Betting News and Notes - Feb 11

Big Monday Tip Sheet
By Chris David

Conference battles continue to highlight the college basketball hardwood and Monday’s card features 11 games, including a nationally televised triple-header.

**Villanova (14-8 straight up, 5-14 against the spread) at Georgetown (19-3 SU, 8-11 ATS)**

Georgetown and Villanova tip off Monday's action and this matchup could have gamblers scratching their heads. On paper, the Hoyas are the better team and the books opened them as 13-point home favorites. However, Georgetown is off a 59-51 loss to Louisville on Saturday and some might question backing a team that is 1-4 ATS in its last five games as a double-digit favorite.

Despite the loss to the Cardinals, the Hoyas have proven that they know how to bounce back after a defeat. The team has won by 27 and 19 points after they suffered their first two losses of the season.

While it might be tough to make a case for the Hoyas minus the wood, it’s certainly seems more difficult to grab the points with a Villanova team that is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 games. Head coach Jay Wright and his squad did snap a six-game losing skid on Saturday against Seton Hall (72-70), but failed to cover as 6 ½-point favorites.

Georgetown’s success is largely dependent on its suffocating defense. The team is holding opponents to 56.7 points per game, which is ranked fifth nationally and first in the Big East. Villanova is on the other side of the spectrum when it comes to stops, giving up 71.9 PPG. The ‘under’ has cashed often for both the Hoyas (14-5) and the ‘Cats (11-8).

Last year, the Hoyas were 2-0 both SU and ATS against the Wildcats, which included a 58-55 victory at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. The ‘under’ went 2-0 in both games.

Villanova is 5-6 SU and 4-7 ATS on the road this year, and only has one victory away from home in conference play. Georgetown has outscored opponents by 20 PPG (76-56) at home en route to a perfect 12-0 SU record. Unfortunately, the team is just 3-6 ATS in those dozen matches.

ESPN offers national coverage of this game at 7:00 p.m. EST.

**Kansas (23-1 SU, 12-8 ATS) at Texas (19-4 SU, 9-8 ATS)**

Kansas and Texas resume their rivalry on Monday from Austin. Last year, the Jayhawks were 3-0 SU and 1-2 ATS in the three meetings against the Longhorns, including an 88-84 overtime victory in the Big 12 championship game. The ‘over’ has cashed in all three of these contests and is 8-2 over the 10 previous meetings.

The Jayhawks and Longhorns both enter this game with three-game winning streaks intact. KU stopped Baylor 100-90 on Saturday, while Texas won its second straight road tilt with a 71-65 overtime victory against Iowa State.

Another high-scoring affair could be on tap, considering both Texas (39.2%) and Kansas (39%) can stroke it from 3-point land.

The Jayhawks have the clear-cut edge in defense over the Longhorns, holding teams to 60.2 PPG and limiting teams to 38 percent shooting from the field, both ranked second in the Big 12.

Kansas owns a solid 7-1 SU ledger on the road, but is just 3-4 ATS. Texas counters with a 12-1 SU and 4-4 ATS record at home, with the lone loss coming on Dec. 29 to Wisconsin (67-66) courtesy of a buzzer beater.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Jayhawks are laying 4 ½-points on the road in this battle, considering they’ve been a favorite in every game and most likely will the rest of the way too. The total opened at 148.

**St. Mary’s (20-3 SU, 10-7 ATS) at Santa Clara (12-10 SU, 9-10 ATS)**

This West Coast matchup pits the league’s best offense in St. Mary’s (78.2 PPG) against the conference’s top defense in Santa Clara (62 PPG). Keep in mind that the Gaels shoot the ball much better at home (85 PPG) than on the road (69 PPG).

After dropping its third game of the year on Jan. 28 to San Diego (63-55), St. Mary’s has won and covered three straight, including a 76-51 victory against San Francisco last Friday.

The Broncos have been golden for gamblers of late, posting a 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS mark in their last six games.

Santa Clara will be looking to avenge a 31-point (76-45) blowout loss to St. Mary’s on Jan. 12 as a 14 ½-point road underdog. Prior to this humbling loss, the Broncos had won and covered all three of the previous meetings against the Gaels.

This will be the first game of a three-game road trip for St. Mary’s. The school has gone 7-3 SU and 3-5 ATS away from home this year.

ESPN concludes its national coverage with this game at 11:00 p.m. EST.

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Villanova (14-8, 5-14 ATS) at (6) Georgetown (19-3, 8-11 ATS)

The Wildcats try for their seventh straight victory on Georgetown’s home floor when these two Big East rivals clash at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

Villanova has gone 6-0 SU and ATS at Georgetown since 1998, including last year’s 56-52 win as 5½-point ‘dogs. The Wildcats have gotten the cash in seven of the last 10 series meetings (6-4 SU). However, since the home loss to ‘Nova last January, Georgetown has taken the last two in this rivalry, winning 58-55 as a one-point road underdog last February and 62-57 as 3½-point favorites in the Big East tournament last March.

The underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 clashes between these schools.

Villanova snapped a five-game losing streak Saturday with a 72-70 home win over Seton Hall. However, the Wildcats failed to cover as a 6½-point chalk, their sixth consecutive ATS setback. In fact, Villanova is just 1-12 ATS in its last 13 overall, including 1-9 ATS in Big East action (6-4 SU).

Georgetown had its six-game winning streak (3-3 ATS) snapped Saturday at Louisville, falling 59-51 to the Cardinals as 3½-point pups. It was only the second loss in the last 12 games for the Hoyas, who continue to lead the Big East with a 9-2 record, but they’re only 4-7 ATS in conference.

Georgetown has won all 12 of its home games this year, but is just 3-6 ATS in lined games at the Verizon Center, including 1-4 ATS in its last five.

The Hoyas are 6-0 ATS in their last six following a SU loss and 11-4 ATS in their last 15 following a non-cover.

During its current 1-11 ATS funk, Villanova is on pointspread slides of 1-5 on the road and 0-5 against teams with a winning percentage better than .600. The ‘Cats are also just 5-16 ATS in their last 21 overall since the end of last season.

The under is 7-3 in the Wildcats’ last 10 overall, 4-1 in their last five road games, and 7-2 in their last nine following an ATS loss. The under is also 43-15 in the Hoyas’ last 58 home games, 48-20 in their last 68 overall and 20-6 in their last 26 at home against a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.

Finally, the under was 3-0 in last year’s three series battles.

ATS ADVANTAGE: GEORGETOWN and UNDER

(4) Kansas (23-1, 14-8 ATS) at (12) Texas (19-4, 9-8 ATS)

Two of the top three teams in the Big 12 meet inside the Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, when Kansas takes on the Longhorns in a conference showdown.

Kansas sits atop the Big 12 with an 8-1 conference mark (5-4 ATS), and the Jayhawks have won three in a row since an 84-75 loss at Kansas State on Jan. 30, their only blemish of the season. On Saturday, Bill Self’s squad topped Baylor 100-90, but failed to cash as 16½-point favorites. It was the third straight game in which Kansas was favored by more than 15 points (1-2 ATS).

Since opening conference play 4-1 ATS, the Jayhawks are just 1-3 against the number.

Texas needed overtime to secure a 71-65 win at Iowa State Saturday, barely covering as a 5½-point road favorite. The Longhorns (6-2, 4-4 ATS in Big 12 play) have won and covered three in a row, which comes on the heels of a 1-4 ATS slump to begin conference play.

The Jayhawks have won three straight in this series and seven of the last 10, but they’re just 4-6 ATS during this stretch, including 1-2 ATS in the last three. The most recent meeting occurred in last year’s Big 12 Tournament championship game last March, with Kansas pulling out an 88-84 OT win, but failing as six-point favorites.

Texas is 12-1 SU at home this season, but only 4-4 ATS in lined games. The ‘Horns have won all three of their Big 12 home contests (2-1 ATS). Also, Rick Barnes’ squad is on ATS streaks of 14-6 following a SU win and 6-2 on Mondays.

Kansas is 3-1 SU when visiting league rivals this year, but has failed to cash in its last three on the highway, all as a favorite. Overall this year, the Jayhawks are 7-1 in road/neutral-site games (4-4 ATS). On a positive note, they’re on ATS runs of 7-3 on the road against teams with a winning home mark, 6-1 following a non-cover and 4-1 on Mondays.

The over is 5-1 in Kansas’ last six, 8-2 in its last 10 against teams with a winning record and 4-1 in its last five following an ATS loss. Meanwhile, the ‘Horns have topped the total in five of six against teams with a winning road mark and five straight following an ATS win. Finally, the over is 8-2 in the last 10 series clashes.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

NBA

San Antonio (32-17, 22-26-1 ATS) at Toronto (27-22, 27-21-1 ATS)

The Spurs look to get back in the win column when they head north of the border to take on the Raptors inside the Air Canada Centre.

After losing the first two on their season-long nine-game road trip (0-2 ATS), San Antonio won four straight (3-1 ATS) before falling 98-90 in Boston on Sunday as 2½-point favorites. The East Coast road trip ends Wednesday in Cleveland before the Spurs get six days off for the All-Star break.

With yesterday’s loss to the Celtics Gregg Popovich’s squad fell to 12-12 on the road (9-15 ATS). Also, the Spurs enter this contest just 2-8 ATS when playing on back-to-back nights.

The Raptors are also on the second night of a back-to-back after last night’s 105-82 rout at Minnesota as six-point road chalk. Toronto has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in its last seven games, but it has lost consecutive home games to the Lakers and Clippers. Still the Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last eight inside the Air Canada Centre.

San Antonio has won five of the last six (3-3 ATS) against the Raptors with the only loss coming in December when Toronto prevailed 83-73 in Texas as seven-point ‘dogs.

The Spurs are on ATS skids of 6-14 overall, 4-10 on the highway and 3-8 against the Eastern Conference.

Conversely, the Raptors are on ATS runs of 4-0 in Monday games, 6-2 against teams with a winning record and 7-1 against the Southwest Division. However, they’re just 2-4 ATS in their last six in back-to-back situations.

The under is 12-4 in San Antonio’s last 16 on the road, 21-8 in its last 29 overall and 8-2 in its last 10 on Mondays. Meanwhile, Toronto barely stayed under the total in Sunday’s game at Minnesota, snapping a 5-0 “over” streak. Still, the Raptors have topped the total in six of eight at home and five of six when playing on back-to-back nights.

ATS ADVANTAGE: TORONTO

Portland (28-22, 27-23 ATS) at Houston (30-20, 26-23-1 ATS)

The Rockets hope to extend their six-game winning streak when they welcome the Blazers to the Toyota Center in Houston.

Houston improved to 11-1 in its last 12 (8-4 ATS) with Saturday’s 108-89 rout of Atlanta as a 9½-point favorite. It was the third straight home win and cover for the Rockets since a 97-89 loss to the Jazz on Jan. 27.

Portland is just 3-6 in its last nine (1-8 ATS), including dropping two straight on this short four-game road trip. First, the Blazers fell 91-82 in Detroit on Friday but cashed as 11½-point ‘dogs, then they lost in Indiana 101-93 on Saturday as a 5½-point chalk. Second-year guard Brandon Roy missed both games because of a death in the family.

Houston has won three straight against Portland (1-2 ATS), including two meetings this season. In November, the Rockets prevailed 89-80 at home but failed to cash as 11½-point favorites, then they went to Portland on Jan. 25 and got an 89-79 win as two-point ‘dogs. Portland is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings overall and 9-4-1 ATS in its last 14 trips to the Toyota Center.

The SU winner is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head clashes, and the underdog is 6-1 ATS (4-3 SU) in the last seven.

The Blazers are just 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games on Monday, while the Rockets are just 4-10 in their last 14 Monday tip-offs.

In addition to its current 1-8 ATS slump, Portland is 1-5 ATS in its last six when playing on one day of rest. However, the Blazers are on ATS streaks of 11-5 against the Western Conference and 7-3 when facing Southwest Division foes.

The under is 6-1 in the last seven series matchups (3-0 in Houston), and 6-2 in the Rockets’ last eight against Western Conference competition. The under is also on runs for Portland of 19-7 against the Western Conference, 15-6 on one day of rest and 10-4 following a SU loss.

ATS ADVANTAGE: HOUSTON and UNDER

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Bobcats

- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Bobcats will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

The Lakers defeated Miami 104-94 as an 8-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (208).

Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 33 points for the Lakers, while Lamar Odom added 15 points and 18 rebounds in the win.

The Bobcats lost to Detroit 113-87 as a 12-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (188).

Jason Richardson led the Bobcats with 27 points and Raymond Felton deposited 14 points in the loss.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Charlotte has lost 6 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 33-17 SU, 30-19-1 ATS
Charlotte: 18-33 SU, 19-30-2 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Atlanta are 3-7
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games
LA Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next up:
LA Lakers at Minnesota, Wednesday, February 13
Charlotte home to Atlanta, Wednesday, February 13

Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

- The Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Wachovia Center.

The Mavericks lost to New Jersey 101-82 as a 6-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (188).

Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 21 points Josh Howard had 16 points in the loss.

The 76ers dominated from the onset and cruised past the Clippers 101-80 last time out. The 76ers easily covered the 6.5-point spread, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 194.

Andre Miller tossed in 17 points for the 76ers with nine assists, while Louis Williams added 16 in the win.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Dallas: 34-16 SU, 20-27-3 ATS
Philadelphia: 21-30 SU, 25-25-1 ATS

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Portland are 8-2
After playing New Jersey are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Memphis are 2-8
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Dallas's last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
Philadelphia is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next up:
Dallas home to Portland, Wednesday, February 13
Philadelphia home to Memphis, Wednesday, February 13

San Antonio Spurs vs. Toronto Raptors

- The fans at Air Canada Centre will be treated to a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors when they take their seats on Monday.

The Spurs lost to Boston 98-90 as a 2.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (178).

Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Manu Ginobili poured in 21 points in the loss.

The Raptors defeated Minnesota 105-82 as a 6-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (194).

Jose Calderon scored 15 points and handed out 10 assists for the Raptors, while Chris Bosh added 14 points and nine rebounds in the win.

Team records:
San Antonio: 32-17 SU, 23-26 ATS
Toronto: 27-22 SU, 28-21 ATS

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Cleveland are 9-1
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 4-6
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Toronto is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home

Next up:
San Antonio at Cleveland, Wednesday, February 13
Toronto home to New Jersey, Wednesday, February 13

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic

- The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Amway Arena.

The Cavaliers lost to Denver 113-83 as a 1-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (206.5).

LeBron James scored a game-high 30 points for Cleveland and Larry Hughes had 14 points in the loss.

Orlando hit 15 three-pointers in Friday's 117-114 loss to the Lakers, falling as 1-point home favorites. The 231 points scored were OVER the posted total of 212.

Dwight Howard notched 19 points and 11 boards, and Jameer Nelson added 17 points for the Magic.

Team records:
Cleveland: 28-22 SU, 23-27 ATS
Orlando: 32-20 SU, 32-19-1 ATS

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Cleveland's last 16 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Cleveland

Next up:
Cleveland home to San Antonio, Wednesday, February 13
Orlando home to Denver, Wednesday, February 13

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

- The fans at Bradley Center will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks when they take their seats on Monday.

The Clippers were blown away 101-80 by the 76ers on Saturday, as 6.5-point road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 194.

Corey Maggette shot 9-for-17 from the field with a game-high 26 points in the loss.

The Bucks lost 99-98 to the Knicks last time out, as 6.5-point home favorites. The combined 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.

Charlie Villanueva shot 10-for-22 from the field with 21 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.

Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 16-32 SU, 21-27 ATS
Milwaukee: 19-32 SU, 22-28-1 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 1-9
Before playing New Orleans are 6-4
After playing New York are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

Next up:
LA Clippers home to Washington, Wednesday, February 13
Milwaukee home to New Orleans, Wednesday, February 13

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets

- The fans at Toyota Center will be treated to a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets when they take their seats on Monday.

Portland fell 101-93 to Indiana last time oput, as 4.5-point road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 199.5.

LaMarcus Aldridge shot 9-for-18 from the field and had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

The Rockets allowed 34 points in the fourth quarter, but stillhad no trouble in getting past the Hawks 108-89 on Saturday. The Rockets covered the 9-point spread at home, while the combined 197 points sailed OVER the posted total of 184.

Yao Ming led the way with a game-high 28 points and hauled down nine rebounds in the win.

Current streak:
Portland has lost 2 straight games.
Houston has won 6 straight games.

Team records:
Portland: 28-22 SU, 27-23 ATS
Houston: 30-20 SU, 25-23-2 ATS

Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Sacramento are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Portland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Portland is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing Portland
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

Next up:
Portland at Dallas, Wednesday, February 13
Houston home to Sacramento, Wednesday, February 13

Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors

- The Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Oracle Arena.

The Wizards lost to Phoenix 108-107 as an 11-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (210).

Antawn Jamison led the Wizards with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Brendan Haywood had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

The Warriors pulled out a hard-fought 105-102 victory over the Kings last time out. The Warriors failed to cover the 7-point spread at home, while the combined 207 points fell UNDER the posted total of 224.5.

Monta Ellis threw in a game-high 34 points to lead the Warriors, and Stephen Jackson added 26 in the win.

Current streak:
Washington has lost 7 straight games.

Team records:
Washington: 24-26 SU, 28-21-1 ATS
Golden State: 30-20 SU, 22-28 ATS

Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 8-2
After playing Sacramento 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 6 of Washington's last 9 games
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Golden State
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Golden State's last 11 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 when playing at home against Washington
Golden State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Washington

Next up:
Washington at LA Clippers, Wednesday, February 13
Golden State home to Phoenix, Wednesday, February 13

Monday’s Pregame Buzz

Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic

* Magic are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 Monday games.
* The OVER is 20-8 in Cleveland's last 28 vs. Eastern Conference.
* The OVER is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in Orlando.
* The UNDER is 8-3 in Cleveland's last 11 road games.

San Antonio Spurs at Toronto Raptors

* Raptors are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. Southwest Division.
* Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
* The OVER is 6-2 in Toront's last 8 home games.
* The UNDER is 12-4 in San Antonio's last 16 road games.
* he UNDER is 8-2 in San Antonio's last 10 Monday games.
* The UNDER is 21-7 in San Antonio's last 28 games overall.

Los Angeles Lakers at Charlotte Bobcats

* The OVER is 9-2 in Charlotte's last 11 Monday games.
* The OVER is 22-7 in Charlotte's last 29 vs. NBA Pacific.
* The UNDER is 11-4 in LA's last 15 Monday games.

Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets

* Rockets are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 Monday games.
* Blazers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
* Blazers are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 Monday games.
* The OVER is 8-3 in Portland's last 11 Monday games.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Houston's last 8 games vs. Western Conference.

Washington Wizards at Golden State Warriors

* Wizards are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games vs. NBA Pacific.
* Wizards are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* Warriors are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* The OVER is 15-4 in Washington's last 19 games vs. NBA Pacific.
* The OVER is 9-2 in Golden State's last 11 games overall.
* The OVER is 39-14 in Golden State's last 53 Monday games.
* he UNDER is 9-1 in Washington's last 10 games vs. Western Conference.

CBB

Villanova at #6 Georgetown

* Over the course of its 5-game losing skid, Villanova had surrendered an average of 80.6 points per game. The Wildcats clamped down on Saturday night against Seton Hall and allowed the Pirates to shoot just 39.3 percent for the game. It marked only the second time in 10 Big East games this season that Villanova held a team at 40 percent or below. EDGE: OVER
* The 43-41 halftime edge the ‘Cats held on Saturday night represented another change of pace. It was the first time in 8 games that Villanova held the lead entering the lockerroom at halftime. EDGE: GEORGETOWN – FIRST HALF
* Georgetown took 2 of the 3 meetings between the squads last year. All 3 encounters were decided by 5 points or less and the 2 regular-season contests were in doubt until the final possession. EDGE: VILLANOVA
* The Wildcats are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
* The UNDER is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings at Georgetown.

#5 Kansas at #12 Texas

* Kansas leads the series 14-5 yet Texas leads 4-3 in games played in Austin. SLIGHT EDGE: TEXAS
* Texas leads the Big 12 in three-point field goal percentage at 39 percent behind the guard play of sophomore D.J. Augustin and junior A.J. Abrams. EDGE: TEXAS
* Under head coach Bill Self, Kansas is 53-24 in games away from Allen Fieldhouse, including a 31-13 true road game record. The Jayhawks have won 9 of their last 10 Big 12 road games. EDGE: KANSAS
* On the season, the Jayhawk bench has outscored its opponents 645-429, for a +9 advantage per game. BIG EDGE: KANSAS
* The Jayhawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Monday games.
* The Longhorns are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Monday games.

#23 St. Mary's at Santa Clara

* St. Mary's has won 3 straight games since losing at San Diego back on January 28th. The Gaels have split their 6 games away from home this season, and this will be the first of 3 straight road games. SLIGHT EDGE: SANTA CLARA (Bet Santa Clara +6.5 at BetUS - the best line available at last check!)
* Santa Clara is looking to avenge its biggest loss in over 3 years when the Broncos lost at St. Mary's 76-45 back on January 12th. They won all 3 meetings between the teams last season and have won 4 of 6 games since then. EDGE: SANTA CLARA
* The Broncos have lost 7 straight games against ranked opponents and have also won consecutive games just once since November. EDGE: ST. MARY'S
* St. Mary's is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 Monday games.
* Santa Clara is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 Monday games.
* The OVER is 14-6 in St. Mary's last 20 Monday games.
* The UNDER is 7-2 in Santa Clara's last 9 games overall.

Pregame.com

Warriors F Stephen Jackson (21 ppg; ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight's game.

Cavs C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (14 ppg; back) is listed as questionable for tonight's game.

Bucks G Maurice Williams (17 ppg; flu) is again questionable for tonight's game.

Blazers G Brandon Roy (20 ppg; personal) is expected to rejoin the team for tonight's game.

Wizards F Caron Butler (21 ppg; hip) is doubtful and G Antonio Daniels (9 ppg; knee) is not expected to play tonight.

Clippers F Tim Thomas has been downgraded to doubtful for tonights game with a sore back.

Bobcats F Gerald Wallace missed Sunday's game because of a right foot strain, and plans to skip the nextt two games.

NBA Today

Portland at Houston (8:30 p.m. EST). Both teams are battling for the eighth playoff spot in the West.

-Paul Pierce, Celtics, scored 35 points and Boston beat San Antonio 98-90.

-Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored 33 points and Los Angeles beat Miami 104-94.

-Allen Iverson, Nuggets, had 25 points and 13 assists to lead Denver to a 113-83 victory over Cleveland.

-Amare Stoudemire, Suns, scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Phoenix's 108-107 win over Washington.

Paul Pierce scored 35 points, Ray Allen had 19, and Rajon Rondo had 12 assists and 11 rebounds Sunday and Boston beat San Antonio 98-90. The Celtics improved to 5-2 since Kevin Garnett went out with an abdominal strain. The Celtics hadn't beaten San Antonio in Boston since Jan. 8, 1997, a streak of nine consecutive losses.

Kobe Bryant scored 33 points, and the Lakers used a 16-2 second-half run to pull away and beat the skidding Heat 104-94 Sunday in Miami's first home game of its post-Shaquille O'Neal era. Shawn Marion had 15 points and 14 rebounds in his first appearance with the Heat, who've lost seven straight games and 22 of their last 23 games - something no Miami team has ever done. The expansion Heat opened 1-21. Miami's only victory since Dec. 22 was a two-point win over Indiana on Jan. 26.

Tayshaun Prince scored 14 of his 21 points in the first quarter and Detroit won its eighth straight game, 113-87 over Charlotte on Sunday night. The Pistons went 5-0 on an 11-day homestand, and were only seriously challenged in the first game, when they beat the Lakers on Prince's late 3-pointer. In the last two games, against Portland and Charlotte, they had leads of at least 24 points in the first half.

Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points, All-Star sidekick Allen Iverson added 25 and Denver rolled to a 113-83 win Sunday night over injury-depleted Cleveland. Anthony improved to 8-2 in his pro career against good friend LeBron James. Denver led by 11 points after one quarter, 18 at halftime and pushed its advantage to 26 by the end of the third, and handed Cleveland its worst home loss since April 5, 2005.

Vince Carter scored 25 of his 29 points after nearly being knocked out by an elbow to the head, and New Jersey ran off 21 straight points to stun Dallas 101-82 on Sunday night. The 21-point run bridged the end of the second quarter and start of the third, and it was part of a 36-6 spurt that turned a 36-25 deficit into a 61-42 lead.

Boston forward Kevin Garnett withdrew from the NBA All-Star game Sunday and was replaced on the Eastern Conference roster by Detroit forward Rasheed Wallace. Garnett was averaging 19.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game before being sidelined two weeks ago after straining a stomach muscle on Jan. 25 against the Timberwolves. He was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game. Wallace will join teammates Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton for the All-Star game New Orleans. It will be his fourth All-Star appearance. Wallace is averaging 12.9 points and 7.3 rebounds this season, and leads Detroit in blocks and steals.

Amare Stoudemire had 31 points, including two game-clinching free throws with 7.5 seconds to play, and Phoenix handed Washington its seventh straight loss, 108-107 on Sunday night. Antwan Jamison scored 28 points and Brendan Haywood a season-high 21 for the Wizards, who last lost seven in a row from March 5-16, 2004.

LeBron James scored 30 points but Cleveland lost to Denver 113-83. ... Antawn Jamison scored 28 points but Washington lost to Phoenix 108-107. ... Jason Richardson scored 27 points in Charlotte's 113-87 loss to Detroit. ... Tim Duncan had 22 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, in San Antonio's 98-90 loss to Boston.

``I was hoping he would go back to North Carolina.''-Dallas coach Avery Johnson said of Vince Carter after the Mavericks' 101-82 loss to New Jersey. Carter scored 25 of his 29 points after nearly being knocked out by an elbow to the head early in the second quarter by Brandon Bass while trying to steal the ball from the Mavericks' forward. Carter returned with 5:21 left in the half and the Nets ran off 21 straight points to stun Dallas on Sunday night.

AP NEWS

Injuries leave Tar Heels thin at point guard
February 11, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -North Carolina is running out of point guards.

The third-ranked Tar Heels have played two straight games without point guard Ty Lawson, who sprained his left ankle in an overtime win at Florida State. Backup Bobby Frasor is already out for the season after suffering a knee injury in December.

Now, emergency option Marcus Ginyard is nursing a sprained ankle from Sunday's double-overtime win against Clemson.

Coach Roy Williams said Lawson is likely out Tuesday when North Carolina (22-2, 7-2 ACC) travels to Virginia.

``I don't know that there is a timetable,'' Williams said Monday. ``I think we've just got to wait until he starts feeling better with it. The kid's not been hurt very often and kids that haven't been hurt think that sometimes things have to be perfect before they come back. That could be part of Tywon's deal. But at the same time it still hurts. We're just going to have to wait until it stops hurting.''

Senior Quentin Thomas has assumed the lead role with Lawson out, while Ginyard has been the backup. But the junior swingman has an injured toe on his left foot to go with his ailing right ankle.

Memphis still unanimous at No. 1; Louisville returns to Top 25
February 11, 2008

Memphis is still the only unbeaten and still a unanimous No. 1.

The Tigers (23-0), easy winners over SMU and Central Florida last week, were a runaway choice at the top of The Associated Press' college basketball poll for a second straight week Monday.

The last Division I team with a chance at a perfect season, Memphis received all 72 first-place votes and 1,800 points from the national media panel. The Tigers' two-week run as a unanimous No. 1 matches Florida's stint with all the first-place votes last season on its way to a second straight national championship.

Illinois was a unanimous No. 1 for five straight weeks - and six overall - in 2004-05.

Duke (21-1), which beat archrival North Carolina and Boston College last week, held No. 2 for a second straight week with 1,714 points.

Kansas (23-1) moved up one spot to third and Tennessee (21-2), which plays at Memphis on Feb. 23, jumped three spots to fourth.

North Carolina, which followed the loss to Duke with a double-overtime win over Clemson, dropped two places to fifth. The Tar Heels (22-2) played both games without starting point guard Ty Lawson, who is recovering from a sprained ankle.

UCLA dropped one spot to sixth after Sunday's loss at Washington. Stanford, Georgetown, Butler and Michigan State rounded out the top 10.

The No. 9 ranking is the highest ever for Butler (21-2), which was 10th last week.

Texas moved up one place to 11th and was followed by Xavier, Indiana, Drake, Wisconsin, Texas A&M, Connecticut, Kansas State, Purdue and Notre Dame.

Washington State, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Vanderbilt and Saint Mary's, Calif., held the last five places.

Louisville (18-6) returned to the rankings after being out for eight weeks. The Cardinals were No. 6 in the preseason Top 25, but after a run of early season injuries they were out of the rankings after five regular-season polls. Louisville returned having won five of its last six games, including this week's victories over Marquette and Georgetown.

Losses to Louisville and Notre Dame last week knocked Marquette (16-6) out from 16th, the first time this season the Golden Eagles have not been in the Top 25. Marquette was 11th in the preseason poll and spent four weeks at No. 10. The loss to Notre Dame dropped the Golden Eagles to 1-4 on the road in the Big East.

Wisconsin's 74-67 home loss to Purdue on Saturday caused the week's biggest drop in the poll as the Badgers (19-4), who beat Iowa 60-54 earlier in the week, fell from eighth to No. 15.

Indiana and Michigan State will both face two ranked teams this week, including a game against each other on Saturday. The Spartans play Purdue on Tuesday, and the Hoosiers take on Wisconsin on Wednesday. Other games involving two ranked teams are Kansas at Texas on Monday and Notre Dame at Connecticut on Wednesday.