Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Wednesday Plays:
1. 400,000♦ Purdue
2. 50,000♦ Pistons
3. 50,000♦ Warriors
1. Purdue- So the Chippewas have some late season success against some pretty average MAC teams, while the Boilermakers falter in their last 3 games against bowl-bound Big Ten teams, and all of a sudden Purdue is a single-digit favorite, even after crushing Central Michigan 45-22 earlier this season? Sometime the guys in Vegas just plain screw up, and this is exactly one of those times.
Let's examine their match up back on September 15th, when the Boilermakers cruised to a 38-0 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, only to let the Chippewas score some garbage points late, to end up with our 45-22 shellacking. Guys, what has changed since then? Has the Chippewas defense gotten any better? Has Curtis Painter and this Boilermakers offense gotten any worse? The answer is no and no, as Purdue can and will dominate this match up once again.
The biggest difference between these two schools is defense, plain and simple. While some will argue their numbers are closer than they appear, that's if you don't take into account the level of competition, which clearly makes Purdue the better defense, allowing 24 ppg on the season. Remember guys, Purdue was able to limit dual-threat QB LaFevour to his lowest rushing yardage of the season (10 carries for 26 yards), and they can do it again tonight.
Finally, if you've seen this Chippewas defense play, there's no question Curtis Painter and company will shred them once again. The fact the Boilermakers have RB Jaycen Taylor back and healthy this time around only gives them that much more of an edge in the running game, where Central Michigan allows 165 yards rushing per contest. Once they establish RBs Taylor/Sheets, the passing game will be wide open for Painter and his top threats WR Bryant and TE Keller.
Bottom line, the Boilermakers may not win by as much as their first meeting earlier this season, but make no mistake, Purdue gets the solid win and cover in tonight's Motor City Bowl. With a huge edge on defense, and more than enough offense to manhandle a pathetic Chippewas defense, look for Purdue to open up their second can of whip-ass on this Central Michigan team tonight.
Take Purdue BIG over Central Michigan as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Pistons- New Jersey may have won two straight against a bad Miami team and a Warriors squad that's very beatable on the road, but tonight they take a major step up in competition, as the veteran Pistons come to town. Detroit will be looking to extend their 3 game winning streak SUATS in this series tonight, and based on the Nets pathetic play at home (4-11 ATS), I say they make it 4 in a row!
Biggest problem for New Jersey in this series has been cracking this Pistons defense, as they've averaged 96 ppg against Detroit over their last 3 meetings. The fact the Nets are struggling mightily to score only strengthens my play on the Pistons, as New Jersey can muster only 91 ppg on 43% shooting this season. Injuries (Krstic) and inconsistent play by everyone but Jefferson has doomed this Nets team and will doom them once again tonight.
Pistons are rolling, winners of 5 in a row SUATS, they've limited all 5 opponents to 87 points or less, and that includes high-octane teams like Golden State, Boston, and Memphis. If they can limit those teams offensively, than you better believe they'll have little trouble stopping a sputtering and fragmented Nets offense in this one.
Bottom line, I'm not impressed by the Nets recent wins, and I say they get right back to their struggles against a superior and surging Pistons team tonight. New Jersey has issues once again with this Pistons defense, while the same cannot be said for Billups and company, who'll take care of the business on both ends of the court in this one.
Take the Pistons comfortably over Nets in this NBA match up.
3. Warriors- This is a mismatch if I've ever seen one, as you couldn't pair two more different teams if you tried. Its not all the 'Wolves fault, as injuries have decimated this roster, but that still doesn't excuse the fact that Minnesota is playing as if they don't care, losing ugly game after ugly game.
Take their last road game for example, as they get walloped by New Orleans 110-76... The game was over by halftime, and the 'Wolves effort on both ends of the court was embarrassing to say the least. They allowed the Hornets to shot 53% and forced only 9 turnovers. While offensively, Ryan Gomes was the only player I saw who actually put forth a decent effort.
One thing we know for sure about the Warriors is their offense is outstanding at home, averaging 118 ppg over their last 7 in Oakland. It would be one thing if Minny had any concept of defense, but being that they're allowing 105 ppg over their last 5 games, I have little reason to believe they'll limit Baron Davis and company even in the slightest.
Finally, its also important to consider, this is the first time in over two weeks that the Warriors are playing at home. After a relatively successful road trip, look for the Warriors to really lay it on thick tonight at home, as facing a soft West Coast team after bumping and bruising with the likes of Cleveland and New Jersey is exactly what this offense needs... A chance to run. Note the favorite is 7-2 ATS over the last 9 meetings in this series, and you can make it 8-2 ATS after tonight!
Take the Warriors BIG over the Timberwolves in late NBA action.
:toast:
