NBA Betting News and Notes
Covers.com
Each week, we look back on the NBA betting scene and give you the best –and worst – basketball bets, as well as some spots to keep an eye on with the upcoming schedule.
For the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 1
Hottest ATS team
Oklahoma City Thunder – This week: 4-0 ATS, Season: 12-5-1
Oklahoma City has the third-best ATS record in the league and has covered in its last five games. The Thunder hit the road for a date with the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday before returning to Chesapeake Energy Arena for a five-game homestand.
Coldest ATS team
Orlando Magic – This week: 0-3 ATS, Season: 6-8-1
The Magic had a tough schedule this past week, blowing covers in three straight games to the Celtics, Spurs and Nets. To make matters worse, PG Jameer Nelson missed Friday’s loss because of an Achilles injury. The Magic have another tough week ahead of them with road dates in Golden State, Utah and Sacramento.
Hottest over bet
Houston Rockets – This week: 3-0 over, Season: 10-6 O/U
The Rockets’ offense has taken off in the last four games, averaging a whopping 117.5 points per game. James Harden and the frontcourt duo of Chandler Parson and Patrick Patterson are leading the charge, lifting Houston over the total in its last four contests. The Rockets have a tough schedule this week that includes dates with the Lakers, Spurs and Mavs.
Hottest under bet
Milwaukee Bucks – This week: 0-4 under, Season: 5-9-1 O/U
The Bucks have played under the total in five straight games. A major reason for Milwaukee’s recent dip below the total is a struggling offense that is averaging 89.8 points per game during that stretch - seven points lower than its season average. The Bucks hit the road for two games in New Orleans and San Antonio this week before hosting the Bobcats.
Scouting the schedule
After a home date with the Magic on Sunday, the Lakers hit the road for seven of their next eight games. Los Angeles is just 1-4 ATS on the road this season.
The Denver Nuggets are also about to the hit the road. After a home contest with the Raptors on Monday, the Nuggets hit the road for five straight games and six of their next seven. Denver is 8-4 O/U away from home this season.