Thursday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
Before the All-Star brake commences, two games will mark the end of the first half of the season on Thursday.
On another long losing streak (eight games to be exact), the Miami Heat (9-42 straight up, 18-32-1 against the spread) remain the most stagnant team in the NBA. Preparing to face Chicago (20-31 SU, 21-30 ATS) at 8:00 p.m. EST, the weight that Miami is carrying is just too overbearing for even Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion to carry on there own.
Managing to surrender an astounding 106.4 PPG in the last eight defeats (only one game witnessed Miami holding an opponent to under triple-digits), we should note that the Heat where torched by the Bulls back in mid-January by the score of 126-96. In Miami’s last four battles with Chicago, the ‘over’ has cashed total tickets with a 3-1 outcome.
There’s no sugar coating the ghastly performance that the Heat have produced on the court this season. An 18-42-2 ATS stint in its last 62 overall games is just the tip of the ice burg crashing backers bankrolls (if there’s any of these people left).
So how do you make money on Miami without fading this team?
A total play might be the way to go in this contest. The ‘under’ is 16-7 in the Heat’s last 23 Thursday contest and 5-1 in the teams last six games following an ATS win (Miami lost 114-113 against Denver on Tuesday but covered the 5 ½-point spread).
While Chicago is a lone 3-7 SU in its last 10, a 5-1 ATS stint in its last six has been rewarding for bettors. In only one of those ATS wins were the Bulls installed as the favorite (one-point favorites in Seattle).
Scoring 100.4 PPG in its last five, Chicago has displayed its porous defense by giving up 102.6 PPG. Opponents are shooting 47.9-precent from the field against the Bulls, while the season average is now sitting at a ninth best 44.8-precent allowed.
Since Luol Deng went down with an achilles injury, Chicago has gone 7-4 ATS, with the ‘under’ cashing six times in the last 11 games.
Overall, Miami is 4-16 ATS when paired up with a fellow team playing under .500.
**Dallas at Phoenix**
What should shape up to be hot showdown in the desert, Southwest Divisional player, Dallas (34-17 SU, 20-28-3 ATS) will look to head into the All-Star break on a positive not when it goes up against Western Conference foe, Phoenix (36-15 SU, 22-27-2 ATS) at 10:30 p.m. EST.
Coming off two days of rest, for which the club has gone a disappointing 1-6 ATS this season, Phoenix will look to command its dominant offensive core for yet another night. In their last seven wins, the Suns have amassed 109.4 PPG of offensive firepower, translating into a 4-2-1 ATS record.
Of course what would be a preview without mentioning Phoenix’s newly acquired center, Shaquille O’Neal? Remaining on the sidelines with a hip injury, some sources have pointed to Thursday as O’Neal’s debut with the Suns.
Dallas is 3-2 SU and 1-4 ATS in its last five. While defense hasn’t been the problem (92 PPG in their last five), the offense has limped along. On the season, the Mavericks have averaged 99.4 PPG, but in their last five the team is looking at a drop of 6.6 PPG (averaging 92.8 PPG).
With Jerry Stackhouse (hamstring) out of competition in the last two (out 11 total games in the last 20 games), Dallas has gone 0-2 ATS. And in another injury related statistic, the Mavericks have gone 2-6 ATS with Devin Harris (ankle) on the bench.
When games with Dallas have been set with totals at 200 or more, a 10-7 ‘over’ record has been assembled. As for Phoenix, only two games have been set under 200 points, with the Suns going 2-0 on the ‘over’. As for games installed at 200-plus points, Phoenix is 25-24 on the ‘over’.
In Conference play, the Mavs have hit the ‘over’ with a 15-13 billings, while the Suns have been the low scoring play, grabbing 18 ‘unders’ in 28 total games.
Breaking news coming off the wire is indicating that New Jersey has agreed to deal Jason Kidd and Malik Allen to Dallas in exchange for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop, and Devean George.
vegasinsider.com
Pac-10 Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**California at Arizona**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Arizona as a 9½-point home ‘chalk’ over California, with the total set at 146. This contest is slated to start at 8:30 p.m. ET.
-California (14-8 straight up, 9-9 against the spread) was riding a three-game SU winning streak before getting manhandled by Oregon as a four-point home favorite, 92-70. That marked the second game in a row that the Golden Bears failed to cover.
-Cal was outrebounded by the Ducks, 30-18, and shot 42 percent (22-of-52) while allowing Oregon to connect at a 59-percent clip (29-of-49). Forward Ryan Anderson had 17 points and six rebounds in the setback, while guard Jerome Randle added 17 and four assists.
-The Golden Bears are 4-2 SU and ATS on the road, winning those matchups by an average score of 73-71.
-Arizona (15-8 SU, 11-9 ATS) has dropped back-to-back outings SU and ATS after falling to Arizona State Sunday as a 10-point home ‘chalk,’ 59-54. That marked the first time the Wildcats were swept in their season series against the Sun Devils since 1995.
-Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless scored 39 points on 12-of-18 shooting, while the next highest scorer was Jordan Hill who had six points and seven rebounds. The Wildcats shot a dismal 37 percent (15-of-41) from the field, evidenced by Chase Budinger’s four points on 1-of-12 shooting.
-Arizona dropped to 10-3 SU and 5-6 ATS at home with that setback, winning its home affairs by an average score of 76-65.
-The Wildcats are 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS the previous three meetings with Cal after prevailing January 19 as a 1 ½-point road favorite, 79-75.
-Arizona forward Bret Brielmaier (shoulder) is ‘questionable’ against the Golden Bears, while guard Nic Wise (knee) is ‘out.’
**Washington State at Oregon State**
-LVSC opened Washington State as a 10-point road favorite over Oregon State, with the total set at 119. FOX Sports Net will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.
-Washington State (18-5 SU, 9-11 ATS) had dropped three games in a row SU and four consecutive ATS before routing Southern Cal Saturday as a five-point home ‘chalk,’ 74-50.
-Guard Kyle Weaver led all scorers with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Taylor Rochestie added 13 and four assists. The Cougars shot a blistering 60 percent (28-of-47) from the field, including 79 percent (11-of-14) from behind the arc.
-Wazzu is 10-2 SU and 5-5 ATS away from home, winning those matchups by an average score of 68-58.
-Oregon State (6-17 SU, 9-11 ATS) continued its downward spiral with Saturday’s setback to Stanford as a decided 21-point road underdog, 71-56. That marked the third game in a row that the Beavers covered.
-Oregon State entered halftime trailing the Cardinal, 35-22, and finished the contest by getting dominated on the boards, 39-17. Forward Marcel Jones paced the offense with 13 points off the bench on 5-of-13 shooting.
-The Beavers are just 3-7 SU and 2-8 ATS on their home court, dropping those affairs by an average score of 65-58.
-Wazzu is 3-0 SU and 1-2 ATS the previous three meetings with Oregon State after prevailing Jan. 17 as a 19-point home favorite, 69-46.
**Washington at Oregon**
-LVSC opened Oregon as an eight-point home ‘chalk’ over Washington, with the total listed at 151. This matchup is slated to start at 8:30 p.m. ET.
-Washington (13-11 SU, 9-14 ATS) had suffered four losses in a row SU and ATS before upsetting UCLA Sunday as a 9½-point home underdog, 71-61.
-The Huskies outrebounded the Bruins, 40-28, while shooting 44 percent (26-of-59) from the field. Guard Justin Dentmon scored 20 points off the bench, while forward Jon Brockman added 12 and 17 rebounds.
-Washington has struggled to a 2-6 SU and 3-5 ATS road record, dropping those matchups by an average score of 76-67.
-Oregon (14-9 SU, 9-11 ATS) is off Saturday’s victory over California as a four-point road underdog, 92-70. The Ducks had dropped four games in a row ATS before routing the Golden Bears.
-Four of the five starters reached double digits in scoring, led by Bryce Taylor’s 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting. Forward Maarty Leunen also enjoyed a solid effort with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
-Oregon is 10-2 SU on its home court but just 4-6 ATS, winning those affairs by an average score of 86-73.
-The home team has won the last four meetings SU and ATS in this series after Washington triumphed Jan. 17 as a two-point ‘chalk,’ 78-70.
-Oregon forward LeKendric Longmire (ankle) is ‘questionable’ versus the Huskies.
**Stanford at Arizona State**
-LVSC installed Stanford as a three-point road favorite over Arizona State, with the total set at 120. FOX Sports Net will start its coverage of this contest at 10:30 p.m. ET.
-Stanford (20-3 SU, 12-10 ATS) continued its winning ways by pummeling Oregon State Saturday as a 21-point home ‘chalk,’ 71-56. The Cardinal had covered five games in a row before failing to do so versus the Beavers.
-Stanford got a balanced scoring effort, led by Brook Lopez and Lawrence Hill who both posted 14 points.
-The Cardinal are 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS on the road, prevailing by an average score of 68-61.
-Arizona State (15-7 SU, 10-8 ATS) had dropped five games in a row SU before upsetting rival Arizona Sunday as a 10-point road underdog, 59-54.
-Forward Jeff Pendergraph accounted for 29 points and eight rebounds, while guard Jerren Shipp added 11 off the bench. The Sun Devils shot 51 percent (23-of-45) from the field, and 79 percent (11-of-14) from behind the arc.
-Arizona State is 11-2 SU and 6-3 ATS at home, winning those games by an average score of 72-55.
-Stanford is 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS the previous five meetings with Arizona State after winning Jan. 19 as an eight-point home ‘chalk,’ 68-52.
vegasinsider.com
Jason Kidd trade talks hit major snag
TORONTO - Jason Kidd appeared to be on his way to the Dallas Mavericks, but an unexpected snag on Wednesday night could hold up the deal, if not kill it.
According to ESPN.com, Devean George, one of the five players expected to come to New Jersey in the deal, has unexpectedly exercised his right to block the trade, according to NBA front-office sources.
According to the Web site, sources said the teams verbally agreed to the deal earlier yesterday and were preparing to submit the trade for league approval. That's when George - who, according to ESPN.com, has a rare provision in his one-year contract - told the Mavericks he didn't want to be traded. George was in the Mavs' lineup last night.
Before the George news came down, the Kidd Era appeared to be coming to an end after the Nets agreed in principle yesterday to trade the unhappy point guard to the Mavericks for a package of players headed by 24-year-old Devin Harris.
The deal also had forward Malik Allen and swingman Antoine Wright going to Dallas with forwards Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop and George coming to Jersey, as well as D-League guard Maurice Ager, two future first-round draft picks and cash. (Before news of the snag emerged, Stackhouse said in Dallas the Nets would buy out his contract, enabling him to re-sign with the Mavs in a month.)
Three of the five players the Nets were hoping to get back have contracts that expire after this season. Harris, who was averaging 14.4 points and 5.3 assists before missing the last eight games with a bruised left ankle, is still playing under his rookie deal but signed an extension with the Mavericks that will pay him $43 million over five seasons starting next year. Ager is also signed through next season.
Neither Allen nor Wright have contracts in place for next season. Kidd is making $19.7 million this season and is due to receive just over $21 million next season, the final year of his contract.
"If the trade goes through, we've traded a Hall of Fame player," Lawrence Frank said last night.
That was an uncertainty last night.Kidd was drafted by the Mavericks in 1994 and traded to Phoenix two years later. Then on July 18, 2001, the Nets pulled off a deal that dramatically changed the fortunes of their long-dormant franchise, acquiring Kidd and Chris Dudley for Stephon Marbury, Johnny Newman and Soumaila Samake.
Though the Nets had made the playoffs just four times in the previous 10 years, Kidd immediately guaranteed that he would help them return to the postseason. Less than a year later, the Nets made it to the NBA Finals for the first time.
They made it to the Finals again the next season, losing to the Spurs in six games, and have made the playoffs every year since.
However, Kidd started realizing last year that the team was no longer a serious contender. He was hoping to be traded around the deadline last season but a proposed deal that would have made him a Laker fell through when L.A. refused to part with young center Andrew Bynum. The Nets eventually made the playoffs as the sixth seed in the East but were bounced in the second round by the Cavaliers.
Things really started unraveling earlier this season. First, Kidd accused his team of mentally "letting go of the rope" before a game in Utah. Less than three weeks later, Kidd sat out a game against the Knicks, claiming to have a migraine headache. However, sources said Kidd was really protesting the team's refusal to extend his contract.
nydailynews.com
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
- The Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at United Center.
The Heat lost 114-113 in OT to the Nuggets last time out, as 6.5-point underdogs at home. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 211.
Shawn Marion scored 23 points and hauled down 18 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Bulls lost 100-86 to the Hornets last time out, as 6-point underdogs. The 186 points fell UNDER the posted total of 191.5.
Andres Nocioni shot 8-for-15 from the field with 28 points and Kirk Hinrich added 15 in the loss.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 8 straight games.
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 9-42 SU, 18-32-1 ATS
Chicago: 20-31 SU, 21-30 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 3-7
After playing New Orleans are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 5-18-1 ATS in its last 24 games
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami
Next up:
Miami at Houston, Thursday, February 21
Chicago at New Jersey, Wednesday, February 20
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns
- The Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at US Airways Center.
The Mavericks dominated in the first half and rolled past the Trail Blazers 96-76 on Wednesday. The Mavericks easily covered the 3.5-point spread, while the combined 172 points were UNDER the posted total of 180.
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with a game-high 37 points with 12 rebounds for a double-double.
The Suns lost 120-118 to the Warriors last time out, as 2.5-point road underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 234.
Grant Hill had a double-double in the loss, tossing in 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
Team records:
Dallas: 35-17 SU, 21-28-3 ATS
Phoenix: 36-16 SU, 23-27-2 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Portland are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a loss are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Dallas is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
Dallas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 12 games at home
Phoenix is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Next up:
Dallas at New Orleans, Wednesday, February 20
Phoenix home to LA Lakers, Wednesday, February 20
Thursday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls
* The Heat have dropped 23 of 24 games, going 5-18-1 ATS during that stretch. However, they have been a bit more competitive since adding Shawn Marion, who is averaging 19 points and 16 rebounds in 2 games with the team. They are coming off a 114-113 overtime loss at home to Denver on Wednesday. SLIGHT EDGE: HEAT
* Chicago has absolutely dominated Miami recently, winning 8 of the last 9 meetings and going 6-2-1 ATS during that stretch. This includes a monstrous 126-96 road win in the only meeting this season back on January 16th. EDGE: BULLS (Bet Chicago -2.5 at BetUS - the best line available at last check!)
* Heat are 18-42-2 ATS in their last 62 games overall.
* Bulls are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Thursday games.
* Bulls are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 home games.
* The UNDER is 16-7 in Miami's last 23 Thursday games.
Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns
* Mavs are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Thursday games.
* Suns are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.
* The OVER is 7-3 in Phoenix's last 10 games overall.
* The UNDER is 7-2 in Dallas' last 9 games overall.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Phoenix's last 8 games vs. Western Conference.
CBB
North Carolina State at Boston College
* Defense and rebounding have been problems for Boston College, as they’ve given up 79 points a game against league opponents. Also, ACC foes have out-rebounded BC on the offensive boards, 146-96. EDGE: NC STATE (Bet NC State +4.5 at BetUS - the best line available at last check!)
* After shooting only 9-of-27 (.333) from the 3-point arc in its first 2 ACC games, State has found the range. In its last 7 outings, the Pack has shot .449 from 3-point land (55-118). EDGE: OVER
* Boston College has a 5-1 all-time record against North Carolina State, including a 1-1 mark in the RBC Center. SLIGHT EDGE: BOSTON COLLEGE
* Boston College is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 Thursday games.
* The OVER is 8-1 in NC State's last 9 road games.
* The OVER is 13-3 in NC State's last 16 games overall.
* The OVER is 10-3 in Boston College's last 13 Thursday games.
* The OVER is 11-5 in Boston College's last 16 games overall.
Rutgers at West Virginia
* Rutgers is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 Thursday games.
* Rutgers is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 road games.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in West Virginia's last 10 games vs. Big East.
Fordam at Massachusetts
* Massachusetts leads the all-time series, 22-10, taking the past two meetings, including a 74-59 win last year in the Rose Hill Gym. The Rams have also appeared on television nine times this year and have posted a disappointing 3-6 record. EDGE: UMASS (Bet UMass -11.5 at BetUS - the best line available at last check!)
* Over the past 4 games - all losses - the Fordham Rams have gone into an offensive slump, averaging 57 points per game while shooting just 35.4 percent from the field. EDGE: UMASS & UNDER
* The 70-point mark seems to be the magic number of the 2007-08 Fordham Rams, as they are currently 6-0 when scoring at least 70 points in a game. UMASS has allowed opponents to score an average of 78.1 points on the season. BIG EDGE: FORDHAM
* The OVER is 9-4 in UMass' last 13 home games.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Fordham's last 8 games overall.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Fordham's last 8 road games.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Fordham's last 8 games vs. Atlantic 10.
Michigan at Iowa
* Michigan is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 Thursday games.
* The OVER is 9-4 in Michigan's last 13 road games.
* The UNDER is 11-5 in Iowa's last 16 home games.
#7 Stanford at Arizona State
* Stanford holds a 37-26 edge over Arizona State in the all-time series. The Cardinal has dominated this match-up recently, winning five straight and 18 of the last 20 contests. BIG EDGE: STANFORD (Bet Stanford -3.5 at BetUS - the best line available at last check!)
* With a road sweep this weekend, Stanford will have swept the series against both Arizona schools for only the third time in school history. EDGE: ASU
* Stanford’s outstanding numbers on defense are well-documented, but it’s worth another look. In addition to allowing just 56.9 points per game and 38-percent shooting from the field, the Cardinal has held 16 opponents this year to 60 points or less. EDGE: UNDER
* The UNDER is 16-5 in Stanford's last 21 games overall.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Stanford's last 8 road games.
* The UNDER is 7-3 in Stanford's last 10 games vs. Pac-10.
* The UNDER is 20-6 in Arizona State's last 26 games vs. Pac-10.
* The UNDER is 7-3 in Arizona State's last 10 Thursday games.
Pregame.com
Cal (14-8, 10-9 ATS) at Arizona (15-8, 11-9-1 ATS)
The Golden Bears, who had their three-game winning streak snapped in their last outing, look to get back on track in Tucson in a Pac-10 contest against Arizona, which has dropped two straight.
California got pounded at home by Oregon 92-70 Saturday as a four-point chalk, its second straight ATS setback. The Golden Bears (5-6, 4-7 ATS in the Pac-10) succumbed to a 3-point barrage by Oregon, which shot a stunning 18 of 31 from long distance (58.1 percent) and 29 of 49 overall (59.2 percent), while Cal shot just 42.3 percent, going 5 of 20 on 3-pointers.
Arizona lost to archrival Arizona State 59-54 as a 9½-point favorite, following up its six-game ATS winning streak with its second straight non-cover. The Wildcats (5-5 SU and ATS in the Pac-10) made just 15 of 41 field-goal attempts against ASU (36.6 percent), yet they’re still shooting a solid 50 percent over the past five games; however, their opponents during that stretch have shot 51.3 percent.
Arizona has won the last three in this series (2-1 ATS), including a 79-75 win in Berkeley last month catching 1½ points. Last season in Tucson, the Wildcats won 94-85 but failed to cover the heavy 15½-point spread. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five series encounters.
The Golden Bears are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 16 road games (4-2 ATS this year) and 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games after a SU loss of more than 20 points. But they are 2-5 ATS in their last seven Pac-10 starts and 1-5 ATS in their last six versus teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in their last four against teams with a winning record and 5-2 ATS in their last seven Pac-10 contests. But they are on negative pointspread runs of 7-15 at home, 6-15 in Thursday games and 1-6-1 when coming off a non-cover.
For California, the over is on streaks of 7-0 overall, 8-2 on the highway, 5-1 on Thursday and 11-3 against teams with a winning record. For Arizona, the over is on runs of 5-1 overall, 10-1 against teams with a winning mark, 4-1 in Tucson and 37-16-1 on Thursday. Finally, the over is 11-3 the last 14 in this series, with last month’s contest jumping over the 146½-point total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Georgia Tech (11-11, 10-10 ATS) at Clemson (17-6, 12-8 ATS)
The Yellow Jackets, struggling to get above .500 throughout this season, face a difficult ACC road test at Clemson, which is coming off Sunday’s tough loss at North Carolina.
Georgia Tech, which fell to Connecticut 80-68 on Saturday getting 8½ points in a non-conference road game, has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses over the past four games. The Yellow Jackets (4-4, 5-3 ATS in the ACC) lost the battle of the boards 43-21 and got almost no second-chance shots against UConn, with just five offensive rebounds to the Huskies’ 31 defensive rebounds.
Clemson had a two-game SU and ATS run halted when it let an 11-point lead late in regulation evaporate in Sunday’s 103-93 overtime loss at North Carolina, failing to cover as an 8½-point pup. It was the second time this season that the Tigers (5-4 SU and ATS in the ACC) hung with the Tar Heels before losing in overtime.
Georgia Tech covered both meetings last season in this series (1-1 SU), losing at Clemson 75-74 but covering the 5½-point spread. The road team is on a 6-2 ATS run, and the Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS their last seven visits to Clemson.
The Yellow Jackets are 5-1 ATS in their last six ACC starts (3-0 ATS on the road) and are on additional positive spread-covering runs of 5-2 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 4-1 in Thursday starts and 9-4 after an ATS loss.
The Tigers carry into this contest positive ATS trends of 6-2 following a non-cover and 5-2 at home.
For the Yellow Jackets, the over is on runs of 8-1 overall, 7-0 in ACC play, 5-1 on the road and 6-2-1 on Thursday. For Clemson, the over is on streaks of 16-7 overall, 11-4 at home (6-4 this season) and 10-4 on Thursday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA TECH and OVER
(7) Stanford (20-3, 12-11 ATS) at Arizona State (15-7, 10-8 ATS)
The red-hot Cardinal put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they travel to Tempe to battle Pac-10 rival Arizona State, which is looking to build on Sunday’s upset win at Arizona.
Stanford rolled past Oregon State 71-56 Sunday but failed to cash as an overwhelming 21½-point home chalk, halting a 5-0 ATS surge, all in Pac-10 play. The Cardinal (9-2, 6-5 ATS in the Pac-10) haven’t shot all that well during their 7-0 run (43.7 percent), but they’ve allowed just 35.9 percent shooting, holding five of the seven opponents to 20 field goals or less.
Arizona State topped instate rival Arizona 59-54 Saturday as 9½-point underdog, ending a five-game SU losing streak and an 0-2 ATS downturn. The Sun Devils (5-5, 6-4 ATS in the Pac-10) shot 38.2 percent during their five game losing streak, but hit 51.1 percent against Arizona (23 of 45), and they outrebounded a team for the first time since their last victory, a 99-90 overtime win at Cal as a six-point pup on Jan. 19.
Stanford started ASU’s skid with a 67-52 home win as an eight-point favorite last month. The Cardinal are 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings, The favorite is also 5-0-1 ATS the last six in this series, and Stanford is 5-2 ATS its last seven visits to Tempe, including a 71-60 win last season laying one point.
The Cardinal are 5-1 ATS coming off a SU win and are 4-1 ATS in Pac-10 roadies this season. However, they are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 following a non-cover.
The Sun Devils are a sterling 7-0 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record (Stanford is 7-2 on the highway). They’re also on ATS spurts of 4-1 after a SU win and 4-1 in Tempe. On the negative side, ASU is 2-6 ATS in its last eight coming off three or more consecutive road contests and 1-4-1 ATS in its last six against teams with a winning overall record.
The under is on myriad runs for both teams. For Stanford, the under is 16-5 in its last 21 overall, 6-2 on the highway, 7-3 in Pac-10 play and 12-4 following a SU victory. For Arizona State, the under is on streaks of 5-1 overall, 4-1 at home, 20-6 in the Pac-10 and 7-3 in Thursday contests. Finally, these teams have stayed low in the last two series meetings, with last month’s clash falling just short of the 121½-point posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: STANFORD and UNDER
NBA
Miami (9-42, 18-32-1 ATS) at Chicago (20-31, 21-30 ATS)
Two of the most disappointing teams in the NBA clash at the United Center in Chicago, where the Bulls host the Heat in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.
Chicago is coming off consecutive double-digit losses at Utah on Saturday (97-87) and at home to the Hornets on Tuesday (100-86). The Bulls failed to cash as a 6½-point home underdog in the loss to New Orleans, snapping a 5-0 ATS run. Even though Chicago has struggled for the majority of this season, it hasn’t dropped three straight games since a three-game slide from Dec. 21-26, a span of 25 games.
Miami, which sports the worst record in the NBA, has lost 23 of its last 24 games, including the last eight in a row. The Heat nearly ended their slump on Tuesday against Denver, falling 114-113 in overtime. Although they covered as a 5½-point home underdog, the Heat are just 5-18-1 ATS during their 1-23 SU funk.
Chicago swept the Heat out of the first round of the playoffs last year, going 3-0-1 ATS. Then in the only meeting this season, the Bulls went to South Beach and crushed Miami 126-86 as a 3½-point road underdog. Including the playoff meeting, the ‘dog is on a 5-1-1 ATS roll in this rivalry. Also, Miami is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 visits to the Windy City.
The Bulls are just 5-9 SU in their last 14 home games and 4-11 ATS in their last 15 at the United Center. Also, the straight-up winner is 8-0 ATS in Chicago’s last eight at home.
Chicago is on ATS runs of 16-5-1 against the Southeast Division, 4-0 when playing on one day of rest and 7-0 when giving up 100 points or more in their previous game.
Miami has lost 21 of its 25 road games, going 2-9-1 ATS in the last 12 on the highway. Also, the Heat are on further ATS slides of 18-42-2 overall, 3-11-1 against the Central Division and 6-17 as an underdog of less than eight points this season.
The over is 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head clashes, including 4-1 in the last five overall and 5-0 in the last five meetings in Chicago. However, the under is 16-8-1 for the Bulls at home this year, including 5-0-1 in the last six. Also, the under is 16-7 in Miami’s last 23 games on Thursday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO
Dallas (35-17, 21-28-3 ATS) at Phoenix (37-15, 23-27-2 ATS)
One day after agreeing to trade for perennial All-Star Jason Kidd, the Mavericks invade the US Airways Center to take on the Suns in a battle of two of the NBA’s top teams.
Hours after news of the blockbuster trade for Kidd hit, Dallas went out and thumped the Blazers 96-76 as a three-point home chalk, snapping a two-game SU and four-game ATS losing skid. Despite Wednesday’s result, the Mavs are still just 4-10-2 ATS in their last 15 games, 1-5 ATS in their last six as a favorite and 1-4 ATS in their last five on the road.
Phoenix arrives in Dallas after Wednesday night’s heartbreaking 120-118 loss at Golden State, though it did cash as a 2½-point road underdog. The Suns are 10-4 in their last 14 games, and they’ve followed up a 7-1 ATS hot streak by going 1-4-1 ATS in their last six.
The Mavericks edged Phoenix 108-105 in the only previous meeting of the season on Dec. 19, pushing as a three-point home chalk. Going back to a 2006 playoff series between these squads, Dallas is 5-2 SU in the last seven meetings (3-3-1 ATS). Also, the underdog and the road team are on a 4-1-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.
In addition to the aforementioned pointspread slumps, the Mavs are mired in further ATS funks of 5-13-2 against the Pacific Division and 4-8-1 against winning teams
Like Dallas, Phoenix also sports several negative ATS trends, including 1-5-1 against the Southwest Division, 0-4-1 at home, 1-4 against the Western Conference, 2-9-1 at home against teams with a losing road record and 1-4 when playing on back-to-back nights. Also, the Suns are just 9-15-1 ATS in their 25 home games this year.
Both teams have struggled to cover numbers in these Thursday night nationally televised showcase games, with Phoenix going 3-7 ATS in its last 10 on Thursday and Dallas going 1-7 ATS in its last eight.
The under is on runs of 8-2 for the Mavs overall, 5-1 for the Mavs on the road, 22-8-1 for the Mavs on the road against teams with a winning home mark, 5-0 for the Suns on Thursday, 4-1 when the Suns play on back-to-back nights and 6-3 for the Suns against the Western Conference.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
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