*3 Star Play Over* The Charlotte Hornets have been playing at a much faster pace in recent games. Without Zeller and Hayward, the team has a lineup full of weak defensive players, but guys who are more than capable of getting out and running. Charlotte is 4th in the NBA in tempo in their last five contests. The Hornets are also second worst in the NBA in defensive efficiency during that period.

Minnesota is playing much faster under their new head coach. The Timberwolves have shot the ball poorly in their last couple games. They should shoot it better here. In the games since he has been coach, the Timberwolves games have gone to 251, 238, 240, and 217 points in regulation.

The Hornets last 5 games have finished at 242, 245, 251, 253, and 234 points. 

This total is high, but it isn't high enough. There should be a ton of uptempo basketball here.

Take the over. 

*3 Star Play on Syracuse* The Clemson Tigers have been a terrible road team under Brad Brownell. They beat up Syracuse at Clemson earlier this year, but Syracuse's shooting numbers were terrible in that game. I don't expect a repeat performance.

Syracuse is good at turning teams over, and Clemson has increasingly had trouble with that in recent weeks. The Orange are fighting hard on the edge of the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. Clemson is likely already in the tournament. Syracuse has the motivational edge here as well.

Fading Clemson in ACC play has made bettors a bunch of money in the past few years. The Tigers have two road wins all year (at Miami and at Wake Forest). Those are the two worst teams in the ACC. This is a clear step up on the road.

Look for Syracuse to get the job done laying the short number.

Take Syracuse.