Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
VegasInsider.com
**Bulls at Pistons**
-Caesars Palace installed Detroit as an 8 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over Chicago, with the total set at 184. ESPN will provide coverage of this Central Division contest beginning at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Chicago (5-11 straight up and against the spread) improved to 3-1 SU and ATS its last four games after beating Charlotte Wednesday as a one-point road underdog, 91-82. The combined 173 points went ‘under’ the 186 ½-point closing total, ending back-to-back ‘over’ outings.
-The Bulls trailed the Bobcats before outscoring them in the fourth quarter, 38-22. Forward Luol Deng led all scorers with 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while Andres Nocioni contributed with 15 and 11 rebounds off the bench.
-Chicago has struggled to a 2-7 SU and ATS road record, with the ‘under’ going 6-3. The Bulls have been dropping those games by an average score of 95-87.
-Detroit (13-5 SU, 10-8 ATS) is riding a five-game SU and ATS winning streak after upending New Orleans Wednesday as a road ‘pick,’ 91-76. The combined 167 points never seriously threatened the 192-point closing total, ending a string of three consecutive ‘over’ outings.
-Richard Hamilton paced the offense with 21 points on 10-of-21 shooting, while guard Chauncey Billups added 18 and seven rebounds. The Pistons were outrebounded by the Hornets (48-47), but prevailed after shooting 41 percent (35-of-85) from the field.
-Detroit maintains a 6-1 SU and 4-3 ATS home ledger, with the ‘under’ going 5-2. The Pistons have been winning those affairs by an average score of 99-87.
-Chicago is 3-1 SU and ATS the previous four encounters with Detroit after prevailing in the lone matchup this year (Nov. 8) as a one-point home underdog, 97-93. The combined 190 points toppled the 182-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the last four games in this series.
-Chicago is reporting no players as ‘probable,’ ‘questionable’ or ‘doubtful’ for this contest. Detroit guard Rodney Stuckey (hand) is expected to miss this matchup.
**Jazz at Spurs**
-There is no overnight line on this contest due to the ‘questionable’ status of San Antonio forward/center Tim Duncan. This game is scheduled to tip off at 9:35 p.m. ET, with ESPN providing coverage.
-Utah (13-6 SU, 10-8 ATS) had its three-game SU winning streak snapped (2-0-1 ATS) after falling to Sacramento Tuesday as a three-point road favorite, 117-107. The combined 224 points eclipsed the 207 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the fifth game in a row.
-The Jazz were winning the game heading into the fourth quarter before being outscored, 43-30. Deron Williams scored 30 points and dished out seven assists, while Carlos Boozer netted 19 while grabbing 11 rebounds.
-Utah is a modest 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going a solid 7-3. Both teams are averaging 104 points when the Jazz are playing away from home.
-San Antonio (16-3 SU, 12-7 ATS) has recorded four wins in a row SU and ATS after slipping past Dallas Wednesday as a 3 ½-point home underdog, 97-95. The combined 192 points toppled the 190 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Spurs prevailed despite getting outrebounded, 38-33. Guard Manu Ginobili picked up the scoring slack with 37 points and six assists, while Tony Parker added 23 and three.
-San Antonio sports a solid 11-0 SU and 8-3 ATS home record, winning those games by an average score of 103-90.
-The Spurs are 5-1 SU and ATS the previous six meetings with Utah, but this is the first meeting this season. The ‘over’ is 6-1 the last seven games in this series.
-Utah is reporting no players as ‘probable,’ ‘questionable’ or ‘doubtful’ for this contest, while San Antonio’s Tim Duncan is ‘questionable’ versus the Jazz due to an ankle injury.
NBA Today - Friday, Dec. 7
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SCOREBOARD Friday, Dec. 7
Utah at San Antonio (9:30 p.m. EST). Carlos Boozer and the Northwest-leading Jazz visit the Spurs, who are undefeated (11-0) at home.
STARS Thursday
- Allen Iverson, Nuggets, scored 35 points and had 12 assists as Denver downed Dallas 122-109.
- Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers, scored 25 points as Portland posted a 112-106 win against Miami.
- Josh Smith, Hawks, had 28 points and seven blocked shots to lead Atlanta over Minnesota 90-89.
HOT SHOT
Denver guard Allen Iverson is on a roll. One day after scoring 51 points in a defeat, Iverson scored 35 points and had 12 assists to lead Denver past Dallas 122-109 on Thursday night. Iverson made 12 of 19 field goals and was 11-for-13 from the line. This was the first 30-10 game of the season for Iverson, who has reached 30 points six times and had four games with at least 10 assists.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki tied his season high with 32 points and had 12 rebounds in the Mavericks' 122-109 loss to Denver Thursday night. It was only the sixth double-double in 20 games this season for Nowitzki. ... Dwyane Wade turned in a near triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for Miami, but shot 9-for-26 from the field as the Heat fell to Portland 112-106.
MOST VALUABLE
Despite their struggles on and off the court, New York remained the NBA's most valuable franchise for a third straight year, according to a list compiled by Forbes. The Knicks were valued at $604 million, up 3 percent from the previous year. New York also had a league-high $196 million in revenues for the 2006-07 season while topping the list with negative $42.2 million in operating income after going 33-49 and missing the playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers remained second following a 2 percent decrease in value, down to $560 from $568 million and Chicago ($500 million) was third after a league-best $59.3 million in operating income.
SPEAKING
''Everything has been taken out of context. I was sick yesterday and I couldn't play. Everyone has come up with their own theory of me being upset. I would never abuse the game of basketball,'' - Guard Jason Kidd on why the eight-time All Star missed New Jersey's game against the New York Knicks Wednesday night. The Nets captain insisted a migraine caused him to miss the game, brushing aside reports he was staging a personal one-day strike to induce a trade or force a new contract.
Friday's NBA betting matchup notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers
The Knicks will be trying to end a five-game losing streak in Philadelphia since a 113-107 overtime win on Dec. 17, 2004. Overall, New York has dropped six of seven against the 76ers (5-13).
Phoenix Suns at Washington Wizards
The Wizards have averaged 113.6 points in their last five games against the Suns and are 3-2 against them in that stretch. Washington won an overtime thriller 144-139 in Phoenix last season, but lost at home 127-105 in the teams' other meeting.
Indiana Pacers at Orlando Magic
This is the first meeting between the clubs this season and it will take place in Orlando, where Indiana lost both of its games last season. Those are the Magic's only two victories in the last seven meetings overall.
Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons
Chicago (5-11) has won four of its last five regular-season games against the Pistons after winning just four of the previous 32.
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics
The Raptors have lost eight of their last nine visits to Boston.
Houston Rockets at New Jersey Nets
Jason Kidd will try to help New Jersey end a four-game home losing streak to Houston (10-9), dating back to a 110-86 win on March 31, 2003.
Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Hornets
New Orleans forward David West hopes to rebound against Memphis, which he torched for a career-high 40 points in a 120-118 overtime road victory on Nov. 16.
That was New Orleans' seventh win in the last eight matchups between the teams.
Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have won 16 straight regular-season home games against the Jazz - 19 straight including the playoffs. Utah has not won at San Antonio since Feb. 28, 1999.
Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings
Los Angeles and Sacramento each won a game at home and on the road in last season's series between the teams. The Clippers had lost 14 straight against the Kings before a 102-93 win last Dec. 29.
Milwaukee Bucks at Seattle SuperSonics
The Sonics are concluding a five-game homestand against Milwaukee (8-9), which has lost five of six and hasn't won in Seattle since a 101-99 victory on Jan. 29, 2000. The Bucks have lost 15 of their last 16 road games versus the Sonics.
Chicago (5-11 SU and ATS) at Detroit (13-5 SU, 10-8 ATS)
The Pistons try to extend their season-high winning streak to six games when the Bulls visit the Palace of Auburn Hills for a Central Division showdown.
Chicago seems to have turned its season around over the last 10 days, winning three of its last four both SU and ATS after opening the season just 2-10 SU and ATS. On Wednesday, the Bulls went to Charlotte and beat the Bobcats 91-82, covering as a one-point favorite. The straight-up winner has covered the pointspread in each of Chicago’s 16 games this season.
The key to the Bulls’ turnaround has been the return of Luol Deng, who missed several games with a lower back injury but is averaging 22.6 points in the last five, including tallying a season-high 30 on Wednesday against Charlotte.
Chicago is 7-12 ATS in its last 19 overall, but 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four meetings with the Pistons, including a 97-93 win as a one-point home favorite back on Nov. 8.
Detroit is coming off a stretch in which it won four games in five nights (4-0 ATS), including three on the highway. On Wednesday, the Pistons went to New and scored a 91-76 victory as one-point underdogs.
During their five-game winning streak, the Pistons have found their offense, averaging 108.2 points a game and shooting at a 51.6 percent clip. Defensively, they held the opposition to 86.2 points per contest in the last five.
Detroit is 7-2 ATS in its last nine Friday tip-offs but just 2-7 ATS in its last nine against Central Division rivals.
The over is 7-2 the last nine times the Bulls have been underdogs, 7-3 the last 10 times Detroit has been favored and 3-1 in the last four series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Toronto (10-9 SU, 11-7-1 ATS) at Boston (15-2 SU, 11-5-1 ATS)
The Celtics look to remain perfect at home when they welcome the Raptors to Beantown for an Atlantic Division clash.
Toronto suffered a 136-123 home loss to the Suns on Wednesday, failing as 7½-point underdogs as it gave up a season high in points. The Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine overall, but the last time they took to the road, they lost 101-97 at Washington as a 2½-point underdog.
The Celtics have won four straight, including a 113-103 victory in Philly on Wednesday, pushing as 10-point favorites. The last time Boston was at home was on Sunday, when it beat the LeBron James-less Cavs 80-70 and failed to cover as 13½-point favorites. The Celtics are 9-0 on their home floor (7-2 ATS).
Boston is 5-2 ATS in the last seven head-to-head meetings with the Raptors, but they needed OT to pull out a 98-95 win in their first meeting this season on Nov. 4, cashing as 1½-point underdogs.
The Raptors have lost eight of the last nine times they’ve gone to Boston, including a 95-87 setback as three-point favorites back on March 26 of last season.
Not only are the Celtics unbeaten at home, they’re crushing their visitors by an average of 21 points per game (101-80) and shooting at a 50.2-percent clip while holding the opposition to 38 percent from the field.
The under is on runs of 4-2 for Toronto, 3-1 for Boston, 13-4 for the Celtics in Atlantic Division games and 4-0 in this series.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and UNDER
Utah (13-6 SU and 10-9 ATS) at San Antonio (16-3 SU, 11-7-1 ATS)
The Jazz travel to San Antonio tonight for a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals series against the Spurs.
Utah opened a three-game road trip in Sacramento on Tuesday, falling 117-107 as a 2½-point chalk. After San Antonio, Utah travels to Dallas for a matchup with the Mavs on Saturday. Despite the loss in Sacramento, the Jazz are on a 6-2 run (5-3 ATS), and they’re averaging 107 points per game for the season on 49.4 percent shooting.
Playing without All-Star Tim Duncan, San Antonio found a way to get past the Mavericks 97-95 as a 3½-point home underdog on Wednesday, ending a four-game losing streak to Dallas. The Spurs have won and covered four in a row, and they’re 9-1 in their last 10 (7-2-1 ATS).
Utah is just 9-21 ATS in its last 30 on the road while the Spurs have gone 21-7-1 ATS in their last 29 in front of the home crowd. With Wednesday’s win over Dallas, San Antonio improved to 11-0 at the AT&T Center this season (8-3 ATS).
It only took San Antonio five games to dispose of the Jazz in the Western Conference Finals back in May (4-1 ATS), with every game decided by eight points or more. The Spurs are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings with Utah (playoffs included), and they have beaten the Jazz 19 consecutive times in the AT&T Center. Finally, the host is on a 9-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.
The over is 4-2 in San Antonio’s last six, 6-0 in the Mavericks’ last six and 6-1 in the last seven meetings between these teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN ANTONIO and OVER
gametimepicks.com
Lute Olson out for the season
ESPN.com
All Lute Olson owed the University of Arizona team, staff, bosses and faithful fans was a decision about coaching this season.
He did that late Thursday night when he announced he would extend his leave of absence -- that was first announced on Nov. 4 -- for the rest of this season. He said in a school release that he would return next season.
That's all Olson had to do. Multiple sources close to the program told ESPN.com throughout the past month that the players and the staff needed a decision. Olson had just started to come to practice within the past two weeks. As late as Wednesday, he was still actively involved in practices, letting assistant Kevin O'Neill run the practice but adding his input when needed. But the uncertainty of when, or if, Olson would return to coach in a game froze the program.
Now, the team and O'Neill, as the interim coach, can move ahead with the rest of what is still a promising season, especially after last Sunday's comeback win over Texas A&M in Tucson.
Now, it's up to the rest of us to leave Olson, who cited "personal issues" as the reason for his leave, alone.
Multiple sources have confirmed that this is a deeply private family matter. And the reality is that not everything is for public consumption. That may be hard to digest in this 24-hour news cycle where we have this insatiable appetite to know everything about everyone who is in the public eye. But if the matter is with the person's family, then it is not always open to be disclosed, especially if it doesn't involve a public, legal matter. And, according to multiple sources, this is not a criminal issue.
Although the rumors have been rampant, those close to Olson have been incredibly discreet on this subject. Some have shared a bit more than others, but not everyone has been briefed with the full details.
Olson was a private man until his first wife, Bobbi, died of ovarian cancer in 2001. Bobbi, his wife of 47 years, was the matriarch of Arizona basketball. And when she became ill, their private fight with the disease was thrust into the public eye.
Olson has repeatedly put his family ahead of his Hall of Fame career.
Lute Olson
Lute Olson has taken a leave of absence from Arizona before. He stepped away to be with his wife, Bobbi, before she died in 2001.
He took a leave of absence to be with Bobbi prior to her death.
When he proposed to his second wife, Christine, he offered to retire from coaching "if that's what it took for us to be together," he wrote in his book "Lute!: The Seasons of My Life".
When he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, Olson skipped the ceremony to be at his son Steve's wedding in Italy. Instead, he video recorded a speech that was played at the ceremony.
A year ago, I met up with Lute and Christine for their morning walk in the hills high above Tucson. After the walk, we sat on their porch eating breakfast, discussing basketball, Olson's life, his good health for a 73-year-old man, and his desire to continue coaching for as long as he still had the passion to lead and teach.
All indications throughout the past month have been that Olson wasn't going to retire over this matter. The Arizona assistant coaches were assuring the signed recruits for the class of 2008 that Olson would coach them as freshmen.
Olson's statement on Thursday night that he plans "to return to coach at the University of Arizona next year," has to be taken as genuine. No one has said anything to the contrary.
The school administration understands the severity of the situation. Athletic director Jim Livengood was quite clear when talking about this matter late last week that Olson had earned this time to step away and deal with his family.
Speculation will run rampant that O'Neill was brought in this past May with a lofty $375,000 salary to be Olson's successor. But Livengood, O'Neill, Olson and those close to the program all said no such guarantee was made to O'Neill. O'Neill may eventually be a candidate to replace Olson when that decision is needed, but it is not a foregone conclusion he would succeed the Hall of Fame coach and certainly not in this manner.
But now that Olson has stepped away for the season, O'Neill and everyone else knows that the Wildcats are his team for 2007-08. The questions of an Olson return this season will stop. The questions of why he is gone should end, too, until Olson is ready to talk on the matter.
"I ask for your patience in allowing me the time to attend to my personal situation," Olson said in Thursday's statement. "I am most grateful for the statements of support and prayers that have been offered, and look forward to a return to more normal activities in the months ahead. Thank you again, for your support and understanding.''
Olson has the right to remain private in dealing with this personal matter. All he owed was a decision to step away.
Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons
- The division rival Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons are set to renew hostilities on Friday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Bulls scored 38 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday, as they cruised past the Bobcats 91-82. The Bulls won the game as a pik'em, while the 173 points were UNDER the posted total of 186.
Luol Deng led the Bulls with a game-high 30 points and Andres Nocioni added had 15 in the win.
The Pistons got off to a slow start, but ran away with a 91-76 victory over the Hornets last time out. The Pistons won the game as a pik'em, but the 167 points were well UNDER the posted total of 192.
Richard Hamilton led the way with 21 points from 10-for-21 shooting, and Chauncey Billups chipped in with 18 in the win.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 5-11 SU, 5-11 ATS
Detroit: 13-5 SU, 10-8 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 8-2
After playing New Orleans are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Next up:
Chicago home to Boston, Saturday, December 8
Detroit home to Charlotte, Sunday, December 9
Phoenix Suns vs. Washington Wizards
- The Phoenix Suns and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Verizon Center.
Leandro Barbosa tossed in a game-high 35 points to lift the Suns in a 136-123 victory over the Raptors on Wednesday. The Suns covered the 7.5-point spread, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 207.5.
Amare Stoudemire shot an impressive 9-for-11 from the field with 25 points, and Steve Nash had 18 assists.
Caron Butler netted a game-high 27 points in leading Washington to a 105-86 win over the Cavaliers last time out. Washington covered the 10-point spread, and the 191 points made it OVER the posted total of 188.5.
Butler shot 13-for-23 from the field with seven rebounds for Washington, while Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood added 17 each in the win.
Current streak:
Phoenix has won 4 straight games.
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 15-4 SU, 9-10 ATS
Washington: 9-9 SU, 11-7 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 2-8
After a win are 9-1
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 2-8
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Phoenix is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 11 games
Next up:
Phoenix at Minnesota, Saturday, December 8
Washington home to New Jersey, Sunday, December 9
Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
- The Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Amway Arena.
The Pacers were defeated 121-117 by the Suns last time out, as 6.5-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 219.
Jermaine O'Neal led the Pacers with 30 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Orlando dominated the overtime session on Monday, as they defeated Golden State 123-117. Orlando won the game as 3.5-point road underdogs, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 217.5.
Dwight Howard netted 18 points with 23 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson had 21 points to go along with eight boards and 11 assists.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 9-10 SU, 10-9 ATS
Orlando: 16-4 SU, 17-3 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 2-8
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing Orlando
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing Indiana
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Indiana at Cleveland, Tuesday, December 11
Orlando home to Atlanta, Monday, December 10
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Friday when the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers meet at Wachovia Center.
The Knicks flew out to a quick lead and held on to defeat the Nets 100-93 last time out. The Knicks won the game as 5-point underdogs, while the 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 185.
Zach Randolph led the Knicks with 25 points with six rebounds and four assists, while Jamal Crawford netted a team-high 29 points in the win.
The 76ers were defeated 113-103 by the Celtics last time out, as 10.5-point underdogs. The combined 216 points sailed OVER the posted total of 178.
Andre Miller scored a game-high 26 points with 12 assists, and Andre Iguodala added 24 points in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 6-11 SU, 8-9 ATS
Philadelphia: 5-13 SU, 7-10-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing New York are 3-7
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
New York is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Philadelphia
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 9 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Next up:
New York home to Philadelphia, Saturday, December 8
Philadelphia at New York, Saturday, December 8
Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics
- The Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics will meet on the court at TD Banknorth Garden on Friday in a battle of division rivals.
The Raptors were defeated 136-123 by the Suns last time out, as 7.5-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 207.5.
T.J. Ford led the injury-plagued Raptors with 27 points from 12-for-19 shooting.
The Celtics won their 15th game of the season Wednesday, as they cruised to a 113-103 victory over the 76ers. The Celtics failed to cover the 10.5-point spread on the road, but the combined 216 points sailed OVER the posted total of 178.
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 19 points and 12 assists, while Kevin Garnett chipped in with a team-high 22 points in the win.
Current streak:
Boston has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 10-9 SU, 12-7 ATS
Boston: 15-2 SU, 11-5-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
Boston is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games at home
Next up:
Toronto home to Houston, Sunday, December 9
Boston at Chicago, Saturday, December 8
Houston Rockets vs. New Jersey Nets
- The fans at Izod Center will be treated to a game between the Houston Rockets and the New Jersey Nets when they take their seats on Friday.
Yao Ming had a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds in leading the Rockets to a 105-92 win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Rockets covered the 10-point spread at home, but the 197 points were UNDER the posted total of 202.5.
Bonzi Wells shot 11-for-14 from the field with 24 points, and Tracy McGrady added 17 in the win.
The Nets were cut down 100-93 by the Knicks on Wednesday, as 5-point favorites. The 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 185.
Richard Jefferson had a game-high 31 points from 10-for-23 shooting for the Nets.
Team records:
Houston: 10-9 SU, 8-11 ATS
New Jersey: 9-10 SU, 7-11-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 7-3
After playing New York are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games when playing Houston
New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Houston at Toronto, Sunday, December 9
New Jersey at Washington, Sunday, December 9
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Hornets
- The Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Hornets will meet on the court at New Orleans Arena on Friday in a battle of division rivals.
The Grizzlies were defeated 105-92 by the Rockets last time out, as 10-point underdogs. The 197 points were UNDER the posted total of 202.5.
Pau Gasol led the Grizzlies with 23 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Hornets offense were shut down in a 91-76 loss to the Pistons on Wednesday. The game was a pik'em, while the 167 points were well UNDER the posted total of 192.
Tyson Chandler had a double-double in the loss, tossing in 17 points and grabbing 22 rebounds.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 6-12 SU, 10-8 ATS
New Orleans: 12-7 SU, 10-8-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Seattle are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Memphis is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Memphis
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Memphis
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at Atlanta, Saturday, December 8
New Orleans home to Seattle, Sunday, December 9
Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs
- The Utah Jazz and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at AT&T Center.
Utah were upset 117-107 by Sacramento on Tuesday, as 3-point underdogs. The 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 207.
Deron Williams shot 10-for-22 from the field with a game-high 30 points, and Carlos Boozer had 19 in the loss.
San Antonio nearly gave up a late lead, but held on for a 97-95 win over Dallas last time out. San Antonio won the game as a slight 3-point home underdog, and the 192 points fell just UNDER the posted total of 192.5.
Manu Ginobili led the way with a game-high 37 points and Tony Parker chipped in with 23 points in the win.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 13-6 SU, 10-9 ATS
San Antonio: 16-3 SU, 12-7 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Golden State are 10-0
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
Utah is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Utah is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Next up:
Utah at Dallas, Saturday, December 8
San Antonio at Golden State, Tuesday, December 11
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings
- The Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at ARCO Arena.
The Clippers were defeated 95-88 by the SuperSonics last time out, as 3.5-point road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 195.
Chris Kaman shot 7-for-16 from the field with 19 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.
Sacramento lit it up with 43 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday, and came away with a 117-107 win over Utah. Sacramento won the game as 3-point underdogs at home, and the 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 207.
Ron Artest led the Kings with 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Kevin Martin added a team-high 25 points, and John Salmons added 21 in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 7 straight games.
Sacramento has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 6-11 SU, 5-12 ATS
Sacramento: 7-10 SU, 10-7 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing Seattle are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 2-8
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 8 games on the road
LA Clippers are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 17-1 SU in their last 18 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Sacramento is 15-2 SU in their last 17 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers home to Miami, Sunday, December 9
Sacramento at Denver, Saturday, December 8
Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors
- The Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Oracle Arena.
The Heat were cooled off 112-106 by the Trail Blazers last time out, as 3-point favorites. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 185.
Ricky Davis tossed in 18 points from 8-for-17 shooting, and Daequan Cook had a team-high 20 points.
The Warriors scored 35 points in the final quarter, and came away with a 120-90 win over the Bucks on Wednesday. The Warriors easily covered the 10.5-point spread at home, and the combined 210 points fell UNDER the posted total of 216.
Baron Davis led the Warriors with 20 points and nine assists, and Stephen Jackson also had 20 points in the win.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 4-14 SU, 9-9 ATS
Golden State: 10-8 SU, 10-8 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Portland are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
Miami is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Golden State
Miami is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Miami at LA Clippers, Sunday, December 9
Golden State at LA Lakers, Sunday, December 9