Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Rose Garden.
The Lakers dominated every aspect of the game on Thursday, as they ran over the Heat 106-88. The Lakers covered the 14-point spread, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 210.
Kobe Bryant had 17 points with six assists in a losing effort, and Jordan Farmar added 10 in the win.
The Trail Blazers pulled out a hard-fought 82-80 victory over the Clippers last time out, as 2-point road underdogs. The 162 points were UNDER the posted total of 182.
Jarrett Jack shot 9-for-13 from the field with 21 points and eight rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers, and Martell Webster added 15 in the victory.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 10 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 41-17 SU, 37-20-1 ATS
Portland: 30-28 SU, 29-29 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Lakers last 10 games on the road
Portland is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Portland is 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers home to Dallas, Sunday, March 2
Portland at Golden State, Sunday, March 2
Miami Heat vs. Seattle SuperSonics
- The Miami Heat and the Seattle SuperSonics will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at KeyArena.
The Heat were crushed 106-88 by the Lakers last time out, as 14-point underdogs on the road. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 210.
Shawn Marion led the Heat with 11 points and five rebounds, while shooting 5-for-8 from the field with in the loss.
The SuperSonics were crushed 138-96 by the Nuggets last time out, as 9-point road underdogs. The combined 234 points sailed OVER the posted total of 213.
Johan Petro netted 15 points with eight rebounds in a losing effort for the SuperSonics.
Current streak:
Seattle has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 10-46 SU, 19-36-1 ATS
Seattle: 15-42 SU, 28-28-1 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After a loss are 1-9
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 2-8
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
Seattle is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Next up:
Miami at Sacramento, Sunday, March 2
Seattle at Minnesota, Sunday, March 2
Friday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors
* Pacers are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games vs. Atlantic Division.
* Pacers are 8-21 ATS in the last 29 meetings.
* The OVER is 7-1 in Toronto's last 12 games as a favorite.
* The OVER is 6-2 in Toronto's last 8 home games.
* The UNDER is 6-2-1 in Indiana's last 9 games overall.
Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls
* Bulls are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
* Wizards are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Chicago.
* Wizards are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Friday games.
* Wizards are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* The OVER is 9-1 in Washington's last 10 games vs. Eastern Conference.
* The OVER is 7-1 in Chicago's last 8 Friday games.
Utah Jazz at New Orleans Hornets
* The OVER is 36-17 in Utah's last 53 games as an underdog.
* The OVER is 10-3 in New Orleans' last 13 home games.
* The OVER is 12-4 in New Orleans' last 16 games as a favorite.
* The UNDER is 10-4 in New Orleans' last 14 games vs. Northwest Division.
Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks
* Kings are 2-11 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Dallas.
* Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* The OVER is 21-6-1 in Sacramento's last 28 games vs. Southwest Division.
* The OVER is 8-3-2 in Sacramento's last 13 games as an underdog.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in Dallas' last 8 Friday games.
* The UNDER is 6-2-1 in Dallas' last 9 games overall.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Dallas' last 8 games vs. Western Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers at Golden State Warriors
* Warriors are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* 76ers are 11-2-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
* 76ers are 4-10 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
* The OVER is 10-2 in Golden State's last 12 Friday games.
* The OVER is 14-3 in Golden State's last 17 games overall.
* The UNDER is 9-4 in Philadelphia's last 13 games vs. Pacific Division.
Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers
* Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Northwest Division.
* Lakers are 26-10-1 ATS in their last 37 road games.
* Lakers are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games overall.
* Blazers are 0-9 ATS in their last 9 home games.
* Lakers are 7-19 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
* Underdog is 19-7 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
* The UNDER is 11-1 in Portland's last 12 Friday games.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Portland's last 10 games overall.
Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets
* Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.
* Nuggets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Friday games.
* Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games.
* Nuggets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. Pacific Division.
* The UNDER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in LA's last 8 games overall.
Pregame.com
Indiana (22-36, 26-32 ATS) at Toronto (32-24, 32-23-1 ATS)
The Raptors will try to complete a season sweep of the Pacers when the two teams meet inside the Air Canada Centre.
Toronto is 3-0 SU and ATS against Indiana this season and has won four straight overall (4-0 ATS) and five of six (5-1 ATS) against the Pacers. In the most recent meeting on Monday, the Raptors scored a 102-98 win in Indiana as a three-point favorite to improve to 21-8 ATS in the last 29 series battles.
Including Monday’s victory over the Pacers, Toronto is on a 7-3 SU and ATS roll, having rattled off three straight wins and covers in its last three. On Wednesday, the Raptors topped the Timberwolves 107-85 as an 11½-point home chalk, their fourth consecutive SU and ATS triumph in front of the home fans.
While the Raptors are rolling, Indiana is struggling, having lost six of seven overall (1-6 ATS), including the last three in a row (0-3 ATS). The Pacers followed up Monday’s loss to Toronto with Wednesday’s 113-107 home setback to the Bulls as a one-point favorite.
The straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of the Raptors’ last 30 contests and is 52-3-1 ATS in Toronto games this season. Also, the winner is 10-0 ATS in Indiana’s last 10 overall, 7-0 ATS in its last seven on the road and 9-1 ATS in the last 10 series meetings between these squads.
The Raptors are 18-11 SU and ATS in Canada this season, including 14-3 ATS in their last 17 as a home favorite. They’re also 8-3 ATS in their last 11 against Central Division opponents.
Indiana is mired in pointspread slumps of 1-5 on the road, 0-5 as an underdog, 5-13 against the Atlantic Division, 17-38-1 against the Eastern Conference and 9-16 this year when playing on one day of rest.
The under is 5-1 in the last six head-to-head meetings, 6-2-1 in the Pacers’ last nine overall and 5-0-1 the last six times they’ve been underdogs. Meanwhile, for Toronto, the over is 7-1 in its last eight against the Eastern Conference and 9-3 in its last 12 as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TORONTO
Utah (37-21, 30-28 ATS) at New Orleans (38-18, 33-22-1 ATS)
The Jazz look for a rare road win tonight when they visit New Orleans Arena to take on the Hornets in key Western Conference matchup.
Utah has won seven of its last 10 overall (5-5 ATS) and beat the Pistons 103-95 Wednesday as two-point home favorites. However, the Jazz have the worst road record among the NBA’s top 14 teams at 12-18 SU and ATS. Jerry Sloan’s squad has dropped three of its last four SU and ATS on the highway, including Tuesday’s surprising 111-100 loss in Minnesota as a seven-point favorite.
New Orleans ended a three-game SU and ATS skid with Wednesday’s 120-103 home victory over the Suns as a 3½-point favorite. The Hornets shot 53.3 percent from the floor and put up the 120 points after only averaging 87 per game during the three-game losing streak. Going back to Dec. 19, Byron Scott’s squad has won 23 of its last 31 games (21-10 ATS). Also, the SU winner is 31-2 ATS in the Hornets’ last 33 outings.
Utah has taken the first two matchups with the Hornets this season, both in Salt Lake City, winning 99-71 back in November as a 6½-point favorite and 110-88 on Feb. 4 as a 3½-point chalk. The Jazz have won eight of the last 10 head-to-head meetings (6-3-1 ATS).
The Jazz have cashed in five straight games against the Southwest Division and they’re 10-3 ATS in their last 10 contests against the Western Conference. Meanwhile, New Orleans is on ATS tears of 5-1 against the Northwest Division and 9-4 at home.
The over is 37-17 in Utah’s last 53 games as a ‘dog, 10-3 in New Orleans’ last 13 home games and 12-4 the last 16 times the Hornets have been favored. However, the under hit in each of the first two series meetings this year and is 4-1 in the last five.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
L.A. Lakers (41-17, 40-19-1 ATS) at Portland (30-28, 29-29 ATS)
The Lakers will try to extend their 10-game winning streak tonight and try to beat the Blazers for the second time this week when they head up the coast for a game inside the Rose Garden.
Los Angeles extended its winning streak to 10 with a 106-88 rout of the Heat in Hollywood Thursday night, easily covering as 14½-point favorites. The Lakers are 9-1 ATS during the streak, but the only non-cover came in Tuesday’s 96-83 home win over Portland when they failed to get the cash as a 15½-point chalk.
After losing to the Lakers on Tuesday, Portland stuck around the Staples Center for Wednesday’s game against the Clippers, prevailing 82-80 as a two-point road underdog. Although they’ve followed up a 1-14 ATS slump with back-to-back covers, the Blazers are still just 2-8 SU in their last 10.
These two teams have split the last 10 series matchups, but the Blazers have gotten the cash six straight times and seven of the last eight. The former Pacific Division rivals haven’t met in Portland since November 2006, when the Blazers delivered a 101-90 victory as a 4½-point chalk, improving to 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home contests against L.A. Finally, the underdog has dominated the series lately, going 19-7 ATS in the last 26.
The Lakers have rattled off seven straight wins and pointspread covers on the road, and they are 21-9-1 ATS when hitting the highway this season. Also, despite Tuesday’s non-cover against Portland, Phil Jackson’s troops are still on ATS runs of 21-8-1 overall, 6-2 against Northwest Division teams and 6-0-1 on Fridays.
Portland is 3-3 SU at home in February but 0-6 ATS. In fact, going back to mid-January, the Blazers have failed to cash in nine straight games at the Rose Garden. They’re also 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games played on one day of rest.
The under is 11-1 in Portland’s last 12 Friday tip-offs, 8-2 in its last 10 overall and 18-11 at the Rose Garden this season. Also, the Lakers have stayed low in four straight contests, and the under is 2-0 in the last two head-to-head meetings in Portland.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PORTLAND and UNDER
Gametimepicks.com
Princeton at Brown, 7:00 EST
Princeton: 1-11 ATS on Friday
Brown: 9-1 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3
Dartmouth at Cornell, 7:00 EST
Dartmouth: 16-36 ATS after having lost 3 of their last 4
Cornell: 24-12 ATS after a conference game
Harvard at Columbia, 7:00 EST
Harvard: 10-2 OVER revenging a same season loss
Columbia: 10-3 ATS in all games
Pennsylvania at Yale, 7:00 EST
Pennsylvania: 6-0 ATS off a loss against a conference rival
Yale: 1-5 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent
Niagara at Siena, 7:00 EST
Niagara: 10-3 ATS in road games
Siena: 12-4 ATS as a favorite
St Peter's at Rider, 7:00 EST
St Peter's: 10-2 ATS in road games revenging a home loss
Rider: 1-8 ATS in home games after playing a game as a road underdog
Manhattan at Fairfield, 7:30 EST
Manhattan: 11-2 OVER off a home loss
Fairfield: 2-10 ATS in home games after playing a game as an underdog
Iona at Marist, 7:30 EST
Iona: 4-18 ATS after DD loss
Marist: 8-2 ATS after a game where they failed to cover
Friday's Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Friday’s slate is stacked in the NBA, with 12 games on the docket.
As always, stay abreast with our Injuries and Player Updates before placing your wagers. Also, don’t forget to chime in on today’s Live Chat and have your hoops questions answered by Brian Edwards.
Let’s break ‘em down!
Game of the Night: Utah at New Orleans
“When somebody asks me who I expect to win the Western Conference, I honestly don’t even think about the Jazz or Hornets,” said VegasInsider.com handicapper Matt Moore.
“It’s no disrespect to either club, but I still think the Lakers, Spurs, Suns and Mavericks have more talent, depth, coaching and more importantly, playoff experience.”
While Moore’s comments can hold some argument, it’s tough to deny that both New Orleans (38-18 SU, 34-22 ATS) and Utah (37-21 SU, 30-26 ATS) are teams to be reckoned with. Both clubs feature raw talent and have proven that they don’t back down from anybody. However, flaws are there and noticeable too.
Moore explained, “I felt Utah’s home win against Detroit was very impressive on Wednesday, considering the Pistons are arguably the best team in the East. However, you can’t ignore a 10-point loss to Minnesota the previous night. And how do you give up 111 points to the Wolves?”
Utah has been overwhelming at home, going 25-3 SU and 18-8 ATS. Yet, Jerry Sloan’s team is just 12-18 both SU and ATS on the road.
New Orleans has been steady both on the road (19-8 SU, 18-9 ATS) and at home (19-10 SU, 16-13 ATS). The issue with the Hornets is depth and it makes you wonder how long All-Star Chris Paul can lead this team before running out of gas.
“I don’t understand why the Hornets traded Bobby Jackson to Houston for Bonzi Wells and Mike James. Wells is often injured and can blow up at anytime, plus James wanted no part of leaving Houston. Both have the ability to put up points, but that might not be enough for this club,” said Moore.
Utah has won and covered four straight against New Orleans, including both meetings this season. Keep in mind that this will be the first trip for the Jazz to the Big Easy and the road hasn’t been a good thing for them (see above).
ESPN will provide national coverage of this game at 8:05 p.m. EST.
Heavy Home Favorites
As we mentioned in Tuesday’s Tip Sheet, favorites dominated the slate both Sunday and Monday. Things haven’t changed the last three days either, as the ‘chalk’ has improved to a 28-8 SU and 22-13 ATS run in the last five days.
Bettors need to ask themselves if they should continue to press tonight. If they do, they’re going to need to lay some lumber. Six of the 12 games features heavy home favorites, and all six are laying anywhere from nine to 16 1/2-points.
Toronto (32-24 SU, 32-23 ATS) vs. Indiana (22-36 SU, 26-32 ATS): The Raptors are 4-1 both SU and ATS since the All-Star break and all four wins have come by double digits. Meanwhile, the Pacers are 1-6 both SU and ATS in their last seven tilts. Toronto has won and covered all three meetings against Indiana this year, including a nine-point (110-101) victory on Nov. 16 as an eight-point home favorite.
Cleveland (32-26 SU, 27-31 ATS) vs. Minnesota (12-44 SU, 26-29 ATS): The Cavaliers enter this game a little banged up, as LeBron James sprained his ankle in a 92-87 loss to Boston on Wednesday. The All-Star finished with 26 points in the loss but is listed as ‘probable’ for tonight. The Cavs have won and covered four straight against the T-Wolves, including an 11-point (97-86) road triumph on Nov. 21. Minnesota has trouble scoring away from home (92 PPG), which has watched the ‘under’ go 16-8 (67%).
Boston (44-12 SU, 32-21 ATS) vs. Charlotte (19-38 SU, 22-23 ATS): The Bobcats are 1-11 SU and 1-10 ATS in their last 12 games, plus the team’s best player, Gerald Wallace (head), is expected to miss two weeks. Charlotte has allowed 104 PPG on the road en route to a pathetic 4-21 SU and 7-17 ATS ledger. Conversely Boston has held teams to 87 PPG at home, which has translated into an impressive 24-4 SU and 16-11 ATS record. Surprisingly, the ‘Cats have covered three straight against the Celtics and even captured outright victories in their last two trips to Massachusetts, most recently a 95-83 win on Jan. 9. Can you say revenge?
Dallas (38-20 SU, 24-31 ATS) vs. Sacramento (26-31 SU, 30-26 ATS): The Mavericks will look to bounce back tonight after losing a tough division battle on Thursday at San Antonio, 97-94. Avery Johnson’s team is 7-6 SU and 5-8 ATS on zero days rest. Dallas has played much better at home this season, producing a 24-3 SU and 11-13 ATS mark. The Mavs are 3-2 since point guard Jason Kidd joined the club. The three victories were against weak opponents (Bulls, Wolves, Grizzlies) and the two losses against playoff-bound teams (Spurs, Hornets). It’s safe to say Sacramento is viewed as weak, especially of late. Reggie Theus’ team has dropped three in a row, plus the defense has been missing in action. The Kings have given up 107, 115, 102, 107 and 123 in the last five games. Sac-Town stole a 122-120 decision against Dallas on Jan. 14 as a six-point home ‘dog. The ‘over’ easily hit and is 6-1 in the last seven head-to-head battles.
Houston (37-20 SU, 32-24 ATS) vs. Memphis (14-43 SU, 22-34 ATS): The Rockets own a 13-game winning streak and it appears No. 14 seems doable tonight, even without the services of big man Yao Ming (foot). The Rockets have taken six of the previous seven matches against the Grizzlies. Memphis has suffered six straight losses both SU and ATS, five coming by double digits.
Denver (34-23 SU, 29-28 ATS) vs. L.A. Clippers (19-36 SU, 24-31 ATS): The Nuggets are a dangerous team when they hit their shots, evidenced by a 138-spot they dropped on the Sonics in a win on Wednesday. At home, Denver has gone 22-7 SU and 17-12 ATS while averaging 109 PPG. Another victory seems doable, with the road weary L.A. Clippers (8-17 SU, 11-14 ATS) visiting Pepsi Center. The Clippers have dropped three straight games, averaging 83.3 PPG through the skid. Center Chris Kaman is ‘questionable’, plus the team waived veteran point guard Sam Cassell yesterday. The Nuggets whipped the Clippers 123-107 on Nov. 30 as 8 ½-point home favorites. The combined 230 points easily jumped ‘over’ the closing total, which was the first ‘over’ ticket in the previous 10 meetings.
Eastern Wars
New York (18-39 SU, 28-28 ATS) at Atlanta (24-32 SU, 27-27 ATS): Even though the Knicks are 6-22 SU on the road, they do own a decent 15-12 ATS mark. The Hawks counter with a 17-11 SU and 16-11 ATS record at home. This is the first meeting between the two teams this year. Last season, N.Y. was 2-1 both SU and ATS versus Atlanta. Total players should note that Atlanta scores 100 PPG at home, compared to 91 PPG on the road. Plus, the Knicks’ defense has allowed 104 PPG away from home, helping the ‘over’ go 19-9 (68%).
Washington (27-30 SU, 33-23 ATS) at Chicago (23-34 SU, 25-32 ATS): The Wizards have been competitive against the spread (17-11) on the road, but that hasn’t translated into their overall record (11-18) away from home. The Bulls have won two straight at home, yet are still 12-14 SU and 10-16 ATS. Chicago has started to pick up its tempo and total players have watched the ‘over’ go 5-0 in the last five. The Bulls have won and covered three in a row against the Wizards by 15, 33 and 11 points. The ‘under’ cashed in all three during this dominating stretch. The Wizards’ Caron Butler is not expected to play.
Quick Rematch
Los Angeles (41-17 SU, 37-20 ATS) at Portland (30-28 SU, 29-29 ATS): The Lakers dropped the Trail Blazers 96-83 on Tuesday, but failed to cover as 15 ½-point home favorites. Los Angeles trailed 51-44 at the break but outscored Portland by 20 points (52-32) in the final 24 minutes for the victory. The cover for the Blazers was the sixth straight for the club against the Lakers. Phil Jackson’s team will be playing its second game in two nights after beating Miami 106-88 on Thursday as a 14-point home favorite. The Purple and Gold own a solid 9-4 record both SU and ATS on zero days rest.
Heading to the West Coast
Miami (10-46 SU, 19-35 ATS) at Seattle (15-42 SU, 28-28 ATS): The Heat started their three-game West Coast trip with an 18-point (106-88) loss to the Lakers on Thursday. Pat Riley’s team hasn’t been good all year and certainly not in back-to-back spots, going 2-12 SU and 5-8-1 ATS. Eight of Seattle’s 15 victories have come against the Eastern Conference, which includes a 104-95 win against Miami in South Beach on Nov. 14 as a 6 ½-point road underdog. The combined 199 points jumped ‘over’ the closing total of 191. Miami has gone 6-17 against the West. Four of the last five meetings between these two squads has gone ‘over’.
Philadelphia (26-32 SU, 30-25 ATS) at Golden State (34-22 SU, 23-31 ATS): The Warriors finally played some defense on Tuesday, stopping Seattle 105-99. It was the first time in eight games that an opponent didn’t eclipse the century mark against Don Nelson’s team. Still, the Warriors are currently mired in a skid against the spread, going 1-7 during this stretch. Philadelphia has posted a 10-4 SU and 11-3 ATS record since Jan. 25 and begin its four-game trek out West with two straight victories. Golden State has won four straight meetings against Philadelphia, including a 100-98 victory on Nov. 24. The Warriors are 3-1 ATS during this stretch, plus the ‘under’ has gone 3-1 as well. The Sixers are 10-13 against the West, while the Warriors are 15-9 versus the East.
vegasinsider.com
Lakers rallied Heat at the Staples Center
I would guess Dwayne Wade was not really happy when he was told that he was going to be traded to the worst team in the NBA league, Miami.
The Heat has lost 27 of 29 games and future doesn’t look bright for the team that Shaq led to a first franchise championship just two years ago, and it also meant their 14 straight loss on the road. This time their defeat came in the hands of the Lakers, with Jordan Farmer shadowing Kobe Bryant as he scored a career-high 24 points over 21 from Kobe.
Final score was 106-88 and with this victory, Los Angeles maintained their dominance of a one-game-lead over the Spurs and two over the Suns and the Hornets, now the Lakers have 11 wins in a row, their longest strike since the 03’-04 season.
It seems like since the arrival of Pau Gasol who finished with 13, the Lakers have changed their course for good, and considering that Andrew Bynum hasn’t returned, I am kind of impressed with their plays, hopefully they will keep up with the rhythm until the end so we can see some incredible play-off matches, which are not too far away.
Patterson out for year with stress fracture
Associated Press
Kentucky freshman Patrick Patterson will miss the rest of the season because of a stress fracture in his left ankle.
Patterson, a blue chip recruit out of West Virginia who leads all Southeastern Conference freshman scorers with 16.4 points a game, had the injury confirmed after an X-ray Friday. He will be out approximately eight weeks and is wearing a cast on his foot, the school said.
The statement didn't indicate how Patterson got hurt, and a call to UK media relations wasn't immediately returned.
The injury is a blow for the Wildcats, who face No. 1 Tennessee on Sunday in a battle for first place in the SEC East.
The 6-foot-8 Patterson, who averages eight rebounds, has taken the vast majority of Kentucky's shots in the paint. Without him, the Wildcats may have to rely more heavily on sophomore forward Perry Stevenson and seldom-used junior Jared Carter and freshman Mo Williams.
Kentucky (16-10, 10-3) has three games remaining before the SEC tournament and may need multiple victories to sneak into the NCAA tournament.
Patterson led Huntington High to three straight West Virginia state championships, the last one alongside fellow phenom O.J. Mayo, who currently plays for Southern Cal.
Isiah tells Marbury to stay away from Knicks
by Marc Berman, New York Post
NEW YORK - Stephon Marbury has been instructed by Isiah Thomas not to attend Knicks home games — another indication of the continuing feud between the former pals, The New York Post has learned.
According to a Marbury confidant, the embattled point guard is under a gag order by Knicks management, forbidding him from speaking to the media. Marbury has not commented since his Jan. 22 ankle surgery. "They've got a muzzle on him," the confidant said.
Marbury began rehab 11 days ago at the club's Westchester practice facility, and he has wanted to join the club on the home bench at the Garden since the All-Star break, according to the friend. Marbury is one of three captains, along with Jamal Crawford and Malik Rose.
Thomas disrespected Marbury on Wednesday night when he talked about next season's backcourt and did not mention Marbury. Thomas said the Knicks need to add a point guard to next season's club, saying Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford and Fred Jones need help with ballhandling.
Thomas was given two chances to correct himself, but declined to add Marbury to next season's point-guard mix. Marbury still has one year left and $21 million on his pact — a valuable commodity for a team looking to get under the salary cap after the 2008-09 season.
Marbury has not attended a Knicks game since they faced the Nets at the Meadowlands Jan. 16 as he awaited word on his MRI. When surgery became more involved than anticipated — seven bone fragments were removed in a two-hour procedure — Marbury was not fit to attend games in the two weeks following the operation as he was on heavy pain medication.
But now, the friend said, he's ready to cheer on the club from the bench. The Post has reported Marbury is out for the season, though the Knicks won't acknowledge it.
"He's going to practice all the time, rehabbing, interacting, watching games on TV at home," Robinson said. "He supports us 100 percent."
That Marbury has been instructed not to travel with the club makes sense because it could interfere with rehab. But Marbury, the friend said, doesn't understand why he can't go to home games.
Insiders believe Thomas feels Marbury cost the Knicks the season by rebelling so strongly in November when the coach looked to remove Marbury from the starting lineup after five games. Marbury's bolting of Phoenix fractured the locker room. Thomas also resents Marbury for having surgery instead of trying to postpone it. "It was very bad timing for the team," the friend said, "but it had to be done."
Thomas said Wednesday if Marbury had the season he did in 2006-07, the Knicks "would've won five, six more games and we'd be right in the thick of things."