NBA News and Notes Friday 1/16

Toronto Raptors vs. Indiana Pacers

The Raptors were upset 102-98 by the Bulls as 4-point favorites last time out. That game's 200 points made it OVER the posted total of 199.

Andrea Bargnani had a double-double with a game-high 31 points and 10 rebounds.

The Pacers pulled ahead late in the overtime and came away with a thrilling 110-106 win over the Pistons on Wednesday. The Pacers covered the 2-point spread, and the game's 216 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.5.

Danny Granger had 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Pacers, and T.J. Ford added 21 in the victory.

Current streak:
Toronto has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 16-24 SU, 16-23-1 ATS
Indiana: 14-25 SU, 20-18-1 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing New Orleans are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing Toronto

Next up:
Toronto home to Phoenix, Sunday, January 18
Indiana at New Orleans, Monday, January 19

New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards

The Knicks defeated the Wizards 128-122 in the opener on Wednesday. The Knicks managed to cover the 4.5-point spread, and the game's 250 points sailed OVER the posted total of 200.5.

David Lee had a double-double with 30 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks. Al Harrington added 27 points and Quentin Richardson chipped in with 26.

Nick Young dropped a game-high 33 points for the Wizards, and Caron Butler had 25 in a losing effort.

Current streak:
New York has won 2 straight games.
Washington has lost 6 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 15-22 SU, 20-17 ATS
Washington: 7-31 SU, 15-23 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a win are 3-7

Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 6-4
After playing New York are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games
New York is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing New York
Washington is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Washington is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games at home
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York

Next up:
New York home to Philadelphia, Saturday, January 17
Washington at Golden State, Monday, January 19

San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Spurs were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to sneak out a 112-111 win over the Lakers on Wednesday. The Spurs failed to cover the 2.5-point spread, while the 223 points sailed OVER the posted total of 200.

Tim Duncan had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Manu Ginobili scored a team-high 27 points in the win.

The 76ers won their fifth straight last time out with a convincing 100-79 victory over the Trail Blazers, as 2-point underdogs. That game's 179 points went UNDER the posted total of 193.

Andre Iguodala led the way with a game-high 29 points, while hauling down four rebounds with six assists.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 5 straight games.

Team records:
San Antonio: 25-12 SU, 17-19-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 18-20 SU, 19-19 ATS

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Chicago are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing New York are 3-7
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

Next up:
San Antonio at Chicago, Saturday, January 17
Philadelphia at New York, Saturday, January 17

New Orleans Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Chris Paul had a triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the Hornets to a 102-94 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday. The Hornets covered the 4-point spread, and the game's 196 points made it OVER the posted total of 189.5.

David West and Peja Stojakovic chipped in with 16 points apiece in the win.

The Cavaliers were defeated 102-93 by the Bulls last time out, as 8-point favorites. The 195 points fell UNDER the posted total of 196.5.

LeBron James netted 28 points to go with 14 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.

Team records:
New Orleans: 23-12 SU, 15-18-2 ATS
Cleveland: 30-7 SU, 26-11 ATS

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a loss are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 13-2 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Cleveland is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games

Next up:
New Orleans at Detroit, Saturday, January 17
Cleveland at LA Lakers, Monday, January 19

Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Jazz were upset by the lowly Thunder 114-93 last time out, as 5-point favorites on the road. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.5.

Deron Williams tossed in 25 points to go with six assists in the loss.

Kyle Lowry led the way for Memphis with 25 points and seven assists in its 102-87 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday night.

Cleveland cashed as 9-point road favorites as the game played over the 183-point total listed by linesmakers.

Current streak:
Memphis has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
Utah: 23-16 SU, 21-18 ATS
Memphis: 11-27 SU, 15-22-1 ATS

Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Detroit are 6-4
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Memphis's last 23 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next up:
Utah at Dallas, Saturday, January 17
Memphis home to Detroit, Monday, January 19

Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Pistons lost 110-106 to the Pacers in overtime on Wednesday, as 2-point road underdogs. That game's 216 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.5.

Rodney Stuckey had 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the loss.

Six players reached double figures as the Thunder ripped apart the Jazz 114-93 on Wednesday, as 5-point underdogs. The game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.5.

Russell Westbrook had 22 points with seven assists. Jeff Green had 23 points, while and Kevin Durant added 21 in the win.

Current streak:
Detroit has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Detroit: 22-15 SU, 16-21 ATS
Oklahoma City: 7-33 SU, 26-14 ATS

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing New Orleans are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Miami are 3-7
After playing Utah are 4-6
After a win are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Detroit's last 13 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Oklahoma City is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Oklahoma City is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

Next up:
Detroit home to New Orleans, Saturday, January 17
Oklahoma City home to Miami, Sunday, January 18

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns

Randy Foye paced Minnesota with 29 points and eight assists in its 99-96 loss to Miami on Tuesday night.

Miami cashed as a road pick 'em, as the game played under the 197-point total listed by sportsbooks.

The Suns fell 119-113 to the Nuggets in overtime on Thursday, as 1.5-point road underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 217.5.

Steve Nash led the Suns with 20 points, seven rebounds and 14 assists.

Team records:
Minnesota: 11-26 SU, 17-19-1 ATS
Phoenix: 22-14 SU, 13-23 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 10 games
Minnesota is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Phoenix is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Phoenix is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

Next up:
Minnesota at LA Clippers, Monday, January 19
Phoenix at Toronto, Sunday, January 18

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Sacramento Kings

The Bucks were upset 102-99 by the Heat last time out, as 6-point favorites at home. The game's 201 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.

Luke Ridnor tossed in 25 points with nine rebounds in a losing effort.

The Kings let down in the fourth quarter and had to earn a 135-133 triple overtime victory over the Warriors last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 226.5.

Brad Miller had 30 points to go with 22 rebounds for a double-double, and John Salmons tossed in 25 points in the win.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 19-22 SU, 25-14-2 ATS
Sacramento: 10-30 SU, 19-21 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing Sacramento
Milwaukee is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Sacramento is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Sacramento is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Sacramento's last 13 games when playing Milwaukee

Next up:
Milwaukee at LA Clippers, Saturday, January 17
Sacramento at Denver, Tuesday, January 20

Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dwight Howard had 25 points, 15 rebounds, and four steals, as the Magic hammered the Kings 139-107 on Tuesday night.

Orlando cashed as 10-point road favorites as the game played over the 200-point total listed by oddsmakers.

The Lakers came up short in a 112-111 loss to the Spurs last time out, as 2.5-point road underdogs. The 223 points sailed OVER the posted total of 200.

Kobe Bryant had 29 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in a losing effort.

Current streak:
Orlando has won 5 straight games.

Team records:
Orlando: 31-8 SU, 26-12-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 31-7 SU, 18-20 ATS

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Cleveland are 2-8
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 16-3 ATS in its last 19 games
Orlando is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
LA Lakers are 17-1 SU in their last 18 games at home
LA Lakers are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games
LA Lakers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games

Next up:
Orlando at Denver, Saturday, January 17
LA Lakers home to Cleveland, Monday, January 19

Atlanta Hawks vs. Golden State Warriors

The Hawks pulled ahead in the second quarter and went on to defeat the Clippers 97-79 on Wednesday. The Hawks covered the 4-point spread, while the combined 176 points fell UNDER the posted total of 193.

Josh Smith led the way with 26 points, and eight rebounds. Joe Johnson added 21 in the victory.

The Warriors lost a tough 135-133 game to the Kings in triple overtime on Wednesday, as 5.5-point favorites at home. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 226.5.

Jamal Crawford netted a game-high 35 points, and C.J. Watson added 26 in the loss.

Team records:
Atlanta: 23-15 SU, 21-17 ATS
Golden State: 11-29 SU, 17-23 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Toronto are 7-3
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 7-3

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Golden State
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Golden State's last 8 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Golden State's last 18 games at home

Next up:
Atlanta home to Toronto, Monday, January 19
Golden State home to Washington, Monday, January 19

NEW YORK vs. WASHINGTON
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
New York is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
Washington is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New York
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York

SAN ANTONIO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Antonio is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
San Antonio is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

TORONTO vs. INDIANA
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Indiana is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto

DETROIT vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Oklahoma City is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Oklahoma City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

NEW ORLEANS vs. CLEVELAND
New Orleans is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans

UTAH vs. MEMPHIS
Utah is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah

MINNESOTA vs. PHOENIX
Minnesota is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

MILWAUKEE vs. SACRAMENTO
Milwaukee is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
Sacramento is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

ATLANTA vs. GOLDEN STATE
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Golden State is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Golden State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

ORLANDO vs. LA LAKERS
Orlando is 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Orlando is 1-10 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games at home
LA Lakers are 17-1 SU in their last 18 games at home

Hot Teams
-- 76ers won last five games, covered last six. Spurs won, covered their last three road games.
-- Knicks won last two games, covered three of last four.
-- Cavaliers haven't lost yet at home (15-4 vs spread).
-- Jazz won four of their last five games.
-- Oklahoma City is 14-3 vs spread in its last seventeen games.
-- Minnesota won five of its last six games. Suns won six of last eight games, but are 2-6 vs spread in last eight tries as a favorite.
-- Kings covered seven of last eight games; they won in three OTs two nights ago in Oakland. Milwaukee is 7-0 (6-1 vs spread) in game after its last six losses.
-- Lakers won ten of their last twelve games. Orlando won last four in a row, are 15-3 vs spread in last eighteen games.

Cold Teams
-- Toronto lost its last three games, by 6-6-4 points. Pacers lost three of last four games, but covered four of last five.
-- Wizards lost last six games (0-5 vs spread in last five).
-- Hornets are 2-6 vs spread in game after their last eight wins.
-- Grizzlies lost last four games, covered one of last seven.
-- Pistons lost three in row, five of last six games.
-- Hawks lost four of last five games, covered two of last seven. Golden State lost six of its last seven games.

Totals
-- Over is 15-3 in Indiana's last eighteen games.
-- Over is 8-3 in 76ers' last eleven games.
-- Seven of Knicks' last eight games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six New Orleans games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Ten of last twelve Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Laker games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3 in Atlanta's last ten games.

Back-to Back
-- 76ers are 7-4 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Knicks are 3-3 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Hornets are 5-3-1 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Cavaliers are 5-2 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Pistons are 5-2 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Suns are 4-3 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Milwaukee is 7-5 vs spread if it plays again the next night.
-- Orlando is 3-0 vs spread if playing first of two straight nites on road.

Tips and Trends

New Orleans Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers

Hornets: New Orleans opened a three-game road trip with a 104-97 victory at Dallas on Wednesday and hopes to knock off the Cavs to complete a sweep of the regular-season series. The Hornets know they can beat Cleveland - winning the last three meetings - including a 104-92 victory at home back on November 1st. “We’re looking forward to the challenge,” New Orleans reserve center Hilton Armstrong said. “We like the competition. Going in there knowing they haven’t lost is going to be a lot for us, especially if we give them their first loss. It’s going to be fun.”

Hornets are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The OVER is 24-9-2 in New Orleans' last 35 games vs. Central Division.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 92 (Side Play of the Day)

Cavs (-6, O/U 185): Cleveland will look to avoid suffering consecutive losses for the first time this season and has bounced back from each of its previous six defeats in dominating fashion. The Cavs have gone a perfect 6-0 ATS in their following game after a loss, winning each by an average of more than 21 points. None of those games were played on back-to-back nights, but Cleveland also owns an impressive 5-2 ATS mark when playing with no rest. The Cavs have failed to cover just four times en route to a perfect 19-0 record at home.

Cavs are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games.
The OVER is 7-1-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Ben Wallace (flu) is day-to-day.
C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (ankle) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 93

Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers

Magic: Orlando leads the NBA in 3-pointers made this season with 407 and now shares the top spot in the Eastern Conference with Cleveland and Boston after the Cavaliers lost at Chicago on Thursday. The Magic also set an NBA record in their latest win at Sacramento on Tuesday, sinking 23 shots from beyond the arc. “No disrespect to the other team, but we’re excited about getting the record, an NBA record,” Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson said. “Everyone is going to have trouble guarding the 3 against us because Dwight (Howard) is so tough to stop in the middle.”

Magic are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games vs. Pacific Division.
The OVER is 5-1 in Orlando's last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Mickael Pietrus (wrist) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 113 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Lakers (-4, O/U 212.5): LA might not have Dwight Howard patrolling the paint, but Andrew Bynum finally seems to be finding his groove inside after coming back from a serious knee injury. Bynum is averaging 18.2 points in his last five games and hopes to be a difference maker this time around against Howard. In the last meeting, Bynum scored just three points and picked up five fouls in 12 minutes of action as the Magic pulled off a 106-103 victory. The Lakers had won six of the previous seven meetings between the teams.

Lakers are 1-3 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
The OVER is 16-5 in LA's last 21 home games.

Key Injuries - G Sasha Vujacic (back) is questionable.
F Luke Walton (foot) is OUT.
G Jordan Farmar (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 117

Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs

Two ESPN televised games are slated to take over gambling action on Friday. New Orleans (23-12 straight up, 15-18-2 against the spread) will get the party started when it looks to invade Cleveland (30-6 SU, 26-10 ATS) at 8:00 p.m. EST, while the night capper has the Lakers (31-7 SU, 18-20 ATS) defending home court advantage against a hot Orlando (31-8 SU, 26-12-1 ATS) club.

New Orleans at Cleveland – 8:00 p.m. EST

New Orleans has had rocky results in the last six games. A loss in New York (101-95) on Monday marked the third defeat in five games played and, more importantly, displayed an anemic offense which hit only 38.4 percent of its shots. Overall this season, the Hornets have been hot from the hardwood by draining 45.8 percent of its field goals. Basically, this is not a team that has displayed problems on a game-to-game basis when it comes to hitting their field goal shots.

But more importantly, New Orleans has struggled with a 4-5 ATS record in the last nine. It’s been tough to make light of this situation as the Hornets took an ATS win against the Clippers (107-80) as 15 ½-point ‘chalk’ only to fall head first against the Knicks as 11 ½-point faves.

Irrelevant for this game at hand, but New Orleans is a lackluster 6-9 ATS this season when installed as seven to 14-point favorites this season.

The Hornets have rebounded nicely since the New York collapse, scoring a 104-97 win in Dallas on Wednesday. As the case has been for the majority of the season, New Orleans left the Mavericks with the ‘L’ by shooting 49 percent from the wood and 82.4 percent from the charity strips. Chris Paul exploded out of the gate, racking up a triple-double by night’s end. Paul, having just missed the rare quadruple double, found himself in the box score with 33 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and seven steals.

Since losing in Washington, 80-77, the Cavaliers have reeled off three straight victories since. Cleveland has excelled on defense by allowing just 83.7 PPG in the same three. The biggest accomplishment during this recent stretch witnessed the Celtics dropping the rock for just 83 points in a loss last Friday (Cleveland easily covered the four-point spread).

What seems to be a reoccurring theme (in regards to New Orleans and Cleveland) is books closing the door on the Cavaliers as double-digit favorites five times in the last 10 games and nine times this season. As a result, Cleveland is 2-3 ATS in the last five as double-digit ‘chalk’.

There’s no double-digit spread in this contest, so we can look at the Cavs’ impeccable 5-1 ATS report versus teams playing over .500 ball at home this season. Even sweeter is a 14-2 ATS run (3-0 ATS in the last three) in the last 16 home games (15-4 ATS at home this season).

Also be keen to the fact that the Cavs are 11-7 on the ‘under’ when books have closed the door on the total at 190 to 200 plus points. The opposite holds true with totals set at 185 to 189 ½ as Cleveland is 8-4 on the ‘over’.

New Orleans has covered the last three straight against the Cavs in head-to-head games.

Sportsbetting.com has installed Cleveland as five-point home favorites with a total set at 185.5.

Orlando at L.A. Lakers – 10:30 p.m. EST

Orlando has plenty of impressive numbers to flaunt in the faces of gamblers. They’ve gone 4-0 ATS in four straight, are 20-6 in the last 26 and have covered 10 of the last 12 on the road. A good reason for winning the last four outright and covering; scoring an incredible 117.8 PPG, allowing 98.5 PPG while shooting a lights out, 52 percent from the field. In return, the ‘over’ is also a sizzling 4-0 through the same stretch.

The 117.8 PPG scored was reinforced in the Magic’s last win in Sacramento, 139-107 (highest scoring figure on the season for the Magic). Seven players registered double-digit scoring figures. Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard combined for 48 points, while the team as a whole nailed 60.5 percent of its shots. More impressive was hitting 23-of-37 from beyond the arc. Orlando has attempted 26 three pointers per game (ranked second) and has drained 10.4 of them (40%), ranking the team just behind San Antonio in the No. 1 spot.

Remember that it was back on Dec. 20 that the Magic secured a win against the Lakers, 106-103. It was the third time in the last four head-to-head meetings that Orlando secured the ATS win but only the third win in the last 10 that they were able to get the SU victory.

L.A. is coming off a tough defeat in San Antonio on Wednesday (112-111). The Spurs’ Roger Mason rattled in a jumper from inside the three-point line as the Lakers’ Derek Fisher was called on the foul. This set up a three-point play, leading to the official ‘W’.

This was the second SU and fourth ATS loss in the last six for the Lakers. And while we can’t load up on negative talk about L.A. the continuing defensive problems are bound to rear their head. The Lake Show has now allowed opponents to tack on 106.3 PPG in the last nine and 108.6 PPG in seven losses this season.

The Lakers will be coming off a day of rest for which they are 16-4 SU but are a deflating 7-13 ATS (thanks to allowing 101.6 PPG). The total score has averaged 209 PPG off that day of rest, allowing the ‘over’ to go 13-7 this season. The ‘over’ has also been on a solid 7-2 run in the last nine.

But there's no overlooking L.A.'s staunch 20-2 record at home, although a 10-12 ATS record doesn't give us reason to throw down without proper research. The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in their last three home games and are 4-7 ATS in their last 11 played inside Staples Center.

Most books have opened Orlando as four-point visiting underdogs. A total of 212 has been set.

L.A.’ Sasha Vujacic (back) remains ‘questionable’ in Friday’s contest.

Overtime

-- New York (15-22 SU, 20-17 ATS) will get another shot at a win against the Wizards (7-31 SU, 15-23 ATS) when it travels to the Nation’s Capital on Friday for a 7:00 p.m. EST.

-- The Knicks snapped a three-game slide on Monday in a 101-95 ‘W’ over New Orleans as 11 ½-point home ‘dogs. While Wednesday’s, 128-122 shootout win over Washington only marked the fourth victory in the last 14 games, a 5-3 ATS report for New York in the last eight hasn’t been all that damaging to backers.

-- In that Thursday win over the Wizards, the Knickerbockers David Lee led the way with 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steels. When Lee has scored 20-plus points, New York has gone 4-1 SU and ATS this season.

-- Washington finds itself in a funk that it can’t shake off since dropping its first game against New Jersey (95-85) to start the season. And not only have they stunk the joint up on the court but an 0-5 ATS slide combined with a 6-13 ATS freefall in the last 19 give way to an official fade team.

-- Early lines have been released, placing the Wizards as 1 ½-point home favorites despite this season’s problems. Just take an 0-5 ATS record when favored from one to 2 ½-points to heart before heading to the window (the Knicks are 2-1 ATS as ‘dogs in this same point range).

-- Most spots have installed the Knicks as 1 1/2-point visiting 'dogs with a total of 206 attached.

vegasinsider.com

New Orleans (23-12, 15-18-2 ATS) at Cleveland (30-7, 26-11 ATS)

The Cavaliers put the NBA’s last remaining unbeaten home record on the line tonight when the Hornets come into the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

LeBron James and crew have gone 19-0 SU and 15-4 ATS in front of the home fans this season and are looking for a little more home cooking after Thursday’s 102-93 overtime loss in Chicago as 7½-point favorites. The last time the Cavs were on their home court was a week ago tonight, when they crushed Boston 98-83 as a four-point home chalk.

New Orleans has alternated wins and losses over its last seven games (4-3 ATS) but did score a 104-97 victory in Dallas on Wednesday as a 4½-point favorite. Superstar point guard Chris Paul almost turned a quadruple-double against the Mavs, getting 33 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and seven steals. The Hornets are 11-7 (8-9-1 ATS) on the highway this season.

The Hornets have taken the last three in this series, including a 104-92 home win back on Nov. 1, covering as three-point favorites. New Orleans has gotten the cash in the last three and six of the last nine, but the Hornets are just 2-5 ATS in the last seven visits to Cleveland.

New Orleans has cashed in four of its last five against Central Division squads, but otherwise the Hornets are on ATS slides of 1-6 as a ‘dog, 2-12 as a ‘dog of five to 10½ points and 0-4 against the Eastern Conference. Conversely, Cleveland is on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 37-15 overall, 20-6 at home, 20-7 as a favorite, 9-1 against the Western Conference and 4-1 when playing on the second night of a back-to-back.

For the Hornets, the under is 16-5 in their last 21 when they get a day off, 5-1 in their last six against the Eastern Conference and 9-1 in their last 10 on Fridays, but the over is 4-0 in their last four on the highway. For the Cavs, the under is 5-2 in their last seven against the Western Conference and 5-1 in their last six on Fridays, but the over is 5-1 in their last six against the Southwest Division. In this rivalry, the over is 7-1-1 in the last nine meetings overall and 5-0-1 in the last six in Cleveland.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND

Orlando (31-8, 26-12-1 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (31-7, 18-20 ATS)

Two of the top three teams in the NBA meet inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles as the Magic shoot for their sixth straight win overall and a season-series sweep of the Lakers.

Orlando has been lighting up the scoreboard lately, scoring 105 points or more in each of its last four games (4-0 ATS) and averaging 112 points a game and 50 percent shooting from the floor in its last five (4-1 ATS). The Magic destroyed Sacramento on Tuesday 139-107, making an NBA record 23 three-pointers, allowing them to easily cash as seven-point road favorites. Orlando is an NBA-best 15-5 on the highway (14-5-1 ATS).

The Lakers had a four-game winning streak (1-3 ATS) snapped Wednesday in San Antonio, falling 112-111 but cashing in as three-point underdogs. Los Angeles is 20-2 SU as a host this season but just 10-12 ATS, including three consecutive non-covers in their last three at Staples. The Lakers have scored 100 points or more in nine straight contests (5-4 ATS) and 32 of their 38 games this season, averaging 111.8. However, they’ve given up a whopping 108.4 points and 50.5 percent shooting in their last five outings.

These teams met Dec. 20 in Orlando with the Magic getting a 106-103 win as a 1½-point home ‘dog. The road team won both matchups last season, with Orlando scoring a 104-97 victory in Los Angeles as a one-point pup. The Magic have covered in three of the last four series clashes, and the road team has gone 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings, with the ‘dog going a perfect 5-0 ATS in those five.

Orlando has been a money-making machine lately, riding positive ATS trends that include 20-6 overall, 47-22-3 on the road, 53-26-3 as an underdog, 23-9-1 as a road ‘dog, 19-7-1 against Western Conference teams and 16-5 against teams from the Pacific Division. The Lakers are on ATS slides of 7-19 against the Eastern Conference, 0-6 against the Southeast Division, 3-11 after getting a day off and 1-4 as a favorite.

For the Magic, the over is on streaks of 4-0 overall, 6-1 as an underdog, 5-0 after a straight-up win and 6-2 on the road against teams with a winning home record. The Lakers are on “over” runs of 4-0 overall, 16-5 as a home favorite, 12-4 against the Eastern Conference, 17-8 on Fridays and 4-0 when returning from a day off. Finally, while the over has been the play in four of the last five series meetings between these squads, the under is 6-2 in the last eight battles in the Staples Center.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and OVER

Gametimepicks.com

Friday's Research
By Indiancowboy

Toronto vs. Indiana

Toronto beat this team 101-88 at home earlier this year so you know Indiana is looking forward to this game. After all, Indiana is a bit healther, came home after a tough road trip and just beat the Pistons and now wants that revenge over the Raptors. Indiana had a great road trip ATS wise as they have covered 4 of their last 5 including losing by just 2 to the Lakres on the road. Toronto comes off a home loss to a healthy Bulls team now and has not lost back to back covers since December 31st. I can see this going either way frankly.

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia

SA only beat this team by 2, 10-6-108 last time they played back on January 3rd. This is a big revenge game for Philly who has won their lat 5 in a row and covered their last 6. There is no line on this game, but I lean on Philly to get it done here at home with revenge over the Spurs given how well they are playing right now. Remember, this is the same team that defeated the Rockets at home 8 and a good Portland team at home by 21 as they were actually dogged in that game by 2 points.

NY vs. Washington

These two teams just played and it ended in a 128-122 win for NY at home. I would lean on Washington in the home and home here except for the fact that although NY might be done early in this game, they will likely claw back. After all, this team won at New Orleans outright and defeated the Wiz at home. I think they are beginning to figure things out in some ways as they nearly won at Dallas as well as they have covered 3 of their last 4 as well and Washington has missed their last 5 covers. no thanks.

New Orleans vs. Cleveland

You have Cleveland coming off a loss at Chicago which you know this team is irritated about. NO comes off a big win over the Mavs on the road and are rested for this game. These two teams met earlier this year with NO handing Cleveland a rare SU loss at that point winning 104-92. A lean on Cleveland here off the loss and revenge to get it done, but over 60% are on them so I'm likley to just stay away.

Utah vs. Memphis

I'm staying away from this game as both teams come off ugly losses as Utah got poundd by OKC in their last game on the road and Memphis got pounded by Memphis on the road at Cleveland. On top of that, Memphis has revenge from an earlier season thumping at the hands of Utah and are due for a gut check at some point here as all teams that get drilled on the road come back home to have a heart to heart with their coach and owners. Utah is still a big banged up and the status of Miles and Millsap are still unclear prior to this game. no thanks.

Minny vs. Phoenix

Phoenix beat this team by 8 earlier this year on the road but much has changed in Minny since that last game. Minny is now a team that has won 5 of their last 6 (at one point 5 in a row prior to their 3 point loss to Miami at home) and is 7-2-1 ATS currently over their last 10. I'm glad as I've rode the Kings on several occasions during this streak as I have OKC for that matter who is also an ATS darling this year. The Suns too come off a loss at Denver in OT. To be frank, considering both of these teams come off losses and how well Minny has played of late, I would not be surprised to see Minny get inside the number here and a small lean on the over here considering Minny is likely to be an active dog.

Milwaukee vs. Sacramento

The Kings are the same team that defeated the Mavs at home and then were crushed by the Magic only to go on the road and defeat the Warriors outright in triple OT. The Bucks are favored by over 60% of the public here, and come off a home loss to Miami and over their last 10 games they have yet to lose back to back games SU. Heck, if you look at the Bucks SU losses of late, it goes: L,W,L,W,L,W,L,W,L,W - with that latest being a loss. no thanks.

Atlanta vs. Golden State

Atlanta is struggling and will likely have to rebound at some point. But, GS did beat the likes of the Celtics and Pacers at home and have revenge against a Hawks team who they were competitive against in Atlanta at times. I wouldn't be surprised to see GS pick up the outright here as my Hawks are really struggling at this point. no thanks.

Magic vs. Lakers

The Lakers come off a tough 1 point loss to the Spurs on the road while the Magic keep rocking and rolling having won their last 5 in row and 8 of 10. In fact, the Magic have covered their last 4 straight including defeating the Lakers at home by 3 at home earlier this year. The Lakers have revenge and off a loss, but I would not want to bet against a Magic team that is 26-12 ATS.