A pivotal ACC match-up is on the horizon when the Syracuse Orange pay fellow defensive team Virginia Cavaliers a visit Saturday afternoon in college basketball action. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are looking to bust their lengthy losing skid against the San Antonio Spurs Sunday night. Read on for everything you need to know to bet the two most exciting games of the weekend.
[sc:BettingArticlesShortcoder ]Top Games to Bet On this Weekend
Syracuse Orange vs. Virginia Cavaliers (March 1, 4:00 PM EST)
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]Betting on the Syracuse Orange
Throughout the season, the Syracuse Orange’s offense has been mediocre, only putting up a 243rd-ranked 68.8 PPG. But they have done even worse in their last five games, wherein their scoring dipped to an average of just 58.0 PPG. That includes the Orange’s dismal scoring output in their 57-55 win over the Maryland Terrapins last Monday.
On the other hand, Syracuse’s scoring defense of 58.8 PPG in the last five games continued to be on par with its season average of 58.5 PPG. With an anemic offense and stable defense, it’s no wonder the Orange have consistently hit the under, which has hit seven Syracuse games in a row and eight of their last 10.
Betting on the Virginia Cavaliers
The No. 12 Virginia Cavaliers are hoping to get lucky when they aim for their 13th win in a row and a higher seeding in the AP poll when they host No. 4 Syracuse Orange on Saturday.
The Cavaliers own the best scoring defense in the nation with a 54.7 PPG average. They are coming off two straight wins in which their opponents failed to score more than 49 points. Virginia also holds its opponents’ shooting percentage down to 38.2%, sixth best in the nation and No. 1 in the ACC. What’s more, the Cavaliers are playing better ball than Syracuse of late. They have shot 45.2% from the field on the season and put up 63.2 PPG in their last five games.
Like Syracuse, the Cavaliers seem to have a penchant for helping games go under. Virginia games have gone under five of their last six times out. The Cavs are also 3-1 ATS in their last four games.
Prediction
This game is teeming with hints that the total is going to go under. However, oddsmakers will account for that, meaning Virginia’s relatively hot scoring touch of late should buoy the total into going over.
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs (March 2, 7:00 PM EST)
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
After a two-game home stand, the Dallas Mavericks take to the road anew, where they recently strung together a series of victories. The Mavs are hoping the momentum will help carry them to a rare win at San Antonio Sunday night.
Dallas is 4-0 SU in its last four road games and 6-1 SU in the last seven overall. In the Mavs’ most recent trip away from home, Dirk Nowitzki nailed a jumper as time expired to give his team a 110-108 win against New York. Despite the win, the Mavs failed to brighten the day of their ATS bettors as the team came up short of covering their three-point spread.
The Mavericks know how to score. Their 104.6 PPG is currently fourth in the NBA and a big chunk of their points are generated by their penchant for assists. Dallas has three players that average 4.2 APG or better: Monta Ellis (5.8 APG), Jose Calderon (4.8 APG), and Devin Harris (4.2 APG).
Betting on the San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs seem to have beating the Mavericks down to science, having won their last seven matches against their in-state rivals.
The Spurs have already defeated Dallas twice this season, once at home at once in Dallas, while covering the spread in both games. In the first meeting, the Spurs covered three points as road faves (116-107), then followed it up with a 112-90 win two weeks later, this time laying five points at home.
It’s no secret that Gregg Popovich has one of the best, if not the best, bench at his disposal. The Spurs’ reserves are pouring in 44.6 PPG and 16.5 RPG, both numbers ranking in the top five in the NBA.
Prediction
The Spurs have Dallas’ number but with the way the Mavericks have been playing lately, San Antonio’s streak could end on Sunday. Look for an angry Dirk Nowitzki to will his team to a narrow victory in the final minutes.
For all your hard court betting needs, including NBA and college basketball odds and betting lines, visit Top Bet, America’s best online sportsbook.
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