NBA Betting News and Notes Friday, February 8

Clippers at Heat: What Bettors Need to Know
By Coovers.com

Los Angeles Clippers at Miami Heat (-6, 196)

It looks like a potential NBA Finals matchup on paper - and key players should be back in the fold on both sides of Friday's game between the Los Angeles Clippers and host Miami Heat. The Clippers were without superstars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul for Wednesday's 86-76 win over Orlando, though both practiced Thursday and hope to return. Miami is coming off a win over Houston that came without the services of Chris Bosh, who sat out due to illness but should be back Friday.

The Clippers will need all hands on deck if they hope to challenge the home dominance of the East-leading Heat. Miami is 20-3 on its home court this season, even with the Indiana Pacers for the best home mark in the conference. Improving that mark becomes more difficult if Paul returns from a knee injury that has knocked him out of 12 of the last 14 games. Griffin sat out Wednesday with a lingering hamstring injury, his second absence in a row after playing in the previous 197 straight games.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (35-16, 28-23-0 ATS): Practice felt busier than ever Thursday, with Paul, Griffin, Chauncey Billups (left foot) and Jamal Crawford (right shoulder) all back in action. Griffin and Billups are listed as day-to-day and are expected to be in the lineup, while the statuses of Paul and Crawford remain up in the air. Billups, who has only played in three games this season, said he wants to see how he feels following Friday's shootaround before deciding on his status. "Hopefully I wake up [Friday] and I feel great and it's a go. But I have to wait and see how the recovery goes," he told the Los Angeles Times.

ABOUT THE HEAT (32-14, 22-24-0 ATS): After LeBron James finally won his first NBA championship last year, many wondered how he would respond in 2012-13. From a statistical standpoint, King James is as good as ever. While James is "only" fourth in league scoring at 26.8 points per game, he's shooting a career-best 55.6 percent from the field. He's also averaging a career-best 8.2 rebounds and a team-best seven assists while connecting on 40.8 percent of his 3-point attempts, also a career high. James scored his 5,000th point in a Miami uniform in Wednesday's win.

TRENDS:

* Over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Miami.
* Home team is 13-3-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
* Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
* Clippers are 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings in Miami.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. James' field-goal percentage has risen in seven straight seasons.

2. The Clippers have won six of the last nine meetings, with the home team prevailing in eight straight.

3. Miami is just 7-14 against teams above .500.

Friday NBA Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

Things get hot and heavy on the final Friday night prior to the All-Star break in the NBA. The banged-up Clippers continue their Grammy trip in Miami, while the Bulls play their second game in as many nights at Utah. The night begins in the Nation's Capital with the red-hot Wizards looking to avenge an overtime loss to Brooklyn.

Nets at Wizards

Washington wasn't exactly a hot ticket for bettors early in the season, but the Wizards have won and cashed in six of the last seven home contests. Since John Wall returned to the lineup, posting an 8-7 SU and 12-3 ATS record, including four outright victories as home underdogs. The Nets enter D.C. off a stretch of alternating wins and losses in each of their last six games.

Brooklyn edged Detroit, 93-90 on Wednesday as two-point underdogs, the third straight game the Nets have finished 'under' the total. P.J. Carlisemo's club looks to cover consecutive contests for the first time since January 23, as the Nets own a dreadful 2-5 ATS record the past seven games. The Nets outlasted the Wizards in the last meeting at the Verizon Center in early January, 115-113 in double overtime. Washington cashed as six-point 'dogs, as the Wizards blew a 14-point lead in one of their last games without Wall.

This recent stretch of success for Randy Wittman's team is blindsiding to bettors, especially coming off a pair of solid home wins over the Clippers and Knicks this week. Rookie star Bradley Beal is expected to return to the Washington lineup tonight after missing the last five games with a sprained wrist, as the former Florida standout scored 24 points in the double-overtime setback to Brooklyn last month. The Wizards are seeking their second three-game winning streak of the season, as this current homestand mirrors a mid-January stretch when Washington grabbed back-to-back home 'dog wins before routing Orlando.

Clippers at Heat

Los Angeles snapped a three-game skid with a victory over beat-up Orlando on Wednesday, as the Clippers attempt to get healthy tonight in Miami. Chris Paul has missed the last nine games with a knee injury, as L.A. has covered just three times in this span, while Blake Griffin sat out the previous two contests with a strained hamstring. On the Heat side, Chris Bosh is expected to return after a one-game absence with a cold.

Miami was anything but cold from the field in Wednesday's home 114-108 victory over Houston, but the Heat failed to cover as 7½-point favorites. Since Christmas, Erik Spoelstra's club has put together a 2-5 ATS record at home, while the Heat is 6-1 SU in this period. Despite the 'over' on Wednesday, Miami owns a 9-4 mark to the 'under' at the American Airlines Arena since December 10.

The home team has won eight straight meetings in this series, including L.A.'s 107-100 victory at Staples Center over Miami on November 14. The Heat shot just 45% from the floor in that defeat, as Dwyane Wade hit just 2-of-10 shots for six points. The Clippers are 3-7 ATS the last 10 games, while the offense has put up less than 100 points eight times. Los Angeles will be listed as a road underdog for the seventh time this season, as the Clips have covered four times, including twice without Paul.

Blazers at Rockets

Portland has solved the Houston mystery twice this season with a pair of overtime victories over the Rockets. Granted, both those wins came back in November, when the Rockets lost seven of nine games following a 2-0 start. The Rockets have rebounded since that slow start to forge three games above .500 and be right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

The Blazers continue their trek through the Lone Star State tonight after getting tripped up by the Mavericks on Wednesday night, 105-99, snapping a two-game winning streak. Portland owns a 5-2 SU and 4-2-1 ATS the last seven contests off a road loss, but both ATS losses came in the home favorite role to Cleveland and Dallas. The offense has picked up recently by topping the 99-point mark in six of the last eight games, resulting in five 'overs.'

The last time the Rockets played at the Toyota Center, Houston dropped a season-high 140 points in Wednesday's rout of Golden State. Since New Year's Eve, Kevin McHale's squad has compiled a 6-2 SU/ATS record the last eight home contests, including a 5-0 ATS mark as a favorite of at least four points. The 'over' is 4-2 in six home games with a total set at least 210, including Wednesday's high-scoring affair with the Warriors.

Bulls at Jazz

Chicago has no time to digest last night's blowout loss at Denver, as the Bulls make the short trip to Salt Lake City tonight. Even the stout Bulls' defense couldn't slow down the red-hot Nuggets in a 128-96 setback as six-point road underdogs, the third loss in the last four games for Tom Thibodeau's club. The Jazz keeps climbing the ranks in the Western Conference at 28-22, while Utah looks to finish off a three-game homestand at 3-0.

Utah is quietly winning games at a rapid rate, picking up 13 victories in the last 18 trips to the court since the start at January. In this stretch, Tyrone Corbin's club is a scorching 10-1 SU and 7-4 ATS at home, with the lone slip-up coming in a 45-point blowout loss to the Rockets in late January. The Jazz has won all seven home contests against Eastern Conference foes, including over division leaders Miami and Indiana.

In spite of consecutive road losses, the Bulls still own the best away record in the East at 14-9. However, the defense needs to get fixed up after allowing 128 and 111 points in these two defeats, after a span of nine games of giving up 93 points or fewer. Chicago is still a solid bet as a road 'dog, cashing in seven of the last 10 opportunities when receiving points away from the United Center.

Friday's NBA Game of the Day: Golden State vs. Memphis
Atssportsline.com

Golden State vs. Memphis

The Golden State Warriors (30-19 SU, 27-21-1 ATS, 31-17-1 O/U) are coming off two straight road losses to Oklahoma City (119-98) and Houston (140-109). Memphis (30-18 SU, 27-20-1 ATS, 18-29-1 O/U) has also lost two straight games including a 103-92 road loss at Atlanta on Wednesday giving 2. The Warriors travel to FedEx Forum to take on Memphis on Friday night at 8pmET.

Matchup: Last game: (1/9/13) Memphis (+1) over GOLDEN STATE, 94-87. Memphis has won eight straight games in this series and has covered 5 of 8.

Key Trends:

Golden State is:

15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 games following a S.U. loss.
Road team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

Memphis is:

4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
5-13 ATS in their last 18 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
0-6 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Key injuries:

Golden State:

G Jarrett Jack (shoulder) is questionable.

Memphis:

None.

Preview:

The Memphis Grizzlies have struggled since dealing Rudy Gay. Perhaps surprisingly, though, his absence has seemingly taken a bigger toll on defense.

The Grizzlies' defensive woes, however, pale in comparison to what the Golden State Warriors are experiencing.

Both will try to avoid three-game losing streaks Friday night when they meet in Memphis.

The Grizzlies (30-18) have lost four of six and are 1-3 after trading Gay to Toronto on Jan. 30. Gay was their leading scorer at 17.2 points per game, and while the Grizzlies' production has dipped some, the more noticeable change has been on defense.

Memphis allowed 89.5 ppg and 43.6 percent shooting with Gay on the roster, but is giving up 95.3 points on 49.3 percent shooting since his trade. It allowed Atlanta to shoot 51.4 percent in a 103-92 road loss on Wednesday.

Gay has 74 points in three games for the Raptors, while the players who came to Memphis in the three-team deal - Tayshaun Prince, Austin Daye and Ed Davis - have combined for 41 points in three games, with 31 coming from Prince.

Gasol is also having a hard time finding his shot since the trade, averaging 12.3 points on 34.7 percent in the four contests.

Jerryd Bayless, however, continues to respond well to playing increased minutes, scoring 15 on 6-of-9 shooting with five assists in 25 minutes against the Hawks. Bayless is averaging 19.8 points while shooting 55.1 percent - including 7-of-14 from 3-point range - in the last five games.

The Warriors (30-19) had won four straight before dropping two in a row, giving up a total of 259 points in losses at Houston and Oklahoma City.

After letting the Rockets tie an NBA record with 23 3-pointers on Tuesday, a fog delay prevented Golden State from arriving in Oklahoma City until about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. The Warriors may have felt the ill effects of the late arrival, falling behind the Thunder 42-22 early in the second quarter en route to a 119-98 loss.

The Warriors played fine defense against the Grizzlies on Jan. 9, but fell 94-87 - their eighth consecutive defeat in the series. Golden State has also lost seven straight in Memphis, its last win there coming on April 4, 2008.

Stephen Curry is averaging 22.6 points in his last eight games versus the Grizzlies, combining for 50 in two losses this season.

NBA: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers

The Raptors wheeling and dealing picking up Rudy Gay from the Grizzlies have certainly added newfound scoring punch. But, it's still going to be hard for Toronto to win this game. Indiana is in it's comfort zone, the Pacers own the best home record of any team in the Eastern Conference at 20-3 (15-8 ATS) and have only one home loss to an Eastern Conference team. That blemish came against these same Toronto Raptors back in November. Toronto being able to win twice on Pacers hardwood are scant. Raptors are on a 1-7 (2-6 ATS) skid playing in Indianapolis and are on a 0-6 SU/ATS skid attempting back-2-back wins vs Pacers.

NBA Point Spreads and Betting Guide
By: The Linemakers
Sportingnews.com

There’s plenty of action in the NBA tonight to tickle your betting bone, with a healthy slate of 12 games and several intriguing matchups.

Eyes remain affixed on the Lakers, who are dealing with internal strife and were blown out in Boston Thursday night. L.A. is in Charlotte tonight to face the Bobcats, who own an NBA-worst 11-37 record but have covered eight of their last nine meetings against the Lakers.

The Warriors and Grizzlies – two teams in the thick of the Western Conference playoff mix – meet in Memphis. It’s a double-revenge spot for the Warriors, who have been beaten by the Grizzlies twice already this season. Memphis has covered in both meetings as well.

The Rockets and Trail Blazers square off in what could be a pivotal game in the West – Houston holds the No. 8 seed in the conference, just a game up on No. 9 Portland. The Rockets lay 7 at home tonight.

ESPN’s doubleheader features the banged-up and reeling Clippers at the defending champion Heat, and the Bulls at the Jazz in the nightcap.

The Clippers are dealing with injuries up and down their roster and have lost three of their last four and seven of their last 10. Thankfully for them, the Lakers are taking the brunt of the negative attention in L.A.

But there’s hope for Clippers fans as Chauncey Billups, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Jamal Crawford and Grant Hill — all of whom are trying to get healthy — participated in practice Thursday, according to the Orange County Register.

While Paul, Griffin, Crawford and Billups are all considered "day-to-day," coach Vinny Del Negro believes Billups has the best chance to play against the Heat.

The Clippers have covered just two of their last eight road games.

The Heat, meanwhile, may be just 11-12 ATS at home, but they’re 20-3 SU in Miami. And they always seem to get up for big games — tonight’s nationally-televised affair qualifies.

This is also a revenge spot for the Heat, who were beaten by the Clippers, 107-100, in L.A. back in November.

The Heat are an early 5.5-point favorite, and the total is 195. We're looking for a high-scoring game, so take a look at the OVER.

Here is more trends and injury information from around the league to help with your pro basketball handicapping. Lines and totals are from LVH SuperBook as of 9:30 a.m. PT Friday morning.

NBA Trends:

* The Raptors have covered five of their past seven road games. The Pacers have covered their past six games. The Raptors and Pacers have stayed UNDER the total in five of their last seven meetings. The Pacers are -7.5 with a total of 188.5.

* The Nets have covered only two of their last five games. The Wizards have covered eight of their last nine home games. The Wizards have also stayed UNDER the total in 17 of their last 22 games following a win. The underdog has covered four of the last five meetings between the Nets and Wizards. Washington is -1.5 with a total of 186.

* The Lakers have only covered three of their last 12 road games. The Bobcats have covered only two of their last seven last games. The Lakers have stayed UNDER the total in 18 of their last 24 against Southwest Division teams. The Lakers have covered only three of their last 13 meetings with the Bobcats. The Lakers are -6 with a total of 203.

* The Spurs have covered their last seven games against Central Division teams and the Pistons have covered only once in their last eight games against Western Conference teams. The two teams have gone OVER the total in their last five meetings. The Spurs are -5 with a total of 197.

* The Magic have covered only once in their last 11 games. The Cavs have covered five of their last seven games and gone OVER the total in their last four. Cleveland is -6.5 with a total of 197.

* The Hornets have covered six of their last eight road games. The Hawks have covered only twice in their last eight games against teams with a losing record. The Hornets and Hawks have stayed UNDER the total in their past five meetings. The Hawks are -4.5 with a total of 193.5

* The Knicks have covered only three of their last 11 road games against teams with a winning home record. The T’Wolves have covered only once in their last six home games. The Knicks have stayed UNDER the total in eight of their last 11 games. The Knicks are -6 with a total of 196.5.

* The Warriors have failed to cover their past four road games against a team with a winning home record, but have gone OVER the total in their last seven road games. The Grizzlies have covered their last four Friday games. The road team has covered the last six meetings between the Warriors and Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are -3.5 with a total of 191.

* The Clippers have covered only three times in their last 11 games and just two of their last eight on the road. The Heat have covered twice in their last seven home games. The Clippers have failed to cover in their last four visits to Miami. The Heat are -5 with a total of 195.

* The Suns have failed to cover their past seven games playing on one day of rest. The Thunder have covered their past six home games. The Suns and Thunder have gone OVER the total in their last five meetings in OKC. Oklahoma City is -12.5 with a total of 206.

* The Blazers have covered 12 of their last 16 games against teams with a winning record. The Rockets have covered six of their last seven games. The Blazers have gone OVER the total in four of their last five visits to Houston. The Rockets are -7 with a total of 211.

* The Bulls have failed to cover their past seven games against Northwest Division teams. The Jazz have covered five of their last six games against Eastern Conference teams. The Jazz have gone OVER the total in eight of their last 10 games against Central Division teams. The Jazz are -4 with a total of 185.

NBA Injuries:

* Bobcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (concussion) is OUT indefinitely.

* Spurs forward Tim Duncan (knee) is questionable.

* Spurs forward Manu Ginobili (hamstring) is doubtful.

* Warriors center Andrew Bogut (rest) is questionable tonight.

* Warriors guard Jarrett Jack (hip) is OUT.

* Clippers guard Chris Paul (knee) is questionable.

* Clippers forward Blake Griffin (hamstring) is questionable.

* Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (shoulder) is questionable.

* Clippers guard Chauncey Billups (foot) is probable.

* Heat forward Chris Bosh (cold) is questionable.

* Heat guard Dwyane Wade (flu) is questionable.

* Heat guard Ray Allen (flu) is doubtful.

* Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow) is OUT.

* Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (shoulder) is questionable.