The best and worst of the NFC South square of in the NFL this Thursday night, while two Western Conference juggernauts clash in the NBA.
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Sports Betting Preview for November 21
Top Stories in Sports Today
MLB – Tigers Trade Fielder to Texas
Just two seasons after signing Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract, the Detroit Tigers have agreed to trade their slugging first baseman to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman Ian Kinsler.
NBA – Pacers Edge NY in OT
Paul George starred once again for the Indiana Pacers as they edged the New York Knicks 103-96 to improve to 10-1. George sank three clutch free throws to force overtime, where he scored 9 of his game-high 35 points to seal the victory.
NBA – Miami Streak at 5
Despite missing Dwyane Wade for a second straight game, the Miami Heat extended their winning streak to five games with a 120-92 thumping of their state neighbor Orlando Magic.
Top Games to Bet On
New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons (8:30 PM ET)
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With the Panthers hot on their heels in the division, the New Orleans Saints cannot afford any slip-ups against the last-placed Atlanta Falcons. The Saints, led by MVP candidate Drew Brees, are coming off back-to-back wins over the Cowboys and 49ers where they have totaled over 1,000 yards of offense. Expect their offense (3rd in DVOA) to pile on the yardage against a Falcons defense ranked 30th in defensive DVOA. New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games vs Atlanta.
This season has been one to forget for the Falcons. Injuries to their star receivers have crippled a team that went to the NFC Championship Game just last season. The free-falling Falcons have lost four games in a row by an average of 18.4 points. Atlanta’s only hope would be a vintage Matt Ryan game at the Georgia Dome; the Pro Bowl quarterback has thrown 12 interceptions this season but just one has come at home. The over is 6-1 in the Falcons’ last 7 home games.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 PM ET)
The high-scoring Clippers – led by double-double machine Blake Griffin – are lighting up the league to the tune of 109 points/game, best in the NBA. Griffin is certainly doing his fair share, with over 20 points and 10 rebounds in five straight games.
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The terrific production from their All-Star forward has powered the Clippers to a 5-1 SU record in their last 6 games overall.
But their resolve will be tested on the road at Oklahoma City on the second night of a back to back. The Thunder are a perfect 4-0 SU at home this season and the league’s leading scorer Kevin Durant (29.6 points/game) is aiming to keep it that way. After some ups and downs since his return, All-Star guard Russell Westbrook is also heating up, with over 25 points in each of his last three games.
