Grizzlies at Heat: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com
Memphis Grizzlies at Miami Heat (-8, 187.5)
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Miami Heat have combined to win 20 straight games. One of the two longest current winning streaks in the NBA will come to an end on Friday when the Heat host the Grizzlies. Miami has taken 12 straight and is beginning to run away with the Eastern Conference as its defense catches up to LeBron James and the offense. Memphis and its league-best scoring defense is victorious in eight straight.
James added to his MVP resume with 40 points and 16 assists in a 141-129 double-overtime win over Sacramento on Tuesday, improving the Heat’s league-best home record to 25-3. Miami has looked far from invincible in its last two games, however, needing a late surge to topple Cleveland on Sunday before the scare against lowly Sacramento. The Grizzlies are allowing 89.5 points on the season and held the Dallas Mavericks to five in the third quarter of Wednesday’s 90-84 triumph. The 84 points marked the most the team has surrendered in its last four contests.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (38-18): Memphis went through a transitional period in the wake of the trade that sent Rudy Gay to Toronto at the end of January, but has found itself again as a defensive force. The Grizzlies are surrendering 86.6 points during their winning streak while receiving just enough offense from the likes of Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley to earn victories. Only one of the last eight triumphs has come by more than seven points. Without Gay around to dominate the ball, Memphis is playing more to its strengths on the interior. Randolph has recorded five straight double-doubles and Gasol has picked up his pace with 18 points and 10.7 rebounds over his last three contests. Gasol was held to two points and 10 boards in the first meeting with Miami but Randolph went for 18 and 12 and the defense held the Heat to 38 percent shooting in a 104-86 home win on Nov. 11.
ABOUT THE HEAT (41-14): James scored 20 points on 10-of-19 shooting in the Nov. 11 meeting but Dwyane Wade was held to eight points on 3-of-15 from the floor. Wade has been much stronger during the Heat’s recent surge and went for 39 points in Tuesday’s win over the Kings. The All-Star guard has complimented James with an average of 24.5 points on over 50 percent shooting during the winning streak. James is averaging 29.8 points on 65 percent shooting, 8.3 assists and 7.6 rebounds over the last 12 games. The reigning MVP has become even more of an Internet sensation due to his pregame dunking routine, which he uses to help get his team get pumped up in the final minutes of warmups. Miami had allowed an average of 92.4 points in the first 10 games of its streak before letting up a bit at home over the last two.
TRENDS:
* Over is 6-0 in Heat’s last six home games.
* Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. Western Conference foes.
* Grizzlies are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 8-2 in Heat’s last 10 overall.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Memphis has won two of its last three trips to Miami, including a 97-82 triumph on Apr. 6 last season.
2. Heat F Shane Battier (hamstring) and G Mike Miller (sinus infection) are both questionable for Friday.
3. Miami has not won 13 in a row since a franchise-best 14-game streak in 2004-05.
Friday Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
Friday's NBA card is loaded with 12 games to wager on, including a solid pair of nationally televised contests on ESPN. The Heat goes for their 13th consecutive victory as the Grizzlies come to town, while the Thunder and Nuggets lock horns for the third time this season. The night begins in the Nation's Capital with the coldest ATS team trying to pick up a cover in a revenge spot.
Knicks at Wizards
New York owns an 0-7-1 ATS record the last eight contests, while losing three of its past four games away from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are fresh off consecutive home victories over the Sixers and Warriors, but the two wins came by a combined 10 points. Mike Woodson's team is both in a revenge situation and look-ahead spot, as the Knicks return home to host the Heat on Sunday afternoon.
This ATS skid began on February 6 with a 106-96 defeat at the Verizon Center as 4½-point favorites against the Wizards. Washington torched New York's defense by shooting 53% from the floor and putting up 36 points in the final quarter. Six Wizards scored in double-figures, including Trevor Ariza burning his former squad for 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting from three-point range. The victory snapped a nine-game skid to the Knicks dating back to 2010, while ending a five-game home losing streak in the series.
Since John Wall returned to the lineup on January 12, the Wizards own a sterling 17-6 ATS record, including a 14-3 ATS mark in the underdog role. In fact, Washington has cashed eight straight times when receiving points at the Verizon Center, including outright wins over New York, Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, and the L.A. Clippers. The Wizards are coming off a one-point home loss to the Pistons, who pulled off a season-sweep of Washington.
Warriors at Celtics
Boston returns home following a 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS road swing, which was capped off by an overtime triumph at Utah on Monday. The Celtics actually hit the highway after Friday's game with Golden State, as the Warriors search for a win following back-to-back losses to the Pacers and Knicks. Stephen Curry tallied an NBA-high 54 points in Wednesday's 109-105 setback at New York, but the Warriors did cash as 7½-point underdogs.
Golden State played that game without power forward David Lee, who was suspended one game by the league for his role in Tuesday's brawl at Indiana. The Warriors have fallen off since a 6-1 road swing in mid-December, as Mark Jackson's club has won just one of the last 10 times in the away underdog role (2-8 ATS). In the last 12 road games overall, the Warriors have been golden to 'over' backers by cashing 10 times, while giving up at least 100 points on 10 occasions.
Since Rajon Rondo's season-ending knee injury on January 25, the Celtics have figured out a way to win consistently at home without their All-Star point guard. Boston has grabbed seven consecutive victories at TD Garden, including wins over the Clippers, Heat, Lakers, Nuggets, and Bulls. The C's are playing with revenge after getting drubbed in Oakland on December 29 in a 101-83 road loss. Boston has beaten Golden State in eight of the last nine home meetings, but the Warriors have cashed in the last three visits to TD Garden (all as underdogs of 9½ points or more).
Grizzlies at Heat
Miami just keeps on rolling after picking up its 12th consecutive victory after knocking off Sacramento in two overtimes on Tuesday, 141-129. The Heat failed to cover as 15-point favorites, the second straight non-cover as double-digit 'chalk.' The Grizzlies invade South Florida on an eight-game winning streak following a historic rally on Wednesday night.
Memphis trailed Dallas by 25 points in the second quarter, but put together an incredible comeback to stun the Mavericks, 90-84. The defense stepped up in the third quarter by limiting Dallas to just five points, while Memphis found a way to win in spite of shooting 37% from the field. Following a six-game 'over' streak, the Grizzlies are back to business by cashing the 'under' in four straight contests, while holding four straight opponents to 84 points or less.
The Heat has revenge on their minds after getting torched at Memphis in mid-November, 104-86. Dwyane Wade shot just 3-of-15 from the floor for eight points, but the two Grizzlies that lit up the Heat defense that night are now gone as Rudy Gay and Wayne Ellington combined for 46 points. Miami's offense has eclipsed the 100-point mark in eight of the last nine home contests, resulting in eight 'overs.'
Thunder at Nuggets
Miami and Denver are the hottest home teams in the league, as the Nuggets enter tonight's action owning a 24-3 SU and 18-9 ATS record at the Pepsi Center. Denver is in the midst of a nine-game winning streak at home, as this hot stretch began with an overtime triumph over Oklahoma City on January 20. The Nuggets are currently 20-4 to the 'over' the last 24 contests, including a 12-2 mark at home.
The Thunder cruised to a 119-74 rout against the short-handed Hornets on Wednesday to easily cash as 14½-point favorites. OKC completed a three-game sweep of its homestand, with each victory coming by at least 16 points. The Thunder has stumbled recently on the highway by losing five of their last seven games, including defeats at Cleveland, Utah, and Houston in which the defense allowed at least 109 points.
The last time the Nuggets and Thunder hooked up at the Pepsi Center, Denver held off OKC in overtime, 121-118 as seven Nuggets scored in double-figures. Oklahoma City benefited from 40 free throws made on 48 attempts, while the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 63 points.
NBA: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Memphis Grizzlies at Miami Heat
The red-hot Miami Heat will be looking to avenge an earlier season loss when they host Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at American Airlines Arena. Heat ridding a 12-0 (8-4 ATS) streak and a sparkling 25-3 (15-13 ATS) on home court where they score 108.6 points/game on a whopping 51.3% shooting will be tested. The Grizzlies on an 8-0 (5-3 ATS) streak of their own allow a league-best 89.5 points/game on 44.1% from the floor and have held Heat under the century mark in 3-of-4 encounters posting a 3-1 SU/ATS record which includes an earlier 104-86 victory back in November. If Grizzlies play lock-down defense and hold Heat =< 100 points they'll have a shot as the 'Three Amigos' are 8-14 ATS on the season held at or below the century mark including 1-4 ATS in South Beach. If Fuzzy Bears can't contain James and company expect Memphis to fall to 2-7 ATS playing on Heat hardwood.
NBA Point Spreads and Picks
By: The Linemakers
Sportingnews.com
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a pick 'em on the road Friday night in Denver, where the Nuggets have lost just three games all season. The Western Conference battle headlines a 12-game NBA slate.
The Thunder (34-21-2 ATS) and Nuggets (34-24-1 ATS) rank second and third, respectively, in the league’s against-the-spread standings. The Wizards are first, covering at a 34-20-2 rate.
The game being a pick is a testament to the Nuggets’ dominance on their home floor. Denver is 23-3 SU and a bankroll-building 18-9 ATS at the Pepsi Center. One of those wins and covers came on Jan. 20, with the Nuggets prevailing, 121-118, as a 1-point home dog.
The Thunder haven’t been too shabby overall on the road, however, going 16-11 SU and 13-12-2 ATS on the season.
OKC won and covered as a 9-point favorite in the season’s first meeting with Denver, 117-97, on Jan. 16.
Small forward Danilo Gallinari has missed the Nuggets' last two games and is questionable tonight, but the 16.9 points per game scorer is worth just one point to the spread, according to The Linemakers' Kenny White.
Tonight’s total is a lofty 220.5, higher than the 216 we anticipated.
Both OKC and Denver have been solid OVER plays all season. The Thunder are 30-27 to the OVER, and the Nuggets are 37-22, second-best in the NBA behind Golden State.
Other highlights on tonight’s NBA card: the Knicks (-2.5) at the covering machine Wizards; the Celtics (-4) at home vs. the Warriors; and the Grizzlies visiting the Heat, who have won 12 straight and are 8-point faves tonight.
The lines below are from the LVH SuperBook as of about 8:15 a.m. PT.
NBA Trends:
* The Pacers have covered their last four games against Eastern Conference teams and five of their last six overall. However, Toronto has gotten the money in four of the last five meetings between these teams. The Pacers have stayed UNDER the total in six of their last eight road games. Indiana is -1.5, and the total is 187.
* The Knicks have failed to cover in their last eight games, while the Wizards have covered their last eight home games against teams with a winning road record. The Wizards have also stayed UNDER the total in 15 of their last 21 games. New York lays 2.5 in Washington, with a total of 194.5.
* The Rockets have covered 11 of their last 15 games. The Magic have only covered five of their last 22 games. The favorite has covered the past six meetings between the Rockets and Magic. Houston is tonight's 8-point favorite, with the total set at 211.5 at most Vegas shops.
* The Warriors have covered only once in their last eight road games, but the one cover did come in their last game — a 109-105 loss as a 7.5-point dog at New York. The Warriors have still been setting the tempo of their games, going OVER the total 13 of their last 17. The Celtics have covered six of their last seven. The Warriors beat the Celtics, 101-83, in their only meeting this season on Dec. 29 at Oakland. Boston is -4, the total is 198.5.
* The Clippers have covered their past four road games, while the Cavs have covered their last six overall. The Cavs have covered the last five meetings with the Clippers, including a 108-101 loss at Los Angeles on Nov. 5. L.A. lays 6.5 tonight, with a total of 199.
* The Mavericks have covered eight of their last nine road games. The Nets have failed to cover in their last five Friday night games. The home team has covered seven of the last 10 meetings between the Mavericks and Nets. Brooklyn is -3.5 at home, and the total is 195.
* The Pistons have covered eight of their last nine games against teams with a losing record. The Hornets have covered only once in their last six games. The Hornets have gone OVER the total in five of their last six games, but the Pistons and Hornets have stayed UNDER the number in their last five meetings in New Orleans. New Orleans is -3.5, the total is 192.5.
* The Grizzlies have covered five of their last seven road games. The Heat have covered their past four games against teams with a winning record. The Grizzlies have stayed UNDER the total in their past four games, while the Heat have gone OVER in their last six home games. Head-to-head, the Grizzlies and Heat have stayed UNDER the total in eight of their last 10 meetings. Miami is -8, the total is 186.
* The Kings have covered seven of their past 10 games. The Spurs have covered four of their last five games coming off a loss. The Kings have gone OVER the total in their past six road games. The Spurs are a massive 14.5-point fave, with the total posted at 212.5.
* The Bobcats have not covered in their past four games against teams with a winning record. They have also failed to cover their past five meetings at Utah. The Jazz have failed to cover their past five games against teams with a winning percentage below .400. Utah gives 9.5 tonight, the total is 194.5.
* The Hawks have covered their past five road games, but only once in their last seven meetings with the Suns. The Suns have failed to cover their last five home games. Atlanta lays 4 on the road, and the total is 195.
* The Thunder have covered only once in their past five road games. The Nuggets have covered nine straight home games against teams with a winning road record. The Nuggets have also gone OVER the total in 11 of their past 12 home games. However, the Thunder and Nuggets have stayed UNDER the total in four of their past six meetings in Denver. The game is a pick 'em, the total is 220.5.
NBA Injuries:
* Hawks guard Joe Johnson (heel) is questionable.
* Cavs guard Kyrie Irving (knee) is doubtful.
* Nuggets forward Danillo Galinari (thigh) is questionable.
* Rockets guard Jeremy Lin (ankle) is questionable.
* Rockets guard James Harden (ankle) is questionable.
* Hornets guard Eric Gordon (knee) is questionable.
* Hornets forward Anthony Davis (shoulder) is doubtful.
* Magic guard Jameer Nelson (knee) will not play tonight, coach Jacque Vaughn said, per the Orlando Sentinel's Josh Robbins.
* Spurs guard Gary Neal (calf) is doubtful.
* Jazz forward Paul Millsap (ankle) is questionable.
* Jazz forward Al Jefferson (ankle) is questionable.
* Jazz guard Randy Foye (personal) is questionable.
* Wizards center Nene (shoulder) is questionable.