Inside the Paint - Saturday
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com
Phoenix at Washington: The Wizards opened as six-point favorites and that might seem a little high but they’re playing a lot better lately. They’ve won and covered three of four, including last night’s 96-87 home victory over New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Suns dropped their third straight game last night as they fell at Atlanta, 107-94. It was the fifth straight game that Phoenix has surrendered 100-plus points. Even though fatigue could be a factor tonight, gamblers should be aware that Washington is a profitable 14-2 ATS (5-11 SU) in back-to-back spots and that includes nine straight covers. These teams will meet again next Wednesday from Phoenix.
Charlotte at Boston: Last night, there were three games with spreads listed at 12 points or higher. The favorites went 3-0 SU but they were 1-2 ATS in those games and it could’ve been 0-3. Coincidentally, the Bobcats were the lone underdogs (+12) not to cover as they lost at Toronto, 92-78. We apologize for those who took Charlotte and watched the Raptors close the game with a 24-9 fourth quarter. Fast forward to tonight and Boston is laying 16 to Charlotte. The Celtics are 1-2 versus the Bobcats this season and that includes two straight losses, the most recent setback happening this past Tuesday. Paul Pierce sat out and Boston was embarrassed by 26 points (100-74). The Celtics were giving up 10 ½-points on the road and now they’re laying 16 for the rematch at TD Garden. Too high? The Heat due visit on Monday so the look-ahead angle could be in play.
Indiana at Philadelphia: The Pacers are the only road favorites listed on tonight’s board and the number seems fair but they could have dead legs. Last night, Indiana couldn’t put away the L.A. Lakers and suffered a 99-93 loss at home. Indiana has already beaten the 76ers twice this season, both wins coming by double digits (95-85, 88-69). The 76ers haven’t played since Wednesday, when they lost to Miami (94-98). Philadelphia did manage to cover as an eight-point home ‘dog and its now 3-1 ATS in the last four at home. NBATV will televised this tip at 7:35 p.m. ET.
Cleveland at San Antonio: The Spurs opened as two-touchdown favorites (-14) against the Cavaliers. Despite not having Kyrie Irving (shoulder) in the lineup, Cleveland has gone 3-2 recently without the All-Star. Last night, they fought hard but still came up short at Dallas (86-96). If you’re going to bet the Cavs, you need them to make a lot of shots and that’s tough to do without Irving opening up the floor. San Antonio has gone 27-4 SU and 17-12 ATS at home this season but two of those losses have recently come to non-playoff teams in Phoenix (106-136) and Portland (101-105). The Spurs should win here but backing a team that’s 1-3 ATS in the last four doesn’t appear to be a sound investment.
Detroit at Portland: On paper this game looks like a mismatch. Detroit has gone 2-11 SU and 4-7 ATS since the All-Star break and that includes a current slide of seven straight. Fortunately for the Pistons, this will be the last game of a four-game road trip and Portland will be the only non-playoff team they face. These clubs met in late November and a healthy Detroit squad ran past the Trail Blazers, 108-101. A lot has changed since then, which is why Portland is laying 10½ points at most betting shops tonight. The Rose Garden has been a tough out for opponents, with the Blazers going 21-11 SU and 16-13 ATS at home this season. If you’re hesitant to play either side here, perhaps you should lean to the total, in particular the ‘over.’ The number is hovering around 200 ½ points and the last three meetings in this series has gone ‘over’ plus Detroit’s defense has allowed 100-plus in six of the last seven games. Portland can fill it up, especially at home. In the last five games from the Garden, the Blazers have scored 109, 109, 122, 97 and 105. The lowest number came against Memphis, who is arguably the toughest defensive squad in the Association.
Memphis at Utah: After snapping a four-game losing streak on Monday, the Jazz were hammered at Oklahoma City (87-110) on Wednesday in wire-to-wire fashion. Utah is still in the playoff hunt but it needs to step up and earn quality wins, which won’t be easy tonight. The Jazz face a red-hot Memphis squad that’s gone 11-2 SU and 9-4 ATS since the All-Star break, which includes last night’s loss at Denver (80-87). Memphis has gone 9-5 SU and 10-4 ATS when playing on no rest this season. The Grizzlies have already beaten the Jazz twice this season, which includes a rare 99-86 win on Dec. 15 at Salt Lake City. Along with tonight’s tip, the two teams will meet on the last day of the regular season from Memphis. With the Lakers winning last night, the Jazz are a full game behind Los Angeles for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Utah has gone 23-8 SU and 19-12 ATS at home, which is why it’s listed as a short favorite (-2) over the Grizzlies tonight. Gamblers can follow this game live on NBATV at 10:05 p.m. ET.