[h=1]NCAA Basketball Picks[/h] [h=2]Baylor at Gonzaga[/h] The Bulldogs look to build on their 11-3 ATS record in their last 14 home games. Gonzaga is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulldogs favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's games.
| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST |
| Game 825-826: Detroit at Temple (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Dunkel Line: Vegas Line: Dunkel Pick: |
| Game 827-828: Providence at Brown (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Providence 58.704; Brown 47.461 Dunkel Line: Providence by 11; 135 Vegas Line: Providence by 13; 130 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Brown (+13); Over |
| Game 829-830: Baylor at Gonzaga (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 65.330; Gonzaga 75.074 Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9 1/2; 140 Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 8 1/2; 143 Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-8 1/2); Under |
| Game 831-832: Yale at Nevada (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.875; Nevada 61.997 Dunkel Line: Nevada by 16 Vegas Line: Nevada by 12 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-12 1/2) |
| Game 833-834: Missouri at UCLA (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 68.707; UCLA 72.362 Dunkel Line: UCLA by 3 1/2; 148 Vegas Line: UCLA by 2; 150 1/2 Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-2); Under |
| Game 835-836: Austin Peay vs. Utah Valley State (4:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 44.439; Utah Valley State 44.189 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: Utah Valley State by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (+1 1/2) |
| Game 837-838: High Point at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: High Point 47.520; Chattanooga 45.396 Dunkel Line: High Point by 2 Vegas Line: Pick Dunkel Pick: High Point |
| Game 839-840: Howard at Central Florida (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Howard 43.458; Central Florida 62.378 Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 19 Vegas Line: Central Florida by 16 Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (-16) |
| Game 841-842: Belmont vs. Boston U (9:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 67.702; Boston U 53.343 Dunkel Line: Belmont by 14 1/2 Vegas Line: Belmont by 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Belmont (-9 1/2) |
| Game 843-844: Iona at St. Joseph's (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Iona 55.715; St. Joseph's 65.415 Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 9 1/2 Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-7 1/2) |
| Game 845-846: Rider at Rutgers (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Rider 51.320; Rutgers 63.177 Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 12 Vegas Line: Rutgers by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (-10 1/2) |
| Game 847-848: Southern Mississippi at Morehead State (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 56.594; Morehead State 56.343 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (+2 1/2) |
| Game 849-850: Bowling Green at North Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 51.264; North Dakota 49.826 Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 3 Dunkel Pick: North Dakota (+3) |
| Game 851-852: SIU-Edwardsville at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 42.103; St. Louis 68.023 Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 26 Vegas Line: St. Louis by 21 1/2 Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-21 1/2) |
| Game 853-854: Jacksonville at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 43.156; Indiana 83.149 Dunkel Line: Indiana by 40; 149 Vegas Line: Indiana by 37 1/2; 153 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-37 1/2); Under |
NBA
Hot Teams
-- Pacers won/covered six of last seven games (7-3 as HF).
-- Miami won/covered last six games (4-5 as AF).
-- Hawks won five of last seven road games (3-1 as AF). Cavaliers won last two games, first time this year they won consecutive games (3-6 as a HU).
-- Raptors won five of last six games (6-11 as AU).
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games (4-5 as AF).
-- Clippers won their last 15 games (5-5 as AF, 2-4 if less than 5 pts).
-- Knicks won five of last seven road games, covered one of seven overall (3-4 as AF).
-- Golden State won 14 of last 19 games (5-3 as HF).
-- Portland won six of last seven games (3-7 as AU). Lakers won five of last six games (7-6 as HF).
Cold Teams
-- Suns lost last three games, but covered five of last six (3-6 as AU).
-- Magic lost last three games, all by 4 or less points (5-8 SU on road). Wizards lost last eight games (2-10 SU at home).
-- Pistons lost seven of last nine games (3-4 as HU).
-- Bobcats lost last 16 games (covered one of last seven). Brooklyn lost five of last six games, fired its coach Thursday (3-7-2 as HF).
-- Hornets lost 11 of last 12 games (1-1 as HF).
-- Dallas lost four in row, seven of last eight games (1-2 as HU).
-- Jazz lost five of last seven games (2-0 as HU).
-- Sacramento lost seven of last nine games (3-5 as HU).
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games (5-5 as AU).
Totals
-- Seven of last eight Phoenix games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Orlando road games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Brooklyn games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight San Antonio games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last 12 Denver road games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Clipper games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six New York games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Golden State games went over the total.
-- Last four Portland road games went over the total.
Back-to-backs
-- Dallas is 3-4 vs spread if it played night before (all on road).
-- Clippers are 2-3 vs spread if they played night before.
Hot Teams
-- Pacers won/covered six of last seven games (7-3 as HF).
-- Miami won/covered last six games (4-5 as AF).
-- Hawks won five of last seven road games (3-1 as AF). Cavaliers won last two games, first time this year they won consecutive games (3-6 as a HU).
-- Raptors won five of last six games (6-11 as AU).
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games (4-5 as AF).
-- Clippers won their last 15 games (5-5 as AF, 2-4 if less than 5 pts).
-- Knicks won five of last seven road games, covered one of seven overall (3-4 as AF).
-- Golden State won 14 of last 19 games (5-3 as HF).
-- Portland won six of last seven games (3-7 as AU). Lakers won five of last six games (7-6 as HF).
Cold Teams
-- Suns lost last three games, but covered five of last six (3-6 as AU).
-- Magic lost last three games, all by 4 or less points (5-8 SU on road). Wizards lost last eight games (2-10 SU at home).
-- Pistons lost seven of last nine games (3-4 as HU).
-- Bobcats lost last 16 games (covered one of last seven). Brooklyn lost five of last six games, fired its coach Thursday (3-7-2 as HF).
-- Hornets lost 11 of last 12 games (1-1 as HF).
-- Dallas lost four in row, seven of last eight games (1-2 as HU).
-- Jazz lost five of last seven games (2-0 as HU).
-- Sacramento lost seven of last nine games (3-5 as HU).
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games (5-5 as AU).
Totals
-- Seven of last eight Phoenix games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Orlando road games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Brooklyn games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight San Antonio games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last 12 Denver road games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Clipper games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six New York games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Golden State games went over the total.
-- Last four Portland road games went over the total.
Back-to-backs
-- Dallas is 3-4 vs spread if it played night before (all on road).
-- Clippers are 2-3 vs spread if they played night before.
[h=1]Today's NBA Picks[/h] [h=2]Houston at San Antonio[/h] The Spurs look to follow up their 100-80 win over Toronto and build on their 20-5-2 ATS record in their last 27 games following a SU victory of more than 10 points. San Antonio is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8). Here are all of today's picks.
| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST |
| Game 801-802: Phoenix at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 115.288; Indiana 123.862 Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 8 1/2; 188 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A |
| Game 803-804: Orlando at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 113.797; Washington 113.571 Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 188 Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 1 1/2; 183 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Washington (+1 1/2); Over |
| Game 805-806: Miami at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Miami 125.114; Detroit 118.706 Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 197 Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 8; 193 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+8); Over |
| Game 807-808: Atlanta at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.833; Cleveland 109.663 Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 177 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A |
| Game 809-810: Charlotte at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 107.090; Brooklyn 120.615 Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 13 1/2; 186 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A |
| Game 811-812: Toronto at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 115.050; New Orleans 119.172 Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 4; 188 Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 2 1/2; 183 1/2 Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-2 1/2); Over |
| Game 813-814: Houston at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston 119.701; San Antonio 129.423 Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9 1/2; 209 Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 214 Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8); Under |
| Game 815-816: Denver at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.390; Dallas 116.137 Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 217 Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 211 Dunkel Pick: Denver (-1 1/2); Over |
| Game 817-818: LA Clippers at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 129.860; Utah 118.973 Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 11; 197 Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2; 192 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-2); Over |
| Game 819-820: New York at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New York 120.030; Sacramento 109.561 Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 10 1/2; 191 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A |
| Game 821-822: Philadelphia at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.181; Golden State 123.618 Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 7 1/2; 196 Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 5 1/2; 199 Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-5 1/2); Under |
| Game 823-824: Portland at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Portland 114.685; LA Lakers 123.243 Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8 1/2; 202 Vegas Line & Total: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A |
CBB
-- 5-5 Detroit won four of last five games after 1-4 start (also have two non-D-I wins); Titans are 1-5 on road, with only win at #331 Akron- they're 1-4 vs top 100 teams, beating Akron at home, losing by 3-15-13-4 points. Temple just upset Syracuse after losing to Canisius; six of its nine wins are by 11+ points.
-- Providence won last five games with crosstown rival Brown by 31-27-16-24-19 points; Friars only play seven guys, are 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 1-32-10-34 points. Brown lost five of last six tilts, losing by 27 to Notre Dame, 21 to Northwestern in last two; they turn ball over 21.8% of time- this is their second game in last 20 days.
-- Gonzaga beat Baylor 68-64 in Texas two years ago, in last meeting in series; Bears are 4-2 vs top 100 teams, but Kentucky (64-55 Baylor win in inly road game) was only one of six that is ranked above #45. Gonzaga is 6-1 vs top 100 teams, 1-1 vs top 70, losing by 11 to Illinois at home, before beating K-State by 16- they shoot 57.5% inside the arc.
-- 7-4 Nevada won its last three games; they're 3-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 18-1-13 points; all four Wolf Pack losses are vs teams ranked from 138-165, so they're no superpower- they still haven't been in a top 100 game. 3-7 Yale is playing first D-I game in 20 days; they're turning ball over 23.6% of time, have one loss by more than 13 points.
-- First true road game for 10-1 Missouri's whose only loss was to #2 Louisville on neutral court; they beat rival Illinois in St Louis last game; Tigers' other top 100 win was by 3 over VCU on neutral floor. UCLA won last four games, scoring 91.7 ppg in last three; they're 1-2 against top 100 teams, with only win by a basket over Texas in Houston.
-- Underachieving Iona is 6-5, losing by 14 at LaSalle in only game with A-16 squad; they're 1-2 on road, winning by 3 at Georgia, losing by 2 at St Peter's. Gaels allowed 81+ points in four of five losses. St Joe's has also disappointed at 5-4, losing at home to MAAC's Fairfield last game; Hawks lost 104-99 in double OT at Iona last season.
-- 6-6 Rider scored 52-45 points in losing last two games; they turn ball over 24.9% of time, are 2-3 on road, losing by 12-13-17 points, winning at Drexel/Siena. Rutgers is playing better with Coach Rice suspended- this is last game of his sentence. Knights won four in row, eight of last nine games- they start Big East play with game at Syracuse next week.
-- Morehead State lost five of last six games, is putting opponents on the foul line more than any team in country; their old coach Tyndall comes to town here with new team Southern Miss which is 8-4 but turning ball over 25.9% of time. All four USM losses are against teams ranked in top 110- they're 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, with wins by 12-18-38-2.
-- Bowling Green lost last game in triple OT at South Florida; they're 0-2 on road, also losing by 11 at Robert Morris. North Dakota is 0-8 against D-I teams, losing last three games by 29-12-9 points; they make 28.9% of shots behind arc, lost home games vs D-I teams by 3-9 points. BG allowed average of 50.5 ppg in its four Division I wins.
-- Veteran Saint Louis squad won last five games, allowing 46.7 ppg in its last three; Billikens are 2-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 22-27 points- they've got New Mexico visiting Monday. SI-Edwardsville is 0-4 on road vs D-I teams, losing by 14-11-11-19 points; they're making only 39% of 2-point shots, turning ball over on 22% of possessions.
-- 5-5 Detroit won four of last five games after 1-4 start (also have two non-D-I wins); Titans are 1-5 on road, with only win at #331 Akron- they're 1-4 vs top 100 teams, beating Akron at home, losing by 3-15-13-4 points. Temple just upset Syracuse after losing to Canisius; six of its nine wins are by 11+ points.
-- Providence won last five games with crosstown rival Brown by 31-27-16-24-19 points; Friars only play seven guys, are 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 1-32-10-34 points. Brown lost five of last six tilts, losing by 27 to Notre Dame, 21 to Northwestern in last two; they turn ball over 21.8% of time- this is their second game in last 20 days.
-- Gonzaga beat Baylor 68-64 in Texas two years ago, in last meeting in series; Bears are 4-2 vs top 100 teams, but Kentucky (64-55 Baylor win in inly road game) was only one of six that is ranked above #45. Gonzaga is 6-1 vs top 100 teams, 1-1 vs top 70, losing by 11 to Illinois at home, before beating K-State by 16- they shoot 57.5% inside the arc.
-- 7-4 Nevada won its last three games; they're 3-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 18-1-13 points; all four Wolf Pack losses are vs teams ranked from 138-165, so they're no superpower- they still haven't been in a top 100 game. 3-7 Yale is playing first D-I game in 20 days; they're turning ball over 23.6% of time, have one loss by more than 13 points.
-- First true road game for 10-1 Missouri's whose only loss was to #2 Louisville on neutral court; they beat rival Illinois in St Louis last game; Tigers' other top 100 win was by 3 over VCU on neutral floor. UCLA won last four games, scoring 91.7 ppg in last three; they're 1-2 against top 100 teams, with only win by a basket over Texas in Houston.
-- Underachieving Iona is 6-5, losing by 14 at LaSalle in only game with A-16 squad; they're 1-2 on road, winning by 3 at Georgia, losing by 2 at St Peter's. Gaels allowed 81+ points in four of five losses. St Joe's has also disappointed at 5-4, losing at home to MAAC's Fairfield last game; Hawks lost 104-99 in double OT at Iona last season.
-- 6-6 Rider scored 52-45 points in losing last two games; they turn ball over 24.9% of time, are 2-3 on road, losing by 12-13-17 points, winning at Drexel/Siena. Rutgers is playing better with Coach Rice suspended- this is last game of his sentence. Knights won four in row, eight of last nine games- they start Big East play with game at Syracuse next week.
-- Morehead State lost five of last six games, is putting opponents on the foul line more than any team in country; their old coach Tyndall comes to town here with new team Southern Miss which is 8-4 but turning ball over 25.9% of time. All four USM losses are against teams ranked in top 110- they're 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, with wins by 12-18-38-2.
-- Bowling Green lost last game in triple OT at South Florida; they're 0-2 on road, also losing by 11 at Robert Morris. North Dakota is 0-8 against D-I teams, losing last three games by 29-12-9 points; they make 28.9% of shots behind arc, lost home games vs D-I teams by 3-9 points. BG allowed average of 50.5 ppg in its four Division I wins.
-- Veteran Saint Louis squad won last five games, allowing 46.7 ppg in its last three; Billikens are 2-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 22-27 points- they've got New Mexico visiting Monday. SI-Edwardsville is 0-4 on road vs D-I teams, losing by 14-11-11-19 points; they're making only 39% of 2-point shots, turning ball over on 22% of possessions.
[h=1]NCAA Football Game Picks[/h] [h=2]Minnesota vs. Texas Tech[/h] The Red Raiders look to bounce back from their 52-45 loss to Baylor and build on their 5-2 ATS record in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Texas Tech is the pick (-12 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Raiders favored by 15. Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-12 1/2). Here are all of this year's bowl games.
| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 Time Posted: 9:00 p.m. EST (12/12) |
| Game 223-224: Ohio vs. UL-Monroe (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 71.274; UL-Monroe 79.423 Dunkel Line: UL-Monroe by 8; 57 Vegas Line: UL-Monroe by 7; 60 Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (-7); Under |
| Game 225-226: Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech (5:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 83.855; Virginia Tech 88.030 Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 4; 46 Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 2; 41 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-2); Over |
| Game 227-228: Minnesota vs. Texas Tech (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 80.863; Texas Tech 95.660 Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 15; 54 Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 12 1/2; 57 Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-12 1/2); Under |
StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets
CBB BAYLOR at GONZAGA
Play Under - All teams where the total is between 140 and 149.5 points off a home win by 10 points or more, on Friday nights.
81-40 over the last 5 seasons. ( 66.9% 37.0 units )
2-8 this year. ( 20.0% -6.8 units )
CBB BOWLING GREEN at N DAKOTA
Play Against - A home team vs. the money line (N DAKOTA) after failing to cover the spread in 4 or more consecutive games, a bad team (20% to 40%) playing a team with a losing record.
25-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 58.1% 23.3 units )
0-1 this year. ( 0.0% -1.0 units )
CBB BOWLING GREEN at N DAKOTA
Play Against - Underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points vs. the first half line (N DAKOTA) after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread, terrible team, winning 20% or less of their games on the season.
62-28 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.9% 31.2 units )
CBB BAYLOR at GONZAGA
Play Under - All teams where the total is between 140 and 149.5 points off a home win by 10 points or more, on Friday nights.
81-40 over the last 5 seasons. ( 66.9% 37.0 units )
2-8 this year. ( 20.0% -6.8 units )
CBB BOWLING GREEN at N DAKOTA
Play Against - A home team vs. the money line (N DAKOTA) after failing to cover the spread in 4 or more consecutive games, a bad team (20% to 40%) playing a team with a losing record.
25-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 58.1% 23.3 units )
0-1 this year. ( 0.0% -1.0 units )
CBB BOWLING GREEN at N DAKOTA
Play Against - Underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points vs. the first half line (N DAKOTA) after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread, terrible team, winning 20% or less of their games on the season.
62-28 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.9% 31.2 units )
StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets
NBA LA CLIPPERS at UTAH
Play Against - Home underdogs (UTAH) revenging a loss vs opponent against opponent off 2 consecutive home wins by 10 points or more.
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% 26.2 units )
3-1 this year. ( 75.0% 1.9 units )
NBA ORLANDO at WASHINGTON
Play On - Home teams vs. the money line (WASHINGTON) after being beaten by the spread by 30 or more points total in their last five games, vs. division opponents.
77-36 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.1% 36.1 units )
4-3 this year. ( 57.1% 2.0 units )
NBA LA CLIPPERS at UTAH
Play Under - Home teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points after being beaten by the spread by 18 or more points total in their last three games, on Friday nights.
127-70 since 1997. ( 64.5% 50.0 units )
4-2 this year. ( 66.7% 1.8 units )
NBA LA CLIPPERS at UTAH
Play Against - Home underdogs (UTAH) revenging a loss vs opponent against opponent off 2 consecutive home wins by 10 points or more.
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% 26.2 units )
3-1 this year. ( 75.0% 1.9 units )
NBA ORLANDO at WASHINGTON
Play On - Home teams vs. the money line (WASHINGTON) after being beaten by the spread by 30 or more points total in their last five games, vs. division opponents.
77-36 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.1% 36.1 units )
4-3 this year. ( 57.1% 2.0 units )
NBA LA CLIPPERS at UTAH
Play Under - Home teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points after being beaten by the spread by 18 or more points total in their last three games, on Friday nights.
127-70 since 1997. ( 64.5% 50.0 units )
4-2 this year. ( 66.7% 1.8 units )
NCAAB
Friday, December 28
First look: UCLA vs. Missouri basketball
by Peter Yoon
What: No. 7 Missouri Tigers (10-1) vs UCLA Bruins (9-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m. PT
Where: Pauley Pavilion
TV: ESPN 2
Radio: AM 570
Scouting the Bruins: UCLA is on a season-best four-game win streak, but is looking for its first victory over a ranked opponent this season. Offensively, the Bruins have been on a tear the past three games as they are averaging 91.6 points per game and shooting 57.6 percent over that stretch. Freshmen Shabazz Muhammad (18.8 points per game) and Jordan Adams (18.2) continue to battle for the team’s scoring lead and both have scored 20 or more in consecutive games. Kyle Anderson joined the 20-point club last time out and is also the team’s top rebounder at 8.7 per game.
Scouting the Tigers: Missouri enters on a six-game win streak and is coming off of an impressive 82-73 victory over then-No. 10 Illinois. The Tigers have a lot of size and strength inside and are leading the nation in rebounding with 47.2 per game. Alex Oriakhi, a 6-9 forward, is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game while 6-7 forward Laurence Bowers is averaging 6.7. They have out-rebounded opponents by more than 14 per game. Bowers also leads the team in scoring with 16.9 points per game and has made 13 of 23 3-point attempts (56.5 percent). The Tigers average 78.2 points per game with quick point guard Phil Pressey running the offense. This will be Missouri’s first road game of the season, though the Tigers are 3-1 in neutral-site games. Their lone loss came against No. 4 Louisville.
The series: UCLA leads the series 5-1, though Missouri won the last time out with an 82-73 victory in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. UCLA’s best memory in the series came during the 1995 run to the NCAA championship when Tyus Edney dribbled the length of the court in 4.8 seconds and scored the game-winning basket in a 75-74 victory in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This will be the first time since 1975 that the teams have met in Pauley Pavilion.
Quick quote: "We need a win over anybody we play, ranked or unranked,” UCLA coach Ben Howland on the importance of getting a win over a ranked opponent.
Friday, December 28
First look: UCLA vs. Missouri basketball
by Peter Yoon
What: No. 7 Missouri Tigers (10-1) vs UCLA Bruins (9-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m. PT
Where: Pauley Pavilion
TV: ESPN 2
Radio: AM 570
Scouting the Bruins: UCLA is on a season-best four-game win streak, but is looking for its first victory over a ranked opponent this season. Offensively, the Bruins have been on a tear the past three games as they are averaging 91.6 points per game and shooting 57.6 percent over that stretch. Freshmen Shabazz Muhammad (18.8 points per game) and Jordan Adams (18.2) continue to battle for the team’s scoring lead and both have scored 20 or more in consecutive games. Kyle Anderson joined the 20-point club last time out and is also the team’s top rebounder at 8.7 per game.
Scouting the Tigers: Missouri enters on a six-game win streak and is coming off of an impressive 82-73 victory over then-No. 10 Illinois. The Tigers have a lot of size and strength inside and are leading the nation in rebounding with 47.2 per game. Alex Oriakhi, a 6-9 forward, is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game while 6-7 forward Laurence Bowers is averaging 6.7. They have out-rebounded opponents by more than 14 per game. Bowers also leads the team in scoring with 16.9 points per game and has made 13 of 23 3-point attempts (56.5 percent). The Tigers average 78.2 points per game with quick point guard Phil Pressey running the offense. This will be Missouri’s first road game of the season, though the Tigers are 3-1 in neutral-site games. Their lone loss came against No. 4 Louisville.
The series: UCLA leads the series 5-1, though Missouri won the last time out with an 82-73 victory in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. UCLA’s best memory in the series came during the 1995 run to the NCAA championship when Tyus Edney dribbled the length of the court in 4.8 seconds and scored the game-winning basket in a 75-74 victory in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This will be the first time since 1975 that the teams have met in Pauley Pavilion.
Quick quote: "We need a win over anybody we play, ranked or unranked,” UCLA coach Ben Howland on the importance of getting a win over a ranked opponent.
NCAAB
Friday, December 28
Sizing up the remaining unbeatens
by Andy Katz
The beauty of the college basketball regular season is that a team can lose a few games and still be in fine position for a national championship run.
But there is always an allure about those who enter their conference season unblemished to see how invincible they will be entering the New Year.
Prior to Thursday night's games, there were five remaining unbeaten teams and 19 one-loss teams, as well as two others (Florida, 8-2) and (Kentucky, 8-3) that cannot and should not be dismissed from any Final Four discussion. Both the Wildcats and Gators have played a much more difficult schedule than the majority of one-loss and undefeated teams.
There are a slew of one-loss teams that are more than capable of winning the national title such as Kansas (10-1), Louisville (11-1), Syracuse (10-1), Indiana (11-1), Creighton (11-1), UNLV (11-1), Missouri (10-1) and Gonzaga (11-1). And it's easy to make the argument that those teams, such as Kansas, Louisville, Syracuse and Indiana, are more likely to challenge for the national title than the five remaining undefeated teams.
But for the purposes of this argument, let's look at the remaining unbeatens as they stand today:
Duke (11-0)
Most impressive wins: Minnesota, VCU and Louisville in successive days in Atlantis; Kentucky in Atlanta; Ohio State at home and Temple in New Jersey.
Biggest question answered: Quinn Cook is a starting point guard and has been a stable presence.
National player of the year candidate: Mason Plumlee. Plumlee has been a double-double machine for the Blue Devils. He may be the most reliable player at his position in the country.
Difference-maker: When Seth Curry is making 3s, the Blue Devils are even harder to beat.
What to watch for: How will Duke handle true road games in the ACC? The three toughest games on the schedule would seem to be at NC State (Jan. 12), at Maryland (Feb. 16) and at North Carolina (March 9).
Final Four potential: Duke has to be considered a favorite to land in Atlanta. The team possesses experience at key positions, younger players who are becoming increasingly comfortable, there is size inside and now a growing confidence that it can win the championship.
Michigan (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Pitt in New York at the NIT Season Tip-Off and NC State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.
Biggest question answered: The Wolverines don't miss Stu Douglass and Zach Novak as much as was predicted. The youthful Wolverines have bought into John Beilein's defensive concepts.
National player of the year candidate: Trey Burke is an exceptional point guard. He gets the Wolverines up and running as efficiently as any point in the country. His play has allowed Tim Hardaway Jr., to flourish in his natural position.
Difference-maker: The continued development of the Michigan big men in Jordan Morgan, Mitch McGary and Glen Robinson III as well as the stretch shooting of Nik Stauskas.
What to watch for: How does Michigan get through the Big Ten gauntlet? The Big Ten is the toughest conference this season, and Michigan will have to navigate trips to Ohio State (Jan. 13), Minnesota (Jan. 17), Illinois (Jan. 27), Indiana (Feb. 2), Wisconsin (Feb. 9) and Michigan State (Feb. 12). I would put that conference road schedule against any other contender in the country. It's not close. This is the toughest.
Final Four potential: Michigan has proved that it has the point guard play, the shooting, the power play inside and can defend well enough to get to Atlanta.
Arizona (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Florida in Tucson and San Diego State in the final of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.
Biggest question answered: Mark Lyons has adjusted as well as any one-year transfer I can remember. He was handed a leadership role and has excelled, making a game-winning shot to beat Florida. He has proved to be a consistent presence for the Wildcats at the point.
National player of the year candidate: Lyons, Solomon Hill and Nick Johnson have all had their moments and will be in contention for Pac-12 player of the year. But none will get enough momentum for consideration for national player of the year.
Difference-maker: Johnson. He has been the ultimate glue guy, making key plays in a variety of ways, none bigger than blocking Chase Tapley's potential game-winning layup in the Diamond Head final.
What to watch for: Arizona is the favorite in the Pac-12 and enters the conference doing more than enough to raise the conference's profile. The road wins at Texas Tech and Clemson were games the Wildcats should have won and they did. The comeback win over Florida was a tremendous effort and confidence boost. Getting through the rugged Diamond Head proved they had the stamina. Now, Arizona has to rise to the challenge of being the team to beat in the Pac-12. It is more than doable based on the inconsistency of the rest of the conference.
Final Four potential: This squad has it. The key will be the continued development of the newcomers, notably Kaleb Tarczewski, who is getting featured more and more as he improves his activity on the court.
Cincinnati (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Oregon in Las Vegas; Xavier in a rivalry game and Alabama at home when the Tide were playing well.
Biggest question answered: The Bearcats are never going to be a dominant low-post scoring team. But when needed, the Bearcats have been able to finish around the basket. Titus Rubles, JaQuon Parker, Justin Jackson and Cheikh Mbodj can take care of business of scoring and defending the post when locked in to the task at hand. The Bearcats have bigs serviceable enough to get by in the Big East.
National player of the year candidate: Sean Kilpatrick will enter the Big East as a legit player of the year contender. He has the ability to score in bunches. He flourishes playing off Cashmere Wright, who has stabilized the point.
Difference-maker: Wright. Mick Cronin has the confidence to hand him the ball and let him make a play, as he did against Alabama. Wright is a senior and has asserted himself as much more of a leader on a team that desperately needed to be led.
What to watch for: The Bearcats take possessions off and sometimes go through the motions. That cannot happen in the Big East with a host of teams that could easily knock them from their perch. Cincinnati believes it is in the same category as Louisville and Syracuse and above Pitt, Georgetown and Notre Dame in the pecking order of Big East title contenders. Now the Bearcats have to prove it. The schedule didn't do them any favors since they go to Syracuse (Jan. 21) and Louisville (March 4) without a return game. Cincinnati will find out about itself early at Pitt (Dec. 31) and at home against Notre Dame (Jan. 7).
Final Four potential: The Bearcats have it, but I'd be surprised. The lack of a proven post player may cost them in trying to win four in the NCAA tournament. Their lack of focus at times could bite them in an early round.
Wyoming (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Colorado and at Illinois State.
Biggest question answered: Leonard Washington has been a leader for the Cowboys despite all his issues, including a suspension last year. The Cowboys weren't sure who they could rely on early on but Washington has done everything asked of him so far.
National player of the year candidate: Washington is a Mountain West Conference Player of the Year candidate, but he won't be in the conversation for the national honor.
Difference-maker: Larry Nance Jr. The sophomore has played up in the big games for Wyoming, scoring 14 against Colorado, 19 in the win over Illinois State and 21 in a win over rival Denver. The Cowboys' staple has been their defense, as you'd expect from a Larry Shyatt-coached team, but it's their surprisingly-balanced offense that has been a pleasant plus.
What to watch for: Wyoming may be in the most balanced league in the country. It has to deal with two games against UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Colorado State and Boise State, let alone playing Nevada and Air Force. There are zero easy games on this schedule. To expect Wyoming to get through this without getting beaten up is unrealistic.
Final Four potential: No shot. But the Cowboys are going to the postseason. Shyatt has already put the Cowboys in the NIT conversation, barring a complete collapse. An NCAA berth is hardly out of the question if they can hold serve at the Arena Auditorium.
Friday, December 28
Sizing up the remaining unbeatens
by Andy Katz
The beauty of the college basketball regular season is that a team can lose a few games and still be in fine position for a national championship run.
But there is always an allure about those who enter their conference season unblemished to see how invincible they will be entering the New Year.
Prior to Thursday night's games, there were five remaining unbeaten teams and 19 one-loss teams, as well as two others (Florida, 8-2) and (Kentucky, 8-3) that cannot and should not be dismissed from any Final Four discussion. Both the Wildcats and Gators have played a much more difficult schedule than the majority of one-loss and undefeated teams.
There are a slew of one-loss teams that are more than capable of winning the national title such as Kansas (10-1), Louisville (11-1), Syracuse (10-1), Indiana (11-1), Creighton (11-1), UNLV (11-1), Missouri (10-1) and Gonzaga (11-1). And it's easy to make the argument that those teams, such as Kansas, Louisville, Syracuse and Indiana, are more likely to challenge for the national title than the five remaining undefeated teams.
But for the purposes of this argument, let's look at the remaining unbeatens as they stand today:
Duke (11-0)
Most impressive wins: Minnesota, VCU and Louisville in successive days in Atlantis; Kentucky in Atlanta; Ohio State at home and Temple in New Jersey.
Biggest question answered: Quinn Cook is a starting point guard and has been a stable presence.
National player of the year candidate: Mason Plumlee. Plumlee has been a double-double machine for the Blue Devils. He may be the most reliable player at his position in the country.
Difference-maker: When Seth Curry is making 3s, the Blue Devils are even harder to beat.
What to watch for: How will Duke handle true road games in the ACC? The three toughest games on the schedule would seem to be at NC State (Jan. 12), at Maryland (Feb. 16) and at North Carolina (March 9).
Final Four potential: Duke has to be considered a favorite to land in Atlanta. The team possesses experience at key positions, younger players who are becoming increasingly comfortable, there is size inside and now a growing confidence that it can win the championship.
Michigan (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Pitt in New York at the NIT Season Tip-Off and NC State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.
Biggest question answered: The Wolverines don't miss Stu Douglass and Zach Novak as much as was predicted. The youthful Wolverines have bought into John Beilein's defensive concepts.
National player of the year candidate: Trey Burke is an exceptional point guard. He gets the Wolverines up and running as efficiently as any point in the country. His play has allowed Tim Hardaway Jr., to flourish in his natural position.
Difference-maker: The continued development of the Michigan big men in Jordan Morgan, Mitch McGary and Glen Robinson III as well as the stretch shooting of Nik Stauskas.
What to watch for: How does Michigan get through the Big Ten gauntlet? The Big Ten is the toughest conference this season, and Michigan will have to navigate trips to Ohio State (Jan. 13), Minnesota (Jan. 17), Illinois (Jan. 27), Indiana (Feb. 2), Wisconsin (Feb. 9) and Michigan State (Feb. 12). I would put that conference road schedule against any other contender in the country. It's not close. This is the toughest.
Final Four potential: Michigan has proved that it has the point guard play, the shooting, the power play inside and can defend well enough to get to Atlanta.
Arizona (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Florida in Tucson and San Diego State in the final of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.
Biggest question answered: Mark Lyons has adjusted as well as any one-year transfer I can remember. He was handed a leadership role and has excelled, making a game-winning shot to beat Florida. He has proved to be a consistent presence for the Wildcats at the point.
National player of the year candidate: Lyons, Solomon Hill and Nick Johnson have all had their moments and will be in contention for Pac-12 player of the year. But none will get enough momentum for consideration for national player of the year.
Difference-maker: Johnson. He has been the ultimate glue guy, making key plays in a variety of ways, none bigger than blocking Chase Tapley's potential game-winning layup in the Diamond Head final.
What to watch for: Arizona is the favorite in the Pac-12 and enters the conference doing more than enough to raise the conference's profile. The road wins at Texas Tech and Clemson were games the Wildcats should have won and they did. The comeback win over Florida was a tremendous effort and confidence boost. Getting through the rugged Diamond Head proved they had the stamina. Now, Arizona has to rise to the challenge of being the team to beat in the Pac-12. It is more than doable based on the inconsistency of the rest of the conference.
Final Four potential: This squad has it. The key will be the continued development of the newcomers, notably Kaleb Tarczewski, who is getting featured more and more as he improves his activity on the court.
Cincinnati (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Oregon in Las Vegas; Xavier in a rivalry game and Alabama at home when the Tide were playing well.
Biggest question answered: The Bearcats are never going to be a dominant low-post scoring team. But when needed, the Bearcats have been able to finish around the basket. Titus Rubles, JaQuon Parker, Justin Jackson and Cheikh Mbodj can take care of business of scoring and defending the post when locked in to the task at hand. The Bearcats have bigs serviceable enough to get by in the Big East.
National player of the year candidate: Sean Kilpatrick will enter the Big East as a legit player of the year contender. He has the ability to score in bunches. He flourishes playing off Cashmere Wright, who has stabilized the point.
Difference-maker: Wright. Mick Cronin has the confidence to hand him the ball and let him make a play, as he did against Alabama. Wright is a senior and has asserted himself as much more of a leader on a team that desperately needed to be led.
What to watch for: The Bearcats take possessions off and sometimes go through the motions. That cannot happen in the Big East with a host of teams that could easily knock them from their perch. Cincinnati believes it is in the same category as Louisville and Syracuse and above Pitt, Georgetown and Notre Dame in the pecking order of Big East title contenders. Now the Bearcats have to prove it. The schedule didn't do them any favors since they go to Syracuse (Jan. 21) and Louisville (March 4) without a return game. Cincinnati will find out about itself early at Pitt (Dec. 31) and at home against Notre Dame (Jan. 7).
Final Four potential: The Bearcats have it, but I'd be surprised. The lack of a proven post player may cost them in trying to win four in the NCAA tournament. Their lack of focus at times could bite them in an early round.
Wyoming (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Colorado and at Illinois State.
Biggest question answered: Leonard Washington has been a leader for the Cowboys despite all his issues, including a suspension last year. The Cowboys weren't sure who they could rely on early on but Washington has done everything asked of him so far.
National player of the year candidate: Washington is a Mountain West Conference Player of the Year candidate, but he won't be in the conversation for the national honor.
Difference-maker: Larry Nance Jr. The sophomore has played up in the big games for Wyoming, scoring 14 against Colorado, 19 in the win over Illinois State and 21 in a win over rival Denver. The Cowboys' staple has been their defense, as you'd expect from a Larry Shyatt-coached team, but it's their surprisingly-balanced offense that has been a pleasant plus.
What to watch for: Wyoming may be in the most balanced league in the country. It has to deal with two games against UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Colorado State and Boise State, let alone playing Nevada and Air Force. There are zero easy games on this schedule. To expect Wyoming to get through this without getting beaten up is unrealistic.
Final Four potential: No shot. But the Cowboys are going to the postseason. Shyatt has already put the Cowboys in the NIT conversation, barring a complete collapse. An NCAA berth is hardly out of the question if they can hold serve at the Arena Auditorium.
