Saturday's NBA News and Betting Notes
Covers.com
Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards (+1.5, 208.5)
Playing shorthanded doesn't seem to faze the Houston Rockets, who posted a pair of impressive victories since the trade of four players on Wednesday. The Rockets have made 31 3-pointers in two wins over the Thunder and Nets. Much like Houston, the Wizards turned in an impressive offensive performance in Friday's 119-113 win over the visiting Denver Nuggets. Seven players scored in double figures and Emeka Okafor, John Wall and rookie Bradley Beal all notched double-doubles as Washington improved to 9-2 in its last 11 home games. The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
Denver Nuggets at Charlotte Bobcats (+9, 209)
The Nuggets will be looking to snap a four-game road losing streak when they visit the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. Charlotte is coming off a 30-point home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday that marked the third time in the last six games that the team had failed to reach even 80 points. The Bobcats own the worst home record in the league at 7-21. The under is 8-0 in the Bobcats’ last eight games following an ATS loss.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic (+5.5, 198)
Cleveland is beginning a three-game road trip and last played Wednesday when it defeated the New Orleans Hornets. The Cavaliers beat the Magic 119-108 on Feb 8. Orlando hopes to have newcomers Tobias Harris, Doron Lamb and Beno Udrih available against the Cavaliers. Udrih could see a lot of playing time with Nelson (knee) slated to sit out again on Saturday. The contest is the fourth in five nights for the Magic, who have lost four straight and 16 of 17 games. The over is 6-0 in the Magic’s last six Saturday games.
Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers (+7, 185)
The Heat will be looking to post their 10th straight win when they close out a four-game road trip in Philadelphia. The 76ers have lost three straight to fall 3 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia has been held to an average of 84.6 points in seven games this month and was dominated on the boards in a loss at Minnesota on Wednesday. Miami is still the worst rebounding team in the NBA but is coming off one of its best defensive performances and has won each of its last six by double figures. The Heat are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall.
Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons (+3.5, 188.5)
The Indiana Pacers have won their last three games by an average of 30 points and look to rout the Detroit Pistons for the second consecutive night when the teams meet Saturday in the Motor City. Indiana dominated Detroit from the outset on Friday while posting a 114-82 home victory. Pacers F Danny Granger (knee) traveled with the team and could make his season debut. Indiana is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game.
Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks (-4, 204)
Guard J.J. Redick will make his Milwaukee debut when the Bucks host the Atlanta Hawks. Although the Bucks hold a 3 1/2-game lead over Philadelphia for the final playoff spot in the East, they have been trending in the wrong direction, having lost two straight and eight of 10 to fall below .500. Hawks F Josh Smith averaged 24.3 points and 16.7 boards in three meetings with the Bucks last season and has five straight double-doubles against them. Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games and Milwaukee is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 home contests.
Utah Jazz at L.A. Clippers (-9, 197)
The Los Angeles Clippers seek to bounce back from a disastrous showing when they attempt to finish off a four-game series sweep of the Utah Jazz. Los Angeles was outclassed by the San Antonio Spurs 116-90 in a nationally televised contest on Thursday in its first game since the All-Star break. Utah is well-rested and hasn’t played since defeating the Golden State Warriors 115-101 on Tuesday. The Jazz have won three straight games. The Clippers have averaged 109.3 points in their three victories over Utah this season.