Friday's Best NBA Bets
Dallas Mavericks at Philadelphia 76ers (+3, 195)
Going back to the days of Don Nelson – when the Mavericks first rose to NBA prominence – there wasn’t much defense being played in the Big D.
Under new tutelage like Avery Johnson and now Rick Carlisle, the Mavs improved their defensive efforts but the offseason acquisition of Shawn Marion may have been just what Dallas needed to go deep in the Western Conference playoffs.
The Matrix rejected a Caron Butler jumper with 1.9 seconds left to secure a 94-93 victory over Washington Wednesday. Dallas recorded nine blocks and nine steals in the game.
"Winning on a defensive possession, you wouldn't say that in the past about the Mavericks," Jason Kidd said. "This year, we've really focused on playing defense. We looked at the last champions and said, 'Hey, they all played defense.'”
The Mavs blew some early leads Wednesday and failed to cover against an inferior Wizards team, but don’t expect the team to play down to the level of competition two games in a row.
Pick: Mavericks
Charlotte Bobcats at Atlanta Hawks (-6.5, 189.5)
A big reason for Charlotte’s turnaround season has been improved play on the defensive side of the ball. The Bobcats rank first in the NBA in points allowed, holding opponents to a 92.2 points per game average.
On Wednesday, Charlotte cranked up the intensity a notch and held the Heat to a season-low 65 points. Miami shot less than 29 percent from the floor and only hit two of its 23 3-point attempts.
The Hawks are no slouch either when it comes to shutting down opposing offenses. Teams are posting 97.4 ppg versus the sizzling hot team from Hotlanta and over the last five games the Hawks have held opponents to a mere 94 points per outing.
The over has cashed in three straight in this series, but don’t let that fool you. Not one total during those games exceeded 183 points and these two teams combined to score 190.3 ppg during that stretch.
The last time the total was posted at 189.5 in this series came in November of last season and the ‘Cats and Hawks combined to score 171 points.
Pick: Under
Game Of The Day: Lakers at Knicks
By Ted Sevransky
No more home cookin’
The Lakers have the best record in the NBA at the halfway point, but at least some of that must be attributed to a friendly first half schedule. No team in the league has played more home games than the Lakers so far this season, and no team has played fewer road games.
Los Angeles is 23-3 at the Staples Center but is just 9-7 SU when playing in hostile environments. The Lakers went down to the wire against a Mo Williams-less Cavs squad Thursday but fell short at the ‘Q’ , losing 93-87 and failing to cover as 3-point pups.
“It's eight games and it's a long trip. But it's not necessarily like you're out there struggling,” Kobe Bryant told reporters. “You get room service. You have maids come in and clean up the room. You play a game in a different environment, that's all.”
Los Angeles will be playing here on the second night of back-to-backs. After this contest, L.A. must travel to Toronto, Washington, Indiana, Philadelphia, Boston and Memphis before returning home February 3 - a very long road trip by NBA standards. The Lakers are 4-6 ATS on the second night of back-to-backs, but they’ve won each of their last three road games in this role (2-1 ATS).
Bad spot for L.A.?
The Lakers put extraordinary focus on their matchup with Cleveland Thursday Night, making Friday’s game against a sub-.500 foe a potential flat spot.
“We want to set the tone from the beginning,” forward Pau Gasol told the media. “I don't know if there's questions (to be answered), but it seems like you always have points to prove, statements to make. We definitely want to go and prove to ourselves that we're the best team out there. Obviously, the Cavs are a good team. We want to show them we're a better team.”
The Lakers are just 4-7 ATS this year in the role of road favorites.
‘Ouchie’ injuries
Just about every key player on the Lakers has some sort of medical issue right now. Kobe Bryant has been playing with a broken right index finger and a nagging back injury, which are major causes for his recent struggles. Andrew Bynum was forced to sit the fourth quarter with a stomach ailment Monday. Pau Gasol is still finding his rhythm after sitting for two weeks with a bad hamstring.
Ron Artest didn’t seem too concerned about the Lakers injuries, despite his own concussion related issues following a nasty fall in his home on Christmas Night.
“Everybody (in the league) is banged up and bruised. It's not just us,” he told reporters.
That being said, the Knicks are relatively healthy these days, with every significant contributor in Mike D’Antoni’s lineup good to go Friday Night.
Kobe at the Garden
Kobe Bryant’s career splits against the Knicks aren’t particularly impressive. In 25 career games against New York, Bryant has averaged 26.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game - all lower than his career averages.
But when Kobe plays at Madison Square Garden, the exceptional has not been unusual – he hung 61 on the Knicks when he played here last year.
Kobe had 39 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists at the Garden in his lone visit in the 2007-08 season. On his previous visit, he poured in 40 points in a 33-point L.A. rout.
In fact, the last time Kobe Bryant failed to hang at least 30 on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden came all the way back in November of 2003.
However, Kobe is struggling right now, held to 16 points or less in four of his last five games. In January, Bryant has been held to 39 percent shooting, averaging just 22 points per game - by far his worst splits for any month since December of 2003.
Home-court mediocrity
The Knicks are decidedly mediocre this year and that fact has expressed itself in virtually every pointspread role. Stepping up in class at the Garden, the Knicks are 5-5 ATS as home underdogs.
New York has only three straight up home wins against opponents with a winning record, beating the slumping Suns, the injury-riddled Blazers and the New Orleans Hornets when the Hornets were in the midst of a 2-13 road slide.
New York is a mediocre 10-11 SU at home in 2009-10, a mediocre 11-10 ATS at the Garden and an equally mediocre 14-15 ATS as an underdog.
Friday NBA Tips
By Kevin Rogers
The Friday night card in the NBA gives bettors a plethora of games to choose from, including several teams that have made plenty of noise recently. We'll take a look at five contests on the 13-game slate, including the big Southeast showdown in Atlanta.
Bobcats (21-19 SU, 25-15 ATS) at Hawks (27-14 SU, 27-14 ATS)
Charlotte looks like it is finally turning the corner, winning nine of its last ten, heading to Philips Arena to battle Atlanta. The Hawks haven't been too shabby lately, capturing six of their last eight games, while improving to 17-5 at home after Wednesday's win over the Kings.
Most of Charlotte's damage has come at Time Warner Arena, completing a 6-0 homestand, while covering four times. The Bobcats have found ways to cash on the road despite a 3-15 mark on the highway. Charlotte is 11-6 ATS away from home, including outright victories at Cleveland and Miami.
The Hawks have been up and down covering numbers at home as of late, going 4-4 ATS the last eight at Philips Arena. Atlanta is looking to avenge a 103-83 loss at Charlotte on November 6 as two-point road favorites.
The home team has won nine of the previous ten meetings, but the Bobcats managed to cover both matchups in Atlanta last season as eight-point underdogs.
Blazers (26-17 SU, 22-20-1 ATS) at Celtics (27-13 SU, 17-23 ATS)
The Celtics look to snap a three-game skid, as Boston will get Kevin Garnett back in the lineup following a ten-game absence with a knee injury. The Blazers, meanwhile, continue a four-game East Coast swing and will likely be without leading scorer Brandon Roy, who aggravated a hamstring injury in Wednesday's win at Philadelphia.
Boston has dropped three straight at TD Banknorth Garden, falling to the Hawks, Bulls, and Mavericks over the last ten days. The C's didn't help themselves with a come-from-ahead loss at Detroit on Wednesday as six-point favorites.
The Blazers dropped the opener of their road trip at Washington on Monday without Roy, but managed a 98-90 victory at Philadelphia. Roy returned and scored 10 points in 18 minutes against the Sixers, but tweaked his hamstring, putting his availability in doubt on Friday.
The Celtics are 4-9 ATS when laying between 5 and 9 ½ points, while owning a 3-10 ATS mark the last 13 games at home. After starting the season 1-4 ATS as a road 'dog, the Blazers are 3-2 ATS their last five when receiving points away from the Rose Garden.
Thunder (24-18 SU, 25-17 ATS) at Grizzlies (22-19 SU, 24-16-1 ATS)
Two of the league's more exciting, up-and-coming teams hook up in Memphis when the Grizzlies host the Thunder. Both these clubs are right in the mix of the Western Conference playoff race, while each team employs dynamic scoring threats.
Oklahoma City is riding a three-game winning streak, coming off two close victories at Atlanta and Minnesota. The Thunder has turned into a tough out on the road, going 12-9 SU away from the Ford Center. Playing as a road 'dog has benefited OKC backers, with the Thunder compiling an 8-2 ATS mark the last ten in that spot.
The Grizzlies are coming off a disappointing loss at New Orleans on Wednesday, 113-111, but managed to cover as 3 ½-point 'dogs. Memphis has been money in the bank at FedEx Forum, winning nine straight at home, while going 6-2-1 ATS. Lionel Hollins' club tries to avenge a 102-94 loss to Oklahoma City on December 11, as that loss came following consecutive underdog home victories over Dallas and Cleveland.
Memphis is 10-1-1 ATS the last 12 after a game in which it scored at least 100 points, while seven of its last eight contests have been decided by seven points or less.
Lakers (32-9 SU, 18-22-1 ATS) at Knicks (17-24 SU, 20-21 ATS)
New York returns to the court following three days off to begin a four-game homestand hosting the Lakers. The Knicks are coming off a home-and-home split against the Pistons, but New York is riding a 2-4 SU/ATS cold streak.
The Purple and Gold looks for a victory to conclude a back-to-back following Thursday's contest in Cleveland. The Lakers possess a 4-7 ATS mark as a road favorite, but are 0-3 ATS the last three when laying points away from home. All four of L.A.'s covers as road 'chalk' have come against teams below .500.
The Knicks have shown plenty of inconsistency, especially at MSG, going 5-5 ATS as a home underdog this season. New York owns wins over Portland, Phoenix, and New Orleans at home, but four of the losses have come by at least seven points.
The Lakers are 5-0 SU the last five meetings against the Knicks, including a 100-90 victory at Staples Center in late November. New York cashed as 14-point 'dogs, improving to 3-2 ATS the previous five versus Los Angeles.
Rockets (23-18 SU, 21-20 ATS) at Spurs (25-16 SU, 21-19-1 ATS)
The battle of the Lone Star State takes place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, with the Spurs trying to bounce back from a 105-98 loss to the Jazz on Wednesday. The Rockets have been off since a Monday overtime win over the Bucks, but Houston failed to cover as 6 ½-point favorites.
The Spurs continue a six-game homestand, trying to break out of a 1-3 SU/ATS slump following the loss to Utah. San Antonio knocked off Houston, 92-84 at Toyota Center on November 27 as one-point 'dogs. The road team has won each of the last three meetings in this series, while eight of the previous ten matchups between these Southwest division rivals have finished 'under' the total.
The Rockets have turned into the ultimate 'fade' as road underdogs lately, crawling to an 0-6 ATS mark the last six in this spot. Rick Adelman's team hasn't kept these games close either, dropping five of those games by at least eight points. It's unfortunate for this slump since Houston began the season 7-3 ATS when getting points on the road.
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Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards
The Miami Heat and the Washington Wizards will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Verizon Center.
Dwyane Wade scored 16 points, but shot 3 for 12 and committed four fouls in the first half as Miami lost 104-65 to Charlotte on Wednesday.
The Heat did not cover the 4-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 191.
Randy Foye led Washington with 26 points, while Caron Butler scored 20 points and grabbed 10 boards in a 94-93 loss to Dallas on Wednesday.
The Wizards covered the 4.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 199.5.
Team records:
Miami: 21-20 SU, 20-21 ATS
Washington: 14-27 SU, 17-24 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 4-6
After playing Charlotte are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Miami is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Washington
Miami is 14-1-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Washington
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Miami home to Sacramento, Saturday, January 23
Washington home to LA Clippers, Sunday, January 24
Sacramento Kings vs. Orlando Magic
The Sacramento Kings and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Amway Arena.
Tyreke Evans led Sacramento with 19 points and four assists in a 108-97 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday night.
The Kings did not cover the 9.5-point spread, while the final score played to a push.
Dwight Howard had 32 points and 11 rebounds, and Orlando held off Indiana for a 109-98 victory Wednesday night to end a three-game losing streak.
The Magic just missed covering the 11.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 210.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 15-26 SU, 20-19-2 ATS
Orlando: 27-15 SU, 20-20-2 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 0-10
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 4-6
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Sacramento's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 16 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games
Orlando is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento at Miami, Saturday, January 23
Orlando at Charlotte, Saturday, January 23
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
Shawn Marion blocked Caron Butler's jump shot with 1.9 seconds to play, and Dallas opened the second half of their season Wednesday night by avenging a loss from opening night, beating Washington 94-93.
The Mavericks did not cover the 4.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 199.5.
Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia with 23 points in a 98-90 loss to Portland on Wednesday night.
The Sixers did not cover the 1.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 194.5.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 28-14 SU, 19-23 ATS
Philadelphia: 13-28 SU, 17-24 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing New York are 7-3
After playing Washington are 9-1
After a win are 4-6
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 8-2
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at New York, Sunday, January 24
Philadelphia at Indiana, Saturday, January 23
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.
Andrew Bogut had a double-double with 27 points and 13 rebounds on Wednesday, as the Bucks defeated the Raptors 113-10. The Bucks covered the 2.5-point spread, while the 220 points sailed OVER the posted total of 205.
Carlos Delfino added 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Jennings chipped in with 16 points.
Chris Bosh scored a game-high 44 points with 12 boards in a double-double for the Raptors, who lost their second straight.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 17-23 SU, 22-18 ATS
Toronto: 21-22 SU, 21-22 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Toronto is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Minnesota, Saturday, January 23
Toronto home to LA Lakers, Sunday, January 24
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Boston Celtics
The fans at TD Garden will be treated to a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics when they take their seats on Friday.
Former 76ers guard Andre Miller scored 24 points and Jerryd Bayless had 14 of his 18 in the fourth quarter, leading Portland to a 98-90 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
The Blazers covered the 1.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 194.5.
The Celtics were upset 92-86 by the Pistons on Wednesday, as 6-point favorites. That game's 178 points went UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Rajon Rondo had 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a losing cause.
Current streak:
Boston has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 26-17 SU, 23-19-1 ATS
Boston: 27-13 SU, 17-23 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 13 games
Portland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Portland
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Portland
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland at Detroit, Saturday, January 23
Boston home to LA Clippers, Monday, January 25
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Atlanta Hawks
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Friday when the Charlotte Bobcats and the Atlanta Hawks meet at Philips Arena.
Stephen Jackson scored 24 points, Gerald Wallace added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Charlotte completed a 6-0 homestand with their most lopsided victory in team history, 104-65 over Miami on Wednesday night.
The Bobcats covered the 4-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 191.
Joe Johnson led a balanced attack for Atlanta with 17 points in a 108-97 win over Sacramento on Wednesday.
The Hawks covered the 9.5-point spread, while the final score played to a push.
Current streak:
Charlotte has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 21-19 SU, 25-15 ATS
Atlanta: 27-14 SU, 27-14 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Miami are 2-8
After a win are 7-3
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 1-9
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Charlotte home to Orlando, Saturday, January 23
Atlanta at Houston, Monday, January 25
Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons
The division rival Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons are set to renew hostilities on Friday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Danny Granger finished with 25 points and Troy Murphy had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Indiana in a 109-98 loss to Orlando on Wednesday.
The Pacers covered the 11.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 210.
Rodney Stuckey poured in a game-high 27 points with 11 boards for a double-double on Wednesday, leading the Pistons to a 92-86 win over the Celtics. The Pistons won that game as a 6-point underdog, while the 178 points went UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Charlie Villanueva netted 19 points for the Pistons, and Ben Wallace collected 10 rebounds.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 14-28 SU, 18-24 ATS
Detroit: 15-26 SU, 19-21-1 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 8-2
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Indiana
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Next up:
Indiana home to Philadelphia, Saturday, January 23
Detroit home to Portland, Saturday, January 23
New Orleans Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The New Orleans Hornets and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Target Center.
Chris Paul stuffed in 21 points and dished out 13 assists to help the Hornets defeat the Grizzlies 113-111 on Wednesday. The Hornets failed to cover the 3.5-point spread, while the 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 203.5.
David West netted a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
The Timberwolves were defeated 94-92 by the Thunder last time out, as 7-point underdogs. That game's 186 points went UNDER the posted total of 199.5.
Corey Brewer had 25 points, five rebounds, and six assists in the loss.
Team records:
New Orleans: 22-19 SU, 19-22 ATS
Minnesota: 9-34 SU, 21-21-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After playing Oklahoma City are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
New Orleans is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
New Orleans is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Orleans's last 12 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 12 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
New Orleans at Denver, Saturday, January 23
Minnesota at Milwaukee, Saturday, January 23
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks
The Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
The Lakers lost 93-87 to the Cavaliers on Thursday, as 2.5-point underdogs. The 180 points went UNDER the posted total of 192.5.
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 31 points and four assists.
Nate Robinson drained 27 points off the bench to lead the Knicks past the Pistons 99-91 on Monday.
New York covered as 7.5-point home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 191-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 32-10 SU, 18-24 ATS
New York: 17-24 SU, 20-21 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 8-2
After a loss are 8-2
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing New York
LA Lakers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the LA Lakers last 11 games when playing New York
LA Lakers are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 12 games at home
New York is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New York's last 11 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New York's last 18 games
Next up:
LA Lakers at Toronto, Sunday, January 24
New York home to Dallas, Sunday, January 24
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at FedExForum.
The Thunder were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to hang on and defeat the Timberwolves 94-92 on Wednesday. The Thunder failed to cover the 7-point spread, and the teams played UNDER the posted total of 199.5.
Kevin Durant netted 31 points and hauled down 10 boards for a double-double in that win.
The Grizzlies were defeated 113-111 by the Hornets on Wednesday, as 3.5-point underdogs. The 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 203.5.
Zach Randoph had 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Grizzlies, while Rudy Gay poured in a game-high 26 points.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 24-18 SU, 25-17 ATS
Memphis: 22-19 SU, 24-17 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 2-8
After a win are 7-3
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Oklahoma City is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Oklahoma City at Cleveland, Saturday, January 23
Memphis home to Orlando, Monday, January 25
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at AT&T Center.
Luis Scola went for 27 points and 15 rebounds to lift the Rockets past the Bucks 101-98 in overtime on Monday.
Houston failed to cover as 6.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 194.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
The Spurs were upset 105-98 by the Jazz on Wednesday, as 5.5-point favorites. The teams played OVER the posted total of 195.5.
Manu Ginobili finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and eight assists for the Spurs.
Team records:
Houston: 23-18 SU, 21-20 ATS
San Antonio: 25-16 SU, 21-19-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 9-1
After a win are 3-7
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 9 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 13 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
San Antonio is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of San Antonio's last 13 games when playing Houston
San Antonio is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
Houston home to Chicago, Saturday, January 23
San Antonio home to Chicago, Monday, January 25
New Jersey Nets vs. Golden State Warriors
The New Jersey Nets and the Golden State Warriors will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Oracle Arena.
Brook Lopez had 26 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the Nets' 118-94 loss to the Suns on Wednesday. The Nets were 13.5-point underdogs in that game, while the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 220.
The Warriors were defeated 123-118 in overtime on Wednesday, as 6-point underdogs. The teams played OVER the posted total of 230.
Monta Ellis finished with a game-high 39 points, and Corey Maggette added 33 in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 9 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 3-38 SU, 13-27-1 ATS
Golden State: 12-28 SU, 22-17-1 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games
New Jersey is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Golden State is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games
Next up:
New Jersey at Utah, Saturday, January 23
Golden State at Phoenix, Saturday, January 23
Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns
The Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at US Airways Center.
The Bulls were defeated 104-97 by the Clippers last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. That game's 201 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Derrick Rose collected 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for the Bulls.
Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 27 points and seven rebounds on Wednesday, as the Suns defeated the Nets 118-94. The Suns covered the 13.5-point spread, while the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 220.
Jason Richardson added 26 points for the Suns, and Robin Lopez finished with 20 points in the win.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 18-22 SU, 17-21-2 ATS
Phoenix: 25-18 SU, 23-19-1 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Golden State are 8-2
After playing New Jersey are 8-2
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Chicago is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
Phoenix is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Phoenix is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Phoenix is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at Houston, Saturday, January 23
Phoenix home to Golden State, Saturday, January 23
Portland (26-17, 22-20-1 ATS) at Boston (27-13, 17-23 ATS)
The Celtics try to snap a three-game losing skid when they welcome the Trail Blazers to TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.
Portland is in the third game of a four-game East Coast road trip, coming in off a 98-90 win in Philadelphia on Wednesday, cashing as a one-point favorite. The Blazers opened the trip with a 97-92 loss in Washington, coming up short as two-point pups. They average just 93.8 points a game on the highway, but they’ve put up 101.2 ppg and shot 50 percent from the floor over their last five overall.
Boston center Kevin Garnett is scheduled to make his first appearance after missing 10 games with a knee injury. The Celtics were just 4-6 (SU and ATS) in the 10 contests without their All-Star, but dropped their last three (SU and ATS), including a 92-86 loss at Detroit on Wednesday, falling as six-point favorites.
These teams split last year’s two meetings, with the home team gong 2-0 SU and ATS. First, Boston scored a 93-78 home win as eight-point favorites to run its winning streak over the Blazers to seven in a row (7-0 ATS) before losing in Portland in December 2008, 91-86 with the Blazers cashing as a 6½-point pup. Boston is 8-1 ATS in the last nine contests, including 4-0 in the last four played at home.
Portland is on ATS slides of 1-4 after a spread-cover and 1-4 against Atlantic Division teams, but it is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 Friday games and 6-1 in its last seven against winning teams. The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last six against the Northwest Division, but otherwise on ATS slumps of 1-4 overall, 1-4 at home, 0-4 against the Western Conference and 8-22 when favored by 5 to 10 ½-points.
The Blazers are on “over” runs of 9-4 overall, 9-4 as underdogs, 4-1 on Fridays and 7-3 as road ‘dogs. Boston has topped the total in 18 of 25 after a straight-up loss and 16 of 21 as a home chalk of 5 to 10 1/2 points, but it is on “under” streaks of 11-4-1 against the Northwest Division and 4-1 as a favorite of 5 to 10 1/2 points. Finally, the “over” is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these two in Beantown.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Houston (23-18, 21-20 ATS) at San Antonio (25-16, 21-19-1 ATS)
In-state rivals take to the court inside the AT&T Center when the Rockets pay a visit to the slumping Spurs.
Houston has alternated wins and losses in its last six games (1-5 ATS), with each of its last two wins coming in overtime. The most recent came Monday, as the Rockets scored a 101-98 home victory over Milwaukee, but failed to cash as a 6½-point favorite. Houston has been putting the ball in the basket lately, averaging 105.2 points a game over the last five outings, but the team has given up 105 per contest during that same stretch.
San Antonio has lost three of its last four, with the only win coming on Monday in New Orleans – a 97-90 victory as a one-point road pup. The Spurs followed that triumph by returning home on Wednesday and losing to the Jazz 105-98 as a 5½-point favorite. San Antonio has managed just 93.2 ppg over its last five games.
The road team has taken each of the last three contests (SU and ATS) with San Antonio scoring the 92-84 win in the first meeting this season back in November, cashing easily as a one-point pup. Prior to the three-game winning streak for the road team, the series host had rattled off six straight wins (5-1 ATS). The pup is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings, and the Rockets have cashed in six of the last eight clashes in San Antonio.
Houston comes into this one on several ATS slides, including 0-7 on the road, 0-4 against Western Conference teams, 0-4 as a ‘dog, 1-5 after a non-cover and 0-6 as a road pup. The Spurs are just 1-4 ATS in their last five as favorites, but they are on positive ATS streaks of 6-2-1 after a non-cover and 9-1 as a favorite of 5 to 10 ½ points.
The Rockets have topped the total in four straight, four of five after a non-cover and six of eight on Fridays, but they are on “under” runs of 11-4 on the road and 23-6 against winning teams. San Antonio is on several “under” streaks, including 21-6 against teams with winning records, 5-1 against Southwest Division teams, 5-2 overall and 4-0 after a non-cover. In this rivalry, the “under” is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings and 14-3 the last 17 clashes at the Alamo.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Tips and Trends
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks
Lakers (-5.5, O/U 200.5): Los Angeles didn't get their 8 game road trip started off the way they had hoped, as they lost SU to Cleveland for the 2nd time this season. The Lakers now have to bounce back quickly, as they are playing on consecutive nights for the 10th time this season. The Lakers are 7-3 SU and 4-6 ATS in this specific back to back scenario. The Lakers have been struggling on the road of late, as they've lost 5 of their past 6 games SU on the road. Los Angeles is 5-11 ATS on the road for the entire season. The Lakers are 0-5 ATS as a favorite up to 5 PTS this season. Despite all their recent struggles, the Lakers enjoy playing in Madison Square Garden. The last time G Kobe Bryant visited MSG, he scored an arena record 61 PTS. Bryant has averaged 30.5 PPG at MSG over 11 career games there. The Lakers offense as a group has struggled of late, scoring less than 100 PTS in 7 of 9 games.
Lakers are 19-7 ATS last 26 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 12-4-1 last 17 games as a road favorite of 5 to 10.5 points.
Key Injuries - F Lamar Odom (finger) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 106 (OVER - Total of the Day
Knicks: New York has lost to the Lakers 5 straight times SU, including earlier this season. With the Knicks being an impressive 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS at home since December 1st, revenge will be on their minds tonight. New York is 17-24 SU and 20-21 ATS this season. At home, the Knicks are 10-11 SU and 11-10 ATS. The Knicks are currently 1.5 games back of the 8th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. F David Lee is having a monster season, as he leads the Knicks in both scoring and rebounding. Lee is averaging 19 PPG and 11 RPG this season, and since Christmas he has scored 22 PTS or more in 9 of his 12 games played. 5 other Knicks average double digits in PTS including F Danilo Gallinari. Gallinari is averaging nearly 15 PPG, and has made 109 3 pointers this season. Defensively, the Knicks have allowed an average of 102 PPG, but they are improving as they've held 11 of their past 12 opponents under 100 PTS at home.
Knicks are 11-5 ATS last 16 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 10-2 last 12 home games.
Key Injuries - F David Lee (rest) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 103
Chicago Bulls at Phoenix Suns
Bulls: Chicago had won 4 consecutive games SU before starting a road trip that has seen then be unsuccessful in both games thus far. In fact, Chicago is a paltry 4-15 SU on the road this season. Playing the high scoring Suns in Phoenix isn't going to be an easy task for the Bulls, as they are 1-14 SU when they allow opponents to score at least 100 PTS. The Bulls are 18-22 SU and 17-21-2 ATS this season, and are currently 8th in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. The Bulls are 7-12 ATS away from home this season, including 5-8 ATS as a single digit road underdog. PG Derrick Rose leads the team in scoring at 19 PPG, and he's scored at least 19 PTS in 8 of the 10 games this year. C Joakim Noah is a rebounding beast, as he's 2nd in the NBA averaging 12.4 RPG to go along with 11 PPG. The Bulls are the 4th lowest scoring team in the NBA at 94.5 PPG. Defensively, the Bulls are allowing 98 PPG this season.
Bulls are 2-8 ATS last 10 games as a road underdog of 5 to 10.5 points.
Under is 13-6 last 19 vs. Western Conference.
Key Injuries - F John Salmons (illness) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 102
Suns (-7, O/U 218): Phoenix is certainly happy to be back home, as they beat the Nets by more than 20 PTS in their 1st game home after losing all 4 games SU of a recent road trip. In fact, Phoenix has lost 11 of their past 12 road games SU. Luckily, they are back home where they are 16-4 SU and 12-8 ATS. Phoenix has only been held under 100 PTS one time this season at home. Phoenix is 6-6 ATS as a single digit favorite at home this season. Overall, the Suns are 25-18 and stand 6th in the Western Conference playoff chase. Phoenix is the highest scoring team in the NBA, averaging 109.9 PPG. 6 different players average double digits in PTS, led by Amar'e Stoudemire's 21 PPG. Stoudemire has been efficient of late, shooting better than 50% from the field in 5 of his last 6 games. PG Steve Nash averages nearly 19 PPG and 11 APG, the 2nd most APG in the NBA. The Suns allow an average of 107 PPG, the 2nd most PPG in the league.
Suns are 16-4-1 ATS last 21 home games vs. a team with a road winning % less than .400.
Under is 11-5 last 16 vs. a team with a losing SU record.
Key Injuries - F Grant Hill (face) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 116 (Side of the Day)