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**StarDust Bum** · 03-08-2011, 07:55 PM

NBA Betting: Banged-up Boston hosts Clippers

Boston’s 5-game win streak started with a Feb. 26 triumph at the Clippers.
The Boston Celtics are shaking off injuries and a bench overhaul as they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

The Celtics (46-15 straight-up, 29-30-2 against the spread) have won five straight games, although going just 2-3 ATS.

This franchise was turned upside down at the Feb. 24 trading deadline when bold GM Danny Ainge sent Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. Perkins was very popular in the locker room and the team came out flat in Denver right after the trade was announced, losing 89-75 as 4 ½-point favorites.

Losing Perkins is still a sore spot for some players, but veterans like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen know this could be their last title shot and don’t want to blow the chance. Boston currently holds the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games ahead of the charging Bulls.

The newcomers are playing a big role. Krstic is the starting center with Shaquille and Jermaine O’Neal both sidelined with injuries. Green is proving to be a valuable sixth man and he’s settled in the last two games (16 PPG) after struggling in the first three (six PPG).

Big man Troy Murphy and swingman Sasha Pavlovic are two recent free agent bench signings (part of Ainge’s master plan). Murphy has no field goals in three games, but needs to play with Glen Davis (foot) out. Former Miami point Carlos Arroyo was also just signed, and he could back up Rajon Rondo on Wednesday with Delonte West (ankle) not definite to play.

Boston’s winning streak actually started at the Clippers on Feb. 26, two nights after the Denver debacle. The Celtics won 99-92, just failing to ‘cover’ the eight-point spread. Randy Foye had 32 points in defeat subbing in for Eric Gordon. First year phenom Blake Griffin had his customary 21 points and 11 boards.

The Celtics haven’t played since Sunday (89-83 win at Milwaukee as 7 ½-point favorites). That game went ‘under’ the 181-point total. The ‘over’ was 4-0 in Boston’s previous four games.

Boston is 7-4 ATS on two days rest this season (like Wednesday) and the increased practice time is vital for the new guys.

The Clippers (24-40 SU, 31-32-1 ATS) are 3-0 SU and ATS in March after a dismal February (2-12 SU, 4-10 ATS). The winning streak started with home games against Houston (106-103) and Denver (100-94). Boston is the second game of a five-game road trip.

L.A.’s last contest was Monday night, a 92-87 win as one-point ‘chalk’ at decimated Charlotte. Griffin had 17 points and 15 rebounds as the Clippers broke a four-game SU and ATS road losing streak. They’re 6-25 SU and 12-18-1 ATS away this year.

The 179 combined points scored against Charlotte went ‘under’ the 188 ½-point total. The ‘under’ is 4-0 in L.A.’s last four games and 7-1 in its last eight road games.

Los Angeles’ starting backcourt on Wednesday will be Mo Williams and Randy Foye. Foye is starting due to Gordon’s (23.7 PPG) wrist injury. Gordon missed all of February, but came back for the Houston and Denver games before getting reinjured.

Williams is at the point after being acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline for Baron Davis. He’s scoring 16.8 PPG the last four games.

The question for the Clippers is whether they can score enough with Gordon out, especially on the road. Griffin (22.7 PPG) is consistent, but Foye is very streaky. The bench has a couple of helpers with center Chris Kaman and rookie guard Eric Bledsoe.

The Clippers are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Boston. The ‘under’ is 7-1 in the last eight in Beantown.

Tip-off will be 4:30 p.m. (PT) from TD Banknorth Garden. Both teams will be off until Friday. The Clippers are at New Jersey, while Boston visits Philly.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-08-2011, 07:56 PM

NBA Betting Preview: Mavericks at Hornets

The home team has won the last nine games in the Mavericks, Hornets series.
The push for the playoffs is on in NBA betting action, as there are approximately just 20 games left in the season. Wednesday night the New Orleans Hornets will try to move one step closer to nailing down their playoff berth when they take on the Dallas Mavericks.

Tip-off from New Orleans Arena in the Crescent City is set for 5:00 p.m. (PT) ET.

It's hard to think that the Mavericks are really on a pace to win 60 games this season, yet are destined to end up as the runners-up in the Southwest Division standings because they can't run down the San Antonio Spurs. The good news is that they will finish as the No. 2 seed if they do end up finishing with a better record than the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder as they are right now.

The Mavs still have to be a tad disheartened to think that they might have the second-best record in the entire league as well when this regular season is said and done with.

Also, imagine what would've happened had Dirk Nowitzki stayed in the lineup for the whole season? In games in which the German national star has played at least 22 minutes, the Mavs are a tremendous 43-9. Prorate that over 82 games, and you've got 68 wins, more than the San Antonio Spurs are going to end up with.

Needless to say, Nowitzki has played like an MVP. He has eight straight games with at least 21 points, and the team has only been beaten once in that stretch. Dirk is averaging 23.0 PPG and 6.6 RPG this year, and he is surely going to have to be the difference maker in this one on Wednesday night.

If you're the Hornets, you have to wonder if a spot in the playoffs can be maintained knowing that you don't have Chris Paul for at least the immediate future. Paul is unikely to be in the lineup on Wednesday after suffering a concussion and getting carted off on a stretcher Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The first game out of the blocks from the Paul injury was at the Chicago Bulls, a game that ended in a woeful 85-77 defeat. This starting lineup would've looked a heck of a lot worse had Jarrett Jack not replaced Paul and scored 23 points. That only raised Jack's scoring average to 8.6 PPG, though he has averaged 18.8 PPG over the course of the month of March.

The home team has absolutely dominated the this series, winning nine straight games SU. The home team is also 5-2-2 ATS in these nine games, though one of those two ATS defeats did come this season when the Mavs lost by two as 4½-point dogs to the Hornets here in New Orleans last November.

Dallas is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 road games against teams with a home winning percentage greater than .600, and it is 22-8-1 ATS in its last 31 road games against teams with a winning home record.

Meanwhile, the Hornets are just 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games overall, including dreadful 1-6 ATS mark in their last seven games played here at New Orleans Arena.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-08-2011, 07:57 PM

NCAA Odds: Missouri clashes with Texas Tech

The ’over’ has cashed four of the last five Mizzou, Texas Tech contests.
The Big 12 Tournament begins Wednesday at the Sprint Center in Kansas City and the Missouri Tigers will face the Texas Tech Red Raiders and recently fired coach Pat Knight.

Bookmaker.com has released the tourney odds. Sixth seed Missouri is fourth at plus 1250, while 11th seed Texas Tech is the second biggest long shot (plus 4500). Favorites Kansas (minus 110), Texas (plus 180) and Kansas State (plus 500) have first-round byes and begin play Thursday.

The Tigers (22-9 straight-up, 12-13-1 against the spread) have a three-game losing streak (0-2-1 ATS), finishing a disappointing 8-8 SU (7-8-1 ATS) in the Big 12. That conference mark was tied for fifth place with Colorado.

Missouri’s last game was Saturday, a 70-66 home loss to Kansas as four-point underdogs. It was Senior Day and the Tigers struggled from the floor at 29.3 percent (17-of-58) shooting, including 13 percent (3-of-23) from ‘three.’

The 136 combined points scored went way ‘under’ the 157-point total. The ‘under’ is 4-1 in Missouri’s last five games, scoring just 69.4 PPG. The 81.5 PPG season average is second in the conference and ninth in the country.

Missouri is now 17-1 SU and 8-4-1 ATS at home this year. It is 5-8 SU and 4-9 ATS in road plus neutral site games.

Mike Anderson is in his fifth year as head coach. He’s made the NCAA tourney the last two years. A win on Wednesday should ensure another berth.

Anderson’s style is an up-tempo offense and pressure defense. The Tigers easily lead the Big 12 in turnover margin (5.39 per game). They’re second in the league in three-point attempts (620), but sixth in accuracy (36.9 percent).

Junior guard Marcus Denmon (16.8 PPG) is the leading scorer and strokes it at 45.7 percent from behind the arc. Laurence Bowers (11.8 PPG) are Ricardo Ratliffe (10.7 PPG) are two 6-foot-8 juniors inside, although Ratliffe has struggled during this losing streak (four PPG).

Freshman Phil Pressey and sophomore Michael Dixon split the point guard duties and try to keep the engine running on full steam.

Texas Tech (13-18 SU, 11-15 ATS) made national news on Monday with the firing of Knight (Bobby’s son). He’s 50-60 in his three years as head coach, but did go 19-16 last year, winning two games in the NIT. He will coach in this tourney before stepping down.

This year’s team underachieved, although it finished up conference play stronger at 5-7 SU and 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games.

This is a veteran squad with the top-4 scorers – John Roberson (13.6 PPG), Mike Singletary (12.7 PPG), Brad Reese (11.6 PPG) and David Tairu (9.8 PPG) – all seniors. D'walyn Roberts (6.3 PPG) is another senior who doesn’t want to go quietly in this tourney.

Texas Tech went to Missouri on Feb. 15 and lost 92-84. Texas Tech shot 49.2 percent from the field, but allowed Missouri to hit at a 58.1 percent clip. Denmon was 9-of-13 shooting for a team-high 20 points.

The 176 combined points scored went ‘over’ the 157 ½-point total. The ‘over’ is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the teams.

The Red Raiders did get the ‘cover’ as big 16 ½-point underdogs. The favorite was 9-1 ATS in the previous 10 meetings.

The Big 12 Network will have the tip-off at 6:30 p.m. (PT). The winner of this game will play third seed Texas A&M with the Aggies (plus 1800) bigger underdogs to win the tourney than Missouri.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-08-2011, 07:58 PM

NCAA Odds: Penn State battles Indiana Hoosiers

Thursday’s winner will take on 13th-ranked Wisconsin in the second round.
The Big Ten begins its conference tournament Thursday in Indianapolis, and is expecting six teams to advance to the NCAA Tournament. That is unless some teams play themselves into or out of the Big Dance the next couple of days.

Penn State (16-13 straight up, 13-10-2 against the spread) is one of those teams that can improve its positioning with a strong conference tournament. The Nittany Lions haven’t advanced to the NCAA Tournament since 2001, or the National Invitational Tournament since winning it in 2009.

Sixth-seed Penn State’s quest to improve its standing begins with a first-round matchup against 11th-seed Indiana (12-19 SU, 10-15 ATS). The winner of this contest advances to Friday’s quarterfinals against third-seed and 13th-ranked Wisconsin.

The Nittany Lions concluded their regular season by alternating SU wins and losses their last five games. Penn State upended Minnesota Sunday as a five-point road underdog, 66-63, while the combined 129 points slithered ‘over’ the 128-point closing total. The ‘over’ is 4-1 the previous five outings.

The Nittany Lions outrebounded the Golden Gophers, 27-25, but delivered less assists, 14-11. Penn State finished the contest by shooting 45 percent (23-of-51) from the field, and 40 percent (8-of-20) from behind the arc.

Senior guard Talor Battle paced the offense with 22 points, including a pair of free throws with 10.5 seconds remaining to provide the final margin. Forward Jeff Brooks was the only other player to reach double digits in the victory with 20 along with seven rebounds.

Indiana is searching for its first victory since Feb. 2 when the team slipped past Minnesota. The Hoosiers enter the Big Ten Tournament having gone a dismal 0-8 SU and 1-7 ATS the past eight outings.

Coach Tom Crean’s squad continued its downward spiral by getting routed by Illinois Saturday as a 10-point road underdog, 72-48. The combined 120 points never seriously threatened the 139-point closing total, ending a string of back-to-back ‘over’ outings.

Indiana quickly found itself in a 19-point deficit at halftime, 46-27, and finished the contest getting dominated in rebounding (40-25) and assists (16-6). The Hoosiers shot a dismal 32 percent (18-of-57) from the field, and 18 percent (3-of-17) from behind the arc.

Guard Verdell Jones III was the only player to reach double digits in scoring with 12 points, while also grabbing seven rebounds. Fourteen players saw action in the setback, and the next highest scorers were guard Jeremiah Rivers and forward Christian Watford who each had seven.

Penn State won the lone encounter with Indiana this season Dec. 27 as a 6 ½-point road underdog, 69-60. The combined 129 points went ‘under’ the 133-point closing total.

The Nittany Lions are 6-5 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 7-4. The Hoosiers are 4-7 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 8-3.

Don Best's Real-Time Odds installed Penn State as a 3 ½-point ‘chalk’ over Indiana. Thursday’s tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT from Conseco Fieldhouse.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-08-2011, 08:02 PM

Big 12 Tourney - First Round
March 8, 2011

The Big 12 tournament begins on Wednesday afternoon from the Sprint Center in Kansas City as seeds five through 12 get the first shot to make a run at an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. Four games take place with several teams trying to get off the bubble to bolster the amount of Big 12 squads to head to the Big Dance. We'll start with the 8-9 game between a pair of clubs that need to make a run to impressive the tournament committee.

(8) Nebraska vs. (9) Oklahoma State - 12:30 PM EST

This matchup is interesting from several different perspectives as the game tips off at 11:30 AM Central time. The Cowboys dropped five of their final seven games of the season, while the Huskers are riding a 1-3 run, definitely not positive signs to get in as one the final seeds of the Big Dance.

OSU has been pointspread poison recently by failing to cover seven of the previous eight games, including an 0-3 ATS mark as an underdog. One of those losses came in Lincoln on February 12 as the Huskers pulled out a 65-54 victory as 5 ½-point favorites. The Cowboys were limited to 36% shooting from the floor, while the Huskers had just one player in double-figures.

Nebraska, playing in its final Big 12 tournament before going to the Big 10 next season, looks for its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998. Doc Sadler's team has covered only one of their last four games as a favorite, while losing seven of their past eight games away from home. The Huskers are listed as a three-point favorite, while the total is set at 126 ½.

(5) Colorado vs. (12) Iowa State - 2:30 PM EST

The Buffaloes' time in the Big 12 is coming to a close with their impending move to the Pac 12 next season. Colorado looks to make the most of this tournament as the Buffs attempt a run at an at-large bid against Fred Hoiberg's Cyclones.

These two teams split a pair of games this season with the home squad winning each time. Colorado blew out ISU in Boulder on February 1 by a 95-69 count, easily cashing as 7 ½-point favorites. The Buffs drilled 11 three-pointers, while hitting 50% of their shots from the field. Iowa State also knocked down 11 treys in the loss, as the Cyclones were outrebounded, 43-29.

The Cyclones got revenge in Ames last Wednesday, 95-90 as short home 'chalk.' ISU shot significantly better the second time around against Colorado by shooting 57% from the floor, while Calvin Godfrey came off the bench to score 23 points on 10-of-11 from the field. The Cyclones have covered three straight games heading into the Big 12 tournament, while the Buffaloes are 4-1 ATS the previous five opportunities as a favorite.

Colorado is laying 4 ½ points to Iowa State, with the total listed at 156 ½.

(7) Baylor vs. (10) Oklahoma - 7:00 PM EST

The Bears were an Elite Eight team a season ago, but Scott Drew's squad may be destined for the NIT this season with an 18-12 mark. Baylor's last charge at an at-large bid begins a struggling Oklahoma team that has dropped eight of nine since a four-game winning streak.

The final game of that hot streak for Jeff Capel's club came in an afternoon affair in Norman, a 73-66 victory over Baylor as 4 ½-point home 'dogs. The Bears knocked off the Sooners in Waco on January 11 by 13, but OU covered as 16 ½-point underdogs. Baylor shot lights out in that win with a 62% clip from the floor, while the Bears failed to cover six of nine games as a conference favorite.

The Sooners are 1-13 SU and 4-10 ATS away from home this season, as OU is 3-5 ATS since a 6-2 ATS start in conference action. Baylor is one of the poorer ATS teams this season in Division I with a 7-15 ATS mark, while failing to cover four of the last five games.

The Bears are listed as 7 ½-point 'chalk,' as the total is set at 130 ½.

(5) Missouri vs. (12) Texas Tech - 9:30 PM EST

The night concludes with the only "local" team playing as Kansas and Kansas State are off until Thursday. Missouri is pretty much locked into an at-large berth with a 22-9 record, while Texas Tech is near the end of the Pat Knight regime after the Red Raiders finished the regular season at 13-18.

The Tigers are struggling at the moment with three consecutive losses, including double-digit setbacks to Nebraska and Kansas State on the road. Mike Anderson's team is known as uptempo and high-scoring, but Mizzou has been held to 77 points or less in five straight games. Missouri outlasted Texas Tech in their only meeting in Columbia on February 15 by a 92-84 decision. The Red Raiders cashed as 16 ½-point 'dogs, even though Tech shot 49% from the floor in the defeat.

Following an 0-4 ATS start in Big 12 play, the Red Raiders were a profitable team to back the last six weeks with a 9-3 ATS run the final 12 games. During this hot ATS streak, Tech covered four of six opportunities as double-digit 'dogs, including outright victories at Iowa State and Baylor.

Missouri is listed as 10-point favorites, while the total is set at 156 ½.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-09-2011, 12:14 AM

Wednesday's Early Games:

Wednesday, March 9Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oklahoma St. - 12:30 PM ET Oklahoma St. +3.5 500
Nebraska - Over 124.5 500

Central Florida - 1:00 PM ET Central Florida -4 500
East Carolina - Over 130.5 500

Iowa St. - 3:00 PM ET Colorado -4.5 500
Colorado - Over 153.5 500

San Jose St. - 3:00 PM ET Hawaii -2 500
Hawaii - Under 137.5 500

Tulane - 3:30 PM ET Tulane +8 500
Southern Mississippi - Over 133.5 500

Texas Christian - 5:00 PM ET Wyoming +0 500
Wyoming - Under 140 500

Fresno St. - 5:30 PM ET Fresno St. +1 500
Nevada - Over 136.5 500

**StarDust Bum** · 03-09-2011, 12:19 AM

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
03/07/11 4-*6-*0 40.00% -*1135 Detail
03/06/11 5-*5-*0 50.00% +*45 Detail
03/05/11 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*1720 Detail
03/04/11 9-*3-*0 75.00% +*3135 Detail
03/03/11 7-*4-*1 63.64% +*1750 Detail
03/02/11 7-*5-*0 58.33% +*770 Detail
Totals 35-*30-*1 53.85% +2845

MLB

Wednesday, March 9Game Score Status Pick Amount

Philadelphia - 1:05 PM ET Detroit -106 500
Detroit -

St. Louis - 1:05 PM ET St. Louis +112 500
Atlanta -

Washington - 1:05 PM ET Washington +113 500
Florida -

Houston - 1:10 PM ET NY Mets -120 500
NY Mets -

Chi. White Sox - 3:05 PM ET San Francisco -125 500
San Francisco -

Colorado - 3:05 PM ET LA Angels -124 500
LA Angels -

Kansas City - 3:05 PM ET Kansas City +113 500
Chi. Cubs -

Oakland - 3:05 PM ET Oakland +109 500
Texas -

Seattle - 3:05 PM ET LA Dodgers -125 500
LA Dodgers -

Milwaukee - 3:10 PM ET Milwaukee +102 500
Arizona -

Pittsburgh - 7:05 PM ET Pittsburgh +152 500
NY Yankees -

**StarDust Bum** · 03-09-2011, 07:27 PM

Wednesday,

March 9Game Score Status Pick Amount

Golden State - 7:00 PM ET Golden State -1.5 500
New Jersey - Over 203 500

Oklahoma City - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia -1.5 500
Philadelphia - Under 206.5 500

Utah - 7:00 PM ET Utah +1.5 500
Toronto - Over 209.5 500

Chicago - 7:00 PM ET Chicago -8 500
Charlotte - Under 179.5 500

L.A. Clippers - 7:30 PM ET Boston -9 500
Boston - Over 192 500

New York - 8:00 PM ET New York +4.5 500
Memphis - Over 210.5 500

Cleveland - 8:00 PM ET Cleveland +9.5 500
Milwaukee - Under 186.5 500

Indiana - 8:00 PM ET Indiana +1 500
Minnesota - Over 215 500

Dallas - 8:00 PM ET Dallas -5 500
New Orleans - Over 187.500

Detroit - 8:30 PM ET Detroit +11 500
San Antonio - Under 201 500

Orlando - 10:00 PM ET Sacramento +9.5 500
Sacramento - Over 205.5 500

------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday,

March 9Game Score Status Pick Amount

Edmonton - 7:00 PM ET Edmonton +245 500
Washington - Under 5.5 500

Atlanta - 7:00 PM ET Atlanta +161 500
Carolina - Over 5.5 500

St. Louis - 7:00 PM ET Columbus -130 500
Columbus - Over 5.5 500

Los Angeles - 7:30 PM ET Detroit -156 500
Detroit - Over 5.5 500

Chicago - 7:30 PM ET Chicago -107 500
Tampa Bay - Over 5.5 500

Calgary - 9:00 PM ET Calgary +115 500
Dallas - Under 5.5 500

NY Rangers - 10:30 PM ET NY Rangers +110 500
Anaheim - Under 5.5 500

-----------------------------------------------------------
Evening NCAAB Best Bets !

Oklahoma - 7:00 PM ET Baylor -6.5 500
Baylor - Over 128 500

Nicholls State - 7:00 PM ET Nicholls State +3.5 500
McNeese St. - Over 125 500

Robert Morris - 7:00 PM ET LIU Brooklyn -4.5 500
LIU Brooklyn - Over 143.5 500

South Florida - 7:00 PM ET South Florida +10.5 500
Cincinnati - Under 120 500

South Carolina State - 7:00 PM ET Bethune-Cookman -5.5 500
Bethune-Cookman - Under 128 500

Houston - 7:30 PM ET Marshall -8.5 500
Marshall - Over 136 500

Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 9:00 PM ET Texas Southern -8 500
Texas Southern - Over 125.5 500

Oregon St. - 9:00 PM ET Stanford -4 500
Stanford - Under 133.5 500

Montana - 9:00 PM ET Northern Colorado -3 500
Northern Colorado - Over 124.5 500

Marquette - 9:25 PM ET Marquette +2.5 500
West Virginia - Under 137 500

Texas Tech - 9:30 PM ET Missouri -10 500
Missouri - Over 154.5 500

Southeastern Louisiana - 9:30 PM ET Southeastern Louisiana +1 500
Texas State - Under 150.5 500

Maryland - E. Shore - 9:30 PM ET Hampton -12.5 500
Hampton - Over 134 500

Rice - 10:00 PM ET Southern Methodist -2 500
Southern Methodist - Under 121 500

Arizona St. - 11:30 PM ET Arizona St. +1 500
Oregon - Over 127 500

**StarDust Bum** · 03-09-2011, 07:41 PM

Missouri favored by 10 points over Texas Tech

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (13-18, #11 seed in Big 12)

vs. MISSOURI TIGERS (22-9, #6 seed in Big 12)

Big 12 Tournament – Opening Round
Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT – Kansas City, MO
Line: Missouri -10

As the final week of the season wraps up and takes us into Selection Sunday and the big tournament next week, there remains many questions and much championship week drama yet to be decided. Top-ranked teams from top conferences will play for a chance at a No. 1 seed. At-large teams that are locks for the tournament will try and improve their lot with deep runs in the conference battles. That is where Missouri finds itself. At 22-9, and 8-8 in conference play the Tigers will try and improve their standing in the eyes of the selection committee and hopefully avoid a dangerous matchup along the way. Then there is Missouri’s opponent, Texas Tech. The Red Raiders’ drama will be different from that of other team’s this week. That’s because on Monday, Tech fired its head basketball coach Pat Knight, Bob Knight's son, who in three disappointing seasons totaled a record of 50-60. Knight who assisted his coaching father when the elder Knight was let go by Indiana, was appreciative of the civil nature in which this dismissal was handled. "It's not an ugly situation," Knight said. "I mean, we left on good terms. I'm glad it ended like that, especially after being part of the deal at Indiana. That was tough. But this is different. It's business." Now Knight will try and handle the business of getting his team ready to play against the speedy and athletic Tigers, in what will be, one way or another, an elimination game for the departing young coach.

Tech enters the Big 12 Tournament losers of seven of its past nine games. Despite having a dismal league mark of 5-11, the five wins represent a one-game improvement over last season’s four-victory total in conference play, and the three-win mark from the 2009 season. The Red Raiders showed some small signs of life in mid-January when they defeated Nebraska, Iowa State and Oklahoma State in overtime for a three-game win streak, but it would turn out to be the last winning streak of the regular season. That surge was followed by a brutal stretch where TTU lost at home to Kansas, at Texas, and home to Texas A&M to begin the spiral that carried through to the end of the season. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by speedy 5-foot-11 senior guard John Roberson (13.6 PPG, 4.3 APG, 40% three-point FG) and 6-foot-6 senior forward Mike Singletary (12.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG). In the only meeting of the year between Missouri and Texas Tech, the Tigers outscored TTU in a wild up-and-down affair, 92-84 at Missouri, in a game that was long on offense and very short on defense. The Red Raiders shot 49.2% from the floor, while the Tigers hit on 58.1%. Both teams also combined to make 14-of-30 from beyond the arc. Roberson had 21 points in that game, and senior David Tairu added 17 of his own.

While Texas Tech will enter the game with a lame-duck coach, Missouri enters the action suddenly looking very lame. The Tigers have lost three straight, most recently falling to Kansas on Saturday at home, 70-66. The defeat snapped Mizzou’s 17-game home win streak. Missouri enters the Big 12 tournament as the 9th-highest scoring team in Division I (81.5 PPG). Once again this season, coach Mike Anderson’s variation on mentor Nolan Richardson’s “40 minutes of hell” pressure defense has paid major dividends for the Tigers. Missouri is third in the nation in turnover margin (+5.4 per game) and number one in steals per game at 9.7. Those steals come in handy when it comes to creating extra possessions because the Tigers are only 136th in the nation in rebounding per game (35.6 RPG), so what they give up on the glass they make up for by forcing the turnovers (18.3 TO per game). Junior Marcus Denmon (16.8 PPG) leads a quintet of Tiger players scoring in double figures. Freshman Phil Pressey has provided some much-needed stability once he took over at the starting point guard slot. He leads the team in assists at 4.0 APG. With a Tigers team that’s desperate for a win, and a Texas Tech team that’s at the end of a desperate season, expect Wednesday’s rematch to be almost as wild as the first meeting.

Missouri is just 4-7 ATS in its past 11 games, but it has played well when favored, covering 10 of 18 spreads. Texas Tech is 9-3 ATS in its past 12 contests, but just 3-9 ATS following an ATS loss. The Tigers frenetic pace on both ends of the floor has allowed them to go 8-2 ATS in the past 10 games when favored by 8+ points. Expect Missouri to win and cover this big spread as well. The FoxSheets provide another highly-rated reason to side with the Tigers.

Play Against - Neutral court teams (TEXAS TECH) - after beating the spread by 36 or more points total in their last five games, with a winning percentage of between 40-49% on the season. (27-6 since 1997.) (81.8%, +20.4 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 03-09-2011, 07:43 PM

76ers go for 4th straight win hosting Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (39-23)

at PHILADELPHIA 76ers (33-30)

Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Philadelphia -1, Total: 207.5

Oklahoma City visits Philadelphia on Wednesday, as the Thunder take on the surging 76ers. The Thunder won the first meeting this season between these two teams, 109-103 on Nov. 10.

After winning three straight, the Thunder lost to the Grizzlies in their last outing on Monday night. They are 31-30 ATS this season and have lost four of their past six games ATS. Kevin Durant still has not shaken off his recent shooting slump, as he is making just 39.2 percent of his shot attempts over his past nine games, while posting just one 30-point game. He has done well against Philadelphia in his past three meetings, averaging 30.0 PPG. Russell Westbrook has scored at least 27 points in each of his past three games, averaging 29.0 PPG over that span. Westbrook scored 31 points in Oklahoma City’s win over the 76ers earlier this season.

Philadelphia has been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the past two months, erasing a 13-21 start, to currently sit three games over .500. They are just a half-game behind the Knicks for the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They are 40-22 ATS this season, which is one of the best records in the league, as is their 20-11 record ATS at home. Andre Iguodala recorded triple-doubles in consecutive games against Minnesota and Golden State this past weekend, and is averaging 14.8 PPG, 8.4 APG and 7.9 RPG over his past eight games. Iguodala did not play in the first meeting against the Thunder this season. Seven Philly players scored in double-figures in its 110-100 win Tuesday at Indiana.

While Philadelphia is playing excellent basketball right now, they have struggled lately against the Thunder, losing four straight against them by an average of 12.5 PPG. However, the 76ers are 7-0 ATS against the Northwest Division this season, while the Thunder are just 2-6 ATS against the Atlantic Division this season. I’m taking Philadelphia to win its fourth straight game and post its seventh victory in the past eight contests. These two FoxSheets trends also support the 76ers:

PHILADELPHIA is 16-4 ATS (80.0%, +11.6 Units) revenging a road loss vs. opponent this season. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 103.7, OPPONENT 94.9 - (Rating = 3*).

PHILADELPHIA is 20-7 ATS (74.1%, +12.3 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots this season. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 97.3, OPPONENT 95.6 - (Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 03-09-2011, 07:44 PM

Bulls try to extend Bobcats losing skid to 6

CHICAGO BULLS (44-18)

at CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (26-37)

Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Chicago -6.5, Total: 181.5

The red-hot Bulls look for their 11th win in 13 games against the struggling Bobcats who have lost five straight and may be without their leading scorer Stephen Jackson due to his hamstring injury.

Chicago is playing terrific basketball and is riding a three-game win streak that includes road wins over Orlando and Miami. In all three games, Derrick Rose (24.6 PPG) led the charge by leading the team in scoring and hitting big shots down the stretch. Also the return of Joakim Noah has really helped the Bulls defensively and on the glass. Noah is sixth in the NBA with 11.7 RPG, and gives Chicago an attitude and toughness on defense.

The Bulls must not overlook the Bobcats who are the only sub-.500 team to beat them twice this year. Also, Chicago is 1-4 in the past five meetings in Charlotte. But the Bobcats may be in big trouble considering the defense Chicago plays. They are 3-22 when scoring 90 points or less, and the Bulls allow an NBA-best 91.5 PPG. To make matters worse for Charlotte, Chicago is only giving up 81.1 PPG during its 6-1 stretch and the Bobcats are only scoring 81.2 PPG during their five-game losing streak.

Charlotte could be taking a huge blow if their leading scorer Stephen Jackson (19.0 PPG) is unable to go. Jackson missed his second straight game Monday with an injured left hamstring and his status for Wednesday night is unknown. Fortunately, Charlotte might be getting back their big man Tyrus Thomas, who has missed 23 games after undergoing knee surgery. The ex-Bull Thomas (11.1 PPG) had 17 points and 13 rebounds against his former team in the Jan. 12 victory for the Bobcats. Gerald Henderson (7.6 PPG) has been fantastic since taking over the starting spot for the traded Gerald Wallace. Henderson is averaging 14.7 PPG over the past nine games and dropped 20 points on Monday. If Jackson is unable to play, Henderson will have to increase his share of the scoring and put this struggling team on his back.

Chicago has been great against the spread this year with a 37-24 ATS overall record, including a healthy 18-13 ATS road mark. Chicago is 9-3 ATS in its past 12 games and 6-1 ATS in its past seven games against the Southeast Division. Charlotte, on the other hand, has been below average against the spread overall (30-32 ATS) and on their home court (14-16 ATS). The Bobcats also have not been good revenging losses (14-19 ATS) but are 5-1 ATS in their past six versus the Central Division. I like the Bulls to win, but if Jackson plays, Charlotte will cover getting a bunch of points at home where it has played the Bulls extremely tough. The FoxSheets provide another highly-rated reason to back the Bobcats.

Play Against - Favorites (CHICAGO) - after scoring 90 points or less 3 straight games.(82-40 over the last 5 seasons.) (67.2%, +38 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 03-09-2011, 07:45 PM

Paul doubtful to play vs. surging Mavericks

DALLAS MAVERICKS (46-17)

at NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (37-29)

Tip-off: Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Dallas -4.5, Total: 189.5

New Orleans hosts the red-hot Mavericks, who are 9-1 in their past 10 games, on Wednesday. The two teams split the first two games they played this season, with each team winning on its home court.

The Hornets return home after completing their five-game road trip in which they went 2-3. New Orleans is 32-32 ATS this season, but has won its last three games ATS. After defeating Memphis and Cleveland, the Hornets fell to the Bulls by eight points on Monday, 85-77. They were without Chris Paul, who suffered a concussion in Sunday’s win over Cleveland, and shot just 36.2% FG against Chicago while being held to their lowest point total since scoring 70 against in a loss at Philadelphia on December 12. Paul is considered doubtful for Wednesday’s game, and will be missed against the Mavericks, whom he averaged 21.0 PPG and 10.0 APG against in the two earlier meetings this season. Jarrett Jack scored a team-high 23 points in the loss to Chicago, and is averaging 18.8 PPG in his past five games. However, he had more turnovers than assists in the loss (5 TO, 3 AST).

Dallas has won 19 of its past 21 games and sit second in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the Lakers. The Mavs are 34-27 ATS this season, and their 20-11 mark ATS on the road is one of the best in the NBA. However, they have lost three straight games ATS overall. Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 26.0 PPG over his past five games, while shooting 60.5% FG. He averaged 27.0 PPG on 58.1% FG in the two games against New Orleans earlier this season. Jason Terry struggled in the Mavericks 108-105 win against the Timberwolves on Monday, making just 3-of-11 shots and scoring 11 points, but averaged 24.2 PPG while connecting on 58.8% of his shots from the field and 57.1% of his shots from behind the arc (12-of-21), in his previous five games.

Tyson Chandler, who has missed the past three games with an ankle injury, will be a game-time decision for Dallas. Despite the Mavericks recent struggles when traveling to New Orleans (they have lost seven straight there), they are clearly playing better basketball right now and should really expose the Hornets missing Paul. I’m taking Dallas to win and cover. The FoxSheets give another reason to expect the Mavericks to win:

Play On - Favorites (DALLAS) - excellent shooting team (>=47.5%) against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5%), after 2 straight games making 9 or more 3 point shots.(48-23 since 1996.) (67.6%, +22.7 units. Rating = 2*).

Six of the past seven games in this series have finished Over the total, and this highly-rated FoxSheets trend thinks Wednesday’s game will finish Over as well.

DALLAS is 25-9 OVER (73.5%, +15.1 Units) versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game this season. The average score was DALLAS 100.6, OPPONENT 97.2 - (Rating = 3*).

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