Betting News and Notes - Mar.24

NBA Today

Phoenix at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EDT). The Suns have won seven straight games.

STARS

-Allen Iverson, Nuggets, scored 36 points in a 109-100 win over the Toronto Raptors.

-Stephen Jackson, Warriors, scored 31 points and hit two 3-pointers in the final 38 seconds to lead Golden State to a 115-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

DIRK TUMBLES

Dirk Nowitzki hurt his lower left leg during a nasty spill late in an 83-78 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. The reigning league MVP put no weight on the leg leaving the court, then was seen limping into the X-ray room. The Mavericks said he would be re-evaluated Monday.

HOLDING ON

Stephen Jackson scored six of his 31 points on two 3-pointers in the final 38.5 seconds, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-111 Sunday night after blowing a 26-point lead. Monta Ellis also had 31 points for Golden State, which remains 1 1/2 games ahead of Denver in the race for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Kobe Bryant had 36 points and 14 rebounds in the Lakers' 115-111 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. ... Chris Bosh had 17 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists for Toronto in a 109-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

SPEAKING

``I was ready. But they went out there with a fishing pole and yanked me back.'' - Washington's Gilbert Arenas upon learning that team doctors had not cleared him to play for Sunday night's 95-83 win over the Detroit Pistons. Arenas has missed 61 consecutive games with a knee injury.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics

- The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics will meet on the court at TD Banknorth Garden on Monday in a battle of division rivals.

Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 10½-point favorites versus the 76ers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Andre Iguodala dropped a game-high 28 points in leading the 76ers to a 91-87 victory over the Nets on Saturday. The 76ers could not cover the 8.5-point spread, and the 178 points were well UNDER the game's posted total of 201.

Andre Miller helped out with 21 points, and Samuel Dalembert had 18 assists in the win.

The Celtics were held to 17 points in the fourth quarter and lost 113-106 to the Hornets on Saturday, as 1.5-point road underdogs. The 219 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.5.

Paul Pierce netted a team-high 28 points for the Celtics, and Rajon Rondo had 23 points in the loss.

Team records:
Philadelphia: 35-35 SU, 37-32-1 ATS
Boston: 55-14 SU, 42-25-2 ATS

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing New Orleans are 1-9
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Boston is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
Boston is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Boston is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home

Next up:
Philadelphia home to Chicago, Wednesday, March 26
Boston home to Phoenix, Wednesday, March 26

Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons

- The Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Oddsmakers currently have the Pistons listed as 3-point favorites versus the Suns, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Amare Stoudemire tossed in a game-high 38 points to lead the Suns in a 122-113 win over the Rockets last time out. The Suns covered the 7-point spread, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 204.

Stoudemire also had 13 rebounds for a double-double, and Shaquille O'Neal added 23 points in the win.

The Pistons lost to Washington 95-83 as a 5.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (189).

Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 19 points and Tayshaun Prince netted 13 points in the loss.

Current streak:
Phoenix has won 7 straight games.
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Phoenix: 47-22 SU, 33-33-3 ATS
Detroit: 49-20 SU, 37-31-1 ATS

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Houston are 9-1
After a win are 6-4

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 8-2
After playing Washington are 10-0
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Phoenix's last 19 games
Detroit is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
Detroit is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Phoenix

Next up:
Phoenix at Boston, Wednesday, March 26
Detroit at Toronto, Wednesday, March 26

New Jersey Nets vs. New York Knicks

- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Monday when the New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks meet at Madison Square Garden.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

The Nets were cut down 91-87 by the 76ers as 8.5-point underdogs last time out. The 178 points were well UNDER the game's posted total of 201.

Vince Carter had the hot-hand for the Nets, tossing 27 points with seven rebounds.

The Knicks were devoured 114-93 by the Timberwolves last time out, as 9.5-point road underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the night's posted total of 198.5.

David Lee had 14 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in a losing effort.

Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
New York has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
New Jersey: 29-41 SU, 28-41-1 ATS
New York: 19-50 SU, 30-38-1 ATS

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games
New Jersey is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing New York
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of New York's last 20 games
New York is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing New Jersey
New York is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing New Jersey

Next up:
New Jersey home to Indiana, Wednesday, March 26
New York home to Miami, Wednesday, March 26

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat

- The Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

Mo Williams scored 29 points to help the Bucks in Saturday's 108-98 upset win over the Cavaliers, as 4.5-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 203.

Williams shot 9-for-11 from the field with five rebounds and 13 assists for the Bucks. Michael Redd added 21 points in the win.

The Heat were cooled off in a 94-82 loss to the Bobcats on Saturday, as 18-point underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 192.5.

Jason Williams scored 19 points with eight assists in a losing effort for the Heat.

Current streak:
Miami has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 24-44 SU, 30-37-1 ATS
Miami: 12-57 SU, 25-43-1 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a win are 2-8

Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 6-4
After a loss are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Miami is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Milwaukee

Next up:
Milwaukee at Atlanta, Wednesday, March 26
Miami at New York, Wednesday, March 26

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies

- The Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at FedExForum.

Oddsmakers currently have the Nuggets listed as 8-point favorites versus the Grizzlies, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

The Nuggets defeated Toronto 109-100 as a 2.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (225.5).

Allen Iverson scored a game-high 36 points for Denver and Carmelo Anthony added 33 points in the win.

The Grizzlies pulled out a hard-fought 117-111 victory over the Kings last time out. The game was listed as a pik'em, while the combined score went OVER the posted total of 211.5.

Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies with 24 points and seven rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro added 22 points and Darko Milicic chipped in with 19 points in the win.

Current streak:
Denver has won 2 straight games.
Memphis has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Denver: 42-28 SU, 38-32 ATS
Memphis: 18-51 SU, 30-39 ATS

Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 3-7
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a win are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
Denver is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games on the road
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Memphis's last 12 games at home

Next up:
Denver home to Dallas, Thursday, March 27
Memphis at Sacramento, Wednesday, March 26

Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets

- The Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Toyota Center.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

The Kings lost a tough 117-111 game to the Grizzlies last time out. Sportsbooks had the game as a pik'em, while the combined score went OVER the posted total of 211.5.

Spencer Hawes netted 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a double-double performance for the Kings.

The Rockets were downed 122-113 by the Suns last time out, as 7-point road underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 204.

Tracy McGrady had 30 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in a losing effort.

Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Sacramento: 31-38 SU, 35-33-1 ATS
Houston: 47-23 SU, 40-28-2 ATS

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

Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Phoenix are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Houston
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games on the road
Houston is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
Houston is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games
Houston is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento

Next up:
Sacramento home to Memphis, Wednesday, March 26
Houston home to Minnesota, Wednesday, March 26

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Seattle SuperSonics

- The fans at KeyArena will be treated to a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle SuperSonics when they take their seats on Monday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Trail Blazers listed as 8½-point favorites versus the SuperSonics, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

The Trail Blazers kept the Clippers below 20 points in three quarters of an 83-72 win on Saturday. The Trail Blazers covered the 8-point spread, but the combined 155 points were well UNDER the posted total of 190.

Brandon Roy scored a game-high 23 points, and Joel Przybilla had 14 points with 25 rebounds for a double-double in the win.

The SuperSonics lost 115-101 to the Jazz last time out, as 20-point underdogs on the road. The 216 points were UNDER the night's posted total of 219.

Jeff Green netted 23 points with seven rebounds for the Sonics, and Kevin Durant also had 23 in the loss.

Current streak:
Portland has won 2 straight games.
Seattle has lost 11 straight games.

Team records:
Portland: 37-33 SU, 36-34 ATS
Seattle: 16-54 SU, 33-35-2 ATS

Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a win are 3-7

Seattle most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Utah are 3-7
After a loss are 0-10

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing Seattle
Portland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Portland
Seattle is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Seattle's last 14 games
Seattle is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Portland

Next up:
Portland home to Washington, Tuesday, March 25
Seattle home to Washington, Wednesday, March 26

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors

- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Monday when the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors meet at Oracle Arena.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

The Lakers lost to Golden State 115 -111 as a 7-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (234).

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 36 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, while Lamar Odom had 19 points and 22 rebounds in the loss.

The Warriors upset the Lakers 115-111 as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (234).

Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson each scored 31 points for Golden State, while Baron Davis added 18 points in the win.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 48-22 SU, 42-27-1 ATS
Golden State: 43-26 SU, 30-39 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 4-3
After playing Golden State are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 11 of the LA Lakers last 13 games when playing on the road against Golden State
LA Lakers are 14-3 SU in their last 17 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Golden State's last 13 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Golden State's last 22 games when playing LA Lakers

Next up:
LA Lakers home to Charlotte, Wednesday, March 26
Golden State home to Portland, Thursday, March 27

Top seeds still in it but 3 double digits make it to round of 16
March 24, 2008

North Carolina couldn't be stopped. Then again, neither could Western Kentucky.

One coach who got ejected and embarrassed gets a second chance. Teams like Duke and Georgetown are among the many who don't.

The 64-team NCAA bracket is down to 16 after Sunday's games, though many of the story lines that existed when the tournament began - those of prominent powerhouses, plucky underdogs and fantastic freshmen - are still very much alive.

``We've been getting everybody's best game,'' UCLA coach Ben Howland said after the Bruins barely escaped their second-round game against Texas A&M. ``That's why this is the greatest sporting event in all of American sports, because anybody can beat anybody.''

But nobody could beat the top seeds over the first weekend.

Kansas, Memphis and North Carolina joined UCLA in making it through. The Jayhawks and Tar Heels did it most impressively, winning their four games by an average of 28. Memphis and UCLA, meanwhile, looked vulnerable in their second-round victories.

The Bruins, in fact, lost two points on Sunday even though they didn't play. NCAA officials said the final score of their Saturday-night win over Texas A&M should be 51-49 instead of 53-49 because a meaningless, last-second dunk by Russell Westbrook didn't come before the buzzer.

UCLA's next opponent in the West Regional is Western Kentucky, one of three double-digit seeds remaining in the tournament. The 12th-seeded Hilltoppers were part of the craziness in Tampa, where upsets reigned and 12th-seeded Villanova also advanced out of the Midwest Regional.

The Wildcats were one of the final bubble teams to make the tournament, and wound up as one of the few pieces of good news for the Big East, which took eight teams into the first weekend - more than any conference - and left with only three.

Louisville rolled through its two games, including a 78-48 win over Oklahoma on Sunday, and West Virginia also advanced with an upset over second-seeded Duke.

The Mountaineers, who play Xavier next in the West, are coached by the combustible Bob Huggins, though Huggins was hardly the biggest newsmaker on the coaching front over the weekend.

Instead, that honor went to Trent Johnson of Stanford. Ejected in the first half against Marquette, Johnson watched from the locker room as his team won by one in overtime.

``The bottom line was, the responsibility was on me, and I was out of line,'' Johnson said. ``Just leave it at that if you would, please.''

Probably won't happen, Coach.

Johnson's next game, should he choose to stick around for it, could be a good one, against Texas and Rick Barnes in the South Regional in Houston.

The other South game pits Memphis, a 77-74 winner over Mississippi State, against Michigan State. The Spartans, after being a popular pick to win the Big Ten, didn't live up to expectations and played much of the season under the radar.

It means freshman Kalin Lucas might not be as much of a household name as either Michael Beasley (Kansas State) and O.J. Mayo (USC) - both of whom are gone from the tournament - or Kevin Love (UCLA) and Derrick Rose (Memphis), who still remain.

But maybe not for long. Lucas combined with senior Drew Neitzel to help the Spartans pull away from Pitt for a 65-54 win Saturday and keep Tom Izzo in the running for his fifth Final Four.

``I'm jacked for the guys,'' Izzo said. ``When you push guys so hard, sometimes you kind of feel sorry for them. Thank God I didn't let that get to me too much, because this is what it takes.''

In the Midwest, Big Ten champion Wisconsin will take on the NCAA's other double-digit surprise. That would be 10th-seeded Davidson, which beat Gonzaga for its first tournament win since 1969, then knocked out another No. 2 seed, Georgetown, for an encore.

``I'm numb right now,'' Davidson coach Bob McKillop said.

Kansas plays Villanova on the other side of the Midwest bracket. Those familiar with their NCAA history will note that matchup as a stark reminder that not all underdogs have to be from nowhereland.

In 1988, it was Danny Manning and Kansas knocking off heavily favored Oklahoma in the finals. Three years earlier, Rollie Massimino and Villanova pulled off one of the biggest upsets ever, in a 66-64 victory over Georgetown for the title.

'Nova is in the regional semis for the third time in the last four years.

``I think Villanova's unique in its basketball tradition,'' coach Jay Wright said. ``We take it very seriously to uphold that tradition for the former players. That's what's important to us.''

In the East, No. 3 Louisville plays No. 2 Tennessee and No. 4 Washington State plays No. 1 North Carolina.

Form held perfectly there, though the Volunteers struggled mightily against both American and Butler, while Washington State was surprisingly impressive in blowouts over Winthrop and Notre Dame.

``Big step for our program,'' said Wazzu coach Tony Bennett.

There are even bigger steps beginning Thursday in Phoenix and Charlotte, N.C., then Friday in Detroit and Houston.

NBA Tips and Trends

Phoenix Suns at Detroit Pistons

Suns: In the West's ever-changing landscape, the title of "conference's hottest team" now belongs to the Suns. Phoenix stretched the league's longest active winning streak to seven, with a 122-113 victory over the Rockets last time out. It wa sthe sixth straight game Phoenix has scored at least 110 points, and brought its scoring average during the run up to 117 points. Shaquille O'Neal has been dominating the post and keeping up with the run-and-gun style scoring 23 points with 13 rebounds against Houston.

Suns are 1-8 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - G Raja Bell (12 ppg; ankle) is questionable

PROJECTED SCORE: 102

Pistons (-3, O/U 206): The Detroit Pistons are 27-6 at home this season, and are 13-2 in their last 15 games alone. Detroit is holding opponents to 91 points per game this season and rank among the league leaders, including holding the Hornets and Spurs to 164 points combined on its last homestand. The Pistons shot an amazing 60 percent from the field last time at the Palace against a poor defensive team in Denver, and according to team insiders they are looking forward to returning home after their road trip which concluded Sunday night.

The OVER is 5-2 in the Pistons last 7 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 105

Portland Trailblazers at Seattle Supersonics

Blazers (-8.5, O/U 205.5): This is a good stretch of schedule for Portland, which has to finish only 5-7 over the last dozen games to earn a winning record. The Blazers are fresh off of back-to-back victories over the Clippers and have brought their offense back up to life with averaging 96 ppg over their last five. LaMarcus Aldridge had his 14th double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds in that latest victory, and recorded 23 points with 8 rebounds last time against Seattle.

Blazers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 109 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Sonics : With 12 games left, the Sonics are limping toward the end of the season. Losers of 11 straight, and 15 of their last 16 games, the Sonics finished a 115-101 loss on Saturday at Utah with only nine healthy bodies. The biggest names were Earl Watson suffering a bruised calf and forward Chris Wilcox with an injuried pinkie finger. Seattle looks to be packing it in for the season, as they haven't held an opponent under the century mark in 15 straight games, with the last opponent being these Blazers (87).

Sonics are 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 games.

Key Injuries -F Chris Wilcox (13 ppg; ankle) is questionable
G Earl Watson (9 ppg; calf) is probable

PROJECTED SCORE: 100

NCAAB Tips and Trends

California at Ohio State

Cal: California was the best offensive team in the Pac-10 but ranked last in defense. When the Bears won, it was on those nights when they focused in on defense. California bounced back from a UCLA beating with an opening round victory over New Mexico. Top scorer Ryan Anderson didn't miss a beat with 26 points in that vwin, but one of the toughest aspects of the NIT can be the travel, especially in the second-round and quarterfinal games.

The OVER is 21-6 in Cal?s last 27 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 66

Ohio State (-7.5, O/U 141.5): Ohio State has taken care of its homecourt this season, going 15-3. The Buckeyes are scoring 71 points while allowing just 58 ppg. State once again protected its turf in the opening round of the NIT with an 18-point victory over NC-Ashville, and all three leading scorers Butler, Koufos, and Hunter combined for 52 of the 84 points. The Buckeyes haven't had to travel at all, unlike their opponent.

The UNDER is 9-4 in Ohio State's last 13 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 76 (Side Play of the Day)

UAB at Virginia Tech

UAB: Head coach Mike Davis said his team hasn't played very well since the UTEP game in February, but did upset Virginia Commonwealth in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday. The Blazers survived a late rally by the Rams in an 80-77 victory against a VCU team which was 12-1 at home. UAB's backcourt defense has been an off-an-on issue and will be tested against Virginia Tech's guard-heavy attack.

UAB is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 64

Virginia Tech (-7.5, O/U 135): Virginia Tech is playing well. The Hokies have played solid in Blacksburg and advanced with a 32-point blowout win over MEAC club Morgan State in the opening round of the NIT. Tech out-rebounded Morgan State 32-17 in that victory and should have another advantage against this UAB team, which lacks an inside physical presence.

Virginia Tech is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 72

NCAAB

UAB (23 - 10) at VIRGINIA TECH (20 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA TECH is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
VIRGINIA TECH is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
VIRGINIA TECH is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
VIRGINIA TECH is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UAB is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CALIFORNIA (17 - 15) at OHIO ST (20 - 13)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DAYTON (22 - 10) at ILLINOIS ST (25 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
DAYTON is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DAYTON is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

NEBRASKA (20 - 12) at OLE MISS (22 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

OLD DOMINION (18 - 15) at VIRGINIA (16 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
OLD DOMINION is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 65-91 ATS (-35.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

VALPARAISO (22 - 13) at HOUSTON (23 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
HOUSTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

OHIO U (20 - 12) at BRADLEY (18 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
BRADLEY is 56-39 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 56-39 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
OHIO U is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

UTAH (18 - 14) at TULSA (21 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL NIT

Cal (17-14, 15-14 ATS) at Ohio State (20-13, 14-14-1 ATS)

Cal advanced to the second round of the NIT with Wednesday’s 68-66 victory over New Mexico, failing to cover as a 3½-point home favorite. The Bears, who nearly blew an eight-point second half lead, got a pair of free throws from Jamal Boykin with 3.7 seconds left to pull out the win, which came on the heels of a 2-7 SU slump.

The Bears, who finished ninth in the Pac-10, have followed up a 5-2 ATS roll by failing to cover in its last two games. On the bright side, they’re 6-2 ATS in their last eight as an underdog.

Ohio State, fifth-place finishers in the Big Ten, notched its 20th victory of the season on Tuesday, eliminating North Carolina-Ashville 84-66, covering as a 14½-point favorite. The Buckeyes, who Buckeyes jumped out to a 10-point halftime lead and forced the Bulldogs into 20 turnovers, have rebounded from a four-game losing skid to win three of their last four (2-1-1 ATS).

Cal is 9-4 ATS on the highway this year, including 5-1 ATS in its last six. Meanwhile, Ohio State is on pointspread streaks of 4-0 in non-conference action, 4-1 on Mondays and 9-4 as a favorite of five points or more. However, the Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last four after a spread cover, as they haven’t cashed in consecutive games in nearly two months.

For Cal, the over is on streaks of 35-17-1 overall, 21-6 on the road and 8-3-1 in non-league play. Conversely, the under is 7-2 in OSU’s last nine non-Big Ten contests and 9-4 in its last 13 at home.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

UAB (23-10, 16-11 ATS) at Virginia Tech (20-13, 19-11 ATS)

UAB stunned VCU in Wednesday’s opening-round NIT contests, prevailing 80-77 as a 5½-point road underdog. Prior to the victory, the Blazers had lost to Memphis in their regular-season finale and then fell to Tulsa in overtime in a quarterfinal Conference USA tournament contest. They finished second to Memphis in Conference USA this season.

Snubbed by the NCAA Tournament committee, Virginia Tech came out on Wednesday and took its frustrations out on Morgan State, rolling to a 94-62 NIT victory while shooting 65.4 percent from the field. The Hokies, who placed fourth in the ACC this year, easily cashed as a 16-point home chalk, their eighth straight spread-cover (6-2 SU).

The Blazers are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 outings, including 4-2 ATS as an underdog. They’re also 5-2 ATS in their last seven outside of Conference USA play and 5-1 ATS this year as an underdog of three points or more.

During its 8-0 ATS hot streak, Va-Tech is 4-0 ATS as a favorite and 4-0 ATS at home. Furthermore, the Hokies have cashed in five of their last seven non-league contests, and they’re 11-4 ATS as a chalk this season. However, they’re just 1-4 ATS in their last five against Conference USA.

UAB has topped the total in four straight games and 10 of its last 12, and the over is 7-1 in its last eight road/neutral-site contests. Also, the over is 8-3 in Virginia Tech’s last 11 at home and 7-2-1 in its last 10 against teams with a winning road record.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

Nebraska (20-12, 12-12 ATS) at Mississippi (22-10, 12-15 ATS)

Nebraska arrives in Oxford on a 6-3 run (8-1 ATS), including Wednesday’s 67-48 thrashing of Charlotte in opening-round NIT play. The Huskers, who finished tied for seventh in the Big 12, got the money as an 8½-point home chalk in the win, their fifth consecutive spread-cover.

Mississippi, the third-place finisher in the SEC West, easily disposed of U.C. Santa Barbara in its first NIT contest, pounding out an 83-68 victory as a 12-point home favorite. The Rebels have won four out of five, with the only loss coming to Georgia in overtime in the SEC Tournament.

The Huskers are just 7-19 ATS in their last 26 on the highway, but they’ve been much better as a visitor lately 3-0 ATS in the last four and 4-1 ATS in the last five. Meanwhile, Ole Miss is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 non-SEC games, but 0-4 ATS in its last four on Mondays and 1-5 ATS in its last six after a spread-cover. The Rebels are also just 3-12 ATS this year when favored by three to 17 points.

Ole Miss comes into this one averaging 85.2 points per game in its last five outings (50.3 percent from the field), while Nebraska has put up just 63.2 ppg in its last five (44.3 percent). However, the Huskers rate the edge on defense, holding their last five foes to 57.4 ppg (37.8 percent) while the Rebels have yielded 77.4 ppg (43.1 percent) in their last five.

Nebraska has stayed under the total in four straight games overall and four of its last five non-conference games, while the over is 4-1 in Ole Miss’s last five overall (3-0 at home) and 7-3-1 in its last 11 non-league contests.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

NBA

Phoenix (47-22, 33-33-3 ATS) at Detroit (49-20, 37-31-1 ATS)

The red-hot Suns visit the Palace at Auburn Hills to take on a Pistons squad that has dropped two in a row.

Phoenix has won seven in a row (6-0-1 ATS), including Saturday’s 122-113 home win over the Rockets, getting the cash as a 6½-point chalk. During their run, the Suns have rediscovered their offense, topping 110 points in their last six. The Suns are shooting 56.9 percent from the floor in their last five and averaging 118.6 points a game.

Detroit dropped its second in a row Sunday, falling 95-83 as a 5½-point favorite in Washington. The Pistons lost in Cleveland on Wednesday 89-73 as a 1½-point road chalk as they’ve been mediocre in the last six, going 3-3 SU and ATS.

Flip Saunders’ Pistons are 7-2 SU (8-1 ATS) in the last nine head-to-head meetings in this rivalry, including a 116-86 upset win in Phoenix a month ago as 2½-point ‘dogs. The road team has won four of the last five series clashes (4-1 ATS) with Detroit getting three of those road wins. The straight-up winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 series meetings.

The Suns are on ATS runs of 6-2-1 on the road, 4-0 when playing on one day of rest and 6-2-1 on Mondays. Meanwhile the Pistons are on ATS streaks of 4-1 against the Western Conference and 9-3 at home against teams with a winning road mark, but they are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven when playing the second night of a back-to-back.

The over is 4-1 in the last five series clashes, 19-7 for Phoenix against the Eastern Conference, 13-6 in the Suns last 19 overall and 21-8 for the Suns against the Central Division. On the flip side, the under is 12-5-1 in the Pistons’ last 18 against the Western Conference, 11-1 when they play on back-to-back nights and 11-5 at home against teams with a winning road mark.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX

L.A. Lakers (48-22, 42-27-1 ATS) at Golden State (43-26, 30-39 ATS)

The Warriors will try to make it two in a row over the Lakers when the two meet inside Oracle Arena in Oakland just 24 hours after they squared off in the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Golden State held on for a 115-111 victory Sunday, cashing as a 7½-point ‘dog after leading by as many as 26 in the third quarter. It was the second straight win for the Warriors over the Lakers – the other was a 108-106 home victory on Dec. 14 as a six-point favorite – after having lost the previous nine to their rivals to the south (6-3 ATS).

Don Nelson’s squad is 6-3 SU in its last nine (5-4 ATS) but lost its last home outing to the Rockets on Friday, falling 109-106 as 3½-point favorites. The Warriors are just 4-13 ATS in their last 17 in front of the home fans and 4-13 ATS in their last 17 against the Western Conference. On the positive end of things, they’re on ATS streaks of 40-17-3 as a home underdog, 8-3 on no days rest and 16-5 at home against teams with a winning road percentage of .600 or better.

Los Angeles is 7-4 SU (5-6 ATS) in its last 11, but Sunday’s loss ended a three-game SU and ATS winning streak. The last time the Lakers were on the road they put an end to Utah’s 19-game home winning streak with a 106-95 win in Salt Lake City on Thursday as six-point ‘dogs.

Phil Jackson’s squad is 21-8-1 ATS in its last 30 on the road, 10-3 ATS in its last 13 against the Pacific Division and 4-1 ATS in its last five when playing the second night of a back-to-back.

The over is 11-2 in the last 13 series clashes in Oakland and 19-8 in the last 27 meetings overall, though last night’s meeting in L.A. stayed way under the big number.The over is also 20-9-1 in the Warriors’ last 30 overall, 8-2 when they’re underdogs, 4-1 as a home ‘dog and 38-13 in their last 51 Monday tip-offs. The over is 6-3 in the Lakers’ last nine as a favorite and 9-5 against the Pacific Division. However, the under is 12-4 in their last 16 Monday games and 8-3 when they’re a road favorite.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

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