Spurs at Lakers: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers (+6, 204)
After carrying the Los Angeles Lakers all season, Kobe Bryant will have to watch his team make its final playoff push without him. Bryant will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn left Achilles’ tendon in the final minutes of Friday’s win over Golden State, and the Lakers will need to regroup quickly in order to hold onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have two regular-season games remaining, starting with Sunday’s matchup against the visiting San Antonio Spurs.
The game could be a first-round playoff preview if San Antonio grabs the first seed and Los Angeles maintains its one-game lead over ninth-place Utah. The Lakers, who finish the regular season on Wednesday at home against Houston, have no margin for error since the Jazz own the tiebreaker. The Lakers have lost four straight to the Spurs, who clinched at least the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference on Friday. San Antonio has struggled recently, losing four of their last seven games.
ABOUT THE SPURS (58-21): San Antonio made a surprising move on Friday, waiving veteran small forward Stephen Jackson just six days before the end of the regular season. “We’re getting ready for playoffs and putting our team together, what we want to do and who we want to do it with,” coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. Jackson, 35, averaged 6.2 points in 55 games this season. His release was prompted by several factors, including the emergence of Kawhi Leonard, who leads the team in steals.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (43-37): Los Angeles controls its playoff destiny, but hardly anyone was thinking about that after Bryant’s injury. “It’s a tough blow for everyone,” forward Pau Gasol told reporters in a quiet locker room after Friday’s 118-116 victory over the Warriors. “It’s difficult to digest what happened.” Gasol registered his sixth career triple-double in the win, and the Lakers will need a repeat performance against the Spurs. Reserve guard Jodie Meeks is expected to start in place of Bryant.
TRENDS:
* Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 7-0 in Spurs’ last seven road games.
* Over is 4-0 in Lakers’ last four overall.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Spurs F Boris Diaw will miss three to four weeks after having back surgery on Friday.
2. Lakers PG Steve Nash has missed the last six games with lingering right hip and hamstring issues.
3. The Lakers are 3-7 in their last 10 games against San Antonio.
Sunday's NBA Betting Notes
By Covers.com
Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat (-9.5, 188)
Chicago is a half-game behind the Atlanta Hawks in fifth place in the East, which is the difference between starting the playoffs at Indiana or Brooklyn. The Bulls snapped the Heat’s 27-game winning streak on March 27, and did so with a brand of physical play that had Miami off its game. The Bulls frustrated James so much that eventually he barreled into a screen set by Boozer and earned himself a flagrant foul. The Heat have lost two of three to Chicago this season. Chicago F Joakim Noah (foot) is questionable.
Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors (+3.5, 194.5)
The Nets have won four straight games to pull within two games of third-place Indiana with three to play. Toronto has already had an impact on the potential playoff matchups in the East by knocking off the Chicago Bulls twice in a span of four days this week. The Raptors have won four of five overall but have dropped all three meetings with the Nets this season. The over is 10-1 in the Nets’ last 11 road games.
Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks (-4, 194)
The New York Knicks can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference by defeating the visiting Indiana Pacers. New York has won 14 of 15 games behind the scoring spree of forward Carmelo Anthony. The Pacers have lost three of four games. Indiana is 2-1 against New York this season. The Pacers routed New York 125-91 on Feb. 20 in the most recent meeting. The over is 5-1 in Indiana’s last six overall.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers (-5, 197)
Cleveland has dropped three straight games and 13 of the last 15. The Cavaliers got 31 points from Kyrie Irving on Friday but could not keep up with the New York Knicks in a 101-91 setback. Philadelphia has taken seven of the last eight in the series. The under is 9-1 in the Cavaliers’ last 10 vs. NBA Atlantic foes.
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (-14.5, 209)
The Denver Nuggets can set a franchise record for victories when they host the struggling Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Denver has matched the mark of 54 wins set twice previously and also looks to take another step toward landing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets are 36-3 at home and have won a club-record 21 straight games on the home floor. Portland has lost 10 straight games. The Trail Blazers are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 vs. Western Conference opponents.
Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Hornets (+3, 195.5)
New Orleans is limping to the finish line, having lost three straight and seven of the last nine. The Hornets' only two wins in that span have come against a pair of 24-win teams in Phoenix and Cleveland. Rookie forward Anthony Davis, the No. 1 overall pick, is done for the season after suffering a sprained knee ligament in Wednesday's lost at the Sacramento Kings. The teams have split of pair of tight matchups this season, with the road team winning each time. The Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
Sacramento Kings at Houston Rockets (-10.5, 216.5)
The Rockets are in seventh place, a half-game behind sixth-place Golden State, as they look to get back on track after losing two of their last three. Houston has won eight of its past 10 contests against Sacramento. The Kings have dropped five of their last six, including a 108-101 loss at San Antonio on Friday. Sacramento is 4-0 ATS in its last four road games.
Sunday Night Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The final Sunday card takes place in the NBA regular season today with eight games on the board. The only playoff spot to be determined is the eighth seed in the Western Conference, but the Lakers are in trouble after losing Kobe Bryant to a torn Achilles tendon in Friday's two-point win over the Warriors. We'll take a look at the four evening affairs, starting at the Pepsi Center with two teams going in completely opposite directions.
Blazers at Nuggets
Denver continues to roll at the Pepsi Center with 21 consecutive victories, but the Nuggets are looking for a bounce-back effort today after Friday's overtime defeat at Dallas. The Nuggets are barely hanging onto the third playoff spot in the Western Conference, owning a half-game advantage over the Clippers and Grizzlies.
The Blazers have been the biggest disaster in the league since late March by losing 10 straight games, while covering only once in this span as a 10½-point underdog at Utah in a 112-102 defeat on April 1. Terry Stotts' team has dropped seven consecutive contests at the Rose Garden, while each of their last three road setbacks have come by double-digits.
The Nuggets close the regular season against three teams sitting below .500 (Bucks and Suns ahead), while settling for second place in the Northwest Division behind Oklahoma City. George Karl's club owns a 2-5 ATS record the last seven opportunities as a home favorite of at least 10 points, as the Blazers pushed the Nuggets to overtime in the last visit to Denver. Portland forced the extra session with a late three-pointer, but fell in overtime, 115-111 as nine-point 'dogs in mid-January.
Mavericks at Hornets
Dallas made a valiant comeback to sneak back into the playoff picture towards the end of the season, but just came up short as the Mavs attempt to finish above .500. Rick Carlisle's squad heads to the Big Easy tonight for the first of two meetings this week against New Orleans, as the road team has won each of the first two matchups this season.
The Mavs have won six of their last eight games away from the American Airlines Center, while posting a 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS record the previous six road contests in the role of a favorite. Dallas rallied past New Orleans in the last trip to Louisiana in late February, a 104-100 triumph as one-point 'chalk,' thanks to a three-pointer by Vince Carter in the final minute of play.
The Hornets couldn't seal the deal in Friday's home loss to the Clippers, but New Orleans managed a cover as nine-point 'dogs in a 96-93 defeat. Monty Williams' club is 5-3 ATS the past eight games in the home 'dog role, including outright wins over the Nuggets, Celtics, and Grizzlies. The defense has clamped down at home recently, allowing less than 100 points in seven of the last nine games.
Kings at Rockets
Houston sits a half-game behind Golden State for the sixth seed in the Western Conference, as the Rockets own the tiebreaker in the case the two teams finish with identical records. The Rockets play their regular-season home finale tonight, as Kevin McHale's team has limped to a 3-6 ATS record in the previous nine games, including a home setback to Memphis on Friday, 82-78.
The Kings are fresh off three consecutive covers following a late surge in Friday's 108-101 loss at San Antonio as 10½-point underdogs. Sacramento has quietly put together a 7-2 ATS mark in the last nine road contests, including four straight ATS wins away from Sleep Train Arena. Keith Smart's club is 6-2 ATS the last eight opportunities as a double-digit road underdog, while trying to avenge a recent home loss to Houston, 112-102 as four-point 'dogs.
The Rockets are not lighting up the scoreboard like they did earlier this season, as this team is riding a 10-1 stretch to the 'under' the last 11 home contests. Seven of those 'unders' came with a total of 204 or higher, as tonight's total sits at 216½, thanks to Sacramento ranking last in the league in defense. Houston has cashed just twice in the last nine opportunities as a home favorite, as the Kings are making their lone trip to the Toyota Center this season.
Spurs at Lakers
Los Angeles received the devastating news of Kobe Bryant's torn Achilles tendon on Saturday, sidelining the former MVP for at least six-to-nine months. The Lakers found a way to squeeze by the Warriors on Friday, 118-116 for their third straight win, but L.A. needs to dig deep to stave off Utah for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Spurs are likely content finishing with the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs behind Oklahoma City, although Gregg Popovich's team enters tonight's action just a half-game behind the Thunder. San Antonio has alternated wins and losses in each of its last six games, coming off Friday's victory over Sacramento. The Spurs recently have been a disaster by posting a 3-12 ATS record the last 15 trips to the court, while dropping five consecutive games away from the AT&T Center.
The Lakers have split the two games in which Bryant sat out this season against the Kings and Suns. Los Angeles has won six of its last seven to control its own destiny for a playoff spot, but it will be difficult with Bryant out and Steve Nash listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury that has kept the point guard out for six consecutive games. The Lakers try to avoid the season sweep to the Spurs tonight, which includes an 84-82 home defeat as one-point 'dogs back in November.
NBA Odds and Preview Capsules: April 14
Atssportsline.com
This is the final Sunday in the NBA regular season. The season ends on Wednesday, April 17 and the playoffs begin on April 20. Take a look at some of the betting tips below for two key games involving potential playoff teams. Looking for winners for the NBA regular season, playoffs and baseball? Go to ATS Sportsline. We have all your basketball betting statistics, matchups and odds.
Indiana (49-30 SU, 42-37 ATS, 37-41-1 O/U) at New York (52-27 SU, 44-33-2 ATS, 38-39-2 ATS)
Intangibles:
New York has won 14 of their last 15 games.
Indiana is three games behind New York for 2nd place in the East with 3 games left for both teams.
Indiana has lost three of their last four.
Last game: (2/20/13) Indiana (-4) over New York, 125-91.
Keys to Success: The Pacers are not going into the playoffs on a good note unless they can turn it around for the final three games. Since they went 4-0 on a successful road trip, Indiana lost three of four, including two games at home. They take on a very hot Knicks team that is playing a small lineup led by Carmelo Anthony at power forward and Nazr Mohammed at center. The Knicks live and die by the three-point shot and lately, they've been living by it. They Pcaers' defense allowed 117 to Brooklyn at home, 97 to Oklahoma City at home and 104 to Washington on the road. They have to defend the perimeter in this game and starts with the backcourt of George Hill and Lance Stephenson.
Indiana is coming off a 117-109 home loss to Brooklyn on Friday, giving 6. New York is coming off a 101-91 win over Cleveland on Friday, giving 4.5. Indiana is 8-3 ATS last 11 on the road in series. NBA Odds: New York is a 4-point betting odds favorite. Total: 192.5
San Antonio (58-21 SU, 39-38-2 ATS, 34-43-2 O/U) at Los Angeles (43-37 SU, 32-46-2 ATS, 42-37-1 O/U)
Intangibles:
Kobe Bryant is out for the season with torn Achilles tendon.
The Lakers are one game ahead of Utah for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
San Antonio is a 1/2 game behind Oklahoma City for first place in the Western Conference.
Last game: (1/9/13) San Antonio (-13.5) over Los Angeles Lakers, 108-105.
Keys to Succes: The Lakers are going to have to attempt to hold on to the last playoff spot in the West without Kobe Bryant. That's an uphill battle but they do have Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard to rely on up front. Unfortunately, they face a Spurs team that also has Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter to match their only strength. The Lakers will need a big game from Steve Blake to not only control the tempo but to also hold Tony Parker from going nuts. Parker had 22 points and 10 assists on Friday for his 17th double-double of the season.
The Spurs are coming off a 108-101 win over Sacramento on Friday, giving 11.5. The Lakers edged Golden State, 118-116, giving 7 on Friday to stay in the playoff race. San Antonio is 4-1 ATS last 5 on the road in series. Basketball Odds: San Antonio is a 5-point betting odds favorite. Total: 196.0.
NBA Point Spreads and Betting Guide
By: The Linemakers
Sportingnews.com
There are several games and storylines for bettors and fans to enjoy on the final Sunday of the regular season.
The Miami Heat (63-16 SU, 43-36 ATS) host the Chicago Bulls (43-36 SU, 35-44 ATS) in a nationally-televised game on ABC. The last time these two teams met, the Heat were riding a 27-game winning streak -- a streak the Bulls snapped with a 101-97 victory. At 20-19, the Heat are barely .500 against-the-spread at home, while the Bulls are 22-17 against-the-spread on the road. No line has been set as of 6:45 a.m. PT time, but the Bulls received 7.5 points in their first visit to South Beach back in early January.
Staying in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks (52-27 SU, 44-33 ATS) host the Indiana Pacers (49-30 SU, 42-37 ATS) at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks just had their 13-game win streak snapped Thursday night by the streak-spoiling Bulls. In their three games against the Pacers this season, the Knicks are 1-2 but covered in two of the three. The last meeting between these two was on Feb. 20, and the Pacers delivered a 125-91 drubbing at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Knicks will look for some payback as 4-point favorites.
To cap off the night’s action, the San Antonio Spurs (58-21 SU, 39-38-2 ATS) will travel to the Staples Center to face-off against the Kobe-less Los Angeles Lakers (43-37 SU, 32-46-2 ATS). The Lakers still lead the Utah Jazz by a game for the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference, but they will need to hold them off without their best player. In years past, the Spurs would be in a position to rest their starters without losing any ground in the standings. Thanks to a hot Oklahoma City Thunder squad, however, Tim Duncan and Co. are sitting as the conference’s No. 2 seed. The Thunder have the tiebreaker and a half-game lead on San Antonio, so the Spurs will need to stay on their "A-game" if they want to overtake the top seed in the West. The Spurs opened as 4-point favorites against the rival Lakers.
NBA Trends:
* The Bulls have covered their last six games against teams with winning records. The Heat have covered their last five games played on Sunday. The Bulls have covered five of their last seven meetings with the Heat. The two teams have played UNDER the total in four of their last five.
* The Cavs have covered eight of their last 11 road games. The Sixers have covered five of their last six meetings with the Cavs. The Sixers -5 and the total is 197.
* The Pacers have failed to cover their last four games and their last seven played on Sunday. The Knicks have covered eight of their last nine games against winning teams. The Knicks are -4 and the total is 192.5.
* The Nets have covered 12 of their last 17 road games. The Raptors have covered four of their last five games. The Nets have gone OVER the total in 10 of their last 11 road games. The Nets are -3 and the total is 195.5.
* The Blazers have failed to cover their last five games. The Nuggets have covered 12 of their last 15 games coming off of a loss. The home team has covered 14 of the last 18 meetings between the Nuggets and Blazers. The Nuggets are -14 and the total is 208.5.
* The Mavericks have covered four of their last five games. The Hornets and Mavericks have gone OVER the total in eight of their last 11 meetings. The Mavericks are -3 and the total is 195.5.
* The Kings have covered their last four road games. The Rockets have covered once in their last five home games. The Rockets have stayed UNDER the total in 10 of their last 11 home games. The Rockets are -10.5 and the total is 216.5.
* The Spurs have failed to cover their last four games. The Lakers have failed to cover their last four games against winning teams. The Spurs have stayed UNDER the total in their last seven road games. The opening line had the Spurs -4 with a total of 196.
NBA Injuries:
* Bulls guard Derrick Rose (knee) is questionable.
* Bulls center Joakim Noah (foot) is questionable.
* Lakers guard Steve Nash (hip) is doubtful.
* Heat guard Dwyane Wade (knee) is doubtful.
* Knicks center Tyson Chandler (neck) is doubtful.