Wednesday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
It’s already the middle of the week and another packed schedule in the Association is on the verge of spilling over. Ten total games will dot the basketball landscape on Wednesday, with only three contests pitting pairs of clubs holding over .500 records. But this doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of every matchup on the docket.
**Washington at Toronto**
Coming back for seconds, the Wizards will change venues when they become the visiting team on Wednesday. Coming off zero days of rest, Washington is an average 5-5 straight up and 5-5 against the spread. Offensive production has been off keel without a day worth of rest. The Wizards are hitting 97½ points per game on zero days of rest versus their 99.2 PPG over the coarse of the season. Defending their own home turf, the Raptors may be scoring lower numbers without days off but the ‘D’ is rejecting teams for 93.1 PPG allowed (two points less then their seasonal average). Continuing on this zero days of rest topic, Washington is averaging 195.9 PPG versus Toronto’s 189.7 PPG (inbetween games with no rest).
**Milwaukee at Philadelphia**
Going 3-2 SU and ATS at home in the last five, the Bucks will now put a 5-20 SU record on the road to the test. Shooting for 96.2 PPG in the last five total games, Milwaukee has struggled on defense, allowing 104 PPG during the same time frame. Packing a lonely 7-12-2 ATS deficit at home this season, Philadelphia has been putrid from three-point range. Inside the Wachovia Center, the 76ers are hitting a tremendously poor 29.3 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. With a 4-6 ATS fall in its last 10, Philly is hoping to improve on its 8-13 SU record at home. On the 76ers roster, both Charlie Villanueva (back) and Michael Redd (knee) are ‘questionable’ in Wednesday night’s contest, while Milwaukee’s Willie Green (ankle) has been listed as ‘probable’.
**Miami at Orlando**
Not only are the SU numbers reflecting weak play for Miami, but a 3-14 ATS slide in its last 17 versus Eastern Conference teams and going 0-5 ATS in its last five coming off zero days rest are just samples of what is taking place in South Florida. Flipping sides is an Orlando team looking for its fifth win in six games. The Magic are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 versus Southeast teams, are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 versus a team with a winning percentage below .400 and are trying to build on their 4-0 ATS stint in the last four home games. In their last seven head-to-head matchups, Orlando has skunked Miami 7-0 SU and ATS.
**Denver at Memphis**
The Nuggets will gear up for their third straight road game when they remove the warm-ups at 8:00 p.m. EST. Denver is coming off a two-game slide in Dallas and New Orleans, scoring a low 89 PPG. Priding itself with 106.1 PPG on the season, the Nuggets have been without Carmelo Anthony (ankle) for three four games. However, a 3-1 ATS banking has been seen sizable profits for those taking advantage. The Grizzlies have been far from exciting, dropping seven of their last 10. On angle that gamblers can hang their hat on is the 5-1 performance on the ‘under’.
**Golden State at New Orleans**
Both the Warriors and Hornets are playing well over .500 ball, while competing for a top spot in the Western Conference. Priding itself on road wins (16-5 SU, 15-5-1 ATS), New Orleans has turned the corner of comfort at home. Knocking down 99.3 PPG and allowing 92.5 PPG (fourth best in the NBA) is evidence that a balanced execution of the game plan produces better then satisfactory results. Entering enemy territory, Golden State has gone 7-2 SU in its last nine but a 3-6 ATS slump sure isn’t causing backers to celebrate. In their last eight head-to-head meetings together, the ‘over’ has gone 6-2 in the last eight games played in New Orleans.
**Chicago at Minnesota**
Playing lackluster hoops this season, Chicago now finds itself in hot water with Joe Smith (knee), Chris Duhon (knee), Ben Gordon (wrist) and Luol Deng (achilles) all suffering from limiting injuries. Averaging 87.8 PPG in their last six losses, the Bulls will look to flip a 4-6 SU record in their last 10 against a team struggling even worse then their opponent. The Timberwolves have been colder then the winter jet stream. Struggling to cap out at 95 PPG (averaging 94.2 PPG) and far from hitting the broadside of a barn (44.1% from the field), Minnesota has suffered on defense as well. The Wolves maybe covering games against the spread (5-0 ATS in their last five), but a 5-20 SU record in their last 25 speaks volumes.
**New York at Utah**
What seems like a gift of a game on paper for the Jazz, the Knicks will continue their road trip on the West Coast. Going 5-3 ATS in its last eight has been somewhat of a relief for backers but that doesn’t mean this isn’t the same old New York team we’ve all witnessed. With a 4-15 SU record on the road this year, the Knicks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight versus teams in the Northwest. Utah is on the other side of this breakdown, building upon an 11-2 SU and a 9-4 ATS performance in the last 13. Coming off one day worth of rest, the Jazz are 12-9 ATS.
**Cleveland at Portland**
In another pairing of teams both playing with a winning record, the Cavaliers have split a 5-5 SU and ATS record in head-to-head matcher against the Trailblazers. Cleveland has played some solid ball as of late, finding the bottom of the bucket for 102.8 PPG in its last 10, while defending that same hoop for 95.7 PPG allowed (a difference of plus-7.1 PPG). Cooling down since ending a 17-1 SU run, Portland has shifted into a low gear. Since running up the scoreboard in the aforementioned run, the Blazers are 4-5 SU and 3-6 ATS in their last nine.
**Charlotte at Sacramento**
With a 6-4 SU exercise of talent, the Kings can point to producing 107.8 PPG, shooting 48-percent from the field and hitting 80.4-percent of its free throws in the last five games as a part of its new found glory. Charlotte continues to remain inconsistent. Entering with a weak 4-13 SU record on the road, the Bobcats will need to focus on tuning their offensive numbers. On the season, Charlotte is averaging just 91.7 PPG as the visiting team, while the ‘D’ has surrendered 100.8 PPG. Sacramento’s Ron Artest is expected to see limited time on the court because of a soar foot.
**Atlanta at L.A. Clippers**
Two teams struggling to hit 20 wins (Atlanta is actually 19-28 SU), the Clippers have not only been a tough team to weather on television but also at the window. Tearing tickets to shreds, L.A. is 18-23 ATS on the season and 5-7 ATS in its last 12. While not much better, the Hawks have been prone to hitting some positive streak. Although it hasn’t experienced a run like the five straight wins in December, Atlanta is a so so 11-8 ATS in the last 19 games. In their last five road games, the Hawks are 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS. This contest will conclude Atlanta’s five game road trip.
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Wizards' Caron Butler misses at least 1 game with strained left hip flexor
January 29, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) -Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Raptors with a strained left hip flexor.
Butler also was expected to miss Washington's next game, at Toronto on Wednesday.
He was hurt when he fell to the floor during an overtime loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said Andray Blatche would start in Butler's place Tuesday.
Butler is enjoying a career-best season, averaging highs of 21.9 points, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals, along with seven rebounds. He also has made his last 70 free throw attempts, closing in on the NBA single-season record of 78 in a row set by Calvin Murphy in the 1980-81 season.
The Wizards are 4-16 over the past two seasons when Butler misses a game.
Road Traps
Wednesday’s college hoops card is always big and always has a number of road traps. Let’s take a look at four of those, including a pair of crucial Big 12 showdowns.
**Georgetown at St. John’s**
--Most books have tabbed Georgetown (16-2 straight up, 7-8 against the spread) as a 10-point road favorite. The Hoyas are looking for their fourth straight win after pulling come-from-behind triumphs last week against Syracuse and West Virginia.
--St. John’s (7-11 SU, 6-8 ATS) owns a 5-4 SU record at home, but the Red Storm are just 1-4 versus the number at home. They have lost five in a row, but did take the cash in a 67-57 loss Saturday at Louisville as 16-point underdogs.
--The Hoyas have won six of their eight road games, compiling a 4-4 spread record. They are 2-5 ATS in seven spots as double-digit favorites.
--St. John’s has a 3-2 spread record as a double-digit underdog.
--The ‘under’ has cashed in all four of Georgetown’s Big East road assignments. On the flip side, St. John’s has watched the ‘over’ go 3-2 in its home games.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
**Memphis at Houston**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opend Memphis (19-0 SU, 10-7 ATS) as a 10½-point ‘chalk,’ but most spots had the Tigers at 9½ early this morning. John Calipari’s team has been producing big-time profit during an 8-1-1 ATS stretch over its last 10 games.
--The Tigers are off an 81-73 win over Gonzaga as 12-point home favorites. Derrick Rose paced the winners with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Chris Douglas-Roberts scored a team-high 21 points.
--Houston (15-3 SU, 6-7 ATS) has won 11 of its 12 home games, but the Cougars are only 3-4 ATS at home. They have won four consecutive games, including Saturday’s 71-58 win over Marshall as 10 ½-point home ‘chalk.’
--This is only the second underdog spot of the year for Tom Penders’ team. The Cougars lost 95-89 at UMass, but they took the money – albeit barely – as 6 ½-point underdogs.
--Memphis has won five in a row over the Cougars, but Houston has a 7-3 spread record in the last 10 head-to-head encounters.
--The ‘under’ is on an 8-0 run in the last eight head-to-head meetings between these Conference USA rivals. The underdog owns an incredible 14-2 spread record in the last 16 meetings.
--Memphis has watched the ‘under’ go 4-1 in its last five games.
--The ‘over’ is 8-5 overall for Houston, 4-3 in its home games.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Eastern on CSTV.
**Kansas at Kansas State**
--The Kansas schools are the only Big 12 teams left who are undefeated in league play. That changes tonight when these in-state rivals collide at the Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. Most sports books have installed Kansas (20-0 SU, 12-5 ATS) as a seven-point favorite with LVSC sending the total out at 141.
--Kansas State (14-4 SU, 7-5 ATS) has been excellent at home, compiling an 10-1 SU record and a 4-1 ATS mark.
--Frank Martin’s team has won nine of its last 10 games, posting a 5-1 spread record in the last six lined affairs. The Wildcats are off an 82-57 win over Iowa State as 11½-point home favorites. Freshman sensation Michael Beasley had another monster game, scoring a game-high 33 points and pulling down 15 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action.
--Beasley, the biggest recruit in school history who stuck to his choice of K-State even after Bog Huggins bolted for West Virginia, has been ‘as advertised.’ He averages 25.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.
--The Wildcats are 2-3 both SU and ATS as underdogs this season. Both wins came recently, as K-St. won outright at Oklahoma as a 7 ½-point underdog and also beat Texas A&M as a one-point home ‘dog.
--The ‘over’ is on a 6-1 run for the Jayhawks. Also, the ‘over’ is on a 6-2 surge in Kansas State’s last eight home games.
**Texas at Texas A&M**
--Most spots are listing Texas A&M (16-4 SU, 6-8 ATS) as a three-point ‘chalk’ and LVSC sent the total out at 138. The Aggies ended a three-game losing streak by winning 59-56 Saturday at Oklahoma State as 1 ½-point road favorites.
--Texas (16-3 SU, 7-7 ATS) has won three straight, including a 73-47 clubbing of Texas Tech on Saturday. The Longhorns took the cash as 10½-point home favorites. D.J. Augustin led the ‘Horns with 19 points and five assists.
--Rick Barnes’ team has won outright in two of its three games as an underdog this season. Texas beat UCLA and Tennessee, only to lose (both SU and ATS) to Michigan St.
--With a 2-3 record in Big 12 play, a win in this spot is vital for the Aggies. Meanwhile, Texas is out to a 3-1 start in conference action.
--Texas A&M owns a 7-2-1 spread record in its last 10 games against Texas.
--The ‘under’ is on a 6-1 run for the Longhorns. Both teams have watched the ‘under’ go 9-5 overall.
--ESPN2 will provide television coverage at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--Cincinnati is a double-digit underdog tonight at West Virginia. The Bearcats are 5-1 ATS as double-digit 'dogs this season. They are 11-3 in 14 games as underdogs.
--Drake will look to improve to 19-1 overall and 10-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference when it plays host to Creighton tonight as a four-point favorite. The Bulldogs have watched the 'under' post an incredible 13-2 record. No total had been posted as of early this morning.
--We already know the SEC will have at least one job opening with Dave Odom announcing his retirement. After Florida’s win at South Carolina last week, the local media quizzed Billy Donovan about the possibility of VCU’s Anthony Grant joining the Gamecocks. Another candidate linked to the South Carolina job has been Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall, who spent the previous nine seasons in the Palmetto State at Winthrop, which went to seven NCAA Tournaments under his leadership.
--There are two other SEC coaches that appear to be on the hot seat, Alabama’s Mark Gottfried and LSU’s John Brady.
Gottfried, who played for ‘Bama under Wimp Sanderson in the mid-1980s, had taken the Crimson Tide to five consecutive NCAA Tournaments until last year. With Ronald Steele struggling with knee injuries, ‘Bama was ousted by UMass in the first round of the NIT. Steele is redshirting this season and his presence has been desperately missed. With last night’s loss, the Tide is 12-9 overall and 1-5 in SEC play.
Back to Brady, who is just two years removed from taking LSU to the Final Four behind the play of Tyrus Thomas and Glen “Big Baby” Davis. However, LSU was an immense disappointment last year when it failed to get back to the Tournament. The Tigers are struggling again this season, limping to a 7-12 overall record and 0-5 mark in SEC play.
--Tennessee’s win at Coleman Coliseum last night was the first time the Vols had won in Tuscaloosa in 10 seasons. UT took the money as a 4 ½-point favorite in the 93-86 triumph.
--I posted a 4-1 record in college hoops last night, cashing winners on Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Wake Forest and the VT-FSU ‘over.’ My lone loser was on the ‘over’ for VCU-G’Mason. Since Jan. 22, I have a 12-4 record (75%), leading ‘dime clients’ to $7,600 of profit. Sign up now for my daily or weekly packages in college basketball.
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Villanova (13-5, 5-10 ATS) at (18) Pittsburgh (16-4, 10-5 ATS)
The Wildcats, who have dropped out of the Top 25 rankings after a two-game slide, travel across the state for a Big East matchup against Pittsburgh, looks to avenge a loss earlier this month at Villanova.
Villanova was upended at home 90-80 by Notre Dame on Saturday as a 2½-point chalk, its second consecutive SU and ATS loss, giving up 80 or more in both contests. The Wildcats dropped to 3-4 SU and 1-6 ATS in conference play, with the lone cover coming in an 81-71 victory at Syracuse as a 4½-point underdog. Going back to non-league action, Villanova is mired in a 1-8 ATS slump.
Pittsburgh also stumbled at home Saturday, losing to lowly Rutgers 77-64 as an overwhelming 18-point favorite to halt a 13-game home win streak that dated to last season. The Pirates are still above .500 in the Big East (4-3) and are 5-2 ATS in conference action. They are averaging 76.8 points per game overall, but they’ve been held under 70 in four of their seven league matchups.
Villanova squeaked out a 64-63 win over Pitt on Jan. 6 but failed to cash as a three-point home favorite. These two teams met just once last season, with the Panthers taking a 65-59 road win as a two-point pup. The underdog has cashed in each of the last three meetings.
The Wildcats are in ATS slides of 1-3 on the highway, 1-7 ATS in Big East play and 1-4 against teams with a winning percentage over .600.
The Panthers are 5-2 ATS at home this season despite Saturday’s setback, and they’re on additional positive ATS streaks of 10-4 overall, 5-0 after a SU loss, 4-0 versus teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 21-8 on Wednesday.
The over is on a 2-0 run for Pittsburgh and is 8-3 for the Panthers at home. The Wildcats have also followed a 4-0 “under” run by clearing the posted price in their last two. However, each of the last four series meetings in this rivalry have stayed under.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PITTSBURGH
(1) Memphis (19-0, 10-7-2 ATS) at Houston (15-3, 10-9 ATS)
The top-ranked Tigers, one of just two unbeaten teams in the country, travel to Texas for a Conference USA battle against Houston.
Memphis, taking a step out of its predominantly weak conference, held off a solid Gonzaga squad 81-73 on Saturday, but failed to cash as a 13-point home chalk, just the second non-cover for the Tigers in their last 10 games. Memphis, eighth in the country in offensive rebounding and 14th on the defensive end, posted a 39-25 edge on the boards against Gonzaga, including 15 offensive rebounds.
Houston dropped Marshall 70-58 at home Saturday giving 10½ points to move to 4-0 in conference play (2-2 ATS). The Cougars are 11-1 at home this season (3-4 ATS in lined games), with the lone blemish being an 85-71 defeat to Pac-10 stalwart Arizona as a one-point favorite.
Memphis has owned this series recently, winning five straight, including three last season, all by double digits. But the Tigers are just 2-3 ATS in those five contests (1-2 ATS last season). Although the underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings and the Tigers are just 3-8 ATS the last 11 in this series, the road team is on a 14-2 ATS run and Memphis has covered in five of its last six trips to Houston.
The Tigers are 4-1 ATS in Conference USA, favored by no less than 13 points in any of those contest. Their lone ATS setback was when they beat Rice 77-50 as 27½-point favorites. Memphis is also 4-1 ATS against teams with a winning percentage over .600. On a negative note, John Calipari’s squad is 1-6 ATS against teams with a winning record.
The Cougars hold positive ATS trends of 4-1 on Wednesday, 7-2-2 in conference play and 8-3 against teams with a winning record. But they are 4-10-1 ATS coming off a spread-cover and 3-13 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record (Memphis is 8-0 SU in road/neutral-site games).
The under is on runs of 3-0 for Houston overall, 4-1 for Memphis overall, 3-1 for Memphis on the road and 8-0 in this series.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS and UNDER
Creighton (14-5, 10-5 ATS) at (16) Drake (18-1, 12-3 ATS)
The Bluejays get an almost immediate shot at redemption when they travel to Iowa for a Missouri Valley Conference clash with red-hot Drake, which beat Creighton in Omaha last week.
Creighton scored just 19 second-half points in Saturday’s 48-44 loss at Southern Illinois, but did manage to get the cash as a 4½-point pup, moving to 6-1 ATS in its last seven starts, with the only non-cover coming against Drake. The Bluejays (5-4 SU, 6-3 ATS in the MVC) have dropped two straight league games after a five-game winning streak.
Drake edged Northern Iowa 58-54 on Saturday for its 17th consecutive victory, but the Bulldogs failed to cash as an 8½-point home favorite, dropping to 11-3 ATS in lined games during its winning streak. Drake (9-0 SU, 6-3 ATS in the MVC) allows just 58.2 ppg, good for 12th in the country.
The Bulldogs outlasted Creighton 68-60 in overtime on Jan. 22, covering as a 4½-point road ‘dog to halt a 6-0 SU and ATS run by the Bluejays in this series, all as a favorite. Last year, Creighton won 67-62 at Drake as a 3½-point favorite, three weeks after a 79-56 blowout home win laying 10 points. Creighton is 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Drake.
Including Saturday’s cover at Southern Illinois, the Bluejays have now cashed in four straight on the highway this season and are 5-2 ATS overall in true road games. They are on additional positive pointspread streaks of 25-10 overall, 10-3 following a loss, 37-17 in the MVC and 13-6 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The Bulldogs sport ATS streaks of 7-1 at home, 7-1 versus teams with a winning percentage over .600, 5-2 following a non-cover and 11-5 on Wednesday. On the negative side, they are 1-6 ATS in their last seven against teams with a winning record.
For Creighton, the under is on a 2-0 surge following four straight games in which the total hurdled the posted price. The under is also 8-1 following a SU loss and 25-12 on the highway for the Bluejays.
The over is 13-5 in Creighton’s last 18 games and 9-1 in its last 10 following a spread-cover. However the under is 25-12 in its last 37 on the highway and 8-1 in its last nine following a SU loss. Also, the under is 13-2 overall for Drake this season, including 7-1 at home and 5-1 in the last six. Finally, each of the last three meetings has stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CREIGHTON and UNDER
(2) Kansas (20-0, 13-5 ATS) at (22) Kansas State (14-4, 7-5 ATS)
The Jayhawks, who join Memphis as the only unbeaten teams in the country, travel to Manhattan for a Big 12 battle with instate rival Kansas State.
Kansas pounded Nebraska 84-49 as a 20-point home chalk on Saturday, moving to 5-0 in the Big 12 (4-1 ATS). The Jayhawks held Nebraska to just 30 percent shooting, while knocking down 52.5 percent of their shots (32 of 61), just a tick above their season average of 51.6 percent (2nd in the nation).
Kansas State flattened Iowa State 82-57 on Saturday as an 11½-point home favorite for its fifth straight victory overall. After squeaking past Oklahoma 84-82 as a 7½-point road pup to open conference play, the Wildcats (4-0 SU and ATS in the Big 12) have won their last three by at least 16 points, and they are shooting a sturdy 48.3 percent over their last five games.
Kansas is on a 4-0 run in this series (3-1 ATS), with three of the victories coming last season, including a 71-62 road win as a five-point favorite. Since the 2003-04 season, the Jayhawks are on a 9-1 SU run against K-State (6-4 ATS). Going back even further, Bill Self’s team is on a 14-5 ATS roll in this rivalry, including eight consecutive spread-covers in Manhattan. In fact, the road team is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 clashes.
The Jayhawks are on ATS streaks of 7-2 overall, 8-3 on the road, 26-9 in Wednesday games and 7-1 against teams with a winning percentage over .600.
The Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five home starts and a solid 21-7 ATS in Big 12 play going back to last season. But they are just 5-14 ATS in their last 19 against winning teams.
The over is on runs of 6-1 for Kansas overall, 5-1 for Kansas in Big 12 play, 9-4 for Kansas State overall and 6-2 for Kansas State at home. However, four of the last five meetings in this series have stayed under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS
(10) Texas (16-3, 7-7 ATS) at (23) Texas A&M (16-4, 6-8 ATS)
The Longhorns take their three-game winning streak to College Station for a matchup against archrival Texas A&M in a Big 12 showdown.
Texas blasted Texas Tech 73-47 as a 10½-point home chalk Saturday, halting an 0-3 ATS skid and improving to 3-1 SU in the Big 12 (1-3 ATS). The Longhorns are shooting 47.4 percent for the season, but that number has dropped to 42.9 percent in conference play, while Big 12 opponents are converting 44.1 percent of their attempts against Texas.
Texas A&M edged Oklahoma State 59-56 as a 1½-point road favorite on Saturday, snapping a three-game SU and ATS slide to improve to 2-3 in the Big 12 (1-4 ATS). The Aggies, hitting 49.1 percent from the field this season, eclipsed that by shooting 51.2 percent against the Cowboys. That came on the heels of a dismal 35-of-94 effort (37.2 percent) in a five-overtime home loss to Baylor a week ago.
In this series, the home team is on runs of 8-0 SU and 8-2-1 ATS in this rivalry, with A&M posting a 100-82 rout at home last season as a seven-point favorite, then losing a 98-96 overtime thriller as a one-point road pup in Austin.
The Longhorns are on ATS slides of 2-6 ATS overall and 1-4 ATS against teams with a winning record. On a positive note, they are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 when coming off a win.
The Aggies are 28-12 ATS in their last 40 against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 4-1 ATS in their last five versus teams with a winning record. But they are 1-4 ATS in their last five overall and 1-5 ATS in their last six Big 12 meetings.
The over is 4-1 in the last five head-to-head clashes, including 3-0 in the last three. However, the under is on current streaks of 6-1 for Texas (3-0 last three) and 5-2 for A&M. The under is also 9-5 for both teams this season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M and UNDER
NBA
Golden State (27-19, 20-26 ATS) at New Orleans (32-12, 29-14-1 ATS)
The Warriors look to avoid becoming the Hornets’ 10th straight victim when the two meet in New Orleans in a Western Conference showdown between two red-hot squads.
Golden State comes in off Tuesday’s 111-107 loss in Houston as a three-point road underdog. Although the Warriors are still 7-3 in their last 10, they’re just 2-7 ATS in their last nine, including four consecutive non-covers.
Don Nelson’s club, which has been getting it done with offense all year, has topped the century mark in 10 straight outings. During this run, Golden State is putting up an astounding 112.4 points per game, notching at least 105 in each contest. On the downside, the Warriors have given up 101 points or more 12 times in their last 14 games, yielding an average of 110.6 ppg over this stretch.
The Hornets dismantled the Nuggets on Monday 117-93 as 9½-point home favorites, their ninth consecutive win and cover. New Orleans is not only the hottest team in the NBA, but eight of the nine victories during its winning streak have come by 14 points or more. Over just its last five games, the Hornets have averaged 106.4 points a game and shot 49.2 percent from the field while limiting the opposition to 87.2 ppg and 42.7 percent shooting.
Golden State is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four against New Orleans, but the loss was earlier this month when the Hornets went to Oakland and scored a 116-104 win as 2½-point ‘dogs. The home team is 7-3 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings dating back to 2005.
During their nine-game winning streak, the Hornets are 7-0 at home. They’ve been favored by at least 7½ points in each contest, yet managed to cover the spread by at least seven in all but one of those games.
Including last night’s loss at Houston, Golden State is now 14-11 on the highway this year (12-13 ATS).
The Warriors are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 against Southwest Division squads, but the Hornets are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 against the Pacific Division and 21-7 ATS in their last 28 Wednesday outings.
The over is 6-2 in the last eight series meetings in the Big Easy, 35-17-1 in the Warriors’ last 53 Wednesday tip-offs, 6-2 in the Warriors last eight overall and 5-1 in the Hornets’ last six overall. However, the under is 11-4 in New Orleans’ last 15 Wednesday tip-offs.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER
Cleveland (24-19, 20-23 ATS) at Portland (26-18 SU and ATS)
The Cavaliers are gunning for their fifth straight road win as they visit the Rose Garden for a matchup with the suddenly slumping Blazers.
Cleveland, which hasn’t won five in a row on the highway in almost a decade, comes into this one 4-0 SU and ATS in its last four away from Ohio, including Sunday’s 98-95 win at the Lakers as four-point ‘dogs. The Cavaliers have won 10 of 12 overall this month (7-5 ATS) and conclude this short three-game trip in Seattle on Thursday.
Portland rallied to edge Atlanta 94-93 on Sunday, but failed to get the cash as a six-point home chalk, its third straight non-cover. The Blazers, who have played their last two at home, are just 4-5 SU and 3-6 ATS since going on a brutal seven-game, 11-day Eastern Conference road trip that started in mid-January.
The Cavs are 5-2 SU and ATS in the last seven series meetings against Portland. However, the home team has pretty much owned this rivalry lately (8-2 SU and ATS in the last 10).
Despite their recent hot streak on the road, the Cavs are still just 11-12 overall as a visitor this season (13-10 ATS). On the bright side, Cleveland is on ATS runs of 25-10-1 on the road against teams with a winning home mark, 4-1 against the Western Conference and 5-1 against Northwest Division squads.
Despite failing to cash in its last two at home, Portland is still 11-3 ATS in its last 14 at home. The Blazers are on additional ATS tears of 7-2 following a non-cover and 4-1 on two days’ rest.
The under is 6-2 in Cleveland’s last eight road games and 41-20-1 in Portland’s last 62 Wednesday tip-offs. However, the over is 5-2 in the Cavs’ last seven overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
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Wednesday NBA Gameday
Allen Iverson and the Denver Nuggets will be looking to knock off the Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday night. Here's a look at that contest in your NBA Gameday.
Miami Heat at Orlando Magic, 7:00pm ET
The Heat's season has gone from bad to worse in January. Not only is Shaquille O'Neal out with a hip injury, but the team didn't get their first win of the month until Saturday night (defeating the Pacers 98-96). Miami now owns the worst record in the Eastern Conference by several games, and they're contending for the worst mark in the league.
The Magic had a poor start to the month of January, but they've turned things around lately with four wins in their past five games. Orlando is coming off an impressive 96-93 win over the league-leading Celtics, with Hedo Turkoglu scoring a team-high 27 points in that matchup. Dwight Howard helped out with an 18-point, 16-rebound performance.
Denver Nuggets at Memphis Grizzlies, 8:00pm ET
The Nuggets are battling the Jazz and Trail Blazers for top spot in the Northwest Division, but they enter Wednesday night's contest on a two-game losing streak. Denver fell 90-85 to the Mavericks on Sunday, and followed that up with a 117-93 loss to the Hornets on Monday. Carmelo Anthony continues to be day-to-day with an ankle injury.
Memphis has fallen to 13-32 on the season by losing seven of their past 10 games. As well, the Grizzlies are just 5-10 so far in the month of January. Memphis lost 103-84 to the Mavericks on Monday night, with Rudy Gay scoring a team-high 18 points in the game. Pau Gasol returned to the floor, picking up 13 points and grabbing five rebounds.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Portland Trail Blazers, 9:00pm ET
The Cavaliers fell 110-108 to the Suns on Friday night, but that was only their second loss in the month of January. Overall Cleveland is now 10-2 this month, and they've managed to gain a bit of ground on the Pistons in the Central Division standings. LeBron James poured in 41 points in the Cavs' 98-95 win over the Lakers on Sunday.
The Blazers have now lost five of their past nine games to lose some ground in the Northwest Division standings. However, Portland is coming off a 94-93 win over the Hawks on Sunday, with Brandon Roy scoring a game-high 24 points for the team in that contest. LaMarcus Aldridge picked up 16 points and eight rebounds against the Hawks.
Charlotte Bobcats at Sacramento Kings, 10:00pm ET
The Bobcats have gone a respectable (for them) 7-9 so far in January, and have even picked up wins over the likes of the Celtics, Nuggets, and Magic. Charlotte is coming off a 107-100 victory over the Clippers on Monday night, with Gerald Wallace contributing a team-high 23 points along with eight assists. Jason Richardson was good for 20 points.
The Kings are in no-man's land in the Pacific Division, several games behind third place and several games ahead of fifth place. Sacramento has managed to win four of their past six contests, including a 103-101 victory over the SuperSonics on Sunday. Kevin Martin led the way with 26 points in that game, while Brad Miller grabbed 12 rebounds.
MU coach suspends five
COLUMBIA, MO. — Missouri will have only six scholarship players for tonight's game against Nebraska following the suspension of five players who violated team rules by being at a Columbia nightclub early Sunday morning.
Senior guard Stefhon Hannah was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw after being struck by an unknown object outside Athena Nightclub in Columbia. Coach Mike Anderson suspended him indefinitely Tuesday, along with Jason Horton, Marshall Brown, Darryl Butterfield and Leo Lyons. Hannah is expected to miss the rest of the regular season because of his injury.
All of the suspended players are either starters or key reserves.
"I am very disappointed in the actions of these young men," Anderson said. "We have defined team rules, and when those rules aren't followed, our guys must be held accountable for their actions."
That leaves shorthanded a Missouri team that was high off its 66-62 come-from-behind victory over Colorado on Saturday. Four of the team's five seniors will not participate tonight. Vaidotas Volkus is the team's remaining senior.
Forward DeMarre Carroll and guard Matt Lawrence remain in the starting lineup. Anderson said earlier in the week that sophomore Keon Lawrence would replace Hannah. Sophomore J.T. Tiller is the only other scholarship guard available. It's a toss-up as to who will start at forward with Carroll. Volkus started the two games before Colorado but didn't play against the Buffaloes. Freshman Justin Safford has played in the last two games.
Walk-ons Nick Berardini and Mike Anderson Jr. will also get minutes just to give the Tigers depth.
Missouri's practice was closed Tuesday. Anderson was not available to comment on his starting lineup, and the fate of the five suspended players is uncertain beyond tonight's game.
This is the first documented off-court incident for Brown, Horton, Hannah and Lyons. Butterfield was arrested Oct. 17 for third-degree assault after being accused of punching his ex-girlfriend during a domestic dispute. He pled guilty to a misdemeanor peace disturbance charge and was allowed to return to practice Oct. 30. During that time he was still allowed to use Missouri's facilities and was working out on his own while the team was practicing.
Hannah, who is in Chicago with his family, led the team with 14.7 points and 5.1 assists a game. Lyons had been out of the starting lineup the last three games but had a breakout performance against Colorado with 22 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes. With the exception of Brown, each of the suspended players played 20-plus minutes Saturday.
Brown, Horton, Lyons and Butterfield are expected to be in street clothes on the Tigers' bench tonight.
Missouri has not defeated Nebraska in Anderson's two-season tenure. In Nebraska's two wins last season, Cornhuskers forward Aleks Maric averaged 22.5 points and 14 rebounds. In the last game, Maric shot 17 free throws, and with Missouri's current fouling problem and only one forward on the bench, the Tigers could be operating with a very small lineup as the game wears on.
"It's an opportunity to see how our team will respond after some adversity took place," Anderson said during Monday's Big 12 teleconference. "Nebraska comes in and they have not won a conference game. I'm sure (coach) Doc (Sadler) will have his team ready to play. It's a big challenge. We've got to get prepared. More than anything, we've got to get prepared and hopefully have some other guys step up for us."
post-dispatch.com
Bone spur sidelines Parker indefinitely
Associated Press
San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich decided to rest Tony Parker indefinitely, against the point guard's wishes, because of a bone spur in his left heel.
"He was told he was going to get better, but he's gotten worse," Popovich said Tuesday before San Antonio played at Seattle. "I don't know how long it's going to be, but he's going to sit.
"He doesn't like it, but this is the way it's going to be."
Parker has played through pain for six weeks. Jacques Vaughn replaced him Tuesday at Seattle in the second game of a nine-game trip.
Parker, averaging 19.2 points and 6.1 assists, missed four games in December in which the Spurs went 1-3.
Wednesday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors
* Wizards are 41-19 ATS in their last 60 road games against a winning home team.
* Raptors are 36-17-2 ATS in their last 55 against the Southeast Division.
* The OVER is 8-0 in the last 8 meetings.
Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
* Heat are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games against the Southeast Division.
* Magic are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games against a team winning below 40%.
* The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Hornets
* Warriors are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games against the Southwest Division.
* Hornets are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games when playing on 1 days rest.
* The OVER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in New Orleans.
New York Knicks at Utah Jazz
* Knicks are 14-29 ATS in their last 43 games when playing on 0 days rest.
* Jazz are 23-8-1 ATS in their last 32 home games.
* Underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Portland Trail Blazers
* Cavs are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 games as a small underdog of 0.5-4.5 points.
* Blazers are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 home games.
* The favorite is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
CBB
Virginia at Maryland
* Virginia is 6-18 ATS in its last 24 games after allowing 90 points.
* Maryland is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games overall.
* The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Maryland.
Cincinnati at West Virginia
* Cincinnati is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 games following a SU loss.
* West Virginia is 20-9 ATS in its last 29 home games.
* The UNDER is 4-1 in West Virginia’s last 5 home games.
#10 Texas at #23 Texas A&M
* Texas is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games following a SU win.
* Texas A&M is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
* The home team is 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
Pregame.com
Marshall's leading scorer F Markel Humphrey (14 ppg; foot) is listed as questionable for Wednesday.
Bulls G Ben Gordon (20 ppg; wrist) is doubtful for Wednesday's game.
Bulls F Luol Deng (18 ppg; Achilles) is also expected to miss Wednesday's game.
Miami-Ohio's leading scorer F Michael Bramos (16 ppg; ankle) is questionable for Wednesday.
Arkansas F Charles Thomas (11 ppg; suspension) is expected to miss Wednesday's game.
Rider G Ryan Thompson (15 ppg; ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game.
Bucks G Michael Redd (23 ppg; knee) will miss Wednesday's game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Wachovia Center.
Royal Ivey was the high scorer for the Bucks with 19 points in their 87-80 loss to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night.
The Nets covered as 6.5-point home favorites as the teams played well under the 190.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
The 76ers exploded for 33 points in the third quarter and held on to defeat the Bobcats 103-96 last time out, as 5.5-point road underdogs. The 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 190.
Andre Iguodala led the way with a team-high 33 points for the 76ers, and Andre Miller chipped in with 23 points in the win.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 18-28 SU, 20-25-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 17-28 SU, 20-24-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 8-2
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing Philadelphia
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 13 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Houston, Saturday, February 2
Philadelphia home to Orlando, Friday, February 1
Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors
- The Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Air Canada Centre.
Antawn Jamison netted 24 points and grabbed 20 rebounds to lift the Wizards to a 108-104 overtime win over the Raptors on Tuesday night.
The Wizards covered as 2.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 192.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 37 points and 12 rebounds in that defeat.
Team records:
Washington: 24-19 SU, 27-15-1 ATS
Toronto: 24-20 SU, 25-19 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 2-8
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
Washington is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Utah, Friday, February 1
Toronto home to LA Lakers, Friday, February 1
Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic
- If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Wednesday when the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic meet at Amway Arena.
Mark Blount paced the Heat with 20 points in their 117-87 loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.
The Celtics cashed as 7-point road favorites as the game played over the 184-point total listed by oddsmakers.
The Magic defeated Boston 96-93 as a pick'em last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (192).
Hedo Turkoglu scored 27 points for Orlando, while Dwight Howard added 18 points and 16 rebounds.
Team records:
Miami: 9-35 SU, 16-28 ATS
Orlando: 28-18 SU, 30-16 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Miami home to New Jersey, Friday, February 1
Orlando at Philadelphia, Friday, February 1
Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Target Center.
The Bulls had no trouble defeating the Timberwolves 96-85 on Tuesday. The Bulls covered the 4.5-point spread, while the 181 points fell UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Kirk Hinrich led the way with a game-high 27 points with three rebounds and six assists for the Bulls.
Al Jefferson shot 9-for-18 from the field with 20 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double in the loss for Minnesota.
The Timberwolves lost 96-85 to the Bulls last time out, as 4.5-point road underdogs. The 181 points fell UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Al Jefferson shot 9-for-18 from the field with 20 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Team records:
Chicago: 18-26 SU, 16-28 ATS
Minnesota: 8-36 SU, 20-24 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 1-9
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Chicago at Sacramento, Saturday, February 2
Minnesota home to LA Clippers, Friday, February 1
Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- The Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at FedExForum.
The Nuggets fell 117-93 to the Hornets last time out, as 9-point road underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 205.
Kenyon Martin shot 9-for-17 from the field with 18 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort.
The Grizzlies lost 103-84 to the Mavericks last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs. The 187 points fell UNDER the posted total of 201.5.
Rudy Gay had 18 points with four rebounds, while shooting 7-for-14 from the field in the loss.
Current streak:
Denver has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 26-18 SU, 22-22 ATS
Memphis: 13-32 SU, 21-24 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Charlotte are 3-4
After playing New Orleans are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Utah are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Memphis
Denver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Memphis
Denver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games
Memphis is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
Memphis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
Denver home to Charlotte, Saturday, February 2
Memphis home to Utah, Saturday, February 2
Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Hornets
- The fans at New Orleans Arena will be treated to a game between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Hornets when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Warriors were defeated 111-107 by the Rockets last time out, as 3-point road underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 204.
Stephen Jackson led the Warriors with 25 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Hornets clipped the Nuggets 117-93 last time out, covering the 9-point spread. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 205.
Chris Paul led the way for the Hornets, tossing in 23 points with nine rebounds and 17 assists.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 9 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 27-19 SU, 20-26 ATS
New Orleans: 32-12 SU, 29-14-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 3-3
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 1-9
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
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 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Golden State home to Charlotte, Friday, February 1
New Orleans at Sacramento, Friday, February 1