NBA News and Notes Friday 11/5

Lakers continue easy schedule versus Raptors
By: Barry Daniels

Those who believed the Los Angeles Lakers would be suffering a bit of a hangover from playing deep into the postseason en route to capturing last season’s NBA title need to reassess that opinion. The Lakers will bring a perfect 5-0 ledger into Friday night’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors.

The Lakers extended their season-opening winning streak to five games and improved their NBA spread record to 4-1 with Wednesday’s 112-100 victory at Sacramento as five-point road favorites.

The combined 212 points flew north of the 207 ½-point closing total, which enabled the ‘over’ to cash in four of the Lakers’ first five outings. Though Los Angeles has amassed triple-digits in each of its first five outings, the club has yielded 100 points or more on four occasions.

A fairly easy early schedule may have something to do with the Lakers’ fast start. Six of the Lakers’ first eight opponents this season will be against teams that had a record below .500 last year. That includes games against Minnesota (15-67), Sacramento (25-57) and Golden State (26-56). The Lakers will also play six of their first eight games at Staples Center.

All five Lakers starters notched double figures in Wednesday’s win, but Kobe Bryant’s triple-double grabbed the headlines. Bryant poured in a game-high 30 points and added 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Pau Gasol added 22 points and 11 boards, while Lamar Odom contributed 18 points and eight rebounds.

The Lakers shot 46 percent from the field (39-of-84) and a sizzling 11-of-21 (52.4 percent) from beyond the three-point line. The Lakers were out-rebounded by the Kings, 60-50, but had four more assists (24-20). Los Angeles was 23-of-28 from the charity stripe compared to 14-of-23 for the Kings.

Phil Jackson’s troops lead the league with a 113.0 PPG average, and also are tops in three-point shooting (46.3 percent). They are also second in rebounding, hauling down an average of 49.4 boards per game. However, the Lakers rank 17th in the league on defense by allowing 100.8 PPG.

Returning to Staples Center for Friday’s contest against the Raptors will give the Lakers a great chance to start the season with a 6-0 record. Los Angeles is 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS in three home games this season after going 34-7 SU on its home court last season.

Toronto has dropped the first two outings on a four-game West Coast road excursion. That includes Tuesday’s 125-108 setback at Utah as a 10 ½-point underdog. The combined 233 points soared ‘over’ the 206 ½-point closing total, leaving the ‘over/under’ split in the club’s first four contests.

The Raptors began the trip with a 111-108 loss at Sacramento after splitting two home games to begin the campaign. They are 1-3 ATS in their first four efforts. However, Toronto is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 road endeavors dating to last season. The ‘over’ is 10-4 in the club’s last 14 overall outings.

Toronto could not overcome a 41-point first quarter in Tuesday’s loss at Utah, though the club did cut the lead to one point (81-80) in the third quarter. Andrea Bargnani had 26 points to lead the Raptors, while Sonny Weems came off the bench to score 23.

The Raptors rank 12th in scoring through their first four games with a 102.5 PPG average. However, they are yielding 103.8 PPG, which ranks 21st.

The Lakers and Raptors split two games last season, with each club squeaking out a win at home. The Raptors covered the spread on each occasion, and both outings catapulted ‘over’ the closing total.

The first meeting saw the Raptors register a 106-105 victory as four-point home underdogs, while the Lakers took the rematch as 11 ½-point home favorites, 109-107.

Toronto concludes its four-game West Coast jaunt by traveling to Portland for a Saturday contest against the Blazers. The Lakers stay home for a Sunday meeting with those same Blazers.

Friday NBA Tips
By Kevin Rogers

The Friday night NBA card is loaded with 12 games to wager on, including three intriguing contests involving some of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks look to stay unbeaten as they travel to woeful Minnesota, while the Bulls and Celtics renew old playoff acquaintances in Boston. We'll begin in the Big Easy with a pair of teams that are a combined 8-1, with the home club trying to pull an upset.

Heat at Hornets

Most of us expected the Heat to bounce back after their dismal performance on opening night against the Celtics. Miami has responded with four straight wins, even though three of those victories have come against teams that have a combined four wins (Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Minnesota). The Heat heads to New Orleans for a showdown with a surprising Hornets' club looking to continue an undefeated start.

With all the Chris Paul drama now in the rear-view mirror, the Hornets can concentrate on winning games, and that they have. New Orleans is off to a 4-0 start, while grabbing back-to-back outright road victories as underdogs at San Antonio and Houston. The key to the Hornets' hot streak is their stingy defense, which has allowed 93.8 ppg, leading to four 'unders' in four tries.

The big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh is shaping into form with three straight wins of at least 20 points. Miami's defense is leading the way, giving up just 84 ppg, while coming off a 129-point effort in Tuesday's home blowout of Minnesota. The Hornets have won seven of the past nine meetings, including five straight wins at home.

Bulls at Celtics

Chicago and Boston played an epic seven-game series in the first round two seasons ago that was claimed by the Celtics. Now, Doc Rivers' team goes for their fifth victory in six games, while trying to avenge two losses to the Bulls from last season. Chicago, meanwhile, will be playing with no rest following Thursday's home game against New York.

The Celtics survived a scare against the Bucks by knocking off Milwaukee in overtime on Wednesday, 105-102 as eight-point favorites. Boston's offense has picked things up after averaging 87.5 ppg the first two games, as the C's have scored at least 105 points in each of the last three victories. The Celtics took the first two meetings from the Bulls last season, but Chicago grabbed the next two matchups, including a 96-83 win in Boston as 6 ½-point underdogs last January.

The Bulls came back with two solid victories at home following a season-opening loss at Oklahoma City. Chicago rallied from a 21-point deficit to pull off a miraculous cover as nine-point favorites over Detroit, followed by a wire-to-wire win against the talented Blazers. The Bulls are 7-2 ATS the last nine games on the road dating back to last season, as head coach Tom Thibodeau makes his first appearance against the team he worked for the previous three seasons.

Hawks at Timberwolves

Minnesota is running a nearly impossible gauntlet through the Southeast Division as the Wolves have lost by a combined 74 points at Miami and Orlando. Kurt Rambis' squad heads back to the Target Center to host undefeated Atlanta, as the Hawks are one of three unbeaten teams remaining (Lakers and Hornets).

The Hawks are a bit dinged up as Jamal Crawford is listed as doubtful (toe injury) while Marvin Williams is out (knee injury). Atlanta managed to rally late to beat winless Detroit on Wednesday, but failed to cover as 10-point home favorites. The Wolves will have a problem slowing down this uptempo Hawks' offense that has scored at least 100 points in all three road games. Atlanta has won each of the last eight meetings in this series, while the Hawks have claimed the previous four matchups in Minneapolis.

Minnesota is expected to get Michael Beasley back in the lineup after missing Wednesday's 42-point blowout at Orlando with a hip contusion. The only positive for the Wolves is they won outright the last time they were listed as home underdogs against the Bucks, 96-85. However, Minnesota is just 2-8-1 ATS since last season when receiving points at the Target Center.

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NBA Betting Preview: Miami Heat at New Orleans Hornets
By: Jeff Mattingly

Miami has been on fire since a season-opening loss to the Boston Celtics by picking up four straight victories by an average of 22.8 points. The Heat are still looking for forward Chris Bosh to join the offensive party, as he’s scoring 11 fewer points than his career-best 24.0 points per game in 2009-10. “I don’t care about the numbers,” he commented. “The only number I care about is winning.” The 4-1 start matches the best start in franchise history through five games and the team has held its opponents starting line-up to an average of 36.5 points per game over the four-game streak. Spreading the ball around has been a major part of the team’s success the past two games, dishing out 60 assists over that time. Miami is 2-0 ATS as a road favorite of 6.5 to 9 points.

The Heat split the season series, 1-1, with the Hornets last season with each team winning on their home courts. Miami is 32-37 all-time versus the Hornets in the regular season, including 12-23 in games played in New Orleans. Head coach Eric Spoelstra has done a great job of handling the roster five games into the season, which will be a common theme all season long. “All of our guys have the right thing in mind,” he commented. “It’s a unique situation.”

New Orleans is going through a period of discovering its identity and picked up a 107-99 road victory in Houston on Wednesday night. “We’re a defensive team, we’re still trying to find our identity,” said point guard Chris Paul. “We’re no where near where we want to be, but if we defend, we give ourselves the opportunity to win.” It’s important to note that with its last win, New Orleans matched the best start in franchise history. The Hornets have won seven of the last nine meetings between the two teams dating back to January 4, 2006. The squad is a perfect 2-0 ATS at home this season and 40-46 ATS over the last three years.

The Hornets defense has managed to hold each of its first four opponents to under 100 points and that intensity has actually led to an average of 14.8 fastbreak points per game. “It’s a good start 4-0, but with 78 more games to go, we’re not going to be a team that allows for our record to dictate our play,” said first-year head coach Monty Williams. A key for tonight’s contest is bench play, which may favor the home team that’s averaging 32.5 points compared to 27.5 for its opponents per contest.

Bettors may back the Heat due to their 10-2 ATS mark on Fridays, while the Hornets are 8-1 ATS versus the Southeast Division.

NBA RoundUp For 11/5
By Dan Bebe

Milwaukee Bucks @ Indiana Pacers (-2) with a total of 194.5
The Pacers were lifeless and flat in their last game, a demoralizing and embarrassing 25-point loss to the previously winless Philadelphia 76ers, who, themselves, were coming off an OT 1-point loss in Washington. It's the kind of zero-effort, completely head-scratching performance that can lead to either of 2 conclusions -- (1) the Pacers are garbage, and the first week of the season was a total fluke, or (2) the Pacers just weren't in that game, mentally, and it can be tossed out. I'm actually a fan of option 2. I still think the Pacers are a team with some nice upside, and the Bucks are a team that plays solid team defense, but continues to have issues finding the right guy to go and get them points. I'm interested to see how folks bet this game, since Milwaukee, in my mind, is still the "playoff team", and Indiana is a team that just got their butts kicked, and has been for a few years now. Situationally, there isn't a ton to speak of in this one. Milwaukee played a very tough game with Boston, so I suppose you could argue there's a little letdown, but it's very, very minor since the Bucks did, in fact, lose that game in OT. Put it all together, and it's going to be a battle of tempos, with the home team usually doing the dictating. Lean to INDIANA and to the OVER.

New Jersey Nets @ Orlando Magic (-16) with a total of 196.5
With Devin Harris and Brook Lopez both dealing with nagging injuries as a result of a very hard-fought loss to the Bobcats a couple days back, I find it nearly impossible to see where the Nets get their points in this game. If Lopez isn't healthy, he's going to get pushed around by Dwight Howard, and really, he's the Nets only shot. The Magic play tremendous team defense, and moving Ryan Anderson into the starting lineup has given Rashard Lewis free reign at the "3", where he probably should have been the last 3 years. The Magic look like a scary offensive team with Rashard back at his natural position, and Pietrus, Q-Rich, Brandon Bass rotating through the 2, 3, and 4 spots off the bench. With that in mind, this game could be another 35-point win, or could end right on the number. Total PASS on the side! The total is interesting, if only because you'd figure if the Magic are going to win by 20, they'll probably score 110. I suppose it comes down to how much garbage time gets involved. Very slight lean to the UNDER, and I mean VERY slight.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Philadelphia 76ers (-5.5) with a total of 187.5
Well, Philadelphia got in the win column at long last, picking up an easy cruising victory over an Indiana team that just had no interest in playing a basketball game. It was weird. However, I do generally like bad teams in spurts, and Philadelphia fits that mold. They broke through for one, so why not a couple? The Cavs are a very beatable team, and one that has to rely entirely too much on the mid-range jumpshooting of J.J. Hickson to succeed. From a matchup perspective, I actually think Elton Brand should be able to do a decent job on Hickson, or at least a better job than some of the PF's he's seen so far. And I have to admit, I'm impressed with Brand so far this year. If he keeps up this type of production for a month or two, I guess that'll prove he really was hurt all those years. Time will tell. The Cavs come in to Philly off a home loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and Cleveland looks like they may have very well shot their metaphorical load in the first game of the season. The reality of "no LeBron" is slowly setting in, and while the return of Mo Williams (who should need another week or so to get his legs back) will help, Antawn Jamison is banged up, and the rest of those ballers were brought in as guys to fill roles around the King. Philly should win, but covering 5.5 is another story. This line is close to correct, though I would offer a small lean to the home SIXERS, and a slightly bigger lean to the UNDER.

Washington Wizards @ New York Knicks (-5.5) with a total of 206.5
Another team that recently got off the snide, the Wizards take their traveling circus to Madison Square Garden (land of asbestos) to try to get #2. But, we're presented with one of two teams playing the second half of a back-to-back. And, as we'll get in the habit of doing, we'll approach this one dependent on the results of the previous day. So, for Washington, no huge situational angles to address, and I think we can expect a pretty standard output from the Wiz. That makes our lives a little easier. The Knicks, on the other hand, return home to finish a b2b that started last night on TNT in Chicago. So...if the Knicks beat the Bulls outright, this line will probably climb a hair, and we'll get a little value on the Wizards. If the Knicks lose but cover, my guess is that they'll win and fail to cover against the Wizards. If the Knicks get completely creamed by Chicago, we'll have to check on the stats (anomalies, etc.), but that would give me reason to move my lean over to the Knicks side. Lean CONTINGENT on Thursday on the side, and slightly to the UNDER.

Charlotte Bobcats @ Detroit Pistons (-1.5) with a total of 184.5
Distress signal sent, Motown awaiting response. Things went from bad to awful in Detroit in their last game, a 9-point loss to the Hawks, marred by yet another second-half meltdown. What the heck is going on with this team? Well, some will try to complicate it, but I believe it's quite simple. Detroit has veteran players that are sick of losing, but too old and not skilled enough to do anything about it. It's time to cut bait. Just let the kids learn, try to get some draft picks and money for Tayshaun, Rip, Big Ben, and anything else that moves, really, and see if the team can't maybe have a little fun. Instead, Head Coach "Kue" called his team out for a lack of leadership, Rodney Stuckey ignored his coach and refused to re-enter a game, Tayshaun Prince got in a verbal fight with a hometown fan, and the wheels have officially not only come off the wagon, but rolled off into the distance. I'd love to back Detroit in the hopes that they have a team meeting and figure out some way to co-exist, but until something changes, the Pistons are not bettable. Lean to CHARLOTTE and the OVER.

Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics (-7) with a total of 193.5
Let's just hope this one is as fun as some of the other Chicago-Boston games have been over the last 2 years. It probably won't be, but hey, a man can dream. In terms of betting angles, the Celtics were off yesterday, and picked up a very difficult home OT win over the Bucks on Tuesday. I know Boston has made a point, this year, of trying to post a better home record, and they're a nice 3-0 at home so far, but I haven't been completely convinced of "dominance" in the process. They beat a flailing Heat team by 8, the Knicks by 5, then it took OT to sneak past the Bucks. Is Boston gearing up to break out in this one? Tough to say. Certainly, Chicago is going to be in the tougher situational spot, playing at home last night, taking on the Knicks on TNT, so once again we have to wait a bit and play our hand a little closer to the vest. Once we get some results from that Chicago-New York game, we can reapproach this one. I don't think it's as linear as some, but certainly if Chicago lays an egg against the Knicks, we can probably expect them to come roaring back in this big one. WAIT on the side, decent lean to the OVER on the total.

Atlanta Hawks @ Minnesota Timberwolves with a total of N/A
Our buddy Guevones sent me a note that the Timberwolves should have been a Morrison System loser on their current road trip, but that wily scam artist claimed that the computer screwed something up, and despite the T'Wolves getting repeatedly bent over and spanked on their short roadie, it wasn't a system loss. I must ask you all, how many times have you blamed a mistake on the computer? And as a follow up, what percentage of those times were you just hoping the person you were talking to was too stupid to realize computers don't make mistakes? That man needs to have his "career" ended, so feel free to go out and create havoc, and let him try to defend himself without b.s. and lies. I dare him. This game doesn't have a line yet, so I decided to just toss my first JM-rant into the blog for everyone's enjoyment. In terms of the teams involved, you could argue the Wolves are in a first game home spot, but they simply can't look any worse than they did on the road. The Hawks have had one of the weakest schedules on the planet so far, so they shouldn't hesitate to just beat up on another worthless opponent. I can't back Minnesota until they show any sign of life. NO LEAN on the side, OVER on the total.

Miami Heat (-6.5) @ New Orleans Hornets with a total of 186
How long can the Heat and Lakers keep crushing betting lines? It's a truly ridiculous situation that the two most hyped teams in the NBA are covering machines, and it's only a matter of time before these teams fall flat on their faces, ATS. They'll be laying nearly double digit numbers on the road, winning by 5-8 points, and racking up the SU wins and ATS losses. This game is getting there. The Hornets are undefeated so far this year, and Chris Paul looks like he's back, or getting there, to where he was a few years back, when he could completely dominate the game from the PG spot. I think a lot of people forgot just how good CP3 really was, and with a new coach, some new toys around him, the Hornets are playing smart basketball, and winning games. This is going to be a heck of a show in the Big Easy, and I expect a good game. Miami is coming off two supremely easy "warm-ups" against the Nets and Wolves, so this will be their first test in almost a week. And while the Hornets aren't the Magic, I think that actually works in New Orleans' favor, since this isn't the type of opponent that teams are "getting up" for, at least not yet. Lean to the HORNETS and to the UNDER.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Phoenix Suns (-6) with a total of 221.5
What the heck is wrong with the Grizzlies? They got the crap beat out of them in their home opener, went into Dallas and looked better, came home and crushed the pathetic Wolves, and since then, they've been outplayed considerably, twice. How is this game any different than the game with the Warriors? Phoenix, now without Amar'e, is an awful lot like Golden State. They're going to run, they have solid wing players, and don't play much defense. Steve Nash is a better distributor than Stephen Curry, but David Lee is a better inside presence than Robin Lopez. Memphis is just going to continue to fire up shots and not play defense, and that is not a recipe for winning. Of course, off 2 ugly road wins, the Grizzlies are catching quite a few points, here. Phoenix got beat at home by the Spurs in a close game, and that 4th quarter just continues to plague the Suns, as they look for offense in crunch time. I don't know that I have the gall to get back on the Grizzlies, since I'd like to see them look good again beforehand, but that's where the value is. Tiny lean to MEMPHIS, and similarly small lean to the UNDER.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Denver Nuggets with a total of N/A
This line is going to be pretty hefty when it comes out. Considering the Thunder were laying 9 in LA, that's like saying Oklahoma City would have been putting 15 points on the floor at home. Denver isn't ranked quite as high, but this line should be in the double digits. I'm not sure if it's warranted, though. The Clippers finally woke up in their last game, and as discussed earlier in this blog, some of those poor teams can get things going for a couple games at a time. And in the case of Denver, this is a team that doesn't really have its heart completely in the game. They lost to the Mavericks at home, which isn't really anything out of the ordinary, but a solid all-around game can definitely beat the Nuggets. Let's wait and see where this line comes out, but with Denver playing the second piece of a home-and-home with the Mavericks tomorrow, they might very well be giving a little bit of their attention to getting down to Dallas and exacting revenge. Lean to the CLIPPERS on the side, and the UNDER on the total.

Utah Jazz @ Golden State Warriors (-1) with a total of 223
Golden State has had issues with the Utah Jazz for a long time, but a lot of that stemmed from a wild size disadvantage, a good deal of which the Warriors have covered with the acquisition of David Lee. A healthy, confident Andris Biedrins isn't hurting the cause, either. Make no mistake, this is a winnable game for the Warriors, but probably not without Stephen Curry. Monta Ellis put on a show against the Grizzlies, but Memphis really doesn't have any sort of shot-blocking presence (let's face it, Marc Gasol is not a "leaper"), so Ellis was free to attack the rim repeatedly. Deron Williams, if indeed he's matched up with Monta, is bigger and stronger than Mike Conley, and the Jazz have Al Jefferson hanging around in the paint. He's not a huge defensive presence, either, but Utah can also turn to Andrei Kirilenko to leave his man. Also, David Lee's best attribute is his ability to stay active and rebound, and Paul Millsap is just a slightly shorter version of that - maybe a little stouter, but equally rebound-friendly. Utah has flipped the switch, and the Warriors are going go be very hard-pressed to keep them down. Lean to the public JAZZ and very slight lean to the UNDER.

Toronto Raptors @ Los Angeles Lakers (-13) with a total of 211
I asked it above, but how long are the Lakers and Heat going to blow teams out to start the season? The Lakers seem like a team on a mission, and that mission, so far, has been to completely dismantle opponents. It doesn't hurt that they're shooting an unbelievable percentage from beyond the arc, and it also doesn't hurt that Pau Gasol is taking more shots than ever, and that 53% FG number can impact the team just a hair more. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that Steve Blake and Matt Barnes are both making a big-time impact off the bench. The Lakers are just frighteningly deep, and just pouring it on opponents so far. I will say, though, that one of these games the Lakers are going to take their foot off the gas. And when that happens, we're going to be right there waiting. I'd love to see Toronto cover in LA then go up to the Rose Garden on the last day of the road trip and get shellacked. I guess we'll see. Fact is, I can't lay 13 with the Lakers - that team is just itching to give up a few back door covers. We'll back the Lakers at some point this season, but it'll be in bigger games, where we can get some shorter lines. NO LEAN on the side, and slight lean to the UNDER.

Friday NBA Handicapping Report
By: Jeff Mattingly

Thursday Items of Interest

-The Knicks outscored the Bulls, 70-52, in the first half en route to a 120-112 victory in Chicago. It was only the second time in the last 20 seasons that the Knicks scored 70 or more points in the first half of a road game.
-New York made 16 of 24 three-point field goal attempts against the Bulls on Thursday night. Entering the game, Chicago had held its opponents to the lowest three-point field-goal percentage in the NBA this season.
-Oklahoma City held Portland to 36 points in a 26-minute span, allowing them to survive an 11-minute scoreless stretch by Kevin Durant.

Cleveland Cavaliers

-Set to play a pair of back-to-back road games against Philadelphia and Washington. The Sixers swept the season series last year with the 76ers with an average margin of victory of six pionts.

Philadelphia 76ers

-Forward Elton Brand has scored 20-plus points in three of his past four games, including two straight. He leads the team in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks.
-Over the past four seasons, Philadelphia is 3-11 against the Cavaliers, including 0-7 at home.
-Sixers bench has outscored the opposition’s reserves in all five games this season by a 48.0 ppg to 32.4 ppg margin.

NBA Betting Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers
By: Jeff Mattingly

Cleveland is prepared for a pair of back-to-back road games against Philadelphia and Washington, while looking to snap a three-game losing streak since winning the season opener. Guard Mo Williams scored 12 points off the bench in the team's 100-88 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday after missing the first three games with a groin injury. "We haven't been fully healthy and with this team, we need everyone," he commented. "We just have to regroup." Forward Antawn Jamison was missing from the lineup last time out and is questionable to play tonight with a sore knee. The Cavaliers swept the season series last year with the 76ers with an average margin of victory of 6.0 points per game. Cleveland is 16-18 ATS as an underdog the past three years.

The Cavaliers have gone 6-0 versus tonight's opponent over the last two years, but will be missing star LeBron James, who has left and gone to Miami. Starting small forward Jamario Moon is averaging 6.3 points, which is 23.4 shy of what James provided during the 2009-10 campaign. One player that has stepped up his game is J.J. Hickson, who's averaging a team-high 18.3 points and 5.5 rebounds. He scored a career-high 31 points last time out. "We have to get back to the drawing board," he commented. "See what we did wrong throughout the whole game and get ready for Philly."

Philadelphia captured its first victory of the season in impressive fashion with a 101-75 home win over the Indiana Pacers. "I'm extremely happy for our guys and how hard they've worked to be rewarded with this win," first-year head coach Doug Collins stated. He was unable to enjoy the second of the game due to suffering from vertigo, a condition that forced him to miss consecutive preseason games earlier this year. The Sixers limited Indiana to 28-for-89 shooting and won the battle on the boards by a 54-46 margin. Philadelphia had six players score in double-figures and forward Elton Brand paced the squad with 25 points and 12 rebounds. The team is 34-49 ATS at home the last three years.

The Sixers will look forward to not facing James in a Cavs jersey anymore, as they averaged just 95.7 points while giving up 101.7 in the series last year. Brand must continue his solid play in the paint for this team to make the next step, averaging a team-high 18.0 points and 9.6 rebounds. Offensively, the team has scored 100-plus points in three of the past four games and went 18-16 last season when reaching that mark.

Bettors will likely lay the Cavaliers due to their 1-5 ATS mark versus the Eastern Conference, but the Sixers are 1-4 ATS as a home favorite.