NBA Today - November 24
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SCOREBOARD Saturday, Nov. 24
Chicago at New York (1 p.m. EST). The Knicks have lost eight in a row.
STARS Friday
-Baron Davis, Warriors, had 33 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 123-115 win over the Wizards.
-Dwight Howard, Magic, had 34 points and 17 rebounds to help Orlando beat the Charlotte Bobcats 105-92.
-Shawn Marion, Suns, had 21 points, 17 rebounds and five steals in a 113-94 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
In a rare instance of double triple-doubles, Baron Davis and the Golden State Warriors got the better of Caron Butler and the Washington Wizards. Davis had 33 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds and Golden State beat Washington 123-115 on Friday night, ending the Wizards' six-game winning streak. Butler finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Davis and Butler are the first pair of NBA opponents with triple-doubles in the same game in more than 4 1/2 years. Orlando's Tracy McGrady and New Jersey's Jason Kidd did it on Feb. 23, 2003.
WHITE HOT
Amare Stoudemire scored 13 of his season-high 29 points in the decisive third quarter, and the Phoenix Suns matched the best start to a season in franchise history by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 113-94 on Friday night. Shawn Marion added 21 points, 17 rebounds and five steals as the Suns won their eighth in a row. Their 11-2 start matches the franchise record set in 1980-81 and equaled in 2004-05. They can break the record with a victory at Golden State on Monday.
STEADY AND EFFICIENT
Dwight Howard had 34 points and 17 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic overcome a poor shooting night and beat the Charlotte Bobcats 105-92 Friday. Howard made 11 of 14 shots, while his teammates were a combined 27-for-66 from the field, including 7-for-28 from 3-point range.
STREAKS
Carlos Boozer had 19 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to their sixth consecutive home victory, 99-71 over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. ... The Miami Heat beat the Rockets 98-91, handing Houston its sixth straight loss.
SNAPPED
Golden State beat Washington 123-115 on Friday night, ending the Wizards' six-game winning streak. ... The Indiana Pacers held off the Dallas Mavericks 111-107, snapping the Pacers' five-game winning streak.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Antawn Jamison had 30 points and 12 rebounds in Washington's 123-115 loss to Golden State on Friday night.
SPEAKING
''It was one of those games that was like going to the dentist. It was like pulling teeth.'' - Detroit coach Flip Saunders on the Pistons' 83-78 victory over the Sixers on Friday night.
Saturday's NBA matchup betting notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
The Bulls have won five of six and 10 of their last 12 against the Knicks.
Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers
Toronto has dropped five straight in Cleveland, losing by an average of 11.0 points, since a 97-86 win on April 6, 2004.
Golden State Warriors at Philadelphia 76ers
Golden State is averaging 105.3 points during its current three-game winning streak against Philadelphia.
Boston Celtics at Charlotte Bobcats
Boston and Charlotte split four meetings last season, each winning once on the road.
Washington Wizards at Memphis Grizzlies
The home team won each game last season, but the Grizzlies had won the previous three. Washington has not won at Memphis since a 103-91 victory Nov. 3, 2004.
Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
The Magic won all four games against the Heat last season, holding them under 70 points twice and to an average of 80.8 for the series.
Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks
The Mavericks swept last season's series by a combined eight points, but they have lost 12 of their last 15 at Milwaukee since the 1991-92 season.
Atlanta Hawks at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Hawks swept the season series from the Timberwolves last season.
Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets
Houston won two of three games against Denver last season.
New Orleans Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles and New Orleans split four games last season with each winning one on the road. The Hornets' 86-83 road victory on April 18 snapped a five-game skid on the Clippers' home court in the league's final game last season.
Pistons' Wallace misses game with ankle injury
ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Detroit forward Rasheed Wallace missed the Pistons' game against Philadelphia on Friday night with a sore left knee.
Wallace tweaked the knee Nov. 11 at Seattle, then sat out the second half of Wednesday's 98-86 win over the Knicks. He underwent X-rays Friday, and coach Flip Saunders said the tests showed ''everything was structurally fine.''
Jason Maxiell started in place of Wallace, who's averaging 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds in 11 games this season.
Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB betting matchup notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Gardner-Webb vs. No. 22 Clemson
Gardner-Webb and Clemson have played just twice, with the Tigers winning 71-61 in December 2002 and 86-55 in November 2003.
San Francisco at No. 11 Oregon
The Ducks and Dons haven't met since Oregon's 67-58 victory on Dec. 12, 1959 in the Montana State Invitational. Oregon has won six of eight meetings between the schools.
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks
- The Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Madison Square Garden.
The Bulls lost 112-91 to the Nuggets last time out, as 8.5-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.
Joakim Noah led the Bulls with 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Center Eddy Curry was the game-high scorer with 26 points in the Knicks' 98-86 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
The Pistons got the cover as 11.5-point favorites as the game played under the 193-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
New York has lost 8 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 2-8 SU, 2-8 ATS
New York: 2-9 SU, 4-7 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 9-1
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
New York is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
New York is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
Chicago at Toronto, Sunday, November 25
New York home to Utah, Monday, November 26
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- The fans at Quicken Loans Arena will be treated to a game between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers when they take their seats on Saturday.
Chris Bosh had 22 points and 19 rebounds as the Raptors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 95-89 on Wednesday night.
The Raptors covered as 4-point favorites as the game played well under the 211.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
LeBron James had 45 points, eight rebounds, and five assists to lead the Cavaliers to a 97-86 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
The Cavs cashed in as 5.5-point road favorites as the game played under the 191.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Toronto: 6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS
Cleveland: 6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Minnesota are 2-8
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto home to Chicago, Sunday, November 25
Cleveland at Indiana, Sunday, November 25
Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic
- The Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Amway Arena.
Dwyane Wade poured in 31 points on Friday night to lead the Heat to a 98-91 win over the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets had been favored by 3.5 points on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (180.5).
Dwight Howard led the way with 34 points on Friday night as the Magic topped the Charlotte Bobcats by a final score of 105-92.
The Magic managed to cover the 9.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (196.5).
Team records:
Miami: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS
Orlando: 11-3 SU, 11-3 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Miami's last 19 games on the road
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Orlando is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Next up:
Miami home to Charlotte, Tuesday, November 27
Orlando at Portland, Monday, November 26
Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Bobcats
- The Boston Celtics and the Charlotte Bobcats will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
Kevin Garnett scored 21 points on Friday to lead the Celtics to a 107-94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Celtics managed to cover the 8.5-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (205.5).
Emeka Okafor grabbed 18 boards in Charlotte's 105-92 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday.
The Magic managed to cover the 9.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (196.5).
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Charlotte has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 10-1 SU, 9-2 ATS
Charlotte: 6-6 SU, 5-6-1 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a win are 8-2
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-6
Before playing Miami are 3-7
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Charlotte's last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games at home
Next up:
Boston at Cleveland, Tuesday, November 27
Charlotte at Miami, Tuesday, November 27
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- The Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Wachovia Center.
Baron Davis had a game-high 33 points on Friday night as the Warriors knocked off the Washington Wizards by a score of 123-115.
The Warriors managed to cover the 2-point spread on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (215).
Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia with a 17-point effort in their 83-78 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
The Pistons failed to cover the 9-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (184).
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 4-7 SU, 5-6 ATS
Philadelphia: 3-8 SU, 4-7 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 8-2
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Philadelphia's last 21 games when playing Golden State
Next up:
Golden State home to Phoenix, Monday, November 26
Philadelphia at Milwaukee, Tuesday, November 27
Washington Wizards vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- The fans at FedExForum will be treated to a game between the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies when they take their seats on Saturday.
Antawn Jamison had 30 points for Washington in their 123-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
The Warriors managed to cover the 2-point spread on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (215).
Juan Carlos Navarro led Memphis with 16 points in their 101-88 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
The Spurs covered the big 12.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (206.5).
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS
Memphis: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 3-7
After playing San Antonio are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Washington is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Washington is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games at home
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Memphis is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Next up:
Washington at Dallas, Monday, November 26
Memphis at New Jersey, Tuesday, November 27
Atlanta Hawks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The Atlanta Hawks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Target Center.
The Hawks poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter to come away with an 82-79 win over the Heat on Wednesday. The Hawks won the game as 8-point road underdogs, while the 161 points were well UNDER the posted total of 187.
Joe Johnson scored 22 points and shot 6-for-17 from the field with seven boards and four assists in the win.
Minnesota had 20 turnovers in Friday's 99-93 loss at Denver, falling as 14-point road underdogs. The 192 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 204.5.
Antoine Walker came off the bench with 24 points, and Ryan Gomes added 18 points for the Timberwolves.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 4-7 SU, 5-6 ATS
Minnesota: 1-9 SU, 4-6 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing New Orleans are 4-6
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Minnesota's last 25 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at Chicago, Tuesday, November 27
Minnesota at New Orleans, Monday, November 26
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets
- The Denver Nuggets and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Toyota Center.
Denver's Carmelo Anthony poured in 31 points in Friday's 99-93 win over Minnesota, failing to cover the 14-point home spread. The 192 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 204.5.
Kenyon Martin scored 18 points, while Marcus Camby put up ten points and 18 boards for the Nuggets.
Yao Ming and Luis Scola each picked up 20 points in Houston's 98-91 loss to the Miami Heat on Friday.
The Rockets had been favored by 3.5 points on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (180.5).
Current streak:
Houston has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS
Houston: 6-7 SU, 4-9 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Minnesota are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Denver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games
Next up:
Denver home to Indiana, Tuesday, November 27
Houston at LA Clippers, Monday, November 26
Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- The Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Bradley Center.
Devin Harris had a team-high 24 points as Dallas lost 111-107 to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
The Mavs had been favored by 7 points on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (206.5).
Michael Redd had 26 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Bucks to a 110-103 upset of the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
The Bucks cashed in as 2.5-point underdogs as the game played over the 207.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS
Milwaukee: 6-4 SU, 5-4-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 9-1
After playing Indiana are 6-4
After a loss are 9-1
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing Dallas
Milwaukee is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas home to Washington, Monday, November 26
Milwaukee home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 27
New Orleans Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
- The New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
New Orleans scored only seven points in the fourth quarter of Friday's 99-71 loss at Utah, falling as 6.5-point road underdogs. The 170 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 198.
David West led the way with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Chris Paul had 15 points for the Hornets.
Los Angeles were outrebounded 52-41 in Friday's 113-94 loss at Phoenix, falling as 13.5-point road underdogs. The 207 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 210.5.
Sam Cassell scored 26 points, while Ruben Patterson notched 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 9-5 SU, 7-6-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 6-5 SU, 5-6 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing Utah are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Orleans's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games
Next up:
New Orleans home to Minnesota, Monday, November 26
LA Clippers home to Houston, Monday, November 26
Aboya's injury could further deplete UCLA
ESPN.com
UCLA junior forward Alfred Aboya suffered a fracture of the orbital floor below his right eye during Friday night's 81-47 win over Yale at Pauley Pavilion.
A member of the UCLA staff told ESPN.com that Aboya will meet with a specialist this weekend to determine if he needs surgery or if he can play with a mask. If he needs the surgery he could be out indefinitely.
Aboya's injury couldn't come at a worse time for the depleted Bruins. UCLA is still without all-American point guard Darren Collison, who hasn't played this season because of a sprained knee. Collison target return was scheduled to be Wednesday against George Washington but there is a chance that it could be extended.
Meanwhile, guard Michael Roll, a 3-point specialist, hasn't played this season either due to a rupture of his plantar fascia. Forward James Keefe, who would have helped now that Aboya could be out, is hoping for a late-December return due to a shoulder surgery.
Aboya, a 6-8 native of Cameroon, has been heralded Kevin Love's practice partner, banging with the high-profile freshman center every day in practice to prepare him for the rigors of the college season.
Aboya can be a starter next to Love, or rotate with Lorenzo Mata-Real in the position next to Love. Aboya was averaging 21.8 minutes, 3.6 points, 2.6 rebounds in the first five games. But Aboya did come up with a critical steal in the win over Michigan State last Tuesday night in Kansas City at the CBE Classic.