SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Northwestern (13-4, 9-4 ATS) at (21) Ohio State (13-5, 9-9 ATS)
Northwestern hopes to capitalize on Saturday’s big upset win over Purdue when it pays a visit to Value City Arena for a Big Ten battle with Ohio State, which re-entered the Top 25 this week.
The Wildcats lost three of their first four conference games (2-2 ATS), including Wednesday’s 60-50 home loss to No. 13 Wisconsin as a three-point underdog. But on Saturday, they stunned sixth-ranked Purdue 72-64 as an eight-point home pup. Michael Thompson (20 points) led three players in double-digit scoring, with Luka Mirkovic contributing a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds), and Northwestern had a big 31-20 rebounding edge and held the Boilermakers to 35 percent shooting (5-for-23 from three-point land).
Ohio State also upset Purdue last week, rallying from a 10-point late second-half deficit to win 70-66 as a nine-point road underdog. Then the Boilermakers came home Saturday and took out Wisconsin 60-51, cashing as a 5½-point home chalk. Ohio State is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four games, including winning and covering its first two conference home contests. Thad Matta’s squad is 11-0 (7-4 ATS) at Value City Arena, outscoring visitors by an average of 28 ppg (82-54) and outshooting them 53.2 percent to 37.1 percent.
Ohio State has won 18 of the last 19 meetings in this rivalry overall and the Buckeyes have defeated the Wildcats 26 straight times in Columbus going back to February 1977. Northwestern’s lone recent win against Ohio State came last year, a 72-69 victory as a 1½-point home favorite, followed two weeks later by a 52-47 loss at Ohio State, but the Wildcats again cashed as a six-point road ‘dog. Northwestern is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings and 6-2 ATS in the last eight, going 3-1 ATS at Value City Arena.
Northwestern is on ATS runs of 8-2 overall, 5-0 on the road (all as an underdog), 6-2 as an underdog regardless of venue, 15-5-1 as a road pup of seven to 12½ points and 7-1 after a SU victory. The Buckeyes have failed to cash in seven of their last 10 overall and five of six after an outright win, but they’re also 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 Tuesday contests and 7-2 ATS in their last nine when laying seven to 12½ points.
The Wildcats carry “under” trends of 10-4 after a victory, 7-3 after a spread-cover and 8-1 against winning teams, but the over is 15-7 in their last 22 Big Ten contests and 5-1 in their last six as a pup of seven to 12½ points. Ohio State is on “under” rolls of 5-0 at home, 5-0 as a favorite, 9-3 in Big Ten play and 5-0 after a victory, but the Buckeyes have topped the total in 10 of 14 on Tuesday.
Finally, eight of the last nine Northwestern-Ohio State clashes have stayed under the total, with the last four in Columbus falling short of the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(17) Clemson (15-3, 9-6 ATS) at (19) Georgia Tech (13-4, 8-4 ATS)
Two teams that knocked off defending-champion North Carolina last week get together at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, where Georgia Tech hosts the red-hot Tigers.
Clemson ripped North Carolina 83-64 as a five-point home favorite Wednesday, then went to North Carolina State on Saturday and jumped out to a 45-28 halftime lead but barely held off the Wolfpack 73-70, coming up short as a five-point chalk. The Tigers have won three in a row (2-1 ATS) and are 8-1 in their last nine contests (7-2 ATS).
The Yellow Jackets also built a huge first-half lead on Saturday, taking a 42-28 advantage into the locker room at North Carolina, and they too barely escaped with a 73-71 upset win as a 6½-point road underdog. Georgia Tech has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in its last five games, and the last two victories were monster upsets as they knocked off North Carolina and Duke (71-67 as a seven-point home pup).
These teams met three times last year, with Clemson winning the two regular-season contests (73-59 as a 13-point home favorite and 81-73 as a seven-point road chalk) and the Yellow Jackets getting revenge in the ACC Tournament with an 86-81 upset win as an 8½-point pup. Prior to the Tigers’ eight-point victory in Atlanta last February, the home team had won six straight in this rivalry (5-1 ATS). The winner has cashed in each of the last six meetings.
In addition to cashing in seven of its last nine outings overall, Clemson is on positive pointspread streaks of 9-1-1 as a road underdog of less than seven points, 5-0 on Tuesday, 6-2 versus winning teams and 5-2 after a SU victory. On the flip side, the Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games and 2-5 ATS in their last seven after a non-cover.
Georgia Tech is on ATS runs of 12-4 overall, 4-1 at home, 6-2 in ACC play, 10-4 versus winning teams, 9-4 after a SU victory, 6-2 after a spread-cover and 6-2 as a favorite, but the Jackets have failed to cash in eight of 11 as a home favorite and four straight on Tuesday.
The under is on stretches of 4-1 for the Tigers overall, 4-1 for the Tigers against winning teams, 4-1 for Georgia Tech at home and 4-1 for Georgia Tech in ACC action. Conversely, the over is on streaks of 11-4 for Clemson on the road, 11-3 for Clemson as an underdog, 10-2 for Clemson as a road pup and 5-0 for the Yellow Jackets following a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(20) Northern Iowa (16-1, 12-4 ATS) at Wichita State (16-3, 7-4-1 ATS)
Back in the Top 25 for the first time since 2006 and just the second time in school history, Northern Iowa puts a 15-game winning streak on the line when it visits the Shockers, who bring a perfect home record into this Missouri Valley Conference clash.
The Panthers won their 15th in a row in dominating fashion Saturday, pounding Indiana State 62-40 as a 13-point home favorite, holding the Sycamores to 27.3 percent shooting. Northern Iowa is third in the nation in scoring defense, yielding just 54.9 ppg, including 51 ppg in seven Missouri Valley contests. Four of those seven conference foes have failed to crack 50 points against the Panthers.
Wichita State’s five-game SU and ATS winning streak ended in heartbreaking fashion Saturday, as it fell 57-56 at Creighton, pushing as a one-point road ‘dog. The Shockers are 11-0 inside Koch Arena, having outscored their visitors by 19.2 ppg, and they’ve won 20 of 21 at home going back to last season.
The Panthers have won three straight and seven of the last eight against Wichita State, but the teams have split the cash in their last six meetings. Last year, the home team swept the season series, with Northern Iowa rolling 78-54 as a three-point home favorite followed by the Shockers’ 69-61 victory as a one-point home pup. The host has won the last three meetings (2-1 ATS) after the visitor had gone 6-1 SU and ATS in the previous seven clashes.
Also in this rivalry, the underdog is on a 10-2 ATS roll, the visitor is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 (with the Panthers cashing in five of their last six trips to Wichita), and the winner has covered in 24 of the last 25 head-to-head matchups.
Northern Iowa owns one of the best pointspread records in college basketball and is also on lengthy ATS runs of 28-10 overall, 15-3 on the road, 56-24 as an underdog, 46-20 as a road pup, 10-1 when catching less than seven points on the road, 20-7 in MVC contests and 20-6 versus winning teams.
The Shockers also sport a bevy of pointspread runs, including 5-0-1 overall (all in conference), 4-0 as a favorite, 6-2 when laying less than seven points and 5-0 after a SU defeat, but they have failed to cover in seven of their last 10 on Tuesday and five of their last seven against winning teams.
It’s been all “unders” lately for the Panthers, who are riding low-scoring runs of 4-0 overall (all in the MVC), 4-0 on the road, 36-15-1 as an underdog, 5-0 as a road pup, 12-2 after a SU win and 18-7-1 on Tuesday. The under is also 5-2 in Wichita State’s last seven overall and 7-2 in its last nine conference games. However, the last four matchups between these teams have gone over the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTHERN IOWA and UNDER
NBA
Toronto (21-20, 20-21 ATS) at Cleveland (31-11, 20-21-1 ATS)
Fresh off a five-game Western Conference road trip, LeBron James and the Cavaliers return home to Quicken Loans Arena looking to knock off the Raptors, who are gunning for a third straight victory.
Toronto crushed the Mavericks 110-88 as a one-point home underdog on Sunday, moving a game above .500. The Raptors are playing their best basketball of the season, having won 10 of their last 13 games (9-4 ATS), and they’re 4-2 SU and ATS on the highway during this stretch. Toronto has turned up the offense lately, tallying more than 100 points in six straight games, including 107 or more five times.
The SU winner has covered the spread in all but three of Toronto’s games this season, including the last eight in a row. Also, the winner is 21-1 ATS in its 22 road outings.
Cleveland was a modest 3-2 on its road trip, but just 1-3-1 ATS. The journey ended with Saturday’s 102-101 win at the Clippers, coming up way short as an 8½-point road favorite. Going back to Dec. 11, the Cavaliers have won 16 of 20 games SU, going 6-1 at home. However, they’re just 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine overall (all as a favorite) and 2-5 ATS in their last seven as a host.
Toronto opened its season against the Cavaliers on Oct. 28 and pulled off a 101-91 upset as a seven-point home underdog, ending a five-game SU and ATS losing streak to Cleveland. Still, the Cavs have beaten the Raptors five straight times at Quicken Loans Arena (4-1 ATS). The SU winner has cashed in seven straight meetings and nine of the last 10, and the favorite has covered in four of the last five.
The Raptors’ ATS trends are all over the map, as they’ve cashed in five of seven overall, five of seven as a ‘dog, eight of 10 against the Central Division and four of five after getting one day off, but they’re also in pointspread slides of 1-6 on Tuesday, 9-25-1 as a road ‘dog of five to 10½ points and 23-48-2 against winning teams.
Cleveland is 5-2-1 ATS in its last eight games when playing after two days of rest and 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 when facing opponents with a winning record, but the Cavs are otherwise in pointspread slumps of 2-6-1 overall, 2-5 at home (all as a chalk), 2-6 as a favorite and 0-5-1 after a SU victory. Also, the ‘dog is 7-2-1 ATS in Cleveland’s last 10 contests.
Toronto sports “over” streaks 7-3 overall, 4-1 on the road (all as an underdog), 6-1 after a SU win, 5-1 after a spread-cover, 20-8 on Tuesday and 18-7-1 against Eastern Conference opponents. Conversely, the Cavs carry “under” trends of 11-4 on Tuesday, 8-3 against Eastern Conference squads, 5-1 versus Atlantic Division foes, 5-1 against winning teams and 8-3 when going on two days’ rest. Finally, the under is on a 21-8-1 roll in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TORONTO and UNDER
DUNKEL
Toronto at Cleveland
The Cavaliers look to take advantage of a Toronto team that is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games as an underdog between 5 and 10 1/2 points. Cleveland is the pick (-9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cavaliers favored by 13 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-9 1/2)
Game 501-502: Toronto at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 116.403; Cleveland 129.745
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 13 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 9 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-9 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Indiana at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 113.203; Miami 119.519
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5 1/2); Under
NCAAB
Clemson at Georgia Tech
The Tigers look to build on their 9-1-1 ATS record in their 11 games as an underdog between 1 and 6 1/2 points. Clemson is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Yellow Jackets favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+3)
Game 505-506: Clemson at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 69.306; Georgia Tech 71.014
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 3
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+3)
Game 507-508: Northwestern at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 62.011; Ohio State 75.847
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 14
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-10 1/2)
Game 509-510: George Mason at Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 55.848; Hofstra 58.072
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 2
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 4
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+4)
Game 511-512: Tennessee at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 71.143: Alabama 68.323
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+2 1/2)
Game 513-514: Indiana State at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 54.966; Missouri State 67.270
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (-8 1/2)
Game 515-516: Oklahoma at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 64.283; Texas A&M 70.790
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 8
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (+8)
Game 517-518: Purdue at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 76.388; Illinois 70.418
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 6
Vegas Line: Purdue by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-2 1/2)
Game 519-520: Northern Iowa at Wichita State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 67.024; Wichita State 68.274
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (+3 1/2)
Game 521-522: Boston College at Miami (FL)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 60.642; Miami (FL) 70.717
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 10
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (-6 1/2)
Game 523-524: San Diego State at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 65.041; Utah 62.467
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (+1 1/2)
NHL
Detroit at Washington
The Capitals are coming off a 5-3 win over Philadelphia and look to build on their 7-2 record in their last 9 games after scoring 5 or more goals in the previous game. Washington is the pick (-160) according to Dunkel, which has the Capitals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-160)
Game 1-2: Columbus at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.437; Philadelphia 11.395
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+180); Under
Game 3-4: Toronto at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.998; Atlanta 11.237
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-145); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Under
Game 5-6: Tampa Bay at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.558; NY Rangers 10.928
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+170); Over
Game 7-8: Detroit at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.365; Washington 12.420
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-160); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-160); Over
Game 9-10: Chicago at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.315; Ottawa 12.078
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-160); Over
Game 11-12: NY Islanders at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.505; Pittsburgh 11.961
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 13-14: Buffalo at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 12.625; Anaheim 11.697
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 15-16: San Jose at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.084; Los Angeles 12.517
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+110); Over
Marc Lawrence
Oklahoma at Texas A&M
Prediction: Texas A&M
The Aggies host the Sooners in a key Big 12 clash at Reed Arena in a game that sets us nice for Texas A&M. That's because the Aggies are playing of a loss with double revenge on an undefeated home court while Oklahoma enters off back-to-back home underdog revenge wins. With A&M 3-0 ATS in games off a loss this season and the Sooners just 3-6 ATS in games off a SU underdog win, look for Texas A&M to get their revenge here tonight.
BIG AL
San Diego State at Utah
Prediction: Utah
The Utes have been installed as a 1.5-point favorite over the Aztecs, and come into this game off a very big upset win over UNLV (Utah won 73-69, despite being an 11.5-point road underdog in that game). And, now, the Utes fall into their very best ATS situation, as Utah is a super 40-12 ATS as a home favorite of -10 points or less, if it is matched up against an opponent off a Straight-up Win. San Diego St did, in fact, win its last game, as it bested TCU 67-62 on Saturday as a 13-point favorite. But the Aztecs failed to cover the spread in their third straight game (and fifth of their last six), and we'll fade Steve Fisher's men again on this Tuesday in Salt Lake City. Take Utah.
Charlie Scott
Purdue vs. Illinois
Play: Purdue -3
The Boilermakers, 14-0 and ranked No. 4 just over a week ago, are almost in a must-win situation after three straight losses. Purdue coach Matt Painter called out team leaders Robbie Hummel, JaJuan Johnson, Chris Kramer and E’Twaun Moore to show more toughness. The Boilermakers should bounce back against an Illinois team that struggles offensively.
Northern Iowa vs. Wichita State
Play: Northern Iowa +3
N Iowa has a veteran group of talented starters that have played together for a couple of seasons. N Iowa already has road conference wins at Creighton, S ILL, and Illinois st. This same N Iowa team just lost to Purdue in the first round of the NCAA Tourney last year, and are better this season, play great team defense, and are getting points. Take N Iowa !
Craig Trapp
Northwestern vs. Ohio State
Play: Northwestern +10.5
This underdog not only can cover spreads (9-4 ATS Record) but they can pull huge upsets. NW is coming off a home upset of highly ranked Purdue and a very close loss to Wisconsin the game before that. OSU has back Evan Turner but still they are not great at covering ATS going only 9-9 this year. A bigger problem for OSU is they still rely a ton on three point shots to pull away from teams. Not good news as NW is holding teams to only 28% from the 3 this year. Expect a low scoring affair as NW tries to cover against OSU again (6-2 ATS last 8 games these two played). If you have not watched NW this year make sure you check this out as they have a legitimate shot to pull off a big upset again.
Jim Feist
Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat
Play: Over 205½
Indiana's offense has been clicking since Danny Granger returned to the lineup, scoring over 120 points in two of the last three games. The defense, though, is still an afterthought on this undersized team, on an 8-3 run over the total. Indiana is 25th in the NBA allowing over 104 ppg. Miami has a strong one-two offensive punch with Dwyane Wade and Michael Beasley, but the defense has been soft while on a 3-1 run over the total. They have allowed 98, 106, 102 and 118 points the last four games. Look for an offensive show in Miami, play the Pacers/Heat Over the total!
EZWINNERS
Illinois Fighting Illini +2
Purdue is in a funk having lost three straight games and I don't think they should be favored against an Illinois team that is 10-0 at home this season. The Illini have had a lot of success against the Boilermakers recently as they have won three out of the last four meetings between these two teams. The Boiler are not flowing in their offense right now. They are relying on too much one on one create your own shot type of play and their bench has not played well either. Purdue is only 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 road games against a team with a winning home record. The Illini are coming off of a stinging road loss at Michigan State and I like them to bounce back here at home against a struggling team. Take the points.
Cajun Sports
2* Missouri State Bears -8
The Sycamores travel to Springfield to face the host Missouri State Bears on Tuesday night in a Missouri Valley Conference battle. The Bears will be seeking a little revenge for a pair of losses last season handed to them by this Indiana State team. ISU is averaging 61.6 points per game on the road versus teams that would normally allow 66.7 points per game. On the defensive end of the floor they are giving up 65.4 points per game to teams that average 67.5 points per game, they have a slight edge on the defensive end in point differential. Missouri State is scoring 72.8 points per game on their home floor against teams that only allow 66.7 points per game. The Bears defense has been solid holding opponents to 60.3 points per game when they normally score 68.2 points per game. Missouri State is 9-1 SU at home this season and 6-3 ATS in those games. This series even with last season’s results included has been dominated by the Bears with a record of 18-7 ATS since 1997 and games played at Missouri State have seen them go 11-1 SU and 10-2 ATS. We expect Missouri State to get the straight up and against the spread win on Tuesday night against the Sycamores.
PROJECTED FORECAST: 2* Missouri State Bears 72 Indiana State Sycamores 60
James Patrick
San Diego State vs. Utah
The Aztecs haven't forgot the last time these rivals met in the MWC Tournament which resulted in a Utes win (52-50). HC Steve Fisher's team is on course for another (20) win season and we'll take them here in Salt Lake City. Our College Basketball selection on Tuesday Fan Appreciation Day is San Diego State Aztecs.
Alex Smart
Toronto @ Cleveland
The Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers Im betting will be in top form tonight as they seek revenge for an early season loss to the visiting Toronto Raptors this Tuesday night. This contest could also be a preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup , so the Cavs will also have the extra incentive to send a message.
Raptors are 9-25-1 ATS in their last 35 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5 points. Toronto has failed to cover 5 of the L/6 meetings in this series. 9
Projected score: Cleveland 110 Toronto 93
Bobby Maxwell
Toronto +9' at CLEVELAND
Nailed my FREE play on Monday as the Mavericks went to Boston and not only covered but got the outright win. I'm now on a 53-22 run with comp selections, including 30-8 with my last 38. Today I've got a free winner in the NBA as I grab the points with Toronto on the highway in Cleveland.
When these two squads met earlier this season, it was all Toronto as the Raptors scored a 101-91 upset as seven-point underdogs. I know traditionally Cleveland has dominated the Raptors, but matchup have more or less evened this series out and I like the way the Raptors have played lately.
Toronto has been getting up and down the court, winning seven of its last 10 (6-4 ATS), including two in a row at New York and at home against the Mavericks. They crushed Dallas on Sunday, winning 110-88 as a one-point home underdog.
When Toronto gets a superstar game from Chris Bosh and a strong game from center Andrea Bargnani, that opens up the games of Hedo Turkoglu and Jarrett Jack. Turkoglu is a big-time player when he wants to be and going into the spotlight in Cleveland tonight will get him going.
The Cavaliers are coming in off a five-game road trip, with some thrillers in the final three, beating Golden State by three, falling in Utah by a point and then Saturday they edged the Clippers 102-101 but failed to cover as an 8 ½-point road chalk. There’s some fatigue that sets in after a long trip like that and it’ll take the Cavs a night or two to get back to their normal dominating style.
Cleveland is just 2-6 in its last eight as a favorite, 2-8 at home against teams with losing road records and 0-5-1 after a straight-up win. The Raptors are on ATS streaks of 8-2 against Central Division teams, 6-2 after a spread-cover and 5-2 as an underdog.
Look for Toronto to be the fresher team in this one. Grab the points with the Raptors.
3♦ TORONTO
Stephen Nover
Indiana at MIAMI -5'
The Pacers are averaging 109.1 points in their last six games. The Pacers' offense is at their best now with their three best players finally all healthy - Danny Granger, Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy.
Indiana's problem is defense. The Pacers rank 25th giving up 104 points per game. The Pacers have surrendered an average of 111.4 points in their last 12 games discounting holding Orlando to 90 points seven games ago.
Miami scored 114 on the Pacers when it hosted them in late December during the team's previous meeting.
The Pacers have been unable to slow down Dwayne Wade, who is averaging 28.5 points in two games versus Indiana this season. Wade is shooting 52.7 percent from the floor in the two games against Indiana.
4♦ PACERS/HEAT OVER
Dominic Fazzini
Northwestern +11 at OHIO STATE
The Lakers had a strong fourth quarter Monday night against Orlando and got me a push with my complimentary selection. Yes, a win would have been much nicer, but I'll take the push after the Magic ended the third quarter with the lead.
I'm now 59-38-3 over the last 100 days, and I've got a college basketball play today that is going to produce a winner!
Northwestern has been a tough opponent this season, going 13-4 with wins in three of its last four games, including a 72-64 victory over Purdue on Saturday.
Sophomore forward Jon Shurna has really stepped up his game this season, averaging 16.8 points and 7.1 rebounds to lead the Wildcats, and guards Michael Thompson and Drew Crawford have given the team consistent double-digit scoring.
Northwestern is on ATS streaks of 8-2 overall, 5-0 on the road, 6-2 as an underdog and 5-0 as a road 'dog. The Wildcats also are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Ohio State, which is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games overall. Take Northwestern to cover the points tonight.
2♦ NORTHWESTERN
Matt Fargo
Clemson @ Georgia Tech
PICK: Georgia Tech -3
Georgia Tech is coming off a huge win on Saturday at North Carolina, the fist time it has won in Chapel Hill since 1996, a span of 13 games. That could spell letdown but that is very unlikely with another quality opponent visiting Alexander Memorial Coliseum. After defeating Duke at home two Saturday’s ago, the Yellow Jackets laid an egg in their next game at Virginia but the situation is different here coming off a road win and returning home this time around. They are 8-1 at home with the lone loss coming in overtime against Florida St. This team is built around defense and facing another high octane offense should be no problem. The Yellow Jackets are ranked second in the ACC and seventh in the nation in shooting defense at 37.0 percent and they are ranked third in the conference and 18th nationally in three-point shooting defense at 29.4 percent. Georgia Tech held Duke 19 points under its season average and North Carolina 12 under its season and it has allowed 70 points in a game only three times in the last 12 games. After destroying North Carolina, Clemson started strong against NC State on Saturday but had to survive a big comeback from the Wolfpack before winning by just three points. That improved Clemson to 15-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference as well as upping its road record to 2-1. The other win came against lowly East Carolina while the lone road loss came at Duke by 21 points. Clemson will likely be without guard and second-leading scorer Demontez Stitt, averaging 11.3 ppg and 3.7 apg, who sprained his foot Saturday against NC State. Without Stitt on the floor against the Wolfpack Saturday, Clemson’s lead went from 12 points to the eventual three-point margin of victory. Tigers head coach Oliver Purnell said the training staff indicated Stitt likely wouldn’t be at risk to further in injury by playing tonight. Winning on the road has been a challenge this season in the ACC as according to the Charlotte Observer, visiting teams are only 6-16 this season compared to 11-12 through January 20th of last year. How big was that win over the Tar Heels? Only 10 times in the history of college basketball has a team defeated both Duke and North Carolina in the same season when both were ranked. 3* Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets