SPORTS WAGERS NHL
Anaheim +105 over
In its most important game of the year hosting Washington on Friday night, the Panthers were outshot 41-23 and lost 2-1. In its last three wins, Florida managed 23, 20 and 19 shots on net. The Panthers are creating less scoring chances than just about anyone over the past month and things don't figure to get better until they get a whole slew of healthy bodies back. Three of Florida's top d-men remain out and it shows, as their makeshift defense is not moving out of the zone in an efficient manner. This offensively challenged team will now have to face one of the hottest goaltenders in the game in Jonas Hiller and the hottest team in the league too. The Ducks come in on a 14-2-3 run. They were robbed in New Jersey on Friday night when a goal in OT was overturned, not to mention two goalposts in OT and one in the shootout. That's not sitting well with them and they'll be ready to take it out on the Panthers. Despite that loss, the Ducks are playing outstanding hockey under Bruce Boudreau and have picked up points in eight straight. As a result of their hot streak, suddenly a playoff birth is a reachable goal and it's doubtful the Panthers get in the way. Play: Anaheim +105 (Risking 2 units).
Boston -½ -108 over MINNESOTA
You've heard of dead man walking. Well, this is dead team skating here, as the NHL has not seen futility like this Wild bunch in a long, long time. Minnesota lost to St. Louis yesterday 4-0. They've scored one goal or less in six of its last eight games. Its only win over that span was a 1-0 victory over Colorado. In 16 of its last 27 games, Minnesota has scored one goal or less. A Junior-A team could produce more than that. They managed 13 shots on net yesterday. Now the Wild will play their third game in four days and tail end of back-to-backs. They also picked the wrong time to face the Bruins. Boston has just three wins in its last eight games and as a result, its stock is low. It's for that reason we get such a favorable line. However, the score doesn't always tell the story. Despite going 3-3 in its last six, Boston has not been outplayed in any of them. They completely dominated the Rangers in that 3-0 loss. Against Montreal and Winnipeg, both on the road, they played two strong games and deserved more than the two points. The best news is that the Bruins are not feeling complacent. They're taking some heat from the press and that's a good thing, as they'll come in here determined not to lose to this sick host. This is a mismatch of mammoth proportions and frankly, we can't see how the Bruins don't dominate from start to finish against a tired, demoralized and talentless group. Play: Boston -½ -108 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
SPORTS WAGERS Hoops
Sacramento +114 over CLEVELAND
Usually we don't put a lot of emphasis on key players being out because it's figured into the line. However, Anderson Varejao out for the Cavaliers is a huge blow because he's the heart and soul of the team and the defense. Minus Varejao, the Cavs' defense goes from decent to lousy in a heartbeat. Antawn Jamieson and Omri Casspi play no defense and this high scoring act from Sacramento should be able to come in here and get terrific looks all day. The Kings have lost four straight but they played in New York and Chicago and lost by just six to the Bulls. Prior to that they had won four of five and that includes a win over the Thunder. All five starters for the Kings can put up double digits. If two guys are cold, three others are not. This is as good an offense as any in the league right now and we just don't see how the Cavs are going to defend them without Varejao or keep pace with them. What makes this dog so appealing is that if Varejao were in, the Cavs would be about the same price. Oddsmakers have this one incorrect. Play: Sacramento +114 (Risking 2 units).
RUTGERS +10½ over Syracuse
The Orange has lost one game this season. That one loss occurred about a month ago in Notre Dame. Syracuse comes in ranked #2 in the country, on a six game winning streak and having beaten Rutgers 10 straight. Overall, Rutgers has dropped four straight and six of seven. Three of its last four losses have been by double digits. All this doesn't make for an easy case of pulling the trigger on the home team. However, you're going to pay a premium for wagering on the Orangemen today and that seldom comes recommended. We've seen this situation far too often. That being a ranked team laying significant road points in a conference matchup and not covering. Syracuse is coming off that very fortunate win over Louisville. They were also fortunate to beat both Georgetown and West Virginia. They're good, but they've also had every bounce go their way. The Scarlett Knights have underacheived. They were supposed to be better than this. They're loaded with bigs and they've played tremendous defense from time to time. The problem is too many minutes of unfocused basketball. This is a game they should have no problem getting up for and staying focused for 48 minutes. The Scarlett Knights have had a lot of good games this year that include a 2-point loss at Georgetown, a double OT loss to Florida, and wins over Cinci and UConn. This is the perfect spot for another strong showing. Play: Rutgers +10½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).
Penn State +15 over WISCONSIN
The Badgers are ranked #17 in the country but we're not convinced that's accurate. They're ranked 17th because of their defense only. In terms of their offense, Wisconsin is one of the worst in the country among major programs. The Badgers rarely blow out anyone. Of their last seven wins, six have been by seven points or less. They've lost every big game they've played this season (North Carolina, Marquette, Michigan State (twice), Michigan, Ohio State and they even lost to Iowa. Penn State is not going to come in here and win. The Nittany Lions offense is actually worse than the Badgers. Penn State has recently lost eight of nine but they're feeling a whole lot better after consecutive wins over Nebraska and Iowa. PSU is certainly out of this thing. With no pressure on them whatsoever and confidence higher than its been in a while, expect the Nittany Lions to hang around for most of the game. With a total of just 112 and with Wisconsin having lost two of three, grabbing the points here makes sense. Play: Penn State +15 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).
Anaheim +105 over
In its most important game of the year hosting Washington on Friday night, the Panthers were outshot 41-23 and lost 2-1. In its last three wins, Florida managed 23, 20 and 19 shots on net. The Panthers are creating less scoring chances than just about anyone over the past month and things don't figure to get better until they get a whole slew of healthy bodies back. Three of Florida's top d-men remain out and it shows, as their makeshift defense is not moving out of the zone in an efficient manner. This offensively challenged team will now have to face one of the hottest goaltenders in the game in Jonas Hiller and the hottest team in the league too. The Ducks come in on a 14-2-3 run. They were robbed in New Jersey on Friday night when a goal in OT was overturned, not to mention two goalposts in OT and one in the shootout. That's not sitting well with them and they'll be ready to take it out on the Panthers. Despite that loss, the Ducks are playing outstanding hockey under Bruce Boudreau and have picked up points in eight straight. As a result of their hot streak, suddenly a playoff birth is a reachable goal and it's doubtful the Panthers get in the way. Play: Anaheim +105 (Risking 2 units).
Boston -½ -108 over MINNESOTA
You've heard of dead man walking. Well, this is dead team skating here, as the NHL has not seen futility like this Wild bunch in a long, long time. Minnesota lost to St. Louis yesterday 4-0. They've scored one goal or less in six of its last eight games. Its only win over that span was a 1-0 victory over Colorado. In 16 of its last 27 games, Minnesota has scored one goal or less. A Junior-A team could produce more than that. They managed 13 shots on net yesterday. Now the Wild will play their third game in four days and tail end of back-to-backs. They also picked the wrong time to face the Bruins. Boston has just three wins in its last eight games and as a result, its stock is low. It's for that reason we get such a favorable line. However, the score doesn't always tell the story. Despite going 3-3 in its last six, Boston has not been outplayed in any of them. They completely dominated the Rangers in that 3-0 loss. Against Montreal and Winnipeg, both on the road, they played two strong games and deserved more than the two points. The best news is that the Bruins are not feeling complacent. They're taking some heat from the press and that's a good thing, as they'll come in here determined not to lose to this sick host. This is a mismatch of mammoth proportions and frankly, we can't see how the Bruins don't dominate from start to finish against a tired, demoralized and talentless group. Play: Boston -½ -108 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
SPORTS WAGERS Hoops
Sacramento +114 over CLEVELAND
Usually we don't put a lot of emphasis on key players being out because it's figured into the line. However, Anderson Varejao out for the Cavaliers is a huge blow because he's the heart and soul of the team and the defense. Minus Varejao, the Cavs' defense goes from decent to lousy in a heartbeat. Antawn Jamieson and Omri Casspi play no defense and this high scoring act from Sacramento should be able to come in here and get terrific looks all day. The Kings have lost four straight but they played in New York and Chicago and lost by just six to the Bulls. Prior to that they had won four of five and that includes a win over the Thunder. All five starters for the Kings can put up double digits. If two guys are cold, three others are not. This is as good an offense as any in the league right now and we just don't see how the Cavs are going to defend them without Varejao or keep pace with them. What makes this dog so appealing is that if Varejao were in, the Cavs would be about the same price. Oddsmakers have this one incorrect. Play: Sacramento +114 (Risking 2 units).
RUTGERS +10½ over Syracuse
The Orange has lost one game this season. That one loss occurred about a month ago in Notre Dame. Syracuse comes in ranked #2 in the country, on a six game winning streak and having beaten Rutgers 10 straight. Overall, Rutgers has dropped four straight and six of seven. Three of its last four losses have been by double digits. All this doesn't make for an easy case of pulling the trigger on the home team. However, you're going to pay a premium for wagering on the Orangemen today and that seldom comes recommended. We've seen this situation far too often. That being a ranked team laying significant road points in a conference matchup and not covering. Syracuse is coming off that very fortunate win over Louisville. They were also fortunate to beat both Georgetown and West Virginia. They're good, but they've also had every bounce go their way. The Scarlett Knights have underacheived. They were supposed to be better than this. They're loaded with bigs and they've played tremendous defense from time to time. The problem is too many minutes of unfocused basketball. This is a game they should have no problem getting up for and staying focused for 48 minutes. The Scarlett Knights have had a lot of good games this year that include a 2-point loss at Georgetown, a double OT loss to Florida, and wins over Cinci and UConn. This is the perfect spot for another strong showing. Play: Rutgers +10½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).
Penn State +15 over WISCONSIN
The Badgers are ranked #17 in the country but we're not convinced that's accurate. They're ranked 17th because of their defense only. In terms of their offense, Wisconsin is one of the worst in the country among major programs. The Badgers rarely blow out anyone. Of their last seven wins, six have been by seven points or less. They've lost every big game they've played this season (North Carolina, Marquette, Michigan State (twice), Michigan, Ohio State and they even lost to Iowa. Penn State is not going to come in here and win. The Nittany Lions offense is actually worse than the Badgers. Penn State has recently lost eight of nine but they're feeling a whole lot better after consecutive wins over Nebraska and Iowa. PSU is certainly out of this thing. With no pressure on them whatsoever and confidence higher than its been in a while, expect the Nittany Lions to hang around for most of the game. With a total of just 112 and with Wisconsin having lost two of three, grabbing the points here makes sense. Play: Penn State +15 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).
HOCKEY CRUSHER
2-0 RUN (100%)
17 FEB 1-0
18 FEB 1-0
BASKETBALL CRUSHER
4-0 RUN (100%)
14 FEB 1-0
16 FEB 1-0
17 FEB 1-0
18 FEB 1-0
JIMMY BOYD
18-6 CBB RUN (75%)
31 JAN 1-0
01 FEB 1-0
02 FEB 3-0
04 FEB 2-1
06 FEB 1-0
08 FEB 0-1
09 FEB 1-1
11 FEB 2-0
12 FEB 1-0
13 FEB 0-1
14 FEB 1-1
15 FEB 1-1
16 FEB 1-0
18 FEB 3-0
NHL
Hot teams
-- Red Wings won their last 22 home games.
-- Penguins won three of their last four overall, six of last nine on road.
-- Bruins are 10-1 in game following their last 11 losses.
-- Chicago won five of last six home games; this is its first home game since Jan 24. Blues won six of their last seven games.
-- Devils won last four road games, allowing six goals. Montreal won five of its last seven games.
-- Ducks won five of their last seven games.
-- Rangers won six of their last eight games.
-- Winnipeg won four of its last six games.
-- Canucks won nine of their last eleven games.
Cold teams
-- Sharks lost seven of their last nine road games.
-- Buffalo lost its last four games, outscored 17-7.
-- Minnesota lost its last seven games, scoring nine goals.
-- Panthers are 3-5 in their last eight home games.
-- Dallas Stars lost four of their last five games. Nashville lost its last four road games, outscored 14-8.
-- Blue Jackets lost seven of their last nine road games.
-- Avalanche lost four of their last five road games.
-- Oilers lost four of their last five games.
Totals
-- Seven of last nine San Jose games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in Buffalo's last eight home games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in Boston's last seven road games.
-- Seven of last eight St Louis road games stayed under.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five New Jersey games.
-- 11 of last 13 Anaheim games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-2 in Nashville's last ten road games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Ranger games.
-- Under is 4-0-2 in Colorado's last six away games.
-- Six of last seven Edmonton games went over the total.
Series records
-- Sharks won their last three games against Detroit.
-- Penguins won seven of last eight games against Buffalo.
-- Minnesota won 3-1 at Boston in LY's meeting.
-- Blackhawks won three of last four games with St Louis.
-- Devils won their last seven visits to Montreal.
-- Ducks won last two games with Florida, 3-0/5-3.
-- Dallas Stars won four of last five games with Nashville.
-- Rangers lost 3-1 at Columbus in LY's meeting.
-- Jets won four of their last six games with Colorado.
-- Canucks won seven of last ten games against Edmonton.
Back-to-Back
-- Penguins are 2-5 on road if they played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 3-2 if it played the night before.
-- Blues are 2-5 on road if they played the night before. Chicago is 4-1 at home if it played the night before.
-- Dallas Stars are 0-10 if they played the night before.
-- Columbus is 0-7 on the road if it played the night before.
-- Canucks are 3-4 if they played night before (all on road).
Hot teams
-- Red Wings won their last 22 home games.
-- Penguins won three of their last four overall, six of last nine on road.
-- Bruins are 10-1 in game following their last 11 losses.
-- Chicago won five of last six home games; this is its first home game since Jan 24. Blues won six of their last seven games.
-- Devils won last four road games, allowing six goals. Montreal won five of its last seven games.
-- Ducks won five of their last seven games.
-- Rangers won six of their last eight games.
-- Winnipeg won four of its last six games.
-- Canucks won nine of their last eleven games.
Cold teams
-- Sharks lost seven of their last nine road games.
-- Buffalo lost its last four games, outscored 17-7.
-- Minnesota lost its last seven games, scoring nine goals.
-- Panthers are 3-5 in their last eight home games.
-- Dallas Stars lost four of their last five games. Nashville lost its last four road games, outscored 14-8.
-- Blue Jackets lost seven of their last nine road games.
-- Avalanche lost four of their last five road games.
-- Oilers lost four of their last five games.
Totals
-- Seven of last nine San Jose games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in Buffalo's last eight home games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in Boston's last seven road games.
-- Seven of last eight St Louis road games stayed under.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five New Jersey games.
-- 11 of last 13 Anaheim games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-2 in Nashville's last ten road games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Ranger games.
-- Under is 4-0-2 in Colorado's last six away games.
-- Six of last seven Edmonton games went over the total.
Series records
-- Sharks won their last three games against Detroit.
-- Penguins won seven of last eight games against Buffalo.
-- Minnesota won 3-1 at Boston in LY's meeting.
-- Blackhawks won three of last four games with St Louis.
-- Devils won their last seven visits to Montreal.
-- Ducks won last two games with Florida, 3-0/5-3.
-- Dallas Stars won four of last five games with Nashville.
-- Rangers lost 3-1 at Columbus in LY's meeting.
-- Jets won four of their last six games with Colorado.
-- Canucks won seven of last ten games against Edmonton.
Back-to-Back
-- Penguins are 2-5 on road if they played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 3-2 if it played the night before.
-- Blues are 2-5 on road if they played the night before. Chicago is 4-1 at home if it played the night before.
-- Dallas Stars are 0-10 if they played the night before.
-- Columbus is 0-7 on the road if it played the night before.
-- Canucks are 3-4 if they played night before (all on road).
NBA
Hot Teams
-- Dallas won last six games, covering last three on road; Knicks are 7-1 in last eight games, covering six of last seven at home.
-- Orlando won/covered its last four games. Miami won/covered its last five, but covered just two of last seven at home.
-- Pistons won six of their last eight games.
-- Thunder won their last eight home games (6-2 vs spread).
-- Lakers won last three games, by 2-8-12 points, but they're 1-4 against the spread as a road favorite.
Cold Teams
-- Celtics lost four of their last five games.
-- Kings lost last four games, by 14-6-15-6 points.
-- Indiana lost five of last six games, is 0-7 vs spread in last seven home tilts. Bobcats lost 13 of last 14 on road, but covered last four on road.
-- Minnesota covered once in its last seven home games (3-4 SU). 76ers lost four of their last six games.
-- Utah lost six of its last seven road games (2-5 vs spread). Houston lost three of its last four games.
-- New Jersey lost seven of its last eight games. Bucks lost their last four games, by 5-18-3-9 points.
-- Nuggets lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Suns lost last four games, by 6-17-2-12 points.
Wear and Tear
-- Mavericks: 3rd game/5 days. Knicks: 4th game/6 days.
-- Magic: 3rd game/5 nites. Heat: 2nd game/5 nites.
-- Celtics: Had last two nites off. Pistons: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Kings: 4th game/6 nites. Cavaliers: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Bobcats: 3rd game/5 nites. Pacers: Had last two nites off.
-- 76ers: 3rd game/5 nites. Wolves: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Jazz: 2nd game/5 nites. Rockets: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Bucks: 3rd game/5 nites. Nets: 4th game/5 nites.
-- Nuggets: 4th game/6 nites. Thunder: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Lakers: 2nd game/5 nites. Suns: 5th game/7 nites.
Totals
-- Last five New York home games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Orlando games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Detroit games went over. Five of last seven Boston road games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Cleveland games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Charlotte games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Philly games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Utah games stayed under the total.
-- 12 of last 15 Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3 in Denver's last ten road games.
-- Under is 9-6 in Laker road games.
Hot Teams
-- Dallas won last six games, covering last three on road; Knicks are 7-1 in last eight games, covering six of last seven at home.
-- Orlando won/covered its last four games. Miami won/covered its last five, but covered just two of last seven at home.
-- Pistons won six of their last eight games.
-- Thunder won their last eight home games (6-2 vs spread).
-- Lakers won last three games, by 2-8-12 points, but they're 1-4 against the spread as a road favorite.
Cold Teams
-- Celtics lost four of their last five games.
-- Kings lost last four games, by 14-6-15-6 points.
-- Indiana lost five of last six games, is 0-7 vs spread in last seven home tilts. Bobcats lost 13 of last 14 on road, but covered last four on road.
-- Minnesota covered once in its last seven home games (3-4 SU). 76ers lost four of their last six games.
-- Utah lost six of its last seven road games (2-5 vs spread). Houston lost three of its last four games.
-- New Jersey lost seven of its last eight games. Bucks lost their last four games, by 5-18-3-9 points.
-- Nuggets lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Suns lost last four games, by 6-17-2-12 points.
Wear and Tear
-- Mavericks: 3rd game/5 days. Knicks: 4th game/6 days.
-- Magic: 3rd game/5 nites. Heat: 2nd game/5 nites.
-- Celtics: Had last two nites off. Pistons: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Kings: 4th game/6 nites. Cavaliers: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Bobcats: 3rd game/5 nites. Pacers: Had last two nites off.
-- 76ers: 3rd game/5 nites. Wolves: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Jazz: 2nd game/5 nites. Rockets: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Bucks: 3rd game/5 nites. Nets: 4th game/5 nites.
-- Nuggets: 4th game/6 nites. Thunder: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Lakers: 2nd game/5 nites. Suns: 5th game/7 nites.
Totals
-- Last five New York home games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Orlando games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Detroit games went over. Five of last seven Boston road games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Cleveland games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Charlotte games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Philly games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Utah games stayed under the total.
-- 12 of last 15 Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3 in Denver's last ten road games.
-- Under is 9-6 in Laker road games.
David Banks
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Northwest Divisions top two teams are set to go at one another Sunday Night in the OKC where the Thunder (23-7, 17-13 ATS) will host the slumping Denver Nuggets (17-14, 18-13 ATS); tip-off from the Chesapeake Energy Arena is set to go live on ESPN at 8:00 ET.
Times have been very tough for Head Coach George Karls squad who has been a shell of its former self having dropped nine of its L/12 overall games (4-8 ATS). Denver at one point led the division by a couple games, but now finds itself 6.5-games back after dropping a tough 103-102 decision in Memphis on Friday night. Injuries have played a major role in the Nuggs downfall, as stud Danilo Gallinari has been sidelined with a severe ankle injury and missed each of the teams last six games; his return to the line-up is yet to be determined. If thats not enough, the squads big man Nene Hilario has also been sidelined in the teams last 3+ games after straining a calf muscle. Those two absences have forced Denver to go at its opposition minus an average of 30+ points per game. The Nuggets have dropped four of their L/6 road games and enter with 9-7 SU & 11-5 ATS overall records away from the Pepsi Center.
Owners of the best overall record in the Western Conference, the Thunder are firing on all cylinders entering tonights game having just scored a blowout 110-87 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The home win improved the Thunders record in front of the hometown faithful to 11-1 SU & 7-5 ATS for the year. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook form one of the most explosive duos in the league with the former scoring an average of 26.8 PPG and the latter right behind him with 22.6 PPG. Sixth Man of the Year candidate James Harden is the only other player to average double-digits (17.0 PPG), but the Thunder is a very deep team with seven other players averaging at least 4.0 PPG. Along with possessing the leagues third highest scoring offense (101.6 PPG), OKC has only allowed its opposition to shoot 42.2 percent from the field. If the team could limit its league worst 17.1 turnover average and not send their opponent to the free throw line with insane regularity, the Thunder would be even better than they already are.
This will be the first meeting between these division rivals this season. They last met in the quarterfinal round of the 2011 Playoffs with the Thunder winning the series in a quick five games. The road team is 3-1-1 ATS the L/5 meetings, but the Thunders covered the closing number seven of the L/10 times they hosted the series. Denvers 22-7 ATS its L/29 on the road, but checks in just 1-5 ATS its L/6 versus +.500 opposition. OKCs covered five of its L/7 against the Western Conference, but has failed to cover each of its L/6 versus a +.500 road team. The under is 3-0-1 in the L/4 meetings and 5-2 the L/7 times these teams went at one another in Oklahoma City.
PICK: UNDER
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Northwest Divisions top two teams are set to go at one another Sunday Night in the OKC where the Thunder (23-7, 17-13 ATS) will host the slumping Denver Nuggets (17-14, 18-13 ATS); tip-off from the Chesapeake Energy Arena is set to go live on ESPN at 8:00 ET.
Times have been very tough for Head Coach George Karls squad who has been a shell of its former self having dropped nine of its L/12 overall games (4-8 ATS). Denver at one point led the division by a couple games, but now finds itself 6.5-games back after dropping a tough 103-102 decision in Memphis on Friday night. Injuries have played a major role in the Nuggs downfall, as stud Danilo Gallinari has been sidelined with a severe ankle injury and missed each of the teams last six games; his return to the line-up is yet to be determined. If thats not enough, the squads big man Nene Hilario has also been sidelined in the teams last 3+ games after straining a calf muscle. Those two absences have forced Denver to go at its opposition minus an average of 30+ points per game. The Nuggets have dropped four of their L/6 road games and enter with 9-7 SU & 11-5 ATS overall records away from the Pepsi Center.
Owners of the best overall record in the Western Conference, the Thunder are firing on all cylinders entering tonights game having just scored a blowout 110-87 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The home win improved the Thunders record in front of the hometown faithful to 11-1 SU & 7-5 ATS for the year. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook form one of the most explosive duos in the league with the former scoring an average of 26.8 PPG and the latter right behind him with 22.6 PPG. Sixth Man of the Year candidate James Harden is the only other player to average double-digits (17.0 PPG), but the Thunder is a very deep team with seven other players averaging at least 4.0 PPG. Along with possessing the leagues third highest scoring offense (101.6 PPG), OKC has only allowed its opposition to shoot 42.2 percent from the field. If the team could limit its league worst 17.1 turnover average and not send their opponent to the free throw line with insane regularity, the Thunder would be even better than they already are.
This will be the first meeting between these division rivals this season. They last met in the quarterfinal round of the 2011 Playoffs with the Thunder winning the series in a quick five games. The road team is 3-1-1 ATS the L/5 meetings, but the Thunders covered the closing number seven of the L/10 times they hosted the series. Denvers 22-7 ATS its L/29 on the road, but checks in just 1-5 ATS its L/6 versus +.500 opposition. OKCs covered five of its L/7 against the Western Conference, but has failed to cover each of its L/6 versus a +.500 road team. The under is 3-0-1 in the L/4 meetings and 5-2 the L/7 times these teams went at one another in Oklahoma City.
PICK: UNDER
INDIANAPOLIS -- Purdue kicked guard Kelsey Barlow off the team Friday and suspended swingman D.J. Byrd for a pivotal late-season game following an early-morning incident at a bar.
Lt. Gary Sparger of the West Lafayette police said officers were called to Where Else bar near the Purdue campus just before 3 a.m. after a disturbance. Both Barlow and Byrd were there when police arrived.
Police are investigating an allegation that Byrd assaulted one of the bar's bouncers. Sparger said Barlow had been kicked out of the bar earlier that night, then told bar staff he had left his wallet inside but was not allowed back in.
Byrd was arrested by Indiana State Police for public intoxication and spent five hours in jail. He will miss Sunday's home game against Michigan State (No. 8 ESPN/USA Today, No. 7 AP) as the Boilermakers (17-9, 7-6 Big Ten) try to improve their record and RPI in hopes of an NCAA tournament berth.
In a statement, Purdue said the players were punished for violating unspecified team rules.
"This is an unfortunate situation, but we will move forward as a program," coach Matt Painter said. "We expect our student-athletes to live up to a high standard, and when their actions become detrimental to the program, there are consequences."
The school said it would have no further comment.
Barlow, a 6-foot-5 guard from Indianapolis, started 22 of 26 games this season, averaging 24.3 minutes and 8 points. Byrd, a 6-5 player from Crawfordsville, Ind., had started four games, averaging 17.1 minutes and giving the Boilermakers a deep threat with 45 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Barlow was suspended just before last year's NCAA tournament for conduct detrimental to the team. The Boilermakers lost in the second round to VCU.
Police were expected to file their report with the Tippecanoe County prosecutor's office by Tuesday. A message left at the bar was not immediately returned.
State police declined to comment on the matter, saying the county prosecutor's office would release information. The prosecutor's office did not return repeated calls for information.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
Lt. Gary Sparger of the West Lafayette police said officers were called to Where Else bar near the Purdue campus just before 3 a.m. after a disturbance. Both Barlow and Byrd were there when police arrived.
Police are investigating an allegation that Byrd assaulted one of the bar's bouncers. Sparger said Barlow had been kicked out of the bar earlier that night, then told bar staff he had left his wallet inside but was not allowed back in.
Byrd was arrested by Indiana State Police for public intoxication and spent five hours in jail. He will miss Sunday's home game against Michigan State (No. 8 ESPN/USA Today, No. 7 AP) as the Boilermakers (17-9, 7-6 Big Ten) try to improve their record and RPI in hopes of an NCAA tournament berth.
In a statement, Purdue said the players were punished for violating unspecified team rules.
"This is an unfortunate situation, but we will move forward as a program," coach Matt Painter said. "We expect our student-athletes to live up to a high standard, and when their actions become detrimental to the program, there are consequences."
The school said it would have no further comment.
Barlow, a 6-foot-5 guard from Indianapolis, started 22 of 26 games this season, averaging 24.3 minutes and 8 points. Byrd, a 6-5 player from Crawfordsville, Ind., had started four games, averaging 17.1 minutes and giving the Boilermakers a deep threat with 45 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Barlow was suspended just before last year's NCAA tournament for conduct detrimental to the team. The Boilermakers lost in the second round to VCU.
Police were expected to file their report with the Tippecanoe County prosecutor's office by Tuesday. A message left at the bar was not immediately returned.
State police declined to comment on the matter, saying the county prosecutor's office would release information. The prosecutor's office did not return repeated calls for information.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
