NBA Betting News and Notes
By 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 February 24-March 2.
Hottest ATS
Los Angeles Clippers (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)
After a mid-season slump, the Clippers appear to be gaining momentum for the stretch run. Los Angeles has picked up wins in four straight games and eight of its last nine. The Clippers have also covered in four consecutive games heading into Sunday’s home tilt with the Thunder.
Coldest ATS
Toronto Raptors (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS)
The Raptors have dropped four straight (0-4 ATS) after winning six of their previous seven contests. Rudy Gay, who is averaging over 21 points per game since being acquired by the Raptors, is dealing with back spasms and now Toronto plays three tough road games against the Warriors, Suns and Lakers.
Best over play
Sacramento Kings (1-3 SU, 4-0 over/under)
The Kings played over the total in every contest of their recent five-game road trip. Sacramento’s defense was a disgrace on the trip, allowing opponents to score an average of 120.8 points per game. The Kings return home for games with the Bobcats and over-friendly Nuggets this week.
Best under play
Dallas Mavericks (1-3 SU, 0-4 over/under)
The Mavericks have gone low in four straight games after posting an 11-3 O/U mark in their previous 14 contests. Dallas is averaging 101 points per game this season, but is scoring 92.75 per contest during its current under run. The Mavericks play the first half of a home-and-home with the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.
Scouting the schedule:
The Chicago Bulls are entering a very tough portion of their schedule. Chicago visits Indiana and San Antonio this week before heading home for a clash with Utah. The Bulls then travel west for three games against the Lakers, Kings and Warriors. Chicago has been a pretty good bet on the road (17-11 ATS) and a horrible bet at home (9-22 ATS).
The Utah Jazz head east for a four-game road trip beginning Monday in Milwaukee. The Jazz have been fade material on the road (10-18-1 ATS) but a great play at home (18-12 ATS) this season. Utah will also visit Cleveland, Chicago and New York this week.