Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Today's Games...
1. 300,000♦ Depaul
2. 50,000♦ Delaware
3. 50,000♦ Trailblazers
1. Depaul- What Depaul team have oddsmakers been watching?! Maybe during their atrocious 2-7 start you could justify making the Blue Demons double-digit dogs in this spot, but not now, not when they've won 5 of their last 6 games SU and 4 of their last 5 ATS!
Clearly, the Blue Demons have found their chemistry, and the results are there for everyone to see, especially on the defense end. Depaul was losing games in the early season thanks to a lack of consistent defensive intensity, but over their last 5 games they're surrendering 67 ppg on 42% shooting. That's a marked jump from their season averages of 75 ppg allowed on 44% shooting. Just ask Villanova's star G Scottie Reynolds how good this Depaul defense is, as he struggled in their last meeting January 3rd (4 for 12 shooting, 11 points, 4 turnovers).
Probably the biggest match up issue the Wildcats have is in the frontcourt, as despite being cleared, 6'10 C Drummond is not expected to play. Note that in their last match up, Depaul's froncourt of Koshwal, Clarke, and Green combined for 39 points (all 3 in double-figures) and 25 rebounds, dominating the paint. In other words, the Wildcats could desperately use Drummond in this match up, but since he's not expected to play, the Wildcats are again at a disadvantage down-low.
Finally, although it took him a while, coach Wainwright has his boys playing harder than at any other point this season. Their 60-54 outright upset at St. John's is a perfect example of a team firing on all cylinders, even in hostile territory, thanks to excellent chemistry. Some teams react to losses by losing more, other teams learn from their mistakes and flourish, Depaul falls in the latter group.
Bottom line, the edge in the frontcourt is key in this match up, because it opens up the court for G Draelon Burns, making this Depaul offense a lot more dynamic. Although the Wildcats will be playing for revenge, their going to have to beat a Depaul defense that's playing excellent team basketball right now. While 'Nova may win this game, it'll be a hell of a lot closer than the guys in Vegas want you to believe.
Take Depaul plus the points over Villanova as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Delaware- I freely admit I was down on this Delaware team early on, but after watching them beat their last 4 opponents OUTRIGHT, I'm a big enough man to admit I was wrong about the Blue Hens. Overtime wins against George Mason and Old Dominion can only serve to solidify this team further as they travel to face-off with a VCU team that's been far from impressive of late.
Everywhere I read this Rams team is considered an "offensive juggeraut," but where's the proof? Over their last 5 games they're averaging a very pedestrian 64 ppg on 41% shooting... Not exactly burning any barns down. Guys, over the same span the Blue Hens have actually been averaging more points (65 ppg L5), led by some real impressive games from F Herb Courtney, including a 27-point 11 rebound effort against Old Domnion in his last one.
The Rams defense is no joke, but when you're spotting the Blue Hens this many points, its hard for me to believe they can't keep this game within the lumber, especially when you consider Delaware's recent play, which has been nothing short of outstanding. There's little to stop Courtney down-low, and the Delaware guards have been shooting well enough to make VCU pay for keying on their talented forward.
Bottom line, while the Rams almost assuredly win this game at home, the Blue Hens have proven over their last 4 games that they can hang with any team in the CAA. The fact VCU is a big favorite here is based on pereception, but the reality is Delaware is playing solid basketball and they'll bring home the cash in this one.
Take Delaware plus the points over VCU in this CAA match up.
3. Trailblazers- Do I really need to tell you how well this Portland team is playing right now? Winners of 18 of their last 20 games and holding the best pointspread mark in the NBA at 24-13-1, they're a cash-machine and playing like it! Critics however are quick to say they won't be "sneaking up" on anybody anymore, but that's a BS way of not giving credit when credit is due. In fact, its the Celtics who are dealing with issues right now...
While everyone is concentrating on the fact the Celtics have lost consecutive games for the first time this season, I'm more concerned with the fact their offense is struggling mightily right now. Boston is averaging a very un-Boston-like 84 ppg on 43% shooting over their last 5 games, and is a big reason why they've lost 3 of their last 4 games SUATS.
If you're expecting the Celtics to break out of their slump tonight, you might be left disappointed, as the Blazers defense is not only more athletic, but also playing very well, allowing just 95 ppg over their last 5. If the Blazers can lock down offenses like the Warriors (91 points) and Jazz (89 points) over the last week or so, then they can limit an already struggling Celtics offense.
Another factor to consider is the injury to Ramon Rondo, who's listed as questionable with a sore back. The last thing this Boston offense needs is to lose their starting point guard, especially when their depth at the position is terrible. Even if he does play, he'll need to be 100% to effectively combat a very athletic Portland defense.
Bottom line, if you're underestimating this Portland team, shame on you! They've done nothing but win and tonight they face a suddenly struggling Boston team, that's absolutely ripe for the pickings. Boston will likely win this game with a strong defensive effort, but because of their offensive woes, expect this game to be closer than expected. Blazers grab the cash Wednesday night in Boston!
Take the Trailblazers plus the points over the Celtics in this NBA match up.
