Wednesday Trends and Indexes 03/19

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Washington at Orlando
The Wizards ended their recent homestand with a disappointing loss to the Hawks and now have to open their road trip against an Orlando team that has won five straight and beat the Wiz by 30 in D.C. on the 5th. The Magic are the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Orlando favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

Game 623-624: Denver at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.709; Philadelphia 124.767
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3; 223 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2; 218
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-2); Over

Game 625-626: Washington at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 116.185; Orlando 127.254
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 11; 199 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 7 1/2; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2); Under

Game 627-628: Miami at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 107.521; Toronto 120.427
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 13; 204
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 629-630: Charlotte at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 113.257; Indiana 118.917
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 5 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 6; 211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+6); Under

Game 631-632: Atlanta at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 114.576; New Jersey 116.972
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 2 1/2; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 199
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-1); Over

Game 633-634: Memphis at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 107.147; Minnesota 115.372
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 8; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 7; 205
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-7); Over

Game 635-636: Houston at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 124.840; New Orleans 128.260
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 174
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 637-638: Detroit at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 121.382; Cleveland 121.494
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 181
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 1; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+1); Under

Game 639-640: Phoenix at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 122.464; Seattle 108.371
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 14; 229 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 10 1/2; 227
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-10 1/2); Over

Game 641-642: Golden State at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 121.628; LA Clippers 112.682
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 9; 206 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Anaheim at Dallas
The Stars have dropped five of their last six, including three of four at home, and face an Anaheim team that has won three of its last four. The Ducks are the underdog pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has Anaheim favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+115). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

Game 51-52: Carolina at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.746; Atlanta 10.372
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-165); 6
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-165); Over

Game 53-54: Tampa Bay at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.785; Buffalo 11.362
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-170); Under

Game 55-56: NY Rangers at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.598; New Jersey 11.488
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+125); Under

Game 57-58: Columbus at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.784; Detroit 12.165
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-300); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-300); Under

Game 59-60: Anaheim at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.299; Dallas 11.293
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+115); Under

Game 61-62: Washington at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.959; Chicago 10.974
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+115); Over

Game 63-64: Minnesota at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.608; San Jose 12.374
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-160); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Power Index


Guys,
Last night, these had the first bad night since we've been tracking them. They went 2-5 SU. Since we started posting these, they have gone 20-10 SU.

Philadelphia* 3 over Denver
Orlando* 10 over Washington
Indiana* 5 over Charlotte
Toronto* 12 over Miami
New Jersey* 2.5 over Atlanta
Detroit 1 over Cleveland*
Minnesota* 6 over Memphis
New Orleans* 2 over Houston
Phoenix 7.5 over Seattle*
Golden State 5 over L.A. Clippers*

[Udog]

NBA
Hot Lines


Wednesday, March 19


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Pick 'n' roll: Wednesday's best NBA picks
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Detroit at Cleveland (-1, 184)

Do you like trends? No? Well, that's too bad because we've got some good ones on this game. With a 22-12 road record, no one would call the Pistons a bad road team, but you might be interested to know that they're just 4-10 against the spread in their last 14 excursions. Overall, they have a more even 17-16-1 ATS record away from Detroit, but this is the time of year when NBA teams don't always pack their A-game for road trips. You might want to think about that as the Pistons head to Cleveland the day after a high-energy 136-120 win over Denver last night.

Cleveland has been money against Detroit in recent matchups, with eight paydays in their last nine meetings. The Cavs haven't been performing all that well since Daniel Gibson sprained his ankle last week, but they still have a seven-game home winning streak intact.

Pick: Cleveland


Phoenix at Seattle (+11, 227.5)

This isn't the most points a team has laid on the road this year, but it's got to be up there. Then again, this is Seattle - the same Seattle that gave up 168 points to Denver on Sunday. Point guard Earl Watson denied accusations after that game that this team has already quit. He said, "Quit would be sitting on the sidelines and players saying they're injured and they're out for the season. To me, that's quitting." I guess losing a game by 52 points is more like taking a paid leave of absence.

But a horrible loss might be the best thing a bettor could ask for in a situation like this because it is probably the only thing that could provide motivation to the Sonics at this point in the season. P.J. Carlesimo told reporters after the game: "I think they will come back and respond [tonight], and [against] L.A. and Utah and the games after that. And they have all year."

Pick: Seattle

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Wednesday, March 18th

Carolina at Atlanta, 7:05 ET
Carolina: 15-25 SU after covering 3 of their last 4
Atlanta: 10-3 SU in home games after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6

Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 7:05 ET
Tampa Bay: 0-7 SU in road games revenging 2 straight losses
Buffalo: 14-4 SU off a win by 3 goals or more over a division rival

NY Rangers at New Jersey, 7:05 ET
NY Rangers: 6-14 SU after playing a game where 7 or more total goals were scored
New Jersey: 9-0 SU after a non-conference

Columbus at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Columbus: 72-102 SU as an underdog
Detroit: 5-9 SU off a road loss

Anaheim at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Anaheim: 10-0 SU off an home win scoring 4 or more
Dallas: 5-9 SU in home games after allowing 2 goals or more

Washington at Chicago, 8:35 ET
Washington: 11-4 SU when playing their 3rd game in 4 days
Chicago: 2-7 SU in home games after allowing 3 goals or more 3 straight games

Minnesota at San Jose, 10:35 ET
Minnesota: 78-67 SU after 2 or more consecutive unders
San Jose: 3-11 SU in home games after a division game

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Wednesday, March 19th

Denver at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Denver: 8-0 ATS after trailing in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half
Philadelphia: 52-34 ATS in non-conference games

Washington at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Washington: 76-104 ATS after having won 3 of their last 4
Orlando: 14-6 ATS off a home win

Miami at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Miami: 1-10 ATS after 1 or more consecutive wins
Toronto: 33-13 ATS against Southeast division opponents

Charlotte at Indiana, 7:05 ET
Charlotte: 17-7 ATS in March games
Indiana: 1-12 ATS off a home win

Atlanta at New Jersey, 7:35 ET
Atlanta: 39-23 OVER second half of the season
New Jersey: 6-17 ATS in March games

Memphis at Minnesota, 8:05 ET
Memphis: 3-12 ATS after 1 or more consecutive wins
Minnesota: 29-12 ATS revenging a road blowout loss

Houston at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Houston: 11-2 ATS as a road underdog
New Orleans: 7-0 UNDER revenging a DD road loss

Detroit at Cleveland, 8:05 ET ESPN
Detroit: 12-2 ATS after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite
Cleveland: 3-13 ATS in home games off a road loss

Phoenix at Seattle, 10:05 ET
Phoenix: 14-6 OVER second half of the season
Seattle: 9-19 ATS off a road loss

Golden State at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET ESPN
Golden State: 3-11 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders
LA Clippers: 7-1 ATS after having lost 12 or more of their last 15

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Wednesday, March 19


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Ice picks: Wednesday's best NHL bets
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Washington vs. Chicago (-140, 5.5)

The Caps are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now with four straight wins. The Blackhawks are one of the coldest with five losses in their last six.

Washington is fighting for a playoff spot, just two points out of the top eight. Chicago can see a playoff spot, but it needs binoculars to do it.

Washington's power play is rolling at 33.3 percent over its last three games. Chicago has allowed four power play goals over its last three.

Add it all up and you get - the Caps underdogs at +120? There is just too much value here to pass up.

The Caps played last night, beating Nashville 4-2, so that plays a factor in the line. However, Washington is 12-5 on the puckline on zero days of rest.

Pick: Caps +120


Columbus vs. Detroit (-300, 5.5)

It doesn't look like oddsmakers have much faith that the Red Wings will lose back-to-back games against the Blue Jackets.

Detroit fell 4-3 to the CBJs on Sunday, backed by two goals and an assist from Manny Malholtra. Since then, the Jackets have beaten Calgary in a 3-0 game, while the Wings have been left idle to stew over the loss.

That makes it three straight wins for Columbus over Detroit this season and the Jackets have also won three of their last four games heading into tonight. Columbus can thank goalie Fredrik Norrena for the last two wins. He made a combined 54 saves in the two starts while filling in for the injured Pascal Leclaire (concussion).

Norrena can expect more flurries of shots again tonight. The Blue Jackets are coming off an emotional and physical game against Calgary Monday that featured some big hits and scraps. That could mean some tired legs and lapses in the defensive zone.

Pick: over 5.5

[Udog]

NCAAB
Tips and Trends


Midwest Region - Qwest Center (Omaha, NE)

#16 Portland State vs. #1 Kansas [CBS | 12:25 PM ET]

Portland State: Not too many teams can put up points with Kansas, but Portland State has been an offensive machine all season. The Vikings shoot 46.9 percent from the field and a gaudy 40.1 percent from three-point range. Portland State?s offensive output is even more impressive in their last five games, shooting 54.9 from the field and 48.6 percent from behind the arc. Ironically, the only place Portland State doesn?t shoot well from is the free-throw line, where the team has made only 67.1 percent on the season.

PROJECTED SCORE: 62

The OVER is 7-3 in Portland State?s last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

Kansas (-23, O/U 145.5): The Jayhawks are just 3-3 in their last 3 NCAA Tournament appearances, and many insiders believe this is the last chance for this core of players to make a run at the national championship. They are very well balanced offensively and can survive an off night from any of their Top 4 scorers. The key for this team is their energy level, as they are nearly unbeatable when playing up to their potential.

PROJECTED SCORE: 85

Kansas is 3-15 ATS in its last 18 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE



#9 Kent State vs. #8 UNLV [CBS | 2:55 PM ET]

Kent State (-2, O/U 125.5): The Golden Flashes have won 20 games or more for 10 straight seasons and were ranked in the Top 25 for the first time ever earlier this season after they beat St. Mary's. They followed up that win with a loss to Bowling Green, which may have served as a wake-up call for the conference tournament and Big Dance. Kent State has won 5 straight since then, going 4-1 ATS.

PROJECTED SCORE: 64

Kent State is 16-2 ATS in its last 18 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

UNLV: Many believe the Runnin' Rebels are an overachieving bunch this season after last year's Sweet 16 appearance. They were 6-5 SU & ATS during the regular season but were far more dominant at home, where they captured the Mountain West Conference Tournament each of the last 2 years and wound up 20-2 SU & 11-6-2 ATS.

PROJECTED SCORE: 62

The UNDER is 7-3-1 in UNLV?s last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



#11 Kansas State vs. #6 USC [CBS | 7:10 PM ET]

Kansas State: Freshman phenom Michael Beasley set an NCAA record for most double doubles during the regular season and will be a load for any of USC's big men. The problem is, there isn't much offensively besides Beasley and Bill Walker, who are the top scoring duo in Big 12 history. If just one of them is contained, the Wildcats could be done.

PROJECTED SCORE: 70

Kansas State is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

USC (-2.5, O/U 141): Like Beasley, O.J. Mayo was one of the most dominant freshmen in the country this season and will likely be headed to the NBA after the Big Dance. Mayo definitely has the better supporting cast though, and the most valuable Trojan could very well be point guard Daniel Hackett, who battled back from a back injury and played a key role in helping the team go 11-4 down the stretch in Pac-10 play.

PROJECTED SCORE: 73

The UNDER is 22-7 in USC?s last 29 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - NONE



#14 Cal State-Fullerton vs. #3 Wisconsin [CBS | 9:40 PM ET]

Cal State-Fullerton: There couldn't be a much bigger contrast in styles of play between the Titans and Badgers. Fullerton would love to dictate the tempo and turn this into a high-scoring game, as the team averaged more than 80 points per game. However, the Titans need to concentrate on defense as well since hey are just 3-6 SU when giving up more than 80 this season.

PROJECTED SCORE: 62

Cal State Fullerton is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 lined games.

Key Injuries - NONE

Wisconsin (-11, O/U 133.5): The Badgers have one of the top coaches in the country in Bo Ryan, who has been able to keep the team playing at a high level despite losing Big Ten MVP Alando Tucker and point guard Kammron Taylor from last year's team. They remain strong defensively and are more balanced offensively without Tucker, so insiders would not be surprised to see another run to the Sweet 16.

PROJECTED SCORE: 73

Wisconsin is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



West Region - Verizon Center (Washington, DC)

#14 Georgia vs. #3 Xavier [CBS | 12:20 PM ET]

Georgia: The Bulldogs are an easy Cinderella pick as an unlikely entrant to the Big Dance, but bettors need to consider that they won as many conference games (4) in 3 days during the SEC Tournament as they did in the entire regular season combined. They also got the benefit of playing the SEC Tournament close to home, which clearly was a big advantage.

PROJECTED SCORE: 61

Georgia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

Xavier (-8, O/U 129.5): While he may not show up on the injury report, point guard Drew Lavender is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Lavender's status is key, as he scored just 8 points in the team's loss to St. Joe's in the Atlantic-10 Tournament semifinals. The Musketeers have also struggled in low-scoring games, with 3 of their 4 losses coming when they score 60 points or less.

PROJECTED SCORE: 69

Xavier is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



#11 Baylor vs. #6 Purdue [CBS | 2:50 PM ET]

Baylor: There is always a good chance to see lot of points scored when the Bears play. They average 80.7 points per game, hit 74 percent of their free throws and are the nation?s 23rd ranked team when it comes to adjusted pace.

PROJECTED SCORE: 71

Baylor is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 neutral site games.

Key Injuries - NONE

Purdue (-2.5, O/U 143): The Boilermakers have not suffered back-to-back losses since last December 22nd. They went on to win 14 of 15 after that brief skid, and their main weaknesses are that they tend to rely on the 3-point shot too much combined with their youth. In fact, this team should be competing for the Big Ten title for the next few years and likely won't have too much pressure to perform well now.

PROJECTED SCORE: 73

Purdue is 14-3-1 ATS in its last 18 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



#15 Belmont vs. #2 Duke [CBS | 7:10 PM ET]

Belmont: The Bruins are in the Big Dance for the third straight year as champions of the Atlantic Sun, losing each of the past 2 years as a #15 seed. They lost by 25 points to Georgetown last year and by 34 the year before to UCLA, failing to cover both times. However, head coach Rick Byrd does believe this is the most talented team he's had of the 3.

PROJECTED SCORE: 67

Belmont is 4-2 ATS this season.

Key Injuries - NONE

Duke (-20, O/U 153.5): The young Blue Devils overachieved a bit early on in winning 22 of their first 23 games. They start two sophomores and a freshman, and their top 3 players off the bench are also underclassmen. When they make their 3-pointers, they can beat anybody. However, when those trifectas are off the mark, they could be in trouble since they lack inside scoring.

PROJECTED SCORE: 87

Duke is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



#9 Texas A&M vs. #8 BYU [CBS | 7:25 PM ET]

Texas A&M (-2, O/U 129): There have been extreme highs and lows for the Aggies this season after head coach Mark Turgeon replaced Billy Gillispie. But they are back in the Big Dance and have experienced players back from their Sweet 16 appearance a year ago. Texas A&M played a nearly perfect game in beating Texas 80-63 but also scored just 10 points in the first half of a 27-point loss at Oklahoma one game after scoring 98.

PROJECTED SCORE: 66

Texas A&M is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

BYU: The Cougars are one of the best defensive teams in this year's tournament, especially when it comes to guarding the perimeter. BYU ranks ninth in the country in field goal defense (38.6 percent) and fifth in three-point defense (29.5 percent). The under could be a good play with the Cougars because along with playing strong defense, they struggle from the free-throw line, hitting just 65.8 percent on the year.

PROJECTED SCORE: 64

BYU is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 neutral site games.

Key Injuries - NONE



#10 Arizona vs. #7 West Virginia [CBS | 9:40 PM ET]

Arizona: The Cats have been dealing with injuries all year long but they are finally healthy heading into the tournament. A lot of people don?t think Arizona deserved a bid but now that point guard Nic Wise is back, the Wildcats could be a dangerous team. With both Wise and Jeryyd Bayless both in the lineup this year, Arizona is 16-5 straight up and 13-5 ATS.

PROJECTED SCORE: 69 (Side Play of the Day)

Arizona is 8-18 ATS in its last 26 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

West Virginia (-2, O/U 135.5): The Mountaineers rode Joe Alexander to the Big East Tournament semifinals against Georgetown, but they proved once again how vulnerable they are when he is contained and they fail to score at least 60 points. West Virginia is 22-3 when scoring 60 or more but winless when scoring less than 60 at 0-6.

PROJECTED SCORE: 67

West Virginia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



#16 Mississippi Valley State vs. #1 UCLA [CBS | 9:55 PM ET]

Mississippi Valley State: The Delta Devils didn?t exactly set the world on fire in their four lined games this season. Mississippi Valley State went 1-3 ATS and that includes a 71-26 drubbing at the hands of Washington State as a 32-point underdog.

PROJECTED SCORE: 45

Mississippi Valley State is 1-3 ATS this season.

Key Injuries - NONE

UCLA (-32, O/U 121.5): Many believe freshman center Kevin Love was the missing link to what could have been an NCAA title each of the past 2 years. The Bruins reached the Final Four both times but did not have the inside presence Love provides them with now. While past guards like Arron Afflalo and Jordan Farmar are in the NBA, UCLA has more than capable replacements in Josh Shipp and Russell Westbrook and should get there once again.

PROJECTED SCORE: 77

UCLA is 36-17 ATS in its last 53 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE



East Region - Pepsi Center (Denver, CO)

#13 Winthrop vs. #4 Washington State [CBS | 7:20 PM ET]

Winthrop: Pressure defense has become synonymous with the Eagles, who held the nation's top scoring team (VMI) to just 41 points on 22.4 percent shooting earlier this season. They also held UNC-Asheville to only 18 first-half points on March 8th en route to the Big South Tournament title. Insiders expect a very low-scoring game here against Washington State, especially since Winthrop also makes less than 60 percent of its free throws.

PROJECTED SCORE: 50 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Winthrop is 3-2 ATS this season.

Key Injuries - NONE

Washington State (-8.5, O/U 111.5): The Cougars ranked dead last in the Pac-10 in offensive rebounds during the regular season, which also allowed them to get back on defense and limit transition baskets. They are a veteran team with 3 seniors in the starting lineup and still have the potential to make a run after going 10-8 down the stretch following an impressive 14-0 start.

PROJECTED SCORE: 58

Washington State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



#12 George Mason vs. #5 Notre Dame [CBS | 9:50 PM ET]

George Mason: The Patriots rank in the Top 20 nationally in fewest turnovers per game, and none of the team's starters had more than turnovers than assists during the regular season. They are a very disciplined team that made the Final Four just 2 years ago and could pull off another upset here.

PROJECTED SCORE: 68

George Mason is 16-5-2 ATS in its last 23 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

Notre Dame (-6.5, O/U 142): Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey downplayed losing to Marquette in the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament, instead talking about how that has allowed his team to get rest prior to the Big Dance. This overconfidence does not translate well against an experienced opponent like George Mason, who is certainly capable of beating Notre Dame.

PROJECTED SCORE: 73

Notre Dame is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE



South Region - Pepsi Center (Denver, CO)

#12 Temple vs. #5 Michigan State [CBS | 12:30 PM ET]

Temple: The Owls have one of the best backcourts in the country, led by Dionte Christmas (20.2 points per game) and Mark Tyndale (15.9). Both players stand 6-foot-5 and will pose matchup problems for Michigan State. However, Temple's depth will be tested, as the team does not have a player above 6-4 coming off the bench.

PROJECTED SCORE: 63

Temple is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

Michigan State (-6.5, O/U 134.5): Senior guard Drew Neitzel returned to last year's form in the Big Ten Tournament, and the Spartans' fortunes will likely depend on whether or not he can keep it up. It's worth noting that every 4-year player who was recruited by head coach Tom Izzo has appeared in at least one Final Four before leaving the school.

PROJECTED SCORE: 70

The UNDER is 11-4 in Michigan State’s last 15 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE



#13 Oral Roberts vs. #4 Pittsburgh [CBS | 3 PM ET]

Oral Roberts: The Golden Eagles have averaged just over 60 points per game in their 8 losses this season. That could spell doom against a Pitt team that played outstanding defense in winning the Big East Tournament, limiting 4 opponents to an average of less than 65 points per game.

PROJECTED SCORE: 59

Oral Roberts is 2-2 ATS this season.

Key Injuries - NONE

Pitt (-10, O/U 127.5): The Panthers became just the second team in Big East Tournament history to win 4 games in 4 days en route to the title. The only other team to accomplish that feat was Syracuse 2 years ago, and the Orange showed they had little left in the tank in the Big Dance by losing in the first round.

PROJECTED SCORE: 69

Pitt is 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE



South Region - Honda Center (Anaheim, CA)

#11 Kentucky vs. #6 Marquette [CBS | 2:30 PM ET]

Kentucky: The Wildcats rebounded nicely from a rough 7-9 start to finish 18-12. What's more impressive is that they accomplished this without their top player in Patrick Patterson, who remains out with an ankle injury. New head coach Billy Gillispie proved his worth by winning Coach of the Year honors for the fifth straight season, although he will be tested again here with little depth due to injuries.

PROJECTED SCORE: 62

Kentucky is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 games against the Big East.

Key Injuries - NONE

Marquette (-6, O/U 130): The Golden Eagles are very strong in the backcourt but very weak up front. They were 1-5 against Big East teams with dominant big men and also struggle when Jerel McNeal and Dominic James miss their 3-pointers. In their 7 losses this season, McNeal and James combined to make just 10-of-46 from 3-point range (22 percent). The key for Marquette will be to run the court in an effort to test Kentucky's depth.

PROJECTED SCORE: 68

Marquette is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE



#14 Cornell vs. #3 Stanford [CBS | 5 PM ET]

Cornell: The Big Red went unbeaten in Ivy League play en route to their first conference title in 20 years. They rank in the Top 10 nationally in field-goal and free-throw shooting but don't make it to the charity stripe often because they are primarily a jump shooting team. They can stay in this game if their shots go down, and head coach Steve Donahue has been to the Big Dance before as an assistant at Penn, so he knows about being an underdog.


PROJECTED SCORE: 61

Cornell is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

Stanford (-14.5, O/U 136): The obvious advantage the Cardinal has in this game lies in the frontcourt. Cornell has some size in 7-footer Jeff Foote and 6-9 Jason Hartford, but they will have their hands full with the Lopez brothers (Robin and Brook). Stanford also played in one of the top conferences in the country in the Pac-10 and was enjoyed an outstanding season outside of 3 losses to UCLA.

PROJECTED SCORE: 75

Stanford is 3-0 ATS on neutral courts this season.

Key Injuries - NONE

[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends (Updated)

NBA


Wednesday, March 19

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Tips and Trends (Updated)
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Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers [7 PM ET]

Nuggets: The Nuggets scored a whopping 305 points over the weekend, and even George Karl said he couldn’t believe the scoreboard himself. Problem for Denver is that both of those games were at the Pepsi Center, and now is beginning a tough Eastern Conference road trip. The Nuggets are just 12-19 SU on the road while allowing 109 points per game.

The Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

Key Injuries- G Allen Iverson (27 ppg; head) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 110 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)


76ers (-3, O/U 218.5): The 76ers have won 15 of 19, going 9-1 at home including wins against Chicago, Detroit and the Spurs. Philadelphia is 3-21 when allowing 100-plus points, and the Nuggets have scored below the century mark just eight times in 2008.

76ers are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games.

Key Injuries- G Willie Green (13 ppg; back) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 112

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Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic [7 PM ET]

Wizards: This stretch of games for the Wizards is extremely crucial, as they look to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. The Wizards were rolling into Monday’s game - winners of 3 straight - but suffered a horrible 9-point loss the Hawks. Defense has been key, as Washington is allowing a season high 102 points per game over its last 5 games and 122 to Orlando in the last meeting.

Wizards are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.

Key Injuries- G Gilbert Arenas (22 ppg; knee) has no timetable for a return.

PROJECTED SCORE: 100


Magic (-8, O/U 208): Orlando clinched a playoff berth on Saturday with a win over the Pacers and celebrated the victory with a 14-point win over the Cavs on Monday. Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy said: “It’s still step by step, and we have a lot to play for still.” The Magic have proven this winning 5 straight by an average of 13 points..

Magic are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Key Injuries- NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 108

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Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers [ESPN | 8 PM ET]

Pistons: Detroit has had an up-and-down week, losing to the 76ers while defeating the 2 of the top teams in the West (Spurs and Hornets) by a combined 25 points. The one main constant has been Chauncey Billups, who is averaging 20 ppg this week. Billups was held to just 7 points last time against Cleveland, but the Pistons still won by 35.

Pistons are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games.

Key Injuries- NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 91


Cavs (Pick'em, O/U 184): Cleveland returns home after a 14-point ugly loss in Orlando. “We tried to change our defensive coverage and they still scored on us,” said Cavs head coach Mike Brown. Good news is that the Cavs return home, where they are 7-0 in their last 7 home games, winning by an average of 8 points.

Cavs are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games vs. the Central Division.

Key Injuries- NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 92

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Houston Rockets at New Orleans Hornets [8 PM ET]

Rockets (NA): Despite losing to the Celtics on Tuesday to snap their 22-game winning streak, the Rockets have still won 26 of their last 28 games and 31 of their last 35. They are 10-1 since Yao went out with a broken foot and have won 11 of their last 14 by double digits. Houston’s last major test on the road test against a healthy team was against these Hornets, and the Rockets shot close to 50 percent from the field in a 20-point blowout.

Rockets are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 road games

Key Injuries- F Carl Landry (9 ppg; knee) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 89


Hornets: New Orleans will be gunning for a season high with its sventh straight home win after defeating the Bulls by 11 points on Monday Night. Hornets G Chris Paul scored 37-points in that victory and coach Byron Scott called him a “future Hall of Famer.” Paul scored 37 points last time against these Rockets a few weeks ago, but they still lost the game by 10 points.

Hornets are 18-6 ATS in their last 24 home games.

Key Injuries- F David West (20 ppg; sprained ankle) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 97 (Side Play of the Day)

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[Dennis14072]

Thanks Guys, good luck tonight!