Monday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Hawks at Magic**
-Caesars Palace installed Orlando as a 9 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over Atlanta, with the total set at 208 ½. This game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Atlanta (26-36 straight up, 28-32 against the spread) got back on the winning track by upending Miami Saturday as an 8½-point home favorite, 97-94. The combined 191 points failed to topple the 201-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the second consecutive contest.
-The Hawks have struggled to a 7-24 SU and 12-18 ATS road record, with the ‘under’ going 19-12. Atlanta has been dropping those affairs by an average score of 99-91.
-Orlando (40-24 SU, 39-23 ATS) was riding a three-game SU and ATS winning streak before falling to Golden State Saturday as a 6 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 104-95. The combined 199 points never seriously threatened the 230-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Magic sport an 18-12 SU and 16-12 ATS home ledger, with the ‘under’ going 16-13. Orlando has been winning those games by an average score of 104-99.
-Atlanta has won the last three games versus Orlando SU and ATS after winning Dec. 10 as a 10-point road underdog, 98-87. The combined 185 points went below the 195-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to improve to 5-1 the last six games in this series.
-Atlanta guard Acie Law (wrist) is ‘questionable’ against the Magic.
**Blazers at Cavaliers**
-Caesars Palace opened Cleveland as a six-point home favorite over Portland, with the total listed at 191½. This matchup is slated to tipoff at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Portland (33-30 SU and ATS) has recorded back-to-back victories SU and ATS after outlasting New York in overtime Saturday as a 2 ½-point road ‘chalk,’ 120-114. The combined 234 points soared past the 191-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Trail Blazers are now 11-21 SU and 17-15 ATS on the road, with the ‘under’ going 17-14. Portland has been dropping its road endeavors by an average score of 99-94.
-Cleveland (36-27 SU, 30-33 ATS) improved to 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS the past five games after Saturday’s victory over Indiana as a seven-point home favorite, 103-95. The combined 198 points went ‘under’ the 208-point closing total, ending consecutive ‘over’ outings.
-The Cavs are now 20-10 SU and 11-19 ATS at home, winning those games by an average score of 100-98.
-Cleveland is 3-1 SU and ATS the past four meetings with Portland after winning Jan. 30 as a three-point road underdog, 84-83. The combined 167 points failed to eclipse the 188-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to improve to 3-1-1 the last five games in this series.
-Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (back) is ‘out’ against the Blazers.
**Celtics at Sixers**
-The Stratosphere lists Boston as a six-point road ‘chalk’ over Philadelphia, with the total set at 194½. This game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Boston (49-12 SU, 35-23 ATS) has won its last eight games SU and previous three outings ATS after routing Memphis Saturday as a 10 ½-point road favorite, 119-89. The combined 208 points toppled the 201 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the second consecutive contest.
-The Celtics maintain a 21-8 SU and 17-10 ATS road record, winning those games by an average score of 101-93.
-Philadelphia (30-33 SU, 34-26 ATS) recorded its fourth consecutive victory SU and ATS by beating Milwaukee Sunday as a three-point road ‘chalk,’ 119-97. The combined 216 points eclipsed the 202-point closing total, ending consecutive ‘under’ outings.
-The Sixers own a 17-14 SU and 17-12 ATS home record, with the ‘under’ going 17-14. Philadelphia has been winning those affairs by an average score of 97-92.
-Boston is 2-0 SU and 1-0-1 ATS in two meetings this season with Philadelphia after winning the last encounter Jan. 18 as a 10 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 116-89. The combined 205 points soared ‘over’ the 185-point closing total.
**Clippers at Heat**
-Caesars Palace opened Miami as a 3½-point home favorite over Los Angeles, with the total listed at 191. This game is scheduled to start at 7:35 p.m. ET.
-Los Angeles (20-41 SU, 26-35 ATS) has dropped consecutive contests SU and ATS after Saturday’s loss to Minnesota as a four-point home ‘chalk,’ 99-96. The combined 195 points went ‘over’ the 185-point closing total.
-The Clippers are just 8-19 SU and 12-15 ATS away from home, with the ‘under’ going 16-11. Los Angeles has been losing those games by an average score of 103-95.
-Miami (11-50 SU, 21-38 ATS) is currently mired in a four-game SU losing skid after falling to Atlanta Saturday as an 8½-point road underdog, 97-94. The Heat had failed to cover their previous three outings. The combined 191 points went ‘under’ the 201-point closing total.
-The Heat are a dismal 6-24 SU and 8-22 ATS home record, dropping those affairs by an average score of 102-94.
-Miami beat the Clippers in the lone encounter this season Dec. 9 as a 2 ½-point home underdog, 100-94. The combine 194 points eclipsed the 187 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the fourth game in a row between these teams.
-Miami forward Udonis Haslem (knee) is ‘questionable’ against the Clippers.
**Knicks at Mavericks**
-There is no overnight line or total on this contest due to some key injuries. This contest is slated to start at 8:35 p.m. ET.
-New York (18-45 SU, 30-32 ATS) continued its downward spiral with Saturday’s overtime setback to Portland. The Knicks, 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS the past five games, have seen the ‘over’ cash their last three outings.
-New York is 6-24 SU, but 16-13 ATS on the road with the ‘over’ going 19-11. The Knicks have been losing their road games by an average score of 104-95.
-Dallas (40-23 SU, 27-32 ATS) had dropped three games in a row SU before cruising past New Jersey Saturday as a 13 ½-point home favorite, 111-91. The combined 202 points helped the ‘over’ cash the sixth consecutive contest.
-The Mavericks are now 26-4 SU and 12-14 ATS at home, with the ‘over’ going 17-12. Dallas has been winning those matchups by an average score of 104-96.
-Dallas is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS the past four meetings with New York after winning Dec. 10 as a nine-point road favorite, 99-89. The combined 188 points went ‘under’ the 200-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to improve to 3-1 the last four games in this series.
-New York guard Jamal Crawford (hand), center Eddy Curry (knee) and forward Zach Randolph (personal) are ‘questionable’ versus the Mavericks. Dallas guard Eddie Jones (knee) is ‘questionable’ against the Knicks.
**Nuggets at Spurs**
-Caesars Palace lists San Antonio as a seven-point home ‘chalk’ over Denver, with the total set at 204½. This game is slated to start at 8:35 p.m. ET.
-Denver (37-25 SU, 31-31 ATS) had won back-to-back games SU and ATS before falling to Utah Saturday as a six-point road underdog, 132-105. The combined 237 points eclipsed the 224-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Nuggets are now 12-18 SU and ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 18-12. Denver has been winning those games by an average score of 109-105.
-San Antonio (43-19 SU, 29-32 ATS) has dropped its last two games SU and past three outings ATS after Sunday’s setback to Phoenix as a 1 ½-point road favorite, 94-87. The combined 181 points went ‘under’ the 203-point closing total, ending consecutive ‘over’ outings.
-The Spurs are 26-5 SU and 17-13 ATS at home, with the ‘under’ going 17-13. San Antonio has been winning its home endeavors by an average score of 97-88.
-Denver has won the past two meetings with San Antonio SU and ATS after winning the last matchup Friday as a 2½-point home favorite, 109-96. The combined 205 points went ‘over’ the 200½-point closing total, ending a string of 10 straight ‘under’ outings in this series.
-Denver forward Kenyon Martin (abdominal) and center Steven Hunter (personal) are ‘questionable’ versus the Spurs.
**Nets at Rockets**
-Caesars Palace opened Houston as a 13-point home ‘chalk’ over New Jersey, with the total set at 193. This game is scheduled to begin at 8:35 p.m. ET.
-New Jersey (26-37 SU, 23-39 ATS) dropped to 0-5 SU and 0-4-1 ATS its last five games with Saturday’s setback to Dallas. The ‘over’ has occurred the previous two outings for the Nets.
-New Jersey is just 11-20 SU and 12-18 ATS on the road, dropping those affairs by an average score of 102-95.
-Houston (42-20 SU, 37-24 ATS) has now won 18 games in a row SU and 10 outings ATS after beating New Orleans Saturday as a six-point home ‘chalk,’ 106-96. The combined 202 points toppled the 191-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Rockets are now 23-9 SU and 19-12 ATS at home, with the ‘under’ going 18-14. Houston has been winning its home games by an average score of 99-91.
-The Rockets are 3-0 SU and ATS the last three meetings with New Jersey after winning Dec. 7 as a 4 ½-point road favorite, 96-89. The combined 185 points slithered ‘over’ the 184-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the second consecutive contest in this series.
-Houston forward Carl Landry (knee) is ‘questionable’ versus the Nets.
vegasinsider.com.
Banged-up Knicks could be without top four scorers vs. Dallas
NEW YORK -Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry were added to the injury list, which means the New York Knicks are going to have a short bench for their game against the Dallas Mavericks Monday night.
Crawford and Curry were scratched from the lineup before Saturday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, which the Knicks somehow managed to take to overtime. New York lost 120-114 as four-point underdogs and Nate Robinson racked up a career high 45 points.
Crawford, leading New York with 20.8 points per game, bruised his right hand Friday night in the Knicks' 101-97 loss to Detroit. Curry, the starting center, was out with a sore right knee.
Curry did not travel with the team to Dallas, according to a report in the New York Post. The move could be more of a cautionary measure with the Knicks firmly planted in the basement of the NBA Atlantic Division.
Zach Randolph is also day-to-day with a foot injury and he also missed Saturday's game. Randolph is averaging 17.5 points and a team-best 10.2 rebounds, who has a bruised right foot and has returned to Indiana for personal reasons. Stephon Marbury, third on the team in scoring, isn't expected to play again this season after having left ankle surgery in January.
New York's starting lineup was Wilson Chandler, David Lee, Malik Rose, Quentin Richardson and Robinson Saturday night. Richardson didn't even play Friday, as coach Isiah Thomas has given more time to his younger players.
Associated Press.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- The Portland Trail Blazers and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Quicken Loans Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cavaliers listed as 6-point favorites versus the Trail Blazers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Brandon Roy had 27 points and six rebounds to lift the Trail Blazers to a 120-114 overtime win over the New York Knicks on Saturday night.
Portland cashed as 2.5-point road favorites as the teams played over the 191-point total posted by sportsbooks.
LeBron James tossed in a game-high 38 points to lead the Cavaliers to a 103-95 win over the Pacers last time out. The Cavaliers covered the 7-point spread, but the 198 points were UNDER the posted total of 208.
James shot 11-for-24 from the field with 11 rebounds to complete the double-double.
Current streak:
Portland has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 33-30 SU, 33-30 ATS
Cleveland: 36-27 SU, 30-33 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing New York are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Portland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland at Minnesota, Tuesday, March 11
Cleveland at New Jersey, Wednesday, March 12
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
- The Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic will meet on the court at Amway Arena on Monday in a battle of division rivals.
Oddsmakers currently have the Magic listed as 9½-point favorites versus the Hawks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Joe Johnson had 39 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to lead the Hawks over the Miami Heat 97-94 on Saturday night.
Atlanta couldn't cover as 7-point home favorites as the teams played under the 202-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Dwight Howard led Orlando with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks in its 104-95 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.
Golden State upset Orlando as 7.5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 230-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Atlanta: 26-36 SU, 29-33 ATS
Orlando: 40-24 SU, 40-23-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Houston are 1-9
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 2-8
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Orlando is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Houston, Wednesday, March 12
Orlando home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, March 12
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Wachovia Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 6½-point favorites versus the 76ers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Ray Allen dropped 23 points as the Celtics got past the Memphis Grizzlies 119-89 on Saturday night.
Boston covered as 11-point road favorites as the teams played over the 200-point total set by oddsmakers.
The 76ers defeated Milwaukee 119-97 as a 3-point favorite last time out. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (202.5).
Thaddeus Young scored 22 points for Philadelphia and Samuel Dalembert chipped in with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Boston has won 8 straight games.
Philadelphia has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 49-12 SU, 36-23-2 ATS
Philadelphia: 30-33 SU, 34-28-1 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 3-7
After a win are 9-1
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 0-10
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Boston is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Boston is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Boston home to Seattle, Wednesday, March 12
Philadelphia at Detroit, Wednesday, March 12
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat
- The Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Clippers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Corey Maggette picked up 29 points in a losing cause on Saturday night as the Clippers fell 99-96 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Clippers had been favored by 4.5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (185).
Ricky Davis paced Miami with 27 points in its 97-94 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
Atlanta couldn't cover as 7-point home favorites as the teams played under the 202-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Miami has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 20-41 SU, 26-35 ATS
Miami: 11-50 SU, 21-39-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 2-8
After a loss are 4-6
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 8 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Clippers last 14 games
LA Clippers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
Miami is 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Miami is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Orlando, Wednesday, March 12
Miami home to New York, Wednesday, March 12
New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks
- The New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at American Airlines Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Nate Robinson went for 45 points, six rebounds, and six assists for New York in its 120-114 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
Portland cashed as 2.5-point road favorites as the teams played over the 191-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Dirk Nowitzki dropped 34 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Mavericks past the New Jersey Nets 111-91 on Saturday night.
Dallas cashed as 12-point home favorites as the teams played over the 193.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New York has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 18-45 SU, 30-32-1 ATS
Dallas: 40-23 SU, 26-33-4 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing Portland are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 4-3
After playing New Jersey are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New York's last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games on the road
New York is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
New York is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Dallas is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
Dallas is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York at Miami, Wednesday, March 12
Dallas home to Charlotte, Wednesday, March 12
New Jersey Nets vs. Houston Rockets
- The New Jersey Nets and the Houston Rockets will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Toyota Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Rockets listed as 13-point favorites versus the Nets, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Richard Jefferson led New Jersey with 22 points in its 111-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
Dallas cashed as 12-point home favorites as the teams played over the 193.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Tracy McGrady had 41 points, nine assists, and six rebounds to lift the Rockets to a 106-96 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night.
Houston covered as 7.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 192-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 5 straight games.
Houston has won 18 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 26-37 SU, 24-38-1 ATS
Houston: 42-20 SU, 36-24-2 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 5-5
After a win are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 9 games when playing Houston
New Jersey is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
New Jersey home to Cleveland, Wednesday, March 12
Houston at Atlanta, Wednesday, March 12
Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs
- The Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at AT&T Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Spurs listed as 7-point favorites versus the Nuggets, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Allen Iverson had a team-high 28 points in Denver's 132-105 loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
The Jazz easily covered the 5.5-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (225).
The Spurs lost to Phoenix 94-87 as a 1.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (203.5).
Manu Ginobili scored a game-high 22 points for San Antonio and Tony Parker netted 21 points in the loss.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 37-25 SU, 31-31 ATS
San Antonio: 43-19 SU, 29-33 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Memphis are 8-2
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New Orleans are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Denver's last 11 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Antonio's last 11 games when playing Denver
San Antonio is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
Next up:
Denver home to Memphis, Wednesday, March 12
San Antonio at New Orleans, Wednesday, March 12
NBA Today
New Jersey at Houston (8:30 p.m. EDT). The Rockets have won 18 straight, the last nine by double digits.
STARS
-Chauncey Billups, Pistons, matched a season high with 34 points to lead Detroit to a 116-109 victory over Chicago.
-Beno Udrih, Kings, had 25 points and 10 assists in Sacramento's 114-113 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
CLINCHED
Detroit beat Chicago 116-109 Sunday night to clinch its seventh straight playoff berth. The Pistons ended a five-game losing streak against Chicago and prevented the Bulls from sweeping the season series for the first time since 1995-96.
IN GOOD COMPANY
Shaquille O'Neal's two blocked shots in the Phoenix's 94-87 win over San Antonio on Sunday made him the third player in NBA history to have 26,000 points, 11,500 rebounds and 2,500 blocks. He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Hakeem Olajuwon.
SLUMPING
Anthony Parker scored 23 points to lead Toronto to a 114-106 win over struggling Seattle on Sunday. The Sonics have lost eight of nine and are on pace to finish with the worst record in franchise history. ... Milwaukee lost for the fifth time in six games, 119-97 to Philadelphia.
SPEAKING
``I think I hit one guy. I tried to miss the kids.'' - Miami's Shaquille O'Neal after the Suns' 94-87 win over San Antonio on Sunday. O'Neal dived into the third row of seats for a loose ball, catching an unfortunate fan with an elbow to the lip.
Monday NBA Gameday
LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tim Duncan will all be in action on Monday night as their league begins a brand new week. Here is your NBA Gameday
Portland Trail Blazers at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Blazers have fallen out of playoff contention in the Western Conference, but they still managed to pick up back-to-back wins over the Bucks and Knicks over the weekend. Brandon Roy poured in 27 points in Portland's 120-114 OT win over New York on Saturday night, while LaMarcus Aldridge picked up 22 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers have moved into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with seven wins in their past 10 games. Cleveland is coming off a 103-95 win over Indiana on Saturday night, with LeBron James netting a game-high 38 points in that contest. Anderson Varejao added 15 points on the night, while Delonte West scored 14 points.
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic
The Hawks snapped a losing streak on Saturday night by beating the Heat - twice. Atlanta held off Miami in the replay of their disputed game from earlier in the season, and then won the scheduled contest 97-94. Joe Johnson led the way for the Hawks in the nightcap with 39 points and eight assists, while Josh Smith was good for 13 points.
Orlando had a winning streak snapped on Saturday, as they fell 104-95 to the Warriors. The Magic had started the month of March with consecutive wins over the Knicks, Raptors, and Wizards. Dwight Howard scored 26 points and picked up 12 rebounds for Orlando in their loss to Golden State, while Hedo Turkoglu contributed with 23 points.
New York Knicks at Dallas Mavericks
The Knicks have lost each of their past six games heading into Monday night's matchup with the Mavericks. New York fell to the Pistons on Friday night before losing to the Trail Blazers on Saturday. Nate Robinson exploded for 45 points for the Knicks against Portland, while Quentin Richardson was good for 20 points and five assists that night.
Dallas is now mired in fourth place in the Southwest Division standings, and they're not comfortably in a playoff position in the conference. The Mavericks began March with losses to the Lakers, Jazz, and Rockets before getting past the Nets 111-91 on Saturday. Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points in that victory, and Jerry Stackhouse scored 20.
Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs
The Nuggets had their modest two-game winning streak snapped on Saturday night when they fell 132-105 to the Jazz. Denver lost ground in the Northwest Division race with that loss, and they remained outside the West's Top 8. Allen Iverson poured in a team-high 28 points for Denver in their Saturday loss, and Carmelo Anthony scored 24.
San Antonio has managed to stay just ahead of the red-hot Rockets in the Southwest Division standings by going on a hot streak of their own over the past few weeks. However, the Spurs did fall 109-96 to the Nuggets on Friday night to lose a bit of ground in that race. Manu Ginobili scored 24 points in that loss, and Tim Duncan had 23 points.
Heat's Wade, Banks, Haslem might miss Monday's game
The availability is uncertain for the Heat's ailing trio of Dwyane Wade, Marcus Banks and Udonis Haslem for Monday's home game against the L.A. Clippers.
Wade said his surgically repaired left knee felt ''so-so'' while playing Saturday night in Atlanta, a day after sitting out the Heat's loss to the Golden State Warriors. He said he would receive treatment Sunday, an off-day for the team, and see whether he feels well enough to play Monday.
Banks pulled his right hamstring in the first quarter Saturday and said he would receive treatment Sunday.
Forward Udonis Haslem did not travel to Atlanta because of an aggravated left ankle sprain. Haslem reinjured the ankle Friday against the Warriors, and is ``day-to-day.''
miamiherald.com