Monday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
It was a long weekend around the nation and now Monday ushers in a fresh start in the Association. Utah has been, by far, the biggest winner in the last few days of action. Taking eight straight wins, smothering teams for a devastating 92.6 PPG allowed and running amuck on the ‘under’ (five under totals in a row), the Jazz are living up to their potential.
Nine games are scheduled to unleash basketball fury, so get your news and notes together as we search for mismatches and prime opportunity to bring in cold, hard cash.
**Philadelphia at Atlanta**
Both owning under .500 records, Philadelphia and Atlanta will look to start the week on the right foot. Looking at basic statistics, these two clubs are very comparable in points scored, points allowed, field goal percentage and rebounds. About the only deviation comes from head-to-head meetings, which have seen the 76ers build up a 7-3 SU and 4-6 ATS record. In eight of those head-to-head meetings, the ‘over’ has been the play, exchanging tickets for cash with a 6-2 run. Philadelphia has stepped up its defense in the last five, protecting the basket with 89.6 PPG allowed.
**Dallas at Orlando**
Taking three games from Orlando in their last three meetings (outscoring the Magic 325-301), the Mavericks will enter Monday with a 4-5 ATS record coming off zero days of rest. In their last six head-to-head games, the ‘over’ has been the play, hitting all six times. The Magic will be looking to add their fifth straight win in a row, and their eighth victory in nine. Off one day of rest, Orlando has tallied up a 15-11 ATS record in 26 games. Since Jerry Stackhouse suffered a strained hamstring almost a week ago, the Mavericks have gone 3-1 SU and 1-2-1 ATS.
**L.A. Clippers at New York**
With both squads posting a lonely 14 wins to begin the month of February off, something must give on Monday night. On defense, the Clips have allowed 104.4 PPG in their last five (posting a 1-4 SU and ATS record). And not much better are the Knicks, who have allowed 101.2 PPG in their last five (translating into an 0-5 SU record). With all the holes in its ‘D’, New York has covered the spread five times in six games. In their last five defeats, the Knicks have been outscored by an average of 6.2 points. The Clippers are suffering from a slew of injuries with Chris Kaman (‘questionable’) and Corey Maggette (‘day-to-day’ with the flu) being the newest additions to the clinic.
**Toronto at Miami**
The stats and trends coming out of Miami’s despicable play would have IRS employees fumbling with their calculators and highlighting numbers with red markers. Ripping off three wins in a total of 23 contests, going 6-24 in their last 30 home games and sinking below the depths with a 2-14 ATS report in their last 16 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game has sparked outrage among backers and fans of the Heat. On the other hand, Toronto is 36-16-2 ATS in their last 54 games versus Southeast teams, are 4-1 ATS in their last five Monday contests and have amounted a 4-0 ATS billing in their last four following an ATS loss. Miami’s Udonis Haslem has missed two games with a lingering ankle injury.
** Houston at Minnesota**
Finally piece mealing together its most impressive run this season, Minnesota has grabbed hold of a 5-2 SU and a 6-1 ATS run in its last seven. But the bad news is that the Timberwolves must now face a Rockets team whose gone 7-1 SU and 3-5 ATS in their last eight. A good reason for improved play by Houston is a defense holding teams to 93.8 PPG in the last five. Sitting out for one game now, the Rockets’ Luther Head has been listed ‘day-to-day’ with a groin injury. Minnesota will enter Monday with a 2-14 ATS record in its last 16 versus Southwest teams. The ‘over’ has gone 10-4 in the last 14 head-to-head meetings between these two squads.
**New Orleans at Utah**
Scoring 107.2 PPG in their last five, the Hornets have shot lights compared to their 99.5 PPG this season. But the improved offense hasn't come without a price. Giving up 4.8 PPG more on defense, New Orleans has dropped two in a row against Sacramento (112-103) and Golden State (116-103). On fire in its last 16 outings (14-2 SU, 11-5 ATS), the Jazz are 13-10 ATS when coming off one day of rest. The Hornets are 39-17-1 ATS in their last 57 overall games, and are 3-7 SU in their last 10 versus Utah. The Jazz are 23-9-1 ATS in their last 33 home games.
**Charlotte at Phoenix**
With a 33-14 SU and 22-24-1 ATS record, Phoenix will look to defend its home court after coming off a long three days worth of rest (0-2 ATS this season off three days of rest). The biggest news has to be the minus-17.1 PPG difference that the Suns are scoring when compared to their 111.6 PPG on the season. In its last 10, Phoenix has struggled to rattle the rim, scoring only 94.5 PPG. But with the bad comes the good (sometimes) and the Suns have played improved defense, allowing a skimp 95.6 PPG in the last five. Charlotte has limped along in its last 23 games, producing a shady 8-15 SU record and a weak 11-12 ATS bill. In the totals department, Charlotte has nailed the ‘over’ 21 times in the last 28 games versus Pacific teams.
**Denver at Portland**
A Portland team which began shocking the NBA with its 13-game winning streak in December is now showing signs of fatigue after tallying up five wins in its last 11 games. The Trailblazers have failed to cover the spread in the last five, and their 13-12 ATS record at home versus teams play over .500 ball is hovering above mediocrity. Backers have seen their tickets cash in at the window with Denver sealing up a 5-1 ATS performance in its last six. Continuing its vicious wire-to-wire action on the court, the Nuggets have drained the ball in the bucket for an average of 107.5 PPG in its last four victories. Denver’s Marcus Camby missed Saturday’s contest with a knee injury and Eduardo Najera is ‘day-to-day’ with an undisclosed rib injury.
**Chicago at Seattle**
With Luol Deng ‘out indefinitely’ with an achilles injury (anywhere from one to three weeks of recovery), Chicago is hoping that rookie Joakim Noah and Andres Nocioni can pick up the slack in the forward position. Dropping four of its last five games, the Bulls are averaging a debilitating 80.5 PPG in those four defeats. Chicago is 2-6 ATS in its last seven Monday games. Coming off a close win over the weak New York Knicks on Saturday (86-85), the Sonics will now look to string together their fourth straight victory. Seattle has its own injury problems, with Wally Szczerbiak and Jeff Green both players listed as ‘day-to-day’ (suffering from ankle problems).
vegasinsider.com.
Big Monday Preview
By Judd Hall
The Super Bowl is a fading memory now, but now we’ve got a nice tripleheader Big Monday card on ESPN. The night starts off with a Big East battle at the Bradley Center and ends in McKeon Pavilion on the West Coast.
Louisville at Marquette
Louisville (16-6 straight up, 9-11 against the spread) did exactly was expected of itself by taking down Rutgers as an 18-point home favorite, 87-50. Five Cardinals scored in the double-digits, with Earl Clark and Derrick Caracter leading the way with 12 points apiece.
A Rick Pitino team is always known for its three-point shooting abilities. Well, more like living and dying behind the arch. And it shows when Louisville went 11 of 28 beyond the three-point stripe last Saturday.
This was the first time the Cards saw the ‘over’ hit at home since Dec. 18…A span of eight home dates at Freedom Hall.
The Golden Eagles snapped their three-game slide away from home with a 75-60 victory at Cincinnati as 2 ½-point road favorites. Marquette (16-4 SU, 7-8 ATS) were effective from the field, shooting 46 percent (26 of 56). However, MU’s was not effective beyond the arch, hitting just four of 19 three-point shots.
The Cardinals lost their only match this year when posted as a road ‘dog, dropping at Connecticut, 69-67, as 1 ½-point underdogs. Also, Louisville has seen the ‘under’ go 9-4 in its last 13 games this season.
Marquette is 13-0 SU and 4-4 ATS at the Bradley Center this year, with the ‘over’ posting a 5-3 record.
Missouri at Kansas
The Tigers had their hands full with Kansas State last Saturday. Still, Missouri (13-9 SU, 7-9 ATS) found a way to win as a 4 ½-point home underdog, 77-74. It was just Mizzou’s second victory in its last six matches this year.
Missouri shot relatively equal to K-State from the field, but won the game at the charity stripe. The Tigers made 10 of their 13 free throw attempts. The Wildcats, on the other hand, connected on 10 of 20 shots at the line.
Kansas (21-1 SU, 12-7-1 ATS) played sluggishly in the opening half against the Buffaloes, going into halftime tied 30-30. Then the Jayhawks realized that they’re one of the premiere programs in the nation and outran Colorado as 18 ½-point road favorites, 72-59. This was the third straight road game where the ‘Hawks failed to cover the spread.
The Jayhawks were deadly accurate from the free throw line on Saturday, missing just four of their 25 charity shots. However, KU lost the turnover battle, 16-12, to the Buffs. That is something they can ill afford to do later on down the road.
Kansas has watched the ‘over’ go 7-2 in its past nine matches this season. And KU has seen the ‘over’ register a 6-2 mark in its last eight tilts at Allen Fieldhouse.
Mizzou is 1-7 ATS on the road this year, with the ‘over’ going 5-3.
Gonzaga at St. Mary’s
Perhaps the talent gap in the West Coast Conference is closing.
Gonzaga (17-5 SU, 10-9 ATS) won its eighth game out of nine since New Year’s Eve, this time as an eight-point road “chalk” at Santa Clara, 87-82, in double overtime. It was the first time the Bulldogs had failed to cover the spread away from Spokane since Dec. 20, a span of five road tilts.
The Zags were able to overcome losing the battle of the boards to the Broncos (31-23) by being able to make free throws…28 of 33 to be exact.
St. Mary’s (18-3 SU, 10-7 ATS) had no problems whatsoever in dispatching the pilots as a 19 ½-point home favorite, 86-49, last Saturday. The Gaels had four players rack up double-digit points. Ian O’Leary led St. Mary’s with 20 points, a season high for the junior from Woodland, California.
The Bulldogs have seen the ‘over’ go 5-1 in their last six matches. Gonzaga is 5-2 ATS when playing on the road this year.
The Gaels have been a polar opposite when looking at the totals, watching the ‘under’ go 5-1 in their past six games. Also, St. Mary’s has gone 7-4-1 ATS this year in the friendly confines of McKeon Pavilion.
St. Mary’s is 2-1 SU and ATS in its last three home meetings with the Zags going back to Jan. 2005. The ‘over’ went 2-1 during that time frame.
vegasinsider.com
NBA Today: February 4
SCOREBOARD Monday, Feb. 4
Chicago at Seattle (10 p.m. EST). The Bulls have lost nine straight road games.
STARS Sunday
-Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting and Los Angeles beat Washington 103-91.
-Rasheed Wallace, Pistons, finished with 21 points and nine rebounds in Detroit's 90-67 win at home against Dallas.
STREAKING
Detroit has won five straight following a 90-67 win over Dallas on Sunday.
STRUGGLING
Dallas posted its lowest scoring game and worst shooting performance (30 percent) in a 90-67 loss to Detroit on Sunday. The Mavericks previous lows were 76 points Dec. 12 at Toronto and 35 percent Nov. 10 at Portland.
SIDELINED
Pau Gasol sat out the Los Angeles Lakers' 103-91 victory at Washington on Sunday, not quite ready to play for his new team because of a sore back, a whirlwind 48 hours and an unfamiliarity with the triangle offense. Memphis traded Gasol to the Lakers on Friday.
FAST START
The Los Angeles Lakers scored 63 points in the first half of a 103-91 win at Washington on Sunday. It was the most points allowed by the Wizards in a first half this season.
SPEAKING
''He's just better in person.'' - Washington's Nick Young on Kobe Bryant. Young, who grew up in California as a Lakers and Bryant fan, saw the Lakers' superstar score 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting in a 103-91 win at Washington on Sunday.
Louisville (16-6, 9-10-1 ATS) at (17) Marquette (16-4, 7-8 ATS)
Marquette looks to build on the momentum created from its first Big East road victory of the season when it returns home to face a Louisville team that crushed the Golden Eagles three weeks ago.
Marquette routed Cincinnati 75-60 on Saturday for its third consecutive victory and first on the road in league action. The Eagles cashed as a two-point road chalk to halt an 0-4 ATS slide, but they’re still just 2-6 against the number in their last eight, all in conference play.
Louisville hammered Rutgers 87-50 on Saturday, easily cashing as a hefty 18½-point favorite. The Cardinals are on a 6-2-1 ATS tear, going 3-1-1 ATS in their last five on the highway.
Both teams are 6-3 SU in Big East action, but Louisville is 5-3-1 ATS while the Golden Eagles are 3-6 ATS.
The Cardinals handed Marquette its worst loss of the season back on Jan. 17 in Louisville, winning 71-51 as a three-point home chalk. Rick Pitino’s squad has won five of the last six meetings (4-2 ATS), including a 61-59 victory at Marquette last year as a three-point underdog. The ‘dog is 6-3 ATS in the last nine series battles.
Louisville is on ATS tears of 11-3-1 on the road and 22-8-2 in Big East play.
This season, the under is 6-3 in Louisville’s Big East games and 8-3 for Louisville on the road. Also, the under is 4-1 in the last five series meetings. However, the over is 18-7 in Marquette’s last 25 league contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: LOUISVILLE and UNDER
Missouri (13-9, 7-9 ATS) at (2) Kansas (21-1, 13-7 ATS)
Kansas goes for the season sweep of Missouri when these Big 12 rivals, both coming off victories, clash at Allen Fieldhouse.
The Jayhawks bounced back from their first loss of the season – Wednesday’s 84-75 setback at Kansas State – with a 72-59 win at Colorado. However, Bill Self’s squad never threatened to cover as an 18-point road chalk, falling to 2-3 ATS in its last five after starting the season 11-4 ATS. Kansas is once again tied with Kansas State atop the Big 12 standings at 6-1 (4-3 ATS).
Missouri took advantage of an overconfident Kansas State squad with Saturday’s 77-74 victory as a four-point home underdog. The Tigers are just 3-4 SU and ATS in Big 12 play, including 2-4 SU and ATS in their last six.
Missouri played the Jayhawks tough on their home court back on Jan. 19, but still came up short 76-70. However, it cashed as a seven-point home underdog, starting Kansas’ current 2-3 ATS slump.
Going back to 2004, the Jayhawks have won eight of the last 10 series meetings, including the last four in a row. However, Missouri is 5-2 ATS in the last seven battles, all as an underdog. The pup is 9-3-2 ATS in the last 14 head-to-head battles.
The Tigers are 2-7 ATS in road/neutral-site games this year, including 0-3 ATS when visiting Big 12 opponents (1-2 SU). They give up an average of 82.2 points per game on 50 percent shooting on the highway. Going back to last season, Mizzou is mired in ATS slumps of 3-8 in league play and 7-19 as a visitor.
Kansas is destroying teams on its home floor, going 14-0 SU and 9-3 ATS while winning by an average margin of 28 points per game (86-58) and outshooting its visitors 52.7 percent to 36.5 percent.
The over is on streaks of 7-2 for Kansas overall, 6-2 for Kansas in the Big 12, 4-0 for Kansas at home, 4-1 for Kansas on Monday, 7-3 for Missouri on the road, 5-0 for Missouri on Mondays and 6-3 in this rivalry. However, last month’s meeting stayed under the number, and the under is 5-2 in the last seven battles at Allen Fieldhouse.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS and OVER
Gonzaga (17-5, 11-11 ATS) at (21) St. Mary’s (18-3, 10-7-1 ATS)
Fresh off a double-overtime victory at Santa Clara, Gonzaga goes back on the road to face 21st-ranked St. Mary’s in a key matchup between the top two teams in the West Coast Conference.
The Bulldogs needed two extra sessions to get past Santa Clara 87-82 on Saturday to remain perfect in conference play (6-0), one game up on St. Mary’s. However, Gonzaga came up short as a 7½-point road chalk, falling to 4-3 ATS in the WCC despite averaging 83.5 ppg in conference play.
St. Mary’s bounced back from last Monday’s 63-55 upset loss at San Diego with Saturday’s 86-59 rout of Portland as a 19½-point favorite. The Gaels are 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in league action, scoring 76 points or more in all five wins.
The home team is 5-1 SU in the last six meetings (3-3 ATS), with each team winning and covering on its own floor last season. Gonzaga rolled 60-49 as a nine-point chalk and St. Mary’s won 80-75 as a three-point home underdog.
Going back to last year, the Zags are on an 8-3 ATS roll in conference play, but are just 5-11-1 ATS on Mondays.
Like Gonzaga, the Gaels are on an 8-3 ATS tear in WCC action, but unlike the Bulldogs, they’ve been strong on Mondays lately, going 11-3 ATS in the last 14 despite last Monday’s loss at San Diego.
The over is 5-1 in Gonzaga’s last six road contests. However, the under is 5-0 in its last five Monday games, 5-1 in St. Mary’s last six overall, 4-1 in St Mary’s last five at home and 8-0-1 in St Mary’s last nine following a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA
Dallas (31-14, 19-24-3 ATS) at Orlando (31-18, 31-17-1 ATS)
The Mavericks conclude a tough four-game road trip when they head down to Orlando to battle the streaking Magic.
Dallas got routed 90-67 at Detroit on Sunday as a five-point road underdog. The Mavericks are 12-4 in their last 15 games, but 2-6-2 ATS in their last nine.
Orlando carries a four-game winning streak into this contest following Saturday’s 121-115 win at Indiana. The Magic covered as a 3 ½-point road favorite, and they’re 8-4-1 ATS in their last 13.
This rivalry has belonged to the Mavericks lately, as they’ve won eight of the last 10 meetings, including the last three in a row. However, the Magic are 6-1 ATS in the last seven against Dallas – all as an underdog – including cashing as a 5½-point pup in a 111-108 loss in Texas on Dec. 17. The visitor is 5-1 ATS in the last six head-to-head encounters.
The Mavs are just 11-12 on the road this year, going 9-14 ATS (2-5 ATS in the last six). Dallas is also 3-13 ATS in its last 15 against teams with a winning home record, and 2-5 ATS in its last seven when playing on the second night of a back-to-back spot.
Orlando started the season just 7-8 SU and ATS at home, but has since won its last five in a row at Amway Arena (4-0-1 ATS). The Magic are also on positive ATS streaks of 4-1 against the Western Conference and 7-2-1 on Mondays.
The Mavs have followed a 5-1 “over” streak by staying under the total in their last four. Additionally, for Dallas, the under is on streaks of 18-7 overall, 11-3 on the road and 7-1 against the Eastern Conference. Also, the under is 5-1-2 in the Magic’s last seven at home. However, the over is 6-0 in the last six series meetings (2-0 in Orlando).
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER
New Orleans (32-14, 29-16-1 ATS) at Utah (30-18, 25-23 ATS)
The red-hot Jazz shoot for their ninth consecutive victory when they host the suddenly struggling Hornets at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.
Utah returns home off of two blowout road wins at Washington on Thursday (96-87) and Memphis on Saturday (110-91). The Jazz cashed in both games, and they’re 7-1 ATS during their eight-game winning streak.
New Orleans has followed up a nine-game SU and ATS winning streak with consecutive losses to the Warriors at home (116-103 as a nine-point home chalk) and the Kings on the road (112-103 as a two-point favorite). The straight-up winner has cashed in each of the Hornets’ last 22 games.
These teams faced off way back on Nov. 23 in Utah, and the Jazz hammered New Orleans 99-71 as a 6½-point home favorite. Utah has won three straight meetings and seven of the last nine, going 5-3-1 ATS (2-0-1 ATS in the last three).
Utah enjoys the biggest home-court advantage in the NBA with a 20-3 record at EnergySolutions Arena (15-8 ATS). That includes an ongoing 10-game home winning streak (7-3 ATS). Dating to last season, Utah is 23-9-1 ATS as a host.
Despite losing at Sacramento on Friday, New Orleans is still one of the NBA’s best bets on the road, going 16-6 SU and 15-6-1 ATS. Going back to last year, the Hornets are 22-6-1 ATS as a visitor. They’re also 39-17-1 ATS in their last 57 games overall and 9-3 ATS as an underdog this season.
New Orleans has scored at least 103 points in eight of its last nine games, including the last five in a row. Meanwhile, Utah is averaging 105.3 ppg during its eight-game winning streak.
The Hornets have topped the total in three straight games and seven of the last nine. On the flip side, Utah has stayed low in five consecutive games. The under is also 11-5 in the last 16 series clashes between these squads, including 6-2 in the last eight in Utah.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH and UNDER
gametimepicks.com
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Philips Arena.
Philadelphia were outrebounded 42-33 in Friday's 108-106 loss to Orlando, coming in as 4-point home underdogs. The 214 points scored were OVER the posted total of 197.
Andre Miller notched 23 points and 11 assists, while Thaddeus Young had 15 points for the 76ers.
Atlanta raced out to a 17-point halftime lead in Saturday's 104-92 win over New Jersey, covering the 7-point home spread. The 196 points scored were OVER the posted total of 191.
Marvin Williams had 24 points, while Josh Childress was 10-for-11 from the field for 23 points for the Hawks.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 18-29 SU, 22-24-1 ATS
Atlanta: 20-24 SU, 22-22 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 1-9
Before playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Philadelphia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Washington, Tuesday, February 5
Atlanta home to LA Lakers, Wednesday, February 6
Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic
- The Dallas Mavericks and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Amway Arena.
The Mavericks lost to Detroit 90-67 as a 5.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (184.5).
Dirk Nowtikzi led the Mavericks with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Howard also netted 15 points in the loss.
Six Orlando players reached double figures in Saturday's 121-115 win at Indiana, covering the 3.5-point home spread. The 236 points scored were OVER the posted total of 214.5.
Dwight Howard notched 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Hedo Turkoglu hit 23 points for the Magic.
Current streak:
Dallas has lost 2 straight games.
Orlando has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 31-15 SU, 19-24-3 ATS
Orlando: 31-18 SU, 31-17-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After playing Detroit are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Orlando is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
Next up:
Dallas home to Milwaukee, Wednesday, February 6
Orlando home to New Jersey, Wednesday, February 6
Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat
- The Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Toronto shot 43.9% from the field in Friday's 121-101 loss to the Lakers, falling as 7-point home favorites. The 222 points scored were OVER the posted total of 205.5.
Andrea Bargnani led the way with 28 points, while Chris Bosh added 22 points and 15 boards for the Raptors.
Miami had 16 turnovers in Friday's 94-85 loss to New Jersey, coming in as 3-point home underdogs. The 179 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 193.
Dwayne Wade scored 15 points, and Mark Blount dropped 14 points for the Heat.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 25-21 SU, 26-20 ATS
Miami: 9-37 SU, 16-29-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After a loss are 7-3
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto home to LA Clippers, Friday, February 8
Miami at Detroit, Wednesday, February 6
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New York Knicks
- The Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
The Clippers were outrebounded 50-35 in Saturday's 98-84 loss at Cleveland, falling as 9-point road underdogs. The 182 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 182.5.
Al Thornton came off the bench with 23 points, and Cuttino Mobley fired in 19 points for the Clippers.
New York were outrebounded 55-34 in Saturday's 86-85 loss at Seattle, falling as 3-point road underdogs. The 171 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 201.
Zach Randolph scored a game-high 24 points, and Jamal Crawford hit 23 points for the Knicks.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
New York has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 14-30 SU, 19-25 ATS
New York: 14-33 SU, 23-24 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Seattle are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing New York
LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
New York is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
New York is 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
New York is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Boston, Wednesday, February 6
New York home to Indiana, Wednesday, February 6
Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Target Center.
Houston shot 50.7% from the field in Saturday's 91-83 win at Milwaukee, covering the 7-point road spread. The 174 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 184.
Tracy McGrady notched 33 points and 11 rebounds, and Yao Ming added 12 points and 12 boards for the Rockets.
Minnesota outscored the Clippers 52-27 in the second half in Friday's 104-83 win, covering the 7-point home spread. The 187 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Al Jefferson put up 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Craig Smith added 21 points for the Timberwolves.
Current streak:
Houston has won 3 straight games.
Minnesota has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 27-20 SU, 23-23-1 ATS
Minnesota: 10-36 SU, 22-24 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 9-1
After a win are 8-2
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Houston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Houston's last 14 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Next up:
Houston home to Cleveland, Thursday, February 7
Minnesota home to Boston, Friday, February 8
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Phoenix Suns
- The fans at US Airways Center will be treated to a game between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Phoenix Suns when they take their seats on Monday.
Charlotte was 42.4% from the field in Saturday's 117-101 loss at Denver, falling as 14-point road underdogs. The 218 points scored were OVER the posted total of 212.5.
Jason Richardson poured in 38 points, and Emeka Okafor added 20 points and 18 boards for the Bobcats.
The Suns lost 84-81 to the Spurs Thursday night, as 7-point favorites at home. The 165 points were well UNDER the posted total of 202.5.
Shawn Marion shot 8-for-14 from the field with 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 18-30 SU, 19-28-1 ATS
Phoenix: 33-14 SU, 22-24-1 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 2-8
After playing Denver are 4-3
After a loss are 5-5
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing New Orleans are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 3-7
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Charlotte is 5-14 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Phoenix is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
Charlotte home to New Jersey, Friday, February 8
Phoenix home to New Orleans, Wednesday, February 6
New Orleans Hornets vs. Utah Jazz
- The New Orleans Hornets and the Utah Jazz will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at EnergySolutions Arena.
New Orleans had 16 turnovers in Friday's 112-103 loss at Sacramento, falling as 2-point road favorites. The 215 points scored were OVER the posted total of 202.5.
Tyson Chandler dropped 21 points, while Chris Paul notched 15 points and 19 assists for the Hornets.
Utah forced 23 Memphis turnovers in Saturday's 110-91 win, covering the 8-point road spread. The 211 points scored were OVER the posted total of 209.5.
Carlos Boozer put up 19 points and ten boards, while Deron Williams had 16 points and 11 assists for the Jazz.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Utah has won 8 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 32-14 SU, 29-16-1 ATS
Utah: 30-18 SU, 25-23 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 9-1
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
New Orleans is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
New Orleans is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
New Orleans is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Next up:
New Orleans at Phoenix, Wednesday, February 6
Utah at Denver, Wednesday, February 6
Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Rose Garden.
Denver hit 18 more free throws than Charlotte in Saturday's 117-101 win, covering the 14-point home spread. The 218 points scored were OVER the posted total of 212.5.
Carmelo Anthony had 25 points and ten rebounds, while Allen Iverson chipped in 24 points and 13 assists for the Nuggets.
Portland held New York to 39.4% from the field in Friday's 94-88 overtime win over New York, failing to cover the 7.5-point home spread. The 182 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 189.
Brandon Roy racked up a triple-double with 20 points, 11 assists and ten rebounds, while Steve Blake had 19 points for the Trailblazers.
Current streak:
Denver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 28-18 SU, 24-22 ATS
Portland: 27-19 SU, 26-20 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Utah are 4-6
After playing Charlotte are 4-3
After a win are 5-5
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing New York are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games on the road
Denver is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games when playing Portland
Denver is 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games
Portland is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Next up:
Denver home to Utah, Wednesday, February 6
Portland home to Chicago, Wednesday, February 6
Chicago Bulls vs. Seattle SuperSonics
- The Chicago Bulls and the Seattle SuperSonics will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at KeyArena.
Chicago had 19 turnovers in Saturday's 105-101 loss at Sacramento, falling as 8.5-point road underdogs. The 206 points scored were OVER the posted total of 198.5.
Ben Gordon sunk 33 points, and Kirk Hinrich added 18 points for the Bulls.
Seattle outrebounded New York 55-34 in Saturday's 86-85 win, failing to cover the 3-point home spread. The 171 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 201.
Kevin Durant notched 21 points, while Chris Wilcox had 20 points and ten boards for the Supersonics.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Seattle has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 18-28 SU, 17-29 ATS
Seattle: 12-35 SU, 22-24-1 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 7-3
After playing New York are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Chicago is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Seattle
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Seattle is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Chicago
Seattle is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games at home
Seattle is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at Portland, Wednesday, February 6
Seattle at Sacramento, Wednesday, February 6
Monday NBA Gameday
The Orlando Magic will be looking to extend their winning streak to five games on Monday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks. Here is your NBA Gameday . . .
Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic, 7:00pm ET
The Mavericks will be playing the second of back-to-back contests on Monday night, as they had a game in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. Dallas has been dominant at home so far this season, but picking up victories on the road has been a struggle for them. The Mavericks are still battling the surprising Hornets for first place in the Southwest Division.
Orlando began the month of February with consecutive wins over the Sixers and Pacers, and they've now won eight of their past 10 games. The Magic haven't been facing much competition from the other teams in the Southeast in recent weeks, which has allowed them to extend their lead in the division. Orlando is 12-8 at home this year.
New Orleans Hornets at Utah Jazz, 9:00pm ET
The Hornets had their nine-game winning streak snapped last Wednesday by the Warriors, and they lost their second consecutive contest by a score of 112-103 to the Kings on Friday night. Peja Stojakovic had 25 points for New Orleans in that loss, while Chris Paul scored 15 points and picked up 19 assists. Tyson Chandler scored 21 points.
The Jazz have won eight games in a row to open up a one-game lead on the Nuggets in the Northwest Division. Utah knocked off Washington 96-87 on Friday night, and followed that up with a 110-91 win over Memphis on Saturday. Carlos Boozer led the way with 19 points against Memphis, while Deron Williams had 16 points and 11 assists.
Charlotte Bobcats at Phoenix Suns, 9:00pm ET
The Bobcats have lost three games in a row and seven of their past 10 contests to fall to 18-30 on the season. Charlotte was pounded 127-96 by Golden State on Friday, and they then lost 117-101 to Denver on Saturday. Jason Richardson had a game-high 38 points for Charlotte against Denver, while Emeka Okafor had 20 points and 18 boards.
The Suns haven't played since January 31, when they lost 84-81 to the Spurs. Phoenix, though, has managed to pick up a win in seven of their past 10 games to increase their lead in the Pacific Division standings. Shawn Marion had a team-high 21 points for the Suns in their loss to the Spurs, while Steve Nash picked up 17 points and eight assists.
Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers, 10:00pm ET
The Nuggets have won two games in a row to stay within a game of the Jazz in the Northwest Division. Denver got past Memphis 106-102 to end their January schedule, and they had no trouble knocking off the Bobcats on Saturday. Carmelo Anthony had 25 points for the Nuggets in that victory, while Allen Iverson had 24 points and 13 assists.
The Trail Blazers lost three of their final four games in the month of January, but they started February with a 94-88 win over the Knicks on Friday night. Portland is now two games behind Utah in the Northwest Division. Brandon Roy led the way for the Blazers with 20 points against New York, and he was also good for 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
Nuggets C Marcus Camby (knee) has been added to the injury report as questionable for tonight's game at Portland.
Missouri's leading scorer G Stefhon Hannah (15 ppg; suspension) is expected to miss Monday's game.
Clippers F Corey Maggette (flu) and C Chris Kaman (flu) are questionable for Monday's game.