Friday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
The end of the week is upon us, Super Bowl Weekend is about to grip the entire nation and the NBA continues to pound out exhilarating contests on a daily basis.
Friday, five of the nine games will pair Eastern and Western Conference teams against each other. In 262 total cross conference games played throughout the season, the West holds a commanding 147-115 edge (56% winning percentage). The East has slacked behind its rival, combining for a 115-147 record (44 %).
**Houston at Indiana**
Producing a 5-1 straight up and 3-3 against the spread record, the Rockets continue to search for a game plan that will propel them into playoff contention. Shooting for 98.8 PPG and allowing only 94.9 PPG in the last five is solid indication that Houston is tying together both sides of the ball. Coming off two days rest, the Rockets have gone 2-1 ATS. The Pacers continue to struggle, taking the honors of dropping four straight games, while failing to cover the spread three times out if its last four. Indiana comes into Friday’s game with a 9-11 SU and 12-8 ATS record versus the Western Conference this season.
**L.A. Lakers at Toronto**
Two teams playing with records over .500 will take to the court, north of the boarder style. With the Lakers being a typical Western Conference scoring machine, two negatives stick out. One is the 104.2 PPG allowed in the last five games, and second is hitting a horrible 70.3-percent from the free throw line (six percent lower then its seasonal average). Since Andrew Bynum sprained his right knee (expected out up to eight weeks), L.A. has gone on to tally a 2-4-1 ATS record, while hitting the ‘under’ four times in seven contests. In their last 12 disputes against Western Conference teams, the Raptors have amounted an 8-4 SU and 7-5 ATS report. At home this year, Toronto is scoring 99.9 PPG, while it’s holding down opponents to 92.6 PPG.
**Utah at Washington**
Running high on a six-game winning streak, working for a 12-2 SU record in its last 14 and covering the spread eight times in the last 11, Utah has grasped the opportunity to excel. Playing the Wizards for the second time this season, the Jazz have split a 1-1 SU record, while failing to cover in both games (Washington is 1-0-1 ATS in those two meetings). An angle to follow is the Wizards’ 6-3 SU and ATS earnings over the West. Washington has nailed the ‘over’ six times in its last nine.
**New York at Portland**
Taking a grand total of 14 wins this season, the Knicks continue their five-game West Coast road trip in Portland. Going 7-3 ATS in its last 10 is somewhat of an upside for bettors backing New York, but giving up 101 PG in its last nine, while scoring 98.4 PPG is a summary of what this club has done (or a lack there of). This young Portland team has had a tough 10 game stretch. Walking away with a 4-6 SU and 3-7 ATS performance in the last 10, the Trail Blazers seem to have lost some of that steam that began the push of momentum earlier in the season. Since coming off that 13-game winning streak in December, Portland has amassed a 5-4 SU and 4-5 ATS roll versus Eastern Conference teams.
**Orlando at Philadelphia**
With a concrete 23-8-2 ATS run in its last 33 road games and putting together a 6-2 ATS record in its last eight versus Atlantic Division teams, Orlando is looking to build upon its 5-1 SU showing in the last six games. Void of back-to-back victories since Dec. 28, the 76ers finally put that dry spell to sleep, grabbing two wins against Charlotte and Milwaukee this week. In its last five, Philly has been poor from the field, scoring 95.4 PPG. The ‘D’ has stepped up big time though, robbing teams for a tight 90 PPG allowed.
**Charlotte at Golden State**
The road has been Charlotte’s No.1 enemy, posting a treacherous 4-14 SU and 6-12 ATS spot when traveling. An average 7-7 SU and ATS record versus the West this year is a tough angle to gauge strictly from a numbers point of view. Playing teams above .500, the Bobcats are 1-4-1 ATS in a total of six games. Winning a pair of games and losing one has been Golden State’s motto in the last 10. With a 13-8 SU and 8-13 ATS record at home, the Warriors can score with the best teams in the league but fall vulnerable by allowing 107.3 PPG.
**New Jersey at Miami**
Dropping two in a row since snapping the 14-game dry spell, Miami is once again in desperation mode. With Dywane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Shaquille O’Neal all grounded until further notice, things couldn’t get any worse in South Florida (or could they?). Tossing the ball around with teams under .500, the Heat are a dreadful 5-13 ATS. Snapping its own nine-game slide on Tuesday, talk about dumping Jason Kidd to another team is what’s circulating throughout New Jersey. Going 3-9 ATS in the last 12 and stacking up a 9-15-1 ATS slump when coming off two days rest, the Nets will hope to improve their 9-12 SU road record on Friday night.
**L.A. Clippers at Minnesota**
Trying to hand Miami the honor of owning the worst record in the Association, Minnesota has gone a surprising 4-2 SU in its last six and has covered the spread seven times in the last nine. So it’s not an overnight success story, but the Timberwolves will actually be looking to go 5-4 ATS at home versus teams playing with a losing record. As for the Clippers, giving up 103.2 PPG and allowing a 47.8-precent success rate from the field just won’t cut the mustard. The Clips are 4-7 SU and 5-5 ATS in their last 10.
**New Orleans at Sacramento**
Going 7-3 SU and ATS in their last 10 head-to-head matches with Sacramento, the Hornets ended a nine-game winning streak when they fell to the Warriors on Wednesday (116-103). With its explosive offense, averaging 105.8 PPG (in the last five), the unsung hero has been the ‘D’ and its effort in holding opponents to 92 PPG in the last five games. Picking up the pace, the Kings are 6-3 SU in their last nine. A 13-9 SU and ATS record at home this season has been a little better then average, but if the Kings want to witness sizable rewards, then the defense needs to buckle down (giving up 102.3 PPG on the season and 104.8 PPG in the last five).
vegasinsider.com
L.A. Lakers (28-16, 24-18-1 ATS) at Toronto (25-20, 25-19-1 ATS)
The struggling Lakers go north of the border to face the Raptors as they continue their nine-game, 14-day road trip.
Los Angeles opened its journey with Thursday’s heartbreaking last-second 90-89 loss at Detroit. The Lakers have dropped four of their last five (2-2-1 ATS), and during their slump, they’ve lost three straight on the road, falling 103-91 in San Antonio on Jan. 23 as eight-point ‘dogs and 112-105 in Dallas a week ago, pushing as seven-point pups. L.A. has followed up a 7-2 ATS roll on the road by going 1-2-1 ATS in the last four.
The Raptors have won eight of their last 11 (SU and ATS), including a 122-83 rout of Washington on Wednesday, cashing as 10½-point favorites. Toronto is on a 6-0 SU and ATS roll at home, where the team plays tremendous defense, holding the opposition to 92.6 points and 43.3 percent shooting.
Phil Jackson’s club has won three of the last four against the Raptors the last two seasons (2-1-1 ATS), and the Lakers are 5-2-2 ATS in the last nine battles. Also, the home team is 6-2-2 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head matchups.
Los Angeles is on ATS slides of 3-5-1 overall and 2-4-1 in road games against teams with a home winning percentage of at least .600. However, on the bright side, the Lakers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five Friday games, 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven as an underdog and 5-3 ATS on the second night of back-to-backs this season, including 4-1 ATS in the last five in that situation.
The Raptors are on ATS slides of 1-8 against teams with a winning road record and 1-4 against the Pacific Division. However, they’re 10-1 ATS in their last 11 as a home chalk and 4-1 ATS in their last five on Fridays.
The straight-up winner is 41-3-1 in Toronto’s games this year, including 19-0 ATS in the last 19.
The over has been the play in seven of the Raptors last 11 and is 6-2 in their last eight against the Western Conference. The over is also 5-1 in the Lakers’ last six against Atlantic Division squads and 4-0 in their last five Friday tip-offs.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Utah (28-18, 23-23 ATS) at Washington (24-20, 27-17 ATS
The streaking Jazz are in the nation’s capital looking for their 12th win in 13 outings when they take on the Wizards.
Utah has rattled off six straight victories (5-1 ATS), with the only non-cover coming in Wednesday’s 100-89 home win over the Knicks as a 13½-point favorite. The Jazz are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 overall.
Jerry Sloan’s team has struggled on the road this season, going 8-15 SU and ATS. But during this winning streak, Utah’s won two straight on the highway, beating the Clippers 109-93 on Jan. 21 as a 2½-point chalk and topping the Rockets 97-89 on Sunday as one-point ‘dogs.
The Wizards are 4-4 SU and ATS in their last eight, with all four wins and covers coming at home and all four setbacks occurring on the highway. In its just-completed home-and-home series with the Raptors. Washington beat Toronto 108-104 in overtime as a 2½-point home ‘dog on Tuesday but got blown out 122-83 on Wednesday as 10½-point road pups.
Washington is 15-8 SU and ATS at home this season, winning the last five in a row (5-0 ATS) and six of seven. Also, the winner has covered the pointspread in 41 of the Wizards’ 44 games this year, including the last 16 in a row overall and all 23 home games.
The two teams split last year’s series, with the host winning each time. However, the Jazz got an ATS push in last year’s 114-111 loss in Washington as three-point pups. Utah is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven visits to the Verizon Center, and the road team is 6-0-1 ATS in the last seven clashes.
The over is 24-11 in Utah’s last 35 road games, 6-2 in Washington’s last eight overall and 5-2 in the last seven series meetings in Washington. But the under is 11-3 in the Wizards’ last 14 in front of the home fans.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH
New Orleans (32-13, 29-15-1 ATS) at Sacramento (20-24, 24-20 ATS)
Coming off their best month in franchise history, but their worst loss in three weeks, the Hornets head to California to take on the Kings.
New Orleans went 12-2 SU and ATS in January, but had its nine-game winning streak snapped in Wednesday’s 116-103 loss to Golden State as nine-point favorites. Still, if you go back to Dec. 19, the Hornets are 17-3 SU and ATS, including eight consecutive wins and covers on the road. Also, the straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of the team’s last 23 games.
Sacramento has things going in the right direction, winning five of its last seven (4-3 ATS), including Wednesday’s 105-91 rout of Charlotte as an eight-point chalk. Thanks in part to the return of starters Mike Bibby, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest to the lineup, the Kings have stepped up the scoring lately, averaging 106.8 points per game in their last five. In fact, they’ve hit triple digits in 10 of their last 12 contests.
The home team is on a 10-1 SU and ATS run in this series, with the winner covering the spread in all 11 contests. But New Orleans has won the last three matchups, including a 104-90 season-opening home victory as nine-point favorites on Halloween. The Hornets scored the only road win in more than three years in this series in April, when they prevailed 125-118 as 4½-point pups. Despite that result, the chalk is 7-1 ATS in the last eight head-to-head battles.
Buoyed by its current eight-game road winning streak, the Hornets are 16-5 on the highway this season (15-5-1 ATS). The last time New Orleans was on the road was Saturday, when it crushed the Spurs 102-78 as 5½-point ‘dogs.
Sacramento is 13-9 SU and ATS at home this year, including 5-1 in the last six (4-2 ATS).
The over is 7-3-2 in the Kings’ last 12 overall, 21-5-1 in their last 27 against Southwest Division opponents, 7-1 in the Hornets’ last eight as a favorite, 4-0 in the last four head-to-head meetings overall and 5-2 in the last seven clashes in Sacramento.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER
gametimepicks.com
Friday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers
* Philadelphia is coming off its biggest win in more than 25 years, beating Milwaukee by 43 points on Wednesday. In fact, the 76ers have won consecutive games for the 1st time in a month. Despite going just 4-11 in January, they are withint 2 games of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. SLIGHT EDGE: 76ERS
* Orlando has won 5 of 6 thanks to Hedo Turkoglu, who is averaging 24.8 points and 6.5 rebounds during that stretch. The Magic also just got Philadelphia native Jameer Nelson back after missing 5 games with a sore foot. Nelson came of the bench in his 1st game back against Miami on Wednesday, finishing with 4 points and 3 assists with 4 fouls in less than 13 minutes of action. EDGE: MAGIC
* Magic are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Atlantic Division.
* Magic are 23-8-2 ATS in their last 33 road games.
* 76ers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* Underdog is 20-7 ATS in the last 27 meetings.
* The OVER is 7-3 in Orlando's last 10 road games.
* The OVER is 6-2 in Philadelphia's last 8 Friday games.
* The OVER is 9-4 in Philadelphia's last 13 home games.
* The OVER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers
* Houston's Tracy McGrady is suffering from the flu and could miss this game. The Rockets had struggled mightily without McGrady in the past with an 11-42 record, but they are 8-4 when he doesn't play this season. SLIGHT EDGE: PACERS
* Indiana has lost 4 straight games and 14 of 18 since December 26th. The Pacers are in the middle of a rough 4-game homestand that started with a 110-104 loss to Detroit on Tuesday and continues with this game before Orlando and San Antonio visit. "It's a pivotal moment right now," Indiana forward Danny Granger said. "We really have to defend our home court and get some momentum going into the All-Star break." SLIGHT EDGE: ROCKETS
* The Rockets have won 5 in a row on the road and will be going for their 1st 6-game road winning streak in more than 10 years. EDGE: ROCKETS
* Rockets are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 Friday games.
* Pacers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Southwest Division.
* Pacers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Friday games.
* The UNDER is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings.
* The UNDER is 9-2 in Houston's last 11 games vs. Central Division.
Los Angeles Lakers at Toronto Raptors
* LA got off to a disappointing start to its 9-game road trip on Thursday, falling to Detroit after Lamar Odom shot an airball at the buzzer. Kobe Bryant had dominated for most of the game - scoring 10 straight points in the 3rd quarter and finishing with 39 - but he could not get his hands on the ball in the waning moments. "What are you going to do when guys are open - if I catch the ball, what am I going to do, go one on three?" he asked. "We made the right play, we just didn't complete it." Bryant also finished with a career-high 11 turnovers. SLIGHT EDGE: RAPTORS
* Toronto tied a franchise mark for biggest scoring margin with a 39-point win against Washington on Wednesday. The Raptors connected on 13-of-18 shots from beyond the 3-point arc (72 percent) and won their season-high 6th straight home game. EDGE: RAPTORS
* Raptors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
* Home team is 6-2-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* The OVER is 6-2 in Toronto's last 8 games vs. Western Conference.
Utah Jazz at Washington Wizards
* Utah went 11-2 SU in January (8-5 ATS) and visits Washington on a 6-game winning streak. The Jazz have not trailed in either of their last 2 games, and Carlos Boozer has dominated the Wizards in the last 3 meetings with 32.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. BIG EDGE: JAZZ
* Washington has alternated wins and losses in its last 6 games and was without leading scorer Caron Butler in the last 2 against Toronto. Butler is suffering from a hip flexor, and the Wizards are just 5-17 without him over the last 2 seasons. SLIGHT EDGE: WIZARDS
* Jazz are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games.
* The OVER is 24-11 in Utah's last 35 road games.
* The UNDER is 11-3 in Washington's last 14 home games.
New Orleans Hornets at Sacramento Kings
* New Orleans is coming off its best month in franchise history, going 12-2 SU & ATS. The Hornets also own the best road record in the Western Conference at 16-5 SU & 15-5-1 ATS. They are coming off a 116-103 home loss to Golden State but have still won 8 in a row both SU & ATS on the road. "We had a great month and this is one loss," New Orleans center Tyson Chandler said after that setback. "We have to bounce back and start another winning streak. We have a chance to go to Sacramento and continue our road winning streak." BIG EDGE: HORNETS
* Hornets F Peja Stojakovic will be facing his former team for the 1st time in Sacramento, where he began his career. Stojakovic missed both trips to Arco Arena last season due to a back injury. He is averaging 19.5 points in 2 career meetings with the Kings. EDGE: HORNETS
* Sacramento has won 5 of 6 at home, going 4-2 ATS in those games. "Every time an opponent comes into the building we've got to look at it as that's one more team that's in our way of trying to accomplish a goal," Kings head coach Reggie Theus said. EDGE: KINGS
* Hornets are 22-5-1 ATS in their last 28 road games.
* Hornets are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games vs. Pacific Division.
* Home team is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* Favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* The OVER is 6-2 in New Orleans' last 8 games overall.
* The OVER is 21-5-1 in Sacramento's last 27 games vs. Southwest Division.
* The OVER is 7-3-2 in Sacramento's last 12 games overall.
New York Knicks at Portland Trail Blazers
* This will be former Blazer Zach Randolph's 1st game back in Portland since being traded to New York on draft day. Randolph led the Blazers in scoring and rebounding 3 of his last 4 seasons with the team and currently has his lowest scoring average since the 2002-03 season at 17 points per game. SLIGHT EDGE: BLAZERS
* Portland has struggled offensively in dropping 3 of its last 4 games, averaging just 84.3 points. The Blazers are 1-2 so far on their 6-game homestand and 18-5 overall at the Rose Garden. SLIGHT EDGE: KNICKS
* The Knicks have suffered defensively in the 1st 3 games of their 5-game road trip, surrendering an average of 108.7 points. They lost starters Quentin Richardson and Eddy Curry in the 1st quarter of a 100-89 loss at Utah on Wednesday due to the flu, so keep an eye on the Pregame Wire for a status update on both players. EDGE: BLAZERS
* Knicks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Blazers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 home games.
* Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* The OVER is 11-3 in New York's last 14 road games.
* The OVER is 8-3 in New York's last 11 Friday games.
* The UNDER is 8-1 in Portland's last 9 Friday games.
Pregame.com
Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
The Magic had no troubling in dispatching the lowly Heat 107-91 last time out. The Magic failed to cover the 16-point spread, while the 198 points made it OVER the night's posted total of 197.
Hedo Turkoglu led the Magic with a game-high 27 points and grabbed 12 boards to complete a double-double.
Seven players reached double-digit scoring Wednesday, as the 76ers defeated the Bucks 112-69. The 76ers had no trouble covering the 8-point spread, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 186.
Andre Iguodala shot 7-for-11 from the field with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists to lead the 76ers.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 29-18 SU, 31-16 ATS
Philadelphia: 18-28 SU, 21-24-1 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Miami are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Orlando is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 13 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Orlando at Indiana, Saturday, February 2
Philadelphia at Atlanta, Monday, February 4
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors
- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Air Canada Centre.
The Lakers lost 90-89 to the Pistons last time out, as 8-point underdogs. The 179 points were well UNDER the posted total of 197.
Kobe Bryant had a game-high 39 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Raptors dominated from the onset on Wednesday, as they cruised past the Wizards 122-83. The Raptors easily covered the 11-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 191.
Andrea Bargnani shot 6-for-11 from the field with 19 points, and five others reached double-digit scoring in the win.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 28-16 SU, 25-18-1 ATS
Toronto: 25-20 SU, 26-19 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 3-7
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing Toronto
LA Lakers are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
LA Lakers are 13-6 SU in their last 19 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Next up:
LA Lakers at Washington, Sunday, February 3
Toronto at Miami, Monday, February 4
Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers
- The Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The Rockets were on their heels toward the end, but managed to hang on and defeat the Warriors 111-107 last time out. The Rockets covered the 3-point spread at home, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 204.
Yao Ming tossed in a game-high 36 points and hauled down 19 boards for a double-double for the Rockets.
Mike Dunleavy led the way for the Pacers with 25 points, seven boards, and seven assists in their 110-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.
The game resulted in a push as oddsmakers had the Pistons as 6-point road favorites heading into the contest. The teams played over the 194-point total set by books.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 25-20 SU, 22-22-1 ATS
Indiana: 19-27 SU, 22-23-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 11 games when playing Indiana
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indiana's last 11 games when playing Houston
Indiana is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Indiana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Next up:
Houston at Milwaukee, Saturday, February 2
Indiana home to Orlando, Saturday, February 2
Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards
- The Utah Jazz and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Verizon Center.
The Jazz won their sixth straight with a 100-89 victory over the Knicks last time out. The Jazz failed to cover the 13-point spread, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 206.5.
Deron Williams led the way with 22 points and 12 assists, while shooting 9-for-13 from the field in the win.
The Wizards fell 122-83 to the Raptors last time out, as 11-point road underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 191.
DeShawn Stevenson tossed in 16 points, while hauling down five rebounds with four assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Utah has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 28-18 SU, 23-23 ATS
Washington: 24-20 SU, 27-16-1 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 8-2
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Utah is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Next up:
Utah at Memphis, Saturday, February 2
Washington home to LA Lakers, Sunday, February 3
New Jersey Nets vs. Miami Heat
- The New Jersey Nets and the Miami Heat will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Richard Jefferson dropped 20 points as the Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 87-80 on Tuesday night.
The Nets covered as 6.5-point home favorites as the teams played well under the 190.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
The lowly Heat fell 107-91 to the Magic last time out, as 16-point road underdogs. The 198 points made it OVER the night's posted total of 197.
Ricky Davis had 21 points, five rebounds and four assists in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 19-26 SU, 17-27-1 ATS
Miami: 9-36 SU, 16-29 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 7-3
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing Miami
New Jersey is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Miami
New Jersey is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
Miami is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Miami is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey at Atlanta, Saturday, February 2
Miami home to Toronto, Monday, February 4
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Clippers earned a slight 95-88 upset victory over the Hawks on Wednesday, as 2-point underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 186.
Al Thornton led the way with a game-high 33 points, and Tim Thomas had 14 points and nine rebounds in the win.
The Timberwolves got off to a slow start, but ran away with an 83-67 win over the Bulls last time out. The Timberwolves covered the 4.5-point spread, while the 150 points fell UNDER the posted total of 185.5.
Al Jefferson led the way with 25 points and 20 rebounds for a double-double. Ryan Gomes chipped in with 25 points in the win.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 14-28 SU, 19-23 ATS
Minnesota: 9-36 SU, 21-24 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a win are 0-10
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
LA Clippers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
LA Clippers at Cleveland, Saturday, February 2
Minnesota home to Houston, Monday, February 4
New Orleans Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings
- The New Orleans Hornets and the Sacramento Kings will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at ARCO Arena.
The Hornets were upset 116-103 by the Warriors last time out, as 8.5-point favorites. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 218.
Chris Paul tossed in a game-high 28 points with 12 assists in the loss.
The Kings pulled ahead in the second half of a 105-91 victory over the Bobcats on Wednesday. The Kings managed to cover the 8-point spread, while the 196 points fell UNDER the posted total of 207.
Brad Miller had 22 points with 21 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Kings.
Current streak:
Sacramento has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 32-13 SU, 29-15-1 ATS
Sacramento: 20-24 SU, 24-20 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Chicago are 7-3
After playing Charlotte are 1-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
New Orleans is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Sacramento is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games at home
Sacramento is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans at Utah, Monday, February 4
Sacramento home to Chicago, Saturday, February 2
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Golden State Warriors
- The fans at Oracle Arena will be treated to a game between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Golden State Warriors when they take their seats on Friday.
The Bobcats fell 105-91 to the Kings last time out, as 8-point underdogs on the road. The 196 points fell UNDER the posted total of 207.
Gerald Wallace shot 8-for-18 from the field with 25 points and six rebounds in the loss.
The Warriors dominated the fourth quarter to pull off a come-from-behind 116-103 win over the Hornets last time out, as 8.5-point road underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 218.
Stephen Jackson led the Warriors with 26 points, while Baron Davis added 23 points and nine assists in the win.
Team records:
Charlotte: 18-28 SU, 19-26-1 ATS
Golden State: 28-19 SU, 21-26 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Denver are 0-7
After playing Sacramento are 1-5
After a loss are 6-4
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Orleans are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Golden State
Charlotte is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Charlotte is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Golden State's last 8 games
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Golden State is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Golden State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Next up:
Charlotte at Denver, Saturday, February 2
Golden State home to Chicago, Thursday, February 7
New York Knicks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- The New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Rose Garden.
The Knicks lost 100-89 to the Jazz last time out, as 13-point road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 206.5.
Jamal Crawford shot 8-for-22 from the field with 26 points and nine assists for the Knicks.
The Trail Blazers lost a thrilling 84-83 decision to the Cavaliers last time out, as 3-point favorites at home. The 167 points fell UNDER the posted total of 188.
Brandon Roy shot 7-for-16 from the field with 16 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 14-31 SU, 21-24 ATS
Portland: 26-19 SU, 26-19 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Seattle are 6-4
After playing Utah are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 11 of New York's last 14 games on the road
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Portland
New York is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Portland is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home
Portland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games at home
Portland is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Next up:
New York at Seattle, Saturday, February 2
Portland home to Denver, Monday, February 4
Drca suspended for striking opponent
Associated Press
Utah guard Luka Drca was suspended for one by the Mountain West Conference on Thursday for elbowing a TCU player Saturday.
Drca will sit out the Utes' game Saturday against Colorado State
Walton sits, and might sit one more
Forward is unable to play against Pistons because of hip injury.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Man down, again.
Forward Luke Walton sat out Thursday's game against Detroit because of a right hip pointer and could miss tonight's game against Toronto.
Walton was injured after colliding with an unidentified player while going for an offensive rebound Tuesday against New York.
"I thought I was going to be able to run it off, but every time I made a move, it got worse and worse," he said. "Even sneezing, laughing, those things hurt."
latimes.com
Clippers could be short-handed
Kaman, Maggette may not play in opener of seven-game trip because of illness.
It. Is. Taking. A. Long. Time.
But for the Clippers, tonight could be the night.
They have not won consecutive games since starting the season 4-0. They defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday and tonight play the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are tied with the Miami Heat for the fewest wins in the NBA. Both have nine.
For the Clippers, it is the first of a seven-game trip, with subsequent stops to play the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks.
It is the team's longest trip of the year and one they may have to start without leading scorers Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette, who both are battling flu-like symptoms.
A pale-looking Kaman traveled with the team, although he is not sure if he will be able to play tonight. His bruised lower left leg has healed, but he is still feeling sick.
"My whole body is hurting," said Kaman, who has sat out three straight games -- the first because of the leg bruise.
"I just had the flu and it tore me down. I was in my bed the last few days and haven't really done anything."
Maggette, who has sat out two games, did not fly with the team. A team spokesman said Maggette would attempt to catch up with the team in Minnesota today if he is feeling healthy enough to fly.
Meanwhile, Aaron Williams aggravated his bruised left wrist when he fell on it during Wednesday's win.
He said that he would not miss any playing time because of it. "It's always been hurting," Williams said. "It just hurts more now."
Despite the Clippers' notable injury/sickness report, the team still sees some potential wins on this trip.
"It's a chance to make up some ground," forward Tim Thomas said. "We are playing a lot of teams that are winnable games for us coming off a good win at home. A lot of guys got their confidence and we are playing as a unit right now. It's a steppingstone, but these games right here are very meaningful.
"It's one of those things where we have to come out of this trip with more wins than losses."
Kaman, averaging 17.2 points and 13.9 rebounds, was left off the All-Star team reserves, announced Thursday.
TONIGHT
at Minnesota, 5 PST
Site --Target Center.
Radio --710.
Records --Clippers 14-28, Timberwolves 9-36.
Record vs. Timberwolves --1-0.
Update --The Clippers beat the Timberwolves, 91-82, on Dec. 31. Chris Kaman had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the win that ended a six-game losing streak. Timberwolves guard Randy Foye, who missed the team's first 43 games because of a stress reaction in his left kneecap, is back in the lineup.
latimes.com