(1) North Carolina (28-2, 19-8 ATS) at (6) Duke (26-3, 15-11-2 ATS)
Top-ranked North Carolina takes a seven-game winning streak up the road to Cameron Indoor Stadium, where it seeks to exact some revenge against archrival Duke in a battle to determine the ACC regular-season champion.
The Tar Heels (13-2, 8-7 ATS in the ACC) thumped Florida State 90-77 for its fifth consecutive double-digit ACC victory. However, they were on the wrong end of an 8-0 run over the final 75 seconds and came up short as a 16-point home favorite, dropping to 4-3 ATS during their seven-game winning streak.
Duke (13-2, 8-5-2 ATS in the ACC) prepped for this showdown with Wednesday’s 86-70 rout of Virginia as a 6½-point road chalk. Since losing their first two conference games in mid-February, the Blue Devils have won four in a row, but they’re just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven conference affairs.
Duke took advantage of the shorthanded Tar Heels a month ago in Chapel Hill, winning 89-78 as a 4½-point road underdog. That snapped the Blue Devils’ three-game SU and four-game ATS losing skid against Carolina, which played last month’s game without injured point guard Ty Lawson. Good news for the Tar Heels: They’ve cashed in seven of their last nine visits to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Including Duke’s win in February, the underdog is on an 11-3 ATS roll in this rivalry. The last two meetings were double-digit blowouts after the previous seven battles were decided by a total of 27 points, with win margins of seven points or less in each contest.
North Carolina has won all seven of its ACC road games – four by double digits (3-1 ATS) and three others by a total of four points (0-3 ATS). Meanwhile, the Blue Devils are perfect at home this year at 15-0 (9-3-2 ATS). However, since cashing in their first three ACC home outings, they’re 0-2-2 ATS in their last four when hosting league foes.
The Tar Heels are on ATS streaks of 40-19 overall, 17-7 following a SU win and 20-8 on Saturdays.
This showdown features two of the top three scoring offenses in the nation. The Tar Heels rank second at 90.1 points per game, and they’re also 11th in field-goal offense (48.6 percent). Meanwhile, Duke puts up 85.1 ppg, which ranks third nationally, on 47.1 percent shooting.
These teams hurdled the 164-point total in their first meeting this year, making the over 5-0 in the last five clashes (2-0 at Duke). The over is also on runs of 4-0 for UNC overall, 8-2 for UNC on the road, 20-8 for UNC in ACC play, 5-1 for UNC on Saturdays, 10-4 for Duke overall, 35-16 for Duke in the ACC and 5-1 for Duke on Saturdays.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
(12) Louisville (24-6, 16-11-1 ATS) at (11) Georgetown (24-4, 11-14 ATS)
Louisville (14-3, 12-4-1 ATS in the Big East) is red-hot heading into the regular-season finale, coming off Sunday’s 68-54 beating of Villanova as an 11-point home chalk. The Cardinals have won nine straight games and been nearly as impressive against the spread, going 8-1, all in Big East play. Seven of those nine victories have come by at least eight points, and five were by double digits.
Georgetown (14-3, 7-10 ATS in the Big East) squeaked out a road win at Marquette on Saturday, winning 70-68 in overtime as a four-point underdog for its fourth straight victory (3-1 ATS). The Hoyas’ recent pointspread uptick comes on the heels of an 0-5 ATS nosedive, all in conference action.
Georgetown was Louisville’s third victim during its current nine-game winning streak, with the Cardinals taking a 59-51 home win laying 3½ points on Feb. 9. In last year’s lone meeting, Georgetown won and covered as a one-point road favorite, 73-65.
The Cardinals are a sterling 15-3-1 ATS in their last 19 roadies and have further positive ATS trends of 13-3-1 overall, 7-1 after a SU win, 6-1 after a spread-cover and 23-6-2 in Big East play. The Hoyas, conversely, are on negative ATS streaks of 4-10 on Saturday, 2-5 after a SU win, 2-9 after a pointspread victory and 1-5 at home.
The over is 5-2 in Louisville’s last seven road trips, but the under is 13-5 in its last 18 after a SU win. For Georgetown, the under is on lengthy streaks of 51-23 overall, 45-16 at home, 42-17 coming off a win and 41-17 in conference play. Finally, last month’s meeting fell well short of the 125-point posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: LOUISVILLE and UNDER
UAB (22-8, 15-9-1 ATS) at (2) Memphis (29-1, 15-10 ATS)
Alabama-Birmingham (12-3, 10-5 ATS in Conference USA) stretched its winning streak to five games with Wednesday’s 84-70 home rout of Tulsa as a 7½-point chalk, cashing for the fourth straight time. The Blazers, hoping to secure a second NCAA Tournament berth for Conference USA, are 7-1 in their last eight games (6-2 ATS) – with the only blemish being a heartbreaking last-second home loss to Memphis.
Memphis (15-0, 7-8 ATS in CUSA) has rebounded from its only loss all season – a 66-62 setback to Tennessee last month – with a three-game winning streak, including a 72-55 road win over Southern Methodist on Wednesday. But the Tigers came up short as a 22-point road favorite at SMU, their fourth consecutive non-cover. John Calipari’s squad has followed up an 8-1 ATS romp by cashing just three times in its last 12 outings.
Memphis is on an 8-2 tear in this rivalry (7-3 ATS). A riot nearly broke out at the conclusion of the last game between these two teams three weeks ago, as Memphis escaped Birmingham with a 79-78 victory but failed to cash as an 8 ½-point favorite, halting a 3-0 ATS run by the Tigers. The Tigers are still 10-4 ATS in the last 14 series clashes overall and 7-1 ATS in the last eight gatherings at the Pyramid. Also, the home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
The Blazers are on a 5-0 ATS run in Saturday games and are 5-1 ATS in their past six against teams with a winning record. On the flip side, the Tigers are on negative pointspread runs of 1-4 after a non-cover, 1-5 against winning teams and 1-6 at home.
The over has cashed in seven of UAB’s last nine starts, and the over is 4-1 in Memphis’ last five league contests. However, the under is 8-1 in UAB’s last nine against winning teams, 35-16 in its last 51 on the highway and 6-1 in Memphis’ last seven against winning teams. Finally, the under is 8-1 in the last nine series meetings (4-0 in the last four in Memphis), but the one over occurred in last month’s battle in Birmingham.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS
Baylor (20-9, 12-9 ATS) at Texas Tech (16-13, 15-9 ATS)
Baylor’s hopes for an NCAA bid took a hit Wednesday with a 71-57 home loss to Texas A&M as a two-point chalk, halting a 3-0 SU and a 4-0 ATS run. The Bears (8-7 SU and ATS in the Big 12), who at one point this season were 16-2, are just 4-7 in their last 11 starts (5-6 ATS), all in the Big 12.
Texas Tech (7-8, 9-6 ATS in the Big 12) was handed its worst loss in school history on Monday at Kansas, getting blasted 109-51 as a 19½-point pup. Just two days earlier, the Red Raiders had upset No. 5 Texas 83-80 as a five-point home ‘dog, a rout that followed a 98-54 embarrassment at Texas A&M.
Baylor topped Texas Tech 80-74 on Feb. 6, but the Red Raiders got the cash as a 7½-point road pup. Despite that result, the Bears are still 8-3 ATS in the last 11 clashes in this series. Finally, the home team is on a 5-1 ATS tear, and the underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 head-to-head contests.
The Bears are 19-7 ATS on their last 26 road trips, but they are 2-5 ATS in they’re last seven following a SU loss.
The Red Raiders are on a 10-1 ATS spree in Lubbock. Also, they’ve shown a strong ability to bounce back from bad efforts, going 7-0 ATS in their last seven after a pointspread setback and 9-1 ATS in their last 10 after a SU loss.
The “over” trends run heavy for both teams. For Baylor, the over is on streaks of 19-7 overall, 17-4 in Big 12 play, 7-1 on the road, 4-0 against winning teams, 6-0 after a SU loss and 19-7 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Texas Tech has topped the total in five straight games, and the over is 4-0 in its last four after a SU loss. Finally, the over is 5-0 in the last five series meetings overall and 4-0 in the last four battles in Lubbock.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS TECH and OVER
(16) Vanderbilt (25-5, 15-14 ATS) at Alabama (15-15, 9-15 ATS)
Vanderbilt (11-4, 8-5-2 ATS in the SEC) squeaked past Mississippi State 86-85 in overtime Wednesday but couldn’t cash as a 3½-point home chalk, ending a three-game ATS run. The Commodores are 8-1 in their last nine games (6-3 ATS).
Alabama (4-11, 6-9 ATS in the SEC) lost to LSU 80-74 catching two points in Baton Rouge for its second straight defeat, while also ending a two-game ATS uptick. The Crimson Tide are just 2-6 in their last eight games (4-4 ATS), all in conference action, though they could be due for a win: each of their last two wins has been preceded by two losses.
Vandy is on a 6-0-1 ATS streak in this series, including a 94-73 blowout victory as a 1½-point home pup last season. Two years ago in Tuscaloosa, though, ‘Bama posted a 77-74 overtime win, getting the push as a three-point chalk. The underdog is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven in this series.
The Commodores are 6-2 ATS in their last eight SEC outings, including 6-1 ATS following a SU win, and they’re 6-2 ATS this year as a favorite of seven points or less. Conversely, the Crimson Tide are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 Saturday starts, 1-6 ATS as a ‘dog of seven or fewer and 4-9 ATS at home this year, though have won three straight in Tuscaloosa, cashing in the last two.
The under is 6-1 in Vandy’s last seven roadies and is 7-3 in its last 10 when coming off a win. However, the over is 11-5 in the Commodores’ last 16 Saturday starts and is 4-1-1 the last six meetings in this series.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VANDERBILT
(7) Stanford (24-5, 14-15 ATS) at USC (19-10, 16-11 ATS)
Southern Cal (10-7 SU and ATS in the Pac-10) boosted its NCAA Tournament resume with Thursday’s come-from-behind 93-89 overtime win over Cal, but the Trojans failed to cover as eight-point favorites. USC has won four of its last five starts and six of its last nine, all in Pac-10 play, but is just 4-5 ATS in that span (0-2 ATS in the last two).
Stanford (13-4, 8-9 ATS in the Pac-10) also went to overtime Thursday, suffering a devastating 77-67 loss at No. 3 UCLA that cost the Cardinal a shot at the regular-season league crown. Not only did the Cardinal blow a 14-point second-half lead, but they couldn’t even cover as an 8½-point road underdog. The loss snapped Stanford’s four-game win streak (2-2 ATS), but Trent Johnson’s team has still won 11 of its last 13 starts (7-6 ATS), all in conference action.
USC has cashed the last two in this series (1-1 SU), losing 52-46 on Jan. 5 as a 7½-point road pup and winning 83-79 in overtime laying 2½ points in last year’s Pac-10 Tournament. Last year at USC, the Trojans won 69-65, but the Cardinal narrowly took the money as five-point pups. Stanford is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings, but each team has covered five times, with the road team going 6-3 ATS in the last nine regular-season battles.
The Cardinal are on ATS slides of 2-5 overall, 5-11 following a pointspread defeat and 1-6-1 after a SU loss, but they are 5-1 ATS in their last six Saturday starts. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Trojans are on positive ATS runs of 27-11 on Saturday, 14-6 after a non-cover and 33-16 against teams with a winning SU record.
Although the January meeting between these two fell miles short of the 131½-point posted total, the over is 4-0 in the last four meetings on USC’s home floor. Also, for Stanford, the over is on streaks of 4-0 on the road, 6-1 versus the Pac-10 and 4-1 on Saturday. For USC, the over is on tears of 4-1 overall, 5-1 on Saturday, 21-7 against the Pac-10 and 8-3 coming off a win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(21) Marquette (22-7, 13-10 ATS) at Syracuse (18-12, 13-15 ATS)
Syracuse (8-9 SU and ATS in the Big East) halted an extremely untimely three-game SU and ATS skid by thumping Seton Hall 85-73 Wednesday as a 2½-point favorite. The Orange have seen their NCAA hopes fade, going 2-5 SU and ATS over the last seven games, all in Big East contests.
Marquette (11-6, 9-8 ATS in the Big East) took a respite from league play on Tuesday to pound first-year Division I Florida Gulf Coast 67-37 at home in a non-lined game. The Golden Eagles are 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six Big East matchups, but the one loss came last Saturday at home against Georgetown, a 70-68 overtime setback as a four-point chalk.
These two teams met just once last year, with Syracuse winning and cashing 70-58 as a 3½-point road ‘dog.
The Golden Eagles are on several positive pointspread runs, including 5-0 on the highway, 6-1 against the Big East, 4-1 after a SU win and 8-2 this year as a favorite of 12 points or less.
Syracuse is 9-4-1 ATS in its last 14 Saturday starts, but the Orange are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 when coming off a spread-cover.
For Marquette, the over is on runs of 5-2 overall, 5-1 on Saturday and 37-18-2 on the highway. Also, Syracuse has hurdled the total in four of its last five Saturday outings, but the under is 7-1 in the Orange’s last eight after a spread-cover and 5-1 in their last six when coming off a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE
(6) Kansas (27-3, 16-12 ATS) at Texas A&M (22-8, 12-12 ATS)
Kansas (12-3, 7-8 ATS in the Big 12) capped a perfect 20-0 season at home and remained in a tie for first place in the Big 12 with Monday’s historic 109-51 rout of Texas Tech, handing the Red Raiders their worst loss in history. The Jayhawks easily cashed as a 19½-point favorite, their second straight spread-cover after an 0-5 ATS slump.
Texas A&M (8-7, 7-8 ATS in the Big 12) hammered Baylor 71-57 as a two-point road underdog on Wednesday, but the Aggies are still just 2-4 SU and ATS in their last six. Their last three contests have been decided by margins of 14 points (win over Baylor), 27 points (loss at Oklahoma) and 44 points (win over Texas Tech). The straight-up winner has covered in each of the team’s last 14 games.
The Aggies upset Kansas last year, winning 69-66 as a five-point road underdog. Still, the Jayhawks are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 clashes. Also, the ‘dog is 4-0 ATS in the last four series meetings, with the road team winning three of those contests outright.
The Jayhawks are 2-3 SU in their last five road games and they’ve failed to cash in six consecutive games on the highway (all in the Big 12). They’re also 1-4 ATS in their last five Saturday outings.
Texas A&M is 4-3 SU and 3-4 ATS in Big 12 home games, losing two of the last three.
Kansas has topped the total in three straight games and 12 of the last 17, but the under is 3-1 in its last four on the road. Also, the over is 5-2 in A&M’s last seven at home and 2-0 in the last two head-to-head meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Arizona (18-12, 15-12-1 ATS) at Oregon (17-12, 13-11-3 ATS)
Arizona (9-9 SU and ATS in the Pac-10) posted its most convincing win of the season on Thursday at Oregon State, hammering the Beavers 81-45 as an 11-point road favorite. The Wildcats are still just 3-6 (4-5 ATS) in their last nine games.
Oregon held off Arizona State 67-61 on Thursday for its second consecutive win, which comes on the heels of a three-game losing skid. The Ducks pushed as a six-point home favorite and they’re 4-2-1 ATS in their last seven.
Oregon pummeled the Wildcats 84-74 as a seven-point road underdog two months ago. The Ducks have won two in a row in this rivalry and they’re 5-1 ATS in the last six, with the underdog cashing in each of those six battles.
The Wildcats have won consecutive conference road games (2-0 ATS) and they’re 4-2 SU and ATS in their last nine Pac-10 visits, with the winner covering the spread in all six contests. Overall, Arizona is on a 6-2 ATS roll on the highway, and the ‘Cats are 7-2 ATS as an underdog of seven points or less.
The Ducks are on ATS streaks of 13-6-3 at home and 10-3-1 on Saturdays. However, they’re just 1-3-2 ATS in their last six conference contests in Eugene.
Arizona has stayed under the total in five straight games overall and 14 of 20 on the road (including three in a row), and the under is also 6-3 in Oregon’s last nine (4-0 at home). Also, the under is 4-1 in the last five series meetings, but the one “over” hit in the January contest at Arizona.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
MISSOURI VALLEY TOURNAMENT
(20) Drake (25-4, 17-7-1 ATS) vs. Creighton (21-9, 15-11 ATS)
Drake (16-3, 11-7-1 ATS) advanced to the semifinals of the Missouri Valley tournament with yesterday’s 68-46 rout of Indiana State, cashing as a 10-point favorite to halt an 0-3 ATS slide in league play. Despite the victory, the Bulldogs have followed up a 21-game winning streak by going just 4-3 in their last seven, and they’re 3-4-1 ATS in their last eight after starting the season 15-3 ATS.
After the Bulldogs’ victory Friday, Creighton held off Bradley 74-70 as a 1½-point chalk in a quarterfinal game. The Bluejays are 7-3 in their last 10 games, but just 5-5 ATS.
Drake swept the season series from Creighton, winning 68-60 in overtime as a 4½-point road underdog and 75-65 as a five-point home favorite. Both games were played in an eight-day span back in January. Prior to this season, Creighton had been on a 6-0 SU and ATS in this rivalry. Also, the favorite has cashed in seven of the last eight series meetings.
Creighton is 6-1 ATS in its last seven neutral-site contests.
The over is on streaks of 20-8-1 for Creighton overall (11-5-1 last 17) and 9-2 for Drake overall, though the Bulldogs had a 4-0 “over” streak snapped when Friday’s game versus Indiana State stayed well under the posted price. Also, the under is 3-1 in the last four head-to-head meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Illinois State (23-8, 14-15 ATS) vs. Northern Iowa (18-13, 14-13 ATS)
Illinois State (14-5, 9-10 ATS in conference) opened tournament play by edging Missouri State 63-58 on Friday night, covering as a 2½-point favorite. The Redbirds have won five in a row and seven of their last eight, and they’ve followed up a 2-9 ATS slide with three consecutive spread-covers. Also, during their five-game winning streak, the Redbirds, who rank 12th nationally in scoring defense, having given up an average of just 50.8 points per game.
Northern Iowa (10-9, 11-8 ATS in conference) stunned Southern Illinois in its opening-round game Friday, scoring a 54-49 upset win as a six-point underdog. The Panthers have won and covered three in a row after going 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS in their previous six contests.
The teams split their regular-season series, with the host winning each time. Illinois State prevailed 51-46, but failed as a 7½-point favorite, while Northern Iowa earned a 69-61 win as a 1½-point chalk three weeks later.
Illinois State has won three straight and four of its last five on the highway (3-2 ATS). Also, the Redbirds improved to 1-2 SU and ATS in neutral-site games this year with last night’s win.
Northern Iowa is now 2-4 ATS in neutral-site games this year after last night’s win, but the Panthers are 10-3 ATS in their last 12 neutral-site contests as an underdog. They’re also 6-1 ATS in their last seven after a spread-cover.
Illinois State has stayed under the total in five consecutive games. Meanwhile, Northern Iowa had a three-game “over” streak snapped on Friday, and the under is now 11-1 in its last 12 neutral-site games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
HORIZON LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
Illinois-Chicago (18-14, 18-11 ATS) vs. (14) Butler (27-3, 14-13-2 ATS)
Butler won the Horizon League title going away with a 16-2 record, including 11 consecutive conference wins to close the season, but went just 5-11-2 ATS, all as a favorite. The Bulldogs’ only blemish over the regular season’s final six weeks was a 71-64 Bracketbuster home loss to Drake two weeks ago.
Illinois-Chicago (11-9, 12-8 ATS in conference) used a big second half to eliminate Loyola-Chicago 60-49 as a five-point chalk on Friday. The Flames, who defeated Youngstown State 70-59 in an opening-round tournament game on Tuesday, have won three in a row SU, and they’re 10-4 ATS in their last 14, though they’ve alternated spread-covers in their last nine contests.
Butler swept the season series from the Flames and barely got the cash in both contests, rolling 73-57 as a 14-point home favorite and 51-46 as a 4½-point chalk.
The Horizon League tournament is being played on Butler’s home court, Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Bulldogs are 13-1 (7-7 ATS), including 9-0 in conference play, but just 3-6 ATS. Meanwhile, Illinois-Chicago improved to 4-6 (5-5 ATS) in conference road games with yesterday’s win over Loyola-Chicago.
The under is 8-2 in Illinois-Chicago’s last 10 contests, including 6-2 on the highway. Also, both series meetings between these teams this year stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BUTLER and UNDER
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NBA Today
New Orleans at Houston (8:30 p.m. EST). The Rockets' 17-game winning streak is tied for seventh-best in NBA history.
STARS
-Chris Paul, Hornets, had 25 points and 16 assists to lead New Orleans to a 107-96 win over the New Jersey Nets.
-LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers, scored 29 points, including a 13-foot jumper with 2.4 seconds remaining, to rally Portland to a 103-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
-Antawn Jamison, Wizards, had 25 points and 16 rebounds to lead Washington to a 110-106 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors.
-Raymond Felton, Bobcats, had 23 points and 11 assists in a 108-93 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
STREAKING
Boston's Paul Pierce scored 22 points and Kevin Garnett added 16 and eight rebounds in a 116-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls, their seventh consecutive win. Boston won its 10th consecutive home game.
RESOLVE
Allen Iverson scored 29 points despite spraining his right ring finger in the first half and the Denver Nuggets snapped San Antonio's 11-game winning streak with a 109-96 win over the Spurs on Friday night. The Nuggets remained one game behind Golden State for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference heading into the final six weeks.
THROTTLED
Stephen Jackson scored 22 points, Al Harrington added 17, Baron Davis had 15 points and 10 assists and the Warriors eased past the severely shorthanded Heat 134-99 on Friday night, handing Miami its biggest loss of a dismal season. Miami only had seven available players and was without Dwyane Wade, sidelined by left knee soreness.
SNAPPED
Al Jefferson had 21 points and 13 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves record a rare road win and snap a five-game losing streak with a 111-103 victory over the slumping Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Kevin Martin scored a career-high 48 points and tied the Kings' Sacramento record by hitting 22 of 24 free throws in a 111-103 loss to the Timberwolves on Friday night. ... Amare Stoudemire scored 37 points in the Suns' 126-118 loss to the Utah Jazz.
SPEAKING
``It's just because our backs are against the wall. We understand that every night we have to come in here and play hard and play together and not take any possessions off. We know how serious it is in the West, and if we don't get our act together it's going to be a chance we're not going to be in the playoffs.'' - Allen Iverson, who scored 29 points despite spraining his right ring finger in the first half of the Nuggets' 109-96 win over the Spurs on Friday night, snapping San Antonio's 11-game winning streak. The Nuggets remained one game behind Golden State for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference heading into the final six weeks.
NBA Gameday
Six teams in the NBA playoff hunt take to the court on Saturday when Indiana takes on Cleveland, New Orleans faces red-hot Houston and Golden State travels east to Orlando.
Indiana at Cleveland
The Pacers are quickly falling out of the Eastern Conference picture after dropping their last two games to fall to 11th place. However, Indiana is still only 2.5 games back of eighth-place New Jersey, so they’re not done yet, but they need to turn things around quickly. A game against Cleveland, against whom Indiana is 0-3 already this season, likely won’t help. Indiana last took to the court on Thursday when they lost to San Antonio 108-97 as a 13-point underdog. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 22 points, six rebounds and six steals, while Troy Murphy added 13 points.
The Cavaliers are also coming off a loss after falling to Chicago 107-96 as a 4.5-point underdog on Thursday night. LeBron James scored 39 points for Cleveland, but only two other Cleveland players scored in double-digits. Devin Brown netted 15 points and Wally Szczerbiak chipped in with 14 points and seven rebounds.
Cleveland has won all three meetings with Indiana so far this season, including a 106-97 win back on February 20 in which James posted a triple-double with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. The Cavaliers were a 2-point favorite in that game and were also able to cover the spread in their other two victories over Indiana this season.
New Orleans at Houston
The Hornets appear to be back on track after a short tailspin late in February saw them lose three in a row. Heading into their Friday night matchup with New Jersey, the Hornets had won four of their last five games. On Wednesday, New Orleans ripped Atlanta 116-101 as an 8.5-point favorite. Peja Stojakovic scored a team-high 29 points to go along with nine rebounds, while Chris Paul added 23 points and 18 assists. The Hornets played without David West in that game, as he was resting a sprained ankle suffered late in the Hornets' win over the Knicks on Monday. Be sure to check the injury report for the latest news on West heading into Saturday’s games.
The Rockets are still unbeatable after extending their winning streak to 17 games on Thursday night with a 113-98 win over Dallas. Houston was a 1-point underdog in that game and improved to 14-2-1 ATS during their streak. Against the Mavericks, Tracy McGrady took charge with 31 points and nine assists while Rafer Alston continued to deliver with 24 points.
Houston has already beaten the Hornets once during their streak in a 100-80 win as a 4-point underdog back on Feb. 22. McGrady scored 34 points to lead the Rockets, who still had Yao Ming in the lineup. West scored 20 points and had 10 rebounds to lead Houston. Back in January, New Orleans got the better of Houston in an 87-82 win as a 1-point favorite.
Golden State at Orlando
The Warriors have a very loose hold on the final playoff spot in the West right now with only one game separating them from ninth-place Denver. Golden State made things even tougher on themselves earlier this week by losing to Charlotte 118-109 as a 5-point favorite which snapped their four-game winning streak. Monta Ellis scored 32 points for the Warriors and Baron Davis added 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to compete with ex-Warrior Jason Richardson’s 42 points for Charlotte.
The Magic have won their last three games and are coming off a 122-92 drubbing of Washington as a 2.5-point favorite. Dwight Howard scored 20 points and added 11 rebounds for Orlando, while Rashard Lewis, Maurice Evans and Keith Bogans each had 17 points.
Golden State and Orlando squared off back in December when the Magic defeated the Warriors 123-117 in overtime as a 4-point road underdog. Jameer Nelson had one of his best games of the season for Orlando in the win, with 22 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. Stephen Jackson led Golden State with 25 points.
Indiana at Cleveland, 1:05 EST
Indiana: 5-15 ATS Away vs. division
Cleveland: 2-13 ATS at home off DD road loss
Miami at Atlanta, 7:05 EST
Miami: 1-8 ATS vs. division
Atlanta: 3-7 ATS vs. Miami
Golden State at Orlando, 7:05 EST
Golden State: 23-8 Under on Saturday
Orlando: 24-7 ATS off an Over
Charlotte at Washington, 7:05 EST
Charlotte: 2-12 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points
Washington: 8-0 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points
Portland at New York, 7:35 EST
Portland: 12-5 Under playing only their 2nd game in 5 days
New York: 0-3 ATS in March
Boston at Memphis, 8:05 EST
Boston: 14-3 ATS on Saturdays
Memphis: 3-11 ATS off SU win
New Orleans at Houston, 8:35 EST NBATV
New Orleans: 10-1 Under revenging DD loss
Houston: 9-0 ATS off 8+ SU wins
New Jersey at Dallas, 8:35 EST
New Jersey: 0-8 ATS as DD underdog
Dallas: 7-3 ATS at home vs. New Jersey
Denver at Utah, 9:05 EST
Denver: 8-2 Over vs. Utah
Utah: 20-9 ATS as home favorite
Minnesota at LA Clippers, 10:35 EST
Minnesota: 19-8 Under in road games
LA Clippers: 0-8 ATS revenging road loss of 20+ points
Gator's "Right" Angle Technical Analysis
CBB
at Georgetown Hoyas by 3.5 Louisville Cardinals O/U NL
Georgetown Hoyas are 55-88-1 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Georgetown Hoyas are 20-35-0 O/U All Games (3 -> 6.5)
Georgetown Hoyas are 30-60-1 O/U As Favorite (All Lines)
Georgetown Hoyas are 10-23-0 O/U As Favorite (3 -> 6.5)
Georgetown Hoyas are 21-45-1 O/U As Home (All Lines)
Georgetown Hoyas are 5-19-0 O/U As Home (3 -> 6.5)
Georgetown Hoyas are 18-41-1 O/U As Home Favorite (All Lines)
Georgetown Hoyas are 5-17-0 O/U As Home Favorite (3 -> 6.5)
Georgetown Hoyas are 23-40-0 O/U After 1 ATS Wins (All Lines)
Georgetown Hoyas are 6-16-0 O/U After 1 ATS Wins (3 -> 6.5)
Georgetown Hoyas are 12-26-0 O/U After 1 Overs (All Lines)
Georgetown Hoyas are 3-12-0 O/U After 1 Overs (3 -> 6.5)
Georgetown Hoyas are 22-42-1 O/U After 1 Away (All Lines)
Georgetown Hoyas are 7-19-0 O/U After 1 Away (3 -> 6.5)
Louisville Cardinals are 25-43-3 O/U As Away (All Lines)
Louisville Cardinals are 7-20-1 O/U As Away (3 -> 6.5)
Louisville Cardinals are 9-21-1 O/U As Away Dog (All Lines)
Louisville Cardinals are 17-37-2 O/U After 2 Home (All Lines)
at Michigan Wolverines by NL Purdue Boilermakers O/U NL
Purdue Boilermakers are 37-65-4 ATS As Dog (All Lines)
Purdue Boilermakers are 37-57-3 ATS As Away (All Lines)
Purdue Boilermakers are 25-47-3 ATS As Away Dog (All Lines)
West Virginia Mountaineers by 9.0 at St Johns Red Storm O/U NL
St Johns Red Storm are 54-78-1 O/U All Games (All Lines)
St Johns Red Storm are 25-45-1 O/U As Home (All Lines)
St Johns Red Storm are 3-11-0 ATS After 3 ATS Wins (All Lines)
at Wake Forest Demon Deacons by 6.0 North Carolina State Wolfpack O/U NL
Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 5-0-1 O/U After 4 ATS Loss (3 -> 6.5)
at Illinois Fighting Illini by 4.0 Minnesota Golden Gophers O/U NL
Illinois Fighting Illini are 76-114-7 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Illinois Fighting Illini are 19-37-1 O/U All Games (3 -> 6.5)
Illinois Fighting Illini are 58-86-5 O/U As Favorite (All Lines)
Illinois Fighting Illini are 14-28-0 O/U As Favorite (3 -> 6.5)
Illinois Fighting Illini are 38-58-5 O/U As Home Favorite (All Lines)
Illinois Fighting Illini are 6-18-1 O/U After 1 ATS Loss (3 -> 6.5)
Illinois Fighting Illini are 49-75-3 O/U After 1 Home (All Lines)
at Memphis Tigers by 14.5 UAB Blazers O/U NL
Memphis Tigers are 143-109-6 ATS All Games (All Lines)
Memphis Tigers are 38-62-2 O/U After 3 Wins (All Lines)
Memphis Tigers are 1-8-0 O/U vs. UAB (All Lines)
UAB Blazers are 16-31-2 O/U As Dog (All Lines)
UAB Blazers are 1-8-0 O/U vs. Memphis (All Lines)
at Fordham Rams by 12.0 St Bonaventure Bonnies O/U NL
Fordham Rams are 3-11-0 O/U All Games (10 -> 13.5)
Fordham Rams are 0-6-0 O/U After 1 Away (10 -> 13.5)
St Bonaventure Bonnies are 51-74-2 ATS After 1 Losses (All Lines)
at Texas Tech Red Raiders by 1.5 Baylor Bears O/U NL
Baylor Bears are 47-26-1 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Baylor Bears are 12-2-0 O/U All Games (PK -> 2.5)
Baylor Bears are 6-0-0 O/U As Dog (PK -> 2.5)
Baylor Bears are 25-12-1 O/U As Away (All Lines)
Baylor Bears are 1-8-0 ATS As Away (PK -> 2.5)
Baylor Bears are 8-1-0 O/U After 1 Losses (PK -> 2.5)
at Dayton Flyers by 2.5 St Josephs Hawks O/U NL
Dayton Flyers are 18-7-2 ATS After 2 Away (All Lines)
St Josephs Hawks are 41-21-3 ATS As Dog (All Lines)
St Josephs Hawks are 15-5-0 O/U As Dog (PK -> 2.5)
St Josephs Hawks are 65-43-5 ATS As Away (All Lines)
St Josephs Hawks are 31-15-3 ATS As Away Dog (All Lines)
at Syracuse Orangemen by 1.0 Marquette Golden Eagles O/U NL
Syracuse Orangemen are 82-112-3 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Syracuse Orangemen are 54-83-2 O/U After 1 Wins (All Lines)
Syracuse Orangemen are 36-57-1 O/U After 1 ATS Wins (All Lines)
Marquette Golden Eagles are 38-18-2 O/U As Away (All Lines)
Marquette Golden Eagles are 32-14-1 O/U As Away Dog (All Lines)
at Air Force Falcons by PK San Diego State Aztecs O/U NL
Air Force Falcons are 1-8-0 O/U After 1 ATS Wins (PK -> 2.5)
Air Force Falcons are 12-25-1 ATS After 1 Unders (All Lines)
Air Force Falcons are 0-5-1 ATS After 1 Unders (PK -> 2.5)
San Diego State Aztecs are 40-18-2 O/U As Away (All Lines)
San Diego State Aztecs are 12-3-0 O/U As Away (PK -> 2.5)
San Diego State Aztecs are 35-18-0 O/U After 1 ATS Wins (All Lines)
San Diego State Aztecs are 10-2-0 O/U After 1 Home (PK -> 2.5)
at Rice Owls by 2.0 Southern Methodist Mustangs O/U NL
Southern Methodist Mustangs are 13-26-1 ATS All Games (PK -> 2.5)
Southern Methodist Mustangs are 8-19-0 ATS After 1 Unders (All Lines)
Southern Methodist Mustangs are 0-5-0 ATS After 1 Unders (PK -> 2.5)
at Arkansas Razorbacks by 13.0 Auburn Tigers O/U NL
Arkansas Razorbacks are 82-112-6 ATS All Games (All Lines)
Auburn Tigers are 1-8-0 ATS After 2 Unders (All Lines)
at Oklahoma Sooners by 7.5 Missouri Tigers O/U NL
Oklahoma Sooners are 31-54-0 O/U After 2 Wins (All Lines)
at Oregon Ducks by 2.5 Arizona Wildcats O/U 144.0
Oregon Ducks are 31-53-0 O/U As Home (All Lines)
Oregon Ducks are 24-46-0 O/U As Home Favorite (All Lines)
Oregon Ducks are 2-9-0 O/U As Home Favorite (PK -> 2.5)
Oregon Ducks are 3-13-1 O/U After 3 ATS Wins (All Lines)
Oregon Ducks are 4-13-0 O/U After 1 Unders (PK -> 2.5)
Arizona Wildcats are 24-10-1 O/U All Games (PK -> 2.5)
Arizona Wildcats are 32-16-0 ATS As Dog (All Lines)
Arizona Wildcats are 15-4-1 O/U As Away (PK -> 2.5)
Arizona Wildcats are 28-14-0 ATS As Away Dog (All Lines)
Arizona Wildcats are 11-2-1 O/U After 1 Away (PK -> 2.5)
at Boston College Eagles by 2.0 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets O/U NL
Boston College Eagles are 21-7-0 ATS As Favorite (PK -> 2.5)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 13-4-0 O/U As Dog (PK -> 2.5)
at Duquesne Dukes by 7.0 St Louis Billikens O/U NL
St Louis Billikens are 35-55-1 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Temple Owls by 2.5 at Lasalle Explorers O/U NL
Lasalle Explorers are 25-9-1 O/U After 1 Away (All Lines)
at Georgia Bulldogs by 1.5 Mississippi Rebels O/U NL
Georgia Bulldogs are 56-36-2 ATS After 1 ATS Wins (All Lines)
Kansas Jayhawks by 5.5 at Texas A&M Aggies O/U NL
Kansas Jayhawks are 24-45-3 O/U After 2 Home (All Lines)
Kansas Jayhawks are 20-8-0 ATS After 2 Home (3 -> 6.5)
at UNLV Running Rebels by 7.0 Utah Utes O/U NL
UNLV Running Rebels are 7-1-0 ATS After 3 Unders (All Lines)
at Mississippi State Bulldogs by 11.5 Louisiana State Fighting Tigers O/U NL
Mississippi State Bulldogs are 1-7-0 O/U vs. Louisiana State (All Lines)
Louisiana State Fighting Tigers are 1-7-0 O/U vs. Mississippi State (All Lines)
Arizona State Sun Devils by 11.0 at Oregon State Beavers O/U NL
Arizona State Sun Devils are 18-33-1 O/U As Away (All Lines)
Oregon State Beavers are 19-35-0 ATS As Home Dog (All Lines)
at Rhode Island Rams by 6.5 Charlotte 49ers O/U NL
Rhode Island Rams are 56-35-1 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Charlotte 49ers are 17-6-1 O/U After 2 Home (All Lines)
Cal Santa Barbara Gauchos by 10.0 at Long Beach State 49ers O/U NL
Cal Santa Barbara Gauchos are 0-5-0 ATS As Away Favorite (10 -> 13.5)
Long Beach State 49ers are 25-12-0 O/U After 1 Home (All Lines)
at Marshall Thundering Herd by 2.0 Southern Miss Golden Eagles O/U NL
Marshall Thundering Herd are 31-53-2 ATS After 1 Wins (All Lines)
Southern Miss Golden Eagles are 27-11-0 ATS All Games (PK -> 2.5)
Southern Miss Golden Eagles are 10-2-0 ATS After 1 Wins (PK -> 2.5)
at Xavier Musketeers by 17.0 Richmond Spiders O/U NL
Richmond Spiders are 15-29-1 O/U As Away (All Lines)
Richmond Spiders are 13-26-1 O/U As Away Dog (All Lines)
Richmond Spiders are 5-15-0 O/U After 2 Home (All Lines)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish by 6.0 at South Florida Bulls O/U NL
Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 41-24-2 O/U After 1 ATS Loss (All Lines)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 57-36-2 O/U After 1 Home (All Lines)
at Alabama Crimson Tide by PK Vanderbilt Commodores O/U NL
Alabama Crimson Tide are 16-6-0 ATS After 2 Away (All Lines)
Alabama Crimson Tide are 1-7-1 ATS vs. Vanderbilt (All Lines)
Alabama Crimson Tide are 0-5-0 ATS vs. Vanderbilt (PK -> 2.5)
Vanderbilt Commodores are 7-1-1 ATS vs. Alabama (All Lines)
Vanderbilt Commodores are 5-0-0 ATS vs. Alabama (PK -> 2.5)
at Princeton Tigers by NL Cornell Big Red O/U NL
Cornell Big Red are 60-37-1 ATS As Dog (All Lines)
Cornell Big Red are 55-27-1 ATS As Away (All Lines)
Cornell Big Red are 48-22-1 ATS As Away Dog (All Lines)
Massachusetts Minutemen by 5.5 at George Washington Colonials O/U NL
George Washington Colonials are 2-9-0 O/U After 1 ATS Loss (3 -> 6.5)
Brigham Young Cougars by 7.5 at TCU Horned Frogs O/U NL
Brigham Young Cougars are 72-44-3 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Brigham Young Cougars are 89-55-2 ATS As Favorite (All Lines)
Brigham Young Cougars are 21-9-0 ATS As Favorite (7 -> 9.5)
Brigham Young Cougars are 40-61-2 ATS As Away (All Lines)
Brigham Young Cougars are 36-19-1 O/U As Away (All Lines)
Brigham Young Cougars are 7-1-0 O/U As Away (7 -> 9.5)
Brigham Young Cougars are 6-0-0 O/U vs. TCU (All Lines)
TCU Horned Frogs are 6-0-0 O/U vs. Brigham Young (All Lines)
at Tulsa Golden Hurricane by 4.5 Central Florida Golden Knights O/U NL
Tulsa Golden Hurricane are 8-22-1 ATS As Home (3 -> 6.5)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane are 7-19-0 ATS As Home Favorite (3 -> 6.5)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane are 5-0-0 ATS After 3 Overs (All Lines)
Central Florida Golden Knights are 11-3-1 O/U As Dog (3 -> 6.5)
San Jose State Spartans by 2.0 at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs O/U NL
San Jose State Spartans are 11-26-0 ATS As Favorite (All Lines)
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are 6-16-0 ATS After 1 ATS Wins (PK -> 2.5)
at Tulane Green Wave by 9.0 East Carolina Pirates O/U NL
Tulane Green Wave are 7-1-0 ATS vs. East Carolina (All Lines)
East Carolina Pirates are 1-7-0 ATS vs. Tulane (All Lines)
Houston Cougars by 2.0 at Texas El Paso Miners O/U NL
Texas El Paso Miners are 5-0-0 O/U After 3 Losses (All Lines)
Texas El Paso Miners are 9-2-1 ATS After 3 ATS Loss (All Lines)
at New Mexico State Aggies by 15.0 Hawaii Rainbows O/U NL
Hawaii Rainbows are 4-13-0 O/U After 2 Unders (All Lines)
at UC Irvine Anteaters by PK Cal State Fullerton Titans O/U NL
UC Irvine Anteaters are 8-20-1 O/U As Home (All Lines)
Cal State Fullerton Titans are 19-8-0 O/U As Away (All Lines)
Cal State Fullerton Titans are 9-2-0 ATS After 1 Away (PK -> 2.5)
at Cal State Northridge Matadors by 12.0 Cal Poly SLO Mustangs O/U NL
Cal Poly SLO Mustangs are 23-41-0 O/U All Games (All Lines)
Cal Poly SLO Mustangs are 0-11-0 O/U All Games (10 -> 13.5)
Cal Poly SLO Mustangs are 15-34-0 O/U As Dog (All Lines)
Cal Poly SLO Mustangs are 0-10-0 O/U As Dog (10 -> 13.5)
Cal Poly SLO Mustangs are 0-10-0 O/U As Away (10 -> 13.5)
Cal Poly SLO Mustangs are 11-24-0 O/U As Away Dog (All Lines)
Cal Poly SLO Mustangs are 0-10-0 O/U As Away Dog (10 -> 13.5)
Nevada Wolf Pack by 3.0 at Fresno State Bulldogs O/U NL
Nevada Wolf Pack are 39-20-3 ATS After 2 Home (All Lines)
Nevada Wolf Pack are 18-6-1 ATS After 2 Home (3 -> 6.5)
Fresno State Bulldogs are 49-72-2 ATS As Home (All Lines)
Fresno State Bulldogs are 9-25-0 ATS As Home (3 -> 6.5)
Fresno State Bulldogs are 12-2-0 O/U As Home (3 -> 6.5)
Fresno State Bulldogs are 11-23-0 ATS After 1 Away (3 -> 6.5)
at USC Trojans by 1.0 Stanford Cardinal O/U NL
USC Trojans are 9-2-0 ATS After 2 ATS Loss (PK -> 2.5)
Stanford Cardinal are 26-11-0 O/U All Games (PK -> 2.5)
Stanford Cardinal are 15-5-0 O/U As Away (PK -> 2.5)
Stanford Cardinal are 11-2-0 O/U After 1 ATS Loss (PK -> 2.5)
Stanford Cardinal are 10-1-0 O/U After 1 Overs (PK -> 2.5)
at UC Riverside Highlanders by 5.0 UC-Davis Aggies O/U NL
UC Riverside Highlanders are 7-17-1 ATS As Home Favorite (All Lines)
UC Riverside Highlanders are 2-9-0 O/U After 2 ATS Loss (All Lines)
UC-Davis Aggies are 1-7-0 O/U As Away (All Lines)
UC-Davis Aggies are 1-7-0 O/U As Away Dog (All Lines)
at Washington State Cougars by 9.0 Washington Huskies O/U NL
Washington State Cougars are 19-35-1 O/U As Favorite (All Lines)
Washington State Cougars are 14-27-0 O/U As Home Favorite (All Lines)
Utah State Aggies by 6.0 at Idaho Vandals O/U NL
Utah State Aggies are 6-16-0 ATS After 4 Wins (3 -> 6.5)
Utah State Aggies are 35-54-0 ATS After 1 Away (All Lines)
Idaho Vandals are 87-59-4 ATS As Dog (All Lines)
at Niagara Purple Eagles by 1.0 Marist Red Foxes O/U NL
Niagara Purple Eagles are 19-6-0 O/U After 2 Overs (All Lines)
Marist Red Foxes are 15-5-0 ATS After 1 ATS Wins (PK -> 2.5)
Montana Grizzlies by 3.0 at Idaho State Bengals O/U NL
Montana Grizzlies are 9-21-1 ATS As Favorite (3 -> 6.5)
Idaho State Bengals are 20-6-1 O/U As Home (All Lines)
Idaho State Bengals are 12-2-0 O/U As Home (3 -> 6.5)
Idaho State Bengals are 9-1-1 O/U As Home Dog (All Lines)
Idaho State Bengals are 6-0-0 O/U As Home Dog (3 -> 6.5)
at Cleveland State Vikings by NL TBA O/U NL
Cleveland State Vikings are 81-109-5 ATS All Games (All Lines)
Cleveland State Vikings are 5-15-1 O/U As Favorite (All Lines)
Cleveland State Vikings are 11-23-1 O/U As Home (All Lines)
Cleveland State Vikings are 4-14-1 O/U As Home Favorite (All Lines)
Cleveland State Vikings are 0-5-1 O/U After 3 Wins (All Lines)
Cleveland State Vikings are 8-25-2 O/U After 1 Away (All Lines)
Cincinnati-UConn men's basketball game postponed to Sunday.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -A winter snow storm grounded the Cincinnati men's basketball team in Ohio, forcing the game at No. 13 Connecticut to be postponed until Sunday.
``Cincinnati is not able to get out today,'' Kyle Muncy, a UConn spokesman, said Saturday.
The game has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. on Sunday. It was slated for Saturday.
The team is hoping for a flight later Saturday after as much as 10 inches of snow fell in Ohio overnight.
The same storm grounded the West Virginia women's team, forcing the Mountaineers to miss the annual Big East conference awards banquet in Hartford on Friday night.
The top-ranked UConn women play Sunday afternoon in a Big East tournament game in Hartford.