Elite Matchups Across NBA and College Hoops Highlight Packed Wednesday, November 19th Slate

For dedicated basketball enthusiasts, Wednesday, November 19th, presents an unparalleled array of high-stakes contests across both professional and collegiate levels, complemented by crucial midweek college football MACtion. This evening is tailored for those who immerse themselves in the sport well before the typical late-season fervor, offering a dense schedule of pivotal games that could shape early-season narratives.

NBA Showcase: Rockets at Cavaliers

At 7 p.m. ET, two of the NBA’s most compelling teams are set to clash as the Houston Rockets travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Rockets, currently holding a robust 9-3 record, enter the contest on a four-game winning streak, demonstrating remarkable resilience, including a recent overtime comeback victory against the Orlando Magic. Their dynamic duo, Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, have been instrumental in this surge. In their last outing against Orlando, the pair combined for an impressive 65 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists, delivering crucial plays in the closing moments. This exceptional synergy has prompted national discussions regarding their potential as one of the league’s premier partnerships. Houston’s offense, spearheaded by Durant and Sengun, currently ranks as the most efficient in the NBA, averaging 123.4 points per 100 possessions.

Conversely, the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a 10-5 record, have also found their rhythm, winning seven of their last nine games to climb into second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Led by All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland prides itself on a formidable defense that will provide a stern test for Houston’s high-octane attack. The Cavaliers’ defense ranks ninth in the league in efficiency, allowing 112.0 points per 100 possessions. Over their last two games, Cleveland has showcased exceptional defensive prowess, conceding merely 99.5 points per 100 possessions, the lowest mark in the league during that span. The SportsLine Projection Model, simulating each game 10,000 times, favors the Cavaliers, assigning a "B" grade to their money line (+102) and giving them a 61% chance of securing the victory. Houston is currently a slight 1.5-point favorite. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

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Top-Tier College Basketball: No. 4 Arizona at No. 3 UConn

Simultaneously at 7 p.m. ET, college basketball fans will be treated to a monumental showdown as the No. 3 UConn Huskies host the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats at the XL Center in Storrs, Connecticut. Both programs harbor legitimate Final Four aspirations, making this early-season clash a significant indicator of national championship potential. The Huskies enter the game defending an impressive 36-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents, a testament to their dominance on their home court.

UConn’s Alex Karaban, a 6-foot-8 senior forward, epitomizes the team’s veteran leadership and consistent performance. Having started as a freshman on UConn’s 2023 national championship team, Karaban has since played 115 games, starting 114, and contributed to two national titles. He has evolved into one of the country’s elite shooters, currently averaging 18.3 points per game this season with an exceptional 63.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. He will test an Arizona defense that has shown vulnerability defending the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot 31.7% from three-point range, which ranks 170th nationally. The Wildcats, known for their fast-paced offense and strong interior presence, will need to tighten their perimeter defense to contain Karaban and the Huskies’ potent scoring threats. The SportsLine Projection Model indicates a strong likelihood for UConn to cover the 7.5-point spread, assigning a "B" grade to UConn -7.5 and predicting a 65% chance of covering. This marquee matchup will be televised on FS1.

NBA Western Conference Battle: Knicks at Mavericks

Later in the evening, at 9:30 p.m. ET, the action shifts to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where the New York Knicks will take on the Dallas Mavericks, live on ESPN. The Mavericks (4-11) have experienced a challenging start to their season, posting a 1-3 record in their last four games. Their struggles are largely attributable to a series of significant injuries, with key players such as Kyrie Irving sidelined.

The Knicks (8-5) also face injury concerns, most notably with point guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who played his first four seasons in Dallas, is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle sprain that caused him to miss New York’s previous two contests. His potential absence would be a considerable blow to the Knicks’ offensive rhythm and playmaking. Should Brunson play, his return to Dallas would add an emotional layer to the contest, facing his former team where he developed into an NBA starter. The SportsLine Projection Model suggests the Mavericks have a 38% chance to cover, assigning a "C" grade to Dallas money line (+186), though this forecast is highly contingent on Brunson’s final game status.

College Basketball Marquee Matchup: No. 11 Alabama vs. No. 8 Illinois

While Arizona-UConn garners significant attention, the 9 p.m. ET matchup between the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide and the No. 8 Illinois Fighting Illini at a neutral site in Chicago on FS1 represents another high-caliber college basketball contest. Both programs are considered legitimate contenders for deep NCAA Tournament runs and are lauded for their offensive efficiency. The Illini boast the fourth-most efficient offense in the nation, averaging 124.1 points per 100 possessions, while the Crimson Tide are not far behind, ranking 11th with 121.7 points per 100 possessions.

A key storyline for Illinois revolves around the availability of their 7-foot-1 center, Tomislav Ivisic. Ivisic, who impressed with 21 points in just 23 minutes in his only appearance this season, has been sidelined for the last three games due to a bone bruise, and his participation on Wednesday remains uncertain. His presence significantly impacts Illinois’ interior defense and offensive rebounding. Alabama, under coach Nate Oats, is known for its high-tempo, three-point heavy attack, which will challenge Illinois’ disciplined defense. The SportsLine Projection Model gives the Crimson Tide a 45% chance to win, assigning a "B" grade to Alabama money line (+142), underscoring the potential for an upset in this tightly contested affair.

College Football MACtion: Crucial Conference Clashes

Beyond the hardwood, Wednesday also features two critical Mid-American Conference (MAC) football games with significant implications for the conference championship race. Both games kick off at 7 p.m. ET.

Miami (Ohio) at Buffalo (ESPN2): In a battle for conference positioning, the Miami RedHawks (5-5 overall, 4-2 MAC) visit the Buffalo Bulls (5-5 overall, 4-2 MAC) at UB Stadium. Both teams are locked in a five-way tie for second place in the crowded MAC standings, just one game behind current leader Western Michigan (6-4 overall, 5-1 MAC). A loss for either team could severely jeopardize their chances of reaching the conference championship game. The Bulls have been plagued by turnovers this season, having coughed up the ball 18 times while forcing only 12 takeaways, a statistic that Miami will look to exploit. The SportsLine Projection Model favors the RedHawks, giving them a 56% chance to cover the 2.5-point spread with a "C" grade.

Central Michigan at Kent State (ESPNU): The Central Michigan Chippewas (6-4 overall, 4-2 MAC) travel to Dix Stadium to face the Kent State Golden Flashes (4-6 overall, 3-3 MAC). Like Miami and Buffalo, Central Michigan is part of the five-way logjam for second place, making this game essential for their MAC title aspirations. The Chippewas have shown recent improvement in their passing game, averaging 218.3 passing yards over their last three contests, a significant increase from their 139.1 passing yards per game over their first seven. Meanwhile, the Golden Flashes, who were considered one of the lowest-rated FBS teams entering the season, have surprised many by winning three of their last five games and are now just two wins away from achieving bowl eligibility. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts Central Michigan to cover the 8.5-point spread, assigning a "C" grade with a 56% chance of doing so.

This Wednesday promises to be a memorable night for sports fans, with a confluence of high-stakes basketball and pivotal football action shaping the landscape of their respective seasons.