Wednesday's Tip Sheet
By Judd Hall
Eight of the nation’s Top 25 programs will be taking to the court on Wednesday, including two big contests in the Big Ten and Big East. So let’s get to it…
Maryland at Duke
Maryland (16-8 straight up, 9-9 against the spread) is looking nothing like the team that lost to Ohio and American. No, this Terrapins squad has won six of their last seven contests, covering the number in five of them. The Terps’ most recent conquest coming against North Carolina State as 8 ½-point home favorites, 84-70, on Feb. 9.
The Blue Devils remain the lone unbeaten team in the Atlantic Coast Conference after winning their 11th consecutive game of the year, a 90-80 victory over Boston College last Saturday. However, Duke (21-1 SU, 13-7-1 ATS) failed to cover the 18½-point line at home, the first time it’s done that since Jan. 9.
Duke has yet to lose at home this season, going 12-0 SU at Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. However, the Blue Devils are just 8-2-1 ATS at this point.
The Terrapins are just 4-4 SU and 5-3 ATS on the road this season, but that includes a big 82-80 win at North Carolina on Jan. 19.
Maryland has also made Durham its home away from home, going 3-2 SU and ATS the last five times they’ve traveled to face the Blue Devils.
Bettors have seen the ‘over’ go 5-3 in the last eight head-to-head meetings between these ACC rivals.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants has listed Duke as a 12-point home “chalk” with the total coming in at 157.
ESPN will be covering this contest starting at 7:00 pm EDT.
St. John’s at Cincinnati
The Red Storm responded to losing six straight matches by piecing together a three-game win streak. St. John’s (10-12 SU, 9-9 ATS) not only beat the Bulls, Scarlet Knights and Friars, but they covered the number in all three affairs…the first time they’ve done that all season.
Cincinnati (11-12 SU, 12-8-1 ATS) is starting to play a little bit better, winning and covering the spread in two of its last three Big East contests. Oddly enough, the Bearcats’ last two losses coming at home to Marquette and Connecticut.
St. John’s isn’t the best team to take on the money line away from home with its 3-6 SU record. However, the Red Storm has been kind to bettors this season on the road going 6-3 ATS.
The Bearcats have played well at Fifth Third Arena this season as evidenced by their 8-5 record SU. But they were not solid as a gambling option, posting a 5-5 mark ATS.
The Red Storm have won and covered their last two meetings with Cincy. The ‘over’ hit in both meetings as well.
Cincinnati has been listed as a 6½-point home favorite with the total posted at 126.
ESPN2 will be providing televised coverage of this Big East showdown at 7:00 pm EDT.
Kansas State at Texas Tech
Kansas State (17-5 SU, 10-6 ATS) sits atop the Big XII Conference this season thanks to an 8-2 SU and 7-1 ATS run in its last 10 games on the schedule. The Wildcats took down Oklahoma State last Saturday as 12-point home favorites, 82-61. It was the fourth time in their last five fixtures that the ‘over’ had hit.
The Red Raiders are still trying to find their way under new head coach Pat Knight as they’re 0-2 SU and 1-1 ATS in his short tenure. Texas Tech wasn’t doing much better with Pat’s dad, Bobby on the bench, going 2-3 SU. Yet they did well for bettors as proven with a 4-2 ATS mark.
The Wildcats are 3-3 SU and 2-4 ATS in their past six matches played away from Manhattan. K-State has watched the ‘over’ go 4-2 in its six road tilts this season.
Texas Tech has been solid at home this year, going 10-2 SU and 7-1 ATS. The Red Raiders have been involved in their fair share of low scoring matches at the United Spirit Arena, watching the ‘under’ go 7-1.
Kansas State might be ranked 18th in the nation, but the Red Raiders have dominated them in Lubbock recently. Texas Tech has compiled a 5-1 SU and ATS record against the Wildcats at home head-to-head. The ‘under’ has gone on a 3-1 run as well.
The Wildcats have been named three-point road favorites for this contest.
ESPN2 will be broadcasting this matchup when it tips off at 9:00 pm EDT.
vegasinsider.com
Mavs' Howard questionable for next game
February 12, 2008
DALLAS (AP) -Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard has a bruised lower back and is questionable for Wednesday's game against Portland.
Howard, who is averaging a career-best 20.3 points a game, was hurt early in the fourth quarter of Monday night's 84-76 loss at Philadelphia. He hit the floor hard after getting bumped by a 76ers player on a rebound.
An MRI on Tuesday confirmed Howard only has a bruise.
If Howard isn't available Wednesday, the Mavericks could be without three starters and a key reserve.
Devin Harris has missed eight straight games because of a bruised left ankle, and isn't expected back until after the All-Star break this weekend. Starting center Erick Dampier (right ankle) and Jerry Stackhouse (right hamstring) also missed the Philadelphia game.
Dampier, who hurt his ankle last Wednesday, and Stackhouse are considered day-to-day.
Stackhouse has played only one of the last 10 games, missing two more games since returning from a seven-game absence to play 12 minutes Friday night.
Shaq unlikely to make Suns debut Wednesday at Golden State
February 12, 2008
PHOENIX (AP) -Shaquille O'Neal doesn't want to slow the Phoenix Suns.
That's why he may make them wait a few more days before playing his eagerly awaited first game debut in purple and orange.
O'Neal, who is learning a new offense and working his way into shape after a hip injury, is unlikely to play when the Suns visit Golden State on Wednesday night. After returning from the Bay Area, the team will decide whether O'Neal will play against Dallas on Thursday night in Phoenix.
``I want to be a little more in tune before I step out on the court, because as you watch this team without me, they're like a great flowing machine,'' O'Neal said after practice Tuesday at US Airways Center. ``I don't want to be the kink in the machinery.''
If O'Neal doesn't play this week, his debut could come on Feb. 20 against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Phoenix plays host to its Pacific Division rival in the first game after the All-Star break.
O'Neal, who has been out since Jan. 21 with a hip injury, went through his second Suns practice on Tuesday morning, participating in a full-court workout before the team left for California in the afternoon.
``I haven't done anything in a month and a half,'' O'Neal said. ``I'm in great human shape. I'm in OK basketball shape. I've just got to get into basketball shape.''
Coach Mike D'Antoni said the team would make a decision on O'Neal's availability for the game against the Warriors after an individual workout before the game, but it appears doubtful that O'Neal will play.
``He's not quite ready,'' D'Antoni said. ``He wants to be comfortable with the offense. He knows it's going to be a big splash when he goes out the first time.''
D'Antoni said it's ``possible'' O'Neal could play against the Mavericks on Thursday night.
O'Neal injured his hip diving for a loose ball against Utah on Dec. 22. He returned Jan. 16 but was sidelined again five days later. An MRI showed inflammation in the left hip, shutting him down from all basketball activity.
Phoenix is 2-1 since the trade last Wednesday that brought O'Neal from the Miami Heat for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. The Suns have the conference's best record at 36-15, but a pack of pursuers isn't far behind.
The Suns say they aren't worried about playing short-handed until O'Neal is ready to join them.
``The big fella will play when he's ready to play,'' point guard Steve Nash said. ``There's no rush. We've got a couple of months here to figure it out.''
O'Neal's teammates are stressing patience. But they can't help looking ahead to life with one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
``I've never played with a post player before,'' Nash said. ``So it's going to be interesting. But what a great player to play with. It's going to be a lot of fun to try to figure it out.
``There'll probably be some indecision and some uncertainty at times,'' Nash said. ``But we've got a couple of months, so it'll all come together.''
That process has already begun, if only in the privacy of the Suns' practice court. During Tuesday's full-court drill, Nash chased down a loose ball in the corner and flipped the ball toward the rim, knowing that O'Neal would be the only player who could reach it.
O'Neal said he's looking forward to playing with Nash, a two-time MVP who is adept at finding teammates for wide-open shots in the Suns' free-flowing attack.
``I've never had a point guard like him,'' O'Neal said. ``As I was telling Steve, I haven't got an easy bucket in six years.''
SEC Tip Sheet
Gamblers have four SEC games to wager on tonight, so let’s take a look at each and we’ll get into even more in the Bonus Nuggets section below.
**South Carolina at Georgia**
--When the Gamecocks come to Stegeman Coliseum tonight, they shouldn’t expect a raucous environment. In other words, there are plenty of tickets available in Athens. Most sports books are listing Georgia (11-10 straight up, 8-9 against the spread) as a three-point favorite.
--UGA is on its way to missing out on the NCAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive season. Dennis Felton is in the fifth year of his tenure and is starting to feel the heat for the first time. As this space has repeated many times, Felton is an excellent coach who doesn’t take short-cuts and does things the right way. However, his no-nonsense approach is either too much, or he’s made horrible decisions in the recruiting process. It’s one or the other because college basketball programs can’t endure the defections UGA has and survive at a competitive level.
--Just this season, UGA’s Mike Mercer and Takais Brown – the team’s two leading scorers from last year – were dismissed from the program, while Rashaad Singleton abruptly quit. Then last week, Billy Humphrey was arrested for the second time this year. Humphrey, who is the team’s second-leading scorer with a 13.1 points per game average, will sit out for a second straight time tonight as he serves a three-game suspension.
--South Carolina (11-11 SU, 9-9 ATS) is coming off a back-breaking defeat Saturday, when Vandy got a game-winning bucket with 0.6 seconds left to escape Columbia with a 66-65 win as a two-point road underdog. Sophomore guard Devan Downey had given USC the lead just seconds before on an incredible reverse lay-up.
--Downey is one of the nation’s most underrated players. The transfer from Cincinnati, who was recruited by Bob Huggins and played one year for the Bearcats under interim coach Andy Kennedy (now the head man at Ole Miss), is second in the SEC in scoring (19.4 PPG). Downey is also second in the SEC in assists (5.3 APG), first in steals (3.3) and second in minutes (36.7).
--Dave Odom’s team has won two of its four SEC road games, posting a 3-1 spread record in the process. The ‘Cocks won outright at both Ole Miss and Arkansas.
--The Dawgs are 10-2 SU and 5-3 ATS at home. However, they have lost back-to-back home games to Vandy and Kentucky.
--When these teams met on Jan. 30, I successfully backed the Gamecocks as 3 ½-point home favorites in their 62-56 victory. Georgia had beaten USC in the four previous meetings. In fact, UGA is 5-1 ATS in the last six encounters.
--The ‘under’ is 10-7 overall for UGA, 5-3 in its home games. As for South Carolina, it has watched the ‘under’ go 11-7 overall.
--The ‘under’ is 8-1 in the last nine head-to-head meetings between these teams.
**LSU at Florida**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Florida (19-5 SU, 9-6 ATS) as a 13-point favorite, but most spots had UF installed at 14 this morning. The Gators covered the spread in their first six SEC games, but they are looking to snap out of a three-game ATS slide in this spot.
--Billy Donovan’s team beat Georgia 77-67 Saturday as an 11 1/2-point home favorite. UF should’ve taken the cash, but several missed free throws were costly at crunch time. Nevertheless, the ATS winner was still in the works with 10 seconds left as the Gators held a 77-65 advantage with UGA’s Sundiata Gaines headed to the charity stripe for the front end of a one-and-one opportunity. Gaines missed the free throw, but a long rebound was tapped out to Gaines who drove to the basket for an easy bucket to hook up UGA backers in backdoor fashion.
--LSU head coach John Brady was dismissed during his 11th season at the school last week, replaced on an interim basis by long-time assistant Butch Pierre. With Brady no longer in the mix, the Tigers nearly pulled a monumental upset Saturday in Baton Rouge. However, JaJuan Smith made a steal and scored on a break-away lay-up in the closing seconds to lift Tennessee to a 47-45 win. I was on the wrong side of this game, as LSU easily cashed tickets as an 11 ½-point home underdog.
--LSU (8-14 SU, 5-12 ATS) is merely playing out the string with a lame-duck coaching staff, but it’s worth noting that the Bayou Bengals have cashed tickets in three consecutive games.
--The Gators own a 3-2 spread record in five games as double-digit favorites. Meanwhile, LSU is 2-2 ATS as a double-digit underdog.
--The ‘under’ is 10-4 in LSU’s last 14 games with a total. On the other hand, the ‘over’ is 8-7 overall for UF, 4-3 in its home outings.
**Arkansas at Tennessee**
--LVSC opened Tennessee (21-2 SU, 11-8 ATS) as a nine-point favorite with a total of 151. The Volunteers are 3-5 ATS as single-digit favorites
--Bruce Pearl’s team has won five in a row, compiling a 4-1 spread record in the process. The lone non-cover was the aforementioned win at LSU.
--Arkansas (17-5 SU, 8-9 ATS) is catching fire at the right time. The Razorbacks have won four consecutive games both SU and ATS, including Saturday’s 75-69 win over Ole Miss as five-point home favorites. Sonny Weems (22 points, 10 rebounds) and Patrick Beverley (17 points, 13 boards) both produced double-doubles.
--UT is 8-1 in SEC play with a two-game lead in the East over Kentucky and Florida, both of whom are 6-3 in conference play. As for Arkansas, it is 6-2 in the SEC, trailing division-leading Mississippi St. by one-half game in the West.
--UT senior guard Chris Lofton is the reigning SEC Player of the Week after scoring 26 points in a win over the Gators. Lofton has drained 34-of-67 shots (50.8 percent) from 3-point land in the Vols’ last seven games. For his career, Lofton is seventh in NCAA history with 392 treys.
--UT’s JaJuan Smith is “questionable” with flu-like symptoms. Smith averages 14.2 PPG for the Vols.
--Arkansas is 0-2 both SU and ATS as an underdog this year.
--The ‘under’ is 11-8 overall for UT, 11-6 overall for Arkansas.
**Ole Miss at Alabama**
--Most betting shops are listing Alabama (13-11 SU, 6-12 ATS) as a 1½-point favorite. The Crimson Tide is simply hoping to stay over .500 and possibly get to the NIT, while Ole Miss is in dire need of a win in this spot.
--Ole Miss (17-5 SU, 7-10 ATS) went through non-conference play undefeated, but the Rebels are 3-5 in the SEC and can’t afford a loss here. They are 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS in four SEC road assignments.
--Alabama has been atrocious at home this season, especially for our purposes. Mark Gottfried’s team is 10-6 SU and 2-9 ATS at Coleman Coliseum.
--The ‘over’ is 10-8 overall for ‘Bama, 8-3 in its home games. As for the Rebels, they have watched the ‘over’ go 10-6 overall.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--Every SEC fan enjoyed that pimpslap Vandy dealt to Kentucky last night. Well, unless you were like me and had the ‘under’ (and UK). The 93-52 clubbing all but ended any chance the ‘Cats had to earn an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament. It was the worst defeat UK had taken in an SEC game – ever!
--Tough night for the Big Blue faithful and former head coach Tubby Smith. Minnesota saw its bubble hopes take a serious hit when Illinois came to town and captured an 84-60 win as a 4½-point road underdog.
--If the season ended today…
SEC Lock: Tennessee
Likely In: Florida, Vandy, Arkansas and Mississippi St.
On the Bubble: Ole Miss
--When I mentioned UGA’s absence from the NCAA Tournament earlier, I couldn’t help but think back to the Dawgs’ 2002-2003 team. That squad was Jim Harrick’s last as a college coach and it was a serious Final Four contender. Of course, school president Dr. Michael Adams and former AD Vince Dooley yanked that team from the Big Dance in one of most unjust decisions in college basketball history.
In essence, a team with national-title aspirations led by Jarvis Hayes and Ezra Williams was shut down in hopes that future teams wouldn’t be subject to NCAA sanctions. Nevertheless, those sanctions came and future teams were – quite predictably -- unfazed because they weren’t worthy of NCAA consideration. As for Williams, he continues to rip up semi-pro leagues with his silky-smooth jumper, and one can only wonder how often he recalls his March to forget, when his school turned its back on him, abruptly halted his playing career and forever denied him a potential shining moment during March Madness that could’ve altered his future employment (and earnings).
What I wrote about this situation four years and 11 months ago still rings true today: “Shame on Michael Adams and shame on Vince Dooley. They got this one wrong, and they’ll be wrong on this until the end of time.”
--Speaking of Adams and Dooley, their feud has been reignited this week, at least in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Today's edition quotes a number of former UGA football players -- Buck Belue in particular -- who are livid with the University's plans to name the athletic complex after Dooley. Instead, most alums want the stadium or field between the hedges to be named in Dooley's honor. Adams has apparently balked at those ideas. Remember, Adams ran Dooley out of Athens when his contract as AD expired.
--Quote of the Week from “Mr. Omar” on HBO’s The Wire: “Listen up, punk. And hear me good. I want you to tell Marlo that he ain’t man enough to come out from hiding and fight Omar. I’m out here in the streets waiting on ‘em, and I’m ready to put some hurt on his world.”
VegasInsider.com
Wednesday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
San Antonio Spurs at Cleveland Cavaliers
* Spurs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Cavs are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 Wednesday games.
* Home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
New Jeresey Nets at Toronto Raptors
* Nets are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Raptors are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 Wednesday games.
* The UNDER is 23-8 in the last 31 meetings.
Denver Nuggets at Orlando Magic
* Nuggets are 9-21 ATS in their last 30 Wednesday games.
* Magic are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 Wednesday games.
* Home team is 11-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
* Knicks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
* Road team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons
* Pacers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Wednesday games.
* Pistons are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 home games.
* The UNDER is 32-11 in the last 43 meetings.
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves
* Lakers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
* Timberwolves are 17-35 in their last 52 home games.
* Favorite is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
Portland Trail Blazers Dallas Mavericks
* Blazers are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Mavs are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* The UNDER 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
* Suns are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Warriors are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
* The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
CBB
Maryland at #2 Duke
* Maryland is 36-15 ATS in its last 51 Wednesday games.
* Duke is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games overall.
St. John's at Cincinnati
* St. John is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
* Cincinnati is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games overall.
* The UNDER is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
#18 Kansas State at Texas Tech
* Kansas State is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* Texas Tech is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games overall.
* Home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Pregame.com
Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
- The Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Bobcats will meet on the court at Charlotte Bobcats Arena on Wednesday in a battle of division rivals.
The Hawks fell 94-90 to the Pistons last time out, as 5-point underdogs at home. The 184 points made it OVER the posted total of 182.5.
Josh Smith shot 12-for-21 from the field with a game-high 30 points in the loss.
The Bobcats fell 106-97 to the Lakers last time out, as 8.5-point underdogs at home. The combined 203 points fell UNDER the posted total of 209.
Raymond Felton scored a team-high 29 points and Nazr Mohammed added 22 in the loss.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Charlotte has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 22-27 SU, 25-24 ATS
Charlotte: 18-34 SU, 19-31-2 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing San Antonio are 2-5
After playing LA Lakers are 3-3
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Atlanta's last 24 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
Charlotte is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at LA Lakers, Tuesday, February 19
Charlotte at San Antonio, Tuesday, February 19
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The fans at Wachovia Center will be treated to a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Philadelphia 76ers when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies charged back in the second half to upset the Kings 107-94 last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs at home. The 201 points fell UNDER the posted total of 211.
Hakim Warrick shot 10-for-16 from the field and tossed in double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Andre Miller tossed in 21 points to help lead the 76ers to an 84-76 upset victory over the Mavericks last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. The 160 points were well UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Miller shot 8-for-15 from the field with eight rebounds and seven assists. Andre Iguodala added 14 points in the win.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 14-37 SU, 24-27 ATS
Philadelphia: 22-30 SU, 26-25-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 12 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Next up:
Memphis at Seattle, Tuesday, February 19
Philadelphia at Minnesota, Tuesday, February 19
San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- The San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Quicken Loans Arena.
Manu Ginobili scored 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for a double-double in the Spurs 93-88 win over the Raptors 93-88 on Monday, as a slight 1-point underdog. The 181 points fell UNDER the posted total of 184.
Tim Duncan shot 11-for-19 from the field with 22 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Larry Hughes scored a game-high 40 points and LeBron James added 29 in the Cavaliers 118-111 win over the Magic last time out, as 9-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 197.
Hughes finished 12-for-19 from the field with six rebounds, and James added 10 assists.
Team records:
San Antonio: 33-17 SU, 24-26 ATS
Cleveland: 29-22 SU, 24-27 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 5-2
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 9-1
Before playing Houston are 8-2
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of San Antonio's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Cleveland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Cleveland is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
Next up:
San Antonio home to Charlotte, Tuesday, February 19
Cleveland home to Houston, Tuesday, February 19
New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
- The division rival New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors are set to renew hostilities on Wednesday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.
The Nets won their third straight with a 92-88 win over the road weary Timberwolves last time out. The Nets could not make good on the 6.5-point spread, and the 180 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 187.
Vince Carter led the Nets with 17 points and 10 assists, while Bostjan Nachbar added 14 in the victory.
The Raptors fell 93-88 to the Spurs as a slight 1-point favorite at home on Monday. The 181 points fell UNDER the posted total of 184.
Jose Calderon had 27 points and six assists in a losing effort for the Raptors.
Current streak:
New Jersey has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 23-29 SU, 20-31-1 ATS
Toronto: 27-23 SU, 28-22 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 8-2
After playing Minnesota are 9-1
After a win are 7-3
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Orlando are 2-8
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of New Jersey's last 25 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Jersey's last 13 games when playing on the road against Toronto
New Jersey is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Toronto's last 25 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Toronto's last 13 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey home to Chicago, Wednesday, February 20
Toronto home to Orlando, Wednesday, February 20
Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic
- The Denver Nuggets and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Amway Arena.
The Nuggets won a thrilling 114-113 OT game against the Heat on Tuesday. The Nuggets failed to cover the 6.5-point spread, but the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 211.
J.R. Smith led the Nuggets with 28 points, and Kenyon Martin added 24 points with six rebounds in the win.
The Magic were upset 118-111 by the Cavaliers last time out, as 9-point favorites at home. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 197.
Hedo Turkoglu led the Magic with 25 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Current streak:
Denver has won 3 straight games.
Orlando has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 32-19 SU, 27-24 ATS
Orlando: 32-21 SU, 32-20-1 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 3-7
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Orlando is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games
Orlando is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing Denver
Next up:
Denver home to Boston, Tuesday, February 19
Orlando at Detroit, Tuesday, February 19
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
- The fans at TD Banknorth Garden will be treated to a game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Knicks dominated the fourth quarter and slipped past the Bucks 99-98 on Saturday, as 6.5-point road underdogs. The combined 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.
Jamal Crawford led the Knicks with 30 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Paul Pierce scored a game-high 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double in the Celtics 104-97 win over the Pacers last time out. The Celtics covered the 5-point spread, but the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 205.5.
Ray Allen chipped in with 23 points, and Leon Powe had 16 points and nine rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Boston has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 15-36 SU, 25-26 ATS
Boston: 40-9 SU, 31-17-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
New York is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New York's last 17 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York at Washington, Tuesday, February 19
Boston at Denver, Tuesday, February 19
Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Wednesday when the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Pacers lost a close 104-97 game to the Celtics on Tuesday, as 5-point home underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 205.5.
Danny Granger scored 18 points and hauled down 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Pistons turned it up a notch in the fourth quarter Tuesday, as they pulled out a 94-90 win over the Hawks. The Pistons failed to cover the 5-point spread, while the 184 points made it OVER the posted total of 182.5.
Rasheed Wallace led the Pistons with 21 points from 7-for-10 shooting, and Chauncey Billups added 16 in the win.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 9 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 21-31 SU, 25-26-1 ATS
Detroit: 38-13 SU, 29-21-1 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Orlando are 9-1
After playing Atlanta are 9-1
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indiana's last 15 games when playing Detroit
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its 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 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
Next up:
Indiana home to Cleveland, Wednesday, February 20
Detroit home to Orlando, Tuesday, February 19
New Orleans Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- The New Orleans Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Bradley Center.
The Hornets flew past the Bulls 100-86 on Tuesday. The Hornets easily covered the 6-point spread, and the 186 points fell UNDER the posted total of 191.5.
Chris Paul had 25 points with 14 assists, while David West and Peja Stojakovic had a team-high 27 points in the win.
The Bucks were upset 96-89 by the Clippers last time out, as 3.5-point favorites at home. The 185 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Mo Williams shot 12-for-20 from the field with a game-high 31 points in the loss.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.
Milwaukee has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 35-15 SU, 31-18-1 ATS
Milwaukee: 19-33 SU, 22-29-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a win are 9-1
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 1-9
After playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
New Orleans is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
New Orleans is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Milwaukee is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
New Orleans home to Dallas, Wednesday, February 20
Milwaukee home to Detroit, Wednesday, February 20
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The fans at Target Center will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Kobe Bryant dropped 31 points to lead the Lakers to a 106-97 win over the Bobcats on Monday. The Lakers covered the 8.5-point spread, but the combined 203 points fell UNDER the posted total of 209.
Pau Gasol shot 9-for-11 from the field with 26 points, and Lamar Odom grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.
The Timberwolves fell 92-88 to the Nets last time out, as 6.5-point underdogs on the road. The 180 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 187.
Sebastian Telfair shot 8-for-17 from the field with a game-high 24 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 34-17 SU, 31-19-1 ATS
Minnesota: 10-40 SU, 24-25-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 3-3
After a win are 6-4
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 8-2
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games
LA Lakers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Minnesota is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers home to Atlanta, Tuesday, February 19
Minnesota home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, February 19
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks
- The Portland Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at American Airlines Center.
The Trail Blazers got behind early and go beaten 95-83 by the Rockets on Monday, as 9-point underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 182.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 22 points for the Trail Blazers, and shot 10-for-26 from the field.
The Mavericks fell 84-76 to the 76ers last time out as 3.5-point favorites at Wachovia Center. The 160 points were well UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Josh Howard led the Mavericks with 17 points and six rebounds.
Current streak:
Portland has lost 3 straight games.
Dallas has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 28-23 SU, 27-24 ATS
Dallas: 34-17 SU, 20-28-3 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 3-7
After playing Houston are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Portland's last 13 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Dallas is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing Portland
Next up:
Portland home to Sacramento, Tuesday, February 19
Dallas at Phoenix, Thursday, February 14