March Madness Odds – Pittsburgh, Villanova Renew Big East Rivalry

If any March Madness odds followers doubted that the Big East was the nation’s best basketball betting conference, surely their opinions have changed now. Entering Friday’s Sweet 16 games, Five Big East teams are still alive and three have already advanced to the Elite Eight. Among them are No. 1 Pittsburgh and No. 3 Villanova, who clash Saturday. The winner gets a Final Four berth.

While the Pittsburgh vs Villanova odds look like a dead even matchup, each team has followed a very different path to reach this point. Pittsburgh has fought tooth and nail to reach this round of the March Madness odds, struggling early against Tennessee State and pulling out a win against Oklahoma State in the dying minutes. It’s scary to wonder where the Panthers would be without standout guard Levance Fields. He gave Pittsburgh the lead with five unanswered points against Oklahoma State and wowed online betting fans again by doing exactly the same thing in the final minute of Pittsburgh’s triumph over Xavier—a game in which the Panthers trailed by eight at the half.

Whereas the Panthers have left it on the floor to survive each round, Villanova, save for a brief scare from American, has stomped on its competition at the sportsbook. Villanova’s victory margin is actually widening the deeper it goes in the tournament; it obliterated higher-seeded Duke by 23 points in the Sweet 16. On paper, online betting fans have to seriously consider Villanova in this NCAA basketball betting matchup. The Wildcats beat the Panthers 67-57 on Jan. 28 and have distributed scoring, meaning Pittsburgh can’t key on one player defensively.

In the end, I like the battle-hardened team to grind out a win over the untested team. Pittsburgh keeps coming out on top of close games, largely because of its clutch play from Fields and reliable inside scoring form DeJuan Blair and Sam Young. Online betting fans simply don’t know yet whether Villanova can battle through a tight contest. Bet on Pittsburgh, which as already proven itself, to reach the Final Four.

March Madness college basketball picks are up.

Friday Sweet 16 Vegas Odds Picks Preview and More

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The second day of the Sweet 16 offers up action in Indianapolis and Memphis, and the Hawks get a visit from the Celtics.

On the road to the Final Four . . .

The Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament concludes on Friday night, with games in the Midwest and South regions. Overall top seed Louisville is one of four Midwest teams in action at Indianapolis‘ Lucas Oil Stadium, and they’ve been listed as a 9-point favorite against No. 12 Arizona (with the total for the game sitting at 139.5 points). The other Midwest contest is No. 3 Kansas vs. No. 2 Michigan State, with the Spartans 1.5-point favorites and the total at 138 points.

In South region action at FedExForum in Memphis on Friday it’ll be No. 3 Syracuse vs. No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 4 Gonzaga vs. No. 1 North Carolina. The Orange/Sooners matchup opened as a pick’em, but Oklahoma had moved to a 1-point favorite by mid-week (with the total at 153 points). The top-seeded Tar Heels are favored by 8.5 points in their game against the Bulldogs to cap off the Sweet 16, while the oddsmakers have pegged the total for that matchup at 162.5.

March Madness spread picks for Sweet 16…

The power of 620 sports services behind every selection has hit seven straight college basketball sides.

It’s a run of historical nature. A service out of Las Vegas is easily the No. 1 in the world in March. Their “Absolute Picks” are now 26-5 overall and 21-2 in NCAAB excluding pushes since Feb. 25. Sunday it was Siena and Oklahoma State. Monday, Oakland cashes in. Thursday it was Xavier and Connecticut. Tonight it’s Gonzaga/North Carolina side in college and in the NBA New Orleans/New York. Click now to purchase sports betting picks from the top sports services or you can get more information and a free sports pick

Tipping off on the hardwood  . . .

Twenty teams will hit the hardwood around the NBA on Friday night as the league ends the work week with 10 matchups on the schedule. The top matchup on the slate will take place in Atlanta, where the Celtics will meet the Hawks. Boston edged the Hawks 88-85 in Atlanta on December 17, failing the cover the 4-point spread on the road. The Celtics also won a November matchup 103-102.

Also on tap for Friday: Oklahoma City at Toronto, Charlotte at Philadelphia, Milwaukee at Orlando, the Lakers at New Jersey, New Orleans at New York, Denver at Dallas, the Clippers at San Antonio, and Memphis at Sacramento. As well, LeBron James and his Cavaliers will play host to the lowly Timberwolves; those teams met with predictable results on December 17 – a 93-70 Cavs romp.

More betting odds…

The bitter rivals, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are the favorites to win the 2009 World Series.  Adam Lambert is now a prohibitive favorite to win American Idol 2009 according to the Hollywood and entertainment betting odds.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The NHL offers up six games on Friday night, including an East/West clash between the Devils and Blackhawks in Chicago. New Jersey hasn’t played since Monday night, when they were doubled up 4-2 by the division-rival Flyers in Philadelphia. The Devils and Hawks met in New Jersey on March 17, with Martin Brodeur leading his team to a 3-2 win as a -150 home favorite on the moneyline.

Washington will host Tampa Bay in one of the other five games on the ice on Friday night. As well, it’ll be Toronto at Buffalo, the Islanders at Detroit, Vancouver at Colorado, and Edmonton at Anaheim. The Oilers and Ducks haven’t met since December 19 in Edmonton, when Anaheim picked up a 3-2 victory. Both of those teams need Friday’s win in their hunt for a playoff position.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight will take place on Saturday (Glendale and Boston) and Sunday (Indianapolis and Memphis), with the Final Four set for April 4 and the tourney championship on April 6 (all at Detroit‘s Ford Field). The other three college hoops postseason events will wrap up next week; the National Invitational Tournament will stage its semifinals on March 31 and its championship on April 2, the CollegeInsider.com tourney will conclude on March 31, and the CBI finishes with a three-game set on March 30, April 1, and April 3.

Grizzlies-Kings Odds Preview

The fans at ARCO Arena will be treated to a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings when they take their seats on Friday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Kings listed as 3-point favorites versus the Grizzlies, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
O.J. Mayo dropped 21 points for Memphis in its 94-82 loss to Miami on Monday night.
Miami covered as 9-point home favorites as the game played under the 194-point total listed by oddsmakers.
The Kings lost to Philadelphia 112-100 as a 5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208).
Francisco Garcia led Sacramento with 24 points and Spencer Hawes had 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 17-53 SU, 30-39-1 ATS
Sacramento: 15-55 SU, 33-37 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Memphis is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Sacramento is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at Portland, Saturday, March 28
Sacramento home to Phoenix, Sunday, March 29

Nuggets-Mavericks Lines Preview

The Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at American Airlines Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Carmelo Anthony dropped 29 points in helping the Nuggets run over the Hornets 101-88 on Wednesday, as 4.5-point underdogs. The 189 points went UNDER the posted total of 196.
Chauncey Billups had 26 points with six rebounds and six assists for the Nuggets.
Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry each dropped 26 points in helping the Mavericks run to a 128-106 victory over the Warriors last time out. The Mavericks covered the 9.5-point spread, and the 234 points made it OVER the posted total of 225.
Jose Juan Barea had 20 points in the win, and Gerald Green added 14 in the win.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 46-26 SU, 39-32-1 ATS
Dallas: 43-28 SU, 35-36 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 9-1
After playing New Orleans are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Denver's last 21 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Dallas's last 21 games when playing at home against Denver
Next up:
Denver home to Golden State, Saturday, March 28
Dallas at Cleveland, Sunday, March 29

Clippers-Spurs Odds Preview

The fans at AT&T Center will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs when they take their seats on Friday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Spurs listed as 11½-point favorites versus the Clippers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Mike Taylor had 35 points and eight rebounds as the Clippers defeated the Knicks 140-135 in OT on Wednesday, as 6.5-point underdogs. That game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 217.
Zach Randolph added 33 points for the Clippers, and Al Thornton added 21.
Tony Parker dropped a game-high 42 points and grabbed 10 boards for a double-double on Wednesday, as the Spurs defeated the Hawks 102-92. The Spurs won the game as a 6.5-point underdog, while the 194 points made it OVER the posted total of 179.
Roger Mason added 18 points, and Michael Finley had 13 in the win.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 18-54 SU, 29-43 ATS
San Antonio: 47-24 SU, 35-34-2 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 2-8
After playing New York are 3-7
After a win are 2-8

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of the LA Clippers last 25 games on the road
LA Clippers are 6-15-1 ATS in their last 22 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
San Antonio is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
Next up:
LA Clippers at Houston, Saturday, March 28
San Antonio at New Orleans, Sunday, March 29

Hornets-Knicks Lines Preview

The New Orleans Hornets and the New York Knicks will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Madison Square Garden.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hornets listed as 5-point favorites versus the Knicks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Hornets were defeated 101-88 by the Nuggets last time out, as 4.5-point favorites. That game's 189 points went UNDER the posted total of 196.
Chris Paul tossed in 19 points with six rebounds and 13 assists in a losing effort.
Al Harrington collected 38 points with seven rebounds in the Knicks 140-135 overtime loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. The Knicks were 6.5-point favorites in the contest, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 217.
Current streak:
New York has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 44-26 SU, 30-38-2 ATS
New York: 28-43 SU, 40-30-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 6-4
After playing LA Clippers are 1-9
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 11 of New York's last 15 games at home
New York is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans home to San Antonio, Sunday, March 29
New York at Charlotte, Saturday, March 28

Lakers-Nets Lines Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers and the New Jersey Nets will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Izod Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Kobe Bryant netted a game-high 30 points to go with eight rebounds and seven assists, as the Lakers defeated the Pistons 92-77 on Thursday. The Lakers covered the 8.5-point spread, but the 169 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 194.
Pau Gasol had 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Lamar Odom added 12 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
The Nets were defeated 98-87 by the Cavaliers last time out, as 12-point underdogs. The 185 points went UNDER the posted total of 190.
Vince Carter had 20 points with four rebounds and five assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 4 straight games.
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 57-14 SU, 36-34-1 ATS
New Jersey: 30-41 SU, 37-33-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
LA Lakers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 13 of New Jersey's last 19 games
Next up:
LA Lakers at Atlanta, Sunday, March 29
New Jersey at Minnesota, Sunday, March 29

Timberwolves-Cavaliers Lines Preview

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Quicken Loans Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cavaliers listed as 14-point favorites versus the Timberwolves, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Timberwolves were defeated 96-88 by the 76ers last time out, as 10-point underdogs. That game's combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total of 200.5.
Rodney Carney netted 21 points, and Craig Smith had 20 in a losing effort.
LeBron James netted 22 points with eight rebounds and dished out 11 assists to lift the Cavaliers to a 98-87 victory over the Nets on Wednesday. The Cavaliers failed to cover the 12-point spread, and the 185 points went UNDER the posted total of 190.
Anderson Varejo tossed in 16 points to go with 11 rebounds, while Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas also scored 16 points.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 6 straight games.
Cleveland has won 10 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 20-52 SU, 32-38-2 ATS
Cleveland: 58-13 SU, 42-29 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Minnesota's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to New Jersey, Sunday, March 29
Cleveland home to Dallas, Sunday, March 29

Celtics-Hawks Lines Preview

The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Philips Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Celtics lost 84-82 to the Magic as a 3.5-point road underdog last time out. That game's 166 points went UNDER the posted total of 188.5.
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 26 points and seven rebounds.
The Hawks were defeated 102-92 by the Spurs last time out, as 6.5-point favorites at home. The game's 194 points made it OVER the posted total of 179.
Joe Johnson collected 30 points in the loss.
Team records:
Boston: 54-19 SU, 37-36 ATS
Atlanta: 42-30 SU, 40-31-1 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 10-1-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Next up:
Boston home to Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 29
Atlanta home to LA Lakers, Sunday, March 29

Bucks-Magic Lines Preview

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Amway Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Magic listed as 12-point favorites versus the Bucks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Bucks were defeated 115-106 by the Raptors last time out, as 4-point underdogs on the road. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 201.
Richard Jefferson had 22 points for the Bucks, and Charlie Bell added 20 in the loss.
The Magic were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to hang on and defeat the Celtics 84-82 on Wednesday. The Magic failed to cover the 3.5-point spread, and the 166 points went UNDER the posted total of 188.5.
Dwight Howard had 24 points with 21 rebounds for a double-double in leading the way.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 3 straight games.
Orlando has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 31-41 SU, 36-34-2 ATS
Orlando: 53-18 SU, 44-26-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing Boston are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 9 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Next up:
Milwaukee at Miami, Saturday, March 28
Orlando at Miami, Monday, March 30