Championship Week in the NCAA is now underway but the big dogs are still at least a day away from playing their games. For the meantime, let’s focus our attention to the NBA and the NHL, which are both gearing up for their respective playoffs.
It’s not about to get any easier for the Habs, who lost their fourth consecutive contest at the hands of Winnipeg on Saturday, 4-2. Up ahead for Montreal is a date with high-scoring Dallas later tonight. If the Canadiens intend to end their slump, they have to straighten up their defense that has allowed 16 goals during their current winless streak.
The Stars, on the other hand, beat the Devils on Friday, 4-2, to snap a four-game skid of their own. Dallas, which averages 3.2 goals per game, is 4-3 in its last seven games against the Canadiens. Montreal is 4-1 in its last five home games against the Stars dating back to 2010.
After finally breaking a five-game losing skid by beating New Orleans on Saturday, 106-94, the Utah Jazz will face Atlanta later tonight in Salt Lake City. Utah defeated the Hawks back in November 15, 97-96, on the road and will look to repeat, as it continues to fight for a playoff spot over at the Western Conference.
Derrick Favors, who is averaging 16.7 points and 8.5 rebounds on the season, scored 23 points in the earlier meeting with Atlanta, which is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Utah. The Jazz, meanwhile, are 7-3 SU and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 at home.
