Two teams with almost identical dilemmas are set to collide tonight when the Ravens fly to Ford Stadium to take on the Lions. Meanwhile, the Clippers are returning to Staples Center where the Spurs await them after a lengthy road trip.
[sc:BettingArticlesShortcoder ]Sports Betting Preview for December 16
NFL – Dolphins Hand Patriots Loss
- Miami ended its losing streak to the Patriots with a thrilling 24-20 victory at home. More than that, the Dolphins strengthened their campaign for an AFC Wild Card berth.
NFL – Packers Stun Cowboys
- Down 26-3 at the half, the Packers mounted a giant comeback spurred by Matt Flynn’s four touchdown passes in the second half.
NBA – Suns Beat Warriors, Continue Streak
- Eric Bledsoe had a near triple-double, putting up 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists to help the Suns upend the visiting Warriors, 106-102.
Top Bet Games to Bet On
Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions (8:40 PM ET)
The Ravens (7-6 SU) were pushed out of the current playoff picture after Miami (8-6 SU) edged out the Patriots yesterday. With the win, Miami improved its record to 8-6 SU – a full game ahead of Baltimore. More importantly, it gave the Dolphins present claim to the last AFC Wild Card berth. [sc:NFL240banner ]
Fortunately for Baltimore, they still has control over their fate. The Ravens are 7-6 SU and a win against Detroit would tie them with Miami, but would allow them to reclaim the last Wild Card ticket due to their head-to-head advantage over the Dolphins. Baltimore is 3-0 SU in their last three games.
Odds: Ravens (+6.5) vs. Lions (-6.5), O/U: 48.5
Just like Baltimore, the Lions (7-6 SU) are in need of a win tomorrow to put the team back into the thick of the playoff race. Detroit lost its hold on the NFC North’s top spot after Chicago (8-6 SU) broke the tie in the standings with a win over the Browns yesterday. But since the Lions own the tie-breaker against Chicago, a victory over the Ravens would restore their status as the top team in the division.
Matthew Stafford registered his lowest passing yards output in the Lions’ game against Philadelphia last week, putting up just 151 yards – the first time he went below 200 this season. Nevertheless, the Lions are still third best in the NFL in passing yards with 297.2 yards per game. Detroit has won four of their last six games at Ford Field.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 PM ET)
For the last few years, people have been trumpeting the Spurs as a team on the decline because of their age. Fast forward to today, when we’re all still waiting for said decline to start.
The Spurs own the second best record in the Western Conference and are currently on a four-game winning streak. Tim Duncan remains a solid force in the paint as evidenced by his 22 point, 12 rebound effort against Utah in the Spurs’ last game. It was his third straight double-double performance. He will look to duplicate that showing when San Antonio takes on the Clippers on the road. The Spurs are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four road games.
Odds: Spurs (-2) vs. Clippers (+2), O/U: 202.0
After a lengthy road trip, the Clippers can finally kiss the hardwood of Staple Center again. The team is coming off a seven-game excursion during which they collected four wins and three losses.
The Clips ended that trip with a win in Washington (113-97), where Chris Paul erupted for 38 points and added 12 dimes. All starters in that game, including Paul, finished with double-digits in scoring. The frontcourt duo of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan combined for 31 points and 19 rebounds to set the tone for when they take on the Spurs tonight.
The Clippers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 home games, and though they are the fifth highest scoring team in the NBA, they are 6-1 UNDER in their last seven games overall.
For the most comprehensive list of NFL, NCAAF, MLB, and NHL game odds and betting lines, visit Top Bet’ Sportsbook.
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