Nets trade Jason Collins to Memphis
February 4, 2008
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -The New Jersey Nets acquired Memphis Grizzlies forward Stromile Swift on Monday for center Jason Collins and cash.
The 6-foot-10 Swift is expected to add athleticism to the frontcourt of the Nets, who have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Swift averaged 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds in seven seasons with Memphis and one with the Houston Rockets.
The former LSU star spent his first five seasons with the Grizzlies. He was traded to Houston before the 2005-06 season and traded back to Memphis last season.
Collins was drafted by Houston in 2001 and traded to the Nets on draft night in a deal for Eddie Griffin that also sent Richard Jefferson to New Jersey. He was a member of the Nets' NBA Finals teams in 2002 and 2003 and has averaged 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds over seven seasons.
Toronto's T.J. Ford gets back on court after 24-game absence
February 4, 2008
MIAMI (AP) -T.J. Ford returned to the Toronto Raptors' lineup Monday night after missing 24 games with a left arm stinger.
The guard entered the Raptors' game against the Miami Heat with 9:55 left in the second quarter.
Ford was injured Dec. 11 at Atlanta, when Hawks rookie Al Horford knocked him to the ground. Ford was taken off the court on a stretcher and was hospitalized overnight.
He rejoined the Raptors in Miami on Sunday, about four weeks after being cleared to resume workouts.
Ford was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2001, then suffered a neck injury in February 2004 and was sidelined until the 2005-06 season. And he's had at least two other problems with stingers before, first during the playoffs last year against New Jersey and then for six games earlier this season after colliding with Dallas' Josh Howard on Nov. 20.
Entering Monday, Ford was averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 assists in 17 games this season.
Bobby Knight has unexpectedly resigned
February 4, 2008
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -Texas Tech coach Bob Knight resigned Monday and his son Pat will take over the program.
Chris Cook, a spokesman for athletic director Gerald Myers confirmed the resignation, which was first reported by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
Bob Knight has 902 career wins, more than any coach in the history of Division I men's basketball. Win No. 900 came last month against Texas A&M. The Red Raiders are 12-8 this season.
The 67-year-old Knight has been a head coach for 42 years at three Division I schools. He got his 100th victory at Army, then moved to Indiana, where his Hoosiers went 662-239 and won three national championships from 1971-2000.
His first NCAA title came in 1976 when Indiana went undefeated, a feat no team has done since. In 1984, he coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in Los Angeles.
Knight, known as much for his fiery temper as his coaching brilliance, came to Texas Tech in March 2001, six months after being fired by Indiana for what school officials there called a ``pattern of unacceptable behavior.''
He began his coaching career in 1965 at Army, where at 24 he was the youngest-ever Division I coach.
Tuesday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers
* The Boston Celtics are 16-4 on the road this season. The Celtics are expected to be without their star forward Kevin Garnett for this game, but Paul Pierce and Ray Allen compensated for the forward's absence last time out, each scoring 26 points. Boston has won its last two games without Garnett. EDGE: CELTICS
* The Cleveland Cavaliers have won eight of their last nine when LeBron James is in the lineup, and are 12-3 overall in 2008. James had 38 points and 13 assists against Boston already this season, and have defeated the Celtics five straight times in Cleveland. EDGE: CAVS
* Celtics are 46-18-1 ATS in their last 65 road games.
* Celtics are 2-6-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Cavs are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
San Antonio Spurs at Indiana Pacers
* The San Antonio Spurs will again be without starting point guard Tony Parker for this game, and have been mediocre over the last eight weeks. The Spurs are just 12-13 over that stretch and have scored just 169 points combined in their last two games. EDGE: PACERS
* The Indiana Pacers have tied a season high with six straight losses, and have allowed 108 ppg during that stretch. It doesn’t look to good for them to snap that streak here, as tehe Spurs have won 14 of the last 19 meetings. EDGE: SPURS
* Spurs are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.
* Pacers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Tuesday games.
* The OVER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.
Washington Wizards at Philadelphia 76ers
* Wizards are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games against the Atlantic Division.
* 76ers are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 Tuesday games.
* The OVER is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings.
Los Angeles Lakers at New Jersey Nets
* Pau Gasol is expected to make his LA Lakers debut in this game against the New Jersey Nets. The Lakers have been firing on all cylinders since the trade was announced on Friday. They have won back-to-back games by an average of 16 points while scoring a combined 224 points. BIG EDGE: LAKERS
* The Nets are just 2-10 SU over their last 12 games, and are fresh off allowing a lonely Hawks road team to score 104 points last time out. The Hawks scored 58 of those points in the paint – and according to team insiders the new Laker Gasol will be used a lot in the paint. EDGE: LAKERS
* Lakers are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 road games.
* Nets are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
* The road team is 7-1-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
CBB
Michigan at Ohio State
* Michigan is 4-14 ATS in its last 18 games overall.
* The OVER is 9-3 in Michigan’s last 12 road games.
* Ohio State is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games against the Big 10.
#19 Florida at #8 Tennessee
* Tennessee returns to Knoxville, where they have Division I's fourth-longest home win streak. They've won 27 in a row at Thompson-Boling Arena, including 11 this season. With a win over Florida, Tennessee can match the second-longest home win streak in school history. EDGE: TENNESSEE
* Tennessee’s leading scorer guard Chris Lofton is averaging 19 points and shooting 53 percent from the field in five career games against Florida. He's 19-for-41 (46 percent) from 3-point range in those contests. EDGE: TENNESSEE
* Florida is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* Florida is 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
* The underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
#12 Butler at Valparaiso
* Butler hopes to start 20-2 for the second time in school history and have faced Valparaiso a total of 93 times, but only three times since the 1994-95 season. Butler has won all three of those meetings. The Bulldogs have won also won seven of eight in the series dating back to the 1990-91 season. EDGE: BUTLER
* Valparaiso, in its first Horizon League season, is just 2-2 at home in conference, and have lost six of its last 10 games overall. It has also lost 21 straight against ranked teams. EDGE: BUTLER
* Butler is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games overall.
* The UNDER is 11-2 in Butler’s last 13 road games.
* Valparaiso is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games overall.
Pregame.com
Tuesday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
There are just three ‘board’ games concerning Tuesday’s schedule. A couple of key injuries are delaying the odds in the Boston-Cleveland contest and the Milwaukee-Memphis matchup. All three games that are listed Tuesday feature road favorites.
**Wizards at Sixers**
-Caesars Palace installed Washington as a 1½-point road ‘chalk’ over Philadelphia, with the total set at 191. This game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Washington (24-22 straight up, 27-18 against the spread) is currently mired in a three-game SU and ATS losing streak after falling to the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday as a 3½-point home underdog, 103-91. The combined 194 points failed to eclipse the 203½-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to cash the second game in a row.
-The Wizards were never able to recover after getting outscored by Los Angeles in the first quarter, 30-15. Antawn Jamison paced the offense with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Caron Butler added 15 and seven assists.
-Washington is 9-12 SU and 12-8 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 13-8. The Wizards have been dropping their road endeavors by an average score of 101-98.
-Philadelphia (18-30 SU, 22-23 ATS) is off Monday’s setback to Atlanta as a five-point road underdog, 96-91. The combined 187 points slithered ‘under’ the 187 ½-point closing total.
-The Sixers are 9-14 SU and 9-12 ATS on their home court, winning those games by an average score of 95-94.
-Washington had beaten Philadelphia four games in a row SU (3-1 ATS) before dropping the last meeting Nov. 30 as a two-point road underdog, 85-84. The combined 169 points never seriously threatened the 194½-point closing total.
-Philadelphia guard/forward Andre Iguodala (flu) is ‘probable’ versus the Wizards, while forward Jason Smith (ankle) is ‘questionable.’
**Spurs at Pacers**
-Caesars Palace lists San Antonio as a 3½-point road favorite over Indiana, with the total set at 194½. This matchup is slated to start at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-San Antonio (29-16 SU, 21-24 ATS) had dropped three games in a row SU and four consecutive matchups ATS before upending Phoenix Thursday as a seven-point road underdog, 84-81. The combined 165 points never seriously threatened the 202 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the 10th consecutive contest.
-The Spurs prevailed by outrebounding the Suns, 45-38, while shooting 39 percent (29-of-75). Five players reached double digits in scoring, led by Manu Ginobili’s 19 points while teammate Tim Duncan added 16 and 17 rebounds.
-San Antonio is 9-11 SU and 7-13 ATS on the road, with the ‘under’ going 13-6. The average score in those contests has been 93-93.
-Indiana (19-29 SU, 23-25 ATS) dropped to 0-6 SU and 2-4 ATS its last six games after falling to Orlando Saturday as a four-point home underdog, 121-115. The combined 236 points soared past the 214-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to cash the third consecutive contest.
-The game was close until Orlando outscored Indiana in the third period, 36-25. The Pacers shot 45 percent (39-of-87) from the field, but allowed the Magic to connect at a 56-percent clip (39-of-70).
-Indiana is 9-13 SU and 11-11 ATS on its home court, with the ‘over’ going 13-8. The Pacers have been dropping their home endeavors by an average score of 105-104.
-San Antonio is 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS the previous four meetings with Indiana, with the ‘over’ going 3-1. This marks the first meeting this season between the teams.
-Indiana guard Travis Diener (foot) is ‘questionable’ versus the Spurs, while guard Jamaal Tinsley (knee) is ‘probable.’
**Lakers at Nets**
-Caesars Palace opened Los Angeles as a five-point road ‘chalk’ over New Jersey, with the total set at 203½. This contest is scheduled to begin at 7:35 p.m. ET. Recently acquired forward Pau Gasol is expected to make his debut with the Lakers in this contest.
-Los Angeles (30-16 SU, 27-18 ATS) enters the Garden State by winning its last two games SU and previous four meetings ATS after dumping Washington Sunday as a 3½-point road favorite, 103-91. The combined 194 points failed to eclipse the 203½-point closing total.
-The Lakers shot a blistering 56 percent (41-of-73) from the field, led by Kobe Bryant’s 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Vladimir Radmanovic stepped up with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Lamar Odom added 14 and seven.
-Los Angeles is 13-9 SU and 13-8 ATS away from home, winning those affairs by an average score of 105-101.
-New Jersey (20-27 SU, 18-29 ATS) had won back-to-back outings SU and ATS before falling to Atlanta Saturday as a 6 ½-point road underdog, 104-92. The combined 196 points toppled the 191-point closing total, ending back-to-back ‘under’ outings.
-The Nets were unable to overcome a 55-38 halftime deficit, but did shoot 51 percent (36-of-70) from the field. Richard Jefferson poured in 23 points, while Bostjan Nachbar added 16 in a losing effort.
-New Jersey is 10-14 SU and 7-17 ATS on its home court, dropping those affairs by an average score of 96-92.
-The Nets beat the Lakers in the lone encounter this season as a seven-point road underdog, 102-100. The combined 202 points toppled the 198 ½-point closing total.
-New Jersey forward Malik Allen (flu) is ‘questionable’ against the Lakers.
vegasinsider.com
Televised Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards
**Michigan at Ohio State**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Ohio State (15-7 straight up, 10-8 against the spread) as a 14 ½-point favorite with a total of 129.
--Thad Matta’s squad is in bounce-back mode following a 53-48 loss at Iowa as a four-point favorite. The loss dropped the Buckeyes to 6-3 in Big Ten play, two games back of the conference leaders, Wisconsin and Purdue
--Michigan (5-16 SU, 5-14 ATS) has lost five in a row, including Thursday's 77-65 loss to Minnesota as a three-point underdog. The Wolverines are an abysmal 1-8 in the Big Ten with their lone win coming against Northwestern.
--Michigan has a 3-5 spread record in eight previous games as a double-digit underdog.
--Ohio St. owns a 11-1 SU record and a 4-4 ATS mark at home. The Buckeyes are 2-2 ATS as double-digit favorites.
--The ‘over’ is 13-6 overall for Michigan. On the other hand, the ‘under’ is 12-6 overall for Ohio St.
--ESPN will provide television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
**Florida at Tennessee**
--Tennessee (19-2 SU, 10-7 ATS) returns home after picking up a couple of solid SEC road wins. The Volunteers covered the spread in both victories, a 93-86 win at Alabama as five-point favorites and a 76-71 win at Mississippi St. as one-point underdogs. Chris Lofton scored 20 points against the Bulldogs, draining 4-of-9 shots from 3-point land.
--Florida (18-4 SU, 9-4 ATS) had covered the spread in seven consecutive games until losing 80-61 Saturday at Arkansas. The Gators failed to cash tickets as four-point underdogs. The loss dropped UF to 5-2 in SEC play, one game behind 6-1 UT in the SEC East.
--Most sports books are listing UT as a nine-point favorite. LVSC sent the total out at 154.
--The Vols are undefeated in 11 home games this year. They are 5-2 ATS at Thompson-Boling Arena.
-Even though the Gators have won the last two national championships, Bruce Pearl has a 3-1 record against Florida and Billy Donovan during his first two years in Knoxville. Dating back further, Tennessee has a 9-3 spread record in the last 12 games against Florida.
--Lofton leads the Vols in scoring with a 15.2 points per game average. He has scored 20 points or more in the last four games against Florida.
--Tennessee can make history tonight with a victory. The Vols have never started a season with a 20-2 record in school annals.
--The Gators are 2-2 ATS in four previous games as underdogs.
--The ‘under’ is 10-7 overall for UT, 7-6 overall for UF.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
vegasinsider.com
(15) Drake (20-1, 14-3 ATS) at Illinois State (16-6, 10-10 ATS)
Drake guns for its 20th consecutive victory, including its 12th straight in Missouri Valley Conference play, when it visits an Illinois State squad that’s unbeaten on its home floor.
The Bulldogs handed Indiana State its first home defeat of the season on Saturday, rallying for an 83-77 victory, barely cashing as a three-point road chalk. Drake is 11-0 in MVC action, going 8-3 ATS. However, the Bulldogs haven’t covered in three straight games since opening the season on an 8-0 ATS romp.
Illinois State pulled off a mild 64-63 upset victory at Missouri State on Saturday, cashing as a 1½-point underdog. Since ripping off a nine-game winning streak, including six straight victories to open conference play, the Redbirds are 2-3 SU. They’re also just 2-6 ATS in their last eight, all against MVC foes.
Drake was the team to snap Illinois State’s nine-game winning streak last month, winning 79-73 and cashing as a 4½-point home chalk. The host is 8-1 SU in the last nine series meetings (4-0 in the last four), but the Redbirds are 6-2 ATS in the last eight, including 4-0 ATS at home. Also, the favorite has gotten the money in each of the last four series battles.
In addition to sporting the best ATS record in Division I, the Bulldogs are on positive pointspread spurts of 6-2 on the road this year and 6-1 against teams with a winning home record. One negative: They’re 2-8 ATS in their last 10 Tuesday contests.
The Redbirds are 11-0 at home, but only 5-4 ATS. Also, unlike Drake, Illinois State excels on Tuesdays, going 10-2-1 ATS in the last 13
Drake, which gave up a season high in points in Saturday’s win over Indiana State, yields just 59.4 ppg overall on 41.4 percent shooting. The Redbirds are just as strong defensively, allowing 61 ppg on 39.9 percent shooting, numbers that drop to 56.4 ppg and 36.8 percent at home.
The over is 6-1 in Illinois State’s last seven overall, but the under is 14-4 in Drake’s last 18 overall and 7-2 in its last nine on the road.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Florida (18-4, 9-4 ATS) at (7) Tennessee (19-2, 10-7 ATS)
Two hated SEC rivals go at each other tonight with first place in the SEC East on the line, as Tennessee hosts the Gators at the Thompson Boling Center in Knoxville.
The Vols seized control of the SEC East on Saturday with their 76-71 victory at Mississippi State as a one-point underdog coupled with Florida’s 80-61 blowout loss at Arkansas as a four-point underdog. Tennessee has won and covered three in a row, is 6-1 (5-2 ATS) in SEC play and a perfect 11-0 at home (5-2 ATS in lined games).
The Gators’ ugly loss at Arkansas halted a three-game winning streak as well as a 7-0 ATS run. Billy Donovan’s squad is 5-2 in league play (6-1 ATS), including 2-2 on the road (3-1 ATS).
Tennessee was one of the few teams to handle the two-time defending champions over the previous two seasons, going 3-1 SU and ATS, including 2-0 SU and ATS in Knoxville. Last year, Florida earned a 94-78 win as a 15-point home chalk, with Tennessee getting revenge in an 86-76 rout as a 3½-point home ‘dog. The underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings, and Tennessee is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 clashes (5-1 SU and ATS in the last six at home).
Not only did the loss at Arkansas kill Florida’s 7-0 ATS streak, it snapped a 10-0 ATS roll in SEC play. The Gators are 19-9 ATS in their last 28 Tuesday contests, but 1-5 ATS in their last six against teams with a winning record. Conversely, Tennessee is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 against winning teams.
The Vols are just 2-5 ATS as a single-digit chalk, while the Gators are 2-2 ATS as an underdog.
For the season, Florida is just 4-3 SU and ATS in road/neutral-site contests against Division I teams, getting outscored by an average of five points per game (77-72) while getting outshot by a 49.5 percent to 41.5 percent margin.
Tennessee averages 88 ppg at home on 49 percent shooting, while limiting visitors to 66.1 ppg on 41.3 percent.
The over is 4-2 in the last six series meetings. However, the under is 3-0 in Florida’s last three and 5-2 in Tennessee’s last seven.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Boston (36-8, 27-16-1 ATS) at Cleveland (26-20, 22-24 ATS)
LeBron James gets his first crack at the new-look Celtics when he leads the Cavaliers against Boston in a battle of Eastern Conference rivals at Quicken Loans Arena.
Cleveland is playing its best basketball of the season, going 12-3 in its last 15. On Saturday, the Cavs returned home from a three-game road trip and routed the Clippers 98-84, cashing as an 11½-point chalk to move to 9-4 ATS in their last 13, including 5-1 ATS as a favorite.
Boston has been idle since Thursday’s come-from-behind 96-90 win over the Mavericks as a one-point home underdog, a game the Celtics played without Kevin Garnett. The Celts are 6-2 in their last eight (5-3 ATS).
With James injured and watching from the sidelines in a suit, Boston topped the Cavaliers 80-70 back on Dec. 2, but the Cavs got the cash as a 13½-point road underdog. Cleveland is 8-2 SU and 6-2-2 ATS in the last 10 series meetings, including 4-1 ATS at home.
The Cavs are on a 7-1 run at home, but only 4-4 ATS. For the season, they’re just 8-13 ATS at Quicken Loans Arena. Also, Cleveland has dropped four of five ATS against the Atlantic Division. On the positive end of the spectrum, the Cavs are 5-0 ATS in their last five against winning teams and 39-18-1 ATS in their last 58 on Tuesday.
Boston has been spectacular on the highway, going 16-4 SU and 13-6-1 ATS. Dating to last year, the Celtics are 46-18-1 ATS as a visitor. Furthermore, they’re on ATS streaks of 6-2 on Tuesday and 4-1 against the Central Division, but they’re just 3-9 ATS in their last 12 when playing on three or more days’ rest.
The Celtics, who yield just 90.6 points per game, have allowed just five teams all season to reach triple digits in scoring, holding 26 of their last 27 foes under 100 points. Tonight, they face a Cavaliers’ squad that has been limited to 98 points or less in four straight games.
The over is 10-4 in Cleveland’s last 14 against the Eastern Conference and 4-1 in Boston’s last five against the Eastern Conference. Also, the over is 3-1 in the last four series meetings, with the one “under” occurring in the game back in December in Boston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and OVER
L.A. Lakers (30-16, 27-18-1 ATS) at New Jersey (20-27, 18-28-1 ATS)
Buoyed by last week’s acquisition of big man Pau Gasol, the Lakers have won two in a row coming into tonight’s contest against the Nets at Continental Airlines Arena.
Los Angeles began its grueling nine-game road trip with Thursday’s heartbreaking, last-second 90-89 loss at Detroit as an 8½-point underdog. But the next day, news hit that the Lakers traded for Gasol, and the team went out and destroyed Toronto 121-101 as a 6½-point underdog, then crushed the Wizards 103-91 as a four-point chalk on Sunday. Gasol didn’t play in either of those games, but is expected to make his Lakers debut tonight.
L.A. has followed up a 1-6-1 ATS slump with four consecutive spread-covers, all against the Eastern Conference.
The Nets saw a modest two-game SU and ATS winning streak end in Saturday’s 104-92 loss at Atlanta as a seven-point road underdog. New Jersey is 2-10 SU and 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games, including 1-4 SU and ATS at home.
One of New Jersey’s most impressive wins this season came in Los Angeles back on Nov. 25, when the Nets trailed 49-37 at the half only to outscore the Lakers 65-51 in the second half en route to a 102-100 victory as a seven-point underdog. The dog and the road team are both 7-1-2 ATS in the last 10 series meetings, with the Lakers going 5-1-2 ATS in the last eight in New Jersey.
New Jersey hasn’t enjoyed much of a home-court advantage this year, going 10-14 SU and 7-16-1 ATS at Continental Airlines Arena, including 5-15-1 ATS in the last 21. The Nets are also just 2-5 ATS in their last seven against Pacific Division foes, 1-6 ATS in their last seven against the Western Conference, 1-4 ATS in their last five on Tuesday and 1-4 ATS in their last five when playing on two days’ rest.
L.A. is on spread-covering streaks of 10-4-1 on the road, 5-0 on Tuesdays and 6-1 following an ATS win.
This game pits one of the NBA’s highest scoring teams against one of the weakest, as the Lakers average 107.1 ppg (3rd in the league) while New Jersey puts in just 93.6 ppg (29th in the 30-team league).
The over is 5-2 in the last seven series clashes, but the under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Jersey.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS
gametimepicks.com
Gasol expected to start against Nets
Newest Laker, acquired in a trade Friday, probably will be in lineup at center Tuesday, unless his balky back flares up.
NEW YORK -- It was a simple play in one of many practices this season, but the symbolism was much greater than that for the Lakers.
Pau Gasol caught the ball in the post, gathered himself for a moment with his back to the basket, and fired off a short hook shot that arced through the hoop.
It had been a while since the Lakers had a post player who was a threat on offense -- a little more than three weeks since Andrew Bynum's knee injury, to be exact -- but there was Gasol in his first practice with his new team, reminding the Lakers why they traded for him.
"He's got a lot of positions he can play, but he's long. Really long," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said Monday. "That will be important for us to get the post part of our game back. Kobe [Bryant] has taken a lot of post position, Ronny [Turiaf] has done some good things in the post, but we haven't had any real dedicated post part of our game."
Gasol will get his first start for the Lakers at center tonight against New Jersey unless there is an unexpected flare-up with his sore back. He had missed three of his last four games with the Memphis Grizzlies because of his back problems, but said he was feeling better.
"It's getting there, good enough to perform well," he said. "I have it under control. I'm working hard with the trainers and physical therapists, and it's looking good."
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley detailed his thoughts on the Gasol trade in an interview with the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
"We had conversations with Chicago which were non-satisfactory. They didn't want to take on the luxury-tax situation and Los Angeles was," Heisley said. "I know right now people are saying we're crazy. We got everything we could get out of the Lakers. We got draft choices and cap relief. That's what we wanted. They weren't going to give us Kobe."
Heisley suggested in the interview that the Lakers offered Kwame Brown and Vladimir Radmanovic, but the Grizzlies didn't want Radmanovic's contract of three more years for $19 million. A key part of the deal was apparently the substitution of rookie guard Javaris Crittenton instead of Radmanovic on Thursday night. The Gasol deal was officially struck the next morning.
"We held out," said Heisley. "They finally sweetened the pot."
Heisley also said former Grizzlies president Jerry West was not involved in the talks.
"Not at all," he said.
Gasol and Brown do have something in common, even though one can catch an entry pass and the other, well, you know.
They were both booed by home fans.
The booing of Brown in the third quarter of a turnover-filled misadventure last month against Phoenix was more of a spur-of-the-moment reaction, but the booing of Gasol last season at some Grizzlies home games took place after fans heard he had asked management for a trade.
"Last year, I was a little more vocal about [a trade], I guess not so vocal with the media, but it got leaked out and it was all a big mess," he said Monday. "It was very uncomfortable, all the booing and stuff -- or a little bit of booing, but enough to make it uncomfortable."
After two lively efforts in Lakers road victories, Bryant sat out practice Monday. "He's feeling the effects of playing three [games] in less than four nights -- we played a noon game [Sunday]," Jackson said. "This is a little break." . . . Gasol, on playing with Bryant: "Obviously, I consider Kobe to be the best player in the league. I respect him a lot. It's something that motivates me a lot and I think it's going to help my game also."
TONIGHT
at New Jersey, 4:30 PST (5:30, Ch. 9)
Site -- Continental Airlines Arena.
Radio -- 570, 1330.
Records --Lakers 30-16, Nets 20-27.
Record vs. Nets -- 0-1.
Update -- Kobe Bryant made seven of 21 shots and missed a potential tying free throw with 6.1 seconds left in the Lakers' 102-100 home loss to New Jersey in November. Vladimir Radmanovic was also off the mark in that game, missing all 10 of his shots, including an off-balance three-point attempt that barely hit the rim as time expired.
latimes.com
San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers
- The fans at Conseco Fieldhouse will be treated to a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Indiana Pacers when they take their seats on Tuesday.
The Spurs came-from-behind in the fourth quarter to dispose of the Suns 84-81 on Thursday. The Spurs won the game as a 7-point road underdog, while the 165 points were well UNDER the posted total of 202.5.
Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 16 points and 17 rebounds for a double-double, while Manu Ginobili added 19 points in the win.
Indiana hit 14 three-pointers in Saturday's 121-115 loss to Orlando, falling as 3.5-point home underdogs. The 236 points scored were OVER the posted total of 214.5.
Danny Granger poured in a game-high 29 points, and Mike Dunleavy added 19 points for the Pacers.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 29-16 SU, 21-24 ATS
Indiana: 19-29 SU, 23-24-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing New York are 7-3
After playing Orlando are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Antonio's last 10 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Indiana's last 10 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at Washington, Wednesday, February 6
Indiana at New York, Wednesday, February 6
Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Wachovia Center.
The Wizards lost to the Lakers 103-91 as a 4-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (204).
Antawn Jamison led the Wizards with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Caron Butler returned from a three-game injury layoff and had 15 points and seven assists.
The 76ers blew an early lead and fell 96-91 to the Hawks on Monday, as 5-point road underdogs. The 187 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 188.
Andre Miller shot 12-for-18 from the field with a game-high 29 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 3 straight games.
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 24-22 SU, 27-18-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 18-30 SU, 22-25-1 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Washington's last 21 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Philadelphia's last 21 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Next up:
Washington home to San Antonio, Wednesday, February 6
Philadelphia home to Miami, Thursday, February 7
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- The fans at Quicken Loans Arena will be treated to a game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Boston came-from-behind to defeat the Mavericks 96-90 on Thursday night. Boston won the game as a 1.5-point underdog, while the 186 points fell UNDER the posted total of 188.5.
Ray Allen led the way for the Celtics with 26 points, while Paul Pierce also had 26 points in the win.
Cleveland held the Clippers to 40.7% from the field in Saturday's 98-84 win, covering the 9-point home spread. The 182 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 182.5.
LeBron James had 28 points and 11 rebounds, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas put up 22 points and 13 boards for the Cavaliers.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 36-8 SU, 27-16-1 ATS
Cleveland: 26-20 SU, 22-24 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Boston is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
Boston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Cleveland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Cleveland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Next up:
Boston home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, February 6
Cleveland at Houston, Thursday, February 7
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Jersey Nets
- The Los Angeles Lakers and the New Jersey Nets will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Izod Center.
The Lakers defeated Washington 103-91 as a 4-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (204).
Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 30 points for Los Angeles, while Vladimir Radmanovic added 15 points and seven rebounds in the win.
New Jersey shot 4-for-14 from three-point land in Saturday's 104-92 loss at Atlanta, falling as 7-point road underdogs. The 196 points scored were OVER the posted total of 191.
Richard Jefferson put up 23 points, and Vince Carter added 14 points and ten assists for the Nets.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 30-16 SU, 27-18-1 ATS
New Jersey: 20-27 SU, 18-28-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
LA Lakers are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
LA Lakers are 15-6 SU in their last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
New Jersey is 7-12-3 ATS in their last 22 games when playing LA Lakers
New Jersey is 7-15 SU in their last 22 games when playing LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers at Atlanta, Wednesday, February 6
New Jersey at Orlando, Wednesday, February 6
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- The fans at FedExForum will be treated to a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Memphis Grizzlies when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Milwaukee shot 38.8% from the field in Saturday's 91-83 loss to Houston, coming in as 7-point home underdogs. The 174 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 184.
Andrew Bogut had 21 points, while Bobby Simmons dropped 14 points for the Bucks.
Memphis had 23 turnovers in Saturday's 110-91 loss, falling as 8-point home underdogs. The 211 points scored were OVER the posted total of 209.5.
Rudy Gay notched 15 points and ten rebounds, and Hakim Warrick dropped 14 points for the Grizzlies.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 3 straight games.
Memphis has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 18-30 SU, 20-27-1 ATS
Memphis: 13-34 SU, 21-26 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Utah are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Milwaukee is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games at home
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee at Dallas, Wednesday, February 6
Memphis at Dallas, Friday, February 8
Spurs G Tony Parker (19 ppg; heel) is listed as out of Tuesday's game.
Iowa State F Wesley Johnson (14 ppg; ankle) is expected to miss Tuesday's game.
Pacers C Jermaine O'Neal (15 ppg; knee) is listed as out of Tuesday's game.