Saturday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
We’re turning that corner in the NBA.
With only 20 or so games left (give or take a few for each team), teams in the West are scrambling to make the top eight seeds, with Denver currently sitting out of the bubble by a skinny one-game.
The story is completely different in the East, where Boston has been certified as the first team in either Conference to clinch a playoff birth. And the separation of teams from the No. 4 to No. 8 seeds is drastically different form their Western counterparts. For example, Orlando (currently a No. 3 seed) is nine games out of first place in the East, while No. 5 seeded Cleveland is a whopping 13½-games in back of the Celtics.
So how does Saturday’s 10-game card stack up from a bettor’s perspective and what might we expect from the Association on the weekend tip?
**Indiana at Cleveland**
Currently in a two-game funk and going 2-5 SU and 3-4 ATS in its last seven, Indiana will look to break an 0-6 SU and ATS head-to-head slump against Cleveland on Saturday. After LeBron James scored 50-points in a 119-105 win over the Knicks on Wednesday, the Cavaliers where dropped by Chicago 107-96. With a 2-6 ATS fall in its last eight home games, Cleveland will look to use its collapsing defense (holding teams to 94.8 PPG in its last five) to defeat a Pacers squad scoring 110.6 PPG in their last five. Indiana has hit the ‘over’ in five straight contests.
**Charlotte at Washington**
With the ‘over’ being a cash money maker in recent days, a feud between Charlotte and Washington might have the ingredients for another high scoring affair. In their last 10 head-to-head games, the ‘over’ has been golden at 7-3. On a three-game winning streak, the Bobcats have covered their last four straight contests, are 7-3 on the ‘over’ in their last 10 and are scoring 105.2 PPG in their last five. While the Wizards have bucked the high total trend recently with a 4-1 record on the ‘under’ in their last five, the ‘over’ has cashed in 10 times in the last 12 when playing against Eastern Conference opponents.
**Miami at Atlanta**
Already looking ahead to next season, Miami is waiting to add its third win in the last 10 games when it tips-off against Atlanta. When listed as a road ‘dog by one to three points, the Heat have gone a deplorable 1-4 ATS, and when playing against teams with a record below .500 the Heat are a mere 4-8 ATS. On a dry spell of their own, the Hawks have dropped seven of their last 10 and are giving up 111.8 PPG in the last five meetings. In their last 10 head-to-head games, Miami is 7-3 SU and ATS.
**Golden State at Orlando**
While Golden State is holding onto the eight and final seed in the West (with 20 games to go), Orlando has registered eight victories in its last 10. Scoring triple-digit figures in nine of those 10 games, the Magic have been able to compliment bettors’ bank rolls with an 8-2 ATS record. With Keyon Dooling sitting on the bench (foot), Orlando has gone 3-0 ATS. Involved in a four-game road trip, the Warriors have been another ‘over’ machine, going 8-2 in their last 10. On the road this season, Golden State is scoring 107.9 PPG, but the defensive unit has allowed opponents to score 107.4 PPG (a difference of +0.5).
**Portland at New York**
The ‘over’ may be the play in recent games, but Portland has gone against the grain, hitting the ‘under’ eight times in its last nine road games and has gone 9-4 on the ‘under’ in its last 13 overall. In their last meeting in early February, the Trailblazers walked away with a 94-88 home victory, but failed to cover the 7½-point spread. In opposite argument to total plays, New York has been another club in the Association knocking the ‘over’ dead with an 8-2 run in its last 10. Giving up triple-digit scores in seven of those 10 games is one good reason for the frequency of ‘over’ plays.
**Boston at Memphis**
Looking ahead, Boston will be squaring off in their next five versus teams that have gone 0-5 SU in their last head-to-head meetings. Tickling the twine for an average 98.4 PPG, the Celtics have excelled on defense, smothering the opposition for 85.8 PPG in the last five. The Grizzlies walk into this contest involved in a 1-9 ATS free fall. Showing this core’s lack of defense is the 41-percent of games that have hit a total above 210 points, 34-percent above 215 and 28-percent that have exceeded 220 points. In a January meeting between the two, the Celtics slithered by with a 100-96 win. However, Memphis covered the huge 13 ½-point spread.
**New Orleans at Houston**
Burning through the league and making a contest in the battle out West, Houston enters Saturday on a 17-game victory run. Going 14-1 ATS in the last 15 and 10-1 ATS in their last 11, the Rockets will look to apply their 108.6 PPG scoring tear in the last five to this contest. But, the Hornets are not a pushover and bettors should be aware that this club has built a 25-10-1 ATS tab in their last 36 road games. New Orleans has complied a 10-4 ATS billing versus teams playing with a record above .500 and are 5-1 ATS in its last six head-to-head contests versus Houston.
**New Jersey at Dallas**
Coming off zero days of rest, the Nets are a money pit at 5-10 ATS in a total of 15 games this season. Since Devon Harris made his first appearance on the court for Jersey, the team has gone 1-3 SU and 1-2-1 ATS. In its last six outings, the Nets have been the exception in the totals department, reaching the ‘under’ five times in their last six. In its last game versus Houston, Dallas took a 113-98 beating, and failed to cover the minus-1½-point spread. Staying true to money being earned when betting on totals, the Mavs are 5-0 on the ‘over’. Dallas is 15-17-2 ATS when coming off only one-day worth of rest.
**Denver at Utah**
While both teams have impeccable home records, Utah will look to defend its 27-3 SU and 20-10 ATS record on the season. In their last five home games, the Jazz have been installed as the favorite all five times, with the team going 4-1 ATS. Draining 107 PPG in its last five, Utah’s greatest strength is on ‘D’ (holding teams to 96.6 PPG in the same last five). Versus NBA Northwest teams, the Nuggets are 35-16 in their last 51 on the ‘over’. Coming off zero days of rest, Denver is 5-9 ATS.
**Minnesota at L.A. Clippers**
With both teams guaranteed a spot on the sidelines during this year’s playoffs, the Timberwolves are just looking to take their third win in the last 10, while the Clips will try to put the breaks on a 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS slide in their last seven. Hitting only 43.6-percent of its field goals this season, and whiffing in its last five with a 39.9-percent success rate from the field, L.A. continues to struggle in the fundamental of shooting the ball. In their last meeting on Feb. 1, it was the ‘Wolves who scored a 104-83 whooping over the Clippers.
vegasinsider.com
Revenge Spots
Let’s jump right into it with a breakdown of a trio of revenge games on Saturday’s card.
**Georgetown at Louisville**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Georgetown (24-4 straight up, 11-14 against the spread) as a four-point favorite with a total of 124. On Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours, I suggested that the number would be 3½ or four. My guest, VI’s leading college hoops handicapper James Manos, had these thoughts on the number. “I make two lines for every game – a number based on my power ratings and a fair number that’s based more on what I think oddsmakers will make the line. My power rating number had Georgetown as a 5 ½-point favorite, but that’s a little long. My fair number is 3 ½.”
--Louisville (24-6 SU, 16-11 ATS) has won nine in a row, posting an 8-1 spread record in the process. The Cardinals are off a 68-54 win Sunday over Villanova as 11-point home favorites. Jerry Smith led the winners with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
--Georgetown has won four in a row since losing at Syracuse. The Hoyas are off a 70-68 overtime win at Marquette, hooking up their backers in the outright win as four-point underdogs. With Georgetown trailing by three in the waning moments of regulation, Jonathan Wallace pulled up for a 3-point attempt with 2.8 seconds left and was inexplicably fouled by Dominic James. Wallace drained all three attempts from the charity stripe to force the extra session.
--Georgetown is undefeated in 15 home games, but the Hoyas are a mediocre 4-8 versus the number at home.
--Rick Pitino’s squad has been an underdog three times this year, winning outright twice and compiling a 2-0-1 ATS record.
--When these teams met at Freedom Hall on Feb. 9. Louisville won a 59-51 decision as a 3 ½-point home favorite. David Padgett led the Cards to the winner’s circle with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists.
--The ‘under’ is 17-8 overall for the Hoyas, 17-11 for the Cards.
--ESPN will provide television coverage at noon Eastern.
**Alabama-Birmingham at Memphis**
--This is a rematch of an outstanding game in Birmingham three weeks ago. On that night, UAB was on the cusp of handing Memphis its first loss of the season, but Chris Douglas-Roberts led a furious last-minute comeback by the Tigers, converting a three-point play “the hard way” with just a few ticks left to lift John Calipari’s squad to a 79-78 victory. Nevertheless, the Blazers easily took the money as 8 ½-point underdogs.
--Since blowing a seven-point advantage in the final two minutes and losing to Memphis, UAB (22-8 SU, 15-9 ATS) has responded with five consecutive wins. The Blazers are 4-1 ATS during that surge with the lone non-cover coming in a 101-99 home win over Houston as three-point favorites.
--Memphis (29-1 SU, 13-15 ATS) has won 16 of its 17 home games, but the Tigers are just 7-9 ATS at FedEx Forum.
--For our purposes, Memphis has been abysmal lately. The Tigers are an atrocious 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.
--Some might say UAB needs a win to ensure an at-large invite on Selection Sunday. For certain, a victory in Memphis would do so, but Manos thinks UAB is in anyway. “As long as UAB wins one game at the C-USA Tournament, it’s in the [NCAA] Tournament,” Manos said. “I don’t care if they lose by 30 at Memphis. The Committee saw in the first game between these teams that UAB can play with anybody.”
--LVSC opened Memphis as a 15-point favorite with a total of 143.
--The ‘over’ is on a 7-2 run for UAB.
--The ‘under’ has cashed in eight of the last nine head-to-head matchups between these Conference USA rivals.
--Tip-off is slated for 1:00 p.m. ET. on CSTV.
**Arizona at Oregon**
--LVSC opened Oregon (17-12 SU, 13-11 ATS) as a 2½-point favorite with a total of 144. However, as of early Friday evening, most spots had the Ducks listed as one-point ‘chalk.’
--Like I said on Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours, Oregon is a team that I have among a slew of squads – Ohio St., Ole Miss, Houston and Wake Forest being the others – that would be “out” of the NCAA Tournament if the season ended today, but still have a chance to play themselves “in” by getting hot now while a few other bubble teams go cold.
--Oregon kept itself alive thanks to Thursday’s 67-61 win over Arizona St. as a six-point ‘chalk.’ The win improved the Ducks to 8-9 in Pac-10 play along with Arizona and Arizona St.
--Arizona (18-12 SU, 15-12 ATS) is off Thursday’s 81-45 win at Oregon St. as an 11-point favorite. Jerryd Bayless led the Wildcats with a game-high 20 points.
--Ernie Kent’s team is 11-3 SU and 5-5 ATS at home.
--When these teams met earlier this season, Oregon won 84-74 at Arizona as a seven-point underdog.
--The ‘under’ is 15-11 overall for the Ducks, 7-5-1 in their home games. As for ‘Zona, it has seen the ‘under’ go 15-13 overall.
--The ‘under’ has cashed in five straight Arizona games. Also, the ‘under’ is 4-1 in the last five head-to-head meetings between these teams.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on FSN.
vegasinsider.com
Afternoon Action
By Chris David
Saturday’s college basketball slate is loaded with 78 games on tap, including a bunch of conference tournament clashes. The “Matchup of the Day” concludes at 9:00 p.m. EST, when No. 1 North Carolina meets No. 6 Duke in their cross-town rivalry.
Before the big game, gamblers have plenty of wagers to watch throughout the day. Let’s take a closer look at five of the many televised tilts for this afternoon.
**Missouri at Oklahoma (ABC-Regional, 3:30 p.m. EST)**
Oklahoma (20-10 SU, 13-14 ATS) was said to be a bubble team but that was before the school posted back-to-back victories against Texas A&M (64-37) and Oklahoma State (68-56).Head coach Jeff Capel said that the Sooners leading scorer, Blake Griffin (15.2 PPG), could return for this game. Oklahoma has outscored opponents by 13 PPG (74-61) in Norman this year en route to a 14-3 SU and 7-7 ATS. Missouri (16-14 SU, 8-15 ATS) will most likely be headed to the NIT and could be a good look in the secondary tournament. However, gamblers should know that the Tigers are just 8-15 ATS and their defense has been torched for 84 PPG on the road. The two schools haven’t squared off this year, but the Tigers have covered eight straight games against the Sooners. Missouri has watched the ‘over’ go 9-1 in its last 10 games. Oklahoma has seen the ‘under’ go 4-1 in its last five games.
**California at UCLA (ABC-Regional, 3:30 p.m. EST)**
UCLA (27-3 SU, 18-9 ATS) could be in a possible letdown spot against California (15-13 SU, 12-12 ATS) after stopping Stanford 77-67 on Thursday in an overtime battle. The Bruins’ victory clinched their third consecutive regular-season Pac-10 title and inched the team closer to a possible No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament. UCLA downed Cal 70-58 on Jan. 5 at Berkley as a four-point road favorite. The Golden Bears have dropped four straight and six of their last seven games, including a 93-89 setback to USC on Thursday. The Bears’ defense is giving up 74.6 PPG, which has helped the ‘over’ 18-6-1 on the season.
**Kansas at Texas A&M (CBS, 4:00 p.m. EST)**
After struggling through a 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS skid, Kansas (27-3 SU, 14-12 ATS) has rebounded with three consecutive (2-1 ATS) double-digit victories. The Jayhawks face their last test of the season before the conference tourney with a road battle in College Station against Texas A&M (22-8 SU, 13-11 ATS). The Aggies have been solid at home, notching a 16-3 SU and 7-6 ATS ledger. KU has gone 8-3 SU on the road, but only 3-7 ATS. The Jayhawks’ offense has been cooler on the road (74 PPG), than at home (88 PPG). Kansas is 9-1 SU and 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings against Texas A&M.
**Marquette at Syracuse (ESPN, 4:00 p.m. EST)**
Syracuse (18-12 SU, 12-15 ATS) is considered to be on the bubble for the big dance, but a win against No. 21 Marquette (22-7 SU, 13-9 ATS) would help the Orange deeply. It’s going to be tough sledding, considering the Golden Eagles are a respectable 7-5 SU and 8-3 ATS on the road this year, which includes three straight wins and covers. Syracuse has gone 13-5 SU and 6-9 ATS at Carrier Dome this year, and is hoping to bounce back after falling 82-77 to Pittsburgh last Saturday in a game that they blew an 11-point lead late.
**Utah at UNLV (Versus, 4:00 p.m. EST)**
Utah (16-12 SU, 13-11 ATS) snapped a five-game losing streak to UNLV (22-7 SU, 15-10 ATS) on Feb. 6 with an 81-73 victory as a three-point home favorite. The combined 154 points easily jumped ‘over’ the closing total of 127½. The Rebels are expected to earn an at-large bid but another loss to the Utes could put questions in the committee’s mind. UNLV owns an impressive 16-2 SU and 9-5 ATS mark at home, outscoring opponents by 14 PPG (73-59) on the season. Total players should be aware that the ‘under’ is on a 6-1 run for the Rebels.
vegasinsider.com
North Carolina at Duke
By Brian Edwards
As always, the venom and vitriol will be thick in the air Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where Duke and UNC will collide in a renewal of college basketball’s most bitter rivalry.
The ACC regular-season championship is at stake, along with the top seed in the ACC Tournament. There’s also potential No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament on the line, but those factors – as large as they obviously are – pale in comparison to the real ante.
What would that be? Pride. Braggin’ rights. And most importantly, the avoidance of that sick, sour, gut-wrenching taste of defeat against the hated arch rival.
Make no mistake, this game has zero to do with seeds, tournaments and/or regular-season titles. It’s personal – nothing more, nothing less.
North Carolina (28-2 straight up, 19-8 against the spread) will be looking to avenge a home loss to the Blue Devils back on Feb. 6, when Mike Krzyzewski’s team went into Chapel Hill and captured an 89-78 win as a 4 ½-point road underdog.
Junior guard Greg Paulus scored a team-high 18 points to lead six Duke players in double figures. Kyle Singler added 14 points and 10 rebounds. The game was decided from beyond the arc, as Duke drained 13-of-29 shots (45%) from 3-point land, while UNC bricked 3-balls at a 3-for-17 rate (18%).
On Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours on VI radio, professional handicapper James Manos explained how important treys are for Duke. “I think Duke is a soft team, very reliant on its guards and perimeter shooting,” Manos said. “North Carolina can’t afford to give Duke good looks from 3-point range like in the first game, when [the Blue Devils] came out hot and took the lead. That put UNC in chase mode for the rest of the game.”
Tyler Hansbrough finished with 28 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort. Of course, bettors can’t ignore the fact that UNC’s Ty Lawson was absent from the first meeting. Lawson, who averages 13.0 points and 5.6 assists per game, was out with a sprained ankle.
The sophomore point guard missed nearly an entire month – seven games to be exact – and has only been back in the last two outings. Coming off the bench, Lawson scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in Carolina’s 90-77 home win Tuesday over FSU. He also dished out three assists and didn’t commit a turnover in 20 minutes of action.
However, the Seminoles covered the spread as 16-point underdogs at most spots. Nevertheless, Roy Williams’ team won its seventh straight game since losing to Duke. The Tar Heels are 4-3 ATS during that stretch.
Duke (26-3 SU, 15-11 ATS) has won four in a row since losing back-to-back road games at Wake Forest and Miami, but the Blue Devils have limped to a 2-5-1 ATS mark since beating UNC. They are off an 86-70 win at Virginia as 6 ½-point favorites.
Gerald Henderson had 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists to pace the winners in Charlottesville. Singler added 18 points and eight boards.
Let’s get back to Manos, who leads all VI handicappers in college basketball money this year. He has a 223-168 overall record, producing $38,150 for “dime clients” who purchased his season package.
When discussing this game with Manos on the Power Hours, I suggested that UNC should be the short ‘chalk,’ but that I felt oddsmakers would go with Duke as the slim favorite.
Manos disagreed. “I make two different lines for every game – a line based on my power ratings and then a “fair line” (taking into account public perception, etc.). My power rating number had UNC as a 4 ½-point road favorite, but my fair line is Carolina by three. I wouldn’t be surprised if the number is 2 ½, which is probably a tighter line, but I definitely think Duke will be a home underdog.”
That might end up being true, but Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened the Blue Devils as two-point favorites late Friday afternoon. LVSC sent the total out at 163.
The ‘over’ is 18-9 overall for the Tar Heels, 15-13 overall for the Blue Devils.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--The ‘over’ has hit in five consecutive head-to-head meetings between these ACC adversaries.
--The underdog has taken the cash in 11 of the last 14 encounters.
--UNC has covered the spread in four of the last five games against Duke.
--Since Williams arrived at UNC, these schools have split eight meetings. Dating back to Williams’ days at Kansas, Krzyzewski holds an 8-6 overall edge in the head-to-head matchups between these coaches. Of course, Duke beat Kansas to win the 1991 national title just two days removed from the Blue Devils’ monumental upset over a previously-undefeated UNLV team led by Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony and “The Plastic Man,” Stacey Augmon.
--The most important play from that UNLV-Duke game that everyone forgets? Trailing by five with just over one minute left, Bobby Hurley drained a 22-footer from the left side of the key to cut the deficit to two.
--Whatever happened to UNLV’s starting shooting guard from that team, Anderson Hunt?
--More from Manos: “I don’t like to use the word revenge very much, but I do think it applies in this [Duke-UNC] rivalry. And I don’t think Duke has played very well lately. They’re overrated in my opinion, but have performed well because Coach K has done an incredible coaching job with this team.”
vegasinsider.com
Pacers give one-game suspension to Harrison
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Indiana Pacers have suspended center David Harrison for one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Pacers gave no reason for the suspension, but the announcement Friday comes a day after Harrison was involved in a confrontation late in a game against San Antonio. Harrison was called for a technical as he yelled at an official after being hit in the face by Spurs forward Matt Bonner.
Pacers coach Jim O'Brien pulled Harrison from the game, but he was later escorted to the locker room. The Pacers say Harrison also was fined and would sit out Saturday's game at Cleveland.
Harrison was suspended for five games in January for violating the league's anti-drug program.
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers meet at Quicken Loans Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cavaliers listed as 8-point favorites versus the Pacers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Pacers fell 108-97 to the Spurs as 13-point underdogs the last time out. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 197.
Danny Granger tossed in 22 points and hauled down six rebounds in the loss.
LeBron James had a game-high 39 points Thursday, but the Cavaliers fell 107-96 to the Bulls. The Cavaliers were 4-point underdogs in the contest, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 197.
LeBron James scored a game-high 39 points in a losing effort for the Cavaliers.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 24-38 SU, 29-32-1 ATS
Cleveland: 35-27 SU, 29-33 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Seattle are 5-5
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indiana's last 13 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Cleveland is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Indiana home to Seattle, Tuesday, March 11
Cleveland home to Portland, Monday, March 10
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks meet at Philips Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Marcus Banks and Chris Quinn each scored 20 points in Miami's 134-99 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
The Warriors had no trouble covering the 5-point spread on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (221).
Joe Johnson had a team-high 20 points in Atlanta's 108-93 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night.
The Hawks had been favored by 1 point on the road in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (203).
Current streak:
Miami has lost 3 straight games.
Atlanta has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 11-49 SU, 20-39-1 ATS
Atlanta: 25-36 SU, 29-32 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 7-3
After a loss are 2-8
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Miami is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home
Atlanta is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta's last 15 games
Next up:
Miami home to LA Clippers, Monday, March 10
Atlanta at Orlando, Monday, March 10
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Washington Wizards
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Charlotte Bobcats and the Washington Wizards meet at Verizon Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Wizards listed as 6½-point favorites versus the Bobcats, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Raymond Felton poured in 23 points on Friday night to lead the Bobcats to a 108-93 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks had been favored by 1 point on the road in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (203).
Antawn Jamison scored 25 points on Friday night as the Wizards got past the Toronto Raptors 110-106 in overtime.
The Raptors had been favored by 6.5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (193).
Current streak:
Charlotte has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 23-39 SU, 26-34-2 ATS
Washington: 30-31 SU, 36-24-1 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 1-6
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Washington
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Charlotte
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Washington is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Charlotte
Washington is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Next up:
Charlotte at Dallas, Wednesday, March 12
Washington home to Milwaukee, Tuesday, March 11
Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic
- The Golden State Warriors and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Amway Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Magic listed as 7½-point favorites versus the Warriors, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Stephen Jackson was good for 22 points in the Warriors' 134-99 drubbing of the Miami Heat on Friday night.
The Warriors had no trouble covering the 5-point spread on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (221).
Dwight Howard went for 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Magic rolled past the Washington Wizards 122-92 on Wednesday night.
Orlando covered as 2-point road favorites as the teams played over the 202-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 38-23 SU, 26-35 ATS
Orlando: 40-23 SU, 40-22-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Washington are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Golden State's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Golden State's last 17 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Orlando is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Next up:
Golden State home to Toronto, Wednesday, March 12
Orlando home to Atlanta, Monday, March 10
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks
- The Portland Trail Blazers and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 29 points on Friday night as the Blazers beat the Milwaukee Bucks by a final score of 103-101.
The Bucks had been listed as 1.5-point favorites at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (198).
Eddy Curry led the Knicks with 23 points in their 101-97 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
The Pistons, however, failed to cover the 11-point spread on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (191).
Current streak:
New York has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 32-30 SU, 32-30 ATS
New York: 18-44 SU, 30-31-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 8-2
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 10 games on the road
Portland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
New York is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 11 of New York's last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games at home
New York is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland at Cleveland, Monday, March 10
New York at Dallas, Monday, March 10
Boston Celtics vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- The Boston Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at FedExForum.
Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 11-point favorites versus the Grizzlies, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Paul Pierce led the way with 22 points on Friday night as the Celtics got past the Chicago Bulls by a final score of 116-93.
The Celtics managed to cover the 11.5-point spread at home in that game, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (199).
Hakim Warrick had 25 points and seven rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 100-93 win over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night.
Memphis upset New Jersey as 3.5-point home underdogs as the teams played under thr 201-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Boston has won 7 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 48-12 SU, 35-23-2 ATS
Memphis: 15-46 SU, 25-36 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 1-9
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 0-10
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Boston is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Memphis's last 11 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston at Philadelphia, Monday, March 10
Memphis at Phoenix, Tuesday, March 11
New Jersey Nets vs. Dallas Mavericks
- The New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at American Airlines Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Mavericks listed as 12½-point favorites versus the Nets, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Richard Jefferson had a game-high 27 points in New Jersey's 107-96 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.
The Hornets managed to cover the 10-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (193).
The Mavericks lost 113-98 to the Rockets last time out, as 1-point favorites at home. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 182.
Josh Howard tossed in 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 4 straight games.
Dallas has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 26-36 SU, 24-37-1 ATS
Dallas: 39-23 SU, 25-33-4 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing New Orleans are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Houston are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games
New Jersey is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
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 Jersey
Dallas is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
Dallas is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey at Houston, Monday, March 10
Dallas home to New York, Monday, March 10
New Orleans Hornets vs. Houston Rockets
- The New Orleans Hornets and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Toyota Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Chris Paul had 25 points and 16 assists on Friday night to lead the Hornets to a 107-96 win over the New Jersey Nets.
The Hornets managed to cover the 10-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (193).
Houston had an offensive onslaught in the third quarter and picked up a 113-98 win over the Mavericks on Thursday, as slight 1-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 182.
Tracy McGrady led the way with 31 points, and nine assists. Rafer Alston chipped in with 24 points for Houston.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.
Houston has won 17 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 42-19 SU, 37-23-1 ATS
Houston: 41-20 SU, 35-24-2 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing 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 Orleans home to San Antonio, Wednesday, March 12
Houston home to New Jersey, Monday, March 10
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
- The Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at EnergySolutions Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Allen Iverson netted 29 points on Friday night to lead the Nuggets to a 109-96 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Nuggets managed to cover the 2.5-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (200.5).
Deron Williams had 25 points and 15 assists on Friday night as the Jazz picked up a 126-118 win over the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns had been favored by 5.5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (223).
Current streak:
Denver has won 2 straight games.
Utah has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 37-24 SU, 31-30 ATS
Utah: 41-22 SU, 34-29 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing San Antonio are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Denver
Utah is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Denver
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Denver at San Antonio, Monday, March 10
Utah at Chicago, Tuesday, March 11
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers
- The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Rashad McCants poured in 22 points on Friday night as the Timberwolves defeated the Sacramento Kings by a score of 111-103.
The Kings had been favored by 6.5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (200).
Corey Maggette was good for 22 points in the Clippers' 119-82 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
The Lakers had no trouble covering the 14.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (205.5).
Team records:
Minnesota: 13-48 SU, 29-31-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 20-40 SU, 26-34 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 3-7
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Minnesota is 14-6 SU in their last 20 games when playing LA Clippers
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Portland, Tuesday, March 11
LA Clippers at Miami, Monday, March 10