SPORTS ADVISORS
Cleveland (19-3, 18-4 ATS) at Philadelphia (9-13, 8-14 ATS)
Two nights after running their winning streak to 10 in a row with a victory at Philadelphia, the Cavaliers get another shot at the slumping 76ers, this time at Quicken Loans Arena.
Cleveland continued its best start in franchise history with Wednesday’s 101-93 victory over the Sixers as a 6½-point road favorite. Although the Cavs won – and covered – for the 10th straight game, they snapped a string of nine consecutive victories by 12 points or more, which was an NBA record. Still, the average margin of victory during Cleveland’s 10-game winning streak remains 20.2 points per game, and 15 of the team’s 19 wins have been by double digits.
Despite the presence of LeBron James, who is second in the league in scoring at nearly 27 ppg, Cleveland has been doing its damage on the defensive end, holding 18 of 21 opponents to less than 100 points and giving up an average of just 83.5 ppg in its last six.
While the Cavaliers have been rolling all season, Philadelphia has failed to live up to preseason expectations and comes into this game in a 2-6 SU and ATS funk, however both wins and covers were outright upsets in their most recent games on the road. The Sixers have scored 96 points or fewer in 15 of 22 games this year, including being held under 90 points nine times.
Cleveland has now won seven of the last nine meetings against the 76ers, going 2-0 ATS in the last two after failing to cover in the previous three. The road team has won six of the last seven series clashes, going 6-1 ATS. Also, the underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings, including four outright upsets.
The Cavs are on a slew of positive pointspread streaks, including 23-4 overall, 16-5 at home, 21-5 against the Eastern Conference, 18-4 versus the Atlantic Division, 9-0 against teams with a losing record and 14-3 when playing on one day of rest. Philly is 4-1 ATS in their last five games on Friday, but 7-17 ATS in its last 24 against the Eastern Conference.
The over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings between these teams overall and 10-4 in the last 14 series clashes in Cleveland. However, Cleveland currently is on under streaks of 6-2 overall, 4-1 at home, 11-6 against the Atlantic Division ad 7-2 on Fridays. Also, the under for the Sixers is on stretches of 6-0 on Fridays, 6-1-1 when playing on one day of rest, 10-3-2 versus the East and 8-4-1 against the Central Division.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
New Orleans (12-6, 8-9-1 ATS) at Boston (21-2, 13-10 ATS)
The Hornets are the latest team attempting to cool off the scalding Celtics when they head to TD Banknorth Garden for a battle with the defending champs.
Boston returns home after last night’s 122-88 win at Washington as a 10-point favorite, its 13th consecutive victory and its 21st win in its first 23 games. The Celtics have scored at least 102 points in nine of their 13 victories during their winning streak, and they’re 9-3 ATS in their last 12 overall, including 6-1 ATS at home.
New Orleans has won three in a row (3-0 ATS) and seven of its last eight (6-2 ATS) and comes into Boston off Wednesday’s 105-89 rout of Charlotte as a 15-point home favorite. During their 7-1 run, the Hornets have posted six double-digit victories, winning the last three (all at home) by an average of 16 points per game.
These squads split their season series last year, with New Orleans prevailing 113-106 as a 1½-point home favorite and the Celtics rolling 112-92 as a seven-point home chalk. The Hornets have followed up an 0-4 SU and ATS slump against Boston by going 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four meetings. Also, the SU winner has covered the spread in each of the last 10 clashes, and the favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last four.
The Hornets are on ATS streaks of 9-3-1 against the Atlantic Division and 11-5-2 versus the Eastern Conference, but they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five games on Friday. Meanwhile, Boston is riding a bevy of pointspread streaks, including 6-1 at home, 8-1 against the Southwest Division, 37-18 against the Western Conference, 14-3 against teams with a winning record and 30-14-1 when playing on back-to-back nights (but 2-4 ATS this year in back-to-back spots).
The over is on runs of 4-1 for New Orleans overall, 11-5-1 for New Orleans against the East, 5-0 for New Orleans against the Atlantic Division, 6-2 for the Celtics overall and 10-3 for the C’s against the Southwest Division. Conversely, the under is on runs of 6-0 for the Hornets on Friday, 4-1 for the Hornets on the road, 6-1 for the Celtics on Friday and 6-1 for the Celtics when playing on back-to-back nights. Also, the under is 8-2 over the last decade when these teams meet in Boston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON
Orlando (17-5, 12-9-1 ATS) at Phoenix (13-10, 10-13 ATS)
The Magic will try to extend a current four-game winning streak and halt a five-game losing skid to the Suns and when they continue a lengthy Western Conference road trip at the US Airways Center in the desert.
Orlando is coming off Tuesday’s thrilling, last-second 109-108 win at Portland as a five-point underdog. Hedo Turkoglu banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer as the Magic, who trailed by eight points late in the game, won their fourth straight overall and their eighth in the last nine games. During this run, Orlando is 4-1 SU and ATS on the road, and for the season, Stan Van Gundy’s squad is 8-2 away from the Magic Kingdom (6-3-1 ATS).
Hours after completing a trade that sent veterans Raja Bell and Boris Diaw to Charlotte for scorer Jason Richardson, the Suns took the court Thursday at Los Angeles and played the Lakers tough before succumbing 115-110, easily cashing as a 14-point underdog. Phoenix is just 2-5 SU in its last seven games, but it has followed up an 0-5 ATS slump with back-to-back spread covers. Terry Porter’s team continues to struggle on the defensive end of the court, allowing 102 points or more in eight straight games.
The Suns have won five straight against Orlando, but the Magic are 3-2 ATS and they’ve cashed in five of the last seven meetings, including three straight covers in Phoenix. In fact, the visitor 5-0 ATS in the last five series clashes, and the underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven.
In addition to its current ATS runs of 6-2 overall and 4-1 on the road, the Magic are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games when coming off two days’ rest and 4-1 ATS in their last five versus the Pacific Division. However, Orlando is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 on Friday. Meanwhile, Phoenix carries nothing but negative pointspread streaks, including 2-7 when playing on one day of rest, 1-5 after a spread-cover, 0-5 on Fridays and 0-4 after a SU defeat.
For the Magic, the under is on runs of 16-6 on the road, 7-2 against winning teams, 27-12 after a SU win, 7-0 when playing on two days’ rest, 5-1 when playing on Friday and 4-1 versus the Pacific Division. On the flip side, the Suns are riding “over” stretches of 8-0 overall, 4-0 at home, 13-3 against the Southeast Division and 35-17 against the Eastern Conference.
Finally, the over is 7-2 in the last nine Suns-Magic battles, including 4-0 in the last four clashes at US Airways Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and OVER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Iowa State (6-2, 3-4 ATS) at Iowa (8-2, 4-1 ATS)
Iowa looks to remain unbeaten at home and continue the host’s dominance in this rivalry when it welcomes Iowa State to Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City.
The Hawkeyes improved to 6-0 in their building with Tuesday’s 65-46 rout of Northern Iowa, cashing as an 8½-point chalk for its third consecutive spread-cover. Iowa has been doing it with defense this season, holding seven of its 10 opponents to 57 points or fewer. The only time the Hawkeyes, who are giving up 55 points per game on the season, surrendered more than 67 points was in an 87-68 neutral-site loss to West Virginia on Nov. 28.
The Cyclones had a three-game winning streak halted in Tuesday’s 66-63 home loss to Drake as a four-point favorite. Like the Hawkeyes, Iowa State has been strong on the defensive end of the court, allowing 59.4 ppg, with no opponent scoring more than 66 points.
The home team has won five straight meetings in this rivalry, going 4-1 ATS. Last year, Iowa State prevailed 56-47 as a one-point home underdog, and the Cyclones are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings (1-1 ATS in Iowa City). Also, the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven series clashes, with four outright upsets.
Iowa State is on ATS streaks of 8-2-1 against the Big Ten, 4-1 after a non-cover and 5-2 against teams with a winning record, but the Cyclones have failed to cover in five of their last seven true road games. The Hawkeyes are on ATS surges of 4-1 overall (all in non-conference play) and 6-2 after a victory, but they’re 1-5 ATS in their last six at home and 0-4 ATS in their last four on Friday.
The over is 9-3-1 in Iowa State’s last 13 road games, but otherwise the under is on stretches of 7-3 for the Cyclones on Friday, 5-1 for Iowa overall, 5-1 for Iowa at home and 6-1 for Iowa against Big 12 foes. Lastly, the under is 3-1 in the last four series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
INDIANCOWBOY COMP
Take Los Angeles Lakers -16.5 over Sacramento Kings.
Remember, the Lakers lost to this team recently by double-digits at Sacramento so this is a big revenge spot for them. I know the line is huge and most of the public enjoys the points as they are riding the public dog. Usually, that spells disaster for the public dog and it’s not like Sacramento doesn’t know how to lose big against teams on the road as they lost to the Jazz by 26 on the road. I just think the Kings were carried by their crowd at ARCO and won't have their support across town. I’m not the one to lay this many points usually, but with revenge, I could see a blowout here. Also note, that I don’t know if Hawes and Salmon will shoot 13/20 from the field like they did last time and Garcia will contineu to shoot 9/18 form the field. I think the Lakers will be focused more on defense as Coach Phil will undoubtedly address the 110+ points this Kings team scored on theLakers last time and likely win this game and hit the cover as well despite the big spread. Remember, the Lakers beat the Nets by 27 earlier this year as well.
THE GOLD SHEET
NBA FORECAST
NBA KEY RELEASES
ORLANDO by 7 over Phoenix (Fri., December 12)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
Atlanta 100 - MIAMI 97—After enduring a rough patch of results (no covers in 7 straight from Nov. 14-25) that loosely coincided with absence of explosive Josh Smith, Atlanta appeared to right its ship at the end of the month. And even with that mid-November slump, Hawks providing pretty good value if getting points on road (7-2 in role thru Dec. 8). But they’ll have to keep tabs on Dwyane Wade, whose early-season form as good as ever (29.8 ppg in November ties for second-best month of his career!) 07-Atl +8 82-79 (188), ATL -1' 114-111 (OT-187), AT -8' 97-94 (200), MIA +5 113-99 (187)
CLEVELAND 106 - Philadelphia 84—Philly hung tough in its three games
vs. Cleveland LY, winning once at The “Q” and covering all battles. LeBron & Co., however, have begun this season like they mean business, covering 8 of first 10 as home chalk thru Dec. 8. Teams also met Wednesday night at Wachovia Center. 08-Check 12/10 result; 07-Phi +7' 92-86 (191), CLE -4' 91-88 (192), Cle +4' 91-90 (187)
NEW JERSEY 109 - Toronto 102—Frisky New Jersey one of the real
revelations of early-season action, as Lawrence Frank making good use of young bench to energize squad. Included in this renaissance was wild 129-127 win at Air Canada Centre Nov. 21 when Vince Carter (scored 39) and Devin Harris (added 30) paced Nets. 08-Nj +8' 129-127 (OT-196); 07-Tor +3 106-69 (192), TOR -10 109-91 (191), NJ +5 99-90 (202), TOR -10' 113-85 (202)
Chicago 97 - MEMPHIS 86—Memphis in revenge mode (as it often is these
days) after 10-point loss at United Center Nov. 1. But Grizzlies are going to have to do a better job slowing Bull rookie G sensation Derrick Rose than in first meeting when the former Memphis Tiger scored 26. Cold Memphis was on 7-game SU and spread losing streak prior to win over sad-sack Clippers Dec. 5. 08-CHI -8' 96-86 (192); 07-MEM -1' 104-90 (204), CHI -11' 112-97 (208)
San Antonio 97 - MINNESOTA 89—After not having much trouble when
sweeping (SU and vs. line) Minnesota in four meetings last season, S.A. was pushed into double-OT before finally doing away with T-wolves at Target Center Nov. 5. But Spurs might want to give Tony Parker a bit more help in return match after they needed almost every one of Eva’s hubby’s career-best 55 points to avert upset. 08-San -4' 129-125 (2OT-182); 07-San -10 106-91 (192), SAN -15' 105-88 (188), San -8 100-99 (179), SAN -12 99-84 (186)
BOSTON 100 - New Orleans 87—Note that home court edge meant
something when these two tussled last season, when Boston avenged 7-point loss in New Orleans with 20-point cruise at Fleet Center. Champs picking up where they left off last season, having won 11 in a row SU thru Dec. 6. Note Hornets on 8-3-3 “under” run thru Dec. 9. 07-NO -1' 113-106 (190), BOS -7' 112-92 (197) CABLE TV—ESPN
DETROIT 90 - Indiana 85—Indiana (which already owns wins over last
season’s finalists, Celtics & Lakers) surprisingly playing its best against the
best this season. And Pacers put up a pretty good fight the last time they faced rugged Detroit, covering as 10-point dog in competitive 100-94 loss at The Palace opening night. Danny Granger proved a real thorn in Pistons’ side that night when scoring 33 in a game that was played before A.I.’s trade to Auburn Hills. “Totals” alert—Detroit on 8-1 “under” run thru Dec. 6. 08-DET -10 100-94 (188); 07-DET -9' 114-101 (198), Det -4' 98-92 (199), Det -7' 110-104 (194), DET -10 96-80 (198)
Orlando 103 - PHOENIX 96—It’s the middle of an extended 5-game
western road swing for Orlando, but note that Magic was recently on 6-game SU win streak as visitor before running into hot Boston at Fleet Center Dec. 1. Phoenix scuffling a bit lately (3-11 vs. line last 14 thru Dec. 8) with Shaq and Steve Nash in and out of lineup, but their expected return to action ought to bolster Suns’ hopes. Note that Phoenix won both meetings vs. Magic LY, although Suns couldn’t quite cover as 5½-point chalk in America West Arena clash. 07-Pho -1 106-96 (209), PHO -5' 110-106 (215)
PORTLAND 94 - LA Clippers 80—One of the strongest early-season “totals”
trends has been Portland’s recent string of “unders” (8 straight thru Dec. 6). And ascending Blazers were on 6-game SU win streak thru Dec. 4 before honorable loss at champion Celtics. Clips have been showing some signs of improvement since acquiring frontliner Zach Randolph via trade in late November. Randolph was scoring at a 25.3 ppg clip his first three as a Clipper, although the absence of injured C Chris Kaman has forced Randolph and Marcus Camby to log heavier minutes in post than HC Mike Dunleavy would like. 07-Port +2 82-80 (183), PORT -12 107-102 (192), Port -7' 83-72 (189)
LA LAKERS 119 - Sacramento 103—Hot Lakers on many streaks early in
the season, including recent “over” skein (6-1 “over” last 7 thru Dec. 5). That “over” run began with 118-108 shootout win over Sacto at Staples Center Nov.23. L.A. couldn’t quite shake 16½-point dog Kings that night despite Sacto being minus injured high scorer Kevin Martin, with Kings hitting 54% from floor. Teams also met three nights ago at Arco Arena. 08-LA -16' 118-108 (209), check 12/9 result; 07-La -5' 117-105 (222), Sac +13 114-113 (222), La -9' 114-92 (222), LA -17' 124-101 (217)
Houston 118 - GOLDEN ST. 106—Don Nelson’s frustrations boiled over in
Golden State’s 131-112 loss at Houston Dec. 5, as enraged Nellie was tossed from proceedings. That’s understandable, considering Warriors’ recent meltdown (G.S. had lost 9 in a row SU thru Dec. 7). Nellie’s bunch was actually hanging into the 4th Q of that battle at Toyota Center, but then watched Rockets close game on 30-11 run to win comfortably. Yao Ming’s presence obviously a further concern for G.S. after he scored 33 in that Houston win. Note Rocketmen “over” 7-1 last 8 thru Dec. 7. 08-HOU -8' 131-112 (210); 07-GS +2 113-94 (208), Gs +3' 112-95 (201), HOU
-3' 111-107 (205), Hou +4 109-106 (208) TV—ESPN
COLLEGE HOOPS
MIAMI-FLORIDA 82 - Florida Intl. 51—With FIU’s top two players 6-6 F Alex Galindo and 7-0 C Russell Hicks probably still sidelined with injuries, must lay the lumber with ascending, veteran Miami-Florida, led by pure-shooting G Jack McClinton (16 ppg; 43% from arc). And with Hurricane HC Fran Haith praising improved post play of 6-8 jr. F Dwayne Collins (12 pg, 9 rpg) and 6-8 sr. Jimmy Graham (6 rpg), deeper Miami equipped to destroy shorthanded Panthers. Happenin’ host has covered last 3 as DD chalk. 07-Mia -11' 67-53
Iowa St. 65 - IOWA 66—Youthful Iowa (start 3 true frosh!) has
displayed rapid maturity in early going for astute 2nd-year HC Todd Lickliter, but still looking to take several hoops with 6-1 ISU (prior to Drake Dec. 9). ISU’s productive 6-10 soph C Craig Brackins (16 ppg) poses matchup problems for Goriented Hawkeyes, while emerging, sharp-shooting 6-5 soph Lucca Staiger (native German scored 14 pts. vs. Ore. St.) and 6-4 soph G Diante Garrett (11 pg, 44% from arc) keep Iowa defense from sagging. 07-ISU -2' 56-47
ARKANSAS-L.R. 62 - Wright St. 45—Even in a best-case scenario, no one
would mistake Wright State’s firepower for Duke’s. But Raiders really on short rations offensively at moment with star G Duggins out until New Year’s with finger injury and backcourt mate T. Brown laboring at about 20% from floor, all helping contribute to WSU’s sickly 0-6 break from gate. Situation much better at UALR, as experienced Trojans confirming Sun Belt contender status with quick start featuring unexpected contributions from 6-0 soph G Mouzy (teambest 14 ppg). 07-DNP
DAVE COKIN
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS / PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
The Blazers are out of high altitude and without rest as they travel from Salt Lake back home to host the Clippers. That is a negative scenario, but it's offset by the fact the Blazers have now lost two straight and are going to feel a sense of urgency to avoid having this turn into a slump. Portland got done in at Utah by some very poor outside shooting, but should find a path to the basket easier against the far less resistant Clippers. I'll spot the points and back the Blazers.
JIM FEIST
ORLANDO MAGIC / PHOENIX SUNS
Take PHOENIX SUNS
Phoenix didn't play that badly the last game, losing at the Los Angeles Lakers in a close one despite being short-handed. For this game, they get Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley, acquired in a trade this week. Plus Phoenix also was without former Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal was in New Jersey for funeral services and hopes to return in time to play Friday night against Orlando. O'Neal scored 35 points Tuesday night -- his most in nearly three years -- in a 125-110 victory over Milwaukee. 3rd straight road game for Orlando, a team a long way from home, as well as their 6th road game over the last 9 contests. A cheap price on the new-look home team. Play the Suns.
Brad Diamond
Play on: New Orleans plus over Boston
With the Celtics 12-0 SU going into Thursday night this battle with the talented NO contingent will be a difficult road block. After playing Washington last night, the Bean Towners might have somewhat of a hang over on the Vegas strip. Granted Boston is a super 8-3-1 ATS of late, but this visitor is very capble.
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Iowa
The Hawkeyes play host to the Cyclones in a state rivalry game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena with revenge on their minds from a 56-47 loss suffered at Iowa State last season. Iowa has opened the season in strong fashion, sporting an 8-2 SU and 6-1 ATS mark to date. A quick check of the history book shows Iowa State is just 5-11 SU and 6-10 ATS on the non-conference road when going into revenge. Look for the Hawkeyes to avenge last season's loss as they continue their winning ways here tonight.
Jimmy The Moose
Boston Bruins at Atlanta Thrashers
Prediction: Boston Bruins
The Bruins have won 8 of their last 10 games and over their last 21 games they are a money making 17-4. In their last 15 games vs. Eastern Conference opponents the Bruins are 12-3. Boston has won their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing record. Atlanta is 16-35 in their last 51 games overall. The Thrashers have lost their last 5 games. The Thrashers have dropped 4 of their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference opponents. The Bruins have won 4 of the last 5 meetings vs. Atlanta and will easily take this one. Play on the Boston Bruins -.
Cajun Sports
Wright State vs. Arkansas LR
Play: Arkansas LR -9
The Stephens Center will be the site of tonight’s clash between the host Trojans and the visiting Raiders from Wright State.
The Raiders were not expected to be a scoring machine this season but averaging only 55 points a game so far is certainly not what they had envisioned at the start of the 2008 campaign. They are averaging those 55 points against teams that would normally allow 65.6 points per game. With more than a 10 point differential it will be difficult for the Raiders to win many games this season if they don’t improve offensively.
The loss of G Vaughn Duggins who will be out until after the first of the year with an injury to his finger has created problems on the offensive end of the floor. His counter-part in the backcourt Brown has struggled hitting a little over 20% from the field so far this season.
Arkansas-LR is averaging 72 points per game at home this year and are undefeated at home with a record of 3-0 SU. They are 6-1 overall and are coming into tonight’s game off a win on the road at Oral Roberts back on Monday. The Trojans are averaging those 72 points per game against teams that only allow 67.4 points per game. Defensively the Trojans allow 61 points per game versus teams that usually score 64.6 points per game.
The Trojans returned all five starters from last season and have really been surprised by the outstanding play of G Mouzy who is leading the team with 14 points per game. Their experience and the Raiders lack thereof will be the difference here tonight.
We will lay the chalk with the Trojans as they continue their outstanding play at home and also cash the winning ticket on the hardwood tonight.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Arkansas LR 66 Wright State 49
Brad Diamond
Play on: New Orleans plus over Boston
With the Celtics 12-0 SU going into Thursday night this battle with the talented NO contingent will be a difficult road block. After playing Washington last night, the Bean Towners might have somewhat of a hang over on the Vegas strip. Granted Boston is a super 8-3-1 ATS of late, but this visitor is very capble.
Scott Delaney
Today's Selection
We're on a 10-5-1 run with complimentary selections and today we're on the hardwood with Lakers against the Kings.
I’ll take a chance and lay the chalk with the hottest team in the NBA, as the Lakers roll into this one at 18-3 on the year – 11-1 at home. And while I know this hasn’t exactly been the best team against the spread thus far this year, Sacramento has struggled enough on the road that we can bank on the Purple and Gold doing plenty of damage to a rival they’ve dominated the last 10 meetings.
Besides, Kobe Bryant and his teammates are going to be hungry for revenge after a 113-101 loss Tuesday night at Arco Arena, where the Kings snapped an eight-game losing streak to silence some of the “fire Reggie Theus” chatter.
L.A. rebounded the next night to score a 115-100 win over the Suns, but it wasn’t that impressive, especially considering Shaquille O'Neal was absent because he was attending funeral services for his grandmother in New Jersey.
It was an eye-opener on those back-to-back nights, but now it’s time to regroup and this is the perfect game to do so. L.A. is on a 7-3 SU run in this Pacific Divison clash, while the straight-up winner is 9-1 ATS in those games. And there’s no doubts in my mind the Lakers are winning this game tonight.
The Kings are on ATS slumps of 3-8 on Friday nights, 1-4 as an underdog and against the Western Conference and 1-5 overall. Conversely, the Lakers have covered 21 of their last 29 against Pacific Division foes.
L.A. LAKERS
Tony Weston
OK, so, we were way off with the Washington Wizards last night. That’ll happen. Oh well, I’m not sweating that because I’m winning tonight.
We’re switching gears and coming at it with some strong college basketball action as we’re heading to Des Moines, Iowa where we’re taking Drake over Georgia Southern.
The Bulldogs come into this game 7-2 SU this season and 3-2 ATS. Over their last five games the Bulldogs are a perfect 5-0 SU and 2-0 ATS in lined games, including a 66-63 outright victory over Iowa State as a 4-point underdog. Also, going back to last season, Drake is 9-5 ATS at home.
Now they battle a Georgia Southern team that’s 3-3 SU this season but 1-4 ATS. In fact, since beating Houston outright 65-63 as a 7 1/2 point underdog in their season opener, the Eagles have failed to cover in each of their last four lined games, including each of their last two road games.
Drake will continue its winning ways and get over on a struggling Georgia Southern team. Take Drake at home tonight.
3♦ DRAKE
Gina
Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat
Miami has owned the Hawks in their house. The Heat have won 21 of the last 23 games versus the Hawks at home. Go with Miami at American Airlines Arena versus Atlanta. The Hawks are 1-8 in their last 9 road games and are just 3-11 ATS in its last 14 meetings versus Miami, 2-11 ATS in the last 13 in the Sunshine State.
Miami Heat -2½
Johnny Guild
Sacramento Kings at L.A. Lakers Lakers
The Kings played aggressive and beat the Lakers, 113-101 on Tuesday night at Arco Arena, but at the Staples Center it will be a tougher assignment for the Kings. The Lakers will get their revenge against their cross-state rivals tonight at home, but laying 16.5 is risky. Look for Sacramento to play tough again against the Lakers and suppress the highest scoring team in the league. Take the points. The Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games, 2-4 ATS in its last 6 at home.
Sacramento Kings +16.5
NCAAB
Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans -9
Drake Bulldogs -12
Craig Trapp
Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat
Play: Miami Heat -2.5
Coming off another clutch performance, Wade looks to help the Heat continue their home dominance of the struggling Hawks when the teams meet Friday night. After last season's 15-67 debacle, Miami (12-9) is off to a strong start thanks largely to Wade. He's averaging 34.8 points during a four-game winning streak, the Heat's longest since a nine-game run from Feb. 28-March 16, 2007. Wade scored 41 points, 10 in the final 8 1/2 minutes, to lead the Miami back from a seven-point deficit in a 100-96 win over Charlotte on Monday night. It was Wade's seventh game of at least 35 points this season -- most in the league. Healthy again after being limited to 51 games in 2007-08, Wade is averaging a league-best 29.5 points, along with 7.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 21 games. Just too much DWADE here pulling away late MIAMI wins easy. Score MIA 105 - ATL 96