Bruce Marshall
76ers / Pistons Over 211.5
Apparently there is a fragile underbelly to the recent Philly revival, as the Sixers have started to wobble again (DD losses in 4 of last 5). That roughly coincides with Joel Embiid missing a few more games with ongoing knee concerns that caused him to skip the early portion of this road trip that began with a heavy loss at Dallas. Earlier, Philly caught Detroit in the middle of a 4-10 Piston slump, the 76ers winning by 18 at the Palace on Dec. 11, without Embiid. But now-healthy Detroit has been playing better recently at Auburn Hills (4-1 SU last five at home after its Feb. 1 romp past the Pelicans). "Totals" alert-both teams trending "over" in recent weeks (Philly "over" 8-1 last 9, Pistons "over" 7-1 last 8 ).
Jack Brayman
My free pick is on the Kansas Jayhawks, who are going to be pissed off after losing to Iowa State, 92-89, in overtime. The loss ended a 54-game home winning streak for third-ranked Jayhawks.
Kansas (20-3, 8-2 Big 12) is still atop the league standings, but by a slim one game, in front of Baylor, and two games in front of third-place West Virginia.
And remember, there is plenty more to play for with these Jayhawks, who are hoping to secure a No. 1 seed in the tournament next month. Aroad victory in this hostile atmosphere will help.
The Wildcats (16-7, 5-5 Big 12) ended a three-game losing streak, but I don't think they'll get the same balance and continuity against Kansas' defense and transition game, led by Frank Mason who leads the Jayhawks in scoring at 20.4 points per game, followed by Josh Jackson at 16.8 and Devonte' Graham at 13.4.
Take the better team in this one.
5* KANSAS
Eric Schroeder
Time for that annual rodeo trip for the San Antonio Spurs, and that means starting this treacherous stretch with a momentous road win.
The Spurs are an impressive 82-35 since this annual junket began with an 8-1 mark in 2003. Last season they went 7-1 on this trip.
San Antonio arrives in Memphis boasting a 20-5 mark on the road, while it has won nine of its last 11.
Lay the road chalk here as the Spurs roll.
3* SPURS