NBA Betting News and Notes Monday, February 27th, 2017

NBA Knowledge

Toronto won its last three games, all at home; they’re 1-7 in last eight road games, 4-11 vs spread in last 15 road games. Four of their last five games stayed under. New York lost six of its last eight games; they’re 3-6 vs spread in last nine home games. Six of their last eight games went over. Knicks lost their last five games with Toronto; six of last nine series games went over the total. Raptors won last two visits to Manhattan by 27-4 points.

Bucks won four of last five games; they’re 2-8 vs spread in last ten road games. Six of their last nine games went over total. Cavaliers won eight of their last ten games; they’re 5-1 vs spread in last six home games. Last three Cavalier games stayed under. Cleveland won five of last six games with Milwaukee; eight of last nine series games went over the total. Bucks lost last three visits to Ohio, by 15-9-11 points.

Golden State won six of its last seven games, is 7-4 vs spread in its last 11 road games. Four of their last six games went over. Sixers covered their last seven games overall, their last 11 home games. Six of their last seven games went over total. Warriors won their last six games with Philly but 76ers covered last three; Golden State won its last three visits here, by 20-5-3 points. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games.

Atlanta lost four of its last five games, is 3-6 vs spread in last nine road games. Hawks’ last four games stayed under the total. Celtics five of their last seven games, are 0-5 vs spread (5-0 SU) in last five home games. Last three Boston games stayed under the total. Hawks won seven of last ten games with Boston; teams split last four meetings played here. Six of last seven series games stayed under.

Pacers lost seven of their last eight games; they’re 0-2-1 vs spread in last three road games. Last four Indiana games stayed under the total. Rockets won six of their last seven games, are 3-1 vs spread in last four home games. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Home side won six of last seven Indiana-Houston games; Pacers lost last three visits here, by 26-12-4 points. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Heat won three in row, 16 of its last 18 games; they’re 6-1 vs spread in last seven home games. Over is 6-4 in their last ten games. Mavericks lost three of last four games, are 8-2 vs spread in last ten home games. Four of their last five games stayed under the total. Miami won nine of its last ten games with Dallas; they won/covered last four games in this gym. Last five series games stayed under.

Timberwolves are 4-3 in their last seven games, but 1-3 vs spread in last four on road. Three of their last four games stayed under. Sacramento won five of last seven games; they covered four of last five home games. Last five Kings games stayed under the total. Kings won their last two games with Minnesota, by 3-4 points; teams split last four series games played here. Four of last six series games stayed under.

Armadillosports.com

Sizzling Raptors face Knicks
By: Zach Cohen
StatFox.com

The Knicks will be going for a second straight win when they host the new-look Raptors on Monday.

The Raptors have won three straight games coming into this one, and they have won each of their first two with the newly acquired PF Serge Ibaka (15.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.6 BPG) playing. The impressive part about that is that PG Kyle Lowry (22.8 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.7 RPG, 1.4 SPG) has been out with a sore wrist for each of the past two contests. He is questionable for this game against New York, but there is more of a shot that he’ll go on Monday than in the past two contests. It’s worth noting that Toronto has held its past three opponents to an average of 96.0 PPG. That is one of the reasons the Raptors brought in Ibaka and they’ll be hoping to slow down the Knicks in this game. New York is coming off of a 110-109 victory over Philadelphia on Saturday, but that game was very close to getting away from the Knicks. They were up by double digits late, but the Sixers ended up taking a lead with under 10 seconds left. SF Carmelo Anthony (23.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG) then hit a game-winner for the Knicks, and that loss prevented the team from hitting a three-game losing streak. New York has now won two of its past four games and a win on Monday would make it three in the past five, and that would be one of the team’s better stretches of the entire season. Regardless, the Raptors have dominated this head-to-head series recently. Over the past three seasons, Toronto is 8-2 SU against New York. That includes a 3-1 SU record at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are 6-4 ATS in those three years, though. The team will most likely be without PF Kristaps Porzingis (Ankle) in this one, and they could really use his services in a game like this.

The Raptors have won three straight games and Serge Ibaka has fit in well with his new team. In his first two games with Toronto, Ibaka is averaging 16.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG and 1.0 BPG in 35.0 MPG. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim will be huge for the Raptors in the playoffs, and it could also help a ton on Monday. Without Porzingis, the Knicks really do not have a match for him. Look for him to spend a lot of time at the center position as well. Toronto has had some success with that small-ball lineup, which leaves C Jonas Valanciunas (12.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG) in an odd position. Valanciunas is still a dominant scorer in the paint, but he will see fewer minutes with Ibaka in the fold. As is always the case, SG DeMar DeRozan (27.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG) will be counted on to lead this team on Monday. DeRozan has been on a tear lately, averaging 38.0 PPG over the past two contests. He would not score that much if Lowry were to suit up, but DeRozan should still dominate this one. New York has nobody that can guard him in isolation, and the Raptors will create that scenario as often as possible. Lowry, meanwhile, would also have his way if he were to end up on the court.

If the Knicks are going to win this game at home then Carmelo Anthony must be on his game on Monday. Anthony exploded against Philadelphia, scoring 37 points on 15-for-25 shooting. He also had six rebounds, two assists and a block in that one. It’d be huge if he can come through with another performance like that one here. PG Derrick Rose (17.6 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.9 RPG) and SG Courtney Lee (10.4 PPG) will also have to play well for New York, though. The Knicks are going up against one of the best backcourts in the league, and they must hold their own. Rose was good against Philadelphia, finishing with 18 points on 8-for-17 shooting from the floor. Lee only had five points against the Sixers, though. That type of performance is not going to cut it for New York, and he’ll need to have at least 12 on Monday. He also needs to play some solid defense on DeRozan. C Willy Hernangomez (6.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG) is a guy that could provide a spark for the team. Over the past five games, Hernangomez is averaging 10.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG and 1.0 SPG in only 24.0 MPG. He is one of the more impressive rookies in the league, and he could provide some needed toughness against Valanciunas inside.

Monday's NBA Essentials
By Tony Mejia
VegasInsider.com

Game of the Night - Indiana at Houston

Although DeMarcus Cousins' drama and Boston's "will they or won't they" act starred at this year's trade deadline, the Pacers and Rockets got in strong supporting roles.

Paul George didn't appreciate that his market value was being gauged, but ultimately wasn't moved to Boston or his preference, L.A. Larry Bird didn't get him any help either, holding firm with the team he's assembled.

There were nothing but rainbows and lollipops on Houston's end, since it was able to pluck Lou Williams from the Lakers for a late first-round pick and Corey Brewer, adding to its offensive arsenal. Teams called about Patrick Beverley's availability, but he stayed put to play the pitbull role that works so well on a team where so many others are looking to score while he seeks out the dirty work.

The Rockets have averaged 135.5 points over their first two wins coming out of the All-Star break, defeating New Orleans and Minnesota. The schedule intensifies to open March with games against four of the West's top six, followed by a trip to Chicago and the Cavs making their lone venture into town. There are no back-to-backs in the mix, so we'll get a great read on how seriously to take Houston's championship aspirations over the next two weeks.

Head coach Mike D'Antoni has thumped his chest and declared more offense is sure to come as he revels in a system that GM Daryl Morey has helped facilitate. It's a different take on his seven-seconds-or-less days in Phoenix. In the present, James Harden is in the Steve Nash role of catalyst, but the 3-pointer has replaced even bothering with alley-oops to Amar'e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. Why settle for the two when Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza and now Williams can spot up and drop one in for the extra point?

The Rockets made 22 3-pointers on Saturday night against Minnesota, breaking the mark Golden State set last season with their eighth game of 20 or more makes from beyond the arc in '16-'17. The plan is to put this record completely out of reach.

According to the Houston Chronicle, D'Antoni's instructions to Williams upon his arrival were to "only shoot when you touch it."

Houston christened the Cousins-Anthony Davis marriage in New Orleans by reminding everyone that bigs don't impact the game as much when you stay out of the paint, attempting 51 3-pointers. Afterward, the Rockets head coach hinted we'd better get used to seeing such a high volume of 3-point attempts fired up from this group the rest of the way. Williams matched a season-high with seven makes, immersing himself into the culture immediately.

"It's easy to play with these guys," Williams told reporters. "It's a very open style. Everybody eats. Everybody's happy. It fits my style."

Against Minnesota on Saturday, the Rockets fired up 44 3-pointers through three quarters and ended up with 58 attempts despite the fact they were trying to close out a game they led by 18 entering the fourth. Six Rockets put up at least seven 3-pointers. Their 142 points were a season-high, collected exclusively from the deep perimeter, the lane or the free-throw line. The total has been set around 230 for their last two games and is again in that neighborhood tonight.

Beverley played 29 minutes against the Wolves despite originally being scratched due to a groin injury, so his availability for tonight could be in question. He also got into it with Ricky Rubio, shoving Minnesota's point guard at one point in an incident that has yet to be ruled on by the league. The Pacers have backup forward Al Jefferson questionable with a dental issue and are coming off an 18-point loss in Miami that marked their seventh defeat in eight games. They were held to a 16-point fourth quarter and managed just 95 points against the Heat, their second-lowest output in a game in 2017. George was ejected for getting separate technical fouls early in the third quarter and comes into this one frustrated as his team makes the second stop on a five-game road trip.

Indiana is surrendering an NBA-worst 118.7 points per 100 possessions during its skid and will be looking to find its way against an attack that currently looks to be the league's most potent. The Pacers did win the first matchup in Indianapolis 120-101 on Jan. 29 in a game where George scored 33 and the team's bench dominated, shooting 18-for-27. Harden was held to 3-for-17 shooting, so expect him to be motivated here. The under has connected in four consecutive Pacers games.

Ex-Kentucky bigs are everywhere

It's hard to get away from Cousins these days. Not only is this Pelicans experiment of combining him with Anthony Davis among the most riveting story lines in the league, Cousins kept his name in the news by being unjustly whistled for an 18th technical foul in Oklahoma City that may keep him out of New Orleans' next game if not rescinded. His former team will be playing for the third time since shipping him out of town, welcoming in Minnesota.

The Kings lost to Charlotte on Saturday afternoon, tempering some of the excitement after they trounced Denver in the post-Boogie era opener. Most disappointing was Willie Cauley-Stein following up a 29-point, 10-rebound explosion with 2 points and 2 boards against the Hornets. He missed all five of his shots and was a non-factor. Thus far, he's been a bust over his career, especially when compared to his college teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, who started next to him up front on that 2014-15 Kentucky team that opened 38-0 before losing in the national semifinals.

Cauley-Stein went sixth after Towns was selected first in the 2015 Draft and is still looking for an opportunity to make a major impact, averaging just 7 points and 5 rebounds last year while Towns logged a double-double and won Rookie of the Year. This season, Towns is averaging 24 points and 12 boards, while Cauley-Stein found himself benched from the rotation at one point. In two games against Towns this season, he's averaged eight minutes of action. Sacramento won both games with Cousins outplaying Towns, but this will be Cauley-Stein's show when he comes in to spell starter Kosta Koufos.

Minnesota swept all four encounters when Towns and Cauley-Stein were rookies. They saw the most of one another in the final meeting as Cousins rested, starting against one another. Cauley-Stein hung tough, scoring 15 points in 33 minutes despite foul trouble, grabbing six boards. Towns posted 17 and 10, his 50th double-double as a rookie. For his career, Cauley-Stein has four, the most recent of which heightened hopes that he'll be able to flourish now that he's out of Cousins' shadow. Tonight is a big night for him, especially since team president Vlade Divac promised to step down if the team is not better off in two years for moving the face of their franchise in a move panned by most due to how little they got in return.

Sacramento is just one game behind Denver for the eighth and final playoff spot, while Minnesota is just three games behind. The Timberwolves are in the midst of a four-game road swing an are actually favored here, making this a must-win consiering they will visit the Jazz and Spurs next. Minnesota is 3-5 SU as a road favorite this season and has seen the over prevail in 11 of their last 14 games. Sacramento is on a five-game under run and has come in below the posted total in nine of their last 11.

Injury Concerns

Kristaps Porzingis is doubtful to play in tonight's home game against the Raptors. He left injured in Thursday's loss to Cleveland and didn't play as the Knicks survived Philadelphia on Saturday on a Carmelo Anthony winner. Joakim Noah was also absent in that game and is dealing with a hamstring issue. If those guys can't go, Kyle O'Quinn and Willy Hernangomez would start for New York. The Raptors continue to be without Kyle Lowry, who is out indefinitely with a wrist injury. Cory Joseph has averaged 13.5 points and six assists in lifting the Raptors to home wins over Boston and Portland while filling in.

LeBron James is dealing with a case of strep throat, so there's a high probability he'll use this illness as a chance to rest up for the playoffs. He's questionable against the Bucks tonight. Cleveland is 4-19 without James in the lineup since he returned to town in '15, losing all four times he's been absent this season.

Avery Bradley could return to the Celtics lineup against Atlanta after an 18-game absence. An Achilles injury has kept him out of 22 of the last 23 games, limiting him to only three appearances in 2017. Bradley was the subject of trade talk as a highly valuable two-way guard, but has been replaced nicely by Marcus Smart, who has really stepped up to fill the void as the strong defender required next to Isaiah Thomas. This will be Boston's third game in four nights, so they could use his fresh legs against the Hawks, who are an underdog against Boston for just the second time in their last nine matchups.

Golden State's Kevin Durant has been upgraded to probable after missing Saturday's game against Brooklyn with a hand injury. The 76ers won't have Joel Embiid for Philadelphia's only home game against the Warriors this season.

Head-to-head trends

The Warriors have won six straight in the series with the 76ers, last losing in Philadelphia in 2013. The 73-win team failed to cover in either one of their victories against last year's group, winning just 108-105 in Philly despite entering that game as a 17-point favorite. The last 10 games in the series have all gone under the posted total.

Since losing the 2011 NBA Finals, the Heat have beaten the Mavericks in 10 of 11 games, only losing at home in 2015 in a game where they managed just 72 points. They've dominated otherwise, winning each of the five games in Dallas. The under has connected in four straight. Before squaring off for the championship, the Mavs had actually won 14 consecutive games against the Heat. Miami has won 16 of the last 18 games, pulling within one game of Detroit for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference entering Monday's action.