Utah at Minnesota

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THE STORY: The Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz each sit one game below .500. Only one of them can go into the All-Star break even. The Timberwolves won three straight to reach .500 but were edged 103-101 in overtime at Denver on Monday. The Jazz were once one of the surprise teams in the Western Conference but are now on the verge of falling alone into the Northwest Division basement. Utah is 3-9 in February and has allowed an average of 100.8 points over that span.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southwest Plus (Jazz), FS North (Timberwolves)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (15-16): Utah beat Minnesota 108-98 on Jan. 21, pushing its record to 10-5. Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson combined for 44 points and 21 rebounds in that one and C.J. Miles poured in 18 points off the bench. Things have fallen off quite a bit since. Millsap and Jefferson have been consistent performers in the frontcourt but the defense has been a problem. The Jazz’s only win in the last five games came at home to the lowly Washington Wizards, who still managed to put up 100 points in the 114-100 decision.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (16-17): Kevin Love has only had two games this season in which he did not record a double-double. One was a 15-point, eight-rebound performance at Utah, in which he shot 5 for 21 from the floor and 1 for 7 from 3-point range. Love had another off night on Monday, shooting 7 for 23, as Minnesota had its winning streak snapped. The Timberwolves shot 36 percent and were outrebounded for one of the few times, 57-50 at Denver. Minnesota has not been more than one game over .500 at any point this season and head West for a four-game road trip immediately following the All-Star break.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Utah has taken six of the last seven meetings.

2. Jazz guard Raja Bell (adductor) missed Monday’s game and will be a game-time decision Wednesday.

3. Love has averaged 15.6 points and 11.4 rebounds in 13 career games against Utah.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 110, Jazz 99.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$   

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L.A. Lakers at Dallas

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THE STORY: After an easy 103-92 victory over Portland on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers got together for a players-only meeting, emphasizing that they must only worry about their jobs and not off-court distractions. The Lakers, just 5-11 on the road, will try to head into the All-Star break with momentum, playing a tough back-to-back at Dallas on Wednesday and at Oklahoma City on Thursday. “I think we just have to go (on the road) and play with confidence and get rest,” center Andrew Bynum said. “We get rest, we’re good.” Dallas already has momentum, winning seven of eight after beating Boston 89-73 on Monday.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT THE LAKERS (19-13): Backup guard Steve Blake had his best game of the season against Portland, scoring 17 points and making five of six 3-pointers. “The way that Steve Blake shot the ball tonight, he was extremely efficient,” Lakers coach Mike Brown said. “If those guys can continue doing that and running the team and then defending the way they did tonight, that’s all we need from our point guard spot.” In his last five games against Dallas, NBA leading scorer Kobe Bryant has missed all 16 of his 3-point attempts.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (21-12): Much has been made about Pau Gasol possibly being traded by the Lakers, but don’t look for the Mavericks to do the same with Lamar Odom. Yes, Odom was acquired in a trade before the season, but has largely been a disappointment. He averages 7.7 points and 4.5 rebounds, about half of his career averages. Dallas seeks its fifth consecutive home victory and has limited its last four home opponents to 85.8 points per game and 38.9 percent shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Lakers have won 11 of the last 14 regular-season meetings with the Mavericks, including three in a row.

2. Dallas guard Jason Terry has averaged 24 points in the last five home games against the Lakers.

3. In a 73-70 victory Jan. 16, the Lakers held the Mavericks to their lowest scoring game in series history.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 96, Lakers 91.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$   

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Denver at L.A. Clippers

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THE STORY: Denver has had little to be happy with this month, but the Nuggets were thrilled with a 103-101 overtime win against Minnesota on Monday. Denver will try to extend the Clippers’ losing streak to three games Wednesday at Los Angeles. The Nuggets are battling injuries throughout the lineup and could be without Nene (calf injury), Danilo Gallinari (ankle), Rudy Fernandez (back) and Ty Lawson (ankle). The Clippers fell at Golden State 104-97 on Monday for their second consecutive loss.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Altitude (Nuggets), Prime Ticket (Clippers)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (18-15): Help could be coming for the depleted Nuggets. They could see the return of former forward Wilson Chandler. He watched Monday’s game with Nuggets executive Masai Ujiri. Chandler is playing in China, but must await his team’s approval as well as clearance by FIBA, the governing body. “Hopefully we get something done,” Chandler said. “Watching (the NBA) on TV and coming to the game today, it makes you miss it.” Also helping would be more efforts like the one sixth man Al Harrington provided, scoring a season-high 31 points.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (19-11): Chris Paul took much of the blame for Monday’s loss at Golden State, and is eager to avoid the first three-game losing streak since signing with the Clippers. He noted that despite the Nuggets’ struggles, they beat the Clippers by 21 at Staples Center on Feb. 2. “I think it’s great that we’re mad about losing. I think that’s a good thing,” Paul said. “The bad part about that is that we did lose. So we’ve got to correct some things and we’ve got to come out tomorrow night and give a good showing against Denver. We owe those guys.”

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Clippers are 5-14 in their last 19 games against the Nuggets and have not won a season series since 2005-06.

2. The Nuggets are 10-1 this season and were 28-1 in 2010-11 when outrebounding and outshooting the opposition in the same game.

3. In their 112-91 victory Feb. 2, the Nuggets outshot the Clippers 65 percent to 37 percent from the field in the third quarter to pull away after trailing by 13 in the first quarter.

PREDICTION: Clippers 103, Nuggets 98. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$    

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North Carolina Central at Indiana

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THE STORY: No. 24 Indiana closes out its non-conference schedule with a game against North Carolina Central. The Hoosiers, who are 3.5 games behind Big Ten leader Michigan State, are eliminated from the regular season championship discussion with only three conference games left. Even so, the break in Big Ten action comes at a good time for Indiana, which is coming off a 78-66 loss to Iowa. The Hoosiers will use their game against the Eagles to sort things out before they resume conference play on the road at Minnesota on Feb. 26.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, BTN.com.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL (14-12, 8-5 MEAC): After a 3-4 start in MEAC play, North Carolina Central has won five of its last six. That includes back-to-back victories, a 71-56 win over South Carolina State on Feb. 13 and Saturday’s 71-66 road win over North Carolina A&T. The Eagles have won three straight on the road, but are just 4-9 away from home overall. Against teams from BCS leagues, they are 0-3 with two losses coming by a combined 31 points. Dominique Sutton, a senior transfer from Kansas State, averages a team-high 16.3 points and 7.6 rebounds.

ABOUT INDIANA (20-7, 8-7 BIG TEN): The Hoosiers have won three of their last four games, but their recent setback against the Hawkeyes exposed their rebounding weakness, as Iowa racked up 16 offensive rebounds. Indiana needs to limit its opponent’s second-chance opportunities if it hopes to make a deep run in the conference and NCAA tournaments. Offensively, however, the Hoosiers have been efficient. Led by Cody Zeller’s 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, Indiana averages 78 points and shoots 49.1 percent from the field.

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1. Indiana already has eight more wins than it had in 2010-11. No other major-conference school has shown that much improvement.

2. North Carolina Central is 0-25 against major-conference teams since 2007-08.

3. Indiana is 2-0 all-time against the Eagles, including a 72-56 victory on Nov. 23, 2010.

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West Virginia at Notre Dame

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THE STORY: Riding an eight-game win streak all the way to a No. 18 national ranking, Notre Dame takes aim at a season sweep of West Virginia after rallying for a 55-51 victory in Morgantown, W.Va., on Feb. 8. The Fighting Irish had made just 2 of 18 3-point shots in the game before hitting three straight during a late 11-0 run to seize control of the game. Including that setback, West Virginia had lost five of six before posting a 66-48 win at rival Pittsburgh last Thursday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2, ESPN3 (web).

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (19-8, 11-3 Big East): Since losing star forward Tim Abromaitis to a season-ending injury in November, the red-hot Fighting Irish have found surprising success by slowing the pace of the game. Their 61.1 possessions per contest in conference action are the second fewest among Big East teams, and they are allowing a league-best 58.7 points against conference opponents. Junior PF Jack Cooley (12.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg) leads the Big East in field-goal percentage (61.8) and has posted four consecutive double-doubles, a run that began with a 21-point, 12-rebound effort at West Virginia.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (17-10, 7-7): Senior F Kevin Jones has carried the load inside for the Mountaineers, leading the Big East in scoring (20.4) and rebounding (11.3). He and junior PF Deniz Kilicli (11.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg) pace a frontcourt that has West Virginia ranked second in the Big East in rebounding margin (plus-6.0). Senior G Truck Bryant is tied for seventh in the league with 16.7 ppg, but he is shooting just 31.3 percent on 192 3-point attempts (most in the Big East) and 36.2 percent overall. Bryant was held scoreless in the home loss to Notre Dame earlier this month.

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1. Notre Dame holds a 26-12 lead in the all-time series despite losing four of the last five meetings before this season.

2. The Fighting Irish are 16-2 against the Mountaineers at home, winning 11 consecutive meetings in South Bend dating back to 1987.

3. Jones ranks second nationally with 18 double-doubles, trailing only O.D. Anosike of Siena (20).

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South Florida at Syracuse

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THE STORY: South Florida is still looking for a signature victory, but the Bulls have won four straight as they visit No. 2 Syracuse. The Bulls’ defense, which has allowed an average of 49.3 points the last four games, will face the ultimate test. Syracuse scores almost 77 points per game and shoots 47.6 percent from the field, both best in the Big East. The Orange are third in the nation in steals (9.9) and play solid defense. The key might be the battle between South Florida’s talented freshman point guard Anthony Collins and Syracuse’s senior floor general Scoop Jardine.

TV: 7 p.m. ET; Big East Network, ESPN3.com

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (17-10, 10-4 Big East): The Bulls have not lost since a humbling 30-point defeat at Georgetown on Feb. 4. Collins has been a big reason, averaging 11 points and 6.2 assists the last six games. He was named the Big East rookie of the week after a career-high 22 points at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Victor Rudd has also raised his game, averaging 12 points and six rebounds the last three games. Augustus Gilchrist is the only double-figure scorer (10.5). South Florida allows 58.2 points per game, best in the Big East.

ABOUT SYRACUSE (27-1, 14-1 Big East): The Orange have won seven straight since their lone loss at Notre Dame, but had tough battles in six of them. Syracuse can clinch at least a tie for the Big East regular-season title with one more victory and is off to the best 28-game start in the program’s history. The Orange have a productive and balanced offense. Kris Joseph (14.0) and Dion Waiters (12.0) average in double figures and six are scoring at least 7.9. Sophomore center Fab Melo has averaged 10.8 points and 2.8 blocks the last five games.

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1. South Florida has set a team record for Big East wins in a season with four games left.

2. Jardine has had seven assists or more in eight games this season and averages 5.0.

3. Syracuse has won eight of nine meetings. The only win for the Bulls was Feb. 13, 2008 in Tampa.

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Temple at La Salle

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THE STORY: Temple, winners of 10 straight, hopes to celebrate its return to the national rankings with a win against old rival La Salle. The No 22 Owls had not been ranked all season, but has won 15 of 17 since its 6-3 start and returned to the top 25 for the third straight year. One of those wins was a 76-70 win over La Salle on Jan. 18 in Philadelphia, when Temple was able to use its strong inside game to its advantage. La Salle snapped a three-game losing streak by handing UMass its first home loss. Temple has won nine of the last ten meetings.

TV: 7 p.m. ET. No TV.

ABOUT TEMPLE (21-5, 9-2 A-10): The Owls are 9-0 since 6-foot-11 senior Micheal Eric returned from a right patella injury. Eric is averaging 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds and the team is allowing only 64.3 points since his return.. The Owls feature two of the top three scorers in the A-10: Ramone Moore (18.2 points) and Khalif Wyatt (17.0 points), who are both excellent 3-point shooters. Rahir Hollis-Jefferson is shooting 58.1 percent from the floor and leads the team with 6.7 rebounds. The floor leader is Juan Fernandez, who averages 3.9 assists and was named Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Week for averaging 18 points, five assists and three steals in a pair of wins.

ABOUT LA SALLE (18-9, 7-5 A-10): Earl Pettis and Ramon Galloway are tied for the team scoring lead at 14.7 points. Galloway ranks second in the conference and sixth in the nation with a 46.8 percent success rate on 3-pointers. The Explorers love to shoot the 3-pointer; they rank fifth in the nation at 41.2 percent. Jerrell Wright is averaging 13.5 points and is shooting 61.4 percent (43 for 70) from the floor in his last six games. Tyreek Duren (13.7) has made 30 of his last 32 from the line and had made 81.6 percent of his shots.

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1. La Salle is 16-3 when scoring 70 or more points.

2. A win would give Temple its longest winning streak in 12 years.

3. La Salle has been outrebounded in five of its last six games and was outrebounded by nine in the first meeting with Temple.

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Washington at Ottawa

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THE STORY: Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis hit the nail on the head when he put his team’s latest performance into perspective. “Embarrassing effort, right from the start,” Leonsis wrote on his blog after Monday’s lackluster 5-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. If they’re looking to avoid their sixth loss in seven outings, the Capitals better up their intensity on Wednesday when they visit Canada’s capital city to face the Ottawa Senators. For its part, Ottawa completed a perfect three-game road trip with a decisive 6-0 triumph over the New York Islanders.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN, CSW+

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (29-25-5): A date against the Senators could be a good remedy for what is ailing Washington. The Capitals have won all three meetings thus far this season against Ottawa – and have collected points in 16 of the last 19 contests (13-3-3). For Washington to continue that trend, Alex Ovechkin needs to show up. The captain, who has tallied once during the last five games, scored a goal in the team’s 5-3 win over the Senators on Dec. 7.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (31-22-8): Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk heaped plenty of praise on Erik Karlsson during a recent interview. Hours later, the All-Star defenseman made Melnyk look good for his comments. After the owner said that Karlsson can “go down in history with the great defensemen of all time,” the blue-liner collected two goals and two assists versus the Islanders. Jason Spezza, who was the NHL’s Third Star of the Week, also tallied twice to extend his current six-game point streak (seven goals, eight assists). Spezza, however, has just one assist in three contests versus Washington this season.

OVERTIME:

1. The Senators’ winning streak has them two points removed from the Northeast Division-leading Boston Bruins.

2. Washington G Tomas Vokoun was pulled after yielding two goals in just over five minutes of action on Monday. Vokoun has not fared well versus Ottawa, winning just five of 16 career decisions. For his part, Michael Neuvirth has won all four career starts against the Senators.

3. Ottawa G Craig Anderson has stopped 98 of 100 shots en route to sandwiching a pair of shutouts around a 42-save performance. Anderson, however, has dropped six of 10 career matches versus the Capitals.

PREDICTION: Senators 5, Capitals 2.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$  

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Boston at St. Louis

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THE STORY: The St. Louis Blues have collected points in 21 consecutive games (18-0-3) at Scottrade Center. The stingy Blues will look to continue their dominant ways in the Gateway City on Wednesday when the suddenly sputtering Boston Bruins pay a visit. Coach Claude Julien’s club was shut out for the fourth time this month on Sunday when it couldn’t slip one of its season-high 48 shots past Niklas Backstrom and the Minnesota Wild.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NESN, FSMW

ABOUT THE BRUINS (35-20-2): Boston’s injuries – and subsequent scoring woes – have many wondering if general manager Peter Chiarelli is willing to make a major move prior to Monday’s NHL trade deadline. With Nathan Horton (concussion) and Rich Peverley (knee) on the sideline, rumors abound that backup – and potential future workhorse goaltender – Tuukka Rask may be headed out of Beantown in favor of a top-flight forward. It’s clear one is needed as the Bruins have converted just two of their last 22 power-play opportunities.

ABOUT THE BLUES (36-16-7): St. Louis’ offense seems to get lost as soon as the club exits the Show Me State. The Blues, who have mustered 51 goals in 26 road games this season, fell victim again to a sputtering offense during their 3-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. LW Andy McDonald scored for the third straight game, but has yet to tally in seven career contests versus the Bruins. LW David Perron saw his seven-game point streak come to an end on Sunday.

OVERTIME:

1. Boston is currently 1-2-0 on its six-game road trip. The Bruins haven’t lost three in a row since October.

2. St. Louis veteran RW Jamie Langenbrunner is expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks with a broken bone in his left foot.

3. The Blues boast an impressive 26-3-4 mark at home this season.

PREDICTION: Blues 2, Bruins 1. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$   

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Los Angeles at Colorado

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THE STORY: Colorado Avalanche coach Joe Sacco admitted he was frustrated by his team’s effort in Sunday’s lackluster 5-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. If Sacco’s charges don’t put forth a better performance on Wednesday when the Avalanche host the Los Angeles Kings, a chance at the postseason may soon slip away. Goals will likely be at a premium in this contest between these light-scoring clubs.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS, TSN2

ABOUT THE KINGS (27-21-12): After getting blanked in its previous two games, Los Angeles actually gave the scoreboard operator some work in its 5-4 shootout loss to the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday. The lowest-scoring team in the NHL, the Kings netted their first three goals in a span of 8:26. Prior to that, their last three goals were scored in a span of 157:56. Dustin Brown snapped a three-game streak without a point by scoring and setting up a goal on Tuesday. The captain had a goal and two assists in three games this season versus Colorado.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (29-27-4): Colorado acquired pesky Steve Downie from the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Kyle Quincey on Tuesday. The Lightning then turned around and shipped the blue-liner to the Detroit Red Wings for minor-league defenseman Sebastien Piche and a first-round pick in the 2012 draft. Downie, 24, has collected 12 goals, 16 assists and 121 penalty minutes in 55 games this season.

OVERTIME:

1. Colorado rookie RW Gabriel Landeskog has recorded four goals and two assists in the last six games. The second overall pick of the draft, Landeskog has a goal and an assist in three contests versus the Kings.

2. After Los Angeles won all four meetings last season, Colorado is attempting to do the same in 2011-12. The Avalanche posted a 3-2 home win on Oct. 30 before claiming a pair of narrow road victories in January.

3. Los Angeles is clinging to eighth place in the Western Conference, four points ahead of 11th-place Colorado.

PREDICTION: Kings 2, Avalanche 1.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$    

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