Basketball Betting Odds and Matchups: Jan. 8
Atssportsline.com
College football is over but college basketball is roaring into conference play. The number one team is in action and there are some key Big 10 and Big East games. The action is really starting to heat up while the NBA is heading towards the mid-way point. And in another week or so, we'll have the debut of the NHL.
Let's roll with some hoops:
LA Lakers (15-18 SU, 13-19-1 ATS, 18-14-1 O/U) at Houston (20-14 SU, 20-13-1 ATS, 20-14 O/U)
Last game (Dec. 4) HOUSTON (-1) over LA Lakers, 107-105. The Lakers are imploding right now thanks to injuries and age. Dwight Howard (shoulder) is out indefinitely and Pau Gasol has various issues including a concussion. They are coming off three straight losses including a 112-105 loss at home to Denver, giving 5.5 on Sunday. The Rockets have won four straight, including a 112-104 road win over Cleveland on Saturday, giving 6. Kobe Bryant might need to go for 40 tonight to lift this dysfunctional squad Lakers are 1-6 ATS last 7 at Houston. NBA Line: No line. Total: NT.
Clemson (8-5 SU, 6-3 ATS) at #1 Duke (14-0 SU, 8-6 ATS)
Last year: (1/15/12). Duke (-6.5) over CLEMSON, 73-66. Duke is looking for its second 15-0 start in three seasons. They have to avoid looking ahead as they face No. 20 NC State on Saturday in Raleigh. Clemson as not won at Cameron Indoor Stadium since a 75-70 victory Jan. 4, 1995. Duke has taken 26 of the last 28 matchups, winning 73-66 on the road last season despite getting only 43 points from its starters. Star big man Mason Plumlee was limited to 13 points and eight shots along with 12 boards. Clemson, the third-lowest scoring team in the conference at 66.6 points per game, fell 71-66 at home to Florida State on Saturday. Clemson is 8-3 ATS last 11 road games. College Basketball Odds: Clemson is a 19.5-point favorite. Total: NT.
Pittsburgh (12-3 SU, 3-5 ATS) at #22 Georgetown (10-2 SU, 3-5 ATS)
Last year: (3/7/12). GEORGETOWN (-5.5) over Pittsburgh, 64-52. This game could set basketball back well before the shotclock was installed in college basketball. Pittsburgh and Georgetown lead the Big East in scoring defense, but it's the other end of the court that has presented a problem for both. Georgetown has won 14 straight games at home. They'll be tested by the Panthers, who are yielding 53.5 points per game. Georgetown is allowing an average of 54.2, but offense has been hard to come by. The Panthers shot a season-low 37.5 percent in Saturday's 67-62 defeat at Rutgers. The Hoyas weren't much better from the field at 39.1 percent Saturday, including an ugly 19-point first half in a 49-48 loss at Marquette. Pittsburgh is 2-7 ATS last 9 Tuesday games. Hoops Odds: Georgetown is a 1-point favorite. Total: NT.