Lenny Del Genio
Houston -7
Just how much does Steve Nash mean to the Suns? Well, if yesterday's game was any indication, the answer would be "a lot." They lost 111-88 at home to Orlando, which made it BB blowout losses as we were on Denver Thursday night when they blew out Phoenix (also at home) 116-97. This is a really big game for the Rockets. They have lost to the Suns eight straight times, the most recent coming by three points last week where they did cover the spread as four point dogs. Without Nash, there's not much to like about this Phoenix team. It certainly doesn't help that they are playing without rest here. Houston is off a loss to San Antonio on Saturday. They are 6-1 ATS off a home division loss and 6-1 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points. Take Houston.
Ben Burns
Minnesota/Vancouver Under 5.5
These teams have met four times this season. The first two (each in 2010) both finished above the total. However, the most recent two (each in 2011) both finished with five or fewer goals. I expect another relatively low-scoring affair this evening.
The Wild haven't scored a goal in two straight games, suffering back to back 4-0 losses. They've now seen the UNDER go 9-4-1 the last month. Note that they've also seen the UNDER go 14-7-2 the last 23 times that they'd allowed four or more goals in their previous game.
Yes, its true that the Canucks have seen three straight games finish above the number. However, the UNDER is still 7-3 their last 10 games, as their previous seven had all fallen below the total.
The Canucks recent three "overs" all came on the road. They're back in Vancouver tonight though, where the UNDER is a perfect 5-0 their last five. Those five games averaged only four goals. Vancouver scored three or fewer goals in each game and its opponent did the same. In fact, the Canucks have held 19 of their last 20 guests to three or fewer goals; they only exception was a 4-3 loss to Anaheim on 2/9. Look for another low-scoring affair.
RAS
Alabama State +4.5
Arkansas-Little Rock +4
Vanderbilt -1.5
Arizona -5.5
Xavier -1.5
Gonzaga +2