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 Dec. 9-Dec. 15
Hottest ATS team
Denver Nuggets – This week: 3-1 ATS, Season: 14-10 ATS
The Nuggets have covered in three straight games and four of their last five. Denver is averaging 101.6 points over its last three contests and is coming off a huge win over Memphis on Friday. The Nuggets hit the road for a date with the Kings on Sunday afternoon before heading back to the friendly confines of the Pepsi Center for a tough matchup with the Spurs on Tuesday.
Coldest ATS team
Los Angeles Lakers – This week: 0-3-1 ATS, Season: 9-14-1 ATS
The Lakers snapped a four-game losing streak Friday with a victory over the lowly Wizards, but the six-point margin of victory was only good enough to earn a push. Los Angeles failed to cover against New York, Cleveland and Utah last week. The Lakers finish off their four-game road swing Sunday in Philadelphia before returning to the Staples Center where the Bobcats will be waiting for them.
Hottest over bet
New York Knicks – This week: 4-0 O/U, Season: 13-8-2 O/U
The Knicks have won four straight, playing over the total in each of those victories. New York is averaging a whopping 107.7 points per game during the over run, but could be slowed in the future due to Carmelo Anthony’s ankle injury. The forward is questionable Monday when the Knicks host the Rockets in the first contest of a four-game homestand.
Hottest under bet
Toronto Raptors – This week: 0-4 O/U, Season: 12-12 O/U
The Raptors have played under the number in four consecutive games and could continue to be a good under play heading into next week. Center Andrea Bargnani (elbow) and guard Kyle Lowry (tricep) both fell to injuries on Dec. 10 at Portland. Both key starters could miss significant time, leaving a gaping hole in the Toronto offense. The Raptors host Houston on Sunday before packing their bags for a short trip to Cleveland for a date with the Cavs.
Scouting the schedule:
The Charlotte Bobcats suffered their 11th consecutive defeat Saturday night when they fell to the Magic. Charlotte heads out on a west-coast road trip early next week and plays four games in five days. The Bobcats are 3-8 ATS during the losing skid.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are riding a four-game winning streak, but face some formidable foes next week. The T-Wolves hit the road to take on the Magic and Heat on back-to-back nights. Then square off against Oklahoma City and New York to close out the week.