Betting news, trends, odds and predictions for Friday, March 30, 2018 from various handicappers and websites
Friday’s NBA
Bulls won six of last seven games with the Magic; they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Last ten series games stayed under the total. Chicago lost its last seven games; they’re 2-11 vs spread in last 13 games as road underdogs. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Orlando lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 1-9 as home favorites this season. Four of their last five games stayed under.
Embiid (orbital fracture) is out. Hawks won seven of last eight games with Philly, six of which went over total. 76ers are 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Atlanta. Sixers won their last eight games, covered last six; they’re 3-7 in last ten games as road favorites. Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Atlanta lost nine of its last ten games; they’re 4-7 in last 11 games as home dogs. Six of their last nine games went over.
Home side won last seven New Orleans-Cleveland games; Pelicans are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Ohio. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games. New Orleans split its last eight games; they’re 4-2 in last six games as road underdogs. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Cavaliers won six of their last seven games; they covered last three tries as home favorites. Three of their last four games stayed under.
Thunder lost three of last four games with Denver; under is 4-1 in last five series games. Nuggets covered three of last four visits to Oklahoma. Denver lost four of its last six games; they’re 5-3 in last eight games as road underdogs. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. OKC lost three of its last four games; they’re 4-7 in last 11 games as home favorites, 5-6 if they played night before. Last four Thunder games stayed under.
Rockets won their last seven games with Phoenix (5-2 vs spread); over is 7-2 in last nine series games. Suns are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Houston. Phoenix lost its last ten games; they are 5-8 in last 13 games as road underdogs. Suns’ last five games stayed under. Houston won its last ten games; they’re 5-1 vs spread in their last six home games. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games.
Minnesota won its last four games with Dallas; they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Dallas. Under is 8-1-1 in last ten series games. Timberwolves are 3-4 in last seven games; they’re 1-6 in last seven games as road favorites. Six of their last eight games went over total. Mavericks lost six of their last seven games; they’re 3-6 in last nine games as home underdogs. Last three Dallas games stayed under.
Utah/Memphis split their last ten meetings; Grizzlies are 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Utah. Seven of last nine series games stayed under. Memphis won its last two games after a 1-22 skid; Grizzlies are 2-4 vs spread in last six games as road underdog. Six of their last nine games went over total. Jazz lost three of last five games; they’re 0-3 vs spread in last three games as a home favorite. Three of their last four games went over.
Bucks won three of last four games with the Lakers; they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four series tilts played here. Three of last four series games stayed under. Milwaukee won three of its last four games; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six games as road underdogs. Nine of their last ten games went over the total. Los Angeles lost five of its last seven games; they’re 8-5 as home favorites this year. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
Portland is 6-4 in its last ten games with the Clippers; over is 5-3 in last eight series games. LA is 3-2 vs spread in its last five visits to Oregon. Clippers won four of their last five games; they’re 2-4 in last six games as a road underdog. Last four Clipper games stayed under. Trailblazers are 2-3 in their last five games; they’re 7-1 vs spread in last eight games as home favorites. Four of their last six games went over.
Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Bulls have recorded just 24 victories all season, but three of them have come against the Orlando Magic. Chicago looks to complete a sweep of the four-game season series when it visits Orlando on Friday.
The Bulls fell to Miami 103-92 on Thursday for their seventh consecutive loss - the third time this season they have dropped at least seven in a row. Chicago will be without its starting backcourt for the eighth consecutive game as shooting guard Zach LaVine (knee) and point guard Kris Dunn (toe) continue to recuperate, although it is beginning to look like Dunn might not play again this season. Orlando has dropped nine of its last 11 contests, and its next setback will ensure it will win fewer than 30 games for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The Magic are 2-4 on their seven-game homestand after losing 114-111 to Brooklyn on Wednesday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Florida (Orlando)
ABOUT THE BULLS (24-51): Lauri Markkanen (elbow) is expected to play versus Orlando after sitting out Thursday and missing seven of the team's last nine games, including five due to a back ailment. The 20-year-old power forward, who averages 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, said prior to Thursday's contest that he would vote himself the NBA Rookie of the Year over the two true candidates - Utah's Donovan Mitchell and Philadelphia's Ben Simmons. Markkanen could finish third in the voting and certainly has proven he will be a solid building block for a Chicago franchise that will be aiming for respectability next season.
ABOUT THE MAGIC (22-52): With Orlando having one of the worst records in the league, a good number of its fans were happy with the loss to fellow Eastern Conference doormat Brooklyn in order to better the team's chances in the 2018 draft lottery. Coach Frank Vogel said the draft order isn't an issue as the team will get a solid player whether it selects first or 10th, while power forward Aaron Gordon admits it's disappointing to see the fan reaction. "It hurts just to be in that situation," Gordon told the Orlando Sentinel. "We don't want to be in the lottery. We don't want to be known as a team that tanks, especially when we go out there and we give our all. We put our body, our mind and our soul all out there every night."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Bulls have won six of the last seven meetings between the teams.
2. Chicago reserve PF Bobby Portis matched his career high of 16 rebounds while also contributing 13 points against Miami.
3. Orlando rookie F Jonathan Isaac (foot) is expected to return after a three-game absence.
PREDICTION: Magic 97, Bulls 93
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia 76ers remain the hottest team in the Eastern Conference, but they may be forced to try to continue their surge without All-Star center Joel Embiid when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Embiid left Wednesday's 118-101 home win over the New York Knicks following a collision with teammate Markelle Fultz.
The 24-year-old Embiid was taken to the hospital, where it was determined he had a facial contusion but no fractures and he passed concussion tests. "I know I hit him, but I believe he is OK," Fultz told reporters. "My heart dropped. He's a tough guy. All I can do is pray for him." Dario Saric picked up the slack with 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Sixers, who won their season-high eighth straight game and remained a half-game behind third-place Cleveland in the East. They get to play two of their remaining eight games at lowly Atlanta, which dropped 10 of its last 11 after a 126-114 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday to cap a 1-5 road trip.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Southeast (Atlanta)
ABOUT THE 76ERS (44-30): Philadelphia's winning streak is its longest since a nine-gamer in 2003 and it is 19-1 at Wells Fargo Center since January began. "It's a blessing just to be a part of that," Robert Covington - who chipped in 17 points against the Knicks - told reporters. "We are still going. We have a lot of basketball to play. So it's only the beginning." Fultz was playing in his second game after sitting out the bulk of the season with a shoulder issue and he has 15 assists with one turnover in 28 minutes since his return.
ABOUT THE HAWKS (21-54): Atlanta simply wants some positives to carry into the offseason and it received one Wednesday in the play of Mike Muscala, who scored a career-high 24 points in 25 minutes off the bench. "I thought we moved it well in transition and got some good looks from 3 and everything, and guards did a good job penetrating, finding open shooters and finishing at the rim," he told the media. Isaiah Taylor is averaging 21.3 points in three starts in the past week in place of point guard Dennis Schroder, who is day-to-day with a sprained ankle.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Covington scored 22 points and Embiid added 21 in a 119-109 win over Atlanta at home earlier this season.
2. Atlanta needs to win two of its remaining seven games to avoid the franchise's second 60-loss campaign.
3. Sixers PG Ben Simmons recorded at least 10 assists in eight of his last nine games.
PREDICTION: 76ers 109, Hawks 103
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Rockets are on the verge of clinching first place in the Western Conference and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs as they rip through the second half of their schedule. The Rockets will try to push their latest winning streak to 11 straight when they host the lowly Phoenix Suns on Friday.
Houston won 27 of its last 28 games and is picking on teams at the bottom of the standings of late after cruising past the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday and blasting the Chicago Bulls 118-86 on Tuesday despite resting MVP candidate James Harden. The Rockets are trying to maintain their intensity and execution heading into the postseason despite owning a big lead and already setting the franchise record for regular-season wins. The Suns are at the opposite end of the spectrum and sit in last place in the West, 42 1/2 games behind Houston. Phoenix dropped its last 13 games as it gives young players a chance to prove they belong in the team's future.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)
ABOUT THE SUNS (19-57): Two players that don't need to prove they are in the team's plans for the future are Devin Booker (hand) and TJ Warren (knee), but the two have both missed the last five games and the team is in no rush to get them back on the court. Point guard Tyler Ulis is getting plenty of chances to shine and scored a season-high 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting in 37 minutes in Wednesday's 111-99 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Fellow guard Shaquille Harrison scored 17 points in a season-high 31 minutes off the bench in the loss.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (61-14): Harden's absence gave Eric Gordon a chance to step back into the starting lineup, and he responded by scoring 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 8-of-13 from 3-point range. Gordon is averaging 22.4 points on 53.9 shooting over the last five games after failing to reach double figures in three of the previous four contests. Point guard Chris Paul (hamstring) returned from a three-game absence on Tuesday and collected 13 points and 10 assists in 28 minutes but is day-to-day with a sore left hip.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Suns PG Elfrid Payton (knee) sat out Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday.
2. Rockets PF Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) sat out the last three games and is questionable for Friday.
3. Houston took the last seven in the series while averaging 125.6 points.
PREDICTION: Rockets 122, Suns 101
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming together as the postseason approaches and get a four-game homestand to try to lock up homecourt advantage in the first round. The Cavaliers will try to pick up their seventh win in eight games when they open that homestand by hosting the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
Cleveland enters play on Thursday in third place in the Eastern Conference, a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, after bouncing back from a rare loss by knocking off the Charlotte Hornets 118-105 on Wednesday. That win came without All-Star forward Kevin Love, who was placed in the concussion protocol after taking an elbow to the face during a loss at Miami on Tuesday and is day-to-day. The Pelicans are fighting for position in the Western Conference and are sitting two games ahead of the ninth-place Los Angeles Clippers but are coming off back-to-back losses to a pair of teams above them in the standings. New Orleans dropped a 107-103 decision at home to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday while committing 16 turnovers and giving up 17 offensive rebounds.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Ohio (Cleveland)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (43-32): Anthony Davis is trying to carry New Orleans but is getting plenty of help from guard Jrue Holiday, who collected a triple-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the loss to Portland. "I think every game we've played, probably for a month and a half, felt like a playoff game," Holiday told reporters. "This one just hurts a little bit because we -- well, we really want to win every game, but this one, I think, we really wanted." Holiday took on some extra ball-handling responsibilities on Tuesday with Rajon Rondo (wrist) out, and Rondo is questionable for Friday.
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (45-30): LeBron James continues to make history and is on the verge of passing Michael Jordan in consecutive double-digit scoring efforts. James scored 41 points in Wednesday's win to tie Jordan's record at 866 straight games. "I can't even tell you how I've been able to do it," James told reporters. "It's not like I go into every game saying, 'OK, I've got to get 10 points.' It's just kind of organic. It happens, and anytime I'm mentioned with some of the greats, and arguably the greatest basketball player of all time in Mike, it's just another feat for me to be appreciative and humbled by what I've been able to do."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Cavaliers PG George Hill is 6-of-19 from the floor over the last two games after combining to go 19-of-27 in the previous three.
2. Pelicans PF Nikola Mirotic is shooting 29 percent from the floor, including 20.5 percent from 3-point range, over his last 10 games.
3. New Orleans took the first meeting 123-101 at home on Oct. 28.
PREDICTION: Cavaliers 119, Pelicans 114
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Denver Nuggets are facing an uphill climb in their pursuit of a Western Conference playoff spot as they enter Friday's road contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Denver sits two games behind eighth-place Utah, with the Los Angeles Clippers sandwiched in between, after losing four of its last six contests.
The Nuggets suffered a 114-110 loss in Toronto on Tuesday, and coach Michael Malone was highly disappointed with his squad's lack of urgency. "We have seven games to go," Malone told reporters. "Every (darn) play matters, and right now, we're not playing like every play matters. We're playing like we have 30 games to go in the season, and I can't explain that. It's unacceptable." Oklahoma City dropped a 103-99 decision to San Antonio on Thursday and is tied for fourth place with the Spurs, who own the tiebreaker. Thunder star Russell Westbrook recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds but also committed seven turnovers and missed two late 3-point attempts, including an untimely air-ball.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), FS Oklahoma
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (40-35): Denver is 2-4 on its six-game road trip and will finish it the way it started - without the services of shooting guard Gary Harris. The 23-year-old will miss his seventh straight contest due to the knee injury he suffered on March 15, and the Nuggets badly miss his ability to stretch defenses - as well as his 17.7 point average, which puts him second on the club behind Nikola Jokic (17.8). Denver received a strong performance from Jokic (29 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists) against Toronto, and he has scored 20 or more points in eight of his last 11 contests.
ABOUT THE THUNDER (44-32): All-Star Paul George had a stellar game against the Spurs with 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. It was a much-needed performance for the 27-year-old after he averaged 14 points on 7-of-31 shooting - including missing all 13 3-point attempts - over his previous two contests. Meanwhile, Westbrook averaged 29 points, 10.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists over his previous four games before struggling through a lackluster 7-of-19 shooting effort against the Spurs.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Nuggets are 2-1 against the Thunder this season but dropped a 95-94 decision at Oklahoma City on Dec. 18.
2. Oklahoma City PF Carmelo Anthony is averaging just seven points on 8-of-27 shooting over his last three contests.
3. Denver PF Paul Millsap is averaging 18 points on 14-of-22 shooting over his last two games after scoring just two against Washington on March 23.
PREDICTION: Thunder 105, Nuggets 102
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Karl-Anthony Towns seeks an encore performance as he leads the Minnesota Timberwolves into a matchup at the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Towns erupted for a franchise-record 56 points to go along with 15 rebounds and four assists in a much-needed 126-114 win over Atlanta at home Wednesday night.
The effort allowed the Timberwolves to snap an ill-timed two-game slide and stay in seventh place in the Western Conference, 1 1/2 games up on the ninth-place Los Angeles Clippers. "I just realized the ball kept coming to me more and more often," Towns told reporters after also setting a career high with his 63rd double-double. "I guess that was a sign to shoot the ball. Everyone just kept telling me, 'You need six more, you need eight more, for 50.' I wasn't really thinking about that. I was just trying to find a way to win." Minnesota plays its remaining six games against teams below it in the West standings, beginning with a Mavericks squad that has dropped six of its last seven. Dallas shot 39.3 percent from the field overall and managed only 12 points in the fourth quarter of a 103-93 loss at the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Southwest Plus (Dallas)
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (43-33): Towns was 19-of-32 from the field, 6-of-8 from 3-point range and 12-of-15 from the foul line as he eclipsed the team's previous scoring high of 52 points set by Mo Williams in 2015. "He was all over the place, rebounding, scoring, dominating the game," teammate Andrew Wiggins told reporters. "They couldn't do nothing with him. He played amazing. Dominant performance. Special performance." Towns averages 24.7 points on 60.5 percent shooting to go along with 11.7 rebounds in three wins over Dallas this season.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (23-52): Coach Rick Carlisle is utilizing his entire roster when he can and nine players saw between 20 and 26 minutes of action against the Lakers. Rookie star Dennis Smith Jr. finished with 14 points, eight assists and one turnover in 22 minutes after going for 19 points and six assists in 25 minutes in a win at Sacramento the previous night. Dirk Nowitzki averaged 4.3 points on 6-of-24 shooting over his previous three contests before recording 13 points on 4-of-7 on Wednesday.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Wiggins was held below 20 points for the fourth straight time against Atlanta after scoring 20 or more in nine of his previous 11 games.
2. Mavericks PG J.J. Barea missed the last two games due to personal reasons.
3. Minnesota won each of the last four meetings.
PREDICTION: Timberwolves 112, Mavericks 105
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Utah Jazz are fighting to stay in the top eight of the Western Conference and can't afford to drop another game to a team well out of the playoff race. The Jazz will try to avoid dropping back-to-back games for the first time since mid-January when they host the lowly Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
Utah, which had a nine-game winning streak come to an end with a home loss to the Eastern Conference-worst Atlanta Hawks on Mar. 20, was stunned at the buzzer by the Boston Celtics in a 97-94 loss on Wednesday. "We just didn't execute the way we needed to in some situations," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "All that aside, we didn't rebound defensively down the stretch. Whether it was the free-throw line late, I felt like if we could've secured a couple of defensive boards, that makes up for when you're struggling on the offensive end." Utah goes into play on Thursday in eighth place in the West, one game ahead of the ninth-place Los Angeles Clippers. The Grizzlies stunned another playoff contender with a 108-103 win over Portland on Wednesday as the roster tries to earn a spot not only in the franchise but in the NBA.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (21-54): Memphis signed 29-year-old shooting guard MarShon Brooks to a 10-day contract and he scored 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting in his season debut on Wednesday. Brooks, who was playing in an NBA game for the first time since April 16, 2014, is a former first-round draft pick and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range against the Trail Blazers. "If you look back, he's a bucket getter," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters of Brooks. "You look at what he's done since he's been in the Chinese league. That's what he does. He scores the ball. You don't have to run plays for him. The ball finds him and one-on-one situations, you see he's hard to guard. His ability to make shots from deep puts pressure on defenses."
ABOUT THE JAZZ (42-33): Rookie guard Donovan Mitchell scored a team-high 22 points on Wednesday but was 7-of-20 from the floor and committed four turnovers. "They just played zone," Mitchell told reporters. "It was a little different look. That was pretty much it. I turned the ball over at the end of the game. We have to take care of the ball." Backcourt mate Ricky Rubio was just 4-of-14 from the floor in the setback but finished with 10 assists after failing to record an assist in a win at Golden State on Sunday.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Grizzlies SG Wayne Selden scored in double figures in six of the last seven games, raising his season average to 9.1.
2. Jazz PG Dante Exum is 10-of-14 from the floor over the last three games.
3. Utah held Memphis to an average of 83 points in winning the last two meetings.
PREDICTION: Jazz 106, Grizzlies 89
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Clippers are surging toward the top eight in the Western Conference with wins in three straight, but the schedule is not getting any easier down the stretch. The Clippers will try to push it to four in a row when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Los Angeles sits one game behind the eighth-place Utah Jazz in a tightly-packed group led by the Trail Blazers, who occupy the No. 3 spot. The Clippers used an 18-0 run in the fourth quarter to skip past the Phoenix Suns in a 111-99 win on Wednesday and spent the night watching the rest of the scores from around the league. "Of course everybody is caught into that right now," Los Angeles guard Austin Rivers told reporters. "I think teams that aren't even in the race are caught up in it right now because they just want to see. So, we're watching. We know who lost tonight. We know who won tonight. We're not caught up in it, but we're definitely keeping an eye on it." Portland is keeping an eye on it as well and is suddenly looking vulnerable with losses in three of the last five games, including a stunning 108-103 setback at the lowly Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBCS Northwest (Portland)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (41-34): Los Angeles only has one road game left on the schedule after Friday -- at Utah on Thursday -- but will play six of its final seven games against teams with winning records. "Every game is do-or-die for us," center DeAndre Jordan told the Los Angeles Times. "Every game we drop, it's going to be tougher and tougher for us to extend our season, like I keep saying. We still got a chance and I think we're still optimistic in this locker room. But we've got to take care of business." Jordan is doing his part by averaging 17.3 rebounds while shooting 64.1 percent from the floor in March.
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (46-29): Portland won 13 straight prior to the current lull and beat a pair of playoff teams on the road at Oklahoma City and New Orleans before suffering the letdown in Memphis. "We had leads and let them come back in the game; didn't sustain it," shooting guard CJ McCollum told reporters. "We didn't sustain our brand of basketball, gave up some easy points, gave up some second chance opportunities, and they competed, battled and won the game." McCollum scored 42 points on 16-of-25 shooting in the loss while All-Star point guard Damian Lillard missed the game following the birth of his child.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Blazers PG Wade Baldwin IV made his second appearance of the season on Wednesday and scored 15 points in 21 minutes off the bench.
2. Clippers PG Milos Teodosic (foot) sat out Wednesday and is day-to-day.
3. Los Angeles won 104-103 at Portland on Oct. 26 but lost the two meetings at home.
PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 112, Clippers 109
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018
30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The eighth-place Milwaukee Bucks strive to move closer to clinching an Eastern Conference playoff spot when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Milwaukee recorded an impressive 116-107 road victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday and is five games ahead of the ninth-place Detroit Pistons with seven games remaining.
All-Star small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated the host Warriors with 32 points on 14-of-18 shooting and the Bucks took a 20-point lead into the fourth quarter before prevailing. "This gives us a lot of confidence," Antetokonumpo said in a postgame television interview. "We got another game (Friday) versus the Lakers. We got to come out and play hard but (this) is a great win." The Lakers might be without rookie point guard Lonzo Ball, who is listed as questionable after Thursday's MRI exam revealed he suffered a bruised left knee during Wednesday's 103-93 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. "It wasn't in the spot that I previously hurt it that caused me to miss a lot of games so I wasn't too worried about it," Ball told reporters, referring to a 15-game absence that stretched from mid-January through the following month's All-Star break. "It's just kind of like a bruise. It just hurts but I should be back soon."
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Spectrum Sports Net (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE BUCKS (40-35): Antetokounmpo tweaked the right ankle that caused him to miss a game last week during the third quarter of Thursday's game but indicated afterward that it wasn't an issue. "I feel good," Antetokounmpo said. "I just have to play through it and that's what I do." Swingman Khris Middleton scored 23 points despite briefly leaving during the first half with a hyperextended knee but he assured reporters after the contest that he would play against the Lakers.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (33-41): Guard Isaiah Thomas is done for the season and perhaps for good with the Lakers after undergoing surgery on his right hip Thursday. Thomas, who will be a unrestricted free agent following the campaign, averaged 15.6 points and five assists in 17 games after being acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles coach Luke Walton appreciated his attitude. "He never complained," Walton told reporters. "Every day, I asked him how he was feeling, he said, 'I feel great, coach.' Obviously, he was in some pain and had some discomfort. I didn't know about it because he was always saying how good he felt."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Antetokounmpo recorded 33 points and 15 rebounds as the Bucks defeated the visiting Lakers 98-90 on Nov. 11.
2. Milwaukee C Thon Maker (groin) is expected to miss his third straight game.
3. Los Angeles PF Julius Randle has posted four straight double-doubles and nine in the past 11 games, while averaging 22.4 points and 10.6 rebounds during the stretch.
PREDICTION: Lakers 107, Bucks 103
NBA
Friday, March 30
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Trend Report
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CHICAGO @ ORLANDO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Chicago
PHILADELPHIA @ ATLANTA
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Atlanta is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
NEW ORLEANS @ CLEVELAND
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
New Orleans is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
DENVER @ OKLAHOMA CITY
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Denver
Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
PHOENIX @ HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
MINNESOTA @ DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
MEMPHIS @ UTAH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Utah
Memphis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Memphis
MILWAUKEE @ LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home
LA Lakers is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
LA CLIPPERS @ PORTLAND
LA Clippers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Clippers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Portland is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games at home
Portland is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games
NBA
Long Sheet
Friday, March 30
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CHICAGO (24 - 51) at ORLANDO (22 - 52) - 3/30/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
ORLANDO is 66-87 ATS (-29.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 28-48 ATS (-24.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-3 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHILADELPHIA (44 - 30) at ATLANTA (21 - 54) - 3/30/2018, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-1 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW ORLEANS (43 - 32) at CLEVELAND (45 - 30) - 3/30/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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DENVER (40 - 35) at OKLAHOMA CITY (44 - 32) - 3/30/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 44-66 ATS (-28.6 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
DENVER is 51-34 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 30-44 ATS (-18.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-38 ATS (-18.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-5 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-3 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (19 - 57) at HOUSTON (61 - 14) - 3/30/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 9-1 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MINNESOTA (43 - 33) at DALLAS (23 - 52) - 3/30/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 32-45 ATS (-17.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 368-434 ATS (-109.4 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 409-335 ATS (+40.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-5 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MEMPHIS (21 - 54) at UTAH (42 - 33) - 3/30/2018, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 5-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MILWAUKEE (40 - 35) at LA LAKERS (33 - 41) - 3/30/2018, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 4-1 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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LA CLIPPERS (41 - 34) at PORTLAND (46 - 29) - 3/30/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 220-274 ATS (-81.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
PORTLAND is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in March games this season.
PORTLAND is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 41-33 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a division game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 8-8 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 9-7 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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