Monday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Raptors at Pacers**
-Caesars Palace installed Toronto as a three-point road ‘chalk’ over Indiana, with the total set at 207. This game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Toronto (30-24 straight up, 30-23 against the spread) improved to 3-1 SU and ATS its last four games after upending New York Sunday as an 11 ½-point home favorite, 115-92. The combined 207 points toppled the 201-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the fourth game in a row.
-The Raptors are 13-13 SU and 13-12 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 17-9. Toronto has been winning those affairs by an average score of 98-97.
-Indiana (22-34 SU, 26-30 ATS) dropped to 1-4 SU and ATS its last five games after falling to New Jersey Saturday as a four-point road underdog, 102-91. The combined 193 points went ‘under’ the 203-point closing total.
-The Pacers sport an 11-16 SU and 13-14 ATS home ledger, with the ‘over’ going 15-10. Indiana has been dropping its home affairs by an average score of 105-103.
-Toronto is 3-0 SU and ATS the last three meetings with Indiana after prevailing Dec. 14 as a three-point road underdog, 104-93. The ‘under’ 4-1 the last five games in this series.
**Wizards at Hornets**
-Caesars Palace opened New Orleans as a 10-point home favorite over Washington, with the total set at 195½. This game is scheduled to tipoff at 8:05 p.m. ET.
-Washington (26-29 SU, 32-22 ATS) is off Saturday’s victory over Charlotte as a 7 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 110-95. The combined 205 points eclipsed the 191 ½-point closing total.
-The Wizards are 10-17 SU and 16-10 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 17-10. Washington has been dropping those road affairs by an average score of 102-99.
-New Orleans (37-17 SU, 33-21 ATS) is mired in a two-game SU and ATS losing skid after Saturday’s setback to San Antonio as a seven-point road underdog, 98-89. The combined 187 points toppled the 183 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the past four games.
-The Hornets are 18-9 SU and 15-12 ATS at home, with the ‘over’ going 16-11. New Orleans has been winning its home endeavors by an average score of 101-94.
-Washington is 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS the last four meetings with New Orleans, but this is the first encounter this season.
-Washington forward Caron Butler (hip) is expected to miss this matchup with the Hornets.
**Bulls at Mavericks**
-Caesars Palace lists Dallas as a 9½-point home ‘chalk’ over Chicago, with the total set at 196. This matchup is slated to start at 8:35 p.m. ET.
-Chicago (22-33 SU, 23-32 ATS) has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses its last five games after falling to Houston Sunday as a 9 ½-point road underdog, 110-97. The combined 207 points soared past the 191 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the third consecutive contest.
-The Bulls are now 10-19 SU and 13-15 ATS on the road, dropping those affairs by an average score of 98-94.
-Dallas (37-19 SU, 23-30 ATS) is off Sunday’s victory over Minnesota as a 7 ½-point road ‘chalk,’ 99-83. The combined 182 points went ‘under’ the 189 ½-point closing total.
-The Mavericks are 23-3 SU and 11-12 ATS on their home court, prevailing in those outings by an average score of 104-95.
-Dallas is 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS the past five meetings with Chicago after winning Dec. 3 as a three-point road favorite, 103-98. The combined 201 points went ‘over’ the 187-point closing total.
**Hawks at Spurs**
-Caesars Palace installed San Antonio as a 12-point home favorite over Atlanta, with the total listed at 188. This contest is scheduled to begin at 8:35 p.m. ET.
-Atlanta (23-31 SU, 26-26 ATS) dropped to 1-4 SU its last five games after falling to Utah Saturday as a 13-point road underdog, 100-94. The combined 194 points went ‘under’ the 204½-point closing total, ending a string of four straight ‘over’ outings. That marked the second game in a row that the Hawks covered.
-Atlanta is just 7-20 SU and 11-15 ATS away from home, with the ‘under’ going 16-11. The Hawks have been dropping those affairs by an average score of 98-91.
-San Antonio (37-17 SU, 27-27 ATS) improved to 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS its last five games after topping New Orleans Saturday as a seven-point home ‘chalk,’ 98-89. The combined 187 points eclipsed the 183 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the past four games.
-The Spurs are 22-5 SU and 16-11 ATS at home, with the ‘under’ going 15-11. San Antonio has been winning those games by an average score of 98-89.
-The Spurs are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS the last five encounters with Atlanta after prevailing Nov. 20 as a six-point road favorite, 95-83. The combined 178 points went ‘under’ the 190-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the last five games in this series.
-Atlanta guard Acie Law is ‘doubtful’ against the Spurs due to a wrist injury.
**Pistons at Nuggets**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened this contest as a ‘pick,’ with the total set at 205½. This matchup is slated to start at 9:05 p.m. ET.
-Detroit (41-15 SU, 32-23 ATS) routed Phoenix Sunday as a 2 ½-point road underdog, 116-86, while the combined 202 points slithered ‘over’ the 201-point closing total. The ‘over’ has cashed the last three games for the Pistons.
-Detroit is now 19-10 SU and 15-13 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 17-12. The Pistons have been winning those games by an average score of 97-93.
-Denver (33-22 SU, 28-27 ATS) has dropped its last two outings SU and ATS after falling to Milwaukee Saturday as a three-point road ‘chalk,’ 115-109. The combined 224 points toppled the 214-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Nuggets are 22-6 SU and 17-11 ATS at home, with the ‘over’ going 15-12. Denver has been winning those games by an average score of 110-101.
-Detroit is 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS the past four meetings with Denver, but this is the first matchup this season.
-Denver forward Linas Kleiza (ankle) is ‘questionable’ against the Pistons.
**Celtics at Clippers**
-There is no overnight line or total on this contest due to various injuries. This game is scheduled to begin at 10:35 p.m. ET.
-Boston (42-12 SU, 31-20 ATS) ended a three-game losing skid SU and ATS by beating Portland Sunday as a 5 ½-point road favorite, 112-102. The combined 214 points soared past the 186-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Celtics are now 19-8 SU and 15-10 ATS away from home, winning those outings by an average score of 100-94.
-Los Angeles (19-34 SU, 24-29 ATS) had won back-to-back outings SU and ATS before falling to the Lakers Saturday as a 10-point home underdog, 113-95. The combined 208 points failed to eclipse the 211-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Clippers are now 11-17 SU and 13-15 ATS on their home court, with the ‘under’ going 17-11. Los Angeles has been dropping those matchups by an average score of 96-95.
-Boston beat the Clippers in the lone encounter this year (Feb. 6) as a 7 ½-point home favorite, 111-100. The combined 211 points soared ‘over’ the 184 ½-point closing total.
-Boston forward Brian Scalabrine (groin) is expected to miss this matchup with the Clippers. Los Angeles center Chris Kaman (back) and guard Sam Cassell (wrist) are ‘questionable’ versus the Celtics.
vegasinsider.com
Big Monday
Judd Hall
It’s time once again for another Big Monday troika on the family of networks as February draws to a close.
The festivities kick off in the city of Brotherly Love and closes out with a West Coast Conference showdown in the Rose City. And between those two contests, we’ll watch a quality Big XII clash.
Marquette at Villanova
The Golden Eagles are fresh off of a 78-48 victory over Rutgers as 8 ½-point home favorites last Saturday. It was the fourth straight contest that Marquette (20-6 straight up, 11-9 against the spread) covered the spread, while the ‘over’ has gone 3-1 during that time.
Villanova (17-9 SU, 8-14 ATS) could face a little hangover in this contest after surviving the Huskies, 67-65, as a 1 ½-point home “chalk” on Feb. 23. It was the Wildcats’ third win in their last four matches. Meanwhile, they’ve watched the ‘under’ go on a 6-1 run recently. More importantly though, the victory gives ‘Nova a little boost for a chance to make the NCAA tournament.
Something that has plagued the Wildcats this season is a lackluster defense, which is allowing 69.3 points per game and 43.8 field goal percentage. It seems like head coach Jay Wright might be getting through to his squad at just the right time. The ‘Cats held Connecticut to 40 percent shooting from the field and have given up an average of 54.5 in their last four games this year.
‘Nova is 12-2 SU, but just 3-8 ATS when playing at home this season. Meanwhile, the ‘under’ has posted a 9-2 record in those tilts.
Marquette hasn’t been adequate at best on the road this year as evidenced by its 5-4 mark SU and ATS.
The home team is 3-0 SU in this truncated Big East rivalry. The Eagles are a perfect 3-0 ATS during that time frame, with the ‘over’ going 2-1.
ESPN will begin televising this contest at 7:00 pm EDT.
Texas at Kansas State
Texas (23-4 SU, 13-8 ATS) is on a roll right now, winning 10 of its last 11 games this season. The ‘Horns most recent triumph came over Oklahoma as nine-point home favorites last Saturday, 62-45. In fact, the Longhorns have covered the spread in seven of their last eight contests.
The Wildcats have fallen on hard times suddenly, falling to Baylor as 1 ½-point ‘road underdogs on Feb. 23, 92-86. This is the second straight defeat for Kansas State (18-8 SU, 11-9 ATS). It’s also the second time in three games that Michael Beasley has lit up opponents for 40 points, 44 in this case versus the Bears.
If you look a little bit closer to the box score, K-State’s offense was predicated mostly by Beasley and Bill Walker, who scored 31 points in the loss. The Wildcats are on an 0-3 ATS run on the road.
Kansas State does have one thing going for it in this contest and that is home court advantage. The ‘Cats are 14-1 SU and 8-1 ATS at the Bramlage Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Texas hasn’t been all that strong when playing on the road this season. The Longhorns have gone 6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS away from Austin.
Something that’ll throw a few more bucks towards K-State is that it’s done well against the Longhorns when playing in Manhattan in recent history. The Wildcats are 3-2 SU and ATS when playing Texas in the “Little Apple.”
Tip-off in this tilt is set for 9:00 pm EDT with ESPN handling the broadcasting duties.
Gonzaga at Portland
The Bulldogs haven’t had their usual strong showings that we’re accustomed to seeing. Despite that fact, Gonzaga (21-6 SU, 14-13 ATS) controls its own destiny in terms of clinching the top seed in the West Coast Conference by winning its final three regular season matches. The Zags took down San Diego on Feb. 18 as six-point road favorites, 59-55, for their fourth consecutive win.
Portland (8-19 SU, 7-16-1 ATS), on the other hand, is reduced to playing out the string this season…which is also known as “business as usual” to Pilot fans. Their latest defeat came at the hands of San Francisco, 73-60, on Feb. 18 as 4 ½-point road ‘dogs. Portland is 2-9 SU and 1-9 ATS in its last 11 games this year.
Gonzaga has gone 9-0 SU and 4-4-1 ATS when facing off with the Pilots, dating back to Jan. 2004. The ‘over’ has been a popular bet in this head-to-head matchup, going 6-3 during this run for the Bulldogs.
The final act of Big Monday will get started at 11:00 pm EDT on ESPN2.
vegasinsider.com
Monday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers
* Raptors are 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings.
* The OVER is 8-1 in Toronto's last 9 games as a favorite.
* The OVER is 8-2 in Toronto's last 10 games overall.
* The OVER is 7-2-2 in Indiana's last 11 home games.
* The UNDER is 24-8 in Toronto's last 32 Monday games.
Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks
* Bulls are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
* Mavs are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Mavs are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 vs. Central Division.
* The OVER is 22-10-1 in Chicago's last 33 vs. Southwest Division.
* The UNDER is 9-3 in DAL last 12 vs. Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs
* Hawks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games.
* Hawks are 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
* Home team is 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* The OVER is 8-1 in Atlanta's last 9 games as a road underdog.
* The OVER is 7-1 in Atalanta's last 8 games overall.
Detroit Pistons at Denver Nuggets
* Pistons are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games.
* Pistons are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
* Nuggets are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games vs. Central Division.
* The OVER is 8-1 in Denver's last 9 games vs. Central Division.
* The OVER is 8-2 in Denver's last 10 games overall.
* The UNDER is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
CBB
#25 Marquette at Villanova
* Marquette owns 4 Big East conference victories this season of 25 points or more, the most of any team in the league. EDGE: MARQUETTE
* The Wildcats have won 3 straight at home, where they are 11-2 this season. They snapped a 2-game skid at the Wachovia Center with a 67-65 win over UConn on Saturday, also breaking the Huskies' 10-game winning streak. Marquette is just 4-4 on the road and lost 72-67 at then-No. 4 Villanova 2 seasons ago in its only visit as a Big East opponent. EDGE: VILLANOVA
* Villanova starts 2 freshmen and doesn't have a senior on the roster, but the Wildcats are starting to mature. Freshman reserve Corey Stokes had a season-high 18 points against Connecticut on Sarurday and has shot 10-of-20 from three-point range in the last 3 games. Insiders believe the Wildcats must keep winning and finish strong in order to get what most experts believe to be a 7th invite to the Big Dance from the Big East. EDGE: VILLANOVA
* Villanova is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 home games.
* The OVER is 21-10 in Marquette's last 31 games vs. Big East.
* The UNDER is 9-2 in Villanova's last 11 home games.
#7 Texas at #24 Kansas State
* Texas has allowed 95 total points in the last 2 games, with opponents shooting 28.4 percent during that span. The Longhorns have held 5 of their last 6 foes under 40 percent from the field. EDGE: UNDER
* All 3 of Kansas State's recent losses have come on the road, but the Wildcats have won 11 in a row at home. They're 6-0 in Big 12 games at Manhattan, winning by an average of 21.3 points, including a pair of victories over Top 10 teams. EDGE: KANSAS STATE
* Kansas State won 73-72 at Texas in the only meeting between the teams last season, holding Longhorns star A.J. Abrams to 7 points on 2-of-16 shooting. SLIGHT EDGE: KANSAS STATE
* The Longhorns are 7-0 SU this month - going 6-0-1 ATS - and a victory tonight would give them their first perfect February since the 1962-63 season. EDGE: TEXAS
* Texas is 21-8 ATS in its last 29 Monday games.
* Kansas State is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 home games.
* Kansas State is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 games vs. Big 12.
* The OVER is 16-5 in Kansas State's last 21 games overall.
San Diego at #20 St. Mary's
* San Diego is 45-19 ATS in its last 64 road games.
* St. Mary's is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 Monday games.
* Road team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
* The OVER is 38-18 in San Diego's last 56 games vs. WCC.
* The OVER is 31-15-2 in San Diego's last 48 road games.
* The OVER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
* The UNDER is 9-3 in St. Mary's last 12 vs. WCC.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in St. Mary's last 8 home games.
Gonzaga at Portland
* Gonzaga is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games vs. WCC.
* Gonzaga is 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 Monday games.
* The OVER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Portland's last 10 games overall.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Portland's last 10 games vs. WCC.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in Gonzaga's last 8 Monday games.
Pregame.com
Toronto Raptors vs. Indiana Pacers
- The Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The Raptors defeated New York 115-92 as an 11.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (201.5).
Andrea Bargnani scored 25 points for Toronto and Chris Bosh added 17 points in the win.
Indiana lost 102-91 to New Jersey as 4-point underdogs the last time out. The 193 points fell UNDER the posted total of 203.
Danny Granger tossed in 29 points with three boards and five assists in the loss.
Team records:
Toronto: 30-24 SU, 31-23 ATS
Indiana: 22-34 SU, 26-29-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing New York are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Indiana is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Indiana's last 22 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto home to Minnesota, Wednesday, February 27
Indiana home to Chicago, Wednesday, February 27
Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Hornets
- The Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Hornets will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at New Orleans Arena.
The Wizards dominated the second half and ran to a 110-95 win over the Bobcats last time out. The Wizards covered the 7.5-point spread, and the combined 205 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.
Antawn Jamison led the way with 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists. DeShawn Stevenson chipped in with 20 points in the victory.
The Hornets were stung in a 98-87 loss to the Spurs last time out, as 6-points road underdogs. The 187 points made it OVER the posted total of 183.
Chris Paul had 27 points, four rebounds and four assists in the loss for the Hornets.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 26-29 SU, 32-22-1 ATS
New Orleans: 37-17 SU, 32-21-1 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games at home
New Orleans is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
New Orleans is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
Next up:
Washington at Houston, Tuesday, February 26
New Orleans home to Phoenix, Wednesday, February 27
Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks
- The fans at American Airlines Center will be treated to a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks when they take their seats on Monday.
The Bulls lost to Houston 110-97 as a 9.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (192).
Tyrus Thomas led the Bulls with 18 points and Larry Hughes deposited 13 points in the loss.
The Mavericks defeated Minnesota 99-83 as an 8-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (190.5).
Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 29 points for Dallas, while Jason Kidd chipped in with 12 points and 17 assists.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 22-33 SU, 23-32 ATS
Dallas: 37-19 SU, 23-30-3 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing San Antonio are 7-3
After playing Minnesota are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Chicago's last 24 games when playing Dallas
Chicago is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
Dallas is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games
Next up:
Chicago at Indiana, Wednesday, February 27
Dallas at San Antonio, Thursday, February 28
Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs
- The Atlanta Hawks and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at AT&T Center.
The Hawks were bounced 100-94 by the Jazz on Saturday, as 13-poinr road underdogs. The 194 points were UNDER the posted total of 205.
Josh Smith had a game-high 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to complete a double-double in the loss.
The Spurs had a big third quarter and went on to defeat the Hornets 98-89 last time out. The Spurs covered the 7-point spread at home, and the 187 points made it OVER the posted total of 183.
Manu Ginobili led the Spurs with 30 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Tim Duncan chipped in with 25 points in the win.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 23-31 SU, 27-27 ATS
San Antonio: 37-17 SU, 27-27 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Sacramento are 2-8
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Sacramento, Wednesday, February 27
San Antonio home to Dallas, Thursday, February 28
Detroit Pistons vs. Denver Nuggets
- The Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Pepsi Center.
The Pistons defeated Phoenix 116-86 as a 3-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (201.5).
Rasheed Wallace scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Detroit, while Richard Hamilton added 18 points in the win.
The Nuggets were upset 115-109 by the Bucks last time out, as 3.5-point favorites on the road. The game's 224 points made it OVER the posted total of 213.5.
Allan Iverson scored 26 points for the Nuggets, and Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 25 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 2 straight games.
Denver has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 41-15 SU, 32-23-1 ATS
Denver: 33-22 SU, 28-27 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Seattle are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
Detroit is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games at home
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
Next up:
Detroit at Utah, Wednesday, February 27
Denver at Seattle, Wednesday, February 27
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers
- The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
The Celtics defeated Portland 112-102 as a 6-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (186).
Paul Pierce scored a game-high 30 points and Ray Allen added 19 points in the win.
The Clippers lost 113-95 to the Lakers last time out, as 10-point underdogs. The combined 208 points fell UNDER the posted total of 211.
Tim Thomas had 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the loss.
Team records:
Boston: 42-12 SU, 32-20-2 ATS
Los Angeles: 19-34 SU, 24-29 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland are 7-3
After playing Portland are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 11 games when playing Boston
LA Clippers are 7-15 SU in their last 22 games at home
Next up:
Boston home to Cleveland, Wednesday, February 27
LA Clippers home to Portland, Wednesday, February 27
Bobcats' Gerald Wallace out at least 2 weeks with concussion
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON (AP) -Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace will miss at least two weeks after suffering his fourth concussion in four seasons Friday night in a loss to Sacramento.
''Gerald is probably going to be two weeks to maybe slightly more,'' Charlotte coach Sam Vincent said before Saturday's game with the Washington Wizards. ''He's in an observation stage.''
Wallace was knocked unconscious by an inadvertent elbow to the face by the Kings' Mikki Moore, and was taken to the hospital. A team official said Wallace was suffering some amnesia, but tests showed no fractures and no internal bleeding.
Wallace was released from the hospital later Friday night.
''I think everybody, coaching staff, organization, wants to be cautious about getting him back,'' Vincent said. ''We want to make sure there's no danger to his health. We're going to give him the time, let him get examined, follow the process to make sure he's OK when he's ready to play.''
Although the concussion wasn't Wallace's fault, Vincent said the team has been concerned about the forward's aggressive style of play.
''This is something serious,'' Vincent said. ''I think coming back, he's got to be a little concerned, not concerned but aware. He needs to be aware.''
Wallace, the team's leading scorer with a 20.6 points per game, was replaced in the starting lineup by Jared Dudley.
College funds: Monday's top college hoops bets
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Marquette at Villanova
Marquette has recovered well from a blip that threatened its entire season. The Golden Eagles dropped back-to-back games against Louisville and Notre Dame at the start of February, but have bounced back to win four consecutive games both straight up and ATS.
At the center of Marquette’s success this season is forward Lazar Hayward. The sophomore has team highs in points (13.4) and rebounds (6.2), and had 15 points in just 19 minutes in the team’s 78-48 win over Rutgers on Saturday.
Villanova will certainly remember Hayward from their 80-67 loss to Marquette last season. He had 18 points and four rebounds against the Wildcats, in their third straight loss (both SU and ATS) to the Golden Eagles.
Texas at Kansas State
This is a game between two ranked teams, but they come into this contest as polar opposites. Texas has won seven straight games and has just two losses on the season, while Kansas St. has dropped three of its last four and needs a win to stay in the Top 25.
It’s hard to pinpoint where it’s all gone wrong for the Wildcats, but it seems they are relying too much on sophomore forward Bill Walker and freshman forward Michael Beasley. That duo combined for 75 of the Wildcats points in their last game, a 92-86 loss to Baylor. Only four other players managed to score in that loss.
The Longhorns have won all but three of their games this season and have easily covered the spread in five consecutive contests.
San Diego at St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s is off to its best start in almost 20 years and is now a serious contender in the West Coast Conference. It has won all but one of its league games this season and is tied with Gonzaga at the top of the WCC with just three games remaining.
The Gaels are a team built around powerful offense and have two players in particular that have tormented opposing defenses. Freshman Patrick Mills is averaging a team leading 14.8 points per game, while Diamon Simpson is adding a further 12.3.
San Diego, meanwhile, was the team that handed St. Mary’s that sole conference defeat. It won 63-55 at home to the Gaels on Jan. 28, covering a 7-point spread but St. Mary’s is 14-1 at home this season.
Monday’s best NBA bets
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Detroit at Denver
The Pistons made a sluggish start after the All-Star break which ended their 10-game winning streak, but they got back on track with a lot of help from Chauncey Billups on Friday night.
They dropped two straight coming out of the break, but Billups had 21 points and had 12 assists to lead them to a much-needed 127-100 win over the Bucks. It was a continuation of an impressive run for the veteran guard, who has is now averaging 18.8 points and 7.4 rebounds over his last five games.
That will give the Pistons a lot of confidence as they head to Denver. Detroit has played well against the Nuggets recently, winning both home and away against them last season. That includes a 95-82 win in Denver as 1-point favorite last March.
Toronto at Indiana
The Raptors have become one of the most inconsistent teams in the league this season. They have basically alternated between wins and losses for the last 10 games, although they did manage back-to-back wins once over that period.
Toronto’s last loss was probably its worst. It went to Madison Square Garden on Saturday night to take on a Knicks team that had lost 10 of its last 12 games. The Raptors ended up blowing a late lead and came out 103-99 losers as a 5-point road favorite.
But a trip to Indiana should help the Canadians bounce back from the loss and continue their yo-yo form. Toronto has won three straight games against the struggling Pacers, including a 104-93 win at Conseco Fieldhouse on Dec. 14.
Indiana, meanwhile, has lost three of its last four games both straight up and ATS.
Atlanta at San Antonio
The NBA Southwest took a familiar shape when San Antonio moved into a tie for first place after an impressive 98-89 win over the New Orleans Hornets. The Spurs have been one of the hottest teams in the league this month, winning eight of their nine games.
With Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker in their lineup they are one of the best offensive teams around, but a recent trade will make them much more solid on the other side of the ball. They acquired veteran Kurt Thomas from Seattle and the big man is averaging 8.8 rebounds per game this season.
Thomas will make his debut against Atlanta on Monday and that will make life even more difficult for the visitors. The Hawks have lost seven of their last eight games and have not won at San Antonio in their last nine attempts.
Monday NBA Gameday
Allen Iverson and the Denver Nuggets will be looking to knock off one of the East's best teams when they take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Here is your NBA Gameday …
Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers
The Raptors have been up-and-down so far in the month of February, but that's been enough to keep them solidly in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Toronto was upset by New York on Friday night, but they then rebounded with a win over the Knicks on Sunday. The Raptors and Pacers will meet again in Toronto on Friday night.
The Pacers have won just three of their past 10 games to fall out of the Top 8 of the Eastern Conference. Indiana knocked off the Nets 113-103 last Friday night, but they were beaten 102-91 in the rematch on Saturday. Danny Granger led the way with 29 points for the Pacers in that loss, while Mike Dunleavy tossed in 19 points in the contest.
Washington Wizards at New Orleans Hornets
The Wizards are still sitting in a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, but they've slipped badly in the standings by winning just two of their past 10 games. Washington, though, did manage to beat the Bobcats 110-95 on Saturday. Antawn Jamison had a team-high 22 points for the Wizards that day, while DeShawn Stevenson had 20 points.
New Orleans had their five-game winning streak stopped by the Rockets on Friday night, and they extended that skid by losing to the Spurs on Saturday. Houston pounded the Hornets 100-80, while San Antonio got a 98-89 victory. Chris Paul had 27 points for the Hornets against the Spurs, while Tyson Chandler had eight points and 10 rebounds.
Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs
The Hawks have hurt their playoff chances in the Eastern Conference by losing seven of their past 10 contests. Atlanta managed to beat Golden State on Friday, but they then lost 100-94 to the Jazz on Saturday. Mike Bibby contributed 18 points and nine assists in that defeat, but it was Josh Smith who led the way on offense with a 30-point outing.
San Antonio is looking to wrestle control of the Southwest Division away from the Hornets, and to that end they've only been beaten once in the month of February (versus the Celtics on February 10). Manu Ginobili had 30 points for San Antonio in their win over the Hornets, while Tim Duncan pitched in with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Detroit Pistons at Denver Nuggets
The Pistons are 8-2 so far in the month of February, and they don't look like they're going to have any trouble holding off the Cavaliers for the Central Division title. The Pistons trounced the Bucks 127-100 on Friday, and followed that up with a convincing 116-86 win over the Suns on Sunday. Rasheed Wallace had 22 points against Phoenix.
The Nuggets have won six of their past 10 contests, but a two-game losing streak has caused them to give up a bit of ground to the Jazz in the Northwest Division. Denver managed to beat Boston last Tuesday, but they fell back-to-back to the Bulls and Bucks on the weekend. Iverson had a team-high 26 points for the Nuggets against Milwaukee.
College hoops season getting messy
By: Chance Harper
The college basketball season is looking a lot like the recent gridiron campaign with top-ranked favorites dropping like flies. With Tennessee's win over Memphis on Saturday, we're about to see a new No. 1 for the first time since the Tigers assumed the position on Jan 21. And with ranked schools meeting this week, the pre-dance card isn't going to clear up anytime soon.
This just in: The Tennessee Volunteers are indeed all that. In a shocking upset, the Vols went into Memphis Saturday and beat the undefeated Tigers 66-62, cashing in as 6½-point road dogs and putting themselves in position to steal the No. 1 spot in the polls from John Calipari’s crew.
Is the 2007-08 college basketball season going to end up mirroring the crazy football season we just witnessed? Look what else went down Saturday: No. 5 Kansas (-11) lost to Oklahoma State. Nebraska (+10½) beat No. 22 Texas A&M. And there was plenty more where that came from. It’s a good thing there’s a March Madness tournament instead of BCS-esque computers, or else some otherwise outstanding teams would be left out of the championship hunt.
This week’s schedule has planted even more landmines on the road to the Final Four in San Antonio. Three of the following six teams are going to lose, and it’s going to hurt.
Texas at Kansas State -3
The Kansas State Wildcats didn’t escape Saturday’s carnage unscathed, losing 92-86 at Baylor (+1) to fall to 18-8 straight up and 11-9 against the spread. But the loss by the Jayhawks gives K-State a chance to move into a second-place tie with Kansas in the Big 12 standings, just one game behind the Texas Longhorns (23-4 SU, 13-8 ATS).
K-State has flown under the betting radar despite the outstanding work done by freshman sensation Michael Beasley (44 points against Baylor). Despite three losses in four games, the balanced ‘Cats were No. 11 in the team efficiency rankings heading into Sunday’s action. That’s still two spots behind the Longhorns. They’ve won seven games in a row at 6-0 ATS and will play the underdog role at Bramlage Coliseum on ESPN.
(25) Marquette (20-6, 12-9 ATS) at Villanova (17-9, 9-14 ATS)
The Wildcats will try to add to their NCAA Tournament resume when they host Big East rival Marquette inside the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.
Villanova has won three straight and four of five to pull itself off the NCAA Tournament bubble for the moment, scoring a road win at St. John’s on Feb. 16 (60-42 as a three-point favorite), then following it up with back-to-back home wins over West Virginia on Wednesday (78-56 as 1½-point ‘dogs) and UConn on Saturday (67-65 as a one-point chalk).
The Wildcats have cashed in four straight outings, which comes on the heels of a 1-12 ATS slump. Jay Wright’s squad sits in the middle of the pack in the Big East at 7-7 (4-5 ATS), good for ninth place in the 16-team league.
Marquette has followed up consecutive losses with four victories in a row, including a 78-48 blowout of Rutgers at home on Saturday, easily cashing as 18½-point favorites. The Eagles, who have covered in five straight games and six of seven, have surged to fifth-place in the conference with a 10-5 mark (8-7 ATS), two games behind league-leading Georgetown and Louisville.
The home team has won all three matchups in this series since 2002 with Marquette getting the 80-67 victory last season as 2½-point home favorites. The Golden Eagles are 3-0 ATS in the three matchups since 2002.
Villanova is 12-2 in designated home games at both the Wachovia Center in Philly and The Pavilion on campus, but is just 3-8 ATS in lined home contests.
The Eagles have won and covered back-to-back road contests, but they’re just 6-5 on the highway this season. On the bright side, they’re 7-3 ATS in lined road games, including four straight spread-covers.
Villanova has stayed under the total in seven straight contests, and the under is 9-2 in the Wildcats’ 11 home outings this season. However, Marquette has soared over the total in 21 of 31 Big East games dating back to last season and seven of 10 road contests this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE
(7) Texas (23-4, 13-8 ATS) at (24) Kansas State (18-8, 11-9 ATS)
The Longhorns are looking for their eighth straight win as they travel to Manhattan, Kan., to take on the Wildcats in a Big 12 showdown between two of the league’s top three teams.
Texas (10-2, 8-4 ATS in conference) destroyed Texas A&M 77-50 a week ago tonight, easily covering, as five-point home favorites, then whipped Oklahoma 62-45 on Saturday as an 8½-point home chalk. The Longhorns now sit atop the Big 12 standings, a game ahead of Kansas and two ahead of Kansas State. Also, they’re 7-0 ATS during their winning streak.
Texas is 8-3 SU (6-4 ATS) away from home this season, including 3-0 SU and ATS in their last three visits to Big 12 foes. The ‘Horns are also 21-8 ATS in their last 29 Monday tip-offs.
Kansas State has dropped two straight and three of four (1-3 ATS), all on the road, including Saturday’s 92-86 setback at Baylor as a one-point chalk. But the Wildcats (8-4 SU and ATS in conference) return home for this one where they are 14-1 SU (8-1 ATS), including 6-0 SU and ATS when hosting Big 12 foes.
The Wildcats are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 Big 12 games and 20-8 ATS in their last 28 inside Bramlage Coliseum, including 8-1 ATS this season. At home, K-State allows eight less points per game (60.2) than it does overall (60.2) and scores nearly five more in front of the home fans (85) than it does overall (80.5).
Although these rivals have split their last six meetings, Kansas State has gotten the cash in each of those contests. That includes a 73-72 win as eight-point ‘dogs last February in Austin, Texas. The last time the ‘Horns went to Manhattan, they came away with a 65-64 win, but failed as 8½-point favorites. Four of the last six meetings have been decided by three points or less.
The straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of Kansas State’s last 17 lined games and each of Texas’ last nine.
The over is 8-1 in the Wildcats’ last nine overall, including 5-0 in the last five. Also, the over is 6-3 in K-State’s nine lined home games and 7-3 in Texas’ 10 lined road outings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Washington (26-29, 32-23 ATS) at New Orleans (37-17, 32-21-1 ATS)
The Wizards will try to avoid their 11th loss in their last 13 games when they visit the Big Easy for a matchup with the suddenly struggling Hornets.
Even though it’s been tough to score a win, Washington has gone 5-1 ATS in its last six games, including Saturday’s 110-95 win and cover at home against Charlotte as 7½-point favorites. The Wizards are 16-11 ATS on the road and 16-12 ATS when playing on a day of rest.
Byron Scott’s Hornets have dropped back-to-back games, falling to the Rockets 100-80 on Friday as four-point home favorites and at San Antonio 98-89 on Saturday as seven-point road ‘dogs. The two losses come after a five-game winning streak (2-3 ATS). In fact, New Orleans has followed up a nine-game SU and ATS run by splitting its last 10 games, going just 3-7 ATS.
The home team has won the last six series clashes (5-1 ATS) and nine of the last 10 (7-3 ATS). Washington is 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings the last two seasons, but last year in New Orleans the Hornets earned a 104-97 win as 7½-point underdogs.
The over is 5-2 in Washington’s last seven overall and 7-3 in New Orleans’ last 10. The over is also on runs of 8-2 for the Wizards on the road, 11-3 when the Hornets are a favorite and 11-4 for the Hornets on Monday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER
Detroit (40-15, 31-23-1 ATS) at Denver (33-22, 28-27 ATS)
The Pistons’ offense has exploded the last two games, and they’ll need it again tonight when they visit the Pepsi Center in Denver to take on the high-scoring Nuggets.
Detroit opened the second half of the season with back-to-back home losses to Orlando and at Milwaukee, scoring 85 and 98 points, respectively. Since then, the Pistons have rebounded big time, obliterating the Bucks 127-100 as 12½-point home favorites on Friday, then crushing the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday 116-86 as 2½-point ‘dogs.
Despite Sunday’s rout at Phoenix, the Pistons are still just 2-7 ATS in their last nine road games.
Denver returns home after a brief and unsuccessful road trip to Chicago on Friday (135-121 loss as a 4½-point chalk) and Milwaukee on Saturday (115-109 defeat as a 3½-point favorite). The Nuggets are mired in a 1-3 SU and a 1-4 ATS slump, and they’ve given up an average of 118 points per game in their last five, surrendering at least 109 in every contest.
The home team is 6-1 SU (5-2 ATS) in the last seven series meetings, but Detroit has gotten the cash in 10 of the last 14 battles, going 5-2 ATS in its last seven visits to the Mile High City.
Denver nets 109.7 points per game at home, where it is 22-6 SU and 17-11 ATS. Most recently, George Karl’s club has won 10 of its last 11 at the Pepsi Center, going 9-2 ATS.
Despite the losses at Chicago and Milwaukee over the weekend, Denver is still an impressive 19-7 in its last 26 against Central Division squads.
The Pistons are on a 10-4-1 ATS roll when playing on back-to-back nights, but 0-5 ATS in their last five against Northwest Division opponents.
The under is 8-3 the last 11 times these teams have met, including 4-1 in the last five clashes in Denver. However, the over is on runs of 8-2 for Denver overall, 4-0 for Denver at home, 8-1 for Denver against Central Division foes, 5-1 for Denver on Mondays, 5-2 for Detroit overall, 5-1 for Detroit on the road and 4-1 for Detroit against the Northwest Division.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
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