Tuesday 12/1/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wizards (6-8) at Cavaliers (13-4)

Date: December 01, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

In order to fix their struggles on the road, the Washington Wizards will have to solve the Eastern Conference's best home team.

The Cleveland Cavaliers hope to just continue carving out wins however they can.

The Cavaliers look to reach double-digit home wins without a loss while the Wizards try to climb back to .500 away from home Tuesday night.

Cleveland (13-4) is off to its best start in seven seasons thanks to a 9-0 record at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 23 home games to open the 2008-09 season en route to a franchise-record 66 wins.

That was LeBron James' second-to-last season during his first stint in Cleveland. In the second campaign of his second go-around, James is still finding new ways to win.

James finished with a familiar line of 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists in Saturday's 90-88 home victory over Brooklyn. It was the way he ended the game, with a hook shot over 7-footer Brook Lopez, that even James said was a bit different.

"I've made layups, I've made pull-ups, obviously I've made step-back jumpers,' he said. 'I might go for the sky hook next time.'

What likely won't change is the ball in James' hands, whether he's facilitating or shooting. The Cavs have found success in late situations, ranking toward the top of the league with a 55.6 field-goal percentage in the final 24 seconds of the final quarter when the game is within three points.

Cleveland also ranks among the league leaders with eight games ending in that scenario. Not surprisingly, James has made 3 of 5 shots in those situations for 10 points, nearly half of the Cavaliers' 21.

When asked if James' hook shot was a play he drew up in the huddle, coach David Blatt laughed and said, "Yeah, just the way I drew it up. Yep. Give it to No. 23.'

James is averaging 25.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists in the last three games, but he isn't the only reason for the Cavs' surge. Kevin Love also scored 26 against the Nets and has followed a season-low seven-point performance Nov. 13 by averaging 23.6 points and 11.6 rebounds in his last eight games.

Washington (6-8) fell victim to a clutch shot Saturday when Toronto's Cory Joseph drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Raptors an 84-82 win and the Wizards their fourth straight loss.

The Wizards are 3-4 away from home and have lost four of five there. Their previous three losses, at home against Indiana and on the road against Charlotte and Boston, came by an average of 21.3 points.

'We felt like we let this one slip away,' point guard John Wall said. 'But you can kind of deal with this, the way we competed. And that's the most important thing.'

Wall scored 18 points but made 6 of 25 shots as part of another miserable Washington shooting performance. The Wizards made 32.9 percent from the field to finish under 36 percent for the third straight game.

'We've got to cut the negativity we have coming from players, coaches, staff, media,' said center Marcin Gortat, who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. 'It's not even fun coming here anymore.'

Washington, which has lost three straight in this series and 12 of 16 in Cleveland, waived forward Martell Webster on Monday and signed 7-footer Ryan Hollins. Webster, who had hip surgery Nov. 20, didn't play this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lakers (2-14) at 76ers (0-18)

Date: December 01, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

(AP) - The buzz is back in Philadelphia, even as the 76ers fall further into NBA infamy every time they play.

Kobe Bryant is coming home to play - for the last time.

The Los Angeles Lakers' first road game since Bryant announced he would retire after this season is Tuesday night in Philadelphia, and everybody seems excited.

'I'm hearing it's probably going to be sold out just because it's Kobe's last time playing in Philadelphia. That'll be great,' 76ers rookie Jahlil Okafor said.

With the 76ers off to an 0-18 start and losers of a record 28 straight - the longest losing streak in major U.S. pro sports - anger and apathy have set in around the franchise. A ticket on the resale site StubHub was as cheap as $8 to see San Antonio visit Philadelphia next week.

But after Bryant's announcement, the least expensive seat in the house was going late Sunday night for $59 - and that's almost certain to keep rising over the next couple days.

'It's going to be beautiful,' Bryant said. 'So much of my game was developed from Philadelphia.'

Bryant was born in Philadelphia and drafted out of Lower Merion High School in 1996. His hometown hasn't always adored him, with fans famously booing him in the 2002 All-Star Game after he helped the Lakers beat the 76ers in the 2001 NBA Finals.

But cheers will surely drown out any boos Tuesday. Bryant has insisted he doesn't want one of those farewell tours for retiring stars, and coach Byron Scott doesn't think that will change just because of the location.

'I think he's going to kind of view it the same as he's done every game. He's just going to go out there and try to win and try to play the best he can,' Scott said.

The 76ers have been more competitive lately and might have a good chance to earn their first victory against the Lakers, who at 2-14 have the NBA's second-worst record.

But even if they lose and surpass the 2009-10 New Jersey Nets for the worst start in NBA history, it should be a memorable night.

'It's an honor to sort of welcome him back to Philadelphia to begin with,' Sixers coach Brett Brown said. 'Kobe's legend has lived in that city for many years, and will continue to live there. For him to come back and play his first game after announcing his retirement, it's a privilege for all of us.'

Fans at the Wells Fargo Center will also be hoping Bryant can turn back the clock a little Tuesday. He's struggled badly with his shooting, making 30.5 percent on the season and suffering through a 1-for-14 effort against Golden State last Tuesday.

Bryant has shot 23.7 percent in the past four games after going 4 of 20 in 107-103 home loss to Indiana on Sunday, his first game since announcing his retirement. He hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left in a one-point game that drew a road from the crowd, but then shot an airball on a potential tying 3 with 6 seconds to play.

'I've known for a while,' Bryant said. 'A decision like this, you can't make that decision based on outside circumstances. It has to be an internal decision, and finally I've decided to accept that I can't actually do this anymore, and I'm OK with that. It takes a weight off my shoulders and everybody else's.'

Bryant missed his first six shots and went 2 for 15 in the first half.

'It's my first time playing back-to-back (games this season), so I felt drained for other reasons,' he said.

The Lakers have lost six straight and 10 of 11. Jordan Clarkson had 22 points and a career-high 10 rebounds Sunday while Nick Young hit six 3-pointers while scoring 22 points.

Los Angeles has won three straight in the series overall and three in a row at Philadelphia.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Suns (8-9) at Nets (4-13)

Date: December 01, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Jeff Hornacek is hoping his Phoenix Suns can be more consistent defensively after an improved performance.

They might be able to learn from the Brooklyn Nets, who have shored up their defense - at least at home.

Phoenix continues its six-game trip Tuesday night against the Nets.

The Suns (8-9) opened the trip by snapping a four-game skid with a 107-102 win over Toronto on Sunday. Their effort at the defensive end was a marked improvement, considering they had given up 120 or more points in three of four and were routed 135-116 by Golden State two nights earlier.

The Raptors were held to 44.2 percent shooting, a number much more palatable than the 56.8 percent mark Phoenix surrendered to the Warriors.

Fewer turnovers also helped the Suns' cause. They committed a season low-tying 10 after averaging 17.8 in the previous four contests, off of which opponents scored 20.3 points per game.

"The last four games we've been giving up a lot of points," Hornacek told the team's official website. "I thought our defensive effort was a lot better tonight. We didn't turn the ball over and when you're on the road you can't turn the ball over."

Eric Bledsoe helped preserve Sunday's victory by blocking Luis Scola's potential tying 3-pointer with less than a second left. He had 20 points and 11 assists, while Brandon Knight added 21 and five.

Bledsoe is averaging 22.6 and 6.3 while Knight is at 21.5 and 5.5, creating the NBA's only duo to average at least 20 and five apiece. Only four pairs in league history have done it for an entire season.

Brooklyn (4-13) has won three in a row at home, giving up 90.7 points and 39.4 percent shooting per game. The Nets allowed 105.1 points and 47.0 percent shooting in their 14 other contests.

They held Detroit to 33.7 percent in Sunday's 87-83 home victory. Brook Lopez had season highs of six blocked shots and five assists and tied a career high with four steals to make up for his 6-for-18 shooting.

"We definitely had to grind it out," said Lopez, who scored 15 points. "We stuck with it, though, and our bench definitely gave us good minutes. Our guys stuck it out, we kept fighting and things weren't going our way the majority of the game, but we kept with it."

If Wayne Ellington's performance was a sign of things to come, Brooklyn could be in for a boost. Ellington scored a season-high 12 and was 5 of 7 from the field after previously shooting 29.5 percent on the season.

"I cracked the code tonight," he told the team's official website. "To get out there and make a couple shots in a row gave me a bunch of confidence."

Phoenix won both meetings last season and has taken seven of its last 10 road games in the series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (10-8) at Pelicans (4-13)

Date: December 01, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

After another strong performance by Anthony Davis that resulted in yet another loss for the New Orleans Pelicans, coach Alvin Gentry said one guy can't do it alone.

The good news for Gentry is reinforcements are on the way.

Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole are expected to make their season debuts for the Pelicans on Tuesday night against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.

Davis has been a one-man show for New Orleans (4-13), ranking among the league leaders with averages of 23.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots, but his play hasn't resulted in many wins. After he had 36 points on 12-of-18 shooting while the rest of the Pelicans shot 17 of 51 in Saturday's 101-87 loss at Utah, Gentry said Davis can't be counted on to continuously carry the team.

'It can't be done by one guy,' Gentry said. 'I don't know of a team in the league that has been able to do that. Even the great teams have other guys that contribute things that help you win games.'

Help is on the way, however, in the forms of Evans and Cole.

Expected to be Gentry's starting point guard heading into the season, Evans had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee a week before the opener. He was the Pelicans' second-leading scorer last season, averaging 16.6 points along with 6.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

Cole proved to be a dependable scoring option for New Orleans off the bench last season, averaging 9.9 points in 28 games after being acquired from Miami. He went down with a left ankle sprain just before the start of this season.

"There's a very good chance that both of those guys will be ready to go on Tuesday," Gentry said of Evans and Cole. "Which obviously gives us a lot more depth and it also puts players back in their normal roles that we saw for them at the start of the season."

Ish Smith has done a solid job of picking up the slack at the point guard position, averaging 11.9 points and 8.1 assists in 30.3 minutes, but he'll see his role diminished slightly.

Getting Evans and Cole back in the lineup comes at an opportune time as Davis had limited offensive success against Memphis in 2014-15.

Davis' 17.3 scoring average against the Grizzlies last season was his lowest against any opponent he faced more than once. Memphis also did a solid job of keeping him off the glass, limiting him to 8.3 rebounds per game.

The Pelicans, who split the four 2014-15 meetings with Memphis, are one of the league's worst teams in rebounding differential at minus-4.7 and are 1-11 when getting outrebounded.

The Grizzlies (10-8) owned a 49-41 rebounding advantage in Sunday's 92-84 victory over winless Philadelphia to improve to 5-1 when outrebounding their opponent. Their success on the glass helped offset 26 turnovers - their most since Nov. 5, 2010.

"I panic when I have two turnovers and anything over that is unlike me," said Mike Conley, who had a season-high five turnovers. "So for our team to have 20-plus turnovers is not like us. We want to be a better team at taking care of the ball and we have to be much better than that. Our focus has to be a lot better."

Zach Randolph had 17 points and 11 rebounds in 32 minutes after missing the previous five games due to right knee soreness. In seven games at New Orleans since 2011-12, he is averaging 10.7 points - his second lowest at any arena.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (9-8) at Timberwolves (8-9)

Date: December 01, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Orlando Magic are on the brink of their longest winning streak in nearly three years behind a stingy defense and a lineup reshuffling.

They seek a fourth straight victory Tuesday night when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Orlando has won eight of 12 and a 9-6 record in November was its first winning month since March 2012. The three straight victories have come by a combined 42 points, including 110-91 against visiting Boston on Sunday. It was the fourth time in five games the Magic (9-8) held their opponent below 42.0 percent shooting.

Now they can claim a fourth consecutive win for the first time since Dec. 14-19, 2012.

"We're playing with a lot more energy, focusing on a lot of the little details, especially defensively," forward Tobias Harris said. "We're just letting our defense dictate our offense. I think that's been the biggest difference."

The Magic's bench is outscoring the opponent's by an average of 18.7 points over the past three games. Victor Oladipo scored a team-high 19 on Sunday along with eight rebounds and six assists. He's averaging 20.0 points on 43.6 percent shooting in three games as a reserve after averaging 12.8 and shooting 37.0 percent while starting each of his first 12 games.

"I didn't know what to expect and honestly, I didn't care," Oladipo said of being moved to the bench. "I had to be more aggressive. That's when I'm at my best so this is something to build on."

Channing Frye, who has joined the starting lineup the last three games, is 9 for 14 from 3-point range over his last four.

The Timberwolves (8-9) had a three-game winning streak of their own prior to losing 107-99 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. They were held to 37 first-half points and let the Clippers shoot 52.0 percent overall.

"That's a very good basketball team over there, and they're going to be in the playoffs," coach Sam Mitchell said. "They've got two All-Stars in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, and they made shots at the end."

Ricky Rubio, who owns a career-best 3.9 assist-to-turnover ratio, missed a second straight game due to a sore left ankle but Mitchell expects him to play in this one. Zach LaVine started in Rubio's place and had 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting with seven assists and one turnover.

"Any time a starter is out, it's difficult to win. That's just the NBA," Mitchell said. 'But I think Zach is growing up before our eyes at that position. Today he missed some shots, and that's going to happen."

The Wolves have won two in a row at home after dropping their first six there, while Orlando is 2-5 on the road with three straight defeats.

The Magic won the season's first matchup 104-101 in overtime Nov. 18 for their 12th victory in the last 14 meetings. Evan Fournier scored 26 and was 5 of 7 from 3-point range, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with three seconds remaining.

Andrew Wiggins scored 28 while Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 with 12 rebounds and six blocked shots for Minnesota.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mavericks (10-8) at Trail Blazers (7-11)

Date: December 01, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Wesley Matthews played so well as an undrafted rookie in 2009-10 that the Portland Trail Blazers plucked the restricted free agent away from Utah with a sizable contract.

When it came time for Matthews to become a free agent again during the offseason, they didn't even bother to pick up the phone. Whatever the potential reasons - Matthews coming off a season-ending injury, LaMarcus Aldridge leaving town, C.J. McCollum ready for an expanded role - Matthews was upset.

The Dallas Mavericks, though, were willing to pay top dollar. Now Matthews prepares to make his first regular-season visit to Portland since leaving, but an illness might keep former teammate Damian Lillard from facing him Tuesday night.

Matthews signed a five-year, $34 million deal that Utah declined to match after a solid rookie season, then averaged 15.4 points in 359 regular-season games and made three playoff appearances with the Blazers.

He tore his left Achilles and missed the last 22 and all of a five-game playoff loss to Memphis last season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Portland reportedly didn't extend an official offer to Matthews, who then signed a four-year, $70 million contract with the Mavericks.

Matthews said he hoped to return to Portland but "felt disrespected" when general manager Neil Olshey didn't even contact Matthews when free agency began. Olshey said later that the only way they would have pursued re-signing Matthews was if Aldridge returned rather than bolt for San Antonio.

That decision seems to be wise so far. Matthews has gotten off to a rough start with Dallas (10-8), averaging 11.1 points while shooting 34.7 percent in 16 games.

He's totaled 17 points while hitting just 3 of 15 from 3-point range over his last two and went 4 for 11 from the field in Monday's 112-98 loss to Sacramento.

This contest ends a stretch featuring five of six games on the road for the Mavericks, who have dropped four of the first five.

"We knew it was going to be a process," said Chandler Parsons, who had a team-high 14 points. "Every time you have this many guys that are new and haven't played together, it's going to take some time."

Portland (7-11) is in a bit of a rebuilding mode after losing Aldridge and Matthews and trading away another former mainstay in Nicolas Batum. It devoted its attention to building around Lillard, who inked a five-year, $120 million extension in July.

McCollum stepped into Matthews' starting role and has averaged 19.9 points, far better than the 6.8 he averaged in 2014-15. He scored 28 in Saturday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers to help the Blazers win for the third time in four games, but he was held to 4 of 15 from the field and a season-low 12 points in Monday's 102-87 loss to the Clippers.

Lillard had seven points in 17 minutes before leaving for good early in the third with an upset stomach.

"Obviously Damian's the center of our offense, gets everybody going," McCollum said. "Without him on the floor it's tough, but we had to adjust and make plays without him. Hopefully he'll be back soon. I could tell he was sick."

Lillard has never missed a game in three-plus seasons but is uncertain to play in this contest.

"If I'm good enough to play, I'll play," Lillard said. "I can't go out there the way I was (Monday)."

Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points to help the Mavericks beat the Matthews-less Blazers 114-98 in the last meeting April 15.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers

Wizards at Cavaliers (-9 ½, 202 ½) – 7:05 PM EST

It’s been a tough stretch for Washington (6-8 SU, 6-8 ATS), who has dropped four straight games, which includes two late meltdowns in losses to Charlotte and Toronto. The Wizards were outscored by the Hornets, 27-6 in the fourth quarter of a 14-point defeat last Wednesday, while getting beat at the buzzer by the Raptors on Saturday, 84-82. Washington managed a cover as 3 ½-point underdogs against Toronto, but Randy Wittman’s team has cashed just once during this four-game skid, while posting a 1-4 SU/ATS record in the past five games away from the Verizon Center.

The Cavaliers (13-4 SU, 7-10 ATS) continue to own the best record in the Eastern Conference through the first month of the season after edging the Nets on Saturday, 90-88. LeBron James scored the game-winning basket with one second left, but the Cavs failed to cover as 8 ½-point favorites, snapping a three-game ATS win streak at Quicken Loans Arena. Following six consecutive ‘overs,’ David Blatt’s club has cashed the ‘under’ in the last two contests, while four of the past five meetings in Cleveland have finished ‘under’ the total.

Lakers (-1 ½, 197 ½) at 76ers – 7:05 PM EST

Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, and Julius Erving aren’t walking through the doors at the Wells Fargo Center when these two teams hook up. However, another (soon-to-be) Hall of Famer pays his final visit to his hometown as Kobe Bryant announced this will be the last season of his dynamic career. This season hasn’t been one to remember for Bryant and the Lakers (2-14 SU, 5-11 ATS), who begin an eight-game road trip, while trying to snap a six-game losing streak. Los Angeles fell short at home against Indiana on Sunday, 107-103 as 9 ½-point underdogs, the only ATS win during this cold stretch.

What is there left to say about the sad state of the 76ers? Philadelphia (0-18 SU, 8-10 ATS) is trying to avoid the dubious distinction of owning the worst start to a season in NBA history with one more loss, but the Sixers have been pointspread gold of late by covering five straight times. Brent Brown’s squad wrapped up a six-game road trip at 5-1 ATS, capped off by a 92-84 defeat at Memphis as 13 ½-point underdogs, the fifth straight loss by the Sixers when leading in the fourth quarter. Not that Philadelphia needs any more negativity to endure, but the Sixers have lost three straight home meetings with the Lakers since 2012.

Suns (-3 ½, 206) at Nets – 7:35 PM EST

Phoenix (8-9 SU, 9-8 ATS) continues its six-game road swing out east after getting past Toronto on Sunday as three-point ‘dogs, 107-102. The Suns ended a four-game slide with the win, as their bench provided a spark with 51 points, led by 20 points from Mirza Teletovic on 6-of-7 shooting from three-point range. Jeff Hornacek’s team has yet to win consecutive games on the road this season, but owns a 6-3 ATS record in its last nine opportunities as a favorite. The Suns swept the two-game series from the Nets last season, while rallying from a 15-point fourth quarter deficit in a 108-100 overtime triumph at the Barclays Center in March.

Following an 0-7 start to the season, the Nets (4-13 SU, 10-7 ATS) have improved their play the last 10 games, while covering nine times in this stretch. Brooklyn’s latest cover came on Sunday night in an 87-83 comeback victory over Detroit as five-point underdogs, the third straight win as a home ‘dog. The Nets have struggled against the Western Conference, putting together a 1-6 SU record, but a 5-2 ATS mark, including covers against the Thunder and Warriors as double-digit ‘dogs. Brooklyn is riding a 3-1 ‘under’ run at home since cashing the ‘over’ in the first two games at the Barclays Center.

Grizzlies at Pelicans (-1, 201 ½) – 8:05 PM EST

Since a four-game losing streak in early November, Memphis (10-8 SU, 8-10 ATS) has rebounded nicely with victories in seven of its past nine contests. The Grizzlies failed to cash for the second time this season as double-digit favorites, rallying past the 76ers on Sunday, 92-84. Memphis has won two of its last three away from FedEx Forum, while allowing 94 points or less in four of its previous five road contests. The Grizzlies split four meetings with the Pelicans last season, as Memphis lost both matchups in the Big Easy, scoring 95 points or less each time.

The Pelicans (4-13 SU, 6-11 ATS) began the season with a disappointing 1-11 record, but ran off three straight victories, including a home-and-home sweep of the Suns. New Orleans has fallen backwards since that hot streak, losing consecutive road games to the Jazz and Clippers, falling by double-digits each time. Anthony Davis continues to lead the Pelicans in scoring after putting up 36 points in Saturday’s 101-87 setback at Utah, as New Orleans returns home seeking its third consecutive victory at Smoothie King Center.

Magic at Wolves (-1 ½, 201 ½) – 8:05 PM EST

There isn’t one team in the NBA that possesses a bigger home/road dichotomy than Minnesota. The Wolves (8-9 SU, 10-7 ATS) own a perfect 9-0 ATS record away from the Target Center, but have covered just once in eight opportunities at home. The lone ATS home win for Minnesota came against Atlanta last Wednesday in a 99-95 victory as three-point ‘dogs, as the Wolves are seeking their first cover in the favorite role (0-2 ATS). Point guard Ricky Rubio is expected back in the lineup after missing the last two games with an ankle injury, as the Wolves split a pair of games against the Kings and Clippers on the road.

These teams met up two weeks ago in central Florida, as Orlando (9-8 SU, 11-6 ATS) outlasted Minnesota, 104-101, but the Wolves cashed as five-point ‘dogs. The Magic is fresh off a sweep of a three-game homestand, capped off by a 110-91 blowout of the Celtics as two-point underdogs on Sunday, the seventh home win in the last eight attempts. However, the road hasn’t been as kind to Scott Skiles’ club, dropping four of the past five away from Orlando, while failing to cover in three straight on the highway.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Could frantic road trip finally cause Warriors to stumble?
By BIG AL MCMORDIE

The NBA's first month is in the books, and it's been a fascinating start to the season. The Golden State Warriors (18-0) have been as scintillating, as the 76ers (0-18) have been dreadful. So much so that sportsbooks are offering a prop bet on which will happen first: a Warriors loss (-160 odds) or a 76ers win (+130 odds).

Of course, with LSU's Ben Simmons as a possible prize in next year's NBA Draft, I suspect Philadelphia GM Sam Hinkie isn't minding his team's futility. Let's take a look at the week that was, and the week that will be.

Spread watch

The Golden State Warriors not only have an 18-game win streak ongoing, but they've also now covered six in a row (and nine of their last 11). But the next two weeks will provide the Dubs with their staunchest test of the season.

Golden State will embark Monday on a 13-day, seven-game road trip, which will include stops at five current playoff teams: Utah, Charlotte, Toronto, Indiana and Boston. Tonight's game is surely a potential landmine for Luke Walton's men, as the Jazz have covered five straight (and seven of their last eight) as home underdogs.

Even next Sunday's game at Brooklyn could offer a surprisingly tough test for Golden State, as the Warriors will have to play without rest. And the Nets, who have caught fire by covering nine of their last 10, already took the Warriors to overtime in mid-November, in Oakland. Brooklyn's also 10-4 ATS its last 14 as a home underdog.

Total watch

Two weeks ago, I highlighted the Miami Heat, which had (at that time) played their previous eight games Under the total. All the Heat have done since is go 1-5 Over/Under for an overall streak of 13 Unders and 1 Over since October 30.

Miami is one of four teams giving up less than a point per possession on defense, and the other three (Spurs, Pacers, Celtics) have also played a majority of their games Under, but not to the extreme of the Heat.

This week, Miami will host Boston, Oklahoma City and Cleveland. But, even though both the Celtics and Thunder have played their last three Under the total (and the Cavs, their last two), this week looks to be a great spot for Miami's Under trend to reverse, as the Heat's Over/Under lines have been adjusted downward a bit too much. Based on my numbers, the value should now rest on the Over in Miami's games.

Injury watch

Charlotte's center, Al Jefferson, suffered a left calf injury early in Sunday's game versus Milwaukee. Jefferson is third on the team in scoring and second in rebounding, so his status going forward bears watching.

Jefferson also missed Charlotte's final seven games of last season, and the Hornets went 1-6 SU and 3-4 ATS in those games. The Hornets will welcome Golden State to The Hive Wednesday. Last season, Jefferson played well versus the Warriors, averaging 18.5 ppg, and the Hornets covered the spread as 8.5-point home underdogs in the most recent meeting.

Schedule watch

The San Antonio Spurs have owned Memphis since their playoffs series loss to the Grizzlies in 2011. General Manager R.C. Buford recognized the need for a defensive stopper, so he traded George Hill for the 15th pick in the 2011 draft, which turned into Kawhi Leonard.

Prior to that event, Memphis was 10-0-1 ATS its previous 11 games versus San Antonio. But since then, the Spurs are 17-4 SU and 15-6 ATS in the series. Thursday's game in Memphis will be difficult for the Spurs. San Antonio will not only be playing without rest, but it will also be playing its fifth game in seven nights. Since December 2012, the Spurs are 3-8 SU and 4-7 ATS on the road when playing their fifth game in seven nights, including 0-4 SU/ATS when the line was six points or less.

Of course, one never knows whether head coach Gregg Popovich will even play his aging veterans (Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili) in situations like this. Regardless, Memphis will be worth a look.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Wizards at Cavaliers

Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers (-7.5, 202.5)

The last thing the struggling Washington Wizards need is a trip to the top team in the Eastern Conference, but that’s exactly what they’re going to get. The Wizards will try to snap a four-game slide when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Washington seemed to bottom out with a 111-78 loss at the Boston Celtics on Friday but suffered another crushing blow when Cory Joseph buried a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Toronto Raptors an 84-82 win over the Wizards on Saturday. "We’ve got to cut the negativity that we have coming from players, coaches, staff, media. We just got to cut that," Wizards center Marcin Gortat told reporters. "It’s not even fun coming here anymore. It’s so much negativity.” The Cavaliers are not dealing with any negativity after five wins in the last six games and are 9-0 at home. Cleveland was on the good side of a last-second win on Saturday, when LeBron James tossed in a baby hook in the lane to knock off the Brooklyn Nets 90-88.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBATV, CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington), FSN Ohio (Cleveland)

LINE HISTORY: Online shop TopBet.eu opened the Cavs as 7.5-point home faves and the total at 202.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Wizards - SG Bradley Beal (Probable, ankle), PF Drew Gooden (Questionable, back), PF Nene (Doubtful, calf), SG Alan Anderson (Early Dec., ankle).

Cavs - SG Iman Shumpert (Mid February, wrist), PG Kyrie Irving (Out indefinitely, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Wizards (-3) + Cavs (-12) + home court (-3.0) = Cavs -12

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Wizards are struggling as they enter this game on a 0-4 SU (1-3 ATS) run in their past four games. Leading scorer guard Bradley Beal injured his ankle on Saturday, but he is expected to play tonight. Beal leads the team in scoring (19.6 ppg) and minutes per game (34:50) this season. Even with Beal playing, the Wizards will still be short-handed as guard Gary Neal is doubtful with a groin injury, while forward Nene is out with a calf injury. Neal is fifth on the team in scoring (9.5 ppg) and an excellent shooter who leads the team with 46% three-point shooting this season. Nene is averaging 7.6 ppg and is the team's second best rebounder (4.9 rpg)." Steve Merril.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (6-8 SU, 6-8 ATS, 8-5-1 O/U): Gortat was blunt in his assessment of the team, which entered the season with big expectations but has struggled in a new offense that spreads the perimeter and leaves Gortat alone in the middle. “Everybody thought we’re going to go to conference finals and stuff like that,” Gortat told reporters. “We didn’t make any spectacular trades or signings in the offseason. It’s not like we’re supposed to be three times a much better team this year.” Gortat put up 16 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday for his second double-double in the last three games.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (13-4 SU, 7-10 ATS, 10-7 O/U): Cleveland guard J.R. Smith scored in double figures in seven straight games before struggling to 3-of-12 from the field on Saturday, but he still provided a contribution with four blocks and three steals. “He’s making the effort at both ends of the court,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters of Smith. “He’s taking on challenges and really has given us good play. I’m not surprised. I know he’s capable of it. I know he’s willing to give us that and we needed that.” Smith is 1-of-9 from 3-point range in the last two games after knocking down at least three from beyond the arc in each of the previous five.

TRENDS:

* Under is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings.
* Underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Cavaliers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
* Over is 6-1 in Cavaliers last seven home games.

CONSENSUS: N/A.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Tuesday, December 1 2015 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Not sure there's been a more interesting game in NBA history between two such horrific teams as in Tuesday night's Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers matchup. The clubs have all of two wins between them, so it certainly could have lottery ramifications down the road if the teams finished tied for the NBA's worst record. But of more immediate relevance, the 76ers can set the NBA record with a 19th straight loss to open a season. And it's the final game for Kobe Bryant in his hometown of Philadelphia -- he starred at Lower Merion High School. Smartly, Kobe on Sunday announced he was officially retiring after the season. So I'm sure the proud Kobe would like to have a big night in the City of Brotherly Love, and I guarantee you he hears louder cheers than any player on that sad Sixers team.


Lakers at 76ers (pick'em, 197.5)

I was hoping that Philly might be favored for the only time this season; maybe by tipoff the Sixers are. Los Angeles was beaten 107-103 at home on Sunday by Indiana. Kobe, a few hours after making his announcement, had 13 points and the chance to tie the game late on a 3-pointer but he shot an air ball, which pretty much sums up this season for him. He was an ugly 4-for-20 from the field. In 16 career games at Philadelphia, Kobe has averaged 22.9 points, 4.2 rebounds 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The 76ers were again competitive on Sunday but lost 92-84 in Memphis to drop their 28th straight game overall -- that's an NBA record. Philly led by five midway through the fourth quarter. The loss at Memphis marked the fifth straight time Philadelphia has lost by single digits. The team played a second in a row without Nerlens Noel with right knee soreness and he's questionable for this one. The Lakers swept the 76ers last season.

Key trends: The Lakers are 1-9 against the spread in their past 10 following an ATS win. The "over/under" is 10-2 in the Sixers' past 12 at home.

Early lean: I think Philly wins if Noel plays. Otherwise go Lakers. Under regardless.

Wizards at Cavaliers (-9.5, 203)

This is the first of an NBA TV doubleheader and should have live betting at sportsbooks. Washington dropped a fourth straight Saturday, 84-82 at home against Toronto. Something is really off with this team. Way too much talent to be 6-8. The 84 points allowed were the fewest Washington has allowed all season. John Wall missed two late free throws that proved costly. Nene and Gary Neal both sat out with injuries, and they are questionable for Tuesday. Cleveland remained unbeaten at home this season with 90-88 win over Brooklyn on Saturday. LeBron James hit a running hook shot with a second left for the win. The Cavs, who have won 29 of their past 30 regular-season home games, were 3-1 vs. Washington last season. They won the final three meetings by an average of 23 points.

Key trends: The road team is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The over is 9-3 in Cleveland's past 12 overall.

Early lean: Cavaliers and over.

Suns at Nets (+3, 206)

Brooklyn ended a two-game losing streak with an 87-83 win over the Pistons on Sunday. Brook Lopez made the tiebreaking free throw with 29 seconds to go after pulling down an offensive rebound. The Nets' Andrea Bargnani left the game in the first quarter with a tight left hamstring and won't play vs. Phoenix. The Suns ended a four-game skid with a 107-102 victory in Toronto on Sunday. Guard Eric Bledsoe blocked a potential 3-pointer by Luis Scola in the final seconds. The Phoenix reserves combined for 51 points while shooting 56 percent from the field. Center Tyson Chandler (hamstring) missed his second game of the season. The Suns won both meetings last season, getting their first sweep against the Nets since 2010-11. Four of the last eight meetings overall have gone to overtime.

Early lean: The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their past six after a win. The under is 7-1 in the Suns' past eight vs. the East.

Key trends: Nets and under.

Magic at Timberwolves (-2, 201.5)

Orlando concluded a 3-0 homestand with a 110-91 win over Boston on Sunday. Coming off the bench for a third straight game, Victor Oladipo scored 19 points and had eight rebounds and six assists. The Magic went 9-6 in November, the first winning month for the team since March 2012. Minnesota's three-game winning streak ended in a 107-99 defeat at the Clippers on Sunday. Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio sat out his second straight game because of soreness in his left ankle. Rubio thinks he can return Tuesday and practiced Monday. The Magic beat the visiting Timberwolves 104-101 in overtime on Nov. 18. Evan Fournier hit a 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds left in overtime. Rubio had eight points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists.

Key trends: Orlando is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 5-2 in Minnesota's past seven at home.

Early lean: Minnesota and under.

Grizzlies at Pelicans (-1, 201.5)

Memphis nearly was the first team to lose to Philly but rallied for a 92-84 win Sunday. Zach Randolph had 17 points and 11 assists after missing the previous five games. The Grizzlies won't beat many other teams turning the ball over 26 times. New Orleans lost a second straight Saturday, 107-87 in Utah. Anthony Davis had 36 points and 11 rebounds but Jrue Holiday had only two points. The Pelicans believe that guard Tyreke Evans will make his season debut on Tuesday off knee surgery. The Grizzlies and Pelicans split four meetings last year, each winning both at home.

Key trends: The home team is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 5-1 in the past six.

Early lean: Pelicans and under.

Mavericks at Trail Blazers (-1.5, 203)

Your NBA TV nightcap should also feature live betting. Dallas was in Sacramento on Monday. So Mavs forward Chandler Parsons probably won't play in the second of a back-to-back. Portland was at the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. Portland and Dallas split the season series 2-2 in 2014-15, with each team winning both of its home games. Neither team has won consecutive games in this series since Dallas did so during the 2012-13 season. It's a return to Portland for Wesley Matthews, who signed as a free agent with the Mavs this offseason. He's the Blazers' all-time leader in 3-pointers made.

Key trends: The home team is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 8-3 in Portland's past 11 vs. the West.

Early lean: Blazers win. Go over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Cavaliers won five of their last six games (6-4HF).
-- Memphis won seven of its last nine games (2-3AU).
-- Minnesota won its last three games (0-6H vs spread). Orlando won its last three games (3-3AU, 0-3 last three).
-- Portland won three of its last five games (2-2HF).

Cold teams
-- Washington lost three of last four games (1-4AU).
-- 0-18 Sixers covered their last five games, all on road (2-5HU). LA lost its last six games (1-5 vs spread).
-- Suns lost four of their last five games (1-0AF). Brooklyn lost six of its last nine games (3-1HU).
-- Pelicans lost seven of their last ten games (2-2HF).
-- Mavericks lost four of last five games (5-3AU).

Series records
-- Cavaliers won their last three games with Washington.
-- Lakers won their last three games with Philly.
-- Suns are 6-4 in last ten games with Brooklyn; four of last nine in series went overtime.
-- Pelicans won six of last nine games with Memphis.
-- Magic won their last four games with Minnesota.
-- Mavericks won six of last nine games with Portland.

Totals
-- Four of last five Washington games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Philly games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Phoenix games went over total.
-- Under is 8-2 in last ten New Orleans-Memphis games.
-- Four of last five Minnesota games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Portland games stayed under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'NBA One-Point-Loss'

After coming up one point short in an NBA regular season contest teams should have a chip on their shoulder and come out looking to make a statement next time they hit the court.

In testing this theory, surprisingly teams do not always have the ability to bounce back after the aggravating event. In fact, since 2012 teams are just 65-94 straight-up, 65-90-4 against the betting line after being nipped by one point exact on the scoreboard.

Breaking down those numbers further points to a consistent long term patterns that tells us to 'Play-On' any favorite running the hardwood against a team off a one point exact loss. That's because it will result in a money-making 64.4% hit rate as chalks are 56-29-2 ATS split between 40-20-2 ATS on home court, 16-9 ATS wearing road jersey's.

Although, a winning percentage of 60.0 is considered major success, we can improve the hit rate to a whopping 81.8% by 'Playing-On' any home chalk of 4.5 to 6.0 points taking on a road team off a one point exact loss the previous effort (18-3-1 ATS) and to a lesser extent, 69.2% hit rate backing a road chalk of 4.5 to 6.0 vs a home team off its demoralizing effort (9-4 ATS).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers December 1, 7:00 EST

With Sunday's setback the Sixers have lost 18 straight this season and have lost 28 consecutive games dating back to last season. On a positive note, Sixers have been competitive in each of their last five games (5-0 ATS) losing by an average of 4.8 points/game. Given that the 2-14 Lakers have lost six straight by an average marging of 15.7 points/game, Sixers have a chance to end their historic run of futility.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wildcats (6-0) at Hawks (4-1)

Date: December 01, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Villanova went unbeaten in the opening month of a season for the third straight time despite poor 3-point shooting.

Coach Jay Wright's desire for improvement may go unfulfilled against Saint Joseph's.

Another suffocating defensive effort may be needed if the eighth-ranked Wildcats are to improve to 7-0 on Tuesday night in this Big Five matchup with the Hawks.

Villanova is 19-0 in the first month over the last three seasons and wasn't too shabby in the past two Decembers, combining for a 12-1 record.

The Wildcats' early success over the last three years, however, has come despite a combined 30.9 shooting percentage from beyond the arc. They're hitting 30.2 this season but have compensated by ranking third in the nation with 53.5 points allowed per game while holding opponents to 32.5 percent from the floor.

Villanova allowed 97 total points in victories over Stanford and Georgia Tech to win the NIT Season Tip-Off, beating the Yellow Jackets 69-52 on Friday. However, the Wildcats converted 8 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc against Georgia Tech compared to 19 of 24 from within it.

"We have to figure this out a little bit," Wright said. "We're not shooting well from 3. Teams are really getting out and taking away the 3-pointer from us, and they're doing a good job.

"We have to figure out a way to get more open 3s, but we really have to be efficient from two if they're going to do that."

Villanova has hit 39.6 percent of its 3s over the last two matchups with Saint Joseph's (4-1). The Wildcats connected on 9 of 23 attempts in a 74-46 win Dec. 6, beating the Hawks for the ninth time in 11 tries.

This time will be much tougher along the perimeter as Saint Joseph's allows opponents to shoot 27.7 percent from long range and 36.5 overall.

The Hawks held Old Dominion to 4 for 19 from 3-point range and blocked a season-high 10 shots before Shavar Newkirk hit a jumper in the final second of a 66-64 win Nov. 22.

Isaiah Miles added a game-high 18 points with three blocks. The senior forward leads Saint Joseph's with 17.0 points and 2.2 blocks per game, an increase from his career highs of 10.7 and 0.9 from last season.

Miles, though, has no points while missing all six shots - five from 3-point range - in two meetings with Villanova.

DeAndre' Bembry has totaled 30 points in those matchups. The junior forward had 15 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high four blocks against the Monarchs after scoring 10 points in each of the previous two games.

Josh Hart is leading Villanova with 14.8 points per game but much of that is due to a career-high 27 in a 75-56 win over Akron on Nov. 22. He's totaled 23 points in two games since, missing 10 of 11 3-point tries.

Hart had 12 points and eight rebounds against St. Joseph's last year.

Freshman Jalen Brunson has quickly become a key contributor for the Wildcats, averaging 11.7 points. He totaled 31 in the last two games to earn MVP honors at the NIT Season Tip-Off.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (5-1) at Buckeyes (2-3)

Date: December 01, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Virginia's plodding, methodical offensive approach for which it has been known appears to be a thing of the past as it continues to score at a pace not seen in years.

The 10th-ranked Cavaliers still have the same stifling defense, though.

All of that could be bad news for host Ohio State, which if off to its worst start under coach Thad Matta and heads into Tuesday night's matchup in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge looking to snap a three-game skid.

Virginia (5-1) has scored at least 80 points in each game during a four-game winning streak since losing 73-68 at George Washington on Nov. 16, the first time it has done that since 2006-07.

The Cavaliers, who haven't hit 80 in five straight since a seven-game run in 2001, scored that many points 15 times in 200 games prior to this season since coach Tony Bennett took over in 2009-10. They're averaging 81.0 points, far better than the 66.2 average in 2013-14 that marks their highest under Bennett.

Virginia's aggressiveness offensively certainly hasn't hurt its defense, either. It is allowing an average of 58.3 points with opponents shooting 39.1 percent after leading the country in scoring defense (51.5) and ranking third in defensive field-goal percentage (36.7) last season.

"It's nice to be able to score some points," Bennett said after Wednesday's 80-54 win over Lehigh. "I know it'll continue to get more challenging, but as long as our defense stays tough, and we have the right kind of pace offensively - how hard we play, how fast - that's the balance."

Malcolm Brogdon is averaging a team-high 16.7 points after netting 23 against Lehigh. Fellow senior Anthony Gill is scoring 12.5 per game for the Cavs, who have nine players averaging at least 10.8 minutes.

"I think our biggest strength this season, besides our defense, is our depth," Brogdon said. "I think we have multiple guards that can step in and play as well as starters, and then I think we have bigs in the rotation that can really play and can really contribute as well."

Matta sees the differences, too. He was asked at his Monday press conference about Virginia's slow place, and he quickly corrected the reporter.

"They've changed from last year. They're playing a lot faster," Matta said. "They can play any way you want them to play and still be effective. I was shocked when I saw them this year."

Ohio State (2-3) has lost three of its first five for the first time since 2003-04, one season before Matta came to Columbus. Its three-game skid includes home losses to Texas-Arlington and Louisiana Tech, as well as Friday's 81-76 overtime loss to Memphis in Miami.

The Buckeyes committed 19 turnovers and lost for the first time when scoring at least 75 points since the 2007 national championship game, snapping a streak of 113 straight victories when reaching that total.

Matta is going through a bit of a rebuilding year with seven freshmen and four sophomores on the roster. Junior Marc Loving is the only upperclassman remaining after senior Jake Lorbach officially was shut down due to problems with concussions.

"By a couple weeks from now, we really have to get a couple things we can really hang our hat on," Matta said. "That's the big challenge right now. We've got a long way to go in terms of identifying who we are as a basketball team."

This will be the first meeting since Ralph Sampson guided Virginia to an 89-73 victory in 1981.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: (4-1) at Cyclones (5-0)

Date: December 01, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

After dispatching a pair of big conference teams to remain undefeated, Iowa State now must avoid overlooking a mid-major foe with considerable credentials.

The fifth-ranked Cyclones return home Tuesday night to face a North Dakota State program that's also had some success against the major conferences.

By outscoring the opposition by an average of 20.2 points, Iowa State (5-0) has so far made a seamless transition from Fred Hoiberg to coach Steve Prohm. The Cyclones are the only power five team with three victories over major conference teams, owning a season-opening win over Colorado and capturing the Emerald Coast Classic tournament with triumphs over Virginia Tech and Illinois.

'It was good to get these tests early," said forward Georges Niang after scoring a game-high 23 points in Saturday's 84-73 win over the Illini. "Power five teams have the size we are going to be playing against in the Big 12. It does a lot to prep us for fighting through adversity."

None of the Cyclones' early opponents reached last year's NCAA Tournament, a claim North Dakota State (4-1) can make after winning its second consecutive Summit League tournament in March. The Bison shocked Big 12 member Oklahoma in overtime in the 2014 NCAAs and won at Notre Dame earlier that season.

Though 2014-15 conference player of the year Lawrence Alexander graduated, the Bison return every other rotation member from last season's 23-10 squad that gave second-seeded Gonzaga some problems before falling 86-76 in the NCAA Tournament.

Sophomore Paul Miller (19.6 ppg) has scored at least 15 points in all five games and amassed a career-high 27 in Saturday's 77-56 win over North Carolina A&T.

North Dakota State's lone defeat this season came to an Illinois team that led Iowa State 58-57 with 11 1/2 minutes remaining, prior to an 18-4 Cyclones' run.

"The last 8-9 minutes they imposed their will and for whatever reason we weren't able to impose ours," Illinois coach John Groce said. "Their ability to work to get the shots was better than us."

The Bison had a 14-point lead early in the second half of a Nov. 15 road test against the Illini, who shot 55.2 percent and outscored NDSU 52-35 after intermission to rally for an 80-74 decision.

Defending the fast-paced Cyclones also could prove difficult. Iowa State ranks among the national leaders in field goal percentage (52.3) and has all five starters averaging at least 13.8 points, led by the versatile Niang (16.8 ppg). Point guard Monte Morris averages 14.8 points and was named the Emerald Coast Classic MVP following a 20-point, nine-rebound, six-assist effort against Illinois.

Iowa State has averaged 93.0 points over its last four games, while the Bison allowed 85 or more in losses to the ranked Texas and Gonzaga last season.

The 2014 NCAA win over Oklahoma is NDSU's only victory in its last nine games against Top 25 opponents.

North Dakota State also has lost all four previous matchups with Iowa State, all held at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones earned a 73-71 decision in the most recent meeting on Jan. 9, 2010.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Boilermakers (6-0) at Panthers (4-0)

Date: December 01, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

Pittsburgh is one of college basketball's most unselfish teams with a highly productive offense.

Purdue is among the nation's best defensive squads and also features a major weapon with the country's leader in field-goal percentage.

The Panthers have won 31 straight regular-season home games against nonconference foes heading into Tuesday night's meeting with 7-foot-2 Isaac Haas and No. 11 Purdue in a Big Ten/ACC Challenge matchup featuring unbeaten teams.

Pittsburgh (4-0) is second among major conference teams with 22.5 assists per game and a 2.20 assist-to-turnover ratio. The Panthers are averaging 89.3 points for one of the nation's best marks and finished with 26 assists on 31 baskets in Saturday's 85-76 win over Kent State.

'I like the passing,' coach Jamie Dixon said. 'The shot selection was as good as it gets and the numbers certainly show that.'

Michael Young made his first six shots and scored a season-high 23 while James Robinson had 18 points and 10 assists.

The Panthers' attack will be tested by defensive-minded Purdue, which is limiting opponents to 31.9 percent shooting to rank second in Division I. The Boilermakers (6-0) are surrendering a Big Ten-best 57.3 points and average 6.7 blocks.

Haas blocks 2.3 shots per game to rank second in the conference, and he's shooting an astounding 75.6 percent to lead the nation. He scored 21 of his career-high 24 points in the second half of Saturday's 77-55 victory over Lehigh.

'Because this team has great camaraderie, it helps us share the ball and find the open man," Haas said. "If we continue to play like this, we can play deep into the NCAA Tournament.'

The Boilermakers played Saturday without Rapheal Davis, who is second on the team with 11.6 points per game and was out with a sprained knee. Davis is expected to play Tuesday, though Purdue will be prepared if he isn't able to provide much.

"We just gotta play to our strengths, obviously he's a big part of our team," coach Matt Painter said. "He's a two-way player, he helps us on both ends of the court. We don't need guys trying to do what he does, we need guys just to play to their strengths and be simple."

Dakota Mathias and P.J. Thompson made their first starts Saturday. Johnny Hill came off the bench for the first time and scored a season-high 13.

Purdue averages 84.5 points to rank second in the conference and may see Pitt use a zone defense to collapse on Haas. The Panthers used zone extensively in the second half Saturday.

"I think we're comfortable playing man, too," Robinson said. "Obviously we went to the zone for a good part of the second half especially, but I think around the two- or three-minute mark, we did go man and we held them from scoring as easy as they were in the first half."

Pitt has not lost at home in the regular season to a nonconference opponent since falling 59-54 to Wagner on Dec. 23, 2011.

Purdue has won six of 10 meetings, with the last coming in 1977.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hurricanes (5-1) at Cornhuskers (5-2)

Date: December 01, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

Miami knows that offense isn't its problem after finally getting burned due to its poor perimeter defense.

The No. 21 Hurricanes will try to bounce back from their first loss when they go on the road Tuesday night against Nebraska in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Miami (5-1) is one of the nation's highest scoring teams, averaging 89.3 points on 52.3 percent shooting.

The Hurricanes' issue is they are allowing opponents to shoot 45.2 percent, including 40.2 on 3-pointers for the ACC's worst mark.

The perimeter woes were evident in Friday's 78-77 loss to Northeastern, which made 12 of 22 3-pointers. The 54.5 percent accuracy allowed by Miami was its worst mark.

"We've just got to focus on picking up our defensive ability, especially defending the 3," guard Davon Reed said. "We're one of the worst teams in the league at defending the 3 so we've got to do a much better job of that."

Reed is the lone remaining starter to play for Miami the last time these teams met in a 60-49 loss Dec. 4, 2013. He made 2 of 11 shots for five points as the Hurricanes shot 32.0 percent.

Miami is seeking its first victory in five road games in the annual interconference challenge.

"That's our first true road game," coach Jim Larranaga said. "We have played at home and on neutral sites. Now we have to play in a very hostile environment, a team that we played a couple of years ago and lost and didn't play well at all there so hopefully we can play much better than we did two years ago."

The only other Miami player to face Nebraska in the last meeting was 7-footer Tonye Jekiri, who had seven rebounds off the bench and is now a starter.

Nebraska (5-2) still has two starters who played in that contest in Shavon Shields and Tai Webster while Benny Parker is now also a starter after he was a reserve at that time.

The Cornhuskers' leading scorer is Kansas transfer Andrew White III, who averages 14.9 points. Shields is second at 13.7.

Nebraska is 0-2 against ranked teams, bouncing back from Friday's 65-61 loss to then-No. 24 Cincinnati with an 82-71 victory the next day over Tennessee. Webster had 39 points over the weekend after he totaled 26 in the first five games.

'He was really strong to the rim. I think the last two days was as strong as I've seen him play at the rim,' coach Tim Miles said. 'He's using an inside game instead of an outside game and then obviously he's been an excellent defender for us, too. That's a staple of our program.'

The Cornhuskers are one of the Big Ten's worst shooting teams at 44.7 percent, and they shoot 37.3 percent from beyond the arc.

White, however, is a major threat from long range at a team-best 47.4 percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Terrapins (6-0) at Tar Heels (5-1)

Date: December 01, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

It's been 55 years since Maryland and North Carolina last faced one another in a nonconference setting. It seems nearly that long since a game between the heavyweights has meant this much.

The second-ranked Terrapins and No. 9 Tar Heels square off Tuesday night at the Smith Center for the first time since Maryland's shocking 2014 conference switch, one of several storylines existing in this showcase game of The Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

The 180th meeting between the schools will be the first with both ranked in the top 10 since the No. 5 Terps recorded an 89-76 win over the ninth-ranked Tar Heels in Chapel Hill on Jan. 13, 1999, part of a 61-year association in the ACC that Maryland severed with its decision to join the Big Ten following the 2013-14 academic year.

Maryland (6-0) ended its run with eight consecutive losses to the Tar Heels, though none of those teams appear as talented as the present one that's added a pair of high-profile ACC transfers in former Duke guard Rasheed Sulaimon (11.2 points per game) and ex-Georgia Tech forward Robert Carter (13.0 ppg) to a core headlined by star sophomore guard Melo Trimble (14.8 ppg, 4.5 assists per game) and senior forward Jake Layman (11.7 ppg).

North Carolina (5-1) entered 2015-16 with even higher expectations after returning nine of its top 10 scorers from last season and beginning this campaign atop the polls. Though their profile has been diminished by a 71-67 upset loss at Northern Iowa on Nov. 21, the Tar Heels have bounced back with quality wins over Northwestern and Kansas State in last week's CBE Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City.

The Tar Heels played all those games without standout guard Marcus Paige due to a fractured bone in his non-shooting hand. The experienced senior has since been cleared to make his season debut and coach Roy Williams announced Monday that Paige will start.

Paige has led UNC in scoring and assists in each of the past two seasons.

'I'm not putting really any pressure on myself,' he said. 'It's my first game back, I'm probably not going to be `peak Marcus,' but I'd like to be. And if I am, it's great. But I'm not expecting myself to be perfect tomorrow. ... I'm just happy to be back playing.'

A 38.1 percent 3-point shooter, Paige's return should help shore up the Tar Heels' one glaring weakness. North Carolina is shooting 32.1 percent from beyond the arc and was 5 for 18 in the Northern Iowa loss.

Much of the Tar Heels' 81.3 points per game has come from its imposing frontcourt of forwards Justin Jackson (14.7 ppg) and Brice Johnson (13.0 ppg, 10.3 rebounds per game) and center Kennedy Meeks (14.3 ppg). All three are shooting over 50 percent and have helped UNC rank among the national leaders with a plus-12.8 rebounding margin.

Jackson is averaging 22.7 points on 58.1 percent shooting over his last three. The sophomore scored 13 of his 22 points in the second half against Kansas State, helping rally the Tar Heels from a 67-59 deficit with 4:22 left.

Maryland, which last bested UNC with a 92-71 rout in College Park on Feb. 7, 2010, overcame a slow start of its own Saturday against Cleveland State. The Terps led by four at halftime before pulling away for an 80-63 win.

"Maybe it was a little flat to start and maybe we were looking forward to what lies ahead, but we have to be more consistent with our effort," coach Mark Turgeon said.

This game will be the first nonconference meeting between the schools since the Dixie Classic tournament in Raleigh on Dec. 29, 1960. Maryland has lost five straight in Chapel Hill since upsetting then-No. 1 UNC 82-80 on Jan. 19, 2008.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Tuesday's games..........

Richmond split pair in Las Vegas LW, beating Cal by 4 after losing by 7 to West Virginia; Spiders also have win at Wake Forest. Richmond has #23 eFG% in country- they shoot 57.1% inside arc, 38.6% outside arc. Florida has new coach; they're 5-1 with best win over #84 St Joe's, loss by 15 to Purdue at Mohegan Sun. SEC home favorites are 10-8 against spread; A-14 underdogs are 11-8.

Villanova won nine of last 11 games with St Joe's, winning last three by 4-30-28 points; Wildcats are 6-0 after beating Stanford/Ga Tech LW in Brooklyn, holding them to 45-52 points. St Joe's is 4-1, losing by 11 to Florida at Mohegan Sun; Hawks are shooting 23.7% on arc, 6th-worst in country. Big East favorites are 8-4 away from home; A-14 underdogs are 11-8 against the spread.

Michigan won two of three in Bahamas last week, losing to UConn by 14 after losing to Xavier at home by 16 before that; Wolverines are making 44.9% behind arc (#8 in country). NC State is 4-2, but 1-2 against top 100 teams, only win over LSU in Brooklyn; Wolfpack are inexperienced, thin- their eFG% is #81, so they defend well. ACC home teams are 16-11 at home vs spread; Big 14 teams are 3-3 in true road games.

Virginia Tech is 4-2, losing by 22 to Iowa State in only game vs top 100 team; Hokies are getting to foul line better than anyone in country, but make just 63.8% once they get there. Northwestern is 5-1 with only loss to North Carolina by 11 on neutral floor; Wildcats are making 40% of their 3's, have #31 eFG%- this is their first true road game. Tech is one of least experienced teams in country, but they have more talent now.

Charlotte is 6-4 in last ten games with Davidson, losing 87-78/92-86 last two years; Wildcats' OT win here two years ago was its first in last five visits here- home side won seven of last eight series games. 49ers are 1-5 in Price's first season, losing three games in Bahamas LW by 13-55-5- their only win is over #212 Furman. Davidson is 3-0 vs D-I teams with no wins by more than six points.

Wm & Mary is 4-2 with win at NC State; they lost at Dayton/Hampton by total of 5 points since then. Tribe won three of last four games against Old Dominion, winning last two here by 9-6 points- they lost 69-62 to Monarchs on road LY. ODU lost its last three games, scoring 56.7 ppg; they lost by 9 to VCU Saturday after getting swept at Mohegan Sun by Purdue and St Joe's.

Virginia is 5-1, beating five stiffs, losing only road game at Geo Wash by 5; Cavaliers have #24 eFG%, are making 38.7% from arc, 57% inside arc- this is their last true road game this month. Ohio State lost to Memphis in OT last game, after losing at home to Tex-Arlington/La Tech- they are turning ball over 22.8% of time, making 58.6% on foul line- they're #347 in experience, are just 2-3 against the #337 schedule.

Tex-Arlington has wins at Ohio State/Memphis; they're 5-1 despite 27% shooting from arc- their eFG% is #290, not good. Mavericks lost four in a row to Texas, by 18-16-3-10 points; they were outscored 22-6 on line in 73-63 loss to Longhorns LY. Texas is 2-3 after playing in China/Bahamas already; they beat Corpus Christi by 11 in only home game. Big X home favorites are 7-3 vs spread; Sun Belt road underdogs are 7-11.

Purdue is 6-0 with neutral floor wins over ODUFlorida; they have best eFG% defense in country- teams are shooting 34.9% inside arc against them. 85-70 win at Florida is closest game they've played. Pitt is 4-0 but hasn't played anyone ranked in top 120; they've made 49.2% of their 3's, #2 in country. Pitt has only one senior in rotation, but they sub a lot and do have decent amount of experience, despite having only one senior.

Miami won tourney in Puerto Rico, then lost as 17-point favorite in first game back on mainland, at home to Northeastern; Hurricanes are #67 in experience, #6 in eFG%- they're making 44% of 3's- this will be their 1st true road game this year. Nebraska split pair in Brooklyn last week; both its losses are to top 15 teams (Villanova/Cincy); they're turning ball over 21.1% of time.

North Carolina won its last eight games with old ACC rival Maryland, winning last four visits here by 17-11-24-10 points; UNC's best player Paige (hand) is expected to return here. Tar Heels are 5-1 with best win over #67 Temple; they lost at #45 Northern Iowa. Maryland is 6-0 with two top 50 wins; they won tourney in Cancun LW; Terps are shooting 62.8% inside arc, have #7 eFG% in country.

San Diego State is just 4-3 and was down 15 in second half in its best win over Cal in Las Vegas; Aztecs are turning ball over 21.2% of time, have #256 eFG% in country, not good. Long Beach State lost last three games, to Virginia and then twice to Oklahoma State (by 5-6 points); 49ers have two top 75 wins (BYU/Seton Hall), they lost 60-59 at San Diego St. LY, blowing 8-point lead with 7:15 left in game.

Iona won eight of last ten games with Fairfield, winning last four, with all four wins by 9+ points. Stags lost last eight games at Iona, with last three losses by 11-9-16 points. Fairfield won last three games after an 0-3 start with two OT wins; they play fast, sub a lot. Iona is 1-2, hasn't played in 11 days; they gave up 88 ppg in losses at Valpo/Oregon State, then beat Delaware at home by 15.