Betting news, trends, odds and predictions for Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from various handicappers and websites
Wednesday’s NBA games
Home side won nine of last ten Boston-Toronto games; Celtics are 0-5 vs spread in last five visits to Canada. Seven of last nine series games stayed under the total. Celtics won six of their last seven games; they’re 12-4 as road underdogs this season, 5-6 if they played night before. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Raptors lost three of last four games; they’re 0-5 vs spread in last five home games. Over is 6-3 in their last nine games.
76ers won/covered last three games with Detroit; they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to the Motor City. Under is 5-1 in last six series games. Philly won its last 11 games, covered its last nine; they’re 5-2 in last seven games as road favorites. Sixers’ last four games stayed under the total. Pistons won their last five games, covered their last eight; they’re 6-5 as home underdogs this year. Six of their last nine games stayed under.
Home side won last six Dallas-Orlando games; Mavericks are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to central Florida. Over is 6-4 in last ten series games. Dallas lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 3-3 as road favorites this season. Five of last six series games stayed under. Orlando lost six of its last eight games; they’re 6-5-1 vs spread if they played night before, 10-6 in last 16 games as home dogs. Under is 7-1 in last eight Magic games.
Miami is 7-3 in its last ten games with the Hawks; they beat then 101-98 at home last night, are 4-1 vs spread in last five visits to Atlanta. Under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Miami won three of its last four games; they’re 4-6 as road favorites. Four of their last six games went under the total. Atlanta lost six of its last seven games; they’re 4-8 in last 12 games as home underdogs. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Grizzlies are 7-3 in last ten games with New Orleans; they’re 3-1 vs spread in last four visits to Bourbon Street. Four of last five series games stayed under total. Memphis lost six of its last eight games; they’re 5-8 in last 13 games as road underdogs. Six of their last eight games went over the total. Pelicans lost their last four games; they’re 4-1 in last five tries as home favorites. Eight of their last ten games stayed under.
Lakers won their last three games with the Spurs; over is 8-2 in last ten series games. Spurs are 2-3 vs spread in last five series games played here. San Antonio lost three of last five games; they are 0-5 vs spread in last five road games. Over is 4-2 in their last six games. Lakers lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four home games. Under is 3-1 in their last four home games.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons Preview and Predictions 04-04-2018
4th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia 76ers lost another big man but kept on rolling Tuesday night at home. They hope to stay hot and keep the heat on in the Eastern Conference playoff race when they put an 11-game winning streak on the line at the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
Days after All-Star center Joel Embiid was sidelined with an orbital fracture, forward Dario Saric was held out of Philadelphia's 121-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets due to cellulitis in his right elbow, the result of a cut suffered last week at the New York Knicks. Ersan Ilyasova stepped into the starting lineup against the Nets and responded with 11 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie Ben Simmons continued his recent tear with 15 points, 12 boards and six assists as the Sixers stayed within a half-game of third-place Cleveland in the East. The Pistons' playoff chances are hanging by a thread but they've won five in a row and seven of eight to stay alive. They survived the ejection of All-Star center Andre Drummond in a 108-96 win at Brooklyn on Sunday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Detroit
ABOUT THE 76ERS (47-30): Veterans JJ Redick and Marco Belinelli are playing perhaps their best basketball at the most important time for Philadelphia. Redick scored 19 points against the Nets - his fifth straight game with at least that many - and Belinelli added 17 on 7-of-11 shooting, the eighth time in his last nine games that he's shot at least 50 percent from the floor. Rookie Markelle Fultz scored exactly 10 points for the third time in five games since returning from a shoulder injury and saw some time on the floor with Simmons in the third quarter, a scenario coach Brett Brown indicated he will "continue to try to look at."
ABOUT THE PISTONS (37-40): It's likely too little too late to save Detroit's season, but the team has to be encouraged by the play of Reggie Jackson since he returned from a lengthy injury layoff, as the 27-year-old scored a season-high 29 points at Brooklyn and is averaging 18.8 over his last five games. Anthony Tolliver continues to fill in for the injured Blake Griffin and posted 16.2 points per game average during the same stretch. "Whenever things are not going your way or you have some guys go out - whether it be by injury or by whatever - you just have to figure out a way to win," Tolliver told reporters after knocking off the Nets. "We had guys step up."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Drummond managed a double-double prior to his ejection and he needs one more to reach 60 in that category for the second time in his career.
2. Simmons has at least a double-double in seven straight games.
3. Philadelphia took each of the first three meetings, including a 114-78 rout Jan. 5 at home.
PREDICTION: 76ers 109, Pistons 105
Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 04-04-2018
4th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Orlando Magic are coming off one of their top performances of the season as they enter Wednesday's home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Orlando allowed its fewest points of the campaign in Tuesday's 97-73 road victory over the New York Knicks and gave up just 28 in the second half.
The impressive showing marked just the third time in the past 14 games that the Magic emerged victorious and the offensive prowess included 11 makes from 3-point range. "The 3-ball is a powerful weapon and we're just refining our shot selection to take the right one," Orlando coach Frank Vogel told reporters after the victory. "We had a dramatic difference in our patience from the last game." Dallas also produced a stellar performance on Tuesday when it knocked off the Portland Trail Blazers 115-109 for just its second win in the past 10 games. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said that rookie point guard Dennis Smith (knee) will be held out against the Magic after recording 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists against Portland.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), FS Florida (Orlando)
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (24-54): Center Nerlens Noel turned down a four-year, $70 million contract in the offseason and later signed Dallas' qualifying offer of $4.1 million season in hopes of hitting it big as a free agent this summer. That gamble didn't pay off as he averaged just 4.4 points per game and his season came to an end on Tuesday when he was suspended for the final five games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program. "He was contrite," Carlisle told reporters of his conversation with Noel. "What I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt is this guy has been a terrific guy to be around."
ABOUT THE MAGIC (23-54): Small forward Mario Hezonja stood out by going 5-of-8 from 3-point range and had 19 points along with six rebounds in the victory over the Knicks. Hezonja has received a more extensive role since Evan Fournier was lost to a knee injury and Vogel is seeing impressive signs of growth from the 23-year-old from Croatia. "He always has those one or two plays that make you scratch your head a little bit but he's playing good basketball and he continues to grow," Vogel told reporters after Tuesday's win. "He's got a great attitude and a refreshing spirit."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Mavericks have won 10 of the past 12 meetings, including a 114-99 home victory on Jan. 9.
2. Dallas G J.J. Barea had 15 points in 21 minutes against Portland after missing four games due to personal reasons.
3. Orlando F Jonathan Isaac (sprained left ankle) sat out against the Knicks and is unlikely to play Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Magic 104, Mavericks 100
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 04-04-2018
4th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Miami Heat clinched a playoff spot on the front end of the back-to-back with Atlanta and look to finish it off with another victory when they visit the Hawks on Wednesday. Miami rattled off the final 11 points of Tuesday's 101-98 victory to reach the playoffs for the 12th time in the past 15 seasons.
The Heat lost a tiebreaker for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot last season so coach Erik Spoelstra was glad to see the late rally that clinched a berth with four games left to play. "There is only one way with this group and it's the hard way," Spoelstra told reporters in his postgame press conference. "It's gratifying to see how the team finds a way to persevere and show resilience to get it done." Atlanta has dropped 12 of its last 14 games but received a strong outing from rookie power forward John Collins with 19 points and 10 rebounds against the Heat. Forward Taurean Prince played only 10 first-half minutes but Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer wasn't in a sharing mood per the reason, simply calling it a "coach's decision."
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)
ABOUT THE HEAT (42-36): Center Hassan Whiteside recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds in his first contest since angrily ripping Spoelstra for not playing him at all in the final 21 minutes of Saturday's overtime loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Whiteside was fined an undisclosed amount for "comments detrimental to the team" and Spoelstra was not surprised that the big man responded in a positive fashion. "There is a lot of emotion in competition and it is so much different than in was 10 years ago," Spoelstra told reporters after the victory. "You saw his impact but let's be real about it, this is not the first time he has had an impact in a win this year and we will continue to build on this."
ABOUT THE HAWKS (22-56): Rookie guard Tyler Dorsey received 38 minutes of playing time on Tuesday and impressed Budenholzer by making four 3-pointers and contributing 18 points. "Tyler was great, he hit some big buckets," Budenholzer told reporters in a postgame television interview. "I think he is learning. This was a great test for him, their guards are physical so for him to get some separation and get some shots was great for him." Dorsey is averaging 18.5 points over the past two games and has reached double digits in six of the past seven games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Tuesday's victory gave the Heat a 2-1 lead in the season series.
2. Miami C Bam Adebayo (ankle) is expected to miss his third straight contest.
3. Atlanta C Dewayne Dedmon (rib) sat out Tuesday and is doubtful to play Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Hawks 96, Heat 93
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors Preview and Predictions 04-04-2018
4th April 2018 by Gracenote
The race for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference intensifies Wednesday when the first-place Toronto Raptors host the Boston Celtics. Both teams lost games Tuesday night, leaving them separated by two games with five to play, including this final encounter of the season series that will also determine the tiebreaker between the two teams.
The Raptors have lost two in a row for the first time since mid-January and five of eight overall as they navigate a run of difficult opponents. "It's good for us," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said Tuesday. "Last year we were playing against some teams that were so-called rebuilding and we were winning by 15-20 points. It did not get us ready for the playoffs. These games, playing against a good team like Cleveland, a good team like Boston will help us get ready, harden us, showing some things we need to be better in." The Celtics saw their six-game winning streak snapped with a 106-102 loss at Milwaukee while operating with a limited roster as physical issues continue to pile up. Already without guards Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart, Boston chose to sit Terry Rozier (ankle) and Shane Larkin (illness) against the Bucks, giving G League player Kadeem Allen an unexpected start.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Boston, TSN 4/5 (Toronto)
ABOUT THE CELTICS (53-24): Irving is recovering from knee surgery and coach Brad Stevens said postgame that Tuesday's team - plus Rozier and Larkin - would constitute the team's active roster when the playoffs begin, eliminating any chance that Irving returns to begin the postseason. Jaylen Brown scored 24 points on Tuesday and the second-year pro has produced at least 19 in three of five games since returning from a concussion. Rookie Jayson Tatum, who had 24 points in the 110-99 win over Toronto at home on Saturday, added 20 versus the Bucks and is averaging 20.8 over his last four contests.
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (55-22): Kyle Lowry was limited to five points on 2-of-11 shooting in Tuesday's loss and the All-Star is 6-for-24 over the last two games. "I played terrible," Lowry - who traveled to San Antonio on Monday to watch his alma mater Villanova claim the NCAA championship - told reporters. "Just a bad game overall for me. I'll take the 'L' on me." DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors with 19 points after scoring 32 to go along with seven assists and seven rebounds in the loss at Boston.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. DeRozan averages 5.2 assists but has at least seven in four straight games.
2. Toronto PG Fred VanVleet is 20-of-36 from 3-point range over a six-game stretch.
3. The Celtics have a 2-1 season series lead but the Raptors rolled to a 20-point win in the one meeting in Toronto.
PREDICTION: Raptors 108, Celtics 102
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview and Predictions 04-04-2018
3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
The New Orleans Pelicans put themselves in a precarious position by losing their last four games and are on the verge of falling out of the top eight in the Western Conference. The Pelicans will try to take advantage of a lighter spot in the schedule and snap the slide when they host the lowly Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
New Orleans goes into play on Tuesday one game ahead of the ninth-place Denver Nuggets and a half-game behind the seventh-place Minnesota Timberwolves after falling to four straight playoff contenders, capped by a 109-104 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. "I think we have to play a little more loose," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "We're playing a little bit tight, and that's the reason I think we turned it over a little bit. We just have to get back to playing and enjoying the game and understanding that we have to embrace the situation. We have to embrace it and we have to go out and play (the way) we are capable of playing." New Orleans will play three straight on the road after finishing up with Memphis and still has games left against Golden State and San Antonio. The Grizzlies dropped the first two games of their road trip at playoff contenders Utah and Portland and is taking a look at younger players while playing out the string.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), FS New Orleans
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (21-56): Rookie small forward Dillon Brooks took his opportunity to step up in Sunday's loss at Portland and collected 28 points, six rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals while knocking down four 3-pointers. Brooks was back in Oregon, where he played in college, and received a nice ovation from the opposing fans. "I always get a standing ovation, which is nice," Brooks told reporters. "I gave all that I had for the University of Oregon, we made history and I feel like that's why me, (Golden State Warriors forward) Jordan (Bell) or anybody on that team they show respect. And it's a great state, fans and people. They cheer for their Trail Blazers and they cheer for their Oregon Ducks regardless, so it feels great."
ABOUT THE PELICANS (43-34): New Orleans committed 21 turnovers in Sunday's loss but insists the pressure of the race is not getting to the team. "I think we are trying to make the right play, but I don't think we are thinking the game all the way through," All-Star forward Anthony Davis told reporters. "That's for everybody, including myself. We've got to make sure we just go out there and just play. I don't want to say we are playing tight, but we are doing stuff that we normally don't do. We have got to get back to how we were playing." Davis collected 25 points and 11 rebounds on Sunday but is 14-of-36 from the floor over the last two contests.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Grizzlies SG MarShon Brooks (ankle) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.
2. Pelicans PF Nikola Mirotic is 4-of-17 from 3-point range over his last four games.
3. Memphis took the first two meetings this season, but New Orleans won the latest matchup 111-104 at home on Jan. 20.
PREDICTION: Pelicans 109, Grizzlies 99
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Predictions 04-04-2018
4th April 2018 by Gracenote
The San Antonio Spurs' streak of 18 consecutive 50-win seasons has reached an end as the team finds itself in a battle for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Spurs will try to take a step toward that quest when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
San Antonio's chances at another 50-victory campaign evaporated with Tuesday's 113-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, which dropped it into a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference with the Utah Jazz, who own the tiebreaker. Coach Gregg Popovich was dejected after a defeat he termed "very disappointing" in a brief 43-second interaction with reporters and said the "defense caved in in the fourth quarter," when the Clippers scored 41 points. The Lakers are fading fast with three straight losses and eight in their last 10 contests after falling 117-110 to Utah on Tuesday. Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) will miss his fourth straight game while Brandon Ingram (concussion) will sit out for the third consecutive contest.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Southwest (San Antonio), Spectrum Sports Net (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE SPURS (45-33): Tuesday's defeat was just the third in 11 games for the Spurs, but it left a bitter feeling after the team squandered a 19-point advantage. Veteran Manu Ginobili wasn't the least bit thrilled to field a question about the 50-win streak ending, as he said, "Come on. That's the most ridiculous thing ever. We want to make the playoffs." All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, who recorded 35 points and nine rebounds, has scored 25 or more in seven of his last nine games - averaging 30.4 during the stretch.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (33-44): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (28 points) and Kyle Kuzma (26) scored nearly half the points as the Lakers came up short against Utah. Both players received extra minutes with the team thin on players, and coach Luke Walton stated after Tuesday's game that Ball and Ingram might not return this season. "We plan on not having them," Walton said in his postgame press conference. "If we get them back, great. If not, we will keep going with these guys."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Lakers have won their last three meetings with the Spurs, including the first two this season.
2. San Antonio SG Danny Green is just 5-of-19 shooting over his last two games.
3. Lakers PF Julius Randle registered 12 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists against Utah to narrowly miss his sixth career triple-double.
PREDICTION: Spurs 101, Lakers 90