NBA News and Notes Friday 1/21

NBA Betting: Hot Spurs take on Knicks
By: Brad Young

New York (22-19 straight up, 25-15-1 against the spread) continues a three-game road trip trying to get back on the winning track. The Knicks have dropped their last four games in a row SU, and previous three outings ATS.

Things only get tougher for New York as Friday’s matchup is against a San Antonio (36-6 SU, 25-16-1 ATS) squad that has the league’s best record. The Spurs are a stellar 23-2 SU at AT&T Center, while going a more modest 14-11 ATS.

Don Best's Real-Time Odds have San Antonio as eight-point home ‘chalk’ over New York, with the total set at 209 ½. ESPN will provide coverage of Friday’s matchup beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT from San Antonio’s AT&T Center, with the Lakers, Nuggets battle the second part of the televised doubleheader.

New York continued its downward spiral with Wednesday’s blowout loss to Houston as a 2½-point road underdog, 104-89. The combined 193 points never seriously threatened the 223½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 5-2 the past seven games.

The Knicks managed just 39 points after halftime, and were held to almost 19 points under their league-leading scoring average of 107.5 points per game. New York was also on the short end of rebounding (48-45) and assists (21-14). The Knicks were outscored in every quarter, and finished the game by shooting 42 percent (35-of-83) from the field and 33 percent (8-of-24) from behind the arc.

Power forward Amare Stoudemire led the charge with 25 points and five rebounds, while point guard Raymond Felton added 14 and five assists. Forward Danilo Gallinari provided 11 and six boards in the setback, while forward Wilson Chandler had 10 and eight.

San Antonio ran its SU winning streak to seven games compliments of Wednesday’s victory over Toronto as 12-point home ‘chalk,’ 104-95. The combined 199 points failed to topple the 204½-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to cash the seventh straight matchup. The Spurs had covered their last four games before this contest.

San Antonio took control of the game by outscoring the Raptors by 17 points in the third quarter. The Spurs finished the game with advantages in rebounding (49-38) and assists (23-20), while shooting 46 percent (38-of-83) from the field and 25 percent (4-of-16) from 3-point land.

Shooting guard Manu Ginobili paced the offense with 23 points and seven assists, going an unblemished 14-of-14 from the free-throw line. Power forward DeJuan Blair provided 22 and 11 rebounds in the triumph, while point guard Tony Parker added 17.

New York and San Antonio have only met once this season, with the Knicks prevailing Jan. 4 as a 5 ½-point home favorite, 128-115. The combined 243 points soared ‘over’ the 208½-point closing total, ending consecutive ‘under’ outings in this series.

New York forward Anthony Randolph (flu) is ‘questionable’ versus the Spurs, while guard Kelenna Azubuike (knee injury) is ‘out.’ The Knicks conclude a three-game road trip with Saturday’s matchup at Oklahoma City. New York maintains a 13-4 ATS ledger its last 17 road games, and is 21-10 ATS the previous 31 outings overall.

San Antonio forward Matt Bonner (knee) is ‘questionable’ against the Knicks, while guard James Anderson (foot) is ‘out.’ The Spurs follow this contest with a three-game road trip against New Orleans, Golden State and Utah. San Antonio has seen the ‘under’ go 13-3 the previous 16 home outings.

Lakers visit Nuggets on NBA betting schedule
By: Adam Markowitz

The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets both have plenty to be angry about as they prepare for their NBA betting warfare at Pepsi Arena in Denver on Friday night. The matchup is part of a packed slate of games on the hardwood.

ESPN will have the pickup of this game on television starting at 7:30 p.m. (PT), and preceded by the Knicks, Spurs contest in San Antonio.

For the Lakers, disappointment really stems from the loss at the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. In spite of the fact that Dirk Nowitzki was kept under wraps, LA really couldn't figure out how to stop anyone else on the team, as there were three other Mavs that scored at least 20 points on the night.

The 109-100 setback was the most recent in a season full of games that just make you scratch your head about the Lakers, this despite their rock-solid 31-13 record and pace to win 58 games.

Head coach Phil Jackson and company haven't been on the road all that much in the 2011 calendar year, and they have also yet to cover the NBA odds in one of these games away from Staples Center either. Los Angeles is just 2-2 SU and 0-3-1 ATS on the road since a December 29 triumph over the New Orleans Hornets.

As always when you're analyzing the NBA betting lines on the men in purple and gold, you have to talk about the three stars – Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. All three put up at least 20 points in the loss at Dallas, and they are all in fine form at the moment. The trio is combining to average a whopping 59.2 PPG, 25.1 RPG and 11.5 APG, and they are 1-2-3 in all but rebounding on the team.

The big question is where the rest of the scoring is coming from. The only other player averaging double digits in scoring per night is Andrew Bynum, who is dealing with an elbow injury that could limit him on Friday.

For the hosts, their frustration is that Carmelo Anthony is still on the team. There is no doubt that the Nuggets are trying to move 'Melo before he opts out of his contract at the end of the season, but there really only seems to be one interested trading partner right now, the New York Knicks.

The New Jersey Nets bowed out of the trade talks earlier this week, which really does leave Denver between and rock and a hard place with its biggest star.

The good news is that Anthony continues to play well, as he is coming off of a 35-point effort against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is pacing the league's best offense at 107.3 PPG, averaging 23.5 PPG this year.

Anthony has a tendency to shine against the best teams in the NBA as well. He already has 35 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 31 against the San Antonio Spurs, 35 against the Orlando Magic, 32 against the Chicago Bulls and 32 against these Lakers already this season.

In the Nov. 11 game against LA, the Nuggets were three-point underdogs at home and came away with a 118-112 win thanks to 'Melo and the offense. Denver is now 4-0-1 ATS and 4-1 SU over the course of the last five games in this series, and for whatever reason, it just seems to have the Lakers' number.

NBA RoundUp for 1/21
by Dan Bebe

Detroit Pistons @ New Jersey Nets (-2) with a total of 190.5
Situationally, this is a much better spot for the Nets, who are set to play their 2nd home game of a 5-game stretch in Jersey. Detroit is playing its 2nd of only 2 road games, but the loss to Boston 2 days ago was a true energy-buster. Kudos to the Pistons, though, for playing some tough basketball of late, and actually picking up a win every now and again, but I'm not sure they've got the right mix of players to take on the slow, defensive-minded Nets. For Detroit, it all comes down to whether or not they're making shots. This is a battle of two bad teams, and while I think Detroit is probably the slightly better club, I don't like the spot they're in. Tiny lean to JERSEY and the UNDER.

Toronto Raptors @ Orlando Magic (-11.5) with a total of 205
The Raptors have, somehow, lost all 3 games on their current road trip, but have managed to cover all 3. They just find a way to hang around, and hang around a little longer, and these big numbers give them a chance to remain in the game just long enough to get some ATS action. Interestingly, Toronto has won its last 2 trips to Orlando straight up, so this isn't an arena that scares the Raptors, and you have to think this team is just going to keep giving more and more effort until they grab a win. It might not happen with Orlando and Miami on the docket to finish the road trip, but Orlando hasn't impressed me since their win streak snapped, and they're overvalued right now. Lean to TORONTO and the OVER.

New Orleans Hornets @ Atlanta Hawks (-3.5) with a total of 186.5
I think we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the Hornets - they're going to cover a lot of underdog spreads, and they're going to stink to high heavens when they're a favorite. And the reason is pretty simple - they play close games. Getting just 3.5 isn't much against a pretty talented offensive team like the Hawks, but some of this short line is likely due to Al Horford being out for 2-3 games. The Hawks desperately need those inside presences even if, perhaps, they might not realize it, and being forced by a good Hornets defense to take a ton of outside shots makes scoring much less predictable. Atlanta is, however, coming off a nice road win over the Heat, so the confidence is back, and this is a revenge spot. I think this line is actually pretty close to where it should be. Lean to ATLANTA to win by 4-5 and barely cover, and slightly to the UNDER.

Utah Jazz @ Boston Celtics (-6.5) with a total of 196
Well, we know one thing - this line isn't coming down because of Utah's recent play. If it's coming down, it's because someone truly thinks Utah "gets up" to play a big bopper on the road. Utah has looked downright awful against both Washington and New Jersey, so I believe that backing them here is taking a bit of a chance, but they're definitely skilled enough offensively to overcome even the smartest of defenses. The question is, will Utah put the pieces together at the right time? Boston has been getting locked into a number of close, tough games, so covering 6 or more points might be tough. With that in mind, I'm not really sure I'm too fond of either team. I will say this - if this line drops enough, I might look back at the favorite, but as it stands, I don't like the side at all, and I'm peeking at the UNDER.

Milwaukee Bucks @ Cleveland Cavaliers with a total of N/A
I have to believe this line is off because Andrew Bogut has now gone to see a specialist about a lingering respiratory infection that he's been battling for the last month. Hell, if he gets better at some point, he'll really go on a blocking spree, considering he's leading the League while sick. Either way, I'm not that opposed to him missing this game, since it'll deflate the line, and might make Milwaukee worth a look. Carlos Delfino is expected back at some point, soon, and Brandon Jennings is on schedule for a return in a couple weeks. Milwaukee needs some damn health, because really, they're a pretty fun team to root for, but not when they're playing at half strength. You guys know my feelings on Cleveland - they're too unbelievably bad to back, and Mo Williams is out a few weeks with his lingering hip issues (take some Geritol, Mo!). I guess if I had to pick a lean, it'd have to be to Milwaukee and the Under, but I didn't even capitalize the words to show how little I care.

Phoenix Suns @ Washington Wizards (Pk) with a total of 213
This line is giving a ton, ton, TON of credit to the Wizards at home, and I guess it makes sense - Washington has won its last 4 games at home to improve to 12-8 on their own court. Meanwhile, the Wizards are still 0-20 on the road. What a shame - this team could be in the Playoff hunt with even a 33% winning mark on the road. In any case, Phoenix is quietly playing a little better, too, winning 4 straight against some weaker competition. I don't consider the Wizards tough competition, but I also wouldn't make too much of Phoenix's short winning streak. They could rattle off a few more, since I don't see Washington being disciplined enough defensively to guard the Suns, but Phoenix, right now, is firmly in the lower part of the middle of the pack. In this one, I have to ride the team that just wins at home and lean to the WIZARDS, but I actually think it's a close game that just barely stays UNDER.

Houston Rockets @ Memphis Grizzlies (-4.5) with a total of 202.5
This one is easy. Houston possesses Grizzly Bear kryptonite, whatever that is. For some reason, Memphis just matches up terribly with Houston, and cannot solve the Rockets. Memphis will get the better of Houston eventually, but there are simply teams in the NBA, or any sport for that matter, that just own other ones, and this seems to be that type of matchup. It's most likely the public side, but hell, Houston is playing well right now, Memphis is a little hit-or-miss of late, and I don't see why this time should be any different. Lean to HOUSTON and the OVER.

New York Knicks @ San Antonio Spurs (-9) with a total of 212
The Knicks are struggling on offense right now, and when those long range bombs aren't dropping, they look pretty pedestrian. Amar'e is slowing a tad, though there was almost no way he could keep up his earlier pace, and the injury to Gallinari took away New York's most versatile player. Yes, Gallo is back, but he's not quite at full strength, and the rest of the starters look a little listless to me. A big game with San Antonio might be just what the doctor ordered, though that doesn't guarantee anything. The Spurs lost by 13 to the Knicks in New York earlier this month, so they would, presumably, be a team looking to take out some revenge, and the fact that the Knicks had only 6 turnovers in that entire game was a pretty strong indication of just how well they played. Covering 9 is never easy against as skilled an offensive team as New York, but I think the SPURS might be able to just barely able to squeak by, maybe win by 11, and keep this game UNDER.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets (Pk) with a total of 211.5
The Lakers played some downright poor defense against Dallas, but anyone that watched the game probably noticed that the Lakers tendency to fire from outside was probably their biggest problem. The long rebounds led to disjointed defensive sets, and Dallas shot the lights out. Here's my issue with the Lakers - that was not a one-time thing. They don't stay focused on the road against good teams, and I believe they're a disastrous 1-5 against winning teams when playing away from Staples. A veteran team should be better than that. Denver beat the Lakers in the Mile High City once already this year, and I don't believe revenge comes into play, since, really, most teams want to beat L.A. more than the Lakers want to avenge some stray loss. This series has been fairly well dominated by the home team, and with the way the Nugs play in their building, I have to think they can snatch a SU win, which ought to be enough - lean to NUGS and the UNDER.

Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors (-7) with a total of 216
Call me crazy, but should the Warriors really be laying 7 points to anyone? Maybe Cleveland, but as we saw against Jersey, 7 is pushing it. Yes, the Warriors covered that game with a nice little surge to push a lead up to 13 (and hang on to win by 9), but the Kings are quietly covering almost every night. They played Portland tough before falling in OT (thank goodness), and the Warriors spanked the Kings in Sacramento in late December, so there may be some small tinge of revenge on the brain. The Warriors find ways to win games at home, as evidenced by their win over the Pacers, but they still don't play consistently enough to warrant laying big numbers, and the Kings, while clearly still not ready to win in the 4th quarter, are getting closer. Lean to SACRAMENTO and the UNDER.

Friday NBA Tips
By Kevin Rogers

The Friday night NBA card features 10 games, including four key matchups involving playoff-caliber teams. The Jazz looks to snap a two-game skid at Boston, while the Lakers and Nuggets wrap up the night in Denver. We'll begin in Atlanta with the dinged-up Hawks entertaining the red-hot Hornets at Philips Arena.

Hornets at Hawks

Atlanta has won 10 of its past 11 at home, but the Hawks will likely be down two starters with Al Horford (ankle) and Marvin Williams (back) nursing injuries. The Hawks are riding a 10-2 SU run as they welcome in a Hornets' club that has captured six straight victories. The key for New Orleans is taking care of business in the underdog role, which they will be in again on Friday.

The Hornets failed to cover each of the last two home wins over the Raptors and Grizzlies, needing a late rally to keep their winning streak alive. New Orleans has been money when getting points recently, cashing six consecutive games as a 'dog, including at Charlotte, Houston, Boston, and Denver. The Hornets knocked off the Hawks in the Big Easy on December 26 by a 93-86 count as 3 ½-point favorites. Chris Paul led New Orleans with 22 points, despite the Hornets shooting just 2 of 17 from beyond the arc.

The Hawks won an ugly 93-89 overtime decision at Miami on Tuesday as 5 ½-point 'dogs, as Larry Drew's team tries to improve on a 6-3 ATS mark the last nine games at Philips Arena. Handicapping Atlanta's totals have been a streaky proposition as the Hawks are currently on a 3-1 'under' run following five straight 'overs.' Atlanta owns a dreadful 1-7 ATS record at home against Western Conference opponents, while losing outright to Houston, Dallas, Utah, and Phoenix.

Jazz at Celtics

Utah continues a five-game road swing in Boston as Jerry Sloan's club tries to end a two-game losing streak. The Jazz have covered just three of the last 13 games after Wednesday's 103-95 setback at New Jersey as 6 ½-point 'chalk.' Boston concludes a six-game homestand after holding off Detroit on Wednesday, 86-82, while failing to cover as 12-point favorites.

The Celtics are rolling with wins in eight of the last 10, including four straight. Boston hasn't helped backers with a 4-10-1 ATS run, while owning a 2-7-1 mark at TD Garden since a December 22 non-cover against Philadelphia. Since Kevin Garnett's return to the lineup, the Celtics have played two close contests against Orlando (109-106) and Detroit, as Boston went 3-6 ATS without KG's services throughout the first two weeks of January.

The Jazz must have left their best basketball back in Salt Lake City after losing to also-rans Washington and New Jersey to start this road trip. Utah is cashing 'overs' at a frenetic pace by hitting it in eight straight games, while going 8-3 to the 'over' as a road underdog. After starting the season at 7-2 on the highway, the Jazz is just 5-6 SU and 4-7 ATS the last 11 games away from Energy Solutions Arena.

Knicks at Spurs

San Antonio continues to be the class of the Western Conference with a torrid 36-6 start, as the Spurs welcome in the struggling Knicks. New York has dropped four straight games after a 15-point defeat at Houston on Wednesday, just the fourth ATS loss in 19 tries as a road underdog this season. The Spurs have bounced back nicely since a two-game skid in early January by winning seven in a row following a comeback victory over the Raptors.

Gregg Popovich's team has tightened up its defense by limiting seven straight opponents to 100 points or less during this hot streak, resulting in seven consecutive 'unders.' Covering big numbers at home isn't easy for the Spurs, who are 3-7 ATS the last 10 games at the AT&T Center when laying at least eight points, including the ATS loss against Toronto as 12-point 'chalk.' San Antonio will be playing with revenge in this spot after falling at Madison Square Garden earlier this month, 128-115, by far the most points the Spurs have allowed this season.

Since a 13-1 run from November 17 through December 12, the Knicks are 6-10 SU and 8-8 ATS to fall to 22-19 overall. New York's propensity to cover numbers as a road underdog has slowed up with a pedestrian 3-3 ATS mark since a 12-1 ATS start to the season. Making matters worse, the Knicks are 2-7 ATS off a loss since December 15, which doesn't bode well in a revenge spot against a team with the league's best record.

Lakers at Nuggets

Despite all the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors swirling around, the Nuggets continue to dominate at Pepsi Center with a 19-4 home mark. Denver looks to improve on that record with the two-time defending champs coming to town as the Lakers look to bounce back from Wednesday's loss at Dallas.

Los Angeles has dropped two of three since a seven-game winning streak, topped off by a nine-point defeat as three-point 'chalk' to the struggling Mavericks. The 109 points allowed at Dallas was just the third time in the last 16 games that the Lakers have given up at least 100 points (11-5 to the 'under'). Phil Jackson's club tries to avenge a 118-112 at Denver in mid-November as three-point favorites, ending L.A.'s 8-0 start to the season.

The Nuggets have won four of five after a three-game skid, including Wednesday's comeback victory over division-leading Oklahoma City. Denver is 6-1-1 ATS the last eight games at Pepsi Center, a nice change from a 2-8-1 ATS run from mid-November through the start of January.

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Tips and Trends

New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs

KNICKS: New York has lost their past 4 games SU, but optimism is still high around the city. The Knicks are in the running for the services of Carmelo Anthony, which has brought even more buzz to New York. If the playoffs started today, New York would be the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are 22-19 SU and 25-15-1 ATS overall this season. The Knicks have actually played better on the road this year, as they are 12-10 SU and 16-6 ATS away from home this season. New York is 16-5 ATS as the listed underdog this season. New York is averaging 107.1 PPG this year, 2nd most in the entire NBA. F Amar'e Stoudemire is averaging team highs of 26.4 PPG and 8.8 RPG this year. Stoudemire is shooting better than 50 percent from the field in what has turned into an MVP caliber season. PG Raymond Felton is averaging 17.6 PPG and a team high 8.8 APG this year. The Knicks are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 road games. New York is 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games against the Western Conference. The Knicks are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. The Knicks are 21-10 ATS in their last 31 games overall. New York is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. The Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU loss.

Knicks are 12-3 ATS last 15 games as a road underdog.
Under is 5-0 last 5 games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Key Injuries - F Anthony Randolph (flu) is questionable.

Projected Score: 107

SPURS: (-9, O/U 212.5) It seems like everytime you look at the NBA standings, you see San Antonio on another winning streak. The Spurs have won their last 7 games SU, and are an NBA best 36-6 SU and 25-16-1 ATS this season. The Spurs currently have a 6 game lead over San Antonio in the Western Conference. San Antonio has revenge on their minds tonight, as they lost earlier this year to the Knicks by double figures. The Spurs are an impressive 23-2 SU and 14-11 ATS at home this year. San Antonio is 7-3 ATS as a home favorite between 6.5 and 9 PTS this year. The Spurs are averaging 104.7 PPG this year, 5th most in the NBA. G Manu Ginobli is averaging a team best 19 PPG this season for San Antonio. PG Tony Parker is averaging 17.5 PPG and a team high 6.9 APG this year. The Spurs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against a team with a winning SU record. San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as the listed favorite. The Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win. San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Spurs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.

Spurs are 15-5-1 ATS last 21 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 7-0 last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Matt Bonner (knee) is doubtful.

Projected Score: 113 (OVER-Total of the Day)

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

LAKERS: (-1, O/U 212) Los Angeles is coming off a rare loss, so the Nuggets are likely to get the Lakers best effort tonight. The Lakers have revenge on their minds tonight, considering they've already lost to the Nuggets once this season. Los Angeles is 31-13 SU and 19-24-1 ATS overall this season. The Lakers are currently the 2nd seed in the Western Conference, 6 games behind San Antonio. Los Angeles has really been focusing on their defense of late, which has made them a more consistent team. The Lakers are 14-8 SU and 10-12 ATS in road games this year. Los Angeles is averaging 103.3 PPG this year, 7th best in the NBA. G Kobe Bryant is averaging a team high 25.1 PPG this year, along with 5.1 RPG and 4.7 APG. F Pau Gasol is averaging 18.6 PPG and a team high 10.6 RPG this year. The Lakers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Los Angeles is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games against a team with a home winning percentage greater than .600%. The Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Friday games. Los Angeles is 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games against the Western Conference. The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Lakers are 2-8 ATS last 10 games against a team with a winning SU record.
Under is 7-0 last 7 games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (elbow) is probable.

Projected Score: 111 (SIDE of the Day)

NUGGETS: Denver is putting their best foot forward, despite much organizational turmoil. The Nuggets fan base is growing frustrated over the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. Despite this, the Nuggets continue to fight for a playoff berth in the rugged Western Conference. Denver is 24-17 SU and 16-22-3 ATS overall this year. If the playoffs started today, Denver would be the 7th seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets are 19-4 SU and 10-11 ATS in home games this season. The Nuggets are averaging 107.3 PPG this year, the most of any team in the NBA. Despite all the rumors swirling around him, Anthony is averaging 23.5 PPG. PG Chauncey Billups is averaging 16 PPG and a team high 5.3 APG this season. The Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. Denver is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Nuggets are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win. Denver is 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. The Nuggets are 9-26-6 ATS in their last 41 games following an ATS win. Denver is 5-17 ATS in their last 22 Friday games.

Nuggets are 19-7 ATS last 26 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 13-5 last 18 games against a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - F Chris Andersen (knee) is doubtful.

Projected Score: 103