Basketball fans will be licking their lips with tonight’s tasty match-ups on the hardwood. In the NBA, top MVP candidates Kevin Durant and LeBron James square off for the final time this season — unless, of course, they meet in the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, in college basketball, Duke and North Carolina will finally lock horns to resume their storied ACC rivalry.
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NCAAB – #1 Syracuse falls to BC
#1 Syracuse’s 25-game unbeaten run finally came to an end as the Orange fell to Boston College, 62-59 in overtime. Syracuse falls to second in the ACC standings, and will face Duke on Saturday.
NCAAB – Gators survive Auburn scare
#2 Florida weathered a first half deficit and held its nerve in the final seconds to escape with a 71-66 victory over Auburn. Thanks to Syracuse’s loss, the Gators — who have won 18 games in a row — can move up to #1 in the AP Top 25.
Olympic Hockey – USA, Canada to meet in semis
Team USA easily disposed of the Czech Republic 5-2 to set up a semifinal clash with Team Canada, who eked by Latvia 2-1.
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NBA – Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 PM ET)
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Heat will look to finish a six-game road trip with a big win against the Thunder. The Heat are currently 4-1 SU on this road trip. With LeBron James’ recent scoring binge (38 PPG in his last three games) he has fueled a three-game winning streak. With James returning to MVP mode, Miami is eager to improve its record in Oklahoma City, where it’s 7-3 SU/ATS in its last 10 road games vs the Thunder.
Odds: Heat (+3.5) vs. Thunder (-3.5); O/U: 206.0
However, Kevin Durant will almost surely put up a fight. Durant has been on a tear, averaging almost 40 PPG in his last four games, but he’ll need help. OKC already beat the Heat in January, as three players (aside from Durant) scored 15+ points. The Thunder are favorites to sweep the season series at home, where they are 9-0 SU in their last 9 home games.
NCAAB – Duke vs. North Carolina (9:00 PM ET)
Duke will be gunning for its fourth straight win at the Dean Dome tonight. The Blue Devils have been on fire on the road lately, winning four of their last five road games by 15 or more points. Duke has also won its last four games overall, with sensational freshman Jabari Parker averaging 22 PPG and 11 RPG in those games. The Blue Devils are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games overall.
Odds: Duke (-1.5) vs. UNC (+1.5)
Meanwhile, North Carolina will look to further extend its already impressive winning streak. The Tar Heels are 7-0 SU/ATS in their last seven games, thanks to the efforts of point guard Marcus Paige. The sophomore has scored 15 or more points in each of those seven games. The UNDER is 5-1 in UNC’s last 6 home games vs. Duke.
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