Pointspread: Chicago -2 ½

Over/Under: 185

The Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks will play each other for the first time this season in what will be the first of three meetings scheduled for the month of March. Tonight?s tip-off from Philips Arena is set for 7 p.m. (ET) and the game will be available on NBA League Pass.

Chicago continues to push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with seven wins in its last 10 games including three straight heading into tonight. The Bulls ran their record to 41-17 straight-up (35-21-2 against the spread) with a 105-77 romp over Washington as a 7 ½-point road favorite this past Monday night. They are currently just two games behind Boston in the standings.

Derrick Rose continues to put up MVP-like numbers with 24.8 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds a game while Carlos Boozer is second in scoring with 18.9 points and second in rebounds with 9.7. Chicago got a major lift when their leading rebounder Joakim Noah returned to the lineup after missing close to 30 games with a thumb injury.

Atlanta went 3-4 SU in its recent seven-game road trip and is coming off a 100-90 loss to Denver as a 6 ½-point road underdog this past Monday. The Hawks are 36-24 SU on the year and 27-33 ATS. They are currently in fifth-place in the East; eight games back.

The Hawks have five players scoring in double-figures led by Joe Johnson?s 19.3 points a game. Josh Smith is second with 16.7 points while Al Horford is averaging 16 points and a team-high 9.8 rebounds a game. Jamal Crawford remains one of the best players off the bench with 15 points and 3.2 assists per game.

Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last five games on the road and Atlanta is 3-3 ATS in its last six games at home. Head-to-head, the Hawks have won seven of the last eight games SU and are 6-1 ATS.

Stick with Atlanta as a 2 ½-point underdog as it responds with an outright win at home after a long road trip.

 

NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls @ Atlanta Hawks

The Calgary Flames and the Chicago Blackhawks will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at United Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Blackhawks listed as 190-moneyline favorites versus the Flames, while the game's total is sitting at 5½.

Calgary was a 6-0 winner in its last match on the road against the Blues. They won as +108 underdogs, while the total score of 6 made winners of OVER bettors.

The Blackhawks were a 4-2 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Wild. That made winners of bettors who got Chicago at -108 on the moneyline, while the total score (6) was good news for OVER bettors.

Chicago: Team record: 34-23-6 SU, ATS Current streak: won 5 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Calgary is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

When playing on Wednesday are 5-5 Before playing Edmonton are 6-4 After playing Minnesota are 3-7 After a win are 5-5

Calgary: Team record: 33-23-9 SU, ATS Current streak: won 2 straight games.

is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 9 games when playing on the road against Chicago is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago

When playing on Wednesday are 5-5 Before playing Los Angeles are 4-6 After playing St. Louis are 8-2 After a win are 7-3

Next up: Calgary home to Columbus, Friday, March 4 Chicago home to Carolina, Friday, March 4

 

NHL Preview: Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks

The Missouri Tigers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Cornhuskers listed as 1½-point favorites versus the Tigers, while the game's total is sitting at 140.

Last time out for Missouri, they were an 80-70 loser as they battled Kansas State on the road. They failed to cover in the match as a 4.5-point underdog.

Nebraska was an 83-82 loser in their most recent outing on the road against Iowa State. They failed to cover the 1?point spread as favorites.

Missouri: Team record: 22-7 SU, 11-11 ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 7 games on the road is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Nebraska is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Nebraska is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Kansas are 8-2 After playing Kansas State are 5-5 After a loss are 8-2

Nebraska: Team record: 18-10 SU, 10-10 ATS Current streak: lost 2 straight games.

is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 7 games when playing Missouri is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Missouri is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games

When playing on Tuesday are 4-6 Before playing Colorado are 2-8 After playing Iowa State are 4-6 After a loss are 5-5

Next up: Missouri home to Kansas, Saturday, March 5 Nebraska at Colorado, Saturday, March 5

 

NCAA Basketball Preview: Missouri Tigers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Vanderbilt Commodores and the Kentucky Wildcats will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Rupp Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Wildcats listed as 8-point favorites versus the Commodores, while the game's total is sitting at 148.

Vanderbilt won its last outing, a 90-69 result against LSU on February 26. They covered in that game as an 8.5-point favorite.

In their last action, Kentucky was a 76-68 winner at home against Florida. They earned a push of the 8?point spread as favorites.

Vanderbilt: Team record: 21-7 SU, 14-7-1 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 6 games when playing on the road against Kentucky is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 6 games on the road

When playing on Tuesday are 5-5 Before playing Florida are 8-2 After playing LSU are 6-4 After a win are 6-4

Kentucky: Team record: 20-8 SU, 10-12-1 ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Vanderbilt The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 6 games when playing at home against Vanderbilt

When playing on Tuesday are 7-3 Before playing Tennessee are 5-5 After playing Florida are 8-2 After a win are 5-5

Next up: Vanderbilt home to Florida, Saturday, March 5 Kentucky at Tennessee, Sunday, March 6

 

NCAA Basketball Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Kentucky Wildcats

The Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Rose Garden.

Oddsmakers currently have the Trail Blazers listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Rockets, while the game's total is sitting at 202.

Houston won its last outing, a 91-89 result against the Hornets on February 27. The Rockets covered in that game as a 6-point underdog, while the 180 combined points took the game UNDER the total.

Portland was a 90-83 loser in its last match at home against the Hawks. They failed to cover the 5?point spread as favorites, while the total score of 173 sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.

Houston: Team record: 30-31 SU, 31-28-2 ATS Current streak: won 4 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 7 of last 8 games is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland

When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5 After playing New Orleans are 6-4 After a win are 6-4

Portland: Team record: 33-26 SU, 28-27-4 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing at home against Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

When playing on Tuesday are 5-5 Before playing Sacramento are 5-5 After playing Atlanta are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4

Next up: Houston at LA Clippers, Wednesday, March 2 Portland at Sacramento, Wednesday, March 2

 

NBA Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Amway Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Magic listed as 7-point favorites versus the Knicks, while the game's total is sitting at 212½.

Last time out for New York, they were a 91-86 winner as they battled the Heat on the road. The Knicks covered in the match as a 10-point underdog, while 177 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Last time out for Orlando, they were a 100-86 winner as they battled the Bobcats at home. The Magic covered in the match as a 11-point favorite, while 186 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

New York: Team record: 30-27 SU, 34-21-2 ATS

is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games when playing Orlando The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 8 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 7 games when playing on the road against Orlando

When playing on Tuesday are 3-7 Before playing New Orleans are 2-8 After playing Miami are 3-7 After a win are 4-6

Orlando: Team record: 38-22 SU, 27-31-2 ATS Current streak: won 2 straight games.

is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing New York is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games

When playing on Tuesday are 7-3 Before playing Miami are 6-4 After playing Charlotte are 7-3 After a win are 4-6

Next up: New York home to New Orleans, Wednesday, March 2 Orlando at Miami, Thursday, March 3

 

NBA Preview: New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Vancouver Canucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Rogers Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Canucks listed as 210-moneyline favorites versus the Blue Jackets, while the game's total is sitting at 5½.

The Blue Jackets were a 3-2 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Predators. That made winners of bettors who got Nashville at -132 on the moneyline, while the total score (5) was good news for PUSH bettors.

The Canucks were a 3-1 loser in their most recent outing at home against the Bruins. That made winners of bettors who got Boston at +134 on the moneyline, while the total score (4) was good news for UNDER bettors.

Vancouver: Team record: 39-15-9 SU, ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 games when playing Columbus is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

When playing on Tuesday are 7-3 Before playing San Jose are 5-5 After playing Boston are 4-4-2 After a loss are 7-3

Columbus: Team record: 31-24-6 SU, ATS

is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 games when playing Vancouver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games on the road

When playing on Tuesday are 3-7 Before playing Edmonton are 4-6 After playing Nashville are 2-8 After a loss are 5-5

Next up: Columbus at Edmonton, Thursday, March 3 Vancouver home to Nashville, Thursday, March 3

 

NHL Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks

The Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at STAPLES Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Kings listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Red Wings, while the game's total is sitting at 5½.

Detroit was a 3-2 winner in its last match on the road against the Sabres. They won as -125 favorites, while the total score of 5 made winners of UNDER bettors.

The Kings were a 4-3 winner in their most recent outing at home against the Avalanche. That made winners of bettors who got Los Angeles at -220 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for OVER bettors.

Los Angeles: Team record: 35-23-4 SU, ATS Current streak: won 3 straight games.

is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Dallas are 5-5 After playing Colorado are 6-4 After a win are 7-3

Detroit: Team record: 38-18-6 SU, ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing Los Angeles is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Los Angeles

When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Edmonton are 8-2 After playing Buffalo are 7-3 After a win are 5-5

Next up: Detroit at Anaheim, Wednesday, March 2 Los Angeles home to Phoenix, Thursday, March 3

 

 

NHL Preview: Detroit Red Wings vs. Los Angeles Kings

The Boston Celtics and the Utah Jazz will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at EnergySolutions Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Jazz, while the game's total is sitting at 189½.

Last time out for Boston, they were a 99-92 winner as they battled the Clippers on the road. The Celtics failed to cover in the match as an 8-point favorite, while 191 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Utah was a 120-116 loser in its last match on the road against the Pistons. They failed to cover the 4.5?point spread as favorites, while the total score of 236 sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

Boston: Team record: 42-15 SU, 27-28-2 ATS

is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 10 of last 13 games when playing on the road against Utah The total has gone OVER in 16 of last 22 games when playing Utah The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 6 games

When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Phoenix are 4-6 After playing LA Clippers are 3-7 After a win are 5-5

Utah: Team record: 32-28 SU, 26-33-1 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games at home The total has gone OVER in 10 of last 13 games when playing at home against Boston The total has gone OVER in 16 of last 22 games when playing Boston The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 7 games

When playing on Monday are 7-3 Before playing Denver are 5-5 After playing Detroit are 3-7 After a loss are 5-5

Next up: Boston home to Phoenix, Wednesday, March 2 Utah home to Denver, Thursday, March 3

 

NBA Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Utah Jazz

The Atlanta Hawks and the Denver Nuggets will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Pepsi Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Nuggets listed as 6-point favorites versus the Hawks, while the game's total is sitting at 202.

In their last action, Atlanta was a 90-83 winner on the road against the Trail Blazers. They covered the 5?point spread as underdogs, while the combined score (173) was profitable news for UNDER bettors.

The Nuggets were a 107-106 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Trail Blazers. They covered the 7.5?point spread as underdogs, while the total score (213) made winners of OVER bettors.

Atlanta: Team record: 36-23 SU, 27-32 ATS Current streak: won 2 straight games.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games when playing Denver The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games on the road is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver

When playing on Monday are 7-3 Before playing Chicago are 9-1 After playing Portland are 3-7 After a win are 4-6

Denver: Team record: 34-26 SU, 27-30-3 ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games when playing Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home

When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Charlotte are 7-3 After playing Portland are 7-3 After a loss are 7-3

Next up: Atlanta home to Chicago, Wednesday, March 2 Denver home to Charlotte, Wednesday, March 2

 

 

NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets