Magic, Hornets surprise but especially on the road.
The two upstart NBA franchises are impressive this season against the line and even better in their most recent stretch, with Orlando 7-1 against the spread in their most recent eight games and the Ne
For NBA bettors, Orlando and New Orleans -- two of the league's most surprising teams -- have been solid money on the road this season.
The Magic, 29-18 overall and 17-10 away from home, has an impressive 19-8 road record against the spread. The Hornets, 32-13 overall and 16-5 on the road, are 15-5-1 against the spread in games not played in New Orleans.
Both trends will be in play tonight when Orlando plays at Philadelphia, and New Orleans travels to Sacramento.
The Magic are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight road games against a team with a losing home record.
The Hornets are 8-0 against the spread in their last eight road games, which includes difficult covers at San Antonio, Houston, Phoenix and Golden State.
Supporters of the Lakers, who will play the second of back-to-back games tonight at Toronto, should know they have been a strong bet with zero days' rest.
The last five times that the Lakers have played consecutive games, they are 4-1 against the spread in the second game.
Toronto is 6-0 against the spread in its last six home games. But it should be noted that the Raptors are 1-8 against the spread in their last nine home games against teams with winning road records.
latimes.com
Rockets F Tracy McGrady (22 ppg; flu) has been upgraded to probable for tonight's game.
Clippers C Chris Kaman (flu) has traveled with the team to Minnesota, but said he isn't a lock to play tonight.
Clippers F Corey Maggette (flu) is unlikely to play tonight as he skipped Thursday's flight with the team to Minnesota.
Heat G Dwyane Wade (25 ppg; shoulder/back) is questionable for Friday.
Wizards F Caron Butler (22 ppg; hip) is officially questionable for tonight's game.
Pacers G Jamaal Tinsley is expected to play against the Rockets tonight after missing three straight games with a sore left knee.
Lakers F Luke Walton (hip pointer) is likely out again tonight against Toronto.
Two Grizzlies Get Traded
The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly traded Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Kwame Brown, rookie guard Javaris Crittenton and first-round draft picks in 2008 and 2010.
Also reported is that Stromile Swift has been traded to the New Jersey Nets for center Jason Collins.
The Grizzlies have called a media conference today for 5:00pm at FedExForum. We will have more details on Eyewitness Sports Everywhere tonight.