Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ Syracuse
2. 50,000♦ Magic
3. 50,000♦ Texas
1. Syracuse- First things first, this is a Big East rivalry game. If you watched their last two meetings (both of which featured Hibbert), how can you possibly think this game will be a blowout? The Orange are not intimidated by the Hoyas vaunted defense, and the fact their 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS over their last 8 meetings should prove it.
Although many thought this Orange team would collapse without G Eric Devendorf, in fact, they've flourished. It opened the door for the talented freshman G Johnny Flynn to take over the backcourt, and clearly defined everyone else's place in the offense. Their goto guy is 6'11 F Donte Green, who infinately more talented on the offensive end than Hibbert. While fowards Harris (13 ppg 9 rpg) and Onuaku (13 ppg 7 rpg) also match up very well.
Another problem I have with Georgetown is perception. Because the Hoyas destroyed the Irish, and the Orange lost to Villanova at home in their games Saturday, everyone seems to be forgetting the history of this series. Coach Boeheim knows how to beat the Hoyas vaunted zone defense, in fact, he's a proven winner against it. They defeated what I consider to be a more talented Hoyas team last season (albeit at home) with ease.
Bottom line, I'm not saying the Orange win this game outright, but what I am laying is they'll keep this game well within the number. Orange's offense is built around beating defenses just like the Hoyas, and they have match ups necessary to make it happen.
Take Syracuse plus the points over Georgetown as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Magic- You want to talk about motivation? Then let's talk about the fact the Magic have lost 9 straight to this Detroit team, including their 4-game sweep in the playoffs last season and this season's most lopsided loss 116-92 in their only meeting this season. So why now? Let me explain...
First of all, the Pistons are playing like garbage right now, losers of 3 of their last 4 games, all to below average opponents (Knicks, Kings, Bulls). Their once fine-tuned offense is struggling, averaging 89 ppg on 40% shooting over their last 5 games. It appears to me that the Pistons have hit a wall after bursting out of the gate ealry on, and find themseves temporarily bored and hence vulnerable.
Second, the Magic learned from their first match up this season. Dwight Howard and company desperately wanted to avenge their 4-game sweep at the hands of this Pistons team, but came out tight and got down early. This time around the Magic come in focused and ready.
Bottom line, look for a serious difference in energy levels tonight, as the Magic want this game badly, while the Pistons have looked disinterested of late. Magic beat a red-hot Portland team in their last home game, and will build off that win with another solid effort here tonight.
Take the Magic plus the points over the Pistons in this NBA match up.
3. Texas- While everyone seems to be trumpeting Oklahoma State's defense at home, talking about how they allow 57 ppg on just 39% shooting there, I'm not so sure. True, wins over Texas Tech and Washington were nice, but what exactly do wins over Rogers State, Texas-Arlington, and Northwestern State (among others) really account for?!
Match up-wise, the Cowboys are going to have a problem with the Longhorns 3-guard attack of Augustin, Abrams, and James (who's listed as a guard, but at 6'7 & 10+ boards/game, is really a forward). There coming off back-to-back losses where they got killed on the perimeter, and they'll be facing an even tougher task in stopping Texas's perimeter game tonight.
Okie State's guards are decent, but they lack a true distributor, with Byron Eaton's 3.2 assists/game leading the way. In the frontcourt, Okie State F James Anderson will have his work cut out for him down-low, as 6'9 shot-blocking F Atchley won't give him an inch. Longhorns' defensive numbers may not be as good as the Cowboys, but they've matched up against tougher competition, and tonight's where it pays off.
Bottom line, Oklahoma State gets exposed a bit here tonight. They've got a couple nice home wins, but their schedule full of cupcakes, plus back-to-back losses against similar perimeter-oriented teams, have me siding with the Longhorns in this one.
Take Texas over Oklahoma State in this Big 12 match up.
