Marbury not expected to play Friday
December 20, 2007
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) -Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury did not practice Thursday and is not expected to travel to Friday's game at Charlotte.
The team said Marbury was absent because of a combination of flu-like symptoms and personal reasons. Marbury's father died Dec. 2 after becoming ill while attending a game at Madison Square Garden, and Marbury has missed six of the last nine games.
Marbury was in uniform for Wednesday's win over Cleveland but did not play. He had rejoined the team Sunday and played Monday, but didn't practice Tuesday on what would have been his father's birthday.
NBA
Chicago (9-14, 8-15 ATS) at Boston (20-3, 15-7-1 ATS)
The Celtics will try to bounce back from their first home loss of the season when they host the Bulls, who are coming off an upset victory in Washington.
Boston blew a seven-point halftime lead against Detroit on Wednesday night, falling 87-85 as a six-point home chalk. The Celtics, who managed just 33 second-half points, saw their nine-game winning streak end, and they fell to 12-1 at home (9-4 ATS).
Chicago dumped the Wizards 95-84 as a 5½-point road underdog on Wednesday, improving to 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four road games. Overall, the Bulls have alternated SU wins and losses in their last seven outings.
These teams met on Dec. 8 in the Windy City, and Boston cruised to a 92-81 victory as a six-point road chalk. That snapped the Celtics’ eight-game losing skid to Chicago (1-7 ATS). The visitor has covered in seven of the last 10 head-to-head clashes.
The Bulls are 6-2 ATS in their last eight Friday contests, but 5-16 ATS in their last 21 against Atlantic Division foes. Also, despite Wednesday’s upset win at Washington, Scott Skiles’ squad is just 2-8 ATS as an underdog this season.
Boston is 9-4 ATS as a single-digit favorite.
The under is 5-0 in the last five series meetings. The under is also 5-0 in Boston’s last five overall and 9-1-1 in the last 11 contests at the Banknorth Garden.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and UNDER
Utah (14-13, 12-14-1 ATS) at Orlando (18-9, 20-7 ATS)
The slumping Jazz continue their four-game East Coast road swing when they visit Orlando.
Utah has dropped the first two games on its road trip, losing 116-111 at Atlanta as a 4½-point chalk on Monday and 98-92 at Charlotte as a five-point favorite on Wednesday. The Jazz have lost eight of their last nine games, and they’re 2-8 ATS in their last 10. During this stretch, Utah has dropped seven consecutive road games both SU and ATS.
The Magic snapped a two-game slide with Wednesday’s 97-92 upset win at Houston as a 3½-point underdog. Even with that win, Orlando is just 2-5 in its last seven (3-4 ATS) after starting the season 16-4 SU and 18-2 ATS.
Orlando has won five of the last six meetings against Utah, including the last three in a row. Also, the Magic are 7-0-1 ATS in the last eight clashes, including 4-0 ATS at home.
Not only are the Jazz on a seven-game slide on the road, but they’re 5-11 SU and ATS on the highway for the season, with the winner covering the spread in 14 of the 16 contests. Going back to last year, Jerry Sloan’s squad is 10-26 ATS as a visitor.
Orlando is just 5-5 SU and ATS on its home floor, including three straight upset losses to the Pacers (115-109), Hawks (98-87) and Grizzlies (123-119) in the last three. The straight-up winner is 10-0 ATS at Amway Arena this year.
The Magic are an astounding 11-3 ATS when playing on one day of rest, compared with Utah’s 7-6 ATS mark in the same scenario.
Utah has failed to cash in six straight games against Southeast Division foes.
The under is 4-2 in Orlando’s last six and 5-1 in Utah’s last six.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER
gametimepicks.com
NBA Today - December 21
By ASSOCIATED PRESS |
SCOREBOARD
Friday, Dec. 21
Denver at Portland (10 p.m. EST).
The Blazers have won nine straight games.
STARS
Thursday
-Anthony Carter, Nuggets, hit a floater in the lane with 0.8 seconds left in double overtime to give Denver a 112-111 win over the Houston Rockets.
IN THE CLUTCH
Anthony Carter hit a floater in the lane with 0.8 seconds left in double overtime to give the Denver Nuggets a 112-111 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday. Carmelo Anthony had 37 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, and Allen Iverson had 36 points and nine assists for Denver, which ended a two-game losing streak.
ADVANTAGE: LEBRON
LeBron James scored 33 points and shut out Kobe Bryant when the two superstars guarded each other in the final 2:23, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 94-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. James, the NBA's leading scorer, added 10 rebounds and five assists. Bryant finished with 21 points, but missed two shots with James chasing him and the Lakers went 0-for-8 from the floor in the final 4 minutes.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Dwyane Wade scored 41 points in Miami's 107-103 overtime loss to the New Jersey Nets on Thursday night.
SPEAKING
''I didn't even ask. I just told Sasha (Pavlovic) to go somewhere else.'' - LeBron James, on guarding Kobe Bryant in the final 2:33 of the Cavaliers 94-90 victory over the Lakers on Thursday night. Bryant finished with 21 points, but missed two shots with James chasing him and the Lakers went 0-for-8 from the floor in the final 4 minutes.
Friday's NBA matchup notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chicago at Boston
The Celtics won 92-81 on Dec. 8 in Chicago in the teams' first meeting this season, ending an eight-game losing streak to the Bulls. Chicago, however, has won four straight in Boston.
Atlanta at Washington
Atlanta has dropped 12 of its last 14 against the Wizards, and has lost seven straight in Washington since an 83-73 victory on Dec. 30, 2003.
New York at Charlotte
New York is just 1-9 on the road this season and 2-4 all-time in Charlotte against the Bobcats.
Utah at Orlando
The Magic have won three straight and six of seven against the Jazz, including four straight in Orlando.
L.A. Lakers at Philadelphia
Los Angeles won 87-84 on Feb. 20, 2000, for its most recent victory at Philadelphia, but has won two of the last three meetings between the clubs overall.
Memphis at Detroit
Detroit has won five straight over the Grizzlies and 18 of the 23 all-time meetings.
Indiana at Minnesota
The Timberwolves have won three of four against the Pacers and two straight in Minneapolis.
L.A. Clippers at Dallas
The Mavericks won both meetings in Dallas last year by an average of 21 points, and have won five of their last seven against the Clippers.
Denver at Portland
Denver has not lost consecutive games to the Blazers since Jan. 28 and Feb. 26, 2003.
Toronto at Seattle
Chris Bosh has been dominant in his last three games against the Sonics, averaging 25.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in leading the Raptors to wins in two of those contests.
Friday's NCAAB Top 25 matchup notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
DePaul at No. 15 Clemson
Clemson will try for a more complete effort when its meets DePaul for the first time.
Coppin State at No. 13 Marquette
Marquette has won all four games between the teams, most recently a 65-55 victory Dec. 29, 2004.
Southern Utah at No. 23 Brigham Young
BYU is 10-0 against Southern Utah - all the wins coming at home - in a series that began in 1992. Most of the games haven't been close, with the Cougars winning the last eight by an average of 25.1 points
Nets' Antoine Wright injured, leaves game
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MIAMI -- New Jersey forward Antoine Wright left the Nets' game against the Miami Heat on Thursday night because of an undisclosed right leg injury.
He jumped for a rebound with 0.3 seconds left in the quarter, came down awkwardly and remained under the basket for a couple of minutes while a member of the Nets' medical staff tended to his right knee area.
Wright covered his face with a towel, and was eventually carried into the locker room by teammates. He entered the game averaging 9.1 points this season.
New Jersey won the game 107-103
Pistons G Stuckey cleared to practice, play
December 20, 2007
Associated Press
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Rookie guard Rodney Stuckey was cleared to practice and play with the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, nearly two months after undergoing hand surgery.
Detroit, which won at Boston on Wednesday night, hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
The Pistons were off Thursday and don't expect to play Stuckey in a game until he practices with the team.
Stuckey broke his left hand in Detroit's final exhibition game in late October after averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals in the preseason. The first-round pick was injured on a harmless-looking play, trying to get through a screen and getting his fingers caught in a jersey.
The former Eastern Washington standout was primed to play a key role for the Eastern Conference power, primarily backing up point guard Chauncey Billups.
Travel Troubles
By Joe Nelson
Boston Celtics
The Celtics lost at home for the first time on Wednesday night and Detroit appears not quite ready to surrender as the elite team in the Eastern Conference. Boston fans should not be too worried about the home games as the Celtics are likely to continue to pile up wins at home. The upcoming road schedule should be cause for concern however.
After Christmas Boston heads West for the first time this season playing a brutal four game stretch in five days on the coast. Although the opposition does not look fearsome facing games in Sacramento, Seattle, Utah, and Los Angeles (Lakers) this is likely to be a tough trip for Celtics-backers.
On the season Boston has played consecutive road games just twice. One of those games was one of the three S/U losses for the Celtics on the season, an overtime loss in Cleveland following a narrow win in Charlotte three days prior. The Celtics are yet to play a Western Conference team on the road this season, meaning they have faced a lighter schedule in terms of competition, but also the miles traveled have been light, with Chicago as the furthest destination. The Celtics have played just four games against Western Conference teams all season and it could be a rude awakening having to juggle less familiar opponents, considerable travel, and a holiday hangover.
The first game of the road trip on December 26th will be the start of a six-game span for the Celtics against the Western Conference. The Celtics avoid the powerhouse teams in this stretch but that means that Boston will be a heavy favorite in every game and the tough circumstances will likely lead to a tough time earning covers and possibly a few more losses added to the glowing 20-3 S/U record. After facing six consecutive inter-conference games the Celtics will then get a re-match with the Pistons. It will be a tough spot for Boston however as it comes on the road the day after playing a home game against Memphis.
Houston Rockets
Despite a promising 6-1 start to the season the Rockets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. Injuries have played a role but Houston is below .500 and only four teams in the Western Conference have fewer wins. After losing back-to-back home games and missing Tracy McGrady due to injury the Rockets embark on a brutal road trip sandwiched around the holiday, meaning things can get worse for this alleged playoff threat.
Houston has four consecutive road games against challenging opponents as they circle the middle of the country. Houston plays in Denver Thursday then faces back-to-back nights in Chicago and Detroit this weekend. Players will presumably travel home for Christmas and then get back to Houston before shipping out for another game on the road, in Memphis. All in all it will be a rough travel stretch for the Rockets.
It doesn’t end there for Houston however as the beginning of the years has the Rockets heading to the East coast for four of the first five games of 2008. These games do not line up conveniently however, going from Boston to Orlando, then back home to Houston for one game then back out East to face Washington and New York.
It looks like things will get worse before they get better in Houston and the Rockets are a definite go-against team right now as they are still valued like a quality team. Houston has been an underdog just six times this season and not surprisingly the Rockets are a horrid 5-13 ATS as a favorite.
Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers are red-hot with nine consecutive wins, many of those victories coming in the underdog role. Portland could cruise through the end of 2007 on a hot streak as four straight home games are on the horizon including a dream three games stretch against Seattle, Minnesota, and Philadelphia, teams that are a combined 20-55. Things will get much tougher in January however.
Portland is 11-3 at home this season and just 3-9 on the road. Not surprisingly six of the past nine games on the win streak came at home. Starting December 31st, ten of the next twelve games will be on the road for Portland. Seven of those games are against Eastern Conference teams so there will be significant travel and the Blazers will face seven consecutive games on the road in mid-January.
Portland has been a great story and the team is getting great contributions from emerging young players. Keep in mind that the Blazers have played ten of the past 15 games at home. The ATS numbers should dip in January as the Blazers will have to be valued like the playoff contending team that they currently are.
VegasInsider.com
Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Bulls at Celtics**
-Caesars Palace opened Boston as a 10-point home ‘chalk’ over Chicago, with the total set at 182½. ESPN will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Chicago (9-14 straight up, 8-15 against the spread) has alternated SU wins and losses its last five games after upending Washington Wednesday as a 5 ½-point road underdog, 95-84. The combined 179 points never seriously threatened the 195-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the second consecutive contest.
-The Bulls took charge of the game by outscoring the Wizards in the second quarter, 25-13. Guard Ben Gordon led the offense with 22 points and six assists, while Luol Deng added 20 and five rebounds.
-Chicago is 4-8 SU and ATS on the road, with the ‘under’ going 7-5. The Bulls have been dropping those games by an average score of 95-90.
-Boston (20-3 SU, 15-7 ATS) was riding a nine-game SU winning streak before falling to Detroit Wednesday as a six-point home favorite, 87-85. The combined 172 points failed to topple the 182 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the fifth outing in a row.
-Forward Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 12 rebounds in the setback, while Ray Allen added 24 on 9-of-13 shooting. The Celtics lost despite shooting 49 percent (34-of-69) from the field.
-Boston is 12-1 SU and 9-4 ATS on its home court, while the ‘under’ has gone a solid 10-2. The Celtics are winning those games by an average score of 100-81.
-Boston won the lone meeting with Chicago this season (December 8) as a six-point road favorite, 92-81. The combined 173 points went ‘under’ the 183 ½-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ cash the fifth consecutive contest in this series.
-Chicago center Ben Wallace (foot) is ‘questionable’ against the Celtics. Boston is reporting no players as ‘probable,’ ‘questionable’ or ‘doubtful’ for this contest.
**Clippers at Mavericks**
-Caesars Palace installed Dallas as a 12-point home favorite over Los Angeles, with the total set at 192. ESPN starts its coverage of this contest at 9:35 p.m. ET.
-Los Angeles (9-15 SU, 10-14 ATS) is currently mired in a two-game SU losing skid after falling to Toronto Tuesday as a 4 ½-point home underdog, 80-77. The combined 157 points went ‘under’ the 187-point closing total.
-The Clippers lost despite outrebounding the Raptors, 50-43, by scoring just 11 points in the third quarter. Four starters reached double digits in scoring, led by Corey Maggette’s 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting.
-Los Angeles is 5-7 SU and 6-6 ATS away from home, with the ‘under’ going 8-4. The Clippers have been dropping those games by an average score of 101-96.
-Dallas (18-9 SU, 11-15 ATS) has won its last four games SU after holding off Phoenix Wednesday as a three-point home ‘chalk,’ 108-105. The combined 213 points failed to eclipse the 216-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Mavericks prevailed by controlling the boards (49-35) while shooting 46 percent (40-of-87). Forward Dirk Nowitzki stepped up with 31 points and nine rebounds, while Josh Howard added 23 and seven.
-Dallas owns a 12-2 SU and 6-7 ATS home ledger, with the ‘over’ going 10-4. The Mavericks have been winning those games by an average score of 106-100.
-Dallas is 2-0 SU and ATS the previous two meetings with Los Angeles, but this is the first matchup this season. The ‘under’ is 6-1 the last seven games between these teams.
-Los Angeles forward/center Aaron Williams (wrist) and guard Cuttino Mobley (virus) are ‘questionable’ versus the Mavericks. Dallas is reporting no players as ‘probable,’ ‘questionable’ or ‘doubtful’ against the Clippers.
vegasinsider.com.
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics
The fans at TD Banknorth Garden will be treated to a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics when they take their seats on Friday.
The Bulls won a hard-fought 95-84 decision against the favored Wizards on Wednesday, as 5.5-point underdogs. The 179 points were UNDER the night's posted total of 196.5.
Caron Butler netted a game-high 29 points with 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double in the loss.
Kevin Garnett scored a team-high 26 points in Boston's 87-85 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
The Celtics had been listed as 6-point home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (182).
Team records:
Chicago: 9-14 SU, 8-15 ATS
Boston: 20-3 SU, 15-7-1 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Orlando are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Boston
Chicago is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Boston is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
Boston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Next up:
Chicago home to Houston, Saturday, December 22
Boston home to Orlando, Sunday, December 23
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Wachovia Center.
The Lakers fell 94-90 to the Cavaliers last time out, as 2.5-point favorites on the road. The 184 points were well UNDER the posted total of 204.
Lamar Odom had a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Philadelphia were clobbered 102-85 by Indiana last time out, as 5-point road underdogs. The 187 points were well UNDER the game's posted total of 202.
Samuel Dalembert had 15 points with 14 rebounds in a double-double performance for Philadelphia.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 15-10 SU, 15-9-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 10-15 SU, 11-13-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing New York are 2-8
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 2-8
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the LA Lakers last 16 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
LA Lakers at New York, Sunday, December 23
Philadelphia at Memphis, Saturday, December 22
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The New York Knicks and the Charlotte Bobcats will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
David Lee led the way with 22 points for New York in their 108-90 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
The Knicks had been listed as 4-point home underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (193).
The Bobcats scored 31 points in the fourth quarter to come away with a 98-92 win over the Jazz on Wednesday, as 5-point home underdogs. The 190 points were UNDER the posted total of 198.
Gerald Wallace scored 26 points, while Jason Richardson had 24 with seven rebounds for the Bobcats.
Team records:
New York: 8-17 SU, 11-14 ATS
Charlotte: 9-14 SU, 7-15-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Utah are 0-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
New York is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
New York is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
Charlotte is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Next up:
New York home to LA Lakers, Sunday, December 23
Charlotte at Milwaukee, Saturday, December 22
Utah Jazz vs. Orlando Magic
The Utah Jazz and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Amway Arena.
The Jazz were upended 98-92 by the Bobcats last time out, as 5-point road favorites. The 190 points were UNDER the posted total of 198.
Carlos Boozer had a double-double in the loss, tossing in 21 points and hauling down 15 boards.
Dwight Howard scored 21 points on Wednesday night as the Magic pulled out a 97-92 road win over the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets had been favored by 3.5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (194).
Current streak:
Utah has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 14-13 SU, 12-15 ATS
Orlando: 18-9 SU, 20-7 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 4-6
After playing Charlotte are 4-2
After a loss are 3-7
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Utah's last 15 games when playing Orlando
Utah is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Utah is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
Utah is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 7-0-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Utah
Orlando is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Utah
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Utah
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
Next up:
Utah at Miami, Saturday, December 22
Orlando at Boston, Sunday, December 23
Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards
The division rival Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards are set to renew hostilities on Friday when they meet at Verizon Center.
The Hawks blew a late lead, but came away with a 117-111 overtime win against the Heat on Wednesday. The Hawks covered the slight 2-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 187.5.
Joe Johnson had 26 points with nine assists, and Marvin Williams also had a team-high 26 points.
The Wizards were upset 95-84 by the Bulls last time out, as 5.5-point favorites at home. The 179 points were UNDER the night's posted total of 196.5.
Caron Butler netted a game-high 29 points with 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 13-12 SU, 13-12 ATS
Washington: 13-11 SU, 15-9 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 2-8
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Atlanta's last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Indiana, Wednesday, December 26
Washington at Indiana, Saturday, December 22
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Detroit Pistons
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Detroit Pistons will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Mike Miller led the way with 31 points on Wednesday night as the Grizzlies upset the San Antonio Spurs by a final score of 88-85.
The Spurs had been favored by 7 points on the road in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (200).
The Pistons asserted themselves on Wednesday night with an 87-85 road win over the East-leading Boston Celtics.
The Celtics had been listed as 6-point home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (182).
Current streak:
Detroit has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 8-17 SU, 13-12 ATS
Detroit: 18-7 SU, 15-9-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing Boston are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Memphis is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Memphis's last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Memphis
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Memphis home to Philadelphia, Saturday, December 22
Detroit home to Houston, Sunday, December 23