Ohio State (12-4, 6-6 ATS) at (11) Michigan State (14-2, 5-5-2 ATS)
Two teams coming off of their first Big Ten losses of the season meet up in East Lansing, Mich., where the Spartans will try to rebound from one of the worst offensive showings in school history when they host Ohio State.
Michigan State went to Iowa on Saturday as a 10-point favorite and ended up losing 43-36, the lowest point total for the school since 1952 and fewest points for any Spartans team in the shot-clock era. Michigan State, which had been averaging 77.7 points per game prior to Saturday and had scored at least 63 points in its first 15 games, had an 11-game winning streak snapped in the defeat.
The Spartans are 2-1 in Big Ten action, but 0-3 ATS. In fact, they’ve failed to cover in four straight contests – all as a double-digit chalk – since opening the season 5-1-2 ATS.
The Buckeyes took an eight-game winning streak to Purdue on Saturday and dropped a 75-68 decision as one-point road underdog. Ohio State is 3-1 in league play (2-2 ATS) and has still cashed in four of its last six lined contests overall.
Ohio State has won three straight against the Spartans (2-1 ATS), including sweeping the season series last year. The Buckeyes eked out a 66-64 win at home, coming up short as an 8½-point home favorite, then won 63-54 in East Lansing a week later as a one-point road underdog.
The ‘dog has cashed in each of the last four meetings, and the straight-up winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10.
Going back to last year, Ohio State is 6-2 ATS in Big Ten contests, while Michigan State has failed to cash in its last five league games.
The under is 16-6-2 in Michigan State’s last 24 conference games (2-1 this year) and 5-2 in the last seven series battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OHIO STATE and UNDER
(21) Miami, Fla. (14-1, 8-0 ATS) at Boston College (11-4, 5-5 ATS)
Miami looks to defeat Boston College for the first time since 2001 when these ACC rivals clash at the Silvio O. Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
The Hurricanes opened ACC play with Saturday’s 78-68 victory over Georgia Tech, covering as a six-point home favorite to keep its perfect ATS mark intact. Miami has bounce back from its only loss of the season – a 76-70 home defeat to Winthrop in a non-lined game – with consecutive victories.
Boston College is coming off its most impressive win of the season, Saturday’s 112-73 rout of Wake Forest as a three-point home chalk in the conference debut for both schools. Prior to the win, the Eagles had lost back-to-back games, both at home, to undefeated Kansas (85-60) and Division II Robert Morris (57-51). Also, they halted an 0-3 ATS slide with the easy victory over Wake Forest.
Boston College owns a 12-game winning streak against Miami, going 9-1 ATS in the last 10 overall and 4-1 ATS in the last five in Chestnut Hill. Last year, the Eagles beat the Hurricanes three times: 82-63 as a 12-point home favorite, 75-68 as a five-point road favorite and 74-71 in overtime as a 7½-point chalk in the ACC Tournament.
The ‘Canes are on impressive ATS streaks of 14-3-1 overall, 7-0 on the road and 4-1 in the ACC. However, they’ve failed to cash in nine of their last 10 games against winning teams.
B.C. is 5-0 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning record and 4-0-1 ATS in its last five Tuesday outings. On the downside, Al Skinner’s squad is just 3-5 ATS on its home floor (9-4 SU).
The over is 7-3 in the Eagles’ last 10 overall (4-1 in the last five), but the under is 6-2 in Miami’s eight lined outings (5-0 “under” on the road).
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Denver (22-14, 18-18 ATS) at Atlanta (17-17, 18-16 ATS)
The Nuggets conclude a quick two-game, two-day road trip when they head to Atlanta to face the Hawks.
Denver blew a fourth-quarter lead at Charlotte last night and fell 119-116 to the Bobcats as a 4½-point road favorite. Despite the setback, the Nuggets are still 8-4 in their last 12 and 8-3 ATS in their last 11, including 4-1 ATS on the road.
Atlanta concludes a five-game homestand tonight, having alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in the first four contests, most recently routing Chicago 105-84 as a four-point chalk on Sunday. Going back to Dec. 29, the Hawks are just 2-5 SU (3-4 ATS) after going 8-2 SU (7-3 ATS) in their previous 10.
The road team won both of last year’s meetings, with the Hawks scoring a 98-96 upset as a 12-point ‘dog and the Nuggets getting revenge in a 100-87 victory as an eight-point favorite. Atlanta is 6-2 ATS in the last eight clashes (4-4 SU), and the underdog is 7-2 ATS in the last nine.
The Nuggets have scored at least 109 points in five straight games and have reached triple digits 16 times in their last 20 games, going 13-7 SU, but just 11-9 ATS.
Atlanta has limited 11 of its last 17 opponents to 98 points or fewer, going 8-3 SU and ATS in those 11 games.
The Hawks are on an 8-3 roll at home (7-4 ATS).
Denver is on ATS runs of 4-1 against the Southeast Division, 35-17 against the Eastern Conference and 20-7 as an underdog of less than five points.
Atlanta is on positive ATS streaks of 10-2 as a favorite of less than five points and 6-1 when playing on one day of rest.
The over is 5-1 in the Hawks’ last six overall and 5-0 in Denver’s last five on the road.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA and OVER
Toronto (20-17, 20-16-1 ATS) at Detroit (28-10, 24-13-1 ATS)
The Pistons return home following their most embarrassing loss of the season as they host the Raptors, who are coming off an impressive double-overtime win.
Detroit capped a four-game, five-day road trip at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, losing 89-65 to the lowly Knicks as an eight-point road favorite. Not only did the Pistons set a season-low for points, but they came within three points of setting a dubious franchise record.
Detroit has followed up an 11-game winning streak by losing three of its last five, averaging only 85.8 points per game. The Pistons are just 1-4 ATS during this stretch after going 18-1-1 ATS in their previous 20.
Toronto outlasted the red-hot Blazers 116-109 in double-overtime two days ago, cashing as a 5½-point home favorite. The Raptors are on a 3-0 SU and ATS roll after going 2-6 SU and ATS in their previous eight.
The straight-up winner is 32-4-1 ATS in Toronto’s games this season, including 11-0 ATS in the last 11 overall and 11-1 ATS in the last 12 on the road. The winner is also 23-1-1 ATS in Detroit’s last 25 contests (11-1 at home).
Detroit went to Canada on Jan. 4 and capped its 11-game winning streak by besting the Raptors 101-85, easily cashing as a 4½-point favorite. The Pistons are 8-2 SU in the last 10 meetings (6-3-1 ATS). However, Toronto has cashed in nine of the last 12 trips to Detroit.
The Raptors are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four on the highway.
The Pistons lost to Boston 92-85 in their most recent home game, snapping a seven-game SU and ATS winning streak at home. For the season, Flip Saunders’ crew is 13-3 at the Palace of Auburn Hills, going 11-5 ATS, including 7-1 ATS in the last eight.
The under is 3-1 in Toronto’s last four on the highway and 20-7 in its last 27 against the Central Division. Also, the under is 4-1 in Detroit’s last four overall and 12-4 in the Pistons’ 16 home games this season (7-1 “under’ in the last eight). However, the over is 7-3 in the last 10 series clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
gametimepicks.com
Tuesday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Denver Nuggets at Atlanta Hawks
* Nuggets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Nuggets are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* Hawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
* The underdog is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic
* Orlando returns home from a 1-3 road trip and has dropped 6 of 8 there as well. In fact, the Magic have lost 6 of the last 7 meetings with the Bulls at home. EDGE: BULLS
* Chicago rookie Joakim Noah was benched on Sunday as part of a players-only vote after a confrontation with assistant coach Ron Adams on Friday. The Bulls got Luol Deng back from an Achilles' injury, but they still lost for the 1st time in 13 meetings with the Hawks. Noah is averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, and it's not known how long he will be out. EDGE: MAGIC
* Magic are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games.
* Bulls are 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
* The OVER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Orlando.
Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons
* Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. Central Division.
* Raptors are 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Detroit.
* Pistons are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
* The UNDER is 20-7 in Toronto's last 27 games vs. Central Division.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in Detroit's last 8 home games.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Detroit's last 10 games vs. Atlantic Division.
* The OVER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves
* Golden State begins a stretch of 4 road games in 5 nights and has dropped 2 in a row away from home. Monta Ellis is averaging just 11.5 points in those road losses but is averaging 29.5 points in 2 wins against the Timberwolves this season. SLIGHT EDGE: WARRIORS
* Minnesota is just 4-13 at home and has dropped 16 of 18 overall. On the bright side, Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson is averaging 22 points and 16.5 rebounds in 2 games against the Warriors this season. SLIGHT EDGE: WARRIORS
* Warriors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. Northwest Division.
* Timberwolves are 16-36 ATS in their last 52 home games.
* The favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* The UNDER is 12-5-1 in Golden State's last 18 road games.
Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers
* Clippers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 home games.
* The favorite is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* The UNDER is 11-4 in LA's last 15 home games.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Phoenix's last 8 road games.
CBB - Stats Matchups
Ohio State at #11 Michigan State
* Ohio State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 vs. Big Ten.
* Ohio State is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Michigan State's last 10 Tuesday games.
* The UNDER is 16-6-2 in Michigan State's last 24 vs. Big Ten.
Cincinnati at Notre Dame
* Cincinnati is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games.
* Cincinnati is 10-22-4 ATS in its last 36 vs. Big East.
Creighton at Northern Iowa
* Creighton is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 road games.
* The OVER is 11-3 in Creighton's last 14 games overall.
* The UNDER is 10-2 in Northern Iowa's last 12 Tuesday games.
* The UNDER is 11-5 in Northern Iowa's last 16 games vs. Missouri Valley.
Kentucky at Mississippi State
* Kentucky is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games overall.
* Mississippi State is 22-9 ATS in its last 31 home games.
* The OVER is 11-4-1 in Mississippi State's last 16 home games.
pregame.com
Tuesday NBA Gameday
The Detroit Pistons will be looking to snap the Toronto Raptors' three-game winning streak when the two teams meet on the court on Tuesday night. Here is your NBA Gameday:
Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic
The Bulls are still having a hard time escaping the basement of the Central Division, never mind getting back into contention for a playoff berth. Chicago is coming off a 105-84 loss to the Hawks on Sunday, which dropped their record to 14-21 on the year. Luol Deng had a team-high 28 points for the Bulls in the loss, and Andres Nocioni scored 20.
Orlando still holds down top spot in the Southeast Division, but they've now lost five of their six games in the month of January. The Magic's sole win this month came last Wednesday, when they slipped past the Clippers. Orlando is coming off a 119-115 loss to the Jazz on Saturday night, with Dwight Howard picking up 29 points and 15 boards.
Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons
The Raptors are going to have a hard time chasing down the Celtics in the Atlantic Division, but their three-game winning streak has at least pushed them to 20-17 on the season. Toronto is coming off a 116-109 OT win over the Blazers on Sunday, with Chris Bosh scoring a game-high 38 points. The Raptors lost 101-85 to Detroit on January 4.
Detroit looks like they'll cruise to the Central Division title this season, but they still suffered an embarrassing 89-65 loss to the Knicks on Sunday. Only two Pistons managed to score double-digit points in that game - Antonio McDyess had 15, and Chauncey Billups had 14. The Pistons had previously won four of six January contests.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Memphis Grizzlies
The Cavaliers have won five of six games this month to at least remain just single digits behind the Pistons in the division. Cleveland got back over .500 with a 113-106 double-overtime win over the Bobcats on Friday. LeBron James scored a game-high 31 points and grabbed 19 boards in that Friday contest, and Anderson Varejao had a 16-18 night.
The Grizzlies are the only team in the Southwest Division below the .500 mark on the season, and their horrible month of December has carried over into January. Memphis lost their fourth game in a row on Sunday night (to the Lakers), and they're now just 2-5 since the beginning of 2008. The Grizzlies are just 6-12 on their own court this season.
Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers
The Suns are 7-3 in their past 10 games, but the Lakers have still been closing the gap on them in the Pacific Division standings. Phoenix was knocked off 108-86 by Utah on Thursday night, but they bounced back with a 122-114 win over the Bucks on Saturday. Steve Nash had a game-high 35 points in that win, and Amare Stoudemire scored 31.
The Clippers are 1-9 in their past 10 games, they've lost four in a row, and they've yet to pick up a victory in 2008. It's not surprising, then, that they're mired in the basement of the Pacific Division. The Clippers were edged 95-94 by the Mavericks on Saturday, with Tim Thomas scoring 21 points in the loss. Corey Maggette picked up 20 points that day.
Clippers C Chris Kaman (sprained left ankle) has been added to the injury report as questionable for tonight's game.
Kings G Kevin Martin (groin) said he doesn't feel physically ready to rejoin the starting lineup just yet.