Saturday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
Getting right to the meat and potatoes of Saturday’s card, seven games will be showcased to the basketball world. The element that seems to be missing however is teams with a winning record going up against each other. Four of the 14 teams lacing up their shoes are playing above .500 ball, while the rest of the pack is struggling to make the grade (manufacturing losing record).
So, what looks like a lopsided Saturday let’s see if any of the underdogs actually have a chance at covering the spread.
**Portland at Indiana**
Building up a seven-game ATS losing streak, the Trail Blazers aren’t making the lives of handicappers and bettors easy. In a close, three-point win over Chicago on Wednesday (100-97), Portland shot well above its five-game field goal average of 43.8-precent (the Blazers shot 51-precent from the field). With Indiana hosting Portland on Saturday, an 8-0 SU and ATS record in eight head-to-head meetings has shown the Pacers dominance in this series. But Indiana is far from a success story, especially going 1-7 SU and 3-5 ATS in the last eight. Portland’s Brandon Roy has been listed as ‘questionable’ for Saturday, attending a family emergency.
**L.A. Clippers at Philadelphia**
Entering Philly with a 6-16 SU and 9-13 ATS slide on the road, the Clippers have a lot of work in-front of them for the rest of season. With Tim Thomas out of the lineup with back spasms, L.A. loses a bit of depth from the bench, and scoring only 94.4 PPG this group needs all the help it can get. With a 21-5 ATS record in its last 26 Saturday games, Philadelphia has also been cashing tickets at the window in the last six with a 5-0-1 ATS run. However, off one day of rest, the 76ers are 8-15-2 ATS.
**Memphis at New Orleans**
Dropping six of its last seven, the Grizzlies have given up an average of 108.2 PPG. For total players, Memphis has been able to cash ‘over’ plays 15 times in a sum of 27 games. New Orleans has capitalized in head-to-head meetings against Memphis with a 4-0 SU and 2-2 ATS performance in the last four. What could be more interesting to bettors is that the ‘over’ has gone 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between the two clubs.
**New York at Milwaukee**
The Bucks are struggling with a 4-11 SU and 6-8-1 ATS report in their last 15 games, but the Knicks are in a class of their own (and not a class to be proud of). With seven SU losses in a row and a 6-18 SU and 12-12 ATS skid in its last 24, New York is in serious need of a win. Losing Stephon Marbury for the season almost a month ago, the Knicks' Fred Jones has been upgraded as a starting guard with Jamal Crawford. The bad news is that New York is 4-9 SU since Marbury departed. In their last 10 head-to-head games, Milwaukee has gone 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS.
**Atlanta at Houston**
With Houston running their record to 29-20 SU and 25-23-1 ATS, the Hawks will no doubt have a tough time playing on the road. The Rockets have been orbiting the Association with a 14-3 SU and an 11-6 ATS profile in their last 17, and is defending their own house with a solid 91.5 PPG allowed this season. Look for the ‘under’ to possibly rear its head in this matchup, with the Hawks hitting the low total 19 times in the last 26 road games.
**Chicago at Utah**
There’s not much more to say about the Jazz that hasn’t already been said. Utah is 14-1 SU (12-3 ATS) and has taken 10 straight in a row. The Jazz have cashed tickets on the ‘under’ with a 6-1 run in the last seven. Not only are they downing teams playing under .500 ball, but teams like Denver, New Orleans, San Antonio and Houston have all been on the hit list in the last 10. Only snatching up four wins in their last 10, the Bulls have been hard to predict in the totals department. Cashing in on the ‘over' in its last four, but not before hitting the ‘over’ in four straight, Chicago’s total plays seem like the right move over selecting the point spread in the team's favor.
**Sacramento at Golden State**
Scoring 112.8 PPG in its last five, hitting 47-precent of its field goal shots and edging the ‘over’ nine times in the last 10, Golden State will face a Sacramento team looking for its eighth win in 11 games. The Kings maybe a bit undermanned however, with Brad Miller and Ron Artest both ‘probable’ for Saturday’s contest and Kenny Thomas and Beno Udrih suffering from the flu. On the road this season, Sacramento is giving up 103.4 PPG, while the Warriors have done worse with 108.4 PPG allowed at home.
vegasinsider.com
Saturday's Early Slate
By Judd Hall
Football is now a distant memory in all of our minds. And for some of us, that could be a good thing, considering what it did to our bankrolls. That means we can focus our attention solely on the college hardwood and some nice early action on Saturday.
Marquette at Notre Dame
The Golden Eagles have played at an even keel recently, going 3-3 in their last six matches. However, Marquette (16-5 straight up, 7-9 ATS) has been a popular fade target recently, posting a 1-5 record against the number during that stretch. Tom Crean’s crew has watched the ‘under’ go 5-3-1 during their past nine contests this season.
Notre Dame (17-4 SU, 8-10 ATS) is possibly the best team that not a lot of people are talking about right now. The Irish have won their last four games. And they’ve seen the ‘over’ go on a 7-0 run recently. The Fighting Irish are just 1 ½ games out of first place in the Big East Conference behind the Hoyas.
Marquette is 3-4 SU and ATS away from the Bradley Center this season.
The Irish have been formidable at home this year, going 14-1 SU, but just 6-7 ATS.
The ‘over’ has come through in the last three head-to-head meetings of these programs. Meanwhile, Marquette is 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS versus the Fighting Irish in its last five tilts.
Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m. EDT with ESPN taking care of the broadcasting duties.
Boston College at Duke
Boston College (12-9 SU, 6-10 ATS) has been disappointing the fan base in the last month, going 0-5 SU and ATS since Jan. 19. The Eagles have seen the ‘under’ go on a 3-0 run.
Duke (20-1 SU, 13-6-1 ATS) riding a 10-game winning streak, while going 7-2-1 against the number in that stretch. The Blue Devils have been killing it beyond the arch right now, averaging nine three-pointers this season. In their 89-78 win at North Carolina as four-point road ‘dogs, the Devils hit 13 shots from long distance alone. Duke has watched the ‘over’ cash tickets for six straight contests.
The Blue Devils are 11-0 SU and 8-1-1 at Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. Meanwhile, Boston College is 2-3 SU and ATS when taking to the road this year.
Duke is 6-0 SU and 2-3-1 ATS when facing off with the Eagles since 2001. The ‘over’ has hit in each meeting.
CBS will be televising this matchup that begins at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
Iowa at Minnesota
The Hawkeyes alternated wins and losses in their last five fixtures, but have covered the spread in four straight. Iowa (11-13 SU, 10-11 ATS) has also seen the ‘under’ go on a nice streak, going 4-1 in its last five games.
Minnesota (14-7 SU, 9-7 ATS) is possibly on an upswing, going 2-1 SU and ATS in its last three contests. And the Golden Gophers have been in a lot of high scoring battles recently, too, by seeing the ‘over’ go 4-1 in their last five fixtures.
Iowa has owned the Gophers in the recent series, going 4-1 SU and 2-2-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The ‘over’ has been solid, posting a 4-1 mark in those five showdowns.
ESPN will be showing this contest that tips off at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
vegasinsider.com
Saturday's Late Slate
By Brian Edwards
**Oklahoma State at Kansas State**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Kansas State (16-5 straight up, 9-6 against the spread) as a nine-point favorite with a 138-point total. The Wildcats will be looking for their eighth win in their last nine games. They are also hoping to keep pace with Kansas in the Big 12 standings. KU has a one-half game lead over K-St. with 7-1 and 6-1 conference records, respectively.
--Frank Martin’s team is led by a pair of outstanding freshmen in Michael Beasley and Bill Walker. Beasley might be the best player in America, averaging 25.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. Walker produces 15.9 PPG and 6.7 RPG.
--Kansas State is off a 74-59 win over Nebraska as a 10 ½-point home ‘chalk.’ The spread cover was the sixth for K-St. in its last seven games. Beasley was the catalyst with another monster performance, scoring 35 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.
--Oklahoma State (11-11 SU, 5-9 ATS) snapped a six-game losing streak by beating Colorado 64-63 on Wednesday. However, the Cowboys failed to cover the number as nine-point home favorites.
--Sean Sutton’s squad is an abysmal 2-6 ATS in eight underdog spots.
--The Cowboys have won five in a row against K-St., covering the spread in each of the last three meetings.
--The ‘over’ is 10-5 overall for the Wildcats, 4-3 in their home games. Meanwhile, the ‘under’ has cashed in five straight games for the Cowboys.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
**North Carolina State at Maryland**
--LVSC opened Maryland (15-8 SU, 8-10 ATS) as an 8 ½-point favorite for this crucial ACC showdown. Both teams are vying to improve their respective resumes in order to garner an at-large invite to the NCAA Tournament, and both still have work to do.
--Gary Williams’ team is currently in a third-place tie with Clemson in the ACC with a 5-3 record. The Terrapins got out to an immensely slow start, losing at home to American and Ohio to fall to 6-6. But they are 9-2 since then, including a shocking 82-80 win at North Carolina as 18-point underdogs three weeks ago.
--North Carolina State (15-7 SU, 5-13 ATS) is tied for sixth in the ACC with a 4-4 record. The Wolfpack are off a 73-63 win over Virginia Tech as two-point home favorites. J.J. Hickson paced the winners with 21 points, four rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists.
--Williams picked up his 600th career win Wednesday when Maryland captured a 70-65 win at Boston College as a one-point road ‘chalk.’ Greivis Vasquez had a brilliant game, scoring 25 points to go with eight assists and six rebounds. James Gist added 23 points and seven boards, burying 9-of-11 shots from the field.
--Sidney Lowe’s squad owns a 3-4 spread record in seven games as an underdog.
--N.C. St.’s Brandon Costner (9.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG) is “questionable” with bruised ribs. Costern did not play against the Hokies.
--The ‘over’ is 10-8 overall for Maryland, but the ‘under’ is 6-4 in its home games. The ‘over’ is on a 6-2 run for the Terps (regardless of venue).
--The ‘over is on a 12-3 run for the Wolfpack, who have watched the ‘over’ hit at a 12-7 overall clip.
**Georgetown at Louisville**
--LVSC opened Louisville (17-6 SU, 10-10 ATS) as a 2½-point favorite with a total of 124. On Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours, I speculated that this number would be 3 ½ or four, while Lawrence thought the line would be three. Lawrence suggested that this would be a low-scoring game and to look at the ‘under,’ but he was hoping for 125 or more for the total.
--Georgetown (19-2 SU, 8-10 ATS) has won six in a row since losing 69-60 at Pittsburgh on Jan. 14. The Hoyas are 3-3 ATS during that stretch. They have only one other defeat this year – at Memphis.
--John Thompson III has his Hoyas atop the Big East with a 9-1 record, 1 ½ games ahead of second-place Notre Dame.
--Rick Pitino’s team is coming on strong after injuries and suspensions led to a disappointing 5-3 start. But U of L is 7-3 in Big East play and can pull to within one game of the conference lead with a win in this spot.
--The Cardinals have won 11 of 13 home games at Freedom Hall, but they have a mediocre 4-7 spread record.
--Louisville has a 6-3 spread record in nine games as a single-digit favorite. The Cards are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 outings.
--Georgetown is 1-1 both SU and ATS as an underdog this season, winning outright as a 3 ½-point ‘dog at West Virginia. The Hoyas are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS in five Big East road games.
--The ‘under’ is 14-7 overall for Louisville, 8-3 in its home games.
--The ‘under’ has cashed in five consecutive Georgetown games. The ‘under’ is 13-5 overall for the Hoyas.
--ESPN will provide television coverage at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--Great stat from Lawrence, who joined me about 15 minutes into Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours on VI Radio: In Duke’s last 14 games coming off a showdown against North Carolina, the Blue Devils have limped to a 3-10-1 ATS record. They play host to Boston College at 1:00 p.m Eastern on CBS. LVSC opened Duke at 17, but the number was up to 19 at most spots Friday night.
--Georgia is way up high on my fade radar right now. I have successfully faded the Dawgs in their last four games (at South Carolina, at Tennessee, vs. Kentucky and vs. Vandy). They play Saturday in Gainesville at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. The Gators opened as 12-point home favorites. UGA’s second-leading scorer Billy Humphrey (13.1 PPG) has been suspended for the next three games after his arrest Thursday morning on a misdemeanor charge for possession of alcohol by a minor.
--Purdue freshman forward Scott Martin (8.9 PPG) is not expected to play Saturday at Wisconsin. Martin sprained his ankle in the Boilermakers’ 67-53 win Tuesday over Penn State. Purdue opened as a 9 ½-point ‘dog for the 9:00 p.m. Eastern tip in Madison.
vegasinsider.com.
ASA: Midwest region report
February 8, 2008
Horizon League
Illinois-Chicago: Sophomore point guard Spencer Stewart doesn’t score that many points and he doesn’t shoot that well from the field but his return to full health has definitely paid dividends. Stewart, who leads the team in assists, missed six games at the start of league play and was hobbled for two games after that, a stretch in which the Flames went just 2-6 SU and 4-4 ATS. He returned to full-time duty two games ago and Illinois-Chicago won both games outright and ATS, largely due to his ability to move the ball.
Wisconsin-Green Bay: Starting forward Randy Berry is expected to miss this weekend’s game with Butler with a sprained ankle. He has missed the last five games and the Phoenix are averaging just 65.5 points per game over that span, four points per game less than their season average. Berry doesn’t score a lot (6.8 ppg) but he provides inside scoring and is the team’s second-leading rebounder.
Mid-American Conference
Akron: The Zips lost leading scorer and rebounder Jeremiah Wood in the second half of their 86-66 loss at Western Michigan. Wood suffered a deep knee bruise that was aggravated early in the second half. He is averaging 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game and is questionable for Saturday’s game with Ball State.
Eastern Michigan: Reserve center James Matthews, who was the team’s third-leading rebounder and shot 50 percent from the field, was recently dismissed from the team for conduct detrimental to the team.
Miami (OH): Tim Pollitz and Michael Bramos have led the RedHawks in scoring all season but it has been the recent surge from junior guard Kenny Hayes that has propelled Miami to a four-game winning streak. Hayes has averaged 19.6 points over his last seven games, which has allowed the RedHawks, who are averaging just 61.3 points per game on the season, to average 68.5 points over their last four.
Northern Illinois: Second-leading scorer Jarvis Nichols returned from a two-game absence Tuesday night to lead the Huskies in scoring with 22 points. Northern Illinois lost to Buffalo 89-81 but the 81 points were a vast improvement over the 53 points per game the Huskies averaged with Nichols sidelined.
Ohio: Starting guards Michael Allen and Bert Whittington IV have both been slowed by injuries recently and it showed in Ohio’s 63-56 loss at Eastern Michigan. The two combined to shoot just 4-of-11 in the loss, scoring five fewer points than their combined season average.
Missouri Valley Conference
Drake: The Bulldogs’ 73-70 win over Illinois State Tuesday gave them a four-game lead in the MVC, with just six games to play. Te 15th-ranked Bulldogs are 12-0 in conference play and 21-1 overall on the season. The local newspapers have already started to claim that the conference title is all but wrapped up so be aware of possible complacency on Drake’s part.
Illinois State: Second-half letdowns have been commonplace in Illinois State home games recently. The Redbirds took big leads into halftime against Drake, Indiana State, Evansville and Northern Iowa but failed to cover each of those games after struggling in the second stanza. They took an average halftime lead of 10 points in those games but have been outscored by an average of 6.8 points in the second half of those contests.
Missouri State: Starting center Drew Richards, who had missed the previous eight games with mononucleosis, returned to the lineup Wednesday against Bradley. He was limited to just eight minutes but contributed four points in his time on the court. For the season, Richards is averaging 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and a team-best 1.4 blocks.
Wichita State: Matt Braeuer, who is third on the team in scoring and second in both assists and steals, returned from a 10-game absence due to concussion complications Wednesday against Evansville. He was limited to just 12 minutes of action but his nine points helped Wichita State jump to a 31-20 halftime lead.
(16) Marquette (16-5, 7-9 ATS) at (22) Notre Dame (17-4, 9-9 ATS)
Marquette, which had its three-game winning streak snapped in embarrassing fashion on Monday, looks to get rolling again when it travels to Big East rival Notre Dame, which hopes to avenge a blowout loss to the Golden Eagles earlier this season.
For the second time this season, Marquette got pounded by Louisville, this time falling 71-57 Monday as a three-point home chalk as it shot just 32 percent from the field (16 of 50). The Golden Eagles (6-4, 3-7 ATS Big East) have failed to cover the number five times in their last six outings (3-3 SU), including twice to the Cardinals, who again held Marquette under 60 points.
Notre Dame drummed Seton Hall 95-69 on Wednesday as a one-point road favorite for its fourth straight victory (2-2 ATS). The Fighting Irish (7-2, 5-4 ATS Big East) shot a sizzling 54.7 percent (35 of 64), including 47.4 percent from 3-point range (9 of 19), and they killed the Pirates on the boards (44-29).
Marquette routed Notre Dame 92-66 last month laying 6½ points at home, moving to 3-1 the last four in this series (2-2 ATS). In last year’s lone meeting, the Irish posted an 85-73 home win as a 5½-point favorite.
The Golden Eagles are 3-9 ATS on their last 12 road trips and 1-4 ATS in their last five coming off a SU loss.
The Fighting Irish are a perfect 14-0 at home, including 5-0 in Big East play (3-2 ATS). However, like Marquette, Notre Dame carries mostly negative ATS trends into this contest, including 0-2 at home, 1-4 following a SU win, 1-4 following a spread-cover and 5-13 after a SU win of more than 20 points.
The over is on a 7-0 run for Notre Dame, including last month’s meeting with Marquette (total 142½). Also for the Irish, the over is on streaks of 6-2 at home, 5-1 off a spread-cover, 5-0 against teams with a losing road record and 36-17-1 on Saturday. For Marquette, the over is on runs of 6-1 on Saturday, 11-4 on the highway and 18-8 in Big East play.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NOTRE DAME and OVER
Boston College (12-9, 6-10 ATS) at (2) Duke (20-1, 13-6-1 ATS)
Boston College brings its five-game losing streak into one of the most unlikely places to end such a slide, traveling to Durham to meet the red-hot Blue Devils in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup.
Boston College fell to Maryland 70-65 Wednesday as a one-point home underdog, dropping to 0-5 ATS during its losing skid, including 0-4 ATS as an underdog. The Eagles, who started out 3-0 SU and ATS in the ACC, have broken 70 points only once in their last five starts, and that was an 81-73 overtime loss to Virginia Tech at home.
Duke traveled to Chapel Hill and knocked off archrival and third-ranked North Carolina 89-78 Wednesday for its 10th consecutive win. The Blue Devils covered as a 4 ½-point road underdog, improving to 7-2-1 ATS during their winning streak, including 7-0-1 ATS in ACC play. Duke, which sits alone atop the ACC standings at 8-0, blistered Carolina from three-point range, hitting 13 of 29 (44.8 percent), while holding the Tar Heels to just 3 of 17 from long distance (17.6 percent). The Blue Devils rank 11th nationally in three-point defense.
Duke is on a 6-0 run in this series (2-3-1 ATS), winning and covering both meetings last year, including a 75-61 home rout giving 10 points. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five contests.
The Eagles are 0-3 ATS on their last three road trips and have a wave of other negative ATS trends, including 1-6 on Saturday and 0-4 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The Blue Devils are 8-1-1 ATS at home this season (3-0-1 ATS in their last four) and have additional positive ATS trends of 5-0-1 after a spread-cover and 7-3-1 in Saturday games.
Duke has hurdled the posted price in six straight games, including clearing the 164-point mark against North Carolina. The over is also on runs for Duke of 6-0 against teams with a winning record, 6-1 on Saturday and 30-11 in ACC contests. Meanwhile, Boston College has followed up a 5-0 “over” tear by staying low in its last three. However, the over is 4-1 in the Eagles’ last five on Saturdays.
Finally, each of the last six meetings in this series – dating to 2001 – has gone over the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE and OVER
(18) Texas (19-4, 9-8 ATS) A&M at Missouri (13-10, 7-10 ATS)
The Aggies, who have won and covered four in a row, travel to Columbia for a Big 12 meeting with Missouri, which has alternated wins and losses over its past five starts.
Texas A&M dropped Iowa State 69-51 as a six-point road chalk Tuesday and has followed up an 0-4 ATS slide with a 4-0 ATS surge. The Aggies’ seventh-ranked shooting defense was again the key, holding Iowa State to 35.6 percent from the field – two points below A&M’s season average of 37.7. During their four-game run, the Aggies (5-3, 4-4 ATS Big 12) have given up no more than 63 points, holding three opponents to 56 or less.
Missouri, coming off a home upset of Kansas State, tumbled at Kansas 90-71 on Monday, falling just shy as an 18½-point underdog to drop to 1-4 ATS in its last five (2-3 SU). The Tigers (3-5 SU and ATS Big 12) nearly matched the Jayhawks from the field, shooting 46.7 percent to Kansas’ 47.0, but Missouri went 0-for-10 from 3-point range and got pounded on the boards (46-23).
Texas A&M is on a 6-0 ATS run in this series (4-2 SU), winning last year’s lone meeting 94-78 as a 13½-point home favorite. The favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 encounters.
The Aggies are on positive ATS runs of 9-3 on Saturday, 19-8 on roadies, 4-0 against teams with a winning record, 18-7 against teams with a winning home record and 6-2 as a favorite of less than seven points.
The Tigers are 11-1 SU at home, going 6-1 ATS in the last seven. However, they’re on negative ATS runs of 6-16 on Saturday and 0-5 against teams with a winning record.
For Texas A&M, the under is 11-5 this season, including 3-1 in its last four starts and 4-1 in true road games. For Missouri, the under is 17-8 in its last 25 Saturday starts, but the over has cashed in 15 of its last 22 overall (2-0 last two) and is 9-4 in its last 13 conference contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M
Georgia (11-9, 7-9 ATS) at Florida (18-5, 9-5 ATS)
Georgia, looking to halt a four-game SU and ATS slide, makes the trip to Gainesville to face the two-time defending national champion Gators in a Southeastern Conference matchup of archrivals.
Georgia is coming off Tuesday’s 67-59 loss to Vanderbilt as a 2½-point home favorite, falling to 2-5 SU and ATS in the SEC. The Bulldogs are averaging 68.4 ppg for the season but have been held to 59 or less the last three games and are averaging just 62 per game in SEC play.
Florida suffered a rare blowout loss Tuesday, getting crushed 104-82 at Tennessee as a 9½-point chalk for its second consecutive SU and ATS defeat. The Gators (5-3, 6-2 ATS in the SEC) gave up a season-high in points as they got outscored 60-34 in the second half. Florida ranks seventh in the nation in shooting at 49.5 percent and was even better than that against the Vols (53.8 percent). However, the Gators gave up 13 three-pointers while making just five.
Florida is on an 8-0 run in this series (5-3 ATS), going 3-0 SU and ATS last season, including a 67-51 win at home as a 14½-point favorite and a 74-57 rout giving 9½ points in the SEC tournament. The Gators have won the last seven matchups by at least 10 points. The road team, however, is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
The Bulldogs are 0-3 ATS on the highway in SEC play and have lost their last four road contests overall (1-3 ATS). They are on further negative ATS runs of 2-6 on the road and 5-15 versus teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The Gators are 5-1 ATS in lined home games this year, including 4-0 ATS in the last four and 3-0 ATS in SEC play. Also, prior to getting blown out in its last two games, Billy Donovan’s squad had been on a 7-0 ATS run overall and a 10-0 ATS roll in league action. On the negative side, Florida is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 following a non-cover.
The under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in this series and is 6-0 in the last six clashes in Gainesville. For Georgia, the under is on streaks of 3-0 overall, 37-18-1 on the road (4-2 on the road this year) and 6-2 in SEC play. For Florida, the under is 3-1 in its last four overall and 4-0 against teams with a winning record.
ATS ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA and UNDER
(7) Tennessee (20-2, 11-7 ATS) at LSU (8-13, 4-12 ATS)
Some 24 hours after finding out coach John Brady had been fired, LSU faces the daunting task of taking on SEC East leader Tennessee at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.
With this team in a 1-9 nosedive (1-6 in SEC play), Brady was given the boot on Friday, although there were reports that he may be allowed to coach this one final game today. Regardless of who is on the sidelines, he’ll be guiding a team that’s coming off last Saturday’s 81-72 loss at Alabama. The Tigers barely cashed as a 9½-point road underdog in that contest, their second straight spread-cover after going 2-12 ATS to open the season.
Trailing 48-44 to Florida at halftime on Tuesday, Tennessee flipped the switch in the second half and rolled to a 104-82 victory as a 9½-point home chalk, the team’s fourth straight win and cover. The Vols have the best record in the SEC, regardless of division, at 8-1 (6-2 ATS), including 3-1 SU and ATS on the road.
These teams met twice last year – once in the regular season, once in the SEC tournament. The Vols took the first meeting 70-67, but LSU prevailed 76-67 in overtime in the tournament. The Tigers cashed in both contests and are 3-0 ATS in the last three. Also, the underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last eight series clashes.
LSU is just 6-4 at the Maravich Center this season, failing to cover in any of its five lined home games. Meanwhile, Tennessee is 8-2 as a visitor, and after going 0-4 ATS in its first four on the highway, Bruce Pearl’s squad is 5-1 ATS in its last six.
The Vols have cashed in five of their last six Saturday contests, but LSU is 5-22-1 ATS in its last 28 on Saturday. What’s more, the Tigers are mired in ATS funks of 12-25-1 in the SEC, 8-22-1 at home and 4-15-1 following a spread cover.
The under is 4-1 in Tennessee’s last five on the highway and 4-1 in its last five on Saturday. The under is also 21-8 in LSU’s last 29 at home (4-1 this year) and 21-6 in its last 27 on Saturday. However, the Tigers have topped the total in four of their last five overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
USC (15-7, 13-7 ATS) at (17) Washington State (17-5, 10-11 ATS)
The Trojans aim for a sweep of their Pacific Northwest road trip when they pull into Pullman for a Pac-10 battle against freefalling Washington State.
Southern Cal rolled past Washington 73-59 Thursday as a one-point road favorite, moving to 6-1 SU and ATS in its last seven contests. The Trojans, who dropped their first three Pac-10 games, are now 6-4 in league play (7-3 ATS). Against the Huskies, they hit a solid 51.9 percent from the floor (27 of 52) and held Washington to just 36.1 percent, including a stifling 2 of 21 from 3-point range. Over their last five games, the Trojans have outshot opponents by nearly 13 percentage points (51.4-38.7).
Washington State dropped its third in a row on Thursday, losing to UCLA 67-59 as a 2½-point home underdog, its sixth straight ATS setback (2-4 SU). The Cougars (5-5, 3-7 ATS Pac-10) have averaged 67.5 ppg this season, but that’s dropped to 61.6 over the past five games, during which they’ve allowed opponents to shoot 49 percent from the field. Wazu still ranks third nationally in points allowed (55.8), but they’ve given up 67 or more to four of their last five opponents.
Washington State has won four of the last five in this series (3-2 ATS), including a 73-58 road whipping of USC last month as a one-point pup. Last year, the Cougars won two of three meetings, including an 88-86 overtime home win giving six points. Finally, the Trojans are 6-2 ATS on their last eight trips to Pullman, and the road team is on a 4-0 ATS run in this rivalry.
USC has won nine of 12 on the highway this year (road and neutral sites), and they come into this one riding a four-game SU and a five-game ATS winning streak as a visitor, all in Pac-10 play. The Trojans are on additional positive ATS runs of 26-9 on Saturday, 19-7 on road trips, 6-2 against teams with a winning record and 35-17 on the highway against teams with a winning home mark.
Since starting the season 8-0 in Pullman, the Cougars have dropped three in a row on their own floor, and they’re 0-4 ATS in their last four, all against Pac-10 opponents. Furthermore, Washington State is bogged down in negative ATS ruts of 2-5 coming off a SU loss, 2-6 on Saturday and 3-10 versus teams with a winning record.
For USC, the over is on upticks of 16-5 in Pac-10 play, 9-4 on Saturday and 4-1 against teams with a winning record. For Washington State, the over is on a 4-1 run overall and is also 6-2 in its last eight against teams with a winning road record. The total has also cleared the posted price each of the last three meetings in this series.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SOUTHERN CAL and OVER
Georgia Tech (11-10, 10-9 ATS) at UConn (17-5, 8-9-1 ATS)
The Yellow Jackets, who have won four of five to get above .500 on the year, take a break from ACC play but hardly get a breather when they visit surging Connecticut.
Georgia Tech rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit on Wednesday to top Wake Forest 89-83 as a 2½-point road pup, improving to 5-1 ATS in its last six starts (4-2 SU). For the season, Tech is pouring in 78.6 ppg, but the Jackets have averaged 84.5 points over the past six.
Connecticut squeaked past Syracuse 63-61 Wednesday for its sixth straight victory, covering as a 2 ½-point ‘dog (4-1-1 ATS during the winning streak). The Huskies, with the nation’s eighth-ranked shooting defense at 37.7 percent, stayed true to that number in allowing the Orange to shoot just 37.3 percent. UConn, which surrenders only 68.4 ppg, has held its last four opponents to 67 points or less.
These two teams also met exactly a year ago, with Tech rolling to a 65-52 home victory laying six points. The Yellow Jackets earned a small measure of revenge in that one after losing 82-73 to UConn as a five-point underdog in the 2004 NCAA Championship Game.
The Yellow Jackets have won and covered on their last three road trips, all as underdogs, and they’re 7-3 ATS as a pup this year. But they are 1-4 ATS in their last five Saturday starts.
The Huskies are 11-1 at home this year, including 3-0 in the last three (2-0-1 ATS), and they’re 4-1-1 ATS in their last six following a SU win. However, UConn is on ATS slides of 3-7 on Saturday, 2-6 against ACC teams, 2-10 in non-conference play and 2-10-1 following a spread-cover.
For Connecticut, the under is on surges of 4-0 overall, 6-2 at home this year and 6-2 on Saturdays. However, the over is 12-4 in the last 16 against teams with a winning road record (Yellow Jackets are 5-4 on the highway). Conversely, Georgia Tech has topped the total in eight straight games overall, five straight on the road, four straight on Saturday and 13 of 16 versus teams with a winning percentage above .600.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CONNECTICUT
Oregon (13-9, 9-9-2 ATS) at Cal (14-7, 10-8 ATS)
Cal guns for its fourth consecutive victory and looks to avenge last month’s loss at Oregon when it hosts the struggling Ducks in a Pac-10 clash.
The Golden Bears struggled to put away last-place Oregon State on Thursday, prevailing 81-76 but coming up way short as a 15 ½-point home chalk. The victory not only was the third in a row for Cal (5-5, 4-6 ATS in league play), but it snapped the team’s four-game home losing skid.
Oregon suffered its worst loss of the season on Thursday at Stanford, getting crushed 72-43 as a 9½-point road underdog. The Ducks have lost five of their last six (all in the Pac-10), going 1-4-1 ATS and falling to 4-6 in conference play (4-5-1 ATS).
The SU winner is 8-1-1 ATS in Oregon’s Pac-10 games, 9-1 ATS in Cal’s conference contests and 7-2-1 in the last 10 series meetings.
The Ducks topped Cal 79-70 as a 5 ½-point home chalk on Jan. 10, improving to 3-1 (2-2 ATS) in the last four head-to-head battles. Oregon has cashed in the last two battles after Cal went 6-0-1 ATS in the previous seven. Finally, nine of the last 10 in this series have been decided by single digits.
The Bears are 0-5 ATS in their last five at home, all against Pac-10 rivals.
Oregon is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 on Saturday, but 2-4 ATS this season as an underdog.
Cal has topped the total in six consecutive games, and the over is 8-3 in its 11 home games (4-0 in the last four). Also, the over is 6-2 in the last eight series meetings at Cal. On the flip side, the under is 6-2 in Oregon’s last eight, including 3-0 on the road
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Baylor (17-4, 7-6 ATS) at (4) Kansas (22-1, 14-7 ATS)
Kansas looks to continue its dominance of Baylor when these rivals clash in a key Big 12 matchup at Allen Fieldhouse.
The Jayhawks have bounced back nicely from their first loss of the season with a pair of double-digit victories. Last Saturday, they topped Colorado 72-59, but failed to cover as a 17½-point favorite, then they routed Missouri 90-71 on Monday, barely covering as an 18½-point chalk. Kansas is 7-1 in the Big 12 (5-3 ATS), including 4-0 SU and ATS at home (all as a double-digit favorite).
Baylor got past Texas Tech 80-74 to halt a two-game slide. However, the Bears failed to cover as a 7½-point home favorite, their third consecutive non-cover. They’re now 5-2 in league play, but only 3-4 ATS (2-1 ATS as an underdog).
The Jayhawks own a six-game winning streak against Baylor, including an 82-56 rout on the road in last year’s lone meeting. Kansas covered easily as a 9½-point favorite in that contest and is 3-0 ATS in its last three trips to Baylor. In fact, the road team has cashed in six straight in this series.
Baylor is 7-2 in road/neutral-site games this season, going 6-1 ATS in lined games. The Bears are also 4-2 ATS as an underdog.
Kansas is on ATS streaks of 8-3 following a SU victory and 6-2 on Saturdays.
This figures to be a high-scoring affair, as Baylor averages 80.7 ppg on 45.6 percent shooting, while Kansas ranks ninth in the nation with 82.8 ppg and second nationally in field-goal offense at 51.2 percent.
Baylor has jumped over the total in all seven Big 12 games, and going back to last year, the over is 11-1 in its last 12 league contests. Meanwhile, the over is 8-2 in Kansas’ last 10, including 5-0 at home and 6-2 in Conference action.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(10) Butler (20-2, 11-8-2 ATS) at Wisconsin-Green Bay (13-9, 10-8-1 ATS)
Butler faces its second straight difficult Horizon League road game when it travels to Wisconsin-Green Bay, which is 9-1 on its home floor.
The Bulldogs rallied to top Valparaiso 71-68 on Tuesday, pushing as a three-point road chalk. Butler has a two-game lead in the Horizon League with a 9-2 record, including an ongoing four-game winning streak. However, the Bulldogs are 3-6-2 ATS in league action after going 8-2 ATS in non-conference play.
The Phoenix come into this contest on a 4-1 run (3-1-1 ATS), including Thursday’s 76-71 overtime victory over Valparaiso as a 1½-point home favorite. Wisconsin-Green Bay is 9-1 at home (4-4 ATS), the only loss coming to instate rival Wisconsin-Milwaukee (65-61 as a 5½-point chalk).
Butler has won seven straight in this rivalry, going 5-2 ATS. One of those non-covers came on Jan. 10 in Indiana, as the Bulldogs prevailed 74-65 but came up way short as a 15-point home chalk. However, they’re 3-0 SU and ATS in their last three trips to Wisconsin-Green Bay, and the visitor has cashed in six of the last eight series meetings.
The Bulldogs have been road warriors all season, going 11-2 on the highway, but just 5-5-2 ATS. That includes a 3-2 record in Horizon League road games (0-3-2 ATS). Additionally, going back to last year, Butler is 2-9-2 ATS in its last 13 contests against Horizon League rivals.
Wisconsin-Green Bay is 1-7-1 ATS in its last eight games following a spread-cover and 0-4-1 ATS in its last five on Saturdays.
The under is 3-0 in the last three meetings in Green Bay. The under is also 11-3 in Butler’s last 14 on the road and 22-8 in Wisconsin-Green Bay’s last 31 at home, including 5-1 in the last six.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(6) Georgetown (19-2, 8-10 ATS) at Louisville (17-6, 10-10-1 ATS)
Georgetown looks to maintain its grip on first place in the 16-team Big East when it visits Louisville in an important league battle.
The Hoyas carry a six-game winning streak into this contest, including consecutive double-digit home wins over Seton Hall last Saturday (73-61) and South Florida on Tuesday (63-53). However, Georgetown, which leads the Big East with a 9-1 record, failed to cash in both contests, and is just 4-6 ATS in conference.
Louisville hammered Marquette 71-57 as a three-point road underdog on Monday, its second straight win and cover. The Cardinals are 7-2 in conference (6-2-1 ATS), with the last six victories coming by double digits.
The Hoyas went to Freedom Hall last year and won 73-65 as a one-point road favorite in the first meeting between the schools since 2000.
Going back to the non-conference season, Georgetown is just 5-7 ATS overall, including 3-3 ATS on the road. In Big East play, the Hoyas are 4-1 SU on the highway (3-2 ATS). Dating to last year, they’re on ATS streaks of 17-8-2 in conference, 20-8 following a non-cover and 14-6-1 on the road. However, Georgetown has failed to cash in eight of its last 10 Saturday games.
Louisville is 23-8-2 ATS in its last 33 Big East contests, including 3-1 ATS in league home games this season.
The under is 8-2 in Georgetown’s last 10 overall, including 5-0 in the last five and 5-0 in Big East road games. For the season, the under is 13-5 in Hoyas games, including 8-1 on the highway. The under is also on runs of 47-20 for Georgetown overall, 37-14 for Georgetown in the Big East, 11-3 for Georgetown on Saturdays, 10-4 for Louisville overall and 8-3 for Louisville at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(24) Purdue (18-5, 11-9 ATS) at (8) Wisconsin (19-3, 9-10 ATS)
First place in the Big Ten is on the line at the Kohl Center in Madison, where the eighth-ranked Badgers host red-hot Purdue.
Wisconsin edged Iowa 60-54 on Wednesday, coming up just short as a 6 ½-point road chalk. The Badgers have won three in a row and they’re 9-1 in the Big Ten, but just 4-6 ATS, all as a favorite.
Purdue ran its winning streak to eight in a row with Tuesday’s 67-53 rout of Penn State, cashing as an 11-point home chalk. The Boilermakers (9-1, 8-2 ATS in league play) are tied atop the Big Ten standings with Wisconsin, a half-game ahead of Indiana and two games clear of Michigan State.
One of Purdue’s victims during its current winning streak was Wisconsin, which went to West Lafayette on Jan. 26 as a 1 ½-point favorite and fell 60-56. The Boilermakers are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings (all as an underdog). However, the home team is 8-1 in the last nine series clashes (7-2 ATS).
Since failing to cover as an 11-point favorite in a 65-58 home win over Michigan in their Big Ten opener, the Boilermakers are on an 8-1 ATS roll, including 4-0 ATS on the road and 4-0 ATS as an underdog. They’re also on positive pointspread streaks of 6-1 as an underdog this year, 4-0 on Saturdays and 6-1 following a spread-cover.
Wisconsin beat Indiana 62-49 in its most recent home game, cashing as a four-point chalk to end an 0-7 ATS slump at the Kohl Center. The Badgers are also 1-6 ATS in their last seven on Saturday.
The under is 7-3 in Wisconsin’s 10 conference contests, including 5-1 in the last six. The under is also 8-3 at the Kohl Center this year (4-1 in league home games). Also, the under is 4-1 in Purdue’s last five overall, 36-17 in Purdue’s last 53 Big Ten games, 35-17 in Wisconsin’s last 52 league contests and 4-0 in the last four series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PURDUE and UNDER
gametimepicks.com
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Indiana Pacers
- The Portland Trail Blazers and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Portland were 0-for-8 from three-point land in Friday's 91-82 loss at Detroit, falling as 11-point road underdogs. The 173 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 181.
LaMarcus Aldridge notched a game-high 22 points, and Jarrett Jack managed ten points for the Trailblazers.
Kareem Rush dropped 24 points to go along with seven rebounds to lead the Pacers over the New York Knicks 103-100 on Wednesday night.
The Pacers upset the Knicks as 2.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 206.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Portland: 28-21 SU, 27-22 ATS
Indiana: 20-30 SU, 24-25-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 2-8
After a loss are 8-2
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing New York are 7-3
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Portland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Portland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Portland is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games at home
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland at Houston, Monday, February 11
Indiana home to Boston, Tuesday, February 12
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
The Clippers shot 52.9% from the field in Friday's 102-98 win at Toronto, coming in as 10-point road underdogs. The 200 points scored were OVER the posted total of 195.
Corey Maggette poured in 35 points, and Al Thornton added 19 points off the bench for the Clippers.
The 76ers cruised past the Shaq-less Heat 101-84 Thursday. The 76ers managed to cover the 9.5-point spread, while the 185 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Andre Iguodala shot 9-for-19 from the field with 25 points and eight rebounds for the 76ers. Andre Miller chipped in with 21 points in the win.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 16-31 SU, 21-26 ATS
Philadelphia: 20-30 SU, 24-25-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 1-9
After a win are 0-10
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 9 games
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Milwaukee, Monday, February 11
Philadelphia home to Dallas, Monday, February 11
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Hornets
- The Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Hornets will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at New Orleans Arena.
Memphis shot 39% from the field in Friday's 92-81 loss at Dallas, falling as 12.5-point road underdogs. The 173 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 201.
Rudy Gay notched 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Mike Miller added 15 points for the Grizzlies.
Chris Paul scored 42 points, dished out nine assists, and had eight steals to lead the Hornets to a 132-130 win in double overtime over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
The Hornets cashed as 6.5-point road underdogs as the game played over the 215.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 13-36 SU, 22-27 ATS
New Orleans: 33-15 SU, 30-17-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Memphis
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
New Orleans is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Memphis
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Next up:
Memphis home to Sacramento, Tuesday, February 12
New Orleans at Chicago, Tuesday, February 12
Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets
- The Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Toyota Center.
Atlanta had 16 turnovers in Friday's 100-95 loss to Cleveland, falling as 4-point home favorites. The 195 points scored were OVER the posted total of 187.
Joe Johnson fired in 23 points, while Marvin Williams netted 21 points for the Hawks.
Yao Ming scored 22 points and hauled down 12 rebounds for a double-double on Thursday, as the Rockets defeated the Cavaliers 92-77. The Rockets had no trouble covering the 5.5-point spread, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 184.
Rafer Alston had 17 points and five rebounds, and Shane Battier tossed in 15 in the win.
Current streak:
Houston has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 22-25 SU, 24-23 ATS
Houston: 29-20 SU, 24-23-2 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 2-8
After a loss are 4-6
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 8-2
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 12 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Atlanta's last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Atlanta is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games at home
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta home to Detroit, Tuesday, February 12
Houston home to Portland, Monday, February 11
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- The New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Bradley Center.
New York had 16 turnovers in Friday's 99-93 overtime loss to San Antonio, falling as 7-point home underdogs. The 192 points scored were OVER the posted total of 183.
Jamal Crawford sunk a game-high 24 points, while Fred Jones dropped 19 points for the Knicks.
Mo Williams led the way for the Bucks with 36 points in its 107-96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.
The Mavs couldn't cover as 14-point home favorites as the game played over the 188-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New York has lost 8 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 14-36 SU, 24-26 ATS
Milwaukee: 19-31 SU, 22-27-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against New York
Milwaukee is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Milwaukee is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against New York
Next up:
New York at Boston, Wednesday, February 13
Milwaukee home to LA Clippers, Monday, February 11
Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz
- The Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at EnergySolutions Arena.
The Bulls dominated the fourth quarter in a 114-108 upset win over the Warriors on Thursday, as 12.5-point road underdogs. The 222 points sailed OVER the posted total of 211.5.
Chris Duhon shot 11-for-16 from the field with a game-high 34 points, and Joe Smith chipped in with 27 points in the win.
Utah gave up 50 free-throw attempts in Friday's 117-104 loss at Sacramento, falling as 2-point road favorites. The 221 points scored were OVER the posted total of 211.5.
Carlos Boozer notched 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Deron Williams added 18 points and nine assists for the Jazz.
Team records:
Chicago: 20-29 SU, 20-29 ATS
Utah: 32-19 SU, 27-24 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a win are 1-9
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Seattle are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Chicago home to New Orleans, Tuesday, February 12
Utah at Seattle, Wednesday, February 13
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors
- The Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Oracle Arena.
Sacramento outscored Utah by 12 points in the fourth quarter of Friday's 117-104 win, coming in as 2-point home underdogs. The 221 points scored were OVER the posted total of 211.5.
Kevin Martin poured in 27 points, and Ron Artest had 22 points for the Kings.
The Warriors were upset 114-108 by the Bulls last time out, as 12.5-point favorites at home. The 222 points sailed OVER the posted total of 211.5.
Monta Ellis tossed in 25 points and Baron Davis scored 22 in a losing effort.
Team records:
Sacramento: 23-25 SU, 26-22 ATS
Golden State: 29-20 SU, 22-27 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 6-4
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 2-8
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Sacramento is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Sacramento's last 21 games when playing Golden State
Sacramento is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Sacramento's last 19 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Golden State's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games at home
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento at Memphis, Tuesday, February 12
Golden State home to Washington, Monday, February 11
Saturday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Atlanta Hawks at Houston Rockets
* Hawks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games.
* Rockets are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games against the Southeast.
* The UNDER is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz
* Bulls are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 Saturday games.
* Jazz are 24-9-1 ATS in their last 34 home games.
* Underdog is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors
* Kings are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 road games.
* Kings are 3-13-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
* Warriors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. Pacific Division.
CBB
#16 Marquette at #21 at Notre Dame
* Notre Dame hasn't lost in 13 home games this season, winning by an average of 19 points while extending its run at home to the longest in school history to 33. The Irish are seeking their first 8-2 start in Big East play since the 2000-01 season, while leading the conference with 81 points per game. EDGE: NOTRE DAME
* Marquette held the Irish to their third-lowest point total of the season on January 12th in Milwaukee in a 92-66 victory. However, the Golden Eagles have gone just 3-3 since that victory and have struggled on the road in conference play, losing 3 of 4. EDGE: NOTRE DAME
* Marquette is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 road games.
* Notre Dame is 3-2 ATS in its last 5 home games.
Boston College at #2 Duke
* Boston College is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
* Duke is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* The OVER is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
Iowa at Minnesota
* Iowa is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 meetings.
* Minnesota is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 home games.
* Underdog is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Virginia at Wake Forest
* Virginia is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games overall.
* Wake Forest is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* Home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
#12 Texas at Iowa State
* Texas is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
* Iowa State is 7-3-1 ATS in its last 11 games against the Big 12.
USC at #17 Washington State
* USC is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 road games.
* Washington State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 Saturday games.
* The OVER is 16-5 in USC’s last 21 games vs. Pac-10.
Georgia Tech at #19 Connecticut
* Georgia Tech is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games overall.
* UConn is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 Saturday games.
* The OVER is 8-0 in Tech’s last 8 games overall.
Hampton at Delaware State
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Hampton’s last 10 games.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Delaware State’s last 10 games.
Oklahoma State at #24 Kansas State
* Oklahoma State is 3-15 ATS in its last 18 road games.
* Kansas State is 23-8 ATS in its last 21 games against the Big 12.
* The OVER is 7-3 in Kansas State’s last 10 home games.
Hawaii at Nevada
* Hawaii is 10-22-1 ATS in its last 33 road games.
* Nevada is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
* The OVER is 9-4 in Nevada’s last 13 home games.
#6 Georgetown at Louisville
* The Hoyas are 6-2 on the road and looking to extend their overall winning streak to 7 games. They have defeated the Cardinals 5 straight times and are unbeaten in this series since 1953. EDGE: GEORGETOWN
* The Cardinals are looking to go 3-0 against Top 25 opponents this season after beating No. 16 Marquette twice. A victory here could put them back in the Top 25 for the first time since being ranked 22nd in mid-December. EDGE: LOUISVILLE
* Georgetown is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 Saturday games.
* Louisville is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in Louisville’s last 8 home games.
Pregame.com
College Basketball Gameday
Conference play will serve up three stellar matches in college hoops this weekend as No. 16 Marquette takes on No. 22 Notre Dame in the Big East, USC faces No. 17 Washington State in the Pac-10 and No. 24 Purdue visits No. 8 Wisconsin in the Big Ten.
Marquette (16) at Notre Dame (22)
The Golden Eagles had their 14-game home winning streak snapped after falling to Louisville 71-57 as a 3-point favorite earlier this week. Marquette shot a lousy 32 percent from the field in the loss, which included an awful 2-for-10 for five points from leading scorer Lazar Hayward. Wesley Matthew led the Golden Eagles with 15 points, while starting point guard Dominic James came off the bench due to illness and was held to eight points.
The Fighting Irish beat up on Seton Hall 95-69 as a 1-point road favorite on Wednesday night. Luke Harangody unloaded for 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle McAlarney added 19 points which included five three-pointers. Notre Dame’s other piece of their big three, Rob Kurz, had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Irish should be looking for some revenge on Saturday, as they were embarrassed by Marquette 92-66 as a 6.5-point underdog last month. Hayward had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while Harangody led the Irish with 29 points and 14 rebounds, but received little help in the one-sided affair.
USC at Washington State (17)
The Trojans should be feeling confident coming off a 73-59 drubbing of Washington as a 1-point road underdog. Freshman O.J. Mayo led the Trojans with 29 points, 20 of which he scored in the first half. Even without Mayo’s explosive offense in the second half, the Trojans were still able to put the Huskies away thanks to a 19-0 run. Davon Jefferson also had a strong game for USC in the win with 17 points.
The Cougars' recent slide continued on Thursday night after they lost to UCLA 67-59 as a 2.5-point home underdog. That was Washington State’s third loss in a row and fourth in their last five games. Against the Bruins, Kyle Weaver led the Cougars with 13 points while Aron Baynes deposited 11 points. Washington State’s leading scorer Derrick Low couldn’t get anything going versus UCLA and was held to only seven points.
The Cougars had the Trojans' number earlier this season when they upset USC 73-58 as a 1.5-point road underdog. Daven Harmeling led Washington State with 19 points, while Baynes just missed a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds. Mayo scored a game-high 22 points for the Trojans, while Lewis and Taj Gibson each netted 18 points.
Purdue (24) at Wisconsin (8)
The Boilermakers won their eighth straight on Tuesday night after knocking off Penn State 67-53 as an 11-point favorite. Purdue got their usual stout efforts from Robbie Hummel and E’Twaun Moore in the victory. Hummel led the Boilermakers with 17 points and Moore delivered 16 points.
The Badgers pushed past Iowa 60-54 as a 6.5-point road favorite on Wednesday night. Marcus Landry led the Badgers with 16 points and six rebounds, but it was Wisconsin’s strong defense late in the game that secured the victory.
Both the Boilermakers and the Badgers enter this game with 9-1 conference records so the winner of Saturday’s game will take sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. Coincidentally, Wisconsin’s lone Big Ten loss came against Purdue late last month. The Boilermakers defeated the Badgers 60-56 as a 1-point home underdog. Moore led Purdue with 16 points, while Brian Butch put up 20 points and 13 rebounds for Wisconsin.
