Wednesday Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
Heading into Wednesday, several teams in the Western Conference continue to sprint their way into the mid-season break. With less then two weeks until the All-Star game commences in New Orleans, there’s still plenty of opportunities to maximize those profits.
In the grand scheme of things, the underdog hasn’t been the most profitable bet at the windows. Tallying up results from last Wednesday, favorites have edged out the ‘dog with a 21-17-4 against the spread record.
Out of the eleven games scheduled on the docket, eight will pit teams with a losing record versus squads playing above .500 ball. Can any of these heavily predicted underdogs cash in? That is the million dollar question.
**San Antonio at Washington**
Breaking away from a three-game losing streak last Thursday (beating Phoenix 84-81), San Antonio will continue its nine-game road stint in Washington. The Wizards have gone 13-13 ATS when installed as an underdog this season, and are 1-3 ATS in their last four games (Washington has been a ‘dog in those past four). Finishing off January with a disappointing 8-8 SU record, the Spurs free fell in the financial department with a 4-12 ATS debt (all January games). Playing against teams with a winning record on the road, San Antonio is 3-7 ATS this season.
**L.A. Lakers at Atlanta**
Struggling to scratch across a .500 performance before the All-Star break, the Hawks continue to sputter down the stretch. Going 3-7 SU and 3-6-1 ATS is not only detrimental to bettors, but is hazardous to Atlanta’s divisional health. Surprisingly, Atlanta is 14-9 SU at home this season. Hoping to get inside help from newly acquired Pau Gasol, the Lakers will look to stretch their 10-4-1 ATS road run (in the last 15 games). Since meeting in November of 2002, L.A. owns a 6-4 SU and ATS record in head-to-head matches with Atlanta.
**New Jersey at Orlando**
The Nets enter Wednesday with a 2-7 ATS slump in their last nine road games. Scoring an incredibly low 90.6 PPG in its last five and hitting a putrid 43.6-precent of their field goal shots, New Jersey is still trying to recover from its nine-game fall. With the Magic going 7-2 SU and 5-3-1 ATS in their last 10, can we expect a bounce back after slipping to Dallas on Monday (107-98)? Coming off one day of rest, Orlando has secured a 15-12 ATS statement this season. One surprise to note is the 6-8 SU record the Magic have posted when star center Dwight Howard has scored 25 points or more.
**L.A. Clippers at Boston**
If records don’t indicate the discrepancy of play, then Boston’s 9/5 odds to take the NBA Championship versus L.A.’s mountainous 5000/1 price tag should unveil most of this story. Covering 27 out of 44 games, coming to play with a 20-4 SU home record and holding teams to 88.2 PPG this season, the Celtics will surely give the Clippers a run for their money. In stark contrast, L.A. has suffered with a field goal percentage of 43.8, while shooting blanks from beyond the arc at 33-precent. With a 5-11 SU and 7-9 ATS slide in their last 16, the Clips will be facing a huge uphill climb.
**Indiana at New York**
Involved in a six-game slide and racking up four lonely victories in their last 20, the Pacers are desperate for some positive play. Backers should be just as disappointed, ripping up tickets with an 8-12 ATS bill in the same 20 game stretch. Losing six straight, New York was blown out by the Pacers at Madison Square Garden, 119-92 back in December. Shooting 38-precent from the field, and allowing Indiana to hit 58-precent of its shots, the Knicks haven’t faired well throughout the season. Nate Robinson (quadricep) and Quentin Richardson (ankle) are listed as day-to-day.
**Miami at Detroit**
One win in 20 games comes close to describing the state of affairs in South Florida hoops. Surrendering 102.4 PPG in those 20 contests, the Heat have not only burnt fans, but backers are clambering to escape the wrath. Gamblers have seen three wins against the spread in the last 20. The Pistons will welcome Miami with open arms, displaying a 17-4 SU home record. Faders of the Heat listen up; not only is Detroit 7-4 ATS at home versus teams playing over .500, but a 6-3 ATS record over teams with a losing record inside the Palace speak volumes in this spot.
**Milwaukee at Dallas**
Entering with a 2-9 ATS profit on the road versus teams with a winning record, the Bucks are hoping an upset is in order. Scoring 104.2 PPG at home, the Mavericks have fallen drastically in offensive production, accounting for a low 91.4 PPG in their last five. Coming off zero days of rest, Milwaukee has tallied up a 10-11 ATS record this season. In their last 17 games versus Southwest teams, the Bucks have chased in on the ‘over’ 12 times. Milwaukee’s Michael Redd remains doubtful for Wednesday’s contests with a knee injury.
**Utah at Denver**
With both teams posting great home records, it will be Denver who must protect its own house this time around. A 20-5 SU home record must be a rally call for the Nuggets, who square off against a Jazz team going 8-1 ATS in their last nine. What Utah has accomplished in points allowed (99.1 PPG), Denver thrives in defensive rebounds (45.7 RPG). But then again, the Nuggets have been able to hold teams back at home with 99.5 PPG allowed. In its last two head-to-head meetings, Denver has gone 2-0 SU and ATS, while the ‘over’ has cashed in eight times in the last 10 (four straight).
**New Orleans at Phoenix**
Covering the spread in their last four head-to-head meetings together, the Hornets will need help from the entire squad after dropping their last three (getting outscored 338-294). Phoenix has been on fire in its last 20, taking 15 of those games with an average point difference of plus-13.8 PPG. Coming off one day of rest, the Suns hold the money making edge with a 17-10-1 ATS (with New Orleans not that far behind with a 15-13 ATS record). As we all know Phoenix’s ability to score in droves, the ‘over’ has gone 13-9 at home this season.
**Seattle at Sacramento**
In their last eight clashes together, Sacramento has been one-game short of perfect. Wiping out Seattle with a 7-1 SU and 4-4 ATS record in those eight, the Kings will now look to apply a four-game winning streak to Wednesday’s tussle. Starting the season with four wins and nine losses, Sacramento looks to be headed in the right direction, going 8-3 SU and 6-5 ATS in the last 11. In defense of Seattle, three straight wins before falling to Chicago (118-108) has been a big step for the squad. Before the three-game run, the Sonics where tangled up in a 14-game free fall.
**Chicago at Portland**
Still playing with a less then healthy squad, the Bulls will be looking for their fifth win in 10 games. Going 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS in three overtime games (in the last 10), Chicago is scoring less then it’s allowing in the last five (91.8 PPG versus 93.8 PPG allowed). And if all this overtime talk wasn’t enough, the last time Portland faced off against Chicago was on Jan. 3. In dramatic fashion, the Trail Blazers walked off Chicago’s court with a 115-109 victory. Portland not only found itself the winner straight up, but also the reason for cashing in tickets as a four-point ‘underdog’.
vegasinsider.com
Road Traps
**Kentucky at Auburn**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Kentucky (10-9 straight up, 7-8 against the spread) as a four-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 137.
--Billy Gillispie’s first team at UK is starting to play better, winning three in a row both SU and ATS. Even better, the Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last six games with the only non-cover coming in an OT loss at Florida as 7½-point underdogs. With 10 regular-season games left, they probably need to win at least seven of them and have a decent showing at the SEC Tournament in order for the Selection Committee to forget about home losses to Gardner Webb and San Diego.
--The ‘Cats are off a 63-58 win Saturday at Georgia as 2½-point underdogs. Joe Crawford scored a game-high 26 points, while Patrick Patterson added 16.
--Auburn (12-8 SU, 6-6 ATS) owns a 7-4 SU record and 3-3 ATS mark at home. The Tigers are 2-2 ATS in four games as home underdogs.
--Jeff Lebo’s team has lost three straight games, including Saturday’s 78-71 defeat at Vanderbilt. Despite taking the loss, the Tigers cashed tickets for their backers as 11-point underdogs.
--Kentucky has won eight in a row against Auburn, compiling a 5-2-1 spread record in the process.
--UK’s Jodie Meeks (10.1 points per game) and Ramel Bradley (15.8 PPG) are “questionable.” Meeks didn’t play at UGA, while Bradley sustained a concussion and a cut chin on a hard foul from Dave Bliss. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Bradley did not practice Monday.
--How far down is Kentucky this season? Even though it’s February, this is the first time the ‘Cats have been favored on the road all year.
--The ‘over’ is on a 7-1 run in Auburn’s last eight home games. The ‘over’ is 8-4 overall for the Tigers this year. The ‘over’ is 9-7 overall for UK.
--In SEC Country, this is the FSN game that’ll tip off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
**Wisconsin at Iowa**
--LVSC opened Wisconsin (18-3 SU, 9-9 ATS) as a 5 ½-point favorite. The Badgers are looking for their third straight win following double-digit wins over Minnesota (63-47) and Indiana (62-49) last week.
--Iowa (11-12 SU, 9-11 ATS) is 9-5 SU and 5-6 ATS at home. The Hawkeyes are 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS in four Big Ten games as home underdogs. They are off a 53-48 win over Ohio State as four-point home underdogs. Justin Johnson paced the winners with 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Johnson took all 13 of his shots from 3-point land, draining eight of them.
--Wisconsin hasn’t tripped on many road traps this season. Bo Ryan’s squad has a 4-1 record both SU and ATS as a road ‘chalk.’
--Wisconsin has won nine of the last 10 head-to-head meetings between these Big Ten rivals. However, the Hawkeyes are 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight encounters. The ‘under’ is 7-2 in the last nine matchups.
--The ‘under’ has cashed in four consecutive Iowa games. The ‘under’ is 13-7 overall for the Hawkeyes, 8-3 in their home games.
--The ‘under’ is 13-5 overall for the Badgers. The ‘under’ has prevailed in five straight Wisconsin games and 11 of its last 13.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
VegasInsider.com
Duke at North Carolina
By Judd Hall
I don’t exactly know how much tension (bordering on hate) can be felt within an eight-mile trip. I’m sure a Blue Devils fan will be able to tell me all about it when they make that trip on Wednesday night to the Dean Smith Center for the renewal of their long standing rivalry with the Tar Heels.
This year’s Part 1 sees Duke (19-1 straight up, 12-6-1 against the spread) ranked No. 2 in the nation, while North Carolina (21-1 SU, 14-5 ATS) follows close behind in the polls at third.
The Heels enter this contest fresh off of an 84-73 victory against Florida State as 9 ½-point road favorites on Feb. 3. Junior forward Tyler Hansbrough had a huge night, scoring 22 points and collecting 21 rebounds in 41 minutes on the court…all team highs for the evening.
All was not rosy for North Carolina though as speedy point guard Ty Lawson came up lame after just four minutes in the first half versus the ‘Noles. X-rays were negative, but the prognosis is a badly sprained left ankle.
Duke rolled off its ninth straight win on Feb. 2 as a 15-point home “chalk” over the Hurricanes, 88-73. The Blue Devils were led by senior guard DeMarcus Nelson scoring 21 points, six board and four assists in 32 minutes of work. The Blue Devils have gone 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games.
Nelson leads the Dukies in scoring by getting 15.2 points per game, but this was just the sixth time this year that he’s broken out for at least 20 points. In fact, the Blue Devils have five players that are averaging at least 10 PPG this season. One of those players, guard Jon Scheyer, is picking up 10.4 PPG without starting in one of Duke’s 20 contests.
Lawson’s injury really comes into play for this matchup. Carolina head coach Roy Williams isn’t exactly holding his breath to see him on the court on Wednesday.
“I don't feel real good about him playing,” said Williams during the Atlantic Coast Conference’s media teleconference. “We won't have any idea if he will play, or how much he will play, until after (Tuesday’s) practice-- if he can practice.”
Compounding matters is Lawson’s backup, Bobby Frasor, is out for the year with torn knee ligaments. The result will be a platoon of third-string guard Quentin Thomas and swingman Marcus Ginyard. However, Ginyard is running a bit lame right now with a case of turf toe.
His bad ankle also has the sports books on alert right now. Mike Seba, an oddsmaker with Las Vegas Sports Consultants, has told VegasInsider.com that if Lawson plays, the Heels will be favored by 6 ½ points. If he’s a scratch, UNC will be listed as a 4 ½-point home “chalk.”
It will be interesting to see how North Carolina’s offense operates this Wednesday, which currently ranks second in the nation by averaging 91 PPG this year. Duke isn’t far behind, pulling in 85.7 PPG on offense this season.
VegasInsider.com expert handicapper James Manos doesn’t believe that UNC will be that bad off without Lawson. “He’s certainly the speedster that helps power their transition game, but Carolina will just rely more on Hansbrough more than they already do.” Manos continued, “Expect the Tar Heels to punish Duke under the basket and force them to foul.”
Should Carolina win the foul battle, then Duke will be in a world of hurt. The Tar Heels love it at the charity stripe, making 76 percent of their free throws. And the Blue Devils love sending people there, committing 19.3 fouls per game.
Of course, the injury could be all for naught. That’s because as good as the Blue Devils are against everyone else in the ACC right now, they’ve had issues recently when playing against their Tobacco Road foes. Duke has gone 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS in its past four games versus the Tar Heels.
Adding more fuel to that fire is the fact that North Carolina is 7-1 SU and ATS at the “Dean Dome.” Also, the Heels have gone 21-2 SU and 18-4 ATS at home in the last two seasons.
The underdog has been very profitable in this series, going 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings of Duke-North Carolina. And ‘over’ came in with an 8-5 mark.
Tip-off is set for 9:00 pm EDT with ESPN taking care of broadcasting duties.
vegasinsider.com
UNC may be without Lawson for Duke game
ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -North Carolina coach Roy Williams was pessimistic Monday about injured point guard Ty Lawson's status for the game against No. 3 Duke.
''I don't feel real good about him playing,'' Williams said during the Atlantic Coast Conference's weekly media teleconference.
Williams said he wouldn't know Lawson's status for Wednesday night's game until after practice Tuesday.
The sophomore point guard didn't return after he sprained his left ankle early in the first half of the No. 4 Tar Heels' 84-73 overtime victory at Florida State on Sunday. X-rays showed no broken bones, Williams said.
''We won't have any idea if he will play, or how much he will play, until after practice (Tuesday) - if he can practice,'' Williams said.
Lawson's top backup, Bobby Frasor, is out for the season with torn knee ligaments. That leaves third-stringer Quentin Thomas and starting swingman Marcus Ginyard as options if Lawson can't play.
Ginyard is battling a case of turf toe, Williams said.
(2) Duke (19-1, 12-6-1 ATS) at (3) North Carolina (21-1, 15-4 ATS)
A huge Atlantic Coast Conference matchup pits two of the country’s top three teams against each other when the Blue Devils make the bus ride to Chapel Hill to battle archrival North Carolina.
Duke ran its winning streak to nine in a row (6-2-1 ATS) with Saturday’s 88-73 victory over Miami (Fla.), pushing as a 15-point home favorite to end a 6-0 ATS winning streak – all in ACC play. The Blue Devils (7-0 ACC) are averaging 89.4 ppg and 49 percent shooting in their last five starts, outscoring opponents by nearly 15 points per game. However, those opponents hit 50.4 percent from the field in those five games.
North Carolina needed overtime to fend off Florida State 84-73 Sunday, yet still covered as a 9½-point road chalk for its third straight win and cover. The Tar Heels (6-1, 4-3 ATS in the ACC) are the No. 1 rebounding team in the country and they had a dominating 50-25 edge on the glass against the Seminoles. Over its last five games, UNC is scoring 87.2 points on 45.4 percent shooting and allowing 77.6 on 44.6 percent shooting.
North Carolina has won and covered three straight meetings in this storied rivalry, including a pair of victories last year (79-73 as a four-point road chalk and 86-72 as a 10-point home favorite). The schools have split their last 10 meetings, but the Tar Heels are 7-3 ATS during this stretch, including 4-0 ATS in the last four.
Additionally, in this series, Duke is 1-4 ATS in its last five trips to Chapel Hill, and the underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 clashes.
These are two of the three highest-scoring teams in the nation, as the Tar Heels are second at 91 ppg, while Duke ranks third at 85.7 ppg. The Blue Devils shoot 48.5 percent from the field (38.7 percent from three-point land), just a shade better than UNC’s 48.3 percent field-goal average (36.6 percent from long range).
Duke also rates a slight edge on defense, surrendering 67.2 ppg (41.2 percent) against Division I opponents, while the Tar Heels yield 69.7 ppg (42.0 percent).
The Blue Devils’ red-hot 6-0-1 ATS mark in ACC play is tempered by its 2-9 ATS mark in its last 11 Wednesday outings. Duke is also on an 0-4 ATS slide in its last four games against teams with a winning record.
Conversely, the Tar Heels are 4-0 ATS against winning teams and are on additional positive ATS runs of 36-15 overall, 25-7 at home (7-1 ATS at home this year), 37-14-1 coming off a spread-cover, 7-3 on Wednesday and 39-17-1 following a SU victory.
Duke has scored at least 80 points in six of seven conference games, including the last five in a row, while North Carolina has hit the 80-point mark in 16 consecutive contests, including all seven ACC contests.
The over is on a 4-0 run in this series and is 5-1 in the last six battles at Chapel Hill. Also, the over is on streaks of 5-0 for Duke overall, 29-11 for Duke in ACC contests, 10-4 for Carolina overall, 4-0 for Carolina against teams with a winning record and 6-2 for Carolina in ACC play.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
(19) UConn (16-5, 7-9-1 ATS) at Syracuse (16-7, 11-10 ATS)
The Huskies bring their five-game winning streak to upstate New York for a Big East battle against Syracuse, which has won its last three games.
Connecticut beat Pittsburgh 60-53 Saturday as a four-point home chalk for its fourth straight conference victory, giving the Huskies a 6-3 mark in the Big East (5-3-1 ATS). UConn, with the country’s ninth-best field-goal defense (37.7 percent), allowed just 32.2 percent shooting (19 of 59) to the Panthers, while hitting 19 of its 42 shots (45.2 percent). During their five-game winning streak, the Huskies have shot 47.7 percent and allowed just 39.5 percent shooting.
Syracuse dropped Villanova 87-73 as a three-point road underdog Saturday for its fourth consecutive spread-cover, avenging an 81-71 home loss to Villanova as a 4½-point favorite two weeks earlier. The Orange (6-4 SU and ATS in league play) shot a scorching 62.8 percent (27 of 43) against the Wildcats and dominated the boards (33-18).
These two teams met three times last season, with Syracuse going 2-1 SU and ATS, including a 73-63 home victory as a four-point chalk and a 78-65 win giving three points in the Big East tournament. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings, and the home team is on a 4-1 ATS run.
The Huskies are just 5-14 ATS in their last 19 road games, and they are on additional negative ATS runs of 6-13-1 after a victory, 1-10-1 coming off a spread-cover and 0-4 in Wednesday contests. On a positive note, UConn is 4-1-1 ATS against teams with a winning percentage over .600 and is 5-2-1 ATS in its last eight overall.
The Orange are a mediocre 6-7 ATS at home on the season, but they are 3-1 ATS in their last four at the dome, with the three wins coming by an average of 13.7 points.
The over is 6-2 in UConn’s last eight road trips. However, the under is 9-4-1 in the Huskies’ last 14 Wednesday contests and 7-1 Syracuse’s last eight overall. The under is also 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in this series, with two of three last year staying low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(12) Texas (17-4, 8-8 ATS) at Oklahoma (15-6, 9-9 ATS)
The Longhorns, who haven’t covered two straight games since the first week of December, look to do just that in a Big 12 matchup at rival Oklahoma.
Texas downed Baylor 80-72 Saturday and barely got the cash as a seven-point home favorite, moving to 4-2 in conference play (2-4 ATS). For the season, the Longhorns are shooting 46.9 percent, but they shot just 41.9 percent against the Bears and are a notch below that in the last five games (40.6 percent).
Oklahoma lost to Texas A&M 60-52 on Saturday catching 6½ points, halting a 3-0 run (1-2 ATS). The Sooners are 3-3 in Big 12 play but have only cashed once in those six games – a 77-71 upset at Baylor as a 4½-point underdog.
Texas is on a 3-0 SU and ATS run in this series, including a 68-58 road win last year as a two-point pup. The Longhorns are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings and are 4-1 ATS on their last five trips to Norman. Also, the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
The Longhorns are on negative ATS runs of 3-7 overall, 0-4 on the highway, 1-4 after a spread-cover and 3-7 on Wednesday. On the positive side, they are 8-3 ATS against teams with a winning record and 13-6 ATS coming off a SU victory.
The Sooners are on a 5-0 ATS run in Wednesday outings, and they are 5-1 ATS against teams with a winning road record. However, they are on extended pointspread slumps of 1-6 overall, 0-4 at home, 8-18 after a non-cover, 8-21-2 against the Big 12 and 3-8 against winning teams.
The under is 6-3 in Texas’ last nine overall, 2-0 in Oklahoma’s last two, 6-1 in Oklahoma’s last seven Wednesday contests and 4-2 in the last six meetings between these teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS
Utah (31-18, 26-23 ATS) at Denver (29-18, 25-22 ATS)
The streaking Jazz travel up to the Mile High City for a critical Northwest Division showdown against the Nuggets, the last team to beat Utah.
Since suffering a 120-109 loss at Denver on Jan. 17, the Jazz have ripped off nine consecutive wins (8-1 ATS), the longest current win streak in the NBA. Eight of Utah’s nine victories have come by at least nine points, including six by double digits, the most recent being Monday’s 110-88 rout of the Hornets as a three-point favorite.
Denver is playing solid basketball as well, going 7-3 SU and ATS in its last 10, a run that began with the victory over Utah. The Nuggets outlasted the Blazers 105-103 as a two-point road underdog on Monday, their third straight win and cover. In fact, George Karl’s club is on a 6-1 ATS roll (4-0 ATS as a favorite).
The Jazz hold a one-game lead over Denver in the Northwest Division standings.
The Nuggets cashed as a three-point home chalk in their 120-109 win over the Jazz on Jan. 17, the first meeting of the season between these division rivals. Denver has cashed in the last two matchups after Utah went 6-0 ATS in the previous six. The chalk has covered in nine of the last 12 clashes.
Denver has won eight straight games at the Pepsi Center, going 7-1 ATS. For the season, the Nuggets 20-5 SU and 15-10 ATS on their own floor.
Since the loss at Denver last month, Utah has won and covered in four consecutive road games after starting the season 6-15 SU and ATS on the highway. The straight-up winner is 23-2 ATS in Utah’s 25 road contests.
Denver is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 as a favorite and 8-4 ATS as a small chalk this season (less than six points). The Nuggets are on further ATS hot streaks of 4-1 in divisional games, 7-1 at home against teams with losing road records and 5-0 when playing on one day of rest.
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last five as an underdog and 3-9 ATS in its last 12 divisional games. On a positive note, Jerry Sloan’s squad has cashed in seven straight games versus the Western Conference and four of five when playing on one day of rest.
The Jazz have stayed under the total in six consecutive games, giving up just 89.2 points per contest during this stretch. However, the over is 4-1 in the Nuggets’ last five at home. Also, in this series, the over is on runs of 8-2 overall, including 4-0 in the last four, and 4-1 at the Pepsi Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and OVER
New Orleans (32-15, 29-17-1 ATS) at Phoenix (34-14, 22-25-1 ATS)
The suddenly slumping Hornets complete a tough three-game road trip in the desert tonight when they battle the Suns, who will be looking to avenge last month’s home loss to New Orleans.
From Dec. 19-Jan. 28, New Orleans was the hottest team in the NBA, going 17-2 SU and ATS, including nine consecutive wins – eight by double digits – from Jan.11-Jan. 28. Since then, however, the Hornets have hit a wall, getting blown out in three straight contests against the Warriors at home (116-103), and the Kings (112-103) and Jazz (110-88) on the road. New Orleans failed to cash in all three losses. In fact, the straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of the Hornets’ last 23 games.
Phoenix, which is in the midst of a six-game homestand, had little trouble with Charlotte on Monday, winning 118-104 to improve to 15-5 SU in its last 20. However, the Suns failed to get a bucket in the final 2 ½ minutes against the Bobcats and just missed getting the money as a 14½-point home chalk. Still, they’re 7-3 ATS in their last 10 (3-1-1 ATS at home).
The Hornets went to Phoenix and stunned the Suns 118-113 as an eight-point road underdog on Jan. 5, the first battle of the season between the squads. Although Phoenix is 6-2 SU in the last eight meetings, the Hornets have cashed in each of the last four overall, and they’re 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 visits to the US Airways Center, all as an underdog.
Despite getting destroyed in its last two road contests, New Orleans is still 22-7-1 ATS in its last 30 road games, including 15-7-1 ATS this year (16-7 SU). The Hornets are also on positive ATS upticks of 16-5 against the Pacific Division, 9-4 as an underdog this season, 19-7 on Wednesdays, 8-2 on one day of rest and 12-4 against the Western Conference.
Phoenix is 6-1 versus the line in its last seven on one day of rest. On the flip side, Mike D’Antoni’s team is mired in ATS slumps of 6-13-1 against the Western Conference, 1-4-1 on Wednesdays and 1-4-1 against the Southwest Division.
The over is 7-3 in the Hornets’ last 10 overall and 5-1 in their last six against the Pacific Division. However, the Suns are on under streaks of 5-1 against the Western Conference and 5-1 against the Southwest Division. Also, the under is 9-1 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings overall and 6-1 in the last seven in Phoenix, with the lone “over” occurring in last month’s 118-113 battle.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and UNDER
gametimepicks.com
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Philips Arena.
Pau Gasol scored 24 points and hauled down 12 boards for a double-double Tuesday, as the Lakers defeated the Nets 105-90. The Lakers covered the 7-point spread on the road, while the 195 points fell UNDER the posted total of 209.
Derek Fisher shot 9-for-18 from the field with 24 points for the Lakers, and Vladimir Radmanovic added 16 in the win.
The Hawks got behind early, but came back for a 96-91 victory over the 76ers last time out. The Hawks failed to cover the 5-point spread, and the 187 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 188.
Josh Childress scored 21 points, while Josh Smith had 18 and Joe Smith added 17 points in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 31-16 SU, 28-18-1 ATS
Atlanta: 21-24 SU, 23-22 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Orlando are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing Atlanta
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers at Orlando, Friday, February 8
Atlanta home to Cleveland, Friday, February 8
New Jersey Nets vs. Orlando Magic
- The New Jersey Nets and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Amway Arena.
The Nets lost 105-90 to the Lakers last time out, as 7-point underdogs at home. The 195 points fell UNDER the posted total of 209.
Bostjan Nachbar poured in 19 points and hauled down 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Magic were upset 107-98 by the Mavericks last time out, as 4.5-point favorites at home. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 197.
Dwight Howard netted 28 points from 11-for-16 shooting from the field, and grabbed seven rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 20-28 SU, 18-29-1 ATS
Orlando: 31-19 SU, 31-18-1 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a loss are 1-9
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
New Jersey is 18-6-1 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Orlando
New Jersey is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey at Charlotte, Friday, February 8
Orlando home to LA Lakers, Friday, February 8
San Antonio Spurs vs. Washington Wizards
- The fans at Verizon Center will be treated to a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Wizards when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Spurs jumped out to an early lead and closed out a 116-89 victory over the Pacers on Tuesday. The Spurs covered the 5.5-point spread on the road, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 193.5.
Tim Duncan shot 7-for-12 from the field with 19 points and hauled down 15 boards to complete a double-double for the Spurs.
The Wizards lost 101-96 to the 76ers last time out, as 2-point favorites on the road. The 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 190.5.
Brendan Hayward shot 6-for-9 from the field with 18 points and eight rebounds in a losing effort.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 2 straight games.
Washington has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 30-16 SU, 22-24 ATS
Washington: 24-23 SU, 27-19-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 9-1
Before playing New York are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Antonio's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Washington
San Antonio is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Washington's last 16 games at home
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Next up:
San Antonio at New York, Friday, February 8
Washington at Denver, Friday, February 8
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Boston Celtics
- The Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at TD Banknorth Garden.
The Clippers came out strong and finished off the Knicks 103-94 on Monday, as a 5.5-point road underdog. The 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 189.
Corey Maggette had a team-high 19 points in the win, while Chris Kaman had 15 and Cuttino Mobley added 14 for the Clippers.
The Celtics lost 114-113 to the Cavaliers last time out, as 3-point road underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 186.
Ray Allen shot 8-for-13 from the field with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 15-30 SU, 20-25 ATS
Boston: 36-9 SU, 28-16-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing New York are 3-7
After a win are 0-10
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Minnesota are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Boston
LA Clippers are 6-13 SU in their last 19 games when playing Boston
LA Clippers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Boston is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Boston is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
Next up:
LA Clippers at Toronto, Friday, February 8
Boston at Minnesota, Friday, February 8
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
- The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
The Pacers lost 116-89 to the Spurs last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs at home. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 193.5.
Troy Murphy shot 6-for-8 from the field with 15 points and seven rebounds for the Pacers.
The Knicks fell 103-94 to the Clippers last time out, as 5.5-point favorites at home. The 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 189.
Eddy Curry tossed in 19 points for the Knicks, and Zach Randolph had 12 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 7 straight games.
New York has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 19-30 SU, 23-25-1 ATS
New York: 14-34 SU, 23-25 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 1-9
After playing LA Clippers are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 12 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Next up:
Indiana home to Portland, Saturday, February 9
New York home to San Antonio, Friday, February 8
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- The Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Heat fell 114-82 to the Raptors last time out, as 9-point underdogs at home. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Dorell Wright led Miami with 17 points and eight rebounds, while shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from the field.
The Pistons defeated Dallas 90-67 as a 5.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (184.5).
Rasheed Wallace scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Detroit, while Tayshaun Prince added 16 points in the win.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 4 straight games.
Detroit has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 9-38 SU, 16-30-1 ATS
Detroit: 34-13 SU, 28-18-1 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a loss are 1-9
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Dallas are 9-1
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Miami's last 12 games when playing Detroit
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Detroit's last 12 games when playing Miami
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Miami
Detroit is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
Next up:
Miami at Philadelphia, Thursday, February 7
Detroit home to Portland, Friday, February 8
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks
- The Milwaukee Bucks and the Dallas Mavericks will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at American Airlines Center.
The Bucks huge third quarter output helped in a 102-97 win over the Grizzlies on Tuesday. The Bucks won the game as a 4.5-point underdog, while the 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 193.
Mo Williams scored a game-high 32 points from 14-for-22 shooting from the field in the win.
Josh Howard scored 28 points as the Mavericks upended the Magic 107-98 on Monday, as 4.5-point underdogs on the road. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 197.
Howard shot 10-for-20 and hauled down seven boards, while Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry each tossed in 20 points for the Mavericks.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 19-30 SU, 21-27-1 ATS
Dallas: 32-15 SU, 20-24-3 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 9-1
After playing Orlando are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Next up:
Milwaukee home to New York, Saturday, February 9
Dallas home to Memphis, Friday, February 8
Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Wednesday when the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets meet at Pepsi Center.
The Jazz dominated the second and third quarter Monday, as they slipped past the Hornets 110-88. The Jazz covered the 4-point spread, while the combined 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 202.5.
Deron Williams shot 11-for-13 from the field with 29 points, and Kyle Korver added 20 points in the win.
The Nuggets scored with seconds remaining in overtime Monday, as they got past the Trail Blazers 105-103. The Nuggets won the game as a 2.5-point underdog, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.
Carmelo Anthony led the way with a game-high 28 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for a double-double. Allen Iverson chipped in with 25 points in the win.
Current streak:
Utah has won 9 straight games.
Denver has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 31-18 SU, 26-23 ATS
Denver: 29-18 SU, 25-22 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 7-3
After playing New Orleans are 4-6
After a win are 9-1
Denver most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Portland are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
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 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Denver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Utah at Sacramento, Friday, February 8
Denver home to Washington, Friday, February 8
New Orleans Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns
- The fans at US Airways Center will be treated to a game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Phoenix Suns when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Hornets lost 110-88 to the Jazz last time out, as 4-point favorites on the road. The 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 202.5.
Jannero Pargo finished with 24 points and shot 9-for-14 from then field in the loss.
Phoenix roared back in the second half and pulled out a hard-fought 118-104 victory over Charlotte on Monday. Phoenix failed to cover the 14.5-point spread at home, while the combined 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 217.
Amare Stoudemire shot 7-for-11 from the field with 24 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double for Phoenix. Leandro Barbosa scored a game-high 30 points in the win.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 32-15 SU, 29-17-1 ATS
Phoenix: 34-14 SU, 22-24-2 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Seattle are 7-3
After playing Charlotte are 5-2
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
New Orleans is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
New Orleans is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 10 games when playing New Orleans
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
New Orleans home to Memphis, Saturday, February 9
Phoenix home to Seattle, Friday, February 8
Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- The Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Rose Garden.
Joe Smith tossed in a game-high 25 points with 10 rebounds to lead the Bulls to a 118-108 victory over the SuperSonics last time out. The Bulls covered the slight 1-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 193.
Ben Gordon tossed in 19 points for the Bulls, while Kirk Hinrich chipped in with 15 points in the win.
The Trail Blazers were ousted 105-103 by the Nuggets last time out, as 2.5-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.
Brandon Roy shot 10-for-24 from the field with 26 points, seven rebounds and eight rebounds in the loss.
Team records:
Chicago: 19-28 SU, 18-29 ATS
Portland: 27-20 SU, 26-21 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 3-7
After playing Seattle are 5-5
After a win are 1-9
Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Detroit are 6-4
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games at home
Portland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Chicago
Portland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Next up:
Chicago at Golden State, Thursday, February 7
Portland at Detroit, Friday, February 8