College Basketball Betting: Key Player Injury News for Wednesday
by Matt Severance - 02/18/2009
Here are three important player updates that you should be aware of for tonight's college basketball action:
Stephen Curry, Davidson: The nation's leading scorer will be a game-time decision tonight against The Citadel after that scary ankle injury he suffered on Saturday turned out to be just a sprain. Curry, averaging 29 points per game, has not practiced yet this week.
Coach Bob McKillop wouldn't rule out Curry playing Wednesday, but look for him to probably sit. Wednesday's game means little in the big picture to Davidson, while Saturday's big ESPNU BracketBuster game with No. 21 Butler is very important for NCAA Tournament seeding.
If Curry does sit, there is no doubt the Wildcats might lose to The Citadel, which has nine straight victories and sits three games behind Davidson in the Southern Conference. However, Davidson has won 13 of the last 14 meetings.
Bodog currently doesn't have a line on this game - no doubt waiting for definitive status on Curry.
Dwayne Collins, Miami: The Hurricanes are desperate for a victory, and the loser of tonight's game with Florida State very easily could be on the outside looking in when the NCAA Tournament selection committee makes its choices in a little over three weeks.
But the Canes, who have lost five of their past six games - with all five losses coming by five points or less and three in overtime, will likely be without a key player in Collins for tonight's game at FSU.
The team's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer still is bothered by a left ankle sprain that kept him out of Sunday's loss against North Carolina. Redshirt freshman Julian Gamble would start in his place.
"I think it's going to be Saturday [against Boston College] before we get him back," coach Frank Haith said to reporters. "But it's a game-time decision."
In addition, Haith is making a change to his starting lineup, putting point guard Lance Hurdle on the bench. Hurdle, who had started the past 20 games, has shot 25 percent over his last six games. He has scored in double figures just three times in the past 15 games. Junior James Dews will start against the Seminoles, but star shooting guard Jack McClinton will handle more duties at the point as well.
UM is a three-point underdog on Bodog but is 4-0 on Wednesdays this year, including a win over FSU.
Tyler Zeller, North Carolina: The freshman seven-footer is expected to return to action tonight against North Carolina State after breaking his wrist Nov. 18 and thought to be done for the year. Coach Roy Williams left it up to Zeller to decide to return this year or take a medical redshirt, and Zeller wants to play. He has been practicing.
As hot as Carolina is (winner of nine in a row), it could use Zeller as the Heels have lost Marcus Ginyard to injury and reserve Will Graves to suspension. Zeller started the first two games (and totaled 20 points) this season while Tyler Hansbrough sat out with an injury.
Speaking of Hansbrough, he will play tonight against the Wolfpack after not practicing Monday and being held out of contact drills Tuesday after doctors feared he suffered a slight concussion during Sunday's win over Miami.
UNC has won five in a row against N.C. State and 11 of the last 12 in the series. The Heels are 20-point favorites on Bodog.