Sunday's Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Sunday’s pro basketball card has seven games on tap, including four nationally televised tilts. Six of the seven games feature non-conference battles, which are always the toughest games to handicap.
Before we break down the slate, be sure to stay abreast with our Injury Report.
**San Antonio at Boston**
San Antonio (32-16 straight up, 23-25 against the spread) and Boston (38-9 SU, 28-17 ATS) tip off Sunday’s action in what could be a preview of this year’s NBA Finals. The Spurs have quietly ripped off four straight victories, including a 99-93 overtime win against New York on Friday. Boston continues to dominate despite not having its best player, Kevin Garnett (abdominal), for the past six games. The club has gone 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS without KG in the lineup.
The Spurs own an impressive 13-3 against Eastern Conference opponents this year, but that doesn’t compare to the perfect 15-0 mark set by the Celtics against the West. A low-scoring affair should be expected as both the Spurs (91.2 points per game) and Celtics (89 PPG) stress defense. San Antonio has won nine of the last 10 meetings against Boston, including five straight victories in Massachusetts. Greg Popovich’s team has gone 7-3 ATS during this run.
System players should find the time to read Ed Meyer’s Acela Angle, which talks about the New York-Boston trip that opposing NBA teams face. The Acela is named after Amtrak’s super-fast train that runs between the two cities. The system is 23-0 ATS and that includes a 4-0 run this season. This matchup fits into the system as well.
**L.A. Lakers at Miami**
Sunday’s showdown between the Lakers (32-17 SU, 29-19 ATS) and Heat (9-40 SU, 17-30 ATS) was expected to be another Kobe-Shaq showdown in South Beach but that was before Miami shipped Shaquille O’Neal and his oversized salary to Phoenix via trade on Tuesday. In return, the Heat received Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks from the Suns. The duo is expected to play in this afternoon battle, which will be nationally televised on ABC at 3:30 p.m. EST.
With or without Shaq, the Heat should have their hands full against a red-hot Lakers club. Los Angeles has won and covered four of its last five, with three of the wins coming by double digits. Newly acquired forward Pau Gasol has already proven his worth, averaging 22 PPG and 9.3 boards in his first three games with the Purple and Gold. Since Miami snapped its 15-game losing skid on Jan. 26 to Indiana (98-96), the team has dropped six straight contests. The Heat haven’t performed well for their season ticket holders, owning a sorry 5-19 SU and 6-18 ATS mark. The series was split 1-1 last year, with the home team winning both battles.
**Dallas at New Jersey**
Dallas (34-15 SU, 20-26 ATS) meets New Jersey (21-29 SU, 19-31 ATS) on Sunday in the first of a quick two-game East Coast trip for Avery Johnson’s team. The Mavericks have been up and down this year on the road, going 12-12 SU and 10-14 ATS. Fortunately for them, the Nets have been beatable at home (10-15 SU, 7-18 ATS). Dallas has won three of the last four encounters with New Jersey, including last year’s season sweep that witnessed a pair of double-digit wins. The ‘under’ went 2-0 and is on a 3-1 run between the two squads.
**Charlotte at Detroit**
After losing three straight games from Jan. 18-21, Detroit (36-13 SU, 28-20 ATS) has ripped off seven consecutive victories and is making a push for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons look for their eighth win a row on Sunday when Charlotte (4-17 SU, 7-13 ATS) visits The Palace of Auburn Hills. This will be the third meeting between the clubs this year. Detroit has won both of the first two, which includes a 19-point (104-85) win at home on Dec. 9. Total players have watched the ‘over’ cash in four straight in this head-to-head series and six of the last seven.
**Toronto at Minnesota**
Contrasting styles meet at Target Center, when Toronto (26-22 SU, 26-21 ATS) its explosive offense meet a defensive-minded Minnesota (10-38 SU, 22-25 ATS) squad. The Raptors have watched the ‘over’ cash in five straight and seven of their last eight games. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves has seen the ‘under’ go 6-1 in their last seven games. Minnesota hasn’t eclipsed the 100-point barrier in seven straight games. Despite the lack of scoring, the Wolves have gone 9-3 ATS in their last 12. Toronto has had Minnesota’s number of late, winning and covering six straight. The ‘under’ is 4-2 during this dominance by the Raptors.
**Denver at Cleveland**
Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James renew their rivalry on Sunday from Quicken Loans Arena in a non-conference battle televised nationally on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. EST. Denver (30-19 SU, 26-23 ATS) and Anthony have gotten the best of Cleveland (28-21 SU, 23-26 ATS) lately, winning all of the previous four meetings. Denver is averaging 110 PPG in its last five games, which has helped the team produce a 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS mark. The ‘over’ has gone 4-1 during this stretch. The Nuggets have posted a 13-5 record versus the Western Conference this year, while the Cavaliers are 7-9 against the East. Cleveland has gone 15-7 SU and 8-14 ATS at home this year. Denver has allowed 109 PPG on the road en route to a 9-13 SU and 10-12 ATS mark. The ‘over’ is 13-9.
**Washington at Phoenix**
Washington (24-25 SU, 27-21 ATS) continues its West Coast trip Sunday with a battle against Phoenix (35-15 SU, 22-27 ATS). The Wizards have been struggling of late, going 0-6 SU and 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games. The Suns haven’t been much for gamblers recently either, watching the club go 0-4 ATS in their last four. Phoenix is 18-6 SU at home, but only 9-15 versus the number. The Wizards are allowing 102 PPG on the road, which has translated into a 9-14 SU and 12-10 ATS ledger. The ‘over’ is 15-8. The Suns have captured two straight and three of the last four against the Wizards, including a 122-107 win on Dec. 7 as 6 ½-point road favorites.
vegasinsider.com
Sunday's Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
There are a couple of marquee matchups sprinkled throughout the country Sunday as March Madness quickly approaches. The NCAA Tournament is just over a month away, and some teams are playing for seeding while others are fighting for their tournament lives. Sunday’s spotlight features key games in the Big Ten, Pac 10 and Atlantic Coast Conference.
**Indiana at Ohio State**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Ohio State as a 2½-point home ‘chalk’ over Indiana. CBS Sports will provide coverage of this Big Ten contest at 1:00 p.m. ET.
-Indiana (19-3 straight up, 9-10 against the spread) has strung together back-to-back SU victories after outlasting Illinois in overtime Thursday as a two-point road favorite, 83-79. That ATS victory ended a three-game slide versus the number.
-Eric Gordon shot a dismal 3-of-13 from the field, getting most of the points from the line en route to 19 points. Forward D.J. White and Armon Bassett each contributed 16 points while combining for 10 rebounds and six assists.
-The Hoosiers are 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS on the road, winning those affairs by an average score of 69-66.
-Ohio State (16-7 SU, 10-9 ATS) rebounded from its Iowa loss to beat Michigan Tuesday as a 14-point home ‘chalk,’ 65-55. That marked the second consecutive contest that the Buckeyes failed to cover.
-Ohio State prevailed by shooting 47 percent (24-of-51) from the field while outrebounding the Wolverines, 30-23. Forward Othello Hunter enjoyed a solid effort with 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting while grabbing 12 rebounds.
-The Buckeyes own a 12-1 SU and 4-5 ATS home record, manhandling opponents by an average score of 72-56.
-Ohio State has beaten Indiana the past two meetings SU, but has failed to cover each time. The Buckeyes prevailed in the lone contest last season as an eight-point home favorite, 74-67.
**UCLA at Washington**
-LVSC opened UCLA as a nine-point road favorite over Washington, with the total set at 137. FOX Sports Net will begin its coverage of this Pac-10 affair at 4:30 p.m. ET.
-UCLA (21-2 SU, 14-6 ATS) continued its winning ways by upending Washington State Thursday as a two-point road ‘chalk,’ 67-59. The Bruins enter this contest riding a five-game SU and ATS winning streak.
-UCLA shot 55 percent (27-of-49) from the field, while outrebounding the Cougars, 27-16. Darren Collison led the offensive charge with 18 points, while center Kevin Love added 16 and nine rebounds.
-The Bruins are 9-0 SU and 7-1 ATS away from home, winning those affairs by an average score of 73-62.
-Washington (12-11 SU, 8-14 ATS) is currently mired in a four-game SU and ATS losing skid after being routed by Southern Cal Thursday as a home ‘pick,’ 73-59.
-The Huskies outrebounded the Trojans, 38-25, but allowed USC to shoot 52 percent (27-of-52) from the field while connecting at just a 36-percent clip (26-of-72). Forward Jon Brockman was the lone offensive highlight by scoring 13 points while grabbing 14 rebounds.
-Washington is now 10-5 SU and 5-9 ATS at home, prevailing by an average score of 75-66.
-The home team has won the last four games SU in the UCLA-Washington series, while the Huskies have covered the previous two meetings. The Bruins prevailed Jan. 10 as a 16-point home favorite, 69-55.
-UCLA forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (ankle) is ‘doubtful’ versus the Huskies. Washington forward Jon Brockman (groin) is ‘probable’ against the Bruins, but is not 100 percent healthy.
**Clemson at North Carolina**
-LVSC lists North Carolina as an 11½-point home ‘chalk’ over Clemson, with the total set at 161. FOX Sports Net starts its coverage of this Atlantic Coast Conference at 6:30 p.m. ET.
-Clemson (17-5 SU, 12-7 ATS) has strung together consecutive SU and ATS victories after routing Virginia Thursday as a two-point road favorite, 82-51. The Tigers had failed to cover their three previous games.
-Clemson dominated the Cavaliers by shooting 53 percent (32-of-60) from the field while also controlling the boards, 34-25. K.C. Rivers led all scorers with 32 points on 12-of-19 shooting.
-The Tigers are 6-3 SU and 5-3 ATS on the road, winning those affairs by an average score of 83-73.
-North Carolina (21-2 SU, 15-5 ATS) had won three games in a row SU and ATS before falling to rival Duke Wednesday as a four-point home favorite, 89-78.
-The Tar Heels won the rebounding battle, 44-37, but allowed the Blue Devils to shoot 46 percent (30-of-66) from the field. North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough led all scorers with 28 points on 12-of-21 shooting while grabbing 18 rebounds.
-The Tar Heels are now 10-2 SU and 7-2 ATS on their home court, winning those matchups by an average score of 94-71.
-North Carolina is 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS the previous three meetings with Clemson after prevailing Jan. 6 in overtime as a five-point road ‘chalk,’ 90-88.
-Clemson guard Demontez Stitt (knee) is ‘questionable’ against the Tar Heels. North Carolina guard Ty Lawson (ankle) is ‘questionable’ versus the Tigers.
vegasinsider.com
(14) Indiana (19-3, 9-9-1 ATS) at Ohio State (16-7, 10-9 ATS)
Indiana faces its second consecutive stiff Big Ten road test when it heads to Columbus, Ohio, to battle the Buckeyes.
The Hoosiers outlasted Illinois 83-79 in double-overtime on Thursday night, barely cashing as a two-point road chalk to halt an 0-3 ATS slide. Indiana has followed up consecutive defeats with back-to-back wins, improving to 8-1 in Big Ten play (4-4-1 ATS), including 4-1 on the road (3-2 ATS).
Ohio State bounced back from a five-point road loss at Iowa with Monday’s 65-55 victory over Michigan, moving to 4-1 SU in its last five. However, the Buckeyes failed to cash as a 13½-point home chalk, its second straight ATS setback after going 4-1 ATS in the previous five. Thad Matta’s squad is 7-3 in the Big Ten, but 5-5 ATS.
The Buckeyes topped the Hoosiers 74-67 in last year’s lone meeting, but fell just short as an eight-point home chalk as Indiana improved to 6-3 ATS in the last nine series meetings. The host is 4-0 in the last four regular-season clashes, but 2-2 ATS.
Indiana is 6-2 in road/neutral-site games (5-3 ATS). However, going back to last year, the Hoosiers are mired in a 5-12-1 ATS funk in Big Ten action.
Ohio State is 13-1 at home (5-0 in Big Ten play), with the only loss coming to then-No. 1 North Carolina. However, the Buckeyes are just 4-5 ATS in lined home contests (2-3 ATS in league).
The Buckeyes have been playing tremendous defense of late, allowing just 56.4 points per game on 37.5 percent shooting in their last five contests, holding all five foes to 60 points or fewer. Conversely, the Hoosiers have allowed 68 ppg in their last four contests (1-3 ATS).
The under is on runs of 6-1 for Ohio State overall, 6-2 for Ohio State at home, 12-2 for Ohio State on Sunday and 15-6 for Indiana on Sunday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
St. Joe’s (15-6, 12-7 ATS) at (13) Xavier (19-4, 9-10 ATS)
St. Joe’s looks to bounce back from its first loss in more than three weeks when it visits streaking Xavier in a key Atlantic 10 clash.
St. Joe’s went to Duquesne as a two-point road underdog on Tuesday and got hammered 102-88, halting a six-game winning streak, all in A-10 play. Although they’ve been winning on the floor, the Hawks (6-2 SU in the Atlantic-10) have been struggling at the window, going 3-5 ATS in their last eight overall and 1-5 ATS in their last six league contests.
The Musketeers slipped past Saint Louis 70-68 on Wednesday for their fifth straight victory. However, they failed to cover as an eight-point home chalk, falling to 2-6 ATS in their last eight, all in league play. Xavier leads the Atlantic 10 with a 7-1 SU record, one game clear of St. Joe’s.
This is the first meeting of the season between these conference rivals. The two split their season series last year, with the home team winning both contests, and they’ve alternated SU wins and losses in their last six battles. However, St. Joe’s is 5-2 ATS in the last seven. Finally, the underdog has cashed in each of the last five head-to-head matchups.
Xavier is 1-3 ATS in its last four home games, while the Hawks are just 1-4 ATS in their last five on the highway.
The under is 7-1 in the Hawks’ last eight overall and 8-4 in St. Joe’s road games this year (4-1 in the last four as a visitor). The under is also 5-2 in the Xavier’s last seven overall (3-0 at home), 6-1 in Xavier’s last seven on Sunday and 4-1 in the last five series meetings. On the flip side, the Musketeers have topped the total in 23 of their last 34 home games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ST. JOE’S and UNDER
(5) UCLA (21-2, 14-6-2 ATS) at Washington (12-11, 8-14 ATS)
The red-hot Bruins try for a rare sweep through the Pacific Northwest when they battle slumping Washington at Bank of America Arena in Seattle.
UCLA took Washington State’s best shot on Wednesday in Pullman, but still prevailed 67-59, easily cashing as a 2½-point road favorite. The Bruins are on a 5-0 SU and ATS surge, all in Pac-10 play, and they continue to lead the conference with a 9-1 mark (8-2 ATS).
While the Bruins have been rolling, the Huskies have been going in the opposite direction, losing four in a row SU and ATS. That includes Thursday’s ugly 73-59 home loss to USC as a one-point underdog. Against the Trojans, Washington (3-7 SU and ATS in the Pac-10) made just 36 percent of its field-goal attempts (26-for-72), going an atrocious 2-for-21 from three-point land.
The Bruins are undefeated in Pac-10 road games this year, going 5-0 SU and ATS, with four of the five wins coming by eight points or more. However, today, they play in a venue where they haven’t won in more than four years, going 0-3 SU in their last three trips to Seattle. Last year, UCLA suffered a 61-51 loss at Bank of America Arena as a 3½-point chalk. Despite that result, the Bruins are still 5-2 ATS in their last seven games at Washington.
These teams met on Jan. 10 in L.A., and the Bruins cruised to a 69-55 victory, but they let off the gas pedal in the final three minutes, allowing the Huskies to cash as a 15-point underdog. The ‘dog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven series battles, and the home team is 4-0 SU in the last four (2-2 ATS).
Not only are the Bruins 5-0 SU and ATS when visiting Pac-10 rivals, they’re 9-0 in all of their road/neutral-site contests (7-1-1 ATS). Going back several years, UCLA is on a 45-22-1 ATS tear on the road. Also, the Bruins are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 overall, and if they go off as a single-digit chalk, note that they’re 5-0 ATS in that role this season.
Washington is 10-5 at home, but 5-9 ATS. The Huskies have lost three consecutive Pac-10 home games both SU and ATS, and they’re 2-4 when hosting league foes this season (1-5 ATS). Moreover, they’re 3-8 ATS as an underdog of less than 15 points this year.
UCLA has topped the total in seven straight games (all in the Pac-10), and the over is 4-1 in its five league road contests. Conversely, for Washington, the under is on runs of 13-3 overall, 9-2 at home and 15-6 in the Pac-10 (7-3 in league this year). Finally, the under is 5-1 in the last six series meetings, with last month’s game in Los Angeles staying low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCLA and UNDER
Clemson (17-5, 12-7 ATS) at (3) North Carolina (21-2, 15-5 ATS)
Clemson, which just missed handing North Carolina its first loss of the season a month ago, gets its second crack at the Tar Heels, only this time in Chapel Hill, where the Tigers have never won in 52 previous visits.
Clemson comes into this contest off of two impressive double-digit routs of Boston College (78-56 as a 10½-point home favorite) and Virginia (82-51 as a 2½-point road underdog). The Tigers are 5-2 in their last seven contests (4-3 ATS).
North Carolina is no doubt still stewing following Wednesday’s 89-78 home loss to rival Duke as a 4 ½-point home favorite. The Tar Heels, who played the game without star guard Ty Lawson (injury), allowed Duke to make 13 of 29 three-point attempts, while converting just 3 of their 17 tries from long range.
The loss to the Blue Devils snapped North Carolina’s three-game SU and ATS winning streak and dropped Roy Williams’ squad into second place in the ACC at 6-2 (4-4 ATS), one game ahead of Clemson (5-3 SU and ATS).
The Tigers blew several chances to put away the Tar Heels back on Jan. 6 in Death Valley, but North Carolina managed to force overtime, where it prevailed 90-88, though Clemson got the cash as a 5½-point home underdog. The Heels have won seven straight meetings dating to 2004, going 4-2 ATS in the last six.
Not only is Clemson 0-52 all-time in the Smith Center, but it has lost by double digits in 19 of its last 21 visits. Also, the Tigers have led at the half just three times in the 52 losses. In their most recent trip to Chapel Hill in 2006, Clemson fell 76-61 as a 7½-point road underdog.
Despite the loss to Duke, the Tar Heels are still on positive ATS runs of 36-16 overall, 25-8 at home (7-2 ATS at home this year), 22-6-1 following a SU loss and 4-1 on Sundays.
Clemson has cashed in six of its last seven games following a 20-point blowout win. Also, the Tigers are 5-3 ATS on the highway this year, but 1-2 ATS in ACC road games.
This game pits two of the nation’s highest-scoring teams against one another. Clemson (81.1 ppg, 14th-best in the nation) has tallied at least 70 points in 20 of 22 games, including all eight ACC contests. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels rank second in the country at 90.5 ppg and had scored at least 80 points in 16 straight games before Duke held them to 78 on Wednesday.
Clemson has stayed under the total in three straight games, and the under is 3-1 in its last four on the road. Also, the under is 5-2 in the last seven series clashes between these schools. However, the over is still on runs of 15-7 for Clemson overall, 16-7 for Clemson following a SU win, 7-2 for Carolina in ACC play this year, 7-2 for Carolina on Sundays, 11-5 for Carolina at home (6-3 this year) and 8-0 for Carolina following an ATS loss.
Finally, last month’s battle easily eclipsed the 162½-point posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
Denver (30-19, 26-23 ATS) at Cleveland (28-21, 22-27 ATS)
Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James renew their rivalry of young superstars when the Nuggets travel to Quicken Loans Arena to take on the Cavaliers.
Anthony scored a career-high 49 points Friday night as he led Denver to a 111-100 home win over the Wizards, just getting the cash as a 10½-point favorite. Anthony shot 19-of-25 from the field, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 8-of-8 from the charity stripe en route to torching Washington.
The Nuggets have won four of their last five SU and ATS and covered the number in seven of their last 10 outings. Denver is just 9-13 SU on the road this year (10-12 ATS), but it comes into this one off back-to-back road wins and covers (at Portland 105-103 as two-point ‘dogs, and at Memphis 106-102 as a three-point chalk).
Cleveland returns home after back-to-back road games Thursday and Friday, losing to Houston 92-77 as 5½-point pups and beating Atlanta 100-95 but coming up short as 8½-point favorites. The Cavs are 1-4 ATS in their last five and just 8-14 ATS in front of the home fans this season.
Denver has dominated Cleveland lately, winning four straight meetings (3-1 ATS) and eight of the last 10 (7-3 ATS) dating back to 2003. In the lone battle this season back on Nov. 12, the Nuggets scored a 122-100 win as eight-point favorites.
George Karl’s Nuggets are on ATS runs of 23-7 against Central Division squads, 6-1 when playing after one day of rest, 9-3 in Sunday tip-offs and 38-17 against the Eastern Conference.
Despite its current 1-4 ATS funk, Cleveland is on positive pointspread runs of 5-1 in Sunday games and 21-9 against teams with a winning percentage better than .600.
The over is 4-0 in the Nuggets last four and 6-2 in their last eight Sunday games, but the under is 4-1 in the Cavs’ last five against the Northwest Division and 9-3-1 in their last 13 games after a day of rest.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER
San Antonio (32-16, 22-25-1 ATS) at Boston (38-9, 29-17-1 ATS)
The Spurs shoot for their fifth straight road win when they visit the Celtics inside the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.
After a shaky start to its season-long nine-game road trip with losses in Utah and Seattle, San Antonio has proceeded to go 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS) with three games left before they return home. Gregg Popovich’s squad has rattled off wins in Phoenix, Indiana, Washington and, most recently, New York, earning a 99-93 OT victory over the Knicks on Friday, but falling short as a seven-point favorite.
Boston is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five overall, but the lone non-cover came on Friday, when the Celtics when to Minnesota and eked out an 88-86 road win as a 5½-point chalk. The Celtics are one of the league’s best at home, going 21-4 SU (15-10 ATS). They’ve won three straight at home since a 114-112 home loss to the Raptors on Jan. 23.
San Antonio is 9-1 SU (7-3 ATS) in the last 10 head-to-head meetings, but the last time these two saw each other was last March when the Celtics scored a stunning 91-85 upset road win as 13-point ‘dogs. Despite that result, the favorite is 7-2 ATS in the last nine series contests, but today is the first time in recent memory the Celtics have been favored over the Spurs.
The Spurs are 39-19-1 ATS in their last 59 against Atlantic Division teams, but otherwise they are on ATS skids of 6-13 overall, 4-9 on the highway, 1-4 as a ‘dog and 3-7 against the Eastern Conference.
Doc Rivers’ Celtics are on ATS runs of 4-1 at home against teams with a winning road mark and 5-0 against teams with a winning percentage higher than .600. On the flip side, Boston is on pointspread slides of 1-4 against the Southwest Division and 5-14 as favorites of less than five points.
For San Antonio, the under is on streaks of 13-3 after a day of rest, 12-3 in road games and 7-1 as an underdog. But for Boston, the over is on spurts of 7-3 against the Western Conference, 4-1 as a home favorite and 4-1 against the Southwest Division.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON
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San Antonio Spurs vs. Boston Celtics
- The San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at TD Banknorth Garden.
San Antonio were 11-for-21 from three-point land in Friday's 99-93 overtime win at New York, failing to cover the 7-point road spread. The 192 points scored were OVER the posted total of 183.
Tim Duncan had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Manu Ginobili added 20 points for the Spurs.
Boston got 40 points from their bench In Friday'S 88-86 win at Minnesota, failing to cover the 5.5-point road spread. The 174 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 191.
Paul Pierce led the way with 18 points, and Ray Allen added 17 points for the Celtics.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 4 straight games.
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 32-16 SU, 23-25 ATS
Boston: 38-9 SU, 29-17-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 9-1
After playing New York are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
Boston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Indiana are 2-8
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
San Antonio is 18-1 SU in its last 19 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of San Antonio's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Boston is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
San Antonio at Toronto, Monday, February 11
Boston at Indiana, Tuesday, February 12
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat
- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Los Angeles went 25-for-30 from the free-throw line in Friday's 117-114 win at Orlando, coming in as 1-point road underdogs. The 231 points scored were OVER the posted total of 212.
Kobe Bryant put up 36 points and ten rebounds, while Pau Gasol added 30 points for the Lakers.
The Heat lost 101-84 to the 76ers on Thursday, as 9.5-point road underdogs. The 185 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Dorell Wright collected a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 32-17 SU, 29-19-1 ATS
Miami: 9-40 SU, 17-31-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 3-3
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Miami most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Miami is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Miami is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Miami is 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games when playing LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers at Charlotte, Monday, February 11
Miami home to Denver, Tuesday, February 12
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Detroit Pistons
- The Charlotte Bobcats and the Detroit Pistons will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Charlotte shot 40.7% from the field in Friday's 104-90 loss to New Jersey, falling as 4-point home favorites. The 194 points scored were a PUSH with the posted total of 194.
Gerald Wallace led the way with 21 points, and Emeka Okafor ten points and 17 boards for the Bobcats.
Detroit jumped out to a 27-18 first-quarter lead in Friday's 91-82 win over Portland, failing to cover the 11-point home spread. The 173 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 181.
Chauncey Billups hit 17 points, while Rodney Stuckey came off the bench with 13 points for the Pistons.
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 5 straight games.
Detroit has won 7 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 18-32 SU, 19-29-2 ATS
Detroit: 36-13 SU, 28-20-1 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing LA Lakers are 1-5
After playing New Jersey are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 9-1
Before playing Atlanta are 7-3
After playing Portland are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Charlotte
Next up:
Charlotte home to LA Lakers, Monday, February 11
Detroit at Atlanta, Tuesday, February 12
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Jersey Nets
- The Dallas Mavericks and the New Jersey Nets will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Izod Center.
Dallas scored only 14 fourth-quarter points in Friday's 92-81 win over Memphis, failing to cover the 12.5-point home spread. The 173 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 201.
Dirk Nowitzki had a game-high 21 points, and Devean George hit 13 points for the Mavericks.
New Jersey's Jason Kidd racked up a double-double in Friday's 194-90 loss at Charlotte, coming in as 4-point road underdogs. The 194 points scored were a PUSH with the posted total of 194.
Kidd had 19 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds, while Richard Jefferson sunk 23 points for the Nets.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 34-15 SU, 20-26-3 ATS
New Jersey: 21-29 SU, 19-30-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 9-1
After playing Memphis are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 9-1
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing New Jersey
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Dallas is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games
Next up:
Dallas at Philadelphia, Monday, February 11
New Jersey home to Minnesota, Tuesday, February 12
Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The fans at Target Center will be treated to a game between the Toronto Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves when they take their seats on Sunday.
Toronto were outscored by 12 points in the second half of Friday's 102-98 loss to the Clippers, falling as 10-point home favorites. The 200 points scored were OVER the posted total of 195.
Chris Bosh had 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Jamario Moon hit 16 points for the Raptors.
Minnesota were 3-for-17 from beyond the arc in Saturday's 88-86 loss to Boston, falling as 5.5-point home underdogs. The 174 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 191.
Al Jefferson put up 18 points and nine rebounds, while Ryan Gomes had 13 points for the Timberwolves.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 26-22 SU, 27-21 ATS
Minnesota: 10-38 SU, 23-24-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing Boston are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 7-0-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Minnesota is 8-1-1 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Toronto home to San Antonio, Monday, February 11
Minnesota at New Jersey, Tuesday, February 12
Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- The fans at Quicken Loans Arena will be treated to a game between the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers when they take their seats on Sunday.
Denver's Carmelo Anthony had a career-high 49 points in Friday's 111-100 win over Washington, covering the 10.5-point home spread. The 211 points scored were OVER the posted total of 209.
Allen Iverson added 18 points and 11 assists, while Kenyon Martin dropped 16 points for the Nuggets.
Cleveland forced 16 Atlanta turnovers in Friday's 100-95 win, coming in as 4-point road underdogs. The 195 points scored were OVER the posted total of 187.
LeBron James was the high man with 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 17 points and 11 boards for the Cavaliers.
Team records:
Denver: 30-19 SU, 26-23 ATS
Cleveland: 28-21 SU, 23-26 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 4-6
After playing Washington are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
Cleveland is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Denver
Next up:
Denver at Miami, Tuesday, February 12
Cleveland at Orlando, Monday, February 11
Washington Wizards vs. Phoenix Suns
- The fans at US Airways Center will be treated to a game between the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns when they take their seats on Sunday.
Washington was 4-for-20 from three-point land in Friday's 111-100 loss at Denver, falling as 10.5-point road underdogs. The 211 points scored were OVER the posted total of 209.
Antawn Jamison netted 21 points, and Nick Young scored 19 points for the Wizards.
Phoenix was an amazing 32-for-32 from the foul line in Friday's 103-99 win over Seattle, failing to cover the 11.5-point home spread. The 202 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 217.
Amare Stoudamire had a huge night with 33 points and ten rebounds, and Grant Hill added 16 points for the Suns.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 24-25 SU, 27-21-1 ATS
Phoenix: 35-15 SU, 22-26-2 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 6-4
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing Seattle are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Washington
Phoenix is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Washington
Phoenix is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Next up:
Washington at Golden State, Monday, February 11
Phoenix at Golden State, Wednesday, February 13
Sunday’s Pregame Buzz
NFL
AFC vs. NFC - Pro Bowl
* New England's record-setting tandem of QB Tom Brady and WR Randy Moss are skipping the Pro Bowl and will be replaced by Cleveland QB Derek Anderson and Cincinnati WR Chad Johnson. Other players who pulled out include San Diego TE Antonio Gates (replaced by Cleveland TE Kellen Winslow) and San Diego DT Jamaal Williams (replaced by Pittsburgh DT Casey Hampton).
* There will be 41 first-time Pro Bowlers playing in this game, which is the second-most since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 (there were 44 in 2000). The notable Pro Bowl virgins include Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger and Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor.
* Believe it or not, there have been some distractions in Hawaii, with Winslow asking for a contract extension and Johnson dealing with reports that he had requested a trade from the Bengals. Several other players are free agents, which means Honolulu is again serving as a recruiting base for other teams.
* This game features two of the best kick returners in recent NFL history and could very well be decided by Cleveland's Josh Cribbs or Chicago's Devin Hester. The duo has combined for 15 touchdowns over the last couple seasons.
* The AFC has won 5 of the last 7 Pro Bowls by an average of 13.6 points per game.
* The winning team has scored at least 31 points in 7 of the last 8 Pro Bowls, averaging nearly 40 points per game. The losing team has averaged almost 28 points during that same stretch.
NBA
San Antonio Spurs at Boston Celtics
* Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Sunday games.
* Spurs are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
* Favorite is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
* The OVER is 7-3 in Boston's last 10 games vs. Western Conference.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in San Antonio's last 8 games as an underdog.
* The UNDER is 12-3 in San Antonio's last 15 road games.
Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat
* Heat are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 vs. Pacific Division.
* Heat are 6-25 ATS in their last 31 home games.
* Heat are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 Sunday games.
* Home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Denver Nuggets at Cleveland Cavaliers
* Nuggets are 23-7 ATS in their last 30 vs. Central Division.
* Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Sunday games.
* Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Denver's last 8 Sunday games.
Washington Wizards at Phoenix Suns
* Wizards are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 vs. Pacific Division.
* Suns are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 home games.
* The OVER is 25-12 in Phoenix's last 37 Sunday games.
* The OVER is 15-4 in Washington's last 19 games vs. Pacific Division.
* The OVER is 16-5 in Phoenix's last 21 games vs. Eastern Conference.
* The UNDER is 9-1 in Washington's last 10 games vs. Western Conference.
CBB
St. Joseph's at #14 Xavier
* For the past 6 meetings, the Hawks and Musketeers have alternated wins and losses, with each team winning on its home court last season. The Hawks have won 5 of the last 9 meetings overall. EDGE: ST. JOE'S
* Xavier is the second ranked team that St. Joe's has faced this season, as Syracuse was ranked 25th in the coaches’ poll when they met back on November 13th. The Hawks have lost 6 in a row against teams ranked in the AP Top 25. EDGE: XAVIER
* The Hawks are 8-4 on the road this year, good enough for the most road wins of any team in the Atlantic 10. EDGE: ST. JOE'S
* Xavier leads the Atlantic 10 in six major categories: scoring margin (+15.4 ppg), rebounding margin (+6.8 rpg), field goal percentage (.477), field goal percentage defense (.405), free-throw percentage (.758) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.26 to 1.00). EDGE: XAVIER
* Xavier is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 vs. Atlantic 10.
* Xavier is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* The OVER is 23-11 in Xavier's last 34 home games.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in St. Joe's last 8 overall.
#14 Indiana at Ohio State
* Indiana leads the league in scoring (77.3 ppg), free throw percentage (75.1) and defensive rebounds (27.27). The team also sits in the top three in nine other statistical categories. EDGE: INDIANA
* Indiana F D.J. White and G Eric Gordon are currently combining to average 39.1 points per game this season. The two currently rank 1-2 in the Big 10 in scoring in both league games and overall affairs. The pair is nearly 10 points ahead of its nearest competition – Michigan State’s Raymar Morgan and Drew Neitzel. EDGE: INDIANA
* Ohio State is 16-29 against Indiana teams ranked among the AP Top 25. EDGE: INDIANA
* The Buckeyes have won the last 4 meetings versus ranked Indiana teams in Columbus. BIG EDGE: OHIO STATE
* Indiana is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 road games.
* Indiana is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 vs. Big Ten.
* The UNDER is 15-6 in Indiana's last 21 Sun. games.
* The UNDER is 12-2 in Ohio State's last 14 Sunday games.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Ohio State's last 8 home games.
Arizona State at Arizona
* Arizona State will try and sweep Arizona for just the sixth time in its 30 years of Pac-10 play, with ASU winning both games for four straight seasons from 1980-83 and then again in 1994-95. EDGE: ARIZONA
* ASU is shooting 74.2 percent from the free-throw line, currently the 5th-best mark in school history. In his 10 seasons at NC State, head coach Herb Sendek’s teams led the ACC 4 times in free-throw percentage. EDGE: ASU
* In the last 5 years, the UA-ASU games played in Tucson have been decided by an average of 19.2 points – all UA victories. BIG EDGE: ARIZONA
* Through the first 9 games of Pac-10 play, the Cats are averaging 77.5 points per game in 4 home games and 66.0 points in 5 road games. EDGE: OVER
* Arizona State is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* The UNDER is 12-4 in Arizona State's last 16 road games.
* The UNDER is 20-7 in Arizona State's last 27 vs. Pac-10.
#5 UCLA at Washington
* UCLA is 45-22-1 ATS in its last 68 road games.
* The UNDER is 9-2 in Washington's last 11 home games.
* The UNDER is 13-3 in Washington's last 16 games overall.
* The UNDER is 15-6 in Washington's last 21 games vs. Pac-10.
Clemson at #3 North Carolina
* North Carolina is 25-8 ATS in its last 33 home games.
* The OVER is 15-7 in CLEM last 22 games overall.
* The OVER is 7-2 in North Carolina's last 9 Sunday games.
* The OVER is 7-2 in North Carolina's last 9 vs. ACC.
Pregame.com
For a solid bet, you couldn't beat the Heat
Maybe things will get better for Miami with new acquisitions Marion and Banks. They can't get worse.
Gamblers who like to bet on NBA games will have special interest in today's matchup between the Lakers and Miami, with Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks expected to make their Heat debuts at American Airlines Arena.
Why? Because bettors simply don't want to see the Miami money train come to an end.
Coach Pat Riley's team has lost 23 of its last 25 games -- including six in a row -- and covered the point spread only five times since Dec. 10.
But that was before the Heat traded Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix for Marion and Banks, who could provide a spark to a struggling Miami team that has a 6-25 record against the spread in its last 31 home games.
Oddsmakers do not give the Heat much of a chance of turning things around against the Lakers, who are 2-1 since Pau Gasol was picked up in a trade from Memphis.
But even before Gasol joined the lineup, the Lakers were on a solid roll against the spread. They have covered the line in six of their last seven games and five of their last six road games, including Friday night's 117-113 victory at Orlando.
AccuScore.com, which simulates every game 10,000 times, has the Lakers showing a slight improvement with Gasol in the current lineup, but predicts a much different story once big man Andrew Bynum returns off the injured list.
"When Gasol does not have to be the primary big man as the main rebounder and scorer in the post, the Lakers improve by a whopping six percentage points," said Jonathan Lee of AccuScore.com.
Most sports boards believe the Lakers have improved their chances of winning this season's NBA championship with the addition of Gasol.
In the latest odds listed at Sportsbetting.com, the Lakers are at 4-1 behind only Boston, which holds down the favorite role at 5-2.
Phoenix and San Antonio are listed at 9-2.
Baseball
Here are three proposition baseball bets available at Bodoglife.com:
Will Major League Baseball suspend or fine Pedro Martinez for his participation in cockfighting? Yes (+110) or No (-150); How many games will pitcher Erik Bedard win this season playing for the Seattle Mariners? Over/under 16.5 games; What will Bedard's earned-run average be? Over 3.00 (-130) or Under 3.00 (even).
latimes.com
CBB
St. Joe's at Xavier, 12:00 EST
St. Joe's: 1-5 ATS off DD conference loss
Xavier: 16-7 ATS as home favorite
Rhode Island at Fordham, 12:00 EST
Rhode Island: 16-5 ATS Away off ATS win/SU loss
Fordham: 3-11 ATS this season
Indiana at Ohio State, 1:00 EST CBS
Indiana: 1-8 ATS in February
Ohio State: 14-3 ATS at home off SU win/ATS loss
UMass at Temple, 1:00 EST
UMass: 5-1 Under off conference game
Temple: 14-5 ATS at home vs. conference
LA Lafayette at Denver, 2:00 EST
LA Lafayette: 9-2 ATS vs. conference
Denver: 6-0 ATS as home favorite
St. Louis at Richmond, 2:00 EST
St. Louis: 16-2 Under off home loss
Richmond: 5-1 ATS off an Under
South Alabama at Troy, 2:00 EST
South Alabama: 6-0 ATS Away off BB covers as favorite
Troy: 5-15 ATS after failing to cover 2 of their last 3
Arizona State at Arizona, 2:30 EST FSN
Arizona State: 30-15 ATS Away off Away loss
Arizona: 1-8 ATS off DD loss
Eastern Michigan at Buffalo, 4:00 EST
Eastern Michigan: 21-9 ATS Away after scoring 65 points or less BB games
Buffalo: 0-6 ATS at home off BB road games
Toledo at Bowling Green, 4:00 EST ESPNU
Toledo: 6-0 ATS after a loss by 15+ points
Bowling Green: 16-28 ATS vs. conference
UCLA at Washington, 4:30 EST FSN
UCLA: 6-0 ATS in road games
Washington: 7-16 ATS as an underdog
Clemson at North Carolina, 6:30 EST FSN
Clemson: 18-36 ATS off BB ATS wins
North Carolina: 26-11 ATS off SU loss as favorite
Southern Illinois at Creighton, 7:00 EST ESPNU
Southern Illinois: 25-45 ATS off DD conference win
Creighton: 23-10 ATS vs. conference
Added Games
Canisus at Manhattan, 2:00 EST
Canisus: 6-1 Under off BB conference games
Manhattan: 0-6 ATS as favorite
Marist at St. Peter's, 2:00 EST
Marist: 1-7 ATS after allowing 90+ points
St. Peter's: 3-11 ATS as home favorite
UNC Greensboro at Furman, 2:00 EST
UNC Greenboro: 12-23 ATS off SU loss
Furman: 2-10 ATS at home off ATS win
Siena at Rider, 3:00 EST
Siena: 11-1 ATS Away off away game
Rider: 3-15 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points
Iona at Fairfield, 3:30 EST
Iona: 17-5 ATS Away off BB conference games
Fairfield: 2-13 ATS at home off road game
Niagara at Loyola (MD), 4:00 EST
Niagara: 13-5 ATS as road underdog
Loyola (MD): 1-8 ATS at home off SU win
Eastern Washington at Northern Arizona, 4:00 EST
Eastern Washington: 0-7 ATS off road win
Northern Arizona: 16-7 ATS as favorite
NBA
Denver at Cleveland, 7:05 EST ESPN
Denver: 8-1 ATS off cover as DD favorite
Cleveland: 8-14 ATS in home games
LA Lakers at Miami, 3:35 EST ABC
LA Lakers: 22-5 Under Away off away win
Miami: 0-7 ATS after playing BB games as a road underdog
Dallas at New Jersey, 6:05 EST
Dallas: 26-15 Under as a road favorite of 6 points or less
New Jersey: 6-17 ATS in home games
Charlotte at Detroit, 6:05 EST
Charlotte: 0-7 ATS Away off DD loss
Detroit: 8-1 ATS off BB ATS losses
Toronto at Minnesota, 6:35 EST
Toronto: 9-0 Over off SU loss as favorite
Minnesota: 9-18 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
(TC) San Antonio at Boston, 1:05 EST
San Antonio: 10-2 Under when the line is +3 to -3
Boston: 3-14 ATS after a win by 3 points or less
Washington at Phoenix, 9:35 EST ESPN
Washington: 0-9 ATS revenging a DD home loss
Phoenix: 16-6 Over vs. Eastern Conference
The Bobcats are expected to see the return of Matt Carroll (ankle) and Jeff McInnis (flu) today at Detroit.
Cleveland's Daniel Gibson (hamstring) and Drew Gooden (groin) are both questionable for today's game against the Nuggets while Larry Hughes (toe) is a game-time decision.
Wizards leading scorer Caron Butler (hip) and point guard Antonio Daniels (ankle) are both listed as questionable for tonight's game at Phoenix.
New Heat players Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks are expected to make their debuts today against the Lakers.
Mavs Erick Dampier (ankle) and Jerry Stackhouse (hamstring) are both listed as game-time decisions today at New Jersey.
North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson (13.6 ppg; ankle) is NOT in the probable starting lineup. Quentin Thomas (2.5 ppg) is expected to take his place.
Celtics center Kendrick Perkins (shoulder) is NOT in the probable starting lineup. Leon Powe is expected to take his place.