Orlando Magic (37-28) @ Memphis Grizzlies (40-25), 8 p.m. ET

The Magic, the No. 6 seed in the East, is limping into the postseason like few teams in the bracket. Orlando is just 5-10 in its last 15 games. With Dwight Howard out of the lineup with back trouble (he had surgery a week ago) and talks swirling around Howard’s pending free agency and the future of coach Stan Van Gundy, the Magic has been facing a lot of distractions. Orlando has lost four straight road games vs. Western Conference opponents and has given up at least 100 points in three of their last four games. Glen Davis has been admirable in Howard’s absence, but the team has a much different look to it without their All-Star.

The Grizzlies have secured the No. 5 seed out West thanks to five straight wins and 10 victories in their last 12 games after a 109-101 win over Cleveland Monday night. The Grizzlies will be a tough out in the postseason, their last two home losses coming in consecutive overtime games in mid-March (Lakers and Toronto). Memphis will match up with the loser of the Pacific Division title chase between the Lakers and Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. As the Grizzlies are pretty set, it isn’t likely that they are going to risk injuries to key players – especially with Zach Randolph just recently getting back into condition following his injury.

The betting lines for the game haven’t yet been posted, but you can check the live NBA odds to see the spread and total once they have been set. The last night of the regular season will feature a lot of glorified preseason games, and this contest will be no different. It is unlikely the Memphis crowd will see the stars very long (or at all), so this contest will come down to the bench players and which group will play like it has more to prove to the respective front offices heading into the summer. The Magic needs to play well to feel ready for the postseason, while the Grizzlies would just want to close the season on their current run and keep the winds in their sails in the playoffs. When it’s a meaningless game, the tendency is to favor the home team, and Orlando has been too inconsistent of late to be a reliable choice on the road.

Final Score Prediction: Grizzlies 98, Magic 90

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Portland Trail Blazers (26-29) @ Dallas Mavericks (31-24), 8:30 p.m. ET

The Blazers have alternated wins and losses in each of their last 10 games, and are coming off a 101-88 win over New Jersey Wednesday night. Over the last nine games, the Blazers have faced five teams currently in playoff position – and have lost all five, but the last two have been by five points or less (vs. Utah, at the Clippers). Portland’s not officially eliminated, but it is four games back in the loss column with 11 games to play. The Blazers have been one of the most-ravaged teams by injuries this year, but are slowly getting players back. However, Portland has lost its last three road games and five of its last six – the only win was at Chicago nearly three weeks ago.

The Mavericks are trying to find their footing, having alternated wins and losses the last five games, but are coming off a 95-85 home win over Memphis Wednesday night. Dallas has split its last four home games after winning four straight. Overall, however, Dallas is just 2-4 in its last six games against current non-playoff teams. Dallas has been a solid defensive team all season (93 ppg, sixth in the league), but is one of the weaker offensive teams (20 th at 94 ppg), which may provide an opportunity for Portland. However, Dallas has won six straight games at home vs. Portland (counting last year’s playoffs) and is 23-4 overall at American Airlines Arena.

The NBA odds list the Mavs as 6.5-point favorites, while the over/under has been set at 191.5 points. History is not on the side of the Blazers for this game. While Portland has been competitive against playoff-bound teams, it hasn’t has much success, and especially on the road all season. While Dallas isn’t invincible at home, its history against Portland has been overwhelmingly positive. Both teams are seeking some consistency, and another loss for Portland will likely squash any last realistic playoff shot it might have left. Dallas is still eyeing a No. 5 seed – or potentially No. 4 – so there is still plenty of motivation for the Mavericks. At home, Dallas should be able to pull away late and get the win it needs to keep pace in the playoff push.

Final Score Prediction: Mavs 98, Blazers 90

Colorado is +2000 to take home the league this year. That translates to a $100 wager would win you $2,000 if this were to come true. I certainly don’t think it’s likely, but viewing they bring back more scoring than any other school in the league it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Check out these NCAA basketball spreads for futures betting at BetUS. This reliable book will give you up to a $500 bonus on your initial deposit simply by signing up for a new account and depositing $500 or more.

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Frontcourt:

The team had a -7.5 rebounding margin last year, and it was even worse in league action at -11.4. A big reason was the play of first-year center Shane Harris-Tunks, as well as sophomore forward Austin Dufault playing out of position. An extra year for each should mean the teams gets better in this area. Boyle was able to sign 7-foot freshman Ben Mills last May who should see time right away as long as he can hold his own in the paint. Senior Marcus Relphorde put up 11.0 PPG and 4.1 RPG last season, but he is recognized for his slashing offensive skills more than his defense. Junior Trey Eckloff will be one of their reserves after not finding much playing time last season. Burks led the Buffs in rebounding at 5.0 RPG, and when a guard is leading the team in rebounding there’s clearly a problem. The Buffaloes will obviously return to square one as Boyle teaches rebounding and defense a lot more than Bzdelik.

Backcourt:

Burks ended up seventh in the Big 12 in points at 17.1 PPG and was tops in the Big 12 in shooting percentage at 53.8 percent. He could not have had a better freshman season, but for him to reach his full ability he needs to get stronger. Boyle was lucky when he convinced Burks to remain at Colorado instead of entering the NBA Draft, telling him how his passing offense would help Burks in the future. Higgins was fourth in the Big 12 in scoring at 18.9 PPG and ended up second behind Burks in field goal percentage at 50.5 percent. It’s hard to conceive how Colorado could have a losing year with two remarkable players like Burks and Higgins on the outside who were able to make more than 50% of their shots even though opposing teams game-planned around stopping them. The wild card is freshman point guard Shannon Sharpe, who was forced to redshirt last year after hurting his knee in the preseason and undergoing microfracture surgery. He’ll fight it out with junior Nate Tomlinson, who made 21 starts last season at point guard despite being inconsistent.

Jack’s Pick: 6th Place in the Big 12 – There hasn’t been much excitement around Colorado basketball in recent seasons, but there is promise of a breakout in 2010-11. Boyle was able to get Higgins, Burks and Relphorde and their huge offensive contributions to come back, and that’s a win within itself. He has plenty of talent to seriously make a run at a conference championship, but must get this squad to rebound and defend. The Buffaloes averaged 74.6 PPG last season and can score with any team, but a lack of depth and a question about how seriously these returning players want to buy in on the defensive end makes it hard for me to pick Colorado to end up any higher than 6th in the standings. I do see the Buffaloes sneaking into the NCAA Tournament with an at-large bid, reaching the Big Dance for the first time since 2003.

The Cowboys are +1500 to win the conference this year. You can find these NCAA basketball spreads over at BetUS where our visitors can earn up to a $500 bonus on their initial deposits. All you have to do to claim this bonus is sign up for a new account and deposit $500 or more.

Jack Jones is here to help you cash this year with his college basketball picks. Jack is among nearly 80 handicappers who specialize in beating the odds each day, and he is on a 37-23 (62%) CBB run as of this article.

Frontcourt:

Matt Pilgrim eventually came on at the end of last year after transferring from Kentucky, averaging 10.9 PPG and 8.0 RPG over his last 12 games. He is a outstanding athlete who can get up and down the floor and is the perfect forward in Ford’s system. Senior Marshall Moses must be much better on and off the floor after a frustrating junior season. Junior college transfer Darrell Williams is a 6’8” 250-pounder who gives them some size in the middle. J.P. Olukemi joined the school in the spring semester and competed against James Anderson every day while redshirting. He is more of a slashing forward who impressed while learning from one of the tops in the country. Forward Roger Franklin and center Jarred Shaw drew valuable experience while earning time as true freshman last season. 6’8” freshman Michael Cobbins has the worth ethic and skills to be potentially great for the Cowboys, but must bulk up if he’s going to be able to handle the grind of a brutal Big 12 schedule.

Backcourt:

Point guard Ray Penn got injured last February with a knee injury, but should be at 100% this year. Ford believes he will be the catalyst of this offense, running the fast-break. Freshman Markel Brown led Peabody Magnet High to the Louisiana Class-4A Championship by scoring 32 points en route to leading his school to an unbeaten 41-0 record. He is versatile and can fill in either the 2 or the 3, and should be the ideal player to help fill the holes left by Anderson and Muonelo. Keiton Page was forced to play the one when Penn went down to injury, but should be able to get back to his more comfortable role of knocking down the 3-pointer. Senior Nick Didorakis has been named a captain due to his gritty play on both sides of the floor, and his smarts. Fred Gulley, Reger Dowell and freshman Brian Williams will probably be role players.

Jack’s Prediction: 7th Place in the Big 12 – Just like most coaches in their third season on a new team, Ford has his recruits in place. He has a more athletic and versatile roster to run the up-tempo game he desires. The Big 12 is certainly up for grabs this year, and even with the departures of Anderson and Muonelo Oky State has enough talent to make some noise. A third straight NCAA Tournament berth is likely, especially if Penn can stay healthy and Brown can live up to the hype.

You will see Texas at +300 to win the league this year. In my eyes, there isn’t much value in them winning the conference title. This has the appearances of a reloading season for Texas. BetUS has these college basketball spreads posted, so if you want to bet on which team will win the conference then sign up for a new account with them. Deposit $500 or more and they’ll reward you with $500 free money to get you started.

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Frontcourt:

The Longhorns may not be big this year, with two forwards and three guards on the court most of the time. Gary Johnson figures to be their top player inside after putting up 9.4 PPG and 5.6 RPG last season. He’ll be accompanied by five-star recruit Tristan Thompson, who was Cory Joseph’s teammate at Findlay Prep in Nevada. But Texas will have make up the points lost from leading scorer in Damion James, who also finished as the Big 12’s all-time leading rebounder. Dexter Pittman will also be missed after being taken No. 32 overall by the Miami Heat. The Longhorns do have some experience that will provide depth in the frontcourt. It will come from seniors Matt Hill and Clint Chapman along with junior Alexis Wangmene.

Backcourt:

Guard play will likely determine how the Longhorns fare this season. Cory Joseph must work with offensive-minded shooting guards in J’Covan Brown and Jordan Hamilton. Brown posted 9.6 PPG last season but made just 35.4 percent from the floor, while Hamilton is the team’s leading returning scorer at 10.0 PPG. Barnes is very big on both players with what they’ve done in the offseason to get better entering their sophomore seasons. Ward and Balbay are both coming off injuries that required surgery, and each is able to provide leadership and defensive toughness, two qualities that are really important to Texas’ success this year. Hamilton, Brown and Joseph figure to be the team’s top point producers, and Texas could get some offense from Shawn Williams as well. He is returning from an ankle injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the year just seven games into their 2010-11 season. At 6’6”, he can get a shot whenever he wants and is a potentially deadly 3-point shooter.

Jack’s Prediction: 5th Place in the Big 12 – Barnes said last season was the worst coaching job of his life. He had a team loaded with offensive talent, but advocated defense and rebounding so much down the wire that his team could lost their rhythm offensively. He will always teach defense and rebounding first, but this year he must find a way to replace three of their top four scorers from last season. If Joseph can master the ball screen offense that Barnes likes to run, then it could be a great season in Texas after back-to-back middle-of-the-pack finishes in the Big 12.

BetUS has listed Missouri at +600 to win the league this year. I think this is the best value bet among college basketball lines in terms of futures betting for the Big 12. Missouri is surely a sleeper, and will be a force this year just two years removed from reaching the Elite Eight. This sportsbook will give you $500 free cash by signing up for a new account and depositing $500 or more.

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Frontcourt:

Justin Safford returns from a torn ACL for his senior season, making him the lone senior on Missouri’s roster. Junior Laurence Bowers has recovered from offseason wrist surgery, and promises to continue his stellar play within the Big 12 where he led the Tigers in rebounds and blocked shots last season. Bringing in both Ricardo Ratliffe and Tony Mitchell has Columbia humming. Ratliffe was the nation’s best junior college players last year, averaging 27.4 points and 11.3 rebounds for Central Florida Community College. As good as Ratliffe will likely perform, Mitchell has the upside to be even better. He was a top-15 recruit with NBA talent who, if he can keep his grades up, will probably be a big addition for Missouri. Providing depth in the paint is junior Steve Moore along with sophomore John Underwood.

Backcourt:

No doubt the Tigers will miss the skills of J.T. Tilller and Zaire Taylor, two team leaders who were able to lock down opponents on the defensive end. But there are still a lot of talented guys on the roster, as junior Kim English is the school’s top returning point producer at 14.0 PPG. Junior Marcus Denmon scored 10.4 PPG and hit 40.7% from behind the line last season. English must make more of his shots after hitting just 34.6 percent of his attempts, and he also needs to protect the basketball after turning the ball over a team high 71 times. Sophomore Michael Dixon will probably get the first opportunity to run the point, especially with his speed and ball-handling skills. If he can make more of his jump shots, the sky is the limit for Dixon. Phil and Matt Pressey are two brothers and two new faces Missouri is counting on immediately. Both are sons of former NBA player Paul Pressley, who was Anderson’s college roommate. Phil is a freshman who is one of the top recruits at point guard, while Matt is a junior college All-American. Look for freshman Ricky Kreklow to work his way into some playing time as well due to his smooth shooting stroke.

Jack’s Prediction: 4th Place in the conference – Anderson coaches a fast paced style of basketball, and he has the depth this year to run his scheme to perfection. Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor are the preseason favorites to compete for the league championship, but if Anderson can get his new players to buy into his defensive philosophy, then the Tigers will be competing for that championship as well. The Tigers have never reached the Final Four, and they don’t just want to make it to the NCAA Tournament for a third consecutive year. Anderson stuck around because he knows the talent this team has and their potential, which makes Missouri a clear sleeper in both the Big 12 and on a national level.

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Frontcourt:

Junior forward David Loubeau has made big jumps in his first two years on campus. He displayed potential as a freshman, and genuinely learned a nice back-to-the-basket game as a sophomore. If the Aggies can earn a sixth straight showing in the NCAA Tournament, Loubeau will be one of the biggest reasons as he’s depended upon to do most of the scoring. Sophomore Ray Turner needs to get better, and with his athleticism it’s a likely possibility. Turner’s ability to play above the rim gives him the potential to be one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the conference. If the Aggies are to be so strong in the paint again this year, they’ll need to get a lot from three true freshman in Kourtney Roberson, Keith Davis and Daniel Alexander.

Backcourt:

Because Texas A&M is lacking depth in the frontcourt, they’ll likely go to small ball lineups lineups while playing a faster tempo. The Aggies have the tools to run this type of style, especially with point guard Dash Harris running the show. He dished out a team-best 109 dimes last season, and if he can shoot better than his 37.4 mark from a year ago, he’ll keep opposing defenders honest. B.J. Holmes is the team’s leading scorer back at 9.3 PPG, and he’s a sharp shooter who shot 36.6 percent from 3-point range last year. Developing senior Nathan Walkup along with sophomores Khris Middleton and Naji Hibbert will be important pieces to Texas A&M’s season as well. Middleton has the athletic ability and length that has many comparing him to former Aggie great Josh Carter. Walkup has made big perimeter shots in the past, but he struggled last season hitting just 26.5 percent from 3-point range.

Jack’s Pick: 8th Place in the Big 12 – If the sophomores on this roster can develop, Texas A&M will shock some people again in 2010-11. But I believe there are too many holes to fill, and too many questions surrounding the players coming back for Texas A&M to make a sixth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. An NIT appearance is most likely, but as Turgeon has shown in year’s past you can never count his teams out.

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Frontcourt:

Udoh set a Big 12 single-season record for blocked shots last season, so clearly that’s not going to be something the Bears can look to replace. The 6’10” Perry Jones will not be the same defensive presence that Udoh was, but he can make up for it with his ability to score around the basket. Many believe he will even be the Bears’ top scoring choice this season. Almost every recruiting service had Jones listed inside the Top 10 on their lists, and he is anticipated to be a 2011 NBA lottery pick. Baylor has never had player leave for the pros after a single season, but Jones is probably going to be the first. The loss of 7-footer Josh Lomers could be getting overlooked here. He stepped his game up at the end of last season. Still, there is some size here with the 6’10″ Anthony Jones coming back at three. Jones put up 6.2 PPG and 4.8 RPG as a solid contributor last year, while junior Quincy Acy put up 9.3 PPG as a sophomore last year. Acy was the team’s sixth man and clearly their most athletic player, dunking 10 times on Texas last year.

Backcourt:

Drew thinks that LaceDarius Dunn is one of the most underrated players in the nation after posting 19.6 points and 4.8 rebounds a year ago. He feels that Dunn will be able to score at will, but hopes he can improve on his ball-handling and distributing skills this year. Though Udoh will be missed on defense, no player will be tougher to replace than Tweety Carter. The senior point guard was the heart and soul of this team, and his vocal leadership will be sorely missed. Taking over for Carter will either be sophomore A.J. Walton or freshman Stargell Love. Walton put up 3.8 points in 17.6 minutes per game last year, while Love is a nice young talent.

Jack’s Pick: 3rd Place in the Big 12 – Baylor tied for second in the Big 12 last season and gave Duke all they could want in the Elite Eight. It’s tough for me to see them having that same kind of season with the players they lose, especially Carter and Udoh. Still, the Bears can compete with anyone in the nation with a frontcourt of Acy, Anthony Jones and Perry Jones along with Dunn at shooting guard. I question this team’s depth and their ability to find a floor leader who can handle the ball, and that’s why I have them third in the Big 12.

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Frontcourt:

Twins Marcus and Markieff Morris are back for their junior years, and though it will be tough to replace Cole Aldrich, that pair gives Kansas a strong foundation down low. Aldrich was selected 11th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, and his rim protection will be missed. But Marcus put up 12.8 PPG and 6.1 RPG last year while Markieff put up 6.8 PPG and 5.3 RPG and each will likely take on even bigger roles this season. Marcus really upped his play within the conference, averaging 14.2 PPG and 7.3 RPG in league play. Sophomore Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey provide sound depth off the bench. Although Withey is no Aldrich, he’s a 7-foot presence inside and could be one of the league’s top shot-blockers if he can earn the minutes.

Backcourt:

Sherron Collins’ leadership will be tough to replace after being a part of a school-record 130 victories in his four seasons at Kansas. There’s no question that leadership along with his toughness in crucial-game situations cannot be replaced. Selby is in reality an upgrade over Collins when it comes to athleticism and overall talent. He is Self’s top-rated recruit ever, and was listed among the Top-5 prospects for this freshman class by nearly every service. Taylor will give Selby some help in the backcourt, offering the experience. But Taylor must overcome some of the troubles he had on and off the court last year. Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed give the Jayhawks some senior leadership off the bench it desperately desires. After redshirting last season, senior Mario Little will replace Xavier Henry as the starting small forward. Little was the 2008 Junior College Player of the Year, so he has shown he can get it done. Self thinks this team will be much more athletic than last year’s team, but it will need to find that leadership that cannot be learned if they are going to get as far as they possibly can.

Jack’s Pick: 1st Place in the Big 12 – Though Aldrich, Collins and Henry are gone, there is still enough leadership and depth on the Jayhawks to win the league once more. The Morris Twins along with Morningstar and Reed provide the experience, while getting Selby and Little offer the athleticism and talent to replace what has departed. Few schools in the country have a better home-court advantage than the one Kansas enjoys, and no team in the conference can equal the talent level of the Jayhawks. I trust in Self to put it all together as he’s shown he can do, and if Selby can live up to the hype this team will vie for a national championship.

The Badgers lost senior guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes from last season, but once again believe they have a real good chance to win the Big Ten title this season. Head coach Bo Ryan hasn’t allowed Wisconsin to finish worse than fourth in the Big Ten in nine seasons, but with the Big Ten full with talent this season, whether or not Wisconsin makes a run will depend on the development of some of its young players.

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Frontcourt: Wisconsin returns seven players who have played on the interior, and the most talented of the group is senior Jon Leuer, who posted nearly 16 points and six boards a night last season. Leuer most likely would have received first-team All-Big Ten honors last year if he hadn’t missed seven games with a wrist injury. Leuer is a tough matchup with his ability to score in the paint and nail the outside jumper, and could be ready for a breakout season in 2010.

Seniors Keaton Nankivil and Tim Jarmusz also return to the starting lineup, but the pair needs to improve from last year. Jarmusz went from making 42% from 3-point range to just under 30% last year, and will need to discover his hot hand if he wants to stay in the starting lineup. Junior Rob Wilson and sophomores Jared Berggren, Mike Bruesewitz, and Ryan Evans give the Badgers great depth down low.

Backcourt: How well this team replaces Bonannon and Hughes will determine how good this roster is this year. Junior Jordan Taylor is the most experienced guard on the roster, and will be relied upon to have a huge season this year. Taylor put up 10 points with just over three boards and assists a night, but will probably be needed to score closer to 16 a night this season.

Senior walk-on Wquinton Smith started at the other guard spot in the Badgers first win over Prairie View A&M, but freshman Josh Gasser scored 21 points in 26 minutes, and could end up being the starter by the end of the year. Adding depth is freshman Ben Brust, who like Gasser, can play either guard spot.

Prediction – 5th Big Ten: While it’s difficult to ever go against Wisconsin, I just believe the Big Ten is too loaded with talent for the Badgers to win a conference title. The Badgers will still be making the NCAA Tournament, but I have a difficult time seeing this team stringing some wins together while there unless they get a lot of improvement from their returning players.

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