot. They are going to be prepared for us, and I think we need to learn to embrace it.'
Houston made 55 percent in the second half, while SMU went 8 of 27 after the break to finish at 40.4 percent for the second straight game. The Mustangs hit at a 51.6 percent clip during their 18-0 start.
'To me, teams are more excited to play us than we are to play them,' said forward Jordan Tolbert, who averages 12.0 points but has scored in single digits in three of his past four. 'We have to get back (to being) hungry. A lot of people are gunning for us now.'
SMU, in the top 10 in the country with a plus-10.4 rebounding differential, was dominated 41-27 on the boards and 15-8 on the offensive glass.
'I think we have had slippage in a lot of areas,' Brown said. 'In some ways I think we are worrying about things that really aren't that important. We won by doing a great job on the boards, and we haven't done that recently. I have seen it, but I also understood that every game will be a lot tougher based on how we started the season.'
The Mustangs should have a good chance to get back on track against South Florida (5-19, 2-9), which they've beaten three straight times and four of five, taking the first matchup of the season 72-58 at home Jan. 2. SMU has posted a margin of victory of 19.0 in those four wins.
The Bulls haven't had much success against anyone this season, getting blown out 88-57 at Cincinnati on Thursday. South Florida was outscored 52-28 in the second half.
"We needed to keep fighting and we just couldn't get anything really going," coach Orlando Antigua told the team's official website about the final 20 minutes. "Some of the decisions we made led to them turning some of the turnovers into quick transition points."
Leading scorer Jahmal McMurray had 17 points but went 6 of 17 from the floor for South Florida, which shot 39.2 percent and went 3 of 15 from behind the arc.
Forward Bo Zeigler went 5 of 7 for 10 points. He scored a season-high 12 and shot 5 of 7 at SMU last month.
The Bulls have dropped 19 in a row to Top 25 opponents by an average of 18.6 points. They've lost six home games in a row overall.
Preview: Utes (17-6) at Ducks (19-4)
Date: February 07, 2016 4:00 PM EDT
Oregon has climbed to the top of the Pac-12 thanks to consistency at both ends of the floor, something that's too often eluded Utah this season.
Home dominance also has played a major role in the 16th-ranked Ducks' rise, another psychological hurdle the Utes will have to overcome when they visit Eugene on Sunday following a crushing last-second loss.
Utah began the season in the Top 25 but it's Oregon (19-4, 8-2) that has emerged as the Pac-12's best team, having blended a balanced up-tempo offense and playmaking defense with a distinct advantage at Matthew Knight Arena. That combination has propelled the Ducks to five consecutive wins and eight over a nine-game stretch, including a 77-59 victory over the Utes on Jan. 14.
Utah (17-6, 6-4) bounced back from that defeat to win five straight and was on its way to a sixth Thursday at Oregon State. But Brandon Taylor fouled Stephen Thompson Jr. on a last-second heave from half-court, resulting in three successful free throws and a stunning 71-69 loss.
The Utes put the Beavers in position to win by committing seven of their 12 turnovers in the final seven minutes, squandering a 60-50 lead with 7:44 left.
'There are a lot of mistakes throughout the course of the game. It's unfortunate that it comes down to one that's going to get magnified, but there's plenty to go around,' coach Larry Krystkowiak said.
Utah now faces a Ducks team that's won eight of nine in the series and 21 straight home games.
Oregon controlled play throughout its fifth consecutive victory over the Utes last month, shooting 54.9 percent and holding Utah to a season-low 33.9. It neutralized Jakob Poeltl, limiting the star center to seven points and 1-of-4 shooting.
Chris Boucher led the effort with six blocks and is tops in Division I with 3.39 per game. The junior college transfer has 13 over the past two contests after recording six in Thursday's 76-56 rout of Colorado.
Oregon held the Buffaloes to 33.8 percent shooting to avenge a 91-87 defeat in Boulder on Jan. 17.
"We were flying around, hands up, swatting a lot of balls and we probably got them a little frustrated, but we just tried to play defense and stop them from putting the ball in the hole," forward Dwayne Benjamin said.
Elgin Cook had 18 points to offset an off night from leading scorer Dillon Brooks, held to 10 in 20 minutes while battling foul trouble. Cook has averaged 17.6 points and Boucher 15.4 along with 9.2 rebounds during the winning streak.
Boucher exited in the final minutes with a lower left leg injury, though coach Dana Altman wasn't worried.
"I think he's going to be alright. I think it's just a little bit of a tweak, hopefully," Altman said. "He has become such an important part of our team ... even though his offense was a little bit off, he just changed the game.'
Boucher's status is a big factor with Poeltl, second in the Pac-12 with 17.4 points per game, averaging 23.3 over a five-game tear. The 7-foot sophomore is shooting 66.7 percent in that span after going 8 of 11 in a 20-point, nine-rebound effort against Oregon State.
Poeltl, however, hasn't scored more than seven in three career matchups with Oregon, which dealt the then-No. 9 Utes a 69-58 defeat in Eugene on Feb. 22.
Date: February 07, 2016 4:00 PM EDT
Oregon has climbed to the top of the Pac-12 thanks to consistency at both ends of the floor, something that's too often eluded Utah this season.
Home dominance also has played a major role in the 16th-ranked Ducks' rise, another psychological hurdle the Utes will have to overcome when they visit Eugene on Sunday following a crushing last-second loss.
Utah began the season in the Top 25 but it's Oregon (19-4, 8-2) that has emerged as the Pac-12's best team, having blended a balanced up-tempo offense and playmaking defense with a distinct advantage at Matthew Knight Arena. That combination has propelled the Ducks to five consecutive wins and eight over a nine-game stretch, including a 77-59 victory over the Utes on Jan. 14.
Utah (17-6, 6-4) bounced back from that defeat to win five straight and was on its way to a sixth Thursday at Oregon State. But Brandon Taylor fouled Stephen Thompson Jr. on a last-second heave from half-court, resulting in three successful free throws and a stunning 71-69 loss.
The Utes put the Beavers in position to win by committing seven of their 12 turnovers in the final seven minutes, squandering a 60-50 lead with 7:44 left.
'There are a lot of mistakes throughout the course of the game. It's unfortunate that it comes down to one that's going to get magnified, but there's plenty to go around,' coach Larry Krystkowiak said.
Utah now faces a Ducks team that's won eight of nine in the series and 21 straight home games.
Oregon controlled play throughout its fifth consecutive victory over the Utes last month, shooting 54.9 percent and holding Utah to a season-low 33.9. It neutralized Jakob Poeltl, limiting the star center to seven points and 1-of-4 shooting.
Chris Boucher led the effort with six blocks and is tops in Division I with 3.39 per game. The junior college transfer has 13 over the past two contests after recording six in Thursday's 76-56 rout of Colorado.
Oregon held the Buffaloes to 33.8 percent shooting to avenge a 91-87 defeat in Boulder on Jan. 17.
"We were flying around, hands up, swatting a lot of balls and we probably got them a little frustrated, but we just tried to play defense and stop them from putting the ball in the hole," forward Dwayne Benjamin said.
Elgin Cook had 18 points to offset an off night from leading scorer Dillon Brooks, held to 10 in 20 minutes while battling foul trouble. Cook has averaged 17.6 points and Boucher 15.4 along with 9.2 rebounds during the winning streak.
Boucher exited in the final minutes with a lower left leg injury, though coach Dana Altman wasn't worried.
"I think he's going to be alright. I think it's just a little bit of a tweak, hopefully," Altman said. "He has become such an important part of our team ... even though his offense was a little bit off, he just changed the game.'
Boucher's status is a big factor with Poeltl, second in the Pac-12 with 17.4 points per game, averaging 23.3 over a five-game tear. The 7-foot sophomore is shooting 66.7 percent in that span after going 8 of 11 in a 20-point, nine-rebound effort against Oregon State.
Poeltl, however, hasn't scored more than seven in three career matchups with Oregon, which dealt the then-No. 9 Utes a 69-58 defeat in Eugene on Feb. 22.
Sunday's Tip Sheet
By David Schwab
While most sports bettors will be focused on Sunday’s Super Bowl 50, there is a trio of college basketball matchups to get the action started before the big game gets underway at 6:30 p.m.
First up is a Big Ten clash between No. 5 Iowa and Illinois in a 1 p.m. tip. In another 1 p.m. start the No. 17 Miami (FLA) will square-off against Georgia Tech in the ACC followed by Pac-12 tilt between Utah and No. 16 Oregon in a 4:00 p.m. ET start in Eugene.
No. 5 Iowa Hawkeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten Network, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Opening Odds: Iowa -3 ½
Betting Matchup
Iowa is tied with Indiana for the lead in the Big Ten at 9-1 straight-up and it is 7-3 against the spread in conference play. The Hawkeyes only loss was against Maryland in a 74-68 setback on Jan. 28 as 5 ½-point road underdogs. They are the second-highest scoring team in the Big Ten with 80.8 points per game and they are shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three-point range. Senior forward Jarrod Uthoff is the team’s leading scorer with 18.4 PPG and he has now scored 20 points or more in three of his last five games.
The Fighting Illini out-gunned Rutgers 110-101 in triple overtime their last time out as 6 ½-point favorites on the road, but it was just their third SU win in their first 10 conference games while going 4-6 ATS. Illinois has been a tough bet at home this season at 3-7-2 ATS and it is just 3-6 ATS when closing as an underdog. Led by junior guard Malcolm Hill’s 19.1 PPG, the Illini are averaging a respectable 74.5 points. However, at the other end of the court they are giving-up 76.2 points a game to their opponents.
Betting Trends
--The Hawkeyes are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 conference games and they are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU win. The total has gone OVER in their last five games played on Sunday.
--The Fighting Illini are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games following a SU win and they have failed to cover in their last four games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in 17 of their last 24 Sunday games.
--Head-to-head in this conference clash, the favorite is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings and the total has gone OVER in five of the last seven meetings in Illinois.
Top Super Bowl 50 Prop
Iowa/Illinois first half points (+ 5 ½) or Panthers/Broncos total points (-5 ½)
No. 17 Miami, Fl. Hurricanes at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ESPNU, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Opening Odds: Miami -3 ½
Betting Matchup
Miami bounced back from a bad 85-69 loss to NC State as a 4 ½-point road favorite with Wednesday’s 79-70 victory against Notre Dame as a five-point favorite at home. The total went OVER in both of those contests after staying UNDER in seven of its previous eight games. The Hurricanes are now 6-3 SU in ACC play with a 4-4-1 record ATS. They are averaging 78.8 PPG and shooting 47.9 percent from the field with Senior guard Sheldon McClellan leading the way. He is averaging 16.1 points and hitting 52.7 percent of his shots from the field.
The Yellow Jackets only win in their last six games was a 90-83 victory against NC State on Jan. 27 as 4 ½-point road underdogs. They are just 2-7 SU in conference play, but their record ATS is a profitable 6-2-1 in those nine games. The total has stayed UNDER in their last two games. Georgia Tech is allowing an average of 71.8 PPG verse a scoring average of 75.9 points, but it has done a good job under the boards with an average of 40.7 rebounds a game, which is tied for third in the ACC.
Betting Trends
-- The Hurricanes have failed to cover in their last four road games, but their record ATS is 18-7-1 in their last 26 games following a SU win. The total has gone OVER in 18 of their last 27 road games.
-- The Yellow Jackets are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight home games against a team with a SU winning record on the road, but they improve to 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a SU loss. The total has stayed UNDER in 12 of their last 17 games at home.
-- The road team in this ACC tilt has covered the spread in the last four meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in the last four meetings at Georgia Tech.
Top Super Bowl 50 Prop
Miami, Fl. total points (-5 ½) or Cam Newton/Peyton Manning total pass attempts (+ 5 ½)
Utah Utes at No. 16 Oregon Ducks (ESPN2, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Opening Odds: Oregon -6
Betting Matchup
Utah’s five-game SU winning streak came to an end on Thursday night with a 71-69 loss to Oregon State as a 2 ½-point road favorite. The Utes had been able to cover in their previous four games as favorites and the total has now gone OVER in their last three games. Sophomore forward Jakob Poeltl scored a team-high 20 points in Thursday’s losing effort and on the year he is the Pac-12’s second-leading scorer with 17.4 PPG. He comes into this game with the best field goal percentage (64.7) in the conference.
The Ducks remain at the top of the standings in the Pac-12 at 8-2 SU on the strength of their current five-game winning streak. They have covered the spread in all five victories to move to 7-3 ATS in conference play and the total has gone OVER in four of their last six games. In this past Thursday’s 76-56 romp over Colorado as a 10-point home favorite, Oregon got a big effort from senior forward Elgin Cook with 18 points and six rebounds and defensively it held the Buffalos to a 33.8 shooting percentage from the field. The Ducks have averaged 85 points during this five-game run.
Betting Trends
-- The Utes are 1-5 ATS in their last six Sunday games, but they have covered in four of their last five games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in 23 of their last 30 road games.
-- The Ducks have covered ATS in 14 of their last 17 home games and they are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 Pac-12 games. The total has stayed UNDER in six of their last eight Sunday games.
-- Oregon has won seven of the last eight meetings SU including a 77-59 victory on Jan. 14 as a six-point road underdog. They have a 5-2-1 edge ATS in those games and the total has stayed UNDER in the last five meetings.
Top Super Bowl 50 Prop
Utah total points (-15 ½) or Ted Ginn Jr. total receiving yards (+15 ½)
By David Schwab
While most sports bettors will be focused on Sunday’s Super Bowl 50, there is a trio of college basketball matchups to get the action started before the big game gets underway at 6:30 p.m.
First up is a Big Ten clash between No. 5 Iowa and Illinois in a 1 p.m. tip. In another 1 p.m. start the No. 17 Miami (FLA) will square-off against Georgia Tech in the ACC followed by Pac-12 tilt between Utah and No. 16 Oregon in a 4:00 p.m. ET start in Eugene.
No. 5 Iowa Hawkeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten Network, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Opening Odds: Iowa -3 ½
Betting Matchup
Iowa is tied with Indiana for the lead in the Big Ten at 9-1 straight-up and it is 7-3 against the spread in conference play. The Hawkeyes only loss was against Maryland in a 74-68 setback on Jan. 28 as 5 ½-point road underdogs. They are the second-highest scoring team in the Big Ten with 80.8 points per game and they are shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three-point range. Senior forward Jarrod Uthoff is the team’s leading scorer with 18.4 PPG and he has now scored 20 points or more in three of his last five games.
The Fighting Illini out-gunned Rutgers 110-101 in triple overtime their last time out as 6 ½-point favorites on the road, but it was just their third SU win in their first 10 conference games while going 4-6 ATS. Illinois has been a tough bet at home this season at 3-7-2 ATS and it is just 3-6 ATS when closing as an underdog. Led by junior guard Malcolm Hill’s 19.1 PPG, the Illini are averaging a respectable 74.5 points. However, at the other end of the court they are giving-up 76.2 points a game to their opponents.
Betting Trends
--The Hawkeyes are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 conference games and they are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU win. The total has gone OVER in their last five games played on Sunday.
--The Fighting Illini are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games following a SU win and they have failed to cover in their last four games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in 17 of their last 24 Sunday games.
--Head-to-head in this conference clash, the favorite is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings and the total has gone OVER in five of the last seven meetings in Illinois.
Top Super Bowl 50 Prop
Iowa/Illinois first half points (+ 5 ½) or Panthers/Broncos total points (-5 ½)
No. 17 Miami, Fl. Hurricanes at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ESPNU, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Opening Odds: Miami -3 ½
Betting Matchup
Miami bounced back from a bad 85-69 loss to NC State as a 4 ½-point road favorite with Wednesday’s 79-70 victory against Notre Dame as a five-point favorite at home. The total went OVER in both of those contests after staying UNDER in seven of its previous eight games. The Hurricanes are now 6-3 SU in ACC play with a 4-4-1 record ATS. They are averaging 78.8 PPG and shooting 47.9 percent from the field with Senior guard Sheldon McClellan leading the way. He is averaging 16.1 points and hitting 52.7 percent of his shots from the field.
The Yellow Jackets only win in their last six games was a 90-83 victory against NC State on Jan. 27 as 4 ½-point road underdogs. They are just 2-7 SU in conference play, but their record ATS is a profitable 6-2-1 in those nine games. The total has stayed UNDER in their last two games. Georgia Tech is allowing an average of 71.8 PPG verse a scoring average of 75.9 points, but it has done a good job under the boards with an average of 40.7 rebounds a game, which is tied for third in the ACC.
Betting Trends
-- The Hurricanes have failed to cover in their last four road games, but their record ATS is 18-7-1 in their last 26 games following a SU win. The total has gone OVER in 18 of their last 27 road games.
-- The Yellow Jackets are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight home games against a team with a SU winning record on the road, but they improve to 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a SU loss. The total has stayed UNDER in 12 of their last 17 games at home.
-- The road team in this ACC tilt has covered the spread in the last four meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in the last four meetings at Georgia Tech.
Top Super Bowl 50 Prop
Miami, Fl. total points (-5 ½) or Cam Newton/Peyton Manning total pass attempts (+ 5 ½)
Utah Utes at No. 16 Oregon Ducks (ESPN2, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Opening Odds: Oregon -6
Betting Matchup
Utah’s five-game SU winning streak came to an end on Thursday night with a 71-69 loss to Oregon State as a 2 ½-point road favorite. The Utes had been able to cover in their previous four games as favorites and the total has now gone OVER in their last three games. Sophomore forward Jakob Poeltl scored a team-high 20 points in Thursday’s losing effort and on the year he is the Pac-12’s second-leading scorer with 17.4 PPG. He comes into this game with the best field goal percentage (64.7) in the conference.
The Ducks remain at the top of the standings in the Pac-12 at 8-2 SU on the strength of their current five-game winning streak. They have covered the spread in all five victories to move to 7-3 ATS in conference play and the total has gone OVER in four of their last six games. In this past Thursday’s 76-56 romp over Colorado as a 10-point home favorite, Oregon got a big effort from senior forward Elgin Cook with 18 points and six rebounds and defensively it held the Buffalos to a 33.8 shooting percentage from the field. The Ducks have averaged 85 points during this five-game run.
Betting Trends
-- The Utes are 1-5 ATS in their last six Sunday games, but they have covered in four of their last five games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in 23 of their last 30 road games.
-- The Ducks have covered ATS in 14 of their last 17 home games and they are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 Pac-12 games. The total has stayed UNDER in six of their last eight Sunday games.
-- Oregon has won seven of the last eight meetings SU including a 77-59 victory on Jan. 14 as a six-point road underdog. They have a 5-2-1 edge ATS in those games and the total has stayed UNDER in the last five meetings.
Top Super Bowl 50 Prop
Utah total points (-15 ½) or Ted Ginn Jr. total receiving yards (+15 ½)
NCAAB
Notes for Sunday's games..........
UConn swept East Carolina 65-52/60-49 LY, in first year as conference rivals; Huskies won five of last six games; they're 4-1 on the AAC road, with wins by 8-12-26-20 points- their only road loss was at Tulsa by 9. ECU won two of last three games, losing last game iat home in two OTs to Houston. Pirates are 1-4 at home in AAC, losing by 3-24-15-4, with win vs Temple. AAC double digit home favorites are 5-10 vs spread.
Iowa won 11 of its last 12 games but lost last road game, at Maryland; Hawkeyes won four of last five games with Illinois; their 81-74 win here in '14 was first in last ten visits here. Iowa has road wins by 7-17-14 points. Illinois is 3-7 in league; three of its last four games went to OT, including triple OT at Rutgers in last game Wednesday. Big 14 double digit home underdogs are 7-1 against the spread.
Miami won four of last five games but is 1-3 on ACC road with win by 14 at BC- Hurricanes are 4-2 in last six games with Georgia Tech; road team won last five regular season meetings. Tech lost seven of its last nine games, losing last three at home, by 1-4-9 points; their one win at home was an upset of Virginia. ACC home underdogs of less than five points are 5-6 against the spread.
St Bonaventure won last two games with Saint Louis by 3-16 points in series where Billikens lost three of last four visits here, with losses by 15-17-10 points. Bonnies won last two games by 16-10 points, scoring 83.5 ppg; they're 3-1 at home in A-14, winning by 12-5-16 points, with loss to Dayton. Billikens lost 13 of last 17 gamesA-14 double digit home favorites are 12-8 against the spread.
SMU beat South Florida 72-58 at home Jan 2, outscoring Bulls 20-8 on foul line; Mustangs are 4-1 in series, winning by 11 here LY, after losing at USF in '14. SMU lost two of last three games aftr an 18-0 start; they have half-game lead for AAC regular season title, only thing they've got left to play for. AAC double digit underdogs are 12-7 vs spread, 2-2 at home. USF is 0-5 in AAC, with three losses by 7 or less points.
James Madison won 86-82 in OT at Hofstra Jan 16, its third win in last four games with Pride, who were 8-35 on arc in that game last month on Long Island. Hofstra lost last three visits here, by 21-6-9 points. CAA home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-9 vs spread. Dukes are 7-4 in CAA, but only 2-3 at home. Hofstra won four of last five games, but lost at home to UNCW last game, blowing 20-point lead.
Tulsa lost 81-66 in Houston 11 days ago; Hurricane was 3-26 on arc as they lost for first time in four AAC meetings with Cougars. AAC home favorites of 8 or less points are 4-9 vs spread. Tulsa won its last four at home by 9+ points after losing home opener to SMU; they lost in OT at Temple in last game. Houston upset SMU last game, despite Gray not playing with injured ankle. Cougars won last three games overall.
Oregon hammered Utah 77-59 in Salt Lake City Jan 14, holding Utes to 34% from floor; Ducks won last five games with Utah, winning by 46-9-11 in last three series games here. Oregon won its last five games; they're 5-0 at home in Pac-12, with four wins by 8+ points. Utah won five of last six games but lost at Oregon State last game after fouling shooter at midcourt at buzzer. Pac-12 home favorites of 7 or less points are 14-9.
Marist (+14) lost 77-66 at Siena eight days ago, covering thru back door after being down 22 with 6:58 left; Siena won five of last six series tilts, with last three visits here (2-1S) decided by total of 7 points. Red Foxes lost last 11 games, last four by 11+ points; they're 0-5 vs spread in its home games, 0-3 as a dog. MAAC home underdogs of 5+ points are 1-5 vs spread. Siena won five of its last six games, is 3-3 on MAAC road.
Iona beat Niagara 65-52 at home Jan 4, pulling away in last 10:00; Gaels won last six series games, winning last two visits here by one point each. Iona's last three visits here were decided by total of 5 points. Gaels are 4-2 on MAAC road, losing at Rider/Fairfield; three of their four wins on road were by 12+. MAAC double digit favorites are 4-6 vs spread, 1-1 on road. Niagara lost six of last seven, including last three home games.
Canisius lost 79-68 at Rider last Sunday; Broncs scored 1.25 ppg, made 8-15 on arc, only 17-30 on line. Rider won last three series games by 11-1-13 points- they won three of last four visits here. Griffins lost four in row, allowing 86.5 ppg; they lost last five MAAC home tilts. MAAC home favorites of 3 or less points are 3-6 vs spread. Rider won six of its last eight games, splitting its last four games on foreign soil.
Fairfield lost 72-66 at Manhattan Jan 2, in brickfest where teams made a combined 10-37 on arc- Stags led by 6 early in second half. Home teams won eight of last nine series games- Jaspers are 1-7 in last eight visits to Fairfield, losing last two by 4-13 points. Stags scored 63 ppg in losing last two games; they're 4-3 at home. MAAC single digit home favorites are 12-15 vs spread. Manhattan won three of its last four games.
Notes for Sunday's games..........
UConn swept East Carolina 65-52/60-49 LY, in first year as conference rivals; Huskies won five of last six games; they're 4-1 on the AAC road, with wins by 8-12-26-20 points- their only road loss was at Tulsa by 9. ECU won two of last three games, losing last game iat home in two OTs to Houston. Pirates are 1-4 at home in AAC, losing by 3-24-15-4, with win vs Temple. AAC double digit home favorites are 5-10 vs spread.
Iowa won 11 of its last 12 games but lost last road game, at Maryland; Hawkeyes won four of last five games with Illinois; their 81-74 win here in '14 was first in last ten visits here. Iowa has road wins by 7-17-14 points. Illinois is 3-7 in league; three of its last four games went to OT, including triple OT at Rutgers in last game Wednesday. Big 14 double digit home underdogs are 7-1 against the spread.
Miami won four of last five games but is 1-3 on ACC road with win by 14 at BC- Hurricanes are 4-2 in last six games with Georgia Tech; road team won last five regular season meetings. Tech lost seven of its last nine games, losing last three at home, by 1-4-9 points; their one win at home was an upset of Virginia. ACC home underdogs of less than five points are 5-6 against the spread.
St Bonaventure won last two games with Saint Louis by 3-16 points in series where Billikens lost three of last four visits here, with losses by 15-17-10 points. Bonnies won last two games by 16-10 points, scoring 83.5 ppg; they're 3-1 at home in A-14, winning by 12-5-16 points, with loss to Dayton. Billikens lost 13 of last 17 gamesA-14 double digit home favorites are 12-8 against the spread.
SMU beat South Florida 72-58 at home Jan 2, outscoring Bulls 20-8 on foul line; Mustangs are 4-1 in series, winning by 11 here LY, after losing at USF in '14. SMU lost two of last three games aftr an 18-0 start; they have half-game lead for AAC regular season title, only thing they've got left to play for. AAC double digit underdogs are 12-7 vs spread, 2-2 at home. USF is 0-5 in AAC, with three losses by 7 or less points.
James Madison won 86-82 in OT at Hofstra Jan 16, its third win in last four games with Pride, who were 8-35 on arc in that game last month on Long Island. Hofstra lost last three visits here, by 21-6-9 points. CAA home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-9 vs spread. Dukes are 7-4 in CAA, but only 2-3 at home. Hofstra won four of last five games, but lost at home to UNCW last game, blowing 20-point lead.
Tulsa lost 81-66 in Houston 11 days ago; Hurricane was 3-26 on arc as they lost for first time in four AAC meetings with Cougars. AAC home favorites of 8 or less points are 4-9 vs spread. Tulsa won its last four at home by 9+ points after losing home opener to SMU; they lost in OT at Temple in last game. Houston upset SMU last game, despite Gray not playing with injured ankle. Cougars won last three games overall.
Oregon hammered Utah 77-59 in Salt Lake City Jan 14, holding Utes to 34% from floor; Ducks won last five games with Utah, winning by 46-9-11 in last three series games here. Oregon won its last five games; they're 5-0 at home in Pac-12, with four wins by 8+ points. Utah won five of last six games but lost at Oregon State last game after fouling shooter at midcourt at buzzer. Pac-12 home favorites of 7 or less points are 14-9.
Marist (+14) lost 77-66 at Siena eight days ago, covering thru back door after being down 22 with 6:58 left; Siena won five of last six series tilts, with last three visits here (2-1S) decided by total of 7 points. Red Foxes lost last 11 games, last four by 11+ points; they're 0-5 vs spread in its home games, 0-3 as a dog. MAAC home underdogs of 5+ points are 1-5 vs spread. Siena won five of its last six games, is 3-3 on MAAC road.
Iona beat Niagara 65-52 at home Jan 4, pulling away in last 10:00; Gaels won last six series games, winning last two visits here by one point each. Iona's last three visits here were decided by total of 5 points. Gaels are 4-2 on MAAC road, losing at Rider/Fairfield; three of their four wins on road were by 12+. MAAC double digit favorites are 4-6 vs spread, 1-1 on road. Niagara lost six of last seven, including last three home games.
Canisius lost 79-68 at Rider last Sunday; Broncs scored 1.25 ppg, made 8-15 on arc, only 17-30 on line. Rider won last three series games by 11-1-13 points- they won three of last four visits here. Griffins lost four in row, allowing 86.5 ppg; they lost last five MAAC home tilts. MAAC home favorites of 3 or less points are 3-6 vs spread. Rider won six of its last eight games, splitting its last four games on foreign soil.
Fairfield lost 72-66 at Manhattan Jan 2, in brickfest where teams made a combined 10-37 on arc- Stags led by 6 early in second half. Home teams won eight of last nine series games- Jaspers are 1-7 in last eight visits to Fairfield, losing last two by 4-13 points. Stags scored 63 ppg in losing last two games; they're 4-3 at home. MAAC single digit home favorites are 12-15 vs spread. Manhattan won three of its last four games.
