Wallace questionable for Bobcats
January 22, 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Charlotte Bobcats leading scorer Gerald Wallace is questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas with a strained left calf.
A team spokesman said Wallace remained sore Tuesday and will sit out Wednesday's shootaround to get additional rest. He'll test the leg in pregame warmups and determine then if he'll play.
Wallace first suffered the injury in Saturday's win over Memphis and aggravated it during Monday's loss to San Antonio, forcing him out of the game in the fourth quarter. Wallace's left leg was elevated and strapped to an electrical stimulation machine after the game.
Wallace is averaging 21.4 points and 6.2 rebounds a game. He scored 40 and 36 points in consecutive wins over Denver and Orlando last week.
Shaquille O'Neal to be shut down for 2 weeks after MRI on ailing left hip
January 22, 2008
MIAMI (AP) -Shaquille O'Neal will miss at least two weeks because of pain in his left hip and leg, another blow to the Miami Heat's dismal season.
An MRI exam on O'Neal's ailing left hip Tuesday found acute inflammation in that joint and the quadriceps muscle in the same leg. He will be treated with ice for two weeks, but essentially banned from all other activity in the hope that rest will cure the problem.
O'Neal will miss at least six games, barring a change in the recovery plan. The earliest he could return under the new timetable is Feb. 6 at Detroit.
``His activity, the activity, is exacerbating it,'' said Heat coach Pat Riley, whose team has lost 14 straight games, three shy of the franchise record. ``That's all. That's what happens. He's trying to do everything he can do. He's gotten all the treatment he can get. And now it's probably going to be an inactive period of time until the thing heals.''
O'Neal was not available to reporters Tuesday.
He sustained the hip injury while diving for a loose ball against Utah on Dec. 22 - the last game Miami won. He missed eight games from Dec. 28 through Jan. 11, sought treatment in Los Angeles during that stretch, and returned when the Heat started their current seven-game homestand Jan. 16.
O'Neal left Monday's game against Cleveland in the first quarter to have the hip re-taped, then returned to the game with a noticeable limp. He finished with 10 points, none after halftime.
He's averaging a career-low 14.2 points this season, and his string of All-Star game selections - which matches an NBA record at 14 straight - could be in jeopardy.
Heat guard Dwyane Wade, who scored 32 of Miami's 38 second-half points in Monday's 97-90 loss to Cleveland, said it's tough to continue watching O'Neal play in obvious pain.
``He's judged more than a lot of the athletes in the world because of who he is, who he has become,'' Wade said. ``If he's playing and hurting and not playing good, he's being talked about. If he's not playing and he's trying to get healthy, then he's being talked about for taking time off. It's a lose-lose situation. As his friend, I want him to be healthy. That's the most important thing to us.''
Mark Blount likely will become Miami's new starting center, now that O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning (season-ending knee and quadriceps injuries) are out. Centers Joel Anthony and Earl Barron also are on the Heat roster, although they've combined to play only 207 minutes this season.
Depending on how long O'Neal is out, Riley said the team might try to add another big man for depth.
``We'll talk about it,'' he said.
For now, Blount - who started 81 games for Minnesota last season and who has averaged 5.7 points in 16 minutes per game this season - will be the primary pivot man for Miami, which has the Eastern Conference's worst record at 8-32.
When Blount was acquired before the season in a trade, he expected to play alongside O'Neal and Mourning and help the Heat get back to their championship form from two seasons ago.
``It's been different,'' Blount said. ``There's nothing I can do about that. Nothing you can really say. The team is looking at me to try to help them out right now. Of course, you want to be there with Shaq and be there with Zo, but that's not the situation right now.''
Hawks suspend Pachulia for Denver game
January 22, 2008
ATLANTA (AP) -The Atlanta Hawks suspended backup center Zaza Pachulia for Wednesday's game at Denver for conduct detrimental to the team.
General manager Billy Knight announced the suspension Tuesday, but team did not describe the nature of his transgression. Pachulia, however, had a run-in with coach Mike Woodson during Monday's 111-109 overtime loss to Portland at Philips Arena.
Pachulia objected as he was substituted in and out of the game for matchup purposes. At one point, he waved his arms at Woodson, and after a brief exchange during a timeout Woodson sent Pachulia to the locker room with under 10 minutes to play.
The 6-foot-11, 280-pound Pachulia has averaged 14.4 points in 19 games this season, including five starts, with an average of 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds.
The suspension only applies to Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, and Pachulia will be available when the Hawks play at Seattle on Friday in the second game of a five-game western road trip, the Hawks said.
Anthony doubtful Wednesday against Atlanta
January 22, 2008
DENVER (AP) -Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is doubtful for Denver's game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night due to a sprained left ankle.
Anthony was hurt Monday night after he came down on Kobe Bryant's right foot during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets said X-rays taken after the game were negative.
Anthony, who hasn't missed a game this season, had minimal swelling Tuesday and some discomfort in the ankle.
The 23-year-old forward missed five games with a sprained left ankle - and another game with a sprained right ankle - during the 2004-05 season.
Anthony is the NBA's fourth-leading scorer, averaging 25.5 points a game.
Marquee Matchup
By Brad Young
Wednesday’s marquee matchup might be a playoff preview between the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. Both teams have nearly identical records heading into this contest, sitting in second and third place in their respective divisions.
The Lakers have exceeded preseason expectations thus far this season, residing in second place in the competitive Pacific Division standings behind front-running Phoenix. The defending-champion Spurs have not lived up to hype during the first half of the season due to various injuries, trailing New Orleans and Dallas in the Southwest Division.
Caesars Palace installed San Antonio as a 5½-point home ‘chalk’ over Los Angeles, with the total set at 198. ESPN will provide coverage of this Western Conference showdown beginning at 9:05 p.m. ET.
Los Angeles (27-12 straight up, 23-16 against the spread) has gone 4-1 SU and 1-4 ATS its last five games after disposing of Denver Monday as a three-point home favorite, 116-99. The combined 215 points failed to topple the 226-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to improve to 3-1 the past four games.
The Lakers jumped out to a 10-point first-quarter advantage and never looked back, finishing the contest by shooting 48 percent from the field (40-of-84). Derek Fisher led all scorers with 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting, while Kobe Bryant contributed 17 and 11 assists.
Los Angeles has this brief two-game Texas road trip against San Antonio and Dallas before returning home for back-to-back games. The Lakers are 11-6 SU and 10-7 ATS away from home, winning those games by an average score of 106-102.
San Antonio (26-13 SU, 19-20 ATS) had dropped back-to-back games SU and three consecutive contests ATS before upending Charlotte Monday as a 6½-point road ‘chalk,’ 95-86. The combined 181 points failed to eclipse the 184-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the fourth straight matchup.
The Spurs outrebounded the Bobcats, 42-35, and shot 49 percent from the field (37-of-76) in the victory. Five players reached double digits in scoring, led by Tim Duncan’s 19 points and 10 rebounds. Point guard Tony Parker contributed 16, while Manu Ginobili added 16 and six assists off the bench.
San Antonio is in the midst of a stretch that has the team playing at home just twice over a 14-game period. The Spurs maintain a 19-4 SU and 13-10 ATS home ledger, with the ‘under’ going 12-10. San Antonio has been winning its home endeavors by an average score of 99-89.
Los Angeles is 3-2 SU and ATS the previous five meetings with San Antonio, while the ‘under’ is 5-2 the last nine outings after ‘pushing’ both games this season. The Spurs prevailed November 13 as an eight-point home ‘chalk,’ 107-92, while the Lakers triumphed December 13 as a 5 ½-point home favorite, 102-97. The total was 199 points for both of those contests.
Los Angeles forward Vladimir Radmanovic (ankle), center Chris Mihm (Achilles), guard/forward Trevor Ariza (foot) and center Andrew Bynum (knee) are ‘out’ against the Spurs. San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili injured his nose versus the Bobcats, and is listed as ‘probable’ against the Lakers.
**Inside Slant**
-There is no overnight line or total on the Dallas-Charlotte contest due to the ‘questionable’ status of Bobcats guard Gerald Wallace due to a calf injury.
-There is also no overnight line concerning the Atlanta-Denver matchup because of the ‘doubtful’ status of Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, who suffered an ankle injury versus the Lakers.
-Wednesday’s biggest line involves the Toronto-Boston matchup, with the Celtics listed as a nine-point home ‘chalk.’ The Celtics are 18-3 SU and 13-8 ATS on their home court, while the Raptors are just 10-11 SU and 10-10 ATS on the road. Boston has won the last four meetings with Toronto SU, and previous five encounters ATS.
-Phoenix, playing back-to-back nights, has Wednesday’s highest-attached total of 213 points for its game against Minnesota. The Suns have seen the ‘under’ go 13-9 when playing on the road, while the last three meetings with the Timberwolves have seen the ‘under’ go 2-0-1.
-Wednesday’s closest contest is the Kings-Clippers clash, with Caesars Palace listing Los Angeles as a slight one-point home favorite. The Clippers won the lone meeting this season (Dec. 7) as a 5 ½-point road underdog, 97-87, while the combined 184 points went ‘under’ the 193 ½-point closing total. The ‘under’ is 5-1 the previous six meetings in this series.
vegasinsider.com.
Wednesday NBA Gameday
Kobe Bryant and his Lakers will be looking to continue their climb up the Western standings when they take on the Spurs on Wednesday. Here is your NBA Gameday.
Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00pm ET
Suddenly the Wizards are looking good again, with seven victories in their 10 January contests. That stretch has them just behind the Magic in the Southeast Division standings, and looking like a contender for a Top-4 spot in the East. Washington is coming off a 102-84 win over the Mavs, with Caron Butler scoring 25 points on the day.
The Cavaliers are on the rise again as well, with eight wins in their past 10 games to close the gap on the Pistons in the Central Division. Cleveland won their fourth game in a row by topping the Heat 97-90 on Monday night. LeBron James picked up a team-high 28 points in that contest, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics, 7:30pm ET
The Raptors will be looking to get back on the winning track on Wednesday after dropping a 99-95 decision to the Sixers on Saturday. Chris Bosh was good for 25 points in that defeat, while Andrea Bargnani was held to just three points and zero rebounds in his 12 minutes. Toronto had previously picked up wins in five of their past six contests.
Boston lost three times in a four-game stretch two weeks ago to suddenly look beatable, but they've rebounded since then with consecutive victories over the Blazers, Sixers, and Knicks. The Celtics handled New York 109-93 on the road on Monday night, with Kendrick Perkins scoring a team-high 24 points. Kevin Garnett had 13 boards in the win.
Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Hornets, 8:00pm ET
The Blazers are still riding high in the Northwest Division standings, but they've come back to Earth with losses in three of their past six games. Portland, though, is coming off a 111-109 road win over the Hawks on Monday night, with Travis Outlaw leading the way with 23 points in that game. Brandon Roy contributed 18 points to that road victory.
The Hornets have been one of the hottest teams in the league in January, playing nine games and winning eight of them. New Orleans' only loss this month came on the 9th against the Lakers, when they fell 109-80. The Hornets are coming off a 106-92 win vs. the Bucks on Monday, with Tyson Chandler scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 boards.
Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs, 9:00pm ET
The Lakers have also won eight of their first nine January contests, losing just to the rival Suns by a score of 106-98 last Thursday. Los Angeles is heading into a tough stretch against the likes of the Spurs, Mavs, Cavs, and Pistons, but they are coming off a 116-99 win over the Nuggets on Monday. Bryant picked up 17 points and 11 assists.
The Spurs are slipping down the Western Conference standings, having now lost four of their past seven games. San Antonio had lost back-to-back contests against the Cavs and Rockets before picking up a 95-86 win over the Bobcats on Monday night. Tim Duncan had 19 points and 10 boards in that game, and Tony Parker scored 16 points.
(1) Memphis (17-0, 9-6-2 ATS) at Tulsa (9-6, 5-5 ATS)
The Tigers, freshly minted as the nation’s top-ranked team following North Carolina’s loss to Maryland on Saturday, travel to Oklahoma for a Conference USA matchup against Tulsa.
Memphis blistered Southern Mississippi 83-47 Saturday laying 21½ points, moving to 7-1 ATS in its last nine games. The Tigers have scored at least 76 points in eight of their last nine starts, including three of four to open conference play, going 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in those league contests. The lone non-cover came in a 77-50 rout at Rice as a 27½-point chalk.
The Tigers, who rank 12th in the nation in scoring (82.4 points per game) and 11th in rebounding (38.9 per game), have beaten Conference USA opponents by an average of nearly 32 ppg.
Tulsa squeaked past Southern Methodist 72-71 Saturday as a seven-point road favorite, falling to 0-3 ATS in its last three starts (1-2 SU). The Golden Hurricane (1-2 Conference USA) went to overtime in their first two conference matchups, losing to Tulane 67-65 as a six-point home chalk and falling to Central Florida 97-91 as a five-point road pup.
Memphis has won the last four meetings with Tulsa, going 2-2 ATS. Last season, the Tigers prevailed 72-59 at home giving 18½ points in January, then won 69-52 as an 11-point road chalk. The road team is on a 5-0 ATS roll in this series.
The Tigers are a solid 7-2 ATS this season as a favorite of up to 24½ points. They are also 5-1 ATS in their last six following a spread-cover and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 in league play dating to last season. On the negative side, Memphis is just 1-4 ATS in its last five true road games.
The Golden Hurricane are 5-1 ATS in their last six homes starts (3-1 ATS this season), and they are 4-1 ATS coming off a victory. But they are 1-3 ATS in their last four as an underdog, 2-5 ATS in their last seven games on Wednesday and 0-4 ATS in their last four in conference play.
The under is on a 4-1 overall run for Memphis and is 21-7 in the Tigers’ last 28 conference starts and 12-5 in its last 17 roadies. For Tulsa, the under is on an 8-3 run in Wednesday games, but the over is 5-2 in the Golden Hurricane’s last seven starts overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS and UNDER
(5) North Carolina (18-1, 12-4 ATS) at Miami, Fla. (14-3, 8-1-1 ATS)
The Tar Heels will try to bounce back from their first loss of the year when they travel to South Florida for an Atlantic Coast Conference battle against Miami.
North Carolina was shocked by Maryland 82-80 as an overwhelming 18-point home chalk Saturday, dropping to 1-3 ATS in its last four lined games – all ACC contests. The Tar Heels (3-1 SU in ACC play) remain No. 2 in the nation in scoring (91.1 points per game) and rebounding (41.6 per game). However, a team that won 14 of its 15 non-conference matchups by double digits has had three of its four conference starts decided by a total of five points.
Miami tumbled at North Carolina State 79-77 Saturday in overtime, its second straight ACC loss, but getting the push as a two-point underdog. The Hurricanes (1-2 ACC) opened conference play with a 78-68 home win over Georgia Tech – a team Carolina edged 83-82 in Atlanta four days later.
North Carolina has won four of the past five in this series (3-2 ATS), including a whopping 105-64 home rout last January as a 24½-point favorite in the only meeting between the two last season.
The Tar Heels, despite their recent ATS hiccups, are still on positive ATS runs of 12-3 overall, 21-6-1 coming off a loss and 37-17 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. But they are 1-4 ATS in league play dating to last season.
The Hurricanes are on a 4-0 ATS run at home (3-0 this year) and have further positive ATS trends of 13-3-2 overall in lined games, 7-1-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 5-1-1 following an outright loss. On the negative side, Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning road mark (Carolina is 9-0 SU in road/neutral site games).
For Carolina, the over is on runs of 4-0 overall, 5-0 on the highway, 5-0 in ACC play and 7-3 following a loss. For the ‘Canes, the over is on streaks of 4-0 overall, 4-0 in ACC play, 4-1 against teams with a winning record and 4-1 coming off a loss. Finally, the over is 4-1 in the last five series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI, FLA. and OVER
NBA
Portland (25-16, 26-15 ATS) at New Orleans (28-12, 25-14-1 ATS)
The Trailblazers conclude a brutal seven-game, 11-day road trip tonight in New Orleans in a battle of two of the NBA’s hottest teams.
Portland outlasted the Hawks 111-109 on Monday afternoon, barely covering as a one-point road underdog. The Blazers have alternated SU and ATS wins in their last seven games (including the first six of this road trip), and the straight-up winner is 14-0 in the team’s last 14 games.
Going back to Dec. 3, the Blazers are on a 20-4 SU roll (19-5 ATS). They’ve scored at least 90 points in 22 of the 24 contests, topping triple digits 12 times.
New Orleans continued its winning ways with Monday’s 106-92 rout of the Bucks. The Hornets, who outscored Milwaukee 56-38 in the second half to cover as an 11-point home favorite, have won five in a row, eight of nine and 13 of 15. The straight-up winner has covered the pointspread in all 15 of those contests. In fact, the winner is 18-0 ATS in New Orleans’ last 18 games.
These teams have already met three times this season – twice in Portland and once in the Big Easy – and the home team won and covered all three meetings. In fact, the host is 6-0 SU and ATS in the last six series clashes and 9-1 SU and ATS in the last 10. The winner covered the number in all 10 of those battles.
The Blazers, who have played nine of their last 11 games on the highway, are 8-4 SU and ATS in their last 12 as a visitor. Also, the winner is 17-1 ATS in Portland’s last 18 road contests.
New Orleans went just 9-7 in its first 16 home games (7-9 ATS), have taken four in a row SU and ATS on their own floor, blowing out Miami, Seattle, Charlotte and Milwaukee by margins of 26, 31, 28 and 14 points. During their four-game home winning streak, the Hornets have averaged 113.8 points per contest.
The over is 6-2 in the Hornets’ last eight overall (3-0 last three) and 5-1 in their last six at home (4-0 last four). However, the under is 7-1 in Portland’s last eight against Southwest Division foes, 8-3 in Portland’s last 10 against the Northwest and 2-0 in the last two series meetings (both in Oregon).
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS
L.A. Lakers (27-12, 23-16 ATS) at San Antonio (26-13, 18-20-1 ATS)
The Lakers look to continue their hot streak when they visit the SBC Center in San Antonio in a clash of two of the Western Conference’s top dogs.
After having its seven-game winning streak snapped in Thursday’s 106-98 home loss to Phoenix, Los Angeles bounced back with Monday’s 116-99 thrashing of the Nuggets. Phil Jackson’s squad, which has averaged 112 points per game during its 8-1 run, cashed easily as a 3½-point chalk against Denver, halting an 0-4 ATS slide.
Although the Spurs topped the Bobcats 95-86 as a 6½-point road favorite on Monday, they’ve still been surprisingly inconsistent over the past six weeks, losing 10 of their last 19. They’re also just 4-12 ATS in their last 16 outings (3-7 ATS at home).
San Antonio routed the Lakers 107-92 as an eight-point home favorite back on Nov. 13, but L.A. got revenge exactly one month later, prevailing 102-97 but coming up just shy as a six-point favorite. In the latter contest, the Spurs played without All-Stars Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.
Although the host won the first two meetings this year, the visitor has won five of the last eight in this series and cashed in eight of the last 11. During this stretch, the Lakers are 4-1 ATS in San Antonio.
The Spurs are 19-4 on their home floor, but just 12-10-1 ATS. They’re also mired in ATS funks of 0-6 following an outright win, 0-4 against the Pacific Division, 1-4 against Western Conference opponents and 5-9 as a favorite of less than eight points.
Los Angeles has won five straight road games (3-2 ATS) and is 8-2 in its last 10 on the highway (7-3 ATS). Furthermore, the Lakers are on positive pointspread streaks of 5-1 as an underdog, 7-1 as a ‘dog of less than seven points, 10-4 against the Western Conference and 5-1 on Wednesdays.
The Lakers are averaging 109.4 ppg in their last five contests, compared with San Antonio’s 91.6 ppg average in its last five. However, the Spurs are surrendering just 85.8 ppg in their last five, while L.A. is yielding 106 ppg.
The Lakers have stayed under the total in four of its last six overall and seven of nine on the road. The under is also 16-6 in San Antonio’s last 22 overall (7-4 at home). Finally, the under is 7-3 in the last 10 series encounters and 6-1 in the last seven meetings at the SBC Center, with the lone “over” occurring in the Nov. 13 meeting this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS and UNDER
gametimepicks.com
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD Wednesday, Jan. 23
Portland at New Orleans (8 p.m. EST). Two surprising first-place teams meet in New Orleans.
STARS Tuesday
-Steve Nash, Suns, scored 15 of his season-high 37 points in the fourth quarter, leading Phoenix past Milwaukee 114-105.
-Ron Artest, Kings, finished with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and five steals in Sacramento's 128-94 win over New Jersey.
STREAKING
Phoenix has won four straight and is the first Western Conference team to reach 30 wins after a 114-105 victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday. ... Sacramento scored its highest point total of the season and won its third straight, 128-94 over New Jersey.
SLUMPING
New Jersey dropped its sixth straight, 128-94 to Sacramento on Tuesday. ... Milwaukee has lost six of seven after a 114-105 defeat at home to Phoenix.
SPEAKING
''I was a little rusty, but I thought it was OK.'' - Phoenix's Grant Hill after his first game in nearly two weeks after undergoing an appendectomy. Hill, who missed seven games recovering from the surgery on Jan. 9, had eight points and three assists in 27 minutes of the Suns' 114-105 win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
- The fans at Charlotte Bobcats Arena will be treated to a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Charlotte Bobcats when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Mavericks were upset 102-84 by the Wizards last time out, as 4-point favorites on the road. The combined 186 points fell UNDER the posted total of 194.
Josh Howard shot 11-for-16 from the field with a game-high 32 points in the loss.
The Bobcats lost 95-86 to the Spurs last time out, as 6.5-point underdogs at home. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 184.
Emeka Okafor shot 10-for-14 from the field with 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Team records:
Dallas: 27-13 SU, 17-21-2 ATS
Charlotte: 16-25 SU, 17-23-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing LA Lakers are 8-2
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-6
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 0-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Charlotte is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Dallas home to LA Lakers, Friday, January 25
Charlotte at Chicago, Friday, January 25
Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- The Washington Wizards and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena.
Washington pulled ahead in the third quarter and came through with a 102-84 victory over the Mavericks last time out. Washington won the game as a 4-point underdog, while the combined 186 points fell UNDER the posted total of 194.
Caron Butler led the way for Washington with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Antawn Jamison chipped in with 23 points.
The Cavaliers defeated the Heat 97-90 last time out, as 4-point favorites on the road. The combined 187 points made it OVER the posted total of 186.5.
LeBron James scored 28 points and added five assists, while shooting 11-for-26 from the field for the Cavaliers.
Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Cleveland has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 22-17 SU, 25-13-1 ATS
Cleveland: 22-18 SU, 18-22 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing Miami are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Memphis, Friday, January 25
Cleveland home to Phoenix, Friday, January 25
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
The Pistons were upset 102-100 by the Magic last time out, as 3-point favorites on the road. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 192.
Rasheed Wallace had 15 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double in the loss, and Richard Hamilton had a team-high 21 points.
The 76ers were upset 110-103 by the Pacers last time out, as 3-point favorites at home. The 213 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.
Andre Iguodala scored 23 points with five rebounds, while Andre Miller added 21 in the loss.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 29-13 SU, 25-16-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 16-26 SU, 19-22-1 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Orlando are 9-1
After playing Orlando are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 3-7
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Detroit is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
Detroit is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 11 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Next up:
Detroit home to Orlando, Friday, January 25
Philadelphia at New York, Friday, January 25
Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics
- The fans at TD Banknorth Garden will be treated to a game between the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Toronto had 16 turnovers in Saturday's 99-95 loss at Philadelphia, falling as 2-point road favorites. The 194 points scored were OVER the posted total of 189.
Chris Bosh had a game-high 25 points, while Juan Dixon dropped 18 points off the bench for the Raptors.
The Celtics showed dominance throughout most of the day Monday, as they dumped the Knicks 109-93. The Celtics easily covered the 8.5-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 185.5.
Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double, and Kendrick Perkins had 24 points and eight rebounds in the victory.
Current streak:
Boston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 22-19 SU, 23-18 ATS
Boston: 33-6 SU, 25-13-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing New York are 4-6
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
Boston is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games at home
Boston is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
Next up:
Toronto home to Milwaukee, Friday, January 25
Boston home to Minnesota, Friday, January 25
Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- The Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at FedExForum.
The Magic pulled off a buzzer-beating 102-100 upset victory over the Pistons as a 3-point underdog the last time out. The game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 192.
Hedo Turkoglu a game-high 26 points from 7-for-16 shooting, and Dwight Howard chipped in with 23 points in the win.
Mike Miller had 24 points and 10 rebounds in leading the Grizzlies to a convincing 104-90 victory over the Bulls last time out. The Grizzlies covered the slight 1.5-point spread, but the 194 points were UNDER the posted total of 205.
Rudy Gay also tossed in 24 points with 10 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 26-17 SU, 28-15 ATS
Memphis: 12-29 SU, 20-21 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 8 games on the road
Orlando is 18-7 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
Memphis is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Next up:
Orlando at Detroit, Friday, January 25
Memphis at Washington, Friday, January 25
Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Target Center.
Steve Nash tossed in a game-high 37 points with 10 assists to lead the Suns to a 114-105 victory over the Bucks last time out. The Suns managed to cover the 8-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 214.5.
Nash shot 13-for-23 from the field, while Amare Stoudemire and Raja Bell each had 19 points in win.
The Timberwolves upset the Warriors 109-108 as a 12-point underdog last time out. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 213.
Ryan Gomes led the way for the Timberwolves with a game-high 35 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Current streak:
Phoenix has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 30-12 SU, 19-22-1 ATS
Minnesota: 6-34 SU, 17-23 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 9-1
Before playing Cleveland are 8-2
After playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a win are 0-10
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Phoenix is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Minnesota is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Next up:
Phoenix at Cleveland, Friday, January 25
Minnesota at Boston, Friday, January 25
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Hornets
- The fans at New Orleans Arena will be treated to a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Hornets when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers won a thrilling 111-109 overtime game against the Hawks on Monday, as a pik'em. The 220 points sailed OVER the posted total of 182.
Travis Outlaw had 23 points and four rebounds, while Brandon Roy added 18 in the victory.
The Hornets got off to a slow start, but finished strong in closing out the Bucks 106-92 on Monday. The Hornets covered the 10.5-point spread at home, and the combined 198 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.
Tyson Chandler shot 9-for-11 from the field with 20 points and 15 rebounds to complete a double-double for the Hornets.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 25-16 SU, 26-15 ATS
New Orleans: 28-12 SU, 25-14-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games
Portland is 19-5 ATS in its last 24 games
Portland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Portland is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Portland
New Orleans is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland home to Houston, Friday, January 25
New Orleans home to LA Clippers, Friday, January 25