Wednesday's Best NBA Bets
By Covers.com
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets (N/A)
The Denver Nuggets continue to live on the edge in the Western Conference, while the Minnesota Timberwolves are rapidly sinking to the bottom.
The Nuggets are the highest-scoring team in the NBA but rank near the bottom in scoring defense, making for an exciting style of play but some inconsistent results.
Denver is the type of team that can lose to the Warriors 112-97 on the road Saturday and come back with a dominating home performance in a 123-84 victory over the same team on Monday.
The big difference was on the inside, where rookie Kenneth Faried bounced back from a one-point, four-rebound performance on Saturday with 27 points and 17 boards on Monday. The Nuggets also got a key piece of their rotation back Monday, with Danilo Gallinari returning from a 10-game absence.
Denver has traded wins and losses over the past five games, winning each time it eclipse the century mark. Denver topped the Timberwolves, 103-101, in overtime at the Pepsi Center on Feb. 20.
With Minnesota spinning out of control with six straight loses and eight straight defeats against the spread, the Nuggets won’t mind kicking them when they’re down.
Pick: Nuggets
Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies (-5.5, 194)
The Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies have been two of the NBA’s hottest teams in the second half.
Memphis is closing in on the No. 4 seed in the West, while Phoenix is still trying to nail down any sort of playoff spot. If the Suns’ bench keeps producing the way it has lately, there’s a good chance we’ll see this team in the playoffs.
Phoenix’s reserves have averaged 40.2 points per game since March 18.
"These last four or five games, I mean, they've carried us," forward Jared Dudley said of the team’s bench. "They've carried the starters, they've done well."
The Suns have won the first two of their meetings with Memphis so far this season and we’ll happily take them getting 5.5 points to play with.
Pick: Suns
Game of the day: L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder
By Covers.com
Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-8, 196.5)
THE STORY: The Oklahoma City Thunder seek to maintain their position of having the best record in the Western Conference when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Oklahoma City has a one-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs after stringing together back-to-back victories following its first three-game losing skid of the season. The Clippers are 1 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the battle for the Pacific Division lead after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (34-23): Forward Blake Griffin had just six rebounds in the loss to Grizzlies in his second-lowest output of the campaign. Griffin figures to be highly motivated in his return to his hometown of Oklahoma City after struggling badly in his visit earlier this season. Griffin scored a season-low seven points as Los Angeles lost by 23 points. Griffin is averaging just 7.0 rebounds in two games against the Thunder this season. Griffin is averaging 22.7 points and 10.2 rebounds in six career games against Oklahoma City.
ABOUT THE THUNDER (42-15): Guard Russell Westbrook had 26 points in Monday’s 109-89 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks but the real stars were guard Thabo Sefolosha and forward Serge Ibaka. Sefolosha scored 14 points but did his real damage on the defensive end, recording a career-high seven steals and holding Bucks guard Monta Ellis to nine points on 3-of-12 shooting. “Thabo was all over, he was basically a one-man wrecking crew,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “He just caused havoc on the entire defensive end of the floor.” Ibaka blocked five shots, including four in the opening quarter as Oklahoma City built a 17-point lead.
TRENDS:
- Los Angeles is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10.
- The Thunder are 8-19 against the spread in their last 27 meetings with the Clips.
- The over is 10-3 in Oklahoma City's last 13 against the NBA Pacific.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Oklahoma City has won the last three home meetings with the Clippers.
2. Thunder forward Kevin Durant is averaging 34.0 points in two games against Los Angeles this season to raise his 16-game career clip against the Clippers to 27.8.
3. Clippers point guard Chris Paul has 15 steals over the past three games.
Hot Teams
-- Pacers won five of their last six games.
-- Boston won nine of its last ten home games (8-0-1 vs spread in last nine). Hawks won four of their last five games.
-- Milwaukee won four of its last five games. Knicks are 11-4 under Woodson but lost three of last four on road.
-- Rockets won/covered five of their last six games.
-- Memphis won six of its last seven games (5-2 vs spread). Suns won/covered five of their last six games.
-- Oklahoma City covered five of its last seven home games. Clippers won eight of their last ten games.
-- San Antonio won its last eight home games (7-0-1 vs spread). Lakers won six of their last eight road games.
-- Nuggets won last three home games, scoring 116-105-123 points.
-- Golden State covered ten of its last 12 road games.
Cold Teams
-- Toronto covered three of its last nine home games. 76ers lost four of their last five games.
-- Cavaliers lost six of last seven home games, but covered last four in a row overall.
-- Jazz lost six of their last eight games.
-- Hornets lost seven of their last ten games. Sacramento lost its last five games (0-4-1 vs spread).
-- Minnesota won/covered once in last seven road games.
-- Portland covered twice in its last seven home games.
Wear-and-Tear
-- 76ers: 4th game/5 nites. Raptors: 6th game/9 nites.
-- Pacers: 8th game/12 nites. Cavaliers: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- Hawks: Last three nites off. Celtics: 6th game/8 nites.
-- Knicks: 3rd game/4 nites. Bucks: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Jazz: 3rd game/4 nites. Rockets: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- Kings: 4th game/5 nites. Hornets: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Suns: 6th game/9 nites. Grizzlies: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Clippers: 3rd game/5 nites. Thunder: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- Lakers: 8th game/12 nites. Spurs: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- T'wolves: 3rd game/5 nites. Nuggets: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Warriors: 6th game/9 nites. Blazers: 4th game/6 nites.
Totals
-- Four of last five Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Indiana games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Atlanta road games went over total.
-- Under is 7-4 in New York's last eleven games.
-- 10 of last 13 Utah road games went over the total.
-- Five of Kings' last six road games went over the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Memphis home games.
-- Six of last seven Thunder games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Laker games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Golden State road games stayed under total.
Back-to-Back
-- 76ers are 7-9 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Cavaliers are 1-3 vs spread if they won the night before.
-- Boston won/covered four of six at home if they played night before.
-- Knicks are 2-4 vs spread playing second night in row on road.
-- Sacramento is 4-3 vs spread on road if it lost the night before.
Armadillosports.com
INDIANA vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
Cleveland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
ATLANTA vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Atlanta is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
SACRAMENTO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Sacramento is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games
NEW YORK vs. MILWAUKEE
New York is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
UTAH vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Utah's last 11 games on the road
Utah is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Utah
LA CLIPPERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
LA Clippers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games
Oklahoma City is 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games when playing LA Clippers
PHOENIX vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
LA LAKERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 9 of the LA Lakers last 10 games on the road
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 7-0-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
MINNESOTA vs. DENVER
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Minnesota's last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games at home
Denver is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota
GOLDEN STATE vs. PORTLAND
Golden State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Portland
Golden State is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
Portland is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games at home
PHILADELPHIA (30 - 27) at TORONTO (20 - 38) - 4/11/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 6-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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INDIANA (35 - 22) at CLEVELAND (19 - 36) - 4/11/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-4 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ATLANTA (34 - 23) at BOSTON (33 - 24) - 4/11/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 138-175 ATS (-54.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
ATLANTA is 42-67 ATS (-31.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
BOSTON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 77-98 ATS (-30.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-63 ATS (-30.3 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
BOSTON is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-3 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 5-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW YORK (29 - 28) at MILWAUKEE (28 - 29) - 4/11/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 23-6 ATS (+16.4 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 140-179 ATS (-56.9 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 9-1 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 8-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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UTAH (30 - 28) at HOUSTON (32 - 25) - 4/11/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points this season.
HOUSTON is 36-17 ATS (+17.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-4 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-4 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SACRAMENTO (19 - 39) at NEW ORLEANS (15 - 42) - 4/11/2012, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 8-2 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 5-5 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (30 - 27) at MEMPHIS (33 - 23) - 4/11/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 87-62 ATS (+18.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 45-28 ATS (+14.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after allowing 85 points or less this season.
MEMPHIS is 51-36 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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LA CLIPPERS (34 - 23) at OKLAHOMA CITY (42 - 15) - 4/11/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 388-458 ATS (-115.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 44-62 ATS (-24.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 145-184 ATS (-57.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 130-182 ATS (-70.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 16-35 ATS (-22.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 134-107 ATS (+16.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 5-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-4 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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LA LAKERS (36 - 22) at SAN ANTONIO (40 - 15) - 4/11/2012, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-4 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MINNESOTA (25 - 33) at DENVER (31 - 26) - 4/11/2012, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-42 ATS (-18.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 149-190 ATS (-60.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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GOLDEN STATE (22 - 34) at PORTLAND (27 - 31) - 4/11/2012, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 49-79 ATS (-37.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 52-83 ATS (-39.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 9-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Philadelphia at Toronto
Philadelphia: 18-8 ATS vs. team w/ losing record
Toronto: 11-1 Under vs. division
Indiana at Cleveland
Indiana: 20-9 Over playing w/ revenge
Cleveland: 0-7 ATS at home playing 3rd game in 4 nights
Atlanta at Boston
Atlanta: 13-5 Under as road underdog
Boston: 11-25 ATS playing on back to back days
New York at Milwaukee
New York: 2-10 ATS if total is 200+
Milwaukee: 23-6 ATS vs. Atlantic Division
Utah at Houston
Utah: 1-8 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points
Houston: 10-1 Under off back to back road wins
Sacramento at New Orleans
Sacramento: 8-2 ATS vs. New Orleans
New Orleans: 6-1 Over off home loss by 3 pts or less
Phoenix at Memphis
Phoenix: 20-9 Under in road games
Memphis: 8-1 ATS after allowing 85 pts or less
LA Clippers at Oklahoma City
LA Clippers: 22-39 ATS Away off loss
Oklahoma City: 17-8 ATS off road game
LA Lakers at San Antonio
LA Lakers: 5-14 ATS off win by 6 pts or less
San Antonio: 14-4 ATS off ATS loss
Minnesota at Denver
Minnesota: 3-16 ATS in April
Denver: 24-13 Under as favorite
Golden State at Portland
Golden State: 31-10 ATS off road loss by 10+
Portland: 52-83 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points
Hoop Trends - Wednesday
By Vince Akins
VegasInsider.com
SU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Grizzlies are 10-0 ATS (7.8 ppg) since March 17, 2006 as a favorite with at least one day of rest off a win in which their leading scorer for that game had fewer than 20 points.
OU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Bucks are 11-0 OU (23.7 ppg) since February 17, 2004 at home after a home loss in which more than 70% of their baskets were assisted.
PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:
The Hawks are 0-11 OU (-13.7 ppg) since February 28, 2011 after a win on the road in which Josh Smith was not the Hawks’ high scorer.
CHOICE TREND:
The Hornets are 0-10 ATS (-9.2 ppg) since November 23, 2007 after a home loss in which they committed fewer than ten turnovers.
TODAY’S TRENDS:
The Cavaliers are 10-0-1 OU (8.8 ppg) since March 08, 1996 as a dog with no rest after a game in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line.
The Suns are 0-14 OU (-15.9 ppg) since March 01, 2010 when they shot at least 50% from the field in each of their last two games.
Game of the Night
Sportspic.com
LA Lakers at San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio (40-15, 33-19-3 ATS) without Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker saw it's eleven game win streak come to a halt in Utah Monday night as Spurs fell 91-84 to the Jazz. Coach Popovich will have 'T-M-T' back on the floor when Bryant-Less Lakers (36-22, 23-35 ATS) come to town Wednesday giving plenty of reasons to back San Antonio. It's well documented how Spurs have dominated at the AT&T Center (23-4, 20-6-1 ATS) and it's well known L.A. wilts on the road (13-16, 10-19 ATS) so expect Lakers' road woes to spill over into this game as well. If that were not enough, Lakers haven't been getting the job done on the defensive end last five (104.6) which puts them in a bad spot as Spurs are ridding a 7-0-1 ATS stretch at home scoring a whopping 112.6 points/game and check-in with a 6-0 ATS streak off a loss scoring an average 107.5 PPG. Stay home with San Antonio knowing Spurs are on a 9-1 ATS streak following a game in which they scored <90 points, a 7-1-1 ATS stretch off a road loss scoring less than ninety points.
Inside the Paint - Wednesday
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com
Philadelphia at Toronto: Philadelphia blasted New Jersey (107-88) last night, which snapped a four-game losing skid. The 76ers finally put some points on the board, 58 coming from their bench and 23 from the free-throw line. The 76ers are giving four points tonight and while most would expect them to win and cover, it’s hard to ignore that the Raptors just blasted Philadelphia 99-78 on the road last Wednesday. The smartest bet here is to pass.
Indiana at Cleveland: It’s hard to lay points with the Pacers, who are 6-7 ATS as road favorites this season. However, Cleveland (10-18 SU, 11-17 ATS) hasn’t been great at home but it did beat Charlotte (103-90) last night. The Cavaliers have covered four in a row but they haven’t won back-to-back games since early March and they’re 4-12 SU and 7-9 ATS on zero days rest. The pair met on Feb. 15 and Cleveland earned a 98-87 home win over Indiana as a two-point underdog. This will be the first of a home-and-home set, with the second encounter set for Friday in Indiana.
Atlanta at Boston: You have to be thinking letdown here for Boston, who humbled Miami (115-107) last night on the road. If you didn’t watch the game, make a note that the Celtics shot over 60 percent from the field against the Heat. It’s well known that the Celtics aren’t good when playing with no rest on the road (2-9 SU, 1-10 ATS) but it’s a different story when playing at TD Garden (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS). Atlanta is impossible to figure out this season but it has won and covered four of five, yet three of the wins came against the Bobcats (twice) and Pistons. Boston defeated Atlanta 79-76 on Mar. 19 as a two-point home favorite in the only meeting between the two teams this season.
New York at Milwaukee: If the Bucks stop the Knicks tonight, they’ll both be tied for the last playoff spot in the East but Milwaukee will hold the head-to-head tiebreaker (3-1) over New York. Milwaukee has been installed as a 4½-point favorite over New York, who is coming off a loss to Chicago (86-98) last night. The Bucks have gone 3-2 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five at home, but the Knicks’ road record (10-18 SU, 11-16 ATS) is anything but great. The total opened at 201 and jumped to 202 quickly. Make a note that the Knicks have seen the ‘under’ go 14-4 (78%) this season when playing the second game of a back-to-back set.
Utah at Houston: The Rockets return home after a four-game road trip which saw them go 4-0 both SU and ATS, two of the wins over the Bulls and Lakers. Normally, a good system play is fading a home favorite after a long road trip but that angle has been thrown out in this year’s shortened season. Utah still has a chance to make the playoffs but it’s hard to back a team that is 4-6 SU and 3-6 ATS in the last 10, three of the wins against non-playoff teams and the other versus a shorthanded Spurs squad. Still, the line is short (Houston -5). This will be the rubber match between the two clubs, with the home team notching double-digit victories in the first two affairs. The ‘under’ cashed in both as well.
Sacramento at New Orleans: This one certainly looks like a “Light up the Cigar” winner! The Hornets are 0-8 both SU and ATS as favorites this season and they’re giving points to Sacramento tonight. We understand the Kings are 0-5 both SU and ATS in their last five but they’ve already beaten New Orleans three times this season.
Phoenix at Memphis: Two hot teams will square off here as Phoenix will look to sweep the season series from Memphis. The first two games were played in the desert, with the Suns capturing a pair of close affairs (86-84, 98-91) that went ‘under’ the total. The Sun are 7-3 both SU and ATS in their last 10, while the Grizzlies are 8-2 both SU and ATS over their last 10. This is more of a must-win for Phoenix, who is one-game behind Denver for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Total players should be aware that the Grizzlies have seen the ‘under’ cash in nine straight.
L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City: This series has seen the home team win and cover both of the first two regular season meetings, both in double-digit fashion too. OKC is coming off a pair of blowout victories, while Los Angeles is off a 94-85 loss at Memphis on Monday. These teams have shown that they like to run ‘n gun when they meet, which helped the ‘over’ cash in both of the first two games. However, the Thunder’s offense hasn’t been clicking lately and that’s produced a 6-1 mark to the ‘under.’
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio: The Spurs are giving 9½-points here and most would believe they get the win and cover, especially with Kobe Bryant (shin) expected to miss for Los Angeles. San Antonio has a back-to-back with Memphis tomorrow so don’t be surprised to see coach Greg Popovich look for the early lead before resting his starters, which could lead to a backdoor cover by Los Angeles. However, it’s hard to put money on the Lakers, who are 1-10 ATS in their last 11. The total (201.5) seems too high, yet the Spurs do launch a ton of bombs from 3-point land.
Minnesota at Denver: Tricky one here as oddsmakers opened the Nuggets as 7½-point favorites and the line is now up to 8 ½ at most shops. Minnesota has played Denver tough (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS) this season but the Timberwolves are a mess right now. The club is 1-7 SU and 0-8 ATS in the last eight and the offense has been so inconsistent during this stretch. Denver has won and covered two straight at home. Total players are looking at the highest number (213 to 214 range) on the board tonight, which is a little surprising since Denver has seen the ‘under’ go 6-1 in the last seven. The pace should be there, yet you just don’t know if the shots will fall. Lately, they haven’t for Minnesota.
Golden State at Portland: Lots of injuries for Portland, which has made the line bounce around. LaMarcus Aldridge (hip) is ‘out’ and Nicolas Batum (quad) is ‘questionable’ for the Trail Blazers. The Warriors were blasted at Denver by 39 points (84-123) on Monday, so you would hope for a better effort tonight. Since this is a meaningless game between two non-playoff teams, the ‘over’ could be worth a look. It’s hovering between 197 and 198 points and both teams like to chuck it from 3-point land. The key in this game is that you need it to be close. Otherwise, Golden State will put five rookies on the court, like they did against Denver and that’s never a good thing.