ScoresandStats.com Latest Sports Previews

On December 13, the Orlando Magic travel to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in a key Eastern Conference matchup. Both teams are seeking to establish separation in the tight playoff race, and this game features contrasting styles: Orlando’s pace‑oriented motion offense versus New York’s half‑court discipline and defensive emphasis. The Magic have used perimeter shooting and playmaking versatility to generate offense, often leaning on dynamic young wings and effective pick‑and‑roll execution. The Knicks, by contrast, rely on structured sets, interior scoring balance, and defensive assignments that prioritize limiting open threes and second‑chance points. For bettors preparing for this clash, understanding how offensive profiles interact with defensive schemes is essential; our NBA expert betting guide provides frameworks

Charlotte Hornets (7-17) host the Chicago Bulls (9-14) on Friday night at Spectrum Center. Both teams are eager to snap losing streaks and improve their Eastern Conference standing. Chicago opened as a slight road favorite, reflecting oddsmakers’ confidence in their offensive pace despite a seven-game losing streak. Charlotte’s home-court advantage and three-point shooting ability have kept the line tight, suggesting expectations for a competitive matchup. The total of 235.5 points is high, signaling anticipation of a fast-paced contest with both teams ranking in the top half of possessions per game. Bettors will weigh Chicago’s perimeter shooting against Charlotte’s free-throw efficiency. See updated numbers and market shifts on the NBA Odds page. The Bulls fell 123-91 to Golden State, marking their

No. 7 Houston continues its nonconference slate Saturday afternoon when it hosts the New Orleans Privateers at Fertitta Center, with the Cougars using the matchup as another developmental checkpoint for a roster heavy on freshmen. The Houston Cougars remain firmly entrenched among the nation’s elite despite massive offseason turnover, leaning on defensive identity and emerging young talent as they push toward conference play. The opening odds list Houston as a sizable home favorite north of 20 points, with the total posted in the mid-130s, reflecting the Cougars’ defensive pace control and New Orleans’ willingness to run when given space. As nonconference results continue to shape market perception, this matchup fits into the broader landscape covered throughout the ScoresAndStats NCAAB previews.

Sixth-ranked Purdue looks to build momentum Saturday afternoon when it hosts Marquette at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Marquette Golden Eagles arrive searching for consistency, while the Purdue Boilermakers aim to sharpen their start after a dominant rebound performance midweek. Purdue opened as a double-digit home favorite with the total posted in the low 150s, reflecting the Boilermakers’ offensive efficiency and Marquette’s defensive volatility. This matchup closes a significant nonconference stretch for both teams and carries betting relevance across the national slate tracked daily at the ScoresAndStats college basketball previews hub. Purdue opened around a 10.5-point favorite and the line has nudged upward, signaling market confidence in the Boilermakers’ home dominance. The moneyline remains heavily tilted toward Purdue,