Monday's NBA Tip-Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
Martin Luther King Day will usher in an NBA special, where a packed schedule of 13 games will take precedence from early afternoon until the late night hours. This gives bettors a plethora of opportunities to increase their bankroll, but before you begin filling out that packed card take a look at some news, notes and trends which will be useful before the first game tips-off begins at 1:00 p.m. EST.
**Boston at New York**
Meeting for the second time this season, the Knicks will be looking to take their fourth win in the last five games. New York has been able to produce some cash with a 4-1 against the spread record in the same run, while it has hit the ‘over’ three times in four appearances. Since being pushed to the side by Washington (88-83), Boston has gone on to outscore its opponents 216-179. Still an extremely profitable team to back with a 24-13-1 ATS statement, the Celtics have been average in their last 10 with a 5-5 ATS record. Boston’s Rajon Rondo has missed the last two games with back problems. The Knicks’ Stephon Marbury has called it quits this season, opting to have surgery on bone spurs in his left ankle.
**Dallas at Washington**
Looking like a team on a mission, the Wizards are 4-2 SU and ATS in their last six under their own roof. Holding teams to a staggering 92.4 PPG in the last five, Washington has flourished recently, highlighted by back-to-back victories versus the big bad Boston Celtics (outscoring them 173-161). While running on their own enriched fuel with an 8-2 SU performance in the last 10, Dallas has been gimpy in the financial sector. Backers have seen the Mavs go for a mortal 5-4-1 ATS in the last 10. In its last two head-to-head meeting, the Wizards have come out on top with a 2-0 SU and ATS solution against Dallas.
**San Antonio at Charlotte**
With the Spurs limping along on a 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS slide, the Bobcats will look to defend the city of Charlotte. At home this season the ‘Cats are an average 6-6 ATS versus teams playing over .500, while San Antonio is a disappointing 2-6 ATS when paired up with under .500 teams on the road. The Spurs can’t blame injuries for its recent poor play, but Charlotte does have that excuse, with Othella Harrington, Adam Morrison and Sean May out for the rest of the year.
**Indiana at Philadelphia**
Both teams have been trying to find their way home, combining for only five wins in a total of 20 games (between both squads). While the Pacers are a below average 2-3 SU in their last five, bettors who have supported this group can rest a bit easier, cashing tickets four times in the last five contests. Gamblers with Philly on their cards haven’t been that lucky. Only 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the road, the 76ers have been a horror show. Continuing on a three-game mini home stand, Philadelphia will look to improve its 8-11 SU record inside the Wachovia Center.
**Portland at Atlanta**
Packing a respectable 13-8 SU operation at home, the Hawks will look to derail a Blazers squad whose gone 19-7 ATS in their last 26 contests. Shooting for 99.9 PPG on their own home court, Atlanta will look to take advantage of a Portland team whose giving up 99.5 PPG on the road. The total play may be something to look at as the Hawks are 8-0 on the ‘under’ in their last eight when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game, are 6-0 on the ‘under’ in their last six after coming off two days of rest and are 7-1 on the ‘under’ in their last eight versus Western Conference teams.
**Seattle at Houston**
Entering Houston with a demoralizing 4-18 SU record, the Sonics continue to search for the magic bullet called chemistry. Dropping 10 straight and only 2-14 SU in its last 16, Seattle is the epitome of a youthful club making big mistakes. Going ‘under’ the total seven games straight (from Dec. 29 until Jan. 11) was a solid run for bettors who took advantage. Dropping two contests to New Orleans and Phoenix, Houston is searching for the mojo that had it snatching up five straight wins before going 1-2 SU in the last three. Defense has been solid however, with the Rockets rejecting teams for a low 90.6 PPG in the last five.
**Milwaukee at New Orleans**
Preparing for the All-Star game, New Orleans is also the home to a Hornets team excelling in the Southwest Division. Tied with Dallas for first place, New Orleans is a hot 12-2 SU and ATS in its last 14 appearances on the hardwood. One surprising stat coming out of Milwaukee headquarters is despite its 16-24 SU record, the Bucks have been prosperous on the road versus teams with a record over .500. It’s 7-4 ATS mark in this situation comes as a bit of a surprise.
**Utah at L.A. Clippers**
With some trends pointing to Utah failing to cover on Monday, the L.A. Clippers haven’t necessarily been lighting the field on fire. Dropping four in a row before ending the streak with a hard fought win over Phoenix (97-90), L.A. is hoping it can shutdown the Jazz’s offensive production. The ‘under’ has been a huge play in Clippers games, going 21-8 in the last 29 games versus the NBA Northwest and 12-5 in their last 17 home games.
**Minnesota at Golden State**
Five wins on the season easily ranks the Timberwolves as the worst team in the NBA. With a 4-14 SU docket at home and a pitiful 1-20 SU record on the road, Minnesota backers are a small and dieing bread. The Warriors will look to take advantage of a ‘Wolves team allowing 103 PPG on the season and 109.8 PPG in the last 10. On the flip side, Golden State is nailing the Spalding through the hoop for 109 PPG overall and 112.5 PPG at home.
**Chicago at Memphis**
After cutting lose coach Scott Skiles and upgrading interim Jim Boylan into the position, Chicago still seems to be struggling in respect to finding a groove that they can run with. Only 7-6 SU in their last 13, the Bulls have struggled with scoring only 92.4 PPG on the road, while its opponents, Memphis is nailing the bottom of the bucket for an explosive 105.7 PPG at home. But the Grizzlies are completely void of defense, giving up 106.6 PPG on their own court and surrendering 110.6 PPG in their last five.
**Detroit at Orlando**
For an Eastern Conference team, the Magic have been hitting high number totals this season. Example; Orlando has seen games hit 190 total points for a high success rate of 71%, while nailing 200 points (total score) 47% of the time. One trend that is hard to ignore is Detroit’s 9-1 SU and 5-4-1 ATS record in the last 10 head-to-head games versus the Magic. In the last five head-to-head contests, the Pistons have gone on to outscore Orlando 504-444 (that’s 100.8 PPG versus 88.8 PPG). The ‘over’ has cashed in five times out of the last six times.
**Cleveland at Miami**
Continuing to get shelled this season, even with Shaq and Wade “relatively” healthy, the Heat are involved in an atrocious 13-game losing streak. If you’ve been fading Miami, good for you. The fact is that the Heat are the furthest thing from being hot on the books, going 2-17 ATS in their last 19 games. On the other hand, Cleveland has been rock solid. Racking up an 8-2 SU and a 5-5 ATS record, the Cavs have shot lights out at 47% from the field in a current three-game winning streak.
**Denver at L.A. Lakers**
Finishing the all-day extravaganza emerges a 10:30 p.m. EST contest in Los Angeles. Hot at home with a 17-5 SU and 12-10 ATS, Denver just can’t seem to get its shoes under its feet when traveling (7-10 SU and 7-10 ATS on the road). There’s not enough games under the Lakers belt to prove this fact yet, but since Andrew Bynum limped off the court with a separated knee cap, the team is 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS. And the Nuggets are no stranger to injury themselves, with the squad missing Kenyon Marin, Nene, Chucky Atkins and Steven Hunter. Denver enters this contest with a 5-9 ATS record when playing out of its division, while L.A. is 9-8 ATS at home and playing teams out of its division.
vegasinsider.com.
Hawks' Anthony Johnson suspended for 1 game for flagrant foul
January 20, 2008
ATLANTA (AP) -Atlanta Hawks starting point guard Anthony Johnson was suspended for Monday's game against Portland without pay for committing a flagrant foul against Toronto's Jose Calderon.
Johnson was assessed the flagrant foul and ejected for hitting Calderon's head with his forearm in the second quarter of the Raptors' 89-78 win Friday. Besides the suspension, Johnson was assessed a flagrant foul, penalty two, NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson said in a press release Sunday.
Calderon clutched the back of his head after taking the hit but remained in the game and made both technical free throws.
It was the first meeting between the teams since Hawks rookie Al Horford knocked Toronto guard T.J. Ford to the ground Dec. 11 in Atlanta. Ford was taken to an Atlanta hospital with a stinger.
Johnson, 33, is averaging 6.3 points and 4.9 assists.
The suspension leaves rookie Acie Law and Tyronn Lue to share time at point guard against Portland. The two have combined for eight starts this season.
Big Monday Tip Sheet
By Chris David
**Syracuse (13-6 SU, 6-10 ATS) at Georgetown (14-2 SU, 6-7 ATS) **
This Big East battle features the league’s best offense in Syracuse (83.2 PPG) versus the best defense in Georgetown (56.7 PPG).
Syracuse is hoping to bounce back tonight after suffering an 81-71 decision to Villanova at home on Saturday. The Orange led 35-30 at the break, but were plagued by fouls in the final 20 minutes plus a hot-shooting Wildcats team. Syracuse has been outscored by six points per game (77-71) on the road this year en route to a 2-3 mark both SU and ATS.
Georgetown (14-2 SU, 6-7 ATS) improved to 4-1 in Big East play on Saturday after routing Notre Dame 84-65 as an 8 ½-point home favorite. Center Roy Hibbert led four players in double figures with 21 points. The Hoyas haven’t lost at home this year, recording a 9-0 SU and 3-3 ATS mark.
Syracuse has stopped Georgetown in seven of the previous eight meetings, including a 72-58 victory last year as a 2 ½-point home underdog.
Even though the ‘under’ has cashed in five of the last eight and three in a row between these two schools, total players should know that Georgetown (51.5%) and Syracuse (51.1%) are ranked third and fourth nationally in field goal percentage.
Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST, with ESPN providing national coverage.
**Texas (14-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) at Oklahoma State (10-7 SU, 3-6 ATS)**
Texas avoided a major upset on Saturday by barely beating Colorado 69-67 as a 17 ½-point home favorite. The Longhorns overcame a horrible shooting night (40%) and a nine-point (37-28) halftime deficit. D.J. Augustin led Texas with 25 points, five assists and five boards.
Oklahoma State suffered its second straight conference loss Saturday, falling to Iowa State 73-66. The Cowboys blew a five-point (40-35) lead at the break and couldn’t hit a shot in the second stanza.
The Longhorns are 4-2 both SU and ATS away from home this season, while the Cowboys are 9-1 SU and 2-0 ATS in Stillwater.
Oklahoma State’s offense is ranked last in the Big XII in field goal percentage (44.3%) and the defense is second worst (42.9%) in field goal percentage defense. Texas often lives and dies by the deep ball, connecting on 41 percent of its long-range shots.
Last year, the two schools met three times and Texas captured two of the meetings against Oklahoma State. The Longhorns covered all three of the games, while the ‘under’ went 2-1.
ESPN offers television coverage at 9:00 p.m. EST.
**San Francisco (5-12 SU, 6-7 ATS) at Gonzaga (14-4 SU, 9-9 ATS)**
The final leg of the ESPN triple-header can be seen nationally at 12:00 a.m. EST and it definitely looks like a mismatch on paper. San Francisco takes its 2-9 SU and 5-4 ATS record on the road to the Great Northwest, where Gonzaga owns an 8-3 SU and 4-7 ATS mark.
San Francisco snapped a seven-game losing skid Saturday by defeating Portland 60-59 as a 4 ½-point road underdog. The Dons’ victory helped head coach Eddie Sutton notch his 799th career win.
Gonzaga extended its winning streak to five games on Saturday by holding off San Diego, 80-70. The Bulldogs failed to cover as 17 ½-point home favorites, which was the seventh loss against the spread in the last 10 games. The Bulldogs’ defense has been great this year, leading the conference in field goal percentage defense (38.9). This enthusiasm has helped the ‘under’ notch a 10-8 record.
Gamblers should keep in mind that this is a possible look-ahead game for Gonzaga, with a road battle against No. 1 Memphis slated for Saturday.
Gonzaga has gone 5-0 SU and 3-2 ATS in its last five battles with San Francisco, but has only captured home wins of 16, 3 and 3 points during this stretch.
vegasinsider.com
Hokies' Allen suspended two games for contact with referee
Associated Press
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Virginia Tech forward Jeff Allen was suspended two games by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sunday for making inappropriate contact with an official during the Hokies' game at Georgia Tech.
Allen, who fouled out with 4:32 to play Saturday in an 81-70 loss, was on his way to the bench when he made contact with official Zelton Steed. Steed promptly ejected the freshman.
Allen will miss the Hokies' home game against Duke on Thursday and Saturday's game at Boston College
Nuggets F Kenyon Martin (10 ppg; infection) is questionable for Monday's game.
Bulls F Luol Deng (18 ppg; Achilles) is doubtful for Monday's game.
Grizzlies G Mike Miller (16 ppg; ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday.
Syracuse (13-6, 7-10 ATS) at (5) Georgetown (14-2, 6-7 ATS)
The Orangemen look to continue their recent dominance of Georgetown when they visit the fifth-ranked Hoyas inside the Verizon Center in a Big East Big Monday showdown.
Syracuse was unable to hold a five-point halftime lead against Villanova on Saturday, losing 81-71 as a 4½-point home chalk. The Orange have now lost three of four SU and ATS, all in Big East action.
The Hoyas bounced back from their first conference loss of the season – last Monday’s 69-60 setback at Pitt – by clobbering Notre Dame 84-65 as 8½-point home favorites Saturday. It was Georgetown’s 15th consecutive home victory. Also, the Hoyas are 15-5-2 ATS in their last 22 Big East games.
Syracuse has won seven of its last eight against Georgetown, including a 72-58 upset win as 2½-point home underdogs last season in the only meeting between the two. With that victory, the Orange improved to 6-2 ATS in the last eight against the Hoyas.
Defense is what ignites Georgetown inside the Verizon Center, where the Hoyas allow just 55.6 points and 35.2 percent shooting. Overall, the Hoyas shoot 51.2 percent from the field and limit opponents to 35.6 percent shooting, figures that rank third and first, respectively, in the nation.
Neither of these teams performs exceptionally well on Monday, with the Orange just 4-11 ATS in their last 15 Monday tip-offs and the Hoyas 2-6 ATS in their last eight.
The under is on runs of 5-1 in head-to-head meetings (3-0 in the last three), 9-4 in Syracuse road games, 6-2 in the Orange’s last eight overall, 40-15 in Georgetown home games and 46-21-1 for Georgetown against the Big East.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE and UNDER
(19) Texas (14-3, 6-6 ATS) at Oklahoma State (10-7, 3-6 ATS)
The Longhorns survived a Big 12 scare Saturday against Colorado and now travel to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State in a Big Monday matchup.
Texas clawed out a 69-67 home win over the Buffaloes on Saturday, but came nowhere close to covering the 17½-point number. The Longhorns are just 1-5 ATS in their last six overall, but 6-2 ATS in their last eight on the road. However, in their only other Big 12 road game this year, Texas went to Missouri on Jan. 12 and lost 97-84 as one-point favorites.
Oklahoma State has dropped two in a row, losing at Baylor 79-71 as seven-point ‘dogs on Tuesday and then falling at Iowa State 73-66 as two-point pups on Saturday. Including those two defeats, the Cowboys are mired in ATS slumps of 8-20-1 overall and 6-15-1 in Big 12 games.
The Longhorns have won five of the last seven against Oklahoma State (6-1 ATS), including two of three last season (3-0 ATS). These two played a classic in Stillwater a year ago, with the Cowboys prevailing 105-103 in triple-overtime, but Texas got the cash as four-point underdogs. The Longhorns avenged that loss a month later with an 83-54 rout as a 6½-point home chalk then eliminated the Cowboys from the Big 12 tournament with a 69-64 win, barely getting the cash as 4½-point favorites.
In their lone conference home game, the Cowboys destroyed Texas Tech 74-55 as five-point favorites on Jan. 12. They are 9-1 SU at home this year, but only two of those were lined contests (2-0 ATS).
Oklahoma State’s defense rises to the occasion at home, allowing 57.8 ppg on 39.2 percent shooting.
The under is 13-5 in the Cowboys’ last 18 Monday games, 4-1 in Texas’ last five overall and 7-3 in the last 10 series meetings between these two.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS and UNDER
Detroit (29-12, 25-15-1 ATS) at Orlando (25-17, 27-15 ATS)
The Pistons go for their 10th straight victory over the Magic when they visit Orlando for the second time this season.
Detroit has followed up an 11-game winning SU and ATS winning streak by going 3-5 in its last eight (2-6 ATS), including back-to-back defeats to the Kings at home Friday (100-93 as a 9½-point favorite) and Chicago on the road Saturday (97-81 as a 6½-point chalk). On the bright side, the Pistons are still 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 overall)
Orlando has won just three of its last nine (4-5 ATS) but two of those wins came in its most recent home games, beating the Bulls 102-88 on Tuesday as 6½-point favorites and downing Portland 101-94 pn Saturday as a 5½-point chalk.
Detroit went to Orlando on Nov. 2 and scored a 116-92 win as a 3½-point underdog following a four-game sweep of the Magic in last season’s playoffs (1-2-1 ATS). During its nine-game winning streak against the Magic, the Pistons are 5-0 in Orlando (4-1 ATS).
The straight-up winner is 6-2-2 ATS in the last 10 series clashes. Also, the road team has dominated this series, going 14-3-3 ATS in the last 20.
The Pistons have suffered consecutive blowout road losses to the Bulls on Saturday and Knicks (89-65) on Jan. 13. For the season, they’re 13-9-1 ATS on the highway.
The Magic are just 9-8 ATS in front of the home fans.
The over is 5-1 in the last six series clashes, 7-3 in Orlando’s last 10 Monday games and 9-4 in the Magic’s last 13 against Central Division squads. However, the under is 14-5-1 in the Pistons’ last 20 overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DETROIT
Denver (24-15, 19-20 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (26-12, 22-15 ATS)
The Nuggets will be trying to end a three-game road losing skid when they meet the Lakers in the Staples Center.
Denver continues to light up the scoreboard, scoring 109 points or more in seven of their last eight, including a 111-108 home win over the Timberwolves Saturday, coming up short as a 14½-point chalk.
The Nuggets have won six of their last nine overall (5-4 ATS) but dropped their last three on the road (0-3 ATS). Those three road losses came at Phoenix on Jan. 7 (137-115 as 7½-point ‘dogs), at Charlotte last Monday (119-116 as 4½-point favorites) and at Atlanta on Tuesday (104-93 as three-point pups).
Phil Jackson’s Lakers have been idle since Thursday’s 106-98 loss to Phoenix as a 1½-point home underdog, snapping a seven-game SU winning streak (4-3 ATS). Los Angeles is 15-6 at Staples Center this year, but just 12-9 ATS, including three straight non-covers.
The Lakers have won both contests against the Nuggets this season (2-0 ATS), prevailing 127-99 at home on Nov. 29 as five-point favorites and then eking out a 111-107 victory in Denver as nine-point ‘dogs on Dec. 5. Head-to-head these two have split their last 10, but the Lakers have gone 7-3 ATS, including 3-1 ATS at home.
The winner has covered the spread in eight of the last 10 battles, and the host is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 clashes.
Both teams rank among the best in the NBA offensively, with L.A. putting up 107.6 ppg and Denver scoring 107.3 ppg. However, both struggle on defense, surrendering more than 101 points per outing.
Denver is on a 19-7 ATS roll as an underdog of less than five points, but 4-10 ATS in its last 14 as a pup of any price.
The over is 42-20 in the Lakers’ last 62 games as a favorite, 5-1 in its last six against the Northwest Division and 5-1 in Denver’s last six road games. However, the under is 10-4 in L.A.’s last 14 Monday games and 6-2 in the last eight series clashes in Hollywood.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS
gametimepicks.com
Monday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
* Boston crushed New York 104-59 in the last meeting back on November 29th. A 3-pointer from near midcourt by Nate Robinson saved the Knicks from posting their lowest point total in franchise history. The Celtics have won 11 of the last 14 meetings, including 4 straight at Madison Square Garden. EDGE CELTICS
* The Celtics hope to get point guard Rajon Rondo back after he has missed the last 2 games and 3 of the past 4 with a bruised back and sore hamstring. Eddie House has started in place of Rondo and is averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 assists. EDGE: CELTICS
* Celtics are 44-17-1 ATS in their last 62 road games.
* Knicks are 23-48 ATS in their last 71 games following an ATS win.
* The road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Seattle SuperSonics at Houston Rockets
* Sonics are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on 1 days rest.
* Rockets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite.
* The home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Chicago Bulls at Memphis Grizzlies
* Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a 10+ point win.
* Grizzlies are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games against the Central Division.
Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic
* Pistons are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games when playing on 1 days rest.
* Magic are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games an underdog.
* The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
* Miami has dropped 13 straight games, going 1-12 ATS during that stretch. The skid is the worst during the entire coaching career of Pat Riley. "Maybe we should hang some more pictures of that trophy somewhere, so we can remember what it felt like to be in that moment," Riley said. "We have to change the energy, somehow." Miami has also lost 5 straight home games and is just 4-14 at AmericaAirlines Arena this season. BIG EDGE: CAVS
* Cleveland star LeBron James has lost all 8 trips to Miami during his young career despite averaging 27 points, 7.5 assists and 4.9 rebounds in those games. In fact, the Heat have won the last 9 meetings with the Cavs. EDGE: HEAT
* Cavs are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games against the Eastern Conference.
* Heat are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 games against the Central Division.
* The UNDER is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Miami.
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers
* Nuggets are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games against the Pacific Division.
* Lakers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games when opponent scored 100+ points previously.
* The home team is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
CBB
Syracuse at #6 Georgetown
* Syracuse is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games following an ATS loss.
* Georgetown is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games following an ATS loss.
* The UNDER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Georgetown.
#19 Texas at Oklahoma State
* Texas is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games following a SU win.
* Oklahoma State is 8-20-1 ATS in its last 29 games overall.
* The UNDER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
pregame.com
Lakers' Ariza goes out with a broken foot
He is injured after coming down on Fisher's foot at practice. A timetable for his return will be determined after he meets with specialist.
As if the Lakers needed this to happen.
Forward Trevor Ariza was diagnosed with a fractured bone in his right foot after hurting it Sunday at practice.
Ariza will see foot specialist Kenneth Jung today, at which point a timetable for his return will be determined.
It was unclear exactly how Ariza injured the fourth metatarsal in his foot, but he apparently came down on Derek Fisher's foot, according to a Lakers official.
Ariza, who was taken to Centinela Hospital Medical Center for X-rays, became a fixture on the Lakers' second unit after being acquired from Orlando in November.
He was averaging 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 18 minutes a game.
Ariza, who also started three games, had been an active defender for the Lakers, who like his length and speed.
The Lakers are without Andrew Bynum for at least seven more weeks and Chris Mihm for at least another week, although it will probably be longer than that until he returns.
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said Kwame Brown would not be excluded from the offense tonight against the Nuggets, even though Denver center Marcus Camby was last season's NBA defensive player of the year.
Camby leads the league with 3.95 blocked shots a game and is second in rebounding with 14.3 a game.
"It's not about his one-on-one defense. It's his team defense that Camby's renowned for," Jackson said. "We're definitely going to go in to Kwame against Camby. His size and his power against him is obviously a strength that we have."
Brown had seven turnovers Thursday against Phoenix, four in the third quarter as fans began to heavily boo him.
He missed numerous shots from close range, including a dunk, two layups and a hook shot. He finished with eight points and six rebounds and did not play in the fourth quarter.
Jackson thought the Lakers looked fatigued against Phoenix, so he eased up on their practice routine over the weekend.
The Lakers did not practice Friday, had a brief practice Saturday and a slightly longer one Sunday.
Jackson said he was trying to "get these guys rejuvenated, get their legs live again. That's a big part of it."
TONIGHT
vs. Denver, 7:30, FSN West, TNT
Site -- Staples Center.
Radio -- 570, 1330.
Records -- Lakers 26-12, Nuggets 24-15.
Record vs. Nuggets -- 2-0.
Update -- The Nuggets are rarely at a loss for offense with Allen Iverson (27.1 points a game) and Carmelo Anthony (25.8 points a game). Most teams are better at home than on the road, but the Nuggets are a little more extreme: 17-5 at home, 7-10 on the road. The Lakers have won both their games against the Nuggets this season -- 127-99 at Staples Center and 111-107 at Denver.
latimes.com
Dallas Mavericks vs. Washington Wizards
- The fans at Verizon Center will be treated to a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Washington Wizards when they take their seats on Monday.
Dallas forced 16 Seattle turnovers in Saturday's 111-96 win, creating a PUSH with the 15-point home spread. The 207 points scored were OVER the posted total of 203.5.
Dirk Nowitzki was the high man with 20 points, and Josh Howard had 17 points for the Mavericks.
Washington shot 56.8% from the field in Friday's 111-98 win over New York, covering the 8-point home spread. The 209 points scored were OVER the posted total of 195.
Antawn Jamison poured in a game-high 32 points, while Caron Butler added 22 points for the Wizards.
Team records:
Dallas: 27-12 SU, 17-20-2 ATS
Washington: 21-17 SU, 24-13-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 10-0
Before playing Charlotte are 4-2
After playing Seattle are 9-1
After a win are 8-2
Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing New York are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 9 games on the road
Dallas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 11 games at home
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at Charlotte, Wednesday, January 23
Washington at Cleveland, Wednesday, January 23
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
- The Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
Boston shot 58.9% from the field in Friday's 116-89 win over Philadelphia, covering the 10.5-point home spread. The 205 points scored were OVER the posted total of 185.
Ray Allen led the way with 23 points, and Paul Pierce added 22 points for the Celtics.
New York got 22 points from Jamal Crawford in Saturday's 88-84 win at Miami, coming in as 4.5-point road underdogs. The 172 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 195.5.
Nate Robinson had 19 points off the bench, and Zach Randolph put 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Knicks.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 32-6 SU, 24-13-1 ATS
New York: 13-27 SU, 18-22 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 8-2
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New York
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New York
Boston is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New York's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Boston
Next up:
Boston home to Toronto, Wednesday, January 23
New York home to Philadelphia, Friday, January 25
San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Bobcats
- The San Antonio Spurs and the Charlotte Bobcats will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
San Antonio were 11-for-19 from the foul line in Saturday's 83-81 loss at Houston, falling as 1-point road underdogs. The 164 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 180.5.
Tim Duncan notched 24 points and 17 rebounds, and Manu Ginobili scored 21 points off the bench for the Spurs.
Charlotte's Jason Richardson went for 38 points and 14 rebounds in Saturday's 105-87 win over Memphis, covering the 5.5-point home spread. The 192 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 208.
Gerald Wallace had 28 points and seven steals, while Raymond Felton added 11 points for the Bobcats.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 25-13 SU, 18-20 ATS
Charlotte: 16-24 SU, 17-22-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Houston are 9-1
After a loss are 6-4
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 1-5
After playing Memphis are 5-1
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Charlotte is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
San Antonio home to LA Lakers, Wednesday, January 23
Charlotte home to Dallas, Wednesday, January 23
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Portland Trail Blazers and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Philips Arena.
Portland were outrebounded 48-37 in Saturday's 101-94 loss at Orlando, falling as 5.5-point road underdogs. The 195 points scored created a PUSH with the posted total of 195.
Brandon Roy scored a game-high 25 points, and Travis Outlaw added 22 points for the Trailblazers.
Atlanta shot 41.3% from the floor in Friday's 89-78 loss at Toronto, falling as 6-point road underdogs. The 166 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 186.5.
Joe Johnson was the high man with 25 points, while Josh Smith was next with 24 points for the Hawks.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 24-16 SU, 25-15 ATS
Atlanta: 18-19 SU, 19-18 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 2-8
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Portland is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Portland is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Portland
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Next up:
Portland at New Orleans, Wednesday, January 23
Atlanta at Denver, Wednesday, January 23
Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
Indiana was 8-for-28 from three-point land in Saturday's 110-104 loss to Sacramento, falling as 3-point home favorites. The 214 points scored were a PUSH with the posted total of 214.
Danny Granger fired in 26 points, while Kareem Rush had 22 points for the Pacers.
Philadelphia had to withstand a late Toronto rally in Saturday's 99-95 win, coming in as 2-point road underdogs. The 194 points scored were OVER the posted total of 189.
Willie Green led the way with 23 points, and Andre Igoudala added 20 points for the 76ers.
Team records:
Indiana: 18-23 SU, 20-20-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 16-25 SU, 19-21-1 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 2-8
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 1-9
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Indiana
Philadelphia is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Next up:
Indiana at Chicago, Wednesday, January 23
Philadelphia home to Detroit, Wednesday, January 23
Seattle SuperSonics vs. Houston Rockets
- The Seattle SuperSonics and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Toyota Center.
Seattle had 16 turnovers in Saturday's 111-96 loss at Dallas, falling as 15-point road underdogs. The 207 points scored were OVER the posted total of 203.5.
Wally Szczerbiak fired in 26 points, while Nick Collison put up 16 points and 12 boards for the Supersonics.
Houston's Yao Ming had 21 points and 14 boards in Saturday's 83-81 win over San Antonio, covering the 1-point home spread. The 164 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 180.5.
Rafer Alston hit 16 points, and Tracy McGrady added nine points in his return for the Rockets.
Current streak:
Seattle has lost 10 straight games.
Team records:
Seattle: 9-31 SU, 17-22-1 ATS
Houston: 21-19 SU, 20-19-1 ATS
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Seattle are 8-2
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 10 games on the road
Seattle is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Houston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Seattle
Houston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Next up:
Seattle home to Houston, Wednesday, January 23
Houston at Seattle, Wednesday, January 23
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers
- The Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
Seven Utah players reached double figures in Friday's 106-88 win over the Clippers, covering the 10-point home spread. The 194 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 199.5.
Carlos Boozer had 19 points and ten rebounds, while Deron Williams added 15 points for the Jazz.
The Clippers outscored New Jersey 19-6 in overtime of Saturday's 120-107 win, coming in as 1-point home underdogs. The 227 points scored were OVER the posted total of 186.
Corey Maggette had a game-high 31 points, and Sam Cassell added 22 points for the Clippers.
Team records:
Utah: 23-18 SU, 19-22 ATS
Los Angeles: 12-24 SU, 17-19 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 6-4
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Utah is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Utah is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games
LA Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing at home against Utah
LA Clippers are 3-11 SU in their last 14 games at home
Next up:
Utah home to Sacramento, Friday, January 25
LA Clippers home to Sacramento, Wednesday, January 23