Betting News and Notes - Jan 8

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

- The fans at Wachovia Center will be treated to a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers when they take their seats on Tuesday.

The Bucks defeated Charlotte 93-89 as a 7.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (191.5).

Charlie Bell scored a game-high 27 points for Milwaukee, while Andrew Bogut added 25 points and eight rebounds in the win.

The 76ers lost to Denver 109-96 as an 8.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (205).

Andre Miller led the 76ers with 22 points and six assists, while Andre Iguodala had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 13-20 SU, 13-19-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 14-20 SU, 16-17-1 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 2-8
After a win are 4-6

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Next up:
Milwaukee home to Miami, Wednesday, January 9
Philadelphia at Toronto, Wednesday, January 9

Seattle SuperSonics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

- The Seattle SuperSonics and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Sonics lost to Washington 108-86 as an 8-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (202.5).

Kevin Durant led Seattle with 19 points and Wally Szczerbiak netted 18 points in the loss.

The Cavaliers defeated Toronto 93-90 as a 4-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (185).

LeBron James scored a game-high 39 points and recorded 11 rebounds and eight assists for Cleveland, while Larry Hughes added 14 points in the win.

Current streak:
Seattle has lost 3 straight games.
Cleveland has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Seattle: 9-24 SU, 16-17 ATS
Cleveland: 17-17 SU, 14-20 ATS

Seattle most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Washington are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Seattle is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home

Next up:
Seattle at New Jersey, Wednesday, January 9
Cleveland at Atlanta, Wednesday, January 9

Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards

- The Houston Rockets and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Verizon Center.

Houston jumped out to an early 14-point lead in Saturday's 103-91 win over New York, covering the 9-point home spread. The 194 points scored were OVER the posted total of 186.5.

Yao Ming had a game-high 30 points, and Aaron Brooks came off the bench with 22 points for the Rockets.

The Wizards defeated Seattle 108-86 as an 8-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (202.5).

Caron Butler scored a game-high 33 points for Washington, while Antawn Jamison added 21 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Washington has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Houston: 17-17 SU, 16-17-1 ATS
Washington: 17-15 SU, 20-11-1 ATS

Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing New York are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 3-7
After playing Seattle are 7-3
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games at home
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Houston

Next up:
Houston at New York, Wednesday, January 9
Washington at Atlanta, Friday, January 11

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

- The fans at FedExForum will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies when they take their seats on Tuesday.

The Lakers defeated Indiana 112-96 as a 9.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (216.5).

Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 26 points for Los Angeles and Andrew Bynum added 23 points and 13 rebounds in the win.

The Grizzlies defeated Miami 101-94 as a 6-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (198).

Pau Gasol scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for Memphis, while Mike Miller added 25 points and eight rebounds in the win.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 21-11 SU, 20-12 ATS
Memphis: 10-23 SU, 16-17 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing New Orleans are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a win are 7-3

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 4-6
After playing Miami are 7-3
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
Memphis is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Next up:
LA Lakers at New Orleans, Wednesday, January 9
Memphis at Sacramento, Thursday, January 10

Miami Heat vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

- The fans at Target Center will be treated to a game between the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves when they take their seats on Tuesday.

The Heat lost to Memphis 101-94 as a 6-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (198).

Ricky Davis led the Heat with 24 points and Dwyane Wade had 18 points and nine assists.

The Timberwolves lost to Dallas 101-78 as an 8.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (193.5).

Rashad McCants led the T-Wolves with 21 points, while Al Jefferson had 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Current streak:
Miami has lost 7 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 8 straight games.

Team records:
Miami: 8-26 SU, 14-20 ATS
Minnesota: 4-29 SU, 13-20 ATS

Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Houston are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 2-8
After a loss are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami

Next up:
Miami at Milwaukee, Wednesday, January 9
Minnesota at Houston, Friday, January 11

New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls

- The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at United Center.

New York fell behind early by 14 points in Saturday's 103-91 loss at Houston, coming in as 9-point road underdogs. The 194 points scored were OVER the posted total of 186.5.

Sub Nate Robinson dropped 25 points, while Zach Randolph put up 18 points and 22 boards for the Knicks.

Chicago overcame a bad shooting night in Saturday's 94-93 win over Sacramento, failing to cover the 8-point home spread. The 187 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 191.5.

Andres Nocioni dropped 26 points, and Ben Gordon came off the bench with 20 points for the Bulls.

Current streak:
New York has lost 7 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 8-24 SU, 13-19 ATS
Chicago: 13-19 SU, 11-21 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Houston are 2-8
After playing Houston are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
Chicago is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing New York

Next up:
New York home to Houston, Wednesday, January 9
Chicago at Philadelphia, Friday, January 11

Indiana Pacers vs. Utah Jazz

- The fans at EnergySolutions Arena will be treated to a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Utah Jazz when they take their seats on Tuesday.

The Pacers lost to the Lakers 112-96 as a 9.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (216.5).

Mike Dunleavy led the Pacers with 17 points and Danny Granger netted 14 points in the loss.

Utah were outscored by 14 points in the third quarter of Saturday's 103-89 loss at Portland, coming in as 2-point road underdogs. The 192 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 198.

Deron Williams put up 23 points and seven assists, while Mehmet Okur notched 15 points for the Jazz.

Team records:
Indiana: 16-19 SU, 16-18-1 ATS
Utah: 18-17 SU, 15-20 ATS

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

Utah most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing Portland are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Indiana is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Utah
Indiana is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games on the road
Indiana is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 17-7-1 ATS in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Indiana

Next up:
Indiana at Phoenix, Wednesday, January 9
Utah home to Phoenix, Thursday, January 10

Orlando Magic vs. Sacramento Kings

- The Orlando Magic and the Sacramento Kings will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at ARCO Arena.

Orlando forced 20 turnovers on Friday, but still fell 96-94 to Houston as 4.5-point home favorites. The 190 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 192.

Jameer Nelson came off the bench with 20 points, while Dwight Howard chipped in with 16 points for the Magic.

Sacramento had 18 turnovers in Saturday's 94-93 loss at Chicago, falling as 8-point road underdogs. The 187 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 191.5.

Brad Miller had 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Dahntay Jones sunk 16 points for the Kings.

Current streak:
Orlando has lost 2 straight games.
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Orlando: 22-13 SU, 23-12 ATS
Sacramento: 12-20 SU, 18-14 ATS

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Memphis are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 16-4 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Orlando is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Sacramento is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Sacramento is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games

Next up:
Orlando at LA Clippers, Wednesday, January 9
Sacramento home to Memphis, Thursday, January 10

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Seton Hall (10-4, 3-5-1 ATS) at (15) Marquette (11-2, 5-2 ATS)

Marquette will try to rebound from just its second loss of the season when it hosts Seton Hall in a Big East battle.

Two days after opening league play with a 96-67 rout of Providence at home, the Golden Eagles traveled to West Virginia on Sunday and had a seven-game winning streak snapped in a 79-64 league loss. They never came close to covering as a 3½-point road underdog, halting a 5-1 ATS roll.

Seton Hall suffered a 98-86 home loss to UConn as a 3½-point home underdog in its Big East debut on Thursday, then bounced back with an 89-81 win over Morgan State on Sunday in a non-lined non-conference home game. The Pirates have alternated SU wins and losses in their last nine games, but they’re 0-5 ATS in their last five lined affairs.

Since joining the Big East, Marquette has defeated Seton Hall twice, winning 67-63 as a 2½-point road underdog in 2006 and prevailing 89-76 last year, pushing as a 13-point home chalk.

The Eagles are 8-0 home, playing just three lined games (2-1 ATS). Dating to last year, though, they’ve cashed in six of their last eight lined contests at the Bradley Center. They’re also 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a non-cover.

Seton Hall is 3-2 away from home (2-1 ATS). Going back to last year, the Pirates are just 4-9-2 ATS on the highway, as well as 3-8-1 ATS in conference play and 4-11-1 ATS after a victory.

The over is on runs of 37-16-1 for Seton Hall (5-0 in the last five), 17-8 for Marquette overall, 6-2 for the Eagles at home, 5-1 for the Pirates in Big East play and 6-1 for the Eagles in league action. Also, last year’s meeting flew way over the posted total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE and OVER

Purdue (10-4, 3-8 ATS) at (6) Michigan State (13-1, 5-3-2 ATS)

Two teams that began Big Ten play with close victories clash in East Lansing, Mich., where the Spartans go for their 10th straight win when they host Purdue.

Michigan State struggled all night with Minnesota on Saturday, but escaped with a 65-59 home victory, its ninth in a row. However, the Spartans failed to cover as a 12-point home chalk. They’ve failed to cash in consecutive games after going 4-0-2 ATS in their previous six lined outings.

Like Michigan State, the Boilermakers had trouble putting away lowly Michigan in their conference opener on Saturday, eventually winning 65-58 but coming up way short as a 12½-point home favorite. Purdue is 0-5 ATS in its last five and 1-8 ATS in its last nine.

These schools faced each other just once last year, with Purdue throttling the Spartans 62-38 as a 1½-point favorite, holding Michigan State to just 12 second-half points. The home team is 7-1 in the last eight regular-season meetings (5-3 ATS), and the favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10.

The Spartans improved to 11-0 at home with Saturday’s win over Minnesota, but they’re only 4-3 ATS in lined games in East Lansing. Dating to last year, though, Tom Izzo’s squad is 16-7 ATS as a host.

Purdue is just 1-3 SU and ATS on the highway. On the bright side, the Boilermakers have cashed in eight of their last 11 Big Ten games.

The under is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings, with the past six in a row staying below the posted price. The under is also on runs of 15-5-2 for Michigan State in conference, 36-16 for Purdue in conference, 19-7 for Purdue on the road, 10-4 for Purdue on Tuesday and 8-1 for Michigan State on Tuesday.

ATS ADVANTAGE: MICHIGAN STATE and UNDER

NBA

Houston (17-17, 16-17-1 ATS) at Washington (17-15, 20-11-1 ATS)

Two teams riding modest two-game winning streaks clash in the nation’s capital as the Rockets visit the Wizards.

Houston has followed up consecutive losses to the Warriors at home and at Boston with a pair of wins over the Magic on Friday (96-94 as a 4½-point road underdog) and Knicks on Saturday (103-91 as a nine-point home favorite). The Rockets are on a 7-2 ATS roll, including 3-0 ATS in the last three overall.

Washington has rebounded from a three-game losing skid to win four of its last six (5-1 ATS). On Friday, the Wizards pummeled the Bucks 101-77 as a three-point road favorite, then came home on Sunday and hammered Seattle 108-86 as an 8½-point chalk.

The Rockets are 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in the last eight battles with Washington, including a 114-109 victory as a one-point home favorite back on Dec. 9. That snapped a 3-0 ATS roll by the underdog in this rivalry. The last three meetings – all Houston wins – have been decided by a total of 11 points.

Washington is 10-5 SU and ATS in its last 15 home games, and the winner has covered the spread in all 17 of its home contests. The Wizards are on a 12-2 ATS roll as a favorite (10-2 ATS as a home chalk). On the downside, they’re just 2-5 ATS in their last seven against Southwest Division foes.

Houston has alternated wins and losses in its last six road outings, but is 5-1 ATS during this stretch. The Rockets are also 7-3 ATS as an underdog this year and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 against the Southeast Division.

The over is 3-1 in Houston’s last four, following a 6-2 “under” streak, and the over is 7-2 in the last nine series meetings. However, the under is 10-3 in Washington’s last 13 overall, 7-1 in Washington’s last eight at home, 12-5 in Houston’s last 17 as an underdog and 8-0 in the Wizards’ last eight as a favorite.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Orlando (22-13, 22-12-1 ATS) at Sacramento (12-20, 18-14 ATS)

Orlando looks to continue its road magic when it kicks off a four-game Western Conference road swing in California’s capital city with a game against the Kings at Arco Arena.

Orlando is coming off back-to-back heartbreaking home losses, falling to New Jersey 96-95 as a six-point chalk on Wednesday and to Houston 96-94 as a five-point favorite on Friday. Throw in a 112-110 overtime win at Chicago on New Year’s Eve, and the Magic’s last three games have been decided by a total of five points, with Orlando failing to cover in all three games.

The Magic, whose two-game slide comes on the heels of a four-game winning streak, have one of the more bizarre home-road splits in the NBA, going 7-8 in their building (6-8-1 ATS) and 15-5 as a visitor (16-4 ATS).

Sacramento, which tips offf a four-game homestand tonight, is mired in a 1-6 SU slump, most recently falling 94-93 at Chicago on Saturday. However, the Kings did cash as an eight-point underdog in the defeat, their third straight spread-cover.

While the Magic have been stunningly good on the road, the Kings have been so-so at home, going 8-8 SU and 9-7 ATS. They come into this one having lost four in a row SU and six straight ATS at Arco Arena.

The road team pulled off outright upsets in both meetings last year, with Orlando winning 92-89 as a 4½-point underdog and the Kings prevailing 95-83 as a six-point pup. Prior to last year, the home team had gone 7-1 in this rivalry (4-4 ATS). The ’dog has cashed in four of the last six battles.

Going back to last year, the Magic are on ATS runs 30-14-2 overall, 21-5-2 on the road and 6-2 against the Pacific Division.

Sacramento is 10-2 ATS as an underdog of less than seven points this year.

The under is 3-0 in the last three meetings and 4-2 in Sacramento’s last six games. However, the over is 3-0 in Orlando’s past three road outings

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO

gametimepicks.com

College Hoops Tip Sheet
January 7, 2008

**Indiana at Michigan**

-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Indiana as a 9½-point road ‘chalk’ over Michigan. ESPN will provide coverage of this Big Ten affair as a 7:00 p.m. ET.

-Indiana (12-1 straight up, 5-5 against the spread) began Big Ten play by slipping past Iowa Wednesday as a 10-point road favorite, 79-76.

-Eric Gordon paced the offense with 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while D.J. White added 16 and 15 rebounds. Both teams grabbed 36 rebounds, but the Hoosiers shot 49 percent (26-of-53) from the field.

-Indiana sports a 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS road record, winning those games by an average score of 70-66.

-Michigan (4-10 SU, 2-10 ATS) is currently mired in a four-game SU losing skid after falling to Purdue Saturday as a 12 ½-point road underdog, 65-58. The Wolverines had dropped four games in a row ATS before covering against the Boilermakers.

-Michigan never recovered after going into halftime trailing Purdue, 34-20. Manny Harris led all scorers with 25 points on 7-of-16 shooting, while DeShawn Sims was the only other UM player in double digits with 15.

-The Wolverines are 3-4 SU and 1-4 ATS on their home court, winning those affairs by an average score of 71-70.

-Indiana is 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS the previous four meetings with Michigan after splitting last year’s season series. The Hoosiers prevailed as an eight-point home ‘chalk,’ 76-61, while Michigan triumphed as a two-point home ‘dog, 58-55.

-Indiana guard Armon Bassett is ‘questionable’ against the Wolverines due to an ankle injury.

**Florida at Alabama**

-LVSC opened Alabama as a 2½-point home favorite over Florida, with ESPN starting its coverage of this SEC matchup at 9:00 p.m. ET.

-Florida (13-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) improved to 4-1 its past five games after upending High Point Wednesday in a ‘non-board’ affair, 88-70.

-The Gators dominated the Panthers on the boards, 41-27, and shot 54 percent (36-of-67) from the field. Marreese Speights accounted for 24 points and 15 rebounds in the victory, while Nick Calathes added 15 and six assists.

-Florida has played just one road game all year, falling to Ohio State in late December, 62-49.

-Alabama (11-4 SU, 3-6 ATS) is also 4-1 SU its last five games after beating Chicago State Friday in a ‘non-board’ affair, 93-79.

-The Crimson Tide had five players reach double digits in scoring, led by Richard Hendrix’s 19 and 13 rebounds. Alabama outrebounded the Cougars, 46-31, while shooting 51 percent (34-of-67) from the field.

-The Crimson Tide are 8-2 SU at home, but just 1-4 ATS after winning those matchups by an average score of 80-71.

-Florida beat Alabama last year in the lone meeting as a 15 ½-point home favorite, 76-67.

**Georgetown at DePaul**

-LVSC lists Georgetown as a 7½-point road ‘chalk’ over DePaul. ESPNU will provide coverage of this Big East contest beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET.

-Georgetown (11-1 SU, 4-5 ATS) continued its winning ways by disposing of Rutgers Saturday as a 17-point road favorite, 58-46. The Hoyas dropped to 1-2 ATS their last three ‘board’ games.

-Georgetown was outrebounded by the Scarlet Knights, 43-26, but prevailed by allowing Rutgers to shoot just 31 percent from the field. The Hoyas connected at a 48-percent clip (20-of-42), led by Austin Freeman’s 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting.

-Georgetown is 4-1 SU and 2-3 ATS on the road, winning those games by an average score of 64-57.

-DePaul (6-7 SU, 5-6 ATS) has won its last four games in a row SU and previous three ATS after downing Providence Saturday as a 1 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 70-65.

-The Blue Demons cruised after entering halftime with a 37-24 advantage. Four players reached double digits in scoring while shooting 40 percent (23-of-58) from the field.

-DePaul is 4-3 SU and 2-3 ATS at home, prevailing in those games by an average score of 79-77.

-Georgetown is 2-0 SU and ATS the previous two meetings with DePaul after prevailing last year as a 7 ½-point home favorite, 66-52.

-Georgetown guard Chris Wright is ‘questionable’ versus the Blue Demons due to an ankle injury. DePaul guard Michael Bizoukas (mononucleosis) is ‘out’ indefinitely.

vegasinsider.com

Stepheson expected to return to UNC lineup
January 7, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -North Carolina sophomore Alex Stepheson will rejoin the team Monday after missing nearly a week because of a family illness.

Coach Roy Williams said the 6-foot-9 reserve forward was expected back at practice Tuesday and should play in Wednesday night's game against North Carolina-Asheville. Stepheson, a Los Angeles native, left the team Jan. 2 to return to California and missed two games.

``It's good (to have him back),'' Williams said. ``We need some other big guys, no question.''

Stepheson averages 3.5 points and 4.8 rebounds for the top-ranked Tar Heels (15-0), and is a key member of Williams' depleted rotation, backing up Deon Thompson and Tyler Hansbrough.

North Carolina has lost backup guard Bobby Frasor to a season-ending knee injury, and guard Quentin Thomas played just eight minutes in a victory at Clemson after missing two games with an ankle injury.

Tuesday NBA Gameday

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will hit the road to take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday night. Here's a look at that matchup and others in NBA Gameday:

Seattle SuperSonics at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00pm ET

The Sonics have played 33 games this season, yet they're still looking for their 10th victory. Seattle lost their first two contests in 2008 by scores of 104-96 (to the Suns) and 108-86 (to the Wizards). Kevin Durant scored a team-high 19 points in that loss on Sunday, while Wally Szczerbiak had 18 points and Nick Collison grabbed 17 rebounds.

Cleveland, on the other hand, has won all three of their games so far in 2008 and they've climbed back up to the .500 mark on the season (17-17). The Cavs began January with back-to-back wins over the Hawks and Kings, and they knocked off the Raptors 93-90 on Sunday. LeBron James had a game-high 39 points against Toronto.

Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards, 7:00pm ET

The Rockets had a pretty forgettable December, but they're now back at the .500 mark after knocking off the Magic and Knicks in consecutive games over the weekend. Yao Ming led the way with 30 points in Houston's 103-91 win over New York on Saturday, while Tracy McGrady sat out with a knee injury; he could return to action later this week.

Washington has won just five of their past 10 games, so they haven't been able to close the gap on the first-place Magic in the Southeast Division. The Wizards, though, are on a two-game winning streak, beating Milwaukee on Friday and Seattle on Sunday. Caron Butler had a game-high 33 points against the Sonics, and Antawn Jamison added 21.

Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies, 8:00pm ET

The Lakers have won eight of their past 10 games and they're now breathing down the necks of the Suns in the Pacific Division. Los Angeles is perfect so far in 2008, topping the Sixers 124-93 on Friday and getting past the Pacers 112-96 Sunday. Kobe Bryant, of course, led the way with 26 points and six assists in that victory over visiting Indiana.

The Grizzlies haven't been very ferocious in their own building this season - they've won just six of their 17 home games. Memphis has also won just three of their past 10 contests, although they are coming off a 101-94 victory over the floundering Heat on Sunday. Pau Gasol picked up 28 points and 13 rebounds in that victory for the Grizzlies.

Orlando Magic at Sacramento Kings, 10:00pm ET

The Magic continue to hold down top spot in the Southeast, but after winning just five of their past 10 games they have the worst record of the six division leaders. Orlando is 0-2 so far in 2008, losing to the Nets last Wednesday and the Rockets on Friday. Jameer Nelson led the way with a team-high 20 points in Orlando's 96-94 home loss to Houston.

Sacramento won their first game in January, but since then they've fallen short versus both Cleveland and Chicago. The Kings have won just three of their past 10 games, and they're double-digits behind the Suns in the Pacific Division. Brad Miller picked up 22 points and 13 rebounds in Sacramento's 94-93 road loss versus Chicago on Saturday.

Inside the Paint - Tuesday
By Chris David

Tuesday’s card features nine games, including five non-conference games. Here’s a quick skinny on today’s card for your handicapping needs.

New Jersey at Charlotte

The Nets have won five straight and seven of their last eight games, including a 102-96 victory over Charlotte last Friday. The Bobcats have suffered three setbacks in a row and seven of their previous eight contests. New Jersey has won and covered three in a row against the ‘Cats, with two coming on the road.

Seattle at Cleveland

The Sonics have dropped four consecutive games on the road and own a pathetic 4-13 mark away from home this year. Cavs are 10-6 at home this year, but only 5-11 ATS. The Sonics are expected to be without power forward Chris Wilcox. The ‘under’ has been golden for both Seattle (4-0 run) and Cleveland (7-1 roll) of late.

Houston at Washington

The Rockets have won four in a row against the Wizards, covering three of the four. Three of the four victories were by single digits. Tracy McGrady is listed as ‘out’ for Houston. The Rockets have gone 4-2 without T-Mac in the lineup.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia

The Bucks have been automatic fade on the road, getting outscored 104-93 en route to a horrendous 4-15 SU and 8-11 ATS. Philly returns home after a six-game road trip that watched the team go 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS. The Bucks’ Michael Redd is listed as ‘questionable’.

L.A. Lakers at Memphis

The Lakers are on a roll, going 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games. The ‘over’ is 5-2 during this run. Even though Memphis is 10-23 SU and 14-18 ATS on the year, the club is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games versus Los Angeles.

Miami at Minnesota

Pick your poison in this contests folks! Miami is 4-15 SU and 10-8 ATS on the road, while Minnesota has gone 3-13 SU and 4-12 ATS at home. The Heat have won three straight against the Timberwolves, including a 92-77 victory at Target Center last year. Shaquille O’Neal (hip) has missed five games in a row and is ‘questionable’ for Tuesday.

New York at Chicago

The Knicks have dropped seven in a row, five coming by double digits. The team has gone 2-5 ATS during this run and is an embarrassing 1-13 SU on the road. The Bulls have won four of six and continue to improve after head coach Scott Skiles was fired. Five of the last six meetings between the two teams have gone ‘under’ the total. Chicago’s second leading scorer Luol Deng (17.9 PPG) missed Saturday’s win versus Sacramento and has been tabbed ‘doubtful’ for tonight.

Indiana at Utah

The Pacers have lost six of their last seven and will be playing the second game of a five-game road trip on Tuesday. Indiana lost the first game of the trek on Sunday to the L.A. Lakers, 112-96. Utah has outscored opponents by 12 PPG (107-95) at home this year, producing a solid 12-3 SU and 9-4 ATS mark. Reports out of Salt Lake City have Andrei Kirilenko as ‘questionable’.

Orlando at Sacramento

Surprisingly, Orlando has performed better on the road (15-5) than at home (7-8) this year. The Magic have been better for gamblers away from the Magic Kingdom too, notching a 16-4 ATS mark. The Kings have covered three straight games and own a 5-3 ATS record as home underdogs this year. Sacramento’s John Salmons and Brad Miller are both ‘questionable’.

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Tuesday’s Pregame Buzz

Seattle SuperSonics at Cleveland Cavaliers

The Sonics are floundering at 15 games below .500, and they are coming off a 22-point defeat to the Wizards. Rookie Kevin Durant is averaging 20 points per game, but he is shooting just 41 percent from the field. “I don’t want to say I’m pressing,” said Durant, “I’ve been missing easy shots.” EDGE: CAVS

Seattle has not been finishing its games strong. The Sonics have been outscored in the fourth quarter in 5 of their last 6 games, losing all 5 of those. EDGE: CAVS

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 5 of their last 6 games, and LeBron James has been leading the way averaging 29 points over those games. EDGE: CAVS

Seattle and Cleveland split their season series last year, with the home team winning each game. LeBron James is averaging 30 ppg against Seattle in his career, and the Sonics have lost 3 of their 4 four in Cleveland. EDGE: CAVS

Sonics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.
Cavs are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against a losing road team.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards

Houston rookie Aaron Brooks is coming off a career-high 22 points in a win over the Knicks on Saturday, helping to fill the scoring void left by the absence of injured star Tracy McGrady. "He's an amazing player," Rockets center Yao Ming said. "Everybody knows he has speed, good skill and very strong confidence. Everybody knew one day, he would play like (he did) tonight. We didn't know which day. But one day." EDGE: ROCKETS

The Rockets have won the last 4 meetings and are 11-3 in the last 14. EDGE: ROCKETS

Rockets are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games playing on 2 days rest.
Wizards are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring 100+ points previously.
The OVER is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies

LA star Kobe Bryant returns to FedEx Forum for the 1st time since dropping 60 points on the Grizzlies there last season. The Lakers will be playing their 1st game away from home since going 3-1 on an East Coast road trip that ended on December 23rd. They are 8-6 both SU & ATS on the road this season. SLIGHT EDGE: LAKERS

Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games against a losing team.
Grizzlies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 75 point previously. The underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls

Chicago will be trying to win consecutive home games for the 1st time in nearly a month. The Bulls may have to do that without second-leading scorer Luol Deng, who aggravated an Achilles' injury in last Thursday's loss to Portland. Andres Nocioni replaced Deng in the lineup on Saturday against Sacramento and finished with a team-high 26 points and 5 rebounds. SLIGHT EDGE: BULLS

Chicago's Ben Gordon is averaging 28.2 points since returning to his role coming off the bench on December 28th. "Ben is a starter," New York forward Zach Randolph said. "Everybody in the league knows that. He could start on any other NBA team, but that's an advantage for them. He's a tough player." EDGE: BULLS

Knicks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games when playing on 2 days rest.
Bulls are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games.
The UNDER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

Orlando Magic at Sacarmento Kings

Orlando is a much better team on the road, winning 15 of 20 away from home compared to a 7-8 mark at Amway Arena. The Magic went 4-1 on their 1st West Coast road trip earlier this season and will be playing 4 games out West this time around. EDGE: MAGIC

The Kings are averaging a league-worst 16.7 turnovers per game, one of the main reasons they lost at Chicago in the finale of a 3-game road trip on Sunday. Sacramento turned the ball over 18 times against the Bulls, including 7 by leading scorer John Salmons. EDGE: MAGIC

Magic are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games following an ATS loss.
Kings are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games.
The road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

CBB - Stats Matchups

#11 Indiana at Michigan

Indiana's Eric Gordon scored 25 points in his Big Ten debut last Wednesday, a 79-76 win at Iowa. "This is my first big time road win - I'm used to watching it on TV," Gordon said. "I just have to get used to it." EDGE: INDIANA

Michigan won for the 1st time in 12 meetings with Indiana last season at home, beating the Hoosiers, 58-55. The Wolverines haven't started 0-3 in conference play since the 1990-91 season. EDGE: MICHIGAN

Indiana is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games against the Big 10.
Michigan is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 home games.
The UNDER is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings.

Wichita State at Missouri State

Wichita State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
Missouri State is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 game overall.
The UNDER is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

#8 Georgetown at DePaul

The Georgetown Hoyas has won three straight games, and lead the nation in field-goal percent defense at 35%. In their Big East opener, they defeated Rutgers by 12 points and held the Scarlet Knights to 31 percent shooting. EDGE: GEORGETOWN

Hoyas C Roy Hibbert has been struggling mightily of late. Hibbert is averaging just 9 points and 4 rebounds over his last six games. EDGE: DEPAUL

The DePaul Blue Demons have taken advantage of a three-game homestand to open Big East play by winning twice. DePaul has been getting a huge effort from its reserves, and coach Jerry Wainwright said “Our bench has been big and have really responded.” EDGE: DEPAUL

Georgetown has won 6 straight against DePaul, with Hibbert averaging 15 points in the Hoyas' last two victories in the series. SLIGHT EDGE: GEORGETOWN

Georgetown is 11-5-1 ATS in its last 17 road games.
DePaul is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 games following a SU win.
The UNDER is 14-6 in DePaul’s last 20 games against the Big East.

Florida at Alabama

Florida is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 road games.
Alabama is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games against the Southeastern.
The home team is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

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