Wednesday 12/2/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nuggets (6-12) at Bulls (10-5)

Date: December 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Just over a month into the season, the Chicago Bulls' offense still hasn't taken off in Fred Hoiberg's up-tempo system.

They're still well ahead of the Denver Nuggets.

Coming off a scrappy win over one of the league's best teams, the Bulls look to send the scuffling Nuggets to an eighth straight loss Wednesday night at the United Center.

Chicago (10-5) has the Eastern Conference's third-best record but the success hasn't been a product of Hoiberg's touted fast-paced offense. The Bulls are averaging 98.9 points, 1.9 less than last season when they ranked 15th under the defensive-oriented Tom Thibodeau.

They channeled their old defensive mindset late Monday against San Antonio, getting blocks from Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose in the final 66 seconds to hang on for a 92-89 win.

'It was one of those nights where everybody that stepped out on the floor not only contributed but contributed in a big way,' Hoiberg said.

The contributions were much greater on the defensive end, however, as the offense again failed to find any rhythm. The Bulls didn't make a field goal in the final 6:31, missing four attempts and committing three turnovers, and leading scorer Jimmy Butler finished with as many field goals (five) as turnovers.

Chicago has scored 94 or fewer in each of its last four games while shooting 38.9 percent.

In the last two, Butler has totaled 30 points and nine turnovers while Rose has 21 points on 27.3 percent shooting. Gasol is shooting 30.6 percent in the last three.

The Nuggets (6-12) have been an even bigger mess offensively, recording 80, 81 and 74 points in the last three games.

They had their lowest point total of the season in Monday's 92-74 loss to Milwaukee, turning the ball over a season-high 24 turnovers while getting outscored 52-36 in the paint.

'We've got to find a way to wake up and win some games because we definitely cannot keep doing what we're doing and playing the way we play,' said leading scorer Danilo Gallinari, who is shooting 28.6 percent during the losing streak. 'We've got to want to win the game. We've got to put more effort.'

Stepping up in the second half would go a long way to help Denver avoid its first eight-game skid since Dec. 17, 2013-Jan. 1, 2014.

The Nuggets were down by two to the Bucks at halftime before being outscored 46-30 after the break. During its losing streak, Denver is averaging 51.7 points and 40.4 percent 3-point shooting in the first half and 39.6 points and 23.3 percent shooting on 3s in the second.

'We're one of the poorer shooting teams in the NBA, one of the poorer finishing teams in the NBA,' coach Michael Malone said.

The Nuggets are also one of the worst road teams in the league. They were 2-6 away from Denver in November, with their wins coming against New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers - the only teams they're ahead of in the West.

They've lost two straight in Chicago and have one win in their last 13 games at East arenas.

Denver split last season's two games with the Bulls, with Butler totaling 58 points and 17 rebounds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (4-14) at Rockets (7-11)

Date: December 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

If the Houston Rockets are going to turn things around in arguably the NBA's toughest division, they're going to have to start winning some games against some of the Southwest's own.

A logical place to start might be at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, another of the division's playoff teams from a season ago that's in an even bigger hole. The teams meet Wednesday night in Houston with the Rockets seeking their first win against a division opponent, while the Pelicans are already facing their third substantial losing streak of the season.

After Monday's 116-105 loss in Detroit, Houston (7-11) seems more concerned with avoiding poor starts in general than beating any particular team. The Pistons led by 28 in the first half and were up 64-41 at halftime. The Rockets trailed by 13 at the half in Sunday's 116-111 win in New York, and they've been down on average by 9.3 points at the break over the last 10 games, so the deficits have caught their attention.

"We're playing with fire when we keep giving teams these big leads," said coach J.B. Bickerstaff, whose team has lost all three games against division opponents. "You put so much pressure on your defense and so much pressure on your offense that you have to play an almost perfect game to have a chance."

James Harden had 29 points and is averaging 33.7 in the last seven games, but it's resulted in only three wins as the Rockets struggle defensively. They've allowed their last four opponents to shoot 51.8 percent.

"It's not just how we start," Dwight Howard said. "Throughout the game, we can't allow teams to get easy shots. All of us got to play better."

The teams split four games a season ago with New Orleans limiting Harden to 21.8 points per, but the Rockets have won 10 of the last 15 and seven of eight in Houston.

New Orleans (4-14) never lost more than four in a row last season but are in danger of reaching that mark for the third time in 19 games. It lost six straight to start the season, then dropped five after its first win. A three-game winning streak followed, but after Tuesday's 113-104 home loss to Memphis, the Pelicans have since canceled that out.

New Orleans' latest lost came despite the return of starting guard Tyreke Evans and top reserve Norris Cole. Evans, who's averaging 21.5 points on 56.3 percent shooting in his last four games against Houston, led the Pelicans with 20 points and 10 assists, but they allowed a 14-point lead to slip away.

They too have struggled defensively, allowing 111.0 points in their last five while being outrebounded by a margin of 13.0 in the last two. Anthony Davis said the process of working players back into the lineup further complicates the things they need to correct.

"It's tough when you have two of your key guys come back and all the lineups are messed up and everybody's trying to get back accustomed to one another," Davis said. "But that's not an excuse. We've still got to come out and play defensively. Offensively we'll be fine, but defensively we've got to come out and play a lot better than what we're doing the past couple of games."

Ryan Anderson, who has shot 27.0 percent in his last three games, agreed there will be a learning curve.

"You've got to build some chemistry back," he said. "It's not just going to happen overnight. There were glimpses of great basketball tonight, and that's what we need to take into (Wednesday)."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Raptors (11-7) at Hawks (12-8)

Date: December 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Atlanta Hawks continue to have much more success on their home floor behind better shooting.

They'll look to continue that trend Wednesday night against the visiting Toronto Raptors, who hope their latest loss doesn't have a snowball effect like previous defeats.

Atlanta is 7-3 at home behind 47.4 percent shooting - which is one of the top marks in the league - and 37.2 percent from 3-point range. On the road, they are in the middle of the pack with a 44.0 field-goal percentage and 33.6 mark from deep.

The Hawks (12-8) have dropped five of six on the road, but they've won three in a row at home, including Monday's 106-100 victory against Oklahoma City.

Jeff Teague scored 25, the third time in four games he's had at least 20 after doing so as many times in his previous 13 contests. He scored 10 in the fourth quarter and has become a closer of sorts for Atlanta, averaging a club-high 5.4 fourth-quarter points.

Paul Millsap, who is averaging a career-high 18.6 points, also had 26 points and 11 rebounds to help overcome Russell Westbrook's 17 points in the final period.

"We're learning ... that when a team is making a run, not to get rattled," Millsap said after three of the team's previous five losses came by four points or fewer. "I felt like we kept our composure really well. (Westbrook) got hot, and when a guy like that gets hot, he's tough to stop. But we stayed cool, finally got some stops and scored the basketball when we needed to."

Toronto (11-7) won four in a row before losing 107-102 against Phoenix on Sunday. The Raptors will try to avoid another roller coaster of wins in losses, as their first six defeats came in the form of two three-game losing streaks.

They trailed for nearly the entire game before taking a 97-96 advantage on DeMar DeRozan's jumper with 2:54 remaining. Luis Scola's potential tying 3-point attempt was blocked with less than a second left.

"We have to stop putting ourselves in a tough predicament by having to fight our way out, when we don't have much time to," said DeRozan, who scored a season high-matching 29. "We find ourselves in that position a little too much. Once we clean up the little things at both ends, it will be easier for us to close out games."

Kyle Lowry, second on the Raptors in scoring at 20.7 points per game, is averaging 11.5 points on 32.6 percent shooting over his last four meetings with Atlanta.

Toronto has won four of the last five meetings, including a 105-80 road win Feb. 20, holding the Hawks to a season-low 33.0 field-goal percentage while forcing 23 turnovers. Kyle Korver hit 2 of 11 3-point attempts after knocking down 57.9 percent in his previous nine matchups.

DeRozan, a career 44.1 percent shooter, is averaging 25.6 points on 52.2 percent shooting in his last nine games against Atlanta.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bucks (7-11) at Spurs (14-4)

Date: December 02, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

Gregg Popovich isn't happy with how his team is performing on offense. Conversely, Jason Kidd likes his team's progress on defense.

That still doesn't mean anyone should expect Milwaukee to win in San Antonio on Wednesday night. Popovich's Spurs haven't lost a regular-season game there in nearly nine months, and Kidd's Bucks enter with six-game losing streaks on the road and in this series.

Kidd, though, does have a coaching win in San Antonio from his lone season with Brooklyn in 2013-14, and the Bucks did come close Jan. 25 before losing 101-95. The teams' last matchup wasn't as tight, with Milwaukee losing 114-103 at home March 18.

The Bucks (7-11) haven't won in San Antonio since 2008, and the Spurs (14-4) have won 18 consecutive regular-season games there since losing to Cleveland in overtime March 12. They've yet to give up 100 points in nine home games this season, winning by an average of 14.4.

Scoring 100, though, has been tough to do recently. San Antonio has been held to an average of 93.7 points in its last seven games and ranks in the bottom third of the NBA (98.8 per game) after finishing seventh last season (103.2). The Spurs are last in the league with 17.6 free-throw attempts per game.

They had a five-game winning streak halted with a 92-88 loss in Chicago on Monday.

"We are not good offensively, and may not be until March," Popovich said. "Offense will take a while. We have a lot of guys getting used to each other, and how to play together."

Among them is newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge, though he had one of his best performances in a Spurs uniform with 21 points and 12 rebounds. He's averaged 25.4 points in his last nine games against the Bucks.

Manu Ginobili has been struggling, shooting 25.0 percent in his last three games while missing all 11 3-point tries. Tim Duncan has averaged 6.3 points in his last four, attempting just 26 field goals (making 11), and has failed to get to the foul line in three straight.

Duncan has been tough on the Bucks even as he's aged, averaging 19.3 points and 11.3 rebounds during San Antonio's current win streak in the series. The Spurs have averaged 110.2 points in those six games.

It's been a similar story for Milwaukee lately on the road, losing six straight while allowing 109.5 points per game on 50.3 percent shooting.

However, Kidd liked what he saw on defense in Sunday's 87-82 defeat at Charlotte and the following night in a 92-74 win over Denver.

"I think you can see the guys are turning the page and understand what we're trying to get done defensively," he said. "The last two games, they're getting better. So now we get back out on the road against a very talented team in San Antonio, so we're gonna need that defense to compete and win on the road."

Kidd specifically mentioned Jabari Parker's strong defense Monday, when he had two blocks and two steals along with 16 points.

"We just gotta keep locking in (on defense)," Parker said. "Myself, gotta keep playing good defense and help contribute."

Last year's No. 2 overall pick and 2013 lottery selection Michael Carter-Williams have come off the bench in the last two games. Carter-Williams had one of his best games of the season Monday with 12 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three blocks and three steals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pacers (11-5) at Clippers (10-8)

Date: December 02, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

Paul George has carried the Indiana Pacers during their hot stretch. Blake Griffin may have to do the same for the Los Angeles Clippers to maintain theirs.

The Clippers host the red-hot Pacers on Wednesday night possibly without Chris Paul after the point guard strained his rib cage Monday.

Paul did not return after exiting a 102-87 win over Portland midway through the third quarter. The Clippers will re-evaluate his status prior to Wednesday's game while bracing for an absence of some sort.

"You can't replace Chris, obviously," center DeAndre Jordan said. "But we have to learn to play with somebody down. I may be down a game, Blake might be out. Injuries happen, things happen, and we want to be able to fill that void."

Los Angeles (10-8) lost two of the three games Paul missed earlier this season with a groin strain. It was able to overcome his departure against a Trail Blazers team that played most of the second half without Damian Lillard.

Coach Doc Rivers said Griffin will handle the ball more if the All-Star guard again misses time.

"Whenever Chris is out, Blake and the point guard do the ball-handling duties," Rivers said. "It's nice when you have a guy like Blake that can do stuff like that."

Griffin had a season-high nine assists with Paul sidelined for a 101-96 win over Detroit on Nov. 14 and has averaged 6.7 in the last three games - all wins. The Clippers had previously lost eight of 11.

He's averaging 27.3 points on 57.5 percent shooting over his last four and now has 450 points this season, the most through 18 games since the franchise moved from San Diego in 1984-85.

George enters on an even more impressive roll. The versatile forward has gone 16 of 28 from 3-point range while averaging 37.3 points over the last three games and has totaled 20 or more in 12 straight.

Indiana (11-5) has won five in a row and 11 of 13 after beginning this four-game western trip with a 107-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at an emotionally charged Staples Center. George scored 11 of his 39 points in the final 1:27 to keep Indiana in front in the Lakers' first game since Kobe Bryant announced he will retire at the season's end.

"I had the utmost confidence to put this game in my hands," George told the team's official website.

With George and C.J. Miles leading the way, the Pacers are averaging 113.8 points and shooting 45.7 percent on 3-pointers in winning their last five by an average of 19.4 points. Miles is 25 of 50 from beyond the arc while averaging 19.5 points over his last six.

Indiana was swept in last season's two meetings with the Clippers as George missed both. Griffin averaged 24.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists while Jordan grabbed a combined 42 boards.

Jordan had a season-high 24 rebounds Monday along with 18 points, but he also missed 22 free throws to tie Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record and set a franchise record with 34 attempts. Jordan's 153 attempts are third-most in the league and his 37.9 free-throw percentage is the worst.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Wednesday, December 2 2015 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

My prediction for next NBA coach to be fired: Washington's Randy Wittman. And it might happen as soon as Thursday if the underachieving Wizards, who have been grumbling about their roles and the new offense, lose on Wednesday night at home to the horrid Los Angeles Lakers. Wittman was on thin ice entering last year's playoffs, but the Wizards reaching the conference semifinals saved him. Washington entered Tuesday's likely loss in Cleveland at 6-8. This was a team I thought could reach the East Finals this year. Why would Kevin Durant even think about signing there as a free agent next summer unless the culture changes? There will need to be a coach in place that gives Durant a sense of things being under control for him to consider a return home.

Warriors at Hornets (+10, 213.5)

Golden State improved to 19-0 with a very close call in Utah on Monday night, escaping 106-103 victory -- the Jazz's Rodney Hood missed the potential winning 3-pointer; Utah was only down one, so why he chose to take a contested 3-pointer is mind-boggling. That's win No. 23 in a row as well for the Warriors dating to last regular season and nine straight regular-season road wins, one shy of the franchise record. Charlotte beat Milwaukee on Sunday 87-82 but center Al Jefferson left with a calf injury and will miss at least two weeks, so that's a pretty big break for the Warriors in their only visit to Charlotte. How impartial will local Hornets broadcaster Dell Curry be here? Of course, he's the father of Golden State's Steph Curry. The Curry family is from Charlotte, with Steph playing high school ball there and then collegiately at Davidson. Golden State won both meetings last year, with one close.

Key trends: The Hornets are 6-1 against the spread in their past seven vs. the West. The "over/under" is 5-0 in Golden State's past five on the road. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.

Early lean: Hornets cover and over.

Lakers at Wizards (-9, 205)

Los Angeles was in Philadelphia on Tuesday, while Washington was in Cleveland. So an apparent huge advantage in that regard for the Lakers. Presumably the Wizards will lose that one and will enter here on a five-game skid. On Monday, the team waived Martell Webster, who is out for the season, and signed Ryan Hollins for frontcourt depth. The Wizards are dealing with injuries up front to Nene, Drew Gooden and Alan Anderson, who has yet to play this season off ankle surgery. Washington won both meetings with the Lakers last season and has won five in a row in the series overall.

Key trends: Washington is 3-10 ATS in its past 13 games in the second of a back-to-back. The under is 9-3 in the Wizards' past 12 in the second of a back-to-back.

Early lean: Lakers and under.

Suns at Pistons (-4, 203)

Phoenix was in Brooklyn on Tuesday and likely without center Tyson Chandler. Detroit beat visiting Houston 116-105 on Monday. Andre Drummond had 24 points and 13 rebounds and was 4-for-18 from the free-throw line. The Rockets kept hacking him on purpose. Seriously, I could make at least 5-for-18 from the free-throw line with my eyes closed. The Pistons, who acquired Marcus Morris (let's see if Suns twin brother Markieff gets any time guarding his brother) and Reggie Bullock from Phoenix for a 2020 second-round pick this offseason, beat the Suns 100-92 on Nov. 6. Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 23 points and seven assists, while Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight each scored 22 points for the Suns. Knight is a former Piston.

Key trends: The Suns are 7-2 ATS in their past nine playing on zero days of rest. Phoenix is 0-7 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 4-1 in the past five in Detroit.

Early lean: Pistons and under.

76ers at Knicks (TBA)

Philly hosted the Lakers on Tuesday and wasn't sure if it would have Nerlens Noel. If the Sixers didn't win there, this would be potential loss No. 20 to start this season and No. 30 in a row overall. Pathetic. New York lost a season-high fourth straight Sunday, 116-111 in overtime to Houston. Carmelo Anthony sat it out with an illness but should be fine to play here (why the TBA). New York won three of four against the Sixers last year and hasn't lost a season series to them in seven years. The Knicks have won three straight at home in the series.

Key trends: The 76ers are 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Make sure Melo is good to go.

Raptors at Hawks ( -2.5, 198)

Atlanta beat visiting Oklahoma City 106-100 on Monday. Jeff Teague outplayed Russell Westbrook down the stretch. Paul Millsap led the Hawks with 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Toronto had a four-game winning streak end in a 107-102 home defeat to Phoenix on Sunday. DeMar DeRozan tied a Raptors season high with 29 points, the fourth straight game he has scored at least 20. Atlanta had the East's best record last season but was 1-3 against Toronto. DeRozan averaged a team-best 22.0 points for the Raptors in the series. DeMarre Carroll returns to Atlanta for the first time since signing as a free-agent with Toronto in the summer.

Key trends: Toronto is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 6-0 in Atlanta's past six on Wednesday.

Early lean: Hawks and over.

Nuggets at Bulls (-9, 199)

Denver lost a seventh straight on Monday, 92-74 in Milwaukee. The Nuggets had only 30 second-half points. During the seven-game losing streak, Denver is averaging 51 points in the first half and 39 in the second half. Guard Gary Harris, who started the first 17 games, missed his second consecutive game after suffering a concussion, and he's questionable here. Chicago got one of its best wins of the season Monday, 92-89 over the visiting Spurs. Chicago played without backup guards Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks, and both are questionable. The team also learned that forward Mike Dunleavy Jr., who has yet to play this season, had a setback in his recovery from offseason back surgery. Don't expect to see him for months, if at all. The teams split last season, each winning at home. Chicago has won two straight at home vs. Denver.

Key trends: The Bulls are 1-7 ATS in their past eight after a win. The home team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 6-1 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Huge letdown game for Bulls. Take points, go over.

Pelicans at Rockets (-3.5, 212)

This is the first of an NBA TV doubleheader and should have live betting at sportsbooks. New Orleans hosted Memphis on Tuesday. Houston lost by 11 in Detroit on Sunday in the second of a back-to-back. The Rockets were down as many as 28 but did cut it to four early in the fourth. They wouldn't get any closer. New Orleans and Houston split four meetings last year. James Harden averaged only 21.8 points. The Rockets have won seven of the past eight meetings at Toyota Center.

Key trends: The underdog has covered seven of the past 10 meetings. The over is 8-2 in Houston's past 10 at home vs. teams with a losing road record.

Early lean: Rockets and over.

Bucks at Spurs (-12.5, 191.5)

San Antonio had a five-game winning streak snapped in a three-point loss at Chicago on Monday. Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker each missed 3-point attempts in the final seconds. The Spurs had just one field goal in the final four minutes. Milwaukee ended a three-game skid with a rout of visiting Denver on Monday. Bucks guard Greivis Vazquez missed his second straight game with right ankle soreness and is questionable. San Antonio swept Milwaukee last season and has won six straight overall in the series and five in a row at home.

Key trends: The Bucks are 2-7 ATS in their past nine vs. teams with a winning record. The Spurs are 10-1 ATS in their past 11 after a loss. The over is 5-2 in the previous seven meetings.

Early lean: Spurs and under.

Pacers at Clippers (TBA)

Second game on NBA TV. Indiana brings a five-game winning streak into this one and didn't have to leave Los Angeles after beating the Lakers 107-103 on Sunday. Paul George continued his MVP-caliber season with 39 points, including Indiana's final 11. Indiana wore its Hickory High alternate uniforms made famous in "Hoosiers" for the Hollywood road game. Those are awesome. The Clippers won a third straight on Monday, 102-87 over Portland, but probably have lost star point guard Chris Paul for a while. He left in the third quarter with a strained rib muscle. If it's an oblique strain that likely will take at least a few weeks to heal. The Clippers swept the season series last year for the first time since 2004-05.

Key trends: The road team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 6-1 in the Clippers' past seven overall.

Early lean: Wait on Paul.

 

[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]

'NBA Favorite off blowout loss'

NBA handicapping being very situational it's always prudent to have in your handicapping tool box a list of 'What-2-Watch-4'. One situation that has proven profitable is to 'Play-On' a regular season favorite after a blowout loss (-15 or more points). The logic is pretty simple. We have a team who just got taken behind the woodshed and is still considered good enough to be favored. Not only are these teams typically going to be good, they're also going to be motivated following the beat-down.

Since 2012, favorites in this situation have cashed at a 53.8% clip (198-160-10 ATS). Not exactly the Midas Touch of NBA betting but a winner none the less. However, we can improve the hit rate to 60.6% (66-40-3 ATS) if we focus solely on a road favorite off a blowout loss.

Perhaps the best situation to keep an eye out for is to 'Play-On' a regular season road favorite off a -15 or more point loss playing a conference opponent off a win. It won't pop up often but given the hit rate paying attention can pay off handsomely. The situation has certainly passed the test of time, since 2010 these motivated road favorites have been consistent winners cashing 68.6% of tickets (24-11 ATS) including a sparkling 15-5 ATS (75.0%) streak against the betting line since 2012.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- 19-0 Warriors covered six of their last seven games. Charlotte won four of its last five games (1-0-1HU).
-- Bulls won six of their last eight games (1-6HF).
-- Toronto won last three road games, covered four of last five. Atlanta won its last three home games (4-5HF).
-- Spurs won five of their last six games (6-3HF).
-- Indiana won its last five games, covered 11 of last 13. Clippers won last three games, by 21-8-15 points (4-7HF).

Cold teams
-- Lakers lost their last six games (3-7AU). Washington lost four of its last five games (2-2HF).
-- Suns lost five of their last six games (3-3AU). Detroit lost four of its last six games (2-3HF).
-- Knicks lost last four games (1-2HF). 1-18 76ers covered their last six games (8-3AU).
-- Denver lost its last seven games (0-6 vs spread last six).
-- Pelicans lost their last three games (3-7AU). Houston lost seven of its last ten games (0-8HF).
-- Milwaukee lost six of its last eight games (1-4 last five AU).

Series records
-- Lakers lost their last five games with Washington.
-- Warriors won four of last six games with Charlotte.
-- Pistons won four of last six games with Phoenix.
-- 76ers lost five of last six games with New York.
-- Nuggets won six of last eight games with Chicago.
-- Rockets won six of last nine games with New Orleans.
-- Raptors won five of last seven games with Atlanta.
-- Spurs won last six games with Milwaukee (5-1 vs spread).
-- Clippers won last two games with Indiana by 2-7 points.

Totals
-- Under is 10-3 in last thirteen Laker games.
-- Six of last eight Golden State games went over.
-- Five of last seven Phoenix games went over.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last 14 New York games.
-- Last four Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Houston games went over total.
-- Five of last six Toronto games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last ten Milwaukee games went over total.
-- Four of last five Indiana games went over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bulldogs (4-1) at Bearcats (7-0)

Date: December 02, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Mick Cronin isn't putting too much stock into Cincinnati's unbeaten start. He's more worried about his team improving ahead of the American Athletic Conference season.

The No. 17 Bearcats are in for their toughest test yet Wednesday night when they face Butler for the first time in 18 years.

Cincinnati (7-0) is aiming for its best start since going 12-0 in 2012-13. The Bearcats started the season unranked, jumped into the poll at No. 24 on Nov. 23 and now have jumped seven spots.

"Didn't know and don't care," Cronin said. "This time of year, you better be focused on getting better.

"I've said this a million times 'there's two seasons; pre-Christmas and post-Christmas.' It's much harder to win games post-Christmas. You gotta be focused on whether your team is improving. That's all my concern is."

Lately, Cronin is worried about Cincinnati's drop in offensive production. The Bearcats are averaging 63.3 points while making 40.4 percent from the floor over the last three games after scoring 96.3 points and shooting 50.8 percent over the first four games.

They've used their trademark defense to keep rolling, allowing 54.6 points per contest and 34.7 percent from the field on the season.

Another solid defensive effort was key to Saturday's 61-56 victory over George Washington to win the Barclays Center Classic. Cincinnati shot 41.5 percent from the field - 7 of 22 from long range - but held the Colonials to 37.5 percent shooting.

The Bearcats have won 49 straight games when scoring at least 60 points.

Troy Caupain is showing improvement, averaging 16.0 points over the last three games after putting up 6.5 through the first four. Farad Cobb, however, has followed a pair of 20-point performances by totaling 15 points while making 6 of 20 from the floor over the last three games.

Cincinnati is 10-6 all-time against Butler (4-1), but they haven't met since the Bearcats won 86-69 in the opening round of the 1997 NCAA Tournament.

The Bulldogs are fourth in the country at 95.0 points per game and are shooting 52.6 percent from the floor.

"Butler is synonymous with winning. They're hard to play against because they just don't give away games," Cronin said. "If you beat them, you're going to have to earn it. You're going to have to make some shots and you're going to have to play really hard."

The Bulldogs shot 56.6 percent while beating SIU-Edwardsville 89-73 on Saturday, but coach Chris Holtmann is expecting things to be a lot tougher Wednesday.

"We love games like this," Holtmann said. "We scheduled this game knowing they were going to be really tough, probably a Top 25 team. It's going to be a home-and-home against an outstanding opponent. We wanted this. We asked for it. We'll see what we get here."

Kellen Dunham leads the Bulldogs with 21.2 points per game. The senior guard has totaled 55 over the last two after matching his career high with 32 while sinking 10 of 15 from the floor Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (5-0) at Spartans (7-0)

Date: December 02, 2015 7:15 PM EDT

Michigan State waited until March last season to play its best basketball - something that so often has been the case under coach Tom Izzo - and advanced to its seventh Final Four since 1999.

The most unlikely of those runs went through a Louisville team in the Elite Eight as Denzel Valentine's all-around effort had the Cardinals on their heels defensively.

If Valentine puts on another stat sheet-stuffing show in Wednesday night's rematch between the third-ranked Spartans and No. 24 Cardinals in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge at the Breslin Center, he'll have done it against a group that bares little resemblance to last season's Louisville squad.

"This is a totally different team," said Valentine, who had 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 76-70 overtime win over the Cardinals in the NCAA Tournament. "It's pretty much a new five that we're going to be playing against, but similar offense and similar defensive styles. We're just going to have to come out and play our best."

Indeed, the Cardinals (5-0) have a vastly different look. Former Drexel guard Damion Lee is averaging a team-high 17.4 points, and fellow senior transfer Trey Lewis, who previously played at Penn State and Cleveland State, is second at 12.4.

Guard Quentin Snider is the only returning regular starter from last season's squad, although center Mangok Mathiang played 37 minutes against the Spartans.

Mathiang had career highs of 17 points and 13 rebounds while Lewis scored 22 in Saturday's 77-57 win over Saint Louis in Brooklyn.

'I'm really happy with my new basketball team,' coach Rick Pitino said. 'Four starters from last year and 85 percent of the scoring are gone. This is a damn good basketball team."

Pitino's new faces are still playing the same old solid defense. The Cardinals are giving up the second-fewest points in the nation at 51.2 per game and rank third in defensive field-goal percentage at 32.4. They've won by an average of 33.8 points, but they haven't exactly faced stiff competition.

Louisville also leads the nation with a plus-21.4 rebound differential, with Michigan State (7-0) sitting in third at plus-18.3. They had 41 boards apiece in the Elite Eight matchup.

"Louisville's been a team like us, where even if they don't have the same names they're still always good," Izzo said. "Defensively right now, they're off the charts. What's different there are their two leading scorers. They've got some veteran guys playing for them."

The Cardinals likely will need a host of different defenders to slow the versatile Valentine. The senior is averaging 19.9 points and 8.9 rebounds while ranking second in the nation in assists per game with 8.6.

Valentine already has posted two triple-doubles with the latest coming against Boston College in the opener of the Wooden Legacy tournament, which Michigan State won by beating Providence 77-64 on Sunday behind Valentine's 17 points, six rebounds and five assists.

The Spartans finished with a season-low 18 assists, but they still rank second in the country by assisting on 79.0 percent of their baskets. Point guard Lourawls Nairn is among the nation's leaders with a 5.17 assist-to-turnover ratio.

"Their ball movement is outstanding," Pitino said. "When you think of Michigan State, you think of toughness, which they (have). You think of rebounding, which they're great at. The thing that they're awesome at, they get the ball up the court quicker than any team in college basketball with the exception of maybe North Carolina."

This will be the first head-to-head matchup between Izzo and Pitino that hasn't been in the NCAA Tournament. Izzo has won two of the first three.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Badgers (4-3) at Orange (6-0)

Date: December 02, 2015 7:15 PM EDT

As expected, Wisconsin's matchup at Syracuse in The Big Ten/ACC Challenge will pit one prominent program that's rebuilding against another reloading.

Only the roles have been reversed.

The No. 14 Orange enter Wednesday night's showdown with the struggling Badgers as one of the nation's early surprises.

Picked ninth in the ACC preseason poll and still saddled by heavy NCAA sanctions, Syracuse has reclaimed a spot in the national rankings with an impressive 6-0 start highlighted by signature wins over then-ranked Connecticut and No. 18 Texas A&M in the talent-heavy Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.

For 2015 national runner-up Wisconsin (4-3), the departures of national player of the year Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker to the NBA have proven more difficult to overcome than anticipated. The Badgers were shocked at home by Western Illinois in the opener and were no match for No. 6 Oklahoma on the road on Sunday, dropping a 65-48 decision to move one shy of matching their entire loss total of last season.

Inconsistent shooting and a lack of interior size has plagued Wisconsin, and both weaknesses were exposed by the Sooners. The Badgers were outscored 34-10 in the paint and shot 23.5 percent, their lowest mark since January 2006.

Wisconsin finished 7 of 33 from 3-point range and is shooting 26.0 percent from beyond the arc in its defeats, compared to a 35.5 percent rate in the wins.

"My old coach said one time when we weren't shooting the ball real well, said that he could dropkick and make more baskets than we could," coach Bo Ryan said Sunday. "He actually dropkicked the ball in practice, and made it. I don't think I will try that, but I may tomorrow."

Leading scorer Bronson Koenig followed sharp-shooting efforts in victories over VCU and Prairie View A&M with a 3-of-18 performance against Oklahoma. Sophomore Vitto Brown, expected to fill the void left by Dekker's exit, was 3 for 15.

Those perimeter problems could continue against Syracuse's trademark 2-3 zone that has limited opponents to 28.6 percent on 3s. In contrast, the Orange have been on fire from past the 3-point line, converting 41.1 percent of their attempts.

Syracuse shot 46.6 percent from 3 in its three games in the Bahamas, including an 11-for-25 rate in Friday's 74-67 win over Texas A&M in the championship. Tournament MVP Michael Gbinije was 12 of 20 on 3-pointers for the event, Tyler Lydon was 7 of 10 and fellow freshman Malachi Richardson 8 of 17.

'This was a great tournament for us," Orange coach Jim Boeheim said. "I don't think we've ever gone through a tournament where we've been the underdog for two straight games. So this might be one of our better wins.'

Gbinije, who averaged 21.0 points for the tournament, has made 51.3 percent of his 3-point tries in leading the Orange in scoring (19.7 ppg). Richardson and Lydon have made immediate contributions, with both rookies averaging over 11 points per game.

Syracuse, winners in 62 of its last 63 nonconference games at the Carrier Dome, faces the Badgers for the first time since a 64-63 triumph in the 2012 NCAA regional semifinals. The Orange have won two of three meetings with Wisconsin, including a 68-49 home victory on Nov. 13, 1999.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Titans (2-2) at Commodores (5-1)

Date: December 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Coach Kevin Stallings is feeling optimistic about Vanderbilt following a runner-up showing in Maui, though there's still a bit of a bad taste in his mouth from how it finished.

Hoping to build on that experience and learn from their mistakes, the 16th-ranked Commodores seek their eighth consecutive home victory Wednesday night against fast-paced Detroit.

Vanderbilt cruised through the first two games and didn't trail at any point of the Maui Invitational until the second half of last Wednesday's 70-63 loss to No. 4 Kansas in the title game.

The Commodores shot a season-low 41.1 percent and went 6 for 27 from 3-point range, but it was their play on the defensive end - particularly in the second half - that disappointed Stallings. After allowing opponents to shoot 34.2 percent - including 19.5 percent from deep - during a 5-0 start, they let the Jayhawks shoot 45.5 percent and 8 of 16 from beyond the arc.

Vanderbilt ranks among the nation's best in scoring margin (22.3), defensive scoring (60.7), defensive field-goal percentage (36.0), 3-point percentage defense (24.3) and blocks (6.0).

"I'm going to leave here with a lot more positive thoughts and a lot more positive feelings than I am negative," Stallings said. "I don't feel very good about that last 20 minutes, but I'm really proud of my basketball team and really looking forward to seeing what the future holds this season for them."

The Titans (2-2) could provide another test for Stallings' club since they're scoring 96.0 points per game and sinking 39.2 percent from long distance. Anton Wilson leads six Detroit players averaging in double figures with 15.0 points, while Carlton Brundidge is second with 14.8 per game.

Brundidge had a career-high 23 and Wilson had 19 in last Saturday's 100-95 loss at Oral Roberts. Chris Jenkins, averaging 14.3 points, has totaled 41 points and 17 boards in his last two games.

The Titans have committed a total of 24 turnovers since having 25 in their opener, but they've allowed 97.5 points per game and 24-of-43 (55.8 percent) shooting from 3-point range in two road losses.

Now they'll attempt to contain Vanderbilt's 7-foot center Damian Jones. After averaging 10.0 points and 5.8 rebounds through the first four games, the preseason all-SEC selection totaled 34 points, 20 boards and five blocks against Wake Forest and Kansas.

Luke Kornet had a season-high 14 points and four blocks against the Jayhawks, while Wade Baldwin IV scored 11. Baldwin is averaging a team-high 13.5 points on 50.9 percent shooting and the 7-foot-1 Kornet ranks among national leaders with 2.7 blocks per game.

"What cost us the tournament in the end were the moments that we didn't (play well defensively)," Kornet said. "So I think that's something we'll learn from, and I just think we need to do it for 40 minutes and that's something we need to do down the road."

Vanderbilt has won by an average of 19.6 points during a seven-game run at Memorial Gym, though it needed overtime to pull out a 79-72 win over Stony Brook in its last game there Nov. 19.

This is the Commodores first meeting with the Titans, who have dropped 24 in a row versus ranked opponents since a 63-54 home win over No. 24 Butler on Jan. 10, 2002.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mustangs (4-0) at Horned Frogs (3-2)

Date: December 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

SMU was down two starters in its last game but managed to get by, and whether they'll remain out against its crosstown rival remains unknown.

The 22nd-ranked Mustangs hope to have Nic Moore back from injury at TCU on Wednesday night, but the details of Ben Moore's suspension remain unknown.

Nic Moore missed SMU's 77-69 home win over Brown on Sunday because of a broken finger, while Ben Moore missed the game after violating team rules. Associate head coach Tim Jankovich said the former could have played through the injury, but the team didn't want to rush him.

"Hopefully only this game, but I can't say for sure," said Jankovich, who continues to fill in while Larry Brown serves a nine-game NCAA suspension for academic fraud, of the 5-foot-9 guard. "... We obviously need him in every way, but it was a good decision. We need to get him healthy, and it worked out fine and probably helped us. Sometimes when these things happen, if everything goes OK, they can actually be a positive. And I think we'll get positive things out of this, but we don't want him to be gone long."

As for Ben Moore, the team's 6-8 forward averaging 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, things are even more vague.

"I wish I could answer that, but I'm not really at liberty to do so," Jankovich said when asked of the potential length of the suspension. "Maybe soon, maybe not soon, but we're hopeful for that, too."

It made for a second straight single-digit win for SMU (4-0) over an Ivy League team after a 71-69 win over Yale on Nov. 22. All things considered, the Mustangs were pleased with the performance despite Brown going 15 of 32 from 3-point range. Brown and Yale hit 46.2 percent from outside against SMU.

"Given the circumstances, we are very happy," Jankovich said. "We had only nine scholarship players available to start. To be down two the day before the game was scary."

Keith Frazier stepped up with a career-high 23 points and could be asked to do the same even if Nic Moore returns. Frazier is averaging 14.0 points on 47.8 percent while his potential backcourt mate has struggled with his shot, scoring 12.0 points on 33.3 percent and 25.0 from 3-point range.

SMU has won the last three meetings between the former conference rivals, all of which have been decided by eight points or fewer. The latest was a 69-61 neutral-site victory on Nov. 8, 2013.

The Horned Frogs (3-2), who have lost 25 of their last 26 against ranked opponents, had a week off after ending a two-game losing streak with last Wednesday's 71-60 win over Illinois State in the third-place game of the Cancun Challenge.

"I told them to feel good about this. It's a nice plane ride home, and then we have to get ready," coach Trent Johnson said.

Their successes and failures have been pretty simple to explain. In wins, they've shot well and cracked 70 points, averaging 83.7 points on 49.7 percent. In losses, it's been the opposite - 63.5 points on 36.2 percent.

Against the Redbirds, they shot a season-best 50.9 percent as Malique Trent scored 19 and hit 7 of 12 from the field and 3 of 7 from 3-point range. He shot 27.3 percent and went 3 of 18 from outside in the losses.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hoosiers (5-2) at Blue Devils (6-1)

Date: December 02, 2015 9:15 PM EDT

Indiana coach Tom Crean has never sat on the opposing bench at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where every non-ACC team Duke's hosted in the last 15 years has experienced defeat.

He'll bring his Hoosiers there to face the seventh-ranked Blue Devils in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Wednesday night in a matchup that has lost a bit of luster after Crean's squad had earlier slip-ups away from home.

The reason he's feeling a little better about Indiana's chances to snap Duke's 120-game nonconference winning streak is because of how well it played defensively Monday.

The Hoosiers (5-2) held Alcorn State to 41.8 percent from the field and had 12 steals in a 112-70 victory. Crean raved about the 15 deflections from James Blackmon Jr., who had four steals to go along with a career-high 33 points.

'(Crean) said, `See what happens? The offense comes so easy to you,'' Blackmon said. '`You shouldn't worry about that. That's what you do. But when you defend like that, that's what's going to happen.''

The rout was much more rewarding than the Hoosiers' trip to Hawaii, where they lost two of three at the Maui Invitational after entering the tournament ranked 13th in the country. They shot a season-best 67.2 percent from the floor after hitting worse than 47 percent twice in Maui.

That trip also marked Indiana's only time away from Bloomington, and Crean knows he and his players are faced with a tough task in trying to beat Duke (6-1) on its home floor. The Blue Devils haven't lost a nonconference game at Cameron since St. John's won 83-82 on Feb. 26, 2000.

The streak includes a 54-51 win over the Hoosiers in 2006, which marks the most recent meeting between the schools.

"I think the thing is, it's going to be their first (true) road game in a tough environment," Crean said. "I've coached against Duke and Mike (Krzyzewski). I haven't coached against them at Cameron, so I can't prepare them as much for that. But it wouldn't matter if I could. Because it's different, right?"

Duke extended its NCAA-best streak with Sunday's 85-52 win over Utah State, its fourth home win of the year. Its only loss came to top-ranked Kentucky 74-63 on Nov. 17 in Chicago.

Freshman Luke Kennard shot 0 for 5 in that game, part of his 33.3 percent start from the field over his first six. He snapped out of his slump against the Aggies, shooting 7 of 9 - including 4 of 5 from 3-point range - and finishing with 22 points.

'Shooters, they can have off nights,' Kennard said. 'I had a few in a row just to start the season.

"I could tell, when I looked at (Krzyzewski) in the eyes, he was very excited about how I was playing, how I was attacking, the energy that I brought to the floor. I just knew then that's what I need to do every game."

Duke's most consistent performer has been sophomore Grayson Allen, who is averaging 22.6 points and shooting 51.1 percent from the field. His only down game was against Kentucky when he scored six on 2 of 11 from the field, resulting in him coming off the bench the next contest.

Allen answered with 30 points in a win over VCU on Nov. 20 and a career-high 32 against Georgetown two nights later.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bulldogs (4-1) at Cougars (4-0)

Date: December 02, 2015 11:00 PM EDT

After impressing in the Bahamas, Gonzaga plays its first true road game Wednesday night against Washington State.

It's also the first real test for a Cougars squad off to its best start in five years.

The 13th-ranked Bulldogs (4-1) finished third at last week's Battle 4 Atlantis, losing 62-61 in a second-round matchup to then-No. 25 Texas A&M. They bounced back by knocking off then-No. 18 Connecticut 73-70 on Friday.

"I was proud of our guys," coach Mark Few said. "On the third day of a tournament like this, I think it's all about showing what kind of competitor you are. You can pout after the first disappointing loss that you think we should have won, or you can show up and compete. I'm really proud of how we showed up and we competed."

Preseason All-American Kyle Wiltjer is playing at a high level, averaging 18.8 points and 7.6 rebounds. Five other players are averaging 8.4 points or more, and the Bulldogs are shooting 51.0 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from 3-point range.

One concern has been free-throw shooting, however, with Gonzaga going 11 for 22 over the last two games and hitting 64.1 percent on the season. The Bulldogs have shot at least 69.0 percent from the charity stripe in 12 of the last 13 seasons.

Washington State is 4-0 for the first time since 2010-11 when it went on to finish sixth in the then-Pac-10. The Cougars have finished no better than eighth every year since.

They also haven't been challenged yet, shooting 50.4 percent against the likes of Texas Southern, Idaho State and Northern Arizona - Division I teams that are a combined 5-12 - as well as playing Division II Cal State-Los Angeles.

"I looked at it as an opportunity to gain some confidence with so many new players," coach Ernie Kent said of the early schedule. "It was more about getting a rhythm, gaining some confidence. Gonzaga, I mean they've got 14, 15 years of continuity and winning. Their program is at such a level we're aspiring to get to."

Led by Josh Hawkinson's 18.0 points per game, the Cougars will be looking for their second win in their last 17 tries against ranked opponents. They dropped last season's four meetings with Top 25 teams by an average of 18.0 points.

"I'm very excited to play them. I feel like we have a really good chance," said junior guard Ike Iroegbu, who has scored 34 points on 57.9 percent shooting in two meetings with Gonzaga. "I know if we play to our ability, nothing but good things can come from that."

Wiltjer scored 21 on 9-of-14 shooting with six rebounds and four assists in an 81-66 home win against Washington State on Dec. 10. Przemek Karnowski added 22 points and eight boards.

Hawkinson scored 18 with 11 rebounds for Washington State, which is shooting 69.6 percent from the free-throw line.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Wednesday's games..........

George Washington is 6-1 after losing to Cincinnati by 5 in Brooklyn last weekend; GW is #32 team in experience; they beat Virginia at home, beat Tennessee on neutral floor- they lost 58-54 at Seton Hall, in a brickfest where teams shot combined 4-22 on arc. Pirates are 5-1, with wins over Ole Miss/Georgia- their loss was by 3 to Long Beach on neutral floor.

Hofstra is 4-2 with win over Florida State, but they lost to Gamecocks, Indiana State at Virgin Islands tourney; Pride plays its starters 5th-most minutes in country- they're shooting 41.1% on arc, won only true road game by 6 at St Bonaventure. LaSalle won by 9 at Hofstra LY, making 9 of 18 on arc- they're 4-1 vs schedule #328- they sub less than Hofstra.

Cincinnati is 7-0 with wins over Nebraska/GW in Brooklyn last weekend; Bearcats force turnovers 25.4% of time, have #14 eFG% defense in USA- they sub a lot are very athletic. Butler is 4-1 with 10-point loss to Miami at Puerto Rico tourney; Bulldogs protect ball well, shoot 59.6% inside arc are #67 in experience- this is their first true road games this season.

Michigan State beat Louisville 76-70 in OT in Elite 8 game LY; Spartans trailed by 8 at half. MSU is 7-0 after winning Anaheim tourney over the weekend- they have three top 70 wins- Kansas-Boise-Providence, all on neutral floors. Louisville is 5-0 vs lame schedule; teams are shooting 32% inside arc against them, but best team they've played is #105 No Florida.

Syracuse is 6-0 after beating UConn/Texas A&M back/back to win event in Bahamas; Orangemen almost never sub; they turn ball over 21.6% of time, but have #23 eFG% on defense. Wisconsin is 4-3 with best win over VCU by a point; teams are shooting 45% from arc against Badgers ACC teams are 6-5 vs Big 14 teams, 3-3 vs spread when favored.

Middle Tennessee just won Alaskan Shootout, big thing for this program; Blue Raiders are 4-1 vs D-I teams, with best win over #135 Toledo four nights ago in Shootout final. MTSU shoots only 58% on line, but 39.8% from arc- they beat Will Wade's Chattanooga team 68-58 LY, outscoring Mocs 15-3 on line. Wade's first VCU team is 4-2, with losses to Duke, Wisconsin in Madison Square Garden.

Oklahoma State shot 62% inside arc in 73-58 win over Tulsa LY in Las Vegas; Cowboys are 5-1, with last two wins over Long Beach State, one in Charleston, one at home. Tulsa beat Wichita when Van Vleet was in lineup, then lost its last two games, to South Carolina/Little Rock. Big X home favorites are 8-4 against spread; AAC underdogs are 11-4.

Creighton is 5-1, losing by 21 to Indiana in only top 100 game; best team they've beaten so far is #120 UMass. Bluejays play fast, are making 59% of shots inside the arc. Arizona State is 4-2; four of its six games were decided by 3 or less points, or in OT; ASU is shooting just 28.2% from arc- they're fairly experienced- this is Sun Devils' first true road game.

Illinois has been ravaged by injury, they're 3-4- this is first game at their renovated arena- they played three "home" games in Springfield. Illini has #284 eFG% defense so far, not good. Notre Dame lost two of three down in Orlando over weekend, losing to Monmouth/Alabama; Irish are thin team that is better on offense, making 38% of 3's. This is their first true road game this season.

Iowa lost two of three in Orlando, whacking injury-riddled Wichita after losing to Dayton/Notre Dame by total of 11 points. Hawkeyes are #93 team in experience; they sub a lot, are making 40.7% on arc. Florida State is 4-1 after winning two of three in Virgin Islands; best team they've beat is #152 DePaul- they lost to Hofstra by 5. ACC underdogs are 4-8.

Indiana had rough time on Maui, losing to Wake Forest/UNLV, giving up 77 ppg in those games. Hoosiers are 5-2 with 86-65 win over Creighton by far their best win. Indiana is shooting 44.9% from arc, has #2 eFG% in country- this is their first true road game. Duke doesn't play its first true road game until Jan 2; they're 6-1, beating VCU by 8, Georgetown by 2, both in NYC. blue Devils are making 38.7% from arc.

Utah beat BYU 81-64/65-61 last two years. Utes outscored BYU 19-6 on foul line in LY's win in Provo. Utah is 5-1, with only loss to Miami by 24 in Puerto Rico- they've beaten San Diego State/Temple. BYU won four of first five games, losing by point at BYU in only road games up to now. Pac-12 home favorites are 18-12 vs spread; WCC dogs are 6-13.

Rider won 10 of last 13 games with St Peter's, but lost to Peacocks 68-59 in MAAC tourney last March; St Peter's lost four of last five visits here, losing by 3-35-15-13 points. Rider is 1-5 despite having an experienced team, but they're shooting only 25.8% on arc, turning ball over 20.7% of time. St Peter's lost its last four games, three of them by 3 or less points..

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Indiana at Duke December 2, 7:00 EST

Tonight in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge the Duke Blue Devils host Indiana Hoosiers. Blue Devils 6-1 (2-4 ATS) have won four in a row since losing to Kentucky. Blue Devils tough to topple on home court have a 52-1 SU streak going in front of the Cameron Crazies with a 28-22-2 mark against the betting line. Hoosiers off a 112-70 home court thrashing of Alcorn St. enter 5-2 (3-4 ATS) on the campaign. Hoosiers have struggles away from Bloomington this year (1-2 SU, 0-3 ATS) and hit the hardwood 2-7 SU, 3-6 ATS last nine road/nuetral site games. Oddsmakers have Duke -9.0 point favorite a number Blue Devils have struggled beating as they're a vig-losing 8-8-1 ATS L17 laying 9 or more points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Post: 1:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 80 - Purse:$7300 - CD CLAIM NW 6 EXT PM RACES OR $15,000 LIFE. CLAIM PRICE $17,000 W/A


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 ELOCUTIONIST 3/1


# 8 TEAHOUSE HALL 5/2


# 4 ONE'S WORD 6/1


The pick today is ELOCUTIONIST. Worth looking at here given the stats in the TrackMaster speed fig department alone. He has really good class ratings, averaging 84. Should be considered for a bet today. Merriman is racking up the wins recently. Top notch win clip makes this horse our selection. TEAHOUSE HALL - Change in medication (with second time Lasix) may be the key to a turnaround in today's gathering. Achieved a 72 TrackMaster SR last time out. A duplicate outing here should get the win in here. ONE'S WORD - Starters win from this hole at The Meadows with better than average regularity, suggesting this tremendous bet. Many analyzers will recognize the excellent speed figure in the last race. Stacks up against any horse in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrah's Philadelphia

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 14 - Post: 5:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$14000 - 4 YR. OLDS & UNDER COLTS & GELDINGS NW 3 EXT. PM RACES OR $30,000 LIFETIME PA PREFERENCE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 SAID NO ONE EVER 9/5


# 2 HUSTINGS HANOVER 2/1


# 3 SHOULDHAVEBETMORE 3/1


SAID NO ONE EVER has a nice shot to take this affair. Overall numbers appear really strong. Can't throw out at this point. Positive feel - squaring off well enough to contend in this race. Many bettors know speed is is key. This fine animal has credentials with a 83 average rating. HUSTINGS HANOVER - He has great class ratings, averaging 81. Should be considered for a bet here. Could more than likely handle this group of animals given the 84 TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in his most recent contest. SHOULDHAVEBETMORE - Foulk knows this nice horse well. Exemplary in the money record when starting with one another. If performance in the most recent contest is representative, this harness racer will have a very respectable shot for this race. High last race speed rating.