Betting News and Notes - Dec 18th

Tuesday's NBA matchup notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sacramento at New Jersey

The Nets (10-14) have won three of their last four home games against the Kings, but have dropped seven of their last nine at the Izod Center after starting 3-1 there.

L.A. Lakers at Chicago

Kobe Bryant was the only Lakers starter to reach double digits in scoring in a 106-78 win over Chicago in the teams' last meeting, on Nov. 18. He finished with 18 points.

Toronto at L.A. Clippers

Toronto swept its two games against Los Angeles last season. This is the Raptors' first meeting against the Clippers this year.

Sacramento Kings vs. New Jersey Nets

- The Sacramento Kings and the New Jersey Nets will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Izod Center.

Brad Miller paced the Kings with 21 points and nine rebounds in their 92-79 loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

The Wizards covered as 8-point home favorites as the teams played under the 200-point total posted by books.

Vince Carter was the high scorer for the Nets with 24 points in their 94-86 loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

The Knicks upset the Nets as 3.5-point home underdogs as the game played under the 187.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.

Team records:
Sacramento: 9-14 SU, 13-10 ATS
New Jersey: 10-14 SU, 8-15-1 ATS

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing New York are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games on the road
Sacramento is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing Sacramento
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento

Next up:
Sacramento at Milwaukee, Wednesday, December 19
New Jersey at Miami, Thursday, December 20

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls

- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at United Center.

The Lakers defeated the Clippers 113-92 as a 7-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (202.5).

Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 32 points to go along with eight rebounds for the Lakers, while Luke Walton added 14 points in the win.

Chicago had 15 blocks in Friday's 101-96 win over New York, failing to cover the 10.5-point home spread. The 197 points scored were OVER the posted total of 187.5.

Luol Deng had 27 points and ten rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich put up 15 points, 14 assists and 12 boards for the Bulls.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 14-9 SU, 14-8-1 ATS
Chicago: 8-13 SU, 7-14 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing New York are 6-4
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing Chicago
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Next up:
LA Lakers at Cleveland, Thursday, December 20
Chicago at Washington, Wednesday, December 19

Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers

- The fans at STAPLES Center will be treated to a game between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers when they take their seats on Tuesday.

The Raptors lost to Boston 90-77 as a 1.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (180).

Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Jamario Moon deposited 13 points.

The Clippers lost to the Lakers 113-92 as a 7-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (202.5).

Corey Maggette led the Clippers with 27 points, while Chris Kaman had 18 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.

Team records:
Toronto: 14-11 SU, 16-9 ATS
Los Angeles: 9-14 SU, 9-14 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 0-10
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 1-9
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 9 games
LA Clippers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games

Next up:
Toronto at Portland, Wednesday, December 19
LA Clippers at Dallas, Friday, December 21

L.A. Lakers (14-9 SU and ATS) at Chicago (8-13, 7-14 ATS)

The Lakers look to continue their recent surge when they open up a four-game pre-Christmas road trip in Chicago.

Los Angeles is coming off Sunday’s easy 113-92 victory over the Clippers as a seven-point chalk at the Staples Center, a building both teams share. The Lakers are on a 5-1 SU and ATS roll, the only blemish being Friday’s last-second 108-106 loss at Golden State as a six-point underdog. Phil Jackson’s team has scored at least 102 points in six straight games, averaging 111.8 during this stretch.

Chicago has been idle since knocking off the Knicks 101-96 on Friday, though it failed to cash as a 10-point home favorite. The Bulls, who started the season 2-10 SU and ATS, are on a 6-3 roll (5-4 ATS), though they’ve alternated SU wins and losses in their last five outings.

Although Los Angeles hammered the Bulls 106-78 as a 5½-point home favorite back on Nov. 18, this is has been a back-and-forth rivalry in recent years. The teams have alternated SU wins in the last five meetings, with the host taking the last three. However, the Lakers are 4-0 ATS in the last four after Chicago covered the number in each of the previous six clashes. One definite trend has been the success of the underdog, which is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 battles, including four outright upsets.

During their current 6-3 run, the Bulls have won four of six at home (3-3 ATS). For the season, Scott Skiles’ squad is just 4-6 ATS inside the United Center. The Bulls are also mired in a 7-19 ATS funk against Pacific Division squads (1-3 SU and ATS this year).

The Lakers have split their 10 road games (6-4 ATS), going 2-4 in the last six (3-3 ATS). On the positive end, going back to last year, they’ve cashed in 11 of their last 16 on the highway.

These teams have stayed under the total in each of their last eight meetings. Also, the under is 35-17-1 in L.A.’s last 53 games against Central Division foes.

ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS and UNDER

Toronto (14-11, 15-9-1 ATS) at L.A. Clippers (9-14 SU and ATS)

Two teams coming off blowout losses look to bounce back when they hook up in the shadows of Hollywood, as the Clippers host the Raptors at Staples Center.

Toronto became the Celtics’ latest victim, getting crushed 90-77 on Sunday as a 2½-point home underdog. That loss snapped a four-game SU and ATS run for the Raptors, whose last two losses have come against Boston.

The Clippers have alternated SU wins and losses in their last seven contests, most recently getting drilled by the Lakers 113-92 on Sunday, failing to cover as a seven-point underdog after going 3-0 ATS in their previous three. Including Sunday’s setback, Los Angeles has dropped six consecutive games at Staples both SU and ATS.

Since opening the season with 4-0 SU and ATS, the Clippers are 5-14 SU and ATS.

Toronto swept the season series from Los Angeles last year, winning 98-96 as an 8½-point road ‘dog and 122-110 as a three-point home chalk. The Raptors have cashed in each of the last five meetings and eight of the past 10, going 4-1 ATS in games played in Los Angeles.

The Raptors are 7-3-1 ATS when traveling south of the border this season.

The straight-up winner is 12-0 ATS in Toronto’s last 12 contests (4-0 on the road) and 15-1 ATS in the Clippers’ last 16 overall (8-0 at home).

The under is 4-0 in the last four head-to-head meetings at Staples Center. The under is also 6-2 in Toronto’s last eight against Pacific Division foes, 6-2 in the Clippers’ last eight true home games and 8-3 in L.A.’s last 11 against the Eastern Conference.

ATS ADVANTAGE: TORONTO and UNDER

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

(3) Kansas (10-0, 5-2 ATS) at Georgia Tech (4-4, 3-4 ATS)

Kansas puts its perfect record on the line when it travels east to Atlanta for a non-conference matchup against Georgia Tech.

The Jayhawks destroyed Ohio 88-51 as a 17½-point home chalk on Saturday, the team’s eighth double-digit rout of the season, scoring at least 84 points in all eight of those contests. Kansas, which is 4-1 ATS in its last five, is 43-5 SU since the start of last season

Georgia Tech hasn’t played since Dec. 5, when it struggled to get past Georgia State 72-67, failing to cash as a 12½-point road chalk. Although that victory snapped a two-game slide for the Yellow Jackets, they’re just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 contests.

Kansas is averaging 84.2 points per game and shooting 52 percent from the field while holding the opposition to 58.4 points on 37.7 percent shooting. However, in its two games away from home, the Jayhawks averaged just 59 ppg (37.9 percent) and gave up 55 ppg (38.5 percent).

Georgia Tech puts up 78.5 ppg while making 47.6 percent of its attempts, but the Jackets have really struggled defensively, giving up per-game averages of 79.4 points on 46.2 percent.

The Yellow Jackets haven’t played at home since opening the season with an 83-74 loss to UNC-Greensboro as a 16-point chalk back on Nov. 9. Going back to last season, Tech is just 1-4 ATS at home.

These teams faced off on New Year’s Day in 2005, with Kansas prevailing 70-68 in overtime, failing to cash as a 4½-point home chalk. That game occurred nine months after the Yellow Jackets ousted Kansas in the 2004 Final Four, winning 79-71 in overtime as a five-point underdog.

The Jayhawks are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games against the ACC. Conversely, Georgia Tech is on a 4-0 ATS roll against the Big 12.

The under is on runs of 8-3 for Kansas on the road and 7-3 for Kansas against the ACC. Conversely, Georgia Tech has topped the total in six of its eight games this season.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

gametimepicks.com

Tuesday's NCAAB Top 25 matchup notes
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oral Roberts at No. 5 Texas

After losing its first two meetings with Oral Roberts, Texas has won the last eight games in the series. These teams haven't faced each other since the Longhorns' 87-77 win on Dec. 2, 1998 - Barnes' first victory as head coach at Texas.

No. 3 Kansas at Georgia Tech

This will be only the sixth meeting between the teams. The Yellow Jackets knocked off the Jayhawks 79-71 in overtime in an NCAA regional final March 28, 2004. Kansas earned a measure of revenge the following season, beating Georgia Tech 70-68 in overtime on Jan. 1, 2005. The Jayhawks lead the series 4-1.

Western Illinois at No. 8 UCLA

UCLA looks to do the same Tuesday in its second meeting against Western Illinois. The Bruins beat the Leathernecks 75-60 at home on Nov. 23, 2004, in the teams' previous meeting.

Knicks coach Isiah Thomas rips team
Associated Press

Only a week ago, New York coach Isiah Thomas said he didn't believe in criticizing his teams during tough times.

Tough times have apparently changed. Thomas unloaded on the team he assembled after it was blown out by Indiana 119-92 Monday night.

``As a coach, you bring certain things to the table, but our collective energy, our collective heart, our collective toughness, we say the right things but we don't gut it out for 48 minutes,'' Thomas said.

They sure didn't on Monday night. Indiana led 84-72 after three quarters, and the only mystery after that was how loud the Madison Square Garden staff would have to pump out the sound effects to drown out the ``Fire Isiah'' chants as the lead grew in the fourth quarter.

In Monday night's other NBA games, it was Cleveland 104, Milwaukee 99 in two overtimes; Phoenix 100, San Antonio 95; Dallas 111, Orlando 108; Miami 91, Minnesota 87; Atlanta 116, Utah 111; Golden State 125, Memphis 117; and Portland 88, New Orleans 76.

The game was tied at 64 midway through the third quarter, before Mike Dunleavy got going. He made a layup and scored Indiana's next 12 points, capping his personal flurry with a 3-pointer that made it 76-66 with 2:08 left in the quarter.

Dunleavy scored 22 of his career-high 36 points in the quarter

``Michael carried us,'' Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said. ``He was brilliant tonight. He's having a career year. He was just on fire and it was great to see because we needed it.''

Jermaine O'Neal, who developed into an All-Star while playing for Thomas in Indiana, scored 22 points two days after a mild concussion in a victory at Miami.

``My heart goes out to Isiah, because I know him personally,'' O'Neal said. ``Isiah's like a father to me and I know the type of competitive nature he has and the effort that's out there, and it's tough to see. It's tough to hear the crowd say fire him.''

Stephon Marbury returned to the Knicks after missing four straight games after his father's death. He came off the bench and scored 16 points, and Eddy Curry also added 16.

Curry was also the victim of a hoax. Word somehow got out that he guaranteed a victory - which Curry denied - but word got back to the Pacers, who believed it. O'Neal said the players discussed it and thought it was strange.

Not that it matters in what is quickly becoming a lost season for the Knicks.

``We don't grind and we don't compete like we should for 48 minutes and I've never ... a lot of things that can be said about me and teams that I've coached and the way I played, but I've never been accused of not having heart or competing,'' Thomas said. ``Tonight was very discouraging to me because we didn't collectively play with heart and compete like I know I do.

``I can give you a lot of things, but I can't give you pride and heart,'' he said. ``A certain amount of that, the team collectively as players got to bring that to the court every night.''

``I can give you a lot of things, but I can't give you pride and heart,'' he said. ``A certain amount of that, the team collectively as players got to bring that to the court every night.''

In Cleveland, Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored Cleveland's first six points in the second overtime and LeBron James, who became the youngest player to score 9,000 career points earlier in the game, scored 31 points.

James played 51 of 58 minutes. Michael Redd, who led Milwaukee with 22 points, played 54 minutes while Mo Williams played 51.

James played 51 of 58 minutes. Michael Redd, who led Milwaukee with 22 points, played 54 minutes while Mo Williams played 51.

In San Antonio, Grant Hill had 22 points and Phoenix handed San Antonio its first home loss of the season.

Leandro Barbosa added 18 points for the Suns. Tim Duncan led the Spurs with a season-high 36 points and 17 rebounds in his second game back since sitting out four with a sprained ankle, and Manu Ginobili added 18 points.

The Spurs were without Tony Parker, who sat out his third straight game with a sprained left ankle.

The Spurs were without Tony Parker, who sat out his third straight game with a sprained left ankle.

In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter and Dallas shut down Dwight Howard the final three quarters.

The Magic thought they'd tied the game at 109 when Keith Bogans nailed a long jumper over Nowitzki's outstretched arm with 3.5 seconds left, but officials correctly ruled that his right toe was on the 3-point line, keeping Dallas ahead by a point.

The Magic thought they'd tied the game at 109 when Keith Bogans nailed a long jumper over Nowitzki's outstretched arm with 3.5 seconds left, but officials correctly ruled that his right toe was on the 3-point line, keeping Dallas ahead by a point.

Dwyane Wade survived a horrendous shooting night to score 30 points, Udonis Haslem added 18 and Miami finally found a way to win at home.

Shaquille O'Neal scored 15 points and added eight rebounds before fouling out for Miami (7-17), which won for only the third time in 11 home games - and was pushed to the brink by a Minnesota team that has the league's worst overall record (3-20).

Al Jefferson had 22 points and 20 rebounds for Minnesota, his 17th double-double of the season.

Al Jefferson had 22 points and 20 rebounds for Minnesota, his 17th double-double of the season.

In Atlanta, the Hawks overcame foul trouble, Carlos Boozer and five years of losing to Utah.

Boozer scored a season-high 39 points and had 12 rebounds for Utah, but Joe Johnson scored 26 points to help Atlanta end a nine-game losing streak against the Jazz.

Utah, which lost to Atlanta for the first time since Oct. 31, 2002, fell to 5-10 on the road this season, including six straight losses away from Salt Lake City.

Marvin Williams scored 21 points and Josh Smith had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta. Al Horford and Anthony Johnson each had 17 points - and Johnson added 14 assists.

Marvin Williams scored 21 points and Josh Smith had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta. Al Horford and Anthony Johnson each had 17 points - and Johnson added 14 assists.

Stephen Jackson had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and Monta Ellis added 23 points to help Golden State end a three-game road losing streak.

Rudy Gay scored 32 points for Memphis, passing 30 points for the second straight game.

Rudy Gay scored 32 points for Memphis, passing 30 points for the second straight game.

Brandon Roy had 24 points and eight assists to lead Portland to its eighth straight victory.

David West had 21 points and Tyson Chandler had 16 points and 19 rebounds for the Hornets, who lost for the fourth straight time at the Rose Garden.

Tuesday NBA Gameday

Jason Kidd will lead his struggling New Jersey Nets into action at home against the Sacramento Kings on a light Wednesday night around the NBA. Here's your NBA Gameday:

Sacramento Kings at New Jersey Nets, 7:30pm ET

The Kings have lost four of their past six contests to fall into the cellar of the Pacific Division. As well, the road has not been kind to Sacramento this year - they've won just once in 11 attempts away from home. The Kings lost 92-79 on the road to the Wizards on Saturday night, with Brad Miller scoring a team-high 21 points in that defeat. Beno Udrih picked up 12 points and 10 assists on that night, and Mikki Moore had 10 boards.

New Jersey has been just as bad lately - Kidd and company have been tagged with a loss in six of their past eight contests. That run has dropped the Nets to just 10-14 on the season, and they're well behind the Celtics in the Atlantic Division standings. New Jersey is coming off a 94-86 road loss to the Knicks on Saturday night. Vince Carter poured in a team-high 24 points in that losing cause, while Kidd was good for 18 points.

Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls, 8:30pm ET

Los Angeles has been one of the best teams in the league in December, as they've won five of their seven contests this month. That stretch of results has improved the Lakers' record to 14-9 on the season, and they're at least within shouting distance of the Suns for top spot in the Pacific Division. Kobe Bryant poured in 32 points as the Lakers beat the Clippers 113-92 on Sunday night. Luke Walton added 15 points for L.A. in the win.

The Bulls are still well back in both the Central Division and the Eastern Conference standings, but they've at least managed to pick up some victories in the month of December. Chicago is a respectable 5-3 this month, and they've won four of their past six games. The Bulls got past the Knicks 101-96 on Friday night, thanks to a game-high 29 points from Luol Deng. Kirk Hinrich had 15 points, 14 assists, and 12 boards that day.

Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30pm ET

The Raptors had their four-game winning streak snapped by the first-place Celtics on Sunday afternoon. Toronto had knocked off the Rockets, Hawks, Mavericks, and Pacers in consecutive outings before running into the juggernaut Boston squad. Chris Bosh led Toronto's attack against the Celtics with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Jamario Moon had 13 points. T.J. Ford sat out that day with his neck and back injuries.

Los Angeles is tied with the Kings for last place in the Pacific Division after losing to the Lakers on Sunday night. The Clippers have won just three of their nine outings in the month of December to sit with a 9-14 record on the season. Corey Maggette scored a team-high 27 points for the Clippers in their loss to the Lakers on Sunday night, and he also added seven rebounds. Chris Kaman had 18 points and 16 boards in that defeat.