Brad Wilton
The predictably unpredictable Atlanta Hawks are fresh off a domination of the Los Angeles Clippers in Atlanta on Wednesday night, but I have a feeling the Hawks are going to struggle tonight in dispatching the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers come to Philips Arena with straight up wins over the Bulls and the Nuggets their last two times on court, so do not expect them to roll over tonight against the Hawks.
Prior to Atlanta's win on Wednesday, the Hawks had lost 5 of their prior 6, and they have still failed their last pair when asked to cover a number. Then there are the series numbers which are skewed in Cleveland's favor, as the Cavaliers have been able to split the last 4 series meetings straight up, and they are on a 4-1 spread run the last 5 meetings in the series.
Look for this game to stay tight all the way, and for the points with the Cavs to be the way to play it.
Dog play on Cleveland tonight.
2♦ CLEVELAND
Brett Atkins
My free winner for tonight is on Kentucky minus the points against Baylor, in what could be a pretty good college basketball game, but should see the Wildcats pull away for the win and cover.
Baylor comes into the game ranked 20th in the nation, and boasts a 7-1 record thus far. The Bears have notable wins over Colorado, South Carolina and Dayton, while their only loss was a 74-67 setback to fourth-ranked Syracuse.
While Baylor is long and very athletic, and I know is very talented, but I think the Wildcats have enough talent to break down the Bears' zone. Kentucky's players are used to seeing a zone defense, as there are so many teams who utilize the defensive scheme in one way or another. I don't think the 'Cats will have a problem in switching to a half-court offense, passing the ball and being patient tonight.
No. 3 Kentucky has suffered just one setback this season, and that was a four-point loss to No. 2 Michigan State. The Wildcats are in after a 14-point win over Providence, in a game they shot .643 from the field. Kentucky drained 6-of-8 from 3-point range against the Friars for a .750 clip.
Kentucky is averaging 84.5 points per game, while the Bears are scoring just 78.1. The 'Cats are allowing a mere 64 points per game, while Baylor allows a bit more, at 66.5 per game. The Wildcats are also dominating the paint, averaging 5.9 rebounds per game than Baylor (46.9-41) while they have 63 blocks compared to the Bears' 49.
As good as the Bears are, I have to believe the 'Cats are that much better.
5♦ KENTUCKY