Tuesday's Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Eight games highlight Tuesday’s slate, including a handful of non-conference battles, a pair of late-night battles on the West Coast and an intriguing matchup in the Eastern Conference.
As always, keep an eye on our Injury and Player Updates, plus don’t forget about Expert Advice from our team of professional handicappers.
Without further adieu, let’s break ‘em down!
West Coast Wars
Phoenix (39-20 SU, 26-31 ATS) at Portland (31-29 SU, 31-29 ATS): A lot of critics expected Phoenix’s addition of Shaquille O’Neal to limit the team offensively, but perhaps improve the club on defense. In the first six games with Shaq, Phoenix’s offense has dropped to 106.5 points per game and the defense has been worse. The club has allowed 112.5 PPG and if it wasn’t for a 77-point effort against Boston on Feb. 22, that number would be much higher.
The Suns are 2-4 both SU and ATS since Shaq was shipped to the desert and the schedule picks up the pace this week as well. Along with a road battle against Portland tonight, Phoenix faces Denver, Utah and San Antonio this week. The Suns are 18-11 SU and 15-13 ATS on the road this year.
Portland’s playoff chances continue to fade, but at least the club is still fighting unlike other teams (Heat, Bobcats, Grizzlies) that have packed it in. Nate McMillian’s team has rebounded with four straight covers (2-2 SU) after going 1-14 ATS in their previous 15 contests. The Trail Blazers own a productive 22-8 SU and 16-14 ATS mark at Rose Garden and should put their best effort forward on Tuesday, with a five-game road trip on deck. Last year, Phoenix was 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in its four regular season meetings against Portland. The ‘over’ went 3-1.
L.A. Lakers (42-18 SU, 37-22 ATS) at Sacramento (27-32 SU, 31-27 ATS): The Lakers stopped the Mavericks 108-104 on Sunday in overtime, but failed to cover as seven-point home favorites. Phil Jackson’s squad is just 1-3 ATS in its last four games but that comes after a 13-1 stretch versus the number. Los Angeles could be in a bit of a look-ahead spot this week, with a huge four-game road trip against the Hornets, Rockets, Mavericks and Jazz starting on Mar. 14. Before the venture, the Lakers have four games lined up with the Kings (2), Clippers and Raptors. Sacramento rallied past Miami 120-109 on Sunday, snapping a four-game slide. The Kings’ defense hasn’t held an opponent under triple digits in the last seven games, helping the ‘over’ go 5-2 during this span. This will be the first of four meetings between the two clubs this year. The Lakers were 3-1 both SU and ATS against the Kings last year and the ‘over’ cashed in all four battles.
Eastern Clash
Toronto (32-26 SU, 38-23 ATS) at Orlando (38-23 SU, 38-23 ATS): Stan Van Gundy and the Magic are starting to heat up again, going 6-2 both SU and ATS in the last eight games. Another victory appears to be in order with a banged up Toronto team visiting the Magic Kingdom. The Raptors have dropped back-to-back losses both SU and ATS, giving up 122 and 110 points. Toronto All-Star Chris Bosh is listed as ‘out’ with a bruised knee. The Raptors have gone 14-13 both SU and ATS on the road, while Orlando has produced a 17-11 SU and 16-12 ATS ledger at home. This will be the third and final meeting between the two teams this year. The first two games were split and the total easily went ‘over’ the number in both tilts. NBATV will offer national coverage of this tip at 7:05 p.m. EST.
Non-Conference Battles
Golden State (36-22 SU, 24-34 ATS) at Atlanta (25-33 SU, 29-28 ATS): The Warriors extended their winning streak to three games on Sunday by defeating Portland, 110-104. Golden State failed to cover as seven-point home favorites, and it should be noted that the team is just 2-8 ATS in the last 10. Don Nelson’s team begins a four-game East Coast trip on Tuesday against Atlanta, who has won and covered four in a row against Golden State. The Hawks stopped the Warriors 117-110 on Feb. 22, covering as 8 ½-point road underdogs. The ‘over’ is 6-0 in the last six meetings between the two clubs.
Seattle (16-43 SU, 29-29 ATS) at Detroit (43-16 SU, 33-24 ATS): Detroit returns to The Palace of Auburn Hills after wrapping up a four-game road trip on Saturday, which saw the team go 3-1 both SU and ATS. Seattle kicked off its seven-game road trip on Sunday by beating Minnesota 111-108 in overtime as a 7 ½-point underdog. The win snapped a four-game losing skid for the Sonics. Detroit has won six straight against Seattle, including a 107-103 triumph at Key Arena on Nov. 11. The Pistons are only 3-3 ATS during this run.
Charlotte (20-39 SU, 24-34 ATS) at Minnesota (12-46 SU, 28-30 ATS): The Bobcats snapped a five-game losing streak Sunday when the team notched a 110-98 victory against Toronto. The combined 208 points helped the ‘over’ cash for the fifth straight game. Minnesota suffered its third straight loss Sunday in a 111-108 overtime loss to Seattle. Charlotte has struggled on the road to a 4-22 SU and 7-18 ATS mark, while Minnesota has gone 10-21 SU and 13-17 ATS at home. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs this season. Last year, the road team won and covered both contests. The ‘over’ cashed in both games.
New Jersey (26-33 SU, 23-35 ATS) at San Antonio (41-17 SU, 29-29 ATS): The Spurs stopped the Nets 93-83 on Sunday as 4½-point road favorites and look to complete the home-and-home series tonight. This series has been one-sided, with San Antonio winning 11 in a row against New Jersey. The Spurs have covered 10 of the 11 and haven’t allowed the Nets to eclipse the 100-point barrier in any of the meetings. Toss in the fact that San Antonio has won nine straight games and No. 10 seems very likely too. The Nets are 11-16 SU and 12-15 ATS on the road.
Memphis (14-45 SU, 24-35 ATS) at Chicago (23-36 SU, 25-34 ATS): Hard to make a case for either one of these clubs, especially Memphis. The Grizzlies are 0-8 both SU and ATS in their last eight games, with seven of the losses coming by double digits. The Bulls haven’t been much better, going 2-4 both SU and ATS in the last six games. Memphis has won and covered two straight against Chicago, including a 104-90 victory on Jan. 21.
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Powerhouses scrambling to make Tournament
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -In many years, Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland and Syracuse would be a strong Final Four.
This year, it might be the NIT Final Four.
As the regular season winds down and conference tournaments tip off, the Terrapins, Orange and Wildcats - the Arizona and Kentucky varieties - are in bubble trouble.
If pedigree were all that matters, they'd have nothing to worry about on Selection Sunday. But while these powerhouses are long on tradition, at the moment they're short on victories.
``We are in desperation mode now,'' Arizona forward Chase Budinger said.
Arizona has reached the NCAA tournament 23 straight years, the nation's longest active streak.
Kentucky has played in a record 48 NCAA tournaments, with seven titles and 13 Final Four appearances.
Maryland and Syracuse have each won national titles in this decade.
They aren't the only big names sweating the stretch run. Florida (21-8, 8-6 SEC), the two-time defending national champion, has lost five of eight and has few notable victories.
Ohio State (17-12, 8-8 Big Ten), which reached the national final last spring, beat the Gators in December but has lost five of its last six.
Big East bully Villanova (17-12, 7-9 Big East) also has work to do.
``We know we've got to win some games to get in the (NCAA) tournament,'' Florida freshman forward Adam Allen said Monday. ``Nobody wants to go to the NIT. It's like the champion of the losers if you win that.''
Allen was talking about the Gators, but he could have been speaking for all the elite teams scrambling to improve their tourney resumes.
Start with the Arizona Wildcats (17-12, 7-9 Pac-10), who have picked a bad time to hit the skids. They've lost six of their last seven and were swept over the weekend by USC and No. 4 UCLA at McKale Center, their once-impregnable home.
Even so, interim coach Kevin O'Neill believes his team deserves strong consideration from NCAA selectors.
``I just want to play through the rest of the season and see what they say,'' O'Neill said. ``I doubt there are 64 teams better than us, but we will see.''
The Wildcats finish the regular season at last-place Oregon State and Oregon this weekend. The Wildcats split with those teams in January.
Kentucky (16-11, 10-4 SEC) is going in the other direction. After a 7-9 start, including an unthinkable loss to Gardner-Webb, the Wildcats looked as if they had no prayer of making the tournament. But with nine wins in their last 11 games, they're closing with a rush, and on Saturday they threw a scare into then-No. 1 Tennessee, losing 63-60 in Knoxville.
The Wildcats have lost freshman Patrick Patterson, their No. 2 scorer and leading rebounder, for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
Kentucky visits South Carolina on Wednesday and wraps up the regular season against Florida on Sunday.
``I know they can win these games without me,'' Patterson said. ``I know they can play because if they couldn't, they wouldn't be here. We have total confidence in ourselves and our teammates.''
Kentucky last missed the NCAA tournament in 1991, Rick Pitino's second season in Lexington - and it wasn't because of performance. The Wildcats went 22-6 but stayed home because they were on NCAA probation.
The last time the Wildcats were eligible and failed to qualify for the NCAAs was in 1988-89, when they went 13-19 in Eddie Sutton's last year. To put that into perspective, Patterson was born on March 14, 1989, four days after Kentucky ended its season with a loss to Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament.
If Syracuse and Maryland don't make the NCAA tourney, they will look back on last weekend with regret. Both blew double-digit leads and lost at home, and if there's one thing the selection committee doesn't like to see, it's home losses.
Syracuse (17-12, 7-9 Big East), the 2003 national champs, blew an 11-point second half lead to Pitt on Saturday and gave the game away with a turnover under their own basket in the final seconds.
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, a 32-year veteran who has led his alma mater to 25 NCAA tournaments, called it ``the most disappointing game I've ever been involved with.''
It was the fifth loss in six games for Syracuse, which will try to bounce back at Seton Hall on Wednesday night. The Orange finish the regular season against No. 21 Marquette on Saturday.
``It's going to be hard recovering from this,'' freshman point guard Jonny Flynn said.
The Terrapins know the feeling. Maryland (18-12, 8-7 ACC) coughed up a 20-point second-half lead to Clemson and lost on Terrence Oglesby's 3-pointer with 2.3 seconds to play.
The Terrapins have only one regular-season game remaining, at Virginia on Sunday, and then they'll try to make some hay in the ACC tournament.
For many of the nation's elite programs, conference tourneys are something to endure until the real postseason tips off.
Not this year.
For some, it may be the only way into the NCAAs.
Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas cleared to return to practice
WASHINGTON (AP) -Gilbert Arenas will return to practice Tuesday for the Washington Wizards, the latest step in his long recovery from knee surgery.
``They cleared me to go out there and go full speed,'' the three-time All-Star guard said Monday. ``But I am just going to take it slow.''
Arenas' left knee has been acting up for nearly a year. He had surgery last April and pursued an aggressive rehabilitation regimen so that he could return for the start of this season. He lasted only eight games before having two more surgical procedures on his knee on Nov. 21.
Arenas began taking part in light, non-contact drills two weeks ago. There is still no timetable for his return to the lineup for the Wizards, who are also missing All-Star forward Caron Butler.
``It's nerve-racking because I don't want to get hurt again,'' Arenas said. ``Two injuries back-to-back kind of messes with a guy's mental state. I am going to take it slow, work out tomorrow before practice, practice with the team - and every day I am just going to try to build up the confidence mentally.''
Despite Arenas' injury, the Wizards were contending for the Southeast Division title until Butler was sidelined a month ago with a hip injury. After a long slump, Washington has rebounded to win four of its past five and move within one game of .500, good enough for sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Knee injury sidelines Heat forward Dorell Wright for season
MIAMI (AP) -A knee injury will sideline Dorell Wright for the remainder of the season, the latest piece of bad news to hit the reeling Miami Heat.
Wright had surgery Monday to repair a left meniscus tear, which he suffered in the second quarter of Miami's 120-109 loss Sunday night at the Sacramento Kings. Miami wasted a 23-point second-half lead and fell to 11-46, the worst record in the NBA.
The Heat said Wright would be in a straight-leg brace for one month, and will begin rehabilitation immediately.
The 22-year-old Wright averaged career-bests of 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 25.2 minutes in 43 games this season, plus hit 49 percent of his shots, the best mark of his four seasons. He also started 33 games, 12 more than he started in his first three NBA seasons combined.
Wright missed time earlier this season with a sprained ankle, plus lost two teeth after being struck in a game against the Philadelphia 76rs last month.
His absence could expedite the return of rookie guard Daequan Cook from the NBA Development League. Cook is on loan to the NBDL's Iowa franchise for a five-game stint, which began Sunday. The Heat do not play again until hosting Toronto on Wednesday.
Either way, Miami's bench will be missing at least one option for Saturday's resumption of a suspended game against the Atlanta Hawks.
The NBA released procedures for that resumption Monday, and Wright must be among the 10 players on Miami's active roster for the final 51.9 seconds of overtime in a game that began Dec. 19.
The Hawks were originally credited with a win in that game, but the Heat protested because stat-crew workers in Atlanta erroneously gave Shaquille O'Neal a sixth foul.
NBA officials agreed, erased the Atlanta victory from the books, and ordered the ending replayed.
Of course, O'Neal won't be there now anyway - he was traded to the Phoenix Suns last month. That game will resume with Atlanta holding a 114-111 lead, and after completion of that matchup, the Heat and Hawks will play a full game as originally scheduled.
Televised Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
The college basketball regular season concludes this weekend before conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament take center stage. There are just three televised college basketball games Tuesday, a calm before the Madness storm.
**Purdue at Ohio State **
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Ohio State as a two-point home ‘chalk’ over Purdue, with the total set at 127. ESPN will provide coverage of this Big Ten contest at 7:00 p.m. ET.
-Purdue (23-6 straight up, 16-10 against the spread) has won back-to-back games SU and ATS after cruising past Northwestern Saturday as a 14-point home favorite, 68-43. The combined 111 points failed to topple the 128 ½-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Boilermakers conclude the regular season with road games against Ohio State and Michigan. Purdue is 5-4 SU and 8-1 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ also going 5-4.
-Ohio State (17-11 SU, 13-11 ATS) is currently mired in a four-game SU losing skid (1-3 ATS) after Saturday’s setback to Minnesota as a three-point road underdog, 71-57. The combined 128 points failed to eclipse the 131-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 7-2 the past nine games.
-The Buckeyes maintain a 12-3 SU and 4-7 ATS home record, with the ‘under’ going 8-3. Ohio State concludes its regular season with home games against Purdue and Michigan State.
-Ohio State had gone 6-0 SU and ATS the previous six meetings with Purdue until January 12 when the Boilermakers triumphed as a home ‘pick,’ 75-68. The combined 143 points went ‘over’ the 131½-point closing total.
**Miami (OH) at Kent**
-Caesars Palace opened Kent as a 5½-point home favorite. ESPN2 will start its coverage of this contest beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.
-Miami (14-13 SU, 13-12 ATS) had dropped back-to-back outings SU and ATS before routing Ohio Saturday as a 3½-point home ‘chalk,’ 73-49. The combined 122 points toppled the 119-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ cash the second game in a row.
-The RedHawks are 5-11 SU, but 13-3 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 8-7. Miami closes out the regular season after this game with a home matchup against Bowling Green.
-Kent (23-6 SU, 13-11 ATS) had won five games in a row SU and four consecutive contests ATS before falling to Bowling Green Saturday as a 7 ½-point road favorite, 89-83. The combined 172 points soared ‘over’ the 129-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the sixth game in a row.
-The Golden Flashes are an unblemished 15-0 SU at home, while going 6-4 ATS. The ‘under’ has gone 7-5 during those home games. Kent concludes its regular season with Saturday’s road game against Akron.
-Kent is 5-2 SU and 3-4 ATS the past seven meetings with Miami after prevailing Jan. 17 as a three-point road underdog, 74-62. The combined 136 points toppled the 119½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the past four games.
-Miami center Tyler Dierkers (head) is ‘questionable’ against Kent.
**Arkansas at Mississippi**
-LVSC lists Mississippi as a two-point home favorite over Arkansas, with the total set at 149. ESPN will start its coverage of this SEC matchup at 9:00 p.m. ET.
-Arkansas (16-10 SU, 14-9 ATS) was mired in a two-game SU and ATS losing skid before beating Vanderbilt Saturday as a 6 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 78-73. The combined 151 points eclipsed the 145-point closing total, snapping consecutive ‘under’ outings.
-The Razorbacks are 3-6 SU, but 7-2 ATS when playing on the road. The ‘over’ has gone 6-3 in those nine outings. Arkansas concludes its regular season with Saturday’s home matchup with Auburn.
-Mississippi (16-10 SU, 12-10 ATS) got back on the winning track by beating Alabama Saturday as a 5 ½-point home favorite, 91-88. The combined 179 points soared ‘over’ the 149-point closing total, ending a string of three straight ‘under’ outings.
-The Rebels sport a 13-3 SU and 4-8 ATS home record, with the ‘over’ going 7-5. Ole Miss concludes its regular season with Saturday’s road game against Georgia.
-Arkansas is 5-2 SU and 7-0 ATS the past seven meetings with Ole Miss after winning February 9 as a five-point home ‘chalk,’ 75-69. The combined 144 points went ‘under’ the 149-point closing total, snapping a three-game ‘over’ streak in this series.
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Golden State Warriors vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Philips Arena.
The Warriors defeated Portland 110-104 as a 7-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (211.5).
Stephen Jackson scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Golden State, while Monta Ellis added 22 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
The Hawks lost to Boston 98-88 as an 11.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (198.5).
Josh Smith led the Hawks with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Mike Bibby and Al Horford each netted 14 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Golden State has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 36-22 SU, 24-34 ATS
Atlanta: 25-33 SU, 29-29 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 4-3
After playing Portland are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing New Orleans are 3-7
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Golden State's last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Next up:
Golden State at Charlotte, Wednesday, March 5
Atlanta at New Orleans, Wednesday, March 5
Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic
- The Toronto Raptors and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Amway Arena.
The Raptors lost to Charlotte 110-98 as a 3.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (200.5).
Anthony Parker led the Raptors with 24 points and Rasho Nesterovic netted 16 points in the loss.
Orlando had no trouble with New York Saturday, as they cruised to a 118-92 victory at home. Orlando covered the 11.5-point spread, while the 210 points made it OVER the posted total of 209.5.
Dwight Howard scored a game-high 26 points and hauled down 22 rebounds to complete a double-double performance for Orlando. Hedo Turkoglu chipped in with 25 points in the win.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 32-26 SU, 33-25 ATS
Orlando: 38-23 SU, 38-22-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing New York are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Orlando
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Toronto at Miami, Wednesday, March 5
Orlando at Washington, Wednesday, March 5
Seattle SuperSonics vs. Detroit Pistons
- The Seattle SuperSonics and the Detroit Pistons will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Sonics defeated Minnesota 111-108 in overtime as an 8-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (194.5).
Kevin Durant scored 25 points for Seattle and Chris Wilcox added 18 points and 15 rebounds in the win.
The Pistons outscored the Clippers by 20 points in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 103-73 win. The Pistons won the game as 9-point favorites, while the 176 points were UNDER the posted total of 182.
Tayshaun Prince shot 10-for-18 from the field with 22 points and 10 assists for the Pistons. Rasheed Wallace chipped in with 17 points.
Team records:
Seattle: 16-43 SU, 29-29-1 ATS
Detroit: 43-16 SU, 34-24-1 ATS
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After playing Minnesota are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Seattle is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Seattle is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Seattle
Detroit is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
Next up:
Seattle at Milwaukee, Wednesday, March 5
Detroit at Boston, Wednesday, March 5
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The Charlotte Bobcats and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Target Center.
The Bobcats defeated Toronto 110-98 as a 3.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (200.5).
Jason Richardson scored 30 points and added seven rebounds for Charlotte, while Raymond Felton and Jared Dudley each netted 17 points in the win.
The Timberwolves lost to Seattle 111-108 in overtime as an 8-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (194.5).
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves with 30 points and 12 rebounds, while Rashad McCants deposited 18 points.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 20-39 SU, 23-34-2 ATS
Minnesota: 12-46 SU, 28-29-1 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 1-6
After playing Toronto are 1-9
After a win are 2-8
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Utah are 3-7
After playing Seattle are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Minnesota is 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games
Next up:
Charlotte home to Golden State, Wednesday, March 5
Minnesota at Utah, Wednesday, March 5
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Chicago Bulls
- The Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at United Center.
The Grizzlies were tore apart 113-92 by the Jazz last time out, as 9.5-point underdogs at home. The 205 points were UNDER the posted total of 212.
Hakim Warrick had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds in the loss, while Rudy Gay had a game-high 20 points.
The Bulls lost to Cleveland 95-85 as a 4.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (195).
Larry Hughes led the Bulls with 23 points and Tyrus Thomas had 12 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 8 straight games.
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 14-45 SU, 24-35 ATS
Chicago: 23-36 SU, 25-34 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Utah are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Memphis's last 13 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games at home
Chicago is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Chicago's last 13 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to New Jersey, Wednesday, March 5
Chicago home to Cleveland, Thursday, March 6
New Jersey Nets vs. San Antonio Spurs
- The New Jersey Nets and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at AT&T Center.
The Nets lost to San Antonio 93-83 as a 5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (183).
Vince Carter and Devin Harris each scored 21 points for the Nets and Richard Jefferson chipped in with 18 points in the loss.
The Spurs defeated New Jersey 93-83 as a 5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (183).
Tony Parker scored a game-high 25 points for San Antonio, while Manu Ginobili added 17 points in the win.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 9 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 26-33 SU, 23-35-1 ATS
San Antonio: 41-17 SU, 29-29 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 10-0
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New Jersey's last 18 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
New Jersey is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games
New Jersey is 8-16 ATS in its last 24 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
San Antonio is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey at Memphis, Wednesday, March 5
San Antonio home to Indiana, Thursday, March 6
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- The Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Rose Garden.
The Suns were upset 119-114 by the Sixers last time out. The Suns won the game as 9.5-point underdogs, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 211.
Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Blazers lost to Golden State 110-104 as a 7-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (211.5).
Brandon Roy led the Blazers with 26 points and Travis Outlaw had 17 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 39-20 SU, 26-31-2 ATS
Portland: 31-29 SU, 31-29 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 9-1
After a loss are 9-1
Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games at home
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 12 games when playing Phoenix
Next up:
Phoenix at Denver, Wednesday, March 5
Portland at Milwaukee, Friday, March 7
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
- The division rival Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings are set to renew hostilities on Tuesday when they meet at ARCO Arena.
The Lakers defeated Dallas 108-104 in overtime as a 6.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208).
Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 52 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Lakers, while Pau Gasol added 17 points and 14 rebounds in the win.
The Kings defeated Miami 120-109 as a 6.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (204.5).
Ron Artest scored a game-high 32 points for Sacramento and Kevin Martin added 29 points in the win.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 42-18 SU, 37-22-1 ATS
Sacramento: 27-32 SU, 31-27-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing LA Clippers are 7-3
After playing Miami are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
LA Lakers are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Sacramento is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 13 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers home to LA Clippers, Friday, March 7
Sacramento at LA Clippers, Wednesday, March 5
Tuesday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic
* Orlando won't need to worry about defending Chris Bosh, who has tortured the Magic during his career, averaging 33.8 points per game against them. Bosh scored 40 points in the last meeting, but he will miss his second straight game with a sore knee. He is expected to miss a week of action. BIG EDGE: MAGIC
* Anthony Parker has picked up some of the scoring load with Bosh out, averaging 24.5 points in the last 2 games. He could have a mismatch here as well since Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu has played some point guard with Keyon Dooling and Jameer Nelson nursing injuries. (Check status on the Pregame Wire!) EDGE: RAPTORS
* Raptors are 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
* The OVER is 9-1 in Toronto's last 10 games vs. Eastern Conference.
* The OVER is 7-2 in Toronto's last 9 road games.
* The OVER is 6-2 Toronto's last 8 overall.
New Jersey Nets at San Antonio Spurs
* Nets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Tuesday games.
* Nets are 2-14 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
* The OVER is 9-4-1 in New Jersey's last 14 road games.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in San Antonio's last 8 home games.
* The UNDER is 16-7 in San Antonio's last 23 overall.
* The UNDER is 13-5 in the last 18 meetings.
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers
* Suns are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. Northwest Division.
* Blazers are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* The OVER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Portland.
* The OVER is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.
* The UNDER is 7-2 in Phoenix's last 9 games vs. Northwest Division.
Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings
* Surprisingly, this will be the first meeting between the teams this season. They will play each other 3 times after tonight, which means the Kings will help determine if the Lakers finish with the best record in the Western Conference. LA has won 4 of the last 5 games between them both SU & ATS. EDGE: LAKERS
* Kobe Bryant is coming off a monster 52-point game for the Lakers on Sunday, scoring 30 of his points after the third quarter in a 108-104 overtime win against Dallas. Bryant averaged 31.3 points against the Kings last season, including 38 in 2 games at Sacramento. EDGE: LAKERS
* New Laker Pau Gasol has never won at Arco Arena in 10 career games, all as a member of the Grizzlies. SLIGHT EDGE: KINGS
* Lakers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. Pacific Division.
* Lakers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Tuesday games.
* Lakers are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
* Kings are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 Tuesday games.
* Kings are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games.
* Favorite is 14-5 ATS in the last 19 meetings.
* The OVER is 11-2 in Sacramento's last 13 home games.
* The OVER is 16-5-1 in the last 22 meetings.
CBB
#16 Purdue at Ohio State
* Purdue has won 13 of its last 14 conference games and 16 of its last 18 games overall. EDGE: PURDUE
* Ohio State has won 8 of the last 9 meetings and has won 7 of the last 10 outings in Columbus. Purdue's last win in Columbus was a 107-75 victory back on February 7th, 1998. EDGE: OHIO STATE
* The Boilermakers have posted an impressive 5-2 Big Ten road record this season, including a 5-game winning streak against Iowa, Penn State, Illinois, Wisconsin and Northwestern. EDGE: PURDUE
* Purdue is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games overall.
* Purdue is 21-5 ATS in its last 26 games vs. Big Ten.
* Purdue is 3-11 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
* The UNDER is 40-19 in Purdue's last 59 games vs. Big Ten.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Ohio State's last 10 home games.
* The UNDER is 7-2 in Ohio State's last 9 overall.
* The UNDER is 7-2 in Ohio State's last 9 vs. Big Ten.
Miami (Ohio) at #23 Kent State
* Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games vs. MAC.
* Miami is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
* Kent State is 20-6 ATS in its last 26 Tuesday games.
* Kent State is 29-13 ATS in its last 42 home games.
* The OVER is 6-2 in Miami's last 8 games overall.
Arkansas at Mississippi
* Ole Miss is 5-9 in SEC games, but 7of the team's 9 losses have come on the road, including a 2-point loss at former No. 1 Tennessee. SLIGHT EDGE: OLE MISS
* Arkansas gives up the third-fewest points per game in the SEC at 65.5 points per game overall and has allowed just 68.4 in conference play. EDGE: UNDER
* The Rebels have won 13 of the last 20 meetings with the Razorbacks, while the teams split the season series the last 2 years with each winning on its home court. EDGE: OLE MISS
* Ole Miss has struggled down the stretch during the 2007-08 season, managing to win just 4 games since starting the season with 15 wins in its first 16 contests. EDGE: ARKANSAS
* Mississippi is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games overall.
* Arkansas is 17-38-2 ATS in its last 57 road games.
* Arkansas is 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
* Home team is 10-1-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
* The OVER is 9-4 in Arkansas' last 13 road games.
* The UNDER is 9-3 in Arkansas' last 12 Tuesday games.
Pregame.com
Akron at Ohio, 7:00 EST
Akron: 9-1 ATS on Tuesday Nights
Ohio: 8-2 ATS in home games
Miami (Ohio) at Kent State, 7:00 EST ESPN2
Miami (Ohio): 2-10 ATS Away revenging DD home loss
Kent State: 17-5 ATS on Tuesday Nights
Eastern Michigan at Toledo, 7:00 EST
Eastern Michigan: 0-6 ATS off BB wins
Toledo: 8-2 ATS off DD loss
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech, 7:00 EST
Wake Forest: 7-23 ATS when the total is 130 to 139.5
Virginia Tech: 6-0 ATS at home off ATS win
Bowling Green at Buffalo, 7:00 EST
Bowling Green: 9-2 Under in road games
Buffalo: 3-11 ATS off Away conference loss
Western Michigan at Central Michigan, 7:00 EST
Western Michigan: 8-2 ATS off conference win
Central Michigan: 1-7 ATS off ATS win
Northern Illinois at Ball State, 7:00 EST
Northern Illinois: 7-1 ATS after allowing 80+ points
Ball State: 8-22 ATS off road loss
Nebraska at Texas, 7:30 EST
Nebraska: 5-15 ATS in road games
Texas: 9-2 Under in home games
UTEP at Southern Mississippi, 8:00 EST
UTEP: 1-7 ATS after scoring 75+ points BB games
Southern Mississippi: 17-3 ATS as a favorite
Florida State at North Carolina, 8:00 EST
Florida State: 3-10 ATS vs. conference
North Carolina: 8-1 ATS as DD home favorite
Colorado State at Utah, 9:00 EST
Colorado State: 25-13 Over playing with revenge
Utah: 4-13 ATS as a home favorite of 15.5 to 18 points
UNLV at New Mexico, 9:00 EST CSTV
UNLV: 11-1 Under on Tuesdays
New Mexico: 16-4 ATS as favorite
Arkansas at Mississippi, 9:00 EST ESPN
Arkansas: 3-14 ATS Away off 3+ ATS losses
Mississippi: 10-2 ATS at home off Over
Colorado at Kansas State, 9:00 EST ESPNU
Colorado: 10-32 ATS after a combined score of 125 points or less
Kansas State: 6-0 ATS off DD road loss
Horizon League Tournament
Opening Round
Bottom Team Is Home
Detroit at Wright State, 7:00 EST
Detroit: 9-1 Under playing with same season revenge
Wright State: 0-8 ATS at home off BB conference games
Wisc. Green Bay at Valparaiso, 8:00 EST
Wisc. Green Bay: 6-0 ATS Away off home conference win
Valparaiso: 1-10 ATS off conference win
Youngstown State at Illinois Chicago, 8:00 EST
Youngstown State: 6-0 ATS off home conference loss
Illinois Chicago: 8-2 ATS in home games
Loyola-IL at Wisc. Milwaukee, 8:00 EST
Loyola-IL: 4-15 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points
Wisc. Milwaukee: 19-5 ATS off home conference loss
Added Game
Eastern Washington at Portland State, 10:00 EST
Eastern Washington: 26-9 Over as road underdog
Portland State: 6-0 ATS as DD home favorite
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
Opening Round
Bottom Team Is Home
Tennessee St. at Morehead St., 7:00 EST
Tennessee St.: 1-9 ATS off SU win
Morehead St.: 7-1 ATS off DD loss
Eastern Kentucky at Austin Peay, 8:00 EST
Eastern Kentucky: 8-0 ATS in March
Austin Peay: 12-1 Over on Tuesdays
Samford at Tennessee-Martin, 8:00 EST
Samford: 21-9 Under in road games
Tennessee-Martin: 6-0 ATS after allowing 90+ points
Tennessee Tech at Murray State, 8:30 EST
Tennessee Tech: 5-14 ATS Away off Under
Murray State: 8-1 Over off ATS win
Write-In Games
Purdue at Ohio State, 7:00 EST ESPN
Purdue: 11-2 ATS off conference win
Ohio State: 6-0 Under off road loss
Iowa at Northwestern, 9:00 EST ESPN
Iowa: 6-0 Over Away off DD loss
Northwestern: 2-8 ATS in home games
** (TC) Denotes Time Change