Basketball Betting Odds and Capsules: March 26
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There's a light schedule on tap in basketball tonight with three NBA games, one NIT matchup and three CIT contests. The NCAA Tournament returns on Thursday, but this is still March Madness, with teams still playing for something. We'll take a look at some of the top betting matchups below which includes a top NBA game. If you are looking for assistance, ATS Sportsline has all your March Madness basketball resources, winning five straight weeks.
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New York Knicks (42-26 SU, 35-31-2 ATS) at Boston Celtics (36-33 SU, 32-34-3 ATS)
Intangibles:
Boston is playing without Kevin Garnett.
The Knicks have won four straight games.
Boston has lost four straight.
Keys to Success:
Are the tables falling off for the Celtics? Boston will be playing without star forward Kevin Garnett, who will miss at least a week with inflammation in his ankle. The Knicks are in third while Boston is 6.5 games behind in seventh in the Eastern Conference. If the season ended today, Boston would face Indiana and the Knicks would take on Atlanta. Things could change but Boston will need Jeff Green to step up in Garnett's place. The Knicks' have had injury issues with Amare Stoudemire out indefinitely with a knee issue and Tyson Chandler questionable with a neck injury. But the Knicks did just sign Kenyon Martin and in 11 games, is averaging 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds since signing Feb. 21.
Last game: (1/24/13) New York (-1) over Boston, 89-86. The Knicks have won four straight but three of those were against Toronto (twice) and Orlando. They crushed Toronto on March 23, 110-84, giving 7 at home. Boston is coming off a 110-106 loss at Memphis, getting 7.5 on March 23. The Knicks are 4-1 ATS last 5 on the road in series. Pro Basketball Lines: Boston is a 2-point betting odds favorite. Total: 190.
Maryland Terrapins (24-12 SU, 16-12-1 ATS) at Alabama Crimson Tide (23-12 SU, 16-15 ATS)
Intangibles:
Maryland guard Seth Allen broke his shooting hand in practice.
Maryland holds opponents to just 38.3 percent shooting.
Alabama has won 12 straight home games.
Keys to Success:
The winner of this game goes to the NIT semifinals in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Alabama was national runner-ups two years in the NIT semis. Maryland won the 1972 NIT title by beating Niagara, who they beat in the first round. Alabama averages just 62.7 points per game and shoots only 33.2 percent from beyond the arc, but they hold opponents to only 58.7 points and 40.5 percent. Both teams want to defend, though Maryland wants to run even without freshman guard Allen, who averages 7.8 points per game. They'll rely on wing Dez Wells, who is averaging 19.4 points in the last five games, but they need to establish 7-foot-1 Alex Len, who averages 11.7 points and 7.7 rebounds. Alabama needs a strong game from junior guard Trevor Releford (15.1 points).
Last game: (11/17/11). Alabama (-7.5) over Maryland 62-42 (from Puerto Rico). Maryland beat Denver on Thursday, 62-52 at home, giving 4.5 on Thursday. Alabama defeated Stanford, 66-54 on Saturday, giving 4.5 at home. Maryland is 6-2 ATS last 8 vs. SEC. College Basketball Odds: Alabama is a 3.5-point betting odds favorite. Total: 127.0.