Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Mavericks at Pistons**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Detroit as a four-point home ‘chalk’ over Dallas, with the total set at 184. ESPN will provide coverage of this contest at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Dallas (24-18 straight up, 18-24 against the spread) was riding a modest two-game SU and ATS winning streak before getting routed by Milwaukee Wednesday as a 1 ½-point road favorite, 133-99. The combined 232 points soared past the 202 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the past four games.
-The Mavericks were dominated on the boards, 46-33, while shooting a dismal 37 percent (30-of-82) from the field. Dirk Nowitzki paced the offense with 30 points and five rebounds, while Josh Howard added 19.
-Dallas is a modest 11-11 SU and 13-9 ATS on the road, with the ‘under’ going 14-8. The Mavs have been dropping those affairs by an average score of 99-98.
-Detroit (24-17 SU, 18-23 ATS) has won back-to-back outings SU and ATS after throttling Toronto Wednesday as a 5 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 95-76. The combined 171 points failed to eclipse the 178 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-0-1 the previous four outings.
-The Pistons dominated the Raptors on the boards, 40-28, while shooting a blistering 51 percent (40-of-79) from the field. Tayshaun Prince led all scorers with 25 points, while Rodney Stuckey added 17 and seven assists.
-Detroit is 13-7 SU at home, but just 7-13 ATS with the ‘under’ going 12-7. The Pistons have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 95-93.
-Dallas is 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS the previous four meetings with Detroit, while the ‘under’ has cashed each time. This is the first meeting of the season between these teams.
-Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki (hand) is ‘probable’ versus the Pistons.
**Raptors at Bulls**
-LVSC opened Chicago as a four-point home favorite over Toronto, with the total listed at 199. This contest is scheduled to tipoff at 8:35 p.m. ET.
-Toronto (16-28 SU, 17-25 ATS) is currently mired in a seven-game SU losing skid after Wednesday setback to Detroit. That marked the second consecutive contest that went ‘under’ the closing total.
-The Raptors shot 43 percent (31-of-73) from the field, and managed just 14 points in the fourth quarter. Chris Bosh had 19 points and five rebounds in the setback, while Andrea Bargnani added 16 and six.
-Toronto is 8-16 SU and 11-12 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 13-10. The Raptors have been dropping those affairs by an average score of 100-95.
-Chicago (18-25 SU and ATS) has lost its last three games SU and ATS after Tuesday’s setback to Atlanta as a 4 ½-point home favorite, 105-102. The combined 207 points went ‘over’ the 198-point closing total, snapping a string of three straight ‘under’ outings.
-The Bulls are 13-9 SU and 10-12 ATS on their home court, with the ‘over’ going 12-10. Chicago has been winning its home endeavors by an average score of 101-100.
-The Bulls have beaten the Raptors the last two meetings SU and ATS after winning the lone encounter this season January 14 as a four-point road underdog, 102-98. The combined 200 points eclipsed the 198 ½-point closing total, ending a string of four consecutive ‘under’ outings in this series.
-Toronto guard Jose Calderon (hamstring) is ‘probable’ against the Bulls. Chicago center Drew Gooden (groin) is ‘questionable’ versus the Raptors.
**Cavaliers at Warriors**
-LVSC lists Cleveland as a 7 ½-point road ‘chalk’ over Golden State, with the total set at 214. This game is slated to start at 10:35 p.m. ET.
-Cleveland (32-8 SU, 28-12 ATS) has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses its last five games after Wednesday’s loss to Portland as a one-point road favorite, 104-98. The combined 202 points went ‘over’ the 183-point closing total, ending a string of three straight ‘under’ outings.
-The Cavaliers outrebounded the Blazers, 39-35, and shot a solid 53 percent (41-of-78) from the field. LeBron James stepped up with 34 points and 14 assists, while Mo Williams added 33.
-Cleveland sports a 12-8 SU and ATS road record, with the ‘under’ going 12-8. The Cavaliers have been winning those contests by an average score of 97-91.
-Golden State (13-30 SU, 19-24 ATS) had won consecutive contests SU and ATS before falling to Oklahoma City Wednesday as a six-point home favorite, 122-121. The combined 243 points soared ‘over’ the 222-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 5-0-1 the past six games.
-The Warriors were outrebounded by the Thunder, 39-32, but almost won the game by shooting 52 percent (39-of-75) from the field. Stephen Jackson had 29 points and seven assists, while Corey Maggette added 26.
-Golden State is 9-10 SU and 11-8 ATS at home, with the ‘over’ going a solid 14-4. The Warriors have been winning those affairs by an average score of 113-111.
-Cleveland is 4-1 SU and ATS the previous five meetings with Golden State after winning the lone encounters this season November 28 as an 11 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 112-97. The combined 209 points went ‘under’ the 216 ½-point closing total.
-Cleveland’s LeBron James (bicep) is ‘probable’ versus the Warriors. Golden State center Andris Biedrins (wrist) and guard Marco Belinelli (knee) is ‘questionable’ against the Cavs, while guard Monta Ellis (ankle) is ‘probable.’
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NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Friday, Jan. 23
Cleveland at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST). LeBron James and the Cavaliers continue their West Coast trip. Monta Ellis will be in uniform for Golden State for the first time since spraining his left ankle five months ago in a scooter accident.
STARS
Thursday
— Paul Pierce, Celtics, had 27 points and 10 rebounds in Boston’s 90-80 victory in Orlando.
— Andrew Bynum, Lakers, had 23 points and 14 rebounds in 27 minutes in Los Angeles’ 117-97 home victory over Washington.
STREAKS
Boston beat Orlando 90-80 on Thursday night to extend its winning streak to seven and snap the Magic’s seven-game run. … Washington is 0-9 in the second game of back-to-back sets this season and has yet to win consecutive road games.
STAR VOTING
Orlando center Dwight Howard, the NBA leader in rebounds, blocked shots and double-doubles, received a record 3,150,181 votes to lead the NBA All-Star starters Thursday for the Feb. 15 game in Phoenix. Cleveland’s LeBron James also will start for the Eastern Conference along with Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Detroit’s Allen Iverson and Boston’s Kevin Garnett. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (2,805,397) was the West’s top vote-getter. He’ll be joined by New Orleans’ Chris Paul, Houston’s Yao Ming, San Antonio’s Tim Duncan and Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire.
SACKED
Memphis fired coach Marc Iavaroni on Thursday. The Grizzlies are 11-30 this season after going 22-60 last season, Iavaroni’s first as an NBA head coach. The Grizzlies are the seventh team to fire a coach this season, following Washington, Toronto, Sacramento, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City and Minnesota.
SAYING GOODBYE
Alonzo Mourning has decided to retire rather than mount another NBA comeback at age 38. The seven-time All-Star center said Thursday he won’t return from a devastating leg injury he sustained Dec. 19, 2007—the fourth anniversary of his lifesaving kidney transplant. He had been working out at the Miami Heat complex and said he’s running and jumping again, but feared another leg injury if he returned.
SPEAKING
“Well, I’ll wash the dishes and take out the trash and clean the windows. Whatever you want me to do, dear.”—Alonzo Mourning to wife Tracy during his retirement news conference Thursday.
DALLAS vs. DETROIT
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Dallas
HOUSTON vs. INDIANA
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
PHOENIX vs. CHARLOTTE
Phoenix is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
MEMPHIS vs. NEW YORK
Memphis is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis
New York is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis
MILWAUKEE vs. ATLANTA
Milwaukee is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
NEW ORLEANS vs. MINNESOTA
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
NEW JERSEY vs. SAN ANTONIO
New Jersey is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
New Jersey is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing New Jersey
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
TORONTO vs. CHICAGO
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games on the road
Chicago is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto
Chicago is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Toronto
CLEVELAND vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 13 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Cleveland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Golden State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Golden State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA CLIPPERS
Oklahoma City is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
LA Clippers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Tips and Trends
Dallas Mavericks at Detroit Pistons
Mavs: Dallas is coming off a devastating 133-99 loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday, the team's worst performance since November 17th, 2001. The Mavs have obviously not played good defense lately, surrendering an average of 109.6 points in losing five of their last seven games. “It’s just embarrassing, really,” Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki said after losing to the Bucks. “They got whatever they wanted - wide-open shots, drives, layups.” Another problem is the lack of offensive production from point guard Jason Kidd, who is averaging a career-low 9.1 points per game and has only one game of 10 or more assists in his last 11 games.
Mavs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Dallas' last 8 road games.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 86 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Pistons (-4, O/U 182): Like Kidd, Allen Iverson is struggling with his new team, averaging a career-low 17.9 points this season. Iverson still was named a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team despite those low numbers, but he has averaged 29.7 points and 8.7 assists in his last three games against the Mavs. However, it was Tayshaun Prince who stepped up with 25 points in an 95-76 win over Toronto on Wednesday. “I call him the ‘Quiet Assassin’ because he gets the job done quietly,” Detroit forward Jason Maxiell said about Prince. “People may forget about him, but he gets the job done.”
Pistons are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games.
The UNDER is 23-8-1 in Detroit's last 32 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 90
Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors
Cavs (-6.5, O/U 215): Cleveland avoided losing consecutive games for the first time this season with a 104-98 win at Portland on Wednesday. LeBron James paved the way with 34 points and a season-high 14 assists, and he was especially impressed with how his team handled the situation after losing to the Lakers 105-88 on Monday. “One thing I’m very excited about is the way we bounce back after a loss,” James said. “Every guy on this team knows we’re fighting for a championship. We want to get better every night because we’re fighting for something really big down the road.”
Cavs are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The UNDER is 7-3 in Cleveland's last 10 games vs. Western Conference.
Key Injuries - G Delonte West (wrist) is OUT.
C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (ankle) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 109
Warriors: Golden State will welcome back Monta Ellis, who was suspended for the first 30 games of the season without pay after crashing his scooter and injuring his ankle in the offseason. Ellis had just signed a 6-year, $66 million contract following a career season in which he averaged 20.2 points per game. “We decided as a group after practice that Friday’s game would be a good situation for me,” Ellis said. “I have worked extremely hard during my rehabilitation, with the help of the Warriors’ staff, and feel that I’m ready to go. It’s just nice to get back to the game that I love and to play for the fans who have been so good to me. I’m really pumped.”
Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Friday games.
The OVER is 7-1 in Golden State's last 8 games as an underdog.
Key Injuries - C Andris Biedrins (wrist) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 106 (Side Play of the Day)
Hot Teams
-- Pistons won last two games, allowing 77.5 ppg, after losing seven of previous eight games.
-- Rockets won three in row, six of last seven games. Pacers covered six of their last eight games.
-- Bobcats won four of last five games (5-0 vs spread).
-- Hawks won three of their last four games.
-- Timberwolves won six of last eight games, are 13-2 vs spread last 15. Hornets won last three games, by 6-3-10 points.
-- Spurs won three in row, 13 of last 16 games.
-- Thunder is 16-4 vs spread in its last twenty games.
-- Cavaliers won, covered five of their last seven games. Warriors are 4-1 vs spread in game following their last five losses.
Cold Teams
-- Mavericks lost six of their last seven games.
-- Suns lost four of last five games, are 0-6-1 vs spread in last seven.
-- Milwaukee is 1-8 vs spread in game after its last nine wins.
-- Grizzlies lost last seven games, fired their coach Thursday.
-- Bulls lost last three games, by 5-4-3 points. Raptors lost last seven in a row (2-4-1 vs spread).
-- Nets lost last four games, by 32-6-20-10 points.
-- Clippers lost 14 of their last 15 games (3-2 vs spread in last five).
Totals
-- Under is 13-6 in last nineteen Dallas games.
-- Seven of last ten Indiana games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Charlotte home games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-4 in Atlanta's last thirteen games.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Memphis games.
-- Over is 11-4 in last fifteen Minnesota games.
-- Three of last four Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in Nets' last seven games.
-- Over is 8-3 in Clippers' last eleven games.
-- Ten of last twelve Golden State games went over the total.
Back-to Back
-- Milwaukee is 8-6 vs spread if it plays again the next night.
-- Memphis is 0-4 vs spread on road if it plays again next night.
-- Cavaliers are 5-3 vs spread when they play again the next night.
Dallas (24-18, 18-24 ATS) at Detroit (24-17, 18-23 ATS)
The Pistons will try to make it three in a row when they welcome the Mavericks to the Palace at Auburn Hills for this inter-conference showdown.
Dallas is in the midst of a four-game East Coast road trip, having split the first two contests, winning in Philadelphia on Monday 95-93 and cashing as a 3½-point underdog, and then getting blown out 133-99 in Milwaukee on Wednesday as a one-point chalk. The Bucks shot 48-of-83 (57.8 percent) from the field and outrebounded the Mavs 46-33.
Detroit has won two straight (2-0 ATS) after a five-game SU and ATS losing streak. The Pistons beat Memphis 87-79 on Monday as four-point road favorites, then scored a 95-76 home victory over the Raptors on Wednesday as a 5½-point chalk. Detroit is 13-7 at home this season but just 7-13 ATS.
These teams have split the season series in each of the last five years, with the home team winning both matchups last season. Dallas prevailed 102-86 as a two-point home favorite and Detroit returned the favor a month later with a 90-67 victory as a 5½-point home chalk. The Pistons have gotten the cash in four of the last five meetings and seven of the last 10.
The Mavs are on negative ATS runs of 6-21-1 against the Central Division, 3-7 overall and 2-6 when getting one day off, but they are on positive pointspread streaks of 8-2 as road ‘dogs and 35-17 as a ‘dog of less than five points. Detroit has covered the number in six of its last seven against Southwest Division teams but otherwise it’s on ATS slides of 4-9 at home, 5-12 as a favorite and 4-10 against Western Conference teams.
For Dallas, the over is 17-8 in the last 25 games they’ve been a ‘dog, but otherwise the under is on streaks for the Mavs of 6-2 on the road, 10-3 after a non-cover, 44-21-1 after one day off and 4-0 against teams with a winning record. The Pistons are on “under” stretches of 23-8-1 overall, 5-1-1 at home, 4-1 as a home favorite, 17-5-1 against Southwest Division foes, 5-0-1 against the Western Conference and 4-0 on a day of rest. Also, the under is on a 4-0 run in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Milwaukee (21-24, 27-16-2 ATS) at Atlanta (25-16, 22-19 ATS)
The Hawks will try to make it three in a row over the Bucks when the two teams square off inside Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Milwaukee comes into this one off Wednesday’s 133-99 victory over the Mavericks, easily getting the cash as a one-point home ‘dog. The Bucks are 15-9-2 ATS on the highway despite failing to cover in each of their last two roadies, including Monday’s 102-85 loss in Portland as 6½-point ‘dogs and a 101-92 loss to the Clippers as three-point favorites last week.
Atlanta has put together back-to-back wins, beating the Raptors 87-84 Monday but failing to cover as a 7½-point home favorite, then upsetting Chicago 105-102 as a 4½-point road pup Tuesday. The Hawks are 16-4 SU at home this season, but just 9-11 ATS.
The Hawks won their November matchup with the Bucks 102-96, but came up just short as 7½-point home favorites. Atlanta has won the last four series meetings in Georgia (3-1 ATS) and held Milwaukee to 96 points or less in three of the four. In fact, the home team has won each of the last seven meetings (5-1-1 ATS).
The Bucks are on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 17-8 against the Eastern Conference, 6-2-1 as a ‘dog, 9-2 against the Southeast Division, 4-1 on Fridays and 5-1 on the road against teams with a winning home mark. Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last five against Central Division teams, but the Hawks are on negative ATS slides of 3-7 overall, 0-4 at home, 1-5 against the Eastern Conference and 1-6 as a favorite.
Milwaukee is riding “over” streaks of 9-2 overall, 5-0 after a straight-up win, 4-1 as a ‘dog, 6-2 after getting a day off and 4-0 after a spread-cover. For the Hawks, the over is on runs of 9-4 overall, 5-1 at home, 4-1 against the Eastern Conference, 7-1-1 against the Central Division and 6-1 following a straight-up win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
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PHOENIX (23 - 17) at CHARLOTTE (17 - 25)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in January games this season.
PHOENIX is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 2-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS (24 - 18) at DETROIT (24 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 56-70 ATS (-21.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) after allowing 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 208-162 ATS (+29.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 199-143 ATS (+41.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (27 - 16) at INDIANA (15 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 138-88 ATS (+41.2 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 187-147 ATS (+25.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 276-225 ATS (+28.5 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 89-63 ATS (+19.7 Units) against Central division opponents since 1996.
HOUSTON is 48-28 ATS (+17.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 4-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 3-2 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (21 - 24) at ATLANTA (25 - 16)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 70-99 ATS (-38.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS (11 - 30) at NEW YORK (17 - 24)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 37-57 ATS (-25.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road games this season.
MEMPHIS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in January games this season.
MEMPHIS is 28-44 ATS (-20.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW YORK is 43-65 ATS (-28.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 3-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (26 - 13) at MINNESOTA (13 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-44 ATS (-26.4 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 74-57 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 56-37 ATS (+15.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 49-22 ATS (+24.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 6-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 6-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY (19 - 23) at SAN ANTONIO (28 - 13)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-0 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO (16 - 28) at CHICAGO (18 - 25)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-4 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (32 - 8) at GOLDEN STATE (13 - 30)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 33-14 ATS (+17.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 53-71 ATS (-25.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 41-56 ATS (-20.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 67-96 ATS (-38.6 Units) in January games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-57 ATS (-30.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-1 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 4-1 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (9 - 34) at LA CLIPPERS (9 - 32)
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 52-70 ATS (-25.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 43-59 ATS (-21.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 131-174 ATS (-60.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 7-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 6-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NBA Friday injury report: Ellis to make season debut
By MATT SEVERANCE
Golden State Warriors: The team's best player, Monta Ellis, will make his season debut on Friday night against Cleveland after injurying his ankle in a moped accident. He will play 20-30 minutes and start. Meanwhile, Andris Biedrins hopes to play after missing his first game of the season Wednesday night with a wrist injury.
Toronto Raptors: Point guard Jose Calderon, who has missed 11 of Toronto's last 12 games (and the Raps have lost eight of the games he was out) with a hamstring problem, is expected to return and start Friday night against the Bulls. Joey Graham heads back to a reserve role.
New York Knicks: Underrated forward Wilson Chandler missed practice Thursday because of a bruised left hip suffered during a collision with Shaquille O'Neal on Wednesday night. Coach Mike D'Antoni expects Chandler to play Friday against Memphis even though he is listed as questionable.
Houston Rockets: Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady both practiced Thursday and both said they are close to returning to action. Houston is at Indiana on Friday, but neither will play. Sunday against Detroit could be an option for both.
Chicago Bulls: Drew Gooden, the team's best interior presence, is questionable for Friday's home game against the Raptors due to a strained groin. Gooden, who leads the team in rebounds, visited specialists on Thursday.
Los Angeles Clippers: Point guard Baron Davis will miss games Friday and Sunday, at a minimum, with his bruised tailbone. Forward Marcus Camby's availability against the Thunder on Friday was to be determined at a shootaround on Friday. Camby (sprained ankle) was thought to be out two weeks but practiced fully on Thursday.
Atlanta Hawks: Starters Marvin Williams (concussion) and Al Horford (knee) are doubtful to play Friday against the Bucks. Williams is probably closer to returning than Horford, who has missed six straight games.
New Jersey Nets: Point guard Devin Harris is likely to sit out against the Spurs on Friday because of a rib injury that forced him to leave Wednesday's game against New Orleans. A CAT scan and X-ray found no damage and he is day-to-day. The Nets are 1-5 in games Harris has missed this season.