Tuesday's Post Up
By Josh Jacobs
There will be nine games on Tuesday’s card, with the action beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST. Saving all of the chit chat for another time, what contests will fill up the highlight reel? Better yet, which games might yield some nice profits?
**Toronto at Washington**
In search of its ninth win in 10 games, the Raptors will look to continues scoring off the charts when it travels to the Nation’s Capital. Averaging 107 PPG in its last seven ‘Ws’, Toronto’s roster has been nailing the net with laser guided accuracy. In the last five, the Raptors have shot 51.4% from the field and 50.5% from downtown. Raptor games have hit 185 total points with a 73% success rate, compared to 27% when attempting to nail 200 points.
Without Gilbert Arenas in the lineup, Washington has managed to construct a 20-14 SU record. Three games behind Orlando in the Southeast Division, the Wizards have taken some huge wins against Boston and Dallas, only to fall flat on their faces when paired up against Milwaukee and Cleveland. Washington enters this contest with a 9-1 ATS run in its last 10 versus Atlantic Division teams. In the last 10 head-to-head meetings, the favorite has gone 8-1-1 ATS.
Some books have installed the Wizards as 2½-point favorites, with a total sitting at 192½.
**Golden State at Houston**
In a Western Conference clash, the Warriors will put their 27-18 SU record on the line when they enter Houston on Tuesday evening. With a 7-2 SU run in its last nine, Golden State will look to turn around an 0-3 ATS slide in the last three. Backers haven’t seen much of a return in recent weeks, with the Warriors failing to cover seven times in the last 10.
Houston’s last victory against Golden State came on December of 2006. With Tracy McGrady leading the charge (31 points, three steals) and Yao Ming supporting the barrage with his own 27 points, the Rockets finalized the contest with a 118-90 win. Since then, the Warriors are 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in the last four head-to-head meetings.
The underdog is 22-6 ATS in the last 28 head-to-head meetings, while the road team has gone 7-2 ATS in the last nine matchups. Houston’s Yao Ming is day-to-day with an upper respiratory infection, and Golden State’s Austin Croshere has missed the last four games with a sore back.
**Atlanta at Phoenix**
Playing roller coaster ball all season long, Atlanta seems to get its act together only to drop consecutive loses in row. The most recent collapse began on Jan. 16, with the team witnessing a four-game crash until it broke the cycle with a win over the limping Sonics (99-90). Playing against teams with a winning record on the road this season, the Hawks are 4-6 ATS. In its last 21 road games, Atlanta has gone ‘under’ for a total of 16 times.
With a 4-9 ATS record in their last 13 home games, the Suns have actually smoked betting tickets with a 6-1 ATS sprint in their last seven. Discharging the ball for a lights out 51% from the field in its last seven, Phoenix has also embraced the charity stripe, shooting 87.1%. As solid as the Suns have been, a 4-7 ATS deficit at home versus teams playing under .500 might repel backers.
Opening lines have tagged Phoenix as a 9½-point home favorite, with a total installed at 207.
**New York at L.A. Lakers**
It was too good to be true when the Knicks tallied up a three-game winning streak against Detroit, Washington and New Jersey. Now 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS since that “magical” mark, New York will matchup against an L.A. team still steaming over a hard fought loss in Cleveland (98-95) on Sunday night.
The Knicks are a decrepit 4-15 SU and 10-9 ATS on the road this season, shooting a horribly low 43% from the field and hitting only 74% of its free throws (all on the road). Coming off one day worth of rest, the Knickerbockers are 10-12 ATS.
Currently slipping on a three-game losing streak, the Lake Show has been outscored 313-291. A breakdown on defense has caused for some concern in the city of Los Angeles (giving up 105 PPG in the last four defeats), while a supporting cast of Farmar, Walton and Radmanovic have combined for a low 24.4 PPG (3.5 PPG lower then Bryant’s average). With a total 16-7 SU record at home, the Lakers have only covered the spread five times out of nine against teams playing under .500 and inside their own building.
In their last 10 head-to-head meetings, the road team has gone 7-3 ATS. The Knicks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight.
Bonus Coverage
-- San Antonio has begun a rigorous nine-game road trip, taking the team from Utah to Cleveland. At 10:00 p.m. EST, the Spurs enter a depleted Seattle town hopping that its team ends a losing streak at 14 games.
-- San Antonio is 37-14-1 ATS in its last 52 versus Northwest clubs, while it has dipped below the betting radar with a 2-8 ATS record in its last 10 versus a team with a losing record.
-- The Super Sonics are 5-1 ATS in their last six when installed as a home ‘dog of five to 10½ points. However, a 3-8-1 ATS slip and slide in its last 12 versus Southwest teams and an 0-5 ATS spin in its last five versus a team with a winning record is enough reason to continue fading this group.
-- In their last five head-to-head meetings, the Spurs have gone on to rack up an 0-5 ATS record. One trend running strong is the 11-3-1 ATS billing for the home team in the last 15 meetings.
-- Bodog.com has installed the Sonics as 7½-point home underdogs, with a total hovering at 194.
Rest of the Schedule
Detroit at Indiana – 7:00 p.m. EST
Milwaukee at New Jersey – 7:30 p.m. EST
Boston at Miami – 7:30 p.m. EST
Minnesota at Chicago – 8:30 p.m. EST
vegasinsider.com
Televised Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Ohio State at Penn State
Ohio State (14-6 straight up, 9-7 against the spread) has won nine straight victories against Penn State (10-9 SU, 7-8 ATS) and hope to make it 10 straight on Tuesday. The Nittany Lions have gone 6-3 ATS during this nine-game skid, while the ‘under’ has gone 6-3 too.
The Buckeyes are 1-0 both SU and ATS in their only game listed as a road favorite. Most books have OSU listed as an eight-point ‘chalk’, with the total hovering to 125.
After suffering from three consecutive losses, the Buckeyes have rebounded with two straight conference wins. On Saturday, OSU rocked Minnesota 76-60 as a seven-point home favorite. Senior Jamar Butler blew up with 27 points, and leads the team with 15 points per game.
Penn State has suffered five straight conference losses after opening up Big Ten play 2-0. The Lions’ offense has struggled in its last two losses, posting 42 and 49 points. The ‘under’ has cashed in both games. You might not see any improvement soon, especially after PSU lost its best player, Geary Claxton (17.5 PPG), to a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago. Claxton was ranked second in Big Ten scoring prior to his early exit.
Facing an Ohio State defense that is holding teams to 37.3 percent shooting definitely spells trouble for the raw Lions. The Buckeyes have watched the ‘under’ go 10-6.
Penn State has gone 8-3 SU and 4-3 ATS at home, but the school stands at 0-3 both SU and ATS at home in conference play.
This will be the first of back-to-back road games for the Buckeyes, who travel to Iowa on Saturday. On paper, both games appear winnable for Thad Matta’s club.
Virginia Commonwealth at George Mason
The Colonial Athletic Association takes center stage on Tuesday with a pair of powerhouse schools squaring off, as Virginia Commonwealth (15-4 SU, 10-5 ATS) travels to George Mason (14-6 SU, 8-9 ATS). Last year, VCU went 3-0 both SU and ATS against George Mason, which included a 65-59 victory in the CAA championship.
VCU and head coach Anthony Grant enter this game with a seven-game winning streak intact after stopping Drexel 76-62 on Saturday as a 14-point home favorite. The Rams are 4-2-1 ATS during this run.
George Mason may have been caught looking ahead last Saturday after getting nipped 61-58 by UNC Wilmington as a 6½-point road favorite. The loss for the Patriots snapped a four-game winning streak both SU and ATS, which saw the team average 86.8 PPG.
If VCU wins on Tuesday, it will be the first home loss handed to George Mason this year. The Patriots have dominated teams on their court, outscoring foes 71-53 en route to a 9-0 SU and 4-2 ATS mark. VCU has been tough on the road, going 6-4 SU and 6-3 ATS.
VCU’s stellar defense (59.1 PPG) has helped the ‘under’ go 10-6, while George Mason’s offense (72.2 PPG) has watched the ‘over’ go 11-5-1.
Austin Peay at Southeast Missouri State
Austin Peay (13-8 SU, 3-12 ATS) and Southeast Missouri State (11-11 SU, 9-9 ATS) meet in a rematch game on Tuesday after the two schools recently dueled on Jan. 12.
The Governors captured that contest, knocking off the Redhawks 85-82 in a classic shootout. Both Austin Peay and SE Missouri State shot above 50 percent from the field, helping the combined 167 points jump ‘over’ the closing total of 151 ½. The Redhawks earned the cover as 11 ½-point road underdogs despite losing.
Austin Peay owns the best record (9-2) in the Ohio Valley Conference, but that hasn’t helped gamblers at all. The school has gone 3-12-4 against the number this year, which is one of the worst ATS ledgers in the country.
The Governors will be playing in their third straight road game on Tuesday. The team fell to Samford 63-49 as a 4½-point favorite on Saturday before beating Jacksonville State 73-62 as an 8½-point favorite last Thursday.
SE Missouri State saw its losing streak reach six games on Saturday after falling to Murray State 86-85 as an 11-point road underdog. During this stretch, the defense has given up an average 85.3 PPG. The ‘over’ has gone 5-1. The offense (75.4 PPG) has ranked first in the OVC, but the defense (79.7 PPG) is dead last in the conference.
The Redhawks own a much better mark at home, going 6-2 SU and 4-2 ATS. The team has outscored opponents 79-75 on their own hardwood.
Tennessee at Alabama
Tennessee (17-2 SU, 7-7 ATS) bounced back strong Saturday by ripping Georgia 86-69 as a 13-point home favorite. The victory came after the Volunteers lost their first road conference game on Tuesday at Kentucky, 72-66.
Senior Chris Lofton poured in a season-high 27 points, drilling 7-of-13 shots from 3-point land. Surprisingly, the Volunteers were better from beyond the arc (45%) than they were from the free throw line (44%) in the victory.
Tennessee has outscored teams this year by an average of 16.1 PPG, which is the 11th best scoring margin in the country. The Volunteers’ offense (84.5 PPG) lives and dies by the long ball, averaging 9.4 bombs per game.
Alabama (12-8 SU, 5-9 ATS) snapped a four-game losing skid Saturday by crushing intrastate rival Auburn 97-77 as a nine-point home favorite. This was the fifth time this year that the Crimson Tide surpassed the 90-point plateau. It should be noted that the school is 1-3 in the very next game after notching this scoring effort.
The victory on Saturday was also the first SEC win for Alabama (1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS). The ‘under’ has gone 3-2 in its first five conference games.
Alabama needs to improve defensively, ranked 11th in the SEC in field goal percentage (43.5) and 10th in scoring defense (71.9 PPG)
Total players should be aware that neither the Volunteers (65.6%) nor the Tide (59.7%) can hit free throws consistently.
Last year, Tennessee edged Alabama 69-66 in overtime from Knoxville. The combined 135 points never threatened the closing total of 154 ½. Neither team shot the ball well, in particular the Volunteers (7-of-36, 19% from 3’s).
UT has gone 12-0 SU and 4-3 ATS at home, while Alabama has posted a 3-4 SU and 3-3 ATS ledger on the road.
Missouri State at Wichita State
The Missouri Valley Conference gives gamblers an opportunity to chase Tuesday with a sub-par matchup between Missouri State (11-10 SU, 5-12 ATS) and Wichita State (8-12 SU, 6-8 ATS).
Even though Missouri State owns a better overall record in this matchup, the school has been downright awful on the road. The team has been outscored by 9 PPG (71-62) en route to a pathetic 1-9 SU and 1-8 ATS mark away from home. MSU is 0-4 both SU and ATS in conference games on the road, losing three of four by double digits.
Wichita State is tied for last place in the MVC with a 1-8 record. The Shockers haven’t been better for the gamblers either, going 1-8 ATS in conference play. That does come as a bit of a surprise, since six of the eight setbacks coming by single digits.
One of the two double-digit losses for Wichita State came against Tuesday’s opponent, Missouri State. The Bears walloped the Shockers 71-47 on Jan. 8 as a 4½-point home favorite. MSU connected on 45.5 percent of its shots, including an eye opening 11-of-23 from downtown. Meanwhile, WSU struggled by hitting just 28 percent of its shots.
Missouri State has won four straight against Wichita State, covering three of the four. The total has gone 2-2 during this stretch.
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Ohio State (14-6, 9-7 ATS) at Penn State (10-9, 6-8-2 ATS)
Ohio State shoots for its third straight conference victory when it heads to State College, Pa., to battle struggling Penn State.
The Buckeyes last week posted a pair of easy Big Ten home wins over Illinois (64-58 as a 6½-point favorite) and Minnesota (76-60 as a seven-point chalk). Ohio State (5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS in Big Ten play) is on a 7-3 ATS roll.
Since opening league play with a pair of road wins over Northwestern and Illinois, the Nittany Lions have dropped five straight (0-4-1 ATS), all against Big Ten rivals, including Saturday’s 64-49 loss at Iowa as a five-point underdog. During its five-game slide, Penn State is 0-3 SU and ATS at home, with losses to Minnesota (76-73), Wisconsin (88-55) and Purdue (64-42).
Ohio State owns a nine-game winning streak against Penn State, but the Nittany Lions have gotten the cash in seven of the last 10 battles, including the last three in a row, all as a double-digit pup.
The Buckeyes have lost three straight road games (2-1 ATS), including two Big Ten contests at Purdue and Michigan State. However, they’re on extended ATS tears of 4-1 on the highway and 8-3 in Big Ten games.
Penn State is averaging just 56.8 points per game and shooting just 41.7 percent from the field during its five-game slide, while allowing 73 ppg on 52.5 percent shooting.
The under is 3-1 in Ohio State’s last four overall, while Penn State has followed up a 5-0 “over” streak by staying low in each of its last two contests. Finally, the under is 4-0 in the last four series meetings overall and 4-0 in the last four clashes at Penn State.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OHIO STATE and UNDER
(7) Tennessee (17-2, 8-7 ATS) at Alabama (12-8, 5-9 ATS)
Tennessee will try to keep pace with Florida atop the SEC East standings when it heads to Tuscaloosa for a conference tussle with the Crimson Tide.
The Vols bounced back from a nine-point loss at Kentucky with Saturday’s 85-69 rout of Georgia, cashing as a 13-point home chalk. Bruce Pearl’s squad is 4-1 in SEC play (3-2) and sits one-half game behind the Gators in the SEC East.
Alabama opened SEC play with four straight losses (1-3 ATS) before finally breaking through in a big way with Saturday’s 97-77 rout of archrival Auburn as a nine-point home favorite. The Tide, who had a season-high in points against Auburn, are just 2-4 ATS in their last six lined contests.
Tennessee snapped a seven-game losing skid to Alabama in last year’s lone meeting, prevailing 69-66 in overtime at home. However, the Vols failed to cover as a five-point favorite, dropping to 0-8 ATS in the last eight meetings. They’re also 0-6 ATS in their last six visits to Tuscaloosa.
Tennessee is 6-2 in road/neutral-site games this year, but just 3-5 ATS. However, going back to last year, the Vols are on a 6-2-1 ATS roll in true road games. On the downside, they’ve failed to cash in eight straight games against teams with a winning record, and they’re 1-5 ATS as a single-digit favorite.
Alabama is mired in ATS slumps of 2-7 at home, 3-8 on Tuesdays, 2-5 in SEC play and 1-4 as an underdog this season.
Both teams figure to fill the bucket in this contest, as Tennessee averages 83.6 points per game and the Crimson Tide put up 76.8 ppg. Defensively, the Vols allow 69.8 ppg and Alabama yields 72.2 ppg.
The over is 6-3 in the last nine series meetings overall, 4-1 in the last five clashes at Alabama and 6-2 in the Tide’s last eight at home. However, Tennessee has stayed under the total in five of its last six outings, the only exception being Saturday’s high-scoring affair against Georgia.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Florida State (13-8, 6-12 ATS) at Virginia Tech (12-8, 9-8 ATS)
Fresh off a thrilling overtime victory at Boston College, Virginia Tech returns home for an ACC clash against slumping Florida State.
The Hokies ended a two-game SU and ATS slide with Saturday’s 81-73 overtime victory at Boston College as a five-point underdog, improving to 3-3 SU and ATS in league play.
Florida State is coming off Saturday’s 69-66 home loss to North Carolina State, falling to 1-4 in its last five games, all against ACC foes. The Seminoles, who were eight-point favorites against N.C. State, have failed to cash in six straight games overall and 10 of their last 11. They’re 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS in league action.
The Seminoles have won three of the last four meetings in this series (2-2 ATS), with the host prevailing in all four contests (3-1 ATS). Last year, Florida State rolled 82-73 as a three-point home chalk.
Virginia Tech is 8-1 at home, but just 3-3 ATS. In their two conference home games, the Hokies edged Maryland 67-66 as a 4½-point favorite and lost to Duke 81-64 as a nine-point underdog.
Florida State is 3-6 SU in road/neutral-site games, but 1-4 ATS in its last five on the highway.
The Hokies are 5-2 ATS as a favorite of less than 15 points, while the Seminoles are 2-5 ATS as an underdog this season.
Virginia Tech has topped the total in all six of its ACC games this year, and the over is 3-1 in the last four series meetings. However, for Florida State, the under is on runs of 11-5 overall and 21-8-1 in ACC play (4-2 in league this year).
ATS ADVANTAGE: VIRGINIA TECH
NBA
Toronto (24-19, 24-18-1 ATS) at Washington (23-19, 26-16 ATS)
The surging Raptors fly south to Washington, D.C., for the first of a home-and-home matchup with the Wizards.
Toronto is on a 7-2 SU and ATS roll and is coming off a pair of impressive victories over Boston (114-112 on the road) and Milwaukee at home (106-75 at home).
Washington is 3-3 SU and ATS in its last six games, but all three wins and covers came at home and all three losses and non-covers occurred on the road, including Sunday’s 105-102 overtime setback at the Bucks as a 2½-point road chalk.
The Wizards topped Toronto 101-97 as a 2½-point home chalk back on Dec. 7. The home team is 8-2 SU and 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 series battles, with both teams scoring at least 100 points in eight of those contests. In fact, the winner has reached triple digits in nine of the last 10 meetings.
The straight-up winner is 39-3-1 ATS in Toronto’s games this year, including 17-0 ATS in the last 17 games. Also, the straight-up winner is 39-3 ATS in Washington’s 42 games, including 14-0 ATS in the last 14. Finally, the winner is 9-0-1 against the number in the last 10 series clashes.
Washington has won and covered four straight home games and is 14-8 SU and ATS inside the Verizon Center this season.
The Raptors have been the definition of average on the highway, going 11-11 SU and 11-10-1 ATS. They beat Boston in their most recent road contest, but have prevailed in back-to-back road games just twice this year.
The under is 11-2 in Washington’s last 13 home contests. However, the over is 11-6 in Toronto’s last 17 games overall, including 7-3 on the road. Also, each of the last seven series meetings has topped the posted total, and the over is 5-0 in the last five head-to-head clashes at the Verizon Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON and OVER
Golden State (27-18, 20-25 ATS) at Houston (24-20, 21-22-1 ATS)
The Warriors look to knock off the Rockets for the third time this season and the fifth time in a row when two teams playing solid basketball hook up at the Toyota Center.
Golden State has won two in a row, four out of five and seven out of nine, and is coming off three straight narrow home wins over the Timberwolves on Jan. 21 (109-108), the Nets on Thursday (121-119) and the Knicks on Sunday (106-104). However, the Warriors failed to cash as double-digit favorites in all three games and are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight.
Houston had a four-game winning streak snapped with Sunday’s 97-89 loss to Utah as a one-point home favorite. The Rockets are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven contests, all as a chalk.
Golden State routed the Rockets twice this year, winning 113-94 as a two-point home underdog on Nov. 29 and 112-95 as a 3½-point road pup on New Year’s Eve. Don Nelson’s squad is 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS) in the last four meetings, including a pair of upset wins Houston.
The underdog is an astonishing 22-6 ATS in the last 28 meetings between these squads, including 8-1 ATS in the last nine and 4-0 ATS in the last four. Furthermore, the visitor has cashed in seven of the last nine battles between these two.
Golden State is 8-4 in its last 12 road games (7-5 ATS), going 4-3 ATS as an underdog. Meanwhile, the Rockets are just 11-9 at home this season (8-11-1 ATS).
The Warriors are on a 13-3 ATS tear against teams from the Southwest Division, but they’re just 3-15 ATS in their last 18 games coming off a SU win.
The Rockets are suck in ATS funks of 2-7 against the Pacific Division, 8-16 as a favorite of less than nine points this year, 1-5 ATS when playing on one day of rest and 3-8 on Tuesdays.
This is usually a matchup of contrasting styles, and tonight figures to be no different as the Warriors come in averaging 114.6 ppg and giving up 108.4 ppg in their last five, while Houston has scored 93.2 ppg and surrendered 90.6 ppg in its last five.
The over is 5-1 in the last six series meetings, including 3-0 at the Toyota Center. The over is also 5-1 in Golden State’s last six overall (3-0 on the road), the lone exception being Sunday’s game against the Knicks, which dipped under the total. On the flip side, the Rockets have stayed under in four of their last five, and the under is 13-7 in their 20 home contests this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GOLDEN STATE and OVER
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Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
- The Toronto Raptors and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Verizon Center.
Toronto outscored Milwaukee 32-11 in the third quarter in Friday's 106-75 win, covering the 10.5-point home spread. The 181 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 195.
Chris Bosh poured in 32 points, and Carlos Delfonia added 18 points off the bench for the Raptors.
The Wizards lost to Milwaukee 105-102 in overtime as a 3-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (193).
Caron Butler scored a game-high 40 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Wizards, while Antawn Jamison had 21 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 24-19 SU, 25-18 ATS
Washington: 23-19 SU, 26-15-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 1-9
Before playing Washington are 7-3
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Washington's last 13 games at home
Next up:
Toronto home to Washington, Wednesday, January 30
Washington at Toronto, Wednesday, January 30
Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers
- The Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers will meet on the court at Conseco Fieldhouse on Tuesday in a battle of division rivals.
Detroit shot 50.9% from the field in Friday's 101-93 win over Orlando, covering the 7-point home spread. The 194 poinits scored were OVER the posted total of 193.
Richard Hamilton pouted in 32 points, and Chauncey Phillips dropped 21 points for the Pistons.
Indiana had 19 turnovers in Saturday's 98-96 loss at Miami, falling as 1-point road favorites. The 194 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 200.5.
Mike Dunleavy had a team-high 25 points, and Danny Granger had 13 points for the Pacers.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 2 straight games.
Indiana has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 31-13 SU, 27-16-1 ATS
Indiana: 19-26 SU, 21-23-1 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After playing Orlando are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Detroit's last 21 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Indiana's last 21 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indiana's last 14 games when playing Detroit
Indiana is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Indiana is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to LA Lakers, Thursday, January 31
Indiana home to Houston, Friday, February 1
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Jersey Nets
- The Milwaukee Bucks and the New Jersey Nets will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Izod Center.
The Bucks defeated Washington 105-102 in overtime as a 3-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (193).
Mo Williams scored 25 points for Milwaukee and Charlie Bell added 22 points in the win.
The Nets lost to Minnesota 98-95 as a 1.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (193).
Richard Jefferson led the Nets with 35 points and seven rebounds, while Vince Carter had 25 points in the loss.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 9 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 18-27 SU, 20-24-1 ATS
New Jersey: 18-26 SU, 16-27-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 8-2
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
New Jersey is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee at Philadelphia, Wednesday, January 30
New Jersey at Miami, Friday, February 1
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
- The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The Celtics lost to Orlando 96-93 as a pick'em last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (192).
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 24 points and Ray Allen poured in 17 points in the win.
Miami forced 19 Indiana turnovers in Saturday's 98-96 win, coming in as 1-point home underdogs. The 194 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 200.5.
Dwyane Wade fired in 35 points, while Mark Blount sunk 19 points for the Heat.
Team records:
Boston: 34-8 SU, 25-16-1 ATS
Miami: 9-34 SU, 16-27 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston home to Dallas, Thursday, January 31
Miami at Orlando, Wednesday, January 30
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Chicago Bulls
- The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at United Center.
The Timberwolves defeated New Jersey 98-95 as a 1.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (193).
Al Jefferson scored a game-high 40 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for Minnesota, while Rashad McCants added 16 points in the win.
The Bulls lost to Phoenix 88-77 as a 7.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (208).
Kirk Hinrich led the Bulls with 31 points, while Tyrus Thomas had 10 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 8-35 SU, 20-23 ATS
Chicago: 17-26 SU, 15-28 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 7-3
After playing New Jersey are 9-1
After a win are 1-9
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Chicago
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Minnesota home to Chicago, Wednesday, January 30
Chicago at Minnesota, Wednesday, January 30
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
- The Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Toyota Center.
The Warriors defeated New York 106-104 as a 10-point favorite on Sunday night. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (218).
Stephen Jackson scored 25 points for Golden State and Monta Ellise delivered 24 points and eight rebounds in the win.
The Rockets lost to Utah 97-89 as a 1-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (197).
Tracy McGrady led the Rockets with 21 points and nine assists, while Luis Scola deposited 18 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Golden State has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 27-18 SU, 20-25 ATS
Houston: 24-20 SU, 21-22-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing New Orleans are 3-7
After playing New York are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 6-4
After playing Utah are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing Houston
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Golden State at New Orleans, Wednesday, January 30
Houston at Indiana, Friday, February 1
Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns
- The Atlanta Hawks and the Phoenix Suns will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at US Airways Center.
The Hawks lost to Portland 94-93 as a 6-point underdog last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (184).
Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 19 points, while Marvin Williams and Josh Smith each netted 17 points in the loss.
The Suns defeated Chicago 88-77 as a 7.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (208).
Amare Stoudemire scored 24 points for Phoenix, while Shawn Marion added 15 points and 14 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Phoenix has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 19-22 SU, 21-20 ATS
Phoenix: 32-13 SU, 21-23-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing LA Clippers are 2-8
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a loss are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Atlanta's last 21 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at LA Clippers, Wednesday, January 30
Phoenix home to San Antonio, Thursday, January 31
San Antonio Spurs vs. Seattle SuperSonics
- The fans at KeyArena will be treated to a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Seattle SuperSonics when they take their seats on Tuesday.
The Spurs fell 97-91 to the Jazz last time out, as 2.5-point road underdogs. The 187 points fell UNDER the posted total of 194.
Tim Duncan had a double-double for the Spurs, netting 26 points and hauling down 11 boards in the loss.
The Sonics lost to Sacramento 103-101 as a 5.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (214).
Kevin Durant led the Sonics with 19 points and Wally Szczerbiak netted 16 points in the loss.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Seattle has lost 14 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 28-15 SU, 20-23 ATS
Seattle: 9-35 SU, 20-23-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a loss are 0-10
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Seattle's last 11 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 7 games at home
Seattle is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
San Antonio at Phoenix, Thursday, January 31
Seattle home to Cleveland, Thursday, January 31
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- The New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
The Knicks lost to Golden State 106-104 as a 10-point underdog on Sunday night. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (218).
Nate Robinson led the Knicks with 22 points and eight assists and Jamal Crawford deposited 21 points in the loss.
The Lakers lost to Cleveland 98-95 as a 4-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (203).
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 33 points and 12 rebounds and Lamar Odom chipped in with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 14-29 SU, 20-23 ATS
Los Angeles: 27-15 SU, 23-18-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 10 of New York's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
LA Lakers are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games at home
Next up:
New York at Utah, Wednesday, January 30
LA Lakers at Detroit, Thursday, January 31
Arkansas suspends starting F Thomas
Fayetteville, AR (Sports Network) - Starting forward Charles Thomas has been suspended for Arkansas' SEC contest with Mississippi State on Wednesday, and possibly more, head coach John Pelphrey announced Monday.
"Charles Thomas is suspended for a violation of team rules. I'm not going to comment on it any more than that. I have never been so disappointed, and for a million reasons," said Pelphrey.
"He's definitely out one game, but it has the potential to be longer," added Pelphrey of Thomas, who has averaged 10.5 points per game this season.
Arkansas is 14-5 overall and 3-2 in the league in Pelphrey's first season. Mississippi State, which will visit the SEC West-rival Hogs Wednesday night, is also 14-5, having raced out to a 5-0 record to open league play.
Western Carolina suspends two men's basketball players
Cullowhee, NC (Sports Network) - Western Carolina University head men's basketball coach Larry Hunter announced Monday night that freshmen Michael Porrini and Camden Miller have been dismissed from the team.
"Camden Miller and Michael Porrini were suspended indefinitely on Friday and they have decided not to accept those suspensions," Hunter said. "Consequentially, they are no longer a part of our basketball program."
Western Carolina, a member of the Southern Conference, is 6-14 on the season, 2-8 in the league.
Porrini, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound guard from Massillon, Ohio, averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists through 16 games of his rookie season.
The 6-foot-8 Miller, a Wheelersburg, Ohio product, averaged 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
T-Mac, Wells miss practice; no decision yet on Yao
One day after Yao Ming was forced to miss a game against the Utah Jazz with an upper respiratory infection, Tracy McGrady and Bonzi Wells sat out practice with flu-like symptoms.
Yao was back on the practice court Monday, but the availability of McGrady and Wells for today's home contest against the Golden State Warriors will be a game-time decision.
"There's something going around," said Rockets' coach Rick Adelman. "I have no idea (of either players' availability today). I really don't."
When asked about his frustration level after all the injuries and illnesses, Adelman just shrugged his shoulders.
"It's just part of the NBA season," he said. "You have to do what you can do on the court with the other people and see if we can't get some things accomplished. The schedule doesn't stop. We have another (game today), so hopefully they'll both be feeling better (today)."
chron.com