Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Philips Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Bulls were trounced 121-99 by the 76ers last time out, as 7-point road underdogs. The 220 points sailed OVER the posted total of 208.
Thabo Sefolosha shot 8-for-11 from the field with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in the loss.
The Hawks roared back to dominate the second half on Wednesday, and defeated the Bucks 115-96. The Hawks covered the 7.5-point spread, while the 211 points made it OVER the posted total of 208.
Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 28 points and eight assists, while Josh Childress added 20 in the victory.
Team records:
Chicago: 28-43 SU, 31-40 ATS
Atlanta: 31-40 SU, 34-37 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing New York are 2-8
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing Atlanta
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chicago's last 14 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Next up:
Chicago home to Milwaukee, Saturday, March 29
Atlanta home to New York, Sunday, March 30
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- The Orlando Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Bradley Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Magic fell 107-97 to the Spurs last time out, as 1.5-point favorites in the contest. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 190.
Dwight Howard hit a double-double for the Magic, scoring 24 points and hauling down 21 rebounds.
The Bucks were defeated 115-96 by the Hawks last time out, as 7.5-point road underdogs. The 211 points made it OVER the posted total of 208.
Andrew Bogut scored 27 points and hauled down nine boards in the loss.
Current streak:
Orlando has lost 2 straight games.
Milwaukee has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 46-27 SU, 44-27-2 ATS
Milwaukee: 24-46 SU, 30-39-1 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing New Orleans are 5-5
After playing San Antonio are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Orlando is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Orlando is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
Milwaukee is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Milwaukee's last 18 games
Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Orlando
Next up:
Orlando home to New Orleans, Tuesday, April 1
Milwaukee at Chicago, Saturday, March 29
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs
- The Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at AT&T Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Spurs listed as 12-point favorites versus the Timberwolves, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Timberwolves fell 97-86 to the Rockets last time out, as 11-point road underdogs. The 183 points fell UNDER the posted total of 190.5.
.l Jefferson tossed in 21 points and grabbed 10 boards in a losing effort
The Spurs were dominant in the second half on Wednesday, as they cruised past the Clippers 97-88. The Spurs failed to cover the 15.5-point spread, and the 185 points made it OVER the posted total of 183.5.
Tim Duncan had 26 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double performance for the Spurs. Michael Finley chipped in with 16 points in the win.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 18-52 SU, 33-36-1 ATS
San Antonio: 49-23 SU, 33-39 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Utah are 2-8
After playing Houston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing LA Clippers are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
San Antonio is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Next up:
Minnesota home to Utah, Sunday, March 30
San Antonio home to Houston, Sunday, March 30
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Utah Jazz
- The Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at EnergySolutions Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Jazz listed as 15½-point favorites versus the Clippers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Clippers lost 97-88 to the Spurs last time out, as 15.5-point underdogs. The 185 points made it OVER the posted total of 183.5.
Corey Maggette tossed in 22 points with seven rebounds, and Al Thornton had 21 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
The Jazz tossed in 36 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday, as they slipped by the Bobcats 128-106. The Jazz covered the 13-point spread, while the combined 234 points sailed OVER the posted total of 207.
Carlos Boozer scored 28 points and hauled down 13 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 9 straight games.
Utah has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 21-50 SU, 31-40 ATS
Utah: 47-25 SU, 38-34 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Memphis are 1-9
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 9-1
After playing Charlotte are 5-2
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 11 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 10 games when playing Utah
Utah is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Utah is 21-1 SU in its last 22 games at home
Utah is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Utah is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Next up:
LA Clippers home to Memphis, Saturday, March 29
Utah at Minnesota, Sunday, March 30
Washington Wizards vs. Sacramento Kings
- The Washington Wizards and the Sacramento Kings will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at ARCO Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Kings listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Wizards, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Wizards scored 36 points to dominate the fourth quarter on Wednesday, and came back to defeat the SuperSonics 104-99. The Wizards failed to cover the 7-point spread, and the combined score went as a PUSH against the posted total of 203.
Caron Butler had 21 points, five rebounds and nine assists to lead the Wizards. Roger Mason added 22 points in the win.
The Kings forced overtime and then went on to defeat the Grizzlies 107-106 last time out, as 9.5-point favorites. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 216.5.
Kevin Martin threw in a game-high 36 points with seven rebounds for the Kings. Ron Artest chipped in with 24 points in the win.
Team records:
Washington: 37-34 SU, 40-30-1 ATS
Sacramento: 32-39 SU, 36-34-1 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Seattle are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Seattle are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 10 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Sacramento's last 10 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games at home
Sacramento is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Sacramento is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington at LA Lakers, Sunday, March 30
Sacramento at Seattle, Sunday, March 30
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- The Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Lakers listed as 14½-point favorites versus the Grizzlies, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Grizzlies lost 107-106 to the Kings on Wednesday, as 9.5-point favorites. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 216.5.
Hakim Warrick shot 9-for-17 from the field with 26 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
The Lakers fell 108-95 to the Bobcats last time out, as 14-point favorites. The 203 points were UNDER the posted total of 212.
Lamar Odom had 18 points with nine rebounds in a losing effort for the Lakers.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 18-53 SU, 31-40 ATS
Los Angeles: 49-23 SU, 43-28-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 7-3
After playing Charlotte are 4-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Memphis is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Memphis is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 20-4 SU in their last 24 games when playing at home against Memphis
LA Lakers are 18-6 SU in their last 24 games at home
LA Lakers are 18-6 SU in their last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games
Next up:
Memphis at LA Clippers, Saturday, March 29
LA Lakers home to Washington, Sunday, March 30
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Seattle SuperSonics
- The Charlotte Bobcats and the Seattle SuperSonics will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at KeyArena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bobcats listed as 3½-point favorites versus the SuperSonics, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Jason Richardson scored a game-high 34 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double and Matt Carroll added 18 points on Wednesday, as the Bobcats defeated the Lakers 108-95. The Bobcats won the game as 14-point underdogs, while the 203 points were UNDER the posted total of 212.
Gerald Wallace threw in 15 points for the Bobcats, and Raymond Felton added 13 in the victory.
The SuperSonics lost 104-99 to the Wizards last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The combined score went as a PUSH against the posted total of 203.
Kevin Durant tossed in a game-high 32 points with seven rebounds in the loss.
Team records:
Charlotte: 26-45 SU, 30-39-2 ATS
Seattle: 17-55 SU, 35-35-2 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 2-5
After playing LA Lakers are 4-3
After a win are 4-6
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 6-4
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
Charlotte is 6-11-1 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
Seattle is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Seattle is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Charlotte at Portland, Saturday, March 29
Seattle home to Sacramento, Sunday, March 30
There's no overstating it: Stanford is a good play
For most of the regular season, strong interior defense made Stanford a solid under play on over/under combined-point-total bets.
But since Feb. 10, the Cardinal has been giving up more points and, at the same time, increased its scoring.
That has turned out to be a good combination for over/under players with the over going 11-2 in the last 13 games involving Stanford, which has scored 75 or more points in four of its last five games.
Tonight, Texas (30-6) -- seeded No. 2 in the South Regional -- is favored by two points over No. 3-seeded Stanford (28-7) with a 134 over/under combined point total.
In Stanford's last four games as an underdog, the over is 4-0, and it is 8-2 in its last 10 NCAA men's tournament games overall.
Texas, which has covered the point spread only twice in its last eight games, also has a good connection with the over play.
The Longhorns -- who have scored at least 74 points in their last four games -- have a 6-2 over record in their last eight NCAA tournament games.
North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough is the favorite to win the John R. Wooden Award, given to the most outstanding player in college basketball.
Hansbrough is listed at 1-4 odds, according to Sportsbetting.com. He's followed by Kansas State's Michael Beasley at 5-2 and Texas' D.J. Augustin at 15-1.
UCLA's Kevin Love is in the middle of the pack at 30-1 and USC's O.J. Mayo is 50-1.
latimes.com
NCAAB Tips and Trends – Sweet Sixteen
Midwest Region - Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
#10 Davidson vs. #3 Wisconsin
Davidson: The Wildcats have been one of the true Cinderellas in the Big Dance along with Western Kentucky, led by super sophomore Stephen Curry. The son of former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry has totaled 55 points combined in the second halves of the first 2 games and proven to be the most valuable player of any team so far. When he struggled in the first half against Georgetown, Davidson trailed by 11 points at the break. But when he caught fire, the Wildcats were able to overcome a 16-point deficit.
Davidson is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 neutral site games.
The UNDER is 9-3-1 in Davidson's last 13 games as an underdog.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 60
Wisconsin (-5, O/U 126.5): The Badgers have the advantage of playing in Big Ten country in Detroit while Davidson won't be playing in their own backyard anymore. That combined with Wisconsin stopper Michael Flowers' ability to shut down opposing guards (he held Michigan State Drew Neitzel to 9-of-28 shooting this season) makes insiders believe the clock may indeed strike midnight for the Wildcats in the Sweet 16.
Wisconsin is 10-2 ATS during its 12-game winning streak.
The UNDER is 20-7 in Wisconsin's last 27 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 66
#12 Villanova vs. #1 Kansas
Villanova: Villanova is playing like a team that could pull a Sweet 16 upset. The key to the Wildcats first two tournament wins has been consistency on both sides of the ball. ?Nova is shooting 51.8 percent from the field in the tournament, while holding its opposition to just 37 percent. The Wildcats have also been surprisingly strong on the boards. Despite fielding a small front line, Villanova outrebounded Clemson and Siena 73-64. Overall, the Wildcats are playing well in every area and could prove to be a tough test for No. 1 seed Kansas.
Villanova is 5-1 SU & ATS in its last 6 games overall.
The UNDER is 10-3-1 in Villanova's last 14 games overall.
Key Injuries - C Casiem Drummond (4.9 ppg; broken ankle) will miss the rest of the season.
PROJECTED SCORE: 67 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)
Kansas (-11.5, O/U 141.5): The Jayhawks have been an offensive machine so far in the tournament, scoring a combined 160 points and shooting a red-hot 54.1 and 58 percent in wins over Portland State and UNLV. One of the reasons for Kansas? high offensive output is that they have done an excellent job protecting the basketball. The Jayhawks only have 21 turnovers in two games. That?s an area where Kansas has a big advantage over Villanova. The Wildcats have turned the ball over 33 times in their 2 tournament games.
Kansas is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Villanova's last 8 neutral site games.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 79
South Region - Reliant Arena (Houston, TX)
#3 Stanford vs. #2 Texas
Stanford: Cardinal head coach Trent Johnson - the Pac-10's Coach of the Year - plans on staying on the bench in this game after getting ejected with 2 technicals in the first half against Marquette. ?He might be more conscious of reaching that limit with the refs but I don?t think he?ll be any different in his approach,? Stanford point guard Mitch Johnson said. ?Obviously he knows people are watching him and the past stays with you.? The team is 4-1 on neutral courts this season, with the only loss coming to UCLA in the Pac-10 Tournament title game. However, Texas will be playing close to home in Houston - just like the Bruins did back in LA.
Stanford is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-1 in Stanford's last 10 non-conference games.
The OVER is 8-2 in Stanford's last 10 NCAA Tournament games.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 67
Texas (-1.5, O/U 135.5): The Longhorns can look at Marquette's success against Stanford last Saturday as a blueprint for this Sweet 16 matchup. While the Cardinal certainly has an advantage inside with the 7-foot Lopez brothers, Texas will counter with arguably the best backcourt in the country. Insiders believe guards D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams are much more talented offensively than Marquette's guards and will likely be the difference in this game.
Texas is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
Texas is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games vs. Pac-10.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 68
#5 Michigan State vs. #1 Memphis
Michigan State: People close to the Michigan State team feel this could be a dangerous game for the Spartans. Michigan State lives and dies by its outside shooters G Drew Neitzel, F Raymont Morgan and G Kalin Lucas. Even though the Spartans are a good offensive rebounding team they?ll be in trouble if their shots aren?t falling. Michigan State doesn?t play good transition defense and it struggles pressuring athletic guards. If the Spartans aren?t hitting from the outside, it will allow Memphis to get out and run and that could lead to a long night for Michigan State fans.
Michigan State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games overall.
The OVER is 6-2 in Michigan State's last 8 Friday games.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 64
Memphis (-4.5, O/U 134.5): Sooner or later, poor free throw shooting is going to catch up with the Tigers. Memphis was in control against Mississippi State but constant misses at the line inexplicably gave the Bulldogs a chance to tie the game in the final seconds. Overall, Memphis shot a laughable 46.9 percent at the charity stripe, including just 5-of-12 in the final 48 seconds to keep Mississippi State alive.
Memphis is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 71 (Side Play of the Day)
Friday's NCAA Games
There are 350,000 Longhorn alumni in Houston area, so Texas figures to have crowd edge playing in Reliant Stadium, with a court laid out in middle of football field. Underdog is 15-11 vs spread in last 26 #2-3 seed matchups in regional semis, with #2 seed 16-10 SU. Stanford won four of last five games since they got swept in LA at end of regular season- they beat Colorado 67-43, Texas Tech 62-61 (Big 12 foes). Longhorns beat UCLA in Westwood, so they have to be confident vs Pac-10 foe.
#10 seeds are 1-6 in this round vs 3 seeds last ten years, 3-6 vs spread overall in this round. Davidson was down double digits in both games last week, rallied to win behind sharpshooting soph Curry, who scored 55 second half points in two games. In a dome this week, and not close to Charlotte home, things will be tougher vs Wisconsin team playing in Big 11 country. Last week, Badgers held foes to 39-36% from floor, 7-34 from arc.
#1 seeds are just 1-6 vs spread in last seven regional semis vs 5-seed; Memphis shot 15-32 from line in shaky 77-74 win vs an athletic Mississippi State team. Michigan State is 3-4 as a dog this season, but 14-1 SU outside of Pac-10, losing to UCLA in game they led by 11 at half. Memphis got held to 62 points in its only loss, at home to Tennessee Feb 23- they've won nine in row since. Last night, the 7-12 seeds that lost were at least a little lively, while 2-4 seeds that got beat played awful ball.
#12 seeds are 2-5 vs spread when playing #1 seed in regional semifinal round since 1994, with only cover before Thursday when Missouri State lost 78-61 to Duke (+28); 12's are 0-14 vs #1's since 1985, with last seven losses by 14-11-15-17-16-19-10 points. Kansas beat DePaul 84-66 in only game vs Big East foe. Villanova was down 18 to Clemson, rallied to win, then beat 12 seed Siena to get here- they're 11-2 outside of Big East, 6-5 vs spread as an underdog.