Illinois (8-8 SU, 5-10-1 ATS) at (10) Indiana (13-1 SU, 6-5 ATS)
Illinois has dropped four in a row and figures to have a tough time avoiding a fifth straight defeat when it travels to Bloomington, Ind., to take on the red-hot Hoosiers in a Big Ten showdown.
The Illini fell at Wisconsin on Thursday 70-60, but cashed as a 10½-point underdog, the first time they’ve covered a spread during their four-game skid. Illinois, which is 0-3 in the Big Ten (1-2 ATS), has only cashed three times in its last 10 games.
The Hoosiers are rolling, having won nine straight overall, including back-to-back road wins to start the Big Ten season. They won at Iowa on Jan. 2 (79-76 as an 11-point favorite) and at Michigan on Tuesday (78-64 as a 10-point chalk).
Illinois has dominated this instate rivalry, going 8-2 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings and covering the spread in each of the last four. The Illini took two of three last year, including a 58-54 overtime win in the Big Ten tournament as a 1½-point underdog.
The straight-up winner is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 series matchups and the home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 regular-season battles.
Indiana leads the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 82.6 points a game, five more than the league’s next most prolific offensive team, Michigan State. Eric Gordon, a 19-year-old freshman is the main reason for the offensive surge, as he’s averaging 23.5 per game. The Hoosiers shoot the ball at a 49.3-percent clip and hold the opposition to 39.4 percent shooting.
The Illini average just 65.8 points per game on the season, including 61 ppg in conference action. Defensively is where Illinois shines, though, giving up just 61.9 ppg and limiting the opposition to 39.2 percent shooting.
Indiana is just 2-9 ATS in its last 11 against the Big Ten, but on Sundays the Hoosiers are on a 7-2 ATS run.
The under is 11-4-1 in the Illini’s last 16 Big Ten games, 10-3-1 in their last 14 on the highway and 7-2-1 in their last 10 against Indiana, including 5-0-1 in the last six.
ATS ADVANTAGE: INDIANA and UNDER
(23) Stanford (13-2 SU, 7-8 ATS) at Oregon (11-4 SU, 7-5-1 ATS)
Stanford heads to Eugene, Ore., looking to continue its recent domination of the Ducks when these two tip-off in a Pac-10 matchup.
The Cardinal has won eight of the last nine series meetings (6-2-1 ATS) dating back to 2003, going 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four trips to Oregon.
Stanford comes into this one off of Thursday’s easy 66-46 win at Oregon State as a 9½-point favorite. It was only the third time in the last 11 games the Cardinal covered the number. After opening the Pac-10 season with a 76-67 loss to UCLA on Jan. 3, Stanford has won two straight.
Oregon also lost its conference opener, falling 63-54 at Arizona State on Jan. 3, but has rebounded to beat Arizona in Tucson 84-74 as seven-point underdogs eight days ago, and then downed Cal 79-70 on Thursday as a 5½-point home chalk.
The Ducks average 83.1 ppg overall and make 50.3 percent of their field goal attempts. At home, those numbers increase to 91.4 ppg and 53.1 percent shooting.
Oregon is on ATS runs of 15-7-1 overall, 8-1 against the Pac-10 and 11-3-1 at home (3-2-1 ATS at home this year).
Stanford is just 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven Pac-10 contests.
The under is 10-1 in Stanford’s last 11 overall and 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OREGON and UNDER
Virginia (10-3 SU, 5-3 ATS) at (9) Duke (12-1 SU, 6-6 ATS)
The Cavaliers have had 10 days off to prepare for their trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium, where they meet ninth-ranked Duke in the ACC opener for both schools.
Virginia last played on Jan. 3 when it fell at Xavier 108-70 as 9½-point underdogs, snapping a four-game winning streak. The Cavs have alternated ATS wins and losses in their last six lined games.
The Blue Devils went to Philadelphia to take on Temple on Wednesday and came away with a 74-64 win, falling just short as 13-point favorites, their third straight ATS setback. Duke has won consecutive games since suffering its only loss of the season, a 65-64 overtime defeat to Pittsburgh in New York City.
Virginia had lost nine straight games to Duke when it scored a 68-66 come-from-behind overtime win last February, cashing as two-point home underdogs. The Blue Devils be 9-1 in the last 10 meetings, but Virginia is 7-2-1 ATS, all as an underdog.. In this series, the road team is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven regular-season clashes.
Virginia scores 81.7 per game on the road but the problem for the Cavs is they allow 88.3 points a game on the highway on 53 percent shooting.
In front of the Cameron Crazies, Duke is 7-0 (5-1 ATS). The Blue Devils put up 93.4 points per game (50.8 percent from the field), while giving up just 60.3 points on 41 percent shooting.
Duke closed last season in a 3-7 ATS funk in conference games.
The over is 6-2 the last eight times these two have met at Duke and is 24-9 in the Devils’ last 33 against ACC foes. Meanwhile, the under is 23-8-2 in Virginia’s last 33 on the highway and 8-3-1 in its last 12 conference games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
gametimepicks.com
College Hoops Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
This is an interesting time for college basketball. Conference seasons are well underway, beginning a two-month chase for league championships en route to the craziness of March Madness. There are three marquee matchups across the country Sunday, with featured games taking place in the Big Ten, Pac-10 and Atlantic Coast Conferences.
**Illinois at Indiana**
-Caesars Palace installed Indiana as a 12 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over Illinois. CBS Sports will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.
-Illinois (8-8 straight up, 6-10 against the spread) is currently mired in a four-game SU losing skid (1-3 ATS) after falling to Wisconsin Thursday as a 10½-point road underdog, 70-60. This marks the school’s first four-game losing skid since January 1999.
-The Illini outrebounded the Badgers, 35-25, but allowed Wisconsin to shoot 52 percent (25-of-48) from the field. Calvin Brock and Trent Meacham each netted 14 points in the setback, the only two Illinois players to reach double digits in scoring.
-The Illini are 3-3 SU and ATS on the road, winning those affairs by an average score of 68-66.
-Indiana (13-1 SU, 6-5 ATS) improved to 5-0 SU and 2-1 ATS its last five games after upending Michigan Tuesday as a 10-point road favorite, 78-64.
-The Hoosiers dominated the Wolverines in rebounds, 51-33, while shooting 46 percent (30-of-66) from the field. Guard Eric Gordon led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, while D.J. White added 21 and 22 rebounds.
-Indiana is 9-0 SU at home, but just 3-3 ATS after winning those affairs by an average score of 89-62.
-Illinois is 3-1 SU and ATS the previous four meetings with Indiana, meeting three times last year including the Big Ten Tournament. The Illini won that neutral-court contest in overtime as a two-point underdog, 58-54.
-Indiana guard Armon Bassett is ‘questionable’ against the Illini due to an ankle injury. Illinois center Brian Carlwell (knee) is ‘out’ versus the Hoosiers.
**Stanford at Oregon**
-Caesars Palace opened Oregon as a slight two-point home favorite over Stanford. This Pac-10 matchup is scheduled to tipoff at 4:30 p.m. ET.
-Stanford (13-2 SU, 7-7 ATS) has recorded back-to-back conference victories after blasting Oregon State Thursday as a 9 ½-point road ‘chalk,’ 66-46. That victory ended a four-game ATS losing streak.
-The Cardinal cruised after jumping out to a 19-point halftime advantage. Stanford shot 42 percent from the field (22-of-52), led by Lawrence Hill’s 13 on 4-of-9 shooting.
-The Cardinal are now 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS away from home, winning those affairs by an average score of 67-58.
-Oregon (11-4 SU, 6-6 ATS) has also won consecutive conference games after topping California Thursday as a 5½-point home favorite, 79-70.
-The Ducks prevailed despite getting outrebounded, 38-28, by shooting 47 percent (24-of-51) from the field. Malik Hairston and Bryce Taylor each scored 20 points in the victory, while Maarty Leunen contributed 18 and 11 rebounds.
-Oregon maintains an 8-0 SU and 3-3 ATS home ledger, winning those games by an average score of 89-72.
-Stanford is 3-1 SU and ATS the past four meetings with the Ducks, splitting last year’s season series. The Cardinal won as a three-point home ‘chalk,’ 88-69, while losing as a 10-point road underdog, 66-59.
-Oregon forward Drew Viney (foot), forward Joevan Catron (Plantar Fasciltis) and center Ray Schaefer (hand) are ‘out.’
**Virginia at Duke**
-Caesars Palace lists Duke as a 14½-point home ‘chalk’ over Virginia. FOX Sports Net will start its coverage of this ACC matchup at 8:00 p.m. ET.
-Virginia (10-3 SU, 5-3 ATS) was riding a four-game SU winning streak before getting routed by Xavier January 3 as a nine-point road underdog, 108-70. The Cavaliers have had 10 days to mull over that setback.
-Virginia was completely blown out of the water in the first half, entering halftime with a 61-30 deficit. Sean Singletary led the offense by posting 14 points while dishing out seven assists.
-The Cavaliers possess a 2-2 SU and ATS road record, dropping those affairs by an average score of 85-76.
-Duke (12-1 SU, 6-6 ATS) has gone 4-1 SU its last five games after holding off Temple Wednesday as a 13-point road ‘chalk,’ 74-64. That marked the third game in a row that the Blue Devils failed to cover.
-Duke was outrebounded, 45-39, but limited the Owls to just 35 percent shooting (20-of-58). Four players reached double digits in scoring, led by Taylor King’s 15 on 4-of-7 shooting.
-The Blue Devils are 7-0 SU and 5-1 ATS on their home court, winning those games by an average score of 93-60.
-Virginia won the lone encounter with Duke last season in overtime as a 1 ½-point home underdog, 68-66. The Blue Devils throttled the Cavaliers the last meeting in Durham two years ago as a 19-point home ‘chalk,’ 82-63.
-Virginia guard Sammy Zeglinski (ankle) is ‘out’ versus the Blue Devils. Duke forward Lance Thomas (ankle) is ‘questionable’ against the Cavaliers, while center Brian Zoubek (foot) is ‘out.’
vegasinsider.com.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Toronto Raptors
- The Portland Trail Blazers and the Toronto Raptors will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Air Canada Centre.
The Trail Blazers built up a 16 point lead at the half and went on to defeat the Warriors 109-91 last time out. The Trail Blazers covered the 2-point spread, but the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 208.
Steve Blake led the Trail Blazers with 24 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 in the win.
Chris Bosh scored a game-high 40 points to lead the Raptors in a 99-90 win over the Knicks last time out. The Raptors managed to cover the 5.5-point spread, but the combined 189 points fell UNDER the game's posted total of 193.5.
Bosh hauled in 11 rebounds to complete the double-double for the Raptors, who won their 10th game on the road.
Current streak:
Portland has won 4 straight games.
Toronto has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 22-13 SU, 23-12 ATS
Toronto: 19-17 SU, 20-16 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 1-9
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a win are 9-1
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 6-4
After playing New York are 1-9
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games
Portland is 16-2 ATS in its last 18 games
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Toronto's last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Portland
Toronto is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Next up:
Portland at New Jersey, Monday, January 14
Toronto at Detroit, Tuesday, January 15
Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Philips Arena.
The Bulls were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but hung on to defeat the 76ers 100-97 last time out. The Bulls won the game as 2-point underdogs, while the 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 188.
Andres Nocioni shot 11-for-18 from the field with 26 points and seven rebounds, while Joe Smith chipped in with 19 in the win.
The Hawks were dumped 102-98 by the Wizards last time out, as 2.5-point favorites. The Hawks won the game as a 2.5-point road underdog, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 192.
Josh Smith had a game-high 35 points with nine rebounds in a losing effort.
Team records:
Chicago: 14-20 SU, 12-22 ATS
Atlanta: 16-17 SU, 17-16 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a win are 2-8
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 2-8
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at Orlando, Tuesday, January 15
Atlanta home to Denver, Tuesday, January 15
New Orleans Hornets vs. Houston Rockets
- The fans at Toyota Center will be treated to a game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Houston Rockets when they take their seats on Sunday.
The Heat were cooled off in a 114-88 loss to New Orleans last time out, as 12-point underdogs. The combined 203 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.
Mark Blount shot 13-for-16 from the field with 27 points, three boards and two assists in the loss.
The Rockets dominated the entire night in a 113-82 win over the Timberwolves last time out. The Rockets easily covered the 10.5-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 186.5.
Luis Scola led the Rockets with 18 points and eight rebounds, while shooting 7-for-9 from the field.
Current streak:
Houston has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 24-12 SU, 21-14-1 ATS
Houston: 20-17 SU, 19-17-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Seattle are 6-4
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Houston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans home to Seattle, Wednesday, January 16
Houston home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, January 15
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
- The fans at Madison Square Garden will be treated to a game between the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks when they take their seats on Sunday.
The Pistons were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to come away with a 103-100 win over the Bobcats on Saturday. The Pistons failed to cover the 10-point spread on the road, while the 203 points sailed OVER the posted total of 187.
Chauncey Billups scored a game-high 27 points with seven assists, and Richard Hamilton added 26 in the win.
The Knicks were defeated 99-90 by the Raptors last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs at home. The combined 189 points fell UNDER the game's posted total of 193.5.
Jamal Crawford netted a team-high 27 points and Nate Robinson had 24 in the loss.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 2 straight games.
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 28-9 SU, 24-12-1 ATS
New York: 9-26 SU, 14-21 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 9-1
After playing Charlotte are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
New York most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Detroit is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing New York
Detroit is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games
New York is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New York's last 11 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 13 of New York's last 18 games when playing Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to Toronto, Tuesday, January 15
New York home to Washington, Tuesday, January 15
Indiana Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors
- The Indiana Pacers and the Golden State Warriors will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Oracle Arena.
The Pacers controlled the tempo early in the game and earned a 111-105 win over the Kings on Saturday, as 2.5-point road underdogs. The 216 points made it OVER the posted total of 208.
Mike Dunleavy led the Pacers with 23 points and six rebounds, while Travis Diener added 19 in the win.
The Warriors were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but the game was out of reach as they went on to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-104 last time out. The Warriors covered the 9.5-point spread at home, but the combined 220 points fell UNDER the posted total of 223.5.
Baron Davis led the Warriors with 20 points, six rebounds and 19 assists. Monta Ellis threw in a team-high 27 points in the win.
Team records:
Indiana: 17-21 SU, 18-19-1 ATS
Golden State: 21-16 SU, 18-19 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 8-2
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Minnesota are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Indiana's last 11 games when playing Golden State
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Golden State's last 11 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Golden State is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games
Next up:
Indiana home to Golden State, Wednesday, January 16
Golden State at Minnesota, Tuesday, January 15
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- The Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at STAPLES Center.
The Grizzlies were defeated 116-104 by the Warriors on Friday, as a 9.5-point road underdog. The combined 220 points fell UNDER the posted total of 223.5.
Pau Gasol netted a game-high 43 points and hauled down 11 boards for a double-double in a losing effort.
Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 37 points in leading the Lakers to a 110-105 victory over the Bucks on Friday. The Lakers could not cover the 14.5-point spread, while the 215 points made it OVER the posted total of 209.
Bryant shot 12-for-25 from the field with five rebounds and seven assists, while Andrew Bynum added 25 in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 3 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 10-26 SU, 17-19 ATS
Los Angeles: 24-11 SU, 22-13 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Seattle are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Memphis is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Memphis is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games at home
LA Lakers are 19-4 SU in their last 23 games when playing at home against Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to Cleveland, Tuesday, January 15
LA Lakers at Seattle, Monday, January 14
Looking at the Sunday's best matchups
There's a ton of great hoops this weekend. Let's get right down to highlighting the best games as conference play heats up.
SUNDAY
Duquesne at Rhode Island
Frank Says: Pretty much every A-10 game is going to be worth checking out over the next couple of months.
Virginia at Duke
Frank Says: The Cavaliers take a 10-3 record into their conference opener. But the last of those three losses (by 38 points at Xavier) was an eye-opener.
Syracuse at West Virginia
Frank Says: That was a bad loss at Cincinnati for the Orange Wednesday night. There was nothing much unexpected about the Mountaineers' two conference losses (at Notre Dame and Louisville).
Illinois at Indiana
Frank Says: If the Illini is going to kick-start its NCAA tourney at-large hopes (in doubt after being blanked in its first three conference games), this would be the ideal opportunity to do so.
Stanford at Oregon
Frank Says: If Washington State and UCLA were not on tap in Pauley Pavilion on Saturday, this would be by far the Pac-10's most intriguing matchup. It should be a showdown between the Cardinal's size and the Ducks' transition game and jump shooting.
Alabama at Arkansas
Frank Says: This qualifies as a conference biggie, West Division-style.
foxsports.com
Sunday’s Pregame Buzz
Portland Trail Blazers at Toronto Raptors
* Blazers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog.
* Raptors are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games against a team winning above 60 percent.
* The UNDER is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Toronto.
Chicago Bulls at Atlana Hawks
* Bulls are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games against a losing team.
* Hawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games against a losing team.
* The favorite is 13-4 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers
* Grizzlies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against the Pacific Division.
* Lakers are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 home games as an 11+ points favorite.
* The OVER is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
CBB
Illinois at #11 Indiana
* Illinois are 0-5 ATS in its last 5 Sunday games.
* Indiana is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games against the Big Ten.
* The home team is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.
* Get Hoops Info Worth Betting in the Buzzer Beater!
#23 Stanford at Oregon
* Stanford is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 games against a winning team.
* Oregon is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games against the Pac-10.
* The UNDER is 10-1 in Stanford's last games 11 overall.
* The UNDER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Oregon.
Virginia at #7 Duke
* Virginia is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points.
* Duke is 3-7 ATS in its last 19 games against the Atlantic Coast.
* The road team is 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Pregame.com