NBA News and Notes Friday 11/13

Atlanta (6-2, 7-1 ATS) at Boston (8-1, 5-4 ATS)
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Two of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference square off at Banknorth Garden, where the Celtics and Hawks both shoot for their third straight victories.

Atlanta destroyed Denver 125-100 as a three-point home favorite on Saturday, then took three days off before traveling to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday and pounding the Knicks 114-101 as a five-point road chalk. Atlanta has scored in triple digits in six of its eight games, but it has also allowed 100 or more in four straight and six of eight. The Hawks are 2-2 on the road (3-1 ATS).
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Boston rebounded from its first defeat of the season – last Friday’s 110-103 loss to Phoenix as a 10 ½-point home favorite – with consecutive double-digit wins over New Jersey (86-76 on Saturday) and Utah (105-86 on Wednesday). In the rout of the Jazz, the Celtics covered as an 11-point home favorite, snapping a three-game ATS drought. Phoenix is the only team this season to score more than 90 points against Boston, which has held its other eight opponents to an average of 81.4 ppg.

The Hawks took Boston to seven games in a 2008 Eastern Conference opening-round playoff series, eventually losing Game 7 99-65 as a 14½-point underdog. Then last year, the Celtics swept a four-game series from Atlanta, going 2-2 ATS. Each team went 1-1 SU and ATS at home. The host is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings (playoffs included), with Atlanta going just 1-5 ATS in its last six trips to Beantown.

The Hawks are on ATS runs of 4-1 on the road since the end of last year and 3-1-1 when playing on one day of rest, but they’ve failed to cover in five of six on Friday and eight of 11 against the Atlantic Division. Boston is on pointspread surges of 4-1 against the Eastern Conference and 5-2 on Friday.
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Atlanta has topped the total in four straight overall, five of six on the road and five of six against the Atlantic Division. The Celtics are on “over” runs of 28-11-1 at home and 6-0 on Friday, but otherwise they’re on “under” stretches of 9-4 overall, 7-2 against the Eastern Conference and 5-0 when facing Southeast Division opponents. Finally, seven of the last nine in this rivalry have gone over the total, but the under is 9-4 in the past 13 clashes in Boston.
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ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

L.A. Lakers (7-1, 3-5 ATS) at Denver (6-3, 4-5 ATS)
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The Nuggets finally return home to the Pepsi Center after a grueling six-game, nine-day Eastern Conference road trip, and awaiting them will be the defending-champion Lakers, who ended Denver’s 2008-09 season in the Western Conference finals.

Los Angeles returned from a three-day layoff on Thursday and dominated Phoenix 121-102 as an eight-point home favorite. The Lakers have won six in a row, and after starting the season with five consecutive ATS defeats, they’ve covered in three straight games. In its only two road games to this point, Phil Jackson’s squad needed overtime to dispatch of Oklahoma City (101-98) and Houston (103-102), failing to cover in both contests.
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Denver started the season 5-0 (4-1 ATS), including two blowout wins at Indiana (111-93) and New Jersey (122-94) to start its recent road trip. From there, though, the Nuggets ran out of gas, losing three of their final four on their journey while going 0-4 ATS. The trip ended with Tuesday’s 108-102 loss at Milwaukee as a 3½-point road chalk. After averaging 115.4 ppg in its first five games, George Karl’s club netted just 95 ppg in the last four.

After sweeping Denver out of the first round of the playoffs in 2007, the Lakers needed six games to dispose of the Nuggets in last year’s conference finals, winning the final two by scores of 103-94 as a six-point home favorite and 119-92 as a 5½-point road ‘dog. Los Angeles also won three of four regular-season meetings (2-2 ATS), and it is 13-5 ATS in the last 18 battles with Denver.

The Lakers have cashed in six of their last eight on Friday, while Denver’s current 0-4 ATS downfall is offset by positive pointspread surges of 9-3 at home, 23-7 versus Western Conference opponents, 11-5 against the Pacific Division and 12-5 when playing after one day of rest.
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The over is 5-1 in L.A.’s last five overall, 4-1 in its last five on Friday, 5-2 in its last seven on the road, 9-3 in its last 12 when playing on back-to-back nights and 4-0 in Denver’s last four at home. Conversely, the under is on streaks of 7-3 for the Lakers against the Northwest Division, 9-4 for the Lakers against winning teams, 10-3 for the Nuggets against winning teams, 5-2 for the Nuggets against Pacific Division foes, 10-3 in this rivalry (playoffs included) and 6-2 when these teams meet at the Pepsi Center.
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ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Utah Jazz vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Wachovia Center.

The Jazz were steamrolled 105-86 by the Celtics as a 10.5-point underdog on Wednesday. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 189.

Deron Williams led the Jazz with 13 points and seven rebounds in the loss.

The 76ers held off the winless Nets for a hard-fought 82-79 victory on Wednesday. The 76ers could not cover the 5-point spread, and the teams played UNDER that game's posted total of 189.

Thaddeus Young led the way with 20 points and five rebounds.

Team records:
Utah: 3-5 SU, 2-6 ATS
Philadelphia: 4-4 SU, 2-6 ATS

Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Utah's last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Utah

Next up:
Utah at Cleveland, Saturday, November 14
Philadelphia at Chicago, Saturday, November 14

New Jersey Nets vs. Orlando Magic

The New Jersey Nets and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Amway Arena.

The Nets were defeated 82-79 by the 76ers last time out, as 5-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 189.

Brook Lopez had a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

Vince Carter netted 29 points in the Magic's 102-93 loss to the Cavaliers last time out as a 1.5-poiunt favorite. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 190.5.

Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 8 straight games.

Team records:
New Jersey: 0-8 SU, 3-4-1 ATS
Orlando: 6-3 SU, 5-4 ATS

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 10 games when playing New Jersey

Next up:
New Jersey at Miami, Saturday, November 14
Orlando home to Charlotte, Monday, November 16

Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks

The fans at Madison Square Garden will be treated to a game between the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks when they take their seats on Friday.

The Warriors were defeated 108-94 by the Pacers last time out as a 5.5-point underdog. The teams played UNDER the night's posted total of 225.

Anthony Randolph had a double-double for the Warriors, netting 17 points with 13 rebounds.

The Knicks were defeated 114-101 by the Hawks last time out as a 5.5-point underdog at home. That game's combined 215 points made it OVER the posted total of 208.

Al Harrington had a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

Current streak:
New York has lost 5 straight games.

Team records:
Golden State: 2-5 SU, 2-5 ATS
New York: 1-8 SU, 2-7 ATS

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Golden State is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Golden State's last 20 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 12 games when playing at home against Golden State
New York is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games at home

Next up:
Golden State at Milwaukee, Saturday, November 14
New York at Indiana, Wednesday, November 18

Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Target Center.

Dirk Nowitzki added a double-double with 29 points and 12 rebounds in the Mavericks' 92-83 loss to the Spurs last time out. Oddsmakers listed the Mavericks as 1.5-point favorites, while that game's 175 points went UNDER the posted total of 196.5.

The Timberwolves were dumped 107-84 by the Trail Blazers last time out as a 7.5-point underdog. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 189.5.

Al Jefferson had 14 points and six rebounds for the Timberwolves.

Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 8 straight games.

Team records:
Dallas: 5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS
Minnesota: 1-8 SU, 3-5-1 ATS

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a loss are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Minnesota's last 15 games

Next up:
Dallas at Detroit, Sunday, November 15
Minnesota at Memphis, Saturday, November 14

Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Hornets

The Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Hornets will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at New Orleans Arena.

The Trail Blazers dominated from start to finish as they defeated the struggling Timberwolves 107-84 on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers covered the 7.5-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 189.5.

Greg Oden led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the win.

The Hornets were ripped apart 124-104 on Wednesday by the Suns, as a 6.5-point underdog. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 218.

Chris Paul netted 25 points and dished out six assists.

Current streak:
Portland has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Portland: 6-3 SU, 6-3 ATS
New Orleans: 3-6 SU, 3-6 ATS

Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 3-7
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

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

Next up:
Portland at Charlotte, Saturday, November 14
New Orleans at Atlanta, Saturday, November 14

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics

The fans at TD Garden will be treated to a game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics when they take their seats on Friday.

Josh Smith collected a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds on Wednesday, leading the Hawks over the Knicks 114-101. The Hawks covered the 5.5-point spread, while the combined 215 points made it OVER the posted total of 208.

Al Horford dropped a game-high 25 points to go with nine rebounds in that win.

The Celtics improved to 8-1 on Wednesday with a convincing 105-86 victory over the Jazz. The Celtics easily covered the 10.5-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 189.

Rajon Rondo had 14 points and dished out 11 assists, while Kevin Garnett added 18 points in that win.

Current streak:
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.
Boston has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Atlanta: 6-2 SU, 7-1 ATS
Boston: 8-1 SU, 5-4 ATS

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

Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Indiana are 6-4
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Next up:
Atlanta home to New Orleans, Saturday, November 14
Boston at Indiana, Saturday, November 14

Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings

The Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at ARCO Arena.

The Rockets dominated the second half and cruised to a 104-79 victory over the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Rockets covered the 9-point spread, but the teams played UNDER the posted total of 212.

Luis Scola had 22 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double in leading the way.

Jason Thompson scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Kings past the Thunder 101-98 on Tuesday night.

Sacramento cashed as 2-point home underdogs, while the teams played OVER the 198.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Sacramento has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Houston: 5-3 SU, 6-2 ATS
Sacramento: 4-4 SU, 5-3 ATS

Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 8-2
After a win are 4-6

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Oklahoma City are 3-7
After a win are 2-8

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

Next up:
Houston at LA Lakers, Sunday, November 15
Sacramento home to Chicago, Tuesday, November 17

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Pepsi Center.

Andrew Bynum tossed in a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds to help the Lakers defeat the Suns 121-102 on Thursday. The Lakers covered the 7.5-point spread, and the 223 points made it OVER the posted total of 221.

Kobe Bryant added a game-high 29 points in that win.

The Nuggets were defeated 108-102 by the Bucks last time out, as 4-point favorites. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 198.

Carmelo Anthony tossed in a game-high 32 points to go with 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 6 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 7-1 SU, 3-5 ATS
Denver: 6-3 SU, 4-5 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers are 14-3 SU in their last 17 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Lakers last 13 games when playing Denver
Denver is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Denver's last 13 games when playing LA Lakers
Denver is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games at home

Next up:
LA Lakers home to Houston, Sunday, November 15
Denver home to Toronto, Tuesday, November 17

Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers

The Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at STAPLES Center.

Chris Bosh poured in 28 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double on Wednesday, leading the Raptors to a 99-89 win over the Bulls. The Raptors covered the 5.5-point spread, while the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 207.

Jose Calderon chipped in with 18 points and dished out six assists in the win.

The Clippers were upset 83-79 by the Thunder last time out as a 2-point favorite at home. That game's 162 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 186.5.

Baron Davis added 17 points and seven rebounds.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS
Los Angeles: 3-6 SU, 2-7 ATS

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

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Toronto is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Toronto is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
Toronto is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the LA Clippers last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the LA Clippers last 16 games when playing Toronto

Next up:
Toronto at Phoenix, Sunday, November 15
LA Clippers at Oklahoma City, Sunday, November 15

New Jersey Nets at Orlando Magic
By SportsPic

Following Wednesday night's loss to Cleveland the Orlando Magic should feel good about their chances for a rebound when the 0-8 Nets visit Amway Arena on Friday.

Magic have won 7-of-9 meetings overall and 5-of-6 on home hardwood vs New Jersey.

However, Orlando not sharp defensively on a consistent basis puts them in dangerous betting territory. They'll need to dig deep into their bag of tricks to cover the expected 16-point spot.

Magic are 4-10 ATS laying eight or more points including 2-6 ATS laying double digits, 3-8 ATS last eleven running the hardwood against a losing team. On the flip side, Nets despite their terrible start have not only had three straight trips to the cash window they're a perfect 4-0 against-the-number last four grabbing double digits. Tracing back, home teams laying DD against offensively challenged teams like Nets (=<95 PPG) are just 5-6 ATS this season

NBA Round-Up for 11/13
by Dan Bebe

Four games in five nights was the tipping point for the Phoenix Suns. You can bet they'll be waiting for a rematch with the Lakers, who simply out-shot, and out-muscled Phoenix last night. I'm having trouble figuring out how the reserves put up 60 points in the final quarter, but the cover for LA was an easy one.

The earlier game featured monster dunks, and a ton of free throws. All in all, a day this bettor would like to forget.

Sports Wagering

Sixers/Jazz - Sixers getting 1.5 points at home with a total of 198. This is a game that pits one team, the Sixers, with their fair share of problems, against the Jazz, who might even have bigger problems. Deron Williams "tweeted" that changes need to come in Utah, which is rare for a Jerry Sloan-run team, and really, how could the Jazz upper management not see this coming? Carlos Boozer reneged on a verbal agreement to play with the Cavaliers when he initially signed with the Jazz, and now his contract situation is giving the Jazz fits. Just another locker room cancer with too much talent to get run out of the League. Word on the street is that Coach Sloan respects his franchise point guard more than the rest of the team (and for good reason), and is considering bringing Boozer off the bench to shake things up and get the gritty Paul Millsap in there earlier. I'm not sure I can trust either of these teams, really, though it's extremely tough to back the Jazz on the road with this kind of turmoil. Early lean to Philly, but this is a game I'd have to take some serious medication to make it through.

Magic/Nets - Opening line of 16 points to the home team with a total of 189.5. This is just one of those spots where you almost have to say "screw it" and grab 16 points and hope for the best. The Magic could very well shoot 60% and win by 30, but if they let up for even a few minutes, this game has a keyring full of copies to the metaphorical back door. The Nets are figuring out how to play without Devin Harris, and while they're still not winning, they're keeping games close with better defense and a full reliance on Brook Lopez to take care of the paint. The line is this high because Lopez is going to open his eyes and see one of the most intimidating specimens in the NBA staring him down. Dwight Howard doesn't really have defined post moves yet, though he's improving year by year, but the thought is that Lopez won't be a factor and may get into foul trouble. Still, Rashard Lewis isn't back yet, and I'm not sure you can legitimately claim that the Magic win this game by over 16 points. Early lean to the Nets.

Knicks/Warriors - Zero defense, all mayhem. Knicks favored by a point at home with a total of 224.5. If any team should wake up the horrible Knicks offense, it should be the Warriors, but I'm tempted to say Golden State gets a rare road win in this one. The Warriors have some talent on that roster, but amid the strange Don Nelson rotations, the failed small-ball lineups, and arguments among the players and management, it's tough to see that talent. When the Warriors run up against a team that doesn't severely out-size them, they can be quite tough. Make no mistake, Golden State runs their offense better than New York, and given the Knicks only seem to be able to play 24 decent minutes per night, I just don't see them beating anyone. In terms of the total, this is hugely reliant on the Knicks making buckets for 4 full quarters. I'd rather not risk it. Early lean to the Warriors.

Hornets/Blazers - Hornets are dogs of 1.5 with a total of 190. This line almost looks like a sucker bet, but I'm starting to think I'm a sucker for overthinking things a bit much. The Hornets just got a new Head Coach who was the team GM yesterday. He doesn't really know what he's doing, and you can just guess the game-plan for this one is "give the ball to Paul." I have news for everyone, though. Chris Paul cannot beat the Blazers by himself. He might be able to take down the Clippers, and the Hornets already blew their November miracle against the Mavericks, this one is just not meant to be. Portland has superior talent, superior athleticism, superior size, and only suffers a disadvantage at point guard, but hey! Nate McMillan is finally starting Andre Miller, and as a result, Greg Oden's point totals have skyrocketed, and, more involved in the game, Oden is playing better all-around basketball. Early lean to Portland to continue getting it done with the new starting lineup. Early lean to the Under, as well.

Wolves/Mavericks - Minnesota is getting 11 points at home to the Mavericks. That is an enormous number to get on your own court, but Minnesota is certainly in the running this year for worst in the League. The Mavericks are coming off a TERRIBLE shooting night in San Antonio, and if this line weren't so outrageous, I'd be strongly inclined to bet on them to bounce back. They're simply too talented and facing a defense too horrible not to have a fine shooting game. What's more, Al Jefferson will miss 2 games due to an illness in his family, so Minnesota is really cut down to their prime. Will this be a situation where the "other" Wolves step up and play the Mavericks tough, or will they wilt beneath Dallas' severe size, skill, and talent advantages? This is a game I do NOT like at all -- too many unanswered questions. The total is currently set at 196, which feels about right, given the Mavs should shoot the ball well, and the Wolves generally play whatever style of game their opponents want. Not a huge fan of the side or the total in this one.

Celtics/Hawks - Celtics by 8.5 at home with a total of 192.5. My first impression is that Boston is giving way too many points away against a solid Hawks team, and with Atlanta coming off a nice comeback winner over the Knicks, I think they'll have plenty of zest going into this one. One of the biggest reasons for the Hawks success so far this year is that they can run 7 above-average players onto the court, and Josh Smith is taking the ball to the hole on offense, and leaving the long bombs to the likes of Bibby, Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford. The offense has taken another leap with Smith going back to jumping out of the building as one of the most athletic wing players in the NBA. Boston is coming off throttling the Utah Jazz, but who isn't? I don't think we can take much from that game, other than Paul Pierce getting an inadvertent chicken wing from a teammate. Boston has won big in a few straight games, but those were against lackluster competition. Rasheed has cooled a tad, the Celtics are a little annoyed with their point guard Rajon Rondo (mostly for doing too much talking), and I think this game will be decided by less than 7. Early lean to Atlanta, no lean on the total.

Kings/Rockets - Rockets laying 4 on the road at Arco with a total of 210. I'll tell you, I was desperately hoping the total would be in the 206 range, because I was going to scream to jump on the Over, but now I'm not so confident. Oddsmakers had the same idea I did, and this game just has that feeling of the "one where the injury catches up with Sactown." They've been playing way above themselves since Kevin Martin went down, led by solid interior players named Thompson and Hawes and the electric play of rookie Tyreke Evans. Eventually, these types of injuries catch up with a team, and this game just SMELLS like that game. I would rather not guess, and instead let's just let this one play out. If Sacramento makes it through this test against their former coach, then maybe we continue to ride them, but it's just not worth the risk on this coin-flip. Like I mentioned before, the total is spot on. If the Rockets shoot the ball well, we'll see Sacramento push it back, and this will clear 210, but when I run the numbers, I see this thing coming out right around 210. Leave it alone, barring some severe steam on one side.

Nuggets/Lakers - I love fading a team on the second night of a back-to-back in Denver. Having to travel to the mile high city, especially after facing the breakneck pace of the Suns the previous evening in the late TNT game is a recipe for at least one sluggish quarter, maybe a sluggish half. I think the Nuggets want this one more, though they will be returning home off a long road trip. There are certainly factors that make me want to bet both sides, and factors that make me want to avoid both sides. Which team will have the tougher time in the thin air? How will Denver bounce back after a road trip that started so well, and ended so poorly? Will these teams really shoot the ball well enough to crack 212? Early lean to the Nuggets because they've at least had a day to rest up for this physical match-up of Western Conference powers, and slight lean to the Under, since I see the Lakers running a very structured offense to try to save energy for late-game heroics.

Clippers/Raptors - Another line that looks almost too good to be true. The Raptors are favored by just 1.5, and while they haven't been the most fearsome road team, and are coming in straight from the farthest reaches of Canada, I just can't see Toronto letting the Clippers pull away, and if this thing is close down the stretch, I have to side with the team with Hedo Turkoglu, Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon, not to mention Jarrett Jack off the bench. The Clippers have lost two straight, getting blown out by the Hornets, then playing a tough one with the Thunder. Public money is going to be flowing in hard on Toronto, and I suggest we get a few bucks down while the line is still this favorable. If it moves up to 2.5 or 3, we could set up a nice middle for a close game. The total of 209 feels way too high, but I guess the thought is that the Clippers are going to play this one close, and match Toronto in a relatively fast-paced game. Tough to see LA getting over 100 after the high-70's they posted against the Thunder, but the line is at 209 for a reason, and we should respect that.

Fantasy Advice

Nothin'. Only two games, Lebron, Dwyane Wade, Kobe, blah blah blah. Call me when someone NOT drafted in the first round in EVERY fantasy league nationwide breaks 25 points.

Tips and Trends

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

Lakers: Tough spot for the Lakers, as they play the back end of back to back games in Denver. Motivation shouldn't be a factor, as this series has become a rivalry. This is the 1st time this season that the Lakers are an underdog. Lakers have lost both road games ATS this year. G Kobe Bryant leads the NBA in scoring at over 33 PPG. Lakers haven't allowed a team to shoot better than 46% from the field this year. Being an underdog on the road, the Lakers will need to continue their strong defensive play.

Lakers are 13-5 ATS last 18 meetings vs. Denver.
Over is 9-3 last 12 games playing on no days rest.

Key Injuries - C Pau Gasol (hamstring) is out.
C Andrew Bynum (elbow) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 104 (Side of the Day).

Nuggets (-3, O/U 212): Denver will be playing only their 3rd home game of the season, after concluding a 6 game road trip. Huge revenge game for the Nuggets, as the Lakers ended their season last year in a hard fought Western Conference Final. Nuggets have lost 4 consecutive games ATS. F Carmelo Anthony is 3rd in the NBA in scoring at just over 30 PPG. Anthony has spoken publicly about getting revenge against the Lakers. He and his teammates get that opportunity tonight at home.

Nuggets are 1-8 ATS last 9 games as a favorite up to -4.5.
Under is 6-2 last 8 meetings in Denver.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 102

Stan's Sharp Move for Friday Nov 13th

Portland @ New Orleans

Total Opened 191, 190 now 188.5

Stan notes this total opened at 190 at the Greek and 191 at Cris. Here in Vegas and offshore this game has been bet down to 188.5 as the sharp Wise Guy action has come in hard on the Under. This is the lowest total that has been posted on a New Orleans game in the last 6 and New Orleans has gone Over 4 of those 6 so with this kind of move to the Under this early in the day the Wise Guys really like this total. Stan's take the Wise Guys have spoken so you should listen and Play the Under.