Daily Sports Roundup
Wednesday March 17
Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The NIT continues with nine games, while the Spurs pay a visit to the Magic, and the Blackhawks try for a win in Anaheim.
Tipping off on the hardwood . . .
There are 11 games on the NBA's schedule for Wednesday, with Oklahoma City at Charlotte, Atlanta at Toronto, New Jersey at Philadelphia, New York at Boston, Indiana at Cleveland, Memphis at Houston, Chicago at Dallas, Minnesota at Utah, New Orleans at Golden State, Milwaukee at the Clippers, and San Antonio at Orlando. The Magic (47-21 SU, 35-30-3 ATS) will be looking to bounce back from a loss to Charlotte when they take to the court at home against the Spurs on Wednesday night. Orlando fell 96-89 at home to the Bobcats on Sunday, scoring just 36 points in the second half. Dwight Howard scored 27 points in that defeat.
The first round of the NIT continues on Wednesday with Quinnipiac vs. Virginia Tech, Tulsa vs. Kent State, Northwestern vs. Rhode Island, Illinois State vs. Dayton, Weber State vs. Cincinnati, Troy vs. Mississippi, Nevada vs. Wichita State, St. John's vs. Memphis, and Illinois vs. Stony Brook. In the CBI on Wednesday the matchups are Duquesne vs. Princeton, IUPUI vs. Hofstra, Colorado State vs. Morehead State, Boston University vs. Oregon State, Green Bay vs. Akron, and College of Charleston vs. Eastern Kentucky. And the CIT on Wednesday has Harvard vs. Appalachian State, Middle Tennessee vs. Missouri State, Portland vs. Northern Colorado, and finally Pacific vs. Loyola Marymount.
Taking a trip around the rink . . .
As well, there are three games on the National Hockey League schedule for Wednesday, with Pittsburgh at New Jersey, Calgary at Colorado, and Chicago at Anaheim. The 44-18-6 Blackhawks will be looking to put an end to a two-game losing streak, as they fell 4-3 in overtime to Washington on Sunday. Chicago had a 3-0 lead in that contest before collapsing in the third period. The 31-29-8 Ducks got past San Jose 4-2 in their last game on Sunday, with Bobby Ryan picking up a goal and an assist. Anaheim is up 2-1 in the season set with the Blackhawks. Defenseman Brian Campbell (upper body) is out of action indefinitely for Chicago.
Wednesday's Wagering Tips
Lines off the board
Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors – Joe Johnson (Achilles) is not expected to play in the game (see injury report below).
New Jersey Nets at Philadelphia 76ers – Devin Harris (flu) did not play in Tuesday’s game and is questionable. Marreese Speights (knee) has missed the last five games and is questionable.
Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets – Marc Gasol (neck) was questionable going into Tuesday night’s game.
Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks – Derrick Rose (wrist) missed the team’s last two games and is questionable. Luol Deng (calf) has missed the team’s last three games and is questionable.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils – Sidney Crosby (knee) is probable. Evengi Malkin (lower body) suffered a foot injury in the last game and is doubtful.
Chicago Blackhawks at Anaheim Ducks – Marian Hossa (upper body) is questionable. Brian Campbell (neck) is out indefinitely after breaking his collarbone.
Line to keep an eye on
The Warriors moved from a 2-point favorite on the open to a current 3-point favorite. Golden State has covered in four straight games whiles the Hornets are 1-7 ATS in their last eight.
Who’s hot
Oregon State is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
The Knicks are 3-1-1 ATS in their last four and all three covers were straight up wins as underdogs.
Who’s not
Cincinnati is 1-10 ATS at home this season.
The Raptors are 1-9 SU and ATS in their last 10 outings.
Key stat
14 – Number of technical fouls called on Magic center Dwight Howard this season. Two more techs and Howard will be forced to miss a game. This could prove costly if he gets one more during the regular season and then T’ed up during the playoffs.
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
Hawks guard Joe Johnson did not play on Tuesday night and he is unlikely to suit up Wednesday. Johnson went down with an Achilles tendon injury, which are always serious, on Friday night and the Atlanta local paper is reporting he is unlikely to play against the Raptors, who are also ailing (see note below). Jeff Teague got his first NBA start on Tuesday with regular point guard Mike Bibby starting at the two-guard.
Notable quotable
“I was in the gym four hours yesterday working on my ping pong game, so I didn't get any rest."
-- Dallas’ All-Star Dirk Nowitzki said on Monday after attending a ping pong fundraiser at the American Airlines Center hosted by coach Rick Carlisle.
Tips and notes
- Since Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni called out Danilo Gallinari on Feb. 26, the 6-10 Italian has been playing inspired basketball. D’Antoni said he must “turn his motor up” after he had scored 6, 5 and 7 points since Tracy McGrady got there. But in 10 games since the slam, Gallinari has posted nearly 15 points per game including a 21-point outburst in the win over Philadelphia on Monday.
- Jason Terry is expected to return for the Mavericks on Wednesday but won’t be his same self. After breaking his orbital bone, Terry will wear a protective mask during the game. A lot of players have trouble getting used to a mask and Terry has already expressed frustration with it. He said, “If I miss the first shot, it might be coming off.”
- Raptors coach Jay Triano is on the hot seat and will shake up the lineup on Wednesday in hopes of getting his team off a five-game slide (1-4 ATS). Jose Calderon will be the starting point guard against the Hawks, a move that apparently upset the now-reserve guard Jarrett Jack. Chris Bosh recently called out his teammates telling them to stop “pouting, crying” and there is also speculation that DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani could be replaced in the starting lineup as well.