NBA Knowledge
Friday's hot teams
-- Clippers won 11 of their last 13 games (6-3-1 last 10AF).
-- Knicks won seven of their last ten games (4-5HU).
-- Bucks won five of their last seven games (8-3 last 11AU).
-- Toronto won its last six games (3-0 last three HF).
-- Thunder won last six games, covered four of last five.
-- Dallas won three of its last four games, winning last two in OT.
-- Warriors won eight of last ten games (3-5 last 8HF).
-- Spurs won their last twelve games (13-5AF).
Cold teams
-- Charlotte lost eight of its last ten games (2-4 last 6AU).
-- Magic lost eight of last nine games (1-3 last 4HF).
-- Jazz lost four of their last five games (3-2AF).
-- Brooklyn lost its last four games, all by 12+ points (2-9 last 11HU).
-- Bulls lost five of their last seven games (5-7AU).
-- Boston lost six of its last nine games (9-8HF).
-- Houston lost three of its last four games (6-12HF).
-- Miami lost six of its last seven games (4-7AU).
-- Pacers lost four of their last six games (1-5 last 6AU).
-- Lakers lost eight of their last nine games (6-9HU).
Series records
-- Road team won four of last five Charlotte-Orlando games.
-- Nets lost six of last eight games with Utah.
-- Celtics lost seven of last nine games with Chicago.
-- Knicks lost their last six games with the Clippers.
-- Rockets won their last four games with Milwaukee.
-- Raptors won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Home side won six of last seven Thunder-Maverick games.
-- Warriors won three of last four games with Indiana.
-- Lakers lost eight of last ten games with San Antonio.
Totals
-- Six of last eight Charlotte-Orlando games went over.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Utah's last four games.
-- Five of last six Boston-Chicago games went over.
-- Last five New York games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Miami games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Oklahoma City games stayed over.
-- Six of last eight Golden State games went over.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Laker games.
Back/backs
-- Clippers 4-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- San Antonio is 7-0 vs spread if it played the night before.
Armadillosports.com
NBA: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Indiana Pacers at Golden State Warriors
There's never a good time to lose your starting center, but the Indiana Pacers (23-19, 22-20 ATS) could be in extra-deep trouble if they don't get Ian Mahinmi back in time for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors (39-4, 26-16 ATS). Mahinmi (8.4 PPG, 7.1 RBG) sprained his left ankle during the first half of Tuesday's 97-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns and did not return to the game. Mahinmi's status still remains unknown.
If that were not enough, the Warriors are tough nuts to crack on home court having won 37 consecutive regular season games in front of the friendly crowd. Oddsmakers have opened Warriors -12.0 point favorites. Might be a little generous.
Over the mentioned impressive home streak the Dubs were not the greatest bets going 20-17 ATS including 14-12 ATS laying double digits. Additionally, Warriors are just 10-9-1 ATS following a 25 or more point victory, Pacers have responded against the betting line going 7-3-1 ATS with two days rest on the road and are 4-4 ATS last eight trips into Oakland.
NBA Preview for Friday
By Brandon Shively
Charlotte @ Orlando----Here's the deal. Oladipo looks like he will miss his third straight game. For Charlotte, Batum who is their second leading scorer and their best player in my opinion, is out for this game. Cody Zeller is also out for Charlotte and Jeremy Lamb is questionable. Charlotte hasn't won a road game since December 11th. They are 0-10 SU and 2-8 ATS their last ten road games. Orlando already waxed them at home this season, 113-98. The Magic are coming off a loss against the 76ers. I see them getting their face back tonight.
Chicago @ Boston---The Bulls are coming off a pitiful shooting game against the Warriors. The Bulls were 1-for-20 from the 3 point line. They should have success here as the Celtics have been letting everyone score on them. The OVER is 6-1 in Boston's last seven games as the average final score in these seven games has been 220 points. For the Bulls, they have scored 100+ points in 14 of their last 16 games. When they scored 77 against Dallas last week, they responded with 111 points at Detroit. Now they only scored 94 vs. Golden State and I expect another bounce back game offensively. The OVER is 18-5 the last 23 meetings in Boston. The OVER is 6-0 in the Bulls last six road games. *OVER, OVER, OVER*
Miami @ Toronto---The Raptors are on a seven game winning streak. The Heat are struggling like really bad right now. Injuries are killing them. At the point, Dragic and Udrih are out. Now Whiteside is out for this game and McRoberts and Birdman have been out. To make it worse, Wade and Deng are listed as questionable. Miami is going to have to play small ball without Whiteside but not really sure who is going to do the scoring. Toronto has scored 106+ in their last four games. The Heat have scored 90 points or less in six of their last ten games. The line is big in this game, but the only way to play is to lay the lumber and hope the Raptors mash the gas. *Toronto*
Milwaukee @ Houston----The Bucks have covered their last five games now. They have won four of their last five. The Rockets are 1-4 ATS their last five games. Dwight Howard is out for this game and Beverly might not play. Ty Lawson has been pushing the rock when starting lately. * 2 pick--Bucks + OVER*
Oklahoma City @ Dallas---The Thunder are 0-4 ATS their last four road games. Dallas wants this game because when they played Oklahoma City last week, Carlisle rested all five starters. So the game was not fair. Dallas last four home games have ALL went into overtime. Now, that's crazy but this tells me this should be another close game. *Dallas*
San Antonio @ Lakers----The Spurs play Golden State next and they played last night. This is a flat spot for them. The Lakers beat the Spurs at home last year 112-110 in overtime. The Lakers gave the Thunder a run for their money two Friday's ago only losing by four points. Maybe it's Friday night magic in LA. Double digits at home are always worth a second look. The public is heavy on the Spurs. Not me; I am thinking about going the other way. . *Lakers*
Friday's Top Action
By Sportsbook.ag
MIAMI HEAT (23-20) at TORONTO RAPTORS (27-15)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Toronto -11, Total: 187
Toronto will be going for its seventh straight victory when it hosts a slumping Miami team on Friday.
The Heat have been miserable over the past few weeks and are coming off of a 106-87 loss against Washington on Wednesday. Miami has lost six of its past seven games and has not scored 100 points since a 111-103 loss to Golden State on Jan. 11. This team is really struggling offensively and will need to start knocking down shots or it will continue to slide in the Eastern Conference standings.
Toronto is coming off of a 115-109 win as three-point home favorites against the Celtics on Wednesday. Toronto has scored 110.3 PPG over the past four contests and has now won six straight and eight of its past 10. The Raptors have shot 50% or better in three of the past four games and if they can shoot like that on Friday then it’s extremely unlikely that the Heat will have the firepower to keep up with them. Miami is, however, 6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS versus Toronto over the past three seasons and 2-1 both SU and ATS in Toronto in that span.
The teams have split wins SU and ATS this season, but both games were at American Airlines Arena. One thing working in the Heat’s favor in this game is that the team is 8-4 ATS versus teams that force at least 14 turnovers per game this season.
The Heat are going to be dealing with a ton of injuries in this game, though. SF Luol Deng (Eye), SG Gerald Green (Knee), PG Beno Udrih (Neck) and SG Dwyane Wade (Shoulder) are all listed as questionable for Miami, and C Hassan Whiteside (Back) is doubtful for the team. The team is also going to be without PG Goran Dragic (Calf) and C Chris Andersen (Knee) indefinitely.
For the Raptors, SF DeMarre Carroll (Knee) is out indefinitely and SF James Johnson (Foot) is questionable for this one.
The Heat have been lousy offensively recently and they are really going to need some other players to step up and score the basketball. PF Chris Bosh (18.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG) is averaging 20.5 PPG over the past two contests and he is doing so on an efficient 13-of-25 shooting from the field and 3-for-6 shooting from the outside. He is averaging 17.0 PPG against the Raptors this season and will be looking forward to going back to the team he started his career with. Bosh has not been the issue for Miami, though.
The team could really use a healthy SG Dwyane Wade (18.1 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.1 RPG) on the court. He had just two points in 21 minutes against Milwaukee on Tuesday and sat out against Washington on Wednesday. If Wade can come back and play like his usual self then the Heat can likely break out of their slump pretty soon.
SF Luol Deng (9.9 PPG) could also help the team by being a bit more consistent. Deng had 16 points and eight boards against the Wizards on Wednesday, but he has also failed to hit double-digit scoring figures in two of the past five games. It would be wise if Miami would look to get him going early on Friday.
The Raptors have been unbelievable lately and that has a lot to do with the scoring ability of SG DeMar DeRozan (23.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG). DeRozan has been on a tear recently, averaging 32.0 PPG over the past two contests. He has played well against Miami as well, averaging 23.5 PPG in the two meetings between the teams. If DeRozan can outplay Dwyane Wade in this one then it’ll be huge for the Raptors. If Wade doesn’t play then DeRozan will likely dominate this one.
PG Kyle Lowry (20.9 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.0 RPG, 2.3 SPG) has also been outstanding for the Raptors and was recently announced as a starter for the All-Star team. Over the past five games, Lowry is averaging 23.0 PPG, 6.2 APG, 5.6 RPG and 2.6 SPG. He has been on fire in those games, shooting 46.8% from the field and 45.9% from the outside. When he is on, things are much easier on his teammates and Lowry will almost always find his teammates when they get themselves open. With Miami weak at the point guard position, expect Lowry to really take over in this one.
INDIANA PACERS (23-19) at GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (39-4)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Golden State -13, Total: 216.5
The Warriors will be going for their third straight victory when they host the Pacers Friday night.
The Pacers went into Phoenix on Tuesday and defeated the Suns 97-94 as 5.5-point road favorites. Indiana had lost its previous three games and has now lost each of its past four ATS. One thing this team is really not doing well is rebounding. The Pacers have been outrebounded in three straight games and five of the past six. They will need to be a lot better on the glass, as they can’t afford to give the Warriors second chances on Friday.
The Warriors happen to be entering this game after an two very impressive victories. Golden State went into Cleveland on Monday and defeated the Cavaliers 132-98 as a 3.5-point road underdog and followed it up with a 125-94 win as a six-point favorite in Chicago on Wednesday.
These teams met earlier in the season and Golden State defeated Indiana 131-123 as a 5.5-point favorite at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Warriors are 3-2 SU and ATS when facing the Pacers over the past three seasons.
There are trends that work in both directions in this game, as Indiana is 8-1 ATS when playing with two days rest this season and Golden State is 15-2 ATS after two straight blowout wins by 15 points or more over the past two seasons.
If the Pacers are going to come away with a victory at Oracle Arena then SF Paul George (23.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.0 SPG) will need to be at the top of his game. George has hit something of a wall recently, as he is averaging just 19.0 PPG over the past two contests and is shooting just 40.0% from the field over the past five. He will need to knock down shots and play well on both ends of the floor in this game, and it should not be a problem for him. He had 33 points the last time he faced this Golden State team and could be in for more of the same on Friday.
SG Monta Ellis (13.7 PPG, 5.0 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG) has been playing well for the Pacers, averaging 22.0 PPG over the past two contests. He really struggled against the Warriors in the last meeting, though, scoring just nine points. Indiana needs him to catch fire in the building he once called home on Friday.
Another guy that will be important in this one is C Myles Turner (7.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG), who is averaging 20.0 PPG over the past two contests. Mahinmi is banged up and Turner is really making the most of his minutes. He is an efficient 18-for-24 from the field over the past two games and will need to protect the rim when he is on the court in this one.
The Warriors are rolling again and they will now look to defeat the Pacers for the second time this season. PG Steph Curry (29.9 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.1 SPG) has been excellent for Golden State recently, averaging 32.4 PPG, 6.4 APG, 6.0 RPG and 2.2 SPG over the past five games. Curry is shooting 46.9% from the outside on 12.8 attempts per game in that span and should be able to take over this game against a Pacers team that is playing without Hill. He had 29 points, 10 assists and seven boards against the Pacers in the last meeting between the two and should be in for an even bigger game this time around.
SG Klay Thompson (20.6 PPG) was the one that really went off against Indiana, though. Thompson had 39 points, seven boards and six assists in 34 minutes against the Pacers in the last meeting. His size really gave the Pacers guards trouble and the Warriors will be looking to go to him often on Friday.
Friday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
Bulls at Celtics
Chicago (24-17 SU, 16-25 ATS) is coming off its worst loss of the season on Wednesday, getting blown out by Golden State, 125-94 as six-point home underdogs. Fred Hoiberg’s team has lost five of their last seven games, while allowing at least 100 points six times in this span (‘over’ 6-1). The Bulls have won three of their last five games as a road underdog, including Monday’s 111-101 victory at Detroit as three-point ‘dogs. Chicago and Boston have split a pair of meetings this season, as the Bulls won the previous matchup at the United Center, 101-92 as 6½-point favorites earlier this month.
The Celtics (22-21 SU, 22-20-1 ATS) continue to put up plenty of points by cashing the ‘over’ in six of the last seven games. Boston fell short at Toronto on Wednesday, 115-109 as the Celtics hit triple-digits for the fifth straight contest. Brad Stevens’ squad has won two straight at TD Garden since a three-game home skid, but the Celtics are 2-3 at home against Central division opponents. Boston has been a coin-flip proposition as a home favorite this season by posting an 8-8 ATS record, while winning three of four home games when coming off a road loss.
Clippers at Knicks
Los Angeles (27-15 SU, 19-20-3 ATS) continues a five-game road swing at Madison Square Garden, looking for its seventh straight win over New York since 2013. The Clippers have dropped two of three since a 10-game winning streak, as Doc Rivers’ team heads to the Big Apple following Thursday’s 115-102 defeat at Cleveland as 6½-point underdogs. The Cavaliers loss snapped a six-game road winning streak for the Clippers, as L.A. owns a 5-2 SU and 3-3-1 ATS road record against Eastern Conference opponents.
It’s been a terrific turnaround for New York (22-22 SU, 26-18 ATS) this season, who won just 17 games last season. The Knicks wrap up a three-game homestand after pulling off a pair of overtime victories over the 76ers and Jazz, as New York erased an 11-point halftime deficit to stun Utah on Wednesday, 118-111 to cash as 2 ½-point favorites. New York is currently riding a five-game ‘over’ streak, while sailing ‘over’ the total in 10 of the last 11 contests at MSG. Derek Fisher’s club has built a nice home-court advantage at the World’s Most Famous Arena by winning eight of the last nine in Manhattan.
Heat at Raptors
It will be interesting to see what kind of lineup Miami (23-20 SU, 20-22-1 ATS) puts out at the Air Canada Center as Dwyane Wade missed Wednesday’s loss at Washington with a shoulder injury, while point guards Goran Dragic and Beno Udrih are also banged-up. To make matters worse, the Heat lost center Hassan Whiteside to a hip injury in 106-87 defeat to the Wizards, the third straight loss for Miami. Erik Spoelstra’s squad continues a brutal stretch on the road this month that included a 2-4 trip against Western Conference foes, while the Heat remain on the highway for the next four games.
The hottest team in the Eastern Conference is Toronto (27-15 SU, 24-18 ATS), who has won six straight games to capture a commanding lead in the Atlantic division. The Raptors have topped the 100-point mark in each of the past four victories, including a 115-spot in Wednesday’s division triumph over the Celtics. Toronto has split its first two meetings with Miami (both played in South Florida), as the Raptors shot 51% from the floor in a 108-94 December victory at American Airlines Arena.
Thunder at Mavericks
The Western Conference has turned into a three-horse race between Golden State, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City with three months to go. The Thunder (32-12 SU, 19-25 ATS) won’t likely catch the Warriors for the top seed, but OKC is running away with the Northwest division. Oklahoma City is coming off its sixth consecutive victory on Wednesday, taking care of Charlotte as 9½-point home favorites, 109-95. The Thunder starts a four-game road trip, as Billy Donovan’s team looks for a highway cover after failing to cash in their last four contests away from Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Dallas (25-19 SU, 26-17-1 ATS) has lost twice to Oklahoma City on the road this season, including a 108-89 setback on January 13. The Mavericks rested four starters on the second of a back-to-back that night, but may not have Dirk Nowitzki in the lineup after the All-Star forward sat out Wednesday’s overtime win over Minnesota with swelling in his right knee. Amazingly, each of Dallas’ last four home games have gone to overtime (3-1 SU/ATS), while the Mavericks have posted a 4-2 ATS record in the home underdog role this season.
Pacers at Warriors
Simply put, Golden State’s offense is an absolute machine. The Warriors (39-4 SU, 26-16-1 ATS) lit up the Cavaliers and Bulls by a combined 65 points to close out their road trip at 2-1 through the Midwest after losing at Detroit. In Wednesday’s 125-94 rout at Chicago, the Warriors scored 63 first-half points, but were impressive on the defensive end by limiting the Bulls to 1-of-20 shooting from three-point range. Luke Walton’s team has won all 19 games at Oracle Arena this season, while going for the season sweep of the Pacers after winning at Indianapolis in December, 131-123 as 5 ½-point favorites.
Indiana (23-19 SU, 22-20 ATS) has stumbled from an ATS perspective of late by failing to cash in each of the past four games. The Pacers held off a late Suns’ rally in a 97-94 victory at Phoenix on Wednesday as 5½-point favorites, but Frank Vogel’s club snapped a three-game skid. Indiana has dropped six straight games in the road underdog role, while covering just once in this span (at Chicago in an overtime loss on December 30). The Pacers are listed as a double-digit underdog for the first time since March 20, 2015 as Indiana cashed in a 95-92 loss at Cleveland as 10½-point ‘dogs.