Jeff Scott Sports
3 UNIT PLAY
Wisconsin/ Penn State Under 113.5: The Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meeting and the last 2 in the series failed to hit the 100 points mark, including an earlier meeting this year in which just 98 points were scored. The Badgers have had problems scoring all year and the only time in their last 5 games that they hit more than 57 points was in an OT game vs Minnesota. In that game the Badgers only got 51 points in regulation and that gives them an average of just 53.4 ppg in their last 5 games (regulation only). Despite the Weak offense the Badgers have still be able to win this year thanks to stout defensive play. Wisconsin is 1st in the nation in scoring defense (51 ppg) and 4th in FG defense (37.3%), plus they also defend well from long range as they are 1st in defensive 3pt shooting (26.6%). Wisconsin has been even tougher at home as they have allowed just 47.5 ppg on 35.7% shooting at the Kohl Center this year and that really helps here as the Lions have averaged just 56.4 ppg on 35.6% shooting away from home on the year. PSU has struggled some on defense, especially in their Big 10 road games, where they have allowed 70+ points in each of their last 4 away from home, but Wisconsin just doesn't play good enough on offense to take advantage. Last year these teams played a game in which 69 total points were scored and While I don't see that happening in this one, I do see it finishing right around 100.
Erin Rynning
Denver at Oklahoma City
Play: Denver +8.5
The Nuggets will be looking forward to this match-up tonight on ESPN. Of course, it was the Thunder who broke up Denver’s sensational second half run last season. The Nuggets were overwhelmed at times during that playoff series and eventually swept. Again, you can count on George Karl and the Nuggets circling this game on their calendar as they look for playoff revenge. The Nuggets have struggled on the court of late, while losing seven of their last nine. Injuries have hampered this team, and they expect to be without Nene for this showdown. The schedule has been unforgiving for this team as you could clearly see in a few recent games there was simply little in the gas tank. Meanwhile, the Thunder have played a tough schedule as well posting a 5-3 record over their last eight games. As usual the Thunder tend to out-firepower their opposition with the combination of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. However, keep an eye on the injured ankle of Westbrook in this game. He’s expected to play, but a questionable ankle could really limit his effectiveness and keeping up with Ty Lawson could prove tricky. We’ll side with the generous points and the Nuggets.