The Bum's Wednesday's Best Bets + News & Notes !

[StarDust Bum]

Nuggets try to snap 14-game skid in Detroit


DENVER NUGGETS (26-18)

at DETROIT PISTONS (17-28)


Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Denver -3, Total: 203

The Nuggets travel to Detroit on Wednesday to take on a Pistons team trying for their 15th straight victory over Denver at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit has struggled all season, but it has shown signs of picking up the pace of late. The Pistons enter Wednesday winners of two straight and five of their past seven games. They have been one of the best teams in the NBA ATS this season posting a 26-19 overall record and a 13-8 home mark, including ATS wins in six of their past eight home games. Detroit’s impressive list of wins recently includes defeating the Magic on the road and a home victory against the Mavericks. After posting just two 20-point performances on the season, Tracy McGrady netted 20 points in the Pistons 103-96 win at Orlando Monday. After not reaching double-figures for six straight games, Austin Daye has recorded consecutive double-figure scoring games, including a career-high 20 points at Orlando. Tayshaun Prince has been outstanding over his past six games, averaging 17.7 PPG on 52.8 percent shooting from the field.

The Nuggets have been playing much better recently and seem to be handling to constant rumors of Carmelo Anthony’s future very well. They enter with wins in six of their past eight both overall and ATS. They have struggled this season ATS posting a 19-23 record, which includes an 8-11 road record. Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points on Tuesday’s 12-109 win at Washington, and is averaging 29.3 PPG over his past four games. Anthony enjoyed playing against the Pistons last season, averaging 32.0 PPG in their two meetings. Nene has been excellent for the Nuggets over his past seven games, averaging 16.7 PPG and shooting an amazing 72.6% FG (45-for-62).

Detroit has not lost to the Nuggets at the Palace of Auburn Hills since March 1995 when Jalen Rose led Denver with 20 points in a 99-88 win over the Pistons. The Nuggets aren’t sure what their future holds, but right now they are playing some of the best basketball in the NBA. As long as Anthony is playing and the others are content with the situation, Denver is very dangerous. I like the Nuggets minus the points.

These two FoxSheets trends also support Denver as the pick on Wednesday:

Play Against - Any team (DETROIT) - off 2 or more consecutive upset wins as an underdog against opponent after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite. (37-12 since 1996.) (75.5%, +23.8 units. Rating = 3*).

DETROIT is 6-20 ATS (23.1%, -16.0 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was DETROIT 92.9, OPPONENT 97.6 - (Rating = 2*).

The FoxSheets also show a trend for both teams siding with the Under.

Play Under - All teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (DENVER, DETROIT) - in a game involving two good three point shooting teams (>=36.5%), in a game involving two average rebounding teams (+/-3 reb/game). (194-110 over the last 5 seasons.) (63.8%, +73 units. Rating = 3*).

[StarDust Bum]

BYU hosts SDSU in marquee MWC matchup


SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS (20-0, 5-0 in Mountain West)

at BYU COUGARS (19-1, 5-0 in Mountain West)


Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:00 p.m. EDT
Line: BYU -5, Total: 145.5

No. 4 San Diego State will put the nation's longest winning streak on the line when it faces No. 9 BYU in a huge Mountain West Conference matchup on Wednesday night.

The Aztecs have won a school-record 20 straight games after defeating Air Force, 68-55, on Jan. 19. D.J. Gay (12.8 PPG) scored a team-high 20 points, including 6-of-11 from long range. He tallied a career-high 30 points at New Mexico on Jan. 15, going 7-of-11 from behind the arc. Gay has made 13 of his last 20 attempts from long distance (65.0%), and is making 41.5% of his three-point attempts this season. Kawhi Leonard (15.7 PPG, 10.3 RPG) chipped in with 10 points and 10 rebounds versus Air Force for his fifth double-double in the past six games, 13th this season and 30th of his career. The Aztecs have already been tested on the road, having won at Gonzaga (79-76) and at The Pit in New Mexico (87-77), so they shouldn't be easily intimidated by BYU's home crowd on Wednesday.

After losing to UCLA on Dec. 18 (86-79), BYU has reeled off nine consecutive wins. The Cougars won at Colorado State, 94-85, on Saturday and were led by Jimmer Fredette's second 40-point game this month. Fredette, who also had a season-high 47 points in a victory over Utah on Jan. 11, leads the nation in scoring (26.7 PPG) and shot 11-of-24 from the field against the Rams. He's led BYU in scoring in 18 of 20 games and has hit double-figures in all 20 contests. Jackson Emery (13.0 PPG, 40.6% three-pointers) added 16 points, while Brandon Davies (11.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG) tallied 12 points and nine boards. BYU is fifth in the nation in PPG (85.2 PPG) and has scored at least 83 in seven of the nine games during its win streak.

BYU owns a 46-22 all-time series advantage over San Diego State, but the Aztecs have won 10 straight in the MWC. The Cougars swept the series last season, claiming a 71-69 win at Viejas Arena behind Fredette's 33 points, and an 82-68 victory at the Marriott Center thanks to his 26 points. BYU is 29-1 in its past 30 home games, including an 8-0 mark this season. Although the Aztecs have been a much better bet (12-6 ATS), compared to the Cougars (7-9 ATS), this FoxSheets coaching trend likes BYU to deal SDSU its first loss of the season with a win and cover.

Dave Rose is 27-10 ATS (+16.0 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game after 15+ games as the coach of BYU. The average score was BYU 79.1, OPPONENT 66.4 - (Rating = 3*).

The FoxSheets also expect a high-scoring game to finish Over the total:

BYU is 8-1 OVER (+6.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season. The average score was BYU 84.7, OPPONENT 69.8 - (Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

No. 7 Villanova looks to keep its momentum at Providence


VILLANOVA WILDCATS (17-2, 5-1 in Big East)

at PROVIDENCE FRIARS (12-8, 1-6 in Big East)


Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Villanova -5.5

This Just In. . . . The national basketball service has issued a severe trap-game alert for the following teams: Villanova. After splitting two difficult road games against league competition that each ranked in the Top 10 nationally, and literally coming within a basket of a sweep of Connecticut and Syracuse, the Villanova Wildcats are set to invade Providence, R.I. for a game that screams letdown, trap game, upset possibility, and whatever other kind of warning you could issue. If you don’t think that Villanova might not be ripe for the taking coming off of a major road win on national TV, then look no further to what happened to the “other” team from Saturday afternoon’s showdown in the Dome. Syracuse (18-2 entering play Tuesday night) followed up its 11-point loss to the Wildcats with a home game against 8-12 Seton Hall. When the night was over, Seton Hall was 9-12, and Syracuse was vaporized en route to its third straight loss, 90-68. Villanova, you’ve been warned!

Making Wednesday evening’s game more intriguing is the fact that Providence is coming off of its first Big East victory of the season, 72-67 Saturday over Rick Pitino’s Louisville team. It was the first home victory for Providence over its former coach in seven tries. Senior Marshon Brooks was dazzling as he scored 27 points to lead all scorers. Brooks (23.6 PPG) is the conference’s second leading scorer behind Connecticut’s Kemba Walker, and is also averaging 25.0 PPG over his last five games. Brooks gets a big helping hand from sophomore guard Vincent Council (14.2 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.4 RPG). Saturday’s victory snapped a 16-game conference losing streak for the Friars that dated back to last January. Now Providence will be looking to snap yet another streak, an eight-game losing skid versus Villanova. Last year the Wildcats defeated the Friars 92-81, and ‘Nova has scored 92 points in each of the past three wins over Providence.

Villanova will be looking to exploit one of the most generous defenses in the conference. At 72.1 PPG, the Friars rank second-to-last in the Big East in scoring defense. Villanova has scored over 80 points in four of its six league games, including Saturday’s 83-point performance. The Cats hit 50% from the field against Syracuse, including an unconscious 11-for-24 effort from three-point territory (45.8%), and were just a hair below 92% from the charity stripe. The big three-guard attack of Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes and Maalik Wayns combined for 53 points on 15-for-31 shooting. For Stokes (15.8 PPG), it was a strong bounce-back effort, after failing to reach double figures in three of his previous four games, while nursing a sore hamstring. A key underrated matchup could be fought in the paint, where the Wildcats (39.0 RPG, 31st in Division I) and the Friars (39.8 RPG, 23rd in the nation) are two of the league’s best under the boards.

The Friars are 6-3 ATS at home this year while the Wildcats are just 4-3 ATS on the road. They also have a slight 11-10 ATS (6-5 ATS at home) advantage when these schools have faced each other since 1997. This FoxSheets trend also likes Providence to keep it close and cover the spread on Wednesday.

Play Against - A road team (VILLANOVA) - after successfully covering the spread in 7 or more consecutive games. (42-13 over the last 5 seasons.) (76.4%, +27.7 units. Rating = 3*).

[StarDust Bum]

Texas tries to improve to 5-0 in Big 12


TEXAS LONGHORNS (16-3, 4-0 in Big 12)

at OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS (14-5, 2-3 in Big 12)


Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Texas -5.5, Total: 134.5

No. 7 Texas looks to continue its impressive Big 12 start when it visits Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.

The Longhorns ended Kansas' 69-game home winning streak with a 74-63 comeback victory on Saturday, holding the high-scoring Jayhawks to 35.9% shooting in winning their fourth straight game. J'Covan Brown (9.8 PPG) finished with a season-best 23 points on 6-of-10 shooting against Kansas, while Jordan Hamilton (19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 41.7% three-pointers), third in the Big 12 in scoring, added 17 points and nine rebounds. Freshman Tristan Thompson (13.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG) chipped in with 12 points, six boards and five blocks. Thompson has averaged 16.4 PPG and 7.9 RPG, while shooting 59.8% from the field in his past eight games. Defense has been a strong suit for Texas, which has limited its Big 12 opponents to an average of 55.3 PPG on 38.8% shooting, including 22.0% from three-point range. For the season, UT has limited its 19 opponents to an average of 61.4 PPG on 37.0% shooting, including 28.9% from behind the arc.

Oklahoma State is coming off a 76-57 loss at Baylor on Saturday, its third setback in the past four games. Freshman Markel Brown (5.2 PPG) had 16 points for just his third double-digit scoring game of the season, but he didn't get much help as the Cowboys hit only 39.2% from the field and 4-of-19 (21.1%) on three-pointers, while allowing Baylor to shoot 60% from the field. Leading scorer Marshall Moses (15.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 57.4 FG%) played only 11 minutes due to foul trouble versus the Bears and finished with a season-low one point, missing both of his field goal attempts. Keiton Page, second on the team in scoring at 13.8 PPG, contributed just seven points on 2-of-7 shooting. OSU's only win in the past two weeks came versus Iowa State in overtime on Jan. 19, but it did beat Kansas State, 76-62, on Jan. 8.

Texas holds a 42-35 lead in the all-time series with Oklahoma State. The Longhorns have won eight of the past nine meetings between the two schools (5-3-1 ATS) and are 6-6 (SU and ATS) against OSU in Stillwater in the Rick Barnes era. The Cowboys are 29-1 in their past 30 games at Gallagher-Iba Arena, but their lone loss came to the Longhorns last season, 72-60, behind Hamilton's 27 points. Since that game, Oklahoma State has won 13 straight in Stillwater. The Longhorns also beat OSU in Austin, 69-59, as Hamilton finished with 13 points. Expect the Horns, who are second in the nation (among teams with 7+ lined games) behind only Duquesne with an 11-3 ATS mark, including 6-1 ATS on the road, to continue their recent success versus the Cowboys. This FoxSheets trend likes Texas to cover the spread on Wednesday.

TEXAS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus excellent teams - shooting >=45% with a defense of <=42% this season. The average score was TEXAS 76.0, OPPONENT 67.7 - (Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

Griffin questionable to play at Houston


LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (17-27)

at HOUSTON ROCKETS (21-25)


Tip-off: Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Houston -7.5, Total: 214.5

Just when things were starting to look up for the Clippers, things take a positively, well, Clipper-like turn for the worst. After a string of seven SU wins in nine games, leading scorer Eric Gordon went down with a bone chip in his right wrist and has now been declared out 3-to-4 weeks. And while X-rays on his elbow came back negative, uber-rookie Blake Griffin is questionable for Wednesday night’s trip to Houston.

In other injury news, Los Angeles center Chris Kaman remains out with a bad ankle. L.A. has dropped three straight ATS after winning six of its previous seven games (SU and ATS). Perhaps it’s fitting that the injury bug bites the Clips as they visit the NBA’s most injury-ravaged team. Center Yao Ming is out for the season, and Houston has been trying to work point guard Aaron Brooks back into the mix since he returned from an ankle injury on Dec. 19. The Rockets are 10-10 with Brooks back (they lost three games he missed in early January), but haven’t been starting him due to poor performance and, reportedly, poor attitude.

But the Rockets’ biggest problem of late has been on the defensive end. They’ve allowed 115 points or more in three straight games, including 125 at Minnesota in a four-point win Monday night. The Clippers have been displaying some shoddy defense themselves, allowing 105-plus points in seven of their past eight contests.

The Rockets are 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS against the Clippers over the past three seasons, including a 97-92 victory in L.A. on Dec. 22 despite Griffin’s 24 points and 18 rebounds. Gordon added 18 that night. The rest of the team combined to shoot 37.7% from the field. The FoxSheets give another reason to pick Houston on Wednesday night:

Play Against - Any team (LA CLIPPERS) - a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=102 PPG), after a combined score of 215 points or more 2 straight games (61-26 since 1996, 70.1%, +32.4 units. Rating = 3*).

[StarDust Bum]

Spurs look to extend Jazz losing skid to 6


SAN ANTONIO SPURS (38-7)

at UTAH JAZZ (27-18)


Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
Line: San Antonio -3.5, Total: 197.5

Utah hopes to end a five-game losing streak when it hosts San Antonio on Wednesday night.

After a 5-2 start to January, the Jazz went winless during their five-game road trip and arrive home to face a Spurs team with the NBA's best record (38-7). Utah fell against cellar-dwellars Washington and New Jersey on its road swing, as well as Boston, Philadelphia and the Lakers. The Jazz are coming off a 120-91 defeat to the Lakers on Tuesday. The five-game skid marks Utah's longest victory drought since it dropped six straight from Dec. 4-14, 2007. Utah is 12th in the league in points scored (99.9 PPG), but has struggled to find its offense during the skid. The Jazz are averaging 91.6 PPG in the past five games. In the three straight wins prior to the losing streak, they averaged 118.3 PPG. Deron Williams (21.6 PPG, 9.4 APG) scored 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting and added eight assists versus the Lakers, but he also committed five turnovers for the third straight game. Paul Millsap (16.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG) chipped in with 11 points and six boards at L.A., while Al Jefferson (16.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG) tallied 10 points and nine rebounds.

San Antonio has won 25 of its past 30 games, including nine of its past 10. Tim Duncan (13.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG), who left Monday's 113-102 win over Golden State with a hyperflexed left knee, is expected to play against the Jazz. After the injury, Duncan returned to the game and finished with 16 points and seven rebounds versus the Warriors. Manu Ginobili (team-best 18.6 points, 4.9 RPG, 36.9% three-pointers) had 20 points and seven assists against Golden State, while Tony Parker (17.4 PPG, 7.0 APG) added 18 points and 11 assists. In his previous five games, Ginobili hit 30.8% from the field and a lowly 10.5% from long range, but he was 5-of-11 versus Golden State, including 3-of-4 from the three-point line. Meanwhile, Parker collected his second double-double in the past three games and now has seven on the season, all of which have been Spurs wins. San Antonio has also held nine of its past 10 opponents to 97 points or less. The Spurs rank 12th in the NBA in points allowed (96.8 PPG), fifth in points scored (104.1 PPG), seventh in rebounding (43.2 RPG) and fourth in assists (23.2 APG).

In the only meeting between the two rivals this season, San Antonio won in Utah on Nov. 19, 94-82, behind Parker's 24 points and seven assists. Duncan added 19 points and 14 rebounds, as the Spurs ended a four-game losing streak in the series. Williams had 23 points, five assists and four turnovers in a losing cause for the Jazz. San Antonio owned the glass with a 59-43 rebounding advantage, and won by 12 despite shooting just 43.9% FG.

The Spurs have the NBA’s best SU road record (14-5) and their 12-6-1 ATS road mark is second-best in the league. Utah is 2-11 ATS in its past 13 contests and 1-5 ATS in its past six home games. The FoxSheets give an four-star reason to back San Antonio to win and cover on the road.

Play On - Any team (SAN ANTONIO) - good shooting team (45.5-47.5%) against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5%) after 42+ games, after 3 straight games - attempting 10+ more free throws than opponent. (28-5 since 1996.) (84.8%, +22.5 units. Rating = 4*).

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, January 26Game Score Status Pick Amount

Memphis - 7:00 PM ET Memphis -3.5 500
New Jersey - Under 191.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia -4.5 500
Toronto - Under 200 500

Orlando - 7:00 PM ET Indiana +5.5 500
Indiana - Over 203.5 500

Denver - 7:30 PM ET Denver -2 500
Detroit - Over 204 500

Atlanta - 8:00 PM ET Atlanta -2 500
Milwaukee - Over 180.5 500

Oklahoma City - 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City -5 500
Minnesota - Under 220 500

L.A. Clippers - 8:30 PM ET Houston -7.5 500
Houston - Under 214.5 500

Charlotte - 9:00 PM ET Charlotte +6.5 500
Phoenix - Over 198.5 500

San Antonio - 9:30 PM ET San Antonio -3 500
Utah - Over 196.5 500

New Orleans - 10:30 PM ET Golden State +2 500
Golden State - Under 198.5 500

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NHL

Wednesday, January 26Game Score Status Pick Amount

Florida - 7:00 PM ET Florida +183 500
Boston - Over 5.5 500

Carolina - 7:00 PM ET Carolina -139 500
NY Islanders - Under 5.5 500

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Washington -125 500
Atlanta - Under 5.5 500

New Jersey - 7:30 PM ET New Jersey +156 500
Detroit - Over 5.5 500

Edmonton - 7:30 PM ET Edmonton +212 500
Dallas - Under 5.5 500

Phoenix - 9:00 PM ET Phoenix +134 500
Colorado - Over 5.5 500

St. Louis - 10:00 PM ET Calgary -130 500
Calgary - Under 5.5 500

Nashville - 10:00 PM ET Vancouver -174 500
Vancouver - Under 5.5 500

San Jose - 10:30 PM ET San Jose +106 500
Los Angeles - Under 5.5 500

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NCAAB

Wednesday, January 26Game Score Status Pick Amount

Iowa - 6:30 PM ET Penn St. -7.5 500
Penn St. - Over 130.5 500

Charlotte - 7:00 PM ET Temple -16 500
Temple - Over 131.5 500

Towson - 7:00 PM ET Towson +18.5 500
George Mason - Over 141 500

West Virginia - 7:00 PM ET Louisville -7 500
Louisville - Under 139.5 500

Villanova - 7:00 PM ET Providence +5.5 500 ( BIG EAST UPSET )
Providence - Over 153.500


Old Dominion - 7:00 PM ET Old Dominion -8 500
Georgia St - Under 117 500

Massachusetts - 7:00 PM ET Massachusetts +3.5 500
St. Bonaventure - Under 134.5 500

Southern Mississippi - 7:00 PM ET Southern Mississippi -2.5 500
East Carolina - Over 142 500

Delaware - 7:00 PM ET William & Mary -2.5 500
William & Mary - Under 125.5 500

Charleston - 7:00 PM ET Georgia Southern +16.5 500
Georgia Southern - Over 155 500

Northeastern - 7:00 PM ET Northeastern +3.5 500
NC-Wilmington - Under 122 500

St. John's - 7:00 PM ET St. John's +7.5 500
Georgetown - Under 136 500

Citadel - 7:00 PM ET Citadel +9 500
Davidson - Over 133.5 500

Drexel - 7:00 PM ET James Madison -5 500
James Madison - Over 135 500

Eastern Michigan - 7:00 PM ET Ohio -10 500
Ohio - Under 133.5 500

Duquesne - 7:00 PM ET Duquesne -14.5 500 ( A-10 POD )
Fordham - Over 147 500

George Washington - 7:00 PM ET George Washington +13 500
Xavier - Over 134.5 500

Evansville - 7:05 PM ET Indiana St. -6.5 500
Indiana St. - Over 127.5 500

Wichita St. - 7:05 PM ET Wichita St. -5.5 500
Southern Illinois - Under 128.5 500

Akron - 7:30 PM ET Northern Illinois +2.5 500
Northern Illinois - Over 148.5 500

Texas - 7:30 PM ET Oklahoma St. +4.5 500
Oklahoma St. - Over 135.5 500

North Carolina - 7:30 PM ET Miami - Florida -1 500
Miami - Florida - Under 145.5 500

Air Force - 8:00 PM ET Colorado St. -9.5 500
Colorado St. - Under 133 500

Central Florida - 8:00 PM ET Memphis -5 500
Memphis - Over 141.5 500

Marshall - 8:00 PM ET UAB -6 500
UAB - Under 136 500

Louisiana State - 8:00 PM ET Tennessee -15.5 500
Tennessee - Under 130 500

North Carolina Central - 8:00 PM ET Western Illinois -4 500
Western Illinois - Over 120.5 500

Illinois St. - 8:05 PM ET Bradley -3.5 500
Bradley - Over 128.5 500

Southern Methodist - 8:05 PM ET Southern Methodist +11 500 ( MT. WEST POD )
Tulsa - Under 129.5 500

Northwestern - 8:30 PM ET Northwestern +4.5 500
Minnesota - Over 141 500 ( BIG 10 TOTAL )

Houston - 9:00 PM ET Rice -5.5 500
Rice - Under 132 500

Rhode Island - 9:00 PM ET Rhode Island +3 500
Saint Louis - Over 126.5 500

Texas Tech - 9:00 PM ET Texas Tech +10.5 500
Iowa St. - Over 149 500

Rutgers - 9:00 PM ET Rutgers +10.5 500
Cincinnati - Over 126 500

Creighton - 9:00 PM ET Creighton +5.5 500
Northern Iowa - Over 120 500

Tulane - 9:05 PM ET Tulane +12 500
Texas-El Paso - Over 135 500

Texas Christian - 10:00 PM ET New Mexico -12.5 500
New Mexico - Under 141 500

San Diego St. - 10:00 PM ET San Diego St. +5 500
Brigham Young - Under 146 500

Long Beach St. - 10:00 PM ET Pacific -6.5 500
Pacific - Under 132 500


Good Luck !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Betting Preview: Magic at Pacers

Two teams trying to get back on the winning track collide Wednesday night when Orlando (29-16 straight up, 20-24-1 against the spread) visits Indiana (16-25 SU, 19-20-2 ATS).

The Magic remain in the thick of things in the Southeast Division standings, just 2 ½ games behind Miami. The Pacers are in second place in the Central Division, but they trail Chicago by 13 games and would miss the playoffs if the season ended today.

Orlando had strung together three wins in a row SU and back-to-back victories ATS before Monday’s setback to Detroit as 12-point home ‘chalk,’ 103-96. The combined 199 points toppled the 190 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash in consecutive contests.

The game was close throughout, but the Magic were unable to overcome a second-quarter effort that saw them outscored by nine points, 29-20. Orlando finished the matchup with advantages in rebounding (46-39) and assists (19-17), while shooting 45 percent (33-of-73) from the field and 26 percent (7-of-27) from behind the arc.

Center Dwight Howard provided 20 points and 16 rebounds in the setback, while power forward Ryan Anderson added 21 and five. Point guard Jameer Nelson had 14, while forward Brandon Bass accounted for 12 and eight.

Indiana enters this contest mired in a five-game SU losing skid after Sunday’s loss to Denver as a 10-point road underdog, 121-107. The combined 228 points soared past the 214-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to improve to 3-1 the previous four outings. The Pacers had covered back-to-back matchups before facing the Nuggets.

Indiana was on the short end of rebounding (44-42) and assists (28-25), while shooting 43 percent (37-of-87) from the field and 43 percent from 3-point land (9-of-21). It was the Pacers defense that let them down, allowing Denver to connect at a robust 51 percent (47-of-92) from the field and 55 percent (11-of-20) from behind the arc.

Power forward Tyler Hansbrough paced the offense with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while center Roy Hibbert added 12 and six. Small forward Mike Dunleavy had 10 and four assists in the setback, while A.J. Price had six and eight.

Orlando is 8-2 SU and 3-5-2 ATS the previous 10 meetings with Indiana, while the ‘under’ is 5-1 the past six matchups. The Magic won the lone encounter this season Nov. 20 as a five-point road favorite, 90-86. The combined 176 points never seriously threatened the 196 ½-point closing total. The ‘under’ is also 10-2 the last 12 meetings in Indiana.

Orlando forward Malik Allen is ‘out’ indefinitely due to an ankle injury. The Magic conclude a brief two-game road trip with Friday’s matchup at Chicago. Orlando is 5-2-1 ATS its last eight road games, while the ‘over’ has gone 6-2.

Indiana forward Danny Granger is ‘probable’ versus the Magic due to an ankle injury. The Pacers wrap up a quick two-game homestand with Friday’s contest against New Jersey. Indiana has seen the ‘under’ go 7-1 its past eight outings against Southeast Division opponents, and the ‘under’ is 27-12 its last 39 games overall.

This contest is scheduled to start at 4:05 p.m. PT from Indiana’s Conseco Fieldhouse.

[StarDust Bum]

Bucks sliding as Hawks arrive for NBA odds duel

The Atlanta Hawks have a 10-6 spread record in their last 16 games, with the ‘under’ going 9-7. Larry Drew’s squad flies north for Wednesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, who have dropped two straight contests.

Atlanta began its present two-game road stretch with Saturday’s 103-87 win as a three-point dog against the Charlotte Bobcats. The Hawks hit 50.7 percent of their field buckets, including 9-of-19 from three-point land.

Hawks guard Joe Johnson notched team-highs of 32 points and five assists. The four-time All-Star connected on 12-of-18 from the field, while sinking 5-of-6 free throws.

Atlanta’s Mike Bibby finished with 14 points and a team-high eight boards. The veteran guard drained 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while adding two of his squad’s seven steals.

The lopsided affair’s combined 190 points leaped above the ‘total’ of 186. Atlanta edged out the Bobcats in rebounds, 37-34, while being outscored in fast break points, 11-8.

The Hawks improved to 14-10 against the spread in their first 24 road games, with the ‘under’ dipping to 13-11. Bibby and Co. have put up 96.8 PPG in that span.

Milwaukee’s latest defeat came in Monday’s 92-83 setback as a seven-point road dog against the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks trailed by as many as 20 points, while holding Chicago to 39.5 percent field shooting.

Bucks guard Chris Douglas-Roberts logged a season-high 30 points, while adding three boards. The Detroit native hit 13-of-21 from field, playing a team-high 44 minutes.

Milwaukee’s Keyon Dooling notched 13 points and a team-high 10 assists, finishing with his second double-double in three games. The 30-year-old added three rebounds and one steal.

The battle’s combined 175 points ducked below the ‘total’ of 178, bringing the ‘under’ to 4-1 in the Bucks’ last five games. Both squads united to hit 30-of-36 from the foul line, while Milwaukee was outrebounded, 45-41.

Milwaukee is 7-10-2 ATS in its first 19 home dates, with the ‘under’ cashing at 13-6. Scott Skiles’ crew has allowed 90.9 PPG in that stretch.

Atlanta is 3-1 ATS in its last four meetings against the Bucks, with the ‘under’ also going 3-1.

The Hawks won a Dec. 27 trip to Milwaukee, 95-80, as two-point underdogs. Atlanta shot 50.7 percent from the field, while holding the Bucks to 37.3 percent.

Wednesday’s rematch is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PT).

Both squads have big scorers listed as “questionable” on the DonBest.com injury report. Atlanta’s Al Horford (16.2 PPG) has missed two straight games with an ankle sprain, while Milwaukee’s John Salmons (13.8 PPG) has been unavailable for four straight contests due to a hip injury.

Both teams will be off for one day, resuming action as part of Friday’s league slate. The Bucks will visit the Toronto Raptors, while the Hawks return home to face the New York Knicks.

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NCAA Betting Preview: San Diego State at BYU


It may be the biggest basketball game ever for either team as well as their conference. It's arguably the biggest game of the college basketball season's 12th week, the only matchup of top-10 teams. And it's definitely the top contest on Wednesday night.

Too bad most of the country will miss it since the television broadcast of the No. 4 San Diego State Aztecs at the No. 9 BYU Cougars is limited to those with access to CBS College Sports. If you're one of the lucky ones to see it, look for the tip a little after 7 p.m. (PT).

Call this Round 1 of an unofficial bracket-buster contest. Round 2 will be played in San Diego on Feb. 26, with a possible third and final round in the Mountain West Conference Tournament slated for Las Vegas March 9-12. Wednesday marks the first time the MWC has seen a battle between schools ranked in the top 10.

Steve Fisher's Aztecs enter as the only undefeated school other than the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. San Diego State (20-0 straight up, 12-6 against the spread) hasn't been on the court since last Wednesday when Air Force visited Viejas Arena as an 18½-point underdog.

The Aztecs weren't nearly as dominating as the spread suggested they should have been, needing a late push for the 68-55 victory. DJ Gay led the way with 20 points while Kawhi Leonard posted his 13th double-double of the season with a 10-point, 10-rebound effort. SDSU sank 13 of its 25 three-point attempts and held a 34-20 edge on the boards over the Falcons.

San Diego State is off to a 5-0 conference start, covering three of its MWC games with four of the five finishing 'under' the total. Eight of the last 10 Aztecs games with a total posted have remained on the low side after starting the season 5-2 to the 'over.'

Brigham Young (19-1 SU, 7-9 ATS) also brings a 5-0 conference mark into Wednesday's battle after taking down Colorado State on the road last Saturday, 94-85. Favored by seven in hostile territory, the cover left the Cougars 3-2 ATS in MWC play with four of the five games cashing for 'over' backers.

Just as he has been doing all season, Jimmer Fredette paced BYU on the scoring ledger with 42 points, his second 40-point game of the season. The nation's leading scorer with a 26.7 per game average, Fredette made good on 11-of-24 field goals, 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 16-of-17 free throws. The senior out of Great Falls, NY has stepped his game up in conference action with 34.2 PPG and is a 90 percent ace this season from the charity stripe (117-for-130).

BYU won both regular season meetings a year ago and has won five of the last six meetings with San Diego State. The Cougars covered as 7½-point favorites at home in Feb. 2010, 82-68, and pushed as two-point chalk on the road in San Diego about a month earlier, 71-69. The game in Provo went 'over' the NCAA odds while the contest in SoCal just managed to stay 'under' the 141-point tally.

San Diego State's only win in the last six head-to-head tussles was in the 2009 MWC Championship with the Aztecs posting a 64-62 victory as 2½-point underdogs.

The Aztecs aren't reporting any injuries at this time. Sophomore forward Chris Collinsworth has missed the last five BYU games with a knee injury and isn't expected to suit on Wednesday./p>

Brigham Young next heads to Albuquerque this Saturday to take on New Mexico. San Diego State returns home to host Wyoming the same day.

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NHL Odds: Sizzling Sharks visit Los Angeles Kings

The suddenly hot San Jose Sharks look for their fifth win in a row when they visit the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. This Pacific Division battle is the last game for both teams before the All-Star break.

The Sharks (25-19-5) have 55 points and are in fourth place in the Pacific and ninth in the Western Conference standings. Their descent has been shocking after 113 points last year and making the conference finals (swept by Chicago).

Scoring has been an issue, with a 2.73 goals per game average (ranked 16th) after 3.13 last year (ranked fourth). Marquee players Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau are all significantly down from last year’s production. Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi have failed to make a big jump.

The Sharks hit rock bottom during a six-game losing streak ending Jan. 13. They scored eight total goals and finished by losing at home to bottom dwellers Toronto (4-2) and Edmonton (5-2).

Thornton was named team captain this year after veteran defenseman Rob Blake retired. The 31-year-old center has been criticized over the years for a lack of passion and failure to perform in the playoffs. However, he’s stepped up lately with nine points the last six games.

Thornton’s production didn’t pay dividends the first two, but the Sharks have ripped off four-straight victories, including road wins at Phoenix (4-2) and Vancouver (2-1 in a shootout). Their last game was a 4-3 home win over Minnesota on Saturday.

The seven combined goals scored against Minnesota went ‘over’ the 5 ½-goal total. The ‘over’ is 5-1 in San Jose’s last six games and 27-22 overall.

Antti Niemi (13-13-2, 2.72 GAA) has been in net the last four games and should again on Wednesday. Fellow goalie Antero Niittymaki (12-6-3, 2.54 GAA) is on injured reserve with a groin injury.

The Kings (26-22-1, 53 points) have also worn the underachiever tag after 101 points last season. They lost to Vancouver in the first round of the playoffs (4-2).

L.A. has some of the best young talent in hockey. Center Anze Kopitar is the leading scorer (49 points) at just 23, while right winger Dustin Brown (37 points) is 26. The defensemen duo of Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson are 21 and 24 respectively and goalie Jonathan Quick (2.16 GAA, ranked fourth) is just 25.

Youth has not always been served despite 2.78 goals scored per game (ranked 13th) and 2.49 goals allowed (ranked eighth). That .29 differential is in the top third of the league, but the team has squandered points with many close losses.

The Kings have been extremely streaky, starting 12-3 and then having runs of 1-7, 9-2-1 and 2-10. They did win their last two games, 4-3 at Phoenix on Saturday and 2-0 at home against Boston on Monday. They hope Wednesday’s game continues another winning streak.

The ‘under’ is 4-1 in L.A.’s last five games and 30-18-1 on the season.

Los Angeles is much more successful at home (16-9-1) than away (10-13). San Jose has a slightly better road record (13-9-2) than at home (12-10-3).

L.A. is 1-2 against San Jose this year, splitting the road games and most recently losing at home (1-0) on New Year’s Day. The road team is 6-1 in the last seven meetings overall. San Jose is 16-5 in the last 21 games in Los Angeles.

San Jose forward Ryane Clowe (leg) has missed the last four games and is questionable Wednesday. He’s third on the team in scoring with 37 points.

The puck will drop at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and will be broadcast locally.

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Tar Heels, 'Canes battle NCAA odds in Miami

The North Carolina Tar Heels travel to the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables this Wednesday for an ACC matchup with the Miami Hurricanes. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. (PT) and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

North Carolina was working its way back toward respectability with eight wins in its last nine games until it was blown out by Georgia Tech, 78-58, on Jan. 16 as a six-point road favorite. The Tar Heels were able to bounce back with a 75-65 win over Clemson, a team they have beaten 55 straight times, as a 5 ½-point home favorite last Tuesday, but this program still remains a shell of its former self.

They come into this game with an overall record of 13-5 straight-up and 6-9 against the spread. Coach Roy Williams' bunch is currently in third-place in the ACC at 3-1 SU.

Junior forward Tyler Zeller leads the Tar Heels in scoring with an average of 14.1 points and is second in rebounds with 7.4 per game. Sophomore forward John Henson remains the big man underneath with a team-high 8.2 rebounds and 10.6 points per game and freshman forward Harrison Barnes is second in scoring with 11.8 points per game and averaging 5.3 rebounds a game.

All this adds up to North Carolina being one of the best rebounding schools in the country with an average of 42 per game, but this has yet to translate to wins against quality teams. The Tar Heels are averaging 77 points a game and shooting a respectable 45.2 percent from the field, but they have been inconsistent from the foul-line; converting on just 64.2 percent of their attempts.

Miami is coming off of back-to-back losses for the first time this season. First, the Hurricanes lost a 55-53 heartbreaker to Florida State last Wednesday as a two-point home favorite and then dropped another two-point decision in a 72-70 loss to North Carolina State as a 2 ½-point road underdog on Saturday. The ‘Canes are now 12-7 SU overall and 8-6 ATS. They are just 1-4 SU in conference play this season.

This team has a trio of youthful players who can all score in junior guard Malcolm Grant, sophomore guard Durand Scott, and sophomore center Reggie Johnson. Grant leads the team in points with 15.7 a game and assists with 3.7. Scott is second in scoring with an average of 13.7 points per game and Johnson is averaging 12.3 points and a team-high 9.8 rebounds per game.

The Hurricanes are averaging 74 points a game, but are at a distinct disadvantage to North Carolina under the boards with an average of just 37 rebounds per game. They are shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range. Miami has been much better than the Tar Heels from the free-throw line with a 74.4 shooting percentage.

North Carolina is 2-2 ATS in its last four games on the road and 1-3 ATS in its last four games overall. The total has stayed ‘under’ in five of its last six games.

Miami is 3-4 ATS in its last seven home games and 1-3 ATS in its last four games overall. The total has stayed ‘under’ in four of its last five games.

Head-to-head, the Tar Heels have won eight of the last nine matchups SU including the last six straight. They are 4-2 ATS in the last six meetings and the total has stayed ‘under’ in the last three.

This time around look for North Carolina to open as a five- or six-point road favorite in a game that should remain tight until the end. The Tar Heels get the SU win, but stick with Miami to keep things close enough to cover.

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Bucks sliding as Hawks arrive for NBA odds duel

The Atlanta Hawks have a 10-6 spread record in their last 16 games, with the ‘under’ going 9-7. Larry Drew’s squad flies north for Wednesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, who have dropped two straight contests.

Atlanta began its present two-game road stretch with Saturday’s 103-87 win as a three-point dog against the Charlotte Bobcats. The Hawks hit 50.7 percent of their field buckets, including 9-of-19 from three-point land.

Hawks guard Joe Johnson notched team-highs of 32 points and five assists. The four-time All-Star connected on 12-of-18 from the field, while sinking 5-of-6 free throws.

Atlanta’s Mike Bibby finished with 14 points and a team-high eight boards. The veteran guard drained 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while adding two of his squad’s seven steals.

The lopsided affair’s combined 190 points leaped above the ‘total’ of 186. Atlanta edged out the Bobcats in rebounds, 37-34, while being outscored in fast break points, 11-8.

The Hawks improved to 14-10 against the spread in their first 24 road games, with the ‘under’ dipping to 13-11. Bibby and Co. have put up 96.8 PPG in that span.

Milwaukee’s latest defeat came in Monday’s 92-83 setback as a seven-point road dog against the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks trailed by as many as 20 points, while holding Chicago to 39.5 percent field shooting.

Bucks guard Chris Douglas-Roberts logged a season-high 30 points, while adding three boards. The Detroit native hit 13-of-21 from field, playing a team-high 44 minutes.

Milwaukee’s Keyon Dooling notched 13 points and a team-high 10 assists, finishing with his second double-double in three games. The 30-year-old added three rebounds and one steal.

The battle’s combined 175 points ducked below the ‘total’ of 178, bringing the ‘under’ to 4-1 in the Bucks’ last five games. Both squads united to hit 30-of-36 from the foul line, while Milwaukee was outrebounded, 45-41.

Milwaukee is 7-10-2 ATS in its first 19 home dates, with the ‘under’ cashing at 13-6. Scott Skiles’ crew has allowed 90.9 PPG in that stretch.

Atlanta is 3-1 ATS in its last four meetings against the Bucks, with the ‘under’ also going 3-1.

The Hawks won a Dec. 27 trip to Milwaukee, 95-80, as two-point underdogs. Atlanta shot 50.7 percent from the field, while holding the Bucks to 37.3 percent.

Wednesday’s rematch is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PT).

Both squads have big scorers listed as “questionable” on the DonBest.com injury report. Atlanta’s Al Horford (16.2 PPG) has missed two straight games with an ankle sprain, while Milwaukee’s John Salmons (13.8 PPG) has been unavailable for four straight contests due to a hip injury.

Both teams will be off for one day, resuming action as part of Friday’s league slate. The Bucks will visit the Toronto Raptors, while the Hawks return home to face the New York Knicks