Who plays

Oklahoma City to Phoenix

Current records: Oklahoma City 11-19; Phoenix 25-5

What there is to know

The Oklahoma City Thunder could have tired legs after a game yesterday as they head to the road against the Phoenix Suns at 9 p.m. ET on December 23 at the Footprint Center. If the contest looks like Phoenix’s 123-120 victory when they last met in May, the scorer will be very busy.

The Thunder were expected to lose to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, but instead they received a cute Christmas stocking. The stars were shining for Oklahoma City in a 108-94 victory over Denver. It was another big night for Oklahoma City shooting guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who clocked a triple-double with 27 points, 12 dimes and 11 rebounds. This is Gilgeous-Alexander’s first triple-double of the season.

Meanwhile, the stars were shining for Phoenix in a 108-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The Suns’ success was led by the efforts of shooter Devin Booker, who shot 6 for 11 from beyond the arc and finished with 24 points, seven assists and nine boards, and center Deandre Ayton, who has dropped a double-double on 19 points and 11 boards. It’s been four straight games in which Ayton has taken at least ten rebounds.

The Thunder need to know they’re going to fight an uphill battle given the 15-point gap they face. They are currently four-to-four ATS in their most recent games, however, a trend that punters might want to consider.

Oklahoma City is now 11-19 while Phoenix is ​​25-5. A few offensive numbers to keep in mind before kick-off: Oklahoma City are stumbling into the game with the fewest points per game in the league, accumulating just 99.5 points on average. The Suns’ offense has more to brag about, as they rank first in the league when it comes to field goal percentage, at 47.70% this season. The cards are therefore definitely stacked in their favor.

How to watch

• When: Thursday at 9 p.m. ET
• Or: Footprint Center – Phoenix, Arizona
• TV: Bally Sports – Arizona
• Online broadcast: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
• To follow: CBS Sports app
• Cost of the ticket: $ 18.68

Chances

Suns are 15-point favorite against Thunder, latest says NBA odds.

The punters had a good idea of ​​the line for this one, as the game opened with the Suns as the 14.5-point favorite.

Over / Under: -109

See NBA picks for every game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get Choices Now.

History of the series

Oklahoma City have won 14 of their last 20 games against Phoenix.

• May 02, 2021 – Phoenix 123 vs. Oklahoma City 120
• April 02, 2021 – Phoenix 140 vs. Oklahoma City 103
• January 27, 2021 – Oklahoma City 102 vs. Phoenix 97
• August 10, 2020 – Phoenix 128 v Oklahoma City 101
• January 31, 2020 – Oklahoma City 111 vs. Phoenix 107
• December 20, 2019 – Oklahoma City 126 vs. Phoenix 108
• December 28, 2018 – Oklahoma City 118 vs. Phoenix 102
• November 17, 2018 – Oklahoma City 110 vs. Phoenix 100
• November 12, 2018 – Oklahoma City 118 vs. Phoenix 101
• October 28, 2018 – Oklahoma City 117 vs. Phoenix 110
• March 08, 2018 – Oklahoma City 115 vs. Phoenix 87
• March 02, 2018 – Oklahoma City 124 vs. Phoenix 116
• January 07, 2018 – Phoenix 114 v Oklahoma City 100
• April 07, 2017 – Phoenix 120 v Oklahoma City 99
• March 03, 2017 – Phoenix 118 v Oklahoma City 111
• December 17, 2016 – Oklahoma City 114 vs. Phoenix 101
• October 28, 2016 – Oklahoma City 113 vs. Phoenix 110
• February 08, 2016 – Oklahoma City 122 vs. Phoenix 106
• December 31, 2015 – Oklahoma City 110 vs. Phoenix 106
• November 08, 2015 – Oklahoma City 124 vs. Phoenix 103

Phoenix Injury Report

• Abdel Nader: Out (knee)
• Frank Kaminsky: outside (knee)
• Dario Saric: outside (knee)

Injury report for Oklahoma City

• Derrick Favors: Out (Rest)

The Oklahoma No.6 is looking for the only losing streak he has against a conference challenger as the Sooners travel to Manhattan, Kansas to face the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday. The Sooners are 4-0 to start the season, but have only beaten their three FBS opponents by 15 points combined.

Kansas State suffered its first loss to No. 19 Oklahoma State, but had impressive victories over Stanford and Nevada. The Wildcats held the Cowboys scoreless in the second half, but just couldn’t generate enough points to overcome the difference.

Oklahoma has dominated this series in its 101-year history stretching back to the Big Eight Conference. The Sooners hold a historic 76-21-4 advantage. However, seven of K-State’s 21 wins came in the Big 12 era.

How will Saturday’s Big 12 showdown unfold? Here are storylines to know before kick-off, as well as ATS and straight picks.

Oklahoma vs Kansas State: Need to Know

Secret formula: Kansas State is the only Big 12 team with an active winning streak against the much-vaunted Sooners. In fact, Oklahoma hasn’t beaten the Wildcats since Chris Klieman took over the program in 2019. Klieman’s teams kept Oklahoma’s rushed offense under four yards per carry in both wins and took the turnover battle by a combined 6-0. Error-free football has been a hallmark of Kansas State for decades, and it has prevailed in the last two meetings.

Inconsistent offense: Oklahoma have taken a big step back on offense, scoring less than 28 points in three straight conference games after never hitting those lows during Lincoln Riley days. The 16 points against West Virginia were the fewest for Oklahoma since the Clemson Tigers erupted 40-6 in the Russell Athletic Bowl in 2014 – the loss that led then-coach Bob Stoops, to hire Riley as the offensive coordinator.

QB questions: Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson led both wins against Oklahoma. Sadly, Thompson probably has a knee injury, leaving a huge question mark behind him. Will Howard and Jaren Lewis split against Oklahoma State, but the Wildcats struggled to generate offense. The Wildcats need to score to follow Oklahoma; they generated 86 points in the two upset victories.

Dynamic deuce: Kansas State has one of America’s most versatile running backs. Sophomore Deuce Vaughn ran for 393 yards, eclipsing the 100-yard mark in all three wins, and caught 10 passes for 102 yards and racked up six touchdowns. Klieman is a genius at sending the ball to Vaughn into space, even though defensive game plans are built to stop him.

How to watch Oklahoma vs. Kansas State live

Dated: Saturday October 2 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Site: Bill Snyder Family Stadium – Manhattan, Kansas
TV: Fox | Direct: fuboTV (Try for free)

Oklahoma vs Kansas State Prediction, Pick

Does Kansas State have the offensive firepower to make it three in a row against Oklahoma? This will be the critical issue in a crucial game for both parties. The Wildcats have a very disciplined team defensively. That should be enough to cause problems for Oklahoma’s stumbling offense and keep the game close. But to actually win for the third year in a row, K-State must find answers in the quarterback. Prediction: Kansas State (+10.5)

What college football picks can you confidently make in Week 5, and which Top 25 favorite will be hit hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the gap – all from a proven computer model that has grossed nearly $ 3,300 in profits over the past five+ seasons – and find out.

through 3 quarters

The Oregon State Beavers were expected to take an “L” in this one, but so far that doesn’t play out in the script. After three quarters, it increasingly looks like their powerful offense is too much for the USC Trojans as the Beavers lead 35-17. Oregon State capitalized on the performance of QB Chance Nolan, who had four touchdowns and 213 yards on 17 attempts in addition to picking up 47 rushing yards.

Oregon State and USC entered this game with wins in previous games. We’ll see if the state of Oregon can maintain its lead to secure another victory and undo the positive energy from USC.

Who plays

Oregon State @ USC

Current records: Oregon State 2-1; USC 2-1

What there is to know

The USC Trojans and Oregon State Beavers will face off in a Pac-12 showdown at 10:30 p.m. ET on September 25 at United Airlines Field in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. After these two teams get rid of their previous opponents, one of them is about to suffer a disheartening setback.

USC won their game against the Washington State Cougars last week by a concluding score of 45-14. The fight was almost over by the end of the third, by which time the Trojans had established a 35-14 advantage. WR Drake London was the offensive star of the game for USC, catching 13 passes for two touchdowns and 170 yards.

The USC defense was also there, as it tallied two interceptions and two fumbles. The choices came courtesy of S Calen Bullock and CB Jayden Williams.

Meanwhile, Oregon State kept their clean sheet against the Idaho Vandals last week and reduced Game 42 to zero. The game was pretty much decided at half-time, when the score was already 28 to zero.

USC are the favorites in this one, with an expected margin of victory of 11 points. They’ve been consistent cash generators against the spread when favored (2-0), so they could be worth a quick bet.

The victories brought the two teams to an identical 2-1. A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind before kick-off: The Trojans enter the competition with the 169th most passing yards allowed per game in the country, after allowing 240.7 on average . The Beavers have had their own passing struggles as they are 187th worst in the country in passing yards allowed per game, averaging 254.3. It’s possible that one of those Achilles’ heels will end up tripping the losing team.

How to watch

• When: Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET
• Or: United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, California
• TV: Fox sports 1
• Online broadcast: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
• To follow: CBS Sports app
• Cost of the ticket: $ 19.99

Odds

Trojans are 11-point favorite against Beavers, latest says college football odds.

Bettors moved slightly against the Trojans, as the game opened with the Trojans as the 13-point favorites.

Over / Under: -112

See college football pick for every game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get Choices Now.

History of the series

USC has won both games it has played against Oregon State in the past seven years.

• November 03, 2018 – USC 38 v Oregon State 21
• October 07, 2017 – USC 38 v Oregon State 10

Almost exactly one year to the day after Mississippi State knocked out then-defending national champion LSU on the road, those two teams are expected to meet in Starkville, Mississippi on Saturday. This time around, however, the Tigers already have a loss on their ledger and are hopeful that a revenge match against the Bulldogs can be a stepping stone to returning to national relevance.

Check out LIVE updates for the best games of week 4

Mississippi state will look to bounce back from a landslide – and controversial – 31-29 loss in Memphis last week. Mike Leach’s side led 17-7 at halftime and nearly doubled Memphis in total yards, but a 94-yard punt return by the Tigers that featured two team officials’ errors helped seal the fate of the state of Mississippi.

Just two weeks ago, however, the Bulldogs took advantage of the momentum generated by a boisterous home crowd at Davis-Wade Stadium to claim a 24-10 victory over NC State in a night game. With a kick off at noon ET this time, the State of Mississippi needs its fans to be thrilled by the presence of an SEC rival West to recreate that advantage on the court. LSU lost their first road game at UCLA in Week 1, but second-year quarterback Max Johnson has put in a pair of quality performances since then and looks set for another test away from Tiger Stadium. .

LSU vs Mississippi State: Need to Know

A stone fight in the trenches: Don’t expect a lot of field production from either side. Neither team was able to handle the ball effectively, but their respective run defenses were excellent. The Tigers are averaging about 3 yards per carry, ranking 120th nationally. (For comparison, LSU’s 2019 national title team averages 4.28 yards per carry.) Likewise, Mississippi State’s 2.72 yards per carry rank 125th nationally. However, LSU and Mississippi State have top-25 defenses at 2.66 and 2.93 yards per carry allowed, respectively. To put it simply, both teams have work to do in the field.

Defensive failures: Playing the man’s cover against Mississippi State last season sounded the death knell for LSU as Leach showed up to the SEC with a bang. Former Bulldogs quarterback KJ Costello threw for 623 yards, an SEC record in the 44-34 win, which exposed the flaws in defensive coordinator Bo Pelini’s system. Pelini is out and Daronte Jones is as DC, but the Tigers still play a lot of male cover. According to data from TruMedia, only 10 teams in the country play man-to-man more frequently. The Tigers are teeming with talent in their high school, but they would be wise to drop eight men in the coverage zone and force the Bulldogs to try to throw the ball.

Star receptors on both sides: With both teams relying so heavily on the pass, it’s no surprise that there are budding stars at the receiver level. LSU sophomore Kayshon Boutte leads the SEC with six receiving touchdowns. He’s also tied for third with 20 receptions and sixth with 223 receiving yards. Makiai Polk of Mississippi state leads the league with 25 receptions and is fifth with 226 yards. Stopping these players, or at least limiting their number of explosive games, could make the difference.

How to watch LSU vs. Mississippi State live

Dated: Saturday September 25 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Site: Davis-Wade Stadium – Starkville, Mississippi
TV: ESPN | Direct: fuboTV (Try for free)

LSU vs Mississippi State prediction, pick

These teams have obvious similarities. Both are strong against the run while relying on the pass offensively. LSU’s attacking athletes are more explosive, but Mississippi State’s defense has been the more physical of the two. Look for the Bulldogs’ defensive and local advantage to make a difference. Prediction: Mississippi State (+3)

What college football picks can you confidently make in Week 4, and which Top 25 favorite is the toughest? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the gap – all from a proven computer model that has grossed nearly $ 3,000 in profits over the past five seasons and more – and find out.

The race to win this year’s ACC Championship is something to be won all of a sudden with just a few games of the 2021 season. This is what happens when the conference preseason favorites from both divisions have. suffered three combined losses in the league. Now that has changed the conversation ahead of a crucial Week 5 which has five teams playing their first ACC game of the season, starting with Miami on Thursday night against Virginia.

Virginia is currently in last place on the Coastal after a 0-2 start with losses to North Carolina and Wake Forest in six days. Now the Wahoos have their backs to the wall in terms of conference racing and need a win over another contender to keep their title hopes alive. Miami has had the advantage in this series with six wins in the last seven meetings, and the last time Virginia won in Miami was in 2011.

So Thursday night’s national spotlight game prepares for Miami’s race to start a second ACC Coastal Division title and Virginia’s final opportunity to stay in the race as the defending champion. of the division (there was no division play in 2020). Each of the last three meetings in this series has been decided by a score, and current odds suggest we’re in another classic in this series.

Miami vs Virginia: to know

D’Eriq King’s injury status is pending: The Hurricanes used last week’s game against Central Connecticut State to rest D’Eriq King and let backups, including Tyler Van Dyke, take control of the offense in his absence. Van Dyke delivered an efficient performance with 270 yards and three on 10 of 11 passing touchdowns early on, but the 49-0 halftime lead gave rookie Jake Garcia a good job as well. Garcia finished with 147 yards on 11 of 14 passes with two touchdowns as well as a 45-yard rush in the fleeting 69-0 victory.

Manny Diaz has indicated that the shoulder injury suffered against Michigan State is going to be something he will work on all week before a decision is made on his status, or which of the two young substitutes starts in his place. King is one of the game’s many questionable starters, bringing some intrigue to the final days and hours before the Hurricanes kick off.

Brennan Armstrong leads a productive passing attack in Virginia: Virginia currently leads the country in passing yards per game and Armstrong has pitched for three of six 400-yard games in program history this season. Dontayvion Wicks and Jelani Woods were among notable Virginia wide receivers to benefit from this top-flight attack, which in total has seen Armstrong distribute the ball to at least nine different receivers in every game this season. Virginia ultimately lost her first two ACC games due to the inability to secure saves, but Bronco Mendenhall at least knows this passing attack is good for about three or four touchdowns per game.

Miami’s ground game is getting even better: One of the least discussed aspects of Miami’s offensive struggles this season has been a rushed attack that missed Donald Chaney and Jaylan Knighton from the running back spin. Plus, the offensive line has been striving to be as healthy as possible – star tackle Zion Nelson, for example, was hit in fall camp and worked to get in shape here early in the season. season – and this group had to start a different five pretty much every week. In three games against FBS opponents, Miami is averaging just 104.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks 12th out of 14 ACC teams. As the offensive line solidifies with this starting squad and the running backs recover, the Hurricanes should see some balance on offense over the next few weeks.

How to watch Miami vs. Virginia live

Dated: Thursday September 29 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Site: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: ESPN | Direct: fuboTV (Try for free)

Miami vs Virginia prediction, pick

Miami coach Manny Diaz has made it his business to establish what the Hurricanes need to do to take a program to the next level. One of those demands is to defend home turf against a Virginia team you have had the advantage over for nearly a decade – especially in a Thursday night spotlight game that every rookie watches without further action. all night long in college football. Prediction: Miami (-5.5)

What college football picks can you confidently make in Week 5, and which Top 25 favorite will be hit hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread – all from a proven computer model that has grossed nearly $ 3,300 in profits over the past five+ seasons – and find out.

through 3 quarters

The Chicago Bulls are on the road but don’t look worse for wear and tear. Three quarters and their attack really knew how to impose its will, dominating the Los Angeles Lakers 96-73 in three quarters.

Chicago is led by small forward DeMar DeRozan, who so far has 38 points and four assists. One thing to watch out for is the dire plight of Derrick Jones Jr., who is currently five years old.

Los Angeles leaned on forward Anthony Davis, who has 20 points with six boards, and point guard Russell Westbrook, who has 21 points and seven assists in addition to six rebounds.

If the contest was over now, that would be the Bulls’ biggest margin of victory to date this season.

Who plays

Chicago @ Los Angeles

Current records: Chicago 9-4; Los Angeles 8-6

What there is to know

The Chicago Bulls haven’t won a game against the Los Angeles Lakers since November 20, 2016, but they will look to end the drought on Monday. They will face off at 10:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 15 at Staples Center without much rest after finishing games yesterday. Both teams enter the match strengthened by victories in their previous matches.

Chicago earned a 100-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Little Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan did his job and had 35 points and five assists as well as seven boards.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-106 on Sunday. Power forward Anthony Davis had a stellar game for the Lakers as he posted a double-double with 34 points and 15 rebounds in addition to six cents.

Barring buzzer batsmen, Chicago is set to win a tight contest. They were consistent ATS cash generators when favored (5-2), so they could be worth a quick bet.

The Bulls are now 9-4 while Los Angeles is 8-6. A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind before kick-off: Chicago enters the game with the fourth fewest points allowed per game in the league at 102.7. On the other end of the spectrum, the Lakers are third in the league’s worst points allowed per game, averaging 111.9.

How to watch

• When: Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET
• Or: Staples Center – Los Angeles, California
• TV: NBATV
• Online broadcast: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
• To follow: CBS Sports app
• Cost of the ticket: $ 91.00

Odds

Bulls are slight 1.5-point favorite against Lakers, latest says NBA odds.

The line on this game has moved a bit since it opened, as it started with the Lakers as a 1 point favorite.

Over / Under: -111

See NBA picks for every game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get Choices Now.

History of the series

Los Angeles have won eight of their last 11 games against Chicago.

• January 23, 2021 – Los Angeles 101 vs. Chicago 90
• January 08, 2021 – Los Angeles 117 vs. Chicago 115
• November 05, 2019 – Los Angeles 118 vs. Chicago 112
• March 12, 2019 – Los Angeles 123 vs. Chicago 107
• January 15, 2019 – Los Angeles 107 vs. Chicago 100
• January 26, 2018 – Los Angeles 108 v Chicago 103
• November 21, 2017 – Los Angeles 103 vs. Chicago 94
• November 30, 2016 – Los Angeles 96 vs. Chicago 90
• November 20, 2016 – Chicago 118 vs. Los Angeles 110
• February 21, 2016 – Chicago 126 v Los Angeles 115
• Jan 28, 2016 – Chicago 114 v Los Angeles 91

Los Angeles injury report

• LeBron James: Out (Abdomen)
• Sekou Doumbouya: Out (knee)
• Austin Reaves: Out (hamstrings)
• Kendrick Nunn: Out (knee)
• Trevor Ariza: Out (ankle)

Chicago injury report

• Nikola Vucevic: absent (Covid-19)
• Patrick Williams: Out (wrist)