Clippers Host Spurs on TNT

Clippers and Spurs Heading in Different Directions

The San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers will battle on Thursday Night at STAPLES Center. These teams are heading in opposite directions at the moment. The Clippers have won four of their past five games. LA is brimming with confidence after posting a 121-116 overtime victory over the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Monday. They look to continue their hot stretch against a Spurs squad that has dropped four of its last five.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT.

LINE: Clippers -6.5; O/U: 217.

Los Angeles has posted consecutive overtime victories. It began with the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday and continued in the extra session against the Warriors. The Clippers blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead.

"It's how we won, we could've played better, so that's my job there," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "We did a couple things defensively that we just can't do to win games down the stretch. I told them after the game, 'Let's be good, let's not be lucky.' The thing I like about our team is we're gonna get better."

The Spurs are slipping after getting mauled 116-96 by the struggling Phoenix Suns on Wednesday to fall to 0-2 on a three-game road trip. The 20-point margin equaled San Antonio's biggest loss of the season. It came two weeks after they pummeled the Suns by 30 in Phoenix.

The Spurs are 7-6 on the season. San Antonio's defense was suspect from the start against Phoenix. It was a game it never led and they allowed the Suns to shoot 56 percent from the field. The worst was allowing 15-of-31 from 3-point range.

Shooting guard DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points for his 10th 20-point outing of the year. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge struggled with 3-of-12 shooting while scoring a season-low six points for the second time in four contests.

The Clippers are 8-5 on the season. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams was the hero against Golden State. He scored 10 of his 25 points in overtime as he quickly shook off being 3-for-16 shooting during regulation.

"There would be no point for me to be on the floor if I didn't have confidence," Williams told reporters after scoring 20 or more points for the fifth time in the past six games.

Power forward Montrezl Harrell scored 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting against Golden State. He has connected on 33-of-41 attempts over the past four contests.

PREDICTION: Clippers 109, Spurs 102

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games
San Antonio is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
San Antonio is 2-15 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Clippers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Clippers's last 9 games
LA Clippers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
LA Clippers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 7 games when playing at home against San Antonio

 

Next up:
San Antonio home to Golden State Sunday, November 18
Los Angeles at Brooklyn Saturday, November 17

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Houston Hosts Tulane in AAC Football Action

Must Win Situation for Houston and Tulane

The Tulane Green Wave and the Houston Cougars meet in a key American Athletic Conference matchup Thursday at TDECU Stadium. They both need a win in to stay in the hunt for the league's West Division title.

Tulane's three-game win streak and Houston's two straight losses have set up a logjam atop the West with SMU. The Mustangs hold the tiebreaker over both.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Houston -8; O/U: 68.5.

Quarterback Justin McMillan has won all three games since taking over as starter for Tulane. The Green Wave defense is what has made a difference. Tulane has allowed 16.6 points during the win streak. They set an NCAA record with 20 pass breakups last week.

Houston's defense has been the problem for the Cougars lately. They have allowed 104 points and 1,051 yards in losses to SMU and Temple. All-American defensive lineman Ed Oliver hasn't played in three weeks because of a bruised knee. The Cougars are without two other starting defensive lineman as Jerard Carter and Isaiah Chambers are lost for the season with injuries.

Tulane and Houston are Heading in Different Directions

Tulane is 5-5 overall and 4-2 in the AAC. McMillan has 721 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and no interceptions in six appearances.  He had scores for 86, 73 and 79 yards last week. Darnell Mooney and Terren Encalade have 11 TD receptions for the Green Wave.

Tulane has rushed for at least 100 yards in 38 straight games.

Senior cornerback Donnie Lewis Jr. has a team-best three interceptions and 15 pass breakups. He had six last week. End Patrick Johnson is second in the American with nine sacks.

The Green Wave held their past three opponents to fewer than 20 points. They joined California, Clemson, Georgia and Michigan with that distinction.

Houston is 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the AAC. Quarterback D'Eriq King has 2,900 passing yards and leads the nation with 35 touchdown passes. He has added another 13 on the ground. Houston is ranked second nationally in total offense at 546.1 yards.

King's 10-game run with at least one rushing score is the nation's longest active streak. King needs four touchdown passes to break the AAC's single-season record of 38. It was set by Memphis' Riley Ferguson, 2017. He broke the league's record for touchdowns responsible for last week.

The Cougars have six receivers with multiple touchdown catches.

The Cougars have forced at least one turnover in all 10 games this season. Recent struggles have dropped them to last nationally in passing yards allowed at 314.1  and 124th in red-zone defense. They have allowed 42 scores in 45 trips.

PREDICTION: Houston 48, Tulane 38

College Football Betting Odds & Trends

Tulane Green Wave
Tulane is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tulane's last 8 games
Tulane is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tulane's last 5 games on the road
Tulane is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Houston
Tulane is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tulane's last 5 games when playing Houston
Tulane is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
Tulane is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston

Houston Cougars
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 15 games at home
Houston is 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Tulane
Houston is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Tulane
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Tulane
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Tulane

 

Next up:
Tulane home to Navy Saturday, November 24
Houston at Memphis Friday, November 23

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Packers and Seahawks in “Must-Win” for Both Teams

Thursday Night Football has a Rare Quality Matchup

The Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks will battle on Thursday Night Football at CenturyLink Field. Both teams are virtually in must win situations as the NFL season reaches Week 10.

The Packers have been making fans of the home team happy this season. They are 4-0-1 at Lambeau Field and 0-4 everywhere else. The Packers look to put an end to their road woes on Thursday night in Seattle.

The Seahawks begin a stretch of five home games in the next seven weeks.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX, NFL Network.

LINE: Seahawks -3 -120; O/U: 49.

"I like our chances at home, but we've got to win some road games or we're going to be at home in January -- for good," said Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers tossed two touchdown passes to Davante Adams in Sunday's 31-12 romp over Miami. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player has thrown 10 scoring strikes with zero interceptions in the last five weeks. He has seven TD passes without getting picked off in his last two Thursday games.

Seattle has answered winning four of five by losing two hotly contested matchups versus the Los Angeles squads. Russell Wilson tossed three touchdown passes in a 36-31 setback at the Rams on Sunday. He has 13 scoring strikes against one interception in his last six games at home.

Both Teams Look for Consistent Play on Both Sides of Ball

The 4-4-1 Packers have another "Aaron" in their midst. Running back Aaron Jones is making his presence felt after rushing for 306 yards and three touchdowns in his last three games. He had a career-high 145 yards with two scores on a season-high 15 carries against the Dolphins.

The Packers aim to exploit the Seahawks' rush defense that has been gashed for 5.0 yards per carry this season. A promising ground attack could create more opportunities for Adams. He has 31 touchdown receptions since 2016 are tied for the most in the league.

TE Jimmy Graham has just six catches for 90 yards in his last three contests. He collected 18 touchdowns in three seasons.

The 4-5 Seahawks are glad to be home. They appear to be getting healthier as running back Chris Carson (hip), right guard D.J. Fluker (calf) and strong safety Bradley McDougal (knee) are in line to be available for Thursday's game.

Carson rejoins a backfield that saw first-round rookie Rashaad Penny rush for a career-best 108 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. Fellow running back Mike Davis had his first career receiving score.

The Packers defense that has surrendered at least 123 rushing yards in each of the last four weeks. The Seahawks look to exploit that weakness as well.

WR Tyler Lockett has a touchdown reception in seven of nine games this season.

LB Bobby Wagner has recorded back-to-back 13-tackle performances and has 29 tackles in his past three home games.

PREDICTION: Packers 24, Seahawks 17.

NFL Betting Odds & Trends

Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Green Bay is 4-7-1 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Green Bay's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Green Bay's last 6 games
Green Bay is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Green Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Green Bay's last 16 games on the road
Green Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Green Bay is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Seattle
Green Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle

Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games
Seattle is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Seattle is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Seattle is 2-7-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Green Bay
Seattle is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Green Bay
Seattle is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Green Bay
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Green Bay

 

Next up:
Green Bay at Minnesota Sunday, November 25
Seattle at Carolina Sunday, November 25

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Villanova Hosts Michigan in NCAA Hoops

Villanova and Michigan in a Rematch of Last Season's NCAA Title Game

The fans at Villanova Pavilion will be treated to a game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Villanova Wildcats when they battle in a rematch of the 2017-18 NCAA Championship Game. Most of the familiar faces from that April showdown have moved on to the NBA. Still, there will be excitement in the air when the eighth-ranked Wildcats host the 18th-ranked Wolverines.

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE: Villanova -7; O/U: 138.5.

In last season's NCAA Tournament Championship game, the Wildcats topped the Wolverines 79-62 for their second championship in three years. Seven of the 11 players who played over 20 minutes in that game will not be playing tonight.

"We weren't thinking about Wednesday coming into this game. We were thinking about Quinnipiac," senior guard Phil Booth said after Saturday's 33-point win. "That was our main focus. Now it's time to get ready for Michigan."

As for the Wolverines' returning players, that feeling of coming up empty on the biggest stage is one that will stay with them forever.

"I'm still not over it," Jordan Poole said earlier this month. "Being able to have that opportunity right there in our hands and have it separated is a feeling that you won't forget."

Villanova and Michigan are Both 2-0 on the Season

The Wolverines have won their first two games by 19 points. They have allowed a total of only 81 points in the process. Only two teams in the nation are allowing fewer points on average than Michigan.

The Wolverines actually trailed Holy Cross 24-18 at halftime on Saturday before outscoring the Crusaders 38-13 in the second half. Charles Matthews led the way with 20 points, while Ignas Brazdeikis notched 19 in his second career game. The duo is averaging a combined 30.5 points so far on the young season.

The Wildcats are getting a combined 38.5 points out of senior stars Booth and Eric Paschall so far. They duo have made 24 3-pointers as a team. Paschall, who attempted 2.5 free throws per game last season, has reached the foul line 17 times through two games. Booth has nine assists and one turnover through two outings.

Joe Cremo and Collin Gillespie each have a team-high five 3-pointers for Villanova. The Wildcats have attempted 69 shots from behind the arc in the first two contests.

Villanova F Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree has registered three blocks in each game. He has made 5-of-7 shots while pulling down 12 rebounds in 36 minutes.

PREDICTION: Villanova 73, Michigan 70

NCAA Basketball Betting Odds & Trends

Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Michigan is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan's last 5 games
Michigan is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan's last 5 games on the road

Villanova Wildcats
Villanova is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Villanova's last 23 games
Villanova is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Villanova's last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Villanova's last 6 games at home

Next up:
Michigan at George Washington Saturday, November 17
Villanova home to Furman Saturday, November 17

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Post-Butler Timberwolves Host Pelicans

Timberwolves Start the Post Jimmy Butler Era Against the Pelicans

Now that Jimmy Butler is being shipped out of town, can the Minnesota Timberwolves (5-9 SU, 6-8 ATS) get their season back on track? They’ll host the New Orleans Pelicans (7-6 SU, 6-7 ATS) this Wednesday at 8 PM ET on ESPN.

Newcomers Dario Saric and Robert Covington should be ready for the Timberwolves, provided the Butler trade with the Philadelphia 76ers is finalized on Monday and they pass their physicals as expected.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

Line: Pelicans -1; O/U: 236

Both Saric and Covington could find themselves in Minnesota’s starting lineup on Wednesday. Saric would be an upgrade over PF Taj Gibson. Covington would take over for Butler at small forward. However, the Wolves rotation remains in flux with Jeff Teague (knee), Derrick Rose (face) and Andrew Wiggins (quadriceps) all listed as day-to-day.

The Pelicans have two of their own starters to worry about. PG Elfrid Payton and PF Nikola Mirotic are day-to-day with ankle injuries. Payton has been out since late October, but is likely to return this week.

Mirotic has missed one game and may be available on Wednesday after being seen at practice wearing an ankle brace. The Pelicans started the year at 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS with their full lineup.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 120, Timberwolves 108

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
New Orleans is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Orleans's last 11 games when playing Minnesota
New Orleans is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games at home
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 11 games when playing New Orleans
Minnesota is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans

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Panthers Battle Steelers Thursday Night

Steelers and Panthers Playing Well Heading into Showdown

The Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers will clash this Thursday night at Heinz Field in what will feel like a playoff game in Steel City. Both teams enter Thursday’s showdown with active winning streaks on the line. They both have first place in their divisions in mind.

It’ll be the first and only time Carolina and Pittsburgh meet this regular season, and just the second time Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Newton have faced each other. Newton will look to even up the all-time series this week.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX, NFL Network.

LINE: Steelers -3.5. O/U: 51.

The Steelers started the 2018 season 1-2-1 with the team in a sea of controversy due to the hold-out of Le'veon Bell. Since then the Steelers have run the table, winning four straight games.

While it has been a team effort, the Steelers’ new starting RB, James Conner, has proven that the Steelers can win without Bell. Conner ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards with 599 yards. He has eclipsed the 100-yard plateau in each of his last four games.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster leads the team in receptions with 53, receiving yards with 672, and 20-plus-yard catches with nine.

Ben Roethlisberger says he's not a fan of Thursday games, and he let his listeners know why on his weekly radio show this week. Roethlisberger has thrown seven touchdowns without an interception in his last two Thursday contests.

Antonio Brown has reeled in three scoring strikes in each of his last two such tilts. The 30-year-old Brown has flourished during games on other days as well, collecting eight touchdowns in his last six games overall. He found the end zone on two occasions to go along with 10 catches in his last encounter with Carolina.

The Panthers have surrendered the eighth-fewest rushing yards in the league this season. The squad will be called upon often to stop Conner. Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly and the Carolina defense may be the difference maker tonight. Kuechly leads the team with 64 tackles

Christian McCaffrey can give Conner a run for his money after totaling 157 scrimmage yards (79 rushing, 78 receiving) in Sunday's 42-28 win over Tampa Bay.

Tight end Greg Olsen made a twisting one-handed catch versus the Buccaneers to reel in a scoring strike for the third straight outing.

PREDICTION: Panthers 28, Steelers 24

NFL Betting Odds & Trends

Carolina Panthers
Carolina is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Carolina is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games
Carolina is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Carolina is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Carolina is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Pittsburgh is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home
Pittsburgh is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Carolina

 

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Capitals Host the Penguins Wednesday Night

Capitals and Penguins Looking for Consistency

The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals will meet on Wednesday at Capital One Arena. The Penguins matchup on the road with the reigning Stanley Cup champions may not be a bad thing given their ongoing struggles overall and at home.

Pittsburgh has stumbled badly after completing a perfect four-game road trip through Canada. The Pens have dropped four in a row (0-3-1) entering tonight.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, TVA, Sportsnet

LINE: Capitals -123; O/U: 6.5 Under -113.

Team captains and superstars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin going head-to-head is always a headline attraction. The Penguins are more concerned by their recent slump. It culminated with back-to-back losses at home by a 10-1 margin.

"It's not a good feeling when you're in these types of situations, but we have to rely on one another to get out of it," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan told reporters. "We believe we have what it takes to be a very good team in the league."

Ovechkin helped Washington end a two-game skid of its own. They scored a late goal to put the icing on a 4-2 win over Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night.

It will mark the first meeting between the Metropolitan Division rivals since the Penguins edged the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals 7-6 in overtime on Oct. 4.

The Penguins are 6-4-3 on the NHL Season. Pittsburgh has yet to lose in regulation away from home. They pumped in 23 goals in its dominating four-game road trip. They have been limited to six goals during its current slide. That  includes back-to-back drubbings by Toronto and New Jersey.

The Penguins are 2-for-19 on the power play in the past five games.

The Capitals are also 6-4-3 on the season. Washington received a boost from its newly configured fourth line to jump-start the win over Edmonton. They received goals from Jakub Vrana and Devante Smith-Pelly within the first six minutes of the game.

Vrana was demoted to the fourth line after struggling in the previous game. He was joined by Travis Boyd, who collected a pair of assists in his season debut.

Washington has yet to win back-to-back games this season.

Ovechkin is tied for eighth on the all-time list with 234 power-play goals - two behind Mario Lemieux.

PREDICTION: Capitals 3, Penguins 2

NHL Betting Odds & Trends

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Pittsburgh's last 24 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington

Washington Capitals
Washington is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games at home
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 12 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Arizona Saturday, November 10
Washington home to Columbus Friday, November 9

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Pacers Host the 76ers on ESPN

76ers Look for First Road Win Against Pacers

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Indiana Pacers will on Wednesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This season 76ers have been unable to win on the road. They've barely been competitive in those games. The Sixers will try for a sixth time to get their first road victory tonight.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Indiana

Line: Pacers -3; O/U: 2016

Four of the 76ers five losses away from home have come by at least 15 points. Sunday's dreadful 122-97 setback at Brooklyn was the pinnacle, they hope. That game featured an NBA-high 28 turnovers by Philadelphia. A game like that is not what you want to see for a team hoping to be among the elites in the Eastern Conference.

"To win on the road, you better not turn it over at the rate we've been turning it over," coach Brett Brown told reporters. "You better have an incredible focus on rebounding. Historically, those are the tenets of road wins -- caring for the ball and finishing plays with rebounds. ... I think that togetherness, that toughness, that ability to take punches and come out together on the other side, that is part of growth. We don't have that right now."

The Pacers had won three straight by a total of nine points before suffering a 98-94 loss to Houston on Monday. That was the second of three straight at home. Victor Oladipo scored 28 points in the defeat. That is his NBA-leading 10th straight game with at least 20 points.

The 76ers are 6-5 on the season and it is a crap-shoot as to how they will play from night to night.

Ben Simmons scored 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the loss to the Nets. He also had five turnovers and has given the ball up 16 times over his last two road games.

Joel Embiid added 16 points and 15 rebounds while missing his only 3-point attempt. It was part of a 4-for-20 showing from beyond the arc for Philadelphia.

The Pacers are 7-4 on the season. Indiana is attempting an average of 85 shots a game. That is the fewest in the East. They could stand a few more scoring chances that might make the difference in close games like Monday's loss. The team is not prepared to force anything.

"We don't want to just get into a run-and-gun game and make it a shootout," coach Nate McMillan told reporters after the loss to the Rockets. "If we have something early (in the possession), we'll take it. If not we want to make them defend it."

It helps that the team ranks fifth overall in field-goal percentage at 48.9%. led by a 68.4 percent showing by forward Domantas Sabonis.

JJ Redick is shooting 31.3 percent from 3-point range on the road, compared to 44.7 percent at home.

PREDICTION: Pacers 112, 76ers 106

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

Philadelphia 76ers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Philadelphia is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Indiana
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana

Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Indiana is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Indiana is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

 

Next up:
Philadelphia home to Charlotte Friday, November 9
Indiana at Miami Friday, November 9

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NCAAB: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Buckeyes Travel to Face Bearcats for First time in 98 Years

The fans at Fifth Third Arena will see the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bearcats on Wednesday evening. For the first time since Jan. 3, 1920, Ohio State will travel to Cincinnati to play the Bearcats. This is the season opener for both teams will be the first meeting in a regular-season game since 1921.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2

LINE: Cincinnati -4.5; O/U: 135

No one knows for sure the reason the two Ohio programs have avoided each other throughout the decades. The general consensus is that Ohio State had nothing to gain as the highest-profile school in the state. If they played and lost to Cincinnati, then it could affect recruiting.

Cincinnati defeated Ohio State in the 1961 and 1962 NCAA Tournament championship games. Ohio State won contests on a neutral court in 2006 and in an NCAA Sweet 16 game in 2012 in Boston.

The two-year agreement to meet in a home-and-home series is attributable to relationships between the schools' two athletic directors and coaches. Cincinnati's Mike Bohn and Ohio State's Gene Smith got together on the AD's end and the two coaches, Cincinnati's Mick Cronin and Ohio State's Chris Holtmann, agreed to play.

"It's great for basketball in Ohio, the two biggest universities in the state playing each other," Cronin told Cincinnati.com. "It's good for our state, it's good for high school basketball, it brings attention to both our universities nationally. Everything is positive about the game. Hopefully, it's a series we can always play."

The Buckeyes were 25-9 during the 2017-18 season. They surprised everyone last year by finishing in a second-place tie with Purdue in the Big Ten. It was Holtmann's first season, after being picked  to finish 11th in the preseason.

Ohio State is not expected to duplicate last year's success after losing several key components. Those losses included Big Ten Player of the Year Keita Bates-Diop.

The top returnee is forward Kaleb Wesson. He recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in limited action against UNC Pembroke in Ohio State's 81-63 exhibition victory last week.

Wesson's brother, Andre, along with C.J. Jackson, Musa Jallow and Kyle Young, are the other Ohio State returnees. They will be joined by transfer Keyshawn Woods and Holtmann's first recruiting class. These players could contribute right away and will be needed.

The Bearcats were 31-5 in the 2017-18 season. They must replace three starters. Gary Clark was the 2017-18 American Athletic Conference player of the year. Kyle Washington and Jacob Evans  were significant contributors from an NCAA Tournament team that won more than 30 games for the second straight season.

Junior guard Jarron Cumberland is a preseason All-American Athletic Conference pick. He is the only returnee who averaged in double figures last season. He scored 11.5 points per game.

Junior college transfer Rashawn Fredericks should make an immediate contribution. 6-foot-11, 250-pound junior center Nysier Brooks should see more minutes as a rebounder and defender.

Cincinnati is one of four programs to win 30 or more games in each of the past two seasons. They are one of six schools to appear in the last eight NCAA Tournaments.

PREDICTION: Cincinnati 60, Ohio State 58

NCAAB Betting Odds & Trends

Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Ohio State is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ohio State's last 6 games
Ohio State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Ohio State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road

Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games
Cincinnati is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Cincinnati is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home

Next up:
Ohio State home to IPFW Sunday, November 11
Cincinnati home to North Carolina Central Tuesday, November 13

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NCAAB: Duke Blue Devils vs Kentucky Wildcats

Duke and Kentucky End off the Night With a Quality Top-5 Matchup

No. 2 Kentucky faces No. 3 Duke in a major showdown in the State Farm Champions Classic in Indianapolis on Tuesday. The Wildcats have a deep incoming class, PLUS they landed Stanford transfer Reid Travis. The Blue Devils will showcase the nation's top three recruits in R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE: Kentucky is -2.5; O/U: 158.

Travis brings 98 games of experience to a young roster. He is looking forward to a top-level opponent in his first game at Kentucky.

"The mood is a lot of excitement," Travis said in a press conference. "Taking it game by game, but obviously we're getting to the real big games so it's a lot of excitement in the locker room. We want to get better, and just continue to prepare to grow."

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is still defining roles but will throw his freshman trio of stars into the fire and see how things play out.

"We'll face different tempos and obviously Kentucky will be one of the most talented teams that we will play, but we just have to keep moving," Krzyzewski said during a press conference. "We're developing really good habits."

Duke was 29-8 in 2017-18.  The college debut of Williamson has been an anticipated event since early in his high school career. Kentucky was one of the schools he shunned. The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Williamson has mixed well with fellow forwards Barrett and Reddish. Incoming freshman point guard Tre Jones has meshed in well also. The youngster has also impressing his older teammates.

C Marques Bolden had a 3.9 average last season. He is the Blue Devils' leading returning scorer.

Kentucky was 26-11 in 2017-18. Reid Travis is back and averaged 19.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Sophomore forward P.J. Washington averaged 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds. They give the Wildcats a solid frontcourt duo that ranks among the best in the nation.

Sophomore guard Quade Green averaged 9.3 ppg and was a part-time starter last season. Freshman Tyler Herro is expected to be a major 3-point threat as well.

Kentucky may get some answers about some of the other newcomers during the game against the Blue Devils.

"We've got a couple of days to prepare for this next one, that will be a hard game," Kentucky coach John Calipari said at a press conference. "Now may be harder than I thought. We need more energy defensively and the game Tuesday will be great for film to see who needs to do what."

Kentucky leads the series 12-9, but Duke has prevailed in seven of the past nine meetings.

PREDICTION: Kentucky 76, Duke 75

NCAA Basketball Betting Odds & Trends

Duke Blue Devils:
Team record: 29-8 SU,22-14 ATS
Duke is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Duke is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Duke's last 6 games

Kentucky Wildcats:
Team record: 26-11 SU,19-18 ATS
Kentucky is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Kentucky is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Kentucky's last 11 games

Next up:
Duke home to Army Sunday, November 11
Kentucky home to Southern Illinois Friday, November 9

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