COVERS - PICK 'N' ROLL
(Tracking Started On 2/22/2011)
14-19-2 (NBA)
13-10-0 (NCAA HOOPS)
WEDNESDAY 3/23/2011
NBA
Orlando Magic at New York Knicks (+1.5)
The Knicks have struggled since going through their honeymoon phase with Carmelo Anthony, though after some interesting comments about “waiting for next year” earlier this week, Anthony has changed his tune.
Now ‘Melo thinks his club can turn it around in the playoffs even though the club has dropped six of its last seven both straight up and against the spread.
"I believe, we believe that something will get turned around quickly," Anthony told reporters. "We have a little bit under a month to get this thing right to get ready for the playoffs. And right now, we're just figuring it out on the go. As long as we figure it out by the time the playoffs come, I'm not really too concerned about what's going on right now and how it's going on.”
Still, that’s not exactly the kind of reassurance Knicks bettors are looking for at the moment. Meanwhile, the Magic have won three straight but have covered only once in the last nine games so it’s a tricky line here.
Until the Knicks show some signs of turning it around, we have to side with the Magic in this spot.
Pick: Orlando Magic -1.5
NCAAB
Miami Hurricanes at Alabama Crimson Tide (-5.5)
The Hurricanes and Tide square off for a chance to take part in the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden in a match that pits Miami’s hot offense against Alabama’s tight defense.
Miami has put up at least 80 points in its first two wins of the tourney and rebounded after a slow start to down Missouri State 81-72 as a 5-point favorite on Monday.
Durand Scott, who averages 13.5 points this season, put up 20 points in the win after dropping 19 points in the team’s opening win over Florida Atlantic.
"We're a young team," UM coach Frank Haith told reporters "This team knows we're going to be together next year. We want to play in the NCAA Tournament. These games are important in getting some growth towards that."
Alabama represents a tough test here, but Miami’s scoring should be able to least keep the Hurricanes close down to the buzzer.
Pick: Miami Hurricanes +5.5
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