Betting News and Notes - Mar.25

Tuesday's NIT quarterfinals
By Brian Edwards

Gamblers have a pair of NIT games to wager on Tuesday night, including a rematch of a game played earlier this season between Syracuse and UMass. Also, the Gators, the two-time defending national champs, are trying win another title, albeit one of much less significance. They hit the road for Tempe -- where UF’s football program once won a national title in convincing fashion (over Ohio St.) and lost another in an even more convincing manner (to Nebraska) -- to play Arizona St., a team some pundits think was the last team left out of the NCAA Tournament.

**UMass at Syracuse**

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Syracuse (21-13 straight up, 15-17 against the spread) as a seven-point favorite with a total of 163. This line has been up for a few days, but the numbers haven’t moved much. A few spots are now at 7½, while the total is between 162½ and 163½. Bettors can back the Minutemen to win outright for a plus 280 return (bet $100 to win $280).

--Syracuse had a lackluster performance in its NIT opener, barely scraping past Robert Morris by an 87-81 count. The ‘Cuse never threatened to cover the 14-point spread and the 168 combined points sailed ‘over’ the 152-point total. Donte Green scored a game-high 27 points, while Paul Harris finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals.

--After playing poorly in its Big East Tourney loss to Villanova and against Robert Morris, Jim Boeheim’s squad was clicking on all cylinders Thursday against Maryland. The Orange thumped the Terrapins 88-72 as a four-point ‘chalk.’ Jonny Flynn paced the ‘Cuse with 23 points and seven assists, while Harris added 19 points and 10 rebounds.

--Massachusetts (23-10 SU, 15-14 ATS) has won eight of its last nine games, posting a 6-3 spread record. The Minutemen blew its at-large hopes for an NCAA Tournament bid by losing to Charlotte in the first round of the A-10 Tourney. Since then, they have won back-to-back contests to earn their way to the NIT quarterfinals. They advanced with home wins over Stephen F. Austin and Akron.

--UMass knocked off the Zips on Sunday afternoon, 68-63. However, the Minutemen broke the hearts of their backers by allowing the hook to catch them as 5 ½-point favorites.

--The Orange are 16-5 SU and 9-10 ATS at home this year. The ‘under’ is 18-14 overall for the ‘Cuse, but the ‘over’ has hit at a 10-9 clip in its home games.

--The ‘over’ is 16-14 overall for UMass.

--The ‘over’ is on a 7-3 run for Syracuse, but UMass has seen the ‘under’ cash in four of its last five outings.

--These teams met at the Carrier Dome on Nov. 28 with UMass winning a 107-100 decision as a 7½-point underdog. Ricky Harris scored a game-high 25 points for Travis Ford’s team, while Gary Forbes scored 23 points, dished out seven assists and grabbed six rebounds. Perhaps even more telling is the fact that the Minutemen won this game back when Syracuse still had Eric Devendorf, who had 23 points against UMass before suffering a season-ending injury a few weeks later. Flynn had 20 points and 12 assists in the losing effort.

--ESPN will provide television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Florida at Arizona State**

--Florida (23-11 SU, 13-12 ATS) blew its chance to reach a 10th consecutive NCAA Tournament by losing its last three regular-season games and falling to Alabama in the first round of the SEC Tourney. The result was a trip to the NIT and the players getting locked out of UF’s $11 million practice facility by head coach Billy Donovan.

--The Gators have rebounded in the NIT with back-to-back blowout victories at the O-Dome. They crushed San Diego State 73-49 as 10-point home favorites. Marreese Speights scored a team-high 18 points, while Nick Calathes added 16. The 122 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 137-point total.

--Calathes sparked UF to a second-round win over Creighton on Friday night. The freshman guard produced the second triple-double in school history, matching Corey Brewer’s similar feat in 2005. Calathes finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in UF’s 82-54 triumph as an 8½-point ‘chalk.’ Walter Hodge scored a game-high 15 points.

--Arizona State (21-12 SU, 16-12 ATS) advanced to the NIT quarterfinals thanks to home wins over Alabama St. and Southern Illinois. The Sun Devils failed to cover the number in a 64-53 victory over the Hornets as 17½-point favorites, but they did take the cash in a 65-51 triumph over the Salukis as 5½-point ‘chalk.’

--ASU’s James Harden scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the win over Alabama St. Harden, a freshman guard who averages 17.8 points per game, had 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the victory against So. Illinois.

--Herb Sendek’s team went 15-4 SU and 9-6 ATS at home. The ‘under’ is 17-12 overall for the Sun Devils, 9-6 in their home games.

--The ‘over’ is 13-12 overall for the Gators, who are 4-5 ATS as underdogs this season.

--Donovan and Sendek go way back. When Donovan was a player at Providence, leading the Friars to the 1987 Final Four, Sendek was a graduate assistant under Rick Pitino. The two later served as assistants on Pitino’s staff at Kentucky.

--LVSC opened Arizona St. as a three-point favorite with a total of 133. As of late Monday afternoon, most spots had ASU at 3 ½, but the total remained the same. The Gators are plus 150 on the money line.

--Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET. on ESPN.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--My first ignorant gaming decision of the week came Monday when I failed to pull the trigger on Dayton catching six at Illinois State. I have no idea why some media types (Gary Parrish of CBSports.com immediately comes to mind) thought Illinois State should’ve received a Tournament bid. I didn’t see much of the Redbirds, but their ATS log is not impressive and they got trashed by Drake by 30-plus in the MVC title game. Shame on all gamblers, including me, for not backing the Flyers as ‘dogs and/or on the money line for a plus 220 payout.

--If any readers in the panhandle of Florida remember long-time Quincy Shanks High School basketball coach Joe Barnes, you’ll follow this thought process. UAB’s Mike Davis is the college version of Barnes, who had no problem yanking a player immediately after making a mistake. Barnes was never shy about wasting a timeout, either, often for the sole purpose of going off on an official for the duration of the TO. I couldn’t help but think of Barnes on Monday, when Davis burned a timeout only 28 seconds into the game to berate officials after his star Robert Vaden was whistled for a foul going through a screen on the defensive end. Barnes, who passed away a couple of years ago, was notorious for such behavior that I found hysterical. Barnes coached the likes of Johnny Walker (Mississippi St.), Andrew Moten (Florida), Horace McMillan (Georgia), Nick Bryant (Florida St.), Joey Barnes (FSU) and Elijah Hobley (New Orleans).

--CORRECTION: I mentioned (at least once) last week that the Sweet 16 games in Detroit this week would be played at the Palace of Auburn Hills. My bad, those games will be at Ford Field.

--Here’s my top five teams that I’ve had no affiliation to, but decided during the course of the NCAA Tournament that I was rooting for almost as hard as root for my Gators. (Note the word almost in that last sentence and the fact that Florida was not in the tourney field each of these seasons.)

1-Loyola Marymount (1990)
2-Davidson (2008)
3-Villanova (1985)
4-North Carolina State (1983)
5-Princeton (1998)

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NBA Today

Atlanta at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EDT). The Hawks lead the Pacers and the Nets by 1 1/2 games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

STARS

-Chauncey Billups, Pistons, scored nine of his 32 points in overtime, helping Detroit beat Phoenix 110-105.

-Rafer Alston, Rockets, scored 28 points in Houston's 108-100 win against Sacramento.

-Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored 23 of his 30 points after halftime, leading Los Angeles to a 123-119 overtime victory over Golden State.

SNAPPED

Seattle snapped its 11-game losing streak with a 97-84 win over Portland on Monday night ... Detroit beat Phoenix 110-105 Monday night, snapping the Suns' seven-game winning streak.

THE 800 CLUB

Houston beat the Sacramento Kings 108-100 on Monday night to give coach Rick Adelman his 800th career victory. Adelman, who won 395 games coaching the Kings from 1998-2006, became the 13th coach to reach the milestone. He's one of six active coaches with 800 wins, joining Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan, Don Nelson and George Karl.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Amare Stoudemire had 33 points in Phoenix's 110-105 overtime loss to Detroit on Monday night. ... Rudy Gay led Memphis with 30 points, but the Grizzlies lost to Denver 120-106.

STEPPING DOWN

Donnie Walsh's career with the Indiana Pacers will end after this season, giving operation of the troubled franchise a single voice under Hall of Famer Larry Bird. Walsh, the team's CEO and president since 1988, said Monday he would step aside after this season, his 24th year with the Pacers.

SPEAKING

``I know that when you hit something like that, you really think about all the good things that happen to you. I have been really fortunate to have three different teams that are very, very good and that's why you get wins like that.'' - Houston coach Rick Adelman after the Rockets' 108-100 victory over Sacramento on Monday, making him the 13th coach in NBA history to reach 800 wins.

NIT

UMass (23-10, 15-14-1 ATS) at Syracuse (21-13, 15-17 ATS)

Syracuse advanced to the quarterfinals of the NIT for the second straight year by winning a pair of home games over Robert Morris last Tuesday (87-81 as a 14-point chalk) and Maryland on Thursday (88-72 as a four-point favorite). The Orange have won four of their last five going back to the regular season (3-2 ATS).

Last year, the Orange won their first two NIT contests, but bowed out in a 74-70 loss at Clemson, failing to cover as a 3½-point road underdog. The ‘Cuse is 4-1 in this event the past two years, but just 2-3 ATS.

UMass enters this contest on an 8-1 run (6-3 ATS). That includes last week’s NIT home victories over Stephen F. Austin (80-60 as a nine-point favorite) and Akron (68-63 as a 5½-point choice). The Minutemen’s only loss over the previous nine games was a 68-65 setback to Charlotte in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 tournament.

This is a rematch of a shootout played on Nov. 28 at the Carrier Dome, where UMass scored a 107-100 upset victory as a 7½-point road underdog. Both teams shot better than 52 percent from the field in the contest, with UMass connecting on 14 of 31 three-point attempts (45.2 percent), compared with Syracuse’s 7-for-17 effort from long range (41.2 percent). The Orange lost despite a big edge in rebounding (35-26).

Including the home loss to UMass earlier in the year, Syracuse is in a 1-9 ATS funk against teams from the Atlantic 10. The Orange are also 5-11 ATS in their last 16 following a spread-cover and 0-5 ATS in their last five on Tuesdays.

Conversely, the Minutemen are on ATS streaks of 7-3-1 versus the Big East, 8-3-1 on Tuesdays and 5-1 this year when catching five points or more, but they’re only 1-4 ATS in their last five non-conference games and 2-4 ATS in their last six away from home.

The over is 4-1 in Syracuse’s last five non-conference games, 5-2 in its last seven overall and 5-0 in its last five at home. Also, the over is 9-3 in UMass’ last 12 non-league outings. Finally, the earlier meeting between these teams this season easily sailed over the 167-point total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UMASS and OVER

Florida (23-11, 13-12 ATS) at Arizona State (21-12, 16-12-1 ATS)

Arizona State has obviously gotten over the disappointment of being snubbed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee, as the Sun Devils have come out and blasted their first two NIT opponents. A week ago tonight, they kicked things off with a 64-53 win over Alabama State, failing to cash as a 17½-point home favorite, then two days later, ASU welcomed Southern Illinois to the desert and ripped off a 65-51 win as a 5½-point choice.

The Sun Devils, who are playing in the postseason for the first time since March 2005, are on a 5-3 run dating to the regular season (5-2-1 ATS). However, they haven’t won three consecutive games since a 10-game winning streak that lasted from early December to mid January.

Florida, the two-time defending national champs, also has also gotten over the shock of not getting into the Big Dance, winning its first two NIT contests by a combined 52 points. The Gators hammered San Diego State 73-49 as a 10-point home chalk on Wednesday, then whipped Creighton 82-54 as an 8½-point home favorite. The two victories came on the heels of a four-game SU and ATS losing skid. In fact, prior to the NIT, Billy Donovan’s troops were mired in a 3-8 funk (2-9 ATS).

Arizona State is on positive ATS runs of 4-1-1 overall, 7-3-1 following a victory and 14-6 at home. The Devils are also 8-2 ATS this year when laying 12 points or less.

Florida is 26-9-1 ATS in its last 36 non-conference outings, 12-4 ATS in its last 16 after a spread-cover and 4-0 ATS in its last four against the Pac-10.

For the Sun Devils, the under is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 5-0 on Tuesdays and 5-2 in non-conference play. The under is also 5-1 in Florida’s last six non-SEC contests and 5-1-1 in its last seven following an outright win.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

San Antonio (47-23, 31-37-2 ATS) at Orlando (46-26, 44-26-3 ATS)

The Spurs put a three-game SU and ATS winning streak on the line when they visit the Magic at Amway Arena in a matchup of playoff-bound teams.

San Antonio knocked off division rival Dallas 88-81 as a four-point road underdog on Sunday. The Spurs have been extremely streaky of late, as they went 1-6 SU (0-7 ATS) in their previous seven games, which came on the heels of an 11-game winning streak. Also, the Spurs’ three consecutive spread-covers entering this contest came after a 3-8-1 ATS rut.

Orlando has won six of its last eight (4-3-1 ATS), but has alternated wins and losses in its last four during this run. That includes Saturday’s 98-90 loss in Atlanta, failing as a one-point favorite. On the bright side, Stan Van Gundy’s squad has won 10 of its last 12 at home (9-2-1 ATS).

The straight-up winner is 23-1-1 ATS in Orlando’s last 24 games.

San Antonio crushed Orlando back on Nov. 21 in Texas, rolling 128-110 as a six-point home favorite. The teams have split their last six meetings, and the host is 6-2 in the last eight (5-3 ATS).

The Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last eight against the Southeast Division. From there, however, the pointspread runs turn negative for Gregg Popovich’s team, including 1-7 against winning teams, 1-6-1 when playing on one day of rest and 1-4 against the Eastern Conference. The Spurs are also 1-8 ATS this year as an underdog of less than four points.

In addition to their 9-2-1 ATS run at home, the Magic are on positive ATS streaks of 24-8-1 after a non-cover, 20-6 after an outright loss, 4-0 on Tuesdays and 10-4-1 when playing on two days’ rest.

The Spurs have stayed under the total in three straight games and five of the last seven. The under is also 20-8 in their last 28 on the road (7-2 in the last nine), 5-0 in their last five against the Southeast and 5-1 in their last six on Tuesdays. Meanwhile, Orlando has stayed low in 10 of its last 15 overall and four straight on Tuesdays. However, the over is 6-1 in the last seven series meetings between these squads in Orlando.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO

Atlanta (30-39, 32-36-1 ATS) at Chicago (27-42, 30-39 ATS)

Two of the four teams duking it out for the fourth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot battle in the Windy City, with the Bulls in must-win mode against the suddenly surging Hawks.

Chicago currently sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference playoff race, 1½ games behind Indiana and New Jersey and three games back of Atlanta, which currently holds the eighth and final postseason berth. The Bulls come into this one in a 2-6 slump, and they’ve followed up a 4-1 ATS run by failing to cover in four of their last five (1-3 ATS at home).

While the Bulls are stumbling, the Hawks are flying high, winners of four of their last five both SU and ATS. Most recently, Atlanta dusted the Magic 98-90 as a one-point home underdog on Saturday.

The teams split their first two meetings this year, with the home team rolling to a double-digit win each time. Chicago cruised 90-78 as a 5½-point choice on Nov. 27, with Atlanta returning the favor in a 105-84 blowout home win as a four-point chalk on Jan. 13. The Hawks’ victory in January snapped a 12-game losing skid to Chicago, which is still 10-3 ATS in the last 13 series battles (5-1 ATS at home). Finally, the favorite has cashed in each of the last four battles.

The Hawks are 2-1 SU and ATS in their last three on the highway, but still just a miserable 9-26 SU as a visitor this season (14-21 ATS). That includes a 5-11 ATS mark in their last 16 on foreign turf. Atlanta is also 2-8 ATS in its last 10 on Tuesdays.

Chicago is on pointspread runs of 15-4-1 against Southeast Division foes, 15-5 following a defeat and 4-1 on Tuesdays.

For Atlanta, the over is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 4-0 on the road, 4-0 on Tuesdays, 4-1 against the Eastern Conference and 5-2 against the Central Division. Meanwhile, the Bulls have topped the total in five of their last six Eastern Conference contests. However, the under is 3-0 in the last three series meetings in Chicago.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO

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San Antonio Spurs vs. Orlando Magic

- The San Antonio Spurs and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Amway Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Magic listed as 1-point favorites versus the Spurs, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

The Spurs defeated Dallas 88-81 as a 4-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (183.5).

Manu Ginobili scored 26 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists for San Antonio, while Tim Duncan added 19 points and 13 rebounds in the win.

The Magic blew a fourth quarter lead and ost 98-90 to the Hawks on Saturday. The game was listed as a pik'em, and the game's combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 211.

Dwight Howard had 11 points and 16 rebounds in a double-double performance in the loss.

Current streak:
San Antonio has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
San Antonio: 47-23 SU, 32-38 ATS
Orlando: 46-26 SU, 44-26-2 ATS

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Orlando
San Antonio is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Orlando is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Orlando is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home

Next up:
San Antonio home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, March 26
Orlando at Milwaukee, Friday, March 28

New Orleans Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers

- The New Orleans Hornets and the Indiana Pacers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

The Hornets outplayed the Celtics in the fourth quarter in Saturday's come-from-behind 113-106 victory. The Hornets covered the slight 1.5-point spread at home, and the 219 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.5.

David West tossed in a game-high 37 points for the Hornets, and Chris Paul added 19 in the win.

The Pacers outscored the Bulls by 16 points in the fourth quarter on Saturday, as they rallied for a 108-101 win. The Pacers won the game as 6-point underdogs, and the 209 points were UNDER the posted total of 218.

Mike Dunleavy led the Pacers with 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Troy Murphy chipped in with 24 points in the win.

Current streak:
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.
Indiana has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
New Orleans: 47-21 SU, 42-25-1 ATS
Indiana: 29-41 SU, 33-35-2 ATS

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 2-8
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Next up:
New Orleans at Cleveland, Wednesday, March 26
Indiana at New Jersey, Wednesday, March 26

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

- The fans at American Airlines Center will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Mavericks listed as 12-point favorites versus the Clippers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

The Clippers were defeated 83-72 by the Trail Blazers on Saturday, as 8-point underdogs at home. The combined 155 points were well UNDER the posted total of 190.

Corey Maggette led the Clippers with 21 points and seven rebounds.

The Mavericks lost to San Antonio 88-81 as a 4-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (183.5).

Jerry Stackhouse led the Mavericks with 19 points, while Dirk Nowitzki was limited to 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the loss.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 7 straight games.
Dallas has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 21-48 SU, 29-40 ATS
Dallas: 44-26 SU, 30-36-4 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of the LA Clippers last 14 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Dallas's last 14 games when playing LA Clippers
Dallas is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games

Next up:
LA Clippers at San Antonio, Wednesday, March 26
Dallas at Denver, Thursday, March 27

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

- The fans at American Airlines Center will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Mavericks listed as 12-point favorites versus the Clippers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

The Clippers were defeated 83-72 by the Trail Blazers on Saturday, as 8-point underdogs at home. The combined 155 points were well UNDER the posted total of 190.

Corey Maggette led the Clippers with 21 points and seven rebounds.

The Mavericks lost to San Antonio 88-81 as a 4-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (183.5).

Jerry Stackhouse led the Mavericks with 19 points, while Dirk Nowitzki was limited to 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the loss.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 7 straight games.
Dallas has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 21-48 SU, 29-40 ATS
Dallas: 44-26 SU, 30-36-4 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of the LA Clippers last 14 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Dallas's last 14 games when playing LA Clippers
Dallas is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games

Next up:
LA Clippers at San Antonio, Wednesday, March 26
Dallas at Denver, Thursday, March 27

Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls

- The Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at United Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Bulls listed as 4-point favorites versus the Hawks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

The Hawks came back with 35 points in the fourth quarter for a 98-90 win over the Magic on Saturday. The Hawks won the game as a pik'em, and the team's played UNDER the night's posted total of 211.

Joe Johnson led the way with a game-high 34 points, and Mike Bibby chipped in with 20 for the Hawks.

The Bulls were upset 108-101 by the Pacers last time out, as 6-point favorites at home. The 209 points were UNDER the posted total of 218.

Luol Deng scored 28 points with eight rebounds in a losing effort for the Bulls.

Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Atlanta: 30-39 SU, 33-36 ATS
Chicago: 27-42 SU, 30-39 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After playing Orlando are 2-8
After a win are 5-5

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Chicago is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing Atlanta
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Chicago is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Atlanta

Next up:
Atlanta home to Milwaukee, Wednesday, March 26
Chicago at Philadelphia, Wednesday, March 26

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Utah Jazz

- The Charlotte Bobcats and the Utah Jazz will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at EnergySolutions Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Jazz listed as 13-point favorites versus the Bobcats, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

The Bobcats dominated in running the Heat off the court 94-82 last time out. The Bobcats failed to cover the 18-point spread, and the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 192.5.

Gerald Wallace tossed in a game-high 26 points, and Jason Richardson added 24 in the win.

The Jazz got off to a slow start, but roared back in the second half to defeated the SuperSonics 115-101 last time out. The Jazz could not cover the 20-point spread at home, and the 216 points were UNDER the night's posted total of 219.

Carlos Boozer led the way with 26 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the win, and Mehmet Okur added 24 points for the Jazz.

Team records:
Charlotte: 25-44 SU, 29-38-2 ATS
Utah: 46-25 SU, 37-34 ATS

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 1-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 1-6
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

Utah most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing LA Clippers are 7-3
After playing Seattle are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Utah
Utah is 20-1 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home
Utah is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

Next up:
Charlotte at LA Lakers, Wednesday, March 26
Utah home to LA Clippers, Friday, March 28

Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers

- The fans at Rose Garden will be treated to a game between the Washington Wizards and the Portland Trail Blazers when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

The Wizards defeated Detroit 95-83 as a 5.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (189).

Antawn Jamison scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Washington, while Caron Butler added 17 points and six assists in the win.

The Trail Blazers were upset 97-84 by the SuperSonics on Monday, as 8-point favorites. The combined 181 points were well UNDER the posted total of 202.

Martell Webster tossed in 22 points with five rebounds in a losing effort.

Current streak:
Washington has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Washington: 36-33 SU, 40-28-1 ATS
Portland: 37-34 SU, 36-35 ATS

Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Seattle are 3-7
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Golden State are 6-4
After playing Seattle are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Washington is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Portland
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 10 games when playing at home against Washington
Portland is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home

Next up:
Washington at Seattle, Wednesday, March 26
Portland at Golden State, Thursday, March 27